SkyJuice's Scribbles

Unknown (2011)

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/unknown_white_male/

Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin, only to discover that his wife doesn't recognise him and someone else has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he sets out to uncover the truth with the help of a young woman.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Trespass (2011)

2011-10-22T22:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trespass_2011/

As they are held for ransom, a husband and wife's predicament grows more dire amid the discovery of betrayal and deception.

Rating: 1.5/5.

Red Riding Hood (2011)

2011-10-08T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/girl_with_the_red_riding_hood/

Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young lady falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family's displeasure.

Rating: 2/5.

X–Men: First Class (2011)

2011-09-20T12:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_first_class/

The film unveils the epic beginning of the X–Men saga and a secret history of the Cold War and our world at the brink of nuclear Armageddon. As the first class discovers, harnesses and comes to terms with their formidable powers, alliances are formed that will shaped the eternal war between the heroes and villains of the X–Men universe.

Rating: 2.5/5.

I Am Number Four (2011)

2011-09-04T12:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_am_number_four/

Aliens and their guardians are hiding on Earth from intergalactic bounty hunters. They can only be killed in numerical order and number four is next on the list.

Rating: 2/5.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part II

2011-08-21T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_deathly_hallows_part_2_2011/

In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all–out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. It is Harry who is called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climatic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Glad the saga ends on a good note. Farewell, Harry Potter.

Rating: 4/5.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

2011-08-07T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_dark_of_the_moon/

The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Source Code (2011)

2011-07-31T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/source_code/

A soldier, Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's a part of a mission to find a bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Rating: 3/5.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

2011-07-17T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/adjustment_bureau/

Ambitious politician, David Norris (Matt Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer, Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) on the brink of winning a seat in the US Senate. Mysterious forces conspire to keep the two apart.

Sci–fi meets romance. A little different than the usual romcoms, but entertaining nonetheless. Great cast.

Rating: 3.5/5.

Water for Elephants (2011)

2011-06-26T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/water_for_elephants/

Based on the acclaimed bestseller, a veterinary student, Jacob (Robert Pattinson), abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a travelling circus as their vet. He falls in love with Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), a star performer, who is married to the circus owner.

Rating: 2/5.

No Strings Attached (2011)

2011-06-18T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/no_strings_attached_2011/

A guy and a girl, whom are long–time friends, end up in bed one morning. They try to keep the relationship strictly physical, but it isn't long before they realise they want something more.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Eagle (2011)

2011-05-29T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the-eagle-of-the-ninth/

In Roman ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier, Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum), endeavours to honour his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem.

I have seen better epics, but this is a story that I would remember. Well done, Channing Tatum.

Rating: 3/5.

The King's Speech (2010)

2011-05-15T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_kings_speech/

This is the story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Stellar performance by the cast.

Rating: 3.5/5.

Season of the Witch (2011)

2011-04-30T12:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10010694-season_of_the_witch

14th–century knights transport a suspected witch to a monastery, where monks deduce her powers could be the source of the Black Plague.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Green Hornet (2011)

2011-04-24T12:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/green_hornet/

Following the death of his father, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), heir to his father's large company, teams up with his late father's assistant, Kato (Jay Chou), to become a masked crime fighting team.

Rating: 1/5.

Gulliver's Travels (2010)

2011-04-23T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gullivers-travels-2010/

Travel writer, Lemuel Gulliver, takes an assignment in Bermuda, but ends up on Liliput Island, where he towers over its citizens.

Rating: 1.5/5.

The Next Three Days (2010)

2011-04-23T12:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/next_three_days/

A married couple's life is turned upside down when the wife is accused of a murder.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Town (2010)

2011-04-17T12:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_town/

As he plans his next job, a long–time bank robber, Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), tries to balance his feelings for a bank manager connected to one of his earlier heists, as well as the FBI agent looking to bring him and his crew down.

Ben Affleck makes a fine director, but he should've stayed behind the camera.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Little Fockers (2010)

2011-04-01T20:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/little_fockers/

Family patriarch, Jack Byrnes (Robert DeNiro) wants to appoint a successor. Does his son–in–law, the male nurse Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) have what it takes?

Rating: 1.5/5.

The Sorceror's Apprentice (2010)

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000+08:00

Picture: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sorcerers_apprentice/

A sorceror, Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage), recruits a seemingly average teenager, Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), in his mission to defend New York City from his arch–enemy, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina).

Rating: 1.5/5.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

2011-03-05T22:00:00.019+08:00

Liz in Bali

Rome

India

Felipe (Javier Bardem) and Liz in Bali

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

Elizabeth Gilbert or Liz (Julia Roberts) realises how unhappy she is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a journey to 'find herself'.

Rating: 3.5/5.

Chinese New Year

2011-02-03T22:00:00.013+08:00

A Lion Dance troupe

Gong Xi, Gong Xi!

Red (2010)

2011-01-30T12:00:00.000+08:00

CIA agent William Cooper (Karl Urban)

Former agents, Victoria (Helen Mirren), Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich), Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman) and Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) in action

Pictures: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red/

A group of former CIA agents fight back against the agency after they're targeted for knowing too much.

Rating: 2/5.

Flower Power

2011-01-16T12:12:00.063+08:00

Teddy Combo

Centrepieces

Lilac Rose

Centrepieces

Cornflake and Chocolate Cake

Mini centrepieces

A cake and some flower arranements for clients. For more arrangements, see Orange Florist's & Gifts.

The Tourist (2010)

2011-01-16T12:12:00.050+08:00

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

During an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, Frank Tupelo (Johnny Depp) unexpectedly finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise Clifton–Ward (Angelina Jolie), an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice, their whirlwind romance quickly evolves as they find themselves unwittingly thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

2011-01-16T12:12:00.041+08:00

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

With the world now aware of his dual life as the armoured superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances and confront powerful enemies.

Rating: 2/5.

Green Zone (2010)

2011-01-16T12:00:00.027+08:00

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

Matt Damon stars as Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller, a rogue US Army officer who must hunt through covert and faulty intelligence hidden on foreign soil before war escalates in an unstable region.

Matt Damon is in his element.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Study & Spread

2010-12-27T12:12:00.038+08:00

Pulut Ayam (Steamed Glutinous Rice topped with Fried Onions and served with Baked Chicken and Sweet Chilli Sauce)

Pau Kaya (Steamed Kaya Buns)

Kaya Cupcakes

Apple Pie baked for a wedding

A 3–day Postgraduate Colloquium. Photo collage by the Postgraduate Studies & Research Office.

Attended a meeting of minds recently and came home to some homemade goodies.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

2010-12-13T22:00:00.015+08:00

Queen Lucy (Georgie Henley) on the Dawn Treader

King Caspian (Ben Barnes), Queen Lucy and King Edmund (Skandar Keynes) on Lone Islands

The Queen and Kings of Narnia with Lilliandil (Laura Brent), daughter of the retired star Ramandu

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace Scrubb where they meet up with King Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship, The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragon, dwarfs and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

There were some good moments and some bad ones, but this film was definitely more entertaining than Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. The CGI and cinematography were rather disappointing. Still prefer The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Rating: 3/5.

School's Over

2010-12-12T12:12:00.005+08:00

After many months of hard work and some fun in between, I'm pleased to tell you that I've completed my postgraduate degree with flying colours. The journey certainly hadn't been plain sailing, but it was an interesting, joyful and memorable one nevertheless. I've no regrets.

Pursuing my postgraduate degree was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Being a full–time sponsored student again had its ups and downs, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I've gained invaluable knowledge from my former lecturers and peers and hope I've grown academically as well as professionally. The bonds and seeds of friendships were forged and sown for life.

Would I do it again some time in the future? Only time will tell, but never say never, they say. So, what's next? Working abroad, God willing. Wish me luck!

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

2010-12-10T11:11:00.019+08:00

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) at Shell Cottage

Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) and Harry in a diversion

Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy) presenting Professor Albus Dumbledore's will to Harry, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)

Harry and Hermione

The Death Eaters listening to Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes)

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

In this seventh and final instalment of the beloved Harry Potter series, Harry faces new troubles; he must collect all of the Horcruxes that the evil Lord Voldemort has left behind. He has no idea where these are and he has to destroy them all, even without the faintest idea how to do so.

Another letdown. Look forward to the Battle of Hogwarts in the final instalment next year.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Treats

2010-12-07T22:00:00.059+08:00

Pretty Ladurée macarons from Paris

Gifts from a dear friend, all the way from London.

Sweet treats from Ladurée

Ladurée macarons from Paris

For the uninitiated, Ladurée is a renowned luxury cake and pastry shop with boutique shops in Paris, Beirut, Dublin, Geneva, Lausanne, London, Milan, Monaco, Nagoya, Tokyo and Zurich. It is known as the inventor of the double–decker macaron – 15,000 of which are sold daily. Ladurée is said to be the best macaron shop in the world.

The history of Parisian tea salons is intimately tied to the history of the Ladurée family. It began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from France’s southwest, opened a bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris.

See all the flavours here: www.laduree.fr

Guess what's inside?

None other than my favourite Thorntons chocolates!

Tea

2010-11-28T11:00:00.009+08:00

BOH Cameronian Gold Blend + Dried Meramiyeh (Sage) Tea and Rose Tea served with Pitta Bread and Pistachio Halwa

The British Tourist Authority has declared 28 November 2010 as the International A Nice Cup of Tea Day, an online event on Facebook, in celebration of the world's perfect cup of tea. Find out the world's perfect cup of tea here: Smitten by Britain.

Happy International A Nice Cup of Tea Day, peeps!

Sky & Spread

2010-11-27T12:00:00.062+08:00

Ais kacang or ais batu campur (ABC) – shaved ice topped with syrup, sweet corn, red beans and jellies.

Chicken and Mushroom Lasagna

Vermicelli Stir–fry

Butter Prawns

Baby Kailan Stir–fry

Bamboo Shoot, Prawn and Papaya Soup

Free–range Chicken Soup

A wedding cake

Miang Kam, a Thai appetiser.

Tempura Mushrooms

Pandan Chicken

Fried Catfish

Tomyam

Cempedak

Hawaiian Chicken Pizza

Kraizeh, a Jordanian dessert.

Chocolate Cheese Mousse Cake

The views from the lookout point near the border town of Wang Kelian

Dusk in the neighbourhood

Sunset over the main island of Langkawi from Kuala Perlis

Tasoh Lake Resort & Retreat (2010)

2010-11-27T11:33:00.019+08:00

Mixed Fruit Juice

Cantonese Noodles

Asam Pedas Tulang

Anjung Tasik, the lakeside restaurant which opens from 6p.m. onwards

Some of the lake–edge cabanas

Captured during two separate visits with friends this year. See my previous visit here: Tasoh Lake Resort & Retreat (2008). For more information about this beautiful resort, please see: www.tasohlakeresort.com.my.

Cameron Highlands (2010)

2010-11-27T11:11:00.049+08:00

Bharat Tea Plantations (http://bharattea.com.my)

An old rolling tea table at BOH Tea Centre, Sungai Palas

Tea rollers

BOH's old tea factory at BOH Tea Centre

The second stage after tea picking and classification

The next stage after rolling

The following stage after fermentation

The final stage after drying

One of the massive BOH Tea Plantations

Pitcher plants, Cactus Point

Cactus Point

Bharat Tea Plantatations (http://bharattea.com.my)

Revisited the highlands with my foreign friends this year. More about the highlands here: Cameron Highlands.

Cave of Darkness (2010)

2010-11-27T11:00:00.030+08:00

The entrance

Inside

Stream near the cave

Stream

Inside

Serene

These were taken during two separate visits to the cave area with my friends this year. More about the cave here: Cave of Darkness.

Blog Award

2010-11-22T22:00:00.012+08:00

Received a blog award from a wonderful friend whom I met online, Joseph of A Man on the Move. Thank you, Joseph. I am passing on this award to these friends of mine:

Please collect the award, post it on your blog and pass it on to as many friends as you like.

Enjoy your day!

Zulhijjah

2010-11-22T20:00:00.057+08:00

My sister's five–tier Cherry Blossom Forest Cake made for a wedding

Beef Stir–fry in Soy Sauce

Nasi Himpit (Rice Cakes)

Ketupat Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Cakes)

Pitta Bread

Dry Chilli Chicken Rendang

Beef Rendang

Chevon Kurma

Chevon Rendang

Chevon and Bamboo Shoot Curry

Bokhari Rice

Chicken in Chilli and Tomato Sauce

Aidiladha 1431H was rather subdued this year due to the floods. Many were still cleaning up their homes and belongings then. We celebrated it nonetheless.

Flooded

2010-11-22T20:00:00.056+08:00

Traffic Police bikes by the roadside

The army making their round after the Fire Brigade and Rescue Team

One of the ponds

The main river

Banks, clinic, some shops and offices weren't spared

Some old shops

A school entrance

Fancy a ride?

After hours and hours of rainfall, floods poured in early this month. Our home was inundated within hours after the state government decided to open all the dam gates to avoid the swelling dam from bursting. The authorities patrolled the streets regularly. We sat outside on the balcony watching people passing by – walking, cycling, riding, driving or hitching a ride from lorries. The floods lasted for a few days. It was like a murky ocean out there. Having had the same experience a few years ago, it was quite a familiar sight. We survived nearly three weeks of no landline and Internet. That explains my silence in the cyberworld.

Agora (2009)

2010-10-26T11:00:00.014+08:00

Hypatia (Rachel Weisz)

Hypatia with her disciples

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

A historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning a slave who turns to the rising tide of Christianity in the hopes of pursuing freedom while also falling in love with his master, the famous female philosophy professor and atheist Hypatia of Alexandria.

Rating: 2/5.

Knight and Day (2010)

2010-10-26T10:10:00.028+08:00

June (Cameron Diaz) and Roy Miller (Tom Cruise)

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

June Havens finds her life tangled with that of a secret agent who realised that he is in a dangerous mission. As their campaign to stay alive stretches across the globe, they soon learn that all they can count on is each other.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

2010-10-26T10:10:00.023+08:00

Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal)

Prince Dastan and Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton)

Prince Nizam (Ben Kingsley), Prince Dastan and Prince Tus (Richard Coyle)

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

A young fugitive prince and princess must stop a villain who unknowingly threatens to destroy the world with a special dagger that enables the inner magic sand to reverse time.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

2010-10-26T10:10:00.015+08:00

Mr. Nick aka the Devil (Tom Waits) and Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer)

Tony (Heath Ledger), Valentina (Lily Cole) and Anton (Andrew Garfield)

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

A travelling theatre company gives its audience much more than they were expecting.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

2010-10-23T18:00:00.016+08:00

Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska)

Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp)

Anne Hathaway as the White Queen

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

Alice returns to the magical world of her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her destiny – to end the Red Queen's reign of terror and return the crown to the White Queen.

Rating: 3/5.

Salt (2010)

2010-10-22T20:00:00.035+08:00

Evelyn Salt in action

Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber), Peabody (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Salt

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

A CIA agent, Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), goes on the run when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy.

Rating: 2.5/5.

Robin Hood (2010)

2010-10-22T20:00:00.025+08:00

Sir William Marshal (William Hurt) and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine (Eileen Atkins)

Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe)

Robin Longstride and Lady Marion Loxley (Cate Blanchett)

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

In an age of oppression and shameless tyranny, an outlaw becomes the unlikely hero that saves a nation and inspires generations to fight for freedom. This is an untold story of the man behind the legend.

Rating: 3/5.

Clash of the Titans (2010)

2010-10-22T20:00:00.015+08:00

Perseus (Sam Worthington)

Andromeda (Alexa Davalos) offered as a sacrifice in return for peace

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

A remake of the 1981 mythical adventure film about Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, who embarks on a perilous journey to stop the underworld and its minions from spreading their evil to Earth as well as the heavens.

Rating: 2/5.

The Ghost Writer (2010)

2010-10-22T18:00:00.043+08:00

The Ghost (Ewan McGregor)

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

2010-10-22T18:00:00.032+08:00

Edward and Bella

Jacob and Bella

The Cullens

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

Bella Swan and Edward Cullen have been reunited, but their forbidden relationship is threatened to be torn apart again with an evil vampire, Victoria, still seeking her revenge. Bella is forced to choose between her love for Edward or her friendship with Jacob Black as the struggle between vampires and werewolves continues. However, there is still another choice for Bella to make – mortality or immortality?

Rating: 2/5.

The Wolfman (2010)

2010-10-22T18:00:00.031+08:00

Sir John and Lawrence Talbot

Pictures: www.rottentomatoes.com

Even a man who is pure of heart
and says his prayers by night
may become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms
and the autumn moon is bright

When Lawrence Talbot (played by Benicio del Toro), a renowed Shakespearean actor, is called home to help find his missing brother, he finds the Blackmoor town terrified by a legendary werewolf and finally discovers that his father, Sir John Talbot (Anthony Hopkins) is the beast. After he's bitten and turned into a Wolfman himself, the son battles the father to the death in an effort to put an end to the curse.

Rating: 2/5.

Syawal

2010-10-01T22:00:00.061+08:00

One of the lights on the eve of Syawal

Curry Noodles. The noodles were made from scratch.

Ketupat Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Cakes)

Ketupat Pulut (Glutinous Rice Cakes)

Northern–style Beef Rendang

Kuah Kacang (Groundnut/Peanut Sauce)

Lontong

Bihun Goreng (Vermicelli Stir–fry)

Laksa (Rice Noodles)

Dark Chocolate Piping Biscuits

London Almond Biscuits

Kidney Biscuits

Pineapple Tarts

Makmur Biscuits

Caramel Custard

Prune Cake

Steamed Banana Cake slices

The cruisers in their traditional Malay costumes for men

Sunset

Kabsa Rice

Roast Chicken and Turkey

Beef and Bamboo Shoot Curry

Acar Timun (Cucumber and Pineapple Pickles)

Potato Salad (left) and Honey & Lemon–Glazed Roast Turkey

Parmesan and Oregano Loaves

Parmesan and Oregano Loaf slices

Some homemade Eid delicacies.

Jewels of Jordan: The Rose–Red City of Petra

2010-09-06T20:00:00.092+08:00

Al–Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra. Al–Khazneh is a massive façade, 30 m wide and 43 m high, carved out of the sheer, dusky pink, rock–face in the early 1st century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and represents the engineering genius of these ancient people.

The Siq ('Shaft'), a natural sandstone gorge flanked on either side by soaring, 80m high cliffs, leading towards the ancient city of Petra for over 1 km until it opens on to the magnificent Al–Khazneh (The Treasury).

A carved stone wall. Obelisks, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets are aplenty in Petra.

The end of the Siq, with a view of Al–Khazneh (The Treasury).

Al–Khazneh (The Treasury)

Tomb 67 (200 BC – 200 AD). The upper doorway is decorated with a Hellenistic pediment.

Urn Tomb

The ancient city of Petra from afar

Petra Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa, the closest town to the historic site. The entrance fee for the locals is JD1 (RM5) and JD33 (RM165) for foreigners per day.

The ancient Nabataean city of Petra, which was carved into the rock more than 2,000 years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Obelisk Tomb and Bab el–Siq Triclinium (25–75 AD). The tomb is crowned with four elongated pyramids that represent nefesh, Nabatean signs commemorating the deceased. A triclinium is a funerary dining hall with benches carved along three of its sides. Here, banquets, where wine was served, were held in honour of a god or ancestor.

Took a horse ride to The Siq

The Siq ('Shaft'), a natural sandstone gorge flanked on either side by soaring high cliffs, leading towards the ancient city of Petra for over 1 km until it opens on to the magnificent Al–Khazneh (The Treasury).

Al–Khazneh (The Treasury). Al–Khazneh was used as the entrance of the temple housing the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

It takes a minimum of three days to cover the whole city of Petra on foot as motorised vehicles are not permitted to enter the site. You need a pair of good walking shoes, a hat, strong feet (lots of walking and climbing), and plenty of drinking water. The blazing sun gave me a pounding headache, and my arms became two skin tones darker after.

Tomb 67 (200 BC – 200 AD). The upper doorway is decorated with a Hellenistic pediment.

Donkey ride, anyone?

The Theatre of Petra could seat 3,000 people.

Urn Tomb

A view of the Rose–Red City from Urn Tomb

What's Jordan most well known for? None other than the Rose–Red City of Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, of course! I didn't travel over 7,000km and cross five time zones to miss this iconic ancient city.

Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, Aramaic–speaking Semites, and the centre of their caravan trade. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan–city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

The ancient Nabataean city of Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World on 7 July 2007. Petra was half–built, half–carved into the rock more than 2,000 years ago, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.

Petra is known as the Rose–Red City for the colour of the rocks in which Petra is carved. It takes a minimum of three days to cover the whole city on foot. Motorised vehicles are not permitted to enter the site. You can hire a horse or a horse–drawn carriage to take you through the 1km Siq, and hire a donkey or camel once inside the site.

This post marks the end of my maiden trip to the Middle East. It was an unforgettable, heartwarming trip for me. I would return in a heartbeat.

Source: www.visitjordan.com

Jewels of Jordan: Scrumptious Spread

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Mineral water and maramiya (wild sage drink). Maramiya is good for stomach discomfort. Never thought it could be tasty!

Tamar hindi (sweet tamarind juice).

Tamar hindi is made by soaking tamarind in water for a few hours, then straining, sweetening and mixing it with rose water and lemon juice.

The (oh–so–good) homemade falafel, beth magli (omelette), and galait bendora (tomato dip). Tried falafel sandwich too, but didn't like it.

Brunch – mtabal/baba 'ghannouj, fries, tomato sauce, djaj magli (fried chicken), and salad with pitta bread.

Barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) in the making – place some rice in the centre of a grape leaf.

Barag dawali in the making – fold.

Kusa (courgettes)

One of my final dinners. Take your pick.

A tree in Ajlun

Roz Mansaf, Jordan's national dish, with djaj magli (fried chicken) and kebab. The broth is for the rice.

Brunch – pitta bread, homemade jubneih (cheese), chicken's liver stir–fry, hummus, sliced cucumber, tomatoes, zatar (mixed herbs), olive oil, zaitun (olives), and tea.

Ouzi with yoghurt and local salad. I'm not a fan of rice, but this one was yummy.

Brunch – wardeh (nabilse bread), fries, tomato sauce, chillies, hummus, falafel, beth magli (omelette), galait bendora (tomato dip), zatar (mixed herbs), olive oil, zaitun (olives), and tea.

Brunch – fries, tomato sauce, mtabal/baba 'ghannouj, djaj magli (fried chicken), and salad with pitta bread.

Brunch – pitta bread, salad, mtabal, fries, fried chicken, and shwaraba (vermicelli and carrot soup).

Lamb Mansaf Rice with broth and basal (onions)

Brunch in bed – pitta (the ones topped with zatar were manageesh), mtabal/baba 'ghannouj, jubneih (cheese), pickles, zaitun (olives), hard–boiled eggs, maleh (salt) and fulful (pepper).

Dinner – pitta, kmaj (bread), chicken and lamb kebab, grilled aubergine and tomatoes, and fruits.

Roz (rice) with pickles and fasuliya

Barbecue on cool, breezy Mount Nebo with my friends. It was surreal.

Shai bana'na (mint tea)

Ginger milk tea

Roz Maqluba (Upside Down Rice)

Blended salad

Masala Rice

Seneat bata'ta (potato and beef) stir–fry

Bamiya (lady's fingers) and beef stir–fry

Ingredients for barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) – grape leaves and spiced rice.

Barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) in the making – roll and ready to be steamed.

Mahasyi – barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) and stuffed kusa (courgettes)

Ajlun

What's a nation without its own culinary specialities, right? I have dined out at some Middle Eastern restaurants locally and recently, I was fortunate to have had the chance to sample some Middle Eastern delights during my trip.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my Muslim readers a blessed Ramadhan al–Kareem 1431H.

Jewels of Jordan: Delightful Dessert & Snacks

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Yummy toot (mulberries)

Kanafeh, a local dessert, and soda.

Lemon ice lolly

Hummus (chickpeas)

Olives

Pomegranates

Breadmen making masyruah

Masyruah (flat bread)

Fatayir. I dislike spinach, but the spinach–stuffed one was good.

Wardeh (nabilse bread)

Bitifour (local biscuits)

Baklava (rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts like pistachios and sweetened with syrup or honey)

Heelu (sweets)

Soda and gato (cakes)

'Gharaibe and crunchy baraz'zi (sesame biscuits)

Yummy roz halib (rice milk) topped with cinnamon powder

Toot (mulberries). Love them in all colours – light green, red, and black.

Mushmush (apricots), houh (nectarines), duragh (peaches) and farauleh (strawberries).

Some munchies sampled during my trip. My personal favourites were mulberries, baraz'zi, fatayir and roz halib.

Jewels of Jordan: Dead Sea

2010-08-09T06:00:00.030+08:00

Salt crystals and the crystal clear water of the Dead Sea. Visited the Dead Sea twice during my trip.

Sunset over Israel and the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea with Israel in the background. Photo by Qusai.

The Dead Sea resorts in Jordan

The borders of Jordan and Israel are separated by the Dead Sea

Photo by SkyJuice

Sunset over Israel and the Dead Sea. Photo by Qusai.

The Dead Sea is 67 km long and 18 km wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River. The surface and shores are 422 m (1,385 ft) below sea level, the lowest elevation on the Earth's surface on dry land. The Dead Sea is 378 m (1,240 ft) deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. It is also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water, with 33.7% salinity. It is 8.6 times more salty than the ocean. This salinity makes for a harsh environment where animals cannot flourish, hence its name.

The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral–rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, all of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea’s rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the healthy minerals – chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. People from all over the world with all sorts of ailments come to the Dead Sea.

Nearby is the site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptised.

Source: www.visitjordan.com

Jewels of Jordan: Mount Nebo

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Photo by Qusai

The Milestone at Sarabit Al–Mushaqqar (the sixth milestone of the Roman Esbous–Livias Road)

Barbecue on the breezy mountain

Photo by Qusai

The three main phases of the Memorial of Moses

The Abu Badd rolling stone was used as a fortified door of a Byzantine monastery in the old village of Faisaliyah, once known as Kufeir Abu Badd.

Views from the Memorial of Moses

A view from our barbecue spot

Photos by SkyJuice and Qusai Alazzam.

Jabal Nebo (or Mount Nebo), located 10 km west of the Roman Byzantine town of Madaba, is one of Jordan's revered holy sites where Prophet Musa a.s. (Moses) was buried and a centre for pilgrimages since early Christian times.

Visiting this holy site was a dreamlike experience for me. My friends and I had a barbecue not far away from the Memorial of Moses. Breathing the fresh mountain air while munching on good bread, barbecued meat and salad in good company and thinking that it was Prophet Musa a.s.'s final resting place was surreal. It seemed like a world away. Words simply weren't enough to describe how I felt.

Jewels of Jordan: Amman

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Ahl al–Kahf (Cave of the Seven Sleepers)

The popular Habibah Kanafeh in Amman. Extremely sweet!

Kasab sukar (sugar cane)

Gahwa (coffee) beans being roasted

Coloured sand

Sand art is popular in this part of the world

Ghanam (sheep's) parts. Dare to stomach all of these?

Kusa (courgettes)

Bamiya (mini lady's fingers)

Masjid Al–Husseini

Ahl al–Kahf (Cave of the Seven Sleepers)

Amman

Kanafeh, a local dessert, in the making.

Hesbeh (fruit and vegetable market)

Masjid Al–Husseini. The Ottoman–style mosque was rebuilt in 1924 by his late Majesty King Abdullah bin Al–Hussein, founder of modern Jordan, on the remains of a mosque built in 640 AD by the second Caliph, Umar Al–Khattab.

Ahl al–Kahf (Cave of the Seven Sleepers) as mentioned in Surah Al–Kahf of the Holy Quran.

The cave is located outside the village of Al–Raqim, 10 km east of Amman. Persecuted by the despotic rule of Trajan for monotheism, a group of pious youths took refuge in this cave. To preserve them, God put them to sleep, and when they revived 309 solar years later, they thought that they were only asleep for a day or so. Christianity was widespread by then, and when they were discovered, God put them to rest forever.

At the cave, there still stands Byzantine and Roman ruins as well as a mosque, which fit the descriptions exactly in the Holy Quran.

The bones of the seven sleepers and a dog, Qitmir.

Amman is both the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, known under the Ammonites as Rabbat–Ammon and in Graeco–Roman times as Philadelphia. Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Described as a modern city built on the sands of time, Amman is a city of contracts – a blend of old and new, and is located on a hilly area between the desert and Jordan Valley. Originally spread over seven hills, Amman now covers at least nineteen hills.

Sources: www.ammancity.gov.jo/en and www.jtb.com.jo

Jewels of Jordan: The Castle Mountain

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The Temple of Hercules

The Open Cistern 'Birka', a water storage.

Thistles swaying in the gentle breeze

The Umayyad Complex

Amman is both the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, known under the Ammonites as Rabbat–Ammon and in Graeco–Roman times as Philadelphia.

A view on Jabal al–Qala'a

The Umayyad Palace (circa 730 AD)

The Umayyad Complex

Downtown Amman from Jabal al–Qala'a with Raghadan Flagpole of Jordan, the world's highest flagpole at 160 m (525 ft), in the background.

Views of Amman from Jabal al–Qala'a

The Temple of Hercules

Amman

My next destination was Amman, the capital city of Jordan. My friends and I went to Amman Citadel National Historic Site & Archaeological Museum, Jabal al–Qala'a (The Castle Mountain).

Jabal al–Qala'a is one of Amman’s oldest known sites. Perched on top of the city’s highest hill, it is recognised for its historical importance. Archaeological excavations reveal remains from the Bronze Age through the Arab Islamic ages, and this summit has been used as a settlement and a fortress for millennia, dating back 7000 years according to some estimates. That is around the time of the rise of civilisation in the Nile Valley.

On Jabal al–Qala'a, you will discover the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, an Umayyad Palace dating back to 720 AD and a Byzantine church from the 6th century. There is a well–preserved 6,000–seat Roman Theatre at the foot of the Citadel.

Sources: www.ammancity.gov.jo/en and www.jtb.com.jo

Jewels of Jordan: Jerash

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Tetrapylon, an intersection of Jerash's Cardo with the first cross street in the ancient ruins of Jerash. The cardo is a north–south oriented street in Roman cities, military camps, and coloniae. The cardo, an integral component of city planning, is lined with shops and vendors, and served as a hub of economic life.

The Hippodrome wall. Hippodrome is a stadium for horse and chariot racing.

The Arch of Hadrian, built to honour the visit of emperor Hadrian to Jerash in 129/130 AD.

The Hippodrome, a stadium for horse and chariot racing.

Roman ruins

The Roman Southern Amphitheatre

The cobbled street and Roman pillars of Jerash

Fountain

The Roman Northern Amphitheatre

The Arch of Hadrian, built to honour the visit of emperor Hadrian to Jerash in 129/130 AD.

The Hippodrome. Hippodrome is a stadium for horse and chariot racing. The hippodrome has ten starting gates (carceres), as opposed to the usual twelve, which have now been re–assembled from the rubble with other missing stones quarried and rebuilt. The seating area (cavea) was 4m deep with sixteen rows of seats. The seats accommodated 15,000 spectators who, it is said, were Greek–speaking even during Roman time.

The stone altar of the Hellenistic period

The Roman Oval Piazza

The Bedouins performing at the Roman Southern Amphitheatre

The cobbled street and Roman pillars of Jerash

Modern–day Jerash from Ancient Jerash (Gerasa)

The Roman Northern Amphitheatre

The huge, ancient city of Jerash or Graeco–Roman city of Gerasa, is also referred to as Antioch on the Golden River. Jerash lies on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas and fertile basins. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and was one of the ten great Roman cities, the Decapolis League. Jerash is one of the world's largest and most well–preserved sites of Roman architecture outside of Italy. The entrance fee for foreigners is JD8 (US$10.40).

Jerash is one of the highlights of my trip to Jordan. I marvelled in awe at the sight of this beautiful Roman city.

Source: www.visitjordan.com