Tooth Implant

In the 50s and 60s there were very few qualified dentists in Malacca. I remember my mother took me to a Chinese clinic in Bukit Baru to get my tooth extracted. He was not a dentist but had experience extracting tooth. When I was in sixth form, I went to Malacca General Hospital to complain about my aching molar tooth. There was no advice or suggestion given to save it but the dentist just had it pulled. The equipment was not sophisticated. At that time the remedy for decaying tooth was extracting. Hence I lost many molar teeth leaving gaps and making it difficult for me to chew. I made dentures but hated using them.  I threw both away.
When my friend, Mages, came back for a visit from UK, we had breakfast and I had tose. While chewing I felt a hard stone in my mouth. The tip of my tongue quickly search my upper back teeth. One molar back tooth just broke!
The next day I went to Kelana Jaya Community Clinic to have the stump pulled out. Both young attending dentists failed to do it and requested me to come back for surgery. I had to leave for Phnom Penh the next day. So armed with antibiotics and pain killers, I left for Cambodia praying the stump would not trouble me. Thank God, everything was OK and I enjoyed Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
I went to Universiti Malaya Speciaist Centre to talk to Prof Wan about tooth implant. I met Prof Zainal and told him about my broken tooth. He extracted it out easily and I was surprised and pleased that I didn't have to go for surgery. Of course I have to pay a big amount for it compared to nothing in KJCC. Anyway, I was thankful it was gone.
Before deciding on tooth implant, I made a few inquiries with private dental clinics. UMSC charges RM6,500.00 per tooth. Another private clinic charges RM8,500 per tooth. Being a pensioner, Universiy Hospital charges RM3,500 - RM4,500 per tooth but there is a long waiting list. About 7 years back, a private clinic charged RM5,000 per tooth but cost has gone up. I was cautioned by a former student who was a dental lecturer to get reputable dentist if I do it at private clinic. Some dentists may have minimal tooth implant training and experience but claimed to be specialist. That frightened me.
Finally, I decided to do it at University Hospital. I was lucky having an ex-student to help me. Prof Wan advised me to do two first and Dr. Izzat did the surgery yesterday. Dr. Izzat is a gentle dentist and I didn't experience any pain or discomfort. The surgery took one hour. I have to see him again next Wednesday to remove the stitches. Then, Prof Wan will take over, I guess. I do not know yet how much it will cost me.
For that matter I need 5 implants to make my teeth fully functional. Ahhh, this is what aging is all about.
Good luck to me.

Kuching and Pangkor Island

My trip to Kuching this time on 28-30 June 2013 was to try on Homeopathy treatment again from a different doctor for my glaucoma. I hope it could help to lower my eye pressure and delay the damage. Well, I am just trying, hoping and praying that my sight will be spared. Dr. Zaiton has kindly agreed to take me to see Dr. Mohammad. Being a homeopathy practitioner herself, she understood. As a lecturer in human Resource doesn't stop her from learning another field of knowledge. Thank you Zaiton for making time for me. I met a few former colleagues and former students too which gave me much pleasure.

With Dr. Jamayah (in sunglasses) and former student, Lisa. 280613

With former st3udents, Lisa and nora. 28061

Thank you Dr. Jamayah, Nora, Lisa and Husniah for making time to meet me. I appreciate your caring. At the same time,

Razali and family. Wife, Rose, is 2nd from left. 290613

I have the opportunity to visit Razali and his family and Dr. Fatahyah and her family. It's nice to see the children again who have grown so much since I last saw them. I hope Fa's mother will get well. Unfortunately I was not able to visit Ama's father who is hospital as Ama was away to see her PhD supervisor. My prayer that her father will get well soon.

Kuching has grown too. Many of the green areas have disappeared replaced by houses, shopping areas etc. There is also traffic congestion where it was unheard of before. I miss the old Kuching.
Back from Kuching I was busy organizing and sorting out things for the jumble sale at the mosque in Kg. Tunku, to raise fund to help the unfortunates. We managed to raise almost RM1,000 for the 3 hours sale. Thank you for all the support from people who came to the jumble sale.
The next day 7 July, Indra, Jin and Padmini came early in the morning to pick me up to Pangkor Island. I have not been to Pangkor for awhile. Jin drove and it was a pleasant drive to see the coastal road is wide with no more traffic congestion as years before. I promised myself that I would take a solo drive again on this coastal road to Perlis one day soon.
Staying in Pangkor Island Beach Resort (it was Pan Pacific before) was a pleasant experience. Situated at a cove, it's  sheltered with calm sea. There's also a legend attached to the far end beach here.

Pied hornbills percehed on a chair at the poolside waiting for feeding time. 080713

Feeding a tame hornbill at Pangkor Island Beach Resort.

The attraction were the pied hornbills who came down for feeding in the morning at 7.30 am and in the evening at 6.30pm.

A young male peacock doing the dance to attract a female peacock at the beach. 080713

The attractive backside of a male peacock trying to attract a female's attention. 080713

Beside that, there were also peacocks.
On the way home on 9 July, we stopped at Bukit Melawati to see the silver leaf monkeys who were so delightful and beautiful unlike their cousins, the macaques monkeys who are aggressive and unfriendly. These polite animals are a joy to see and interact.

Loving silver leaf  couple with a baby.

Gentle but got to hide the food.

It was a nice and cheap holiday for us, 4 seniors, since Priya is a staff and our rate was discounted. Thank you Priya for your hospitality and we wish you all the best in your life and career.

With Priya at the beach of PIBR. 080713

Sungai Lembing and Siem Reap

Pretty view of Sg. Lembing and the Museum  090613

The welcoming arch as you enter Sg. Lembing.

Najidah and I on a short train ride into the mining tunnel. Awesome  sight. 100613

I felt safe enough to travel in the country after the havoc of General Election though there were isolated cases of racist actions and remarks through FWD emails. Najidah and I decided to drive to Sg. Lembing after the school holidays (9 June - 11 June 2013). True, Sg. Lembing was so quiet. The town was asleep with few shops opened and few people around. This suited us fine. Though we were disappointed for not being able to see the Rainbow Waterfall and the panoramic view at Bukit Panorama, we were happy to see the pretty town and learned its history through the eyes of a local guy who was brought up during the glorious days of tin mining there. According to him, Sg.Lembing was prettier then. He requested us to come again during weekend when he can take us there with other groups of tourists since the journey is long and lonely. We promised to get in touch with him when we decide to return.
A after I arrived back at PJ house Maz, my daughter, SMS whether I could accompany her on her trip to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia from 14 to 19 June 2013. Emergency made her friend cancel the trip. Though I have been to Siem Reap, I was pleased that I could visit Phnom Penh. Maz and her friends had a program where they help the poor Islamic schools there by donating school supplies like books, pens, pencils etc etc.

YB Set Mohammadsis (standing second on right next to his sister)  and his parents. Maz  sitting on left. 140613

We were met later by a young member of Parliament, Set (Mr.) Mohamadsis and took us to his parents' house and to the Islamic school where we donated the supplies. According to him, KM 7-KM10 are muslim areas where we can get halal food easily.

The tower where they store the skulls of the victimsof PotPol cruelty at Killing Fields, Phnom Penh.

The most morbid site at Killing Fields. The grave of naked women and children. The tree was used to bash the heads of children. 

A visit to the Killing Fields and the Genocide museum was so depressing. Human cruelty was unimaginable. This is what hate can do to human beings - they become heartless and without compassion.

Angkor Wat at 6.42am 170613-no sunrise today disappointing a huge crowd there.

Maz and I at the bottom root of a tree which chokes the ancient temple at Ta Promph.

At Siem Reap town at dusk 160613

Angkor Wat has changed. The almost vertical narrow steps to the highest level of the main temple was closed and replaced by a wooden steps. So going up there was easier. I didn't climb the steps when I was there in 2006. There was massive restoration projects going on in Angkor area. I was able to see almost every ancient temple in the area and had to walk in the hot sun. Thanks to my walking stick cum chair which enabled me to rest my poor legs after a long walk.
Thank you Maz, for taking me to this trip. I have enjoyed it.
More stories in zuraidaharahman.travellerspoint.com

Bless my country

The election results recently brought a lot of disgust and disdain in my heart. My beautiful, peaceful country is so divided by racists. Before the election day, my email was jammed with FWDs condemning Barisan Nasional, the Malay leaders and the Malays by selfish greedy Chinese and Indians. I read a few and many I just deleted. I could imagine how it would be like if the non-Malays took over the country and the Malays would be persecuted. Unfortunately, the Malays themselves are at fault. We are so divided in politics, religious beliefs and attitude - to the delight of the non-Malays. Tengku Zarith Sofiah was not in touch with the reality of the people when she wrote comments implying the Malays should be more accommodating? We have been so accommodated we sold our land and our spirit. What more could we do? Like many Malaysians, we are takers with selfish attitude - take as much as you can, no need to feel gratitude. Until today, I still received FWDs with the same revolting message. The younger generation harbours so much hate  against another race and I fail to see tolerance and respect.
I hope the Malays learn from the result of the election. They have dangerous enemies as their sleeping partners. If only they could put aside their differences, they can be strong and united. Why can't we be united like when we pray together during Friday prayer or berjemaah? Didn't we pray to to the same Allah and face the same Kaabah? Why don't we learn from the Chinese - they were united to fight the government regardless whether  they are Budhists, Christians, Toiasts or Muslims. Race comes first to them. I pray that what Aminuddin Baki said in 1960s would not come true that orang Melayu mungkin menjadi seperti ' Itik di air mati kehausan, ayam di kepuk mati kelaparan'. The Malays need to wake up and fight not by weapons or by degrading words but by working hard to provethat  they are worthy, strong  and with healthy attitude and practices.
May Allah bless my country and save it from destruction.

Qaluinnalillahi...

My 3rd brother Ahmad Fuad, in the middle

Part of his nuclear family at our family gathering

3rd brother with his older brother, Ahmad Saifuddin (holding the mike)

Taken at nephew Atan's daughter's wedding at Bukit Serampang, Muar. He was still OK at this time.

At  nephew Boy's wedding in Melaka. Bang Fuad is wearing blue cap and my daughter, Maz was talking to Jun.

When my mobile phone rang or buzzed with SMS messages, my heart jumped. About 6.30 am after my subuh prayer, my phone rang and seeing it from my niece, Baby, I knew it wasn't a good news. With trembling hand I answered and heard  her sobbing voice saying ' Mak Itam, Daddy has passed away just now'. I was speechless for a moment -I have lost another brother who was 75 years old and suffered from diabetes. It wasn't a good feeling at all with sadness and guilt playing havoc in my mind and heart.
Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahman was my 3rd older brother. Though we weren't really close, he was my brother whom I can talk to when I needed it. Formerly working as an officer at the Examination Syndicate, Ministry of Education, he and his children spent much of their time with Jun's (his wife) side of the family.
When I returned from my Europe trip, I had quite a bad flu. So I couldn't visit him when he was hospitalised again to get his other leg amputated because gangrene has set in. After settling all the things I have to do in PJ, I drove back to PD totally forgot about visiting this sick brother. On Friday night, Ika SMS me that she got news from Baby's Facebook that her daddy is in ICU. I called her to find out more. But at midnight she  SMS me to say that my brother was on life support, then I knew I would not be able to see him to ask for forgiveness. The news came late at night and I promised Baby that I would drive back to PJ early Saturday morning - still hoping to see him in hospital breathing, though through a machine. It was not to be. I regretted  for not going to see him immediately he was admitted to Selayang hospital.
I saw him at rest at the mosque in Kelana Jaya for his prayer and at the burial ground.
Farwell my beloved brother. You left us on Saturday  16 May 2013 at Selayang Hospital. May Allah cucuri rahmat ke atas rohmu dan menempatkan kanmu di sisi orang-orang yang saleh. Alfatihah....

Brother Fuad at our old house in Tanjung Kling, Melaka

    

Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and London

Tulips of different shade of red in Keukenhof, Amsterdam 220413

Some blooming tulips in Keukenhof. 220413

Pretty windmills and old village in Zaanse Schans in Amsterdam.  220413

I arrived home from London on 30 April about 6 pm. I already SMS Ika that I was on the way home. The moment the cab arrived and the gate opened, Rania came flying down the slopey driveway into my arms. It was such a delight to see her so happy to see me. I was HOME. While resting and chatting with her mum and dad, she went to her cooking station and later came out bearing a small plate with little fork and spoon and gave it to me and said, 'Nah nenek, nasi goreng spaghetty sauce.' I was so touched by this gesture. According to Justin and Ika, Nia never touched her cooking stove while I was away and here she was with her favorite dish for me. She's a darling!
My return visit to Amsterdam this time was to see the famous and beautiful tulip gardens in Keukenhoff as April and May were the months they were supposed to bloom. Unfortunately, due to extended winter, many tulips were not in bloom yet and the farms were still green. Anyhow they were just as pretty as in pictures especially the scenery. Holland is a fascinatingly gorgeous country - so flat with numerous canals, green, clean with quaint villages. I would love to visit again some day in future.
My trip was from 21 to 30 April 2013, took me to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and London. Though it was supposed to be spring the weather was still cold with chilly winds especially in London.

Tourist attraction- the Eifell Tower, Paris. 250413

Scenery of Paris from the second floor of Eifell Tower Paris.

As many tourists do, a visit to Eiffel Tower in Paris is a must but it did not not really excite me. Paris is known as the world's city of fashion and love but I didn't find it romantic at all - with narrow, congested roads and loads of people and tourists. Honestly since this was a return visit, I wouldn't want to make another trip there. I think twice is enough! Many of my traveling companions were so eager to do shopping at the branded stores like Luis Vitton  and at Gallery Lafayette, I got bored!! We stayed at a Malaysian owned hotel of Holiday Villa Lafayette Hotel in Paris.

Doing almost every tourist does in London - watching the changing of guard at Buckingham Palace. 270413

One of the many decorative pillar supports along River Thames. 270413

London was a city for shopping. The weather there was awful - cold with very chilly winds. I ended having cold and sore throat. That wasn't fun. I had the same problem when I was in Tunisia in February. The winter and cold weather really do not suit me. I have never liked London, even as a young working individual who attended courses and meetings there. I even skipped London in 2010 when I was driving with  Jin to England, Wales and Scotland. Oxford Street was perpetually packed with people. I could see only feet every time I looked down. But it was heaven for shopping for some people. I followed Akmar there and bought whatever I needed quickly and wanted to escape but got to wait for the others. My feet were killing me. The tube was so crowded. London, I may not want to see you again.
Whatever it is, I had a good time. Akmar, the tour leader took good care of me, making sure auntie Zu is with her wherever she went. Shima, my other room mate was also so protective and caring. I felt safe and had a lot of fun.
Thank you for having me.
More stories and photos - zuraidaharahman.travelerspoint.com

Hurray, Rania is 3 !!!

Rania at 15 minutes old on 16 April 2010 in Pantai Hospital.

Rania today - a 3 year old angel and beautiful.

The wrinkled white skin baby Rania was born on 16 April 2010 at Pantai Hospital and now she has turned to be a gorgeous  little girl with curly hair and a huge pair of dark brown almond-shape eyes. She is 3 today, excited at celebrating her birthday with her classmates and teachers at Julia Gabriel Playschool in Citta Mall and she loves presents. Rania is always looking forward to go to school and she knows all the teachers and the staff's names and they know her well. Initially she was quiet and shy but now she's as boisterous as the next little boy or girl.

Rania's cupcake birthday cake, celebrated with the family on 13 April 2013

Rania with Nenek 130413

Rania saying thank you to Dadda 130413

Rania blowing candle at her cupcake birthday cake  on 130413

Rania at her cooking station presented by Nenek. 140413

Happy birthday Nia. Mak Su is taking this photo. 130413

Rania with nenek's birthday present. 130413

Family celebration on Nia's birthday with Nenek taking the photo. 130413

Rania with parents. 130413

She has celebrated her early  birthday on 13 April during the weekend. Gabe came. Rania is such a good and caring big sister. She dotes on Gabe and said 'Talk to Kak Nia Gabe!' and Gabe just went on playing. She fusses over Gabe. I hope they will become good friends.

Rania's birthday cake. Celebrated at her school on 16 April 2013, her 3rd birthday. 

Rania's 3rd birthday at her school, with her classmates 160413

The demure birthday girl. 160413

Rania competeing hisap susu with Gabe.

Rania blowing her birthday candles on her birthday 160413

3rd birthday celebration with classmates at Julia Gabriel.

Ranis was as proud as peacock when she successfully blew the three candles on her beautiful and delicious birthday cake. Ika was not happy with the cake. She ordered a more sophisticated one as shown in the blog by the lady who made the cake. But she made a different one without informing her. Obviously this lady is not customer-oriented and simply took for granted that her customers will accept whatever she made. Even though she stays so near our house, I don't think she would get a repeat customer from Ika.
The birthday party at her school was attended by two classmates. The other boys was absent. Rania's class is super small and she loves interacting with her friends and teachers. She will need quite a great adjustment when she attends a bigger class next year.
Happy birthday, my love.