The New Site

I promise to learn to resize pictures the next time I blog.

Meanwhile, the old horse has to meet you at a new site: www.puanchong-4.blogspot.com

The Nest

 When I feel old; really old... I will try to decipher what my parents are thinking.Then I ask myself; who can claim to be the older one? Then I will shut my mouth and consider their ways. One thing I know is that they are always thinking of bettering themselves in life; no joke. Even when many their age have given up on life they choose to take the path less taken.

To keep themselves from indulging in self pity they dig into aspects of life that will improve family values but even more so into business ventures. Sometimes the ventures do not produce the fruits they want but they will not curse on the unfairness of timing and chance but instead they will say the experiences have enriched their lives.

Some years ago, the old folks said they must tap on the trend that was prolificking in the sleepy town...nurturing homes for the swiflets. Located at the mouth of the Muar river, the town is perfect for the swiflets to build nests. The building of decades old are cool, damp and provide good shelter for swifts to produce and make nests which when harvested can fetch high income for the breeders.

The roof tops of these buildings are perfect shade for the swifts to build nests from their saliva and the Chinese will use the nest to make drinks and soup for health and beauty. The concoction is especially renown for healing lung ailments and coughs. So much of the nests are exported overseas; the traditional one being China. 

So Por being the bolder one insisted on a site for the swiflets too ! I need not go into the messy details of the renovation; the mud and the bricks but put your imagination together and think. If you happen to renovate a little part of your house you must be prepared for everything dirty. They will gruesomely stand the mess, dirt , inconveniences just because they believe a dream will come true.

True grit.

So the day came when the abode was ready.

But the birds will not just come. They needed to be persuaded.So things are not so plain and easy but the best is they never gave up. They like to wait and hope.

So I learn that in life you need to wait and hope for things to happen.

Patience is the key.

For many years the birds did not come.They even had a monitor to see if any came. 

None came despite the special music...

This flight of steep stairs will lead to the unknown?

Yes, it leads to the home.

Looking so forlorn as though the place is a forsaken dungeon, I peeked sneakily at it.

Oh it indeed has a foul smell from the dung and not very pleasant.

But the conditions are necessary for the swifts.

Of course the old folks will devise a way to handle the challenge; they always find solutions.

They sub it to a managing agent.

Ha... no mess for them !

But no birds too...for years.

Yet, not everything is gone.

Last week I saw some harvesting !

 Yes some birds have appeared and some nests were harvested ! Not much but it points to some hope. But I was informed that the demand has decreased. The traditional importer has put a ban on it so as economics say; low demand with status quo supply ; the price drops. The amount harvested was only worth a hundred over ringgit whereas in the past it would have fetched more than four hundred or more !

 This nest harvester will diligently weigh the amount and he is known to be honest and full of integrity. 

Nothing more; nothing less.

 So what do they do with the nest? No, not for export. too little. So, they collect them for good feelings and maybe when in sufficient weight will turn them to the dealer to process them into bottles of bird's nest for...

home consumption.

Not everything done will turn our economically well. But it's alright. Life's experiences. 

So, again I learn that we can dream but not every dream will come true.

It is sufficient though to see the grin in Kong as he candidly puts it ...  

Song mah ; ngai teng kong tau gniau pee loy; sit ka ki yen wor...

...It is good feeling to see the birds come and we consume our own harvest...

Life's ventures; all in rich experiences.

The Small Town Mentality

 Sara says I have a small town mentality; that I love to reminisce and reflect of the past and draw conclusions.I told her that times might have changed but certain truths remain relevant till this day.

 Take Kong Kong as an example. He went to school for a mere 3 years of his life but his acumen in many aspects of life are worth emulating. His first principle for living; save more and be cautious of your spending habits. I know this sounds old but it is a good one to keep. He is frugal and seldom will he give in to wrong figures unless he chooses to; like giving his children little gifts or when he walks the streets of the town to buy food. He buys in abundance feeding us as though there is no tomorrow.

Look a the way he puts his hands together. That is a thinking man; he thinks wisely and considers a lot of issues.A nonagenarian, the Hakka Association of the town still deem him fit to head the organization. They value his decisions and solutions. What do they see in him? His wisdom, integrity and reliability.

Kong Kong loathes sloth.His basics of living include going to bed at the right time and waking up early. He says it's good that I am a teacher.When I was younger he would often comment ; " Oh you are back from school? some people are still in bed..." Then he would say ..." Good; you have a pension to see you through in life..." He is thrilled at the very idea that I will be fed by the government till I close my eyes.

Kong says one must work hard when young. He is most afraid that the youths waste their time away by not making hay when the sun shines.His favourite warning ; don't be a beggar when you are old and useless. His Hakka notions of having a full stomach is the main driving force of his present day. Though he nags when we are careless with our finances; his frugality has ensured him of a comfortable lifestyle. There is much truth.

Even though I am not very young anymore, he treats me as though I am still the daughter that never grew a day older from my childhood days. When walking across the busy roads, he holds my hands to make sure I am safe. I thought the roles were supposed to be switched? Yes, I run home to look at him and draw strength from the decisions he makes each day. When I grow weary from the many challenges I face at work and at home; I tell myself to be strong like him. He reminds me of my Heavenly Father and His love for me. I always reckon that if my earthly father loves me in this manner; what more my Heavenly Father?

Yesterday, he asked me for a favour; to teach him to bank a cheque the electronic way. He says the bank officers are not too happy each time he approaches them for help.So I walked with him and when we arrived at the bank he was delighted that I took pain to explain to him step by step. At his age, he still needs to learn. No one can help him if he doesn't help himself. What do we learn from him? 

He took a pen and started to write the procedure so that he will be able to bank in by himself the next time.

So for 2 short days with the old folks, I am again reminded to be frugal and save.

My girls may not like to hear them; they will tell me to stop nagging.

But we cannot run away from reality.

You need to be hardworking when you are young.

Last Meals

 The last moments in London were spent in reminiscing Sara's favourite eating place. She told us that we must have the last dinner at La Porchetta; the outlet where she and her pals used to dine at.

 An Italian outlet, La Porchetta is a cosy and warm eatery catered by friendly Italians. Sara said the price is reasonable and she and  her course mates would frequent the place especially when there was an occasion to cherish. She repeatedly said that she would miss the outlet.

 When we were there, we saw many of different nationalities having a whale of time eating and sharing warmly. It is indeed a suitable outlet for families and gatherings too. We were glad Sara brought us there.

 

 The first specialty was of course the Italian Pizza. Not over complimenting, but the pizza indeed was different from the ones we get back home. It was good, really good. You can see for yourself; the pastry and the perfect toppings.Dad could have walloped the whole spread on his own!

 Pardon me for the weak photography; but the pasta was just as palatable.

 This is the first time I have tasted fried white bait ! The size is bigger than our local anchovies and it was delicious. This if left to me; I would have finished by myself.

 White bait ; deep fried.

A good rest and we were up to meet a loved one for another last meal; breakfast.

 Meet Sophie; cousin to Sara. Sophie is working in London and it was good to meet up with her before we left for home. She grew up with my Esther and Sara and went to Seafield school too. She is very dear to us and when I saw her, it was like seeing my own daughter. She had not been feeling good as I witnessed her swallowing her medication. Her mama must have been anxious.

Having studied Theology; she is still looking for a chance to fulfill her calling and while waiting she is experimenting on another love of her heart; discovering the best concoction of coffee! 

May her dream come true.

She reminds me of a truth; that the will and desire of our children can really differ from ours; the parents. 

We may be preparing them for something and they could end up doing otherwise.

So, I gather we should not too be anxious and be ready to play the tune with them.

 

 A gift for a dear friend back home; Sophie told Sara.

 

 After breakfast, it was indeed time to leave.

Goodbye Sophie; sad to leave her behind.

 

 So, it's home again.

Back to good old Malaysia.

We were grateful to God for a safe and wonderful trip again.

The Dinner

 To celebrate the Call Day, a dinner was staged.

Sara asked if we were keen to which we we said we were.

"50 pounds for a seat", she reiterated.

Well, we did not think the price was first consideration; the fact that we had an opportunity to dine at Lincoln's Inn was irresistible. 

Yes, it is a dinner to remember by.

 The hall that was earlier used for the commissioning has been turned into a diner's place; versatile. Apparently, the hall can also be rented for weddings and other occasions.We loved the ambiance of the evening.

 The Rt Hon Dame Janet Smith DBE, gave a short welcome speech to her guests.

 So, that's my card; a cordial invitation to the dinner.

 We were placed in a table with families whom we met for the first time.

This was purposely arranged so that  the guests would mix freely; meeting people form all over the world.

 Sara told us that she had to go through 12 times of formal dining before she could complete her course; during which she learnt the etiquette of fine dining. She told me to be careful with the cutlery; I must know how  and what and when to use them. I told her I will observe her carefully and promised not to embarrass her.

 We were seated together with the Broachwallas.Mr.Broachwalla is from Yemen and Mrs. Broachwall is from Nigeria ( I hope I remember correctly). Their families migrated to the UK and maybe theirs was an arranged marriage.They are a happy family and definitely a hardworking one. She proudly told me that their second son is a medical student who will wake up early in the morning to learn about their faith online! I was impressed to hear about the story of the son's discipline. From what we hear; I can feel that they they are grateful to be British citizens and hope their children will do well in life.

Incidentally, they told us that they are coming to Malaysia for a family wedding and asked excitedly about Kuala Lumpur. I told her they will love Malaysia; especially the food.

 Then she told me her youngest child; a daughter is good at school and that she puts on clothes similar to what she is wearing. She beams widely as she confides that the girl has caught the father's heart.She is his precious angel. It was great talking to them as we share family tales. They were alarmed to learn that Malaysian parents spend so much to send their children overseas and must have felt their good fortune to be British citizens.

The dinner had definitely allowed us to learn more about other cultures.

 So, what were we served?

 We started with Goats' Cheese, Tomato and Black Olive Brulee.

It has to be acquired taste.

 That's Escalope of Salmon, Smoked Salmon Croute Beetroot, Shallot and Caper Salsa

 The main course; Roast Rump of Lamb, Risolee Potatoes, Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetables.

 The final beverage of the evening at Lincoln's Inn.

It's not the menu, 

not the cost,

but the experience of a lifetime.

The Bar Dinner.

The Finals

To all those who have labored laboriously for the SPM, STPM Baru and the STPM Terminal,

The School wishes everything good happening to you,

May the mountains be but small hills to you,

We know you will put on your armour,

So fight till the cows come home ! 

ALL OUR VERY BEST TO YOU.

The Call

 The Chronology

So, here's a mama telling you the chronology of the event.

The next time your son or daughter goes through this, you will know the sequences.

 If you want an official photo for memory you pay a sum ( depending on the number) and go down the flight if steps to the room.

 Then you wait your turn...

 After 2 weeks you will receive the photo in the post...she is without a wig as it was out of stock.

 After the photo session you will proceed to the great hall for the great event. Here is a painting to remember the days of old when statesmen, bishops and civil servants congregate to consider matters and decisions.

Many great statesmen had been called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn; Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak, Margaret Thatcher, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Tony Blair and wife...

 It was a great feeling to be here. Now I know what and where the Inn is.

 At the sides of the hall , tables were set for a grand dinner later in the  evening.

 Parents and loved ones were excited; including me.

 

 Before the ceremony started, there were instructions and rules to follow.

They were read out clearly.

 

 The treasurer of the Inn RT Hon Dame Janet gave a short speech and reminded the to-be barristers to always hold high integrity and public trust. She reminded those who are far away from the Inn to refer to the society for help if the need arises.

 The evening has less than 50 being called to the Bar...

 That's Ms Sara being called.

Sara's classmate...double her height; now you know why she sometimes feel intimidated.

 

 After the call, the girls had a shooting session for keeps; Katheryn, Sara and Cassandra.

 That's the proud parents with the last to graduate in the home;

it also means the end of our Kindergarten duties.

 Sara finally completed her bar studies.

 Very soon, we were called to an old Hall for a drink before dinner.

 That's where we met this young man; he is the son of a lawyer who graduated from this Inn too.

Tradition has it that you will want your next generation to exit from the same institution.

 Malaysian families.

Malaysia has always held high esteem for education and they go to great lengths to achieve them.

 Father and daughter drink to health, success and joy.

Congratulations Sara.