Sunday, 23rd March 2008:
Homeward bound at last... ahhh nyamannn.
Here's a very very tired Muz'im .... puting nya tu tah inda mau tanggal.
and finally, concluding the whole story. The End.
Thanks for visiting.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Still in DUBAIIII
Saturday, 22nd March 2008:
Almost evening, here are the last snapshots in the Mall of Emirates. Not enough doe for shopping, not a problem. They were too many other activities to do there.
We watched a show. We couldnt figure out waddaheck it was about, must've been some kinda artsy fartsy thingy so we dint stay long.
Muz'im was pretty entertained, he went on a few rides.
I was happy! Na, I found New York Fries.. remember the one in Canada. It's in Dubai!
Ani Muz'im punya!
Almost evening, here are the last snapshots in the Mall of Emirates. Not enough doe for shopping, not a problem. They were too many other activities to do there.
We watched a show. We couldnt figure out waddaheck it was about, must've been some kinda artsy fartsy thingy so we dint stay long.
Muz'im was pretty entertained, he went on a few rides.
I was happy! Na, I found New York Fries.. remember the one in Canada. It's in Dubai!
And of course the cars. Yeowsers! Muz'im was ecstatic and so were we. Macam show room and its only the back entrance! Feast yer eyes people..
Ani Muz'im punya!
Aaaaahh Dubaiii.. sadly we had to leave you. Till we meet again.
Dubai
Saturday, 22nd March 2008:
Gold & Diamond Park! Enuff said.
It was like a crash-course, we could only spend a day in Dubai but it was all worth it. How magnificent the place was - the buildings, the people, the cars, the shopping!
In less than 5 hours we get to shop at two places: Deara City Centra and Mall of Emirates! Woohoo.
Below: I love gold, thats why I took a picture of this one.
Supposedly the tallest building in the world, still under construction.
Gold & Diamond Park! Enuff said.
Mall of Emirates yo. I could've fainted.
We din't get to see snow in Jordan or Syria, we missed it by two weeks. But it sure snowed in Dubai. Welcome to Snow City folks!
That last night in Jordan
Friday, 21st March 2008 (evening):
Before heading to the airport, we managed to take more snapshots.
Before heading to the airport, we managed to take more snapshots.
We went to the top most level of the house - the 4th floor! To see what we can see.
Not bad eh... very romantic.
Below: Picture of Muz'im crying not wanting to fly back to Brunei.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day 14: Last Day In Jordan
Friday, 21st March 2008:
The face of the queen:
This is rock number 438!
One of the great sculptures never being mentioned in any Roman history:
Today we wake up extra early, sadly its our last day in Jordan and we just don't wanna miss visiting this last place. Another historical ancient city. So we woke before 7 a.m. (Muz'im masih tidur so we just left him with Babah & Mama at home), mandi laju-laju and terus ke Jerash.
Jerash, located 48 km north of Amman and nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, is the grandeur of Imperial Rome being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. To this day, its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition.
Now, almost half of the city has been destroyed by earthquake. Can you just imagine how great the Roman architecture was because I can see most of the great buildings still standing.
The face of the queen: This is rock number 438!One of the great sculptures never being mentioned in any Roman history:Jordan will be sorely missed. Tonight we'll be flying to Dubai -our 4th country within these two weeks of our Middle-east tour.
Muz'im will terribly miss his Nini Babah & Nini Mama.. can't blame him. We felt it too. They have been the best of hosts (with extra-added love and care). May Allah bless them.
Dubai & Brunei here we come.. we're coming home everyone. Can't wait to see you.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Day 13: Damascus, Syria
Thursday, 20th March 2008:
BOSRA:
After going to the Souk Al-Hamidiyeh for the second time (sekali inda puas), we head on to Bosra (also called Bozrah or Bostra; Arabic: Busra ash-Sham) is an ancient city 67 miles (108 km) south of Damascus.
It was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Bosra was an important stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mekah. Bosra's most impressive feature is its superbly well-preserved Roman theater, complete with tall stage buildings. And there are also early Christian ruins and several old mosques to be found within its great walls.
Just like Petra (in Jordan), it was originally a Nabataean city, Bosra was conquered by the Roman emperor Trajan and made the capital of the Roman province of Arabia. It served as a key Roman fortress east of the Jordan River. The city eventually achieved the title "metropolis" under the Roman emperor Philip, who was a native of the city.
After the decline of the Roman Empire, Bosra played a significant role in the history of early Christianity. It was also Iinked to the rise of Islam, when a Nestorian monk called Bahira, who lived in Bosra Amphitheatre the city, met the young (Prophet) Muhammad (PBUH) when his caravan stopped at Bosra, and predicted his prophetic vocation and the faith (Islam) he was going to initiate.
Read more about Bosra here.
The King used to sit here... (sampai hajat Muaz jadi Leonidas)
I can see my name being initialed here:
This used to be the cave where the young (Prophet) Muhammad was hidden. You can still see tapak kaki camel nya.. it was sooo small & cramp.
One of the oldest hand-written Quran - over 200 years old.
Saiyida Fatima's mosque (Puteri Nabi).
Place for wudu' - over 200 years old.
The place where the young (Prophet) Muhammad was discovered with his camel.
The Syrian Gate.
We went back to Jordan around 6.30pm. Good 'Bye'. Gambar di bawah ani paling lawa lah.
BOSRA:
After going to the Souk Al-Hamidiyeh for the second time (sekali inda puas), we head on to Bosra (also called Bozrah or Bostra; Arabic: Busra ash-Sham) is an ancient city 67 miles (108 km) south of Damascus.
It was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Bosra was an important stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mekah. Bosra's most impressive feature is its superbly well-preserved Roman theater, complete with tall stage buildings. And there are also early Christian ruins and several old mosques to be found within its great walls.
Just like Petra (in Jordan), it was originally a Nabataean city, Bosra was conquered by the Roman emperor Trajan and made the capital of the Roman province of Arabia. It served as a key Roman fortress east of the Jordan River. The city eventually achieved the title "metropolis" under the Roman emperor Philip, who was a native of the city.
After the decline of the Roman Empire, Bosra played a significant role in the history of early Christianity. It was also Iinked to the rise of Islam, when a Nestorian monk called Bahira, who lived in Bosra Amphitheatre the city, met the young (Prophet) Muhammad (PBUH) when his caravan stopped at Bosra, and predicted his prophetic vocation and the faith (Islam) he was going to initiate.
Read more about Bosra here.
The King used to sit here... (sampai hajat Muaz jadi Leonidas)
I can see my name being initialed here:
This used to be the cave where the young (Prophet) Muhammad was hidden. You can still see tapak kaki camel nya.. it was sooo small & cramp.
One of the oldest hand-written Quran - over 200 years old.
Saiyida Fatima's mosque (Puteri Nabi).
Place for wudu' - over 200 years old.
The place where the young (Prophet) Muhammad was discovered with his camel.
The Syrian Gate.We went back to Jordan around 6.30pm. Good 'Bye'. Gambar di bawah ani paling lawa lah.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Day 12: Damascus, Syria
Wednesday, 19th March 2008:
Masa perjalanan, Muz'im inda beranti becakap & menyanyi alllll the way, sangal jua melayan. Inda mau tidur.
Then we went back to what we do best.. more visits:
Today we packed lotsa food for the road. Tapi sebelum jalan kami begambar dulu.
With Uncle Din, dreber (orang kuat) di Jordan.
Masa perjalanan, Muz'im inda beranti becakap & menyanyi alllll the way, sangal jua melayan. Inda mau tidur.An hour later, we were at the border. Took lots of pictures and did a bit of shopping at the Duty Free in Dar'aa, Syria.
Muz'im payah kan bisai begambar.. di suruh posing, bagi nya punggung tah pulang! The duty free is at the background.
First stop: Souk El-Hamidieh - A Bazaar right in the heart of Old Damascus. You can find everything here from beautiful textiles, wedding accessories, houseware and even yummy shwarmas! I love it here.. anything for a good bargain. We went back to the car with hands full of goodies. 
"Abang-abang" di bawah ani sengaja di suruh posing untuk Azian, Izzah, Izun, Erah, Ayu dan selanjutnya...
Before we went in the market area, there was a procession of men & horses parading in commemoration of the Maulud Nabi SAW. Meriah di sini.. besar-beasaran celebration nya.
Before we went in the market area, there was a procession of men & horses parading in commemoration of the Maulud Nabi SAW. Meriah di sini.. besar-beasaran celebration nya.Then we went back to what we do best.. more visits:The Roukiyyah Mosque - A Shiite Mosque, it holds the Shrine of Saiyida Roukiyyah, the granddaughter of Nabi Muhammad SAW (PBUH). The whole place looked grand.
Maqam NabiAllah Yahya (John the Baptist) (Peace be upon him) within the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus . The mosque was initially a church, I can still see the original architecture and the mosaics. The tomb of Saladin (Salahuddien - Pahlawan Islam) stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque.
The label on NabiAllah Yahya's shrine mentioned that it is only the head of Yahya (Alaihissalam) that was found when the mosque was being refurbished during the Umayyad period. Others claim that the head of Yahya (John) Peace be upon him, is housed in the crypt below a mosque in the old city of Sebastiya near Nablus, and still others claim the head was buried at Muwakir, site near the Jordan river. 
We wrapped the day with a visit to Kassioun Mountain, to view the whole city of Damascus after sun down. We went there straight after dinner, dalam pukul 8.30 malam.
The mountain had a sacred significance to the people of Damascus and it was associated with lots of fictitious romances. It contains a lot of archeological and sanctuary places and rises about 1200 meters above sea level. The name Kassioun comes from the desolate nature of the mountain. Buildings expanded in Damascus and reached the foot of the mountain.
The cold wind tonight really bites! Despite that we manage to smile and take some photos... cheers!
We're definitely tired now. Isuk lagi sambung. Miss everyone.. see you in a few days :)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day 11: Sightseeing in Jordan
Tuesday, 18th March 2008:
We later moved on to visit the tomb of Prophet Joshua (Yusha), also in Salt. He was the successor of Prophet Moses and commander of the Israeli conquest. 
The picture above is the dome of the old mosque connected to the cave.
The picture below showed the first 4 tombs. There is a hole made on one of the tombs to see the remains of the bones of "the seven sleepers". A bit spooky.
Still fighting jetlags, we managed to do more sightseeing today. We headed to a city called Salt, just half an hour drive from home.
We visited and paid respect to Prophet Shoaib's tomb. The mosque is located in the Wadi Shoaib which leads up from the Jordan Valley to the city of al-Salt just northwest of Amman in Jordan . The mosque is of modern construction and houses a refurbished Mazar of the prophet Shoaib Alaihissalam.
Outside the mosque, a friendly feline came our way. Ia suka kan kami, nya mama rezeki tu.. hehehe. Lampuh kucing nya ah macam Garfield.
We later moved on to visit the tomb of Prophet Joshua (Yusha), also in Salt. He was the successor of Prophet Moses and commander of the Israeli conquest. The tomb itself is roughly 10 meters in length. Some scholars and travelers claim that this is actually the Mazar of the prophet Hosea [Ar. Hoshu'a] (Peace be upon him). Hazrat Prophet Joshua (Peace be upon him) is not mentioned by name in the Quran but Muslim scholars say that he is the "companion" of Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) was mentioned in the holy Qur'an and he became prophet after Hazrat Musa (Peace be upon him). Scholars on the narratives in the Quran referring to the Israelites' conquest of the Holy Land detail the stories associated with Joshua b. Nun. Ibn Kathir reports that Joshua was a great warrior and lived for 127 years.
The entrance to the cave that housed the tomb:
The picture above is the dome of the old mosque connected to the cave.Next. Good thing the day was sunny with cool wind blowing, we easily made our way to the The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Kahf Al-Raqim) in Amman.
This cave is located near the village Al-Raqim, 10 km east of Amman. A group of pious youths took refuge in this cave because of religious persecution. To preserve them, God put them to sleep for 309 years as Christianity was widespread. At the cave you find Byzantine and Roman ruins and a mosque.
The picture below showed the first 4 tombs. There is a hole made on one of the tombs to see the remains of the bones of "the seven sleepers". A bit spooky.That's all for today. We have to head back early and pack again. Tomorrow we'll be going on a long road-trip to Syria, our 3rd country after Saudi Arabia.
We miss you all.
Day 8, 9 and 10: In Jeddah
Saturday, 15th March 2008:
We departed from Medinah at 8am and arrived in Jeddah at 9.30am. Yes, we're very tired.
Sampai saja di hotel, tarus tah tidur eh. Bis Babah & Mama had to go to Yemen for an official visit, kami roam around Jeddah by ourselves. Baik jua ada c Rijal, driver embassy - he was very helpful, jadi best friend Muz'im tarus.
Muz'im met a few friends di Jeddah ani.. happy ya.. baru tah bejumpa kawan (gambar di bawah sama Mahdi, anak pegawai consulate di Jeddah)
Ani kereta ampai-ampai (inda kali dorang beguna).. kan kami ambil udah. Ganya barat.
We went sight-seeing and shopping. Surprisingly, banyak malls disana and most of them are huge. We went to the Aziz Mall, pheewwwiitt kalah Takashimaya or Siam Paragon udah eh.
I got to meet my good friend and former classmate Fidah here :).. Babah & Mama (in Brunei), if you're reading this, Fidah kirim salam. I was happy to meet her .. babynya basar udahhh... oh bless.
Sunday, 16th March 2008:
Went around ke Balad and Red Sea Mall.... lagii basar.. hantah eh.. these Arabic countries are magnificent eh, from ther ancient historical places to their gigantic architectures and ehem shopping goodies - all the labels you can name (yang ada di London, Singapore or USA), semua ada disini.
I went shopping for souvenirs for our loved ones back home disini.. so surprise surprise people! Tunggu saja ada presents kamu ni.
Lastly, we made time for some good food at Casper & Gambini's with Fidah & family.
Monday, 17th March 2008:
Check out hotel, meet Babah & Mama (from Yemen) at the airport, and bid our good byes to our friends. We flew back to Amman Jordan.
At this moment, Muz'im started missing his cousins udah pasalnya di Jeddah ia banyak jumpa kawan. Malar di sabutnya Abang Danial, Abang Hazim & Abang Ilyas.. ksiann.
We departed from Medinah at 8am and arrived in Jeddah at 9.30am. Yes, we're very tired.
Sampai saja di hotel, tarus tah tidur eh. Bis Babah & Mama had to go to Yemen for an official visit, kami roam around Jeddah by ourselves. Baik jua ada c Rijal, driver embassy - he was very helpful, jadi best friend Muz'im tarus.
Muz'im met a few friends di Jeddah ani.. happy ya.. baru tah bejumpa kawan (gambar di bawah sama Mahdi, anak pegawai consulate di Jeddah)
Ani kereta ampai-ampai (inda kali dorang beguna).. kan kami ambil udah. Ganya barat.
We went sight-seeing and shopping. Surprisingly, banyak malls disana and most of them are huge. We went to the Aziz Mall, pheewwwiitt kalah Takashimaya or Siam Paragon udah eh.I got to meet my good friend and former classmate Fidah here :).. Babah & Mama (in Brunei), if you're reading this, Fidah kirim salam. I was happy to meet her .. babynya basar udahhh... oh bless.
Sunday, 16th March 2008:
Went around ke Balad and Red Sea Mall.... lagii basar.. hantah eh.. these Arabic countries are magnificent eh, from ther ancient historical places to their gigantic architectures and ehem shopping goodies - all the labels you can name (yang ada di London, Singapore or USA), semua ada disini.
I went shopping for souvenirs for our loved ones back home disini.. so surprise surprise people! Tunggu saja ada presents kamu ni.
Lastly, we made time for some good food at Casper & Gambini's with Fidah & family.
Monday, 17th March 2008:
Check out hotel, meet Babah & Mama (from Yemen) at the airport, and bid our good byes to our friends. We flew back to Amman Jordan.
At this moment, Muz'im started missing his cousins udah pasalnya di Jeddah ia banyak jumpa kawan. Malar di sabutnya Abang Danial, Abang Hazim & Abang Ilyas.. ksiann.
I will be updating more of our visits soon... we miss everyone terribly...Till then, good nite.
Muz'im in Medinah
Ani tah pose terakhir Muz'im di hotel kami di Medinah.. makan desserts (in a desert.. adeh kan becalllii). Masa ani semua orang mengantuk udah kan tidur, ia ganya sugar-high!
Nyaman banar tah udah tuuu.
Nyaman banar tah udah tuuu.
More pictures of Mekah
These photos are taken using Babah's mobile, too precious not to be shared.
Gambar Muz'im tetidur dapan Kaabah masa sembahyang Subuh (Fajr)
The sight during Fajr in Masjid al-Haram.
Our last photo outside the mosque... I was a happy bee and I'm not wrong to say we were glowing in this picture.
Gambar Muz'im tetidur dapan Kaabah masa sembahyang Subuh (Fajr)
The sight during Fajr in Masjid al-Haram.
Our last photo outside the mosque... I was a happy bee and I'm not wrong to say we were glowing in this picture.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Day 7: Medinah Al-Munawarrah
Friday, 14th March 2008:
Our visits started after the Zuhur and Asar prayers, first stop was Masjid Quba - the first mosque built by Nabi Muhammad SAW (Peace and blessings upon him) when he first migrated to Medina. Muz'im sampat sembahyang sunat di sini and di luar masjid ani banyak Afghan kids bejual tasbih.. hehhe lawa-lawa kanak2 nya. The parents (in-laws) mentioned siapa sembahyang di masjid ani pahala nya kali 100. InsyaAllah...
Its not as big as Mesjidin Nabawi but it was maintained well, of course kena renovate pulang lagi but I can somehow sense how aged the place is.
Next, we visited the Masjid Qiblatain - the mosque of two qiblat, so called as it is the mosque in which the qiblat was changed from Jerusalem (Baitul Muqqadis) to Mecca (the Kaaba). I have yet to learn more on the history behind this mosque. Karang ku meng-google.
The most priviledged visit would have to be the beloved holy prophet's mosque and shrine. Rasulullah's (PBUH) shrine was surrounded by thick green brass screens. It is a wonder to human sight seeing how loved and how well it is being guarded. Saying out my salam in a respectful and hushed voice, in front of the shrine, kan menangis saja rasanya.. . Peace and blessings to our beloved Prophet. 
We offered the salaams of our family and friends as well.. we also went on to say salaam to the graves of Abu Bakr Siddique, Umar Farooq, and puteri2 Nabi. Alhamdulillah.. sampai jua akhirnya.
As usual, kan balik dari Masjid atu barat rasanya. Mudahan tah panjang umur & murah rezeki sampai lagi kemari nanti.. insyaAllah.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Day 6: Medinah Al Munawarrah
Thursday, 13th March 2008
We left Mekah at 11.00 am, went straight to Jeddah (airport) by car, and depart to Medinah at 2.00pm. By 3.20pm kami sampai ke Hotel. Our hotel is fairly close to the holy prophet's mosque - less than 7 minute walk.
Gambar di bawah ani special pose untuk Nini girl..
Muz'im with Nini Mama.. pakai sunglasses!
On the way ke Hotel, Muaz ketimbunan bags + stroller Muz'im! Hahaha sampit sikit van nya.
Beautiful things happened here.. baru saja di airport, Muz'im kena sedakahi gula-gula. As for me, baru saja duduk Masjidin Nabawi (Holy Prophet's mosque), ada bini-bini tua membagi ia punya tasbih arah ku - tasbih nya ni lagi tasbih yang be-umur udah (puas bepakai). Alhamdulillah...rezeki.
The Holy Prophet’s Mosque is probably one of the largest in the world, nearly a mile in length and three quarters of a mile in width and superbly decorated. The floor is marbled both inside the Mosque and outside within the parameter. Rows after rows of columns supporting the ceilings are furnished with splendidly decorated chandeliers with round-shaped golden bars (I was told by someone that these are eighteen carat gold bars). A part of the Mosque is assigned to the women who enter and leave the Mosque and a different area for men. The social atmosphere is marvelous. People greet each other with a smile. One feels the impact of being inside the Holy Prophet’s Mosque. One senses the atmosphere of peace, tranquillity and serenity. Me thinks if a distressed person was brought inside the Mosque, within five minutes peace and tranquillity will return to his mind. 
The part of the Mosque where the Holy Prophet Mohammed’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) grave is located has above the ceiling a green dome. It is quite difficult to visit the Holy Prophet’s shrine but InsyaAllah we'll have someone to bring us later. “As salatu wa salamu alaika ya rasullah; as salatu wa salaimu alaika ya habilbullah; as salatu wa salamu alaika ya nabiullah” (peace and blessings be upon you O’ Prophet of Allah, O’ the beloved of Allah, O’ the messenger of Allah). <--- I got that from a book.
Mama and I went to the most front to perform the Maghrib prayer, that is also the most crowded. Atu ya, mikin lama mikin sampit - sampai tahiyat akhir ku jadi tahiyat awal and paksa di kacutkan badan pasalnya badan orang arab basar2.
Muz'im had his fair amount of sleep in the mosque.... nyaman banar tidur nya - his share of peace within the vicinity of the mosque. It was lovely to visit the mosque during Malam Jumaat, people be-sedekah and breaking their fast. It truly reflects the pure meaning of Islam - 'PEACE'.
Below: Muz'im with Nini Babah before kan sembahyang.
Gambar last ani Muz'im baru bangun di bilik hotel lapas dari masjid, tarus meliat cartoon. Puting nya tu inda pandai tanggal!
Day 6: Tawaf Wida'
Thursday, 13th March 2008
Today with heavy heart we bid our farewell to the Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram before leaving for the city of the Holy Prophet - Medina.
As soon as we finished performing the Tawaf Wida' (the farewell Tawaf before leaving Mekah), I couldn't hold the tears any longer. After all those visits to the mosque and walking around the area (even if it has only been two days), you too would understand the feeling. Words just can't express how much I will miss Mekah.. InsyaAllah I will come back here. I pray that my siblings, cousins and loved ones may too come here one day... aminn.
Muz'im pun kesiokan banarnya, I've never met a toddler yang iski banar kan ke masjid and memakai gamis. Tapi yang mahalnya ia di masjid untuk tidur saja! Well, kadangnya menyanyi ya. I'll post more pictures of Muz'im karang.
Those (what seemed like very short) two days were like floating in a dream. I couldn't have made it here without Muaz and my parents-in-law and they have been great in guiding me all the way. Also, to those back home for praying for our safety. My parents for their support and love - Mama for constantly messaging me to read the books she gave me. Udah ku baca Ma :) and they were really handy.
Just the night before I received another sms from Mama (in Brunei) she said, "babah mu tarus tekanang kan Mekah.." Now, I can really share that sentiment.
These are my last pictures of Mekah, the night before our wida'... jangan menangis Babah ah hehe. Lawa kalau masa malam .. and I was not kidding when I say it was bright as day.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Day 4 and 5: UMRAH
Tuesday, 11th March 2008.
Alhamdulillah we safely arrived in Mekah according to schedule - 7 pm Saudi time.
We are now in the room with the best view I have ever had - the most holiest place on earth, Masjid al-Haram. For a first timer like me, it brings tears to the eyes - who wouldn't? The place is (and always will be) majestic. Beautiful! Even at night the place was as bright as day. Syukur.. merasa tah ku jua ke Mekah and Muz'im too.. heheheh berakal Muz'im ah, nada menyusahkan.
I was a first timer for everything, baik jua my Mama (in Brunei) ada membatakan buku-buku panduan Umrah and Sembahyang. Banyak niat-niat inda kuhafal banarnya. Memakai ihram ada mandinya, solatnya and niatnya.. baru tah ku tau tu heheheheh. We strarting wearing the Ihram from Jordan (except Muz'im) to save us time, tapi be-niat dalam kapal terbang saja as we enter the Miqat area.
Below are pictures of Muz'im in Ihram.. kami begambar di bilik hotel saja dulu:
We thought Muz'im ani kan bekusut tah ni.. but he was a breeze. Masa bejemaah di masjid, ia teranah saja, sometimes ikut ya sujud & ruku' tapi most of the times, ia melangui, swaying around and menyanyi! Siapa ada menyanyi2 di masjid?! Masa Tawaf saja Muz'im bekipak pasal ramai orang (tinggi-tinggi tah lagi) and masa Sa'ie he did 2 rounds.. 3 round bekipak & lapas atu Muaz inda tahan lagi pakai wheelchair saja. Hehehe last-last.
Aing zam-zam di sini nyamannnn... maniss and sajukk. Beat that root beer float! Muz'im minum dalam 4 cawan aing zam-zam, mudahan tah tarang ati.. aminn. We hope to bring a few bottles for everyone back home, insyaAllah..
Syukur tah selesai udah Umrah.. Alhamdullillah.. mudahan do'a-do'a kami dikabulkan. Amin.
Wednesday, 12th March 2008:
We performed the fajr (subuh) prayer at 5.15am, Muz'im was still fast asleep tapi kami angkut jua. Bisai inda ya mengusut, Muaz ampai kan ya saja disebalahnya. Actually, Babah managed to take a picture of Muz'im with a background of the Kaaba (while Muz'im was in deep sleep) using his mobile-phone. Alum lagi kami upload.
Here are pictures of the Masjid Al-Haram, taken from our room, after coming back from subuh prayer:
Till our next post... we miss everyone, thank you for visiting and for your do'a.
Alhamdulillah we safely arrived in Mekah according to schedule - 7 pm Saudi time.
We are now in the room with the best view I have ever had - the most holiest place on earth, Masjid al-Haram. For a first timer like me, it brings tears to the eyes - who wouldn't? The place is (and always will be) majestic. Beautiful! Even at night the place was as bright as day. Syukur.. merasa tah ku jua ke Mekah and Muz'im too.. heheheh berakal Muz'im ah, nada menyusahkan.
I was a first timer for everything, baik jua my Mama (in Brunei) ada membatakan buku-buku panduan Umrah and Sembahyang. Banyak niat-niat inda kuhafal banarnya. Memakai ihram ada mandinya, solatnya and niatnya.. baru tah ku tau tu heheheheh. We strarting wearing the Ihram from Jordan (except Muz'im) to save us time, tapi be-niat dalam kapal terbang saja as we enter the Miqat area.
Below are pictures of Muz'im in Ihram.. kami begambar di bilik hotel saja dulu:
We thought Muz'im ani kan bekusut tah ni.. but he was a breeze. Masa bejemaah di masjid, ia teranah saja, sometimes ikut ya sujud & ruku' tapi most of the times, ia melangui, swaying around and menyanyi! Siapa ada menyanyi2 di masjid?! Masa Tawaf saja Muz'im bekipak pasal ramai orang (tinggi-tinggi tah lagi) and masa Sa'ie he did 2 rounds.. 3 round bekipak & lapas atu Muaz inda tahan lagi pakai wheelchair saja. Hehehe last-last.
Aing zam-zam di sini nyamannnn... maniss and sajukk. Beat that root beer float! Muz'im minum dalam 4 cawan aing zam-zam, mudahan tah tarang ati.. aminn. We hope to bring a few bottles for everyone back home, insyaAllah..
Syukur tah selesai udah Umrah.. Alhamdullillah.. mudahan do'a-do'a kami dikabulkan. Amin.
Wednesday, 12th March 2008:
We performed the fajr (subuh) prayer at 5.15am, Muz'im was still fast asleep tapi kami angkut jua. Bisai inda ya mengusut, Muaz ampai kan ya saja disebalahnya. Actually, Babah managed to take a picture of Muz'im with a background of the Kaaba (while Muz'im was in deep sleep) using his mobile-phone. Alum lagi kami upload.
Here are pictures of the Masjid Al-Haram, taken from our room, after coming back from subuh prayer:
Till our next post... we miss everyone, thank you for visiting and for your do'a.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Day 3: Muz'im visits Embassy
Monday, 10th March 2008
Weather suddenly turned cold this morning. Muz'im had to put on his winter jacket. Not much activity today except for visiting the Embassy and a bit of shopping (here that guys.. we bought stuff for you mannn)
Here are more photos of Muz'im - dedicated to Nini Boy & Nini girl and everyone who misses him. Macam-macam ulah nya hari ani.
Begambar sama Nini Babah & Nini Mama, inda pandai teranah + dalam tangan ada chocolate.
Muz'im kesajukan + menapuk candy dari mommy nya.
Muz'im buying chocolates..
Can't resist taking this photo.. the background so pretty.
That's all for now.. I won't be updating for a few days.
We will be departing to Jeddah tomorrow for Umrah. My dear family, please pray for our safe journey. Your 'sedekah' (do'a) will be repaid.. InsyaAllah.
May my family and I be blessed with Umrah Mabrur.. amin.
To our loved ones back home, you are in our prayers and may we meet again soon. InsyaAllah.
Day 2: The 'Dead Sea' and Petra
Sunday, 9th March 2008
We took a carriage (not your everyday taxi) to the "Red rose city" because it was 1.5 km away from the main visitor's entrance. The rest of the way we figure we could just walked it off. In total 3 km stretch.
Our "driver" a bit hemsem eh - a cross between Indiana Jones & Salman Khan. Muz'im said "horse ani untuk Wawamama".. and I continued, "the (hemsem) rider ani untuk Aunty Baby".
The "Treasury" was the first to greet us as we entered the city.. can you see it was well carved, too detailed. The old "government" used to be in this place.
Petra so rock! And Petra is so historical that a team of Tamil movie production people decided to shoot here for a movie called "PARUGU"..
We were almost towards the end.. just a few hundreds of metres away.
Our night ended with kebabs and a happy boy!
Good thing the weather is sweet and sunny. Bagusss inda sajuk. We woke up very early - before 6am. Sebenarnya jet-lag jua bah. Then, as planned we head down to the lowest point on earth - the Dead Sea. Its been said there are no living organisms there, I've yet to see it. They also say that anyone can float there - I've yet to try it cos I can't swim let alone float!
Muz'im takut-takut kan masuk aing cos it was early in the morning and ia kesajukan. Sekali matanya padih masuk aing sira.
Below: picture of him menangis dalam tuala.
Muaz is pretty proud of this photo.. katanya lapas ia pakai mud therapy he gained extra muscles!
OK.. enough post on swimming. Next stop is Petra.
No one going to Jordan should miss coming here. One of the most historical places on earth and is the latest addition to the "Wonders of the World".
As we reached the entrance, its pretty obvious most souvenir shops were themed at Indiana Jones. Topi Indiana Jones bejurrittt sana-sini.
We took a carriage (not your everyday taxi) to the "Red rose city" because it was 1.5 km away from the main visitor's entrance. The rest of the way we figure we could just walked it off. In total 3 km stretch.Our "driver" a bit hemsem eh - a cross between Indiana Jones & Salman Khan. Muz'im said "horse ani untuk Wawamama".. and I continued, "the (hemsem) rider ani untuk Aunty Baby". Ganya bebauu taxi kuda ani..pakal saja kan menjimatkan masa.. tahan saja bau nya. Mama and I poured perfume on our clothes - literally pour.
The "Treasury" was the first to greet us as we entered the city.. can you see it was well carved, too detailed. The old "government" used to be in this place.Petra so rock! And Petra is so historical that a team of Tamil movie production people decided to shoot here for a movie called "PARUGU".. We were almost towards the end.. just a few hundreds of metres away.Yeay we made it! The journey was rocky and tiring... kami lapar tarus.
Our night ended with kebabs and a happy boy!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Day 1 - Jordan (Mount Nebo & Movenpick Hotel)
Saturday, 8th March 2008
Mount Nebo was the place Nabi Allah Musa S.A. Read more about it here. We get to see the Uyun Musa (Moses' Springs) that connects to the Dead Sea. Sayangnya, in the earlier centuries, the place was bought by the Italians and they declared it theirs. Now, the Mount Nebo Memorial of Moses is where christians come and see one of the oldest church in the world and other stories relating to it.
This post will be updated later....
I had to post that romantic picture above, it was taken by Muz'im... steady jua.
Just like the itinerary says, we arrive today, today also we start moving. We unpacked and re-packed our stuff to smaller bags and head to Mount Nebo after Jama' Taqdim Zuhur & Asar.
It was almost a 45 minutes drive there from home. Even the streets and roads going there are not for the altitude-challenged. Jordan's historical places were mostly located at mountainous regions which makes our lil Bukit Shahbandar or Markuching seems like child's play.
Mount Nebo was the place Nabi Allah Musa S.A. Read more about it here. We get to see the Uyun Musa (Moses' Springs) that connects to the Dead Sea. Sayangnya, in the earlier centuries, the place was bought by the Italians and they declared it theirs. Now, the Mount Nebo Memorial of Moses is where christians come and see one of the oldest church in the world and other stories relating to it.This post will be updated later....Masa ani kan bejalan dulu.. see ya..We miss everyone back home!
(edited)
After Mount Nebo, we moved on to stay at the Movenpick Hotel - they have great ice-cream. Kononnya kami atu kan meliat sunset near the Dead Sea tapi the whole day it was foggy. Matahari pun betapuk.
I had to post that romantic picture above, it was taken by Muz'im... steady jua.
More pictures here.
Next post: The Dead Sea & Petra "The Red Rose City"
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Its spring time in Jordan
Alhamdulillah, we safely arrived Jordan airport on Saturday, 9.30 am (Jordan time - we are 6 hours behind Brunei Time).
As expected, Babah & Mama were there. The sight of them just lit our hearts, hmmmmm they were not really quite dressed for winter (because we brought bulky winter clothes). We were then told by Mama that the weather had turned warm overnight -yes, it started a day before we arrived. Well, so much for packing jackets and sweaters, we really thought we'd be greeted by bitingly cold weather but its much better now. The weather is subtle, not too windy not to warm.
Muz'im on the other hand had mixed feelings: shy, sleepy, excited, hungry..who knows what else. It took Muz'im quite awhile to adjust being around his Nini Babah & Nini Mama - masih malu-malu.
4 cups of arabic sweet tea later, Muz'im was back to his chatty self. Non-stop... dari airport and sampaiiiii datang ke rumah. He can just talk talk talk - he had more energy than anyone in the car put together, he can put the Energizer bunny to shame.
Babah also took the initiative to neatly arranged our itinerary. When I say neat, I really mean, well-typed, formatted (it was perfectly aligned with consistent fonts), printed and stapled together. The heading reads:
Heheheh made us sound like some very important delegation (maybe royal) from a very very important country. It shows what an organised man Babah is. The description (content) was very detailed but may I just summarised our planned trip (I really can't wait):
Saturday, 8th March:
- Our arrival, leave bags at the house.
- Visit Mount Nebo and pay respect to the place of Nabi Allah Musa A.S. (45 mins drive)
- Moved to Movenpick Hotel (outside of Amman)
Sunday, 9th March:
- Swimming at the 'Dead Sea'
- Check-out Movenpick Hotel
- sightseeing at Petra ( 3-hour drive)
Monday, 10th March:
- Sightseeing around Amman, Salt, Jerash, etc. "Menziarah" to A's'habul Kahfi Cave, 'Maqam Nabi Allah Shuaib', 'Maqam Nabi Allah Yusha', and 'Maqam sahabat-sahabat Nabi'.
Tuesday, 11 March:
- Depart to Jeddah- Mekkah
- UMRAH
Wednesday, 12 March:
- Spend whole day at Mekkah Al Mukarramah.
Thursday, 13 March:
- Tawaf Wida'
- Depart to Medinah Al Munawarrah and perform prayers at Masjidin Nabawi
- Ziarah Maqam Rasulullah S.A.W (PBUH)
Friday, 14 March:
- Spend whole day in Medinah Al Munawarrah
- Ziarah & sightseeing
Saturday, 15th March:
- Depart to Jeddah
- Babah & Mama will be departing to Yemen for work
- We will be meeting my friend, Fidah (who's husband is working in Jeddah at the mo')
Sunday, 16th March:
- Spend whole day in Jeddah.
Monday, 17th March:
- Babah & Mama back from Yemen
- Back to Amman, Jordan.
- Home
Tuesday, 18th March:
- Sightseeing & shoping Amman, Jordan.
Wednesday, 19th March:
- Depart to Syria (1-hour drive)
- visit Bosrah.
- Check in Meridien Hotel, Damascus
- Sightseeing & climbing the slopes of Bukit Hashiun and watch Damascus at night.
Thursday, 20th March:
-Shopping in Souq Hameedy & sightseeing
- Ziarah Masjid Umayyah
- Back to Amman, Jordan
Friday, 21st March :
- Spend quality time at home & last-minute packing
- Depart to Dubai in the evening
Saturday, 22nd March:
- Arrived at Dubai
- Muaz will planned our 21-hour stay.
Sunday, 23rd March:
- Back to Brunei - InsyaAllah, we'll arrived around 10.35 am (Brunei time)
As you can see, our schedule is packed but we'll make time and buy goodies for our loved ones back home. We love you. Keep in touch! Miss you...
As expected, Babah & Mama were there. The sight of them just lit our hearts, hmmmmm they were not really quite dressed for winter (because we brought bulky winter clothes). We were then told by Mama that the weather had turned warm overnight -yes, it started a day before we arrived. Well, so much for packing jackets and sweaters, we really thought we'd be greeted by bitingly cold weather but its much better now. The weather is subtle, not too windy not to warm.
Muz'im on the other hand had mixed feelings: shy, sleepy, excited, hungry..who knows what else. It took Muz'im quite awhile to adjust being around his Nini Babah & Nini Mama - masih malu-malu.
4 cups of arabic sweet tea later, Muz'im was back to his chatty self. Non-stop... dari airport and sampaiiiii datang ke rumah. He can just talk talk talk - he had more energy than anyone in the car put together, he can put the Energizer bunny to shame.
Babah also took the initiative to neatly arranged our itinerary. When I say neat, I really mean, well-typed, formatted (it was perfectly aligned with consistent fonts), printed and stapled together. The heading reads:
Aturcara Muhammad Muz'im Zafran
dan rombongan
Ke Jordan, Arab Saudi dan Syria
8hb Mac - 21 Mac 2008
Heheheh made us sound like some very important delegation (maybe royal) from a very very important country. It shows what an organised man Babah is. The description (content) was very detailed but may I just summarised our planned trip (I really can't wait):
Saturday, 8th March:
- Our arrival, leave bags at the house.
- Visit Mount Nebo and pay respect to the place of Nabi Allah Musa A.S. (45 mins drive)
- Moved to Movenpick Hotel (outside of Amman)
Sunday, 9th March:
- Swimming at the 'Dead Sea'
- Check-out Movenpick Hotel
- sightseeing at Petra ( 3-hour drive)
Monday, 10th March:
- Sightseeing around Amman, Salt, Jerash, etc. "Menziarah" to A's'habul Kahfi Cave, 'Maqam Nabi Allah Shuaib', 'Maqam Nabi Allah Yusha', and 'Maqam sahabat-sahabat Nabi'.
Tuesday, 11 March:
- Depart to Jeddah- Mekkah
- UMRAH
Wednesday, 12 March:
- Spend whole day at Mekkah Al Mukarramah.
Thursday, 13 March:
- Tawaf Wida'
- Depart to Medinah Al Munawarrah and perform prayers at Masjidin Nabawi
- Ziarah Maqam Rasulullah S.A.W (PBUH)
Friday, 14 March:
- Spend whole day in Medinah Al Munawarrah
- Ziarah & sightseeing
Saturday, 15th March:
- Depart to Jeddah
- Babah & Mama will be departing to Yemen for work
- We will be meeting my friend, Fidah (who's husband is working in Jeddah at the mo')
Sunday, 16th March:
- Spend whole day in Jeddah.
Monday, 17th March:
- Babah & Mama back from Yemen
- Back to Amman, Jordan.
- Home
Tuesday, 18th March:
- Sightseeing & shoping Amman, Jordan.
Wednesday, 19th March:
- Depart to Syria (1-hour drive)
- visit Bosrah.
- Check in Meridien Hotel, Damascus
- Sightseeing & climbing the slopes of Bukit Hashiun and watch Damascus at night.
Thursday, 20th March:
-Shopping in Souq Hameedy & sightseeing
- Ziarah Masjid Umayyah
- Back to Amman, Jordan
Friday, 21st March :
- Spend quality time at home & last-minute packing
- Depart to Dubai in the evening
Saturday, 22nd March:
- Arrived at Dubai
- Muaz will planned our 21-hour stay.
Sunday, 23rd March:
- Back to Brunei - InsyaAllah, we'll arrived around 10.35 am (Brunei time)
As you can see, our schedule is packed but we'll make time and buy goodies for our loved ones back home. We love you. Keep in touch! Miss you...
Next stop: Amman, Jordan
After 8 long hours in Dubai airport, we finally went on board the Royal Jordanian. Such a hemsemm plane with beautiful stewardesses. Even the food was lovely.
We can't help but snap a photo of Muz'im outside the plane before climbing on board.. weather was a bit chilly and windy, Muz'im can't afford a smile. Smirk pun ok lah.
This is just me being 'sakai'. The earphones are complimentary! I'm so gonna give this to my brothers. Nah present untuk kamu nah.. hey the thought counts you know.
We can't help but snap a photo of Muz'im outside the plane before climbing on board.. weather was a bit chilly and windy, Muz'im can't afford a smile. Smirk pun ok lah.
This is just me being 'sakai'. The earphones are complimentary! I'm so gonna give this to my brothers. Nah present untuk kamu nah.. hey the thought counts you know.
First stop: Dubai International Airport
The flight to Dubai was pretty smooth. It was more like ate, slept, ate, slept and the plane landed.
Here are some of Muz'im's photos:
Muz'im woke up as we landed and tarus lapar, ok. first things first, head to the nearest food place - a Foodcourt! Muaz had the chicken shwarma & the son had chips and more chips.
Muz'im was a happy man in the next few pics. Mauuu begambarrr.. at this moment, we had an audience of grown-ups smiling and staring at Muz'im who was skipping around happily gawking at cars on display. Its not everyday you see a hyper chatterbox in a car exhibition.
Muz'im and Muaz spotted a UFO... saja nada keraja.. well, dumb happens when you had to spend 8 hours in an airport. 
Lastly, we met him:
When I open my big mouth: "Look Muz'im Santa Claus!"
(The man really had rosy cheeks, a round belly and a friendly smile)
Then, the Babah opened his big mouth: "Muz'im tuu.. Haji Santa Claus!"
Hence, we promise no more making fun of the natives, not good.. we are in their land.
We will be uploading more photos on our flickr soon ya :)
Here are some of Muz'im's photos:
Watching 'Beauty & The Beast' with heavy eyelids
nah tetidur...
Muz'im woke up as we landed and tarus lapar, ok. first things first, head to the nearest food place - a Foodcourt! Muaz had the chicken shwarma & the son had chips and more chips.
Muz'im was a happy man in the next few pics. Mauuu begambarrr.. at this moment, we had an audience of grown-ups smiling and staring at Muz'im who was skipping around happily gawking at cars on display. Its not everyday you see a hyper chatterbox in a car exhibition.
Muz'im and Muaz spotted a UFO... saja nada keraja.. well, dumb happens when you had to spend 8 hours in an airport. Lastly, we met him:
When I open my big mouth: "Look Muz'im Santa Claus!"
(The man really had rosy cheeks, a round belly and a friendly smile)
Then, the Babah opened his big mouth: "Muz'im tuu.. Haji Santa Claus!"
Hence, we promise no more making fun of the natives, not good.. we are in their land.
We will be uploading more photos on our flickr soon ya :)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Packing - 3 bags full
Bismillahirahnirahim..
its my very first post here.
I have no better title but here we are at 1am still packing away. Sebenarnya mengantuk pulang tapi sampat lagi kan blogging sementara menunggu my jubah karing - baru ku sasah.
If you haven't the slightest clue yet, we will be going on, what I can say, the best trip of our lives. Finally, I have a chance to go visit (and perform pious duties & activities, InsyaAllah, at) the holy city of Mekah with my husband and 3-year old son. Alhamdulillah. Everyone can have their chance, when there's a will there's a way - usaha saja, ada rezeki tu.
Earlier this evening, we had a "do'a selamat & sembahyang jemaah" at my parents place, and similar ones days before at our home and grandparents-in-law's place. I am thankful for having a supportive and loving family - both mine & hubby's side. Always with us through thick & thin, pain & joy, laughter & tears. Semua pulang sama meaning nya tu.
I will definitely miss my siblings, parents, my close relatives and friends. Not that I've never gone on long duty-travels or vacations before, somehow this feels different. I really don't know how to express - I'm not really the best of all writers or maybe I'm afraid it might sound too emo. We'll just see later.. hours from now.
Yupp in less than 24 hours, we'll be on board a plane that'll take us to Dubai, then Jordan meeting my sweet parents-in-law.
Muz'im will be overjoyed being reunited with his grandparents again. I can sense it. He's been repeatedly saying that he wants to see "Nini Mama" (mom-in-law) and insisted on visiting her from time-to-time but at the same time he can't bear the thought of leaving his"Nini Girl" (my mom). I guess a child needs to be tended by his/her grandparents from both sides. Its wonderful seeing my son loving his grandparents equally - smart kid. Kana dulur jua bah.
The last time we brought Muz'im on a long vacation was to Bangladesh visiting his Nini Babah & Mama, everyone back home ended up in tears.. hehehe semua rindu kan Muz'im. Mana inda Muz'im manjaaa! Back then he was only a wee baby - only 4 months old. Now he's a big boy and ada jua gauk sikit ada berakal jua.
I was looking back at his old passport photo and comparing it with his new one. My how he's grown!
3 years ago.......(marung ah) & rambut ada balah udah
Now, tadaaaaa manissss..muka ada senyummmm..(rambutnya masih be-balah)
its my very first post here.
I have no better title but here we are at 1am still packing away. Sebenarnya mengantuk pulang tapi sampat lagi kan blogging sementara menunggu my jubah karing - baru ku sasah.
If you haven't the slightest clue yet, we will be going on, what I can say, the best trip of our lives. Finally, I have a chance to go visit (and perform pious duties & activities, InsyaAllah, at) the holy city of Mekah with my husband and 3-year old son. Alhamdulillah. Everyone can have their chance, when there's a will there's a way - usaha saja, ada rezeki tu.
Earlier this evening, we had a "do'a selamat & sembahyang jemaah" at my parents place, and similar ones days before at our home and grandparents-in-law's place. I am thankful for having a supportive and loving family - both mine & hubby's side. Always with us through thick & thin, pain & joy, laughter & tears. Semua pulang sama meaning nya tu.
I will definitely miss my siblings, parents, my close relatives and friends. Not that I've never gone on long duty-travels or vacations before, somehow this feels different. I really don't know how to express - I'm not really the best of all writers or maybe I'm afraid it might sound too emo. We'll just see later.. hours from now.
Yupp in less than 24 hours, we'll be on board a plane that'll take us to Dubai, then Jordan meeting my sweet parents-in-law.
Muz'im will be overjoyed being reunited with his grandparents again. I can sense it. He's been repeatedly saying that he wants to see "Nini Mama" (mom-in-law) and insisted on visiting her from time-to-time but at the same time he can't bear the thought of leaving his"Nini Girl" (my mom). I guess a child needs to be tended by his/her grandparents from both sides. Its wonderful seeing my son loving his grandparents equally - smart kid. Kana dulur jua bah.
The last time we brought Muz'im on a long vacation was to Bangladesh visiting his Nini Babah & Mama, everyone back home ended up in tears.. hehehe semua rindu kan Muz'im. Mana inda Muz'im manjaaa! Back then he was only a wee baby - only 4 months old. Now he's a big boy and ada jua gauk sikit ada berakal jua.
I was looking back at his old passport photo and comparing it with his new one. My how he's grown!
3 years ago.......(marung ah) & rambut ada balah udah
Now, tadaaaaa manissss..muka ada senyummmm..(rambutnya masih be-balah)
So my dear family in Brunei, jangan menangis ah. Inda batah ni. We'll be back after 16 days :) This blog will be 100% Muz'im so stay tune to more updates.
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