A Rendezvous

Dad is known by many as accommodating and easy to get along with ; but not when it comes to going to the city during peak hours especially after a downpour. He frets and hates to entertain any idea of going to the city centre but when duty calls; he obliges.

Last night was one bad experience. Having to trudge through the heavy traffic ; I could feel the patience leaving him.

It took us a good one hour plus to hit KLCC amidst frustrations and frets. We nevertheless got to our destination an hour and a half hour late for our appointment.

There is no denial that our twin towers was a sight to behold ; so proud of them and I reiterate again that the Pearl Tower of Shanghai and 101 tower of Taipei are no comparisons. The aesthetic outlook is mesmerising. A shot from below only enhances its majesty. Really, they are beautiful. The Towers were also part of the reason for the miscommunication between dad and a long time friend from the UK - Zeda.

When we hit KLCC, Zeda was no where to be seen. She had waited at the place after her visit to the towers during the evening but we were no where to be seen too. Zeda kept ranting that though the Towers were beautiful she still could not get over the fact that she had to purchase her ticket in the morning for a visit in the evening! Yes, she bought the ticket at 10am to be turned away for a later visit because of the massive crowd. We had to arrive later than the appointed time and so it was the chicken and egg story. In a nutshell, Zeda had gone back to Dorsett and at our request through another mutual friend took a cab to meet us again at KLCC. We could not budge anymore; not after such a hazardous evening.

So, meet Zeda. Of Ugandan origin, Zeda first met dad 36 years ago when they were studying in the UK. Dad related that as students they lodged with a friendly British couple and spent their tertiary years as students together with Anne, the mutual friend. Now, a British citizen, Zeda resides in the heart of London and is engaged in the hotel industry.

I first met Zeda in 1992 when Sara was a mere 3 year old. Now Sara is 21 and is near her ! Zeda kept saying that she must meet her when she goes home to the UK. She was upset that dad never replies her mails; instead it has always been Esther who has been updating her. It was funny that she shared that her last resort would be to contact Esther to know the well-being of dad! Strange that though not related, the tie of friendship carries through generations.

We asked what she wanted for dinner and she said ; Chinese food. So we landed at Spring Garden and ate rice served in bowls with her using the fork and spoon.

It was good to see how she warmed up to us as though the years were but days apart. She insisted that dad should pay her a visit in the near future especially when he has not gone back there after his return. We told her soon.

After dinner at 10pm, she wanted to visit us at our home. We could not deny her; not after the long wait and separation. We took rides along the Lake Gardens and scoured the city. She shared that the changes in KL were alarming. Everything was new, big and tall. Merdeka Square and the State Secretariat bewitched her. She asked if KLites reside in high rise buildings? We took her to Subang Jaya and she was glad to see houses! Now she knows that we stay in nice, proper houses. Though dark, she enjoyed the ride to our home and was happy to be greeted by Allie, our long time help of 21 years. They recognised each other immediately and commented on each other's 'size'.

Again, the evening was filled with sharings of the past, present and future. It was good to meet her again. But the evening had to end ; especially when I had to go to school the next day. She arrived at Dorsett again at 12.30am and to say her final goodbye before she leaves for home the next day.

Some friends stay yours forever ; time and distance are no deterrents.