Aira Ashran, my 5th grandchild...

"Grandchildren are like snowflakes. Each one is beautifully unique..."

(Aira Ashran binti Mohamad Fitri)

Welcome to the world dear Aira 

You bring sunshine to the soul

I hope that you grow up

to be smart, tough and wise...

(Alia and Arif excited to see their little sister)

(Only 2.5 kg, a month pre-mature)

Muslim-themed Shopping Mall...

"Stay home, stay safe – the only medicine found till now for coronavirus..."

(Social distancing everywhere)

It was not safe to bring Hana and Amir to the shopping malls on weekends because they will mostly be crowded. Instead, we went out on Monday to Malakat Mall to have lunch at Bunch-oh Restaurant and window shop there.

(Hana and Amir at Malakat Mall)

(There were sales everywhere)

Malakat Mall is the first Muslim-themed shopping complex in Malaysia. The mall, which brings together businesses, is a strategic effort to help boost the economy of Muslim entrepreneurs. Located in Cyberjaya, Malakat Mall consists of three blocks of four-storey buildings.

(Grocer promoting Muslim Products)

(Lunch at Bunch-Oh Restaurant)

The concept that makes Malakat Mall different from the other malls is the '7 minutes Prayer Break' where traders and visitors are free to pray anywhere in the Mall area.

(Surau at Level 1 and 2)

(Calligraphy on display)

Gastronomic Indulgence...

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well..."

(Lamb chop for dinner)

I am running out of idea to cook.

At times, figuring out today's meals can be one of the biggest challenges of the day. And suddenly I have a strong craving for juicy barbequed steaks. Normally we will dine either at Victoria Station or Tony Romas. But with the on-going stay home stay safe campaign, we make do with the Lamb Chop dish at Restoran De Maju, one of the mamak restaurants near our house.

 And the food isn't that bad after all...

Wishing you well dear friend...

"There are two blessing which many people waste, health and free time..." - Sahih Bukhari

(Puan Nur Ainiah, a year ago)

We were saddened to hear that our friend Nur Ainiah, a senior scout from Perak is suffering from breast cancer, final stage.

We planned with some friends to visit her at her house in Ipoh. During this pandemic time, it is not advisable to have many to gather at her house. We would not want her to be uncomfortable. At the moment, her immune system is fragile and we could end up infecting her with other diseases.

(Used to be an old Government quarters)

Although very weak and fragile, she was cheerful and as usual full of candor. We spent time reminiscing the good old times but did not stay long as she needs at lot of rest.

(Weak and fragile yet cheerful)

Ya Allah, help her discover her peace. Let her receive your comfort. Help her to be at rest knowing that you care for her and that you love her. Aamiin…

(Dinner at Paddy with Tuan Nasa and wife)

Perak - The ruined mansion of Kellie's Castle...

"We are not haunted by the dead. We are haunted by the living and the graveyards of memories they leave in our heads..." - Nikita Gills

(Kellie's Castle, the haunted mansion)

On the way to Ipoh we stopped at Kellie's Castle to while away our time. Our appointment to visit an ailing friend was at 2.00 pm. 

Kellie's Castle, sometimes also called Kellie's Folly is a castle located in Batu Gajah, Perak. The unfinished, ruined mansion, was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith. According to differing accounts, it was either a gift for his wife or a home for his son. Kellie's Castle is situated beside Sungai Raya, which is a small creek to Sungai Kinta.

(The castle is opened daily)

(Kellie’s Castle follows the contours of the land)

(The castle is perched on top of a hill)

(Reminiscent of Kellie's home in Scotland)

(Design replicates the great British Raj palaces in India)

(A castle for a beloved wife)

(Moorish style arches and windows)

(The solitary castle, looks almost surreal)

(Hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels)

(The maze-like road that leads to Kellie’s Castle)

(The Love Locks, mystery and romance)

Kellie's Castle is now a popular local tourist attraction, with some believing it to be haunted. It was used as a setting in the 1999 film Anna and the King and 2000 film Skyline Cruisers.

(Social distancing while touring the castle)

(The history of Kellie-Smith)

(Cartoons on the wall)

(Souvenirs from Kellie's Castle)

(A painting on the wall)