Friday, April 9, 2010

Top 5 Best Moments of our China Vacation 2010

Here are my Top 5 Best Moments of our China Vacation 2010...

#1 Solat Asar in Masjid Huaisheng (Day 1)

Masjid Huaisheng, the oldest masjid in China, is also one of the oldest masjid in the world. Built by the uncle of Nabi Muhammad s.a.w., Saad ibn Abi Waqqas around 627 A.D. (5H).

Our arrival was welcomed by the Imam himself.













We then performed the Asar prayer. I felt peace.













It was a serene and tranquil place. For the peace we found there, definitely it was the best experience we had throughout our vacation.


#2 Hong Kong Disneyland (Day 4)

Finally we left today and entered the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy!!













The reason we came down to Hong Kong from Guangzhou was Disneyland. I've planned this for the kids to enjoy. But at the end of the day, me and Atiz enjoyed it too. It was like a dream come true.













The Greatest Moment in Disneyland was the "Disney in the Stars" fireworks finale. The synchronized lighting, fireworks and pyrotechnics were coordinated to orchestrated classic Disney music.













The other great moment here was the "It's a Small World" boat ride featuring brightly costumed audio-animatronic dolls in the style of children of the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity and singing the ride's title track , which has a theme of global peace.


#3 Panda (Day 2)

We wanted to meet the real Po, the Kung Fu Panda. Where else to see the great giant Panda if not in the Chimelong Xiangjiang Safari Park in Panyu District, the largest animal park in all of China.













There were 10 Pandas here, the most Pandas you can see in a place. The Pandas were well kept and protected. These Pandas were actually the survivors of the 2008 earthquake in Xichuan Wolong Reserve.













Besides Pandas, there were more than 460 species here including more than 100 White Tigers, that is almost half of the total global population.


#4 Pearl River Night Cruise (Day 1)

We took a one-and-half hour night cruise along the Zhujiang River (Pearl River) from Tianzi Pier. We were captivated by the beautiful night scenery and cool breeze. The lights from the buildings, bridges and river bank were so fascinating, with jade-coloured water and coloured lights on shore.













Helmi said: "Ma, look! That's our hotel....(translated la!)"


#5 The Symphony of Light (Day 3)

Last but not least, my fifth pick was the spectacular night scenery along the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong, especially during The Symphony of Light show, a synchronized building exterior decorative light and laser multimedia display, featuring 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, accompanied by music.














Besides my Top 5 Best Moments above, I also need to mention the delicious muslim Uighur food. The best was seeing how they make your pull noodle by hand in front of you and then cooked them.













The best restaurant we had dinner was the Abdullah Qinghai in Sanyuanli. Over half of the patrons were Malay tourist groups! Other recommended are Nurbostan in Guangta Lu and Halid in Renmin Nan Lu.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Jalan-jalan di China... (dan Hong Kong)

For this year vacation, we were not physically prepared for long walk. We were not able to jog at FRIM park prior to the trip due to the recent heat wave (ala alasan jer tu...).

In the wee morning of March 16, we flew to Guangzhou, China.

This time, we walked a lot. Our option for public transport was limited. Taxi - we spoke no Cantonese or Mandarin. Local bus - all destinations were written in Chinese. So our option was left only to the Metro (subway train) which we used a lot. Although it was very efficient, the Metro network does not cover all places. So we walked, and walked, and pengsan......... aduh penat nye!!

In total we have walked some 53.3 km !!!


Day 1 : Distance walked - 7.8 km

Walked along Zhujiang Riverbank to Tianzi Wharf
Walked around Haizhu Square
Walked along Guangta Lu to Masjid Huaisheng

Day 2 : Distance walked - 11.3 km

Walked around Xiangjiang Safari Park
Walked around Zhujiang New Town
Walked around CITIC Plaza and Guangzhou East Railway Station












@ Xiangjiang Safari Park

Day 3 : Distance walked - 6.3 km

Walked around Tsim Sha Tsui
Walked along Avenue of Stars
Walked along Tung Choi Street












@ Mong Kok Ladies Market

Day 4 : Distance walked - 7.3 km


Walked around Hong Kong Disneyland












@ HK Disneyland Entrance


Day 5 : Distance walked - 5.4 km

Walked along Beijing Lu

Day 6 : Distance walked - 13.2 km

Walked along Yide Lu
Walked along Shangxiajiu Lu and Dishifu Lu
Walked from Guangzhou Railway Station to Shanyuanli
Walked along Beijing Lu












@ Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Day 7 : Distance walked - 2.0 km


Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Most Expensive Cendol... NOT?

Went to Sg. Gadut near Seremban last weekend to the famous cendol of Leman Dawi. Location: N 2° 39.744' E102° 0.322'. You can see the Novice Food Review by Atiz over here.















It's not expensive isn't it. You can 'tambah' or 'tapau' unlimited for free. Why did I say it is the most espensive? Hmmm...















All six of us had one bowl each, some with 'jagung', 'kacang merah' or plain. The total cost was RM8.50 only. But...

Petrol for my MPV travelling 227km for the return trip = RM51.00

Toll for the trip = RM21.50

Thus, price per bowl approximately @ RM13.50 each.















Pak Cik Leman Dawi preparing the cendol for 'tambah'















So was it worth a trip. A big YES!!! Will come back again for the 'pulut' that we missed....















After Cendol session, kids playground next to the shop.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Fira's First Day @ School

*Text copied from Atiz :)

She rose up extra early today..
She brushed her teeth..
Took her shower..
She prayed..

Then she dressed up for her first day at school..
She was excited when the teachers asked her to line up..













In Classroom

She is now Year One..
1 Bestari..
That's my girl..

Study smart..
Play hard..
And Allah will lead the way..













During Break At Canteen

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Dragon Ball Unleashed













Taken minutes after the new year 2010 lunar eclipse.