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.
Visit zuraidaharahman.travellerspoint.com

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