Merapi Volcano in Jogjakarta Indonesia 2006

Just to share with you a picture of me at the foot of Merapi Volcano. Merapi volcano is one of the world's most active and dangerous volcano. It contains an active lava dome which regularly produces pyroclastic flows.
Eruptions occur at intervals of 1-5 years and are of low gas pressure. Since magma is poor in gas, eruptions are usually less than VEI 3 in size.
Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and has produced more pyroclastic flows than any other volcano in the world.
It has been active for 10,000 years. Most eruptions of Merapi involve a collapse of the lava dome (called Awan panas) creating pyroclastic flows which travel 6 to 7 km from the summit.
Some awan panas have traveled as far as 13 km from the summit, such as the deposit generated during the 1969 eruption.
Velocity of pyroclastic flows can reach up to 110 km/hour. A slow up flow of andesitic magma leads to an extrusion of viscous magma, which accumulate and construct a dome in the crater.
Merapi had rumbled for weeks without a serious eruption, but in early May, its activity escalated. According to news reports, a plume of rock, ash, and hot gas flowed several kilometers down the volcano’s western slope. At its summit, the volcano built a lava dome, a kind of “cap” on pressurized volcanic material underneath.
We have to wear a mask to protect from the gaseous air very polluted air. In fact, the smell of burning grounds can be felt from distance away. In fact, the Merapi was still flowing out volcanic lava a few days before our visit.
Hope to be there again in the near future.

Raub Rest House

Fahme and I have been to Raub Rest House in 1998. We attended a wedding and stayed for the entire weekend. We even visited the 'pasar pagi' from Saturday evening right to Sunday morning. It is not like the normal night market. It operates right until the next morning. The Rest House was a well known establishment in town.On the northern corner of town, where the football field, hospital and administrative center laid. This Rest house join the rank. An elegance bungalow on a low hillock.The arched driveway that brought character to the looks of the building. Huge trees along this driveway providing plenty of shades for those who have left their cars here. In this place, the compound of the Rest house doubled up as a public car park.
It looks like that this place was also a park for the local to gather and socialize and when we were there, we see many guys sitting there and we just watch them all day long! The ambience was overwhelming. We might consider for a re-visit.

Melaka Here We Come!

My friends and I are leaving for Melaka this Friday 30 March 2007. We will be staying at Puri Hotel on the first night and then to Baba House Hotel on the second. The writings of Puri Hotel have been added earlier. You can scroll down the Blog Archive and it is entitled " Puri Hotel -thinking of you".

We are looking at many possibilities on this visits that includes Jonkers Street, St Paul Church, Stadthuys, Bukit China, Tanjung Keling Mosque, Cheng Hun Theng Temple and also the food such as Chendol Jonkers Street, Satay Celup, Ikan Bakar, Nyonya recipe and mamak stall.

Lyrics of Vincent

Starry
starry night
paint your palette blue and grey

look out on a summer's day
with eyes that know the
darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills
sketch the trees and the daffodils

catch the breeze and the winter chills

in colors on the snowy linen land.
And now I understand what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity
how you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
they did not know how

perhaps they'll listen now.

Starry
starry night
flaming flo'rs that brightly blaze

swirling clouds in violet haze reflect in
Vincent's eyes of China blue.
Colors changing hue
morning fields of amber grain

weathered faces lined in pain
are soothed beneath the artist's
loving hand.
And now I understand what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity
how you tried to set them free.
perhaps they'll listen now.

For they could not love you
but still your love was true

and when no hope was left in sight on that starry
starry night.
You took your life
as lovers often do;
But I could have told you
Vincent
this world was never
meant for one
as beautiful as you.

Starry
starry night
portraits hung in empty halls

frameless heads on nameless walls
with eyes
that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the stranger that you've met

the ragged men in ragged clothes

the silver thorn of bloddy rose
lie crushed and broken
on the virgin snow.
And now I think I know what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity

how you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
they're not
list'ning still
perhaps they never will.

Listen to Don McLean's Vincent

Listen to Josh Groban's Vincent

Listen to Lobo's How can I tell her

Listen to Lobo's Me and You and a dog name Boo

Listen to Bobby Vinton's Sealed with a Kiss

Listen to Anne Murray 's I Just Fall in Love Again

Listen to Maureen McGovern's Torn Between two Lovers

Listen to Roberta Flack's The First Time I ever saw your face

Listen to Carpenter's Yesterday Once More

Listen to Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond You Never bring me Flowers

Lyrics If you go away Shirley Basey

If you go away, on this summer day Then you might as well take the sun away All the birds that flew in the summer sky When our love was new and our hearts were high When the day was young and the night was long And the moon stood still for the night birds' song If you go away, if you go away, if you go away But if you stay, I'll make you a day Like no day has been or will be again We'll sail the sun, we'll ride on the rain We'll talk to the trees and worship the wind Then if you go, I'll understand Leave me just enough love to hold in my hand If you go away, if you go away, if you go away If you go away, as I know you will You must tell the world to stop turning till You return again, if you ever do For what good is love without loving you Can I tell you now as you turn to go I'll be dying slowly till the next hello If you go away, if you go away, if you go away But if you stay I'll make you a night Like no night has been or will be again I'll sail on your smile, I'll ride on your touch I'll talk to your eyes that I love so much But if you go I won't cry Though the good is gone from the word goodbye If you go away, if you go away, if you go away If you go away as I know you must There'll be nothing left in the world to trust Just an empty room full of empty space Like the empty look I see on your face I'd have been the shadow of your dog If I thought you might have kept me by your side If you go away, if you go away, if you go away

Lyrics of Randy Crawford's Almaz

Randy Crawford Almaz Lyrics
She only smiles
He only tells her that she's the flowers of wind and spring
In all her splendor sweetly surrendering
The love that innocence bring

** Almaz, pure and simple
Born in a world where love survives
Now men will want her'
Cause life don't haunt her
Almaz, You lucky lucky thing
Now I watch closely
And I watch wholly
I can't imagine love so rare
She's young and tender
But will life bend herI look around if she everything

** repeat

He throws her kisses
She shares his wishes
I'm sure he's king without a doubt
With love so captive
So solely captive
I ask if I could play the part

** repeat

Almaz, You lucky lucky thingAlmaz, You lucky lucky thing

Listen Randy Crawford's Almaz

Listen to Shirley Bassey's If you go away

Listen to Nina Simone - Ne Me Quitte Pas

Fatuhul's Wedding

This afternoon, Mady, Wa-e and I went to Fahme's house to attend his nephew wedding;Fatuhul's Wedding. The Malay marriage is a regal affair. The bride and groom are treated as king and queen for a day. There were many guest, and we were already late by almost 1 hour. While waiting for an empty table, we just talk under a guava "jambu air" tree; while drinking the drinks that Fahme has brought for us. Finally we got a table, with the help of Fahme's nieces, we ate the 'kenduri" cuisine and the food was delicious. The feast is often a noisy, lively and informal affair. This is further enhanced by the colourful costumes worn by the guests themselves. A Malay band groupwas hired to add to the gay atmosphere and Fahme said it cost RM500. Usually the arrival of the groom is heralded by a family troupe. When we arrive, we already missed the beat of the kompang (hand drums) and sing Quranic verses and good wishes. I also missed the flanking of the bunga manggar (palm blossoms) carriers. Yeah, talking about the food, it is a fusion of old and new recipe with 'ulam' and beef curry. The fried chicken is really crispy and tender on the inside. The night before, we had "Gear Box" kenduri after a "Tahlil" and "berdoa" ceremony. The food were also good then.
Anyway, we had a nice chat with Mizi's friend which also PLU. We talked about Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samoi. He is very friendly and he is attached to MAS
and goes to work by ERL.
We also talked about Amazing Thailand and the services it offers.
I was waiting anxiously to meet Ismail or 'Mami' and Jackie. But both cannot turn-up today due to personal matters.
We also tooked a picture with the Bride and Bridegroom. When the picture is fully downloaded from Fahme's digital camera, I will placed it here for viewing.

300 the Movie

Mady, Wa-e and I went to watch 300 at TGV Mines Wonderland. I under-estimated the movie actually. I know that I will not enjoy it and it was all a mistake. The boys have been urging me day by day  to accompany them but I finally have said yes.
 So there I was. But after seeing the movies, I changed my mind a bit. 300 is based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, and is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale. I cried and cant hold back the tears almost the end of the movie. 

Flowers of Fraser's Hill

These are the flowers that I had recorded when I was upthere in Fraser's Hill. There were everywhere. Every corner there were gardens and beds of flowers.It was a heavenly sight. Feels cosy and relax.

Mukhsin

I got a feeling when I watch Mukhsin, it will trigger lots of childhood memories inside of me. I was brought up 44 years ago at a English Government Quarters in Johor Bharu. My father was a Medical Assisstant first for the British Government, then to Sultanah Aminah Hospital. Our semi-detached house was on top of a hill not far from the Mahmoodiah Cemetery. Also quite nearby to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital Mortuary. Sounds creepy isn't it. But to us, it is business as usual.
I think I am going to watch Mokhsin just to spark old memories that have just rekindle back to life. I think I am getting old.

EIC still close to the heart

Everytime I go shopping, it will cross my mind even for a split second. I want to have a look or to drop by at EIC counter. So that's what I did a few weekends ago. I drop by at Metrojaya Bukit Bintang. But the Summer Collection has not arrive yet. Most probably in April. Managed to get a photo.

Ning Baizura : A Photo Tribute

No words can express my admiration towards this girl.

I wrote this to Fairy MyIndo.com in her Guestbook

I remember writing to Fairy from MyIndo.com before my visit to Solo and Jogjakarta. After spending about 8 days there, I have to say I have fallen in love with the place. Lots of things to do, to eat and to learn and to experience.

ZAINUDIN JOHARI
I enjoyed what you have written in 2 articles, about the train Ride to Jogja and savouring the sights of jalan Malioboro.
Very interesting and would be helpful to me too. I would be going to Solo and the Jogja in September 2006.
A friend who is visiting from Portsmouth England will be joing me too. We are looking forward to visit Gunung Merapi although it is about to erupt. Better now rather than in September.
Bye.

8-May-2006, 17:53 MYT

Ken my Adorable "manja" Cat

I have a 3 years old Norwegian Cat I named Ken. He is very "manja" and obedient. He is also smart as if he understood me well. He likes to lie down at high places. He will look down at his subjects when he feels like it. He only likes dry cat food and He love to be hug and stroke at.

At Office

This is considered my second home where I spent half of my living life doing. That is my office.
Working life celebrated in photographs.

Restoran Kembangan

We (Mady, Wa-e and I) tried a restaurant called "Restoran Kembangan" located on the way to Taman Seri Serdang, not far from the roundabout at Pasar Malam Serdang and actually is just opposite of Balai Bomba Seri Kembangan.
The ambience is cosy because of the lighting. The mood is sought of relaxing kind of way. The price is fair and the food is good and tasty. The only set back, the serving time is late. Maybe because there are so many patrons that night.

But we one to come again and try other dishes in the menu. By the way, the boys gave me a treat. The bill was on them. Thanks boys.

Mady's Pride

This is the toy that he takes care for every single day. He takes for a ride only on weekends coz he is working in the day. But he tries to keep it maintained.

Rudy and Ken Sleeping Beauty

Ken and Rudy sleeping on the cushion. Although the TV is on and the volume is high, these two romeos sleep soundly over the afternoon hot humid day.

I remember when Adik was sick

I remember when Adik was sick, all of us was sad and felt guilty. We should have known better. We could have done something for her and many more excuses to ease ourselves for the unbearable guilt within us. I had and evening class so I went back late. I arrived at the Serdang Commuter station almost 10pm. Mady was already waiting for me when I arrived and all of us, Mady, Wa-e and I went for dinner. When we came home it was almost midnight. There is when we saw Adik was lying helplessly. I thought she had died because I saw white saliva comg down the side of her tiny mouth. I remember I was shouting hyterically to the boys. The rushed into the kitchen and I was holding Adik in my arms.
The first thing I did was to put some water in her mouth. There was a slight meow and I remember I have 100 Plus in the fridge. I also remember, when I was down with dengue, I jug dowm as much 100 plus I could to give me energy. This time Adik needs all the energy she could get. She sleeps the whole night, and in the morning her condition improved. She now can get up and stand on her feet.
The nightmare is over.

Low got himself neutered

We discussed and deliberated about this matter. To neuter or not to neuter. We weighted the pros and cons. For those who are ignorant about this term neutering actually means the surgical removal of the reproductive organs of a pet. This includes the ovaries and uterus in the female (spaying) or the testicles in the male (castration, neutering).

The advantages recommended by Champaign County Humane Society are :

The advantages?

• Prevents messy spotting of blood in female dogs and urine spraying in female cats during heat periods
• Prevents females from attracting groups of male strays while in heat
• Decreases the male's urge to spray urine to mark territory and to fight over females in heat
• Decreases embarrassing inappropriate mounting behavior in male pets.
• Reduces or eliminates intermale fighting, irritable aggression of females in heat, and dominance aggression. Neutering does not affect guarding behavior.
• Reduces tendency to roam or try to escape, thus reducing your pet's chances of becoming lost or injured.
• Spayed females are not susceptible to life- threatening reproductive tract tumors, infection of the uterus, and complications from pregnancy.
• The incidence of breast tumors (which occur in over half of unspayed female dogs) is less than 1% in dogs spayed prior to the first heat.
• Prevents enlarged prostate (occurs in 60% of older dogs); prostate tumors and infections; and perineal hernias and tumors in males.
• Saves you money on veterinary care, since your pet is likely to remain healthier, and you won't bear the expense of medical care for your pet and her litter should she become pregnant.

Lastly, we decided we should neuter Low. A picture of Low when he is still under sedative

Nyet nyet from Nordin's Cafe

This is Nyet nyet. She is about 3-4 years old female cats. She always there where possible, when we ( Madi, Wa-e or even Fahme and Imogen ) stop and have a meal at Nordin's. Having a meal here is really at your own's risk. The food is terrible but the surrounding is nice and happening. The one reason I like to come here is to see Nyet nyet. I make a point to bring some food from home but if there isn't any, I would treat her with fried "ikan kembung" and rice. She love it.

My intention is to bring her home one day and give her a bath.

Every time you go to Nordin's try to have a look out for Nyet nyet. Or just try to call her "Nyet nyet"!

She will be coming running to you.

Found Murtabak Singapore!

Really! It's almost the real thing. I found it in Bandar Baru Bangi not far from the Shell Petrol Station. I found it as I was wandering aimlessly on the Saturday Pasar Malam. The Menu is such that it has 2 versions. One is 2- ply RM6.00 and the other is 3-ply and it cost RM13.00. I tried the 2 ply and it taste 90% to the real thing that you got in Ophir Street in Singapore. ( which I was so dissapointed as I already in Ophir Street but the restaurant was under renovation when I got there)
I did not managed to get a photo, but I will visiting them this Friday/Saturday.

Waffle With Ice creams and Chocolate Sauce

As we were tired of exploring all day in Fraser's Hill, we stopped at a deli called the Mini Strawberry Cafe and we had this beautiful waffle with ice cream and thick chocolate sauce.

Wa-e took up modelling for GQ Mag!

Wa-e took up modelling for fame and fortune. The lane to success start from hard work and determination. He best pose ever!

Boating at Allens Waters

We , Fahme, Wa-e, Madi and I , enjoyed ourselves paddling accross the lake at Allens Waters. The surrounding is cooling and comfortable. We paddle at ease almost to the other end of the lake. It cost RM4.00 per ride.

Madi took up Archery

Madi took up Archery at Fraser's Hill and it took all of us by surprised when he got a bull's eye.
But only once.

My Lovely cat named Dot

My cat Dot has a white dot at the end of his tail. That's how he got his name. He is almost 2 years old. He has grey and white fur and also have a set of nice teeth. He is the favourite one and the only one allowed to be with us during dinner and always sleeps with me on my bed.
He is intelligent and cuddly.
Love you forever.

Fahme My Best and Dearest Friend

We have been friends since 1983. How long has that been? 24 years? We have been through lots of Ups and Thousands of Downs. We survived friendship tribulations, frustrations and family crisis. There were one time when I broke-off my engagement in Johor Bharu, Fahmee was there with me every step of the way. We also go travelling together to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and we are planning to visit Macao this August and Hong Kong too. We also visited local holiday destination such as Penang and we stayed in this hotel called Hotel 1926 at Burmah Road. We were there for several days and we enjoyed the food, people, sightseeing and also the culture. We also went to this place called Tanjong Bidara in Melaka. It was located near the sea and there were always beach boys that befriended us. We stayed in a wooden Chalet just by the sea. We love going shopping together and he love buying branded stuffs such as Espirit, East India Company and Guess. Fahme love to read and watch tv and also a walking dictionary. He loves to "Sejarah" all the men he meets. I used to joke with her about "Rumah Terbakar" a hillarious incident that she and I shared until this very moment. I just want to say I love you.

My Lovable Gangster named LOW

He is not sweet and he doesn't smile. He is not cuddly neither will he purr at you. He is very serious and not friendly. He like to stare at you straight in the eye. He is the gangster of Taman Muhibbah. His name is LOW. But I still love him so much. I will have to get him neutered because he likes to fight with another cat named Dominant. He will get cut and bruises on his face. But he never call it quits and he is never afraid. He rules. I likes to kiss him but he hates it. He always wants to get away from my hugs and kissess.