Latest Gadget

The Head is 804R02 model and the Leg is 190XPR0B which cost us RM 1,036. For whatever reasons this stuff called tripod, is essential to fullfill the satisfaction or needs of our hobby - photography. It is to encourage my kids especially 'Afi and M Afiq to start exploring the fundamentals of their dream.

Our 3rd Summer at Kafr Abdou

This is our 3rd Summer in Egypt. The ambient temperature fluctuates between 25 – 37 degrees Centigrade. However, in Alexandria, the weather is very much influence by the Mediterranean breeze, cool and fresh. After returning from Malaysia, it is quite challenging waiting for ‘Isya prayer time set at around 21:30 hours, especially when the jet lag still affect your body rhythm.This July also marks my 3rd year stint at ELNG.

To be truthful, it was not an easy task at the initial stages of work trying to adjust to a different culture, lifestyle and working environment, but with time and determination I slowly learned to adapt, reminding myself of a famous philosophical proverb that says "Cleverness is Adaptation". It is essential that one should go extra mile to reach people and indulge assimilate in the society to build rapport with the locals.

TwinzBites latest Product.

Still on trial. However, CT the person in charge producing the Twinzy Choco is exploring the possibility to market the product around the Klang Valley. In Miri, they try to introduce the Twinzy Choco with any reputable organizations or anyone who is looking for door gift or souvenir. All the best to CT and TwinzBites.

His Nek Bol's DNA

Ayman looks more Chinese than the Chinese does! Nina (from the mainland China), the Qatar airways staff whom we met at the Premium Terminal Lounge, Doha was supportive enough posing with Ayman and shared us her 2 months experience working at Qatar.

The End of the Breakaway

22.7.2009 is the end of the 2009 summer breakaway. It is about time for us to leave Malaysia to continue another year stint in Egypt, I hope. What ever it was, the past 24 days – 17 days in Sarawak and 7 days in KL, had surely made us better persons, insyaAllah. Amid the humid and hazy KL weather, Zailan, assisted by Suardi, mobilized us through KL-Putrajaya bypass to KLIA around 10:50 hours from his house at Prima Villa (photo below), Kemensah in less than 45 minutes.
After spending about 130 minutes inside the MAS Golden Lounge we boarded the Qatar Airways plane around 3:45 hours. The MAS Golden Lounge is one of my favorites, which is better than the Doha Premium Business or First Class Lounge, better than the Dubai Business Class lounge; much better than the Cairo Business Class Lounge and off course, no comparison with the El-Nouzha Alexandria First Class lounge. It serves varieties of good foods and beverages. The service and the hospitality of the staff are very commendable. Albeit its superb facilities and service, unfortunately, I could not find its name in the top 50 of the world-class lounge.

Our flight - QR 621 – KL-Doha was forced to delay due to threatening weather (the term ‘threatening weather’ reminds me of Tuan Syed Muhammad Syed Jaafar, the former CEO of ABF. Back in 1997, when I hold the Shift Manager portfolio in one of the PETRONAS operating unit, it was the task of the night crew to prepare all sort of reports and one mandated to us was the Daily Plant Operations report. It was part of the ISO requirement that when the weather is cloudy and windy, we will force the urea loading operation to stop temporarily. Subsequently, we recorded it in the report that, the loading operation was interrupted due to the ‘threatening weather’ condition. Upon reading the report, Tuan Syed was not happy with it, I mean with the term used - threatening weather. He advised us to call a ‘spade a spade’… whatever it was, it was never our intention to blame the weather, left alone the procedure. We were just reporting the fact of the matter).

We took-off about 30 minutes later. During the 7 hours 20 minutes trip, we spent about 55% of our time quiescent dozing our mind & soul; 25% watching movies & listening to all range of music; and 20% entertaining our stomach plus adhering to the airline procedures. The 25% portion of the time, as for me, I spent watching a Chinese movie entitled CJ7 – released on 31 January 2008 in Hong Kong, is a science-fiction/comedy film, co directed and co-written by Stephen Chow. Again,… it is a science/comedy film! I mean it is not a religious film or an education film neither a motivation film. But, the film had shed tears from both of my eyes while my mouth mincing the Malaysian-Arab breakfast served by Asha. Honestly, I was literally crying. The story plot was quite straight forward, but the essence of the story reminded me about my life – the arduous side of my life. It was about a poor family – a son Dicky and his father Chow Ti a poor construction laborer. They live in a partially demolished house. Despite of their grueling life, Chow is eager to save money so he can continue sending his son to private school, to ensure that his life will be better in the future. However, Dicky is often bullied by other children and his teacher (mainly due to his lowly status), and he usually finds comfort with a young teacher, Ms. Yuen. To cut the long story short, in the nutshell, life is not just about money but rather, love, determination, perseverance, integrity and respect. Nothing comes easy in life; we must put our best and sincere efforts to achieve success. And, like money, success should not be defined as materialistic gain. Life is about networking, teamwork – doing and achieving things together and above all, life is about our commitment to Allah swt.

The saddest thing was, I have miscalculated the Fajr prayer time; thus, I performed the prayer slightly beyond the ‘shorouk’ time. O Allah, please accept my apologies and pardon my ignorant.

We touched down at Doha International airport at 07:22 hours and arrived at the Doha Premium First Class Lounge around 07:32 hours. Our next ETD was at 16:00 hrs, which entitled us 3-star rooms at the lounge. However, I managed to get two rooms out of the five rooms. Well that was sufficient for us, because most of the kids spent the time on computers – internet; Playstation 2 & 3 consoles; and foods.

Albeit the 15 minutes delay, Alhamdullillah salamah, we arrived at El-Nouzha airport, Alexandria on time – 19:20 hours. Nevertheless, the whole excitement was put off by the behavior of many impatience passengers and the enforcement of the system. Things seem to be disorganized. My friends always say; ‘welcome to Egypt’. To me, sad to mention, the phenomena happened in many Muslim countries, though it is obvious in Egypt. The holy Qur’an nul Qareem and el-Hadiths teaches us to become better person in all aspects, left alone performing the five times compulsory prayers – to be more proactive; to respect others; honesty; to love and help others; to be more pleasant; to eat good foods; etc., but why we choose the opposite sides of it?

The Meet and Assist guy was waiting outside the immigration office, while Sheriff and Hisham waited unwearyingly outside the main building. All the 17 pieces luggage weighted 220 kilograms were safely unloaded from the Qatar Airways Airbus A320. Alhamdullillah. The lessons learnt, in anything that we do, do it for Allah swt and like what had been shown by His Messenger prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him), insyaAllah, with His will, the actions will be blessed by Him. As a matter of fact, we plans, Allah disposes.

Before I wrap up, on behalf of the kids and Nana, I would like to beg you all – the Yayasan Yusuf fraternity – Kak Hjh Rahmah, Bg Hj Rosli, Bg Hj Abd Khalek, Kak Zahrah, Bg Hj Hamim, Kak Hjh Halimah, Kak Hjh Hamiah, Bg Hj Sulaiman, Bro Abu Bakar aka Chote, Bg Hj Ma’som, Nurliza, Zailan, Hanim, Aerol, Khuzaimah, Jojo, Erni, Bg. Hj Sazali, Kak Hjh Lela, and all the Brunei Clan, millions apologies for all our shortcomings. I invite you all to put our mind, soul, and hands together, supplicating before the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil, seeking His blessing for good health, Baraqah, Rahmah, for keeping us united, and above all for enhancing our Iman.
Last but not least, wish you all Ramadhan Kareem, kullu sana wa antum tayeebiin. May this 1430 Ramadhan shall be our best ever.

Break-Away

I am still on my annual vacation - brain relieve. Thus, priority is for my family, relatives and friends. Besides that, I have little access to internet plus our tight 'program'. Will update the blog soon with very interesting stories.

One of the Most important places @L3 Pavillion

In contrary with many Malls in the Arab countries, in Malaysia, most of the shopping Malls, big, medium, or small, amid their luxurious contemporary design, patronized by all walks of life, provides prayer rooms for their Muslim clients.
Therefore, there should not be any reasons or excuses for all the Muslims for not able performing their obligations to Allah swt.

What They Did This Summer?!

They are our greatest assets. I wish and always pray to Allah Rabbul Jalil that later they will contribute to the development of the Muslim socio economy, communities, and be part of the solution of any problems.
After, spending part of their time cleaning and doing housekeeping, they distressed their boredom at the Taman Ikhlas Children playground 150 meters near our house. Perhaps they never experience these sorts of ‘things’ during their early days!
Afiq showing his skill with the spring horse, which is actually not fit for him! wat la .. dude?

Kids, like what I always said, what is important to me are your attitude towards success and efforts that you put to achieve it, is more important than the results. You are just excellence thus far, but please do not sit with your laurels and be complacent with your little success. Instead, always make efforts to improve yourselves everyday. Above all, whenever or wherever you are, remember Allah swt always, and, He will be with you. As much as possible, thinks and do things like the great Messenger Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) did, and do it for Allah Rabbul Jalil.

Sector 2: To KL from Miri

Gate A2 of Miri International Airport hesitantly allow us to board the flight MH 2565. Well, life must goes on!.We departed Miri for KL to continue our second part of Summer 2009 tour.

17 days in the Borneo Island had been very fulfilling. The experiences that we had gained from the Borneo Tropical Rainforest adventure, Bintulu trip, Brunei courtesy call, Naty’s auspicious wedding, and the heritage Miri in general, will surely improve our knowledge, thus enhance our maturity (especially the kids).
Accompanying us at the airport, Bg Hj Alek, Kak Zahrah, Kak Hjh Rahmah, Bg Hj Rosli, Bg Hj Masom, Kak Hjh Hamiah, Bg Hj Sulaiman, Khairullah aka Aerol, Khuzaimah, Jojo, Arni, Chotey, Asmah, Aishah, Alesha, Fahmy, Izian, and Faiz.

Zillion of thanks to all of you. And, as a humble imperfect human being, we seek your forgiveness and beg you millions apologies for our unpleasant behavior, words and shortcomings.

Splendid Dinner at 'Sajian Warisan'

Sajian Warisan or literally means Heritage Cuisine is one of the latest Malay owned restaurants in town, I mean in Miri. Situated within the Miri Malay Association’s building perimeter in front of Dewan Suarah Miri, Sajian Warisan serves varieties of cuisines – Malay, Chinese, Thailand, Brunei, and Western, with very reasonable price and commendable service.

Doha – the local band called the Heavy Duty x-singer. He has a very powerful voice similar to Amy Search and other popular singers. One could stretch your leg, sit lazily while leaning your back on the wooden custom-made chair or benches, while kids can just exploring around the decent pleasant area. The owner Anuar Sinong is one of my good friends is always there looking after his 49 staff and customers from all walks of life. They also provide catering services for any functions.

As for us, I must put in this record, the informal but splendid-superb dinner reminisced us those old days, 25 to 30 years ago, staying at the old Lutong Mosque’s quarter and ‘Batu Satu’ or One Milestone.

The Asam-Nyonya Sea Bass was simply delicious and a set of Satey will lure you to visit them again. For reservation, you can call or sms them at 012 885 1911.

The TwinzBites version Cupcakes

The making of cupcakes by TwinzBites - one of the Malay owned bakeries situated at PermyJaya township, along the Miri-Kuala Baram-Brunei road.

Specially trained Farah – one of the TwinzBites staff is mandated to spearhead the production of the Cupcakes. You could visit her blog - cupcakeszone.blogspot.com to learn more about their latest products. So far, it receives positive response from the Mirian. All the best to Farah & TwinzBites.

Enhancing Rapport: the Brunei Chapter

One of our agenda was visiting our relatives in Brunei Dar Es-Salam.7.7.2009 at around 09:40 hours, under the gloomy weather, which in a way is good for us, we departed the TwinzBites. Our always-supportive brother, Hj Ma’som drove us, Nana and I, through the Miri-Kuala Baram one-lane highway (which is not actually highway) and Kuala Belait-Bandar Seri Begawan highway, with his superb Altis.
The last time we went to Brunei Dar Es-Salam was during Eidul Fitri 2006. Despite the H1N1 pandemic alert, we made up our mind to bridge our relationship with our relatives in Brunei Dar Es-Salam.
Hj Ma’som is one of the prominent figures in my life. He never had an opportunity pursuing his study in any higher academic institutions and he is not a millionaire yet, but he has sacrificed his life for his brothers and sisters to achieve their goals and destiny. He was posted with Shell Oman in 1999-2001 and recently, he was promoted to a more senior position in one of the subsidiaries of the world largest Oil & Gas organization, Sarawak Shell Berhad. When you desperately need help, he will be the first person lending his hands to assist. This reminisce me sometime 27 years ago, when I was in Kuching, waiting for my MCE result. One find morning in May 1981, he made his effort and troubled himself, calling (telephone was a lucrative subject then) me and proud with the result that I had achieved. It was not 10As though, but alhamdullillah, the best Malay (top 10 out of about 70 students in the science class) ever achieved flying colors at MCE level. Subsequently, I managed to pursue my study and obtained a seat in the University Technology of Malaysia, KL. At that point of time, I hardly kept RM 10 in my pocket, left alone any picture of what KL is. I performed solatul Hajat and prayed to Allah swt for help – to settle the fees, accommodation, to purchase the airplane tickets-which to me something impossible to get, foods and drinks, etc. Alhamdullillah, helps came in from Allah swt, and I will always remember Hj Ma’som’s words; ‘don’t worry, I will help to arrange for the plane ticket…….’, which reduced my worries then. He was one of the backbones of my so-called success. Allah swt asks us to seek help from Him even though, for that matter, you need a new shoelace.
With the existence of the two bridges on the mouth of Kuala Baram (the second longest river in Sarawak) river and the Kuala Belait river in Brunei, travelling to Brunei or to Bandar Sri Begawan in specific, which is about 125 km from Miri is less hassle. Driving with normal speed, took us less than 2 hours to reach our late beloved sister’s house Kak Hjh Zohren at Jerudong.
At ‘Baitu Saadati Zohren’, Jerudong, Bg Hj Ismail, his family members and all his brothers greeted us with warmth welcome. We were touched with their VIP treatment.. The lunch was superb. Among others, the prawn cooked with durian, hot chili and coconut milk was the killer item. The three seasons Grouper and other local cuisine were really scrumptious and delightful.

Kak Roslia aka Kak Yak and her only daughter Nadhirah were there cheering up the day.

Our charming niece, Irma and Suria with their cute babies giving us their gorgeous pose.

Suria, Irma, Norlen, Kak Hjh Rosnah and Nana posed slothfully after the superb scrumptious lunch.

Naufal in MU T-shirt and the rest of his cousins were supportive and prone to camera. They are chubby, gorgeous, and lovely.

The exquisite Kak Hjh Fatimah and Kak Hjh Mariam sharing us their evergreen divine pose.

Bg Osman, Hj Ma’som, Erwin, Awg. Hj Mostafa, Awg. Hj Arifin, Pehin Hj Aziz and Awg. Hj Ismail posing while enjoying the locally made delicacies and cakes during the high tea.

We stopped at one of the mosque at Jerudong to perform our Dzuhur-‘Asar prayer before we depart for Miri. The mosque is air-conditioned, well maintained, aesthetically pleasant, and managed. This is one of the things that I personally salute the Bruneian; they are really concern with the housekeeping and maintenance of their mosques. Tip to all Muslim travelers, anywhere you go, one must make an effort to look for any mosque or Islamic Centre before anything else. As we all knows, Mosque is the ‘House’ of Allah swt and He like most and bazaar is he dislike. Thus, engaging or linking ourselves with the ‘House’ of Allah swt, will assure you success with His Blessing.