Minum petang di The Orchid Conservatory, The Majestic Hotel, KL

 

Bismillahirahmanirahim 

Afternoon tea atau minum petang adalah budaya Inggeris sejak berabad lamanya. Budaya ini juga telah masuk ke alam kita sewaktu zaman penjajah British. Pegawai British, raja raja, aristokrat dan kumpulan berada selalunya yang menyertai majlis atau mengadakan minum petang ini. Durasi majlis selalunya mengambil tempat dilewat petang sekitar jam 4 ke 6 petang. Menariknya adalah pada juadah yang dihidangkan. Kek, kuih muih tempatan dihidang bersama kopi atau teh. Selain itu, finger food juga disediakan. Selalunya juadah yang dihidangkan dalam porsi sedikit kerana tidak lama dari majlis ini waktu untuk makan malam pula. Etika pemakaian pula berbagai, kalau dulu-dulu di negeri inggeris atau wakil British akan mengenakan busana dan pakaian rasmi. Yang wanitanya berpakaian dress ropol-ropol dipadankan dengan payung. Kalau di zaman kini pakaian smart casual sudah memadai untuk hadir ke majlis minum petang ini. Oh ye sebagai tambahan, kalau dahulu ada limitasi dalam menyertai majlis ini dek kerana hanya golongan atasan sahaja yang dibenarkan pergi akan tetapi sekarang semua boleh selagi mampu. Banyak juga hotel atau cafe yang menawarkan set minum petang dan saya bersama pasangan telah pergi ke salah satu tempat minum petang yang cantik lagi indah sabtu lalu. 

Si Dia telah menyatakan hasrat ingin membawa saya ke tempat minum petang untuk menyambut hari jadi saya tapi malangnya full booked. Sungguh saya terharu dia ingat yang saya ingin sekali ke the Majestic hotel dan akhirnya sabtu lalu 15.8.2020 saya dapat pergi ke sana dengannya. Bayangkan kami terpaksa menunggu kurang lebih 3 minggu untuk mendapatkan tempat minum petang ini. Disebabkan si Dia sangat sukakan orkid, kami bersetuju untuk minum petang di the Orchid Conservatory. Boleh dikatakan dalam banyak sudut hotel yang berkonsepkan zaman colonial ini yang ini paling cantik dan harganya sedikit dari norma untuk berdua. Juga one of a kind. 

Sebelum hari yang dijanjikan saya sudah pening memikirkan pakaian yang ingin dipakai pada hari tersebut. Sehari sebelum saya ambil keputusan untuk pakai apa sahaja yang ada dan kebetulan pagi sebelum ke minum petang saya ada meeting di pavilion. Tidaklah sampai hajat nak jadi princess petang itu. Saya mengenakan blouse singkat putih dengan jaket flora pemberian eja di Istanbul bersama jeans dan sepatu clark raya. Dipadankan dengan tudung bawal berwarna krim dan beg mariam duck berona hijau askar ( almaklumlah bercinta dengan askar). Saya rasa confident berpakaian sebegitu walaupun seusai saya sampai disapa pekerja hotel yang ingatkan saya adalah doktor yang datang untuk program di hotel tersebut. 

Oh ye masuk je pintu hotel baru setapak dua saya nampak Si Dia. Santai sahaja bajunya, berkemeja biru (hadiah harijadinya dari saya) bersama singlet kelabu uniqlo barangkali dan berseluar slack hijau atau mungkin denim berkasut coklat formal. Diiring saya keatas sebelum ditunggu saya sudah solat. Seusai solat dia membawa saya ke tempat yang dituju. Nervous kerana expectation saya tinggi untuk melihat tempat yang kami akan minum petang. Pintu kaca ditolak untuk masuk ke perut ruang conservatory orchid  yang nyaman lagi cantik. Terpegun saya seketika melihat tempat ini. Saya mulanya ingat ia besar walaupun hanya kecil. Padanlah hanya boleh menempatkan 15 orang pada satu satu masa. Konsep ini saya suka kerana lebih privasi untuk pengunjung meluangkan masa bersama yang tersayang. Bila saya masuk ke ruangan ini mata saya lepas mengagumi kecantikan orkid teralih ke kerusi saya yang terletaknya sejambak bunga. Terus si Dia tersenyum kerana beliau telah membawa sejambak bungam lily untuk buah hatinya (Sayalah orang itu). Saya terharu. Saya akui dia memang pandai buat kejutan. Saya alihkan bunga itu dan duduk untuk menantikan juadah minum petang dihidang. 

Untuk seterusnya biar gambar yang bercerita.... 

Akhir kalam, sesi minum petang cari Inggeris ini menarik dan satu hari nanti kalau saya mahu juga afternoon tea hunting di tempat-tempat lain. Barangkali Fraser Hills mahupun cameron highland atau juga di London. 

nota kaki : Sepetang yang indah di taman bunga Orkid bersama MSAH. Doakan yang baik-baik buat kami ye :) 

Belajar dari si kecil

Bismillahirahim. 

Apa khabar semua? Kita baru sahaja melangkah masuk ke bulan April 2019. Sebulan menuju ke bulan Ramadhan yang ditunggu. Sungguh waktu itu bergerak dengan pantas. Tatkala matahari terbit disebelah timur rembulan baru melabuhkan sauh di barat. Pergerakan hidup semakin pantas berlalu dan kita sebagai manusia adakah bersama ikut laju atau hanya berpegang alur masa kita yang perlahan? Apapun teruskan mengejar dan berkejar untuk melakukan kebaikan. Dalam pada masa yang sama jangan lupa berehat untuk melepaskan lelah dan perbaiki diri. 

Pada hujung Mac yang lalu saya berkesempatan untuk bekerja separuh masa menjadi tour leader untuk syarikat aku dan Istanbul. Kali ini tugasan saya adalah mengiring sebuah keluarga seramai 9 orang kesemuanya. Dalam 9 orang itu terdapat 5 kanak- kanak dan 4 dewasa. Sungguh saya agak berdebar untuk membawa mereka pada mulanya kerana agak kekok handle kanak-kanak seramai itu. Akan tetapi satu perkataan yang saya boleh katakan. SUBHANALLAH kerana kedua ibu bapa kanak-kanak tersebut mendidik mereka dengan sebaiknya. Baik akhlak dan budi bahasanya. Tetapi terkadang tu ada sahaja nakal sedikit sebanyak. Iyalah budak - budak kan? :)

Saya bersama keluarga tersebut selama 8 hari dan 7 malam. Kami bersama-sama meneroka kota Istanbul, kemudian terbang ke Cappadocia, Pamukkale dan Bursa sebelum menghabiskan beberapa hari lagi di Istanbul. Sungguh dalam perjalanan ini banyak sekali yang saya pelajari terutama dengan si kecil. Sedari cara mengendalikan mereka, cara didikan ibu bapa mereka dan dari hati mereka yang suci. Seperti hadis ini 

Nabi Muhammad SAW telah bersabda di dalam satu hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Abu Hurairah r.a dengan mafhumnya:

مَا مِنْ مَوْلُودٍ إِلَّا يُولَدُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ فَأَبَوَاهُ يُهَوِّدَانِهِ وَيُنَصِّرَانِهِ وَيُشَرِّكَانِهِ

"Tidaklah seorang bayi yang dilahirkan melainkan dalam keadaan fitrah, maka Kedua orang tuanyalah yang menjadikannya Yahudi, atau Nasrani atau Musyrik." (Hadis Riwayat di dalam sahih Muslim)

Pada mulanya mereka agak kekok . Ok bukan mereka sahaja saya juga. Mana taknya dengan anak buah sendiripun boleh kekok ini kan lagi dengan total stranger. Bukan 1 tapi 5. Mereka keseluruhannya berumur diantara 10 ke 3 tahun. Alhamdulillah dari hari ke hari kami mula membina kepercayaan dan rapat. Dari seorang ke semua yang mula rapat denganku. Setiap seorang ada keunikan dan cara tersendiri yang saya fikir menunjukkan trait nombor dalam adik beradik. 

Salah satu sebab kenapa mereka terjaga dan terdidik dengan baik adalah ibu mereka is a stay a home mother who is also a graduate. Saya harap tiada yang terasa. Bukan bermakna ibu yang bekerja itu tidak dapat mendidik anak-anak akan tetapi jika wanita berpendidikan dan kemudian duduk di rumah membesarkan anak-anak pasti anak-anak akan lebih terjaga dan beradab. Saya salute pada wanita yang bekerjaya dan dalam masa yang sama membesarkan anak-anak serta menjaga keluarga. Its a bonus point if they can do their best for family. Untuk wanita yang full time house wife, an option of involving to entrepreneurship will be a good one. Baking for instant. This give a good revenue plus you will for sure enjoy playing with flour.

bergambar kenangan dengan Puan Anisah

Satu perkara yang saya belajar dari Puan Anisah, the mother, adalah untuk biarkan mereka nak buat apa sahaja supaya mereka belajar. Jangan larang apa yang mereka nak buat. Jika nak merajuk biarkan merajuk tetapi setelah bertenang nanti mereka akan kembali ataupun selepas 5 minit salah seorang dari ibu atau bapa akan pergi pujuk. Ajar juga mereka untuk disiplin dan berkongsi. Iyalah kalau ada beradik ramai dan tidak reti beralah susah juga bukan?

gang Naelofar hijab

Sewaktu kami di lapangan terbang teringat saya salah seorang dari anak kecil itu, Amir, dia datang kepadaku dan berkata; Kak rara janji dengan Amir tau. Saya bertanya janji apa? Dia terus berkata; janji nanti balik Malaysia datang rumah kami. Kedua janji makan semua makanan dalam plastik ni k. :) Cair hati seorang kakak yang macam ganas ni. Sebelum masuk ke dalam untuk perlepasan mereka bergilir-gilir bersalaman dan berpelukan denganku. Nampak hampir semua sedih ingin meninggalkanku mana taknya hampir lebih seminggu kami bergerak bersama ke 4 negeri. Ini adalah moment sedih bagiku akan tetapi sentiasa perlu dihadap setiap kali menghantar tetamu ke lapangan terbang. Buat adik-adik Kak Rara, Alia, Arif, Amir, Adil dan Asim akak doakan agar semua membesar menjadi anak yang soleh dan solehah serta berjaya di dunia dan akhirat inshaAllah. Ada rezeki nanti akak balik Malaysia akak datang raya rumah :)

Unplanned Trip to Büyükada (Prince Island)

Bismillahirahmanirahim.

Welcome Winter. Yesterday marked the start of the first day of winter, winter solace. Nisa on Friday upon finishing class came to hang out with me. I am supposed to meet Kak Hanis late noon but she was a bit busy upon arrival in Istanbul. I first brought Nisa to my favorite coffee shop Dopamine for her to get a sip of my happiness. I was having a little headache due to lack of caffeine and decided to take machiatto with two shots. Nisa went for Chocolate Latte. While sipping the cup of coffee we talked on numerous thing. From studies to reading to self rediscovering. I then came out with an idea of short escape out of Istanbul and the nearest we can go to is islands nearby Istanbul. At the coffee shop, we didn't come into agreement on which Island to visit but later on agree upon Büyükada (Prince Island) as both of us have yet to visit that one. 

From the coffee shop, we make our way to Istanbul Forum. I was aiming for a few items to bought and at first going there to meet kak Hanis. As winter approached my skin started to experience dryness. I remember using the body shop shea body butter and it works well on my Asian skin. Back in Malaysia, the prices range is around rm 50/60 but when checking at the store here puff its around 100tl. A huge difference in price thanks to inflation that Turkey is facing. I then decided to visit gratis (Turkish version of Watson or Guardian) for cheaper local brand lotions. Upon arrival at the shop, I was at awe. They are having Christmas sale and most of the product were on discount. We then go to Golden Rose as I've been eyeing for a new color for my nail colors collection. I ended up buying a nail color which is nude matte and a nude coffee lipstick.  As a woman, it's hard to resist when there is a sale and always ended up buying thing which is of lists.  I always make a list of thing that I want to buy so that I won't overspend nor overbuy things. Other than making a list, I will always ask myself is it a need or just desire from there I could control my spending. I am a person who rather spends my money on books than on unnecessary things. We then make our way to Ikea for dinner. While chewing the famous meatball we decided on going to Büyükada. We texted a few friends inviting them to go for the sudden trip. Most of them can't make it due to meetings and finals but later Hafizan and his assistant Musta'in decided to join us. 

I and Nisa after filling in our stomach make our way to Carrefour which is located in Forum Istanbul to buy some items to make food for the trip. We decided on a tuna sandwiches, pomegranate juice, some finger food, and chocolates. Done with the shopping we head back home. At first, we were thinking of sleeping upon reaching home but ended up nail polishing and putting on masker. A girly thing which is a kind of therapy for girls. We slept a bit late but managed to wake up early and prepare the package for the trip. 

The next morning, we woke up, packed food and make our way to Eminönü. Upon arrival the boat we should be taking will take off in 5 minutes time but Hafizan and his friend are yet to arrive. We are a little sad with it but while waiting for them we came out with some other option which is Balat or Yildiz Park as an alternative. When they arrived we head straight to the bus stop and subhanaAllah when passing by the Turyol it was stating that the next boat to büyükada is at 1240 noon (that was 10 minutes more). We decided to take it and Alhamdulillah Allah has already decided for us to visit Büyükada on that day. It took around 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrived at Büyükada or Prince Island. The cruise was not smooth and did trigger my anxiety as the tide was so strong that day. I have the vision of sunk boat and etc but Alhamdulillah we reach the Island safely. 

The Princes' Islands are a chain of nine rather small islands in the Sea of Marmara. They evolved from a place of exile during the Byzantine era, to a popular destination for tourists and Istanbulites alike to escape from hectic life for a day. Of those nine islands, only four of them are open to the public : Büyükada is the biggest next to it is Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada. 

As the boat approaching the jetty, I was so happy and later stepping my feet on the land makes me happy as it was a thrill boat ride. First stop is the mosque. We used google map to find for the mosque. It was a historical one as it was built by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1895 and was named Hamidiye Camii. Walking through the route in Büyükada it felts relax, there is no car at all. The people of the island mostly used electrical vehicles and not to forget the horse carriage (most islands is famous for it). After prayer, we decided to eat the food we prepared before we set off to explore the Island. While eating we have lots of company by cats. I could say that this Island can be known as Cat Island too because there are so many cats around. They are fluffy and friendly too. 

We walk from the mosque later around. While walking I'm mesmerized with the building designed which is of 20th centuries design and of course Mediterranean style. The urban design of the island is very standardized, the house was built parallel with each other and painted with colorful colors. The people of the island is kinda friendly, we even had a brief session with kids who are playing with football by the street. We make our way to the city center where we can see the view of Istanbul from far. We set on next to take a horse ride around the Island. We called it Fayton (Horse Carriage). 

The horse ride was around 45 minutes and we had a stop somewhere in the peak area of the island as the horses need to rest for a while. I felt so sad on behalf of the horses because of the need to carry a heavy carriage and me with the rest. I decided during the stop to make friend with the horses one name sirin and another lemen. Sirin is lovely and as her name but the other one is a little shy. We then make our way back to the starting point of the ride and walk to the ferry jetty. As planned to make our way back to Istanbul at around 1730pm. We arrived in Eminonu at around 1900pm. 

The trip was a healing retreat for myself. Its been a while since I visited new places. I always hope to have a break from my normal life and surrounding. Let it be in Istanbul nor in Malaysia. Alhamdulillah Ala Kulli Hal for the day. SubhanaAllah  Kun Fa Ya Kun, when Allah permits it to happen it will. The air in Büyükada is so clean and the surrounding is serene. With green and historical sites, it is a short escape that heals. One thing I learned is that the limitation one is experiencing in within oneself not others. Be the best for yourself and love yourself. Another thing will come accordingly. Keep your cycle positive, help and love others too. With that, you will live a life with tranquility and happiness. 

p/s: thanks to Nisa, Hafizan, Musta'in for the company to Buyukada. 

KEMBARA BALKAN RARA 2017 (NOTA MECEDONIA)

-SKOPJE AND LAKE OHRİD, MACEDONİA-

The land of Alexander the Great was the first city I step into on my recent Balkan trip. It takes roughly around 1 hour 10 minutes trip from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport to Skopje Alexander The Great Airport. The airport looks modern and have a statue of Alexander lying in the middle of it as a symbol of their pride. We then later took the airport transfer which cost around (175 denar) 2.5 euro to the Skopje Bus Terminal which is 40 minutes away from the airport. By the way, the currency used in Macedonia is Macedonian Denar. Oh yes I said yes for the trip after being ask by a sister from Malaysia by the name of Leeza.

Through out the way we can see the building looks exactly as it is back during the Yugoslavia era. The gloomy weather add in effect that make me draw a conclusion of the city seems to be like a ghost town (no offence). Upon arrival at the Terminal we grab the next ticket to Ohrid. The historical city of Macedonia. The ticket cost us around(450 denar) 7 euro per person.

It took around 3 hours from Skopje to Ohrid. The route taken by the bus mesmerized me as it goes through route in between mountains and forest. Passing through some villages, farm and rivers. As we are reaching the city of Ohrid we look to the window and saw the famous Lake Ohrid. We reached Ohrid around 5 pm and head straight to our hostel. It was located 300 m from the Bus station. We rented a room at Anastasia Villa Apartment. The room were a lil small but is comfy to rest in. I met 2 other traveller here, one from Korea and another from Turkey. I had a small chat with the one from Turkey. His name is Ismail and has been backpacking since 3 month before.

The next morning I wake up early, pray and had breakfast. Kak Leeza prepared bread with Tuna spread. A good way to start the day. We then head walk to the city center and decided to take cab halfway through. We went first to Czar Samuel Fortress which located at the highest peak of ancient city Ohrid. Upon arrival, we saw the sign showing that the place are yet to open. The taxi driver drove us to an ancient theatre which is an open space. This theatre reminds me alot of the Dionysus theatre back in Acropolis Athens. We then walk to the Fortress and at the fortress we can see the whole Ohrid from a bird eye view.

After we are done with the Fortress we head down to the lower part of the ancient city where a church of St John, Sinan Celebi Turbesi(which we looked from far), Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. From the Church of St John we took a boat ride around the lake Ohrid before heading to the city centre. The crystal clear water and emerald green colour is fascinating. Oh yes the taste of the Lake is slightly SALTY. The city centre were crowded with families who were out on a public holiday which is the 1st of May. The sun shine with breeze from the lake is superbly lovely. We walk back to the guesthouse and pack for our next destination.

I think Ohrid is the best city for retirement as it is so calm, the people were kind and their people are friendly too. Our next destination is Kotor in Macedonia but in order to go to Kotor we need to catch another bus from Tirana, Albania. We headed to Struga by minibus to their bus terminal to catch the next bus to Tirana but another experience were made there.

CIAO MACEDONIA. 

short notes:

Samuel Fortress - entrance fees 2 euros 

To be continue.....