Husna's Trips&Trots

Ode to Osaka...end of 2011

2012-01-08T08:11:00.006+08:00

In Search of Taj Mahal....(Delhi-Agra-Jaipur)

2011-08-04T19:00:00.013+08:00

In spite of the Taj Mahal, India is not a beautiful country I would say...but its people are in a lot of ways we could never understand. Of all places I have been to, India tells the most stories...and in the most telling way.

India is forgiving of its homeless offsprings and it never lacks faith and hope for them. There is hope everywhere even by the sidewalk, as its children lie on the hot pavement.

India is forgiving and pregnant with hope and faith as its citizens are always optimistic to greet the morning sun no matter from which side of the rooftop they wake up. There seems to be no pessimism that you may wake up on the wrong side of the roof...or that you may never wake up at all...India teaches me gratitude to be able to wake up from a comfortable bed and stop worrying whether my day starts from the right side of the bed.

India is forgiving at its roads are shared by man and beast alike (10 of them I counted...let me count the ways: ranged from the common to the most exotic- dogs, cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses even wildboars AND finally camels and elephants!!

A rare sight in our country but common to people of Jaipur.

Out of nowhere...called GANGAUR MIDWAY

Tianjin-Beijing Treasured Time

2011-07-14T08:08:00.006+08:00

A heart of stone may stand the harsh reality of life.
Remember to always be nice on your way to the top as you may meet the same people on your way down...
A juxtapose of the ancient and the modern.
These steps are hard and cold. But not my heart.
Grey and reddish brown. What better way to capture the heart and mind.

Before each climb, take some time to reflect.
The price of time.

You have all the keys to open doors to your own life.
In strange place, never forget to watch your back, open your eyes and breathe in the fresh air.
Persistence is what keeps life going.
Hardwork fires up your life.
Optimism in life.
There is always a positive side to everything.
Stones carved in time.

Surabaya Sojourn for 13th Anniversary...

2011-06-27T16:54:00.004+08:00

Jostling Jogja...for Bibik send off...

2011-06-27T15:19:00.003+08:00

The sight that greets...

Kraton Palace.
Russion reminder? On the way, this was spotted.
The art of looking at the world and laugh out loud!
Windows that speak of loud silence.

Cruising Cambodia

2011-02-16T09:01:00.012+08:00

Rickety rickety rattan...swaying left and right to the boat's intonation
Surreal...
Palatial surrealism

Saigon...Second Time, Twelve Anniversary..

2010-09-22T09:42:00.003+08:00

Winter in Melbourne

2010-09-17T18:42:00.008+08:00

A pinky penguin!

A greenie screamie!

Cupid-struck lovebirds!

Jakarta Jaunt & Jostle

2010-08-12T08:41:00.008+08:00

Mesmerising Maldives

2010-03-19T19:20:00.035+08:00

Maldives waters are playground
for the rich, romantic-
my hubby is neither

Amidst the blue they
were specks of lives-
in live they are blessed

Against different shades of blue
we leaned on each other-
Male Capital witnesses at the back

I saw a silhoutte of
a man and boulders -
It was the blue that drew him

Inside, the air smelt
burnt with smoked tuna-
the flies liked them too

Friday morning locals fed
pigeons outside the circle-
they flew in unison

They threw the bait
enjoyed the wait-
baby sharks danced gracefully

In early morning stroll amidst Male
souvenier shops beckon-
with a "closed" sign

Found jewels so blue
making me green-eyed -
my wallet red-hot

At Food Bank, we savoured
with great Interest -
all credits to the cook

Rows and rows
of Arts at eye level-
Maldivian's heart at its best

When Muhamad spoke
the crafter in him shone -
we listened, enlightened

It is here I bought souveniers
for one newlywed-to-be -
who may honeymoon in Maldives

Jom ke Jam Gadang, Kota Padang, West Sumatera.

2009-07-29T13:12:00.006+08:00

Ngarai Sianok,Padang Indonesia.

2009-07-29T12:48:00.004+08:00

One Morning in BukitTinggi, Padang, West Sumatera.

2009-07-29T12:18:00.004+08:00

Tasek Maninjau, Bukit Tinggi, Padang.

2009-07-29T11:13:00.006+08:00

Istana Silinduang Bulan, Pagar Ruyung.

2009-07-29T10:59:00.007+08:00

Riots of Colours of Minangkabau Tradition

2009-07-29T10:57:00.006+08:00

Minangkabau Info Centre, Padang Panjang.

2009-07-29T10:55:00.008+08:00

Anis in the Minangkabau traditional wedding costume.

Breathing in The Wonderful View of Lembah Anai Waterfalls, Kota Padang.

2009-07-29T10:54:00.008+08:00

Come and feel the coolness...

Ke Padang Penuh Cinta....Air Terjun Lembah Anai Tercipta

2009-07-29T10:50:00.006+08:00

Expressions of my daughters.
A sulky look by the spectacular waterfalls by Amni...A peaceful look by Anis.

The Time of Our Lives...Club Med Cherating

2009-03-20T10:10:00.014+08:00

The signboard telling us we're almost there...Let's see whether anticipation is greater than the destination...

Here they checked your name for clarification.

Beyond the gate...where Happiness means the World
(the tagline for Club Med)

Hmmm...unexpected...greenery before the sea.

where anticipation runs wild.

...the peaceful greenery

....upon arrival

Blue rules....

Pink that pleases.....

Absorbing the ambience...

Healthy pink.

Basking in great comfort.

A fashion show for the kids.

Amni and Anis on the runaway.

Fun time at the pool!

A splash of friendship.

A day well lived invites a night of good sleep...

The evening sky..

Perfect bonding time for Hubby and kids.

Ahmad enjoying the best dip in his life!

Unforgettable splash for Anis

A jump of joy for Amni!

An evening out..

Time for some reflection..

Hubby and Husna...

Fahmi and Daddy...serious in thoughts

Fahmi wailing his heart out...

Ahmad in the splash of colours

A lady and two babies..

Ahmad's scream of joy

Deep in thoughts.....

A cage of Love!

Daughters trying to act prim and proper

Life's a Beach...at Club Med

2009-03-20T09:57:00.011+08:00

Looking at life from a refreshing point of view..

A lonely beach

Ahmad and dad...embracing life.

The men of my life

If happiness has a picture, this is it...

Happiness in motion

Words just fail me...

Beyond words...

A tug of Love

Colours of Life at Club Med...

2009-03-20T09:38:00.012+08:00

An invitation to feeling good...

Peeking from the Bougainvillae

Life is always half-full at Club Med

Evening code: Arabian

Evening Code: White

Evening Code: Asian rules...

The lounge..

Having a sip with a difference...

Amidst colour splendour.....

Je Vais a ....Club Med....where Happiness means the World....

2009-03-20T08:58:00.008+08:00

A walk on the beach...

.....is a walk of Life...

Looking out into the sea.....

...is looking at Life's possibilities, beauties, Nature bounties, God's greatest blessings for us to be ever so thankful endlessly...

There it is.....the world for you to discover.

Sometimes the most beautiful thing in life comes in the shade of Blue....

In Life, the sky is the Limit....

This is where Happiness means the World!

Borobudur ...

2009-03-16T16:20:00.010+08:00

With two girls on tow...and a sleeping boy on my shoulder..we braved the drizzle to witness such sizzler...

Far from the madding crowd...

Once ages and ages ago in a history chapter, I came across this great architecture, of great wonder...

It was only after ages and ages hence, in front of Borobudur did I manage to stand...

With 3 kids on tow, we made our way to Borobudur..amidst stalls of Salak fruits and Bakso..(kiddo...)

Before Borobudur I stood in awe while my beloved others trotted to the top.

Solo Sojourn

2009-03-16T16:13:00.004+08:00

What an arrival...at Solo Airport we had the chance to meet Bapak Presiden Indonesia....

Bapak Presiden is stooping to touch my son..Fahmi...ohhh don't ask me where Fahmi is....I should have upgraded my skill in photography.....

Happy 3rd Birthday Ahmad!!

2009-02-20T20:13:00.005+08:00

How time flies...it has been three years since Ahmad made his own special way into every heart he touches. Nevertheless this year Atok is not here to see his favorite grandson's smiling face...

The world of Ahmad....

2009-02-05T19:06:00.004+08:00

My third child with Down's Syndrome...on Wed (9-12) and Thursday (130-400), we'll be at the Pusat Perkembangan Kanak2 Istimewa Kajang...seeing him learn one thing at a time teaches me not to take things for granted...

Everyday I celebrate his imperfections in almost perfect love only mothers are capable of....

ps: The baby Im holding in the blog "cover" pic above is Ahmad...

Things to set you free...

2009-02-05T18:51:00.004+08:00

I just lurve the wallpaper...and will continue pastering it after some funds miraculously appear...lol.

Flowers in My House, Love in My Heart...

2009-02-05T18:42:00.002+08:00

Never in my life have I imagined that I would be doing this...so ultra feminine, so romantic...

I'm FLOORED...and flattered

2009-01-19T21:50:00.002+08:00

It has always been my dream to walk on a laminated floor. Finally my wish came true. I bought the Inovar floor through MUDAH.COM..Thanx Mr Don for selling it quite reasonably. It was actually his surplus..so I drove all the way to Tmn SEA to collect the INOVAR. Thanx to Berlingo...for being able to accommodate such loads! Thanx to my Hubby for giving in to my seduction...ha ha ha. Actually this is his money pun...

House decoration project (Part 2)

2009-01-11T09:32:00.004+08:00

During the school holiday (December), I managed to paint my living room and paste some decorative murals...
And at the same time...I marked SPM Papers...fuhhh.

The two small frames (Shabby Chic!!!) I ordered from Australia (ebay of course) and the flower motive murals (below and near the stairs) came all the way from America (again ebay)..Oh how I love e-shopping!!! The big frame in the middle came from Tanjung Karang..kah kah kah but to suit the overall theme I spray painted the frame. Now the three frames look like they belong together...Aaaa talk about true love..from Australia and Tanjung Karang, and on my wall they perfectly "hang"...

Holiday Project - Living Room

2009-01-10T21:44:00.005+08:00

To add a refreshing look, I painted stripes on the lower section of the wall. The final result gives out a wallpaper look. You really need great patience and even greater voice projection!!!....to warn your kids (or nieces, nephews..) not to come close to the wall with smudged hands, pencils, crayons or 'armed' with anything deemed 'threatening'. The three frames display pictures I bought from Vietnam. Notice the feature wall...(pinkish). I painted that too. The original colour is orange. The two loved ones in the picture are not intended to be painted though because THEY painted my heart! Someday Im going to paint those chairs and table...WHITE!!!!Talk about Romantic Living...

My Holiday Project

2009-01-10T19:01:00.005+08:00

Before and after painting my bedroom wall...

By chance I came across this one particular blog called "my romantic home"...what attracts me most is the fact that the writer is very creative in transforming ordinary-looking items for deco into marvelous eye candies!!! I also learnt about "Shabby Chic" concept which I like very much. Its core idea...perfection is too daunting...so it's a celebration of simple things, a transformation of modest items into unique and new refreshing looks...
For more info you can visit this blog:
http://www.rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com/

Then you get my idea..

Amidst Nowhere in Shanghai

2008-10-29T14:39:00.003+08:00

These people know not even ONE English word. They don't know Malaysia. So my hubby who was still persistent in introducing Malaysia, did movements to imitate playing "Badminton" and mentioned "Lin Dan". Ha ha ha... they don't even know who Lin Dan is!!!
What to expect if you have over 1.3 BILLION population....you can just be lost!
But whatever it is THESE PEOPLE ARE NICE!!!!

Village Water, Ancient Town in Wuzhen, Shanghai.

2008-10-29T14:28:00.004+08:00

This place (Wuzhen Water Village) has been included by UNESCO as one cultural heritage site!
Here you are taken back by 200 years or so...Idyllic, panaromic settings that stand the test of time.

More Shanghai Pics - Shanghai Studio Tour

2008-10-28T17:51:00.007+08:00

The setting for films.

This is Shanghai Film Studio...where shootings of films like Kung Fu etc took place. Ala Universal Studio, USA gitu.

A Trip To Shanghai

2008-10-28T17:32:00.006+08:00

If you want to compare Shanghai with KL, forget it! Shanghai is on par with NY, the Big Apple.
Never have I seen such skyscrapers. The skyline is magnifique.

Here I present the 2 sides of Shanghai...the rustic, traditional street...and the cosmopolitan fac ade!

Shopping Spree at ISETAN

2008-10-28T17:21:00.004+08:00

I have always dreamed of shopping without having to look at the price tags.....Finally, it's fulfilled. I managed to grab RM500 worth of shopping items in less than 5 minutes!!!!Ha ha ha. Good news to my hubby...coz he has a wife who's efficient at Retail therapy.
I grabbed things of Common Interest..aka Household Items!

Hari Raya Pics

2008-10-28T17:16:00.003+08:00

BLUE IS IN.... To all out there and to those who know me, Salam AidilFitri and maaf zahir batin!

More Pan Pac Pics

2008-08-20T15:43:00.007+08:00

My sis & Hubby..all happy and chubby!

Hubby looked with approval at the lift fittings...He's in Building Maintenance line so he should know better. So can we have one at home?

In a lift...look like Dodi & Diana scene...trying to escape from the Papparazzi!

A Lady by The Light...nice title for a new movie.

Free "Makan" Trip To Pan Pacific, KLIA

2008-08-20T15:20:00.013+08:00

What's the best food in the whole wide world? Yeah, you're right..FREE MEALS. With a meal voucher worth RM300 all four of us eagerly sauntered into Pan Pac KLIA, trying not to look out of place amidst such luxury. My sis is pregnant with her 3rd child so she must have a lot of space!

Admiring the....Malaysian flags actually...Don't you think the right flag a bit lopsided dear?

If only we could bring this stair back...

Hmmm...it doesn't feel like Husna's cooking.

Hmmmm...it certainly doesn't feel like yours too!

My Best Friend'S BITES

2008-08-20T14:57:00.008+08:00

This is my best friend's new Baby..BITES...a cafe brewing with her passion for cooking. By the way she herself is still a Babe...even after 3 kids!! Yehhh free promotion for HERBALIFE!!!

Standing from left: Eza with baby Arian, Mynn BITES (Grrrrr...) and Me.

3 Ladies and a baby

When travelling with kids...

2008-08-20T14:43:00.005+08:00

1. Never dress me in "white"...though I know I look adorably calm & collected. (warning from Mom: this "machine" is extremely Volatile, I repeat Volatile!!!)

2. Never hold my hand laaa..I want to explore Pasar Payang also!!

3. Sit everywhere whenever I'm tired...or when my mom gets tired "dukung" me...

4. Always have my tonic ready!

More Terengganu Pics

2008-08-20T14:30:00.005+08:00

Hubby with Fahmi riding on one beca.

Me, Amni & Ahmad taking another beca...do you notice how "semput" that pak cik?...He he he. Blame my kids...

Hubby, Amni & Fahmi in front of a shop selling Batik.

Terengganu Trip

2008-08-20T14:16:00.004+08:00

These are scenes sooo not Terengganu right?
This is Kampung Cina or probably the equivalent China Town.

Pink Pak Cik Beca...

More PIcs

2008-08-20T09:10:00.000+08:00

Anis...having breakfast with style..

Seller selling from a boat.
Ana & the King and the Princess.

More Bangkok Pics

2008-08-20T09:01:00.005+08:00

A lady on Boat

Hubby buying from a boat seller. Retail therapy at best!

Bangkok Trip

2008-08-20T08:51:00.003+08:00

If you live for shopping, then Bangkok is THE place!!! Shopaholics are everywhere or it turns you to be one. You must not blame yourself for it because the air is choked with retail therapy atmosphere. One memorable event..a Caucasian lady had a fight with an Arab lady over a FAKE Burberry-like bag!!!! That's what Bangkok could do to you!
By the way, the Caucasian won...she spoke the loudest...in ENGLISH of course, leaving the Arab clan swearing in Arabic! I could just hear the word "Allah". Don't drag God into shopping please.

THE EYES....

2008-06-11T16:07:00.004+08:00

Lesson from The Past

2008-06-09T17:24:00.010+08:00

1. Hubby and a comrade showing how to hide inside the hole. That explains why the Vietnamese are quite a pint-size!

2. Me & Hubby with a life-size mannequin at work (digging the tunnel)

The mound acts as an air-hole for ventilation underground.

Below:

Hubby with an American tank..stranded, beaten to shame by the Viets. A public humiliation for the so-called great Americans

Chu ci Tunnel, Vietnam

2008-06-09T16:24:00.002+08:00

Would you stay inside this?
The above ground must have been so dreadful that the Viets would rather live inside this hole! My journey to Chuci Tunnel is truly an eye-opener..a testament to what humans are actually capable of doing if they put their hearts and souls into it.
My macho hubby just came out from a larger version of the tunnel.
Tunnel or no tunnel, your poise must be maintained! Imagining myself just about to enter a wonderful world of Disney...Deep down, it was quite..hmmm..suffocating (that's an understatement!).
Glad to be alive luv? Would you marry me if we had met in such a place? Or should the question be vice versa...?

Viet..Memories

2008-05-31T10:40:00.001+08:00

Vietnam Trip.

2008-05-31T09:48:00.004+08:00

Hubby seemed dazed by the night sight! Or was it because of the food....

Vietnam Night Vision

At a restaurant. We only took the salad.

The Notre Dame Cathederal..reminds me of Quebec.

The first thing that will strike anyone on their maiden trip to Vietnam will be the motorcyclists...they rule the road in every direction imaginable (as well as one that you have never imagined!). Better be extra careful when crossing the road..But my comment is they would not have lasted for minutes should they do that on Jalan Ampang or Chow Kit! They would have been flattened or being honked ta all the times!

The second thing..you will notive how small-sized the people in general are..a reminiscence of hard life they used to experience probably. Yes they are all very hardworking and persistent indeed. Truly an eye-opener.

Bali Trip

2008-04-16T18:55:00.003+08:00

Bali Bamboozlement...

2008-04-04T15:13:00.003+08:00

I know some people might be pissed off by my opinion but alas! my visit to Bali recently was rather disappointing if not dream-shattering.., the vanquish of all preconceived ideas or notions the word Bali evokes in me. I think most people are shrouded by the image the word Bali conjures..the mystics! It's more because of the the mysticism surrounding the island and the people. I was expecting to watch the sunset but there was none due to the weather. Not only the beach in Kuta was dotted with surfers, joggers and hawkers but it was also a haven for stray dogs looking for food and sometimes they fought with each other which really gave me the scare!..I was hoping to see some hmm.. topless sunbathers..ha!ha!ha!
I bought postcards of all the places I went...how picture perfect! I compared them with my own pictures that I took... By the way I bought some paintings to remind me of my visit, not forgetting some pebbles for my girls!
But the shopping was great! If I were to visit Bali again, it would definitely because I want to shop my heart out! For sunset or sunrise watching, Langkawi would give me the most satisfaction!

Watch Your Loved Ones Sleep...

2008-03-06T22:56:00.004+08:00

Have you ever taken some time to watch your loved ones sleep? Watch the rising and the lowering of their bodies as they inhale the air.
Watch and think what dreams they are having. Watch and listen to the sound of the living breath. Watch and pray that we will have another day to do that.
Watch. Be silent.

Romance in Bali!

2008-03-01T14:03:00.002+08:00

On Monday 25 Feb I received an email informing that I won 2 Qatar Airways tickets to Bali! Such exhilirating feelings. The thought of winning is more powerful than the idea of going there. The tickets are only for March travel but we don't complain. My mom said it was such a waste. It was because we need to pay Rm247 each for the airport tax. But I don't complain. I have learnt to be grateful even for just a RM50 voucher I won before. In fact at one time I even drove all the way to PJ just to collect a bedsheet that cost RM468 (a prize I won...but I gave it away as a wedding gift! The mother's bride was sooo happy!!).

Back to Bali trip. Actually we have planned to go KK, Sabah. The whole family will be going on the 19 March till 22 March. Imagine. When can we slot the Bali trip? But we have a wonderfully ludicrous yet exciting idea. After checking the flight schedule. We are going to leave KLIA at 12.55 and reach Bali at 3.55. Then we take a flight home at 1.00 early in the morning! So we do not have to leave our children sleeping alone by themselves! In Bali we plan to walk around and to go to the best place to watch the sunset.....Hmmmm talk about watching the sunset in Bali!

Breast Cancer Scare!

2008-02-15T17:16:00.001+08:00

Today my friend just told me that her second sister discovered a lump in her breast. Her world was shaken to its root. This is my friend's SECOND sister presented with such diagnosis, the other ONE is already undergoing a chemotherapy for Breast C.! Now 2 sisters in a duration of 2 years...Stop nagging to your husband for squeezing the toothpaste the wrong way (anyway, what's the RIGHT way?). Be grateful that we can still sleep soundlessly without having to worry whether or not the lump is malignant..

Embracing Life's Imperfection

2008-02-15T17:08:00.000+08:00

It wonders me so much why people bother to death that their shoes should match with the handbags or even with the lipsticks they wear...when we have even bigger issues at hand. Think about those whose monthly salary is what we use to buy the diet supplement we ever so religiously take but never seem to have made you lose weight anyway..There's more to life than matching your outer attire to perfection or colour-coordinating your bags and shoes! Come on! Take some time and enjoy life in its simplicity!