Jennchu

Living in Sarawak is sometimes like having one vacation after another...that's because it being the largest state in Malaysia, not only are there more ethnic groups here (over 27..i believe)...but the fact that all races and ethnic people look forward to celebrating their own festivals especially when the latter are government-gazetted public holidays as well. Well, folks..this year,Malaysian Muslims celebrated Hari Raya ( new year ) even earlier.after the sighting of the new moon on 23rd October after a month of fasting. ( Deepavali fell the previous Saturday and Monday was declared extra public holiday ) As usual, there were many ópen-houses' where friends, visitors and strangers were most welcome to drop in for goodwill wishes, greetings and food (!!!). The first two days passed quietly for me, but on the third day, I visited Hayati ... read more

Mid-autumn / mooncake festival fell on Ocober 6 this year. Kuching city's Carpenter Street had been a hive of activity for a week as every evening, the street ( part of Heritage Walk ) was closed to traffic and bright red lanterns were lit. Stalls had been set up and the new arch at the entrance to the street next to the General Post Office saw dozens of people having their pics taken in front and under it. All in all, I think I have just about seen and tasted nearly all the new flavours of mooncake that were available - durian, mango, buttermilk, red dates, green tea ( I love this one ! ), besides the usual traditional ones filled with lotus seed/bean paste...still, i love the Shanghai mooncake best - the price has risen ... read more