Our Indian Holiday...

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing..." - Helen Keller

(The majestic Taj Mahal)

A love story

An eternal love story,
so magical
Against the blue sky,
white marble sparkles

The reflecting pool,
so mesmerizing
A symbol of love,
forever endearing…

musmun
(Taj Mahal, 31 Dec 2008)

👈 2009: Brisbane, Australia

2008: New Delhi, India 👉

India 2009: 04 Delhi - The Capital City...

"Look at life through the windshield, not the rear view mirror..." - Byrd Baggett

Because of the massive traffic jam we decided not to stop at old Delhi and missed visiting the Red Fort, built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Jame’ Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India and Qutab Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199. We had time to stop for a while at India Gate or War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House and Government Secretariat Buildings and later spent sometime at Gandhi Smriti.

(A painting of the India soldiers)

The India Gate

The India Gate is one of the largest war memorials in India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, India Gate is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the members of the erstwhile British Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the Indian Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars.

(The India gate)

Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

The Parliament House

To the northwest of Vijay Chowk, this huge circular, colonnaded building comprises three semicircular chambers for the Legislatures and a Central Library crowned by a 27.4 m high dome. It is 173 m in diameter and covers 2.02 hectares in area, with colonnaded verandahs enclosing the entire circumference.

(The Parliament House)

The Gandhi Smriti

Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian Nation, was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic, Nathuram Godse, on 30 January 1948 on the premises of the Birla House as he was coming out into the lawn for a prayer meeting.

(Mahatma gandhi and wife)

The building was turned into a national museum after his death and people from all over the country visit to pay their respects.

(Ghandi's handwriting)

👈 2008: Taj Mahal, India

2008: Agra, India 👉

India 2008: 03 Agra - The city of the Taj...

"You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut..." - Dr Seuss

After breakfast we drove towards Agra , the city of Taj Mahal via Fatehpur Sikri. The distance of about 235 km was covered in about 5 hours.

(A long way to go)

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. The principal buildings of the imperial palace complex, clustered on a series of terraces along the sandstone ridge, formed the core of Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's city. The royal complex contains the private and public spaces of Akbar's court, which included the harem and treasury.

(The Roya complex of Fatehpur Sikri)

The adjoining sacred complex with the Jame’ Masjid, Salim Chisti's tomb and the Buland Darwaza are separated from the royal quarters by the Badshahi Darwaza, an exclusive royal gateway. Stylistically, it marked the absorption of Gujrat into the Mughal empire and reveals a successful synthesis of pre-Islamic, Hindu and Jain architecture with elegant domes and arches of Islamic building.

(Domes and arches of the building)

(The Mughal palaces)

Taj Mahal

The world famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1630 in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world, is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy.

(The majestic Taj Mahal)

The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high are crowned by an open octagonal pavilion, highlighting the perfect symmetry of the tomb. The filigree screen, meant to veil the area around the royal tomb, was carved out of single block of marble. Mumtaz Mahal's cenotaph, raised on a platform is next to Shah Jahan's. The actual graves are in a dark crypt below and closed to visitors.

The Mughals believed that flowers were the symbols of the divine realm, thus in the Taj pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patterns that complement the majesty of its architecture. Inlaid calligraphy in black marble was used as a form of ornamentation on undecorated surfaces, with the size of the Quranic verses increasing as the arch gets higher, creating the subtle optical illusion of an uniformly flowing script.

(Another beautiful palace)

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a massive structure on the bank of Yamuna River. The entrance is from the south through the impressive Amar Singh gate. To its right is the so-called Jahangiri Mahal, the only major palace in the fort that dates back to Akbar's reign. This complex arrangement of halls, courtyards and galleries was Zenana or the main harem.

(The Agra Fort)

Along the river front are the Khas Mahal an elegant marble hall with a vividly painted ceiling, characteristic of Shah Jahan's style of architecture and two garden pavilions with bangaldar roofs. The Sheesh Mahal and the royal baths are to the northeast, near the gloriously inlaid Musamman Burj, a double storied octagonal tower with clear views of the Taj, where Shah Jahan was said to be imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.

👈 2008: New Delhi, India

2008: Jaipur, India 👉

India 2008: 02 Jaipur - The Pink City...

"If you are bored with life, if you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things - you don't have enough goals..." - Lou Holtz

(29 – 30 December 2008)

(Decorative marble walls)

We passed 6 checkpoints before we boarded the delayed flight from Srinagar to Delhi. Due to bad weather, the flight passed Jammu without stopping. Our driver Santosh waited 4 hours for us at the airport. We had dinner then started our 265 km journey to Jaipur braving the dense fog and icy night. Along the way we met with 2 accidents. We arrived safely way after midnight at Maharani Hotel in Jaipur.

(A painting of a dancer)

Jaipur also popularly known as Pink City is where modernity and tradition exist side by side. The walled pink city, vibrant with colours, houses the City Palace, an astronomical observatory and a bustling bazaar where artisans displayed colorful puppets, silver jewellery, bangles and other handicrafts in their shops.

(Light snacks by the road side)

The Palace quarter encloses a sprawling palace complex of Hawa Mahal, or palace of winds, formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. Another noteworthy building is Sawai Jai Singh's observatory, Jantar Mantar.

Amber Fort

(Blending Hindu and Muslim Mughal architecture)

Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim Mughal elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan.

(Modern Art Museum)

Amber Fort is a well preserved 16th century built on 4 levels surrounded by ruins. We had a choice to either drive up by car or ascend on elephant back.

(Elephant ride in the fort)

The Fort is the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Among the many splendours of the fort, we visited the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali.

Maharaja City Palace

(The pink Hawa Mahal)

The focal point of the city of Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a five storey high Baroque- like structure built to enable the veiled ladies of the harem to observe the street scenes below and remain unnoticed. The side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 small windows, and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in hot months.

(Circular arrangement of guns)

The City Palace, a wonderful combination of Mughal and Rajput forms of architecture, is now partly a museum housing miniature paintings, manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weapons, giving invaluable insight into Jaipur's royal past.

(Colourful Indian puppets)

Jantar Mantar

It is the 18th century astronomical observatory with several incredible sundials and sun clocks. Some of the instruments at the observatory are still used today to forecast the weather and the turns of nature.

Jal Mahal

(Foggy day at the Water Palace)

The Rajput style 'Water Palace' sits in the center of the Mansagar lake. The lake is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths.

👈 2008: Agra, India

2008: Kashmir 👉

Kashmir 2008 - Paradise on Earth...

"Sometimes it takes sadness to know happiness, noise to appreciate silence and absence to value presence..."

Kashmir Trip
(26 – 29 December 2008)

(A painting on the wall)

The economic down turn had severely damaged the tourism sector, the catastrophic Mumbai incident made matters worst. Since the Mumbai attacks, several countries have cautioned their nationals against visiting India, while others have asked to review holiday plans. There were no guarantees against repeat attacks. But this had not dampened our enthusiasm to visit India and Kashmir…

When we arrived at Indira Ghandi International Airport in Delhi we were met and assured by our ground tour agent that our security is their utmost concern, especially at tourist attractions in Jaipur, Agra and Delhi and we were also informed of the current plight for independence and the unstable political condition in Kashmir.

Cradled in the lap of majestic Himalayas, Kashmir is the most beautiful place on earth. One of the Mughal emperors, is said to have exclaimed: If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here...

(A lone shikara on Dhal Lake)

The Khyber Boathouse

The flight transited in Jammu and reached Srinagar an hour late. After thorough checks at many check points, we were met upon arrival by Farouk and Gulam, our personal guide and driver. In Srinagar we experienced the best 3-night stay, on one of the houseboats on the vibrant lively Dal Lake situated at the edge of the city. The transportation used on the lake was the shikara.

(A neat row of the boat houses)

The Dal Lake sustains within its periphery a community so unique that it has a complete infrastructure that one can find almost anything from doctors, tailors, bakers, sundry shops on tiny floating wooden houses, surrounded by vegetable and lotus gardens. The Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty and tranquility from night to dawn but also its vibrancy bustling with activities during the day.

The boathouse stay was a unique experience for us. The serenity of the lake, with its beautiful sunset, a picturesque scene we often see only on postcards.

(A typical water street)

The 3-room boathouse is equipped with heater and warm water bed at night. With Abdul, our personal butler and a cook to attend to all our needs, we were treated like a Maharaja and Maharani.

Mughal Gardens

We visited 2 Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan, brother in law of Jehangir in the 16th Century and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) built by Jehangir for his wife Noor Jehan. The gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background.

(A beautiful winter garden)

The gardens comprise of terraces, containing canals supplied with water from the river from the mountain. The top garden, unseen from below, was reserved for the ladies of the court. The garden is considered to be very beautiful during autumn and spring due to the color change in leaves and the blooming of flowers.

(The garden at dusk)

Sonamarg - Meadow of Gold

Sonamarg is a tourist resort situated at a distance of 84 km from Srinagar. Our trip passed through the scenic town of Ganderbal, Kangan and Gund of the Sindh Valley. At Ganderbal beyond the Mular Lake is the point where the icy Sindh River leaves the mountains and enters the plains. 'Spectacular views of the Harmukh range dominate the horizon all along the route. Sonamarg is at an altitude of 2730 m, with a backdrop of snowy mountains against the blue sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout.

(A long ride on ponies)

We hired ponies for the trip up the mountain which can lead to Thajiwas glacier. This place is a major local attraction during the summer months. During winter there are less people crowding the resort.

(A river full of ice)

Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. It is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. But during this time of the year, the pass was closed for a few months because of heavy snow.

Gulmarg – Meadow of Flowers

Gulmarg is at 2650 m above sea level. The distance of 65 km was covered in 2 hours. The view enroute from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is fascinating. It has one of the best ski slopes and claimed to be the highest golf course of the world with 18 holes. Gulmarg also prides itself as one of the highest lift-served ski resorts in the world with a Gondola Cable Car Lift to Apharwat top. The first section of the Gondola, from Gulmarg to Kongdori gives a downhill ski run of about 3 km.

(Scattered mountain resorts)

After the cable car ride we tried the not-so-smooth sledge ride which caused my injured back to ache again. We had a hearty, hot lunch at the Pines Resort Hotel at the top of the mountain.'The Mosque of Hazratbal' Reminiscent of the Mughal rule is the mosque of Hazratbal, made of white marble with a dome and a minaret. Hazratbal Mosque is the repository of a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public on certain days of the year. When we visited the mosque, only the men were allowed in. After reciting the ayat kursi I stayed outside and watched the kids feeding a flock of pigeons.

👈 2008: Jaipur, India

2008: Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE 👉

UAE 2008: Dubai - A family holiday...

"For everything you have lost, you have gained something else..."

(22 - 24 July 2008)

'

(A holiday after our Umrah trip)

(Burj Dubai in the background)

(The Arabian porcelain dolls)

(Souvenir shopping)

👈 2008: Kashmir

2008: Madinah/Makkah, Saudi Arabia 👉

2008 9th Umrah: Makkah/Madinah

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent..." - Eleanor Roosevelt

9th Umrah Trip

(11 - 21 July 2008)

Hotel Jawharat al Fayroz, Madinah
Hotel Nauf Golden Palace, Makkah

(Bukit Magnet in Madinah)

(All in the family)

(In front of the Kaabah)

(The Kaabah between Magrib and Isya' prayers)

Juara Travel
Ustaz Johari - Mutawif

👈 2008: Dubai, UAE

2008: Jogjakarta/Solo, Indonesia 👉

Indonesia 2008: Jogjakarta - Traditional arts and cultural heritage...

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him..." - James D Miles

Jogjakarta & Solo Trip

(28 May - 1 June 2008)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Jogja Nusa Travel

We booked a cab for 3.30 a.m. from our apartment to KL Central where we took the bus to LCCT. Group checked-in was smooth and the agent, Nazran will accompany us in this trip. When we arrived at Adisumarmo Airport, Solo we were met by Pak Kiki, the tour guide and boarded the tour bus to Jogyakarta. On the way the bus stalled and we had to wait almost an hour for another bus to rescue us.
'

(A couple of traditional dancers)

After we checked in the Mutiara Hotel, the rest went out shopping along the Malioboro street packed with rows of sidewalk vendors. This is the primary shopping street for tourists in the city. He and I took a nap till it was time to ride the ‘andong’ to the Royal Restaurant for a buffet dinner.After dinner we made appointment with the spa for a relaxing traditional massage.'

Thursday, May 29, 2008
Shopping Excursion

We started the day by visiting the Kraton, the Sultan Palace situated in the centre of Jogjakarta and Taman Sari, the water garden which is no longer used by the sultan and had been largely abandoned. We passed along the bird market and visited Kota Gede for silverware and souvenirs at Kampung Kasongan. Lunch was at a local restaurant with a nice view of the padi fields.

We spent the hot and windy afternoon at Parangtritis Beach and later went to Kampung Manding to look for leather goods. Dinner was at a local nasi padang restaurant. The night was spent walking along Malioboro streets and window shopping in the Matahari Mall.. .'

Friday, May 30, 2008
Lava Borobodur Tour

After breakfast, we boarded the bus to Kampung Kaliedem for a beautiful panoramic view of the Gunung Merapi. It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. Its name means Mountain of Fire and smoke can be seen emerging from the mountain top at least 300 days a year. Several eruptions have caused fatalities and the most recent eruption occurred in 2006, shortly before the Jogjakarta earthquake.
'

(The still active Gunung Merapi)

.'
In kampong Turi, we stopped at the salak market to buy snake-skin fruits. We continued our journey to Magelang Province and visited the famous Borobudur temple complex, which is one of the greatest monuments in the world and listed as UNESCO heritage site. This Buddist temple was built in the 8th Century with 55,000 sq meters of lava rocks erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.'

We also passed the Pawon and Mendut temples situated in the vicinity of Borobudur. We noticed that the three temples are lined in one straight line position. We stopped at the batik factory and bought some materials. Tonight we had teppanyaki dinner at the Mall. Back in the hotel we enjoyed another round of light traditional massage.

(The Hindu Temple of Borobudur)

Saturday, May 31, 2008
Surakarta Massage

Early morning, we checked out of the hotel and headed to Solo. We circled the famous university of Gadjah Madha, the oldest university in Indonesia. We then passed the Prambanan temple complex, another one of UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.We had more shopping at the Busana Muslim and local shops selling local delicacies.After we checked in the Hotel Riyadi Palace, we rode in a trishaw to Solo Mall for more shopping. After dinner, we had a therapeutic body massage and slept like a log.'.

Sunday, June 01, 2008
Goodbye Solo

After breakfast , some of us visited Mangkunegaran Palace while the rest stayed in the hotel to rest. For those who still have some Rupiah to spend, went to Pasar Klewer or pasar groser for more shopping. After checking out, we went for a nasi padang lunch at the famous Wong Solo Restaurant. Before going to the airport, we stopped at the antique market for last minute shopping and along the way, had a glimpse of the Bengawan Solo river, the longest river on the island of Java.Our lugage need to be transported separately in a van. All in all, the group recorded 57 kg excess bagage, which they had to settle at RM15/kg.

👈 2008: Madinah/Makkah, Saudi Arabia

2008: Hearts of Athens 👉

Greece 2008: Hearts of Athens - The Greek Getaway...

"Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most..."

(14 - 17 March 2008)

(The hearts in town)

While on the Athens City Tour, we had the opportunity to snap some pictures of heart sculptures found all over Athens. The Hearts of Athens is a new Public Art Event, inaugurated in Athens in 2008.

Heart sculptures in various shapes and sizes were sponsored by the business community. They were painted, sculptured or artfully transformed by painters, sculptors, graffiti artists, designers and other aspiring creators and were exhibit in the busy parts of the city.

Two hearts are beating, strong and true

The sound grows louder, waiting is through
Two hearts are beating, within one another
Searching is over, they have found that lover
'Two hearts are beating, they grow and grow
Together forever, never wanting to go
Two hearts are beating, as the sun goes down
A love true, a love strong, both are bound

👈 2008: Jogjakarta/Solo, Indonesia

2008: Athens City Tour 👉