Trip to Quran factory...pictures

As usual, I took lots of pictures during the trip. I just would like to share some of my favourites... I love taking candid pictures because for me that would capture the essence of the moments but naturally most ladies do not like it one bit...hehehe...which adds to the enjoyment for me.

Nina at the forefront, Nani holding the water bottle...

Amboi! Khusyuknya Sakinah...hehehe

Kak Maria and Nani posing...cheh!

Kak Faridah and Sue joined them...

Puan Taha...

Apa kebende plak korang intai dalam tong sampah tu?!!

Kak Faridah posing...

Kak Faridah and one of the workers...

Menelefon ke apa? Sempat lagi pandang kamera...hehehe

Trip to Quran factory...

On the 16th of March, I joined other Petronita members in a trip to the Quran factory somewhere in Khartoum. When we arrived there was a bit of a confusion because the Sudanese guide kept asking about Mdm Siti, so I sort of very happily pointed out Kak Siti to him. Unfortunately, he actually wanted to speak to Ustazah Siti because obviously she could communicate in Arabic while we just 'open our mouths wide' aka terlopong...hehehe

While waiting for Ustazah Siti...

Sakinah...hehehe

When Ustazah Siti arrived, we were promptly whisked away to the first section of the printing factory. We were told that it was the second biggest Quran factory in the world after the one in Madinah (I was a bit skeptical because it looked quite small to me...wallahualam). If I'm not mistaken they produced about 8000 Quran a day. The first section was the designing area where they made the layout and the films for the printing section. We didn't miss the opportunity to have a photo op...hehehe

The whole group...

The Ustaz aka guide...

Ustazah Siti explaining that it was written by hand...

The particular design for Sudan...

The lay out...

After that, we went down to see the printing area. There were several machines in operation. It acutely reminded me of MPM actually...hehehe. I could understand the explanation because I've been to a similar printing facilities before... So, sometimes, I acted as the guide also...hehehe. Anyway, we went round the various stages of printing.

How they're made into films for printing...

This is like the newspaper kind of printing...

This is the photocopy kind of printing...

Those with mistakes are burned...

After that we were shown the binding section where the various parts were put together. I could see the spine mark on each part as another form of precaution. They used thread to put them together. The factory also produced or printed Quran for the Kuwaitis. It was beautiful and used better paper (very smooth and shiny).

Can slightly see the spinemark...

Good thread...

Stapling machine...

Kak Nor - The professional photographer for the day...hehehe

After that we were shown the showroom, well sort of...because they did not have a proper showroom or a shop where we could get the quran... a pity that. I did order, just for the sake of ordering as a momento actually of my visit there.

I was glad that I came because now I know that in producing the Quran, very stringent measures were taken to make sure that there's no printing mistakes. At the design stage, the first copy was written by an imam in Syria. Then it would be proof-read by tahfiz before it was scanned into the computer. Here there would be another proof reading.

During printing and after printing, there's other proof reading sessions by tahfiz. I was happy to see the careful steps in place because it's the Quran we're talking about here. And because of that, I'm confident with the end result. Now I wish I could go and see the Quran factory in Madinah, insyaallah.

Petronita AGM (Induk)...

Last Friday, very, very early in the morning, I started my journey to KLCC (I started my journey at 6.30 am, okay?!!). The kids were excited to be able to spend some time at Kak Normah's house...hehehe. They were wide awake, all the three of them! I dropped them off at Tmn Sri Rawang and continued my journey to KL around 7 am.

I didn't want to use the highway because knowing me, I would get lost somewhere or missed a turning or whatever...So, better be safe than sorry, I used the old road. Getting to Selayang was not that bad but after that, I crawled...sigh. There're just too many cars on the road! Anyway, I reached KLCC just slightly after 8 am. 

Bumper to bumper crawl...

I was really early as the registration would only start at 9 am. I called K.Jas and K.Aishah and since they're still on their way, I decided to have breakfast at DeliFrance. I could just imagine my husband having his breakfast there...hehehe. Oh yes, the night before my husband gave me the directions on how to get to Tower1 and also a warning not to wear my slipper...hehehe. 

Later K.Aisyah joined me and after that we joined K.Jas at the lobby. I was a bit impressed with the security because we had to go through the metal detector (like at the airport). We're among the early ones at the hall. But I was a bit pissed when my name was not at the list during registration. Actually, there're supposed to be three reps from Sudan (the chairlady and two committee members) but the ladies refused to put my name in, saying that's supposed to be only 2 reps from Sudan?!! Hello, if I'm not needed, I'd rather not be there ok?!! They didn't even want to give me the coupons for lunch?!! Oh, I was really pissed off, I tell you!

But well, I remembered my promise to Kak Husna to attend the meeting, so I did. The meeting started a bit later than planned (I thought Petronas's as a corporate body should already discard this idea of Malay timing?!!). I was a bit disappointed to note that Puan Sri's was not there (only her speech was read out). I thought since that would probably be my first and last time attending the AGM, I would be able to salam with Puan Sri...hehehe. Takde rezeki...

During election...

During the presentation...

Some of those who attended...

These ladies came from Miri if I'm not mistaken...

During the presentations by various committees, I noticed one thing. There's a drop in the number of activities done at Induk level but the bulk of the money was also spent by Induk?!! Anyway, the matter was raised by the Perak delegate that Induk seemed to cut the budget given to branches while expecting a lot of activities done at the branches also. It became a vicious cycle in the case of Sudan because they gave us less money but expecting activities to be carried out. We ended up using our own money for Petronita activities and became self-sufficient! Which meant that less money will be given by Induk?!!

Anyway, it was not all serious business throughout the time because by then I already switched off! Hehehe... I had fun watching the election because what kind of election was it if the names were nominated beforehand? Only certain posts were nominated there and then. If that's the case, do not waste people's time and money to come all the way from Sabah, Sarawak etc. just to watch a cartoon-like election and had a measly lunch.

After that I was busy taking pictures for my blog and making friends...hehehe. I remembered that there was only a 17% participation of ladies in Petronas Induk itself! The hall was not even full, ok?!! Very sad indeed! I raised a question of whether the minimum number of 60 members for branch overseas would mean that Sudan's branch would be closed?!! Luckily the answer was 'no'...hehehe. I thought I could escape my post...hehehe

My husband reminded me not to 'embarrass him' by laughing so loud...hehehe. Sorry husband, that was a bit much to ask of your fun loving wife...hehehe. But I did have fun, nonetheless. Enjoy the pictures...

Others were busy in the meeting, we were busy posing...hehehe

The coupon that they refused to give me?!!

The coupon for lunch... macam kat sekolah, kan?!!

K.Aishah and K.Jas...

Faizah's bracelet given by Puan Sri...

K.Aishah taking the gifts on behalf of chairlady and secretary...

One for Kak Husna and one for Faridah...

Kitorang gayakan dulu...hehehe

Posing outside the hall...

K.Jas with her lucky draw gift...hehehe

After lunch, the three of us went window shopping. Kak Aishah wanted to buy a handbag but when I told them about RNR2U and Nek Rock's Boutique, they were excited...hehehe. So, we decided to window shop in all the designer's galleries. Adoi! they were so expensive! There's hardly anything below rm1000 even after discount?!! We went into Coach, Chanel, Aigner, Fendi and lots of other boutiques. Chanel was the most expensive with items as high as rm10,000?!! My eyes nearly bulged out of its sockets! Hehehe...

I think if I'm not with the other two ladies, I'd never walk in those stores, ever! Dear husband, don't worry, I'll never be crazy enough to spend so much money on one handbag...hehehe. I remembered making the remark that if you just add a couple of thousands and you'd be able to go for your hajj...sigh. These people must be making lots of money that they do not know what to do with it. Anyway, after that excursion, we parted ways and I went to Kinokuniya and bought myself two cook books, Nigella's express and Gordon Ramsay's book. Yeay! After that I bought the kids pretzels from Auntie Anne's and went home. I had to pay rm20 something for the parking! Sigh... How I missed the kids... 

Sewing class : the basics

Last Tuesday (18th Nov), I went to the first sewing class. Even my husband raised his eyebrows when I told him about my plan to join the class in the first place... hehehe... For your information, I hardly ever sew anything... In Malaysia, any torn shirts or pants would either be put in the closet to 'rest' forever or thrown in the bin. I could only sew on buttons (there's no style whatsoever, as long as it stays on... hehehe).

Then, in Tasik Puteri I discovered 'Mama Jarum', so anything to do with needles, I would send it to her. (Mama Jarum's the name of a tailor shop). Needless to say, in Khartoum, I have to sew myself. Luckily, so far I only use my lack of skill to sew Hadi's buttons.

When Syikeen came up with the timetable, I was a bit reluctant to join. But, I decided that why not?!! At least I can improve my knowledge... I'm going to the class as a novice and hoping to learn a few tricks of the trade.

True enough, not many attend the sewing class, there were only about 10 of us. But, I did have fun learning the basics of sewing. Najwa showed a sample of the basics, such as 'jelujur', 'kia' (I thought kia is a korean made cars... hehehe), 'chain' and another one which for the life of me, couldn't recall at this point in time.

We were supposed to make a pouch and everything's provided by Najwa (the needles and all the colourful threads). I am sorry because I did not have the camera with me on that day, if not I would have shared the many wonderful and hilarious acts we did. Who says sewing's not fun?!! We laughed at the inability of some people (including me) to put the thread in the needle. Ila was nearly blinded with a needle... some sew the materials together and some sew it to their own pants...hehehe... Some even showing off their skills (Kak Siti, Kak Jaz and Kak Hanum were a pro).

Personally, I was glad that I joined the sewing class. Even though I know nothing about sewing, I managed to try 'kia' ,'chain' and 'sulam penuh'...hehehe. Najwa even said that my 'kia' was very good. I'm so proud of myself. Chuffed actually...hehehe. I was also not intimidated by the pros because they would help you with your sewing if you're in a rut, which happens often... while concentrating, I forgot how to make the next chain for example... I'd never imagine that I'd ever sew but I realised that living in Khartoum made me more open to try new things. I feel that I'm the better for the experience. Just look at my handiwork...

Pink is 'kia', purple's 'chain' and green the combination of 'kia' and 'sulam penuh'...

The 'chain''s not so even... and there should be flowers with the vines but I was really slow...hehehe... next time, huh?!!

Cooking class : Moussaka & Vol-au-vent

The second cooking class was held on the 10th of November at Kak Roza's house. At 8.45 am, we boarded 2 vans to go there. We were eager to learn how to make moussaka and vol-au-vent. Kak Roza's husband works with the Malaysian embassy in Khartoum, so it is very fitting that she should teach us 2 international dishes... Moussaka's from Greece and vol-au-vent from France...hehehe

At first, I was a bit sceptical about my ability to make either dishes as I was not very fond of aubergine in moussaka and the intricacies of making the puff pastry for the vol-au-vent. I even googled the word vol-au-vent which means 'full of air'...Hmm...interesting...food for thought, huh?!! Anyhow, I decided to go, whether I'll make them or not is totally a different matter.

We were cramped inside Kak Roza's kitchen, but that did not deter us from learning to cook the dishes. Just to make the class interesting, Kak Roza ran out of gas in the middle of the class... Luckily, she just finished making the moussaka and about to start making the vol-au-vent. There was a rush as Kak Roza dashed about trying to get somebody to buy a gas cylinder for her. All turned out well in the end. It was fortunate that Kak Roza went through the recipe step by step because if not, it could be confusing when we're left on our own.

Anyway, the ladies watched and asked many questions, including the brand of the ingredients needed... It was quite funny with everyone madly scribbling away or in the case of a few, madly taking pictures (this would include Josephine and me...hehehe).

By 11 am, everything's cooked, so it was time to taste the dishes. Mmmm, very yummy, very gooey with lots of cheese and very fattening of course. But, who cares, right?!! For the first time ever, everyone's quiet, we just enjoyed the food... such glorious food... I was surprised that the aubergine hardly tasted like aubergine, it had taken the flavor of the cheese, instead...delicious!!! Kak Roza showed how to make the pastry by using the ready-made puff pastry...good news for me, indeed.

Our van arrived at 12 pm and on our way back, we stopped at Marwa. I bought most of the ingredients for the dishes and very excited to try both recipes. Look at the pictures during the demostration...

Listening to kak Roza's tips...

Layer after layer...

Ina (in pink) is already picturing the tediousness of the process...or are you sleepy, Ina?

Both dishes were ready, Kak Siti (in red) was already salivating and smacking her lips...hehehe... jangan marah Kak Siti, gurau aje...

The moussaka's to be eaten with homemade garlic bread and the vol-au-vent, of course...

I ate a lot and by 11.30 was feeling very sleepy. I barely hear Kak Roza's tale, let alone respond to them...sigh...very, very nice food...

Cooking class : Cakoi

The first cooking class that I attended was on the 21st of October. It was held at the Petronita room in Block B. The chef was Kak Zila.

When I first got the recipe, it says 'put everything together'... I straight away 'switched off'...hehehe. Well, I thought that's easy enough. Anyway, the class was full of people, there were about 20 of us and suffice to say that we had fun.

We watched the demonstration by Kak Zila. While waiting for the dough to rise, which was about half an hour, we chatted among ourselves...hehehe... after that, the chef and her helpers fried the cakoi and the rest of us ate them all up... I was fasting, but a kind soul gave me some to take home for my 'berbuka'... alhamdulillah, very delicious.

Am I going to make cakoi? It remains to be seen...at least I have the recipe now...

We were laughing at something Kak Zila said...hehehe

The rest of us, watching very intently, while Najwa is questioning the chef...

The final step, frying the cakoi...

My social calendar...

When I first came to Khartoum, I managed to live a life of a recluse. I hardly ventured out the door. Sometimes, I didn't come out for weeks on ends, preferring to stay indoors. Most of the time, my husband had to do the grocery shopping alone. It was summer and most of the Malaysian community went back for their summer holidays. So, I read and read to my heart's content.

Now, I have a 'social calendar'... hehehe. Since moving into the Petronas Complex, I'm busy with activities organised by Petronita. Most of the activities are held in the compound itself, so I do not have a 'suitable' excuse to abstein...hehehe. At first, we kept mostly to ourselves, but during syawal, the ladies just 'clicked'. I think the most important ingredient of our friendship would be food, lots and lots of food... I do belief that all those open-houses did the 'binding' especially for Block A ladies.

Now we have added 'cooking' and 'shopping' to the equation... lots and lots of shopping... a couple of cooking lessons and again, lots and lots of food...hehehe... I am not complaining of the wonderful company but I just realised that with the outburst of activities, I have neglected my books. I read a box full of books in the 5 months in Block G, but only managed 2 or 3 in the 3 months I'm at the new complex...sigh...

Today, I've opted not to go to the souk with the others because I think I need peace and quiet for a few days... Actually, I'm saving money to go to Souk Libya on the 17th...hehehe... Anyway, I'll share my 'social calendar' with you...

This is the 'social calendar' prepared by Syikeen... up until summer 2009...

This is a close-up version... full, huh?!!... that doesn't include all the shopping and eating excursions...hehehe

I am truly glad of the company and everyone's on neutral ground here. We're all missing Malaysia but trying to have fun so that we'll be able to take better care of our families... (a note to my husband, 'you have a few days to change that currency, ok?')...hehehe