I just came back from my trip last night. Even though it was just a trip to the neighbouring country - Malaysia, this trip was totally revolutionary and enjoyable. There was intense family bonding throughout the entire time there and I really really really had so much fun!
In about 5 days, I went to KL, Ipoh, Karak (A small town in Pahang) and Genting! Food was superb and most importantly - cheap! 10 adults can enjoy a seafood banquet for RM 200++, that's roughly 100++ Sing dollars.
I brought along Amy Tan's book - Opposite of Fate to read on the car and I'm really glad that I did because the book triggered lots of emotions because of its thought provoking write-ups. I can't wait to share but I have 10% more to go. Will do a book review then.
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I went to visit quite a number of "caves" at Ipoh. These caves were formed naturally and are truly beautiful, especially with all the paintings by various artists on the wall, depicting the Buddhist faith.
At this particular cave, I saw that we could pray for a divine lot, that is, you ask for guidance or advice from the Gods about something, then you'll have to shake this container of lots (chopsticks-like) and eventually the one that drops out of it, would be his answer. Then you would proceed to the counter where they'll match the number on the lot to the number on a sheet of paper that bears the answer.
So that's why I did. Pretty much out of curiosity. I'm not a believer but I went with a sincere heart and respect. And bingo!
I asked about my future because at this point of time, I cannot really decide what to do in my life. And guessed what!!!!! I cannot believe my eyes when my cousin read out what was written on the paper (it was in Chinese) - it says something like a pair of birds are chirping outside your door because they know something good is on its way. and that when i ride on a horse, there'll be no obstacles that would be of hinderance to me and I can see things a million miles away!
Imgaine my joy!
Of course I was trying to figure out the logic behind all these -could it be chance? could it be probability? could it be that they wrote general things that is applicable to many other aspects?
But after thinking about it, I decided to take it as a pinch of salt and be happy that I've gotten a "shang shang" lot. Right now I'm trying not to "indulge" in it, but it's more of an assurance for me at this point of time.
So lets wait and see the mysteries of tomorrow unfold before our very eyes!
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I was in the car from Ipoh to Karak when I asked my cousin how long more do we have before we can reach and he told me that we'll have to travel for another hour to reach home.
The word "home" surprised me and got me thinking pretty hard about what that word means. No I'm not echo-ing some national day speech by the minister, but rather, what "home" really means to me - is my home the house that I currently resides or the place where my dad was born and bred? On one hand it makes sense that it should be where I'm staying right now and of course, here in sg, but on the other hand, since my dad was from Karak, and as his daughter, in a way, my "home" (where I "originated") should be at karak too?
I know I sound pretty confused, but you get what I mean?
I feel for Karak, not because of the buildings, the place because I didn't grow up there. I feel for Karak because of the people, mainly my relatives and many fond memories. I feel for Karak as a "home" because of my relatives' hospitability and I really appreciate the fact that they are unassuming.
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During this trip, I witnessed a few occasions in which my younger sister (no longer 'little') throwing tantrums and being petty over the slightest issue. Despite being totally irritated at her childish-ness, I see myself in her. Of course a very large part of me is secretly hoping that it's no longer so.
Seeing her behave in this manner just reminded me how a spoilt and irritating brat I was, ever so inconsiderate and childish. But of course, my parents, my elder sister, my uncle (late) and my cousins are ever so tolerant. I never got screamed at for losing my temper. That is how much they all loved me.
And I really grew up being guilty about who I WAS.
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My family and I went for two banquets in those 6 days - 1 at Ipoh, the other at Karak (Bentong actually). The former was for the bride's relatives and the latter, for the groom's (my cousin) relative. Of course I have no complaints because there were so much good food!
Anyway my dad got drunk during the second banquet. I guessed he was too happy to re-unite with his childhood friends back at his hometown and afterall, it was an occasion to rejoice - my eldest cousin married his girlfriend of 5 years.
I was trying to stop him from drinking so much because he was sort of making a fool of himself (he went up the stage to sing a song and danced along. Having ktv sessions at banquets are something that's very new to me, but apparently it's quite common in Malaysia.) When we finally dragged him out of the restaurant, he was in pretty bad shape, though he could still walk on his own.
When we reached back (my cousin had to drive my dad's car - of course my dad forbids me to drive his 2 months old Mazda 6), he puked out all the food and all. While he was sitting at the front yard (in Malaysia, the houses are quite big because land is cheap), he started tearing.
Of course actually he didn't even need to spell out what trigger the tears - he told me that he was both happy and sad. Happy about the occasion, sad that my uncle (late) could not be here. It was afterall, the wedding of his eldest son, the one he doted on most.
The mention of my late uncle could instantly bring tears to our eyes. And it did. But we all have to try to regain our composure before our aunt comes back. (she was in another car)
Although it's been 1 year plus since his death back in Jan 2003, our memories of him are still very fresh in our minds. I've always feel that he had sort of gone for a long long trip but would be back someday. I wish he is still alive today. I longed to tell him how much I've matured, and would not throw tantrums like how I did in the past. I longed to tell him that I enjoyed going back to Karak with the rest of my family. (I used to dread it when I was younger because I viewed such trips as taking me away from my beloved pc, mIRC, friends..)
If only he is alive today to hear me say all these..
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