Kunming

This last few months of the year, I have decided to see more of China whenever possible. Unfortunately the weather did not favor me. Going to Kunming, China in October was not a good idea as it rained most days. The Stone Forest was the main attraction there and the group went there on 23 October 2013. It was cold at 10 degrees Celsius and the rain made it worse. Internet weather forecast has already warned this.

At  Stone Forest of Kunming. 231013

Amazing limestone formation at Stone Forest of Kunming. 231013

The limestone at the Stone Forest is amazing. But before going into the Stone Forest park proper, we were treated with beautiful landscape garden, lake and limestone formations that created curiosity and excitement in our minds. Though raining, the park was packed with tourists.
Our trip from 21-25 October 2013, included a tour of Shadian where there is a large Muslim community there.

Big Mosque of Shadian. 241013

Big Mosque of Shadian is a large mosque in China, constructed depicting Medina Nabawi Mosque. Indeed it's a beautiful mosque with beautiful garden but it is not on the tourist map, which is a pity. The tour agency, Alia Tours and Travel, has arranged for us to visit the Kunming Islamic Institute where they offered a 4 year degree course in Islamic Studies. We were received cordially and had a short meeting with faculty members and toured their facilities.The Institute is financed by the Association of Kunming Muslims and a bit comes from the government.

Awesome Nuler Kindergarten in Shadian. 241013

Adorable well-disciplined 3 year olds in class learning Mukaddam. 241013

The most impressive visit in Shadian was at Nuler Kindergarten which is founded by Hj. Yusof Mu who funded the kindergarten by his own money amounting to RMB 15 Millions. The kindergarten is really beautiful with first class facilities for the kids ages 3- 7 years. Hj. Yusof believes that Islamic education should be taught from young and so Nuler Kindergarten was born. Looking at the 3 year olds in class  made me miss Rania so much. I can't imagine having Rania taken away to stay in a hostel but this is what happened to the kids. They come from poor families in China. The Kindergarten gives them a place and basic education. They go back to their parents for 2 months each year. I adore the chubby rosy cheeks of the 3 year olds!!  
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Aidil Adha 2013

Like the previous years, my Aidil Fitri and Aidil Adha celebrations were very quiet ones, spending times with my immediate small family members. So there is no different with Aidil Adha this year - very quiet. Maz cooked some food and Ika cooked meehoon goreng and we had our breakfast together after Maz and I came back from prayer. My children are not very sociable people, especially Ika. Since her marriage, I have never seen her entertaining or having friends at home. Visiting relatives could be a big resistance. I just hope Rania would be more willing to get to know her friends and relatives and be reasonably sociable. Since Ika works in the evening today, she spends her time at home with Rania and Justin. Izrin, Haidi and Gabe didn't come.
I went to the mosque late morning to help cutting Qurban meat to be distributed to the poor. I saw a lot of Indonesians and Bangladeshis collecting the meat but they helped in cutting and portioning the meat as well.

The family Qurban for Adha at Kratie Village, 4 hrs away from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 151013

Familu Qurban in Cambodia

The Kratie villagers cutting the meat for distribution for Adha. 151013

Alhamdullillah, our family Qurban benefited the villagers in Kratie Village, Cambodia.

For my family, Maz has arranged for all of us to do our Qurban in Phnom Penh, Cambodia through her friend, Ses Mohamad, a Cambodian member of Parliament we met during our last visit. Cambodia has many more really poor Muslim people over there.

My small immediate family members celebrating Maz's birthday on 12 Oct 2013.

Maz with her adorable niece, Rania and handsome nephew, Gabe. 12 Oct 2013.

Since I requested for family meeting on Saturday 12 October, we decided to celebrate Maz's  birthday on the same day. Hers is on 13 October. Allahyarham my father's birthday was on 10 Oct. The meeting is about my land in Tampin which I neglected and the income was harvested by the Chinese caretaker for 30 years. It's high time my children take responsibility. We decided to proceed with our first step in November. Hopefully things will get better and we get a good lawyer.
It's sad to think that I am a land owner but was cheated by people without mercy. The fault lies with me too for being so trusting and complacent. My dream was shattered and I hope my children will help to rebuild it.

MAB

Every time I go for my glaucoma checkup, I got upset. Though knowing glaucoma is a degenerative disease, getting feedback about its deterioration is depressing. Since I have advanced glaucoma with less than 10% sight, the threat of losing my sight seemed so real. I am frightened - frightened of being dependent on someone else. My left eye sight is getting worse though I appear normal. I want to be as normal as possible.
I approached The Principal of the Malaysian Association of the blind for a skill course in braille and the use of computer and handphone.  Blind herself, she was very helpful and told me that such courses are conducted in Ipoh for 6 months and I can get help from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat for funding. But the curriculum does not actually meet my need.
Through my sister-in-law, Juriah, I was introduced to En. Silatur Rahim of MAB who is charge of IT for the blind. Immediately I got in touch with him and met him personally at MAB, Brickfields. As a blind person, he understands my needs and promised to teach me himself if I come to MAB for an intensive personal tuition. This suits me fine but I have yet to set up my schedule with him bringing my laptop and iPhone. In a way I am relief, there is help.
For this year, I want to do my round of traveling first before I could focus on the course.
Insyallah I'll be alright.      

Intriguing trip to Xi'an, China

My tour of Xi'an, China on 19-24 September 2013 strengthened my desire to travel the Silk Road. I hope I can do it next year. Xi'an is an intriguing place, rich with history of Chinese Emperors, wars, culture and romance. Above all I am fascinated with the history of the spread of Islam in China and the Silk Road is being traced and introduced again by the government for the benefit of tourists.

One of the complexes at Tang West Market.

At the many wall arches found at Tang West Market.

My visit to Tang West Market dazzled me even more of the unique history of silk trade. The hooked roofs signified Tang architecture. The complex is huge and there was so much to see. The open market on Sunday exhibits antique Chinese artifacts that fascinated me.

Busy street at Muslim Street in Xi'an

Ellie and having sumptuous lunch at a Muslim restaurant at Muslim Street.

The Muslim Street fascinated me even more. All the shops are run by Muslims and the restaurant food we went for lunch for, was unbelievable. I felt comfortable knowing I was eating halal food. The three of us were shocked at first to see the generous amount of servings. We believed we couldn't finish them but the dishes were so delicious that we cleaned the plates in the end.

At Pit 1 - the Terra Cotta Warriors ready for war

Life size Terra Cotta Warriors

May, the local guide, is so knowledgeable about Xi'an history that it was quite difficult to remember and digest all the information narrated by her but it was most helpful. The Terra Cotta Warriors Museum is simply awesome. It's a significant archeological finding of the century. Life size Terra Cotta Warriors were built in details, lined in rows  ready for wars. Huge numbers of tourists made it difficult to take photos. It was a big complex and my legs and flat feet were beginning to feel the pressure.

A part of the Great Mosque complex seen as we entered the compound of the mosque.

One of the many archers engraved with Quranic verses at the Great Mosque.

The Great Mosque of Xi'an is spectacular with old Chinese architecture blended with Islamic architecture, built during Tang Dynasty when Islam was introduced to China by the Arab and Afghanistan traders. We did our Jama' prayer there at the mosque courtyard as the prayer Hall is still used for Friday prayer. There were many arches built in Tang style engraved with verses from the Quran.
This was an enjoyable trip. There were only 3 of us and Izan of Dhia Holidays had arranged our itinerary well though there were some glitches about our return tickets.
Alhamdullilah we arrived Malaysia safe and on time, inspite of the many challenges we faced with Northern China Airlines.
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Rebuilding a career

Alhamdulillah, Ika is back to work in radio. Rania is three and a half years old and is more independent now, attending Julia Gabrielle play school in the afternoon. So Ika has more free time. I know she missed her radio announcing career. I wasn't very happy when she left MixFM but when she delivered Rania, I was glad she stayed home to take care of her. That was quite a big sacrifice. Ika is with Capital FM, 88.9 and on air from 8 pm to 12 am on week days and Justin is taking care of Rania while she is at work. I help whenever I am in PJ home with them.
To me, a married woman's sense of self-worth and pride depend a lot on her own financial independence and financial stability. Life would be good if she has a rich husband who doesn't grudge or count every penny spent on her and the family. If money is no objection, then a woman should enjoy it. But life is such that there are few things permanent including human behaviour, feeling and attitude. There are many cases where marriage which started as blissful, turned sour due to money issue.  A wife may resent her husband when she is being questioned every time a request for money is made. He may become verbally or physically abusive. The grudges and the questions about why the money is needed may make the wife feel like a beggar. You feel guilty for asking. No matter how rich your husbands are, your own hard-earned money is your savior for self-worth. I have experienced being made to feel small and useless especially when I was no longer working. Every purchase I made for the house, a resit has to be presented or otherwise I would never get my money back. Depression threatened my life but I was determined not to be a victim, so I walked out. Life is so great after that.
I admire ladies who stay at home to take care of their families but able to earn a good income through home-based work. There are so many opportunities available now. I hope more stay at home mothers are able to achieve success and be financially independent.
Last Friday, for the first time, Rania spent a night without her parents. I took her back to PD. She is such a delightful little girl, chattering and asking endless questions and enjoyed bathing herself with sand. Sometimes her questions and comments don't sound coming from a 3 year old. I hope when Gabe is a bit older, he will be more accepting of me and could travel back to PD with me. I would love to have my grandson to myself once in a while.

Rania at the Lagoon. 070913

Trying to build sand castle but she has sand bathing instead. 070913

Big hat and sunglasses for Ms Rania at PD. 070913

Stunning Maldives

Syechelles and Maldives are islands in the Indian Ocean and each has its own charm. I described Seychelles as Heaven on Earth and the same goes to Maldives. But the beauty of Maldives is beyond words especially the numerous atolls. The sea is spectacular decorated by small islands or atolls. Seeing is believing. Spending 4 days in Maldives was too short. However, there is much difference between capital city Male in Maldives and capital city Victoria in Mahe island in Seychelles. Male is congested with thousands of motorbikes whereas Victoria in Mahe is calm with less congestion. Seychelles selecst its visitors, those who have money!! So you don't see backpackers and cheap hostels there. Male is for everybody who loves tranquility and gorgeous ocean. I love Maldives but not Male. I felt comfortable there where halal food is easy to find and and the people are so friendly but most of all I love the spectacular view of the atolls and the Indian ocean.

The senior ladies in a boat ready for island hopping. I am in blue and red.

There were 12 lady senior citizens in this group, all are happy- go- lucky single ladies with not a care in the world. So going away on Aidilfitri week was not a big deal. After all the love ones can take care of themselves. The flight to Male by MAS took 4 hour and 10  minutes and we were transported to our hotel by boat. Boats are the main mode of transportation from one island to another. The clear shimmering sea was so beckoning but we had no time to soak ourselves in the sea - maybe next time when we have more time.The best place is to stay at one of the resort islands.
We did the island hopping visiting the community and at Vilingilli Island we met Aminah who had her master's nursing training at University Hospital. We chatted about Maldives and Malaysia.
I would not advise anyone to go for the Whale Submarine experience especially if you are a diver or have snorkeled in more exciting seas. There was not much to see except some fishes and wilted reefs. At the cost of US$85, it was not worth it.

Male with lagoon and the sea front.

Breathtaking view of an island from the air.

Sea planes are ready to take tourists for aerial view of gorgeous  Maldives .

But you must go for the Seaplane trip. Though expensive at US$100 for 25 minutes, the view was really out of this world.  With 1,190 islands spread out in Indian Ocean there was much to see.
In Male itself, you must not miss visiting the Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque or the Old Friday Mosque. The carving on coral stone is one of the rarest monument in Maldives and suggestion was made to declare it as a World Heritage.
Maldives, Thank you for being GORGEOUS YOU and I pray Allah spares you the destruction by tsunami.
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Aidilfitri 2013

With my lovely grandchildren on Raya Day - Rania and Gabe. 080813

With siste Anah daughter, son-in-law and grandchild on Raya Day.

Like the previous years I celebrated my Eid in a small way with my children and my sister and her children. This year we decided not to go back to Malacca to see my brothers and sisters until the Raya frenzy is over when everyone has gone back to work. The traffic jam was horrendous and we took 4-5 hours to reach PJ last year compared to the 2 hours on normal days.
I felt a bit disjointed when Izrin and family were not with me on Raya morning. This year, it's Heidi's turn to celebrate with her big family but they came to join my family in the evening. I missed my dimpled Gabe. Rania as usual has been excited about Hari Raya, even days before Raya. The attraction was playing with sparklers at night before she went to bed. It was fascinating hearing her singing' Selamat Hari Raya' while waving the sparklers in her hand. She speaks Malay like a Malay and speaks English like an Aussie.
Salam Hari Raya was done with much fun and jokes. My children, with husband and wife, made it a memorable day for me. Thank you Izrin and Haidi for the 'duit raya'. Rania and Gabe made my day. Gabe is still in his clinging stage but soon he will be independent like Rania. Rania looks at Gabe with much adoration. My life is blessed and feel contented.
Alhamdulillah, Allah grants me time to celebrate this Raya with my children and their family.
I am leaving for Maldives on 3rd Raya.

My adorable dimply grandson, Gabe, on Raya day. 

As always, Rania is so manja with Nenek - on Raya morning. 080813

Rania is taking her parents flying on Raya day

Rania with second cousin, Syeena, on Raya day. 

Rania salam Raya with Daddy. 080813 

Having fun playing sparklers with Mak Yang on Raya night. 070813

Rania and her sparklers on Raya night. 070813

Izrin and wife, Haidi clowning around after the Salam Raya. 080813

My small immediate family with Justin taking the photo. 080813

Justin, Rania and Ika. 080813

Izrin salam Raya with Maz and big sister, Ika looking on. 080813

Izrin, Haidi and Gabe in the garden. 080813

Justin Salam Raya with his mother-in-law on Raya morning. 080813

Maz Salam Raya with me..

Ika and Maz having fun on Salam Raya.

Izrin Salam Raya with big brother-in-law, Justin.

Ika Salam Raya with mummy. 080813

Rania with doting auntie, Mak Yang. 080813

Lovely picture. Rania manja dengan mummy dia. 080813

Gabe expecting his duit raya from his daddy. 080813

Gorgeous Gabe and his dimples. 080813