Confined due to Bad Weather.

Hari Raya Open House was all over and we spent the weekend at Casa Tropicana. It was unfortunate that Klang Valley is experiencing a wet weather and thunderstorm during late evening.

It was raining outside and the children were disappointed as they could not dip into the swimming pool.

Let’s relax and watch TV.

Grandma was busy feeding the kids with durian, lemang (barbequed glutinous rice in bamboo) and rendang. Cool weather give good appetite.

They always look forward for weekend and hope the weather is favorable.

Aidilfitri 2015 Open House.

It was just a simple do. 07 August 2015, being Sunday there were several wedding and Open Houses nearby. It was impromptu anyway, only decided late Friday evening.

The invited lists were close friends, neighbors and my daughter’s acquaintance. The dishes were simple - mee rebus, nasi himpit, lemang, kuah kacang and rendang ayam. The desert was rambutan and grapes. We had teh tarik, teh O and light syrup for drinks.

Youngest guest was three (3) month old Aina Maisarah Mokhdzar.

The last guest walked out at 2200 hrs. It was the simplest Open House compared to previous Aidilfitri.  The family was glad that the Guests took time off to attend and we enjoyed having children in the house.   

Shocking Choice.

Sometimes in 1999, SIRIM nominated my name to Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd for me to attend the Meeting of ISO 1400 at Washington DC. It was in the month of Ramadan and I was wondering how I was going to “iftar” and “sahor” in a Hotel in Washington DC.

I had to make my own preparation including the Hotel booking. Browsed the internet and I picked Hays Adam Hotel in Washington DC which was a walking distance to the Building where the ISO 1400 Meeting was held.

Arrived at the Hotel and I was shocked that the White House was my neighbor. The Hotel was built in 1928 five star and of Italian Renaissance style. The Hotel slogan: WHERE NOTHING IS OVERLOOKED BUT THE WHITE HOUSE. Only a Park separated Hay Adam and the White House. In front of the Hotel is the Church where the US President attends Sunday mass. I was all alone in the huge antique room and at night, I could not sleep that well as the cracking sound of the steam heater intermittently awakened my slumber. The Hotel still maintains its originality of antique steam heating system rather than electric. I kept the light on as I felt very eerie. Later on I found out the Hotel is really haunted.

On my last night I was joined by my American counterpart, Dean Chirempes from Tucson Arizona. In the morning we had our breakfast and to my astonishment he told me we were having breakfast surrounded by the US Senators and Congressman. Even the Prime Minister of Malaysia do not have that opportunity. They were residing at the same Hotel attending their business at the Capitol. They must be wondering who the hell this little fellow.

At times, I wonder and how on earth this simple kampong boy could attend a meeting in Washington DC and stay under the same roof with the US Senators and Congressman.

It was a shocking choice but worth the memory. My Ramadan during that period went haywire.    

Hari Raya Open House 2015.

I like the concept of Jalan Melikai Rukun Tetangga Hari Raya Open House of which I was invited. Each night after Isyakh on weekend or date designated, three (3) houses would organize an Open House. All are invited in group visiting from one house to another. By midnight it is all over. This concept would allow collective gathering. That’s the idea of Aidilfitri. Selawat and doa selamat would precede the function and follow with the simple “juadah” prepared by the Host.

Ariffin Shariff’s  grandson was very excited that a big crowd was celebrating his 4^th. Birthday.

At the end of the day we get to meet and greet each and everyone and wishing Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir dan batin.