Aisha was invited to her friends' house to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. If you are wondering who is Aisha, it's time that you keep yourself updated with my blog. (Aisha = Angeline)
My coursemates invited me to their houses on the first day of Hari Raya, my first Hari Raya celebration for the past 24 years. Natually, I was super enthusiastic and looking forward to it for the entire week.
The first stop was Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, Satimah's house. I made a detour to pick up Hannah at her place before driving over. We reached promptly at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. The moment the lift door opened, we were greeted by Satimah's hubby and brother. It just happened that her house is next to the lift and the family laid a carpet and a mat on the ground for the celebration. They had cornered the area in front of their front door all the way to the lift! Aisha hopes that it is legal.
Hannah and I were introduced to the rest of her family members. When Satimah introduced me to her mother, she held out her hand at me and I don't know why I took it and 'salam' her. *scratch head*
After that, Satimah urged us to get food. That was exactly what I look forward to. On display, there were 'Ketupat', 'Bagedel', 'Mutton Rendang ', 'Sambal Prawns', 'Vegetables Curry', 'Ayam Percik', 'Kuihs', 'Pulut Lepa' and some other side dishes whose name I am unsure of. I took a small portion of most dishes and settled myself comfortably on the couch before attacking the food. I must really learn how to cook from Satimah and her mother. THE FOOD WAS SUPER YUMMY-LICIOUS! Ultimately, I couldn't resist the temptation of taking a second helping to some of my favourites, like 'Bagedel' and 'Mutton Rendang'.
Ayam Goreng
Ayam Percik
Ketupat
Mutton Rendang
Pulut Lepa
Kuihs
No gambling activites took place at the celebration, unlike the Chinese New Year, which is always filled with 'Huat ah!' thoroughout the day. It was more like a gathering for friends and family members. We 'makan', chit chat, took photos, expressed worries for coming assignment, complained about lecturers, watched Mr Bean on Disney Channel, more 'makan', toured the hubby's workshop in one of the rooms, sat down and 'makan' more kuihs. DAMN! I am so going to hit the gym soon.
After 2 hours, the trio decided to head to Hannah's house. FINALLY! We were too comfortable on the couch to move our arses. Ha! Before I forgot, this was also my first time giving 'green' packets to children, one each to Satimah's two daughters and one for Satimah's nephew. According to Malay customs, a person is eligible to give 'green' packets once he/she started working, even though the person is not married. Now, I enjoy being a Chinese.
Next stop is Choa Chu Kang Central. It was about a 5 minutes drive from Satimah's house. We were quite taken aback when we saw the house full of relatives. I was feeling a bit out of place, because I was the only Chinese there. This time around, Hannah did the introduction and her younger niece asked for my hand to 'salam'. *scratch head again*
When we were seated comfortably on Hannah's BIG sofa, her mother walked over and invited us to eat (AGAIN) !!! Out of politeness, I joined Satimah and Hannah at the table. I took sparingly from the dishes. Hm, I observed that the dishes were similar. There were 'Mutton Rendang', 'Ketupat', 'Vegetable Curry', 'Sambal Prawns', 'Bagedel', 'Ayam Goreng', 'Kuihs' and 'Pulut Lepa'. I tried a bit from some of the dishes and concluded that they tasted somewhat the same. Ha!
After the 'makan' session, we went to Hannah's room to continue our chit chat. We were in there for about one hour before we heard more relatives flooding into Hannah's house. Right! Time to go!
That marked the end of my Hari Raya celebration.
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