With my house, almost every little corner are being knocked or going through the renovation process, I do not know where to find a little space that belongs to me. I hate this but I have to live this for now, as this is the process, sometimes could be painful, like a person taking diet, before having the perfect 10 body, the process itself could be torturous.
I imagine all your stuffs, are all messed up, dust is every where, every corner, and when you want to take a nap, you could and you need to wait until nite time, and find that little corner of the room that used to be your peaceful abode, and rest for 7-8hours (I can imagine those traveling around on budget, non -stop, to save cost, or I can also imagine (may not be in full) homeless people. It is not an easy thing to cope with...
Nevertheless, this is a good experience as I have not really or fully experience house undergoing renovation and refurbishment work, while your stuffs are there and your daily life is circulating around this base. It is not easy...
But end of the day, you this is your hime and you are rebuilding, renovating and refurbishing because you want a more comfortable home to stay.
And having a home, your own home is already a blessing, so end of the day, i still keep my mouth shut.
Warm regards,
Choong
BM
24th June 2016
Friday, June 24, 2016
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
My Trip To Iran-21st May-1June 2016
Wow, finally I can find the time to write something about this trip. It has been a very hectic schedule for me, with the setting up of new company (at the same time trying out new samples, new products to be promoted to Chinese market), and then my own house renovation and also in getting a new apartment for myself. All these are taking place at the same time, and it is very challenging in terms of time management, etc.
Well, why Iran, or I prefer to call or refer her as Persia cause I like this name more than Iran. A long long time ago, when I read stories about Persia, it amazes me, especially with Persian garden and those flying carpets...and during my school time, for my Pengajian Am (General Paper), we read a lot of news and President Khomeni was one of the key figures you will take note of, and also the Shah family.....and later, you heard quite a number of negative news about the country... okay to keep it short and simple, I decided to go there (especially after my bro and friend, Professor Ghazali went and visited this place...and recommend me the agent, hence my decision to go there).
And my feeling....yeap, in short, it is worth every cents of my trip (though the fees I paid was quite a high one, considering the package I have taken) but the whole trip is meaningful, and given a chance, I would love to go back and cover different parts of Iran, possibly Northern part of Iran. Looking forward to that.
I did not have much expectation before going there (may be I was also busy with other things and since I took up a local package, I did not give too much thoughts about what should be plan in advance, one thing that is not so good, with this taking up of a local package).
Actually a lot of things to write, but if I continue to write, then I think it will be too lengthy.
Now first of all, when I first arrived to Tehran airport, my mind was running while, what are expected, etc.....are the immigration and custom friends...and everything went so well and smooth though a bit slow (but then again, it is not fair to use Singapore airport as the yardstick). First you need to buy a medical insurance (I was informed if you have your international insurance coverage, then you do not need to pay any), and please take note it costs Euro 15 (please make sure you prepare this amount). And if the queue is not long, it will take you all in all, 10 mins to get this done and then you proceed to Visa on arrival application counter. And perhaps it was a lucky day for me, the officer informed that for Malaysian, and since I am there lesser than two weeks, no Visa is required and hence I proceed to passport control counter. And the officer look at my passport twice and ask me again if I am from Malaysia and then stamp on my passport. I could not believe that it was so fast and once I crossed over to Iranian border, I double check my passport again to make sure I was not dreaming as before that, some people told me it could be complicated, but being me, I usually stay positive and look for the best and here you are the best really happened.
Once I got my luggage (also quite soon), I moved to the arrival hall, and yes, at the custom, the officer asked me where I am from, and when I told it was Malaysia, he asked for my luggage to be screened (I am not sure if he really knew at the time of my answering where Malaysia really is)...
And once cleared, I met my tour guide Hesam and the first thing he did was to provide me with a rose, as a welcoming flower (Iranians as I observed) will bring bouquet of flowers to airport to welcome friends and relatives....
And once I step out of the airport (just recalled that I did not manage to snap a photo of Iranian airport)...into the car and on the way to Kashan city our first stop.
On the road, to Kashan.
The first highway stop, where I had my lunch here. Nice stew soup here.
My driver, my tour guide and later my friend, Hasem. He accompanied me for close to 12 days in total.
My first stop, I think it is called the fin house.
TabaTabai house
Zavareh Jameh Mosque
This is where I met tourists from Germany and Italy (Davide, but I forgotten the other guy's name).
Tower of Silence (Zoroastrian Cemetery)
At Abad Garden resting and having a selfie.
Hafez and Saadi Tomb
Persepolis
Isfahan-very green and clean city
Ali Qapu Palace
Chehel Sotoun Bridge
At Shiraz
Khaju Bridge
The famous local hotel at Isfahan, super beautiful garden
Vank Cathederal, I understood there are many Armenians here
Abyaneh Village
Golestan Palace
A city view from top of the mountain
The Tehran monument....a dream finally coming true...
Kashan, I saw many people like to drink Rose water (the steamed rose flowers or petal, I think to get the oil and then mix into water, and selling them like bottled mineral water). Fin garden was the first one I visited once arrived to Kashan. And not having enough sleep did not make me feel tired cause I was excited to see everything. Also, there are many carpet manufacturers and producers around here. I didn't get any here except the copper tea port. Oh yes, they also have Imam Mahdi celebration during this few days and Sunday was declared as a public holidays and many people came out, especially those religious one. They offer you drinks (like lemon water, free of charge).
One more thing worth to mention here is the hotel,. I am really impressed with this hotel, Morshedi boutique hotel Guesthouse, and they only have 8 rooms, very limited.
Next from Kashan we move to Yazd. I like Yazd, from beginning, not sure why. May be because of the buildings, kind of like being build from mud and it is quite mystical, to me. I like the place nearby my hotel, Kohan Khashaneh Traditional Guest house, which I do not like so much though location is very good. I like this cafe, called Artwork cafe, very nice and the cafe boss, is also very nice. Resting here at nite time, we met a few visitors from different parts of the world. House of Larry, Dolat Abad Garden, Jameh mosque were a few places visited. I bought my carpet near Jameh mosque though expensive but I really like the design.
One place worth mentioning is Zoroastrian Cemetery, which when I was there, I felt something different, kind of being energised and kind of having goosebump (in malay language we say birder bulu romaku).
Next from here to Shiraz, we stopped by at Pasargad to take a look at the 2800 years old Aborkouh Cypress tree.
At Pasardgad, then one cannot miss this city, Tomb of Cyrus and its surrounding city. The view and scenery here is nice.
Shiraz- Can you imagine visiting this city, where the grape, Shiraz has its origin here? And in Iran, a Muslim country? I find it amazing actually.
When you actually arrived to Shiraz, there is already the Quran gate, and they say if you pass through the gate, you will have luck and blessing throughout your lifetime, and I think since you still seeing me writing this, I am enjoying the bless and luck.....I am happy with this.
What impresses me here is the people here they are very open minded, and the young generation, they know what they want and clear about religion and has even mentioned that religion is between them and God and no one else. They are all very intelligent and knows what is happening around the world for sure, and in their home (where I was invited), I am really impressed with what they have....and what they enjoy(I cannot mention it here due to my respect for them), but I am impressed, this is all what I can say. Visiting Eram garden, I think it is a beautiful one, but the most famous one of course would be Hafez tomb, and you even find visitors going in to pay respect around 6-7PM. And graduates they also came to the tomb to take picture. They respect Hafez a lot....
Shiraz gave me a lot of good memories and till now, I am still very impressed. The hotel I put up with is ARG, and this is the hotel I have some misunderstanding with. They do not allow visitors in, and they are a bit rude here. And the wifi, you need to log in every 30mins this really makes me crazy.
Isfahan on the other hand, it a bit conservative compared to Shiraz though I like its cleanliness and the city is very very green. I think it will out most cities in South East Asia into shame, as they are in desert condition and yet they can be so green and very clean. This really makes me wonder, what really influence the cities you live in? The inhabitants? I truly trust so...You make your city...
Worth mention is hotel Setareh, I like the cafe on the 4th floor, it is really a nice one with the tea maker, he is so professsional. Wish to mention here is that I did not manage to visit the internal part of Vank Cathederal as it was closed but I like this part of the city as it gives another feeling of Isfahan.
Persepolis one one of the highlight for me, really. This was one of the places I have seen when I was a boy and making it here, you really feel "wow, this is incredible, like reality come true. I thus believe what you see, and what you want (in positive manner), it will turn out to be true (and later I think I learn, the Universe is always aligned in the manner that favours you, if you stay positive).
Abyaneh-I love this city and I hope how I wish the tour agent had booked for a me a nite with the hotel in this area. The scenery is superb, and the food, i think is one of the best.
Talking about food, I am not sure what I had taken (my friend Issey said, perhaps due to the public tap water or the salad cream, and I tend to agree after analysing the whole issue) and I had stomach upset and bloated one for two days. so bad. But anyway it is fine now.
And final stop, Tehran. Tehran is modern and quite similar to Kuala Lumpur in many ways. The traffic is quite heavy here too, but lucky me, when I was here, the air quality was perfect, according to my tour guide, usually around 180 days per year, the air quality is very bad.
I love Golestan Palace, and I think the ceramic art museum Hasem proposed me to visit was good and the final one, and the day was ended with a trip to Mount Tochal.
And finally my finale day. Hasem invited to visit his Cousin's booth selling those fake jewellery and also accessories for ladies like bangles, earrings, before he took me to the airport and on the way, we stop by at the tower in Tehran, the Azadi Tower (Freedom tower). This is a must visit I think as it is so symbolic for Tehran city.
Food, I am not so much keen as they eat a lot of lamb (seafood is near to caspian sea area). Brinjal is nice and their tea for sure is good. Seafood I tried some but only in hotel....Dessert I have not found any that I like so far, may be I have not tried enough varities.
I like their ceramics, their carpets, and also their copper and bras wear, beautifully crafted.
Weather is getting warmer, day time can be very hot during my visit, near to 32-35 degree I think but in my early part of my visit, it was quite cool in the evening or under the shades. Worth to mention is that I like the local beer (non-alchoholic), i find it very nice to drink especially when the whether it hot and dry. And I think it very fun to see Iranians, when they go to the restaurant they order beer...haha.. I am not sure if they even allowed this in Malaysia. The packaging is very similar to beer and they even have wine (bottled everything is the same as wine except it is non-alchohol type).
Young people speak English and older generation they do not really speak English but most of them are nice and helpful. Ladies must cover their head with scarf whenever they go to, as long as they are outside in the public area. And it is very safe to walk around, without any problem, day and nite time. food is quite cheap and mineral water, as Hasem says together with petrol is one of the cheapest. Car is quite expensive here, I think about the same rate as Malaysian imported cars, and they have lots of French brands here, though Korean cars are coming in in droves. Food is relatively cheap in Iran which I think is something to be proud of.
To summarise this, I am very happy to visit Persia and honestly speaking I think Iran and Iranian deserves better than what they are having now (due to sanctions in the past). And I hope and wish Iranian will be more prosperous, and at the same time middle east with Iran's support will be a more peaceful and lesser war taking place.
And final note, I hope to visit Iran again... Iran is superb and beautiful. More people should learn about Iran and should not believe with what they see in the international news and should try to find out more about Iran.
Green Isfahan
Shiraz- Botanical garden
Isfahan-very green
Good tea at Setareh hotel-4th floor
The professional tea maker
Isfahan Bazaar, nite time, and it was weekend hence a lot of people are having "picnic"
The mountain view of Shiraz during day time
The dessert
Near Vank Cathedral compound
Beautiful weather along the highways....
I like this vegetarian meal
Seafood rice, I ordered one cause I was really yearning for seafood and I could not take anymore kebab
Choong
15 June 2016
Summary written in Bukit Mertajam
Well, why Iran, or I prefer to call or refer her as Persia cause I like this name more than Iran. A long long time ago, when I read stories about Persia, it amazes me, especially with Persian garden and those flying carpets...and during my school time, for my Pengajian Am (General Paper), we read a lot of news and President Khomeni was one of the key figures you will take note of, and also the Shah family.....and later, you heard quite a number of negative news about the country... okay to keep it short and simple, I decided to go there (especially after my bro and friend, Professor Ghazali went and visited this place...and recommend me the agent, hence my decision to go there).
And my feeling....yeap, in short, it is worth every cents of my trip (though the fees I paid was quite a high one, considering the package I have taken) but the whole trip is meaningful, and given a chance, I would love to go back and cover different parts of Iran, possibly Northern part of Iran. Looking forward to that.
I did not have much expectation before going there (may be I was also busy with other things and since I took up a local package, I did not give too much thoughts about what should be plan in advance, one thing that is not so good, with this taking up of a local package).
Actually a lot of things to write, but if I continue to write, then I think it will be too lengthy.
Now first of all, when I first arrived to Tehran airport, my mind was running while, what are expected, etc.....are the immigration and custom friends...and everything went so well and smooth though a bit slow (but then again, it is not fair to use Singapore airport as the yardstick). First you need to buy a medical insurance (I was informed if you have your international insurance coverage, then you do not need to pay any), and please take note it costs Euro 15 (please make sure you prepare this amount). And if the queue is not long, it will take you all in all, 10 mins to get this done and then you proceed to Visa on arrival application counter. And perhaps it was a lucky day for me, the officer informed that for Malaysian, and since I am there lesser than two weeks, no Visa is required and hence I proceed to passport control counter. And the officer look at my passport twice and ask me again if I am from Malaysia and then stamp on my passport. I could not believe that it was so fast and once I crossed over to Iranian border, I double check my passport again to make sure I was not dreaming as before that, some people told me it could be complicated, but being me, I usually stay positive and look for the best and here you are the best really happened.
Once I got my luggage (also quite soon), I moved to the arrival hall, and yes, at the custom, the officer asked me where I am from, and when I told it was Malaysia, he asked for my luggage to be screened (I am not sure if he really knew at the time of my answering where Malaysia really is)...
And once cleared, I met my tour guide Hesam and the first thing he did was to provide me with a rose, as a welcoming flower (Iranians as I observed) will bring bouquet of flowers to airport to welcome friends and relatives....
And once I step out of the airport (just recalled that I did not manage to snap a photo of Iranian airport)...into the car and on the way to Kashan city our first stop.
Kashan, I saw many people like to drink Rose water (the steamed rose flowers or petal, I think to get the oil and then mix into water, and selling them like bottled mineral water). Fin garden was the first one I visited once arrived to Kashan. And not having enough sleep did not make me feel tired cause I was excited to see everything. Also, there are many carpet manufacturers and producers around here. I didn't get any here except the copper tea port. Oh yes, they also have Imam Mahdi celebration during this few days and Sunday was declared as a public holidays and many people came out, especially those religious one. They offer you drinks (like lemon water, free of charge).
One more thing worth to mention here is the hotel,. I am really impressed with this hotel, Morshedi boutique hotel Guesthouse, and they only have 8 rooms, very limited.
Next from Kashan we move to Yazd. I like Yazd, from beginning, not sure why. May be because of the buildings, kind of like being build from mud and it is quite mystical, to me. I like the place nearby my hotel, Kohan Khashaneh Traditional Guest house, which I do not like so much though location is very good. I like this cafe, called Artwork cafe, very nice and the cafe boss, is also very nice. Resting here at nite time, we met a few visitors from different parts of the world. House of Larry, Dolat Abad Garden, Jameh mosque were a few places visited. I bought my carpet near Jameh mosque though expensive but I really like the design.
One place worth mentioning is Zoroastrian Cemetery, which when I was there, I felt something different, kind of being energised and kind of having goosebump (in malay language we say birder bulu romaku).
Next from here to Shiraz, we stopped by at Pasargad to take a look at the 2800 years old Aborkouh Cypress tree.
At Pasardgad, then one cannot miss this city, Tomb of Cyrus and its surrounding city. The view and scenery here is nice.
Shiraz- Can you imagine visiting this city, where the grape, Shiraz has its origin here? And in Iran, a Muslim country? I find it amazing actually.
When you actually arrived to Shiraz, there is already the Quran gate, and they say if you pass through the gate, you will have luck and blessing throughout your lifetime, and I think since you still seeing me writing this, I am enjoying the bless and luck.....I am happy with this.
What impresses me here is the people here they are very open minded, and the young generation, they know what they want and clear about religion and has even mentioned that religion is between them and God and no one else. They are all very intelligent and knows what is happening around the world for sure, and in their home (where I was invited), I am really impressed with what they have....and what they enjoy(I cannot mention it here due to my respect for them), but I am impressed, this is all what I can say. Visiting Eram garden, I think it is a beautiful one, but the most famous one of course would be Hafez tomb, and you even find visitors going in to pay respect around 6-7PM. And graduates they also came to the tomb to take picture. They respect Hafez a lot....
Shiraz gave me a lot of good memories and till now, I am still very impressed. The hotel I put up with is ARG, and this is the hotel I have some misunderstanding with. They do not allow visitors in, and they are a bit rude here. And the wifi, you need to log in every 30mins this really makes me crazy.
Isfahan on the other hand, it a bit conservative compared to Shiraz though I like its cleanliness and the city is very very green. I think it will out most cities in South East Asia into shame, as they are in desert condition and yet they can be so green and very clean. This really makes me wonder, what really influence the cities you live in? The inhabitants? I truly trust so...You make your city...
Worth mention is hotel Setareh, I like the cafe on the 4th floor, it is really a nice one with the tea maker, he is so professsional. Wish to mention here is that I did not manage to visit the internal part of Vank Cathederal as it was closed but I like this part of the city as it gives another feeling of Isfahan.
Persepolis one one of the highlight for me, really. This was one of the places I have seen when I was a boy and making it here, you really feel "wow, this is incredible, like reality come true. I thus believe what you see, and what you want (in positive manner), it will turn out to be true (and later I think I learn, the Universe is always aligned in the manner that favours you, if you stay positive).
Abyaneh-I love this city and I hope how I wish the tour agent had booked for a me a nite with the hotel in this area. The scenery is superb, and the food, i think is one of the best.
Talking about food, I am not sure what I had taken (my friend Issey said, perhaps due to the public tap water or the salad cream, and I tend to agree after analysing the whole issue) and I had stomach upset and bloated one for two days. so bad. But anyway it is fine now.
And final stop, Tehran. Tehran is modern and quite similar to Kuala Lumpur in many ways. The traffic is quite heavy here too, but lucky me, when I was here, the air quality was perfect, according to my tour guide, usually around 180 days per year, the air quality is very bad.
I love Golestan Palace, and I think the ceramic art museum Hasem proposed me to visit was good and the final one, and the day was ended with a trip to Mount Tochal.
And finally my finale day. Hasem invited to visit his Cousin's booth selling those fake jewellery and also accessories for ladies like bangles, earrings, before he took me to the airport and on the way, we stop by at the tower in Tehran, the Azadi Tower (Freedom tower). This is a must visit I think as it is so symbolic for Tehran city.
Food, I am not so much keen as they eat a lot of lamb (seafood is near to caspian sea area). Brinjal is nice and their tea for sure is good. Seafood I tried some but only in hotel....Dessert I have not found any that I like so far, may be I have not tried enough varities.
I like their ceramics, their carpets, and also their copper and bras wear, beautifully crafted.
Weather is getting warmer, day time can be very hot during my visit, near to 32-35 degree I think but in my early part of my visit, it was quite cool in the evening or under the shades. Worth to mention is that I like the local beer (non-alchoholic), i find it very nice to drink especially when the whether it hot and dry. And I think it very fun to see Iranians, when they go to the restaurant they order beer...haha.. I am not sure if they even allowed this in Malaysia. The packaging is very similar to beer and they even have wine (bottled everything is the same as wine except it is non-alchohol type).
Young people speak English and older generation they do not really speak English but most of them are nice and helpful. Ladies must cover their head with scarf whenever they go to, as long as they are outside in the public area. And it is very safe to walk around, without any problem, day and nite time. food is quite cheap and mineral water, as Hasem says together with petrol is one of the cheapest. Car is quite expensive here, I think about the same rate as Malaysian imported cars, and they have lots of French brands here, though Korean cars are coming in in droves. Food is relatively cheap in Iran which I think is something to be proud of.
To summarise this, I am very happy to visit Persia and honestly speaking I think Iran and Iranian deserves better than what they are having now (due to sanctions in the past). And I hope and wish Iranian will be more prosperous, and at the same time middle east with Iran's support will be a more peaceful and lesser war taking place.
And final note, I hope to visit Iran again... Iran is superb and beautiful. More people should learn about Iran and should not believe with what they see in the international news and should try to find out more about Iran.
Choong
15 June 2016
Summary written in Bukit Mertajam
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Renovation-trying your patients.limit
I have not done any major or serious house renovation before, and if yes, it was like before I moved into this house, an empty vacant house compared to now, where i have a lot of stuffs here. It is really crazy.....with the noise, the dusts gathered, and all the disturbances, like you have to wake up at a fixed time to open the door (if I am at home)m for the workers....not that have any problem to open doors for them, but being an Aquarian, I do not like to have my time controlled, if you are Aquarius, you should know what I meant.
Anyway, the renovation was done, firstly because I am back home and I need a place to stay comfortably. Not that the house is not stay-able, but the roof is leaking (and has since destroyed a lot of my other furnitures), and since I will be staying for sometime here (after I left the house around year 2005), I think I need a place call home with all my collections fully displayed at my pleasure before I decide if I migrate later on to my favourite country (which I won't disclose here at this moment).
Luckily I can travel around a bit, as the contractor and his fellow colleagues are nice (up to this stage) not to touch my personal things, and I wish end July will come soon (that is the time they promised everything to be in place soon). And I want my clean, neat and comfort bed, room and my house, my home, where the space only belongs to The Glamorous J.
Until then, I have to be patient....patient---patient....
Om mani padme om.......Salam!
Choong
BM
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