Happy Ramadhan

Pasar Ramadhan 1, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Yup! I bravely stepped out to go to the local Pasar Ramadhan. It was teaming with people, contrary to what I expected. Not many of the were wearing mask. At least they are being sensible. There were plenty of stalls, and all the usual suspects were available. As for me, it is the typical 'air asam boi', 'cucur udang' and chicken wings 'madu'. Got all of them, and really content. Have to wait for berbuka (breaking fast), to see if they taste as good as they look.

Packed!I spent the morning at the doctor's clinic to pick up Idlan's MC which we forgotten yesterday. Alhamdulillah, Idlan is fine today, running around as usual. Come afternoon, a quick drive to Taman Melawati for the Pasar Ramadhan. Even though it is 10 minutes from my house and there are other stalls nearby, I have been frequenting there for the last 15 years, even during the time I was studying in the UK, if I have the chance to celebrate Eid at home.

As I mentioned, there were surprisingly plenty of people. I had to park by the roadside. There were even reporters from TV3 doing reports, and I can see the cameras panning around. The reporter stopped a few people for quick chats. I was concentrating on my chicken wings though! I decided to drive there early, at 4pm to just have a look. It turned out to be packed instead. Oh well!

Since it was only 4.45 when I got home, I went out again for a haircut. The usual mamak joint of course, with the beck neck-twisting action and back massage. Nice, and I still have feeling on my feet!

Trip to the Padiatricians

This dog is hot!, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Yes! Idlan developed a temperature and everybody at home turned into instant diagnostician! He has H1N1!

I said no, but unfortunately I was the only one who thought so at the house. Not the seven others, and that's not including the servants! He developed the temperature in the middle of the night and my mother-in-law insisted on me driving him to the Casualty. I just pretended I did not hear her, and finally when I decided to speak, I said if we rush him to Casualty we may give him H1N1. She was not impressed obviously.

Before seeing the doctorDespite the temperature, he was jumping up and down wrestling with his brother and playing on his Wii. After some paracetamol, he got better. The next morning he was fine but come the afternoon, the temperature returned. Alright then. Asked my colleague to cover me for the afternoon and took him to Pantai to see their Dr Azam. They are really fond of this former colleague of mine, and does not mind being prodded and poked, as long as it was by Dr Azam.

There was high temperature, but no sign of serious infection. We put him on antibiotics, and before long he was back to his old trick. Back home, my wife was on the internet all night, reading all sorts of ridiculous stories about H1N1. How it is signaling the end of the world etc etc.

My mother-in-law said should he develop another bout of temperature, we should go for second opinion, preferably to a GP that she swears by in Kampong Baru. Allegedly, he once saved her life by a timely intervention of giving her Paracetamol just at the right time .... Huzzah! I am a decent doctor, but I have not yet acquired the skill to cure multiple ailment with paracetamol. Maybe an extra few years in Hogwarts should sort that one out.

Soon after that, the waiting area got thrashed .... hehehe .... Run!Even Idlan's teacher called asking why he missed his kindergarten class. We explained to her that he has fever. We were asked to bring a doctor's letter, which I thought was plainly insulting. Well! The world has gone gaga with this pandemic and we are yet to face the second wave.

Finally, after everything settled down, I managed to settle one final crave before tomorrow's Ramadhan. Yes! I need some KFC, and I want it now! Sorted that one out in double quick time. Have to return to Pantai later today though, as I needed to pick up the doctor's letter. Or maybe I should just forge it! The teacher said a letter from a doctor, not which particular doctor .......

Puasa on Saturday

Agra 4 - The Taj Mahal, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Did not have the best start to the day today. Woke up at 4.30 to check on the football scores. Sneaked upstairs and flipped through the channels. All the channels are showing Champion League Qualifiers though. So, switched on the modem, quick browse to football365.com. Ah? Burnley 1 ManYoo 0? I have woken up into a nightmare haven't I?

Went back to sleep, had to endure plenty of abuse from my ManYoo-hating friends the whole day. My wife was looking forward to the afternoon since her Baju Raya is already ready. What? Not even started Puasa yet, she has already picked up her Baju Raya? As for me, it has been a busy day, with plenty of paperworks and letters to do. Kept getting email notifications during the whole time about people commenting on ManYoo still! How can I get away? ARGH!

Tonight, the familiar face - the Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja, a title as peculiar as his job description - made the announcement that the start of Ramadhan will be the day after tomorrow. Which reminds me to apply for the Hari Raya leaves tomorrow morning.

The boy with the mask!

The boy with the mask!, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

The H1N1 pandemic has certainly hit fever pitch here in Malaysia - pun intended. You should listen to the parents' meeting at the entrance of Idlan's kindergarten. There are even parents who are planning to keep their children away until the pandemic ends .... ie next year? Even my wife caught the bug (another pun). She was asking me about all sorts and basically being the middle person to all of Idlan's classmate parents. Should they wear masks? What brand of mask? Is the RM3 better than the 50 sen ones? Why was the school not closed? I think rather than bitching around about it, they should just read about the public guideline and get on with their life!

However, there will be another group that will affected by all this. The People selling breakfast food during Ramadhan. It is common knowledge that some people actually take unpaid leave during the month to open up business. They rake in a hell of a lot.

Ramadhan in Malaysia is a time where everybody mingle around. The shopping malls will be full with shoppers buying new wares for the coming Hari Raya. Before breaking fast, it is almost traditional that they visit the stalls to buy food. These makeshift markets are called 'Pasar Ramadhan' and they spring up like mushroom.

At night, people go out again shopping in the streets. It is much cooler at night compared to the day. They can also eat out. A lot of people also frequent the mosques and surau for Tarawikh prayers every night. I am sure that there will be an effect to the way we celebrate Ramadhan and Hari Raya.

While we are on the subject of Hari Raya, the celebration will definitely be dented this year. I can announce a big open house because I am sure nobody will be coming ... hehehe! Have a blessed Ramadhan!

Give me the Sushi!

Expresssushi, Great Eastern Mall 1, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Myself and Anita went out this afternoon, in search of face masks for the boys and also a thermal scanner, to scan the driver's and maids' forehead just in case they have fever. It seems that panic has gripped the whole of Kuala Lumpur. None of the outlets have kiddy's mask in store. The thermal scanner were also sold out, and we put one in order. It should be available sometime in the next few days. Even the Pharmacist told us that everyone was buying them in droves. There was even a customer asking if he can sell them Tamiflu without prescription!

After doing all that, I started having a crave. It is expected to be Ramadhan by Friday. It's the fasting month. I had to get myself filled up, eat the things that I crave! I needed sushi! And I need them now!

Just next door to the Pharmacy is a new sushi joint. We frequent Great Eastern Mall from time to time, but never noticed this small little shop. It is called Express Sushi. It has only been opened for a couple of months. Gingerly we walked in. The friendly waiter came over and asked if we are familiar with Japanese food. If we needed help ordering. A quick chat and then I ordered salmon sashimi, California handroll and a soba. Anita had miso soup as extra.

Honestly, I was blown away. The sashimi was really nice, even the avocado in the handroll tasted fresh, and the soup ..... Basically it was a delight. The owner, Michael, and the Manager Eric, was always at hand, talking to us about the menu. This is their first outlet, and they are planning many more in the future with plans for delivery. The main bulk of the business will be take-aways and also catering for small parties. With food this good, I can't see them having much problem expanding.

While talking about the price, I accidentally blurted out the words .. "It's so cheap!", much to my embarrassment. In all honesty, the price was very reasonable, and compared to some other outlet, the food here is much better. Certainly no complains here. However, if you are really into Japanese, and planning for a big order, maybe a Japanese buffet will be a better idea.

The actual dining area was rather small, obviously trying to keep the overhead down. The location was also rather hidden. It was on the Lower Ground Floor, and it was by sheer luck that we stumble upon the place. The seating are arranged in a single row overlooking the wall. There are a couple of round table outside, but should you come in a big party, you will struggle. Apparently according to Michael, they are able to provide bigger table if you give them a heads up. Also since the location is away from the main entrance, should we order up front for take away, we can just drive through at the ground floor and he will pass on the order.

Personally, I am not being paid to write about this. However, the restaurant deserve a special mention. So Michael, if you are reading this, make sure my next meal is on the house .... Cheers!

The restaurant can be contacted on 03 42560010, or why not have a look at their Facebook page.