THE DINNER SESSION WITH TWO EX-STUDENTS

   24th DECEMBER 2025    ~ I will never say "no" most of the time when ex-students [of SMK Taman Universiti] ask me out, when the time is right. So when Mr. Zul Azeze Sahri, who is now residing and working in Raub, invited me for dinner, I immediately agreed. His other friend, Mr. Megat Khairun Buang also decided to join, that made it merrier. They are from SPM batch 2001.

The chosen venue was Rumah Udang in Kampung Melayu, where the choices of food were aplenty.

So we reminisced the good old time during school over dinner. As they are both now parents to school-going kids, we could now talk about more serious matters like the current issues that involve education in the country.

I have to thank both of them for the kind thought and time spent, although short but meaningful. They were two lucky people to receive my very two last mugs for my retirement I made [two years ago]. Hopefully there will be another opportunity for another meet up session after this. 

MY VERY FIRST SHELL OUT SESSION

Today I made history as I finally had Shellout lunch, the very first time in my life. The lunch session took place at The Morso Restaurant in Bandar Baru Kangkar Pulai, which I just visited with another set of friends the week before[READ HERE].

Omelette

Sea Bass in Sambal

All kinds of seashells in Sambal

Except the omelette, our lunch consisted of fish and all kinds of seashells in Sambal, tasty blended chili.

Actually I don't really fancy having the food laid on the piece of [large] paper on the table without any plate. Like it or not, that was the concept of a Shellout dining. It was an interesting experience having Shellout for a first timer like me. Thanks to my avid gastronomic adventurer friend, Mr. Ridzuan, for suggesting the menu but we shall try other food next time.

THE END OF THE DAMANSARA SHORT GETAWAY

The lunch at Mee Tarik Warisan Asli at KLIA2 marked the end of the end of the short getaway in Damansara for 3D2N.

The reason this restaurant was chosen was that I needed a place where there were not many people so I could stay there for a long time. I arrived too early in the afternoon for my flight scheduled at 9:00 p.m.

The last time I had Mee Tarik at this restaurant [at another branch in Johor Bahru] was in 2021 [READ HERE]. It was the usual taste of Mee Tarik and Bao Bao Tea, but I had somewhat forgotten whether the taste of the broth was similar, or was it better last time.

After all the long wait, as I had passed the security checkpoint, then only I saw the notification on the electronic board informing my flight was delayed for 40 minutes. There was no update on the big electronic board outside, and even on the AirAsia apps it was still stated the flight was still on time. The airline company should have made the necessary update for the passengers. As in my case, I had to say "goodbye" to a friend at the terminal earlier after chatting for less than 10 minutes. This was actually a bad ending for my short getaway this time.

THE GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE AFTER THREE WEDDING RECEPTIONS IN ONE DAY

After the three wedding receptions in one day, I just needed my coffee fix before driving back home. Luckily enough, my friend, Mr. Ridzuan, whose house was near the third wedding hall, was free and wanted to get his early dinner.

We headed to Taman Pulai Mutiara and he suggested this restaurant called Tomyam Syafiq. It was actually his first time here and he seemed to be impressed by the menu and prices offered. Initially he wanted to go to this one place but we found out the shop had already closed down.

Mr. Ridzuan was having Khao Mok Rice, a Thai cuisine. I on the other hand was too full to eat anything else.

I am glad to have someone who enjoys eating out and experience dining in both new and regular places. Guess I will have for another gastronomic adventure to happen soon.

THE MEETING THAT TOOK PLACE AT KFC

The regular teacher friends who are involved in school chess activities had a meeting in Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant tonight at Taman Perling. This place is also our regular annual meeting place, especially before the district level competitions start.

The serious discussion was on to revive the Tanjung Puteri Chess Club for 2026, by planning some activities for the members, both teachers and students. Hope we could make people become more interested to play chess, either for fun or competitions.

THE VERY LAST MINUTE LUNCH MEETING AT PUTRA HEIGHTS

   7TH DECEMBER 2025    ~ As I arrived at Glenmarie MRT Station from Shah Alam, an idea crossed my mind to contact Puan Maslinda Mohd. Dahalan, an old friend [of UPM TESL Class of 1993]. Even though it was at the very last minute, she was available for a meet up at the next station in Putra Heights.

She was accompanied with her husband, and she appeared with a [very] BIG surprise. She had donned a hijab/head scarf [finally]. I was lucky as she told me I was one of the first ones to see her new image.

The last time I saw her was a few months ago in Subang Parade, when she was still her old self. [READ HERE]

I managed to squeeze in one last gastronomic adventure before returning home. I had lunch at this place, as suggested by Puan Maslinda, at Muar Station Restaurant just across Putra Heights MRT Station.

The Beef Asam Pedas was surprising good, and the price was still reasonable. The husband and wife couple were not eating as they had had their meal earlier at home.

Congratulations to Puan Maslinda for new achievement. Thanks again for seeing me and letting me to be one the firsts to see her new look. Hope to have a longer chat session with both of them some other time.

THE LUNCH SESSION WITH AN EX-COLLEAGUE FROM KEMAMAN

 

Puan Rohani Shamsuddin, an ex-colleague of SMK Taman Universiti, who has retired and now settled down in Kemaman, Terengganu, was in town. She was visiting her daughter here. A lunch date was immediately set by Puan Rosnani Abd. Talib, with another regular friend also notified. The last time we met was in August 2024, more than one year already. [READ HERE]

The chosen venue by the moderator was The Morso Restaurant at Bandar Baru Kangkar Pulai. This was my first time here, but had been to its other branch in Bandar Hussein Onn but many years ago.

Food of the day: Nasi Arab [Arab Rice] Tray Set, Fried Sea Bass, and cakes for dessert.

We tried to update ourselves with the latest news within the short span of time. We still had to bid farewell to each other after one hour and a half, hoping for other reunion session in the future, especially when Puan Rohani comes visiting.

an ex-student of SMK Taman
Universiti, met outside the restaurant
Noor Maisuri Abdullah

It is always a pleasure to meet old friends once in a while, not only to enjoy the good food but also to reminisce the good old time.

FOOTNOTE:

• The food here was good, the kind of food I would be coming back for.
• The plain water is free of charge, unlike other restaurants - definitely will come back again.
• The bathroom is [very] clean.

VISITING TAMAN ANGGERIK AT TAMAN TASIK SHAH ALAM - PART TWO

[CONTINUATION OF PART ONE]

   7TH DECEMBER 2025    ~ After looking around at the stalls selling all sorts of agricultural products, we then entered Taman Anggerik [TRANSLATE: Orchid Garden] Shah Alam.

The garden was just officially opened by the Queen of Selangor two days ago. That was the reason behind the festive vibe of this place seen from afar.

The orchids and other plants looked brand new. They were just relocated to this particular area because of the event.

The garden was adequately large and could be the place for people to come with their family members and walk around while admiring the flowers and green plants. Children would love to run around the place for sure. However, make sure your kids do not pluck the flowers or destroy any of the plants there.

There was even a glasshouse which should be the attraction of the garden.

Under controlled sunlight and temperature, bigger blooms could be found here.

It started to drizzle once we came out of the glasshouse and we later had to run to the car or else we would get wet. [The rain then turned into heavy downpour once I reached the hotel].

I would love to come back to this place one more time so I could spend more time looking and admiring at the colourful flowers. I just hope the authority would be able to maintain this place as a recreational spot for the public.