Mom’s Big Adventure: A Solo Bus Ride, Hipster Night Markets, and a Shopping Spree

You know what’s a big deal? My mom taking the bus alone. By herself. No entourage, no bodyguards (aka my siblings), just her, a ticket, and the open road. For an elderly woman who usually has company, this was practically an Indiana Jones-level adventure of course minus the ancient ruins and giant rolling boulders.

It all started when my brother decided to hop over to Singapore, leaving Mom alone in our hometown. Not great. We all know that elderly folks staying alone isn’t ideal, so I did what any good child would do, I bought her a bus ticket and summoned her for a visit. And like the absolute legend she is, she complied.

First Stop: Hipster Night Market with Busking Vibes

The moment she arrived, we did what any good Malaysians do, we went for food. I took her to Lorong Belakang in Cyberjaya, which is basically the coolest back alley you’ll ever see. Think hipster night market vibes with fairy lights, lots of stall, artisanal coffee, the kind of place where you’d expect to see digital nomads discussing Bitcoin over char kuey teow.

We didn’t just do the usual "tapau and eat at home" routine. No, no. We dined in. Right there, under the night sky, with the music of buskers playing in the background. A whole live performance while we ate. I looked at Mom, sitting there, chilling like a boss, and thought: “Not bad for an elderly, huh?”

The Great Cyberjaya Workout (Feat. Mom)

The next morning, it was time to get moving. Remember my resolution to lose weight? Yeah, Mom’s in town, but that’s no excuse. So I brought her along for a morning walk at Taman Tasik Cyberjaya.

I walked. I ran. I jogged. Then I walked some more because running is hard. Mom? She strolled like a queen. I think she was silently judging my fitness level, but hey, at least I was trying.

And of course, after all that exercise, what do we do? We reward ourselves with breakfast. Because balance. Kedai Sudin was the spot, and I had to introduce Mom to my all-time favorite, Mee Kolok from the Sarawakian stall. Trust me, it’s to die for. If food could give hugs, Mee Kolok would be the warmest embrace ever.

Family, Food, and a Little Bit of Drama

Later that day, we went to visit Mak Long, who wasn’t feeling well. Lunch was a family affair, with Mak Long, Pak Long, and Jihad’s family all joining. Lots of catching up, lots of food, and, of course, a little family drama because no gathering is complete without it.

By evening, we were all full and tired, so I took the lazy approach to dinner, I ordered pizza for Mom. Yes, pizza. I think she’s officially a modern woman now.

The Grand IOI City Mall Shopping Spree

The next morning, I was back to jogging while Mom wisely chose to rest at home. But in the afternoon, it was time for the ultimate mission: shopping.

Destination? IOI City Mall.

Mom needed a new luggage, so off we went. But let’s be real, do moms ever buy just what they need? Of course not. Luggage? Check. Handbag? Also check. I don’t know how, but one minute we were comparing suitcase sizes, and the next, we were in a handbag store. Mom was on a roll. And who am I to stop her?

A Trip Full of Love and Memories

And just like that, her visit came to an end. The next day, I sent her off to the bus station, where my brother, fresh from Singapore was already waiting. Together, they headed back to Kedah, leaving me with a heart full of love and a home that suddenly felt a little too quiet.

So many activities. So many memories. And it’s only January.

If this is how the year is starting, I can already tell, it’s going to be an amazing one.

Love you, Mom. Come back soon.