Aidilfitri 2012/143 - 2

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Kak Nor at Kg. Sg. Rambai, Melaka with green padi field as background.210812

The homestay at Kampung Sg. Rambai Melaka. Attractive traditional Malay house. 210812

Owner of  Laman Cigu Bedah Homestay - Cikgu Ismail and Dr. Nora. Raya at their house. 210812

The serene green padi field at Kg. Sg. Rambai, Melaka.

The traditional bedroom at Homestay Laman Cikgu Bedah, Sg. Rambai

Villagers casting net to fish at the river by the padi field.

Third day of Raya was spent in Muar visiting Said, my nephew and his family. Even Muar, a small town, has changed and I was not able to find his house as easily as I anticipated. There were too many new buildings around his area.
Talking with my grandnephews who have grown to be young men was quite an eye-opening. As enterprising young men, they managed the restaurant opened by their father some years back and they become the cooks as well whose cooking skills put me to shame. On the way back to Holiday Inn Melaka, we stopped at Sungai Rambai to see the homestay. The concept of homestay in Malaysia is different compared to other countries I have visited. In Malaysia, the owner stays in different house and guests stay in the guest house on their own - it's more like staying in a small hotel. We met Cikgu Ismail and wife Dr. Nora who own  Laman Cik Gu Bedah Homestay. The house  is a wooden traditional Malay house which is kept in good condition, with 3 bedrooms and very spacious. For RM250.00 per night, it can accommodate a small family. They can also arrange wedding receptions if requested. For more information,  please visit lcbkampungstay.blogspot.com  or Fb Homestay Sungai Rambai Laman Cikgu Bedah. The pleasant surprise was the green open padi fields further down the kampung. It was a soothing sight. Kak Nor attracted attention and delighted people with her baju kurung and her splatter of Malay. For local and foreign, this is a nice homestay in an attractive village with friendly people.
That night, Nati and Boy and their familiers came to visit us at the Holiday Inn where I met Vi, the newest member of the family, Boy's daughter. I missed my Gabe and Rania.

Aidilfitri 2012/1433

Aidilfitri is always a joyous event in any Muslim family and I am no different. It was so humblingly happy to have my three children with my son and daughter-in-law as well and my two grandchildren around at the same time and place. My sister, Anah and her family came to join us and we went through the same usual practice, asking for forgiveness from the old ones to the young. The young people collected Raya money from their elders. Whether the Raya money is in small or big amount, it didn't matter, it was still an exciting process. We went to our mosque a door away to do out Aidilfitri prayer. Late last night, ex-sister-in-law Kathy, arrived from Adelaide to celebrate this joyous occassion with my family.
On the second day of Raya (20 August 2012) the whole family drove to Melaka to visit my brothers and sisters' families. Most of the nieces and nephews meet one another once a year during Raya and there was a lot of exchanging news. New young members of the families enjoy one another's company so naturally. I was glad to see Rania got on unconcernedly with the many second cousins she met. In fact she was playing together with her other curly-haired cousins and they do have similarities even though she has the mat saleh looks.She was accepted without question.
To avoid the rush driving back to PJ, we decided to stay overnight at Holiday Inn Melaka. Kak Nor and I stayed an extra day to enable us to visit another nephew in Muar.On our return from Muar, we deviated to look for an homestay advertised by the signage. Obviously the concept of homestay in Malaysia is different from the concept of homestay in other countries I have been. It was a good decision as we met nice people in Sungai Rambai and was invited at the Qeqah kenduri. The owner of the homestay is a teacher and his doctor wife who stay a door away.
The homestay is an old traditional Malay wooden house which was kept in tip-top condition. For RM 250.00 per night for the whole house with 3 bedrooms, it is quite attractive. Food and activities can be arranged.Interested call Hj. Ismail bin Samad, Hp 013 6105534 and email ismail583524@rocketmail.com The name of the homestay is Laman Cikgu Bedah (LCB) Parit Penghulu, 77400 Sungai Rambai, Melaka. What pleased us was the friendliness of the owner and the kampung people there. Cikgu Ismail took us around the village and we were pleasantly surprised to see an open green padi field. I thought padi field does not exist anymore in Melaka but it does. The view of the field and the kampung is magnificent.
We spent the evening at Mahkota Mall. The next day after visiting my father's  grave in Tg. Kling, I drove back to PJ stopping for a while to visit my cousin, Jaafar, in Rembau. Thank God the traffic was normal.

My family and Anah's family gathered at my TV corner to exchange news. 190812

My lovely family with Kak Nor and sister Anah. 190812 Haidi was putting Gabe to sleep when this photoi was taken.

My family with nephew Kapol's family at my house. 190812

My lovely family on Aidilfitri morning. 190812

                      Second Raya at sister Ani's house in Melaka. With Rai's family too. 200812

Second Raya at Juriah's house in Melaka. 200812.

Rania as Fairy Godmother with a magic wand from Mak Andak Adelaide. She looked enchanting. 190812

                  5 months old Gabe, so adorable with his wide eyes and dimples. Raya day 190812.

Mak Yang with her nephew Gabe and niece, Rania on Raya eve 180812

Low Blood Pressure

Most people in my age suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. But I suffer from Hypotenson or low blood pressure. Recently this has been worrying especially during fasting month. I have consulted doctors a few times about my concern but they pacified me by saying that I am Ok. And I hope I AM OK. When I check my blood pressure log book, I constantly read below 90 for systolic and below 60 for diastolic. For good normal blood pressure is 120/80. Today I read 89/58. I notice every time I suffer headaches, my eye pressure also rises up. Sometimes I am quite confusesd, is it because of my glaucoma that I suffer headaches or because of low blood pressure.
The most uncomfortable feeling that I have is that I find it hard to open my eyes when headaches attack me but these headaches are not severe which require medication. I don't take any medications, not even panadol. My eyelids feel heavy and I just lie down, close my eyes and breath and use self-hypnosis for healing. Most time I will be OK after a good rest. What I fear it that I may get dizzy and fall down. God forbids. Usually I manage to sit down immediately when I feel dizzy.
Since hypotension can be due to dehydration, I usually drink a lot of water, even at night but there is a side effect. I have to get up to empty my bladder almost every hour. When I am lucky, I fall back to sleep immediately but recently I couldn't sleep and I stayed awake till morning, leaving me feeling tired and sleepy. I read that if blood pressure is significantly low regularly, it may deny nutrients and oxygen to the brain and other organs and this can lead to shock and stroke. I pray I don't get to that serious condition that would render me helpless.
Doctors advised me to eat salty food but now my taste bud has changed and it doesn't like salty things. I try to take it  though as well as put extra salt in my cooking. In fact I was advised to drink a glass of water mixed with a teaspoonful of salt every day and I can't stand it. Anyway, I drink it sometimes. Taking meat is not my favourite, mostly I take vegetables and seafood. This is another thing that I have to force myself but so far the low pressure is still there.
Aaahhhh, this is what aging is all about.
Insyaallah I'll be OK.

Tips for Ladies Driving Solo in Malaysia

Done!! I have driven along all coastal roads of the Malay Peninsular. Done most internl roads as well.

There are advantages and disadvantages on driving solo in Malaysia. Malaysia is a small country with good road system and generally warm and helpful people. Even then, when driving alone for days, there are certain precautions and preparation to be made. Deep inside I am just as scared as anyone else with lots of questions in my mind especially the 'what ifs'. But...

1. I banish the 'what ifs' from my mind. I think of possible solutions. I armed myself with maps, travel books,  information from internet and other sources, contact numbers, addresses etc. I have a simple philosophy of life ' If things are to happen, it would happen even if you are in your own bed'. So what's the point of worrying. It's imperative to have positive mind and firm goal to achieve. Fear is an enemy, though it's good to have as a caution, but too much of it will cripple you from moving forward and doing what you want to do.
2. I plan my route and places of interest which I want to visit. Most times I take chances and detoured to places I found enticing but is always aware of my surroundings.
3. Before leaving, I send my car to Perodua for thorough checking, making sure my car is in tip-top condition for long travel.
4. Every time I see the petrol level has fallen to three quarter tank, I make sure to fill the tank full again. Thank God there are many petrol stations all over the country, no matter how remote the place is.
5. I SMS and update my whereabouts to my daughters and son regularly so that they know where I am and with whom. I also send  a few emails to my friends telling them what I am doing and where.
6. I refrain from bringing a lot of cash with me. Malaysia has good banks all over the country. I have an account in Bank Simpanan Nasional with small savings. BSN bank can be found everywhere in Malaysia even in small town. Credit cards and ATM are a must.
7. I stay in good hotels (4 or 5 star hotels) even though expensive, they provide safety.

A lone guest at Merantau Inn Kuala Abang

Merantau Inn has seen better days. In dire need of a facelift.

Beautiful place for visitors but so neglected.

I took chances in Kuala Abang in Terengganu recently, staying in a resort as a lone guest. Cheap but there was no security guard and the room door was flimsy. I was too tired to drive on and prayed for my safety. I vowed I would not do this again.
8. I made sure I stop driving at 3 pm and find a good hotel and rest.
9. Generally, Malaysians especially in east coast, are friendly and helpful but there is nothing wrong with being alert. Never let a man gets into the car in order to show you the way. Just ask verbally and find your way. Some time ago, my friend and I had an unpleasant experience in Kota Kinabalu when a man volunteered to show us the correct way to our destination. We let him get into the car at the back seat. When we were on the right bearing, he refused to get down until we pay him RM20.00 which was ridiculous. Finally, we offered RM5.00 and he got down. No, no, never do that again.
10. If possible, travel with GPS. It makes life easier. Some Malaysian signages are quite hopeless but sometimes GPS cannot be relied too especially if you have an old map installed.
11. I made sure I have a working torch light in my car all the time.
12. Even though I drive alone, I don't offer a ride to anybody to anywhere, nor do I take an offer from kind individual who wants to show me the way by tailing his car.
13. Generally, I don't stop at lonely places to take photos but I did it at the outskirt of Gua Musang recently. I shouldn't get down. Sometimes carelessness can cost you, so I must not do it again.
14. Instinct is God given. Listen to what your innerself says. If I don't feel comfortable to any suggestion during my travel, no matter how sincere it is, I always decline graciously.
15. Last but not least, as a Muslim I prayed for Allah's blessing before I drive on a journey and always remember to recite some verses from the Quran especially Ayatul-Khursi. Syukur Alhamdulillah, so far I have enjoyed Allah's blessing.
So, if I could drive solo in a foreign country, why couldn't I do it in my own country. If I can do it at this ripe age, anybobody can.

Driving East Coast Malaysia (Kelantan & Home)

Talking business in Pasar Siti Khadijah, KB

Sunset across the river from Ridel Hotel, KB

Kota Bharu was not in my main plan of visit but I stopped there to see my friend, Ramlah. Unfortunately when I arrived her husband was scheduled to go to hospital for checkup. So we managed to meet up for a few hours for dinner. With no hotel reservation, I just took chances and stopped at the first hotel that is near the market area, Ridel Hotel by the river which charged RM127.00 per night for single occupancy. Not exactly an attractive hotel but good enough as it is near the market and the tourist area. I have been to almost all the tourist attractions in Kota Bharu, so my time was spent at Siti Khadijah Market and surrounding area.

Silver shop at Craft Village in Kota Bharu

I wonder what happened to Kelantan silver jewelery work. Some years ago I could find silve jewelery in any goldsmith shops but not now. Looking for a siversmith or silver jewelery shop was like looking for a needle in a haystack. I wanted to buy some traditional silver jewelery and Maz and Ika were interested too. I bought a few pieces of Kelantan silver jewelery some years ago but because silver tarnish easily, I didn't take care and now they were lost forever. It was a pity as I couldn't fine the intricate designs anymore now.
After trudging the town looking for silversmith shop, I found a small one tucked insignificantly at the Craft Village which exhibits limited number of jewelry. I was disappointed. However, I managed to buy a few pieces for me, daughters and daughter-in-law as well as for Rania. It seemed there is a bigger silver shop in town which I didn't know though I passed the shop several times when cruising the town. For those who are interested in silver should go to KB Permai at 5406 C, Jalan Sulatanah Zainab, Kota Bahru. Beside Kelantan silver, I bought a few batik kaftan for gifts.

Gua Musang railway station

By this time I was tired and yearned for my bed. After 2 nights in KB, I checked out early at 7 am to drive back to PJ via Gua Musang which took me 8 hours. On the way I stopped at Gua Musang train station to admire the awesome limestione hills there. Unfortunately Gua Musang doesn't know how beautiful and attractive the surrounding area is. The station is deserted and there seem no effort to beautify it. People in Gua Musang are lucky that they live among nature that's so stunning.

Limestone hills outside Gua Musang area

Pasar Siti Khadijah KB

Driving out of Gua Musang was pleasant with good roads newly paved except the stretch going to Raub-Temerloh. The scenery was fabulous because of the many limestones hills. I fervently prayed in my heart that the government will not destroy these hills to make way for roads. I envy some forengn countries I visited. They never touched any natural beauty in their countriees to preserve it for generations to come. But just look at the limestone hills near Ipoh which have been wrecked by greedy hands and turned it into quarry, leaving the hills gaping so ugly. Driving up to north Malaysia, that's a place I hate to see.
It was a relief reaching home after 8 hours driving with small stops for lunch and washroom. Seeing Rania's excitement seeing me and her smiles made my return rewarding. I had a good trip and syukur alhamdulillah, I was safe and my car did not let me down.
My future plan is to travel Malaysia and stay not in hotels but in homestay in kampung.

I also intend to drive from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu if I get good positive companion to travel with me.  

Driving East Coast Malaysia ( Terengganu & Kelantan

Fishing boats anchoring at River Besut, Kuala Besut

Leaving Merang for Kota Bharu, going to Kuala Besut where the jetty to Pulau Perhentian is.
On the way, I stopped at Pantai Rhu Sepuluh but it was a hazy day. So I couldn't take photos. The beach was quiet and lonely because it was quite early morning. The pleasant drive to Penarik was interesting with beaches and rows of pine trees.

Kuala Besut

To Kuala Besut Town

Pretty blue dome nosque at Kuala Besut

My direction was to Kg. Raja , Kuala Besut and to Kuala Besut jetty to Pulau Perhentian just to see where the place is. I was taking photos by the river and enjoying the scenery and said hello to 2 Chinese gentlemen doing the same thing. Both of them were from KL on vacation and intended to go to Pulau Perhentian. As expected, they were surprised with admiraton when told them that I drove alone all the way and intended to drive further to Kota Bharu, then back. OK in some way this grandmother is doing something that is not very common in Malaysia. Felt good about it.
I like Kuala Besut. Unassuming but intriguing. I love the river with fishermen's boats and seeing them busy at work. There were a few hotels but I do not know how good they are. There are also quite a number of tourists - all going to Pulau Perhentian. In my heart I say I must go there one day.

Pantai Ayer Tawar, Besut

Cows having siesta at Panatai Ayer Tawar, Besut

Pretty Pantai Ayer Tawar, Besut

I drove out of Kuala Besut  to Jerteh and stopped at Pantai Air Tawar. The local council has done a good job in beautifying and making the place pretty but as usual the public is not appreciative. Driving through Seberag Jerteh route to Tok Bali and Bachok where I bought a packet of keropok ikan, together with a busload of Malay ladies from KL.

Tok Aman Bali Resort, Kelantan

I detoured to Pantai Bisikan Bayu and got a pleasant surprise. Beside the food stalls there, there were also groups of cows lazying on the beach, enjoying the soft gentle sea breeze.

At the end of the road, I was presented by a beautiful building which heightened my curiousity. It's Tok Aman Bali Beach Resort situated by the beach at the mouth of a river. The scenery was so bewitching that I jus sat in my car for a while to enjoy the beauty of the place. Maybe one day I'll come and stay here.

My drive through country road to Kota Bharu was slow due to drizzling passing throughJelawat, Peringat and Kubang Kerian.