Taiping Trip Day 3 - Taiping Lake Garden 21 Sep 2009

Actually from the day we arrived Taiping on the 19 Sep 2009, we did not have any ideas where is the Taiping Lake Garden and Taiping Zoo, until after we had our dinner at the hawker centre near to it, we made a left turn at end of the road, we only realised that there is the lake in front of us under the moon lighting. We were so happy then. We planned to take a stroll to the lake garden the next day. But, eventually we did not make it due to too tired.

Then, it was really a mistake too that we did not visit after the Taiping Zoo, because immediate that night dinner, all of us, including Daddy, Issac and Annabelle had a food poisoning. Alvin had been to toilet about seven times in the midnights vomiting and diarrheal, It happened to myself three times. Alvin has the most serious one because he is always very sensitive to all these things. We had ‘Lobak’, ‘Sotong Kangkong’ and 'Fried Omelette’ only for our dinner. Both children had very small portions only. I suspected is one of the dishes not clean or fresh, thus we ended up like that on our last day of the trip. It was really a spoiling ones… Anyway, just because Alvin knew that I want to go to the Lake Garden so badly! (I had been planning this Taiping Trip about two months ago…), we just drove there, took a sit there for a while and relax just for about… 20 minutes? just to fulfil my desperate?

Taiping Lake Garden 1880

Honestly, visitors to this part of Perak will be glad to note that what was once a tin mine has now been turned to a beautiful park. As one of the many firsts in Taiping, the Taiping Lake Garden has been operational since 1880. It was built on an old mining land and today plays host to a variety of plants, flowers, trees, birds and a dazzling variety of insects. The old mining pool has become the crown jewel - the lake.

These 64 hectares of exuberant green turf, trees and plants portray the good sense of environmental rehabilitation and preservation. The clean and well-maintained Lake Garden encompasses a lake, a recreational park and a Japanese garden. Together with the nearby golf course and zoo, this whole area forms the green lung of Taiping.

And, one more thing is you do not to be a professional photographer to take any angle of the Lake Garden, because it is really a beautiful park. The combination of blue colour lake, green colour threes made every shots is beautiful and nice. Mother Nature could not have provided better. I wish I can spend more time here but we could not afford as we have at least four hour journey back to Kuala Lumpur, and with our week physical conditions after a night of vomiting and diarrheal. Well, you can see it through our photos in the Lake Garden, how we look like…

We did bring both Issac and Belle go to the nearby playgrounds, let them had some fun there before we left the park. They enjoyed themselves very much. It would be more fun if we really enjoy it…

Nevertheless, Alvin did help me snap some photos on others local attractions which we are unable to visit: Clock Tower, Public Library, Perak Museum, Taiping Government Offices and Taiping Prison. All in the list is in the Taiping’s Many Firsts:

Taiping Government Offices 1879

It is a refreshing relief to note that the local authority has embarked on a project to restore old colonial buildings and sites. Efforts include beautification of the whole town and implementing a constructive system to ease traffic congestion. Old colonial buildings are refreshed with a new coat of white paint.

This imposing Victorian styled block of offices was officiated in 1898. The Government Offices building portrays a very fine and well-designed architecture. Today, it is the State Council Chambers as well as offices for the State Secretariat, Treasury, Audit, Education and Forest Departments. The estimated cost of the facelift was RM83,750. The building is also the Larut-Matang District Office.

Perak Museum 1883

Located along Jalan Museum, the Perak Museum was built in 1883. The country’s oldest museum has displays almost 3000 artefacts on zoology, pre-history, economy and ethnology. It contains an impressive collection of archaeological treasures like ancient weapons, aboriginal implements and ornaments that reflect Perak’s rich historical heritage.

Presently, only the herbarium section has changed or rather moved to the National Museum, while the rest remain intact with new additional items. The dominating sight as one enters the museum is the throne of the late Sultan of Perak.

Taiping Clock Tower 1890 

Taiping Jail 1885

Taiping Public Library

Besides, our hotel owner told us that there is a quarters area where the locals called ‘Laundry Places’ whereby 90% of Taiping people whom operate laundry business there as the whole ground floor of the flats are occupied by the laundry shops. The green fields next to it is their drying courtyard. And, it is true enough when we were there the night before.

We drove back to Kuala Lumpur around 12:30 noon and reached home around 4:00 pm. It was not so bad as last two days, nearly three and a half hours drive compared to seven hours. It is entirely exhausted and week. Just miss out something here, this trip would be a complete one if we did not eat the ‘wrong food’…

Source from http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ & http://www.cuti.com.my/

Taiping Trip Day 2 - Taiping Zoo 20 Sep 2009

We waked up early at 7:00 am the next day, 20 Sep 2009 Sunday. We had our breakfast at the Hawker Centre near the Lake Garden. Then, we adjourned to the zoo. The zoo opens as early as 8:30 am.

Taiping Zoo is special in its own way. It is located in a lovely natural setting in Taiping Lake Garden close to the foot of the Larut Hill (Maxwell Hill). The beautiful natural setting with streams, lakes and abundance of flora gives the zoo a unique advantage of being able to use nature to its best.

Taiping Zoo also known as 'Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah', no wonder I had seen a signage like that before we reached here. It is located at the Lake Gardens in Taiping, is the only Zoo in the North of Peninsular Malaysia. Covering an area of 34 acres, the Taiping Zoo has embarked on an expansion programme which includes the building of new "Open Concept" animal enclosures. These enclosures which take into consideration the natural habitat of the respective animal, has been favourably received by the public-both for its inherent beauty and thoughtful design. And, it is really a bit different compared from the Zoo Negara which we had visited early of the year, Taiping Zoo really gives you a feelings of cosiness, a lot of greenness, and feels nearer to natures.

We started the trip with a tram ride which took us 30 minutes, the zoo keeper briefs us insights where Taiping Zoo is currently home to more than 180 species of animals totalling - 1,300 individuals. These include Tigers, Lions, Elephants, Hippopotamus, Giraffes, Hornbills, Orang Utans and others. Furthermore, attempts to breed these animals have been very successful. This has seen the proliferation of such animals like the Malaysian Tiger, Lion, Siamang, Deer, Nilgai, Night Heron and many others.

Our tram ride stopped at end of the route, then we walked our way through the zoo backwards to see the animals and birds. It is really a lucky thing that a zookeeper told us that it is times feeding the hippopotamus after we took some photos of elephants. Issac would be the most happiest kid on that time because he was so anxious and want to see hippo all the whiles, and we didn’t see it early of the year at Zoo Negara because we were walking entirely exhausted and gave up that time. Then, we saw the tapirs, rhinos were lazy laying on the ground.

It was another surprise when we at the Africa Savana too. Both Issac and me saw a ostrich loos, and this is a first time we see it! We are so excited on our new findings! We saw a arapaima gigas fish too, it is bigger than the one we saw at Kuching Jong’s Crocodile Farm. Then, we visited the snake house too, various of cobras and python which the diameter of their body bigger than my waist! So scary! There are 2 types of crocodiles too here.

There are others animals such as Chimpanzees, Brown Lemur, Ring Tailed Lemur, Siamang, White Handed Gibbon, Binturong, Serow, Sambar Deer, Wild Pig, Bearded Pig, Lesser Mousedeer, African Lion, Malaysia Porcupine, Asiatic Wild Dog / Red Dhole, Bawean Deer, Rabbits and Love Birds, Cassowary, Asian Deer & Antelopes (Axis Deer, Nilghai), Budgerigar, Black Panther, Australian Fauna (Red Kangaroo, Emu, Black Swan, Magpie Goose, Radjah Shelduck), Free Ranging Water Birds, (White Winged Wood ducks, Greater Cormorant, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Swans.), etc…

We completed our visit at around 11:00 am with ice creams, some popcorns and lollipop. Only we came out from the zoo, we noticed that there is a fountain just in front of the main entrance. On the way we walked towards to our car, there is a pedestrians underground walkway which Daddy took a snap on it, because we seldom see it in the town.

When we were about to reach our hotel, we just stopped by to the Post Office next to it, attracted by a used locomotive which, parks at the side and in front of a newly restored building. Issac, Belle and me took a photograph with the ‘Teluk Cempedak’.

That night, we went to Taiping Sentral for shopping, and both Issac and Annabelle having fun with the mary go round.

Source from www.virtualmalaysia.com, http://www.taipingzoo.gov.my/ & www.cuti.com.my

Taiping Trip Day 1 - Jammed & Rainy Day 19 Sep 2009

It was really a long journey. We started at 7:00 am going Taiping using highway. It seems like all our Muslim friends too, doing the same, trying to reach home before their Raya Pertama that is on the 20 Sep 2009. Reason being i said that is because, we jammed all the way up to Taiping, especially after Ipoh Toll, heading towards Penang we would come across a tunnel and it is a going up hill road.

Issac was not get used to the long journey, he vomited in the car. We were driving Alvin’s Satria go because his car just serviced and good in conditions. Issac was sitting at the back. Probably the bumpy road made Issac not feeling well and long hours. It was during when we were using the old route nearly reached Kampar. We pulled aside and cleaned up the car seats. Alvin was so angry and throwing out his tempers. But, just for a while only due to the heavy jams.

We passed through the Kampar town. it reminds me of Segamat. We stopped and had our lunch at KFC. Then, we continued our journey.

It was nearly 2:00 pm when we reached Taiping Hotel Fuliyean. Just in time to check in. It was Room 201 and it is at 2nd floor end of the corridor. It comes to my surprise that although the hotel looks old but the room really clean. And, too bad for us is that it started to rain for the rest of the day. I looked out the window from our unit, the town itself so serene, and most of the shops are colonial buildings; some of it had been renovated to the modern design of exterior. I can noticed that the old road signage were all nailed onto the side of the buildings and it were white wording in black background, and in two languages: English and Bahasa Jawi.

There are a lot of sparrow also flying around the town, we are suspecting that some of the old shop lots using for breeding the sparrow for the bird nest as well. Hmmm… sometimes when I think of that, glad to see some of the buildings had been restored and preserved in good conditions; but sometimes sad to see the conditions like it happened.

We had our dinner at Taiping Sentral, near Tesco. Probably it is because Raya Eve, so all the cars jammed into the car parks to do their last minutes shopping. Adding on, it is a rainy day, all the cars were driving slowly. There was a bit flooding at the road due to the new Police Station and Quarters is under constructions. We slept early, just because of seven hours ride and get prepare for the next day Taiping Zoo event.

Issac & Annabelle's Name

Issac means He will laugh;

Ivan means God is Gracious;

Annabelle means Easy to Love;

Irene means Peaceful.

When you grow up, you will definitely want to know why Daddy and Mummy named you name both like that. This is because we want you to be happy, always laughing, loving and caring all the times...

Company May & June Birthday Celebration 2009

 

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The sports club committee planed for the birthday boys and girls for the month of May and June together. So happened that it was fall on my birthday 26 June 2009. It was really a joyous event of the day, that i received birthday wishes on the day from all the colleagues.

Noraini and Hasni bought the birthday cake. It was a brownie cheese cake from Secret Recipes, Hasni was so clever that she bought her own favourite cake because she is birthday girl too for the month of June. Besides that, Amran and me too. Then, boss, Zairul and Judy birthdays are in May.

 

Due to earlier everyone of us is busy on the ongoing projects, left us not much time to gather and celebrate until on that day.

 

Actually, there was another event too that, Judy will leave us, she was resigned because have to take care her both sons. We are going to miss her because she is really a nice lady. She took care of boss and us. Everyday she filled up the pantry tables with all sorts of biscuits, cakes, titbits for us to eat, just in case we work late and hungry.

 

It was a really fun party, as the menu of the day were nasi lemak, with sambal sotong, boiled eggs, fried vegetables and rendang ayam too. The food were delicious, Noraini ordered from Section 17 Petaling Jaya near the flat areas. Everyone is enjoying the food very much. There were titbits and drinks too.

 

At least, it was quite a memorable one for me… yummy yummy the food…

Issac, Annabelle & Mummy Blog

Here we are…This blog will be baby Issac and baby Annabelle and Mummy’s . Mummy is going to write down every single thing that we had been through together, with some little helps of colour photos of you both through your and our everyday life…

Both of you really likes camera and like to pose in front whenever Mummy or Daddy takes the camera. Really, time flies… Both now is 2 and 4 years old. Mummy will record down every each of your life in this blog, as long as Mummy can write…

Mummy will write your life and personality. Mummy will write as often as I can and include mummy feelings about you both, how both of you contribute to the beauty of Mummy life, and most of all Mummy's feelings of love.

Mummy will record down things Mummy wants both of you to know when both of you will be adults someday, then Mummy might forget over time or might be not around with bout of you. Hope as both of you grow and change, you will read some of Mummy's words when both of you might going through hard times, or when you think Mummy hates you because I need to correct your behaviour. Hope this will remind both of you that Mummy have been loving you a long time, Mummy have been there with you, and will continue to love them no matter what.

When you leaves home someday, you will see this blog and hope this would be the gift that both of you will cherish most from your Mummy...

Sharing: 妻子的空位

Today I received an email from Emily, it is very rare and seldom received her emails. I am thinking of there must be something in it. Once I read the emails, I feels really want to cry…because the story very touching. Thinking that, if I am in the shoes of the person in the story…

 

蠻感人的一篇文章。

 

~ 妻子的空位 ~

 

我的妻子因为意外事故离开我身边已经四年了，我想，妻子留下不会做任何家事的我和孩子，她的心有何等难过呢？我也因为无法兼顾父母双亲的角色而感到挫折。

 

有一天我为了出差，清晨赶出门，无法将孩子打点好就得离开 家，正巧前一天有剩下的饭，我热了蒸蛋，向还没有睡醒的孩子交代一声，就出门去了。为了照顾好孩子饮食三餐的事，我也无力把自己的工作做好。有一天晚上回到家，我只是很简短地和孩子打个招呼，就因为身体疲累，不想吃晚餐，脱掉西装之后就直接往床上躺下。就在那个时候，砰的一声，红色的汤汁跟泡面瞬时弄脏了床单和被单，原来有碗泡面在棉被里！这小子真是的，说时迟那时快，我实时拿起一个衣架，跑出去，往正玩着玩具的儿子的屁股就打，因为我实在是太生气了，所以不停地打他。但就在这个时候，他边啜泣边说了一段话，使我停了下来。。

 

儿子告诉我说：「饭锅里的饭早上已经吃完了，晚餐在幼儿园吃了，但是到了晚上，爸爸还不回来，我就在橱柜的抽屉里找到了泡面。可是我想到爸爸说不能乱动瓦斯炉，所以我就打开洗澡的水龙头，用热水泡了泡面，一个自己吃，另一个想留给爸爸吃。因为怕泡面凉掉，所以我就把它放在棉被里，等你回来。可是因为我正在玩向朋友借来 的玩具，所以忘了跟爸爸讲。」我不想让儿子看到我在流泪，所以冲到洗手间，将水龙头打开，大声地哭。过了一阵子之后，我打起精神来，一面 哄着儿子，一面也在他屁股上擦药，让他上床睡觉。当我清理好泡面弄脏的床单和棉被后，打开儿子的房门一看，发现他仍旧发出哭泣声，手里还拿着妈妈的照片。我把头靠在房门站了许久，看着这一幕。

 

从在一年前发生这件事之后，我为了扮演好妈妈的角色，更加用心地去照顾他。现在儿子快七岁了，不久后就要从幼儿园毕业，进入国小读书。庆幸的是，儿子在这段时间毫无阴影，很开朗地成长。

 

就在不久前，我再一次打孩子，因为幼儿园来电话说，儿子没有去学校，我心里觉得很不安，所以早退回家，在整个小区里大声地喊他的名字，却是遍寻不着。后来在文具店的门外，看见他站在电玩的前面，于是我很生气，又开始一直打他。儿子并没有说出任何的解释，只说了声对不起。后来我才知道，原来刚好是幼儿园要邀请妈妈去看才艺表演的日子。发生这些事的几天后，儿子回家说，他在幼儿园里学了写字，从此他经常关在自己的房间里不出来，很认真地写字。我看到儿子这个样子，想到妻子在天国也一定会因为看到他这样而微笑，我就无法忍住泪水。

时间很快，又过了一年，到了冬天，街头上都在播放着圣诞节的歌曲，我的儿子却又闯了一个祸。我正要下班的时候，接到一通小区邮局的电话，说我儿子把一捆没有写地址的信，恶作剧地放在邮筒里。每年到了年底，正是邮局最忙碌的时候，所以这对他们造成很大的困扰。虽然我已决定不再打孩子，但在急忙赶回家后，叫了儿子来，我又忍不住痛打他一顿。儿子这一次只是说他做错了，却没有讲出任何理由。我把他推到一个角落，不管了，自个儿跑到邮局领回那一捆恶作剧的信。我把信丢到他眼前说：「你为什么要这样恶作剧？」儿子哭着回答说：「这些信是我要寄给妈妈的。」

 

当时我的眼眶红了起来，心里很激动，但是因为在儿子面前，所以我尽量隐忍住没有表现出来。我接着问他：「那么，为什么一次寄这么多信呢？」儿子回答说：「以前我要把信投进去的时候，因为个儿太矮，所以没办法投入，但是最近我再去邮筒时，已经够得到了，所以我就把以前没有寄的，一次全部都投进入了。」我听了以后，心中一片茫然，不知道该对孩子说什么话。过了不久以后，我就跟他说：「妈妈现在在天上，以后你写完信，把信烧了，就能送到天国去。」等孩子睡着之后，我到外面烧了那些信。我很好奇到底孩子想跟妈妈说些什么，所以读了其中的几封信。

 

而当中有一封信搅动了我的心。

 

亲爱的妈妈：

 

我很想念你！妈妈，今天在幼儿园有才艺表演，但是因为我没有妈妈，所以没有去参加，我也没有告诉爸爸，怕爸爸会想念妈妈。爸爸到处去找我，但我为了让爸爸看到我很开心的样子，所以故意坐在电动玩具面前，虽然爸爸骂我，但是我到最后也没有告诉他原因。妈妈，我每天都看到爸爸因为想念妈妈而哭泣，我想爸爸也跟我一样，很想念妈妈吧！但是，妈，我现在已经记不清楚你的脸。妈妈，请你让我在梦中，再一次能够看到你的脸，好吗？听说把想念的人的照片放在怀里睡觉，就会梦到那个人。可是，妈妈，为什么你没有出现在我的梦里呢？」

 

读完这封信以后，我就开始嚎啕大哭。到底什么时候，我才能填补妻子的空位呢？

 

 

给已经结婚的女同事：

不要加太多班，工作做不完，一定是公司的某些地方出问题了，一定要将问题反应给?的老板，一直加班也不见的有用的，请务必要照顾自己的身体，才可以好好疼惜? 的小宝贝。

 

给已经结婚的男同事：

不要喝太多酒，不要抽太多烟 ，请问我们的生意，我们的客户，有比我们的身体重要吗？一定要想一想，有没有办法做到客人非我们不行，我们的差异化在哪里，我们是否真的懂客人的心，这比拼命喝酒，还重要，请务必要照顾自己的身体，才可以好好疼惜?的小宝贝和你的爱人。

 

给还没有结婚的男同事和女同事：

美其实是从爱自己的身体开始。无入而不自得 -- （孔子）。