THE SUPPOSEDLY COFFEE SESSION AT TSUTAYA BOOKSHOP

I was at AEON Tebrau for another reason. I stopped by at Tsutaya Bookshop to look for an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti, Mr. Zulhelmi, who was the manager there.

There was a cafe in the bookstore so one could read and enjoy the coffee at the same time.

The coffee machine was not working so I had to settle for the refreshing iced lemonade. Mr. Zulhilmi recommended the cafe latest dessert: Lava Matcha [Soft] Cookies that came with a scoop of ice cream and sliced strawberry, and it was heavenly.

Mr. Zulhilmi then took me for a tour around the bookstore and to my surprise, there were more than just books sold here.

The rare item in the store would be the book by a Japanese author which had a price tag of RM10K plus.

I immediately fell in love with this mini oven and I am still thinking about it now.

Another items on the shelves which I would buy were the local diffuser and perfumes that bore scents like Nasi Lemak, Teh O Limau and Lychee Syrup.

Thank you Mr. Zulhilmi for both the tour and the treat at Tsutaya. He used to give me free coffee before this when he was with Starbucks last time. Hope to see you again after this and let me reciprocate your kind gestures.

THERE IS ALWAYS A SECOND TIME - AT ORIENTAL KOPI

6TH DECEMBER 2025 ~ After arriving at Senai International Airport at 5:15 a.m. and my flight to Kuala Lumpur was at 7:00 a.m., the best thing to do was to get breakfast. I saw finally there was no queue outside Oriental Kopi Restaurant so I happily marched into the dining area.

This was my second time at this popular restaurant. The first one was at another branch in Paradigm Mall. [READ HERE]

I had the usual coffee, half-boiled eggs and Kaya [coconut jam] toasts.

I ate definitely the same thing at the other two nearby cafes in the airport, and guess what? It was cheaper in Oriental Kopi. One strong factor that would make me come back here again before flying.

TUESDAY IS MEETING PEOPLE DAY

The first meeting took place at Taman Pulai Emas. I set an appointment with Puan Arba'iyah Ahmad in the afternoon at her house, an ex-student and ex-colleague of SMK Taman Universiti. I needed her help to proofread my book in Malay language. She should be the right person as she was formerly a Malay language teacher but has now opted to retire much earlier than me.

Then I adjourned to Taman Universiti for another meeting with an ex-schoolmate of SMS Muar. I met Mr. Mohd. Razib Nordin at Goreng Pisang Nurul Faqar Restaurant. Besides enjoying the Fried Banana and Cucur Sayur [Vegetable Fritters], we tried to update ourselves with the latest news.

It was an achievement to see a few people within a short span of time. I need to talk to others more frequently I think but that also means I will have to eat more as well.

THE DAY I MADE HISTORY

6TH DECEMBER 2025 was the day I made history - for myself, or it would be the day I surprised myself more.

It was one long story. However, my book entitled Diari Pesara Guru [TRANSLATE: A Retired Teacher's Diary] was officially launched at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor, during Selangor International Book Fair.

One significant day to remember. Could this be the beginning, or could this be the last one?

[READ ABOUT THE BOOK LAUNCH EVENT AT THE BOOK FEST HERE]

A FAREWELL GATHERING FOR A RETIRED FRIEND

Puan Hasliza Abdul Rahman, a friend/ex-colleague of SMK Dato' Jaafar, has retired last month and will be moving to Seremban soon. A farewell gathering was called and it was attended with a few others. The chosen venue was Latte Doh Cafe located at Damansara Alif.

The cafe had the Harry Potter concept and there were costumes and other paraphernalia for diners to use and be photographed.

The chat session lasted for about an hour and a half. It was a short dine in session but we hope Puan Hasliza would remember the awesome moment we once had when she is relocated to Seremban soon.