As Malaysians, we know how is it like to celebrate Aidilfitri in our own motherland but do you know how does it feel on other side of the world?

Being an experience amateur traveler,*cause I still can't leave my lotion behind*, celebrating Syawal in a foreign land could mean, celebrating only with your spouse or family members. The number of Malaysians who stay abroad can be counted by fingers *although the numbers are increasing*, so expect less guest coming over to your place.

Countries like Australia, Europe don't celebrate Aidilfitri except the minority, therefore you rarely see people clad in their baju kurung or baju melayu walking around the town after visiting their relatives. It's odd and mat saleh may find it interesting. There are no public holiday for Syawal, it's either you go to work or you take your leave day.

One thing for sure, when celebrating Syawal in oversea is you make new friends. People with the same nationality as you whom you have not met. Places like Malaysia Hall will host Aidilfitri celebration every year and all Malaysians within that particular area will come together.

However, as for myself, having a mum as a Singaporean could be slightly different. Celebrating Syawal in Singapore is merrier compared to Malaysia. We start the day in the afternoon and visit relatives until the wee morning. I was a rich kid back then and with the currency exchange, I could buy the whole Trump Tower *ok kidding*. 

Aidilfitri is celebrated for a month in Singapore. You can still see people in their traditional wear even after the holidays are over. They still go for house visit after working hours. That semangat, I tell you.

When I was small, I had an uncle who worked as a trailer driver. He would pick us up in his 16 wheel trailer (if i'm not mistaken) and we'll go to relative houses until the next Subuh. Imagine that. By the time we got home, we were flat out but we still continue again that evening.

Things were a bit different in the old days but as time goes by, Syawal is celebrated according to trend but the spirit still remain the same. But, one thing for sure, no matter what, I'm still #proudtobemalaysian

(Wearing semi instant shawl Sara from By Alexa Blue)

Well, I grew up in a small town called Kangar. Situated at the most up north side of Malaysia. Border to the the land of fragrance rice, Thailand.

Sawadeekap. 

Back when I was still a high school student, I've been waiting for the day I moved out of my kampung. Everything seem so marvelous for me in the big city. The shopping malls, the people, the way people dress and of course....the boys. They seems much more macho compared to the kampung boys I know. Well, so I thought things were much better in the city.

Then came the day I had to moved to where I am currently now, Penang. I didn't want to move to Kuala Lumpur thinking that it would be much further for me. I want to have the flexibility of going back to my hometown any time I want. So I settled in a state where it only requires 2 hours of drive. And also if I get kicked out by Juan, at least 2 hours of driving is not bad while crying *joking,joking*.

Living in the city for 11 years make me realized how I did not appreciate the things and the people I have around me last time. It also taught me survival skills. A skill that is important when living in an unfamiliar place.

Nowadays paddy field seems so serene to me each time I go back and I noticed the locals are much more friendly as well as my neighborhood. Everyone knows each other and every evening the elderly will seat together at the back alley of my dad's house, while chit chating with each other. Accompanied by the cold breeze. Some of them brought snacks too. These are the things we don't see in the big city. You may for some but it's a dying tradition of living together as neighbors.

In the city, most people shut their doors. So it's no surprise if they don't know their neighbor living next door. For some, you rarely see them at home. Some city people are selfish and harsh. Some are still nice people. I don't deny that.

Although I've been living in the city for 11 years, not long compared to some. I tried to remind myself not to lose the kampung girl spirit I have inside. I try not to be a selfish person instead I offer help to other people if needed and I give money to beggars instead of walking pass them. I don't want the city life consume my good values. I wish to make the world a better place by doing good things even a small one. It could change someone's life or perhaps you'll make a new friend.

Life is much more easier in small city. Cars don't honk at each other, food are rather reasonable, people walking at a slower pace. I miss my old life. My life in a school uniform.

So I had the opportunity to try a newly opened cafe nearby Tanjung Bungah. Situated by the road side. Slow down your car after the Tesco Tanjung Tokong which will be on your right side (if you were to come from Gurney plaza side). This cafe is before Anandha Bhawan Indian restaurant.

The first thing that caught me was the space. It was so spacious. The seats were ample and they were not placed too close to each other. So there were space for you to walk around. Plus there are plenty of parking available.

This is my favorite part in the cafe. The photo frames are hand made. It includes spatula, fork, spoon, plates. It'll be an awesome ootn/ootd background.

Snooze Too is situated in Brinchang Square and it is a row of shoplots turned into a motel. The furniture are mainly from IKEA so you can actually purchase some of the items. Baby cot is also available upon request but it comes with additional charges.

The interior of the hotel seems to have a bit of a hippie influence. Most of them are made of wood. I'm not so sure on how on earth did they managed to bring in a century old truck into the lobby.