Hari Raya

Kuala Tahan - Merapoh - KUALA LUMPUR - Singapore - Thailand

Those who have watched our video ( https://youtu.be/c0dqcz-Hfyw ) know that we are currently living in an amazing Airbnb apartment and enjoying ourselves. We are being a bit lazy too. But today we are motivating ourselves and letting you hear from us.

Because we have already experienced a few things here. Apart from Kuala Lumpur itself, which we will talk about in another post.

I'm sure you're wondering what "Hari Raya" means. It is the most important festival in Islam after the fasting period of Ramadan. In short, it is the first few days when they can eat and especially drink throughout the day as they please. Ramadan lasts exactly four weeks, which is the time we traveled in Malaysia. The festive days are still going on and most shops are closed.

Anyway, it was an interesting experience.

But let's talk about Hari Raya now. Our landlady Hanis invited us to her parents' house to celebrate the festival with them. Because she and her family are also Muslims. We went to them on the first day of breaking the fast and were welcomed by a huge family with open arms. Everyone gathered and came home whether they came from England or Singapore. Everyone was there and the food was served. There were many delicious savory and sweet dishes. After the meal, photos were taken and everyone chatted. Some lay down and took a little nap.

What do you notice?

Yes, it's actually like a normal German birthday party with the family. We found that quite interesting too. But there were two differences. Firstly, the children receive an envelope with money inside, and secondly, part of the family moves on to the next family/friend's place to eat almost the same and have a conversation with them. We stayed with Hanis. At one point, a man from Egypt and his Indonesian wife, a friend of the family, also visited.

Everyone was very interested in us and wanted to have a conversation with us. Even the grandparents, especially the grandpa, told us a lot. Although we only understood half of it, he was very sweet and welcoming.

When we said goodbye, they even gave us some pineapple tarts to snack on.

You have no idea how happy we are to have experienced this, because it was very personal and family-oriented.

The next day, Hanis even drove to our apartment (at the other end of the city from her home) and brought us some leftover food.

Thank you for this kindness.