Girls Night Out

Date: 29 March 2007
Time: 6pm -9pm
Venue: Jubilee Place, Canada Place and Cabot Place

This event held in Canary Wharf is into its third year and highlights are all things girly - fashion shows, fun and frolics of shopping, enjoying live music + entertainment, product demonstrations, relax with some pampering treatments, such as massages and makeovers.

I met up with two friends - old and new - for this event; new from work and a dear old friend whom I had not met since I left my first job in 2000. I got off work early and headed to the shops to investigate the special offers and discounts while waiting for them as they had to travel in from the city.

The live entertainment was deafening to say the least and I think the entire womenfolk of London congregated at the wharf that night. Men, you certainly missed out on the bevy of girlies if you didn't head to the wharf. Regrets regrets.

I had my own (regret) too. Knowing full well my weakness for Gap, I should have avoided it instead of head on straight for it. Duh. I grabbed quite a few items (surprise surprise) as everything was 30% off but not after being elbowed, jabbed and getting the obligatory touch-that-last-available-size-if-you-don't-cherish-your-life glances from psycho female shoppers. Then there was the insanely long queue to pay but luckily by the time I reached the till, both had arrived safely, no doubt abit disoriented by the crowd and noise.

We traipsed the malls abit, checked out the fashion show, treated ourselves at the chocolate fountain, enjoyed free manicures before finally checking in at Tiffinbites for some dinner where we could have a proper girly chat and rest our tired feet.

Old friend and I go a long way back as we had been in the same primary and secondary school. We talked about homes + properties, food + cooking, good holiday destinations and work. It's always nice to be with good company and good food (and good bargains). All agreed that we should do this more often, and not wait until next year's GNO or until one of us gives birth for the next catch up sesh. It was a thoroughly enjoyable three-girls night out indeed.

The Indispensable Cik Sap

Here I am all excited about mumsy's arrival. Abit selfish, considering the kitties have to sacrifice and be deprived of their 'gramma' for the longest time. Nevermind dadster, what will happen to the cats?

I wonder how Winnie + Cleo will cope during her abscence. The longest she has ever been away from them is 5 days. That's it. It worries me to think about what's gonna happen to them for 18 whole days. Let me tell you these two furballs have their own peculiarities only mumsy understands such as Cleo's wait-next-to-fridge-in-kitchen-for-ikanbilis treats and Winnie's let-me-in-this-room-for-my-nap meows. They will most certainly miss having their 'gramma' around.

One can only hope that dadster is equally successful in interpreting all these cat-talk as mumsy is!

ps. I'm sure 'gramma the big softie' will be missing them too; just look at the cute pink noses + paw-paws and tell me who wouldn't?

Mother Dearest

It's countdown till Mumsy's here. Not long, only 8 days to go.Yippee. I'm really excited about the prospect of having her around. The last time I saw her was in early Dec-06, about four months ago and not under the best circumstances either.

There are lots to do prior to her arrival;

• clean the house,
• put on fresh bedsheets,
• vacuum/dust guest room,
• empty spare cupboard (which currently holds my clothes) to ensure she has some space,
• grocery shopping for mum's favourite biscuits, juice, fruits etc,
• clear out the studying materials/study lamp/chair from the guest room and transfer it into our bedroom,
• clean the guest bathroom (euw).

Er, have I miss anything out?

There's quite abit to do indeedy and I'm planning to do them over the next few days and bits and pieces throughout this weekend. *I so need a maid*

Then there are lots to do once she's here. I have planned some travels both far and near, for us. I'm well chuffed with my planning+organising skills.

Sight see
Venice
Brighton
London Eye

Shopping
Bicester (for designer factory outlets)
Bluewater (general mainstream high street brands)
Portsmouth (factory outlets for high street brands)
Stoke-on-Trent (wedgewood)
The not-to-be-missed Oxford Street shopping

Musical
Mamma Mia

Others
Markets around London
Greenwich
Hyde Park to visit the famed fearless squirrels (!)

Notice the high concentration in the shopping activities. That should keep her happy.

Good thing mum arrives the day before Easter hols, so I have four complete days to spend with her before I have to leave her on her own while I'm at work. If it were entirely up to me, I want to spend ALL my time with her!

Time will seem a fleeting during these three weeks, I’m sure.

Time: Too Long, Too Little, Too Early

Too Long A Time For Abstinence

Just thought I'd provide a brief update on the diet. As at Day 11 - am still going strong.

Yeahright.

Confession: there have been many instances when temptation was so great that I was willing to call it off and head straight to the vending machine and guzzle down some cola. Sigh. Many a-times. *weakling*

I've been asked, 'Do you feel any difference?'. Maybe it's still too early but to be honest I don't. However, the benefits would be long-term, I'm sure. Hence will try to stick to it. My body, my temple.

***

Too Little Time During the Weekend

Being a girl isn't easy (or cheap) I tell ya. There's the waxing, threading, facials, treatments et al, one must undergo on a frequent basis all in the name of beauty!

One thing I have neglected far too long - my crowning glory. It is in dire need of a haircut. I have been meaning to get a haircut for the past 3 weeks. The split ends are worsening thanks to the crisp wintry air and the hot showers I take. I have been planning to do it over the weekends and almost always as Sunday comes to an end, I'd regret not doing it. Problem is, hair cuts cost a bomb here. I could very well do it during one of my lunch hour at Toni and Guys downstairs and get it over an done with. Yes I could, if I wanted to part with my hard-earned £60. Being a cheapskate, I'd rather travel abit as I know one in Greenwich that would cost half that amount.

Need to get my act together. Next week, I promise.

***

Too Early For Monday

Today British Summer Time commences. Everyone has to turn the dial on their clock back an hour. This means that tomorrow, I have to wake up a whole hour earlier. Geez. How do I deal with this on a Monday morning.

Squirrels Galore

Felt that the much needed animal-interaction was long overdue. Packed the 'snacks' and headed early to beat the throngs of tourists who roam about Hyde Park.

We obviously were not the only ones pining for their company + eager to meet our nut-hoarder friends; there was a couple comfortably seated at the best spot (!) and feeding them already. From the looks of it, these lucky squirrels definitely have a constant supply of food from the locals/tourists. Something to be thankful for; at least we can all sleep easy knowing they are well fed.

They are so brassy and brave, it's such a wonder and a joy to be with these fearless furballs. This beats retail therapy any day.

These cuties would come over, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, sniff about, sometimes even brave enough to climb on your extended leg, and ask (if you may) for some, perch on you, pick and choose a peanut, scoff it down nearby and would come back right after for the bigger sized nut, usually the chunky brazils to run off into the bush to stash away these precious commodities. And then come back for more!

Have a look at these cute little fellas.

Wonky Weather at the Wharf

Day 5

I have been good and not touched a single can of diet coke since day 1 of resolution. Neither have I chewed sugar-free gum, or any gum for that matter. As for fish meal alternative, I have resorted to tuna/salmon filling sandwiches instead of my usual chicken/cheddar cheese favourites.

It may be doable for now (5 days is too early to conclude anything) but I have a feeling this bout of health-consciousness won't last knowing myself all too well; I really love my chicken.

***

On a different note, the weather has gone bonkers here in UK. We had some hail showers on Sunday, and some snow for a good 10 minutes or so this afternoon. It's greatly bizzare. Just when I thought winter was well and truly over - generous rays of sunshine + mild temperatures bestowed upon us over the past two weeks - it was taken away ever so quickly. Back to turtle necks, thick cardis, woolly jumpers and heavy winter coats *sigh*

There's a lot of wind around the wharf too (something about tall buildings, basins and waterways, low pressure, hence strong winds) and most mornings I get into the office looking like a right mess; my hair will be everywhere that it should not be despite my best efforts every morning to ensure it's in its place, now I wonder why I even bother? Today's wind was exceptionally strong and any stronger I would have probably been blown away. And my poor ears; they hurt so bad from being exposed to the piercing cold, despite my less-than-10minutes walk to and from work. I must remember my hat tomorrow.

When oh when will spring make its long awaited appearance?

Tok

After so long, I was craving for some 'colek' last night. Had all the ingredients to make the 'dip' but did not have any fruits at my disposal. It was too late to get some fruits from Waitrose so I had to distract myself from thinking about it too much.

Having colek reminds me of the days back in BH where I would sit with my late grandma behind the house while she sliced the crunchy papayas/mangoes/pineapples for my dip-dunk-scoffing pleasure. There was a sort of patio-like area with big shady trees where we could just sit for hours while enjoying the cool breeze (house was situated atop a hill). This sort of stopped when Tok went back to Kelantan for good due to circumstances.

I grew up, moved on and stopped having this for a long long time. Until last night when I craved for some. It brought back old memories of my childhood. Growing up alone sans siblings, I only had Tok with me most times. We shared a room cause I had the biggest room in the house. I very rarely did household chores, simply because Tok would do everysinglething. She was never idle. She kept to a daily routine which I vaguely remember now. She would usually retire at about 2 or 3-ish for Zohor prayers. Thereafter requiring my assistance to pull her white/grey hair (she claims they make her scalp itch) and to thread her needles for her to sew (eyesight not as good as it used to be). And I would teach her spelling as she could not read nor write. She had a fantastic memory mind you. There's a family joke; during all the years she stayed with us, all I taught her was B.A.I.K. Nothing more nothing less. She was much too polite to complain. Bless her cotton socks.

Cliche as it may sound, I regret not spending enough of my adult life with her apart from the annual 1/2 days raya visits. Going back to Kelantan became very rare and in between due to all sorts of reasons (excuses); college, university and then work got in the way but mostly they were due to sheer indolence.

I then got married; fortunately my in laws are Kelantanese therefore I made trips back at least once a year and had the opportunity to visit Tok on these occassions.

When we came here, all holidays back home were limited to 2 weeks at the most due to work commitment. Regrettably, I never made going back to Kelantan a priority. I think since Q3 2005 until Tok passed away last December, I only saw her once.

I hope she will forgive me for not spending as much time with her as I could have, especially since she was there for me during my formative + growing up years.

It's Only Been Three Days

Day 2

Happy to report that I swapped my diet coke for some sprite with my McDonald's meal yesterday.

Although I'll be sorry when I find my teeth rotting with all the sugar intake; like I said, I'd rather be dead with healthy teeth than be alive with no teeth. And yes, another potential health problem staring at me - a McD meal. You'd think that I'd be more worried about the meal rather. I mean, what harm can artificial sweetener do compared to the high content of fat/salt/preservatives in the burger + fries, aye? May need to re-align my healthy-eating strategy (!).

***

Day 3

Home-bound all day today hence no temptations. Although there is a can in the fridge which I'm pretty sure calls out to me every time I get something out of the fridge. Note to self: must be strong and get rid of can pronto.

***

No withdrawal symptoms, no hallucinations, no mood swings.
3 down. 39 days to go.

Wholesome Tucker

Watched '50 Shocking Facts About Your Food' on Channel 4 some nights ago. Alarming indeed.

I'm appalled to discover that everything I consume is:

• really unhealthy despite opting for the lighter, less fat, less calories choices
• has potential side effects (e.g. headaches, migraines, brain tumour)

Let's have a look-see shall we into my daily staple:

• Diet coke - contains artificial sweetener: aspartame
• Lots of chicken (be it sandwiches/eaten with rice) - these chickens are fed with growth hormones + are bred in very small enclosure resulting in stressed chickens.
• Sugar free gum - contains aspartame

Apparently, aspartame has been a subject of public controversy due to its perceived health risks. Hence I have resolved to exclude the first and third items in my food intake for the next 6 weeks. This is to ascertain if my medical conditions will improve or perhaps even be cured with the abscence of this chemical in my diet.

Will also eat more fish and less chicken wherever possible.

Day 1 of detox started yesterday. I don't know how long this aspartame-free diet will last especially with summer coming up when I thirst for some diet coke. Will be updating on my status hopefully on a regular, if not daily basis here. Watch this space.

No Reading Please

I know this is a long shot but can something please happen that'll allow me to be in the Wharf tomorrow.

I don't want to take the tube to Paddington. I don't want to travel into Reading. I don't want to do coding.

Urgh. There really is just no way of putting this politely; I simply don't want to spend my Friday in that ugly depressing sad excuse of an office with its unpleasant occupants.

So, can the Great Western Train personnel go on strike please.

Lousy Day

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Felt miserable all day. Rotten rotten mood. Wanted to bite someone's head off.

Could not get myself out of bed this morning until about half seven which is unreasonable considering I went to bed at 11pm. Loathed work. I even gave my fav salsa classes a miss (shock horror).

Tried to pinpoint the reason;

Is it that time of month? No.
Bad hair day? Au contraire.
Deadlines? None.
Terrorised by colleagues? Not today.

Don't know what's wrong. It's one of those 'there must be more to life than this' days. I don't have anything to look forward to despite the changes I've effected in my life - exercise regime/books/new interests. I feel like I am not moving forward. But but what more can I do to improve my life?

I'm just tired of my mundane routine really.

Eat, sleep, work, look forward to weekend, work, sleep, eat. Repeat.

Right now all I wish for is a break from the routine. Maybe a week long holiday at home being silly with Mumsy + Dadster, rubbing Winnie while she purrs in appreciation, trying to steal kisses from Cleo, chilling at the patio whilst having some satay. Bliss.

How I miss home.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight - Khalil Gibran, The Prophet (1923).

Let tomorrow be a better day. Amen.

Life Changing News (II)

IK received some rather unsettling news yesterday. His superior wants him to extend his 3 year stint in London for another year i.e. until Aug 2009. Initial posting: 3 years from Aug 2005. Now this curve ball.

No doubt the experience and money will be good.

However, we've left Winnie for 1.5 years and we're looking forward to spending time with her at the end of this 3 year post. We realised too that we missed our family and loved ones; no more overseas stints thank you very much. Not that I wish for anything untoward to happen but I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to Winnie/family if I wasn't around when I could have been there. Oh God forbid.

We've had a brief discourse on this piece of news and generally we agreed it's best I go home as planned while IK leverages on the single posting terms - 4 leave passages per annum. I will then come over as much as time + money permits. Doesn't sound like a bad arrangement, does it. After all, this will only be for one year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days.

We really are 'stupefied' by all this. Some people we know would jump at such an opportunity. Funny how things turned out.

When the time comes, I will need to make a very important decision. Will London be home for yet another year or will I go back to Ninie and be there for her, as I had promised her a year and a half ago that rainy night before I left her for this so called greener pastures?


***

Life Changing News (I)

May 2005

It was about 6-ish, on the Damansara – LDP highway right after the toll gates, driving home after work, a few days prior to our 4th anniversary when IK sprang the news on me. He said, we’re going to London Bu, I am being posted to the London office.

I remember that day vividly in my mind. How such news brought insurmountable joy to me then. Back in the days when 'the grass is always greener' and when I was young + foolish. Little did I know that oft times, life would get abit too lonely here with no Winnie, family and friends. How sometimes during the low points in my life, I wished we never came at all.

Sunday Morning

That may be all I need
In darkness she is all I see
Come and rest your bones with me
Driving slow on Sunday morning
And I never want to leave

***

Weather forecast: Lots of Sunshine

Headed into the embankment area as early as 8.30am this morning (to ensure best parking spaces, read: free!) for a spot of photography.

The aim was to capture some beautiful shots of sites/statues/buildings with the SLR by fully utilising its capabilities (not that we know how to anyway; yes yes read the darn manual).

Nevermind that, weather was exceptionaly fab. Two sunshiny days consecutively (I can smell spring in the air!). Such a glorious and an enjoyable morning. Must take full advantage of this good weather and do this again. SOON.

Weekend at the Wharf

Had a lazy lie in this morning before dragging myself out of bed to have some breakfast. That was at 11 am.

Morning turned into noon. Noon developed into the afternoon. What a complete waste of precious weekend time.

Finally got dressed at 2ish - the plan was to have some lunch and then take the water taxi into the city for some photography.

Had lunch at Gaucho Grill, a really sleek and tastefully decorated restaurant by the river at Westferry Circus. Although famed for its legendary steaks, I opted for the grilled boneless herb chicken served with some delish garlic confit potatoe puree and ended my meal on a sweet note - Argentine pancakes with vanilla ice-cream topped with dulce de luche sauce. Heavenly!

With a happy and contented tummy (heavy eyelids ensued!), the plan to go into the city was inevitably scrapped. Strolled around the wharf instead. As it was a nice and sunny day, took the opportunity to snap some photos of the beautiful sites at the Wharf.

Here's to a Healthier Me

Deadlines met. Dinner sorted (hooray for leftovers). IK had a hair-cut appointment.

I had the evening all to myself. My only dilemma was where to spend it. It was between:

• single knee, double leg curls, squats, lunges, stretching sesh (after weeks of missing classes thanks to back/chest pains and an unforgiving work schedule), or

• sitting in a meeting room for two hours with strangers who speak incomprehensible camera jargons.

Not a difficult choice.

I really should have opted for the latter activity to find out about next field trip, but being a novice makes it more intimidating to attend the meeting all by my little ole self. That’s the problem with not having any (enough?) friends. I have to do most things on my own, or where possible, with IK. In this instance – IK’s company was not an option.

Ended up in Studio C. It was a good workout sesh, enjoyed the new routine - well chuffed with my selection.

Tomorrow, salsa!

Why Bother?

Received my first salary increment on 1 March 2007. Woohoo.

1.2% of my annual salary. Boohoo.

Thought I should post this as it may come in handy one day when I need a good laugh.

First Weekend in March

What a hectic week it has been.

Was crazy busy trying to meet deadline for 5th March 2007; whilst having to spend my Friday in Reading for some SAS. Was scheduled to leave at half four but it dragged on till about half five and I only got into the wharf at almost seven. Spent an hour at the office and ended Friday night with IK for din-din at Nandos. Oh did I mention it was raining cats and dogs that evening? I didn’t carry my brolly with me and was drenched thanks to ‘no shower, dry today’ forecast. Harrumph.

Saturday was slow and lazy. Spoke to Mum + Dad before heading to Carluccio for some breakfast. Apparently, Ninster went missing for a day, but she’s ok now (gawd I miss her so). Mumsy is alright. Dadster had fun in Bali.

In between the late breakfast and dinner, did my eyebrows, went for a drive to Lakeside and was messing about with the complicated cam around the Blackwall Basin but it started raining (again the same ‘no fainfall’ forecast) so that plan had to be shelved. Note to self: don’t be lazy, read the manual.

Dinner was some ‘nasi campur’ at Mawar (first time in many many years) and I’d have to rank it above Malaysia Hall and Nahar’s Café.

Sunday – laundry, ironing, cooking, lazing about the house, lots of resting and preparing mentally for Monday (!). Hey I wasn’t all ineffective though; I finally confirmed the Venice trip for April. Huzzah. Although not without the customary tears, arguments with IK, apprehensions and what ifs. It’s dreadful ok - no control over the situation, and yet decisions have to be made (by me, poor little old me).

50 First Dates is on telly now. Sandler’s kind of funny but I’m not a fan of Barrymore. After this perhaps more telly, some dinner and then retire for the day.

The weekend is well and truly over. Sigh. Oh how I dread Mondays. SIGH.

Glorious Egypt

One of our ‘must-visit’ countries while residing in the UK is Egypt. This country has since been crossed out of the list; we made a trip to the Land of the Pharaohs in mid January 2007 and what an awe-inspiring trip that was!

After arguing on just about everything from the right dates to take our holidays (it’s crazy trying to sync each other’s work commitments I tell ya) to the choice of hotels, we finally compromised on a one-week flight and hotel package to Luxor.

IK lugged the heavy rucksack all the way to Gatwick only to find our flight to Luxor had been delayed by an hour or so. We arrived late in the evening and we already had tour operators waiting on us to take us to the Sofitel Karnak. We were forewarned by friends to opt for nothing less than a five star; as they may be a bit iffy due to the less developed state and conditions of the country.

Suffice to say the resort like hotel was more than what we had expected; it was located by the beautiful Nile with a lovely big pool, a few good restaurants that served scrumptious food (my personal favourite was the tasty grilled chicken concoctions; their marinade was simply yummy), a stunning view of the West Bank across the river and majestic palm trees strewn across the gardens and grounds.

The representative from the travel agent, Ismail, filled us in with details of excursions that were provided by their company right after our first breakfast at the hotel. There were various excursions that caught our attention but with time limitation and a budget, we had to be selective with our choices. This was how our final itinerary looked like (I was excited beyond belief!):

Day 2
Colossi Memnon
Valley of Kings and Queens at West Bank
Temple of Queen Hatchepsut
Alabaster marble factory

Day 3
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Government Certified Papyrus Shop
Luxor Museum

Day 4
Hot Air Balloon at the West Bank
Karnak Light and Sound Show

Day 5
Day trip to Cairo
Giza and Sphinx
Mohammad Ali mosque at the Citadel
Egyptian Museum

Day 6
Nile cruise
Denderra Temple

Day 7
Home-bound

***

For the rest of our Day 1, it was free and easy. We opted to check the town on our own. Luxor is a lovely little town by the Nile with many feluccas, cruise ships and boats docked by its bank. We wandered around aimlessly (IK had no map to navigate with) and this is where we met Mustapha and his horse Cinderella. After much persuasion we eventually took a ride in his carriage and ended up buying papyrus paintings at a shop of Mustapha’s recommendation. IK outdid me with his spending here; IK and his lavish indulgence!

***

My personal favourites are (in no particular order):

1. The Valley of Kings

We were provided with a guide; an elderly Egyptologist named Muhammad. We had the opportunity of visiting three tombs recommended by Muhammad – Rameses the Great, Ramses IV and errr (Oh my god I cannot for the life of me remember the third chamber we entered!). Being the second-longest reigning king and the greatest pharaoh during the 19th dynasty, Rameses the Great’s burial chamber was very long and deep in and had well-preserved hieroglyphs on the wall and ceiling of this magnificent chamber. Regrettably we were not allowed to snap any photos so I only have my (bad) memory to rely on. Overall, what struck me as most amazing was the ancient Egyptians’ strong belief in the afterlife and how important it was for them to prepare for it. IK summed it nicely; he said something along the lines of ‘they certainly got something right’. Yes, they obviously did. Valley of Kings was absolutely remarkable; the enormity and vastness of the orange-tinged (seen from a distance) mountains and valleys are just simply incredible.

2. Karnak Temple

The temple of Amun-Re, Karnak is the largest ancient religious site in the world and is known as an ‘open-air’ museum. Karnak’s significant size results from its development over many hundreds of years and over many different pharaohs’ reigns who each left behind various types of hieroglyphs depicted on its gigantic pillars in the Hypostyle Hall (about 132 pillars in total, refer to pic below). The ancient Egyptians were an amazing lot. It is difficult to imagine how they were able to build something as colossal as these over 4,000 years ago with the lack of technology and had managed to keep it so well-preserved to last the sands of time. I am in awe of these ancient people.

3. Hot Air Balloon

It was such an enjoyable ride and the view from 2,000 feet was simply breathtaking; needless to say, I was left gob-smacked! My limited vocabulary would not do justice to the view; let the photos below do the talking.

4. Pyramids of Giza

As we reached the pyramid grounds, our Cairo guide briefed us on each of the pyramids’ history and background and then off we went to view Chephren, Cheops and Mykerenos close-up, top to bottom, left to right and all around. One of the attractions is to enter Chepren for a view of one of its chamber. IK took this lifetime opportunity while I waited outside with Bob and Chris, as I suffer from claustrophobia. Boo me. IK came out panting; he rushed because he didn’t want to leave me alone too long (bless his cotton socks). Although I did not get to view the inside and can only imagine what it must be like, I was not too gutted as the pyramids (externally) are truly amazing, standing majestically over the horizon. A wonder of the world indeedy!

***

Just because I did not highlight the other attractions individually does not mean they were less interesting/less amazing/less impressive. I wouldn’t want to make this post too elaborate for fear of losing my one and only reader mid-way although I think he already has given up!

Any complaints? Fortunately the two gripes I do have of this country are nothing too dismal. I believe they may have resulted from poverty. First is the way their local vendors insist that you buy something from the shops/ride their feluccas/horse carriage. We could not walk into a shop without feeling guilty for not leaving with a purchase or not wanting a boat ride to the Banana Islands! It affected us so bad that we avoided shopping altogether during this trip. Mumsy was upset I didn’t bring home a carpet for her. Haha.

The other gripe of mine is the state of the horses and donkeys that are used widely as a mode of transportation for the locals. It was very heartbreaking to see some of these animals looking rather undernourished and not cared for. My only hope is that their owners do feed them (enough) and not treat them too harshly.

I don’t think I have given Egypt a comprehensive review (not that I can really!) as there are a thousand and one mosques, pyramids, temples and museums I have yet to see. This is merely my personal encounters and experiences and I hope to go back to Egypt one day to visit the famed temple of Abu Simbel.