Homecoming, again!

Another year, another trip home to Malaysia in December, 2008. It was my second in just over a year. Wow! Considering before 2008, I made only 2 trips home in 32 years, that's including my previous homecoming in 2007! On this trip, I spent most of my time in Singapore where two of my sisters and I flew in from Toronto via Beijing (more about that later). What a difference a year made! The little baby Cheng Han has now become a toddler! Then there're always family "additions" since my last visit, like a new baby grandchild of my sister. And, here's another cutie. Please don't ask me for their names! I'm afraid I have lost count of how many little ones that call me "great uncle"!

From Singapore, we travelled by car to Muar, my home town. Once again, my purpose is to visit family and friends. I didn't see many friends, but was fortunate that my good friend, Boon Chai, the "BP Shanghai Executive" was on vacation in Malaysia. He took the trouble to come and see me in Muar. No doubt I'd be lost if I have to find him as I'm still very much a stranger in my home town! With the limited time, I did get a chance to visit Melaka, a historic town about 45 km from Muar. Growing up in Muar, I used to go to Melaka a lot. Not that I remember much, but I do recall as a teenager going there on a bicycle all the way from Muar! Not sure if I'd want to do that today. I'm too old for that! Here's another shot of an old street in Melaka. And how can I forget these wooden clogs that we used to wear in the kitchen and bathroom.

Back in Singapore after Muar visit, for my last sightseeing we went to Botanic Garden, a place I haven't been in at least 33 years! Just before leaving for Canada, a 3rd world country according to my friends (and they're right!), it was a privilege to be invited again for dinner by Nicky, my good friend from high school and college room mate in U.K. Although I didn't get a photo of his 2 boys, here's Nicky and his daughter.

Before my homecoming trip, my 2 sisters from Malaysia were visiting in Canada. At the end of their Canadian visit, I went back with them. We were supposed to fly from Toronto to Singapore, with connection in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, our flight from Toronto to Hong Kong was delayed, which meant we would miss our connection. The staff at Air Canada Concierge in Toronto frantically looked for alternative routes, including flights via Europe. For some reasons, flights to Singapore were booked solid that day. Our only viable option was to connect at Beijing with a 7-hour layover. Upon arrival at the gate in Beijing, to my surprise an Air Canada Concierge staff was there to ensure we got our transfers and pass through Chinese immigration. Naturally, my sisters were very impressed, and so was I. Granted, it doesn't hurt to have Super Elite status. Nevertheless, I must say the AC staff went beyond the call of duty to assist us. So, kudos to the staff of Air Canada Concierge!

All in all, it was a very good trip. Hopefully, it will be another homecoming sometime this year!

Happy New Year, everyone, and All the Best in 2009!

Posted by Ba on Thursday 01 January 2009 - 15:56:25
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