The Principal of two kindergartens (who was an old friend) had a concert to plan. The concert theme was "native dance" so off we flew to The Main Bazaar in Kuching, where native accessories were sold for a song.
We were there for a short visit. On the morning of our departure from Kuching, a black car (photo: right) parked behind us was horribly vandalized.
|  |
"I PARKED LIKE AN IDIOT" was scratched across the driver's door. On the bonnet of the car, the word "ASSHOLE!" was clearly seen. The Principal (who thinks on her feet) whipped out her cellphone to start shooting and we may thank her for the above photo.
The vandalized car, which was parked overnight had occupied about a third of the exit ramp from the hotel. This must have annoyed the vandal(s). The car owner/driver looked like a native in his mid-fifties. He appeared dazed as he answered the few questions issued by the police.
On Day 1, we drove around the city in a hired car so that The Principal could get a feel of the place. At the Sara Spice outlet, we picked up packages of peppers for distribution back home. Lunch was on Broasted Chicken at Sugar Bun where giant garoupas were heavily promoted. That dealt with, we drove to Damai Beach and the Sarawak Cultural Village. The former had been pleasantly renovated since the last time we were there, while the latter was closed due to renovation works for the forthcoming Rainforest World Music Festival. We had an unpleasant seafood dinner at Buntal and returned to Kuching via Matang.
|
On Day 2, after a kampua mee breakfast at the Foo Chow Cafe, we picked up dried foodstuff at Jalan Padungan before spending half the day at the Main Bazaar where The Principal had the time of her life. We picked up some dried shrimp and kacangma at Teo Hoe Hin Enterprise before lunching on roast duck. It was hot and humid after lunch so we retired to the hotel for our afternoon naps. In the evening, we dined at Top Spot Seafood Center before taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade. The revelry at the promenade was in preparation for the forthcoming Rainforest World Music Festival. Several local dances and music were performed. Mira Cake House, known for their myriad selection of kek lapis had a little stall standing at the promenade. Near the Dewan Undangan Building, a spectacular light and fire show was going on by the S-Bridge, so designed as inspired by the meandering rivers of Sarawak.
Sarawak Laksa at Choon Hui Cafe as recommended by Anthony Bourdain was a good start for Day 3. We ordered two fresh spring rolls which turned out to be just as delicious.
After breakfast, we drove to the Satok Market at Kubah Ria. Local produce, some of which we've never seen before were offered for sale. |
|
|
I had thought of planting these in my garden but the thought perished when I discovered that the 8 meter high palm tree grew in the swamp. Also, the fruit can only be produced if the male and female plant are near each other.
|
The SEMENGGOK WILD LIFE CENTER was next in our agenda. The feeding time was 3 pm so after checking out, and all that excitement with the vandalized vehicle (see above) we had a hurried lunch of kolo mee before hitting the road for the wildlife center.
While watching the orang utans feast on bananas and coconuts, we chatted with Mel, a young lad from Melbourne. He was here with his family, his parents, as well as his brother's family. There were eight of them and they arrived at the wildlife center with a local guide in a van.
Twenty years ago, Mel's parents had lived with the Ibans in a longhouse. It had been their lifelong dream to share this experience with their two sons. |
|
It was hot and humid at the center and we were glad to leave it for the airport. I had had an eventful trip and was glad to share the Kuching I knew with an old friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment