13 May 2012 - A Day Of Memories

Made a trip to Taiping on Saturday 12 May 2012. Checked in at the hotel and I got my usual room. Ah, I was really glad to be back. Contacted a few of my schoolmates – Ban Heng, Abdul Rahim, Murthy and Shahriza. Shahriza had flu so he could not meet me. Murthy will come but a bit later. Ban Heng and Rahim agreed to meet me first.

Our meeting spot – Restoran A.Rahman (the one near Larut & Matang Land Office) was busy as usual with the Saturday night crowd. Rahim and I arrived first, later joined by Ban Heng. We chatted about the coming KE VII School Band fund-raising concert, preparations for the annual school sports day and the Old Edwardians Reunion dinner which will be in June 2012. Other than that, we chatted about old friends, the good old school days and our old teachers. We also discussed about the sad state of our school. Rugby, which had achieved some glory in the early 2000’s had now slide. This downtrend was due to the transfer of the two dedicated coaches that had lead the rugby team  for several years, especially one Cikgu Din. Another sad state is the short-term of serving principals because they are transferred to the school just a few years before mandatory retirement. Our meeting went on right until 2.45 AM.

Sunday 13 May 2012, I checked out after 10.00 AM and drove around the Lake Gardens for some photography practice. The weather was slightly cloudy but there was sufficient light. I stopped by the Commonwealth War Graves for a few minutes and offered a silent prayer for those who had given their lives in the defence of our country.

I also stopped by my old house and visited the graves of my parents. While at my mom’s grave, it dawned upon me that today was Mother’s Day.

Mi-8 helicopter

The old airport was abuzzed with activity. The Fire and Rescue Service was having practice parachute jumps today. I stayed to watch  for awhile. Had lunch at Ansari’s pasembor and cendol before I depart for KL.

 

I stopped at Tapah R&R to rest and was looking for something to eat. I bought two cute packets of Nasi Lemak. While eating, I remembered my old friend CK Loh. The last time I helped to drive him from Taiping to KL, we ate that nasi lemak. I could still remember his smile of satisfaction while eating.

Hmm, sweet memories.