BJ : Banting and Jenjarom

Once a year, my BEC would organize a special event that breaks the monotony of our usual monthly gatherings. Over the years, we have had outdoor events like family days at the park, or pilgrimages to churches in other states, or outreach programmes for the needy. For 2019, we visited the Handicapped and Mentally-disabled Children Association of Selangor, located at Banting. Two of our members frequent the place, so they acted as our liaison for the whole event. Days before we went there, some members were mobilized to buy basic necessities that were requested by the supervisor. They bought a truckload of stuff, ranging from cleaning agents, to adult diapers.



The center was actually pretty well-maintained, clean, and had decent infrastructure. Much of it was contributed by the Lions Club headed by Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng. Lunch for the day was sponsored by us. Meals were bought from KFC and McDonald's. At the canteen, we divided up the burgers, fried chicken, buns, and french fries. While some were working, the rest of us went on a tour of the grounds, to see the children's living quarters and classroom. Those with less disabilities could participate in classroom activities. However, some with violent tendencies or inflict injuries on themselves are restrained.



When it was time for lunch, the children came out in a pretty orderly fashion. Most could eat by themselves. Some mischievous kids helped themselves to their neighbour's fried chicken. Those who were bed-ridden were fed porridge by the staff. Some of the more able children helped to clean up. One of the girls like to interact and asked for her photo to be taken. When our time there was at an end, we had a short reflection and debrief before heading for lunch.



Someone recommended that we go to Restoran Yew Beng, located inside a palm oil estate. The best dishes were the stir-fried sayur manis with egg, and stir-fried wild vegetables. The wild vegetables were harvested from the estate, and had a slightly bitter aftertaste. While we were there, some of the kids managed to capture a few rhinoceros beetles.







Mum and I didn't immediately leave Banting. We made a short detour to Dong Zhen Temple at Jenjarom. Many nearby residents use the temple grounds for exercise. Perfect setting because it's quiet and green; plus there are no public parks in the area. Although it was just the end of November, we could tell that temple committee was preparing their annual Chinese New Year decorative lights.







Early in the evening, KH and I met up for date night. Dinner plans were preceded by a skank. When we were fooling around, I was surprised that he pulled out a heavy stainless steel cock cage ! Didn't know that he was into all that. We tried to put it on, but couldn't squeeze our balls through the base ring. Perhaps we need some pointers. Or perhaps it will just end up as a fancy paper weight.



KH recommended a Filipino restaurant for dinner. The Narra is located in a little known building in PJ called Dataran Millennium. From the looks of it, the occupancy rate must be less than satisfactory, yet there's a banner for a real estate excellence award in the high value category. Can't imagine the other contenders.

Food selection at The Narra is interesting. The stuffed milkfish is very special. The fish is deboned and and the meat crushed, only to be reassembled back into a fish. A labour-intensive dish. The fried rice noodles is similar to Malaysian fried glass noodles. Mango salad is quite salty maybe due to its belacan-like sauce. Great place for hig eaters. Part of the reason we were there was to support KH's friend who was singing there. Musical accompaniment was by Shensation and he was amazing too.



Just one table away, a Chinese family was celebrating their Filipino domestic helper's birthday. From the number of people, I assume the extended family joined in. They sang her a song, and then they let her blow out the fancy candles on her tiramisu birthday cake. Even I got a slice to eat! Blessed to have such employers.