Wonderful Day in Segamat

The day started well. We got off early and we were across to Johor Baru in Malaysia by 6.30 am. Decided to use the SatNav to guide us to Segamat. It took us to places we had never been before but it did get us onto the North-South Highway, although the toll charges were higher.

The drive was uneventful. We decided to stop at one of the rest stops for a coffee, but unfortunately it was close for maintenance and cleaning.

Arrived in Segamat at 9.30 am and decided to proceed o our favorite koon low mee stall for brunch. At usual the food was good and we were not disappointed. Two plates of koon low mee and a drink came to RM6, approximately 90 pence.

We then proceed to brother Tong’s house to see elder mother. She was very happy to see us but complained that I should have told her in advance of our visit so that she could make my favorite carrot cakes for us. I did not want her to go to too much trouble as she is now 93 years young and making carrot cakes require quite strenuous stirring. I love her carrot cakes but I am not willing to cause her too much physical effort. At her age she should be taking it easy.

The morning was spent chatting and trying to find out the latest on Peng Yan and Wee Ching’s illnesses. Peng Yan’s is undergoing chemotherapy and I was told the Wee Ching’s illness has been confirmed to be motor neuron. I hope their conditions do not get worst.

Peng Yan is currently in KL for his treatment. I called on Wee Ching but found him out of the house. I must remember to telephone him in the next few days. Went over to See Yee to consult him about Peng Yan and Wee Ching. I had a feeling that he told me in not so many words that prognoses for both cases are not too good.

We then went out for lunch with mother, Tong and wife and Phyllis. The six of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves over lunch. We had my favorite fish, the soon hock, toufoo, chicken in Chinese wine, asparagus with scallop and oatmeal prawns. Lunch cost RM220 or 30 pounds, half the bill was for the fish which cost RM110. Food is always delicious and cheap in Segamat.

After lunch we went over to the fruit market to buy durians. Unfortunately there wasn’t any durians from Segamat. Those that were on sale were from Thailand, a vastly inferior type that wasn’t up to our Segamat standard. As we could not purchase any durians we got 6 large pineapples for RM20 and a dozen mangoes fro RM35. The total fruit bill came to about 8 pounds.

At 4.30 pm we said our goodbyes to mother, Tong and sister-in-law and went to the local Giant store for some groceries. On the way out of Segamat we paid a visit to see my god daughter. She has grown at least 6 inches since our last visit. She is prettier and a very well mannered girl. I am glad. Gave her an angpow and also one to each of her sisters.

We left Segamat at around 5.30pm and got to Singapore at around 9.30pm. We stopped at Yong Peng for the famous Yong Peng fish balls.

It was a wonderful day seeing the family again. Sad that Peng Yan and Wee Ching are both unwell but let hope by some miracles they come through these ordeals. However, it was good returning to Segamat, albeit only for a day. Somehow it made me feel whole again.