Boxing day ...Maal Hijra 1430

Salam..yesterday was a Boxing day...and a friend asked if I watch a boxing match? err..hang on..its nothing to do with boxing..ehehe. The term of Boxing day is originated from the tradition of putting gifts in boxes for the less fortunate. There is nothing ritual about Boxing Day because it is actually a great day with massive discount by shopping outlets. A big name like Myers or David Jones offered up to 70% discount or what we called price attack.

Perth City Centre, Western Australia

Alhamdulilah tomorrow we will be tuned to the beginning of new Islamic Calender. We will be in the new year, 1430 hijra. If you asked me about my new resolution, it would be very general from year to year. I'm always try to get hold on what being recommended by our Prophet Muhammad;
young before old

rich before poor

healthy before sick

"free time" before busy

life before death...
Im preparing myself for those five forgotten fundamental of life. Maybe out of those five, I had gone through a hell lot of turbulance in the quality of my health. Those experienced really made me appreciate what a good healthy life is, how you can really made a good deed when you are healthy, how you can become a better person when you are healthy, how you can treat your parents well when your are healty..... Therefore this is the best time (when we still young and healthy) for us to make a hijra, hijra from bad to good, from good to better, from better to a great man.

This remind me of my blogger friend, and every time I think about him...I will cry deeply in my heart. He had been tested with terminal illness and by now he lives each day. My doa for him may this new year Allah will grant him Shifa and may Allah cure him leaving no sickness behind inshallah.

Perth, Western Australia

Therefore, I would like to wish everybody Salam Maal Hijrah. May this new year brings us happiness and may Allah shower his continuous blessing on us.

Thanks riel for the card

Port Klang - Sungai Buloh - KL Sentral - Perth
Salam...its time..its time for me to go. I feel so reluctant to go back to Australia to leave behind all the loves one.....aiyooo sound so melancholic!

Well here Im, showered myself with the peak summer in Perth. People are busy shopping for Christmas and I'm busy shopping for groceries and what not. The empty house leave me with no food stock. So I better stock up food for the Christmas since many stores will be closed.
As promised, I would like to share my stories with blogger friends. Im having four-eyes meeting with Saudara Izman in Port Klang, Dr Sam in Sungai Buloh and Penoreh Getah in KL Sentral. Since I'm having fun travelling with LRT, Commuter and Putra, I have no problem to meet my blogger friends. As long as their place are well connected with either one of these three public transports, it wouldnt be any problem for me. If you asked me to drive, then I will surrender. I even lost in my hometown Kuching, so not to mention Kuala Lumpur.
#Im so proud with one of the young Malaysian in the LRT that day. He gave away his seat to the old woman. Thats the spirit man! Man with the gold heart.

One fine afternoon, I took Commuter to Sungai Buloh Station. I arrived a bit early as scheduled. Its ok for me to wait since I have no comitment. While waiting, I try to finish reading a novel to make my time fully occupied and at the same time I kept my eyes on the road. After a while, I saw a bimmer parked in front of the station and at the same time I recieved a phone call from Dr Sam. I saw the plate no, and I confirmed with Dr Sam if that was his car. He said yes. I made a move to join this man in his bimmer and at the same time I saw a beautiful young artist came out from the car. I introduced myself to Dr Sam and boarded to his car at the co pilot seat and the young artist seated at the back. So we chit chat while driving and they brought me to the famous Briayani Batu Pahat in Sungai Buloh. Really it was marvellous as compared to Briayani Insaf which always made me insaf at the time I want to pay for the bill. Thanks Dr Sam and Kak Z for the great lunch. Alhamdulilah, they are very nice and always made you feel welcome! Both of them are easy going and we share lots of stories. They send me back to the station and I boarded commuter to KL Sentral. I had another meeting with Penoreh Getah at KL Sentral. Since he was free, so we decided to have teh tarik at KL Sentral. While waiting for him, I went to perform my prayer and then I went to my favourite spot, the bookstore. Penoreh Getah called me once he arrived in KL Sentral and we chit chat as if we already know each other for so long and when I checked the time...gosh Im late to pick up Lin...ahahaha. Penoreh getah also need to go back to his office. So we dispersed to our own destination. Thanks penoreh getah for the teh tarik. InsyaAllah next year dont forget to introduce ur 'ehem'..ahahaha.

Sungai Buloh - KL Sentral, Malaysia

* sorry I have to chop Dr Sam head (Blue shirt) in the photo coz he is too tall ( ahahaha..only me know the real reason why). Kak Z with blake headscraft. Thats me in orange shirt but sorry again my face was covered..err by mistake?..ahahahaha. And that handsome man with beard is Penoreh Getah.

The day before departing to Australia, I received sms from Dr Sam. He and Kak Z wanted to come to my place. So we dated at Giant since that the easiest spot. Lin managed to join us this time around and we had another good time. I had my last teh tarik before flying to Australia. Lin scolded me for letting Dr Sam paying again that night. Actually Lin wanted to buy them dinner but since I haven't packed my stuff and I need to wake up early for the airport, so 'mengeteh' is the best option. Never mind next year InsyaAllah, we can meet up against and that will be on me, ok. And thanks for the gift Dr Sam and Kak Z. May our ukwah remain stronger!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Crossing to .....

Salam to all my friends...woww...its more than a week already but I have no time to update my blog. Currently I'm in Kuala Lumpur and having a good time here before I go back to Australia this coming saturday. Yea..having a good time...meeting a few bloggers, enjoy myself on the lrt, monorail and KTM...I will update my meeting with my blogger friends later k. A part from that, there are a few things I would like to share...things that I encounter when Im in KL..

Im almost knocked down by the car at zebra crossing and the driver scold me...

owh is it my fault???? Lin told me ..wake up this is Malaysia....not Singapore, UK or Australia! I dont want to debate till the cows come home..I want a change!! Please change our beloved Malaysia to a better place to live.

I skimming through a lot of malay novel in the bookstore and I found out some of the novelist are too excited to create a beautiful, trendy and modern name for the character in the novel. Some of them over do it and make it unrealistic.

Personally I dont think a mother character in the novel should be named after a trendy name!

I went to buy a newspaper with RM50 notes..really I have no small chance. The business operator sound irratating ...it just RM1 la

Owh again is it my fault???? I hate when the operator didnt prepare a small chance. By principle make sure you ready when you want to run a business and remember customer always right.

Before I went to KL, my beloved sis baked a layer cake for me. Im not a big fan of any sweet food but it doesnt mean I dont take sweet food at all. I might have a bite or so and thats enough. This is Kek Lapis Bombay (but Sarawak mari..ahahah). The recipe is given by my late aunty to my mum many years ago.

Kuching, Sarawak

1429

Salam...Im in Malaysia at this moment. By right at this time I'm supposed to be in Chiang Mai to attend the conference. But due to some problem the conference was cancel last minute. So I decided to go back to Kuching to celebrate Eid ul Adha.

Bukit Tinggi, Klang, Malaysia

When I was in KL earlier I managed to meet my blogger friend, Saudara Izman. I went to Port Klang to meet him since I was free and he was busy at work. I took Komuter from KL Sentral and mind you it was the first time I went to Port Klang. When I reached the Port Klang Station, I felt like in other country ahahaha.... I reached Port Klang earlier and Saudara Izman fetched me at the station. He drove me to Bukit Tinggi Jaya Jusco for lunch. He brought me to Windmill and I was a bit reluctant at first. I know the food is expensive overthere but at the same time I dont want him to feel offended if I asked to go some where else. I dont mind to go to stall or cheap food court as long as the food is clean and good ehehehe. Thanks to Saudara Izman for the great lunch...when I told Lin about this, she said that probably the most expensive lunch I ever had..ahahaha. Thanks Saudara Izman for buying me a great lunch!!! and a good chat too. May our Ukhwah Fillah will remain abadan abada (forever)..InsyaALLAH.

I would like to wish all of my friends and family happy eid ul adha.

Kuching, Sarawak
Last night we started to weave the ketupat shells lead by my mum. I know how to weave it but easily forget and last night I had to relearn how to weave it...uhuhu..but it works.

'May this Eid-ul-Adha become a great reminder to all of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equality and concern for the dispossessed and the poor'.

Transgenesis by Amir Husaini

Wilson, Western Australia

Bagi saya novel ini sesuai untuk bacaan peringkat awal remaja dan ke atas. Ia merupakan suatu novel sains fiksyen yang amat menarik. Saya jarang menjumpai novel sains fiksyen dalam bahasa Melayu dan apabila membaca novel ini, saya rasakan kekuatan novel ini terletak kepada kreativiti penulis menghubungkaitkan jalan cerita dan dunia sains. Pembaca didedahkan kepada asas sains yang memang di pelajari di sekolah, contoh mudahnya proses fotosintesis. Asas sains ini diolah agar menjadi satu jalan cerita yang menarik. Secara peribadi, saya berharap pembaca terutama peringat awal remaja agar memiliki novel ini. Ibu bapa juga hendaklah mengalak anak-anak membaca novel sains fiksyen agar dapat memupuk kecintaan anak-anak kepada dunia sains. Amat menyedihkan masih ramai anak-anak bumiputera yang tidak meminati dan lemah dalam bidang sains (saya tidak mempunyai unjuran statistik tapi cikgu-cikgu sains sila beri pandangan anda).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend, Saudara Amir Husaini for giving me this novel with his signature on. Really appreciate it and many thanks. I hope he will write more science fiction novel to incalculate positive interest among younsters in science. Saudara Amir is a qualified scientist (by qualification) himself and expert in Science and philosophy. Err by the way, saudara Amir I like your first novel too..ehehehe

Kesum...

After Friday prayer, I went to Bunning to hire a Ute. Owhh by the way, we managed to rent a detached house, Alhamdulilah. Basically we already moved out all our stuff except the matress. So, I planned to move the mattress and at the same time to pick up the dinning tables that I bought last week. There is no free delivery service, they charged around AUD$40 just to send the dinning table set. So might as well I rent a ute, so I can kill two bird with one stone..umm. But things happened...We only moved the matress since the dining tables cannot be collected after two. Im so mad because they didnt inform us about it. I thought it would be open like office hours. Partly its my mistake too, I should always ask.

Daun kesum or Laksa leaves

So, I booked the ute again on Monday noon just to collect the dinning table...such a hassle. After returning the ute, I went to the plant and herbs section in this gigantic Bunning warehouse. I saw lot of herbs expecially the english herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley etc. But there is Laksa leaves....yesss! I had been looking for laksa leaves or known as Vietnamese coriander or in Malaysia it is called daun kesum. I did heard about laksa leaves in Perth and people did mentioned that we can buy it in Bunning. At last I found it. So it is easy to cook laksa penang or even assam pedas....yummyyy. I hope that laksa leaves will grow well over the summer. I just got to know that daun kesum is also known as Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) because Vietnamese people commonly eaten fresh daun kesum. It's not only in Vietnam but also Thailand (pak pai) and Cambodia (chi krasang tomhom).

ute=pick up or utility truck

Moving

Karawara, Western Australia

Yesterday I went to a friend house, Kak F and abg R. They celebrated their daughter’s birthday. Happy birthday to A, she is now 3 years old.

By the way, we are moving out. The previous house is a town house terrace concept. Since we have always received complaint from neighbour next door, we decided to rent a detached house. Our neighbour doesn’t understand the concept of having kids (fair enough; they have no kid themselves). You can’t just simple stop the kids from making any noise, cry or whatsoever. My two little nephews are too young to understand and you can’t simply said quiet. Looking for a house is not easy and when you move to a new house you need a lot of money for the bond and etc. There is a lot of work to do as well, to transfer the phone, electricity, water and internet service to a new place. Since the new house is unfurnished, so need to spend money to buy fridge, washing machine and at least basic furniture. I hope this will be the last house and can’t afford to move again.

But a good lesson I can learn from this situation is that be patience and tolerate to others.

Justin Timberlake said....

Salam...thanks for the comments, I mean the previous entry below..ahahaha. There are many reactions from friends but I'm not in the state of upset with something or what...I wrote the entry just to remind myself .... Alhamdulilah, there are still lot of people aware about bragging and at least we can work it out together...with simple approach, self reflection. I know it is hard to become humble...but at least we are trying to be one. And we need to treat people with full respect and yea I'm agree with Justin Timberlake, "What Goes Around Comes Around".

Western Australia

Last month there was a Pasar Malam (5pm till late) organised by International student association in one of the university here. I'm so excited and I came early (at 5 pm)...since there were so many food, i'm confused myself. I didnt know what to buy really. So, at last I bought Nasi Lemak and ayam percik. Satay vendor reallly made profit that night. There were a long queve as people line up to buy satay...and most of them are local people here. I think Oz people like satay very much.

Hey...I'm the boss ok Burshwood, Western Australia

Salam to all my friends. I really want to write about this matter for quite sometimes…bragging. When we talk about bragging…the scope is very wide and you can see different kind and ways of bragging…why??? Because it involve human and human are very colourful in term of personality. I think bragging is a part of us but the degree of bragging makes it different between others. The same concept with ego and when it is too much, people will feel irritated.

Me myself tend to do it as well…. unintentionally…When I talk to much, sometimes it just spit out or I might choose the wrong words or I might acting as if I’m so good…that’s why sometimes we need to review back what we had done. Little that I want to hurt my friends, other people etc but sometimes things happen.

Back to the issue, I used to experience how sad I’m when people treat me like I’m nobody. Even my own relative and because they are somebody… title-bearing people, rich, high status quo and bla bla bla…they can brags so much that some of their comments were on the fringe of being irrational and unbelievable. As well as bragging some of them also puts other family members down as if they are the only clever, rich people on the planet earth.

Even some of the bosses are so bossy…they don’t be bothered to greet their staff or coolie ‘good morning’ or even smile…. Their concept is..I’m the boss and the staffs should greet me…not the other way round. The same thing at the university….my friend who are doing his Phd keep on complaining how boastful his supervisor…. as if she is the cleverest person on the entire universe..as if she is the only person with prof or associate prof. What make it worst..some of them are very proud of failing some students….If in other country supervisor can treat their Phd student as a friend..why not in Malaysia. If the boss in the other country can treat their employee with dignity, why not us… Hey come on la…for God sake…its all from ALLAH.

I pray to ALLAH that I wont be like that and I want to become a humble man. If we don’t want to be treated badly, so do the other people. Put ourself in their shoes..nuture our heart to be sympathetic. Having a sympathetic heart will make us aware of the human nature, their strength and weakness made by Allah S.W.T. This will prevent us from becoming proud and arrogant. Proud and arrogant people are damn by Allah S.W.T.

Okra..where are you?

Bentley, Western Australia

Alhamdulilah..at last I managed to submit my work at 12 midnite yesterday and today my boss cancelled the meeting...so I went out to do some errands and relax my tired little brain. As usual, cooking is a good therapy for me ...you know just to escape from my work routine. So I did my laundry, went shopping and then I did some cooking.

The menu for today is Mackerel Asam Pedas and pak choi oyster sauce. For asam pedas, I add up tomato and okra but as usual, when I need something, I have to go around to search for it but when I dont need it it always around...iskkkkk. Thats what happened today when I'm looking for okra...or in Malaysia we called it lady finger or in Malay we call it Bendi. I end up found the frozen baby okra after I went to a few places!!!! I love that asam pedas but poor my bro in law because its too hot for him...errrk sorry.
On saturday recently I went to another open house by kak F. My friend picked me at the office in the afternoon. At first I dont want to go but for the second thought, I still need my lunch so why not...I never regret..the food is good...especially rendang dind ding ek...the famous rendang in Perak....and yesterday another open house...the last open house I guess. I went there at noon and then drove back to the ofiice and stayed till midnite. Tomorrow I will start another work marathon...wish me luck..

Please...give me back the Syawal spirit!!!!

Open house 1

Open house 2

Salam syawal to all my friends..sorry for my absent in this blogging world. The same and traditional excuse is of course Im busy. Im really tight with my work. I have to prepare for my presentation in Chiang Mai and my boss want it to be ready this week. I had been working like a dog to finish it but at the same time I have to settle my other job too. Sometimes life is all about work work work. Well, nothing is easy in life and to achieve our dream its all need to pay off with hard work. I will try to spend time to visit you guys...since I cant go for physical visit for syawal..so I have to do it virtually..ahaks. Enjoy the clips above....my visit to the open house at the beginning of syawal. What can I say, Syawal abroad is much happening as compare to Malaysia. I think the main reason is because you are away from home and visiting friends is consider a must. You treat your friends like family here. When I was in Malaysia, I keep on wondering why neighbours, freinds or even relatives didnt come to visit...during my childhood, people just simply come, they dont wait for open house or they dont have to think twice about it. The door always open for the guest. But now people prefer to stay at home watching tv or go for holiday. Please give me back the syawal spirit.. I dont want my grandchildren to lose their identity, their faith, their boundary.....

Pre and post raya update

We celebrated raya on wednesday, 1st oct, so the night before we were invited by friend to his house for tahlil and takbir!!

'Masak bermasak' for open house - the night before raya - menu: beef rendang, peanut sauce, glutinous rice, chicken soto, mi rebus and bingka cheese.

My two nephew playing firecracker...its really a suprise to find firecracker in Australia...

We performed our sunnatul eid ul fitri at Masjid Al Hidayah, Hepburn which is on the way to Joondalup.

Sermon or Khutbah raya in Malay and English. This masjid is well known among malays in Perth in fact it is known as masjid melayu..

Eid is coming

Cotesloe Beach, Western Australia

Alhamdulilah, Eid is coming and that will marks the end of the fasting month. I'm really greatful that I can perform my duty this time around. Unlike last year, I was admitted to the hospital due to illness which affected my Ibadah. I will celebrate Eid here in Australia with my sister, bro in law and my two nephew. But they will be off to Malaysia on the third raya for a holiday.

I would like to beg for forgiveness for any wrongdoing which I realise or not. For those 'balik kampung' take care and drive carefully. I hope this coming Eid would be the best and happy event for all.

Night and the city

Kings Park. Perth City Western Australia

Last few weeks, I went to Kings Park to shoot some photos. I just want to share with you guys how's Perth city at night. The evening is capped off with views of the dazzling lights, bright neon signs and traffic stock.

Since we are already halfway approaching syawal, all the bright neon remind me of home. It is the annual event to light up oil lamp or pelita starting on malam tujuh likur. The neighbours will do the same things. Its really happening. I still remember the excitement I had when I was a kid... lighting up the pelita and also playing the fire crackers. Umm wish I can celebrate raya back in Malaysia. I plan to light up the pelita here but still looking for pelita...ahahaha. Or else I need to be creative about it. I dont want my two nephews to miss the event. At least they can cherish every moment they have been given for time is passing by.

Break fast

Perth, Western Australia

Alhamdulilah we had been fasting for few days. So far so good even though you never feel like home. There is no bazaar ramadhan..there's no mother cooking...sob sob sob...

To treat ourself, yesterday I cooked rendang ayam, mushroom soup and my sis helped with mix vegetable and nasi minyak. It is very nice meal for break fast ehehe..Rendang ayam is not that bad..I had to replace kerisik with dried coconut (dry fried). And there is no tumeric leaves..couldnt find it here ..so i just put kaffir leaves.
Today we will have murtabak for our break fast..my bro in law is the master chef...umm maybe I want to try Mi Bandung too...if it a sucess will keep you guy posted ..ahaks

The month of reflection

Salam Merdeka and salam Ramadhan....I'm very thankful to ALLAH for given me the opportunity to celebrate Malaysia Independence day and also the blessing month of Ramadhan.

Honestly National Day is just like any other public holiday for me before but as I grew older I started to look out for the real meaning of Independence. And the most important is how can we contribute to become a good citizen and a proud Malaysian. Even the political scenario are heated up with all burning polemics, it wont give us 'license to kill'...

happy merdeka!

Burshwood, Perth Western Australia

The month of Ramadhan is always the most meaningfull month for me. The feeling is different...that is the barakah of the month. I hope Ramadhan this time will be better than previous Ramadhan..let us finding solace and joy in this blessing month!

Busy

Salam to all my friends... Sorry for late update. I'm busy with personal matter (its a lame excuse, I know..ahaks) and for info, I'm back in Perth. After Sabah trip that day, I went to Kuching to settle few things and managed to see Sarawak Regatta 2008. Actually I'm not into the crowd, in fact I'm not comfortable to be surrounded by so many people. But it seems my passion to take photo is greater than my discomfort to be in the crowd made me go to see the event.

Sarawak Regatta, Kuching Sarawak Malaysia

After Kuching I went to KL before flying to Langkawi. I enjoyed my trip with Lin to the Lagendary island. I was in primary school since my last visit. So what can I say, Langkawi definitely had been transformed. I love the Island Hopping and also the cable car trip.

Langkawi, Malaysia

From Langkawi we went back to Kuching for my younger sister convocation. Congratulations to S on getting her master degree and wish to go back for her Phd Convocation in few year times.

Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia

From Kuching I flew back to KL and then Perth.

p/s abanglong(Novelman) sorry cannot make it to see you. I also cannot get the software. InsyaAllah my next trip ok.

What a small world

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

I was in Kota Kinabalu recently. I stayed in KK for about a week. My parents and sis decided to tag along. Since I’m busy with my work, they had their own activities, mostly shopping. They are familiar with KK since they had been there for a few times.
I’m very happy with my journey this time around. I couldn’t agree more with the statement “what a small world”. Yes indeed this world is not that big. On my way to airport carousel to pick up my luggage, I saw someone very familiar. My eyes started to autofocus and confirm the image…yes he looked very familiar. Then I decided to approach him…and stand still next to him. I say out loud his full name clearly and he reacted.

AS: Heyyyy….arsaili….fuhhh lamak sik jumpa (fuhh long time no see)
Me: Aouk…memang..cam sik cayak jak..(yes it is, seem unbelievable)
AS: 10 years?
Me: more or less…
AS: U still recognized me….am I still the same?
Me: Perfectly the same…ehehe
AS: I take it as compliment…u too….where are you goin? Im working in KK now..
Me: Im in Australia now but I have a few meeting in KK…
AS: Where are you goin now? You want me to send you anywhere?
Me: It’s ok..I’m waiting for my friend to pick me up and send me to the hotel.

We then exchanged the contact number and promise to go out for coffee later. That is my friend, AS and he is a qualified Chemical Engineer. We went to UK for our degree. Since busy with work I almost forgot to contact him. A day before I leave KK, I sms him in the morning. He only replied me in the late afternoon. He said he just finished his work and he then picked me up at the hotel. He treated me for our late lunch at City Mall. He told me about drama in his life. After graduating he joined petronas for only 6 months before decided to quit. Then he returned to Kuching and work as engineer for a year. He again quitted and joined SIA as trainee pilot. He went to Australia for the training. After completing the course he worked with SIA for a few years. He then decided to quit SIA and join Air Asia…iskk iskk iskk. What’s next? Just wait and see..ehehehe. He then told me about his passion…he made a very big mistake early on. He shouldn’t go for chemical engineering because he really wants to become a pilot. But after SPM, he’s too young to decide himself but rather follow what his parents said. Having his uncle as a pilot and died in plane crashed, his parents really against his will. But he’s very determined and now he becomes one.

Oriental Chewing gum

Kota Bahru, Malaysia

Do you like chewing gum? I do!! and infact sugar-free chewing gum is good for dental health. People claim that sugar-free chewing gum is “toothfriendly” as it helps increase saliva flow and clears food debris from the mouth.
A part of chewing gum, I love oriental chewing gum since my childhood. But somehow, it is difficult to find fresh from “oven” oriental chewing gum nowadays. The most you can get is the packaged from the store. When I was in KB, I’m so fascinated with the hawker, offered the oriental chewing gum hot toasted from charcoal. Well, don’t get confused, oriental chewing gum here refer to flatten sliced cuttlefish. During my stay in KB, I went to buy this chewing gum every evening. I love it very much. The hawker sell it for RM1-2 per sliced according to size.

Kota Bahru, Malaysia

The process is first with toasting the cuttlefish. After that the cuttlefish will be flatten with the machine. The machine is just like the sugarcane machine. It is use to flatten and soften the cuttlefish. Then you can easily chew it…wallla…ahaks.

Visit Kelantan 2008

Kota Bahru, Kelantan Malaysia



Date: Friday, 11 July 2008
Im in the airport now waiting for my flight to the land of hornbill. As promised I would like to update my stay in Kelantan. I came to KB for few meeting with local authority and Alhamdulilah Allah make it easy for me. I took the opportunity to meet two famous blogger in KB (husband and wife) Cikgu Nasir and Cikgu Panji. They picked me up at hotel and bought me very delicious dinner at Syam Restaurant. Cikgu Panji made the order, and when they served the food …errkk too much for 3 adults and 1 kid. But it’s really make me feel welcome…ehehe. Thanks Cikgu Nasir and Cikgu Panji for the dinner and also the helping hand in my work.
Im a fan of nasi kerabu and almost every day I bought nasi kerabu from Medan Selera. I just found out nasi kerabu got four color; blue, yellow, black and white. But blue color is always my favourite… by right they suppose to use bunga telang (Clitoria) to give colour to the rice but nowadays they might just use the food colouring agent…ummmm.not healthy because according to research colouring link to cancer.

Cik Siti Wan Kembang

Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu Malaysia

Matredo1's daughters


Im in the city of the famous tale, Cik Siti Wan Kembang. But I’m not gonna update on my travel to Kota Bahru but on my previous journey to Kuala Terengganu (KT). Kota Bahru will be the next entry ok. Well KT is the only place that I never been exploring before. I came to KT for the big mission, but definitely not mission impossible..ahaks. Alhamdulilah, my tasks almost finish in KT and I really hope everything will go well. I’m very blessed with many nice Terengganuan and make my job easy. The credit should go to Matredo1, a blogger friend that help me a lot. That’s the first time ever we met and he’s very helpful. Thanks for the accompanying me and help me with my task. DBI is another blogger that I met. He picked me up at the hotel for the breakfast at the famous nasi dagang (that controversial restaurant – the expensive kari kepala ikan issues if you guys still remember). He was very busy for his migration to overseas but he still spends sometimes lepaking with me and thanks for the ‘kepok’. There were many significant people who really help me concerning my work and I really appreciate their help.

Im back

Cameron Highland, Malaysia

Sorry for my absent in this blogging world. At the moment I'm in Malaysia and busy with my work. But I have a lot of story to share especially with the blogger that I met while Im travelling. I landed myself in Singapore before I made my way to KL to meet Lin and then we headed to Cameron Highland. She had to attend a seminar overthere and I enjoyed myself with strawberry, sweetcorn and fresh air. The photo above I shot from the hotel. Now I'm in Kuala Terengganu and I managed to meet 2 popular blogger in East Coast...ahaks... I will update u guys later. Got to go for another appointment ...

Tiger eye

Bentley, Western Australia

Today, Sunday 15 June we celebrated father's day in Malaysia. But in Australia it will be only on Sunday 7th September 2008. So I would like to wish Happy Father's Day to all concern. My sister, S organised for the event. Well, she's always the event manager since we are here. We just chucked in the money and she bought the present for our dad. This time around we bought him Suasa ring with tiger eye stone (color: rich gold with earthy brown). He really wants this ring for a long time ago but keep on changing his mind either to buy it or not.

Tiger eye- the stone of self discipline. It was believed to have healing ability: relieves high blood pressure and very helpful in the presence of following diseases: bronchial asthmakidney, rheumatic heart disease, otitis and psoriasis.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Diospyros - Food of the God

Brastagi, Medan

Alhamdulilah after struggling for few weeks, I managed to complete my task. I managed to key in all the data, I managed to complete all the grant application and now I need to sit and read all about statistic. I just need to refresh my mind with all the boring stuff so call statistic. On top of that, I need to prepare some document and contact few people for my next assignment. My boss will be away for almost 3 weeks, she has to go to Alice Spring, Adelaide then New York. I will then travel once she come back.

Last week my sis and her soldiers went to Persimmon farm which is not far from our house. She brought back very nice and sweet persimmon. I get to know this fruit from my mum when I was a kid. My mum is very fanatic to 3 types of fruits; rambutans, water melon and persimmon. By then, my mum called persimmon as "buah Kasmak". But when I was in UK, people call it Sharon fruits. In in this kangaroo land they call it persimmon. When I was in Medan, they call it Pisang Kaki. The first time ever I saw persimmon tree when I was in Brastagi. Ancient refer this fruit as 'Food of the God', have lead to it classification in the genus Diospyros of Ebony family. Dios - God, pyros -grain or food.

Autumn - winter

Bentley, Western Australia

Dia datang lagi

Merentas waktu
Dia datang lagi
Terasa ke tulang hitam
Itu satu kurniaanNya

Meredah masa
Dia datang lagi
Daun kering menyelimuti jalanan
Itu satu petanda kekuasaanNya

Menelusuri waktu
Dia datang lagi
Ranting sepi tanpa dedaun
Itu satu rahmatNya

Meniti masa
Dia datang lagi
Tundukla hati tanpa bantahan
Itu tetap sebahagian kehendakNya

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Today is public hols for Western Australia - Foundation day commemorating the foundation of the Swan River Colony in 1829. Swan River Colony was a British settlement established at the Swan River on the west coast of Australia in 1829.

On the way to my work station, I saw lot of 'naked' trees without leaves. All trees are beginning their long winter's rest. In four season countries it s common to see different colour of leaves. The pigment that colour the leaves are

chlorophyll (green)
carotenoid (yellow, orange, and brown)
anthocyanins (red)

Papaw

Coles, Bentley Western Australia

Last few weeks I went to Coles with my sister. And I saw this fruit...papaya...err nope..it is clearly written yellow papaw. I thought it might be the same fruit so called papaya but with a different names. I did some reading about it and there is literature claimed papaw is another name for papaya.

The scientific name of papaya is Carica papaya L whereas the common name is Betik - Malaysia, Mamao - Brazil, Papaw or paw paw - Australasia and tree melon (mugua) - China.

Somehow there is another literature trying to distinguish between papaw and papaya.

Papaw -Distinct yellow flesh and tends to be a larger fruit

Papaya - Orange to red flesh and usually a smaller oval or pear shaped fruit

But my conclusion, papaya is papaw and papaw is papaya...ahaks..to make life easier!

Age that I wish to go back to - tag from Muha

Flower that I give to my sis for mother's day

Bentley Western Australia

Seafood Platter for Mother's day
Frementle Western Australia

I wish I could go back in time of my undergrad - university life. For me, my undergraduate year is the basis for what I am now. After all the hard work and determination it had finally paid off. I had been granting few academic excellence awards and it somehow put me into a perspective. It opens good opportunity in my life. Life as undergrad student is not that fun, but the undergone processed to become a better person was really interesting and enriching.
Allhamdulilah, Allah the Almighty!

#I just spoke to Muha on the phone for the first time..he's so jovial!..be strong my brother!#

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Happy Teacher's Day

Yes, I feel Japanese!

Does the weather affect your mood? I think yes… I’m having my “lazy Saturday” and it’s raining outside. You can imagine how cold the temperature would like and I feel like hibernating under my duvet. I hardly go out on saturday except if I have things to do in the office. Or else I will stick to my routine; do my laundry, read novel, or cook. I have to solidify my Saturday and enjoy it to the fullest coz I have to work on Sunday.

When I was busy with my laundry, my brother in law was busy in the kitchen. He turned our kitchen to Japanese kitchen..uhuhuhu. He decided to prepare Japanese cuisine called tempura… I managed to shoot a few photos while he was cooking. He lived in Japan for few years and that makes him comfortable preparing Japanese food. His Japanese family taught him how to prepare most of Japanese dish and I think he’s really good.

Bentley, Western Australia

Tempura (てんぷら or 天麩羅, tenpura) is a classic Japanese dish of deep fried battered vegetables or seafood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempura). My brother in law prepared both vegetable and seafood tempura together with Japanese rice and Miso soup. Miso soup (味噌汁, miso shiru) is a traditional Japanese soup consisting of a stock called "dashi" into which is mixed softened miso paste (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miso_soup).

Yes…I feel Japanese..ahaks!!

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Happy Mother's Day

Best wishes to all mothers, here and everywhere!

To forgive but not forget

Bentley, Western Australia

“Ok class, I would like all of you to do exercise on page 45 to 50. Please submit at the end of this period”, said Cikgu W. She was walking around the class while we were doing our work. She then stopped at my desk. She was taking my workbook and flipping through. “Who ask you to do all the exercise?” She referred to the scribble answers in pencil. I had answered most of the exercise in the workbook with the help of my tutor. My dad sent me to the tuition class. Once finished with the module, my tutor asked me to go through the school workbook.

I’m so sacred at that time; her pitching was so high and loud. “I’m sorry, I will erase all the answer". I told her in my slow nerved wreaking voice. She returned my workbook with her protest body gesture. That was the first time ever my teacher shouted at me. I’m proud to say that I’m teachers’ pet at school since in primary 1. The main reason is because I’m always ahead of other students (as I’m in Kampung school, not comparable to other good school) and managed to finish any assignment a little bit faster. To keep me busy and occupy, I was appointed as a class leader and I had been holding the portfolio for 6 years (primary 1 till 6). As a class leader, I have to

• go and forth to the staff room,
• take names of students who made any noise when teacher was not around,
• write down questions or exercise on the blackboard whenever my teacher feel so lazy
• assists my friends to finish their work etc.

The bell was ringing, that means the end of the period. Cikgu W was waiting for all of us to submit the workbook. I was puting my book on top of my friends’. When I just about to sit, I saw a “flying saucer” landed onto the dustbin. That so called flying saucer is my workbook and I recognised it well. My workbook is well wrapped in the transparent plastic with the help of my mum magic touch. I was so shocked and speechless for a few second. Cikgu W asked Z instead of me (as a class leader) to help her with the workbooks and leave the class. I was walking slowly to the dustbin and collect my workbook and I was in tears. I was so terrified that I initially thought of not going back to school again after the incident. I hope she would be better by then but she did throw my book again and again and she always ignored my existence in the class. She enforced her psychology war towards me. I didn’t tell my parents about the incident. My dad found out only when he checked my workbook. At first he thought I didn’t submit my homework, but I told them all the story. My dad told me to once against submit my workbook and inform him if she still refused. I did and she stills the same.

My dad took half day off to see the headmaster. I did cried because I’m afraid Cikgu W will scold me for my dad complaints. After my dad lodging the complaint, she kept the war between us. She had been abusing me emotionally and mentally. To be honest I hate to be in her class and English subject as well. I suffered till the rest of the year. Luckily when I was enroll to primary 5, she didn’t teach me anymore. Alhamdulilah.

But till now I still don't understand why she behaved that way! Did I do some big mistake and unforgiven sin????

I met Cikgu W last year and I greeted her. She still remember me well ..err maybe for what she did to me. She was very proud that I made it all the way to university. I've long forgiven her for what she did and I'm also blessed with lots of other teachers who treated me nicely....so it is better for me to "forgive and forget"..err but I still can't forget..ahaks

Saturday Nite Fever

Yesterday the weather was cold and that’s reminding me of the coming winter. The temperature might be around 9 degree Celsius and we were in the city. We went to Royal Perth Hospital to visit a Malaysian friend. Yea poor him, and I know what it’s like being sick in a foreign country, and he has my full sympathies. Alhamdulilah he’s recuperating. Actually I don’t know him personally but I know about them from other Malaysian friends. It’s just a matter of time and I don’t have the opportunity to meet him and his family earlier. But believe it or not he’s one of my blog silent reader! Ahaksss…. What a small world. He read my blog occasionally just to know about life in Perth before they arrived here.
After the visit, my brother in law, my sis and I decided to walk to the city centre. It’s not far from the hospital. We just want to enjoy the Saturday night fever..ahaks. Well of course there is no suitable place for us (mostly club and bars operated at night), so we end up to one of the Malaysian restaurant.

Perth City Centre, Western Australia

When I'm back on my feet again

Lake Toba, North Sumatera, Indonesia

I haven't written much lately. I always think I'll have more time then, but I really don't. So many things have happened which keep me out of perspective. But things getting better and I'm back on my feet again...err its remind me of my favourite singer, Micheal Boltan - When I'm back on my feet again...ahaks!

By the way have you all buy the new novel by Norzailina Nordin. You should get one because it featuring name of the few bloggers. Im still waiting for the novel to reach me here down under.

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Here are the 8 fact about me - tagged by Kelat

Like shooting photos

Love reading

Happy cooking

Enjoy travelling

High emphaty

Independent

Moody

(when not in the best mood will reluctant to talk)

Perfectionist

(sometimes)

Mount Sinabung

Gundailing Hill, Brastagi, North Sumatra

We went to Brastagi, a tourist town which is located in the Karo Highland. Its remind me of Cameron Highland and the types of agro products are similar which is well suited the low temperature. In Brastagi, we can see the Mount Sinabung which is about 2417 m above the sea level. This dormant volcano can clearly be seen from Gundailing Hill. You can even catch the smell of sulphur in the wind.

Land of Karo

North Sumatra

Sipisopiso is a waterfall near Tongging, 24 Km from Kabanjahe on the northwestern tip of Lake Toba. The name Sipisopiso means "like knives". Sipisopiso is visible from the vantage point at Tongging, where you can also enjoy scenic views of Lake Toba. I can feel the fresh cool mountain air! grgrgrgrgr

Sipisopiso Waterfall emerges from an underground river in the Karo plateau and plunges 120 meters (some sites put it as 110m) off a sheer cliff into the ravine below. I photographed Sipisopiso from the vantage point at Tongging, but unfortunately it was a heavy mist that morning. You hardly can see the the facinating flowing waterfall....

Lake Toba

In front of the hotel, Samosir Island, North Sumatra

This is one of the picture that I took when I was in Samosir Island. Samosir Island is the large volcanic Island in Lake Toba and the fifth largest lake Island in the world. This Island is the centre of Batak Culture and history.

Salam Maulidurrasul to all my blogger friends

Salam. I'm in KLIA now, just about to boarding at gate C27 MH125. Sayonara all my family and friends in Malaysia.

Away away away.....

Salam to all my friends. Sorry for my absent in this blogging world ...ahaks... Actually at this moment of time I'm in Medan, North Sumatra. Come back for the update soon okey!! FYI I will be going back to Australia on the 14 March 2008.

Citi Inn Hotel, Jalan Palang Merah, Medan

A moment in time...

Tanjung Aru, Sabah Malaysia

I just arrived at the hotel from Tanjung Aru and it's rainning like cats and dogs. Actually Aunty Combi and Uncle picked me up at the hotel earlier. I enjoyed this evening with aunty and uncle...we chit chat a lot of things. Umm.... I think I'm a bit friendly tonight..ahaks....thats because both of them make me feel very welcome. Thanks for the effort, I know uncle might be tired after work and then he needs to drive about 45 minutes from Tuaran to KK. I'm so glad to meet both of them and hope to see them again. They not only bought me dinner but also souvenir...like it..like it...thanks again.
Many thanks

“Your lives are fading in the shadows of time,

but your legacy lives on"

Michael Hensley
Kings Park, Western Australia

SB: Assalamualikum.......

Arsaili: errr.....SB..long time no see..how are you?

SB: I'm fine...it's been a few years since we last met..

Arsaili: yea, gimme ur number....ok got it.

SB: gimme a miss call so I can save your number..ok got your number!

Arsaili: You still with the same company? I saw you in the newspaper...so popular yea

SB: ehehehe..where are you now?

Arsaili: I'm in Australia but now I'm around for some work. Since I'm with my friends, I will give you a call and maybe we can go out for tea ok.

SB: Ok, keep in touch.

5 minutes later.....

Incoming SMS from SB: I greet you with salam earlier because I'm a muslim now....

Alhamdulilah he become one of us. Actually when he greeted me earlier, deep down in my heart said.."what the hack he greeted me with salam!". I knew him as a non-muslim Melanau guy. Whatever it is, I'm happy for him. Its just that I'm so obvious try not to respond to his salam earlier..ahaksss...

Cat scratcher

Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia

Last month, I bought a cat scratcher for our cats, Misty and Kiki. It cost RM150 but I asked for RM20 discount..ahaks. My sister told me I might get even more if I know how to bargain..ummm. Can you see Kiki caught in action?

Why cats scratch things?
They scratch to mark their territory.
They scratch as a means of threatening other cats.
They scratch in play.
They scratch while stretching.

And the act of scratching actually removes frayed and worn outer claws, exposing new, sharper ones.

Sorry to my dear friends for not visiting your blog coz im so busy at the moment. But I will back to my feet once I go back to Australia InsyaAllah.

Young meet old

Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia

Dad: What happen to your jeans? Koyak sana koyak sini…
Arsaili: No la, just a little bit
Dad: You don’t have enough money to buy new decent jeans?
Arsaili: errr, actually I just bought it a few weeks ago….
Dad: Huh, with all those holes and koyakan ..and faded color some more
Arsaili: that’s what we call fashion..kwang kwang kwang…

It stills a hot issue at home whenever my dad saw me with those jeans…isk3. After all the jeans is not too bad rite?it doesn't expose my aurat what…ahaks

A Walk in the clouds

Last Thursday, we went to Lundu and Sematan. Lundu is located in the west of Sarawak, on the west bank of the Batang Kayan (Kayan River), and not far from the South China Sea. It is about 90 km from Kuching.

Gunung Gading becabang tiga,

Pantai Pandan jauh ke tengah.

Hancur badan di kubur tanah

Budi baik di-kenang juga.

"Tusk Mountain has three peaks,

Pandan Beach stretches far to the middle.

A person's body may be dissolving in the grave;

A kind heart is remembered always.

"---as recited by the late Hbi anak Muda"

What is interesting about Lundu/Sematan? There is Gunung Gading National Park and many resorts available for the tourists. We didn't go to any beach but just went there for sightseeing. Somehow we bought a lot of crab which is cheap. Umm..I did learnt something new about mushroom which was sold at the market in Sematan. There are 2 species which are known by local as Kulat sawit and kulat bibir. Kulat sawit grow on the dead palm oil frond while kulat bibir grow on the dead thrunk of rubber tree.

Kulat bibir

Kulat sawit

Lundu also famous with seafood cracker - fish, prawn and cuttlefish cracker. Lin bought few packets to bring home and we had the opportunity to visit the factory.

Lundu, Kuching Sarawak Malaysia