USA 2017: the footage pt 1

Heading to USA this time for work..

It's going to be a "long" journey that involves several state across the U.S.

Summarising the time taken..

KUL 0800 - Narita 1600 (6h), 5677km
Layover in NRT (2.5 hrs)
NRT 1815 - Seattle 1020 (7h45m), 4761mi

Arrived Clarion Airport Hotel at 11am+. There's a free shuttle from the airport. All you need to do is just go to the platform down one level, and call the dedicated hotel number. The bus will come and pick up within few minutes.

Upon arriving the hotel, we had a good sleep.. woke up at 4 pm and headed downtown via city train. One way trip cost $3 (x4.13 at this time) and only took arnd 20mins (or less). Our stop was Westlake.. right in the smack of downtown.

There's Macy's here...

First ever Starbucks store at Pike street.. Farmer's market.. and Hard Rock Cafe.. all around this area. Just walk couple of blocks and you will see the Elliott Bay.. a nice view of Seattle downtown.

Now is 1042pm local time... I'm about to grab my sack. Tomorrow we are leaving early morning to catch the 0640h flight to Rochester NY.

Good night

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SEA to Rochester, NY via Chicago

SEA - Chi: 3h22m
Chicago layover: 1h45m
Chi - ROC: 1h

Arrived Rochester airport at 16:45hrs and Double tree by Hilton at 17:15hrs

Stay in Double Tree Hilton at Rochester NY for 4 days audit..

### End of Part 1 ###

Istanbul airport

There's a subway and tram system here. From airport, access subway at TL5/way. Tram is also TL5/way to any station within the city center. Tickets can be purchased at the vending machine at every station.

From blue mosque, we saw aya Sofia.. then walked all the way down to the Grand Bazaar.. unfortunately it is closed on Sunday.

Then took a tram to Sirkeci.. this is where u can see the Asia part of Turkey. There's also ferry trip or cruise along the river (ops we didn't check the price).

Staying in this area is recommended. There are many small hotels along the way from blue mosque to sirkeci (ferry station). Nice small restaurants and street food were also sighted.

We don't hv much time as we need to head back to the airport for our flight at 330pm. Boarding time is 230pm...

Even though it only take less than 30mins to reach the airport via train, waiting for the train could be a challenge..

That's all for Turkey (for now).

And owh... it's clear that we "missed" the tour bus back to airport right?. We just felt that 1.5h is not enough. As I mentioned the trip is 8.30am to 11am.. but everyone hv to be back at the bus before 10.15am. Bus will stop at the blue mosque. After simple explanation by thr tour guide, they left us to wander and ask us to gather back before 10.15am

Till then, Turkey. We will come back

Istanbul in 9 hours #

Alhamdulillah....

Istanbul.. my forever bucket list.

Today, me hubs, we got the chance to visit Istanbul while waiting or our 9 hour transit to Barcelona (INMR 2017).

In the airport, after immigration, near Starbucks, there's a counter named Turkish airline hotel.. come here 1 hour before the trip time I.e we come at 730am for the 830 - 11am trip to the city center.

There will be several spots covered under this trip. Can check via their website www.touristanbul.com

The trip is free.. and they will bring you back before your next departure.

There's also a drop bag service next to the counter. For a normal bagpack, we paid TL24 (arnd RM30). For larger bag cost arnd TL45.

There's also a surau of course in Istanbul Attaturk airport on level 2. Money changer is everywhere.

Looking for lively area at night? Go to Taksim..

Take a bus (Havabus) outside the arrival hall to Taksim at the cost of TL12. This could save time as going by train will require you to change tramway at Yenikapi. Train option will cost TL5 x 2 trips.

Trains takes approx 40mins (without transit waiting time) and bus 1 hour (direct).

Those with bulky bags, if u don't choose to leave it at the left luggage, pls use this bus. Subway option requires long walking and stairs climbing.. good luck!

******

1 lira = rm1.18

Passed my VIVA!

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful

[Pardon me, this could be the longest text I've ever written so far in social media]

For today is another beautiful Friday.. allow me to address my greatest gratitude to those person who make it possible for me to achieve what I have achieved yesterday..

To two most important people in my life.. who brought me to this world. Mom Nafisah Hamat and dad Mohamed Rawi Che Muda who never say NO to my forever desperate requests. You are the the reason for me doing this.

Husband who is always by my side through thick and thins.. my beautiful children.. Syasya Yasmin being the eldest.. thank you for your patience..

My amazing other half, twin Izac Rawi and her husband Fariz Daron who were always there to back me up when I needed lifeline. To my siblings and in-laws... lotsa love here.

My supervisor, Prof Zainal Kadir.. could hv never done this without you! Your motivation and support was the one that I needed.

My life supporter, Zawati Nawi.. u rock my world baybeh.! (She never say NO to me too! Omg)

Colleague who play the most important role.. Mann Mohd u gave me the most important kickstarter. Kadzim Kassim thank you for your critical comment and of course.. my dictionary!

Dato Razif Rahman, daddy to Fariza Adyani.. couldn't thank you more for supporting me since the day I asked for his favor.. the scholarship.. the unpaid leave.. the research attachment... thank you!

My forever mentor, En Mior Azli.. you gave the greatest impact in building this new me. May Allah bless you and your family.

My sponsor, the Yayasan Khazanah family .. what could I've done without all the monetary and motivational support from this amazing team.

I'm sorry if I missed some of your names.. nobody has never been less important throughout this amazing journey..

It's not the end.. the journey has just started indeed...

Next stop... «««my book project»»»

Ninie signing off (for now)

Assalamualaikum

Syasya's 11th birthday party

Location: Pizza hut Tasik Prima
Time: 3pm
Day: Ahad
Attendees: Parent, siblings (4,8), Husna, Ad, kawan syasya, K Aida

1) Pizza: RM394 + RM130

2) Cake: Secret Recipe RM88 + RM5.80 candle

3) Goodie bag: 30 x Pencil case RM58.50

4) Balloon: RM105

Set
# helium 1 x foil (RM9/pc)
# 6 x fashion helium (RM4/pc)

A la carte
20 x plain helium (RM3.5/pc)
2 x number "1" (RM5/pc)

RM10 (delivery) - FOC
1x foil - FOC