Asmah's Family Day Event, Malim Nawar 29 April 2017

My wife's family and relatives had planned to have a big event this year. The idea was started by Asmah's cousin a few years ago. This year, things gathered momentum and finally became a reality. The event was to be held at their home village near Malim Nawar, Perak.

I was asked to be the event photographer. I did warned Kak Wati that I am just an amateur and my equipment are basic. I agreed anyway. I took it as an opportunity to improve my skills.

Since it was the Labour Day Holiday (1 May 2017 Monday), we left KL for Kampar very early in the morning at 4.00 AM. As we entered the PLUS Highway at Sungai Buloh, there were many vehicles already. However, traffic flow was smooth.

I exited the Highway at Tapah and headed towards Kampar. We stopped at Kampar Town Mosque for the early morning prayers. After that, we headed towards Malim Nawar. We arrived at Asmah's aunty's house by 7.30 AM.

My wife was to help with Registration of the family members who were to turn up for the event. I busied myself with the task as the Event Photographer. The Organizing Committee had planned several activities for the day until the night. There were games, lucky draws, karaoke and of course, food for everyone.

That night it rained a bit but it did not dampened the celeberative spirits of everyone.

The following are some sample pictures of the event.

Asmah (right) with Intan, Mak Yang and Chik.

Special goody bags.

Ice cream for the kids.

The Rosers Clan family members.

Me with the in-laws of The Rosers.

Kak Wati presented the Opening Speech.

The two most elders cutting the yellow rice cake.

Family group photo.

News papers costumed models.

Pickup peas with chopsticks.

Bursts the opponent's balloon.

Anxious wait and preparation for Hajj Journey

My wife and I had submitted our passports to Tabung Haji on 17 May 2017 for the visa application from Saudi Arabian government. We have yet to receive our full flight details.

As at today, the countdown to the start of the Hajj is approximately two months away. I expect we should be heading to Madinah/ Mecca in early August.

We are now refreshing and going through our checklist with regards to required items to bring. Our financials for the trip and also for whatever expenses for our son, Zharif and the house bills.

We are also preparing for a "doa selamat" session and kenduri. Thus, we need to go through the invitation list and the engagement for a caterer for the event.

My prayers to Allah that all will be well and receive the Almighty's blessings.

To Taiping Saturday 22 April 2017

Monday 24 April 2017 was declared a Public Holiday. So, I went back to Taiping on Saturday morning. Thankfully, the traffic on the PLUS Highway north-bound was smooth. Probably, most people had already made plans to travel in the following weekend with the Workers Day Holiday.

Suria@Meru houses from the distant.

Upon reaching Ipoh, I decided to check in the Suria@Meru housing project. The main access road is still being constructed. I think the contractor does not allow people to go in and visit the site. I only managed to get a very distant view of the houses being built. It looks like it has reached 45% built-up stage. I continued the journey to Taiping.

Rain clouds gathering.

The rain came.

The weather was bright with clear blue sky. Upon reaching Taiping that afternoon, the rain clouds had begun to gather. It would rain that evening. I checked in at the Flemington Hotel near the Lake Gardens. My friends in Taiping were not available to meet me that Saturday evening. So, I had dinner at the hotel and stayed in my room.

Sunday, I was to meet Ban Heng and Murthy for lunch. However, both could not make it. Murthy proposed that we visit our sick friend, Abdul Rahim at his house. So, after my lunch, I left the hotel for Rahim’s house which is located somewhere along Jalan Simpang after Taman Larut Tin.

Murthy was already there with Rahim. Rahim’s wife had prepared us tea and kuih for us. Later, we were joined by Jamaee and Ban Heng. We talked of our good old school days, the old teachers and of old friends.

From left- Murthy, Rahim(seated), Jamaee, me.

 

From left- Murthy, me, Ban Heng, Rahim (seated).

By 5.00 PM, we had to leave. I was to head to Ipoh before I head back to KL the next day. We bid our farewells and wished Rahim good health.