240323 Diary

When I settled down that evening, I thought it was a Sunday. I was able to leave for home by 11, and that is a rarity for me. In actual fact, that was when the weekend really started.

The first order of business was to drive to Gombak to visit the garage there. Our C200 had been under repair for the last few weeks and we went to have a look. The chassis was still in good condition despite the care being 24 years-old. But the engine has definitely been suffering.

The mechanic managed to service the power unit and the car can now be driven. However, plenty of work still needed. The brakes, the gearbox, the suspension would either need servicing or replacing. And the cost would be in the 5 figures.

So, we had some decision to make. The mechanic said he is able to buy it from us but at a nominal fees, since there were still plenty of work needed. If we start with the repairs, he suggested that we keep it since I would be investing plenty of money into that already. It would cost more than if I were to sell the car.

I was undecided. The car was bought for us by the late Abah. We saw our boys grew up in it. We drove it all through the UK the last couple of years before we relocated home. There was plenty of emotional attachment to the car still. Anita was not too sure either. Her worries would be the upcoming cost for repairs going into the future. Not an easy decision to make. We decided to take another few days to think it over.

Next, we drove to Publika for a spot of shopping, There was a nice bazaar there but nothing really caught our fancies. As it was still early, we went to The Curve after that. We were worried that the place would be crowded. But despite the place being packed, we could easily got a parking spot.

The decorations there was an eye-opener. The main sponsor was Pos Malaysia and they put some effort in. It was on a 60s theme, but somehow it hit the spot. There were plenty of character indeed - both metaphorical and literal. I especially enjoyed the Raya cards down from the ceilings. Nobody sent Raya cards anymore - I stopped doing so during the pandemic. I would recommend everyone to have a look.

As for berbuka, we decided to go to Burger & Sushi - I wanted some wagyu steak! It was amazing. The boys decided against coming out and it was might as well. It was raining heavily and we were caught in traffic. We arrived there 10 minutes after berbuka and could not find a parking spot! Bad planning! But the wagyu more than made up for that.

As the wind with the rain offered us some respite from the balmy afternoon, I sat down with my coffee and thought, was it really on Saturday? Well, might as well just relax then ...