CHRISTMAS - A NOSTALGIA

Christmas always brings back fond memories of a family in Huntington, Long Island, New York. When I was in West Hartford, I befriended a couple - Susan and Tom. My first December there, I had been 3 months away from home and naturally felt very lonely. (It seemed I was the first and only Malaysian sent to that corner of the world!) Susan and Tom and Sue's family in Huntington were so kind as to invite me to experience my first Christmas with an American family. It was funny in the beginning because they had never heard of Malaysia before. So they had to take out the globe and pin-point exactly right across the globe where Malaysia was.

Tom, Susan and Grendel, the dog, in front of the Christmas tree I helped decorate.

I helped to decorate the Christmas tree with silvery tinsels, candybar sticks, light bulbs and other xmas knick-nacks. Before that, I wrapped several presents for the family, some I made myself, some I brought from home. These were placed under the tree. The family also had a stocking with my name on it hanged above the fire-place. I had my first taste of egg-nog, sans the alcohol of course. After the special Christmas dinner, we adjourned to the basement for an impromptu concert by the family. I performed 'the candle dance' dressed in my traditional red, velvet 'baju kurong' much to the delight of my hosts. When it was almost midnite, I followed them to church. It was already crowded so we had to take the front pew. When they were singing the Christmas carols I was 'alive' because I knew most of the songs being from a convent school. Then when it was time for the sermons, my head nodded off - well, it was way past midnite! When we left the church, it was just barely snowing, not even enough to cover the ground.

(Will continue this story in my next posting).

HO, HO, HO, IT'S HERE AGAIN!

Wishing my Christian Friends

"A Merry Xmas and A Very Happy New Year"

FISH THERAPY!

Have you heard about "Fish Therapy"? This morning I watched with amazement as my sis dipped her feet in a pool of tiny fish for the so-called therapy. The fish (its scientific name, Garra Rufa) originated from far away Turkey! Can you imagine that? The poor things! And their job is to nibble all the dead skin cells or sores (or whatever) around the human feet. For what? Some hard-core patients claim that it improves blood circulation, cleans and smoothen the skin, reduces stress and above all heals all sorts of skin diseases. Well . . . I don't know about that because I'm not going to dip my feet amongst the fish and let them have a feast! Must be ticklish . . .

EID UL ADHA

Wishing all Muslims

"HAPPY EID UL ADHA"

10 Dzulhijjah 1429 - 8 Disember 2008

THE MOON IS SMILING!

Hey, did you notice the above scene in the sky one night last Wednesday (I think!). Actually I saw the moon but didn't notice the two stars (planets) above until a friend mentioned about it the next day. The new moon shaped like a 'smile' and then the two stars above looked like two teeny-weeny eyes. What a phenomena! God is great! I hope this is a good sign for the year to come . . . God willing.

I 'borrowed' the photo from Berita Harian, a local paper. Thanks Berita Harian!

A MALAY GIRL LOST IN ME-HI-CO

"No hablo Espanol, si!"

Mexico (pronounced Me-hi-co) once intrigued me. So when I pursued my studies in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, I decided one wintry December to fly south to sunny Mexico. You know I had to wire home to the folks to sell-off my car so that I could get to buy the "Conquistador" package offered by the travel agent. Unfortunately, none of my friends shared my enthusiasm, thus I had to travel alone across half of the continent.

Upon reaching Mexico City, I met other travellers in my small group (all Caucasians). For the first few days they didn't pay much attention to solo me because "Oh, we thought you're one of the locals!". Should I be flattered or what? Yes, even the Mexicans thought I was one of them, some spoke to me in Spanish - Hola, como estas? Buenos dias! Hasta pronto! and the like. And I would say the only Spanish my friends in Hartford taught me "Por favor, no hablo Espanol! Gracias, de nada".

Besides Mexico City, I got to see cities like Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Taxco, San Miguel de Allende, Ixtapan and of course Acapulco. That was a long time ago but what I do remember then was the disparity between the haves and the have-nots. I saw castles and shanties side by side. The churches were lavishly decorated while outside I saw poverty. Maybe things have changed now, I hope so.

It was Christmas in Mexico City and I never saw so many Father Christmases with their elves in Central Square (Zocalo) ! Everywhere it was "Feliz Navidad". The city folks were smart-looking and well-dressed. But it was no fun for me travelling alone. I got no one to share my excitement (or someone to snap my photos with me posing!) Overall, it was OK - should be, after all I sold my car to see the country!

MY BROTHER - The Tourist Guide

Hi there! Meet Shaukani, my brother, the tourist guide - No, not the one with the pot-belly, ok? He is much younger than me. In fact I was his class teacher during his first year in high school (gosh . . he didn't like that at all then!)

Anyway, back to the tourist-guide thing. Shau (his name for short) has been at it for almost 20 years I think and enjoying every minute of it, I should say. I envy him because he has been to many places, local and overseas, accompanying groups of tourists, meeting people from all walks of life, getting to know their culture and sometimes strange mannerisms. He has been travelling by air, on cruise ships, on land, into the Malaysian jungle, up the mountain . . . Sometimes he has his up and down moments dealing with people. But over all, he is very lucky to have to travel for free, stay in the best hotels and eat the finest food (true or false, Shau?) - all for free mind you, and getting paid for it! But I understand it's very tiring managing the luggage, the guests, seeing to the ticketing etc. Sometimes he gets to meet fine folks, at other times not so pleasant. But Shau has to be patient all the time. He is a good guide (promo!) and well-informed.

Peep to his blog here http://shaukaniabbas.slide.com/ , and enjoy his many snapshots. Good job, Shau, keep it up.

BIRTH OF THE WATERGATE

Remember I mentioned in my earlier posting about the new water-gate constructed at the man-made 'canal' of the Melaka river? Here it is in the picture above, in the middle, slightly off-centre. I took this pic from atop the new Melaka Tower recently. In case you've forgotten, I insert the picture again here taken from ground level :

The course of the river has changed tremendously. I marvel at the ingenuity of the designers, engineers and all those involved in the project. Where once there was none, now there is. Just look at the pictures below (thanks to Shau, my brother) to see the birth of this Watergate :

Here is how it all began. They dug the canal on the vacant land!

See the original course of the river.

Then the gate was constructed.

And here's the completed construction.

From the above picture, you can see how the river had been diverted to form a canal. The river used to flow straight directly behind the big ship in the middle of the picture. Now boats cannot enter Melaka town like in days gone yonder. And water-level can also be controlled. Goodbye to the old Melaka River, I miss you so, ahhh . . the good old days! Will write about you more later.

THE ROADSIDE COBBLER

Location : Kee Ann Road, Melaka

"Cobbler, cobbler mend my shoe,

Get it done by half-past two.

Stitch it up and stitch it down,

And then I'll give you half a crown."

- Nursery Rhyme

My shoes stitched up and down.

Keep the change, cobbler! Thank you.

MELAKA RIVER - FACELIFT

Went for a walk at the mouth of Melaka River early this morning. The river and its banks have changed a lot! I should call it more a 'canal' now than a 'river'. There's no more of the natural flow that a river should. The water is black and polluted. Looks like they have 'detoured' the estuary thus the present 'un-natural' look. There's a watergate that controls the amount of water.

The Watergate at the mouth of the river.

Further up-stream, they have erected a Syrian look-alike water mill. It looks impressive but I don't see any connection with the history of Melaka! At the moment, the mill couldn't function because of insufficient water to power it.

The elegant water-mill which is not functioning.

Then just beside the mill, towards the main road they have built a look-alike Portuguese fort like the famous A-Famosa. In actual fact the original area, I was told, was a Portuguses fort in the 16th. century. When the Dutch came, they demolished it and built a Dutch Bastion (the Middlesburg - also lke a fort) instead. Now all that gone, the present government in attracting tourists, erected a brand new fort. They obtained the red laterite rocks from Prachinburi, a district somewhere between Bangkok and Cambodia - all the way they arrived in truck-loads!

The fort to be.

With cannons and all!

These are the original foundation of the fort in the 16th century.

I have a lot of memories about this part of Melaka River which I hope to continue in my next posting. Take care!

STILL MY FAVOURITE ARTIST

Twins Competition

THE CELEBRATION ENDED

Whew! Finally it's all over . . . the 10th month of the Muslim calendar just after the fasting month of Ramadhan. You see, during this month there were many 'open houses' involving visiting, eating and entertaining.

"Selamat Hari Raya . . . ." belting out some favourite tunes

Members enjoying the food . . .

In the Arabian countries, Ramadhan (fasting month) is more important than Syawal, the month following it. I was in Mecca for one month during Ramadhan a few years back. Every night and day the Holy Mosque was packed to capacity with pilgrims and every single person was fasting during the day. Imagine a whole city where everybody was fasting! I had to go hours before the call of prayer to get a space to pray. When it was almost time to break fast at dusk, we only took dates and cool "zam-zam" water. Most of the time the local Arabs would offer us yoghourt, bread and "ghahwa" the dark bitter coffee (which I didn't quite fancy). Everybody was very generous during the fasting month. Outside the Holy Mosque, thousands of people were treated with special bariyani rice, roast chicken and the like, sponsored by benevolent patrons. Heavy meals were not allowed inside the Mosque. Even as I walked towards the mosque weaving my way through the milling crowd, I was handed dates, snacks, yoghourt and milk to break fast (and sometimes money too). There were kindness and smiles on all faces.

Then on the first day of Syawal, very very early in the morn, about 3.00 a.m. we went to the Mosque to wait for the first call to prayer at dawn. The place was already crowded - children and all. The children were in their prettiest frocks and suits, strutting all over the place. As we sat, we were offered expensive sweets and candies. So early in the morning? Yes, that's the way of the Arabs. Not long after the morning prayer, it was the special Eid prayers. After that everybody dispersed and that was it. The vicinity of the Mosque was left with maybe some foreign pilgrims who stayed for a few more days whilst waiting for their flight home. Felt so sad when it was all over, hoping to visit again during the fasting month in Mecca.

"BUNGA TELUR"

A stalk of 'Bunga Telur'.

A bouquet of 'Bunga Telur"

'Bunga Telur' (bunga = flower, telur = egg) is a must item found at special ceremonies in the Malay culture e.g. weddings, end of the Quran recitation, ceromonies commemorating the birth day of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the like. The boiled egg is given to guests as a symbol of prosperity and thanks-giving from the host. Sometimes it is accompanied with yellow glutinous rice. Traditionally, the egg painted red or purple (like that of the aubergine or eggplant) is attached to a stalk of artificial flower from crepe paper, laboriously crafted by members of the household. That is how the name "Bunga Telur" is coined. Then the stalks are arranged creatively in a bouquet or attached to the banana stalk and later distributed to all quests as they come and go. Nowadays many do without the stalks of flower, preferring instead putting the eggs in small, decorative containers - which is more convenient no doubt, but has lost its traditional aura. Others do without giving the eggs, replacing it with candies, sweets, chocolates or even jellies or fruit, small handkerchief or towel. I still prefer the egg!

Festival Of Breaking Fast

That's what today is. The first of Syawal, the month immediately after the fasting month of Ramadhan is actually a festival of breaking fast. 1 Syawal and the days of the performing of the haj - 10, 11, 12 and 13 Dzulhijjah of the Muslim calendar, are the 4 days in the year where Muslims are strictly prohibited from fasting. It is also known in Arabic as "Eid Al-Fitri" roughly meaning "back to man's natural habits". So after 1 whole month of fasting, man returns to "Al-Fitri", hoping that the month before had trained him or her to be a better person in the eyes of God.

Today is a day of thanksgiving, visiting and asking for forgiveness. The young will approach the elders, the student the teacher and so forth. It can be quite emotional at times especially if you feel you had done some wrong-doings to the other person. When you clasp the other persons hands and say with sincerity, "Please forgive me for what I have wronged you the past year, whether I realised it or not." Somehow tears will automatically flow down your cheek! Especially among family members who always take things for granted. Dressed in their newest attire, after the special Eid prayers in the morning, Muslims move around the village, the state, the country in fact, visiting relatives and friends whom they might have not seen for some time. It's 'open-house' tradition in Malaysia where anyone, from all races, is most welcomed to one's house with smiles on all faces and laughter and merriment in the air. That is what is unique about Eid Al-Fitri.

Children are especially happy this time, for when they go on their rounds visiting the houses in the neighbourhood, they will receive small packets of "Raya money". Everybody is feeling extra generous today. In fact, Muslims are encouraged to contribute part of their earnings to the poor or those in need (i.e. if they have reached a certain amount) because 2.5% of what they earn does not actually belong to them. During Ramadhan and day of Eid Al-Fitri, they are extra generous!

And the food . . . . it's a gourmet's galore! The table is laden with a variety of food prepared by the women of the house. One has to be really careful because the eyes usually overide sensibility.

"Ketupat" - rice cooked in woven coconut leaves

But the main thing Muslims are reminded with - that they should be thankful to the Al-Mighty for showering upon them such abundance be it in health, wealth, family, friends, peace and prosperity.

Until we meet again next Ramadhan and Eid Al-Fitri . . . . God willing.

HAPPY EID MUBARAK

1 Syawal 1429 / 1 September 2008

To all Muslim friends, "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" / "Happy Eid Mubarak, Congratulations for successfully completing one month of fasting".

CHILDREN AND HARI RAYA

It's the children who are most excited towards the end of the fasting month. Today is the 27th day of Ramadhan when Hari Raya (day of celebration) is just round the corner so to speak. When we were kids, 27th Ramadhan was almost like Hari Raya . . . my Mom, the seamstress, would already had sewn for us girls 6 pretty frocks each. When evening came, we would rush to have our bath (without being told) and put on the prettiest frock from the rack. When night came, we would be playing sparklers with the neighbourhood children. Care sera sera . . . Thus it was until the day of Eid.

My village, like others in Melaka towards the end of Ramadhan, is well-lighted with quaint kerosene lamps like the one in the photo. The scenery is so serene, anticipating the coming of the big celebration. The trees, the flowered plants, the fences, everywhere around the houses and streets were lighted. We would drive around the neighbouring villages to see the lights.

The flower pots in my little garden all lighted up with kerosene lamps.

That's part of my house nice and bright.

Here's one tree 'dressed-up'.

Amal and her 'pelita'.

And then the children would insist on preparing cookies for Hari Raya themselves. Although I've recieved several boxes of cookies from my students, they still insist on making some themselves. Thus for the spirit of Hari Raya, I obliged . . . getting them the supplies etc. So today the kids had fun making chocolate chips cookies all by themselves, me supervising the baking and cleaning-up part.

Iman showing her siblings the how-to and . . . .

. . . Iddin and Amal digging their fingers in the mixing bowl!

Happy memories kids!!!!

BLACKOUT

We had a blackout very early this morning in our village, just after sahur (early morning meal pre-fasting) as we were getting ready for the morning prayers. Tati heard a loud bang outside but we didn't pay much attention to it. After my prayers, I ventured outside into the still dark early morn, out the gate and walked to where a group of our neighbours were standing around, looking at a badly damaged car parked precariously across the road. The electric pole was bent at its base dragging along all the cables. So that was the cause of the blackout! Anyway, apparently the young man driver was rushing to have his sahur, he accelerated round the bend and whoosh. . . skidded across the drain at the base of the hill and his path was stopped by the electric pole. Thank goodness he was not badly hurt. He was taken to hospital anyway. Thus the excitement in our village very early one dark morning.

FASTING IN RAMADHAN

Well today is the 9th. day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan. I don't remember really at what age I started to fast. But I know for a fact, children these days start to fast as early as four years old! They are not forced to fast but they want to emulate the grown-ups who abstain from taking any food and drink from dawn to dusk. Furthermore children attend kindergartens or pre-schools much earlier than my time. Thus they are exposed to peer groups, exchanging notes sort of and don't want to be left out. At first they begin by fasting for a few hours, then to half a day, then gradually increasing to a full day like the grown-ups. At the end, they would be rewarded by the grown-ups with monetary rewards or some desired wish.

Food was abundant at breaking fast time when I was young. We didn't have the pasar malam (night market) or pasar Ramadhan (Ramadhan market) then. One thing I distinctly remember was the block of ice covered with sawdust bought from the vendor across the road from my father's shop. Was he ever popular! We didn't have a fridge so the block of ice and the cool drinks were welcome indeed. I remember my Mom and my Aunt filling up the dining table with all sorts of goodies. Once when I was nine, I over-ate and almost suffocated! I lay on the lazy chair out of breath, struggling . . panting . . my Mom had to pat hard on my back until I burped!

Wakey, wakey . . . . Iddinnnnn . . .

Then the sahur or pre-dawn meal. Long time ago we were awaken at 1.00 a.m. , had our meal (me with one eye closed) then back to sleep to be awaken early next morning ready for school. Now it's more sensible. We have our sahur at 5.00 a.m. filling up before the morning call to prayer when it is time to start fasting again. Happy fasting and God bless!

MERDEKA!

HAPPY 51st ANNIVERSARY MALAYSIA!

Today Malaysia celebrates its 51st Independence Day. I recorded the following pictures this morning before and during the annual Anniversary parade :

There were people everywhere waiting for the parade to begin . . . some sat under the Melaka tree . . . .

. . . . one lucky one got a piggy back ride from dad for a better view, though he didn't look to be too happy about it! . . . .

The raising of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem signified the start of the morning's program.

I was attracted to these young girls with their enthusiastic spirit to participate in the parade.

And also these young ones showing off on their bikes and mini trishaws, led by their teacher.

Oh you young ones, keep the spirit of 'merdeka' burning - not free from colonisation because that's gone and past. But free yourself from negative attitudes and strive to be a better person, the pride of your family, community and country.

I love you. Malaysia!

DON'T FORGET!

Amal said this at the dining table while having lunch : "When the Japanese were here in Malaysia (she meant The Japanese Occupation of Malaysia) my teacher said families had to dig a big hole in their house. So that when they hear the Japanese soldiers coming, they all hide inside the hole especially the girls. Otherwise the Japanese soldiers would take the girls away." Then she asked me, "Nek Ngah, when you were small, did you have to do that?" Immediately I replied, "Oh no, Nek Ngah was not even born then, thank goodness! I was born after they lost the war." Amal smiled happily.

Come to think of it, I don't remember much about the politics of the past. Take the question of independence. In 1957, the year of independence, I was 11 years of age and in Std. 6. I was so naive! I didn't understand what all the excitement was all about then. I remember being in a parade with the rest of my school-mates the night before 31st August, holding a beautiful green and blue lantern, parading around the Coronation Park (now extinct) in Banda Hilir. Everybody was very happy as far as I can remember. And then the year before that, I remember a motorcade bringing the First Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, driving past my father's shop at Riverside. Now only do I know that the entourage was from the airport at Batu Berendam on its way to the Banda Hilir Padang (field) where the Tunku would announce the date of Malaya's independence. I remember very well, amidst the hustle bustle and the crowd, the Tunku stopped before my father's shop to get a 'songkok' (Malay head-gear) because apparently he forgot to bring one. I remember my father wanting to give him the songkok as a present but the gracious Tunku said he would pay for it. And he did. Those were exciting moments in history!!