Turkey 1996: Istanbul - Byzanthium and Constantinople Empire....

"Do not regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many..."

Istanbul, Turkey

(10 - 13 December, 1996)

This year we had the opportunity to combine our family umrah trip with a short winter holiday in Istanbul. We joined a large group with Tabung Haji Travels. The Istanbul tour was after the visits to the holy lands of Madinah and Makkah.

Istanbul, historically Byzantium and later Constantinople is Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. The city covers 25 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country.

(Taksim Square with hubby)

The itinerary started with the Bosphorus Cruise, a must-see tour for visitors because it is a wonderful opportunity to observe both sides of Istanbul. The ferry is a traditional one, which has seats inside and outside the interior. Along the journey you’ll see the beautiful houses along the European Side, then moves to the Asian Side. We had a hefty lunch on the cruise and it was part of the package. There are nice restaurants along the Bosphorus and one can enjoy lunch or dinner of fresh fish, fresh vegetables, fruits and raki, a traditional Turkish drink.

(Getting ready for a full day trip)

(The three children fooling around)

(Sara and the bread vendor at the Ferry Terminal)

(The lower deck is warmer

(Enjoying the scenery from the upper deck)

(Iwan and Ja bracing the cool breeze on upper deck)

(The start of the tour along the Bosphorus River)

(Sara and Ja fully zipped-up, keeping warm)

(A private section for the Malaysian tourists)

(Finishing the entré with a gulp of water) 

(A spacious restaurant on the ferry)

(Having our lunch on a boat cruise)

(After the cruise, ready for our next destination)

After the river cruise the entourage went to several shops to hunt for carpets, vintage hand-etched copper vases, glass chandeliers and other local crafts. Of course, leather shops are just about everywhere in this city, so it wasn’t long before we were drawn into a couple to check out the prices. There were a wide range of leather products, including jackets, bags, wallets, and shoes. We ended up buying a black leather jacket to replace my old one. We also bought dozens of pretty Turkish scarfs for souvenirs and a pair of hand crafted antique copper vases for our house.

(Waiting for our bus)

(Ja admiring the mannequins' dresses)

(Beautiful Turkish scarfs on display)

(At the copper tooling shop)

(Glittering chandeliers)

(Other hand-crafted glass souvenirs)

(At one of the leather outlets)

(Too many designs to choose from)

(Trying out our new leather jackets)

Our next visit was to Hagia Sophia, a former church, later a mosque, now a museum. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Medieval Seville Cathedral in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, and the religious focus point of the Orthodox Byzantine Empire for nearly 1000 years. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and Sultan Mehmed II ordered the building to be converted into a mosque. It remained as a mosque until 1935, when it was converted into a museum by the secular Republic of Turkey.

(Ablution area to perform our solat)

(A refreshing morning walk)

(Testing the hole in the pillar)

A short walking distance away, crossing the Sultan Ahmet Park we came to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque also well-known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has become one of the greatest tourist attractions of Istanbul.

(The Blue Mosque at the background)

(Ja and the Blue Mosque)

(Iwan, Sara and the blue mosque)

(A cool misty day)

(Exploring the interior of the Blue Mosque)

(Sara waiting by the road side)

(A long wait for the bus)

Next destination was Topkapi Palace, situated on the Seraglio Peninsula. The palace became a museum in 1924. The Harem, Baghdat Pavilion, Revan Pavilion, Sofa Pavilion, and the Audience Chamber distinguish themselves with their architectural assets, while other artifacts reflect palace life. Gülhane Park is located on the slopes below Topkapi Palace extending to the seashore, and is popular among Istanbul residents for picnicking and open-air concerts. In the park is the Gothic Column, known to have been one of the main obelisks of the Byzantines, and an as yet unclassified, and therefore unofficial, Byzantine ruin.

(A visit to the Museum)

(An evening at the Museum)

(Cultural heritage at the Museum)

Never to be missed was the Grand Bazaar, one of the the largest covered markets in the world. It is a real heaven for shoppers and a good opportunity for people to discover the Turkish hospitality. Things are cheap here, available at flea market prices. The bazaar is filled with diverse items you can find, almost anything is here. And you can haggle with the shopkeepers as most prices are very flexible.

(Shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar)

(The two boys, always fooling around)

(Walking along rows of shops)

(Buying some souvenirs)

On the last day, after a heavy breakfast the group checked out of the hotel early. As our flight was scheduled late at night, we had time to roam the streets of Istanbul for a last minute shopping.

Istanbul extends both on the European and on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.

(Packed and ready to check out)

(Waiting for the bus in front of the hotel)

(A picture at an iconic monument)

(A leisure walk with Sara)

(Ja chasing the pigeons)

(Iwan and Ja with their souvenirs)

(Chasing the tram)

(Taking a rest after a long walk)

(Tourists at the famous Istiklal Street)

(A historical monument, the Republic Monument)

(Pigeons were everywhere)

(Iwan and the tram at Taksim Square)

The ever-bustling Istiklal Avenue that runs from Taksim Square all the way to the landmark Galata Tower was quite pack with people. With million locals and foreign tourist that pass it every day can make it rather challenging to stroll leisurely. Although chains of modern shops and fast food joints are starting to edge out the more old-fashioned shops, there is still traces of old Istanbul here.

We boarded the bus to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and was nearly caught in the massive traffic jam. We arrived at the airport timely, ample time to check-in and performed our prayers before we boarded the flight home. Alhamdulillah...

(Finally, at the airport, with our hand-carry Zam-zam water)

(Istanbul Ataturk International Airport)

(Waiting for the final call)

(The end of a wonderful winter holidays)

👈 1997: Hong Kong

1996: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 👉

Saudi Arabia 1996: 3rd Umrah: Jeddah - The Firaun and the Red Sea...

"Participate in life instead of just watching it pass you by..."

(Sara at the Floating Mosque, Jeddah)

After our tawaf wida', we boarded the bus and headed to Jeddah. Our flight to Istanbul was scheduled late in the evening so we had ample time to visit the Ar-Rahmah Mosque, the floating mosque by the red sea.

Jeddah is on the Red Sea in western Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest city after Riyadh and a major commercial center in the country. Jeddah is also the main entry point, either by air or sea, for pilgrims making the Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two most sacred cities of Islam. Both are a few hours inland from Jeddah.

It also hosts the Jeddah Corniche, the waterfront area, which is the largest in the Kingdom with a great bunch of hotels, beaches and resorts clustered around it. To the north of the city there is a private row of beach resorts only for the rich and famous.

The historic Jeddah has been inscribed to the World Heritage list since 2014.

(With Hubby in Jeddah)

(Sara and me by the sea)

(The three children by the Red Sea)

(Sara, Iwan and Ja)

The Red Sea contains some of the world's hottest and saltiest seawater. With its connection to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, it is one of the most heavily traveled waterways in the world, carrying maritime traffic between Europe and Asia.

It is mentioned in the Quran about Prophet Moses leading the bani Israel to escape from the pursuit of Firaun and his army. By God's destiny, the Red Sea suddenly split in two and Moses and his followers were able to save themselves.

(Iwan by the Red Sea)

(Ja is exploring the beach)

It was late evening when we boarded the bus to King Abdul Aziz International Airport for our onward flight to Istanbul for a family holiday.

(Sara and Iwan on the bus to the airport)

(At the King Abdul Aziz International Airport)

👈1996: Istanbul, Turkey

1996: Madinah/Makkah, Saudi Arabia 👉

Saudi Arabia 1996: 3rd Umrah: Madinah and Makkah...

"If you can't be thankful for what you have, be thankful for what you've escaped..."

Madinah & Makkah, Saudi Arabia
(30 November - 10 December 1996)

(On the tour bus for ziarah)

(Heavy breakfast at the hotel cafe)

This was our third trip to the holy lands to perform our Umrah. We brought our three kids along. This time we joined a big group from Tabung Haji Travels and after our Umrah we will be spending a few days in Istanbul, Turkey.

(Sara, Iwan and Ja sharing a room)

(With my two boys on the bus)

(On an empty bus to Tannaim for Miqat)

(Our family daily routine for umrah)

(The two of us at Masjid Siti Aisyah)

(Miqat at Masjid Tannaim)

In Makkah we joined the group for two complimentary tours of Makkah and had the opportunity to visit historical places and attractions. While we were on the tours, we had the opportunity to miqat at Hudaibiah and Jaaranah. On other days, we took a double decker SAPTCO bus from the bus station located next to Hilton Hotel to Masjid Siti Aisyah in Tannaim and had our solat sunat ihram and niat our miqat there. 

(Sara at Jabal Rahmah on the way to Jaaranah)

Our lodging in Makkah was at Ajyad Hotel which was quite a distance away from Masjidil Haram. We will usually take the hotel shuttle to the mosque to perform Subuh prayers. After subuh, we will take the bus to Tanaim for miqat and completed our umrah before 9.00 am. The long uphill walk back to our hotel was via the main road, passing the Al-Safa Royal Palace.

(A cool afternoon at Masjidil Haram)

(Having tea and cakes after Asar prayers)

(Met some friends, while waiting for Maghrib prayers)

On the last day in Makkah, after performing our Tawaf Wida', we boarded the bus to Jeddah for our onward flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

(Ready with our luggage)

(Excited to spend their winter holidays in Istanbul)

👈 1996: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

1996: Cape Town, South Africa 👉

South Africa 1996: Cape Town - The Cape of Good Hope...

"Life has no limitations, except the ones you make..." - Les Brown

Cape Town, South Africa
(13 - 15 November 1996)

This year we celebrated my 41st Birthday in Cape Town.

Cape Town is about 1,400 km away so we took a direct flight from Johannesburg.

In Cape Town we visited a few attractions around town. The Cape Town city centre lies to the north of Table Mountain. The commercial centre, known as the City Bowl, takes in many of Cape Town's attractions. The Castle of Good Hope was built between 1666 and 1679 and is one of the oldest European structures in Southern Africa. The South African Museum is a good old-fashioned place, with cases and cases of stuffed animals and bloodthirsty dioramas of dinosaurs. Exhibitions of indigenous cultures include some startlingly lifelike displays of San communities. If you see only one museum in Cape Town make it the District Six Museum, a much simpler place dedicated to residents of this formerly vibrant community. 

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is to the north of the city centre. This area is pitched at tourists. It's atmospheric, interesting and packed with restaurants, bars, music venues, shops and a great aquarium. This area closes very late so head down anytime.

(A view point on Table Mountain)

The Table Mountain cableway is such an obvious and popular attraction. When it's clear, the views from the top are phenomenal and there are some excellent walks on the summit, especially in spring when the plants are flowering. The Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens on the eastern side of Table Mountain are among the most beautiful in the world and are devoted almost exclusively to indigenous plants. A trip to Robben Island comes highly recommended: The island was a political prison until majority rule, and its most famous inmate was Nelson Mandela.

(The confluence of two oceans)

(A windy weather at the tip of the cape)

Like all South African cities, Cape Town is ambivalent mixture of European and African. But when it comes to being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it is unequivocal. Even the transient visitor will appreciate this city, its mountains and the sea. Cape Town, South Africa's oldest settlement, is dominated by the kilometre high flat-topped Table Mountain and superb mountain walks, vineyards and beaches are all within easy reach. Despite an increase in street crime in recent years, Cape Town remains one of the most relaxed cities in Africa, which can instill a false sense of security.

With the assistance of a friend as a guide, we drove from Cape Town to Cape of Good Hope and spent a whole day there admiring the scenery and the view of the ocean. And we enjoyed a meal of Calamari Peri-peri in a chic restaurant perched on a cliff.

(At the waterfront, the night before the bombing)

(A beautiful night view)

👈 1996: Madinah/Makkah, Saudi Arabia

1996: Johannesburg, South Africa 👉

South Africa 1996: Johannesburg - The City of Gold...

"If we can see the positive sides of everything, you'll be able to live a much richer life than others..." - Celestine Chua

Johannesburg, South Africa

(10 - 13 November 1996)

Hubby was invited as a resource person for an International Seminar held in Kwa Maritane. I accompanied him throughout the trip and have the opportunity to do my own adventuring in the Safari Park. Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is a luxury accommodation in the Pilansberg offers all the amenities of an exclusive resort within the Pilanesberg National Park, an easy drive of 2 hours from Johannesburg or about 3 km from the airport.

We spent a few nights at the Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge where the rooms are spacious and all have magnificent views. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. It’s unusual rock structures, and types make it a unique geological feature. The crater of a long extinct volcano stands in the centre of the Pilanesberg National Park created by volcanic eruptions over 1400 million years ago. The lodge’s main restaurant overlooks the waterhole and the Rocky hill with its magnificent granite formations.

In our free time we visited attractions in Johannesburg and the Sun City. Later, we spent a few days in Cape Town and drove up to the Cape of Good Hope.

(On a Safari adventure tour)

Jo'burg or Johannesburg is by far the largest city in South Africa. It's brash, fast-growing and often ugly, but it's got wealth, energy and a beautiful climate. Many would suggest you go through Jo'burg as quickly as possible, with your valuables close to you. However, if you want to see the 'real' South Africa - and try to understand it - Jo'burg has to be on your itinerary.

(Our lodging for a few nights)

(Waiting for dinner)

While the colour lines are etched deeply, you stand a better chance of meeting blacks on relatively equal terms in Jo'burg than almost anywhere else. Unlike many South African cities where there are so few black faces you could forget that you are in Africa. Jo'burg has been reclaimed and the sidewalks are jammed with black hawkers and stalls of every description. There's also a growing multiracial music and theatre scene.

(Going for a night outing)

The so-called black townships, where conditions range from reasonable to appalling, ring the city and are a grotesque contrast to the northern suburbs. Soweto is the main township. It's an enormous, sprawling and sometimes grim spread of bungalows, houses, huts, shacks and dorms. Most white South Africans are completely ignorant of life inside the townships and few have ever been inside one. Although the townships are still in a state of acute social trauma, outsiders are not automatically targeted…

(A TV interview session)

~ OUR OWN PATHWAY ~

On the pathway that we choose to thread

There will be many wonderful sights & memories

Sometimes we will come across a barren bit

Thread on to pastures new & bright

To your own self always be true

Tread along the pathway meant for you

Always keep your head held high

Keep your eyes opened & learn as you go

(A night in the Sun City)

👈 1996: Cape Town, South Africa

👉 1995: London, UK

United Kingdom 1995: London, England - The London bridge & my fair lady....

"You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough..." - Joe E. Lewis

London, England

(4 - 10 April 1995)

London will always hold a special place in my heart. It was where I met my husband after embarking on a solo journey across the world - a trip that was both exciting and slightly intimidating for a lone traveller. Arriving at the bustling Heathrow Airport was overwhelming. I had no checked luggage, only a small backpack slung over my shoulders. Surrounded by streams of travellers moving confidently in every direction, I found myself momentarily lost, trying to get my bearings and simply following the crowd.

Then came the biggest surprise of the trip.

While queuing at immigration, I was singled out and escorted to a separate room for further inspection. My backpack and passport were thoroughly examined, and I was questioned for almost an hour. Apparently, arriving from overseas with only a small backpack raised some suspicion. Thankfully, I remained calm throughout the process and answered all their questions honestly. The officers seemed particularly reassured when I produced my return ticket.

The reason I was travelling so lightly was simple. My husband had arrived in London earlier to attend a seminar and had packed my clothes in his luggage. Our plan was to spend a few days exploring England together before flying home.

(The Tower Bridge)

After the airport episode was finally behind us, we made the most of our first day in London. We boarded one of the famous Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses and spent the day visiting some of the city's iconic landmarks, including Madame Tussauds, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. Seeing these famous attractions, which I had previously known only from books and television, was a surreal experience.

(A beautiful sunny day)

(A self tour of London)

The following day, we rented a car and drove to Reading, making a memorable stop at Windsor Castle along the way. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle has served as a royal residence and fortress for more than 900 years. Walking through its historic grounds gave us a fascinating glimpse into Britain's royal heritage. At the time, it was also known as one of the Queen's official residences, where she traditionally spent part of the Easter season.

(Visiting the Windsor Castle)

On our third day, we visited Bank Negara Malaysia's London Representative Office in Berkeley Square, where I had the opportunity to meet several former colleagues from the Investment Department. It was a pleasant reunion and a reminder of how small the world can sometimes feel. We visited the staff apartment and passed by the late Freddy Mercury's house.

(The famous iconic Big Ben)

(Visiting the Buckingham Palace)

(A photo with the Royal Guard)

Whenever we had free time, we wandered around the West End, soaking in the atmosphere of one of London's most vibrant districts. What impressed me most was the city's remarkable blend of history and modern culture. New landmarks such as Tate Modern, together with revitalised institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate Britain, showcased London's enduring commitment to the arts.

(With my favorite band, the Beatles)

(London Rock Circus)

Among all the attractions we visited, Madame Tussauds and the London Rock Circus were my personal favourites. Another pleasant surprise was the free admission offered by many of London's museums and galleries, making it possible for visitors to enjoy world-class collections without spending a fortune. We took advantage of this whenever time permitted.

Before long, our short holiday came to an end. The return journey was thankfully uneventful. We spent most of the flight watching movies and reflecting on the wonderful experiences we had shared.

(A cool day in Spring)

(Charing Cross Station)

(London's red phone booth)

Looking back, this trip was far more than just a holiday. It was my first experience travelling alone across continents, navigating unfamiliar situations, and discovering that sometimes the most memorable journeys begin with a little uncertainty. Heathrow may have tested my nerves, but London rewarded me with unforgettable memories that I still treasure today.

👈 1996: Johannesburg, South Africa

1994: Amman, Jordan 👉

Jordan 1994: Amman - First Century BC Philadelphia...

"Happiness is found when you stop comparing yourself to other people..."

Amman, Jordan

(13 - 16 November 1994)

All in the family were stranded in Jordan for three days!

For this Umrah trip we requested TH Travel to make ground arrangement for a 3-day tour of attractions in Jordan and surrounding area. To our disappointment, when we landed in Jordan International Airport, nobody was waiting for the eight of us. We were lucky that the Airport personnel assisted us to be transported to the transit hotel. For the three days, we were provided with free lodging and meals. On top of that, the Manager of the hotel had arranged for the hotel limo to bring us to the many attractions in Jordan on the house.

We managed to get in contact with TH Travel via fax in Kuala Lumpur and they promised to give us a refund plus hardship expenses when we return from our Umrah trip.

Amman is the capital of modern day Jordan and houses almost half of the country's population. It is a pleasant city and a vibrant place with its own history, culture and monuments. Built around several hills and no more than five hours drive from anywhere, it is a convenient base for your tour. However, do spend time in Amman and experience the sounds, smells and sites of one of the oldest cities in the world.

Wander through the streets of Downtown Amman and absorb the hustle and bustle that makes the city so buzzing with life. There is certainly no dearth of shops and stalls to purchase exotic treasures and souvenirs nor is any trip to Amman complete unless you've stopped at a maqha (café) for a quick game of backgammon or have savoured the sweets and mezzah (appetizers) of traditional Arab cuisine.

Downtown Amman is where you'll find cheap accommodation which is good since all the main the sites are only a stone's throw away. Just East of Downtown is the large Roman Amphitheatre built into a hillside in the 2nd century AD and which seats 6000 people. Within the theatre located at one side of the stage, there is the small Folklore museum which displays various aspects of Jordanian culture past and present. On the other side of the stage is the Jordanian Museum of Popular Tradition. Here you will find among other things beautiful collections of Palestinian and Jordanian embroidery as well as charming mosaics from 4th to 6th century Jordan churches.

Further East is the Roman Odeon which was a venue for musical shows and close by is the city's main fountain or Nymphaeum built around the same time. A small walk away will bring you to the splendid King Hussein Mosque which bares a plaque that reveals that the original mosque was built by the second Caliph of Islam, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab.

To the North of the city and to the top of Jabel Qal'aa and you'll have reached the Roman Citadel where excavations continue to unearth great findings of earliest settlements. Here the Jordanian Archaeological Museum is certainly worth a visit for anyone interested in exhibits of Dead Sea Scrolls, Roman stone copies of Hellenistic legends as well as other priceless ancient artefacts. The Museum is conveniently located around three sites: the 8th century Omayyad Palace, the 2nd century Temple of Hercules as well as the Byzantine Church flanked by columns and the remains of a wall. A walk beyond the Hercules Temple will bring you to a great spot for viewing Downtown Amman and the Roman Theatre.

P.s. Our camera was left somewhere near the Makam Nabi Musa. Thanks to Sara.....

👈 1995: London, UK

1994: Madinah/Makkah, Saudi Arabia 👉

Saudi Arabia 1994: 2nd Umrah: Madinah/Makkah - Family Umrah and Ziarah trip

"You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward..."

Madinah/Makkah, Saudi Arabia

(3 -13 November 1994)

(Sorry, no pictures)

This was our family trip to the holy lands and a short holiday in Jordan. Our three children, my parent and Mother-in-law were with us.

Our camera with loads of Umrah and holiday photos was lost in Amman. 

👈 1994: Amman, Jordan

1993: Soul, Korea 👉