The Chronicles of Andy

Feeling a bit free today so I was thinking of sharing with you my current wife. Let me introduce to you Ms. AD Resort. She was born in Japan from Mr. and Mrs. Nissan.

Before

It comes with a carburated 1599cc GA16DE engine.

After

New paint, new look and new butt.

Why am I posting pictures of my wife here is because i am so obsessed with stationwagons. Started to have this ‘disease’ since 2002 when a local car modification magazine featured a ‘dancing wagon’ of the same make. I was like, WTF, like that also can ah?? Then after I went for a short holiday and back to start looking for a job, I needed a car, desperately. My budget was around less than MYR30k.

I went to a car dealer in Cheras (coz it was near my house) and found the right car. There it was, sitting at the front of the dealer’s office, freshly brought in to be sold. I checked it out and took a test drive. I felt in love immediately I got it the car! After a short spin around, I booked it immediately. The following week, I was the new owner of the then 9 years old car. I didnt expect to really own the car that I drooled upon the year before. But hey, for MYR26k, 1.6 litre engine, like-new interior, superb stability and lots of space in the back, whatelse could you ask for. Although it was dubbed the ‘coffin car’ or ‘the car for uncles’ (I was 22 yrs old then) the whole package was to die for and right up till today, the car didnt give me big headaches. Besides the minor wear and tear, she was running just fine and I love every minute with her. This model is derived from our ubiquitus fleet of Genting taxis that has been in operation for more than 10 years. I brought her up north to Penang and down south to the tip of Johor and even to the peak of Genting Highlands without any problems (so far) and I must say I’m more than satisfied of her inner abilities.

My wife is turning 12 yrs old this year and I hope to keep her until the end, of course, if possible. Now that the powers that be of Bolehland has ruled that vehicles above 15 years will be sent to scrap, I now starting to feel that she is nearing its end pretty soon. I sure hope that she stays with me till the end but looking at my measly salary, I dont think I can afford to keep her, if I ever get another wife. I was thinking of passing it to my other half coz she dont do alot of driving therefore it wouldnt hurt the car whereas I will either get a bike or a pickup truck. But, we’ll see la how..

If everything went smooth for our local distributor of Nissan cars, by right, the AD Resort is replaced with the latest version of it called the AD Van in Japan, as below:

Sleeker, modern looking wagon this time.

Sigh.. so how ah? To let go or not to let go ?

As mentioned in my earlier posting, I’m eyeing on the Toyota Hilux but this time its off. Too many news on Hilux owners being hijcked and taken for a terror ride in this country so whats the point of owning a car and yet worry about it whenever you drive or park in public areas? SIGH… What a waste laa..

This weekend I will be joining the Ford’s Lanun Darat mini expedition to a small jungle in Pahang. This would be my first venture into 4×4 motoring, same time testing out the new Ford Ranger TDCi Details of the expedition is here. I will be posting my experience here so stay tuned!

On the following weekend, I will be test driving the Mazda Fighter pickup. There wont be an expedition to actually test this baby but we’ll see what will happen then.

Wish me luck for this weekend’s affair!

Loga (third from right) with his bandmates, Alleycats, and his brother (second from left)

Had a rude shock while I was having my dinner last nite, when the news at TV3 reported that Loga of Alleycats fame died. :O It was due to lung cancer that was diagnosed 8 months ago. Gosh, I guess it was at the final stage of cancer that neither TCM (traditional chinese medicine) or any God could save him. He leaves behind a wife, a son and a daughter. More stories HERE.

Alleycats was very popular when I was spending my childhood years in KL when my mom moved me up from Johor to stay with her. As I was attending Malay school, I get influences of the Malay culture and their songs. Mom always turn on the radio whenever she puts on her make-up for work while I was still on my bed, half-awake, listening to the sounds of Alleycats on RMKL back then. Sometimes I get to watch them perform in TV and have always been amazed of their afro hairstyle that both brothers have right up to this day! 

His brother-business partner-bandmate, David, was the lead singer for their popular hit back in the 80s, Andainya Aku Pergi, or Should I Leave Ahead of You (in English) seemed to realised this time. It seems like a curse beneath the song that one of the band members is destined to ‘leave’ the group. Here is an excerpt of the lyrics:

Andainya aku pergi dulu sebelummu
Janganlah kau bersedih hati
Andainya aku tiada lagi di sisimu
Janganlah kau memencil diri
Bayangkanlah masa-masa bahagia
Semasa engkau dan aku
Bermesra di langit biru
Di waktu kasih berpadu
Full lyrics HERE

Should I leave ahead of you
Don’t you ever be in sorrow
Should I be gone from your side
Dont you ever stay inside
Do recall our happy moments
Whenever you and me
Having good times under the sky so blue
While our love so strong it grew

That’s the direct translation of the Malay song in English. Laugh if you may as I am no songwriter But that’s what it meant, about living on when you have to leave a loved one to another realm.

My condolences to Loga’s family for his passing. May his soul be blessed in peace. We will all miss him most dearly.