MISSION (ALMOST) ACCOMPLISHED - PART DEUX

A continuation from the previous posting, my mission in completing my work was carried out for the next stage today. This time I had to go to Parit Raja but I am already quite familiar with the place.

try to observe the wall decor

Lucky enough, I met an old friend there so we stopped in a restaurant called "Pinang Sebatang". He is a local so he knows better of the food here, and he suggested mee bandung. I must say it was an extravagant of delicious noodles that came in a square-shaped bowl. So thanks Mr. Arif for the suggestion and the company - or else I would be eating KFC again.

lost in the world of colourful munchies

As usual, before heading back home, I never missed the chance to grab a few kinds of "kerepek" - crunchy and crispy food produced mainly from tapioca, yam and banana. A popular snacks among Malaysians, the price was cheaper here than Johor Bahru and I guess the products were fresher.

And only by next week, I shall declare myself an independent man. Just cannot wait for the time to come.

THE DARKEST HOUR IS JUST BEFORE THE DAWN

patiently waiting for the food to arrive

delicious prawn noodles

lemon grass iced-tea

Officially, I can go back to my normal life now. Today, everybody was happy as we all had successfully completed our seasonal duties. It was not an easy job, but it was somewhat fun especially when I had the chance to some familiar faces once in a blue moon.

As usual, we went for lunch before we went our separate ways. So this time we chose D'Idaman Cafe, a restaurant which is actually the one managed by the hotel where I had been staying for the last few weeks. Most of us ordered the cafe's specialty which was called Mi Udang Kuala (prawn noodles) and Teh Serai (tea with lemon grass). Surprisingly, the noodles were good and the tea was refreshing, something new to my taste buds. My comment: highly recommended, something worth trying. By the way, if you follow my blog, most of the events written here are related to eating activities. No wonder people are complaining that I am getting fat. Help!

That's it about my new discovery of the quaint town of Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. I wonder when the next time will be.

BLOGGING FROM AIR HITAM

informal meeting at KFC

Pn. Siti Zubaidah of TIGS Batu Pahat

with Mr. Arif, the generous one

I was back in Air Hitam for the continuation of the meeting. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy - so, there were social gatherings held in the evening after the formal meeting. The first one was held in KFC Parit Raja, a meeting with a group of teachers whom I used to meet from another formal event. Thanks to Mr. Arif for the treat.

another teh tarik session with Dr. Md. Som, again

Then later in the evening, I had another teh tarik session at a "mamak" restaurant with an ex-classmate, Dr. Md. Som, again. This is an achievement for me to see him twice in about two weeks time after all the years.

ON ANOTHER SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

busy at work, as usual

I have been away for three days for another official assignment which has become an annual event. Other than working, it is a pleasure to have the chance to meet the people that I can only see during these sessions.

I had to bunk down in D'Idaman Inn in Parit Raja because there was no vacancy at the hotel I used to stay in Kluang. As the place was nearer to the meeting venue and quite new, it was not that bad except for a few things like there were limited TV channels and no telephone line so I couldn't get the receptionist to give me a morning wake-up call. But the room is very spacious, it is more like an apartment - with a bedroom and a hall so you have the whole space to yourself.

sitting beside a doctor

I had the chance to meet another old classmate from school. This is Dr. Md. Som who happens to be staying near my lodging. He has his own clinic now, Klinik Sejahtera, which is situated opposite of Universiti Tun Hussin Malaysia (UTHM). When you go there, if you mention my name, may be you will get a special discount. Remember, I said "MAY BE". Thanks to Dr. Md. Som for the supper as well as the breakfast the next morning.

And I will have to be there again in about two weeks time from now...