An journey of a lifetime

Going to Mekah for the first time in 1966 to do the Haj was an experienced never to forget. As with most first timer, the first thing that strike me was the Grand mosque. The mosque is so big you can get lost inside it. You enter through one door and when you want to exit, you just couldn't find it anymore. It takes quite a while before you can find your bearing.
Then there's the Kaabah. Seeing it for the first time makes you feel just in awe of it. I don't know how to feel or think. It was there right in front of me. I have read about it, seen it in pictures and now I'm seeing it for real. Just unbelievable!
As usual, during the Haj, the holy city will be crowded with people so much so that most of the time I can hardly walk the streets because they were jam packed with people. After a few times, I found out that it was best to wait in the mosque for about an hour or so after prayers before leaving. By then, the streets would be less crowded.
As we were not provided with food then, I had a great time wandering around the holy city looking for food during meal times. The restaurants may be crowded but then, that's an experienced in itself.
I experienced many interesting things while performing the Haj the first time. It might take a whole book to write about them all. Who knows, some day I might just do that.

The Haj in Mekah

I have done the haj twice. The first time in 1996, I went alone. The second time, in 2003, I went with my wife.
On the first trip, I took the lowest package available, that was the Muasasah. Food was not provided. We had to find food ourselves. I stayed in a room with seven others. There were no beds. Instead, mattresses were provided. The room was just enough for the seven of us with the mattresses acting as the unofficial boundary.
On my second trip, I paid quite a sum and we had a room to ourselves, my wife and me. Food was also provided. Other than that, everything else was quite the same.
So you can say I have experienced both sides of the coin. Difficult to say which is better as both has its pros and cons. Anyway, I enjoyed both trips.

Assam Pedas of Melaka

The view from my hotel

I was in Melaka for an event on Thursday. Arrived there Wednesday evening and headed straight for the hotel. When in Melaka, besides the historical sites, the mind is always thinking of an assam pedas restaurant. After checking in and a short rest, I took a walked around the city looking for one. About an hour later I found one at a street corner. Its an open air stall with the chairs and tables placed by the roadside. But don't be deceived by the appearance. The assam pedas was one of the best I have ever tasted. Really was good.

The Grand Slam is still on

The French open is in the first week. Nadal has reached the third round and that means the grand slam challenge is still on! On present form, he should be able to defend his crown but you never know. He was beaten by Federer in Madrid but the clay courts were much faster. On the slower courts in Paris, he has no equal. Anyway, we'll wait and see.

Ninety minutes of misery

So MU didn't win the Euro cup. From all accounts, they were outplayed, outfoxed and outscored by Barcelona. Somehow on the night, nothing went right for them. Perhaps they should have played the way they Chelsea played Barcelona. Ever wondered why secret Messi was a non event in both the games again Chelsea? Or they got foxed by Barcelona when Messi played in a different position from usual, as said by the Barcelona manager? Anyway, its yesterday news already. Let's look forward to next season.

Birthday party at KL Bird park

This magnificent bird looking majestic atop the tree looking down on things
Hakimi entertaining the kids

More pictures at the birthday do

Enjoying the atmosphere
Food and more food