An Eventful Afternoon

Last Sunday, my friend helped to make arrangements for us to visit a Goat Farm and Nutmeg factory at Sg Pinang, Balik Pulau. After losing our way several times, we finally reached the goat farm. The owner of the farm was kind enough to wait for us by the roadside to lead us into his farm, else it would have been difficult to locate.
It was the first time our kids have visited a farm, so they were all excited and yet complaining of the stench. The owner gave each of us some grass to feed the goat when he brought us to the goat shed. It was built on wooden stilts so that the wastes from the goats can be easily cleaned. According to the owner, goats catch flu and fever easily just like humans. When they are sick, they too have to eat paracetamol :). Those goats were imported from Switzerland and Australia.
Emily was happily feeding the goats, however Jared was too afraid to do so. The goats were excited to meet us too, they kept wanting to gnaw our clothes when we stood too near to them.

The owner showing us the method of manual milking.

The location where milking takes place every morning. The goats will push their heads through the metal bars and eat some grains during the milking process. We got to taste the fresh cold goat's milk and yogurt drink made with goat's milk. Everyone loved it.

After much persuasion from us and the farm owner, Emily and her school mate (my friend's son) finally got the courage to carry a kid. One of the kids is only 3 days old. Look at the smiles of satisfaction from both their faces.

Photo session with the farm owner

Next, we headed to the Nutmeg factory not far from the goat farm. We were greeted by the owner of the factory who then served us with icy nutmeg juice. Totally refreshing.



After that, the uncle briefed us on the nature of nutmeg fruit, showing us many types of nutmeg species, can be seen from the seed of the nutmeg.

We also learned that nutmeg fruit comes in male and female. If the skin has 2 intersecting lines, it is a male, if only 1 line, it is a female. To grow a nutmeg tree, a female seed is required.

Male

Twins

Female

Both Emily and Jared were fascinated with so many nutmeg fruits.



 A nutmeg tree with its fruits

Overall it was a very educational trip for both adults and kids. Will definately plan for more field trips in the near future.