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
No comments:
Post a Comment