Thursday was a big day for Wife and de-I as we got to participate in one of the Consulates 'official' activities. Each year during Ramadan, the Medan Consulate hosts an Iftar dinner. For non-Muslims, the faithful during the holy month of Ramadan fast from sunup to sundown neither eating nor drinking during that time. At the official moment of sundown, the fast is broken (usually with a bit of water and some dates). This is followed by prayer and then a formal meal to truly break the fast. #2 had asked if we had wanted to be part of this and we readily agreed.
Oldest Coffee Shop in Medan
2B had errands to run in the morning. He asked if we wanted to visit the oldest coffee shop in the city. Sure. Why not. Normally it is really hard to get into this place but because of Ramadan, it was much quieter than normal.
Very unprepossessing
Figuring out what to order
Figuring out sugaring tea
Classic renditions of this area's coffee with the traditional Hokkian style breakfast of kaya toast (kaya jam is made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar and sometimes pandan) with soft boiled egg.
You can order noodles from next door
There was a birthday going on
2B had also raved about his hole in the wall curry place
The owner spent a lot of time in Japan and his curry is kind of a cross between an Indonesian curry soup and a Japanese curry
On the table is a variety of sweets
You get the curry soup with either rice or noodles, beef or chicken. That's all they serve.
Then Wife was recruited to assist in choosing flowers for the event
When we got back to the residence, the set-up was in full process
The Consul General arrives to guide the preparations
Her Consular Staff arrive
Waiting for the Guests
Doing the diplomatic hobnobbing thing
The Consul General gives her formal remarks
A traditional porridge of sweet beans that is part of the breaking of the fast
After prayer (they organized a prayer room in another building) the meal is finally served
Once the meal was done, everyone wanted to get back to their lives! But not before a whole bunch of official picture taking.
The Consul General and her family
With the current Sultan
The Consul General from Malaysia
Official event over. Time to chill.
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