Upon awakening on February 7, 2025 I opened an email from Computer Guru Chris:
He: Hi – posted, stats attached, you big ol’ bon vivant you.
Seeing is believing – wait until you see. These statistics show blog readership by countries – as you shall see and, therefore, believe, I am read throughout the world, some countries I have never heard of, much less visited.
I was filled with delight and awe to find that Malaysia won. It may not be a world power but they are powerfully reading me. Wow! Mashallah! Alhamdulillah!
909 Malaysian visitors visited my blog 4,505 times. My goodness, it is a world record. It gave me an instant sense of belonging. It seems I am supposed to be here. PHEW. Other things are falling into place as well. Beleaguered USA takes second place with 903 visitors but they definitely lag in visits lazily visiting a mere 2,118 times.
(Beleaguered is a perfect word to describe the USA of today: hard-pressed, troubled, in difficulties, under pressure, under stress, with one’s back to the wall, in a tight corner, in a tight spot, up against it.)
Enough of the USA, back to my statistics. Third place is my birthplace Canada, my 724 visitors making 1,911 visits. The numbers fall off after this. UK is in fourth place with 147 visitors making 318 visits. Australians are beginning to find me. 101 of them make 209 visits.
I am absolutely delighted that I did not make Nigeria my home for many reasons. Here is but one: 5 Nigerians made 13 visits. Compare that with Malaysia’s 4,505 visits. It is crystal clear that a certain individual lied about scrutinizing my blog. The facts reveal the truth, and the liar is caught making another lie. Certainly this individual is beleaguered when one examines his life style. But is is not my problem and I will not witness his eventual demise. I will have no knowledge of his misery.
Enough of that, onto bigger and better things. Instagram reports that I have had 6.7k views in the last 30 days. I cannot believe it but why would they lie??? I realize Instagram is owned by Meta, not an altogether trustworthy mega media giant but if I do not change my ways or my life style based on those awesome numbers – who cares???
It is clear, I am a social media star, which is rather silly because I do not make any money from my, shall we say, exposure. Intuitively I do know that I cannot let this go to my head, become arrogant, vain and self-important. Reminding myself of this, if Allah (SWT) gives you a gift a believer must use it. I have the gift of writing, I am using the blog in the furtherance of the faith, Synonyms that catch my meaning are: advancement, development, betterment, facilitating, aiding, assisting, helping, expediting, hastening, cultivation, nurturing, fostering.
I am writing the next day- recalling the events of the day. It was jam-packed with fun, with new adventures, meeting new friends and laughing the whole time. I will let your experience my day beginning chronologically. Breakfast found me gleefully telling folk of my fame and receiving congratulations. One woman wisely said; “Malaysia loves you.”
Back to my room to do some writing, but suddenly the neck pain intensified, extending to my to my scalp, which felt prickly and numb. I panicked, had no idea what I should do or what it meant. Decided to seek guidance from Mohan, thankfully he, his sister and brother-in-law from Switzerland were relaxing on the Kashmir front porch.
He: You need to relax and not think about it.
Strangely that seemed to help.
He: You had lunch? We are going for the best loh bak in Penang, if not the world. We climbed into the red BMW, driving a few blocks to an outdoor restaurant which could best be described as primitive. A hub of activity, metal chairs and long tables. Mahon summoned a woman with an apron of money. First you pay and then you get the food. It arrived quite quickly. Mahon illustrated how it should be eaten, small dishes of sauce accompanied the fried food.
Next came the a noodle dish, glistening noodles and shrimp. A photo will be included, you will wish you were there with us, it was SO good. I took photos, made a very amateur reel, mispronouncing the name of the food. I have never had an experience like this in all of my years. Took a picture of a sign that said No spitting.
Back to the hotel to meet my driver Din. We were early for the nail appointment. There was a handy-dandy supermarket on the ground floor. I have not been in a supermarket for years. I was having so much fun looking at the freshest produce, freshly cut meat, fresh fish. I was in rapture, scarcely the attitude of the other shoppers.
At the appointed hour we arrived for the much needed mani and pedi. Din made the appointment for me, finding a nail salon close to the hotel. Tyra, of Vintage Nails has a small beautifully decorated space on the second floor of a plaza. Tyra is exceptional, best mani and pedi ever. I have pearly turquoise nails and brown sparkling toes. We had so much fun, laughing and exchanging stories. My neck pain disappeared while we chatted. .
She: I know the Kashmir Restaurant. I have eaten there. I have been the manicurist for one of Mohan’s sisters for years.
Me: It is a small world, that is all I can say.
Do not believe the serendipity of all of this. Many photographs were taken.
Back to the hotel, neck pain reappeared in my solitude. Soon it was meet up time for a Kashmir dinner. Many people were dining indoors including a group of people with slightly strange accents. I spoke as they emerged to sit outside in the warm evening.
Me: I would know that accent anywhere, You are from Australia.
He: You are right! Come and join us, tell us where you are from.
So I did, Later Mohan joined the party. They are devout fans of Mohan, returning to Malaysia and his restaurant. He is a star attraction. Much laughter about the prospective wedding. Everyone wanted to be in the wedding party – one woman had never been a bridesmaid. She was eager to assume the role. They were deciding on colors, the tuxedos and dresses. I was to wear white. The venue will be Lyf Hotel, take over the whole place with the enormous Anandani family and the Mohan fan contingency. The date has not been set, they urged a quickie, the highlight of their annual holiday. Of course a photo had to be taken to commemorate this awesome occasion. I did not want to ruin everyone’s fun by telling them that there are no bridesmaids or wedding parties at Muslim weddings, just the witnessing of the of the marriage contract by designated family members.
Mohan and I left for a somber meal (compared to the Australian frivolity) at my favorite Japanese restaurant. Alice was working that evening, we were so happy to see one another.
It seems I am meant to be in Malaysia. Everything is falling into place, everything coming together. I have a hair stylist, a manicurist, the best driver ever, all of my luggage is with me, surrounded by good people and do not forget this – I am famous or as Schmir points out infamous. There are some reputable infamous synonyms, for example legendary, fabled, well known, however most are not. I perhaps shall call myself legendary or well known, perhaps fabled. I shall speak to Schmir this evening and will request a name change.He is assisting me with my visa run to Singapore.
I want for nothing, I am blessed. Admittedly I am a bit unorthodox, defined as contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted; not orthodox. I shall definitely pick and choose amongst the synonyms: unconventional uncommon, out of the ordinary, offbeat, avant-garde, original exotic, Bohemian, zany. I will take on any of those labels.
At the present mom, this February 9, I am sitting at the bar of Mojo Pojo watching the chef make their unique scrambled eggs and my favorite dish the tomato rigatoni. It was SUCH a treat and learning experience. In the USA good old days open kitchens were the rage – customers would overlook the kitchen watching the preparation of their food. No idea if that is done any more and quite frankly do not care. The food at this restaurant is nothing short of superb.
Gotta go as my rigatoni awaits. The plate is hot as the chef put it in the oven. After removing it from the oven he put on more grated Parmesan, lemon zest and spoonfuls of pesto cream.
Life is great. I am truly blessed by Allah (SWT). Hardships did, arise Fraud Alert prevented my getting a ticket to Singapore. Schmir was helping me get a ticket, all was completed but Fraud Alert raised its ugly head. But something was accomplished. When with Schmir I straightened him out. I am to be called Legendary not Infamous.
Many photographs will accompany this blog.
