JOURNEY TO THE EAST

It was generally a nice trip to Kuching.

There were ups and downs moment there but I think I want to imprint the happy ones.

The first day was pretty rush and I almost missed the flight.

Work-related trips are usually rush and you don't get much time for yourself.

But I'm glad that at night, after dinner, I got to spend some time with two great people who I don't call client.

There are great clients whom you enjoy working with and there are clients who stress you out and this trip was sponsored by one of the latter clients. So basically, I have to be on my toes almost 24-7. Thus, I was ecstatic when I got a break after dinner, and although suffering from a terrible headache, I decided to freshen up by taking a hot hot bath and then shoving Panadols down my throat to make sure I make the best out of this otherwise, torturous trip.

You see, I have a feeling that my clients don't really like me, and it's really hard coping in situations where you are clearly disliked. Faking smiles is basically what I've learned to do.

Anyway so I was brought by two lovely people to a place where we ate 'Kuo Chip Pan Tiau'...okay I still have trouble pronouncing it and I got a few laughs when I tried to work on the pronunciation.

But for your information, it directly translates into Ketchup Kuey Teau, which is something we don't get in Peninsular Malaysia.

So we went to this place, if I'm not mistaken, they call it the "Open Market" and I tasted for the first time the infamous Ketchup Kuey Teau. Now I believe it is supposed to be more Ketchup-y haha but it was really not bad. It is like what we in the West call "Wat tan hor", or if directly translated, egg white noodles. And the drink was heavenly! It was green apple mixed with lime and it was superbly delicious. I think the word 'heavenly' aptly describes the drink because one sip and I felt refreshingly alive ....

Keo Chip Pan tiaw

There are some other really special food/delicacies in Sarawak that we don't find in West Malaysia. They have a special kinda fern they eat as vegetables. By the way, just so you know, these plants are nurtured by the drains...eww...(I just found out today and I've been happily enjoying it at that time). I'm actually pretty surprised that we can't find those in Malaysia as I thought that globalization would have brought those dishes over seas to our side of Malaysia. 

So after food, Wendy, our journalist friend drove me around Kuching and saw me all the cat statues there was around the Cat city. And we had a few laughs in the car. That night was awesome! Seriously, it is great people like these that truly made my day. Though super tired, I still had a blast! My whole trip to Sarawak was cheered up by that sweet memory.

There were more cat statues but my camera disappointed me

The next day however, was a complete hustle and filled with stress!

I almost lost it.

But I'm so thankful to my journalist friend, Wendy for going all the way to buy me a cup of delicious iced coffee! I then found out that the coffee is bought from somewhere very far away and she had purposely took a trip there to get it for me and my boss. I'm really touched by such nice gestures and hospitality. Seriously, Wendy had made the whole Kuching trip a more cheery one that is worth remembering. If it wasn't for Wendy and my boss, I think I could have died of depression and stress over there.

But generally it was a great trip to Sarawak.

Many of my firsts happened that week.

1st trip to Sarawak

1st trip to East Malaysia

1st time on Air Asia (it really isn't as bad as many had claimed; in fact I find it a very comfortable journey).

1st time eating Keo Chip Pan Teaw

1st time eating a type of weird fern planted near the drains......

SO ya...was pretty exciting and memorable.

Wendy (by the window) and Stef (on the chair) - both gave me something wonderful to bring back to KL...fun memories

Will I visit Kuching again?

Most definitely but the next time, I'll go there light-heartedly and will lose all the burdens I had to carry with me.

Till next time....

Cheers...

P/s: Yesterday (Today in Liverpool) is Andrew's birthday.

I felt so happy when he replied my birthday wish...call me crazy, but I don't know why I get overjoyed over a few lines. Oh well, maybe because they are typed by Andrew. =P

Once again, Happy 30th birthday Andrew Upton!! 

With Lotsa Love

TammyC

Will share pictures soon...