Turkish Delights

Who could resist Turkish Delights? It's "a family of confections based on gel of starch and sugar" (TQ Wiki). Also known as lokum and originated during Ottoman Empire. It was believed the delicacy was first made by a man named Bekir Effendi in 1776. I'm very fond of these delicacies along with Turkish Coffee Selamlique which my dear friend Mrs E used to send to our residence before she left for her home country after completed her tour of duty in the Sultanate. 

Both desserts and aromatic drinks were my 'companions' especially when I watched the enchanting and captivating Turkish TV Drama Muhtesem Yuzyill @Channel100. While watching this series, I fell in love not only with the beautiful scenes, elegant dresses which the actresses worn representing the era but on the life of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificient - well educated ruler, distinguished poet and a true blue jeweler and designer! Since then, I always dream to visit Tokapi Palace in Turkey or wish that one day, Mr Right will be posted there! Keep dreaming Mussy and I strongly believe there's no harm to dream :) Who knows? 

I liked listening to classical Guldur Gul or Rose Song and traditional Turkish music especially Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalim. The music reminded me of my late Abah who during his life time always tuned to this music. I was fortunate that a Turkish friend had downloaded this music for me. Big TQ Ms M! I met her at my home when the ALC Patrons organized a farewell lunch for Mrs E. Since then, I always tuned to the music and listen to them although I do not understand its meaning! But I loved the music, on which the rhythm was truly soothing to my ears and most of all it brought me nearer to my late Dad. The Turkish music was a 'delight' to my ears, heart and soul.

If all along I was only listening to the said  enchanting music via Youtube or MP3, but last night I was savouring my ears, heart and soul listening them through the expert hands and talented musicians @GrandHyatt. Wow! my dream to hear the music life was fulfilled! I was enjoying the Turkish desserts especially the lip smacking baklava and sarigi burma when the guests and I were serenaded with life performance from three talented musicians specially flown from Turkey! And they serenaded us with many heart rendering songs and one of them was Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalim meaning The Girl with Red Scarf which brought tears to my eyes! 

Straight away my mind soared to my late Abah and I made supplications for him with Al Fatihah.  I knew and could feel that he was looking down at me who was enjoying the music which was his favourite! It was indeed 'Turkish Delight' to my heart and soul listerning to them :)

Delightful performance to all hearts and souls all the way from Turkey :)

My mouth was enjoying the lip smacking baklava while my ears were serenaded by the Turkish music > Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalim full of passion and heart rendering. 

Practice makes Perfect!

There's an old saying "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" which I personally believe to some extent it makes sense especially for not all but some golden gals where most parts need girdles or spanks if not liposuction, botox or implants which I neither use nor support any usage of them! When the magnetic face powder is no longer attracting the better halves perhaps the charm of aromatic cakes through the power of baking powder would (?) be the pulling factor. Who knows ...

Well, based on personal experience it works since I only started to be friendly to Mrs Kitchen when age was approaching Hawaii Five-0. LOL! Before then, I was very particular with the sweltering heat and 'pungent hair odour' after cooking each recipe of Asian foodies which involved lots of stir-frying,  frying, curries, chillies, salt fish, onions, garlic and other strong spices although the end result was woosh > Sweating Yummy & Delicious Cuisines :D  

The other pushing factor for me to be associated and becoming more friendly to Mrs Kitchen was when one day I looked at sonny's wedding photographs and out of the blue a question suddenly pop to mind "what would I do if I have a grandchild and he begs Gran - I'm hungry and I want porridge?" Huh! That'll be the day when I'll be panicking and sweating like 'hello help me' even when the kitchen room temperature is @5 degrees Celsius! And, when I told this to Mr Right he only gave me his broad grin :D and sturdy Thumb's Up! Wow <3 TQ Mr Right. 

Since that 'jolting' day I was seen more often visiting the ever welcoming and friendly Mrs Kitchen although Mr Right always know that I would never be glued to it. I truly know she was feeling very lonely before I received the 'revelation' but now I could sense that she's much happier and ever ready and ever willing to 'serve' me the best way she could :) I noticed she's honestly happy when I used all the well polished utensils and shiny pots and pans, too. I learnt to use her stove for general cooking exercises, oven to grill chickens, and her microwaves only for reheating purposes. 

I'm still not ready and feeling afraid to venture more than the basic such as baking and other advanced cooking practices. But, from what I have achieved so far, Mrs Kitchen was delightful and Mr Right was the happiest man after waiting patiently for nearly three decades to taste the foodies from air tangan Isteri! His remarks was, "At last, I tak kempunan to taste my wife's cooking." Ha Ha Ha ... TQ once again Mr Right for being extremely patient and counting your days to taste my homecook foodies. And I must thank His Almighty for this Oman posting which made it happened!

So, for lunch yesterday I tried for first time Asam Pedas Ikan Parang where the recipe I  followed with some adjustments from the Internet because I was not able to call Mom for the original Asam Pedas Cik Ramah due to time difference. Hu Hu Hu! Mr Right bought the fish from the Hypermarket. Once all cleaned someone has to cook! So, who? Not him whose forte was stew, grilled and BBQ! Then Who? Without any finger pointing, I took the challenge. After flipping through the said recipe several times and with barely little confidence instilled inside me, I tried my best to cook the said dish. I hoped it cooked well if not tasted good since I do not want to be 'blamed' of Mr Right's tummy upset. Thus, I prayed hard it won't happened. Insyallah.

In fact, I was very nervous and 'sweating' in an air con dining room waiting for Mr Right's comment during lunch time. The result was as Mr Right commented, "Ok, adalah rasa asam pedas ... but it'd be better if you practice more!" He added, "Ada lagi tak ikan parang yang belum di masak?" to which I nodded. Then he continued, "How many bags?" and I replied "About 6!" When he heard my response, he quickly patted my hands and said, "Please cook for me again tomorrow and day after tomorrow, Honey." 

Woooo ... Indirectly, it means between the score of 1-10, I think I obtained just below passing mark 4.5 ;( Well, perhaps not entirely failed because I'm pretty sure the fish was cooked and definitely he won't get any tummy upset, but at the same time I was feeling not sad but bad for I scored not even average and what more distinction. At face value from his comments and tone, I took his hint as > it's okay but imperfect Mama, So Please Practice More for Practice makes Perfect! (@^@)

And I looked at him with rolled eyes ;)

The asam pedas ikan parang > First Trial and I think I need more than 10 trials and even then, I am doubtful that it will be perfect! LOL

So, this evening I made my second attempt and I served Mr Right the asam pedas ikan parang @dinner time. He looked at it and later took other dishes first namely the daging masak kicap which I was quite familiar with before he tried the former. Then with a smile, he commented "Honey, much much better than yesterday. If you spend 10 minutes more than yesterday, you'll get a better result!" I looked up at him and asked a blunt question: "Would it be a 6 today?" He smiled and uttered, "Hmmmm just passed - 5 lah!" Huh Huh Huh If it's an examination it's only a C-! Anyway, TQ Mr Right for your frank answer. Perhaps, I'll practice more in future :D

My second attempt of asam pedas ikan parang for dinner. Barely passed :) and as mentioned earlier I doubt even after my tenth or more attempts the dish will be as perfect as Moms :(. 

It's like a blast from the past :-)

A sweet friend posted this picture in her FB Wall, and I commented "Ja, it's just like Ms C ..." to which she immediately replied, "Sista, it's like a blast from the past, kan! :-)"

Photo Macam Ketagih Kan courtesy of MO who is currently pursuing her PhD in Belfast. May the hot black coffee make her dreamy eyes (@^@) wide awake to continue her write up!!! Way to Go, my Dear Ja aka MO :)

Looking at Ja's picture brought back bitter sweet memories to me during my days when I was in Ja's shoes in mid I990s. Close to four years of not only 'sweating' in blistering cold winter fully covered with white snow @Richardson Road but feeling cold and shivering when the sun was bold and bright during summer season flipping through pages and pages of conventions in The Robinson Library. When the library closed, though my eyes yearned for some squeezed eyes shut and my body craved for warm duvets to wrap and duck feather pillows to cuddle, yet my head and mind prayed not to be corrupted by those desires. They instructed my feet to follow the path to my little cubicle @LawFac to write down what I have read and discovered in the conventions for next day's analysis and what noughts! It was gruesome and demanding but the end result was truly sweet beyond descriptions.

If the general working hours was from 9 to 5, during those 'punishing' days it was heavenly feeling if one started at 5am and ended up at 2am with just three hours sleep. Even then the mind did not sleep! The mixed feelings of fear, anxiety and turmoil were intertwined with happiness in every new found research gathering or data analysis were updated. The tedious work of compiling and doing and re-doing the critical analysis with manual foot noting processes were killing yet when they were done and received a bar of Mars chocolate from Professor (Ms) C, one could smile widely :D but only at that moment because the routine of anxiety and what nought would recur and recycle for the whole three to four years! > LOL but when the mind soared to those grueling days, it wasn't a joke. It was a reality where all doctorate holders faced and weaved through and finally graduated with flying colours. 

When I was pursuing my postgraduate courses, my dear Ja was doing her LL.B. We used to say "Hi" at the stairs of the faculty while holding a pile of drafts written work in one hand and cold sandwich with just a banana on the other for lunch. But we had great time together when we prayed at the university mosque and having hearty Iftar during Ramadan time and celebrated Eid the Malaysian style in our flats with the other undergraduates. It was enchanting and truly memorable sweet moment which I could not forget spending precious time with Ja and other wonderful sisters and forever helpful brothers. 

Now, for me it was more than a decade past ... But, for Ja it is just a beginning. But Ja must not worry for the feelings of All in One - fear, anxiety and turmoil intertwined with delightful happiness and excitement   are normal for those pursuing doctoral degrees. Get your cuppa and continue to refill it till dawn to ooze the yawn! My sisterly prayer that Ja will succeed in her endeavor and in no time I shall refer her as Dr MO aka Ja! 

Dearie Ja, a Blast from the Past - tempat jatuh lagi di kenang, ini kan pula tempat bersama menangguk ilmu di River Tyne yang kini kekal bersemadi dalam ingatan. Warm Supplications with Lots of Love and Best Wishes  to You and the Heroes in Belfast! 

Voices of a HairStylist

There is a saying in my language rambut mahkota wanita or simply - hair is the crown of every woman. So, in order to beautify my 'crown' I went to the hair salon which I frequented and met BT my hair stylist. As usual, upon arrival the routine started with refreshing welcoming tea  before we discussed about the henna colour followed by trimming and styling. Anyway, that's not the point which I wished to rant or share here. Rather, what was raised casually for two hours while BT was busy applying the henna, washing, cutting, blow-drying and hair styling until the process is complete: The result > "Sweet New Hair Style and Younger Look!" said Mr Right. 

Anyway, to me the precious two hours was well spent hearing voices from the heart of a young hair stylist. It was liken to a mother-son conversations. Looking at his casual easy style with well groomed and bits of spiky hair reminded me of my son. Listening to his words brought back memories shared with my students. But hearing his voices from the heart about enlightening and meditations was lessons learnt which money could not buy! For a very young person in his mid 20s who has travelled to many places and make a living as an apprentice before becoming a self-made hair stylist and also able to appreciate life to the fullest was truly commendable. In my language sejuk perut Ibu mengandung kamu BT! In other words, his Mom is blessed to have a well groomed son such as him!

BT shared his passion about reading some inspiring, philosophical and motivational books during his day off such as on meditations and divine  teachings. On this, I shared with him the true story of a lawyer Robin S. Sharma who wrote an exceptionally inspiring book on true success and happiness The Monk who sold his Ferrari. Indeed, he responded that he had heard although he had not read it! He was also delightful to have two days off in a week which he mostly spent to cook and eat healthy foods, relaxing and meditating. Whenever he calls his Mom @StoneKnocker, she never fails to remind him to eat healthy foods and not the fast foodies - burgers, fried chicken and what nought! I uttered to  him, "That's very common from a Mom!" which made him laughed :D At the moment, he is also busy preparing himself for an advanced courses and the possibilities to further his studies in the West or Australia. 

Time flies so fast and by then my 'crown' was almost ready. During our conversation, most of the time I prefer to listen to the voices from his heart. In particular on meditations or 'mental discipline' and various techniques in promoting relaxation to our mind and body. He shared with me on how he started to turn to meditation  - the free feelings of letting go, clearing his minds from being bogged down with feelings of anxiety and at times depressions. He went on to express that all these required practice with clear heart and mind that resulted with "calming effect and directs awareness inward until pure awareness is achieved" which gladden me and I totally agreed.

I shared his enthusiasm and told about the goodness of the art of proper breathing - the 'hale in hale out' procedure which I learnt from a friend DS during my four years stay in London. Also, by performing a prayer which I normally practiced by waking up in the middle of the night after a few hours of good sleep called the Tahajud Prayer. It truly helped me in understanding the purpose of my creation and my divine relationship with my Creator as well as experiencing the peaceful feelings of an open mind to let go ...

All in all, towards the end of our 'mother-son' conversations we both concur on improving ourselves towards spiritual development. Happiness comes from happy  hearts. Most of the times we have to follow our passions in fulfilling our dreams. Sometimes we cannot get all that we want, but we have to appreciate with what we have achieved. Although material things are necessary in our lives, but we agreed to be moderate in everything we do. Also to remind ourselves that this worldly world is just temporary. By then, when I looked up at the mirror in the salon my hair do was ready and I have a new 'crown' which I know Mr Right would comment, "Nice work, Honey!"

Yours truly with New Look. Thank You BT for the hair style and most of all for sharing some philosophical outlook and voices of your heart. Also views on meditations which were not only refreshing but exceptionally beneficial to our minds and souls! To quote a popular author Paulo Coelho, your story was "a captivating story that teaches as it delights."

We R There 4 U!

A friend posted this picture with meaningful words in her FB wall which caught my eyes and catapulted straight to the soul:

 Beautiful Words with Loads of Meanings > We R There 4 U! The hands that held together were assurance that all be Well!

Akuna Matata - Yeah! Don't Worry Be Happy ...

While mesmerizing the beautiful words, my mind soared to an event which I attended this morning @OceanBeach Complex. It was Fifi's birthday celebration which she celebrated with her friends in a cosy home with magnificient garden overlooking the Gulf of Oman. It was here, I met and mingled with new found friends Dania from Brazil, Olga from Russia, Angel from Indonesia and Cookie from America. Other invitees such as Riris, Lena, Eka, Joyce, Evelyn, Legashu and Samia were regulars and 'goodfriends' who were like stars to me. Although we seldom meet except on special occasions just like today, but deep in our hearts we knew - we are there for each other!

Happy Birthday Fifi > Birthday Gal is cutting her well decorated cake! Long Life to Fifi ....

Well Wishes from GoodFriends to Fifi :)

Looking at the happy moments, reminded me of a goodfriend Monica, an expat's wife who has moved to another place and now meeting and making new friends, yet she still remembers her goodfriends here by contacting virtually via FB! Thank You Monica Bonny. We too still remember you and always feel your presence here. We still talk about you and our good times together and of course we truly miss you at our gatherings.

We missed Monica :( Photo taken during her farewell @Palm Garden Hotel, Muscat 

Other goodfriends I met once a month over book discourse and most of the time intertwined with fresh cakes from the oven were the MQBookClub members. This week we discussed about a book written by David Gilham City of Women @Sarah's crib. We had a fruitful discussion over the many issues that took place in 1943 - the height of the WW II. The backdrop of the story was "with many men away at the front, Berlin has become a city of women." Not only we discussed about what was written about Sigrid Schroder's life but also other matters related to the book! 

Our Germany friend has taken the trouble to capture some of the historic monuments and ramnents left by the 'war' and turned them to slide shows during her holiday to home country and shared with us. It was a lovely get-to-gather and most of all the sharing of knowledge among friends from many nations including UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Palestine and Jordan was truly thrilled and awesome experience which money cannot buy! Not to mention the lipsmacking lemon cakes, ginger and cardamom cake with promagranate toppings and English tea prepared by our lovely host Sarah McGuire :)

Ever hospitable Sarah was preparing tea and coffee for the BookClub members @ her sweet cozy crib. Big TQ Sarah!

Sharing of knowledge > Some of D'MQBookClub were engrossed with the book discourse ... It was truly stimulating and most of the time fun & hilarious :D

Dearie R was sharing her part of the story while Mrs H looked on and absorbed the details. Sweet & Enchanting moments which I discovered with my goodfriends who are always there for fruitful discussions! 

I am blessed with this friendship and always look forward to our monthy meetings and discourse. The event made my brain works! But above all, they are all true friends. On this I remembered a saying:

True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare;

Fake friends are like leaves, scattered everywhere!

To all my goodfriends and truefriends:

TQ for caring. TQ for sharing. And, most of all from the bottom of my heart TQ for being who you are to me with the silent slogan We R There 4 U!

Irresistible 'Sinful Indulgence' :D

I was watching a Chinese movie Tempting Heart when our door bell rang. When Mr Right opened the door, a gentleman Mr FZ was there and handed to him a gift from Switzerland meant for me :) It was from his lovely caring wife Anna. When I opened the wrappers, it was something for 'tempting heart' that I always craved > Lindt!

Wow! Lindt - The forever relief for any stress, comfort for pain and happiness for grief! TQ Mr FZ & Anna for the divine chocolates  melt in my mouth :) Truly tempting and 'sinful indulgence' but a gift from the heart and straight to my heart <3

Since Mr Right and I just had our dinner, the irresistible 'sinful indulgence' came at the right time as our desserts. There were fourteen unique masterpieces from Lindt's Maitres Chocolatiers. I love Macchiato the most which was a star shape temptation with milk chocolate cup filled with aromatic coffee cream and topped with mild white chocolate! It was a masterful creation and divinely melt in my mouth.

    The Macchiato ... Who could resist it?

I could not stop from savoring the masterpieces one after the other, although I know that I must not hastily gulp them all at once fearing it has a lot of fat in it. He He He! Also Mr Right reminded me "Honey, there's still tomorrow. So, why not save some ..." which in other words he meant >Stopped for tonight or Enough!

But, I told him, "Last one! Not only pretty but it has love shape." Since there were two of them, I handed to him one of the masterpieces. Also, I felt less guilty when savoring the heart's fruity taste knowing full well that Mr Right was also experiencing the perfect pair - a layer of luscious orange caramel which beautifully laid atop the intense dark chocolate ganache. It was truly a perfect and heavenly combination of caramel and Lindt's dark coco! Wow (•^') both of us were happily experiencing unparalleled chocolates 'sinful indulgence' with seductive fillings which were exquisitely wrapped with utmost love + care :)

The perfect pair which were created from the finest dark coco where Lindt'sMaitresChocolatiers took all the pain to "roast it with utmost care before blending it according to secret recipes during conching!" (Lindt of Switzerland). 

Since it was dark coco, I also felt a lot better of taking it. Why? From some studies which I read in Google, "dark chocolate dampens the level of stress hormone cortisol." In another study, it was revealed that "dark chocolates is high in flavanols, thus thought to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure ... and possibly decreasing the sensitivity of skin to UV light." 

Most of all, some studies had shown that "dark chocolate is good for our heart!" Wallah. Among others it means "by eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times a week can help lower our blood pressure, improves blood flow and helps to prevent the formation of blood clots." (www.fitday.com). I am not sure of it's medical accuracy, but I prefer to take the positive input towards it and enjoy the intake of irresistible chocolates - moderately though! LOL :D In sum, my heartiest TQ to Mr FZ & Anna for the irresistible 'sinful indulgence' which I believe is good for my heart! - (@^@) -

Learning Never Ends ...

Since my arrival in Oman, I never failed to browse through the pamphlets and brochures of the universities and colleges that took part in Ghedex @OIEC. To me, at whatever age we are "learning never ends" and it also does not mean that we have to go to colleges to learn new things. We could acquire knowledge via books, learning process through friends, know-how handed-down by parents and many more. 

But, I always remember what my late Abah told me, "Little Doter, to learn something, you must have a teacher!" So, the best teacher who could teach me apart from through own experiences would be 'physical' teachers be they from schools, colleges or universities. Particularly, if the knowledge that we seek involves academic matters, therefore the proper place would be higher institutions! So, this morning I went to view and meet the various calibers in the academic world @Ghedex 2014! It was exceptionally worth while to chat and get latest info from the horses' mouths about furthering our educations not just locally but if we have the opportunity to go abroad and absorb as much knowledge as we can!

Interested knowledge seekers gathering info from Francine and colleague @The University of Reading Malaysia Booth. 

Indeed, I'm truly proud to meet with Francine who revealed that there are several UK universities opening their campuses in Iskandar Johore including the University of Newcastle (my alma mater) for medicines. In fact, Reading campus will start its LLB programs pretty soon! For someone who always hunger of info about legal courses, the news was  delightfully welcoming especially for Malaysia as an educational hub for international students.

I also managed to share some inputs and knowledge about maritime law with a fellow academician from the International Maritime College Oman where the campus was located in Sohar. Although within his firm grip is a postgraduate degree in marine engineering, he still wishes and looks forward to pursue another postgraduate degree in management or human resource. It was something very sacred which we both share  and certainly for most academicians that whatever we have as far as knowledge is concerned  - still never enough! I salute and pray for Mr S towards his forever enthusiastic spirits in education and May his wishes come true!

I also observed that the Malaysian Ambassador to Oman was very supportive towards the good deeds in promoting both public and private Malaysian universities to the Omanis and other nationalities. He never tires in encouraging the Malaysian participants or representatives to continue informing and promoting to the locals and others to pursue their educations in our evergreen land full of unity but diversified cultures and traditions. Also to experience the Truly Asia spirits where all races live together in harmony and peace! Indeed, Malaysia has a lot to offer to those coming to our shores - good education and good life (heaven for foods, shoppers paradise and happy people).

The representatives from University Teknologi Petronas were sharing views and having light moments with HE Dato' Rustam Yahaya ...

Representatives from Uni KL were explaining some issues on study programs and other related matters to interested knowledge seekers. May they succeed in their good deeds and endeavors in promoting Malaysian education to the international community. Amin.

"LuvGoats" @BandarAlKhairan

After an adventurous Eid Holidays to Masirah Island, I told Mr Right that I'll just enjoy the weekend @homesweethome. However, this morning he enticed me with "Honey, wanna take a ride to the Marina @BandarAlRauda?" I smiled at him and quickly replied "Oh! That's not bad. Only half an hour with good view and we could enjoy the signature drink lemon mint at BlueMalin!" I waved to Mr Right to spare me some minutes before I put on a summer dress. 

Soon, the 'lovebirds' were off in their silver BeeMer after a quick breakfast of prata with dhall, curry beef and chicken masala. However, when on the road instead of taking the usual route towards the Marina from Qurum to Al Bustan Palace and bypass Ruwi, Mr Right weaved through the Wadi Al Kabir route towards Qantab - Yiti areas. Then, he turned to me, "Wanna go to Yiti?" I was stunned and responded, "I thought we're going to the Marina?" He took my hands and said, "We will very soon, but for now let's go to Yiti. Only 7km from here!" I smiled and said, "Ok!" 

Just before we arrived at Yiti Village and while admiring the beautiful rows and rows of palm trees on one side and expecting true blue serene greenish sea on the other, we saw a signboard "10km to Bandar Al Khairan." We looked at each other and simultaneously nodded - a sign that we both agreed to take a ride to the designated place. 

Subhanaullah, the tarred road was great with few sharp bends and eerily breathtaking  corners for those with weak hearts like me but not for 'happy2venture' driver. It was heaven for Mr Right to test his driving skills! It also reminds me of the film Rush! Although I mumbled myriad of prayers in my heart for safe journey, yet I must confess that the journey was superb with fascinating scenery on both sides. On most occasions it was heaven on earth beauty with rugged mountains full of greenish copper. On some parts it was intertwined with magnificent sights of blue-green water lagoon! I just felt like jumping and diving into the heavenly blue sea :)

Then, we saw the signboard on the left side of the winding road >BandarAlKhairan Area. Wow! While scouting the breath-taking yet calm and serene surroundings, my Chinese eyes caught sight of these two "LuvGoats" stood on their feet for finer shoots! That was exceptionally sweet and I quickly took a snap of them. They're just like us > two lovey dovey persons having la-la time @weekend :D

"LuvGoats" enjoying their brunch - sweet fine shoots @BandarAlKhairan :)

Then, we paved into the smaller route and drove up to the hill and when we looked down towards the lagoon, I just could not believe my eyes - it was truly amazing  with spectacular hidden treasure of scenery beyond descriptions! X-Factor Oman. A beauty secluded by the rugged Hajar mountainous  desert. Perhaps, liken to a princess underneath her veil! Who ever wishes to see, he / she must come and see for himself / herself. I just don't have the correct words to pen and describe the beautiful scenery that His Al Mighty has blessed to his land!

A pose in contrasting colours - golden sandy mountains and welcoming deep turquoise bluish sea. A spectacular sight of BandarAlKhairan beautiful lagoon!

Hidden beauty of Oman - Yours truly surrounded and engulfed by myriad  golden sands and magnificent blue sky and sea :)

After savouring all the beauty and inhaling the fresh air, Mr Right and I continued our journey towards Hajar Mountain and stopped @Jebel Sifah. Again the journey involved an adventure of weaving through the winding road and dangerous curves and ghostly bends! While driving his BeeMer, Mr Right reminded me of the time we spent with our kiddos last two summers when we travelled together in our rugged scarlet Cherokee. With that bulky 4x4 we were abled to weave into the rough off roads which we did and landed us to a small fishing village where we later took a boat ride round and round the beautiful lagoon! Oh Marisa, wish you're here :D

We reached Jebel Sifah and enjoyed the scenery of the white sandy beach. Also roamed around the SifawyBoutiqueHotel and later quenched our thirst @Sammak Restaurant. In Arabic samak  means fish!

A seafood restaurant squeezed between the silvery beach and brownish rugged mountains. Deserts + mountains + oceans >ALL in One!

A view from the restaurant towards the soft sandy beach and blue-green Sea of Oman

After a short break of not a glimpse of fantasy, instead a true blue fantastical experience, we drove to reality again - the hustle and bustle of Muscat City Life. We brought back beautiful memories of Magnificent Oman that we'll treasure safe in our hearts. On the way home, I managed to capture a scene of a donkey resting under a tree for some shades. Also rows and rows of palm trees with light brown mountains as it backdrop. All these sights were feast to my eyes while consoling my already 'hungry' tummy for lunch @Marina Bandar Al Raudah. 

A green tree in the middle of a desert provides a good shade to the lonely Mr Donkey who may be waiting for Ms D ...

On our way back to Muscat - Breathtaking sights of palm trees in Yiti towards Qantab area 

Finally, we arrived at Marina Bandar Al Raudah. It was lunch time, so we had our lunch @Blue Malin Club House. We ravishly savored the English fish and chips with green peas with the signature lemon mint drink. With other guests in BlueMalin while heartily savouring our meals over looking the blue sea which was beautifully lined up with boats, yachts, dhows and catamarans at the Marina, I truly enjoyed my day out! The 5 hours 'hop on hop off' in the faithful BeeMer with various stoppings was worth while. My gratitude to Mr Right for the lovely weekend treat :)

Fish & Chips for the hungry stomachs @BlueMalin Club.

While sipping and enjoying the ice lemon mint, I also enjoyed the lovely view and ambience of the BlueMalin Club @Marina Bandar Ar Raudah, Oman

What2Do when U'rSick?

I'm feeling restless. Nausea.Tummy turmoils. Body aching. Head spinning and everything I do seems not right! I sent messages to kiddos and wished them well. But, I received this reply - "Mom, we are having fever. Just came back from doctor." Oh No! I'm feeling anxiety and sad :( Wish I'm there looking after them. Anyway, as of my son my DiL will look after him. For now, I can't be physically there, but my supplications are all for them and hope they'll recover soon! Across the ocean, here I'm having fever and feeling sick, too. Perhaps, it's the weather changing from summer to winter ...

 

I try to deviate my mind from thinking of the sickness, feeling sad and a little bored. When I browsed the ever friendly google I found this:

The stereotype advice but Funny & Cute! Copyright google image!

Indeed, I've done all the above > from sleeping to eating porridge cooked by caring Mr Right to drinking lots of water as advised by Mom! Then, gulping all the  medications and making sure boxes and boxes of tissues at my bedside for the running nose and sneezing and fully covered with duvets to keep me warm. What else? Yup, tried not to spread the flu to others by avoiding meeting people and become a little 'anti social' - yet I'm still feeling very sick and now I quarantine my sick body in my room. But my mind can't stay still instead it lingers and searching for ideas on what to scribe in my blog. Hu Hu Hu >Perhaps something on What2Do when U'rSick!

While my mind was far far away yet my eyes were looking into the iPad screen, Mr Right came and asked, "You're sick Honey, what do you feel like eating?" Wallah! This is the time to narrate whatever you crave and feel like eating! Yeah! So, I looked up at him and eyes focused on to his face and said, "I wanna breakfast @Paul, Montreal chicken for lunch with coconut juice, PapaRoti for tea and  hot and sour soup@KungFu for dinner!" He smiled at me and soon responded, "One by one Honey. Why not we go for breakfast first. Since you wish @Paul, let's get ready!" Wow! The wish of a sick woman was answered :)

In less than half an hour, I was in Paul MGM and in front of me was my wishful breakfast! French Omelet with sautéed mushroom and beef bacon with French breads and all. Wow! Big Breakfast for a really 'SickPerson'? Now, I wonder whether I'm bodily sick or it's just in my mind - feeling 'sick' and wanting someone to pamper :D

Big Breakfast @Paul for Someone Who're Sick? Anyway, TQ Mr Right and I enjoyed the treat and truly feeling good :)

After we finished our hearty breakfast and while walking towards the lift to the car park, I saw this lovely writings on a board in the lift which reflected by moods and feelings at that moment - Happiness!

It was as if the lift too knew what I was feeling: euphoric and blissful (@^@).

I was a little stunned for I don't have to say it out loud, but just showed him the words while we were in the lift. As if the lift could see through me and could read my mind as well as knowing what I was saying in my heart! Wow! That's a little scary He He He ... But, to Mr Right, I Thank U for the lovely treat and now waiting for more to come :)

And, at lunch time true enough Mr Right prepared for me something which I wished for - the 'Cajun Chicken' instead of 'Montreal Chicken' and the ever soothing coconut juice for my sore throat. But, by looking at how I ate my lunch, I too wonder whether I'm really sick or not! LOL :D My appetite was exceptionally good and I totally forgotten that I was sick ... So, my own 'kanotpakai' conclusion on What2Do when U'rSick: Find Someone 2 Pamper U! 

The booster for pale appetite - 'Cajun Chicken' for lunch. Wow! Delicious :)

Coconut flesh & juice to sooth the body heat and ginger with honey for sore throat!!! I'm now feeling truly blessed for the 'pamperness' if there is a term to describe it :D Alhamdulilah to Allah SWT for all his love and blessings to me. Amin.

AASG - Unity in Diversity

Wow! I saw pink and pink every where. Exceptionally soothing to my eyes (@^@).

Sweet pink, shocking pink also bits and pieces of pink! 

But the scene that truly captured my sight was seeing the 'Ladies in Pink?' One or two were busy mingling with each other. Some were seen in deep discussion. Voices heard about organizing a trip for lunch somewhere exotic! A few proposed of viewing country films. But, all in all they were in unity in deciding to do things together ...

Well, who are they? Oh! They're AASG ladies or spouses of Head of Missions from Asia-Africa. They were busy yet happily enjoying their second meeting @BruneiHouse. Headed by Madam MSM, the group decided to dress in pink for the event. It matched well with the sweet pinky ambience of the ever welcoming and cosy residence of DNB!

Unity in Diversity - a pose of forever sweet AASG members @BruneiHouse

During the informal get-together, we also warmly welcome a new member Madam NA from Pakistan. When our lovely host DNB introduced her, the whole group in unity said "Welcome on board the AASG Club!" It was a lovely gesture showed by the members to its new member. Indeed, I am honored and exceptionally happy to be part and parcel of this establishment and my prayer - May this group flourish in its endeavor! 

It all started when a small group of us get together over hearty breakfast in a very cosy environment and later prompted a wish to establish a not so formal group yet truly active with more activities in a pipeline among us - Wallah AASG was born on 23092013 @DarcyKitchenMSQ!  In actual fact AASG is an active wing of the formal AWG Muscat where all of us are members.

The pioneers of AASG. When great minds meet especially over good foodies > the impossible become possible!

So, in today's event we discussed among others to meet and have a get2gather on monthly basis either at our residences through turns or just over 'healthy breakfast' at various dininng places in Muscat. We also wish to share and showcase to each other our cultural tradition and heritage while having coffee and canapés and light refreshments. 

At the same time, as not to burden anyone, the group unanimously agreed to do 'pot luck' at some of the events as well as showcase our national specialties to one another. In a way, we are learning about one another and I personally feel, there's no way to learn better than through foodies <3 Foods, not only a safe and universal topic, instead it is something that we interact on a daily basis. 

With Allah SWT will and grace, insyallah after this I shall be learning more about foodies beyond the shore of Asia - the usual rice, prata, curries, noodles and sushi! Soon, I'll be learning more about African foodies from Kenya, Tanzania and  South Africa. Yeah! TQ AASG. Although we're diverse in our culture and traditions, yet surely we're united in our strength for the betterment of our AASG! This morning we started with Pink as our theme, perhaps next month Safari and followed by 'Ladies in Kimono' style at other events? Who knows but Surely, I look forward to all our future activities ... <3

Dine @Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah

It was a night to remember ...

Full of laughter and hearty cuisines prepared by Malaysian Chefs specially flown from KL to Muscat :)

A truly Malaysian Experience surrounded by palm trees, rugged mountains and deep turquoise blue water of the Sea of Oman which was hypnotic to all diners!

Last night, we had great time together with Brits GM Mark Kirk and bubbly Rasha Al Madani @AsiaRestaurant. Meeting with Chef Azman bin Mat and Chef Anis Rusydan that cooked our foodies was a plus point with euphoric feelings! It was a two week Malaysian Experience in Muscat where the chefs prepared for the diners authentic cuisines including sup ekor, otak-otak and pai tee also kerabu lobster as starters. The main menu were sumptuous dishes ranging from the popular satay with all its condiments to nasi lemak with rendang to nyonya laksa to nasi putih with assm pedas ikan and many more!

A pose with HE Dato' Rustam, GM Mark and Chefs from Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Fresh from the stoves and ovens all the diners were enjoying their treats ...

Nasi Lemak with sambal tumis and beef rendang. Truly authentic and as if we're being transported to KL while savouring the delicious foodies

I chose nyonya laksa from Penang which was not only lovely to look at but tasted better and delicious to my taste buds :)

For desserts, my preference was ABC or air batu campur although my other friends chose sagu gula melaka. 

The happy faces with their desserts! <(@^@)- (@^@)> Yo! Yummy & Full :D

We left AsiaRestaurant with heavy bellies and full of TQs to the top management who promoted Malaysian cuisines to the locals and guests of the hotel. May this practice continue in years to come and vice versa may the locals keep on going to Malaysia as one of their favourite destinations for vacations. 

Don't Wait, Tell Them Now!

I have not called or written to a friend for sometime ...

I miss Her and her antics. But, somehow I know that she's well. She's enjoying her life with her family and friends. She has more time to herself now. She's active in posting her thoughts in FB - sharp and clear! I am truly happy for her well being. And, I must contact her now ...

While I was thinking about her and contemplating to write to her, I came across a reminder from Margaret Ingall (The Friendship Book of Francis Gay) who wrote :

You plan to thank your loved ones,

For wisdom that they've thought?

Don't tell them later, tell them now.

Your friends have kept you going,

With their comfort and support?

Don't tell them later, tell them now.

For "now" is just the only time 

We're guaranteed to own,

The only time that we might have

To speak, to write or phone.

So place it high upon your list,

No matter where or how,

Don't plan for sometime, never -

Tell them now!

Wow! I must contact her now! Without delay, I quickly open my FB and write a message to this Dear Friend, "Anja, hope you and family well :) Happy to note you have more time with your family and friends. Also active in FB. May you have great times with your loved ones for time is always not on our side. Take care dear and you're always in my mind!"

Indeed, I felt so good after I wrote that short message. Hopefully, she'll receive it in time and I'm not late to wish her well, safe and sound. Also, while I'm still intact with my six senses although not so good with my health but at least I'm still able to punch some keys and send her the message. It is because in life, we do not know when we will be recalled by our Creator. It can be sooner or later, so if we have something to say to someone - be it a word of thanks or whatever from our minds and hearts as Margaret Ingall said, "Don't tell them later, tell them now!"

To Anja, TQ for being a friend - "a person with whom you dare to be yourself." We may be separated by the oceans but we may meet 'virtually' just by pressing some keys on the BB, Galaxy, Tablets and all the gadgets. Happy Browsing :)

To Good Health & Soul!

Still in the stage of recovering from flu and all, as for today I prefer to stay indoor ... (@^@)

I was thinking what else to do after I have finished cooking nasi goreng kampung for my dear one's brunch with telor mata lembu! Also I added in a tub some Ferro Roche for desserts instead of the normal fresh fruits as snacks. 

I already had my breakfast as well as gulping some medications and vitamins for my flu. Thinking about my little sickness and my not so good health, while I was resting on the white leather sofa and later browsing my FB, I found this note on the wall which I opined would be beneficial to me and others - Drink More Water!

• Drinking 2 glasses of water in the morning helps activate internal organs 

• Drinking 1 glass of water before a meal will help indigestion

• Drinking 1 glass of water before taking a shower helps prevent high blood pressure 

• Drinking a glass of water before bed helps prevent stroke and heart attack

Indeed, water is pertinent to our health and body. Water cleanses our body. We always feel fresh after taking our shower. We may live a littler longer without food, but we cannot live without water. Since I was a young girl, my Mom always reminds me to drink lots and lots of water. Even the doctors and health care practitioners never tire to remind us "drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday! It keeps our body from dehydration." True our body needs water and fluid. For good health, drinking water is a must. Yeah, in particular with my condition now. I need to drink or consume lots and lots of water. TQ rawforbeauty.com for reminding me :)

To Good Health: Something to share from rawbeauty.com - Big TQ!

Indeed, looking at that notes, my heart leaps with happiness for those beautiful minds who love to share. This also reminds me to an elderly friend of mine the late Mrs Elizabeth Butterfield who during her life time never fails to send me as a new year's gift The Friendship Book of Francis Gay. She wrote: "Mussy, if you believe that every day is precious, then this is the book for you." 

Now, while remembering her and her forever motherly care and smiles that never ceased from her sweet face, my prayer goes to Mrs Elizabeth. Also to tell her that I've never forgotten her and the books she gave me (2006-2008) are now my true 'friends' which I flipped almost every day! The beautiful  words in the books truly raise my spirits and gladden my soul as if kindly spoken by Mrs  Elizabeth herself! I have been looking for the sequels but to no avail until recently, when I boarded the MV Logos Hope and found the 2011 publication :) To Mrs Elizabeth Butterfield, you're always in my prayer and the inspiring words from the books you left for me are exceptionally good to my soul! I Thank You, Mam for your friendship and I strongly believe that every day is precious. And, most of all my gratitude to Allah SWT who graces and allows us to cross path sometime ago in England. 

To Good Soul: TQ Mrs Elizabeth Butterfield for the inspiring books. The beautiful words, uplifting tales and lovely  poems are foods for thoughts, gladden the hearts and good for souls :)

Feeling Good! :-D

Since I wasn't feeling very well, I went to sleep early last night just after my Isya' prayer. Now, I am fully awakened and the clock just chimed 5! My throat still feeling sore and I took strepsil to sooth it. Ironically all the medications had been gulped yet I still did not recover fully  and now feeling :( and no mood!

To let go of that moody feeling I scribble this "~"

While writing this "~" I received a buzz message from a friend who has just moved to Jakarta. Suddenly, I felt so good and my mood lighted when I read "DM, I have moved to my three bedroom apartment ... You're welcome to visit me. TQ for the friendship while I was in Perwakilan Muscat." Oh! I'm truly glad that Monica and Peter are now settling well in her new home sweet home. With Allah SWT grace and will, Insyallah I'll be visiting her. 

Also now I suddenly remembered that another friend Honey Bunny just called me a few days ago that she'll be posted to Singapore in early January next year. Yeah! If all goes well and according to plan, perhaps I could visit both of them at about the same time during my vacation. Well, I'm now feeling better, in fact happiness engulfing me and totally forgotten about my irritating sore throat. :D

Indeed, this feeling of happiness reminds me of a beautiful quote which I read in FB Wall yesterday: "Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you!" Yeah! I manage to make myself happy and this morning my mood lights up as bright as the sun creeping through my window. And it's time for my morning prayer. Alhamdulillah. My gratitude to Allah SWT for brightening my moods :) and Thank You Monica for triggering that mood by writing to me. 

Now, while I'm feeling good, I'm humming the chorus from the lyrics of a song sang by Michael Buble:

It's a new dawn 

It's a new day

It's a new life

For me ...

And I'm feeling good

Michael Buble ... (picture copyright of Google image)

Post Eid Shopping Spirit!

I was browsing through the pages in the Times of Oman when I spotted at Feature  Article some pictures of Eid Accessories @OIEC in Seeb. Wow! In the newspaper, the exhibition hall looks paradise for   shoppers and moreover the merchandise were truly appealing and the shoppers were in their shopping spirits! To my eye sight, it's more like Post Eid Paradise for Shoppers :D

Anyway, the curiosity DNA in me was too strong - I wanted to find out what was available there? So, this morning I went to OIEC. When I entered the exhibition hall, I was amazed by the huge crowd. Mostly ladies in their exclusive abayas were busy purchasing the merchandise from booths to booths - cosmetics, perfumes and colorful lingeries. The products were mainly imported from DBX. 

I don't know how many booths were there, but at first glance one could assume it was more than hundred. It was liken to an international bazaar where merchandise from all over the world were brought into the exhibition for the public to view and buy! While weaving through the various booths, I was more interested in the materials from neighboring countries. They were not only beautiful but unique with distinctive designs.

An apparel for someone who's looking for an Arabian Nite theme :)

I also stopped by at the Arabian Oud or Perfume Booths. I was looking for an  Armouage  products which was synonymous to Oman. Unfortunately, I found none in the exhibition and was informed that the exclusive product is only found in exclusive shopping centers in Muscat such as the MCC and Sabco apart from the Duty Free Department at the airport and its only Outlet in Al Khouds, which I visited with my AWG colleagues last summer. Indeed, I missed the Armouage products, but for the time being I had to make do with what other booths were offering :)

Amouage - a signature perfume from the Sultanate of Oman "that fires the imagination of all who come into contact with its wonderful product!"

So, I weaved through from booth to booth searching for something unique, not very expensive yet truly valuable. I was uttering to myself, "Can I find what I want?" So far nothing interest me, until I stopped at one booth where the Seller was not only charming but friendly. I browsed through all the merchandise in his booth but nothing captured my eyes. So I asked him if he has something which he wanted to sell but the item was not shown in the booth. He showed me something that caught sight of my eyes from a box. It was a set of dainty butterflies earrings and a matching necklace. I immediately fell in love with the items and when he named the price - I could not believe it since it was exceptionally worth the money spent! TQ Mr Seller :)

A 'prize possession' during Shopping Spirit @OIEC :)

"UiTM D'HatiKu"

I was browsing through old photos and saw something that caught my eyes: MoU Signing Ceremony between UiTM & CCE Oman in Times of Oman Newspaper! 

I smiled remembering the days about the visit of my Vice Chancellor and his delegation to Oman. Also the correspondence that took place between me and Datuk Professor Emeritus Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, UiTM Legal Advisor and Professor Dr Sohaimi Zakaria, the VC Special Officer (Academic). After all the hard work that took place, at last the much awaited event materialized. Alhamdulilah :)

Nostalgic Moment - Signing Ceremony between Dato' Sri Professor Ir Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, Vice Chancellor of UiTM and Dr PM Mohamed Ali, Chairman  of the Board of Directors CCE. Witnessed by HE Dato' Rustam Yahaya, Ambassador of Malaysia to Oman and Dr  Ahmed Al Hassan Balushi, Acting Dean and Executive of CCE. 

It was a nostalgic feeling for me to be part of the many people to observe the momentous occasion.  The mutual interest between the two higher institutions has culminated in the signing of an agreement on 30 September 2012 in Muscat. Although I'm physically far away from UiTM (my 6th year on CTG) yet the institution is always in my heart aka UiTM D'HatiKu :) To date, it has been a year since that momentous occasion yet I felt like it was only yesterday that the event happened! I also felt honored that our VC and his delegation came to Rumah Malaysia and met the Malaysians in Oman. 

Dato' Sri VC Heart2Heart Talk with Malaysian professionals in Oman @RumahMalaysia

HE Dato' Rustam uttered "TQ YBhg Dato' Sri VC for the sovenir from UiTM" 

Malaysian delegation with the Omani counterpart. Thumbs up to forever warm Omani hospitality by the host. Our heartiest TQ!

Soon after the memorable event, during Muscat Festival 2013, UiTM delegation from the Faculty of Arts & Design came to Oman on the invitation of the Muscat Municipality to showcase the Malaysian Culture and Heritage, particularly its well known Batik Paintings @AmeeratPark. Headed by Dr Basitah Taif, the Malaysian booths received many  visitors and coverage from the media - the daily newspapers and the Oman TV. Back home, the Dean was also interviewed by the Malaysian daily. To top the icing on the cake, the UiTM Asst VC came for an official visit to Oman during that time, thus he was able to view the booths and experienced the annual festival, too!

The Wow Factor - The Malaysian Intricate Batik showcased by talented designers from UiTM in Muscat Daily :)

VIP visit to the Malaysian booth ...

Dean of FSSR in Malaysian Daily - proud moments for Department of Textile to showcase the Malaysian heritage to the Omanis and others @MuscatFestival2013