Back to the past...
6th July, 2.30pm
Kelantan Airport
I am at the Airport now. It is pretty sad to be leaving this place. But still I had to. I held the air ticket tightly into my hands. Walking past the police officer, I handed her my passport and ticket. It has been such a wonderful, now to end it, would be a really sad thing. I really hope that it would be a longer trip. Now, it feels as if this place has been my home. After checking my passport, the police officer passed it backed to me as I sit and wait in the waiting lounge together with my friends. They are all feeling the same as I do. GOODBYE KELANTAN!!! I will never forget the sweet memories you have brought into my love. This chapter of my life would be something I'll never ever ever forget. It would be great to bring back the exciting anecdotes to tell my friends. I have made lots of friends here. I will cherish what ever I have...
This trip has certainly taught me to be independent. No more relying on parents once you're here. Not just being independent, I learnt to give and take and live in harmony with my classmates. I also learnt so much about the Malay culture and customs. This is one enriching journey that I've embarked on...
I LOVE YOU, KELANTAN!!!!! By Wen Yu
I am at the Kelantan Airport now. My sadness is undescibable. This has been my home for four days... and to leave it now... Tears filled my eyes... I blinked and looked up at the ceiling......I am going to miss Husna sooooooooooooooo much...a stray tear fell from my face..... I looked down and brushed it away... Handing my passport and ticket to the police officer, a feeling of sadness overwhelmed me. After checking my ticket and passport, the police officer handed it back to me. Gripping the passport and ticket tightly in my hands, I walked over to join my friends. They all looked very sad too... I'll miss you Kelantan.. But I will always treasure the precious memories that you have given me... In Kelantan, I learnt to be independent, and I also found out that some people are really not like their images much malay customs and culture is also new to me...... This is not the end of our journey..... it's just the start!!
FAREWELL KELANTAN!!! MAY WE MEET AGAIN!!! By Klara
Monday, 30 May 2011
The tourist attractions--The snake exhibits and Siti Khatijah's Wet Market
Back to the past...
6th July, 8.00am
The Snake Exhibits
I am now looking at the snakes in the Snakes exhibits. They looked pretty scary but they are interesting creatures. I took one of the pictures where the snake's menacing glares were looking at me. There were many glass tanks filled with snakes and the exhibits were for a limited time. Then, I proceeded to the second level where there were exhibits of the Wayang Kulit, puppets, Waus and decorations. I took a few photos to share with my family when I go back. By Wen Yu
I looked at the snakes and my heart started beating soooooo fast! It was soooooooo scary! I kept thinking that all the glass will suddenly break and all the snakes will come slithering out......ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! There are sooooooooo many snakes!!!! Some fat...some thin...
At the second level, there were exhibits of Wayang Kulit, puppets, Waus, decorations and traditional drums. I took a few photos, and some snake ones(to take home to scare my sister with!! Heehee!!)too! By Klara
Back to the past...
6th July, 10.00am
Siti Khatijahs Market
Now, we are at the Siti Khatijahs Market, the market that is operated by women. A few of us decided to come down the bus to join the tour around the market while the rest stayed in the tour bus. We were taken around the market by Auntie Elly. The market was noisy and lively as many people were shopping for fresh buys. Almost everything was sold there from spices to fish and vegetables. There were even meat, fruits, toys and souvenirs sold. We proceeded to the second level to buy souvenirs for our family. We stopped at a souvenirs shop to buy souvenirs. My friends all bought many things. While waiting for our friends, Fatima and I, together with Ms Ho walked over to the stall selling fish keropok. As the crackers were on offer, Fatima and I bought some for our family. When everyone bought all the stuff they needed, we proceeded to the tour bus, ready to go to A&W for our lunch.
Here we are at the Siti Khatijahs Market, a market that is women-operated. Some of us stayed in the bus and some of us went down to tour the market. Auntie Elly gave us a short tour of the market. The market was very crowded and many people roamed around, looking for good bargains. You could find practically anything there! Food, beverages, toys, souvenirs...We stopped at the second level to buy some souvenirs to take home... After everyone fished buying what they needed to, we went back to the bus and went on our way to A & W for lunch.
6th July, 8.00am
The Snake Exhibits
I am now looking at the snakes in the Snakes exhibits. They looked pretty scary but they are interesting creatures. I took one of the pictures where the snake's menacing glares were looking at me. There were many glass tanks filled with snakes and the exhibits were for a limited time. Then, I proceeded to the second level where there were exhibits of the Wayang Kulit, puppets, Waus and decorations. I took a few photos to share with my family when I go back. By Wen Yu
I looked at the snakes and my heart started beating soooooo fast! It was soooooooo scary! I kept thinking that all the glass will suddenly break and all the snakes will come slithering out......ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! There are sooooooooo many snakes!!!! Some fat...some thin...
At the second level, there were exhibits of Wayang Kulit, puppets, Waus, decorations and traditional drums. I took a few photos, and some snake ones(to take home to scare my sister with!! Heehee!!)too! By Klara
Back to the past...
6th July, 10.00am
Siti Khatijahs Market
Now, we are at the Siti Khatijahs Market, the market that is operated by women. A few of us decided to come down the bus to join the tour around the market while the rest stayed in the tour bus. We were taken around the market by Auntie Elly. The market was noisy and lively as many people were shopping for fresh buys. Almost everything was sold there from spices to fish and vegetables. There were even meat, fruits, toys and souvenirs sold. We proceeded to the second level to buy souvenirs for our family. We stopped at a souvenirs shop to buy souvenirs. My friends all bought many things. While waiting for our friends, Fatima and I, together with Ms Ho walked over to the stall selling fish keropok. As the crackers were on offer, Fatima and I bought some for our family. When everyone bought all the stuff they needed, we proceeded to the tour bus, ready to go to A&W for our lunch.
Here we are at the Siti Khatijahs Market, a market that is women-operated. Some of us stayed in the bus and some of us went down to tour the market. Auntie Elly gave us a short tour of the market. The market was very crowded and many people roamed around, looking for good bargains. You could find practically anything there! Food, beverages, toys, souvenirs...We stopped at the second level to buy some souvenirs to take home... After everyone fished buying what they needed to, we went back to the bus and went on our way to A & W for lunch.
Party Time
Back to the past...
5th July 8.00pm
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
Dressed in our ethnic costumes, we left the hotel all ready to go to SKZ(2). We are going to have a farewell party. The room is now all decorated with balloons and streamers. There were food everywhere. My buddy clad in a light blue baju kurong came forward and told me to have some food. I wasn't that hungry as I just had a steamboat dinner so I just took some rice and a cup of juice. The both of us joined our friends at the rows of chairs. A young malay girl held on to a tray and dished out eggs that were dyed red.
After dinner, we enjoyed a short performance by the Malay students. They performed a Dikir Berat performance, something like acapella. Cheryl recorded the performance, while Netishka and I licked our ice cream that were being served to us.
After the Dikir Berat performance, it was our turn to perform for them. All of us has been practicing a few songs, "Moments of Magic", "Chan Mali Chan" and "Rasa Sayang". We stood on stage and presented our voices. Everyone sang along and applauded for our performance. The performance was followed by a gift exchange. I gave my buddy a few metallic bookmarks with pictures of Singapore on it as well as a plate with a picture of the Merlion. She in turn gave me a batik pajamas with a huge painting of flowers and intricate patterns. The teachers gave us souvenir keychains of the school to keep as memories. We then proceeded to mingle around and say our goodbyes. It would be the last time we are going to see them. Feeling sad, we left the school. We hugged our buddies for the last time. Some of us even cried. Even after when we went back to the hotel, some of us were still in tears. It had been a great night and I wished we could stay a little longer, however, it was already so late... By Wen Yu
As soon as we were dressed in our own ethnic costumes that we brought, we took our presents and boarded the bus. There was going to be a farewell party for us. The room that we did our waus in was transformed. It was decorated with balloons and decorative items. There was a table filled with a large variety of food but I only ate a bit as I had already eaten my dinner and I had lost my appetite when I remembered that this was going to be the last time I am ever going see my buddy Husna...sniff...sniff...After we were seated in the rows of chairs, we began eating our food.
After we finished eating, the malay pupils did a Dikir Berat performance which I throughly enjoyed while eating the ice cream that was served.
Oh no! It was our turn to perform now!! We'd just had a last minute rehearsal at Fatima's room before we came! We did three simple songs,"Moments of Magic", "Chan Mali Chan" and "Rasa Sayang". Before we started singing "Rasa Sayang", our buddies came up to sing with us! We all sang our hearts out!
After we performed, it was time for the token exchange. My buddy gave me a cute little teddy bear and a photo clip. I gave my buddy two big boxes of chocolate! We were also given a keychain and a flower each from the school.
We said our sad goodbyes, some of us hugged, some of us cried. I blinked back tears as I hugged my buddy tightly. "Bye......" I said softly as we parted, tears filing my eyes...... By Klara
5th July 8.00pm
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
Dressed in our ethnic costumes, we left the hotel all ready to go to SKZ(2). We are going to have a farewell party. The room is now all decorated with balloons and streamers. There were food everywhere. My buddy clad in a light blue baju kurong came forward and told me to have some food. I wasn't that hungry as I just had a steamboat dinner so I just took some rice and a cup of juice. The both of us joined our friends at the rows of chairs. A young malay girl held on to a tray and dished out eggs that were dyed red.
After dinner, we enjoyed a short performance by the Malay students. They performed a Dikir Berat performance, something like acapella. Cheryl recorded the performance, while Netishka and I licked our ice cream that were being served to us.
After the Dikir Berat performance, it was our turn to perform for them. All of us has been practicing a few songs, "Moments of Magic", "Chan Mali Chan" and "Rasa Sayang". We stood on stage and presented our voices. Everyone sang along and applauded for our performance. The performance was followed by a gift exchange. I gave my buddy a few metallic bookmarks with pictures of Singapore on it as well as a plate with a picture of the Merlion. She in turn gave me a batik pajamas with a huge painting of flowers and intricate patterns. The teachers gave us souvenir keychains of the school to keep as memories. We then proceeded to mingle around and say our goodbyes. It would be the last time we are going to see them. Feeling sad, we left the school. We hugged our buddies for the last time. Some of us even cried. Even after when we went back to the hotel, some of us were still in tears. It had been a great night and I wished we could stay a little longer, however, it was already so late... By Wen Yu
As soon as we were dressed in our own ethnic costumes that we brought, we took our presents and boarded the bus. There was going to be a farewell party for us. The room that we did our waus in was transformed. It was decorated with balloons and decorative items. There was a table filled with a large variety of food but I only ate a bit as I had already eaten my dinner and I had lost my appetite when I remembered that this was going to be the last time I am ever going see my buddy Husna...sniff...sniff...After we were seated in the rows of chairs, we began eating our food.
After we finished eating, the malay pupils did a Dikir Berat performance which I throughly enjoyed while eating the ice cream that was served.
Oh no! It was our turn to perform now!! We'd just had a last minute rehearsal at Fatima's room before we came! We did three simple songs,"Moments of Magic", "Chan Mali Chan" and "Rasa Sayang". Before we started singing "Rasa Sayang", our buddies came up to sing with us! We all sang our hearts out!
After we performed, it was time for the token exchange. My buddy gave me a cute little teddy bear and a photo clip. I gave my buddy two big boxes of chocolate! We were also given a keychain and a flower each from the school.
We said our sad goodbyes, some of us hugged, some of us cried. I blinked back tears as I hugged my buddy tightly. "Bye......" I said softly as we parted, tears filing my eyes...... By Klara
The tourist attractions--Fisherman's Village and Songket Weaving
Back to the past...
5th July, 12.30pm
Fisherman's Village
"Look at the catch of the day. Those fresh fish!" Netishka squirmed in delight as she pointed to the bowls of fish placed at the counter. Bees and flies were swarming all over the fishes. We were at the Fisherman's Village. As we walked past the catch of the day, Netishka and I snapped lots of pictures. The fish placed right in front of us were going to be sold. There were prawns as well. After looking at the fish, we all took off our shoes and walked towards the beach. Ms Azzizah sat on the rocks and watched the scenery. For safety reasons, we were not allowed to venture near the seas. Some of us played with the soft sand, while some simply collected seashells. I took some time to enjoy the scenery and took some pictures. The feeling of sand under my feet was very comfortable. As the wind caressed against my face, I watch the boats bouncing on the surface of the water. I thought about the fun we had for the past days and my heart sank at the fact that I would be going back tomorrow. Then, I joined my friends to pick seashells...
Flies and bees were flying all over the catches of the day, pausing to land on them occassionally. Ewwwww! They were selling fishes, prawns, squid, prawns and chicken. This was the Fisherman's Village! I snapped a lot of pictures of the fish, sure that I would show them to my family! After we had seen the fish, we walked a short distance to the beach. When we reached there, we had to climb over a few rocks before we could reach the beach. I removed my shoes and stepped on the sand. It felt soft under my feet. I gazed out at the sea. The scenary was breathtaking. The calm blue sea seemed to stretch on forever so did the sky. The fluffy white clouds seemed like cotton candy. I always read descriptive compos and they always describe the scenary as for example "the fluffy white clouds seemed like cotton candy" and I always felt that they were exaggerating but now that I see this beautiful beach, I really believe it. I took out my camera and began snapping tons of photos. Satisfied that I had taken enough photos, I took out a plastic bag and began filling it with seashells...I sighed...I can't believe that I'll be going home tomorrow...I swallowed back tears...humming a happy tune as I continued to pick seashells...... By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
Back to the past...
5th July 3.30pm
Songket Weaving
We stood and watched as the old malay man showed us Songket Weaving. "Who wants to try?" he asked. Nurafni raised her hand and stepped forward. She sat at a small stool and followed the instructions to weave. We watched as she weaved. Next, it was Fatima's turn to try her hands at weaving. After watching the weaving demonstration, we went up to the second level to purchase some batik and songket weaving goods. I did not want to buy anything so I stood aside and waited for my friends to make their purchases. With bags of goods in some of our hands, we left and went back to the bus...... By Wen Yu
I stood at a side watching a young lady do songket weaving. She stood up and said,"Who wants to try weaving?"A few of my friends raised their hands and took turns to try it. After a few of my friends tried it was my turn. OMG! It looked easy but it was so complicated! I really admire those so know how to make it! I sat down at the stool and followed the young woman's instructions carefully. I had to push a container of thread through some strings then pull it out, and use the wooden plank to tighten it by slamming it against it!!! There was a second level where they sold batik and sonket weaved stuff.I couldn't find anything to my liking so I didn't purchase anything. We headed back to the bus and back to the hotel...... By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
5th July, 12.30pm
Fisherman's Village
"Look at the catch of the day. Those fresh fish!" Netishka squirmed in delight as she pointed to the bowls of fish placed at the counter. Bees and flies were swarming all over the fishes. We were at the Fisherman's Village. As we walked past the catch of the day, Netishka and I snapped lots of pictures. The fish placed right in front of us were going to be sold. There were prawns as well. After looking at the fish, we all took off our shoes and walked towards the beach. Ms Azzizah sat on the rocks and watched the scenery. For safety reasons, we were not allowed to venture near the seas. Some of us played with the soft sand, while some simply collected seashells. I took some time to enjoy the scenery and took some pictures. The feeling of sand under my feet was very comfortable. As the wind caressed against my face, I watch the boats bouncing on the surface of the water. I thought about the fun we had for the past days and my heart sank at the fact that I would be going back tomorrow. Then, I joined my friends to pick seashells...
Flies and bees were flying all over the catches of the day, pausing to land on them occassionally. Ewwwww! They were selling fishes, prawns, squid, prawns and chicken. This was the Fisherman's Village! I snapped a lot of pictures of the fish, sure that I would show them to my family! After we had seen the fish, we walked a short distance to the beach. When we reached there, we had to climb over a few rocks before we could reach the beach. I removed my shoes and stepped on the sand. It felt soft under my feet. I gazed out at the sea. The scenary was breathtaking. The calm blue sea seemed to stretch on forever so did the sky. The fluffy white clouds seemed like cotton candy. I always read descriptive compos and they always describe the scenary as for example "the fluffy white clouds seemed like cotton candy" and I always felt that they were exaggerating but now that I see this beautiful beach, I really believe it. I took out my camera and began snapping tons of photos. Satisfied that I had taken enough photos, I took out a plastic bag and began filling it with seashells...I sighed...I can't believe that I'll be going home tomorrow...I swallowed back tears...humming a happy tune as I continued to pick seashells...... By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
Back to the past...
5th July 3.30pm
Songket Weaving
We stood and watched as the old malay man showed us Songket Weaving. "Who wants to try?" he asked. Nurafni raised her hand and stepped forward. She sat at a small stool and followed the instructions to weave. We watched as she weaved. Next, it was Fatima's turn to try her hands at weaving. After watching the weaving demonstration, we went up to the second level to purchase some batik and songket weaving goods. I did not want to buy anything so I stood aside and waited for my friends to make their purchases. With bags of goods in some of our hands, we left and went back to the bus...... By Wen Yu
I stood at a side watching a young lady do songket weaving. She stood up and said,"Who wants to try weaving?"A few of my friends raised their hands and took turns to try it. After a few of my friends tried it was my turn. OMG! It looked easy but it was so complicated! I really admire those so know how to make it! I sat down at the stool and followed the young woman's instructions carefully. I had to push a container of thread through some strings then pull it out, and use the wooden plank to tighten it by slamming it against it!!! There was a second level where they sold batik and sonket weaved stuff.I couldn't find anything to my liking so I didn't purchase anything. We headed back to the bus and back to the hotel...... By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
At the school Day 2
Back to the past...
5th July, 8.30am
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
It's Day 2 at SKZ(2)!!!!!!! Time to paint our Waus. Back to our own groups of 4, we were given a brand new Wau. The sticks were placed properly, the strings were tied neatly and the cloth was stuffed in without any creases. Me, Louise and our buddies took a palette of paint with 4 paintbrushes and proceeded to our table. Within minutes, we were painting the flowers, that were drawn for us by the instructor. The teachers of SKZ(2) came around to snap some pictures for us. We took turns to paint our Wau. After painting some of the leaves green, we decided to try and blend in the colours of blue and red to get some shades of pink and purple. We painted some of the flowers with the blend. It turn out quite well and we all felt satisfied. However, both our buddies were a little shy and afraid to paint the flowers, as they were afraid to spill paint on the artwork. Both Louise and I gave them encouragement. After we finished painting, we put our completed artwork out in the air to dry. There were many artworks left outside as well. While waiting for the paint to dry, we had light refreshments. The school ordered for us some tarts and puffs, including the popular Fish Keropok that everyone wanted to try. Me and my buddy took some of the food and settled on two chairs as we chatted more about ourselves.
When the paint dried, we tied strips of crepe paper on the sides of our painting. All of us, including our buddies and the teachers gathered for a group photo. I sat in the front row with my buddy, holding the Wau and smiling cheerfully! I even took photos with the SKZ(2) principal!!! By Wen Yu
It's our second day at SKZ(2), our third in Kelantan and we were going to paint our own waus! We were grouped into groups of four again but this time, we were given a newly-made wau made by the instructor. The sticks were tied in place, the cloth wrapped neatly on the bady of the wau, the wax patterns drew on, all that we needed to do was paint it. We were given four paintbrushes and a palette of paint, and were told told that we could start painting straightaway. All the groups had different wax patterns. Our wax pattern looked like it was a seaside plus underwater plants so I assigned different roles for everyone.
One of us was in charge of painting the sea blue, one of us in charge of painting the sand yellow, one of us in charge of painting the underwater plants all the colours and one of us was in charge of painting the lower part of the wau red and yellow. But in the end, everyone liked someone else's role so we did everything together.
Midway, we accidentally dripped some paint on the wau and mixed up some parts so it did not turn out as beautiful as we hoped it would be but it was still very nice and colourful!! When we finished painting, we put it under the sun with many others to let it dry.
While the paint was drying, we were given light refreshments. On the table, there were tarts, puffs and the famous Fish Keropok!!! After filling our plates with refreshments, we sat down with our buddies and started eating and chatting.
I even took a photo with the principal!
When everybody had finished eating and the waus finished drying, we gathered for a group photo. By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
5th July, 8.30am
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
It's Day 2 at SKZ(2)!!!!!!! Time to paint our Waus. Back to our own groups of 4, we were given a brand new Wau. The sticks were placed properly, the strings were tied neatly and the cloth was stuffed in without any creases. Me, Louise and our buddies took a palette of paint with 4 paintbrushes and proceeded to our table. Within minutes, we were painting the flowers, that were drawn for us by the instructor. The teachers of SKZ(2) came around to snap some pictures for us. We took turns to paint our Wau. After painting some of the leaves green, we decided to try and blend in the colours of blue and red to get some shades of pink and purple. We painted some of the flowers with the blend. It turn out quite well and we all felt satisfied. However, both our buddies were a little shy and afraid to paint the flowers, as they were afraid to spill paint on the artwork. Both Louise and I gave them encouragement. After we finished painting, we put our completed artwork out in the air to dry. There were many artworks left outside as well. While waiting for the paint to dry, we had light refreshments. The school ordered for us some tarts and puffs, including the popular Fish Keropok that everyone wanted to try. Me and my buddy took some of the food and settled on two chairs as we chatted more about ourselves.
When the paint dried, we tied strips of crepe paper on the sides of our painting. All of us, including our buddies and the teachers gathered for a group photo. I sat in the front row with my buddy, holding the Wau and smiling cheerfully! I even took photos with the SKZ(2) principal!!! By Wen Yu
It's our second day at SKZ(2), our third in Kelantan and we were going to paint our own waus! We were grouped into groups of four again but this time, we were given a newly-made wau made by the instructor. The sticks were tied in place, the cloth wrapped neatly on the bady of the wau, the wax patterns drew on, all that we needed to do was paint it. We were given four paintbrushes and a palette of paint, and were told told that we could start painting straightaway. All the groups had different wax patterns. Our wax pattern looked like it was a seaside plus underwater plants so I assigned different roles for everyone.
One of us was in charge of painting the sea blue, one of us in charge of painting the sand yellow, one of us in charge of painting the underwater plants all the colours and one of us was in charge of painting the lower part of the wau red and yellow. But in the end, everyone liked someone else's role so we did everything together.
Midway, we accidentally dripped some paint on the wau and mixed up some parts so it did not turn out as beautiful as we hoped it would be but it was still very nice and colourful!! When we finished painting, we put it under the sun with many others to let it dry.
While the paint was drying, we were given light refreshments. On the table, there were tarts, puffs and the famous Fish Keropok!!! After filling our plates with refreshments, we sat down with our buddies and started eating and chatting.
I even took a photo with the principal!
When everybody had finished eating and the waus finished drying, we gathered for a group photo. By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
The tourist attractions--Museum
Back to the past...
4th July, 12.30pm
The Cultural Museum
It's time for visiting!!! Let's go!!! With me to the Cultural Museum...
The tourguide Auntie Elly took us across the road to the Cultural Museum. "Do you all know what this brown box is?" Auntie Elly asked us, pointing to a brown box with chains hung all over. We exchanged glances and whispered among each other. "It's a bank. Where all the money are put in a long time ago!" she told us. I was shocked. The box, just a little taller and at least twice the size of me, was used to put money? I could not believe it. But anyway, we walked on towards the entrance of the museum. While Auntie Elly purchased the tickets, we took some group photos. "Let's go in. However, you're not allowed to take pictures. So keep your cameras!" Auntie Elly reminded us. As a group, we walked into the museum. There were exhibits on Malay wedding costumes, decoration of rooms and many more. The caretaker of the museum allowed us to take only 1 picture, seeing that we were so tempted to take pictures. I chose to take a picture of a Malay wedding exhibit. There were costumes, furniture and jewellery on display. Just by looking at the displays, I could imagine how grand a Malay wedding could be... We went up to the second level to take a look at more of the exhibits. Looking downwards from the windows, beautiful scenery filled my eyes as I looked out of the windows. After taking a look at the exhibits at the second level, we went to the backyard to have a look. There were exhibits of birds, old cars, models of houses and fans. I was so amazed by the many interesting exhibits. Each exhibit had a caption with a story to tell. Too bad, we were only allowed to take 1 picture, or else I would have had brought home a load full of pictures to share... By Wen Yu
Auntie Elly, our tour guide, led us to the cultural museum. On the way, we saw a big brown box. Auntie Elly stopped. "Do you all know what this brown box is?" she asked, pointing to the big brown box. I was bursting with curiousity. When none of us could answer her, she said,"It's a bank. Where all the money are put in a long time ago!" A brown box had been a bank?!? What a shock! I still can't believe it! Some of my friends looked amazed. We continued to walk to the cultural museum. We took the chance to take a group photo when Auntie Elly went to buy the tickets but only a few of us wanted to take the photo. "Let's go in. However, you're not allowed to take pictures. So keep your cameras!" Auntie Elly warned us. We entered the museum together.WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There were two levels of so many exhibits! There were exhibits of old cars, models of houses, birds etc. I especially remember the wedding exhibit. There were displays of furniture, costumes, jewellery and cutlery that you might see at a malay traditional wedding, all very grand and beautiful. Too sad that we were not allowed to take any photos!(It was later then I learned from my friends that the caretaker had last minute allowed us to take one photo each but it was too late as we had already exited the museum!!!) By Klara
Back to the past...
5th July, 3.30pm
The Royal Museum
You wouldn't have believed it... WE SAW THE KING'S NEPHEW!!!!!
The other museum that we visited was the The Royal Museum. The museum showcased exhibits of the royal family's rooms. We saw sofa, pillows and cushion with gold trimmings on the side. Teacups and pots placed at the table side. Portraits adorned the walls, together with drapes and classy curtains that filled the room. I thought that I would be cool to sleep in a room like this. The dining room was what I liked the best. I had picture and photographs all over the walls. There was a long dinning table in the middle of the room. Expensive and elegant cutlery were placed on the table. The room had a high ceiling and decorative wallpaper. "It would be such a delight to have dinner in there" I chuckled to myself. As I was taking a look at the pictures plastered on the wall, my teacher Ms Ho came walking towards me, " The man in the picture, wearing a red shirt looks familiar, he looks like the guy sitting at the counter. " she told me. "Probably he is the person in the picture..." I answered. Curious to find out who the person is, Ms Ho and I made our way to the information counter. " Excuse me, may I know, are you in some way related to the king?" Ms Ho asked shyly. "I am the king's nephew..." The guy said as he flashed a smile. The king's nephew was at least 1.85cm tall and wore a yellow flowery shirt with white pants. "Could I take a picture with you?" I asked politely. "Sure!!!" the king's nephew readily agreed. I immediately handed my camera to Ms Ho and posed with the king's nephew. Soon, many of my friends came forward, all excited to take a picture with the king...
Looking at the picture in my camera, there was a wide grin on my face. I could not imagine who I had just saw... That's it!! Now the picture is with me forever! I then walked away gleefully to look at the other exhibits... By Wen Yu
What I'm going to say is totally major...so you better read carefully...I'm going to CAPITALIZE, underline, italic and bold it so you won't miss it......I SAW, MET AND TOOK A PHOTO WITH THE KING'S NEPHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow! Amazing, right! I bet you're shaking your head and tutting, thinking that I am crazy to think you would believe me but to prove you wrong, I have evidence and witnesses!!!
The witnesses are all the RGPS YOG Ambassadors, Ms Ho, Ms Azizah, the museum caretaker and THE KING'S NEPHEW HIMSELF!!!!!!! So now you better believe it!!!!!!!!!!!
The museum is called the Royal Museum. Ther were exhibits of royal families rooms. At the back of the museum, there was the dining room, bedrooms and many more rooms. In the one of the the bedrooms, pictures of family filled the walls. The bed looked soft and comfy, and the curtains and drapes looked really nice too. The dining room was very grand and elegant cutlery was placed neatly on the table. In the front of the museum, there were a few information boards about royal families in Kelantan.That was where it all started. I was reading the information on the board when my friend walked over to me and exclaimed,"Klara! The King's nephew is standing at the counter! Look!" She pointed at a man on the information board and pulled my arm. She led me to the entrance of the museum and said excitedly,"Him! That's him!" A familar looking face was chatting to the museum caretaker. I gasped. COOL!!!!! Ms Ho was standing nearby and I asked her," Ms Ho! Is that the King's nephew?" She smiled and said,"Yes, he is. I asked him just now." My eyes widened. "Can you heIp me to take a photo of me with him?" I asked excitedly. She smiled kindly,"Okay!' I walked over to the King's nephew and asked politely,"May I take a photo with you?" "Sure!" he agreed, smiling. "Say cheese!" Ms Ho said and as I heard the familiar 'click' of my camera, I grinned happily, thinking of how my friends in Singapore were going to react when they hear that I actually met royal family! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
4th July, 12.30pm
The Cultural Museum
It's time for visiting!!! Let's go!!! With me to the Cultural Museum...
The tourguide Auntie Elly took us across the road to the Cultural Museum. "Do you all know what this brown box is?" Auntie Elly asked us, pointing to a brown box with chains hung all over. We exchanged glances and whispered among each other. "It's a bank. Where all the money are put in a long time ago!" she told us. I was shocked. The box, just a little taller and at least twice the size of me, was used to put money? I could not believe it. But anyway, we walked on towards the entrance of the museum. While Auntie Elly purchased the tickets, we took some group photos. "Let's go in. However, you're not allowed to take pictures. So keep your cameras!" Auntie Elly reminded us. As a group, we walked into the museum. There were exhibits on Malay wedding costumes, decoration of rooms and many more. The caretaker of the museum allowed us to take only 1 picture, seeing that we were so tempted to take pictures. I chose to take a picture of a Malay wedding exhibit. There were costumes, furniture and jewellery on display. Just by looking at the displays, I could imagine how grand a Malay wedding could be... We went up to the second level to take a look at more of the exhibits. Looking downwards from the windows, beautiful scenery filled my eyes as I looked out of the windows. After taking a look at the exhibits at the second level, we went to the backyard to have a look. There were exhibits of birds, old cars, models of houses and fans. I was so amazed by the many interesting exhibits. Each exhibit had a caption with a story to tell. Too bad, we were only allowed to take 1 picture, or else I would have had brought home a load full of pictures to share... By Wen Yu
Auntie Elly, our tour guide, led us to the cultural museum. On the way, we saw a big brown box. Auntie Elly stopped. "Do you all know what this brown box is?" she asked, pointing to the big brown box. I was bursting with curiousity. When none of us could answer her, she said,"It's a bank. Where all the money are put in a long time ago!" A brown box had been a bank?!? What a shock! I still can't believe it! Some of my friends looked amazed. We continued to walk to the cultural museum. We took the chance to take a group photo when Auntie Elly went to buy the tickets but only a few of us wanted to take the photo. "Let's go in. However, you're not allowed to take pictures. So keep your cameras!" Auntie Elly warned us. We entered the museum together.WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There were two levels of so many exhibits! There were exhibits of old cars, models of houses, birds etc. I especially remember the wedding exhibit. There were displays of furniture, costumes, jewellery and cutlery that you might see at a malay traditional wedding, all very grand and beautiful. Too sad that we were not allowed to take any photos!(It was later then I learned from my friends that the caretaker had last minute allowed us to take one photo each but it was too late as we had already exited the museum!!!) By Klara
Back to the past...
5th July, 3.30pm
The Royal Museum
You wouldn't have believed it... WE SAW THE KING'S NEPHEW!!!!!
The other museum that we visited was the The Royal Museum. The museum showcased exhibits of the royal family's rooms. We saw sofa, pillows and cushion with gold trimmings on the side. Teacups and pots placed at the table side. Portraits adorned the walls, together with drapes and classy curtains that filled the room. I thought that I would be cool to sleep in a room like this. The dining room was what I liked the best. I had picture and photographs all over the walls. There was a long dinning table in the middle of the room. Expensive and elegant cutlery were placed on the table. The room had a high ceiling and decorative wallpaper. "It would be such a delight to have dinner in there" I chuckled to myself. As I was taking a look at the pictures plastered on the wall, my teacher Ms Ho came walking towards me, " The man in the picture, wearing a red shirt looks familiar, he looks like the guy sitting at the counter. " she told me. "Probably he is the person in the picture..." I answered. Curious to find out who the person is, Ms Ho and I made our way to the information counter. " Excuse me, may I know, are you in some way related to the king?" Ms Ho asked shyly. "I am the king's nephew..." The guy said as he flashed a smile. The king's nephew was at least 1.85cm tall and wore a yellow flowery shirt with white pants. "Could I take a picture with you?" I asked politely. "Sure!!!" the king's nephew readily agreed. I immediately handed my camera to Ms Ho and posed with the king's nephew. Soon, many of my friends came forward, all excited to take a picture with the king...
Looking at the picture in my camera, there was a wide grin on my face. I could not imagine who I had just saw... That's it!! Now the picture is with me forever! I then walked away gleefully to look at the other exhibits... By Wen Yu
What I'm going to say is totally major...so you better read carefully...I'm going to CAPITALIZE, underline, italic and bold it so you won't miss it......I SAW, MET AND TOOK A PHOTO WITH THE KING'S NEPHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow! Amazing, right! I bet you're shaking your head and tutting, thinking that I am crazy to think you would believe me but to prove you wrong, I have evidence and witnesses!!!
 |
| THE KING'S NEPHEW AND ME! (evidence) |
The museum is called the Royal Museum. Ther were exhibits of royal families rooms. At the back of the museum, there was the dining room, bedrooms and many more rooms. In the one of the the bedrooms, pictures of family filled the walls. The bed looked soft and comfy, and the curtains and drapes looked really nice too. The dining room was very grand and elegant cutlery was placed neatly on the table. In the front of the museum, there were a few information boards about royal families in Kelantan.That was where it all started. I was reading the information on the board when my friend walked over to me and exclaimed,"Klara! The King's nephew is standing at the counter! Look!" She pointed at a man on the information board and pulled my arm. She led me to the entrance of the museum and said excitedly,"Him! That's him!" A familar looking face was chatting to the museum caretaker. I gasped. COOL!!!!! Ms Ho was standing nearby and I asked her," Ms Ho! Is that the King's nephew?" She smiled and said,"Yes, he is. I asked him just now." My eyes widened. "Can you heIp me to take a photo of me with him?" I asked excitedly. She smiled kindly,"Okay!' I walked over to the King's nephew and asked politely,"May I take a photo with you?" "Sure!" he agreed, smiling. "Say cheese!" Ms Ho said and as I heard the familiar 'click' of my camera, I grinned happily, thinking of how my friends in Singapore were going to react when they hear that I actually met royal family! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
Sunday, 29 May 2011
The Colours of Friendship
Back to the past...
4th July, 10.30pm
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
After the body was made, we gathered around a huge rectangular table where the Wau making instructor taught us how to tie the cloth into the body of the Wau. It was rather difficult as we had to unscrew the locks of the sticks, slide in the cloth and straighten it before screwing the locks back. We had a hands on experience where we had a chance to tie in our own cloth. Next, the instructor taught us how to draw patterns using wax. There was a stove where blocks of wax would be heated. The melted wax would then be put into a special pen where there is a special storage space for the wax. The wax would then come out of a small opening, where you can draw your own patterns. The Wau instructor drew a beautiful collage of flowers and patterns to show us his batik painting skills. The Waus making instructor also taught us how to add on the colours of the painting. Using just 4 simple colours, the instructor was able to colour the beautiful flower collage. "Use your imagination, you can mix or blend the colours to get different shades" the instructor told us. Using just a simple paint brush a 4 colours of paint, the instructor turned the boring and lifeless piece of cloth into a beautiful and lively masterpiece. "Let your paintings stand out, make them feel as though they can talk, make sure your drawings tell a story" the instructor reminded us. "Wow, those flowers are beautiful!!" Louise gasped in awe.
" Now, you shall try and colour these flowers." the instructor encouraged us. One by one, we all dabbed a bit of paint and start inking our colours on the collage. I painted a small flower of the collage, bright red with a blend in of orange and yellow. I was quite familiar with the painting process as I learn how to paint a Wau in Art Club CCA. Louise painted a little on the edge yellow and a butterfly bluish purple. Smiling at what I did, I took some photos of it. Soon, the whole collage was complete. By Wen Yu
After we had finished making the body of the wau, we watched the instructor draw on another banner using a special pen. The pen had a small storage place for the melted wax to be put in. The wax leaked out slowly and thinly as the instructor brought it all over the banner, leaving beautiful, intricate designs of delicate flowers and leaves. after letting the designs dry, he proceeded to use 4 simple colours of paint to colour in the flowers, leaves and patterns! I took many pictures of the process and...WOW!!!!!! The finished product was amazingly, fantastically, wonderfully, BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I gasped. It was so beautiful, it took my breath away(literally). I gazed admiringly at the banner...If only I could draw and paint as good as him!! I walked over to the other banner which was being painted by a few of my friends. I walked over and picked up a paintbrush,dipping it in red. Landing my eyes on a not yet painted flower, I walked over and pressed the paint lightly in the centre of the flower. The batik absorbed it quickly spreading slowly outwards. I washed my brush and dipped it in yellow paint. Pressing the brush on where the the red paint had stopped, I watch it blend and the colour of the flower became a mixture of red, orange and yellow!! Some of my friends also started painting. Not long after, the batik was fully painted!! By Klara
4th July, 10.30pm
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
After the body was made, we gathered around a huge rectangular table where the Wau making instructor taught us how to tie the cloth into the body of the Wau. It was rather difficult as we had to unscrew the locks of the sticks, slide in the cloth and straighten it before screwing the locks back. We had a hands on experience where we had a chance to tie in our own cloth. Next, the instructor taught us how to draw patterns using wax. There was a stove where blocks of wax would be heated. The melted wax would then be put into a special pen where there is a special storage space for the wax. The wax would then come out of a small opening, where you can draw your own patterns. The Wau instructor drew a beautiful collage of flowers and patterns to show us his batik painting skills. The Waus making instructor also taught us how to add on the colours of the painting. Using just 4 simple colours, the instructor was able to colour the beautiful flower collage. "Use your imagination, you can mix or blend the colours to get different shades" the instructor told us. Using just a simple paint brush a 4 colours of paint, the instructor turned the boring and lifeless piece of cloth into a beautiful and lively masterpiece. "Let your paintings stand out, make them feel as though they can talk, make sure your drawings tell a story" the instructor reminded us. "Wow, those flowers are beautiful!!" Louise gasped in awe.
" Now, you shall try and colour these flowers." the instructor encouraged us. One by one, we all dabbed a bit of paint and start inking our colours on the collage. I painted a small flower of the collage, bright red with a blend in of orange and yellow. I was quite familiar with the painting process as I learn how to paint a Wau in Art Club CCA. Louise painted a little on the edge yellow and a butterfly bluish purple. Smiling at what I did, I took some photos of it. Soon, the whole collage was complete. By Wen Yu
After we had finished making the body of the wau, we watched the instructor draw on another banner using a special pen. The pen had a small storage place for the melted wax to be put in. The wax leaked out slowly and thinly as the instructor brought it all over the banner, leaving beautiful, intricate designs of delicate flowers and leaves. after letting the designs dry, he proceeded to use 4 simple colours of paint to colour in the flowers, leaves and patterns! I took many pictures of the process and...WOW!!!!!! The finished product was amazingly, fantastically, wonderfully, BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I gasped. It was so beautiful, it took my breath away(literally). I gazed admiringly at the banner...If only I could draw and paint as good as him!! I walked over to the other banner which was being painted by a few of my friends. I walked over and picked up a paintbrush,dipping it in red. Landing my eyes on a not yet painted flower, I walked over and pressed the paint lightly in the centre of the flower. The batik absorbed it quickly spreading slowly outwards. I washed my brush and dipped it in yellow paint. Pressing the brush on where the the red paint had stopped, I watch it blend and the colour of the flower became a mixture of red, orange and yellow!! Some of my friends also started painting. Not long after, the batik was fully painted!! By Klara
The Waus--The process
Back to the past...
4th July, 8.30am
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
In front of me lies a huge banner, we were asked to use wax to put our signatures on the banner. There was a huge picture all painted from wax, on the banner, where the Wau making instructer had to paint. With wobbly hands, I laid my signature on the banner. Satisfied, I took a picture of it. For the next one hour or so, I listened attentively to the Wau making instructer as he taught us the process of making the Wau all from scratch... " Now you girls should try making the body of the Wau" the instructer encouraged us. Our teacher then divided us into groups of four and we were to make the body of the Wau out of sticks and strings. I was in the same group as Louise, a friend of my.
To start off, Louise and I held the sticks in place while both our buddies tied one of the ends with strings. Thereafter, we took turn tying the knotts of the string and holding the sticks in place. Not long later, we finished the body of the Wau. By Wen Yu
We were required to sign our names on a banner which was filled with elaborate drawings of flowers! We had to hold the melted wax pen carefully as the melted wax in the small container in the pen was boiling hot and if we tilted it, we would get scalded! After seeing a few of my friends scald themselves, I kept repeating to myself that I MUST NOT TILT IT! I MUST NOT TILT IT! I MUST NOT TILT IT!!!!!!!!!!! After seeing a few of my friends succeeding in not spilling the melted wax, I felt ready. I held the pen firmly and wrote my full name carefully. It was perfect(to me)! Just as I was feeling super proud that I had not spilt the wax, I seriously SPILT THE WAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I had been rejoicing happily but I forgot that it was not a normal pen so i actually SHOOK IT and it spillled on my signature!!!!!! BOO HOO!!!! The perfectness of my picture was gone!!!!! :( "Sorry..." I mumbled dejectedly as I gave the pen to the teacher. I had been so sure that it would be perfect! Now it was a bit ruined!! :( While everyone was writing their names, I took a photo of an example of how a Wau will look like after being painted. After everyone had put their signature on the banner, we then proceeded to learn how to make the body of the Wau with sticks! After the instructer did a sample and explained how to do it in front of us, we were grouped into fours and had to make our own body of the wau. It looked so easy when the instructer did it but it was actually very hard! Two of us had to hold the sticks in place while the other two wound the string tightly around them to secure it in place!!! After half an hour of hard work, we finally finished!! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
4th July, 8.30am
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
In front of me lies a huge banner, we were asked to use wax to put our signatures on the banner. There was a huge picture all painted from wax, on the banner, where the Wau making instructer had to paint. With wobbly hands, I laid my signature on the banner. Satisfied, I took a picture of it. For the next one hour or so, I listened attentively to the Wau making instructer as he taught us the process of making the Wau all from scratch... " Now you girls should try making the body of the Wau" the instructer encouraged us. Our teacher then divided us into groups of four and we were to make the body of the Wau out of sticks and strings. I was in the same group as Louise, a friend of my.
To start off, Louise and I held the sticks in place while both our buddies tied one of the ends with strings. Thereafter, we took turn tying the knotts of the string and holding the sticks in place. Not long later, we finished the body of the Wau. By Wen Yu
We were required to sign our names on a banner which was filled with elaborate drawings of flowers! We had to hold the melted wax pen carefully as the melted wax in the small container in the pen was boiling hot and if we tilted it, we would get scalded! After seeing a few of my friends scald themselves, I kept repeating to myself that I MUST NOT TILT IT! I MUST NOT TILT IT! I MUST NOT TILT IT!!!!!!!!!!! After seeing a few of my friends succeeding in not spilling the melted wax, I felt ready. I held the pen firmly and wrote my full name carefully. It was perfect(to me)! Just as I was feeling super proud that I had not spilt the wax, I seriously SPILT THE WAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I had been rejoicing happily but I forgot that it was not a normal pen so i actually SHOOK IT and it spillled on my signature!!!!!! BOO HOO!!!! The perfectness of my picture was gone!!!!! :( "Sorry..." I mumbled dejectedly as I gave the pen to the teacher. I had been so sure that it would be perfect! Now it was a bit ruined!! :( While everyone was writing their names, I took a photo of an example of how a Wau will look like after being painted. After everyone had put their signature on the banner, we then proceeded to learn how to make the body of the Wau with sticks! After the instructer did a sample and explained how to do it in front of us, we were grouped into fours and had to make our own body of the wau. It looked so easy when the instructer did it but it was actually very hard! Two of us had to hold the sticks in place while the other two wound the string tightly around them to secure it in place!!! After half an hour of hard work, we finally finished!! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
The First Meeting at the School--Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
Back to the past...
4th July, 7.45am
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
After a short ten minutes ride on the tour bus... HERE WE ARE!!!! At Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2!!! In just a few minutes, I'll be seeing my buddy!!! As I alighted from the bus, I was greeted by the students of SKZ(2).
"Hi! My name is Maryam Maisarah... You must be Hong Wen Yu?" a short and rather plump girl came forward, her hands stretched forward to shake mine. I shook her hand in return, " Yes, I am Hong Wen Yu, nice to meet you!" I smiled at her. She smiled back as she pinned a red ribbon on my collar. There was an identical ribbon on her school uniform except it was blue. "Welcome to my school" she introduced politely as she led me towards a small stage with a few rows of chairs. My friends were also led by their buddies towards the small stage. " Have a seat and enjoy the performance we have for you all" she said cheerfully. Loud music exploded and a few younger malay girls dressed in Malay costumes came from behind the stage. They took out some colourful fans and feathers and performed a dance item for us. Next, the choir member sang us a few malay songs with their graceful voices. We were served orange juice as a light refreshment. When the performance ended, the audiences applauded, wowed by the performance being put up. Thereafter, we went to an empty area next to the stage and took a group photo together. We were then ushered to go to a bigger room to start on making our Waus. By Wen Yu
As the school grew nearer and nearer...I felt more and more excited!!!!!!!!!!! I am going to finally meet my buddy, Husna! The bus halted to a stop next to the school and I couldn't help letting out an excited squeal!! But before we were allowed to alight from the bus, We were supposed to line up according to our numbers so it would be easier for our buddies to find us as it would be more orderly and our buddies would also be standing according to their numbers. As we walked through the school gates, we were welcomed by SKZ(2) teachers and our buddies!!!! There was also a small group of students wearing brightly coloured costumes and playing traditional drums! After standing in a row according to our numbers, we turned to face our buddies. A pretty girl wearing a dark blue headscarf(tudong), a light blue long sleeved jacket and a dark blue tie stepped in front of me and said softly,"You must be Klara. I am Husna." "Yes! I am! Hi Husna!" I replied excitedly, grinning widely. "Welcome to my school!" she smiled and attatched a ribbon onto my pinafore that was similar to the one on her uniform just that it was red instead of blue. We were then led to a small stage,seated with our buddies and served with light refreshments(orange juice). Malay girls of a younger age, dressed in traditional costumes, performed a song and the choir also sang beautifully. We then took a group photo with our buddies teachers and some of the performers that had performed earlier on. We were then brought to a big room to start our project WOW!! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
4th July, 7.45am
Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2
After a short ten minutes ride on the tour bus... HERE WE ARE!!!! At Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab 2!!! In just a few minutes, I'll be seeing my buddy!!! As I alighted from the bus, I was greeted by the students of SKZ(2).
"Hi! My name is Maryam Maisarah... You must be Hong Wen Yu?" a short and rather plump girl came forward, her hands stretched forward to shake mine. I shook her hand in return, " Yes, I am Hong Wen Yu, nice to meet you!" I smiled at her. She smiled back as she pinned a red ribbon on my collar. There was an identical ribbon on her school uniform except it was blue. "Welcome to my school" she introduced politely as she led me towards a small stage with a few rows of chairs. My friends were also led by their buddies towards the small stage. " Have a seat and enjoy the performance we have for you all" she said cheerfully. Loud music exploded and a few younger malay girls dressed in Malay costumes came from behind the stage. They took out some colourful fans and feathers and performed a dance item for us. Next, the choir member sang us a few malay songs with their graceful voices. We were served orange juice as a light refreshment. When the performance ended, the audiences applauded, wowed by the performance being put up. Thereafter, we went to an empty area next to the stage and took a group photo together. We were then ushered to go to a bigger room to start on making our Waus. By Wen Yu
As the school grew nearer and nearer...I felt more and more excited!!!!!!!!!!! I am going to finally meet my buddy, Husna! The bus halted to a stop next to the school and I couldn't help letting out an excited squeal!! But before we were allowed to alight from the bus, We were supposed to line up according to our numbers so it would be easier for our buddies to find us as it would be more orderly and our buddies would also be standing according to their numbers. As we walked through the school gates, we were welcomed by SKZ(2) teachers and our buddies!!!! There was also a small group of students wearing brightly coloured costumes and playing traditional drums! After standing in a row according to our numbers, we turned to face our buddies. A pretty girl wearing a dark blue headscarf(tudong), a light blue long sleeved jacket and a dark blue tie stepped in front of me and said softly,"You must be Klara. I am Husna." "Yes! I am! Hi Husna!" I replied excitedly, grinning widely. "Welcome to my school!" she smiled and attatched a ribbon onto my pinafore that was similar to the one on her uniform just that it was red instead of blue. We were then led to a small stage,seated with our buddies and served with light refreshments(orange juice). Malay girls of a younger age, dressed in traditional costumes, performed a song and the choir also sang beautifully. We then took a group photo with our buddies teachers and some of the performers that had performed earlier on. We were then brought to a big room to start our project WOW!! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA:
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| Performers |
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| Husna |
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| Group Photo |
Waking up in the morning
Back to the past...
4th July, 6.30am
Renaissance Hotel, Kota Bharu
It's a brand new day!!! The day I've waited for all my life...!!! I woke up right after Netishka. Cheryl was still sleeping soundly like a log. I went up and nudged her, "Wake up sleepyhead!" I whispered in her ear. She flipped over and opened her eyes. "Oh, Good Morning Wen Yu!" she greeted me softly. Hopping off the bed, she grabbed her toothbrush and made her way to the toilet. I tried to unpack some of my school uniform from my luggage, getting ready to have my shower right after Netishka and Cheryl brushed their teeth. Netishka woke up slightly earlier than us today so that she could have a extra long bath. When both Cheryl and Netishka came out of the toilet, I hurried in to have my shower.
After showering, I brushed my teeth, wore my school uniform and combed my hair. Thereafter, It was Cheryl's turn to shower... While waiting for Cheryl, Netishka and I packed our bag packs.
" I'm done! Let's go for breakfast!" Cheryl exclaimed. Together, the three of us went down to the hotel's restaurant for our buffet breakfast. Some of our friends were already there. We chose a table near to the windows so we could have a view of the streets. After putting our bags down, we went to take our food. There was a huge spread of food and a wide variety of beverages. There were food ranging from Chinese to Western and even some Malay and Indian cuisine. Netishka and I chose to eat the cereal and milk while Cheryl had some cakes and fruits.
Wolfing down the food, we were ready to go and gather at the hotel lobby... By Wen Yu
"Klara! Klara!" I opened one of my eyes and standing by my bed and shouting into my ear was Claris. "What?" I grumbled, annoyed. I was dreaming about the fun things that we were going to do today when Claris started shouting in my ear. "Wake up! Its already 6.25! Its time for breakfast! Me and Ashley are going down first to chope some seats first, okay?" I opened my eyes and nodded, fully alert, and got out of bed to brush my teeth. I got changed into my school uniform quickly and brushed my hair into a neat ponytail. Fastening the belt of my bag around my waist, I headed down for breakfast. There was a wide variety of food ranging from cereal to mee goreng and porridge to pastries! I dumped my bag at the seat that Claris and Ashley had 'choped' for me and went to the buffet spread and filled my plate with sumptious food! After finishing breakfast, Ashley, Claris and I headed to the designated meeting place before boarding the bus for SKZ(2)! By Klara
4th July, 6.30am
Renaissance Hotel, Kota Bharu
It's a brand new day!!! The day I've waited for all my life...!!! I woke up right after Netishka. Cheryl was still sleeping soundly like a log. I went up and nudged her, "Wake up sleepyhead!" I whispered in her ear. She flipped over and opened her eyes. "Oh, Good Morning Wen Yu!" she greeted me softly. Hopping off the bed, she grabbed her toothbrush and made her way to the toilet. I tried to unpack some of my school uniform from my luggage, getting ready to have my shower right after Netishka and Cheryl brushed their teeth. Netishka woke up slightly earlier than us today so that she could have a extra long bath. When both Cheryl and Netishka came out of the toilet, I hurried in to have my shower.
After showering, I brushed my teeth, wore my school uniform and combed my hair. Thereafter, It was Cheryl's turn to shower... While waiting for Cheryl, Netishka and I packed our bag packs.
" I'm done! Let's go for breakfast!" Cheryl exclaimed. Together, the three of us went down to the hotel's restaurant for our buffet breakfast. Some of our friends were already there. We chose a table near to the windows so we could have a view of the streets. After putting our bags down, we went to take our food. There was a huge spread of food and a wide variety of beverages. There were food ranging from Chinese to Western and even some Malay and Indian cuisine. Netishka and I chose to eat the cereal and milk while Cheryl had some cakes and fruits.
Wolfing down the food, we were ready to go and gather at the hotel lobby... By Wen Yu
"Klara! Klara!" I opened one of my eyes and standing by my bed and shouting into my ear was Claris. "What?" I grumbled, annoyed. I was dreaming about the fun things that we were going to do today when Claris started shouting in my ear. "Wake up! Its already 6.25! Its time for breakfast! Me and Ashley are going down first to chope some seats first, okay?" I opened my eyes and nodded, fully alert, and got out of bed to brush my teeth. I got changed into my school uniform quickly and brushed my hair into a neat ponytail. Fastening the belt of my bag around my waist, I headed down for breakfast. There was a wide variety of food ranging from cereal to mee goreng and porridge to pastries! I dumped my bag at the seat that Claris and Ashley had 'choped' for me and went to the buffet spread and filled my plate with sumptious food! After finishing breakfast, Ashley, Claris and I headed to the designated meeting place before boarding the bus for SKZ(2)! By Klara
At The Hotel--Time to catch some ZZzzz
Back to the past...
3rd July, 10.50pm
Renaissance hotel, Kota Bharu
I'm lying on my bed writing my evaluations about what happened today. Suddenly, memories flooded into my mind... Hours ago, I just bade goodbye to my parents and now I am in my hotel room. My room mates, Cheryl and Netishka are also writing their evaluations. We talked about how we are all going to wake up tomorrow... Cheryl just joked about how she slept through a fire alarm. Scribbling my last words, I took a look at the window. What a day it has been, tomorrow, more exciting adventure will be in store for me. I switched off the lights. "Goodnight and sweet dreams!" we called out to each other as Cheryl and Netishka off all the lights in the room. I snuggled warmly into the covers. Netishka is reading a book with the light from her Ipod. " I bet it is because you can't sleep... Feeling too excited?" I asked her. "Yeah, I just can't wait to meet my buddy..." she answered as she stifled a yawn and rubbed her eyes wearily...
That night, I slept soundly... By Wen Yu
I am sitting on my bed, chatting to Ashley and Clarice while writing my reflections for today...... I had taken a shower and changed in my sleeping clothes after we returned from the Pasar Malam and after our short briefing. I slid under the covers and stared at the ceiling...... I wonder what my sister is doing now... probably sleeping I guess... I almost felt homesick...but I felt immediately cheered up when I remembered that I was going to finally meet my buddy tomorrow! Calling out goodnight to my roommates, I switched off the light and snuggled under the covers, taken over by my tiredness...... By Klara
3rd July, 10.50pm
Renaissance hotel, Kota Bharu
I'm lying on my bed writing my evaluations about what happened today. Suddenly, memories flooded into my mind... Hours ago, I just bade goodbye to my parents and now I am in my hotel room. My room mates, Cheryl and Netishka are also writing their evaluations. We talked about how we are all going to wake up tomorrow... Cheryl just joked about how she slept through a fire alarm. Scribbling my last words, I took a look at the window. What a day it has been, tomorrow, more exciting adventure will be in store for me. I switched off the lights. "Goodnight and sweet dreams!" we called out to each other as Cheryl and Netishka off all the lights in the room. I snuggled warmly into the covers. Netishka is reading a book with the light from her Ipod. " I bet it is because you can't sleep... Feeling too excited?" I asked her. "Yeah, I just can't wait to meet my buddy..." she answered as she stifled a yawn and rubbed her eyes wearily...
That night, I slept soundly... By Wen Yu
I am sitting on my bed, chatting to Ashley and Clarice while writing my reflections for today...... I had taken a shower and changed in my sleeping clothes after we returned from the Pasar Malam and after our short briefing. I slid under the covers and stared at the ceiling...... I wonder what my sister is doing now... probably sleeping I guess... I almost felt homesick...but I felt immediately cheered up when I remembered that I was going to finally meet my buddy tomorrow! Calling out goodnight to my roommates, I switched off the light and snuggled under the covers, taken over by my tiredness...... By Klara
The Arrival--Singapore to Kelantan
Back to the past......
3rd July 2010, 7.20 p.m.
Kota Bahru Airport
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We finally arrived in Kelantan! We were greeted by the teachers of Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab (2) but none of our buddies made it except the buddy of my friend, Cheryl. I was very tired and hungry after the ride in the plane ......But I immediately perked up when I suddenly remembered that we were going to eat dinner sonn and visit the local Pasar Malam known as Wakaf Che Yeh, that very night!!! Unfortunately, the bus was delayed by about one and a half hours! When it finally arrived, we loaded our luggage into the trunk of the bus, got in and headed to the restaurant. I was so hungry that when I saw the delicious food, I almost drooled! After finishing our yummylicious dinner, we boarded the bus and headed to Wakaf Che Yeh. On the bus, we were given strict instructions to follow closely to the teachers, ask permission from a teacher before going somewhere, always look out for our assigned roomates and not wander off by ourselves to prevent ourselves from getting lost in the busy crowd of the Pasar Malam. At the Wakaf Che Yeh, we saw brightly coloured lights strung over the whole place. There were people selling goods(e.g. watches, handbags, shoes, clothes, toys, books, cds, local fabrics, wallets, accessories, jewellery, headscarfs, perfumes, spectacles etc.), food(e.g. fried noodles, fried rice, fried bee hoon, fried kueh teow, sausages, fishcake, fishball, bread, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables etc.)and beverages(e.g. rose syrup, soyamilk, fruit juice etc.). it was definitely a wonderful experience for me!!! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA
Finally! I am in Kelantan!!! As, I grabbed a trolley, I ran over to grab my sporting black and red luggage... Together with my friends, we went to sit in a cafe while waiting for the tour bus. Unfortunately, none of our buddies came to welcome us except for Cheryl's buddy. The bus was supposed to arrive soon after we landed, however, it delayed and came at about an hour and a half later. We were all so tired and hungry from all the travelling... However, when the bus came, we all boarded the bus eagerly... Our first step to adventure!!! The bus driver took us all to have our stomachs filled at a local restaurant... There were lots of delicious food! At the dinner table, we exchanged some ghost stories and we chomped down the sumptious food. My friend, Melissa, salivated at the sight of the fried calamari!!! Right after that, we proceeded to the night market. All the sights and sounds energised us as we could not stop taking pictures. They were almost everything sold there, from fish cracker to drinks and clothes to batik paintings. I felt so excited being able to see such lively night markets, a sight we usually do not get to see in Singapore. The teachers from SKZ(2) took us around the night market and were our guides for the night. It was certainly such an amazing experience to see many women bargaining for good prices on the batik pajamas and dresses at one of the stalls. I was appalled by the fact that they night markets were so much more interesting than the night markets in Singapore that we have under our HDB flats. It was certainly a great experience!!
3rd July 2010, 7.20 p.m.
Kota Bahru Airport
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We finally arrived in Kelantan! We were greeted by the teachers of Sekolah Kebangsaan Zainab (2) but none of our buddies made it except the buddy of my friend, Cheryl. I was very tired and hungry after the ride in the plane ......But I immediately perked up when I suddenly remembered that we were going to eat dinner sonn and visit the local Pasar Malam known as Wakaf Che Yeh, that very night!!! Unfortunately, the bus was delayed by about one and a half hours! When it finally arrived, we loaded our luggage into the trunk of the bus, got in and headed to the restaurant. I was so hungry that when I saw the delicious food, I almost drooled! After finishing our yummylicious dinner, we boarded the bus and headed to Wakaf Che Yeh. On the bus, we were given strict instructions to follow closely to the teachers, ask permission from a teacher before going somewhere, always look out for our assigned roomates and not wander off by ourselves to prevent ourselves from getting lost in the busy crowd of the Pasar Malam. At the Wakaf Che Yeh, we saw brightly coloured lights strung over the whole place. There were people selling goods(e.g. watches, handbags, shoes, clothes, toys, books, cds, local fabrics, wallets, accessories, jewellery, headscarfs, perfumes, spectacles etc.), food(e.g. fried noodles, fried rice, fried bee hoon, fried kueh teow, sausages, fishcake, fishball, bread, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables etc.)and beverages(e.g. rose syrup, soyamilk, fruit juice etc.). it was definitely a wonderful experience for me!!! By Klara
PHOTOS BY KLARA
Finally! I am in Kelantan!!! As, I grabbed a trolley, I ran over to grab my sporting black and red luggage... Together with my friends, we went to sit in a cafe while waiting for the tour bus. Unfortunately, none of our buddies came to welcome us except for Cheryl's buddy. The bus was supposed to arrive soon after we landed, however, it delayed and came at about an hour and a half later. We were all so tired and hungry from all the travelling... However, when the bus came, we all boarded the bus eagerly... Our first step to adventure!!! The bus driver took us all to have our stomachs filled at a local restaurant... There were lots of delicious food! At the dinner table, we exchanged some ghost stories and we chomped down the sumptious food. My friend, Melissa, salivated at the sight of the fried calamari!!! Right after that, we proceeded to the night market. All the sights and sounds energised us as we could not stop taking pictures. They were almost everything sold there, from fish cracker to drinks and clothes to batik paintings. I felt so excited being able to see such lively night markets, a sight we usually do not get to see in Singapore. The teachers from SKZ(2) took us around the night market and were our guides for the night. It was certainly such an amazing experience to see many women bargaining for good prices on the batik pajamas and dresses at one of the stalls. I was appalled by the fact that they night markets were so much more interesting than the night markets in Singapore that we have under our HDB flats. It was certainly a great experience!!
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