My school mate Elizabeth Chan was a good hockey player and we got along very well in school. She was also in my sister's class and the two were best friends. But fate took all of us apart during the tumultous years of curfew and political changes in Sarawak. She went to teacher training college, in Rajang, my sister went to Batu Lintang Training College in Kuching while I went to MU in KL.
Upon her graduation she married her Kelabit friend, Kallang Akup and went on to teach in many different towns in Sarawak. They finally retired in Bario. All these took 45 years and we finally met.
I went to stay with her in Pa Ukat and she showed me her new culinary skills. She made the fabulous leaf wrapped rice, using the beautiful Kelabit highland Adan rice, milk and the iron tree leaves.
 |
| Kallang told us that the iron wood tree is easily found in Bario and especially Pa Ukat. His people cut the twigs and plant them around their homes acting as demarcation lines for their property and in no time, the twigs grow into trees and the leaves provide the people with wrappers for their rice. |
The dumpling was really good and I ate 2 , while my friend also helped herself to two.
It was the first time I ever ate a dumpling made from highland rice, milk and salt, and wrapped in the fragrant iron wood tree leaves.
Elizabeth has truly acquired many skills in life. Today she is a true farmer in the Kelabit Highlands. And God has blessed her and Kallang mightily.
The Methodist School, Sibu has produced a very outstanding student, educator, practising Christian and personality in Elizabeth. So proud to be your life long friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment