Monday, December 31, 2007

The year that was

A year ago today, we were in J@karta celebrating Eid-ul-Adha.
We woke up really early to get ready because there were 7 kids and 5 adults in the house and 3 bathrooms and one iron. Thank goodness there was one Kak Ti who worked her magic and got our clothes all ironed and ready, and my kaklong (eldest sister, a.k.a. mokciknab) can be half asleep and still make a mean pot of bubur pulut hitam (black rice porridge) to bring to the M@laysian Embassy.

We spent the morning taking pictures at my sister's lovely sitting room, then we lazed a round.. I think I read a book, but I can't remember what book. Or maybe I rode a bajaj with Taufik to shop at Salina's again.. I can't remember. I know we went for a walk in Taman Monas (National Monument Park) in the afternoon, left just before the new year revelling crowds arrived, bought some spiky hats, went home to change then headed to the posh side of jakarta to Kaklong's friend's big house.

anyways

I think 2007 can be called a 'travel and adventure' year for me. I sorta had my revenge for being sequestered in the house most of the time in 2006 (because I was pregnant and then I gave birth to Izani and then it took forever for him to get his passport).
We started it off by going to J@karta, Ind0nesia to visit my kaklong. I got to visit a real-live volcano, so I can tick that off my 'to do before I die' list.
I got to perform my umrah in M@kkah.
I got to ride an ATV up some sand dunes.
I got to see the more exciting parts of S@udi, like the amazing Iris fields of Tum@ir, the Edge of the World and the coastal town of R@s T@nura.
I finally visited Lollies in D0ha, Q@tar.
I finally got to see Kimi Raik0nen live in Bahr@in (despite all the drama). That's another thing to scratch off in my 'to do before I die' list. yayness!
I saw some Egyptian artifacts in B@hrain National Museum when we got to spend a weekend in B@hrain. That was fun.
And then there was that dream holiday that almost didnt happen - a visit to Florence , Volterra and Rome . I would scratch them off my 'to do before I die' list, but I am hesitating coz I want to go again and visit at least one museum (preferrably Galleria Della Academia and see the real David) and put my hand into Boca della Verita.
Taufik also got to have his dream holiday. After 15 years of bugging me, I finally relented to Taufik's request to visit Taman Neg@ra, Pah@ng, and what an adventure that was!!
Last but not least, we closed the year by hosting lollies' family for almost a week.

So that was what my 2007 was like. I have quite a few things planned for 2008. Perhaps a trip to the island of redang for some snorkeling, and also performing my Hajj, Insya-Allah.
I wish you all a prosperous 2008!

6 comments:

  1. Mabrook! Looks like you had a wonderful year packed with loads of fun!

    We havent really done any desert trips this year, maybe next year. Will update you Insyallah.

    Yes I was hoping to drop by Al Khobar after DOha but that didn't materialize :( (Didn't realize that the Qatar border was 307 km away from Damam.) We've made plans for early January but we'll see if we can peel Saiful away frm work. Will update you.

    So when will you come to Riyadh? Are you interested in going Dune bashing? If not perhaps the others want to go to EOTW again.

    No we didnt do any excursions in DOha and didnt try souq waqif, gotta ask my friend! I tried to google filligree domes but I'm still unclear of the concept la :(

    Happy New Year and Insyallah we'll see you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous1:38 PM

    Sounds like a year filled with adventure and new discoveries, of dreams fulfilled and new ones planned. Very nice.

    Here's wishing you a wonderful 2008 ahead, dear. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sunflora - Most of the trips in Saudi were thanks to you and Saiful :) kalau tidak, memang terperap kat rumah ajelah.. :)

    filligree domes - I'll email you a picture, senang

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kenny - same to you, man! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Elisa, WOW! You really had a good year. Happy new year 2008 and selamat menyambut Maal Hijrah 1429. May Allah bless and with us always.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nad - same wishes to you :)

    ReplyDelete