The Kwans in Melaka

The Kwans with 2 of their 3 children, Yong Kitt and Mei Mei having a nasi lemak lunch at my parent's home

After less than 24 hours in Singapore, my brother picked me up as he was heading up back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the weekend. He dropped me off about halfway down the drive in Melaka at my parents' home at about 2am.

For those of you less familiar with this region: these maps show, 1.where Malaysia is on the world map and 2.the relative locations of Singapore, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur.

Later that morning, the Kwans visited us as they were on their way up to Kuala Lumpur too. My Mom babysat the three Kwan kids since infancy and though it has been almost 9 years since she has been their babysitter, the ties remain very close. She was their babysitter for more than 10 years. I regard them as my Mom and Dad's other children and my little brother and sisters. Mrs. Kwan has a very cheery disposition and has been a very good friend to my Mom and Dad.

The Kwan kids on an earlier visit at my parents' home (L-R: Pearl, Mei Mei and my dad. Yong Kitt at centre back)

Especially for the Kwan kids-Pearl, Yong Kit and Mei Mei-who requested some photos for their viewing.




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My Bags are Packed...

As much as I love travelling and experiencing new places, I hate the packing and unpacking. In 2002, I backpacked with a couple of friends around Turkey. I must have had the largest, most overstuffed backpack of the bunch and that did not do MY back any favors. Looking back to even earlier days when I hiked up to Mount Ophir with too heavy a backpack just because I had to make sure I had everything I needed or might need, in case of this or that. I remember thinking over and over again, as I struggled up the mountain, "Do I REALLY need this sleeping bag?"

I will probably never be a light traveller. This time, I have a good reason for my two large check-ins, a carry-on and my knapsack. I'll be away for 5 weeks and I have to pack a wedding dress, 4 pairs of shoes, goodies for friends and colleagues, candy for the reception table, among many many things I absolutely need or MAY need.

As I head for my other homes, Singapore and Malaysia. I wonder how different I will feel about Singapore as my home now that I have sold the flat that I have called home for many years. My parents moved from the small town I grew up in, Batu Pahat, to Malacca, where THEY grew up in the Portuguesse Settlement about a year ago. Although I never spent a lot of time in Malacca, being at my parents' home does feel like home. It may be a different house but it has the same feel of the home I grew up in Batu Pahat. Perhaps it's the combination of familiar people and furniture.

As I write this, I have mixed feelings about my travels. I am looking forward to seeing family and friends and having all my favourite food. I know I will also miss my home here. When I have to leave Singapore and Malaysia to come back to Seattle at the end of the 5 weeks, I am sure I'll be having the very same mix of emotions.