Road trip to Ipoh

I think I know the reason why Jason doesn't want to take up the Red passport. I got it figured out after making a trip up north to his hometown in Ipoh.

I waited for their arrival. The arrangement was for the 4 of them to rent a car from JB, pick me up from Melaka, then head up north to Ipoh. Once they got here, I became the driver for the next 2-3hours.

First thing when I got into the car is to find the line-in jack so that I can play my songs from my phone. But there is none though an option to play cassette is available. I wonder if anyone of us still have cassette at home? I throw all of them away. They get moldy after awhile.

At 230am, I started to feel abit hungry. And so I turn out to a rest stop. It was so packed. I didn't know that so many ppl like to drive at night. Since it was so crowded, I grab a hotdog and go. Jason took over the wheels. I fall asleep until Jason turn out from the NS highway. Slept at 0400hrs.

Now that it's daytime, I notice that Ipoh is surrounded by hills and I love it. I think they are mostly limestone. Mornings were filled with birds chirping instead of cars on the road and MRT running on tracks. Adjacent to us is a church, you can hear the band singing on Sunday starting as early at 0800hrs all the way till noon.

Jason brought us to the old town. We popped in a regular coffee shop. I was surprise by the food. It's so tasty!! I like the Ipoh Chee Cheong Fun, reminds me of hor fun in sweet sauce. Both the fried and normal version of Popiah are delicious too. I also order a bowl of Shredded Chicken Hor Fun.

Jason drove us around Ipoh. We saw the nice railway station and went to take a look. Direct train to Singapore takes 16hours. Not sure if that's a good option, considering driving takes 7hrs non stop driving. Of course it sounds insane to drive non-stop. So factor in 1-2hrs for pee break and meals. You'll love the train station.

We went to Jason's primary and secondary school and we found out he's from ACS. A true blue ACS boys who hardly speaks mandarin. I know of at least 2 ACS boys who are Jiak Kentang one (eat potatoes).

Indulgence is another restaurant you wouldn't want to miss. Nice ambiance but slightly steep in price. But if you are someone who loves afternoon tea and splurge on expensive Tirumisu and brownie. This is where you can escape the afternoon heat and while the hours away.

We made a trip to Jusco to check out the movies. It was so crowded on Sat. After Jason let us alight at the main door, he spend the next 10mins circling ground floor carpark. Eventually he drove up to the rooftop level where lots are available. Unfortunately, there is nothing that we want to watch. Alice in Wonderland is full house. Hot Summer Days is showing at 9pm and too rush for us. From Paris With Love is too late at 1120pm.

When the car exits the building, we went down on a ramp that goes direct to ground floor. I like the view from there, can see all the limestone hills surrounding the town.

I wanted to go for a jog. So Jason and I jogged to the Polo. It's a nice park. A lot of locals are jogging too. Kids are playing at the playground. We try out a nice route thru the cemetary. It turns out to be a short trail before turning out to the park again.

3 weeks ago, I got a new touch screen phone that comes with GPS function. Besides navigating, I realise I can use it for a lagi more noble function; I can store the location of all the nice food. And so I did. Jason's parent brought us to a Chinese restaurant adjacent to Tesco. It's called 1919. I like everything, especially the Thai sauce fish. And the fried sotong with mayonnaise (or is it some other sauce).

More driving around after dinner. Jason's parents and sisters went back home, I can see why. There is not more to do anyway, yes, there are some pubs. I wanted to go Karaoke but the rest are not interested. Then I suggested foot reflexology but Fang wouldn't dare to. After awhile, I resign. I think it's better to head home for DVD.

Morning breakfast at the Ipoh-famous Foh San was delightful. I was told that it's going to be crowded. We have to wait for a table. We spread out to find, in less than 5mins we got a prime table that is 2m away from the self-service counter.

We left at noon. After thanking Jason's parents for having us here. I was quite eager to get on the highway. Maybe the weekly drive from Melaka to Singapore has developed in me a new love for highway driving. Trust me, parts of the NS highway is gorgeous. Oh, did I update you on the new gadget I found in the car, it has CD player!!! I loaded my Jacky Chung new Jazz album before I drive off.

We did not stop over at Tapah for Wanton Mee, nor did we drive to old town for the Nga Chio Gai (Bean Sprout Chicken). By 3pm, our dim sum has already been digested. FJ was craving for KFC, me sort of also. So Jason help me to navigate, we almost turn out to Putrajaya to find our KFC and to show them Malaysia's Administrative capital. I don't think many people have been here before. I like Putrajaya for the many bridges. Crossing bridges is fun. I also like the place for the lack of people. It's really quiet here. You'll wonder where are the people from the government's office. Even the mall Alamanda is quiet.

After a few failed attempts, we decided to stop at the next available rest stop. Seremban came along, to our surprise, there is a KFC!!! I have 1 piece chicken only. Need to save some space for dinner at Melaka.

We had Peranakan dinner at downtown. Then I drove myself back to MFA. Jason took over the wheels from MFA and headed south to return the rental car before heading home in Singapore.

Ipoh is a nice place. I would like to visit Ipoh again and explore the town. Around Ipoh has some trails which I'll like to explore and to discovery new running routes.