Hari Raya Puasa

Ramadan and Hari Raya Puasa: A Celebration of Faith, Forgiveness, and Family

To my Muslim friends, Ramadan was nearing its end, and Hari Raya Puasa was just around the corner as of this writing.

For those who may not be familiar, Ramadan is a holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world. It is a time of deep reflection, prayer, self-discipline, and complete submission to Allah. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, not only by refraining from food and drink but also by focusing on becoming more patient, compassionate, and grateful.

One of the things I truly admire about my Muslim friends is how they introduce this practice to their children at a young age. Even children are encouraged to learn about fasting and its meaning as they grow. This teaches them discipline, sacrifice, empathy, and the importance of faith from an early stage. It is a beautiful reminder that values and traditions are often passed down through families and communities.

After the month of fasting comes Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, gratitude, and spending precious moments with family and loved ones. It reminds everyone that after a season of sacrifice comes a season of celebration and renewal.

One thing I found fascinating after living in Malaysia is that the preparation for Hari Raya begins even before Ramadan ends. During the fasting month, many families are already preparing their homes and making arrangements for the celebration. Housewives lovingly decorate their homes, sew or purchase beautiful curtains, prepare traditional foods, and buy new clothes for their families.

These traditions may seem simple, but they carry deep meaning. They represent love, respect, togetherness, and the joy of welcoming family and friends into their homes. Hari Raya is not only about wearing beautiful clothes or preparing delicious meals; it is about strengthening relationships, seeking forgiveness, and appreciating the blessings of having one another.

Living in Malaysia has given me the opportunity to witness and appreciate different cultures and beliefs. It has taught me that although our traditions and faiths may be different, many of us share the same hopes: to love our families, to live peacefully with others, and to become better individuals.

I am grateful for the chance to learn from my Muslim friends and experience a small part of their beautiful culture. Their dedication to faith, family, and community is something I deeply respect and admire.

May this celebration bring peace, happiness, and countless blessings to all my Muslim friends and their families.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

Wordless Wednesday #1: Petronas, My World

Some places leave you speechless, and the Petronas Twin Towers are one of them.

Standing beneath these magnificent towers, I couldn't help but look up in awe. Their beauty isn't just found in their height or their impressive architecture, but in the way they remind us that great things are built on strong foundations.

For me, Petronas is more than a famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur. It represents a chapter of my life—a place where I experienced new beginnings, embraced a different culture, met wonderful people, and created memories that I will always treasure.

Whenever I look at these towers, I am reminded that life, much like the two towers, is stronger when we are connected by faith, love, and hope. No matter how far life takes us, those connections keep us grounded.

Sometimes, a photograph says more than words ever could. This is one of those moments.

Happy Wordless Wednesday! ❤️

"The world is full of beautiful places, but the most beautiful memories are the ones we make while we're there."

This was my first capture of  Petronas Tower and no words can describe how much I felt it was so beautiful inside and out.

Remembering Malaysia

Some of the Beautiful Places We Visited in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Living in Malaysia gave us the opportunity to explore many beautiful places, learn about its rich history, and appreciate its diverse culture. These are some of the places that left a lasting impression on me.

Petronas Twin Towers

Standing majestically at 451.9 meters, the Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. This magnificent structure of steel and glass is one of Malaysia's most iconic landmarks.

One of its main attractions is the famous Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. Although the height can be intimidating, it is an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.

More than its impressive architecture, the Petronas Twin Towers symbolize unity, strength, and progress—qualities that continue to inspire millions of visitors from around the world.

KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

How could we forget the KL Tower, one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world?

Standing proudly over Kuala Lumpur, the tower was built to improve telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout Malaysia. Today, it has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of modern Kuala Lumpur.

From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city skyline. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the view is equally breathtaking.

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Malaysia's National Museum is the country's premier museum and serves as the home of its rich history, culture, and heritage.

Built in 1963, the museum features a beautiful Minangkabau-style roof and impressive murals on its front façade that depict important moments in Malaysian history.

Inside, visitors can admire collections of traditional keris (Malay daggers), ancient ceramics from the Ming Dynasty, royal artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits that tell the story of Malaysia's multicultural identity.

One of the sculptures that caught my attention was Ganesha, one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Images of Ganesha can be found throughout India and Nepal and symbolize wisdom, new beginnings, and the removal of obstacles.

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens (Perdana Botanical Gardens)

The Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, also known as Perdana Botanical Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana), is the city's oldest and first public park.

This peaceful sanctuary offers a welcome escape from the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur. Built around beautiful lakes and surrounded by lush greenery, it provides the perfect place for families, joggers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to relax.

Walking through the gardens reminded me that sometimes we all need to slow down, breathe, and appreciate God's beautiful creation.

Trivia

The park was officially opened on May 1, 1975, by Malaysia's second Prime Minister, Tun Haji Abdul Razak Hussein. Covering approximately 92 hectares, it features several attractions, including:

• Orchid Garden – Home to more than 800 varieties of orchids, where visitors can admire colorful blooms and even purchase potted orchids as souvenirs.
• Hibiscus Garden – Showcases many varieties of Malaysia's national flower, the Bunga Raya (Hibiscus).
• KL Butterfly Park – Home to more than 6,000 butterflies representing over 120 species, along with an insect museum and souvenir shop.
• KL Bird Park – The world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary, housing more than 3,000 birds from various species.
• Boathouse – Families can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
• Deer Park – Home to several spotted deer. Visitors are welcome to feed them using food available for purchase at the ticket counter.

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These are just a few of the many places we were blessed to visit during the time we lived in Malaysia.

Every place we explored taught us something new—not only about the country but also about ourselves. Traveling allowed us to appreciate different cultures, meet wonderful people, and create memories that will remain with us forever.

Yet, no matter how beautiful a place may be, there is always something special about home.

As much as I enjoyed discovering new places, my heart always looked forward to the day I would return to where I truly belong. Home is more than a place—it is where our loved ones are, where our hearts find peace, and where we are reminded of who we are.

One quote beautifully captures this feeling:

"A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it."
— George Moore

I believe that traveling is one of life's greatest teachers. It broadens our perspective, strengthens our appreciation for different cultures, and reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we often take for granted.

No matter where life takes me, I know that one day I will always find my way back home—and I hope that day will not be too far away.

Petronas Tower : Malaysia's Wonder

Enjoying Petronas

Dale, PJ, Lovi Petronas best shots

The Petronas Twin Towers (also known as the Petronas Towers or simply the Twin Towers) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are the tallest twin towers in the world.

They were also recognized as the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 when measured from the level of the main entrance to the structural top, according to the original height standard used by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. (Source: Wikipedia)

One quote about the Petronas Towers has always stayed with me:

"According to Lao Tzu, the reality of a hollow object is in the void and not in the walls that define it. He was speaking, of course, of spiritual realities."

It continues by saying that the Petronas Towers beautifully reflect this idea. The space between the two towers is not empty—it has meaning. The iconic sky bridge that connects them creates a gateway to the sky, symbolizing connection, strength, and something greater than ourselves.

When Arnold first brought me to see the Petronas Twin Towers, I was completely amazed. I couldn't stop looking at them. I remember standing there in awe, admiring their beauty and grandeur. At that moment, we felt like two young people on their very first date, simply enjoying each other's company and appreciating the experience together.

As I looked at the towers, I couldn't help but see a reflection of our own relationship.

Like the two towers, we are two separate individuals with different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Yet what keeps us standing strong is the connection between us. The sky bridge reminded me that a lasting relationship is not held together merely by love or emotions but by a foundation that is far greater than ourselves.

For me, that bridge represents God.

Throughout our marriage, we have faced many challenges. We have experienced seasons of uncertainty, moments of waiting, and trials that tested both our patience and our faith. Yet through it all, we remained connected because we allowed God to remain at the center of our relationship.

Distance, time, and life's difficulties could have pulled us apart, but instead, they strengthened the bond we had built together. Looking back, I realize that the greatest blessing wasn't the absence of problems—it was God's constant presence through every season.

Just as one tower would not be complete without the other, I feel that our marriage has been strengthened because we continue to support one another through life's ups and downs. And just as the sky bridge connects the two towers, God continues to connect our hearts, reminding us that a marriage built on Him can withstand the storms of life.

Standing before the Petronas Twin Towers was more than simply admiring a beautiful landmark. It became a reminder that the strongest relationships are not built on appearances but on faith, commitment, trust, and the One who holds them together.

Without a doubt, I consider this experience another one of Life's Wonders—not only because of the magnificent architecture before my eyes, but because it reminded me of the beautiful work God continues to build within our marriage.

When God Made you

I created this site as my journal of my present and future travel if there's any. Most of the pictures in this video was taken in Malaysia.

It’s always been a mystery to me.

How two hearts can come together 

And love can last forever 

But now that I have found you, 

I believe That a miracle has come 

When God sends the perfect one 

Now gone are all my questions about why 

And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life 

Chorus: 

I wonder what God was thinking 

When He created you I wonder if 

He knew everything I would need 

Because He made all my dreams come true 

When God made you 

He must have been thinking about me 

I promise that wherever you may go 

Wherever life may lead you 

With all my heart I’ll be there too 

From this moment on I want you to know 

I’ll let nothing come between us 

And I will love the ones you love 

Now gone are all my questions about why 

And I have never been so sure of anything in my life 

Bridge:

He made the sun He made the moon 

To harmonize in perfect tune 

One can’t move without the other 

They just have to be together 

And that is why I know it’s true 

You’re for me and I’m for you 

Cause my world just can’t be right 

Without you in my life Tag chorus:

He must have heard every prayer 

I’ve been praying 

(I 've been praying) 

Yes He knew everything I would need 

When God made you 

(I thank God he made you) 

When dreams come true 

(you are my love my love) 

When God made you 

He must have been thinking about me