Latest Blog Posts

Today started as Kim and I took a walk around the neighbourhood.  In Malaysia all the

surface water goes into open drains which are ever present wherever you go.  Here these drains are taken as a matter of course, however in Canada they would be a source of great consternation, mainly from a safety standpoint.  I do not deny that there is a definite safety aspect, especially since just a couple of months ago Cynthia fell into one and we were quite concerned about her possible head injuries (she is fine, with no problems other than a minor scar).  After observing the way that they handle surface water here I am of the opinion that they have done an outstanding job.  I am not an engineer but when I see how their system is designed, both in the cities and in the rural areas, I believe that a tremendous amount of water can be handled with little or no erosion.  When I post my photos you will be able to see what I mean.  As a note, when in Johor Bahru recently there were a few o-my-gosh rain storms, and the water just went away.

Off we went for breakfast with sister Hong, niece Stephanie  and her daughter  Eunice.  Right on schedule we ran into another person that Kim knows at the coffee shop.  Yesterday we ran into one of Kim’s friends at the supermarket.  After a fine feed, we were leaving the area of the coffee shop and going past an Indian temple when we heard music and saw a crowd of people.  Upon stopping to investigate we learned there was a wedding happening.  We found a parking spot and joined the festivities for a while, taking a few photos and a bit of video.  It is quite a long ceremony and we quietly moved along.

Later in the day Stephanie took us to see a special person.  We visited Leong Ho Ming, the youngest sister of Kim’s mother.  Auntie Ming lives on the banks of the river in Old Melaka where she has been more than forty years.  It is a dilapidated area surrounded by new construction, including huge luxury hotels.  The area is indicative of the nature of Old Melaka.  A large number of buildings in disrepair, often vacant, and brand new construction, most seemingly directed to the tourism industry.  And what do the tourists come to see?  The ancient city of Melaka; the narrow streets are filled with tour buses. Seems a bit at cross purposes to me.  Auntie Ming looked after Kim a great deal when she was young and there is a strong bond between them.  This was very evident from the moment we walked into the house where she lives with her dependent 41 year old son, who has Down’s Syndrome.

When we arrived Auntie Ming had been sorting rice.  After greetings were done, Kim sat down and sorted with her.  For those who might ask, “Why are they sorting rice?”, when sold sticky rice is mixed with regular rice to make it last longer, then it is separated when it comes time to make sticky dumplings.  It could be considered painstaking, however it becomes a social activity and a time of great conversations.  And that is exactly what Kim and her Auntie were doing, having a great conversation while they happened to be sorting rice.

That evening, joined by Stephanie and her daughter, Cynthia and Henry, we were off to Jonker Walk, an area of Old Melaka famed for both its history and for its night market.  We stopped at the Aik Cheong Coffee Company store.  This very well known company was started by a cousin of Kim’s mother and is still family owned.  It is one of the largest coffee companies in Malaysia and ship product around the world, including Canada  There was of course introductions and greetings all round and a short but good visit.

Then off to explore Jonker Walk and the night market.  It is hard to describe what a night market is like.  There is all varieties of hawkers, with multiple selections of food, and there seems to be most anything for purchase from jewelry, to clothing, to cameras, to art work, to trinkets, to fruit & vegetables, to… well it just keeps on going.  On Jonker Walk, some of the stores and galleries are open and have booths at their front entrance as well.  There is also a karaoke stage with some darn good talent and always a crowd.  On the whole it is a great time.  There is a larger night market we will visit in a later post.

Yep, it was a busy day, I got tired just writing about it.  Thanks for reading.  More later.

After breakfast we headed back to our home base and visited a bit until Cynthia and Henry arrived.  Then it was off to explore Melaka a bit.

First came a stop at a shopping mall.  Strangely enough, other than some products and store names, it could have been any one of several malls in Edmonton.  And even some of the store names were the same.  One thing though, the entire retail presentation in Malaysia is considerably different than in Canada.  Advertising boards (I hesitate to call them billboards as we know them) can be huge.  Several stories high lining highways and on the front of buildings along the streets.  In the malls, store signage can also be huge.

In the malls, there are food courts, quite similar to those in Canada, however the foods offered can be vastly different.  There are exceptions though.  All malls have KFC, Pizza Hut and Kenny Roger’s Roasters, usually placed together.  And of course, the ubiquitous McDonalds is just that, pretty much everywhere it seems.  It appears that the majority of malls that we have been to are anchored by a huge store going by the name of Aeon.  Each Aeon is a department store and includes its own food court and a huge grocery.  I must say the grocery has a very large selection of fresh fish (but a much different feel than a market, which we visit later).

Leaving the mall, it was into old Melaka we went.  Much more interesting than any mall as far as I’m concerned.  Here we found narrow streets, old buildings, new buildings, a variety of temples, colourful rickshaws, and many interesting characters… er, people.

We dropped into one of the many interesting fooderies (don’t think that’s a word, but it works for me) for lunch.  One of the things that I love to do is observe people and events around me.  I had an opportunity to do both during lunch.  Across the street was parked a large and expensive auto.  Now this stands out in Melaka on both counts.  And the fact that the vehicle was rather rudely parked (although this is in no way stands out in Melaka) contributes to this story.  As we lunched we observed a policeman stop his motorbike and proceed to give this vehicle a parking ticket.  Nothing special here right?  Then a time later we observed the street parking official stop by and proceed to give this vehicle a second ticket.  I have to be honest.  We all thought this was just hilarious.

Also while lunching, up to the foodery (I am liking this word I invented) came a newlywed couple with friends, coming in to take some photos.  I was struck by a generous thought and asked the foodery owner if he had any red packets (this is a red envelope which is used to give a gift, usually money).  I was quite pleased that he did and was kind enough to give me one.  Now for Chinese, the number 8 is considered very lucky, and what I did was to place RM 8 (that’s 8 Malaysian Ringgits) into the red packet and presented it to the newlyweds, wishing them a happy life.  They had absolutely no idea who I was and will never see me again.  That was the beauty of the whole thing.  We then left the foodery feeling very good.

Following lunch, we headed over to St Paul’s Hill, both for a history lesson and a wee bit of exercise (after all, it is a hill, ascended by many stairs).  I would love to include some detailed history here, however that would make this post extremely long.  So the condensed version.

Melaka was taken by the Portuguese who defeated the Melaka Sultanate in 1510 and built a fort in 1511, only a portion of which remains.  During their rule they used forced labour to construct St Paul’s Catholic Church (hence the name of the hill).  The Portuguese ruled for 130 years until they were defeated by the Dutch in 1641.  The Dutch converted St Paul’s Church from catholic to protestant, then later used it as a mausoleum for Dutch dignitaries.  Around 1790, due to war in Europe, the Dutch temporarily ceded Melaka to the British who returned it, in ruins, in 1819.  The Dutch then lost interest in Melaka and it was transferred to British rule in 1824, where it stayed until Malaysia became independent in 1957.  With this post is a photo of the only remaining part of the fort built in 1511 and a couple photos of St Paul’s itself.

So far on this trip I have taken hundreds of photos, and many of them will be shared with you, either on Flickr or via my Google+ account, where these posts are available, so stay tuned.

As you can tell, this was a very full day in Melaka, and rest assured, it really doesn’t slow down, so I still have lots of catch-up to do.

The first full day in Malaysia begins, as it should, with breakfast.

Kim’s sister Hong takes us to a coffee shop near her home.

Now this coffee shop is much different from the way I understood a coffee shop to be.  Here, a coffee shop is a place owned by someone who provides things like coffee and tea (in many different variations), as well as juices and other such beverages.  They also rent out space within their coffee shop to hawkers, who have their carts and offer different foods.  As well, you will note from the photo on the right, this place, like most we will go to, is open to the street.  No air conditioning here, however ceiling fans and wall mounted fans are in great abundance.


So in we go, order and pay for our drinks (I quite like Malaysian milk tea), and then make the rounds of the hawkers selecting what we would like to eat,  We order something from one, something else from another, indicating what table we are at.  When the food is ready the hawker will bring it over to the table, we pay them, and proceed to enjoy our meal.  Certainly a different type of process from what I was used to, but I like it.  Along with the food we get from the hawkers we also get great chats and friendly exchanges as we order our food and then when they bring it to the table.  A very relaxed atmosphere, even when the shop is busy.

During our breakfast I am also getting to know Hong, my sister-in-law.  Although neither of us is particularly good in the other’s language (her English is miles better than my Mandarin), we are still learning about each other and getting along famously.  She is eager to teach me about her neighbourhood, as well as the local day to day lifestyle, and I am looking forward to learning, so it is an excellent opportunity for each of us.

Keeping in mind that I am writing about the early days of our Malaysian Adventure after being here for more than two weeks I think I can perhaps, at times, better describe my thoughts and feelings as I have had some reflection on events.  Regardless, I hope that I can impart to my readers a feel of this adventure, because it still is.  As we proceed, you will as well have an opportunity to meet the Malaysian members of our family and learn more about them.

Although breakfast may seem like a small event, it was a significant beginning of the learning process.

We will continue our day in the next post.

Before continuing with our Malaysian Adventure there is something that I would like to explain.  There is a term that Chinese often use to describe a foreign man, particularly a Caucasian from Europe or North America.  The term is Qwai Lo (or Qui Lo), meaning variously “ghost person” or “white devil”, but referring to the pale complexion, sometimes blond or red hair and blue or green eyes of Caucasians.  The term is utilized in similar forms in both Mandarin and Cantonese (Mandarin is the primary Chinese language in Malaysia and Singapore).  Sometimes it is spoken in a derogatory form, however more often is it more a description than anything else.  I was introduced to the term when I first met Kim in 1997 and I often use the term when referring to myself as do my friends and family.

In the last posting we traveled by car from KL to Melaka (also spelt Malacca).  Now, as a Qwai Lo, I tend to be larger than most Chinese and therefore all insist that I sit in the front passenger seat of the vehicle whenever we go anywhere.  One of the things that I did not mention was that the front passenger seat in Cynthia’s car is defective, the seat back is permanently at about a 45 degree angle, which makes for a rather unique seating position.  The solution is that as I enter the vehicle, two pillows are placed behind my back by the driver and then I am able to sit reasonably vertical and put on my seat belt.  Of course this took a while to figure out so the initial travel (the trip to Melaka) was a bit interesting to say the least.

Once we arrived in Melaka we picked Cynthia up from work (and yes, don’t know how we did it, but we got another person in the car with all the luggage), swung by their apartment so that she could shower and change and then headed over to our place of residence in Melaka.  Kim’s brother Ming has a house in Melaka where he stays when visiting and that’s where we stay as well.  Right next door is Kim’s sister Hong and her daughter Ah Kim as well as her son and his family.  To my great relief, Cynthia greeted me almost as a long lost father and Hong greeted me as a long lost brother.  It was quite a feeling.

We had no sooner done some serious greeting, and gotten our bags into the house, when we were off to our first night market.  Well, not really.  We were off to where a night market was getting set up so that we could have some food.  In the photos you can see the night market getting set up, a couple of food vendors (called hawkers), Kim and Cynthia picking out some food for us to eat and Kim, Cynthia and Henry getting ready to eat.  As is the case with most of the photos you will see in these blog posts I am behind the camera, however I do sneak around in front from time to time.

After dinner we returned to the house and continued with some serious visiting finally getting to bed on our first night in Malaysia around 11 pm.  I figure that was pretty darn good seeing as how we landed in Hong Kong around 6 am after a 13 hour flight from Vancouver and then landed in KL around 12:30 pm and arriving in Melaka about 4 pm.  One might say it was a longish day.

Stay tuned, there will be more to come as we get caught up on our Malaysian Adventure.

Finally we touch down in Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.  Kim is excited and frankly, I am really not sure what to expect.  She is going into familiar territory, I am not.  How will I be accepted by her family.  I am sure that I felt pretty much the same way as Kim did when she was about to meet my mother for the first time, although she had a bit of a head start as she had already met my kids, sister and brother.

We deplane, following the signs going up ramps, down stairs, finding and taking a train, then up stairs, down hallways until we reach immigration control.  We provide our passports, stand quietly as they are scrutinized, then stamped and returned.  Now off down the hallway and, lo & behold, we have arrived at the luggage carousel (along with all three hundred and some from our aircraft).  Seems our baggage took a much more circuitous route than we as it was a good long wait before the first bag from the plane made its appearance.  And wouldn’t you know it, the chap standing beside me was happy as it was his bag, and he was gone.  We waited, and waited, and waited.  More bags appeared.  Finally we saw the first of our bags, all of which I had specially marked with duct tape, as per “Red Green” (sorry, not all my friends will understand this reference but you can Google it).  The second bag made its appearance after some time and then, wowzers, along came bag number three.  Not only had Kim and I arrived, but all our luggage had as well.  A celebratory moment indeed!

Now off to customs where we, and all other passengers, were waved through the area without even slowing down.

Now came our next challenge.  Kim’s daughter Cynthia had sent her boyfriend Henry to Kuala Lumpur (from this point on referred to as KL) to pick us up.  The challenge, not having met we only had photos to go by, and one knows how accurate they can be at times.  There were not a lot of Chinese ladies with western husbands however so Henry spotted us before we spotted him.  After greetings came another challenge (sorry is this is sounding like Amazing Race).  Cars in Malaysia generally are considerably smaller than cars in Canada.  For example, a Toyota Corolla would be considered fairly large, a Prius about average (although I don’t think either one is really sold here under those names).  So now it is time to show some real imagination and shoehorn our three checked luggage, two carry-ons, a computer bag and a purse into Henry’s Proton Saga.  Good thing there were only three passengers.  Whew!

Prior to getting all the baggage in the car one of my immediate actions was to unpack my trusty Nikon from my carry-on bag so that I could be ready to put it to work.

Now it was off on a drive of about an hour and a half to the city of Melaka, our final destination.  I am including a few shots taken on the trip from KL to Melaka.

Upon our arrival there we completed a journey spanning approximately 13,800 km and 28.5 hours since we left our home in Edmonton.

Next – we have arrived.

First stop outside of Canada on our trip was Hong Kong, where we would connect with our flight to Kuala Lumpur.

As we deplaned it was only the second time that I had set foot outside of Canada or the United States going to a foreign destination.  The first was in 2011 when I went to Geneva, Switzerland for a Kiwanis International convention.  After leaving the plane we followed the instructions and found that we had to leave the secure area so that we could go through security again to make our connection.  Not exactly sure how that works, however it does benefit the beverage industry as we had to divest ourselves of any bottles prior to re-entry.

After re-entry we then checked where we should go for our connection and discovered there was a considerable distance from where we were located to our departure gate.  Thankfully, a Cathay Pacific golf cart driver picked us up, along with an elderly Chinese lady travelling to Viet Nam, and drove us, seemingly forever, to our gate.   As our connecting flight was only two hours after arrival it would have been a grueling trek on foot methinks.

As it was quite early in the morning there were few stores open in the airport, which for the most part was good as buying things at the beginning of an adventure is something to be avoided.  There was, however, a Chinese restaurant open and we were able to have a light dim sum as we waited.

Soon it was time to board and we settled into our seats for the 4 hour flight to Kuala Lumpur.  Once again, we were flying Cathay Pacific, and they did not disappoint.

Next we touch down in Malaysia.

As many people know, a trip does not start when one checks in at the airport, or drives away from the house.  It begins, quite often, months in advance as plans are made, tickets are purchased (in February for us), when holidays are booked at work.

Then, in the days prior to departure, the house is a flurry of activity, the living room looks like a bargain bin (after the shoppers have departed), as suitcases are packed, not so much with clothes for the trip, but with gifts and items not available in Malaysia for the family.  Each bag must be carefully packed, then weighed so as not to be over the 50 pound limit for the airline.

Finally the day arrives.  My daughter and her husband had volunteered to drive us to the airport.  It took a bit of work but we managed to get the two of them, the two of us, three checked luggage, two carry-on bags, a computer bag (for where would I be without my technology) and a purse into their vehicle and off we went.

At the airport we checked in (all three bags almost exactly 50 pounds), breezed through security, found the proper gate and sat down to await our WestJet flight to Vancouver.

Upon arriving in Vancouver we had four hours between flights.  Not an issue.  I prefer a longer time between flights as it cuts down on connection issues.  Besides, after twenty years in the military I was quite familiar with the “hurry up and wait” mentality and have no issue with waiting.

On schedule, we boarded our Cathay Pacific flight and took off for a 13 hour trip across the Pacific.  I have to say that although long, this was the best flight I have ever experienced.  The cabin crew were exemplary, always there to ensure that we were comfortable and seemingly psychic, knowing when we would like a drink or a snack.

Next, we arrive in Asia.

Two weeks into our trip I received encouragement to create a blog as I had been posting frequently to Facebook and friends were enjoying reading and following our trip.

In order to do this in the “proper” way (I think), I will include some posts to kind of get caught up to the present time.  I will do this by referring to my Facebook posts and adding memories and feelings resulting from those activities.

I warn all in advance, there will be a considerable amount of reference to food, mainly because it is so varied, and so delicious, across this country.  I have been accused (in jest) of eating my way across Malaysia.  This is not entirely inaccurate, however I am actually eating less than I did in Canada, but more often.  So instead of having one big meal at the end of the day along with chips and other snacks, we are having three to four small meals spaced throughout our day.  That, combined with much walking, has caused me to lose some weight.  How much, I don’t know, but the belt needs to be tightened a notch or two to keep my shorts on.

Soon I will begin, with our departure from Canada.

This past three days have gone at a steady pace and have been, for a change, quite satisfying. Friday was a day to relax, work on a couple of projects and have a nice BBQ dinner with my wife, Kim.

Saturday, some more work was done around home, time was spend learning more about Web 2.0, and then off to dinner. Dinner was a fine event with daughter Anita, her beau Aaron, wife Kim and co-worker Marcia. Also with us was Marcia’s husband John and daughter Kerry. We dined at Bangkok Restaurant, a regular place for our family but brand new for Marcia’s family. It was a great time of good food and relaxing conversation.

Sunday was sleep in, have a light brekky and then work on the car. It is a lot easier to do some minor adjustments when the temperature is above 0C. Then off for a drive, a nice lunch at Route 99 and down for some quality time at Hawrelak Park with Kim and my camera. A nice evening together at home and the weekend is done. Best one in quite a while.