After applying Mozi-guard, we went on the trip to hunt for food. We first crossed the bridge to reach the other side of the village (seberang).
On the other side of the village, the penan had already start to clean up lands for their plantation. Commonly, they plant paddy as their main food source. They also plant other vegetation like ubi and sugar cane. Papaya, Pineapple, Rebung, Paku Pakis and Bunga Kantan are grown wild in the forest. In Lg. Lamai, people do not work to earn money. Source of food already available in their own farm or jungle.
That morning, we went to the river to hunt for siput sungai. Siput sungai is found at the bottom of the rock near the river bed, usually found at places with lots of leaves or brunches. They can be eaten once cooked. My penen friends bring along their harpoon, but the water is too cloudy due to the rain yesterday night.
We swam down stream from where we catch the siput sungai until we reach one of the abandon farms. We collect soft daun ubi at the farm and waded our way up stream (back to where catch the siput sungai). We swam against the current on and off when it is too deep for us to wade.
For me, walking bare footed is a wonderful experience. It is totally different in town. The stones below my bare feet gave a natural massage.
Before going back to the village through the jungle, me and u-er get some sugar cane along the way.
Back at home, we have kijang mushroom sup for lunch.
