My grand-daughter, Iffah Faizah binti Haji Mohd Faiz has successfully completed her first semester of junior secondary education at a residential school. Despite of being homesick she still managed to focus on her study in a new school and living with other students in hostel environment that resulted being listed in the first top three of Form 1 Formative 1 Examination. It is really homecoming since she left home 4 months agothat has given significant impetus to her parents, siblings, cousins, neighbours, friends and grandparents.
Kakpah, as her siblings fondly called her, has the DNA of being a storyteller, like her grandpa Dr. Zul. I enjoy listening to her stories about living and learning in a new residential school life and unique environment where education and accommodation are seamlessly integrated. By offering a blend of academic rigour and personal development opportunities, the school has carved strong, independent and resourceful individuals. Fortunately, Kakpah's grandma, uncles & aunties had also grown up in the residential school environment.
Engaging in a lively conversations for her auspicious homecoming in conjunction with Eid al-Adha 1446H, I asked her what food that she missed at the hostel? She replied, “The authentic Nasi Padang!” (Minangkabau's steamed rice served with various choices of pre-cooked dishes originating from West Sumatra, Indonesia.) I inquired her for details, “Why do you keep going back for Nasi Padang?”
Kakpah responded, “Everything tastes really good, is well-prepared with quality ingredients (the spices, in particular, are all imported from Indonesia for that authentic flavour), and affordable cost for our family. It's famous throughout Malaysia for its distinctive cuisine.”
I remember for the Chinese New Year holidays end of January 2025, my wife, Zarina asked Kakpah, “Which is your preferred city in ASEAN region that you like to visit for our family's vacation?” Without hesitation she said, “Jakarta.” So, we enjoyed one good week in a diverse array of dining experiences and shopping destinations. We also toured Tanah Abang Market & modern Lippo Mall Nusantara. (https://www.jakartatravelguide.com)
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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