Kuching trip with my daughter – getting souvenirs, The Reef and the Regatta

I was in Kuching with my daughter for a wedding. After the event, we went to two places to get some souvenirs to bring back to Melaka. First was a trip to Kubah Ria.

KUBAH RIA

Kubah Ria is basically a market. My sister bought some midin, mi kolok and Sarawak Laksa paste. I, on the other hand, was looking for Chelum Chocolate Cafe. This cafe sells artisan chocolates. I saw on Instagram that it’s locally produced with very Sarawakian flavours. Thankfully, they have testers in the store. I bought the ones that my daughter likes, which are the ones with Sago Pearl and Tebaloi. The chocolate bars were priced at RM7/piece. I bought 40.

KEK LAPIS WARISAN

Previously, I have always gone to Kampung Gersik for my kuih lapis. This is someplace new. Honestly, I wouldn’t know the difference, but the idea of being able to watch how the kek lapis are made is interesting. Visitors can have a look at it at this outlet.

What’s more important is that I get to buy my kek lumut, kek belacan and Cadbury. They have the usual buy 10 free 1 promo, but I only bought 7. Cause everyone is on a diet. Plus, not everyone would appreciate the gesture of my bringing kuih lapis for everyone to eat at the workplace. Its availability in semenanjung has made it less exclusive. Although I do remember buying 1 loaf each for my colleagues in Hospital Jasin during my working period there. That was a long time ago. Over time, kuih lapis is just another cake to some people.

I did buy a few cat T-shirts for my husband and kids. Haneem really wanted a cat t-shirt. If I had more time, I’d probably shop for kain pasang with pua kumbu patterns. Alas, time was something I did not have.

Dinner at The Reef

Since we were in Kuching for the weekend, we felt that our chances of securing a table at Topspot would be small. Hence, my sister made a booking at The Reef. She put in an order for several dishes that were promptly served upon our arrival. Haneem really loved her midin, and she was able to finish her bowl of rice on her own! Good job.

After the dinner with my sister and her family, Haneem and I walked a little bit more to the Padungan cat statue. This particular cat changes its attire with the festive season. Since it is Deepavali, the cat was in an Indian outfit.

The Regatta

The Regatta and Festival Kraf Borneo was also happening during our visit. All this was organised at The Waterfront. So, we went there after breakfast on the day of our departure. We managed to watch a few boats racing. It was really fun and honestly got our adrenaline rushing too. The women with their oars and roars were such a beautiful sight. They were like warriors. The men, of course, were super sado.

I guess this sums up our girls’ trip to Kuching. It was too short and I look forward to another trip to Kuching again soon. Once I have saved up enough money. I really want to come during the time they’d play the Disney orchestra at The Waterfront. I wonder when their next show is in 2026. I really want to experience it. How fabulous it would be!

Raya 2014 : Salam-salam, jalan-jalan, kenal-kenal, makan-makan …

How do you spend your first day of Eid? 

After the Eid prayers and breakfast, we’d usually start the day with a formal salam-salam ceremony. My parents (who looked like royalty this Eid with their yellow outfit) would sit and ‘bestow’ forgiveness and money to their ungrateful, degil children. Hehe.

Mr Husband finds this ritual kind of humorous as this was his 2nd time having to again, salam and cium lutut. Even Hazeeq could not escape this adat. 

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Then, a couple picture with the royals. With a few selfies along the way.

 

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Later, a mini convoy to our relatives houses for their food and famous layer cakes. My kid has yet to understand the joy of duit raya but that did not stop him from making a collection from the elders and stuffing the envelopes in his little pocket.

Upon bringing Hazeeq berjarah, I learnt of an old adat as well. Adat sambut anak sulung. Intrigued by its name, I asked Father what it was. He said old folks believe that if you bring any eldest child of the family (anak sulung) to any house for the first time, you should spray him or her with perfume and such. This is to prevent the living spirits in the house from befriending and attaching themselves to that young sulung child and cause mischief. Itu kata orang2 tua lah. The good thing is Hazeeq smelled nice for the whole day. He he.

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Highlight of Raya 2014 was when we visited another aunt the following day, who was staying at the house Mr Husband and I rented when we first got married. We couldn’t resist taking a quick picture to wrap up the Raya. Smile.. KImchi!

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