The week before the planned date, I had fever and flu. I was worried that I could not make the trip to Taiping. Thankfully, the fever broke, only, the cough remained.
On New Year's Day, I drove to my hometown. The meeting point was the KFC at Simpang at 3.00 PM. The weather was fine, traffic along the highway to the North was smooth.
After exiting the PLUS Highway at Changkat Jering around 1.45 PM, I headed straight away to the Hotel Flemington to quickly check-in. As I entered my room, I received a phone call from Ban Heng. He said he was having lunch at the Hotel and asked whether he could go to Simpang with me. I agreed. At 2.30 PM, after a short rest, I met Ban Heng at the hotel lobby, we depart for Simpang.
Upon reaching KFC Simpang, Dr Azmi messaged that he might be arriving later at 4.00 PM. He was still involved in the visits and dispensing aid to the flood victims near Bagan Serai area.
At the meeting point, there were already a few of the Old Boys gathered - Ahmad Salleh, Jamaie, Hanapiah, Azman Hussein, Mohamad Shah, Khairul Anuar, Asri and Razif. We chatted of old times while awaiting for the arrival of Dr Azmi. Eventually, he arrive by about 3.45PM.
We car-pooled into 3 cars to go to Ismail Awang's house. The house is situated near Kampung Kertang, Matang. At the house, we were greeted by Ismail and members of his family.
Over tea and local kuih, we talked of Ismail's condition and welfare. Stories of our old school days were also part of the conversation. We chatted and laughed during the 2 hours visit. Before our departure, the token of cash collection was passed to Ismail. We had a group photo taken to commemorate this visit.
By 6.00 PM, we bade farewell to Ismail.
It was a very happy and meaningful visit.
