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.

MY BANDAR PENAWAR GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - PART 2

   16th SEPTEMBER 2026   ~ We had to drive more than 20km for dinner to Dapur Kembar. I had bought a hotel in room in Pengerang and the original plan was actually to stay in Desaru. My gastronomic adventure buddy discovered this place on TikTok so we wanted to give it a try.

When we arrived at about 8:00 p.m. all the tables were taken. We had to wait for quite some time and at one point, we decided to make a move and find another eating place. Then only, people started leaving and we managed to be seated for our meal. Guess people came at that same time for dinner that evening.

The foods ordered were Sate, Fried Rice and Fried Noodles. The portion was big and the food was quite spicy but that was alright for me.

Based on the crowd we met at the restaurant, this could be a popular place among the locals. One place you would consider for a decent dinner in Bandar Penawar.

ATTENDING THE SECOND WEDDING RECEPTION OF THE FAMILY THIS YEAR

Puan Izzati Shafinaz Abdullah, and ex-colleague of SMK Taman Universiti, and her husband who was also a teacher, Mr. Azmi Zainal Abidin, threw the second wedding reception of the family. The first one was done during the Eid month [READ HERE] and this one was for one of the twin boys.

The event was held at the Hall of Masjid Taman Sri Pulai.

I managed to be seated with other ex-colleagues of SMK Taman Universiti.

Congratulations one more time to Puan Izzati on the addition of another new member into the family. Guess there will one more similar event for the family and hopefully she will still remember to invite me.

ATTENDING THE WEDDING RECEPTION OF A NEIGHBOUR

My neighbour got married for the second time after the passing of his wife about two years ago. I was invited to the reception which was held at Casa Cendana Event Hall.

The only people whom I knew were the parents of my ex-students of SMK Dato' Jaafar, who were the friends of the groom.

someone posted this video in the Whatsapp group

I didn't get to take photos with the groom and at the same time, I had to attend another reception right after. I still managed to congratulate him before leaving the wedding venue.