Banda Acheh

It's almost 10 years since tsunami devastated this country. I visited Banda Acheh with a small group of retired people, organised by Izan of AIZ Event Management for 4 days on 14-17 Jan 2014. BA has almost returned to normal with little traces of destruction brought by tsunami and earthquake on 26 Dec 2004. But everyone there seems has a story to tell about their experiences  and their loss. The photos of the catastrophy at the museums and at the mosques  could tear your heart away. Banda Acheh and the surrounding areas were like ' padang jarak padang tekukur' after tsunami hit.

Masjid Baiturrahim in Uleelheue, Banda Acheh, still under restoration.

The architectural design of Masjid Baiturrahim which is very near the sea in Ulee Lheue, Banda Acheh withstood the onslaught of tsunami and left it almost intact. It had saved many lives during the disaster. It is being restored but part of it is left as it is to remind people of the clamity.

Pristine beaches and calm sea at Acheh's beach.

The beaches and the sea are beautiful. White sand beach runs for mile and the sea is blue and calm, hiding the historical wrath of tsunami in 2004. Acheh is a beautiful country.
The Tsunami museum is impressive and informative, telling a lot of sad stories of the event. It opens the eyes of the people and the government to be alert of impending threats of tsunami, earthquack, landslides etc.  Escape buildings are built near the seaside area for nearby villagers to save their lives in case of such disaster happens again.
90% of Acheh population is Muslims and quite devout. It is advisable for Muslims to wear proper attire and women to cover their heads. It was no problem for me. Since Acheh still needs help to recover from the tsunami, donations are welcome in many places such as the mosques, tsunami landmarks, orphanage, mass graves etc. So it is a good idea to bring small denomination either in Indonesian Rupiah or Malaysian Ringgit for this purpose.

Siron Mass burial site. The green field ground is where 46,718 people were buried after the aftermath of tsunami.  

It is sad to visit the mass burial site at Siron where 46,718 people were buried in mass. There are many more mass burial sites like this and many still experience no closure where they couldn't find their love ones.
The Achenese are warm and friendly people.  There are no beggers, either adults or children who bug you everywhere you go.

At top deck of PLTD Apung weighing 2,600 tons transported by tsunami 5km into a village from where it was anchored. 

It's cheap to go to Banda Acheh and it takes only 1 hour 25 minutes flight from KL.I encourage anyone who is interested to go there to experience humility and understanding of human sufferings.

Selamat Tahun Baru 2014

2013 was a good year for me, alhamdulillah. I hope 2014 will also be kind to me and let me get on with life with .little hassle. 2014 opens with a little glimmer of hope for my eyes. My eye specialist told me that my visual field test showed that my glaucoma damage is not as bad as it looks with naked eyes. She's hopeful that my glaucoma doesn't progress to further deterioration and said I can still drive with care as I am doing now. My attempt to slow down the damage include homoepathy treatment with Dr. Mohammad in Kuching and taking organic bilberry juice which Maz bought from Mahnaz Food in Section 22, Shah Alam. On top of that I faithfully take vegetable juice which include spinach, carrot and beetroot, 2 or 3 times a week. So far I have not been careless about using the three eye drops prescribed for me. I just pray, Allah desn't take away my total sight yet and  give me time to enjoy most of the spectacular beauty He has created.

Rania in her new school uniform. 060114

Demure Rania welcoming the New Year.

Rania with adorable cousin Gabe.

Gorgeous Rania

On 6 January 2014, Rania went to a new playschool not far the house. Like any other children she is adjusting to new friends, teachers and environment and cried a bit for a day or two but she gets adjusted so fast as she has such lovely nature and smiling face.

Gabe knows no fear. Silverleaf monkeys are his friends. 311213

Haidi kena pujuk Nia tapi Gabe pakai rempuh je kat silverleaf tu.  

Rania berkepit dengan Pak Su, takut kat silverleaf monkeys.

Rania tak mahu pergi dekat silverleaf monkeys.

On 31 Dec 2013, Rania and Gabe went to Bukit Melawati to get acquinted with the silverleaf monkeys. Like in Kuala Gandah, Rania just enjoyed looking from far but Gabe was so curious he wanted to go, play and touch without any fear. Haidi's parents had to restrain him but he struggled. The silverleaf monkeys are gentle and non- aggressive. They are beautiful but overwhelming for Rania.

Battle of the Shades - Rania and Gabe with fashionable sunglasses. 311213

I promised Rania that she can sleep with me every Thursday night. Since both  her parents work late, sleeping on my bed has become a treat. A ritual has been established and it goes like this:
Selamat malam nenek
Jumpa esok
Mimpi manis
Nenek sayang Nia
Nia sayang nenek
Alfatihah...

and normally she sleeps so soundly until subuh. When she gets up, she will whisper in my ears ' Selamat pagi nenek'. Rania is priceless.
So welcome 2014 and please be good.