A case of healthy aging

I took a long promised trip to visit my very close friend since university days, Sofiah and her husband, Omar. Though we have lost touch with each other for so many years ( I was in Kuching) our friendship never wavered. Both of them are retired and left their city home to go back and live in their kampung in Jitra, kedah.




To keep themselves occupied, they rear turkeys and ayam kampung for sale. It's quite a big change from their usual occupations, a school principal and a Company Director. But they were happy and have no intention to come back and live in PJ. Their big house is empty as children got their own houses and they are contemplating of selling it.






Elegant profile of Australian turkey (Nicholas), big, white and colourful head (males). 221111


















A male ( bigger and more colourful) and a female local turkey - black fetheared at Sofiah's and Omar's farm in Jitra.










Male local turkey.
















When I looked at them I am pleased that they choose to stay in a quiet, serene place with open green padi field and a river flowing through it. Though far from modern facilities, Jitra town is just a stone throw away. But they are griping over the lack of government attention who promised to upgrade the lives of simple kampung folks. It's still lacking. There's no telephone line and therefore internet is not within reach. How can poor kampung children become computer savvy and be able keep up with the rapid movement of modern technology. Many Malay youths become dropouts and are left behind in term of education and opportunities.
My friends have very good intention of helping the poor forgotten Malay kampung children. Their life in retirement is focused on helping the unfortunates. They plan to build a simple hall adjoining their kampung house to attract children to come for tuition free of charge. They hope they can play a part in uplifting the spirit of the kampung folks to achieve higher. Not a rich couple, they are willing to work hard to make their dream a reality.





Taken at Sofiah's kampung with green padi field as the background. 241111.










Since the day was sunny, Sofiah took me to Kubang Pasu nearby to visit the Puteri Lindungan Bulan's grave. This is a historical site about Kedah history being conquered by Acheh whose king wanted to marry the white-blooded Kedah princess. The Sultan opposed the idea and hid his daughter in a well with her ladies-in-waiting with enough food. But when Acheh attacked Kedah the Princess was left there with no food and eventually died. The legend tells that during full moon the the well was shaded, thus kept the princess safe from the enemies.



I guess it's a big change from a life in a corporate world to a life of simple kampung folk. But they are happy and fully occupied.
Hence, the turkey and ayam kampung farming to supplement their income. Beside that, Sofiah collects and sells used clothes and gets herself involved in direct selling. The money earn goes to the bulding and maintenance of the madrasah. If anybody is interested to help and contribute for amal jariah, please contact me - HP 019 857 5188.






A former school principal and a senior education officer turned farmer in retirement. Sofiah with her ayam kampung and itik nila.










Feeding time. Their ayam kampung roam free in their farm and never short of food.













Green rice field is soothing to the eyes. At Kubang Pasu, Kedah. 231111.









A scenery that needs to be appreciated - blue mountains, kampung houses snuggled among trees and green padi field. Taken on the way to Kulim. Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous!











Tasik Mengkuang in Kulim, Kedah in the evening. 251111.








The rain poured in Jitra on 22 and 23 November. I was worried in case it floods. The river water near their house is high almost touching the bank.










I don't want to be stranded because of flood and decided to cut short my visit and go to Kulim to meet Fuziah, my traveling friend. Her sister, Tan, came to join us and we went to Tasik Megkuang for a simple evening picnic to enjoy the view.






Sisters Fuziah and Tan at Tasik Mengkuang. 251111.







It was a well-worth visit though heavy rain spoiled my plan. But I got to see the inner sight of my beautiful country and hope no citizen of this country would destroy it by selfish means. There are many more places in Malaysia that I would like to visit, and experience the varied way of life and learn through it. Syukur alhamdulillah, I am given time to enjoy my beloved country.