Family Get Together at Bidara House...

"Family is like music, some high notes, some low notes. But always a beautiful song..."

(Family group photo)

The bond that links our family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.

We had a simple family gathering at our Bidara House. Except for a few who had other commitments, everyone was there. We had nasi briani for dinner and some brought fruits and pudding for dessert. As usual, we had fun playing games after dinner. There were winners and losers of course, but too bad there were no prizes. It's good to hear the laughter and see the smiles on their faces again. 

During this joyful moments, we missed our beloved Emak and Shah who had left us earlier.

Al-Fatihah... 

(Playing charade with nieces and nephews)

(Ladies turn, full of concentration)

(Sleepy head, another late night for Amir)

Thailand: Lake to Lake Leisure Ride...

"All seasons are beautiful for the person who carries happiness within…” - Horace Friess

(The Guilin of Thailand)

(Charming floating chalets on the lake)

Cheow Lan Lake or Ratchaprapha Dam Reservoir is in Khao Sok National Park. The dam is located 70 km west from Surat Thani on Highway 401. It is an artificial lake, created in 1982 by the construction of Ratchaprapha Dam by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand as a source of electricity. The lake is surrounded by breath-taking view of stunning limestone rocks jutting out of the emerald green water against the blue sky has been compared to Guilin in China. There are over 200 small islands and more than 15 different floating chalets on the lake, each with their own unique charm.

(Beautiful sunrise on Lake Thale Noi)

(Blooming lotus flowers on the lake)

Thale Noi lake is 5 km wide and 6 km long with an average depth of 1.2 meters. There are many local plants, such as lotus, bulrush, reed, and grasses used for thatching. More than 180 species of waterfowl, migratory birds, and indigenous birds make their home at Thale Noi. Some live here throughout the year and some migrate only in winter from October to March when the population density is at its highest. The low season is June to September, which is the nesting period. The lake can be reached via Highway 4048 from Amphoe Mueang to Amphoe Khuan Khanun.

Date: 18 – 22 February 2016

Route: KL – Changlun – Ratchaprapha Dam – Thale Noi – Hatyai – KL

Total Distance: 1,850 km

My Overseas Travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

Alia is Four...

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate..." - Oprah Winfrey

(Birthday girl, Alia Ashran)

May you have all the joy your heart can hold

All the smiles a day can bring

All the blessings a life can unfold

May you get the world's best in everything...

Happy Birthday Alia...

(Cousins Hana and Amir help to cut the cake)

(Alia with her baby brother Arif and Tokbah)

Iwan USA trip...

"If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello..."

(Hana and Amir waving from the Departure Hall)

Tonight we were in KLIA to send Iwan off to the USA.

From February through April, Iwan is going to work in Torrance, California. After his attachment with the US office, Ella is planning to join him there for a week holiday before they fly back home.

I am not feeling melancholic. But seeing my son flying off alone reminds me of my first experience in 1987 flying solo to Japan for a 2-week attachment program with the Long Term Credit Bank. I was a nervous wreck then but I survived.

And so will Iwan, insyaAllah…

(Take good care of yourself, Iwan)

Thailand: Betong January to February Ride...

"You don't need magic to disappear. All you need is a destination..."

(Misty View Point, Sea of Fog at Aiyoe Weng)

(A gigantic tree at Chulaphorn Village 10)

(Betong Hot Spring at Ban Charo Parai)

Date: 31 January - 2 February 2016

Route taken: KL - Betong - KL

Total mileage: 900 km

My Overseas Travelogue: Betong Back to Nature Ride

fb photo album: Betong Trip