Pahang: Riding into the mist...

"No matter how bad things get, something good is out there, just over the horizon..."

It was raining heavily when we woke up this morning. I was hoping for a sunny day. But then, even the sunniest of days can have a few clouds in them.

(Tea for two...)

We had earlier planned to go for a ride to Cameron Highlands. While waiting for the rain to stop we had roti canai breakfast by the pool side at Putramas cafe.

(Scenic route from Sg Koyan to Ringlet)

We started our ride almost after 10.30 am and took the Karak highway to Felda Sg Koyan through Bentong and Raub and stopped for a sumptuous ikan patin lunch at pekan Sg Koyan.

(Reflections in the mirror...)

The ride on the winding road from Sg Koyan to Ringlet was smooth with little traffic. The weather was clear and cool with intermittent rain along the way. We rode on and checked-in for the night at Hotel Remix, a small boutique hotel, right in the middle of Brinchang.

(Our new riding jackets...)

As it was raining cats and dogs outside, dinner was a take-away KFC in the hotel room...

Total mileage: 480 km 
Route taken: KL - Bentong - Raub - Sg Koyan - Ringlet - Brinchang - Tapah - KL

I feel so tired...

"I can't control the things that happen, but I can control the way i react to them..."

(Let's reach for the sky...)

I deserve a day or two of self-indulgence.

For the last several months, I have been travelling to and from KL/ Melaka and spend the weekdays looking after my emak. I feel like I have nobly taken the weight of the world on my shoulders and feel so tired now.

But so much selflessness can take a toll on me - both mentally and physically. And it's high time I do something for myself, like go for a scenic ride to nowhere in particular. Or indulge in a few hours of therapeutic traditional massage at my favorite spa.

And this weekend, hubby and I are going to do whatever it is that makes us feel relaxed, contented, and inspired.

Our 32nd Anniversary...

"Love can never be taught for it is to be learned, never to be bought  for it is to be given, never be old for it lives to last a lifetime…"
'

(K Terengganu - July 2011)

We have changed over the years,

but the sparkle in our eyes is as bright as ever,

and my love for you is even stronger,

side by side, year by year.

Happy Anniversary Yang…

I shed tears...

"Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely..."

It’s nearing the end of Ramadhan. I thank Allah for His help with the month-long act of patience and self-control.

This morning, I searched high and low for the rendang cili api recipe. While peeling the onions for the rendang, I shed tears to no end. But they may as well be tears of happiness and sadness. I am happy to still be alive and blessed to witness and complete yet another Ramadhan and to celebrate the coming of Syawal. But I am also feeling sad, for this Eid would not be as joyous as previous years. This year we would not be able to taste my emak’s rendang and kuah lodeh any more.


(Rendang cili api on the stove...)

I have been spending my weekdays in Melaka since my emak fell sick. I am back in KL for the weekend and would be cooking the rendang for the family. I miss my emak's cooking and would give up any elite recipe for my emak's dish anytime.


(Hana helping in the kitchen...)

SeLaMaT HaRi RaYa EiD-FiTrI

maaf zahir & batin

Melaka: Ramadhan Charity Ride...

"Today, I gave a stranger one of my smiles.  It might be the only sunshine he sees all day..." 

More than 100 bikers rode in a charity convoy jointly organised by JAKIM, Welly Advance Bikers and Kawasaki to Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheng in Melaka. We were also accompanied by the press and media crew.

The Centre provides care and protection to poor senior citizens aged 60 and above and ensure their well being and quality of life. Majority of them do not have relatives and do not have a permanent residence.  The Bikers had the opportunity to mingle and beramah mesra with the elderlies. We later had the jamuan berbuka puasa with them and performed the Magrib prayers together.

Later, the bikers joined together in Takbir Raya and were recorded to be featured later on TV on Hari Raya day.

(Motorbikes parking in neat rows...)

(Bikers listening to a tazkirah...)

(Beramah mesra with the elderlies...)

(The ladies being interviewed...)

(Recording of Takbir Raya...)

(Takbir Raya next to their motorbikes...)

(A group photo with some of the lady bikers...)

Total mileage: 330 km
Route: KL- Cheng Melaka - KL
Riders gang: Welly advanced Bikers