My Baby Shower

I am now well into my 35th week. Of course am anxiously counting the days and weeks for when the baby wants to come out. Only because am getting rather heavy. I guess being at this stage of pregnancy is the best time for a baby shower.

I have never experienced a baby shower before. Have only read about it in books and magazines, as well as seen it on Hollywood movies. My friends and I had organised one for the first time last year for our good friend Elona who lives in Jakarta.

This time it was my turn for a baby shower and what a wonderful surprise it was indeed. First of all, you can probably guess the sex of the baby from all the pictures so there is no hiding that anymore! I was only told to keep the day free and roughly the time I was required to be available.

Shake, the mastermind, had planned all the details with her committee (whoever you are, good job!!) and with Aishah as she was designated driver for me. Aishah said before going to Hazleen's house (I was informed the event would be held there) she had to go see her agent in KL first.

The best part is when we got there to the Hotel, I told Aishah I would wait in the car. She insisted I come down and we went up to the poolside. Just as I was about to ask her what is your agent doing at the pool side, I was greeted by SURPRISE from my friends!!! As I hugged and kised my friends, of course lah tears popped from my eyes. Such an emo I am!


They dressed me up in a banner that said "Mom To Be" and pinned a corsage on me made up of a cute baby shoe and pacifier. Really Shake .... the details you go into. I officically appoint you EVENT MANAGER for all occasions!

Everyone was just as excited as me I think! We had a good laugh at how surprised I was and quickly got into the groove of things.

Beautiful pink and purple cupcakes. It looked so pretty nobody really wanted to touch them but when we finally did, it was delicious.

This is me with all my hostess'. Apparently not all invited could come. Sorry I missed all my other good friends including my two BFF's who could not make it. It was a really memorable occasion and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you from the very bottom of my heart. I really appreciate it.

This is the main table. Love the details taken. Even the pink and white fork and spooons did not go unnoticed. Like a little girl's dream come true.

The theme was pink and white so everyone was dressed to it too. This is Sherie and Elo ...

Jami and Hazleen ....

Sophie and Suzana ...

Zaidah and Rafiza ....

Oh ya! We had champagne too .... it was HALAL ok! And tasted fuzzy. A cross between apple and grape juice.

We had games. This was fun. They were blindfolded and had to guess where my tummy was.

There were more games it seems but we got tired faster than expected so we cut out the last 2 games.

This is them guessing where my tummy was. Some even pointed at my face and shoulders. What a laugh!

The main table ... pretty isn't it!

The winners of the first game.

Another one for the album! Love the theme colour. Guess it is also no secret my favourite colour is pink.

They showered me and the baby with presents. Thank you for all the lovely gifts!

This is a nice shot. The poolside is an open area and when we took this shot the sun decided to come out. The ceiling had bamboo sticks lined up thus the reflection.

They made me give a speech which I did not want to cause I knew I would end up in tears. I managed to say thank you, wipe my eyes and try bestest to go on. I don't know what I said now, can't remember. But I hope you all know how much I appreciate the surprise and efforts you all took. It will be an occasion I will remember fondly always.

Can you imagine, there were even doorgifts! It was coin banks with pacifiers stuck to it!

And we went home with a photo frame on a giraffe stuff toy!

Pretty in Pink!

All in all, I had a great and wonderful time. Thank you to everyone of you for such a memorable occasion. I hope to one day do something as nice, if not nicer, for anyone of you in future. Love you all ...

My name is Khan

I watched the movie and enjoyed it. It was a much awaited movie for me as it has been a whole year since the King came out with a new movie and it was good. A very different kind of Hindi movie and didn't have the usual love sequels. It was also nice to see him acting along side Kajol. Always thought they worked well together.

A movie that takes viewers on a journey of love: Rizwan Khan's journey.Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) suufers from a kind of Autism, which makes him very different from other people. While some find him endearing, others think he is rude. He meets a single mom, Mandira (Kajol) and ...

Sounds like the usual plot but now. It was like a cross between Forrest Gump and Rain Man. It did have the expected elements of rain but no tree dancing and no train also. So that does not make it a regular Hindi movie rite!

And of course SRK is as good looking as ever, even in his 40s. Oh yes! Aishah was in New Delhi recently and she bought me the coffee table book ... SRK pages after pages of him. Ahhhhhh ......

Kok Lanta During Dusk

We found this really nice restaurant at the tip of Kok Lanta. It was ideally called Beautiful Restaurant and the sign claimed you will enjoy the most scenic view ever. True enough it was beautiful and the breeze was excellent.

Some of the dining tables had their own little secluded spots, good for private dining! I avoided those spaces though cause they were too near the sea and knowing little Ali, he would be climbing over to see what's on the other side.

Thie walkway from the entrance to the back where the dining area was is littered with trees and paper lanterns. Quite a distance but gives you a sense of anticipation of what is ahead.

The trees dotting the walkway is so typical of Thailand where no tree is chopped down. Why can't Malaysians cherish trees this way? There was an architecture and landscape course in Krabi which my friend attended and he said they taught them how to replant a tree. No tools or machines required. If Thai's can do that, why can't we?!?!?

This is the entrance to the restaurant ... looked really quaint from the outside. Most interesting was the drive to this part of Kok Lanta actually. It was a little fishing village with wooden street lights. Instead of normal street lights as we know it, these street lights had little lanterns.

Reminds me a lot of China town but from what we saw it seemed to have a good mix of Muslims and Chinese in the area. There were a few tourists mingling about at the fishing village and we learnt later they were staying there under a homestay holiday. Even in this remote part of Kok Lanta, the locals know and understand fully the benefits and concepts of a homestay programme.

The more I see of Thailand the more I like it. And this is only some parts of it. Even our drive to Chieng Mai in 2008did not take me to all parts of Thailand. There is still so much of it I haven't seen. Can't wait!

Kok Lanta in March

We just returned from a week in Thailand. It was hot and humid but the kids had a ball of a time going in and out of the pool and running on the beach. In addition to nights spent in Aonang, Krabi, we stayed a night in Kok Lanta.

Kok Lanta is about an hours drive from Krabi and an hour from the Krabi airport. There are three parts to Kok Lanta: the mainland, Kok Lanta Noi and Kok Lanta Yai (hope I got that right). To get to the other two parts you have to take a short ferry ride which the kids enjoyed tremendously. Tried to upload some of the pixs here but it seems to be failing all the time and I am tired of trying.

We stayed at Twin Bay Resort, there are many resorts, small hotels and huge 7 or 8 star resorts to choose from but we didn't want to waste time looking so we chose the most decent looking and priced one we could find straight away.

The kids of course were pretty much the judges of where we should stay and they said yes to the first pool they saw. The beach was pretty awesome too, clean, pristine and pretty much untouched. Actually pretty much of Kok Lanta is untouched but before long it will be as busy as Aonang. Just a matter of time. As it is, the place was simply crawling with tourists it being trge high season and all. During the high season, rates of places to stay are pretty steep too.

This is a picture of sandy white beaches and clear crystal waters of a beach stretch in Kok Lanta. Pretty much all of the beaches look this serene. Such a pretty picture isn't it.

In the evening we took a drive to the very end of Kok Lanta and this was what we found, a fishing village that was as remote and untouched as possible. Looking at the villagers and the simple life they lead simply melts your own problems away. Being there made your problems look so minute! Literally at the edge of the world ...

We found a Beautiful Restaurant which served fresh seafood (but of course). The ambience was pretty cool too with paper lanterns and the sea breeze lulling you to sleep. We ordered black pepper and garlice squid (delicious!) and sea salt prawns. I forgot to take pictures of the dishes, was to busy eating and when I remembered plates were cleared.

Satiated stomachs here and too bad we had a rather long drive back to the hotel cause the sea breeze of Andaman was making it difficult for us to open our eyes!

This is the beach front from the place we stayed. The sky was clear that night and you could see almost every star in the sky. At night, the restaurant lets you dine on the beach, very romantic!

The chalets .....

There are more pictures of course and will get to them soon....

BEEN AGES

My goodness! I just realised that my last post was written in January. What have I been doing since then? Getting sucked into the routine of everyday life I guess. Once school started I just became plain lazy to do much.

An update for those who are interested: I am 32 weeks into my pregnancy. Yea ... not long more to go some would say but it still seems so far off somehow. When you see the figure 32 weeks, you know its only 8 weeks aways but when you say that's 2 more months, oh no! Now that sounds like so far off.

The girls are having their first exam for the term this week. It actually started last week and continues this week. Of course we are waiting for the end of the week cause it will be a week's off from school, Kafa, tuition and what not.

Where are we going for the school holidays? Afraid to say, we are planning to go to Krabi. AGAIN? Did I hear you say that. Oh well. It is a nice place to do nothing and just chill. Besides, Bob has had a very hectic 5 months and I know he wants to do absolutely nothing. Which I hope he can considering he can't even enjoy his Sunday cause he is so used to being busy and on the go.

I don't think I can withstand a longer journey and I know I can still get on board an airplane but there will be too much to pack and prepare for 5 of us. Getting in a car is so much easier as you can dump in it as much as you can. Milk bottles and thermos and pull up pants and what not for Ali. And at least going to Krabi I am allowed to stop as much as I want.

Am very much looking forward to the glorious food. Delicious tom yam and superlicious manggo with sticky rice. Awesome!! I will definitely bring back some upon request just hope it will withstand the journey.

Hope all of you are doing well!

Windows of the World in Shenzhen

Check out these pictures and tell me if it doesn't look like the real thing! If I told you I went to see these great sights, without a doubt I know you would believe me.

Below is the great Taj Mahal of India ...

This is Borobodur. Look at the efforts that went into the detailing of this exquisite building ....

Oh yes .... I was in Paris too at the Champs Elysee.... Hahahahaha! These are some of the few sights and Shenzhen's Window of the World. Magnificent isn't it. Such efforts the Chinese have gone through to give you a piece of the world and every possible sight of that country in their huge country.

Shenzhen's Window of the World is a fantastic replica park situated at the Overseas Chinese Town. Here you can see vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. The entire masterpiece is built at ratios of 1:1, 1:5 or 1:15.

Within one day, you can visit many reproductions of famous sites from different countries. For example you can find the Mahamuni Pagoda of Mandalay and the Angkor Wat of Cambodia here. European architectural splendors, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Ancient Athens, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Tower of London will carry you back to the cradle of classical European culture. When you tour the miniature Roman Colosseum, you might notice a cruel and bloody scene. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you take a gondola along the canals of Venice. Mysterious Africa is always full of life and vigor. Here, the Pyramids and the Sphinx are quietly waiting for your visit. After traveling through typical African hamlets, you come to the Oceania. Sydney Opera House, which boasts a unique style, is a landmark not only of Australia but also the whole Oceania. Looking from a distance, it looks like a luminous pearl on the vast expanse of blue sea water. The rumbles of Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon lead you
For the Beer Fetival to the America, a young continent. These two natural wonders are awe-inspiring. Moving on to modern civilization, in the replica of Manhattan you will see rows of towering skyscrapers. No wonder they say the rhythm of life speeds up here.

Visiting during a festival time is another way to experience this replica park. Annually the park holds the Cherry Festival and the Indian Cultural Week. During the Cherry Festival, wandering in the cherry garden of Japan and taking a cup of tea will refresh you. Window of the World runs many programs during holiday periods too. In the summer holiday, the International Beer Festival is a big tourist attraction. Probably, the Pop Music Festival is the favorite of young people. This is held on China's National Day. In December, Santa Claus welcomes New Year's approach. Following this the World Dance and Singing Gala is held during the Spring Festival.

Taking part in the entertainment activities complements your travel plan.
Niagara Waterfall in WOWThere are a number of adventure trips for you to choose from. For example, test your courage by navigating the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. In the Archery Field, tourists may follow the ways of North American Indians and learn to hunt prey in the lush woods. Even more exciting is to traverse the primitive tropical forest in a cable car. Skiing in a subtropical city might sound strange, but the Indoor Alpine Ski Run in Shenzhen Window of the World offers you four thousand square meters (about 6,200,012 square feet) of indoor piste to ski.

This is the sight I would love to visit most, the top of my list you might say, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. No one would know any better just looking at this picture. Around the area of Paris, the theme park has also copied the Galleries Lafayette and the surrounding gardens. They have little shops you can browse through and cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee. I was there during winter which is considered off peak season so the shops were all close. Therefore I can't vouch for the croissonts or hot chocolate!

This is the Great Athens .... they even did landscaping just like the real thing. Many people say, who else but the Chinese will give you exact replicas! Hahaha .... A must see place if ever you are in Shenzhen!

Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Dec 2009

I had the opportunity to go to Hong Kong last December with my sis in law, Ayu. She had some work to do and I was invited to tag along. It was just me of course no kiddies. We were in Shenzhen, China first for 3 nights and spent a night in Hong Kong. I don't have any pictures of Hong Kong because I only managed to get a memory card for my pocket camera later. All the pixs are with Ayu and I will downloand them once, if, I get them from her.

Shenzhen is about a 45 min drive from Hong Kong. It was definitely not what I expected. It reminds me of New York and also Singapore. There are nothing but high rise buildings there. It is just building after building and busy streets. Just like New York. Despite the cold winter wind, people were everywhere rushing here and there.

We managed to get some shopping done there ( I would probably only go back for the material, bought all the Chinese silk I could) and the food. They took us to this Muslim restaurant and the lamb was fantastic! Cooked several ways Mongolian style but all tasty as ever. In fact, that was all I seemed to want to eat anyways. With the lamb dishes on the table I didn't even look at the oher dishes.

We also managed some sightseeing and saw Windows of the World and some cultural shows. Very interesting ... it was like the whole of China in an hour. Windows of the World was really awesome, they had a replica of every possible world landmark in a huge theme park like area. Takes about 3 hours for you to walk the whole park. You have the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, even Jesus Christ on top of that hill in Brazil, Mount Rushmore, pyramids, windmills in Holland, Taj Mahal and even the entire Borrobodur, in greatest detail too. I have some great pixs from there and will share them with you soonest!

What was Hong Kong like? Dirtier compared to Shenzhen for one and congested. It's like being in Bukit Bintang on a larger scale. We were taken to Harbour City, the largest and longest mall, it is like 4 malls in one entire stretch. Of course I didn't and couldn't walk the entire stretch but managed to get some retail therapy done. We were also taken to the Ladies Market which is Petaling Street for us. An experience no doubt.

This is me with Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars. We stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon Hong Kong which is right opposite this walk. So lucky we caugh the Star Cruise ship at the back too!

That is the skyline of Hong Kong and that tower, forgot its name, is the tallest in Hong Kong. It was extremely foggy when we were there. In fact so was Shenzhen. Must be because it is winter. Reminded me of the gloomy days in winterland Kalamazoo when I was studying.

That is me at the Ladies Market. We got a whole load of souvenirs here. The fake handbags and shoes were in abundance here, you actually have catalogues to choose from!

For dinner in Hong Kong they took us to this Kebab place. I had this really fantastic Lamb Pizza, it was extremely delicious!

When we arrived in Hong Kong we took some time to walk the streets and it was very much like Singapore. This picture was taken from the mosque where we stopped for Zohor. Can't remember the street but it was comforting to see a fairly big sized mosque on such a busy street. Traffic of cars, buses and people did not seem to stop at all. We passed by the same way at about 10pm and it was the same scene.

I would not mind going to Hong Kong again as I did not get to see all the sights. As for shopping, yes there are more choices there and all you need is money! Lots of it too!!!!