Cheers! : Health For 30 Years-Old @ “Be A Runner 2014″, Titiwangsa Lake Garden!

Yesterday, Saturday 19th April 2014; we already conducted the in-house briefing for “GROW” & “PILL” workshop for all my colleagues. Kak Sarah & Kak Yan did the talking while I helped a little bit especially for Science Panel. Circa 12.00 o’clock, we called it off and I am off for my short healthy weekend (at last!).

Courtesy of Google Image. – Putra KL Hotel. Affordable, spacious and in the city centre. 

The night scenery, opposite the Institut Jantung Negara – National Heart Centre.

Settled a few errands and processes for upcoming event and then checked-in at Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur which happened to be a nearby location to the Titiwangsa Lake Garden of which my Sunday event would be held. Putra Hotel is a subsidiary owned by Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan and a sister company to the Pusrawi Hospital which is situated just besides the hotel. For me, the hotel is a comfortable one with affordable pricing. You guys can peruse the website at http://hotelputrakl.blogspot.com/ for more details! At night, we went out scouting for dinner and heard that behind RISDA in Jalan Ampang, there happened to be a stall with delicious food! So, we took chance and ventured.

  

Yummy! Definitely we are coming again! Affordable price with good customer service. Who says “Warung”/stalls foods are low class? I don’t know about you, but I ain’t a Croissant or Creme Brulee person! Haha!

We picked a stall named “Taxi Station” and gambled. Turned out that the food were delicious! The soups and “Ayam Penyet” (crushed chicken?) were cooked in claypots and that really accentuated the authentic flavour. Really worthy! After that, like usual, brush our vocal chords at KTV Ampang. Hahhaha!

Usual pose prior to the Fun Run. Hahahha!

On Sunday 20th April which is today, we went to Titiwangsa Lake Garden for “Be A Runner 2014″ which happened to be a joint venture event of  Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Society of The Blind Malaysia. The crowd were not that many but it was nice, nonetheless. The aim was of course not to get any placing (like I have any chance! LOL!) but as a token to keep my body healthy and to force it to be in energetic mode. And I ‘ve reduced the babyfats with now weighing 55 kilograms (right after the Bujang Melaka Mount Challenge! Refer to : https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/an-amateur-runner-the-perak-international-mount-bujang-melaka-challenge-2014-the-harmony-society-of-kampar-perak/). I guess it is in line with my resolution to keep fit and leading a healthy lifestyle this year & as I am pursuing Masters’ Degree as well, I need to boost my energy level as I also have to juggle with my school workload as a teacher!

The crowd.

The serene Titiwangsa Lake Garden. I never been there early during weekend!

As we circled the route!

Now, the funny thing is that the advisor for this event is my matriculation friend, Dr. Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri or affectionately known as Bota!!!! He told me that it was his students’ project. I thought I saw the glimpse but wouldn’t dare to approach as I have encountered several ‘mistaken identities cases’! My, my! I have to admit there is a twinge of jealousy to see him holding the doctorate title and being me, I candidly told him that! Haha! We had a great talk and it felt good to get his opinions on the reality of the path I yearn to embark. No bed of roses; but for me, it is a must for me to elevate myself. Life is once to improve ourselves, isn’t it? Insya ALLAH!

My KMPP matriculation friend, Bota or Dr. Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri and I who happened to be the advisor and he OFFICIATED the event! Damn! Hahhahaa, jealous with him but in a positive way. Inspiring for me to brave the storm! Yeeha!

Spent the day at Suria KLCC and watched “Transcendence” starring Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany & Morgan Freeman. Initially it was dull but the climax was somewhat entertaining. But the storyline is a bit complex and to those who are not of science background, they might find it a bit mundane with the “regeneration nature of virus” as the gist of the movie. Later, I learned that Christopher Nolan was one of the men behind this movie. Well, that explains everything. He is known for eccentric and unique masterpieces; which really need one to decipher and fathom into the philosophical part of the movie. On whole, 3 stars outta 5.

Quite neurotic and psycho-thriller but it needs deeper fathoming of the mind to digest the gist.

Oh whole, it is a great healthy weekend for me, y’all! And…. back to the dreading week. I still have “GROW” & “PILL” data report on Science Panel to complete as well as to revise for “Communication Theory” Midterm this Tuesday; and to coach Choral Speaking throughout this week; and not to forget the re-polish proposal for Islamic Banking paperwork for my client!!! Busy; but I can’t resist to write in my blog, or I will be itchy restlessly! 

I feel I have shrunk a bit. Healthy regime? But the Malaysian “teh tarik” still a MUST! LMAO!

The Death Of The Jelutong Tiger : The Late Opposition Honcho, Mr. Karpal Singh.

I had a busy schedule. Yesterday for the whole day been spending the day at “Bengkel Kerja Kelestarian GROW & PILL Sekolah Rendah – Program Transformasi Daerah Hulu Selangor” at Kem Bina Semangat Ampang Pecah, Kuala Kubu Bharu from 8.00 a.m until 4.30 p.m. I attended the workshop on the capacity as the new Head of Science Panel. Although it was a good session to tap new information but the tasks are somewhat a repetition to the existing ones; only doubled-up via ‘offline mode’. But of course, we know that the PPD commenced all these to catapult paradigm shifts in the quality of education in Hulu Selangor.

The late Karpal Singh.

Anyway, from Kuala Kubu Bharu, I had to drive all the way to UPM, Serdang for the ‘Communication Research Methods’, after battling two hours journey of the traffic.

The accident. Courtesy of The Star Online.

Today, I was shocked to read that one of the Opposition Leader honchos, Karpal Singh died in a car accident, collided with a lorry in the PLUS Highway near Gua Tempurung!!! It was said that he was on the way to Penang for a court case with his son, Ramkarpal Singh and other 2 passengers. The Toyota Alphard wrecked in the accident occurred circa 1 a.m.

The wrecked Toyota Alphard.

I may disagree with some of his political stances, but as a Moslem and a Malaysian, I felt the loss. Inalillah; everyone goes back to ALLAH SWT. Condolence to Karpal Singh’s family and kin. Au revoir, The Jelutong Tiger.

Definition Of Love @ “Rio 2″, Samba! – “What Is Love?” By Janelle Monáe.

I never watched “Rio”, the original animated feature although I am a huge animation fan. So, I went to see “Rio 2″ yesterday with no high expectation. And wow, I was so blown away with the soundtrack, the plot and also the comic punchlines! As a musical aficionado, of course I am really particular on the precision musical arrangement and I have to say that “Rio 2″ with its Brazilian ambiance really encompass the Samba essence! In fact, I think “Rio 2″ soundtrack is far more entertaining and more pop-culture friendly, in comparison to the successful “Frozen” soundtrack which highly emphasized on the classic Broadway style.

For me, the movie is a light-heart and entertaining. Like all other animated feature with moral fibres, this movie teaches about how one should embrace the weakness and uniqueness as everyone in this world has his or her own strength. I give 4 stars outta 4.

But the real reason to write this entry is not because of the review; not really in the mood (Haha!). I just wanna transcript the overture song of the film “What Is Love?” sung by Janelle Monae. The song opens the film with Samba mood AND I love the lyrics. Somehow, it speaks my emotion. I am grateful to my life now. Who am I to have the experience to have this beautiful love? Grateful and thanked. Music, is a poetry in motion, no? This explains my definition of love! (,”)

What is love
If it’s not with you
I know when you’re alone you feel it too
In your arms is where I long to be
Cause being with you gives me sanity

Listen to me darling
I wake up every morning
Thinking bout the way you feel
I wonder if you know it
And what good is the party
If you’re not around
Listen to me now

What good is love
If it’s not your love
What good is love
If it’s not your love

The Bride Of The Red Sea (Episode XII) : The Antigen In The Microbiologist @ Meningococcal Meningitis (ACYW135) Vaccination.

Finally, I managed to find a clinic to do vaccination! So much things happening in my life now that I hardly have time to transcript all. But of course, a recap will compensate that. Anyway, to cut the story short; this injection is an essential one A.S.A.P. as the scheduled boarding period is merely less than 3 months time!

So, I went to Rawang first – settling some unfinished businesses and then went to Poliklinik Dr Faizal opposite CIMB Rawang. I love it there because Dr. Faizal is a friendly and cheerful practitioner. Unfortunately, the attendant said no more stocks. OK, I was startled. AND I can’t simply go to any clinics as this injection is affiliated with Islamic ritual; so non-Moslem health practitioners might not offer this injection in their clinics! Damn! On the way heading back to Serendah, I saw Poliklinik Azhar, so I made the detour. Again I was told that there were no stocks. OK, fine….

So, the nearest township would be Batang Kali. As Serendah is sandwiched between the two, I just drove straight to Batang Kali. I remembered seeing a notice “Suntikan Umrah”  in front of Dr. Zalina’s clinic near J.COM cybercafe, so I went inside. Initially, I was told that they have the stock (Yeay!!!) BUT 10 minutes later, the attendant told me that they don’t have the card to record the injection!

So, I went to Poliklinik Sentosa, just beside my favourite restaurant, Ainjaslizam. It was closed until 8.00 p.m. Went to pray at Masjid Bandar Utama Batang Kali – and again, I was told that there were no stocks. I asked the attendant if there is any clinics I could get the injection; she suggested the nearby Dr. Rashid.

At Dr. Rashid Clinic while waiting for my turn. The plaque header attracted my attention.

I walked along the corridor and at the furthest point, I saw the clinic “Dr. Rashid & Dr. Solehah” of which I never came across before. This was the 5th clinic! It was peaceful and the counter lady (or could it be Dr. Solehah? I don’t know) was very friendly and motherly. Alhamdulillah, she said they have the stocks!!! When I related my story to her, she told that the vaccine is quite expensive; so that is why the stocks didn’t last as they needed to be ordered; only by demand they would be purchased. I love the ambiance of the clinic. I heard that my favourite radio IKIM.fm was played and I could sum up the characteristic of the clinic. The wall ornaments were somewhat Chinese Islamic calligraphy. Got an injection from Dr. Rashid and everything settled! But I was given paracetamol in case my body reacted to the sudden strange bacteria inserted into the body & I was told that I could possibly experiencing fever or lethargic. Anyway, Alhamdulillah!

OK, what is vaccine? Vaccine is a type of treatment using the weakened antigens, inserted to the bodies of the hose (in this case, human) so that the body immune system is able to identify the characteristic of the antigens if an attack were to occur so that the body could be shielded. Hahahaa, as a degree holder in Microbiology, this has somewhat somehow a reminiscence to my Microbiology background. Nostalgic, isn’t it? (,”)

The Vaccine Card/ Book.

For information, Moslems who wish to go to Mecca for either performing “Haj” or “Umrah” would be required to be vaccinated with ACYW135 Meningitis Injection or Vaccination of  Meningococcal Meningitis. I have yet to do findings on why we are required for this, but a reading from a health & immunization article called “Prevention & Control of Meningococcal Disease” at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5407a1.htm  might able to sum up the theory :-

“For travelers, vaccination is especially recommended to those visiting the parts of sub-Saharan Africa known as the “meningitis belt” (112) during the dry season (December–June). Vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for all travelers to Mecca during the annual Hajj. Advisories for travelers to other countries will be issued when epidemics of meningococcal disease caused by vaccine-preventable serogroups are detected. Travelers’ health information is available from CDC at 877-FYI-TRIP (toll-free) or at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. Further information concerning geographic areas for which vaccination is recommended can be obtained from international health clinics for travelers and state health departments.”

So, one thing settled. BUT, the procedure is far from finish! But my body is tired and my eyes are very puffy now. Zzzzzz

An Amateur Runner : The “Perak International Mount Bujang Melaka Challenge 2014″ @ The Harmony Society Of Kampar, Perak.

When you are surrounded by athletic and sporty people in your life, their deepest passion somewhat somehow influence yours and you feel kinda excited as it is a baby-step to lead a healthy lifestyle. Apart from making yourself getting intoxicated into healthy state, you can also maintain the rejuvenation of your youth and your body shape. I hope I could participate more of sporty events again, this year!

The poster.

The Kampar Independence Clock Tower. Read more in Wikipedia if you want to visit at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kampar,_Perak.

Anyway, pushed off to Kampar on Saturday morning for The “Perak International Mount Bujang Melaka Challenge 2014″ that would be held on Sunday, 6th April 2014 – which is today. Explored Kampar especially at the Bandar Baru Kampar and we were shocked to see the advance development Kampar has experience! All this while, I just pass through the township without any heed as the old town in the main road of Ipoh-KL is an old one; never known there is a new township if one were to take the road to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and also Grand Kampar Hotel! The night life was uncanny to the ones in busy towns with lotsa shops and restaurants – even McDonalds! Amazing, Kampar!

Fresh face…. Well, at the beginning. LMAO!

So, today as early as 6.30 a.m., went to the Majlis Perbandaran Daerah Kampar and got ready. The atmosphere was not that festive like the ones organized in KL but there were quite a number of participants. Initially, the idea was for me to just run a few kilometers and then reverted back enjoy the scene – but I was like – “everyone was climbing ahead; I am not going to revert back! Perhaps I could just try”. So on and on, climbing the MOUNT Bujang Melaka. Oh, My God! It was such a tiring journey and around an hour passed, I began to think – “What the HELL am I doing here?” But then, the feet continuing to climb.

The commotion at the starting point.

As all of of us tried to climb to the destinations, there were already a few professional people (later I learned that most of the winners and commandos!) and Africans who already descent from the up! And yeah, we used the same route!!! So, we had to give way to them! It was really challenging – later I found out that the word “CHALLENGE” itself in the event speaks the volume of its difficulties!! I guess this would be my first and last time involving in a Challenge! Hhaha!

Started to climb. Natural beauty of Malaysia.

I ended up climbing the Mount with several Northern boys who I suspected of course are younger than me but perhaps they thought I am younger than them. They cracked some jokes to enliven the atmosphere which was really exhausting! Now, 2 hours and 30 minutes passed (climbed from 8.15 a.m. and it was already 10.45 a.m.); I already passed completed around 7 km climbing up the Mount when I met  my partner who obviously already descent the Mount! Sheesh! I was suggested to go down as it was already 10.45 a.m. and the journey would be taking another pain-staking 2 hours and half to arrive at the initial beginning! In the end, I took the decision to revert; much to the dismay of the Northern boys who tried to coax me to continue the journey – which actually still far! Hmmm… (,”)

   

Eeeeeekkkk!!!!! The commotion in the jungle.

So, the journey of descending the Mount Bujang Melaka took place. Argh…. my feet beginning to sore about an hour after that. Of course, stumbled upon rocks, thorny leaves, or you got your shoes on slippery surface of earth were just normal. I even cut myself. Just as I was walking slowly descending, I met one of the Northern Boys who already descending. His checkpoint was a bit shorter than mine (I guess he is a Perakian so, there was a special checkpoint for them). He knew that I reverted and didn’t have the chance to drink so he offered me some of his lime juice energy drink. Yummy! Thanks so much! Continued the journey and then met a quite senior Chinese Uncle who was resting for a while like me. He offered me his tamarind energy drink as well. Talked to him for a while and learnt that he came all the way from KL. Such passion!

A beautiful violet wild-berry. I wonder what is the name? Any botanist? (,”)

The fountain of youth? Haha! Cleanse thy face with it!

In the end, around 12.50 p.m. (imagine that I reverted circa 10.50 a.m.), I finally made it to the starting point. Erghhhhh…so tired. But it was a cool experience. We rested at hotel for a while and then off to Kampar Old Town searching for food and we found the Kampar Medan Selera. It was amazing to see in a food arcade, Malay, Chinese and Indians sell food on the same premise and people of all races eat together! And I noticed too that in Kampar, people are nonchalant about races – Chinese go eat at Malay restaurants, etc. This is so GREAT especially in the time like this. Malaysia really need this spirit!

   

Malaysian food are the best! Bandung syrup and also my favourite Laksa! Yummy! Though it can’t beat the Penang laksa & Kuala Kangsar Laksa which are my favourite, but the Kampar Laksa will do! (,”)

My favourite fruit, guava and especially Rose Apple! A Malaysian delicay of “colek-colek” or Rojak. Wanna know about this food? Check Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rojak.

On whole, I think Kampar is a great town both in food and harmony – minus some fiasco we met involving an arrogant Satay seller besides McDonald’s and the snobbish Maha Maju Mamak circa Kampar New Town. I love Kampar, Perak!

My Camwhore or these days people call “Selfie”. A signature picture. (,”) Haha! I am 30 years old this year. Gosh, another one month to go before officially recognized as a 30 years old!

The end. So tired and the feet are so weak. But for the picture, y’all. (,”)

 

Malaysia Airline MH370 (Kuala Lumpur – Beijing) Disappears? (Episode 15) : The Curious Case of Philip Woods @ Diego Garcia, The US Military Base?

The mystery behind the lost of MH370 is a far cry from to be decoded. Too many hiccups; too many ambiguities; too many questions marks; too many hindrance squeezed into the picture, hence raising eyebrows and speculations. Soon to be cemented as one of the most mysterious incidents in the modern world, the loss of MH370 is both a hybrid of tragedy and rumor-mongering event.

There are so many hearsay and possible conspiracy theories whispered and raised by the global citizens regarding about the sudden disappearance of MH370. Amid all the theories concocted, one interesting name was dragged into the scene – the unknown US military base of Diego Garcia, which happened to be located in the Indian Ocean and within strategic parameters of the alleged location of which the flight MH370 is “believed to be ended”.

Perhaps for the military people, Diego Garcia is no alien but for layman person like me (and I believe for the rest of the oblivious citizens of the world), it is a new open secret that is undeniably very intriguing. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Garcia), Diego Garcia was sold to United Kingdom by Mauritius for £3 million, in order to establish a British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Nevertheless, by March 1971, United States came into the picture, sealing an agreement with United Kingdom to set up a  Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA).

The location of Diego Garcia which now houses the US military bases.

In the 70s with the setback of the US military reputation, the role of Diego Garcia was toned down but until 7th October 2001, the role was being revitalized of which was an undeniably a post “9/11 World Trade Center Attack” damage control exercised by the US Government. It was quoted as “the United States again commenced military operations from Diego Garcia using B-1, B-2  and B-52 bombers to attack enemy targets in Afghanistan following the attacks on New York City and the Pentagon” (REFER to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Garcia#20th_century).

Diego Garcia from bird’s-point-of-view.

Diego Garcia is under rapid rumor-mongering fire when conspiracy theorists claimed that it was possible that MH370 could have been hijacked and flown to Indian Ocean; landed and hidden at Diego Garcia which happens to be the US military base. Now, what could have trigger the flame for this theory? It was said that one of the MH370 passenger named Philip Wood has sent a photo from his iPhone 5 of which he was said to insert in his anus to avoid from being taken by military personnel who reportedly hijacked MH370. Experts claimed that the photo sent together with caption is “100% authentic”, which was said to contain a brief voice activated text and GPS coordinates that put the location of the sender as in not far from the location of Diego Garcia :-

“I have been held hostage by unknown military personal after my flight was hijacked (blindfolded). I work for IBM and I have managed to hide my cellphone in my ass during the hijack. I have been separated from the rest of the passengers and I am in a cell. My name is Philip Wood. I think I have been drugged as well and cannot think clearly.”

Philip Wood, the alleged passenger of MH370 who was said to send the Exchangeable Image Format (EXIF) image with the statement describing that the passengers might be drugged.

Along the black blank, the Exchangeable Image Format (EXIF) image which is labelled as  “1395192158752.jpg” , there were  metadata obtained :-

• Dimensions: 240 x 320
• Device Make: Apple
• Device Model: iPhone 5
• Color Space: RGB
• Color Profile: sRGB IEC61966-2.1
• Focal Length: 4.12
• Alpha Channel: No
• Red Eye: No
• F Number: 2.4
• Exposure Program: 2
• Exposure Time: 1/15

The blank black EXIF image “1395192158752.jpg” which was said to be sent by Philip Wood; allegedly to be sent from area circa Diego Garcia!

According to freelance journalist, Jim Stone (REFER to : http://www.secretsofthefed.com/breaking-hijacked-flight-370-passenger-sent-photo-hidden-iphone-tracing-back-secret-u-s-military-base-diego-garcia/), the Exif image is the real “smoking gun” because : -

“The Exif is intact. Exif data gets embedded in every image by every camera and includes the circumstances under which the photo was taken. It can be viewed by saving the image to your desktop, and then right clicking it and selecting image properties. Hit the details tab. You can see that the image was taken on March 18 with an iPhone 5, with the ISO at 3200 and a shutter of 1/15. The coordinates are included in the exif data because the iPhone knows where it is, and the coordinates are for Diego Garcia. THE FIRST TIME A BLANK PHOTO SAID IT ALL.  

Exif can’t be rewritten with common software, it can only be added to in fields such as image credits with some advanced applications. It can be erased as well but NOT CHANGED. Photos with the exif intact will hold up in court. If the Exif is hacked and this is not real, the CIA or a really good hacker did this, which I doubt, I’d say it’s probably real.”

Analysts claimed that the metadata shows that the alleged sender probably sent the picture with the message from this coordinate! Goodness!

With all the alternative underworld information, we couldn’t help to shake the feeling about the involvement of US in this fiasco. But of course, nobody knows for sure and perhaps will never know the truth if the superpowers refuse to tell us the REAL MOTIVES. Nevertheless, whatever the motives or the ‘valuable carriages’ that MH370 may carried, our hearts went to the victims. The innocent passengers of MH370. And we, Malaysia has become the pawn between the chess-playing of Superpowers; a scapegoat, more like.

It should also be an interesting statement to note that it was said that during the diversion of MH370, all China’s telecommunication systems for The Spratly Islands which were implemented in 2011 for the communications amongst the fishermen or soldiers stationed in the area were jammed (REFER to : http://www.pisau.net/russia-puzzled-over-malaysia-airlines-mh370-capture-by-us-navy-prayformh370/) :-

“Critical to note about Flight 370’s flight deviation, GRU experts in this report say, was that it occurred during the same time period that all of the Spratly Island mobile phone communications operated by China Mobile were being jammed.

China Mobile, it should be noted, extended phone coverage in the Spratly Islands in 2011 so that PLA soldiers stationed on the islands, fishermen, and merchant vessels within the area would be able to use mobile services, and can also provide assistance during storms and sea rescues.

As to how the US Navy was able to divert Flight 370 to its Diego Garcia base, this report says, appears to have been accomplished remotely as this Boeing 777-200ER aircraft is equipped with a fly-by-wire (FBW) system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface allowing it to be controlled like any drone-type aircraft.”

To be frank, this incident of MH370 is not merely a “Malaysia’s responsibility”. All of us believe that it is a Domino Effect from the world’s affair, beginning from the glitches  between the superpowers of the world; involving a few drones with valuable weaponry smuggled to China via black market; Malaysia as the transmission spot; and so unfortunately that MH370 was the carrier of the ‘valuable weaponry’ shot or diverted by the US intelligence. Of course, these are theories concocted by us, the laymen people, supported by information churned out by those who are more alert than us.

The Black Box’s signal is said to will only last until this week. Wallahualam.

But in the end, what can we do if it is true? Will Malaysia still have to shoulder the responsibility, occurred by an incident that was never on our fault? What about China who marketed the flight under the South China Airline wing as well? Why they remain silent while their people are venting anger against Malaysians especially in China? Why is US is being so ‘generous’ to help in the operation that Russia remains in the shadow? What chess are they playing? Hopefully as a pawn, Malaysia remains strong.

This is a crucial time. Malaysians, we must stay in unison. Malaysians, unite!

A Night Moth In A Wallflower : Undressing Ain Arabia @ Bukit Bintang, The Jamek Mosque & Central Market, Kuala Lumpur.

Arghhhhhh!! I am still  not done with the 1 week holidays! Yeah, I know it is a bit selfish thing to say, given the fact that office bugs hardly even get a 4 days off, aite? Oh, well… since I was so occupied with my Masters Degree presentation, classes and test until Wednesday, my ‘real’ holidays only commenced on Thursday! Still, make an effort to do a bit of exploratory bit albeit the hectic schedule; and where’s better to go rather than the KL itself? (,”)

Little Arab in Malaysia. It is the Ain Arabia at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur!

The initial plan was to go to the south; either Port Dickson or Malacca but scrapped the idea due to congested traffic! In the end, I thought why not to Bukit Bintang? Well, of course some typical Malaysians always associate Bukit Bintang as the place where “things go haywire” (somewhat somehow like a Malaysian version of Las Vegas); but for me, it was just an alright place. I don’t know, perhaps because it was near my former working place Affin Bank when I was working as banker 6 years ago; I don’t know – but I was always intrigued with the Arabian Street called “Ain Arabia” of which I remembered I first encountered in the map when I was Googling for the location of Affin Bank when I first about to come to KL for interview and all. But, I never make any effort to visit it, until last weekend.

The Arabic  teapot replica. Gigantic and beautiful but unfortunately the compound was not taken care that well! Such a waste! Authority needs to rectify this for tourism attraction, I say!

Apparently, the Arab Square “Ain Arabia” is located at Jalan Berangan, Bukit Bintang (just opposite Lot 10) is a place that can be said as the haven for Arab expatriate in Malaysia. You could see tonnes of Arab shops such as “Al-Baik” and “Sahara Tent”, internet cafes, Arabian puffing hookah/shisha and Middle Eastern people gracing the pavement walk! The atmosphere was somehow somewhat reminded me of Sydney’s Lakemba (REFER to : https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/filial-piety-aurora-australis-part-iv-sydneys-the-rocks-imam-ali-bin-abi-taleb-king-feisal-mosques-lakemba-township-paddys-market-haymarket-sydney-central-business-district/).

Arabian expatriate would feel like home at Bukit Bintang. Just look at the restaurant! Malaysians also don’t have to travel to Middle Eastern to experience the ambiance. Visit Bukit Bintang! (,”)

There is a gate entrance erected with “Ain Arabia” etched at the upper part of the gateway. A gigantic teapot replica is built on symbolical square garden. The Arabic architecture is eminent. Nevertheless, the compound was indeed dirty and on whole, the so-called “Ain Arabia” was a bit deserted and neglected. Yes, perhaps tourist know the place from mouth-to-mouth news but I guess they would be quite appalled by the surrounding. Perhaps, authority needs to look into this matter if they really want to manipulate “Ain Arabia” as a tourist attraction especially amongst the Middle Eastern people!

Jamek Mosque, one of the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Amazing artifact. I love historical buildings!

The praying space outside is very airy and cooling while the inner space is very Moorish.

Rested for a while; had lunch at McDonald’s and then headed to Monorail station. Oh, my Gosh! It has been AGES since I last boarded the monorail and have to say that we got confused! First, there is no more cards; they use COIN now; and the waiting terminals have somewhat changed. The moment we boarded the monorail, I have to say was a bit excited as if it was the first time ever boarding a monorail (LOL!) and not to say to be able to see blue yonder (I mean when you are driving, you rarely get to see the surrounding as you are busy not to be rammed by other ‘kiasu’ vehicles!) of Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle! LOL!).

I feel so thin with this picture! Hahahhaa!

Arrived at KL Sentral (used to be my transit place during my banking days! Reminiscence!) and was agog to see that the opposite of the monorail terminal where there used to be little Indian shops are now replaced with a new shopping mall called “Nu Sentral”!!! Wow! During my banking days, it was still under construction! Well, time flies, isn’t it? The shopping mall was quite big and I guess it would be one of the “IT” place especially for office bugs who rely on public transportation! Amazing!

Central Market or affectionately known as “Pasar Seni” by the local. This is a MUST-GO for tourists who are visiting Kuala Lumpur! Get your souvenirs here at bargained price! Haha!

From KL Sentral, we went to Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque). It was a historical mosque, reportedly one of the oldest in Kuala Lumpur. According to Wikipedia, it is located at the confluence of Klang & Gombak rivers and was designed by a British named Arthur Bennison Hubback. It was said that before National Mosque was opened in 1956, Jamek Mosque served as the National Mosque of Malaya (impressive!). The Mughal & Moors architecture were very eminent. And the boulevard and praying spaces were airy and cooling. I love the historical features.

Tourists dipping their feet for “fish-doctors” therapy. Haha!

So many to choose from! (,”)

The Natives’ handicrafts.

Fabrics from Kashmir, anyone?

Then, walked to Pasar Seni or The Central Market which is a walking distance from Jamek Mosque. It was found in 1888 and nearly to be demolished for development but Thank God, intervention from historical lovers successfully ruled out the action! I was told that Central Market used to be a wet market but now it has been turned into a place where tourist can buy a lot of souvenirs and handicrafts at bargained price! I have to say I was so captivated by the creativity of people at Central Market! There are painters, artistes, tailors, watch-menders, etc; and not to mention a lot of beautiful traditional fabrics, “batik”s, various masks, paintings, etc! Amazing! It is more or less like Sydney’s Paddy’s Market and I recommend this place to all tourists who are about to visit Kuala Lumpur! Definitely a MUST-VISIT!!!!

Holy words written on cow’s/goat’s hide. Very nice! I wish to have one for my new Tamu Hill crib.

 

Choose your masks to masquerade.

Beautiful decorative lamps.

    

At Central Annexe, you can find talented artistes! And there were portraits of Angie! Yeay!

Angie and Maddox. Awww…. (,”)

The artiste drawing and colouring picture of Bruce Lee. He was a handsome man, wasn’t he? 

Of course, the nearby Indian Mosque Street or “Jalan Masjid India” is a must for us to go; savouring street food especially my favourite, laksa! I don’t know. I don’t know; I have strong affinity with street food; perhaps because I am a Middle Class person. Aristocracy and fork-and-spoon dining are just not my type. No offense, though. Haha! No matter, I am enjoying my life. It’s all simplicity, folks! Prayed at the famous Indian Mosque and then headed back to Bukit Bintang.

Laksa! My favourite food! I think most of Northern Malaysian people love Laksa! Haha! It is like our staple food for festivals and all.

Prayed at Times Square and watched “Captain America 2″ which by the way was mediocre and I have to say it has been ages since I last visited Time Square. The pupils in SK Serendah however, simply love Times Square! I don’t know, perhaps it is because of the easy-transportation-from Serendah commuter to KL Sentral and to Time Square’s Jalan Imbi? LMAO!

I am not a wallflower but I’d like to consider myself as one. Well, a wallflower can be a night moth. A rather kinky and explicit. But let it remain mystery, unfathomable secret between those who are involved in the game, shall we? (,”)

The nightlife in Bukit Bintang; what can I say, especially in Saturday Night? Hahaha! With the after-rain effect, the weather was cool. No, no. I don’t go clubbing (Hahaha, I am a boring person) although I do a lot of ‘naughty things’, unbearable for the innocent ears to hear, especially with my innocent face and image and career. So, we hanged out at nearby Malay stall and just gobbled the food and “teh tarik”. Of course, every now and then you could see teenagers with their adrenalin-rushing hormones sitting together, chit-chatting; and some are undeniably just came out from any bars or clubs. Well, I don’t mind their businesses. Haha! On whole, it was a festive atmosphere with people thronging!

Nightlife at Bukit Bintang, KL.

On whole, it was a great relief for me, from the tense I was having due to Masters Degree. Well, you know;  Sometimes, a wallflower needs to become a night moth. There’s always another side of a coin, you know. Hahaha! I just love to play with encrypted words. (,”).