Reflections of my life

Monday, 30 May 2011

Bikers night with the tahfiz...

“And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged...” (Al-Quran 2:272)

(What is left of the Rumah Anak Yatim Hidayah)

After the landslide tragedy that wrecked Rumah Anak Yatim Hidayah in Hulu Langat on May 21, some orphans who were among the survivors of the landslide that killed 16 people were staying temporarily at the Islamic Missionary Foundation of Malaysia (Yadim) training centre in Kampung Sungai Semungkis, Hulu Langat.

(15 superbikes and 4 police escorts gathered at YADIM)

(A briefing on the mechanics of Superbikes)

(Waiting their turn for a 5 km joyride)

Last Saturday, a group of superbikers came together to join more than 100 children and orphans from the nearby tahfiz schools for a solat jemaah, tahlil and tazkirah followed by a sumptuous dinner of home-cooked Nasi Arab and grilled lamb sponsored by one company. May Allah accept their good deeds and accept their charity and generosity.

(Delicious grilled lamb)

(Preparing and serving food)

Earlier, some of the children had the opportunity to go for a 5 km joyride with the brother bikers on their superbikes.

(Dinner is served...)

Hopefully, what little time spent together, would bring smiles and helped to ease the pain of losing their friends and family in the recent landslide tragedy…

Sunday, 29 May 2011

A showroom grand opening…

"I keep trying to lose weight... but food keeps finding me..."

(Lion dance, agile and energetic...)

Yesterday, after the flying session at the Royal Selangor Flying Club, we went to Sri Gombak to attend the opening of a new showroom owned by one of the brother bikers.

(A lunch after a heavy brunch?)

Although we already had brunch earlier, we could not resist the spread of food served while being entertained by a lion dance show to commemorate the auspicious occasion.

(Nasi bryani for the main dish)

Congratulations…

Saturday, 28 May 2011

Flying without wings…

“Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man.... Landing is the first!...”

This morning, we decided to join the BNM photography Club for an aerial photo shoot of KL and surrounding areas and had the opportunity to fly a small 4-seater plane from Sungai Besi TUDM Airport. The flight was not just about admiring scenery but also a test of our mental and physical endurance and it is classified as an extreme sport.

(A few choices of the 4-seater planes)

We had a choice of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk or a Piper PA28-180 Cherokee. And we decided to fly the Piper Cherokee instead as it is more stable than the Cessna. Cessna has always designed an airplane that is lighter than Piper. But being heavier, Piper is somewhat easier to handle in adverse conditions.

(Bright and sunny day during take-off)

(First aerial shot of the city skyline)

But for the purpose of aerial photography, many prefer the high wing Cessna compare to the low wing Piper as one can see up and to the side better in the low wing, but you can't see down so much because the wing is obstructing your view.

(Clear view with dark clouds in the horizon)

(Hazy aerial view of KL city)

(View from inside the plane)

At 0900 we were off the ground and flying over KL, The plane flew 1500 feet above sea level. We could see KL and parts of Selangor from an angle which we have never seen before.

(Twin towers and KL tower)

(KL tower and twin towers from different angle)

Today we had Mr. Mann to pilot the plane and the co-pilot was allowed to fly the plane for a while, but not during takeoff and landing of course. The back seats were quite comfortable for two people. Because it was a small plane, the noise was not well insulated and it felt like a sauna on the hot tarmac. But once the plane was flying high in the sky it was quite cooling and breezy.

(Closer shot of the twin towers)

(Zooming to catch a glimpse of our Putramas Apartment on the far right)

It cost us RM600 per hour per plane but the experience of flying a plane is really worth the money.

Friday, 27 May 2011

The twilight's dusk...

"For everything you have lost, you gained something else..."

(From 22nd floor of our Putramas Apartment)

A beautiful sunset

Brings sweet memories

Of you and me…

Twilight’s dusk disappearing

Nighttime appearing

The heart is yearning

Wondering what I’m missing...

Sunday, 22 May 2011

Johor: Romantic riding escapade to Mersing...

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step..." - Lao Tzu

(Teluk Buih Bay)

I was quite apprehensive when dear hubby agreed to join the convoy with 10 others. Ours is the only easy rider joining the convoy of young sports bikers, the likes of GTR, BMW and Versys. And as expected, because of safety, especially when handling the sharp and winding roads, these old-timers rode slow and steady and the rest had to wait for us at junctions to make sure that we would not get lost on the way.

The ride was exciting and quite many routes were unchartered for us. If not for their patience, we would not have managed to keep pace with their speed and reached safely at the intended destination.

We stayed the night at Fishing Bay Lodge in Teluk Buih. Although the chalet is quite expensive for Malaysian standard, the white sand beach is genuinely beautiful and serene.

One of these days, I wouldn’t mind to trace the same route again, just the two of us…

When the rain is blowing in your face

And the whole world is on your case

I could offer you a warm embrace

To make you feel my love…

(Group photo at Hutan Lipur Panti)

(Bikes lined-up by the seaside...)

(Room rates between RM180 -RM380 per night)

(One of the more expensive chalet overlooking the sea...)

(A secluded private beach...)

(Watching fishermen hard at work...)

(Waiting for a glimpse of the sunset...)

(Group photo before the ride back)
(From L-R: Fazli, Su, Azim, Nazeli, Sham, Aishah, Mun, Mus, Nelsa, Shamsiah and Keef)

I could make you happy,

make your dreams come true

There’s nothing that I would not do

Go to the ends of the earth with you