Apparently, the Kuala Langat Homestay Programme has been a hit and gaining popularity in recent years and visitors include the Japanese, Koreans and battalions of local university undergraduates all wanting to experience Malay culture at its best through food, music, history, not excluding visits to cottage industries producing the famous kerepek and kuih bahulu. Located along the coast, seafood is a must and freshly- plucked longans, rambutans, guavas and durians add to the local flavour. The Silat, I have been told, complete with Kompangs, Pelamin and the Bunga Manggar is a treat to those seeking local traditions and touch.
The chief revealed that a total of 27 homes are available and is a contributing factor to the success story.
But a word of caution - beware of mosquitoes. So equip yourself with the appropriate rub-ons before attempting a trip.
Together with Celine's parents, my parents, my girls and Robert, we travelled around Europe in 2 rented cars crossing the borders of Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland within a winning span of 10 days! It was indeed an ambitious feat as we covered a total of about 2 thousand km awed all the time by the rolling grazing lands, cornfields, wheat farms, vineyards, white waters and snow-peaked mountains - a refreshing change from the tropical lands. And how does one describe the blooms? They are just too beautiful for words. Travelling was fun and untiring cos the weather permitted it. Wonderful Spring- light and easy.
To grow old in this way is commendable-papa he loves mama- Alsace Vineyards of France - an exhilarating experience plucking grapes and not rambutans ah!
Miles and miles of corn fields with silos in the background.
The beautiful Black Forest in Southern Germany - the drive along the pathway brought back childhood memories of Hansel and Gretel of my younger reading days
The girls are as pretty as the flowers right? The Petunias bloom effortlessly unlike the way we nurture them . The blooms don't last for more than a couple of months in good old Malaysia and that with so much care and water!
We were lucky to be in Meersburg - a town bordering Lake Constance in Southern Germany-and to be on time for the flower exhibition. There were some tropical blooms here in particular bougainvilleas becos of the lake influence which cancels drastic temperature differences
In Meersburg and look at the ducklings !
White waters - they give you quickening heartbeats- quite a sight !
It's impossible to finish relating the experiences in one writing. I will attempt to relate it to some other recollections in later writings.
But the homestay experience I must tell now.
The diligent planning of my sister and her husband allowed us to book into some homestays whenever possible and one of the places included one in Kaysersberg in France.
This is Little Venice of Kaysersberg. The picturesque cottage-like buildings is like reading a story in its context.
This was our B & B in Kaysersberg. The living quarters are in a separate building from where they serve breakfast. I must confess the rooms were quite dark and they did not fare well with my mum. She refused to sleep with my dad and chose to snuggle with the girls and me in a bigger brighter room. What a difficult evening we had with her. But somehow old folks have strong feelings about certain matters and the girls obediently put up with her.
But breakfast was wunderba. We were given pleasant morning greetings by almost every guest in the breakfast lounge and we wondered at our own culture then. Fresh English toasts with a spectrum of spread to choose from. Name the breads- they have all them there. The breakfast made up for the rooms and por-por unashamedly 'ta pau' bread for her 10.00am break.
On another occasion while in Austria ...Sound of Music and the hills... we also checked into another B & B station and this time it was really different.
The B & B station here had real homey facilities . We were given accommodation in the attic and we felt as though we were in a make believe world. The cool climate makes sleeping in the upper rooms comfortable and fun. The toilets were bright, clean and equipped with the latest gadgets. The beds were spacious and large and we given down-feathered pillows. So very comfortable. Por-por was smiling and had her thumbs up for the place. Her gut feelings told her she was in the right place and commented highly on the cleanliness of the place.
The girls sure had a fun time together sharing whatever they had to
Unlike the attic in my house, this attic was perfect sanctuary for quiet time with God... so cool and calm
Notice the attic in the picture? That was where we spent the night. B & B here is a home industry practised by the local farmers who bred cows for milk and milk products. The cattle ranch is just beside the rest house and in the mornings you may just find the stench too much. Grace attempted to see the milking process and how the farmers handled the stock by peeping through the windows.
In the picture - the 10 of us -my parents, Celine and her parents and Robert and me with our girls.
Breakfast here was also very well served . The lady of the house was really efficient. She seemed like an ordinary housewife and yet able to manage a small business providing food and accommodation to tourists while her husband saw to the cattle breeding venture. I was just wondering how she managed to clean up the place when we left...people do work hard you know. She did not seem to have plenty of help around her. Life in Malaysia is quite pampered. Thanks to good husbands!
Next, on another day, we travelled to the mountains of Switzerland where we bunked again in an attic - this time better still - all ten of us in one 10-bedded room ! Perfect for Por-por. This time she did not only smile. She virtually laughed and clapped her hands. Oh...everyone in one room. Nevermind about the snorers...it was music to her ears ! B & B was wonderful.
The Alps
The Swiss Mountain Huts
Look at the undulating hills. Lovely. Picturesque. Sometimes I wonder if we were really there. We have such short memories. The experience seems so alien and faraway.
The girls again in another attic experience - this time in a 10 bedded one
Outside the B&B in the mountains of Switzerland. Breakast is very European again- what else ? bread and buter...bread and butter... after a while you long for nasi lemak and roti canai la. What these Europeans miss out in life.
The Famous Jun Frau Joch so majestic with its permanent snow-field
At the foothills of Jun Frau Joch are retailers ready to serve the tourists. Esther and Sara showing off their different head wears
So you see...with a word like Homestay...memories . Next better time again...right?
Hope you have enjoyed my brief account.
1 comment:
Cultural Homestay in Europe (CHE) is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in educational exchange programmes and homestay based school, university, and group trips to the UK and Ireland. Our chief aims are to provide opportunities to experience the culture, lifestyle, and language of the country.
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