I do remember a saying having something to do with the fact that the world is made round, for a special reason. In my usual fashion I shall look it up. DYNAMITE I found it: “Perhaps he knew, as I did not, that the Earth was made round so that we would not see too far down the road.” ― Isak Dinesen, Out of Africa.
I will go backwards in time and place to speak of a prior unpublished blog (well up until now). I was returning to Penang via KL. Had a stop over in KL rather than a direct flight Air Batik because Air Batik Business Class is not up to snuff, as they say in Texas (or somewhere).
The title of that unpublished blog was On the Road Again, and I began by explaining this rather unusual preoccupation.
“That song came to mind but obviously I am not on the road again as I am leaving on a jet plane, not knowing when I am coming back. Oops another song, this one on the mark, so to speak, as I an on a jet and not knowing when I am coming back to Jakarta. No plans at the present moment. I am traveling Malaysian Air Business Class sow watching hordes of people tramp on the plane. Slightly boring. Tramp, not Trump. That guy was not getting on the plane, I hope anyway. Tramp, a verb is to walk through or over a place wearily or reluctantly and for long distances. Tramp a noun, is a long walk, typically a tiring one. Tramp has other meanings but we are not going to visit them at this present moment. Do not know what lays ahead. I have the distinct impression that my world is again to go topsy-turvy. The next few days will be determinative. Perhaps definitions will help me (and you) understand what is going on.
Topsy-turvy is being in a state of confusion or disorder, with many unpredictable changes or reversals. Indeed that is what is going on. Things are a bit muddled, disorderly, disordered, confused, mixed up jumbled, chaotic, disorganized, messy, untidy, awry, upside down, upset, disrupted, in confusion.
Determinative is serving to define, qualify, or direct. “
Little did I know what I was about to face, what Allah (SWT) had in store for me. In my usual fashion I shall not dwell on the negativity. At this moment, quite miraculously, I have peace of mind. There were definitely moments when I did not, horrible confusion and disillusionment.
Believe you me, I did not want to see far down the rocky, circuitous road that had me bouncing about, fortunately with seat belt in place.
The Malaysian Air Business Class experience was nothing short of delightful. Handsome men pushing my wheel chair through the terminals, pleasant Business Lounge Experiences. Shamir had made arrangements for a limo to meet me, it arrived promptly and we somewhat speedily sped through the streets of Penang. Jakarta traffic so horrendous, it made Penang traffic jams look easy-peasy.
We arrive at my ‘home; Rainbow Paradise Beach Resorts. Sheer and utter pandemonium, is the only way to describe it: wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar. Just to give you an idea of what it was like I offer some synonyms: chaos, madness, tumult, commotion, furor, frenzy, all hell breaking loose, madhouse.
What was the cause of this chaos, this furor, this frenzy? It is a school holiday, Malaysian families there for two or three days with their offspring – the place booked to capacity, probably. However, there was only one elevator operating. The waits were beyond endless, their was no order, a total madhouse. No bellman to help with luggage or push a trolley. After waiting for some time I just said to myself: “The hell with it and pushed the trolley onto the elevator, got off on my floor and deposited my luggage in my room. This a far cry from the exemplary service at the JW Marriott.
The next day dawned. I stayed in my room most of the time. But suddenly I had no WiFi. I have my own receiver from Celecom. (Ends up that was one of the stupidest things I have ever done, and I have made some dumb moves.) Driver Din was arriving at 12:15 to take me to physiotherapy. He said he was fifteen minutes away – I immediately went to get on the elevator. This time there was two but it was equally impossible, totally. Finally I squeezed myself in claiming the truth – a physiotherapy appointment. Din had been waiting about thirty minutes. Before we had left the grounds I had a brilliant idea in mind: m
Me: I am going to stay at Lyf tonight I cannot stand to think of what it is going to be like when I return.
I had no luggage, no chargers, no nothing. We sped off to the physiotherapist. She is absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me. The best physiotherapist and I have had multiple. . We laugh and joke as she competently stretches, massages and needs. The original plan was to stop on the way to Celecom at Lyf to get a room for the night. Instead, in the in the middle of physiotherapy a brilliant idea came to mind. I texted Shamir and asked him to book a room for me. Immediately, and I do mean immediately, he did. What would I do without him???
The helpful young man at the Queensbay Mall Celecom somehow determined that my trip to Jakarta had triggered the cessation of service. This seemed unlikely – I did not take the device, it remained in Penang. Because of the international ‘flavor’ it was became necessary to travel through congested traffic to the ‘home office’. There was a an interminable wait, then a long process. An attentive woman attempted to be helpful but absolutely nothing was accomplished except relieving me (and Din) of money. I am seriously considering suing Celecom, a class action suit (should they exist here) on behalf of all ‘foreigners’ – the regulations are never explained. The sim card was in the device – no notification of the money owed was made. It was impossible to learn that the charges were in arrears – penalties were levied.
Absolutely and utterly exhausted I walked into Lyf and back into Life. I was greeted most enthusiastically by all. Welcome Back was the universal cry. Functioning elevators, attentive well trained staff, positive energy.
Walked out the back door, took twenty giant and five baby steps to the Kashmir where I was enthusiastically greeted by all. Shamir was most busy, greeted me with hugs AND said:
He: I have a belated birthday present for you. Let me get it.
It will be pictured. I sent photos to my WhatsApp friends. It was a small book. A package from the Umrah Tour Group arrived during my absence. I asked Shamir to open it – contents included a back pack and three Umrah guides – in Malay. Somewhere and somehow Shamir found this gem POKET UMRAH, Quick Notes in Arabic with Latin and English translations. This message sent to my WhatsAppers.
Me: Saw Shamir for the first time in days and days. His belated birthday gift was this Umrah guide – I cannot imagine a more thoughtful and precious gift.
Alina beautifully responded:
She: Shamir is a gem. You are blessed.
Me: He is. I am indeed blessed. Alhamdulillah
She: Alhamdulillah.
My troubles were not over, Hardships continued to fall down upon my shoulders, but also benefits, as you shall learn. Out of the utter confusion and chaos a determination has been made. A new direction has been found, a new focus. Alina and her sister will be coming from KL to Penang for a visit in a couple of weeks, staying at a hotel adjacent to Paradise.
She: Where do you live, in my hotel or Paradise?
Me: Paradise, but it is not, if you catch my meaning.
She: So I have heard.
