Storm

The tranquility of Paradise Lagoon Apt in Port Dickson was shattered when a violent storm erupted this afternoon. It was frightening. The wind and heavy rain came in huge gushes blowing roof tiles away, toppling trees and felling tree branches. After 25 minutes of havoc, suddenly the wind and the rain stopped and the situation came back to normal as if nothing happened, leaving trails of fallen trees and branches and gaping roofs.
The ceiling of PD Ascot office collapsed just before the Manager ran out of the room. Her cleaners reported a big wave hit the ground floor of Block H which is open to the sea. Lucky it was low tide.
I couldn't actually see what was happening as the heavy rain and strong wind shielded my view. Potted plants in my balcony toppled and 3 of my balcony roof tiles were blown away, leaving a gap that allowed rain water to pour vigorously on my balcony. I have to close the sliding door or else the strong wind would let the rain water invade my living room.
There was an event at the army camp (I don't actually know what it was) officiated by the Prime Minister. The storm interrupted the event and created havoc damaging the tents, resulting in some people getting hurt. I'm not sure how accurate I am but after the storm calmed down, there was a huge traffic jam leading to Telok Kemang.
I decided to walk to town for 3 reasons. If I drive, when I come back I mightn't have parking space as more visitors are coming. Second reason, I don't want to get caught up in traffic jam and finally I need the exercise. Anyway, it's good that I go out. There was no electricity and hope it will not last until night. Thank God, electricity supply was back to normal by 6 pm.
I live in a resort but it's a NO star resort. Weekends, public and school holidays are madness where you can see the disgusting behaviour of some selfish Malaysians as if the resort is free for all. The unit next door was rented to a few Chinese men who were drunk and one of them must have urinated in my flower pot outside the door. The stink was so revolting. I threw the whole pot in rubbish bin and cursed the &%$#rd.


They barbecued and brought out apartment chairs and tables out but left them there and left the place in such dirty condition. The crows were having great time picking the left over food. That's Malaysian attitude - so disgustingly selfish. And they are educated people who spoke English fluently!!






The apartments below me were flooded. I saw the people frantically scooping water out. This is the result of irresponsible behaviour of owners and visitors. They took away the cover of draining pipe, leaving the hole open. So anything can go in including paper cups, spoons, rubbish etc, thus blocking the flow of water. When will these Malaysians have conscience and change their behaviour?










Scooping water out of flooded balcony.












One of the trees fell during the storm at the lagoon.









Blessing in disguise. Complaints have been made many times to the Manager to pull down all the dried coconut leaves but complaints fell on deaf ears. The storm ripped all the dried and young coconut leaves. They were thrown all over the place. I hope the workers will clean the place soon.



Tomorrow I have discussion with ex-colleagues and students on a book writing project about adolescents' challenges . I hope they will get parking space and the discussion is fruitful.
On Sunday morning, there was no water supply. It seems after the storm, a big pipe burst and the whole of PD and Seremban is without water for 2 days at least. So after the discussion, I decided to drive back to PJ.

Summer Travel 2

Bay of Cascais, Portugal













15 years ago, I visited Portugal and took the opportunity to meet Sandra, Ika's pen-friend who lived in Evora quite near the border to Spain. They're still keeping in touch until now but have no opportunity to meet yet. I still remember driving in Lisbon. It was a nightmare, not knowing the language. I have forgotten actually the places we went but was glad that the tour took us there. Leaving Toledo to Badajoz, we stayed overnight in Badajoz. Early the next morning, we crossed the border to Lisbon, There was no border check, so the drive was smooth.



Before going to Lisbon, we detoured to Fatima. Since there were many roman Catholics in our group, this detour was meaningful to them. They believe this is where the three children saw an apparition of a saint, so a chapel was built and the area grew, making it world famous for congregation of Roman Catholics. My friend Fatimah bought a bag inscribed 'Fatima' all over. It wasn't a place of interest for us and we spent our time looking around the shops which sell all kinds of Christian prayer items. It was quite a boring time looking around, for us non- Christians.



We left Fatima for Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, an exciting visit. The Atlantic ocean was open and bluish in colour and in a good day a fuzzy view of America can be seen. The winding uphill road ended at the lighthouse. The wind was so strong that could push you away but the view was spectacular.











At the very windy Carbo da Roca, Portugal.









On the way back we were taken through
the Estoril coastline via Cascais Bay and saw some beautiful scenery that took our breath away. A hot summer day, there were a lot of sun worshippers at the beach. Later the tour bus took us to Lisbon.
















A quaint hotel by the Bay of Cascais.















View of Cascais Bay, Portugal.








Tired, Ces and I decided to stay in and go to bed after dinner. Some young members went out to see the shops and the city near the hotel.







Jeronimos Monastry, Lisbon, a UNESCO World Heritage.










Another long hot day, we went to Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage where Vasco da Gama was buried. This was where we were introduced to the tasty Portuguese tarts. On the way, we saw the 25th April Bridge (formerly named Salazar bridge after the Portuguese dictator) which looked like the San Francisco red bridge.



We stopped at Balem Tower,















and the monument of Navigator at Tagus River and later tasted a delicious Portuguese seafood for lunch. It was heavenly!














After sumptuousPortuguese lunch, with huge Portuguese flag at the background..















Portuguese children waiting to visit Balem Tower, Lisbon.








In the evening, some members went for shopping in the city but Ces and I opted to sleep early to prepare for another long journey to Serville. By the end of this Portugal and Spain tour, though beautiful, I had enough of cathedrals and churches to last me for a long time to come. Inspite of that I still had opportunity to do my prayer at the hotels where we stayed.

Travel in summer

My excitement to see east Europe fell flat, as 4 of the original group members of 12 withdrew last minute. So the tour leader had to cancel the trip as 8 people will be more costly. I was so disappointed. The neatly packed luggage was left open on the floor in my room. My brain has already registered that I would travel somewhere in June and July. So when a group tour to Spain and Portugal was suggested, I jumped at the idea. With Cecily as my travel companion, we joined Parlo Tours and left Malaysia for Madrid on 9 July. The flight was boring as usual with stop-over in Doha, 6.45 hours plus 7.30 hours flight time.


Arriving in Madrid in the morning and straight touring the city was no fun. Tired and sleepy, the 20 of us were excited and wide awake looking at hot summer Madrid.
















Since it was Sunday we weren't able to go inside Plaza de Toros, the famous bullfight ring. I was glad. I have always felt disgusted at how cruel humans are, killing the bulls with thousands cheered gleefully. If it is done in a Muslim world, I am sure the west will carry smear campaigns throughout the world, condemning Islam mercilessly. I was relieved when in Barcelona, the local tour guide told us that bullfighting is banned in Barcelona from August 2011. I hope the rest of Spain and Portugal will follow suit.




With Cesily, my travel companion in front of Plaza de Toros, Madrid.





For football fanatics, a visit to Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid football club was a bonus. A pity it was Sunday and the stadium was closed. I was impressed throughout my travel in Spain and Portugal, to see so many old beautiful buildings still standing and are well taken care of. The wrought iron works of the balconies are superb and so are the mosaic. But mosaic works are more intricate and gorgeous in Iran.




I have been dreaming of seeing Andalusia (remind me of M. Nasir's haunting song) particularly the Alhambra palace and garden in Granada (capital of Andalusia), and the Mesquita in Cordoba where the pillars of the old mosque (now a church) resembled the pillars in Masjid Medina. The old Mihrab for azan was still there intricately carved with Quranic verses. The Mesquita was once a symbol of Islamic greatness during the Umayyad Dynasty. Alhambra doesn't let me down. It was beautiful and a sheer pleasure to see it. I was displeased greatly that my photos do not turn out good and they do not


do justice to the beautiful places and scenery that I took. My fault - I am a lousy photographer with a lopsided eye-level.














Alhambra, Granada one of the water features in the palace.












One area of Alhambra garden.









In Seville, I climbed the 34 ramps (not steps) of flight to the top of Giralda Bell Tower, once a minaret, the only Muslim heritage left in Seville, now the church bells ring there. The rest of the mosque has been demolished for Seville Cathedral. The Alcazar palace, the Archives and the Seville Cathedral are proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1986.





















The Muslim ablution area is still there in the orange courtyard in Seville Cathedral.










Part of Seville Cathedral.
















Tomb of Christopher Colombus in Seville Cathedral. Cesily is trying to read the inscription - in Spanish.














Narrow walkway in Seville is beautifully decorated with hanging flowers.
















At the UNESCO World Heritage complex in Seville - Seville Cathedral, the Archives and the Alcazar (the palace).













Cordoba - the entrance area of the Mesquita (old mosque), majestic and intricate.














The Mihrab in Mesquita, Cordoba. The beautiful Quranic inscriptions are still intact. The azan didn't need help from a microphone. The sound of azan was carried away and out through the natural sound system through the wall.













The central dome near the Mihrab in the Mesquita, Cordoba - magnificently designed and crafted.



















Rows of olive trees along the way from Cordoba to Granada. Bought some olive shampoos and body milk to bring home at stop area in Lija.









The Arts and Science Complex Center in Valencia, the biggest in Europe, is awesome. The outer complex alone can take your breath away - it's huge and modern.




The exterior of the complex leading to the entrance.









The Arts and Science Center Complex, Valencia.


















In the Arts and Science complex Center, Valencia with Claire Wong, the young tour leader.

















With Paulo, the capable Portuguese bus driver who made sure his passengers were safe. Thank you Paulo.











Here in Valencia, we were introduced to Spanish traditional food, the paella, a rice seafood so delicious, for lunch.









But best of all. I love Toledo, a former Spanish capital. The old city is bubbling with history and quint buildings. Here I bought a few pieces Damascuni jewelery, handcrafted in gold and black gold. The art was brought by the Muslim Syrians into Spain.













With newly met friends from Ipoh. Left: twin Nana, mom Fatimah and twin DeeDee at Toledo lookout point.






The last lapse of my journey was Barcelona, bursting to the seams with summer tourists especially at Sagrada Familia Cathedral which is still under construction, uncompleted even after 108 years. The city is gorgeous, clean and the roads are cool, lined with trees and parks. After visiting the Olympic stadium, we went to Montjoic to enjoy the overview scenery of Barcelona.
I tried to get in Hard Rock Cafe but I couldn't go past the main entrance. The place was sardine-packed with tourists as if they were given free gifts. It was madness. Anyway, shopping in Spain is not cheap when the exchange rate was RM 4.20 to one Euro.















View of Barcelona from Montjoic.














The Olympic Stadium, Barcelona.












Port Olympic, Barcelona.














At the background, the palace turned museum.












The Casa Battlo. The house remodeled by Antoni Gaudi which was turned to museum in Barcelona.


















One of the pretty old buildings in Barcelona city.















With Fatimah, daughter DD at Park Guell, Barcelona - a fascinating park with quint, creative architecture.








This tour was like a passing river. I would like to do a leisurely visit one day especially in Seville Granada and Cordoba. There are still so many interesting places we were not able to cover. One day maybe. Insyaallah. But always remember, don't go in summer - hot and crowded.

Sashi's visit

It's such a long time since I last wrote this blog. Though much has happened, I have no mood to punch in the computer keys. But today at 3.00 am I woke up suddenly and remember that I have left my passport and some Euro money in my PD apartment. I am leaving for Spain and Portugal on 9 July, so passport is crucial. I must apologise to Sashi for not being able to take her to Pasar Seni. We may do Twin Towers at 9 am and then I drive back to PD.


It was a pleasure having Sashi with me. She arrived from Tokyo on 27 June and from then on it was hectic programs taking her to see the interesting sights in KL and Melaka like Batu Caves and Orchid Garden.


Yesterday we went to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, my favourite place. The centre has been upgraded with new outlook, more attractive but still no entry charge, much to to Sashi's surprise that Malaysia provides so many free access, unlike in Japan and in many other countries. I think Malaysia is suffering from unplaced generoisity. It was fun day for both of us. I know riding the elephant bareback is an experience and thrilling for her. Bong and Siput didn't take part in the show. We arrived back in PJ just before the traffic rush.


On 29 and 30 June, we spent our time in Melaka, staying overnight at Malacca Straits Hotel, a boutique hotel just opposite my old school, High School Malacca. I took her visiting most of the historical sights but I had a very pleasant surprise cruising Malacca River, my first experience. I think Melaka is a beautiful city, befits the status of World Heritage city. Raised in Melaka, I was quite a stranger in finding my way around as the city now as it has changed tremendously since I was in school some 40 years ago.











One interesting place not many tourists or locals pay a visit is the 108 years old timber palace in Sri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan which was built without using a single nail. I took Sashi there. I just wish the workers there pay more attention in keeping the palace spick and span. I found curtains were loose from the hooks, not hang properly back, windows, wooden staircases are dusty, not dusted and many more corners that need cleaning. Instead I found them having good chat at the open ground floor. Seems like working there is just 'makan gaji' with little commitment. What a pity. The garden is very pretty especially looking down from the top level.


Sashi is leaving Malaysia on 7 July and I have to pack for my trip. I hope Sashi is happy visiting my beloved country even though it was hot. One thing she has learned for sure is eating some hot food and loving chilli sauce.


Thank you Sashi for paying me a visit and I hope you will come again.