Life Continues in Melbourne

Zade and I have said goodbye to Danial numerous times, but last night was the first time Zade actually cried and called out for his Papa when he had to leave. It just broke my heart to see him that way and knowing that he's hurting but there's nothing that I could do about it. Sometimes I wonder if my decision to study far away from home is worth all the heartache.


Danial and Zade at the aiport


All together before departure

The journey back was quite uneventful which was fine by me. We were served nasi lemak which I thought was quite awful and roasted chicken which was surprisingly tasty. I would definitely suggest getting the international meal whenever flying Air Asia X. Zade and I both fell asleep after having our meal, with Zade only waking up about half an hour before landing. I was so relieved to finally get back to the apartment after the long journey, and I'm sure Zade was to as he took a five hours nap. Later that night Aileen and Keanne came over to say hi. Zade was jumping up and down when he heard their voices outside in the corridor. He was excited to see Keanne again and I was glad to see familiar faces.


Zade in the plane before take off


Zade slept all the way

This morning I dragged my feet out of bed and tried to get ready. I was sleepy and my body was aching. Zade also woke up quite late. Eventhough we're both still tired, I thought it would be best to get back to our routine here. I dropped Zade off at the Numdaji Kwei around 11 am, and to my surprise he didn't cry when I left. He must have missed all his friends and carers. Before I left Rose handed me an envelope with a big flower on it which was a Mother's Day gift for me. I felt really happy and a bit teary eyed when I looked inside the envelope. There was a bookmark with a poem entitled "What is a Mother?" and a little picture of Zade on it. It really made my day.


Mother's Day gift from Zade

I stopped by the market to get some groceries before making my way to the office. It was good to see all my friends and getting updates on the latest happennings. As I get back to running simulations and continue writing my paper which is due next week, I feel at ease. I love this part of life here. I get to do what I love without being distracted by paperwork, KPIs and office politics. And the friends that I have here are so mature, intelligent and always looking out for me eventhough they are much younger than I am. And I love having more time to take care of Zade and watching him grow. Being here with him far away from home has strengthen our bond. Maybe my life here isn't so bad after all.

Fun Time Around KL

Eventhough we were in KL for a short time, we managed to do some fun activities. First we went to Aquaria in KLCC which was the second time for me and Zade but the first for Danial. Zade enjoyed it more this time around as he was much younger the first time he was there. Then we had a chance to go the National Zoo where Zade got to see one of his favourite animals which is the elephant. I didn't like it very much cause it was so hot. Zade also enjoyed playing at the Alpha Angle's Playland. His favourite is jumping with the flying balloons. And the most fun activity for Zade was swimming. He just loves it.

A Day for Mama

I'm sure for all mothers, each day after your first child is born is a wonderful day. Their life changes significantly with the presence of another soul that's more important than themselves. And each year a day is dedicated to mothers for the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety and happiness of their children.

Usually I will celebrate my Mama on this day this wonderful day, but now I'm also being celebrated. We went to Cafe Lavista in Equatorial Bangi for a very big lunch. We actually went yesterday as Danial had to work today. This morning Zade and I gave my Mama presents, and unexpectedly I got a present when Danial came home from work. It was nice but it wasn't necessary. The cuddles that I get from Zade is all the gift that I need. Each day I get one is like a mother's day to me.

Catching Up on Old Times

I had the chance to meet up with a few of my college mates. There was a bit of confusion on the meeting place, but we managed to meet at Old Town in Baru Baru Bangi - although one of my friends waited at another Kopitiam nearby before realizing his mistake. It's been almost 8 years since we graduated from UPM, however when we reminisced on old times it didn't seem like it was that long ago. None of us have changed much physically, except for the extra pounds, but all of us have been through life changing moments. As much as we hated to admit it, we have grown older and more mature, but maybe none the wiser.

For me personally, it was really nice to see them again, the people who were there with me through a not so great period of my life. I was very upset that I had to study in UPM for my degree instead of going to US. However this small circle of friends made it not only bearable, but memorable. I wish them all the best and hope to see them again soon. Thanks again Fairuz for organizing on a moment notice.


The ladies


The gentlemen

Travelling Home with Zade

I've been home for a couple of days now. Zade and I left Unimews around 9 pm Tuesday night. Aileen was really nice to wait for a cab with us. The night was cold but I thought wasn't too bad. Or maybe I was too excited that I didn't mind it. After 5 minutes of waiting, the cab arrived and 15 minutes later we were at the airport. I put Zade in his stroller and made my way to the check in counter. Although it was a bit tricky trying to push Zade and pull my luggage at the same time, I managed to do it given the fact that Melbourne's airport is really small and the check in counter is right at the entrance. And I had the right mind to travel light, which is the first for me. The new stroller that I got for Zade was great. It had very good handling and was easy to maneuver. I had no problem pushing with just one hand.

The line was quite long as the check in counter wasn't open yet. There was a lady walking around tagging luggage of the people waiting in line. If I'm not mistaken it was the same check in counter for MAS. There was another lane for those who have checked in online. They just needed to drop their luggage and show proof of identity. I need to remember to that next time I travel. It was ridiculous to wait in line for more than half an hour. Zade cooperated for the most part but when the counter opened, he started squirming in his seat, trying to get me to let him walk. I gave him crackers and sultanas to quiet him down. It was finally out turn after what seemed like hours, although in real time was appoximately 45 minutes.

There was a little confusion because I initially bought a ticket with Zade travelling with me as an infant. Later on I decided to buy another ticket for Zade so that he has his own seat because I thought it will be easier for me on the flight. This is my first time travelling on Air Asia X, so I wasn't really sure of what to expect. Usually when I fly with MAS, the flight attendant will find empty seats and offer that I change seats onboard the aircraft. I wasn't sure if that will be the case with Air Asia X. Anyway, I couldn't cancel Zade's name on my ticket so Zade was double booked. They had to spend a few minutes sorting it out.

After checking in, we proceeded to the departure lounge. It was such a hassle to go through security. Poor Zade, he was beyond tired. He had a full day at child care today, and it was almost 11 pm. He dozed of in the cab on the way to the airport for 10 minutes. But he doesn't seem to want to sleep at the airport. Maybe there was too much going on around him. At the departure lounge I let him out of his stroller so that he walk about. I ended up chasing for half an hour as he ran all over the place. I was so relief when the time came for boarding.

Zade fell asleep after we took off and woke up about an hour before landing. I got some rest and read the in flight magazine which was quite good, even better than MAS which I've always thought to be a tad pretentious. Just before I fell asleep, the flight attendant came around with some food. It was not too bad, but it might just be because I was hungry. I had chicken rendang and french beans served with parsley rice. I ordered the meal online, so it came with a bottle of water and a Kit Kat. I ordered a meal for Zade too, but declined since he was asleep. We landed in LCCT ahead of estimated arrival time at 6.45 am. It was a good flight and the flight attendants were pleasant and helpful. I have to admit that I had low expectation of the service, but I'm glad I was wrong.

After going through immigration we headed straight to baggage claim. And as usual we ended up waiting for Danial. He was waiting for us at the immigration but somehow missed us. I had to call him to come down and meet us. Words can't describe how I felt when I saw him, and looking at Zade, I know he felt the same. He was so excited to see his Papa. I'm so happy that we're home again.