KUMON....ASHR 2010

Advance Student Honor Roll or ASHR, is an honor given to Kumon students for their achievements in either Maths or/and English. Upon reaching June of every year, each student's achievements will be evaluated and later submitted for ASHR based at their individual level.

Shakira reached at C II level in both Maths and English out of 21 levels starting from Level 7A to Level O. Beginning from 7A, 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, A1, A11, B1, B11, C1, C11, D, E, F, G, H, I and so on. For Shakira to achieve the level she is at, it took 'us' 6.5 years. No, I am not kidding. Shakira started Kumon at the age of 3 and a half while Shakiel, a bit earlier, at 3 years old.

Maths at Kumon focus on the development of strong calculation skills and, designed to master calculation as the key to enabling students to later apply other Mathematical concepts. While English at Kumon provide strong reading comprehension skills not only for the study of English but also for accessing all other subjects in the school curriculum. The aim is to improve students’ reading comprehension, sentence structure and vocabulary skills. You can read more on Kumon at http://my.kumonglobal.com

As of June 2010, Shakiel qualified for 2 bronze for level 2A in English and level B in Maths. Waiting in line for their turn during medal presentation. Shakira and Bronze medals. Shakira and Shakiel with their medals. Both received 2 medals for their achievements in Maths and English. Shakiel and his medals.
Parents support are crucial. They play an important role in making sure the worksheets are completed daily. They also pay for the fee, ship their kids to and from Kumon, double checked all worksheets(...at least I do....), encourage them when they almost at a point of giving up...(oh no! you are not going to give up, after all the money I've spent..hehehe...joke only), be patient when they showed tantrum refusing to do the worksheet and so many others.....

So in conclusion, on the surface the medal is presented to the kids but in actual fact,....ITS MINE!, MINE!, MINE!, MINE!......hihihi. Nah just kidding. The credits mostly goes to the kids for their hard work. OK lah! its 50-50 credit.....

Disney On Ice

02-Apr-2011. Went to see Disney on Ice. This time the ice show performed Lion King, The Cars, Tinkerbell and The Little Mermaid. Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy were also there.

The kids had a great time.

Mom left for Umrah

After rescheduling her Umrah trip since last December, finally her trip was confirm for 04-Apr-2011. We were there at the airport to see her off. Mak Lang, Mak Nyah and Cikgu Sulaiman also joined this trip.
Mom, myself,hubby, Mak Lang, Sheri.

For those who are not familiar with the term Umrah, I quote the following from Wikipedia for easy understanding. (Credit to Wikipedia.)

'The Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year. In Arabic, Umrah means "to visit a populated place". Umrah means to perform Tawaf round the Kaaba and Sa'i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, after assuming Ihram (a sacred state), either from a Miqat like Zu 'l-Hulafa, Juhfa, Qarnu 'l-Manāzil, Yalamlam, Zāt-i-'Irq, Ibrahīm Mursīa, or a place in Hill. It is sometimes called the 'minor pilgrimage' or 'lesser pilgrimage', the Hajj being the 'major' pilgrimage and which is compulsory for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. The Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended.'

If I m not mistaken, this is mom's second Umrah. Insya Allah, mudah mudahan Mom mendapat berkat semasa mengerjakan umrah. Amin.

Day 4 and saying good bye to Bandung.

Yes, finally we almost reaching to the end of our so call holiday shopping spree.

This morning we decided to stay in and spend time packing and re-packing. My first luggage was 18 kg and the second was 7.6 kg. Wow, it exceeded my 20 kg limit. Thanked to Kak Ani. We were fortunate that she had a hand held mini weighing gadget, the size of an ipod! Normala said her sister travels a lot so the gadget comes pretty handy.

Normala was so adamant in the first place did not want to share with Kak Ani her 15 kg baggage limit now had to share her unutilized kg's with me. Thanks Normala. Appreciate it. Kiki, Kak Ani and Salyna.

Around 11 am our luggage were placed in the car. We took the final moment to take pictures with Kiki, the Manager who ran Rumah Ebo. Soon after we're off to the airport.

Our flight back to KL was at 3:50 pm. And after we paid the airport tax and checked in our luggage, I still had to pay 1 kg of access baggage. That cost me IDR125,000. We waited until its boarding time.

From the moment we board the plane and until we touched down at LCCT, Normala never stop talking. Since the window seat on my right was empty, Normala switched seats. I am seated between Salyna on my left, and Normala on my right. Its the same old Normala....ada saja cerita dia.

Finally, after more than 2 hours of flight, we safely arrived Malaysia. Glad to be home. Both of my luggage were intact and as I push the baggage cart out, there I saw hubby, and the kids. My heart sank. Missed them a lot.

Overall, I enjoyed my trip and when asked, Salyna said she had enough of Bandung. Me? Frankly, I don't mind going back but maybe this time with my family.

Next destination? Well there were discussion of Perth or maybe London....who knows?

Day 3 in Bandung.

Again I woken up to the voice or Normala....Well I ended up having conversation with her and Salyna while I am still under the covers and eyes closed.

This morning we had an unusual breakfast. It looks like nasi lemak but with a twist. The rice is yellow in color and the condiments were fried anchovy, fresh sliced cucumber, red sambal, sambal goreng tempe (pressed soy bean), whole hard boiled egg in chilli gravy. Not bad...and I very much enjoyed the sambal goreng tempe.
Today's destination was Paris Van Java on Sukajadi Road. Such a unique name. What I understood that Paris Van Java is the nickname for Bandung because the third largest city in Indonesia, and also the capital city of West Java, once had luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes and European boutiques. There were similarities between the two cities, I don't know, perhaps, since I haven't been to Paris. Then, the European, majority were tea plantation owners, turned Bandung into a resort city as their entertainment outlet. Bandung has beautiful weather and it is cool compare to other cities in Indonesia. When it rained, the temperature dropped as though you are in Genting Highlands!

We arrived 15 minute before the Mall opened. This factory Outlet has 4 levels; first floor, ground floor, upper ground floor and underground. I like this mall a lot. I just do. Some of the popular retailers worth mentioning included Zara, Marks & Spencer, SOGO, Carrefour, Batik Kris, Charles & Keith, Aigner, Barbie, Oshkosh, and not to forget a whole stretch of cafe and restaurants. The restaurants are mostly located along the mall's main entrance. MU Restaurant, Sushi, Malaysian, Chinese, Italian and Thai cuisine, KFC, as well as several local restaurants offering their specialty.

Salyna and myself stopped at Pendopo Anjani. Various selection of batik sarongs and materials, shirts for all ages, and t-shirts you can chose. I found nice wooden made fridge magnet with traditional designs, that I bought as souvenirs for my colleague at work. A part from that I got 2 kids t-shirt which has a very unique patch work.

While I was waiting for Salyna, next door was a bookstore called Gramedia. I just love bookstores. The display glass window was covered all over with ' Ning ' a novel by Niken-Anjar, a local author, which I presume is the current best seller. I picked up one and read the introduction. Interesting. It is based on a true story of a dancer's life....sure why not. I am a sucker for autobiography's and fiction. So I paid RPH49000 for a piece.
Then we stopped at Marks & Spencer where I bought a few pairs of pants, under garments and my personal favorite a cashmilon wrap. I have been looking for something different or rather unusual wrap. Well that's me, I want to be different and outstanding...hehehe.....I had second and in fact 3rd thoughts,...but I grabbed and paid for it.

I bought a few CDs at Duta Suara Musik; Tompi, Maliq n d'Essentials, Melly Goeslow and Various Artist.

Next I stopped at SOGO and purchased my all time favourite perfume, Champs Elysees by Guerlain. And of course, a stop at Batik Keris Boutique is a must for me. I was happy and satisfied with my shopping spree.

Later Salyna and myself met Normala having lunch by herself at KFC. She was tired of following her sister around. She needs her carbo. She has diabetes. While Normla was enjoying her chicken burger, after a short discussion, we decided to proceed and have lunch at a Suan Thai Restaurant. We called Kak Ani and she caught up with us. Normala (left) and her sister, Kak Ani (Datin Ani)
Normala and Kak Ani had Mee Ladna. Presentation - exquisite. Taste - Impeccable. Salyna and myself had white rice, grilled pandan chicken, ulam (mixed raw salad) with sambal belacan (pound prawn paste and chilli), of course, what's a Thai Restaurant without YOM YAM GUNG.
After our late lunch, we resume to Pasar Baru for last minute shopping. We arrived an hour before closing time. We made in time to shop and left for Kartika Sari. Kartika Sari is a popular bakery with several boutiques on the first floor.

We scraped our plan to go to Kampung Daun-a tea plantation with scenic view- for dinner. We were too tired and instead had dinner at Kartika Sari. I had Batagor and ordered spaghetti bologna for take out, just in case I get hungry later at night.

We arrived Rumah Ebo, and started to pack most of our stuff into our luggage. Half an hour later our masseuse arrived.

Before I call it a night, a must, a call back home.

BATAGOR

Enjoying my Batagor at Rumah Mode.

I made an effort to search for the recipe. Try it, who knows, you might enjoy it.

Ingredients :
6 tauhu/white tofu

For Filling:
250 g boneless Chicken breast, minced. Or you can also use Mackerel fish
1 stalk of spring onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon ground pepper
8 tablespoon tapioca flour
2 tablespoon sesame oil
salt to taste

Flour skin: (I would substitute with wanton wrappers)
100 g all purpose flour
100 ml water
salt to taste

For Sauce:
100 gram fried peanut
3 cloves of garlic, fried
2 eye’s bird chillies or 1 tablespoon of chilli powder (optional)
1/2 tablespoon of salt
100 ml lukewarm water
Salt and sugar to taste

Additional Ingredients :
Lime
Sweet soy sauce
Chilli sauce (optional, only if you need it spicier)
Boiled potatoes (optional)

Directions :

1. Mix all the basic ingredients to make a filling.

2. Cut tofu in half (or into triangle), make a hole in the middle and fill it with the filling. Set aside

3. Steamed the tofu for about 15 minutes.

4. Make the flour skin by mixing all the ingredients. Then wrap the tofu with it and fry into deep pan until golden brown. Set aside. If you like to have boiled potatoes as well, fry them also with flour.

5. Make the sauce: Grind or blend all the ingredients to make a paste (except water). Then add the water and cook in low heat and keep stirring it until the sauce is thick.

6. Serve: In a plate cut the fried tofu, then pour with peanut sauce, then sprinkle with sweet soy sauce and lime juice. Add chilli sauce if you wish.

BON APPETIT!

Day 2 in Bandung.

Breakfast was laid and we self served. Menu of the day were Toast accompanied by margarine and strawberry jam and also a local version of Chinese fried rice.

Sharp 10 pm, Mas Didi faithfully waited, smiled and greeted us. He already knew where we wanted to be that morning. Our destination was Pasar Baru (New Market). Here, you can walk up all 7 floors. That is if you have the energy to do so. Salyna and myself covered at lest 5 floors. Our rented car throughout our stay in Bandung.

Pasar Baru Trade Center, or just Pasar Baru is very popular with tourist (especially Malaysian...hahaha). Its true. Many Malaysian shop here. You can get clothing and curtain materials by the meters, Batik designs, Muslim clothing, handbag, shoes and ready made clothes. I bought several material for this years Raya clothing, just as I did last year. Material sold her are of good quality and reasonable priced. This years theme will be Batik prints. Bought caftan for my mom, Batik shirts for hubby and Shakiel. Salyna shopped quite a lot here.

We walked. We stop. We shop....then the same routine all over again. Yeah, it was tiring. I got what I came for and ready to move on. It was not until 3:30 pm, we left Pasar Baru for Toko Tiga Jeans located on Jalan A. Yani. Levi, Wrangler, Louis, pick your choice. I bought 2 cool T-shirt.

After Toko Tiga Jeans we headed to Rumah Mode (House of Mode). Rumah Mode is situated at Jalan Setiabudi. Yes this place, I like! This factory outlet has its own mini restaurant and for the first time I tried Batagor. If you go to Bandung, you will find some places selling this specialty. And you've got to try it! Batagor is a famous snack from Bandung. It is made from white tofu fill with meatball mixture from Mackerel or sometimes Chicken or Prawn, then fried in deep pan and served with peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce and sprinkled with lime juice.

After our late lunch and snack, we looked around and shopped. Found several nice pants and t-shirt for the kids.

We summed up the night with KFC takeaway....well, what can I say, KFC without mashed potato and coleslaw in not KFC. I settled for a twister instead, but later I realized it is 50% smaller than what KFC Malaysia offered.

Arrived Rumah Ebo,I took my shower and made phone call back home. Spoke to hubby, Shakira and Shakiel. Then I crawl into bed.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....................

Day 1 in Bandung

So....Clock is thicking...and lets the shopping begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After checking in at Rumah Ebo that afternoon, we asked Mas Didi to take us to lunch. Been there twice but never made any effort of remembering its name but I'll be damn, they serve the best Nasi Padang in Bandung. As soon as you are seated comfortably, your lunch is served. 16 different types of dishes is laid in front of you. Wow! My favourite was the green cili 'sambal' terasi and daging dendeng. My stomach said,"you can only get best dendeng in Indonesia.". All four of us had second helping....we were damn hungry.

After Salyna paid for lunch we asked Mas Didi to drive us to Heritage and Cascade.

I like Heritage. It reminded me..... of Downtown Mall in Kalamazoo. Relax and at ease while picking out several children's clothing...Basically, I already know what I was looking for. T-shirts and jeans for both Shakira nad Shakiel. Endless selection that it made me said out loud, "Stop! you are going nuts." I found it hard to decide which is the right size, color coordination, should I get this or maybe I should not? or on second thought...I should.

Later we moved on and ventured across the street to Terminal Tas (which means Handbag Terminal). Imitations, Imitations, Imitations! Joan Rivers will bite her heart out in pieces...! Handbags and shoes on display were hard and cold. Hard as a rock and cold as in the room I am in. I stepped out of the store first. I am starting to feel agitated. No. No by the sight of imitation products but I just wanna go back to my room and rest.

But instead we stopped at Bandung Indah Plaza. We walked around a bit stopped at J Co for coffee and donut. Later we ordered take out for dinner. I ordered Mie Ayam (chicken noodle) and Es(ice)Lemon Tea. And then we were off!

That night we enjoyed an hour body massage for RP150,000 (RM40). OMG! It hurts like hell!!!!!

I took my shower, crawl under the covers, while Salyna is enjoying her massage treatment. For me....I fell deep and deep.....the rest is history.

Next morning when I woke up, Normala was already on my bed asking how much she owed from yesterday's lunch. Heeeeellooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rumah Ebo

This is our second trip to Bandung. The last was in April 2010 and this year we decided to travel a month earlier for no specific reason. It will just be Salyna and myself. Azian, who joined us last year decided on a family trip to Gold Coast.

Anyhow, an old school friend, Normala, made a last minute reservation and she joined us in this trip. And later her sister, Kak Ani tagged along. So this year it will be the 4 of us.

The flight was smooth and I had nothing to complain. Our supir (means driver in Bahasa Indonesia), Mas Didi was waiting there at the airport and upon passing through immigration and customs, he drove us straight to Rumah Ebo.

I have heard so many nice things about Rumah Ebo and my attempt to stay here last year did not materialize. This year I made sure that we will get to stay at Rumah Ebo.

I have been to Rumah Ebo last year but just for a short meeting with Ibu Kiki, whom helped with our accommodation and transport arrangements during our stay then. We stayed at Hotel Progo and had an Avanza with a driver through out our 3 days 2 nights stay.

But this year we were lucky and I manage to book 2 rooms at Rumah Ebo through an ex-school mate who happens to be Ibu Kiki's best friend.

How do I find my stay at Rumah Ebo.

This photo was taken just right out side my room facing the grassy courtyard.
Salynas' and my room. Notice the coffee table and chairs located right outside our window. You can also enjoy your morning tea/coffee here while reading newspaper. Inside of our room.

The bungalow lot is situated at an exclusive residential area on Imam Bonjol Road. Not much can be read or view from their website, but for further details you can check out this link, http://rumahebo.wordpress.com/.

Rumah Ebo is a guesthouse which is ran by Ibu Kiki and her all male staff. It has 7 rooms; with or without baths (you have the option to select) and all room circled a square shaped courtyard. If you like nature and far way from buzzing city life...this is the place for you. Early morning you can listen to the cricket's call and chirping of birds while enjoying your breakfast. At night it is so quite and peaceful that you can hear the sound of trees swaying...swish, swosh, swish.........

The rooms are a bit under maintained. I shared a room with Salyna. Our room had problem with the bathroom lock. Salyna was trapped in the bath and I had to call the maintenance guy for assistance. Poor Salyna! Normala and her sister took up one room next door to us and it flooded whenever the air condition was switched on! The air condition is located right above their entrance door, and water dripped to form a pool of water below. I feel so embarrassed recommending Rumah Ebo to Normala and her sister. Maybe we should have stayed in a proper hotel.

Kitchen is made available for all guests who prefer to prepared their own food but when you travel, who would have the time to think about cooking. Hot and cold drinking water is also provide in the kitchen.

Around the courtyard, a drainage passage was converted into a fish pool. You can see several types of fish swimming, circling the court yard.

Breakfast was okay though it is not of my taste. What can you expect? You just have to bare that part when you travel to a different country with different culinary. Throughout our stay there, toast was served daily. A part from toast, they served fried rice, an Indonesian version of nasi lemak (yellow rice), and finally 'lontong' (pressed rice with thick coconut gravy with curry flavor).

However, Rumah Ebo still attract local's mostly who travel from Jakarta as well as regular boarders. Their rooms require several months advance booking. Just a friendly suggestion, I hope they will consider upgrading the interior rather than expanding. Who knows, maybe with consistently upgrading the guesthouse it will lift Rumah Ebo in a class of her own. As a tourist, I want to feel comfortable and homely when I stay at a new place.

Overall, Rumah Ebo does not meet my high expectation.