After almost 5 months away from their brothers - M Asri & M Aiman and little sis - Afiqah, Bintulu Airport witnessed their excitement when Afi and M Afiq exit the arrival lounge around 18:25 hours. Except M Asri, M Aiman and Afiqah waited impatiently but zealously for their big brothers at the arrival hall. 
From across the al Azhar Street that carves the historic city into two parts, one could see the dome and minaret of Madrasah and Sabil Kuttab of Sultan al Ashraf Barsbay. Linking the al Mu’izz Street, the historic spine of the city, is the metal footbridge or flyover. 
The Madrasah was the first monument that we stopped and explored during the third phase of our adventure. In the interest of time, we decided to skip visiting Khan el Khalili, Masjid el Hussain, Masjid el Azhar and other historic monuments within the perimeter. Moreover, we had visited these spots couple of times. 
It was built in 1425. It is cruciform in plan, with a mausoleum attached on the street façade. The sabil-kuttab is near the portal entrance at the south end. A three-tiered decorated minaret crowned by an onion-shaped dome marks the entrance to the building. Sultan al Ashraf Barsbay himself is buried in the northern cemetery.
Right after the Madrasah and Sabil-kuttab of Sultan al Ashraf Barsbay, on the north west corner of the intersection of al Muski street or in arabic Sharia al Muski and al-Mu’izz Street is the Masjid and Sabil-kuttab of Shaikh Mutahhar that was constructed in 1744. The lunette of tiles over the door, the minaret above the entrance, and the sabil-kuttab belong to a structure built here by 'Abd al-Rahman Katkhunda. I had a brief stop here. The well maintained wooden arabesques works of some parts of the building especially the masharabeya amazed me. But in the interest of time to catch the Friday prayer congregation, I went on. 
Still in the midst of preparing the write-up 
Adjacent or rather opposite of the Majestic Madrasah al Mansur Qalawun and on the south side of Mausoleum of al Salih Nagma al Din is Sabil-kuttab of Khusraw Pasha. It is the first Ottoman sabil-kuttab in Cairo built in 1535, but designed in the Mamluk style. The place is very clean and normally visitors will spend or stop for a while here to take their breath before continuing their walk.The builder Khusraw Pasha or Hüsrev Pasha was one of the most active builders among Ottoman governors. He constructed several masjid at Diyarbakir around 1519 – 1529; Sarajevo in 1532, and Van in 1567. 
Last weekend we went to Miri and had a brief stop at Bintang Plaza or specifically Parkson to buy few items. To our surprise, we saw TwinzBites and its crew were participating in Miri Wedding Expo, the first this year I think? Anyway, kudos to Miah (one of Twinzbites' directors) for making efforts to expand their market share. 
Very proud of this signage – ABF Neighborhood Watch. It has been there for more than 11 years standing steadfastly reminding people about the importance of unity vs. selfishness. That was many years ago when the housing area was populated by the ABF people. Now, however, its existence is no more relevant. The design of the signage is actually the logo of ABF Neighborhood Watch initiated and formed in 1998 by group of some concerned devoted ABF staff, supported and sponsored by one of the PETRONAS subsidiaries – Asean Bintulu Fertiliser Sdn Bhd a.k.a ABF. It all started when the Company’s house - SS2E/7 that I stayed was broken-in during having our ‘sahur’ i.e. taking food or having meal before we start our obligation, the second tenet of Islam – fasting in the month of Ramadhan, at around 04:40 hours. After completed my meal, I went up preparing myself for the dawn prayer. Second after I opened our bedroom door, I was shocked when I saw someone behind the curtain tried or rather climbed over our window and fled away. Muhammad Afiq, Muhammad Asri and the little M Aiman were in their deep sleep at the corner of the room. Without much thought I’ve tried to give a chase but ended up stuck at the window shouting for help. My good neighbor M Ridzuan rushed out responded to my 95decibel pitch, but could not do much though. Amid the adrenalin rush and state of nervousness, with a hand-made ‘samurai’ sword, I exhausted my effort tracking the possible path of the intruder. The spiritually harmonic dawn prayer call, ‘Azan’, forced me to withdraw the operation. I said to myself, “things happened for reasons; hence I must go back to the Almighty Allah swt for help”. After came back from Masjid al Hidayah, we then made a thorough check and sad to share, few RM notes / cash in my wallet and my mom’s jewelries were burgled. Same time on the following morning, my friend’s house, just 100 meters from my house, was intruded by same modus operandi. Not to further deteriorate the situation and to prevent other houses from this mad vulgar non humane person, we – Kassim, Mohamad, Yusuf, A Hakim and few others formed a commando like group to trace any sign of intruders in the neighborhood. Equipped with catapult, dagger, torch light, etc., the team resumed their round from 03:00 hours until around 04:30 hours. Prior to that, we reported our move to the nearest police station. There were very supportive and cooperative. To cut the long story short, we received strong support by the community and gradually, many had joined us. The noble move had attracted ABF’s Management. They had given us full support in many aspects, among others, the installation of the signage that carried the group logo – the owl. 
This is the place I stay or my ‘house’ since I moved to KL on February 6 2011 for my special assignment –Impiana KLCC. Nestled right in the heart of the city, the hotel is positioned among prominent landmarks without exception the splendid PETRONAS Twin Towers and the ultra modern Kuala Lumpur Convention Center aka KL Convex. Recently, KLCC Holdings, the owner of this property launched an air-conditioned and weather proof elevated 183 meters walkway that links the hotel with the KL Convex, which provides convenience to not only the hotel guests but all city folks from all walks of life. 
Some of the hot air balloons with the Minister of Finance building (and some other Government buildings) as background. The photo was taken from the Putrajaya Bridge. One could see in the background, Para-gliders showing their skill maneuvering the balloons.
It was a bright Sunday morning. After spending almost one and a half hour at Tonka Bean Café, Impiana Hotel and SPA, KLCC, I drove my 8 years old Trajet to Putrajaya. I arrived there at around 09:35 hours and parked my car on the famous Putrajaya Bridge, simply because the car park was fully occupied.
I’ve read about this balloon thing few weeks ago and very eager to watch it life. Planned to go on Saturday, but weather was not suitable for photo shooting – a little bit cloudy and temperature was dull. Furthermore, Zailan invited me to his ‘doa selamat’ that I felt obligated. Besides experiencing weekend in KL, my main intention visiting the 3rd Hot Air Balloon Fiesta was testing my photography skill with my new Nikon D7000. 
Awas Kecurian’ – literally translates ‘theft alert’; the notice board actually reminds visitors to lock their car, also not to leave their valuables inside their car and the Masjid shall not be liable for any unwanted circumstances.
I’ve bought the book a day after the launching by the Tun himself at the MPH outlet in the Mid Valley Megamall. Tun Mahathir Mohamed, the former Malaysian Premier is one of trail-blazers that I really admire. He is truly one and only Malaysian architect who has placed Malaysia significantly in the world map – a man to be watched.
It was the first day of the Chinese New Lunar year. We had a long break. A long break in Bintulu!?..well, you guys must be kidding?! Bintulu is populates with foreigner, I mean, Malaysian from different states and divisions who earn their living in this rich gas division in the middle of Sarawak. And, they will definitely take the long break flying back to their home land or adventuring somewhere else. Malaysia though has many interesting attractive tourist spots that one must visit.
To cut that long and boring intro short, I’ve decided to bring Aiman and Afiqah ‘hunting’ for the Chinese Lion dance group popularly known as ‘China Rongan’ amongst the Malay. Don’t ask me where do it get its nickname – ‘China Rongan’? it is always easy to hunt them – by its tradition drum beat – “tong tong chiang..tong chiang……tong.. tong……”, and they normally travel by 2 or 3 tons lorry with bright striking colorful ‘uniform’. After spending about 10 minutes around the Tanjung Kidurong housing area, we found one at Taman Matahari. They were performing inside someone’s garden, thus we turned off our idea to capture their acrobatic stunt and ended up landing at Millennium Park.
Now, what is the Millennium Park? It is located in the middle of used to be Bintulu Port Housing area, x-ABF housing, SESCO Housing and x-Shell MDS housing – Taman Matahari. Apart from that, it is just 5-10 minutes walking distance from SMK Kidurong, Masjid Darul Hidayah, Petronas Station, Police Station and shop houses. The other factor that has made the Park so attractive to the people in the nearby neighborhood, besides its facilities, is its location facing the South China Sea.
The park in that morning, however, was so quiet. Beautifully landscaped, it has one of the best skate park in Sarawak, basketball court, petanque courts, jogging lane and many others, which have made it so ‘noisy’ and happening in the afternoon, especially during weekends.
In collaboration with Bintulu Development Authority, the National Landscape Department built the park in two phases. The second phase was launched by the Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud on 23 January 2010.
for a first year first semester student who does not have any basic in architectural science, I must salute his efforts and creativity in coming up with the awesome models. Keep it up dude! Anyway, it is still a long way to go and like I've always said, put your best efforts and do it for Allah swt.
While on the way to Miri yesterday (I took a day off and flew back to Bintulu early in the morning – touched down at Bintulu airport at 9:36 hours), Masom, astonishingly called and forced us to open Al-Jazeera for the Breaking News – Tokyo hit by 8.9 Richter-scale earthquake simultaneously by 7-10 meters Tsunami. Unfortunately though, we were not able to access any satellite assisted devices to witness the horrifying scene. The whole world communities were shocked and stunned with the horrendous breaking news. However, on the other side of the coin, the Japanese who were used with the dreadful situation were calmed and what amazed me, despite the devastating effect of the current, the damages were relatively minimal. Our thoughts are with you.
The above two photos were downloaded from the internet.
That fine Saturday morning, at around 09:05 hours, while on the way to office, few figures and characters caught my eyes and attracted my attention. I stopped, placed my backpack on the ground and took my snapper-D7000 out to capture the moment. They came here to this serene KLCC Park as early as 06:30 hour to ensure the tranquility of the park is not spoilt by any unwanted or unpleasant circumstances.
Some people spent their time here at this hour to enhance their health, but most people, local and foreigner alike came here to admire the magnificent exquisite architecture of the world tallest twin tower. The towers have made us Malaysians proud and those who had the opportunities landed their feet at the park shared the same feeling – the pride their experience akin to the Eifel Tower, El Burj El Dubai, Great Wall of China and many other wonders in this world.
In the above photo, a German woman (I think – from the accent) ‘breaking-away’ from her group to find a good angle capturing the peak of the twin towers with her digital compact camera.
Other important figures who always presence here every day in the park, are the gardeners, security, housekeepers and janitors. And, most of them are foreign general laborer from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and others (honestly, I don’t where exactly they are from). Speak fluent Malay; they are very obedient and hardworking. 
Amid the KL concrete steel glass forest, the soaring loafty KL Tower dominated the scene. The tower is on the north side of the Twin Tower that house my corner lot office at L54.
Chatuchak pronounce as Jatujak; aka JJ – a weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand. Akin to KapaliCarsi or Grand Bazaar in Turkey, covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 5,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays though Jatujak Plaza, the western section is open daily. In the North West corner is the J.J. Mall, with three floors of assorted oddments as well as eateries.
The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and live animals. For tourists, there are a number of onsite companies who will send purchases abroad. Beware of Pick-pocket though, one important thing that one must have when shopping at the bazaar is negotiation or bargaining skill.
Chatuchak Market owes its origin to Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram, the late prime minister of Thailand, who came up with the idea of setting up a flea market in every town. As a result, the first flea market in Bangkok was held at Sanam Luang and was called Sanam Luang flea Market.
However, there was time when the place was needed for other special functions and the flea market was then relocated to Saranrom Palace and settled there for 8 years.
After that, it was moved again to Sanam Chai. But because of the limited space, it had to be moved back to Sanam Luang. Really, walking through the narrow alley was quite interesting: in some lanes, one could here melodious sound (in Thai) of the vendors luring customers to their shops. Rest assured, you will never get lost with all good signage that guide you to one sections to another and the warmth hospitality of the Thais will make you feel at home, despite their meagerness of conversing in English. The market map or rather guide was abundantly available (FOC) from most of shops and tourist information centers. 
In the above photo, a street vendor traditionally blending and mixing the famous hot mango based salad. Amazed with her patience and perseverance, I’ve asked her permission via body language capturing her ingenious nifty moment. And, below are her customers. Awesome!!
In the same year, the government issued a policy to turn Sanam Luang into a public park for citizens of Bangkok and to be the venue to celebrate 200-year-anniversary of Bangkok, which would be held in 1982. Thus, it was decided that the flea market would be held at the Phahonyothin area from then on and it is later called Chatuchak Market after the nearby park. Until about 1995 the walkways were open to the sky and also to the rain. They then covered the walkways which stopped the rain in the rainy season, but also made the walkways hotter than before. However, in some sections, are equip with air-conditioning or wall fans.
In recent years the market has gained considerable notice among conservationists and the World Wildlife Fund; Chatuchak has become a notorious hub for trafficking illegal and endangered species, notably in the North West corner of the market which is all but isolated from the rest of the market. This activity was covered on CNN's "Planet in Peril" series. Despite publicity, Thai law is rarely able to pursue a course of action in preventing the illegal trade as it would just go underground elsewhere.
The market is adjacent to the Kamphaengphet station of the MRT Bangkok Metro Blue Line, or about a 5-minute walk from the Mo Chit station of the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line and another MRT station, Suan Chatuchak (Chatuchak Park). It only cost me about RM6 from Nana Station (very near to the Landmark Hotel) and took me about 20 minutes by the BTS Skytrain to the Mo Chit station.
