(Editted on August 24th)
I wrote an article about the importance of learning history earlier this year, after reading an article in a paper high up on the sky, on the way from KL to Perth. But it was too sarcastic and 'pedas' for my liking (or anybody I think) so I abandoned the idea of publishing it anywhere.
Haven't been visiting a senior's blog for quite some time. And alas! She cleared some matters in my mind through her writing...
"Zionisme mengikut kebanyakan kamus falsafah didefinisikan sebagai satu gerakan ideologi yang menyokong pergerakan politik yang menumpukan perhatian kepada pembinaan dan perkembangan politik dan agama dalam negaraYahudi yang bebas,yang sekarang merupakan Israel.
Walaubagaimanapun, berdasarkan hasil kajian kami, Zionisme boleh ditakrifkan sebagai satu gerakan yang sangat merbahaya kepada dunia dan manusia lain yang bukan berbangsa Yahudi..."
Click here to continue reading and widen your knowledge and learn something that maybe you've never thought of before.
P/s- Rindu coretan-coretan Kak Fatiha...
[Scenery] Ashita no Kioku~
Turn the page, new story is being written now;
What's written today, is tomorrow's memory...
Previously 'Travel With Me' (TWM); this used to be a mean of communication with my Mom while I was in Perth, now it's mainly life reflection, contemplation, and my life journey archive; with some reviews here and there. Like they said, there's more beneath the surface.
August 19, 2005
August 18, 2005
Jump to [Saifulislam.Com] or [Enigma Tanah Melayu]
It's fitrah for a man to want entertainment. And I believe Islam has never say no to this. When we say about entertainment, please don't narrow your mind to just music and movies. Poetry, novel, theatres and even watching the nature etc. are just few examples I could think (of entertainment) at the moment. But it's sad, and almost heart-breaking to see a phenomenon back home where the scenario is no longer different from the Western world. I have always said to myself, at least back home, where it has been declared as an Islamic country, it would have been better in sense of morale and entertainment compared to here. But how wrong was I? It was sort of a joke that my friends and I had sometimes not too long ago: 'Got a culture shock as soon as the plane landed on KLIA'. I wonder if we all could make a difference... And I believe if we work hard enough, we will, InsyaAllah. After all, I've realized that there's a new raise of awareness in these kind of issues in the young people's minds now. Yes, the new generation of Muslim youth have realized issues regarding Islam and have realized that Islam in NOT just a religion and there's absolutely NO term of secular ever exist in Islam... But, we have to unite and work together, and put aside our differences and open up our minds to any comment and ideas...
"Saya benar-benar kebingungan. Bagi seorang yang hidup 11 tahun di perantauan, kembali ke Malaysia di era seperti hari ini, memang membingungkan. Semasa di Ireland, saya sudah mendengar tempias American Idol yang sesekali menghiasi dada akhbar Irish Independent dan lain-lain. Talk of the town kadangkala diisi dengan isu siapakah yang sepatutnya mewakili Ireland ke acara Eurovision Contest yang sememangnya tempat pertama pertandingan itu sinonim dengan penyanyi dari Ireland zaman berzaman khususnya penyanyi seperti Johnny Logan. Namun ia hanya acara biasa. Kerja-kerja harian orang ramai berlangsung seperti biasa... tiada yang luar biasa...."
Click the link below to continue reading:
[Saifulislam.Com] under the topic of Trend Mengurangkan Rasa Berdosa (August 17 2005)
[Enigma Tanah Melayu: Trend Mengurangkan Rasa Berdosa]
"Saya benar-benar kebingungan. Bagi seorang yang hidup 11 tahun di perantauan, kembali ke Malaysia di era seperti hari ini, memang membingungkan. Semasa di Ireland, saya sudah mendengar tempias American Idol yang sesekali menghiasi dada akhbar Irish Independent dan lain-lain. Talk of the town kadangkala diisi dengan isu siapakah yang sepatutnya mewakili Ireland ke acara Eurovision Contest yang sememangnya tempat pertama pertandingan itu sinonim dengan penyanyi dari Ireland zaman berzaman khususnya penyanyi seperti Johnny Logan. Namun ia hanya acara biasa. Kerja-kerja harian orang ramai berlangsung seperti biasa... tiada yang luar biasa...."
Click the link below to continue reading:
[Saifulislam.Com] under the topic of Trend Mengurangkan Rasa Berdosa (August 17 2005)
[Enigma Tanah Melayu: Trend Mengurangkan Rasa Berdosa]
August 13, 2005
"Setiap anak yang dilahirkan adalah suci..."
Sabda Rasulullah S.A.W :
"Setiap anak yang dilahirkan adalah suci iaitu dalam keadaan Islam (menyerah diri kepada Allah S.W.T). Maka kedua ibu bapanyalah yang menjadikannya Yahudi atau Nasrani atau Majusi."Hadith Riwayat Bukhari dan Muslim.
Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan 'Maka kedua ibu bapanyalah yang menjadikannya Yahudi atau Nasrani atau Majusi.'? Adakah ianya zahir, bermaksud murtad ke agama lain? Atau adakah ianya sebenarnya bermaksud ibu bapalah yang bertanggungjawab membentuk anak-anak mereka mempunyai sifat atau berperangai seperti Yahudi atau Nasrani atau Majusi...
Bahkan, inilah realitinya yang berlaku sekarang:
Berperangai seperti Yahudi, yakni sungguh angkuh, degil dan sentiasa berpaling pada Tuhan: lihat sajalah, daripada 25 Rasul yang wajib kita ketahui, boleh dikatakan hampir semuanya berketurunan Bani Israil... Namun, berkali-kali mereka kembali menyembah selain Allah dan berbalik kepada kekufuran dan kesyirikan... Sewaktu Musa a.s. meninggalkan mereka dalam jagaan Harun a.s., dalam waktu yang singkat, mereka terpengaruh untuk menyembah patung lembu yang diperbuat dari emas. Betapa degilnya kaum ini! Degil dan angkuh untuk menerima jalan kebenaran!
Mempunyai sifat seperti Nasrani, yakni tidak memahami agama sendiri: lihat sahajalah, berapa banyak versi kitab mereka? Ada King James Version, ada New American Standard Bible, ada New King James Version, ada English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, Derby Translation etc. Seolah-olah kitab suci itu adalah sebuah buku yang boleh di-'edit' seiring dengan pembangunan atau penemuan baru, seperti yang berlaku pada (contoh) Gray's Anatomy, di mana antara edisi yang terbaru ialah 38th Edition. Isi-isinya boleh pula diubah suai oleh manusia, seolah-olah ianya sebuah novel. Adakah mereka yang faham agama mereka akan mengubah agama mereka hanya semata-mata untuk memenuhi nafsu dan 'keperluan' mereka? Adakah mereka faham in the first place?
Berperangai seperti Majusi: di mana kaum ini dikenali dengan penyembahan matahari. Maksudnya tidak menyembah Allah, sebaliknya menyembah ciptaan Allah... Lihat sahaja sekeliling kita, manusia lebih mengagungkan manusia lain; Bangsa ini lebih superior dari bangsa lain; Manusia ini dipandang tinggi dan disanjung semua. Pujaan manusia adalah manusia itu sendiri... bermaksud manusia memuja manusia! Bukankah itu syirik?? American Idol, Australian Idol, Malasian Idol- mereka inilah CONTOH ikutan dunia! Na'uzubillahimin zalik!
Maka, hadith ini bukanlah menujukan kepada pembentukan zahir, malah pembentukan hati, kepercayaan dan perlakuan. Atau, apakah kita akan menyalahkan ibu bapa kita kerana tidak pernah mendidik kita dengan ilmu agama yang secukupnya? Itu hanyalah alasan... kita tidak boleh kembali ke masa lampau. Maka KITALAH yang harus sedar, dan mencari ilmu untuk memperbaiki diri kita.
Allah mengurniakan kita dengan akal. Menjadi suatu kewajipan bagi mereka yang sudah baligh untuk mencari ilmu menuju kepadaNya. Bahkan, ayat pertama yang diwahyukan kepada Muhammad s.a.w. ialah 'Iqra''- BACALAH! yang menekankan kepentingan ilmu itu sendiri. Jika kita tahu kita jahil, maka CARILAH guru dan MENUNTUTlah ilmu agama!
Adakah kita mahu dicampakkan ke dalam neraka dan menunding jari ke arah orang lain atas kejahilan kita? Sedangkan Allah telah mengurniakan kita akal?
Maka, apakah gunanya akal kita?
Wallahualam bissawab
P.s- Al-Fatihah buat Allahyarham Ahmad Deedat dan Allahyarhamah Zainab Al-Ghazali. 2 tokoh Islam yang amat disegani telah meninggalkan kita, kembali menemui Ilahi. Sekurang-kurangnya mereka boleh menjawab akan soalan-soalan yang berkaitan dengan dakwah dan penyebaran Islam... kita pula?
August 11, 2005
OSCE anyone?
20:30- Shu called to wish me all the best. Had the same wishes this afternoon as well.
Will I sleep well tonight?
OSCE *shuddered*- Objective Structured Clinical Examination I believe...
60 minutes with 6 stations...
6 minutes for examination, 2 minutes of presentation and 2 minutes of changing stations in each station
2 years of learning and practicing physical examinations
As well as to what advantages we take in the GP Visits done for the past 2 and a half years,
Will be tested tomorrow.
...In front of live panel of doctors who will be assessing you.
'Ya Allah, berilah kami kekuatan dan keyakinan... bantulah kami di dalam peperiksaan ini... Dan lembutkanlah hati pemeriksa-pemeriksa kami... Amin'
P.s 1- Doakan kejayaan saya...?
P.s 2- Jerebu tahap bahaya di kawasan sekitar Lembah Kelang? Hujan ais di Subang? Pernah terfikir kenapa tiba-tiba cuaca berubah menjadi pelik? Atau kita masih leka dibuai dan dihanyutkan oleh program-program realiti di 'kotak hitam'?
Will I sleep well tonight?
OSCE *shuddered*- Objective Structured Clinical Examination I believe...
60 minutes with 6 stations...
6 minutes for examination, 2 minutes of presentation and 2 minutes of changing stations in each station
2 years of learning and practicing physical examinations
As well as to what advantages we take in the GP Visits done for the past 2 and a half years,
Will be tested tomorrow.
...In front of live panel of doctors who will be assessing you.
'Ya Allah, berilah kami kekuatan dan keyakinan... bantulah kami di dalam peperiksaan ini... Dan lembutkanlah hati pemeriksa-pemeriksa kami... Amin'
P.s 1- Doakan kejayaan saya...?
P.s 2- Jerebu tahap bahaya di kawasan sekitar Lembah Kelang? Hujan ais di Subang? Pernah terfikir kenapa tiba-tiba cuaca berubah menjadi pelik? Atau kita masih leka dibuai dan dihanyutkan oleh program-program realiti di 'kotak hitam'?
August 9, 2005
Buatmu, sahabat
Sahabat,
Andai kau lihat diri ini tersasar dari perjalanan kita,
Aku mohon kau tarik semula tangan ini,
Kembali ke jalan yang satu dan benar...
Sahabat,
Andai kau lihat diri ini terleka dan terpegun melihat dunia,
Kejutkan aku dari mimpi-mimpi lagha,
Walaupun dikau terpaksa berkeras...
Moga Allah merahmatimu.
Nukilan Humaira; 09082005:0859
Untukmu (Durrani)
Sahabat
Dalam kabur ku tercari-cari cahaya
Akhirnya ku temui sinar ceria diraut wajahmu
Andainya alam ini mampu berkata-kata
Pastilah pujian buat dirimu
Di waktu itu akulah yang bertuah
Punya sahabat sepertimu
Sahabat
Kau bimbing lah menuju cahaya Ilahi
Sahabat
Aku lemah mengharungi ranjau dunia
Sahabat
Aku ingin seperti mu dalam ketenangan
Menghadapi hidup ini
Sahabat ku bersyukur kerna mengenali dirimu
Ku harap moga kitakan terus bersama
Hadapi segala suka duka
Moga kejayaan milik kita
Agar hidup menuju mulia
Andai kau lihat diri ini tersasar dari perjalanan kita,
Aku mohon kau tarik semula tangan ini,
Kembali ke jalan yang satu dan benar...
Sahabat,
Andai kau lihat diri ini terleka dan terpegun melihat dunia,
Kejutkan aku dari mimpi-mimpi lagha,
Walaupun dikau terpaksa berkeras...
Moga Allah merahmatimu.
Nukilan Humaira; 09082005:0859
Untukmu (Durrani)
Sahabat
Dalam kabur ku tercari-cari cahaya
Akhirnya ku temui sinar ceria diraut wajahmu
Andainya alam ini mampu berkata-kata
Pastilah pujian buat dirimu
Di waktu itu akulah yang bertuah
Punya sahabat sepertimu
Sahabat
Kau bimbing lah menuju cahaya Ilahi
Sahabat
Aku lemah mengharungi ranjau dunia
Sahabat
Aku ingin seperti mu dalam ketenangan
Menghadapi hidup ini
Sahabat ku bersyukur kerna mengenali dirimu
Ku harap moga kitakan terus bersama
Hadapi segala suka duka
Moga kejayaan milik kita
Agar hidup menuju mulia
August 7, 2005
Japan Trip [2]
As promised, after the modem comes in, I'll put up second installment of the trip journal! So here it goes:
Monday, June 27th:
There was a clash of interest for today's agenda. Farah and Zirah wanted to go to Kamakura to see old Japan sites and shrines-a sight-seeing plan- just as how Kakak planned for us. The all day pass costs 1470 Yen (1000 Yen=~RM 36). Ummi on the other hand was more interested to go around Tokyo and find places to shop- including going to Odaiba and see lush exclusive shopping place for the upper class- Ginza.
I was thorn, because I wanted so much to see old Japan- that's what attracted me to Japan- the culture and remains; but at the same time, I wanted to see the city itself, especially after Linda said she could show where to buy omyagek or souvenirs of Naruto (an anime for those of you who don’t know). That's another reason to step onto Tokyo I guess.
After calculating our budget and time, we all agreed to stay in the city. In the end, Linda took us to Akihabara when we met her in Shinjuku Station. Akihabara is known as the 'Electronic City' for it's a heaven for those who love technologies. From mp3 to iPod to laptops to cameras and electrical gadgets- ALL are cheap compared to other places! The only downside is Japan's voltage is different from Malaysia's so you’ll have to change the adapter.
So put Akihabara in your list of recommended places to go in Tokyo.
This is also the place of anime lovers. Zirah and I unconsciously spent almost 2 hours in Animate to hunt for what Naruto souvenirs to bring back for our brothers (and ourselves of course :p)!! And those 2 hours was only for Naruto. Luckily I made my mind up that we're only hunting for Naruto stuff- not others as well. Zirah got to snap a keychain of Sanzo from Saiyuki at the last minute though :D
Also bought a beautiful 3D picture of Kinkakujimaiko Castle- a castle made of gold in Kyoto for dad. Ummi and Farah bought samurai sword miniature for their dad as well. And I found myself a cheap yukata.
During late lunch in Kaiten Sushi (sounds familiar Perth-ian??) where Linda conversed fluently with the 'chef' (if you could call the person who made the shushi and other food a chef), Zie joined us after she finished her class. From then on, we separated: Farah and Zirah went straight back home and dropped by Coop (a mini shopping mart) to buy some food, Zie and Ummi to Shin Okubo to buy halal chicken for dinner and I followed Linda to Ikebukuro to where she works part time as a Malay language teacher to locals here who want to learn.
I was amused by the interest and hard work the Japanese put in learning other languages. It was such a joy to see other people show interest to learn about MY mother tongue!
<-Akihabara 
<- Ikebukuro
Dinner was filled with Zie, Linda and Kakak's experiences in Japan. We agreed upon a couple of things- Japanese are so polite and helpful that they'll go to great length to help you, even if you don't understand what they're saying. Our experience with a few occasions confirmed that. One bus driver even asked the other passengers if they know where Jufukuji-Mae (our stop near Kakak's house) is. Another even make sure Farah bought the right ticket to Shinjuku from Shibuya Station.
Click here for more pictures
Tuesday, June 28th:
No matter how late we slept, we had to get up early today to maximize our time in Disneyland. From Naka-Meguro Station, we took the Hibiya Sen to Hatchobori, passing Ebisu, Hiro-o, Roponggi and others including Ginza. From there, we change to JR Keiyo Sen to Maihama- a stop right at Disneyland.
If you prefer more adventurous, adult and nerve wrecking rides, go to Disney Sea, next to Disneyland. It's mostly water-based theme parks but most certainly for those who love more challenging rides. The ticket is the same I think- 5500 Yen. (1000 Yen=~RM 36)
The first thing Kakak brought us to do was to pick a lucky draw for the Disney's 'Rock around the Mouse' show that'll be put on at different times. We picked the 11 a.m. show and got the place in the Central Viewing Area. Even so, it was actually a bit farther at the back. Want an advice? Lesson #3: Try to pick a show that won't make you baked under the intense noon sun.
Tokyo Disneyland has 7 main theme parks. We started with Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. When we're done, we're like 'that's it?' I guess we anticipated too much. 'Disney Sea- next time we come, we’ll go to Disney Sea!' Ummi and I agreed. Done with Tomorrowland, we ventured into Adventureland for rides such as the Pirates of Carribean, Jungle Cruise, Western River Railroad and Swiss Family Treehouse. By this time, it was 3 o’clock and I missed my Disney’s Dream on Parade!
We agreed that Westernland’s Big Thunder Mountain and Fantasyland’s Haunted Mansion would be our last rides before heading out for lunch. On our way our, crossing pass the Castle Forecourt Stage and Parade Route in World Bazaar, we stopped to watch the 5 p.m. 'Rock around the Mouse' show- this time from the side- so that we could catch Mickey and friends upclose.
After lunch, we went straight to Fantasyland and try to finish whatever rides we could before the start of Electrical Parade Dreamlights at 7.30 p.m. It was so beautiful and the music made you in the mood. After what we thought the past parade car- Antz, we made a dash to Pooh's Hunny House because before the parade started, the waiting period for that ride was 60 minutes when it was only around 10-20 minutes for other rides. Kakak said this was a new ride. She didn't recall it from her last visit. While we were lining up, suddenly the music started again and there were another row of cheerful parade cars! And hence we missed Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and a few others…
Our last ride was the House of Mickey, which we went in after the hanabi or firework- Disney Magic in the Sky. Kakak said summer's hanabi in Tokyo's night sky are more spectacular. That's the main event for Japanese summer. Unfortunately for us, the hanabi starts on July 1st- the day after we went back home!
When the clock showed 9.15 p.m., Kakak said we really need to leave or we'll be stuck in the traffic of the trains. My last shot was Cinderella's castle at night.
Don't scream at me, but we missed the Splash Mountain in Critter Country theme park and ToonTown… My advice again? Lesson #4: Mark what rides you really want in each theme park, and allocate strict length of period on each theme park so you won't waste time. Leave all the souvenirs shopping for the last if you can help it- after all, you go into Disneyland to enjoy the rides, not to shop for Disney merchandises right?
Oh, and Fantasyland IS a must, and so do Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tour, Space Mountain, MicroAdvanture and Splash Mountain (I reckon).
Click here for more pictures
Wednesday, June 29th:
Second last day. Woke up late, started late. The last day to do last minute shopping. The day we agreed to come back to Musashi Koyama. We also planned to see the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku.
Dropped by Takeshita Dori, a street with loads of shops, include those that sell weird gothic clothings. This is the place to see people with different and weird style of clothing as well as a lot of foreigners, especially the Westerners. However, the things sold are quite expensive- so we decided to go back to Musashi Koyama as soon as possible. While Ummi and I went into 3 storey building 100 yen shop, Farah and Zirah walked towards the end of Takeshita Dori to see what else were there.
And guess what 'else' were there? They bumped into Howie D and AJ of BSB and took a snap with them! Oh yeah, the BackStreetBoys were in Tokyo at the time we were there, if I forgot to mention it to you.
Back in Musashi Koyama, we split up where I spent another 1000 yen for souvenirs to bring back, and bought a real obi (the sash you see on Japanese's yukata). Due to time constrain and lethargy, I couldn't meet Linda as planned- looks like I missed to see her university.
On the way home, we dropped by Coop to buy the yummy custard pudding to be brought back. Farah brought her banana milk and 'kocha kaden' that she's so attached to.
That night we packed our stuff- after watching Naruto 'live' on TVTokyo.
Click here for more pictures.
Thursday, June 30th:
The taxi came at 6.15 a.m. And we woke up at 5.45 a.m.! Imagine that. But we did make it for the shuttle to Narita airport that depart Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel at 6.50 a.m. We even took picture with the hotel workers!
Farah and I agreed that we missed Tokyo already and wished that we should be there longer.
At the airport, again we asked for window seats, front and back. This time, I sat next to Farah. Surprise, surprise… We came with 64 kg; we went back with ALSO 64 kg! One bag that was specially filled with the food Kakak asked from Malaysia was filled with souvenirs from Kakak to her family and ours to our families.
After quick coffee in Starbucks- Kakak's treat again- we went in and shop for what I call 'kuih Jepun' to be brought back, and also one box for our grandmamma. Being a Malaysian Embassy officer and holding the diplomat pass, Kakak sent us till we boarded our plane. She passed me 4 small omyagek, "Pass these to Mak Ngah" I nodded as I realized these were her last minute presents to her family.
One week passed by so fast. I know I fell in love with Tokyo and would surely one day come back here again. Maybe next time I'd be able to go to Hakone where you can see Mount Fuji from very near, Kamakura the old Japan site, Odaiba, Tokyo Dome City and Tamachi (where Linda wanted me to stop to bring me to the uni she’s studying at).
While getting comfortable in my seat, a stewardess suddenly came and passed me a note.
It was from Kakak:
There and then, I felt like crying ~touched~. The 4 souvenirs she passed to me were for us 4!!
Somehow, in the plane, I was more inclined to watch International movies- Asian- rather than Hollywood's product. Among 'A Moment to Remember' (Korean), 'Tony Takitani' (Japanese) and 'Daddy Long Legs' (Korean), A Moment to Remember was my favourite- even Farah watched it and we couldn’t stop talking about how sad the story was whenever we mentioned it.
In the Limo from KLIA to Ampang, we opened the giveaway presents Kakak gave- small compact mirrors with Japanese pattern on the covering.
As I recalled on the one week trip to Tokyo, I come to learn the refreshing different culture and attitudes of Japanese. They are the people who never got tired of talking I presumed, seeing on how when we were on the bus, everytime the bus stop or start moving, the driver advised the passengers on what was going on and asked them to be careful.
Interestingly, in shopping mart, the cashier will announced every item we bought, how much we pay and how much the balance is. Much like Islamic muammalat if you ask me.
Even the polite way of speaking, with soft tone and not shouting is what Islam encourages us to do, ne?
Learn. When you travel, look around you, observe and learn. Take what's best, leave what's not.
It was a week I wouldn’t forget in my life.
Monday, June 27th:
There was a clash of interest for today's agenda. Farah and Zirah wanted to go to Kamakura to see old Japan sites and shrines-a sight-seeing plan- just as how Kakak planned for us. The all day pass costs 1470 Yen (1000 Yen=~RM 36). Ummi on the other hand was more interested to go around Tokyo and find places to shop- including going to Odaiba and see lush exclusive shopping place for the upper class- Ginza.
I was thorn, because I wanted so much to see old Japan- that's what attracted me to Japan- the culture and remains; but at the same time, I wanted to see the city itself, especially after Linda said she could show where to buy omyagek or souvenirs of Naruto (an anime for those of you who don’t know). That's another reason to step onto Tokyo I guess.
After calculating our budget and time, we all agreed to stay in the city. In the end, Linda took us to Akihabara when we met her in Shinjuku Station. Akihabara is known as the 'Electronic City' for it's a heaven for those who love technologies. From mp3 to iPod to laptops to cameras and electrical gadgets- ALL are cheap compared to other places! The only downside is Japan's voltage is different from Malaysia's so you’ll have to change the adapter.
So put Akihabara in your list of recommended places to go in Tokyo.
This is also the place of anime lovers. Zirah and I unconsciously spent almost 2 hours in Animate to hunt for what Naruto souvenirs to bring back for our brothers (and ourselves of course :p)!! And those 2 hours was only for Naruto. Luckily I made my mind up that we're only hunting for Naruto stuff- not others as well. Zirah got to snap a keychain of Sanzo from Saiyuki at the last minute though :D
Also bought a beautiful 3D picture of Kinkakujimaiko Castle- a castle made of gold in Kyoto for dad. Ummi and Farah bought samurai sword miniature for their dad as well. And I found myself a cheap yukata.
During late lunch in Kaiten Sushi (sounds familiar Perth-ian??) where Linda conversed fluently with the 'chef' (if you could call the person who made the shushi and other food a chef), Zie joined us after she finished her class. From then on, we separated: Farah and Zirah went straight back home and dropped by Coop (a mini shopping mart) to buy some food, Zie and Ummi to Shin Okubo to buy halal chicken for dinner and I followed Linda to Ikebukuro to where she works part time as a Malay language teacher to locals here who want to learn.
I was amused by the interest and hard work the Japanese put in learning other languages. It was such a joy to see other people show interest to learn about MY mother tongue!
<-Akihabara <- IkebukuroDinner was filled with Zie, Linda and Kakak's experiences in Japan. We agreed upon a couple of things- Japanese are so polite and helpful that they'll go to great length to help you, even if you don't understand what they're saying. Our experience with a few occasions confirmed that. One bus driver even asked the other passengers if they know where Jufukuji-Mae (our stop near Kakak's house) is. Another even make sure Farah bought the right ticket to Shinjuku from Shibuya Station.
Click here for more pictures
Tuesday, June 28th:
No matter how late we slept, we had to get up early today to maximize our time in Disneyland. From Naka-Meguro Station, we took the Hibiya Sen to Hatchobori, passing Ebisu, Hiro-o, Roponggi and others including Ginza. From there, we change to JR Keiyo Sen to Maihama- a stop right at Disneyland.
If you prefer more adventurous, adult and nerve wrecking rides, go to Disney Sea, next to Disneyland. It's mostly water-based theme parks but most certainly for those who love more challenging rides. The ticket is the same I think- 5500 Yen. (1000 Yen=~RM 36)
The first thing Kakak brought us to do was to pick a lucky draw for the Disney's 'Rock around the Mouse' show that'll be put on at different times. We picked the 11 a.m. show and got the place in the Central Viewing Area. Even so, it was actually a bit farther at the back. Want an advice? Lesson #3: Try to pick a show that won't make you baked under the intense noon sun.
Tokyo Disneyland has 7 main theme parks. We started with Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. When we're done, we're like 'that's it?' I guess we anticipated too much. 'Disney Sea- next time we come, we’ll go to Disney Sea!' Ummi and I agreed. Done with Tomorrowland, we ventured into Adventureland for rides such as the Pirates of Carribean, Jungle Cruise, Western River Railroad and Swiss Family Treehouse. By this time, it was 3 o’clock and I missed my Disney’s Dream on Parade!
We agreed that Westernland’s Big Thunder Mountain and Fantasyland’s Haunted Mansion would be our last rides before heading out for lunch. On our way our, crossing pass the Castle Forecourt Stage and Parade Route in World Bazaar, we stopped to watch the 5 p.m. 'Rock around the Mouse' show- this time from the side- so that we could catch Mickey and friends upclose.
After lunch, we went straight to Fantasyland and try to finish whatever rides we could before the start of Electrical Parade Dreamlights at 7.30 p.m. It was so beautiful and the music made you in the mood. After what we thought the past parade car- Antz, we made a dash to Pooh's Hunny House because before the parade started, the waiting period for that ride was 60 minutes when it was only around 10-20 minutes for other rides. Kakak said this was a new ride. She didn't recall it from her last visit. While we were lining up, suddenly the music started again and there were another row of cheerful parade cars! And hence we missed Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and a few others…
Our last ride was the House of Mickey, which we went in after the hanabi or firework- Disney Magic in the Sky. Kakak said summer's hanabi in Tokyo's night sky are more spectacular. That's the main event for Japanese summer. Unfortunately for us, the hanabi starts on July 1st- the day after we went back home!
When the clock showed 9.15 p.m., Kakak said we really need to leave or we'll be stuck in the traffic of the trains. My last shot was Cinderella's castle at night.
Don't scream at me, but we missed the Splash Mountain in Critter Country theme park and ToonTown… My advice again? Lesson #4: Mark what rides you really want in each theme park, and allocate strict length of period on each theme park so you won't waste time. Leave all the souvenirs shopping for the last if you can help it- after all, you go into Disneyland to enjoy the rides, not to shop for Disney merchandises right?
Oh, and Fantasyland IS a must, and so do Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tour, Space Mountain, MicroAdvanture and Splash Mountain (I reckon).
Click here for more pictures
Wednesday, June 29th:
Second last day. Woke up late, started late. The last day to do last minute shopping. The day we agreed to come back to Musashi Koyama. We also planned to see the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku.
Dropped by Takeshita Dori, a street with loads of shops, include those that sell weird gothic clothings. This is the place to see people with different and weird style of clothing as well as a lot of foreigners, especially the Westerners. However, the things sold are quite expensive- so we decided to go back to Musashi Koyama as soon as possible. While Ummi and I went into 3 storey building 100 yen shop, Farah and Zirah walked towards the end of Takeshita Dori to see what else were there.
And guess what 'else' were there? They bumped into Howie D and AJ of BSB and took a snap with them! Oh yeah, the BackStreetBoys were in Tokyo at the time we were there, if I forgot to mention it to you.
Back in Musashi Koyama, we split up where I spent another 1000 yen for souvenirs to bring back, and bought a real obi (the sash you see on Japanese's yukata). Due to time constrain and lethargy, I couldn't meet Linda as planned- looks like I missed to see her university.
On the way home, we dropped by Coop to buy the yummy custard pudding to be brought back. Farah brought her banana milk and 'kocha kaden' that she's so attached to.
That night we packed our stuff- after watching Naruto 'live' on TVTokyo.
Click here for more pictures.
Thursday, June 30th:
The taxi came at 6.15 a.m. And we woke up at 5.45 a.m.! Imagine that. But we did make it for the shuttle to Narita airport that depart Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel at 6.50 a.m. We even took picture with the hotel workers!
Farah and I agreed that we missed Tokyo already and wished that we should be there longer.
At the airport, again we asked for window seats, front and back. This time, I sat next to Farah. Surprise, surprise… We came with 64 kg; we went back with ALSO 64 kg! One bag that was specially filled with the food Kakak asked from Malaysia was filled with souvenirs from Kakak to her family and ours to our families.
After quick coffee in Starbucks- Kakak's treat again- we went in and shop for what I call 'kuih Jepun' to be brought back, and also one box for our grandmamma. Being a Malaysian Embassy officer and holding the diplomat pass, Kakak sent us till we boarded our plane. She passed me 4 small omyagek, "Pass these to Mak Ngah" I nodded as I realized these were her last minute presents to her family.
One week passed by so fast. I know I fell in love with Tokyo and would surely one day come back here again. Maybe next time I'd be able to go to Hakone where you can see Mount Fuji from very near, Kamakura the old Japan site, Odaiba, Tokyo Dome City and Tamachi (where Linda wanted me to stop to bring me to the uni she’s studying at).
While getting comfortable in my seat, a stewardess suddenly came and passed me a note.
It was from Kakak:
There and then, I felt like crying ~touched~. The 4 souvenirs she passed to me were for us 4!!
Somehow, in the plane, I was more inclined to watch International movies- Asian- rather than Hollywood's product. Among 'A Moment to Remember' (Korean), 'Tony Takitani' (Japanese) and 'Daddy Long Legs' (Korean), A Moment to Remember was my favourite- even Farah watched it and we couldn’t stop talking about how sad the story was whenever we mentioned it.
In the Limo from KLIA to Ampang, we opened the giveaway presents Kakak gave- small compact mirrors with Japanese pattern on the covering.
As I recalled on the one week trip to Tokyo, I come to learn the refreshing different culture and attitudes of Japanese. They are the people who never got tired of talking I presumed, seeing on how when we were on the bus, everytime the bus stop or start moving, the driver advised the passengers on what was going on and asked them to be careful.
Interestingly, in shopping mart, the cashier will announced every item we bought, how much we pay and how much the balance is. Much like Islamic muammalat if you ask me.
Even the polite way of speaking, with soft tone and not shouting is what Islam encourages us to do, ne?
Learn. When you travel, look around you, observe and learn. Take what's best, leave what's not.
It was a week I wouldn’t forget in my life.
THE END
August 4, 2005
Quick Announcement!
Modem still not in... and am busy with preparation for OSCE next Friday... Pray for my success, yeah? *wink*
Anyway, I just have one quick announcement:
Email from ISS (International Student Service)
Dear all,
Every year, the International Student Services (ISS) holds a week-longevent called the Multicultural Week (MCW) in order to promote multiculturalism in UWA. As usual, the highlight of the week will be the Spring Feast, which will be held on the 6th of October 2005.
For those who are new, or have actually been missing out on this for the past few years (How could you!!), the Spring Feast is basically an event where students and business owners set up their own food/game stalls in a nightmarket held at the UWA guild area.
There will also be multicultural performances shown on the night of the event. So imagine, a large varietyof good multicultural food for sale, and FREE entertainment as well. What else can you ask for??
However, for this event to be a success, we require YOUR participation as vendors during the event. The registration for setting up a stall during Spring Feast is now open! So, if you've got a secret recipe from your mother, father, grandmother, etc, or if you just want to make somemoney while having plenty of fun, SET UP A STALL!!
This year, there will be a refundable $40 deposit required, and a $10 registration fee for the stall.Note that registration will be CLOSED on the 26th of August, 2005. Ifyou're interested in registering for the event, or would just like to know more about it, feel free to drop by our information booth at the guild village on Monday-Fridays, 12-2 pm.
Alternatively, you can email us at lawz01@student.uwa.edu.au (Law), eric_0111@hotmail.com (Eric) orbeingping@yahoo.com.au (Ping Ping), or simply check out our website at www.iss.gu.uwa.edu.au
Hope to see you guys soon..
Regards,
Law
MCW Logistic Team
Wani: Quickest way I could think of spreading the words
Anyway, I just have one quick announcement:
Email from ISS (International Student Service)
Dear all,
Every year, the International Student Services (ISS) holds a week-longevent called the Multicultural Week (MCW) in order to promote multiculturalism in UWA. As usual, the highlight of the week will be the Spring Feast, which will be held on the 6th of October 2005.
For those who are new, or have actually been missing out on this for the past few years (How could you!!), the Spring Feast is basically an event where students and business owners set up their own food/game stalls in a nightmarket held at the UWA guild area.
There will also be multicultural performances shown on the night of the event. So imagine, a large varietyof good multicultural food for sale, and FREE entertainment as well. What else can you ask for??
However, for this event to be a success, we require YOUR participation as vendors during the event. The registration for setting up a stall during Spring Feast is now open! So, if you've got a secret recipe from your mother, father, grandmother, etc, or if you just want to make somemoney while having plenty of fun, SET UP A STALL!!
This year, there will be a refundable $40 deposit required, and a $10 registration fee for the stall.Note that registration will be CLOSED on the 26th of August, 2005. Ifyou're interested in registering for the event, or would just like to know more about it, feel free to drop by our information booth at the guild village on Monday-Fridays, 12-2 pm.
Alternatively, you can email us at lawz01@student.uwa.edu.au (Law), eric_0111@hotmail.com (Eric) orbeingping@yahoo.com.au (Ping Ping), or simply check out our website at www.iss.gu.uwa.edu.au
Hope to see you guys soon..
Regards,
Law
MCW Logistic Team
Wani: Quickest way I could think of spreading the words
July 31, 2005
Counting the days
I posted something the other day, turned out, I forgot to publish it :p
Anyway, alhamdulillah I've yet jumped another hurdle... And there are more to come soon and in the future...
Looks like I'll be counting the days most of the time this time around
Who would have thought, it has been 2 weeks since the second semester starts
Yet it feels like, I don't know... forever?
But then again, this weekend proved to be a relief from all the stress I've been having
And new hopes and spirit instilled within... I'm bursting with plans and energy! :D
Well, still frustratingly waiting for the modem to come...
'La taghdhob, Wani'. If I keep on thinking about the modem incident, feels like something boiling within... So I'll let the matter be dropped for a while. Hence, Trip to Japan [2] will be posted after we got the modem back...
Wassalam
Anyway, alhamdulillah I've yet jumped another hurdle... And there are more to come soon and in the future...
Looks like I'll be counting the days most of the time this time around
Who would have thought, it has been 2 weeks since the second semester starts
Yet it feels like, I don't know... forever?
But then again, this weekend proved to be a relief from all the stress I've been having
And new hopes and spirit instilled within... I'm bursting with plans and energy! :D
Well, still frustratingly waiting for the modem to come...
'La taghdhob, Wani'. If I keep on thinking about the modem incident, feels like something boiling within... So I'll let the matter be dropped for a while. Hence, Trip to Japan [2] will be posted after we got the modem back...
Wassalam
July 8, 2005
Trip to Japan [1]
Maybe it's best to split the journal into two or three entries so you don't have to look at one VERY long entry... Enjoy reading!:
Thursday, June 23rd:
Sitting at the bench in the Departure Hall of KLIA Express in KL Central, Zirah and I waited for Ummi and Farah. We checked in our luggage, 5 in total and asked for two window seats, front and back. 28 minutes journey to KLIA was filled with laughs and excited chats. The first thing we did arriving in KLIA was BREAKFAST! (Under strict commands from our parents!)
Mak Ngah (Kakak's mom) arrived a bit late. We only had the chance to talk to her for a while before we went in. Nevertheless, someone was there to see us off. In the plane, I sat next to Ummi, Farah with Zirah. 6 hours plus journey was filled with in flight entertainments. I myself had the chance to watch The Pacifier, Hitch and Medical Investigation.
Arriving at Narita Airport Terminal 2, the four of us checked out together. The officer seemed amused, "4 people?" He asked in Nihon-accented-English. "Yes," we nodded. "Family?" He asked more. "Cousins. Sisters," Ummi pointed to herself and Farah, "And sisters," she pointed to me and Zirah. The officer laughed, amused. "Who are you staying with in Tokyo?" He asked again. "Cousin," We answered. His eyes widen, and then he laughed again.
Funnily Farah had to be detained due to some mistakes in her passport (the amused officer's mistake). While waiting, the MAS flight attendants who were coming out cheered 'Malaysia Boleh' to her. :p
When we came out, Kakak already waited for us. We took the shuttle back to Tokyo, in Shibuya to be more exact. From there we took the cabs to Kakak's place in Malaysian Embasy's Staff Apartment in Naka Meguro. Slept quite late because everyone was excited.
Alas, we were in Tokyo!
Thursday, June 23rd:
Sitting at the bench in the Departure Hall of KLIA Express in KL Central, Zirah and I waited for Ummi and Farah. We checked in our luggage, 5 in total and asked for two window seats, front and back. 28 minutes journey to KLIA was filled with laughs and excited chats. The first thing we did arriving in KLIA was BREAKFAST! (Under strict commands from our parents!)
Mak Ngah (Kakak's mom) arrived a bit late. We only had the chance to talk to her for a while before we went in. Nevertheless, someone was there to see us off. In the plane, I sat next to Ummi, Farah with Zirah. 6 hours plus journey was filled with in flight entertainments. I myself had the chance to watch The Pacifier, Hitch and Medical Investigation.
Arriving at Narita Airport Terminal 2, the four of us checked out together. The officer seemed amused, "4 people?" He asked in Nihon-accented-English. "Yes," we nodded. "Family?" He asked more. "Cousins. Sisters," Ummi pointed to herself and Farah, "And sisters," she pointed to me and Zirah. The officer laughed, amused. "Who are you staying with in Tokyo?" He asked again. "Cousin," We answered. His eyes widen, and then he laughed again.
Funnily Farah had to be detained due to some mistakes in her passport (the amused officer's mistake). While waiting, the MAS flight attendants who were coming out cheered 'Malaysia Boleh' to her. :p
When we came out, Kakak already waited for us. We took the shuttle back to Tokyo, in Shibuya to be more exact. From there we took the cabs to Kakak's place in Malaysian Embasy's Staff Apartment in Naka Meguro. Slept quite late because everyone was excited.
Alas, we were in Tokyo!
Friday, June 24th:
Since Kakak had to go to work, we were on our own to explore Naka Meguro. Went to Yellow Hat, car accessories place and took some pictures. 2 hours of walking, we got so tired that we decided to walk back home first. Blame it on the jet lag, I guess. Around 3, we walked to the other side of Naka Meguro.
Oh yeah, it was coming into summer in Japan now- so it was hot and sticky. You can literally feel your sweat flowing down!
That night Kakak laid out the plan for us. Tomorrow we have to be on our own as well since Kakak had to pick her second hand stuff that she bought from a family who was going back to America. Then we’re going to Disneyland on Tuesday. That would be the peak of our trip!
Click here for more pictures
Saturday, June 25th:
Anyone wants to go to the Imperial Palace? One advice though: (Lesson one) Please consult the most loyal guide of all a.k.a. the map, on where the entrance and which side of the palace is open to public. Or you'd end up hours (in our case, one) walking around to find where the heck was Eastern Garden. That's one of the places in the palace that's open to the public. The rest had already given up (considering the hot weather and sore foot by now) and wanted to move on to Musashi Koyama already. But I was so persistent in finding the Eastern Garden. I mean, we're in Tokyo and for sure you want to step INSIDE the Imperial Palace, right?
When we found it, we had to cut short the trip since we've allocated another half of the day to Musashi Koyama- or what we called Japan's own Petaling Street- not to imitation, but for cheap stuff. Our feet were so sore by this time that I’ve even lost any mood to shop!
Nevertheless, this was the day when we learned to venture out on ourselves, looking at the maps in train and subway station on where to go, act as real tourists and survive amid the hustle bustle of Tokyo.
Well, Kakak DID give an outline on what train to take and stuff though...
Click here for more pictures.
Sunday, June 26th:
Kakak took us around this time. We went to Hama Rikyu Garden- for our mom's sakes- and were brought into a garden that's situated right in the heart of Tokyo itself. A recommended garden to see that has 4 different appearances and flowers for 4 different seasons. Of course- the most amusing sight would be somewhere in April when the Sakuras are blossoming.
Click here for more pictures on Hama Rikyu Garden.
From Hama Rikyu, we took the boat a.k.a. ferry to the other end- Amakusa- which is popular for it's large temple. But first, we need to fill on our empty stomach- Kakak's treat.
When we've got to Amakusa, it was almost 5. The temple already closed, so we missed to step inside the big temple. After all, we were side tracked by the tempting shops along the path to the temple. If you want a list of shopping places in Tokyo, Amakusa has GOT to be in it (apart from Musashi Koyama). Ummi, Zirah and I bought shuriken keychain as souvenirs (real one for Zirah). Kakak herself bought some 'kuih' for her friends.
Oh, I forgot to mention that before we went out, I called a person whom I befriended before coming to Tokyo, Linda was her name. After quick planning, we've decided to have dinner at her place. So, from Asakusa, we took the sen or line (train or subway) to Toda-koen. Since we had Kakak, we didn’t even bother to learn which sen we take or what station we have to transfer and stop.
Bad habit, yes, I know.
One thing that I love here is the ability to survive by learning to read maps of LOTS of lines, trains and stops. Even the Japanese themselves have to stop in front of the ticket machines that provide large map and fares on where to go and how much.
Lesson 2: ALWAYS have the subway and train map with you.
Source: http://www.japan.co.jp/~pbw/graphlib/tokyosub.gif
Or go to: http://www.tokyometro.jp/network/pdf/rosen_eng.pdf#search= to see another of Tokyo Subway Route Map. Remember, this is ONLY subway map.
Our favourite sen was Yamanote Line. Because it runs in circle, Kakak wasn't worried if we got on this train and missed our stop. We will always come back to our stop.
But of course, the downside of Yamanote-sen was it's ALWAYS filled with people. This was when I said to myself- it’s JUST like how the tv or documentaries portrayed Tokyo as- busy, packed and always moving.
I think we changed train at Shinjuku- one of the busiest station- and then changed again in Akabane for JR Saikyo Sen to Toda-koen. Another thing I like is they have fare-adjustment ticket machine- so that if you change station and have not the right amount for your journey- they’ll fix it up for you and you just have to add money. Kakak also informed us of shinkansen or the famous bullet train. It goes so fast that you’ll only see a blur. But of course in the city, it’ll slow down. Zirah and I looked at each other and smile- we’re SO gonna come back here and go to Kyoto or Hokkaido, taking the expensive shinkansen!
In Toda-koen, Linda's housemate, Lin (who happened to know Kakak) picked us up to their house. There, I met Linda for the first time and Zie- another housemate. It was a night of fun and friendly aura. Linda offered to bring us around Tokyo. Ummi invited them to come to Kakak's place tomorrow night to repay for the dinner.
Well, after all, Ummi's our 'official' chef in the apartment! :p
Click here for more pictures of Asakusa.
TBC...
July 6, 2005
Meet the cast!
Am back from Tokyo
Still working on the trip journal... so be patient (and that includes the lovely photos)
The journal will be uploaded in a few days more, insyaAllah...
But first, meet the cast of 'Trip to Tokyo, Japan!':
And also not forgetting, our host: Kakak (my cousin)
Still working on the trip journal... so be patient (and that includes the lovely photos)
The journal will be uploaded in a few days more, insyaAllah...
But first, meet the cast of 'Trip to Tokyo, Japan!':
And also not forgetting, our host: Kakak (my cousin)
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