Rumah Kenyalang: The Preparation for the Big Feast

A day before the big feast, the RS’s crews were very busy preparing the recipe for the three main dishes: Unta Masak Hitam; Kambing Kari; Unta masak Kari. The ‘Masak Hitam’ thing is Sarawak special and unique recipe. Honestly, I was very proud of them without whom, we will be lonely celebrating the Eidul Adha which is one of the significant events in the Islamic history. Despite their humble resources amidst the economic recession, they were well organized and prepared. In fact, a month prior to this, a special committee was formed to organize the Eidul Adha celebration.
All these was to cater the camel; 2 local goats and 1 sheep!

The boys and the girls from El-Azhar University in Cairo, Mansoura, Tanta, Iskandariah and Medical University of Alexandria supported by few of their friends from N Sembilan, Melacca and Selangor rendered their hands in making the feast happened. Thank you very much guys.

Raya Open House 2008: Part III

This is the final version of Eidul Fitri 2008 Open House. Alhamdullillah, we were honoured to have Zahrul's family and his in Law; Yusmadi's family and his in Laws; Kamarul & Wife; Ahmed Sharifuddin & wife; Ahmad Zaidi and the CEO of ELNG, Adnan Datuk Zainal Abidin. We hope they have enjoyed our humble menu: Sweet Spicy Crap; Dried Chili Cow liver; Alex Chicken curry; Salad with Shrimp paste; Desserts - fruit platters & cheese cream cake with ice cream and Drinks - Ice lemon tea, Juhayna fruit juices and Nescafe Tongkat Ali. Jangan Serik..!!

The PETRONAS (Egypt) Think Tank Away Day

Mena House Oberoi ; Our First ever Experience

Nana, Afiqah and I were here – 3 days two nights at the Mena House Oberoi, Giza, Egypt. Mena House is one of the oldest 6 star hotels located in front of the Pyramids at Giza. This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. The garden, the facilities and the services were amazing and recommendable. Worth spending your Euro! Unfortunately we were accommodated at their new modern wing. Other tourist hot spots and eating places were within 10 minutes walking distance.
Dinner at El Rubayyat Restaurant and were entertained by the Egyptian Traditional dance and Mazer.

British School of Alexandria: International Day

The British School of Alexandria International Day is the most awaited event by the students, their parents and the teachers. A day where all the 24 nationalities around the globe – Malaysian, Russian, Indonesian, Malawian, Turkish, Lebanese, British, American, Indian, Egyptian, Australian, Israelis, Francis, Greece, Sudanese, South African, Scottish, Italian, and others dressed up with their traditional costumes and served people their national cuisine. This was my kids’ third International Day and was my first present with them! As usual, my favorite excuse – busy schedule.
Muhammad Aiman with his Malay traditional dress - the 'Baju Melayu' and 'songkok' wrapped up with the Malaysian flag - 'Jalur Gemilang'. He was very excited and definitely very patriotic. M Aiman is always supportive when come to 'stage' show. There were staging the Olympic Games with the 'Olympic Torch' on their hands, they did the match-pass exiting the audience wrapping up the morning show.
Muhammad Aiman, Afiqah, Donia, Dania, Rifqa, Qareem and two of their friends during the BSA International Day 2008. The photo was taken after their show. And, they are really gorgeous with their traditional dresses. See you all next year, InsyaAllah.

Raya Open House 2008: Part II

Alhamdullillah, Blessed by Allah Rabbul Jalil, despite 5 days had past Syawal, we managed to organize Raya Open House (ROH) 2008 again but this time with the Senior and 1st Year Medical Students whom we regarded like our ‘sons & daughters’ in Islam; Kamarul’s family; Ahmad Sharifuddin family and Adnan – our Chief. They were served by our simple Malay cuisine: ‘Nasi Minyak’; ‘Ayam masak Merah’; ‘Acar’ Egypt; ‘Daging masak Kicap Pedas’; ‘Ikan Kering Masin’; special prepared desert: Nana’s Cheese cake; Carefourr’s Sponge Chocolates Fruits cakes and local fruits: Local Oranges and Guava. Coffee and white tea was served with the Bounty; the Toblerone and Cadbury to boost up our lazy eyes. Alhamdullillah hi Lazi AtAmana wa SaQana wa Qinna ‘Aza Bannar, Aamiin.

Sa'adah: Amirah: Ifa: Dilla: Aklina: Zana: Dorin: Rozillah: Nana: Din: Muhammad Asri: Afi: Muhammad Aiman: Zainal: Zulkipli: Afiqah: Rifqa: Shakira: Athirah: Hana Yasmine: Humaira: Sabrina: Munirah: Nur: Nasehah: Fikri: Atef: Faizal: Jannah: Aisyah: Imran: Muhammad Afiq: Baiti: Baini: Saiful: Thanks to all and see you all again next year, Insya'Allah.

The Making of Alex Pau

Successful! The first attempt was really successful – the shape; the taste and the aroma were just commendable. Unfortunately, sad to mention though, the second and the third tried were ended with something that we called thin flat Alex Pau!

Well guys, as far as I am concerned, it was not the results that I look for, but the efforts that does matters. There is no short-cut in life and failure is just the symptom of success.

Anyway, in case anyone would like to try the Alex Pau, below are the recipe and the process for you all to consider. On top of that, you have to be a little bit creative and blend it with passion:

1 kg flour
8 gm dry yeast
18 gm baking powder
100 gm sugar
30 gm fattening
10 gm bread improver
2 tea-spoon ovalet500 gm water

Mix all the dry ingredients together: Pour in the water gradually: Put in the dry yeast and sugar. Softly dough the Fattening. Again remember - your creativity.
The potato chicken curry mixed for the main content of the Pau.

A Trip to Mansoura

We had been planning to visit Mansoura since a year ago, today, alhamdullillah, Nana and I finally unchained ourselves from other program to Mansoura, another small town North-East of Alexandria within the Egypt Delta.
We departed Alexandria at 10:00 hrs passed Damanhur, Tanta and finally reached Mansoura at 13:30 hours. It took us 3.5 hours tiring journey because we were using Benha-Mansoura highway instead of Tanta-Mansoura highway. It was tiring journey but another experience for us though!
Mansoura has new town area which they local called it Mahafdzah but otherwise it is a disorganize town with small streets and mismanaged corniche. Nevertheless, the people are nice, kind and pleasant. It is famous for cheap Jalabaya and other women dresses.
There are few hundreds Malaysian students studying Islamic related studies and medical in various universities at Mansoura. We met Dayang Nabilla the grand daughter of the Sarawak Governor, TYT Abang Salehuddin Abang Bareing, who undergoing Medical twinning program with Manchester University, UK. She was with Akidah and Aisha from Selangor. We left Mansoura at 14:30 hours with new experience and knowlede about another part of Egypt.

Alex Belated Raya Gathering 2008

No matter where and who you are; where you come from; what color you are; what flag you bear; what accent you speak, Syawal will be the moderator of all Muslims around the globe to celebrate moderately in one language with one Goal. This year, we PETRONAS Secondees would like to put in record our sincere thanks to Kamarul and his family for voluntarily and sincerely accommodating the Alex Raya Gathering 2008. The whole objective is to translate the PETRONAS Brand’s slogan: Energy receive Energy return; Aspiring other everywhere. On the other side, I think we should be thankful to the AlMighty Allah swt for giving us His blessing and wealth through PETRONAS. Subsequently, the wealth should be shared with all appropriate parties. Henceforth, our target this year was the Medic and AlAzhar Students in Alex who celebrated their Eidul Fitri away from their beloved family in Malaysia. About 120 students were invited together with our families’ members during the auspicious occasion.

The occasion had also provided space for the students to learn from us our experiences, tips and tricks on living abroad. Adnan, CEO of ELNG, took the opportunity to share his experience and advised the students on two main things: the image of Malaysian and study smart. This was Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Hassan Merican said during his recent Policy Address: "PETRONAS has gone through a lot of trials and tribulations throughout its 34 year history. A PETRONAS’ success is largely attributed to a workforce that is dedicated, committed and loyal to extent that there are willing to sacrifice for the corporation. While not all of us have gone through the full history, it does not mean that we cannot completely appreciate what PETRONAS stands for. In the light of the recent political development, PETRONAS employees, young and old, came together in support of PETRONAS. Again, I would like to thank you for your efforts in reaching out for your community, in what ever, directly or indirectly. It is the display of solidarity that will take us to greater heights in today’s fluid and challenging environment".

Eidul Fitri is synonymous with set of sate pronounced as Sa té in Malay, without which is just like song without lyrics. Though, we are about 7000 miles away from its origin, sate is always available as long as there are Malays. Imported from Rumah Kedah Cairo, transported by Zaidi, this scrumptious set partnered with ‘korma kambing’ and ‘rendang ayam’ anchored everyone to their chair. In Egypt, there are many sate twins but taste slightly different, such as, 'Kofta' - grilled chicken or beef. Sate came in set of hot peanut sauce, red onion, cucumber and 'ketupat' - traditionally cube compacted rice cooked inside weaved coconut leave.

Special Edition : Time Flies

In this series, I called it Time Flies; we feature our 2 years valuable experience in Egypt. Special mentioned to PETRONAS http://www.petronas.com.my/ who had been here since 2001.
Yes, time flies…just like with a couple of eyes blink, oops, here we are in October, the month when we first stepped our feet in the land called Misr in Arabic or Egypt, which stores many astonishing histories of the past ten thousands years civilization.

But first, let me start with PETRONAS venture to Egypt, without which we will not be able to gain this valuable experience.
PETRONAS’s foray into Egypt began in 2001 when it signed its first farm-in agreement with Royal Dutch Shell plc to explore and develop gas fields in the North East Mediterranean Deepwater (NEMED) concession areas. PETRONAS took a 16 per cent stake in the concession, while Shell, as the operator, held the remaining 84 per cent in the deepwater block.
However, the breakthrough came two years later, when PETRONAS acquired 35.5 per cent interest in the Egyptian LNG (ELNG) http://www.elng.com/ Project at Idku, and a 50 per cent working interest and joint operatorship of the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) concession block offshore Egypt from Edison SpA of Italy.
Subsequently, in July 2005, PETRONAS inked a cooperation agreement with Tharwa Petroleum Company of Egypt to create and add value to the oil and gas resources in and out Egypt, and to help develop the human resource capability of its Egyptian partner.
The ELNG Project provides an important international source of LNG that has positioned it to establish a foothold in the Atlantic basin market.
ELNG has been awarded Tri-ISO certification, that is, ISO 9001:2000; ISO 14001:2004 & OHSAS 18001 in 2007 by SGS.

Quoting the President of PETRONAS, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hassan Mohamad Merican during LNG 15 Conference in Barcelona 2007, under the theme of “sustaining LNG Business through Partnership”, he says: “The LNG industry is built on a strong foundation of partnerships. Relationships fostered in the early days of LNG market still prosper today”.
“The flexibility and importance of long-term mutual benefits is a prominent feature in the relationship anchored on mutual understanding, respect and trust”
“These elements and values have stood the rest of time and I strongly believe that the long-term relationships will continue to be the foundation for a robust and healthy LNG industry”. Unquote.

Thank you PETRONAS.

Time Flies

2 years ago, when the first time we touched the Pyramids of Giza. Wonder why people from around the globe came here for? There are many stories and theories about these Pyramids. However, up to date, none could proof their theories right with solid and concrete evidences or facts. One said, the Pyramids were built to provide employment and some said it was built by alien. Well, to me it just a solid rocks layered together to form a unique grave that signified power and influence. Some scientific fact proved that the architecture is a means to preserve human body from being bitten by time and nature. I think flies are much more amazing creature than the Pyramids. 1 day all of us will be demolished from this temporary world.

2 years had passed us by. Time flies. Now, we are in October 2008, our 3rd round of winter game that we are going to face. Thank you Kafr Abdou; for accomodating and accepting us here with no discrimination and biasness; for being so kind to us since we moved to you; for giving us experiences that had made us new us; for teaching us many significant lessons about life that we never learnt in the previous chapters of our journey. Our zillion of thanks to PETRONAS for providing us an avenue to experience working and living abroad which is a dream of many people back in Malaysia. On top of all, our heartiest thanks to the Al-Mighty Allah Rabbul Jalil for giving us all His Blessing, Nikmah, His Rahmah and Baraqah. Without Him, who are we?

Today, we had been here for 2 solid years. Alhamdullillah, Allah swt had given us good health, good environment and many infinite countless things. Alhamdullillah, we managed to adapt ourselves well with the culture, environment and the local foods. The hospitality shown and rendered by the Kafr Abdou people had touched us in many ways. With no experience living abroad before, Alhamdullillah, we manouvered the four seasons with less obstacles but enjoyment and lessons learnt.

Time Flies I: Siwa Adventure

Siwa Oasis located on the western side of Egypt, about 75 km from Libya's boarder, 6 hours drive from the second largest town in Egypt, Alexandria and well known as the oyster of the Sea of Sand of the Western desert. We spent 3 days and 2 nights at Siwa Shali Resort. Organised by Kamarul, there were Zahrul & his family, Ahmad Sharifuddin & Wife, Zaidi and Kamal (Palm Oil Officer). It was really a different and unique experiences for all of us. We were actually went to the past Egypt where taxi is driven by donkey, houses are still made of clay and hardly you see people wearing jeans and suits or modern dressing except Abaya and Gamiz. Surrounded by the Sea of the Sand, Siwa oasis is popular for its great dates and rich olive oil. Sand boarding is a great experience that you must not leave Siwa without trying it (please refer to May 2008 Archive for the rest of the fascinating photos and videos). You will find few historical spots like temples of Amoun, Mountain of Death, Siwa Palace and Hot Springs. Some of those are surrounded by evergreen palm trees plantation. It was quite exhaustive though.

Time Flies II: Malaysia 50th Independence Day

Last year, we celebrated the 50th Malaysian Independence Day in Cairo. The first ever grand celebration organized by the Malaysian Embassy and funded by partially PETRONAS to commemorate the 50 years of harmony. Blessed with pleasant ambience, the ceremony was attended by thousands of Malaysian students, Ambassadors from various countries, PETRONAS staff, other Senior Officers of various Malaysian companies in Egypt and the guest of honor was Senator Dato’ Seri Muhammad Muhammad Taib with his Wife.

Malaysia stands at the threshold of a new age. We are afforded opportunities in life that our parents and grandparents only dreamt of. But we also stand in danger of forgetting our past – the values that have defined us as Malaysians for a half century.
This sentiment resonates deeply within the heart of PETRONAS. For over 3 decades, PETRONAS has held the nation’s oil and gas resources in trust for its people and is deeply committed to the future of all Malaysians. Hence the 50th Merdeka Celebration, PETRONAS put forth a single important message to all Malaysians: One Legacy, One Destiny.

We were entertained by some Malaysian cultural features and cuisine in which were looking forward by many. Afi, Muhammad Afiq and Muhammad Asri joined in the match-pass participated by all Malaysian States and few students associations which were very compelling. The colors of Malaysia were really felt by all and it was concluded by the Friday sermon lead by Lt Col. Datuk Ariff. We love you Malaysia.

Any seasoned Merdeka veteran will tell you that the nation’s independence was won through unparalleled dedication and commitment to the task, and the coming together of the various races in the then Malaya to chart a common destiny.

As PETRONASIAN, one should always remember the Energy Receive, Energy Return.

Time Flies III: Down the Memory Lane

Catacomb Al SafaQa

Ain Sukhna - Stella D Marie

Rasheed - Nile mouth

Zag Aziq

Khan Khalili

Moqattam

Port Said

Porto Marina

Time Flies IV: Cairo Muzeum

Actually the whole Egypt is the muzeum by itself. Egypt has many histories for you; civilisation started 10 to 30 thousands years ago under the reign called Upper Paleolithic. However, egyptian history is divided into 8 periods:

• Ancient Egypt - 3100 BC to 525 BC
• Achaemenid - 525 BC to 332 BC
• Ptolaemaic - 332 BC to 30 BC
• Roman - 30 BC to 639 AD
• Arab - 639 AD to 1517
• Ottoman - 1517 to 1805
• Muhammad Ali Dynasty - 1805 to 1882
• Modern Egypt - 1882

You must be here for at least 6 months to learn and experience the history. 6 months? well, to wrap up the amazing histories to a one day affair - the Cairo Muzeum. My family spent about half a day exploring the muzeum of which to them in general - boring!

16.10.2008 minus 16.10.1992

Keep it Up..................................

Cheerful and active are the words that describe this little baby. His arrival 16 years ago was just like a lyric to a song. Just like his brother ‘Afi, born in Miri, Sarawak – the land of the hornbills and orang Utan, but grown up in Bintulu for a solid 11 years and moved to Terengganu in May 2001.

5 years in Terengganu has made him a really different person. His unique character – he is quiet but sometime he can be an extraordinary extrovert attracted many people from all works of life. Deep inside his mind and small heart, you will find great potential, creativity and the 6th sense. His smart and intelligent brain the hidden asset given by the Al-Mighty Allah swt has always made him superior if not distinction in many fields that he involved. He achieved black belt 1st degree from Gemilang Tae Kwon Do after 2 years joining the club. In academic, like his brother, he was selected by the elite Islamic Primary School to continue his primary level in 1997.

Today, 14.10.2008 is his 16th birthday, Alhamdullillah…. inside the same ship with his brother 'Afi, heading towards the same destination, gone through tough and strenuous journey, crossed all sort of obstacles, watched series of dramas with the good and bad episodes. The experiences that he owned had made him a much matured, sensible soft hearted macho young man and obedient kid. Happy birthday Muhammad Afiq!!

This term he is going to face the IGCSE “O” level examination. We wish you all the best and InsyaAllah, you will pass with flying colors. And, on top of all, do it only for one reason………………………………………………..for Allah Rabbul Jalil

14.10.2008 minus 14.10.1991

Yes........You Can

17 years ago, he was just a cute and adorable little baby born in an oil rich town Miri. About one month later, he moved to a gas rich town Bintulu and was grown up there for 12 solid years before he transferred to Chukai, Terengganu – a small district in an Oil & Gas state Terengganu.

Today, 14.10.2008, 10 years down the memory lane, I remember his first day in school – Tadika AnNur – one of the best Preparatory school in town funded by PETRONAS – a Fortune 500 company, he was a little bit reserved, isolating himself from his new kinds but well-behaved. He started his school life a little late. However, alhamdullillah, he managed to cope with the school curriculum distinctively which was proven when he passed an assessment test of elite Islamic Primary School owned and funded by the state government with flying colors. Zillion of thanks to our friends, the teachers, the school, the State Government and the top most the Al-Mighty Allah Rabbul Jalil. Honestly, I did not believe it myself! That was bad of me.

I must admit that, I’m not a good Captain maneuvering this humble ship of the bumpy challenging and exigent journey, but still better than the legendary Titanic’s Chief, I hope. Oh Allah………give me strength, show me the right path and please pardon my ignorant and stubbornness; give us Your Blessing….oh Allah ‘Azza wa Jala the most Gracious and most Merciful. Amiin.

Being a senior of his four siblings, he has gone through a tough strenuous journey.
Suitable with his name - Afi, literally in standard Arabic means he who give forgiveness and in Egyptian accent – “I do accept it, please don’t mention”, he has a very positive character and behavior; diligent, obedient, honest, helpful and charismatic. I must say, through out our journey as a normal human being, he never bluffs me and he never says NO to me. He watched all the bad experiences that we faced; he patiently went through the hurricane and the stormy water that we confronted due to the poor navigation skills; once he was the mentor and counselor of the sick old Captain and his Assistant; he was depressed by what he watched but he never took it negative – he never take heart!; he used to absorb the blame of mistakes made by his brothers and sister; he was bullied but he was strong and assertive.

A blend of all those tough experiences, stringent process and his distinctive character has made him more matured, creative and respectful person. Continuing his journey, he has owned many significant achievement; won the Kertih-Chukai cycling tour; champion during the 16 km Montaza-Quitbay marathon; best Art Award from his British School of Alexandria; awarded blue belt in his Gemilang Tae Kwon Do and many others.... I must put in record our heartiest congratulations for what you had done! And, keep it up..son!

Today, 14.10.2008 is his 17th birthday, a transition period for him to be more by himself to continue his new episode of his story. On his birthday as what we treated the rest of our family members, as usual, we celebrate all our birthday in a very simple low profile. It is better to remind ourselves the life thereafter rather than the day when we were born into this temporary world.

After performing relatively well in his IGCSE O level, he is now gearing himself to achieve a better A level series. Inspired by his uncle Zailan – the DRN tycoon and his passion with art, he wanted to be a successful architect one day. May Allah swt granted his wish.
Well ‘Afi, you know my standard, do not sit with your laurels and don’t be complacent with whatever that you have achieved thus far. Work hard and do your best for Allah swt.
Once again……………………………………………Alf Mabrouk from us all.

Alex Fruits aRts .................................Nana69

Summer 2008 Excitement: Our latest attempt on work with fruits. It was during the summer 2008 end in Alex in conjunction with Eid Fitr Open House at Apartment 41, Building 46, Kafr Abdou. The raw materials are Tufah:Balah Najwa:Rotab:Guava:Anab....all the local produce of Egypt. Another essential thing is your creativity:passion:the 6th sense and sharp knife. The taste maybe the same, but the presentation from your heart will make the different.........Enjoy!!

Raya Open House 2008: Part I

11th Syawal, after visited the Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt, TYT Datuk Zainal and family, Malaysian Embassies’ staff, students and PETRONAS families, today was our first series Raya Open House 2008. Munir, his brother with all their family members were our guest of honor arrived from Cairo at 12:30 hrs. Sharing us the festive blissful mood, were Kamarul & family and Ahmad Sharifuddin. Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.........dan.......... Maaf Zahir Bathin

Soft Launching: July 2008

Another Yayasan Yusuf's vision realised