WALKING AROUND THE CAMPUS OF TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

I had a short academic excursion around the campus of Taylor's University College in Subang Jaya on 29th SEPTEMBER 2023. Actually, I had a friend of UPM TESL Class of 1993 who is currently attached to the university and she took me to her working place when I was in Subang Jaya.

Teaching/Studying/Working in a private university would be a different experience. I could feel the distinct vibe living in expensive buildings around people who should be wealthier. Its atmosphere was something totally not the same with the campus I went to 30 years ago.

Thanks to Puan Nurhanim Hassan for taking me to the campus, which I wouldn't visit on my own.

ONE OF THE BLESSINGS IN THE LIFE OF A TEACHER

the roti canai/teh tarik session after midnight

One of the best things being a teacher was to see an ex-student when I traveled. Mr. Radin Mohd. Hafiz, an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti, showed his eagerness to entertain me when I was in Ipoh on 15th-17th of August 2023 even though he had to still work until late at night and continue working the next morning.

One of the best things was being given a ride on his motorcycle and was given some sort of briefing what the city had to offer - twice after the hours past midnight and one time early in the morning.

the cafe at the airport

He also had taken the trouble to bid me farewell at the airport right before I caught my place back to Johor Bahru in the afternoon.

It is a blessing to have a kind-hearted ex-student. Thank you Mr. Radin Mohd. Hafiz for your sincerity and kindness. I hope we will get to travel together and see other places this year. 

THE 3D2N STAY AT REGA LODGE IN IPOH

Rega Lodge was recommended by my other UPM TESL Class of 1993 friends who were also staying here on 25th - 27th August 2023.

Being not a fussy person, I found the hotel quite good. Location wise, it was a bit away from the touristy Concubine Lane but it was still within walking distance.

Instead of offering welcome drinks, guests could munch on the welcome snacks: either nuts or Muruku, an Indian traditional snack.

the view from the window

I always love to stay in a hotel which comes together with the buffet breakfast.

One reason I might stay again here when I am in Ipoh is because of its affordable rate.

OFFICIALLY MY VERY LAST DAY AS A TEACHER IN SCHOOL

Officially today was my very last day in school. I will be a retired teacher by tomorrow, by choice. I decided to opt out after completing my 30 years of service, at the age of 54.

If you wonder why did I choose to opt out, I could write a book just to answer that question.
And if you ask me, what is my next plan, I could write another book just to answer that particular question.

If you are just curious of my next plan, just follow my blog which I will update from time to time. Hope I will not bore you to death.

Good bye my office

As it was the last day of school holiday, all the teachers were still spending their time with their families at home. However we had the Principal, non-academic staff, the security guards, the janitors and the canteen people around. And we took a lot of photos together before the final farewell. We actually had a pot luck breakfast/lunch earlier, but I did not have the photos.

Thank you to Puan Jothy for coming and bringing the food for tea. It had been continuous eating session from the morning until afternoon.

I, signing off, finally, at SMK Dato' Jaafar, Johor Bahru.

It had been an awesome 30-year journey in four schools [SMK Gelang Patah, SMK Taman Universiti, SMK Mutiara Rini, SMK Dato' Jaafar] and I had made friends with colleagues, other teachers, parents and ex-students, and other people who were related to school activities/programmes. Thank you to each and every one of you for being a part of my wonderful teaching career.

I guess this should be the end of the official journey as a teacher. It is time to rename my blog as JUST ANOTHER RETIRED TEACHER after this.

THE VERY LAST COFFEE SESSION FOR THE YEAR 2023

    31ST DECEMBER 2023     ~ The long overdue plan to meet up for coffee was finally materialized. The chosen cafe was Rifnee Patisserie in Taman Damansara Alif when Mr. Firdaos Zulkifli, an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti, went out for his lunch break.

The pastries were good and it would be worth coming back for more. However, the company of an ex-student made it much better.

Thanks Mr. Firdaos for the treat and the short meeting but we sure had discussed a lot of things, serious and not-so-serious matters. Hope to see more of you in 2024. 😀