Tuesday 3 May 2011

The GUiT feeling... and running AMoT...

Author and blogger Sdra Wan A Hulaimi or better known as Awang Goneng is in town to promote his latest book, `A Map of Trengganu'. When I first saw the event notice on blogger Kak Teh's FB wall about the book signing at MPH Mid Valley, I thought I must try grab the chance to meet the writer in person. After all, he is based in London and who knows when he'll be coming over again. Furthermore, the man has previously popped over to this humble blog of mine and dropped a comment or two.

It was actually a working day for me that Saturday 30th April 2011. I thought of leaving the project site early after briefing my staff on work that needs to be done for the day but could only manage to free myself past lunchtime. It was already 3.30pm when I left the workplace at Sg Besi. According to the notice, the book signing is fixed for one hour only, ending at 4pm. I could probably drive and reach Mid Valley in time if the traffic is light (which it seldom is) but finding a parking space at that shopping mall on weekends will take me ages. Suddenly it occurred to me that there is a KTM Komuter train line nearby that goes directly to Mid Valley. A quick change of plans saw me parking my car at Bandar Tasik Selatan station (RM3 per entry charge), pay a single ringgit ticket for one-way trip and riding a trouble-free train journey. A total cost of only RM5 both ways that solves a lot of headache.

Even so, I only alighted at the Mid Valley station at ten past four and I thought I had missed my chance of meeting Awang Goneng in person. I made a brisk walk among the weekend shopping crowd to get to MPH, which took up another 5 minutes, hoping the author would still be there. I needn't have worried. On reaching the bookstore, there was still a long line of fans queueing up for the writer's autograph.

I picked a copy of the author's book and quickly joined the queue. When my turn came, I introduced myself as Oldstock. Pak Awang was a bit surprised because he said that he didn't think I looked that old. He noted my sweaty palms as I handed him the book for signing. I explained that I was rushing from the train station because I thought I was late. He then said that if I had missed the MPH event, I can catch him again at Borders next week.

I have already read Pak Awang's first book `Growing Up in Trengganu' which I bought a few years ago. But I decided to buy another copy that day just so I can have it signed by the author. I now have both GUiT and AMoT personally autographed by Awang Goneng. Something to treasure for years to come.

Pak Awang signing a copy for Oldstock

Kak Teh aka Mrs Awang Goneng

My current reading material

Thank you Pak Awang for this signed copy

18 comments:

Pak Zawi said...

Oldstock,
Lucky you! I am still dreaming to buy AMoT and probably I may have to go to London to have it signed by the author as I won't be in KL anytime before he leaves for home in London. God knows when that will be.

Iskandar aka DR Bubbles said...

Now I have to address you as Abang Oldstock. Hehehe!

I got a signed copy of AMoT last Sunday courtesy of Pak AG.

Aida Marie Mohamad said...

Wah so nice, you got both books signed, met them and took photos too.

Fadhil said...

Pak Zawi, I have an idea. If I am free, I'll try catch AG at Borders this Saturday and get him to sign a copy for you. I'll then mail the book over to you or wait for your next grandpa duty. How about it?

Fadhil said...

Dr Bubbles,

You got invited to the glamour event at Solaris ke.... I'm not that lucky lah. Dapat jumpa kat MPH pun ok, hehe...

Fadhil said...

Aida, I've been wanting to meet them for quite some time now since Kak Teh first linked this blog of mine to hers. Nak tunggu ada rezeki ke London entah bila agaknya...

Unknown said...

Wahhhhh....

Best nya! How I envy U ppl who are in Kl. Always in the middle of the 'in' thing!

Pat said...

And you got a picture of you getting your book signed as well! Very clever lah you, Oldstock!!!

Wan Hulaimi is a brilliant writer. I'll try to get my hands on a copy when next I am in Mid-Valley :)

Tommy Yewfigure said...

Lucky U Oldstock, why u missed photo opportunity with Andre Goh & Jimmy Choo like the other makcik bloggers did :))
P/s - U could have got valet parking at The Garden Residents for RM15 for two hours :))

3yearshousewife said...

I totally agree with VersedAnggerik, huhuhu...

Fadhil said...

Verse, just so happen my present work stint is in KL, so I better not miss the chance. Eh, Kuantan pun happening pe...

Fadhil said...

Pat, actually there was an official photographer of sorts there at the time. So I just asked him for a favour and handed over my camera to him. Kak Teh was also videotaping the event and I'm sure my handsome personality would be included in her final edited version... heheh...

Fadhil said...

Tommy, the other event attended by the makcik bloggers was by invitation only. I'm not glamourous enough lah. And no need to waste money paying the valet. The train ride is more fun :-)

Fadhil said...

As, ada pros and cons duk di KL ni. Given a choice I prefer a more laid-back town with no hassle of daily traffic jams.

Pak Zawi said...

Oldstock,
Please do that. I will be most happy if you could do that for me.

Fadhil said...

Pak Zawi, insyaAllah will try my best. I just checked, it's Sunday at Borders. And Kak Teh mentions that AMoT stock is running out fast...

emilayusof said...

that is great you sempat meet pak awang!

yes, parking is a problem in midvalley, the last time i went there was early last year. by the time i found one parking space, i was already 70.

Fadhil said...

Hehe... Emila, that's a terribly long time to find one parking space.

Just to let you know, there was one time I parked at Mid Valley. After doing the shopping, I forgot where I parked my car. It took me more than half-an-hour to locate it.

Nowadays, I find it easier to park at The Gardens section of the mall..