Jom Ipoh 'Cari Makan'

One of my nephews who said he is coming with his family, turned out to be a total of 8 adults and two toddlers – brother and sister with their spouses and their 2 toddlers and college student son respectively, their father (my brother-in-law), a maid and a friend. With a car and an MPV, I could join them in their Ipoh food quest.

First, breakfast in Batu Gajah after their long journey. Then, deciding how to go about fitting in nephew's appointment with a former college friend (for lunch), and his brother-in-law's appointment at 11.00am to visit a car showroom in Bercham to take measurements for fittings and office furniture (typical Chinese businessman's killing 2 birds with one stone!) which he has a contract to supply.

When the visitors have no idea where they are and unfamiliar with the routes, I had to give suggestions. I avoided splitting into two groups (knowing their lack of familiarity with Ipoh roads) by suggesting meeting at Tesco Extra (former Makro) in Bercham. Well, with Murphy's Law within striking distance, the question posed to the friend, 'Is your house near Tesco Extra?' and the reply, 'Yes.' turned out to be the friend's jumping to conclusion that since we were in BG, then the Tesco must be the one nearest, ie in Station 18!

After meeting up, it became almost like a convoy, of 3 cars – 2 following 1 leading. Later, it would seem (to me, at least) troublesome for 3 cars in busy Ipoh looking for hawker-fare with white coffee, then the place to buy 'Ayam Garam' or salted chicken, then to drink the famous soya bean juice and buy biscuits. My niece's husband actually had a Sungkai salted chicken shop's contact number and he was about to order by phone. He called and promised to call within a few minutes with the order and they actually called back asking for the order! I told him to buy from Ipoh instead because I was shocked at their price of Rm22 and he was glad he got them at Rm16 here. In fact, in Menglembu, it might be even Rm2 cheaper!

Anyway, after the discomfort in trying to find parking spaces in Ipoh during a hot afternoon, on our way back to BG, I suggested going to Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort. The two kids and the maid had a nice time playing with the equipment while the adults had nice chats under shade with gentle breeze blowing across the lake.

Being senior and home alone has its advantage. My nephew came with mooncakes and before they left, my niece gave me a salted chicken for dinner!

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