kenleewrites in 日本

The Malay term “balik kampung” refers to returning to one’s village. In most cultures, there’s always a period where people balik kampung. In the States I believe it’s Thanksgiving and Christmas? In Japan, it’s always over the new year or during the o-bon period. For Malaysian Chinese, it’s always during lunar new year.

Took these photos on my previous iPhone 3G on our way back in January 2009. Can’t believe it’s been a year.

田中；「お正月実家帰るの？」
けん：「うん、balik kampung です。」

DDD – Dunkin’ Donuts Drive thru. Have yet to see a Dunkin’ Donuts in Japan yet. Donuts are huge in Japan, but not so in Malaysia. Those round snacks with a hole have some pretty stiff local competition.

Pandu Lalu.

We usually stop by this petrol kiosk for a light lunch before making our pilgrimage to my grandparents’ every lunar new year. We didn’t this year.

Red Bull in bottles. Something you don’t see you Japan.

There is regular red bull and super red bull. It’s a funny thing. I only drink red bull outside Malaysia.

Yakult or Vitagen?

Love these Pikin plum tablets.

RM2 for a box of Mentos plus. Approximately ¥55.

A regular tube of Mentos in Tokyo is ¥100.

I always get my nasi lemak fix when in Malaysia.

I love these RM1 nasi lemak packs. Usually take 2 or 3 at a time. RM1 = ¥30. No wonder I always gain a few pounds in Malaysia. ^^.

Special fridges that appear at my grandparents’ only during lunar new year. ^^.

Lots of local ice-cream.

Lots of drinks. ^^.

I particularly like these fruit tree drinks. Apple and aloe vera.

The malay name for soursop is durian belanda – dutch durian.

Things change pretty fast in Malaysia. Every year when I go back to visit, there’s always something new. At least, there are always new roads to learn. ^^.