Letters from a Father to his Children(18.06.58)

HOTEL CONTINENTAL,

FRANKFURT, 18th June 1958

My dear darling Children,

Before telling you all about ZURICH I might give you a general impression of ROME. As an old City ROME had rather too much of the old to "digest" in so short a time. ROME is lovelier than ATHENS. I could not, however, completely appreciate ROME. We were told that one needed to stay in ROME long enough to appreciate it. We were also told that if one stayed there long enough one would not like to leave it - there would be some thing magnetic to draw one back to ROME. We did not realise that but we did, however feel sad when we had to leaveit. I had the same feeling when we had to leave ATHENS.  Generally speaking we enjoyed our stay in ROME.

 

Thursday 12th June: We flew to ZURICH by a plane of the ALITALIA line which took us 3 1/2 hours with 45 minutes stop at GENEVA. We were immediately struck by the neatness of the City, the honesty of the people and the loveliness of the rural districts. We were rather tired and stayed in the hotel, HOTEL CENTRAL, until the evening when we just strolled in the City, before dinner after which we went to bed.

 

Friday 13th June: We got up rather late - still tired. After breakfast we went to post letters - one to you too, and went window shopping. Oh, so many lovely things in the show-cases. The snags are money and space & weight in the baggage.

In the afternoon we toured the City where most of the buildings were modern mixed with a slight tinge of the old - just my idea of a beautiful City. The City was on LAKE OF ZURICH. It's just lovely, lovely..........I just cannot explian or "paint" it! The population of ZURICH is approximately 500,000 - most of them speak German or rather a dialect of the German language. The official of Switzerland are German, French and Italian.

We went to bed rather early and about 3AM. I woke up and realised that we have missed something - a small musical table we bought in the ISLE OF CAPRI. I jumped out of  bed and searched the cupboard. Of course, it wasn't there because earlier in the day we were sorting out our purchases but did not see this table. Mak woke up and when I told her what's the trouble we kept awake trying to retrace our steps and trying to reconstruct the movements to see where we left it. Was it at the Air Port? No; said I, because I remembered to have got it checked by the Customs. We eventually decided that it was either at ST GOTTHARD HOTEL (where we went earlier as this Hotel was supposed to have booked but room was reserved for us - something wrong!) or it might have been left in the taxi which took us to HOTEL CENTRAL. I had to read to put me back to sleep! It was an effort.

 

Saturday 14th June: We down to breakfast rather early as we were still anxious about the table. We went to the Reception counter and with some diffidence asked whether. by any chance, we had left a parcel. The Porter looked around and showed us some parcels. They were not ours but lastly he remembered and went to a corner and said "This?". With a big sigh of relief we recognised our parcel. So our guesses during the night were all wrong. We then went out window gazing and made some small purchases. In the afternoon we drove to the RHINE FALLS, the mightiest cataract in Europe. It was lovely to look at. We stopped at a place called STEIN ain RHEIN (ain means on). This was so called because here the river STEIN met the river RHINE ( the local people spelt it RHEIN). We drove back to lovely country side - most refreshing. Reached the Hotel tired but happy.

 

Sunday 15th June: Today was a day we did not plan to do anything in particular. Later in the afternoon we had a ride in a trolley bus. Of course, we had no particular station to go and so we picked on a place called ROMERHOF. We went there, strolled  bit and came back.

 

Monday 16th June: An exciting day. Left the Hotel at 7.15AM for a trip to GRINDELWALD. All along the route the countryside scenery was marvellous - lakes, hills, waterfalls, rivers - until we came to GRINDELWALD where we came in view of snow capped mountains. We went up FIRST GRINDELWALD by aerial lift. It was exciting and invigorating. We came down after 1/2 hour stay up there. The trip by lift took us one hour to & fro. I enclose a pamphlet and also a picture of us taken as we were about to leave for the upward journey.

Generally speaking ZURICH was my best spot I have so far visited. I liked everything I saw and tomorrow we would leave for FRANKFURT and I would describe it in my next letter.

----------------------------------------------------

Before breakfast today Yong's letter on behalf of you all was awaiting us. That was a wonderful break. We have missed you all so much that the letter was most welcome and we were glad to hear that you all were well. We have framed our group photograph and we always look at it. We know that you too are thinking of us. DO GET ALONG WELL TOGETHER! BE PATIENT WITH THE YOUNGER ONES!!

I have sent two letters earlier. I do hope you have received them with some pictures. More pictures now.

Salam and lots & lots of kisses and love from us to SAYANG, ADEK, INTAN, KUNTOM, NOR, ADEK SHOR, NAN, NAH, AJED and YONG. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to others.

Yours Ever Lovingly,

Mak & Bapak

Letters from a Father to his Children (12.06.58)

HOTEL CENTRAL,

ZURICH, 12th June 1958

My darling Children,

We are now in Rome but before I tell you what we did here I might give you some of the general impressions I gained with regard to Greece or shall I say ATHENS. Except for the poor service we got from our Hotel we enjoyed very much our stay there. We saw quite a number of things there within the time available. ATHENS while being full of hills are also full of ruins of old Temples and Churches for which the Greeks are naturally very proud of. The City itself was pretty clean and repairs to old buildings seemed to be afoot. Taxis plying in the City were mostly big American cars. They drove very fast but the Taxi drivers seem to be good-natured. We have not seen an occasion when a Taxi driver glared or shouted to any foolish pedestrians. Under the circumstances they just pulled up smartly and would let the pedestrians pass.

The Greeks, generally speaking, are humorous and good-natured - except the staff in our Hotel! They seem to be curious people - they way they stared and gaped at Mak. The shops were well stocked and seem to indicate prosperity but looking at the rural areas the Greeks, to a casual observer, were generally poor. The soil appeared to be hard and dry. Quite a great deal of land remained uncultivated. The rural people's mode of living looked to me to be rather backward. They drew their water from wells, houses rather crudely made of stone blocks and mortar, horses and asses were still generally used for transportation of goods.

Mak's impression of the girls is that they are quite, generally speaking, beautiful except that they have unshapely legs. I do not wish to dispute this, but there are quite a number with nice legs too!!

7th June (Saturday): We left ATHENS by B.E.A (British European Airways) plane. There was the excitement of looking forward to a new place. There was also a lacking of uncertainty of what lie ahead - new City, new people, new custom and new currency. The plane and the service were first class - even better than BOAC. We had one of our best lunches on board during the flight of 3 hours & 10 minutes. The time in Rome was one hour earlier. We passed over a volcano, the VESUVIUS, which was doormant - beautiful to watch from the air. We got to Rome after a very pleasant flight and even got through the Customs more quickly than when we reached ATHENS. We were told that entry by a Malayan to Italy would not, in future require a visa. At the Air Port we were advised by an Accomodation Bureau to stay at ALBERGO (means HOTEL) D'INGHITERRA - not the Hotel reserved earlier and we did. The atmosphere in this Hotel was  definitely better than that in Athens. We strolled a bit in the City until 7.30pm.

At 8.30pm we went out on a tour of a bit of Rome by night. We began with a dinner at a fairly decent Restaurant. Called ALFREDO. We were served Italian food - I could not catch the name but it's something like "kueh tiau". I was served from an oval plate into an ordinary round one and the balance of the food in the oval plate (serving plate) was placed in front of Mak to eat from. It seems that was an Italian custom. Very pleasant surroundings. We were made  to understand that Churchill and Eisenhower has had meals at this Restaurant during the war. The R estaurant had obtained signatures of famous people and have them bound in book forms. Mak an I were also asked to sign! We wrote a message and signed in English and Jawi. 

From there we proceed to a Night Club, the CISTERNA, and listened to Italian music and songs. Nothing exceptional and from there we went to a modern Night Club - typical of one anywhere. From there we went to the Fountain * (I must check the name later) where one could make a wish to come back to Rome. Mak and I did it. We had to close our eyes, took the coin in the right hand and throw the coin over the left shoulder. Then we proceeded to another night Club called FLORIDA where we saw some floor shows. Lastly we went to another night club called PICCOLO BUDAPEST ( meaning LITTLE BUDAPEST) where we listened to Bohemian gipsy music and songs. We ended up with a meal and went back to the Hotel at 2.30AM. It was a very enjoyable first night in Rome but it was, on the other hand, rather tiring.

 

Sunday, 8th June: We were so tired and did not get out of bed until about 10.00AM. After breakfast we just strolled in the City. After lunch we went to TIVOLI, a place about 12 miles out of Rome. We visited Villa d'Este famous for its fountains - about 500 of them of all sizes - amongst lovely gardens. It was a very lovely spot. I wished we could spend more time there. We went to bed quite early.

Monday, 9ty June: We toured  the City both in the morning and the afternoon. In the morning we passed the famous steps they called the Spanish Staircase which was shown in the picture "Roman Holiday". This was quite close to our Hotel. You will also find here flower Market. One of the buildings we were shown was the PANTHEON which means the Temple of Old Gods. This was the most classical pagan temple of Rome built in 27BC. From there we drove along the TIBER river to see the Stadiums. The football Stadium was very nice and it could accomodate 100,000 spectators. The Athletic stadium could accomodate 45,000. The Swimming Stadium was being prepared for the 1960 Olympics which would be held in Rome in 1960!  Lastly we visited the biggest Church in the world - Church of St Peter. The architecture was wonderful and the gilded ceiling was very attractive. 160 Popes were buried here. At 12 NOON POPE came out at a window of his residence and blessed the people of down below. Thousands flocked to receive his blessing. (This is all wrong according to Muslim beliefs). Some were looking up on their knees! Here we met a Malayan (Indian) PoliceOfficer and his wife. I did not know his name. Speaking about Churches we were told that  there were 500 Churches in Rome. The population of Rome is approximately 2 million.

In the afternoon our tour took usin front of QUIRINAL PALACE, the residence of the Italian President. Again we went to TREVI FOUNTAIN. This is one of the 400 fountains in Rome! This place seems to be full of Churches and Fountains - just like ATHENS.We then passed by PLAZZO VENEZIA from where Mousulini (I am afraid I may not get the correct spelling) used to address the crowd from a balcony. We later went to the COLOSSEUM  built by VESPASIAN  in 72AD. Here was the place where gladiators fought and men fought with lions! You might remeber the film QUO VADIS. It is an imposing amphitheatre with wonderful architecture. it is a wonder how men of the old days could build such fine structure - huge and massive - of solid rocks without the use of modern machines! From here we visited a ruins and was shown the spot from where MARK ANTHONY addressed the crowd beginning with the words, "Friends, Romans and Countrymen; Lend me your ears; I came to bury Caesar ......." when Caesar was murdered. We  were also shown the place where Julius Caesar was cremated. We lastly visited a church called ST.JOHN in LATERAN. This is the oldest Church in the World. Here was the steps from which Jesus Christ was supposed to walk down when a crown of thorns was placed on his head after he was beaten up and blood dripping from his body. When anyone wishes to climb up that steps now, one has to to walk on one's knees!

On the way back to the Hotel we went along the APPIAN WAY - a lovely stretch of road with pine trees on each side of the road - when we passed by  the house of GINA.....(I can't spell her name) the Italian actress. It is a very lovely house in a beautiful gardens. Unfortunately we could not see her!

 

Thursday 10th June: We started off very early this morning - 6.30AM - for our trip to NAPLES without even a breakfast which we had later at a place called TERRACINA. This Town is on the Mediteranean Sea. We enjoyed our first "bomba" - sort of sweetened bread. It's quite good to go with coffee.

  On the way we stopped at a CAMEO factory. Here all kinds of jewellery made of sea-shells were produced. We then proceeded to POMPEI and after lunch we visited the ancient Roman City by an eruption of VESUVIUS (a volcano) in 79AD. We visited the excavations and the Museum. The story went that out of a population of 23,000, 2000 were buried. The plastic casts of a man, a boy and a dog were exhibited in the Museum. Amongst the things discovered after the excavations were those which indicated the old civilisation - so much advanced even during that period. The pecularity of these streets was the existence of two blocks of stone at cross roads. These stones were meant for pedestrians to stop in to cross the streets during s rain to avoid getting their feet wet. From there we proceeded to SORRENTO along the picturesque coast road. We stayed overnight in SORRENTO, "the smiling town of orange groves". SORRENTO was a small, quiet town  beautifully situated with a magnificent view of the VESUVIUS and the BAY OF NAPLES. We stayed at CARLTON HOTEL.

 

Wednesday, 11th June: We left for ISLE OF CAPRI. Instead of going by regular big launch we decided to go by a small motor-boat. There were about 25 of us - mostly American G.Is from Germany. The voyage took about 2 hours and it was very rough. Our boat was tossed  about so much that many were sea sick. Mak and I just managed "to scrape through". We eventually reached CAPRI - my dream island - always referred to as the PEARL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN. The Island was so lovely - a rock island with beautiful villas built on the slopes, served by narrow winding roads just big enough for two cars or small buses. It was most exciting. We went round the Island in a small bus while the Island was bathed in the sun. There were many tourists dressed in all sorts of manner! This visit was most memorable and my dream has been realised. It has always been my dream to visit CAPRI. I only wished I could stay longer than a day. We returned to ROME tired but happy and satisfied. We would be leaving for ZURICH tomorrow.

Well, despite enjoying our tour we so much missed you all. In fact we long for news from you all now. Would you write to us by air mail as soon as possible? You might be able to catch us at PARIS if you address the letter c/o HOTEL ST JAMES & D'ALBANY. Would you?

We would like also to know if the new servants are taking their own food. If not, something should be deducted from their pay.

Another thing I would remind you is that Pa' Ibrahim should be paid on 15th and 30th or 31st of the month and $5/= should be deducted each time. In other words he should be paid $50/= only each time instead of $55/=

We are sending you some of the pictures (For explanation see back of pictures) taken with Pa' Sabri's camera. I'm afraid I do not handle it well enough as very, very few pictures have come out successfully. These pictures are to be kept as they will form the Album of our tour but whenever your brothers and sisters want to see them, the pictures should be shown.

Time is getting late. Mak is already asleep. Until you hear further, here's lots of love, kisses and salam from us. Also salam to Tah, Mak Leha, Pa' Hitam Suami Isteri, Pa' Ibrahim, Pie'i & Pa' Hussin Suami Isteri.

Your loving Parents

Mak & Bapak

*TREVI FOUNTAIN

P.S Sayang speaks more clearly now?

Adek studying well?

How is Intan? Playing a lot of football?

Kutom is not getting more boils? I hope not. Is she still playing football too?

How is Nor? Progressing well with her "KORAN"?

What are the chances of Adek Shor, Nan and Ajid in their School Sports?

Jamilah? Learning hard as well as listen to the Radio frequently?

And Yong? Looking after the house, brothers and sisters well?

ALL OF YOU MUST GET ON TOGETHER NICELY SO THAT  MAK AND I

WOULD BE HAPPY.

Letters from a Father to his Children(06.06.58)

ATHENS: 6th June 1958

My Darling Children,

Tuesday, 3rd June: We got up rather late this morning as we had no plans to visit any places in particular, which served us as a bit of rest. Even today both of us still had, on occasions, felt the "roll" of the plane. After a late breakfast, however, we walked about the Town. We had lunch at a small Restaurant near our Hotel after which we went to the Post Office to post some cards and a letter to you. We had a few hours rest before walking about again and later bought a couple of souvenirs. We then had drinks at an open air Restaurant very close to our Hotel. Open air Restaurants are a popular feature of Athens. There people sat back and watched the crowd and the traffic and enjoying the cooler evening air.

We had dinner at the same Restaurant where we had lunch. We tried a sepaghati dish and were disappointed. We later left for a visit of Athens by night. It was quite a beatiful drive through wall illuminated streets and we eventually proceeded to a sea-side town called PIRAEUS. We stopped at an open air Restaurant facing the sea and were served with wine and fish - small fish the Greeks called "Madera". It was thin and small and looked like "ikan belanak". On our  way back to Athens we stopped at a road-side open air jaunt where  there was a floor show - an Eastern dance, a Greek dance and a Spanish dance. There was a French singer a Miss SAUVAGE of whose singing we got fed-up, not that she didn't sing quite well but because she sang too many numbers in a row. We left rather late and got back to our Hotel at about 2.00AM.

Wednesday, 4th June: We have decided to go round the city both in the morning and afternoon. We had breakfast as usual at the Hotel. I might explain breakfast consisted only of rolls (bread) - 2 each, butter, marmalade and coffee. On our tour we passed the National Library, the University, the Royal Palace and stopped at the Olympic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian's Arch. The Stadium as you may know was built about a century ago and is capable of accomodating 50,000. It looked small because, I think the running track was oval! The first Olympic Games were held here.

In the afternoon we passed the House of Parliament and stopped on the Hill of Muses, Theatre of Dionysis and the famous ACROPOLIS. Parliament is in recess now and we therefore had no opportunity of going into the building. There were two Guards dressed in national costumes standing watch at the bottom of the Parliament Building which was overlooking the Constitution Square. This Square is just across the road from our Hotel. The Guards stand for about one hour hardly moving. After passing Parliament House we had a glimpse of foreign Embassies. Of course, we have not established one here yet and I wouldn't think that we should do so in the near future.

We then went up the ACROPOLIS from where we could get a commanding view of the City and it's prominent Parks, Buildings and Churches. There was a great deal of history behind the Acropolis. It's artistic architecture and solid columns were a great feature of this Temple of the Greeks. Greece is a country of a very old civilisation - thousands of years before Christ. There were so many things - statues, Temples, ruins, pottery etc - dating so long back through history. I am afraid we cannot claim to any such position but I am sure we in Malaya have a few things to preserve. Unfortunately we are more inclined to destroy! The Greek National Museum, which we visited were full of old exhibits.

At the Acropolis Mak was again the focus of attention except this time it was divided between her and an Indian lady. There was also the Chines lady from Hong Kong but she did not so much attract attention as she was dressed in cheongsam which was very nearly a gown. Anyway, when an old American (?) lady asked to take a photograph of the Asian group so many cameras clicked. Incidentally Mak is still embarassed by the attention of local people - males and females alike - to her way of dress. Some ladies literally gaped with open mouth, stopped and stared. If only a Press photographer was about I flattered to think that she might get into the newspapers. Some people asked where we came from. Although some pretended they know Malaya. I had very good reason to guess that they were all very vague about it. Many people thought we were from Siam or Indo-China.

We returned to the Hotel and after a bath went out to dinner. Tonight we tried "Leg of Chicken in Rice Supreme". It was such an oily stuff. Anyway we had some taste of rice! Later in the evening we sat at an open air Restaurant near our Hotel till 10.30pm drinking coffee. A cup of coffee costs 7 Drs (pronounced 'drakhmas') equivalent to about 80 cents Malayan. Ver expensive indeed.

On our way back we met the Indian couple and got to talking about ourselves. We told them that we had 10 children and they complained that they  had none. They thought I was a very rich man who could afford to go round the world while having 10 children!

(NOTE: While writing this letter Mak asked me to remind you to keep the gold necklace which she left in Jalil's cupboard)

Thursday,5th June: We went round the City a bit in the morning and doing a little shopping of souvenirs. Mak bought a pair of shoes costing Drs 185. At lunch met the Chinese couple. In the afternoon we walked to the National Park -  a coolplace full of shade trees. Nothing exceptional. We then went to the King's Palace. We were advised that the Guards would change at 7pm but after waiting a bit it didn't appear to happen. The King's Palace is situated within a cluster of trees hardly capable of being seen clearly. Not possible therefore to describe it. Had dinner. We had chicken and also asked for plain rice. Did not enjoy it very much as the rice was boiled, it seems in oil.

Friday, 6th June: Got up rather early as we were going to one of the neighbouring islands called AEGINA ISLAND. We left Athens by bus at 7.15AM for PIRAEUS ( the place where we visited on the night of the 3rd) from where we left by lunch. It ook us 1 1/2 hours to get there. AEGINA ISLAND is a fisherman's island. We went to a Monastery on the top of a hill and later to the ruins of an old Temple. We then went to a rural sea-side Restaurant for avery wholesome tiffin - the best we have had so far. Even Mak enjoyed it! There was about 2 hours wait and indeed most of us had a good nap. Later we were taken round the Town walking through very narrow streets. During this trip we met some nice people who were also on tour. There were Mr & Mrs Harvey a pilot of the KLM Airways. They live at AMSTERDAM and they have asked us to look them up when we get there.

There was an incident which I should not forget to tell you. When we visited the ruins of the Temple I mentioned earlier, a number of School children gathered  around Mak & myself staring at Mak's dress and guessing where we came from. None of them - including the old Teacher - was correct. Some thought we were Burmese, some guessed we were Japanese and that Mak was dressed in a kimono and others thought we were Siamese. When I told the where we came from even the Teacher didn't know where Malaya was! What a shame!! I wish I had taken a nice picture of the crowd but unfortunately I was unable to do so.

Well be leaving for Rome tomorrow.

Until later salam, love and kisses to all - Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid & Yong. Sembah salam to Tah and Salam to Tok Leha, Mak Yah, Pi'ei & others.

Yours Ever,

Bapak & Mak

P.S. Herewith two pictures takenat the ACROPOLIS. Behind one you'll notice signatures of those photographed.

P.P.S. You can show these letters to Yang and Pa' Shaarir if they come to visit you. Salam also to Pa' Hussin & Pa' Hitam laki isteri.

Letters from a Father to his Children (03.06.58)

ATHENS, Mon 3rd JUNE

My dear Children,

On the 31st May while we were still in Singapore we did a bit of last minute shopping for myself in the morning. We also bought a little present for Nor for her Birthday. We were sorry that during the rush we had no opportunity of buying one and handing it to her ourselves. Later in the afternoon we went to the BOAC office to finalise arrangements. We were delighted to learn that we were to take off at 9.50 AM instead of 6.20 AM as originally arranged. Otherwise it would have been too early and inconvenient.

That night we called on Tuan Rashid Manan at the Nanyang University. We felt that it was such a long way off. We seemed to have been going on and on without reaching the place. None of us, including Pa' Nizar and Pa' Sabri, has been to the place; so much so that we were getting doubtful if we were going in the correct direction. We got to a Police check and to our relief we were told, on enquiry, that the University was still ahead of us.

When we got to Tuan Rashid's house neither he nor his wife was at home. We just missed them. As a matter of fact we crossed them without realising it. Rosdina was at home and she directed us - Mak remained at the house - to Tuan Rashid's friend's house and informed Tuan Rashid of our visit. He came back home later. As we used to do when Tuan Rashid and I got together we got on to talking and discussing many questions especially on matters pertaining to Malay Educational, Social and Economic problems. It was a wonder to see how  Nanyang University was progressing - huge and modern buildings providing great opportunities and essential facilities. It was marvellous how the Chinese could work hard and could put their shoulders together. What a contrast to the Malays?! We have to change radically if we wish to achieve progress.

Later in the evening we were takenon the top of a hill within the University area which consists of 650 acres of valuable land. From there one could see the possible future development of the University.Where will the Malayan University be in future compared to Nanyang?! Time will tell.

We went home rather late at 11.30 pm. We had "a bite" at the Esplanade along Elizabeth Walk. Went straight to bed rather tired.

The next morning (1st June) was THE DAY - a day, I feel, of adventure into something new and even unknown. Also a day on which we felt that we were leaving our children behind further. We were sad but we were sure that our children had a mixed feeling - sad because we would not be with them for a while and happy because they could be proud that their parents left on a ROUND the WORLD trip of which not every child could boast of. Yan & Pa' Nizar sent us off from the house. Pa' Sabri joint us later at the Air Port. Zam (Wan Nyah's nephew) was with Pa' Sabri. Tuan Rashid was there too with his wife and his daughter Rosdina. We took off at about 10AM with Colombo as our first stop. When we got to Colombo it was very hot. The Air Port buildings were very poor - sort of improvised structures. We had light refreshments and I am afraid the service was poor.

Yes; before I  forget. About two hours before reaching Colombo we had lunch on board and not even 1/2 an hour after meal we got into rough weather for about half an hour. Mak did look worried. Both of us got slightly sick but fortunately we held on without vomitting. We felt very relieved - at least for Mak's sake - when we got out of it safely.

We then took off from Bombay but when we were about halfway a lady sitting on Mak's right pointed out to a propeller which had stopped. In other words the plane was going on three engines instead of on four. Wasn't Mak worried? It was clear from her expression. Almost immediately the Captain came out and as usual assured us that there was nothing seriously wrong. It was only an electrical defect which could be fixed as soon as the plane touched ground. He, however warned that instead of stopping at Bombay we might have to go straight on to Karachi (where we were not supposed to stop) where spares were available. This did happen and we went straight on to Karachi skipping Bombay in the meantime. Karachi was terribly warm. After dinner at the Air Port Rest House I had a bath. Mak was content with a wash. After nearly two hours stop we embarked again and were told that we had to go back to Bombay as there were a few passengers for Bombay and that the Airline could not make other arrangements to send them to Bombay. This meant a few hours delay for us. It was about mid-night when we got to Bombay. Everybody was tired and some (including us because of the delay) were rather disappointed. So much so that everyone of us except those disembarking and two others, stayed in the aircraft.

From Bombay we left for Bahrain. I enquired then how soon or rather how late we would get to Beirut where I was supposed to stay overnight reaching there at about 9.25pm.  I was told that I might get there at about 5 o'clock the next morning. In other words I could not stsy the night there. We got to Bahrain and eventually got to Beirut at 8.15AM about eleven hours late.

That was Monday morning 2nd June. Immediately we got to Beirut we rushed to another plane which was just waiting for us to take-off. So, Good-bye Beirut without a chance of looking at the Town. In a way I was happy as it avoided some other inconveniences. We took off  in a plane of the Olympic Airline. It was a very nice new plane - neat and spacious - with a French crew. They all could speak English though. there were only five passengers.

(I forgot to tell you earlier that we emplaned by BOAC Britannia from Singapore. The crew was wonderful - cheerful and very helpful. It seems that nothing was impossible or not obtainable - within reasons of course)

After stopping at NICOSIA (in Cyprus) wher many passengers joined us we arrived at ATHENS at 1.00pm. We got through the Health, Passport, Currency and Customs Authorities fairly quickly. They did take note that I held a visa which required "Diplomatic Courtesy". We were then taken to Airline Terminal which was very close to the NEW ENGLAND HOTEL where I have been living after twenty-eight hours journey by air. It was rather tiring and we were happy to be on terra firma again. It was rather hot when we got there.

New England Hotel is an old one. My room is filled with old-type furniture and old-type amenities. It has one consolation in that it is in the centre of the Town and therefore in a very convenient position. Immediately we registered at the Hotel the Receptionist suggested that we should go on a sightseeing trip to SOUNION. We were rather reluctant as we were tired but we were persuaded to do so. We got to our room (ROOM NO 106 : what a coincidence to have this number which is our House No!) and quite soon after, went out and wandered a bit round the Town on foot. Oh, my! Mak got the stares of almost all we met. They must have found her dress different and Mak was rather embarassed. We nearly lost our way and we got a young boy to show us the place where we were suppossed to go to catch the coach for the trip!

At 4 pm. we started off in a very decent coach (bus) which was full. Leaving the Town we followed the new coastal road passing through the wonderful beaches of GLYFADA-VOULIAGMENI and VARKIZA ( don't ask me to pronounce these names). The weather was very fine- cool and quite clear. All along the beaches people were picknicking and swimming. It was indeed lovely! (as the two old ladies behind us were saying all the while). As we got along we saw also some coves offering us view on the SARONIC GULF. It seems to us that ATHENS was full of hills. The road we along was not on the foot of the hills by the sea-side. It was winding but beautiful. We got to SOUNION at 5.45pm where we saw the remains of the TEMPLE OF POSEIDON made of marble. Our guide who was a charming young Greek (?) girl told us the history of the Temple. She spoke good English and French. Then we dined at a Restaurant (all part of the trip) below the Temple on the hill overlooking the sea. It was a very welcome meal as I was very hungry having missed lunch. Mak did not eat very well - suspicious of the food. We had also a taste of fresh cherries and apricots. We returned to Town after dinner. We were glad we made the trip though I was very tired. I slept most of the way back and missed the bright lights. We got to bed immediately we reached the Hotel at 9.30pm and slept very soundly indeed.

How are you all getting on? Mak and I thought of one thing i.e. if you take your younger sisters and brother out, make sure that you bigger ones hold their hands when crossing any road. Don't allow them to wander too far from you.

Salam, love and kisses from us to you all. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to Mak Yah, Tok Leha and the others.

Yours Ever,

Mak & Bapak

Letters from a Father to his Children (31.05.58)

Singapore, 31st, May 1958

My darling children,

We got to Singapore safely yesterday, arriving at 6.25 pm. Pa' Nizar and Pa' Sabri were at the Paya Lebar Air Port to meet us. It was a pleasant trip. Except for a very short period - I understand over Muar when we went through some 'air pockets' - it was a very smooth flight.

We were touched by the grand send-off by relatives and friends. It was a sad occasion though leaving you all behind but I am sure you agree that Mak, in particular, deserves a holiday. Three months won't be a long time.

Oh yes; I nearly forgot to tell you something. When we got to the Air Port, Pa' Sabri was waiting with a motor-car - one of those self-drive cars; a Moris Minor. We had quite an experience with Pa' Sabri at the wheel. First of all, the car was so small that only one bag could go into the boot and the other bag has to be placed on the front seat leaving Pa' Nizar, Mak and I to squeeze at the back. However, Pa' Sabri's driving is still "jerky'! On the whole it wasn't too bad a show.

As you know, of course, we stayed at Pa' Nizar's place. We felt rather tired that we did not go out at all after dinner. Pa' Sabri spent the night with us. All here are well. Pa' Nizar's mother-in-law and Zainab are here too.

Yong, I have a few things to tell you which I forgot to do before I left. One is as regards to Mak's "kuttu". When you get the $900/= from Mak Cha'a, pay it into your Post Office Savings Bank book with the $100/= I left with you. (This $100/= is included in the cash I left with you). Then beginning from 1st July send monthly the $100/= to Mak Cha'a.

There is another thing, I have not been able to find time to read the newspapers during the last few days. Will you please go through them and take cuttings, if any, about myself and put them in my 'scrap book'.

Speaking about newspapers you might continue to subscribe to the usual magazines and four (unless you want five) dailies namely Strait Times, Singapore Standard, Malay Mail and Berita Harian or Utusan Melayu. I believe you all prefer Berita Harian.

Before I end I want to remind you to keep all the letters I write as I want them to form part of my diary. My letters should be read by those of you who can understand and they should be explained to the younger ones so that they may also follow our activities.

That's that for the time being, my dear children. Love, kisses and salam to you all from both Bapak and Mak. Sembah salam to Tah and salam to all others.

Yours Ever

Mak & Bapak

Selamat Datang/Welcome

Assalamualaikum and welcome to All,

I decided to create this blog about my father (and mother) as I have in my possession, my late father's letters sent to his children whilst going around the world for three months. I was then very young as the letter was dated in the year of 1958.

The letters were well kept and still in crisp condition. I will retype the contents for you all to see, after which I would scan the original and upload later. I've been wanting to do this for quite some time now as I've had the letters for a long, long time. Eventually, God Willing, I would like to have a biography book published on my father.

For my brothers and sisters, I will photostat the letters and distribute to all of you. At the same time I would laminate the originals and will decide later to whom I will give for save keeping.

Thank you for dropping by. Everyone is free to either upload photos or post anything that you wish to say about my father, or to tell of any other memories that I might know of.....

BTW every letter posted has been copied word for word. Nothing has been altered, even no spelling mistakes has been corrected, so that it's originality remains....