Umroh Perdana dan Mandiri - Never Ending Journey to Reach His Blessings - photo album Madinah 1

Assalammualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Semoga teman - teman semua selalu dalam lindungan-Nya di mana pun berada.

Sambil menunggu lanjutan cerita  Umroh Perdana dan Mandiri kami #thefrakarsas , boleh ya share beberapa photos yang kami tangkap dan rekam selama menjalani perjalanan ibadah ini.

As I have indicated in the title, it's truly a never ending journey to reach Allah's blessings. One that never fails to amaze me and my munchkin.


Again, stopping first at Madinah was the best decision we made as we started our maiden journey to Haramain, Mecca and Madina. 

Such a tranquil, peaceful city, holding a special place in the heart of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW and where he finally rested in love and peace.

Its courtyard with those amazing umbrellas is indeed a unique view for those who are lucky enough to come and visit this place, while the architectures and the details of Nabawi mosque are exquisite. 

And of course, Rawdah... there are no words can describe the feeling as one steps into this sacred part, where our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW rests in peace. 

Its green dome is indeed iconic and inside is truly a paradise garden on earth, bestowed with His blessings and rahmah. 

My hubby and I certainly hope we can go back again here soon.

Insya Allah ...

So, there we go... 

I hope you do enjoy some of the photos of our spiritual journey.

Wassalammualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuh

WW: William Harding Photo Exhibition

Welcome to William Harding Photo Exhibition 

I came across an amazing Photo Exhibition at New Zealand National Library.

As I finished my yoga session at the High Commission of India's office, I stopped by at the National Library to enjoy the exhibition of William Harding called Between Skin and Shirt, the photographic portraits of William Harding. 

At first, I didn't know who William Harding was but then I learnt more as I strolled around the displays. All the portraits captured by him really showed strong emotions and truly attracted your attention. Noting that these photos were taken in the 18

Here are some of them.

So, what do you think?
I really enjoy all the photos and the emotions clearly displayed from them. I hope I can always enjoy stellar works like this here in Wellington. For sure, I will share it to you in my blog then.

Join us on (almost) Wonderful Wednesday and have fun with the link party.

WW: The Beauty of Indonesia

sunset at Bandar Lampung, Indonesia

I know that August is almost coming to an end and I still want to celebrate this glorious month where we all celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day.

It has been my intention since I was young to go around Indonesia and witness its magnificent beauty from different provinces. 

on my way to Ambon, Maluku

So many to enjoy indeed, starting from its amazing landscape and natural wonders, incredible food and beverages deriving from its abundant and indigenous sources, wonderful handy crafts and art works, heart-warming and friendly people, intricate designs and vividly colorful fabrics, and astonishing cultures. And that's not all as you will have lovely surprises as you travel around the country.

Tenun Buna, hand made with love in East Nusa Tenggara

I know that the pandemic has restricted us from traveling around and exploring its divine beauty, but I take the liberty to take 'virtual tour' through my blog, external hard drives, social media platforms and more. 

One fine evening at Puncak Mas, Lampung

It has been quite entertaining and is considered satisfactory until we can actually go out again and travel without fear. How I long for that time.

Morning view of mountains across Jogjakarta and Central Java I saw on my first flight from Jogjakarta - Jakarta

  

Here are some photos I took along the way and some of them might have been published here, while others are not. 

The beauty of wayang and wooden craft, Solo, Central Java

I just realized that I was lucky enough to explore some parts of the country and I really hope I can travel more at later stage. Indonesia is huge and beautiful and for that, it will take sometimes to actually explore most part of it. 

wonderful sunset at Ambon Bay, Ambon, Maluku

My hubby and I, together with the kids, simply can't wait to plan and do the road trip again. Well, We did have the plan before but it all shattered thanks to COVID-19.

So now, let's enjoy the beauty of Indonesia.

Sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu, Central Java, with Borobodur Temple afar

Climbing up Mount Krakatau, holding the national flag

the famous Krakatau or Krakatoa Mountain

one fine day at Bunaken Islan, North Sulawesi

La Rascasse or the Lion Fish at Bunaken, North Sulawesi

On my way to Pahawang Island, Lampung

greeneries along the road in Bergen, South Lampung

Morning stroll at Purwakarta, West Java

Please fee free to check out the video I have shared in my YouTube channel about Indonesia as well. 

I prepared this one for the celebration of Indonesia's 76th Independence Day. Please take a look.

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the link party

WW: Hotel Nacional de Cuba - Havana Revisited

Welcome to Havana, Cuba

Hi everyone.

Hope everyone is well and remains calm, cool and collected during this pandemic. Things are a bit out of control again these days and we do have to remain positive!

One way to keep me happy is by looking at my traveling journal and photo as well as video collections. I fully realize that I haven't really shared many of them in my blog. I stumbled upon my files from my trip to Havana, Cuba, in summer 2018. 

Boy, how I miss traveling and how much I haven' t shared about Havana in my 4-day trip. It was done on my last days in the US, before heading back home to Indonesia in August 2018. Together with my dearest sista in NYC, Erma, I took the liberty to explore Havana. Well, 4 days is obviously not enough but we tried to enjoy what we can. 

One beautiful corner at Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana

So, on the first day, we arrived already midday. We went directly to the hotel, NH Capri. After getting out of the airport and change the local currency as they have a separate monetary unit for international tourists, we headed to the hotel and after checked in and rest for a while, we walked around the area and went to Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

Being around since 1930s, the hotel is indeed an icon for Cuban splendid and colorful history. Its elegance is outstanding, you can easily spot it from afar, even from the famous highway El Moleçon. It has been graced by famous names and big personalities from all over the place, including Prime Minister Winston Churchil, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gradner, and more. 

Overlooking the backyard of Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana

Here are some more photos you can enjoy. 

These ones were taken  around Hotel Nacional de Cuba, one of the beautiful and historical landmarks in Havana, Cuba.

After strolling around the area, we sat down at the bar and chilled. I guess the one that visited was View Bar or the Hall of Fame. The place is cozy and surely filled with many memorabilia from the past.

I am writing more piece about my trip there as well. It was indeed a memorable trip for me and Erma. Hope more stories will be ready soon.

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the linky party.