Pasar Malam

After spending the best part of an hour at the ICU talking to the nurses about my Uncle, I went straight to Kepala Batas. It was time for pasar malam. I just couldn't resist it. Being Saturday evening, the place was packed. It didn't help when I got there just after half past 6. The crowd were really in a rush to get their chopping done.

Didn't get to do a proper browsing. It was pretty much smash and grab, before rushing to Sungai Petani, arriving there just in time for berbuka.

It was undercooked. We had to cook again at home.Spent the rest of the evening catching up with the family gossip and talking about my Uncle. He remained critical, and the journey for him would be a long one. It also looked like he might have to be on dialysis at the rate he was going. Big challenges ahead.

After the talks died down, I really need to get some sleep - and catch the football a bit later on. It would be a subdued game with the two semifinal losers meeting for a third placing match. But still worth the watch ....

Pasar Malam Kepala Batas

Given half a chance, I would definitely prefer a free Saturday evening at my kampung, Kepala Batas. The reason, the Saturday evening market, or pasar malam.

I would definitely stop at the laksa buyung stalls, ais kacang and apom balik. I was not expecting much from today, being the fifth day of Aidilfitri. But I was lucky this evening. I managed to catch all three.

The famous laksa buyung. This was the third generation in the family selling it.It was the special claypot where the broth were cooked that gave the name to "buyung".We were early, plus it was only a few days after Aidilfitri.

I remember coming to the Pasar Malam since I was in Primary School. Back then, it was an evening pit with my classmates. We would congregate at one of my friends' houses, go to the mosque for Maghrib Prayers, before going over to the Pasar Malam.

Before Aidilfitri, I got in touch with one of these friends but he would be away during the weekend at his in-laws. Would love to hook up with these lot again and catch up on old times.

For the time being, time to enjoy my laksa.

PD Day Trip

Given a scolding from Idlan for not taking him straight to the apartmentAs mentioned before, we were planning a quite weekend in with Anita having cough and all. Everybody woke up extra early on the Saturday morning and by breakfast time we were wondering what to do. Unfortunately I have firstly the weekend ward round to do, then the Calibration Exercise for the upcoming Masters Exam. A day rip was therefore all that was possible. Tiring, but if we plan well, it will be worth it. 

The nasi daun pisang really hit the spotIdlan helping to carry stuffs up to the apartmentIdlan decided that we should have a quick trip to Port Dickson for an afternoon dip, and then travel back the evening. When we were packing - traveling light was never in Puan Anita’s vocabulary, I got a phonecall from my sister. She was moving to a new house in Kajang and will be leaving my Mum all alone for the weekend. My Dad was in Penang for a business trip and will only be back later on the Saturday afternoon. We thought, why not bring her along. Went to pick her up, and before we know it, we were already in PD by lunchtime. We headed straight for the Golf Club and had the traditional ‘Nasi Daun Pisang’. The PDGCC does a good lunch set every weekend. They have recently changed their menu, but the ‘nasi daun pisang’ lunch stays. Good stuff, and way cheaper than the one from Jalan Gasing, unless you count the cost of fuel and toll of course. They also do a nice breakfast selection - nasi lemak and roti canai with teh tarik, which we normally order all three.

At the pasar malam - ordering my laksaStraight to the apartment next. I had a nice afternoon snooze, with the fan on, listening the sound of the waves. Irfan woke me an hour after. Anita wanted to hit the Pasar Malam to get some tea. Every Saturday afternoon, about 5 minutes drive from our apartment at Bayu Beach, there was an night market at Si Rusa. Compared to KL, the food there were both cheap and much better quality-wise. I always had the laksa, kebab and apam balik from the same stalls. Should any of you happen to be in PD on Saturdays, drop me a line and I will guide you to which stall serve the best food.

By the beach - but the rain was comingAfter tea, it was time to hit the beach. Complete with spades and other assorted tools, the boys got to work on the sand, before hitting the water. Unfortunately, we only managed about half an hour this time as the rain was coming our way. We got back into the apartment just in time. A quick shower, then we ate some more while waiting for Maghrib before taking both Anita and my Mum for a nice Mother’s Day Dinner. I’ll blog about that one later! The photos from the trip can be seen here.

Sunset before Maghrib

Pasar Malam and Me

The Pasar Malam in Kepala Batas, every Saturday Night in the the middle of the town centreI remember since I wan a child growing up in Kepala Batas that weekends mean 'Pasar Malam' or night market. In my kampung, the market is on every Saturday night. Often on Saturday afternoon, I go out to play football in the late afternoon, then rush back for a quick shower, then off we went for Maghrib prayers.

Malaysian delicacy the satay. It cost much cheaper here than in KL, and it tastes better as well.This pics shows my Pak Teh looking at some cakes. I don't think he bought any.

Straight after it is time for pasar malam. It usually jam-packed. Me and my friends will start off for some some food, usually the famous 'laksa buying', with plenty of 'otak udang' - shrimp paste. Then some sugarcane juice and then the walk-about. It is a big thrill if you were to bump into your classmates - that surely will be the topic of conversation when we return to school on Monday.

My Mum saying hi to an old acquaintance. Kepala Batas is still small enough that every one still know each other.Despite the sticky humid weather walking around was a lot of fun. There will be colourful traditional remedy seller (penjual ubat) whose herbs can cure all diseases, from toothache to diabetes to cancer, all in a single concoction. Now, I should have listened closely or better still, steal his secret recipe. Then I wouldn't have to use chemotherapy to treat my leukaemic patients, would I?