Hakuna Matata

I first heard the phrase "Hakuna Matata" while watching Disney's The Lion King, back when I was in high school. Did not know what the song really meant at the time, except Simba was a handsome lion and that the song had a very catchy tune. The phrase is actually Swahili's which literary translates as "There are no worries here". Indeed, if I was asked to create a tag line for daddy's Orchard, I would say just that.

Noooooooo, not Hakuna Matata, silly. I shall coin it as "Orchard, there are no worries here". (*Hint* Daddy darling, I believe this is the part where you should say, "Baby, that's a wonderful idea. Why don't I reward you for your efforts". I know, I know - just pushing my luck here :)).

Frankly speaking, I am a city girl who is used to the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. So when I first came to the Orchard, I found it to be a little bit intimidating for me. There was a vast of land overlooking the lake. Lots of trees, plants and live stocks. All the sounds and smells that were emanating from the orchard is anything but, citylike. I remember thinking to myself, bloody hell,how in the world am I going to sleep tonight since there isn't any aircond??

However, over a period of time, I find myself looking forward to our weekly/monthly visits to the Orchard. The thought of the green, green grass and the clear blue sky with the orchestra of chickens, geese and ducks playing in the background actually comforts me. I can't begin to describe the feeling that I have when I am over there, surrounded by nature. But all I can say is that, when I am there, it's as if I have finally found peace. For that short moment in time, I am without any worries. Nothing to weigh me down. Nothing to hold me back. I am able to just relax, sit down and enjoy life while bonding with my family.

We went to the Orchard again during the Chinese New Year break. Arrived at 10:30 on a Wednesday night, we were welcomed by the fresh air and the cool breezy wind. At midnight, there was a display of fireworks presumely from the town centre, which was visible from where we were.

We spent our days chatting, eating, chatting, taking walks, cleaning up the old garage, chatting again, target practice (daddy calls me "trigger happy people" ;) ), gardening and more chatting. Yes, we love to talk, especially the ladies in my family. We could talk for hours!! Long after all the men have gone to sleep, we will still be gossiping away, giggling and laughing - sometimes sitting close together in the darkened room, talking about the good 'ol times, the present and of the future. Father once asked me how could we talk and talk for hours and not get tired of each other - talking endlessly, sometimes repeating the same story over and over again. To the question, I replied, " Ayah, us ladies - if we don't talk, we will certainly die!!". Not everyone, particularly the men in my family, would be able to understand this. Well, all I can say is that, you wouldn't know now unless you try, right? ;)

I took the opportunity to take some pictures - using my humble camera phone, so that when I am back in the city, I will still be able to remember the beautiful orchard.







Before we went back to the city, father asked me, if I would consider staying here at the Orchard - permanently. He plans to retire there, amidst the serenity and tranquility that is just divine. To finally enjoy the fruits of his labour - his reward for all the hard work he has done for most of his adult life. His blood, sweat and tears.

What is that?? Moi?? Stay here at the Orchard??

But of course!!!

..... errr, provided KLCC is just around the corner, preferably just outside the entrance to the Orchard..hehehehe ;)

Sorry daddy, but alas, I am afterall, a city girl at heart. I don't think I could live there knowing there isn't any McDonalds within the vicinity should I need to indulge on my McMuffin cravings at 4:00 am in the morning!!

But then again, having said that, who knows? Perhaps the calling of 'Hakuna Matata' in the future might just be the 'it' factor to propel me to ...have a change of heart ?? ;)