Shocking Choice.

Sometimes in 1999, SIRIM nominated my name to Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd for me to attend the Meeting of ISO 1400 at Washington DC. It was in the month of Ramadan and I was wondering how I was going to “iftar” and “sahor” in a Hotel in Washington DC.

I had to make my own preparation including the Hotel booking. Browsed the internet and I picked Hays Adam Hotel in Washington DC which was a walking distance to the Building where the ISO 1400 Meeting was held.

Arrived at the Hotel and I was shocked that the White House was my neighbor. The Hotel was built in 1928 five star and of Italian Renaissance style. The Hotel slogan: WHERE NOTHING IS OVERLOOKED BUT THE WHITE HOUSE. Only a Park separated Hay Adam and the White House. In front of the Hotel is the Church where the US President attends Sunday mass. I was all alone in the huge antique room and at night, I could not sleep that well as the cracking sound of the steam heater intermittently awakened my slumber. The Hotel still maintains its originality of antique steam heating system rather than electric. I kept the light on as I felt very eerie. Later on I found out the Hotel is really haunted.

On my last night I was joined by my American counterpart, Dean Chirempes from Tucson Arizona. In the morning we had our breakfast and to my astonishment he told me we were having breakfast surrounded by the US Senators and Congressman. Even the Prime Minister of Malaysia do not have that opportunity. They were residing at the same Hotel attending their business at the Capitol. They must be wondering who the hell this little fellow.

At times, I wonder and how on earth this simple kampong boy could attend a meeting in Washington DC and stay under the same roof with the US Senators and Congressman.

It was a shocking choice but worth the memory. My Ramadan during that period went haywire.