balik kampung simply means going back to you home village.
since my first trip to Malaysia in 2004 for paintball i had always considered it my second home. then January 2007, I and 14 other outdoor enthusiasts were invited to explore Kota Kinabalu (KK). now, 8 trips more after that and a 2 month immersion in this city its not a surprise that my friends are referring to it as my kampung (village).
so this is my second balik kampung for the year and by far the shortest trip ever (3 days only)but also a very different one in a great way. as my kaka mary says, this trip is a "time to recharge our batteries for the new year." indeed there were a few changes to the usual visits. this time there were no guests to take care of, no new tours to take,; it was simply me coming for a dose of home.
i watched movies and went to the beach with my KK family, spent time to catch up with friends and the juicy bits of their lives, spent time to eat the not-so-pedas dishes i've missed and simply walked the streets of KK while eating ais krim or drinking lemon ping.
then of course there's the sort of tradition of the-night-before-the-flight party!!! a sending off karaoke night at Hawuuz (a bar near the Beverly Hills Area) where people drink and sing the night away- literally.
even this was a 'lil off the usual. this time there was more to celebrate for and more people to celebrate with. that night everything was set aside so that everyone came together for the sake of fun.
i have my kaka mary to thank for almost everything...from the roof on my head, a comfortable bed and for the bringing the dearest people of my life together. thank you for usual dose of love and sisterhood.
to my kuyas, ates, old friends and new friends...i know this was a quick trip but nevertheless it was a trip that reminded me that life is good!
