THAIPUSAM HOLIDAY WELL SPENT

We are so fortunate to live in a multiracial country like Malaysia because there are many festivals that are declared as public holidays for everybody. It was actually the second public holiday for this year in January (last week it was Hari Hol) and I needed to get something for my friends celebrating Chinese New Year. So, accompanied by a friend/colleague, we headed to Simpang Renggam. All this while I heard about this place from other people but today I discovered the shop selling Malay traditional cookies, crackers, etc. Although it was about a 45-minutes drive, it was worth the effort.








The next stop was my favourite pottery outlet in Machap but I did not take any photos there. After that, as these places were close to each other, we went to the ever famous ceramic town of Malaysia/Johor, Air Hitam - just to have a look and to introduce Mr. Hamzah of what it has to offer.











There were a variety of items on sale, from food to house accessories - a definite shopping heaven for women. You don't have now to go to far away places to get house decors from Indonesia or Sarawak, they were all there. No wonder people still visit Air Hitam despite the fact that people have to detour on the highway either to the north or south.

I got the things I was looking for and I was happy for it. Thanks to Mr. Hamzah for accompanying me this time. Hope you would know where to go to in case you need to get some specific things from these places.

BLOGGING FROM AIR HITAM

informal meeting at KFC

Pn. Siti Zubaidah of TIGS Batu Pahat

with Mr. Arif, the generous one

I was back in Air Hitam for the continuation of the meeting. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy - so, there were social gatherings held in the evening after the formal meeting. The first one was held in KFC Parit Raja, a meeting with a group of teachers whom I used to meet from another formal event. Thanks to Mr. Arif for the treat.

another teh tarik session with Dr. Md. Som, again

Then later in the evening, I had another teh tarik session at a "mamak" restaurant with an ex-classmate, Dr. Md. Som, again. This is an achievement for me to see him twice in about two weeks time after all the years.

JB - BATU PAHAT - AIR HITAM - JB

I had to go to Batu Pahat for an official assignment. I asked Zahari, an ex-student, to tag along as he was having his semester break and had nothing to do at home. After the mission was accomplished, off we went to a few places along the way home.

stopped for lunch at a nasi beriyani shop in Peserai

outside and inside Pacific Mall Batu Pahat

After lunch, we went to the newest shopping complex in Batu Pahat. Tried to catch a movie, but we were not allowed entry because there were no other people watching that particular film. We tried again for another movie, and we got the same answer. There should be at least five people watching then only they would show.

at Clay Tan factory outlet in Air Hitam

Then, we stopped at the small town of Air Hitam because I needed to buy a few things. Air Hitam is well-known for its pottery and ceramic products as well as traditional home-made food prepared by the villagers. Before the completion of the North-South Highway, it was a lively place. Express buses, lorries and travelling people would stop here as the town was located in the middle of the route. Back then, there were not that many eating places operating 24-hours so people did not have much choice.

flowers, flowers, all around...

And before heading home, we stopped at Machap R&R. We had the Big Apple Donuts bought earlier at the mall, which was my first time. MY REVIEW: the doughnuts were too soft, it was almost like a piece of bread, unlike Dunkin Donut or Krispy Kreme. I guess it was not my cup of tea. However, the the toppings and fillings come in variety of colours and flavours , so the temptation is quite strong. The look can be deceiving though. Oh now I am even doing food review in my blog.

enjoying Big Apple Donut at Machap R&R

Thanks to Zahari for being a good company, and a good navigator cum photographer indeed. I did not feel asleep at all while driving all the way to and fro. Maybe we will go and catch another movie another time.