HanaFedora: From Small Things

That last bits of pregnancy period

2012-01-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

A new resolution; Get back in shape while being a great mom!

A few more days

2012-01-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

I'm on my 38th weeks. The midwife said the baby has engaged and we have yet to confirm a name. We can't seem to make up our mind.

I have to say it is starting to feel uncomfortable with this huge belly and I've developed PUPPP, some sort of skin rashes that itched like there's no tomorrow. I bath in Calamine lotion. Despite it all I am very much one hell of an excited mom to be.

I'm on study-freeze mode. It's so relaxing and with mommy here in London, the house is in spic and span. Stress free I tell you.

Yesterday we went to Portabello Market just to look around. Mom wanted to look for antiques that catches her eyes. We went into this one shop full of old clothes, coats, shoes and handbags. It's a Vintage shop with old designers label which is so exciting to look at. A wall of Old shoes that cost a few hundred quids which I think it's a collector's item. And coats made of pure animal fur.

One thing about going out and about with a huge belly is you can't really walk so far. Your pelvic start to ache. So half way through the road I decided to just sit in a coffee shop, get warmed up, have a cake and a hot chocolate and wait for mom and my sister to finish looking around.

Just a few more days now!

A new one

2012-01-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 to all you lovely people and May this year brings more happiness in yours and my life. Insya'Allah. And May our relationship with Allah improved rooftop. Amin...

Two more weeks to go before this lil belly is due.

In the name of Love

2011-12-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

I'm having trouble sleeping these past few days. So today I decided, late night snack and a quick hot shower, pray and obviously blogged would do the trick.

As the sound of the clock ticking, I found myself in peace. Watching Fairuz sleeping while smiling (now what would he be dreaming about..mmm) made me realised how grateful I am to be his wife.

There are perks followed after being in the third trimester. At least for me, for all I know I could get away with being on the couch the whole day while having a handsome man who I have mad crush on bringing me all sorts of drinks to snacks to fruits to even the remote control which is just on the floor below where I am sitting. Fairuz is a darling. While me? I feel like a huge giant ready to explode with a weird style of walking. I think Fairuz's secretly laughing behind my back.

It's true what they say. There's a person out there who is so perfect for you, you couldn't ask for more. Truly am grateful. He cooks, do the laundry, tell me I'm beautiful (fact : which is a lie) while all I was wearing was his old soft almost got ripped t-shirt and "kain pelikat". And even when there are 5 pillows on the bed which all belong to me, he never complains. Of course there are days when he annoys the crap out of me I could die. But honestly, after almost 3 years together, looking past through dirty socks on the floor is already a norm.

Ahhh...I think the midnight snack has kicked in already. I need to hit the sack. Tomorrow is another day and our first antenatal class.

Good night!

Pregnancy so far

2011-11-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've gained 12kg so far (what a joy) and I'm getting heavier and plum-ier by the day. But that's okay coz you're supposed to gained weight when you're pregnant.

Alhamdulillah, other than iron deficient, the baby is growing normally and I am healthy. My days is getting busier nowadays with....... work. Okay maybe work was supposed to be on the list but half of the day I sleep (excuse the pregnant lady). It's a amazing how you can't control your body during this trimester.

Just so you know, London is getting colder by the day. The christmas lights are up along the streets, it's so beautiful. I always love the feeling when christmas is around the corner. It gets prettier when it snows.

Usually by this time every year I'm already on a flight to Malaysia for a holiday but this year we had to change our plan since I'm 8 months pregnant. My due date is near! I was okay at first about labour but for the past few weeks I've been having weird dream about labour and it totally freaks me out that I'm gonna go through it. Oh shoot!

Gone are the days when there's just the 2 of us. Next month would be our 3rd anniversary!

You guys should see the house! It's a wrecked. We're in the midst of packing unused stuffs and shipping it to Msia. Although I don't think we'll be back for good any sooner but we need the house to have less stuffs to make way....you know...for the tiny creature soon. Ironic isn't it?

You gotta have bigger car, bigger house with extra bedroom.....just for that tiny little man coming into your life. Nowadays it's all about him. And soon he'll be taking over our life. *cringe.

Now tell me, what do you mothers do before the baby pops out? Go holiday? Spring cleaning the house? Eat a lot? Or simply just spend sleeping just to cover up for the future?

Share with me...

A guide, tips and tricks to Sallah for a traveller

2011-11-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

In today's modern world, we find traveling can sometimes be inevitable. What with nowadays modern means of transportation and the nature of our daily jobs and studies. We traveled all over the world either for a holiday, study, work, conference, business meeting or other things related.

But for some muslim who aren't used to traveling, it can sometimes be a daunting experience especially for us girls. As a muslim, no matter where we are or what we do, neglecting the 5 daily prayers is never an option. So here, as an avid traveller myself, I am guiding you on how to pray while you're traveling and also a few tips and tricks I found up my sleeves throughout my experiences.

Don't feel guilty if you feel that praying can sometimes be a burden if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a bustling cold city with no mosque or a multi faith praying room anywhere. I used to feel like that when I first learn to travel on my own in another country. And let me mention that living in Msia is a real blessing. Mosques or praying room is everywhere, having a job that allocated hours of praying time, 12 fixed hours for day and night. So if you claimed yourself a muslim but you do not pray because simply you're lazy or just because.... Please, slap yourself. Under no circumstances, your 5 daily prayers should be left about.

Prayer is the fundamental of your faith and religion. No matter how angelic you are, the first thing to be scrutinised in the hereafter is your sollah. And if you don't have that, be prepare to be dumped into you know what.

Anyway.....
When I was working in Germany in 2006, I only get a break of 15 minutes and the change of seasons means changing of praying times. And sometimes the WC is for unisex, you can't simply open your hijab and shoes and take ablution (wudu') like you're in Malaysia. And that's when I realised I didn't really understand why in the world would they say Islam is easy and never burden their ummah.

Now let me tell you something. The only reason I was thinking that way was because I was so ignorant and so uninformed about my own religion. All I know was what I learn in school with no understanding and love towards it. I try to adapt everything to the way I do it in Malaysia. But being raised in family where neglecting sollah was a major sin, I decided that it's best to know how it is that some Islamic scholars said that Islam is easy and praying was never a problem when traveling.

A bit of a shout out, I found this to be the perfect book for a traveler. It's a book by Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah. He's a MAS pilot and a writer. This book covers not only in flight ibadah but ibadah for a musafir (travelers) in general. And what's great about this book is, all the arguments, analysis and facts are based on Al-Quran and Sunnah. So it's a must own by Malaysian (it's in Malay) as an investment. Use it to teach your generation.

Okay, first thing first. Know your religion. Be knowledgeable. Read and make sure everything you learn are based on sahih hadiths, Quran and Sunnah. Don't just do because somebody tells you to without you finding out the truths behind it. In fact, whatever you do never assume and always be wise in doing something. Everything have a reason. And because this is a matter of Ibadah I'm gonna be very firm about it.

1. Know the true way (the sunnah way) of taking your ablution. All I can say is what we learn in school (Malaysia) is different from what the prophet did (at least, what I learn in my school). So check it or simply click here ( Go to 1:28 if you don't want to watch the intro) or here (this video provide hadiths to go with).

2. Know what is the meaning khuff and how it is done. This is a way of taking ablution (wudu') without taking off your shoes or socks. It's only a matter of wiping your wet hand on the top part of your shoes/socks while wearing it. One must be in the state of purify (with wudu') when starting to wear it and never took it off. This type of purification can be done whether you're a musafir or even if you're at home. Can be done 3 days and night for musafir and 1 day and night for non-musafir. Please read here.

"I saw the messenger of Allah urinated, then performed wudu' and wiped over his leather socks" - Bukhari, reported from Jarir Bin Abdullah.

So, you see. There's no need to take off your shoes and socks and bring your feet to the sink in the public or office toilet. Really, it doesn't look nice and it sure is inappropriate in the western world. More over you're gonna make the place wet and unhygienic. This also happen to be very convenient if the water is super cold!

3. Touching skin to skin with your husband/wife does not invalidate your wudu'!

Aishah related that "I used to sleep in front of the prophet (pbuh) and my feet would be between him and the Qiblah, so when he performed prostration (sajdah), he would touch my feet. " - Muslim

This must be new to some so if you aren't confident, please check and learn about it from a scholar (a real one that's based on Sunnah and Quran!). Simply click here for further reading.

4. Know how to perform Tayammum the right way. No, you don't need 2 kolah (tank) of sand bought specifically for tayammum. Really, even an earth dirt off a rock or a wall will do just fine. Just strike the palm of your hands once, blow the excess dirt off and wipe your face and hands. This come very handy when you're a traveller and can't find water. Watch Dr Asri video here. Or for an english version here.

5. No! you don't need 2 kolah (tank) of water to do wudu'. The 2 tank only applied to water that is impure and has dirt in it. If a cup of water is clean, simply you can use it again and again to wash all your body parts for ablution as the human body parts are not impure. [refer the book mentioned]

6. It is permissible to wipe over your hijab (head scarf) in certain circumstances. This would be if you have no private place for wudu' (where non-mahram men may see you). Do this one time. Umm Salamah (r.a) used to wipe over her head cover.

Amr Ibn Umayyah (r.a) said, "I saw Rasulullah wipe over his turban and leather socks." - Bukhari

Shu'bah (r.a) said, "The mesengger of Allah made wudu' and wiped over the front portion of his scalp, his turban and his socks." - Muslim

But of course, don't forget to be in the state of wudu' when you put your headscarf and socks on and never took it off. When you know all this, it become clear that taking wudu' for girls isn't as hard as we think so. Right? right.

What do you do when you can't find a multi faith prayer room or a mosque in a certain country on a bustling city while sightseeing or shopping?
Now this is where we become really creative. And we can see the important of why a girl should wear something loose and cover the aurah and be modest. Plus, covering the aurah is not an option. It's a must.

For me, I don't like to pray in front of other people, in the middle of people walking around. I'm just not as daring and it's such a distraction. So this is what I'd do.

While shopping
Ask around if they have a multi faith room to pray. A lot of big cities or airport have this. If not... Obviously there's fitting room everywhere in the mall, in the store or boutique. I'll just take a piece of cloth with me and pretended I wanted to try it on while all the while I was praying inside a fitting room.

While on the road on a bus or in a car
Stop somewhere, take an ablution and simply pray while sitting in the car/bus.

Anywhere else
Find a private area where there aren't a lot of people.

Another way I use is to use an app by zabihah. This app tells you where you can find halal restaurants, markets or even the nearest mosque near to where you are standing. Hey, what Iphones are for right?. Otherwise, prepare the info early before you travel. I'm sure you have internet at home.

How do you pray in the flight?
Keep in mind Khuff (which literally means shoes) as I mentioned above in number 2.
Some airplane like MAS, have a small private area for you to pray. All you need to do is ask the stewardess. Otherwise, go to the lavatory, take your ablution and pray at your seat.

How do you tell the time?
This is one of many ways a sun can help us. Learn to look at the praying time by looking at the sun and shadow. We live in a modern world (bless us), we can always use our PDA, Iphone, Blackberry or Android to let you tell the time. Use your iphone to download the apps regarding sallah time, not just for Facebook or Games. Use technology to your maximum otherwise it'll only be a waste.

How do you tell the kiblah?
Ahaaa. This one is tricky. I only got to learn this through my husband. I'm sure when you're traveling you have a map with you right? So know where or which country you are. Know where is Makkah. Use a compass (you have it in your iphone or bring one with you) to know which is north. And follow the direction of Makkah. Now that's your kiblah.

Or you can use the sun if you're in the flight or on the road and at night the stars (learn how to do this, obviously you can google it)

Or if you have a specific compass for kiblah, that's brilliant!

It is imperative to be really prepared when you want to travel. For us girls, I know it's tempting to wear make up and not cover the aurah properly. But by doing so it could lead to a bit of a hassle to pray while traveling or on the move. But if you find cleaning the make up everytime and simply bringing your telekung or abaya with you for praying purposes isn't really a hassle. By all means do what you gotta do.

But we must always always remember that if you can take a bullet for your baby or your mom, dad or family. Why can't you sacrifice for Allah s.w.t? Afterall, He is the one who gave you your baby, your family and everything you own in this world. Without Allah's s.w.t blessing and love we have nothing.

Footnote: What is written here is based on the author's experiences. It's a guide for muslim travellers like the author itself. The book mentioned is used as the main reference for this article and so is other references included in the links provided. Whatever aren't accepted, it is advised that the reader do his or her own research. Whatever is good comes from Allah and the author hope that this article can serve as a benefit to the readers and young generations.

In my third trimester

2011-11-09T04:09:00.000-08:00

I am now officially in my 3rd trimester. Doesn't time scares you? It just feels like a few weeks ago that I got news that I'm pregnant. Though when you're in 3rd trimester, time starts to feel a tiny bit slower since you're too excited for the new arrival and waiting is always an agony.

But thankfully this is the busiest time ever for Fairuz and me so that took off waiting in our minds. We just submitted our visa renewal and had our biometric taken last saturday. Went to a baby show in Earl's Court and bought everything there from stroller to car seat, from baby bottles to nappies disposable. I thought the show was a great place to baby shop especially when we got to buy it in discounts and cheaper prices for brand new stuffs. And the show was so huge we didn't get to explore it wholly. They have everything there is for babies and expecting mothers. They have talks, demos, expert advisers and even fashion shows. Think we have all that are needed and it's better to have it prepared now before walking a lot become a struggle.

And then there was this darling lady who came all the way from Msia just to visit me...aww so sweet.. or was it her 2nd honeymoon..whatever.. but she bought me cheeseburgers and her husband was so sweet to treat us dinner!! Yum..

The baby cot is here so we're in the midst of clearing and selling and give away all unused stuffs in this house and shipping it to Malaysia.

To Farah Rasol from Australia, thank you for the surprise gifts! You're so sweet saving us some bucks there. For a moment there Fairuz was just starting to nag me when he thought I was doing shopping behind his back. Haha

I could not thank you enough for showering us with these baby's stuffs. It will be put to good use and congratulation too on being pregnant second time. May Allah s.w.t bless you, the family and the baby to come with great health.

Lastly, I'm busy finishing one of my thesis chapter before I take a break from my PhD for maybe a few months. Ahhh I need this break.

And also, I'm starting out a new project! I'll tell you when it's ready. I can't wait!

For the pregnancy here's the milestones
1. The baby is kicking or stretching a storm as I can now feel his huge force.
2. I have hospital appointments more than ever now and it always seems to operate like a vampire. Taking my blood more than ever.
3. Had my flu jab and FBC blood count test this morning (to check if I have anemia)
4. Just had a Glucose Tolerance Test last week which again the vampire process took my blood 3 times. Thankfully I didn't faint.
5. I have antenatal classes in a few weeks time.
6. Regular midwives meeting now that I have 2 more months to go.

So say your prayers for me in the next 2 months and during labour. I hope everything will go all fine and dandy. Till next update then!

And the list goes on...

2011-10-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

I never knew researching and checking and comparing prices on a new born list could be a daunting experience. I have spent a whole day making the list and another whole day checking and comparing prices on each of them. Not to mention developing headache seeing and calculating the total amount it resulted into.

It's exactly in 3 months time our baby will pops out. I'll be delivering here of course in the local general hospital. Though I haven't filled up my birth plan yet, I am planning to have a water birth, Insya'Allah if God's willing. And a lot of people have been asking me how much does it cost to deliver a baby in the UK. I'd say, with a valid visa it's free of charge. Yes everything is free from prescription to dental and consultancy and such. Of course, otherwise what are tax paying for?

Anyway, I'm making a new born list here to help out all you new mommy-to-be in welcoming a new born just like I am. I'm gonna save you a bit of a trouble by doing this. So nice right? Haha. Well, I could put the prices here as well but I'm afraid the prices varies to much from country to country and since a large portion of my readers are Malaysian, I think it's best if you find out what can be offered at your local shops. I bet you can save a lot more than I am. So here they are ;

Hana's Newborn List
a . Traveling
- Baby carrier
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Diaper bag
- Celular blanket

b. Sleeping
- Baby cot / moses basket
- Sheets
- Waterproof mattress
- Fleece blanket (of course you don't need fleece if you're living in a tropical country)

c. Bathing and cleaning
- Baby bath/Shampoo (not necessarily needed for the first few months, some baby can developed enzyme because of this)
- Towels
- Baby tab (my mom used to bath me in a sink when we were living in UK)
- Sponge
- Changing mat
- Baby lotion
- Wipes
- Cotton balls
- Nappies
- Muslin squares

d. Clothing
- Stretch suits long sleeve
- Vest/ body suit short sleeve
- Hat
- Mitten
- Socks
- Jacket (Only in country that have winter/autumn)
- Snow suit (My baby will be a winter baby and I bet it'll be snowing when I bring him home)

e. Feeding and nursing
- Bibs
- Breast pump (especially if you are a working mommy)
- Steriliser equipment
- Feeding bottles (not unless if you breastfeed exclusively especially if you're a stay at home mom)
- Bottle brush
- Bottle warmer (not necessary, unless if it comes in a set then it's a bonus)
- Breast milk storage cups
- Breast pads/ nursing bra

Now, the next list would be for us during our labour in the hospital and waiting to go home

What's in your labour bag
-Maternity notes & birth plan (for UK)
- Loose cotton T-shirt to wear during labour
- Socks to keep warm
- Face wipes to stay fresh
- Lotion (It'll be winter remember?)
- Towel
- Snacks & Drink to keep the energy
- Toiletries, tissue
- Camera (capture those precious moments)
- Nursing bra
- Breast pad
- Slippers
- Sanitary pad (important)
- Clothes for the baby
- Blanket
- Nappies
- Baby hat
- Muslin squares
- Cheap/disposable panties
- Cotton wool
- Dressing gown
- A book for the waiting game
- Comfortable clothes when come home.

So there you go. I hope these will benefited some of you as it can be a benefit to me. And Oh one more thing, here's a picture of a shocked baby, bath by her mommy in a sink in the UK. I think it was cold. Haha. What a way to save some money. I'll definitely try it.

One fine night

2011-10-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

The clock has just stroked pass 1 am. It is now 10 past 1 and I'm writing this post while eating a bowl of coco pops. I can't help myself. Every night my stomach growl asking it to be feed. But thank Allah I'm not picky these days like I used to in my first 3 months. A bowl of coco pops 3 times a day can still makes me happy. But my belly button has become an outie. Not cute.

The weather is getting colder nowadays and yet we have nothing left in the fridge. But that's the thing about London. You will never in agreement with the weather. Last week it was summer. 27 degree dead. This week it's autumn. 13 degree and next week the weatherman just announced that it might be snowing. Oh how you love the drastic season change.

It's october and everyday the baby is getting more active than the last time. He's kicking a storm, poking from inside, somersaulting, hiccuping, nudging, prodding, head-butting. Never fails to make me rush to the loo. Especially mid night. That's when the playing game starts. Remind me to remind him it's night time when he's out. Hehe

I've been busy these days. A lot to be settle. Other than the daily job, we're on the verge of renewing our visa, getting the car re-insured, paying bills (yes this include since it involves money) and de-cluttering the house. Sooner or later the heating system will start back on. And it'll officially be winter all over again.

Term time is starting back, all the classes filled in, all the lift are cramped and almost all of the canteen seating are occupied. I love the feeling of starting fresh but too bad I'm not. Sooner in a few months I'll be taking a time off from PhD to adapt to being a new mom.

And oh! I've just realised this post is purely an update on what's going on. Yawn..... So here's a picture

P/S: Don't laugh! Coz I look like I'm carrying a watermelon in my shirt. And Fairuz still looks like he's 18. Hmmphhf

Of Vanity and Extravagant

2011-09-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

There's a few perks you get when you're pregnant in 2nd trimester. Of course those who are lucky, get to experience sudden growth of healthy hair, glowing insensitive acne free skin all over. None whatsoever complications, very slight aches. And some got to experience overflowing of happiness most of the time. I am that stage right this moment.

Well, sort of. Not most of the time I'm happy. Some of the time I got headache seeing a really really beautiful baby cot (see picture) that's going to cost me a whopping £849. I just chucked that idea of buying that cot away in the bin. After all it'll only be used for 2 years maximum and there are a lot of other baby cots that cost a fraction of the price which is also a good quality.

My god you're beautiful. But man you're expensive. Think I could make one myself?

My husband and I, like most start up average family out there are no where near buying that ridiculously expensive cot. We're a start up. In a phase where the income for our family is just a graduate income. And when we've added up all the national insurance tax, income tax, value added tax, council tax, car insurance, road tax and so on all that is left is a fraction of that income with a little to spend and a little to save. To think about it we really work to pay tax.

But I consider myself and my husband really really lucky. We still managed to live comfortably at the moment. Of course I was even more comfortable before. Even to an extend luxurious to some people. But having said that I was living under daddy's premium credit card, money and daddy's safety net. I took everything for granted.

Then seeing my husband works his butt off just to pay rent and utilities is already a struggled and yet he never complains and so is daddy. So to still be under daddy's safety net and took everything for granted just seem wrong and inconsiderate and selfish.

Proudly, I decided that it is best I give a nice slap on myself and support the family and changed my habits and lifestyle. I've stop doing unnecessary shopping which would only result in guilty and short term satisfaction. I'll stop wanting to buy extravagant stuffs just to satisfy my lust and make myself feel good. Altogether I've stop making shopping as a form of stress release mechanism.

Because not just it's good for oneself but Islam also never teaches us to be in vanity. Islam never encourages us to be extravagant.

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “and waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not Al‑Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)” - Quran

"Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (your wealth) in wantonness. Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils, and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord" - Quran

Amr ibn Shuaib, on his father's authority said that his grandfather related that the Prophet said: When you eat, drink, give charity and wear clothes, let no extravagance or pride be mixed up with what you do. (Ibn Maja, Nasai).

To waste is to be brother to the devil??!! I don't want that. God no. (further reading here)

Because you know what, I have found tremendous amount of other stuffs to do to release my stress. And I realised that temporary things aren't as important as my goal in life and my family. And I realised it is better for me to be in control of myself rather than the environment takes control over me. Trapped in the rat race that never really bring us to our final destination and satisfaction. I realised I should be grateful when millions of other would trade anything to be in my position right now.

I realised to be able to delay gratification is truly liberating.

Ghee! Daddy must be proud.

It's sadly and inevitably a Hormonal Phase

2011-09-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Since I last announced that I'm gonna be a mom, it has been 5 months and a half. Time flies when you're having fun isn't it? It's so fast it scares the crap out of me. But Alhamdulillah, energy wise although it seems to decrease proportionally with time, my health has been great. But I seem to battling with never ending running nose. They say it's normal for a pregnant mom. "it's the hormone"......is what they say.

So I'll be delivering the baby in a General Hospital 5 mins from home. And since in the UK we only get to scan twice throughout our whole pregnancy, my last scan was 2 weeks ago. At week 20th to be precise.

Ghee.. I wish I can tell you a lot on how is it to be experiencing pregnancy in the UK but I just don't have anything. It's so relax here. And never once I got to see a doctor. All the time was only the midwife which in Malay we call mak bidan.

But to be honest the midwives here is way way qualified. Qualified to an extend if we don't have any complication, we will only see them. They are like a pregnancy doctor. They are the one who take care of you. Come to your house to see if you're okay. Check the baby even after it is delivered. Basically they'll be your friend and you can call them anytime if you have something to ask about. Some of them are even the same age as you are. The interns. So no doctor or gynea or obgyn, whatever you guys call them.

Did I say time flies fast? Oh I did, did I? Now where's the time machine when I needed one the most. I'm running out of air thinking about this PhD thingy. I do hope that Allah help me get through this smoothly. Insya'Allah. The lil guy hasn't even pop out yet I'm already panting and sweating. How all you moms out there juggling between a PhD and a family and a career and a hobby is something that I'm forever amazed. *take a bow.

Oh well, I have a lot to prepare. A lot to think. A lot to adjust. A lot to settle. A lot to discuss. And a lot to SPEND.

I think I'll just go and bury my head in the pillow now.

London and Accommodation Dilemma

2011-09-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

The single most painful thing in the butt for first timers (or maybe even londoners themselves) who decided to pack their bags and live in London is finding a suitable accommodation to rest those feet. Not that there isn't a lot on offer on the market. Talk about London, there's massive! But what concerns most of us are their ridiculous rental per week and our limited budget from our sponsor.

Big Ben at night captured in 2008

1 bedroom in zone 1 on average cost about £300 pw and believe me it can go as high as the eye can reach the horizon (Maybe even more! Pfftt). Not to mention for those of us who do not have guarantors have to break our piggy bank to fork out on 6 months deposits. I'd go mental. My sister used to spend most of her time finding a 2 bedroom apartment for 3 months she couldn't find any until today. So in the end she settled for a flat share with a local.

When I first arrived in London to do my Master degree it was 4 years ago. I was under a scholarship of £550 permonth and my hall of residence cost me £500 permonth just for a tiny ensuite room. It wasn't until the COLA increased a few months after that I was able to breathe and eat properly. And happily, my dad stop growing white hair.

Compare to my old apartment room back home, a hamster couldn't even have a partner in that same room.

Dad said "don't compare between 2 countries, learn to take things as it is and you'll will love it".

But that's the thing though, this case is only applicable to London. Outside London, it's like a whole different world all together. My friend in Holloway got a huge double bed room with enough space to fit 20 extra people in it. And the rent was 2 times lower. I blamed her for not hosting a raya event every year.

Love my housemates 2009

Ahhh...but in my case, what's not to love about London. The city, the events, the opportunity to obtain anything, the knowledges, the night life, the diversity and ohhhh the SHOPPING! The city I've lived in that has defined me to date. The city that has changed me in every possible way.

The city that teaches me to love my religion and my creator even more today. The city with no boundaries. I could go on forever. When I arrived here I'm merely naive, meet new friends, had fun, found love, graduated, traveled, learn a lot, met a handsome man who is my husband today and with anticipation is waiting for my first new born baby boy!!. Alhamdulillah. My mom is over the moon on becoming a Grandmama. I just couldn't understand.

I learn more here than I've learn anywhere in the world that I've traveled and lived in.

So here's a few tips on finding an accommodation for those who decided to join in the wagon.

1. Nag your future university accommodation helpdesk. Tell them your budget and all the details you're looking for. They are a great help! The official Uni accom may cost a fortune but they have dozens of affiliates under their roof that they can suggest you with that cost less than £700.

2. If you have a guarantor that's brilliant, otherwise be ready to cry a river and parted with 6 months deposits.

3. There's vast amount of websites to find accom like Gumtree, Findaproperty, Zoopla etc. But beware of scams! Don't believe something that is too good to be true. Someone who says they are out of town and trying to find somebody to take care of their apartment hence a payment through western union. Rent are cheaper it you deal directly with landlord rather than an agent.

4. Share a flat with the locals instead and meet new friends. Websites are the like in No. 3.

5. International students accommodation are everywhere around London like Londonmet, studenthousing, unitestudent etc. Try contacting them.

Final thing, if you have unlimited amount of funding, then forget about this post and go get yourself a nice apartment in the heart of London.

For us, once you've found a home for your next few years, you'll get over the hardship pretty easily and learn to love this city.

Good Luck!!

On pregnant belly and being bloated

2011-09-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

This year Eid coincided with our national day also known to Malaysian as Merdeka. Though a lil tad later than the supposed 31st august, in the UK, it is a custom for the Malaysian community to held a family event, known as the Carnival Merdeka at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre in Brickendonbury every single year.

We would then go and watch the kids play the sukaneka, some artists and dancers perform on stage. But what excites me the most is the stalls selling all kind of Malaysian cuisines. By which at the end of the day, your clothes smell of smoke from the satay stall and your stomach bloated an inch or two.

And Malaysia has its own pancake!!! Apam balik...mmmm yumm!

A few of my friends wanted to see new pictures of me being pregnant. Finally I get to snap a few after buying a new cheap charger for my compact. Now why would you want to see the fat me? Nobody asked for my pictures when I'm not buncit. Cis!

So there you go...

It was so sad that we had to celebrate Eid just the two of us, my bestfriend, Ria decided to come down to London and spend time with us. I was overjoyed though I know the reason she and her husband was here was because she wanted to see the Hampton Court castle. Pfftt!

But who cares! She did sleep over. And I love her.

And owh! Guess what??

My bestfriend decided not to leave me alone being fat. So she boarded the same we're-gonna-be-fat-boat with me together. So sweet of her right?...

She's pregnant too!! and a month later than I am.

So congratulation Ria and Shimi!! Let's get fat together while we still have an excuse.

Xoxo.

Eid this year

2011-09-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

Fact is I don't really have an appropriate clothes to wear this year Eid since my belly has grown twice its size since a month ago. Fact is it's only the two of us this year and we literally spent the early part of the morning praying and at noon did the laundry while all the while still enjoying Fairuz's company and holiday. Fact is we ate leftovers and only get to cook kuah kacang at night with only little ingredients in the cupboard and surprisingly find it's still eatable . Fact is we miss home so much and we're sad that Ramadan has ended but excited to start back. Fact is we are very thankful and could not and never ask for anything better than to still have each other love and to awaits the arrival of the little one this coming January. My.....

Oh, which by the way is literally Fairuz Junior! I think you could guess what the gender is ;)

Malaysian Embassy open house Eid 2010

Salam Eid Mubarak to our families and friends and to all muslims in the world. We hope you enjoy your time and we pray that yours and ours relationship with Allah s.w.t this Eid is better than last Eid.

Taqabalallahu Minna wa minkum!

The Virtues of the Laylat Al-Qadr

2011-08-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

It is officially the last 10 days of Ramadan. The days where the Prophet (pbuh) would strive hard in worship in a way that he did not strive at any other times. The days where he would stay up at night and seek Laylat al-Qadr [Muslim 1175].

I admit I've been neglecting this little space of mine. All with a reason to be focus. Focus in this ever so blessing month to seek forgiveness and in hope to improve my relationship with my creator, Allah Azzawajalla. And one of the way of doing this is to disconnect myself from the internet. Though not completely.

Don't worry I'll continue my pace soon after Ramadan is over.

But this post, this particular post is special. It's about the bless night of Laylat-Qadr. Which is still not too late to seek. Who knows.

Allah s.w.t has described the Laylat al-Qadr as being better than a thousand months [al-Qadr 97:3]. On this night that the angels descend when Allah's mercy and blessing come down. Just as the Quran is recited, the angels will surround the gathering where Allah is remembered. And they beat their wings for those who sincerely seeks knowledge.

On that night the destiny of every creatures is decreed for the coming year. On that night it is written who will die, who will live, who will be saved, who will be doomed, who will be destined for paradise or hell, who will granted honour, who will be humiliated and everything else that Allah wills in that year [Al-Dukhaan : 4]. - AbdulMajidAli

Of course every destiny is already known by Allah s.w.t but on this night these destinies are revealed to the angels and commands them to do whatever they are enjoined to do [Sharh Sahih Muslim li'l Nawawi, 8/57].

Image : google

So seek forgiveness and seek Laylat-Qadr as this night is better than a thousand months. That's 83 years! You never know how long more will you live or what will happen to you in this coming year. So seek forgiveness sincerely and hope that good will come out of this year Ramadan.

It was reported from Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet said (pbuh) : "Whoever stays up during Laylat-Qadr out of faith and in hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven"[Al-Bukhari, 1910; Muslim, 760]

It is reported that A'ishah asked the Prophet (pbuh)" If I happen to catch the night of Al-Qadr, how should I supplicate?" He replied: "You should say: O Allah, you pardon and love pardoning. So, pardon me".

And Allah s.w.t knows best.

Reference and further reading drabdulmajid

The baby in me

2011-08-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Kids was always the last thing on my mind. Don't get me wrong. I want a kid eventually, but I just couldn't imagine being a mom. All my life things other than babies was all I think of. I'm very ambitious to a point of adventurous. But now that I'm a mom to be all I could think of is something to the benefit of my baby in my tummy. I guess priority changed a bit when your life changes.

My mom got married at 19 and had her last 4th child at the age of 29. So when she started to realise that younger age wasn't on my side anymore, she started to freak out. Everyday when I skype with her, she would tell me the most boring story about a lady who's getting old but had no grandchildren yet. Really mom, you're not even 50 yet.

Mom and me.

Anyway, in the end the daughter gave in and planned a child to be conceived during spring. Happily the old lady will be having her first ever grandchild in January and they all live happily ever after.

My first trimester was no joke. I wonder why do they call it "morning sickness" when you're feeling sick the whole day. I didn't vomit or anything. It's just I had extreme nauseas the whole day. Yuck! I couldn't smell anything, I feel irritated and random street people annoyed the crap out of me. The only persons I want to be around most of the time is my husband and my family. My digestive system was haywire and most of the time I was in exhaustion. You should've seen me. 10 steps and I already feel like sleeping at the pavement. I was like a baby. Fairuz laughed at me despite he's the one who made me this way. What a nerve. And the ironic thing was, I don't want any kid to be around me. They are just too tired to watch. Now that scares me. My maternity instinct is yet to convince me.

But now that I'm 4 months along. Hello 2nd trimester and goodbye 1st trimester. I now can breath. I've started back my work and I feel productive. Other than my tummy's getting bigger, I feel healthy. There's a reason I don't blog much for July. I sleep most of the time and I don't have a camera with me. My last one got stolen and my compact just ran out of battery. And the charger? Got stolen! So remind me to buy a new camera before the baby comes. For now all I have is this crap photo taken from my phone

12 April, Nuchal scan. Check for Down Syndrome Risk.

In the UK, you'll only get a chance of twice to scan the baby in your tummy for your whole pregnancy duration. To have a private scan in a private clinic would cost you a fortune. And most people don't actually do it. I don't know how dating pregnancy works in Msia but here our midwife took care of us the whole time and we never see the doctor unless there's any complication. So far I don't have any. Alhamdulillah.

The picture above is my first scan date. The baby is 13 weeks old. And has a probability of 1/20000 risk of down syndrome. Healthy and was jumping around when we first see it on screen. Fairuz was so happy I think he cried a bit. I just feel weird that there's actually a living thing inside of me although I don't feel any flutter yet.

Now where's that maternity instinct in me? Hello?? Anybody home?

The Essences of Venice

2011-07-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

When we were in Rome, our place got broken into. Along with my other valuable stuffs, my SLR too are now in the hand of god knows who. Pfft!!

Thankfully I still got my sony compact with me when we were in venice.And we're now waiting to settle things with our insurance company. But beyond all that mostly we're very thankful that everyone was okay.

Since my memory card was very limited at that time, we can't afford to snap gleefully like an slr can. And the pictures aren't as sharp. So in this post I hope I'd delivered what happen to be the essences of venice. Shot by me and Fairuz.

We love venice to our bones!

P/S : Post is in loving memory of Taufiq Shariff.

Another picture post

2011-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Festival Illuminaire in Pisa, Italy

A picture post

2011-07-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

On traveling and being pregnant

2011-06-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't told this publicly yet but I'm in my holiday of visiting 9 European countries in 1-go. Insya'Allah. Hence the lack of posts since I was so busy finishing all my work and there's more that I need to do and finish. So I bring my laptop with me and while on the road hoping to be a good PhD student, I'm juggling.

It was all Fairuz's idea actually. I didn't plan to be dragged into this but he insisted that I followed through the road trip. He was so excited, his friends are here. 4 of them. Some from Malaysia and some already in the UK. Afterall he said this might be the last time we're able to travel like a single couple honeymooning since my due date is in January!! I'll tell you all about being pregnant in UK ya? In some other post Insya'Allah.

I could not tell you how bless I am. I haven't had any morning sickness nor vomitting. Allah s.w.t is adil. Probably I have too many work to be done I can't effort to be sick. But just a bit of nausea every now and then as a result of forgetting to eat properly. Otherwise this pregnancy has been great so far. I don't have mom nor dad beside me but having Fairuz and my sister Thara around the house is a massive massive relief. I get tired a lot easily nowadays so Fairuz and Thara did all the houseworks. I missed doing it together as our bonding time but I just can get up and have the strength at the moment. Most of the time I want to eat everything malaysian. Oh this malaysian tongue of mine.

So yeah. I'm in Paris at the moment. C'est agréable d'être ici. Tomorrow we'll take our reserved caravan and will drive off to Spain the day after tomorrow. I'll tell you the rest of the countries in the list. Wouldn't wanna spoiled the surprise. hehe

And Insya'Allah. While on the road I'll try and write a post on traveling and being away from all the facilities while still maintaining our faith and belief. Once you know how, it's not hard at all. I promise. See you again soon!

Of the things I've been doing and handling

2011-05-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

Oh have I got news!

For the past few weeks I've been really really busy (I miss blogging). Well, if you count sleeping most of the time busy then yes. I've been busy. I sleep during day time and night time. It was horrible. Ok lah fine. Other than sleeping I've been trying to finish a chapter of my thesis and simulating a new project at the same time. I've got to give it to you. It's not easy. Thinking and expressing it in technical writing. Pheww..really drain out the brain in me. Kudos to other PhD students. I totally understand you guys.

We've also been care taking 5 cats in this small apartment. 4 kittens and a mama cat. It's my friend's and they'll be bringing back the mama to Msia soon. OMG! these cats are hard work. Other than the fact Fairuz labeled me Monica of friends, how do you keep your house clean with kittens all over the place playing tissue paper which god knows where they got it from?

A few of our friends have gone back home for good. And fewer and fewer have come to the UK to study. With the new government and ruling, I honestly don't think UK is the best country to live in at the moment. What with the visa restrictions, limited working opportunity for foreigner, ridiculous raising expenses and not to mention gloomy weather and tasteless food. It you want to come to Europe, come for holiday.

But nevertheless I still thank Allah for the roof I'm under, for the livestock I have and for the wonderful husband I'm with. Fairuz has been a doll for the past few weeks, not that he wasn't before but he was extra caring now that I couldn't thank you enough to Allah s.w.t for giving him to me.

Remind me to cut his hair in his sleep tomorrow.

And last 2 weeks we went for another theatre titled 'the flare path'. Staged in a hotel during world war II. It was really really good and we were sitting on the second row. Practically can see the actors spit when they talk. And one of my favourite British model was one of the main cast! Siena Miller. So we got to meet her backstage after.

She's sooo pretty real life!

Actually nothing interesting happened that could explain my lack of writing. Other than a lot of work to be done I'm just being a little old wife staying home couching. No, I don't usually do this laziness a lot, just lately. And oh, just so you know, the news...

Theoretically, I'm 7 weeks pregnant. And trying desperately to adapt to the new weird experience and grasping the insane idea in my mind.

Me? A mom? No way! But do pray for me ya?

We are what we eat

2011-05-18T02:50:00.000-07:00

Ever heard the phrase "you are what you eat"?

Of course you do! It has become a universal phrase to this day that everyone have atleast heard it once. It's a notion that to be fit and healthy, you need to eat healthily. Really. This, is believe to originate from an essay written in 1826 by some French guy named Brillat-savarin who wrote

"Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es." [Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are]

And of course a few other brilliant writers was reported have also wrote it in a different manner in the 19th century. Though I've never actually read the essay, I couldn't agree more on the phrase.

When I lived in Msia and first arrived in the UK I couldn't be bothered on what I eat on a daily basis. Deep fried food, mmm yumm! I eat when I'm hungry and sometimes worst, I only ate junk and processed food. I dread cooking. Because of this I've had very sensitive skin. Constantly sick and more often than not I'd developed rashes and I never really had deep thought about it let alone fathom the reasons behind it.

Then after a year living with 5 girls in a flat near London bridge, each of them from different continents, I've noticed about something that the western pay attention to more than us. Apart from other things food is one of them. They eat a lot of raw and steam vege. Sometimes grilled poultry and they cook all the time. When buying groceries they choose wisely. Nobody ever tell them what to eat and what to drink and such.

Once I was on my way home on a train, I saw a young guy eating. I can see that he was hungry since it was already 7pm. So he was eating. But you know what he ate? A plastic bags of fresh vegetables. So consumed that I think the vege was like his big Mac.

And once I was back in Msia, just got married, it was the time prosperity burger came out. I love prosperity burger to death, I ate it every single day for a month. It was horrible. I found out this is what fast food like McDonalds do to you, I gained huge amount of weight. I felt tired constantly, emotionally unstable and I felt that I was so ugly I couldn't bare looking in the mirror. My husband did what was a very very wise decision. He registered us in a gym with a personal trainer in a package.

For the first time I had meals diary. Noted what I ate and what time I ate. It was a small thing but it sure does have huge effect. For once we realized how unhealthy we were. We consumed a lot of sugar and fried oily food. After we got scolded by the trainer, we went on a detox. Nothing major. A lot of plain water to flush out all the toxic. Eat brown rice. Grilled chicken. Something boiled or steam. And no sugar after 11am. And lots and lots of exercise.

Honestly, it never felt great! Waking up in the morning seems easy and energized. And since then I've never had any rashes on my sensitive skin. And my brain is able to learn and understand more easily. Not exaggerating. I'm being very serious. See my face ^_^ ? Ok, maybe not that emoticon. But you get what I mean.

And then I had more realization (I had a lot..haha). It's not just how we feed our body. It's how we feed our brain and heart. I realized we have to take care of what we have. Allah s.w.t gave us this body to live in and it's our responsibility to care it as best as we can.

Apart from healthy food for the body, reading books and learning new knowledges everyday is the food for the brain and reading Quran everyday is the food for our heart. Our prophet (pbuh) said:

"Verily in the body there is such a piece that if it remains alright the whole body keep well but if this piece of flesh develops some defect the whole body becomes unhealthy. Behold, - this piece of flesh - it is heart." (Bukhari, Muslim..)

I pray that all is well and in the pink of health. Love yourself. Love Allah.

Toodles.

My Idols the Great Women

2011-05-09T04:19:00.000-07:00

As a young girl years ago when I was in secondary school, I, like any other young girls, had an idol. Truth be told, we all wanted to be like somebody else. We wanted to be a princess, a popstar, a tv actress. Yes these women are beautiful in the eyes of the world, who wouldn't want to be them.

Me, those days it was Britney spears. Haha. Yes I think my family had enough of her. Her songs was constrantly played in the house, in the car, in the walkman. OMG, do they still make walkman? Anyway, my point is. I had loved britney not because of her fame but because the fact that she's very successful at a very young age and did you know that she works so hard to achieve her status? So hard that sometimes she missed meals and fainted. So, who's your idol? I hope not someone who fainted nor lady gaga. (she's disturbing)

Now that I'm older and wiser, I have found my true Idols. Apart from my mom and dad, these women are those who's successful in every different field in life. Economics, politics, education, jurisprudence, medicine and agriculture. These women have strength in their own field. The men respect them and Allah love them. Although each of them is different, most importantly they share one thing is common. They fight to preserve the true teaching of Islam. These are the great women of Islam, who were given the good news of paradise. Now, who's britney spears again?

I've been reading this book that I bought and it made me realized how small we are. We're just a tiny speck in the world. How insignificant. I have my favourites (note that I haven't finished reading it). These are Khadijah r.a and Aishah r.a.

Khadijah is the mother of believer, she is the first woman to embrace Islam without any question asked. She was born in the world of luxury and she's a successful business woman in the Prophet s.a.w time. Very successful but yet she donated all her money to help propagate Islam. Her tribe throw her away and she died in pauper. But everything was overshadowed when she was greeted by her husband on behalf of Jibrail and of our lord. And was promised a castle in heaven.

Narrated Abu Hurairah r.a: Jibrail (Gabriel) came to the Prophet s.a.w and said. "O Allah's messenger! This is Khadija, coming to you with a dish having meat soup (or some food or drink). When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord (Allah) and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a palace made of Qasab in paradise, wherein there will be neither any noise nor any oil (fatique, trouble, etc.). "(Al-Bukhari)

Aishah r.a on the other hand was intelligent, brilliant mind and have remarkable memory ; and the distinction of being the source of the most Ahadith because of her long association with Muhammad pbuh. Her knowledge of the many branches of religion like fiqh and shari'ah, her wisdom interpretation, her mastery of teachings of the Prophet s.a.w, her trustworthiness and integrity - all these qualities made her one of the most remarkable personalities of the time. All the sahabah goes to her for her knowledge. everyone goes to her when they needed help. She was generous and nobody ever leave her house empty handed.During her lifetime the Prophet s.a.w gaveher wonderful news that she earned a place in paradise. She was choosen by Allah to be the Prophet s.a.w wife

Aishah r.a said: Angel Jibrail brought my picture wrapped in the cover of green silk in the Prophet s.a.w dream and Allah said: "She is your wife in this world and hereafter." (Tirmithi in the chapter of Fadha'il)

The book is like a blog for these women believe it or not. It tells their everyday stories, their mistakes and their achievements even in the war (yes they accompanied the Prophet s.a.w in war too). So you see, the understanding that woman in Islam are suppressed and are meant to just stay in the house and be 'kuno' is utterly misleading. These women mentioned are great successful women and moreover they are promised a paradise (Who wouldn't want that right??). And these women are timeless. They are mentioned in the quran and sunnah and they should be the idols for all the young ladies out there (not Brithey spears..*snort).

Who says we can't be successful at the same time balance our religion. Afterall, that is the purpose of living. As long as we hold onto the sunnah and quran and make an effort to learn everyday about our religion, Insya'Allah, Allah will blessed us with halal livelihood and a place in heaven. We're save dunia and akhirah. For he is ever forgiving and generous.

Start will a simple gesture, start with a salam for our everyday greet.

I will

2011-04-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

So okay. The whole world is talking about them. Her dress, her tiara, her smile, her sister..David and victoria beckham (errr...)...

Kate's definitely a Britain sweetheart.

For the whole day the tally was swamped with stories about the royal family. Especially true entertainment channel and E!news (you've guessed it). All the documentaries about Princess Di, William, the new royal and so on. But Kate middleton story was on bio channel and we needed to pay 1 pound for subscription. Darn it. And did you guys watch the movie aired on 18th of April? Titled Will and Kate. I thought the movie was a bit.....lousy on a funny side.

Let's talk about the dress for a second. She was stunning. Makes me want to have a wedding at westminster abbey (I can see it's a failed wish already).

An ivory gown with lace applique floral detail, the skirt resembling an "opening flower" and intricate lace detailed train. The designer Sarah Burton, of Alexander Mcqueen said it was an experience of a lifetime. I think mostly it was kate's design. Sure it wasn't as royally as the previous late Princess Di wedding gown, all puffy & a ton of train, but it was sooooo her. Kate seems to share similar taste as me (I said taste, not beauty for god sake!). Simple, slick, not too over the top, very clean and not too much colour. And she even have the same taste in flower as I am (as if we are supposed to be dubai BFF..Hahaha *Paris hilton joke) . I loveeee the smell of lilly of valley. I pour it all over the house. Can't get enough of it I tell you.

For the past 1 year kate has occupied the pages of tabloid a lot more than usual. Safe to say that I love everything that she wore. Picture of her going to royal events, shopping on the high street, riding horse, it's everywhere. Luckily she's so gorgeous I don't mind looking at her most of the time. Even Fairuz thinks she's beautiful. And believe me Fairuz, in term of taste in lady celebrities,is hard to please. Yes I know, she's too simple for a princess. But she's pretty enough to not to try too hard on the dressing part. Don't you agree? All eyes should be on her face, then her dress.

What makes Kate even more lovable is the fact that she's purely from a middle class family. A very pretty middle class family. Did you guys see her mother and pippa? Oh my god. A mother soo stunning she could passed up as her older sister. The family owns an online business selling party decorations. From a start up in their backyard to a very successful business worth of 30m. We could learn something from them.

Kate apparently is the first princess who has a proper degree from a university. Something that should be highlighted even more.

And I sincerely think they are the perfect example of the new generation royalty. They're so cool!

Congratulation Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We wish you a long live happy marriage together.

St. Ives, Cornwall, England.

2011-04-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

We had our easter break this weekend. A week before the royal wedding everyone is on holiday so it's a chance to reconnect with friends. It's been a while since we went for a holiday as a group now that everyone have been real busy with work and stuff. And it's been a while too that we went to a beach!

One of our friend Shean Lin, who tagged along with the trip is going home for good after a few years working in a bank here in London. I think he wants to get married and his gf is in Msia. Ahh everyone's gone now. It's sad. Fairuz won't have his golf partner anymore and I think he's going to drag me instead. Ayo! What is this golf thing again??

We went to the most breathtaking St. Ives, way down south of Cornwall, England where the land's end .For 3 days. It's was short and sweet. Rent a cozy holiday cottage just beside the beach and the boys was ecstatic like school boys. They don't care even when the sea was ice cold. They still plunged into the water. Boys....

St. Ives was so beautiful. Everyone just had to agree.

It was raining the day we arrived. But still the city was full of characters overshadowing the gloominess. But the next day it was so sunny that the sky was as blue as it can get. It was wonderful. We all got a free sun tanned.Thank you.

Then we went to the famous Minnack theatre. The highlight of the trip. A theatre built just on the cliffs of Porthcurno beach. Beautiful architecture, we can spend hours staring at the sea. Most of the shows starts in May, so anyone going there in summer should check out what's in store. It'll be very romantic to watch theatre outdoor with the sound of tides and the smell of fresh breeze. Then watch the sunset while eating in the cafe nearby.

And then there was the land's end. The extreme south-westerly point of British mainland, and the extreme westerly point of the mainland of England. We were there to see the cliffs like in the movie. High dangerous cliffs. Hehe.

Blue sky, green soft grass. It was simply bliss these kids can even sleep on it.

That was by far my most pictures loaded in a post. I feel like sharing all of them. It's so beautiful. So I guess you guys have one more added to your "place-have-to-visit-one-day" list right? Go put it now, you won't regret it.