letters from a Father to his Children (27.7.58)

73 LEXHAM GARDENS
LONDON, W.8
23rd July 1958

Our Darling Dears,


Friday 18th July: You might notice that our last letter dated 19th July ended rather abruptly. That was because I had to catch the mail. I would like to explain, at this juncture, generally about ourselves. As you know we are now living in ALEXA HOTEL. Except for breakfast we are not served any meals here. From here to get to the centre of London - that is TRAFALGAR SQUARE, PICCADALY CIRCUS or MARBLE ARCH - we would either go by TUBE (Underground train) or Bus. The tube station is about 10 minutes walk (here distances are described by time) from the Hotel. It's EARL'S COURT STATION. The tube gets to the Centre between 10 and 15 minutes. The bus stop is nearer. While travelling by tube is more efficient in that it will not get involved in traffic jam as the bus does, we cannot see the sights in the City.

LONDON is an industrial city and is therefore dusty and black. There is however something intriguing about it.

We did not go anywhere this morning but went out to lunch with a friend, a Mr. TONY PYE, at the ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB on the MALL (pronounced MELL). The lunch ended rather late and we went back to the Hotel and did not go out again until later when




we went to see a play - a musical comedy - at PALACE THEATRE with NORMAN WISDON in "WHERE"S CHARLEY". It was a grand show. Norman was so funny and there were beautiful songs and dances. We both enjoyed it so much. This play is based on the book, "CHARLEY'S AUNT".

Saturday, 19th July: We had an early lunch and went to see London's Festival Ballet at the ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL. Again this was a very good show and we enjoyed the programme very much which included "LES SYLPHIDES", "THE NUTCRACKER SUITE", "BOLERO 1830" and "GRADUATION BALL". The great PRIMA BALLERINA was ALICIA MARKOVA. We were feeling very tired and returned straight to the Hotel.

Sunday, 20th July: We went in Che' Mohd. Din's car to Che' Wan Baharuddin's house. Che' Wan Baharuddin is the Students Laison Officer and he lives with a Mr. Carey at a place about 35 miles out of London. The house actually belongs to Mr. Carey who was, before the Ministerial system was introduced, the Member of Works in KL. We spent the whole morning and afternoon with them. The house had a lovely garden full of roses. Che' Wan Baharuddin and Che' Hawa prepared a very nice lunch for us.

From there we went straight back to Che Murad's house in London. Che' Murad's wife, her name is HAPIPAH, claimed to be related to us as she originated from Senggang. We were served with "meehoon". That was an enjoyable




evening. We returned to the Hotel rather late.

Monday, 21st. July: We visited St. Paul's Cathedral in the afternoon. I believe that we have seen too many Churches that, although St. Paul's is said to be the best Church in the World, we lost some interest in it. We, however, went down the Crypt where tombs of famous men including Wellington and Nelson were.

Tuesday, 22nd. July: We went out to sort out a few arrangements regarding our visit to America. In the evening we went to Che' Yusof's flat at CLAPHAM SOUTH. It's quite a decent compact flat. We had our dinner there and served with Swiss food. I told you earlier that Che' Yusof has married a Swiss girl. We returned to the Hotel rather late.

We are now looking forward to our return journey as we missed you all more and more. We are relieved of anxiety as we are getting more and more letters from you all. You can write to London provided your last letter is posted on 27th July.

How is everybody? 5th September will approach soon. Lots of love and kisses from us to Sayang, Adek, Intan, Kuntom, Nor, Adek Shor, Nan, Nah, Ajid and Yong. Salam to all the rest.

Yours lovingly,
Mak and Bapak.

(Bye! Bye!!! Mak)

P.S. Some more pictures herewith.