This fort was our final destination in Agra before leaving for Chandigarh as the place is situated around 45 minutes drive from where we stayed. 

This place is too far to go by tuk-tuk. So we asked the home stay to arrange for a taxi with A/C. The cost was about Rs 2,700. Be sure to ask the hotel if this price is including the parking fees, petrol (fuel as pronounced by the locals) and toll charges (it travels on highway too).

Sometimes the taxi driver may charge you extra half way through. Telling you that you need to pay for the fuel and toll charges. It's either you bargain or pay for it (you don't want to end up being dumped by the streets half way through the journey). So it's better to discuss the prices together with the hotel reception so that all are clear.

Fatehpur Sikri was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar 's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.

Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra , where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. During a crisis, the court, harem, and treasury could be removed to Agra, only 26 miles away, less than a day's march.

Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organisation, and provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri years.

Unlike other important Mughal cities (such as Shahjahanabad , which has a very formal planning), Fatehpur Sikri has aspects of informality and improvisation. Indeed, the newly constructed city bore a similarity to the movable imperial encampment also designed by Akbar. You can read more of it here.

Photo courtesy : PBS

Wearing Poplook Cleo Drawstring Viscose Pants - Deep Red and Milktee DEMI BLUE GRAY STRIPED TEE (it is superrr comfy, kid you not).

So, the time of the year is around the corner. Hotels, restaurants and cafes will be swarm with families celebrating their mothers. However for me, I'll be curling up in Cameron Highlands with Juan and his friends, sipping a cup of tea and drunk with laughter because the people who will be joining us are bunch of clowns. That's what I need before starting the next dreaded Monday.

So let's start.

My mum. Well....

An individual who's loud but soft at heart. Not until she opens her mouth, nagging. For God sake, you'll be running miles away.

Me and my mum did not started well when I was a teenage. Going through a rebellious phase taught my mum the meaning of patience. My mum's main weapon was the 'cili padi' or ang moh called it the 'bird's eye chilli' and the belt. Both were used in the process of discipline. 

There was this one time, can't remember what it was. I have chillis shoved into my mouth. My mum shuts the door and it felt like forever. I was not given any water to drink instead I make use of the carpet in the room. I lick it like I have licked the best lollipop in the world, then I was smart enough to rub my eyes with my finger. So pandai kan.

My mum may have the hardest head ever but she's forgiving. But as I grow up, I gave in quite a lot. Not wanting to pick a fight with a 60 years old lady. Her nagging can drive everyone crazy...and... she can even remembers a 30 years old stories.

But again, I would like to thank her for all the things she has done for both me and my sister. Like......

'Girl, why is there a big snake in the room?' *our panties are referred as big snake* or my mum will be shouting my name when it's time to come home from playtime during Maghrib and whatever that mums do.

Happy Mother's Day, mummy!

The Taj Mahal from Persian and Arabic, "crown of palaces", pronounced; also "the Taj"is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Taj Mahal's mausoleum complex of white domed marble is actually an integrated complex of many structures. Construction began sometime around 1632 and was completed in 1653, while employing around 20,000 artisans throughout the empire.[6] The construction was entrusted to a board of architects with Ustad Ahmad Lahauri believed to have assumed the role of chief architect.

The Taj Mahal stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India". Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal attracts some 3 million visitors a year. It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures, a symbol of India’s rich history and is regarded by many as the best example of the Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles.

 Taj Mahal's entrance ticket is the most expensive, Rs 750 per person. If you would like to watch the sunrise in Taj, advisable that you arrive around 5.30am to purchase ticket and line up. The security check will occupied most of your time and do not bring in any food (except mineral water), toys and monopod (I do not know why). Wear the food cover (provided together with your ticket) or remove your shoes at the shoe counter.

As our homestay is situated around 16km from Taj Mahal, the cost for tuk-tuk was around Rs 150.

The view of the Taj Mahal is so marvelous that I never thought I would be able to step foot my presence there. When you're there, enjoy the view and just spend some time lazing around the taj like how we did and take as much photos as you can as memory keepsake.

If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust. 

(Quran, Surah Aal-e-Imran: 160)

Trying to write about your journey on hijrah is like cracking your head trying to solve an Additional Math question, or harder than that.....The typing last a few seconds, follow by the backspace then it stopped....*while chomping on my Nutella cheese tart*

But, here it goes.....As I embark my journey towards finding something to cover the hole I develop spiritually, I was struggling. What was I missing? I searched so hard, consulted so many people, listening to so many religious speech, it helps at that point of time. They were only temporary motivation.

 It was between wanting to do it, must do it, or do it willingly when the time comes. It was a blend of  'must do it' and 'do it willingly when the time comes'. It was a scary journey for me. Thinking whether I have done it right and was it in line with my attitude. In fact, after donning the hijab, there'll be a 360 degree change. I didn't want to be an individual who covers their head but do not 'cover' the way they talk and act.

It was not easy although you think all you need to do is put a pin and wrap your head around. That piece of cloth represents your religion. So can I make this happen? *thinking to myself*. That thinking took me a whole of 3 years before taking this plunge. A lifetime commitment and responsibility to God. A decision where 'eh, tak jadi la nak buat' half way change does not exist.

People kept telling me 'Take your time, change when you're ready'. I process that at first, but after putting so much thought into this, I think I will never be ready for anything nor there will a perfect time for anything. It's now or never.

It was suppose to be easy for me as I was familiar with the cloth back in high school, KAFA (religious class), friends but now when it was time, it felt so strange.

'This piece of cloth will cover my head?' or 'Oh no, I had to wake up super early to get ready' or 'Ish, lecehnya' or 'Alamak, nanti orang tanya banyak questions' . That was reasons I gave to myself everytime I open my wardrobe looking at my scarf collection. This continues for the next 3 years. But the peak was during Ramadhan 2012........

Shawl and chiffon maxi dress by Poplook, handbag by Cath Kidston Singapore.