District tour to Melaka, 8th-9th Sept 06 (5th GM)

Reported by President Gregory

The Rotaract District 3310 Team, led by District Rotaract Representative PP Mohamed Zakir and District Rotaract Chairman, PP John Ng, paid the Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka a visit as part of their Zone 1 leg of the District Tour. It was an honour to host their visit, to discuss various upcoming Rotaract issues, as well an opportunity to meet up with old friends. Also, it was an excuse to bring them around Melaka town and eat to our hearts content.

The team that came to Melaka comprised, apart from the DRC and the DRR, IPDRR Audrey Cheong, District Treasurer Winnie, District Professional Development Director Kah Hian, Assistant District Community Service Director Amanda and Assistant Club Service Director Kumar. They arrived on Friday night in the DRC’s Toyota and went straight for the famous Melaka fried oyster in Jalan Bunga Raya. Greeting them on arrival was IPP Yik Chuang, Club Service Director Eugene, Community Service Director Calvin, DRRE PP Dharmindra and I.

After the grub, we checked them into the Garden City Apartments for the night and proceeded with discussion sessions about Rotaract. The DRC, the DRR as well as the IPDRR, took full opportunity to meet up with DRRE Dharmindra to discuss plans for the year as well as the coming one. District issues were ironed out as three generations of District Rotaract leaders; the past, the present and the future, had their power talks with their Rotary advisor.

After the power talk, we had a night cap at Friend’s Café… how appropriate!

DRR Mohamed Zakir presenting the District 3310 bannerette to President Gregory

We had an early start to the next morning, with the District team enthusiastically up and ready by 8.00 in the morning. It was an important date, especially for IPDRR Audrey, who was determined to try the elusive Limbongan half-boiled eggs and kaya toast. Dubbed the most perfect half-boil eggs by visiting Rotarators in the past, IPDRR had failed to try it in her previous three visits. Thankfully, the shop was open today!

After breakfast, the District team decided to check out the Happiness Home, a voluntary home for children with cerebral palsy. The home, of 35 children, provides food, shelter, care and love. The unfortuned effects of celebral palsy meant most of the children suffer various physical challenges and illnesses that meant 24-hour care. The children had to be constantly monitored for illnesses and complications that could be sudden and fatal. Yet, the children at Happiness Home, despite their misfortunes, seemed happy and friendly. Seeing the dedicated staff and the warmth of the children, openned our eyes and melt our hearts away. We bade farewell to the home with a small parting gift of Kentucky Fried Chicken, a favourite among the children, and resolute hearts.

Visiting the Happiness Centre

The children at the home

We proceeded back to the apartments for the District meeting. Pulling on his cap as District Community Service Director, IPP Yik Chuang took part in the meeting while the rest of sat in to learn more about the upcoming District plans. Then, we took a break for lunch. Lunch was at Bayonya Restaurant, a favourite among the club members for a lovely Peranakan cuisine. We were joined for lunch by Vice President Sujen and our guest Jeya. As we mauled into the rich, traditional nyonya food, laughter and fellowship filled the air.

Lunch at Bayonya

Eugene brings new meaning to the phrase “Dig in”

Dessert was durian cendol, one of the many must-have for visits to Melaka. As we sat back and savoured the sweet, ice-cool desert, I gave a short presentation about the Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka, our club background, accomplished activities and upcoming plans. The club members and the district team further exchanged ideas and shared grand plans for the future.

President Gregory presenting about the club to the District team

DRR Zakir in full attention of the club’s plans

After desserts, the group broke to two as some of the members of the District team went to Jonker walk for some shopping while others decided to adjourn to my house for a quick game of Risk. Quick proved an understatement, was I was embarassingly torned apart in the game by the keen forces led by generals Kumar, Amanda and Winnie. Alas, I shall get my revenge!

By 6pm, the rest of the team had gathered in my house. A short break to freshen up and recharge, before they set off to Batu Pahat for the Rotaract Club of Batu Pahat Installation. This visit, despite a short one, proved fruitful and educational. It rekindled friendship and fellowship and aligns with the district theme of “Leading the way towards a unified District”.

We look forward to hosting the District team again, soon!