Of Stones, Frogs and Tuaran Mee...

Question : How would you link a stone, frogs and Tuaran Mee?

Answer : Elementary my dear Watson!! It's all in the company...

Had diarrhea this morning.. I guess it's from all the water I drank last night. Plus I spent the whole night on my computer, not realising that it was already 2 am when I finished and that I had to get up at 6 to attend to my students.

I rushed out of bed, after oversnoozing my alarm by one hour (aaaarrrrggghhh!!!!!) and did the fastest 10 minutes of preparation in my life since I had to leave home by 7:30 am. Thankfully I kept everything in place the night before, so all I needed to do was pick up my teaching aids and my laptop and drive like mad to UMS (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) for my lecture. And so I thought I was safe, then I realised, I forgot my mobile phone on the freaking bed. At this point I was already praying "please God, let this be the only stupid thing I do today". hehehehe

Anyway, everything went well with my class while my students were happy to complete their final presentation and assessment. Phew!! Now I only need to go home and rest, so I packed my stuff and walked to the car, when I noticed that my back tyre was almost flat (with torn parts). A bit shaky at the probability of having a flat in the middle of the road daunted me, I was even more afraid that the tire might burst while I drive. So all along the 45 minute drive, I prayed and prayed and drove ever so slow (and obviously there were finger waving, but who cares! I was driving on the slow lane..erm . or was it the fast lane?)

And so eventually I arrived home safely.

First thing's first. Checked my phone and there were 2 miscalls plus 3 messages. My best friend David sent two messages asking if I was free to join him for lunch. So I obliged, and he came to pick me up at home. Wonder where will we go and eat this time?

David to me, is known for his good taste in food and outlets, and equally picky with quality as I am. He would bring me to unknown eateries, and I wouldn't fret as the food would always be good, give or take the waiting service. Oooo... And another thing, we both share a passion for precious and semi-precious stones. Ho told me that there was this shop in Likas Square selling semi-precious stones that he would like to check out before going for lunch. And with glee I said, "OK, sure, come la!"

At first when we arrived at Likas Square, we both made a complete round of the concourse area, not knowing what this shop looked like. After almost completing the circle, we both agreed that Likas Square was pathetic or in David's term, another dead shopping complex. There was the 'Hurry Come Buy China Products before we go back' sales that would probably be there until Kingdom Come, and of course China potteries, which has moved further down to a more lighted area, several telecommunication shops, accessories, the Merdeka Supermarket, and finally a shop called BeJewelled, with a yellow arty facade.


We walked in, and I was awed! They had beautiful rings and earrings and necklaces and brooches and pendants and bla bla bla..... You know what I mean.. hehehe..

And despite the busy crowd in the shop, it didn't stop me from trying on all the rings. Please, don't judge me for this. I'm crazy for Stones as I collect them.

A piece struck my interest the moment I entered the shop; a blue topaz ring. At first I tried to ignore it, but I keep coming back to the spot to look at it again and again and again. It has this flawless rich blue Topaz, which when you gaze into it, it is as if you're looking into a very deep blue pool of clear water. The stone looked so mysterious and beckoning that despite my tight monthly budget, I had to get it. The owner gave me a good discount for it, and said it was odd that despite being one of the best pieces she has ever seen, no one has ever paid attention to it, that is until I came. So maybe I was destined to own the ring. Hope it brings me luck! :)

Anyway, all that excitement made me hungry and what perfect timing.

David knew a place selling Tuaran Mee, which was apparently popular. It's a small Chinese Shop, not far from Likas Square, near the All Saints Secondary School. Hmmm... Tuaran Mee. My mom Mrs. Rose Mansah, actually cooks very good Tuaran Mee, so would I compare hers with this? We'll have to see.

So we walked into the shop and a few friends of David were there. We joined them and I was promptly introduced to Danny and Yvone, and Kevin who is a frog specialist that is currently attached to the university. I guess he was shy as he was pretty silent but we kept things interesting by bringing up funny topics of discussion. Meanwhile, order was made for two Tuaran Mee (Seafood) and Kopi Ping Kau.

Several minutes passed when our food and drinks arrived. So hungry were we that we instantly digged in, and again I failed to snap a photo of the famed Tuaran Mee. To describe it precisely, Tuaran Mee is a type of noodle that was created in the district of Tuaran Sabah, and the best way of cooking it is by frying it with eggs and meat/fish/chicken, with a dotting of green Bak Choi (some call it Choy Sam). There is a special technique in preparing Tuaran Mee and I shall not reveal it here, as I respect those that have worked so hard in perfecting it, well unless you're willing to pay for my knowledge that is. Hihihihi

So, the Tuaran Mee was Ok la.. With just enough fish slices and the standard 3 medium-sized prawns, along with vegetables and eggs. No complaints about the taste, except that it was a bit wet for my liking. To me, Tuaran Mee should be slightly singed browned by the hot wok, which would add flavour to it, and a bit 'AL-Dente' to the bite. No worries about it being slightly dry, as moisture is provided by the eggs, vegetable and seafood, amalgamating it into one sumptuous mouthful experience. I still think my mom makes better Tuaran Mee, hands down.

But anyhow, while eating, Danny and Kevin started talking about the 'Buangkut' and how the local tribes of Borneo eat it. 'Buangkut' or the giant Borneo toad is poisonous and although I tried not to listen to their conversation (as I was enjoying my meal) I couldn't help but take in the fact that that there is a special way of preparing it, just like Fugu, the famous Puffer Fish of Japan. Eeeuwww.... This discussion was probably why David didn't finish his Tuaran Mee. :)

Kopi Ping Kau Kau Kau Kau...