I am off to Jakarta. Again??

The last time I was in Jakarta, it was last year, for a relative’s wedding. I had fun back then, learning about the different wedding culture and tradition. The food they serve at the wedding slightly differs from what we serve here in our Malay weddings. In Jakarta, all the guests would have to queue to greet the bride, bridegroom and their respective families on stage, wish them happiness yada yada yada. Once the couple makes a grand entrance on the red carpet, everyone will be on standby mode to go up the stage. We, coming from PJ were practically at lost during that special event until my uncle who resides from Jakarta said "quick lets stand right in front so we can be the first few ones to wish them" and also be the first few ones to eat right after that…haha! True enough…we were the first to eat…Terukkan all of us? when it comes to food, semua jalan!

Food prepared is something like our normal buffet spread however without the normal tables for guests to sit, eat and gossip. You are expected to stand and mingle with the rest of the people. Food is in abundance and it is spread out and in a way that everyone is expected to stand and move from one table to another. For those who need to sit, you will have to look around for empty seats probably located at the corner of the ballroom.

This time round, I am heading for another wedding. Yes again! I am expecting the same thingy but then again it depends coz the last time we went the groom was from Bandung, so there was some elements of “Sundanese” culture and tradition in the ceremony. This time, it is our side, so more of the “Mandaling” culture I think. Will update with pictures when I am back.

Till then, have a good week all!

pic courtesy of www.fundraw.com

Mama..

Today is my arwah mother’s birthday, if she had lived, she would be 70 this year. Another year, another birthday but memories of her are still fresh in my mind and I still miss her more and more. It’s been a year and a half since she left us. The slight thought of her makes me all teary eyed. There are times when I just cannot believe that I am going thru life without her and most importantly without her love, guidance and wisdom. The toughest is going to places that reminded me so much of her and it makes me feel lost. Even now when I am heading for a change in my life, she is not there to see me through it. I know she will be happy if she is still around, I hope I will be like her – strong in many ways. She is very strong in facing any challenges in life.

What can say, losing a mom is never easy, but that is ketentuan Illahi, yang hidup pasti akan mati, and as a daughter, I am glad and thankful that my mother was always there for me, “Semoga rohnya sentiasa dicucuri Rahmat dan ditempatkan bersama orang yang beriman”.

Al-fatihah.

Happy Birthday Ma! I love you.

Another escapade.......Penang!

lil niece trying out her swimming skills..hehe

the swimming pool on the rooftop..the breathtaking view of the sea

from the penang bridge

We decided to spend our weekend in Penang last night. We drove there on Saturday after Subuh and reached there at noon, had a good session of food binging with Penang being famous for its nasi kandar, char kuey teow and seafood. I simply love Batu Ferringhi, love the cooling breeze and amazing scenery.