Back to school...in the kampung

During our recent trip to Muar, my family dropped by my hubby's primary school and spent a great evening with his siblings, nieces & nephews.

The school bell is the sweetest sound to a child's ear, especially the one for "recess" & "going home".

A humble classroom that has nurtured many kampung kids with big dreams. My hubby and his youngest brother are two of them who'd graduated with engineering degrees from the National University of Singapore, and 2 of my sister-in-laws are teachers and one is a pharmacist!

The number of student is dwindling as many young families have moved out of the rural area. The whole school is left with less than 60 students now.

One of the problems faced by many rural schools is the lack of English speaking environment. My hubby told me he's without any English teacher for a whole year when he's in the secondary school. "So we just go and play basketball lah...," He said.

Brothers playing basketball together...

My hubby "proudly" told the kids that he used to climb over the fence to play basketball here.

Zi had fun playing with her new toy

My kids had a good time playing with their cousins

A relaxed and beautiful evening spent with the family members.

What a wonderful kampung life!

Luckier than a Tycoon!

Recently China Press reported that Hong Kong tycoon Stanley Ho sent his personal jet to pick up 88 Musang Durian from Singapore. He then shared 10 biji sahaja (10 only) with his billionaire buddy Li Ka-shing.

My hubby's childhood buddy owns a durian orchard in Bentong. During weekends, this durian lover will personally drives his Pajero to collect the King of Fruits and then generously shares some with us (Musang, D24, D2 & 101). Once my hubby tagged along and came back with more than 20! (aren't we luckier than Lee Ka-shing?!)

The orchard of my hubby's buddy.

A worker with his harvest.

Besides the King of Fruit, the Queen of Fruit - Mangosteen, are planted in his orchard too. What a fruity Kingdom!

My hubby the Kampung Boy used a fork to open the Musang durian.

My late father-in-law owned a durian orchard in which durians grew in abundance. Now only less than 15 trees are left (my brother-in-law replaced them with dragon fruit, banana etc). Even so, two weeks ago we loaded our car with lots of durians for our neighbors, not forgetting my hubby's buddy who loves kampong durian. To our sweet surprise, the next day one neighbor baked us a durian cake. Another one gave us cream puffs with durian flavor (he owns a confectionery franchise).

How wonderful! The King Of Fruit is surely inspiring!

Best of all, it makes you realize that you don't need to be a tycoon to feel RICH (in Friendship)!

Shooting in the Dragon Fruit Plantation

My son is crazy for BB Gun with plastic bullets recently. Last week we went back to our hometown and he got the chance to hone his shooting skill in his uncle's plantation.

His sister helped to carry the bullets - what an important task for the special assistant!

My hubby made his own catapult when he was young. I'm sure all the squirrels in his dad's plantation hated him. He said he'll make one for his son soon.

Using the bottle as target.

I know at this age my son is curious about gun. I explained the danger of it and the precaution he has to take. I know I can't stop him from his curiosity but I do wish he'll outgrow it soon.

The Plantation "Artist"

One of the Indonesian workers in my brother-in-law's plantation is very artistic. He decorates the "club house" inside the plantation with his authentic drawings. Being someone who loves to draw, I can feel his passion for art. I've decided to buy him some drawing blocks the next round we go back to Muar.

Wonderful Kampung Experience

My family visited my hubby's brother's plantation in Muar a few weeks ago. Juin the snake lover was excited to see & touch the big snake. (Heard that snake was only sold for RM10)

The monkey & cat are buddies. Aren't they adorable?

Those Indonesian workers made their own kites during free time. It's very impressive!