And Weng Yew, I do remember Mary Sim Maternity Home along Anderson Road. As a matter of fact, I was born there too. In my own peculiar way, I feel very sentimental when such long gone names suddenly popped up in my mind. I guess it is because I am now living farway, and anything that relates to my life in the old country seems to be ever so endearing.

During my last visit to Ipoh, I took my daughter for a walk down memory lane. From Excelsior Hotel, we walked down to Clarke Street and I showed her the house which use to be our ancestral home. Then we strolled further down to Brewster Road and she saw the house that my wife grew up in. In addition, she also visited my Alma Mater, Anderson School and my wife's Alma Mater, the Main Convent. Ipoh may not have a whole slew of skyscrapers like KL but it certainly exudes a unique charm of its own. Amazingly, some parts of the city have remain unchanged for more than 30 years, as if time had stood still. The part of the city that has undergone the most drastic changes is the Green Town area. With all the government quarters gone, I could hardly recognize the place. With better upkeep and maintenance, the city would look even more pleasing to the eye. Some of the older buildings do look neglected and sprucing them up with a coat of fresh paint should do the trick. In the final analysis, what makes Ipoh special is the people who resides there. Everyone is so friendly and approachable, and they seem to live their lives in a sane and leisurely pace. My kid is not local born but strangely, she also felt an instant attachment to the city.

I suppose our family should "balik kampung" more often so that we can feed our frenzy for Ipoh's legendary food and warm hospitality.

Fond regards and best wishes.