A month ago, during my birthday week, I spent
almost a week at Hickory, Penang Hill. It has been my norm for decades to
travel somewhere during my birthday. My gift to myself has always been time.
Time to read. Time to write. Time to think. Time to reflect.
When I was married for a while, my ex-wife once
asked what birthday present I wanted. I told her, “A whole day to read.” That
day, I read The Power of Habit by Charles
Duhigg from cover to cover. That was my celebration.
This year’s gift was solitude at Hickory.
Each day followed a simple rhythm. Wake up.
Breakfast. Write. Lunch. Write again. Workout. Dinner. Write again. Day in and
day out. I did not leave Hickory.
Hickory itself is a gift. A serene environment
with cool weather at about 700 metres above sea level. The staff are friendly.
The owner is calm and clearly not doing this merely for money. There is a
genuine love in the way the space is curated. It is clean. Organised.
Thoughtfully detailed. The rooms are beautifully done. The entire bungalow
feels like a heritage art piece, quietly standing in time.
They were flexible with food from the menu,
accommodating my preference to avoid pastries, chips and wedges in exchange for
more vegetables. Coffee and tea are complimentary throughout the day.
The sunrise is mesmerising. Every morning
feels fresh and purposeful. And at night, the cool air refreshes the soul. From
700 metres up, Penang truly lives up to its name as the crown jewel, its lights
glowing gently across the night sky.
I highly recommend Hickory to anyone looking
for a place to think and reflect. If you are seeking reflective energy in
silence, this is it.
God willing, I will be back again right after
Hari Raya.
Thank you, Raj, Durin and the entire team at
Hickory.
Peace, anas
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