MY VERY FIRST YIK MUN'S PAU IS IN THE HOUSE

Certain places are well known for their special food or food products. Some people just travel the distance to savour the delicious food, either to satisfy their curiosity or just to jump on the bandwagon.

I finally got my very first supply of Yik Mun's Pau [dumplings] when someone was on a short trip to Tanjung Malim, Perak. 

I must say, this should be the most famous kind of Pau in the whole of Malaysia. Definitely a must-eat or must-buy item when you are in Tanjung Malin.

However, in my case, if I cannot go to Tanjung Malim to get my Yik Mun's Pau, the Pau will come to me.

Thanks Mr. Mohd. Nazafee for the kind thought - this should be something I will definitely remember for eternity. I am going to save it for the upcoming fasting month.

MINGLING WITH THE YOUNG PUBLIC SPEAKERS OF JOHOR BAHRU DISTRICT

Preliminary Round Group 1

I used to attend this event recently as a judge but today for a change, I was bringing a student of SMK Dato' Jaafar. One reason: all the English teachers were out today with their own set of students for other competitions like choral speaking and Scrabble.

Preliminary Round Group 1

The Public Speaking Competition for Johor Bahru district level this year was held SMK Aminuddin Baki. There were more than 30 contestants taking part this time. There were 2 groups for the preliminary round and the three winners from each group were selected to go to the final round. The vote cast put us in Group 1 where there were 16 schools competing. There were 2 sections in which students were being judged - prepared speech and impromptu speech.

Aidan Leo, a form three SDJ student, managed to make his way to the final round with a composed and confident presentation. He then had to present another impromptu speech to compete with the other 5 contenders.

We were cool.

The Finalists

friends of English teachers:
ex-colleagues and an ex-student in the group

more friends

the chief judge giving her comment

Aidan had definitely won the judges' hearts and emerged the winner of the Johor Bahru District Public Speaking Competition 2018.

Aidan has made the school proud. I know he is a good speaker but he still had actually worked really hard for this. Even though I might have only contributed a small percentage to this, I am still glad to be able to be a part of  his success.

We have now to prepare for the state level competition next.

THE FLOWERS OF PENANG HILL

"By plucking her petals,

you do not gather the beauty of the flower."

~ RABINDRANATH TAGORE ~

One of the things I do when travelling is flower-hunting. I found the blooms were bigger there on Penang Hill a.k.a Bukit Bendera. It must be the high altitude and lower temperature.

It is sad to say that I have less and less time to tend to my flowering plants at home. That should be one valid reason to consider opting out early from the profession.

ENJOYING THE PANORAMIC VIEW OF PENANG HILL AND EVERYTHING AROUND

17th MARCH 2018 ~ And I finally set foot on the summit (was that really the summit?) of the 821-metre of Penang Hill (a.k.a Bukit Bendera) - riding a tram. 

Basically people come here to enjoy the panoramic view and the cool, fresh air. There are other attractions, but they are not free. The latest one is called the Habitat where people could walk around on an elevated platform to enjoy a spectacular view of the surroundings but the entrance fee costs RM50 which I feel is overpriced.

We took a buggy ride service to explore the area as there are two senior citizens wannabe in the trip. :)

the secret of looking slim

We even had a picnic under the tree, eating the food bought earlier at the morning market.

Penang Hill will be celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023 and I am sure there will more exciting things to happen. That will be definitely the best time to make a return trip there.