July 21 to 23 Dartford, a base to dart forth…

We arranged with Alex and Clem to meet in Greenstead where we stayed in Colchester, so that we could go for dinner before leaving for Dartford.

Our hosts came in two cars, Alex in his E320 and Clem in her Polo. After dinner at Ha Ha, we went back to load our stuff and set off, without Cheng, because she had to work for the next few days.

Whether it was because I was still having problems with my “pain in the neck” or the hot weather, I seemed to feel drowsy each time I travel in a car in UK. So when Alex said something about crossing the bridge, I could hardly open my eyes.

The next day, Alex and Clem took us on a tour of beautiful Kentish countryside.
The first stop was a town called Hythe where we stopped for a walkabout.
I was mesmerized by nice music coming from a shabbily dressed man, with unkempt hair and beard, blowing a windpipe musical instrument to pre-recorded accompaniment. One of my regrets was not buying one of his CDs which I found expensive at 8 quid though we gave about 1 quid in coins.

We continue our journey to Dymchurch beach where Alex and Nee had ice cream at the bund. Then we went to Rye, where we visited an antique shop. On our way to Hastings, we took a wrong turn because we were able to see a sign to Hastings but meant for the other road! After Hastings, we headed towards Battle. Battle of Hastings came to my mind.

On Sunday, Alex took us to a car boot sale and we were surprised at the size of site. Cars were directed to specific parking sites and charged one pound fifty each. There were many stalls and after every 10 or 15 stalls, we could see a Chinaman selling pirated DVDs. Thee were many items which suit SP, but we have to bear in mind the problem of how to get them back to Malaysia. Among other things, Alex bought an old mantelpiece clock for 12 quid while I bought a brass horse and cart for 3. SP bought some old commemorative mugs and plates. I missed a blue towel with a bold BMW logo. We spent hours there and we had to rush back to take the others for lunch.

Alex took us to Peninsula, a popular Chinese restaurant next to Holiday Inn for lunch. Even at 3.00pm, we had to queue for a table. Besides good food, the other attraction was the 2-hour free parking, an advantage in UK. Later we went to a big Chinese supermarket where Alex bought 2 roast ducks and other items for dinner.

Later, we went to the Millenium Dome, owned by our Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew. We walked around the Greenwich Peninsular which was on reclaimed land. There were some modern apartments next to a canal and a park.

Then we went over to Cutty Sark where there were a number of stalls selling European foods – or at least, the stallholders were European. I could detect Greek and French, selling mixed nuts and biscuits, and horrible looking preserved stuffed animal stomachs, respectively.

We stood for a while, looking across the Thames River, admiring the scenery. On the banks near the railing where we were, we could see some geese, foraging for food. Alex, with mischief in his mind, told us that he is throwing a used bubble gum, which he found nearby. We actually saw one picking the piece and trying hard to swallow. Naturally, it went to the water nearby to use it to help it swallow. Initially, it looked gorged halfway and I really felt sorry for the goose, thinking it was going to be fatal. Fortunately, shortly after, the thing came out. Apparently, it was not bubble gum but I would hate Alex, if it were, honestly! As Paul used to say, sometimes he and Alex need to grow up!






Mr. and Mrs. R-alexing, after a hard day's dart forth.

July 17 to 21: Colchester, to attend Cheng's convocation

Marek, Cheng’s current beau, took the trouble to drive to Heathrow to pick us. Unfortunately, instead of seeing them as we come out from Customs and Immigration, we got a call from Cheng that they (not sure who) made a mistake and went to Terminal 4 instead of 3! London Heathrow Airport is a big one and its current expansion works is causing confusion especially among those who go there occasionally and the high cost of parking means, any mistake can be costly (if I am not mistaken, an hour parking costs 3.90 (or Rm27) an hour!)

It was our first meeting and introduction and my first impression was that he looks smaller than the usual “kweilo”! The weather was hot and as it turned out, the newspapers described that day as a record at 102 degrees. Imagine a hot day without car air-conditioning and you will know how we felt during the journey to Colchester. Actually, most buildings and cars are not geared for unusual hot weather, so cars without air-conditioning as we know it, are the norm instead of the exception.

Marek has kindly arranged with his Turkish landlord for a room for us during our short stay. Sorry to complain again, the room’s design was again without consideration for hot weather and by this, I mean, not well ventilated. Unlike our Malaysian houses, even without air-conditioning, we usually have ceiling fans, if not stand or table fans. But the location was best, with Tesco literally just across the road (single lane two-way to show how near it is).

Tesco is currently a huge success in UK and other countries and I was impressed with the wide variety of food and other items available. The availability of numerous parking spaces meant for disabled people would make us shameful in comparison. Imagine almost all the parking spaces next to the store are reserved for them. SP even noticed the trolleys with double seats meant for twin babies! And, on top of all that, it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

On July 18, the morning after our arrival, Cheng took us to Colchester town to visit the shops and the museum. She had problem with her new camera, which we brought from home. Fortunately, after trying out the other 1-Gigabyte memory card, which I brought for Nee, the fault lies with the upgraded card provided by the same shop in Ipoh, which I can exchange when I get back. The important thing was that the camera could be used.

With instructions from Cheng, the following day, we managed to take a bus to Clackton, which is a seaside town. Like any seaside town in Britain, fish and chips can be found everywhere. We opted for it, which was our first for the trip. Later we passed a stall near the pier selling other sea-foods. The lobster tail turned out to be fake as it tasted like fish paste. We then walked to the pier and it was nice to have strong breeze blowing against us. Even some seagulls seemed to enjoy it as they stayed as stationary as possible midair!
As an ex-dietitian, SP could not help noticing many fat people there! We went on a motorized train ride along the seaside, which was nice.

On July 20, again with instructions from Cheng, we took a train ride to Norwich. Before that, we had to catch a bus to the train station. Here we were inconvenienced by the bus ticket system. We bought a return ticket but the change of buses somehow turned out that the second bus driver had punched, either by mistake or deliberately, which other drivers would assume that it has been used. Luckily on our return after Norwich trip, both bus drivers gave us the benefit of the doubt. I was prepared to argue it out with them as we had train tickets to show that we just got back by train.


On July 21, the most important day of our trip, we had to get ready to attend the convocation ceremony. By prior agreement, mother and her two daughters wore sarong kebaya while father and son wore suits. The ladies in my family were the only ones wearing something, which can be considered Malaysian national dress. After the ceremony, when we met some Malays, a female graduand felt a bit embarrassed that my wife and daughters wore kebaya instead of her.

At the lecture theatre where the ceremony was held, the building was described by the Chancellor as designed as a bomb shelter or something to that effect, as he apologized for the uncomfortable condition. Everyone was seen fanning using the booklet and all I could see were two stand fans, which we see in our homes, not even those heavy duty ones, which we can see in our factories. The Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Mayor and other local dignitaries were in their traditional robes, which added to their discomfort. On the other hand, my son said he was in another room, which had proper air-conditioning where he watched the proceedings on a video screen.

As parents, the proudest moment for us was when the lady read out our daughter’s name and that she was awarded two prizes in 2005-2006: Jean Blondel Prize for Best Undergraduate Degree Result (Department of Government) and Oscar Arias Prize for Best Undergraduate Dissertation; and Best Performance in Second Year Undergraduate Degree in 2004-2005 (Department of Government). Similarly, Marek won a prize for Best Joint Degree (Economics and Politics)and his mum and grandma were there to share his proud moment. Between them, they swept all the awards. Incidentally, for MA degrees, a married Danish couple won both awards. Does that mean, love plays an important part in excellence in studies?

Cheng, if you are reading this, I wish you could upload the video clip taken by your sister who could not control her shaking hands (was it because she was thinking “my turn next year, how can I emulate her performance?”)

After the convocation, at the reception of the Department of Government, Cheng introduced me to John Bartle, the Admission Officer who rejected her 3 years ago, and thankfully, decided to change his mind, before he went on a year sabbatical the next day! For me, mission accomplished because I have met him. Cheng, upload his photo please.


Incidentally, we met an Afghan, Mustajab (better known as Jabi) who came seeking political asylum and he graduated as well with good results. He provided his tickets for my son and daughter and his cousin complained that he was not invited! He had been a great help to both Cheng and Marek, not only to provide extra large portions of pizzas where he worked part-time!

The return of a proud Yorkshireman

We managed to hire a Renault Kangoo for 3 days for our trip to Leeds. It happens to be the only car left at the small car rental company which runs a car repair business too. It was a bargain at 25 quid a day, unlimited mileage but we had to pay our own petrol as expected. We spent a total of 145 quid for all the convenience compared with about 100 quid each for the 5 of us if we were to take the train! Believe it or not, I have always wanted to try out a Kangoo or Berlingo and I must say, it is very very practical. We actually spotted one with a name Chairman Kangoo which even had a collapsible ramp below the bumper and saw a handicapped woman sitting on her own wheel chair, behind the driver, in the car!

On our way back, we saw a sign to Elland Road Stadium, home of Leeds United. My son said he would like to visit. He spent some time at their shop outlet, bought a few jerseys which were on sale and posed in front of the stadium. He was actually beaming with pride!

I remember as a toddler, he was told that if he were good enough, being born in Leeds, he is eligible to play for Yorkshire! Anyway, one day when we were at the shops in Canterbury, one of the charity volunteers spotted his Leeds jersey and asked where had he been and where he was born. When told that he was born in St. James’s Hospital in Leeds, he said he was born there too! He said he was glad someone, especially a Chinese, is willing to support the team!

We were surprised to see our first house, a back-to-back, still existing as we were told that those were demolished. My son posed in front of the house, just like when he was a toddler. The day we were leaving Leeds, we looked for our second house, a semi-detached, and Cheng took a picture of it. It was a heart-sick reminder for me, as with the benefit of hindsight, if we had kept it for the past 22 years, we could have gained Rm1 million from the increase in value!

But then again, life is such that with more wealth, will it necessarily translate into happiness? I rather count our blessings for now: a son and two daughters, two graduated and one expected to graduate next year.

What comes to mind about my UK visit

Except for certain names, I did not take notes for the purpose of writing about my UK visit. The reason being, I am using my memory as editor, it being selective on its own!

Briefly, my itinerary in UK was:

July 17 to 21: Colchester to attend Cheng’s convocation;
stayed at Alex’s (our base) in Dartford from July 21 to 23;
hired a car from July 24 to 26, to Leeds to show our 2 daughters for the first time our first and second house which they have heard so much about and to visit SP’s ex-colleagues; stayed in London from July 27 to 30 with some Afghans;
surprise birthday party for Alex and Dissa, and stayed at Paula’s in Maidstone on July 31;
stayed at Alex’s on Aug 1 and 2; These 3 nights were originally planned to stay with Nee in Canterbury.
Alex and Clem took us to The School House Bed and Breakfast in Thorganby near York, as guests of Paul and Helene from Aug 3 till 5;
and last but not least, Aug 6, stayed with Alex and Clem and last minute packing before our flight the next day. Alex, true to his helpful nature, took a day off just so that he could send us to Heathrow and stayed till we checked-in!

Because of the big difference in currency values, my main problem during my visit was this uneasy feeling, of being increasingly indebted to him and others!

“Tempus Fugis” which we can find printed on many European clocks means “Time flies” in Latin, especially when we are enjoying ourselves.

Just unpacked the luggages at home, and I have always wondered how SP could manage to pack so many breakable items like porcelain flowers and commemorative mugs, decanter and crystal glasses and believe it or not, a wall clock as well as a mantelpiece clock which she promised Alex that she would bring back for repairs!

The wall clock is supposed to be an old French one with an enamelled face. While she was bargaining with the seller at Spittafield Market near Liverpool Street rail station, she was shocked to see a big mic near her, and it turned out to be a team from ..TV on their rounds to gather material for a tv programme called Sun, Sea and Bargain spotting. She had to sign a statement agreeing to the clip being aired and also not to sue them because of it.

Though it was a bargain at 15 quid, it was hard work for us, especially my son and my nephew, as it traveled with us on buses and trains, lugged by hand or sitting on a baby buggy! As it could not fit into any of our hand luggage bag, it had to be thickly bubble-wrapped as well as protected by Cheng’s Mexican poncho and other clothes to go into a luggage bag. Fortunately, it was intact when we unpacked. But imagine my constant worry over “what if the customs asked to see each and every item!” Packing is only one part of the job, as it can be a real hassle having to unpack for inspection and then put it back in front of everyone.

One of our 2 hand luggages contained a Royal Doulton crystal decanter with 4 glasses bought from Harrods sale and SP insisted that she carried them personally all the way! I was hoping that she would give it to Alex and Clem as a present but we should know what collectors are like – sorry Alex!

Cheng was upset when we were packing because mum promised to take a luggage bag full of her stuff on her return, but with her own shopping done, most items were pushed to Big Bro, which in effect, he will have to sacrifice his own shopping…unlikely, at the rate he spotted bargains at Designers’ Outlet in York!

I'm back... but lost my handphone

Always a pessimist, my trip to UK turned out to be much better than expected (details later), and each step of the way back - from the journey to Heathrow airport, plane on schedule, successful liftoff, trouble-free flying, easy bowel movements, successful landing at Bangkok airport, then transfer to another Thai airway flight back to KLIA, landing and clearing at customs, seemed like a hurdle to be crossed.

All that was over without a hitch! Too good to be true! Wait a minute, I could not find my phone... The last time I used it was while waiting for missus outside the duty free shop in KLIA, sending a message to Nee, then realised it was probably 5am British time!

After we have collected the luggage bags, I could not wait to go to the loo. I left my waist pouch on top of the tissue container and I reminded myself not to forget as the passports were in there. Somehow, I believe the auto flushing and its noise could have covered the noise of my dropping my phone in its pouch clipped to my belt.

I managed to get in to check, after convincing the policeman with my boarding pass and I even told the customs men and one of them even tried using his own phone to call my number and as it turned out, "cannot be reached" means someone had found it and taken the simcard out which is standard procedure to avoid being traced.

It is really upsetting, after having gone through smoothly for the whole of 3 weeks. What I am going to miss most are the numbers in the memory which I cannot recall or do not have a record. I have given out a few personalised stickers with the phone number on, to some foreigners and hopefully, they are not likely to call anyway.

I planned it so well, telling my wife to leave hers behind, even making sure that I have enough credit and at least a day or two access time for my use once I touched base in Malaysia. Just imagine, in this day and age, I had to call my sister-in-law to make sure someone is in before I take a cab, using a public phone! The irony was I had another phone with me, from my nephew to his son, but it was barred and had to be unbarred before use.

Like always, to make me feel better, I like to think that it could have been worse!