LRT – Blind leading the blind!

14 November 2005

The children had driven us to the city and returned home. We told them we would take the LRT back so that they do not have to come and fetch us. I have only traveled 3 times so far by the LRT and all guided by my son. June and me have never traveled on the train by ourselves.

June and me wanted to do it by ourselves. We were sure we will manage. Having each other company gave us the courage to do so.

There were 2 sides to board the trains. Without reading the big route map displayed, walked down the steps to the right side of the “Hang Tuah” station. June wanted to board the train that arrived. I said “Wait, how come we are the only 2 people on this side while there are so many people waiting on the other side? Are we on the correct side? Let’s go up and make sure.”

So up the stairs we walked and read the map. We had gone down to the wrong side!! We should go down to the left side of the station.

When the first train arrived, we jumped in happily through the opened door, not knowing that we have made a mistake again!! We were at the correct station, correct side of the station but we had boarded the incorrect train!

I told June that we had to pass 3 stations (Pudu, Chan Chow Lin and Cheras) before we disembarked. We were standing looking up at the route map. While I was explaining to her, I looked out to read the name of the 3rd station that the train has stopped. I panicked! It was not “Cheras”. I looked up the route map. Oh dear!! Instead of taking the “green” route I have taken the “yellow route”.

We got out immediate at the next station (Maluri), walked down the stairs, asked the exit guide how to go to “Salat Selatan” (that is my destination). We walked down the opposite stairs and board the train. Luckily there is no need to purchase another ticket as we did not have to exit from the previous side to enter the other side. We disembarked at “Chan Chow Lin” station and board the train that said “Sri Petaling” and after passing “Cheras” we finally got to “Salat Selatan”.

Instead of passing 3 stations, we had passed 7 stations!! I believed a lot of people had that taste of “fun”. For me it is fun!! And hopefully wiser! There are 2 trains going in the same direction. The “yellow” line is the train destined for “Ampang” while the “green” line is the train destined for “Sri Petaling”. I didn’t open my eyes wide enough and read all the signs!! I just jumped in the first train that came along. I had taken it for granted!! I did not practice “Look before you leap”.

Luckily we didn’t have to catch a flight! It was fun, though…….. Instead of phoning Yean to pick me up, we opted to use the bus to go back to the condominium. We wanted to enjoy our ‘independence’ status a little longer.

Lian and Yean came to the door and greeted both of us with their cheeky grins and jokingly asked me “who are you”? It was the first time I went out (to Kuala Lumpur) without them!! Yean had called out to me earlier on when I walked away from the car, saying “Mum, if you get lost, call me ya?”

Kuala Lumpur Chapel

20 November 2005

Nice bungalow house!
The tall building behind it is Great Eastern Company!!

Friends

27 November 2005
Last Sunday in the KL branch before I fly back the same night. What a nice surprise! Elder Peterson :)) I know him!! I thought I will never see him again. He is serving in Singapore and is visiting.


20 November 2005
Me, Lian & Yean with the KL Branch President Cragun & family
He was one of the first missionary who came to Miri in 1996.
President's angels: wife - Rosy and daughters - Naomi, Liana and Rebecca.

30 October 2005
Elder Rowley is going to Miri :) I will see him when I get back :)

Anthony's Testimony

3 December 2005

I am honored to know Anthony. Why? Because he is the first to be baptized in our church, in Malaysia. I want to know his story and this is it. I am thankful for his permission to publish it here and share it with you. I have chosen today (3rd December) because this is the 33rd anniversary of his membership.

Picture of me, Lian and Yean with Anthony and his grand-daughter (Jaszlyn) taken on the 20 November 2005.



MY CONVERSION FROM A BUDDHIST NOVICE MONK TO AN ELDER by Anthony Lim of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 27 Nov. 2005.


1. INTRODUCTION

When I was ten years old, I wanted to be a priest for God, our Heavenly Father. I was willing to give myself to him, because deep inside me, I was ready made for him, like Samuel of old, who was called at a young age.

At 17, my mom told us that my younger brother and I were to be ordained as Buddhist Novice Monks upon the death of my father, because she believed when the sons held the priesthood, it would help absolved the sins of the family, and spread blessings for the family. I was willing to do it out of respect to her. Thus, I became very active in Buddhist Temples and even took the lead to become a Buddhist Youth Leader, until, one day, the Buddhist Leaders and Youth decided to make me the leader for Malaysia Buddhist Youths and earmarked for Buddhist leader for the country. Even the Chinese Abbot, 70, came one night to my mother to discuss the matter with her....if I would become a permanent monk for which he would donate his bungalow house and Temple at Chow Kit Road, the prime area, for me. The cost at that time was about 1m. dollars in 1960's (which would equal to RM 3m -4m in-2005).

I was also offered overseas travels by a rich man to lecture Buddhism. With such lucrative offers -house/land, travels and top position in Buddhist hierarchy for a young man without much means was surely very attractive and tempting. As the Singapore University Buddhist Leader, I arranged to have monks lecture to the Buddhist undergraduates.

2. CRUCIAL TURNING POINT

Now, that was the crucial time for a big decision: "Was Buddhism the right religion for me?" At the same time, I was also exposed to other religions by study as well as by attending lectures of Bahai faith, Islam, Hinduism, Sai Baba, Roman Catholic, Jehovah Witness, Seven Adventist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Calvary and Assembly of God, and Gospel Business Chapters, etc.

I was more scared of leading people to an incorrect religion for I did not wish to face God for my leadership and responsibility. I did not like the idea of a being a Leader leading people astray in religious living.

3. CHRIST'S WORDS HAVE POWER FOR CHANGE

So, I asked God "Which religion is correct?"

I believed Christianity touched my heart because it was centered on Jesus Christ as the Son of God Almighty who was our personal Father in Heaven and Christ atoned for our sins as the Savior of mankind, and our personal Savior.

His Gospel and his Life amplified love, mercy and service for people....Christ was the magnificent God in human flesh to expound and amplified God's life, love, mercy and service to mankind.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have Everlasting Life." (John 3:16)

"And this is Life Eternal that they might know Thee the Only True God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3) Knowing the true God, and Jesus Christ and the Gospel will lead one to Heavenly Father and gain Eternal Life.

When Thomas, one of his disciples asked Jesus, how could they find the way to go to the Father? Almost all teachers answer that they will show us the way and to God, but Jesus answered specifically, "I am the Way. The Truth and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6). No other teacher has so much profound answer and power as Jesus as "The Way, The Truth and The Life!"

I could feel the power of his words which have consequence of the Spirit and the Eternal Life; His words have power to change people's lives...to become from bad to good, good to better and better to the best and perfect.

"If you ask any thing in my name, I will do it." (John 14:14), assured Jesus to His disciples, with power and authority of his promise....to make things come true!

When Christ the Lord had risen from the dead, he appeared to many. Addressing his disciples, Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Matt. 2:18-19).

That Christ rose from the dead as a resurrected Savior was a magnificent miracle or event ever recorded in history. Has anything of such magnitude and manifestation ever said or recorded of other religious prophets and teachers? He even commanded that missionary work of saving souls for God to spread world-wide.

These five verses have a tremendous impact on me with its deep meanings: given a free choice of beliefs but no choice of eternal consequences which follow. Therefore, we should use our free agency of choice correctly and wisely because it bears the eternal reward or retribution accordingly.

4. FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE CHURCH

But then, I was confused with so many denominations. Strange it might seem, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came as the last sect in Christianity to me from my cousin, Jon Lim, from Singapore.

I first met the small group of eight people (including myself) at Merlin Hotel room with Bro. Nicolas Jamba, Mary and Jon Lim, my cousin in November, 1971. My first impression was this: Indeed, this was the smallest church in the world! (in 2005, the Church has a membership of 14 million people).They bore their testimonies of the restoration of the gospel and church, and the fullness of the gospel, which caught me by surprise---what another sect to choose from?

When we went out for lunch they asked me what drink I wanted. "Coffee" was a normal answer, but I could sense the bewildered look in their eyes as if coffee was a forbidden drink. That was when I raised the question:"Tell me the truth why you do not drink coffee." Mary replied,""Coffee, a stimulant, was not good for the body as the body was the Temple of God which housed the Holy Spirit."

5. OBEDIENCE FIRST LAW OF HEAVEN

Wow! I was impressed that these Church members were holy people who did not drink coffee or tea! I knew Brahmins drank milk, and no wine. So if I wanted to be holy, I might have to abstain from coffee or tea. Indeed, I requested to have my drink changed to orange juice, following their same order.

That evening, I announced to my mother, brother and sisters, in fact, the whole household, that I would no longer drink coffee or tea, to which my sister retorted, "What kind of Christianity is that that does not allow members to drink coffee or tea?"

Further, my elder sister complaint that I caused so much commotion in the family for my Christian belief when most the family members were obedient to mother in remaining as Buddhists. "Why can't you wait until mother passed away and become a Christian, we shall have no objections to your belief?" pestered my sister. And other family members felt I "rebelled" against family traditions of disobeying an elderly woman. When I asked God what steps I should take, a clear voice answered in my mind in the afternoon: "They are not against you ; they are against me."

Until now, my mother was still alive at age 95, after 33 years! But, thank God, I became a Christian according to my belief and experience, and managed to help build God's Kingdom for these years.

Because it came from God through revelation, I abstained from drinking them immediately from that day....Knowing that it was revelation from God had a instant impact on me to obey it immediately as I was told obedience was the first law of Heaven, which I strongly believed.

6. INSPIRATION TO STUDY THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

I studied the Book of Mormon assiduously as I was told to find out if it was truly from God. But, by mid-way, I paused reading it as it contained contentions and retribution of wars between Nephites and Lamanites, their bloodsheds of which I strongly attested as repugnant to my mind and taste. I pondered over what I had studied and asked God if these writings were true.

I asked God if He would show me the Truth and the true church, I vowed to serve Him for the rest of my life.

But if I asked Him and I did not get the true answer, I said I could not be blamed for the incorrect church I joined. But, thank God, He did answer my prayers!

When they told me that I had to take the six lessons first to familiarize with some basic gospel principles, I stressed that I studied the Book of Revelations more times than the Bible. However, out of respect for the Elders (Hey! I was completely surprised these were young missionaries , not elderly men!) I gave them the chance to rehearse their teaching moments with me!

Upon one year's waiting, I studied Talmage's "Jesus the Christ" Elder Grand Richard's "Marvelous Book and a Wonder" and J.F. Smith's Questions and Answers, Church magazines and newspapers and the Book of Mormon.

Strangely enough, upon studying Joseph Smith's testimony about his vision and conversation with God the Father and Jesus Christ at the grove at Palmyra in 1823, I was so impressed that he was so privileged and chosen as a holy boy of 14. Subsequent visits by the angel Moroni, he was instructed to seek out the gold plates for gospel translation. His description of receiving the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist in 1829 and the Melchizedeck Priesthood by Peter, James and John were the most remarkable events, and so was his martyrdom in 1844, being killed by the mob to seal his blood with his testimony.

7. CONFIRMATION BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST

When the Spirit spoke to my mind in a soft voice inside my mind "This is it!" The voice confirmed in my mind that Joseph Smith's Testimony was true, and the Book of Mormon contained the words of God. Jumping for joy, and feeling elated, like one who had won a gold medal at the Olympics, I knew I had come across the true church and I was so eager to be baptised as soon as possible! I testify to those who read my testimony that Joseph Smith was truly called of God as a Prophet who saw the first vision of God and Christ, followed by visitations of Angel Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John bestowing the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God.

Later, on April 3, 1836, the Lord Jehovah appeared and accepted the Kirtland Temple, followed by Joseph Smith receiving the main keys of dispensations from Moses for the gathering of Israel; from Elias the dispensation of gospel of Abraham for the blessing of our seeds to perfect the saints; and from Elijah for redeeming the dead....all these three keys of dispensations formed the three missions of the Church. Multifarious revelations followed and were recorded by Joseph Smith.

Thus, Joseph Smith was the instrument of God to restore the fullness of the Gospel and keys of this dispensation of times. Next to Jesus Christ, as Pres. Taylor said, J. Smith was the person who ever lived on earth. One could say, he excelled contribution to mankind, made by the Presidents of USA or any other ruler on earth--that's my opinion and analysis.

8. WHY I BELIEVE THIS CHURCH

Why do I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints and not other sectarian churches? Christ revealed to Joseph all the necessary restoration and the fullest of the gospel, the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the ordinances pertaining to eternal perspectives in the Temple, etc.

The best witness anyone can have is to have the confirmation by the power of the Holy Ghost to know these revelations are truly from God. I testify they are really from God as the Spirit confirms them to me.

When I had earned well enough to pay tithing after one year's waiting, I was baptised at 6.30 am at Merlin Hotel pool (now known as Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur) on 3 Dec. 1972 by my cousin, Jon Lim. Early morning baptism was to symbolize a rising generation to build and establish the Kingdom of God. I felt a tingling sensation over my body upon baptism.I was the first pioneer to be baptised in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

The answer that the Church was true was so electrifying that I enrolled for the Institute Class before and after baptism to ferret out further to understand the Holy Scriptures more...the Book of Mormon, the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. I attended the Class for a few years, because I was so determined to increase my spirituality in order to discuss with the Pastors....that was why I studied the scriptures assiduously at the Institute Class for several years with much pondering, fasting and prayer.

9. INFANCY OF MEMBERSHIP

Did I faced persecution as a Church Member?

During the period of my early membership, my mother was adamant against my joining the church because I was an active Buddhist youth helping organizing Buddhist organisation and charity organisation , such as, organizing party for the handicapped children with the Catholic nuns, St. John's ambulance, cheering up the handicapped children.

Besides family persecution, we had a neighbour complaining to the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council about the traffic jam and noises on Sunday next to his house, including a Buddhist Temple in front of his home. So, we had to find alternative sites for meeting---this persecution ran for a few years until we settled in our New Headquarters at Petaling Jaya. The old site of the Petaling Jaya building was dedicated on 22 June, 2008 by Pres. Skelton of the Singapore Mission, after 29 years! My daughter, Vivien Lim, (the first baby born in the second generation), and grand-daughter, Jaszlyn Kuan -Jem McNair, and myself represented the three generations of pioneers in attendance. My son, Elisha Lim, studied in BYU then.

When we first registered the Church, it took us almost five years to be officially recognized by the Government....finally on 19 October, 1977, after much prayer and fasting. The official Directors of the Church of Malaysia Constitution were Pres. Soren Cox, Singapore Mission, Pres. Peterson, Bro. Anthony T.K. Lim, and Bro. Rodney B.L. How.

As an Apostle, Elder Hinckley visited Kuala Lumpur in 26 June, 1976 when we sent our first local missionaries, Elder Derrick Ho and Elder Chan Wei Leong to Singapore to be set apart.

With the Elder and Sis. Kieppes who helped to purchase the Petaling Jaya Building in 1979, they started the local missionary team in 1980 with almost ten local members. Elder Chong and David Soon served in Ipoh while the others served in other parts of Malaysia under Pres, Talmage, Singapore Mission. I served as the Mission Leader for ten years when missionary work was at a fast pace.

And it took us another two years to obtain tax exemption for the church as a whole for donations. By strange coincidence or by divine providence, when my mom's god-daughter, Teoh Geok Hong, was the tax executive, she was in charge of our church taxation file, after one or two years of frustration as to our missing church letter to the income tax. After one year and a half of fasting and prayer and personal pursuance of the case, the church file was divinely placed under her charge, it was finally approved for tax exemption for the church---coincidently, we had one million dollars (Malaysian) from overseas, which allowed 40% tax emption for the church, saving us four hundred thousands of dollars at the time of church tax emption allowed!!!

10. INSPIRED TO DO MISSIONARY WORK

I believed missionary work for the living was as important as was for the dead. I was the Branch Mission Leader for almost ten years, during which time, many souls were baptised. This was the only calling I had which took me some years of my life, because I believed missionary work was not part-time or two full years but a life time calling: "Every member a missionary" (David O McKay).

Following 1976 or so, I vividly remembered one afternoon, when Church Service was over in YWCA, Kuala Lumpur, there were two souls left in the Hall. I heard a clear voice inside my mind, saying to me: "Go, and ask that gentleman if he would want to serve in Malaysia." That American gentleman was standing in front of me facing the stage. I looked around to see who was speaking to me. No one was in sight. Again the voice requested: "Go on, ask him." I realized that the voice was no ordinary human voice but from above....with much clarity and authority.

I even felt my hands being led towards the gentleman and I followed and obeyed accordingly. When I faced the gentleman, I asked his name, which he replied,
"Peterson", and after exchange pleasantries, I plucked up my courage and asked him boldly, "Would you want to serve in Malaysia?" to which he responded immediately, "Of course, I want to, very much!" He and his wife, served in the Singapore Mission and Malaysia twice as couple missionaries.That night, I was walking up and down the house, talking to God that he had no job yet. "We must find him a job here before he could serve here."

Three months later, he got a job at the Gombak Dam as an engineer, and he was called to be the Group Leader and I was his counselor without telling him about the voice that asked about him.

11. OTHER BLESSINGS

By June 19, 1977, I was the first Malaysian to receive the Patriarchal Blessing in Malaysia on Father's Day. Before Patriarch, Briton McConkie, brother of Bruce McConkie, one of the Twelve, pronounced his blessing on me, he reminded me that the blessing would be given as if Heavenly Father Himself would be giving it to me. Indeed, after the lengthy blessing on top of the Tower on a hill, the whole place was brightly lighted up in the afternoon, overlooking the bird's eye-view of Kuala Lumpur. I could feel my countenance shining as bright as the weather! From then on, I was married, and promoted in my job...and Church callings from Branch Mission Leader to Branch Presidency and District Presidency. I was enrolled in the Institute Class for studying the gospel for a few years. I was happy as a lark to increase my gospel knowledge.

I managed to do endowment and baptism for the dead and temple marriage and sealing for about 100 proxies in Manila Temple upon my first visit there, and later in Oct. 2005, my Temple work in Manila was focused on Endowment and Marriage and Sealing for more than 100 couples of the 19 Century.

My son, Elisha Lim Keng Hock, served his mission from Dec .2001 to Dec. 2003 with great success as Zone Leader of the Ogden Utah Mission, USA with leading baptismal results. He served his mission after going through some trials and miracles to overcome his urine test and even restored to his original mission area!

Elisha also achieved to be in the Dean's List (the top 5% of students) in his first year of study at Brighm Young University, Honolulu, Hawaii, and leading result in two subsequent years!

My older child, Vivien Lim Kuan Hui, 25,worked as Health Consultant and free lance Executive, while my grand-daughter, 4, Jaszlyn Kuan Jem McNair, knew and understood a good number of languages-English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil-- at her tender age!

*******

Kuala Lumpur Branch - Talent Night

25 November 2005
It is Kuala Lumpur Branch Talent Show! I am so happy that I was able to be there to see the singers, composer, musicians, artist, magician, dancers, actors and guitarist in action.

The following are some of the pictures taken. They are not arranged in their order of performance. Starting from left to the right (first row), then left to the right (second row) and so forth:

(1) Brother Rodney - MC & singer
(2) Sister Naomi singing while daddy plays the organ
(3) The musical Chong Family (Brother Chong playing the organ, Sister Chong sings while the
Chong boys played the clarinet, trombone, maraca and the triangle)
(4) Sister Chong singing while son plays
(5) She sings a song she composed herself
(6) Young magician
(7) Brother Solomon singing an African song
(8) Young artist drawing what you describe, especially actions
(9) Relief Society dancing
(10) Single Adults - what are they looking at? What is up there? After a few minutes to the suspense of the audience, the first person who started the curiosity followers exclaimed "my neck is broken"
(11) Last but no least, my daughter, Lian, strumming on her guitar while Brother Royce stand at the pulpit. Both were singing "I am a child of God". Brother Felix was holding the mircophone to amplify the music from the guitar.

Another talent - table manners!!

Sigh! Should have taken a picture of the facial and verbal expressions of the the audience watching Brother Felix sucking noodles through his nose and trying to pull it out from his mouth. We were all "oh dear" "my goodness" "yeeeeeee" "yak" "good gracious" - with whatever mode of exclamation and expression of disguise and disbelief at what we were seeing. One sister could not bear to look either.

Ouch! I cut my little finger!

26 November 2005
Where are my eyes? Where did my head go?
Probably on their way back to Miri town before my body goes. I am going back to Miri tomorrow night (Sunday).

It was a Saturday afternoon. I was preparing ingredients that I intended to cook the next morning.
I have been cutting garlic, shallots, ginger, onions, potatoes, carrots, etc. etc. and cooking for the family for the last 5 weeks plus - in Kuala Lumpur - nooooooo problem - smooth sailing - everyone is happy!!!

My departing reward, hahaha :)

Just sheer carelessness and over confidence - this ought to be a lesson for me!!

No matter how old and experienced, one still have to be careful!

June - Going Home

My friend (June) gave me the permission to share her experience!

Friday - 18 November 2005, Bandar Tasik Selatan. Yean and myself sent June off at the station at 4:45pm. June bought her ticket and waited for the express train. It would take 30 minutes to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. ETD of her flight was 7:00 pm, she would be in time for check-in.

With the experience of entering the wrong LRT with me last Sunday, June could not risk making any mistake that afternoon and so she confirmed the destination of the train with a fellow passenger. He was a doctor going to Kota Kinabalu and his flight was even earlier than June – 6:30 pm. June was only fully at peace when she saw steward and stewardess in the train!!

It was raining heavily. I calculated that she would be at the KLIA latest by 5:30pm if the train did not go earlier. 5:20 pm, my handphone beeped. June smsed “Train cannot go 2 t airport cos of flood so had 2 go back, 2moro go back Miri”. The heavy downpour had resulted in a flood which was impassable for the KLIA express. I smsed her to take a taxi back to my place.

5:40pm, June smsed “They put us at t Sentral station”

The express had reversed, passed the “Bandar Tasik Selatan” station and stopped at “KL Sentral” station! The latter is the station linking the Kuala Lumpur city and the Kuala Lumpur airport. The “Bandar Tasik Selatan” station is the only transit. We are lucky we are located within its vicinity.

To compensate for the passengers’ inconvenience, June was refunded 26.50 Ringgit for her ticket from Bandar Tasik Selatan to KLIA!! She didn’t have to change her flight because she had intended to buy the ticket at the airport!! If she opted to proceed to the airport, she need not pay the taxi driver any fare. There were taxis waiting at the KL Sentral to send any passengers, on this particular ‘train’ free of charge. However, it was not free to hire a taxi to return to my place! Anyway, that is okay. It was only 15 Ringgit and it was worth it. June had the opportunity to visit the KL Sentral and the Bandar Tasik Selatan stations and the free train ride between them!! The only grievance, understandably, was the luggage!!

Saturday – 19 November 2005. No more KLIA express! June phoned her cab friend, she had acquainted a few days ago, to take her to the airport! ETD of the intended flight is also 7 pm. He would pick June at 3 pm from my place. It would take about 1 hour to the airport if there was no traffic jam.

I think Kuala Lumpur loves June too much, did not want her to leave yet! Coincidentally, it started to rain heavily soon after June left. 3:15pm, my heart skipped when the hand phone beeped. It must be June! What happened now? She smsed “so heavy rain now, I afraid jam again”. I know she would get to KLIA this time, by road, with or without jam. I smsed and put her to ease. The driver, Cheong, impressed me as a honest Cantonese man and I have confidence he would bring her there safely.

4:20pm, June smsed “I reach t a’port now, C u in Miri”

N.B. June and me told Cheong that we would introduce friends to him. If requested, he would put on his tour guide cap. If only he could speak and understand enough English to render his services to foreigners! He said it is not enough and easy to earn as a cab driver alone. He was thinking of venturing into other business in a few years’ time. He could be contacted at 012-694-5167 and his means of income is HB7685.

First 2 hours of a Sunday Morning

Sunday, 13 November 2005

Don't Worry - The handphone beeped. June has just smsed to say she has arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It was 11:45 pm on Saturday, 12 November. It took more than half an hour to collect her luggage and walk to the entrance of the airport. I smsed her to get the KLIA transit to the Bandar Tasek Salatan station.

It was alread passed 12:30 am, Sunday 13 November, when she smsed to say the station was closed. I forgot that all the LRT stations were closed by 12:15 am if not 12:30 am. I phoned her and told her to take the taxi. Was 70 Ringgit okay, she asked? I quickly said "yes" because she only has one segment left in her battery indicator.

I calculated that it would take at least an hour to reach my place. I walked down to the front security guard's house. It was 01:25 am. At 01:30 am she smsed to say she was almost there!!

Minute after minute passed, still no sign of a taxi. By 02:00 am, I was really worried. The security guard advised me to phone her and jot down the taxi number. I rang June's cellphone. It was off!! Oh dear! Was June's cell phone battery out completely? Was she alright? I could not block out the stories of unreliable taxi drivers!!

The security guard said that most likely the taxi driver was lost, being unfamiliar with the area. He was right. I was so relieved when a taxi (the only taxi during the time I waited) finally appeared at 2:15 am, stopped at the entrance , with a familiar face sitting in the passenger seat. It was indeed June and she was smiling. It took her 2 and a half hours from the time of arrival at the KLIA to my place. It didn't matter, so long she was safe.

Yes, the taxi driver was lost. She was not familiar with this area!

Security Guard - While waiting for June, I had the opportunity to talk to one of the 2 security men on duty. His name is Habit (Ha as sounded in "ha ha ha" and not "happy"). He knows his name has the same spelling as habit in the English vocabulary meaning routine/pattern. I have never encountered a Malay or a Muslim name like that - very interesting and unforgettable!! He is a retired government servant, worked in the Language/Library section of the Education Department. Except for his white hair, he looked young and healthy for his 60 years. He talked about his 5 children, who now have their own families, but come to visit him and his wife often. Even though he gets 900 Ringgit per month (daily paid) he is contented. Better than staying at home at night and doing nothing. When you are old, you don't need so much sleep!! Understandably, his wife would prefer him to stay home with her.

Taxi Driver - I could see she was a Muslim with the scarf over her head. She came out of her seat, opened the boot and lifted out June's luggage. I did not expect a lady taxi driver. I was relieved she was the taxi driver. She apologised for taking so long to take June to my place. She was lost and she was driving into the wrong lanes. With the direction of people they stopped to ask, she finally got to our lane. Would a male taxi driver do that - ask for direction? I wondered! What happened if June's taxi driver was a man? June said she was getting worried when the taxi driver said she was lost. Would she just gave up and dropped her at the side of the road? June was worried because she did not know the way to my place and even if the driver drove her somewhere else, she would not have any clue either. It was indeed frightening for her as well while I was frightened for her on my side. I wished this was in Miri. In Miri, the airport is not that far away and I would pick her myself.

Anyway, I learnt from June that the taxi driver is a widow. A friendly looking, small framed lady, she did not looked 55 years old either. She talked with June while driving. When her husband passed away 5 years old, she decided to take the wheels because her twin children (a boy and a girl) are grown! I asked her whether she was going home when she closed the boot. No, she wasn't. She has to drive back to KLIA. Her work has not finished yet!! I asked her whether she is scared. No, she isn't. She has gotten used to the work. It was her source of income.

Wonderful Music

Sunday, 13 November 2005

Walking in Kuala Lumpur city is not what I wanted to do on a Sunday, more so after attending church meetings. I rather go visit a friend or go home with my family, read or sleep.

To make it worst, it was a hot sunny afternoon.

What to do? For the sake of friendship, I had agreed to accompany a friend. She also comes from Miri and she will be here only for a few days.

June wanted to reload her handphone and so we went to the first building which was called Piccolo Calleria. While she was at the phone booth, I was drawn to the music played by these two guys. They played "The Return to Innocence"

On our way back to the monorail station, we had to pass them again. This time, they were playing "Pocohontas". When they finished I quickly went up to them and asked them where they were from. They said they were from Ecuado, South America. I could not resist taking another picture. Blamed my eyesight, the picture is not as clear as the first one!! But it will do for an amateur photographer. After all it is only for remembrance!

This is the best part of a Sunday afternoon.

Outside a Condominium in Kuala Lumpur

What do you see from the a top floor of a condominium in the middle of a bright sunny day?

As I looked in front of me, I saw an apartment building and if I was not wrong in my counting (trust my poor eyesight), there were 13 floors. I wondered if they call it 12A floor? 13th is known to be an unlucky number to the Europeans but the Chinese don't like "4" because it refers to "death" when said in Mandarin. So in some buildings the 4th floor is labelled as 3A and the 14th floor is labelled as 13A. Further into the horizon, on the hills, my eyes caught one of the buildings. It was colourful! Made the scene better!

Between the building in front and the one I was in, there were alwayss car parked on both sides of the road, making it difficult for the buses to make their U turns sometimes.

As I looked down in our compound, there was this nice swimming pool, adjoined with another tiny one for the babies.

It took me more than 2 weeks looking at it to gain confidence to swim there. I felt shy about the thought of swimming there with the residents looking down at me from their condos! I finally got fed up one morning, got into my swimming suit, grab a towel and went down to swim. Who cares if they see!! Afterall I can't see them because I would be swimming without my spectacles. And without my spectacles, I can't even make out a person's face!!


Went out of the condo to the corridor and looked out to one side of a balcony and saw this. Development!
Good to see the lakes and the greens. I hope when I visit again, they will be still there!




Look out of an opposite balcony and this what I saw earlier from the condo I visited.







Decided to go down and explore more clearly what was available downstairs for the residents.
Colourful playground for the children!!






The swimming pool that I saw from the top!
One of the exercise facilities available for the residents!






A barbeque hut, near the swimming and the children playground. What a nice setting for a family gathering or a party!




What about looking upwards and this was what I saw! I could have walked further away to take a better picture but it was hot so this will do!

Ramadhan Stalls

Friday - 28 October 2005 - Visiting the Ramadhan Stalls in Kuala Lumpur. I just love to see all the different food and drinks sold at these stalls. You only get to see these once a year during the fasting month of the Ramadhan. These stalls are opened in the evenings only, opened at around 4 pm until ???, to cater for all the Muslims to break their fast. It is popular with the other races as well - a chance to savor the Muslims' specialties!! I saw something new - bananas that has been boiled in syrup!