Seremban: This Used To Be My Playground

I decided it’s high time to revisit and really explore Seremban.  I actually lived there for five years when I was at the penitentiary (just kidding!) but had never really properly explored the town. As I have to limit my trips to short local trips now that dad is frail, I decided it was a good time as any to explore the town. I left micasa early on Saturday, 28 May 2022, and walked to get the feeder bus to MVMM. However, as things turned out, I was still in KL two hours later having missed the train, no thanks to the feeder bus which didn’t appear. I finally took the 08:40 train to Seremban, arriving at 09:54.

I walked towards Terminal One and walked past it to the Wesley Methodist Church. This church was founded in 1915 to cater to the waves of Chinese migrants (some of whom were Christians) who flooded into the are following the discovery of tin ore in 1870. Then I walked along Jalan Dato Sheikh Ahmad until I hit Jalan Dato Bandar Tunggal where I turned left. There are a number of old shophouses in town and I was happy as I love old buildings and ancient ruins. I detoured into side streets to take photos and wandered my way up. I passed the building which now functions as the state headquarters for Bank Simpanan Nasional – it was built in 1897 for the Office of the Sanitary Board and the State Religious Department. During the World War II, it was commandeered by the Japanese. After the war, it functioned as the headquarters for the Seremban Town and Municipal Councils.

Old shophouses

Currently the HQ for BSN for the state

I walked up to Masjid Jamek, a red mosque with a pagoda-shaped minaret and a tower in the Malaccan style instead of a dome. The mosque dates back to 1924. I walked down Jalan Kapitan Tam Yeong and as I was about to turn to Jalan Yam Tuan, I saw a beautiful old building and went to take a photo of it before returning to Jalan Yam Tuan. I walked on until I reached Church of the Visitation, a Catholic church which was founded by French missionaries. In the mid-1800s, French priests based in Kuala Lumpur would visit their flock in Melaka every two months and they would break their bullock cart journey in Seremban where they would perform services in an attap hut. These regular visitations may account for the church’s name. A proper building was built and the current building dates from 1899. There was a wedding ongoing when I walked past.

Masjid Jamek

Beautiful old building at Jalan Kapitan Tam Yeong

I turned left right after the church and climbed up Jalan Lim Kee Siong. I walked on and stumbled upon a stately building which used to house the Handicraft Centre but which is now abandoned. This used to be the home of Captain Murray, the British Resident to Negeri Sembilan. Then I turned left and walked up to the State Library building (once known as the Sir Henry Gurney Library). Built in 1912 and designed by A. B. Hubback, the architect responsible for many of KL’s famous landmarks, the building originally served as the office of the State Secretary. At the nearby roundabout, I could see Wisma Negeri with its distinctive Sumatera-style roof. The lake garden is also nearby.

This used to be the Handicraft Centre

This used to the State Library/Sir Henry Gurney Library

Sir Henry Gurney Library from anther angle

Sir Henry Gurney Library and the War Memorial. Shame they were cordoned off

Wisma Negeri on the right

My friend had been trying to contact me and we agreed to meet in front of the State Mosque. However, I got distracted by another beautiful building and went to investigate. I was taking photos when my friend and her two older sisters – who also just arrived by train from KL but on the train after mine - spotted me. They literally picked me up and we drove off. First she brought me to our old boarding school grounds (our school had relocated more than a decade ago). At first the guard didn’t want to let us in as there was a PTA meeting and there were many cars inside. He had his orders of course and was only doing his job. My friend then called a teacher and asked for permission to enter. So we were granted permission and drove in but we just stayed in the car and didn’t venture out.

Beautiful abandoned building

The back of our old school hall. Film shows, Interhouse dancing competition, Interform English and Malay dramas were held here and we also sat for major exams here

Dormitory blocks for Yellow and Green houses

Dormitory blocks for Green and Blue houses

After that, my friend drove us to Hayyan Huda Opah’s Kitchen for lunch. We had to park outside the restaurant compound though as the parking area was full and some enterprising neighbours charged us RM5 to park in their area.Customers must take off their footwear before entering and there are four menus to choose from (from twin sharing). It’s local fare (not necessarily Nogori food) served in classic crockery. Interesting concept. Food was delicious and even I managed to eat (only one dish was quite hot). We also shared some cakes for dessert.

I got the menus from the FB of the restaurant

My friend and her sisters

Friendly customer greeter

After lunch, my friend dropped me off at the quaint train station (built in 1924). I had time to cross over to the post office to take photo and cross back. I also had ample time to perform prayers so I did that before entering the station, crossing the platform and waiting for the train back to KL.

Train station

Post office which we used to go once upon a time

I must say that was a very enjoyable and satisfying trip to Seremban and while the town is not famed for its tourist attractions, don’t underestimate it. In fact, it might just give you a pleasant surprise.

Short Trip To Klang

I was itching to explore a new place and as I won’t be able to travel abroad anytime soon what with dad needing constant attention, I have to content myself by exploring local places. It still being Syawal, I’m not about to travel out of state just yet because the traffic jams on Syawal weekends are just the pits. So after pondering, I decided to explore the Royal Town of Klang. I’d passed through the town but had never really explored it.

So I left micasa early on Saturday, 14 May 2022, and took the train to Subang Jaya where I changed for the Komuter train for Klang. I arrived just shortly after 09:00 and it was already very hot and bright! I took Jalan Istana and walked to the Royal Gallery. The beautiful building dates from 1909. Admission is free but as it opens from 10:00, I didn’t enter. I walked on to the former Chartered Bank building, an interesting building with Dutch style gables. Built in 1874, it was a branch of Chartered Bank and was the first bank in Klang.

I then turned left at Jalan Dato Hamzah and walked to Klang Primary School. This building with Anglo-Malay architecture has stood there since 1939. I then turned back and walked past the former Islamic Religion Department Building. This building was constructed in 1912 and was originally a rest house for the Sultan. The Japanese commandeered it during World War II. After the War, it was used as a guesthouse before it was converted into offices for various government departments. The building is now vacant and I had to find a spot at the side of the building to be able to shoot a photo.

I walked back to Jalan Istana and walked up the road. I passed the Royal Klang Club (founded in 1901 and attained its Royal status when the Sultan became the club’s patron) and Istana Alam Shah. From the road, I was not able to see the Sultan Sulaiman Royal Mosque although I did notice road signs for it. I continued on until I reached the bottom of the hill. The Klang Royal Town Park was on my right and there were a few people going on their morning walk there.

The Keris Monument is at the foot of the hill. I saw the roofs of Kwan Imm Temple and navigated the roundabout to get there. I didn’t linger and almost immediately turned back and walked to Jalan Tengku Kelana. I walked past Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (opened in 1928) and then the Convent School next door (also opened around the same time as the church) and up to Little India.

I continued on past Masjid India to Kota Raja Fire and Rescue Station. This building has stood there from 1980s and still serves as a fire station. Gedung Raja Abdullah is just nearby and the 19th century heritage structure has been recently restored. It was probably used as a godown due to its proximity to the river. I then walked around a bit before returning to the station. I was hoping to locate a cendol stall but the only one I came across hadn’t yet started its cendol operation for the day.

I boarded the train back, happy with the time spent traipsing Klang.

Ramadan Trip To KT

There was a Malaysia Airlines offer earlier in the year and I decided to buy tickets, one of them to Kuala Terengganu. While I had been to Kemaman and Dungun in the past few years, I hadn’t been to KT in ages. When dad was unwell, I did consider rescheduling my trip but when my brothers stayed resolutely away and not come back to visit, I decided to proceed with my plan. Dad was getting better (or at least, better than he was four weeks ago) and the caregiver had agreed and was prepared to stay in. I had booked the company’s resort in Batu Buruk as it would still work out better than staying in town even after adding in e-hailing service. Oh, MAS changed my return flight to a later one in the evening so I called MAS up and asked if I could fly Firefly back. I called MAS again about two weeks before the trip to change the flight departure time from12:35 to 09:50.

I left home at almost noon on Saturday (16 April) and took the train to TBS. I bought the 13:15 Jetbus ticket to KLIA and didn’t have to wait long for it. We arrived KLIA about an hour later and I went to perform prayers first before dropping off my bag. I had been assigned a seat towards the rear of the plane (couldn’t change it online) and asked if I could change seats. The lady informed that the only seat available was by the window at the emergency row and I agreed. Of course I was also praying that any emergency would not arise for I doubt I had the strength to help open the emergency door. We boarded the plane and waited for take-off.

Well, we ended waiting for an hour before the control tower gave us the green light to take off. We finally took off at 17:15 which meant we only landed at 18:00 at TGG. We had to wait to disembark as MAS only allowed people to disembark in rows of fours, i.e. the first four rows would disembark, followed by the next four rows. Was I glad I changed my seats after all!

I was reunited with my bag soon enough but the Maxim driver cancelled my booking and I had to make another booking, wait for it to be accepted and then wait for the driver to arrive. Maxim only charged RM12.60, Grab would’ve charged me RM21 and the airport cab would cost me RM30.

The driver arrived and we set off. There was a lot of traffic, it being the weekend and many people were out and about before they went to break fast. There were many picnicking by the sea too (some areas did not even have beach but those boulders and yet there were people sitting there). We arrived at the resort at 18:50 and I had to wait for the keys to my chalet. Alas, the caretaker informed me the WiFi was off for the chalet so I asked to change chalets. She told me she could only inform me after Maghrib.

Alhamdulillah, I managed to change chalets. After a very brief and simple iftar, I walked out to buy food for my predawn meal. I came back, had a shower, performed prayers and had some bread before I turned in.

On Sunday morning, after predawn meal and morning prayers, I walked to the beach. It was littered when I last visited it and was still littered. I don’t know why the locals and visitors alike cannot learn not to litter. I combed the beach for seashells and turned back after half an hour because the sun was already intense.

I ordered a Maxim car for 09:30 and the driver was already waiting for me when I walked out at 09:28. We drove to the Terengganu state museum, the biggest museum in Malaysia. It wasn’t near and we arrived just before 10:00. I was not amused when I saw I had to climb up stairs to enter the museum and also within the museum itself. There are four blocks, and three opened for visitors with various galleries. I spent slightly over two hours there.

I saw on the map that the Islamic Civilisation Park was nearby (well, about 2 km away) and decided to walk there. So I walked and walked, enjoying a glimpse of the river along the way. Alas, the Monument Park was closed due to Ramadan. I walked on until I reached the Crystal Mosque. I was surprised to find it was smaller inside than what I expected.

I tried getting a Maxim car back to the resort but one cancelled on me and after waiting too long, I decided to walk out of the Wan Man island. I was lucky this time and got a driver. Back at the resort, I performed prayers and collapsed into a nap.

On Monday, I decided to walk into town, cutting across into a park. It was an overcast morning and it started drizzling. I continued on past the hospital but the rain suddenly turned heavy and I sought shelter under some trees outside a cemetery, near to the Batu Bersurat roundabout. I stayed there for maybe 15 minutes reading my book before continuing on. The sun struggled out shortly after.

I walked to Masjid Abidin, the state’s old royal mosque. It’s more than 200 years old and has been enlarged. I checked out the women’s praying area before continuing on to nearby Istana Maziah. The official palace of the Sultan of Terengganu, it is located at the foot of Bukit Puteri. There’s a mini park by the palace which looked unkempt. What else is new in Malaysia, eh.

I walked around and disregarding signs saying that Bukit Puteri was closed for upgrading, climbed up the steps. There was a gate which was kept unlocked so I opened it. Alas, one man came and told me it was closed. I asked nicely if I could take pictures and he repeated that the place was closed. Closed since 2017 for upgrading indeed! There didn’t look to be any progress at all. Upgrading, my foot!

I walked down and crossed over to Pasar Kedai Payang, the central market. I entered the market, had a browse but didn’t buy anything as I would be returning. I continued on to Kampung Cina or Chinatown. This village has existed since the 15th century and at the time, it was the main hub for commercial activities in town. I had a great time walking through Chinatown. I walked on past the area until the waterfront. I had to ask for directions twice before I found the waterfront globe.

Trishaws outside Pasar Kedai Payang

Chinatown

Walked all the way to the waterfront before turning back and returning to Chinatown and then Pasar Kedai Payang

Back at Pasar Kedai Payang

I then turned back and walked back through Chinatown and back to Pasar Kedai Payang. I bought some durian cakes and local snacks, two caftans for myself, a sarong for dad’s caregiver and some raisins from an annoying man. Then I ordered a Maxim car and was pleasantly surprised to get the same uncle who brought me to the museum the day before.

Back in my room, I had a shower before performing prayers and collapsing in bed.

I woke up and read my book before getting ready. My mate would be picking me up. We were in the same dorm/house and same class during our lower secondary years. She arrived at about 18:30 and drove us to Felda Residence for iftar. A canopied outdoor area was set for iftar and we enjoyed the evening breeze while waiting to break fast. After iftar, we drove around town before stopping at Uncle Chua for some drinks before she sent me back to the resort.

Tuesday morning arrived and it was already time to leave ;( My mate came to pick me up at 07:30 and drove us to the airport. She had kindly printed my boarding pass too. I had to wait a bit for the counter to open to drop off my bag. After dropping off my bag, I met up my mate again and we drove past UMT and UniSZA up to Kuala Nerus. We got down at Kuala Nerus Lake Garden for some Kodak moments before driving back to the airport. I never expected I could still visit places with my early departure time! Thank you again, mate!

ETD was 09:50 but as everyone had boarded, we were already taxiing at 09:44. We landed at Subang Airport an hour later. Alhamdulillah for this opportunity.

Life Changes

 Dad had been going to the Health Clinic every fortnight to change his urine bag. He would usually suffer some pain after he came back from the clinic and the pain would last for a few days. On Wednesday, 23 March 2022, he went to change the urine bag as usual and when I came back from work, he said he was in so much pain the whole day. It was so bad he even passed motion a few times. It even continued until he no longer realised he was about to pass motion – maybe the muscles had gone weak.

 

Early the following morning, I found faeces by his bed and had to clean it up. I found the same thing repeated on Friday morning but this time, his bedsheet had also been soiled. I felt like crying but crying never helped in those situations so I picked up all the soiled clothing and proceeded to launder them. I also noticed that he had started to confuse his prayer steps. He then proceeded to doze off after morning prayers on Friday and I woke him up and told him to lie down. Well, he ended up sleeping until past 11 a.m. I consulted Akak and she told me to buy some adult diapers.

 

It continued through that weekend. He became weaker. It was shocking to see how rapid his health deteriorated. I turned to Mr Google and found some companies that offered doctors on call and after contacting with a few, managed to secure one to come on Saturday evening. I never knew before that we had doctors on call here. The doctor arrived late as he was detained at his previous visit. He told my sister that dad had an infection as evidence by the cloudy urine. He gave some antibiotics and advised for dad to switch to silicone catheter.

 

Dad remained weak throughout that weekend. Akak had informed the brothers and they suggested either getting an Indonesian helper or bringing dad to stay at Akak’s (‘smart ideas’ eh). Akak came across a couple of caregivers and asked me to contact them so I did. The first caregiver I contacted said he could help care after dad and after I had discussed with his wife (it’s a husband-and-wife venture), they agreed to pay a visit that Sunday afternoon. I had also contacted another caregiver and the person agreed to come that same evening but never showed up. I decided to give the first caregiver a three-day trial.

 

Well, I think it’s dad’s rezeki because the caregiver has so far shown that he’s trustworthy, patient and able to care for dad. Dad’s condition slowly improved, very slowly actually. He needed help the first ten days after he got ill – help getting into bed, help getting out of bed, help getting to and into the bathroom, help getting up from the toilet... he’s better now at getting into and out of bed but we have to hold on to him when he walks now. He has a good appetite but is always unable to finish his meals because he feels nauseous after a few bites. He still misses some rakaat and rituals in his prayers but he's still determined to keep on performing prayers. He would put any young and abled non-practising Muslims to shame with his determination.

 

I know he’s ready to go and I cannot stop it if Allah has deemed it’s time for him to go. But I can’t help wondering who would take care of me when he’s gone. Am I selfish for thinking about myself? Maybe. Still, I know I can’t make him feel bad about leaving me behind.

 

I haven’t been sleeping well for the past three weeks. It seems like my temporary new norm is to get up after 02:00 or 03:00 in the morning and not be able to sleep thereafter. It’s taking a toll on me. I insist on still going to work because I would go mental otherwise. I need social interaction and stimulation. I do the best I can, spend time with him and attend to him when I get home. I don’t see why I can’t let someone who’s better able and capable of caring my dad look after him while I’m at work. He needs the job and is doing us all a favour, and we need him to help dad and us. And as far as possible, I want some aspect of my life to continue as usual.

 

I now have to do a whole lot of things every morning before leaving for work. Previously, I’d have to get up in the middle of the night when he called out for me to help him go to the bathroom (he doesn’t do often anymore and yet I still wake up at ungodly hours for no reason at all). I cook him porridge, cook one or two vegetable dish, cook rice and sometimes boil water before leaving for work. I sweep the dining and kitchen areas every alternate days and run the laundry, hang the clothes and fold them when I get back from work. I help bring him to the bathroom to perform ablutions, heat up the food and serve dinner, empty out his urine bag, brush his dentures, put on his diapers after he’s gone to the toilet. Alhamdulillah it has been raining on some afternoons so at least I don’t have to spend too much time watering the plants. On weekends, I bathe him too. In short, I have to do a lot more multi-tasking and juggling chores.

 

I also have to spend a lot more on his care: adult diapers, silicone catheters, urine bags, nutritional drinks (to ensure he still gets his nutrition despite not being able to finish his meals). I now browse for adult diapers on Shopee!

 

Still, I am thankful. Thankful that he may be forgetful at times but not suffering from Alzheimer or trapped in his own world. He’s still lucid. I’m thankful that he can still walk slowly and not wheelchair bound. I’m thankful that I still get to perform prayers with him. I’m thankful that I’m still healthy and able myself to take care of him. Oh, my brothers still haven’t come back to visit. Why even bother having sons? Dad is doing much better now than he was twenty days ago but there are many things that he will no longer do liked drive out to get food or send me half-way every morning.

 

I know I haven’t been the best daughter. I’m rough, I’m not a ladylike girly girl who’s soft and gentle. I used to have a very short fuse but I’ve learned to be patient (still learning). I’m sorry that dad has to put up with me. Well, as of now I don’t have anyone that can help care for me so I still have to work to earn money that will help me hire some caregiver if I reach old age insyaAllah.

 

It’s hard work and I get so tired these days. I have lost weight, easily 2-3 kg. I need a break every now and then too and no one had better stop me or make me feel guilty for taking a well-deserved break. Even caregivers have their off days!

 

I pray that Allah will ease our affairs. Ameen.

Step By Step

My alma mater is celebrating its 75^th year this year (Diamond Jubilee) and there are activities lined up. After the logo designing competition at the end of 2021, we have the Jom 75k Steps which runs throughout the whole of March. Proceeds go to association fund for charity.

 

My friend was busy persuading us to participate. I was undecided at first then finally decided to participate. I had my own targets: to reach 75k within the first week, 100k steps after 10 days, 150k steps by 15 March and at least 300k steps by month-end. Some of us met up during weekends to walk together at the Lake Garden and Putrajaya. I just concentrated on my own individual walk. It helps that I go to the office almost daily because working from home will definitely not generate enough steps for me.

 

We were in fourth place for some time and one day, we overtook the team in third place and later the same day, we even leapfrogged the team which had resolutely been in second. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long and we dropped back to third place within a week. And at one point, we even dropped back to fourth place but we fought back. It was a daily ritual for us to check BiiB to see how our team was faring. We gave encouragement to each other, we even pressured each other to do more. We were kiasu. Alas, in the end, we could not get ourselves from fourth spot.

 

Oh, we had our challenges. Some of our walkers succumbed to Covid. Some had knee problems, some had diarrhoea, and I have my own problems, concerns and worries over dad. I still tried my best and wish I could do more. I managed 373k steps a bit more. Couldn’t quite reach 375k steps, alas.

 

So glad it’s over as it means I don’t have to carry my phone every day and all the time. I had never been so attached to my phone as I was in March!

 

#keepingupwiththekurshians

War

 

It is senseless, unnecessary, uncalled for. When agreement, collaboration, diplomacy, discussion, negotiation can work instead.

 

When a gigantic country threw its weight around and invaded its neighbour and not for the first time, it’s a cowardly act. You are just a cowardly big bully.

 

Ponder over the following:

- Soviet Union (but the power was in Kremlin) invaded and occupied Afghanistan

- Russia shot down MH17 over Ukraine

- Russia killed, murdered, annihilated, slaughtered Syrians in the thousands. And is still helping Assad with the long drawn out genocide

- Russia attempted to assassinate then poisoned Viktor Yuschenko, former President of Ukraine

- Russia arrests its own citizens for protests and yet wants to de-nazify Ukraine?

 

Can you see the theme?

 

Why is it so difficult to choose peace? Will it make you less of a man if you choose it over war? How can anyone live with the blood of hundreds of thousands of lives in his hands?

 

This post is deliberately short because I don’t see the point of discussing such a disturbing topic. Just like I don’t see the point of war. Life’s too short to be arrogant and greedy anyway.

 

*photo copied from the Internet