ramadhan, kampung style

I miss spending Ramadhan in Batu Pahat, at my grandmother's place.

I grew up with my Arwah Maktok since I was a baby until my primary school days, and I'm glad I did because if I didn't I wouldn't know what the meaning of berpuasa in a kampung meant. At that time, my parents were in JB and being the eldest, born to parents who are just starting out in life (ie. mak aku tak reti nak jaga baby yang melalak-lalak sepanjang malam) I was given to my Maktok to be taken care of (not in the mafia sense of "taken care" OK!!!)

When Ramadhan comes, Maktok will always make sure that she makes starters and desserts to accompany the main meal of iftar. This was when she was younger, and hadn't experienced her knee problems yet. She had Auntie Noh and Auntie Endon to help her too (my two unmarried aunties who were staying with her). So in a household of 3 women, you can imagine what good food I enjoyed.

The best thing was the exchange of kuih / lauk / starters with the neigbours. And I was the designated delivery girl, the one who sends all this to our neighbours. When I gave our neighbours Maktok's treats, they will then "exchange" it with something of theirs. And I know which house yang masakan dia sedap and which house suffers from a BAD CHEF.

When iftar comes, we usually have about 8 different offerings from 8 different households! There was no need for a Bazaar Ramadhan back then.

And life was so simple and good!

This Ramadhan, I'm thankful to be spending it with The Diver and our kids, and also our dear beloved friends.

A happy and blessed Ramadhan, everyone!