Before we know it, it is time to pack up and leave Kuala Lumpur. Anne had suggested during the planning of this adventure that we should rent a car so that we could travel to Ipoh, Bath Gajah, Kampar, Penang Island, then return to Kuala Lumpur, at optimal expense.
So, Thursday morning, we pack up, then Anne & Debra head out on foot. The plan was to get some fruit and vegetables to take with us, for perhaps a picnic along the way; to pick up the rental car; then return to pick up Margaret and the luggage. It was a great plan. The reality was that Anne & Debra finally arrive at Hertz, after walking forever, to discover that we do not have our passports, which are required to rent the car. Additionally Debra does not have her drivers' license!
The revised plan becomes to flag a taxicab so that we get back in time to check out of the guesthouse without overstaying our welcome (especially as we are returning); make our fruit salad and eat before we leave; order a larger taxicab to take all of us and our luggage to Hertz without being too late for our reservation. The fruit salad was delicious; unfortunately we left two thirds of it in the refrigerator at the Sabahat Guesthouse.... and finally Debra goes to the bottom of the street looking for a taxi SUV or van to take all of us and our luggage to Hertz. Finally we arrive at Hertz with the necessary documents. Margaret & Debra guarded the luggage outside while Anne completed the paperwork inside.
Anne had offered to drive the car as she had previous experience driving on the left side of the road. Also she is the older sister! Please note that her driving has been exceptional and Debra is VERY happy to let her do it all... as it definitely does not look easy.
It took a while to get out of Kuala Lumpur as it is a busy city; all the drivers are crazy, especially the scooter riders; and it is definitely survival of the fittest. Thankfully Anne is very fit! The drive to Ipoh was thoroughly enjoyable. We saw beautiful hills and trees, jungles of palm trees, dogs, birds and water buffalo along the way. Malaysia scenery is spectacular!
When we arrived at our new accommodation, Hotel Station 18, Margaret and Debra waited in the car while Anne went inside to check us in. It should be noted that Anne researched and booked all the accommodations as she was recently practiced in researching nice accommodation at reasonable cost (with a little help from the expert, Gigi!). This type of accommodation though was outside of Margaret's 78 year experience.... so when we arrived to a not very spectacular looking front entrance, Margaret was somewhat apprehensive. When she saw the groups of minimally dressed young ladies walk past the car in her high shoes, her apprehension intensified. By the time we got in our room, Margaret was slightly hysterical! She admitted later that she was thinking...." if Jane (her sister) could only see me now..."
It was getting late by the time we were in our room. None of us were up for going too far or doing too much. Recognizing that pizza is one of Margaret's favourite fast foods, it was suggested and readily accepted. The front desk pointed us in the right direction and off we went to the local..... Domino's Pizza in Ipoh, Malaysia. As Anne says, "I can't believe we travelled half way around the world to eat Domino Pizza"; and believe it or not, the best coffee we have found to date is at the nearby McDonald's!
On Friday, we were all very excited about going to Batu Gajah - Anne, Debra & Billy's birthplace. Naturally we were particularly excited about visiting the town hospital. Margaret had not been there since Billy's birth in 1962.
Famous for its tin mining long before the Independence Day of Malaya, Batu Gajah had been an ideal place for Chinese (and British) immigrants to stay and work during those years. This contributes to a significant percentage of Chinese in the population of Batu Gajah today.
Bath Gajah lies on the bank of Sungai Kina, a little downstream from the major confluence of Sungai Raya. It started out as one of the many villages of mukim Sungai Terap, developed under its titular chief, the Sri Ama DiRaja, since the early 19th century.
Our first stop once arriving in town, was the...
It is a pretty large complex and we weren't sure where to park...where to go.... As it turned out, we had lots of help along the way. Shortly after parking, Jonathan, a Security guard approached us... Margaret told him the story and he insisted on escorting us to the Administrator's office. It was a lot of walking from where the car was parked... we walked to the Administrator's office... told him our story.... he called the Sister at the maternity ward... and directed us that way. The Security guard had gone back to work so we started out ourselves. Within minutes, a lady hospital staff offered to show us the way... half way there she insisted that Margaret sit for a rest.... and waited with us.
Margaret definitely looks "puggled" in this shot..and confirmed that was exactly how she felt ... She rested while we talked with our new best friend, name Faziah... who took us through secure locations to shorten our trip to the maternity ward. At the maternity ward, she hung around, took our picture with her, and introduced us to Sister .
We probably spent 15 minutes with Sister Zairina and a few of the other nurses in the lobby.... until the Sister suggested that there was more to see. We moved along the hallway into the 1st delivery room... then 2nd delivery room where we spent another hour and a few more maternity nurses joined us. We took pictures... they took pictures... we all talked... and talked.... Margaret cried... and we talked more... took more pictures.... exchanged names, email, and Facebook addresses! Debra had brought along our birth certificates, which she was showing anyone who got close where it said 'Batu Gajah hospital'! The nurses also took pictures of the birth certificates for any other old friends that may come to visit. IT WAS AMAZING!!
For most people, they live near where they were born, or if not, they certainly have opportunity to visit there. For Debra, it was very special to visit the actual birthing room where she was born (with the same floor and wall tiles) for the very first time in her life at the young age of 52. Anne had visited this hospital in 1989. Although not her first time, it was exciting to be there again; especially with Mum and her sister. Of course, the bride/mother was thrilled to return for the first time since 1962. Yes, she cried.... and laughed a number of times! Some things never change!!
We toured the dredge, at the request of the guide; didn't understand much of what he said; and only continued further when he said "please". We returned to the display room; looked at pictures and read some materials; and left knowing little more than we did before... but we did it for dad!
Another GREAT day in Malaysia...
Sounds like a long day full of adventure!
ReplyDeleteWow. I didn't realize that you all were born in Malaysia. So exciting. Love the photos.
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