Valentines Eve 2009 @ Gurney Drive, Penang Island

The Economic situation in 2009 is Sucking so bad tens of thousands of people are now without jobs. Business has slowed down, and in particular this month, the official 'love is in the air' month where the entire world celebrates Valentines Day! Headlines in the major newspapers state a drop in sales of Flowers and Chocolates, which are the 2 most famous gifts for Valentines. With the economic situation, how do we celebrate a Budget Valentines? Well, for one, you can celebrate it at Gurney Drive! n here's da story...

Have you ever celebrated Valentines Eve? Perhaps its quite common but not to me. So here I was in Penang Island, working. Helen & Herman drove up for the weekend for a short holiday and they stayed at G-Hotel. It was a Friday, 13th February 2009 and it was my last night in Penang as I have booked a damn early flight on Saturday, 14th at 7.00am!

Anyway, we arranged to meet up for dinner, and as I drove towards Gurney Drive where my hotel was (Evergreen), I could not believe my eyes! The traffic was so bad, i quickly turned the roundabout 360 degrees and headed to the back lane. Still NO parking. sigh, so i drove back to my hotel and walked from there to G Hotel. This is where I got the idea to share this with you all.

Apparently Valentine's Eve is also celebrated quite huge here @ Gurney Drive! As I walked the long length of it heading towards G Hotel, there were throngs of couples everywhere! And many girls selling Flowers, going for RM 10 per flower. As i strolled along more, their business was actually good! But there were a few guys who would not buy them even with the seller trying her best, and the guy's girlfriend is right next to him! Come on man, just ONE flower won't hurt...

I realise that it would be a haven for those who could not afford a lavish, elegant Valentines celebration. After all, the most important thing is that you are with her, no matter where, when or how. And with so many people selling flowers everywhere on this night, you don't even have to plan anything, nor do you have to book any place! Just head on over there and let it fall into place. The ONLY problem, of ALL problems, is finding a place to park!!! Can you believe that! hahaha.

So there I was so near G Hotel, and getting more jealous as every step I take, is another couple, so lovingly holding hands, so sweet and all, and there I was, walking alone. I think other than those selling flowers I was the only public person alone man!!! of course I'll be celebrating Valentines with my wife, but you can't help but to have this feeling at that time right.

So there you have it. If ever you wanna have a Budget Valentines, it need not be @ Gurney Drive, but if you wanna, you can always consider it. Take a short vacation and enjoy the great food in Penang, damn cheap DVDs but BEWARE when driving on the road, as the famous saying goes, "when in Rome, do as Romas do".

Last word: "Everyday should be a Valentines Day. Love your loved ones daily and not only on this one day, and happiness would be eternal. But since the world has a Valentines Day, wut the heck, just do something extra. haha!!!"

Happy Valentines to all!!!

Jee Onn
@ Starbucks Terminal 3 Subang
(I'm only here cuz there's NO other Wi-Fi spots available!)