Thinking of Selama

The last time I went back to my hometown, Selama, Perak was ages ago. Actually, I don't even remember when. And that trip was after almost thirty years since I last visited the place. I envy people who still has reason to go back to their hometown. As for me, there's nothing left to go back to. No family house, no parents, brothers, sisters or relatives.
Still, the memories linger on. I was born there. I grew up there, at least my early years. I started my schooling there. I believe if ever I can find the time to be there for a few days, I can definitely find my old friends there. I wonder how they are doing now?

Are we out of the woods?

In Johore Baru recently, I turned on the TV and watch a business program on one of the channel. A guest speaker was asked the question, is the economy well on the road to recovery? His answer was in the negative. The banks are still facing money woes, big corporations are still struggling to survive and America is still finding its feet. Only China is recovering but China is only 6 % of the world economy! No... not yet, he said. There's still some way to go.

Kampong in a city

I always tell people I live in a kampong, a kampong in KL. I may be just a few minutes from Giant in Shah Alam or OU in Bandar Utama but nevertheless, the kampong atmosphere is still very much alive in Merbau Sempak. I wake up every morning to the sound of the frogs and the birds and the cockerels. Big trees surround my house making the temperature cool and refreshing. The sound of vehicles are non existent the moment I reach my house. The greenery is everywhere, a pleasant view to the eyes. That's my kampong in a city.

My wife and sons at the do

Celebrating 40 years

My brother celebrated his 40 years of marriage last night. That's a very long, long time. A union that has brought 5 children with 5 grandchildren so far. Wishing them all the best.

Football musical chairs

As usual, the summer holidays signal the beginning of the football musical chairs. Everyday there are stories in the papers of this player going there, that player going here and so on. Its a merry go round! Some stories just keep on repeating but never came true while some came just once and viola! its true. Anyway, this summer I'm sure everyone's heard of the Ronaldo transfer. We also know that Tevez is leaving MU but where he will go is still another story. Then there' s Fabregas, Torres, Mecherano, Pato, Owen and many many others.

A flying trip to Batu Gajah

Last Saturday, we (my wife, Hanafi and me) made a day trip to Batu Gajah. We heard about a bone specialist (the traditional one) who can hasten the healing and recovery of broken bones. With his address in hand, searching for his house wasn't that difficult. It was just on the edge of Batu Gajah town. Unfortunately, when we got there, there were already a large number of patients waiting for their turn. After waiting a short while, we decided not to wait anymore and headed back to KL. By 10.30 am, we were already back in KL having left the house for Batu Gajah at 7 am earlier.

Money, money, money

I became independent, money wise, at age 17 after form 5. That was when I obtained scholarship to further my studies in England. With that little scholarship, I managed to live ok as a student, making ends meet and never having to ask from my parents anymore. Off course, as a student, the need was small. I can count them on one hand. Money, as we all know, is never enough but I got by. I can even travel to Europe during the summer holidays. That was then but now, things are different. Making ends meet every month has become a special skill in itself.

Federer keeps marching on

With Nadal out through injury, looks like Federer has one less obstacle in his way to claim a record 15 Grand Slam. if he makes it, he will be the most successful tennis player of all time, in so far as number of Grand Slam titles won. The only person who looks capable of stopping him would be Andy Murray but can he do it? Not for lack of talent but the pressure and expectations. He needs to shut them all out and concentrate on his own game. As usual, it easier said then done.

The King of Pop is dead

I grew up listening to Micheal Jackson during his Jackson 5 days. Those were the innocent like period of his career when he team up with his brothers to produce a number of hits. As he went on to become a very very successful solo artist, I also grew out of pop music and listen less and less. That was also about the time when he came out with his Thriller album that went on to be the most successful album of all time.
His death was unexpected. A legend is gone but his memories linger on.

Magic, illusion or trickery?

Watching the show that revealed the secrets of the magicians, I realised how gullible we can be. No wonder magicians are raking in millions by making us believed in their magic. One thing I must admit, the tricks are well thought out.
And no wonder people are losing money in their millions to fraud and the like. Sometimes you cannot believe the way people are being cheated out of their money. You can smell the rat miles away and yet some people still fall for it.

Back in KL

We reached home at about 5 pm from Johor Baru. A tiring but nevertheless, an enjoyable one. If time permits, should do more of this kind of trips. It rejuvenates you. Tomorrow, its back to work for me. A lot of things to complete and some new things coming up.

Danga Bay, Johor Baru

In Johor Baru had dinner at Danga Bay


Their speciality, Ayam penyek.

More pictures of the Melaka trip

The place to embark on the boat ride. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the time to try. Maybe next time

View from the Eye of Malaysia

Another view

Hafizi relaxing in the Eye of Malaysia

The open air bus ride around Melaka town. Could have been better if there were running commentaries on the places that the bus ride through.

More Melaka views

Can you see the Eye of Malaysia in the distance?

A view of the Melaka river

The Taming Sari on the way up

Melaka revisited

View of Melaka from the menara Taming Sari

Enjoying the ride to the top

This person sleeping on the pavement caught our attention as we were driving through Melaka town heading for the hotel

I was on leave Monday and Tuesday. Went to Melaka and later to Johor Baru where my son had something to do. While in Melaka, decided to try some of the tourist attractions there.

Give and you will get

Give and you will get. The Quran says it (Al Baqarah 261) People who has experienced it in real life are saying it. Simply said, smile and you will be smiled at. So, why are we waiting for. Give....give...give. Give away what you can. They will definitely come back, seven hundred times more!

Good times ahead

Although some people are still skeptical, it looks like the economy is showing real signs of recovering. All over the world, horror economic stories are getting less and less. Some big bankruptcies are still happening but overall, the sentiment is one of optimism. I dare say by the end of the year, smiling faces will once again smile on you.

You'll never guess

Water has a way of making the heart feels cool. Perhaps the calmness that it projects causes the heart beat to slow down considerably. It makes you feel relax, peaceful and at the same time, invigorating. So next time you feel in need of a clear mind, find water.

A Saturday of events

What a busy Saturday it was! Early in the morning we (the wife and me) took Hanafi to the Damansara Specialist centre for a check up. Apparently, he is feeling some pain in his right leg that wouldn't go away. After a scan and X ray, some cracks were seen but nothing serious. All he needs is a few months of rest and he should be okay.
Then I found that my glasses were missing from my pocket while at the hospital. Must have dropped out somewhere without me realising it. On the way back home, stopped by at the Store shopping complex in Sg Buloh to quickly make a new one.
Later in the evening, we had a wedding to attend. By the time we got back, it was already almost midnight.
What a tiring Saturday it was!

Celebrating a year of blogging

Without realising it, I have actually clocked a year of blogging. When I first started, never thought I would reached this milestone. All I wanted was a vehicle where I can write anything I want to write. Whether there are people reading them or not, it does not matter to me. I just want something where I can put my thoughts into words. Since that quiet start, I have published more than 250 times.
Looking back, the articles make nice readings sometime.

Another whirlwind trip

This time to Alor Setar. Drove up on Wednesday, stayed overnight, attended a half day function the next day and drove home immediately after wards. This is the last one and hopefully it is. When I was younger, I made many such kind of trips without feeling tired but nowadays, the body is not quite that strong anymore. Sign of old age I suppose.

One more!

Roger Federer finally got his grand slam no 14. Now he is equal to Sampras in the number of grand slam won. Not only that, with the win at the French open, he is now a member of that special club of players who have won all the grand slam at least one and there are not many of them. You can count them on your fingers. It looks certain now he will surpass Sampras and win his no 15.... 16...17. and so on.

Ronaldo - the saga finally ends

Finally, MU accepted a bid from Real Madrid for their star player, Ronaldo. What a relief! The on- off- on-off saga has been going on for too long. Its time to put it to a stop for everybody's sake. No use holding on to a player who does not want to stay anymore. In the end I believe MU made the right decision. Let him go and move on!

Trengganu in a flash!

I was in the east coast last Wednesday for an event. Left KL at 4 pm on Tuesday and reached the hotel at Kijal about 9 pm. Next day Wednesday, attended the half day event and immediately after, about 1.30pm, headed for KL. Reached my house about 8pm. A whirlwind trip and back. Felt really tired afterwards. Should have taken the flight!

Another season is gone

Now that the European football season is over, Saturday gets to be a bit dull with nothing to look forward to. Just can't wait for the new season to begin. With all the transfer merry go round going on at the moment, the new season promises to be even more exciting, what with the World Cup looming. Yes, the World cup. I dream of the day when Malaysia is ......

A great way to advertise!

Saw these two walking about with stickers hanging on to their bodies.

Saturday scene at the Curve

Downturn or no, people are still everywhere....

The bull looks menacing

Enjoying a day out

Taking photos of each other

After the food, just soaking in the atmosphere

So serious! What's up?

Another Grand Slam dream is gone

So Nadal was sensationally beaten by .......Sonderling in the fourth round of the French Open. The mother of all upsets happened when we least expected it. Anyway, it has happened. What it means is that the Grand Slam of tennis will just have to wait another year.