My husband and I had a nice send off after our holiday at the Tanjong Jara resort last week. Some staff gathered to wave us goodbye and wish us a safe journey home.

I chatted with Chef Ann while my husband walked over to collect our car. Tanjong Jara’s designated parking area is situated close enough to walk to but not directly in front of its lobby. This allows guests to drive up to the lobby, drop off and pick up their luggage, at the start and end of their stay. And, hear the signature welcome and farewell sound of the Tanjong Jara gong. 

The 3D/2N holiday was our first in over two months. 67 days might not seem long to some people to go without a break or have a change in routine or scenery. It was for me. And, my husband by association. I love my mum with all my heart. Which is why caring for her is a 24×7 responsibility that I assume earnestly. It’s all encompassing. Everything from health and personal care to entertainment. It’s stressful – when her health is out of kilter and I don’t know why or how to fix it. I kid you not. When my mum is happy and well. I am too. When she’s not. I’m not. It’s samey – a daily routine from morning to night of correct medicines, healthy/tasty foods and recovery times.

It’s solitary – I manage chores/duties by myself. This I’m actually ok with as I’m anti-social and don’t want disruptive company, whom I have to entertain, when I’m busy. It’s time-limited. This I am not ok with as it affects my husband. Monday to Friday, and Sunday, I clock watch while I have dinner, a short walk and return. Then, I sort my mum’s dinner, medicines and Astro channels. My husband spends the evenings on his own in our home. It has given ‘me’ time a whole new meaning. Yes, he has pretty much exhausted Netflix’s directory of movies and documentaries.

The away-from-home holiday to celebrate my husband’s birthday was a much-needed respite. We booked it once we knew for sure sister number 3 would be in Malaysia to care for my mum and for Deepavali. Sister number 3 visited last November for Deepavali 2021, and extended her stay 4 times until March 2022. She is home again in less than 8 months. And, she has cooked up a Deepavali cake storm in the kitchen. No extension this time, she has said.

Anyways, what my husband and I wanted was to be somewhere different, and to do different things from what we have been doing the past months. It was a treat to have the sea at our doorstep. We saw the vast expanse of the South China Sea.  We walked on soft, sandy beach that was a bit of hard work. But, no complains. It felt great being in the outdoors. That sense of space and freedom with no people traffic. In fact, we had the beach mostly to ourselves. We watched fishermen and their fishing boats out at work.  We speculated about several islands sitting in the sea. We predicted when the quick moving dark ominous clouds would tip down with rain.  We were half right. We picked surprisingly, unblemished sea shells. We, or rather I, tried to escape the big fifth or sixth wave from splashing against my legs. 

We had two long-drawn out breakfasts. Didn’t feel rushed. Didn’t have anywhere to go.  Didn’t have anything to do. Ate more food that we normally would. Especially as it was served buffet style. So many choices for guests to try and choose what they prefer. Not eat all on offer like I did.  I had roti canai with dhal and chicken curry. Croissant with kaya, peanut butter and strawberry jam. Some kueh. Some pastry and cupcakes. I indulged.

On holiday, I get curious about people whom I come across or take notice of but not necessarily speak with. I did say I’m anti-social.  Back to Chef Ann. We know her from our previous visits. Usually at lunch and dinner, she comes around, chats and recommends dishes to guests. This time, I discovered that she likes cats, and has an adopted feline on the resort called, ‘Ow-wing.’ Our leftover fish dish, we were pleased to note, was fed to ‘Ow-wing’ and his three other stray friends.

I also noticed a youngish couple with a toddler at dinner. The little one was generally well-behaved but needed to be released from her baby chair. She got tearful and desperate while waiting for her slightly distracted parents to attend to her. She appeared totally reliant for help and attention. I thought of my mum, and missed her.

The three days away were different, and it made a happy difference to us.