Doraemon Run 2024

"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything..." - George Bernard Shaw

This morning we were caught in the crowd in Kepong Taman Metropolitan while having our morning brisk walk.

There was a Doraemon Run 2024 event open to all ages. The event features both a 7km race and a leisurely 3.5km stroll, where participants run alongside with family and friends.

(Doraemon - The Blue Cat mascot)

(Keeping up with the participants)

(A new outlet is opening soon)

(A hearty lunch after the run)

House Warming and Marhaban...

"Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love..." - Nate Berkus

(The Marhaban group reciting the yasin)

The jemaah of Masjid At-Taiyibbin was invited for Majlis Tahlil and doa selamat at Cikgu Fathiah's new house in Dengkil. The Marhaban group arrived earlier in a bus and the muslimah looked smart in their uniforms. I was not in the Marhaban group so hubby and I arrived a bit later in time for an early lunch.

Cikgu Fathiah's new house is located quite near and a short walking distance to the Madrasah Islamiah Jenderam Hilir. The madrasah, better known as Yayasan Al-Jenderami is a modern Islamic Study Center established in 1985. 

To Cikgu Fathiah and family, we wish you all the best and have many incredibly happy years in this lovely new place.

(Hubby and Abang Rashid)

2024 Borders of Thailand 4x4 Trip

"The road is there, it will always be there You just have to decide when to take it..." - Chris Humphrey

(4×4 Trip - a complete circle)

We are embarking on a 4x4 trip exploring the borders of Thailand with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. This may be our last trip for this year.

This long road trip can be an adventure of discovery, relaxation, and sometimes a bit of spontaneity! We're going to drive along the borders of Thailand, exploring new towns and scenic routes to make our journey more enjoyable. We have map out the major destinations and breaks, but leave room for detours or unexpected stops to explore interesting spots along the way. While we are on the road, we will try to visit as many mosques and halal eateries and will be documenting them as reference for other fellow travelers.

We are not in a hurry! It’s worth taking the time to enjoy the views on the open road, and embrace the freedom of a free and easy travel.

Our 4x4 trip itinerary:

(10 Nov - 02 Dec 2024)

Day 01: KL - Hatyai
Day 02: Hatyai - Tha Sae
Day 03: Tha Sae - Samut Sakhon
Day 04: Samut Sakhon - Trat

Day 05: Trat - Aranyaprathet
Day 06: Aranyaprathet - Surin
Day 07: Surin - Chong Mek
Day 08: Chong Mek - Mukdahan
Day 09: Mukdahan - Nong Khai
Day 10: Nong Khai - Uttaradit
Day 11: Uttaradit - Chiang Khong
Day 12: Chiang Khong - Mae Sai
Day 13: Mae Sai - Chiang Mai
Day 14: Chiang Mai - Pai
Day 15: Pai - Mae Hong Son
Day 16: Mae Hong Son - Mae Sot
Day 17: Mae Sot - Kanchanaburi
Day 18: Kanchanaburi
Day 19: Kanchanaburi - Cha-am
Day 20: Cha-am - Chumphon
Day 21: Chumphon
Day 22: Chumphon - Kuala Lumpur

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Murals at Kepong Metropolitan Park...

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time...'' - Thomas Merton

(A nature mural on the wall)

We frequented the Kepong Metropolitan Park twice a week for brisk walks around the two scenic lakes. The park is quite popular especially on weekends of public holidays. It is a relaxing place to walk, exercise or chill by the lake side. A perfect nature getaway in Kuala Lumpur!

Recently we noticed a beautiful mural on the outer wall of one of the washrooms. The mural transformed neglected spaces and bring vibrant art into public sphere. They should do the same to other washrooms too!

(Vibrant art and eye-catching)

(Another mural on the wall of Zain Azrai Klinik)

A tour of Tugu Negara...

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave..." - Elmer Davis

(Aira, Alia and Arif at Tugu Negara)

The visit to Tugu Negara was the first for Alia, Arif and Aira. Alia especially, was overly excited and intrigued by the history and controversies of this national monument.

The Tugu Negara is constructed to commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960.

Constructed in 1966, the sculpture that stands as a centerpiece of the monument is 15 meters tall, made of bronze and was designed by Austrian sculptor Felix de Weldon. The sculpture depicts 7 figures, 5 of the figures (1. holding the Malaysian flag, 2. armed with a rifle and bayonet (left), 3. armed with a machine gun (right), 4. soldiers tending to fifth wounded compatriot represents the victorious allied forces while the other 2 figures that lie on the ground represents that of the defeated communist forces.

In 1975, the monument suffered extensive damage due to an explosion. It has since been restored to its original state. A wreath-laying ceremony used to take place at the monument every 31 July on Warriors Day but the event was since moved somewhere else.

(A beautiful fountain at Tugu Negara)

(Kuala Lumpur skyline in the background)

(Was last here in 2010 with Hana)

At the entrance to Tugu Negara there is an interwar-era cenotaph originally erected by the colonial British administration near the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. The cenotaph was intended to commemorate the Great War (1914–1918) and honour those from the British Malayan colonies who were killed in the war. The cenotaph's inscription would later include fallen British Malayan soldiers of World War II (1939–1945). Names of the fallen are engraved on plaques of the cenotaph as a tribute to their sacrifices. In 1964, the cenotaph was moved from its original location to the site of the National Monument in Lake Gardens.

(A brief history of Tugu Negara)

(The Cenotaph near the National Monument)

Afghan Autumn Trip

“I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom...” General George S. Patton

Our two week Afghan Autumn Trip will cover most of the major towns such as Kabul, Mazhar-e Sharif, Balkh, Kholm, Bamyan, Herat and Nangarhar and their significance to the Ancient Silk Routes.

Afghanistan is one of my off the beaten track destinations. And people were wondering why on earth we want to venture into this war-torn country.

From a security perspective, Afghanistan has improved a lot and is relatively safe. Afghanistan's history has been dominated by extensive warfare. After the US withdrawal in 2021, the conflict-ravaged country, has seen an increase in tourism since the Taliban returned to power.

For those who love nature, Afghanistan's countryside offers some of the most unspoiled, authentic and mesmerizing scenic landscape with ancient history. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting Afghanistan, when the weather is pleasant across the whole country.

Afghanistan is a landlock country, sharing borders with Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China and Tajikistan. During this trip, we will be visiting some towns near these borders.

We had to buy a separate travel insurance coverage as our existing travel insurance does not cover Afghanistan because of its notorious reputation.

The Afghan Autumn Itinerary:
Day 01: Leaving the hustle and bustle of life...
Day 02: Stop over of a long haul flight in Sharjah...
Day 03: The forgotten chapter of the Hippie Trail in Kabul...
Day 04: Mazar-e Sharif Saidina Ali Blue Mosque and Shrine...
Day 05: A hub of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism in Balkh...

Day 06: Kholm, the Historical Ancient City...
Day 07: The Buddhas of Bamiyan, a destruction of heritage...
Day 08: Band e Emir, Grand Canyon of Afghanistan...
Day 09: Herat, the Pearl of Khorasan...
Day 10: The legacy of the Mujahideens in Herat...

Day 11: Herat to Kabul unfortunate flight oversights...
Day 12: A Romantic Evening in Kabul...
Day 13: Nangarhar, once a major opium producer...
Day 14: Goodbye Afghanistan...

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

2024 - 16th Umrah Trip...

“Nothing binds you except your thoughts; nothing limits you except your fear; and nothing controls you except your beliefs...” – Marianne Williamson

(Masjidil Haram - Tawaf Wida at the Mataf area)

My body is working hard to heal, and recovery can take forever…

It was just two months after my laparoscopy hysterectomy. By this time, according to my Gynae, I should be fully recovered and back to my usual routine, although I may still be feeling fatigue and slight discomfort around the lower tummy.

Different story for dear hubby. His Angiogram procedure was two weeks ago and he was up and about right after the procedure! His heart specialist advised him to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several days.

This year we joined MKM Travels with a group of 35 others for our spiritual journey to the holy lands. This is our 16th Umrah trip, Alhamdulillah...

 

(Ta'if - Masjid Abdullah bin Abbas)

(Masjid Nabawi, Madinah)

Date: 19 – 31 August 2024
Flight: 19/08/24 MH156 1450/1900 KUL-JED
            31/08/24 MH159 2230/1310+1 MED-KUL
Hotels:
19 - 20/08/24 - Taif Platinum Park Hotel
20 - 25/08/24 - Makkah Pullman Zamzam
25 - 31/08/24 - Madinah Emaar Elite

Mutawwif: Ustaz Muhammad Ilyas bin Md Zin +6010 6679245

(A group photo at Museum Kuno, Hudaibiah)

Umrah Menara Jam MKM Itinerary:
Day 01: KL – Jeddah – Taif
Day 02: Taif – Makkah
Day 03: Makkah – Tannaeim
Day 04: Makkah – Ja’aranah
Day 05: Makkah Free and Easy
Day 06: Makkah - Hudaibiah
Day 07: Makkah – Madinah
Day 08: Masjid Nabawi Tour
Day 09: Madinah Free and Easy
Day 10: Madinah City Tour
Day 11: Madinah Optional Tour
Day 12: Madinah Jannat al-Baqi
Day 13: Madinah – Kuala Lumpur

My Travel Blog: musmun.blogspot.com

Next Trip: Afghanistan Autumn Trip

My Laparoscopy Hysterectomy Procedure...

“Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it’s about collecting the scars to prove that we showed up for it...” - Hannah Brencher

(Sedated after a 4-hour surgery)

I have been grappling with this decision to have my ovarian cyst removed.

This surgery brought a lot of mixed emotions. I know it is perfectly natural to feel anxious but it is necessary for a peace of mind. Finally, I opted for a total Laparoscopic hysterectomy as the procedure is minimally invasive unlike abdominal hysterectomy. I had the cyst and the reproductive organs removed through the vagina. It is supposedly to have less pain, less bleeding, less risk of infection and quicker recovery period. During the surgery, I was under general anesthesia and was attended by my Gynae and my heart specialist.

I was warded for almost a week. Physiotherapy sessions appointments were fixed after I was discharged. And I lost 3 kg in two months.

(Iwan and Ella came visiting)

(A cute bouquet from the grandkids)

Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure

"We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives. Some lessons are painful. Some are painless. But all are priceless..." - Unknown

We have been lucky to see many parts of the world denied to others.

Although we have been to Mongolia in 2019 and Russia in 2014, we decided to endeavor traveling on the famed Trans-Siberian Railway. We expected the railway journey to be rough and bumpy as the train chugged along the vast terrain but we were mistaken. The locomotives were electric powered and modern with the average speed of about 120 km/hr. The journey was smooth and the cabins and beds were quite comfortable.

The highlights of the trip were the train stops in the cities of Irkutsk, Yekaterinburg,  Kazan and several other small cities and ended our train journey in Moscow. We explored the charming streets, visited the many historìcal attractions and experienced the diversity of the cities, its local cuisines and its lovely people.

This trip brought us to places we have not set foot before. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience.

(Complimentary chocolate bars on the Trans-Siberian train)

The full Trans-Siberian railway line span a length of over 9,289 km and eight time-zone journey. It is the longest railway line in the world. It runs from Vladivostok in the east to Moscow in the west. To shorten our trip, we started from Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia to Moscow in Russia spanning over 6,266 km journey.

The Trans-Siberian Railway Trip itinerary:

02 - 17 May 2024

Day 01: KL - Incheon, Korea✈️

Day 02: Incheon, Korea - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia✈️
Day 03: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Day 04: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Irkutsk, Russia🚂
Day 05: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Irkutsk, Russia🚂
Day 06: Irkutsk, Russia - Lake Baikal, Russia
Day 07: Irkutsk, Russia - Yekaterinburg, Russia🚂
Day 08: Irkutsk, Russia - Yekaterinburg, Russia🚂
Day 09: Irkutsk, Russia - Yekaterinburg, Russia🚂

Day 10: Yekaterinburg, Russia - Kazan, Russia🚂
Day 11: Yekaterinburg, Russia - Kazan, Russia🚂

Day 12: Kazan, Russia - Bolgar, Russia
Day 13: Kazan, Russia - Moscow, Russia🚂
Day 14: Moscow, Russia
Day 15: Moscow Russia - Doha, Qatar ✈️
Day 16: Doha, Qatar - KL✈️

Our journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway is not just about train rides. It's about a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

The company of old friends...

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends...” - Martin Luther King, Jr

(Mus, Nas, Mazlan, Hafiz and Salleh)

The other day when we were in KGNS, some of us planned to visit our bedridden friend, Ridwan in Jenjarum. It has been quite a while since we met him.

Physically he is quite weak but still his cheerful self.  We updated him on mutual friends, shared nostalgic stories, and informed him about things happening outside that he might miss.

We kept our visit short as we know that he needs his rest.

A memory no one can steal...

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost..." - Charles Caleb Colton

(ITM Applied Science gang at KGNS)

Our circle of friends may naturally shrink as we get older.

Life becomes more of a patchwork quilt, each piece stitched together by memory, layered with love, loss, laughter, and longing. We look around, and maybe there are fewer people at our table than there once were. Our friendships feel like treasures gathered over time, some friends have traveled the whole journey with us, others only for a while. 

The memories are all there, stitched in that quilt, and we pull it close on quiet nights, letting it warm us with reminders of all the lives we’ve touched and been touched by.

Eid Fitri Mubarak...

"May this Eid bring the blessings for the entire humanity that we can walk on the way of peace and harmony..."

(Missing: Iwan's family)

(Sara, Fitri and the three stooges)

(Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin...)

2024 Kembara Ramadhan

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it..." - Greg Anderson

(Masjid Al-Rahman Kubang Batang, Kelantan)

2024 Kembara Ramadhan

(19 - 28 March 2024)

01 Kembara Ramadhan - Melaka

“Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up…” - Jesse Jackson

(Masjid Selat Melaka)

Day 01: Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Route: Taman Bidara - Melaka
Distance: 171 km
Hotel: Hallmark Crown Hotel, Melaka (Rm81)

Today was the start of our 10-day Kembara Ramadhan. We had the opportunity to have iftar and perform solat tarawih at some of the mosques we visited along our kembara routing.

 

(The start of our 10-day Kembara Ramadhan)

Started from Bidara House around 9.00 am. By noon we reached Melaka and drove direct to my hometown, Kampung Seri Minyak. Solat jamak Zohor/Asar at Masjid Al-Abrar where we met with my brother-in-law, Zul and my big brother, Abang.

 

(Pantai Siring overlooking the Straits of Malacca)

(Jetty Anjung Batu)

At the Tanah Perkuburan Kg Seri Minyak, we cleared Ja’s grave and recited prayers to those who had earlier left us.

 

(Masjid Al-Abrar Kg. Seri Minyak)

(Reciting the doa at Ja's grave)

By 4.00 pm we checked-in Hallmark Crown Hotel Melaka located in Taman Melaka Raya and rested the whole afternoon.

Had iftar and performed solat terawih at Masjid Selat Melaka. The magnificent mosque seems to be floating on the bank of the Straits of Malacca, the longest and busiest straits in the world. At sunset, the rippling reflection of the modern mosque with Middle-Eastern influences was a spectacular view. Terawih prayers were 8 rakaat with witir. Here, the Imam recited a different qiraat. Later we had mee goreng for moreh at Alif Maju Restoran in Melaka Raya.

 

(Watching the sunset at Masjid Selat Melaka)

(Hallmark Crown Hotel, Melaka)

02 Kembara Ramadhan - Kuantan, Pahang

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less…” - C. S. Lewis

(Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1, Kuantan)

Day 02: Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Route: Melaka - Bandar Muadzam - Pekan - Kuantan
Distance: 318 km
Hotel: Hotel Shahzan, Kuantan (Rm136.29)

Had sahur of nasi kandar and toasts at Subaidah Restoran Melaka Raya. Solat subuh was at Masjid Kampung Hulu, Melaka. The mosque is located in Malacca City and the oldest in Malacca and among the oldest in the country, having originally been built around the year 1720 - 1728 and had underwent several renovations.

(Masjid Kampung Hulu, Melaka)

(The old mosque is located in the middle of the city)

Checked out at 9.30 am and drove towards Pekan via Bandar Muadzam Shah, Rompin. A brief stop in Bandar Muadzam for solat Zohor/Asar at Masjid Al-Muadzam Shah. The mosque that was built in 1986 has the influence of local architectural design and does not have a dome. The pyramid roof design is the identity of this mosque. The mosque reflects the characteristics of traditional Malay house architecture. There is a square-shaped minaret, with pyramid-shaped roof resembling the roof of the mosque.

(A short break for prayers)

(Traditional Malay house architecture)

Arrived in Pekan around 3.30 pm and visited the two mosques Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah and Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah Al Haj. As there were no accommodations near the two mosques we drove on to Kuantan.

(Our favorite mosque in Pekan, Pahang)

(Dark clouds looming over the horizon)

By 5.30 pm we checked in Shahzan Hotel which is strategically located near Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1, the State Mosque of Pahang and next to the Pasar Ramadhan. The mosque is located in the heart of Kuantan town. The smaller original mosque, was built in the 1960s. Due to its centralised location and importance, the mosque was later demolished and rebuilt to make way for a new and bigger mosque which became the State Mosque of Pahang which was completed in 1994.

(Muslims families breaking fast on the field)

(We had iftar in the mosque)

Had iftar and solat terawih at Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1, Kuantan. Received two packs of nasi berlauk for sahur, alhamdulillah.

(Checking out next routing at Shahzan Hotel)