YEAR END ESCAPADE TO DUBAI & ABU DHABI.

If you are granted one wish and only one, what would you pray for? Different people have different wants and need (some does not even know what they want) but my siblings only have one mutual want echoing my parents only dream, which was to have all their children, in laws and grandchildren to always be together throughout as many generations. The same sentiment gave birth to our residence, the Bustanu (meaning: The Gardens of) Pahamin which currently accommodate three generations in more than 2 acres of land living harmoniously in the same compound to an annual oversea trips to further foster the family close relationship. Although we live in the same compound, the daily hectic schedule of each family member forbid us from a daily gathering but the oversea trip became an escapade away from any business, work or whatever appointments, the trip was all about the family.

This year, we went to Dubai. The whole battalion of 22 pax went except for Azhar Sulaiman whom had to stay back alone in Malaysia having accepted a long winding assignment which ran throughout the traveling dates. We were toying a few countries to visit but Dubai came with the voices of the majority. Democracy ran even in family decision making irrespective of gender and age. 

The youngest in the battalion was Mohamad Khaleef Shamsul aged, 6 months old and the oldest.. of course, my dad aged 67 whom also hold the record of 6 children. Rhiza and Melor are both catching up fast with 4 children while Chempaka Emalin Pahamin and Azhar Sulaiman has stopped producing but perhaps, Dr Teratai Edithy Pahamin and Shazrul Shaari may break the record although currently, they only have Shazrai and Shazrhy. Rumours has it, Rose Emini Pahamin and Shamsul Adnan are a potential record breaker.  Me... I am contented with my wonderful Aaraf Armin but given a chance Allah hu alam (Allah knows best), I want at least 4 children. Having a big family is a true blessing.

Our travel agent for this tour was Parlo Tours Sdn Bhd. Our traveling destination was Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We arrived at the airport in a long queue but the 'online checked-in' expedited the whole queue process and seating arrangement (Note: always check-in online before departure).

We took the Emirates. I've downloaded a few movies to watched in the 7 hours of flight journey but slept throughout the flight. Aaraf finished the whole season 3, the Grims. We arrived in Dubai as scheduled and was greeted by a blond tour guide. I peep through the counters, shops and browsed through the airport to see how the local Dubai'ian looks like? Typical Arabs or... but I did not see any Arab looking people. There were a great mix of race varieties. Dubai has a population of about 2 million and the majority are indians. The local which are of Arab descendant comprised of only 10% while the balance population are foreign. For the longest of time, only the 10% locals were allowed to own any property in Dubai. Now, the government has opened up for foreigner to owned properties in Dubai but only at specific location.

3 IN 1 FUNCTION ON SEPTEMBER ELEVEN

The purpose of performing Aqiqah is to announced the birth of a baby. Being bestowed with a child is a blessing from Allah swt and the Aqiqah itself brings closer the neighbours, friends and family members to celebrate the blessed occasion. According to the Hadith of the Prophet Muhamamd SAW (peace of Allah be upon him), the animal to be slaughtered should be a goat or a sheep. Two Sheeps which resembles each other are to be sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl. (Sunnah Abu Dawood Book 15, No. 2380). The animals for the Aqiqah should be in the same condition as those for Qurban. For a camel, it must be older than 6 years old, cow older than 3 years, goat or sheep older than 2 years old. They must be free from any form of handicap such as blind, sick, limp and undernourished. 

SHAZRHY EDIAZ SHAZRUL was born on 10th June 2011 in London, England. The preparation began weeks ago and I was the designated JPJ for the function.. Maybe the title JPJ was abit too kind. Actually I was the bangla to install the road direction which was a huge responsibility!! Without my KPI being performed, the 3 in 1 function would have been futile... empty without any guests .. all would have gotten lost! but by 10pm last night.. the road direction was still no where to be found.. I forgot!! waaa.. but ala hindustahe movie.. hero always perform on the last minute though everyone almost freak out...  So at 11pm.. the 'construction' for the road signage began!!!  with a fine-art graduate as the advisor, we creatively designed and completed our damn kick arse signage as follow:

So to go to my house, go straight, turn left, turn right, turn left, turn right, yada yada... and walla.. Bustanu Pahamin.