Family Matters

Dear Diary,

Once upon a time in October 2011, we tidied up parents in law’s house and even dolled up ourselves for an important event.

The awaited people arrived. There were pantun exchanges and serious discussions on matters of two hearts. A unanimous decision reached by both sides and the tense soon turned into camaraderie.

Gifts were exchanged with sealed promises between both families for stronger ties to be forged in future.

Of course, there were plenty of foods served in honor of the guests.

It’s essential to have makan-makan after everything was agreed upon.

In the end, much gratitude to The Almighty for a smooth event celebrated. Alhamdulillah.

This Will Make You Feel Better

Dear Diary,

If you sometimes get discouraged, consider this fellow:
He dropped out of grade school.
Ran a country store.
Went broke.
Took 15 years to pay off his bills.
Took a wife.
Unhappy marriage.
Ran for House.
Lost twice.
Ran for Senate.
Lost twice.
Delivered speech that became a classic.
Audience indifferent.
Attacked daily by the press and despised by half the country.
Despite all this, imagine how many people all over the world have been inspired by this awkward, rumpled, brooding man who signed his name simply,
A. Lincoln.

* A message as published in the Wall Street Journal by United Technologies Corporation, 1986

Johnny's Restaurant, Jusco Kinta City, Ipoh, Oct 2011

Dear Diary,

The last agenda that we did before starting our journey back home was having dinner at Johnny’s Jusco Kinta City. Tired from one whole day spent at the Lost World of Tambun, we ordered one of the sets and cleaned everything out.

Finally, Hubby’s wish to eat at Johnny’s was fulfilled. As for me, I can’t commend much because I didn’t really remember how the foods tasted as I was very tired and hungry at that time. I guess everything tasted delicious if you’re hungry. What I did remember was that the place was packed with customers. That must mean something right?

Address: Lot G19, Ground Floor, Jaya Jusco Kinta City Shopping Center, Jalan Teh Lean Swee, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara, 31400 Ipoh, Perak. Telephone number: 05 - 549 8002. Fax number: 05 - 549 8003. Website: www.johnnyrestaurant.com

Lost World of Tambun: Petting Zoo, Oct 2011

Dear Diary,

The last attraction that we had a chance to explore was Lost World Petting Zoo. This is another unique and stimulating learning experience for us. Some of the animals there are let loose so visitors can learn first hand about them. Visitors can touch and pet them. Not only children but adults also can learn a thing or two from all the information on animals there.

There are many species of animals available at the zoo; birds, reptiles, fishes, etc.

The landscape of the zoo is beautifully designed to bring human back to nature.

One thing about kids is that they are ever so curious. So much so that they are not afraid to get close up to everything. That was the case with my three kids who were eager to touch almost all the animals that can be touched at the zoo. I, on the other hand, was just happy to watch from a few feet away.

Lost World of Tambun: Needle of Tambun, Oct 2011

Dear Diary,

On the way to Petting Zoo from Swan Lake, there’s Needle of Tambun. It is a nature wonder that is worth your time.

We made another pit stop here just to admire the beautiful panorama.

So serenely picturesque!

Lost World of Tambun: Swan Lake, Oct 2011

Dear Diary,

Still amazed by the tigers, we strolled to the next attraction - Lost World Swan Lake. It’s a lake full of fishes and also several swans. Visitors can feed the animals if they want. There is also paddle-boat ride.

We just stopped for a while at the Swan Lake to watch the animals and take in the scenery. We had to hurry because there’s another attraction that we want to explore before the park closes.

Lost World of Tambun: Tiger Valley, Oct 2011

Dear Diary,

After recharged our bodies with a light snack, we headed to Tiger Valley. We timed our arrival so that it would be just in time for tiger feeding session. It was the highlight of our visit.

Imran and Zarra were very excited to see the tigers in action. There are two Siberian tigers that put on the show that evening. They are so huge! First, the trainer showed how agile tigers are by making them climbing a wooden pole. A lesson learned: Don’t climb a tree if you’re being chase by a tiger. They move and climb very swiftly.

Next, the trainer fed the tigers with raw meat. Then, two volunteers from the audience got to throw the meat. Another info that we obtained was tiger cannot jump from a low land to a higher land.

Tiger feeding sessions: 3pm & 4pm