Time is beginning to run out on this phase in our lives.

I have taught my last classes (at this particular institution anyway). My postgraduate students generously arranged a little party after our last session. We took photos, ate vast quantities of food (all delicious, but possibly the stars of the show were some really spectacular salted egg meringues), wished each other well, and promised to stay in touch.

And they gave me Orlando, a vibrantly beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid.

Our little flat is well overshadowed by the huge building going up outside, so every day, Orlando is ceremoniously carried to what light we have. He seems to be doing OK.







The week also included a quick visit to the Ilham Gallery's "Two Mountains" project, which features lovingly observed work on Mounts Fuji and Kinabalu.





And although we visited no new eating places this week, we had some delicious new things from tried-and-tested suppliers: pudina (or mint) chapati from Kader; home-made pork ball porridge from Hon Kee; and Hakka salted fish flat noodles from Noodle Shack.



Other than this, our days have been fairly dull, because our minds have turned to practicalities. Once again, there are books to find homes for. We're starting to replace clapped-out travel clothing. A lot of time is going into journey-planning (and a lot more effort is still required).

But always, of course, the usual KL scenes enliven our days.







It's going to be a tough goodbye...