My Travel log Kembara - From Shah Alam to New York

London was like my second home when I was student in Scotland. I went to London many times during summer holidays or semseter break during my 2 years of studying in Scotland. I remember London as a meeting place. I met many of friends from my collage in Malaysia in London. They were my juniors and senionrs during college in Malaysia, persuing their post graduate studies in UK. I met my junior on the street of London, out of nowhere. We have not met for few years but bumped into each other on the street of London. We both were heading to Malaysian Hall for lunch. Such a small world. Did it always rain in London? Not really, Its seemed dry for me every time I visited London.

There are new attraction and buildings in London since I been there more than a decade ago such as The London Eye and London City Hall and Gherkin by Sir Norman Foster. I hope to visit them, insyallah maybe one day.I miss my student life and London.

For those who want to further studies overseas and have a passion for traveling, I think UK is the best choice for studying. Its closest to Europe. England and Scotland are very nice places to explore and travel besides having many good universities to study for degree or post-graduate programmes. You can travel by train to as many countries that you would like in Europe such as France, Belgium, Italy, Sweeden, Amsterdam, Spain all in one single ticket depending on your budget by taking Eurorail Passes. You can travel within and between 22 countries under Eurail Global Pass. My friends did that. Go to this link for more details.

London is the city for my post today for this year. I wish everybody Happy New Year and hope all your wishes come true. I tend to forget and always busy doing my things. This is one beautiful verse from the Quran for me and everybody to ponder.
Life is short and just fleeting moments.

He will say: What numbers of years did you stay on earth! They will say: " We stayed a day or part of the day; but asked those who keep accounts," He will says; "You stayed not but a while, if you had only known!" ( Surat al Muminun: 112-114)

Tower Bridge London, over the River Thames

The famous Big Ben

Lloyds of London

I went to Shah Alam convention today to see Upin dan Ipin Karnival. It was a hit with a large turnouts. The carnival started yesterday and will end this Tuesday, 28th December 2010. What's all a buzz about Upin and Ipin. For those out there who never heard of it, Upin and Ipin is 3D animated short series of lovable bald twin brothers on Malaysian television. It features story about their life and adventure in a village. The series has become a sensation and phenomenon among children. The first series was introduced on local television in 2007. Its first movie 'Geng, Pengembaraan Bermula' or in English 'The adventure begins' was released on cinema last year and became a blockbuster. The television series and movie were produced by Les' Copaque Production. A team of young and enthusiastic people. Upin and Ipin festival is held to introduce the latest season of the series. Internationally, Upin and Ipin has also become a hit in Indonesia and is aired at the Asia Disney Channel now. Today, Upin and Ipin is a brand and has its own merchandise like many famous cartoon characters such as Mickey, Dora The Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants in USA.

This kind of success story makes our country proud . Unlike some of those politicians from oppositon party who travels to overseas with their own agenda and makes Malaysia looks bad to the world. Like the famous quote by J.F. Kennedy, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for our country.

To Les' Copaque Production, Two thumbs up and continue producing good Upin and Ipin series. Get more news and info by visiting http://www.upindanipin.com.my/, the official website. You can watch some of the 'Upin dan Ipin' series on You Tube.

Karnival Upin & Ipin