Bangladesh 2007: Dhaka - Noisy and chaotic place...

"When you talk, you are repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new..."

Bangladesh Trip

(26 - 30 March 2007)

26 March 2007
Day-1 : Home of the Royal Bengal

The SIA flight transited in Singapore and we had to rush to board the connecting flight to Dhaka. The fight was uneventful and I slept all the way while listening to light music. Hubby watched the in-flight movie until touched down at Zia International Airport where we were met by his staff and driver and checked in the Chalet Hotel somewhere down town Dhaka. I was dead tired. Hubby's voice was droning and I was fast asleep by the time he kissed me goodnight. He continued tapping on his lap-top in the wee hour, preparing for the slide presentations for his briefing tomorrow.

27 March 2007
Day-2 : Pronounced dry and dusty

(Riding on a rickshaw) 

The weather was fine for a walk around the hotel so I headed towards north but the road led to no where in particular. It is the hot season in Dhaka now and I was sweating profusely. The air is dusty and humid too. Along the narrow road the side-walk was crowded with hawkers, peddlars and roadside vendors selling knick-knacks.

(Mangoes and plums)

And the streets were made even more busy with rickshaws conquering half the road. I while away my time looking at colorful drawings at the back of the rickshaws. I was amazed at the creativity of these people. The rickshaws of Bangladesh are said to be the gaudiest in the world!

28 March 2007
Day-3 : Exciting History and Culture

I planned to explore Dhaka on my own as the rest of the team need to work. And Munir, hubby's driver, is going to be my tourist guide for the day although I envisaged that communication between us would be very difficult as his English is limited to ‘yes madam, no madam, alright madam…’

(Visiting the National Memorial)

We started early, after the hotel Manager gave a series of instructions to Munir. He drove away from the congested Dhaka city into the suburb. We took the hi-way then into a village road criss-crossing several rivers. Located on the northern banks of the river Buriganga, Dhaka is virtually an island framed by many rivers and a watery landscape. We avoided the busy waterfront road but I could see that it is crowded and bustling with activities.

(The National Parliament)

Our first destination was the National Memorial located at Savar, 35 km from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossein, is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation. Jahangir Nagar University and its sprawling campus is also located nearby. An attractive village bazaar is held at Savar every Saturday and Tuesday where typical Bangladeshi sweets, vegetables, fish, seasonal fruits and handicrafts are available.

(The Zia Uddan)

On the way back to Dhaka, we stopped at the Chandrima Uddan, sometimes called Zia Uddan. It is a park situated in the road beside the Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban. The name literally means "Moonlight Park" in Bengali. The park is notable for being the place where the former Bangladeshi President, Ziaur Rahman was buried. It is connected to the road with a bridge which runs over the Crescent Lake. The park is a common place to spend leisure time in the vicinity. Right across the road is the Parliament House: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar has distinctive architectural features. Designed by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn, it may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

(A blooming flower at the roundabout)

Then we passed the Central Shahid Minar, a symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.

(Dhaka green CNG tuk-tuk)

The next prominent building is the Baitull Mukarram. It is the national mosque of Bangladesh. Located at the heart of Dhaka, this mosque was founded in the 1960s. The mosque complex was designed by architect T Abdul Hussain Thariani. The National Mosque of Bangladesh has several modern architectural features, and at the same time it beautifully preserves the traditional principles of mosques architecture. Baitul Mukarram’s resemblance to the famous Ka'abah at Makkah makes this a unique mosque in Bangladesh. We stopped to take photo of the High Court Building, originally built as the residence of British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European Mughal architecture.

(The Shaheed Minar)

The National Museum and the Bangladesh Bank were centrally located but the streets were busy for us to stop for photo shots. The museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.

We ended our tour at 2.30 p.m. By that time I was feeling very hungry so I ordered room service for lunch. I slept the whole afternoon only to wake up when hubby returned. We ordered room service again for dinner as we were tired and too lazy to go out.

29 March 2007
Day-4 : Bangla Local Scenes

Cycle and auto rickshaws are the main mode of transport which cause traffic congestion and have been banned from many parts of the city. Scooters, taxis and private automobiles are becoming increasingly popular and run on compressed natural gas to avoid pollution. Can you imagine being caught in long hours of traffic jam in the middle of Dhaka city! Dhaka is connected by highways and railways to other major cities. The Kamalapur Railway Station and the Biman Bandar Railway Station are the main stations providing trains on suburban and national routes. Another form of transport is the public bus, which will only move once filled to the maximum. You can choose to ride on top of the bus with the rest of your belongings.

(Passenger bus - overloaded)

For those staying along the river, the Sadarghat Port on the banks of the Buriganga River serves to transport goods and passengers up river and to other ports in Bangladesh and South Asia. During the dry season, water subsides to expose dry river bed.

(Crowded and packed with people)

Tropical vegetation, paddy fields and moist soils characterise the land surrounding Dhaka, which is flat and close to sea-level. This leaves Dhaka susceptible to flooding during the monsoon seasons owing to heavy rainfall and cyclones. Each year Dhaka and its surrounding low areas experience severe threat of flood with devastating death tolls reported across the country, from drowning and diseases. Many were made homeless and live in temporary shelters in unhygienic conditions...

(The rickshaw pedallers in sarungs)

30 March 2007
Day-4 : End of Bangla Holiday

This morning we woke up late then the 4 of us went for a shopping spree. Our first destination is the new market where we bought t-shirts and track-bottoms. Blue Jeans and bone china are also cheap here. We went to Elephant Street to change some Taka and bought Punjabi shirts and leather shoes. Then we headed to Baitul Mukarram to order wedding cards for a friend in KL.

Our last stop was at Arong, one of the famous super-markets in Dhaka. We finally reached our hotel around 3 p.m. and had a very late lunch. The whole afternoon was spent packing and napping.

Our flight tonight is at 11.50 p.m. My holiday is coming to its end. There's sadness in my heart…

Journey

Life is just passing by the window

catching a glimpse or two

nothing is precious in the end, but the journey.

There may be no apparent right or left turn

in the heart of turning, there is a joy

Embracing that joy is a unique fulfillment.

Life is just passing by the window

catching a glimpse or two

that is the ultimate experience...

M Iqbal Hussain

(26-03-04)

👈 2007: Kathmandu, Nepal

2007: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap, Cambodia 👉

Cambodia 2006: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap - A Gateway to the ruins of Angkor...

"Most of our problems are because we act without thinking or we keep thinking without acting..."

20th December 2006

Day 1 - Phnom Penh - Muzeums and Palaces

'

Our flight from KLIA arrived at Phnom Penh around noon. The weather was bright and cool. The airport was small and bustling with taxi and tuk-tuk drivers looking for passengers. Our plan was to stay a night in Phnom Penh and look for a transport to go to Siem Reap to explore the temples of the Angkor. We got hold of some brochures from the Tourist Information Centre and took a taxi to Phnom Penh town. We had nowhere to go as we had not booked any hotel. The taxi driver was a great help and suggested some good hotels. We ended up at the Star Royal Hotel situated along the river front.

(Buddha statue almost everywhere)

The hotel was cozy amidst the colonial ambiance reflecting the era when the French were present in Indo-china. Located at the confluence of two rivers, the hotel was reasonably cheap too. Around the hotel, there are a few places of interests such as the National Museum, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.A distance away from the city will be the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum where we could learn the history of the Khmer Rouge and the Killing Fields, where a memorial stupa and shallow pits remind visitors of the thousands killed under the Pol Pot Regime.

(Resting by the pool-side)

Other attractions are The Phsar Thmei, the Central Market reported to be the biggest domed market in the world and the famous Russian Market where everything from souvenirs to car parts are on sale. Walked along the riverbank and watched the sunset while we eat sweet corn and observed street vendors selling goods and food along the river bank. We had a good relaxing full body massage at the Spa next door before a good night rest.

'

21 December 2006

Day 2 - Siem Reap - Boat People and Apsara Dancers

(Boat houses on the Tonle Sap)

After a hearty breakfast the Hotel Limousine sent us to the Ferry Terminal at the foot of Phnom Krom to catch the 7 o’clock ferry to Siem Reap. The 6-hour ferry ride along the Mekong river runs right through the heart of Cambodia offers a perfect opportunity to discover more of this fascinating country. The ferry cruised past fishermen and floating markets and crossed the northern end of the Tonle Sap Lake.

(The iconic main temple)

The journey was comfortable and the mat sallehs chose to stay on the upper level of the ferry to have a better view of the boat people and fishermen. If you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of the fresh-water dolphins. When we embarked at the Jetty, we were met by the hotel limousine and checked-in the Hotel Angkorian situated in front of the Siem Reap Angkor Muzeum. We rested a while and took the tuk-tuk to Chiang Mai Restaurant for a late lunch of seafood tom yam.

(The Apsara Dancers)

We visited the old market for some souvenirs. Back in the hotel we had coffee by the poolside, a nice place to chill out and relax, while the concierge arranged for tickets to watch the Apsara Dance Show, a Khmer classical dance with buffet dinner at Roulen II. Apsara dancers are celestial nymphs seen on the many ruins of Angkor. Siem Reap is a very safe place in the evenings by our experiences as we ride on the tuk-tuk and observed the unspoilt town of Siem Reap by night.

22 December 2006

Day 3 - Siem Reap - Temple Hopping and Sunset

(The ancient temples)

We had a heavy breakfast of eggs and toasts. We had rented a tuk-tuk for the day and the driver was ready to bring us to anywhere we want to go. Our first destination was the Angkor Archaeological Park where we will visit ancient temples situated within the impressive natural scenery. Even though Angkor Wat grandly portrays the Hindu cosmology, the Angkor Wat remains a shrine for the Buddhist pilgrims.

(An enormous statue)

The day admission ticket gave us ample time to visit the famous Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the world, and see the highlights of major temples around the area. The sun was intense but it was windy and cool. The temples are far apart so the tuk-tuk driver waited for us at every attractions. Angkor Wat is the largest and most awe-inspiring of all the monuments. As the sun rises we will have the perfect opportunity to contemplate the enormity and grandeur of this magnificent monastery.

Angkor Thom is in the Bayon style, manifests itself in the large scale of the construction of laterite face-towers at each of the entrances to the city and in the naga-carrying giant figures which accompany each of the towers. At the temple of Ta Prohm, roots of a silk cotton tree can be seen running along the gallery of the second enclosure. The trees growing out of the ruins are the distinctive feature of this temple. This temple was used as a location of the film 'Tomb Raider". Around the temples the terrain is landscaped by an intricate system of reservoirs, canals and moats that were used for water control and irrigation.

(A tiring day of Ancient Temples exploration)

After half day of temple-hopping we exited the archaeological park and headed to Chiang Mai Restaurant to have a hearty lunch. Later we indulged in a relaxing foot massage to relief tired muscles. After the short rest, we enjoyed the tuk-tuk ride through rural Cambodian village to the Tonle Sap Lake where we took a boat ride to the middle of the lake and watched the beautiful sunset. If one has a list of places to visit in a lifetime, then surely this must be one of them.

(A beautiful sunset on the Tonle Sap)

23 December 2006

Day 4 - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

After breakfast we walked around the park to watch a Cambodian wedding at a nearby temple and passed a peaceful demonstration by the farmers and NGOs. Would have love to visit the Angkor Muzium but it was still under construction. The hotel limousine picked us up at 10 a.m. Today we traveled for another 6 hours by road. Stopped for lunch at Kampong Thom and reached Phnom Penh late afternoon. Lazed among the locals at the riverbank watching cruise boats ferrying tourists along the Mekong River.

After a 2-hour of strong foot massage, we had a hearty dinner at the Bali Restaurant next door to the Hotel. Before we sleep, we recalled back all the places we had visited and before we dozed off, we planned for our next travel to another 'wonders of the world', insyaAllah.

Next time we'll try back-packing instead. It would be more exciting...

👈 2007: Dhaka, Bangladesh

2006: Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE 👉

UAE 2006: Abu Dhabi/Dubai - Emirates family holiday...

"Perseverence is not a long race; it is many short races one after another..." - Walter Elliot

(A family photo shot at Ski Dubai)

Abu Dhabi/Dubai Emirates family holidays...

(15 - 17 September 2006)

After our Umrah trip, we decided to stop-over Dubai and rent a van to Abu Dhabi to visit my nephew. We stayed 3 nights there and had time to visit interesting places in Dubai as well as in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai we visited Ski Dubai, a first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.

(A painting on the wall)

We have a peek at Burj Al Arab from Dubai's big shopping complex. This luxury hotel was built in 1999 on Jumeirah Beach Road next to the Wild Wadi Water Park. The 27 story hotel is positioned 280 meters offshore on a man-made island and is designed in the shape of a blowing Arabian dhow sail, symbolizing Dubai's ancient traditions. The hotel is 25km from Dubai Airport, and a limousine service is available for those staying at the hotel. The hotel's luxury has given it the approval of being a seven star hotel.

(Burj Dubai in the background)

Dubai's central business district is divided into two parts: Diera on the north side of the Creek and Burj Dubai to the south. They are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. A stroll along its banks will remind you of the city's centuries-old trading traditions. And each side has everything from great hotels and stores to mosques and souks.

(At Ski-Dubai)

Some of Dubai's prettiest beaches are located along the Jumeirah strip. This long stretch of beach is lined with palm trees and has plenty of lifeguards on duty. Jumeirah Beach is especially appealing to women, as they have their own days to bask in the hot sun without the unwanted male attention. Next to the beach is the Jumierah Park, which provides a nice break from the sun and sand to eat lunch or gather with friends.

(The back alley of a shopping complex)

Next Trip: 2006: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap, Cambodia

        2006: Makkah, Saudi Arabia 👉

Saudi Arabia 2006: 8th Umrah: Makkah al-Mukarramah - A family Umrah trip...

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of being..." - John Wooden

Makkah al-Mukarramah
(09 -14 September, 2006)
Hotel Makkah, Makkah

(With my sisters and Abah at Masjid Tanaim)

Reached Makkah at 2130 and checked-in Zahret Makkah Hotel. Had dinner and later entered Mesjid-el-Harram. With tears of longing, we entered and walked towards the kaabah...

"Ya Allah,

open for us the doors of Your mercies,

and make easy for us the means of livelihood"

Completed our 1st Umrah at 0100. Alhamdulillah... I thank Allah for allowing me to fulfill my promise to bring my two sisters to this Baitul-Haram. The next day, after Subuh prayer and breakfast, we went to Tannaim for miqat. Completed our 2nd umrah at 1000. After Asar went for shopping. Bought a few jubah, sejadah and other buah tangan. After dinner slept soundly after a good foot massage. We performed our umrah almost every day.

"Ya Allah,

We intend to perform the Umrah,

render it easy for us, and accept it from us."

(A group photo at Jabal Uhud)

(Reciting prayers at Jabal Rahmah)

(In front of Masjid Jaaranah)

A day is dedicated for ziarah to some historical places around Makkah. Visited Jabbal Thaur, Jabbal Rahmah, Mudzalifah and Minna. We did not have the opportunity to visit the Jamrats because of the on-going construction works. Miqat at Mesjid Ja’aranah. After performing our umrah, we would go for a shopping spree and bought lotsof souvenirs.

(Sara and I on the bus for ziarah)

(Masjidil Haram, a view from our hotel)

On a different day we rented a van to go to Hudaibiah to miqat. Met Haji Abd Rahman, the Imam of Mesjid Hudaibiah, a Malaysian from my home town in Melaka. On the way back stopped at a Camel Farm to drink and buy a few bottles of camel milk. Visited Makkah museum. Completed our 5th Umrah around 1230 in time for solat Zuhur.

(A photo with the Imam of Masjid Hudaibiah)

(Amah and Zai at the camel farm)

(Hubby and Abah at the Museum)

(A group photo at masjid Tanaim)

(The two us at Masjidil Haram)

On the final day in Makkah, after breakfast took a taxi to Tannaim to miqat for our 7th Umrah. After Solat Zuhur, performed the tawaf wida’ and recited the doa at the Multazzam.

"Ya Allah,

set right for us our religion which is the safeguard of our affairs.

And set right for us the affairs of our world wherein is our living.

And set right for us our Hereafter on which depends our after life.

And make the life for us of abundance for every good

and make our death of comfort for us, protecting us against every evil..."

(A visit to the floating mosque by the Red Sea)

After lunch packed our bags and departed Makkah for Jeddah. Visited the Mesjid Terapung at the Red Sea. Checked-in and had dinner at Jeddah Airport.

Our flight to Dubai was delayed for almost 2 hours. Although dead tired, everyone was excited and looking forward for our short holiday in Dubai and Abu Dhabi...

👈Next Destination: 2006: Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE

Madinah al-Munawarah 👉

Saudi Arabia 2006: 8th Umrah: Madinah al-Munawarah - A family Umrah trip

"You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims..." - Harriet Woods

Madinah al-Munawarah

(6 -8 September 2006)

Hotel Hilton, Madinah

(Masjid Nabawi at night)

Eight of us departed from KLIA at 0055. Transited in Dubai for 4 hours. Departed for Jeddah at 0800. Ustaz Shamsul Bahari, from Triways Travel was already waiting for us. Took a van to Madinah and reached the holy city after Asar. Checked-in at Madinah Hilton Hotel. Went to Masjid Nabawi for Maghrib and Isya prayers.

(My sisters, Amah and Zai)

After the Subuh prayer, got ready for ziarah at historical places around Madinah. Visited Masjid Quba’, Masjid Qiblatain, Masjid 7, Jabal Uhud and the Tamar Souk. All along the journey, we were enlightened with interesting stories and tazkirah by Ustaz Shamsul. After the ziarah, visited makam Rasulullah to say salam from family and friends.

(Luxurious Hilton Hotel)

(Ayat Al-quran on the wall)

At the Raudhah recited the dua'.

"Ya Allah,

fulfill our needs,and make our affairs easy,

and open our hearts and accept our visit

and remove the fears and grant us safety

and conceal our faults and forgive our sins

and remove our difficulties and let our end be with our good actions

and count us with Your pious servants, who do not fear or grieve by Your mercy..."

(Street vendors at Jabal Uhud)

After the Friday prayer, we donned our ihram and went for ziarah wida’ to bade goodbye to Rasulullah with a promise that we will come to visit again, Insya-Allah... Departed Madinah for Makkah at 1530 together with Ustaz Shamsul. Stopped to miqat at Bir Ali. Performed the sunnat-al-ihram, recited the dua' and talbiyah.

(A group photo before leaving for Makkah)

(Hubby and Abah at Bir Ali)

 

👈2006: Makkah, Saudi Arabia

New Zealand 2006 - Exploring the North Island...

"Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances..."

05 June 2006
Day-1 : The Thermal Wonderland

(Our spacious 2-berth caravan)

Arrived at Auckland International Airport at 11.00 a.m. We decided to rent a campervan that will allow us to explore the beuty of New Zealand lush green landscape at our own pace. The Apollo Motorhomes Holiday sent a pick-up at the airport and after some paper works at the office, we were off on our journey in a cute and well-equipped Cheapa-campa, a 2-berth campervan. The day was sunny and the weather cool and wonderful!

(Serene beautiful morning)

Drove to Manukau Supermarket for provision. On the way to Rotorua we stopped in Hamilton for a fillet-o-fish lunch at McD. It was already dark when we reached Rotorua. Rotorua is situated on the shore of the lake Rotorua, the thermal heartland of the volcanic central North Island. We camped the night at Holidaypark Campsite. After dinner, we slept in like babies. The heater in the campervan kept us warm till late morning.

(Misty cool morning drive)

06 June 2006
Day-2 : Maori Culture

(A photo shot with the furry)

We had bread and scrambled eggs for breakfast. We drove to Rotorua Agrodome for Sheep Shearing Show and bought some souvenirs. Other attractions include a helicopter ride for a breathtaking view of the vast sheep farms and a tour of the organic farm.

(An energetic cultural show)

Next attraction was the Tepuia Thermal Wonderland to watch the Maori cultural show with contemporary song and dances, including the welcome ceremony, stick dance and the ferocious haka, the posture dance.

(A scary stance)

Later we joined a guided tour around the Ngamakaiakoko Mud Pool and the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest of several geysers within the valley. The Pohutu geyser erupts on average once or twice each hour and can reach heights of up to 30 meters.

(The crater of the moon)

We later took the Thermal Explorer Highway to Taupo. On the way we stopped at Waikato River’s biggest Huka Falls. Arrived Taupo around 4 p.m. and stopped at the lake side for a rest. We filled up petrol and bought some provisions. Took the lonely dessert road to Turangi. The road was winding wet and some parks covered with frost. We had McD dinner in Bulls. As it was already late and the weather was extra chilly, we stopped at Sanson Caravan Camp for the night.

(The helipad at the Agrodome)

07 June 2006
Day-3 : Windy Wellington

(Cloudy dark sky)

Breakfast with cereal and scrambled eggs. We drove to Palmerson North through Levin and Otaki. Stopped at Puikura Beach for a short rest. We continued to Wellington and headed to Te Papa Museum. Visited the Lord of the ring Exhibition. We had a sumptuous lunch at one Thai Restaurant.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills.

(Calm blue water at the Lambton Quay)

Called Kid Noraini and promised to arrive at her house in Churton Park by 3 p.m. Her Consulate husband was at work but their chidren Muhamad and Sarah were home. Stayed for a while and she packed Nasi Briani and beef curry for us. We drove to Napier, but on the way we stopped at Waipikurau Campsite for the night.

(At Kid Noraini's house with Sara and Muhamad)

The weather was wonderful and we had a good night's rest.

(Lake Rotorua - scenic view)

08 June 2006
Day-4 : Shadow of the Sun

(Cool nice weather in the morning)

Breakfast with bread and beef curry. Drove to Napier and stopped at Pak n’ Save and the Bank to exchange some foreign currency. Took a rest and photo shots along the beach. Drove direct to Taupo and had late lunch at the lake side. Toured around the Crater of the Moon, steam vents and boiling mud pools at Wairakei Terraces. Drove along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Auckland. Reached Manukau Campsite late night. Dinner was bread and chilli sardine. The weather was wonderful and we had a good night's rest.

(The iconic statue by the beach)

09 June 2006
Day-5 : City of Sails

(Rough white water rapids)

Early morning we drove to Devonport and parked our camper at the car park and took a ferry across to the Ferry Terminal at Auckland City. We took the Hop-on Hop-off bus for a 1-hour tour of scenic views around the Auckland City.

(Auckland view from the ferry)

After the tour, we took the ferry back to Devonport and drove to Whangarei along the Twin Beach Discovery Highway. Drove back to Auckland and stayed another night at Manukau Campsite. Before we sleep we packed our bags, Our flight tomorrow is at noon but we need to return the campervan before 10 a.m.

The holiday is coming to its end. Kia Ore...

👈 2006: Madinah, Saudi Arabia

2006: Bratislava, Slovakia 👉