Hujan

The Malay word for rain is hujan. And does it ever! When the rain comes here, it moves in, dumps and moves out- most of the time. The other day, Nevi and I could feel it coming. The air gets thick, the sky turns a bit greenish....thunder begins to roll in...and then the skies open and you would not believe how much water can fall. Then it rolls out and the cooler air is here. Ahhhhh, tropical hujan!

under the weather

We must have had too much fun in Singapore last weekend as Nevi came down with a cold on Sunday evening. No fever or anything- so no swine flu or H1N1....but a good old fashion stuffy nose and cough. She has not gone to school this week. So for the last few days, we have just tried to take it easy. Of course swimming has still happened cause what the heck else to do! Nevi has also watched more TV here than she has in her entire life! This fact I do not love, but everything IS different here! She is on the mend and might just make it to school tomorrow- we shall see. Unfortunetly, it seems Devin might have it now as he is suffering at work...my intention:I WILL NOT GET IT!

Lucky bamboo

I have been learning a great deal about superstition while living in a multi cultural country. Many of the Asian cultures, especially the beautiful Chinese, are very superstitious. Many of the hotels here in Malaysia will not have a 4th floor but instead 3A- due to 4 being an unlucky number. 7 is considered lucky. Having an 8 on your license plate brings good fortune...when pregnant you should chew your food well or your child's disposition could be effected...red and yellow are colors of luck and fortune- black is not...anyway- before I even knew the importance of all of these superstitions...Devin and I chose the lucky bamboo silk to cross our bed. Here in Malaysia this is a common form of decor...most hotels have silks or tapastries which cross the bottom of your bed. We loved the greean and desperately needed some color in our appartment- so this is what we bought in Penang. Now I am glad to know that I am surrounding myself with the lucky/fortunate and not something which might cause us grief!

The Gift of Rain

Are you looking for a good book and one that happens to be set in Penang, Malaysia??? This is a well written, informative and lovely book written by a Malaysian author. I encourage you to read it.
My dear Mom gave it to me when I was moving here. I just happened to start reading it when I was in Penang! Really cool to read and then walk down the street that you just read about! Thanks, Mom.

Dessert

My other feat yesterday was making Mango sticky rice. This is actually a Thai recipe and my most favorite thing in the world! You use a special rice called "glutenous" rice. It has nothing to do with gluten as we know it. Anyway, first I made the sticky rice, and I even used our rice cooker. Sticky rice is usually steamed when made properly- but the rice cooker worked great. Then I cut up fresh mango. Then I made the coconut sauce.....yum! Put some sticky rice in a bowl pour a special warm coconut milk over it~ add fresh mango and YUM! This picture does not do the dish justice- but when I get home or if you come to visit here- I will whip some up!

Kari Assam with Roti

Sarah's latest

Here is the next stage of my Asian cooking in my very simple kitchen! Last night I made Kari Assam (curry)...usually it is made with chicken, but I used all veggies: cabbage, apple, carrots, potato, asparagus, red pepper. Then I used already made Roti bread- it is awesome the dough is made and rolled out but then you fry it up in oil to actually cook it. A bit of edamame- oh yeah!