13 wonderful days April 1, 2009

Mum & Dad have left back to KL last nite, ending the 13 wonderful days spent in Doha. The house suddenly feels so quiet. No more Mum’s yummy dishes for dinner and the mandatory tea-time. No more chilling in the guest room doing nothing but listen to their juicy gossips from home. Every single day of the last 13 days has been filled with activities ranging from shopping, sightseeing, picnic outing and surprise, surprise – sand duning!

On their first weekend here, we drove out to Inland Sea to give them a taste of the desert. I had warned Hubby again and again to take the easiest route so as not to shock the parents. But to my surprise, the ride was smooth and ‘pretty calm’ apart from the normal one or two nervous slopes. In fact, I think they actually enjoyed it!

The other days of the week were spent mall hopping – City Centre, Villagio, Hyatt Plaza and Landmark – all the major malls were covered. Souq Waqif, Souq Dira and Souq Asery were a must. Dad seems to be into cufflinks these days while Mum couldn’t get enough of abayas. I even discovered shops which I would not have gone to if they weren’t around.

Kids were enjoying the quality time with their Tokmi and Tokdi while I was busy savouring Mum’s cooking. She made her specialty acar telur to bring to Leo & Nanie’s kenduri doa selamat event last weekend. I managed to scribble the recipe this time around and will definitely try it soon. And on one Saturday morning, lempeng with home made kuah dal –  aahh, the simplest dish can be the most rewarding. Also my late grandma’s favorite ‘bistik daging’ dish on one of the days. Uwaaaa!! Memang betul kata orang, air tangan mak sendiri memang tiada tandingan.

The only disappointment was the trip to Dubai which did not take place due to unforeseen circumstances. Mum was sooo looking forward to see the much hyped shopping haven. Tickets purchased. Hotel booked. Car reserved. But if it’s not meant to be, then it isn’t. Hopefully next time, they will have another chance to come here again.