festival of lights, marlboro and all.

I just realised my previous post was a full week ago. Have I been that busy? Or is it further proof that time flies?

Either way, I'm quite surprised I haven't posted at least one rant in the past seven days. Maybe I'm more forgiving eh?

The Festival of Lights has come and gone, leaving me poorer financially and richer cholesterol-wise. My word, it was just one meal after another, all in front of the TV. From spicy chicken curry to sweet milk kovas, it was one sinful indulgence after another. And now it's payback, big time. It's going to be one long, arduous workout routine, this week and the next.

Went to Sanctuary on Deepavali eve, after a very long time. Good to see nothing has changed, much. Except the Ice Bar, don't recall it being that cold. I think the situation wasn't helped by the fact that I (and some amigos) entered the Arctic zone dripping with sweat after some age-defying moves on the dance floor (i.e. around our table area). I felt the sweat down my back freeze, literally. Still wondering if the two test tubes of Bailey's which I downed were a big help in warming up my insides, or merely overpriced shots. I must say, Sanctuary is quite a decent joint; it'd be a better place if the crowd were more heterogeneous and the damn janitors more mannered. Seriously.

But yeah, recreation-wise, it was a good weekend. Friday's stint in Bistro 7, Saturday's feast in Jarrod's and Sunday's feet-tapping fare in the Curve somehow revitalised the youth in me. And most importantly, I didn't spend any of the three nights puffing away at some mamak. Well, I did yesterday, but that just served to wind down the weekend's festivities. Can I just say Darussalam Mamak in SS 15 is quite happening, especially the first floor? Nice decor, nicer patrons, if you get my drift. Watching who comes up the stairs can be quite, well, engaging.

Let me end this post by wishing all readers a belated Happy Deepavali (since everybody celebrates everything in Malaysia) and enjoy the curries and sweets, or what's left of them.

i know what i did last raya

Yet another holiday season flies by. I'm still wondering where all the days rode off to. I mean, one minute it's Raya eve, the next it's Monday morning. I guess the consolation is that I hardly spent the five days lazing about, which was good in a way.

Fraser's was nice, a mini adventure by itself. We drove up without any confirmed reservations, and a booth full of clothes, snacks and drinks. And like all unplanned holidays, this one didn't exactly go the way we thought it would. What had originally been planned for a one night stay became a two nighter. And it was more than pleasant, just chilling (literally as well), eating and drinking. There's nothing more tummy warming than a hot steamboat meal. Never mind it wasn't exactly the most delicious fare I've had, or the cheapest at that. It was more than sufficient in quantity, and warm - that was all that mattered. Though we had to rush down back to KL on the third day, there wasn't the usual post-holiday depression, surprisingly enough, at least on my part. Which explains the delayed reaction, i.e. moody Monday.

For a finance-friendly stay, go to Silverpark. It's decent enough, and located quite high up on the hill. However, some of the units haven't been maintained for quite a while, and one might be inclined to take issue with housekeeping before moving in. I've earmarked Shahzan Inn and Ye Olde Smokehouse for my next visit there, though. Pricier, but with a distinctively higher standard of hospitality. Besides, 3D2Ns in Fraser's is more than enough to sate the cravings for some peace and quiet. Too much, and you start bouncing off the wall.

There are several key things to bear in mind when making a trip there; here they are in no particular order.

• Fraser's is no KL; everything closes by 9PM, 10 latest. If you're really lucky, some stalls will stay open until you've had your fill of food, drink and chatter.

• The kedai runcit (grocery shop) closes at 10PM, by hook or by crook.

• Many spots claim to offer Wi-fi; only Shahzan Inn delivers what they promise.

• The term 'Hot Spot' does not refer to internet services; it merely serves to highlight the popular dishes in the eatery.

• Bugs come in all shapes, colours and freakily, sizes.

• One will be hard pressed to find the more popular brands of cigarettes up there; stock up on Marlboro Lights and Dunhill Lights.

• Bread seems to be a rarity in Fraser's. And if you do chance upon it, it'll most probably be expiring within 24 hours. Thus, bring bread.

• Oh yeah, make sure you top up the fuel tank before heading to Fraser's; there aren't any petrol stations there and a five-litre tin of petrol costs RM18.

And most importantly, DO NOT take pictures at the clock tower. You'll be nothing more than a pesky nuisance to motorists.

festivities, and cold shivers down the spine

I never knew there was such a thing as blogosphere SWF. Single White Female. I'm sure some of you are going, 'what on earth is a Single White Female?' Well, the term comes from a psychological thriller of the same name, starring Bridget Fonda. Watch it, and you will never say 'imitation is the best form of flattery' again. Yeah, well back to my revelation. After being alerted about the possible existence of a blog mimic and being quite skeptical, I hooked onto the link and gasp! A carbon copy of the original blog (not mine), from the same layout to the exact tags/ categories to the near identical style of writing. A doppelganger, no less. Now that's something you don't just bump into on any given day. I would say freaky, but that'd be too flippant. What's even more disturbing is that I've met the acquaintance of this blogfax. All I can say is see no evil, read no evil.

It's Raya tomorrow, and I'm quite disappointed that no sturdy plans have presented themselves to me. Fraser's is now off, thanks to, get this, broken telephone lines. Somethings never cease to amaze me. Even more so considering it involves the Development Board of the former colonial hill station. Broken bloody telephone lines, hrrmmpphhh. Plan B hasn't been conceived; I'm hesitant to use 'yet'. I think it'll be a total waste of time spending five days in KL doing nothing. And there won't be much to do anyways. And it's plain silly for me to drive outstation alone. Really.

Speaking of travelling, there are certain 'comforting' sights and structures that soothes my nerves when driving around, lost and clueless with nightfall well into its zenith. Imagine you're driving along a poorly lit trunk road (they're always poorly lit, mind you), growing more and more doubtful by the minute that you took the correct turn. The hotel you're looking for is nowhere in sight; neither is the huge landmark that says you're on the correct path. I must reiterate, this isn't some Hitchcock thriller, all in black and white. These things really happen. How many of us have sufficient testosterone to just park the car by the side of the road, and see out the night, preferably while in Sandman land? What's that? I can't hear you. Thought as much.

So what brings comfort in these dark moments? What makes you feel at ease, knowing there is civilisation up ahead. Well, in no particular order:

7-Eleven: I believe any place without a 7E isn't up to modern civilisation standards. The 24 hour convenience shop offers more than Slurpees and Maggi Cup Noodles; it offers the chance to converse with another fellow human being. And to stock up on Red Bull Less Sugar.

24 hour Petrol Station: Safety. There's nothing more uplifting after driving clueless for hours than a brightly lit, well maintained Petronas or Shell station. The opportunity to relieve one's self, besides topping up the tank. And chances are, if they're operational around the clock, the volume of traffic is quite steady. Note that this occurrence is highly unlikely, considering most kiosks along trunk roads still use the ancient analog pumps.

Mamak/ restaurant: Hallelujah. Teh tarik kurang manis, and nasi goreng tambah pedas. A vibrant mamak or a well-populated restaurant brings hope that you won't end up pontianak or babalung fodder. A warm meal emanates a comforting glow from within your stomach, while allowing you to listen to incessant banter other than that of a radio DJ. Should be noted that a heavy meal at these sanctuaries might send you on a desperate search for a toilet some two hours later, or turn your eyelids to lead.

Mosque/ church/ temple: Divine help. I was once lost (literally, that is) up in Fraser's, along, get this, Jalan Ampang. After what seemed an eternity (that's 20 minutes, real time), a white dog appeared and led us stragglers (we started out as adventurers) to a temple, before promptly lifting his leg nonchalantly, all in a day's work. Now that's what I call 'help from above.' Of course, it could have just been the dog using the same route as us. But you had to have been there to fully appreciate this moment.

I'm pretty damn sure there are several other places that are equally as reassuring. Hospitals can go either way, as do police stations and creepy standalone hotels and resthouses. To be avoided at all costs - cemeteries, abandoned houses, kampungs, rivers, forests of any kind, plantations of any crop, junctions and sleepy hollows. And most definitely avoid post-midnight visits to washrooms in highway rest stops. Malam Boleh Jalan* will take on a whole new dimension.

Have a pleasant Raya and enjoy the holidays.

(*Night can go)