November 18, 17:00
It had been a busy day, full of many adventures, meeting many new people. Morning found me in an Apple class, the store conveniently located directly across the street from my Hilton. After class and some rewarding shopping at H & M went back to my room for Asr prayer, laid on the bed for a moment planning to rush across the street for another Apple workshop. I could not move, the pain so intense. Therefore, I was forced to abandon my plan. It would have been a great class on Framing Architecture – involving physical activity not possible with the pain. Now lying on the bed with a hot water bottle. Pain has subsided, for the moment anyway. Definitely have many issues to discuss with my Penang physicians.
It was an amazing day, as Walter Cronkite used to say: It was a day like all days, filled with the events, that alter and illuminate our times and, YOU WERE THERE. Well I was, do not know about you guys. Early morning Fajr prayer, sending off blog, going for breakfast. This a Chinese breakfast with photos to follow. Then to the Concierge Desk picking up an umbrella (just in case) get some directions and head across the street to the absolutely conveniently located Apple Store. Took an Introduction to iPhone class because I had purchased a new iPhone 16a the day before and needed a refresher. Eric did a great job,, teaching four of us me and three other women the new features of our hone. The did some shopping at H & M – love the place, The store is huge, Bought cotton cover up clothes, pajamas etc etc. Then back to the hotel for an incredible lunch at Ginger Lily. Many delicious choices, risked the the ceviche. Truly the best I have ever eaten, undeniably unique. As is my habit, asked to speak to the chef in order to congratulate him on his cuisine, telling him why I loved it. His name was Yusaf, he was a Muslim. The maitre d’ came to the table, he was a Muslim, his wife had recently converted. See what I mean about unbelievable. A photo of the ceviche will follow the blog.
Earlier in day, I was standing at concierge desk asking for directions. An employee observing my covered head said (in Arabic) {Peace Be upon You). .
Me: Peace be Upon You (in Arabic) Thank you for the greeting. I decided to cover today and you made me so happy I did today,
As I write, another amazing thing thing happened. Instagram sent me a message; You reel has more than 1.5K plays. It was posted yesterday. Looked it up 1.533 K views. WOW. It was the reel I attempted to post on the blog yesterday but was unsuccessful. Another friend, saw the reel entitled Me Time. Going to Singapore for a few days to relax, recharge and to take some time for myself. It shall be my 39th country I have visited. Some long visits, for example USA fifty years.
She: Happy Cheat Holiday
Me: I love it here. Do not want to come back to Malaysia
But I am going back, a day early even. Do admit I loose track of the days. I thought I was leaving on Thursday but saw with some degree of distress that I am departing on Wednesday. I was upset as I scheduled two more Apple classes for Wednesday. Oh well.
I do not know how I have survived without a nearby ‘full service’ Apple Store. There is not one in Penang, Malaysia, there were none in Saudi Arabia, Edmonton had two but in far off malls, terribly disorganized and poorly staffed. The Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi had excellent store.
California contained Corte Madera Village Apple Store was my haven for years and years. The Covenant Garden Apple Store was a gem. I could have one-on-one classes on demand, every day. I have the supreme distinction of taking the very first Apple photography class. We crossed the street to photograph Covenant Garden. The framed masterpiece, rests in California storage. Not sure where my nomadic refugee life will take me. Melbourne Australia is beckoning, one man was encouraging my relocation to Australia.
Me: Did some research! There is an Apple Store in Melbourne. Such joy!
He: More than one, and great shopping too.
Me: Who cares about shopping? It is the Apple Store I love.
There are classes, encouragement, promises of some technological skills, smart young encouraging staff and other old people like me eager to learn.
November 20, 2024
Catastrophe struck. Looked at my Apple calendar realized I was leaving Singapore not on Thursday but on Wednesday. Alas and alack, I was so looking forward to two more Apple classes but it shall be impossible. The message is clear. I must return to Penang.
Now on the the plane looking back on my experiences. Went economy which was a huge mistake but as it is only an hour flight springing for First Class seemed extravagant. It is not, will not do this again.
This, of all my wonderful experiences, was the most amazing AND a surprise. The day before I met a Muslim Sister – an important hotel employee wearing her stylish ‘uniform’ – uncovered. Learning I was a Muslim, we began an extensive conversation. The next day she ran after me on my way to checkout, saying words that now bring me again to tears (tears of joy not sorrow)
She: I want to tell you that our conversation was so inspiring, it brought me closer to the faith. I had grown distant.
Me: Oh my goodness! Alhamdulillah. It brings tears to my eyes, tears of joy not sorrow! I know that my written words may be used to inspire but never my spoken words.
Admit that I am having a difficult time realizing the significance of what she said. Some significance synonyms are: importance, consequence, gravity, magnitude, momentousness; remarkableness, extraordinariness.
Photographs of my Chinese breakfast food. It is congee, fifty-five years ago I made it during my Chinese cooking days. Then the unbelievably delicious ceviche. A photograph of Chatterbox chicken with rice, accompanied by an article making it possible to drink wine. But then a photo of Lexis Chicken greeting me for breakfast this morning. The halal chicken, so different in taste. The Singapore chicken so tender, the Lexis chicken so crunchy. Come and try both. Hahaha Also a photograph of the Singapore flower arrangement which won 1.558 K views. The blog master not able to load it – so go to Instagram and hum Cat Steven’s good morning greeting. Hahaha
