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Remembering Leng Song, our buddy
I was totally shocked to find out that our high school buddy, Lee Leng Song, passed away in the morning (Malaysian time) on Sunday, June 7, 2009.
Prior to my return to Malaysia in November, 2007, we saw each other in December, 1990. So when he heard about my return in 2007, he just had to see me. He drove a couple of hours to have dinner with me and our friends, Ser Chai and Wan Leet. After dinner, we hang out for drinks, and talked about old times. He had to get up early the next day to catch a flight. Yet he made the trip. What a good friend he was. I don't recall the last time that I felt so fortunate to be at some place. In the old days, there were 5 of us and we were the best of buddies in high school. That was our high school clique, including Steven who was unavailable for our 2007 reunion dinner.
I remember visiting Leng Song in 1990 at his home, and met his wife and 2 young daughters. It's hard to believe that the next time (and the last) I saw him was 17 years later. Now I wish that I could have made more trips to Malaysia during all those years. Time has no mercy. Once the time is gone, you wish you had made use of it differently. I know life is short. But I never thought that any one of us could run out of time so quickly.
Rest in peace, Leng Song. We miss you dearly.
Posted by Ba on Sunday 07 June 2009 - 20:13:53
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My bimmer ... at last!
After years of thinking (dreaming), I finally did it. I got my first BMW! Actually I was considering either the 128i or 328i, but eventually decided on the 2009 528i xDrive. This black beauty is totally awesome! It truly is a product of remarkable engineering. It seems a bit over the top for my first BMW. But what the heck .. I'm not getting younger. I have "paid my dues" so to speak. So it's time I do something for myself. And why not? If not now, then when? I can't live forever! 
So, I'm cruising in my bimmer ... and living in my dreams! 
Here's another look. Pictures of the front, the back, the side view, the dashboard, the steering wheel, the Automatic Transmission with Steptronic and iDrive Controller. and the Control Display.
Posted by Ba on Saturday 30 May 2009 - 23:04:56
For some people, is courtesy in the pits?
I travel a lot for my work, so hotels have become my second home; or perhaps my first home since I spend more time there than at home. People come and go in hotels, so it's not unusual to see something that you're not used to. Still, it never cease to amaze me that some "business" people among us in a highly civilized society (or so we thought) have absolutely no consideration for their fellow guests at a hotel.
For a year now, I've been a regular guest at my favourite hotel in Montréal, the Marriott Château Champlain. I usually "hang out" at the Concierge Lounge in the morning and in the evening. My daily routine starts with an hour at the gym; and I'm glad there are others who do the same. Most hotel guests are people with respectful behaviour. But there are a few odd ones that just don't seem to get it. How do you tell someone that they should shower and change before coming to the Concierge Lounge? I mean, why is it even necessary to tell them? The worst of all is to see someone sit in the lounge and have breakfast right after their gym session! After my gym exercise, I can't even stand my own sweaty body, never mind being among people who are dressed for work. I have no doubt that other guests are also offended by these inconsiderate individuals. But then, we are the silent majority!
Being in Montréal for a while, I managed to learn a little bit of French. So here's my message to these individuals:
S'il vous plait va prendre ta douche avant de venir au Salon Concierge! Merci beaucoup!
If you're one of them, you know who you are. If you can't read the message in French, then use Google Translate. Or better yet, please ask one of the friendly and lovely ladies who look after hotel guests at the Concierge Lounge. I'm sure they will be pleased to translate for you!
Incidentally, the Marriott Château Champlain isn't the only hotel where I've seen guests with disrespectful behaviour. Sadly, these are business people who obviously travel frequently to become hotel elite members with access to the concierge lounge. Their courtesy is indeed in the pits!
Posted by Ba on Thursday 09 April 2009 - 22:51:08
Homecoming, again!
Another year, another trip home to Malaysia in December, 2008. It was my second in just over a year. Wow! Considering before 2008, I made only 2 trips home in 32 years, that's including my previous homecoming in 2007! On this trip, I spent most of my time in Singapore where two of my sisters and I flew in from Toronto via Beijing (more about that later). What a difference a year made! The little baby Cheng Han has now become a toddler! Then there're always family "additions" since my last visit, like a new baby grandchild of my sister. And, here's another cutie. Please don't ask me for their names! 
I'm afraid I have lost count of how many little ones that call me "great uncle"!
From Singapore, we travelled by car to Muar, my home town. Once again, my purpose is to visit family and friends. I didn't see many friends, but was fortunate that my good friend, Boon Chai, the "BP Shanghai Executive" was on vacation in Malaysia. He took the trouble to come and see me in Muar. No doubt I'd be lost if I have to find him as I'm still very much a stranger in my home town! With the limited time, I did get a chance to visit Melaka, a historic town about 45 km from Muar. Growing up in Muar, I used to go to Melaka a lot. Not that I remember much, but I do recall as a teenager going there on a bicycle all the way from Muar! Not sure if I'd want to do that today. I'm too old for that! Here's another shot of an old street in Melaka. And how can I forget these wooden clogs that we used to wear in the kitchen and bathroom.
Back in Singapore after Muar visit, for my last sightseeing we went to Botanic Garden, a place I haven't been in at least 33 years! Just before leaving for Canada, a 3rd world country according to my friends (and they're right!), it was a privilege to be invited again for dinner by Nicky, my good friend from high school and college room mate in U.K. Although I didn't get a photo of his 2 boys, here's Nicky and his daughter.
Before my homecoming trip, my 2 sisters from Malaysia were visiting in Canada. At the end of their Canadian visit, I went back with them. We were supposed to fly from Toronto to Singapore, with connection in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, our flight from Toronto to Hong Kong was delayed, which meant we would miss our connection. The staff at Air Canada Concierge in Toronto frantically looked for alternative routes, including flights via Europe. For some reasons, flights to Singapore were booked solid that day. Our only viable option was to connect at Beijing with a 7-hour layover. Upon arrival at the gate in Beijing, to my surprise an Air Canada Concierge staff was there to ensure we got our transfers and pass through Chinese immigration. Naturally, my sisters were very impressed, and so was I. Granted, it doesn't hurt to have Super Elite status. Nevertheless, I must say the AC staff went beyond the call of duty to assist us. So, kudos to the staff of Air Canada Concierge!
All in all, it was a very good trip. Hopefully, it will be another homecoming sometime this year!
Happy New Year, everyone, and All the Best in 2009!
Posted by Ba on Thursday 01 January 2009 - 15:56:25
Delta Who?
I normally find music that I like through traditional sources, such as the radio or I happen to see a video on MuchMusic. Sometimes you get exposed or introduced to music you like through an unlikely source. After years of resisting a data device (not wanting to do email while at the airport was a good enough reason), I decided to get a BlackBerry Bold. It came loaded with a few sample videos, including the awesome In This Life by the drop-dead gorgeous Australian beau, Delta Goodrem. She's definitely worth spending some time and money listening to. Got a few of her songs from Apple's iTunes for my iPod Touch.
Posted by Ba on Monday 24 November 2008 - 15:24:23
