Kuching Chinese Parade

It was a great surprise to us on night in Kuching when we took a taxi into the city for dinner to learn there was a Chinese parade going on - the taxi driver said it was for Buddha's birthday, someone else I asked said it was a Chinese god. Well whoever it was for, it was great - such a large collection of lions and dragons and right in front of the temple. And the kids really enjoyed it except Jack who took a while to open his eyes and watch. 

It was a real community thing with looked like every temple sending in their own dragon teams, carrying banners and parading their alters. It somewhat reminded me of an Easter parade in Spain. Some participants were dressed up in traditional costumes ala Monkey and Pigsie, the monkey god series we used to watch as kids in the UK before daytime really took off.

Rainy days at Basaga

Don't think I have been on a wetter holiday than the one we are experiencing in Kuching which says a lot considering Ireland is on the list on a regular basis! It has rained four nights in a row and every afternoon. This evening there was no break and we just couldn't face going out and had dinner in the hotel.

So tired we were from TV and technology all afternoon that we decided to teach the kids dominos which is a first for us for a family game. It was great fun until Jack dropped one of the tiles through the floor boards below into an unretrievable pond! Donncha and I were devastated for a while - nothing worse than an incomplete game and a Smiggles set at that - sorry F & Z!

Luckily hotel area itself is lovely, built around an old house. The bar cum restaurant is based around a courtyard which is likely lovely when it's not raining. The rooms are a short walk from there albeit our room was mere 10 steps from the kitchen.

No Show for Orang Utans

After checking various weather sites, we thought this morning would be the best to see the Orang Utans (or as Ayden says rambutans). As we hoped it was a dry morning and we along with dozens of other tourists (watching them was entertainment for the hour!) waited patiently but it was not to be. The kids were disappointed but we had already briefed them that this was NOT a zoo and the orang utans will come only if they need food. One thing positive from the excursion was that the kids CAN sit still and quiet for an hour!

Kuching

So far our Kuching experience has been a very wet one with almost non stop rain day and night. So much so that Ayden and Jack haven't even jumped into the pool.

Yesterday morning we went for a walk in the city and enjoyed the view of the Astana and a walk through the historical buildings nearby notably the Old Courthouse which I think also housed the Rajahs' offices.

And in the afternoon we went out to the Sarawak Cultural Village. We loved the various houses and longhouses.

The blowpipe was popular with everyone with probably Donncha having the most 'go's.

Didn't enjoy seeing the ground through the bamboo gaps of the Melanau people's house. Check out the height on the picture below.

And the kids loved the entertaining cultural show

So far food has been a highlight. And there's nothing better than starting the day with a good Asian breakfast. On top of the list is the famed Sarawak laksa (which I will feature in another post). I had a good one this morning and the boys enjoyed their nasi lemak.

My Grandad

When I was little Christmas Day was a day for my Grandad, Mohamed Noor Aston who was born Noel Aston on Christmas day in 1911. Today he would have been 100. Happy memories of the lovely man he was. Al Fatihah.

Celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary.

Thanks Santa!

Dear Santa, the kids are really happy with their present. Is it too late for me to ask for ear plugs?!