One Evening at Idku

Last weekend, I left my handphone's charger in my office, which is about 50 km away. I have got no choice, but to take it, to charge my handphone's drained-out battery. The lessons learnt; no matter how busy you are, be focused and organised. No matter how the situation is, we must take sometime to focus on Safety, Security, Health and Environment. I took this opportunity exploring the nearby date farm and Burullus lake. It was indeed a fine evening.

The above photo was taken at Burullus lake, next to the Idku date farm. One of the main occupation of the Idkuian is fishing, which is categorised into two types, i.e., Sea and Lake fishing. Many of them, the fishermen, started their 'office hours' as early as 06:00 hours and went home around 18:30 hours, together with the sun who obediently complied to Allah swt's Rules.
What is quite unusual about the date or balah in the local dialect is, it start producing its new shoot or flowering in early March (normally is early April or some in late March). I have asked my Egyptian friends, some of them said this phenomena could be due to some extend the global warming. Apparently, the winter this year was mild and short. Spring resume its duty early this year. Ultimately, all these are by Allah Rabbul Jalil.

Comfy GEOX Respira Vs Redy Casual Adidas

I need something comfy to pamper my feet. Coincidently GEOX City Stars had their Spring Sales, hence my ‘attack’. Mine is the ‘brother’ of Nana’s piece. In relation to this so-called ‘attack’, the new release by Adidas has attracted Afiqah, who is trying to be more daring but casual.

Our Last BSA International Day 2010

The most awaited event of the British School of Alexandria, the International Day 2010 came again. The kids were very excited and eager participating in some of the program. However, this year, several countries were not participating, such as, India, Korea, Indonesia, Japan and few others that I could recall. Nevertheless, the hit and aura of the one-day auspicious event were still felt by both the kids, parents and their friends.
This year, her good friend, Dorin and her two adopted Azhar students, Yati and Shira, whom I called the Dream Team, assisted my exquisite lovely wife, Nana. Akin to the kids’ story (below), it was Nana’s last participation with the BSA event.

Their Mamak Style Fried Noodle was the hit of the day. Within 30 minutes, all their Malaysian delicacies, Choco-Banana Popiya, Batik Cake and Curry Puff were ‘cleaned’ by the Korean, Italian, Brit, the Malawian, the Philippines, Spanish, the Egyptians, the Turks, the Indians, and many others. Kudos to the Dream Team.

The weather was amazing, alhamdullilah. The kids donned their traditional costume or dresses, but some were simply attached their countries’ flags on their shirts. All these shapes and colors though cheered the day and boosted the moderate program they had this year, which enhanced the ambience. As for Afi, M Afiq, M Asri, M Aiman and Afiqah, amid their cheerful jovial smile they painted on their faces, March 18, 2010 witnessed their last participation in the BSA International Day that had stirred the mixed feeling. They are going to miss their friendly teachers, the school, the curriculum, and most of all their friends from at least 18 nationalities. The camaraderie that they built since three and a half years ago with these people had made them more matured, widen their mind frame & paradigm, provided opportunities for them to learn about cultural differences, and had opened up their eyes on what life is all about. They were together building success, achieving the stars, and working together sustaining their momentum for their future life. All these had spiked their growth rate – physical and mental, dramatically.

My dear readers, allow me to pause for while to control my emotion. Tears drop from my eyes…………………..O Mighty Allah, give me strength to revive.

This reminded me about my dream that I had back 30 years ago when I was started carving my life sculpture in Lutong – the Malaysia Oil town. During school holiday, the well-off kids flying with their families to KL, Singapore, etc., but kid like me had no other places to go, except riding our self-modified bicycle to nearby town, such as Piasau Camp or the nearest beaches. Piasau camp, slightly more than 1 km away from Lutong, was a place where the Royal Dutch Company, Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB) accommodated their expatriate families. There were less than 200 families staying within the perimeter. As a caring company, SSB built several amenities, such as boat club, clinic, sport club, etc. One of those was, the Piasau International School. The building, the garden and the decorations of the school then had triggered and tickled my inner feeling and mind. As we passed by, I asked myself, “How I wish that I am one of the student in that such amazing building, listening to wonderful teachers, and wearing good uniform?”

Alhamdullillah – praise only to Allah swt, Allahu Akbar – Allah is Great! Lucky my kids. Allah swt has realized my dream through my five lovely obedient kids. The three and a half years experience though is surely not sufficient enough to build them, but at least will create another important chapter of their life history. To all my kids, let us move on to create another better if not distinctive chapter of our life in the ‘eyes’ of Allah Rabul Jalil.

Many of the great inventions that we enjoy today were the products of many great people that never see their products. Be one of them.
The Sahabat had contributed and sacrificed their life – wealth, time and efforts in propagating the true sense and the greatness of Islam that will guarantee us good life. Be one of them.

The great Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) had demonstrated us the way and shown us the path of how to become a good human being. Follow him.

In this release, we would like to record our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the teachers, the staff of BSA, the parents and the great pupil of the BSA. As we are just humble human beings, please accept our million apologies for our shortcomings. May God bless you all and all the best. Until we meet again. SAJ 2010.

IMSAK BBQ @ Family Day 2010

With the theme of “the more the merrier, united we stand”, IMSAK abbreviation of Ikatan Mahasiswa Sarawak (http://imsakmesir.blogspot.com) or Sarawak Uni-Student Association in Egypt had recently organized their 2 days and 1 night Annual Family Day at their Hostel located at El Haiyu El Ashar or District 10, Nasr City, Cairo. The two days auspicious event was filled with various categories of activities. The spiritual enhancement program, i.e. the Fajr (dusk) talk, the Maghrib (dawn) talk, and the Qiyammulail or literally means wake up during the two-third of the night for prayer, etc. Unfortunately, I managed attending the Maghrib talk by one of the third year Al-Azhar student from Terengganu. He was talking about the importance of following the Sunnah or the way of the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) and the essentiality to respect his way of life in case we are not able to apply it. Indeed a compelling talk had refreshed and reminded us about our journey as the servant of Allah swt. Another category was the physical program that had provided the members to build their physique through activities such as, futsal, volleyball, the giant leg, the musical chair, the ‘cock’ fighting, table tennis, and the ‘water bomb’. The last part was the mental challenging session - quiz with obstacle and sign-language quiz. All categories of activities were professionally organized by these 1st and 2nd year students and it was awesome.
After the long day physical activities, the brief menu; fried Bi-hun, Egg salad, Curry Puff, Batik cake, and the BBQ chickens (that were marinated overnight) energized all of us. All these were home made.
The members of IMSAK and all Sarawakian family in Egypt were pampered and treated by the decent BBQ party at their hostel – Asrama Kenyalang roof top. During the BBQ, members were encouraged to give a brief speech and there were session called ‘ukhuwah’ or exchange of gift (EOG). The EOG was fun!

During the BBQ, I was invited to give a 5 minutes pep talk. I took the opportunity with honor emphasizing on the importance of investing sincerely our efforts and time to achieve the true success. Irrespective of who we are, what we want to be, and where we come from, we must work together as build our strength to enhance our Iman or faith that will smoothen our journey thereafter. I told them, “’A’ is important, but ‘A’ is the consequent of something. Hence, the ‘something’ is much more important than the ‘A’ itself. The fact is, ‘A’ is Allah swt’s prerogative”. I reminded them that, “there are about 25% Muslim in Sarawak, and thus, it is our responsibility to bring the remaining 75% to the path of Allah swt. Statically, there are merely 34 Sarawakian pursuing their studies mainly in the Medical and Religious discipline. 25% of the Muslim population in Sarawak is expecting from 34 of you to brighten their life later. Quite a tough and challenging responsibility though”. I further shared them my perception about success, “A doctor (who study about human body and its related knowledge) will not live forever and those who study the Islamic religious importance is not guaranteed heaven; the indescribable and unthinkable Jannah – the Heaven of Allah swt is for those who had possessed the true sense of Iman”.

Jannah, the niece of Nana's good friend - Uteh is the first year student of the Al-Azhar University. She is very friendly and supportive. Her brother, Azman is also studying in the same university. All the best to both of them.

Our great assets, 'Afi, Muhammad Asri, Muhammad Afiq and Afiqah with their natural pose.

Muhammad Aiman, me and the rest of the IMSAK members (boy) after the 'Exchange of Gift' program. Good job dude. Keep it up!

Nana, Afiqah and the IMSAK (girl) members. By the way, there were around 14 Sarawakian female students here in Egypt. Kudos to all the IMSAK members and strive hard for our future generation.

Pit Stop at 'Desert Road Restaurant'

Amid the windy chilly desert weather, sipping the black Egyptian coffee (with no sugar) or ahwa seda’a in local dialect served in its typical small cup along the Desert Cairo-Alex road was really a wonderful experience. After many times travelling along this desert road crossing the Egyptian desert since inhabiting this exotic land, this was our first time relaxing in this decent pleasant restaurant. The 20 meters restaurant is divided into three areas; the dining area, the relaxation area for the customer to enjoy hot drinks and snacks; and a small Masjid. While on the way to Cairo, we accidently stopped at this restaurant to assist Muhammad Asri to settle his nature’s call. It was indeed a right decision though. Relatively speaking, the facilities were very clean and the people were very friendly.

Kafe Seri Putra@Malaysia Hall Abbasiayah, Cairo

In my previous release, I shared you our dining experience at Kafe Seri Putra (KSP) Alexandria branch. Last weekend, we had an opportunity having our lunch at their Main Branch located at the First floor of Malaysia Hall Abbasiyah, Cairo. We arrived there around 15:30 hours from Alexandria. I met Yusuf, the owner and chief Chef of the KSP. He politely greeted and ushered us to the dining table, which had been prepared for the seven of us.
10 minutes later, our first order – the ‘three seasons’ fried sea bass. Travelling 5 hours along the Desert road and stuck in the Cairo jam had enhanced our appetites. Hence, the elaborate lunch – two large bowls of chicken Tom Yam (the popular Thailand soup), fried chicken mixed with vegetables, and the hit was the famous KSP’s Curry Crabs. Believe me, akin to the hungry lion, neglecting the table etiquette and manner; we wallop all the foods in 20 minutes. It was really a scrumptious meal.

In the above photo, the three seasons fried Sea Bass were pleasantly presented, attracted and boosted anyone's appetite. Below, the hot Curry Crabs drained our sweat away despite the chilly ambience of Cairo.

The service was remarkable; the crews were reliable, decent and efficient; the ambience was superb; and the price was very reasonable. We recommend to anyone who in any instances visiting Cairo, especially the Malaysian food crazes to have their meal at this restaurant.

...Energy Return, Aspiring Others Everywhere

Some noble thingy that I oblige to share.
If you have heard about Grameen Bank, than you must know Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economist from Chittagong who had received more than 20 awards & Noble prizes. I had shared his brief biography and his noble efforts in early release.
Well, that was just the mere introduction but the gist of this release is about the story of my two friends Ahmad Zaidi and Redza Shamsuddin who spent their weekend doing some noble thing.

I was at this place called Dewan Malaysia Abbasiah or Malaysia Hall Abbasiyah last Friday. I met Yusuf the chief Chef who was busy with his catering things, entertaining his workers and customers. He was asked to cater foods & drinks for activities organized by the students and NGOs on that day. There were many activities going on and, one of it was the English class at the Tutorial Hall of this majestic building.
After we had our lunch, I went down to the Tutorial Hall and met eight eager self-motivated Malaysian el Azhar students who realized the importance of mastering English language to achieve their dreams. Their zealous determination has made me proud. The ‘teachers’ introduced me to all of them.
I greeted them, “Assalammualaikum”. One of the teacher reminded me that you have to converse in English during this class. Sure, it should! Thus, I obliged diligently. One of them read the English Article given by their ‘teacher’. “Do you understand what you had just read? Anything to clarify” asked the ‘teacher’ compassionately. “Excuse me ‘teacher’”, replied the student. “I don’t understand what the meaning of meticulous is?” His question touched my heart. Their passion and sincerity had put off their shyness. Both ‘teachers’ blissfully rationalized the meaning of the words and article to them.

And, let me introduce you again their so called teachers - Ahmad Zaidi Datuk Dr. Hatta and Redza Samsudin. A bit of history of this initiative. It was first mooted by the wife of Shell Egypt’s Chairman. Cik Putri volunteered to take up the initiative and her legacy was passed along to Badely and Afendy. Three of them had left Egypt a year ago. Our friend Ahmad Munir revived this initiative recently and got the assistance of Ahmad Zaidi, Redza and Yusmadi. They take turns facilitating the classes.

When I approached him Ahmad Zaidi informed us that, “Learning goes both ways.. the student learn a bit of public speaking/ English and we as facilitators learn a bit about the lives of these students. He continued, “Probably not many of us knew that during examinations here, the person monitoring the exams make some side business by selling shay and ahwa to the students. Who can imagine that, while taking the exams, we could order a cup of shay? Amazing !”

Well Kudos to A Munir, Yusmadi,, Badley, Afendy, Putri and the wife of Shell Egypt’s Chairman.

The morale of the story is, we have to spend our wealth, efforts and the time (to the path of Allah) with the people ‘on the streets’ to be closer to Allah Rabbul Jalil.
Rasullullah saw encouraged us to look at the ‘lower’ people for us to build our inner strength. The higher we climb, be it the highest mountain, the tallest tree, the tallest building or whatever, the more we rely on the lower people. The fact is that, after the long strenuous climb reaching the peak, you will have to look down at the people who had supported and helped you.
This reminded me about a blind mountaineer – Erik Weihenmeyer – the only blind person who ever had reached the top of the world – the 8840 meters lofty vantage point. When three of them were about to put-off their dream, one guy at the base camp called a weather-man motivated them through their satellite radio, pushing their morale with the weather report, etc.

No mountain is high when there is a will; when there is a will, there is a way.Energy Receive Energy Return, Aspiring Others Everywhere.

Distinctive Contribution

Last week, while browsing my satellite programs, I was attracted by a reality American television show called the Bank of Hollywood of the channel 1 Showtime Satellite. The show is based on the UK series titled “Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway”. It was about four panel members of prominent American celebrities who were tasked to evaluate the genuineness and eligibility of any American citizens who were asking for financial support to achieve success and realize their dreams. The four panel members shall grant them the financial support – the requested money after they were impressed and convinced by the ‘presentation’ of each ‘applicants’. The one-hour show was filled with entertainment – laughter, cynical remarks and to some extend shedding tears – by people from all walks of life, professions, and talents came with different colors and creativity, compelling while trying to win the panel’s heart. The story that I wanted to share here was about a single mom, who out of her passion and kindness, have been adopting fifty five (55) handicap boys since many years ago (I could not recall the exact years). She was requesting for USD 73,000 to buy a handicap-friendly van to ease her daily routine in transporting her ‘sons’ to school ad other places. She bought them good clothing; provided them with very decent accommodation and shelter; prepared them good healthy food and most of all, educated them with appropriate knowledge. They live a happy life. Well, her compelling stories had not only convinced the panel but shed tears of all audiences and viewers – including me who was also embarrassed by a non-wealthy single non-Muslim mom, who had sacrifice her life aspiring and inspiring other.

Akin to the above, is the story of another distinctive figure, the founder of Grameen Bank - Muhammad Yunus. He was born in 28th June, 1940 in the village of Bathua, in Hathazari, Chittagong, the business centre of what was then Eastern Bengal. He was the third of 14 children of whom five died in infancy. His father was a successful goldsmith who always encouraged his sons to seek higher education. However, his biggest influence though was his mother, Sufia Khatun, who always helped any poor that knocked on their door. This inspired him to commit himself to eradication of poverty. In 1947, his family moved to the city of Chittagong, where his father had the jewelry business.
In 1974, Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economist from Chittagong University, led his students on a field trip to a poor village. They interviewed a woman who made bamboo stools, and learnt that she had to borrow the equivalent of 15p to buy raw bamboo for each stool made. After repaying the intermediary, sometimes at rates as high as 10% a week, she was left with a penny profit margin. Had she been able to borrow at advantageous rates, she would have been able to amass an economic cushion and raise herself above subsistence level.
Realizing that there must be something terribly wrong with the economics he was teaching, he took matters into his own hands, and from his own pocket lent the equivalent of money to the basket-weavers. He found that it was possible with this tiny amount not only to help them survive, but also to create the spark of personal initiative and enterprise necessary to pull themselves out of poverty.
To cut the long story short, in 1983, with the principles of trust and solidarity, the Grameen Bank, which literally means 'village bank' was formed. In Bangladesh today, Grameen Bank has 1,084 branches, with 12,500 staff serving 2.1 million borrowers in 37,000 villages. On any working day, the Bank collects an average of $1.5 million in weekly installments. Of the borrowers, 94% are women and over 98% of the loans are paid back, a recovery rate higher than any other banking system. Their methods are applied in projects in 58 countries, including the US, Canada, France, the Netherlands and Norway.

The Muhammad Yunus story reminded me about prominent Malaysian trailblazers, one of the members of the Malaysian Billionaire club, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhari. Came from a small village in the northern Malay Peninsula, he lived a simple life and has no high-end formal academic grooming. However, inspired by his mother, backed-up by his positive attitude, hard working, and strong conviction with his principles, has made him the top 10 recognized Malay businessman by Forbes. I will share his principles and perceptions about what a successful distinctive person should have in my next release.
Some how or rather, the stories had reminded me about what a true good Muslim should possess and do for the rest of Human Kind. The Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) had demonstrated and taught us about these noble distinctive aspect of human kind. He has left us with his sunnah for us to subscribe, which will enhance the human community so as to ensure real success.

Malaysian Restaurant in Alexandria

Kafe Seri Putra (KSP) is one of the Malaysia restaurants operating in Alexandria. Others are Serumpun and Romansa, which are actually operates by joint-venture Malaysian-Indonesian Al-Azhar students. KSP however, is our favorites mainly because of the quality service, excellent menu, and pleasant dining ambience.
It is a branch of KSP Malaysia Hall, Cairo owned by Yusuf. Located at ground floor of MARA Building along the Sosistress Street, Ramly Station, Alexandria, KSP serves varieties of Malaysian cuisine. One would opt for buffet or ala-carte menu, such as all sort of fried rice, noodles, soups, crab curry, tri-taste fried fish, the Malay traditionally cooked fish, beef and lamb, all types of Malay cooked shrimp, chili-fried catfish, etc. And, not to forget the famous ‘teh tarik mamak’ that will quench your thirst. While waiting for the ordered foods to be served, one could try the Malaysian delicacies and other tit-bits displayed at the shelves near the Cashier. One important thing that impressed me was the staffs’ behaviors. They were very polite, responsive and had possessed that customer-friendly attitude. Most of them are Al Azhar Univeristy students who do not have any sponsors, working to sustain their financial strength to support their study and family.
The dining area is divided into two main areas, the open and the air-conditioned areas. There were sofa set for you to relax and stretching your legs while waiting for the foods. Last weekend, we had our ala-carte dinner here - to support our fellow Malaysian while enjoying the scrumptious foods.

One of my favorites is the Mee Bandung or 'Bandung (name of one of the city in Jakarta, Indonesia) noodle. Nasi Ayam Paprik is another best option.

Trying Malaysian cuisine with a very reasonable prices and remarkable service in this unique land of Egypt was something enriching.

My Latest Perfume Collection

Drakkar Noir is one of favorites Eau De Toilette whereas Dunhill is the latest brand of my perfume collections. Bought from the Egyptian Airline Duty Free shop, the prices are very much cheaper from the local shops.

Perfume is one of the things loved by the great Messenger of Allah swt, Prophet Muhammad saw. He encouraged the male Muslim to use perfume when performing the five daily obligatory prayer in the Masjid or in other occasions.

Latest Collection

Strike when it is on Sales…..you will get the best deal, but not for the new latest arrival items though. Nothing is perfect in this temporary world, but all the things are created with purpose. And, all the purpose and roles are equally important....GEOX Respira - Winter 2009/2010.

The Fresh look of Mustafa Kamal Masjid Kafr Abdou

The Masjid was built in 1964, hence it age 46 years old. Since then, it went through series of restoration and the last major one was in July-September 2009. They spent about 250,000 EGP to face-lift mainly the interior of the Masjid and some deteriorated structure. Besides the new fresh ‘appearance’, new carpet, new shelves, new ablution facilities, and lightings, now, the Masjid is equipped with air-condition units.
The photos were taken recently, when Aiman and I were late performing our ‘Asar prayer. It is not good to procrastinate things, what more to say, our five daily obligation prayers. May Allah swt grant us the inner spiritual strength and faith for us to practice His Rules as shown by His beloved Messenger Prophet Muhammad saw.

Hijrah - To The Path of Allah

This is my latest work entitled ‘Hijrah’ or emigrates. ‘Hijrah’ literally means leaving your hometown to another place for good. In Islam, Hijrah is the migration of the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) and his followers to the city of Madinah in 622, hence its significance to a humble Muslim like me.
Fundamentally, one should emigrate from its comfort zone to learn and enhance themselves in all aspects. Allah swt in the Holy Qur’an El Kareem reminded us to look and learn from what He had created in this universe so as to be inspired and aspired. The fact is that, any living creatures in this world, the blood, the wind, the water, all types of birds, trees, electricity, etc. must move or ‘emigrate’ from one point to another in its own form, otherwise, that particular creature is considered ‘dead’, useless or not functioning. Hijrah will surely broaden our mind frame and shifting our paradigm, thus making us a better person with positive attitude and perception. This reminded me about the famous Malay’s proverb, “Jangan jadi macam katak dibawah tempurung” or literally means like a frog under the coconut shell, who thought that he has already have everything in life, complacent and arrogant, denying the existence of other wonderful things outside the old coconut shell.

The ‘Hijrah’ is made of used Carefourr’s receipt; boarding passes of Qatar Airways, Egypt Air, Jordan Air, MAS, and Turkish airline; Gates’ tickets of various places that we had visited in Egypt, Jordan and Turkey; Polystyrene; Scarves’ decoration pins and masking tape.

Yes, success comes with sacrifices and sacrifice comes in many forms – time, efforts, wealth and health. While ‘efforts’ are not necessarily physical, wealth is not necessary the monetarily aspect but also the ‘quality’ of both aspects. Well, what is more important though is for us to promote and to practice what we know.
It took me two nights to put all these materials together, few months to come up with the idea and months to collect all the materials. Alhamdullillah, here I am with the ‘Hijrah’ - dedicated to my family and those who are on the ‘Path of Allah swt, sacrificing their life propagating good deeds and bringing people to the right path for better tomorrow – the life thereafter.