15-Aug-2019
So begins Part 4 of the year.
Part 1 was focused on preparing, applying, and waiting for MM2H. Part 2 was taken up with our trip to the UK. Part 3 was The Journey.
But now we're entering a new phase. We're embarking on a new normal, a new routine; we're settling into a new place-to-be-when-we're-not-travelling.
Hence the "Kuching diary" designation.
Earlier in the year, Kuching was the backdrop to our unfolding OE. Now it's going to take centre-stage as the fixed point of our everyday lives.
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life... And I'm feeling -- BOOM, de BOOM, de BOOM, de BOOM -- feeling good...
Thanks to a happy accumulation of hotel points, we're temporarily lodged in The Pullman, whose wonderfully comfortable surroundings make you forget about the portentous transition you're undertaking.
The week so far has been dragged down a little by some lergy we both seemed to pick up in KL.
Ironic to have travelled so far so healthily, and then fall at the home fence...
But -- we think we've found somewhere to live... We won't count any chickens just yet. But things are looking positive.
The building at the back, top floor
And we've been enjoying the festivals.
The cat's in festival dress. Not sure about that hat...
The Kuching Festival involves a bit of retail, a bit of entertainment, and lots and lots and lots of food... And it's a wonderful tribute to Malaysians' priorities that the agent who showed us our prospective flat was much more concerned that we got to the Festival than that we went home to wire our first month's rent.
We've been on two evenings now, and it's a great place for treating yourself (well, we're sick, right?). Crispy mushrooms with salted egg, prawn pancake, sambal chicken rice balls, fried durian balls (these consist of creamy durian in a crispy shell), and...
Teochew oyster omelette
Rumour has it that the stallholders are finding it hard to turn a profit by the time they've paid their rent, and given the mandatory amount to charity, but it's seemed pretty popular, so let's hope everyone comes away happy at the end of the day.
The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts also took place this week. Chinese Taoist and Buddhist veneration of the dead takes place throughout the seventh month of the lunar calendar (the Month of the Hungry Ghosts), but today (the 15th day) is the big festival.
Hungry Ghost offerings by the roadside
Getting ready for the Qiang Gu ceremony at the space opposite the Siang Ti Temple. Numbered tickets are tossed in the air, and those who catch them win a food prize. Normally, this space functions as a food court, and the stage at the back is closed off
Burning joss paper
Akin to a festival, in its riotous portrayal of the life and career of Elton John, is Rocketman.
It was amusing to read the reviews later, and realize, "Yeah, we didn't see that scene," and "No, they definitely cut that line..." Never mind. We got the gist, and the music was great.