I am nearing the end of my KL sojourn, deciding that I would summarize my experiences. Therefore, and somehow, decided the low down would be the way to explain the process.
As is usual (I say humbly) it is the perfect phrase to describe what I intend to write about.
According to AI: Get the lowdown” means to learn or be told the most important facts, information, or details about something. It’s an informal phrase, often used when someone is sharing the essential information they know about a person, situation, or event. If you get the low-down, that means you have the inside scoop. (This seems so funny as two days ago Aline and I went for a delicious ice cream at Inside Scoop) I took pictures of the balloons, not my delicious waffle ice cream cone with one scoop of coconut sorbet and one scoop of chocolate nut ice cream
In essence, “getting the lowdown” is about getting the inside scoop or the essential facts, rather than just surface-level details.
The event, or shall we say events are the KL days which began on July 6, 2025. I did arrive with certain expectations, some of which were met and some not. What is an expectation anyhow??
Expectation is a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. The synonyms which best describe what I was experiencing is: eagerness, hopefulness; excitement.
Aline is the most organized, plan ahead person I have EVER met. My time was mapped out with great precision and attention to detail. I was to be feted, entertained, provided with opportunities for worship being driven about in fine style. I would be meeting family members, eating in their venues, going back to the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, to the Islamic Art Museum etc etc etc. As stated in a prior blog, the best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray. The Islamic Book Store took precedence over the Islamic Art Museum, which will be spoken of in a subsequent blog. Illnesses and Aline’s absence led to the cancellation of the repeat tour of the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan. Today, Friday the 11th is a free day. I am spending it at the hotel, meeting with my new YouTube guy. I do love KL, it is an amazing city but rather look forward to returning to the serenity of Penang.
My phone just rang. It was Elephant Man from Lexis Suites calling to invite me to his wedding on Sunday. I hope it will work out – we shall see. It would be fantastic to see him again, and suppose I will also see others from Lexis Suites. Have not seen anyone since scabies drove me away from the infected hotel. Never been to a Muslim wedding before – thought my own might be the first. (Hahaha). No such luck. (Hahaha). I am beginning to feel I belong to Malaysia and Malaysia belongs to me. Never thought that would happen but it has.
I shall first discuss an event not included specifically in the itinerary prepared by Aline. Tuesday evening found me and family members eating a delicious concoction emanating from a food truck, owned and operated by a family member. Texted Shamir.
Me: I am going to eat food prepared in a food truck, noodles and smoked duck.
He: Wow. A perfect combination
Me: I know. Alien’s niece’s husband. They were recently married. Photo of wife and me to follow. We are two cougars.
He: It is raining cougars.
Me: Everyone knew what a cougar was.
He: But I don’t know what it means.
Me: I told you. It is an older woman who prefers younger men. It apparently originated in California where I once lived.
I then sent a short reel entitling it An Adventure.
He: Wow is that hellfire.
Me: I hope not. I am not dead yet.
Then send him a photo of the truck with its titled Quackteow.
Me: Weird name.
He: Its catchy. Normally its called Koayteow. Since they use duck, they put Quackteow. That’s brilliant.
Me: You are too son.
Then sent him a photo.
Me: Yummy I think.
He: Looks good.
Then photos of the assembled family members.
I was definitely up past my bedtime that night. When reached the hotel sent a text.
Me: You have NO idea how tired I am.
He: I can only imagine.
Me: Thanks that helped .
He: have a good rest.
The next day sent a good morning photograph with the following caption.
Me: Allah delayed sunrise for me this morning it seems.This taken at 7:45/ am
Along came lunch time on Wednesday. Ida is Aline’s younger sister. She owns the Teapot Deli SACC Shah Alam. An utterly charming place. Sent a photo of Aline, Ida and myself sitting by a colorful wall with ceramic art. Ida is wearing a colorful green scarf. .
Shamir: You must be tired.
Me: I am but no activity scheduled for this evening and the cool room will be a welcome relief.
He: Hallelujah
Me: Perfect response. I so appreciate that you understand me and somehow know what is best for me.
I had the chicken pot pie and the best scones I have EVER tasted, served with the best clotted cream that I have ever tasted.
After lunch Aline suggested we go to the best ice cream place in KL – the Inside Scoop. We parked in a shopping mall and off er went down the street. Looked at the restaurants and shops on the opposite side of the street and saw my name ALEXIS. On a dare I walked into the restaurant.
Me: What are you doing naming this restaurant after me without my permission. My name in Alexis.
To prove my point I handed out my blog cards. The serving staff and manager were most amused.
They: We will give you a discount.
Me: A discount?? You should at least give me free food for stealing my name.
Much laughter ensued. I collected several bags and boxes, my name emblazoned upon them
The manager insisted I pose with him, by the door with the boxes and bags in hand. It was such fun.
We walked to the next block where Inside Scoop was located. The ice cream was totally delicious and nutritious I am sure. There were balloons all over the place. Took a picture of the balloons.
For some reason I had the day off (as I recall.) Then at about 8 Aline collected me and off we sped through the practically deserted streets to another ALEXIS restaurant. I ordered the risotto, it was delicious. Aline the Fish and Chips and then had a delicious desert. The manager of that restaurant was not awfully accommodating. No discount, no nothing. At the conclusion of the meal we left, took a few steps and found ourselves at Chef Wan’s award wining restaurant. I had met him at the Penang Gourmet Fest press release. Chef was not there but left my blog cards and a note for him. Aline took a photo of me beside his mock up of him. Shared the photo with Shamir.
Me: Look who I ran into last night.
He:Same hair color
Me: You are SO observant, I did not see that before.
Shamir plays several roles in my life as we discuss certain issues.
Me: You are now serving the role of best girlfriend.
He: A role I was born for.
Me: Maybe, but I hate to remind you but you are a guy.
He: Hahahaha
Then a more intellectual conversation brought this response.
He: U are smarter than most Canadians I can tell.
Me: That is not a hard task being smarter than most Canadians. Simba would qualify.
He: Hahahaha
Then we got into a contest, in which I prevailed (as usual) We downloaded many Gifs by typing Canada into the GIF search engine. The funniest was a man shivering saying: “OMG Why do you live here? Its so cold.” I finally found one with a moose, with a flag and a polar bear. The final image was Alexis from Schitt’s Creek, the classic Canadian comedy series.
Me: This is Alexis from Schitt’s Creek. On that high note I will quit the search. Thank God says Shamir. Girlfriend Shamir. GAS Girlfriend Awesome Shamir.
