Food

 I am back

I traveled with many veterans to the Khmer land to rediscover a little from my previous trips. This time I go with a mission !

Choum ree-up soo ur...is hello.

The airport greeted us with a smile ; many of the local girls are so pretty. We have been told that many are of mixed heritage from the French to the Chinese, Indians and Thais. So some are really good looking gals.

Except for the pretty girls to the left Jessica and Donna third from left, all of us are way past that age. But you will be surprised how much energy and vitality we have; so says "Don't judge a book by its cover". Old but gold indeed. With the rich and myriad experiences we have gone through we too truly are a blessing to the 2 young lasses whose ages when added together cannot even hit any of the veteran's years ! Oh dear we really do not want to be reminded of our age.

Be happy and eat heartily.

The moment we left the airport and dropped out luggage at the hotel; the first desire was to find food...

The friends I come with have colossal stomachs; they only want to eat and eat and the best part is they know what to eat here in Phnom Penh.

It's beef stew and rice...

 It's beef stew and baguette... french bread.
Baguette; an influence from the French who occupied this land long enough for the locals to pick up French and consume and display French cuisines.
In most instances, the second language in schools is French.

 It's beef stew and noodles...

So if you are not a red meat consumer you may suffer.

My not so strong stomach can only allow me to eat well-cooked food so it's Chinese noodles only.

Then it's the well-loved ice cream in coconut...

The locals have  a way with coconuts indeed.

This is a western dish ; hash brown and beef in blue cheese. 

That was great !

Looks simple but the taste is unforgettable.

In a later instant, we had the privilege of mixing with the locals and ate what they love. Well fried fish, local vegetables in vinegar and a soup of meat, soya paste, noodles and vegetables all of which we love too !

It was a simple lunch on that day but good.

As always shown and known, these insects are a rich source of proteins during war times but today has become a part of life among the locals. It still takes a lot of courage for one to want to eat them. You want ?

Along the dusty and dry roads of the capital city, the bike is the best mode of transport. The bike is versatile; it carries commuters, tourists, food, animals and everything down the road. I was amazed at the ease at which the chickens were brought from the farm to the market for slaughter...so primitive and different.

This is a typical stopover for motor bikers to get their supply of gas. Primitive, easy and practical. Notice the mechanic repairing the bike and replacing the tire. All done along the side road and that's it !

All point to an emerging economy and there is still much to be done to the roads, wiring system and vehicles and yet...

almost everyone is connected through the technological brain child discovery; the hand phone which is fast becoming a need and not a luxury.

Till the next tale.

Day Out

Quaint Melaka

The Trio.

That's Sandra on the left and my sister on the right.

Sandra is family friend ever since whatever memory can stretch. We used to be school mates, fun mates, shopping mates, eating mates and name them. Even though she has been residing in the UK for the past 40 years, Sandra makes it a point to come back to Malaysia annually meeting up with friends and family members. The British dame kept ranting that Malaysia is beautiful in so, so many ways but not so beautiful anymore with the people. What a sad tale.

Can you guess which one is Sandra?

But...

We still can enjoy the many facets of life here. 

So we took a trip to the nearest quaint town; Melaka.

My sister who is also away for a good part of her life in the Far East says if she resides and retires in Malaysia; it may just be in Melaka.

Why?

It is a sure hit for friends and family.

Dutch influence is aplenty here ad my bro in law is at home here ! Everywhere there is a tinge of home for him ! The many red buildings and fort are a sight and wonder going back to the 17th century.

There are indeed many worth mentioning must see sites but our time frame did not permit us.

There is the Melaka river cruise to contend with too.

The locals very cleverly add a touch with the well-decorated 3 wheel vehicle for fun and good feelings. So you are cordially ushered in and they will bring round town in a whiz. 

The merriment is real.

But the best part was the haze left the skies too.

 Where are the chicken rice balls ?

 Mini sized ones.

We were told that it was the original of the original...there are now so many versions and we wanted only the authentic taste. So, what do you think?

It was okay, okay.

Scouring through the coveted Jonker Street we were exposed to local products, clothes, baba-nyonya attire and everything what the tourists crave for. If only we had temperate moments here; that will be the ultimate.

We stood in front of this place and a Caucasian walked past and said : Go in.

Ahaa...imagine us Malaysians were told to savour in the good food by a Caucasian. It only speaks volumes that the foreigner knew more than us or maybe he is here on the Malaysis second home invitation? Possible. To many, Malaysia is an affordable land ; rich in food and comfortable in shelter.

Cendol with durian flavour.

After this you may not want to eat cendol elsewhere anymore.

 Pie tee; nothing too much out of the world.

Nevertheless good.

 Meat rolls.

Clean and home-cooked feeling.

This is the Melaka otak-otak ; a concoction of fish paste, flour and spices of course.

However, if your really want to taste otak-otak, come to Muar.

The versions are countless now; competition  is keen and every vendor tries to put in the best effort for gains. When you are used to a particular outlet and its preparation, you will go back to it again and again.

Now there is fish, squid, prawns and in many forms.

The original packaging is wrapped in banana leaves but now for trading purposes they are packed in plastics.

When I eat otak otak I only eat them wrapped in banana leaves and I only want to eat them from the first outlet of Muar...I must not sound too biased.

You need to do your homework.

This first outlet was introduced by my mother in law.

This is the best depiction of ladies in the olden days ; foot binding and lotus feet.

Apparently this practice was mandatory among the elite; the smaller the feet, the more dainty and the more in demand. 

My grandmother told us horror stories and this practice was probably brought in together with the Chinese historically. Culture is to be thought over; good ones to be carried on and the bad ones to be discarded. This indeed is not so good; right?

Well Melaka was nice, but nicer still was the day out talking and chatting with Sandra and my sister. It was a short trip to fill our stomachs, eyes and ears.

Short and meaningful.

More next time.

Home- cooked

The Anchovy Soup

I know I have said many times about anchovies.

These small fishes are potent in its function as a soup 'must have' for noodles. It adds flavour and sweetness to the plate; which otherwise would be flat in taste. So, I also believe my girls have got that planted in their heads whenever they attempt to prepare soupy meals.
One needs to get a handful of the anchovies and boil it for a good 30 minutes or so before prior to adding other complementary ingredients.

 So, I am impressed that Esther has attempted to prepare her vermicelli soup dish with an anchovy base. So, she told me that she now can cook as well as Allie. So, it's true that necessity is surely the mother of invention. You will long for home-cooked food after a while. So, when you are away from home and its culinary delights you will try to emulate the cooking too.

Unlike her sisters; perhaps because she is tired of home-cooked ones, Sara prefers to visit food outlets with her boyfriend. Well, it's normal. You only miss when you do not have.

Eldest sister, Grace is good too. But whenever I am with her it's "ma, you cook this, you cook that..." I have yet to taste of her skills in Chinese cooking. She takes advantage of me. So, she told me a couple of days ago she had prepared the "hock chew" mee suah soup dish. It's anchovy based too with chicken pieces, rice wine and wolf berry. In this preparation, it would also mean the chicken is preboiled with the anchovies.
You can be generous with the rice wine according to preference. Esther was invited for the meal and she told me it was out of the world.
So, it is comforting to know that the girls are handy at this type of dish and know how to prepare them well. It's a living skill.

While I was preparing my favourite fish porridge, I thought I would like to share with them how I do it just in case their crave for it comes.

 I know they always enjoy my version.

So, here it goes.

Again, with some anchovies, dried scallops (optional) and fish bones and head , boil it with water till soup turns milky. 

 My first preference is mackerel followed by red snapper or the more expensive 'ma yau' or senangin species. I would normally get the smaller sized mackerel as shown above which is enough for 4 people. The fish monger would obligingly 'debone ' and 'deskin' so I would have 2 strips all cleaned. However there may be some tiny bones here and there so you will need to remove them. Dad hates to consume fish porridge with bones attached to the meat.

Then you can now cut the fish according to preferred length for use later.

After a good 30 minutes or so of boiling, add rice to the fluid and let it boil to preferred softness. Some like it real starchy while others may like less starchy. If you want it starchy, stir as the mixture boils.

My style is different. When the rice in the fluid boils for about 10 minutes, I would normally switch off the fire and cover the pot till I use it later. 

You will see that the porridge is fully cooked, puffed up but not starchy. 

That's how I like it.

Anyway, boil the porridge to preferred consistency.

Girls, an additional ingredient that will add further punch is a scoop of minced pork or even chicken. This will surely add the final touch.

When I serve to more, I will transfer my porridge to a steam boat pot because I would add the final ingredients as I serve.

So, when my guests are ready, I will add ginger strips, chinese salted vegetable, to the fish and meat in the porridge.

The epitome must have are fish gravy sauce and garlic oil.

Sprinkle the fresh spring onion and add pepper if need to. 

Have a small sauce plate of chilli padi and you will have a never ending meal.

 You will want more and more.

For keeps.

Best Practices

Recreation

There are many forms of recreation; play, create or simply being different. I like to interpret images and photos and activities of people and then I talk.

In this magic kitchen, I am always reminded of the giver of the flower magnets attached to the fridge. I am touched by her thoughtfulness and keen interest to make others happy with her gifted creations.

So pretty right?

Things made beautiful with recyclables. They are just plain bottle covers but when creatively crafted, it makes a person's day bright and beautiful.

Teacher Mong Ling is artistic.

Oh this is hard work.

But nevertheless creativity of first degree.

Many hours of serious labour are poured into it; just to make the day for someone.

 Look at the end product.

Sara is best at this; making a cake for another special occasion.

This time it was truly undercharged but it is alright.

She had made someone very delighted indeed.

Playful Esther is again at it.

Water sports. If it is not the mountains, it is the sea or the road.

I have never remembered her being so sporty in her school days. She reminded me that when I released her to Australia she developed a zest and boldness to conquer what she delights in ; including skiing. She told me not to curb her wild nature. I think I did just that. So, she is at her epitome of happiness. 

Play and create a name at work.

 Good.

Waris is also very doting. He uses his spare moments to entertain baby Emily. 

I am always amused at his soft spot for little Emily. 

He buys her clothes ; baby talks with her and holds her all the time.

It also means he is wanting to have a baby of his own too.

Work harder, young man. 

You can do it.

When fathers meet, this is what they do.

Loving daddies exchanging notes; they must be happy to meet and talk.

That's Aaron and Erwin with their pride and joy.

Good way to spend time together.

What do you see in this image?

A good practice ?

Definitely not. Some do take negativity to spoil one's existence. Having neighbours who install a pail to divide right of parking space is not delightful. What does it reflect?

Never mind about it; different in a different light.

Well. Best practices.

Friends

Remembering them.

I am not sure if they remember, but I do think of them in my free time and recall our times together in school. When you have been colleagues for a good part of your life you cannot help but recap their habits, attitudes and values in life. Some values and beliefs concur with you while some may differ. But there are some basic core values which pull individuals together may it be discipline, honesty, integrity and practices.

I have long wanted to talk about them.

So today is a good day.

We have all retired. But do not be fooled. All are still looking good and up to the mark. Here they are : LJJ, GPC, LCY. Don't you think we are still fit?

What do I remember about them?

LJJ is a maths jargon. She is strict in her own ways and a disciplinarian to her own children but an angel to others. Her students can vouch for that. A conscientious teacher, she looked into the affairs of the children well. When her heart is set on that KPI and that everyone must pass that public test, she will not allow a soul go unattended to. Such is her passion for them.
Kind and gentle, her role as a disciplinarian chief many years ago resulted in a school well cared for with minimal repercussions from the recalcitrant but instead turned hard cores into softer beings. Skillful in many ways; excellent at teaching and brilliant in bringing the wayward back. Sitting at home now, I think she needs to be back in the scene.

Next, is the evergreen GPC. Nothing can tempt her in life; definitely not even silver or gold. She works and lives for a set of values which she holds true in life.
When given a task, Ms Goh leaves no stone unturned. Tip top and computer savvy, she defends the data and statistics of the school with a manner that no one can question. It is very difficult for her to commit a mistake. She is unforgiving to herself whenever a mistake is made and corrects in humility.
Talking about her teaching skills. She is an Add Maths supreme teacher and it will be a long. long while if any form 6 student can forget her, She is sacrificial; coaxed her protege to learn and relearn; bought them food and sweets and would even invite them to her house if need to for further coaching. Such is the integrity she holds in life.
 Refusing to go beyond 56, she quit on the grounds that she could not give her best. She doesn't realise that some who do not deserve to be a teacher still went on...
If you have her as a coach, you should thank your lucky star. So, do you not think she should be back to help others too?

The demure and patient LCY reads and teaches Chemistry. Gentle and soft spoken she has led many to score in the subject and even won in great competitions when her students entered Science competitions. She will quietly go about her ways but always making sure duties are performed to her best capacity.
Generous and always giving treats, she is a good friend to many and her not so insistent ways have garnered a lot of approval here and there. Her motherly skills have seen her successful in leading all her sons and daughter into the medical field and her humble disposition makes her an easy person to be with.
But where teaching is concerned it is also no play, play...

You see all my friends are exemplary characters and excellent teachers belonging to the era of old. They say old is gold. How true can it be. Old in age but young at heart. They should be back in the teaching scene. Agree?

Teachers forever.

The Read

The author says her main theme is compassion.

 That if there is any good source it must be from a mother's heart.

The author sustains my reading well. I found it hard to put it down the moment I started reading though my growing old eyes can blur at times. The story line is basically on the strings of the heart; how a mother's children respond and remember her under different circumstances and light. It catches my attention tightly as I reflect upon my own feelings towards my mother and wonder how my children read me too.

The plot started with the mother missing from a train station in Seoul and how it got family members uptight, upset and guilty. It is when a person is lost that it forces one to remember her/him at the best perspectives and giving reason for regret. So here, the family characters start to play their roles and not a line went by without show of concern and regret.

I also secretly hold the notion that perhaps my siblings should recall and record our personal exchanges and moments with our own mum and maybe learn to appreciate her more in her golden years while we still can. To live in regret is sad as I read too true that one may choose to ignore the good values of others and not notice changes that may be detrimental to good living in loved ones around you. Do we choose to avoid facing reality or quickly live for real moments and live well ?

I can associate myself with many of the principles of Asian living expounded in the thoughts of the characters; the son, daughter, father and mother. As a learning exercise, it is perhaps provoking enough for me to ponder over them and better myself as a person. It is not easy but there is a need to try. After reading it, I am overwhelmed with much guilt too.

Not that there are any excerpts less worth mentioning, but I happened to scroll through the final chapter again and picked some thoughts which I can associate with my own beliefs...here are they :

• ...watching your mother put you to her breast even though she didn't have any milk, I glared at you, just a newborn. I even sent your other grandmother away and grabbed you from your mother's arms and smacked your bottom. People say when a baby is crying, the paternal grandmother will say, "The baby is crying,you should feed her", and the maternal grandmother will say, "Why is that baby crying so much, making her mother so tired...
• ... you were always a neat and clean child, unlike your sister. You were the child who would wash your white trainers if there was even a pea-sized mark on them. I wondered why you'd study so much, if you were going to live like this ...(looking after 3 babies at home)
• ...when you were accepted into a top university in Seoul,and into the pharmacy school and after that, your high school hung up a congratulatory placard in your honour. Whenever someone said to me, "Your daughter is so smart ! I'm sure my smile stretched up to my ears...
• ...a house is a strange thing... even a good house falls apart quickly when nobody looks into it...
• ...a house takes on the characteristics of its occupants, and depending on who lives in it, can become a very good house or a very strange house...I do think that a house starts resembling the people who live there...

It takes a while to digest all thoughts and feelings but I like deciphering over them. They are good values to live with and by. There are hundreds of such thought provoking lines to ponder over in the novel.

I enjoyed the book tremendously.

If you can, get a copy for your library.

Norejah

 Thoughtful.

That's sweet Norejah.

Having known her for more than a decade, the friendship never fizzles off though we only meet occasionally. Let's put it this way. She takes pains and the initiative to be in contact.

How and in what way?

Her tupperware gifts.

As far as my memory can stretch there has never been a season when she forgets to connect with me during festive celebrations.

Name them.

Christmas. Chinese New Year, Mid Autumn Festival and all. She would always make her way to school and my house to present the gifts. Moon cakes, Christmas fruit cakes, Lunar New Year cookies and all placed in lovely editions of tupperwares !
She is awfully thoughtful!

Today she came knocking at my door and gave me moon cakes in fushun pink containers. I was excited at the edition. She told me she is flying to the UK this evening to send her youngest for further studies. She could not leave without first giving me the gift.
 Hard to come by.

Both of us have children of the same generation and they were friends in school.
Norejah used to serve actively in the PTA of the school and that was how a friendship brewed. 

But her consistent effort to keep in touch is so warm and exemplary. 

It is truly sweet of her.

Have a pleasant and fruitful trip dear Norejah

Selamat Hari Raya Haji too to you and the family as you celebrate together in the UK.

The Neighbourhood

HDB Living in Singapore

It is the aim of the reigning government that every couple has a roof over their heads on a cramp island like Singapore. I recalled studying about HDB apartments when I was doing an urban study living in the University of Malays back in the 70s under Professor Lee Boon Tong. At that time world research already deemed it worth an in depth study about its policy, implementation and success story. Somehow, some practical solutions have to be put in place for her people for future peaceful survival and the fruit is surely felt today especially with the ongoing election on for 11 September.

It is not surprising then to witness high rise buildings when you open your windows and see the skyline. Right across Grace's apartment is a convent. Every morning the chiming of the morning bells wake me up from my slumber; just like the 'subur' call back home. These prayer calls are timely calls for me to wake up for the day and its chores. Religious practices carry us through the ups and downs of life. It is good to pray and hope for the needs of each day; may it for yourself, loved ones, friends and country. We exist for meaningful exchanges.

It is also new to me in apartment living; having lived in landed properties up to this juncture. So, after feeds and entertainment, I could not help but go down and walk around the grounds of the block. I feel trapped at times as I move from one corner to the other and needed to breathe under bigger space. I would gaze around and see what people do here.

There is this group of retirees hanging around coffee shops and chatting away. They must be talking about the impending snap election and they exchanged opinions so thoroughly, Then very soon the van would come around and over the loud speaker it called:

Dear voters, vote for PAP, we will work for you...

With you

For you

For a better Singapore...

The voice over the loud speaker is in many forms; Mandarin, Malay, English, Tamil, Teo Chew, Hokkien , Hakka ; just name them. Refreshingly different. 

Further down the block, colourful flags and decorations caught one's attention. I spoke into Emily's ears and told her to notice the colourful movements and she responded in soft goo goo gah gah...

I also watch the media, listen to conversations and conclude that the authorities depend on unity to call the shot. Malays, Chinese and Indians ; a multi-ethnic composition just like back home which needs a common oneness for a success story,

 Surely, the cliche United We Stand and Divided We Fall is never more real; a principal that stands for generations and generations.

Will the world learn?

Soon, I also noticed a Taoist/Buddhist funeral service being conducted under a common ground in the next block. Neighbourhood living is sharing everything. You have to get used to loud music of the 70s being sung and played. You cannot and must not complain. They practice good values; tolerance, kindness and mutual responsibility.

Strolling further, I saw another phenomenon.

Gardens.

Plots of land seemingly under different ownership...

I hope I did not get it wrong.

It boils down to the fact that humans love plants and animals. They do not just exist but co-exist with God's other creations for relaxation and creativity.

At different hours of the day I saw the womenfolk pottering around with spades and watering their pride, Yes, they take pride in their plots; definitely so. I guess you cannot do shopping 24/7 but to indulge in other healthier outdoor activities.

At the grocer, I practice a bad habit.

Conversion.

I cannot help but compare.

The eggs, fish, chicken, potatoes, onions cost the same amount as back home but in Singapore dollars and that means 3x more. I kept ranting about it and Grace very seriously chided:

DON'T CONVERT, MA.

I am trying very hard; daughter.

At the end of the day, it is how we live a life.

So, may God continue to lead Emily in meaningful living wherever she is and however she is sleeping; the sarong is still the best !

Hope to enjoy the day with Emily again.