Bye Bye Blackbird

It was a stormy day; I was driving past Gua Musang and approaching the Central Spine Road. We were on our way home; home is Kuala Lumpur. We went on the KB-KK Highway, Kelantan's only highway. We exited at Ketereh, not much of a highway but it made a difference. We then passed Ketereh, the road was inundated with water, but not enough to cause serious flooding. We were looking for a place to have breakfast. My mother decided not to stop. So, we proceeded passing Machang. The journey continues.

After much deliberation we decided to stop in Kuala Kerai, for the mutton curry with naan bread. It's situated at this Pasar Tanu Kekal (permanent farmer's market). The naan bread was nice and fluffy, and the curry was absolutely delicious. My mother decided to pack some to bring home. My mother is in much better shape. Previous trip she was quite poorly that we had to break journey. This time she was enjoying the journey and she did not react badly to the food as she normally would.

We took our time, enjoying breakfast with intention not to stop for lunch as nothing else along the way is comparable to the mutton curry and naan bread.

We then went on our way. We drove on towards Gua Musang. There's very little civilisation between Kuala Kerai and Gua Musang, a fact that disturbs me as planning for what to do next for Kelantan is part of my responsibility.

It was a long stretch of nothingness. Some scattering of stalls selling their wares and produce like petai (stink beans, and yes it stinks!) Compared to the West Coast, nothing much is on offer for travellers. Normally my father would reminisce. Gua Musang was one of his first posting as a very raw 2nd Lieutenant fresh out of the Royal Military College. That was in 1961 or 1962. And what is surprising? Over 60 years has passed and yet according to my father, nothing much has changed. The jungle remains thick. Connectivity remains poor. And there's not much development approaching Gua Musang.

My father was based around Gunung Tahan and Gunung Korbu. His camp was at Sungai Yai. And using satellite photos, nothing has changed.

I digress. As we proceeded past Gua Musang we needed to stop at a petrol station. Petrol stations in Malaysia, especially at or near highways have nearly everything. So, we stopped to use the facilities and as I walked towards the car, I noticed my father holding a dead bird. What he said next surprised me.

He said he found the bird stuck at the car grill. Apparently as we made our way I must have banged into the bird. The bird was in good condition, just dead. Not a bad feat hitting a bird. It could have died of a heart attack.

I couldn't take a photo of it though as my father has removed it. Instead, I'll just post a video of the song Bye Bye Blackbird.

After seeing that I killed the bird, I just needed to pay a tribute to it. I've never killed a bird before, not even a chicken nor a cat. So, Bye Bye Blackbird.