Week 30: July 9 to 15

What a busy and exciting week!

Monday was quiet, Lachlan was still feeling unwell.
Tuesday afternoon Michelle and her girls came over for a swim. Lachlan and Danae were invited to their place for a sleepover that night, so Steve and I went out for a drink and dinner, but came home fairly early as Steve had some work to do.
Wednesday I went with Sarah, Michelle Donna and Toni on another KL explorers tour to Petaling Jaya to see some furniture stores. Afterwards I picked up the kids and Danae went to Ella's for another sleepover.
On Thursday I took Ella Danae and Lachlan to lunch and the movies. And we packed for our trip to Cambodia and had an early night.

We had to get up early Friday morning to get to the airport for our flight. It took 2 hours to fly from KL to Siem Reap and when we got to our hotel we were able to check in early and our tour guide was ready. On our first day we saw the temples of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Pimean Akas and the Elephant Terrace and Taprohm (the temple in the movie Tomb Raider, and Steve's favourite). With a stop in the middle for some lunch. We got back to our hotel around 4:30, had a swim to cool off, then headed into the tourist area in the centre of town for dinner and a quick look around.

Saturday after our buffet breakfast we had an early start and saw the temples of Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Som, and East Mebon. We were then taken back to the hotel for a complimentary lunch. We also had a bit of a relax. We were picked up again by our driver and guide at 3:30 and we went to a market, then to an artisan school, kind of like TAFE were young people get selected to learn the crafts of silk painting, laquering, wood carving, silversmithing, soapstone carving, or sandstone carving. Then we headed about 20 minutes south of Siem Reap towards Tonle Sap (Great Lake). We got on a boat and were taken down the river past a floating village and to the edge of the lake. We got off the boat onto a floating restaurant/shop/information center/crocodile enclosure and went up the top to watch the sunset. On the way back, Steve and Lachlan drove the boat most of the way until our boat driver quickly took the wheel back as he said "oooh police up here". When we got back to Siem Reap the driver dropped us off in the centre of town, we had some great Mexican food, had a wander around the night markets, and all four of us got a relaxing foot massage.

Sunday was our last full day in Cambodia, we slept in a little, had breakfast then headed off for some more temples. First we went to Banteay Srei, which was my favourite. Then we drove about 30 km through villages to Banteay Samre. On the way back we stopped for lunch, and after lunch we visited the famour Angkor Wat temple, which was both Lachlan and Danae's favourite. Our three day tour finished at about 3 and we got back to our hotel, had a quick swim, then Steve and I went for our complimentary traditional massage. After a rest in our room we headed into the town centre one last time. We had a drink and a snack at the Mexican we had been to the night before ($1.50 margaritas are too good to pass up!). Then we had a wander around for a couple of hours and chose to have dinner at a Cambodian barbecue restaurant. We got 10 different types of meat (including crocodile, ostrich, frogs legs, snake) to cook on our own tabletop barbecue, along with noodles and veges which get cooked in a broth around the edge. It was a great experience, but Danae was dissapointed she didn't get to try kangaroo because they had run out. After dinner we got a tuk-tuk home for a good nights sleep before flying home.

Week 29: July 2 to 8

This week Steve was away with work for the working week and I took Mum and Dad with the kids to Melaka.
Steve left Monday for Johor Baru (the southern town on the coast before you cross the bridge into Singapore). They stayed threre two nights, but spent a lot of the day time in Singapore. Then they went to Melaka for two nights. We got to see hime for a very short time in Melaka while we were there.
Monday was pretty quiet, and we set off Tuesday morning. After checking in, we had some lunch, walked around Jonker St and some of the shops. Then we went back to the hotel and had a swim before going out for dinner.
Wednesday we went up to St Pauls church, where it started to rain. Then we went down to the river cruise and as soon as we got in the boat it poured raining. The cruise was still good, but by the time we got to shelter after the cruise we were drenched, some more than others. So we walked back to the hotel using as much shelter as we could, and all had showers and dried off. After a fresh change of clothes it was still raining. There was a big mall across the road from our hotel, so we went for lunch then Dad took the kids to the movies to see Madagascar 3 while Mum and I did some shopping. Finally the rain stopped so later in the afternoon we set out to try and find somewhere that was showing the State of Origin. I wasn't too hopeful, but we found a great little bar with a really friendly owner, who put it on for us. After the game finished we went to Jonker Street for dinner. Steve arrived in Melaka as we were finishing dinner, so we met up with him for a bit, but he had a very early start the next day.
Thursday, we did a little last minute bits and pieces, then drove home. We went out for fish and chips that evening.

Friday, we went out in the afternoon to the Pavillion and BB Plaza. Steve came home in the early afternoon and we spent the afternoon by the pool having a drink with the Kyla and Logan, then Mel. We came upstairs for dinner and Mel and Ella came too.
Saturday we spent most of the day at home, Mum and Danae did another batik painting, Steve studied and we played some board games. Saturday night we went back to Jalan Alor for dinner, as it was Mum and Dad's favourite place we ate during their stay.
Mum and Dad left for Singapore Sunday morning and we went out to IKEA and the mall next to it, but almost as soon as we got there Lachlan was unwell and threw up, so we came home.

Week 28: June 25 to July 1

With Mum and Dad still here and the kids on holidays it has been both a fun and relaxing week, although Steve has had a lot of work to do this week.

On Monday Lachlan, Danae, Mum, Dad and I went on the hop on hop off bus around KL. We went up the KL Tower, got off at Bukit Bintang for lunch at Al Amar, had a quick stop at Chinatown and did the fish spa, stopped at the new Istana Negara (National Palace) then came back to Ampang Park stop where we got on. We all went to the rasa food court at KLCC for some cheap Malay food and caught the light and music show in the park as we came home.

Tuesday was a quiet day. Danae, Mum and I went to Berjaya Times Square and had a look around the shops and had sushi for lunch. Dad and Lachlan went to a few sports stores around the Pavillion and had lunch together.

Wednesday was pretty quiet as well. We took Mum and dad to get their bus tickets to Singapore, I took some dresses to the tailor to get the hems taken up and we went to KLCC for lunch and a little look around. For dinner we went to El Cerdo at Changkat Bukit Bintang and had a platter with all kinds of Spanish hams and proscuitto and half a suckling pig. Steve didn't come with us because he was feeling unwell and had to go back to work at 8:30 to work on a group project.

We all went separate ways on Thursday. Dad and Lachlan went out for brunch, Mum and Danae went to the Kraft Komplex to do batik painting and I went with some High Comm ladies on an explorers group around Sri Hartamas. Steve and Dad went to play golf after lunch. We had an early lunch at home then I took Lachlan to the movies to see Brave.

I took the kids and Mum and Dad to Chinatown on the LRT on Friday. We had a good look around Central Market, and had lunch in the food court there. Then we went to a few fabric shops and walked down Petaling Street. I got some flowers on the way back home. We had a swim and a drink by the pool, then came upstairs for dinner. Steve and I were thinking of going out to Souled Out, but were too tired.

Saturday, we went to Publika, had breakfast at Plan B, had a look around (they have a great industrial vintage store that I love), and got some groceries at B.I.G. In the afternoon we chilled out at home. For dinner Mum, Dad and the kids went to Delicious at Dua and Steve and I went out together. We had Japanese at the Intercontinental, and it was delicious!! The highlights were the grilled scallops and chocolate fondue for dessert. We stopped at Malones on the way home for a drink and a game of pool.

On Sunday we had a bit of a sleep in, then we went to Little India on the LRT. We walked around the bazaar, had a look at some beautiful saris and had some lunch. As we were walking to the next station to come home. Steve and I decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe. Everyone else wanted to go back home, so they caught the train back. Steve and I had a drink at the Hard Rock, then ended up walking home via KLCC. After a swim and a cool down, we went out to Jalan Alor for dinner. We had stingray, calamari, lemon chicken, fried coffee chicken (that one was a favorite), assorted beans, brocolli, ocra and rice. With two beers, two soft drinks and two juices the bill came to $60. Dad thought it was the best meal he had had in KL.

Week 27: June 18 to 24

Last week of school for the semester for Lachlan and Danae. They both got fanatstic reports!!

On Monday Lachlan went to Kidzania for a school excursion and again had a great time there. I went to Chinatown to get some flowers.
Tuesday, I went to KLCC in the morning, then came home and tidied up for Mum and Dad's visit. In the evening I helped Lachlan with his assignment and Steve went to pick up mum and dad from the airport.
They arrived at Dua at about 9:30. Lachlan and Danae ended up staying awake to see them, they were very excited.

 Wednesday I took Mum and Dad for a walk around KLCC. We went to Suria, the Pavillion and a little around Bukit Bintang. We had char kwoy teow and popiah at the Pavillion for lunch.
Thursday we mostly stayed at home, Steve had a study day and had a lunch meeting with the American Defence Atache. We went into the High Comm for some admin stuff in the morning. We went to Las Carretas in Ampang for dinner.
Friday I took Mum and Dad to Ben's at KLCC for lunch and to the bank, then in the afternoon we went to pick up the kids from school on their last day, so Mum and Dad could see the school. We went for a swim when we got home, then ordered pizza.

Saturday was a great touristy day. We went to Batu Caves in the morning, then the Royal Selangor Factory tour in the afternoon. Batu Caves was fantastic! We had planned on going earlier in the year, but figured we may as well wait until we had visitors. It is several Hindu temples built in a huge cave on the side of a hill on the outskirts of KL. There are 270 steps up to the mouth of the cave, I am glad we went earlier and it was overcast! On the way out of Batu Danae and I got henna designs on our hands.
We then went to the Royal Selangor Factory and learnt all about the history of the Royal Selangor brand and about pewter making. We saw how some of the items are made, and all had a go at doing the hammered pattern.

On Sunday, Mum and I went to Midvalley Mall, the biggest mall in KL. Steve, Dad and the kids went to Antipodean for breakfast, then had a swim. In the evening we all went to Suzi's Corner for satay, steak and roti tissue.

Week 26: June 11 to 17

Firstly here are the photos from last weekend at Sunway Lagoon.

A much quieter week this week. Steve was in Jakata from Tuesday until Friday night.
Monday Steve had the day off and went to play golf in the afternoon.
Tuesday I took the kids to Ben's for dinner, then we saw the water and light show on the way home.
Lachlan had his athletics carnival on Thursday and came first in javelin for his age group.
On Friday Ryan had a sleep over, his mum and sisters came over in the evening for a swim and dinner. It ended up being a late night.
After a bit of a sleep in for everyone on Saturday, we had a quiet day and the boys played computer games and went swimming. In the evening the babysitter came and Steve and I went out for the evening together. We went and had a fabulous Thai massage, then went next door for some beautiful Vietnamese food and then a quick drink at a bar before we went home.
Sunday was also a quiet day, it was Father's Day here and we went out for breakfast.

week 25: June 4 to 10

It's been a busy week this week with lots going on, both good and not so good.
Monday I had a lunch to farewell the ADA's wife who is returning home and also to welcome the new one. After the kids got home, they had a quick swim then we went out to get Danae some new school shoes. None of the Clark's stores have any in stock, so we had to get a cheap pair that probably won't last the rest of the year, but at least she has some for school photos this week. Then we met Steve at the Pavillion for dinner. We ended up staying up late to watch the finale of Revenge, we are both hooked and loved the first season.
Tuesday I went with some ladies from lunch Mon to the SOHOM bazaar. It was organised by the group of spouses of all the heads of the embassies. There was lots of lovely jewellery, clothes and food from all different countries. In the evening Steve had a function to go to, so the kids and I went out to dinner with some people who's husbands/dads were also at the same function. We went to the food court at the Pavillion then went upstairs and saw the most amazing view of the city from Michelle's place.

Wednesday morning was horrible! Steve woke up with a huge fever and had had chills through the night. I got the kids off to school, gave him some neurofin and put him in a cool bath. Then I took him to the doctor, he could hardly walk. I was really scared it was dengue. When we got to see the doctor she ordered blood tests. After an hour waiting for the results he thankfully didn't have dengue and was prescribed some antibiotics. We came home and he rested, then we went to the school because it was middle school exhibition day. We just stayed for the music part and got to see Lachlan play the clarinet.
Thursday was quiet and Steve was given the day off to rest. Danae had her athletics carnival and did well. I am so happy with the school here and really pleased that they get to try all the events. She came first in her group for shot put and second for high jump and long jump. Lachlan had school photos today, Danae had hers yesterday.
Friday is housework day. I spend the morning tidying up and washing, then Lacksmi, the cleaner comes in the afternoon. Steve is usually home about the same time and we go out to lunch or to do errands. I like to keep out of Lacksmi's way, she is very efficient. But this week at about lunchtime I found out my Nan had passed away. Then Steve got home and was feeling tired, so he had a rest and I went out for a little bit to get a tea and have a walk.
In the afternoon the kids had a quick swim, then we went and watched the footy with Toni and Michael. Toni and I then went out for dinner with some ladies from the High Comm. It was a good night, we went to a French restaurant and had some amazing food, then out for cocktails and dancing.

Saturday we went to Sunway Lagoon, we had planned to go twice before, but something else came up then a few weeks ago we were about to go and then made plans with some other families to go this weekend. It was a good day, the weather was perfect and although the theme parks here are not as good as the ones on the Gold Coast, the kids had a great time. I don't have any photos from Sunway, but hopefully will be getting some soon.
Saturday night we went out to our favourite Mexican restaurant with the same families that came to Sunway. It was a great night and by the end of the night the kids were having bartender lessons and making our margaritas. lol That would so not happen in Australia!
Sunday was wind down day after such a huge week. Steve did some study in the morning and evening, we all went out and everyone but me got haircuts. Danae was a last minute decision so she got her hair washed too. Then we came home and had a swim.

Week 24: May 28 to June 3

It was a quieter week this week.

Lachlan played golf on a course for ASA this week, and had to dress in long pants and collared tshirt. Wednesday was the school walkathon to riase money for a school in Sabah, both Lachlan and Danae participated and they raised RM300 and RM 240 (thanks to those who sponsored them).
Friday night Steve and I had a function to go to, a dining out at Istana Hotel. It was a long night, but not too bad.
Saturday morning we went down to the school for Danae to try Netta Netball. They had a tryout morning to see if anyone liked it and wanted to do it for ASA next semester. Danae had a great time and really loved it, she also scored a goal! There were some other families we know there too.
Sunday we went to Bangsar to have brunch, pick up a few groceries and find new school shoes for Danae. Then we spent the early evening by the pool.

 
Other than a few meals out, we didn't really do much else. Speaking of food, it must be time for another little info section and I thought since it's such a huge part of the culture here I would talk a bit about the food here.

The Malay word for food is makan, and the variety and cost of food here is something that makes Malaysia such a special place. We eat out probably twice a week for dinner and another twice for breakfast or lunch. We probably eat more Western food, and by Western I mean the type of food you would see in almost any big city, including Japanese, Italian, American, German. I would say there is more choice here than Sydney, just for 'Western' food. The average we would spend on a Western meal out is around RM100 ($30) or RM150 with a beer and cocktail (wine is pretty expensive here, and a glass of wine costs about the same as a cocktail).

nasi lemak; char kwoy teow; carrot cake; chicken rice; roti canai; roti tissu; satay; cendol; kuih.

 But I wanted to talk mostly about Malay food. Like the population, the food is a mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay. There are hawker stalls everywhere selling all kinds of dishes. Some of the most popular dishes are:

Nasi Lemak, this is probably Malaysia's national dish. Nasi is rice and lemak means fat, so nasi lemak is 'fatty rice' because it is traditionally cooked in coconut milk. The rice is served with a mid-level spicy sambal, dried anchovies, roasted peanuts, a wedge of hard boiled egg and some cucumber. It is usually eaten on its own for breakfast or a snack but can also be served with some meat (quite often fried chicken or beef rendang) for luch or dinner. It is sold in the streets wrapped in coconut leaves. A nasi lemak costs about RM1.50 (50 cents) hawker style, or up to 4 or 5 ringgit in a food court served with chicken or beef.

Char Kwoy Teow, is a Chinese dish similar to Pad Thai but with a darker, less sweet soy-type sauce. It is one of Danae and my favourites. A plate of Char Kwoy Teow costs about RM6 ($2)

Another favorite of mine that we have just discovered is 'fried carrot cake'. Despite sounding like a dessert, it is acually savoury and even more weird is that it has no carrot in it! It is kind of similar to char kwoy teow, but instead of noodles it has cubes of a 'cake' made with daikon raddish (which has the same chinese name as carrot) and rice flour. These cubes are stir friend till nice and charry, then they add omelette, spring onions, bean sprouts and soy sauce.

Chicken rice is also a favourite and usually ordered by one or both of the kids, or me if I can't decide what else to have. Chicken rice is rice, with steamed or roasted chicken served with a bowl of clear chicken soup. It also costs about RM6.

Various types of roti are popular here, reflecting the Indian culture. The most popular is roti canai, nice crispy, flakey roti with three different type os sauce for dipping. One of my favourites is roti tissu, a paper thin crispy roti served as an upside down cone shape with condensed milk poured over. There are quite a few other sweet variations (Lachlan tried milo and banana for breakfast in Penang)

Satay is also something we like here, though we don't order it often. You dont see it as much in food courts, more in restaurants as an apetizer or at street stalls. A satay stick will cost 30 to 50 cen each.

Desserts are probably some of the most unique dishes. Two of the most popular are Ice Kacang (or ABC) and Cendol (chendol), both are made with shaved ice and variuos toppings. We have tried cendol in Melaka, but I don't think I can come at ice kacang.
Ice kacang is shaved ice topped with red beans, corn, cubes of grass jelly, condensed milk and rose flavored syrup. There are lots of variations.

Cendol is usually shaved ice topped with little worm shaped noodles made from rice flour and pandan, coconut milk and liquid palm sugar. Quite often it has red beans, the one we had in Melaka had red beans on the bottom, so we all just left them because none of us like them at all! The rest of it was nice, we all enjoyed it especially during a hot day.A bowl of cendol costs about 3 ringgit ($1)

Kuih are little sweets of any kind. There are many different types, but the common ingredients are rice flour, coconut, pandan, fruits like durian or mango, palm sugar, agar agar. My favorites are little chewy pandan flavoured rice flour balls filled with liquid palm sugar and rolled in coconut. They are kind of like mochi and are called onde-onde. They are similar to the balls in the photo above. The other one in the photo is fresh grated coconut mixed with palm sugar and wrapped in pandan or banana leaf, I'm not sure of the name of that one.