Ipoh Mali

Last week hubby, our precious and me traveled up north to Ipoh. Although the trip initially started on a rather sour note, as it turned out it was a very refreshing outing. A much needed break to life's complexities and issues. Due to some last minute change of plans, we ended up staying at Heritage with my aunt and uncle and that turned out really great! Being used to Syuen for our annual exodus back to Ipoh, Heritage was certainly a very nice change. (Although I was quite hesitant initially because somebody had said one hotel room kat situ berhantu..!)

We were there for some traditional treatment of kidney stones that my uncle had pre-arranged for himself, my dad and hubby. The treatment which were arranged for 3 consecutive days were only done at nights, leaving us with a free and easy itinerary during the day. Thus we began to explore Ipoh, and explore Ipoh we did, in ways we never had before..

You see, each year my family and I dutifully follow my parents back to their respective hometowns since they both still have an elder sibling in Perak. But each time our trips back are confined to the Raya visits and we never really had time to explore the town. Fact is hubby’s dad also came from there and as a young boy hubby himself stayed for 3 years in Ipoh with his aunt. So off we went to check out ACS, his old school, where he lived before and loads of other stuff. And after a short unofficial tour (husband insisted he took us around the building and the swimming pool whilst classes were in session.. only in Ipoh can you get away with something like that!) this lil conversation took place:

Haqim – oh, dad, so you want to show me your history? (I did not teach him the word, he said he learned in school)

Dad – yes.

Mom – So, Haqim, what is your history?

Haqim – My history is now (leaving mom feeling …duh..)

Then he continued, “and my old history is in the heavens, with Allah”

Phew..imagine that…my 5 yo talking.

Anyway, the rest of the trip was equally refreshing. We had good food and good company. It was nice bonding with my fav aunt and unc again. And since it was Thaipusam, it was also the closest we ever got to the annual affair, (yea, we would never dream of going anywhere remotely close to Batu Caves at that time now would we..). We were right smack in the middle of things since the worshippers had taken to the streets during rhe night, and the lighted chariots and kavadi carrying folks were all along the street, chanting, and dancing away. And there we were, all wide-eyed in Atok's van, moving very slowly because of the crowd. Haqim was certainly amazed at the sight and I can't say we weren't as well.

Frankly, I did not realize Ipoh has much to offer. Now - how many of you knew of this part of town called Buntong, where one can go buy all the kacang and muruku to last a lifetime?! No, seriously, we literally went nuts ourselves with the selection – bags and bags of nuts and muruku !! What do you fancy ? Kacang dhal, kacang parang, kacang hijau, kacang botak or the original kacang putih? You name it, they’ve got it !

And who knows a little eating place that not only serves delicious food ( yummy masak lemak cili padi ok..) but also sells pineapple tarts that are simply lovely!! Now I know where Mom gets her Raya supplies each year..! We finished half a jar overnight! We also checked out this hotel apartment which was to be our accomodation. It was certainly more than ok, so maybe some other time lah. And Rin, if you are reading, we can use the pool lah..!

All in all, Ipoh was really a pleasant surprise. Even our visits to the kind ole man who was treating the men were interesting each time. He had lots of stories to share, some more eerie than others so it was really fun listening to him.

The moral of the story is – never under estimate the reasons why everything happens and what He puts in front of you. Tu lah, Ustaz selalu kata Dia bagi kita apa yang kita perlu, not apa yang kita nak. What I had planned definitely did not materialize, but the turn of events was nothing less than memorable.

Which brings me back to Sr Enda's board along the Assunta corridor - her Food for Thought that changes each week, the one that said, - Man disposes, God disposes.

We're going again in 3 months by the way...so, muruku anyone..?