It's Halloween.

Kumon Taman Putra Perdana is doing Halloween Party tonight!

For the past one month, the kids have been badgering me of their Halloween costume.  A Halloween costume party will be organized by their Kumon Center. Shakira knew what she wanted to be, a Grim Reaper, while Shakiel wanted to be soldier. But we scrap the idea of dressing him as a soldier because we do not want to spend excessively on the costume. Just dressed what we can dig through from our closet. After much negotiation, Shakiel agreed to become Merlin.

In our culture we do not celebrate Halloween. In the point of view of religious guru it is forbidden since it has close tie with Christianity. But, this is my point of view only, as long as its not a believe and practice, I do not see it as wrong. My kids should experience fun things in live as they grow up. Observe the good and bad and how other culture preserve their identity. If they can do it, we can too in our own culture.  They learn new things everyday and entertaining to their 1001 questions is one hell of a job. A month ago they want to know what's Halloween, so tonight I allow them to be apart of it. We do not celebrate Halloween but just for the sake of the costume party spirit, I told the kids, "Go, go and have fun. Its okay. It's just a costume party!"   Then they can make their own judgement. I am not perfect but I educate my children the way I feel is right for their mind development that can make they want to learn more and more.

The cost of transforming Shakira into a Grim Reaper, less than RM5.00 for the face mask.

Spent less than RM10 on the hat and RM5 on paper mache for the Merlin hat.

Chicken Curry

I have always have the fear of cooking curry...any type of curry.  I used to watch my grandmother's tedious preparation. Those days we had to get 'Aya Ramu' to climb the coconut tree and separate the husk from the hard shell. Then you need to break the hard shell to get to the white layer (flesh) which we will later grate it with a grater. I'll be damned whenever my grandmother called me to complete a whole coconut grating process. I wish I had a photo of the coconut grater to share here. Its made of wood for the sitting section and at one end is an up right positioning of a metal jagged edge. The jagged edge is where you scaped or grated the inner flesh of coconut. Sure was pure hard work, real hard work. I have never enjoyed doing it. It is easy to grate the middle part of the flesh but back then I did not know the technique to grate the sides of the coconut.  Normally my grandmother will complete the remainder process. Years later someone invented the coconut machine where you can buy grated coconut. But now, things are much more simpler where ready made coconut milk is sold fresh, or in packed box (with preservatives) or even powdered. Just pick your choice.

Before I forget, 'Aya Ramu' is an Indian gentleman whose expertise was climbing the coconut tree. My grandmother would pay him certain amount of money for the number of coconuts he pluck. Yeah we had almost 10 coconut trees around the house.

After the grating process, my grandmother will add warm water to the grated coconut and squeeze to produce coconut milk.  She would split the process to the thick milk, semi thick and diluted milk. That's the old fashion way of preparation.

These days we want to prepare things as simple as possible. People tend to skip the first and third process.

I am no expert in cooking but I know I can cook if I put my mind to it.  Tapi kalau dah datang masalah "malas' tu, seminggu pun I tak masak...makan luar je. So one fine day I decided to check out some videos on You Tube and found the closest method I remembered how my grandmother used to prepare curry. I maintained most of it's original ingredients. However, I added and deleted a few ingredients to suit my taste. This is how I cook my chicken curry, not too spicy because my children do not eat chilli and spicy dishes.

Item A
Half of big yellow onion. thinly sliced (I add this because yellow onion it gives a rich taste. You can opt not to use it, instead double the number of shallots)
8 shallots, thinly sliced
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
half an inch of fresh ginger, thinly sliced and julienne
2 stalk of curry leaves

Item B
half of cinnamon stick
3 cardamon
2 star anise
half of tea spoon of mustard seeds
half of tea spoon of  fenugreek

Item C
A small packet of 25 gms Babas or Adabi chicken curry powder mixed with water to a thicken consistency. I also add a tablespoon of powdered massala. When I was staying in Section 14, PJ I love using the fresh mixed paste by Uncle Raja at Section 14 market. I am sure he is still there today. Just let him know how much chicken you'll be cooking, whether you want it hot or spicy, he'll scooped and dabbed 6-7 types of colorful paste on a banana leave. Fold it in a newspaper and you're ready to cook.

Item D
Tamarind juice (a table spoon of tamarind paste and mixed with half a cup of water )

Item E
One whole chicken

Item F
coconut milk (split into 3 portion - thick, medium thick and diluted milk. You can opt to use plain yogurt if you are health conscious). Diluted milk is 1/3 of thick coconut milk mixed with two and a half cup of water, semi thick is 1/3 of coconut milk and 1 cup of water.

Item G
3 potatoes cut quarterly

Item H
A bunch Cilantro or coriander leaves, finely chopped.

Lets start the cooking process.
1) Heat cooking pot with 10 tables spoonful of peanut oil. Any type of oil can be used. I just prefer peanut oil. Put on medium heat. When the oil start to heat up, add in Item B.  Yes, it will sizzle and make loud popping noises. Don't be surprised when the seeds popped the hot oil will also spatter out. Just be careful.

2) Give at least 5 seconds and add in Item A. Stir consistently. Once the onion turn soft and golden color, add in Item C. At this point some people would add chilli paste, but I opt not to add. Stir and wait until the oil start to form on top of the paste. Stir and do not burn the paste at the bottom of the pot.

3) Add in Item D, stir it about a minute and add in Item E. Mixed all ingredient thoroughly and now add in the diluted coconut milk. Stir. Add in Item G, your potatoes. Add your salt and sugar to your taste. I would also add chicken granules at this point just for extra flavor. (I know,....my grandmother did not use this!)

4)  Stir couple of times. Keep an eye on the gravy. If it look like its thickening, add your semi thick coconut milk. Again, on and off stir the curry. Check if your chicken is properly cooked.

5) After 10-15 minutes, when the potatoes are 3/4 cooked add your last portion of the thick coconut milk. Stir and give it another 5-7 minutes. Make sure you taste your curry at every stage so you get a balance taste of sweet, sour, spicy etc....

6) Finally, switch off the stove and scatter chopped cilantro on your chicken curry.

That's my chicken curry. I am pretty sure there are various version available. Go a head pick a recipe and try cooking them today. It may not be perfect the first time round. Well, mine did...hahaha...yeah, as long as the kids loves it, I know I cooked it pretty well. Ohhh, one final thing, cook with your heart and soul, and dab it with a little bit of your love to it. Enjoy!

Word of Wisdom

An old colleague posted this on FB,

" Logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will take you everywhere."  -  Albert Einstein

Isn't it so true?

Happy Birthday to you Dad!

Today would have been Abah's 75th birthday.


Yes, Abah insya Allah we will meet again. I missed you soooo much! Not a day passed by that you are always on my mind and in my prayers.

Happy Birthday Abah, may you rest in peace.....I love you.

Port Lincoln

Port Lincoln is a coastal city at the tip of Eyre Peninsular. It was named the harbor Port Lincoln by Mathew Flinders, an explorer from Lincolnshire. It became Australia's largest commercial fishing fleet. It has been a while but I think we were there for the Tunarama Festival. An interesting fact, I was told some scenes from the movie JAWS was shot here. Among the places we visited were Whalers Way, Fauna Animal Park and joined the Investigator's Cruise to Boston Island. We stayed at a friends' summer home.

 Jeremy, nenek, me, aunty aishah and aunty azizah. We stayed at a friends' summer home. Thanks Carol.

We seldom eat out because it was quite expansive. Once we tried and India take away and it was delicious. Whenever we are out sight seeing, aunty aishah will have snacks prepared like sandwiches, salad, drinks, etc. We normally cook when at home.

And what is breakfast without Vegemite, I like mine with toast and butter. Yum Yum....

Port Lincoln Caravan Park - I cannot recall why we stopped here.

Whalers Way is about 30 minutes scenic drive south of Port Lincoln. You can enjoy some of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the State.

 It’s believed the South Australia Company Whalers lived here , but their whale harvesting was short-lived and whaling virtually stopped around 1842.  Evidence of their presence can still be seen in the ruins of stone huts, whale bones and laid hearths from their cooking fires. Only in the 21st Century that work began to develop Whalers Way for tourism and led its declaration as a historic reserve.

Inscription : Cast Iron BLUBBER POT used by the Bay Whaler...Sleaford Bay 1837-41...3 such pots were used over fires to extract oil from the whale blubber...The flat area pots stand close together..

We joined the Investigator Cruise to Boston Island. Boston Island is a sheep station The tour includes a tractor crossing of the island to visit an 1840 slab cottage, shearing sheds and 'Squeaky Beach'. 

Fauna Animal Park -  I cannot remeber exactly the name of this park but I had Fauna Animal Park written in my album. 

In the background is Port Lincoln and Boston Bay.

Kangaroo Island

Boxing Kangaroos.

Kangaroo Island is an island located south west of Adelaide and you can locate it clearly from the map in my last post. Tourism has becoming an important growth in generating income and the largest town is Kingscote. The island has several nature reserves park to protect what is left of its native flora and fauna. The largest being Flinders Chase National Park.

We took an hour ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island. 

On the Phillanderer III to Kangaroo Island.

Upon arrival, we stopped at Penneshaw for Afternoon Tea. We had scones and tea.

At Seal Bay. Soon after this photo was taken I received a stern warning from the park ranger not to be too close to the seals. They may look adorable and playful but when they play they can tear each other apart.

Aunty Aishah and her youngest sister, Aunty Azizah at Seal Bay.

Kelly Hills Conservation Park is located 90kms south west of Kingscote- Right outside the entrance of the limestone caves. Waiting for our guided tour.

Inside the cave and you can see amazing formations of the stalactite, stalagmite and columns.

 Remarkable Rocks at Flinders Chase National Park. Hard to believe that the rocks was created by Mother Nature.

Aunty Azizah and me one of the rocks. Very intriguing.

It was windy and cold. This stunning work of nature has been shaped by the forces of wind, waves and rain over million years.

That's Uncle Bill with both hands up. This is Admirals Arch which is an open cave located not far from the Remarkable Rocks. Known for its breathtaking views as well as home to the colony of New Zealand fur seals. 

We stayed at Kingscote Caravan Park. Nenek, Aunty Azizah and me shared the camper on the right, while Aunty Aishah and her family stayed in the one on the left.  

Standing in front of the 1st Mulberry tree planted at Reeves Point. Age about 150 years old.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse - Cape Willoughby was the first lighthouse built in South Australia. Spectacular view of the coastline from the lighthouse.

At Penneshaw Jetty.

Adelaide, Australia

Since the last post on koala, I decided to continue on with my 1987-1988 trip to South Australia. Yeah it has been a long time ago but I never had it documented except for a thick picture album full of my fond memories.  I may not have the time to scan and upload all of them but the pictures shared here speaks for it selves.

The map of South Australia is a bit small but just to have a whole picture some of the places visited while there. We were in Victor Harbor, Adelaide, Gawler, Elizabeth, Barossa, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island. 

In the backyard. Picture was taken right before we sent my sister, Sheri to the airport. She had to go back since since shool will be starting soon.  She also received good news that she scored  10 aggregate in her SRP result. From left - Sheri, Aunty Azizah, Nenek, me, Johan, Jeremy and Uncle Bill.

This photo was taken in the backyard of Aunty Aishah's house.  They live in a small town called One Tree Hill, Bibaringa which is about 45 minutes drive from Adelaide.  The closest town with a shopping mall is Elizabeth 15 minutes drive from One Tree Hill.  They collect mails from a P.O Box which is about 5-7 minutes drive from their house. I was amazed. No mail box right out side our gate.

My grandmother (nenek) was given the honour by Aunty Aishah to plant a baby banana plant as a constant reminder of "my mom was here".

This was taken in Glenelg North, Adelaide and we were told that the tree behind was the first old gum tree in South Australia. Here, General Hindmarsh proclaimed SA as a free-settlement colony.

Background is section of Adelaide's city.

This is Colonel William Light and he is famous for choosing Adelaide as the colony's capital and designing the layout of its streets and parks. He was the son of Sir Francis Light, the founder of British colony Penang and its capital, George Town. History mentioned that William's mother was either of a of Siamese or Malay descendent. He was born in Kedah and raised in Penang. Adelaide is said to be the twin city of Penang. Not so sure where the similarities are perhaps both are situated by a port. His father, Sir Fancis died of malaria and buried in Penang. 

Then there were the "must visit' places such as the South Australian Museum.....

.......The National Art Gallery........Botanical Garden....(that will be in a different post)

Glenelg City Tram on the right - Adelaide's only tram which operates between Victoria Square and seaside Glenelg. Also stood behind is the monument to commemorate Governor Hindmarsh  proclamation of pioneer settlement at Holdfast Bay.

H M S Buffallo, the exact replica of the ship which brought Governor Hindmarsh to Holdfast Bay in 1836 is a restaurant.

KOALA

Recently a colleague travel to Perth for a short break from work.  It was so thoughtful of her to bring me back a key-chain koala as a gift from her trip.  I trained Ms Tah when she first joined WHO. We were in a team until a restructuring separated us.  I decided to join another team, hence, it distanced our friendship.

She was so excited telling me about her trip and visits with the koalas. Unfortunately she did not get a chance to hold one. Handling koalas may cause them stress. They rest and sleep for almost 16 hours a day. In the past years, there has been growing concern of koala well being.They are now an endangered species and protected by the Aussie government.   A century ago koala were being hunted almost to extinction for their furs.

Any how, I told Ms Tah, in 1988, I was lucky enough to visit my aunt Aishah in Adelaide.  I traveled with my sister Sheri, my grandmother and Aunty Azizah. And of course, it is a must....a visit to Cleland Conservation Park, South East of Adelaide. I told Ms. Tah that I would show her pictures of me handling the koala but then the album itself is too heavy to carry.  So Ms Tah, the following pictures are for your viewing pleasure.

Me, Aunty Azizah and Nenek

Sheri, me, Aunty Azizah and Nenek

The gentleman on the far left is the koala handler at this park.  My mom was surprised to see him in the picture because he was also working there when my mom visited Aunty Aishah in 1977.

A rare moment which I will treasure my whole life.

I stayed a couple of months and we traveled a lot. My aunty Aishah hasbeen living in Australia since the mid 70's. She is an Indonesian language teacher. She is married to Uncle Bill and they have 2 sons, Johan and Jeremy.

Conclusion

Finally after less than 48 hours, I completed the ADAM & HAWA novel. How do I feel?  Yeah satisfied. At least I get to know the ending of the story rather than wait all 80 episodes on television.

We were left at episode 28 on 11-Oct-2012. Obviously the TV series display much more interesting perspective from different characters.  It added more colors to the plot. In fact the author, Aisya Sofea, herself has a small part. She played Kak Timah, whose husband is Abang Mail. Abang Mail is Ain's mahram while she performed umrah. The novel is fixed at Ain's point of view. It's her story.  So definitely I prefer the TV series.

I am not finished with the novel. I am reading it again, following each episode on you tube while making the comparison with the related chapter in the novel.

Finally, thank you for the happy ending.

I Lost to my Temptation...

I told myself not to read the novel. Enjoy every episode on You Tube each passing day.

But, I am only human and I lost to my own temptation. An office colleague was planning to go to Alamanda Mall. I asked if she happened to passed MPH Bookstore, could she get me 'the much talk about TV drama series on Channel 134' novel. She said sure. I was thrilled and deep inside very anxious to wait for tomorrow.  Will she come to work with the novel?

Next morning, the moment of truth.  I can hear her foot steps. She likes to drag her feet and making a scratchy sound when her shoes swipe against the wall to wall carpeting. Played cool.  I had to because I must be prepared to act compose if she doesn't have the book.

She handed me a bag and there it was. In my hand, the book I've been eager to get a copy. I want to know the ending of the novel. I thanked her very much and can't wait to start reading.

Soon arriving home, I picked up where we were left off at episode 21 on Astro Mustika.

Tonight I am on Chapter 40....felt the chill. Good chill that is.

Go head, if you feel how I did, trust me it is not a sin. Our curiousness accede our expectation. Ha ha ha....I just wanna to know the ending.  And I can't wait to find out on Episode 80!