3Y11M 2Y1M 蚊対策 How to fight against mosquitoes

他の住人に聞いてみると、このフラット、どうやらどの家も設計上かなり室内が暗くできていて、昼間でも電気をつける必要があるらしい。ただ、上部の階だと蚊はそんなに多くない。やっぱり高い階に住みたい。できれば海の見えるフラットに引っ越したいわ。

さて、その蚊対策。コンセントに差込で使う液体の蚊取り線香が全然効かない。各部屋にあるのに、朝起きるとアラタカラが蚊に刺されまくっていたり、夜中、蚊に気がついて寝られなかったりする。いろいろな人からの助言をまとめると、

１．夕方5時半から8時過ぎは蚊が多いので窓をしめる

２．昼間から各寝室のドアを閉めて、万が一蚊が潜入してきても寝室には行かないようにする

３．モスキートラケットを常備する　－　バトミントンのラケット状のネットの部分が針金で出来ていて、ここに電流が走る。これで蚊を叩く（すくう？）。蚊をみつけた時に手元にあればなかなかいけるのだが、やっぱり手でパチッと殺す方が早いかな。

４．モスキートーファンを常備する　－　暗い部屋で使うと青い電球が蚊をおびき寄せ、その下で回っているファンの下部に蚊をトラップする。これが優れもので、結構捕まっている。薬を使わないし、しばらくは子供部屋の必需品。

まあ、マレーシア人が（新参者、知らなかったのかと言わんばかりに）口を揃えて「一階だから蚊がいるのはしょうがないよ」と言うのだけれども、子供はちょっとかわいそう。マラリア蚊はペナンには生息していないので心配ないが、デング熱の媒体の蚊はいるし、日本脳炎の予防接種をうけろって言われるわけだから、たかが蚊とはいえ侮れない。

Having asked other residents in our block of flats, I've learnt all the rooms are more or less the same. They are all dark due to the design of the flats and we all have to turn on the light during day. But if you live in upper floor, there are not many mosquitoes. When I was in Singapore I learnt mosquitoes can not fly so high. Well, I want to live on higher floor and preferably in a flat with sea view!

On the day I arrived in Penang, I dashed to the nearby supermarket to buy mosquito repellent which is designed to plug in to an electricity socket as it evaporate the chemical from the small bottle attached below. They usually work very well in summer in Japan. But for some reason, they don't work here. We have it in each bedroom but I often wake up in the middle of night because I have been bitten and can not go back to sleep unless I kill it, or in the morning, I find Aratakara's legs covered with several mosquito bites.

The below are the tips from those I've talked about this problem.

1. Close windows from 5.30 PM till after8 PM as mosquitoes are active around this time

2. Close bedroom doors at any time to prevent any mosquitoes happen to be in the flat to sneak into bedrooms

3. Buy a mosquito racket - Badminton racket shaped equipment with wire net, this net runs electricity and we can hit mosquitoes with it to kill them. If it's at hand when we see a mosquito, it's useful. Otherwise I still find using my own hands more effective.

4. Equip with mosquito fan - It's a device with blue light and small fan running underneath. In a dark room, the blue light attracts mosquitoes, and then trap them underneath the fan or hit them with the fan to kill. We don't use any chemical but still this seems to be quite useful. We've seen a couple of unfortunate mosquitoes in it. We will keep putting this on in our kids' bedroom.

Malaysian people usually say, "Oh you are on the ground floor, no wonder you have lots of mosquitoes" in the manner that they think we are too innocent. Never mind what they say but I feel sorry for kids. We don't have malaria mosquitoes in Penang but we still find dengue fever mosquitoes and our paediatrician recommend Aratakara to have Japanese encephalitis jabs. For some people it's just mosquitoes but it's probably not that simple for us.

3Y11M 2Y0M やっぱり一階は・・・ Reasons why you should avoid ground floor flat

このフラット、初めて来た時からあまり気に入っていないが、電球を替え、ベッドサイドランプを買い、家具を移動したりして、どうにか住んでいる。それでも母はキッチンやバスルームの古さに閉口していたし、わたしももう少しモダンなところに住みたいからあまり気分がいいものではない。

バルコニー付きの一階だが、中庭付きという（そして裏にビルが立っている）建物の構造上、風が入らないから、夜はクーラーなしでは寝苦しい。仮に窓を開けたところで、バルコニー前のプールからの湿気が多くて不快だし、一階では蚊が多くてとてもやっていられない。

そしてホリデーから帰って来ると、バルコニーの軒下にはこうもりがぶら下がっていて目があってしまった！もちろん、イギリスではまず目にしないゴキブリやらヤモリに遭遇することも。クリーチャー嫌いの私は、しょっちゅう悲鳴上げている。（それがアラタにうつって、虫を見ただけで「キャー！」）

一階だから涼しい・・・という読みはあたっていたけれど、何しろ暗くて、昼間でも電気をつけるほど。日が入らないから、台所はカビ臭いし・・・。家で過ごす時間が多い私にとっては、鬱になりそう。

乾燥した英国から比べたら、本当に洗濯物がなかなか乾かない。丸2日経っても乾かないし、乾燥機もない。と、いうことで、天井に扇風機が付いていて、夜中にエアコンをかけている居間に洗濯物を置くことにした。そして、マレーシアのこんなハンガーが役に立っている。袖の部分に空気が通るので乾き易い。座布団一枚！

I didn't get a good first impression on our flat. But we've changed lights, bought bed side lamps, moved furniture.... and started to feel it's our home. Still, I'm not totally happy about it as I prefer more modern flat. My mum was also shocked to see the bad conditions of our bathrooms or kitchen.

We live on the ground floor of a square shaped building with swimming pools and garden in the middle. Because of the building design, and the fact there is a tall building behind our flat side, we don't have much breeze blowing in and we can't sleep without air conditioning on at night. Even if we keep our windows open, apart from no wind coming in, there are lots of mosquitoes and it's too humid due to the water of the pools under our windows.

When we came back from 2 weeks holiday, we found a couple of bats living under the roof of our balcony. I screamed when I saw them hanging down and looking at me. What's more, I've seen cockroaches or geckos, which we never see in the UK. I hate those creatures and I always scream!!! And now Arata copies me. When he sees insects, he screams!

It was right that it's cool on the ground floor. But without turning on lights, we can not stay in even during day. It's very dark. Without much sun light, the kitchen is a bit dump and mouldy. For me, who mostly stays at home, it's quite depressing.

Compared to in the very dry U.K., it takes so long till the washing dry here. Often, it takes for nearly 2 days. Of course, we don't have a tumble dryer... What I am doing now is putting our washing in the sitting room that has a ceiling fan. We also turn on the air conditioning during night in the room. And this is Malaysian hanger. Look at the shape. shoulder part is wide and clothes get dry faster. What a good invention!

3Y10M 2Y0M タカラの幼稚園 Takara's Kindergarten

アラタに続き、今週からタカラも幼稚園Taska Linに通い始めた。タカラの幼稚園はちょっと遠く、朝のお迎えバンが週3日しか空いていない上に、帰りのバンは2時半組全てが埋まっているので、しょうがない、12時半までの保育にしてもらい、週二回はタクシーで送っていくことにした。

そこまでしても、Taksa Linがいいと思ったのは、園内が明るく、庭も自然が一杯で、子供が自由に遊んでいるから。Lin先生を初めみんなとてもやさしいのでタカラも楽しく過ごせるかな。

できれば2時半まで行ってほしいので、バンが空き次第どんどん増やすつもりだし、早く帰ってきてもアマさんに見てもらうことも考えている。

写真は、アラタカラがリュックを背負って出て行く様子。

Takara has started to go to kindergarten, Taska Lin, from this week. This place is a bit far from our flat and their school van is not available every morning and no space at 2.30 van. So he comes back at 12.30 instead of 2.30 and I have to take him to them by taxi twice a week.

Still we want to insist on sending him to this kindergarten. It's because the place is so airy and bright with beautiful garden. Children are playing happily and teachers are all nice. Takara can surely enjoy his stay with them.

Hopefully, I want to send him till 2.30 and once any van space becomes available, I will send him till 2.30. In the meantime, I will probably ask our Amah to look after him when I am busy.

3Y10M 2Y0M IWAボール IWA Ball

IWA（ペナン在住外国人女性の会）のパーティーのキャンセルがあるというので参加することにした。みんなが何を着ていこう～なんて話しているのを聞いていて、今年は住友のパーティーもないし残念・・・って思っていたのでとてもラッキー。

E＆Oホテルという、シンガポールで言えばラッフルズのような由緒あるコロニアル調の高級ホテルのボールルームに350人ぐらいが集まった。みんなおしゃれして、コース料理食べて、ワインやシャンペン飲んで、楽しみました。写真も撮ってくれるっていうので、一枚。

アラタカラはお掃除を頼んでいるアマさん、クリスティーンにベビーシッターしてもらった。8時半には寝ていい子だったそうだ。

We went to IWA ball. It was full when I first heard of but there were some cancellation. We got our places in the last minute. Everybody was talking about ball and I envied them because we have no more Sumitomo Christmas party. So I must say we were very lucky.

The ball was held at E & O hotel, which is the equivalent of Raffles in Singapore. The building is grand with colonial architecture and our party happened in their ball room. There were about 350 guests. We dressed up, had good dinner, drank lots of wine end enjoyed it. A part of the package includes one photo session per party and this is it.

Aratakara was looked after by Christine, our Amah who comes to our place regularly to do cleaning. They were good boys and went to bed at 8.30. Getting easier!

3Y10M 2Y1M マングリッシュ Manglish

アラタは月曜日からナニア幼稚園（Taska Nania）の英語クラスに通い始めた。現時点で日本語クラスは一杯だが、空きができたら編入可能。

朝、アラタを連れて登園すると、日本語クラスの子供達が寄ってきて、手を引いたりしながらアラタを英語クラスの教室に連れて行ってくれた。ナーサリー歴が長いので、「念のため待合室で待機していて」とは言われたが、問題なく、すぐに私は帰宅。3時過ぎにスクールバンで元気に帰ってきて、「楽しかった。」バンに乗っていた日本人の子供達は、私を見て、「あらたくんって日本人なの？」

火曜日は「行かない」と愚図ったが、コンドミニアムの入り口でバンを待っている頃には元気になっていた。直後、じゅんこ先生から電話があって、「お母さんが一緒に乗ってきてもいいですよ」と言ってくれたが、「大丈夫そうなので1人で乗せちゃいました。」次のピックアップ先で乗ってきた女の子がずっとアラタの手をつないで幼稚園まで行ったらしい。

水曜日。かなり愚図ってバスに乗る時も泣いたので無理やり乗せた。ふ～大変だ。

木曜日、金曜日。「行かない」と毎朝言っているものの、諦めたらしく泣かずにどうにか通っている。

さて、幼稚園で早速マレーシア英語に直面したアラタは、「タオルの事をマレー語でタワって言うんだよ」と言っていた。一応、英語では何？って確認すると「Towel」とイギリス訛りで返ってきたので理解は間違っていないようだが、それ、マレー語じゃなくて、マレーシア訛りの英語なんだよな・・・。

Arata started to go to the Kindergarten, Taska Nania on Monday. He's joined the English class as Japanese class is full but he may be able to be transferred to the Japanese class later.

When we arrived at the kindergarten, a couple of children came and led him to the English classroom. Some were trying to hold his hands to take him there. I was asked to stay in the premises just in case, but as Arata is used to nursery it was no problem. I went home soon after. When he came home in the school van after 3 PM, he said, "I had fun." One of the girls in the van saw me and said, "Is Arata Japanese?"

On Tuesday morning, he didn't go to kindergarten and it was difficult to take him to the pick up point, the front gate of our flat, but by the time van arrived, he was fine. Just after he left, the principal and one of the teachers, Junko, phoned me to say I could come with him in the van. I said, "Oh, he was fine and already on his way in the van." A girl who was picked up at the next stop was holding his hand all the way, I learnt later.

On Wednesday, he resisted harder in the morning. When he saw the van and the door was opened, he started to cry. I had to push him in. He was fine once he arrived at the kindergarten, his main teacher told me later.

On Thursday and Friday. Always he says he doesn't want to go. But he must have given in. He didn't cry and got on the van.

He's already picked up some Malaysian English, aka Manglish. He said, "In Malay, 'towel' is 'Tawa'." I asked him what it is in English, just to double-check. His reply was "Towel" with British accent. Well, Arata, it's not Malay but English with Malaysian accent...

3Y10M 2Y1M アパがたくさん Lots of Apa

アラタカラによると、マレーシアには「アパ」がたくさんいる。Wokingでアラタカラのチャイルドマインダーをしばらくやってくれたハリアはイスラム教徒のウイグル人だったのでいつもスカーフを被っていて、ウイグル語のお母さんに当たる「アパ」で彼らは彼女を呼んでいた。イスラム教徒のマレー人女性はやはり大概被っている。

街を歩いていて、マレー人女性を見ると二人そろって「アパ、アパ～。」タカラは今日自分でアパになってみた。

Aratakara think there are lots of Apas here. In Woking, Hurriya did child minding for a while and she is wearing a scarf because she is a Muslim Uygur. Boys call her "Apa" which means "Mum"in Uygur. And here in Malaysia, most of the Malay women, who are Muslim, also wear a scarf.

When we are walking in the town and boys see some of them, they start to say, "Apa, Apa!!". Takara seems to have decided to be Apa with his shirt.

3Y10M 2Y1Y クリスマス気分 Feeling like Christmas

昨日は、ドイツ人協会主催のクリスマスバザーへ行った。グリューワイン飲んで、おいしいザワークラフトと、ソーセージを食べた。フェイスペインティングでタイガーとライオンになったアラタカラはサンタさんにプレゼントをもらいハッピー。いや、タカラは眠くてこの通り不機嫌だったけど。寒くならないので、クリスマスの「季節」とは思えないけど、ペナンでちょっとしたクリスマス気分。


We went to German society's Christmas bazaar. I had Glühwein (Mulled wine), sausages, and Sauerkraut. Aratakara enjoyed meeting Santa and face painting. Arata became a Tiger and Takara was a Lion. Well, to be honest, Takara was unhappy because he was tired. It never becomes winter here and I can not think it's the 'season' but we at least feel like Christmas!

3Y10M 2Y1M ハピバスディまぁまぁ～ Happy birthday mama

私の誕生日。Jasonが出張中で、母に預けてあったらしいプレゼントをアラタカラと母から渡された。CDプレイヤーと、アイクリーム（日頃目の下たるみ取りの整形したいって言ってるからね、手術代プレゼントしてよ～って言いたいところだが）、そしてVeraとAnnabellie親子がおそろい履いているを見て以来ほしかったCrocsのおそろいサンダル。親子で「色ちおそろ」！

アラタカラでHappy Birthday の歌を歌ってくれた。「ハピバスディー、まぁーまぁー・・・。」Jasonが土曜日の夜帰宅。Gホテルのロビーでケーキを食べてゴージャスにくつろいだ。

My birthday. Jason was still on business in Japan but he must have asked mum to give them to me. In the morning, Aratakara and mum gave me a couple of presents. CD player, eye cream (I've always said that I want to go for a plastic surgery to fix my eye bags! I wouldn't mind Jason giving me some money to pay for it as my birthday present!!! Probably next year???) and 3 pairs of Crocs sandals. I wanted to have matching pairs of Crocs with my boys since I saw Vera and Annabellie's pair.

Aratakara sang "Happy birthday Maaamaaaa." Jason came home on Saturday evening. On Sunday, we had nice cakes at lobby of G hotel. Very gorgeous moments!

3Y10M 2Y1M 幼稚園探し2 Looking for kindergarten 2

Tree Tops 幼稚園。Shamが気に入ったと言うので連れて行ってもらった。週二回日本人の先生による日本語クラスが任意で取れるのが魅力的。12時まで、2時半まで、5時半までと選べて延長保育とスクールバス有。一クラス15人までの少人数制で、タカラの年だと先生が二人。ここだとアラタはやっぱり2004年生まれ組になるので、一番若いから、一学年落とすことになるかなあ。英国の教育方針を取り入れながらのマレーシア式なので、中国語、英語、マレー語が入ってきてかなりお勉強が中心。庭に日陰がなくて暑いのと、教室が比較的狭くて暗めなので、一日中閉じ込められることになりそうなところがちょっとマイナス。

Taska Lin。Taska Naniaで先生をしていたリン先生が始めたシュタイナー教育を取り入れた幼稚園。IWAの隣なのでうちから遠いし蚊が多そうだから敬遠していたが、そこに住居も構えるリン先生によると、毎朝子供達の登園前に庭の周りに蚊取り線香を何本も置いて炊くし、外遊び前には蚊避けクリームを子供に塗ってくれる。それでもちょっと気になるが、それを上回るメリットがありそうな幼稚園。子供達がのびのびと自由に遊んでいるから。道理で外国人のお母さんが口を揃えて「うちの子はTaska Linへ行っています」って言うわけで、確かにヨーロピアンの子供が多い。

リン先生は、マレーシアの早期教育が勉強中心なのに疑問を持ってシュタイナー教育をオーストラリアで学んだそうだが、Taska Nania同様、極端なシュタイナー色はみられないので私には気が楽。まあ、そうでもしないとマレーシアでは子供は集まらないということらしい。12時まで、2時半までと選べて延長保育とスクールバス有。

何軒か幼稚園めぐりをしてみて、シュタイナー教育を取り入れているところ以外は、日本人幼稚園も含めて、タカラぐらいの小さい子供でもじっとさせられている印象を受けた。私はアラタカラの年齢の子供には読み書きや数字をきっちりとやるより、遊び重視で遊びの中から楽しく学んでほしいので、タカラはTaska Lin、アラタはTaska Nania　で決定かな。

Tree tops kindergarten. Sham had visited and she liked it. So I asked her to take there. They have 2 Japanese sessions a week by a Japanese teacher with a small extra money, which is quite appealing. We can choose care till 12 PM, 2.30 PM or 5.30 PM, they have day care (after hour care) and their own school bus. The number of the children is limited to 15 per class and in Takara's age class, there are 2 teachers.

But as they follow both British and Malaysian system, Arata's school year would be with the children who were born in 2004, which means he would be the youngest in the class. They are more study oriented, similar to the Learning Garden, and children learn English, Chinese and Malay. The garden looks a bit hot since there are no tall trees and each room is small and a bit dark, which are drawbacks.

Taska Lin. It's run by Lin sensei, who worked for Taska Nania for a couple of years. It also follows Steiner's method. It's a bit far from our flat and as it is next to IWA, I expected there are lots of mosquitoes. That's the reason I didn't bother to go to have a look. But since other Steiner's kindergarten, Taska Nania, came out be good, I've decided to go to visit. It was actually brilliant.

Lin, who runs the place with her husband and lives there, puts mosquito coils around the garden every morning before children come in. And they put mosquito repellent to children before they go out to play. I still feel unsure about mosquitoes but the kindergarten seems to have more benefit than it. Children play freely and happily. No wonder every single European mother says, "My child goes to Taska Lin." Surely there were lots of European kids.

She doubted about study oriented early year Malaysian education system and she studied Steiner's methods in Australia. Still, similar to Taska Nania, it doesn't look too extreme Steiner, which I like it. Well, otherwise in Malaysia, not many parents want to send their children to Steiner's schools, Nania's principle Junko told me.

We can choose care till 12.00 and 2.30, they have after hour care and own school bus.

After viewing a couple of kindergartens, I have a strong impression that apart from those who follow Steiner method, they are more or less study oriented from early age. Children are sitting quietly and seem to be well disciplined.

I believe Aratakara's age don't need so much study but they rather need more learn through play. I think I will send Aratakara to Steiner's kindergartens.

3Y10M 2Y1M 予防接種 Immunisation

アラタもタカラも腕に浮き輪を巻いたり、ビート板を使って水の中で浮けるようになった。毎日プールへ行っていると上達が早い。タカラは運動神経がいいので、覚える（飽きるのも）のが早い。アラタは気に入ると集中するのでしつこく練習する。違った性格の二人だから面白い。

子供に任意の予防接種をいくつか受けさせることにした。Shamの親戚が児科医なので、彼女にGleneagles Medical Centreに連れて行ってもらった。勧められたのはA型肝炎と日本脳炎。どちらもマレーシアでは任意の予防接種だが、ドクターは「自分の孫には受けさせている」と言うし、Shamも「私も子供には受けさせた」と言うのでまずはA型肝炎を接種。半年後にもう一回打つことで一生抗体ができるそうだ。来月は日本脳炎の一回目（全部で3回）。

A型肝炎は死ぬことはないが、不衛生な食べ物や食器から移る。まあ、マレーシアやシンガポールへ駐在するからって特に接種しなければいけないものではないが、「A型肝炎を受けさせないと外で食べられませんよ」と日本人ママに言われた事がある。さすがに「私達、外食しかしてないんですけど、それも、その辺のホーカー（屋台）で」とは言えなかったわ。最近うちでは、水も買うのをやめて、水道水。

A型肝炎、英国を出る前にGPで看護婦さんにちらっとマレーシア行きを話すと、その場で打ってくれるというので私もやってもらったが、英国は医療が無料だから。今日は、1人120リンギット（20ポンド or 4000円）ぐらいかかったがこれは保険会社にクレームできるらしい。

Aratakara can now float in the water with their arm floats or floating boards. We go to our swimming pool everyday and they improve their swimming skills very quickly. Takara seems to have talent in sports and picks up technique very quickly. Arata is concentrated lots and determined. 2 different characters and 2 different ways. Interesting.

I've decided to have my boys had some extra immunisation. Sham took us to Gleneagles Medical Centre as one of her relatives is a paediatrician there. Aratakara were recommended to have Hepatitis A and Japanese encephalitis. They are optional even in Malaysia but the doctor said, "I've had my grandchildren had them" and Sham told me her kids had them. For Hepatitis A, you take one now and take another in 6 months, which makes it permanent. And kids need 3 jabs of Japanese encephalitis to complete.

Hepatitis A is not especially recommended for those who live in Malaysia or Singapore but when I mentioned about our move to a nurse at our GP in the U.K., I was given a shot. Well, it is free there but today, I paid RM 120 (20GBP or 4000JPY) per child. I've heard we can claim from insurance company anyway.

One of the Japanese mums I met here said, "You'd better have your kids had Hepatitis A otherwise you can't take them out to eat." Well, I couldn't tell her that we never ate at home and we were always out to hawkers. We even stopped buying bottled water... Children grow antibody naturally....?

3Y10M 2Y1M 幼稚園探し Looking for kindergarten

近所のホーカーで夕食やランチをテイクアウエイすることが多い。これは、海鮮麺、チャークイティオ（Char Kway Teow）のホーカーで、炭火で調理しているところも素敵？テイクアウトはビニールの袋に入れてくれるのだが、アラタはそれをもって、「ブラム！」（英国の子供番組の登場人物の車に似てる）の前でニー。

アラタカラのナーサリー探し。第一候補だった英国系インターの　St Christopher's。タカラは小さすぎて入れないし、アラタの登録料（Registration Fee）は納入したが、来年の1月からの新学期に入れるかいまだ不明。一番の問題は、アラタの学年、ナーサリークラスは8時から12時までと短いこと。来年9月からのレセプションクラスだと2時過ぎまで行けるのでそれまで待つ手も有りかな。



中国語、マレー語、英語を先生によって話し分けられるように教育する　The Learning Garden　はアラタカラ両方のクラスが存在するが、マレーシアの学校制度に基づいているため、新学年開始が1月。12月27日生まれのアラタは学年で一番若くなってしまうので既に中国語もマレー語も少しは分かる友達についていくのは大変かなとちょっと心配。学年を遅らせるのも可能だが、そしたら物足りないか。タカラは2時過ぎまで、アラタは4時まで行かれるが、マレーシアのスクールホリデーにあわせるので、来週から12月一杯お休みになってしまうのが早く子供を預けたい私にとってかなりのマイナス。

日系さくら幼稚園にはタカラのクラスもあるし日本語教育にはいいと思うのだが、St Christopher's　のクラスが空いたらそっちにアラタを入れたいので数ヶ月で辞める可能性もある事を素直に話したら、困りますとはっきり言われてしまったので、送るとしたらタカラだけになりそう。

Pebblesという英国で言うナーサリーは1歳半ぐらいから6歳まで見てくれる。朝から夕方まであって（半日も可）途中で昼寝やシャワーの時間があるのがマレーシアらしい。清潔なナーサリーで、延長保育も可能なので午前中だけにしておいて、たまに午後も預けられるならいいかなあと思う。が、スクールバスがないのと庭がないのが問題かな。

日本人経営のシュタイナー幼稚園Taska Nania は今まで見た中では一番英国のナーサリーっぽくて、外遊びも自然や動物の中でだし、規則にあまりとらわれずのびのびとしていてとても気に入った。シュタイナー系は、極端に自然体の教育だと思って敬遠していたが、積極的に家庭に協力を求めることはしないということなのでほっとした。2時半までだが、延長保育もあるところがかなり魅力。ただ、3歳以上なのでタカラは入れないし、日本語クラスが一杯で入るとしたら英語クラス。ここに入れるとしたらSt Christopher's　のレセプションが始まるまでと考えているので、できれば日本語に入れたいので悩むところだ。

シュタイナー幼稚園に抵抗がなくなったところで、もう一つある、Taska Lin　に金曜日に行ってみるつもり。ここは1歳半からOKなのでアラタカラ両方行ける。少し遠く、山中なので、蚊が多そうだが、行ってみて、そして今週中にはどうするか決めるつもり。

We often take away food from hawkers nearby. This is Char Kway Teow stall. It's nice to see this man cooking over charcoal. In Malaysia, we take away food in a plastic bag and Arata likes to carry it. He found a car looks like Brum, TV character, and smiled in front of it.

About Aratakara's nurseries. We are still not sure if Arata has a place at St Christopher's International school, which follow British education system, from January after paying the registration fee. The problem here is Nursery class for Arata is from 8 to 12 only. It's too short (for me!). The reception class from next Sept is till 2 o'clock and we could wait till September. Takara is at the moment too young to go.

The Learning Garden teaches in 3 languages, English, Chinese and Malay. It's interesting and they have classes for both Arata and Takara. But as it follows Malaysian system and the new school year starts from January, Arata, who was born at the end of December, will be the youngest in the class. It may be too much for Arata as he doesn't know Chinese or Malay at all. He could go the class a year younger, but it may be too easy? The most problem for me is Malaysian longest school holiday starts from next week till the beginning of January and I can not send boys straight away.

Sakura Kindergarten is a Japanese school. They have both Aratakara's classes. But when I honestly told the principle that I might take Arata out as soon as there is a place at St Christopher's, he didn't like it. I would probably only send Takara.

Pebbles is very similar to day nurseries in England. They take 1.5 to 6 years old. We can either choose only morning or full day class. They also do day care (after normal hour), which would be good. It's very clean and I liked it but there is no school bus run and no garden so probably out...?

We went to Taska Nania. It's run by a Japanese lady and following Steiner's method. This nursery is most similar to the nurseries in the U.K. Children play outside surrounded by trees and animals, and they are not ruled much and quite free. The place is really clean, as well. (Of course, it's run by a Japanese.) I don't usually like Steiner's kindergartens, because for me, it's often too extrem. But at this nursery, they don't expect parents to follow their principle so not bad. It's till 2.30 but they also do day care, after normal hour. Some of the drawbacks are, it's form 3 years old and Takara still can not go plus Japanese class is full. Arata could join their English class till next September when St Christopher's reception class starts?

I now feel like going to see other Steiner kindergarten, Taska Lin. This one is from 1.5 years and both Aratakara could go. It's a bit in the mountain and I'm a bit worried about there may be lots of mosquitoes. Anyway, after viewing this school, I will decide by the end of this week.

3Y10M 2Y1M ペナンドイツ人会 Malaysian-German Society

Youth Parkのプレイグラウンドで午前中遊んだ。ジャングルに近いので蚊よけスプレーを日焼け止めプラス塗らなきゃならないのが面倒くさいが、子供は楽しんだ様子。ここのプレイグラウンドは木陰でなかなかよい。もちろん、私には暑すぎ。

ランチは公園内のカフェでミー・ビーフン。紙に包まれた、マレーシア風お弁当。RM 1.20 (GBP 0.20 JPY 35)。

夕方からLilia一家とドイツ人会主催のSt Martin's ランタン祭りに参加。ドイツ人会ではいろいろなイベント、サークル活動があるが、特に会員でなくても、ドイツにゆかりがなくても、ウエルカム。（・・・というところがXX人会とは違うなあ。）みなさんフレンドリーで楽しかった。次はドイツ人会のプレイグループでも行こうか。

We went to Youth Park. There is a big play ground surrounded by trees. It's closer to the jangle and we had to apply mosquito repellent on top of sun screen.... Boys enjoyed it but as you expect, it was too hot for me.

We had "Mee Behun" at the cafe. It's being sold wrapped with a piece of paper. It must be Malaysian version of sandwiches or bento. Only RM 1.20 (about GBP 0.20, JPY 35).



In the evening, we went to Malaysian-German society with Lilia's family to attend St Martin's Lantern Festival. The German society organise lots of interesting events and circles and usually everybody is welcome, even non-members, non-Germans.... This is very different from Jxxxxxxx Society, which is quite exclusive.... Everybody was friendly and we all enjoyoed it. I will probably join their toddler play group next time.

3Y10M 2Y1M スチームボートその２ Steamboat 2

今日はスチームボートだけのスチームボート屋さん、金門火鍋　Golden Gate Steamboat (77 Jalan Cantonment) に行った。ここは好きな材料を頼んでそれによって課金される仕組み。タレは先週の所よりも個人的に好き。私も母も胃が弱っているのでお豆腐など胃にやさしいものを食べて満足。みんなで約60リンギット（10ポンド、1800円）ぐらいだったので、前回と同じぐらいの値段。アラタはウーロン茶をおいしそうに飲むようになった。

ところで、病院で偏頭痛を予防する薬と胃液の分泌を抑える薬を貰って飲んでいるが、胃の方は調子が悪くて、病院騒動以来ずっと痛みが続いている。




We went to Golden Gate Steamboat restaurant, Golden Gate Steamboat (77 Jalan Cantonment). This is not self-service, fixed priced one but we can order ingredients we want to cook. The sources are more tasty than the other restaurant we went a few weeks ago and personally I prefer this one. About RM 60 (GBP 10 or JPY 1800) for all of us. Arata now likes to drink Chinese tea!

Both mum and I are in not good health, especially our digestive system. Since I went to A&E, my stomach ache is still there and I often had a painful attack, even though I take medicine to reduce stomach acid. The one to prevent migraine seems to be working well, though.

3Y10M 2Y1M ペナンの病院 Hospital in Penang

月曜日の夜中から腹痛が始まり、火曜日の午後には偏頭痛に発展。吐き続けて水も飲めないので、夕方Gleneagles Medical Centre　のA&Eへ行った。私の場合偏頭痛が一度始まると丸2日治らず吐き続ける。イギリスでは医者に行っても何もしてくれないから無駄だが、もしかしたらマレーシアでは助けてくれるかもと思って。

A&Eでもすぐに診てくれて、痛み止めと吐き気止めの注射を2本打ってくれた。医療費が無料ではないのはイギリスとは違うが、吐き続けるよりはいい。今回は初めてだったので病院に行ったが、町医者でも同じ処置をしてくれるらしい。その場合は金額も少なくてすむので頭痛持ちの私としてはとても安心。

次の日にフォローアップで脳外科に行ったが、こうやってすぐに専門医に診てもらえるのは本当に嬉しい。日本では当たり前だけど、イギリスでは到底無理なので、調子に乗ってついでに最近始まった花粉症のチェックのために耳鼻科まで回してもらったらかなり高くなっちゃったけど。

My stomach pain started in the middle of night on Monday, which led to migraine. I was sick all Tuesday afternoon and Jason took me to Gleneagles Medical Centre A&E in the evening. I usually become sick for the whole 2 days once migraine started. But in the UK, GPs don't do anything and I don't seek any medical attention. But Malaysia may be different, I thought.

Even at A&E, I was attended by a medical officer and a doctor very quickly. Of course, seeing a doctor is not free unlike in the UK. But better than keeping vomiting. The doctor gave me 2 shots. One is to stop feeling sick and the other is to stop the pain. They of course worked.

On the following day, I went to the same hospital to see a Neurologist for the follow-up. It was like a dream to be able to see a specialist immediately! And I was so happy and I also asked to see a nose and throat doctor for my possible hey fever which started only 2 months ago. (In the U.K., to see a specialist usually never happens!) Well. it ended up very expensive, though.

3Y10M 2Y0M スチームボート Steamboat

シンガポール時代から大ファンだったスチームボート。個人的には鍋だけのが好きだが、鉄板焼きも出来ちゃうタイプのお店が多い。今日はそんなお店、

Golden BBQ Steamboat Restaurant

(Nagore Rd, Penang)に行った。趣のある中華館風の建物で、ライトアップがきれいなレストラン。海鮮、肉、野菜、豆腐・・・あらゆるものを取り放題、お茶やデザートも飲み放題で1人19.90リンギット（3.5ポンド、700円）。タレ類が今一だったがこのボリュームでこの値段は素晴らしい。おまけに福建麺も食べ放題。

タカラが1時間近くずっと大人しく座っていたのは初めてのこと、と言うか、異常。周りの人たちは、どんなにお行儀のよい2歳児だと思ったことだろう。食いしん坊のタカラは食べ続けていたのだ。アラタは、具を取りに行くのに付いてきたりちょこちょこ動き回っていたが、「いろいろなものが食べられるから好き」と言っていた。

I discovered Steamboat when I was working in Singapore. Since then, I've loved it and in whichever country I was, I always tried to look for a restaurant with steamboat. It's like Swiss Fondue and you cook food in a pot at your table. Personally I prefer only 'pot' but there are lots of restaurants with BBQ plate around the pot as well. We went one of such restaurants

"Golden BBQ Steamboat Restaurant"

in Nagore Rd, George Town.

The very Chinese building has a taste of history and it's nicely lit up during night. Seafood, meat, vegetable, tofu, noodles.... they even had Hokken Mee today. And it's only RM 19.90 (3.5 GBP or 700 JPY), including tea and desserts. The dipping sources were not that nice but over all good value.

It was the record that Takara was sitting at table for over an hour. Well, it was rather strange! I'm sure people around thought he is such a well disciplined good boy! He just kept eating. Arata was walking around with us when we went to get help-yourself style food ingredients, but he was also at table most of the time. He said, "I like Steamboat because I can eat lots of different things."