Merry Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas 2008, everybody. May this Christmas brings you joy and happiness for a prosperous year of 2009 ahead. May your prayers bring peace and brotherhood to humankind the world over. The Catholics brothers and sisters of Sri Aman had their 'get-together' at the Catholic Church Our Lady Queen of Peace for the Christmas eve service. Fine weather in the early evening but the usual landas snowfall right after.

Some Christmas eve photos to share.

He's up there, looking upon us...by day

...and by night

All set... that's my boy Mark Ian with the incense's boat

'Through Mary To Jesus'

The Savior was born this very day for us but who will save us from our own destruction?

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HO...HO...HO...

Fishing and Patience

Fishing is a passion and a test of patience. Fishing enthusiasts will take anything, the heat, the rain, whatever. The catch may not be the BIG one here at the Sri Aman commercial wharf, but anglers will not take that as an excuse not to show up. I’m sure it’s all about the thrill. The thrill only anglers can feel.

The Batang Lupar is famous for the annual Tidal Bore Festival (Pesta Benak) and of course the ‘Bujang Senang’ but fishing seems to be more of a daily scene during the right tide of the day (or night). Well, bring along your gears if you happen to come to Sri Aman and test your patience.

The young ones ….. beating the heat of the day

The older ones ….

The big-biker …..

Fishing for cars-tomers needs patience, too. That’s my boy Arthur-Garret in the Santa head gear.

Salute you all, guys.

Batang Igan Ferry

Since posted to Matu in mid-September 2008, Batang Igan Ferry is now my new 'sakai'. Batang Igan Ferry is connecting the 50 km Mukah-Oya-Igan road with the Igan Ferry Point - Matu - Daro road of 66 km. The two ferries, named Benuong and Luyan, are ready to ply travellers across the Igan river daily from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. The crossing takes around 10 minutes for a minimal charge of RM1.00 per car/mini-bus and more for bigger ones, of course.

Besides the 'preview' of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Batang Igan, the 'view' on the ferry itself seems to be more lively. From businessmen, government officials, farmers and fishermen - they become one, sharing the same view of Batang Igan. Sometimes sharing views and news, where strangers suddenly become friends during that 10-minute trip.

Sometimes a sudden isolation (like on the ferry) can turn strangers into friends. But we often forget about friends in our daily big city life. Of course, a friend in need is a friend indeed but does it mean - no needs no friends?

Where strangers become friends

'Beckham' prefers to enjoy the 'preview' of the South China Sea

Some Melanau tit-bits on board at 'factory' price

45 Years Of Independence

I visited the Pameran 45 Tahun Sarawak Maju Dalam Malaysia in Sri Aman recently, one in Dewan Suarah earlier on, and later on 28 - 30th November in Padang KPSU Lama. Nice to see the past and here's something to look forward to.

Will these old guns guarantee our independence for the next 45 years?

Or will it be these peace-loving cuties?

Whoever it is, one must dream BIG (on the big machine) ... helmets off, my friend

But the direction must be clear, even in the dark!

Thank you, all my friends at Resident Office, Sri Aman. Well done. Missed you all.

Tiga Abdul - Evergreen in Black & White

Astro Prima showed Tiga Abdul tonight. It's a real evergreen in black & white, filled with real life goodies, still seen in this millennium! Greed, greed and greed. My whole family watched it. We enjoyed it. Thanks Tan Sri P. Ramlee, for the message you gave us.

He... he... he... kena jual cos of greed

'Ini tidak adil' - still greed

As usual, Tan Sri P. Ramlee always tell us the way things should be done - correctly

Weekend In Bandar Sri Aman

Some says this is a sleepy town. Others suggested that this town is good for pensioners. Quiet and peaceful. But on weekends, Bandar Sri Aman is a 'big town'. And it's catching up on other days as well.

Big town means jams and parking problems. Jams caused by indiscriminate parking. Indiscriminate parking due to lack of parking space but more often due to our refusal to walk a block or two to shop. We often blame the authorities but we must remember that the authorities are road users too. They won't be happy as well.

Maybe a short walk to the other block will help ease the problem and heal the heart, too!

Along Club Road

That's mine and I got a 'PHILIPS' label.
Believe in positive thinking. When you believe there's one for you, there'll be one.

1st December 2008

Well, today is the first day of the last month in 2008 and it's Monday. Are we ready for 2009 or are we still busy and jammed in 2008? It's 30 days to 2009. Are we happy with 2008 so far? Need extra time? That's one thing IMPOSSIBLE!

Anyway, we are who we think we are. 2009 will be here in 30 days. Stay focus and keep moving. It's like approaching another 'R & R' and getting refresh for the next journey. Just enjoy the month. School holiday is on, Aidil Adha is coming, followed by Christmas and Maal Hijrah. And of course the usual Auld Lang Syne to mark the 'transition' of 2008 - 2009.

All the best from Sakai Dana and God Bless.