Ramah Tamah

More than 30 years ago, ramah tamah or open houses during festive seasons were uncommon. They were around but mostly organised by public figures or workplaces. For the rest of us, it is mostly just coming up to the house that we’re planning to go and pay a visit. Rarely there was a formality of giving a call first, announcing the arrival and whatnot. Simply because cell phones were not invented yet and to own landlines is a luxury. Instead, it was a culture where, when a guest shows up at your door, you honour them accordingly and serve them food and drinks with anything you have.

Memuliakan tetamu

That’s the word. The great thing about this is that the visits are personalised. You get to give your full attention to those who make time to see you because they want to. Thus, the house is always at its best. Always polished and clean as you never know when someone is coming to say Hi. The not-so-fun part is that you’d end up receiving guests every single day during a festive occasion. In modern times, it can be a hassle because you’re tied up with other commitments – family and job. Hence, we see more people organizing ‘open Houses’ where they can entertain their friends and family in one session. Convenience trumps it all. You still love the idea of meeting everyone but you need your own peace of mind as well.

Datanglah ke rumah

A phrase that is understated nowadays. People are just not sure anymore if it is a sincere invitation or small talk. I do know I rarely say it to others because I don’t want it to happen. Ha ha. I will be ready to receive unexpected visitors once I clean my porch and fix the bathroom at the end of the aisle. Even then I still look forward to entertaining and hosting – not now, one day. Ironically I’ve got all the props, knicks and knacks to make it happen. It’s the energy that I don’t have.

Attending Ramah Tamah

It is almost compulsory that every organisation holds their own Ramah Tamah. My workplace has one too with a different concept every year. This year we are doing it outdoors and although I was not part of the committee, I was keen to contribute. I bought a huge banner that has a picture of a wooden house to be put up as a decoration. The same banner was recycled by my sister for her Ramah Tamah at school. I thought it looked amazing.

20Apr2024

Serapi Hotel

Posted in Leisure & Travel, Reviews by Minci 先生

Serapi Hotel is the best choice of hotel (so far) if your travel plans involve a lot of visiting relatives who are staying around Matang or Petra Jaya. That was the uttermost decision-making point that made me choose this hotel as opposed to my usual selections around the Padungan area. This hotel should not be mistaken with another Serapi (Verdure) Hotel at Hospital Umum Sarawak. Our hotel is located near Satok.

I booked 2 Twin Rooms at the hotel for a 5D4N stay. It costs me a total of RM 1526.40. There was free parking space for our rented car (limited), breakfast and WIFI (too slow, we used our own line). I had one room with my daughter and my husband shared another room with my son. I decided to book two separate rooms for comfort because the kids are growing and the bed is too small to fit all of us together.

Check-in was at 2PM. We had a few minor inconveniences upon checking in. My room couldn’t be opened because the battery for the door was out. So, the hotelier gave me another room on the same floor. My husband on the other hand had a non-functioning air conditioner in his room. They had a really warm night and were so hot that they had to open the windows. They were given a new room the next day.

At this hotel, housekeeping is not done daily. You need to put in a request before 4pm. I just wished they would clean the bathroom better. The walls need some scrubbing.

Breakfast was ok. We really loved the chicken and fried dumplings. The selection was acceptable. The coffee was ok. Of course, the coffee I make at home tastes better. The location was great considering the activities we planned. Serapi Hotel is a bit further than town but there are plenty of eateries to go to nearby. Understandably, these places are not open on Raya. So, we really missed out on delicious mi kolok and laksa Sarawak. But I look forward to my visit in September for my cousin’s wedding.

19Apr2024

Syawal 2024 – Changing family dynamics

Posted in Everyday Life, Parenting, Family and Relationships by Minci 先生

As a child, I remember celebrating Eid very differently. It was a festive occasion that I looked forward to because I knew there would be plenty of delicacies to eat and of course, the most awaited duit raya. As I got older, especially recently, I realized that the vibrant and energetic aunts and uncles I knew were getting more frail. They have aged. So was I. Their vision is getting worse. Their steps are getting slower as they have a painful back and wobbly knees.

Their kids are part of the Sandwich Generation – myself included. We divide our attention between our parents and our kids. Sadly also to our jobs. Previously, hosting an ‘open house’ was a breeze for the elders because they have their kids to help them. Now that with added responsibilities, with their kids securing a job and raising a family – it is not that easy.

I suppose this is where traditions will begin to change for the family.

Similarly the death of an older family member – that too will change the family dynamics and how a certain occasion will be celebrated. The Sandwiches will gradually take the lead and create their own traditions and way of life depending on how they like it.

I’ve made it a mission to celebrate Eid at Kuching this year. I felt there were many days for us to travel and enjoy the festive season without compromising the kid’s school days. I used my WPUA this time and travelled with Malaysia Airlines. We departed from Melaka as early as 8am and arrived at Salak Tinggi Park and Ride. Then we took the KLIA Transit train to KLIA1.

At Kuching, I booked two rooms at the Serapi Hotel. There will be a separate blog post on that.

Most of our days are spent visiting relatives on both of my Dad and late mom’s side. It was a worthwhile visit. The kids love it too as they get a lot of packet money. They also enjoyed eating the kuih lapis. I mean, what is Raya without Kuih Lapis right?