LONG VACATION AND THE LONG QUEUE

During the last school vacation I took my family to visit several places. We left KB on the 8th of June towards KL. Halfway we were caught in a long queue, exactly in the middle of the forest in Bukit Tujuh between Gua Musang and K. Lipis. An accident had occurred involving the 40 ton wagon, blocking the way. The mishap occurred as early as 5.00am, but the clearing of wreckage began at 2.00pm and completed by 6.00pm, 5 hours of exhaustive waiting. Thank to our police department for the initiative. The queue was estimated to be 10 km long and what a pity to see that several wedding ceremonies perhaps to be postponed or late. I saw quite a number of grooms still in their traditional attires fanning themselves for a cooler air. We reached KL safely by midnight and be with my double Cu the next day.

Back to KB via Cameron Highlands, a mountain resort famous for strawberry, varieties of fresh vegetables, flowers and high quality tea. After ascending a winding and a breath taking 50km drive we halt and enjoyed tea besides the tea plantation and then proceed to Brinchang, the highest and coldest spot of the area. My daughters were astonished by the appearance of orang asli and their dwellings that could be found along the route.

A score of years ago I neither didn't dare to go out after dusk until noon without sweater nor took shower without hot water, but not at present. The surrounding had changed, concrete buildings replaced trees, farm lands had taken over virgin forests and the increasing number of vehicles pouring into the area.

SUNSET AT BATU FERINGGI

25th Mei - 28th Mei 2009 I participated in the 48th National Conference on Education Management for Malaysian Secondary School Principal which was held in Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Feringgi, Penang. "Outstanding Leaders Create Excellent Schools" or Pemimpin Unggul Membina Sekolah Cemerlang" was chosen as the theme. The Conference was inaugurated by The Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also a Minister of Education. Approximately 550 principals all over the country attended the conference. As a host, PKPSM P. Pinang had thrown everything to ensure that the conference ran smoothly. The conference coincided with the Second Conference of the ASEAN School Principals. They were at the launching ceremony, joined our dinner later and show their talent on stage as well.

I was given a luxurious room facing the open sea( Andaman Sea) and took the opportunity to fascinate and sharing an astoundingly beautiful evening scenery. SUNGGUH INDAH KEJADIAN ALLAH. Below are photos I managed to snap while relaxing at the balcony waiting for Maghrib time

The photos from the top to the bottom:
Top: 6.45 pm
Below: 7.00 pm
Second bottom: 7.15 pm
Bottom: 7.25 pm, Maghrib, time to be with Allah.

THE ISLAND OF THOUSAND TEMPLES

The famous island of Bali.

Balinese cultural troupe performing the Barong Dance
or  teater of their famous epic

On the 8th - 11th of Mei 2009, my spouse and I joined an excursion to the tourist famous island of Bali. Indonesia. It was organized by PKPSM Kelantan. The SoCalled is due to countless temples of various size and age and could be easily seen on every corner of the Balinese soil. Besides that the island is also called "The island of thousands gods" because of countless and various statues and ancient sculptures to mark the influence of Hinduism. The statues are said to be the important figures in the Ramayana Epic.

The island lies to the east of Java island, approximately 5200 sq. km and inhabited by 3.2 million people, 85% preach the ancient Bali Hinduism and performing their own religious rites, beliefs, culture, arts and dances.

The above photo shows the local cultural troupe casting the "tarian Barong and Kris" to tourists. This an hour length dance or the short drama reveals The Good overpowered the Evil.

My spouse besides the statue of one

of the famous Ramayana Epic's heroes

By the island most famous Kuta Beach

At the main entrance of the Souvenir Market

Denpasar, Bali (above). Watch the extremely fine carving in the background.

Watching the preachers performing their religious rites in one of the numerous temples(below)

The cultural dance in the background(far below)

Balinese Hindu preachers worshipping
in one of the numerous temples 

Balinese traditional dance greeting the visitors

A VISIT TO "KLCC"

KLCC popularly refers to Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Besides that I had come across another centres bearing the same abbreviation, the little known Kok Lanas Community Centre in Kelantan and lately Kem Latihan Cheneh Cemerlang in Terengganu.

I would like to refer to the latest one. It is the PLKN(Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara) or National Service Training Centre. The training is compulsory for the boys and girls in their 17/18s.

Saturday, April the 25th 2009, my spouse and I visited our daughter who is undergoing the training. It is located in Cheneh, in the district of Kemaman, Terengganu about 170km from Kuala Terengganu and 55km from Kuantan along the Jerangau-Jabor Highway. She feels so fortunate to be selected as a participant. The training is strenuous but interesting and useful.

The two top photos showing a chalet and a fascinating scenery situated just before the camp's entrance and below are photos of my daughter(close to her mom) and her fellow participants in uniform, my spouse and myself.

RESPECTING THE ELDER

On the 19th until 22nd of April 2009, the School Management Sector, Kelantan Educational Department organized the Professional Day for the School's Senior Assistants. The Grand Continental Hotel, Kuantan, Pahang was chosen as a venue. Fortunately I was invited to deliver an input concerning the Fiscal Management, one of the significant management in schools and any institutions or statutory bodies. The above photo show myself receiving a gesture of appreciation from KPP Hj. Abdul Halim and below delivering such input.

IAB, GLAD TO BE HERE AGAIN

IAB, Institut Aminudin Baki known among teachers. It is an educational institution that provides not only training sessions and giving out educational knowledge but also the bursting of ideas and sharing of experiences. Myself, Hj. Najib and Hj. Muhd. Yaacob attended the session on "Kejurulatihan Pengetua-Pengetua Kanan Kebangsaan" from 30.3.2009 - 3.4.2009. 32 Senior Principals from all over the country joined the session. The main idea was to prepare and produce a module of consultation to firm the knowledge and leadership style for new principals. During the session we shared knowledge and experiences with some of the lecturers especially Dr. Hj. Mohammad Yusuf, Pn. Rosnarizah and Hj. Razak.

Quite interesting to share was the physical fitness session which revealed our current health condition. My health condition.........waaah what a tremendous shock and perhaps incredible. It was recorded by the latest and sophisticated equipment as excellent and 4 years younger than my age. I told my spouse about this and the reply, " Biar muda pada body tapi jangan muda pada hati".

Above are some photos of us. We took the opportunity to visit Genting Highland, the tourist and amusement mountain resort during free time.

SMK PAK BADOL: KURSUS EDUWEBTV

On the 7th of March 2009 staff of SMK Pak Badol attended the above session . It was instructed by Pn. Rosmawati Yassin, popularly known as Kak Chik among the staff. So interesting, informative and helpful in aiding and enriching our teaching skill and method.