Last Tuesday was interesting as I took the LRT (light rapid transit) train to Kuala Lumpur for an assignment in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city.
It has been quite some time since I rode the train, and I forgot how enjoyable it can be – provided your stop is close to the station.
We all know the last mile connectivity can be a hassle for many, but luckily I was headed to Telekom Malaysia Museum, about 600m from the Masjid Jamek Station.
Waze told me it would take at least 45 minutes to drive to the venue, and it would probably be longer in the evening when most people would leave their offices.
The 45-minute estimate did not factor in the time looking for a parking spot.
As the station closest to my home was about 700m away, it was an easy decision, especially after a quick calculation meant it was cheaper and faster to take the train than drive – RM6.40 for a return trip that took 50 minutes each way.
Riding the train also meant I did not have to battle with traffic or try to find a parking spot – a massive (and expensive) headache in Kuala Lumpur.
Best of all, during the train journey, I finished a book I had wanted to read for the longest time.
As I had left before noon, there were enough seats. The good news is that more than 90 per cent of the passengers wore face masks.
En route to the event from the station, I passed by YY 48 Hotel along Jalan Tun Perak.
Those with long memories would remember that building used to be MBf Finance’s credit control office, and downstairs was Grandy’s – a fast food joint that served the best boneless chicken.
It also served porridge, which my uncle, former Malaysian hockey star, Brian Sta Maria, said was the best he ever had.
Opposite the building, along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, is a Chinese restaurant where we MBf employees used to grab breakfast.
I was surprised it was still operating but was closed when I finished my assignment. I regret not taking photographs of the interior earlier in the day.
Here is a funny story about this legendary restaurant. One day, a colleague, S. Kuna, arrived at 7am and headed there for breakfast. He sat down and ordered cow’s milk, but much to his surprise, a worker brought him a bottle of Carlsberg!
“I know I am Indian, but there is a time and place to have a beer. And 7am is not it,” Kuna told us later that morning. We still talk about that incident to this day.
I also walked around Lebuh Ampang and passed by a few Indian eateries I remember visiting in my youth.
It is good to jog the old memories of a simpler time. Something I last did two years ago.
Perhaps one day, I shall take another train ride and visit other famous KL sights.
Did you know the digital tracker above the train doors is colour coded?
So next time you are in one, look at the red dot to see the next station – it is handy for when one is reading and loses track of time.
ATM HEADACHE
A friend wanted to withdraw money on Thursday evening, but the machine swallowed her card.
She went to the bank the following day, hoping to get her card back, but much to her surprise, an officer told her that since her card belonged to a different bank, she could not open the machine.
“She said if the card belonged to the bank, they would open the machine, but since I used a different bank, my card was automatically deactivated,” said Husna.
“Luckily, I got a replacement card from my bank without any hassle.”
30 CREATIVE UPCYCLING IDEAS
Repurposing is about transforming an item into something new and helpful when it is no longer usable in its original form. It not only conserves resources and money but also fosters ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Here are 30 upcycling ideas to try.
OLD-FASHIONED BANANA PUDDING
Grandma would approve of this homemade dish because she would never consider using instant pudding.
The toasty meringue topping makes it more attractive.
DON’T BE ASHAMED OF YOUR AGE
Speaking of memories, here is a delightful song by John Prine and Mac Wiseman from their 2007 album Standard Songs for Average People.
Don’t Be Ashamed Of Your Age celebrates turning old and enjoying life and its memories. Great advice.
Until next week, stay safe.
https://youtu.be/w-VGQ5zQN1c