At about 8:30am, we arrived at the Malaysia-Thai Border. We stopped at the "truck stop" for a comfort break and to change money. As I returned, auntie and uncle beckoned me over excitedly. She revealed what she had and insisted I try as I sat down dutifully.
"My best friend make one!" she said in Mandarin. I barely remembered my manners and invited her to eat before attacking this wonderfully pliable, moist pocket of mung bean paste. The skin was supple but not greasy, squishy but not gummy. I remarked that her friend hand made the skin. Auntie nodded gravely and acknowledged my observation. Then the filling was hand-mashed with coarse and fine bits. So simple, so well-executed. Nothing finicky in there!
Then auntie confided that her friend's husband is a doctor, and she has trained in many culinary schools. But she refuses to open a business, and only makes her confections to raise money.
Back in the van, the sun was now glaring from the right side. There was a thick fishing line running the length of the van against the windows and now I saw it in action. The passengers pulled out blue plastic sheets cut out for the windows and slipped them against the windows!
We sped past rubber plantations in various stages of growth.
Soon, we arrived at the Malaysian check point.
We burned more time as some of the passengers bought duty-free for their time in Thailand.
Finally, we crossed the border, and I ventured to ask, at about 10:30am, how much further to Hatyai? At least an hour!
Auntie and Uncle were visibly annoyed, but remained tempered.
Not everyone was in such a hurry...
Eventually, we pulled into the bustle of Hatyai. The city looked dilapidated and grimy. My first impression of the city was not positive.
~ Shien
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