Family Get Together at Pasir Ambor...

"Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one..." 

(A welcoming sign for visitors)

We had a family gathering at my brother-in-law's resort in Pasir Ambor.

The resort is still under construction but the basic amenities are ready for use. There are two swimming pools, the smaller and shallower is for the kids. They are starting to build chalets and plant fruit trees around the area. They even have a fish pond for fishing enthusiasts. The resort will be opened to visitors once the chalets are ready for occupancy.

For now, it is for the used of family and close friends only.

(A game of volley-ball)

(A smaller pool for the kids)

(The veteran judges)

(The youngsters trying out the ATV)

Iran Adventure - Tracing the Ancient Silk Route...

"Tourists don't know where they've been. Travelers don't know where they're going..."

2016 Tracing the Persian Silk Route...

(07 – 21 March, 2016)

Route: Tehran–Kerman–Rayen–Yazd–Persepolis – 

Shiraz-Pasargade-Isfahan-Kashan-Shiraz-Tabriz

The Silk Road is the greatest travel route of all time.

Tonight, dear hubby and I will be flying off to Iran and would be tracing another Ancient Silk Route. Over the years we have been travelling the unchartered paths which spans roughly 8,000 km from Istanbul to Beijing. It is a network of spidery tributaries once used by ancient traders to get their goods to and from the Orient, tying the Mediterranean to the Pacific. Those tributaries take in some of the most fascinating sites of Asia, to pass through, among others, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and China. Other Silk Road stalwarts, Iraq and Afghanistan are sadly off-limits for now.

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Iran. However there are advices against all travel to the borders of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, due to the on-going cross-border ethnic conflicts.

We will be travelling with a large group and will exercise a high degree of caution.  Insya-Allah…

Next Trip: 2016 The Aegean Sea Cruise, Athens and Turkey Tour

My travelogue: munmus.blogspot.com

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)

Dams and Lakes Ride - Pristine waters of Ratchabrabha Dam...

Dams and Lakes Ride - Thale Noi Lotus Lake...

(18 -23 February 2016)

Total Distance: 1,850 km

(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.

Next Trip: 2016 Iran: Tracing the Persian Silk Route...

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)