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 or 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.

(With the locals at Makam Nabi Seth in Balkh)

The Afghan Autumn Itinerary:

(4 - 17 October 2024)

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...

Next Trip: Borders of Thailand

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

The Anchor of Time...

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart..." - Eleanor Roosevelt

(SIC 72/73 Reunion at the Grand Renai Hotel, Kota Bharu)

The Anchor of Time

In moments of change, we drift and roam,

Yet old friends stand firm, like a steadfast home.

Their laughter, a lighthouse when shadows descend,

A bond carved in memory, our hearts will defend.

Their stories entwined in the tapestry bright,

Illuminate paths through both day and night.

With whispers of comfort, they always are near,

In the warmth of their presence, we banish all fear.

(Author unknown)

(The ladies with the organising committee)

(The Big 5 - Ani, Bee, Kid, Ubai and me)

(The Big 5 with Zan and Saaidah)

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, Hudaibiyah)

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

Next Trip: Afghanistan in Autumn

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com