Descriptive Essay

Describe an interesting event which is common in Malaysia.

                The durian season is a special time for me. From the time the durian flowers appear, Opah, my grandmother would keep calling to remind us that the durian season would soon begin. Mak Cik Yah will call to ask whether we know of the proposed date for the durian feast. Mak Ngah will do the same.

            The excitement normally begins on a Thursday. Mum would pack the essentials-swimming  trunks, towels and of course, Dad’s ENO, just in case he eats too much durian and glutinous rice. On Friday evening, after fetching us from school, Dad will drive straight to Tuk’s house. My aunts, uncles, cousins – practically the whole clan will be there. The menu for the feast is decided by everyone. But of course, Mak Yang gets the final say. Usually it would be ikan masak sambal tempoyak, pecal, grilled fish, grilled cuttlefish, white rice and of course, glutinous rice with coconut milk. It is unheard of not to include the latter two.

            After the bundling of pots and pans and other essential items into the booth of the jeep, soon it is time to head towards the orchard.

            At the orchard, Opah would taste the durians from each tree while the other ladies set the table. The menfolk would either be setting up the barbeque or picking the durians. When all the guests have arrived, Tuk would recite the prayer. Then the feast begins. Hundreds of durians are eaten on that day. Some are yellow while some are white. Some people eat them plain, others take them with glutinous rice and coconut milk.

            The younger ones go for a dip in the nearby creek. Then they alternate between eating and bathing. When evening comes and everyone has had their fill, the durian feast is over. For a while, I feel that I’ll never be able to take another piece of durian. But not for long, I pray that next year’s harvest will be as good if not better.