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 - Hat Yai
Day 02: Hat Yai - 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

Next Trip: 2025 Kembara Ramadhan Malaysia/Thailand

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 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)