The bus pulled out of Tun Aminah Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru with no assignment waiting at the other end. I was heading to Kuala Lumpur for a few days — part work, part holiday.
At Mid Valley Megamall, connected to the Cititel where I stayed, I came across Verona Hills, its counter busy with customers queuing for pastries.
Verona Hills had come up during my reporting on Future Food for The Business Times’ Leadership Playbook series. There was something quietly satisfying about encountering a familiar name from an earlier story while wandering through the mall.
The trip was never going to stay entirely work-free — nor did I want it to. Partway through, an assignment came in, and I was glad for the excuse to sit down and write. I finished the piece from my hotel room before checkout.
Somehow, I churn out some of my best work when I’m on the road. Perhaps a change of scenery helps.
After leaving the hotel, my next stop was Atria Shopping Gallery in Petaling Jaya. I wandered around the mall and stopped at La Juiceria Superfoods, where I tried its pesto tofu.
I was smitten.
At KLGCC Mall, I treated myself to a wonderful body massage at Thai Odyssey before meeting the founder for my next story. It was exactly what I needed—a chance to unplug before returning to work.
Three malls, three different moods: Mid Valley was lively and familiar, Atria calmer and easier to explore, while KLGCC was where work and relaxation came together.
Looking back, that is probably my version of a holiday—not escaping work entirely, but leaving enough room for curiosity, good food and the occasional surprise assignment. I may bring my laptop out of habit, but it rarely stays asleep for long.
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