AN ENJOYBLE GOLFING AT ELSTREE

Elstree Club House

While in Monaco I received a text (sms) from En Zaha of Mara in London inviting me to play around of golf on Sunday,14th Jun 2009. I, of course accepted the invitation delightedly since I haven't been playing for 3 weeks.

Location of Elstree Golf Club

On 14th June 2009, En Zaha and I went to Elstree Golf and Country Club a bit early and straight to driving range for a warm up. After a while, we were met by En Abu Bakar. We had light refreshment after that,while waiting for the rest to come.

From left, En Abu Bakar,
En Nordin, Dato' Zainal, Myself, En Zaha & En Ismail

Then came along four gentlemen. To my pleasant surprise, one of them was Dato' Zainal Abidin my ex boss. The rest were En Ismail, En Yusri and newly met En Nordin.

En Ismail, myself and En Zaha before teeing off

After taking group photos, we proceeded to play in 2 groups. A jovial mood was in the air through out the 18 holes. Further more, the fine and warm weather had enhanced our enjoyment.

Dato' Zainal Teeing Off

After completing our round, we had a refreshment and a chit chat mostly on our local politics.

While Chit Chatting

I'm glad to have joined the game. While enjoying myself, I could establish closer bonding with my ex boss and the group . Thanks to En Zaha and the gang for arranging such an enjoyable game.

Knights of Round Table

THE WONDERFUL MONACO

'Round the
Grand Casino I saw
16 Ferraris, 7 Lamboghinis,
11 Bentleys, 1 Audi R8, 3 Austin Martins,
8 sport Porsches, 2 Jaguars, 3 masseratis,
1 Pagani Concept and 8 sport Mercedes Benzs.
It's the biggest number of luxury cars I ever saw.'
Said Mohd Idlan Haziq ,

We had the opportunity to visit Monaco from 10 Jun till 13 Jun 2009. Though it is a second smallest country after Vatican, its sceneries and buildings architecture are so wonderful and breath taking.

The Scenic View of Port of Fontvieille

Monaco lies between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by French and Italian Rivieras. It has an area of about 1.95 km sq and a population of nearly 40,000 people. It is well known for its sun, fun and tax haven.

Every inch of the hill is efficiently developed

Travel from London took us about two hours by air to reach Nice Cote-D'Azur Airport and another 45 minutes car ride to Monte Carlo, Monaco. We really love Monaco at first sight. We wondered how such a steep and rocky hills were turned into a wonderful resort and a playground for Rich and Famous.

The Coast line of Monaco

During our two hour stroll along the coast line immediately after checking into our Apt hotel, we came a crossed a lot of luxury cars. Idlan took the initiative to count them. There were 7 Ferraris, 13 Porsches, 14 Audis, 2 Bentleys, 2 Roll Royces and 2 Austin Martins. What an automobile haven!

Casino De Paris

If you haven't been to Monaco, I would suggest Monaco as one of your tour destinations. Besides famous for its Formula1, Monaco has the well known Casino De Paris (Grand Casino). You may want to visit the Casino’s gambling rooms which are open every day. A proper dressing is required in order to enter the casino.

The Casino is characterized by two pinnacles over a glassed roof, a beautiful façade of neo-classical style. It also has a lovely garden with fountains and sculptures.

Two pinnacles over a glassed roof

The lovely garden at a distance

Sculpture 'Guardian Eagle Of Enviroment'

The other places that you should visit in Monaco are:


<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsXKZmuC0gdoc5inLJgJj1qHosIr4UWkiAmRiZpHShMhC-ZMfVZLJkVM-au_5J5ma3uG7Z-TiN30icPibJzRcFXkROLMVru3BKPmdmZgZZeyLmJUBfSy4AM9k9JypQCG1tSHuRBQbN8A/s1600-h/Monaco.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsXKZmuC0gdoc5inLJgJj1qHosIr4UWkiAmRiZpHShMhC-ZMfVZLJkVM-au_5J5ma3uG7Z-TiN30icPibJzRcFXkROLMVru3BKPmdmZgZZeyLmJUBfSy4AM9k9JypQCG1tSHuRBQbN8A/s400/Monaco.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347405456594083890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsXKZmuC0gdoc5inLJgJj1qHosIr4UWkiAmRiZpHShMhC-ZMfVZLJkVM-au_5J5ma3uG7Z-TiN30icPibJzRcFXkROLMVru3BKPmdmZgZZeyLmJUBfSy4AM9k9JypQCG1tSHuRBQbN8A/s1600-h/Monaco.png"><img id="ft_1245056836241" style="border-style: solid; border-color: threedshadow threedhighlight threedhighlight threedshadow; border-width: 1px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer; display: block; visibility: visible; position: absolute; z-index: 100; width: 30px; height: 20px; opacity: 1; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 7px; left: 693px; top: 217px;" title="Insert current track Signatune" src="chrome://foxytunes-pbulic/content/signatures/signature-button-on-hover.png" class="foxytunes-signature-button" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Round the Grand Casino I saw </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">16 Ferraris, 7 Lamboghinis, 11 Bentleys</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">, 1 Audi R8, 3 Austin Martins, 8 sport Porsches,</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> 2 Jaguars, 3 masseratis, 1 Pagani Concept and 8 sport MercedesBenzs.</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The biggest number of luxuries cars I ever saw. Said Mond Idlan</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Haziq</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">,</span> </div> <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;">W</span></span>e had the opportunity to visit Monaco from 10 Jun till 13 Jun 2009. Though it is a second smallest country after Vatican, its sceneries and buildings architecure are so wonderful and breath taking.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdNBIexkj5lAeSUJhJ0BaaXA3ybkFLmLW35rGcmEgoE_px7Wp3zOul0YZMC6yLfiblIX9Z7tfJGyoFtiGq5fAExiGa2BW2trQzABnIMllg2Fd2TN56MtcV3GbpYtlDmYJ2V7YjUgPKZc/s1600-h/a+marina.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdNBIexkj5lAeSUJhJ0BaaXA3ybkFLmLW35rGcmEgoE_px7Wp3zOul0YZMC6yLfiblIX9Z7tfJGyoFtiGq5fAExiGa2BW2trQzABnIMllg2Fd2TN56MtcV3GbpYtlDmYJ2V7YjUgPKZc/s400/a+marina.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347475338011916514" border="0" /></a> Monaco lies between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by French and Italian Rivieras. It has an area of about 1.95 km sq and a population of nearly 40,000 people. It is well known for its sun, fun and tax haven. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWwj9b6QaJ6v2joql7UvJfJBW_YiZk1eA5ymKf01Xn5qER0IeC78chn2wgQHWpXRM4wu3-S4fBv8LVppx7uxuvPmFJnP4yE4fdmrMtPxY6csriTy67Mh3VRq4Oz1WA7SbXLNH4ESwHek/s1600-h/a+hill+monaco.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWwj9b6QaJ6v2joql7UvJfJBW_YiZk1eA5ymKf01Xn5qER0IeC78chn2wgQHWpXRM4wu3-S4fBv8LVppx7uxuvPmFJnP4yE4fdmrMtPxY6csriTy67Mh3VRq4Oz1WA7SbXLNH4ESwHek/s400/a+hill+monaco.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347479565061321314" border="0" /></a> Travel from London took us about two hours by air to reach Nice Cote-D'Azur Airport and another 45 minutes car ride to Monte Carlo, Monaco. We really love Monaco at first sight. We wondered how such a steep and rocky hills were turned into a wonderful resort and a playground for Rich and Famous. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuxH1WqNINC_-lGcYObSGclQZ8fo5SMRp7mP54VcOScLSacJmWPm9XweaTVO71S6FOQzpwXDS9qq8wQOkHUSWGkj0DM7gRRLHoWpd7lPYg8IA-sjSFBVXphhG75_Z0tCZ-MRrLrc8j7M/s1600-h/a+coast+line.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuxH1WqNINC_-lGcYObSGclQZ8fo5SMRp7mP54VcOScLSacJmWPm9XweaTVO71S6FOQzpwXDS9qq8wQOkHUSWGkj0DM7gRRLHoWpd7lPYg8IA-sjSFBVXphhG75_Z0tCZ-MRrLrc8j7M/s400/a+coast+line.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347481277624049490" border="0" /></a> During our two hour stroll along the coast line immediately after check into our Apt hotel, we came acrossed a lot of luxuries cars. Idlan took the initiative to count them. There were 7 Ferraris, 13 <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Porsches,</span> 14 Audis, 2 Bentlys, 2 Roll Royces and 2 Austin Martins. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpkWHB0PTWx6c3ZY7hLRdFgCS0H6dEMHtcKRDz2X7okckGp4cbexuzB5yfpnQgRuOSiL_X9H1bETIPv0BI2PDqw-zoQj-UJ4sTU_pCOX75fnOxNruk-W8yD-RodC7o_eEopYACtP5Lus/s1600-h/a+casino1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpkWHB0PTWx6c3ZY7hLRdFgCS0H6dEMHtcKRDz2X7okckGp4cbexuzB5yfpnQgRuOSiL_X9H1bETIPv0BI2PDqw-zoQj-UJ4sTU_pCOX75fnOxNruk-W8yD-RodC7o_eEopYACtP5Lus/s400/a+casino1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347483220110163586" border="0" /></a> If you haven't gone to Monaco, I would suggest that Monaco as one of your tour destinations. Besides famous for its Formula1, Monaco has the well known Casino De Paris (Grand Casino). <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You may want to visit the Casino’s gambling rooms which are opened every day. A proper dressing is required in order to enter</span> the casino. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj67ezInGPN5QfMbtQcB9Lygh43lXi_EyjAhxE1yN9KAnC-xJKQkkfuHM_nHk2V3DJzbh517hKLnc57ndn-1g8kCtoKBDF2x3juQKUBgw1OyS9JVm20JNh7gWp7Zya6_4Di2eVqk-iG7I/s1600-h/a+facade.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj67ezInGPN5QfMbtQcB9Lygh43lXi_EyjAhxE1yN9KAnC-xJKQkkfuHM_nHk2V3DJzbh517hKLnc57ndn-1g8kCtoKBDF2x3juQKUBgw1OyS9JVm20JNh7gWp7Zya6_4Di2eVqk-iG7I/s400/a+facade.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347486598390052674" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Casino has a beautiful façade of neo-classical style</span>. It also has a lovely garden with fountains and sculptures. The rear of the casino is overlooking the Port of Monaco and meditteraneans sea. The other places that you should visit in Monaco are: The Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace) is located in old Monaco-Ville. The Grimaldi family has ruled from the palace since 1297. If the flag is flying over the palace, you know the Prince Albert II is in residence. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 am, so you might want to time your visit for then. From the Palace , you can see very beautiful view of port of Fontviellie Old town of Monaco-Ville is charming. In contrast to modern Monte-Carlo, the streets are narrow and quaint. Old world European charm adorns the streets of Old Town. Here you can find sovenaires at gift shops From The Palais du Prince, you will walk alongside some beautiful cliff-side gardens and come to the Monaco Cathedral. This cathedral was built in the late 19th century, and was where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier married. It is also where Grace and many of the other Grimaldis are buried. <span class="TIPTITLE">Musee de l'Oceanographie or </span>the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is about 250 meters from the Monarco Cathederal. Founded in 1910, it is perhaps the best aquarium in Europe. It features over 90 tanks. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was the director of the museum for over 30 years and his work can be seen here. If you are a golfer, you may want to visit the Monte-Carlo Golf Club (MCGC) and play a round of golf. At 900 metres altitude, MCGC is a veritable golfers paradise awaits with 18 unique and contrasting holes. Monaco is indeed a unique and wonderful experience. If you want to have the same experience and on the budget tour, you may want to take a comfortable Easy Jet flight and choose a clean, four star Palaise Josephine <a href="http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6798-adagio-city-aparthotel-palais-josephine/index.shtml">Apt Hotel</a> which is close (ten minutes walk) to Grand Casino.

The Palais du Prince

The Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace) is located in old Monaco-Ville. The Grimaldi family has ruled from the palace since 1297. If the flag is flying over the palace, you know the Prince Albert II is in residence. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 am, so you might want to time your visit.

From the edge of the Palace , you can see very beautiful view of port of Fontvieille

The Port of Fontvieille

The Old town of Monaco-Ville

Old town of Monaco-Ville is charming. In contrast to modern Monte-Carlo, the streets are narrow and quaint. Here you can find souvenirs at gift shops.

The Monaco Cathedral

From The Palais du Prince, you will walk alongside some beautiful cliff-side gardens and come to the Monaco Cathedral. This cathedral was built in the late 19th century, and was where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier married. It is also where Grace and many of the other Grimaldis are buried.

Musee de l'Oceanographie

Musee de l'Oceanographie or the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is about 250 meters from the Monarco Cathederal. Founded in 1910, it is perhaps the best aquarium in Europe. It features over 90 tanks. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was the director of the museum for over 30 years and his work can be seen here.

The Monte Carlo Golf Club House

If you are a golfer, you may want to visit the Monte-Carlo Golf Club (MCGC) and play a round of golf. At 900 metres altitude, MCGC is a veritable golfers paradise awaits with 18 unique and contrasting holes.

Well maintained with a green fees of 120 Euros

Travelling to Monaco is indeed a unique and wonderful experience. If you want to have the same experience and on the budget tour, you may want to take a comfortable Easy Jet flight and choose a clean, four star Palaise Josephine Apt Hotel which is quite close (ten minutes walk) to Grand Casino. Further more, grocery stores and asian food; Thai Restaurant and Sri Langkan store are close by.

iPHONE 3GS, THE FASTEST,MOST POWERFUL iPHONE YET

"iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet

and we think people will love the incredible new features."

Said Philip Schiller, Apple's Vice President

Apple has launched its top-of-the-range iPhone 3GS which is 'super fast' and has twice the memory of the old handset.

The phone has been favourably reviewed by some critics:

Ryan Block, engadget.com: "For your money, you're going to have a hard time finding a better device."

Kent German, CNET: "If you don't own an iPhone yet, and you've been waiting around to see what happens, now is the time to go for it."

To compare the iPhone 3G and 3GS please click here

In UK, contracts for the new iPhone 3GS will be available from 19 Jun on the O2. Carphone Warehouse will be selling the handset without a contract.

You may want to have a look at this new trendy, fast and powerful gadget.

OMEGA-3 CAN CUT THE RISK OF GETTING AMD BY 1/3,

Mackerel is rich in Omega 3


'These findings appear

to be consistent with previous research
that has shown that eating omega 3 poly-unsaturated fats
as part of a balanced diet
may help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration'
A spokeswoman from Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

British Journal of Ophthalmology has published findings that People with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) should eat oily fish at least twice a week to keep their eye disease at bay.

Based on their findings on almost 3,000 people taking part in a trial of vitamins and supplements, the reseachers found that Omega-3 fatty acids found in abundance in fish like mackerel and salmon appear to slow or even halt the progress of both early and late stage disease.

An estimated 500,000 people in the UK suffer from AMD, which destroys central vision.

The reseachers suggest that eating two to three servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, shellfish, and herring every week, would achieve the recommended daily intake (650mg) of omega-3, substantially cutting the risk of both early and late stage AMD.

Read more

ATHENS, THE CRADLE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION

After celebrating Idlan's birthday, we took a 3.20pm flight to Athens, Greece on 4th Jun 2009. We visited Athens just to realize our dream: to see the birth place of Socrates, Plato,Pythagoras, Aristotle, Alexander the great and other renowned Greek philosophers, scholars and statesmen.

Alexander the Great 356-323 BC

Athens has been widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. This is due to the fact that Athens's cultural and political achievements during the 5th and 4th centuries BC had significantly impacted on the rest of the then known European continent.

Influence of Athens on Western Civilization

Going around Athens,we could observe a large number of ancient monuments still stand magnificently in the city. The most famous and conspicuous of all is Parthenon on the Arcopolis, a key landmark of early western civilization.

At the background is Parthenon on the Acropolis

At the entrance of Acropolis. The great pillars were
built around 437-432BC


In front of Parthenon. Restoration work is in progress


Two monumental buildings on Acropolis.
Parthenon (left) and Temple of Athena Nike (right)



The Arch of Hadrian which was built in 131 or 132 AD.
Picture taken from Hop On and Hop Off bus


Temple of Olympian Zeus, taken from the Acropolis

Besides its ancient heritage, Athens is also well known for its bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis. It has an efficient transportation system including a modern Metro ie. a tube or subway system.

Parliament Building at night



University of Athens



The National Archeological Museum,
among the top ten museums in the world.

At underground modern Metro



An efficient transportation system

Athens has also attracted numerous visitors to its famous island resorts and without exception, to its shopping venues, specially around Syntagma, Plaka and Monastiraki which offer jewelry, antiques, paintings, gifts, traditional handcraft and other products at reasonable prices.

Travel to Island Resorts from Marina Alimos?

Syntagma is an excellent shopping area

Traditional products of Greece

I would recommend Athens as a premium place to visit. When you are at Athens don't miss having bird eyes view of this famous city via Hop On and Hop Off bus. Please visit Perthenon on the Acropolis, National Archeological Museum, Syntagma Square and its surroundings for shopping and historical trails.