Tok Ayah & Tok Ma's visit

This is a longgggg over due entry. My apology.

Abah & Ma (Azmir's side) came to visit us last Chinese New Year (Feb 2008). It was Ma's first trip to Singapore. Have to admit, I was at my wit's end as to figure out where to bring them in Singapore. Yes Singapore is a great tourist spot, but not a cup of tea for an elderly Malay couple.

We went to Geylang Serai, the only place on this island where one can witness whatever left of Malay culture here. For those who complain about the minority being marginalized in Malaysia, I think they should come here to see what has happen to the culture of Malays here. I will just stop at that, hoping they would some day have the chance to witness for themselves.

Enough politic talks. This is not Malaysiakini.com.

After that we went on a boat ride at Clarke Quay; a typical and a must do for tourist in Singapore. We took a guided boat tour (SGD18 per ticket), and spent 30 minutes cruising along Singapore river while the commentator explained bits & pieces of Singapore history. A worthwhile trip I must say though the heat was a bit unbearable.

We also went to Arab Street, and visited the spectacular Sultan Mosque. It was a nice ambiance along Arab Street pedestrian walk with its street cafes in the evening. But the food & the service at one of the Malay restaurants was so bad, I vowed not to go there again. Why is it like asking the impossible for any Malay Restaurant in the world (or pasar malam, or gerai or warong for that matter) to prepare small change for their customers? It was 8:pm and we spent close to SGD20 for drinks & food, but they had no change for SGD50? We had to scrap the bottom of our pants, my handbag, & even pockets of our kids' to come up with the exact amount to pay! Couldn't they drop by the bank during the day to break some big notes to accomodate their customers? We were also scolded for not ordering the food at the same time we ordered drinks. We ordered drinks first as we were thirsty of the boat ride and long walks and needed for time to think of what to order (it was THAT hard to decide since all on the menu looks soooo UNinviting...)

Well, I hope my parents in law will still come visit us some more despite the not-so-thrill experience in Singapore. It would do much good for both the kids & them to be close to each other.