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

Gong Xi Fatt Choi @Dhiab Street!

Well, it's Friday, 31st January 2014. Also the Chinese community is celebrating their Chinese New Year. I guess most of them if not all are celebrating the Re-Union Dinner with their loved ones since yesterday evening with wide spreads of meals! To all my Chinese friends, Gong Xi Fatt Choi and May this year of the Horse be prosperous and full of harmony :D

Anyway, this morning I had breakfast with Mr Right at home. He made omelette with lots of mushrooms for me and grilled beef which was my favourite. On my part, I only prepared the drinks which include juices and coffees as well as the baked beans and sweet corn! After the hearty breakfast and while waiting for afternoon to come for CNY lunch @TT, I watched Korean movies titled Sadder than Sad about true love and sacrifice which brought tears to my eyes. It was followed by Yalkae, a comedy with an every day plot about a mischievous school boy turns hero which at the end of the movies caused blurry vision to my eyes also due to 'emotional perspiration.' 

Once in a while with happy pearly tears welling the eyes, I strongly feel its good for my eye sight and to keep them from drying out. Also, I found out in psycologytoday.com that "for both men and women, tears are a sign of courage, strength and authenticity." Dr Judith Orloff wrote in her book that "Like the ocean, tears are salt water. Protectively, they lubricate your eyes, remove irritants, reduce stress hormones, and they contain antibodies that fight pathogenic microbes." Wow! I'm truly feeling blessed after a good pearly drops while viewing the emotional movies that went straight to my heart and soul!

Then, it was time for me to get ready for lunch @TT Crib in Dhiab Street. Although there was no theme whatsoever, since it was a CNY celebration which is synonyms to scarlet colour both Mr Right and I decided to wear something red to commemorate the auspicious occasion. I wore a red blouse which I bought from Beijing closed to ten years ago. Since I seldom wore it except on certain events, the silk+satin blouse which was nicely embroidered was still in good condition and most of all, it's contemporary! Mr Right also wore his red shirt, thus we both were feeling good in our attires to visit our Chinese friends Peter & ThaiTee @PDO Camp. As a token of appreciation to their invitation, I tagged along a box of Patchi for my friends and her daughter.

When we arrived, the lovely couple were already waiting for their guests with wide spread of dishes single handedly cooked my Madam TT! Under the canopy of palm trees we sat and enjoyed the sumptuous luncheon. The cool breezy wind that blown softly in the valley surrounded by rugged mountains added 'umph' to our already good appetite. Wow > There were delicious char kway teow, aromatic chicken rice with grilled duck, glutinous chicken wrap, chicken curry and of course the crispy prawn crackers, with lots of tit bits comprising of nuts and many baskets full of mandarin oranges. 

Not forgotten the pinky and yummy Kuih Angku which was Madam TT's signature dish. In every function which was held in our residence, she never come empty handed. There's always this dish which was made from white glutinous rice flour. Since the cake was always in pink and synonymous with Chinese New Year tradition, thus a little bit of pink coloring is necessary to be added to the dough. And the best part which I truly liked was the 'inti' or fillings which was made from mung beans. Wow! That's truly a mouthwatering and lip smacking dessert which a piece or two wouldn't be enough! LOL.

Indeed, by then my belly was already stuffed with great foodies. But, Madam TT did not stop there. She asked me if I liked 'telor masin' and I quickly nodded, without knowing that she'll cook that dish for us, too. After the hearty meals both main and dessert, I repeated the meals again because she already prepared the 'telor masin' with nasi lemak! Woosh, lucky me :D Although I was already full, yet I still ate the new meals which she offered me and Wallah! It was truly delicious. I then washed all of them down with a plate full of mandarin oranges and slices of juicy water melons. All in all, the lunch @Madam TT was exceptionally delicious and truly filled up my 'hollow' belly that ended up like full blown balloon. And, when its time to leave for home, I could feel my pants almost screaming like, "Help Me!!!" But, I said tenderly, "Please wait till we reach home sweet home!" :D

Beautiful Memories and Delicious Foodies at Dhiab Street, PDO Camp! Big TQ Madam TT for having us to celebrate the auspicious CNY 2014 - The Year of the Horse :D

Up, Close and Personal

Up! Close and Personal -(@^@)-

Ho! Ho! Ho! Who would that be?

Well, none other than me > Gary ...

"It has always been Me" purred He,

Dad's favourite and of course Mommy!

          The mischievous Gary :D

Up! Close & Personal -(@^@)-

Gary purred, "Mom, I'm truly happy"

"Oh! Yes!" replied Mom hopefully

"Indeed, with you I'm feeling comfy"

"Hmmm, on your bed especially ..."

         Gary's Favourite Spot!

When Readers' Meet ...

At last, we met after a month's break! For what and where? It's none other for foods and certainly not for tummy only, but more so for our thoughts! It was a monthly meeting for MQ BookClub members to discuss on books which we read. It was truly stimulating to share what we understand based on our perspectives and at the same time we gained more from the others who gave their views  which sometimes we have overlooked or never crossed our minds at all when we read the books from page to page! 

That's the power of knowledge sharing. This time the readers including me and the Ladies of Leisure LARRS gathered at N's Cozy Crib and the discussion centered on Elif Shafak's novel 'The Forty Rules of Love' which among others touched on the issues of woman who was turning 40 with her newfound happiness and the understanding of the true meaning of love at that age - the crucial Forty Something! Also not  surprising that one begins to question oneself  of one's existence and to better understand of one's self spiritually. 

Since the booked also touched on areas of Sufism and the poet Rumi, so the other readers did share a little bit on this which led to unfolding about Zoroastrianism and other spiritual mystics which was an eye opener to some of the readers. This discourse also provided wide spectrum of knowledge which in a way closer the gap for me who is longing for academic discourse with colleagues and intellectuals alike!

Apart from the precious knowledge gain, I also experience directly and indirectly valuable inputs through diverse cultural and tradition shared by the members from international backgrounds both from the east and west. This includes the variety of foodies from various nations that were served to us while happily discussing the books which we read, as well as sharing universal topics such as how we got our surnames and other jokes that always brought laughter in our two hours meeting which were truly fruitful! Indeed, this monthly meet which had been going on for two years since my arrival in this hospitable land taught me as a DS that every where we go, there will always be an opportunity to improve ourselves if we are willing to open up and embark with something of interests to us and share it with others who have same passion and likeness. 

Thus, I'm looking forward to our next meet where we will be discussing other books that had been agreed upon till summer time. They are To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee and followed by Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Since I have read the earlier classic of modern American literature which was published in 1960 and won the Pulitzer Prize, I truly look forward to having intellectual discourse with the MQ Readers. In fact, this novel has been made into a film in 1962 by director Robert Mulligan. And, ironically or perhaps   interestingly unlike any other authors who usually will continue publishing their books especially after they won an award, it is one and only Harper Lee's published novel. This is also, I think will be one of the areas for fruitful discourse as to why she stopped publishing and also "refused any personal publicity for herself or the novel since 1964" just four years after the stardom!

By the way, one of our readers proposed Gone Girl for March discourse. I have not read the book nor having any clue what is it all about. But, as readers we always happy to read new things and for that matter, I did search in the web as to have a glimpse of the book which was published in 2012. Wow! I found the extract in the pdf and feeling truly blessed.  This contemporary thriller novel was also written by an American lady writer. Among others this book narrates Nick Dunne, the protagonist as to whether he killed his wife, Amy? 

Well, I think Gone Girl will be an interesting read because for the very first time we will have a discourse on 'thriller' novel. All along our books among others centered upon movitational subjects our self discovery such as The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma and Aliph by Paulo Coelho. We also read a book which touched about one's life with moral issues in Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom. All these books were good read! And, as for me it opens up a wide spectrum of understanding of myself. For example, I like the quotes in Aliph: "Don't be intermidated by other people's opinions. Only mediocrity is sure of itself, so take risks and do what you really want to do." Also, the remarkable statement by Paulo Coelho, "If you conquer yourself, then you conquer the world." 

Well, all in all I must say that the BookClub activity which I joined made me more aware of what is happening around the world and most interestingly I had something to look forward to every Tuesday, the last week of each month! And now, I must gather the other books in preparation for When Readers' Meet - Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and Leonard Peikoff; Dodger by Terry Pratchett and finally the Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.  These will last me till June, insyallah. By then, my brain will keep on working, absorbing all the   literature and surely will provide good foods for my thoughts. Just like I always need a balance diet for my body, the same goes for my brain - a balance input for thought which includes love,  spirituality, morality, thriller and laughter which is the best medicine for both body and mind!

              Me & My Books :D

Ladies in Red!

I saw them before and I saw them today. The ever stunning Ladies in Red! While welcoming and embracing them in Rumah Malaysia, my heart discretely echoes the following words of Sham Tabriz  in The Forty Rules of Love:

Ladies ...

East, West, South or North makes little difference. No matter what your destination, just be sure to make every journey a journey within. If you travel within, you'll travel the world wide world and beyond ...

Insyallah :)

Anyway, the stunning Ladies in Red aka Si Baju Merah were all here for the Perwakilan Muscat AGM. Although the core members are ladies from the Malaysian Embassy, yet in most cases we have Committee Members on Ad Hoc basis. And of course the rest of the Ladies in Red are our truly staunch supporter. They are our backbone! They are our pillars. They are our right and left hands. Without them, our organization could never function as well as now! Our decisions are based on concensus. They propose, they decide and they implement: All Together in Unity!

This goes well with our Silent Slogan "Berat Sama Di Pikul, Ringan Sama Di Jinjing." Also, we are fortunate to have the Ambassador as our Patron who provides guidance to all our events and so far, TYT Dato' Rustam is always there giving his support to us and our activities. 

       The Ladies in Red is synonymous to Perwakilan Muscat in Oman :)

Here, I composed a Malay poem especially meant for our Ladies in Red both former and present. To Thank Them All for the wonderful deeds which They Did, and to pray for their continuous support and togetherness for the Present and Future activities of Perwakilan Muscat.

Hai! Si Baju Merah ...

Langkahmu sopan menarik perhatianku

Keayuanmu kalian menawan kalbu

Siapalah Perwakilan Muscat tanpamu?

Mungkin cuma ada nama namun lesu

Kehadiranmu Si Baju Merah ...

Ibarat serikandi di medan perang

Bersemangat waja bagai Sang Helang

Sentiasa berusaha untuk cemerlang

Sesungguhnya kau buatku ceria dan girang!

Oh! Pertiwi Negara Si Baju Merah ...

Kau laksana matair penawar dahaga

Di padang nan gersang kau bercahaya

Kehadiranmu di sini bawa bahagia

Oh! Kau kebanggaan tanah air tercinta

Siapakah gerangan Si Baju Merah?

Aha! Keahliannya berbilang bangsa

Tanpa mengira Melayu, India atau Cina

Warganegara Malaysia semuanya sama 

Sentiasa bersatu untuk negara amalan kita

Kepadamu teman Si Baju Merah ...

Ku tadah tangan tanda kesyukuran 

Kerna dipertemukan dengan kalian

Ku jabat tanganmu penuh kesyahduan

Bersama ucapan Terima Kasih kuajukan.

Snaps @Perwakilan Muscat AGM 2014/15 in Rumah Malaysia on 27.01.2014. "Thank You, Ladies in Red!"