It’s been a while since my last entry (apart from the kad raya below). I’ve been away on a fabulous 4 weeks holiday in Malaysia tanah tumpahnya darahku. After more than 18 months in Doha, it was definitely a much awaited vacation. The saddest part of course, is not being able to celebrate Aidilfitri with loved ones back home. Our original raya plane tickets had to be brought forward a month due to foreseen difficulties of yours truly going on a flight beyond 28 weeks pf pregnancy. Of course other friends have done it at even 33 weeks pregnancy, but at this maternal age, I’m not one who would take that risk. As it is, pregnancy at late 30’s is far different from the 20’s. I get tired all the time, not mentioning the backaches and sleepless nites.
Anyway, our agenda of makan, makan and makan was somewhat restricted during Ramadhan. We chose to stay at my parents’ house thru out the 4 weeks since our abandoned house was not exactly in living condition with leaking pipes and everything. Administrative matters were also a priority, from banking to car selling to property hunting. These are the things which we can never totally rely on family or friends to handle while we are away. Not that it’s a trust issue, but the urgency and priority are sometimes simply not there. Apart from the admin stuff, shopping was also very ala kadar this time around. I wasn’t in the usual mood to shop for personal things as they seem less important during pregnancy, so it was more of the kids and hubby that shopped mainly. I didn’t manage to meet many old friends either, well actually, not many of them knew I was in town. Malas nak announce. So it was mainly centred around immediate family, cousins and very close friends. Quality time indeed.
It was great to just sit back and enjoy the lush green landscapes of Malaysia especially the rain! Although Ikhwan wanted to ‘go home’ after two days there, the kids ended up having a great time exploring new things which they had totally forgotten. Myisha loved the nature – from chasing the grasshoppers, discovering garden snails and helping her granny water the plants. My Blackberry being barred after two weeks there was a blessing in disguise as the next two weeks were spent leisurely. It was sheer pleasure to not have to think about work and checking e-mails all the time.
Back in Doha, kids have immediately started the new academic year after missing about 10 days of school. Ikhwan goes to Year 1, Myisha Year 2 and Dina Year 6. And poor Mummy has to get back to work. Thank God it’s only a week of work before another 9-day Eid break. What a relief! Weather in Doha is still hot and somewhat humid this time of the year but somehow we don’t sweat like we did in Malaysia. I am so looking forward to the winter months. After one whole month of eating Mum’s home cooked food, I now have to hit the kitchen again. Argghh, reality bites! No more nasi kandar, kue teow goreng kerang, paru goreng berlada and traditional kuih muih to point my finger to. .
