Annual Home-coming to Rantau Panjang

It was tough. We had planned to go back to Rantau Panjang, our 'kampung' just at the border of Malaysia Thailand. However, Iman and Inas both had extra tuition classes right up to the day before Eid. It was exam year for both of them. Finally I relented.

The girls stayed behind with my mother, their Tok Wan for Hari Raya. Bik went home to Indonesia for a week. Her mother is getting old.

Still, it was a marvelous trip. As soon as we left the busy bustle that is KL, all stress levels were lifted from my shoulders. I wasn't even aware I was so stressed out until I felt stress free!

We took the Simpang Pulai - Cameron Highland way and stopped in Cameron Highland for strawberries and tea - a must every year!

It is a a pity the girls were not with us. Inas loves animals and in Rantau Panjang, they are everywhere. This goat was a firm favourite.

Don't mess with our goose - the official neighbourhood security guard!

My father in law has goats and cows which the girls just adore. Ikesha talked goat cow and monkey for three days...

Bouquets
Every morning, Ikesha asked for flowers.
There was no point telling her they looked better on the trees.

To her they are supposed to be gathered into a little bouquet...

Or on her shoes...

Thank God it was time for a rambutan feast!

Running free
Irani said something profound. "Here it is safe to run about..."

Bicycle Time!

The Museum
The day before Aidil Fitri, we went to Kota Bharu
the capital of Kelantan. I visited an old friend. And we took
the girls to places like the Museum!

Ikesha was quite a handful and I was fasting...

A century old barge

Beautiful carvings

The Old staircase at the Museum

At the beach

After the museum, we dropped by the beach. Its official name is Pantai Cahaya Bulan (The Moonlight Beach) but to me it is always Pantai Cinta Berahi (The Beach of Passionate Love)

Iman would have lovvveeeedddd this.

Ilena - waiting

Irani - soaking in the sun

Daddy and Ikesha at the beach

The skies light up

Fireworks all the way from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang

The girls catch the action from the car rooftop

The skies - the journey back to Kuala Lumpur