I stepped out of my comfort zone by fulfilling an out-of-town invitation for the Eid Mubarak festival. Even though I had no idea where Banting was, I decided to chance it. I brought my “bosom-buddy” Molly along since we missed our last dinner date and this would be a good one to catch up.
The journey shouldn’t have been that long but yours truly relied on an unreliable GPS that had me end up on a trunk road instead adding more than 2/3 of additional mileage to the journey. I was supposed to go north but I traveled south instead and then had to make my up all over again amidst pockets of traffic jams after realizing the mistake. Thank goodness I brought along my buddy as we chatted about philosophy, religions, and personal spiritual growth. The journey was so long that we had to make pit stops for toilet breaks and snacks!
The host, Sabba is my colleague. We have worked together since 2000 and the house, or more of her mom’s house, was a concrete abode built on a former wooden stilted house where Sabba was born and had spent her childhood. It was smacked in the middle of an expansive oil palm plantation. I thought it was the most perfectly peaceful place where I could be spending my retired days. I would take early morning walks among the palm trees and would even likely meditate in the middle of it! I would also plant lots of herbs and fruit trees (particularly papayas, mangoes, and bananas). In the evenings, I would write or read a book and cook simple but healthy meals. To be realistic, I would also need a 4-wheel drive, air-conditioning, my hi-fi set, and a home gym! So nice to just fantasize!
We were served ketupat with chicken rending curry and the most deliciously prepared dark spicy beef (“Daging Masak Hitam” recipe here but differs slightly from Sabba’s) that at this writing, I am still salivating just thinking of it. After that, we sampled an assortment of cookies and cakes from traditional to modern. Delectable.
It was also an experience to meet up with Sabba’s mother who had anticipated our arrival. She chatted with Molly and me but we couldn’t comprehend what she was saying most of the time because she didn’t have her dentures on. Sabba had to step in and be the interpreter!
Sabba’s Mom was a masseur who was in demand in their community. People from neighboring towns or even states would go to her with their ailments but her specialty was working with women who had just given birth and to prevent any future ailments. She has since retired from her profession and is now in her early eighties.
Before we left, we took another short tour around the vicinity before being given packs of ketupat with the accompanying curries to bring home to our families – a typical practice that was popular amongst the ‘old’ Malayans/Malaysians on thanking their guests at such events. Of course, this gesture has long diminished especially amongst the younger generations.
Despite an almost 6 plus hours on the road, I think the day was well spent. I got to experience a little bit of the kampong life that I have always been fascinated with.
Above:
The viewdDriving into Sabba’s “Kampong” (village).
View from the main door of the house. On the left is Sabba’s older brother’s house.
Sabba’s older sister at one stage sold fried banana fritters at the makeshift stall on the right. A new proprietor will sell fresh sugar cane juice after the holidays.
The girls getting acquainted behind Sabba’s mom’s house.
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