will i am's delayed diary

As usual, we celebrated mum's birthday together with Little Monster. But with 2020 being a year of surprises, even a simple HaiDiLao hotpot at home could go awry. For one reason or another, mum got pissed off, and a dark cloud descended on the family gathering. She didn't want to take any photos, and rushed off after dinner.  Mum's dark mood didn't dissipate the following day. SK tried to cheer her up by packing a Japanese lunch from Washoku , BK5.  In the evening, The Tribe came over in an attempt at reconciliation. They packed a Vietnamese dinner from Subang. The Monsters made birthday cards for their grandmother. And sis came bearing gifts and a birthday cake. Thankfully mum softened up and reversed her frown. Something about not feeling appreciated.  Kena pandai jaga hati orang tua...

  Every year it's the same : goodbye CNY, hello Ching Ming . The morning market's prayer item merchants start stocking up on all sorts of Taoist paper offerings. Amidst all the 'traditional necessities' like Hell notes, and gold bars, new products do pop-up to match the times. This time round  I spied a premium Japanese sushi and sashimi platter on the shelves. And then I saw a lacy bra set complete with bling-bling. It got me thinking about the gei lou market. Someone needs to produce some chi chat jockstraps, harnesses, latex suits, and ... you get the picture. My afternoon was spent at KLSCAH, attending an event entitled "Spring Gathering and International Mother Language Day 2020". Pak Samad made an appearance, and even recited poetry. Several Chinese associations also showcased their dialects through songs, drama, and speech. A bunch of Rohingya children also sang a Malay song about their oppression at the hands of Burmese military and Buddhist extremi

Construction along Lebuhraya Bukit Jalil had been going in for years, and finally the building by Ho Hup was ready for business. The place was called Aurora Bukit Jalil, and we found about it because of the many buntings advertising the grand opening of Super Seven, one of the anchor tenants. Super Seven is actually an offshoot of NSK, but without the wholesale section. The crowd was crazy with loads of people taking advantage of the daily, and membership specials. Even the lucky draw counters were swamped. Many of their customers were actually the foreign workers who lived nearby, probably those working at the Pavilion 2 site. There were some restaurants on the higher floors, but looked pretty dead otherwise. In the afternoon, sent mum out to get her hair permed at OUG. It was so hot that we stopped for cendol on our way back. It was the Winter Solstice, so mum made some tang yuan. Normally we would eat in, but Sis suggested that we eat out for a change. Hotpot was quite a

Timing was perfect this year because All Soul's Day fell on a Saturday. On Friday evening, Bro, mum, and I attended All Saint's Day Mass, and early the next day, we pushed off to Teluk Intan. We made good time because we started out just a little after 6 AM. No delays at all. In a break from routine, we ate breakfast at Bidor Wet Market. Kedai Kopi Pun Sim was a recommendation from BIL. They discovered the place during one of their many road trips. Go for their fresh YTF, very crispy and delicious. The kopi was a little off though. After eating, mum went exploring in the market. We arrived at Teluk Intan before 9:30 AM. Still had time to pack some CCF and glutinous rice for dad. All Soul's Day Mass was in progress at St. Anthony's Church, while the cemetery was a hive of activity. Not often that we catch the 'rush hour' crowd. After getting dad's grave cleaned up, we presented his favourite food, and lit candles and incense. This year, Little Monste

The morning market was a little quiet during the long Merdeka weekend. Mooncakes had invaded the place, taking over durian. Not long after I arrived, I received a text from Mei asking if I was at the OUG Morning Market. She had Princess J in tow, and we had breakfast together at Niu Niu Kulai Beef Noodles . Princess J was in a good mood because Mei had bought her Elsa and Sofia the First stickers. We ate pan mee from a stall in front of the shop. Both of us opted for the torn variety which was very smooth, nearly as good as Taman Naga Emas. The little girl opted for a bowl of beef balls. Mei revealed the reason that Princess J agreed to an excursion to the morning market-- to go to her favourite herbal tea shop! She had already started to complain that she was too tired to walk. Every time she whined, we would tell her that Kang Won Herbal Tea was just a few steps away. Every week, I pass by that shop without giving it much notice. It was my first time there. The interior is ver

After months of being bed-ridden due to a stroke, my uncle ( mum's eldest sister's husband ) passed away at his home at Bagan Sungai Burung. Heard that it was due to an infection from a bed sore. Quite a shocker. When we got the news from my cousin, we immediately arranged for a trip to the fishing village. The Tribe went along too. Thanks to my Airbnb Superhost perks, I booked free lodging at Sungai Besar. The place was spacious and could fit 10 adults. When we arrived at the wake, the Taoist rituals were already ongoing. While waiting for the intermission, we ate dinner at the wake. In line with the kampung style, much food was prepared for guests. Right after dinner, hot fish porridge and fried bihun with curry chicken was served, together with steamed bao, kuih, loh mai gai , and siew bao . Many ate and chatted, while some had a boisterous gambling session with dominoes. The rituals were performed in Teochew, and I was surprised to see that they had a LED board

By association, I was invited to a fun CNY party organized by Big Monster's bestie's grandmother! Although the family is Muslim by marriage, CNY is still a big deal for them. Every year, the matriarch would invite her relatives over for a boisterous gathering. Whenever someone walked in, they would blast the classic song "財神到", and greet each other raucously. The food served was very more Hari Raya than Raya Cina. As the party went on, they started a dance off, and boy could they dance! Amazed by their moves without the influence of alcohol. To encourage everyone to get on the dance floor, they even prepared lucky draw red packets! They really know how to let their hair down. Later that night, we had dinner with Lifebook, Bless, SK, and KH at Ding Tai Fung , Empire Shopping Gallery. Not a place that I usually eat at, so SK did all the ordering. Then it was coffee and cake at Whisk . On a whim, mum suggested that we visit an old family friend who lives in USJ. Be

When traveling with family, it is wise to wake up early to slot in morning skank session. And of course, muffle those moans when your mother staying next door! Once we started our day right, we freshened up, and went out looking for breakfast. Just a short walk away was Cafe Makan Nyonya . The cafe is decorated with Peranakan antiques and serves Baba Nyonya cuisine. Thankfully it wasn't too crowded although it was one of the few eateries open in the area. Tried their Kapitan kari mee, shredded chicken hor fun, nasi lemak, and Penang prawn mee. The shredded chicken hor fun was the best among the lot. Together with The Tribe, we drove to the middle of town. Traffic was horrible. We managed to get park near Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II. Right opposite the road was the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, built to commemorate J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak. As hated as he is in the Malaysian history books, the clock tower is in surprisingly good condition. Even looks lik