I was so sore when I found out that all my friends in Malaysia had 5 days off (including weekends) for the Raya celebrations while I was stuck working in the office. Sniff sniff…. During this time, I could imagine eating the lemangs, rendang, ketupat etc. Slurp slurp…. So I decided to surf online to see if there were any Raya celebration in Brisbane. Well, we’ve lots of students here. I’m sure something might come up, even if I have to raid a Malay house. YOUR FOOD OR YOUR LIFE!!!

 

 

 

Behold I came across the Malaysian Students Department Australia website. Open house…woohoo!!! Semua dijemput hadir. Even better. Rendang, ketupat..here I come!!!

 

 

 

Well, the only problem was I had a race on the same day that morning. In desperation, I dragged my aching body with 2 heavy bags on a bicycle to the Wooloongabba Darul Uloom (its actually a mosque, I believe). I looked really odd in my slippers & bermudas, made sure I wore a proper top rather than singlet. I didn’t know anyone here. My main objective was eat & absorb in the Raya feeling. It was a joyful event.

 

 

 

Tents were setup outside with food such as satay, ketupat, rendang, mee, roti jala served. To my “shyness”, I refilled my plate 4 times, especially with roti jala. Sirap as drinks made it even better. Too bad no nasi lemak.

 

People mingled in a small hall, where I sat with a bunch of Uni students who were from Sabah, Penang, KL & Brunei. There was also a best dress award for both female & male. Male won by Kwai Loh. Kekekek Standard sudah jatuh.

 

 

I was told that the Malaysian government actually sponsored this event. At least for once they did something good here. With a full stomach, I reluctantly left the venue with satay, ketupat & roti jala still floating in my head and digesting in my tummy.