I woke up to devour soggy Roti Canai in the kitchen for breakfast. I’m starting to get used to this heat. Uncle George and Auntie Dai-Yee took my dad, Ashley, and me to the Pasaraya (known as a hypermarket somewhat similar to T&T back at home). Believe it or not, I bought a pair of cute sandals for $3.25CAN. I am constantly astonished by the prices of things here. When we went back home, we were met by my cousin, Brian; his wife, Leena; and their most beautiful 2 year old daughter, Ashelyn. Her skin tone is perfectly brown from her mother’s Indian background and she has the largest brown eyes. I couldn’t believe how intelligent she is! She would talk in full sentences to all of us and charmed me with her sweet smile. Ashley taught her the handshake where you pound it and explode and she picked it up the third time around. I blew up my cheeks with air and crossed my eyee and played peek-a-boo with her. I felt so proud making her laugh. High fives and hugs were earned. I wanted to steal her home. It is funny how easily entertained I am making kids laugh. Maybe I should take up a part-time job as a clown? Just kidding… I cringe at the thought of that.
We went out for lunch at this outdoor cafeteria looking restaurant where they had food on display. Large pots were filled with a selection of curries and platters overflowed with deep fried food. A man served rice behind the counter topping off your plate with whatever fried dead animal you wanted. I should have never taken Foodsafe… There were so many things wrong with that picture. The excessive amount of oil used to create this food could be used to drown a city. I was just waiting for someone to have a heart attack. My sister and I decided it was best to share a plate.
After lunch, Ashley and I roamed the little boutiques and bakeries in Taipan square. A light breeze crept I found this pretty cream lace dress for $11CAN. We discovered King’s bakery and ate a best egg tart I’ve ever had. By the time we reached home, we discovered that Brian and his family had left back to their home. Auntie Dai-Yee told us that Ashelyn was searching for us outside the house window asking her where her two friends were. We were told she asked that question on the way home in Cousin Brian's car. I hope we get to see her again before we leave.
We were picked up by a chauffeur for dinner sent by my dad’s old school friend, Francis. He invited us for dinner with his family. Considering he sent his chauffeur to come pick us up, my sister and I thought it useful for us to dress up for the occasion. I prepped up in my new dress and wore my white flats. Around 8pm the chauffeur drove us to an all you can eat restaurant that served hotpot. I wanted to cry it was so good. There was barbequed crab and fish, teriyaki chicken and bountiful amounts of ice cream for dessert.
Uncle Francis was very sociable and a likeable man. He and dad told us their childhood memories together. They both told us how they used to play hide and go seek on the streets with ten other friends. They would catch fighting spiders and release them into their neighbours houses, only to find themselves being chased by their neighbour’s vicious dogs. They caught bats in badminton nets, got into fights in the schoolyard, swam naked in the oceans in Penang, and climbed up palm trees to steal people’s coconuts. They didn’t have the money to buy toys so they made nature their toys.
I think that explains why my childhood was the way it was. My dad would take me fishing all the time when I was younger. He helped me carve my own slingshot. We explored the depths of the forest behind my house and caught dragonflies. I loved to catch ladybugs and grasshoppers, play in the dirt, and plant seeds in my mom’s garden. I only had one Barbie and that Barbie was given to me from a friend as a birthday present. (I really loved that Barbie, Lindsay.) When I look back now I don’t think I would change anything about my childhood.
Uncle Francis’ 6 year old kid, Alexes, is cunning and intelligent. A vendor selling toys came to our outdoor table right beside Alexes. He showed a sense of interest at first and then turned around to say how expensive the toy was. Everyone at the table laughed. After dinner we went to Sunway Shopping Mall for a mini tour. There is a merry-go-round installed inside of the mall. It was at a full stop, totally empty, except for an odd couple inside the top cage. I didn’t think of anything yet until it was 30 minutes later and I noticed it hadn’t budged since. The merry-go-round operator was happily chatting away to one of his friends on the lower floors. Ashley took the initiative to talk to him. Apparently the previous operator forgot about the couple and went on his break, switching with the current one. I watched as the current operator lower the merry-go-round and the Australian tourists get out of the cage, relieved. I’m just glad that wasn’t me because I’m scared of heights and am claustrophobic. The mall was beautiful and so luxurious. Hoping to see it tomorrow.
I’m not sure what tomorrow beholds, but I’ll update you.
Love
Elle. xoxo
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