TWO WEDDING RECEPTIONS AT THE NEIGHBOURS' HOUSES IN ONE AFTERNOON

There were two wedding receptions that needed to be attended at neighbours' houses this afternoon.

WEDDING #1

The first one was of the neighbour opposite my house. Guess I had no reason not to attend despite the fact that we were notified only last night.

Thank God there were Surau [small community mosque] goer friends who were also attending the event.

WEDDING #2

The next reception happened four houses away from mine, right beside the Surau.

I just took the kuih [traditional dessert] and watermelon as I didn't think I could eat more. I actually had an upset stomach after that for eating too much.

This should be the very last wedding receptions before fasting starts next Thursday. What a relief!

HAVING LAKSA JOHOR FOR DINNER

   13th FEBRUARY 2026    ~ Mr, Afif Farhan Zolkefli, an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti, invited me out for dinner before the arrival of Ramadhan, the fasting month.

Initially we wanted to eat Yong Tau Fu but there were too many people there and we ended up at this place called Ruma Tengah [TRANSLATE: Middle House]. This was my first time here even though I already knew about the existence of the eating place.

We arrived at the place at about 9:20 p.m. and there were still many people dining in at that particular hour.

Original Taufu Fa

Taufu Fa with Cincau [grass jelly]

The signature dish of Ruma Tengah was its Laksa Johor.

my phone

Afif's phone

The Laksa Johor was commendable and now I know of a new place to take my friends for dinner when they come visiting.

Thanks to Mr. Afif for the time and company. It was good to get to enjoy dinner and keep up with the latest development.

THE SHORT LUNCH SESSION AT RAMADA MERIDIN

We had to hand over the deposit for the school's Hi Tea Reunion that is planned to be held early in May. Hence, a short meeting was held with the person in-charge, and at the same time, a short lunch session took place.

Thanks to Puan Zaliza of Ramada Meridin and Ms. Ezatul Hanim [both my ex-students of SMK Taman Universiti] of the assistance given. Until we meet again for the next meeting which will be after the fasting month.

THE FAREWELL GATHERING FOR A FRIEND IN SCHOOL

I was invited by a colleague to attend a farewell gathering in SMK Dato' Jaafar. Puan Hamidah Johar, a lab assistant, was transferred to a nearby school after having served the school for more than 20 years. This is a policy of the Education Department which I personally do not agree.

At the same time, my colleagues were also celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year. Hence, [almost] everyone was wearing red.

I finally managed to hand over the present for a retired friend, Puan Sim Poh Mun as I could not attend the gathering held for her last year.

It is always great to get to see old friends again in my former school i.e. working place. Hope to be invited again for other gathering [which involves eating] after this.

GETTING MY FIRST BOX OF MANDARIN ORANGES THIS YEAR

Chinese New Year is coming. The festive season is synonymous with mandarin oranges, the fruits that are sold almost everywhere. They are the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Giving a friend or relative oranges is like giving him/her gold.

My first box of oranges was handed over to me today by Puan Lim Swat Pay, the representative of my Chinese friends of SMK Mutiara Rini. Thanks everybody for the kind thought. Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 

THE DINNER SESSION WITH TESL FRIENDS IN KUANTAN AT KASSIM BABA

    25TH JANUARY 2026    ~ After attending the wedding reception of a TESL friend's daughter in Kuantan [READ HERE], a few of us who came from far away places decided to spend the night there.

We decided to get together over dinner with Kuantan people, Puan Aunillah Hilmi [and husband] and Puan Rosnah, and later was joined by another one, Puan Hanita Kassim. The chosen venue was Kassim Baba Restaurant, located somewhere in Teluk Sisek.

It was my second time here. The first one happened two yeas ago [READ HERE].

We had Arab food that evening, which came with variety of meat in the trays.

We left the place before 11:00 p.m. as we needed the rest before another gastronomic adventure that would take place the next morning.