Day 6
What a wonderful night I had!! I was clean and I had a comfortable bed!! No mosquitoes and there was air-con!! Nevertheless, my thoughts of the people at Rumah Rajang was with me the entire time as I took my bath, slept on a comfortable bed and enjoyed the air-conditioner.
The day was pretty mundane as we went around town, visiting the pesticides shops, doing our monitoring. As we went about town, I realised that ever since I stepped into Bintulu, I have not seen any Indians!! I've seen Malays, Chinese, Indonesians but not any Indians!! Then I realised that maybe Chandrika (another colleague of mine) and I may be the only Indians in Bintulu!! There wasn't even an Indian temple in sight!!
Anyway, like I said, Day 6 was spent entirely in town, with us surveying the pesticides shops. After dinner, the group dispersed and Mel and I went back to our hotel.
Day 7
Today was a busy day as all the groups were to gather back at the hotel and hand in all the questionnaires. Chandrika and I had the task of going through every single questionnaire to make sure that everything was filled up and that the handwriting was legible. After doing this, all the group leaders had a meeting to report back on what went wrong, the problems they faced..etc. Once this ended, we all headed for lunch. By then, it was 4pm!!
That night, Michael, Nyumbang and Chandrika made me go down to the hotel lounge as they had a surprise for me. When I reached there, the one-man band started playing song after song from the Alleycats' repertoir!! And I had Michael to thank for that as he was the one continuously requesting for the songs!! During the singer's break time, he even came over to our table to chat with us as Michael had excitedly told him that my dad was once in the band!! And, as usual, I was asked to sing!! OMG!!!
Day 8 - Leaving Bintulu
After breakfast, Mel and I had our final tour of Bintulu Town. We walked from the hotel to one end of the town, took some pictures and took our final look of Bintulu. We experienced so much during our 9 days in Bintulu and the friends we made.... was the best part. Though Michael, Nyumbang, Mujah, Niko and the rest were all older and wiser than us, we never once felt as though we were being treated like kids. Instead, we all worked as a group, bonded as friends and as we left Bintulu, I felt that I had left a piece of me there. I know that if I ever went back to Sarawak, I'll have friends there.
The end.....
October 28, 2008
October 25, 2008
Day 4 & 5 Bintulu, Sarawak
continued...
Day 4
Mel and I skipped breakfast as it was getting more and more difficult getting up in the morning. After checking out of the hotel, we left for our stay at the long house. We first stopped at Rumah Siba, which was a beautiful long house. It had a long row of ceiling fans and lights and the wood/papan was so shining!! After "resting" there for awhile, we proceeded to Rumah Rajang (a.k.a my long house) which was really really far away, in the remotest place I've ever been to. We had to drive through a lot of plantations on a gravel pathway!! It was such a bumpy ride.
When we finally reached the long house, what I got was not what I expected. First, it was not even fit to be called a long house as there were only two "houses" as it was still in the process of being built. Second, there were not as many people as I thought there'd be. I was very disappointed. Despite not having any water supply nor electricity, the long house was equipped with fans, lights and even a TV!! That was something!! I did not even think of taking pictures at that time.
Dinner that night was wildboar meat (as usual), mouse deer meat (yummy!!), chicken cooked in bamboo (another yummy dish) and also palm oil shoots. Although all the dishes were salty, it was nevertheless delicious and I was actually pleasantly surprised!! :-)
Mel and I did not bathe that night as we couldn't bring ourselves to bathe in the open "bathroom" (though I had sarungs). The "tuai rumah" and everyone else kept asking us to take our baths but we politely declined and thanked God for wet wipes!! And so, because we refused to bathe, we spent the night feeling hot, sweaty and donating blood to the Sarawakian mosquitoes. In short, we suffered!!
Day 5
The sun was up at 6.30pm and once again, Mel and I did not take our baths!! We just brushed our teeth and washed our faces. That too was done with mineral water!!! Talk about being Paris Hilton-y!!
I was supposed to continue staying at that long house for the next 3 nights; but thanks to Michael (and the internal conflict that was happening) I was "hijacked" from my group. Michael did not want me to be the only girl in my group (my "mak angkat" had joined another group) and so he decided that I should join his gang who comprised Melissa (yay!), Niko, Nyumbang and himself. Despite the miscommunications and dirty internal politics that happened, my new group bonded well. We joked, laughed and gossiped all through our journey from Batu Niah to Bintulu Town. It didn't help when Michael and the guys found out that I am the daughter of an Alleycats' member (I didn't tell them; my other colleague, Chandrika told them!!). They started singing 'Keranakau' and continued singing at intervals during our journey!! (I digress: some of the participants actually call me Shah Rukh Khan because my name reminds them of him. Crazy!!)
Despite staying at the long house for only one day, it was enough for me to realise that the long house community was living in poverty and that, that is the only life they know. Whenever TNB cuts the electricity for maintenance or when PBA stops the water supply for repairs, I'm one of the first to complain and whine. And yet, the community at the long house live without water supply and electricity. I felt bad whining about not being able to bathe and that it was hot during the night. I was so glad that I was going back to the hotel, to comfort; and yet at the back of my mind, I knew that the community was back there, living in that dilapidated condition. Sighs! I thanked God for the opportunity given to me to witness first hand what hardship is all about. What I witnessed in India, I've also witnessed here.
...to be continued
Day 4
Mel and I skipped breakfast as it was getting more and more difficult getting up in the morning. After checking out of the hotel, we left for our stay at the long house. We first stopped at Rumah Siba, which was a beautiful long house. It had a long row of ceiling fans and lights and the wood/papan was so shining!! After "resting" there for awhile, we proceeded to Rumah Rajang (a.k.a my long house) which was really really far away, in the remotest place I've ever been to. We had to drive through a lot of plantations on a gravel pathway!! It was such a bumpy ride.
When we finally reached the long house, what I got was not what I expected. First, it was not even fit to be called a long house as there were only two "houses" as it was still in the process of being built. Second, there were not as many people as I thought there'd be. I was very disappointed. Despite not having any water supply nor electricity, the long house was equipped with fans, lights and even a TV!! That was something!! I did not even think of taking pictures at that time.
Dinner that night was wildboar meat (as usual), mouse deer meat (yummy!!), chicken cooked in bamboo (another yummy dish) and also palm oil shoots. Although all the dishes were salty, it was nevertheless delicious and I was actually pleasantly surprised!! :-)
Mel and I did not bathe that night as we couldn't bring ourselves to bathe in the open "bathroom" (though I had sarungs). The "tuai rumah" and everyone else kept asking us to take our baths but we politely declined and thanked God for wet wipes!! And so, because we refused to bathe, we spent the night feeling hot, sweaty and donating blood to the Sarawakian mosquitoes. In short, we suffered!!
Day 5
The sun was up at 6.30pm and once again, Mel and I did not take our baths!! We just brushed our teeth and washed our faces. That too was done with mineral water!!! Talk about being Paris Hilton-y!!
I was supposed to continue staying at that long house for the next 3 nights; but thanks to Michael (and the internal conflict that was happening) I was "hijacked" from my group. Michael did not want me to be the only girl in my group (my "mak angkat" had joined another group) and so he decided that I should join his gang who comprised Melissa (yay!), Niko, Nyumbang and himself. Despite the miscommunications and dirty internal politics that happened, my new group bonded well. We joked, laughed and gossiped all through our journey from Batu Niah to Bintulu Town. It didn't help when Michael and the guys found out that I am the daughter of an Alleycats' member (I didn't tell them; my other colleague, Chandrika told them!!). They started singing 'Keranakau' and continued singing at intervals during our journey!! (I digress: some of the participants actually call me Shah Rukh Khan because my name reminds them of him. Crazy!!)
Despite staying at the long house for only one day, it was enough for me to realise that the long house community was living in poverty and that, that is the only life they know. Whenever TNB cuts the electricity for maintenance or when PBA stops the water supply for repairs, I'm one of the first to complain and whine. And yet, the community at the long house live without water supply and electricity. I felt bad whining about not being able to bathe and that it was hot during the night. I was so glad that I was going back to the hotel, to comfort; and yet at the back of my mind, I knew that the community was back there, living in that dilapidated condition. Sighs! I thanked God for the opportunity given to me to witness first hand what hardship is all about. What I witnessed in India, I've also witnessed here.
...to be continued
October 24, 2008
Day 1, 2 & 3 Bintulu, Sarawak
continued...
Day 1 in Bintulu started like any other day: breakfast then straight to work. Despite coming from an organisation that emphasises on gender balance, there were only 7 females in attendance and 6 were from my organisation!! Talk about gender sensitivity!! The sole lady participant from Sarawak was a last minute addition as she was to be my "mak angkat" during my long house stay. After a round of introductions (where I learnt that Mel and I are known as 'anak dara' ) the meeting/training commenced.
During lunch, my lesson on the Iban culture continued. I was told that Ibans eat fast as they do not like to linger and talk while eating. That was so true as the Ibans at my table ate so fast that within 15-20mins they would leave the table. I also learnt that at the long house, if you are the last person to finish eating during meal times, you'll have to finish eating all the leftovers!! And that's no joke!! I kept that knowledge firmly in mind as I needed to remember this during my long house stay. Nikodemus taught us a trick however. He told us to eat only a little so that we'll definitely finish fast!! Hahaha!!
Day 1 ended quite early and Mel and I actually missed dinner coz we didn't know that dinner was pushed forward. No one informed us. No big deal though coz the hotel was surrounded with coffee shops.
Day 2
Though we slept early the previous night, waking up in the morning was difficult. It was actually harder waking up today than it was yesterday morning.
I was famished and was looking forward to a hearty breakfast. However, when I reached the dining area, I found that there were no eggs. There was the usual beehoon, roti canai, bread, sausages and fried rice. But there were no eggs. I wondered whether Sarawakians ate eggs. I don't know why I expected eggs but I suppose it's natural as eggs are like THE breakfast thing to eat.
During lunch, I was told that the long house I was going to stay at has no water supply nor electricity!! OMG!! The residents depend on rain water and for electricity, they use a generator. That was enough to make me worry. All I could do was smile and act brave in front of one of the residents.
To make matters worse, my long house @ Rumah Rajang is the furthest one away from Bintulu town (about 2-3 hours away by car). It was situated at Niah, almost near Miri!!
I went to bed thinking about my long house stay. Would I survive? I survived one month in India. This couldn't be worse right?
Day 3
Getting up today was even more difficult that it was the previous two mornings. I suppose the long travel hours and long working days were taking its toll.Thankfully the third day was a light day as it was mostly about role-playing and planning for the monitoring. We were briefed about our long house stay and put into our groups. We socialised, talking to the participants and one even thought I said I was related to Karpal Singh, thinking I was a Punjabi!!
When the meeting ended, Mel and I finally had the chance to walk around Bintulu town. I bought some souvenirs and. There was even a "mall" but it was nothing like Gurney or Queensbay. It was not even like Prangin Mall. I suppose with such a small population, there is no need for such a big mall.
After dinner, Mel and I spent our time packing as we were to leave for our long house stay the next morning.
to be continued...
Day 1 in Bintulu started like any other day: breakfast then straight to work. Despite coming from an organisation that emphasises on gender balance, there were only 7 females in attendance and 6 were from my organisation!! Talk about gender sensitivity!! The sole lady participant from Sarawak was a last minute addition as she was to be my "mak angkat" during my long house stay. After a round of introductions (where I learnt that Mel and I are known as 'anak dara' ) the meeting/training commenced.
During lunch, my lesson on the Iban culture continued. I was told that Ibans eat fast as they do not like to linger and talk while eating. That was so true as the Ibans at my table ate so fast that within 15-20mins they would leave the table. I also learnt that at the long house, if you are the last person to finish eating during meal times, you'll have to finish eating all the leftovers!! And that's no joke!! I kept that knowledge firmly in mind as I needed to remember this during my long house stay. Nikodemus taught us a trick however. He told us to eat only a little so that we'll definitely finish fast!! Hahaha!!
Day 1 ended quite early and Mel and I actually missed dinner coz we didn't know that dinner was pushed forward. No one informed us. No big deal though coz the hotel was surrounded with coffee shops.
Day 2
Though we slept early the previous night, waking up in the morning was difficult. It was actually harder waking up today than it was yesterday morning.
I was famished and was looking forward to a hearty breakfast. However, when I reached the dining area, I found that there were no eggs. There was the usual beehoon, roti canai, bread, sausages and fried rice. But there were no eggs. I wondered whether Sarawakians ate eggs. I don't know why I expected eggs but I suppose it's natural as eggs are like THE breakfast thing to eat.
During lunch, I was told that the long house I was going to stay at has no water supply nor electricity!! OMG!! The residents depend on rain water and for electricity, they use a generator. That was enough to make me worry. All I could do was smile and act brave in front of one of the residents.
To make matters worse, my long house @ Rumah Rajang is the furthest one away from Bintulu town (about 2-3 hours away by car). It was situated at Niah, almost near Miri!!
I went to bed thinking about my long house stay. Would I survive? I survived one month in India. This couldn't be worse right?
Day 3
Getting up today was even more difficult that it was the previous two mornings. I suppose the long travel hours and long working days were taking its toll.Thankfully the third day was a light day as it was mostly about role-playing and planning for the monitoring. We were briefed about our long house stay and put into our groups. We socialised, talking to the participants and one even thought I said I was related to Karpal Singh, thinking I was a Punjabi!!
When the meeting ended, Mel and I finally had the chance to walk around Bintulu town. I bought some souvenirs and. There was even a "mall" but it was nothing like Gurney or Queensbay. It was not even like Prangin Mall. I suppose with such a small population, there is no need for such a big mall.
After dinner, Mel and I spent our time packing as we were to leave for our long house stay the next morning.
to be continued...
October 23, 2008
Chronicles of Bintulu, Sarawak - Part 1 Arrival
This is the story, all about how, my life got twisted upside down. I'd like to take a moment, just sit right there, I'm going to tell you all about my life in Bintulu (sing to the tune of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
As the plane landed at Bintulu Airport, the first thing that I noticed was the lack of buildings. There were no houses or shops, let alone a tall building!! Mel (my colleague and now, travel partner) just looked at each other and grimace. This was going to be a long week...
First stop after getting off the plane was not to collect our luggage. No....we first had to go through immigration!!! Can you believe it? It is so ironic that, despite being a 'Malaysian' and having a valid identity card, the moment you cross the South China Sea into East Malaysia, you're considered a foreigner!!
You have to produce your IC and you'll be given a pass, 'allowing' you to stay in Sarawak for 90 days only!! I felt so weird and amused that with all the illegals entering and roaming around, the actual citizens are being so strictly guarded!!
Anyway, after securing the right to stay in Sarawak and collecting our baggage, we were on our way.
My first eating experience came next. Since we arrived at around 3.45pm, we naturally missed lunch. So we stopped for "lunch" at a coffee shop and I ordered what we Penangites call 'Wantan Mee'. But, instead of receiving noodles with black soya sauce, what I got was colourless, salty noodles, served with a tasteless soup, wantan and chilli paste. The result? Combine EVERYTHING and surprise, surprise....it was a tasty meal!! But of course, I only realised this after eating about half the meal!! By the way, it's called Mee Kolok.
On the way to the hotel, Bintulu reminded me a bit of Taiping. In that, it's a small town and there was hardly any traffic. Great for learner drivers and those with the 'P'. The houses I saw were huge and beautiful, although I knew that this was just the "first impression". I had yet to see the other side of Bintulu.
After checking in at the hotel, we went straight to work. Though we were all tired after all the travelling and the bad flight(!!), like in all PAN AP events, we had to work past dinner. Luckily, Bella and Mel were with me and we all got to return to our rooms by 10pm.
....to be continued
October 7, 2008
Of long houses and river-bathing
I'm back after the Raya hols and my oh my....there's tonnes of work to be done. And so...since I won't be here from the 11th to the 19th, this is my last entry for the time being.
In 4 days' time, I'll be leaving the beautiful island of Penang for a 9 day stint in Bintulu, Sarawak. I'll be spending the first 3 days at a hotel. As for the remaining 6 days, I'll be putting up at several long houses, if I am not mistaken. The reason I'm going is to monitor the living, working and health conditions of the people there.
I'm excited as this is my first time to Sarawak. I've heard that it is a beautiful place and the people there are as friendly and welcoming as one can be. So welcoming that, when I told family and friends that I was going to Sarawak, they all had the same comment: that I had to drink the local "treat" that was served to guests, TUAK!! God knows how or what that drink is made of but it is well-known that one cannot refuse the invitation as it would be considered an insult. Furthermore, there are some tribes that eat worm-like creatures or maggots from plants!! I hope I don't have to endure any of this!!
Having to live in a long house, maybe bathing in a river and doing my "businesses" in a "bathroom" or "pondok" that's located a few yards/metres away, is already an experience in itself!! My mother even has a "feeling" that I may return with a tatoo!!
Well....until I return from Sarawak, I can only imagine what lies ahead. No point worrying as it is better to think positively and hope for the best. It may not be as bad as I thought it would be!! :-)
In 4 days' time, I'll be leaving the beautiful island of Penang for a 9 day stint in Bintulu, Sarawak. I'll be spending the first 3 days at a hotel. As for the remaining 6 days, I'll be putting up at several long houses, if I am not mistaken. The reason I'm going is to monitor the living, working and health conditions of the people there.
I'm excited as this is my first time to Sarawak. I've heard that it is a beautiful place and the people there are as friendly and welcoming as one can be. So welcoming that, when I told family and friends that I was going to Sarawak, they all had the same comment: that I had to drink the local "treat" that was served to guests, TUAK!! God knows how or what that drink is made of but it is well-known that one cannot refuse the invitation as it would be considered an insult. Furthermore, there are some tribes that eat worm-like creatures or maggots from plants!! I hope I don't have to endure any of this!!
Having to live in a long house, maybe bathing in a river and doing my "businesses" in a "bathroom" or "pondok" that's located a few yards/metres away, is already an experience in itself!! My mother even has a "feeling" that I may return with a tatoo!!
Well....until I return from Sarawak, I can only imagine what lies ahead. No point worrying as it is better to think positively and hope for the best. It may not be as bad as I thought it would be!! :-)
October 6, 2008
Of long houses and river-bathing
I'm back after the Raya hols and my oh my....there's tonnes of work to be done. And so...since I won't be here from the 11th to the 19th, this is my last entry for the time being.
In 4 days' time, I'll be leaving the beautiful island of Penang for a 9 day stint in Bintulu, Sarawak. I'll be spending the first 3 days at a hotel. As for the remaining 6 days, I'll be putting up at several long houses, if I am not mistaken. The reason I'm going is to monitor the living, working and health conditions of the people there.
I'm excited as this is my first time to Sarawak. I've heard that it is a beautiful place and the people there are as friendly and welcoming as one can be. So welcoming that, when I told family and friends that I was going to Sarawak, they all had the same comment: that I had to drink the local "treat" that was served to guests, TUAK!! God knows how or what that drink is made of but it is well-known that one cannot refuse the invitation as it would be considered an insult. Furthermore, there are some tribes that eat worm-like creatures or maggots from plants!! I hope I don't have to endure any of this!!
Having to live in a long house, maybe bathing in a river and doing my "businesses" in a "bathroom" or "pondok" that's located a few yards/metres away, is already an experience in itself!! My mother even has a "feeling" that I may return with a tatoo!!
Well....until I return from Sarawak, I can only imagine what lies ahead. No point worrying as it is better to think positively and hope for the best. It may not be as bad as I thought it would be!! :-)
In 4 days' time, I'll be leaving the beautiful island of Penang for a 9 day stint in Bintulu, Sarawak. I'll be spending the first 3 days at a hotel. As for the remaining 6 days, I'll be putting up at several long houses, if I am not mistaken. The reason I'm going is to monitor the living, working and health conditions of the people there.
I'm excited as this is my first time to Sarawak. I've heard that it is a beautiful place and the people there are as friendly and welcoming as one can be. So welcoming that, when I told family and friends that I was going to Sarawak, they all had the same comment: that I had to drink the local "treat" that was served to guests, TUAK!! God knows how or what that drink is made of but it is well-known that one cannot refuse the invitation as it would be considered an insult. Furthermore, there are some tribes that eat worm-like creatures or maggots from plants!! I hope I don't have to endure any of this!!
Having to live in a long house, maybe bathing in a river and doing my "businesses" in a "bathroom" or "pondok" that's located a few yards/metres away, is already an experience in itself!! My mother even has a "feeling" that I may return with a tatoo!!
Well....until I return from Sarawak, I can only imagine what lies ahead. No point worrying as it is better to think positively and hope for the best. It may not be as bad as I thought it would be!! :-)
October 3, 2008
THIN
"You're so thin!", "You're just skin and bones", "You look anorexic" - those are just a few comments that I grew up with. Being blessed with a tall, skinny frame - and I say BLESSED because I know some people who are just dying to have my body - being compared to a drug addict and anorexic is nothing unusual. For the past 24 years of my life, meeting new people (or even friends or relatives whom I've not seen for a long time) brings nothing new. The first few sentences after introduction are almost always, "You're so thin". I've heard this so many times that I've become immuned to it. My reaction used to be forced smiles and laughs, but over the years, I've started to react differently. I still smile but now I add, "But I can eat whatever I want and not worry about putting on weight unlike some people!!" That brings on jealousy and reluctant agreement from the other party!! Need I say more?
Of course, there is also the bright side of being thin. I've had my share of strangers thinking that I am a model *grin* *grin*, suggestions that I join a beauty pageant (I might do it next year, who knows!) and comparisons made with Bollywood beauties!! So, it's not all negative comments that I've had to endure. I can wear almost anything I want without having to worry about the availability of sizes; I can eat what I want without worrying whether it is fattening or not; I have no flabs or cellulite to worry me to death....and the list goes on.....
And so...to all those out there who have commented and will comment no matter what, to you I say: I DON'T CARE! I have been blessed with my frame so just accept it! There are people out there who are killing themselves just to have a body like mine. I, on the other hand, don't have to do a thing. There may (or may not) be a day when I finally look normal according to society, but until then....I intend to make full use of my blessing. No point being jealous. It only makes you old and gives you wrinkles!!
By the way...it's not as though I look like this ------->
October 2, 2008
Being a Vegetarian during Hari Raya
It's Hari Raya!! Before I start, I just want to wish my family and friends "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!! Best Best Wishes and may God bless you guys always!!" :-)
There!...now that all pleasantries are over, it's time for me to gripe about not being able to celebrate Raya to the full extend. As you all know, Raya is THE time for rendang, ketupat, lemang, kuih raya, nasi minyak, ayam masak merah....you get the drift. I have always enjoyed celebrating Raya, not only because my uncle is a Muslim (which means I get duit Raya!! haha!) but also because, staying in a multi-racial housing area, you'll always have lunch or dinner invitations. That's been the norm for as long as I can remember. But ever since last year, I've had to forgo those lunches and dinners simply because Navarathri happens to be during Raya!!! Coincidentally, or rather unfortunately for me, Navathri is where Hindus have to observe vegetarianism for 9 days!! And so, being the good Hindu that I am (or rather trying to be a good Hindu) I too observe this 9-day practice.
Back in high school, I was only vegetarian for the last 3 days but somehow, for the past 2 years, I decided to go for the full 9 days. It was hard (it's still hard) to abstain from meat. Before this, I would never have categorised myself as a meat-lover!! And so...for the 3rd year running, I am missing out on my Raya goodies (see pic!!) Yesterday was only the first day of Navarathri and last night, I dreamt that I was eating the best chicken rice ever!! *sighs* To make matters worse, the air this morning was filled with the smells of chicken curry, dalcha and all those other lovely, tasty meaty dishes!!
I don't know why, but I feel worse this year. Maybe it's because after enjoying so much (makan wise), the sacrifice I have to make this 9 days is bringing me back to reality. At work, I am on this project campaigning for people's right to food and here I am complaining about giving up MEAT!!
There!...now that all pleasantries are over, it's time for me to gripe about not being able to celebrate Raya to the full extend. As you all know, Raya is THE time for rendang, ketupat, lemang, kuih raya, nasi minyak, ayam masak merah....you get the drift. I have always enjoyed celebrating Raya, not only because my uncle is a Muslim (which means I get duit Raya!! haha!) but also because, staying in a multi-racial housing area, you'll always have lunch or dinner invitations. That's been the norm for as long as I can remember. But ever since last year, I've had to forgo those lunches and dinners simply because Navarathri happens to be during Raya!!! Coincidentally, or rather unfortunately for me, Navathri is where Hindus have to observe vegetarianism for 9 days!! And so, being the good Hindu that I am (or rather trying to be a good Hindu) I too observe this 9-day practice.
Back in high school, I was only vegetarian for the last 3 days but somehow, for the past 2 years, I decided to go for the full 9 days. It was hard (it's still hard) to abstain from meat. Before this, I would never have categorised myself as a meat-lover!! And so...for the 3rd year running, I am missing out on my Raya goodies (see pic!!) Yesterday was only the first day of Navarathri and last night, I dreamt that I was eating the best chicken rice ever!! *sighs* To make matters worse, the air this morning was filled with the smells of chicken curry, dalcha and all those other lovely, tasty meaty dishes!!
I don't know why, but I feel worse this year. Maybe it's because after enjoying so much (makan wise), the sacrifice I have to make this 9 days is bringing me back to reality. At work, I am on this project campaigning for people's right to food and here I am complaining about giving up MEAT!!
Anyway, as I am writing this, my neighbour just gave us Raya goodies and I am eating the jelly!! YUMMY!!
Well...I am already half way through the 2nd day and there's just 7 days more to go...not bad, that's just one week, 21 meals (roughly) of eting veggies....hmmm....I'm going to look for soy meat now...
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