At Mustaqim's

I arrived in Kulim, Kedah - a neighboring state to Penang - at 12.30pm into the home of Mustaqim's, the class monitor of 5 Ibnu Sina. There are 5 members in his family - his parents, himself, a younger sister and a younger brother. All of them welcomed me with bright smiles on their faces.

Mustaqim took me to a place where he usually hang out during the weekends. The place is Kulim Golf Club. Before we went there, his sister, Aida, let me wear another set of clothes fit for the occasion. At the club, Mustaqim took me for a swim and then we played snooker. He was not a bad player.

[That's me at the clubhouse]

At his home, we did some interesting activities as well like playing computer games, reading comics and novels and I also got to enjoy listening to Mustaqim playing guitar.

One day, Hazziq (Mustaqim's younger brother) gave me a treat of two packs of 'nasi lemak' (rice cooked in coconut milk) at a famous 'nasi lemak' restaurant in Kulim Town. The rice was really spicy.. I had to drink a jug of water after that!

After spending 2 weeks and a half at Mustaqim's place, I have gone through quite a few interesting experiences. I was introduced to Hazziq's fluffy pet rabbit named Aura. We became good friends right away.

[That's me and Aura. Who is cuter?]

When it was time for my turn to spend time with his other classmates, on the last day of my staying there, Mustaqim played a sad song on his guitar. Then he gave me a bear hug and patted my head.

Quite a touching farewell though.

[That's me watching Mustaqim playing his guitar]


Well, I'm off to my other visits then....

A Day with Nabil

Hmm... I met Nabil at school. My first impression of him was that I thought he was a shy boy. Later, I understood why Nabil was feeling bashful and sheepish at day. As he carried me around in school, the students were teasing him saying that I was a present given to him from a secret admirer (ahem!). This time it is my turn to stay with Nabil.

When I arrived at his home, the first thing he did was to climb on his bed and he took a long afternoon nap. I figured probably he was tired after a long day at school.

Then when we woke up, he sat infront of his computer and made me watch him play Jin Online ... boring. But later I think he sensed my feelings (of being ignored), so he asked me to jopin him play. he taught me how to play the game. It was COOOL!! I wasn't bored anymore that day.

That night, he introduced me to his family members. He has a big family. 2 sisters and 2 brothers plus his mum and dad. His younger brother, Danish, loves to play with me. Such a cute boy, he is. He treats me nicely.

[That's me, Nabil and Danish]

Later that night, Nabil cooked 'nasi lemak' (rice cooked with coconut milk) for us..YUMMY but spicy. Not a bad cook for a boy his age. Nabil promised to teach me how to cook 'nasi lemak'.

[Me and Danish watching Nabil making the spicy gravy to eat with the 'nasi lemak']

We surfed the internet together. Since it was a weekend night, Nabil and I stayed up until 3am. I was really sleepy by that time.

And being a nice boy Danish is, he let me sleep in his room. But before I could snuggle in, Danish and I posed for the camera.

[Me and Danish]

Memories at Shafawati's Home

Today,Shafawati brought me home..She is kind enough to me..hehe..she hugged me..and said that I am a cute guy..haha..that makes me happy..I met her family..I don't like her brother..he always punch me at my stomach..huahua..damn it..i didnt do anything at her house..just sat there..on Shafa's bed.. listening to the music..from her radio..Shafa really loves musics.. She knows plenty of songs.. if I was lucky,she'll take me to dance with her.. I can tell you that she isn't a good dancer..haha..

Co-curriculum Day 2009

It was Co-Curriculum day on July 10th 2009. It was a really grand day. This was my first experience witnessing such an event. It was held in the school compound on a school day but there was no lesson carried out.

Every students attended school in their co-curricular unit's uniforms. In SMK Mengkuang, there are 6 uniform units or teams; the Red-Crescent, the Scout, the KRS ('Kadet Remaja Sekolah' or if translated, I guess it is called the Youth's School Cadet), the Girl Guides, the Fire-Fighter Cadet and the 'Puteri Islam' (mmm.. not sure how to translate this).

Posing with girls from Puteri Islam.

Naim of 5 Ibnu Sina in Taekwondo Demo.

March pass competition.

New friends selling yummy food.

Posing with girls from KRS.

Saidatun of 5 Ibnu Sina

This is an annual event. This is the time when all the units took part in various mentally and physically challenging activities and competed to score the highest point. And of course the ones with the highest points will be the winner.

]

An obstacle from Survival race.

Gadget making competition.

Man-made maze in Survival race.

Cooking competition winner.

Someone feeding me fries.

Aini of 5 Ibnu Sina - red belt holder.

Silat demo.

Girls from 5 Ibnu Sina - Haryani, Syafiqah and Linda.

Some of the activities and competitions (if I could still recall) were the March Pass, Survival race, Gadget making, Handicrafting and Cooking competition. There were also Taekwondo and Malay Martial Arts (called Silat) demonstration that made us all watched in awe.

Had a nice cool drink.

Admiring balloons with Shafa of 5 Ibnu Sina

It was hot and humid but still, there were also yummy food and drinks sold. I totally enjoyed myself. I got to meet many new friends other than the 5 Ibnu Sina students. The students here were really nice and hospitable. They made me feel like I'm part of the students here in SMK Mengkuang.

Eventhough they are randomly arranged, I hope you enjoy looking at some of the many photos taken during the events.

Chance's 1st Field Trip to Kuala Sepetang, Taiping

A day after my arrival, I joined the History & Geography Club for an educational trip to Kuala Sepetang in Taiping, Perak (a neighboring state to Penang) on July 8th 2009.



Around 40 students were involved in this trip, accompanied by 4 teachers. We visited the mangrove forest, charcoal factory, Ngah Ibrahim (a Malaysian historical figure) museum, Taiping Lake Park and a famous prawn noodle stall in Kuala Sepetang.





Kuala Sepetang is the river mouth which is also a fishing village. That’s why the prawns here are all so fresh and cheap. And when we ordered the noodles, the bowl was 'overflowing' with soup and lots of big prawns. Yummy!!




What a great way to start my journey in Malaysia.

The Arrival of Chance

WOHOHO!!! Chance from Taiwan has arrived!! I thought my new friend is also a bear.. It was supposed to be a bear..(they said)..but whatever..it's ok..a friend is a friend..hehe.. He is a cute chipmunk..(hey!I'm not a gay!!I just said it..they said he's cute..) Chance took several pictures with the girls..

Goodbye Malaysia Hello Taiwan

Hello, my name is Mamat. I am a student of SMK Mengkuang, Bukit Mertajam. This year, I have been chosen to represent my school in a student exchange programme. I am leaving in a next few days and I hope to have a fabulous time in Taiwan. I'm nervous to meet my new friends. Hope they can accept me as their new friend. Wish me well...

Goodbye Malaysia Hello Taiwan

Mamat had left Malaysia to be with his newly found Taiwan friends. Have a safe journey and a great time there. We're going to miss you!!!!