Firefox 3 downloaded!

Hopefully it was worth it... I've been using Firefox as my main internet explorer (pun intended) for the longest time - just because. We'll have to wait a week for the record to be ratified by Guinness World Records (it's reported that there were 8 million downloads during that 24hrs period)

3rd 4Es' 3rd Birthday

Ehsan was born on June 3rd 2005 - it wasn't easy as he put Ckn through hours of labor, only to stop at 7cm dilation, forcing a c-section delivery. Alhamdullilah, all went as planned (except a slight infection on Ckn's stitches). And now, Ehsan is 3 years old!

Our own speed racer - this is the 3rd time blowing out the candles

When we were discussing Erica's besday party last January, we also looked ahead to Ehsan's as well. I had a trip back in February, so I was tasked to look for stuff for their parties. However, the one big dampener for Ehsan's besday was that it was in June; which is the height of summer and when our colleagues (and their children) were mostly away. So, it wasn't possible to organise another big do for Ehsan, like we did for Erica. Since we are planning to go away ourselves (2 weeks and counting!), we decided to have our own little party for Ehsan instead.

Ehsan really liked that cake...or was it the singing and blowing out the candles bit?

Ckn baked a chocolate cake for Ehsan. We couldn't find cooking chocolate for the topping, so Ckn bought some Cadbury bars instead (The side effect was that I enjoyed the cake immensely!). We propped the candles on 3 cute sports cars, and we had a fun time blowing out the candles the moment I came back from work.

My mom joined us on the phone as we were singing Happy Birthday to Ehsan. He behaved well and waited till we finished singing before huffing and puffing!

Ckn prepared a dinner of grilled lamb chops and I promised to help with the roasted potatoes. I even managed to make a sauce from the drippings (but it was crap!). I just digged the cake and I think that spoiled dinner a bit for me! We hope to have another mini party with Mama, Baba and Fyan in the next 2 weeks, and I'm sure Ehsan will enjoy his trip to the toy store then! I know I would... Happy Birthday, son!

The Attack

I think by now everyone has heard of the JEM attack on Khartoum, which is unheard of - I don't think since the Mahdi times (when he fought the British in the 19th Century) has Khartoum itself been under siege by armed groups. but then again, I've just been here 2 years and Sudan has been through numerous coups in its 52 year history! Anyway, it's been 2 weeks since the rebels descended onto Ombdurman, which is the old capital city of Sudan, and is located just under 20km from our home in Khartoum Two.

Friday, 9th May
We heard of it at first as a possible threat, and we were advised to stay indoors - which we did - I was supposed to bring Ehsan swimming that evening.

Saturday, 10th May - evening
When nothing happend, we assumed that it was just rumors flying about. Until the next day that is, when Ckn received a call around 6pm, from a friend who is working in Ombdurman (the person was specifically in a place called Souq Libya - a market next to where we have our kharouf breakfasts). She told us that she could hear gunshots and a huge commotion from the streets. The fighting had begun.

The first thing going thru my mind was the safety of my family; I knew it was safer to stay put, and not appear on the streets. Ckn took it on herself to start communicating by any means necessary with all our friends in the city (ym? facebook? u name it, she had it! both my cousin Azlie and brother Fyan helped manned the Malaysia end!) while I tried to contact our security manager. The phone lines were undependable due to the congestion. I received a call from Mama from Malaysia the moment the news broke on CNN. Although we have never been thru this kind of experience before, I think we all kept our heads as everyone in our block was kept informed of what was happening in Ombdurman.

I kept going to the rooftop to check the conditions on the roads (which looked pretty normal to me - people were milling about, but traffic was light. A curfew was being imposed). But I felt something in my gut (and gasped!) when I looked to the west; we can make out the smoke trails in the distance, and see flashes from the fighting - and once in a while, we can hear loud noises, booms and even felt vibrations in our appartment.

Saturday, 10th May - night
Major fighting ended at dusk. In all, heavy fighting lasted for about 3 hours that Saturday, although reports said it started much earlier than that. Khartoum was eerily quiet that night. Most buildings were lit, including the Fateh tower which can be act as a beacon for anyone looking for the Presidential Palace (which was the prime objective of the rebels). The main road in front of our block was blacked out, but a strategic bridge leading to Khartoum North was lit.

Ckn wouldn't leave her makeshift communications center (read:laptop in the bedroom!), so I made us a simple instant noodle dinner, which she readily devoured despite earlier protests. The kids were their usual selves, but even they noticed our anxiety and kept out of our way (most of the time!). I wasn't concerned about food or drinking water lasting a few days, as we just went shopping on Friday, but I did fill the kids wading pool and charged all 3 emergency lamps, just in case (Others weren't so lucky. My big boss was due to leave on the ill-fated day, but had to turn back as the airport was closed - and as he was not expecting to stay in Khartoum, he didn't keep extra cash or had fresh food for 2 days...)

Throughout the day, Sudan TV was only broadcasting folk songs and documentaries, until around 9pm when the first news report on the 'failed' attack was broadcast. We couldn't understand the news, but the pictures spoke for themselves - burning 4WDs on the roads, captured vehicles and heavy weapons being driven around by security personnel and militias, prisoners, and of course, bloodied corpses. I stayed up late to watch all the news channels to get any scrap of information possible.

Sunday, 11th May
Although the rebels didn't cross the bridge from Ombdurman into Khartoum, they did however, managed to disappear in the vast surburbs of Ombdurman. So the curfew was extended a few times, and we all just 'worked from home' that Sunday (hehe if you can call it that). The situation was calm, but we _think_ we heard some shooting in the distance.

Monday, 12th May - midday
On Monday we were told that the situation was under control and that we were allowed back to the office. Traffic was nearly normal, although Ombdurman was still closed off. There was a sense of normalcy at the office, and everyone was excited to share their experience of the attack.

But any illusions of safety were crushed when we started hearing about 'clashes' at midday - and in Khartoum no less! So we just put everything down, and scrambled for our block drivers to come and pick us up! hehe - got an earful from Ckn for that episode! (We learned later that there were clashes with students and not rebels, and that the city was secure). To be sure, we only went back to work on Tuesday, 13th May, and even that was at midday. Alhamdullillah, nothing untoward happend!

So that was how we spent a 'nice' weekend cooped up while the city was under siege. We have friends who have even revisited the kharuf market recently and reported things are back to normal. We didn't realise how many friends and families prayed for our safety. Life here may have returned back to normal, but it doesn't feel normal - not anymore. We are comforatble going out, but seeing the extra 'uniforms' on every corner does raise our anxiety occasionally. The rebels may have lost terribly, but they did win in some ways too.

Epilogue
Back in the office on Monday and Tuesday, we all came together to try and figure out how the rebels managed to attack Khartoum. I've enclosed our observations here for my benefit (there is nothing secret here; everything was as reported in the press, but the maps are mine). Click on the picture below for a bigger size :

p/s Our home in Khartoum Two is right next to the airport...

A Message of Hope (Or Perutusan Pengharapan in B.Indonesia)

There are many things in a man's life that are cherish; for example, I fondly remember my kain busuk (mama's baju satin from the 70s - which was cut into 2 - double the fun!), or the times I get sick when I go on theme park rides, and of course, when I lost my virginity...to CD players (1993, a Philips boom box bought from Argos in the UK!) ...

So it has passed that someone dear to me, my brother, is close to experiencing what will be a cherished moment in his life; entering a new chapter of sharing his life with someone else.

Tomorrow, InsyaAllah, Firhan shall be leaving for Indonesia with Karee, Rafek, Baba and Mama to meet some very important people (hehe, namely the parents of a certain young lady pictured here) to ask their permission for my dear brother to wed their daughter.

To be honest, both my wife and I still can't believe that this time is here! I've just finished the 'obituary' for my sis, and now my brother is also getting on the act? Well, people say that we shouldn't delay good things, right? Although this is just the first step towards their wedding and marriage, it is an important one, nevertheless - as it sets in motion the 'tidal wave'!

In my opinion, Firhan and Zariah really make a nice couple. I've had a lot of opportunities to see them together and with the family, and I can feel the love and respect that they have for each other, and for us all. Firhan has always been helpful to my parents, siblings and family (hehe anak bongsu, so easy to make the scapegoat for me and Karee!) and Zariah has been a good friend to my wife and kids.

So, on this, the start of more cherished memories, I do hope that both of you will enjoy starting to build your futures together, and that apart from love, you must also have patience and perseverence. Your journey together will be filled with joy (and the occasional bump; now that's where the fun really is!). Remember that from this point on, we shall be responsible for our lives and for all the decisions (big or tiny!) that we make.

Now for my hope for you is very administrative; save all your money! I've made that mistake of not saving enough in the past (I guess Karee is so much better at this than me). Yes, I know how tempting gadgets are; takpe, get Zariah to include one or two in the hantaran ok?

Finally, it is now my duty to pass a piece of wisdom that I received from both Mama and Mummy. When in doubt or the situation looks grim, please turn to our parents for guidance and advice. They are truly knowledgeable and caring, and will dispense wisdom to help us. You also have your Abalone and Kak Ngah to turn to (just make sure of the time difference when calling me ok? I won't answer if you call at 3am sudan time...)

Obit : Cik Farah Kareena (19 Feb 1979 - 22 Dec 2007)

This is an Obit(uary) for my Sis being a single girl, anak dara, and my little sister. This is a statement for all the times that we never shared then; when I was away at boarding school and overseas. For all the advise that I never shared or bothered to tell you.

This is a farewell to all the fights and raised voices we shared over the years. Of all the unfair requests and orders that, as your Abalong, was issued in spite. For all the anguish that I may have caused; is there a time limit for forgiveness to be given?

This is my hope; that you will find 'eppiness' (a play on your very words) with your chosen partner. That you will, together, go thru thick and thin, and thru sickness and health. May Allah bless all of us, insyaAllah...

Note : I planned to post this in December, just after Kareena tied the knot. But after reading her latest post, I felt obliged to post this in response to her recent loss. Our sincere condolences and doa to you, sis...

Preparation : Istanbul - Travel Plans

So far we've been progressing well on our preparations for our trip next week. We've just got back our passports, with a 1 year extension on our temporary residence permit and multiple entry/exit visas.

As I posted earlier, we've confirmed how we're going to move the kids around. On October 2nd we had a late night discussion to plan our itinerary; the exact hour-to-hour breakdown of our holiday! Ckn beat me to posting about this, so you can read it over at her blog


Field test in Progress : Using the Tamrac Camera sling-bag at Assaha Restaurant. I recently got this bag in KL to carry all our camera gear for the trip. I think Ckn will use the Tamrac, and I'll be taking my beat-up Deuter day bag to carry the kids stuff and misc.

The main things that drew the boundaries for our trip was of course the kids. Unlike our last holiday to Egypt with my parents, we'll be traveling alone this time. Also, we needn't worry about Erica's transport because she was 'attached' to the party (...she was resting peacefully in her mama's tummy. I don't think her mama was restive however...). This time around, we have to factor in the mobility and limits of the kids.

We came up with a plan that allows for at least half a day of sight seeing, with ample time to rest in the afternoon, followed by some light plans in the evenings. Taking into account the time we have in the city, we've divided our plans to cover several areas in Istanbul :

• Sultanahmet - Old Istanbul; This is where all the main Ottoman and historical sites are. We'll be staying here as well so most of the places we want to see will be minutes away


• Galata - North of Sultanahmet, across the Goldn Horn. This is 19th century Istanbul (or older?). There are embassies and Parisien style buildings here, with a museum and a palace
  


• Bhosphorus Sea - The main ferry terminal of Eminonu is also north of our Hotel. We hope to catch a cruise to get a vista of Istanbul from the sea.
  

• The Bazaars - There are 2 or 3 bazaars in the area, the biggest being the Grand Bazaar, followed by the Spice Bazaar. I know it'll be full of tourists and may not be the cheapest place to shop, but then this is a once in a lifetime visit!
  

We've also planned some must-do things in Istanbul, and hope to do all this in our down time after the sight seeing during the day:

• Watch a swirling Dervish dance

• Shop! I hope to find a Hereke kilim rug to hang in our home, some unique decorative plates, apple tea, a Fez hat for Ehsan, and costume jewelery for Ckn. From what i read, shopping in Istanbul should be a nice experience!
  

• Experience a Hamam - a traditional Turkish Bath, with soap massages and a sauna

• Dine - I guess Turkey is known for it's kebabs, but we hope to find a decent fish meal as well

The biggest challenge I feel is the timing. We'll be going before or on Eid and we expect the city to be 'different' because of the holidays; closed businesses, busy-than normal public transport and the crowds. The sites ought to be opened, but I'm emailing the hotel for assistance on some of our other plans. It would be lovely to see places outside of Istanbul, but I think we won't do justice to the city; so all our plans will focus on Istanbul (for now...)

Independence Day in KRT

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Those hallowed words were shouted proudly by all those attending last 31st August. And I was one of them!

This was our second Merdeka celebration with the Malaysian community in Khartoum and it was as meriah as last year, more so this year as it is the 50th anniversary of our independence. It was also an extra honor for us, as our Block J was 'selected' to help out in organising the event with the Country Office and the trainers from Giatmara. Ckn was already involved as she was on F&B detail with Petronita; I got the easy job of ushering at the main gate (not so easy as I was the only one there!) which was a great way for me to get reintroduced to the bulk our our fellow countrymen.

Our event started with Negaraku, followed by raising the Jalur Gemilang, and speeches from Petronas' rep, Hj Jabbar, and the Malaysian Ambassador to Sudan, Hj Zainal. While everyone else was seated, I took on my regular role of 'roving photog' - there were several of us, and we even had a pro from KL cover the event. The one benefit of this was that I could just stand infront of everyone and looking important taking snaps ...secondly, I didn't need to get all sweaty joining in the senamrobik we always do on Merdeka Day!



Then the fun started! Since it was Oil week in Sudan, we brought in our Performing Arts troupe for some shows in Khartoum. Naturally, they also joined in the festivities and handled the senamrobik event and even surprised us with an impromptu zapin performance. The MC later got them to perform one more time; the twist being that their partners would now be from the audience! Somehow one of the dances coerced Ckn to join in - she was game for it, and I was just happy snapping pics!

Well from the pic above you can see that my wife can really hold her own when it comes to dancing! later she told me that it was so tiring - it didn't look like it was, but she was panting and begging to sit down and rest!



The whole day had a festival feel to it, especially in the next few events where we all had a chance to make a fool of ourselves in the fun games. I entered the 'Mens-Single-Eating a Granny Smith on a Lidi' game (Open category). How well do you think I fared?

Incidentally, I was the only grown-up (and kid for that matter!) who had shorts on...and worse; a T-shirt with 'AUSTRALIA' written on the front...malu! luckily I had my wife's gadget bag slung over my chest...



Ckn then entered the 'Ladies-Fishing the Bottle' contest. The game looked totally hilarious - and it was, as she had to get the nail at the end of the string into the bottle and somehow pick up said bottle and transport it to the finish line...no she didn't fare any better than I did. But it was fun all the same!



I'm sure you're wondering if Ehsan enjoyed the event as much as we did...well we decided not to bring the kids this year; they would have had to wake up very early and we didn't want them to be left unattended while we were busy with our tasks. It was a fun day, and since it was a Friday, the event ended earlier than normal, at 11.45am.

A week later, on the 9th, we were invited to the Malaysian Embassy Merdeka reception at the GHV. It was nice to have the night out and it was also our first official diplomatic do! so only the best batik had to come out for this! haha!



There were quite a few of our colleagues in attendance. My friend, Izwan, was the roving photog for this event as he had just gotten a new Canon 400d camera and was itching to try it out! We also made some new friends - among others : Ms Machiko, the medical attache to the Japanese Embassy, Mr Hua You, a diplomat from the Chinese Embassy who served in Turkey for 5 years (hmmm... coincidence to our future holiday perhaps??) and we even met Wendy, a Malaysian working for UNCHR, whom we first met in Cairo during our holiday there last December!

Funny thing was Dr Machiko just loved Ismail's songket and couldn't stop touching it!! Sadly, he recently left Sudan to return to Malaysia - he'll be missed!



So, by the end of the week, we had celebrated 50 years of our nation's independence in Sudan and in the process made a lot of new friends and got reacquainted with old ones. I honestly believe I wouldn't have celebrated Merdeka this way back home. Oh, and as a bonus, I also turned 32 on the 8th! heh

Sis Gets Engaged - Story Below!

My babies! and my Babe!

Time to catch up - it's been 3 months since we had our little Pear - Erica Reeda. She's growing up a treat, thank God! I miss them all back home, but one must do what must be done eh?

I've had the good fortune of making several trips back to KL. I enjoyed all my trips naturally, and they all ended as soon as it started. Oh well - on the bright side, in about a month and a half, we'll be a complete family in Sudan again. Let's recap what events have transpired recently (in no chronological order!)


My Sis got Engaged!!


Rafik's mom symbolically puts the engagement ring on Farah's finger

The reason I highlighted the title a Shrek-ish green is because that was the colour of the day; a nice pale green! I still can't believe my sis Farah is a step closer to getting married and having her own family. I did wish I could be there for them, but I have promised everyone that I'll be there for the wedding in December

Well like any good Abalone, I pledged to provide some kind of support for Farah. I thought of something that was personal and after discussing with Ckn, we thought sponsoring the photos and videos portion would be meaningful, and ultimately, uniquely attributed to me!


Farah posing with her hantaran - where's the latest mobile or car key

My mom contacted the photography at my wedding : Zainul at Studioline Photography. We were pleased with the pics he took at our wedding so it was only natural that we went back to him for the job. Although he couldn't make it for the Engagement, he did promise to personally handle the events at our house and hall in December.

From what I heard, Thank God, the event went well! I can't wait to see the video and all the pics.. Farah if you're reading this; the pressure will only get worse as it gets closer to the BIG DAY! haha don't say I didn't warn you...!


Here's the lucky fella - Rafik; whoa nelly - ni baru bertunang!

[I'll have to continue this story in another post - the internet at home is doing a yoyo; going up and down every minute or so! So rather risk more of my story being lost, I'd better stop here]

Hosting a Simple Get Together

I told Ckn last week that I wanted to host a simple 'do' at home - as a 'Thank You' to my neighbors who have helped feed me(!) since Ckn went home (if this do is succesful, then I'll *still* get free grub!). It's also been some time since all of us had a nice cuppa teh tarik and a chat. I'd hoped that this do would be a great way to do so.

Anyways, the more memorable comments I got after mooting the idea, was that everyone couldn't believe that I would host a 'hi-tea' without Ckn around(!). I admit, a women's touch is essential to the success of such a party, but I thought it would be a simple affair to handle (see my steps below!)

By the end of the day I think they were impressed (thank God), which was great! All the food was finished (either by eating or giving away; but there wasn't much to give away, anyway!) Of course I had a secret methodology for those who are single and want to host such an event too. I will share with you this secret...now :



Steps to Host a Simple Get Together

1. Send out Invitations - very important; you don't want to be slaving away for a 'lifeless' party, do you?
2. Cleaning - make sure the house is clean and conducive for your invitees, including the toilet; and the last important step...
3. Get someone to cater the party! hahahah. Easy as pie huh?

I ordered a pretty full menu; but I forgot that my neighbors were capable of 'sabotaging' it - by bringing a dessert each! haha - so it's a good kind of sabotage! Being the practical creature that I am, I suggested that I would set aside my dessert (not pictured; caramel custard), for the next day's event being held by my neighbor downstairs (irony - from NO parties in a while, to 2 parties hosted in the same weekend!). Well, everyone agreed! We don't want any food to go to waste right?

p/s by now I can admit that I took the very, very easy way out in using *a contractor* to prep the food. Hey, don't blame me; my wife wasn't here, was she? :-) haha sorry Ckn sayang

Happy Birthday, Young Man!

Happy Birthday, my lovely son
I can't believe you're already One
Your smile, your laughs, your little touch
God, I miss you oh so much

Once, you were so very small
Now, you're proudly standing tall
My, how you've grown to be so strong
We pray to God you'll do no wrong

To baba and mama, you're our brightest star
We'll love and cherish you, wherever we are
We'll show you how big the world can be
And how you can change it, son, you'll see

For now, do help to look after mama
As we can all be so near, yet so far
and do enjoy yourself in being One
A Happy Birthday to you, my lovely son