Island Paradise - 1/2 way around the world

Greetings from Langkawi, Malaysia
After a total of 26 hours of actual flying time and 4 days of travel, we arrived halfway across the world. We are on the northwestern coast off the Malaysian peninsular in the Andaman Sea. There are 99 tropical islands that comprise Langkawi and each one is lush with clear emerald waters and fine sand beaches. Langkawi means in Malay reddish brown eagle and there are so many eagles flying over the islands – it is a spectacular sight because the eagles are so large and majestic.

Today was our first full day in Malaysia. Our time clock is way off and it seems like we get bursts of energy and then we are so tired that we can’t keep our head up. The Malaysian people are a mixed Asian race and we have found the people to be extremely friendly and sincere. They seem to be service oriented and willing to do whatever they can for tourists.

The Westin Resort & Spa is located in a beautiful setting on the beach and there are breathtaking views of the many uninhabited tropical islands and rock formations from the shoreline of the resort. This is the dry season and the weather is in the 80s/90s with refreshing trade winds that make it delightful weather. There are resort guests from so many countries - British, French, German, Thailand, Australia and Hong Kong to name a few. We have spotted few Americans.

The Malaysian cuisine is similar to Thai food. Seafood is fresh and delicious – squid, shrimp and lobster are all in season right now. We have tried so many fresh unusual tropical fruits – it seems that some fruits are never imported to the US. We have been trying as many as possible – funny shapes, sizes each with a different taste. We had dinner tonight al fresco on the beach at a local lighthouse. English is widely spoken but we want to make sure the waiters don’t serve Jacob any food made with nuts. I had a local write a warning that we can show a waiter that states Jacob’s allergy to nuts. I showed this warning to the waiter tonight and he laughed and then he passed it to other waiters and the chef. They all laughed so perhaps this person that wrote the warning wrote something funny or derogative about us. We laughed along but tomorrow we’’ need to check this note out – no one wants to be a fool.

Roberta was in seventh heaven today – she basked in the sun from 10am until 4:30pm. Jacob didn’t get out of the pools all day. Steven and I explored the resort. We walked along the beach, saw the beautiful Westin Heavenly Spa and got a tour of the resort’s beachfront villas each with a private pool. Unfortunately the resort is sold out – but the guest rooms are all recently decorated and are wonderful.

We have so much planned in the next few days. We will be in Langkawi for 5 nights before heading on to Kuala Lumpur. I am exhausted now, so I’m going to sign off and update the blog as explore this little gem of an island.

Lost in Translation

We were scheduled to depart on our annual Almeas family getaway on Friday, 19th December for a 2 week trip to Malaysia and Cambodia. We had planned on cancelling but dad encouraged us to go on as planned. We're so pleased that his friends and our family are taking good care of dad & Samantha while we get a much needed break. Of course, we weren't packed or ready the week or even day before this trip - we're pros, we wait until a few hours before to pack.

I get an email around 1:30pm on Thursday, 18th December from Continental Airlines that simply states "you're flight tomorrow to Los Angeles has been cancelled". No further instructions. Now we knew that it was going to snow on Friday, but it was a sunny winter day and it just seemed strange that a flight would be cancelled the day before. More important - we needed to arrive in Los Angeles no later than Friday afternoon - we had an evening flight on China Southern Airlines that only operated a few days per week - we couldn't miss this important connection. I called Continentals Elite Desk and after an 1.5 hour call, I was able to negotiate 4 seats on a 6:10pm flight that day to Los Angeles, all flights were cancelled for Friday in anticipation of this winter storm in Newark. So at 3:30pm I called Roberta and told her I was leaving the office and needed to be packed and car loaded in 30 minutes if we were going on this planned trip. Jacob was still on the school bus, Roberta had a manicure appointment and we weren't even packed! The resourceful Almeas family worked as a team - Steven packed for Jacob, Roberta and I opened our drawers and tossed together 2 weeks worth of resort wear and toiletries in record time. We knew we would forget something - was this going to be a scene from "Home Alone"? The highway to the airport was congested with rush hour commuters - OK, I drove on the shoulder and a bit to fast. The car loaded with 7 very large suitcases at the same time I was working with my air travel manager to book 2 rooms at a hotel near the LAX Airport for that evening. As luck had it - our 6:10pm flight was delayed and we eventually made it in one piece (and in coach) to Los Angeles by 3:30am (est). We were lucky - schools were closed and the snow shut down the airports in the New York area.

We enjoyed a leisurely morning and decided to spend the day in Santa Monica - walking on the pier, shopping along the outdoor promenade. Roberta got her manicure - thankfully for all of us :-) and we had a memorable lunch at The Ivy at the Shore - no celeb sightings, but a wonderful seaside lunch. We took a city bus ($2.50 for the family each way) and it was easy & fun people watching. The hotel was gracious and gave us a 5pm check-out too! We then relaxed in the hotel's lounge and decided to take a taxi to drive us through the nearby In & Out Burger for take out dinner. No West coast Almeas trip is complete without our pilgrimage to the only fast food we crave. The taxi was more expensive than the meal. Oh, did I mention that I left my Blackberry in the taxi? I realized my phone was missing 20 minutes after our hotel drop off. Thankfully, the driver picked up my call and drove back to our hotel with my very important link back home for the next 2 weeks. What a start........

We're here!! Well, really not here - I'll explain. Our China Southern Airline flight connects in Guangzhou, China en route to Kuala Lumpor, Malaysia. We booked last February and the flight scheduled changed numerous times - we now have an 11 hour layover in China. The problem is that we would need a Chinese Visa to leave the international terminal, even if we wanted to book a day room in the airport's hotel. The flight was 15 hours from LAX to China non-stop. Roberta & Jacob slept a solid 8 hours. Steven and I enjoyed dinner and lots of laughs - the flight crew did not speak English and we had no idea what they were saying. There were what seemed like a crew of 2 dozen or more attendants aboard - very courteous, but not a lick of English. Steven and I woke up midway through the flight and asked for breakfast. We were told we could have a Chinese meal - we agreed and had an unusual assortment of congee rice, noodles with meat and grilled vegetables, pickled veggies, fruit and an unusual hard boiled egg (not sure of the bird) on a half shell. A few hours later, when breakfast was served, we were told that we couldn't eat again because we already ate our meal. Lost in translation, again, we were served after all others had their breakfast. Our family took a walk back through the different cabins for a stretch during the flight. No joke - it looked like the scene from the movie, Titanic, in the rear-section of the plane. Masses of immigrants standing, crying, lines of passengers with Ramen noodle cups in hand at the galley for their hot water. When we made it back to the front of the plane - passengers were sleeping on their flat bed extra-wide seats - enjoying their journey in comfort and quiet. What a paradox!

So, where are we now as I type this blog? It's Sunday morning in China and we're in the VIP lounge. We totally passed by Saturday, December 20th. Poof, we're one day ahead. We are unable to leave the airport but made the lounge our home. I really don't feel like Tom Hanks in the movie Terminal but I would like to step outdoors for a bit of outdoor air. I did read that Guangzhou is the most polluted city in the world - so maybe this is a blessing.

So we're here but not there and we're on our way to our first stop on this journey - the resort island of Langkowi, Malaysia. We arrive on Monday, December 22nd. OK, 5 days to get to your initial destination is a bit crazy - a 3 hour flight to Miami might have been more logical. I do know for certain that when you give our family lemons we do make lemonade. I promise to produce a full pitcher of wonderful stories as we begin our journey....

Wishing all our family & friends a happy holiday and perhaps some quality time with their family during this season.

One Week Ago Today....

It seems so long ago, but it is one week ago today that my mom passed away. They say times flys when you're having fun. These past few months have certainly not been fun, so why did it go so quickly? I was actually pleased a few months ago when we found out the chemo was responding well and the counts were down - it seemed that perhaps mom had a chance, some hope, light at the end of the tunnel. Time was on her side - so we all thought or perhaps assumed.

There was hope that perhaps mom could reach certain milestones in the near future - her 50th wedding anniversary and her grandson's bar mitzvah. She just needed some more time.... I have decided to take the highroad through all of this tragedy so perhaps mom did have her time here with us. She did enjoy life so much and took advantage of the wonderful opportunities that came her way. She had the Power of Attraction - and it seemed that everyone connected with mom's magnetic personality. I learned so much from my mom and I know that I now have a responsibility to carry her torch. It won't be easy but I feel this is my obligation and a privilege.

Wow, one week ago today. The funeral services were beautiful. It was an honor to write a eulogy for my mom and an even a greater honor to listen to my oldest son write a heart-felt eulogy and stand before friends and family as a young adult. Steven has always made me proud, but I noticed that day his compassion for others and joie de vivre is so similar to that of my mothers'. I felt so much of my mother that moment looking and listening to Steven. Words can't express this wonderful feeling, this connection.

Life goes on.... after just one week. Thank you to all our special friends and family that have smothered my family with love and shared their sympathy this past week. It's sunny today - I know mom is up there smiling down upon us. :-)

Please continue to share your comments. I can't thank you enough...

Linda's Funeral - Tuesday, December 9th

In Loving Memory – Linda Almeas

Funeral Services- 10 AM (Tuesday, December 9th)
Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel66 Old Short Hills Road • Livingston, NJ 07039(973) 422-0600 • (800) 938-6372 http://www.bernheim-apter-kreitzman.com

Cemetery -
Beth Moses CemeteryWellwood Ave. Pinelawn, NY (South Shore, Long Island)
631-249-2290

Directions to cemetery: (there will not be a funeral procession)
Turn right out of the parking lot onto East Cedar Street. Travel ¼ mile and at light make a right onto Northfield Avenue. There will be a North Hills Dry Cleaner on your right. Travel aprrox. 13 traffic lights, approximately 3 miles. Follow signs to Interstate 280 East, follow signs to the New Jersey Turnpike North to George Washington Bridge to Cross Bronx Expressway to Throggs Neck Bridge to Clearview Expressway to Long Island Expressway (East) to Exit 49S. Follow service road to Pinelawn Road (third traffic light). Turn right and continue on Pinelawn Road, which becomes Wellwood Avenue (approx. 3 1/2 miles) to cemetery on left. * Meet at the cemetery’s office at 12:45pm

Shiva - The Almeas family will be sitting shiva at the home of Roberta & Ira's home on Tuesday 12/09 upon return from cemetery (approximately 3pm), then Wednesday and Thursday between the hours (1 - 5pm) and (7-9pm) with Minyan services 7:30pm nightly

Roberta & Ira Almeas
4 Terry Terrace
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 992-3667
* Please go to Map Quest for directions

Donations - Those interested may donate to:

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
· Your donation supports a comprehensive approach to fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. Your generosity creates a sense of hope and community to those affected by pancreatic cancer.

Secured online donation form: http://www.pancan.org/

If you would like to make a donation by check, please make checks payable to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and send to:
· Pancreatic Cancer Action Network2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000El Segundo, CA 90245
To donate by phone, call Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at 877-272-6226.

- Or to the wonderful and loving Hospice staff at St. Barnabas Hospital:
Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Livingston, NJ

The Dash -

A good friend sent me the following poem today and it is appropriate right now in my life. All tombstones have a beginning date and an end it's the dash between the dates that reflects who you really are during your life.

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along. The movie has been more successful than we could have ever imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?' I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are close to you. Click This Link to View: The Dash Movie - http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/

Time is not on our side...

Too fast - too soon...
Less than 6 months since Linda's diagnose and hospice has informed us that there is little life left inside of her. Mom is now on morphine and resting most of the day. She has little energy and has been unable to sit up for a few days.

I still read her emails and letters and share stories from her loved ones. Today I just held her hand and watched her breath, breath ever so slowly. My family all said their goodbyes and told mom that we'll be okay if she is ready to leave us. I found it difficult to say goodbye. Am I selfish to not want to say goodbye? The other day, while swimming early in the morning, I thought to myself maybe we didn't do all we can do to keep mom strong. Why do I doubt the doctors? Did her course of chemo prolong her life or set her back by draining her energy? On the other hand are we on this earth for a cause and once we fulfill our task we depart? I have decided to take the high road and just accept mom's fate. She might not be here but she will always be here - if you know what I mean.

When I think of my mom - this is what comes to mind:

• A big smile that lights up the room.
• Unconditional love.
• Pride in her family and her traditions.
• Sounding board - listening & providing advice.
• Honesty & ethical.
• Reliable - always there for you anytime.

OK, so you have been reading my blog. It's my personal diary and I'm pleased to share my thoughts with anyone that cares to read these words. Now, I want and need your feedback. I want you to add your comments to this blog. I find it therapeutic to write your feelings out especially when we are all emotional. I would like to include some of these comments in my eulogy. I suggest writing a brief story that you will most remember about Linda or just a few words that best describe Linda.

Thank you in advance for your feedback, but most importantly for your love, support and caring. My dad will need every one's support most and I know this will not be an easy task. Please continue to call him or write to him (he hasn't mastered email yet) - his heart is broken over my mom and it kills me to see him in this funk.

LINDA'S THANKSGIVING VIDEO

Mom is so grateful for everyone who has mailed her letters, sent flowers, emailed messages and prayed for her health. The power of love has been overwhelming. It's been difficult to talk on the telephone with her lack of energy. Everyone that know my mother knows that she never likes to be the center of attention - so this has been tough for her to accept. I asked her to say a few words of thanks from the bottom of her heart.

Thanksgiving has a new meaning to me this year. I still have an anger inside of me towards this dreadful cancer. So part of me says "why should I be thankful?" I realize that although I know I'm loosing my dear mother soon, I have so much to be thankful for. I have a loving and wonderful family and I was raised by loving and caring parents. I am so very thankful for what I have learned from my mother throughout my life. I see that what goes around comes around in life. I see that so many people are deeply concerned about mom's health maybe because she has always been there for others and truly is interested in the well being of her friends and family.

Wishing all a happy Thanksgiving.