Beautiful Gardens

Last Saturday, we took our Girl Guides on a field trip to Devonian Botanic Gardens, owned by the University of Alberta. The gardens were created in 1959 and are ever growing! 


Last year, the Aga Khan was honoured by the University of Alberta with an honorary doctor of laws degree. He also addressed the graduating class of 2009 and announced plans to create an Islamic garden at Devonian Gardens. 


"To mark both anniversaries, to express my profound thanks, and to celebrate our growing partnership, I am presenting a gift today which reflects both my Islamic heritage and your University traditions. I have just visited a parcel of land within the Devonian Gardens of the University, where we plan to create a traditional Islamic Garden. We hope this space will be of educational and aesthetic value, a setting for learning more about Muslim culture and design, as well as a place for public reflection." 

(Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Graduation Ceremony of the University of Alberta, June 9,2009)

Although the Islamic Gardens are not yet complete, the remainder of the facility was just beautiful! We also checked out the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, butterfly and cactus show houses.  

Besides getting eaten alive by mosquitoes while playing herbivores, carnivores and omnivores with the Guides, the Devonian Gardens would make a fun-filled and picturesque family outing! There will be a special Canada Day Celebrations at the Garden, so check out the link for more information. 

I look forward to returning to the Devonian to relax and 'reflect' in the much anticipated Islamic Gardens. 

- N.Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

In the butterfly show house. Apparently, the more beautiful the cocoon, the more dull the butterfly. The dull looking cocoons are said to produce the most vibrant butterflies!

It's easy to spend hours looking at the variety of butterflies in simple awe.

Some of the butterflies camouflage with their surroundings you have to keep your eyes open and camera ready for the pretty, but quick creatures!

Kurimoto Japanese Garden is a tranquil place. It is peaceful and you can truly admire nature with the various plants and Japanese installations. In May, a few of our Girl Guides planted trees in this garden.

- N.Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

Six Days: YEG to YVR

It was a short getaway but truly relaxing! I enjoyed the fresh air and the amazing view of the mountains! 


Vancouver is a live and vibrant city...I can only imagine how diverse and exciting it would have been to be there during the Olympics! 


I was so happy to meet my parents in Van City and reuniting with my cousins and friends always brings good memories back to the forefront. 


Here are a few pics from my adventure out west including Vancouver and area, Horseshoe Bay, Deep Cove, and Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

- N.Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

The best view is always from above, looking down at the rest of the world!

View of downtown Vancouver from Stanley Park

Absolute beautiful architecture - Lions Gate Ismaili Jamatkhana

One of my favourite shots from the week - at Horseshoe Bay

In my Daddy's eyes

A beautiful piece of art work along the boardwalk in downtown Van-City. 

"The moon circles the Earth and the ocean responds with the rhythm of the tides."

- N.Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

Five years of happiness and counting...

Shazmin and Fareed will be celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary in July! To mark this momentous occasion, they decided to record their happiness with a photo shoot in the river valley - one of my favourite locations! 

This couple shares something very special - you can see it all captured in the photographs below. 


Congratulations and looking forward to celebrate your 10th anniversary with another shoot!

- N. Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

World Partnership Ambassador Golf Tournament

Photographed the first-ever World Partnership Ambassador Golf Tournament in Edmonton on Monday! This event was a great success despite the non-stop rain and chill weather. 


The World Partnership Ambassador Golf Tournament focused on getting young professionals involved and out to support the Aga Khan Foundation by playing a round of golf and networking with other great Edmontonians in our community. 


Some of you maybe familiar with the annual World Partnership Walk that takes place the last Sunday in May. This year's walk also turned out to be a cold and rainy Sunday, but the weather doesn't compare to the type of conditions people in third world countries experience everyday. 


The rainy weather was more motivation for me to give it my all. Just think for a minute - how spoiled we are in Canada, in North America....and how we complain about a little rain while we walk around sporting trendy waterproof jackets, pants, boot and umbrellas...drinking a cup of java for $5 most don't even think twice about spending. 


I encourage you to visit the World Partnership Walk and World Partnership Golf websites and think about participating or better yet, volunteering for these great events in support of the Aga Khan Foundation. 


Message me for details on how to get involved with these great events or how to get involved in your community!


Enjoy some pics from the SOLD OUT, World Partnership Ambassador Golf Tournament! 


Cheers!
Noreen

The Ranch Golf & Country Club

Hands down - this was my favourite shot from the day... and it was one of those "accidental photos" that actually turned out to be quite "artistic"! 

The rain was pouring and my lens got a bit of a shower but it really just added to the effect of this photo! 

Having some fun on the golf course! 

Guess I was in a B&W mood! 

- N. Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

SUMMER Today!

Today is beautiful summer day in Edmonton! The sun is shining, and I love driving with my sunroof open, windows down and jammin' to my favourite "ol' skool" tunes! Brings back great memories of my sister and I in our high school days. I can't wait to see her in a few weeks!!!! 


I have lots of catch up on so will post a few pictures today before I head out for Shazmin and Fareed's five-year anniversary shoot. Congrats you too! 

Spring is here...almost!

I don't quite understand Edmonton's weather yet...and I have a feeling I never will! The last two days have been somewhat snowy, but this past weekend was beautiful!

Sheliza and I did our second shoot together (pics from the first shoot last fall will hopefully be posted soon!) It's really amazing what interesting backdrops you can find in your neighbourhood! You just have to have an eye for creativity!


The sun was out, the last bit of snow was melting so I wanted to be sure to get the reminisce of the white stuff. This of course came with a bit of a price....Thanks for getting your boots dirty Sheliza!

- N.Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com