My parents were with me for the Aidil Adha. For that few days it was bliss having home cooked meal. Instead of my various attempts. We discovered a few things more about Kota Bharu. Aidil Adha was on Thursday. My father and I went to the mosque nearby. Prayers begin at 8.15 am. We were unsure of the crowd, so we were there by 7.30. By 10.00 am prayers were over. We noticed the first thing. Back home after prayers the mosque will normally serve a spread to fete the congregation. It's tradition that the community will celebrate Hari Raya at the mosque before we go to our individual homes.
The next thing we noticed was that the mosque didn't do any sacrifice. At home, sacrifices, normally cows, are performed at and by the mosque. They will announce how many will be sacrificed and the work schedule. Here sacrifices are more personal in nature, performed by families and the community, not at the mosque. We also noticed that compared to the fervour for Takbir Hari Raya back home, the congregation was less enthused here.
We went back to the apartment and had a scrumptious meal that we purchased the day before. After a short rest we decided to take a drive and we then discovered the third thing. Practically everything was close. Malls. KFC, Mc Donalds, supermarkets, restaurants, everything. We drove to Pantai Sri Tujuh in Tumpat, it's by the beach and surprise of surprise, everything was close. When we returned the only shop, we saw opened was Bold Lab Cafe.
It was a saving grace as I decided to meet with a dear old friend from college. We enjoyed my favourite brew, Flat White. We saw that they had a full menu with delicious looking desserts. Most impressive.
The next day was Friday. We went for Friday Prayers and again a little concerned with traffic, my father and I went to the mosque by 12.30. We were early again. And many have not arrived. Then we went to Tanah Merah to pay a visit to my late uncle's widow. His brother's house was there. It was a nice road trip driving my new car. Oh, did I tell the story that I've got a new car? I bought a red Perodua Ativa. Let me find a photo and share it here.
It rides really well. I still have my BMW X1 but this car continues to surprise me. Its features are amazing, and I am very happy how the light illuminates. I consider my move Marie Kondoing (https://konmari.com/) myself. The BMW is left back home. My parents use them now. I am pleased with the Ativa. And does it pack a punch!
Okay on the drive to Tanah Merah, many shops were still closed but many were now open. And driving was most pleasant. My parents enjoyed the comfortable ride. My mother sat at the back. She enjoyed the comfort and the space. And I was enjoying the drive. Almost effortless and comparable to the X1. Surprise, surprise.
The next day was a Saturday. We decided to break our journey in Kuala Terengganu staying at Duyong Marina Resort. We then discovered our next surprise. A journey from KB to KT that would normall take 3 hours took over 9 hours. We had to leave late as I had to attend an invitation by Menteri Besar Kelantan, it was Aidil Adha cum kenduri for his daughter. His 10th child apparently out of 12. My parents and I were greeted and feted like VIPs and we took a photo with the MB. His home is in Wakaf Bharu. His personal home, not his official home.
We left by 1.00 pm and we arrived by 8.30 pm or was it 9.00? Along the way we stopped at Nik Celup Tepung. It's new. Just opened 2 months ago. Food's great and service is amazing. Everyone's nice and friendly. I encourage everyone to visit them.
By that time all I was looking forward to was shelter and bed. It was raining heavily by that time. The rooms were chalets, and it had a strange design. While one room had sheltered walkway, the other exposed us to the elements. My mother shared her room with her foster sister, I shared with my father.
The next day we had breakfast at the resort. Stupendous view of the Draw Bridge of the project site that did not happen, the Akuapolitan Kuala Nerus. Breakfast was good. We checked out and first stopped by at the traditional boat builder in Pulau Duyong.
Next, we went to Pasar Payang, a key tourist attraction in Kuala Terengganu. My mother has never been there. So, we took a long walk. Parking was filled to the brim.
Fresh food, dried food, clothes, jewelry, food stalls, they have everything here in addition to an iconic view of the Draw Bridge.
We finally left for KL at 12.00 pm. What time did we arrive in KL? We arrived after midnight. Here was where I wanted to rant and rave.
The traffic was inching away driving an average of 20km/h. We changed drivers 3 times. Yes, my 82-year-old father can still drive. The cause of the jam is definitely the toll plazas. They need to find a better alternative instead of using gantries that slows everything down. The R&R can be improved. The Petronas Service Station after the toll booth ran out of water. Queue for the lady's restroom stretched long. While there were queues here, the traffic continued to be long and slow. But I don't want to talk about that. What do I want to talk about? About beautiful Malaysians.
Everyone was on the edge. Everyone had sore posteriors. Everyone was tired. Majority needed to work the next day. But it was amazing. People can still crack a smile to one another. There wasn't the sound of a horn being hooted in anger. Nobody overtook unnecessarily. There was no dangerous driving. Nobody lost their temper. Everywhere everyone queued in an orderly manner. Deep down I had major issues that I am facing yet I had time to marvel at the wonders that are Malaysians. At that time and now I burst with pride being a Malaysian, being part of this wondrous nation. We have challenges but I won't change anything for the world.
There were no fender benders, there were no major accidents. It was amazing. I had to drive to Putrajaya to attend a meeting the next day (the meeting was postponed) but I still managed to have a fruitful day with a series of discussion. Things were caving in for me, but I am glad people especially my parents still have my back. Still managed to make the day for some people even with the challenges I am facing.
I had a good talk with a dear friend, a former colleague that is more like a brother to me. That helped a lot. Today I have a meeting in Tok Bali, waiting for my ride to take me to the meeting. I am tired, my eyes feel like closing but I am still feeling great despite the overwhelming situation. Thank you for reading.
Drop me a note if you want me to talk on other subjects. Just remember this as the world caves in it opens up a view of the wondrous sky. Have a great day today.
![Joie de vivre [zhwaduh-vee-vruh]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/98d927_9bd54ac5248843daac7bd16909b74bda~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_216,h_216,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/98d927_9bd54ac5248843daac7bd16909b74bda~mv2.png)
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