Sawadee Kap: ALC Ladies in ThaiLand!

If the first ALC Get-2-Gather for 2014 was held in a formal manner liken to an AGM@Brunei House, the second was more casual with just white tops with long pants or simply jeans and sarongs! We were enjoying the cool breezy morning in ThaiLand and was greeted warmly with Sawadee Kap  or Hello in Thai language. It was the brainchild of all members who came out with many ideas and themes for our events. 

Indeed, in today's get-2-gather as in our previous meetings, the strong bond of ASEAN solidarity and togetherness were truly felt by all. Since the day of its establishment almost a year and half ago, the registered members have worked as a team and all decisions were based on consensus which was exceptionally awesome and delightful! 

Today's event saw all ladies from the six ASEAN nations came not empty handed, instead with potluck foodies both savory and desserts while our ever smiling hostess and her ladies prepared the venue and other refreshments at her green back garden full of fresh flowers, pandan leaves and tall banana trees, facing the sandy beaches in Shatti Qurum. Mrs Capt, Ms Y and I contributed our most popular Malaysian cuisine the nasi lemak bungkus together with dadeh as the dessert. Our hostess the ever hospitable ThaiLand prepared refreshing fish ball soup as starters for all to savour. They also prepared beautifully decorated chocolate cakes as desserts! Indeed, I fell in love with the intricate and beautify designed sweet course that surely conclude a wonderful meal :D

Brunei came with her most sought after fried vermicelli and nicely rolled kuih ketayap which were scrumptious and mouthwatering, followed by Singapore with their delicious kuih bakar Kemboja. Then came our friends from the Philippines who brought along a truly succulent  grilled chicken which complement well with the nasi lemak. They also made lovely Filipino noodles which we adored! 

And, of course not forgetting the Indonesian ladies surprised us with tasty macaroni and lip smacking kuih pau! But it seems that all those hearty and superb dishes still weren't enough for the ladies because on the Buffett tables were healthy natural coloured fruits as 'pencuci mulut' or finale although some preferred to have them as starters. 

All in all, the supposed breakfast turned brunch was delightful to all the ALC ladies! And, while we were having our brunch we shared stories, jokes and more often than not we shared recipes from each other. In fact, I was fascinated with one of our friends who among us was the 'Best Chef!' So, we probed her on how she started to like cooking? She revealed that she comes from a family who did catering business but when she was young, she was the pampered one and like other teenagers at that time who were busy with studies and what nought, so cooking wasn't her forte or perhaps the least in her mind. 

Yet, the secret of cooking and all started when she got married to a wonderful man and indeed she wanted to impress her late MiL. So, she took the big leap and tried to cook foodies for her. But her first soup was too sweet and Oh! She was feeling Helpless and Cried. Luckily, her elder sister was nearby and came to rescue or in other words to  're-cook' for her which she then served to her MiL and Wallah - she received a thumb's up and good praise :D. Similarly, she also tried to impress her MiL again with Black Forest cake as special dessert  but it turned out like 'flowing lava' which made her eyes welled with pearly tears! But, this time she did not lose hope and intelligently  instead convinced her niece to buy a ready made  sweetie Black Forest fit for her MiL which brought wide smiles to her motherly face. 

Although she was happy that her MiL loved her 'cooking' yet she did not feel right nor good inside her heart because the foodies weren't hers. Thus, she finally got the courage and told her MiL the truth and fortunately in returned her MiL taught her the secret of cooking, which to this day she has mastered it. Wow! Bravo my friend and after listening to her inspiring little secret all of us wish and aspire to follow our dear friend's foot step. Insyallah.

While still savoring the luxurious hearty desserts Kuih Pau and Kuih Ketayap with Asian style tea or famously known as teh tarik on this beautiful day with cool breezy air surrounding us, we also thanked His Almighty for not only the fascinating brunch for the 'ravenous' tummies, but most of all for the wonderful time out together which we spent and enjoyed. It was as the Latin says carpe diem for all of us :) 

To 'wrap up' the day, we also had quiz Know Thy Neighbours competition among the members. It was fun and hilarious! They were simply quizzed inter alia, what are the national flowers of their neighboring countries, the capital cities and names of popular dance or well known festivals, etc. It was more of a general knowledge thingy and yet the ladies did 'crack' their minds and brains to remember and memorize the Head of States' names, the full names of the current Ambassadors and their spouses and others! That was exceptionally awesome gals. For I strongly believe, to know our neighbour is to love our neighbour! 

In sum, it was an interesting and stimulating exercise for the minds. As the saying implies, we don't only need Foods for Bodies but we also need Foods for Thoughts! So, we finally killed two birds with just one stone > savoring healthy homemade foods while shaping our heathy minds! Finally, to all ALC Ladies, till our next get-2-gather, I Thank You Dear Friends for I truly enjoyed our day out and brunch this morning. Long Live ALC!

 

ALC Group Photo for remembrance!

Snap shots of the home cooked delicious foodies by ALC members. Bon Appetite!

Malaysian representatives with our lovely hostess. Big Thank You, Madam D!

ACM & ALC in Muscat!

2014 is an important year for us in Oman. Coincidentally, for both of us this auspicious Year of the Horse will be our turn to be Chairpersons for the ASEAN organizations ACM and ALC, an acronym to ASEAN Committee in Muscat and ASEAN Ladies Circle respectively. The handing over of ACM by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Mr Right was done at the Indonesian residence last 30th December 2013, whereas for ALC will be done by the spouse of the Brunei Ambassador at her residence to me on 10th February 2014! 

With the appointments, we happily accepted the trust and thus have to shoulder the duties and responsibilities that are 'bestowed' upon us. Insyallah we will do our very best for the organizations which we are entrusted with and to deliver our best deeds as best as possible to the registered members of the six ASEAN countries which have embassies in the Sultanate of Oman, namely Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 

This morning Mr Right chaired his first ACM working committee meeting at Rumah Malaysia where among others he had scheduled the events for the first half of 2014 which included formal meetings for Ambassadors and Committee Members to discuss common issues and similar interests on ASEAN, Family Day and Familiarization Tour to some places in the Sultanate of Oman which will be of beneficial interests for all members.

At the same time, today the ALC President came to my residence for a short discussion of the incoming ALC meeting tomorrow, which include among others the handing over of the Presidency and selection of new Committee Heads. We also verbally discussed some social events to be tabled at the ALC Committee Meeting which include visits to places of interests in Muscat and sporting events. We truly looked forward to meeting our colleagues and prayed for the success of the organizations. Amin.

The day finally comes! At 10.30am on Monday the 10 Feb 2014, I accepted the responsibility as Chairperson for ALC in Muscat from the previous leader. It was based on rotational basis for one year duration. The transition was smooth. Soon after we appointed the other Committee Members namely Singapore to take care of ALC Financial Matters, Indonesia to be incharged of Social Affairs, Thailand will be responsible for visits and trips, Brunei will now look after Sports events and the Philippines will take care of publicity and also update of our activities. All in all, the members are happy with the line up and look forward to seeing each other with more get-together events. 

It is note worthy that although ALC in Muscat comprised of only handful persons yet the feelings of togetherness and warm solidarity were truly felt among the members. In fact, a line of activities were already proposed and discussed which among others to hold monthly meeting by each country on rotational basis as well as other social events which include garden party during the month of cool season, a trip to an Omani vegetable farm, living a healthy life style through sports' activities and having brunch at one of the cafes in town! 

We also gave a thought of organizing another  ALC charity bazaar for those in need when the time comes. I personally feel all the activities which are in the pipeline will draw us to each other closer, more knowledge and better understanding of other nation's culture and tradition as well as to assist whenever we could in the name of charity and compassion to those in need within our community or any friends within our ability and capability to assist in this hospitable land.  With the will and power together with strong bond and strength as a group, I believe ALC will do well for its members in Muscat. Amin.

I thanked all ALC members for the strong support they gave me and prayed our 2014 activities could be carried out smoothly and successfully. Insyallah :)

HE the Ambassador of Malaysia hosted first ACM Committee Meeting for 2014 @Rumah Malaysia on 9th February 2014.

Appreciate Life!

Our life is precious. As for me, the older I get, the more I look into my inner self and the more I appreciate life ...

It's weekend again. I was asking myself what to do to pass my time till tomorrow comes? I must do something good that's beneficial to me and to my loved ones. Especially when we do not know how long will we live? I'm not getting any younger. Silvery grey already crowns my then black hair. I could also feel the ache on some parts of my body.  

But Alhamdulillah, to my knowledge I do not have any serious illness, and for that I am exceptionally grateful to Allah SWT. I know that time flies and age is catching up! I am already in my fifties. It's just a matter of time for His calling - now or a little later. Yet, I am truly grateful for the wonderful life the Almighty Allah SWT had granted to me in this worldly world. My prayer that my life in the hereafter will be better than here. Insyallah.

And, I am also feeling closer to meeting Him especially when yesterday I just received news from my friend that my former classmate had just passed away leaving behind a widow and children. He was just two years my senior. My husband knows him too. Although we both are feeling the loss of a friend :( Yet, we know The Almighty Allah SWT loves him more. Al Fatihah to HD. 

Anyway, for us who are still breathing we thank him for the extra time. It means we could do more good deeds, more time for prayers and supplications, not late yet to ask for His Mercy and Forgiveness, to make right what is wrong, to forgive others who have been wrongful to us, spend time with our loved ones, to appreciate our life more and give what we could to the needy. Insyallah, we'll feel good and blissful and more ready to face Him.

Hence being a DS who is trailing her spouse, apart from fulfilling my duties and responsibilities to my nation, the other time spent were with my better half. I truly appreciate my life spending with him. It has been six years consecutively that I took leave from my job to be with  him. Never once that I regretted my decision. Instead I'm truly delighted for the opportunity to be a full time housewife to be tagged along by him to all the places he went. Be it for official or leisure, he always wanted me to be by his side. Alhamdulilah. 

And, the same when we were at home. My place was always within his arms' reach. We spent time together especially on weekends! We loved watching movies while embraced in each others' arms. I loved listening to him whenever I watched war or historical movies for he has vast knowledge on many subjects. For a person who is only a year older than me, I always feel 'inferior' when compared to the knowledge he had, yet I am truly fortunate to have him to share what he knows with me! We talked, we laughed and we teased each other just like old days :D

And today, I want to spend precious time with my significant other who makes me smiles and laughs every now and then even on simplest jokes! We woke up early. We sent off someone important at MIA. We had breakfast together. I prepared coffee with a platter of keropok lekor since he does not want lunch. We watched documentary The Great Moguls, their glory, the war, and the down fall. 

Similarly for dinner, he doesn't want heavy foodies except something simple, so a mug of cardamon tea with belinjau crackers were served. Other than that there's our favourite Malteaser chocolates and mazola cookies for snacks. And together we happily snuggled in front of the 52in TV and watched Red Cliffs! Indeed, my gratitude to Allah SWT for the good health, sound minds and happy life as bright as the blooming hibiscus which we are enjoying :D

A blooming hibiscus which was in our garden. Bright and beautiful :D

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A well said quote by JW that reflected our happy life! TQ :)

Good Read from HRH

It was breezy night @Chedi. Although it was rather dark outside the restaurant, yet with clear sky and beautiful moonlight plus the bright lanterns shining over us, the spot which we had our dinner was perfect. What more when we were honoured to be invited by HRH to have a private dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean. Not everyday that we could meet HRH. Perhaps, if we are lucky and with Allah SWT will and grace, it may be once in our life time. 

But fortunately for us, this was our second time being invited to a dinner with HRH.  The first was in one of the famous restaurants in London. There, while eating my foodies I was admiring the glass bottles of the artesian water from Norway. The Grand Chamberlain saw my interest and he quickly requested the waiter who was serving us to place three bottles in an exclusive bag for me to take home. I was surprised yet delightful for the rare gifts! And, till today I still have the SSOA bottles!  

Here, @Chedi we had seafood cuisines. We started with fish soup courtesy from the Chef. Then I had hearty salads as entree, followed by sumptuous grilled lobsters with lemon sauce and ended with lip smacking dessert of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries and trays of chocolates. Wow! My belly was exceptionally full. We not only had a wonderful dinner with HRH, but most of all we had great time hearing and learning new things from HRH about his interests and also the history of his State. I was amazed with HRH vast knowledge of all the subjects and also the time HRH took to share it with us. 

But time past very quickly without we realizing it. It was closed to midnight and we soon bid goodbye to HRH with wishes of safe journey to The Grand Canyon. And on the way home, I opened the package which HRH handed to us. It was a gift which we will always value - a rare book personally signed by HRH! 

A Good Read from HRH. Patik menjunjung kasih Tuanku ...

A rare gift to cherish ...

Morning Treat @Kenya Home!

Life has been blissful since new year begins. Not only with a wonderful start surrounded by loved ones but well cared too by closed knitted friends, with unpretentious smiles and lots and lots of foodies! Alhamdulilah. 

And, today is of no exception. A group of us were invited to 'Kenya Home' by the ever loving hostess Mrs S. We were told it will be a very simple gathering. Yet, when we arrived at her new and welcoming residence, the spread of foodies was feast to our eyes. Surprisingly, she did all single handedly despite her full hands with four awesome kiddos that require her attention. Salute Mrs S! :D

At the dining table while savoring and enjoying the 'brunch' we exchanged notes from one topic to another. Being DS, among others our topics included the Charitable events that we wish to participate for this Year of the Horse. If last year, our AWG did very well where we managed to collect OR12K @AWG Bazaar for the Handicapped Children, so we also hoped that we could do the same or perhaps much better for this year. Insyallah.

From there, we exchanged notes about the most universal and sort after topic mainly cooking and foodies. With ladies from international background, I always believe that we can never go wrong when discussing about them. Hence, we probed our hostess about the refreshing Kenyan Chai which we were served with.  It was Kenyan black tea with mixture of spices which include cinnamon, cumin, ginger and nutmeg. I later found out that tea was the major cash crop that is grown in Kenya. Hence, it does not surprise me to obtain from  the net that "Kenya tea is ranked third major foreign exchange earner behind tourism and horticulture."

Another area of interest which we shared was perhaps to once in a while to have games during our social meet. But, we did not elaborate on this since we were too occupied with the Kenyan morning treat! Our hostess had prepared a table spread of foodies which include among others truly healthy dishes - the salads and the multicolored cut fruits which enticed our appetite. Also homemade sandwiches, croissants, kebabs, and several types of desserts!  

But, on the way home from the Kenyan treat, I recalled back on the topic of having and sharing games among us. I think it would be better if it is a traditional game from every nation. Whoosh! Indeed, I quite liked the idea since I personally feel that we could showcase our cultural heritage and shared with friends from across the world. Ting! Suddenly, my mind soared to our Malaysian indoor games the 'Congkak!' Perhaps, if I could share this game one day with them, that will be awesome. Hey! Why not? A session called Morning Treat @Malaysia Home :D 

Thus, I went home feeling blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends, also feeling happy with the thought that I could share something with them when it's time for my turn to host the AASG Meet! Yeah :D Insyallah. 

     Me @Kenyan Treat with Buddies :D

Long Weekend! What did I Do?

We had a long weekend during Chinese New Year Celebration. I was asking myself, "What should I do to make time flies?" Also, I was contemplating not to just waste the time, instead to fill up the three days stretched holidays with worth while activities. 

Well, it begins with the holy Jumaat. Although I had a luncheon invitation after prayer time in the afternoon, the morning was filled up with fruitful activities from helping Mr Right for some home cooked breakfast and watching him watering the plants in the garden since our Mr G was on leave visiting his family. Then, we went to LuLu Hypermarket and bought some groceries to fill up the refrigerator for a week's consumption. 

Once done, while waiting to be ready for luncheon invitation @TTCrib, I made sure my wardrobes for that occasion were all in place including the scarves to match the blouse which I had chosen to wear! After that I watched two Korean movies which in a way provided me with some insights about life in both South and North Korea. They may be of the same origin but they're two different nations. Due to different political outlook and the borders that separate them, the people and their lifestyles were entirely different. Anyway, I truly enjoyed both the movies Sadder than Sad as well as Yalkae.

After watching the movies, Mr Right and I were ready for our Chinese New Year lunch at Madam TT's in an exclusive area, the PDO Camp! Indeed, I always like to drive up the rocky hills and then down to the valley full of palm trees. The cool and breezy wind during this time of the year were exceptionally blessing. They added soothing feelings to the lovely surroundings and enchanting environment that already captured my ever 'wondering' eyes searching for rare and beautiful sights! So captivating the scenes of fresh greens intertwining with sandy hill tops against the breezy wind that they appeared liken to feastful pictures to the eyes as well as melody to the soul. 

Coming back from TT's Crib, we stopped at Gary's Vet near Sabco, only to find that it had moved to Qurum Garden. And to add salt to the injury, it is closed on Friday! Oh Poor Gary, he must be 'starving' for half a day :( So, we decided to walk to a Pet Shop in Sabco to get a packet of Gary's food. We were looking for Royal Canine brand with 'neutered' sign but unfortunately there was none and like it or not we had to settle for the normal brand with the  hope that we'll get one from the Vet the next day when the clinic re-open. 

Oh! My Poor Gary, but just for a day okay and Mama will surely get the brand which you like ASAP :D When we reached home, little Gary was waiting for his foodies at the front door. When I poured the 'cereal' cat foods in his bowl, in just a few minutes all were gone. Indeed, I knew he was truly famished. It did not surprise me knowing full well that his normal eating pattern is every two to three hours. Hence, after that good dinner, we found him slept soundly in our room till dawn creeps in. Wow! I was feeling grateful just watching Gary curled up on my bed with full warm belly and feeling comfy (@^@)!

My Gary 'feeling comfy' after a good meal!

Through out the night, Gary slept with us. When Saturday morning comes, I told Mr Right that I wished to cook breakfast for us, yet he said, "Why not we go to Shatti Qurum and have our breakfast there?" Wow! Feeling blessed I quickly dressed in my casual wear and together we headed to my favourite weekend cafe the D'Arcy Kitchen. For a change, I asked for tuna melt instead of the Fish and Chips, whereas Mr Right's preference was beef sandwiches which was different than his normal order the omelette! Mine turned out great but Mr Right's selection proven fatal because it had lots of mayonnaise and caramelised onions which were not to his liking, but surprisingly I adored them! Thus, it ended up me eating the double portion more than usual :D

With the Big Breakfast, I wanted to forgo lunch. It was only wishful thinking because Mr Right once again took me for another weekend treat @Wasabi Sushi in Bareeq Shatti. This time we had Sushi Rolls with salmon and Dragon rolls with tuna accompanied by the ever soothing miso soup. There goes my diet which I however, never regret. He He He :) And just before we headed for home, I told Mr Right that I was craving for something sweet for tea time from Bread Talk. 

So we stopped at the outlet and bought some desserts there. I happily ate them at home while watching another Korean movie Too Beautiful To Lie. It was not only hilarious that brought laughter to the viewers, but it did tell us that old habits die hard. However, with time and some 'inspirations' from good people and beautiful surroundings the old habits slowly disappeared and turned to new leaf with new beginnings! Well, I enjoyed the movie which was full of hilarity, adventures and fascinating scenery that captured my heart and soul. Since I watched it via my iPad, and sometimes I smiled and laughed alone, nevertheless I at times received wierd grins and rolling eyes from my better half who was relaxing in the lounge and flipping through the newspapers :D

When it was time for dinner, again Mr Right asked me what I feel like eating? I smiled and later said, "I just want roast chicken. Homemade!" He rolled his eyes and yet he responded, "Sure Dear, we'll go down (to kitchen) after your evening prayer and you please ready with your kuah kicap!" I grinned at him and soon happily said, "Yes Sir!" And, pretty soon we had a delicious home cooked roast chicken. And my job was only to chop some chillies, onions and tomatoes. Then added in some soya sauce with a dash of lemon! But the roast chicken dish was truly nostalgic because that was one of the dishes which Mr Right cooked for me since we sat eyes on each other. And, until today he never fails to cook for me whenever I feel or crave of it. Big Thank You, Mr Right! Indeed, you're the rightful man for me and I truly love you for your love and your awesome deeds just for me and only me!

Well, Saturday had passed and we still have Sunday as part of the long weekend. Also, later in the evening we're going for dinner @Al Husn in Barr Jissah. So, that Sunday morning Mr Right asked me "Honey, What shall we do and where should we go, today?" Frankly, I have no answer to his question but somehow I responded, "Why not we scout for Gary's new clinic and also we should get his 'neutered' foodies!" He smiled and answered, "Okay!" With that positive respond I quickly took my bath and got ready for an outing. I dressed casually and waited for him to be ready, too. In the car, while driving, Mr Right said, "Shall we go to StarBuck near Qurum Beach?" Hearing the name of the American Cafe made me smiled and quickly nodded to him. And pretty soon we were in the cozy ambience overlooking the Gulf of Oman. The water at that time was high tide but there were wind. It was breezy and we truly enjoyed the beautiful cool Sunday morning while happily snacking our light snacks the tuna melt with crips. This scene and the foods reminded me of our lovely time in London where we frequented the StarBuck near his office each time I dropped by to say "Hello!"

When we arrived home after a good Sunday time out roaming the city of Muscat with foodies for Gary in our hands, we saw the sky turned to grey as it was already late evening. And, it was also time for us to get ready for a dinner with a friend. This time although I dressed in smart casual, but I made sure it was for night event. Hence, I chose a black velvet long skirt with mandarin Thai silk top. I asked Mr Right if I looked okay and his respond was "Okay!" Well, what do I expect? The word 'gorgeous!' Perhaps three decades ago. LOL!  Anyway, we looked forward to meeting this lovely friend who came for a holiday in Muscat. It has been more than a year since we last met. 

When we arrived, there she was waiting for us in a lovely flowing pinky wardrobe which was exceptionally elegant. I not only liked her sense of dressing and style, but I truly like her vibrant character which mirrored her well as a corporate person. I admired her style and always prayed for her success and that all her hardwork and never say never attitude will be paid off. Insyallah. While admiring her, I also believe with the saying "if there is a will, there will always be a way" for success. We soon embraced each other and reminiscing the past and how's life at home. While having hearty Hamburg Dinner, we also not forgotten to wish to each other "Happy New Year!" We felt it was still not too late to pray for each other's prosperity in life and also a brighter 2014. 

After the Dinner under the thousand stars, we said goodbye to each other with the hope to cross path again someday and sometime. We soon left the roof top  restaurant which was facing a magnificent midnight blue ocean on one end and the rugged mountains on the other with good feelings. 

And when I arrived home, there was a surprised gift waited for me depicting Chinese New Year  festivity. It was stacks of famous cookies namely pineapple tarts, walnut cookies and the evergreen mazola - some of the things which we sometimes took for granted when we are at home but sorely missed when we are away from home.

When I looked at the lip smacking cookies, they reminded me of the Chinese New Year Celebration at home-sweet-home where whenever we were invited to the Chinese friends' home, the cookies will never be forgotten as well as the kuaci and the groundnuts. Big Thank You to my friend for the sweet gift as remembrance from home. I uttered silently to me-self that the yummy cookies will last me for more than a week while I watched night movies. 

Oh! Thank You to Mr Right for his endless love and all my Dear Friends for the thoughts and beautiful friendships that we shared and cherished throughout the long weekend. It was not only fruitful but truly memorable. Indeed, I cherished savoring the cookies that finally wrapped up my long weekend, and for all the lovely activities that happened to me, I truly felt blissful to Allah SWT for all His Love, Grace and Blessings. Amin.

      Yummy Cookies for Nite Movies :D