WALKING DOWN MEMORY LANES IN UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

   29th SEPTEMBER 2024    ~ Mr. Rodwan Wahid organized an edutourism trip around the campus of Universiti Putra Malaysia - but it was known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. This was our alma mater, as undergraduates taking Bachelor of Education TESL [Teaching of English as a Second Language] for 6 years. This was my second time visiting after graduating, and sure things had changed a lot here. Mr. Ridwan drove me to a few signifacy places so we could stop and take photos.

 1.KOLEJ CANSELOR

This was the residential college where I stayed for almost 6 years, before going away for my practical teaching session in Ipoh.

The field in front the college was the place where intercollege softball competitions took place. We would all go to watch in the evening and cheer for our college team.

2. BUKIT EKSPO

Bukit Ekspo [TRANSLATE: Expo Hill] was the place for joggers to stop after running the long loop, and up and down the hilly route, to take a breather. At the same time, we could enjoy the serene view of the trees and the lake in the evening.

This was also the venue for the convocation fiesta where there were exhibitions, concerts, and stalls selling all kinds of things for a few days.

3. FARM FRESH

4. THE BIG HALL

I could only remember going to the hall for convocation ceremony and to sit for exams for a few papers.

The field in front of the hall used to be an open space without any function. But now, people could pose in front of the huge sign #WeLoveUPM.

5. THE LIBRARY

6. THE FACULTIES

page is still under construction

THE TEA SESSION WITH AN OLD FRIEND IN SENAI

I had to go to Senai International Airport for an urgent matter. That should be the best time to ask an old friend/ex-colleague [of SMK Taman Universiti], Mr. Masrizal Sayute, whether he was free to meet up for tea. I was glad his answer was positive and we decided to meet at Chamek Kopitiam like we did last time.

It was just a short meet up and we had to leave before 5.00 p.m. so as to avoid the possible traffic jam as people were leaving their offices. Looking forward to more meetings to come with my friend.

ATTENDING THE WEDDING RECEPTION OF MR. ADIB FIKRI

I attended the wedding reception of another ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti today. It was the big day for Mr. Adib Fikri bin Azlan. The event was held at Elfieda Bridal & Event, Cascadia Hall in Paragon Market Place, which was not far from my house.

the younger brother of the groom

This time, I met more ex-students who came from the groom's batch and his younger brother, Mr. Wafi Zikry's.

The only ex-colleague I met in the hall was Ustazah Hajah Rahmah and her daughter, also an ex-student.

I just got to know the groom's sister and her husband are my ex-students as well.

Wishing the newlyweds a happy and blessed life filled with love and happiness.

As for now, there is no more invitation coming from any ex-students yet. It is a relief in a way as I will not have to eat a lot during the weekend until the next reception.

THE DINNER SESSION IN LITTLE BANGI WITH FRIENDS FROM KUANTAN

   28th SEPTEMBER 2024    ~ On the second day stay in Bangi, I suggested the street food in Little Bangi to my UPM TESL friend, Puan Aunillah Hilmi, and her husband. We almost called the dinner date off because of the heavy rain late in the evening but fortunately the heavy downpour stopped before 8:00 p.m.

People seemed to get out of their houses to get food at the same time, right after the rain stopped. Hence, the first challenge was to find a parking space and the second one was to secure a table to enjoy the food that we had bought from the stalls around the place. I was waiting for about 15 minutes and spotted a family leaving after they had finished eating.

I had been to this food haven a few times but before this, I went much earlier and did not stay there. I took all the food to the hotel and ate room. [READ HERE]. This was my first experience enjoying the food with other people in lively atmosphere.

fried chicken

fried spiral potato

samosa

fried Inoki mushroom

We couldn't stay long as there were still other people waiting for empty tables. The food was good in terms of variety and according to Puan Aunillah, most of the items were surprisingly cheap. There were too many choices and we ended up bringing back the unfinished food to be eaten later.

One reason I like staying in Bangi Gateway is because of this food arena. I don't mind staying at the same place again whenever I go to Bangi.