We went to Stratford-upon-Avon for a day trip - just to stroll by the River Avon - too bad - we forgotten to charge out batteries, so no photos. The children ran around happily like wild bunnies. People everywhere - sun bathing, boating, river cruising - everyone sharing the warmth of early Summer - by right it is only Spring. But we didn't stay that long. It is very hot and after strolling along one side of the River, we decided to find somewhere shady to pray and to have lunch. Over here, basically, whenever we were out, we will just pray anywhere - anywhere as in, under the trees, somewhere in the parking area (grassy area preferably) or any space under the stairs - as long as it is clean, no problem. Compass pointing the Qiblat is very easy to carry - no problem at all - praying mat? OK if we remember to bring it along. If not? No problem - the field will do. Or perhaps our outer jacket - Oh C'mon!
Anyway, sorry for having diverted from what I was planning to share. I had quite a long conversation with my Sister last Sunday. Among the many topics, we were talking about rice. I was telling her that before I left Malaysia (or Bolehland, borrowing the term from DrSam of Archive of Time), the price of a 10kg AA was around RM30. And I was quite shocked when she said it is RM41 now. Wow! And the so-called healthy rice is at RM6 per kg? Oh Dear! What is happening really? So when I told her the price of rice over here, she was saying, "You are better off there, really." You see, currently the price of basmati rice is at £5 per sack of 5kg. And if you purchase 3 sacks, the price is £10 - it is 3 for 2. And believe me, rice is among the items that are always on sale. I am not quite sure why - as the staple food of this country is not rice. Is it to keep the stock moving? Or is it because rice is considered perishable? Perhaps you can tell me - But whatever the reason is, it is quite comforting as we are among the minority household who eats rice quite regularly - Well, we always purchase a 10kg rice on a monthly supply.
Now, when I am thinking back about the price of rice in Bolehland - it is quite disturbing isn't it? For whatever sake it is, Rice is a staple food. Why is the price going upwards and not down? Something wrong with the distribution line? Though only 45% of the Bolehland's rice is supplied domestically, it still does not seem right. What quality of life can be enjoyed by those with lower income bracket if they are struggling to purchase their staple? Forget chicken, fish, etc,... If I tell you that we can get 3 baby chickens for £5 here and a kg of chicken wings for £1.99, will you believe me? You have to because it is true.
Anyway, if the price of rice is so high, what is the price of Nasi Lemak now? I can only imagine....! Oh Dear!
Hi Mia's Mom,
ReplyDeleteAhhh.. a stroll by the river, how nice.. but hot?? Wow! That's kind of a surprise to me, never thought such is possible there - always is living in my dream.. hehe
I am not best person to comment on such prices, all because I rarely buy groceries. Earlier today my colleague told me price of sugar in Bolehland is up by 20cent. And just last Friday I realised price for 2kg of sugar is now abt RM4!!
Unless that is part of the govt attempt to encourage people to live healthily i.e less carbo, less sugar, such is definitely not 'rakyat diutamakan'.
Yerp, agree with your sister that you are better off there. As far as I can remember, the cost of living there really an evidence of 'customer right'. If things get worst in thie Bolehland, I may follow your foot step ;)
P.S. Now we can still have steamed rice nasi lemak with paru or limpa abt RM2.80 to RM3, or with sotong at RM2.50.. :)
Hi Lady Florenz :-D
ReplyDeleteIt has been a long time since we met! Are you still with the Aussie Bank? Or you moved on? Well, any long holiday planned yet? By the way, the weather is beautiful now. The air is "crispy" and your lungs feel good when your breathe. Our roses are blooming, apples flowering (at least the one at our back garden does) and we went to Buckinghamshire last week - doing nothing much, just to stroll at the reservoir and walking along the canal with narrow boats mooring by its sides - mmmm.... it's just lovely!
Ahh... at least Nasi Lemak is still affordably priced. But does it mean extra charge for egg? Portion the same size? The nasi lemak at our High Comm here is priced at £3.50. Kuih - two for a £. By the way, is that nasi lemak tang ling you are talking about? I miss the Mak Cik!! :-D
Hi Lady Florenz :-D
ReplyDeleteit has been a long time now. How are you? Doing great? Still with the Aussie Bank? Now, any plan for a long holiday, yet?
Hmmm... at least it is still affordable. Over here, nasi lemak Hi-Comm cost £3.50. Minus the banana leaves of course! Are you talking about Mak Cik Tang Ling? Miss the Mak Cik!