Jeita Grotto!

Hi guys ! Its been a while since my last posting .. I was so engrossed with my project . Just completed and I’m so relieved.

Ahh..what a beautiful day ..I could feels the breeze .. right now I just want to close my eyes and absorb this tranquil feelings..

and through the shimmering light I could see the sparkling crystal clear water of the Mediterranean Sea.

and my senses feels  so flamboyant ..feels like flying over the river across the Nahr al-Kalb valley .

suddenly a vivid memory lingers on my mind  as I passed through the vines of wild berries.

and beyond The Assyrian Arch to one of the most astonishing place on earth and  The New Wonders of the World …Jeita Grotto.

Over the years, various conquerors have carved their presents into the wall of Jeita Grotto situated on Mount Lebanon in Beirut, including the Assyrians,Ramses,the Romans,Napolean,the French,the British and a Malaysian hehehe.

The view in the galleries of the Upper Grotto is overwhelming..The impressive lighting that accentuate the curves and crevices of this limestone cavern create a splendid ambience.

the action of water in the limestone has created a spectacular cathedral-like vaults of stalactites and stalagmites .I just stood still, admiring the masterpiece and absorbing myself in the  wonders of His creations  Subhanallah fatabarokallahu ahsanulkhalikin !

The Lower Grotto is smaller but equally impressive simply due to the fact that it has a river flowing through it.

the ambience in the lower grotto feels as if the time stood still..so calm ..so quiet..so peaceful ..so sleepy..so ..zzzzzzzz

CARICATURES

My Girl

Today, as you Graduate …one chapter in your life has closed …and another is about to begin. The future stands bright before you…so take hold of your dreams…and no matter what…don’t let go !… There will be time ahead when you will feel overwhelmed…but try not to give up…for nothing which is worth anything…comes without hard work and sacrifice !… When you were a little girl…I held your hand…I guided you and protected you… as best as I could. … It’s time for me to slowly let go now. …There is some pain in that. …Still…there is also a wonderful sense of pride and accomplishment as I look at the beautiful young woman that you have become. …

I Love You … Sweetheart ! ..and I pray that my love will sustain you …. It’s time now … to spread your wings and fly !!

CONGRATULATIONS ! … You make us proud !

Lots of love from your loving mom…

… and your proudest dad !

BERLIN

Guten Tag !    Wie geht es Ihnen?   Hello and How are you?    I’m feeling great in this historic and amazing city BERLIN. 

Soon after my first excursion into the city I  rent  a bicycle from my hotel frontdesk for 15 Euros a day not bad uh? and  I guess thats  an excellent way to learn about the city of Berlin and  enjoy the unique and unparalled view into the history of Germany.

Soon I passed by the  remnant of  The Anhalter Bahnhof   along the Stressen Street  and suddenly I remember Hitler and his infamous Gestapos and SS armies and  the bizzare feelings  surrounds me while staring at the sad façade of this  former grandeur railway station which suffered devastating damage from Allied bombing during WWII . 

Berlin  is all about architecture featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings. Postdamer Platz  was once part of East Germany and today Postdamer Square is a  bustling area of modern architecture and international businesses. 

The golden statue of the Goddess Victory can be seen from all over the city and is one of Berlin’s most eye-catching landmarks.Since 1995, the Victory Column has been the epicentre of Berlin’s annual Love Parade , when hundreds of thousands of ravers gather in the Tiergarten to party in the name of love.  

The magnificent Berliner Dom is the largest and most decorated church in Berlin. It is located on Museumsinsel, overlooking the sculptured lawns of the Lustgarten.  I just sat there on the grass for quite some times adniring this beautifully ornate domeand the surrounding buildings.

Mitte is one of the oldest districts in Berlin as well as the city center. Many of the most famous landmarks and attractions are to be found in this area. I passed through the Brandenburg Gate , the icon and a national symbol of Germany .

 I  walked amongst the undulating stone slabs of  the  mysterious  Holocaust  Memorial  the monument to the Jewish victims of  the Third Reich,  located  near the buried remains of  Hitler’s Bunker. and a  grief  and  eerie feelings surrounds me. 

Everywhere I looked around the city, its seem that the Jews have left some traces there, and out of the blues I remember a name, Theodor Herzl   the writer of  (Der Judenstaat ) . Suddenly right infront of my eyes, through the shimmering golden rays I saw the imposing Reichstag building. The Reichstag is the seat of the German Parliament and is one of Berlin’s most historical landmarks. 

Well its getting dark and the thing that I worried happened, I’m lost hahaha…… but the blessing is .. I stumbled upon  the famous  Checkpoint Charlie which was once one of the gates of the Berlin Wall. I bought some T shirts and souvenirs  for my kids.  So, as Days Go By .. Auf Wiedersehen!  ( Good Bye ! )

LONDON

Impressive and Exquisite!  Thats what I can describe how unique and intresting  the city is. The feelings I  get  while strolling along the bank of River Thames overlooking London’s best known tourist landmarks,  The Big Ben,  House of Parliament and Palace of Westminster is just spectacular. I recalled  the opening line of  Charles Dicken”s  novel  A Tale Of Two Cities – ” It was the best of times” 

The weather was kind although a bit chilly  but I was  blessed with a beautiful day . I loved being able to walk across the glamourous Tower Bridge  enjoying the view of The River Thames and seeing Westminster in the distance. 

 Another Britain great  terrorist  attraction .. opps!  I mean tourist attraction is Trafalgar Square. I massage my soring feet  at the fountain near Nelson’s Column  while  admiring the architectural buildings surrounding the square including The National Gallery, St Martin in the Fields  and The Buckhingham Palace which provide a glimpse into the time when the sun never set on the British Empire. 

 The National Gallery houses one of the largest art collections in the world. The permanent collections are works  on artists from mostly  Western Europe  including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Monet . As an artist I’m overwhelm but pity visitors are not allowed to snap photos inside the gallery.

 A distance away, stands one of London’s most recognizable  landmarks, The Buckingham Palace . Like the Paparazzi I was busy taking pictures of  the majestic palace  from all directions and suddenly I remember  Princess Diana and  the song by Elton John     blowing softly in my ears.

London is the ultimate shopping destination. Oxford Circus is one of the busiest  and vibrant place with many exclusive flagship stores of UK chains but the price tags are  jaw dropping especially with the currency exchange of Malaysian Ringgit to Pound Sterling. 

I was at The National History Museum  the other day and I was kind of stunt  looking at this humungous  skeleton of Dinosaur  Apatosaurus formerly  known as Brontosaurus  being exhibit there.  I’m not a paleontologists  but  a little fascinated with prehistoric animals and have been doing my own  research on their evolution  and existence. 

Quite a distance from the museum is the  magnificent Victorian elliptical hall.  The glamourous Royal Albert Hall  is now the venue for a variety of events, including pop concerts from Malaysian very own pop diva , Siti Norhaliza. 

My apartment situated  near Marble Arch  at the western end of Oxford Street  is  just a  short walk to the beautiful and loveable  Hyde Park.   At  the famous Speakers Corner  I was indulge in watching the banter between speakers who just turn up with a box and spout forth on any topic they choose. It reminds me of our parliament sessions  back home lately haha. 

No doubt that London is a pretty city but the Londoners are much prettier. The  visitors who  queue  patiently at my booth  for their faces to be drawn during our five  days exhibition are mostly gorgeous and lovely. Well I have done my time and  I have  to ” Get Back ” to where I belong so till then enjoy this piece from London most acclaimed  bands  

Click here for  the host webpage  beatles-caricature with the image in its original context

LUAT

Hi ! Whats up?  How’s thing?  Hope  you guys  in high spirit and feeling great!  It’s  been a while  since   my  rendezvous at  Surfers Paradise , Australia.  I’m back to my  Home Sweet Home in this vibrant and elegant  city Kuala Lumpur.

Alhamdulillah !  Life been so kind  to me lately. Everything looks good  and  Attractive.  I just couldn’t asked more.  

I just download  Ebeit  A Gade  from Limewire to my  iTunes playlists. ” Untuk Kita Renungkan ” and suddenly   the memories flooded back…  

..to the little Paradise  surounded by the Majestic  Titiwangsa Mountain Ranges .

Down to the  refreshing clear water  flowing  softly through banana and bamboo trees. 

and  to the vast and breathtaking panorama of  lush Padi Fields.

This little hidden paradise is My Hometown called Kampung  Luat.

I was there for some shooting and photography session. It was really fun and riding on this antique bicycle all over  the village is just pure elegance and  nostalgic.

My childhood memories  lingers around  as I captured  those moment frame by frame .

I could still recalled  vividly  almost everything  I  encounter with my chilhood buddies.

Maybe someday soon  I could  share  those moments  and experience  like eating Durian,

or catching fish in the cold and freezing water.

Our heritage house is something that I will cherished forever.

AUSTRALIA

Just an hour drive from downtown Brisbane and located in the heart of the Valleys of the Sceanic Rim

is the beautiful little town of Boonah.

Keith Urban greatest hits and my favorites who wouldn’t Wanna Be

Me’ just keep rolling as I exit the Cunningham Highway and to the

vast country side . The superb scenery and picturesque

panoramas along the way is just overwhelming and I praised Allah

for this peaceful tranquil   feelings.

I just couldn’t waste much time , soon after check in at the  hotel

drove all over town and the   township of Boonah offers arange of

shops and services along with that special brand of country

hospitality that comes from taking time to enjoy life.

I bought some fresh produces and collectibles from roadside stalls

and art gallery.

The drive around Boonah is a scenic pleasure – country roads with

classic old Queenslander   homes.

Lovers of the great outdoors can escape the stress of the city in the

idyllic setting of Boonah  watching birds and kanggaroos for hours

until the sun set on the distance horizon.

I woke up early the next day to the sounds of humming birds, parrots, crows and ducks. Having my hot coffee while enjoying the sunrise is just a blessing.

I drove to a little village of Aratula which is surrounded by a cattle property and beautiful shady trees providing a tranquil and relaxing setting and I bought some collectables momentos and antiques for my wife at Aratulla’s Traders Market.

From Aratulla, I drove about 9 km South East across the fertile Fassifern with magnificent views

of the Scenic Rim to a sweet little town of Kalbar.

Kalbar has a rich German history which is reflected in many historic sites around town. Less smaller than Boonah , Kalbar offers shopping facilities, civic centre, hotel, historical churches, parks and gardens.

Attractions include heritage listed buildings of the Wiss Emporium (above ) and Wiss House, cafes and art galleries.

Think I had enough of the country sides, I’m heading back to Gold Coast and to the beach of Surfers Paradise through the winding road and the tranquil mountain top of Mount Tamborine. Till then, cheers!

BRISBANE

Brisbane is the capital of the Sunshine State of Queensland. 

The city lies in the heart of one of the most diverse and popular holiday regions in Australia about an hour drive north of GoldCoast.

Young and vibrant, Brisbane is Australia’s Most Lovable City.  It offers the perfect lifestyle and it doesn’t take visitors like me long to understand why. 

The city lies on the banks of the serpentine Brisbane River – a colourful waterway for ferries, paddlewheelers and pleasure boats. 

The gleaming towers that define the city skyline, reflect her heritage building – treasured edifices in sandstone and wrought iron that  have been lovingly restored, giving Brisbane its unique character.

The  journey to downtown Brisbane  make me realise how beautiful a city can be.

The sculptures are everywhere and the unique combination  blend seamlessly  with a healthy respect for tradition.

Brisbane owes its popularity primarily to its lush green gardens and parks that entertain its visitors with their innumerable recreational facilities.

Pristine, colourful, adventurous, inviting and open; these are all accurate descriptions of the heart of the city.

I just couldn’t resist the boat cruise  along the Brisbane River and from the upper decks of  the Kookaburra River Queen I could see the whole panorama.. 

….. and the  picturesque city  skyline.

What a perfect and fantastic way to spend an evening  in Brisbane!

I have three more days to go, and tomorrow I will be  heading west to Ipswich City and to the outback and country side of Boonah, Aratulla and Kalbar. I’m so excited , got to go to bed early  so till then goodnight and remember to wait for my next posting, bye.

GOLD COAST

Hi mate!   It’s a good day today!  I’m still in Gold Coast Australia.

What  a wonderful sights and Allah is so great. Subhanallah fatabarokallahu ahsanulkhalikin!

I woke  up this morning to the sound of  thundering wave  and the glorious sunrise overlooking  the horizon of  the Gold Coast shoreline at Surfers Paradise .

Surfers Paradise  is a well-known heaven for surfers, welcoming the Quiksilver Pro every summer.

Gold Coast is indisputably Australia’s most popular holiday destination.
The sub-tropical climate is ideal to take advantage of the myriad of leisure activities all year round.

The Gold Coast is famous for its’ Theme Parks,  The  Movieworld,  Dreamworld, and Seaworld which  offer great entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The Gold Coast is something you can definitely look for .

With many wonderful restaurants,sensational souvenirs shops  and  animated  live music venues. 

In addition to the vibrant downtown  and the brilliant Gold Coast Entertainment  Centres.

Well mate, remember to wait for my next posting  of another sceanic  city in Australia, Brisbane.  Till then,  cheers and no worries.

CASABLANCA

Bonjour! Sa Va Bien ?  Its been a while since my last posting. I was in Casablanca and Marakesh with Malaysian Tourism Jeddah for the Moroccan Travel Market Salon International des Professionels Tourisme.

Morocco is especially renowned for its splendid royal cities like Fez, Meknes and  Marrakesh,  Erotic tales of Scheherazade  and  the famous Humprey Bogart and Igrid Bergman romantic movie Casablanca.

Morocco has a diverse landscape, the Atlantic coast, the Rif Mountain in the North and the Great Atlas Mountain range s in the middle and the dessert in the South.

 The two hours journey by van from Casablanca to Marakesh was splendid with breathtaking views  overlooking the horizon across vast plainland of endless acres of wheat, olive, cactus and varieties of vegetables plantations.

Marrakesh is a beautiful garden city. All over town and along the main road the landscaping are well kept with colourful flowers , olive  and bright orange trees.

Marrakesh still remains Exotic and Vibrant !. 

The looks are still there and something has never changed! The Djemma El Fana ( The Lost Mosque) and the area around remains the beating heart of the city and the greatest  Souq in the South. 

It was freezing and raining all day and night but we still have time to taste the local delicacies, the grill lamb and the hot Marakesh mint tea at the famous Djemaa El Fana stalls.   

Well, thanks to the technology, the Skype and the WiFi,  the world seems closer and you could be in touch with your loves one back home for free. 

I was suprised to receive  a portrait of me drawn by a dear friend if mine who would like to be anonymous. I will cherished this wonderful gift and treasured the moments in Morocco .  Bonjour and Sil Vous Plit wait for my next posting from down under  Goldcoast Australia.