About Me

I am married to my loving husband for more than 45 years now. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, until years ago when I lost my youngest son. Since then my life is forever altered but yet unbroken....

Saturday, 26 July 2025

Hatyai - The gang 55-year Anniversary Reunion...

 "With old friends, you can pick up right where you left off, no matter how much time has passed..."


(Big Five: 1970 - 2025)

Date: 24 - 26 July 2025
Activity: Big 5 and the gang Reunion
Hotel: The Regency Hotel, Hat Yai

When they invited me to join our 55-year comradeship reunion in Hat Yai, I hesitated. We’d barely been back from our Central American trip for two weeks, and I was still recovering from both the jet lag and the mountain of laundry. My Muslimah classes had just resumed, and I was determined to catch up. But then I thought, fifty-five years! That’s not just a reunion, that’s a historic summit. Who knows if we’d all still be able to make it to the 60th? My sensible side told me to stay home; my heart and maybe my curiosity told me to go.
 
(The gang from Kota Bharu)
(Big Five - 55 years of comradeship)

So hubby and I packed our bags, tucked in a packet of panadols and a bottle of yoko-yoko for emergencies, and drove to Hat Yai via Bukit Kayu Hitam. The rest of the gang came in a van from Kota Bharu via Tak Bai. When we reached the Regency Hotel Hat Yai, the rest had already checked-in.

(Breakfast at Chabura Dimsum Restaurant)

The hotel is situated very near Lee Garden Night Market. The moment we stepped off, the air hit us, a heady mix of sizzling satay smoke, sweet mangoes, and the occasional waft of grilled squid. Street vendors called out cheerfully, motorbikes zipped past, and the whole area hummed with energy.

When the gang met at the lobby, it was like stepping into a time machine. The young faces I remembered had been replaced with older, wiser ones though the mischievous smiles were exactly the same. We swapped stories, compared medical prescriptions, and laughed until our sides hurt.
 
(Kayson Souvenir Shop - One Stop Centre)
(Leather goods and souvenirs at Nora Plaza)
(A stop for fresh honey and delicious ice-cream)

We thronged the crowd in the markets and plazas, pretending not to be tempted by the fried chicken stalls and roadside souvenir shops. And later wandered through the night bazaar under strings of glowing lights. The years melted away in between the jokes, the food, and the shared silences only old friends can enjoy. We had a whole day to ourselves, wondering in and out of eateries and shopped till we drop!

(Khlong Hae Buffet Seafood Restaurant)
(BBQ and Shabu2 style buffet, eat as much as you can!)
(A visit at the Khlong Hae Floating Market)

I came home tired, but my heart felt light. Sometimes, catching up with friends is worth pausing the rest of life for. Even if it means a recurring backaches and an extra pile of laundry waiting when we get back.


My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com
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Saturday, 19 July 2025

Central America Summer Adventure...

"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered..." - G.K. Chesterton

(Chichen Itza, Cancun, Mexico)

I’m in for a treat—an unforgettable adventure through Central America! 

This vibrant land calls with the roar of waterfalls, the sway of palm trees, and the colors of bustling markets spilling onto cobblestone streets. Our route will carry us from the mighty Panama Canal to Costa Rica’s misty rainforests alive with birdcalls, the vibrant heart of Mexico with its spices and melodies, and the timeless rhythm of Cuba where music drifts through the warm night air. Even the return journey promises surprise detours—Caracas and Istanbul—reminding me that the spirit of adventure is found not just in the destinations, but in every twist along the way.


This 20-day journey is more than just ticking places off a list—it’s a chance to soak in new experiences and stories along the way. Since some of the destinations we’re heading to have limited internet coverage, I may not be able to update the blog daily. But rest assured, the adventures will find their way here, even if a little later.

Central America Itinerary:
(19 June - 09 July 2025)


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Friday, 11 July 2025

Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu - Lives up to the hype?

"If you have a good experience in a restaurant, you tell 2 people. If you have a bad experience, you tell 10 people..." - Anthony Bourdain

(Nasi lemak with sambal sotong)

If you’re ever in Hartamas and your tummy starts grumbling, there’s one place that almost everyone will point you to – Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu (NLBH). Open 24/7, it’s basically the go-to spot for early morning or late-night nasi lemak cravings.

The restaurant is not fancy or cozy, but it’s lively, and that’s half the charm. The basmati rice. Light, fluffy, and fragrant, it makes the whole plate feel a little extra special compared to your everyday nasi lemak. Then there’s the sambal and the side dishes with crispy ikan bilis, peanuts, cucumber, and extras like begedil – complete the meal perfectly.

The price? Here’s the catch – prices start at around RM10 for the basic nasi lemak with egg and can go up to nearly RM20 if you go for the side dishes. It’s pricier than your neighborhood makcik’s stall, but you’re also paying for basmati rice, variety, and that 24-hour convenience.

(No crowd on weekdays)
(Mouth-watering side dishes)
(Sara is in town for a few days)
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