Take a Number

Kenric put in an application for a new passport at the American Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on February 5th. We came back to KL yesterday so he could pick up his new passport from the embassy. Today, he brought both his new and old passports to the Malaysian Immigration Department in Putrajaya so that his entry stamp to Malaysia could be transferred onto the new passport. Putrajaya is the federal administrative center of Malaysia. It took more than 2.5 hours at the immigration office, so much time that Kenric learned how to say 2153 in Malay – dua satu lima tiga. That’s the second number he was given while waiting.

Dinner at The Lake Club

We met my childhood classmate and her daughter for dinner at Lake Club Putrajaya. We arrived early and went down to the jeti to take some pictures. I saw a big lizard leap into the lake. Kenric would have loved to see it. Later, my friend said she thinks it was a monitor lizard. She told us she almost “pengsan” (fainted) when a big one was blocking the trail during her jog. She uses “I want to pengsan!” as often as she did in school!

Her children are funny, so are their choices for pets. But seriously, I’ve seen their videos of their pet chicken, Angel, and I can tell you that chickens make great pets. I was advised to go for hens instead of roosters. Her daughter, who was at dinner, is in her second year of university. I’ve read some of her writing and she should definitely continue because I enjoy it. She’ll go very far in life. The food at dinner was really good, especially my Mamak Mee Goreng. What a treat.

Remembering San Francisco

The last time I saw my friend was when she and her husband were in San Francisco. At that time, she was telling us about the preparations she was making to set up her clothing business, such as selecting fabric. Fast forward four years, she’s now the owner of a thriving business fulfilling the needs of Muslimah around the world seeking modest activewear.

Tour of Putrajaya

She drove us around Putrajaya and pointed out buildings of significance such as the Palace of the Prime Minister. We also went on a short stroll, commented on the architecture and the amenities in Putrajaya, took a skyline picture of the nearby Cyberjaya where she resides, and chatted about business philosophies and work life balance. She has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and when she pointed out the fancy multi-building complex that houses the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, I knew she was just as sharp and funny as ever. Thanks for dinner and for a wonderful evening, NE!

Map of Places Visited