VISITING THE BELL TOWER OF XI'AN

   2nd SEPTEMBER 2026    ~ One hour after checking in at the hotel, the exploration of Xi'an started. We were introduced to the city as the tour guide took us to this majestic and historical structure called Drum Tower.

This was one of the majors attraction of Xi'an as tourists, mostly locals, flocked at this very spot that afternoon.

Xi'an Drum tower is about 200 meters away from the Bell tower, enduring over 600 years. This timber-brick drum tower was built in 1380 in the Ming dynasty and is used as a museum now, which displays collections of various drums and cultural relics.

SOURCE: chinadiscovery.com

There was a museum in the tower and one could also watch drum performances there. You would need more time to explore and observe the magic of this place.

We did not get into the tower though, just took a lot of photos around the area. The height of the building and the stairs that I would need to climb already scared me. At the same time, we were actually did not have enough rest after the long journey from Malaysia.

SPOT THE ERROR 238

SPELLING ERROR:

❌ m i r g a t i n g

✅ m i g r a t i n g

NOTE: There should be a space between "a" and "mirgating"

Thanks to my friend, Mr. Norazman for sending me the feed found in Batu Arang, Selangor.

 

ATTENDING THE WEDDING RECEPTION OF THE DAUGHTER OF PUAN NOORAZLIN BAHARIN

    16TH AUGUST 2026    ~ I had not met Puan Noorazlin Baharin, a friend of UPM TESL Class of 1993 since we left campus. Then, after more than 30 years, I was invited to the wedding of her daughter, the first in the family.

The event was held at Setia Eco Templer in Templer Park, Rawang.

I got to meet the same few people from the wedding reception on Friday night, two days before [READ HERE].

I didn't get to see the mother of the bride before leaving as I had a flight to catch at 4:00 p.m. She was at that time needed to be on/near the stage in one of the items in the reception programme. 

Congratulations to Puan Noorazlin on the arrival of the new family member. Hopefully I will be invited again in a similar event for her other children in the future and I will make sure to take [at least] a photo with her before going off.

RAMADA MERIDIN REVISITED FOR LUNCH

My gastronomic adventure buddy and I decided to revisit Ramada Meridin Hotel in Kota Iskandar for lunch. This month, Delish Cafe was offering Thai themed set meal for RM29.90 which comprised of the main dish, Tom Yum as soup of the day, free drinks of one's choice [there were 4 types of drinks] and fruits platter for dessert.

We were the only two diners at 2:30 p.m. so we got our food served on the table in no time.

Tom Yum Soup

Thai Green Curry

Sea Food Tom Yum + Satay

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my Thai Green Curry - perhaps I was not that familiar with the taste. I should have chosen other menu. Still, the set meal was worth the money spent. I will have to wait for another promotional lunch set for next month.