Salam Aidilfitri to all readers..
I know it's kinda late in wishing but only tonight I have a break from work and feeling better after more than week of fever and infected tonsillitis.. so as it is.. MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN...
Actually this raya was the saddest raya I've ever had in my life.. and I know this was the first of many more sad rayas to come. Whatever I did, was just to cover the sorrow I carry over the whole week long.
I do have to warn you upfront dear readers.. this is the longest post I written. Might want to grab yourself cup of coffee.. sit back, relax & enjoy....
NIGHT BEFORE RAYA:
All these years I've been wanting to go to Jalan Masjid India.. to experience the hustle & bustle of business operations there especially the night before raya. This year I went there 3 times.. 1st time to survey, 2nd time to shop & 3rd to shop for my son mostly because that was the only time he was free.
It was the night before raya. And my advice to you readers is DO NOT SURVEY, COZ THE 2ND TIME YOU GO IT MIGHT NOT BE THERE ANYMORE (Just like what happened to me) AND AVOID NIGHT BEFORE RAYA AT ALL COST UNLESS YOU LIKE TO ONLY SEE SOMEONE ELSE BACK 99% OF THE TIME. Look down here and you'll understand what I mean.
See?? Trust me. Unless you know what you want, go in, grab it and get the hell out of that place.. you wouldn't get to buy anything.
1ST DAY RAYA
As soon as I woke up, my tears fell. I knew it will never be the same. When I heard the takbir, seems like her voice was chanting the takbir. As though I could see her running off happily in her blue baju kurung that we bought together. But I knew I had to toughen it up, and smile..stop myself from dialling the phone till I feel that its okay. Not only for her, but for myself too. I do not want to ruin things for anybody else either.
But I guess my halfhearted raya spirit showed anyway. I left all the preparations to my mom & siblings while I seek refuge in working till the last minute and spending more time in preparing for my holiday trip instead. So our journey on that day was Selayang => Segambut => Ulu Kelang => Kelang => Jeram => Sungai Besar => Selayang. Reach home almost 1.30am. Straight to bed.
And these are from the 1st day. Notice something missing??
2ND DAY RAYA
Everyone woke up a little late (I think?) but as usual for us KLians and for my family especially, our traditional raya is over. All done in a day. So 2nd raya is usually our crazy wacky raya day. But this year I decided to honour an very old man humble request, to have his grandson visit him for raya. And we did just that. My mum, my sister, my baby brother, my son and myself head off to Ulu Yam to visit my son's grandfather. Was only him, his sister and his youngest daughter at home, he was thrilled to see us.
Next we were off to our bowling raya as usual. The contenders for this year were myself, my mom, my sis, my son, my aunt and 4 of her children. Wacky raya fun began.. but still the heart is missing. Coz I know she would be excited to join us.
So as my baby bro still unable to use his hands much as result of broken arm during basketball training earlier in the year, we decided to add on another event to our wacky raya day... KARA OK! Ha ha ha! And he really could sing!! Golden oldies and dangdut till my dad, mom & aunt also were able to join in.
Only after our karaoke session, me and my son had to head back to Ulu Yam because he left his handphone there. Thinking that people will be asleep as it was almost 2 am, they were wide awake & waiting .. the grandpa, nek shima, maklong, paklong, makngah, awin, firdaus, atim.. another session of chit chatting & makan till close to 4am. Told them that we have to go back as we were supposed to go climbing the Broga Hill at 4. They reluctantly released us knowing that we haven't slept at all but wish us luck for our journey nonetheless.
3RD DAY RAYA
Broga here we come!!! Well, the actual plan was Kinabalu. But Kinabalu was fully booked and I actually had doubts whether I can make it up there with my condition. Been sitting too long without any exercise. So opted for Broga Hill .. a mere 1.7km climb. MERE????
First 50 metres, I tell you... aunty had her heart pumping from her brains at 99 beats per seconds. Over oxidized, she starts seeing stars around her. Cursing whose idea was this when clearly it was hers. But ego took over. Seeing her 63 year old mom still head on steady.. she pushed herself on. (with some literal pushing help of her beloved son)
At the crack of dawn, we arrive at the first peak. My son did his morning prayers while the rest of us enjoyed what we had laboured up the hill for... sceneries such as these.
Its the best and well deserved sunrise I've ever had. Took tons of pictures, beautiful postcard like images.
 |
| The Broga conquerors! |
After the tiring climb on Broga, me & my son had a spa session booked at the Rainforest Spa. We got our package deal from Groupons.my and the spa itself .. heavenly. 60 minutes of Shiatsu Massage, Coffee Body Scrub and steam bath really works wonders for the ever so tired body. The location is serene and the masseurs are very professional.
4TH DAY RAYA
Alright, Broga conquered, body refreshed now we are on for the next leg of our raya break. To Langkawi!! People ask me why Langkawi.. It's a place that I'm familiar with, a place that my son wanted to revisit, the place where I have friends and place that I cherish the most. We took a bus from Hentian Duta. Departure was supposed to be at 9.30pm on the 3rd Raya but finally departed at close to 1am next day. While waiting, I did my script while my son played PS games. The delay was actually caused by heavy traffic coming into K.L as many of KLites came back after their holidays. Once on the bus, tried to continue work but tiredness of the morning Broga climb sets in. The rickety journey lulled me to my zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......
The onwards ferry journey was smooth amidst warning from friends that the water might be choppy. Had fun trying to figure out was was showing on the telly. And my son, as usual... continue sleeping.
Upon reaching LGK and after collecting our car, 1st thing on our agenda was MAKAN TIME!! We stopped at a Shell station to fill up gas and next to it was a Malay warung nasi campur. So, breakfast became brunch then we headed down to Pantai Chenang where we will be staying for the next 2 nights. I originally booked a different motel via online, but when we were at Kuala Perlis Jetty, we were told that the motel was made of wood and rundown. So we changed motels and stayed at Sugary Sands, on Chenang beach itself next to the Underwater World. As we arrived there, it was still not check in time, we left for the 1st exploration of the day.
And so conveniently it was at the Underwater World. We took our own sweet time exploring each and every exhibit when we came across some very friendly penguins, showing us their stuff. I guess these animals are already so used to be around humans even the fish responded when I moved my hands at the glass. Watching them waddle, I know who else would enjoy them so much. I do hope she's having fun though.
 |
Looking at these penguins, I remembered a character out of Happy Feet, Lovelace, voiced by Robin Williams.
Next, we went back to the motel, rest and changed and off to Beras Terbakar. Kampong Raja at Padang Matsirat was the ancient capital of Langkawi. The island's rice granary was located there as well. During the Siamese invasion of Langkawi, the granary was burnt in order to starve the enemy. The remnants of the burnt rice could still be seen today at this very spot. When I first came to Langkawi in 1994, we were able to search for the burnt rice on our own. But now, the area has been enclosed and the burnt rice were displayed in a glass case. |
Then we went to Kota Mahsuri. A place where lies the tomb of Mahsuri, a princess who lived in Langkawi in the fourteenth century. It was said that Mahsuri laid a curse on the kingdom to be a barren land of isolation and misfortune for seven generations for the act of injustice against her, who was accused of committing adultery while betrothed to Wan Derus, the warrior by the village chief's wife, Wan Mahora who was envious of Mahsuri's beauty.
Kota Mahsuri too has gone through a lot of changes and it has become a very informative place. Not only the full history of Mahsuri were displayed, the whole area were built up with old Kedah in mind. Last time it was only the tomb and a short description. Kota Mahsuri has gone a very long way from that.
And for the first time in my life, here, at the Kota Mahsuri, I dared myself to try out Sup Gamat. Shutting out the images of icky, yucky Gamat that I've just seen a day before at the Under Waterworld, I slowly munch on the Gamat bits that were present in the soup. Suprisingly, it taste like munching on Nata De Coco to me. We were warned that it would be heaty but I guess it did nor surpass the heatiness of having deer meat or soup.
Dinner for me was planned at a very special place, very close to my heart. A place located directly at the equator line. A place with the best white sand beach, the most beautiful sunset, the ever so hospitable and warm staff and the out of this world, most juiciest, mouth-watering burger I've ever tasted. (sorry, no photo of it.. forgot all about pictures as soon as it was placed in front of me)
5TH RAYA
In the morning we went to island hopping. The usual Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah. Basically for us, these activities are more for photography sessions. My son enhancing his photography skills while I play around with my new camera. These are some of the photos we have taken (mind you.. we took like hundreds)
Back from the islands, we went on to Telaga Air Hangat. The place was done up nicely but unfortunately there were not many visitors to the place. According to the locals, after the place was done up, it flooded. Hence, water in the wells were clouded, the place was not properly maintained. Most probably the place is not strategically located to have many tourist. Even myself too, I've been in Langkawi so many times, I always missed to go to the place. Nevertheless, this time around we make it a point to go.
Black Sand Beach is located en route on our way to the Oriental Village where the Cable car is situated. Again, I see vast improvement to the place. I remembered when it was just a few beachside stalls selling various wares. Now, its basically a complex with its own shops selling clothing, souvenir and food. They had made a proper pathway to the beach complete with its sign post depicting the legend of the Black Sand Beach. But the beach itself was still the same, sand was still as black as ever. Far contrast to the whiteness of Tanjung Rhu Beach.
Our exploration for the day ended at Oriental Village. Its an Asian-themed village, featuring restaurants, souvenir shops and where we found an artist working with coloured sand which sparked the interest of my son to try it out at home and also a snake charmer, with Manja and Nenek. At the start of this journey, I have set my mind to do things that I don't normally do, try out things that I've never tried. Making different memories each time I'm in Langkawi. And here, I tried my hands on cradling Manja (or it cradles me). Either way, it was the first for me.
We purposely went there at almost 5pm as the entry fee for the Cable car ride were slashed to half after 5pm. Still, there were many people having the same idea as us. Unfortunately the Hanging Bridge was closed for maintenance, same goes for the right viewing area. Going up the cable car ride will not be complete without viewing the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. This is another place that eluded my visit each time I'm in Langkawi. I was determined to go there the next day.
No photos of my son could be taken without any mischievous pose from him, my monkey man. Sometimes, I grumbled as it is difficult to get a properly sane shot of him. But all in all, I'm very proud of him. Some of the photos he took were well thought, I feel like opening up a gallery.
Perhaps one day, in a wooden house with an anjung and tall windows perched by the hillside, overlooking the sea, with a pebble-stone pathway to its own little cove... there will be a special display area for his work.
We had snacks at the top station viewing area. More photo taking. Head back down when it was almost time to close.
En route back, we stopped by Bon Ton Resort as I was telling my son about the dinner my department once had there when I was still working at Sheraton Beach. During that time, the owners were gracious enough to show us one of their rooms (which was actually a house by itself). It has the similarities to our dream house. Would love to incorporate some of the features like the open bathroom concept overlooking the sea (or in this Bon Ton case is the paddy field)
Later that night, we went for dinner with my BFF Linda and her family. Lots of catching up done, latest LGK - TRR gossips. From the first day I arrived LGK, I've been hearing about Oblong Burger. So, finally on that last night, it was oblong burger for me. Nothing fancy actually, but I thought it was the first for me until my son reminded me of Prosperity Burger we usually have at McDonalds. Same thing, different style. But it will never beat my TRR Burger. Dinner courtesy of Linda who was feeling bad as she thought I was arriving a day later as earlier planned.
But I changed my schedule upon request only to be disappointed by series of no shows and cut short meeting. My son immediate disapproval of B basically strengthen my reasons to let go of a relationship that I knew was a mistake from the start.
6TH RAYA
It was going back day. Had to cancel the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall plans as we both woke up late. We went shopping for chocolates and went looking for some things that my son wanted. We went to Tun's bakery at Telaga Harbour for snacks. Oogled at the luxury yachts that were docked there. Tried to call upon another old friend now working at The Danai, but he was on leave.
All in all, my whole raya break was all fun & joy. But I missed being with her badly. Can't wait to get back to K.L and hear all her kampung stories which I knew will be never ending. So much that awaits to be done once I'm back in K.L. One of it is to settle the matters of the heart. I'll be back again to Langkawi, so much left undone especially Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, Mangrove Tour, Crocodile Farm, Pulau Payar, Galleria Perdana and Ibrahim Hussin Museum. Also to visit Hanging Bridge, Lagenda Garden, Eagle Square (all closed for maintenance)
I do hope that you've enjoyed my travelogue and perhaps spark your interest to visit my country. And today, we will be celebrating our Malaysia Day. There will be a Merdeka cum Malaysia Day parade at Dataran Merdeka. And if my daughter is up to it, perhaps we will go there or to the hanging bridge at KLCC that she wanted to go so much. Might also spend the day at the National Zoo with her. Whatever it will be, you'll soon get to read it. Ending this, to all Malaysians HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY! Trust that we will continue to be a peaceful nation of multi racial community that we are all proud to be a part of. I know I do!
Salam...
"Mama, may I go out to play today?", said my daughter. "Since you've finished your lunch today, you may. But you have to promise that you will finish your dinner later." I said. "I will!", said my daughter happily. She went to the closet, looking for a change of clothing. Then she asked, "Mama, can I wear short sleeved T-shirt?". "Of course, why not?", I answered. "But I want to wear my tudung. Can I wear it with short sleeved T-shirt? I don't have any long sleeved T-shirt. Why didn't you buy clothes that covers my aurat? You know that we should cover our aurat when we go out of the house. I want to cover my aurat." she rambled on with a determination of a 7-year old.
I was stunned, speechless, loss for words. As a parent, you will always try to do things right with your children. Sending them to good schools, religious school, get them to recite the Quran, let them read religious related books and magazines. But somehow, I've missed a step. I was ignorant on how I was dressing her.
My daughter never liked frills, gowns, off-shoulder dresses. Partly because I don't quite like them either. Even though I find little girls wearing fluffy dresses are cute. I believe in freedom of movement in a person. So, pants, shorts, jeans with T-shirt will take up the majority of space in the closet. But I do still dress my daughter up in dresses, about maybe 5% of her growing up years. As a result, she is rather boyish, like me when I was little.
Now, this person in front of me, bombarding me with questions on what can she wear, whether her friends laugh at her, will they play with her showed me a maturity beyond her age in trying to understand and comprehend between right and wrong. Practicing what little she learnt about her faith. She even did her prayers without me reminding her about it. As if she got her calling and changed overnight.
