Reflections of my life

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Taman Metropolitan Kepong is in a bad state...

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry..."

(Slimy green-tinted oil-like substance floating on the lake)

Taman Metropolitan Kepong in Kuala Lumpur offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park is also known as "Taman Layang-Layang" and is a favorite spot for kite enthusiasts. There are plenty of rest areas and picnic spots where you can relax and enjoy a meal with family or friends. The park features a few viewpoint towers that offers panoramic views of the surrounding greenery. There's an excellent jogging/walking track and a cycling lane that goes around the large lake in the park. It's a popular spot for recreational activities, providing a scenic route with beautiful views.

But recently the lake is not as clean as it used to be. In recent months, visitors have noticed problems like dead fish, a green-tinted oil-like substance, and a pungent stench from the stagnant water. There have been efforts by the authorities to clean up the pollution in the lake.

Hopefully, the pollution issues could be resolve soonest. If not we need to look for other parks for our weekly brisk walks.

(Pungent stench from the stagnant lake)

Sunday, 21 January 2024

My Regular Heart Checks...

(Appointment with my heart specialist)

I have been having a regular heart checks with my heart specialist to monitor my cardiovascular health and detect any potential issues. So far my heart vitals are quite ok.

In July I will be having my full medical check-up and will consult with my doctor which tests are appropriate for me based on my age, family history, and risk factors.

(Paintings on the wall)

Friday, 22 December 2023

Iraq - The Cradle of Civilization

"Know thyself, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories..." - Sun Tzu

(City of Regent, Karbala)

We were overly excited and a little nervous when we decided to embark on this trip. Regardless of what people say about Iraq and its wars, it is actually a beautiful country with long-standing history, friendly locals and cultural diversity. It was a fascinating and enriching experience for us. And another tick-off from our bucket list. Alhamdulillah...

Iraq was home to ancient Mesopotamian peoples who developed the world's first writing, agriculture and cities. Powerful civilizations from the Sumerians to the Neo-Assyrians ruled the region. This wealthy region, comprising much of what is called the Fertile Crescent, later became a valuable part of larger imperial polities, including Persian, Greek, and Roman dynasties, and after the 7th century it became a central and integral part of the Islamic world. Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th century. The modern nation-state of Iraq was created following World War I (1914–18) from the Ottoman provinces of Baghdad, Basrah, and Mosul. Iraq derives its name from the Arabic term used in the premodern period to describe a region that roughly corresponded to Mesopotamia, “Arabian Iraq” and modern northwestern Iran, “Persian Iraq”.

(Baghdad, Iraq - a mural on the wall)

The capital city Baghdad is the second largest city in the Arab world and the 4th largest in the Middle East. Iraq has several World Heritage Sites, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, most notably is the Ancient City of Babylon. Religious tourism is the most popular type of tourism in Iraq, with tens of millions of tourists from several countries visiting Holy cities and places in Iraq every year. These include: Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, with remains of Adam and Noah, according to Shi'ah belief and Imam Hussein Mosque in Karbala, with the tombs of Sayyidina Hussein, Sayyidina Abbas and the many syuhada’.