go away more often

Off to Tawau with my BFF, Zarin and Farhat. Meeting Jap there, whose brother is getting married this weekend.

I’ve never been to Tawau. As usual, I find it wise not to have any expectations. Then I can be surprised by the unexpected and find joy in what serendipity has to offer. :)

I’ve been told it’s great for nature enthusiasts. Am always keen to check out new places and practise my lightweight shutterbug interests.

Be back Monday, have a great weekend folks! :D

..I’m going down to Malacca aka Melaka with a bunch of workmates to attend an ex-colleague’s wedding. After the ceremony, we’re planning to stop by someone’s family home which happens to be situated near a fruit orchard. I heard talks of a durian fest. That should be interesting.

Gosh..7 months since my last entry for this goal. Tsk tsk..

Anyway, time to make this right. I just spent the entire afternoon planning our next family vacation. Our destination is Langkawi Island, which is up north and reachable within an hour by flight.

I’ve booked accommodations and my flight tickets. The rest of the gang is driving up north. My excuse – the car can’t fit all of 7 adults. Plus I hate driving (or being driven) long distance.

Unlike our previous trips, this time we’re planning the itinerary as well as we possibly can. Trying to minimize the whining and half-hearted participation that is the norm in our family vacations. There’s always a spoil sport who would rather stay in the room and brood (over whatever..).

Need to finalise a few more details but for now, looks like we’re all set. 19 days to go!

I took 2 days off work and headed to Port Dickson, a sea-side town about 70 miles from where I live. Accompanied by my best friend, Z and along with my son, we checked into the Legends Water Chalet. The room was fabulous and we had a relaxing time swimming in the pool, chatting at the balcony overlooking the sea and watching movies until late.

It was good to get away even if I did go a bit crazy charging my expenses on my Visa. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.. :P

I am definitely going away on my own, without family. I need some me time badly! I will bring my son but everyone else stays home!

..after the Eid celebration, but before my SIL gives birth. That leaves me a time frame of between mid Oct to mid Nov. I am not thrilled at doing this by myself, but if I continue to hope that my friend(s) would go with me, this might never happen. My family can’t go either esp with SIL almost full term where her pregnancy is concerned.

But for my sanity, and for the sake of this marathon I’m running, I need to get away before I run on empty. In this case, must make me a priority.

I would really, really like to go to Langkawi Island again. The last time I was there, it must have been at least 15 years ago, if not more. It wasn’t as developed as it is today. I’ve been told lots have changed. Several new tourist attractions were built recently, including an Aquaria and a cable car facility to enable visitors to have a tour around the island.

I’m planning to go there around end of October, which shall coincide with my 33rd birthday. It would be nice I think, a treat for me and my son. If my parents feel like going, I’d take them along too. :)

..is school holidays. I really, really need to get away.. God help me.

..has made me realize how great it is to go away every so often. I believe a few days away from the familiar has allowed me to see things and those around me in a new light. It’s very reassuring to come back to the comfort of everything and everyone that I call home, yet all of this feels new and my spirits seem revived to take on the challenge that lies ahead.

I’m planning another island getaway in October, must start saving pronto!