THE KIWI PICKING TRIP IN XI'AN

 

   3rd SEPTEMBER 2026    ~ People always associate kiwi [the fruit] with New Zealand. Someone told me Kiwi actually originated from China. After picking grapes, the tour group was then taken to the kiwi orchard.

Upon arrival, we first had our prepacked lunch in the warehouse as that was the only place available. We were all happy to at least have a place to sit down and enjoy our meal. And there was also a sink and pipe water nearby.

We made our way into the orchard/farm and it was not an easy task for a tall person like me. The plants were shorter and therefore I had to bend down all the time to avoid my head being tangled by the branches and leaves.

We had to pick and choose our own kiwi that we wanted to buy and bring home.

One could either weigh the fruit or get a special box with a compartment for better storage of the kiwi that had been picked earlier. if you wish to take home, the latter method would be advisable as the kiwi could be safe from being crushed in your luggage.

Another tip was to choose the not-so-ripe fruits to guarantee they would last longer.

The bus was now filled with bags and boxes of grapes and kiwis. Another trip in the itinerary that had made everyone happy.

MY BANDAR PENAWAR GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - PART 3

  17TH SEPTEMBER 2026   ~ The gastronomic adventure in Bandar Penawar on the second day started early. We took the breakfast package in Amerald Hotel as it was cheaper when in came together with the room.

We went down to the cafe at about 7:30 a.m. and surprisingly we were among the early birds.

The food variety was suffice and we were happy with the morning meal. I always try to take the breakfast package when staying in a hotel especially when it is worth the price.

THE GRAPES PICKING TRIP IN XI'AN

   3RD SEPTEMBER 2026   ~ After a good night's sleep, everyone was rejuvenated and excited to embark on an unusual trip that not many people had done in Xi'an, China. We were taken to the vineyard to pick the grapes.

Upon arrival, we were first served with fresh grapes from the orchard. There were three types of grapes and they were all super sweet.

After that, we were given a basket and a pair of scissors so that we could pick all the grapes that we wanted and brought back but we still had to pay for them.

The sight of the grapes hanging from the branches was something spectacular.

I did not know picking grapes could give so much joy to all of the group members.

We left the vineyard feeling happy and with hands carrying plastic bags filled with grapes. This could be a once in a lifetime experience and we will only be eating the grapes from the supermarket after this.

FOOTNOTE: I brought home some grapes and had to be eaten immediately as they seemed to get rotten quickly. It could be the heat and especially when the initially fresh fruits had to travel long hours from China to reach home.