Sawah Time

Buoyed from yesterday's adventure through the kampong, we decided to venture further this morning. It started out with first Puan Anita and me riding our bikes to the end of the kampong to find a spot to take the boys later on. The weather has been kind. It was cool and quiet. The sun was hidden, mixed with the sound of the jungle and flowing river, it was easier to lie in bed rather than venturing out.

Right from outside my window this morningThe adventure beginsAt least we did not have to wake up early. My Mum-in-laws has left for the morning market well before 7.30. We enjoyed a lie in and only got out from the room after hearing the minivan moving into the garage. Idlan and Irfan were still asleep then, and they were about to wake up when we took to the bike after breakfast. After 15 minutes peddling, we can across a paddy field. We decided to push on and later discovered that there was a much simpler route to take the boys to see the fields. Since it was raining the whole of yesterday, it was rather muddy. Therefore we took the boys put before they had their shower. And oh boy were they excited.

The paddy field was within walking distance, but Idlan insisted on taking his bicycle. He came out first as Irfan was still having breakfast at the time. He could not atop running. I went back later to fetch Irfan. There were so many questions. They were asking us why we did not rake their boots with us from KL so that they can walk in the mud. Their enthusiasm stopped short after my story about the leeches and other blood-sucking creatures. They were left to explore the flora, and were so mesmerized with semalu, and how quickly they retract when they touched them. Another lengthy explanation ensues.

When the dust settled, it was time to eatThey finally gave up after half an hour and started the argument on who should be on the bike. It was Irfan's turn. We have just finished packing when I completed the draft. I will pepper in the pics later after I reach KL. Our driver will be at the helm today, so I'll likely be surfing on the iPhone all the way up. We planned to stop at Tapah for some kuih pau later.

Cycling through Kampong

After the trip to the market and was done with breakfast, we decided to take a stroll in the kampong, trying out our new bicycles. My Mum-in-law bought it during her last trip here, but she only got three, which meant that Idlan and Irfan had to share. I started out having to open up all the wrappings and covers. That took me nearly 30 minutes.

Yes! An internet-equipped kedai kopi in the middle of the kampong!

Our kampong in Kuala Kangsar have tar-covered pavements, so walking around was OK and we managed to avoid the muds as it has been raining most afternoon - it was drizzling outside at the time I was drafting this entry. The weather was cool and even though it was past 10am, it was very pleasant. Right next to our house is a surau, which doubled up as a community center with religious classes being held regularly. On the other side, believe it or not is a small music studio. It was for the kampong musician - still immersed in the ‘rock kapak’ era - to jam. It was well insulated, so we can only hear the bass drums from the outside. And they started jamming pretty early this morning. They were already in full-swing by 8am.

One of the neighbour holding a berkhatan ceremonyA big river at one end of the kampongThe studio also had a small cafe at its front, and it has wifi. It was the local spin on Internet cafe and I can see a fair few people there already with their laptops! Further down the path is a small kenduri being held. Apparently, a child there will be having his berkhatan - circumcision - later that afternoon. A big day for the boy. There were rows of seats and table on the outside, complete with a canopy and a caterer van. A bit more modern than I expected really.

We could do with another small bikeAs the boys had to share the bicycle, I was on foot most of the time, making sure that they stay off the road for motorcycles and cars to pass by. The kampong was much bigger than I expected, and in the 45 minutes, we did not manage to explore the whole place. We seriously need the extra bicycle for the boys, but can’t be asked to go out today. Staying at home while in the kampong house is such bliss. Why should I go out to town?