A weekend in Sitiawan and Ipoh

Every year we would make our pilgrimage back to Ipoh and Sitiawan as part of the CNY pai nian to visit my paternal grandma (ah chor) and my maternal grandpa (tai gong). This year however, we almost broke our record because we stayed a day longer in Singapore and came back tired. Hubby had to work the following week.

But on Friday 6th February he managed to get half the day off, and we made our trip back after I picked Victoria directly from school and hubby from work. We had our tapau-ed lunch in the car on the way up north.

First stop was Sitiawan. Ahma, as I call her, was already waiting for us. We spent a good 1.5hours chatting with her, and William got to know his Ah Chor a little bit better, whilst Victoria was still reserved and wanted to spend her time in the garden.

Playing on Ah Chor's bed

Ah Chor was ill for a while last year, and had to move her bed to the living room. She is a strong willed woman, and I'd say, she's strong in her Christian faith too. Praise God she is now more mobile and independent, although she still has a local house-help.

We asked her if she wanted to run any errands or buy any grocery. Or if she'd like to join us for the famous James' ais kacang. She decline us in all. So after saying goodbye, we went to look for the local ais kacang man who's gained his famed for his yummy dessert and his smart black and white bow-tie attired. Unfortunately, he wasn't open that day, so we patronised one of his "impersonators".

Yummy Sitiawan ais kacang, rich with kidney beans and just the right amount of coconut milk and brown sugar.

William, with his happy 4-toothed smile! He is soooo kissable!

We spent two nights in Ipoh, and during this visit, Victoria saw some monkeys in Menglembu (thanks to 5th Grandaunt who drove her all the way there) and bought some Valentine motif panties (to add to her recently purchased Cow motif panties collection), some hair clips and another pyjamas. We had the famous ipoh chee cheong fun with deep fried pork skin curry, and hong kong chee cheong fun (Victoria's favourite breakfast in Ipoh) and not forgetting the delicious sumptuous home cooked food at Tai Gong's house.

Sometime I miss the good ol' times during CNY visit to my grandparents, before I married. There were so many of us, as all the relatives make the way back to the patriach or matriach's house. The younger ones or the boys would bunk on the mattresses on the living room floor and everyone would be eating everywhere during meal times. Those days we could play fire crackers which was still legal, and there were fun times catching up with cousins whom I hardly see. Now, it's quiet when we go back with the kids because everyone's done their visiting, but then again, we get to spend more quality time with Tai Gong, Ah Chor and the Ipoh relatives. And we get more attention back! : )