McDonald's Jalan Gopeng, Ipoh, June 2012

Dear Diary,

After one eventful weekend in Alor Setar, we headed home on Sunday evening. I didn’t know why but I’d been feeling uneasy since morning of our departure. That feeling kept on bugging me though I tried to cast it away. I interpreted the uneasiness was due to my reluctance to go back that day. Rasa berat hati sangat! But Hubby wanted to go back to Shah Alam that Sunday by hook or by crook.

At around 6pm, we started our journey home. As usual, after leaving my parents’ house, we filled up our petrol tank then we directly took PLUS. From Alor Setar Utara exit up till Sungai Dua toll plaza, our traveling was smooth sailing. After Sungai Dua, traffic started to slow down but it was still bearable.  However, from Juru toll plaza onwards, it got worse. Very slow moving! Bergerak terkemut-kemut! There were many vehicles on the highway, at R&R areas and petrol stations. We had to endure long queues just to use restrooms.

Just imagine we began our journey at 6pm from Alor Setar, by 10pm we only reached Simpang Pulai. By that time, all three kids were restless and started to get cranky. My head began to pound; while Hubby’s patience nearly hit its max. That was when we decided to steer off PLUS to have dinner.  At that exact moment, we wanted to get away as far as we possibly could from the massive traffic jam.

We exited at Gopeng and headed towards Ipoh. Along the way, we saw McDonald’s and all of us agreed to have our dinner there. Almost at the same time, Hubby and I suggested to overnight in Ipoh. We were very tired and didn’t have either the energy or desire to go through the traffic gridlock again. If we continue our journey, God knows what time we’ll arrive in Shah Alam.

As we were gobbling up our dinner, we noticed there were many foreigners enjoying their meals. Most of them were wearing jerseys. Then, Hubby realized they’re Argentina hockey players. It was quite tough finding a room that night since most hotels were full house due to Piala Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament. We finally checked in into Grand View Hotel and savored a night of good rest.

Address: McDonald's Jalan Gopeng, Jalan Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, Kampung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak. Telephone number: 05 - 311 1916. Fax number: 05 - 311 1912. Website: www.mcdonalds.com.my