will i am's delayed diary

Over the long Merdaka weekend, KH and I made a trip down to Singapore to visit friends. Looking back at my passport, my last visit was in 2019, a few of years before Covid. At KLIA2, I actually bumped into my church member. Such a small world. We arrived at Changi way past lunchtime, so the hubby was understandably hangry. Randomly picked Tsui Wah at Jewel, and it was KH's turn to bump into someone he knew. I was amused by the way his ex-colleague's children were eating their lunch-- they sucked up strands of wantan noodles draped over their hands.  I'd have a fit.  Along the way to Tater's place in Bugis, we passed by all the memorable landmarks, Bugis+, Bugis Street, and Albert Centre, to name a few. And since it was the 7th lunar month, the spaces around OG department store showed signs of activities from the Hungry Ghost Festival. When we arrived, we were given the customary welcome bear hug, and peck on the cheek. That night, we didn't have dinner with our hos...

  Gary has very prominent facial features, no? And look at that masculine jawline while he's munching down on his cheese-baked rice. Head down to your nearest Kim Gary and ask for the Gary Special. 

If you're familiar with Jing Xuan at Kuchai Lama you would know where Sri Desa Entrepreneur's Park is. In mid-August 2023, there was beam collapse at the same block, causing damage to ten cars parked below it. The collapse also caused instability to the walkway on the highest floor. DAP Seputeh's office is located at the same building so they needed help to remove some important documents and office equipment from the premises. When I arrived there, the police had cordoned off the area. The fire department was coordinating controlled access to the upper floors. After some waiting, the authorities decided that only a limited number could go in, so my help was no longer needed. Phew! No point risking life and limb for a few documents and a computer! 

  Nylon shorts goes best with a bubble butt don't you agree?

On the last day of our pilgrimage, we returned to St. Francis Xavier Church in Kuta to join the public mass. The parish priest was from Nusa Tenggara, and he was very charismatic. At the parish, religious sisters distributed communion wafers, and they still practiced the blessing of children, which I had not seen in a long time. And they actually collect money for parking in the church compound. Right after mass, the group of pilgrims from East Malaysia left for the airport, while we crossed the road to visit another shopping mall. Quite dead, nothing much at all.  Headed to the Krisna complex for lunch. Above the multiple floors of Balinese souvenirs is a beautiful rooftop restaurant called Ayam Betutu Ajik Asli Bali . We had a good meal of deep-fried duck. Right after that we left to catch our flight home. 

The sixth day of our trip coincided with Kuningan, a major religious celebration in Bali. Everywhere we went, the locals were dressed in either yellow or white. Started the day with mass at Denpasar Cathedral , a fairly new structure with a bare brick facade and white statues. Above the altar was a rotunda with a mural of the Pentecost. While in town, we were dropped off at a shopping mall to do some shopping, and grab a cup of coffee. Shopping never fails to work up an appetite and the choice of lunch at Warung Ikan Goreng Renon was excellent. The fish was fresh and spicy, paired with super crispy bakwan jagung. Evangelisation in Bali was pioneered by two Dutch priests, and through their efforts, the first Catholic church was established-- Gereja Tritunggal Mahakudus . The design is very traditional, and has a Balinese style bas relief above the altar with traditional script describing the Last Supper. The parish priest welcomed us, and even paused an altar aervers camp so that we co...

Sun and skin was the theme for our fifth day at Bali. Pure island excursion with no church visits. Before the crack of dawn, we were herded into our bus with a breakfast box. Pelabuhan Sanur is a busy port, so it was best that we arrive early to beat the crowds. The bus was not allowed in, so we had a brisk morning walk to the port. The port building was obviously brand new, shaped like a sea dragon of Balinese legends. Although we arrived early, it was only 90 minutes later that we boarded the boat to Nusa Penida . Some of us prepared motion sickness medication, but truth be told, it wasn't very choppy. On the island, we broke into small groups of 4 or 5, and got into SUVs. Proper tarred roads were few and far in between, so we were practically bounced for 45 minutes in the vehicle before we got to the attractions. Firstly, we stopped at Crystal Bay , which wasn't an exceptional beach, but there was some eye candy. Compared to the other visitors, we were obviously not embraci...