We decided to go to Pulau Pinang for our honeymoon, because we didn’t want to go very far (and spend very much). The wedding took the life out of us that we just wanted to go somewhere we can relax – the process of getting there shouldn’t be a life journey in itself. haha. So the criteria was:

• avoid long transits
• lengthy flights
• accessible through Changi Airport
• cheap
• good weather (not cold)
• home of Natalie Tang Choot

So Penang it is! haha. Those who have been reading this blog for a long time are likely familiar with her name. She’s one my longest and dearest friends from school in Melbourne and often made a cameo in my writings because of her “quotable” personality hahaha.

Penang was wonderful. Kind of like Europe on a budget thanks to its colonial charms. Matt and i enjoyed wandering through the streets of Georgetown, it kinda felt like we were transported back in time, every corner was a storied past..macam visiting my grandfather’s house.

One of the trip’s highlight was also our visit to the Pramlee house. Sharing this experience with Matt, who appreciated the museum as much as I did, was truly special. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. Natalie and Pris, ever the gracious hosts, guided us through the local culinary and attractions and we went home with a suitcase full of nutmeg oil,kacang tumbuk and kitsch souveneirs.

the trip fullfilled every expectation of a honeymoon, truly a core memory unlocked.

kiss me.

Tedapot bah ia lagu zombie ah di perayaan ah. Taun 2024 bah ia tedapat ah. Kali dialam atu theme nya lagu terpaling klasik. 

We went out to bandar last night to catch the perayaan. I owe it to Matt cause I didn’t bring him to see it last year  – and he’s still pissed off about it.I guess I can understand where he’s coming from in view that he hasn’t been home to celebrate in over 10 years. 

For me, I never felt like I was missing out if I didnt go, this is because growing up it wasn’t something that my family was excited about.  I think the perayaan kinda lost its appeal when they got rid of the tanglong (night parade).  I only had my first sutung tutuk a few years ago and while it wasn’t life changing , I can appreciate its sentimental value and how much it resonates with Bruneians.

I’ve only also ever heard stories about the perayaan from friends in school. It was probably better then cause I remember a classmate proudly rocking up to agama school with autographs of band members from AtoZ. I also heard that they played alot of dangdut.. from these stories dalam kepala ku perayaan ani mcm happening banar lah. 

Fuelled by the nostalgic stories,  I ventured to the perayaan hoping to experience the ‘excitement’ my schoolmates raved all those years ago.  

And of course I was disappointed. Hahaha.I wasn’t expecting not to. 

It was just rows upon rows of vendors selling the same stuff and what I imagined to be a hardcore dangdut rave was replaced by a tamer family crowd of 2 waiting for someone to come on stage and sing on the dingy sound system.. it may as well be a karaoke machine 🙁  but it’s ok while it wasn’t what I had built up in my head,  there was a certain charm to the whole festivities. I was happy to be there but also at the same time I felt a tinge of sadness.  I’ve seen the creativity of Bruneians on my social media feed.. it’s all on social media. It would be amazing to seem some of that energy reflected in the festivities. But I could also be wrong kali, maybe the perayaan isn’t the channel for it. Maybe unlike me others are ok to have it the way it is. 

Oh well.

Back to work on Saturday. 

Kiss me.