tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15641431665872410192024-03-18T20:35:11.964-07:00ABANG JALANWajah Baru Kan? Ditukar dalam Bahasa Melayu. Masih dalam penyelenggaraan. Jangan banyak bunyi. :pHairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-86056800005069767052014-11-23T12:16:00.002-08:002014-11-23T12:16:39.139-08:00BerpindahAlhamdulillah. Akhirnya tercapai hajat memiliki website sendiri. Blog ini secara rasminya berpindah ke:<div>
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<b><a href="http://www.mhairitahir.com/" target="_blank">mhairitahir</a></b></div>
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Kalau ada kelapangan, jemputlah baca. InsyaAllah. Post lama-lama juga akan dipindahkan ke sana. </div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-21970774951167946522014-06-04T22:39:00.002-07:002014-06-23T02:47:46.318-07:00Arab Saudi | Makkah 05: Rentas Muzdalifah ke Mina<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melangkah pulang setelah melontar sesudah Subuh. Mentari pagi sedang merangkak ke langit.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 32px;"><i>"Apabila kamu berangkat dari Arafah maka sebutlah nama Allah di Masy`ar al-Haram (Muzdalifah)."</i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 32px;"><i>Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 198</i></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Melintasi Muzdalifah</span></b></div>
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<i style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mabit </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">di Muzdalifah. Memadai walau seketika. Memadai walau sekejap sahaja. Memadai walau sekadar merentasi buminya. Sayang sekali abang di sini tidak lama, sekadar di dalam bas sambil memerhati dari jendela, menyaksi suasananya bagaimana. Selautan umat manusia.</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 200%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meninggalkan Bumi Arafah</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Para jemaah bergegas pulang ke khemah seusai solat Isyak berjemaah. Selesai berkampung di bumi Arafah, para jemaah perlu hijrah ke Mina melalui Muzdalifah. Barang-barang dikemas rapi, agar tiada yang tertinggal lagi. Gerak geri dan hala tuju jemaah Haji ke sana dan ke mari, semuanya telah diatur oleh pihak berautoriti Arab Saudi, maka giliran untuk bertolak ke Mina juga perlu menunggu arahan diberi.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jemaah berbaring dan berehat di gigi lebuh raya, pertaruh nyawa</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Lebih kurang jam 10 malam, bas yang dijadualkan tiba tepat pada masanya. Kami menaiki bas yang disediakan dan bertolak ke Mina, merentasi bumi Muzdalifah. Lafaz zikir dan talbiah silih berganti, penyejuk hati, memuji Ilahi. Moga jalan dipermudah, jangan ada menempuh susah. Sayu juga hati meninggalkan bumi Arafah. Adakah diberi peluang sekali lagi, entah?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Dalam perjalanan, abang melontarkan pandangan ke luar jendela bas. Kelihatan umat manusia begitu ramai sekali, umpama lautan putih tidak bertepi. Di tepi-tepi jalan raya mereka terlena, tidak mengenal dingin atau bahaya, semata-mata mencari keredhaan-Nya. Syukurnya abang diberi seluruh selesa. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Alhamdulillah.</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;"> Jauh di sudut hati, abang mendoakan sekelian mereka, agar segala urusan turut dipermudahkan Tuhan. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Amin.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lautan manusia. Tidak pernah abang saksikan manusia seramai itu</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Kami meneruskan perjalanan kami. Talbiah yang berganti-ganti kian perlahan, tanda sudah kepenatan dan keletihan. Dihenyak rasa kantuk, sehingga kepala tersengguk-sengguk. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;"> Ya Allah, permudahkanlah perjalanan kami. </i></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Ketibaan di Mina</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Setelah beberapa jam menempuh kesesakan yang tidak seberapa, akhirnya abang tiba di bumi Mina. Syukur </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">alhamdulillah</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">, kami selamat tiba di Mina kurang dari tiga jam, sedangkan sebelum ini abang telah dimomok-momokkan kisah orang yang terperangkap dalam kesesakan lebih enam jam!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Itulah bumi Mina yang sebenar-benarnya. Berbeza dengan jemaah muassasah yang ditempatkan di Muassim lebih kurang 3 km jauhnya dari lokasi melontar. Mengenang kesihatan fizikal Bonda yang tidak begitu mengizinkan, abang bersyukur ditempatkan di Mina, hanya beberapa meter sahaja dari tempat melontar. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLGhJ0JiBBP5quXlkm1Ouoi9HlfQLT1ETwSDFdIB95sS4QZbHKDRQGS4qF6F1sK96p8BOw_Cpq-FepXcDTzqk5HjO2THUgfcPX82bbf3c1y4ex0o2aMuiQh7yMcWrNoz-oQPiZwN09SER/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Mina+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLGhJ0JiBBP5quXlkm1Ouoi9HlfQLT1ETwSDFdIB95sS4QZbHKDRQGS4qF6F1sK96p8BOw_Cpq-FepXcDTzqk5HjO2THUgfcPX82bbf3c1y4ex0o2aMuiQh7yMcWrNoz-oQPiZwN09SER/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Mina+01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Saat melangkah masuk ke dalam khemah, abang terlihat tilam-tilam tersusun rapi, lengkap dengan perkakas mandi, dan beberapa batu melontar terikat dalam uncang putih berseri. Mewah sungguh jemaah Aqiq, hinggakan tidak perlu mencangkung tercari-cari batu di celah-celah tanah di Muzdalifah. Sedikit kecewa kerana tidak berpeluang merasa pengalaman sebegitu, namun jika difikirkan, inilah nikmat Allah SWT yang membantu agar urusan dipermudah. Lain orang, lain dugaannya, bukan? Syukur </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Alhamdulillah</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Daripada empat buah bas Jemaah Aqiq dari bumi Arafah, bas abang merupakan bas yang pertama tiba. Khemah besar kelihatan lengang untuk sejam yang pertama, apatah lagi ayahanda-ayahanda kesayangan belum kunjung tiba. Tilam abang di bahagian tepi sekali, memudah Bonda dan Kak Izah menjengah sendiri. Sebelum rombongan besar tiba, ada baiknya abang menyelesaikan segala urusan peribadi yang mungkin tidak dapat ditangguh lagi. Walaupun tandasnya tidak sebegitu cantik seperti di bumi Arafah, terpaksalah selesaikan di mana adanya. Pandang atas sudah.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct-eY6q_-GvTshIqfDZEiyfncCAeKJFoPKTvNLIR85028UsUyAq8R1xVzJA7zREobAy6FZygMFdJ0RIQNQU0JQKUJUYeDzjFjsTx8qp0JfkMRvtf7hv7NoJvC-z8En_PvIbt-ElSxUJ6U/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Mina+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct-eY6q_-GvTshIqfDZEiyfncCAeKJFoPKTvNLIR85028UsUyAq8R1xVzJA7zREobAy6FZygMFdJ0RIQNQU0JQKUJUYeDzjFjsTx8qp0JfkMRvtf7hv7NoJvC-z8En_PvIbt-ElSxUJ6U/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Mina+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suasana khemah di bumi Mina.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Selesai urusan dan hajat-hajat tertangguh, abang menyempurnakan wuduk dan kembali ke khemah. Abang hamparkan tilam yang tersedia dan melelapkan mata seketika. Sejuk juga bumi Mina di waktu malam. Abang menarik selimut rapat-rapat dan menggenggam hujungnya ketat-ketat. Suasana dipenuhi bunyi bas-bas berlalu pergi, suara-suara Pak Arab berteriak sana sini, lintasan jemaah dengan selipar dan derapan kaki dan sayup-sayup suara orang mengaji. Abang terbuai dengan angan sendiri dan akhirnya dijemput mimpi. </span></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-55444342945440059292014-04-24T05:40:00.000-07:002014-05-25T07:14:04.341-07:00Arab Saudi | Makkah 04: Arafah - Mengejar Mentari Petang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gahnya Hari Arafah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Di bumi Arafah jemaah
berhimpun, tempat bersujud memohon ampun, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wukuf
</i>di tanahnya menjadi rukun. Haji tanpa Arafah umpama lauk tidak berencah
atau mandi yang tidak basah. Berbicara tentang ibadah haji, Arafah ialah
kemuncak yang dinanti.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Di sini, Nabi Adam AS
dan Hawa disatukan kembali setelah diturunkan ke bumi. Di sini, Nabi Ibrahim AS
diasuh oleh Jibrail tentang manasik Haji. Di sini, turunnya ayat al-Quran yang
terakhir sekali.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Dan di sini,
Nabi Muhammad SAW menyampaikan khutbahnya buat terakhir kali. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hakikatnya, Arafah
bukan sahaja menjadi saksi lakaran peristiwa-peristiwa bersejarah berabad
lamanya. Bahkan, hari Arafah telah dijanjikan dengan limpahan rahmat dan
pengampunan dosa yang tidak terbanding dengan hari-hari yang lain. Allah SWT
menciptakan setiap hari sepanjang tahun, namun hari yang paling mulia di
sisi-Nya ialah hari Arafah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Wukuf
yang kamu lakukan pada hari Arafah, sesungguhnya Allah SWT turun ke langit
dunia (paling bawah) dan berbangga-bangga dengan kamu kepada Malaikat dengan
firman-Nya: Hamba-hamba-Ku datang dari segenap pelusuk yang jauh, dalam keadaan
tidak terurus dan berdebu-debu tubuh mereka, semata-mata mengharapkan
syurga-Ku. Jika mereka datang dengan dosa sebanyak bilangan pasir, titisan
hujan atau buih di lautan nescaya Aku akan menghapuskan kesemuanya. Allah SWT
berfirman: Keluarlah kamu dari Arafah dengan dosa yang telah diampunkan
daripada kamu dan bagi sesiapa yang kamu meminta ampun untuk mereka.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBhhMhmAQl6GIiD7NyzJxOrA-PtjXQMvteaYnayArx49UczYCPiSyd_94L688ntY5HlPcxnRyPQqxCu-BVCG57KMsCT9PRaUGdZmr51yHC4X-BbbCyKJgFtgRYZDCwPJgW9wqeeF9opka/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBhhMhmAQl6GIiD7NyzJxOrA-PtjXQMvteaYnayArx49UczYCPiSyd_94L688ntY5HlPcxnRyPQqxCu-BVCG57KMsCT9PRaUGdZmr51yHC4X-BbbCyKJgFtgRYZDCwPJgW9wqeeF9opka/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pagi di Arafah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sesekali abang
terjaga dari lena dek dengkuran ayahanda-ayahanda umpama keretapi meluncur di
landasan. Namun impak ubat selsema begitu hebat sehingga abang terlena jua
penuh kepuasan. Setelah beberapa jam melelapkan mata, kira-kira jam 4:30 pagi
abang dikejutkan. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alhamdulillah</i>. Demam,
batuk, selsema hilang dari badan. Kuasa Tuhan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Membersihkan diri
seawal pagi juga merupakan suatu misi. Jemaah beratur menanti giliran sendiri.
Panjangnya barisan menggambarkan betapa terhadnya kamar mandi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sementara menanti
kedatangan Subuh, kami solat sunat beramai-ramai di surau. Solat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tahajjud, </i>solat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">taubat,</i> solat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tasbih </i>dan
pelbagai jenis solat sunat yang abang belum pernah dengar sebelum ini. Bilangan
rakaat tidak terhitung, namun kami gagahkan juga demi fadhilatnya. Akhirnya,
azan Subuh berkumandang memecah hening pagi di bumi Arafah, bersahutan dan
bergema sesama sendiri dari kejauhan.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_pc8J4l3t76BX1Ci9RshDQelor_dIBt_o4_gZYr12tDC990wurb1XZTfaMX5gfL09a0GpnmpWTWsPMEIFYlnaitKUZndYX57vDuQJT1o6t6arihgCf0zEkiXbvby0awOlAV7YtuKV8Rw/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_pc8J4l3t76BX1Ci9RshDQelor_dIBt_o4_gZYr12tDC990wurb1XZTfaMX5gfL09a0GpnmpWTWsPMEIFYlnaitKUZndYX57vDuQJT1o6t6arihgCf0zEkiXbvby0awOlAV7YtuKV8Rw/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sedang dihenyak rasa
bahang dan hangat, Arafah mencuit kita agar sering beringat. Tan Sri atau Datuk
Seri semua ke tepi. Doktor atau professor semua hilang sohor. Datin atau Datuk
semuanya tertunduk. Di muka pengadilan, di sisi Tuhan, Di Padang Mahsyar kita
akan dihimpunkan, tanpa mengira pangkat atau kedudukan, semuanya membisu di
hadapan pengadilan, yang ada cuma bekalan amalan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Serabut dan kusut.
Ihram yang menggulung tubuh ini umpama meregas segala bentuk keselesaan yang
menyelubungi nafsu selama ini. Namun abang bersyukur lantaran segala kesakitan
yang aku alami hari sebelumnya sirna semuanya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kemuncak Hari Arafah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Terngiang-ngiang
bisikan sahabat abang, Fizri Said: “</span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Tidurlah
kau sepuas-puasnya pada sebelah pagi. Berdoalah sepuas-puasnya sepanjang petang
hari. Andai kau termasuk golongan orang yang tertidur di kala itu, maka engkau
rugi</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Usai solat berjemaah
Jamak Qasar Zuhur Asar, kedengaran alunan zikir taubat dan doa diperdengarkan.
Setiap bait dan barisnya menjadi ikutan. Segala lafaz dan maknanya di bawah
bimbingan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Di sebalik kaca mata
hitam itu, tewas juga hati keras abang yang akhirnya mengalirkan air mata.
Pakcik-pakcik, abang-abang dan adik-adik di sekeliling abang sudah teresak-esak
semuanya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9FlqIHUfM-3k057Cox9w-YCutxU5lA7ikekMDdzI6GRcK0BEbPcW-u9sMz3W_mLIJx6slfbGxY0go8cJyWajqb2PGRBLfI-jaTvI4tALO031EWEfplgYksUcoWUufVP7SFNVJaIyAys3/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9FlqIHUfM-3k057Cox9w-YCutxU5lA7ikekMDdzI6GRcK0BEbPcW-u9sMz3W_mLIJx6slfbGxY0go8cJyWajqb2PGRBLfI-jaTvI4tALO031EWEfplgYksUcoWUufVP7SFNVJaIyAys3/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+11.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dosa kepada ayahanda
dan bonda seumur kehidupan. Dosa kepada isteri sejak bersamaan, Dosa kepada
rakan-rakan dan sesame insan. Moga-moga dengan air mata berlinangan, dosaku
hilang berterbangan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Demi suatu permukiman
yang amat singkat dan sementara, abang kuatkan semangat untuk terus berdoa
kepada yang Maha Esa, Maha Mengetahui segalanya. Kehadiran abang di bumi Arafah
pada hari ini adalah telah ditentukan. Dari jutaan manusia, abang dipilih
oleh-Nya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviYe0qDmz_z8uHWR-fhrCcmmDh5QuQJAKFAcQ5LcA__efuu4m0qNhrSaM2PRNyhSjCwTkaur1iKrJXV-MdaDPlyNafaf6KhuJk5YVbW5HlU8RbAUEnW-ftNoSAHjIopqQIbjPMdoJ7stl/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviYe0qDmz_z8uHWR-fhrCcmmDh5QuQJAKFAcQ5LcA__efuu4m0qNhrSaM2PRNyhSjCwTkaur1iKrJXV-MdaDPlyNafaf6KhuJk5YVbW5HlU8RbAUEnW-ftNoSAHjIopqQIbjPMdoJ7stl/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+12.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Umpama Tertutupnya Pintu Kemaafan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doa abang tidak
putus. Dari petang sehingga mentari bergerak perlahan-lahan ke ufuk senja.
Seorang demi seorang bingkas bangun dari tempat masing-masing, maju kehadapan,
seakan-akan mengejar mentari yang seolah-olah meninggalkan. Semakin hari
semakin gelap. Mentari semakin lama semakin tenggelam. Mulut kami
terkumat-kamit melafazkan doa apa yang terlintas di minda. Akhirnya mentari
tidak kelihatan lagi, menandakan berakhirlah suatu peluang untuk kami semua
memohon maaf lagi. Dan meminta lagi. Mungkinkah kami mendapat peluang sebegini
lagi, kami tidak pasti. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9k0YG6xerUjUf7pNxVuDrHa5_a9q5pEbrw1Z9pa5yob_6BBNDeGk7HVCn2cW44iZOQ_GwX2SljxO4etczEiv0kKgB6ZALqYZIh8TH9lpAN7ZO3_3PJP7mJvpekYopB_LxCFiTsksj8L6/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9k0YG6xerUjUf7pNxVuDrHa5_a9q5pEbrw1Z9pa5yob_6BBNDeGk7HVCn2cW44iZOQ_GwX2SljxO4etczEiv0kKgB6ZALqYZIh8TH9lpAN7ZO3_3PJP7mJvpekYopB_LxCFiTsksj8L6/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+14.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Pada
hari ini, Aku telah sempurnakan bagi kamu agama kamu, dan aku telah cukupkan
nikmatKu kepada kamu dan Aku telah redhakan Islam itu menjadi agama kamu…” </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surah
al-Maidah, </i>ayat 3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ya Allah, ampunkan
dosa kami. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
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<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Haji itu ialah Arafah.”</i> Sunan Abu Daud,
No. 1949, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunan al-Tirmizi, </i>No. 889.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pada hari ini Abang telah sempurnakan bagi
kamu agama kamu, mencukupkan nikmat-Ku ke atas kamu dan meredhai bagi kamu
Islam sebagai agamamu.”</i> (Surah al-Maidah, ayat 3). Diriwayatkan juga bahawa
Tariq bin Shihab berkata: “Seorang lelaki Yahudi datang kepada Umar bin
Al-Khattab lalu berkata: Wahai Amirul Mukminin, terdapat satu ayat dalam kitab
kamu jika ini diturunkan kepada kami kaum Yahudi, kami akan jadikan hari ini
sebagai satu perayaan. Lalu Umar bertanya: Apakah ayat itu? Katanya: (ayat
Quran). Umar menjawab: Kami tahu hari dan tempat di mana ayat tersebut
diturunkan kepada Rasulullah SAW iaitu ketika Baginda sedang berdiri di Arafah
pada hari Jumaat (Sahih al-Bukhari No. 45, Sahih Muslim No 3017)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Daripada
Ibnu Umar, Rasulullah SAW bersabda dalam Sahih Muslim, no 1438.</span></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-18474300230955940402014-04-22T05:33:00.002-07:002014-04-22T05:33:26.905-07:00Arab Saudi | Makkah 03: Menjelang Hari Arafah<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZUtSPZOzJVZlnfEouaQQ7MUBXU9NmD2Sz7toXFgr_9XUU7EfTfiKwvwkIbGFqhVtXoeiWUUm6UapIxdF99SzN9FwMYsohWnJpRsaVj3Wgx1UPPbYJdN4RjxhXWNoVFY6aQkxO1fkt0z/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZUtSPZOzJVZlnfEouaQQ7MUBXU9NmD2Sz7toXFgr_9XUU7EfTfiKwvwkIbGFqhVtXoeiWUUm6UapIxdF99SzN9FwMYsohWnJpRsaVj3Wgx1UPPbYJdN4RjxhXWNoVFY6aQkxO1fkt0z/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khusyuk mendengar khutbah hari Arafah</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Sebelum berangkat ke
Tanah Suci, abang telah dimomok-momokkan dengan pelbagai cerita tentang kembara
ke bumi Arafah – Muzdalifah – Mina. Termasuklah kisah kesesakan lalu lintas
yang memakan masa sehingga enam jam, bilangan tandas yang terhad untuk ratusan
jemaah yang pelbagai ragam dan keadaan tandas dengan bau-bau yang lain macam.
Sehingga abang menjadi runsing memikirkan tabiatku yang kerap membuang air jika
kesejukan dalam bas dan sangat cerewet dengan perihal keadaan tandas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bonda berpesan, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rabbi yassir wala tu`assir</i>. Kalau Sang
Pencipta boleh memberi pertolongan ke Tanah Suci dalam keadaan tidak terjangka,
apatah lagi perkara-perkara enteng seperti keadaan tandas dan membuang air. Dia
Maha Kuasa. Minta daripada-Nya. Maka antara doa abang sebelum ke Tanah Suci
termasuklah semoga abang tidak selalu merasa hendak terkencing masa di dalam
bas dan semoga abang berselera mahu membuang air di tandas-tandasnya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbJ45zav3iKyy6txK2Jafxs7eCr7k22F9ZVSt0mZ0F4ubgi_dFTjxt68tHElkSrmQp2uAM49uPcxeYG1EgI354UUFQ2XcueDpF7HZBdNbE2hmlHql7GkkpPv3VcrXDcnP4W6wqPmDYT3K/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbJ45zav3iKyy6txK2Jafxs7eCr7k22F9ZVSt0mZ0F4ubgi_dFTjxt68tHElkSrmQp2uAM49uPcxeYG1EgI354UUFQ2XcueDpF7HZBdNbE2hmlHql7GkkpPv3VcrXDcnP4W6wqPmDYT3K/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tampak pendek barisannya. Nun di hadapan, belok kanan, ada lah dalam 10 ke 15 orang lagi.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Beberapa hari sebelum
menjelang hari Arafah, abang mendapat berita bahawa padang Arafah telah dilanda
ribut yang telah merosakkan dan menerbangkan beberapa buah khemah jemaah pula. Abang
juga tidak terkecuali daripada dilanda kekhuatiran. Sekali lagi Bonda
mengingatkan, Dia Maha Kuasa. Minta daripada-Nya. Lantas abang berdoa lagi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tidak cukup dengan itu,
sehari sebelum berangkat, abang menjadi tidak sihat. Demam, batuk, selsema,
sakit kepala, semuanya menyatu menjadikan abang kurang upaya dan kurang selera.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Astagfirullah</i>. Hari Arafah itu
sangatlah penting. Abang memerlukan semua tenaga untuk memanfaatkan hari
tersebut. Sakitku itu membuatkan abang berfikir sejenak. Seperti mana Siti
Hajar sabar ditinggalkan di tanah tandus, seperti mana Nabi Ayub AS redha
dijangkiti sakit, abang juga harus sabar dengan sedikit rasa sakit, redha
dengan ketentuan ujian Tuhan dan syukur, dalam kesakitan ini juga abang
dijemput menikmati hari Arafah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBZWFoXlXZJGi3aGFpBevgN3gNo4_Q_V31sLs8uGTqEwVboibC6uwvvT4FFsLAWttt8paR6Dj_EoiF9exqR_ZHhHDID9F8j-0oznRuTSJeV6VUQ6T_qVrZ8cOO2-0WUVtYHgnTmiuKbqk/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBZWFoXlXZJGi3aGFpBevgN3gNo4_Q_V31sLs8uGTqEwVboibC6uwvvT4FFsLAWttt8paR6Dj_EoiF9exqR_ZHhHDID9F8j-0oznRuTSJeV6VUQ6T_qVrZ8cOO2-0WUVtYHgnTmiuKbqk/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Langit senja bumi Arafah</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Menuju ke Destinasi, Puncak Cinta Tertinggi, Yeah,
Yeah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tanggal 8 Zulhijjah,
kami ke padang Arafah. Seawal jam 2:00 petang menanti, tepat jam 4:00 petang
kami bertolak pergi. Dengan ihram berpaut di tubuh badan, kami bertalbiah
sepanjang jalan. Zikir dan doa diperbanyakkan, moga tidak menempuh sebarang
kesesakan, moga segala-galanya dipermudahkan. Andai jalannya sesak, andainya
bas tidak bergerak, kami akan sabar dan redha, ya Allah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Setelah hampir 45
minit bas meluncur di atas jalan tanpa ada halangan, akhirnya kami tiba di
padang Arafah. Abang mengangkat tangan memanjatkan syukur dan doa kerana
perjalanan kami dipermudah. Mungkin kerana ramai jemaah lain sedang berada di
Mina. Mungkin kerana ini limpah rahmat-Nya. Atau mungkin juga ini dugaan-Nya.
Demi melihat kita ini syukur atau alpa. Terima kasih dan sekalung tahniah abang
ucapkan kepada para petugas Tabung Haji yang sentiasa cekap dan sedia siaga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi879wDcHP1JQGrmJcsh2tjbb-TuDFiTbTOvHuTP8zapGeJQwQRGcvRtFZBBZsbvd4isMmRFYF6XB9coHvi955VzdhEubANltROSufNFFSdJjwbJO7q3bXukzOV694vnr5KBZKzYnQ6oBy8/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi879wDcHP1JQGrmJcsh2tjbb-TuDFiTbTOvHuTP8zapGeJQwQRGcvRtFZBBZsbvd4isMmRFYF6XB9coHvi955VzdhEubANltROSufNFFSdJjwbJO7q3bXukzOV694vnr5KBZKzYnQ6oBy8/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Arafah+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deretan khemah putih pakej Aqiq dan Nilam Tabung Haji</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Di hadapanku
tersergam sebuah khemah besar warna putih. Tidak seperti yang dikisahkan rakan
atau diilustrasikan bahan bacaan. Tiada lutut berlaga lutut, kain ihram
bersangkut-sangkut, tempat dingin direbut-rebut. Setiap tilam tebal dilabel
dengan nombor, disertakan dengan bantal kecil dan selimut. Sebenarnya kami di
pakej Aqiq ini dilayan cukup mewah. Tidak seperti rakan-rakan di pakej
Muassasah. Namun kami kedua-duanya diuji. Rakan-rakan Muassasah diuji dengan
kesabaran menahan panas dan serba kekurangan. Kami diuji dengan kemewahan
segalanya dibekalkan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Setelah meletakkan
beg pakaian, abang terus keluar melawat kawasan. Mencari surau, tandas dan
dewan makan. Tidak jauh dari khemah, suraunya hanyalah barisan kanopi yang didirikan
di hujung bukit, dengan pemandangan mentari terbenam di hujung langit. Dari
atas bukit itu jugalah abang menyaksikan ribuan atau mungkin jutaan khemas
putih seluas pandangan, memenuhi setiap genap sudut bumi Arafah. Mentari sudah
di ufuk senja, abang harus pulang ke khemah merehatkan jiwa dan minda. Moga
demam ini kebah segera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Di khemah itu juga abang
dipertemukan dengan tiga orang ayahanda. Abdul Aziz (bekas pegawai bank), Ahmad
Tauweed (bekas pengetua sekolah) dan Qamarudeen (ahli perniagaan). Begitulah
indahnya kembara Haji. Menemukan hati-hati kami agar saling mengasihi umpama
keluarga sendiri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Aneka gelang Jemaah Haji</i></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">TIPS</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -35.45pt;">Selami rasa kehambaan kepada Sang Pencipta. Kita ini hamba-Nya. Tidak kiralah pangkat atau kedudukan kita apa. Yang membezakan kita hanya taqwa. Semua milik-Nya. Kalau semua diambil semula, satu sen pun tidak berguna.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -35.45pt;">Pohon keampunan dan kemaafan. Keampunan daripada Sang Pencipta. Kemaafan daripada sesama manusia. Taubat dan kemaafan itu membersihkan jiwa. Molek kiranya kita menghadap-Nya dengan kebersihan jiwa.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -35.45pt;">Jaga kesihatan. Minum air secukupnya. Makan biarlah berpada-pada. Ambil vitamin dengan kadarannya. Keluar ke masjid dengan penutup muka. Benar, penyakit dan penawar semua daripada-Nya. Namun sebagai hamba, kita juga hendaklah berusaha.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -35.45pt;">Senaraikan doa dalam sebuah buku khas dengan label yang sistematik, contohnya doa untuk meneguhkan iman di dada, doa untuk ibu bapa dan keluarga, doa untuk kesihatan dan usia, doa untuk kerjaya, doa untuk jodoh atau cahaya mata dan doa-doa kiriman kenalan, sahabat dan taulan semua. Supaya nanti tidaklah terselak-selak, tercari-cari doa daripada pelbagai buku doa yang dibawa. Berdoa di Arafah pun perlu strategi macam nak jawab periksa.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -35.45pt;">Pastikan segala kelengkapan telah tersedia untuk dibawa seperti pakaian untuk tempoh empat hari, kain ihram, makanan dalam bas, buku doa. Misi kita di Arafah amat penting, dan sudah tentu tidak mahu terganggu fokus oleh perkara kecil-kecil.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 32px;">InsyaAllah. Semoga dipermudahkan urusan kita. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 32px;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-62372536972400120532014-04-22T04:55:00.000-07:002014-04-22T04:56:57.902-07:00Arab Saudi | Makkah 02: Detik di Hadapan Kaabah<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Struktur sementara buat mereka yang berkerusi roda</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Detik di Hadapan Kaabah</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dan ingatlah ketika Tuhan
berfirman kepada malaikat, sesungguhnya Aku (Allah) hendak menjadikan seorang
khalifah di muka bumi. Mereka berkata: adakah Engkau (wahai Tuhan) hendak
menjadikan di bumi itu orang yang akan membuat bencana dan menumpahkan darah,
pada hal kami (para malaikat) sentiasa bertasbih dengan memujiMu dan mensucikanMu?
Tuhan berfirman, sesungguhnya Aku mengetahui akan apa yang kamu tidak
ketahuinya.” <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Menyesali
ketelanjuran dalam mempertikaikan firman Allah SWT menjadikan Nabi Adam AS sebagai
khalifah di muka bumi, para malaikat lantas menebus dosa mereka dengan melakukan
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tawaf</i> mengelilingi Arasy. Namun,
lantaran Arasy itu tersangatlah luas, Allah menciptakan Baitul Makmur suatu
para malaikat mengerjakan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tawaf</i>.
Manakala bagi para malaikat yang bertugas di bumi, Allah menyuruh mereka
membina suatu binaan yang menyamai fungsi Baitul Makmur di langit iaitu
Baitullah di tengah-tengah Masjidil Haram.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kaabah berlatar belakang infrastruktur pembinaan</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Pada malam itu, abang
menyaksikan ribuan manusia melakukan </span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">tawaf.
</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Bersesak-sesak. Berasak-asak. Bertolak-tolak. Namun tiada jalan pintas atau
jalan mudah, abang harus menjadi sebahagian daripada fenomena itu. Dengan penuh
rasa kehambaan, abang memegang tangan Mak dan kami memulakan </span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">tawaf</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">. Puluhan ribu, malah mungkin
jutaan manusia membentuk suatu arus mengelilingi Kaabah yang seolah-olah tiada
ruang untuk menunggu sesiapa. Masing-masing utuh dengan urusan tersendiri,
iaitu untuk menyempurnakan </span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">tawaf</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">.
Biar ke kanan dan ke kiri kami ditolak ke tepi, kami tetap tidak akan menolak
kembali. Ibadah umrah dan haji itu bukan untuk mencari selesa. Api panas baran abang
padam dan abang telan dalam-dalam. Kalau di Malaysia sudah abang maki, di sini,
sabar jadi pendinding hati. Di rumah Sang Pencipta, abang bukan siapa-siapa,
semua manusia adalah sama, warna ihram juga serupa, yang membezakan ialah taqwa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Usai tujuh pusingan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tawaf</i>, kami terus cuba meloloskan diri
di celah-celah kesibukan manusia yang mementingkan urusan sendiri, menuju ke <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">multazam </i>untuk solat sunat dan berdoa.
Benar kata orang, gambaran Padang Mahsyar sudah bermula di sini, di mana orang
semua <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nafsi-nafsi</i>. Semua orang
sendiri-sendiri. Kami pun mengambil tempat masing-masing untuk menunaikan solat
sunat dan berdoa. Tatkala selesai memberikan dua salam, mata abang terpaku di
hadapan pintu Kaabah, dan di situ abang dapat melihat Kaabah dari suatu dimensi
yang belum abang saksikan sebelum ini. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fenomena Tawaf</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Masa dirasakan umpama
terhenti detiknya. Suara-suara percakapan dan rintihan manusia umpama sirna
semuanya. Kelibat manusia mengelilingi Kaabah seolah-olah hilang dari pandangan
mata. Tatkala itu hanya ada abang. Dan Kaabah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Deras seperti air,
memori silam lantas mengalir. Otak lantas mengingat seawal detik pertama yang
terpahat. Persoalan demi persoalan datang membelenggu secara tiba-tiba. Siapa
sebenarnya diri ini? Mengapa abang di sini di bumi ini? Ke mana abang mahu pergi?
Pengakhiran abang bagaimanakah nanti? Mendongak ke Kaabah, abang dihenyak rasa
kerdilnya diri, hinanya diri, nistanya diri dengan terpalit segala lumpur dan
kotor dosa di hadapan Raja segala raja. Itulah detiknya abang benar-benar
merasa, abang ini seorang hamba. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Astaghfirullah.
</i>Abang mohon ampun Ya Allah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5cFpFpHAG-NtQcx9APhQBveMdKN9lh6FRyehoTmn7iyUvt9MVMBdOpMtp3BrbIww7yn9D7qBsPUGh_Ip6SN5AyKsceb0GB6M0cJ_8iXBO80XCreKxsLFIW4wm5QYfOZdsgzj5Umjef3/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5cFpFpHAG-NtQcx9APhQBveMdKN9lh6FRyehoTmn7iyUvt9MVMBdOpMtp3BrbIww7yn9D7qBsPUGh_Ip6SN5AyKsceb0GB6M0cJ_8iXBO80XCreKxsLFIW4wm5QYfOZdsgzj5Umjef3/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sa`ie sepanjang jalan</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sa`ie </span></i></b><b style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cara Siti</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Macam itu judulnya.
Biasalah. Mahu menarik minat membaca. Judul perlu <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">catchy</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Wahai Ibrahim, ke manakah kamu hendak
pergi? Adakah kamu akan meninggalkan kami di lembah yang tiada berpenghuni dan
tiada apa-apa (untuk dimakan)?”</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pertanyaan ini
diulangi beberapa kali oleh Siti Hajar, sejurus selepas Nabi Ibrahim menurunkan
beliau dan anakandanya, Nabi Ismail di lembah Makkah yang pada ketika itu tiada
tanaman atau bekalan air. Namun Nabi Ibrahim AS tidak berpaling kepadanya untuk
memberi jawapan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Akhirnya
Siti Hajar berkata, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Adakah ini perintah
Allah terhadap kamu?”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nabi Ibrahim pun
berkata, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ya.”</i> Siti Hajar lalu
berkata, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kalau begitu, Allah pasti tidak
akan membiarkan kami.”</i> Siti Hajar kembali semula ke tempat Nabi Ismail AS
ditinggalkan seketika sementara Nabi Ibrahim AS meneruskan perjalanannya. Mengimani
Allah SWT, Siti Hajar redha dengan ketentuan-Nya dan bersabar dalam menempuh
dugaannya kerana beliau yakin Allah SWT bersama-sama dengannya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bekalan makanan dan
minuman Siti Hajar dan Ismail lama-kelamaan habis, sehinggakan Nabi Ismail
menangis kepanasan dan dahaga. Hati ibu yang mana tidak tersentuh melihat
anaknya kelaparan, maka Siti Hajar bingkas bangun dan mendaki bukit Safa
berdekatan dengan harapan ternampak sesiapa yang boleh membantunya. Namun,
beliau kecewa. Siti Hajar terus menuruni bukit Safa dan berjalan-jalan mencari
ikhtiar. Runsing dan kebimbangan, beliau menyinsing kainnya dan berlari-lari
anak menuju ke Bukit Marwah dan mendakinya untuk tujuan yang sama. Hampa. Tiada
kelibat manusia berdekatan. Siti Hajar terus berulang-alik antara bukit Safa
dan Marwah sebanyak tujuh kali. Sehinggalah apabila terpancutlah air dari dalam
bumi setelah ditendang Nabi Ismail. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZFAuPKus7nESTHMTNKIvBoM4x1JKUIaHsQEyASQ4rgsoqqs5rycra3DzXtPaPQ3PyALKmUDENaFktxaB5ksfpIne965g8B1bEAigmh21ujqILANQfgOeGjOgW_PaQ75Gw3oWqmNGtg3J/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZFAuPKus7nESTHMTNKIvBoM4x1JKUIaHsQEyASQ4rgsoqqs5rycra3DzXtPaPQ3PyALKmUDENaFktxaB5ksfpIne965g8B1bEAigmh21ujqILANQfgOeGjOgW_PaQ75Gw3oWqmNGtg3J/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+07.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mendaki Bukit Marwah</span></i></td></tr>
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<i style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sa`ie </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">bukan
sekadar berulang-alik antara dua buah bukit tanpa ada punca dan matlamatnya.
Malah <i>sa`ie </i>bagiku merupakan lambang kesungguhan
dan keteguhan iman seperti mana yang dizahirkan oleh Siti Hajar. Bermula<i> </i>daripada bukit Safa, kami melakukan <i>sa`ie </i>ke bukit Marwah (dikira satu
kali). Kemudian daripada bukit Marwah kami kembali ke bukit Safa (dikira dua
kali), sehinggalah kali yang ketujuh, berakhirnya di bukit Marwah. Pergerakan
anak muda biasanya lebih laju daripada warga tua, terutamanya lelaki yang
disunatkan berlari-lari sepanjang lampu hijau. Namun, memandangkan abang melakukan
<i>sa`ie </i>bersama Mak yang sudah tua,
pergerakan abang sentiasa seiring dengannya. Setelah melakukan <i>sa`ie</i>, kami bercukur di bukit Marwah.
Maka selesailah ibadah umrah kami pada malam tersebut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Puncak kedua-dua buah
bukit jelas kelihatan, dengan bukit Safa dipagar dan bukit Marwah disaluti
bahan kimia, mungkin untuk memeliharanya daripada rosak disebabkan oleh mamahan
usia atau disebabkan fikiran khurafat manusia. Hari ini jemaah melakukan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sa`ie </i>dalam tempat khusus dengan sistem
penghawa dingin yang selesa. Berbeza dengan zaman dahulu, jemaah melakukan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sa`ie </i>di tengah-tengah kesibukan deretan
kedai para penjaja. Dan sesungguhnya berbeza dengan kisah Siti Hajar yang
berulang-alik di bawah terik mentari sepanjang tanah berliku, curam dan tidak
rata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sesungguhnya
Safa dan Marwah adalah sebahagian daripada syiar agama Allah. Maka sesiapa yang
beribadah haji ke Baitullah atau berumrah, tidak ada dosa baginya mengerjakan sa`ie
antara kedua-duanya.”</i> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></a>
Al-Baqarah, ayat 30</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surah al-Baqarah, </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ayat 158.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-3123815240181151132014-04-22T04:31:00.000-07:002014-04-22T04:31:14.861-07:00Arab Saudi | Makkah 01: Merindui Tanah Suci Makkah<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1.0cm; margin-right: 28.0pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-gldXyXWkdSolDWbpj0t1UzVe6bNoa665JYtbVZ7g1V9NaF33y5UgCX7Yv4zUyLXugb9yrgIcMLtDJ53OFtOsBh4ZIJ8o-mEOY3t-A-M3YGuODv9duXNuRNj6P-6F51K_yaQ7Lid0XBR/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-gldXyXWkdSolDWbpj0t1UzVe6bNoa665JYtbVZ7g1V9NaF33y5UgCX7Yv4zUyLXugb9yrgIcMLtDJ53OFtOsBh4ZIJ8o-mEOY3t-A-M3YGuODv9duXNuRNj6P-6F51K_yaQ7Lid0XBR/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sebuah lorong kecil di Jalan Ajyad</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Wahai
Tuhan kami, sesungguhnya aku telah meninggalkan sebahagian daripada keturunanku
di sebuah lembah yang tidak mempunyai apa-apa tanaman (dan) berhampiran dengan
rumah-Mu (tapak Baitullah) yang mulia. Wahai Tuhan kami, (dengan demikian) agar
mereka mendirikan solat. Maka jadikanlah hati-hati manusia cenderung kepada
mereka dan rezekikanlah mereka dengan buah-buahan semoga mereka bersyukur.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn1" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tiap-tiap manusia di
muka bumi ini yang telah menjejakkan kaki ke bumi Makkah pasti akan cenderung
kepadanya dan merinduinya. Hanya dengan memejamkan mata, kita seakan-akan
merasakan angau pada alunan rasa rindu yang mengasyikkan kepada Tanah Suci
Makkah. Tiada siapa menyangka sebuah lembah yang dahulunya tandus tidak
berpenghuni, kini menjadi tumpuan jutaan jiwa yang mengimani keesaan-Nya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lena yang panjang
sejak dari Terminal Haji dikejutkan oleh pengumuman pegawai Tabung Haji bahawa
kami telah menghampiri kawasan hotel yang berdekatan dengan Masjidil Haram. Abang
menyingkap tabir jendela bas dan memerhati kehidupan di Makkah. Menara Abraj
Al-Bait tersergam megah dari kejauhan. Jalan raya penuh sesak. Orang ramai
berasak-asak. Makkah jelas sudah pun dibanjiri jutaan Jemaah haji dari seluruh
pelusuk dunia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpGmrE-3vtaBfQFuzpjBZaSdc-G7DI20Ox2ONAZhEY6i6i_KBf6w_DMotx95JdOqv22wpyDtRmeLsYSVqHkiWf45VSX1XrWwT9_cP7Twkux1MZkqGgTd-cj8KSgiTcMvQCYAsDWaexYWC/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpGmrE-3vtaBfQFuzpjBZaSdc-G7DI20Ox2ONAZhEY6i6i_KBf6w_DMotx95JdOqv22wpyDtRmeLsYSVqHkiWf45VSX1XrWwT9_cP7Twkux1MZkqGgTd-cj8KSgiTcMvQCYAsDWaexYWC/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jalan raya di sekitar Makkah sentiasa dipenuhi orang ramai yang berpusu-pusu pergi dan pulang dari Masjidil Haram</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Setelah melalui jalan
berliku-liku di tengah-tengah kota Makkah, akhirnya bas kami tiba di Hotel
Al-Shohada, terletak lebih kurang 650 meter dari Masjidil Haram. Alhamdulillah,
syukur kami semua selamat sampai dalam keadaan bas yang uzur dan bermasalah.
Sambil mengendong beg sandang menuju ke kamar hotel, abang dapat merasakan
peluh-peluh membasahi segenap badan, diserap oleh kain ihram putih yang tebal.
Siapa bilang ibadah haji itu untuk bersedap-sedap dan berselesa, bukan?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">Bagi tempoh tiga minggu
di kota Makkah, abang ditempatkan sebilik dengan Mak dan Kak Fiza. Kamarnya
mewah, lengkap serba ada segalanya. Syukur </span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">alhamdulillah</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%;">.
Lantaran keletihan mengembara dari jauh, kami masing-masing melelapkan mata
untuk beberapa jam. Insya-Allah, seperti yang dijadualkan oleh Tabung Haji
Travel, kami akan memulakan umrah pada jam 10 malam nanti.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o5DGljHaHqusRoAXOgGtraAIdDpuiKT16RDdQ0xlMH4mymOtGW8CV05nrS1XZx_9SPp1nO6GmrNr3RMaeqbCLLm5Z61D5Zuk9DRrgTN_gWQwudIrXVMwa-yTO8Pz_ePtyMT3dOdcnCCO/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o5DGljHaHqusRoAXOgGtraAIdDpuiKT16RDdQ0xlMH4mymOtGW8CV05nrS1XZx_9SPp1nO6GmrNr3RMaeqbCLLm5Z61D5Zuk9DRrgTN_gWQwudIrXVMwa-yTO8Pz_ePtyMT3dOdcnCCO/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Lampu-lampu yang menerangi Masjidil Haram. Makkah ialah kota yang tidak pernah lena (The City that never sleep)</i></span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Umrah di Tanah Suci<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Dan sempurnakanlah ibadat haji dan
umrah kerana Allah.” <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn2" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Saat melangkah keluar
hotel, abang terlihat sinaran lampu-lampu putih membias separa langit malam.
Sudah tentu itu cahaya lampu-lampu Masjidil Haram. Di kiri dan kanan orang
ramai berpusu-pusu dengan pelbagai macam dan pelbagai ragam. Seperti kami,
ramai juga jemaah lain yang sedang berihram. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Abang melangkah masuk
ke dalam Masjidil Haram dengan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bismillah</i>.
Melewati pintu King Abdulaziz anak mata abang tercari-cari Kaabah. Kerana itu kiblatku
semenjak kali pertama abang diajar solat oleh ustazah. Di celah-celah kesibukan
jutaan manusia melakukan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tawaf</i> abang
terlihat Kaabah tersergam indah. Abang terpana seolah-olah ia pandangan kali
pertama. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQksdAADfwUkBxY2TT7Vvtor4vmW5YxDFN6y0b0anBDC-i5PoSzvjFMHBCtStU47qjpPsK1dvBblTO6j802I3LQZytXlscDPYWwVCX0niz1Mq5y-qx4vvLohkWG8quXlegolWhOdOp7vmj/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQksdAADfwUkBxY2TT7Vvtor4vmW5YxDFN6y0b0anBDC-i5PoSzvjFMHBCtStU47qjpPsK1dvBblTO6j802I3LQZytXlscDPYWwVCX0niz1Mq5y-qx4vvLohkWG8quXlegolWhOdOp7vmj/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Makkah+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Merenung Kaabah. Kita tidak pernah akan bosan.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Binaan ini yang
tersergam sejak jutaan tahun dahulu. Binaan ini menjadi arah hamparan sejadah
untuk solatku yang tidak terhitung waktu. Abang tidak dapat melihat Sang Pencipta
itu di mana. Namun menyaksi Kaabah di hadapan mata, abang merasa seolah-olah
lebih hampir dengan-Nya. Indahnya setiap saat itu tiada kata untuk mencerita.
Allah Maha Besar. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Allahuakbar. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Kegembiraan dan
kesyukuran hanya terzahir dengan linangan air mata membasahi pipi tanpa dipaksa.
Di celah-celah ratusan manusia itu, abang menadah tangan dan mengalirkan air mata
kesyukuran saat kali menatap Kaabah di hadapan mata. Pelbagai rasa menyatu
dalam jiwa. Dalam tangisan itu juga abang menyesali segala dosa-dosa. Menyesali
sifat-sifat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mazmumah</i> yang sudah beraja.
Menyesali sejarah lama yang tidak boleh dibangga. Menyesali segala keengganan
ketika suatu masa yang tidak bisa diputar semula. Apa nilai abang di sini, di
hadapan Kaabah, diri sendiri tertanya. Malunya bukan kepalang tatkala menghadap
Sang Pencipta dengan wajah penuh terpalit dosa. Walaupun lebih ramai yang lebih
bertaqwa. Walaupun sudah banyak nikmat-Nya telah terdusta. Namun abang masih
dipilih oleh-Nya. Abang, dan bukannya lain jutaan manusia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maka nikmat Tuhan yang manakah yang kamu
dustakan?” <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftn3" name="_ftnref" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Surah
Ibrahim, ayat 37. Dikatakan doa ini dibacakan oleh Nabi Ibrahim AS setelah
meninggalkan Siti Hajar dan Nabi Ismail AS di Makkah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[2]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Al-Baqarah, ayat 196.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1564143166587241019#_ftnref" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[3]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Al-Rahman, ayat 36<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-83120171938777902402014-04-22T04:21:00.003-07:002014-04-22T04:22:19.807-07:00Arab Saudi | Jeddah 01: Ada Apa dengan Terminal Haji<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2GINk9RI_9agM0q9nh8XOdklu7b8bjjKWXts5YQSA_VMnF6yd_xeqWzYKLBP1wXR5F7tIu3GtY8jT44_mIZQyiooIdFEwDgg1zyRNgneA9GBUWWjH1SyhoHf-v4yzm84rRykFQvrix9U/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2GINk9RI_9agM0q9nh8XOdklu7b8bjjKWXts5YQSA_VMnF6yd_xeqWzYKLBP1wXR5F7tIu3GtY8jT44_mIZQyiooIdFEwDgg1zyRNgneA9GBUWWjH1SyhoHf-v4yzm84rRykFQvrix9U/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jemaah Haji Malaysia menunggu</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ketibaan di Terminal Haji Lapangan Terbang
Antarabangsa King Abdulaziz Jeddah<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Kedua-dua kembara
umrah (2011) dan haji (2013) bertitik tolak dengan ketibaan di Terminal Haji Lapangan
Terbang Antarabangsa King Abdul Aziz Jeddah. Saat melangkah keluar daripada
kapal terbang, abang mula terasa bahang mulus di tanah tandus. Suasana ini
cukup asing bagi diriku yang jarang merantau ke benua lain. Kalau sudah
iklimnya berbeza, sudah tentu persekitarannya turut sama bezanya.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Walaupun laman
sesawang Frommers.com menobatkan Terminal Haji Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa
King Abdulaziz ini pada tangga pertama, pada abang, gahnya lapangan terbang ini
cuma pada keluasannya dan reka bentuk bumbungnya yang mampu mengurangkan bahang
panasnya bumi Arab. Namun aspek kebersihan dan servis adalah terlalu asas dan
masih banyak yang perlu mereka pelajari daripada lapangan terbang negara lain
seperti Malaysia (KLIA), Singapura (Changi) dan Thailand (Suvarnabhumi).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tidak begitu banyak
yang abang kenali tentang Jeddah. Seperti kebanyakan para jemaah Haji dan umrah
yang lain, Jeddah hanyalah sekadar tempat persinggahan sementara sebelum
meneruskan kembara ke Tanah Haram Makkah atau Madinah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-jc2W3TAIjGhdj1glzedbMkNYdI7eR-AVCtiWTrA-C-SQUeYOp10Xqc_UYTbruuDFVu21wUQ9cJuHvx5CC8uG_RMgG8A2EKaV3KgLKfavfaQ3OUFgs1GOr0q8a3hKgjWtaTEQBAnruJZ/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-jc2W3TAIjGhdj1glzedbMkNYdI7eR-AVCtiWTrA-C-SQUeYOp10Xqc_UYTbruuDFVu21wUQ9cJuHvx5CC8uG_RMgG8A2EKaV3KgLKfavfaQ3OUFgs1GOr0q8a3hKgjWtaTEQBAnruJZ/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Di luar terminal Haji, petugas Tabung Haji sedang melayan kerenah Jemaah pelbagai ragam</i></span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Detik-detik Imigresen Terminal Haji<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seorang pegawai imigresen
menyapa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Selamat Datang </i>dengan pelat
lidah Pak Arab. Abang tersenyum, sudah pastinya mereka biasa dengan frasa
Bahasa Melayu pendek dan mudah seperti <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">selamat
datang, terima kasih, sama-sama</i> dan beberapa figura (seperti satu, dua,
tiga, sepuluh, lima puluh) bagi urusan jual beli. Tatkala jemaah Malaysia
sedang beratur untuk tujuan pengesahan passport, beberapa pegawai memimpin jemaah
haji Malaysia yang tua dan uzur untuk diberikan keutamaan di kaunter. Abang
tersenyum lagi. Orang Arab di sini tidaklah sekasar yang digambarkan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Persepsi itu kekal
untuk beberapa saat. Sahaja. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Setibanya di kaunter,
pegawai imigresen mengambil keputusan untuk menutup kaunter dan menyuruh kami
ke kaunter bersebelahan. Di kaunter bersebelahan, pegawai tersebut juga mengambil
keputusan untuk menutup kaunter dan menyuruh kami ke kaunter sebentar tadi.
Umpama bola tennis yang dilantun ke sana sini kami dibuatnya. Maka di hadapan
kami, berlakulah perbalahan yang kurang profesional sesama mereka sehinggalah
seorang daripada mereka mengalah dan terpaksa menguruskan dokumen ketibaan kami
dengan berdecit lidah tanda protes tidak puas hati.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mungkin sebab itu
Nabi Muhammad SAW diturunkan kepada kaum Arab, bagi menunjukkan bagaimana Islam
itu suatu agama suci yang dapat melembutkan sekasar-kasar bangsa. Maaf kata. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCuXkTMZEq8ukHBVuoXoIOyGn6W3cEQ758Gk8nHnAZHGhyAap863yMxHpkAuf2pMY21ZrOudrxL-6z_nRbttihx2iWJapPkVhcEXvcKRAYB1dhQxdj_gTxmsw80NkOKmI8mYSJ9lru6iY/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCuXkTMZEq8ukHBVuoXoIOyGn6W3cEQ758Gk8nHnAZHGhyAap863yMxHpkAuf2pMY21ZrOudrxL-6z_nRbttihx2iWJapPkVhcEXvcKRAYB1dhQxdj_gTxmsw80NkOKmI8mYSJ9lru6iY/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ketibaan Jemaah kami pada waktu pagi</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Usai urusan
imigresen, kami berjalan menuju ke tempat tuntutan bagasi. Jemaah lain sudah
tidak kelihatan, sudah lebih maju kehadapan barangkali. Dari kejauhan terlihat
tiga buah bagasi besar warna hijau terasing ke tepi, bagai tidak bertuntut
tidak bertuan lagi. Tercegat tiga orang pekerja memerhati siapakah gerangan
tuan empunya bagasi-bagasi ini. Abang berikan senyuman dan hulurkan sedikit
‘buah tangan’ sebagai upah tolong menjagakan. Lantas kami berlalu pergi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Di mesin <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">scan </i>bagasi, pegawai bertugas meminta
abang membuka komputer riba untuk diperiksa dan diteliti. Tingkahnya kasar,
bikin hati gusar. Setelah meneliti skrin yang bernyala tanpa berbuat apa-apa,
pegawai tersebut mengarahkan kami supaya segera pergi. Apa beliau fikir abang
membawa bahan pornografikah ke mari? Mungkin kalau iya, abang sudah mati
dipanah petir saat melangkah kaki keluar pesawat sebentar tadi. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sengaja mahu tunjuk kuasa, sengaja mahu
melambat masa, </i>ujar seorang pegawai Tabung Haji yang bertugas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bisik hati, dugaan
haji sudah bermula. Ujar sinis rakan, itu kaffarah dosa. Kedua-dua pendapat ada
benarnya. Cuma dalam dua perspektif, abang tidak suka memilih negatif. Bahawa
segala yang buruk dalam pengalaman kembara haji itu merupakan kaffarah dosa.
Jika begitu, adakah kita dijemput ke Tanah Suci ini semata-mata untuk dihukum
oleh-Nya? Jika begitu dangkal persepsi tentang Haji, maka tidak ramai orang
yang mahu menjejakkan kaki ke Tanah Suci kerana khuatir dihukum sedemikian
rupa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNGHho8oK7mbWLYsuHwqEWrkrCbnSkrl1cYBFGI6t8dOicaTeY4kmp1nKVhX4lufOPS0NBKomBlplED2oM26mxNvlS2zV9FSsZ5vFOF_fS4aMV3YvVVV2THlO8TgtnHk3i_H2nllrCz23/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNGHho8oK7mbWLYsuHwqEWrkrCbnSkrl1cYBFGI6t8dOicaTeY4kmp1nKVhX4lufOPS0NBKomBlplED2oM26mxNvlS2zV9FSsZ5vFOF_fS4aMV3YvVVV2THlO8TgtnHk3i_H2nllrCz23/s1600/Arab+Saudi+Jeddah+Makkah+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keadaan dalam bas. Ada penghawa dingin. Cukuplah</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Abang melihat Haji
sebagai suatu undangan Sang Pencipta kepada satu peluang untuk merasa lebih
rapat dengan-Nya, dan di sepanjang kembara itulah Sang Pencipta akan memimpin
kita untuk bermuhasabah diri supaya sentiasa sabar, syukur dan redha.
Nikmat-Nya diberi tanpa kita duga dan salahnya kita akan ditegur oleh-Nya.
Moga-moga kita menjadi hambanya yang lebih baik dari sebelumnya. Insya-Allah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pada musim Haji, abang
sering diingatkan. Penantian itu suatu kelaziman. Menanti selama tiga hingga
lima jam itu perkara yang perlu dibiasakan. Sediakan bekalan makanan dan
minuman. Banyakkan sabar dan doa, insya-Allah segalanya akan dipermudahkan. Abang
turut berdoa moga masa yang panjang dapat dirasakan seperti dipendekkan. Zikir
dan doa sentiasa meniti di bibir dan lidah. Mengapa agaknya zikir dan doa di
Malaysia tidak begitu mudah? Abang sebenarnya sudah lama tidak berzikir. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Astaghfirullah</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Bagasi-bagasi kami diikat rapi di atas bumbung. Namun saat diturunkan, mereka baling sahaja ke bawah.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Setelah lebih lima
jam berada di lapangan terbang, akhirnya bas kami pun tiba. Perjalanan dari
Jeddah ke Makkah biasanya akan mengambil masa kurang dua jam. Walau
bagaimanapun, keadaan lalu lintas ketika musim haji sukar diduga. Tambahan
pula, Kerajaan Arab Saudi menetapkan supaya kami melapor diri di dua hentian
berbeza. Tidak cukup dengan itu, kami diuji dengan enjin bas yang hampir rosak
dan memperlahankan kembara ke Tanah Suci. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Masya-Allah</i>.
Kami perbanyakkan sabar dan doa. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rabbi
Yassir wala Tuassir</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Terfikir sejenak,
bagaimana kembara orang dahulu kala. Menaiki unta. Kenderaan terbuka. Bahang
terasa. Kita hari ini sebenarnya banyak yang perlu disyukurkan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-39011096865132524472014-02-09T21:24:00.000-08:002014-04-22T04:12:39.289-07:00Epilog Kembara Haji dan Umrah 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Subuh di perkarangan Masjidil Haram</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Dan
berserulah kepada manusia untuk mengerjakan haji, nescaya mereka akan datang
kepadamu dengan berjalan kaki dan menunggang unta yang kurus yang datang dari
segenap penjuru yang jauh." (Surah Al-Haj: 27)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2013. Abang menyahut seruan haji itu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Melakar
kembali cerita kembara haji dan umrah ke Tanah Suci tidak semudah yang
disangka. Mencari kata, menyusun bicara, namun ada kalanya gagal mencari sempurna.
Sejujurnya tiada baris kata yang adil dan saksama untuk menggambarkan rasa sebenar
dalam jiwa. Cubalah bertanya kepada sesiapa sahaja yang telah menjejakkan kaki
ke Tanah Suci ini. Sesungguhnya mereka akan mengakui tiada bandar atau kota
di dunia ini seindah dan setenang dua kota Haram ini.</span></div>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sesaknya dataran Tawaf</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Undangan ke Tanah Suci<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Dan
sesiapa yang bertaqwa kepada Allah, dengan mengerjakan suruhan-Nya dan
meninggalkan larangan-Nya, nescaya Allah akan mengadakan baginya jalan keluar
(dari segala perkara yang menyusahkannya) serta memberinya rezeki dari jalan
yang tidak terlintas di hatinya." (surah apa ini ya?)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tidak
pernah terlintas di hati bahawa abang akan menerima undangan ke Tanah Suci
semuda ini (pada usia 29 tahun). Nama belum berdaftar dengan Tabung Haji. Duit simpanan bulan-bulan pun belum
mencukupi. Segalanya umpama mustahil untuk haji menjadi suatu realiti. Tetapi
abang lupa, gerak kerja Sang Pencipta itu misteri. Nikmat-Nya dianugerahkan
dalam situasi yang tidak tercapai imaginasi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ketika
itu, hanya ada empat minggu sahaja lagi sebelum Bonda dan Kak Fiza bertolak ke
Tanah Suci. Suatu hari, Kak Fiza menerima panggilan daripada Tabung Haji.
Membawa perkhabaran oleh Kerajaan Arab Saudi. Bahawa jemaah haji wanita bawah
usia 45 tahun hendaklah ditemani seorang mahram lelaki.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.45pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.45pt;">Setelah
berbincang dengan kakak dan seisi keluarga, kami bersetuju untuk abang menjadi
mahramnya. Dalam tempoh empat minggu itu jugalah abang berhempas pulas
menyediakan segalanya. Berkat doa daripada semua, yang sukar menjadi mudah,
yang belum menjadi sudah. Seiring dengan nama Eid Adha atau Hari Raya Korban,
panggilan haji ini menuntut pengorbanan kita. Pengorbanan meninggalkan isteri
dan keluarga tercinta. Pengorbanan meninggalkan bebanan tugasan dan kerja.
Pengorbanan wang ringgit, simpanan dan harta. Pengorbanan memperuntukkan
sejumlah masa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tanggal
7 Oktober 2013, abang hanya membawa minda dan jiwa. Serta rasa kehambaan yang
tulus menyahut panggilan Sang Pencipta. Menyaksi tangisan sanak saudara
meruntun sebak di dada, abang mengorak langkah jua. Ini panggilan yang Maha
Esa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">LabbaikAllah humma labbaik!</span></i></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-56849324093589350982013-12-25T19:03:00.000-08:002013-12-25T19:04:57.172-08:00Western Australia Part 8: The City of Perth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiczG_ZlUQxw9hf0Lydy3y2HESW-oRZ4cGTLs426Fhe7EGreIBmJ_x-nTyS00ZyjySo5SDODp55W0YpkXucMVc7zwAAVI042RG3QvcZJTxChMYr2GQMiU_S82HgfbbykdGxedeZd25nmx/s1600/perth+city+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiczG_ZlUQxw9hf0Lydy3y2HESW-oRZ4cGTLs426Fhe7EGreIBmJ_x-nTyS00ZyjySo5SDODp55W0YpkXucMVc7zwAAVI042RG3QvcZJTxChMYr2GQMiU_S82HgfbbykdGxedeZd25nmx/s1600/perth+city+06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Selfie much? </span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">Perth: Isn't It Time You Really Get To Know Me</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So that was the catchy slogan displayed on an ads in the middle of Perth city. We've had our wonderful moments up, close and personal with the local nature landscape (Yanchep National Park, Serpentine National Park, Kings Park), historical spots (Fremantle Prison, Round House etc) and suburbs area (Fremantle). But the place of modernisation and urbanisation in the Perth City itself should not be left aside. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3lOx8pYGiBPO19doF9OhyphenhyphenW5rSECTMROTeTKP6Qe1XJYx2G_yNDqzpBvbche5aUm1GROYhKgEexp-utirfJTgZ2HOyROZFR-yKr1FpkQeTD0RifNn_o1ra5aZQxg5huDouS5ZjbHY9Eo6/s1600/perth+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3lOx8pYGiBPO19doF9OhyphenhyphenW5rSECTMROTeTKP6Qe1XJYx2G_yNDqzpBvbche5aUm1GROYhKgEexp-utirfJTgZ2HOyROZFR-yKr1FpkQeTD0RifNn_o1ra5aZQxg5huDouS5ZjbHY9Eo6/s1600/perth+069.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view of Perth City at Night</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">Knowing Where To Go in Perth City</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To maximise your visit in the Perth city, it is definitely worthwhile to scan through any brochures and do a little bit of research in the internet of interesting places to drop by in the city itself. Not only you would discover the best places that promise you the best experience, but you would also discover the operating hours and applicable fees to avoid any unnecessary frustration. Perth Zoo, Swan Bell Tower, Perth Mint, Supreme Court Gardens... just to name a few.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the local people in the Perth City</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYDqYTdCoNyigwgcn5I_pv5uYwRYNdas6g77VeBFp7pXTIQWgzlItU-UT9mrhVBu9LWGZtK-wPUugFc9sq7XQA9blaGLObAUBm051ZHFGOf8y4IpSILu7N70IEKJF01PxSCsO-QOHoQLa/s1600/perth+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYDqYTdCoNyigwgcn5I_pv5uYwRYNdas6g77VeBFp7pXTIQWgzlItU-UT9mrhVBu9LWGZtK-wPUugFc9sq7XQA9blaGLObAUBm051ZHFGOf8y4IpSILu7N70IEKJF01PxSCsO-QOHoQLa/s1600/perth+057.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Streets in the City of Perth</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Traveling Around in Perth City</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Self-drive is the best way to travel around in any part of the world (provided there is conducive infrastructure). Nevertheless, public transport here is efficient and cheap, making traveling from one place to another convenient and rewarding. Click </span><a href="http://visitperthcity.com/get-around" style="font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> for more info on public transportation in Perth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The streets seem safe. The drivers were a lot more civilised than those in my own country. I could hardly find any crazy motorcyclists on the loose. The only advice I received from the locals was to stay away from drunk aboriginal guys at night.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjRb0mKQ8KbNcKrM7xd6Be1ZPgyOXdzmA5azFMPkXedryM4nJMSY4Cyq2nt_bGFTy3YsEAJe9xRB1e0p_OzCEXQw6GxOew_SbxLzIkZaLati6UM8anhM1GNU-KvPBpKZKseAxvuc0VSLj/s1600/perth+city+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjRb0mKQ8KbNcKrM7xd6Be1ZPgyOXdzmA5azFMPkXedryM4nJMSY4Cyq2nt_bGFTy3YsEAJe9xRB1e0p_OzCEXQw6GxOew_SbxLzIkZaLati6UM8anhM1GNU-KvPBpKZKseAxvuc0VSLj/s1600/perth+city+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Swan Bell Tower</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DwN4h9xL7iSWhlrR8WfIeSHR4p4PTFVviQDvZurgxigIvtoU4AYKm2Hvf3L4VdEOGHJN1W_eLmiSk82hNxpl3cI1OfmEZg448t2Wci3qMixGfz-T8UfPtcNYRtV0fZutd9fYPw9BVN3a/s1600/perth+city+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DwN4h9xL7iSWhlrR8WfIeSHR4p4PTFVviQDvZurgxigIvtoU4AYKm2Hvf3L4VdEOGHJN1W_eLmiSk82hNxpl3cI1OfmEZg448t2Wci3qMixGfz-T8UfPtcNYRtV0fZutd9fYPw9BVN3a/s1600/perth+city+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Main Tourist Attraction. Could be the Symbol of Pride for Local People</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Swan Bell Tower (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Opens Daily from 10 am | AUD 13 for Adult - </span></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> but check out for discounts from vouchers</span>)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Overlooking parts of the Swan River and the Perth city itself, Swan Bell Tower is definitely the main tourists attraction. Strategically located by the Barrack St. Jetty, the design of the Swan Bell Tower stood out uniquely from other modernised and urbanised offices and premises in the Perth City. We parked our car conveniently nearby the Swan Bell Tower. Even though we decided to enjoy the view from the outside of the Swan Bell Tower, the surrounding scenery was simply breathtaking. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOGISHVQfImHNoQIcPdzk4oRaJOoy9Ghldu0S45idLU9TGflMx-Th8IaVtxuxPhIJcRVTUXO_4qT-Sqn0jSAdfbBcP_QPsEJQTnCQp2IOL92O15Yc60Xq4i0E5NaxguFeAPYDaBj29k6S/s1600/perth+city+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOGISHVQfImHNoQIcPdzk4oRaJOoy9Ghldu0S45idLU9TGflMx-Th8IaVtxuxPhIJcRVTUXO_4qT-Sqn0jSAdfbBcP_QPsEJQTnCQp2IOL92O15Yc60Xq4i0E5NaxguFeAPYDaBj29k6S/s1600/perth+city+05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boarding the Ferry at the Barrack St. Jetty</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Barrack Street Jetty: The Gate to the South Perth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The night time was approaching in an hour or two. Witnessing the reflection of the evening sun in the river would definitely be an awesome idea. Nearby the Swan Bell Tower, there was a ferry service to the South Perth, at a minimal fee of AUD 1.70 per person. So we bought ourselves the return tickets and waited patiently for the ferry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Actually, the ferry services offered here are from and to Fremantle, Rottnest and South Perth (including the Perth Zoo!). Getting here is also convenient, thanks to the efficient public bus services. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljmelXQy2qXfgI_JBK_-84HdcOJW86SvA3kPIsWhRTvjv8_rTcoWf9ung5E25LjbW21m7alIc_E9vqYUFfJUV-ZgETkroboP7Nhja3dZR9-G4P5xYhtwUefVn8OkH7EnUtPyymWbQ0NDV/s1600/perth+city+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljmelXQy2qXfgI_JBK_-84HdcOJW86SvA3kPIsWhRTvjv8_rTcoWf9ung5E25LjbW21m7alIc_E9vqYUFfJUV-ZgETkroboP7Nhja3dZR9-G4P5xYhtwUefVn8OkH7EnUtPyymWbQ0NDV/s1600/perth+city+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are wondering what the view from the South Perth looks like, here it is...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK02Rd6LZMMI0tMpUfU_3teOczpvSuE1-rlslW0PamSZBOZ-ry_n10NMz9IGARdB2l6bqqogzvJ1S1ZQ__ZWDAaWGjM2jsZ6rjJxvS2EA2r8E8VpasQV1f5sa5K1k4dqyhZGKhMJarEYQw/s1600/perth+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK02Rd6LZMMI0tMpUfU_3teOczpvSuE1-rlslW0PamSZBOZ-ry_n10NMz9IGARdB2l6bqqogzvJ1S1ZQ__ZWDAaWGjM2jsZ6rjJxvS2EA2r8E8VpasQV1f5sa5K1k4dqyhZGKhMJarEYQw/s1600/perth+056.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The shady trees by the streets in the Perth City</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>South Perth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I never knew that one of the spots where I could get a really nice view of the whole Perth City (other than the Kings Park) would be the South Perth. The moment we got off from the ferry, we could see cheerful children playing joyfully in a playground nearby the South Perth Jetty. There were also the elderlies, sitting on the benches, facing the Perth City, eating fries (<i><span style="color: #660000;">lepas tu aku buat muka tak malu pergi tanya, <strike>nak sikit boleh,</strike> kat mana nak beli fries yang kelihatan lazat berkrim disukai ramai ini</span>). </i>Several cafes located nearby, we chose a kebab restaurants to quenched our thirsts and to enjoy some fries. Yeah, while facing the view of the Perth City. The local people were so warm and friendly. I could still remember a lady passing by the restaurant and said to us: "Wow, you are all officially the ambassador for Coke!". Only then we realised that all of us ordered Coke for drinks!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pkLsviorsbHZZf3SFaRAm1Ny0Naa6GrgzH9nzCbvk4BMg_HoSrZvNbE7_BkA5KYPkCtYB-87Lbp0Lj6B_TJs1KXqLTD5d-PIS6ukE1KOfD0mSymyIbYyklvQUkdzbfpWA1HZ4zvv3b6k/s1600/perth+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pkLsviorsbHZZf3SFaRAm1Ny0Naa6GrgzH9nzCbvk4BMg_HoSrZvNbE7_BkA5KYPkCtYB-87Lbp0Lj6B_TJs1KXqLTD5d-PIS6ukE1KOfD0mSymyIbYyklvQUkdzbfpWA1HZ4zvv3b6k/s1600/perth+063.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confession of Shopaholic</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAas2Kmhck6wuiZl12IGH2_Bx6BNVRYfVT3rzFulj_Xj4VXRYohcZaB9LznLsnEdFUH_HEGVhJa-ewfGmYWy6SKuDYood2GvM3SyDpGmTFK27Uj1zsGs-TBzNj3sn_gMfPcnFGe_1KCM4v/s1600/perth+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAas2Kmhck6wuiZl12IGH2_Bx6BNVRYfVT3rzFulj_Xj4VXRYohcZaB9LznLsnEdFUH_HEGVhJa-ewfGmYWy6SKuDYood2GvM3SyDpGmTFK27Uj1zsGs-TBzNj3sn_gMfPcnFGe_1KCM4v/s1600/perth+066.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Souvenir Madness.... Aci tak yang tengah-tengah tu pun kira souvenir?</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><b>Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am not so sure whether having sales are actually a trend here in Perth City, or we were lucky to be here at the right time. Despite having many outlets offering branded items on sale, I only purchased souvenirs for families and closest friends. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37YyH8g98rg8Zw5JUCfNsi7IZUXJok4OIKz9VL2CiQEkMDWhQ-ksqSVDJeG37R4Yvp-KXPVG1nqKC9fLNkpHI12KIHIyrvNPbKfemaZvikvdA-sNeru_Ka4-DnKK_gvUExcdcM77G9L7q/s1600/perth+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37YyH8g98rg8Zw5JUCfNsi7IZUXJok4OIKz9VL2CiQEkMDWhQ-ksqSVDJeG37R4Yvp-KXPVG1nqKC9fLNkpHI12KIHIyrvNPbKfemaZvikvdA-sNeru_Ka4-DnKK_gvUExcdcM77G9L7q/s1600/perth+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37YyH8g98rg8Zw5JUCfNsi7IZUXJok4OIKz9VL2CiQEkMDWhQ-ksqSVDJeG37R4Yvp-KXPVG1nqKC9fLNkpHI12KIHIyrvNPbKfemaZvikvdA-sNeru_Ka4-DnKK_gvUExcdcM77G9L7q/s1600/perth+058.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perth City Got Talent</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Street Performers: Perth City Got Talent</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While strolling down the streets, mesmerized by the branded items on discounts, we were entertained by several street performers showcasing various talents, from singing, playing musical instruments or magical skills. The most interesting part would be when some of the musical instrument performers synergised their sounds and produced one beautiful music.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQTXRPA7AIs26y75KD0r4QtPF80RcZrDgd3Fy3OtNPq5tRVOWjKLSVALnSPEd4xXfnjoIrQnzflAXI0nSFWrRbN_mb-2S8sLTNHGnFqTQjOoHt37xS2GtPtVoh8avQOS_erSFYT1ZGcp0/s1600/perth+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQTXRPA7AIs26y75KD0r4QtPF80RcZrDgd3Fy3OtNPq5tRVOWjKLSVALnSPEd4xXfnjoIrQnzflAXI0nSFWrRbN_mb-2S8sLTNHGnFqTQjOoHt37xS2GtPtVoh8avQOS_erSFYT1ZGcp0/s1600/perth+055.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modernly designed buildings in the city</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfceX7I6vqvquD__aktw0gnmNQaZLhWj8wy5LBPST1X_yo2eC4OyJx8lu_MTW6R3c7ivnYJbuxyBCDVpsRTCJkK7U1nMj03tu7oTgAcadWnB_F0NnrAGO7MTjde81rywmlt4lGRNCI_XNv/s1600/perth+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfceX7I6vqvquD__aktw0gnmNQaZLhWj8wy5LBPST1X_yo2eC4OyJx8lu_MTW6R3c7ivnYJbuxyBCDVpsRTCJkK7U1nMj03tu7oTgAcadWnB_F0NnrAGO7MTjde81rywmlt4lGRNCI_XNv/s1600/perth+064.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A church in the middle of the city</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUrxjyhYoP9zmiG618pTXAinIfz4yxHC0TAeKseMbswEk4uwbJmw8n56u2FMzYEEHC6lQi-uiZD2NqPwx2KPxbo4ceRSBd2V1Nw4Ogm6Iavo22zEKT_ZvMP59cegXGYfrJveKHuMlsCfS/s1600/perth+city+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUrxjyhYoP9zmiG618pTXAinIfz4yxHC0TAeKseMbswEk4uwbJmw8n56u2FMzYEEHC6lQi-uiZD2NqPwx2KPxbo4ceRSBd2V1Nw4Ogm6Iavo22zEKT_ZvMP59cegXGYfrJveKHuMlsCfS/s1600/perth+city+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The maple tree and the church</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_2dDRhVIxnebvPeC5_bHaLFE2jXsv3NK-T6NnyU2mkxzl6UoD4AXyDfz6wBc8-BC5ZSAH5D4os4IS0Keh7cOxoRhDKYrVsHS1IeGOkr_ec3QkXfKvfiL9lWEd7HcDpDpOUHN9siuWZP5/s1600/perth+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_2dDRhVIxnebvPeC5_bHaLFE2jXsv3NK-T6NnyU2mkxzl6UoD4AXyDfz6wBc8-BC5ZSAH5D4os4IS0Keh7cOxoRhDKYrVsHS1IeGOkr_ec3QkXfKvfiL9lWEd7HcDpDpOUHN9siuWZP5/s1600/perth+059.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post office and Commonwealth Bank of Australia</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Artistry within Modernisation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">While Perth is driven towards modernisation and urbanisation, we could still find several buildings that proudly promote English architectural designs, including the churches in the middle of the city, post office, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and other shop lots. Driving around the city or even strolling down the streets would definitely be a pleasant experience.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91m__ISV5EgisjDbHcz3PC7WmjutDtPkc81UokZ85HvIaIvGPDjTDCSFatEkMES_yZTc_-ujpdGQSdL3YYQLcRjaAcQHJacVuGlZf4DRN_AqQXYiFLl8bthhRghNhnhCnwvRtKk2FN8PW/s1600/perth+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91m__ISV5EgisjDbHcz3PC7WmjutDtPkc81UokZ85HvIaIvGPDjTDCSFatEkMES_yZTc_-ujpdGQSdL3YYQLcRjaAcQHJacVuGlZf4DRN_AqQXYiFLl8bthhRghNhnhCnwvRtKk2FN8PW/s1600/perth+067.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perth City at Night. Captured from Kings Park</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>With Love</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">No matter how beautiful Perth has been, after a week I've started to miss my hometown already. Pursuing study in any part of Australia sounds like a great idea. I had never been to any other parts of Australia other than Perth. If Perth generally represents all parts of Australia, I would definitely wish that Perth could be my second home. Even though you are a traveller, Perth will never treat you like a stranger, and Perth will truly embrace you like a lover. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Isn't it time you really know Perth?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Till we meet again, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-34948436428981318202013-12-13T17:26:00.004-08:002013-12-18T01:53:54.444-08:00Western Australia Part 7: Mandurah the Heaven for Retirees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">Mandurah the Blue</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was said that Mandurah originated from the word '<i>Mandjar' </i>which means meeting place by the Noongar people. But <i>Mandjar </i>and Mandurah are obviously a remote connection in terms of spelling and pronounciation, so I assume <i>Mandjar </i>became Mandurah was because of mispronounciation by the English people who came later inhabited Perth. As the second largest city in Perth, Mandurah is definitely a place to drop by. But given Mandurah has became a city with the least affordable houses and premises, I do not think staying a night in Mandurah is a great idea especially those who are on budget. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Retire Young Retire Rich: Only in Mandurah</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Often, people said that the best place to retire is Perth, Australia. Fine, I admit, Perth is really a nice place. Only when I reached Mandurah, then I understood why Perth (specifically Mandurah) is really a desired place to spend the rest of your entire life in. Located about 70 km that took about 45 minutes journey by car, Mandurah appears to be the top choice for retirees. Nevertheless, I was told that houses and premises were beyond affordability. Yeah, I could see the fact, by seeing the design and location of the expensive mansions.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">Mandurah: Home for the Dolphins</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nice homes for dolphins and pelicans, Mandurah offers various cruises and trips to witness the wildlife up close and personal. Since we were on budget, the cruises fees made us think twice, especially when it was caveated with the fact that witnessing dolphins jumping out of the water is not guaranteed. If you have extra budget to spend for the rest of the day, the cruises are definitely recommended. But if you do not have that much, just chill and relax by the shore. The beauty of Mandurah compensated the frustration.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">What to do in Mandurah</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As it was an unplanned visit to Mandurah, we felt like there was nothing much to do in Mandurah. Hence, the stay was not that long. But I do believe there are many things that you can do here in Mandurah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">Till then,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-4805268194414966922013-12-13T16:21:00.000-08:002013-12-13T16:22:09.170-08:00Western Australia Part 6: Serpentine National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>A Drive to Serpentine National Park (Opens 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was not just our luck to experience close encounter with any of the local animals like kangaroos or koalas. But this was not the case with Serpentine National Park. The 50 km drive that took about one hour and a half was definitely worth it. With minimal fee of AUD 11 per car, Serpentine National Park is one of the ideal picnic spots in Western Australia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Name is Serpentine</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Serpentine was said to derive its name from the early settlers from England. It was also said that the river resembles serpent. Speaking of which, while we were walking to the Serpentine Falls, I saw few huge rocks, resembling the head of serpents. Coincidence?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Picnic with the Kangaroos</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Parking was convenient as there were many spots available. Or perhaps because of the fact that it was a weekday. A park with such a natural beauty would definitely be a crowded place during weekends. My mother-in-law cooked and brought our favorite fried rice along, so we quickly searched for a perfect spot to enjoy the day. One of the plus points for Serpentine National Park would be the well kept picnic spots (especially for BBQ), suitable for families and friends. And the most exciting part, while enjoying our food, we experienced the closest encounter with about seven friendly kangaroos!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Serpentine Falls</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Other than the well maintained picnic spots, the Serpentine Falls remained as the National Park's main attraction. From the picnic spots, we followed the 400 m trails to the falls, whereby a nice viewing platform was located. It was not that big, but it was really a nice view. The water sent an enticing invitation for a dip, but it was winter. <i><span style="color: #990000;">Gila. Sejuk.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>There's Got to be More to Serpentine National Park</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Other than what we've witnessed here, there are actually more to the park, including the trekking trails. However, the trails would not be a good idea for those traveling with the elderly and young kids. Nevertheless, who said you can't enjoy Serpentine National Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you wish to experience something different from the popular routes, drop by to Serpentine National Park. It would definitely give you a different experience of Perth. I had mine. So should you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Till we meet again,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-5780500241589942482013-12-13T07:50:00.003-08:002013-12-13T07:54:14.746-08:00Western Australia Part 5: Yanchep National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>The lake at the Yanchep National Park</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>A Drive to Yanchep National Park </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My youngest sister-in-law nicknamed Acha wished to have a close encounter with a kangaroo. So I attempted to sell an expensive idea of <a href="http://www.cavershamwildlife.com.au/" target="_blank">Caversham Wildlife Park</a> which almost cost about AUD 24 per person. It was unsuccessful. My father-in-law was thinking of somewhere off the popular path, and most importantly, more economic. And he stumbled upon an advertisement in the tourism brochure, promoting Yanchep National Park. AUD 11, per car, not per person. So I rest my case. Yanchep better be good, I hoped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>What is with Yanchep National Park? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/activities/yanchep-national-park.html" target="_blank">Yanchep National Park</a> is roughly located about 40 km from the City of Perth, about half an hour or 45 minutes drive. As one of the oldest national park in Western Australia, Yanchep National Park offers close encounter with the unique bushes landscape, colonies of koalas and kangaroos as well as aboriginal experiences through arts scribbled on the wall of the caves. We left home about 10:00 am in the morning and the journey took about half an hour to 45 minutes, just nice to put everyone in the passengers' seats fast asleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Journey to Yanchep</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The view while heading to the north is completely different from the view of heading to the south. Well, to be fair, I haven't really went down further to the south, the farthest would be Mandurah. We went through the highway, located in between a desert-like landscape, where bushy trees were lined up along the way. A railway line was located in between the two highway roads, and the system resembles KTM Komuter in Malaysia so much. My mind drifted away that I lost track where or when the railway stopped. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Th2I1NMj_7XSfI0jC3CuaAP5IX1orFa_f4MF_VeTJa88bXhDHJteRTyTUA1pQ6iipo592wWtVjzZPoowqUq2S3SFnNyNIpl8LVyCc_elMucXP59ziKogL_Oedozy0VTc-iB1IBsffJT/s1600/Yanchep+012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Th2I1NMj_7XSfI0jC3CuaAP5IX1orFa_f4MF_VeTJa88bXhDHJteRTyTUA1pQ6iipo592wWtVjzZPoowqUq2S3SFnNyNIpl8LVyCc_elMucXP59ziKogL_Oedozy0VTc-iB1IBsffJT/s1600/Yanchep+012.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Welcome to Yanchep National Park</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were greeted by a friendly female park ranger at the entrance of the park, informing us that they might be busy for the entire day, as it was Western Australia's public holiday. But I believe that Yanchep would mostly be filled with the locals. Turned out it was true. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS9YWut0MuloYwMnD9Micv2IUW5s8yXs_xYRhojcjIgiq-7ZdvTKFaa3xtoWNjDtTeiSjOj66JkfpyozPi5lBW8q2QLMjq6UXBQ_rUaVuKe9-itSzTcJojBXPl5Pt4fAD16-RKHdjVrmw/s1600/Yanchep+006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS9YWut0MuloYwMnD9Micv2IUW5s8yXs_xYRhojcjIgiq-7ZdvTKFaa3xtoWNjDtTeiSjOj66JkfpyozPi5lBW8q2QLMjq6UXBQ_rUaVuKe9-itSzTcJojBXPl5Pt4fAD16-RKHdjVrmw/s1600/Yanchep+006.jpg" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Few metres from the car park, there was an administrative building, housing souvenir shops and tourist centre. We dropped by at the centre to have a look and to find out on any available tour. We discovered that there were plenty of things to do in Yanchep National Park - walking/jogging at at 55 km trail, cave tour (another AUD 10), picnic by the lake or even playing around with the kangaroos and koalas. As the receptionist explained: You can book any tour at any time, or book none, but you could still enjoy this beautiful park. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yanchep National Park is more like a laid back locals hang out centre where the locals headed to for pure weekend relaxation. Depending on individuals, some might be able to appreciate its uniqueness and serenity of the surrounding, but some might also regards the long journey to Yanchep National Park may not be worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well at least I set my foot on one of those off-beaten tracks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">With love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hairi Tahir</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>lama sangat tak berblog ni...</i></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-15883970434698721772013-08-14T03:31:00.002-07:002013-08-14T03:32:44.179-07:00Western Australia Part 4: Doing Time in Fremantle Prison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIAGz3Xao6ATG8OH5IfxpdzIqRsY9kOUThH68p6RyRHc7Qhzaq4Dy4E6NNz0v9nFwZVeYEEZed-ILDfsxNhHHISrfXAXK0JiKNK-vi1wI1ADwbcxPgssvM73ratu4C2Ew8JieXbAQ0sDG/s1600/prison+023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIAGz3Xao6ATG8OH5IfxpdzIqRsY9kOUThH68p6RyRHc7Qhzaq4Dy4E6NNz0v9nFwZVeYEEZed-ILDfsxNhHHISrfXAXK0JiKNK-vi1wI1ADwbcxPgssvM73ratu4C2Ew8JieXbAQ0sDG/s1600/prison+023.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i> </i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>“No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to
know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name.
Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine,
crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more
about yourself than a hundred years of quiet." - Patrick Rothfuss.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was not just about remembering the mistakes done by the people before us, but rather, it was a journey to learn not to repeat the same mistakes again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is the story of the Fremantle Prison: Doing Time.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswBKXNoA7XSRbYzYyystfHed5Sj2o1GnnWAxM0V0Cmltf5s_ADNZh3VYmu6h7rXRw_UPt-F5rfe0U_J4KJVoPuA46NnR8K510ID4jP9dz5MExHTNnFhicZLO4AV-9LybUqQwG_Tw6anH5/s1600/prison+001.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswBKXNoA7XSRbYzYyystfHed5Sj2o1GnnWAxM0V0Cmltf5s_ADNZh3VYmu6h7rXRw_UPt-F5rfe0U_J4KJVoPuA46NnR8K510ID4jP9dz5MExHTNnFhicZLO4AV-9LybUqQwG_Tw6anH5/s1600/prison+001.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Fremantle Prison: Doing Time Tour (Tour Fee of AUD 19)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">While the rest of the family members decided to enjoy the earlier parts of the day at home, my lovely wife and I decided to spend half of the day at the Fremantle Prison, which was first building in Western Australia listed in the World Heritage List. Being among the first buildings constructed by the convicts, Fremantle prison must have its own stories to tell. Moreover, since the day the first block of Fremantle Prison was laid on the ground, it had been standing still until the day the authority decided to close the prison which was in 1991, and later on converted the prison into a tourist attraction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This reminded me of our own Pudu Prison in Kuala Lumpur. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Greeted by the Prison Guard</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We
were greeted by an old man upon entrance. He explained that there were
four tours available to suit our choice - Doing Time, Great Escapes,
Tunnels Tour and Torchlight Tour. Given the limited time that we had, we
chose the Doing Time, which started at 10 am in the morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And we were informed later that he was actually the ex-Prison Guard of Fremantle Prison!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Cell Tango Began</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There were only four of us in our group. My wife and I and another two couple from Ireland. A tour guide by the name of Matthew greeted us and deliver his welcoming remarks. Throughout the tour we found that Matthew was indeed a very informative guide, who managed to retain a mild sense of humor to entertain us. I could still remember, the first question he asked, what kind of crime do you think these people were convicted for? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Logically speaking, it would take gruesome atrocities that warrant these people to be exiled from the British land, like murder, highway robbery or adultery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Contrary to the popular belief, we were informed that initially, people would be sent here, even for smallest crime of stealing a loaf of bread. Just imagined, being shipped all the way from British land, for stealing a loaf of bread. Was it worth it?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoHFrRp0yXoJu-I11pkceBbGmDyKrIdHT1y0_MyfAK4lPSt3OpfozqrleU-fthM519xwvWOPkRZ6cTbceBZn3Eh8roUI7KCHxOJXj2OcCMHtwKRGOV8S4ZbOCIbC7RDJsn1QvpKVAs6r1/s1600/prison+022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoHFrRp0yXoJu-I11pkceBbGmDyKrIdHT1y0_MyfAK4lPSt3OpfozqrleU-fthM519xwvWOPkRZ6cTbceBZn3Eh8roUI7KCHxOJXj2OcCMHtwKRGOV8S4ZbOCIbC7RDJsn1QvpKVAs6r1/s1600/prison+022.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Sorry, I am in Prison, Will be Out in 5 Years Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We began the tour from a room with a counter where the prison guards would be receiving the convicts. There were also special small cubicle to temporarily hold dangerous convicts. This was where the convicts were required to surrender all their belongings and most importantly, to surrender their freedom. Standardised personal items (e.g. toothbrush etc) and uniform will be handed over to the convicts and the day as a prisoner had officially began. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After the short briefing at the receiving room, we headed to the shower rooms nearby, made for the prisoners. I was not sure as to whether refinement was made from time to time, but the shower rooms were kept neat and tidy. It looked like some high school shower rooms after soccer instead of shower rooms for prisoners. I think the shower rooms could accommodate ten prisoners at a time, but it was actually a walking distance from their cells. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not yet an interesting discovery. We shall move on.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">The Emptiness of the Yard</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Upon exiting the shower rooms, we stepped our foot at the yard surrounding the prison's building. There were nothing but silence and emptiness, until Matthew started to speak. I believed it was the way it has been for the past decades, where the entrance to the prison greeted the convicts with nothing but a gesture of loneliness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After some brief history of the arrival of the convicts in Fremantle, Matthew led us to the prisons. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCXVhrN3HfLrm400zzrjKy8tTDfrwcuVL_FI0eNYVNhEO9XrpDJPGkAvwz2pQgGhZJilPX7hSgwSOoqAMnBjvdTXmAUKYhjQOouW55padPRunVXdh3vjo9Y3IZtJxzpiAoBwWQx_x9inx/s1600/prison+012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCXVhrN3HfLrm400zzrjKy8tTDfrwcuVL_FI0eNYVNhEO9XrpDJPGkAvwz2pQgGhZJilPX7hSgwSOoqAMnBjvdTXmAUKYhjQOouW55padPRunVXdh3vjo9Y3IZtJxzpiAoBwWQx_x9inx/s1600/prison+012.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJkCWEkfMmk4iGOL0XnFzyF5BpS3zne55gfPXe6uBdCxtc27omPILyqmuGG4oxPEFUrR120lVJRScyXqVG0ZirS-2qPz2qf5ugXPZqyI0fy8ewtIdewHIlKkdKv4sQNcEsso4_Y9s8qQK/s1600/prison+013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJkCWEkfMmk4iGOL0XnFzyF5BpS3zne55gfPXe6uBdCxtc27omPILyqmuGG4oxPEFUrR120lVJRScyXqVG0ZirS-2qPz2qf5ugXPZqyI0fy8ewtIdewHIlKkdKv4sQNcEsso4_Y9s8qQK/s1600/prison+013.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWC4IE8a_SWnYx0WLmJo78nJzzHbMwqmXjsxNWf27WeFMD6F1yEyT3-2WhnFCtxosfytn98EJ95vcavxq3cP4CB5dB6vnA2Nhgqt-PMsW8taGRVNZMYt2evPy0iDe4TGdXZL4l33WPNyE/s1600/prison+020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWC4IE8a_SWnYx0WLmJo78nJzzHbMwqmXjsxNWf27WeFMD6F1yEyT3-2WhnFCtxosfytn98EJ95vcavxq3cP4CB5dB6vnA2Nhgqt-PMsW8taGRVNZMYt2evPy0iDe4TGdXZL4l33WPNyE/s1600/prison+020.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Inside the Cells</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I stepped my foot inside the building, I found myself surrounded by hundreds of rooms, divided into 4 divisions. The prisoners were subjected to strict schedules, as displayed on the wall. Few mock up prisons were made to give some illustration on the evolution of the prisons throughout the decades. Yeah, I could see the changing of the beds, the tables and the facilities from time to time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Being prisoners cell, comfort was not the centre of focus. When summer came, the temperature of the room rose high. When winter dropped by, the temperature also dropped down. The prisoners became at the mercy of the nature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-NErKnXZmMM4t19qZ9L4pPGBI2YKwv-ud5zYT5iLXv6DDra1BgaVIzI56wcM0tKMnzKSBPfi3sQ0mTHI3tKAAm81tPD3Zpn_QsNsMzICJ0GeIaJrQvr_6kHjP_9fbn78evIk6yzbCGcy/s1600/prison+021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-NErKnXZmMM4t19qZ9L4pPGBI2YKwv-ud5zYT5iLXv6DDra1BgaVIzI56wcM0tKMnzKSBPfi3sQ0mTHI3tKAAm81tPD3Zpn_QsNsMzICJ0GeIaJrQvr_6kHjP_9fbn78evIk6yzbCGcy/s1600/prison+021.jpg" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Shit in a Bucket</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The most disturbing story would be the fact that all prisoners had to shit in a bucket and got it cleaned up the next day. Imagine the humiliation if one had to shit in front of another prisoner sharing the same prison? Moreover, this condition lasted until 1991! Well, to me the inmates in Hotel K of Bali faced worst conditions in their cell <i>tikus</i>.<b> </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9plpvx_loqaCfwcqiv_zBPc6O_cPboaRRopMxB8VWHodT01IkFoxhiXCV6bGuygM2N25iYYqFhXVigd9Fpp-T_P6WKJhMQHxtubSKjDavENtXeBmljKILVmsV6JdPkQVALQabU31hWI47/s1600/prison+016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9plpvx_loqaCfwcqiv_zBPc6O_cPboaRRopMxB8VWHodT01IkFoxhiXCV6bGuygM2N25iYYqFhXVigd9Fpp-T_P6WKJhMQHxtubSKjDavENtXeBmljKILVmsV6JdPkQVALQabU31hWI47/s1600/prison+016.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Leonardo Da Vinci in da House</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were led to few prison rooms, where there were paintings on the wall. These paintings were done by some of the prisoners who were granted permission to do so for therapy reasons. As I could see, these are more than just scribbling on the wall. They were expressions of longing for freedom. The ships at the sea, the land, the tress etc. <b> </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPHmzyk6cBK3l6zDPmyKjWNyiOvldeiX5n-VPy0Boo_92nGA-1WJJP7_-X0fBXe8NJQa-kHWpJOU42e28ZbR_GKDl_Rn6lksXGDRwlCxLurt1L0VntBqd-6dtEXfDf31c0SNI6H-tNsQI/s1600/prison+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPHmzyk6cBK3l6zDPmyKjWNyiOvldeiX5n-VPy0Boo_92nGA-1WJJP7_-X0fBXe8NJQa-kHWpJOU42e28ZbR_GKDl_Rn6lksXGDRwlCxLurt1L0VntBqd-6dtEXfDf31c0SNI6H-tNsQI/s1600/prison+004.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-NErKnXZmMM4t19qZ9L4pPGBI2YKwv-ud5zYT5iLXv6DDra1BgaVIzI56wcM0tKMnzKSBPfi3sQ0mTHI3tKAAm81tPD3Zpn_QsNsMzICJ0GeIaJrQvr_6kHjP_9fbn78evIk6yzbCGcy/s1600/prison+021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Prison Riot</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Somewhere in 1988, there was a riot in Fremantle Prison. It was so delicately organised. Initiated by pouring hot water onto the guards on duty, almost seventy prisoners rushed through the unguarded gates, overpowering the prison guards. The prisoners started to throw things like tables, chairs onto the ground. They started a fire, which later became bigger and in the end became the reason why the whole planned escape was unsuccessful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are special session to deal with the stories on successful and unsuccessful attempt to escape from the prison. Either version, it is understandable why these prisoners attempted for freedom, by looking at the condition of the Fremantle Prison. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-gafbShmL4S1KcUr635A0bS5q0HbuaMOf4EKd3IBNRvZG9A2C7TIr_Pkv9IOBd8HUhTfLyx4pt5qhsBfoPMJMVy8Fql7PRHcgW1zFMj0zRNf7k4bBiEKFV_KSeHtXTpYX7XVFV9KbyG-/s1600/prison+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-gafbShmL4S1KcUr635A0bS5q0HbuaMOf4EKd3IBNRvZG9A2C7TIr_Pkv9IOBd8HUhTfLyx4pt5qhsBfoPMJMVy8Fql7PRHcgW1zFMj0zRNf7k4bBiEKFV_KSeHtXTpYX7XVFV9KbyG-/s1600/prison+005.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8DDoNGSplXG0gNumUeqsbSd80xMNQT6ukwP6Q_gO2ZTlTLrWFew3aglyRawrF1rBXqoPgYjTrCDokwAScDnISBuV0IosP6LwC8aRlFAte0I5dS8hwpZGGlwm75yemxyFGAzWQTPGTjfo/s1600/prison+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8DDoNGSplXG0gNumUeqsbSd80xMNQT6ukwP6Q_gO2ZTlTLrWFew3aglyRawrF1rBXqoPgYjTrCDokwAScDnISBuV0IosP6LwC8aRlFAte0I5dS8hwpZGGlwm75yemxyFGAzWQTPGTjfo/s1600/prison+007.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTEkXNIdY2bm6y1Ol5pItYuW_ffcIBHsBa4fifLzKC-COnbK-v7eD3l1bwKKURPHF7nO_ogF5tBUgrYtSnkEKVeV8XfcrVC5SnNBumXjvIEwoYOBGav2NTA8jwECt2rGbGKUDXoKOmToa/s1600/prison+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTEkXNIdY2bm6y1Ol5pItYuW_ffcIBHsBa4fifLzKC-COnbK-v7eD3l1bwKKURPHF7nO_ogF5tBUgrYtSnkEKVeV8XfcrVC5SnNBumXjvIEwoYOBGav2NTA8jwECt2rGbGKUDXoKOmToa/s1600/prison+010.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjks8lkAOwlccqT1UAZX-Ba8BTCO8vu8zeHbKaIaTKMtf2cSFSE_MZ1Tcq2p4M27njToLVmPBQZ4OxZeWdZgeMTarn5SeoAGO-QebcQdQKOhy5pfcSxRjogrxvBBnFEyvAMhP2p5QaVeQJt/s1600/prison+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjks8lkAOwlccqT1UAZX-Ba8BTCO8vu8zeHbKaIaTKMtf2cSFSE_MZ1Tcq2p4M27njToLVmPBQZ4OxZeWdZgeMTarn5SeoAGO-QebcQdQKOhy5pfcSxRjogrxvBBnFEyvAMhP2p5QaVeQJt/s1600/prison+019.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfRTlCKXG0MCdWXVT_PaCOW7NrGgRHXt0OXa10aPEyD7mCvK_u-dpBEZAo1v1fFj5WyJCzNZjLSavM5NtBiqSzGmoe-m85u2OBBOOXQaXPE0rsVFdDKAsExejX3uprjOuzL-KGVJhBafN/s1600/prison+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfRTlCKXG0MCdWXVT_PaCOW7NrGgRHXt0OXa10aPEyD7mCvK_u-dpBEZAo1v1fFj5WyJCzNZjLSavM5NtBiqSzGmoe-m85u2OBBOOXQaXPE0rsVFdDKAsExejX3uprjOuzL-KGVJhBafN/s1600/prison+017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Exercising Yard</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There were times when the inmates were allowed to roam in the yard. We were shown few other paintings on the wall, where some of them were quite disturbing. But to me, the yard is still a prison, at a larger scale. The only thing inmates would be able to see is the blue sky and the prison guards guarding from the towers up above.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gNHR9fc1-1c1vP1d-uXzm4ubF3-0bkNZLXzg0kYRNhgScy2Sqj3RbrH0afzxbuoM2DGNRGPnclO5ENfFzSv5X2tlqXNDuBLDcrh8sfrhlDktVvFwkMyhjN0GZUoSZflj-E1Upqo9-nRe/s1600/prison+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gNHR9fc1-1c1vP1d-uXzm4ubF3-0bkNZLXzg0kYRNhgScy2Sqj3RbrH0afzxbuoM2DGNRGPnclO5ENfFzSv5X2tlqXNDuBLDcrh8sfrhlDktVvFwkMyhjN0GZUoSZflj-E1Upqo9-nRe/s1600/prison+009.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoHFrRp0yXoJu-I11pkceBbGmDyKrIdHT1y0_MyfAK4lPSt3OpfozqrleU-fthM519xwvWOPkRZ6cTbceBZn3Eh8roUI7KCHxOJXj2OcCMHtwKRGOV8S4ZbOCIbC7RDJsn1QvpKVAs6r1/s1600/prison+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiAHRSiJGvBrvHLDvC8gdhV4UGJts9qsTItOWP2F0quKd6Bhg_uAMjQRJuGtZEYKzglvinw5pSnSOxtqZQ3uH-A3oPz6-DqUB06cAL-4SX6YBlB4V8dVXy-6fa41qSzskPxcj2r7smduQ/s1600/prison+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiAHRSiJGvBrvHLDvC8gdhV4UGJts9qsTItOWP2F0quKd6Bhg_uAMjQRJuGtZEYKzglvinw5pSnSOxtqZQ3uH-A3oPz6-DqUB06cAL-4SX6YBlB4V8dVXy-6fa41qSzskPxcj2r7smduQ/s1600/prison+011.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnFL7l1Su9GeBuLFMae5gcZunwmVhzHhJF9nKZaNYN9r4hmcXXRhWKmQQ2nfP_6MsPldNLcvU9f3xNyNIV-0RQyvWjwGasEUx84py0gz_Y36TwqDha9B9SxnFZaplfRnV44MhLATo8KPn/s1600/prison+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnFL7l1Su9GeBuLFMae5gcZunwmVhzHhJF9nKZaNYN9r4hmcXXRhWKmQQ2nfP_6MsPldNLcvU9f3xNyNIV-0RQyvWjwGasEUx84py0gz_Y36TwqDha9B9SxnFZaplfRnV44MhLATo8KPn/s1600/prison+008.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Execution Place</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were brought to a place where the inmates were flogged with Cats O Nine Tail (a tool to flog prisoners). Made from nine cotton cords, the "Cats" were intended to inflict intense pain on the skin. It is interesting to note that this "cat" is often associated with the phrase "Cat got your tongue" (it was so painful you could not speak), "letting the cat out of the bag", "look what the cat dragged in" etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for the hanging area, it did cast eerie and gloomy ambiance throughout the place. We were informed that more ghostly stories about the area are covered in the night tour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>End</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, that's about the Fremantle Prison. The entrance fee might be costly to some, so I shared some insights for you to enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Till we meet again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-92074847363943558732013-06-24T04:20:00.001-07:002013-06-24T04:28:13.607-07:00Western Australia Part 3: The Historic Harbour Town of Fremantle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigok8Ai6NYsdH5H_3CnHL0nIiJ23kbA2JCaK5exXE20nw8zCeIe4C5_x_4LhwznqhqYY81ul-7rMpSFKCQJEJnlM_kblkL_zc5Ha9lWN0508x2O-iPW_-VRgHk0hfgfz9a63YiIX_w2aDU/s1600/fremantle+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigok8Ai6NYsdH5H_3CnHL0nIiJ23kbA2JCaK5exXE20nw8zCeIe4C5_x_4LhwznqhqYY81ul-7rMpSFKCQJEJnlM_kblkL_zc5Ha9lWN0508x2O-iPW_-VRgHk0hfgfz9a63YiIX_w2aDU/s1600/fremantle+002.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dawn in Fremantle. </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Why Fremantle?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fremantle (or referred by some as Freo) is like a KFC combo set, where you can get cool things all wrapped into one set. From historical site to modern life leisure centre, Fremantle is not just a suburb area and a dream town for pensioners, rather it promises a great deal of potential to be commercialised. A day in Fremantle will never be enough. Never.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp6POzwDlVudCttwru082mHC8c3ukynnDxbxOaPM9RNUv0w_kwMH2Z282PIou-KqSUeWGQWb2fVNw8nMwn_CjUaKsHG6OpHMuZefvDkpZ9WVmMOHE55JRz2z02g-jxDDaoZdV4KeDFCDR/s1600/perth+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp6POzwDlVudCttwru082mHC8c3ukynnDxbxOaPM9RNUv0w_kwMH2Z282PIou-KqSUeWGQWb2fVNw8nMwn_CjUaKsHG6OpHMuZefvDkpZ9WVmMOHE55JRz2z02g-jxDDaoZdV4KeDFCDR/s1600/perth+041.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freo here we come!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>About Fremantle</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Located less than 30 km from our home stay, journey to the historic town of Fremantle only took about half and hour. The traffic was so smooth and the local drivers were nice and civilised (unlike most drivers in Malaysia, whose driving skills portrayed the mind of the third class). But the speed limit of 60 km/hr was killing (in Malaysia, the speed limit for highway is 110 km/hr). Nevertheless, we arrived in Fremantle safe and sound. That would be the utmost important thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fremantle gave us the feel of a nice suburb area, with a small town, nicely organised neighborhood houses and beautiful beaches facing the meeting point of the Indian Ocean and the Swan River. Named after Captain Charles Howe Fremantle, Fremantle was the first settlement by the Swan River colonists in 1929. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>A Town Built by Convicts</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Initially, Fremantle was the settlement for military and civillians who migrated by choice. The convicts were not in the picture as yet. It was difficult back then, not having adequate and proper communication, transportation and administrative facilities. So it was decided that for the purpose of development, convicts to be sent to built all the necessary infrastructure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It is reasonable to comprehend that among the first infrastructure built by the convicts would be their own prison - the Fremantle Prison. The Fremantle Prison has its own interesting story so I will deal with the story in a separate entry, okay. As for this entry, I will share my experiences on other interesting places in Fremantle. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to the Shipwreck Galleries of Fremantle</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">One: Fremantle Shipwreck Galleries (Entry by Donation)</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As the name implies, this museum housed hundreds of treasures and relics from many ships wrecked along the coastline of Western Australia. Entry is by gold coin donation, but if you do not intend to give any, the door is still widely opened to welcome you to join in the interesting voyage. On top of that, there would be free guided tours that bring you to the exploration, shipwreck, mutiny and murder at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm and 3 pm respectively. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The remains of the Batavia Ship</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The highlight of this gallery would be the Batavia Gallery, where the reconstructed remains of the Batavia Ship, which is one of the famous shipwreck that tells the story of voyage in search for spices, survival, murder and mutiny. The remains were delicately arranged and displayed in a big hall, where visitors can view from the lower first floor level or climb up to the elevated viewing deck. This ship, which was the ship of the Dutch East India Company was shipwrecked on her maiden voyage after the struck of the Morning Reef near Beacon Island of the Western Australian Coast. The remaining timbers were discovered one by one and rearranged by a dedicated team, which obviously not an easy task to do. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The anchor | The Steel | The Kitchen Artifacts</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The survivors after the shipwrecked of Batavia, went out in search of food and fresh water to Batavia (now known as Jakarta in Indonesia) and upon return, they discover massacre of half of the survivors. This story is also embedded in a displayed skeleton of a crew member that still bear the scar of the gruesome attack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Among other things discovered were the anchors (most of them displayed outside of the museum), cannons and other artifacts. Some of the glasses, cups and plates seemed classical, though some of them looked just like the modern ones you have in your mom's kitchen. Some other parts displayed the reconstructed captain's room, the skeleton and other machinery discovered. Interesting isn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Opened on daily basis (except on Wednesday and listed holidays) from 9 am to 5 pm. Oh, did I say that the building that house this gallery was among the first building built by the convict?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Round House Entrance</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">Two: The Round House (Entry by Donation)</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Did you notice the similarity of the color of the building with the Shipwreck Galleries? So it means that both buildings were built using the same substance and material i.e. the limestone. I initially thought that the Round House was also built by the convicts, however, this was not the case as there was no convict labour available as yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Located nearby the Shipwreck Galleries, we do not have a reason not to drop by at this place. Besides, the entry, again is by donation of gold coin. If you have none, the door is also widely opened, and you may find volunteers greeting you with friendly smile. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Open daily 10:30 am to 3:30 pm</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Upon entry, we were greeted by a lady by the name of Celine, who happened to be a volunteer at the place. She explained all the things related to the building. Initially the Round House was built as prisons for colonial and indigenous people in the 19th century. Later, it became a police lock up for temporary lock ups and later it became the residence of the chief constable and his family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So hard to imagine the chief constable actually lived here with his wife and ten children. And none of their rooms had windows to view the spectacular meeting point of the Indian Ocean and the Swan river. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why was it called the Round House? No, not because the round shape of the well at the center of the building, but generally referring to the shape of the building. It was actually a 12 sided building with ablution area at the center. Other than the eight cells, there were also other rooms inside the building, but as for now, the second level was closed due to safety reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Given it has only eight cells, it was obvious that Round House would not be able to accommodate the hundreds of convicts. The convicts were instructed to build a now gaol named the Fremantle Prison. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwmn5xYBPzIIYkXAWphCgTU7SOB9hiQC9QLBL9U21j2g8HI5tsigkak1gdcMLr-rtIxEcOCMBhHerwBXy1JIQly2QuX7INstXFG6aPQtf9J6esxK0Citten4r0Z3AF6JVeCImE8FNx9_r/s1600/round+house+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwmn5xYBPzIIYkXAWphCgTU7SOB9hiQC9QLBL9U21j2g8HI5tsigkak1gdcMLr-rtIxEcOCMBhHerwBXy1JIQly2QuX7INstXFG6aPQtf9J6esxK0Citten4r0Z3AF6JVeCImE8FNx9_r/s1600/round+house+004.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The original technical name of the Round House was the Dodecogenal House, which might be challenging to the tongue (<i><span style="color: #660000;">berbelit lidah kau nak menyebut</span></i>). There were also penalty equipment on the display. So far, only one person was hanged here in Round House, a boy of 15 years old, for the offence of murder another child. <i>(<span style="color: #660000;">Kalau kat Malaysia baru PMR kot, kau dah bunuh orang</span></i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Outside of the Round House, facing the Indian Ocean, the Round House cannon was set facing the sea. Fired at 1 pm each day, mariners and tourists would take the chance to calibrate their digital watches and clock. Since we dropped by early in the morning, we didn't have the chance to witness the firing of the canon. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">E Shed from the car's window.</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial;">Three: The E Shed Market (Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holiday)</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">E Shed Market is a stone throw away from the Fremantle Railway Station, Fremantle Maritime Museum and Rottnest Ferry Terminals. Located in a warehouse on Victoria Quay and facing a magnificent working harbour above the dark blue water, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">the E Shed is promoted as the best waterside market in Western Australia. Based on my blog-walking activities conducted by me, most of the travelers recommended E Shed for souvenir shopping in Fremantle. But other than souvenir, you can also find international food, music, local handicrafts, antique, collectables, fashion, fruits, vegetables, hot drinks etc. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Facing the working harbour, above the blue water</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Some souvenir sold here. Bargain. Though the vendor were quite persistent.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Upon entrance, we were greeted by an Indonesian lady to her souvenir shop. Initially I wish to spend some time to walk further and observe. However, i noticed that most of the shops and stalls were closed. And the Indonesian lady's shop was the only one selling typical souvenirs in the E Shed. And due to common language i.e. Malay language, I could see she was making a huge profit on that day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS-TuR6kKkU5SYm0YDMisgGyzhTzh2Cc3xC9nObVggfKxE76q4-QVOIz9xJp8No7njoWb8P3y2GagfdW2OS5KhdOA8difG3tYvlj8LnpJPHTzdEqXFh0CdqvzKpBAa3AOai4rO5mtILaR/s1600/perth+044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some snorkeling gear | Free Fremantle Tram Tours | Seagull by the Harbour</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Later on, I encountered an article online in <a href="http://heraldonlinejournal.com/2013/03/02/e-shed-exodus/" target="_blank">Fremantle Herald Interactive</a> that most of the stalls were closed, abandoned by 12 traders who requested for a decreased rental price. No wonder it seemed like a dead shopping center, unlike those described by the bloggers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Things sold here are super cool. Especially those vintage stuff, they really drove me crazy! I really hope that the authority would do something about this place as it promises great deal of potential. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Bathers Beach</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Another name associated with this beach would be the whalers beach, due to whaling activities taken place decades ago. From the back of the Round House is the perfect spot to view the blue water from a higher ground. Bathers Beach was not actually that huge to be considered as a beach, rather it was a strip of sands of 300 metres from the harbour. If I could name one thing this beach offers - serenity. <b><br /></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwgNsTF6ZLxk69PCoRjn0Pztcp4NjrVM7s1z3C34V1IDScOG989Q2RKxivGkeKuIi9U_EojnIojbD98vRoVJiqs-FdiCYEPUvuzIQAwvwhIntFayGlb8neF4L7RzPQ26YS4YQrFylMHq2/s1600/perth+052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwgNsTF6ZLxk69PCoRjn0Pztcp4NjrVM7s1z3C34V1IDScOG989Q2RKxivGkeKuIi9U_EojnIojbD98vRoVJiqs-FdiCYEPUvuzIQAwvwhIntFayGlb8neF4L7RzPQ26YS4YQrFylMHq2/s1600/perth+052.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are various reasons why Bathers Beach is such a great place for a getaway. Easy parking, nearby cafes and restaurants, walking distance from public transportation, grassy areas for picnic, shallow spots for swimming, dark blue waters during the daytime, clean beach, calm waters etc. It is a perfect spot from family spending time together and also best friend catching up after years apart. I can sit by this beach the whole day and forget everything else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And still, I have not reached the best part of this beach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The sun set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It reminded me that God is beautiful. He who created beautiful things. This is one of them. It was a remarkable feeling to perform prayer while facing the sea. It was so personal. Just between me and God. And people passing by unnoticed.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cicerellos.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>C</b><b>icerellos (Click this link, bro)</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As stated in their website, Cicerello has been the iconic eatery since its opening way back in 1903. All I know, I had never tasted a marvelous original chips till the day I stepped into Cicerello and ordered a set. Okay, that was a drama, but still, they served one of the best chips I've ever tasted. As for the <i>halal </i>certification, I could not locate any. In addition to most <i>halal </i>review given by bloggers, we did ask the waiter how did they prepare the food and we were informed no element of liquor whatsoever, hence we were comfortable to have dinner here, in Cicerello. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs406rrMOrFpWPYGzXUiPuJfyAf_oNMiUajLmY5lVjCsUshsprh6kXnTcrCZeokUH5otA7Avas9hLivtwKsDwjhJJ5RSgLYe5UWB42gNIuyaTuOlc6nQYLnYfjoQ-e7yCTrKeDTFo97x4E/s1600/perth+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs406rrMOrFpWPYGzXUiPuJfyAf_oNMiUajLmY5lVjCsUshsprh6kXnTcrCZeokUH5otA7Avas9hLivtwKsDwjhJJ5RSgLYe5UWB42gNIuyaTuOlc6nQYLnYfjoQ-e7yCTrKeDTFo97x4E/s1600/perth+028.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Located by the Fremantle's Fishing Harbour, having dinner at Cicerello was indeed a unique eating experience. You can choose to sit indoor, surrounded by a huge aquarium our outdoor by the harbour, but given it was past sun set and it was winter, eating while freezing cold outside would be the last thing you would want to do, trust me. </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The portion was big for a person, so each serving
was ordered to cater for two persons, well, unless your partner is a big
eater. But still, for my family members who are indeed big eaters,
ended up finger pointing to each other as to whom should be finishing
the remaining food. For such a big portion, it was pricey. And to some
it does not worth the money. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9p-zqjU8L_-gLTnCpFB-sBChMEbof22sB65zmcTTUQnkd3-C5UdfQlv4KrtmUpQtc6ONSM5SeWW1rqHXG-MvIDrY2PhAxOr2Xnbkv6K4EIPa7El2jGjxE6yfTDuwTOp2z6t9s9Mcfbwp/s1600/perth+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9p-zqjU8L_-gLTnCpFB-sBChMEbof22sB65zmcTTUQnkd3-C5UdfQlv4KrtmUpQtc6ONSM5SeWW1rqHXG-MvIDrY2PhAxOr2Xnbkv6K4EIPa7El2jGjxE6yfTDuwTOp2z6t9s9Mcfbwp/s1600/perth+033.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But to me, any food, served during the period of ultimate hunger, would definitely be considered as worth the money. Ordering was simple. Just que up and make your order to the friendly receptionist, then you will be given a buzzer, so you can wait at your table until your buzzer makes its sound. You can go collect your meal after that. Ironically, the sauce and mayo were sold separately. But still you need the sauce and mayo or the whole thing would be tasteless. And also selection of drinks is self service from the fridge. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHi47s1i5-ZwstrqSZ-R2rsyi5MWMzrExETRXQre8nDJgXw7ivBh3c7MnMLYtMZwwYEB0N5-u2WzKf-NItcN3xTcMaEjLhbuv3nJpRqguLzOpjKpAK0uEaz4upHmRKOVe8yeWCBMnen4cN/s1600/fremantle+003.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHi47s1i5-ZwstrqSZ-R2rsyi5MWMzrExETRXQre8nDJgXw7ivBh3c7MnMLYtMZwwYEB0N5-u2WzKf-NItcN3xTcMaEjLhbuv3nJpRqguLzOpjKpAK0uEaz4upHmRKOVe8yeWCBMnen4cN/s1600/fremantle+003.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Overall, I can say that no visit to Perth would be enough without a visit to Fremantle. It is accessible by public transport if you happened not to be driving. Most of must visit places were located nearby from one another, so most probably you will be able to complete your trip in a day. But still, Fremantle will always be there welcoming you with such a friendly ambiance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Go and have a look by yourself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span> </div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-53911306569645327202013-06-18T01:37:00.005-07:002013-06-24T04:23:35.843-07:00Western Australia Part 2: From Black Swan to Kings Park of Perth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9HXTuoLu1_5WTgH3MN4YHL1RMvQxqBzpipzOOlHhirxuvrOoX5N8OzYgkEq1zyZqi9b_1g9-9wt9sDsCHkMnNEuayvCNgVsA7JbWuUb9hQN9lyXb4QAtu3Jjyj0nM1MnuB6BVmfbJTT_/s1600/perth+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9HXTuoLu1_5WTgH3MN4YHL1RMvQxqBzpipzOOlHhirxuvrOoX5N8OzYgkEq1zyZqi9b_1g9-9wt9sDsCHkMnNEuayvCNgVsA7JbWuUb9hQN9lyXb4QAtu3Jjyj0nM1MnuB6BVmfbJTT_/s1600/perth+009.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Black Swan</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>"All journeys have secret destinations of which traveller is unaware..." </i>Martin Buber.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've learnt that sometimes by getting lost, you would discover the best spots which was originally out of the must-go list. Do not restrict yourself to the research you've done. Sometimes you just have to relax your mind and follow your heart.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibxHSKlHPXNHqyEBsdH9F4JzQ7F7BMnQL-xrFZ2_t46ZZ14VEyRJUEeOMHdjToUSN3yXfRCJVVlTsjEA1LwSfLXTSU8XtM05b8SRdBMPlqzeZqwWZ0VxdlqGIstJA0OOBpADZOecDbGWj/s1600/perth+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibxHSKlHPXNHqyEBsdH9F4JzQ7F7BMnQL-xrFZ2_t46ZZ14VEyRJUEeOMHdjToUSN3yXfRCJVVlTsjEA1LwSfLXTSU8XtM05b8SRdBMPlqzeZqwWZ0VxdlqGIstJA0OOBpADZOecDbGWj/s1600/perth+004.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Route to Bungaree Road, our home for one week in Perth</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The House at the Bungaree Road</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were lucky that <i>ayah </i>has a friend, who owns a beautiful house in Perth. It was small but nevertheless, adequate for all of us. In fact, most of the houses in Perth has the similar feature - one storey, small, cute lawn, just to name a few. It somehow taught me that the sense of adequacy can be rewarding, if we know how to appreciate and maximise to the fullest, and something big does not necessarily promise the ultimate joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was 6 am in the morning. The morning sun was on its way up on the clear sky. The sky was so clear with no glimpse of clouds, a sight which is not available in my country. In fact, that was the first time I've seen the sky in its multiple shades of blue. But it was freezing and my biggest mistake was to underestimate the temperature. I thought I was able to handle it, but turned out, it was not as easy as I thought. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bungaree Road | The Cute Roundabout | The Maple Tree Leaves</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Trapped Outside in the Cold</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The GPS didn't work well, so we had to depend on the google map. We arrived safely in front of the house, located in a peaceful neighbourhood, where friendly civilians went jogging and cycling around. We were so excited to begin the day, only to discover that we were given the wrong set of key for the house.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Now t</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">he freezing cold became a challenge as we had to spend another hour outside of the house. Thanks to the neighbour with a spare key, we managed to escape from the cold temperature an hour after the struggling. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The grocery shop | The halal meat shop | The goods purchased</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Groceries Hunting</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Four bedrooms, three shower rooms, a laundry room and a kitchen joint with the living room where you can cook and watch tv shows at the same time. But we need to fill the kitchen cupboard with groceries. Luckily nearby the area, there were grocery shops, selling <i>halal </i>food as well as <i>halal </i>meat. Before we kicked of the day with the first destination, we decided to shop at the nearby store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>AUD vs MYR - Give it a Break Will Ya?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is my bad habit - I could not control myself from comparing the local prices with Malaysian prices. To me, that would be the only way to ascertain whether a particular good is value for money or not. But my wife repeatedly reminded me that if I kept on comparing prices, I would end up not buying anything. So I bought the cheapest cereal for breakfast (5 AUD, which in Malaysia would be around RM 15, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>hoi Coco Crunch pun RM 6 lebih je</i>)</span> and a fresh low fat milk for breakfast. And yeah, later on I discovered that the cereal tasted like diabetic patient's breakfast in hospital. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Maple Tree | The Leaves | The Neighbourhood being Creative</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Maple Tree Outside of the Store</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While the rest of my family members were indulging themselves in grocery shopping, I went outside to get some fresh air. I was not freezing as badly as I was earlier in the morning, but still it was cool. I approached the nearby tree, maple tree, so I was told. Different climate would definitely entails different types of creatures - animals and trees. So I think it was worthwhile to spend some moments taking a look at the trees, the white banks and also the unique leaves. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Jakun kan?</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHu3N9EtOkzJgzsnWT0PBxiPxAv_LDbwLERFgdhnY3dYCvL37dLoh_X6vWay8-pmyCnwW8xD-fpvYetR1tNFvOxNlXNDysBedUBEtUvoXc3XrbXnwQH5aYp0XpjiCghvktpsQ3qbBLZx7/s1600/perth+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHu3N9EtOkzJgzsnWT0PBxiPxAv_LDbwLERFgdhnY3dYCvL37dLoh_X6vWay8-pmyCnwW8xD-fpvYetR1tNFvOxNlXNDysBedUBEtUvoXc3XrbXnwQH5aYp0XpjiCghvktpsQ3qbBLZx7/s1600/perth+006.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Happy Aboriginal Kids</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">While I was busy taking some photos outside, I heard two kids shouting and speaking in a language which was totally alien to me. I turned around. Two kids, with no slipper or sneakers were running around, ahead of their mother who was pushing the baby's stroller with no one in it. They are the aboriginal people of Australia. I guess these are among those aboriginal people who had decided to join into the modernisation of life and I really hope they benefited from it just like others did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The shopping mission was completed within an hour. We headed back to our one week home stay and prepared for our first destination in Perth - the Kings Park & Botanical Garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nDt8M8rA6nEtgxMr4wSz8wznq_rvi-5FruSlYmZhSvXvpGRoHZQ68LGD9arb7fng2YRRzl-nIXqHtjNoltXvxYRvhoO3xIVZgJPnPMTm8RI-78Bzzji2h1k1cSBUH7ZvzZhLQqhLFR2N/s1600/perth+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nDt8M8rA6nEtgxMr4wSz8wznq_rvi-5FruSlYmZhSvXvpGRoHZQ68LGD9arb7fng2YRRzl-nIXqHtjNoltXvxYRvhoO3xIVZgJPnPMTm8RI-78Bzzji2h1k1cSBUH7ZvzZhLQqhLFR2N/s1600/perth+010.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Lost Prodigy... Which was Rewarding</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After some quick bites at home, we went out to the Kings Park and Botanical Garden which is listed as number one must visit site in Perth. <i>Ayah </i>chartered Kia Carnival, which is able to accommodate all eight of us, and comfortable too. As we accelerated along the highway, I noticed that it was already in the mid afternoon. Day time during winter ends sooner than usual, I was told. My eyes caught a beautiful view of a blue lake on my right. There were white yachts sailing above the lake. This must be the famous Swan River, I said to myself. I was hoping for <i>ayah </i>to pull over, so that we could take a closer look of the lake, but it was almost impossible as we were in the middle of the highway.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The blue Swan River | Care Free</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then we arrived at a point where there were four divergences of highway exits. The confusing GPS caused us a wrong turn. A wrong turn that brought us to a close encounter with the Swan River! We asked <i>ayah </i>to pulled over and we immediately got out of the van to enjoy the magnificent scenery. That was our first close encounter with the blue majestic Swan River. The water was as blue as the sky. The grass was green. Some black swans spotted nearby, searching for food and some seagulls flying above in the sky. It was a refreshing sight, even when it was in the middle of the afternoon. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><i>Yang sebenarnya ini first time sampai negara omputih jadi haruslah jakun itu dan jakun ini. Lama-lama orang kata dah biasa. Layan je lah. </i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5_n4G64TbI7IcnOW7aVSiKWNqfqckofeBluRP36rBLQe6c41JBDaIBLuh9zDSXOZP4rUgqkGh3Hre7XXW8RQbrvhlCHP9QUs-wRSRTniagE02HZWynX4lwMyAMfpioNfcURvmWnsR7wd/s1600/perth+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5_n4G64TbI7IcnOW7aVSiKWNqfqckofeBluRP36rBLQe6c41JBDaIBLuh9zDSXOZP4rUgqkGh3Hre7XXW8RQbrvhlCHP9QUs-wRSRTniagE02HZWynX4lwMyAMfpioNfcURvmWnsR7wd/s1600/perth+021.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Green Grass at the Kings Park</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>What You Need to Know About Kings Park and Botanical Garden</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Overlooking the majestic Swan River, Kings Park and Botanical Garden is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">No trip to Perth is complete without a visit to the Kings Park, as how much a visit to Ho Chi Minh City is completed with Ben Thanh and a visit to Siem Reap is completed with Angkor Wat. And the saying is true - the best things are free. While admission to Kings Park is free of charge, often, visitors will discover that they would get more than what they bargained for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The huge park is divided into six segments: Botanic Garden (displaying thousands species of Australian local floras), Fraser Avenue (the most visited sites in Kings Park, Lotterywest Family Area (with playground for younger children), Saw Avenue Picnic Area (informal picnic and recreation area with barbeque facilities), Synergy Parkland (an environmental playground with large scale replicas of extinct faunas), Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Par (which is not a playground or picnic area, rather a place for children to connect with true nature). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So which one would you like to go to?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRFW9W3j8Hl57wbd8Fu0PJ8WEIohG-VH09c8KQvnix3utZXIf3PrTkdbHn5RSgNnieqxGy5LcokUTUEqRqJSTmw_bql07cFMQykdN2ehdTemO6AnXmZ478NlKsGdqZQH3xJC-89Gj_m4e/s1600/perth+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRFW9W3j8Hl57wbd8Fu0PJ8WEIohG-VH09c8KQvnix3utZXIf3PrTkdbHn5RSgNnieqxGy5LcokUTUEqRqJSTmw_bql07cFMQykdN2ehdTemO6AnXmZ478NlKsGdqZQH3xJC-89Gj_m4e/s1600/perth+012.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Route to the Kings Park and Botanical Garden</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Entrance and Parking</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After about half an hour of narcissistic moments by the river, we headed to the Kings Park and Botanical Garden. Given it was the biggest inner city park in Perth, there were many entrances to any part of Kings Park, but we took the one that appeared first before our eyes, that brought us to the Fraser Avenue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Based on what I've read on Kings Park, parking, at times would be an issue, so you have to be patient. But lucky for us, we didn't take that long to safely park at the Wadjuk car park (Wadjuk is a name of an aboriginal tribe in Australia). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Writings on the Wall | Sign Boards | A Tree at the Park</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">The Ideal Park</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Among the things that crossed my mind when I first saw the park, was that I wish to spend my old days here, in Perth. Taking a walk with my lovely wife, seeing our kids playing balls, goofing around or even cried when teased by another. This place truly promotes pure relaxation and spending quality time with your beloved ones. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Australian Kids. So Cute. Damn Cute.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So what makes this park different? You can do all these activities, while facing the panoramic view of the Swan River on your right side and the city of Perth on your left side. This is the only place in Perth that somehow, summarised the whole view of the whole place from a higher ground. Awesome isn't it? </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swan River on Your Right Side</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Xp017fYm981asPK-tOKZQxpBLLTEEANCc9ov_vKSICC_0mVPfnbR82nDJLqoXFbMevXQYTyHJbid9gETs9AYLULEnWraHCZwozy64wAquQ0f7oiGCRZkNbcrjZ1XFmXq-Yv5Lxsw0wf/s1600/perth+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Xp017fYm981asPK-tOKZQxpBLLTEEANCc9ov_vKSICC_0mVPfnbR82nDJLqoXFbMevXQYTyHJbid9gETs9AYLULEnWraHCZwozy64wAquQ0f7oiGCRZkNbcrjZ1XFmXq-Yv5Lxsw0wf/s1600/perth+025.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The picturesque view of Swan River</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H-GECf4c1XbL61HJ2cIIqL5JkSLxOAdpBn86jD0zBqFRKNAV6JFmt55YhyphenhyphenPi6Vcs09KMJemkpr7glnUOZZXvySzM50yzQQQU1oCn4br2gtanx5WQMvBMdTwGpGpHBYYjWmgWKwnaoJ9p/s1600/perth+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H-GECf4c1XbL61HJ2cIIqL5JkSLxOAdpBn86jD0zBqFRKNAV6JFmt55YhyphenhyphenPi6Vcs09KMJemkpr7glnUOZZXvySzM50yzQQQU1oCn4br2gtanx5WQMvBMdTwGpGpHBYYjWmgWKwnaoJ9p/s1600/perth+018.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the sky is blue, the water is blue</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsvGV5bYtfOR7G99_4gXYsxqb3SHZwRjyLwEZKqh6BGiDm-QK9CaGHN2GQak7SX7-CVBJ-TRVf69NRqrlBIeFrCGEVQDonB4cAIWqXOhRQDiBScU6He2fz9AiydMLyn5r7P4dL3qLDohb/s1600/perth+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsvGV5bYtfOR7G99_4gXYsxqb3SHZwRjyLwEZKqh6BGiDm-QK9CaGHN2GQak7SX7-CVBJ-TRVf69NRqrlBIeFrCGEVQDonB4cAIWqXOhRQDiBScU6He2fz9AiydMLyn5r7P4dL3qLDohb/s1600/perth+016.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The City of Perth on your left side</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">Memorial </b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As we walked from one spot to another, we noticed that there were many memorials erected as remembrance for particular reasons for example the John Forrest Memorial (the first President of Kings Park Board), Bali Memorial (to remember the fallen ones during bombing incident in Bali) etc. But the one that really caught our eyes was the Cenotaph. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZsV6oiXM1P16Vx-wYYST4dYczC0C4Wg6Hzm1XSffZfZPqdFQz0ykIGiQLiTA14nyhSyRjNJps1B7zttF3vyjnUXg7eLziSqzhsHLp611oIZlRt55O3tG2Y5e34EsgFbmLApXPACXgD1l/s1600/perth+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZsV6oiXM1P16Vx-wYYST4dYczC0C4Wg6Hzm1XSffZfZPqdFQz0ykIGiQLiTA14nyhSyRjNJps1B7zttF3vyjnUXg7eLziSqzhsHLp611oIZlRt55O3tG2Y5e34EsgFbmLApXPACXgD1l/s1600/perth+014.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Cenotaph - We Will Remember</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">From far, we could see a granite obelisk, about 18 metres tall, stood still. It was actually constructed to remember those who had given their life as services to the country. More than 7000 names of warriors were embedded on the wall in its internal wall, as remembrance to these fallen heros. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQI8qPsVeHgEq64H-K5TSBprcjdVAucOTHcZJumy0bShDbaI1Mw7ifhYybhX6vxrqFUs-yzQNHNbbDhn2t9WVdxGfylHZHZXr1qOm7_11eNRCcFpY7Axb62HiiEO6cVyh0TKGo0ivRzKe/s1600/perth+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQI8qPsVeHgEq64H-K5TSBprcjdVAucOTHcZJumy0bShDbaI1Mw7ifhYybhX6vxrqFUs-yzQNHNbbDhn2t9WVdxGfylHZHZXr1qOm7_11eNRCcFpY7Axb62HiiEO6cVyh0TKGo0ivRzKe/s1600/perth+015.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial;">Court of Contemplation</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nearby the Cenotaph, a small area was surrounded by walls, commemorating the names of battlefield that involved Western Australian warriors in it, such as Syria, Palestin and the one that caught our eyes was "Malay States". In the middle of the surrounding walls (called as Whispering Walls), there was a pool, they call it the Pool of Reflection whereby the flame of Remembrance burns continuously, as a sign "we will always remember". </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0j2TxaiBiXDN1ND2aBtMQHP7_XcLgoE0jggJHoLCbv2aEu4P0QPBisDzkfqq-2sSSxrHN4pF12ZmgDuRTt1z-ncZjrv0ymPeQ9H-cEATM8ly8NtadklI5lQEAzTh5OBcoUNVrsI54mNu/s1600/perth+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0j2TxaiBiXDN1ND2aBtMQHP7_XcLgoE0jggJHoLCbv2aEu4P0QPBisDzkfqq-2sSSxrHN4pF12ZmgDuRTt1z-ncZjrv0ymPeQ9H-cEATM8ly8NtadklI5lQEAzTh5OBcoUNVrsI54mNu/s1600/perth+026.jpg" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN_Qn_RlhzAgpmTs1yyi8uHstPBeQbjmmlLup2eFyn6NAWetsvWwhQpJXVgMNz6xCy2PjMxBUGk6QsyHuzieeu4ZBNhDgZ_UAz3SC19gxm6RihT6F2_lH-bi7tCPNTPfMNdYqM7Tdinp7/s1600/perth+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN_Qn_RlhzAgpmTs1yyi8uHstPBeQbjmmlLup2eFyn6NAWetsvWwhQpJXVgMNz6xCy2PjMxBUGk6QsyHuzieeu4ZBNhDgZ_UAz3SC19gxm6RihT6F2_lH-bi7tCPNTPfMNdYqM7Tdinp7/s1600/perth+023.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bushes</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>The Green Trees</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The magnificent landscape of green field, gardens and lawns are perfect for wedding, family picnics, group binding, team building, outdoor activities with young children or resting under the sun while reading favorite book. Each and every part of it were neatly kept that I could not spot any rubbish lying around unpicked. Even dog owners here were responsible enough to ensure there are no dogs' poos lying around in the park. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisXsEcyTuRmHRFzKRCLVNo1CyJQkpL_-nL70v2KbFWsOC6Se3nZ2z1E3GhUtRbWqoEz6SX3wmrOlhqcfPTRNQufQjECWy1NLWmVatH60ejKJ72_3TaBY-3uahm1TZFjKV2JSuu5sfM4sV/s1600/perth+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisXsEcyTuRmHRFzKRCLVNo1CyJQkpL_-nL70v2KbFWsOC6Se3nZ2z1E3GhUtRbWqoEz6SX3wmrOlhqcfPTRNQufQjECWy1NLWmVatH60ejKJ72_3TaBY-3uahm1TZFjKV2JSuu5sfM4sV/s1600/perth+022.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In here, there is no race, no competition and no obligation. It's a place that offer pure relaxation and enjoyment of life to the fullest. I was impressed with the local authority's effort in preserving the various species of signature floras and faunas here, not only for the viewing of the tourists, but also as a symbol of appreciation by the local people. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But seeing is believing. Come see Kings Park by yourself and you'll understand why I said it is different. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"<i>Indeed, the creation of the heaven and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the great ships which sail through the sea with that which benefit people, and what Allah has sent down from heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every kind of moving creatures, and His direction of the wind and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for people who use reasoning." (Al-Baqarah: 164)</i></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-56195391853365353942013-06-16T06:04:00.001-07:002013-06-24T04:23:11.762-07:00Western Australia Part 1: Experience the Australian Immigration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgNCmLk_LGgcgj42-Lz7H3t1K-MAenfzedgkN17sjKwHylB2OtMvjdnQvWCS0HqZwVpPR2rcChr0WNTswMm6VpXMAMOAokz8S6efmywdj2_XDVIsuzmLrxq4BLwViewgk7iTBTQnKbcOe/s1600/perth+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgNCmLk_LGgcgj42-Lz7H3t1K-MAenfzedgkN17sjKwHylB2OtMvjdnQvWCS0HqZwVpPR2rcChr0WNTswMm6VpXMAMOAokz8S6efmywdj2_XDVIsuzmLrxq4BLwViewgk7iTBTQnKbcOe/s1600/perth+003.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Australian Immigration: Up
Close & Personal</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Many gave
an impression that Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) are
tough and difficult. But I still believe that if I remain completely honest and
cooperative, things would definitely be smooth and easy. Just follow the
procedure and things would be alright. After all, you are entering someone
else's country, so it is reasonable to assume that you need to comply with
their regulation. Here, let me share some things you need to prepare and do
before entering the beautiful country of Australia. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Arriving in Australia </span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Once you said bye bye to
the drop dead gorgeous stewardess, head to the ACBPS counter. <i>Fine, go and
do your business at the loo first. </i>Okay, done? Now resume your journey to
the counter. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. It doesn't take a Japanese
to teach you that you need to wait for your turn and que up in one line. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tips 1: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">So husband, tell your wife to que behind you or
before you so that you can give way to the Labrador
detector dogs to sniff your bags and clothes while you were patiently waiting
for your turn at the counter. The dogs were highly trained to search for
illegal drugs and other prohibited goods. Don't worry, I believe the dogs were
trained and won't bite people (unless you bite them lol). The most they could
do is to bark on your face if your hand carried luggage smelt yesterday's
McDonalds Big Mac.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. When it is your turn,
present your passport and completed Incoming Passenger Card.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tips 2: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Complete the Incoming Passenger Card while on plane
to save time when you arrived at the airport. I think this is common sense,
isn't it? And please be completely honest and declare everything, as failure to
do so would definitely entail fine and prosecution.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. Walk ahead, (don’t wait for
your family members at the route unless you would love to be yelled at by
officer in charge), and head to the luggage claim sector. Wait for your bag.
Don’t take other people’s bag. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. Walk ahead. The officers of
the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF Biosecurity) would
be waiting for you at another section with friendly smile. This is where you
would be asked what type of food you brought in and will be asked to show the
food to them. If your food are not prohibited, you can zip back your luggage
and get them all scanned and x-rayed at the nearby machine. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Yeay! Welcome to Australia, baby!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">What Type of Food You
Can/Cannot Bring In</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"The Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), along with other jurisdictions,
industry and the community, plays a vital role in maintaining Australia's
clean and wholesome food supply - at home and abroad. Australia's biosecurity
system protects our human, animal and plant health by reducing the risk of
unwanted pests and diseases arriving in the country. Everyone benefits from a
strong biosecurity system so everyone has a role to play". (Source: <span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take">Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia</a>)</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So now I understand why they
were so strict when it comes to things you can/cannot bring in. So to be safe,
just leave behind anything which is based on dairy, egg, animal, seeds, nuts,
fruits, vegetable. You can purchase all of these in the local market. Even if
you declare, there is still a risk of the declared food being confiscated. And
in most cases I've heard, no Milo managed to
go through the DAFF officers. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For further info, drop by and
read <i><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take">Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia</a>)</span></i></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Post Immigration</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was super early in the
morning. We saw a silent room available nearby. It may be used by Muslims for
praying or any other people to perform their religious belief. But for Muslims,
the water supply is not available nearby, so you need to go to the nearest rest
room to take ablution. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was also a rack of
brochures nearby, where various brochures promoting every segment of Perth were lined up
neatly, free of charge. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tips 3: </span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Don't forget to take <i>Hello Perth </i>as most free
discount vouchers are provided inside. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Outside of the Airport</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once we got the car keys from
the vendor, we headed outside to our rented car. The temperature was
4 Celsius, so we were freezing beyond imagination. Come on, the coolest
temperature I've experienced in my entire life was 24, and that was in Cameron Highland. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The sun was crawling bit by
bit, indicating a new day has come. Behind those leafless tree, the song <i>Circle
of Life </i>came into my mind. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I felt the excitement. I was
finally in Perth,
baby!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">More to come :)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hairi Tahir</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
</div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-50851489092987800462013-06-16T05:39:00.003-07:002013-12-18T01:54:17.535-08:00About Perth, Australia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMXFSV7lWHjD3NOGtwNBfPTRtC_5Cbvl6xS9ax7Gto3qkVTIqlp39Hc02beexR9WHzwCbYL-Y8tcYFeUGZjWduY2PTZT84g38wAZuhdPgR7iuz4-rp7Kc4K-XRp-AncSRNQzPRqK82XbA/s1600/perth+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMXFSV7lWHjD3NOGtwNBfPTRtC_5Cbvl6xS9ax7Gto3qkVTIqlp39Hc02beexR9WHzwCbYL-Y8tcYFeUGZjWduY2PTZT84g38wAZuhdPgR7iuz4-rp7Kc4K-XRp-AncSRNQzPRqK82XbA/s1600/perth+001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Swan River. And the city of Perth.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Perth: Where It Began</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For thousands years, the aboriginal people of Noongar inhibited the land for generations. The day Captain Stirling set his foot in the 19th centuries mark the significant changes to the history. The beginning of development was rather slow. Even when the convicts were sent to increase modernisation and build infrastructure, the population was still crawling bit by bit. Only when gold was discovered, the settlement became attractive and promising. However, this was somehow perceived as disadvantageous to the people of Noongar themselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><b style="font-family: Arial;">Journey to Perth</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I asked around, what's so special in Perth, people often said these two things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One, Perth has the best collection of beaches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Two, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Perth is the best place to spend your retirement days. And that the people are so nice and the surrounding places are so beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But seeing is believing. I felt in love instantly with Perth, on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">the day I set my foot on the land of Perth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I discovered that all the things people said to me about Perth were indeed true. And I am in love with Perth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had my memorable moments to get to know Perth. Have you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Come and see my journey in Perth, Australia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">P/S: I would like to express my greatest amount of gratitude to </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ayah </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(my father in law) for giving us a chance to be part of the remarkable family vacation. This was obviously not a backpacking experience where I had the absolute privilege to determine where to go or what to do, but still, every moment of it was definitely priceless. </span></span></i></div>
</div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-7049405293237041892013-06-13T02:21:00.001-07:002013-06-13T02:22:46.857-07:00Melaka Part 4: A Walk in the Red City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3fJVkLV6ieVXM6HdfNjtyh9g1eTZZn6WeDfGQIME9WtecOOguL7SPcRgMkb1Nd45We7Xydj_GrPdmr9oNXLZc1jLxHKHpBDqJ7yuw0mn95MSaoEbxRwKzlQ6far9am5YWIei66uW-dZ_/s1600/melaka+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3fJVkLV6ieVXM6HdfNjtyh9g1eTZZn6WeDfGQIME9WtecOOguL7SPcRgMkb1Nd45We7Xydj_GrPdmr9oNXLZc1jLxHKHpBDqJ7yuw0mn95MSaoEbxRwKzlQ6far9am5YWIei66uW-dZ_/s1600/melaka+32.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After reminiscing the past at the A Famosa, we decided to continue the journey on foot to the popular <i>cendol </i>stall by the river for evening meal. Bandar Hilir was not that big, I guess. Even though there are various mode of transportation to bring you to your desired destinations around town, the best mode would still be walking on your own. On the way to the Dutch Square, we encountered numerous museums located as tourist attraction sites, with minimal fee as low as RM 0.50 per entry, ranging from Islamic museum to architectural museums. </span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1-49w1RNNrenc8hROhi5Mrb6envznaZd4dmnCAAAb3E8Wkm9BtL6AjaMPSfH1FofXDGFVcWByh-5nhp6GckH2TmR4ykWKfFkyl2V5ReMno6mjkcLpTj5dp-7TfhVcNXvEweDouq05hqR/s1600/melaka+36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1-49w1RNNrenc8hROhi5Mrb6envznaZd4dmnCAAAb3E8Wkm9BtL6AjaMPSfH1FofXDGFVcWByh-5nhp6GckH2TmR4ykWKfFkyl2V5ReMno6mjkcLpTj5dp-7TfhVcNXvEweDouq05hqR/s1600/melaka+36.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtKcKamOz-xFOl7c7mspQPKp0p6lak1B6HcE_xvVZ8Gvd8Z8PCfY5EfeULIUSJPiBuxXl7-9LO31JAw5RtU5qrpHjQWkUm9B3hUViuDV85mHwBHayW1MWGhrhoEnIrUQwBVQXTyvcyG_M/s1600/melaka+48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtKcKamOz-xFOl7c7mspQPKp0p6lak1B6HcE_xvVZ8Gvd8Z8PCfY5EfeULIUSJPiBuxXl7-9LO31JAw5RtU5qrpHjQWkUm9B3hUViuDV85mHwBHayW1MWGhrhoEnIrUQwBVQXTyvcyG_M/s1600/melaka+48.jpg" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Trishaw Anyone?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On our way to the Dutch Square, I could see almost twenty trishaw, heavily decorated with flowers playing loud music (from Giyomi to Indonesian band music), carrying foreign tourists all the way from A Famosa to the Dutch Square. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tough-looking Malay man. On trishaws designed with flowers and girly materials (like Hello Kitty?). An amusing juxtaposition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, if you do intend to get a ride, get a price from them and then bargain wisely before boarding. They are available at the Dutch Square, nearby Christ Church or in front of A Famosa entrance. If I could recall clearly, a ride would cost RM 40 an hour (before bargaining). </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkOlq4kAHx0unN2tfoOS28Dn_FPWCUWsrM8GMCtdjTesZoJyosqepgTMRopwXE5sh3F2hKocNMFcJSHLn9Tj10IS7rmi_C0mvnIS85Pag0VOGV_wxoylSkTdRwrcLcDuSxw19JGJlwJ-1/s1600/melaka+39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkOlq4kAHx0unN2tfoOS28Dn_FPWCUWsrM8GMCtdjTesZoJyosqepgTMRopwXE5sh3F2hKocNMFcJSHLn9Tj10IS7rmi_C0mvnIS85Pag0VOGV_wxoylSkTdRwrcLcDuSxw19JGJlwJ-1/s1600/melaka+39.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Melaka River Cruise Boat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Officially commenced somewhere in 2001, the boat ride costs RM 5 for adult and RM 2 for children from 9 am to 12 am, which will take about 45 minutes. Along the ride, you will be able to see some historical preserved buildings including residential houses. I believed that there were efforts undertaken by the local authority to purify the river. As far as I could recall, when I was young, the river was not as beautiful as it is today. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRaWWRFfVQODbs3NNrSuuZdXmd0ORmdRBD7r7cWEI-h89Jkd9HFIdraaZ73QQrSTqdhY0lqSWIqwrVJXI9mz2unACz6kOONmGDgIXX50JZzWfPmbEEsJODwmvyWfWStDJVsSZd7tl1zkp/s1600/melaka+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-BPSRYdHqXJE4w0UnEOBQhYqLNsOCrNh1IXL14cTOL5GP-f7JYMTa9TreTOP6NpWaYsn-LB27w3kb2J2yNUoLIOfPPdeMUfFtCf_Ei3VsLXuPYnKVnwf4GjdYvVdDMgbGO5M4wKvlO-R/s1600/melaka+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-BPSRYdHqXJE4w0UnEOBQhYqLNsOCrNh1IXL14cTOL5GP-f7JYMTa9TreTOP6NpWaYsn-LB27w3kb2J2yNUoLIOfPPdeMUfFtCf_Ei3VsLXuPYnKVnwf4GjdYvVdDMgbGO5M4wKvlO-R/s1600/melaka+35.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Stadthyus</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In Dutch it carries the meaning of "city hall', but it was also referred to as the Red Square, obviously attributable to the color of the paint of the building. Nearby Stadthyus, a Christ Church is also located, where the pious Christian Dutch people had long congregated. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stadthyus is actually a huge building, housing not only the residence of the governor, but also the secretary's office, guest house, dining room, kitchen, warehouse, servants' houses and also a prison. However, the real function of Stadthyus remained a mystery. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvviqyZ8Y3OOQdL0ipZnPLjX3jpa5VacgdT1-mWdR0paahEI46lQKS8usOSShi6eAnyEVFC13LQ_pV3yeTjyiRpVPyVcLO9VtwvVnTltexNEs8PuMFgvs0HQB2NuqRYkh2bqwoC-qBlVve/s1600/melaka+45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvviqyZ8Y3OOQdL0ipZnPLjX3jpa5VacgdT1-mWdR0paahEI46lQKS8usOSShi6eAnyEVFC13LQ_pV3yeTjyiRpVPyVcLO9VtwvVnTltexNEs8PuMFgvs0HQB2NuqRYkh2bqwoC-qBlVve/s1600/melaka+45.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Also, the reason why the building was painted in red remained a mystery, with many theory and legends justifying the current state. Other than these, while further discovery of Stadthuys, there were secret passages and tunnels discovered in the buildings, which were built for undiscovered reasons. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, today, Stadthuys plays a passive and dry role as a Museum of Ethnography.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtCfLrv1oYeQ3bqi_A9d6iZM5yPdU80HMmVF5QmtAU5uDgvhW7aDyvyvCiQrlufpVCebJ_OltUn5QUoh-Q1ianpuvbT4iLdKox003BnBvnO5LdLz868tXZB6_URMDxUFqslGRstgky69u/s1600/melaka+46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtCfLrv1oYeQ3bqi_A9d6iZM5yPdU80HMmVF5QmtAU5uDgvhW7aDyvyvCiQrlufpVCebJ_OltUn5QUoh-Q1ianpuvbT4iLdKox003BnBvnO5LdLz868tXZB6_URMDxUFqslGRstgky69u/s1600/melaka+46.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Descending the stairs at the Stadthuys, I saw a beautiful clock tower, standing tall in the middle of the Dutch Square. Blending in perfectly into the surrounding, I didn't know that the clock tower was not from the Dutch. The clock tower was given in the 1886 to the people of Melaka by Tan Jiak Kim, fulfilling the desire of his late father, Tan Beng Swee. But I was informed that the original clock was removed from the tower to Melaka Museum and replaced by a new one, donated by a Japanese company.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlXzbfNBqF3Npx_0NffIGgJDBs6a34LZxqWweCCQsTUQBAiFrKZwWdoFFcufu6hoT2kPfI_Q18E50cePncMpmq9BYUox7PPl6cTj2K_LxsJuwtzdhZWvARlOvskF35DwQWj1HIbrTxPQJ/s1600/melaka+44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlXzbfNBqF3Npx_0NffIGgJDBs6a34LZxqWweCCQsTUQBAiFrKZwWdoFFcufu6hoT2kPfI_Q18E50cePncMpmq9BYUox7PPl6cTj2K_LxsJuwtzdhZWvARlOvskF35DwQWj1HIbrTxPQJ/s1600/melaka+44.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPW3R9ejrpqX6baPxfBkPHGbEYcWd6Xq-d2VtUl2HCd72O148CI_ogHRVpmMLInCzCJHIHMegylp1x7M0OctrwxzTsHgfXsUTvM6zJDN8SlNQjjxR0m6tEaT5OsOabbot97vNMO_zz5z0/s1600/melaka+40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPW3R9ejrpqX6baPxfBkPHGbEYcWd6Xq-d2VtUl2HCd72O148CI_ogHRVpmMLInCzCJHIHMegylp1x7M0OctrwxzTsHgfXsUTvM6zJDN8SlNQjjxR0m6tEaT5OsOabbot97vNMO_zz5z0/s1600/melaka+40.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With hawkers flooding the centre of Dutch Square with their stalls selling souvenirs, the small roads which is filled with merciless traffic, the trishaw decorated with flowers and the people heading to get their delicious cendol by the river; Dutch Square promises a congestion if visited during the peak hours. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Speaking of cendol, we did not spend that much time at the stalls selling souvenirs, rather we need something cool to sooth our stomach. So we quickly crossed the small road to get to the <i>warong </i>near the clock tower to enjoy our cendol.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIfOH3p3n8hXdDw-SETbi2dbx6PCoa31d4KC-BIYfos6aBGrDHAqGPjMmpvyxU7ohl5SnYOUIu93lNj0OszIlpl8Hp8803M7pb4XkqiR10zIf0jelXo2XSW7XOUnPtnloJSVHEMuJoCeK/s1600/melaka+49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIfOH3p3n8hXdDw-SETbi2dbx6PCoa31d4KC-BIYfos6aBGrDHAqGPjMmpvyxU7ohl5SnYOUIu93lNj0OszIlpl8Hp8803M7pb4XkqiR10zIf0jelXo2XSW7XOUnPtnloJSVHEMuJoCeK/s1600/melaka+49.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>San Shu Gong</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately, the <i>warong </i>was full. No empty seats for us. There were people standing, waiting for empty seats. And we were impatient. Luckily I recalled a nearby located shop, selling among others, the famous durian cendol. San Shu Gong. Located at the corner of the road, on our way to Jonker Street, San Shu Gong could easily be found. We made our way passed the cendol stall by the river, further up until we found Hard Rock Cafe Melaka, and oh yeah, drop by for cheap ice cream too, and ta da... the San Shu Gong. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_YjZGaA5uTFkZMMoCQRnVSyqlcxA_X3qYDBjqI0yZaNjx3-0uvI8bmvKwhnOLqBJoi0Z7PNOgpDl_Zn3otiUGEiiAv9ECD9aKT-glieEJSHn4JabX9Zzmz7KP3-h9cRwC4gLLdQakUVe/s1600/melaka+50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_YjZGaA5uTFkZMMoCQRnVSyqlcxA_X3qYDBjqI0yZaNjx3-0uvI8bmvKwhnOLqBJoi0Z7PNOgpDl_Zn3otiUGEiiAv9ECD9aKT-glieEJSHn4JabX9Zzmz7KP3-h9cRwC4gLLdQakUVe/s1600/melaka+50.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is a super duper awesome local delicacy store selling fruit tarts, biscuits, coffee, cakes, cookies and other type of food. For some reason, I think the local would enjoy the cendol by the river better, but to me, the cendol here is definitely a bonus, with a mix of durian in it. After walking under the humid atmosphere and the hot sun, cendol at that particular hour, was definitely refreshing. As expected, a bowl of cendol cost RM 7. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXgvhcE4bfhOYbBtpFa23RmM74cyCRA52tL6cJjyQPoE2zz2v5_1E2GdnAWnH-ScBArwjPd4c0LquZvp71-6ozJVEdDYJhjmmfbGzNCxROvD-uARv8ZGi7kUhbLeCVff-zaIgcFhyphenhyphen_1Tx/s1600/melaka+42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXgvhcE4bfhOYbBtpFa23RmM74cyCRA52tL6cJjyQPoE2zz2v5_1E2GdnAWnH-ScBArwjPd4c0LquZvp71-6ozJVEdDYJhjmmfbGzNCxROvD-uARv8ZGi7kUhbLeCVff-zaIgcFhyphenhyphen_1Tx/s1600/melaka+42.jpg" /></a> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtRujNxqx5kgEd08jIzt4kZYbTE-lE-fkd_IZC9X3aqmkU_nQCFN3z_9zscDF6tY3PmoV9hkw3nTQWwxqrAM0pUBsGf91lkI5tYUwPYLSKUkvzYz1fUR7EKSht2ujik_39eOQtsdb5bhB/s1600/melaka+33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtRujNxqx5kgEd08jIzt4kZYbTE-lE-fkd_IZC9X3aqmkU_nQCFN3z_9zscDF6tY3PmoV9hkw3nTQWwxqrAM0pUBsGf91lkI5tYUwPYLSKUkvzYz1fUR7EKSht2ujik_39eOQtsdb5bhB/s1600/melaka+33.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRaWWRFfVQODbs3NNrSuuZdXmd0ORmdRBD7r7cWEI-h89Jkd9HFIdraaZ73QQrSTqdhY0lqSWIqwrVJXI9mz2unACz6kOONmGDgIXX50JZzWfPmbEEsJODwmvyWfWStDJVsSZd7tl1zkp/s1600/melaka+34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRaWWRFfVQODbs3NNrSuuZdXmd0ORmdRBD7r7cWEI-h89Jkd9HFIdraaZ73QQrSTqdhY0lqSWIqwrVJXI9mz2unACz6kOONmGDgIXX50JZzWfPmbEEsJODwmvyWfWStDJVsSZd7tl1zkp/s1600/melaka+34.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ-XFct9-aTXKo3fiRkKbmO1WjY6shiar72dVpsArxTuOen53ayi48j2sMH1Pckc6dIbVRz31YPP5PJX7Besu9I9vndlOem7TsX5_0ZZR_UTlvkSm8kb5K5mEhk44SE2Fd-D7A9ecz-o9/s1600/melaka+47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ-XFct9-aTXKo3fiRkKbmO1WjY6shiar72dVpsArxTuOen53ayi48j2sMH1Pckc6dIbVRz31YPP5PJX7Besu9I9vndlOem7TsX5_0ZZR_UTlvkSm8kb5K5mEhk44SE2Fd-D7A9ecz-o9/s1600/melaka+47.jpg" /></a> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Jonker Street</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As we walked out of the restaurant, we turned left into the Jonker Walk. Along the narrow and winding street, beautifully decorated shop houses and small temples were lined up neatly. It was late in the evening, very few stalls were completely set up, while other vendors were preparing for their businesses of the day. People began to fill into the street, that caused regret among the vehicle drivers who were trying to make their way passing the road, as honking, would not make that much difference. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJscL-3rGQI5EG6fbk2D2kypl8f0jwnG6g-2qdF03LBh-ZRkWxD1VUEy_3jBM0rckPhCxyKVSDMgEdr_TEqZCAZ5Rl9SxkY7om0oD3znKmYXpmpBlu5c_I_XzWE6E4YF3lIeC-NfisUF2/s1600/melaka+41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJscL-3rGQI5EG6fbk2D2kypl8f0jwnG6g-2qdF03LBh-ZRkWxD1VUEy_3jBM0rckPhCxyKVSDMgEdr_TEqZCAZ5Rl9SxkY7om0oD3znKmYXpmpBlu5c_I_XzWE6E4YF3lIeC-NfisUF2/s1600/melaka+41.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkuRNYqz30TwrN-obZH9px27dx1hy_ZptXUAao3-AFQ3fy6O_5xb4JNu-hSp83TX1WDJ6w1rntypaBV1UXkgK5GVnk0yYp0XGBtfsLLF0iwTOsFBO01I_yyM1fzfBv6BzuCZmJe5E82A8/s1600/melaka+38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkuRNYqz30TwrN-obZH9px27dx1hy_ZptXUAao3-AFQ3fy6O_5xb4JNu-hSp83TX1WDJ6w1rntypaBV1UXkgK5GVnk0yYp0XGBtfsLLF0iwTOsFBO01I_yyM1fzfBv6BzuCZmJe5E82A8/s1600/melaka+38.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUJ6_-5Iu1a6CS6xrhmQwRqlXbLDcn7vMnRuvA2W1bKobxO2ZpSzckRKwFzUA9xOQGAizHOTOkBM27FmfecFlzJtgVvh63bjGtqJQWcBwu-zBxF3EBrjTD0FWcWXySw2leFPTsbh7RHQc/s1600/melaka+37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUJ6_-5Iu1a6CS6xrhmQwRqlXbLDcn7vMnRuvA2W1bKobxO2ZpSzckRKwFzUA9xOQGAizHOTOkBM27FmfecFlzJtgVvh63bjGtqJQWcBwu-zBxF3EBrjTD0FWcWXySw2leFPTsbh7RHQc/s1600/melaka+37.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The best time to drop by at the Jonker Walk would be at night. But still, taking a walk late in the evening was also a nice experience. There were many things sold here, in Jonker Walk, primarily the souvenirs of your choice and cheap local delicacies. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">After about half an hour wandering around the area, we decided to make a move and head to Duyong for lovely seafood dinner. It was a brief visit to Melaka, but like people said, keep it short and sweet. Indeed mine was. How about yours? Tell me. </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwJwwsxB05VhMF0CmeS1zZtPNw_Toi64LKEq6Xo8denJ4MEJpel8E6FgIJPmoKkBTKoE4-U_2ab8fIBxY9ze0bYKqGk7bCdmiK1RIS7pfOl5J-PuONMY44dqIBo3cMbuWaRrpyw1zd1Sw/s1600/melaka+43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwJwwsxB05VhMF0CmeS1zZtPNw_Toi64LKEq6Xo8denJ4MEJpel8E6FgIJPmoKkBTKoE4-U_2ab8fIBxY9ze0bYKqGk7bCdmiK1RIS7pfOl5J-PuONMY44dqIBo3cMbuWaRrpyw1zd1Sw/s1600/melaka+43.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Till then, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span>Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-69164363436978441292013-06-10T17:52:00.001-07:002013-06-10T17:54:16.010-07:00Melaka Part 3: The Ruins of the Portuguese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUhO6maL65vT9b1xOgZ7vv4XqESt0CtH9GXZ11Wf74IywcXYcfrM9RmiP0L01wlMrZBH-nvR_JU00nDum53XvggFi8ygn6kJw9Kx2N_5gzJQSelhvdHU8Q608QlFAR42KUcNoJkWhvXJs/s1600/melaka+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIF0d96-VH7eJy6B193Xi6ctj9YrUS5puG8pxAuQgqBSY9QvpugkUveegdaCnvz5yriBaDWIbbZT-mR0Xaj03B37iRo7PtIdCGTyX8viHk4Yg6o5DuzSDYiI4lS3RB2fZwywExZr9Z2UE/s1600/melaka+20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIF0d96-VH7eJy6B193Xi6ctj9YrUS5puG8pxAuQgqBSY9QvpugkUveegdaCnvz5yriBaDWIbbZT-mR0Xaj03B37iRo7PtIdCGTyX8viHk4Yg6o5DuzSDYiI4lS3RB2fZwywExZr9Z2UE/s1600/melaka+20.jpg" /></a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">From the history of the great Malacca, we strolled
down to the next important phase in history i.e </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">the arrival</span> <span style="font-family: Arial;">of the Portuguese in the 16th century</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. Next to the Istana Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, the
remaining of Portuguese empire stood still – A Famosa.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wait.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While remaining ruin of the entrance to the fortress as
per the pictures was actually called Porta de Santiago or Gate of the St.
James, it was erroneously referred to as A Famosa, even by some reference, text
books and even the tourists brochures. </span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUhO6maL65vT9b1xOgZ7vv4XqESt0CtH9GXZ11Wf74IywcXYcfrM9RmiP0L01wlMrZBH-nvR_JU00nDum53XvggFi8ygn6kJw9Kx2N_5gzJQSelhvdHU8Q608QlFAR42KUcNoJkWhvXJs/s1600/melaka+21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUhO6maL65vT9b1xOgZ7vv4XqESt0CtH9GXZ11Wf74IywcXYcfrM9RmiP0L01wlMrZBH-nvR_JU00nDum53XvggFi8ygn6kJw9Kx2N_5gzJQSelhvdHU8Q608QlFAR42KUcNoJkWhvXJs/s1600/melaka+21.jpg" /></a> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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<![endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Fall of Melaka</span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I would conclude that the fall of Melaka was majorly
contributed by internal political problem in the administration of Melaka. Due
to lack of unity, it was not that hard for Portuguese to make a move and
conquer Melaka. They just need a reason to do so. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first delegates, led by Lopez de Sequeira came in
peace, with gifts and messages from the King of Portugal. They were called the
White Bengals, as their physical features were somehow different, or more
attractive from what the local would normally have seen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">While initially the Portuguese delegates were treated
with great hospitality, the Sultan was later pestered by the Indian and the
Arab merchants not to trust the hidden agenda of the Portuguese i.e. to conquer
Melaka. The Sultan later gave an order for the Portuguese to be captured. Lopez
de Sequeira managed to escape and had to abandon some of his men behind. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Upon discovery of the fact that some of the delegates
were captured by the Sultan, Alfonso D’ Albuquerque (<span style="color: #660000;"><i>omg payah nak eja kot
masa subjek Sejarah kat sekolah, nasib baik soalan exam objektif</i>)</span>, the then
governor of the maritime, ordered for more than 1000 soldiers to attack Melaka
and to demand release of the prisoners. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even after the prisoners
were released, series of attack were targeted on Melaka by the Portuguese. The
defendless innocent citizens, elder people, women and children became the
victims with no mercy. All personal belongings were confiscated. Houses and religious buildings were severely
destroyed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The great Melaka had fallen. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUAIZ4-DYpBMqLyBl-YxV30AJV1haa2KxrjaPKgbKpcKliqv9CvOL1ltQweydQU1vARgTNrvSH-oyVq6sfZwCb6jXDcA6tZ8LFChrbyV_hxMwxD0XkesJfP7uBucFDRAHJGSko6lcn0do/s1600/melaka+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUAIZ4-DYpBMqLyBl-YxV30AJV1haa2KxrjaPKgbKpcKliqv9CvOL1ltQweydQU1vARgTNrvSH-oyVq6sfZwCb6jXDcA6tZ8LFChrbyV_hxMwxD0XkesJfP7uBucFDRAHJGSko6lcn0do/s1600/melaka+22.jpg" /></a></div>
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<![endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The A Famosa</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Realising the need to establish
a strong defense in Melaka against any outsiders, the Portuguese decided to
build a strong fortress or citadel. So Alfonso D’ Albuquerque used forced labor
comprising of the slaves captured during the war to build the citadel, by using
dismantled Muslim grave stones, bricks out of destroyed Malay homes, <i>masjid </i>and
<i>madrasah</i> as well as other rocks found nearby the area. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxAQwvlo_Wf_dAsFUyA4dHvxy6_Hlz1ohDD0BPlyhJ02L3TAePiZf9WZ1MZ5RlD_r_gH_GGhD5HFmiXflOtKSnDE0fQhUlMI2Qhgx7Z6MYCUxpHfPGklu21APJv2CQdNGF0oiK-8IHYtd/s1600/melaka+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxAQwvlo_Wf_dAsFUyA4dHvxy6_Hlz1ohDD0BPlyhJ02L3TAePiZf9WZ1MZ5RlD_r_gH_GGhD5HFmiXflOtKSnDE0fQhUlMI2Qhgx7Z6MYCUxpHfPGklu21APJv2CQdNGF0oiK-8IHYtd/s1600/melaka+24.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After 5 months of scorching
hot sun and limited food supply that claimed people’s life, A Famosa or officially
called Fortaleza de Malaca was successfully completed. Armed with thick walls,
four high towers and almost seventy canons aimed at all direction, A Famosa
stood for another 130 years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The fall of the Portuguese
began when the Dutch, with the assistance of the Johorean, laid siege around
the fortress for five months, weakening the Portuguese with famine, diseases
and gunfire. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A Famosa finally fell into
the hand of the Dutch. </span><br />
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB5mFnSWPFwphbqE_s1alD8qZ6DG6RepIOzmQXVPZcDlb3W2zz8jR9dHhUGYnjPEiEsBENNA8NfwYvkCUvH1cAg4yZk3UFwu2o7vDp1N7UMb6NJtAAJIf1USjW0EJ2VHiHO1EKAS3oAl1/s1600/melaka+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB5mFnSWPFwphbqE_s1alD8qZ6DG6RepIOzmQXVPZcDlb3W2zz8jR9dHhUGYnjPEiEsBENNA8NfwYvkCUvH1cAg4yZk3UFwu2o7vDp1N7UMb6NJtAAJIf1USjW0EJ2VHiHO1EKAS3oAl1/s1600/melaka+25.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then the British came in but
they were not keen to keep A Famosa. So, William Farquhar was mandated to demolish
the fortress for good. From axes and crowbars to the usage of gun powders, A
Famosa was destroyed bit by bit. </span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_JYlv8xhRtsioJqV0oXESe_5iqI1GbyHSbio1VBy1-6CXhTiVx0Y2K758icGjd5OjbXHSbN06VKKRNT1SeW38sACiUfGLKnMM2kretxMtZeE5zsOeHlAUoVmBxEdMUZpTXeg5H9MEoFh/s1600/melaka+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_JYlv8xhRtsioJqV0oXESe_5iqI1GbyHSbio1VBy1-6CXhTiVx0Y2K758icGjd5OjbXHSbN06VKKRNT1SeW38sACiUfGLKnMM2kretxMtZeE5zsOeHlAUoVmBxEdMUZpTXeg5H9MEoFh/s1600/melaka+27.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Only by a letter wrote by
Sir Stamford Raffles, the demolition was put to a halt. And what remained as at
today, as we could see are only parts of the A Famosa. Majorly, the Porta de
Santiago and St Paul
Church up the hill. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No admission fee is imposed,
not even by donation. The entrance is free of charge from the entrance to the St. Paul Church up the hill. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 314.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWVlUeX61mhVig93gBgEAciBJvpPMJ0_56vld0x4aGPHbfktKISeppGxG1wf48C4R1JKhKPfkWs_6wVoPLgtArqrPcoDaIzpet7hvB0t16cCzm-k6GB6UhTK878qFtandJ8UuCxMPQefd/s1600/melaka+26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWVlUeX61mhVig93gBgEAciBJvpPMJ0_56vld0x4aGPHbfktKISeppGxG1wf48C4R1JKhKPfkWs_6wVoPLgtArqrPcoDaIzpet7hvB0t16cCzm-k6GB6UhTK878qFtandJ8UuCxMPQefd/s1600/melaka+26.jpg" /></a> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWZysfO7s98Qe3zhyphenhyphenvME2XiQLoi54CiobmK_yoygmKK_-NXMLZ2D4yBumCvBESM1J1s0_EfxNU0vRtjPVKZA5XnzU0fGm_w-o84OPII0o9ZEMruQsdkro4yEcmpiQdrESiUXpI8edXTKp/s1600/melaka+31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWZysfO7s98Qe3zhyphenhyphenvME2XiQLoi54CiobmK_yoygmKK_-NXMLZ2D4yBumCvBESM1J1s0_EfxNU0vRtjPVKZA5XnzU0fGm_w-o84OPII0o9ZEMruQsdkro4yEcmpiQdrESiUXpI8edXTKp/s1600/melaka+31.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A Famosa nowadays became a
hub for street art performers – singers, painters and hawkers. I encountered an
old man playing harmonica at the stairs and as I walked further up and as the
harmonica music subsided, I encountered an old man singing English songs while
strumming his acoustic guitar. Other than the singers, painters displayed their
great pieces of art on the ground and on the wall along the way. In fact, I
bought a painting sold by a deaf Chinese guy for RM 10. T Shirts and other
types of souvenirs were also sold from the entrance to the top of the hill,
where bargain is a necessity. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwE4KJKK1wCyqHDF9tgIOzirrJmLPqvNMxxsJkDOxCaOIXbzi0tGPzoh7EHMUnA4_FhPTzbiCeIgDVQBxcHMbkNShkPHt7G6qk8zZJiO0LmBNLZDuu9qSmXOD7g5mtKbTx2GVBAU4c7sV/s1600/melaka+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwE4KJKK1wCyqHDF9tgIOzirrJmLPqvNMxxsJkDOxCaOIXbzi0tGPzoh7EHMUnA4_FhPTzbiCeIgDVQBxcHMbkNShkPHt7G6qk8zZJiO0LmBNLZDuu9qSmXOD7g5mtKbTx2GVBAU4c7sV/s1600/melaka+29.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From the top of the St Paul hill, I was given
a chance to witness a spectacular view of the Straits of Malacca. However, if
not for the rapid development of modern houses, the view would be of absolute
nature, before my eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, no visit to Melaka
would be completed without a visit to the remaining parts of the once famous
Fortaleza de Malaca. So why hesitate?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Two hours done. An hour more
to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Till then,</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hairi Tahir</span></i></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-83952816707454536602013-06-04T02:04:00.000-07:002013-06-07T03:45:32.515-07:00Melaka Part 2: Melaka Sultanate Comes to Life<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>1. Istana Kesultanan Melayu Melaka</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The fact that this building was built based on original techniques with no use of nails at all render this place as one of the must-visit location while you are in Melaka. No, this is not the original palace of Sultan Mansur Shah, but rather it was erected as an honour to the glory of the Malay Sultanate centuries ago and to document the history of the glorious Melaka. With minimal entrance fee of RM2, it was worth the visit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">In coming out with this replica, historians, architects, archeologists and other experts were gathered to study and come out with a plan of how would the palace of Sultan Mansur Shah look like. Using high quality local resources such as <i>kayu cengal, kayu resak </i>and <i>kayu nyatoh, </i>this building was completed and officially opened in 1986 for public view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Life in the Palace of Sultan Mansur Shah</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">This palace was also erected to bring back to life all of the environment and ambience in the palace centuries ago, including the Balairong Seri (where important occasion, procession and discussion on state affairs before the Sultan took place) and Balai Beradu (where the Sultan sleep). It was interesting to note that no one was allowed to enter into the Sultan's bedroom without the Sultan's permission and this was no exception even to the Permaisuri (the queen)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Traditional Attire of the Malays</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">There were also male and female mannequins dressed in traditional Malay attire according to all States in Malaysia. This is where you can clearly see the variety of Malay traditional outfits from one state to another (and Kelantan has the most interesting outfit). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The remaining male mannequins with no female counterparts were dressed with the attire of traders from various countries, who came to trade in Melaka. They came from China, Thailand, Gujerat, Arab, Java and others, with their respective unique goods to be traded with the local people as well as the other traders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Life during the Reign of Malacca Sultanate</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">As I walked deeper into the palace, the series of mannequins displayed were later subsided, replaced with series of paintings, depicting the life in Melaka during the reign of Malay Sultanate. Among others, there were paintings showing the legal sanctions for criminals, and it was pretty obvious that Melaka, once practised </span><i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">hudud </i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">or Islamic criminal law e.g. lashing non-married adulterers, death penalty for married adulterers, cutting hands for thief (for those who stole highly valuable items) and public humiliation for petty offenses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Hang Tuah</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><i>Takkan Melayu Hilang Di Dunia (</i>Malay will never vanish from the earth) has been the moto or the famous quote of Hang Tuah, which has also rallying cry for Malay nationalism. But such quote has rarely been used today in Malaysia given its nationalism now consisted of various races. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Still, speaking of Melaka, the whole historical elements would not be complete without the warrior of the Malay Sultanate - Hang Tuah. The symbol of Malay bravery, the stories of Hang Tuah was also properly documented via paintings. As the ultimate legend of Malay warrior, with loyalty to the Sultan as his salient feature, Hang Tuah remained as the prominent legendary figure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Alongside with his fellowship of the Malay warriors named Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Kasturi, these five friends were appointed as warriors to ensure peace and safety in Melaka. But Hang Tuah was accused of having an illicit affairs with one of the </span><i style="font-size: 14px;">dayang</i><span style="font-size: 14px;">, so the Sultan sentenced him to death without fair trial. But he was never executed as the </span><i style="font-size: 14px;">Bendahara </i><span style="font-size: 14px;">secretly disobeyed the command of the Sultan and hid Hang Tuah in a remote place. Believing his beloved friend was unfairly executed to death, Hang Jebat went amok and unstoppable even by the Sultan himself. The Sultan was later informed that the only one who could defeat Hang Jebat was Hang Tuah himself who was still alive. The Sultan instructed Hang Tuah to kill Hang Jebat and after days of dueling Hang Jebat died in the hand of his beloved friend, Hang Tuah. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Tour Ended</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The story of Hang Tuah had officially ended our tour inside the palace. Getting to know the history of Malacca Sultanate is actually getting to know our Malay ancestors. They notably taught two points. Despite innocent people being unjustly killed, we never really learnt the lesson. One - loyalty should be at its place. Second - envious heart, reflected through action to bring the other people down by all means will never be a happy ending. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Again, we never really learn the lesson. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Completed an hour. Another two hours to go.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-72190260136570417052013-06-01T03:55:00.000-07:002013-06-07T03:45:58.906-07:00Melaka Part 1: How I Spent 3 Hours in Bandar Hilir<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM_5J0Zr_fyKxueSbp4e_wnTXbMWq7FY24cs2gVodSYqOl_sTULiX2xKKOv1wwPQv1HY2J0eG74mNzvLuMka-58v-9pK_5zuZJ6B8S9ZFoPMKr87B-PIx-0fRoXZMEYRq5jcxg-3-pEhM/s1600/melaka+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM_5J0Zr_fyKxueSbp4e_wnTXbMWq7FY24cs2gVodSYqOl_sTULiX2xKKOv1wwPQv1HY2J0eG74mNzvLuMka-58v-9pK_5zuZJ6B8S9ZFoPMKr87B-PIx-0fRoXZMEYRq5jcxg-3-pEhM/s1600/melaka+03.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">The Revelation for a Historic Mission</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">It was Wesak Day. In Malaysia, Wesak Day is considered as a public holiday. This is one of those instances where living in a multicultural society is indeed a blessing in Malaysia i.e. having multicultural h.o.l.i.d.a.y.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">But I need a quick get away. Without hesitation, I chose Bandar Hilir. Together with my wife and my friend, Herman, we set our journey on Wesak Day to Melaka.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>It was Wesak Day</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">R.e.a.d. It was Wesak Day. It was a holiday. And what happened on holiday in Malaysia? People go back to their hometown. That caused major congestion in all highways. How could I forget that. So we were stucked in the traffic for about 3 hours. For a 3 hour trip in Bandar Hilir. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Pfftt...</span></i></span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Entering the Red City</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">After 3 hours journey at the highway, we entered into the red city of Bandar Hilir. The fierce red color painted on walls at the centre of the historic town was indeed dominant covering significant buildings including stadthuys, Christ Church, Clock Towers and nearby shop lots. I was not sure as to why these buildings were painted and maintained in red, but it does set a signature of the centre historic town.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Get to Know Melaka</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Perhaps Malacca is the State with the most colonisation, and the tangible evidences of each colonisation are delicately preserved up to this date. So, that explained as to why Melaka was granted the title of World Heritage City by UNESCO in 2008. The historic tale of Melaka began with the fall of Melaka Sultanate, shortly before the attack by the Portuguese, followed by conquest by the Dutch, then the British, later by brief occupation of the Japanese and later by British again, before the Independence Day. This proved that the strategic location of Melaka had positioned it to be the most glorious location for maritime and trade. That many other countries aimed to conquest Melaka for its wealth. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Come and follow me to this brief three hours journey along the memory lane in Melaka. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span></div>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-81251459778670445542013-05-28T09:52:00.003-07:002013-05-28T09:53:26.501-07:00Bangkok Part 5: Taxi Driver in Bangkok - Up Close & Personal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Bangkok Taxi Drivers - Up, Close and Personal... Well.. Sort of... </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">BTS and MRT would definitely be my first choice of travelling around in Bangkok. Like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, they are efficient, convenient and safe. However, there are instances where I had no choice but to flag a taxi on the Bangkok road and take a chance. Many drivers were known of hidden and suspicious agenda, but there were also friendly and nice taxi drivers who truly reflect the real culture of Siamese. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Here, I would like to share some observations based on my readings in comparative to what I've experienced during my trips in Bangkok.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>11 Rules of Taking a Cab in Bangkok</b></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">While it is a logically accepted fact that Bangkok taxi driver are expected to be well-versed of the places in Bangkok, well, this is not necessarily</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> the case. Often I was confused as to whether the guy behind the wheel was actually a Bangkok taxi driver or an Amazing Race contestant who was clueless of the direction as I was. So, it would be a great idea to bring a map or have the address of your destination (lot better if the address was written in Thai language).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Theoretically, all taxis in Bangkok are metered. Well, as I said, "theoretically". It was actually a challenging mission to find a taxi driver who agreed to use the meter. Most of them would fixed an exorbitant fare e.g. for 40 baht trip, I was charged 100 baht. Either you succumb to their fixed fare regime, or keep on waiting for another cab. Good luck. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">You have no right to demand them to bring you to anywhere you wish to go. They have the absolute right to say no. And there is nothing you can do about it. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Even though Bangkok has been a popular tourist spot for decades, I realised that communicating with some of the taxi driver in English was actually a challenge. I had to properly construct basic English in my mind before asking. Something like... from "<i>Could you please bring me to Siem Paragorn, please</i>?" to "<i>I... go... Siem Paragorn...</i>" Got it?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Even when I solidly mentioned a specific place to go, the taxi driver still insisted on bringing me to some gem-making place. This situation, if prolonged, can definitely lead to an adversarial argument, which is definitely against the friendly culture of the Thai people. So, to cut it short, I have two options. One: turn away and wait for another cab. Two: just let him bring me there, spend my time for five minutes looking at the gem (while the driver que up to get some 100 baht petrol voucher) and he will bring me to my destination later on. But I was advised not to take any cab offering me to lucky Buddha. Your choice. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">It is a common practice all over the world, some notorious taxi drivers pretended they do not have small change. <i>Naughty naughty. </i>So carry small bills!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">This is a universal rule applicable in the entire universe: make sure no valuable things left behind before you get out of the taxi. Your iphones, your ipad, your laptop etc. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I know, this is an unfair generalisation. The moving taxis are more honest that the ones waiting in front of the lobby and waving at you for their transport services. But again, rule no. 8 is not necessarily true. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Ok, abaikan. </span></i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Always reflect that you have been to Bangkok for few times. Many of the bad taxi drivers would attempt to deceive you by saying your specific destination is closed for specific reason etc. Do some reading, be brave, tell them "I've been here before." Once you said "I've been here before", they will not try to fool you anymore. The reason why they suggested some specific places like some cheesy gem stores or tailor shop, is that they may receive perks from those places such as gas voucher etc. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Follow your heart.
Trust your intuition. If you do not have a good feeling about the cab,
wait for another one. Better still, burn some calories by walking to
the nearest BTS or MRT station. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Treat the taxi drivers with respect. Never raise your voice unnecessarily as this is truly against the real culture of the people of Thailand. Talk to them nicely or decline politely. After all, they are just trying to make a living, and hoping, one of those days, they would be able to get something more than usual. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Be careful. Take care and take charge, people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>P/s: I am in Singapore right now!! Yeeha!</i></span></span><br />
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-38823627142558952072013-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:002013-05-11T20:25:57.790-07:00USA: Visa Application Tips for Malaysian<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before boarding a plane to New York, eating peanuts while watching some movies on your seat and singing Alicia Keys version of New York out loud, you need to ensure some basic knowledge are fully furnished. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I am writing in the context of non-immigrant visa, because I do not have the intention to leave my beloved country at all. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This checklist is very useful to all bimbos and himbos who may need help:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>A. Preliminary Checklist<i> - Do you know why are you going to U.S?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seriously, different types of visa issued to different type of purpose - tourism, business, study, temporary employment, official mission etc. Hence different requirements, charges, application forms apply. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ask yourself. Why are young going to U.S?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Kalau awak tanya saya U.S tu di mana, saya sarankan awak terjun tingkap dengan gaya akrobatik sekarang juga. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>B. Application Checklist -<i> What I need to do to apply?</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>One: </b>Prepare a photo of yourself. No not a self-snapped photo where you make funny faces or pushing your lips to the front. </span></span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tiba-tiba teringat video YouTube MC for 5 days. Haha. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get it printed for few copies. And get the soft copy. You need to upload the soft copy of your photo into the website later on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Two: </b>Switch on your computer, laptop or ipad and go to <a href="http://www.ustraveldocs.com/my.%20" target="_blank"><b>US Embassy Website for Malaysians</b></a>. <span style="color: #990000;"><i>Owh, ok, go browse your facebook and update your tweet whatsoever first...</i></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<b>Three: </b>Complete <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_645989556"><b>DS - 160 Non Immigrant Visa Application </b></a><b><a href="https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/" target="_blank">Form</a> </b>online. <span style="color: #990000;"><i>Good luck. This would consume almost one hour. Perhaps two. Seriously. </i></span>Once completed, print the confirmation page <b>only</b>. Bring the printed confirmation page to the Embassy on the date of interview. Any questions? Don't ask me. Ask <a href="http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.html" target="_blank"><b>him</b></a>. </div>
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<b>Four: </b>Schedule your interview. Create your profile <a href="https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">here</span></b></a>. Remember, <b>DO IT EARLY</b>. I am not kidding you, <b>DO IT EARLY. </b>Say what? <b>DO IT EARLY! </b>The earlier you book your appointment, the sooner you'll get your interview slot. Advisably, please, please, please apply for U.S visa three (3) months before your flight date. Once applied, <b>there is nothing in this world that can help you to expedite the process since it is the sole discretion of the U.S Authority. </b>Hence, <b>DO IT EARLY. </b></div>
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<b>Five: </b>Prepare your visa fee. Sorry, it is non-refundable. Payment to be made in local currency (MYR) at any branch of Standard Chartered Bank. Check out the branch of Standard Chartered Bank <b><a href="http://www.standardchartered.com.my/branch-directory/en/" target="_blank">HERE.</a> </b>Just tell the officers that you are paying for US application visa and they will give you special form to be filled in. Again, remember your purpose of visit and the code number as such information is required to be filled into the special form. Take a copy of the receipt for your own record.</div>
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<b>C. Appointment Checklist</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One: </b>Check the timetable for your interview session. Apply your leave on that day. Oh, yeah, identify the location of the US Embassy <b><a href="http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/directions.html">HERE.</a> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Two: </b>Prepare a file, incorporating all necessary documents: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passport - make sure it is not within 6 months expiry date.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Form DS-160 (printed out) confirmation page.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Application fee payment receipt - to indicate you paid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo - according to the format. Even though you've uploaded one, just bring one, in case they asked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other supporting documents - basically to show that you do not intend to migrate to US.. things like your appointment letter for your current job, your property you have here, your money in your account, showing you are able to fund your own trip there etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>D. Interview Checklist</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One: </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depart from home early to avoid crazy traffic of the beloved city of Kuala Lumpur.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b>Parking is not provided in the compound of the embassy, so you need to park your car at the nearby roadside. So come early before 7 so you can get one. Or if you are not driving, it is a walking distance from LRT Station Ampang Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Two: </b>Dress for the occasion. Wear casual smart shirts and dress. Show them you are a civilised person. That will somehow create an impression.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Three: </b>Fine you went out early. But you will find yourself queuing outside of the embassy. This is normal. Wait patiently for your turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Four: </b>When they call out for a specific interview session, listen! If it is your time, go inside. You would have to leave all your electronic devices outside, including your wallet etc. Basically you are leaving almost everything outside. It will be just you and your documents. Don't worry, the guards will take a good care of your stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Five: </b>Go inside. Take your number and wait for your turn at the waiting room on your right. Fine, I've been hearing complaints about how the Indian guards at the entrance (not at the main gate, the ones at the main gate are friendly) had been rude, but it's okay. You are there for no harm, right? So ignore him. In the waiting room, there would be comfortable seats and tv just to kill your time. Rest rooms are here, so you can go and do your business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Six: </b>Wait for your turn. There are three separate interviews at three ATM like counter (with closed door).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First counter, to submit your application documents including passport, interview confirmation letter, confirmation of DS-160 form and the visa photos. Then you would need to return to the waiting lounge again and wait for your name to be called. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second counter, you would be called once again to scan your fingers. Simple procedure here. Then you would have to wait at the nearby area, no need for you to return back to the waiting lounge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three, to be orally interviewed. The officer in charge would be asking you questions at the counter while you are standing. A quick one, really. They have almost everything about you before them. I was informed, even your facebook account, your blogspot posts... every information and details were recorded comprehensively to assess your eligibility to enter their country. I was interviewed by a Japanese mix guy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What is your job? How long have you been serving there?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I answered confidently) I am a banker, I've been serving for 3 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. What are your purpose of travelling?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I saw the guy taking out some pink-ish form and filling it). I am representing Malaysia for a show choir performance in New York.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. When are you going?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I answered and immediately his expression changed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The travelling date was two weeks away from the interview session. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I am sorry, I cannot confirm your visa within that time. You should have been here much much earlier."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He handed over the pink-ish form, which stated that I am subjected to administrative proceeding. Once you received this form, this does not mean that your visa is being rejected, rather, the officer are unable to confirm your status at the counter and they require further information for processing. You will receive feedback within 60 days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it was not my fault that the visa arrangement was done two weeks before the flight date. It was clearly stated that visa application should be done at least three months before. And nothing can go above the law of the US. This was clearly explained in the website. Regardless of whether you have connections with government officers etc. So this serves as reminder to all of you. APPLY VISA EARLY.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it is justified for US authorities to ensure their safety by doing some administrative proceedings on some applicants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next seven days, my life became a misery. I could not get enough sleep and didn't have appetite for food. I could not get off the visa thing off my mind even for a split second. I kept on praying that the visa would be approved soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Visa Granted</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week later, someone from the US Embassy gave me a call that my visa was approved. I was happy beyond description. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Visa Collection</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can either collect the visa yourself at Wisma MCA at Jalan Ampang (before 3 pm the next day - seriously if you are late, they would close the counter sharp at 3 pm) or have it delivered to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Dream That Didn't Happen</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the performance didn't happen for some technical reasons. We didn't make it there. But I got a visa for 10 years. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please pray that I would be able to visit the beautiful city of New York one day...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I dedicate this entry for all my show choir members, who had been going through the waiting period with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you people! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnObviJuZAW70_5gT5vBUZxYj2y3TjGre2vEwH0OELojnmOR-HTby6GHYe3lozM2C2qMIZxqEqBtZD1Po4RRRx1tlaxwKPFXeVkMgYmGLXjlUaJdOlXrLTsCOCTSyVs0XmGvsHATRuhh4e/s1600/531129_10150776883771995_113518025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnObviJuZAW70_5gT5vBUZxYj2y3TjGre2vEwH0OELojnmOR-HTby6GHYe3lozM2C2qMIZxqEqBtZD1Po4RRRx1tlaxwKPFXeVkMgYmGLXjlUaJdOlXrLTsCOCTSyVs0XmGvsHATRuhh4e/s640/531129_10150776883771995_113518025_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From left standing: Olivier, Shahrul, Sachi Amira, Ayu Gurnitha, Nabila, Aruel, Anne, Eunice, Su Yee, David, myself, Zaha, Charl. Sitting: Joseph and Tash. Credit Photo so Sachi Amira</span></i></td></tr>
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Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-5098419431811443902013-05-10T21:33:00.001-07:002013-05-10T21:33:08.295-07:00Siem Reap Part 5: The Remaining Temples on Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurA4JBnAe1f4CenJsQCyIfP_rL3-7uFLozsbq070P5X0L1pqD08UpFXhPspCK6zIPGGOHMD2gNHz75Yw2HKoR_uQJbK1SWWtXXCc-D72Knivo5v0dEAv-U99jA3J47AEC7pGZCwmmTauV/s1600/siem+reap+066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurA4JBnAe1f4CenJsQCyIfP_rL3-7uFLozsbq070P5X0L1pqD08UpFXhPspCK6zIPGGOHMD2gNHz75Yw2HKoR_uQJbK1SWWtXXCc-D72Knivo5v0dEAv-U99jA3J47AEC7pGZCwmmTauV/s1600/siem+reap+066.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Wish Us Good Luck</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">A nice visit to Angkor Wat marked the smooth beginning of the day. Our target is to set our foot to ten temples. Or include other monuments or historical building as well. On bike, with one whole day pass (we need to return our bikes by 7 pm anyway), the goal was indeed a challenge. Let's see whether we were able to finish up all ten temples. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">One down. Nine to go!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cU2aJOrZTWrornwB6Knx-nQz7ouh9z-qnhsPLoLFZ-aqBg23pLrLdZNaFFGV6AqO160pPRpi1PBgi23xCZo8YWamwaJNyZQZPsUlQIg3i0i6VJUqtCB7Bz3gGjVMmUf_lUkd0G2xj3HO/s1600/siem+reap+063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cU2aJOrZTWrornwB6Knx-nQz7ouh9z-qnhsPLoLFZ-aqBg23pLrLdZNaFFGV6AqO160pPRpi1PBgi23xCZo8YWamwaJNyZQZPsUlQIg3i0i6VJUqtCB7Bz3gGjVMmUf_lUkd0G2xj3HO/s1600/siem+reap+063.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #2: Baksei Chamkrong</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">After breakfast, we continued our journey to the next temple. It seemed that Angkor Archeological Park once housed hundreds or perhaps thousands of temples around the place. While many of them are now a pile of blocks laying on the ground, a few others survive until this date. While cycling under the shady trees, we spotted a pyramid-like temple, perhaps composed by laterite, by the name Baksei Chamkrong (The Bird Who Shelters under its Wings).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Ha camtu. Burung dia mana, jangan tanya saya. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWk5W6elPKUsvt5f6xZdqwM6-75Lb6dVwkaV17xKtDU0De_7qk_kmQSWqBnJpDf-cyE68mwRuyzkY7a4NjGBEPuWsgbczbeDcsB2yqhB0hI505NrC-6_vrmFvW8cMSW2vACn8USofnUbf/s1600/siem+reap+065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWk5W6elPKUsvt5f6xZdqwM6-75Lb6dVwkaV17xKtDU0De_7qk_kmQSWqBnJpDf-cyE68mwRuyzkY7a4NjGBEPuWsgbczbeDcsB2yqhB0hI505NrC-6_vrmFvW8cMSW2vACn8USofnUbf/s1600/siem+reap+065.jpg" /></a> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>The Bird and The Wings</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Surrounded by shady trees, this Hindu temple seemed less popular to tourists (and less crowded too). I was about to circle the area when few Cambodian teenagers attempted to lure us to climb to the top. Their persistence somehow caused major discomfort, not only to us but to few other western tourists nearby. So my friend and I decided not to go up and instead, we enjoyed the surrounding view of the temple from the ground. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">There were four stairs to the central sanctuary, where most of them were in poor condition. Hence, climbing up requires great safety precaution. North stairways seemed to be the safest (a tourist made it to the top using this staircase when we were there). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharnvYEzUV22DyOOW8gCRv9KSRv7P4f4_GV5igsdizhRUxjgeJ28E0sVzhstADpaFOcmxogstkXR9mq7Ob3isRpoKE6BMdMPiVrEG9KGUI8FVJbNwhRgJ3nAWH9TOeJFyjAEenAp2kncQb/s1600/siem+reap+061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharnvYEzUV22DyOOW8gCRv9KSRv7P4f4_GV5igsdizhRUxjgeJ28E0sVzhstADpaFOcmxogstkXR9mq7Ob3isRpoKE6BMdMPiVrEG9KGUI8FVJbNwhRgJ3nAWH9TOeJFyjAEenAp2kncQb/s1600/siem+reap+061.jpg" /></a></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The best view for photography lighting would be in the morning, as the temple was set facing the sunrise. To me, this temple is has the most outstanding color composition especially when the walls were hit by the sun.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The annoying teenagers disappeared as we showed lack of interest to climb up to the top. But still, for safety reasons, we decided not to go up. After about 20 minutes spent at the compound of the temple, we decided to continue our journey to the next temple. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Temple #2 - checked!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Let's go.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN66dSdxPlS24HpvEFyPhu4lNuOkzXz3xpkZQrReV3lbMUcU7Hw_lVt7LIpcdypbIPil8ryqxBFlB66L8EbmjAu-7LeTpjUmRWAoheoJ2eeY2rO3zPMpZGKumYdLhoPq61VD3pKGcQQ3iW/s1600/siem+reap+068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN66dSdxPlS24HpvEFyPhu4lNuOkzXz3xpkZQrReV3lbMUcU7Hw_lVt7LIpcdypbIPil8ryqxBFlB66L8EbmjAu-7LeTpjUmRWAoheoJ2eeY2rO3zPMpZGKumYdLhoPq61VD3pKGcQQ3iW/s1600/siem+reap+068.jpg" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6T1Uz0YzbMrCFjLvFHfgGmoYrULQJYbUh8edACA2xQonN2rGIXwcXJxwUf7AA8GAXKZEaoYG7GQy13ghgykynoS4uwyGoOPMlzWNwlklxTvJcFduyqwr8YpHbsxbQTQQ6T6gn-ARihTP/s1600/siem+reap+069.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Entering Angkor Thom via South Gate</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Upon exiting the compound of Baksei Chamkrong, we noticed the traffic started to build up ahead of us. I knew instantly that we were about to enter Angkor Thom or the Great City. As the last capital of Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom housed several temples including Bayon, Baphuon and Terrace of the Elephants. Surrounded by moat (or shall I call the drying moat?), Angkor Thom once housed the residents of the priests, high rank officials and the palace. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6T1Uz0YzbMrCFjLvFHfgGmoYrULQJYbUh8edACA2xQonN2rGIXwcXJxwUf7AA8GAXKZEaoYG7GQy13ghgykynoS4uwyGoOPMlzWNwlklxTvJcFduyqwr8YpHbsxbQTQQ6T6gn-ARihTP/s1600/siem+reap+069.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6T1Uz0YzbMrCFjLvFHfgGmoYrULQJYbUh8edACA2xQonN2rGIXwcXJxwUf7AA8GAXKZEaoYG7GQy13ghgykynoS4uwyGoOPMlzWNwlklxTvJcFduyqwr8YpHbsxbQTQQ6T6gn-ARihTP/s1600/siem+reap+069.jpg" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN66dSdxPlS24HpvEFyPhu4lNuOkzXz3xpkZQrReV3lbMUcU7Hw_lVt7LIpcdypbIPil8ryqxBFlB66L8EbmjAu-7LeTpjUmRWAoheoJ2eeY2rO3zPMpZGKumYdLhoPq61VD3pKGcQQ3iW/s1600/siem+reap+068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BZU5KbYBKfVAevF-kMJcQ_jJe4W6k4fDX_AP7zIcSrDJsMF89fxInyYdpe_qFbHbXXwpwws33lInzRy6gpFqj1HXkipAA0fFeXbgVuh_9nmqPJGXdYxuL-DP7l00Xg6eDycrL0QGJthg/s1600/siem+reap+070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BZU5KbYBKfVAevF-kMJcQ_jJe4W6k4fDX_AP7zIcSrDJsMF89fxInyYdpe_qFbHbXXwpwws33lInzRy6gpFqj1HXkipAA0fFeXbgVuh_9nmqPJGXdYxuL-DP7l00Xg6eDycrL0QGJthg/s1600/siem+reap+070.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">From Angkor Wat, there
was only one small entrance to Angkor Thom, where practically only one
vehicle could pass through at a particular time.<b> </b>Nevertheless,
the traffic was somehow less serious than the layout would suggest. We
got off from our bike to enjoy the surrounding view, while waiting for
the traffic to subside. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The route to the entrance of Angkor Thom is fenced by two rows of stone devas, placed in a position as if they were playing a tug of war. This was actually a display of the the Ocean of the Churning Milk. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Tips: </b>If you need to go to the loo, nearby the area is the place. But I doubt whether you really need to go to any if you were cycling, as the water was quickly transformed into sweat.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVcMrMC2YoppmLpF3zGbXqzbRMdJw30tw-ekHq1S1ukYdWVSyb4UznanFaNm9jPcLGFZN7zYPOk3uMRgfKJEQHx2SVg2_ZD8GCoJEdi5rBdOOCqLWGGkd5_RxC0uXyAWFroolDJTtzSea/s1600/siem+reap+072.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVcMrMC2YoppmLpF3zGbXqzbRMdJw30tw-ekHq1S1ukYdWVSyb4UznanFaNm9jPcLGFZN7zYPOk3uMRgfKJEQHx2SVg2_ZD8GCoJEdi5rBdOOCqLWGGkd5_RxC0uXyAWFroolDJTtzSea/s1600/siem+reap+072.jpg" /></a> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #3: Bayon Temple</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Once the traffic subsided, we got onto our bikes and began cycling, passing through the small gate of Angkor Thom and cycled for another kilometre to the centre of the Great City, where the popular smiling temple was located - Bayon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Oh yeah, the distance from one temple to another range from 2 km to 12 km. No kid, but walking on foot is a joke. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Suddenly the green ambiance turned into an earthly brownish scenery including the ground, the tree and the leaves. Some workers were sweeping the dead leaves from the ground, while few of them were on the opposite direction, on top of the elephants. Elephants used to be the most important mode of land transportation, but today, they end up being the commercial subject of amusement and promotion.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">And don't mess around with elephant, unless you are prepared to be a piece of photograph laying flat on the ground. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaCP79DAG2GmMqJhUg0c62rNqdEdkAOybrDg8baXP1zjP31ym0mZOUjbXvqvx9gxUfy1-avxktDIKJjU8BQj4RNA4J9R64IDYZ608Lr3rhREqFY-tMyIvveindIsqmku2kpVR8-9FWhue/s1600/siem+reap+076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaCP79DAG2GmMqJhUg0c62rNqdEdkAOybrDg8baXP1zjP31ym0mZOUjbXvqvx9gxUfy1-avxktDIKJjU8BQj4RNA4J9R64IDYZ608Lr3rhREqFY-tMyIvveindIsqmku2kpVR8-9FWhue/s1600/siem+reap+076.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Hello Smiley Faces</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We
parked our bicycle across the road, where few elephants were there,
waiting for any tourists to take a ride or even pose for a picture.
Bayon stood in front of us, just across the road. Upon entering the
compound, we were greeted with a smile by one of the staff supervising
the entrance, who asked for admission tickets. It was already 11:00 am
in the morning and the sun was cruel. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWlJMmPELC2Unrw9ToMSC_6idbxmoJTa1fUSrDRtMp6s4XmpV6JnXIp7kbQj372evknQ0EqwRITDM9x1uvO3dk_BpksYDMteIrCrSTKYwmUWu1Qkxf2pnal0KMY-QqMQSYZ9ywUeGRoCe/s1600/siem+reap+077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWlJMmPELC2Unrw9ToMSC_6idbxmoJTa1fUSrDRtMp6s4XmpV6JnXIp7kbQj372evknQ0EqwRITDM9x1uvO3dk_BpksYDMteIrCrSTKYwmUWu1Qkxf2pnal0KMY-QqMQSYZ9ywUeGRoCe/s1600/siem+reap+077.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_ue_fLHihhY8NMok6YT01AzsO91wCfjyi7F80p3L34KWicgy-9Vhs-om9ek4Z2xv4MfslQJDE1qHuYzyhN-enZZZY08rum3l_vrlBFUemKKkXOf-PZWfTxV_HAzhY25C4ypL3dyQWNDp/s1600/siem+reap+079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_ue_fLHihhY8NMok6YT01AzsO91wCfjyi7F80p3L34KWicgy-9Vhs-om9ek4Z2xv4MfslQJDE1qHuYzyhN-enZZZY08rum3l_vrlBFUemKKkXOf-PZWfTxV_HAzhY25C4ypL3dyQWNDp/s1600/siem+reap+079.jpg" /></a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Since my visit a year ago, nothing much have changed.
From far, Bayon seemed like thousands of blocks improperly piled up
together with no artistic vision. But the preliminary assessment
immediately went off when we stepped inside (especially at the third
floor) and witnessed hundreds of minarets and walls carved with smiling
faces of the King Jayavarman VII. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Preserved for thousands of years, this
temple seemed like it's going to collapse any time soon, but do not
worry, there were efforts undertaken by the authorities including
Government of Japan, to ensure this masterpiece of art stands still for a
thousand years more. Even though the real function and purpose of Bayon remained a mystery, the bas reliefs carved on the walls narrated various stories including the war between the Champs and the Khmer as well as the daily life of the Khmer people.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We left after an hour for the next destination. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Temple #3 - checked!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">OMG, dehydration to the max!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #4: Baphuon, The Incomplete Lego</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">I was told that the mineral water, carbonated drinks or juices are sold at a higher price inside Angkor Archeological Center and one should bring his own bottled water. A bottle? Are you kidding me? This was the fourth temple and I had my fourth bottle. I sat down under the nearby tree to enjoy my Diet Coke, while watching a neatly dressed elephant marching in front of us. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Five minutes later, we were already on our bicycle, towards the next temple. 200 metres from Bayon, a temple by the name of Baphuon is located. Unlike other temples in Angkor Archeological Center, Baphuon documents two significant historical event in Cambodia. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNtipJ-YZiGasCSwfCtmEpZYBUx0oH0OJ83DS320t3pp9LL9PFBohvu_n9-17TLKKzrRLIgFWiKXUsvs_2EhoPl38Zj-O1U14AkdsoIaQAru17Gnae7k8oHpz93e30LmbEhUoarPTCG-m/s1600/siem+reap+071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNtipJ-YZiGasCSwfCtmEpZYBUx0oH0OJ83DS320t3pp9LL9PFBohvu_n9-17TLKKzrRLIgFWiKXUsvs_2EhoPl38Zj-O1U14AkdsoIaQAru17Gnae7k8oHpz93e30LmbEhUoarPTCG-m/s1600/siem+reap+071.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">This three-tiered temple was said to be amongst the greatest masterpiece of the Khmer, but as the time went by, the temple aged terribly that require immediate restoration. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Efforts were undertaken by many people, especially the French, who were of the view that one effective way to restore the temple is by taking out the blocks and reassemble them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">They took out the blocks one by one and laid them down surrounding the temple. Each was carefully marked and numbered to facilitate the assembling processes. But later on, civil war took place and all the architectural plans were destroyed by Khmer Rouge, leaving the generations of today problems to figure out how to rearrange thousands or perhaps millions of blocks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">In 1995, the restoration works commenced once again, and it was completed in 2011. But still, there were piles of blocks remained untouched in the temple's compound. To me, the temple is still incomplete. This served as a reminder how Khmer Rouge had blindly disrupt the process of putting back together a piece of art from the past. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJZig6uQzJu99IwzfHd4RP7DIILv6157Co7tsByNJLifY1QM_HxyqZyIPhKIcZhjkrIsVdd0eRE6Vc0l5ZlcARzSYjN9zV9NsyQHFaWxV0rw5bpqUMxOBK78uFRFtExbj8N2iQ9VD9I1b/s1600/siem+reap+080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJZig6uQzJu99IwzfHd4RP7DIILv6157Co7tsByNJLifY1QM_HxyqZyIPhKIcZhjkrIsVdd0eRE6Vc0l5ZlcARzSYjN9zV9NsyQHFaWxV0rw5bpqUMxOBK78uFRFtExbj8N2iQ9VD9I1b/s1600/siem+reap+080.jpg" /></a> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Sometimes we just could not repeat the greatest work of art produced thousand years ago. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Temple #4 - checked!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Okay, I am totally dehydrated. I need a drink pronto! My head was aching as the afternoon sun was so hot. . </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUgqqHZx417h6tn7Ah9NkOcYrwENop3hlqqFpvAO3pFUmEY9PlbBa-Ltl01P7L0Y60TwKgAACdpgKWz9qZ3hgYZSQ3YhF6X65nNkTmuTRJvAUwWjHRzbiCeyT42EfuFO2oP4ihlXscbkp/s1600/siem+reap+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUgqqHZx417h6tn7Ah9NkOcYrwENop3hlqqFpvAO3pFUmEY9PlbBa-Ltl01P7L0Y60TwKgAACdpgKWz9qZ3hgYZSQ3YhF6X65nNkTmuTRJvAUwWjHRzbiCeyT42EfuFO2oP4ihlXscbkp/s1600/siem+reap+078.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #5: Terrace of the Elephants</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Less than 500 metres, there was another historical building by the name of Terrace of the Elephants. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Since it was a terrace used by King Jayavarman VII to view special procession during his life time, I am not sure whether Terrace of the Elephants were actually a temple. But before we explored further, we were lured by some local women, offering cool drinks and seats under the big shady trees on a wide fields in front of the Terrace of the Elephants. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">From the field, we could see the whole surviving parts of the Terrace of the Elephants. With a 300 metres long platform and three staircase, it was a perfect spot to view any celebration and procession. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><i>Kira konsert Sure Heboh dia kat sini la tuh...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">As we went closer to have a look, we noticed that the bas reliefs incorporated various animals, noticeably the elephants, lions, garudas and horses. And actually the Terrace of the Elephants is somehow connected to the Royal Palace of Phimeanakas.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Temple #5, fine not really a temple, but still I am counting it in - checked!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #6: Prasat Suor Prat the Twelve Towers</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">As I was having a drink facing the Terrace of the Elephants, I noticed another monuments on our back, like three-stories tall towers, suggesting that they were somehow once connected to one another. I googled and yeah, it made sense to me, as Prasat Suor Prat means "The Towers of the Tight Rope Dancers".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Well, maybe during those procession times, there were dancers and performers doing acrobatic dance on the rope connecting from one tower to another. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">There were also view suggesting that it was used as divine judgment centre, whereby when there were two men in dispute, both parties were forced to sit on any of two towers, and he who was at fault will be suffering illness. (Angkorguide.com)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Still, the function of Prasat Suor Prat remained a mystery. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Temple #6, okay, I know, not really a temple, but still, I am counting it in - checked!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Exiting Angkor Thom via North Gate</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">As we were cycling leaving the centre of Angkor Thom towards the north gate, some women were waving at us, inviting us to have lunch at their nearby <i>warong </i>or cafe. We smiled back and politely declined. A quest for <i>halal </i>food is definitely an issue in Angkor Archeological Centre, so we survived by our own Gardenia bread, which was at that particular time, remained half. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">The route to the north gate was somehow, less crowded by traffic, suggesting that this route is actually an off beaten track. The north gate is about 1 km from Terrace of the Elephant, and thank God for the shady trees, whose branches of trees literally touched the other counterpart from across the road, providing us shelter along the way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">In less than 15 minutes, we saw the Avalokitesvara on top of the North Gate and we passed through the uncrowded gate to the next temple, Preah Khan, about 5 km away from the North Gate.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #7: Preah Khan, The Holy Sword</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">If both the magnificent Angkor Wat and Ta Phrom are not in existence, Preah Khan will be the ultimate destination for tourist. Despite its adequate potential, Preah Khan was outshined and outshadowed by Angkor Wat and Ta Phrom. And perhaps, due to its geographical location too, which was far from the popular route. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">We parked and locked our bikes by a nearby trees, along side other bikes. Well, there was practically no dedicated place for you to park your bikes, but as long as in joined in the band wagon, I think my parking spot was somehow justified. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">We walked along the causeway, leading to Preah Khan. A staff greeted us and requested to view our tickets. Then we resumed the journey. There were local people selling books about Angkor Wat, Cambodia and also surviving the devastation during Pol Pot regime. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Suddenly the wind blew strongly, causing the nearby paintings on display to be scattered on the floor. We immediately assisted the seller to pick up the paintings one by one. Most of the paintings or perhaps all of them were depicting the apsaras and devas. I took the opportunity to ask the seller how the paintings were done. He said, he took it to the walls and bas relief of the temples and traced them by using chalk. No wonder they were so perfect in terms of the shapes and figures. We politely declined from purchasing as we were on tight budget and headed to the entrance of the temple.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Surrounded by almost drying moat, Preah Khan was built by Jayavarman VII not only as a temple but also as monastery and university. It was said that Preah Khan was built on the site where Jayavarman's victory over the Chams in a war. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">If I am given one word to describe this temple - rectangular. Almost everything about this temple is about rectangular. The entrance, the windows etc. From the first rectangular entrance, you will find yourself entering into more than 20 rectangular entrances until the middle part of the temple. And surprisingly, the height between our head and the ceiling of the entrances were not so high at all, that made us wonder, were the people at that time... not... tall?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">The remaining parts of Preah Khan remained unrestored, and actually I preferred it to be naturally preserved in such a way. Just like Ta Phrom, there were big trees growing on tops of the buildings, by itself showing how old the building has been. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #8: Ta Keo, The One Hit by Lightning</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">We cycled using the same previous route via the North Gate of Angkor Thom, and headed to Ta Phrom which is located about 10 km from Preah Khan. My watch indicated 3:30 pm. How times fly so quickly. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">On our way to Ta Phrom, we encountered Ta Keo (meaning the mountain with the golden peak), but sadly it was closed from public visit. I still remember during my visit a year ago, Elf (the tour guide) explained that the temple was hit by lightning, so the construction and carving works were stopped as the lightning was considered as a bad omen. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Sorry guys, no picture on Ta Keo as I was on bike. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Temple #8 - checked! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #9: Ta Phrom, Where Angelina Jolie Ran Amok, Remember?</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">After 10 km cycling from Preah Khan, we finally arrived at Ta Phrom. It was not so difficult spotting for the popular temple. One: traffic went crazy. Two: there were stalls, <i>warong </i>and cafes located nearby. Speaking of the cafes, we were again, dehydrated, so we stopped by the nearby stalls and enjoyed our drinks. The drinks, which some considered as overpriced, were at that particular moments, became the least concern.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Haus, faham tak, haus? Ada aku kisah mahal ke tak?</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Revenge by mother nature. That what I would call Ta Phrom. Thousands years ago, mankind destroyed the nature for rapid development. Few hundred years later, the nature slowly repossessed the development by mankind, as if saying "<i>Now, yours are mine!!!"</i>. And we are here, trying to preserve the dispute. In fact both the trees and the human handwork now became as one inseparable entity. Any attempt to separate both of them will cause fatalities to the great piece of artwork. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">We noticed that the trees growing on top of the building were somehow different. The banks were white and silver in color, that when the evening sun hit the surface, it shone in gold color. <i>MasyaAllah</i>. It was the most magnificent view of creation I've ever encountered in my entire life. It was so beautiful that I almost cried. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">When we were there, major construction were still being conducted. There were photos on display showing Ta Phrom before and after the construction, which clearly portrayed success. Given its unique features, a visit to Ta Phrom is a must. If you are visiting Angkor Archeological Park and failed to set your foot in Ta Phrom, it will be the joke of the century.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">On our way out to the main gate of Ta Phrom, we encountered a band of local musicians playing soothing Cambodian music. As we approached them, it appeared to us, they are the victims of the landmines, trying to make a decent living, not by begging but by playing music. We stopped for a while to enjoy their music and donated some small amount of money as a sign of appreciation to them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Upon exiting the gate, we were approached by some local kids, asking for food. Three of them. Two boys and a girl. To my surprise, they displayed good English. So we sat down and gave them the biscuits we bought for them. The seemed so hungry that they opened the biscuit straight away in front of us. We took the opportunity to chat with them.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">The girl pointed to our Gardenia bread, which was at that time, remained half, and asked whether she could also have that. She was immediately scolded by one of the boys, saying that it belonged to both of us, and they should be thankful for what we've given them. Thinking that we could buy a new one later, we gave the bread to them. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Cuma macam tak sedaplah sebab bagi sisa kita. Tapi sisa pada kita, rezeki pada mereka. </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Hence, temple #9 - checked!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #10: Banteay Kdei, The Least Attractive</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">We continued our journey. My leg was aching. And I was, again, dehydrating (or felt like dying?). We were so far away from the city, even if we decided to head home, Banteay Kdei was just along the route. Just another 3 km, we were there, where Banteay Kdei stood strong. Named Citadel of the Monks Cell. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Not really, we somehow got confused with the signboards and got lost for another two kilometres. Thank you to my gut instinct that forced me to turn back and finally, and truly, we were at Banteay Kdei. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">We were informed that this temple was completed in haste, so that somehow explained why it remained unattractive. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">There were two piece of biscuits left. Herman ate one of them. While he was taking his first bite of the second biscuit, we heard a girl shouting from behind "Can I have one of that, pleaseeeeeeee!"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">She was running towards us. But there were no more biscuits left. Only the one in Herman's hand. the one which he took a small bite. She said she was hungry, and that biscuit, on Herman's hand would do. Herman gave it to her. Then we heard a young boy running towards her, and asked for more. Sadly we didn't have any. The girl took just one bite and gave the remaining to the boy. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">It was a small portion. But they shared, regardless. It killed me inside nonetheless. If only I got more. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Are we Malaysian, into sharing anymore? I am not so sure about that.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Temple #9 - checked!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Temple #11: Sra Skrang, The Royal Bathing Pool</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">In front of Banteay Kdei, there was a large lake located. As the name suggested, it was a royal and sacred bathing pool. We were informed it was a man-made lake and the water is blue, used for ablution or bathing of the royal personnel. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">But today, it was used for rice cultivation by the local people. We sat down for a while to rest and to enjoy our last drink. We imagined that this could be another nice spot to view sun rise, an alternative to the crowded Angkor Wat. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Our watch indicated 6:15 pm. Another 45 minutes to return our bikes to the shop, before the clock stroke 7 pm. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Temple #11 (again, not really a temple, but I am counting it in nonetheless) - checked!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>MISSION COMPLETED!</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Okay, now our mission is to cycle another 10 km to return our bikes before 7 pm!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b>New Mission: Return the Bike</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">We cycled as hard as we could, only to noticed that the basket of my bicycle was about to fell down as the screws and nuts went missing. I had to cycle with one hand at the handle and another hand to hold the basket from falling down. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">And we got another 8 km to go!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">The only motivation I had in mind was my friend who was already few metres ahead of me and the fact that I wanted to reach the hotel room, took a bath and lie down until next week. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">After 5 km of cycling, we started to enter the city area. And we cycled hard nonetheless. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">6:50 pm. We arrived at the shop to return the bike. We got back Herman's passport. And walked another one km back to our hotel. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Was everything worth the bicycle ride?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">YES!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Till then, </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564143166587241019.post-19011643020023887342013-05-10T21:28:00.000-07:002013-05-11T20:14:00.065-07:00Siem Reap Part 4: Angkor Wat on Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>The Plan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Woke up at 6:00 am. Depart from Hotel at 6:30 am on bicycle. 7:00 am watched the sun comes up at the Angkor Wat. And enjoy the day, ahead of everyone else under the sun. Sounds nice? Again, that was the plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>The Actual Event</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Woke up at 7:00 am. The first ray of sunlight had penetrated the earth. One word. Late. We got up and quickly prepared ourselves for a long adventurous day. Well, better be late than never, right? Backpack, food, mineral water, torch light, guide books, sunglasses - checked. Let's go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We aimed to set our foot to ten temples. Sounds ambitious? We'll see!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We rented a bicycle each, for the price of USD 3. That is not definitely the cheapest offer available as you could get a bike at USD 1. But time was of the essence, so I didn't argue further. Sometimes, by comparing what we've earned in our country, we just do not mind giving them extra. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>Rezeki Tuhan itu luas, bukan. Apa lah sangat nak berkongsi lebih.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Cycling to Angkor Wat</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We took our bikes, which were neatly parked outside of the hotel, and began cycling to Angkor Wat. We could see the ray of sunlight was making its way up, but it was still dark. So we had to be careful while cycling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The challenge started the moment we entered into the main road heading towards Angkor Wat. What kind of challenge? You see, the moment you entered into the main road, you are literally submitting yourself for a battle against hundreds or cyclists, motorcycles, tuk tuk, cars, shuttle vans, buses and small lorries. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Tips #1: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1. Extra precaution is a must, especially when you are overtaking any grannies cycling so slowly in front of you.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2. Extra precaution is also a must when you are cycling. Beware of any big holes or sharp objects. Or you will run the risk of pushing your bike all the way home about 10 km. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The most interesting part of cycling in the morning would be seeing local people cycling to work and the local school kids walking and cycling to school. We smiled and waved at them. They did the same in return, despite the fact that we were strangers to them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">If you do this in Malaysia, they would call you <i>miang.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Purchasing Tickets</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">After few minutes of cycling, we arrived at the counter to purchase admission tickets to Angkor Wat. As we saw two buses entering the compound, we quickly parked our bikes, before we had to line up behind 80 tourists for admission tickets. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Purchasing the tickets was simple. Stand in line. Wait for your turn. Give them the money. Look at the camera. They printed out the tickets. Yay. Go have fun. Yes, strike your best pose, as your picture will be on the ticket.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Tips #2: </b><br />There are three types of tickets. One day pass (USD 20), two-day pass (USD 40) and three-day pass (USD 60). The three-day pass may be used even not for three consecutive days, but within the same week. If you purchase the tickets after 5 pm, you will be allowed to see sun set at Angkor Wat for free! But remember, while entering, DO NOT ALLOW the admission officer of Angkor Wat to stamp on your ticket or the ticket will be invalid the next day. And if you are Cambodian, the admission is free!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Tips #3: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Keep your ticket ALL THE TIME. Officers in charge will request to see your ticket prior to admission and any loss of ticket will be penalised by USD 100.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCcBFTEekPhMS5XGICyDJkQF_gJwJf6-pnKfqsccMqPc5TNF-ngzcy9MZBGXtywM9lo7ytRpCqUc2oxEveHIevxQ4shWWRdhTzcELRtWZuWVBX8-OnCj73Xfi0V9_MVnIrzne4Vd2uzyO/s1600/siem+reap+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCcBFTEekPhMS5XGICyDJkQF_gJwJf6-pnKfqsccMqPc5TNF-ngzcy9MZBGXtywM9lo7ytRpCqUc2oxEveHIevxQ4shWWRdhTzcELRtWZuWVBX8-OnCj73Xfi0V9_MVnIrzne4Vd2uzyO/s1600/siem+reap+060.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Almost There</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We resumed our journey to Angkor Wat. The day has become brighter, it was pretty obvious we would miss the sun rise at Angkor Wat. So we took our own sweet time cycling and enjoying the nearby scenery. From the hotel, the distance was about 8 km.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">After about 10 to 15 minutes of cycling, we finally arrived at the junction, where we could see the gopuras of Angkor Wat standing still before us. The excitement had just kicked in. We turned left and resumed cycling. There were many people cycling with us, as if it was some kind of a marathon or something. We turned right and quickly spot parking lots for bicycle on our left. We parked our bikes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The sun was already up. There were people leaving Angkor Wat. Some with frustrated faces. I guessed the weather was cloudy that people could not see sun rise clearly. That happened to me a year ago. But still, not a reason why you should not be enjoying the other things about Angkor Wat. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEldFGgzlz1WOEZq8G4IT-yxufGqV67KyR35pdqz6mFOvqKcVJ7dBh4_ogOGM1_qjjD0GQNBYxa4yYLLD6y7M7hFTI01OhB2i7iKpLjuaj9VlTv9w_TRIlWM6CnjmbK3ScUcaB7wb4csy/s1600/siem+reap+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEldFGgzlz1WOEZq8G4IT-yxufGqV67KyR35pdqz6mFOvqKcVJ7dBh4_ogOGM1_qjjD0GQNBYxa4yYLLD6y7M7hFTI01OhB2i7iKpLjuaj9VlTv9w_TRIlWM6CnjmbK3ScUcaB7wb4csy/s1600/siem+reap+051.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We climbed onto the causeway leading us to the gate of the compound of Angkor Wat. Surrounded by about 300 feet moat, the view from both sides sparked your excitement of the day. The floor of the causeway, which consisted of block of rocks arranged together, were somehow disjointed at some points, that you have to be very careful. Some of them were numbered, so I believed, the authorities were in the process of rearranging them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">An officer greeted us with a friendly hand gesture and politely asked to view our tickets. He compared the look on our faces and the faces on the tickets. He asked: Philippines? We laughed and said that we are from Malaysia. He smiled and surprisingly greeted us in Malay language: <i>Selamat datang (</i>welcome!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We thanked him and resumed our journey. Wait. Philippines? Well I took it as a compliment. Most Philippines guys on tv are good looking. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Haha sempat lagi perasan. Matilah Hairi oi.</span> </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtw2ChUN6a-G8jmT2eJLH93td-Z4JrzqA8jic5m9jlSb6VuhBiQqYX2bhc8r4Kf6b5zUtQfRXdPMgp9v8lv16FTj0aar2_8Fhe-46SCyPr1bWX7TAZZ7_iczXi4VZsNIV7Onx3ko4QCya/s1600/siem+reap+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtw2ChUN6a-G8jmT2eJLH93td-Z4JrzqA8jic5m9jlSb6VuhBiQqYX2bhc8r4Kf6b5zUtQfRXdPMgp9v8lv16FTj0aar2_8Fhe-46SCyPr1bWX7TAZZ7_iczXi4VZsNIV7Onx3ko4QCya/s1600/siem+reap+052.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Entering the Compound of Angkor Wat</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Upon entering the gate, we saw the majestic Angkor Wat, standing strong before us. Even though it was about 800 metres away, we were somehow moved, by the greatness of human's dedication to art. There were green canvas covering some parts of the building, indicating that it was still going through some process of renovation (yeah, it was still there a year before). We truly understand, it was intended to preserve it for future. I could not stop imagining, how was it like hundreds or thousands years ago.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">There were two old buildings on each side, as we walked on the causeway to the main entrance of Angkor Wat. There were also a small pond on the left side, which is a popular spot for photographers early in the morning. Hundreds of them would set up their high-tech photography equipment and wait patiently for the sun to go up, as Angkor Wat and its morning reflection on the pond will be a perfect combination for a picturesque scene.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNIFLMW6VraOgOVjr0ns_NKHENU2BDwQ4ca580ea1cTkDpKeKzLMH-Y9LU0ss_9BuMr0fJAEIZZb7PtkESYTLc9BHIPi7StLZeBms16anwpBflmTC86eW9j9nTuC_KTndWXo4kFLKHOrj/s1600/siem+reap+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNIFLMW6VraOgOVjr0ns_NKHENU2BDwQ4ca580ea1cTkDpKeKzLMH-Y9LU0ss_9BuMr0fJAEIZZb7PtkESYTLc9BHIPi7StLZeBms16anwpBflmTC86eW9j9nTuC_KTndWXo4kFLKHOrj/s1600/siem+reap+050.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There were six monks sitting outside of the building on our left. They were definitely well aware that they were the subject of photography at that moment, but they did not seem to be distracted by it. They would smile and wave at tourists who did the same. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLX7FkXsKdswalEsuznWf-vRD_LCKb-XNI-ap7WHCSpUYdDfQkHhq_wS0iwr-fAsmMzPhouInmNO71zDvRSKuEzHu9b_flwaZmK0xmqLGYH8hCX2pPZwKIo68FBfXDvB7yMkH9w5TBBgG/s1600/siem+reap+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLX7FkXsKdswalEsuznWf-vRD_LCKb-XNI-ap7WHCSpUYdDfQkHhq_wS0iwr-fAsmMzPhouInmNO71zDvRSKuEzHu9b_flwaZmK0xmqLGYH8hCX2pPZwKIo68FBfXDvB7yMkH9w5TBBgG/s1600/siem+reap+053.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Entering Angkor Wat</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Angkor Wat, being the most famous monuments in the Angkor Archeological Park (and also as a symbol in their flags and money) was built by King Suryavarman, as dedication to the Hindu Lord of Vishnu. However, as the subsequent King embraced Buddhism, the function of the temple was transformed into Buddhist worshipping centre. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Everything about Angkor Wat is about symmetry including the layout, the walls, the hallway, everything. The wall and the bas-reliefs depicted the Hindu religious belief including the epic tales of Ramayana, Mahabrata, the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Marching Army, the Judgment of the Dead (including those who committed adultery and fraud while conducting selling and buying), the Churning of the Ocean Milk, Vishnu fighting the demons, Battle of Lanka etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No, I am not an archeologist. I learnt these from Elf, the tour guide that explained to us almost every carved walls in Angkor Wat. If you didn't hire one, you would definitely find the walls containing monkeys and dragons and some ugly people - which would not make sense to you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kaHb6jdTkYCpHDz6SiG8WNBkqHgwLJILISRaBAbn5XPd61MfuBdN0vxkMXK5yIgV5LKu9xIQ1yz5I4yBPytva2Ti8faCnykaVC79k1p2vxUQsl8apikl9tRZky001HgJM2gQLCv8zSD/s1600/siem+reap+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kaHb6jdTkYCpHDz6SiG8WNBkqHgwLJILISRaBAbn5XPd61MfuBdN0vxkMXK5yIgV5LKu9xIQ1yz5I4yBPytva2Ti8faCnykaVC79k1p2vxUQsl8apikl9tRZky001HgJM2gQLCv8zSD/s1600/siem+reap+055.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Apsara and Devas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Other than the Hindu religious belief portrayed on the walls, there were also figures of young ladies on various and different poses on the bas-reliefs and walls. Those in dancing position or poised to dance are the apsaras, while those in guarding positions are the devatas. They represent the ideal image of a female beauty.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQICt63U2Maq8EP2Henha8D8JCw0ignOx0ozGkByiWIVt08lXssj-WLYEUnBDJHFaxuE0loQToFPjkjZxNYYzTEX_iYO35zdswqyPJc6hL-bXOpgb1zOP-yuV-mP5ZEeCScyGnzM-eeX4-/s1600/siem+reap+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQICt63U2Maq8EP2Henha8D8JCw0ignOx0ozGkByiWIVt08lXssj-WLYEUnBDJHFaxuE0loQToFPjkjZxNYYzTEX_iYO35zdswqyPJc6hL-bXOpgb1zOP-yuV-mP5ZEeCScyGnzM-eeX4-/s1600/siem+reap+054.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Gopuras</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Gopuras, or easily speaking the corn-like towers were the main features of Angkor Wat's view from far. They were actually constructed to symbollise Mount Meru, the home of Vishnu. And actually not only the gopuras symbollise the Hinduism, but each and every part of Angkor Wat. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCC2SRiqsySfz2_rl4Qm2xCFYcI-52rld7bYcgGci4skd86a13e4-ZeGuKSuePn1_WaSvtQQ3SFTf7s4UhGlTnPqMM2U58DGGD3tnqIhjCRqjB_1opBZSswV_FoP_2Y-1LEEzlGkMJ4dp/s1600/siem+reap+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCC2SRiqsySfz2_rl4Qm2xCFYcI-52rld7bYcgGci4skd86a13e4-ZeGuKSuePn1_WaSvtQQ3SFTf7s4UhGlTnPqMM2U58DGGD3tnqIhjCRqjB_1opBZSswV_FoP_2Y-1LEEzlGkMJ4dp/s1600/siem+reap+058.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Prasat</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Why climbing on top to the prasat is important? Because it is from the central prasat, you are able to enjoy the surrounding view of Angkor Wat from the top. However, to reach the central prasat, tourists are required to wait in a long que and climb series of stairs to the top. Trust me, despite the long que, the view from up above is rewarding. While waiting for the que, we met the same guy, who were selling stuff at the Angkor Night Market. According to him, most people in Siem Reap would take two jobs to support their life. During the day time, he is the tour guide and at night, he sells souvenir. That reminded me of Mr. Vannak, who also took two jobs to maintain his family.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Tips #4: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Dress for the occasion. I know, Cambodia, just like any other South East Asian countries are HOT. However, you need to bear in mind that you are visiting a worship place, and the Asians have a strong believe in their religion. So R.E.S.P.EC.T is crucial. Respect here includes you need to wear appropriate clothing. So, the ones revealing your shoulder or any skirts above your knees are No-No. Not only they will not allow you to go to the top prasat, but also deny your entrance to some temples. Speaking from experience, the three cute English girls were denied from entrance due to their attire, even when they tried to cover their knees by using their sweaters. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv00g7sNzd24t_steMtov9SuGGsxl9R9Xozkv86v0fpNvFXBXnslPext7aPYcpUCNeek2Pk8vB3LFHdVMwqBcOnPkzrT6RlF6XCu7MsHVPNib46F19sPqbUU99C0VE_GLw4TU6S9r0JJoV/s1600/+siem+reap+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv00g7sNzd24t_steMtov9SuGGsxl9R9Xozkv86v0fpNvFXBXnslPext7aPYcpUCNeek2Pk8vB3LFHdVMwqBcOnPkzrT6RlF6XCu7MsHVPNib46F19sPqbUU99C0VE_GLw4TU6S9r0JJoV/s1600/+siem+reap+056.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Time to Go</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We spent an hour at Angkor Wat. Even one hour itself was not enough. But we need to make a move as there were nine more temples to go! It was 9:30 am and we were hungry. So we decided to have breakfast at the nearby cafe. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Halal </i>is a challenging quest in Angkor Archeological Park. Just a plain bread and a hot chocolate, I am liberal like that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Stay tune for the adventure in completing 10 temples in a day!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Temple #1 - checked!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Till then, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Hairi Tahir</i></span></span></div>
Hairi Tahirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04590793186658198082noreply@blogger.com0