Fruit Harvest and Happy New Year

WE decided we'd spent the New Year in a very different way this year, in the remote village. On our journey there we stopped by several farms as it seems to be harvest time for most fruits now

We saw lotsa Pulasan on trees at Bentong Farm...

Plucked some Longkong or Dukong

Saw this very unique species of Brinjal (Eggplant)

Stood in awe at this really huge melon

Loofa??

Alex AuYong the Xtra Miler, came with us and enjoyed the endless feast of durians

We went and plucked our own mangosteens! This was like treasure hunt looking through the trees for ripe ones. Nel and Jo really enjoyed this (and so did I! ) :)

Here's our loot, not bad almost a whole pail

Passion Fruit
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Following the yummy fruit harvest trip, we headed to the village that we've become friends with. It was truly a wonderful time there, spent with friends, the villagers and  visiting doctors.

Here the kids were searching for grasshoppers and praying mantis. THey were very excited to show me their catch and even offered me some as pets. I didn't take any home coz I think they're better off in the wild.

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Some of what they caught. I've never seen a praying mantis fly till this trip! Beautiful large wings!

A large one!

Volunteer docs came with us and visited at least 5 or more villages. Amazing doctors they were to give of their time and help to the villagers. :) Grateful they came along to help. What a wonderful way to spend the 1st of January 2012 by helping the needy.

And as usual, very hungry children, slrrping even to the last drop from the pot.

Well....on New Year's Eve, we decided to drive out to the nearest town to celebrate. After a so-so dinner, we drove up to main town to welcome the New Year. That's when my beautiful kids fell asleep. So they missed all the fireworks and New Year greetings. I've to admit that while the rest of the team members who visited the village with us greeted each other "Happy New Year", I too...stayed in the car, drowsy and half awake, too tired to move. haha....

Then....we drove back to the village, walked back to base bamboo house to find that we had lost the keys. Spent some time trying to break in...(mind you no electricity...but thank God for flashlights), and finally managed to get in for some sleep before the 1st of January 2012. :)

Happy New Year Everyone....:)