The latest cover edition.

The book. From Malaysia to China; accompanying me (,”)

Basically, the novel chronicles about the Torrance family; Jack Torrance, his wife Wendy Torrance and also their son, Danny Torrance. Jack was fired from his job as a college teacher when he had lost temper in college; a student was messing up with his car as a vindictive retaliation for Jack who had sent the student out from school debate team. From an affluent family, the student’s family forced the college’s management to fire Jack, leaving him desperate for job to support the family. A friend offered a job as an off-season caretaker of a hotel on a mountainous area during winter – and the desperate Jack agreed.

Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance! Jackieeeeee! (,”)

His boy, Danny apparently was a gifted soul. He was blessed with an ability to feel supernatural forces and semi-telekinesis. This term was coined as a “shine” by Stephen King. With that ability, the soporific lives of the Torrance family was soon to be a bloody topsy-turvy! “The Overlook”,  a hotel with well-kept secrets encompassing from murders, sly and conniving schemes with smithereens of haunting souls lingering around; it began to posses the mind of Jack Torrance by tempting him with alcohol as Jack was a sober alcoholic and conquered the mind to kill Wendy and Danny. The Bad Soul of the hotel wanted Danny’s ability to strengthen the power because Danny seemed to possess a great deal of “shining”. 

Shelly Duvall as Wendy Torrance.

Dick Hallorann, the chef of The Overlook himself was a ‘shine’ as well. He had asked Danny to holler him if there were any dangers; and while he was in Miami savouring the holiday, he smelt orange (a smell that signifies the occurrence of his ‘shining’ premonition) and received the telekinetic message from Danny in The Outlook, Colorado that his father has gone mad and trying to kill his mother and him.

Danny Torrance, the ‘shining’ boy.

On whole, I love the idea of how Stephen King plotted the theme of the novel and used some supernatural and psychic approaches but the finale is somewhat a bit of a disappointment. Still, I am amazed with the way he tackled the issue of alcoholism and the dangers of it in time where he himself was dealing with that issue. The novel “The Shining” was dedicated to his youngest son, Joe Hill who is now also an author. 

Dick Hallorann, The Overlook’s chef who also ‘shines’ had a talk with Danny Torrance.

The novel was concocted in 1977 and was made a film 3 years later starring Jack Nicholson & Shelly Duvall and was directed by the renowned-eccentric Stanley Kubrick. I’ve never seen the film version as yet; but from the excerpts in You-Tube, I can tell that Jack Nicholson did justice to the character Jack Torrance, isn’t he?  Well..yeah; although he fucked a lot of whores, sluts and easy women but one must admit he is one FINE actor! And Shelly Duvall injected the fragility of Wendy Torrance… I just can’t wait to watch the film!

The Overlook as depicted in the movie. It was actually Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

The Stanley Hotel in Colorado. The hotel of which is said to be Stephen King’s basis of The Overlook in “The Shining” with its ghost stories and party-sound amidst the midnight….

When I was in Badaling, China, we had to spend a night in this seemingly-deserted ski resort. It was winter and most of the resort spaces and rooms were unoccupied except for my entourage. The floors of rooms were dark and eerie, to certain extend. My balcony was facing the snowy slopes of ski-slides and hills and everything was misty and cold…. and I brought “The Shining” with me. So, deep down I was a bit enthralled by the eerie atmosphere. It sort of helped me to rejuvenate the mood while reading the novel. 

Taken from Google Image. The Badaling Ski Resort.

A scene from the room in Badaling Ski Resort. Suit for horror setting.

Well, I guess sometimes, each and everyone of us shines, no? We can feel something is about to happen.. a premonition of sort… don’t you agree? *wink*

A scene from the film version of “The Shining.”

Happy Chinese New Year 2012 – The Year Of Dragon!

The late Zulkarnain Bujang and I after AFFIN Islamic Bowling Tournament back in 2008. Zul, my senior ex-banker colleague was killed in a gruesome white Nissan Skyline accident on fateful 21st January 2012 morning… *Al-Fatihah*

Anyway, the traffic was so congested with cars and vehicles on Saturday, 21st January 2012! I woke up late and only to push off from Serendah, Hulu Selangor around 8.45  a.m. Like usual, I used the old road from Serendah; way up to Tanjung Malim and planning of going forward to Ipoh – but the plan was stuck as the traffic was so congested at Tanjung Malim nearby UPSI!!!!! Alright, instantaneously, I make a detour U-turn and headed into the highway. Unfortunately, the Plan B didn’t turn out well as well as vehicles were THRONGING and queuing up the road! So happened that the double lanes became single lane due to irresponsible drivers parking their cars along the side lane of Ulu Bernam R&R! I was cursing like hell! Erghhhh!

Got stuck in the long line for like half an hour; I decided to exit the highway via Behrang exit. Can’t bear to go through the immense traffic! Better if I resumed the journey on Sunday, after the dawn, aite? So, drove back heading to the south; to ECONSAVE Batang Kali doing some groceries-shopping and luncheon at Serendah.

THEN…I received an SMS from Zaidi, my ex-AFFIN banker colleague saying that our senior in AFFIN ISLAMIC, Zulkarnain Bujang passed away that morning due to an accident!!!! I was like in a shock; I mean to receive a news that someone you knew passed away was just indescribable, no? I messaged Zura, my ex-mentor in AFFIN BANK who now works in RHB Islamic and she confirmed that. Later, I learned the news that the late Zul was involved in a GRUESOME accident with his friend; boarding a Nissan Skyline which split into two after collision with highway signboard!!! Astaghfirullah…. You can read articles in The Star at http://www.thestar.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/22/nation/10312090&sec=nation and Malay language article at http://ondscene.my/kemalangan/2-maut-nissan-skyline-putus-dua-rempuh-tiang . *sad*

The remnant of Nissan Skyline. Wrecked…. Astaghfirullah…Split into two!

Suddenly all the memories in AFFIN BANK lingered. I remembered him as an efficient banker and Tuan Haji Rani was putting hopes and confident to him that he had asked Zul to mentor me on the supposed “RM60 million financing-of-the-Tabung Haji’s-subsidiary” case…. The tete-a-tete of Tuan Haji and I was transcribed here at http://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/threshold-of-quitting-job-o-lord-swtwhere-do-i-go-from-here/ .It was after that that Tuan Haji had asked Zul to mentor me. I also remembered that after the meeting that En. Muhizan, Zul and I had at Shah Alam with the client, Zul had given me a ride with his modified-car. He drove really fast as in drifting-kind-of and I sorted of reprimanded him not to drive TOO fast!!! But of course, after he slowed down..he drove fast, again! Hahahaa…..

I guess I am a person full of empathy. That’s why mirth and melancholy news (especially the latter) really move me; although sometimes it doesn’t really have strong affiliation with me. I guess, I am natural-born empathic soul…I prayed that his soul will be placed amongst The Believers, Insya ALLAH…

Recently, I am intoxicated with Delta Goodrem’s rendition of  “Together We Are One”, a theme sung by her in the Opening  Ceremony of 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The lyrics is so motivating and channels the spirit of unity and love; and the music is simple yet etch a deep impact. I’ve tried to find the song in Mixpod.com to include it as my blog’s background theme song; but apparently prove to no avail…I guess the recording company put restriction so that it cannot be played other than in You-Tube…Sigh…

With this year as the Dragon Year, I would like to wish all my Chinese friends from all over the world and in Malaysia, a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai & Kong Heyy Fatt Choyy! This is the inspiring lyrics of the song “Together We Are One”; written by Guy Chambers, Delta Goodrem & ex-beau Brian McFadden. The part of “Find your guiding inspirations, in a place where dreams are made; with a lifetime’s preparations, there’s no time to be afraid” really boost my spirit and motivate me; it means that for inspirations and guidance, always look up for ALLAH SWT…amazing! Thanks Delta! (,”)

Here we are
Sharing our lives
We made it through
The good and bad times
And still we stand
With hope in our hearts
No matter what
We will play our part
And now we’ve come so far
One chance to touch a star
Go higher and higher

Find your guiding inspiration
In a place where dreams are made
With a lifetime’s preparation
It’s no time to be afraid
Put our difference behind us
While we shine like the sun
See what we’ve all become
Together we are one

Deep inside your heart and soul
You’ve worked so hard
To reach your goal
With every step
With every breath
You gave it all
Till there was nothing left
Seek out the strength to win
No thoughts of giving in
Go higher and higher

Find your guiding inspiration
In a place where dreams are made
With a lifetime’s preparation
It’s no time to be afraid
Put our difference behind us
While we shine like the sun
See what we’ve all become
Together we are one….

Bambi’s mother died. Shot by a hunter.

But what hit me was that I learned that Nasar, my ex-pupil had lost his mother during the end-of-year school break. Nasar was my ex-pupil from 5 Gallant (I was the class teacher) & I also thought him English when he was in 4 Flexible. So, the idea of knowing the mother who I’ve met when I was the class teacher died was a bit melancholic for me. Furthermore, Nasar is an active and helpful pupil; though not the cliche-academically-brilliant pupil; but everyone likes him because of his helpfulness and easy-going attitude. I did joke around with him on the first day of the school and he was acting his usually jolly goofiness – and later in the Teacher’s Room that I’ve learned from Kak Lin that Nasar told her that his mother had passed away! Like an arrow piercing through the heart, I was sad for him and at the same time, admired the courage facade he put when he himself has to deal with the demise at such a tender age of 11 years old. I called him and gave him encouraging words. May ALLAH SWT bless the soul, Insya ALLAH….

Anyway on the other event; on 14th January 2012 I’ve decided to watch a live badminton match at Putra Indoor Stadium. It was a spontaneous one; and since I’ve never seen one live before, why not take the opportunity, aite? Never expect that badminton matches could attract crowds thronging (I used to think that only football matches are able to – since before this I’ve only seen live football matches!) and you could see Malaysians (and non-Malaysians too) from different races, religions and statuses came together gracing the matches. It was indeed a high time of patriotisme and I am boldly declaring that sport is one of the strongest channel to cement the bonds of unity amongst our Malaysians!

Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s match was around 8.20 P.M. but crowd flooded the stadium as early as 6.30 P.M. Seeing Datuk Lee Chong Wei smashed the shuttlecock against the China man, Chen Long was ethereal! Malaysians together chanted and yelling for Lee Chong Wei’s name and also when he was about to serve the shuttlecock against Chen Long! And true to his title as world’s No.1, Datuk Lee Chong Wei beat the hell out of Chen Long’s ass! Yeeha!

Honestly, I really enjoyed the game. It’s actually good when you have people who are very into sports and outdoor activities. They sometimes influence your life too by introducing that side of the world to you. Thank you so much!

Anyway; on the highlight of the entertainment world – Malaysia’s No.1 chanteuse Siti Nurhaliza has been immortalized in the History Channel Asia via a documentary chronicling about her journey to become a successful figure as what she is today. From a humble beginning in a typical Malay atmosphere, she rose to fame by winning a singing competition in RTM and never looked back eversince. Elevating the life status via her successful career as a singer, she now emerges as a wealthy businesswoman; all due to her own accord. I always admire that – how she transformed her Middle Class origin into an elitist. It’s not easy and takes a lot of hard work. I guess all Middle Class people like me can relate to that and feels close to her due to her humble origins – synonymous like us. After all, Middle Class people retain authentic values rather than the already-served-with-silver-spoons-rich-brats, aite? (,”)

On the eyes of Hollywood boulevard; so happened that the Golden Globes 2012 just ended. I was totally deluded an unaware about it ever since I no more watched ASTRO and E-Channel. It has always been my personal tradition to peruse the events prior to the Oscars and witnessed it live via television last time. Now, of course no more. Still, having tonnes of paparazzis’ websites in Internet helped to keep myself abreast with the commotions! This year, Angie and Pitt attended The Golden Globe as Angie represented her first directorial debut, “In The Land Of Blood Honey”- which was nominated for Best Foreign Film whereas Pitt in “Moneyball” as Best Actor-nominated.

Amazing ainnit? Look at the composed posture. She’s just so cool. Angie!

With her white-red Atelier Versace, Angie stole the show again (she loves Atelier Versace, if you noticed!) and most of the reviews picked her as Best Dressed; along candyman Pitt. Angie is always the best. She looks chique in her worn-off jeans and shirts but elegant in gowns. And also an angel in heart. An aspiration, she is!

Angie and Pitt seemed bored with Seacrest. I understood. Seacrest is so superficial-obsessed. Angie, on the hand cares about humanitarian and don’t think much about Hollywood.  She’s cool (,”)

Courtesy of Google Image.

Nadia’s wedding – Courtesy of Zara Sani.

As I am getting older, I realize that resolutions are essential so that throughout the year, we will have some targets or directions to aim. As for me, I hope that my health will be in a better condition and I am hoping to lead a healthy lifestyle; resuming the active year of 2010 as opposed to the soporific-immobile 2011. I hope that I can resume jogging or hill-climbing (at FRIM or wherever) and participated some fun run tournament like what I’ve joined Kat in 2010. It’s important to stay healthy and active and I hope that this year, I’ll achieve some goals – that is to enter some fun tournament! (,”)

Besides that, I am also thinking about secluding some financial allocation for personal collateral. I think I need to do it THIS YEAR because if I were to keep dilly-dallying, time will be wasted and I’ll only bite the fingers when others are savouring theirs. Insya ALLAH!

To secure a property is another agenda in line. Since I’ve already got a car, it’s time to think more seriously on the long-term property. Prices are sky-rocketing like crazy and time is so precious! Although it is inevitable that the property development industry is full of sharks, but one has to weather all that because everyone is vying with each other to secure one. I can’t be kept intoxicated by the ephemeral bliss. I need to have that sense of security. Insya ALLAH, I’ll try my best. After all, it’s all for myself, no? Who can help myself except for me alone, aite? (,”)

Courtesy of Google Image.

Travelling is also the new unquenchable thirst I crave! It’s amazing to venture out to see the real world outside of Malaysia and that is essential (at least for me!) to expand my knowledge horizon. As the matter of fact, even in Malaysia ourselves we have PLENTY of exotic places and my target is to enrich myself with all the different culture-tasting and hopefully that the budget will go hand-in-hand with the dreams, I shall explore some places throughout the year 2012, Insya ALLAH. 

And of course last but not least, I pray to ALLAH SWT that my parents are in good health and also that my personal and professional lives going stronger than ever, Insya ALLAH. May the year 2012 is a blessed year, too.

Anyway to recap; yesterday on 2nd January 2012, I attended my ex-banker colleague’s wedding – Nadia Akwal – at JW Marriott Hotel in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur. It was a great red-letter event, heavily influenced with Bollywood glitz; you could see Bhangra dancing, Hindi songs being played throughout the event and also the lip-syncing performances ala Hindi movies! Nadia is of Pakistani origin and her father is Akwal Sultan, the CEO of Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK); so I guess they really embrace the root and culture. I’ve noticed that in her Open House, she donned all those Pakistani-influence elements – and I really admired that essence of not forgetting the root and embrace the ancestral origin.

The newly-wed walking the aisle with “Talaal Badru ‘Alaina” chanting played. Amazing Bollywood and Islamic embroidery, I say. – Courtesy of Kathleen Nandong.

You could see that Nadia really centralized her root in the wedding. It’s all about Bollywood theme – with South Asian cuisines that were sumptuous lot! And you could also see that all generations of her relatives and friends from different strata or status of life came together for the occasion. Although I only met Nadia’s parents once in the Open House years ago in Kota Damansara (when I was still working in the bank), I found out that they were humble lot and that was the kind of aura you didn’t really expect from people of their social statuses; but they did and that was really mesmerizing (at least for me!). I guess that’s why you could see that there were quite a lot of people attending the wedding ceremony and Nadia was a bit in a helter-skelter state when we approached her; partly because everyone was there to hug, kiss and congratulated her! LOL!

The atmosphere in the wedding ceremony. 

The journey heading towards JW Marriott was a bit fuelled with dramatic sequences! Took the right road and saw  The Westin and also Ritz Carlton. We didn’t realized that Ritz-Carlton‘s entrance was enjoined with JW Marriot; so we passed through and ended up in the congested old Bukit Bintang! Yikes!!! And to make it worse, it was RAINING! But luckily with some swift, bold and “cilok-cilok” squeezing, I managed to find the road again, and drove in.

Me wearing the newly-tailored Science Panel (Panitia)’s “batik”. I honestly love the shirt. The Jitra-based “Singapora” tailor (an old Thai guy) is REALLY good! Whereas Kat donned a feather-ish hairnet and leopard-ish veil. Wow !*Hahahah*

Once in, I missed the PARKING entrance and arrived at the front of the lobby which was actually meant for Valet. Well, quite embarrassed but braved ourselves to ask the porter the parking direction. He said drive straight and turned left. I drove exactly according to his direction ONLY to find that we were fighting against the current! Cars were flowing towards us and kept putting high-beam indicating we were in WRONG DIRECTION. But…. LIKE WE CARE? Hhahaha lol! It’s not like we had choice, either! I just drove the car (make way to the other cars to pass through) and VOILA! We managed to find a back-door entrance for car-park! Yeay! Hahahha! Enjoined with Starhill Gallery, JW Marriott was just nearby. What an experience. Hhahahahaa!

Zara, Fathiyah (Fa), Rashid (Blue Baju Melayu), Farel (Zara’s husband). – Courtesy of Fathiyah Haiyum.

I’ve got to meet my ex-banker colleagues – Fathiyah Haiyum (Fa), Rashid Graham-Brown (Rashid) and also Zara with her husband Farel. I brought along Kat with me (dressing up so yummily! Hahahha; kidding!) and it was nice to meet my ex-colleagues back and caught up with them. Of course they are still working in banking industry and I updated them about life as a Government civilian. In short, I am glad that I attended the wedding although initially I was a bit recoiled and indecisive whether I should go or not; but Kitty Kat advised me to go ahead and savoured the day; so…. I did and I am glad! (,”)

Kat and I – before my camera’s batteries gone kaput. The African waiter obligingly took the picture several times. LOL!

On whole, congratulations Nadia! May ALLAH SWT bless your marriage and may you enjoy your Dubai life. (,”)

Personally, if you were to ask me how to sum up 2011 with one word; I’ll say ALHAMDULILLAH. It’s an honest siphoning out from my heart. Alhamdulillah, I am just so grateful to ALLAH SWT for all the colourful red-letter events as well as bliss I’ve tasted throughout this one whole year. The feeling is so immersed with overwhelming and thankful – all in hybrid mixture of emotions. 

For one thing, I’ve started using a car; the Dazzling Red Myvi I affectionately called “Dagny Taggart”. But of course, I’ll never forget the days with my Kris motorcycle, “Kris Jenner.“ She has been very faithful to me and now Dagny is taking the role of the long distance journey. Kris can take rest and enjoy short-distance, for now (,”) It’s an accomplishment to have a car of your own and to be able to pay the hire purchase YOURSELF is a personal accomplishment; regardless what others might say or ridicule you – it’s your OWN personal achievement to be proud of; and I do! (<”).

Courtesy of Google Image.

Then, I’ve moved to another better house – a far cry from my “shabby-wooden-lair-with-bats-on-the-upper-floor” house. Now a brick house with a vast corner-lot compound (the problem is to mown the grasses!) and good ventilation of air in the brick house, my health is getting better too. And of course to be able to have a house where you’ve bought refrigerator is another personal accomplishment. It’s trivial, but it’s amazing – at least for me. Alhamdulillah!

Courtesy of Google Image.

In terms of broadening my horizon from the cocooned chrysalis, I’ve make myself amenable to experience different taste of cultures by visiting 3 countries throughout this year 2011. I’ve  made my babystep crawl by visiting :-

• Singapore in February;
• Melbourne, Australia in September;
• Beijing & Tianjin, China in December.

Singapore! (I think I looked thin here..WAS! *lol*)

Melbourne, Australia.

Badaling, Beijing – China.

Of course a lot of of people have ALREADY visited countless of countries (more than me!) but like I said; all these are personal achievement. For someone who is born Middle Class; without parents who are rich enough to bring me along to travel; without education opportunity to enable myself to explore the alien parts of the world; without inherited riches for me to cash-out money to spend on vacations – to be able to USE MY OWN MONEY TO FULFIL THESE DREAMS is just so satisfying! Travelling makes my horizon even wider and it makes me ponder of how lucky I am to be in Malaysia; and also to experience the different types of cultures around the globe. It makes me wiser and more open about the REAL WORLD out there, out from Malaysia.

In terms of my professional life, I am so grateful to have supportive colleagues in school. We are like brothers and sisters. The senior players are very generous in sharing ideas and opinions to the youngsters and we work together harmoniously. I can’t believe that I’ve already completed my second haul as a full-fledge teacher in SK Serendah, Hulu Selangor. Each experiences is to educate myself to become a better teacher and also a better colleague in my working place. Thank you to all my brothers and sisters in school. I sincerely love you all.

Great colleagues!

And as for my personal life, I couldn’t be more thankful to ALLAH SWT for bestowing me honest and caring souls around me. I never thought these loves were meant for me after few tearful endings but God SWT works in the most mysterious way you’ll never can fathom; I am very very very grateful and thankful for Halo in my life. A Saving Grace when I was sucked in the deepest abyss; a Saving Grace when I was in despair for being hoodwinked by lecherous Lusts; a Saving Grace when I crave for sincerity; a Saving Grace when I was lost in the darkness….. Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.

I’ve noticed I’ve put on weight after been so skeleton-like skinny all in my life! I guess it’s true what people say; when you are HAPPY and CONTENT and GRATEFUL, you’ll grown bit fleshier and few cherubic fats – because you’ve got no serious things to think about and always enjoy life; true to the spirit of ‘ joie de vivre’! *lol* On whole, 2011 is a blessed year for me. Alhamdulillah to ALLAH SWT, The Almighty. I pray these blesses won’t fade away….Insya ALLAH. 

The Forbidden City. -Courtesy of Teacher Azlin.

The Great Walls Of China - Courtesy of  Teacher Azlin.

The Summer Palace.

The entourage gathered in LCCT around 6.00 A.M. as the flight was scheduled on 8.25 A.M. Supervised by Marsino (an Air Asia staff who happened to be Raja Ernie’s assistant; our Travel Agent), the group boarded the flight to Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Around 3.15 P.M., we arrived at Tianjin, China and there, we were told to equipped ourselves with thermal wear and winter coat as the weather was -4 Celsius! First time I boarded down the flight’s stair, the winter wind blew on my face! OH MY GOD! It was freaking COLD! But I was kinda like it because I am more into coldness rather than hotness. Thank God that I bought a pair of winter shoes at Jalan Masjid India; costing for RM77 only!

Cam-whoring in China! Actually, I was so bore waiting in the coldness of winter. (,”)

We were welcomed by our tour guide, Yue Li who claimed to learn Bahasa Indonesia for nearly 2 years and also our Travel Agency, Raja Ernie. With Yue Li’s tour-guiding us in Bahasa Indonesia (Urgh!), we boarded the bus from Tianjin to Beijing and it took us around 2 hours to arrive at the capital city of China. Since we had a tiresome 6 hours journey, the first agenda was to get our stomachs FULL! So, we went to a Moslem restaurant called ‘JudeHuaTian’ to savour dinner as China already got darker as early as 5.00 P.M. because it was winter; so night time is longer than day time.

It’s Tianjin down there!

Yue Li, our Chinese tour guide but able to converse in Bahasa Indonesia (Urgh!) for 2 years now… Always “macet, macet” (traffic jam).

Dining at “JudeHuaTian“. The waitresses were typical Beijing people. Rough and no courtesy in mannerism even in serving dishes.

After that, we went to see an Acrobatic show at Jin Sha Theatre. China is well-known for its marvellous skills in acrobatic and the artsy talents were definitely mesmerizing! The icing of the performances would be that few motorcyclists rode their bikes into one big iron ball and circled the ball in a very fast acceleration! It was a jaw-dropping exhibition, indeed! With that, we called it a night-off at Jin Hui International and Business Grand Hotel. It was a big hotel but seemingly deserted! Coincidentally that I brought along Stephen King’s horror novel “The Shining” of which I am in the process of reading which was about a haunted and deserted hotel!! Hahahaa, well, it set the mood to read, though *wink*

The acrobatic show in Jin Sha Theatre, Beijing.

The next day, on 22nd December 2011, our entourage had breakfast at the same “JudeHuaTian” Restaurant and then off to the first MUST-GO Government-owned institution catering for jades collections. I was told that any foreign entourage of tourists who want to visit China are made-compulsory to visit 11 MUST-GO places and these places are owned by the China Government. The places mostly sell fixed prices products (but still at cutthroat pricing!) and the salesmen/saleswomen would compete with each other to sell you the products in a saccharine way; but ONCE you decided NOT to buy, they will unmask the sweetness and give you unfriendly SOUR faces! The 11 places made compulsory are :-

1. Jades shop;
2. Pharmaceutical Institution (selling “koyok”, etc) at Beijing Bao Shu Tang Sci-Tech Pharmaceutical branch;
3. Crystals museum and shop;
4. Cloisonne/enamelware/porcelain mini factory and shop;
5. Pearls shop;
6. Massages & acupunctures parlour;
7. Silks shop (1);
8. Diamonds shop;
9. Silks shop(2)
10. Teas house;
11. Knives shop

The instructors – trained by the China government – are all equipped with a fine scripted explanation in Bahasa Indonesia. They explained, instructed and demonstrated us to prove the efficiency of their products ALL in scripted speeches. Once a while you know they were recalling the words they rehearsed so much! In a way, it was disgustingly amazing, aite? They go to that length to sell their stuffs!

Jades-mat/pillows. Cooling effect as jades are water-based.

Jade technician in action.

Jade-made eagle statuette and also cabbage replica as a good ‘feng shui’ absorber. The flower part of cabbage is always to the door or windows to absorbed money while the head is in positioned into the house to retain the money.

Anyway, I’ve learned a lot about jades and how it can emit aura from the body and affects some ‘feng shui‘ radiance to the wearer. Jade is basically a ‘water-base’ ornament. It is always cool and strongly affiliates with longevity.

Beautiful Manchu princess gift and finely-embroidered tapestry.

Next, we proceeded to the Pharmaceutical institution/shop that sells “koyok” and a lot of other chinese medicinal herbs and ointments. You could see a big picture of Emperor Qianlong at the entrance. The female instructor there explained to us in the flawless scripted Bahasa Indonesia and gave her lengthy details about the advantages of using Chinese medicines. Nevertheless, the ICING of the speech would definitely be a demonstration of an ointment that was said to be able to cure burnt skin. So, the instructor burned a chain and then touched the chain in an instant move to let her skin burnt! Of course, she then showed to us her burnt skin and then rubbed the place with the ointment. Hahaha, but funny thing was that before the “burning”, her voice’s intonation was SO EXCITED and SPIRITED; but after her skin got burnt, the voice became so sad and whimpering-kinda-tone (probably due to the pain! Hahaha)!! Wow, talk about going to milestones just to SELL PRODUCTS!

The dramatist. A well-rehearsed presentation. LOL!

We then proceeded to the Crystal museum and shop which situated nearby the Ming Tombs. Unfortunately, my entourage tour didn’t cover Ming Tombs area *sad*. There were lots of crystals displayed there; worn by royalties and well-known people throughout the ages of history – some are adorned in a beautiful exhibition display while others are sculpted into statuettes emergences! But like usual, the China Government has closed all the doors to “imprison” all the tourists inside the shop so that no one can go out until the 20-25 minutes (allocation of time so that tourists are inclined to buy; it is said that they will only open the doors if some of people in entourage BUY the things inside; If not, they WON’T OPEN the doors!). Anyway, with the surrounding scenery of China hills and winter wind, the atmosphere outside was very soothing…..

The crystals. To be SOLD!

Lunch time; we then headed to Cloisonne/enamelware/porcelain mini factory and shop where there is a Moslem restaurant there with prayer rooms provided. In comparison to ‘JudeHuaTian’ in Beijing where the waitresses were VERY ROUGH (they served the dishes in harshly manner- the plates were placed with a loud CLANG! on the tables), this restaurant was MUCH BETTER as the waitresses came and smiled and bid us ‘hello’- the mannerisms were well-intact! Probably because the place is far from Beijing as it is located at Changping District (50 kilometres away from Beijing) that the courtesy and manners are still well-practised. Besides that, the prayer rooms clean and there were two dedicated janitors keep cleaning the Wudhu’ (ablution), toilets and front compartment of the prayer room. Kak Jun and I donated some money as we were so touched by the dedications; and certainly the toilets are WAYYYY cleaner than the ubiquitous DIRTY toilets in China!

Seemed like an office-like atmosphere for people to do porcelain/enamelware.

The enamelware/cloisonne.

The much-better Moslem Restaurant with friendlier waitresses. Away from Beijing – in Changping District.

After that, our entourage headed for The Great Walls Of China!!! Yes! The epitome of China’s majestic imperial dynasties of all time! The length is said to be around 8, 851 kilometres stretching from Shanhaiguan (East) to Lop Lake in the west but we entered from Badaling, the northern pass of Juyongguan (Juyong Pass). For me, it was an unbelievable feeling! The place and the remnants I’ve always seen in TVs and maps and books since I was a little kid sprang open in front of my naked eyes! We went there and began climbing the Juyongguan.

 Courtesy of Teacher Azlin.

Courtesy of Cikgu/Sir Rahim & Cikgu Sarah.

But, suddenly my camera’s batteries GONE KAPUT! That was unbelievable, isn’t it???! At first I didn’t know that it was due to coldness of winter that the batteries easily gone kaput- not until Kak Sarah’s husband, Cikgu Rahim pointed out to me *sigh*… Luckily Kak Lin and Cikgu Rahim got camera so I just asked their help to snap some pictures for me. We cannot ventured too high because of time restriction (when you joined entourage of group tour, time is always constraint and limited!); I went to the highest view possible and then sat on the brick stairs with Kak Jun (who also experienced camera’s batteries-gone-kaput), savouring the scenery. It was magical; Subhanallah! I wonder how would the olden Chinese subjects must have felt about this – they must be worshipping the emperors like gods with all these fascinating behemoths and architectures because even us, the now-people are mesmerized by these constructions, let alone those olden people ages ago, aite? Subhanallah!

Approximately around one hour and a half, we continued the journey to Badaling Ski Resort which was not far from The Great Wall of China. We could see a resort-like hotel with a humongous slops of snow behind. It seemed very Alps-mountain area and the weather was freaking cold as it was winter and we were in mountainous area; but I kinda like it. Raja Ernie whisked us to the skiing arena and warned us NOT to entertain any of the skiing trainers as they were expecting TIPS although these trainers KNOW NO ENGLISH! The power of money, you see? Well, as expected; we were thronged by these trainers badgering us to take them and always taunting us and begging us to take them as trainers, in the hope of making money! It was really hard to get a ski shoes from staffs who barely speak English and with trainers surrounding you like flies hovering faeces, you would get irritated, no?!

Badaling Ski Resort.

Nevertheless, the skiing experience WAS AWESOME albeit it was so cold and quite tiring as you have to balance the position of your knees and at the same time, pushing your body with the handles. I dared myself to do a slop from a high place and the momentum of skiing down was very satisfying! And yes, I agree with Kak Ernie’s LOUD ‘selling-points-but-make-sense’ statement that the cheapest skiing places in the world would definitely the ones in Beijing! Well, after having the fun of skiing on the snow, we then checked-in and got ready for dinner. The hotel was definitely a QUIET one and with my room facing the snow slope and heater didn’t functioning well, the Stephen King‘s novel “The Shining” really seemed very fulfilling when I read it. Well, luckily I got Marsino as roommate! Hahahaha!

Dinner at Badaling. Felt like in isolated deserted hotel ala The Overlook in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining” .. hehee…

The next morning on 23rd December; as early as 6.30 A.M., we make move away from Badaling and headed towards the Pearls shop. Like all the China government-owned places, the modus operandi was all the same – first the explanantion; next the shop-for-tourists-to-buy. We were told that most of the pearls were found in the water area of The Summer Palace and the age of the oysters could be verified from the strips on its shell-like surface.

Diagnosis and massaging. All for 20 yuan! Ergh!

After that, we proceeded to the  massages & acupunctures parlour where once again the portrait of Emperor Qinlong was hung at the entrance. I wonder what was the connotation?! We were attended by a Bahasa Indonesia instructor who fluently belted out his script about the advantages of chinese massages. After the lengthy details, he then called ensemble of young masseurs and claimed that the massage was FREE. So our feet were all massaged and I’ve to say that it was very nice. Despite the language barriers, I’ve talked to the young masseur and he said he is doing his practical in the institution for 6 months as he is a Chinese Medicine student. Before the massaging took place, the instructor warned that tourists under 21 years old should not be massaged as the veins are still too young; so the masseurs were RELUCTANT to massage me as they thought I was under 21 years old!! Cliche, right? Anyway, after the massage, the young masseur just waited in front of me and I couldn’t understand until Kak Sarah told me that the masseurs all WANTED TIPS of 20 Yuan! Erghh!!! Well, it wasn’t much and deserved to be paid BUT the concept of claiming that the massage was initially free and then subtly forcing us to pay was very annoying! Well, that’s how China works!

Kak Lin & I in front of Bird Nest Stadium – Courtesy of Teacher Azlin.

On the way to lunch at a Thailand restaurant, we took sight-photo of the famous Bird Nest Stadium (Beijing National Stadium) which was built for Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. After performing prayer in the restaurant, we make a move to Tiananmen Square! Yeay! This is the second place I’ve been waiting for its historical value!

Gate of Heavenly Peace with Mao Zedong’s big portrait.

Mao Zedong’s mausoleum (his body is embalmed and keep inside). The vast space of Tiananmen Square with crowd thronging.

Tiananmen Square is a vast space in front of the Forbidden City. It is considered as the 3rd largest city square in the world and has become the focal place for a lot of riots and protests held in the early 20th century. It was so vast that you’ll be amazed by that! People thronging and there were 2 horizontal-positioned LCD screens displaying the breathtaking sceneries of China’s mountains! At the side heading towards Forbidden City, there were soldiers guarding the Tiananmen Square; all stood steadfastly DESPITE the cold winter wind gushing and blowing! My, my – see how Communism ethics is professed? Amazing in a scary way! There was an underground tube that connected Tiananmen Square with Forbidden City; so off we went to other side!

At The Meridian Gate.

The first time I saw the glimpse of Forbidden City, my heart skipped merrily! The Imperial place I’ve been harbouring so much interest (all thanks to Chinese dramas such as “My Fair Princess” (Huan Zhu Ge Ge) & “Xin Yue Ge Ge”!) due to its political and secrecy behind the palatial architectures! I remembered that I’ve written an entry on Forbidden City in August 2009 when I served as a trainee-teacher KPLI in SK Sultanah Asma  in http://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2009/08/30/in-the-harem-of-the-forbidden-palace-hagia-sophia/ . And now TO BE ABLE TO SET FOOTSTEPS 2 YEARS LATER there was just so fulfilling, Alhamdulillah! Forbidden City is said to  be largest surviving palace complex in the world and was the homes for the emperors in Ming dynasties and Qing dynasties. Our tour guide said that we would only took the centre pavement walk without venturing into each of the buildings and chambers due to time constraint (*so sad…sigh*). Furthermore, the walk on the main pavement alone would take approximately 2 hours to complete as there were 9 gigantic gates to pass through!

We entered from the Southern Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) where a big portrait of Mao Zedong, the Founding Father of Republic China. It was an ethereal feeling entering through the big archway gate. We walked and finally met the first gate entering into Forbidden City namely The Meridian Gate. Along the way, we passed through gate such as Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Imperial Garden and finally exit gate, Gate of Divine Might. My, my…. along the journey, I’ve been wondering about the olden days. Such magnificent buildings catered for the Imperial Families while the subjects were left under the merciless wrath of the emperors! No wonder a lot of Chinese people fled from mainland China; thus creating the Chinese Diaspora all around the world. Life must have been very hard. Nevertheless, on the account of majestic palatial architecture, I have to say that they were mesmerizing! It was said that Forbidden City took a tantamount of 15 years to be completed! Amazing, no?

Heading towards the northern court/ gate.

In the Imperial Garden.

After Forbidden City, we then moved to the Silks shop where a cute salesgirl named Sarah was waiting for us. Everyone was so enthralled by her cuteness ala Hong Kong starlet despite her Chinese-accent scripted English-infused-with-some-Malay words. Same modus operandi and we were shown about the larvae and the chrysalises and then off to the shop. Although the fabrics seemed very of good quality, but there are expensive and seemed like no one bought from there. As expected all the salesgirls were vying with each other and kept pushing people to buy (but not as vigorous as the common market as this was Government-owned institution). Kak Jun said she bumped into the cute Sarah in toilet and knowing no one bought from them, Sarah put her sour face to Kak Jun!! LOL! Talked about the mannerism Vs money!

Around 6.00 P.M., we went to a Moslem Restaurant called “Western Mahua” to have dinner and called the day off at Jin Hui International & Business Conference Hotel in Beijing.

In front of the supposed bathing-spot-of-an-Empress-turned-into-jewellery-shop.

SK Serendah teachers did the ensemble pose. Hahahhaha! I am surrounded by all big sisters. (,”)

Could it be that he is really Malaccan-born Malaysian or he was just delivering his SCRIPTED speech to cut our throat subtly? Still remain secret. Only Malaysians entourage who visit Beijing can verify that….

On 24th December 2011, we began the day by visiting a diamond shop located opposite the view-sight of Bird Nest Stadium. It was said the place used to be the bathing place of an Empress (but I don’t know, it doesn’t seem right!). The shop owner , Mr James, was said to be a Malaccan-born but now resides in Beijing with multiple business in Myanmar and many more. He came in and gave us a casual-Malaysian-friendly-speech and serenaded us with his meagre childhood, etc.

I was quite taken by the speech – NOT until Kak Lin reminded me after that; that this was the supposed guy written in a Malaysian blog that was said to fabricate his ‘Malaysian-Malacca-root’ but when asked, knew nothing about it! The script was almost the same – meagre childhood; financing his workers, will-give-discount-to-Malaysian friends, etc. The elderly women in our entourage were very excited about this for sure! *Sigh* … Well, whatever it was, he sure cut our throats subtly as everyone was buying there; I, too bought several souvenirs there since it was a government-owned; so the price was fixed.

At the entrance.

The map.

A pagoda facing Kunming Lake. Ethereally serene!

The bronze ox – said to be able to control flood. The inscriptions on the body was transcribed by Emperor Qianlong himself.

The next destination is another anticipating spot for me; The Summer Palace! Yeay! The Summer Palace was said to be the emblem of  Emperor Qianlong’s visions’ splendour and is mainly consisting of the man-made island that places The Longevity Hill and also The Kunming Lake. As we came during winter, Kunming Lake seemed to be frozen; but during summer, it is said that one can rent a boat that will sail around! Haish… Anyway, it was indeed a breathtaking scenery, Subhanallah! From the entrance, there are lines of willow trees aligned at the brink of Kunming Lake and from afar on the Yu Quan Hill at the opposite side, you can see the tall Yu Feng Pagoda erected gracefully on the top. So beautiful, Masya ALLAH! As you walked along, you will encounter a bronze ox statue facing Kunming Lake.It was said the inscription of the ox’s body was transcribed by Emperor Qianlong himself to control floods.

The Spacious Pavillion (octagonal views).

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge  that connects the mainland with Nanhu Dao (The South Lake Island) where Longevity Hill lies majestically. There are 500 lions statuettes with different poses and 4 gigantic strange creatures at the mouth and tail of bridge.

There was also a big traditional pavilion called Spacious Pavilion with eight sides that could do 8 dimensional views. And not far from there was an arch-like bridge called Seventeen-Arch Bridge with 500 lions statuettes carved with different positions and 4 strange-creature guarding the mouth and tail of the bridge. It was really magical!

Scenery in Nanhu Dao (South Lake Island).

The beautiful Yu Feng Pagoda on Longevity Hill.

The water in the lake frozen! People could skate. Too bad I didn’t have the chance due to time-constraint. That’s the bad side of travelling with tour entourage.

The summer courts/room.

If you asked me, I would love to spend more time exploring every nook and cranny of Summer Palace but due to time-constraint and the irritating verbal cursing of some of the entourage member AGITATING to go SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING; the time has to be cut short. Haish…..Kinda annoying because the purpose of us going there was to witness the grandeur architecture of Chinese dynasties, no? Shopping? You can do it in Malaysia! Kak Lin and Kak Sarah also shared the same opinions with me; but what to do – just go with the flow. At least, I’ve witnessed the architectures with my own eyes. That would be more than enough…Alhamdulillah.

The scenery of Summer Palace. I wish I had MORE time to explore it…. Sigh..

Next, we had to head for another Silks shop. Same modus operandi – forcing people to buy; and then straight to the Tea Shop/Herbarium where we were given explanations on several types of herbal tea and on how to drink tea appropriately; the position of fingers play PIVOTAL ROLE according to the gender of the drinker. A male would drink with two upper fingers holding the cup with the thumb while the other two lower fingers will curl inside WHEREAS a female drinker will hold the same position except that the two lower fingers will be branched out gracefully!

In the Tea House.

This is how a male hold the tea-cup.

Had luncheon at the same Siamese/Thailand Restaurant and then went to Niujie Mosque, the oldest mosque in China! Once you stepped into the mosque, it felt so right a home-ish aura. I guess that’s the beauty of Islam – everywhere you go around the world, you are bonded with your brethren under one faith and to worship no one but ALLAH SWT….The toilet was much cleaner than the ubiquitous toilets out there.

Niujie Mosque, the oldest and biggest mosque in China. With the Siak/caretaker.

According to Wikipedia, the mosque was built in 996 during Liao dynasty and was rebuilt during Ming and Qing dynasty. This implies that Islam has long etched in China since ages ago and I guess that is actually one of the affinities for Malay Malaysians to throng in China – due to Islamic aura. You can see A LOT OF MALAY MALAYSIANS thronging inside Niujie Mosque and the feeling of brotherhood triggered some to donate money to the Siak (Mosque caretaker) who graciously smiling to greet us. He didn’t complain when I shot photograph with him for 3 times  because the other two shots were blurry. Always uttered “Bismillah…”

The well-scripted English presentation. But the knives were amazing, no doubt.

The last compulsory spots to visit as per Chinese Government’s tourism rules and regulations was the Knives shop. We were shown several metal-made apparatus such as knives and peeler that are so sharp and efficient for cooking and slicing meat and foods. With the already-memorized script, the instructor explained to us in a text-book Chinese-accent English.

The damn doomed place – where you have to be RAZOR-MOUTHED too in order to not letting yourself oppressed by the money-hungry China shopkeepers!

After that, the destination where those people were waiting for; that was shopping spree in flea market ala Malaysia’s Jalan Masjid India. I am not the kinda person who is into shopping and bargain so wasn’t really excited; but most of the entourage members were agitated – elderly women wanted to buy toys for their children, kids were agitated to buy toys and kept urging the parents…… I just hangout and followed Kak Lin and Achik scouting for their things.

In here, salesgirls would call you out along their shops and uttered few Malay words when they recognized that you are Malaysians (Malai-see-ya) and once you are interested and try to bargain the price, they would play sly by marking up the price. Let say you see a handbag; you ask salesgirl :

“How much?”

“600 Yuan”

“So expensive! I want lower.”

“You show me what price you want”

***(Using calculator, you type the price) ***

“WHAT??? Are you kidding me?????!!”

The bargain process could elongate into a favourable condition or a worse. For favourable condition, once you showed disappointment of the high price and wanting to left the shop (away for few steps), the salesgirl will SHOUT and CALL you back by succumbing to the price YOU put; BUT for the worse condition, some will throw calculator and curse; and others will SHOO YOU OUT from the shop lot! Mannerism on dealing with tourists? That’s how China operates. And I’ve got a more dramatic experience, too.

Kak Lin and Achik were scouting for bags when a beautiful-trendy-yet-ferocious salesgirl came and urged them in a nearly flawless English. The scene was very irritating and I couldn’t stand the sight of that because before that Kak Lin had asked me to sort of give the salespeople the stern discounting pricing she was bargaining; so I felt like I need to usher ourselves away from the scene. I sternly said to her;

“It’s 50 Yuan or no at all”

But the salesgirl REFUSED and kept badgering Kak Lin and Achik. Irritated, I emphasized the price loudly. I guess she was annoyed and shouted :

“I don’t talk to you!!!! I talk to her! Why are you intervening???”

“Well, she ASKED me to say out the price and now you are FORCING us. That’s why I intervene!”

She then make a gesture to Kak Lin and Achik and me – saying :

“You are good. You are good. He’s no good.”

I became HOT and sprang out!

“How rude! We are customers and is this THE WAY you treat customer???”

“I don’t want to talk to you!”

We were practically bickering there and I guess the other shopkeepers were motionless because they didn’t expect that a childlike petite who seemed like a teenager no more than 20 years old could argue and shouted THAT loud!

“I don’t want to talk to you. Get out!”

“How RUDE! Don’t you dare to force us to buy. All right, I’ll call the police!!”

* I remembered that Yu Lie, or tourist guide told us to threaten the Chinese on calling police if there were any fiasco in buying things as the salesman usually recoil when policemen are mentioned*

“You wanna call, call arr!”

*But she seemed a bit recoiled. Since Kak Lin and Achik were trying to alleviate my anger (they were scared actually that those people my harm us; so did I – I mean, who knows there were ‘taiko’/gangsters lurking there, aite?). With eyes still in the DAGGER-LOOK position, I went out from the shop and waited for Kak Lin and Achik while other shopkeepers were like looking at me. Well…. FUCK YOU! Hahahaha! But anyway, we spent around 2 hours and a half there (as other tour member wanted 2 hours and a half SHOPPING! Ergh!) and then boarded the bus out from there. Thank God, I left the building! I got so irritated! What a rude bitch she was. Pretty-face but no mannerism; stuck-up China bitch, I say!

Our hotel in Tianjin.

Had dinner and then off to Tianjin as we afraid that snow might come down and that would definitely hinder the journey  from Beijing to Tianjin as it took around 2 hours to reach from one city to another. With Kak Ernie, our travel agent and Yu Lie, our tourist guide in Jin Hui Hotel in Beijing as they were to board Air China with her family entourage, Masino had been left to take charge of us in Tianjin. We checked in at a Moslem hotel called Jin Ma Hotel (there was a Qiblah direction in every room) and called it off.

Night view and morning view from 11th floor of Jin Ma Hotel in Tianjin.

The last day, on Christmas Day which was on 25th December 2011 in Tianjin, we got ready and had breakfast at the hotel and then off to a nearby so-called Moslem flea day-market. Well, the people here were less vigorous and more cultured than Beijing people but still the quality of toilets were BAD. Imagine I went inside the small toilet only to find around 10-11 people waiting inside; some were urinating standing and there were 2 toilet cubicles. Since the toilet was SO CONGESTED, the two men inside couldn’t snap the door SHUT – but that NEVER stopped the men from doing their “defecating” business in SQUATTING position – visible to everyone else! Did they pay heed? NAY! I was like so shocked and really have no intention to pass urine no more! Sigh… toilets could be major problem especially for Moslems who are already accustomed to cleanliness and purification of the bodies.

The so-called Moslem market…but the toilets were still in meagre cleanliness….very unhygienic! 

We had our lunch at a nearby Moslem Restaurant (bad toilet, too!) and then off to Tianjin Binhai International Airport as we have to go there approximately 3 hours prior to our flight due to international travel that required stringent procedures and luggages-checking. After a few glitches, around 3.30 P.M. ; all of us boarded the flight back to Malaysia. Alhamdulillah, there was no immigration hassles or whatsoever and touched down half an hour earlier from the scheduled 6 hours flight at 10.00 P.M.

Tianjin-Binhai International Airport.

Everyone was excited to go back to Motherland Malaysia! Yeay! Wanna get rid off China! (,”)

On whole, it was a whole new experience. If Melbourne etched saccharine memories, China left bitter sweet. I adore the historical remnant architectures as well as the vast natural and mountainous landscapes BUT the people of China were RUDE and UNHYGIENIC (spits and pass urine in public) and no courtesy of manners when dealing with tourists. Nevertheless, the opportunity to witness with my own eyes the magnificence of Great Walls of China, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and also The Summer Palace has somewhat somehow an already a satisfaction for me. I am grateful to ALLAH SWT for this opportunity which I never imagined would come true because since I was a little kid, I’ve always fancy these architectural wonders! Alhamdulillah; and to be able to use my OWN MONEY is another personal accomplishment, I say.

Bye China! What a myriad of experiences I had. Love AIR ASIA for its economical pricing. (,”)

“Mang Sui, Mang Sui, Ma Mang Sui” – Cantonese chanting for loosely “Long live the emperor”!

The opening theme for “Huan Zhu Ge Ge” (Princess Huan Zhu)  drama. That was years ago during late 1990s. Bring back my China mode during childhood.

Courtesy of Google Image. 

Born in the year 1927, His Majesty is now at the age of 84 years old. It was reported that he recalled the days when he was about to be solemnized as the 5th Yang di-Pertuan Agong; he was whisked to Kuala Lumpur from Kedah via train; but this time around, a plane was waiting for him. Tuanku Abdul Halim have two wives; the first was Tuanku Bahiyah who passed away circa 2003 and the second is Che Puan Kedah who then elevated as the Sultanah Of Kedah; Tuanku Haminah bt Hamidun.

The late Sultanah Bahiyah.

Although I am a Penangite (born and bred there) but Mak is a Kedahan and since we now reside there, I’ve regarded Kedah as my adopted state. I love the state as much as I love Penang and the air of paddy-field vista and all its triumph and glory make me equally proud and excited, too. And of course to be able to complete my one-year-haul-of-KPLI in Jitra, Kedah has cemented my love to the Land Of Paddy-Field, as well.

The solemnization ceremony of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

My wish is that may Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni Sultan Badlishah, our 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong as well as the Sultan of Kedah will be able to carry his duty successfully and the Kedahans will always pray for His Majesty Tuanku and Her Majesty Sultanah (now styled Raja Permaisuri Agong; the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consort).

The map and the flag of Kedah Darul Aman – The Land of Peace.

Daulat Tuanku!

Back in USM; I hang-out with Kat and Efy and I coined the name ‘Doncha Club’ (Eeeek?! I know! Hahaha) because every time we hangout, the song ‘Don’t Cha’ by the now-defunct Pussy Cat Dolls would always being played on air somewhere; it’s like serendipity or whatever you wanna call it! What brought us together was the passion for music and also circle of friends. Malay friends always find it fascinating of how most of my bestfriends are non-Malays (primary, secondary & tertiary educations) – while I find it quite weird for them to find it fascinating because I guess sincere friendships transcends through religions, race and skin colours!

Landscape in Putrajaya, Federal Territory of Malaysia.

I guess mutual understanding and respect each other’s religions and customs make the friendship becoming stronger and harmonious; that’s the true essence in Islam and I would like to be a living example; if not to other friends- to my pupils that FRIENDSHIPS KNOW NO BOUNDARIES OF RELIGIONS AND RACES. I hope my pupils will emulate that in life and shun prejudices (if there’s any) that perhaps could be blossoming in the cocoons of their lives.

The bird-eye-view towards Genting Highlands from the cable car.

Anyway after 5 years of not having the complete set of Doncha Club, Efy who is now residing in Sempoerna (he’s a teacher there, too) flew to Peninsular and stayed with me circa 3 days. It was tiring but enjoyable moments to have him back and complete the set of our Doncha Club! On 12th December on Monday, I took him from LCCT, Sepang and before that, we hang-out at The Coffee Bean (I love the Caramel!) just to  acclimatize with our hots-and-nots! Efy was like freaking excited and been lavishing me with updates of like spanning for 5 years! Hahahah! But it was a great “let-hair-down” moment (,”).

Goofy moment in RedBox, Sogo! Yeay!

Then, I took him around Putrajaya to savour the magnificent behemoth of our Federal Territory. Went to Kakak’s new office near Pullman and we savoured the majestic scenery of Putrajaya from the bird-eye-view from the top of hill of Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Then, we went to Pavillion (my favourite mall!) as Efy has never been there yet and watched the star-studded-casts-movie “New Year’s End.” My popcorn verdict? 3 stars outta 5. The only attractions was to see ensemble of Hollywood stars in one film, that’s all.

At “Selangor State Park” which houses The ‘Hutan Lipur Sungai Tua’.

The next day, off to the nearby Genting Highlands! Took the cable car and witnessed the beautiful scenery along the way. I have to say that Malaysia is the authentic Pandora of Avatar, no? We have a lot of greenery and floras that are yet to be tainted by wrath of development! Just showed Efy around and had luncheon at Old Town White Coffee and then around 1.00 P.M., we went down. Around 4.00 p.M., we pushed off to Sogo, Kuala Lumpur because Kat would be joining us at redBox after work from her nearby office. It was raining HEAVILY and nearly the time that the office bugs were to go home out from office (so, traffic will be congested!); – I’ve never drive to Sogo before (Old Kuala Lumpur) because I am more accustomed to New Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang, etc) because my working place used to be that area; so you can imagine the mess – especially when Efy said that he was feeling nauseous in the car!

The yonder “Empangan Batu Ulu Yam” dam.

With me driving and also trying to look for signboards amidst the heavy rain and traffic jam, it was totally a mess! Called Kat but it was a bit helter-skelter to have guidance via phone. Fortunately Efy was feeling better and with me driving and he scouting for Sogo, we’ve made it! Hahahaha! Actually I know where to head for Sogo; it’s just that I took the early exit via PWTC and you know in KL, once you choose the route, it’s hard to do U-Turn, aite? (,”) Parked at nearby Pertama Complex (happened to be the oldest mall in Malaysia, did you know that???) and off we went to RedBox amidst the hard rain!

Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur.

It was really a reminiscence of the USM days! We screeched our lungs out and was acting silly and goofy- jumping on the couches and experimenting weird songs with weird voices (falsetto, baritones, whistling! Hahaha!) and savouring the delicious foods! Oh my…such a memorable and saccharine moment for the three of us after 5 years!

The next day, which was on Wednesday 14th December, went to Batang kali to show Efy around (since he has never been there) and had our breakfast. Then, we used the Ulu Yam road to Kuala Lumpur by using the road through Batu Caves as I myself has never used it before this. It was where the school camping took place at The Woods Resort and along the way, there are actually a lot of waterfalls hot spots and also “Selangor State Park” that houses ‘Hutan Lipur Sungai Tua’. We had a peekaboo there and then proceeded the journey. Along the way, there is a big-yonder dam called “Empangan Batu Ulu Yam”. I was mesmerized by the serenity atmosphere there. Well, I’ve heard a lot about Ulu Yam and also the mystic stories swirling but I’ve never bother to visit. So, it’s a good discovery for me, too.

The Christmas carollers; Efy & Kat looking excited! LOL!

Went to Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur (again as Efy couldn’t get enough of it! Hahaha) and roamed around killing time and scouting for Baskin Robbins ice-creams for our Doncha Club ritual. We used to lavish ourselves with Baskin Robbins on every 31st of the months back in USM; it was like a must-ritual apart from karaoke-ing! Hahhahaa! We then went back to Serendah, Hulu Selangor as Kat’s Christmas carolling will only commence around 8 or 9 P.M.

Baskin’ time!!!!!!

Pushed off to Kat’s crib in Jalan Ipoh after Maghrib prayer and arrived there circa 8.30 P.M. Kat was in a hurry preparing dishes of the Christmas carollers. It was indeed my first time attending/witnessing Christmas carolling as I’ve only seen it in films. I guess that perhaps some conservative and close-minded Moslems will perceive that as OUTRAGEOUS because I attended a sort-of-religious-accentuated commotion. But I always believe  on the essence of that Islam is NEVER a difficult religion and a peaceful one (true to the meaning driven from the term ‘Islam’ in Arab which means submission). I’d like to show the spirit of AUTHENTIC Islam that appreciates and respect other religions as well. That’s the true essence of Islam and humanity root embodied in it – not the prejudices and hatred which definitely smear the sanctity of Islam!

Kat’s luxurious-view balcony. Can you see the KL Twin Tower? (,”)

Anyway, the carollers came around 9.30 P.M. and sang few songs. I just sat there and watched them doing their singing and prayers. It was a nice cultural experience for me. Kat prepared some minced Ramlee Burger meat and also yogurt-and-ice cream-assorted-with fruits for us and the carollers. After the carollers left, we talked and just kept ourselves updated. It was just a relaxing mode catching up (for Efy though as i get to meet Kat a lot!) news and lives and then we feasted on our Baskin Robbins by gazing at the majestic scenery of Kuala Lumpur Twin Tower at Kat’s balcony. Fabulous way to relive our Doncha Club’s USM days, eh? (,”). We called it off around 12.15 A.M. as Kat was so sleepy (pity her!) and it was a great event. Thanks Kitty Kat!

Us during 2005. I am like – ‘What the hell did I wear????’ Well, I have to admit that I thought I was being fashionable (Yikes!) that time BUT now looking back, I am like WHATTT??? *Hahaha* But still, sweet memory (,”)

Us in 2011 – After 5 years! And I like my new cherubic fats (,”)

Last day on Thursday, I sent Efy to LCCT, Sepang as his flight was scheduled at 1.20 P.M. Couldn’t find parking lot so I just dropped him off. It was a memorable and successful get-together with Doncha Club. You know, I am always a Rihanna’s “Umbrella” – ‘When the sun shines, we’ll shine together. Told you I’ll be here forever.  Said I’ll always be your friend. Took an oath, I’mma stick it out till the end.” (,”)

The beginning phase. About 9.15 P.M. (Mak was excitedly suggesting me to watch this!)

Why is the blood-red colour? According to various statements issued by NASA and all the astronomy aficionados that I can find, they said it was because of the dusty air surrounding our planet becomes reddens and when the light of the sun comes to them, the light has been reflected, and that makes the dark side behind the Earth immerses with sunset-red glow. 

Around 9.25 P.M. The earth is beginning to eclipse the moon.

Anyway, I managed to capture a few pictures using my cheap NIKON 8 megapixels camera and I guess I have to be happy with that. At least, I managed to capture historical moment with this cheap camera, no? Hahahaa!

Around 9.40 P.M.

I’ve been having academic discussion, too in my Facebook as I found out that there are several people in my list who had been trying to make eggs ‘stands up’ during the occurrence of this eclipse and instantaneously, my scientific instinct questions and curious. Posed a status and I’ve been gaining few good feedbacks from acquaintances and friends and I managed to scout some useful websites, too. Apparently, there have been quite few debates about this phenomenon of “eggs standing up” during the occurrence of equinox/eclipses. Yes, simple explanation is that it is due to strong gravitational force of the moon, right?

The blood-red moon. Subhanallah! Circa 10.10 P.M

But some claims that, eggs can actually stands up ANYWHERE and ANY TIME due to the fact that eggs have ‘tiny little bumps in the shell’ serving as tool to support them to ‘stand up’ (according to site http://www.badastronomy.com/bad/misc/egg_spin.html); nonetheless according to another site which is http://www.allanstime.com/UnifiedFieldTheory/egg/index.html, it has been suggested that eggs are ‘prone’ to stand up during equinox/eclipse because the position of earth to tilt circa 23 degree of axis contributes to the distribution of electrons in the eggs to easily giving full supportive system to the structure of the eggs!

Around 10.25 P.M.

Well, whatever it is, surely it’s a miracle and wondrous wonder of ALLAH SWT. Subhanallah, I say!

Rifqi with the flower hat (handmade by Mak!). She’s creative, isn’t her?

The beach-side pavement in Straits Quay, Penang.

So, around 11 A.M., I called the Pizza Hut Delivery and then had shower and off went to buy my contact lenses (the old ones were loosening intactness!); and then off to Maybank to do some cash-deposit; and then off scouting for Rifqi’s birthday cake. It all took me around one hour and a half to settle everything (I was racing with time as my appointment was scheduled on 1 P.M. at Miss T’s crib in Alor Star!). Mak cooked Laksa and was shocked to learn that I am to go Penang (told her several times; but she paid no heed); so she abruptly prepared everything on the table so that the Birthday Moment can be captured via camera for Kakak & Abang Zam so that they can see the pictures in Facebook! So, Happy 5th Birthday my dear nephew! May ALLAH SWT bless you!

All courtesy of Tok & Wan. They love you so much, Rifqi. So Study hard, OK? (,”)

Around 1.30 P.M., I pushed off to Alor Star; only to have lost for about one hour and a half looking for Miss T’s crib because of the MISCOMMUNICATION of a one-goddamn-junction! Haahaha, imagine THAT?! But anyway, around 3.30P.M. (after a few bickering via phone; Kekekee), we pushed off to Penang using hers as I parked mine at her crib’s. Off to Penang, Pearl Of The Orient!

In the ferry. Heading towards the Island Home, Penang.

As expected, The Swettenham Pier in Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai) was congested with vehicles! Have to wait before we proceed into the ferry. The feeling of having sea breeze blew upon the face as well as seeing the waves of Malaccan Strait have never fail to enthral me. I miss the Island Home. We then went to a shoemaker’s shop for Miss T’s custom-made shoes. It was said this Mr. Wong happened to be the course-mate of Datuk Jimmy Choo (of the renowned international Jimmy Choo, that is!) and both of them learned from this Mr. Wong’s grandfather. Instead of carving the same niche like Jimmy Choo, Mr.Wong had to continue managing that hereditary family business of shoe-making, thus still make a living in Penang. But I guess it is indeed a well-known amongst local people as his shoes are quite impressive and customers come from different stanza of life. 

On the way to Straits Quay, we used Pulau Tikus Road. Came across this bookstore that my family used to frequent to buy textbooks and story books – TAN MARK BOOKSTORE! Most of my story books derived from this shop!

We then proceeded to Straits Quay, a so-called new Colonial-style shopping mall;situated at Batu Feringghi facing the sea; with a seaside pavement ala Padang Kota Lama (YES! Inside the shopping mall’s compound!!) with a seemingly mini-lighthouse and a zone housing a few yachts. Phew, talking about the lifestyles of the filthy riches. But the atmosphere is undeniably comes with strong Colonial Era (it is said that it is the brainchild of E&O Developments). I guess Penangites, Malaccan or Singaporeans will totally feel relate to the atmosphere. Hybrid of English features and of course, you can see a lot of expatriates and foreigners thronging in Straits Quay especially the cafes/restaurants facing the sea. Yeah, whatever, who cares aite?

Coffee Bean in Straits Quay. I LOVE the caramel! Cream on the top!

Had a peekaboo on the famous “Nasi Kandar Line Clear” which is at the heart of Penang Old Town. Just a small alley is allocated for that to retain its authentic Nasi Kandar-feel; but you see people all THRONGING the place. Is is good? Superb! And of course there’s this “Telur Sotong” (Squid’s Eggs) which can be found only in Penang (I’ve never seen such in Nasi Kandar outlets outside from Penang!); and to be specific – The Old Town area of Penang! Alhamdulillah, fingers-licking and lips-smacking!

Miss T trying to look demure in front of the gigantic Christmas Tree in Straits Quay entrance!

The yachts zone.

The beach-side pavements in Straits Quay. Heavily-influenced by Colonial Era architecture and atmosphere. A new must-go haven for expatriates living in Penang!

Been scouting for Karaoke place around Old Town but prove to no avail. So we resorted to Gurney Plaza, in Gurney Drive. Went to Red Box and karaoke-ed there for like 4 hours! Hahahha actually there were 2 hours left but just left earlier because we had a long journey going back to Kedah after that. It was a full-throttle all out- especially for me since I had bad cough last week and my throat has just a bit recovered- and now the vocal chord was stretched that the throat is a bit sore now. But no regrets, it was just cool experimenting songs we never sang before; and the audio system in Red Box is amazing! Of course, that’s cost a lot – I mean. you want the best; you gotta pay the best, aite?

The famous Line Clear “Nasi Kandar”. Delicious with “Telur Sotong” (Squids’ Eggs)!

It was around 1.30 A.M. when we left Gurney Drive. And off the journey back to Kedah. Arrived at Miss T’s crib around 3.00 A.M.and I arrived at Jitra, Kedah around 3.30 A.M. Tiring, but it was a nice reminiscence of my Island Home, Penang. 

The Christmas atmosphere is donned and built in Gurney Plaza. Even in the part of the world where snow is an alien, Christmas is inevitable with its snow-affinity! I am getting my first taste of winter-snow in China; 21st December, no less! Hahaaha *Shudder in a exciting feel!*

I’ve always make a point to myself to visit Penang at least once a year. The birthplace; of course everyone will miss it, don’t you? Every time I hear this song “My Island Home” performed by Christine Anu for the Summer Olympics 2000 in Sydney, Australia, it reminds me of Penang. The lyrics speak an honest dedication to an island home. I guess only people originated from an island can relate to this feeling. The feeling of being closely connected to the sun, sea and sand.

I come from the salt water people 
We always lived by the sea 
They say home is where you find it 
Will this place ever satisfy me? 
My Island home 
My Island Home 
My Island home is waiting for me (x2) 
Six years I have lived in the desert 
and every night I dreamt of the sea 
Now I’m down here living in the city 
with all of my family 
My Island home 
My Island Home 
My Island home is waiting for me (x2) 
(bridge) 
In the evening the dry wind blows 
from the hills and across the plains 
I close my eyes and I’m standing on a boat on the sea again 
And I’m holding that long fishing line/turtle spear 
and I feel that I’m close now 
to where it must be 
My Island home is waiting for me 
My home is Australia 
We are a land bound by sea 
And though I may travel far across the ocean 
It will never forget me 
My Island home 
My Island home 
My Island home is waiting for me (x2) 
(Outro) 
My Island home, my island home, my island home, my island home.