Love Letter to Malaysia...

My Dear Malaysia, 

Some love stories never end; and such is our love story. Even though, we may be physically away from each other but your warmth and what I took from you will remain with me for a long time. 

My hand knitted Gift

Mum visited me last month and I took time off from blogging to spend with her. Mum has been to Malaysia quite a lot and has seen most of the touristy things. So she wanted this trip to be a relaxed one where she hoped to unwind and rest. She asked us not to plan any short trips, picnics, parties or shopping sprees as we always do when she is here. Instead, she just wanted to go slow, watch TV, have long conversations, and eat her Malaysian favourites. A few shopping trips sneaked here and there (unavoidable they are, I tell you!) and we took her to all her favourite places to eat and watched movies.....  but, on most days, Mum and I just sat together and talked about everything under the sun with cups of Kashmiri chai or doodh patti in our hands just like two best friends do! I did not want her vacation to end but time flies by so fast! She went back last Thursday

Hahndorf Adelaide - An Introduction

In February 2017, I visited Australia the 2nd time. I spent a fews days in Melbourne and then took a flight to Adelaide, South Australia. Hubby also accompanied me on the second leg of the trip. This trip was very special for both of us as it was not only a get away from work but also we were to meet someone special. My (almost) childhood friend who only studied with me in school but remained in touch through all stages of life (in pre internet and pre Facebook era) even when we lived in different cities and later different countries. Our husbands were Facebook friends for ages and this was the first time we were all meeting in person!

Thaipusam Festival - Picture Story

Batu Caves During Thaipusam Festival

There are certain things that I need to do because I am a photographer's wife. Like sometimes help him with his projects; be that helper who holds the photographer's bag and lens. Do I enjoy it? Most of the times yes! I don't know if my interest and curiosity about different cultures and traditions is because of his urge to capture them. But, I feel great that I get to experience such diversity! I saw Thaipusam festival in 2015 with my husband and I wanted to share with you some photographs and all that I know!

All photographs by www.ahsanqureshi.com

Hubby's Birthday at Yellow Apron

This year my best friend, my hubby, turned 40 (MashAllah). We normally do not exchange gifts on birthday nor we believe in big celebrations. But, I thought 40 is a milestone - marking not only his birthday but also the fact that we have been married for 10 years now. So, I decided to a throw a little party with close friends as I don't have any family living in Malaysia just to break our own unspoken rules :D.I normally host dinners at home but his birthday, 25th Jan 2017, was right in the middle of week giving me really a tough schedule to cook and plan everything. I find it more fun to celebrate the birthday on the actual day, so, I decided to do it at a restaurant so that we both can also enjoy the party without having to worry about cooking and serving. 

4 Things I Love about Chinese New Year

Thean Hou Temple KL

One of the most celebrated festival in Malaysia after Eid or Raya is the Chinese New Year. I fell in love with it the very first time I saw malls decorated with Chinese lanterns, peach blossoms, Chinese wordings and the very intriguing and colourful Lion. I read a lot about it and found it very fascinating. The history, rituals, origins have so many different versions that it is impossible to put them all in one post. Like other traditions over the years things have been added and deleted from this festival but the essence remains the same.

Welcome 2017

If I could give a title to 2016 (on a personal level), I'd call it 'year of opportunity'.  On so many occasions, personally and professionally, I found myself trying something new and challenging myself to do more than what I believed I was capable of. Some things worked and some did not. The blog, for instance, kept going on despite my really busy and tiring work life. It was a surprise that I did not give up something I could have done very easily otherwise. 

Here we are standing at the end of 2016 and waiting to begin a new year. The perfect time to introspect and plan. Here is some random introspection and planning….