Bonjour Notre Dame!

I didn't go into Notre Dame because we were trying to save time...

So, what can I tell you about Notre Dame?

Beautiful views surrounding it. The building itself is already amazing. Plus, there are a few souvenirs shops nearby that we found slightly cheaper.

Nothing else to tell. So, picture time :)

 While walking to Notre Dame...

 Another view that I enjoyed...

 Coffee shops, Paris style :)

Padlocks of loveeee... :)

Didn't see the Hunchback... but the view is awesome... 

Bonjour Musée du Louvre!

I love the Louvre Museum! Love it, love it, love it!

 In front of the famous pyramid of Louvre. I love this museum so much that I bought a book of the museum. I wanna go back... huhuhuuu...

That's a feeling that I never thought I'll get from visiting a museum. Heheheee... Plus, I'm never into art... I can hardly understand the meaning of a painting. Art illiterate... that's me :)

 A winter view around Louvre... 

The main reason I visited Louvre was because of Mona Lisa & The Da Vinci Code :P

 So much colourful painting everywhere... Nice colours... That's what I can appreciate from a painting... Kesiannnn I... hahahaaa...

Full of paintings all the way. If you study the paintings, you'll notice a few interesting things. Some of it makes me wonder what the painter trying to tell. Some of it gave eerie feelings despite it being bright & colourful. I must go back & try to understand the paintings. Such mystery :)

This painting is so huge that it occupies the whole wall! I was amazed!

Who knew I'll be having so much fun at the Louvre & regret that I only planned for a couple of hours at the museum *sigh* I wish I could spend more time at the Louvre.

On the way to see 'Mona Lisa'.

After much struggling, inching my way through a swarm of people, I finally get to take a picture of this famous painting. Notice the slanting angle... Not easy shooting a photo in a middle of a crowd of avid fans... But I made it! Heheheee...

There are a few halls at the Louvre Museum. But, we only spent time at the Denon hall because that's where the 'Mona Lisa' is. Once when we got inside the halls, we had so much fun spending time with the sculptures. Hihihiii... art lovers might be offended with the way we posed with the sculptures, but we can't help it :P ngeeeee... 

View of the sculptures hall...

Call me close-minded, but I seriously think that people use art as an excuse to allow 18SX stuffs. 

This sculpture is one of the examples...

The museum is very accommodating. The information counter was attended by a group of helpful staff, there were brochures about the museum in a few different languages. There's a book store, a cafeteria and souvenirs stalls. The best thing is there is a place where you can leave your bulky winter coat & luggage. So convenient.

Another form of art that I don't get. But, it's funny! I love it!

We went to the Louvre on a Sunday... Entrance to the main halls is free on Sunday :) Any chance to save $$, we'll take it. So did everyone else. So the museum was crowded. My advice, if you love art, you are going to love this museum. Therefore, it's not worth saving your money. Pay for the entrance & go on days other than Sunday when it is not so crowded. You want to be able to appreciate the place :)

Another advice, go to the Louvre Museum. You'll love it!

Bonjour La Tour Eiffel!

Woot woot... apa tuuuuu???

You know what that is. I don't need to introduce you the famous structure right? But, what I can do is share you a few more pictures... and share a little bit about my Paris experience :)

Mmmm... I guess I'll start with what I love most about this city of love *wink*.

Eiffel Tower & The Louvre Museum!

Love them both!

And.... the crepe! The Nutella crepe! Yummy!

This is my favourite picture.

A friend of mine said Eiffel Tower is just a 'besi buruk', but to me it is not. To me, there is something romantic about Eiffel Tower. I don't know what it is & how is that possible... but that's what I felt. It is made of steel, not concrete like other towers. That what makes it special.

Mr. Eiffel. 

If you ever go to Eiffel Tower, make sure you take the elevator up to the top floor. Another friend told me there's nothing to see up there. But for me, even though the queue was very long, but it was worth it. The view from the top was amazing. You get to see an aerial view the city of Paris. The air at the top was cold! But I loved it! Loved it to bits!

The long queue for ticket. But, it was worth it :)

I was lucky that the sun was shining brightly on the first day, despite winter... the sky was bright blue. Therefore, my Eiffel Tower pictures are good :) By the way, just FYI, I'm a bad winter photographer. I just found that out during this trip *sigh*

On the elevator to the top :)

We took the metro to go to the Eiffel Tower. The best thing about taking the metro to the Eiffel Tower that day was, we got to see a fantastic view of the tower a few moments after the train exited the subway. It was in the afternoon, nearly 2pm. But the sun was shining, the sky was blue and the colour of Eiffel Tower blended nicely with the lights and the cool air of winter. It was wonderful. I remember watching Eiffel Tower with an open mouth from inside the train. The view was amazing!

City of Paris from Eiffel Tower

From the metro station to the Eiffel Tower, we bought crepe, a famous desert in France. I chose a nutella crepe. The rich chocolaty taste of nutella combined with the warmth and softness of the crepe made it feel like it was the best meal I have ever had in Paris. Just lovely & comforting :)

 That's me. Happily posed in front of Eiffel Tower... 

A shot by Anastasia with a photo composition that really works :) 

Love it!

2011 best travel experience :)

Hello y'all! How are you??? Y'all doing fine I hope :)

Almost a week after I'm back from my holiday. Stories & photos coming soon ok :) First thing first, I want to share with you guys about my best experience during my holiday.

Wait wait wait... have you guys guessed which country I went to this time? If you haven't, no worries! It's not important... heheheeee...

What is important, during my travel, I got a chance to meet up with three impressive guys! Three! It's hard to find even one impressive guy & I met three! Can you believe it? I can't believe I'm friends with this people... It's either that I'm lucky or I'm impressive myself *tongue*... I'm hoping both *wink*

Two of them in Paris. One is my oldest online friend. We've been friends for 15 years & my first time in Paris was the first time we have ever met... and his best friend. They are both nice & kind people, polite, very smart, very cool & very funny. Anastasia & I were so impressed! Honestly, I was not hoping for a fun meeting. We are from different cultures, different religions... so I thought it would be awkward when we finally meet. But it was not. It was so much fun! I had the best dinner, the best conversation, the best first time meet up ever, the best laughs, the best night in Paris. It was so unexpected that 4 people with so much difference can click in just seconds. We totally get what each other was saying and we get each others' jokes! OMG! I miss those two! Hopefully there will be a next time & I'll get a chance to meet with their wives & children too.

Another one, in Amsterdam. We've been friends for almost 15 years as well. The last time we met was 7 years ago... I think. I also thought that after 7 years, it would be awkward to meet. But not! The chit chat & the laughs hardly stopped. We had such a good time meeting him. We even had a chance to watch him at his thesis defense & received his PhD. That's right. He can use the initial 'Dr.' in front of his name now. Such a proud moment :)

Looking back, I made real good friends with good people 15 years ago... and they didn't just stay good. They have grown to be a better person. The kind that makes you feel good about yourself... because you know that you are in the right & positive circle of friends :)

Am I lucky or what?

Lucky. Definitely.

2011 Holiday of the Year

A holiday that was planned & anxiously waited for since 9 months ago...
A holiday destination that is totally different than the original plan...
A holiday destination that we have been dreaming of for a few years but never get to it...
A holiday that is a mix of nature, culture, entertainment, shopping, hoping to meet my longest time pen- pal and... meeting & supporting a dear old friend.

Now...It is a holiday that is finally here!

I can't believe it! I'm so excited!

2 countries in 6 days... in a white season. We're going to brave the low temperatures & enjoy every bit of it :)

• Passport - checked.
• Flight ticket - checked.
• Accommodation - checked.
• Train ticket - checked.
• Schedules - checked.
• Money - checked
• Credit card - checked
• All other things - checked... for sure :)
• Wait, wait... Big Oly - Checked! (my LOMO camera, a birthday gift from my artsy brother is accompanying Big Oly this time *grin*)

Big Oly has PoP9 as a buddy now :)

 Anastasia & I are off to the airport now. See you guys soon! Wait for my update ok! I'll try to take the best shots & share it with you guys.

*Skipping with a stomach feeling a mix of excitement & nervousness...*

Anne & Anastasia nervously flying off :)

The Power of The Young Tigers :)

SEA GAMES 2011 - FOOTBALL GOLD MEDAL = MALAYSIA

Wuhuhuuuuuuu.... It's never too late to brag about this & it would be so unfair if I don't :P

I am so happy & proud with Malaysia’s ‘Young Tiger’ a.k.a ‘Harimau Muda’.

Adik- adik… you all memang hebat. Dah terbukti yang terbaik di Asia Tenggara.

TERBAIK! KACAK LAGI!

Pic borrowed from kosmo.com.my

Congrats on your Gold medal at the SEA Games 2011. I am so proud & impressed with your coolness, determination, spirit, teamwork & bravery…

Having to ride a tanker because your safety was jeopardized… that’s like going to war right?

I admire you guys… nothing can bring down your spirit, nothing can affect your performance. Not a threat to your safety, not a bad mouth, not a rude hand sign... nothing. That is the true character of a champion.

No doubt you guys deserve the Gold medal.

That gold medal is not just a gold medal. It means a lot more & represent so much more...

Congrats! I am so proud of you guys and I wish you more gold medals in the future.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

See you guys at the Olympics, London 2012. I pray for you...

Glittering Hong Kong

Seriously, the city glitters at night. Amazing view. Fantastic.

I had a chance to visit Hong Kong just before we celebrated Aidil Adha last week. Reached KL just the night before AidilAdha. I kept on hearing P. Ramlee's 'Dendang Perantau' playing in my head. What a drama queen. Heheheee... When I got home, rendang, kuah kacang, nasi himpit etc were already cooked & my sister was still busy preparing for some desserts in the kitchen. The smell of it all... marvelous. Welcoming :)

Anyway, I actually really want to talk about my trip to Hong Kong. Sorry about the detour :)

Destination city: Hong Kong
Purpose of visit: Business. Not leisure... had to attend a workshop... and gave a short presentation which took a week to prepare.
Mood: Excitement - 50%
Energy level: Low. Been so tired & tied up with work for a while now.

Hong Kong Airport from the air. It's by the sea :)

But still, a sponsored 'holiday' must not go to waste. So, I surveyed for places to visit. I'm not sure what you have heard about Hong Kong. A lot of my friends talked about how great it was to shop there. Things are cheap, so they say :) However, that's not something that I can confirm because the night that I planned to go out shopping at the Ladies Market, I opted to stay in & lazed around all night instead. I had such a blast relaxing at the hotel room.

This is the view from my hotel room @ Renaissance Harbour View. Nice right? I know!

Can you imagine the view at night? Would you understand why I opted to stay in on my last night there?

Hong Kong is an efficient city, I would say. Transportation wise. There are a lot of buses, taxis, MTR and also an exciting Ding Ding that you can ride around the city. I didn't try the Ding Ding. But if you are ever in Hong Kong, you should try it. It's something like trams in Melbourne, Australia.

The thing that I noticed most and found very convenient was the MTR stations. At the stations, there are a lot of exits to the main areas. All you need to know is which exit you suppose to go to & all you know you are already so near to your destination. And, it's all covered area... you don't need to walk under the sun. Some stations are even air-conditioned all the way to the exit. Nice right?

On the way to The Peak

Places I visited:

1st night - 1st destination:
The Peak - Long queue... but worth it! I took a tram ride to go up The Peak. It was a steep ride. On the way down, I decided not to sit down. It was fun! It took all the strength from my not so strong calf muscle & biceps to just to hold my body in position. If it was not because I was holding so tight on the poles inside the trams, I'm pretty sure I'd be rolling on the tram's floor.

There are a lot of things to do at The Peak. But, since I went there quite late, I only got to visit Madam Tussaud's and the viewing area.

Ticket to The Peak

1st night - 2nd destination:
Madam Tussaud's Hong Kong was great! I got to take pictures with Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Louis Khoo, Albert Einstein and Captain Jack Sparrow! I missed the chance to pose with Gandhi, Saddam & Hitler coz no one to help to take picture... one of the disadvantages of traveling alone :(

Madam Tussaud

Mr & Mrs Smith :) Real tak?

1st night - 3rd destination:
Hong Kong's view at night from The Peak was breathtaking and the air was refreshingly breezy. I loved it!

There are packages you can choose from to go to The Peak, Madam Tussaud's and the viewing area. Make sure you choose the right ones. Packages are cheaper than buying single ticket for each attraction.

Hong Kong night view from The Peak. Sorry for the not so sharp picture.

2nd night - 1st destination:
2.50HKD ferry ride from Wan Chai to Tsim Shat Tsui. Loved it! I imagined I was travelling with Wong Fei Hong... hahahaaaaa...

2nd night - 2nd destination:
Symphony of lights show. Held every night @ 8pm. They used all the lights from the buildings by the river (river?) and danced the light according to the music. It was wonderful. I wondered how much is Hong Kong electricity expenses coz all the buildings light up at night. The city was really glittering.

2nd night - 3rd destination:
Arena of stars. Something like Hollywood's walk of fame. Again here, I took photos of Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Sammo Hung and... Tsui Hark! Once Upon a Time in China! Wowwieee...

Walking along the Arena of Stars, with the cooling wind blowing on my face made me smile. Too bad I was alone. Good times should be shared... :)

Oiii... kaki saper tuuuu???

Overall, I had quite a good time for someone with 50% excitement level :) One regret I had was for not bringing my Big Oly... Lil Oly was not so bad, but Big Oly can give better shots. Next time... I won't leave my Big Oly. My good photos depend on him...

I hope I'll have a chance to go back to Hong Kong so I can give you a review on the shopping situation there... heheheeee...

Last pics... my fav activity on flight. Sky view pics of the sky :)

Hope you enjoy reading!

See you again!

Criminal Minds: Goodbye JJ...

I love Criminal Minds... and I love all the BAU team members in this series. Right now, it's the only TV series that I follow. 

And... Hotchner is the best! Ngeeee...

2nd episode of season 6, JJ left the show... I'm not too sad coz I know that she'll be back. Yeay!

What I want to share today is what JJ wrote on her exit interview... 

"I'm thankful for my years spent with this family; for everything we shared, every chance we had to grow. I'll take the best of them and lead by their example; where ever I go. A friend told me to be honest with you, so here it goes. This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I look at everything as a lesson, or I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen, but have to accept; things we don't want to know, but have to learn, and people we can't live without, but have to let go."

That's useful advice... that's what life is :)

Live well everyone!

Plastic Bottle Light Bulb

Another interesting video shared by a friend on FB.

I love this! It makes me want to laugh & cry at the same time! Hahahaaa...
Such amazing, economic & environment friendly innovation!

I salute you Solar Demi!

There is power in simplicity... and this simple idea helps so many people!

Amazing!

On Libya...

Honestly, I hardly pay attention to what is going on in Arab countries. Those are the countries' internal affairs and issues... and obviously there's nothing much I can do. When the Egyption people got what they wanted, I'm happy for them.

It's a lesson learned for the rulers who take advantage of the power in their hands.

Latest news, Libya... the rebel won with the help of NATO. Most of the times, I can't help to think that help usually came in with an agenda. I just hope the Libyans know what they are doing...

What I want to say today is... I disapprove & disagree with the way Libyan rebels treating Muammar Gaddaffi after his death. No matter how bad he was during his life, there is no justification for one muslim to treat a dead body of another muslim the way the Libyan rebels are treating Muammar Gaddaffi's right now. They are keeping his body in a freezer in a supermarket for days now. For display. It smells & rotting. They even took pictures with his body. Big smiles on their faces & fingers signing the 'peace' sign.

What I meant:
http://vinienco.com/2011/10/21/un-calls-for-investigation-into-gaddafi%e2%80%99s-death/
http://indepthafrica.com/news/northafrica/gaddafi-family-demands-body/

That's definitely not an act of people looking for peace. That's an act of revenge.

No matter how angry they are, that's not the way of Islam. In the end, we are not answerable among us. We're answerable to Allah. And this is definitely one of the things we will be questioned for.

In Islam, we were taught to treat everyone & everything with respect!

Give Muammar Gaddaffi, a Muslim, a proper burial! Pronto!

Geramnya! Arrrrggghhhhh....

I got this information from FB. If this list is true, I'll say that Muammar Gaddaffi is not all bad. Whatever it is, there's no reason to treat his body like trash!

He's a muslim!

How can a Muslim looking for a better future do that to another muslim?! It's like going backwards!

Free education & medication! I want that!

*****

Libya & GADDAFI ...FACTS THAT CANT BE DENIED

1. There is no electricity bill in... Libya; electricity is free for all its citizens.
2. There is no interest on loans, banks in Libya are state-owned and loans given to all its citizens at 0% interest by law.

3. Home considered a human right in Libya – Gaddafi vowed that his parents would not get a house until everyone in Libya had a home. Gaddafi’s father has died while him, his wife and his mother are still living in a tent.

4. All newlyweds in Libya receive $60,000 Dinar (US$50,000 ) by the government to buy their first apartment so to help start up the family.

5. Education and medical treatments are free in Libya. Before Gaddafi only 25% of Libyans are literate. Today the figure is 83%.

6. Should Libyans want to take up farming career, they would receive farming land, a farming house, equipments, seeds and livestock to kick- start their farms – all for free.

7. If Libyans cannot find the education or medical facilities they need in Libya, the government funds them to go abroad for it – not only free but they get US$2, 300/mth accommodation and car allowance.

8. In Libyan, if a Libyan buys a car, the government subsidized 50% of the price.

9. The price of petrol in Libya is $0. 14 per liter.

10. Libya has no external debt and its reserves amount to $150 billion – now frozen globally.

11. If a Libyan is unable to get employment after graduation the state would pay the average salary of the profession as if he or she is employed until employment is found.

12. A portion of Libyan oil sale is, credited directly to the bank accounts of all Libyan citizens.

13. A mother who gave birth to a child receive US$5 ,000

14. 40 loaves of bread in Libya costs $ 0.15

15. 25% of Libyans have a university degree

16. Gaddafi carried out the world’s largest irrigation project, known as the Great Man-Made River project, to make water readily available throughout the desert country.

Is this..who you call a monster? The news made him look like how most of us do. But the same source as to who the media belongs to are the same people that killed him. Half of us could agree that the media's pure bullshit,don't we..I refuse to believe that cruelty is an attribute alongside humanity. Today's day an age is an age we call ZAMAN FITAN,the age of LIES.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yUrCkDHgucSee More

By: Rauuf Bajrai

*****

Praying for a 'Siratal Mustaqim' for all of us...

The Crazy Ones

"Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do..."

An inspiring video shared by my good friend Nina, via FB...

I wish I'm among the crazy ones...

An Adventure...

I had an amazing experience last weekend. An experience that made me understand more about family, love, sacrifices and the people around me...

Most importantly it was an experience that made me understand a little bit more about myself...

It was an experience that taught me about the importance of making a fast, calculated decision and sticking to it when I know that it's obviously the right thing to do and act on it.

It was an experience that taught me that no matter how strong you are, sometimes you just can't do it alone. Sometimes, you need a helping hand. Family & friends... they are great helping hands.

It was an experience that taught me something about modern medicine and traditional ones :)

It was an experience that showed me what a BIG fan of Gilbert Blythe fan I am... ngeeee...

It was an experience that taught me the importance of faith & how strong deep faith can keep you calm & strong when presented with a bad situation. 'Beriman kepada Qada' & Qadar'... believe in that.

Alhamdulillah!

2 days of exciting adventures... A real life test. I'm glad, this round I passed.

I never realize I don't have to be going into the wild to get my adventures. This round, I get my adventures in real life.

After all, the greatest adventure in life is life itself... isn't it?

Some photos of the blue skies that accompanied along the way of my adventures. Loved it!

A bit of editing done of photos, using picnik.com

One 'boulder' lifted... for now. Stay strong everyone!

Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)

A dedicated entry to a man whose speech once lifted up my spirits when I was so down.

I still admire him... for following his dreams & be successful at it.

Steve Jobs, you are an inspiration and... thank you for PIXAR.

You can read his inspirational speech here --> http://sayingtheunsaid.blogspot.com/2006/11/direction-of-heart.html

I'll stay hungry. I'll stay foolish. And I won't just settle.

Steve Jobs, thank you.

*sad*

Pesan Ustaz: Solat Jemaah

*In Malay

Pesanan daripada Ustaz Mustaffa, guru kelas Bahasa Arab saya. Pesanan ni, terutama sekali untuk jemaah lelaki sebab jemaah perempuan tak boleh menguatkan suara :)

Ustaz pesan, kalau selepas Imam habis baca Al-Fatihah, sebutlah 'Amin'. Al-Fatihah itu adalah doa & 'Amin' itu bermaksud 'Perkenankanlah'.

Pesan Ustaz lagi, kalau Imam baca :

Yang bermaksud: Maha mendengar Allah akan pujian orang yang memuji-Nya.

Makmum jawablah :

Yang bermaksud: Ya Tuhan kami, untuk-Mu lah segala puji- pujian.

Kata Ustaz, segala yang kita baca dalam solat, cantik maknanya. Segala yang kita buat dalam solat, ada fungsinya. Bayangkan jika bergema suara makmum serentak menjawab kata- kata Imam, bukankah itu melambangkan kekuatan dan kesatuan yang sejati bagi umat Islam?

Saya setuju dengan kata- kata Ustaz.

Hmmm... ada lagi pesanan Ustaz...

Kalau solat berjemaah, pastikan barisan lurus dan rapat kerana itu melambangkan kesatuan ummah. Kalau ada ruang diantara jemaah sewaktu di dalam saf, syaitan yang akan memenuhinya. Itukah yang kita mahu? Supaya solat kita yang asalnya pun tidak begitu khusyuk, bertambah gangguannya?

Dan jangan lupa bersugi serta sentiasa menjaga kebersihan diri & sekeliling. Itu juga asas kekuatan kita.

Perkara yang nampak kecil tetapi amat dalam maknanya.

Itu saja ruangan 'Pesan Ustaz' untuk hari ini. InsyaAllah, nanti saya post lagi!

Segala yang baik adalah daripada Allah, segala kekurangan adalah daripada diri saya sendiri.

Semoga kita dapat menjadi Muslim sejati!

Aminnnnnnn!



My favourite Bear Gryll's quotes...

From Bear Grylls Facebook status messages :P

If  you want to join my Mom and say, "Oh my God, you're still talking about Bear Grylls?!', go ahead. Coz, oh yeah, I'm still talking about Bear Grylls! Heheheheee...

 My current inspirational desktop wallpaper... hihihiiii...

If you're wondering what brought this back, well as always it is because I've been watching too much of a programme which in this case is 'Men vs Wild'. That show is my window to adventures... hope to move to the door. Hopefully soon :P

Truth is... as much as an Indi Wannabe that I am, I am still so much of a couch potato, which is bad. So bad. But I feel I'm getting a bit better this year. It all starts with a step & 2011 is definitely a 'step' for me. *Patting my own shoulder. Good job Speechless!*

By the way, I've watched the show with Jake Gyllenhaal. Not as fun as the one with Will Ferrell, but I do notice something... their characters. I remember thinking, 'Wow, no wonder they are successful'. The way they face challenges... calm & calculated. Sure that was just a show, but still...

Nothing important, but just FYI... I've clicked 'Like' on Bear Grylls FB page... I'm an official fan now. Ngeee... He's trying to get 1mil fans on his page, so could you be a dear and go click that 'Like' button? :)

Thanks a Zillion! *kiss kiss*

Back to the main subject of today...

My favourite quotes from Bear Grylls Facebook status messages... so far.. :P

The last one... really got me to thinking 'Hmmm... maybe not yet'.

That's all for now. Stay inspired y'all!