J'aime Paris !

Paris! ..........parte une

The Paris trip was totally a last minute decision... I was going back and forth with the decision to go until my mum told me it's a chance of a lifetime. That sealed the deal. It was particularly a difficult decision to make because it meant that I had to sacrifice something huge.. although it was also for something just as important to me... Well let that be my secret.

I only purchased the tickets the morning before I left for a midnite flight.. Right after work I rushed to get some warm apparel as it was autumn and got my stuff together.

Such excitement!

Everything was a blur from getting my luggage done, taking the cab and checking in.. As I finally took a breather and sat in the boarding lounge, it finally dawned on me that I would be travelling alone on a 12 hour flight to Paris.. and finding my way on my own with just a smattering of French (courtesy of a small print out of useful phrases in my jacket) and not at all generous amount of Euros to get by.

Well.. the flight itself wasn't too eventful ( for me at least). I bet the very good looking mat salleh sitting beside me doing his lecture notes ( i peeked!) must have either had a good laugh or kesian giler with me. I was so tired I fell asleep in the most embarassing manner. Like mother like daughter!

I slept mostly and managed to watch some inflight movies. I always checked the map indicating where we where flying.

After going thru the usual processes, then i asked around and got directions on the transport to get to the hotel. The moment I got out of the airport door, the chilly wind jolted me! oh oh.. i only had a sweater on. I pulled put out a jacket and proceeded to the platform. I was enjoying the ride watching the sunrise and saw that some trains there were double deckers! I changed train at Gare du Nord and proceeded towards Saint Lazare. I remember waiting at the Renault showroom for someone to get me and continue to the hotel. Since it was cold, the brisk walk was quite enjoyable.

Checked in and planned the rest of the trip. First destination was Louvre. Bought the hop on-off 3 day pass and sat in the open top. There were earphones for information on the places of interest.

As i stood at the corner on Champs-Elysees facing the Arc de Triomphe, I started smiling...

I AM IN PARIS! Yaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy

Louvre itself is a sight to behold.. and the artwork.. amazing! I was appreciating the great masters and their divine works. Of course I had to see her.. Monalisa.

Sorry. I wasn't very moved as I viewed it. There are so many others that took my breath away. The paintings, sculptures, so much history and artistry in this vast monument. I asked the guide how much time would I need to have a general appreciation of everything there.

Answer : 2 weeks.

The best I could do was purchase the book on the museum as a souvenir... Well worth it.

Cupcakes

I notice that I somehow bake cupcakes once a month. Perhaps there's at least one event a month that would compel me (ok.. i admit I do enjoy it)to bake a batch for my guests or recipients to 'enjoy' it hehehhehehe....

Recently I spent an obscene amount of money on tools and ingredients for this baking bug of mine. And it took quiet an effort to stop myself from going beyond obscene with my purchases. But it's all for a good cause ya?

Like I always say... Sharing is caring.

My colleague and I decided to surprise someone on her birthday with a boxful of cupcakes.. somehow I managed to bake and decorate about 82 pieces of mini cuppies!

The challenge now is not to make it too rich or sweet which is one of the reasons why i like mini ones...



So glad she loved it!

Bali Best!

I love vacationing in Bali.. There's loads to do, see, easy to explore and affordable. It's pretty safe too (so long as you don't invite trouble la). Some of the locals explained that they practise hinduism and believe in reincarnation, therefor wrongful doings would cause them to be reincarnated as something well... not so great.

They are truly proud of their traditions and are devout hindus too. Each morning you would see all the temples ( there are lots and lots of temples) being surrounded by offerings which looks like a combination of flowers and rice placed in weaved coconut leaves.

Occasionally I would catch some religious events... the ladies would be dressed in their lovely lace kebaya tops, sash around their waist, hair in a bun and sarong. Even the men had to be in sarong. If you were to visit a holy site, you must cover your leg and most temples would have the sarong available for the tourists. It seems that the cremation ceremony is a big thing and tourists are allowed to view it.. I don't think I have the stomach for it though. There's also their new year or 'Nyepi' .. however, it's more religious and everyone (yup even the foreigners) have to observe this day of silence. No traffic, no loud music/tv, no entertainment, no sex (this one for locals i guess?).. basically no one works on this day but stay indoors or at the temple for prayers.

As I got to know more Balinese, I noticed many had similar names. The tour guide explained that their first names identify the order of their birth. The first child is Wayan or Putu, the second child is Made or Kadek, the third is Nyoman or Komang and the fourth is Ketut. The following would repeat the names in order again.

The beaches are lovely (but tioman and perhentian still tops for me) and the locals are friendly. It's possible to rent a bike or better a jeep for a drive around the island.. I have gone right up to Singaraja and back down through Nusa Dua. Along the way, I have made stops at Ubud to see the old palace, the monkey forest and dances.. the Bratan Lake.. viewed the volcanoes Batur and Agung, Gitgit waterfall, Uluwatu where pro surfers go to and it's also where the famous Kecak dance at the temple is and had seafood at Jimbaran.. Stopover also at Celuk (where most silversmiths are), visits to stonecarvers and painters ( I got 2 cool paintings .. cheap!) .. even when we got lost, we stumbled upon the temple at Goa Gajah and the Elephant sanctuary in Taro.

Of course there's loads to do in Kuta and Legian but it's really fun to go off from the usual itinerary. Actually I went to Singaraja to catch the dolphins but the drive was quite time consuming and it was almost dark.. Some actually go to Bali for a dive, as this is where the Mola-Mola or Sunfish can be found. Funky fish with no tail. Hehehehe. I have found these lovely photos by Mike Johnson on the fish..

The cultural shows are mesmerizing.. I was fortunate to have watched several through out several trips I have done to Bali such as the Barong & Rangda Dance/Drama, Legong Dance, Baris, Kecak and several others (quite a few are based on the Ramayana). The girls are trained for dance from a very young age and the boys are trained to play the Gamelan instruments.

I have so many fond memories of Bali... I certainly look forward to experience more of it!

Ultimate Journey.... HAJJ

Alhamdulillah.. My mom and relatives have safely arrived Madinah last week and are now in Mecca.

Managed to speak to her a few times since her arrival.. Yesterday she visited relatives in Mecca and I even spoke to Aunty Fawziyah there. I do hope to visit them one day and do my umrah with mom too.

Mum was very grateful that she managed to get a place this year. She was excited to go and I was there to send her off.. Here are some pics of her leaving for hajj..

Hope mum will be in the best of health to complete this pilgrimage... for a haji mabrur... Insya Allah

Travel Diaries

I thought it would be interesting to share my travel experiences. Since I have been quite fortunate to be able to travel often, it would give me something to blog about when I am stumped for fresh ideas.

However, this reminiscing maybe a little jagged in terms of chronology. I will try my best to recall details of past travel (way past) and hopefully the more current ones will not pose too much of a challenge.

Travel has always been a dream for me since I was a kid (wow that seems so long ago).. and now I am able to do this ( after some scrimping and saving of course) occasionally is truly a fantastic experience. I am lucky that I haven't really had any bad experience in my journeys so far. It hasn't been first class all the way either but I guess some adjustments and flexibility would be necessary.

I have journeyed with loved ones, friends and even on my own. As I look into the past to share these amazing journeys.. I am also looking forward to new experiences.

So, let me organize my thoughts and photos.. will get back to new postings on travel soon.

Cheers!

I may be insignificant to you.

But...

I am someone's daughter
I am someone's sister
I am someone's family
I am someone's friend
I am someone's colleague

I am someone's aunt
I am someone's inspiration
I am someone's hope
I am someone's happiness

I am someone's love

I am a person just like you.

With my hopes and dreams..

My happiness and my sadness..

My laughter and my tears.

And we are all God's creation..

Aidil Fitri 2008

I would like to wish one and all..

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Maaf Zahir & Batin

How was raya? This year I decided to drive back instead of flying.. This was the best option, seeing that I had loads of stuff to bring with and also Fluffy was tagging along too. She wanted me to play with her even in the car!

Anyways, I dropped by Ipoh to see my aunt and pick up the cookies I ordered earlier.. kuih Samprit and Hazelnut Cookies. Yummilicious....

The pre-Raya preparation went into full swing from Sunday onwards.. We got our supply of fresh meat, then the usual ingredients to make the obligatory ketupat, rendang and kuah kacang (peanut gravy). However, this year we decided against cooking the briyani and laksa.. Instead opted to make mee mamak (yellow noodles with potato based gravy).

I managed to make a few batches of peanut cookies and cupcakes (yeah i know... predictable) My sis had completed her pineapple tarts and makmur. If my dad were still around, we'd also be doing kuih loyang (a.k.a kuih goyang a.k.a kuih ros).

It was quite an adventure the three before Raya as it rained heavily almost through out.. There of course floods around the northern states. Some parts of Penang island were also affected. I was getting pretty upset because we couldn't visit my dad eve of Raya.. but somehow the weather improved on Raya and gave us the opportunity to go by Raya afternoon..

We had relatives over and this year my good friend Ogy visited us with her whole family in tow! It was really meriah and we had a good time. Also managed to visit some of dad's relative this time around... But my visit to dad's elder sis, Kak Lah (or Mak lah to me) truly tugged my heart. She is quite forgetful (senile is too strong a word) but she managed to recognise mum, my sis and I.. although I was at a loss for words when she asked where my dad was...

But all in all.. it was a good raya.

Hatyai Weekend Trip

I must be seriously motivated to drive all the way up north, pick up my mum and head to Hatyai for the weekend.. Well good food is a great motivator for me. Although I didn't get exactly the glutton fest I wanted.. it wasn't too bad. We were a bit jittery with the clashes happening in Bangkok. More so when we heard that the Phuket and Hatyai airports were closed when we got there. But then when faced with the shopping and eating to be done, I guess those worries took a backseat.. hehehehe


We didn't make it to Songkhla coz the trip was cut short. We had to get back in time to start Ramadhan back home. Anyways, here are some snapshots of the trip featuring my mum mostly..

Amazing August

Hi.. feels like it's been awhile since I last wrote. Been pretty obsessed with facebook ever since I stumbled upon some old school mates !

It's been really cool to see how some of us have matured over the years.. some sad news too, but I guess thats just life.

Anyways, August has been a really busy month for me.. starting with the kenduri then I went for a vacation to Perhentian Besar and also planning for a trip to Hatyai & Songkhla. Perhentian was just to relax and enjoy the beach and Thailand is just gluttony! Food is fantastic there and with Ramadhan around the corner it's the perfect opportunity to go and enjoy myself! Work has been quite hectic too.. new faces this month and some old friends had to be elsewhere (sob!)

Til then.. cheerios

Looks can be deceiving

I had the 'privilege' of meeting some very colorful personalities recently and I think I should not be too surprised when I come across them again.

Some nice surprises.. Some, just plain horrid.

I have come across youngsters who look menacing or mischievious or loud.. but they give up their seats for the elderly and ask permission when they need a chair from my table.

Unfortunately, I have met pious looking persons and having the title to go with it but having no courtesy and are downright rude. I have also met highly educated people and successful people who can act pretty darn uncouth.

I guess they think they just above us normal people...

Certainly hope that I don't belong in that group of people.

33

I just turned 33..

Actually I keep repeating that to myself , thinking maybe by doing so it would generate some kind of emotion. Nope, not really. I did have a fabulous birthday treat though. I will share it with you in due time okay?

Am little sleepy coz the twins decided it would be fun to wake me up at 5.30 this morning... and refused to let me get back to sleep! So notti! But I feel relieved that they are getting better ( after numerous visits to the vet though... could have gotten my hair done for that kind of money.. hmmpph!) But i sayang them anyways :-)

But I am very grateful for my blessings.. The great ones have made me happier... the not so great ones have made me stronger.

For all the wonderful wishes from the lovely people in my life, I feel loved and I share my hopes of blissful future ahead of us.


Cheers

Is it worth it?

To try your best and it's never enough

To talk to someone who doesn't really listen

To be there for people you love yet you feel so alone

To tell someone your dreams but told it's difficult to achieve

To want to do the right things but being judged anyways

To love someone when it hurts so bad sometimes

(Graphics from http://www.bigoo.ws/)

Bored la...

Help me.. So lemau already

Am running out of ideas to keep myself occupied. What more with cost of living skyrocketing (must be extra careful with spending).. then must carefully plan my leave coz it's limited... also to plan with friends and family is becoming a challenge too... am just mentally and physically tired.

I used to go out till 4a.m on a weekday and still turn up for work at 9a.m looking good..

Now I am content just getting peaceful sleep with the aircond on, fresh sheets and an organized home.

Dammit that sounds old.

I truly admire the ladies who put in a lot of effort with their hair , make up and wardrobe . Especially going to work. Me? I would squeeze the very last second I get in bed rather than picking outfits, doing my hair and matching accesories. Pastu nak jealous when I see all the lovely ladies! I really need to put in some work to look good too I guess. Nah.. sleep is good.

What I do enjoy is travelling. Somehow I am always raring to go when I am on vacation. But that takes a lot of time and money. Any sponsors out there? Gimme a buzz. Some friends are planning a trip in July.. I wish I can make it but it's quite tight right now. Anyways, I already have plans just a week before their plans but I will talk about that later.

What my friend Matt said is true.. I need a spark in my life. Everything is just so blurry right now.

Any ideas people?

(Graphics from www.bigoo.ws)

Kota Kinabalu

I was glad to finally visit KK, although it was a spur of the moment thingy.It turned out to be quite a lot of fun since a bunch of friends were also there, yet relaxing.. I guess because the pace there is so much different from KL.

I was disappointed though, since I didn't get to visit the islands or go to Kinabalu Park as the weather was not agreeable to those activities... Somehow my internal clock reset itself for me to be fresh awake by 6a.m am pretty much winding down by 10-ish p.m ... But it kinda sucked because shops were still starting business at 9-10am .. so I spent a good deal of time for breakfast..

This is Soto Makassar.. Yummy!

I did manage to visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market.. I had a good morning stroll then proceeded to Pasar Besar and Filipino Market to browse.. Tak berani nak buy anything yet, coz my aunt asked me to wait for her to go shop with me..

Managed to buy some souvenirs and a lovely strand of pearls for myself.. I do hope to visit KK again soon enough.. I have a better idea of what I want to get and experience next time.

Cherating & KT

It was supposed to be a trip to Pangkor but unforeseen circumstances changed the plan to head towards the east coast instead.

I was a bit apprehensive at first, knowing that the travelling itself would be tiring enough.. But luckily another stretch of the East Coast highway had opened, saving us a further hour or so of being on the road.. So within 2 hours we were already at Cherating. We got restless and on the spur of the moment decided to join a group of friends to go KT. Unfortunately for me, I came down with a horrible stomach flu but I wasn't gonna give up too easily and stop enjoying my trip.

Now the group decides to be even more adventurous and wanted to go squid jigging or as the locals call it 'candat sotong'. Wah, exciting nye! I have always wanted to try this (my mom too!).. At first, suspen jugak la the girls because the sea was pretty rough and the fishermen were already warning us of being seasick. After downing the anti-seasick tablet ( some had a few dosage) we hoped for the best. Nervous le...

Seriously unexpected. 5 minutes into the boat ride 2 guys and 1 girl were already knocked out. These kapal nelayan can accomodate about 20-25 people comfortably, so its pretty big la.. but the sea was unforgiving. I had a rogue watermelon rolling into my lap! I decided to stand up and look at the area we were heading to ( largely because it was getting uncomfy watching them vomit and groaning).. We got to the spot about an hour plus after leaving Chendering jetty and it was almost sundown... By then, the boatmen were pretty impressed that two girls (myself included hehehehe) were holding up well. They were teasing the guys yang mabuk saying they were practically dead! Aiya...

Well, there was a lot of waiting.. and more waiting.. and still waiting. Dapat la some sotong.. I was so excited and it amused the fishermen/boatmen. Seronok! The best part was, the boatman fried the sotong straight away for us! Delicious! But i got bored soon after since it was dark and couldn't see anything much around us. Eventually I succumbed to nausea.. Decided to get some sleep around midnite and it started to rain.. Around 6a.m I was feeling pretty restless and wanted to go back to the deck.. but everyone was still asleep except for the boatmen/fishermen. Once day break, then everyone started to get up and packed up their gear..

Being on dry land was a great relief! After a short nap and shower, we headed to pasar Payang for lunch and some shopping before heading towards the Crystal Mosque and Taman Tamaddun Islam. Now that came to be a pleasant surprise.. It was worth the visit and I can't wait to see it once it's fully completed.

By evening we were on our way back to Cherating for dinner ... then finally home.

(Graphics from www.bigoo.ws)

Furry Friends

I've had pets (usually cats) for as long as I can remember. There were others like turtles, fishes, chickens, parakeets, rabbits and the shared iguana.. If I had it my way, I'd be having huskies and ferrets too... well maybe even a horse :-p

Right now I have these two to keep me company ... the twin terrors! They may look cute and innocent, well they do try to be when they want grub from me.. but as soon as I don't have my eyes on them, it seems like a mini hurricane went through the house! Haven't decided on their names just yet...

Anyways, just wanted to share some pics of them..

(Graphics from www.oneplusyou.com)