Thursday, November 30, 2017

In Memory Of My Silent Reader

On 7th November, I received a surprise email from a silent reader CK from Singapore. The minute I read the first paragraph of his writing, something unseen jumped out of my phone through his email. My hair stood up very fiercely like Christmas trees on my head and I had the most terrible goosebumps ever. My skin all sprouted tiny lumps like a fresh chicken just being plucked all the feathers. Gosh! The mangled spirit just stood beside me and actually grabbed my leg while I was seated on the comfy chair alone in the office's conference room. I read on the email's message and CK was pouring out his grievances over the death of his childhood friend who was just killed in a car accident. In the wee hours, his friend navigated his own speeding Estima which hit the roadside and flipped over. The impact threw his friend out of the car and landed on the road for other cars to run over him to death. He was just 30 years old and this gory accident mangled his whole body. The victim's body had been cremated after the funeral but his badly mangled soul really came to find me. I had no choice but invited this poor wandering spirit to follow me home. I am not lunatic but I can swear that this is all true. The reasons CK got in touch was because he dreamt of his departed friend appearing in his vivid dream where he knew clearly his friend had passed away. He remembered I had a similar encounter when my dead friend came to inform me that he had passed away and had to sadly move on already.......(BLOG) I have been exchanging over 60 emails with CK ever since, from doing prayers and making merits for his departed friend besides talking all the paranormal stuffs and grandmother stories.

Now this recent incident of CK's friend reminded me of another case that happened exactly 4 years ago, in November too. One silent reader from Penang wrote to tell me that her very young son Adrian Lee had just died suddenly after complaining of a severe headache. Adrian's brother took him to see the doctor and was advised to be admitted for further observation. Adrian passed away at the hospital in less than 24 hours. I could imagine the terrible shock, painful loss, sadness and anguish a mother had to face on seeing her youngest child dying before her. She told me that my blog brought so much memories for her as it was like a daily ritual when her young son and her would check to see my blog updates in the morning while having breakfasts. They both enjoyed reading whatever nonsense or paranormal stuffs that I shared. Now that he had gone, the heart broken mother found it so hard to read my blog alone and decided to write to share her griefs with me. My tears flowed down unashamedly like Niagara Falls at my office table as I could feel her deepest sorrow. My office colleagues pretended not to notice me wiping tissues but they were stealing side glances. 

I thought over the matter very carefully on how to reply this very sad mother. I was going away for my vacation the next day and planned to do some prayers or merit making for her son Adrian after my trip. Nothing was certain but I was about to reply her email...... Suddenly, my computer's screen got jammed and the whole desktop vision turned haywire and twisted like kaleidoscope image in colours! I was damn shocked to experience this the first time and heard a soft voice calling my head. It was the boy Adrian himself and he tried to communicate. Again, all my hair from my head, my pubic areas till my toes all stood up like lighted Christmas Trees! I tried so hard to press my keyboard and banged my mouse but nothing happened. I kept mumbling to the boy not to scare me by sitting on my pc's monitor. His frequency actually caused all the distortions on the screen and when he slowly moved, the screen's image also moved. Whooooa!! That was so scary till my balls fell down and any old man could have died of heart attack on my table.

I slowly picked up my balls and guts to compose myself. I spoke to the boy's spirit gently and told him that I would be replying his mother. He should not stop me as I had every good intentions to arrange prayers and merit making for him later. I told him that I was flying to Chengdu the next day and then hike up the beautiful Mount Emei in Sichuan Province of China. I told him that it was already winter and snowing beautifully in Sichuan. I invited him to follow me to visit Chengdu if he wished to. "Now please let me have my PC screen back to normal so that I could reply your mummy", I snorted back. The spirit let go and my computer was back to normal. I replied the mother that I was going overseas and offered my deepest condolence before asking for the boy's particulars and photo. She replied me quickly and attached his photo and details from the Obituary Ad placed in the newspaper. I was so sad to see his very handsome face and what a fate that he had to die so young. My heart was very touched that he was my silent reader for so long and we had never met up.



What happened next??.... 



This boy Adrian's spirit, really followed me up to the plane and flew to Chengdu with me & my wife. He was sitting inside my backpack all the way. My wife saw this little spirit but had no idea that I had invited him along. We stayed at a very huge suite room of the 5 star Rhombus Fantasia hotel which had a separate bedroom, living and walk in closet areas. I would not be able to afford this luxury hotel if not because of their Winter's low season that sent the prices knocking off 70% discounts. The young boy's spirit was happy and comfortable with so much privacy for him to hide himself esp the walk in closets. 

We boarded a bus to another town away from Chengdu to climb up the hill to see the famous Giant Buddha of Leshan which I have blogged HERE



In the above photo, there was a beautiful butterfly that followed me all the way up. I was swinging both hands to play with the butterfly which was at my eye level over the green plants. The boy's soul was happily sitting on it like a taxi so that he need not have to walk up in the winter cold.



I made merits for him by donating to sponsor the new temple's roof tiles. In the photo, I was writing his name on the roof tiles, besides donating cash to the donation boxes. I had to pray and mumble out the merits being dedicated to the soul of the boy. It is always very important that the family should always conduct proper prayers and lots of merit making for the deceased before the 49th day. This is the Law of the Universe and not mere superstitions.

Later, he followed us by bus to catch another bus at the Emei's terminal which was covered by heavy snow falls. There was so much snow everywhere covering the streets and vehicles around the Emei town. The boy's spirit was so excited and very happy to see snow for the first time.


The view atop was simply fabulous and very breathtaking. The heavens opened the clear skies for us to see the panoramic view of the mountain range in Tibet. You can read up from the post of Mount Emei and see the beautiful mountains above the clouds. We relaxed up there for many hours!

Back to the hotel in Chengdu, I wrote an email to inform the mother that her son's spirit had followed me overseas and I actually visited Chengdu and Mount Emei for our pilgrimage trip. I informed her of the merit making and shared all the photos. The mother was too surprised as she found it too hard to believe that her family members had also dreamt of the boy going to a foreign country in Winter. He was very happy and smiling to show he was boarding at the bus terminal with snow everywhere. They saw the dream of the mountains exactly like my above photo and thought that boy had probably gone to heavens. The dates of our trip matched precisely with the date of their dreams. They had no idea what the dreams was trying to tell them earlier.

My friend in KL who kept me in the loop of their email updates with HH The Dalai Lama and his Tibetan Rinpoches, had informed me that he was going to attend a big praying session in India. It was a very huge prayer session presided by HH The Dalai Lama where thousands of monks and devotees would gather in prayers together. The timing was just so perfect and I gave my friend Adrian's photo and particulars for them to bless and pray to deliver his soul to heavens. The parents were so touched and grateful to hear the good blessings and closure for their son. They made a trip to KL together with other family members and gave me a big dinner at Supertanker Restaurant. We met up for the first time and it was a touching & memorable evening.


His Holiness The Dalai Lama




***


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Green Potted Plants

It has been a trend and craze nowadays to see many displays of fake potted plants at the shops and restaurants. They look cool and nice to liven up any dull corners to look chic & trendy. It got me interested as my wife had a recent makeover at home to inject some new life at home. I think she threw away 1 ton of rubbish and old books. My only part was to think of adding potted plants to brighten up the place. I do not want to worry about watering plants when we go on travels.




I have been shopping for fake plants over the last 2 weeks. Honestly, I had a terrible fright to see the prices of nice plants at SSF and IKEA where they easily cost over RM50 per stalk!! Good things don't come cheap! I being a Penang born kiam-siap clan sure had to find innovative ways. This TOMEI shop is located at Jalan Masjid India in KL! Yes, I was there on Sunday with all the crowded Banglas, Indons and foreign workers jostling and rubbing each other's sweaty bodies! Wakakaka It was fun dei.




Take a peek at my green potted plants lining on the top of my wife's book shelves. 





I found that that the cheapest porcelain pots in town are definitely from DAISO which costs only RM5.90 each. They come in several pastel colours too. Other places are selling from RM9.90 up to RM18.00 which sounds like robbery to me!



 

I went to SSF, Daiso, IKEA and a "2 Ringgit Shop"! The above are from SSF (RM9.90 Eucalyptus) Tomei (RM6.90 Lavender) and Two Ringgit Shop (RM2.12 each stalk /Unnamed plants)





Dua Ringgit Shop  (Daiso Pot RM5.90 & Dua Ringgit Plant RM2.12 )
Ikea (Ikea Pot RM9.90 & Ikea Plant RM14.90)
These 2 pots are inside my bathroom now.




Sui boh? Cantek boh? Give me your vote please!


***



Thursday, November 9, 2017

Hutan Lipur Rainforest @ Terengganu

HUTAN LIPUR LATA TEMBAKAH




I made a trip to this famous rainforest & waterfalls at
Hulu Besut in Terengganu. It is about 60 km from Kota Bharu
which took less than 2 hours drive through
kampung & winding roads.




Look! That was the first Petai Tree I had seen.
It is so mighty tall and steady with a monkey sitting
up there while few guys sat below.




Monkey See, Monkey Do.
That was amazing how the master talked to
his pet monkey like a father and guided the
monkey to pluck petai from branch to branch.
Monkey was so obedient & not tied up.
It could nod its head saying Yes & No!




A bountiful harvest of Petai stalks.



The monkey gave us free Petai.
Yours truly loves to eat Sambal Petai Prawns!
When our urine smells, that means the petai has cleaned
up the walls of our dirty bladder. Our bladder smells
stinky and not the green petai.




I started my trekking into the thick forest with my driver
who became my trekking guide.




Jom! Follow me into the Hutan Simpanan Kekal
Negeri Terengganu.




The trees are old and very tall with fresh smelling plants.




This place is famous for its 5 tiers of waterfalls.




The rapids of clean water was crystal clear & chilly.




Bridge to heavens!




The water would swell and flood during rain season.




The scary notice board gave out warning that
33 persons have drowned & died in the water.




They have several neat chalets with private balconies
& air conditions.



The price is cheap and you can sleep with all the snakes,
wild boars, squirrels and tigers roaming at night.
 



My faithful guide is my friend now.
I learnt so much about the lifestyle
of East Coasts in 2 days.




  He is a GRAB driver, My Guide and My Friend now....

Call Him Today: +6-019-4756308
(Mr. Rosaifuddin)


**** 



Friday, November 3, 2017

Pantai Cahaya Bulan & Roti Titab @ Kelantan

This is the most famous short stretch of beach in Kelantan as it is ideally located by its capital Kota Bahru.




This PCB beach was formerly known as Pantai Cinta Beach and had to change its
name to Pantai Cahaya Bulan after some issues with the local folks.
A favourite getaway for family & freinds on weekends
when it's impossible to take photos by yourself!
No space!






 I was lucky to visit on a weekday! The whole beach for myself.
The wind was so strong like typhoon lashing its force to the waves.
Look at the coconut trees!




  
 Look at my hair!
All messy!
I cry!




They have many small restaurants lining the street with
everything you want to eat! Seafood, Western, , Kelantanese, Siam, Chinese
you just name it.



 The colourful kites blowing like our daily lives!
Sometimes it's calm and sometimes kencang!
So sabar lah.



When you don't like someone.
Ask him GO FLY KITE!




 How nice if we can become kids again.
How would I want to live my life?
I would have remained in US and not
listen to my brother to return home.



She just farted loudly!




My tour guide and driver is the BEST IN KELANTAN!
You must know by now how patient he is.


Call Him Today: +6-019-4756308
(Mr. Rosaifuddin)



 He took me to eat all the famous food in Kelantan.
This is Kedai Kopi Khuan Heong Yan
which is located along Jalan Che Su.
(Opposite Hotel Crystal)



Everyday this shop is packed with local folks and 
hordes of tourists like me.



We were welcomed by this friendly kakak who wore
a full bridal make up even at the kedai kopi!
She was so hilarious to tease us for sharing 
a set of toasted bread! She didn't know that
we had just eaten the best Nasi Soup Ayam Bakar
on the next street. I was greedy and had to
try their famous Roti Titab.



We ordered their thick and aromatic Kopi-O and Kopi Peng
with half boiled eggs and kaya bread.



 I couldn't believe my eyes! The eggs were so huge
that I had to ask whether it was dinosaur or
ostrich eggs??



Kakak insisted that we had to try this steamed bread.
I didn't order the real Roti Titab that would place the half
boiled eggs on top as I was sharing with my guide.



 This is the charcoal toasted bread that was so
fragrant and nice.


  
Look at the fillings of thick butter and homemade kaya!
This is heavens!




****

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Wat Mai Suwankiri @ Tumpat in Kelantan

I visited this impressive Wat Mai Suwankiri which has many temple complexes in the same compound. This place is famous for its most unique Dragon Boat Temple and the tallest standing statue of Lord Buddha. I spent almost 2 hours walking alone the whole place while my tour guide waited patiently inside his car. My memories flooded back to my growing up years in Songkhla where my late grandfather's house still sits next to a huge Thai temple along Laemsai Road which is by the biggest lake in Thailand. The temple designs are so identical with the Thai motifs and carvings. I really missed my childhood days there.




The tallest statue stands prominently above the Wat Mai Suwankiri.






The view beside the many huge pillars with impressive carvings of the dragons.




The adjacent temple from the main building of Wat Mai Suwankiri.




 Yours truly, pretending to look cool on a very hot & scorching sunny day at 35C.




 The many impressive pillars with gold carvings inside the main prayer hall.





 The statue of Lord Buddha at the main prayer hall.




  
The prayer altar for the late King of Thailand -
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej who was cremated
last week.
(If you wish to pronounce the correct way of the King's name -
Phoomi-phon A-yoon-det)





 The very realistic looking wax statue of a late monk
encased inside. He was so alive looking & I had goosebumps.




The magnificent looking Dragon Boat Temple inside the
compound of Wat Mai Suwankiri.




 The front view of the Dragon Boat Temple.




 The side view showing the long dragon coiling around the canal.




There is a water canal around the Dragon Boat temple.



  
The boat carries 2 beautiful parasols decked with ornaments.




 The prayer hall inside the Dragon Boat Temple.




There is a small building hidden far behind some trees.
I was surprised that it is a cremation place for coffins
during funerals.



  
The cremation site still uses the traditional charcoal furnace
which is very popular all over Thailand.




***









The Day My World Ended

At sunrise of 3rd August, my wife came to fetch me in her brand new car. She sped all the way through the morning traffic to Shah Alam. It w...