Dato' Sak and Datin Mamasita
When the SMS came in informing me of the impending arrival of Dato' Sak and his wife Datin Mamasita I was skeptical that I could finish my business there and rush to meet them in Kota Bharu. The SMS told me the estimated time of arrival was 2.00 PM and we were to meet at the White House Kopitiam.
Somehow meeting this couple is more important than the small business that I can always continue the discussion later at another meeting. Afterall this is the first time I am meeting Mamasita after putting off several planned visits earlier. The latest aborted trip was the one on the 11th April 2009 or there about. Since the trip would allow Dato' to attend a Tomoi event being held in Kota Bharu, the cancellation by Datin didn't seem to go well with Dato' Sak. Anyway the cancellation was a blessing in disguise as they had the opportunity to see their eloquent Banun going for a debating competition in Cameron Highlands and bringing home the winner's trophy. Read about it here.
It was before 2.00 when I reached the White House Kopitiam as I don't want my guests to be waiting for me. Seeing the place closed for business, I sent a message informing them of such and told them to meet at Kampung Kraftangan infront of the Royal Guesthouse as Dato' Sak had satyed there on his previous trip. It was a nice small hotel that Dato' came to love very much due to the beautiful room, location and good free wifi.
They replied informing me of a possible delay due to the traffic on the way to Kota Bharu from Kuala Trengganu. With ample time on hand I wondered around the Kampong Kraftangan area. This is what I saw:
A wooden sculptor of a horse.
The sculptor of a cow made of drift wood. I regretted for not showing my guests later of this beautiful work of art.
Loitering around the Kampung Kraftangan compound I saw this two female tourists at a batik printing shop. My curiousity got the better of me and took in the details.
Zecsman Design is a one of a kind where tourists can learn about the basics of batik panting and paint their own piece to take home. Two forms of fabrics were available for guests to choose either cotton or silk and of course the silk piece is more expensive.
Zecsman Design benefited from being listed in the Lonely Planet. Tourists from far and wide know of the place and flock to the place to have a go. Unfortunately not many local tourists know or care to try out.
This is the owner himself doing the sketching after the clients have made their selection of the design based on available samples. After the sketching is done he or his assitance will apply the liquid wax on the lines of the sketching. That way the boundary is laid and the colours will not encroach into the other compartments.
Zakaria Jusoh had been in business for the past 6 years. Earlier he had a 3 years training at Intitut Kraf Negara and worked at Pesona Batik for a year before starting this business.
Here you see Sabrina Willems and Jorinda Ballering both are 21 year old students from Holland. They had been in Malaysia doing some research for some two weeks already.
Slightly after 3.00 PM I received a SMS message from Dato' Sak announcing his arrival and asked me to meet him for a late lunch as Restoran Nasi Ulam Kg. Kraftangan or better known as Cikgu Nasi Ulam.