A worthy Road-Trip from KL to Penang [Day 1]

Considering that Penang is no stranger to me as I've been there many times, but there are still many places which I've not visited before!

Driving into Penang  is totally a different thing all over as compared to flying there, as we can drive wherever we intend to go without having to waste time travelling from one point to another.  

The journey took roughly more than four hours, steady drive of 90 to 120 km/hr. with two quick stop for toilet.  We stopped by for lunch upon our arrival at Penang's Chew Jetty, followed by a brisk walk through the Jetty, get to see many small shops selling lots of souvenir items, local foodie and the views where the jetty ends is just scenic!

Our next stop is Fort Cornwallis, purchased our tickets at RM2.00 each and off we disappeared behind the walls full of ancient and historical tales......

After getting a layer tanner, we decided to check-in at our pre-booked Tune Hotel.  It took us quite a while for the room to be ready, after which we enjoyed a good cool bath, and off again for food, Karen's next item on the list are Spicy Fried Mee and Indian Rojak.

Where to next?? Penang Hill off course! Purchased our tickets RM8.00 each (My Card holder) and off we jump into the train....

We explored the whole Penang Hill, and though it's considered cool at the top of the hill, but we are still sweating.  We decided to stop by at David Brown's Strawberry Hill Restaurant for drink and a set of scones with tea.  As we slurp our drink and munch the scones, we enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful scenic views from the foyer where we sat!

As we are early for dinner we made our way to Esplanade Seafront at Jalan Padang Kota Lama to view the historical Cenotaph and enjoying the view of the seafront.....

We then made our way to a busy street with lots of hawker stalls to meet up with Karen's friend for some light Penang's food.  Next, we intend to grab something 'not-so-heavy' for supper with icy-cold drinks to quench our thirst, and this is what we came across and enjoyed all the food served ~ yummy ~

We are all  'full to the brim' and are wondering how long we have to stay awake and chat before we fall asleep! To our surprise, after a good bath, we easily fall asleep......

Road-trip to Ipoh

This Ipoh road-trip is specially planned for my mum who is with us in KL and so happen that Karen is still having her long break from work and hubby flew in for the weekend, it's like a jigsaw puzzle which just fits in perfectly right!

We started our journey from KL at about 8.30 in the morning.  Mum seem to enjoy the longest car ride she have ever had ~ smile ~  

Our first stop is at Bidor, arrived at about 10.15 and enjoying our first meal of the day.....

After a yummylicious meal we continue on with our journey, passing through Tapah, which is 55km to Ipoh, then Kampar and Gopeng.  It's nice to take a view of these small towns.  Karen made a turn and drove us to Kellies Castle, a site where she have her shoots for Asian Ghost Stories.....

We moved on to Taiping, passing through the Sg. Perak Bridge.  All of a sudden Karen remember the yummy Lo Bak which she have tasted.....

Stopped by at All Saint's Church, a small cozy Church which is more than a century old and being declared a Heritage site!

A new one is being erected just next to this century old Church, with modern architectural design......

Our next stop is Taman Tasik, Taiping, enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and gorgeous scenery......

So much for Taiping, and we made our way to Ipoh, our stay for the night @ Ai HOME, a beautiful home-stay in a two and a half storey detached house which we get to stay on the highest level - the one and a half storey which accommodate four persons.....

After settling down and have a good bath, we went for dinner at Restoran Ong Kee, Jln. Yau Tet Sin for Ipoh's famous Taugeh Ayam, which is a must have if we consider yourself been to Ipoh.....

after dinner, we stop by at Ipoh Railway Station....

Ipoh Town Hall (opposite the train station)

Just before we call off the day, we went for desserts......

Mum needs something warm - red bean soup

It's a Saturday morning, the first day of a new month, March.  We are earlier than expected, so we checked out at 7.40am, drove to Ming Court Hong Kong Tim Sum to have our breakfast of yummy Tim Sum, which we can't get it in Kuching.  

 Made a stop at St. Michael Catholic Church.....

As it's said that 'been to Ipoh but haven't tasted Ipoh's White Coffee' is as good as not been there.... so we stop for a round of Ipoh White Coffe and can't resist the delicious roasted pork either.....

Karen drove us to Funny Mountain Soya Bean and Tau Fu Fah shop which sells yummylicious soya bean and tau fu fah, then moved on to visit the two famous Temple.....

We then left Ipoh and stop by at Kampar for lunch, the much talked about curry chicken in bun by Karen..... something which I've never tasted before but it's indeed YUMMY! It's a 'must-try' food in Ipoh @ Restoran Roti Ayam Kampar.

 With a full tummy, we then made our way home. .....

It's another great road trip, most of all great companion!! Thanks to Karen for being our driver and most of all our personal tour guide!

Golden memories [1]

How many have fond memories of this simple game set or how many knows of it???

This game set comprises of four games 1) Steeplechase 2) Draughts 3) Ludo, and (4) Snakes & Ladders. These popular games of 20 to 25 years old are not a one-time-favourite of my children but also myself, especially.....

Steeplechase

Draughts

Snakes and Ladders

Many years ago myself, hubby and our children gets to play these games quite often in the evening during our free time and even during weekends.  Today, these game set are being stored away safely in one of the cupboard and we only gets to play them once a year, which is during the Lunar New Year, if our children come home for the celebration. We  still enjoyed the fun of this game as much as 'once upon a time!' 

Just seem like yesterday.....

It just seem like yesterday that all Chinese families are in the hustle and bustle of preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration. Everyone are so happy, despite the hard work of course, couldn't wait for the family members who are studying or working away from home to get home to usher this yearly festival, and not to mention the REUNION Dinner!

"Time really waits for no man!"  The celebration flew without our realization, the many things which we've planned doesn't really come to materialise ~ sad ~   Come to think of it, I really miss those good old days when the children are studying in their Primary and Secondary years, where we have all the time to spend with each other.  

If only, at a click of a button we are able to rewind time, like an Astro program which I've watched recently- just curious "why can't human come up with such a device, with all the new technologies???" ha...ha...... What an imagination!!

My family get to kick-start the celebration with loud "BANGS" (a reunion lunch in the heart of our beautiful-sweet home AND a reunion dinner on a grander scale with the Kuek Family at a local restaurant).  With Alex, Choulyee and grandboy Brendan leaving after a week holiday, our closing of the celebration Chap Goh Mei is a quiet one.  The four of us decided to enjoy our favourite dinner of Crabs at Padungan Seafood Bay!

Memories of the past will always be well treasured in our hearts, let us look forward to each new day with great joy, happiness, love and cheers as each day is a gift from God.  Amen!