Fairmont Tower Features

The above photo shows the picture of Fairmont main Tower that placed the 4 unit modern elevators of this 5-storey building. Upon exiting the elevator door, one will be stunned by the greenery atrium that provides refreshing aura – frame of mind. The elevator tower is surrounded 250 degrees by five (*****) stars luxury restaurants that serves all types of cuisine and beverages – Aqua e Luce; Café Heliopolis; Fuze and Pizza Bar Bar – from the Asians grilled satay; the Japanese Sushi; homemade ice-cream, juices and panini; and off course the Middle-East set.
The design layout of all the outlets and its innovative culinary team provide distinctive serene ambience and experience - an experience that will surely bring you back here again.

Our Family Experience at Fairmont Towers Cairo

Our first ever experience staying at Fairmont Towers Hotel, Cairo. I have heard about this hotel a year ago, but due to its location, which is relatively far from our office at Maadi, I was quite hesitating staying here. However, during this 5 days Eidul Adha holiday, we decided to stay a night to experience the contemporary luxury features and all it has to offer.

After our Eid Adha Open-house visiting, we went directly to this hotel, which is located after the exclusive Roxy district, Cairo about 2 kilometers before the Cairo International airport. Almost every 5 – 10 minutes, one could see and hear the roaring sound of jet engines from the airplanes flying low and slow over the area, completing its landing process. Sometimes it is very annoying! Well, this is a fact of life you cannot grab and have everything in yourself, even if you are a multi billionaire.

We arrived at the hotel reception, around 16:15 hours. It was an awesome first impression. The friendly concierge and Security personnel greeted us with their warmth welcome and gleefully ushered us to the hotels’ splendid lobby and unique reception. I must say, this is the first hotel in Egypt that I have been and seen designed and fitted with a very modern cotemporary look. It took me merely 7 minutes registering my two double-rooms booking at the island-type reception counter….relatively amazing. The half-board two double rooms’ package is a prize that I received from my company for winning first prize during our first photography competition 2009 recently. Two out of my 14 photos that I have submitted had impressed panel of six judges. Honestly, there is nothing to be proud of though, but infinite thanks and praise be only for the almighty Allah swt. Alhamdullillah. The prize is for my kids and charming beloved wife – Nana.

Alhamdullillah

Eid Invitation : M Rosdi Chapter

After performing Aidil Adha Prayer at Mostafa Kamal Masjid, Kafr Abdou, five big size sheep were slaughtered or in a real term sacrificed in front of the Masjid. This resembled the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim a.s. with his son Prophet Ismail a.s. thousands years ago. Alhamdullillah, this year we were blessed by the Almighty Allah swt to sacrifice one cow, which will be done tomorrow the second day of the day of Tashreek.

At 9:20 hours, we went to Cairo visiting our friend. We had a pit stop at Dandy’s Mall performing our Friday prayer and had a light lunch at the food court. The Khatib briefly delivered the importance and significance of the Aidil Adha with a very expressive impactful style, at least to me who managed to swallowed 40% of it.
We arrived at Muhammad Rosdi’s residence at road 79, building 47 Maadi at around 14:40 hours. Standing in front of his spacious apartment with his light green Malay traditional dress coupled up with his sincere gesture, Muhammad Rosdi was authentically giving us his warmth welcome. We were served with scrumptious Ganu style cooked rice called ‘Nasi Mandi’ akin to the Middle East rice; traditional Malay biscuit; mini curry puff; locally made pudding, etc. The killer dish was the lemon grilled-baked chicken.
We would like to record our sincere heartfelt thanks to Muhammad Rosdi and family for nice reception. May Allah swt grant you His Grace and Mercy. Safe trip to Turkey.

Eid Mubarak

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Aidil Adha 1430

Today is the Arafat day or Wa’fa or hari Wukuf (in Malay) that signifies the beginning of the annual hajj process – the fifth tenet of Islam. More than 3 million Muslim pilgrimage have already gathered in that holy piece of land where thousands years ago, Prophet Adam a.s. and his wife Hawa a.s. met near mountain of Rahmah after both of them expelled by Allah swt from His Heaven. Wiseman said, the Arafat day is the climax of one's life - the lifetime journey towards the ultimate repentant.
However, it is sad to hear the news that more than 50 pilgrimages became the victim of unusual flood due to heavy downpour since yesterday in Jeddah, Makkah and its surrounding areas. It was also reported that, Mina, the place where almost all the pilgrimages will stay for three days, was also affected by the heavy rain.
From the bright side of it, this phenomenon would enhance our faith and strengthen our conviction to the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil. As he says in the Holy Qur’an nul Kareem, “ do not think that you have achieved the true faith, if you are not been tested”.
To all Muslim pilgrimages especially our brother Abd Khalek Hj Yusuf, Abdullah Pekok, Supardi, our sister Rahmah Hj Yusuf, Fatma Maari, Jamaiah Hj Hussen, relatives and friends; may you achieve Allah swt’s blessing and with His Grace and Mercy, may He grant you all with Hajj el Mabrour. Amiin
To all Muslim all over the globe, we wish you Eid Mubarak – Kol ‘Am Wa antum Bi Khair.

Who To Be Blamed?

The unofficial statistics says, there is at least one accident occurred every day along this beautiful 20 km three lanes double carriage corniche road and at least one fatal accident per month. It is not a good statistic though but apparently, that is the fact. In the afternoon today, when we were on the way to Bahery district, near one of the U-turn at Shatby district, two women were hit by car. How it happened only God knows, but both were unconscious while other pedestrians tried to manage the situation two ambulances promptly arrived at the scene.
The question is who to blame? There are more than 10 tunnels built by the authority for people to cross the road safely. The road is ‘equipped’ with all necessary safety measures, such as appropriate signage, lightings, lines, etc. but still the accident statistics are frightening. I would conclude that people attitude is the root cause of this terrifying numbers.

Titu - the Egyptian Smart Cat

Titu – Dina’s Persian cat is a smart cat. It has been almost one year we did not meet him. Now, the size and his weight are incredibly huge. Despite the gigantic feature, one could hardly hear his meowing. And, you are considered lucky if you hear his ‘voice’. He was with us for 4 nights since last Thursday.

What a Fortunate Day

I was supposed to go back to Alexandria today. However, fortunate or unfortunately, I was asked to stay back to continue our meeting tomorrow morning. At that point of time, most of the staff had went back and it was already dark, around 17:30 hours. Luckily, the responsible party was still in the office and she managed securing me a room at JW Marriot, Mirage. To cut the story short, there I was at the exclusive reception of this one of my favorites, entertained by a friendly receptionist named Rady. Breaking the ice, he politely asked me, “how was your flight, Sir?” I replied him fairly, “I was from my offie at Maadi”. Than, he jovially responded to me; “O, you drive from Maadi and, are you working here?” I replied him short; “ Yes, I am” After a while, he asked me another question, “ Is it your first time staying with JW Marriot, Sir?” I cynically answered him, “No, many times and you could verify it with your colleagues” While he was sorting out the booking, his colleagues Mai, Mohamed and another guy whom I could not recall the names greeted me by name with their friendly sincere gestures. Well, ‘disturbed’ by the greetings, he felt guilty with me. However, I comforted him not to feel that way as there is always first time in life. Out of his humble feeling, perhaps courtesy, he put me to one of their Junior Suite. Alhamdullillah. But, what I am going to do with such a luxury room for merely 11 hours stay?

My Office Exterior

Sky is the limit. The knowledge that Allah swt has given us is so little as compared to the knowledge that He Has. It is just merely a drop of water from the Kingfisher’s beak as compared to the rest of all the seven oceans. However, that should not be an excuse for us to put our best efforts and energy to explore what the world has to offer. Located at the ground floor of our Administration building, this is my second office in ELNG, the corner lot. Most of our HR Team members are based in Idku office and their offices are around this corner lot. The Manager, Personnel & Training, Ayman Beheiry’s office is on the right side of this corner lot.

The Road to 2010 World Cup - Egypt Chapter

Today at 19:30 hours (Local Sudan time) is the determining match between Algeria and Egypt for anyone of them to be qualified to the 2010 World Cup. The historical match is held at neutral ground - Sudan. In Egypt, football is not just a game but also, something that is very near to their heart and thus, the culture. One could imagine the zest and the excitement of all Egyptians prior to this important match after the team defeated Algeria 2 – 0 two days ago in Cairo. Not to be left behind, many of my colleagues had prepared themselves to watch the match on TV screen at any restaurants at the Green Plaza, Alexandria. Believed me, apparently the productivity went down significantly, which ‘forced’ the management to allow them to knock-off one hour early. Not a good decision though, but like I have said, we are in Egypt.

Another 'Afi's Breakthrough

Alhamdullillah…Congratulations ….Alf Mabrouk to ‘Afi for another breakthrough in his art work. He received for the second time from Mr. Hindley, the Principle of the British School of Alexandria the highest award of Art Work 2008-2009. The first Malaysian who won the award from the school. This achievement has casted another milestone of the first phase of his journey.
With the certificate and voucher, he gave us his award winning gorgeous smile. He deserved it.
On his left is his classmate, Fouad El Naga another genius who received the Top As Level scorer and Sheriff El Naga who received the best Physics Award 2008-2009.
During the light refreshment, Afiqah, his beloved smart sister accompanied him for the food and drinks.

No One Second Less or Another Second more...

Received a very sad sms from Hj Hamim today @ 21:40 hours. Ngah Hj Junaidi passed away at around 01:20 hours (local Malaysia time) due to old age. Let us together recite Al-Fatihah for him and may Allah Rabbul Jalil Give him His Blessing and Grant him pleasant journey to the next phase of his life. No any living inhabitants of this universe will live infinitely, thus our turn will come. Innallillah hi wa innallillah hi raji’un.

The Faces of our Future Doctors

Night Of The Future - a Step Towards Professionalism

We feel great honored when were invited by the group of young Malaysian doctor-to-be to their first ever auspicious gathering held at an exclusive Etoile Hall. They are 4th year medical student of Alexandria Medical University (AMU) sponsored by MARA and the pioneer of this MARA – AMU program.

We arrived at around 20:05 hours and were given a VIP warmth welcome, which indeed impressed us. Kamarul arrived 7 minutes earlier. Before the grand entrance, one of the committee members - Johan pin a small corsage on my left blue-purplish batik as symbol of respect. We were ushered to the main table. Minutes table, Tn Hj Idris and his wife, MARA Officer arrived, followed by the MARA Director at Egypt, Tn Hj Ishak Mastor and Student Attaché, Pn Noor Zakiah.

Around 20:25 hours, cute couple Irfan and Ifa convened the event and introduced themselves to the audience. The clarity of their words and the confident of their faces not only amazed the audience but also beautified the evening ambience. They were amazing and awesome.

Another character that astonished me during the beginning of the dinner was Din – the President of the Medical Student Association, Alexandria chapter. His inspiring and impressive welcoming remark made me sitting still glued to the comfy chair. The gist of his speech among others; requesting his peers and colleagues to work hard; aligning his words with the theme of the dinner – the night of the future – a step towards professionalism, he invited all to revitalize their intention and presence in Egypt; he reminded the audience on the importance and the sacrifice of parents especially our mother. Good job dude.

There was also poem recitation by two young doctors aspired us about our life as a Muslim, the important roles that had been mandated to us that had been faded away and forgotten by us. It was splendidly very motivating.

Beside the mystical poem, Din, Zul and Fifi entertained with the unplugged ‘Nashid’ or religious songs. The second number about mother’s love and passion had reminded us all the importance of integrity and sense of responsibility. Part of their presentation was a video clip about a poor mother and her successful kids, who ignored her. When she was sick, she called her daughter – a doctor to return home. The irresponsible doctor arrogantly turned off the so-called request. This part of the clip shed tears of many eyes. It also reminded me about my mother-in-law’s departure 11 years ago.

There were also best male and female dress; best tables and the real fun was when 8 talented handsome young doctors braved-cat walked the audience with their latest ‘fashion’ collection. It was awesome!

What else that I must say people: zillion of thanks for the invitation; my heartfelt gratitude and sincere CONGRATULATIONS for the job well done and may you achieve Allah’s blessing for all the good deeds. We will surely cherish this auspicious memorable moment in our entirely life.

By the way, the students and the VIPs were extremely gorgeous and charming with their dress to kill attire and make-up.

Tanoura along the Nile

I took these photos during our dinner at the Nile Maxim, one of the many exclusive ‘floating’ restaurants cruised the Nile River in Cairo. One will be entertained by the local entertainers with local songs and dance while dining.
One of the favorites is the Tanoura – whirling dervish dance. Tanoura is said to be originated from Turkey – the Turkish Sema, which was later inherited by the Fatimids, who actually introduced it to Egypt. The Sema dance is a sacred Sufi practice of whirling or meditative spinning which included music and religious chanting or zikr.

The whirling dervish – Tanoura – evolved through the centuries in Egypt and became one of the most well-known and entertaining folkloric dances in the country.

The Sign of Autumn is Over

The 'breakaway' of this one single piece of the yellow type Egyptian date from the main bundle/s signified the Autumn has completed its task, thus the harvesting time is over. Idku dates is one of the best produces in Egypt. There are thousands of matured dates trees abundantly available planted around Idku town, 46 km from away Alexandria. Akin the oil palm plantation in Malaysia, I think, there is a need to do re-planting of the dates trees in Egypt. Well, it is none of my business though, there know better than me.

Ta'lim - Part XI

None can deny the proverbial valor, courage, and strength of ‘Umar radiallah hu ‘an (ra), over whose mention, even after the lapse of 1400 years, hearts are struck with awe and respect. Islam could not be professed and preached openly before ‘Umar’s coming into its fold. As soon as he embraced Islam, the Muslims started saying Salat in the Haram, as none could dare harm them with ‘Umar ra on their side. Notwithstanding all this, he could not bear the shock of the Prophet passing away. So much so that he stood with sword in his hand, utterly confused and bewildered, saying:
“I shall behead the person who says that the Prophet saw has passed away. The Prophet Muhammad saw has only gone to visit his Lord the Almighty Allah, just as Musa as had gone to Thur. He will shortly return and cut off the hands and feet of those who were spreading the false news of his death”
On the other hand, ‘Usman ra was stunned with grief on this event. He could not utter a single word, even till the next day, and walked about as if bereft of speech. Ali ra, too, was in terrible grief. He was still and motionless. Only Abu Bakar ra for all his love of the Prophet saw, stood firm as rock against this terrible storm of grief and did not lose his mental composure. He calmly entered the Prophet Muhammad saw’s house, kissed his forehead and came back to the people. He called ‘Umar ra to sit down and began to address the people. He said:
“Whoso worshipped Muhammad saw, let him know that Muhammad is no more, and whoso worshipped Allah swt should know that Allah swt is Everliving and Eternal. He then recited the following verse of the Qur’an:
“Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers, the like of those who have passed away before him. Will it be that when he dies or is slain, Ye will turn back on your heels. He who turneth back doth not hurt Allah, and Allah will reward those who recognize the Truth” (III: 144)

As Abu Bakar ra was destined to be Khalifah after the Prophet Muhammad saw, it is significant that, unlike other Companions, he behaved with the composure and patience that were needed on an occasion like this. Again, it was Abu Bakar ra alone who knew better than anybody else about the regulations regarding the burial, inheritance, etc. of the Prophet Muhammad saw. When difference of opinion arose among the Companion whether the burial place of the prophet Muhammad saw be at Makkah or Madinah or Jerusalem, it was Abu Bakar ra who settled the difference by saying on the authority of the Prophet saw that the Prophets are buried where they have died. There were several other hadith known only to Abu Bakar ra that helped solve many of the other problems arising out of the death of the Prophet Muhammad saw. Some of these hadith were:
“Prophets have no heirs. All that a Prophet leaves behind is Sadaqah”
“Allah’s curse is on the Amir who does not take proper interest and exercise proper care in the appointment of his duties.”
“The state affairs shall remain in the custody of Qureysh.”