(2) Family Gathering: Part 2

If you want to visit Sarawak or Kuching to be specific, to study our culture, you will not getting any by visiting The Spring or other shopping complexes. And yes, Sarawak Cultural Village is a good way to study them, but to me that doesn’t really reflex the reality of our life.







To me our culture is in the heart of our community. Our family gathering is a good example by which reminds us of who we are, in a way to nurture our culture through out generations. I always long for time like this especially by the time I was far away from home. And now that I’m here, I will make the best out of it and enjoy the moment.

Back to the family gathering, the night started with a warm welcome from our relatives. To be honest, I don’t really know their names. City boy! Then we continue with my great grandmother’s brother's birthday. He was born on year 1919 (4D number =P) which make him 91 years old this year. I’m not sure if that night was really the date of his birthday but I’m sure with the year though.

After blowing the candles which surprisingly he is still able to do, he cut the cake. You know how it goes. But the funny thing was during his speech. I hardly listen to most of his speech but it draws attention when he said “Dunia Malaysia”. LOL. That would be the next big thing instead of “1 Malaysia”.

The night goes on with the prayer for those who will be back for their new semester like Regina, Claudia and etc, as I’ve mention in my previous post. After that it was time for dinner! A lot of local cuisines were served. Ayam Pansuh (chiken cooked in bamboo), BBQs, pork cooked with ‘tempoyak’ or durian paste, fish in banana leaf, and even bat! Either than those “exotic” cuisines, there are also other typical cuisines.

Eating in a traditionally decorated venue, it can't get more 'local'. You can't have this in any hotel or any restaurant. A place like no other, I would say. =P


The night was entertained with our karaoke session. My father would probably concur the whole karaoke session if I don’t sing that night. LOL. I sang “I just called to say I love you”. I love that song very much! Don’t worry; the sky was clear that night, no rain.

We went home around 1 am that night and I was force to go to the church the next morning. Mom, I want to sleep!