WHAT IS A TRUE FRIEND TO ME?

Friend is essential. Friendship is beautiful. I believe each and everyone of us had a friend or friends. We met many people along our life's journey. Many come and go easily. Some stay forever in our heart and left a very strong remarks in our life.

Siti Aminah making my wedding invitation cards


As for me, I knew many people but only a few of them I can proclaim as a friend. A friend to me is someone who;

1. never leave me when I had problem.
2. always there when I need their help.
3. give me advice when I made mistakes.
4. accepted me and my weakness.
5. forgive me when I made her/him angry.
6. send message/sms asking for my condition when I was in hospital.
7. encourge me to achieve my traget.
8. didn't break our friendship because of someone else.
9. know my past.
10.know my heart.



Hajah Noraini and family.

To my dearest true friend (shown in the photos above), just want to let you know that I love you, I always remember you and I wish all the best thing for you. I appreciate you. Thank you for being a good friend to me.

To some people I called friend, I wish we could be a real friend in the future.Thank you the friendship. You made my llfe more colourful.

To a friend who had left me, sayonara, bye bye, selamat tinggal. I understood that you left because you can't stand my action and my words. I never blame you. Though you ended our friendship, I will pray for your safety and happiness.

AUSTRALIA HERE I COME

At last, after 3 months of waiting, I was granted with a Provisional Resident Visa by the Department of Immigration Australia on 23rd June 2010. It was very exciting for me to receive the news. My husband was very happy and straight away bought the air ticket for me to fly to Australia. I think he had been missing me so much..lol!



From Brunei, I flew to Kota Kinabalu to see my mother, sisters, brothers and also to collect my luggage from my sister's house. I decided to fly with Airasia because the air fare for RBA and MAS very expensive! Before I get onboard at 00.01am on 26th June 2010, I spent my day time in Petronas Twin Tower (after I got my passport stamped by the Australian Embassy).

The journey was good. The Airasia big bird landed safely on Melbourne International Airport around 11am (OZ time). After 3 hours, Virgin Blue took me to Sydney Airport. My husband waited for me patiently. He look very good with his new hair cut! Though this is not my first time in Aussie, I really felt the different. Normally, I have return ticket to Malaysia, but not this time. I only have one way ticket.

SO....I am not sure when will I be back to Malaysia and Brunei.




If any of you think that migrating to a new country is exciting, you are right! but to tell you the truth, the excitment is not last long! After few weeks, the culture shock stress begin to distact your peaceful mind.

As for me, I am happy because I am not separated from my husband. I left my life back in Brunei and Malaysia just to be with him. He is the reason for me to migrate here.

Yes, I am happy! but if I say, I am 100% happy...I lied!



Living here as local means I eligble to work. Thats what I want! I want to work! I have to make some money for myself! but to find a job here is a difficult task. I applied many positions as advertised in the newspaper and online, but all rejected with same reason "WE NEED SOMEONE WITH AT LEAST 6 MONTHS LOCAL WORKING EXPERIENCE"

What? How can I get 6 months local experience if you didnt give me the job???

HAIIIIYYAAAAAAAAAA (Big SIGH)

PERVERT MAN IN BALI, INDONESIA (JUNE 2008)

I was still in depression during my visit to Bali in June 2008. I took AirAsia flight from Terminal 2, Tanjung Aru direct to Bali. It was my first visit. In the plane, there was an Indian guy sat next to me.



Bali International Airport

The guy ask me many questions. He surprised when I told him that I travel alone. Umm.. he was very interested to know more about me but I just ignored him. I think if we are suffering with depression, talking to a stranger is not interesting at all.



Matahari Bungalow at Jalan Kuta .

We landed in Bali around 8.30pm. Bali music played in the airport. The airport decorated with Bali handicraft. Umm..KKIA should do the same thing! I took a taxi to Matahari Bungalow at Kuta. I didn't go anywhere that night. Lucky, I had instant noodles for dinner.



Pantai Kuta Beach - Paradise for surfer

Second day in Bali, I walked to Kuta Beach. Not jalan-jalan cari makan but jalan-jalan cuci mata. Just after 10 minutes of walking, I met the Indian guy again. He smiled to me and great me "selamat pagi (good morning)".




Bali 12 Oct 2002 bombing memorial. May their soul RIP.


Then he told me that he also want to walk to Kuta. So, there we are walking to Kuta, taking photo, and admiring the handicraft together.

Must visit - Kintamani volcano.

"Amy, can you make me lucky today?" suddenly he ask me that question. I look at him. Really don't understand what he tried to say.

paddy terrace (on the way to Kintamani)

"Sorry? What do you mean? How can I make you lucky today?" He smiled at me.

"Can you follow me to my room?"

"Your room?"

"Oh, come on! we are adult. You know what I mean."

Tampak Siring

Wow!!! There was a massive bomb exploded in my heart! I was very shocked to hear that from a 50 years old Malaysian man!

" You are pervert!!! Cilaka!! Miang!! Go to hell ..." HAHA!!! ( actually, I didn't say that out!). I tried to be calm and cool. I smiled to him.

"Ok. Can we go for lunch first?"

I think up to this stage, you know his reaction - He smiled like he won 1 million lottery! He thought, I will really fulfill his crazy wish!

We went to Minangkabau Restaurant. I only eat halal, so that is the best restaurant for me. I ordered my meal and drink. He paid for it. Of course he will! He need to pay for the woman he is going to have sex with!!

After all the meal and drink ready on the table, I opened my mouth.

"I would like to talk about your question just now,"

"Yes? Don't be shy about that, we are adult."

"You know what? That is very stupid and crazy for you to think that I will sleep with you. You know that I am not a prostitute. Travel alone doesn't mean I am looking guy to have sex with me. No! If you really want a girl to satisfied your libido you should look for prostitute or may be you should ask your daughter to have sex with you! You should be ashamed of yourself! You are pervert!"

Departure hall at Bali International Airport.

It was great satisfaction to see his face turned red. I left him with big smile on my face. Back to the hotel ^-^ safely!

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM -ABODE OF PEACE 2003-2009

Small but very wealthy kingdom. Yes, she is Abode of Peace! Crime rates in Brunei is the lowest in Southest Asia. You can walk and drive every where in Brunei without worries. Brunei is a gold mine to many foreigner. Exchange rates B$1 =MYR 2.42!!



Masjid Jame' -Kiarong.


Boat ride to Kampong Ayer


Masjid Sultan Omar Ali Saiffudien



I guess its me..lol! Empire Hotel.

Many Malaysian works in Brunei. Some opened their own business. Working in Brunei is a bless to me. I managed to do many thing for myself and my family with my income in Brunei. Thank you Brunei! Thank you to the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (the 29th sultan) with his two wives (1st = Raja Isteri (his cousin) and 2nd = Pengiran Isteri (a Malaysian, ex TV3 staff)

Yes, to all Malaysian working in Brunei, they should show their appreciation to Brunei. Sadly, some greedy Malaysian involved in unhealthy business such as smugling. They smugle Brunei diesel to Limbang or Miri, and bring in alcohol to Brunei. Tamaklah tu...:-)



Entrance to Berakas Beach


What should you expect in your visit to Brunei ?
1. Brunei is dry land - no alcohol.
2. No night life (No bar, pub or karaoke).




NBT Toyota during Hari Raya


Where to visit?

1. Bandar Seri Begawan - capital city.
2. Empire Hotel
3. Jerudong Park.
4. Brunei Museum
5. Royal Regalia
6. Taman Peranginan Tasik
7. Ulu Belalong Temburong
8. OGDC Seria, Beliat.
9. Muara /Serasa/ Berakas Beach
10.Kampong Ayer.



Tug of-war competition (Brunei famous sport)

How to get there?
1. By land (acces fr Limbang and Miri, Sarawak)
2. By sea (acces fr Labuan)
3. By air (Royal Brunei Airport)


His majesty birthday celebration




When is the best time to visit Brunei?


1. His majesty birthday - 15th July every year
2. National day celebration - 23rd February





Brunei Parliment building


Selamat tinggal Brunei..:-(

SABAH, MALAYSIA - DEC 2008

Sabah is the most multicultural state in Malaysia. The capital city is Kota Kinabalu (previously known as Jesselton and Api Api).

The landmark of Sabah is the highest peak in Malaysia - Mt. Kinabalu. This is one of UN World Heritage that will not disappoint you.

There are many tourist attractions in Sabah such as Sipadan Island, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilition, Tip of Borneo, Tunku Abdul Rahmand National Park, Layang-layang Island, State Museum, Kota Kinabalu ...etc.

Mt. Kinabalu stand at 4,095.3M.

What makes Sabah unique is the people. If any of you travel around Malaysia, I am very sure that you will agree with me if I say Sabah people are very friendly. This is the land of sincere smile where you see smile every where.

Apart from that, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddha, Pagan..etc lives in peace and harmony. Many family in Sabah celebrates all religion celebration because of mix marriage.

Kundasang War Memorial -Lest We Forget (must visit!)

Sepilok Orang Utan (must see list!) - Sandakan.

Agnes Newton Keith house - famous for her book (jurnal) Land Below The Wind, Three Came Home, and Whiteman Return - Sandakan.

The only problem that Sabah Govt should over come in the near future is the illegal immigrant from Philippines and Indonesia. They caused many problem and involved in crimes. According to the Sabah Police Department, more than 60% of crimes in Sabah done by the Filipinos and Indonesian.

SNOWY MOUNTAIN - PERISHER June 2009

When my hubby told me that we will go to the Snowy Mountain (here in Australia), I think that was another dream came true to me.


journey to Perisher

Journey to Snowy Mountain is about 4-5 hours by driving. We passed Canberra, the capital city of Australia. We stayed in a budget motel. Our room is spacious and comfortable.

The next day, we rented a pair of boots and winter clothing. After that we drive up to the mountain. Pure white, thats how I describe snow. We spend half a day there.

my snow rabbit.

If any of you wish to visit Australia during winter, June - August is the right time.

DREAMS CAME TRUE (Brisbane-Sydney) Dec 2008

I am animal lover!! (except snake, leech, and worm). It always my dream to touch a dolphin. When I was young, I read a story about dolphin saves human from drowning in the sea. What a wonderful animal!

Brisbane

Coff's Harbour (5-6 hrs drive from Brisbane)

My dream came true on my first visit to Australia. I flew from Brunei to Brisbane. My destination is Sydney (my hubby hometown) but Royal Brunei Airlines only fly to Perth and Brisbane. I arrived in Brisbane International Airport after 7pm. Flight took 7 hours.

Queensland (1-2 hours drive from Brisbane)

On arrival, the immigration officer asked questions.

1. How long I gonna stay in Australia.

2. Where will I stay.

3. What is my job.

On the ferry to Manly -behind me is the famous land mark of Sydney (opera house)

I told him that I will spend my time in Sydney. He stared at me and say, "do you have any idea that you are in Brisbane now and Sydney is around 1000km from here?"

I gave him a very simple answer "yes, I do"

Thats makes him ask me another question. "How do you go to Sydney?"

"My bf will fetch me here. He drive from Sydney."

Sydney bridge from Centre Point Tower

He look at me again, and smile.

"Wow, your bf must be love you very much. Sydney is 1000km from here! You are lucky,"

I smiled and just say, "I hope so."

"Oh, yes, you are! Okay you free now. Good luck!"

Sydney city (aerial view from Centre Point Tower)

My hubby (that time was my bf) and I spent two days in Brisbane before we drive to Sydney. It was a good experience to see the country side. Station (big farm) is a scenery that you shouldn't missed.

We stopped at Coff's Harbour. Stay overnight. The next next we went to see the dolphin. It was a very happy moment to me. Dolphins are lovely and smart! I took photo with a dolphin and sea lion. The price quiet high but really worth it.

Bondi Beach (very clean!!)

Late evening, we arrived in Sydney. I am happy that my in-law warmly welcomed me. They are kind and understanding. My hubby took me to Bondi Beach (famous beach in Sydney where you can meet television celebrities). Stayed in Sydney for 19 days gave me chances to visit many places such as beaches, zoo, and Blue Mountain.

Three Sisters in Blue Mountain (one of UN World Heritage)

Feeding the kangaroo.

I learned a lot from my visit. One thing that I want to clarify here is racism in Australia is not as bad as what we think. The Aussie (caucasian) welcomed all Asian with open arm. The group that really create trouble in Australia (especially Sydney) is the midlle-east Australian. They involved in crimes and many social problems. This is the same group giving trouble to the Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney.

MANILA, Sept 2009 III

Next day, we decided to buy some cloth and cycling equipment. We took a taxi to Robinson Shopping Complex. Its huge! We bought two pair of Adidas walking shoes. The salesman (early 20s) is a 'soft man'. He told us that the price of my shoe (which is size 4) equal to his one month salary. As to my hubby, it is much cheaper than the price offered in his country.


Phlippines famous transport


The best transport for day tour at Intramuros.

My hubby insisted to buy his cycling equipment in Manila. A salesman told us that its easier and cheaper to buy outside. We took a taxi . My hubby ask the driver to take us to the cycling equipment shop. The driver then sent us to one supermarket. Unfortunately, the shop doesn't sell the things he wanted.




Street children is one of normal scenario in Manila.

We walk to the taxi stand nearby. Before we get a taxi, two street children came to me. They pulled my hand and begging for money. My hubby chased them away. I feel pity to these children but the government and the local people should help them and not the tourist. That incident remind me to Sabah where the Filipinos bring along their 'easiest way to get money' culture which is begging! In Kota Kinabalu, there are many Filipinos beggar!





Homeless and street children in Manila.



After my hubby bought his stuff, we decided to go for window shopping at MegaMall (opposite our hotel). My hubby LOL when he saw a ladyboy salon. To him, lady boys are 'sick'. I agreed with him. There must be something wrong with those lady boy's mental and emotional that makes them change their gender.






People selling porno videos at the road side.

We ate fish and rice for our late lunch at the Megamall food court, then back to hotel. We planned to go to the Korean Restaurant again after we rest for few hours. Unluckily, about one hour later, I felt dizzy and my stomach gone crazy. I start vomiting and my body shivering. I took some pills and go to sleep. My hubby also got the same symtom. God, it was food poisoning!!


Massive Megamall

That night we can't go anywhere. Both of us are sick. My hubby suggested that we should go back two days earlier to Sabah. I agreed with him. he called airasia, and bought the ticket for us. next day we left Linden Suites.

"I don't feel safe here, and I don't like the food!" That was my hubby comments.


Hundreds Filipinos gathered here everyday to apply for oversea jobs.


We took a taxi to Clark Airport. At the airport, one old American man talked to my hubby. He is around 60s and his wife about 25. They had one 3yrs old son. The American guy told us that he is going to apply for Malaysia Second Home program. My hubby suprised to hear that because the guy married to Filipino, therefore he should settled in Philippines.

"No. I don't like it here. Not safe and she got too many families and relatives who like to ask financial help from us."

"Why you choose Sabah?" my hubby asked him.

"Sabah is a good place. Beautiful scenery, peaceful. The people are very friendly, kind and respect each other..."

I was very happy and proud to hear his comments! Well, I am Sabahan!

More happy to me is we left Manila just two days before Onday Typhoon!! Thank GOD.

MANILA Sept 2009 II

Intramuros (World Heritage Site??)

The 'horseman' took us to some places in Intramuros. I felt a bit disappointed after the visit because Intramuros does not up to my expectation especially after the horseman told us that the walled city is rebuilt (many times) after typhoon hit.

The Japs killed their prisoner by drowning them in this well.

Faces of President of Philippines. One of them, Marcos, found a place in Guinness World of Record for corruption.

Roman Catholic church. Elegant. Many rich and famous Filipino tied their knot here.

Honestly, I don't see what made Intramuros one of the UN World Heritage.

The horseman (in green) explaining something to my hubby.

May be it was the history behind these rebuilt buildings and walled city that made it qualified to be declared as World Heritage site, but it really failed to meet my expectation. To me, World Heritage site is a place made you speechless for few minutes before you say "WOW!!"

to be continue...(III)