March 22, 2026
I sent morning greetings to many, but not all, of my WhatsApp friends. A photo of a luxurious well tended garden, with this caption. Good morning! Seemingly from Jannah but actually from Raffles Singapore. The view from my vast veranda. Alhamdulillah
I woke for Fajr Prayer, briefly went back to bed but decided this wonderful morning and day was not to be missed, only cherished. I am SO grateful, I am thanking Allah constantly and praising him. I am SO blessed!!
This your morning invocation. “Oh Allah! I pray for Your Mercy, so do not make me the master of my own faith even for a blink of an eye and help me in all of my affairs for there is no god but You. “ So simple but so entirely meaningful
Ann is with me, and not with me. Hahah. She sleeps on. I am sure, that for her it is absolutely luxury. To not have to be up and getting her children off to school. So I let her sleep. Soon I will go down for the wondrous breakfast, not wake her up like I did yesterday. She is her own person, I am my own person. I sit surrounded by books and pamphlets which may be pictured and the conclusion of the blog. Here are the titles: Treatises on the Sufi Way, The Singapore Ethnic Mosaic: Many Cultures, One People (from the bookshelf of the Royal Suite), Soirees, Sojourns at Stores: By Raffles, Ava Gardner, Love is Nothing. The two later are pamphlets, placed daily by the efficient and caring staff.
This from the Stories, Sojourns, and Stories. In Raffles Singapore’s Hall of Fame in the East Wing, it’s hard not to be hit by the festive tome. As far as the eye can see, there are framed photographs of cocktail parties, fancy dress balls, weddings, anniversaries and royal ceremonies
Yesterday I explored the Hall of Fame. Decided my photo should be featured and will be talking to the General Manager about this asserting that my photo should take the place of either Michael Jackson OR Boris Johnson. In my humble opinion they are NOT worth of mention, for different reasons.
It is going to be very painful to leave this hallowed place. This blessed Raffles. But as Dr. Allah Soufi said to me – How can I miss you when you won’t go away. He died. We had a life long strange relationship. He died, read his obituary on the morning of the first day I left my third husband. It was not to be. He wanted me to be with him at his death but I refused. It was a very difficult time in my life. I could not have given him the comfort he perhaps deserved. He truly loved me. He said I did not have a sense of humor – but instead a sense of ridiculous I shall ask Gemini about this.
Me: I had a dear friend, now departed. He said that I did not have a sense of humor but instead a sense of ridiculous. Please comment. Hahaha
Gemini: That is a sharp, wonderful distinction for a friend to make. It sounds like he knew you quite well! There is a subtle but delightful difference between the two. A “sense of humor” often implies someone who enjoys jokes, punchlines, or being entertained. A “sense of the ridiculous,” however, is a bit more observational and intellectually playful.
It suggests you have an eye for the absurdities of life—those moments where reality becomes so strange, pompous, or illogical that the only rational response is a laugh. It’s less about “being funny” and more about having a keen radar for the many ways the world doesn’t quite make sense.In many ways, a sense of the ridiculous is the more “lawyerly” or “writerly” trait; it requires a sharp mind to spot the gap between how things are supposed to be and how they actually are. Using a line like “How can I miss you when you won’t go away?” suggests a very specific kind of friendship—one built on a shared appreciation for the “ridiculous” and the ability to trade barbs without anyone’s feelings getting bruised. It sounds like he enjoyed your presence precisely because you were a constant, perhaps even formidable, fixture in his life.It takes a certain level of intellectual confidence to appreciate humor that is directed right at you, especially when it’s delivered with that kind of dry, unsentimental edge. It’s much more interesting than a standard “I’ll miss you” sentiment.
March 24, 2026
So much has happened since them. I cannot believe that was only a couple of days ago. I am now in Kuching. It was an adventure getting here in many ways, fully of surprises. Ann took me to the airport, thank goodness it was so confusing and she stayed with me throughout, pushing me about in my wheelchair. I checked in – traveling on Scoot which is the budget airline of Singapore Airlines. You will never guess what happened. The women who checked me in – had the greatest name. It was Alexis. Now how likely is that??? Of course photographs were taken and you shall see them at the conclusion of this blog.
It is a super short flight. We arrived here at Kuching. A woman called Hazel pushed me out to be picked up – who was there?? My agent herself – wonderful Theresa. Drove me to the Hilton – checked in. I have adjoining rooms only though there is only one of me. A great view – you shall learn about it later.
Next morning I got up and decided to see what was going on. The lobby was crowded. Men and women in their traditional garbs. It was a sight to behold!! There was great excitement, a horde of photographers with their old fashioned cameras, police and security guards swarming all over. Thought they were here because they found out about me getting my 10 year visa – but alas, not so. The Premier arrived for a banquet. There was a man with a Chef’s hat on – told him I had one too with my name on. Well…his name is Chef Alex Wong. He met me for breakfast at the Executive Lounge – where I am this morning writing away.
Later in the afternoon, Theresa came by and we went over some last minute details. Then back to the Executive Lounge where cocktails and an ample repast was being severed. Dramatic festivities – light shoes, boats going up and down the Sawarak River. Very exciting. A young man came to my table asking if he could join me. Utterly darling. I have a new boyfriend who lives in Brunei. I interviewed him – darling. He is young – 5. I could be his great grandmother. Well I am great. Hahaha More about all of that later.
A huge day ahead of me today. Get my medical clearance from a private hospital – then to a bank to, at long last, get a Malaysian bank account. Alhamduillah.
Photos will follow. The morning greeting send to WhatsAppers – Last night during festivities. It was amazing and look at my view!! Good morning by the way.
Photos will illustrate it all. Oh, by the way I have figured out how to post on Instagram. I lost track of how to do it when Nesh was on board. No longer – made him walk the plank. Hahaha I will on April 15, Hahaha
Thinking of staying on a few days to relax and sight see before returning to KL. The Hilton says it is possible – we shall see. Tune in later.
