MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur: Mama

When my mum gave me the message urging me to come home sounding distressed...

I just simply went under the radar.

It has been 6 weeks since my mum was admitted in UMMC (University Malaya Medical Centre). I just simply stop writing. By the way there, were other things to do too. In between there were other programs, day and night...but last week on her insistence...oh how she insist, that I start posting again. So, squeezing every ounce of creative juice to come up with a suitable topic to talk about.

Mum is diabetic. It has been under control, until recently. Through the siblings’ WhatsApp group, we discussed about her condition. 

NIGERIA: Lagos: A Name (PART 1)

Let's face it, I can wear the colourful dashiki (derived from Hausa language which means 'shirt'), put on a kufi, fila, or mahadu abanki (all are skull caps.... I have to check with Zaharan), wear the Super Eagles football jersey...speak in Yoruba or even fluent Pidgin like Petros (A Greek descent, but born in Nigeria)..I can tell you the state of Kogi with Lokoja as its capital is adjacent to 10 other states in Nigeria...But with my skin colour..I am but an Oyibo (not local, not Nigerian)

At Lake Como (Lago di Como)

Worse still, I am pretty sure that there is no Yoruba name begins with the letter 'Z' (I think) much worse when it's "DZ" in my case. So I get the stares. To pronounce my name is even worse than the tongue twister. 

My friends from the North mostly have Muslim names (Zaharan, Yahaya...even the President, Muhammadu Buhari)  You either will correctly identify them as Hausa (here muslims are the majority), a Muslim or they originally comes from the north of Nigeria. 

From the East, names like Amaka, Chibuzo, Chukwuemeka, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Nnamdi Azikiwe or Ngozi (the list goes on and on). But I noticed, a healthy dose of 'Z' and the sort of name where consonants combine could be a dead giveaway of the origin of the person.

Lagos (pronounced as Lay-goes) the melting pot of various sort of people around Nigeria and Africa, a Yorubaland. You would find names that begins with Olu (ooh-lu, which means God), Oba (means King), Ade (crown/royalty..hmmmm the footballer Adebayor seems a likely match), Akinwunmi (current Governor of Lagos), Babatunde (name given to a son which has the similar trait as his forefather, Babatunde Fashola...previous Lagos Governor's name, now Minister of Power, Works and Housing), Taiwo (name given to a younger set of twin) and some named their children according to the day of birth. Sunday is quite famous. Each day has its qualities according to them

Good names makes person, naturally. Parents give good names to their children which hopefully, will aspire them to greater heights in life or a higher purpose. To a foreigner like me, pronouncing the names here is another matter and worse, not pronouncing it properly. I remembered Anthony (a friend of mine in Abuja) mentioned that they know you are saying their name, but they most probably would not respond to you because of how you say it.

And since name is important..and I am beginning to miss the point regarding this particular posting, my friends at Madams workplace had given or rather bestowed me with one. I am humbled by it, felt given a batch of honour by them. 

You can call me, Femi (which means, love me..)

Oh my!..I was gobsmacked when I heard it. I was studying about the names of the main tribes of Nigeria when the news came. I guess, if it's easy for them...easy for me too. Aheh!!

at Lake Atter (Attersee in Austria)

RARECATION 13: ITALY (Lake Como) - Switzerland (Maloja) - (PART 2)

From Maloja, we drove on a little further. The town how should I say..quiet? I mean there were people walking here and there... hiking the terrain, but I am sure this place is livelier during winter. That was what we noticed, travelling around this mountainous area. 

A few kilos further down the road from Maloja we came to a lake, Lake Silser (Silsersee). We stopped again, naturally, to take photos of the area. How we decided to stop at one place, instead of the other...it depends on how loud the request for the driver to stop the camper van by the roadside. 

"cantiknya..berhenti, berhenti berhenti!!!!"
(Nice...stop, stop, stop!!!)... someone would called out. 

RARECATION 13: ITALY (Lake Como) - Switzerland (Maloja) - (PART 1)

This trip, to me was an exciting one. 

The drive up to the destination was scenic too! The sun finally decided to show up, it promises a day of trouble free and no drama.

A1 "California" and "Temerloh" at the gas station

doing a 'time-lapse' using the GoPro

RARECATION 13: ITALY (Lake Como)

What can I say, I was raised listening to my father's LP (vinyl) on Sunday mornings. I can remember it quite clearly, after breakfast we would be listening to his selection. Simon & Garfunkel, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Boney M, Beatles, Santana (Black Magic Woman, especially) and then mom would select songs from Allahyarhamah Datuk Sharifah Aini (Seri Dewi Malam), tunes from Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Puan Sri Saloma and once a while, Hamzah Dolmat. So oldies are nothing 'new' to me. I enjoy them, still! Since we were at Lake Como...the song by Cats Steven, then Yusuf Islam "Morning Has Broken" seems appropriate for this occasion.

Sab and Che Mun were already with Syibli. Radzi was there too. Obviously taking pictures of the lake using the filters. I joined them and tried taking a few pictures with it but the result was appalling. I don't have those holder for the filter and my hands must be trembling against the lens....

some part of the huge lake

RARECATION 13: Switzerland - Italy (Lake Como)

From our last stop, with Didit safely on board we moved on towards the Swiss town of Lugano. From there, Allah willing we will reach the fabled Y-shaped Lake Como. 

George Clooney, Stallone, Madonna, Versace made home along the shores of Lake Como. In the movie Star Wars episode II, part of the Naboo scenes (with lake) were shot in Como especially the marriage of Anakin to Amidala. Suffice to say, it is one of the most desired place to stay in Italy or maybe the whole of Europe if you have cash to burn. 

Autobahn

travelling along the streets...

RARECATION 13: Switzerland (Day 2) : FRIEND GONE MISSING!!!

Before we begin this part of the story...I would like to give credit to Radzi Yusoff from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania who gave the title of this particular posting.. It was, from the rest of us men point of view..excluding the victim, it was sort of funny how it happened. 

Anyway, en route to Lake Como which is in Italy we stopped at a lay-by and use the much needed toilet. We do have it in the van, but  usually reserve it for emergency. 

All of us went down at once and since it was the last stop in a maybe long journey, best get it done with. This last stop proved to be a good one. A Full fledge stop centre with a cafe/restaurant, petrol station (pump station), toilet and a souvenir cum-convenience store. All needed by hungry petrolheads with active bladder and money to burn... 

There's also lots of info regarding the nearby Gotthard tunnel which this place is famous for. There's also another service area opposite this one..servicing the Northbound traffic. It has been around for ages and renovated to serve the road users in this area.

The last major stop before pushing on
towards Lake Como

Ok, for the sake of accuracy and to tell you that this really happened, we stop at My Stop Gotthard. The full address as follows:

Gotthard Raststätte A2 Uri AG
Dimmerschachen
CH–6467 Schattdorf

MY STOP Gotthard

RARECATION 13: Switzerland (Day1 - 2) : Schwyz

OK.....This part of the trip really puzzled me. I can't really recall much, even with the pictures. This was because, I was unable to get connected to the Wifi. 

Yes, there was Wifi available for us to use. Two units of moving hotspot for the whole convoy, but each unit only able to connect to 8 mobile phones at a time. So we have to take turns to be able to use it. But I was busy looking outside the camper van's window that I totally forgot to check my location. But we were heading towards Schwyz, which is not far from Lucerne.

From one town to another..to get to our
destination

RARECATION 13: Switzerland (Day 1): Rhein Falls

Driving in convoy of camper van requires you to check the rest of the vehicles from time to time. Each time we reached a roundabout or about to take a junction..we would relay the news first and later check with each driver if they had successfully navigated the road. We tried our best not to be too far from each other...lest we have to pull over and guide the missing van back to us. 

RARECATION 13: Switzerland (Day 1)

This Rarecation trip is the 13th instalment by SNAP. So far there's been trips to India, China and Indonesia. They did Europe back then, and this one is a repetition of some sort.  Since it's close to my backyard, of course I'm interested.

The next day, SN informed there will be a breakfast together with the whole group instead of our designated 'canteen' (Two canteens in a group of 4 camper van). It was a get to know session. 

the usual suspects....Radzi and Harun, first to eat

Welcoming speech by SN

seating (l-r) Anz, Januarhaikal, Kamalia (K) and Tasha

seating (l-r) Didit, Sab, Kak Mona, Zach, Coke and Pah

RARECATION: Germany en route to Switzerland (WHAT ARE YOU DOING?)

We left the vicinity of Schwangau..the "Swan Land" and venture south towards Switzerland. We entered the Autobahn (highway) for some kilometres, enough for Syibli to key in into the Google Map for our next destination. 

Another aspect of Rare in this Rarecation is the fact that we travel, as much as possible not using the Autobahn or Autostrada, I mean the highways. The old road, the one less travelled? Those are the most scenic don't you think so? Old road or state road follows the terrain but highways...highways take point A and B, connect them in the most direct route. Mountain in the way? Either you bore through them or smash them into kingdom come. Need to cross a valley? Just build bridge with its support 100 feet tall or more.

rolling fields

road between the trees in autumn 

We were traveling along the road when suddenly from 'Temerloh' (Saiful Nang (SN) was driving) called in over the walkie talkie telling us to pull over..."berhenti! berhenti!" (Stop! Stop!)

RARECATION: Germany: Schwangau:- Schloss Neuschwanstein

Heraldry! A study of coats of arms has always been one of my interest. A family coats of arms evolves thru time. A marriage is the usual cause for it. But a city? I doubt any change...unless for a special reason. 

Lo and behold! Above is the coat of arms of Schwangau. A swan on red shield. Schwangau means "Swan Land". Must be lots of these gentle creatures roaming around these area for them to adopt such name in the first place. 

The Bavaria Coat of Arms on the flag
(horizontal light blue and white lozenges shape)

RARECATION: The Beginning...(Part 3) - END

My friends...(Rarecation buddies and readers), in this trip alone, I amassed almost 190GB worth of photos. Too trigger-happy... I am still learning. I apologise. 

File info...accidentally creen captured twice

In short...with too many pictures in my external hard disk, I will only be able to show just a few. Maybe some will be in IG and Fb or maybe a posting just about the photos. Anyway, it's just too many to show in one go...more less in one posting. 

Enough about the photos...

Meanwhile....Abang Rashid, Kak Mona and I had our own drama too! At the airport, I forgot one teeny weeny item. My passport and the copy of the luggage report! I moved from one camper van to another and I totally forgot about it. Oh no!!!! But the staff at the KLM counter was very helpful. Asked me if I have any other ID card (my Malaysian IC card and Nigeria's CERPAC card I always carry around in my wallet). 

RARECATION: The Beginning...(Part 2)

A few weeks before the trip, Saiful Nang (SN) or was it Syibli created a WhatsApp group for the lot of us. It was rather clever of him to do that. We mingled among us in cyberspace before the actual meeting on the 10th of October. 

There are (since the WA group is still pretty much active) 18 of us plus 4 crews (SN, Syibli, Harun and Dinie). The crew arrived a week earlier than us. They sent pictures, pretty good ones actually to excite us. It worked very well. 

The "on the way" picture of Syibli to Munich airport

SNAP crew in KLIA

Zach

Anz and Rose

meanwhile..Sab has arrived and with the crew

Rose, K (Kamalia, IG:kamaliakamal), Zach and Anz

Drama prone Didit and Hafiz  

Rose and SNAP ground crew

RARECATION: The Beginning...(Part 1)

Finally I am going to Europe for a short study-visit with some friends! 11 days around Europe. 

Trip begins from Munich in Germany - Switzerland's Rhine falls and its Alpine regions - Italy's Lake Como, Verona and Venice - Bovec in Slovenia - Hallstatt and Salzburg in Austria and finally back to Munich for a visit before departing for Lagos, Nigeria. 

All in all, it will be a ~2000km journey which we will be cooking our own food...make our bed...recharge the on board batteries...fill the tanks with water...empty the grey water tanks (used water)...clean the WC, all those on daily basis, because all of us will be travelling on these....

C1 Euro mobil by DRM

NIGERIA: Lagos: Banana Island Cultural Festival

There was the Small World earlier this year...then there's the Indonesia Bazaar in May just before summer holiday and finally (if I could say that) the Banana Island Cultural Festival to top it off for 2015.

Indonesia Bazaar ticket

Small World 2015

Small World entrance deco

NIGERIA: 55th Independence Day, 2015

Thursday, 1st October 2015 marked the 55th anniversary of the Independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from United Kingdom in 1960. 

Google on October 1st

NIGERIA: Lagos: Eid al-Kabir (Part 2)

In the earlier post, I mentioned the Eid gathering of Malaysians in Lagos. Just a small get together, pot luck style. Most of us here in Lagos are just a few kilometres apart but to  meet up regularly is another matter. All caught up with work, children's activities, other function and in the case of Mogan and Karthig....either they were assigned outside Lagos for a period of time or just a simple case of being too busy to meet up. I suspect Mogan bar hopping all over Lagos...Island and Mainland included (yes, there's two parts of Lagos...another post..maybe)

Btw, when Madam expressed her intention to have a makan-makan (eating) session during Eid....I was unsure it would happen at all. I just love to tease her. I excel in doing just that. Without our helper at home (we gave her off day for Eid), she would struggle. But she can cook pretty well since we moved to Lagos. I love her Nasi Minyak or butter rice with some spice added to it. Maybe this time, this time it will be a breeze for her.

Well done, Madam!

Ladies in the kitchen.. Ida, Norhuda
and Dayang

NIGERIA: Lagos: Eid al-Kabir (Part 1)

We celebrated Eid ul-Fitr (Aidil Fitri) in Malaysia and that was during the school summer holiday, but Eid al-Kabir, Aidil Adha, Hari Raya Korban or Hari Raya Haji (Hajj) in Nigeria for a change. It's a two day public holiday, so going back to Malaysia is not an option. 

certainly a one way ticket for the ram

This year's Hajj season was marred with tragedy. First was the crane accident at Masjidil Haram in Mecca and the stampede in Mina (May Allah grant them Jannah). In my mind, the previous Friday's khutbah (sermon) by Imam Sulaiman Ibrahim urging Muslims to do the Qurban (slaughtering of livestock). 

If you've met or have Nigerian friends, they can be very animated during conversation, so does this particular Imam. 
He told the story of Allah's prophet Abraham and his son, Ismael in a very out of ordinary manner....but in a nice way, actually (all the hand gestures and slaughter was a hand across the neck). He mentioned about the livestock, the age, the condition, price and the dividing of the meat. Regarding price, he was talking about the need to strive for the best livestock...but within budget. Do not abandon your niat (intention) and focus on the reward in hereafter....and that is faith. He reminded the verse from the Holy Koran which we recite at least 5 times a day...

"Say. Indeed My prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah, The Lord of The Worlds"

- Surah Al An'am/The Cattle (6:162)

I put off the idea of doing the Qurban this year until the moment we were on our way back to Lagos from Abeokuta, Ogun state (story here) where we passed the Kara Market which was full with goats and cattle. 

Kara livestock market, Lagos