Day 1 - Trans Studio Amusement Park

Trans Studio

We visited the much talked about Bandung new indoor amusement park just to find out what it was all about. Obviously most of the games were more suitable for younger children. However, the boys seemed to be enjoying themselves! 

Experiencing the speed

 They had a great time experiencing the speed in this Yamaha Racing Coaster! I had to sit by the side with Mother, obviously! ha ha

Smiling Mother

 Though a bit tired, Mother still managed to wear that sweet smile of hers. I noticed she managed to make conversations with some ladies sitting near her! That's so Mother! 

Great musical performance!

We enjoyed the musical, a warrior story, very easy to follow story. And the costumes were fantastic.

Enjoying the performance

 Three entertained audience! And a nice dinner after this performance!

Day 1 - Taman Wisata Alam- Gunung Tangkuban Parahu, Bandung, West Java

Day 1 - 22nd February, 2012
Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Tangkuban Parahu, Bandung, West Java

Ready to visit the crater!

We had very simple breakfast, normal Indonesian style. Rice porridge served with hot spicy soup, bread and coffee and tea and some colored drinks! Alas, we were thankful and ready to carpe diem (seize the day)!

Jubilant Mother 

Mother looked fine and was looking forward to doing  today's itinerary. I was so relieved to see her smiling!  

We were here!

 It felt great to witness this natural phenomena with our own eyes! And to observe how the people here earn their living by persevering the odds and chasing after the tourists to sell their products, was just awesome but suffocating at the same time!

The crater is still alive!

 The straight line at the mountain top was said to be the bottom of the rowing boat kicked so hard by the jilted lover who was so frustrated to find out that the woman whom he loved was in fact his own mother! So tragic! :-(~ 

Ashraf -  the ever thoughtful boy!

It was a breath taking view and refreshing experience to have been here!  

Jakarta-Bandung 21st-25th February, 2012. The welcoming dinner

Arrived at Bandung. Ready for dinner!

Nasi Padang for dinner.
So much food for 3 hungry people!

Amaris Hotel, Cimanuk (Si Burung/The Bird)
Bandung

After a hefty dinner, we checked in at Amaris Hotel at Cimanuk, Bandung. A cosy hotel just nice for us. Mother seemed tired from the journey, but jubilant. She decided to retire early. Whilst she is asleep, we took opportunity to roam the town!

What we did last Raya!

Naj, Queen Mother and Ashraf

 It was time to celebrate togetherness. After a month of fasting and crazy baking, its time to celebrate the victory with such warmth and forgiveness and food and more food!

Nan and Yours Truly

And we did some last minute shopping for these outfits. And we just love the shade of red. Selamat Hari Raya!

Naj and Ashraf

 Breaking fast together. How time flies. Used to frequent this place for breaking of fast when they were younger. And this place still bring such fun to break fast at!

Trying her hands at making the lemang

 And the fun continued the next day when it was nearing the Hari Raya. We made lemang (glutinous rice with coconut milk and a pinch of salt cooked in bamboo) to be eaten with chicken rendang  - for everyone in the family!

And more breaking fast occasions after that. Its nice to be able to breakfast with everyone in the family.

Breaking fast with Yours Truly

We are looking forward to more fun activities next Ramadhan/Syawal!

Note the small light on the table. Its interesting how they used a piece of the inside of a banana trunk and a small candle to make that nice romantic shade! Love that idea!  

Celebrating her 44th birthday

Ole-Ole Bali

This restaurant was impressive. The place was discovered by my son, Najmuddin. And the food was simply delicious. Serving portion was humongous that you must share each food item with at least 3 persons!

The other half and Yours Truly

So I am  now 44. I am ever so grateful with all these blessings: happy family, good health and having people whom I love around me. Thank you all for being here sharing my happy moments. Love you all.

Ikin and her elder sister, Batrisyah

Nice ambiance out side seats

Group photo after the dinner

Najmuddin and I

Melbourne 20th - 25th May, 2012

At the Shrine of Remembrance

We had a great time! Weather was so unpredictable though. But the people were friendly to a certain extent!

 With Alaine - at the Great Ocean Road

If ever I come back to here, I would do this Great Ocean Road on my first day! The journey took the whole day! And we were bushed out when we reached our hotel! Over all, the views were spectacular! But it suddenly rained with wind and it became so chilly!   

Kota Kinabalu 28th - 30th March

L-R: Ichah, Amirul, Ikin, Jumee, Ramli, Ashraf, Mother and Yours Truly
Bottom: Luqman Lais a.k.a. Pak Abu

The weather was so hot and sunny when we reached this famous landmark building in Kota Kinabalu. The little boy however found it no hindrance to do his antiques! Mother seemed happy to be able to set her 79 year old feet on this Land Beneath the Winds! Happy 79th birthday, Mother!

At the Kinabalu mountain feet - nice cooling weather

Ichah and Yours Truly

 Had we worn proper gear, we wouldn't hesitate to climb that 230m to catch the mountain view!

Husband and Yours Truly

 Thank you dear for being here! It was such a beautiful day to be shared in such closeness! ha ha