VISITING SABAH TEA PLANTATION ON A RAINY DAY

  27th FEBRUARY 2023   ~ The first tourist spot to visit in Ranau was Sabah Tea Plantation, Palapak Plantation to be exact. Unfortunately, it was raining that morning. It had been raining actually on the way from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau the day before which continued into the night and did not stop right until the morning. Guess we were just there at the wrong time. We could only plan but Allah is a better planner.

When it rained, there was not much that could be done. We actually spent more time at the cafe and that will be in another post. There were not many visitors yet when we arrived at that place.

There was one moment when the rain stopped for a short time so we went around the place to see what was there to offer.

There should be some activities that could be done here. We could not get into the tea factory as there was no processing activities going on. And the person manning the visitor's booth was very unfriendly for me to get to ask questions and get to know the place better.

On a clear day, there could be Mount Kinabalu in the frame as the background.

Then it continued the rain so we went into the souvenir shop to see what were there to bring back home.

That was my short trip to Sabah Tea Plantation and I had to be happy to be-there-done-that kind of activity.

[MY SABAH ROAD TRIP MAIN PAGE]

THE SECOND RAMADAN PARCEL ARRIVED TODAY

There was a parcel that welcomed me right on the front door [on 6th April 2023] when I arrived home. It was something unexpected as it was still a bit early for my Eid goodie but I was not complaining.

Thanks a lot Puan Zarinamahnum Haji Alias for the parcel. May Allah bless your kind soul and may you be showered with His love and compassion.

 

MY VERY FIRST MOREH SESSION [OUTSIDE] FOR THE FASTING MONTH THIS YEAR

GLOSSARY:

Terawikh: prayers that are done at night, only in the month of Ramadhan, the fasting month.
Moreh: the supper session after the Terawikh prayers.

We had the Iftar Jama'ie [Breaking Fast Together] and Terawikh Prayers at school this evening. Once the programmes were over, it would be the best time to go Moreh at the B-Point restaurant near the school.

One group member who had been promoted and transferred to other school was also there to join the supper session. Guess, Once a Jaafarian Always a Jaafarian.

I wonder this would be this first and the last Moreh session of the year.

MY FIRST TWO EID GREETING CARDS ARRIVED TODAY

The tradition is still alive! Two Eid greeting cards were in my [physical] mail box and I was excited to no end.

The first one was from Puan Sapura Md. Salehan, my ex-Budiman classmate of SMS Muar. While the other one was from Mr. Mohd. Azman Awang, a member of my UPM TESL class of 1993. Thank you my friends for the lovely cards and most importantly, the kind thoughts.

I only managed to write and post a few cards for my friends. I will have to do this by this weekend and that is the KPI I will have to achieve by next Sunday.

MY RANAU GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - PART ONE

  26TH FEBRUARY 2023   ~ When we arrived at the homestay that Sunday evening at 6:00, it was dark and raining. Right after performing our Maghrib prayer, it was time to hunt for dinner. The road from Kilimu Homestay to Ranau small town was a challenge. With low visibility and bad road condition, the search for a restaurant for this hour was already an adventure.

We decided to settle for this Mamak restaurant [called Jamal Salim] that we saw when we reached the small town. At that time, the only food left that went with the rice were the Mutton and Chicken Curry, and fried ladyfinger. We actually wanted to get the Briyani rice but it was already sold out and the dishes were the only food items remaining. Fortunately, the thick and spicy gravy was good enough for us. There were still many people who ate there when we had secured our seats.

I should also be thankful for the non-fussy travel companion cum tour guide food had not been any issue at all during the road trip.

[MY SABAH ROAD TRIP MAIN PAGE]

THE BUFFET BREAKFAST AT SABAH ORIENTAL HOTEL

26TH FEBRUARY 2023 ~ To get breakfast buffet in the hotel stay would always be something to look forward to. We went for the meal that was included in the room purchase at Sabah Oriental Hotel after coming back from the morning market at Gaya Street at about 9:00 a.m.

By the time we arrived, the cafe was occupied by not many people. Guess many had come for breakfast much earlier.

The food was actually something that I would not remember. In other words: not impressive. They also did not have any creamer in the sachets and I had to ask for milk for my coffee and that took a long time to be sent to the table.

We were still thankful for the food as we were ready to continue with our next leg of the trip: Kota Kinabalu - Kundasang - Ranau.

That should also serve as my only gastronomic adventure in Kota Kinabalu. The stay was too short to eat outside and that is another valid reason to make a return trip soon.

[MY SABAH ROAD TRIP MAIN PAGE]

MY FIRST RAMADHAN PARCEL ARRIVED TODAY

The very first Ramadhan parcel was personally delivered to me by the courier guy this afternoon, something which I did not expect to happen.

I got to thank Puan Nik Shariza Yusof, a friend of UPM TESL Class of 1993, for her kind thought and generosity.

May Allah bless her and reward her with excellent health.