Makan lifestyle.

I am so full.

I've been full for days, and I keep eating.

I eat and eat and don't get any thinner!

How now, like this?

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My father's mother, from now on known as Grandma #1, always asks me two vital questions each time I return from the faraway land of Oz. First she gets mad, then asks "WHY haven't you called?!"

And then I stammer some lame excuse.. uhmm akshully I meant to call, in fact I was thinking of you today Grandma, and I wanted to call but my phone died, uhmmm...

And then she asks the second question, "Are you hungry?"

So today my sister and I were coerced into waking up early and going to Grandma's for lunch. Of course we woke up late, and by the time we got there people were finishing up already, but it never matters. From the moment we stepped in the door it was calls of Makan, makan! (eat) and makan, makan lagi! (eat some more!)

I had two plates of rice, and when I said I was done everyone looked at me funny.

Done?

Two hours after lunch is tea, and more food was brought out. I said I was full, and everyone looked at me funny.

Full?! What has the land of Oz done to you?!

And so I ate, and ate, and had coffee, and ate some more. There was some socializing too. I have so many aunts, uncles and cousins. Sometimes I had to play this game in my head called Guess the Cousin's Name, and more than once, a random kid walked by and I had to ask my cousin, uhmm... which one is that?

But it was fun. I got the boyfriend question a couple of times, but it was only out of curiosity, and they let it go when I answered Nah, I've got more interesting things to focus on. Everyone welcomed me home, and wished me luck in whatever I decide to do next. With my dad's family I have a healthy, almost neighbourly relationship, whereby we're in each other's lives only as often as we see each other. We unite over food; there's always way too much food. We're supportive and affectionate, but everyone knows when and how to back off.

And after lunch all the aunts and uncles take turns sitting in the massage chair. Sometimes you get a little sibling rivalry, e.g.

Aunt #1: Didn't you already have a go?

Aunt #2: Eh, I just sat down lah!

Aunt #3: Eh, hurry up, I want a turn too.

Uncle #1: She just had a turn, it's my turn after this.

Aunt #1: Hrmm, she'll be a while. Come let's go have coffee first.

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One of my aunts also commented that I wear stripey socks all the time, ever since I was little. "Nadia ni dari kecik sapa ke besor, paka setokin belang." I didn't know.

Anyhoo. Now I am so full. I have two hours to relax and digest, and then my mom wants to take me to dinner.

Ah, I really missed the makan lifestyle.