Some days I wonder what to write about, but most days there is not need to wonder. It just happens. Yesterday’s blog was difficult for many reason, not only to write but to face the internal consequences of its being transmitted. The worst happened, but in many ways, it will be the best – I do believe.
Today I am going to write about yesterday. As the title suggests it was an amazing day. It did have its fits and starts,its hardships and its benefits. But in the long run (or even in the short run), good prevailed over evil in all instances
Again a song came to mind. How Lucky Can One Girl Get. The words of the song not really suitable, but it will make you laugh.
At the start of the year, a new boy came to our school
He was really good lookin’, everybody thought he was cool
I did everything I knew to try to turn his head
But he had eyes for my best friend Judy instead
And it coulda been me, it coulda been me
But Judy got him, how lucky can one girl be?
It coulda been me, it coulda been me
How lucky can one girl be? It coulda been me
It didn’t take long ’til Judy started callin’ it love
Two peas in a pod, closer than an hand in a glove
Him wantin’ her, and me wantin’ me like a fool
Then Judy was voted most popular girl in our school
Here is run down of the day. It began with Fajr prayer, then some after prayer laziness. Alina tested suggesting a walk on the beach. Who could I say no to that???? I did not say no, instead got dressed and off we went. She and her sister are staying next door in the Flamingo Hotel, so we are both on the beach. Then along came a hardship. I was overly energetic I guess, immersed in conversation I walked too far. The pain in my left knee was almost unbearable. Alina so wonderful. I limped into the Flamingo, saw her room, then she drove me next door to the Paradise. I wisely crawled in bed, elevated my leg and finished writing my blog
The following conversation with Alina.
She: Everything okay there Alaa
Me: Everything is good. I am writing the blog with my knee elevated.
She: Alhamdulillah
Me: Alhamdulillah indeed. Blog almost completed Inshallah. Progress reprt. Running water for a bubble bath. Blog off to Chris and Hammad.
She: We are just about done with breakfast. So are you okay and up to going for a walkabout in time. Leaving in about an hour’s time or so.
Me: Yes I will be and timing is perfect.
They arrived and off we drove to Penang Road
Alina Sent me a photo of the three of us.
Alina: Three gorgeous ladies at Penang Road. At the junction of Campbell Street.
Me: Penang will never be the same. Hahaha
I am not sure that it ever will be, by the way.
Hahaha
Alina parked the car, and off we went for a walk. Stopping at a clothing store. Oh my goodness, so may fashionable clothes for so little money. Alina and I were SO strong, We bought nothing. Ida was very serious. Many purchases with serious bargaining on her part. It was a sight to behold, but unfortunately I did not take any photos. I apologize.
Alina left her sister bargaining away and also on an expedition to buy pickles for her KL restaurant. We went upstairs to find a used book store. I was in seventh heaven as the expression goes. What is seventh heaven??
(Seventh heaven is a state of bliss. In a state of bliss, as in John was in seventh heaven when the director praised his speech. Used figuratively since the early 1800s, this term alludes to the dwelling place of God in highest of the seven concentric spheres that surround the earth in the system recognized by both Muslims and ancient Jews.) The seventh level of Paradise is Dar us Salam. Dar us Salam means “home of peace and safety”, adobe of well-being.
There were SO many books. The titles of which I was familiar with. The owner was astounded at the depth of my knowledge. I knew the authors – often had read the books. He kept suggesting books. It is a sad story but I have no books with me at this time. Well now I do have a few. First a photo of me in the book store.
I chose only four books, four different reasons. They were purchased for 80RM (about 22 US). Definitely a bargain. I have begun reading one, and will keep you abreast (so to speak) of my reading.
We were SO tired and hungry. We went to an enormous Food Court. Alina and Ida found the perfect table, under a fan which kept me cool, calm and collected. They asked me questions about the food.
Me: I will try anything. Cannot eat very spicy food but other than that I am okay.
Alina: See that booth over there? They have been serving Penang food since 1941. I will go an get that to share.
Ida: I am going to get something called abc ice cream.
Me: Okay. I am SO spoiled. I see tourists coming in, looking lost. Here I am with two wonderful women, born in Penang. Showing me the wonders of street food and telling me of the history. I am truly blessed. First photos of the Food court and then pa photo of the incredible “ice cream” Alina sent a description of the incredibly delicious dish. It is absolutely unique and absolutely delicious. Try it you might like it. But you have to have to come to Penang, Malaysia to try it. It is worth it, just look and see how delicious it loos and it tastes even better than it looks.
(The phrase “try it, you might like it” is an encouragement to experience something new or unfamiliar, with the implication that the experience will be enjoyable. It suggests a potential positive outcome, even if there’s some uncertainty. Essentially, it’s a gentle nudge to overcome hesitation and give something a chance).
This the description of the dish sent by Alina with the website so you can check it out for yourself. “Aos kacang ottera meaning been ice also commonly known as ABC (acronym Jawi (meaning mixed rice, is a dessert which is common in Malaysia, Singapore, (where it is called ice kachang ) and Brunei. She also supplied this site: http//www.seriouseats.com/singapre-stories-ice kachang-ais-kacang-malaysian-shaved ice.”
Another food adventure awaited. I did fail to take a photo of the delight before it went into my tummy. You may hear about it later. It was purchased from a street vendor – the son had taken over the father’s business. Both Alina and Ida recalled the delights found in the father’s eatery. I absolutely love the food traditions found here in Malaysia. Please remember I was born in Canada – the only food traditions there are maple syrup and a dish called poutine. There are two words to describe if: fattening yuck.
So happy to be here in Malaysia. Decided that I shall return to my foodie ways in the next two weeks before my departure to KL and then for my Umrah.
