Monday, December 26, 2011

dhuha's dunedin -day4

Late morning....after two late nights
sorry hubby, you wouldn't allow such menace
with Amin to depend on if misfortune happened
nevertheless we are the carefree holiday makers

we rushed to the Cadbury Factory
established company for more than 100 years
with the consent from HRH the Queen
hence the use of purple the royal color as their theme


the tour was conducted in group of 12
including  americans, aussie, canadians, chinese HK
like school kids we trotted after jenny
she entertained us with tricks  and treats
along the way she pop-up quiz to win a choc bar
everyone was tentative and alert to wow the group
at the end everyone grabbed one giftaway quiz
and were delighted with a mini bag full of goodies
Nuha even won for being pinky, the next color to purple

the tour was educational and interesting
going up to the silo and ended in a confectionery
where the chocolate rolled  from the ceiling
reminded me of  Willy Wonka Fantasy Land
we were spoilt with plenty of choices, mind you it was costly
so purchased what we cannot get at home


Up from the silo we have a breathtaking view
the stunning peninsular and the solitude harbour
Larnach Castle perched on the hill
the only castle in NZ built by a scottish landlord
reflection of  Edinburgh Castle on Carlton Hill

as far as the eyes can see the NZ landscape
clear blue sky, green craggy hills and blue calm sea
just like Land's End in United Kingdom
this is the southern most city in NZ



The city is the treasure trove of Victorian and Edwardian architecture
the second most photographed building is the  Dunedin Railway Station
the first is Sydney Opera House in Australia
The tiles and staircase at the railway station was so antique
the most popular destination is Taeri River Gorge
that is the highest railway across the gorge
there was an art gallery  on the first floor
whereby we browse their paintings
appreciated the art but mind you it's costly again



we had a stroll in the city and awed the town planning
the octagon was at the centre of the town
all the buildings around the octagon were historical
the cathedral, art gallery, the town hall and I-site
fancied more paintings at the market square
souveniers for keepsake and window shopping
the city was in merry xmas mood
decorations were adorned a huge xmas tree

my legs ached on the way home,  been walking for hours
Noral cooked kurma chicken and we enjoyed the meal
stayed cosy , upload photos and  online with families at home
that night we even skyped with Alin in Volgovograd

Sunday, December 18, 2011

a small town name Alice

The tittle is from a film back in the 70s
It was a small town in Australia during world war II
it was so desolete in the Australian desert
and the casualties were trasferred by choppers
there was no hospital there or here, so i fret again
it's a no man's land, waiting for pioneer to develop
dream on noral, we can start a community here..

Subhanallah we were granted the chance to observe
such beauty creations  from ALLAH
this place is majestically the last and loveliest place
yet it can be the loneliest place on earth after Antartica
i never dream of seeing such spectacular beauty
other wonders are  Mount Cook, highest peak on the Remarkables
and stunning Fiordland at  Milford Sound
its the  must-see attractions in New Zealand

homeward bound trip should be fast
to avoid the night safari drive we moved on at 6 pm
Nuha wanted to see puzzling world
at a small town name Wanaka 
but that will be another 2 hours late
She should have booked a lodge there
eventually she  had to forget  and wish to come again

volcanic eruption long time ago
produce fertile land when lava flowed down the valleys 
so there were scattered oasis of vineyards and fruit orchard 
the Kiwinese called it vinery and fruitery
and chessery for the  dairy  farmyard
there must be a  ribena farm somewhere here

At a small town name Cromwell 
we stopped for fruits and honey
varieties of berries, grapes and  cherries so sweet
pear and apples, nectarine and peach, plums and apricot
we bought a few of each...juicy and fruity-licious


at a small town name Alexandra 
we stopped for petrol and solat
it was a one street town with only one gas station
but there was an I-site next to the central stories
it look like a hall -library-museum-church
we noticed a clock set high on the mountain
sun rays from the west illuminate the engraved clock, brilliant! 

The wc in NZ were so clean and facilitate for the disabled
In the disabled unit, it was spacious with a sink  enclose
so practical to the muslims for taharah as well as wudhu'
then  we performed jama' and qasr solat at the balcony
the cold wind when the sun was out chilled the town
no wonder no one is outside, all scurried inside
to the warmth of the heater. we better be going as well..



At a small town name Roxburgh
finally the sun set and we were racing home
the shadows of the poplar  and beech trees
can still be seen  outlined the dark mountains
the poor sheeps are still hanging around
don't they run back to their shed?
llama and horses were already in the barn

At a small town name Lawrence
we saw lights  and X'mas trees from houses
there was spotlight from the school nearby
relieved! as there was no street lights
butterflies in my stomach stop fluttering 
i don't feel like sleeping, the rest was in dreamland
i kept talking to Nuha to keep her awake
ocasionally there were cars from opposite direction
our car is the only one heading south

It was pitch black  in the pine woods 
as we were going down the mountain
at a small town  name Milton
we stopped again as Dhuha need to solat
Noral and I took turn to accompanied her
she prayed on the pavement by the toilet
with the coat as the sejadah.
its a peaceful and lonely one street town
not even a drunkard or punk wander about

after Waihola Lake, i took a deep breathe
there were street lights and road workers  in action
alhamdulillah  we finally reached Dunedin by 12 pm

Saturday, December 17, 2011

queenstown - day 3

Nuha in-charge today as she planned the trip and a picnic
she cooked nasi goreng  and noisily woke everyone up
aided with map and GPS, Amin  was the co-driver
we won't get lost... it's a tour friendly country

first leg of the trip we were excited
the farm getting smaller, scarce and deserted
there were more sheeps and hardly any farmer
so halfway the journey we fall asleep

poor Nuha she found herself in a lost world
she took the wrong turn at Mosgiel
she suspected  it was the the wrong route
but never mention it until we reached Alexandra

woke up somewhere in Ida Valley
the place where Lord of the Rings were filmed
all around us  was rocky mountains
remote outback with one or two sheep stations

Allahu Akbar the mountains were so huge
there's still snow gleaming at the top ridges
though it was summer, bright  and shiny
wild buttercups thrive the hardy condition



when the  signboard  showed Alexandra
Nuha enlightened us with  her last summer 
nearby Alexander she went fruit picking
she revealed that  she was fretful all the way 
anyway we arrived by one hour late

the sun was bright as a smile
we  joined the picnickers at the Pioneer Park
most of them are old folks
the young ones had fled to big cities
but the town was so peaceful
Noral and I had a go on the swings
enjoying the true summer
the air was pollution free
the town  surrounded by mountains
once was the gold rush mine

moving on, we stopped at the highest spot
at Clyde Dam overlooking   Lake Dunstan
the lake was  as blue as the opal
the slopes were covered with thymes
no wonder  the smell reminded me of pizza

From Kavarau Gorge  we drove downhill
to a deep valley where a stream roared
we  walked gingerly  to the look out
down below the roaring meg flowed 
to the hydropower station 



scenic Queenstown is renowned as the country's adventure  capital
get your adrenalin rush  at sky diving , masya Allah
feel the thrill   jetboating down spectacular canyons of  Shotover River
or  white water   rafting  over rapids of Dart River
Do you dare doing the bungy jump here?
AJ  Bucket  Club served  for those interested
up from the bridge , gather your guts  and jump down the Waikiri   Creek
a shame we were not daredevils  and  missed the adventure 

this four -season alpine resort  has something for everyone
skiing in winter,  cruising in the lake during autumn
flightseeing in summer and  skyline gondola in spring 
all were expensive activities for the  rich tourists
so with no choice we shopped till we dropped
the souvenier shops have everything for everyone


Queenstown is not a city because there was no cathedral
it was founded by gold rush merchants who hiked on horseback
lake resorts or lodges and mall on the hills
overlooking the esplanade by  Lake Wakatipu
the picturesque is more like european tourist spot in switzerland

tourists enjoyed skating, playing guitar, singing and sun bathing
group of hippies bubbled with laughters with their fun loving stints 
chinese were owners of the souvenier shops
exchange salams with few Malaysians also scouting for souveniers 
we ate kebab laced with cappucino at Turkish cafe
pubs and nightclubs are  the local's business
we met a family from Brunei feeding the Muschovy ducks
there were no black or white swan  around if not it will be a little romantic

Sunday, December 11, 2011

wilderness in Otago Peninsular

in an adventure mood we continued our drive
to watch the sunset at the Peninsular
we followed the road trail in a cliff to the highest peak
it was getting dark and windy
and the bay where penguins suppose to show up
became so cold, creepy and lonely


Noral, Dhuha and Nuha braved the wind walked down the shores
Amin and I watched from the cliff
the wind was like howling, bringing gusts of cold air
i was shivering while Amin can't even focus his camera

it's dusk and it's no time to linger
the threesome have to struggle back
fighting against the wind
i was frantic waiting
yes it's a safe country
but there's no one to track if we're lost

amin was ever ready in the car with the engine on
until everyone was inside
to drive down along the dark trail
depending on the headlights from the car
carefully he turned the narrow and steep road

all were silent in their own thoughts
i was like an old granny
spilling aloud all my fear
watching Dunedin at night is no more thrill
after reaching the gas station
they were back to normal selves

they were relieved to climb back
as the winds were pulling them to the bay
they were out of breathe and freezing
and my fear make them even scared
is Sandfly Bay a haunted place?

Luckily we didn't see any creatures
penguins, seals, albatross even whales
or they can turn out to be a monster from the sea
out of our freaky imagination

it was late but we have to stop
for groceries at the Pack n Save
we hurried side by side with the boy
on his way to close the store
and we were the last customer he send off

phew! what a day...and its only day 2
we have roast potato and chicken for supper
before we snuggled into slumberland
glad noral did not get asthma that night

Saturday, December 10, 2011

3rd city Dunedin = Edinburgh in Scotland

Arrived to the smell of freshly bake
Dhuha welcomed us with tea and brownies
later we had rice with grilled tandoori chicken
food was splendid but weather was unpredictable

Better wrap up 
as we may face 4 seasons in a day
it will be horrible if it snow
with mittens, socks and bubble jacket
we were off to the botanical garden
blessed with long days
it was still bright at 5 pm


can you know the difference between
oregano, thyme, terragon or sweet marjoram?
At the herb garden we tried to figure it out


mint and basil have thick leaves like pudina
dill has yellow flowers, while rosemary bears white
all these are culinaries in our kitchen


daisy like flower is chemomille tea
purple is obviously lavender
both are popular in aromatheraphy


roses are special
there were varieties of colours and species here
grandiflora  like Arabella, Queen E2,   
floribunda like Kristin and French Lace,
hybrid type in Black Magic, St Patrick
shrub type in Ballerina
white rose call Fairy Snow
red one is My Valentine also Pride of England
Cleopatra the mauve rose
 Birthday Girl the yellow rose
sizes are large in temperate condition


colourful  lupins  are abundance
lotus and hyacinth so graceful
blue bells and violets easily spotted
hydrangea in lilac
between begonia or petunia
geranium or fuschia
i can also get confused
bulbs like daffodils or  tulips are nowhere
as they were out during spring


Friday, December 9, 2011

trail of two cities- day 2

Woke up to a new day 8th Dec 2010
dreamt of my childhood in Jerulong
the motel is nearby a road with many cars passed by
that reminded me of my grand's house
rise and shine after a warm bath

2nd City Christchurch = Cambridge, UK
Most  names of the road were familiar
Oxford Tce, Cambridge Tce, Worcester, Gloucester, Hereford....
The city enjoys the reputation as the most English of the NZ cities
I like its gracious parks and the tree-lined Avon River
first place to check is I-site at the Church Square
in front the popular cathedral that was damage during the earthquake

In Cambridge there's River Cam that flows through the city
and punting is popular in summer
also green city with several parks and nature walk within the city ring road.
Here in Chch it has all these plus commercial and historic buildings
and trams for comfortable sightseeing in cold weather
Sun is out but the wind is cold that we have to buy woolen gloves

The people are friendly and loves art
At the amphitheater in the square
children were playing musical instruments
the locals playing the giant chess
There are many art galleries,museums and theatre

we were hunting for paua shells for souveniers
Nora bought pendants and bracelet for her daughters
have passion for rings, i bought severals and a bangle to match
amin even buy a bracelet for the special girl.
enough shopping, still a long way to drive today


we drove south stopping by at
Salmon World in Rakaia for coffee and choc
Strawberry farm at Ashburton for sundae ice cream
by pass Temuka small town by the sea
small towns reminded me of Northampton,UK
where we go fruit picking  in the country
then caught and grilled  fresh trouts from River Nene


Along the way the landscape was flat land,
the panoramic moors with rolling hills
acres and acres of sheep and cow farm
windbreakers align  to slow down the strong gales
across the farm from the sea
amazed how farmers manage such prairies
automatic sprinkles are common sight
our car even got splashed along the meadows


frequent stops by to snap small cottages with blooms in the garden
also lavender farm and white herbs at certain spots
its such a beautiful countryside with colourful flowers
like kaleidoscope of my memories in England

Amin drove along the way but he complained
as he missed the chance to snap photo
A long stop at  Moeracki Boulders
stunned by the spherical boulders align the shores
with no mountain nearby, how come it's here
discarded the coats we enjoyed the sunshine
getting warmer in spite of going south
probably the warmth from the tides






Amin is unseparable to his camera
favorite pose-  feeding the tame red eyed seagulls
Nuha took the wheels and Amin went snap,snap,snap
took an early turn and lost somewhere in Pinehills Street
finally arrived in Dunedin  just around the corner
after more than 24 hours we just need a proper meal

Monday, December 5, 2011

trail of two cities- day 1

6th Dec 2010
Embarked on a journey to New Zealand-the new land full of zeals (or zests)
It was a trip back to memory lane after 26 years,
my first child born in UK will be graduating in New Zealand.
A trip to rejoice with her compared to the memorable trip home in 1984.
Nuha was just a month and I'm home for good with a degree, hubby and baby
a package of 3-in-1 for my beloved family but it was worthwhile.

No fun going for an adventure alone. Along came
my elder sister, Nora who loves travelling
and my second child, Amin who loves photography
so the group is complete;
a hostess, a travel guide, a photographer and a reporter.
Dear hubby had work commitments so he missed all the fun.


1st City Auckland = London
Touch down was a relief after 10 hours flight.
Looking forward to re-unite with Nuha
but the immigration was slow and pettish
anything organic is banned, even packed butter from MAS!
Luckily we were through without penalties.
Snapped photo, refreshed and performed prayers
Ironically the airport provide a secluded corner for Muslim.

Auckland is a modern airport but small compared to KLIA.
KLIA is more like Heathrow London.
It is not the capital but metropolitan like London
Similar to London because its the biggest city in NZ
Not so popular with historic building but many outdoor attractions.
The islands are paradise for the tourists.

Domestic flight is separated in another building
so we have to walk- a nice briskly walk in fresh NZ air
can feel the soft breeze on my face and made me puffed a bit
a nice early summer welcoming us
manage to sit for a quickie picnic, basking in the sun,
munching wholemeal sandwiches that Nuha prepared.


Another check- in that was srictly commercial
only one luggage though small per ticket
you have to pay for extra luggage or food
fly with Jetstar  equals to Air Asia
Nuha's picnic thermobag was carried as hand luggage
and all the cutleries have to be sorted out and not allowed onboard

Arrived in Christchurch after an hour flight
enough of three airports in a day
It was getting chilly outside
we were picked up by taxi rental courtesy Apex
Rent a blue Toyota Vios and check-in at Avalone Motel
an apartment with two bedrooms

we were cold and famished
took sometimes to heat the room
we have bread with spaghetti sauce for dinner
watched final episode cooking program NZ style
3 of us tucked ourselves warm and cosy in each bed
with lots of gossip to catch up with Nuha
Amin on his own dozed off in another room
Shh! we all slept like a log

Sunday, November 27, 2011

lazy days

december...it's here again, reminding of another year coming to the end.
it has been work,work,work all the while...
finally submitted my yearly report, then plan for 2012 programme
not so fast...i need a break!

another oversea trip? oh no...got to save for Nuha's  wedding
why not plan a cuti-cuti Malaysia to Kulim
kill two birds with one stone; holiday and visiting family
Now got to persuade dear hubby to join our breakaway

my promise to write travel log on last year trip
yet to be done.. need ample time
need to go somewhere quiet and serene
relax at home can be peaceful

if the workload is kept away in the chest, just for december
unwind the stress and ready for a refreshing and lively new year.
i want spa like treatment, just pamper myself
after a hard challenging year

Monday, October 24, 2011

gift

WHAT'S YOUR BEST GIFT?

Turning 50,
I  was rewarded as my BIG family come together again,
after five of my children was away in college,
for the last few years- miss them dearly.
Our Eidul Fitri celebration is complete.

Nuha is back for good after six years in Wellington.
Amin graduated in 2008, remain loyal at home since then.Got a job in I-city.
Nadia graduated recently, got a job and commute to Sunway Pyramid.
Nasuha was home for whole Ramadhan, she missed last 3 Ramadhan at home.
Solihin studies in Sabak Bernam and manage to come home fortnightly.
Bie and Akim are my best chums who shares my day.

Though my dear hubbybie has to commute to Seremban,
our syukur and gratitude for the REZEKI from Allah.
Behold, what better gift for the coming years...

Friday, July 15, 2011

parents' day

29th June, its my parents' anniversary. my nieces was in KB so got the chance to celebrate with their grands. They're blessed with a harmonious marriage, 20 doting children ( anak 10, menantu10)  and batches of grandchildren. What a happy family.

I don't quite agree why they promote mother's day or father's day separately. They are 2 souls that can't be separated or discrimate. We love them both  ; their anniversary as the parents' day is a good day to rejoice.

Never mind late than never, these are dedicated to them.

Ayah seorang yang berwawasan. Paling bertuah rasanya bila ayah hantar kita adik beradik ke sekolah Inggeris. Masa tu ayah dah nampak English boleh membawa kita meneroka ilmu. Ayah sangat minat Ilmu Alam. Semasa tahun 60an ayah dah tahu segenap bandar2 didunia melalui atlas yang jadi rujukannya. Aspirasinya juga membuat  Che Ngah, Ateh, Achik dan Che Rah mencari ilmu ke negara maju. Masihku ingat semasa menerima surat tawaran melanjut pelajaran ke Nene College Northampton, ayah cepat2 keluarkan  atlasnya dan segala kerisauan Che Ngah hilang kerana ayah memberi aura positif. Semasa menandatangani perjanjian ayah dah pesan. "Ingat Aini ini adalah impian yang mu pilih,  jangan menyesal di kemudian hari." Che Ngah tak pernah menyesal pergi belajar jauh beribu batu, balik jadi guru biasa sahaja kerana itulah azam yamg telah disemat. Memang jiwa Che Ngah sesuai jadi guru. Sesungguhnya sesuatu tindakan itu bila direstui oleh ibu bapa, kejayaan sudah ada bersama kita. Wawasan ayah menjadikan kami adik beradik berjaya dalam pelajaran dan mempunyai personaliti yang positif. Semasa kecil , ayah adalah satu figure yang kita gerun. Kalau dia tidur jangan buat bising. hingga dia terjaga. Dia nampak tegas tetapi membimbing dengan bijaksana. Dia tidak pernah beri muka pada kita semua kerana fikiran dia begitu risau untuk membentuk 9 anak perempuan supaya boleh menandingi lelaki yang lebih menonjol pada zaman 70an. Untuk menaruh harapan pada Syam masa tu pun masih kecil. Jadi kami (mama, che ngah dan ateh) disemai supaya berani ke depan dan memberi contoh kepada adik2.

Ayah tidaklah begitu warak pada masa itu tapi pembesaran kami seimbang dengan didikan agama daripada wo(nenek)dan Chek sendiri. Chek adalah satu karakter yang sangat pemurah dan penyabar. Dengan arwah wo, chek selalu kena marah sebab lambat mengurus anak2 tapi chek tak pernah menjawab atau merajuk. Dia redha di atas semua  teguran wo dan belajar mendidik anak2 dengan kesabaran. Memang letih badan nak membesarkan kita 10 orang tapi che kuat berdoa dan kejayaan kita pun adalah dari doa yang tidak putus. Seingat Che Ngah chek tak pernah mengeluarkan maki hamun pada anak2 sebab itulah hidup kita berkat. Dia tidak pernah memperkecilkan kebolehan anak2. Chek adalah seorang yang mempunyai jiwa bersedekah. Dalam diam dia banyak membantu anak muridnya yang susah dengan membeli buku atau pensel supaya mereka belajar. Baginya pelajaran saja yang boleh mengubah ekonomi keluarga. Dia sanggup membantu orang lain dalam kesusahan. Dia pernah berpesan" muka kita mesti sentiasa senyum, walaupun dalam kesusahan."

Itulah sedikit coretan mengenai ayah dan chek yang sepatutny dikalungkan ibu bapa mithali.

Friday, May 20, 2011

teacher's day

"Rasional Hari Guru , selain meraikan jasa dan peranan guru maka kita juga perlu menghidupkan semula  jiwa pendidik dalam setiap anggota masyarakat." quote from BHarian

16 May  should be a day for everyone who are involved in teaching, not specially for teachers in kindergardens, schools, colleges or universities. It's more than that. As teachers we are commited to our profession but building a nation (membangunkan manusia)  is not solely our  responsibilities. We need support from parents. Parents are the first teacher for the children. Informal education starts at home and this foundation can be a headstart for formal education. So I salute parents who can create such condusive atmosphere and guide their children along the way.

 Guru turut membina sikap dan watak, 
mencanai jiwa dan aspirasi anak bangsa. 
Guru adalah:
 muddaris - pengajar
 muallim - penyampai ilmu
 muaddid - pembina adab
 murabbi - pendidik akhlak
 mursyid - sumber inspirasi

16  May  should be a day for everyone to come together  and contribute  in building this society (ummah),   develop the nation and  most important is instil our etiquettes (adab) to the next generation.

Teaching knowledge, finishing the syllabus, drilling for examinations are much easier that  inculcate the etiquettes among the youngsters. This is the main challenge in our profession. We disciplined them in school but how can we monitor them outside. They only spend 7/24 hours in our control, then they can be anywhere! Who can guide them later on in life? Islam is the only solution to this, so we have to be united and make sure our children are provided with good Islamic practices. These Islamic practices will always be their torch in life. Through unity we can be the best ummah globally in our own style. InsyaAllah.