My Own Obituary @ Datuk Dr. Haron Din : An Academician, A Politician & An Exorcist (Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un).

Inalillah. On this historical day of Malaysia Day, we lost one of Malaysian Moslem prominent politician and academician, Datuk Dr. Haron Din. He lost his battle due to heart complications at Stanford Hospital in San Francisco.

This Perlis-born public figure was born in 1940. He received his Islamic educations directly from his father who was a respected Islamic scholar in Perlis. He later was taught the Islamic medicinal knowledge by his father. Some of us only knew him for his prominence in the local politics as one of PAS key figures but he was also an academician. He was a lecturer in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and received his doctorate from Darul Ulum University of Cairo in 1973! He later chose to concentrate on the Islamic medicinal practices by establishing DarusSyifa’, a Malaysia’s leading Islamic medicinal institution with the headquarters located at Bandar Baru Bangi.

 

I am attracted to write a piece of obituary on him due to his affiliations with DarusSyifa’. Last year, I was a frequent visitor there to accompany someone (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2015/07/29/my-proise-sihr-djinns-or-infeted-food-the-defense-against-the-dark-arts-pusat-persatuan-kebajikan-pengubatan-islam-malaysia-darussyifa-seksyen-1-bandar-baru-bangi/). Prior to that, I have never been there though I have heard about the name and its reputation. I have to say that frequenting DarusSyifa’ was an eye-opener for me!

True, in this modern epoch-making era, men are often oblivious to mystical and mythical forces as Science is touted as the Best Healer of all. Nevertheless we must bear in mind that not every ailment can be cured with Science. Some needs psychology and some needs spiritual antidotes. What’s great about DarusSyifa’ is that it never charge the people who go there. You go there and give whatever amount you want. I learned a lot about Islamic medicinal practices which I was oblivious prior to the experiences. Now I know that :-

• The Ruqyah Verses are essential in Islamic exorcism (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/my-promise-ayat-ruqyah-for-islamic-exorcism-serendipity-of-serenity/);
• Sidr Leaves or “Daun Bidara” are vital in Islamic exorcism and even quoted in a Hadith al-Bukhari (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2015/08/08/my-promise-the-eminence-of-sidr-leaves-daun-bidara-in-islamic-exorcism/)

The late Datuk Dr. Haron Din with his brother  Dato’ Abu Hassan Din. I thought they were twins!

Inalillahi wainna ilahiraji’un. Condolence to Datuk Dr. Haron Din’s family. I guess DarusSyifa’ will be a great asset for him in the AfterLife. In Islam, it is believed that once a man dies, there are only 3 things that will help him in the grave trial (by the angels Munkar and Nakir) and The Judgment Day; which are : the prayers of a devoted child; donations or alms-giving or religious endowments; and the good knowledge given to other people which is practiced and transferred to another generation to another generation. Ameen. ameen Ya Rabbal Alameen.

Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) In Human Communication (Episode 1) : The Helter Skelter Babysteps @ Registration, Urine Tests & Payment Black Swans!

This is it. My baby steps into my PhD journey. I received the approval of my application from UPM SGS Portal dated 30th August 2016. Actually, I already knew the news since the last two weeks as the correspondent of the Postgraduate affairs e-mailed me to inform that there would be a briefing session on 29th August 2016 for Master’s Degree and PhD candidates although there were no letter of offer attached at the portal! But of course, I can’t say anything as there were no black and white proofs just yet, no?

A research degree in Human Communication? Insya ALLAH. From Microbiology degree to Communication research degree. God bless.

Since I had to attend a briefing to invigilate UPSR 2016 (gasp!) on the 29th August 2016, I was forced to waive the PhD briefing. Nevertheless since I already had previous experience with Fakulti Bahasa Moden & Komunikasi when I enrolled into the Master’s Degree programme two years ago (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/master-of-mass-communication-episode-3-the-choice-master-of-corporate-communication-mccomm-universiti-putra-malaysia-a-k-a-upm/), I am already accustomed to the flows and I thought it was OK to consult the Students’ Advisor personally later on. Well this year, Dr. Akmar takes the seat from Dr. Nizam as our students’ advisor.

Everything was in rush and quite helter-skelter! I received the letter of offer on Tuesday (30th August 2016) and expected to produce everything by Friday (2nd September 2016)! Well, not that I can’t settle the week after that; but it was just that Friday would be the last day where the School Of Graduate (SGS) personnel assembled at one place and you could settle the registration and the payment all at once without having to travel to different locations to settle the health screening test, documentations, bursary, etc. That was the reason why I really wanted to take that opportunity by settling everything on that Friday! But, alas!

 

Apparently the doctor in Poliklinik Serendah used the pictorial indicator and inscribed “normal”. Not her total fault as it was a common practice. But apparently, UPM feels it was not enough and demanded a more detail as per the right picture. Felt as if I underwent a doping test for Olympics! lol!

The next day on Merdeka Day (31st August 2016), I went to Poliklinik Serendah to get my X-Ray and Urine Test done. But I was told that it was not possible as it was public holiday and the attendant who was in charge of the X-Ray was not available and I was told to come back tomorrow. OK, fine. So on 1st September which was on Thursday, I went back to Poliklinik Serendah after school and got my X-Ray and Urine Test done.

X-Ray. A radioactive ray upon my body. Not sure whether it is psychological or what but I did feel a bit lethargic after that! Hopefully, the ray emitted through my body did not exceed the appropriate amount!

On Friday 2nd August; right after school; I pushed to UPM and performed Friday Prayer at Tengku Ampuan Jemaah at Shah Alam. I arrived at Kompleks A UPM circa 3.30 p.m. Unfortunately, the journey was a futile mission because :-

• My Urine Test was too ‘plain’. An inscription of merely “Normal” would not do. UPM insists on having the detailed partition of the urine’s components;
• I did not bring my original transcript of my Degree;
• I did not have my Master’s Degree transcript (as I had yet to pay the RM200 graduation fee).

Heated conversation?

So you could imagine how frustrated I was. And not to mention driving through KL on Friday – well that added to my throbbing headache! Anyway on Sunday 4th August 2016, I went to Poliklinik Serendah as I was told by the UPM health practitioners that I surely could get the detail information from the machine used to validate my urine. Perhaps it was due to my petite figure that the attendant used quite a stern tone when I demanded to see the doctor. Well, usually she was OK. But I am someone who retaliate when I feel I am being persecuted. A fire to a fire, no? I also used a stern and harsher tone demanding that I wanted to see the doctor. The attendant quickly quipped :-

“Ahhh..OKlah, tapi Doktor punya consultation ni kita charge arr” (Alright, but we are going to charge this  consultation session)

I was astounded by THAT and quickly snapped back :-

“WHAT???? No! No! No! Saya takkan bayar. Saya datang untuk bincang masalah yang Urine Test bukan nak ambil consultation baru, ya?!” (WHAT??? No! No! No! I won’t pay. I came to rectify things on regards of my Urine Test, not to take a new consultation!)

Abruptly with sour face, she led me in. Needless to say, I had heated conversation with the doctor. Well, I didn’t blame her because that was the usual inscription done by any doctors BUT since UPM demanded the detail, what can I do :

“Next time, you should tell us what exactly you want. We don’t have the machine. We have to send it to the lab. Based on the observation, I used this pictorial indicator. Aiyo, I have been doing this for 20 years. We doctors are not donkeys, you know.”

I retaliated :-

“Yeah, and I am not a ball. I didn’t know what to expect and I trusted solely on y’all health practitioners. I don’t know. UPM wants it.”

She fired back :-

“I am not interested in all these hanky-panky stuffs. You all should tell us what EXACTLY you want.”

Well, I am in no position to be dwarved to that :-

“I am also NOT interested. I don’t want to refuse my time doing this when I can do a lot more beneficial things. I just wanna get this done. Period.”

In the end, the heated conversation receded as I played the endless conversation well. The doctor said they could do the Urine Test but it would take them three days as they had to give that to the external lab. She gave me a urine tube to be filled early in the morning. I could just drop by the Poliklinik and left the urune tube. Nevertheless after the session, I was thinking that I could not waste time anymore waiting for that!! Three days were precious! So, finally I opted to do the Urine Test at KPJ Rawang! Easy and simple, everything was done. I got the details of my Urine Test. My, my! Haha!

UPM School Of Graduate (SGS).

So on Monday 5th September 2016 right after the UPSR invigilation at SK Bukit Sentosa, I drove to UPM to “kill two birds with one stone”. First, I had to settle my Master’s Degree fee (RM200) to obtain my Master’s Degree transcript. I already paid via online and able to download the Graduation Form (I saved time on that! Thanks Kak Bed for the tips!) and hurried to the Library to get the verification. After that, I drove to the Bursary for the verification as well. THE MOST ANNOYING thing was to queue the line. I was the 50th in line! So I thought that while waiting for my turn, I could dash to Pusat Kesihatan UPM to hand-in my Urine Test. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly. When I went back to the Bursary, I resumed my turn (it was taking AGES!) and finally managed to get the verification. After that, I went to the Bahagian Akademik to collect my Master’s Degree certificate! My Master’s Degree affair was finally settled!

NOW, for my PhD. Since I already have my Master’s Degree transcript in my hand, I could proceed with the PhD registration. BUT, I have to make photostated copy of my Master’s Degree transcript. So, I drove to the photocopy shop near Bismillah Restaurant (my coursemates and I loved going there during our Master’s Degree!) and then drove back to School Of Graduate. Of course, I have to line up to the queue, again! By that time, it was already 4.45 p.m. I finally managed to get all the documentation verified BUT I could not make it back to the Bursary to make my PhD payment (as the last step of the whole registration process) because Bursary closes at 4.30 p.m.

On Tuesday 6th September 2016 from SK Bukit Sentosa, I drove to the UPM’s Bursary to pay my PhD’s 1st semester fee and arrived around 2.40 p.m. Finally got it done at 3.15 p.m. (I was the 20th in line!) and at 3.30 p.m., I had an appointment with Dr. Akmar, the Student Advisor (as she already slots Tuesday as the day for postgraduate students to have session with her). It was really quite nerve-wrecking, intimidating but horizon-opening session with her. I was briefed upon the whole PhD time-frame and what is expected from me as a PhD candidate. I have no qualm on admitting that I was quite intimidated BUT this is the road I choose to take and I am willing to go for it. On whole it was a nice session. That is why it is crucial for you to meet the Students’ Advisor!

After the session, I went back to SGS to get my final registration process done (health test, documentation, payment) and FINALLY, got the matric number and a legit PhD candidate! Gosh, what a lengthy and tiresome journey, no? Haha! I guess those who are reading this will be DIZZY as well as there are so many episodes to be entailed! Haha! This is more for my own personal solace and memoir. As long as I could understand what I write, it is OK. Hehe (,”)

My main goal is to achieve doctorate by the year 2020; by the age of 36 years old (Gosh, I am getting old!). That was my plan when I first initiated this 6 years strategic plan in 2014. I took Master’s Degree NOT for the sake of killing time, or just for Master’s Degree – I did Master’s Degree with the vision to continue proceeding into PhD and hopefully I could secure a profession as a lecturer in Communication. It was when I was ready to emancipate my way out from the school cocoon that I eventually opted to do Master’s Degree. I didn’t want to do Master’s Degree just for the sake of doing it or because “other people are doing it”. I did it for myself. I am not in the league to compete with other people.

Of course I didn’t have any ambition to go abroad. But when Kakak got her offer to study abroad in Leeds (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/mara-mesta-earadith-the-niiew-life-of-masters-degree-experience-university-of-leeds-yorkshire/) and I had the opportunity to see how Malaysian diaspora and students led their lives at Leeds TWICE, I became infatuated with the idea of studying abroad. I also received a few tips from Malaysians at Leeds in regards of comparing the styles of furthering studies back in Malaysia and also abroad. By deliberating and weighing all those comments, I felt that I also had the glaring ability to study out there. Why not? AND to receive positive replies from a few abroad educators when I e-mailed them about my so-called proposal skeletons, etc (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2015/11/02/road-to-phdddd-a-precursor-experiment-on-my-own-academic-marketability/), it solidified my hunch that I do have a global marketability.

BUT, there is one major problem. The FINANCIAL problem! Malaysia’s economy is not doing as well as it used to be. Everyone is forced to be thrifty. Funds allocation for education was cut to fit the nation’s budget and that echoed the financial management of universities in Malaysia. Universities are not sponsoring any PhD candidates anymore. Studying abroad is definitely a No-No especially in United Kingdom due to the forex!

They said when “life gives you lemon, make lemonade”. Although Malaysia economy hinders my vision to study abroad and although I feel I have the potential but have to abort it; I can still crystallize my doctorate vision via local university. Insya ALLAH.

It is quite disheartening when Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) which seemed like a great place for me to cement this PhD-bond-scholarship had to abort further discussion even though they asked me to provide a proposal skeleton – an insider told me that it was all due to meager funds allocation. Other university such as UNISZA has already terminated that type of scholarship and will only consider those with doctorate. My application for UPM’s Tenaga Akademik Muda (TAM) has not even seen any daylight (no response whatsoever although I have sent a pile of file to The Registrar!). USM is not taking anyone anymore under RLKA or Rancangan Latihan Kakitangan Akademik. USIM’s fellowship offers meager scholarship and I do not think I could sustain my bank commitment and life with that kind of amount.

Mayim Bialik from “Blossom”! She has PhD in Neuroscience!

As a government civilian, I am also bound with the acts and rules. I can’t simply ditch my teaching post. Securing a position in government scheme was a hassle. We had to undergo few courses and processes. Apart from that, pension is secured and if there were to be anything unfortunate happen (not that I pray but, who knows?) – let say, I lost my eyesight or my ability to walk or inflicted with acute diseases, the government would not automatically terminate me. There would be humane processes involved in comparison to the ones in privatized sectors. Now, if I were to get a scholarship abroad, will I ditch these?

In the end I think by doing PhD while still working as a teacher is the best option and a “win-win” situation. I can still assuage my bank commitment and at the same time secure a career before making any big drastic leap. I think it is exciting to make changes in life and as a spontaneous person, I do things on impulse. As risky as they are, I usually opt for “calculated risk.”

Haha! PhD comic strips!

I am doing this not to compete with anyone. My main competitor is myself. If anyone out there thought I am furthering my study just to impress others; well that is wrong. And I don’t give a damn about the hatred or badmouthing. Because I am doing this for myself. The journey is still a long way. There would be great challenges as well as  tear-jerking and crying moments awaiting. There would also be naysayers and those who simply annoy “and always-want-to-be-the-best-so-will-find-any-excuses-to-crush-your-morale-or-boast-with-whatever-glory-they-have”.

I know there are people around me who feel like they need to impose superiority or trying to outdo me in certain ways. Maybe because they are naturally insecure and have no one to boast so they obviously wouldn’t want to keep their mouths shut and even if seemed as if like they were not well-versed in certain things, they still want to show themselves as “know-it-all”. My 2 cents – “just relax. Don’t have to compete with others. Do it for YOURSELF”.

Stand high, Shahrill. You know how to handle these people (,”).

If “Lebih Indah” by Siti Nurhaliza is my Master’s Degree song, “Wings” by Delta Goodrem is my PhD song. The lyrics talk about second chance and wanting to leave old place and seek new opportunity and believe in your own wings to fly! Every time I listen to this, I am pumped. The spirit for PhD is in my lungs. It is my obsession.

A beating drum
It’s in my lungs
I breathe it in, it takes my breath away
I don’t look back
It’s just a trap
We are all one but we’re not the same

Everybody’s looking for a new horizon
Everybody wants to leave the world behind them
Everybody’s looking for a new horizon
Everybody’s looking for a second chance
Everybody’s wishing they could take a stand
Everybody’s looking for a second chance

What if I lose my self control
What if I choose to let it go
I want to let you and me collide
Baby these wings were made
These wings were made to fly, la la la…

The deepest veins
The darkest truth
A secret place I only want to share with you
Look in my eyes
Undress my soul

Wingardium Levi-0-sa! : The Wizarding World Of Hogwarts @ “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child”, “The Tales Of Beedle The Bard” & “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them” By JK Rowling.

I have read the anticipated subsequent of the Harry Potter saga which is “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child” along with two other companion books from the Wizarding World which are “The Tale of Beedle The Bard” and “Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them.” It feels so good to revisit this enchanted made-up magical world after been detaching myself from it for quite a while. Haha!

Initially, I was oblivious about “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child” manuscript to be made into book! I was only aware that there would to be a play on this and the premiere was set to be in London with the controversy of the role of Hermione Granger played by a black actress, etc. When I was in Leeds City Centre walking with my sister as we were heading back to Kelso Garden, I came across this chalk-on-board advertisement saying that “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child” book edition would be released in the upcoming 24 days! I was shocked and instantaneously took the photo, uploaded it in my Facebook & Instagram AND tagged my friend, Naz who is also a Harry Potter fan-freak! Naz told me that YES, the manuscript is to be released as book and he already pre-ordered that. Maybe perhaps I was occupied with my European tour along with my sister or whatever whacchamaccalits – I was not really going giddy with excitement. It was merely “Ohh, OK”.

The advertisement at Leeds! The one that opened my eyes!

UNTIL (Haha!) on the 31st July 2016 which was the release date of the book (and so happened is the fictional birthdate of Harry Potter! Oh, God! I am such a nerd, right? LOL!). Suddenly I had this epiphany and I was like – “Hey, why not drive my car to Kinokuniya KLCC and see if I can get a copy of that book?” On top of that, I also had Kinokuniya voucher of RM20 (due to my above RM200 spending on Baucar 1 Malaysia) and it would expire on the 31st July 2016! Being spontaneous me, I drove my car and no less than one hour and half (that is the best thing about entering KL on Sunday morning. Traffic jam-free!!), I arrived at Kinokuniya and got myself the copy for RM78 (Originally the price was RM 119.90. Kinokuniya gave 20% discount and on top of that, I also used my RM20 voucher!).

Don’t worry, I am not going to write any spoilers! Basically, this story revolves around Harry Potter’s second child who is Albus Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy’s son named Scorpius Malfoy. Albus is eclipsed by his father’s fame and was having hard time to claim his own self-identity as he is constantly being compared with his well-known father. Being sorted into Slytherin by The Sorting Hat and couldn’t find any niche that could fit him in Hogwarts (he is neither good in academic nor Quidditch), Albus found solace with the nerdy Scorpius who was already an outcast amongst the Hogwarts students for being a Malfoy and rumoured to be Voldermort’s son (which turned to be someone else!). The rebellious stage gone out of proportion when both Albus and Scorpius meddled with a Time-Turner which was kept by the Minister of Magic, our Hermione Granger-Weasley, trying to save Cedric Diggory from being killed by Voldermort!

Black Hermione, Noma Dumezweni which somehow caused fracas. But Emma Watson and JK Rowling fully supported this (http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/03/emma-watson-breaks-silence-over-the-casting-of-a-black-hermione-in-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-5597465/). Of course it would be weird because all these while, readers are already accustomed on visioning Hermione in the form of Emma Watson, a white. Let say if JK Rowling and Emma Watson to voice opinions antagonizing the selection of Noma; perhaps they would be grilled by the media via racist cards? Who knows.

I have to say that the plot was nice (as it is after all, the brainchild of our JK Rowling!) BUT having to read the story as a script does somehow dampen the “embodiment of the spirit of the story” because it is told from the point of view of a staged play (so you have some inscriptions on the “stage moved”, “actors move to the other sides of stage”, etc). If this story is written like its 7 predecessors, I have no qualm on saying that it would be a total magical reading! On top of that, I think this novel would be a great piece to be made as a film! Please, JK Rowling and Warner Bros – we are your cashcows (Haha!). Just do it! On whole, I do enjoy this “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child” but my No.1 among the 8 novels would always be “Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire” (,”).

The three books by J.K. Rowling. I am her cashcow. LOL!

I bought “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them” by using the Baucar 1 Malaysia which I was entitled as a Master’s Degree student of Corporate Communication. I have to say that it was quite a mundane book so don’t expect any plots or whatsoever as it is merely more or less like an encyclopaedia for the mythical beasts created by J.K. Rowling. It is modelled after a ‘text-book concept’ and the names of the beasts are arranged according to the alphabetical order. Nevertheless, the movie version which will be out by end of this year will take viewers to the time before the text book was made and that means of course, the plot of the film is not in the novel. The script is to be written by J.K. Rowling herself; so… yeah. (,”).

As for “The Tales of Beedle The Bard” (I bought this at Harry Potter’s Platform 9 3/4 shop at London’s King Cross for 8 Euro!) which is a compilation of magical fairytales (ala our Brothers’ Grimms) and first came into the picture in “Deathly Hallows” when Ron Weasley was telling Hermione and Harry about “The Tale Of The Three Brothers”. I have to say that in comparison to “Fantastic Beasts”, I LOVE THIS companion book!! I think J.K. Rowling is a gifted fairytale storyteller!! I even like had this vision that Malaysian pupils can use one of the stories compiled in this book as the text in school story-telling competitions! I love “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” which I think can perfectly suit as bedtime story for children. It is about three witches who want to find a fountain that could cure their miseries. The three witches named Asha is a very sick damsel; Athelda who wants power and wealth after being robbed; and Amata who is heartbroken by a man. You know what, I can picture an upcoming film version of this novel IF “Fantastic Beasts” does well in box-office. You never know! Haha!

My sister teased me saying that JK Rowling will be forever rich with her books and Harry Potter merchandises for the rest of her life due to the easy preys like me – a cashcow! Haha! Well, I can’t deny that though because it is inevitable true. Haha!

In “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child”, there was an intense scene where Harry Potter had heated conversation with Dumbledore’s portrait. I felt the emotion of the scene and my eyes almost watered. The emotional outburst of Harry towards Dumbledore and how both of them cried. It was heart-wrenching. 

The trailer for the upcoming “Fantastic Beasts” movie which is not from the novel. The script is written prior to the textbook, by JK Rowling.

Pokémon Go! Gotta Catch Them All! : The Malay Moslems’ Sacrilege Obsession Vs. The Mufti’s Flawed Sanctity.

I am not into virtual games. I am pretty noob in that. So when there was this media-frenzy on Pokemon Go, I was quite in bewilderment but quite nonchalant about it. I knew Pokemon when I was in Form 4 in the year 2000 purely from the animated version. I liked the theme song and the animation and I recalled that when my late cousin, Kak Aida had her very first few treatment for her kidney failure (bless her soul) at Loh Guan Lye Hospital, Kak Alia (her sister) and I were so fixated with the cartoon aired on NTV7. But that was it.

I was familiar with Ash and Pikachu. But this was the year 2000 series.

Fast forward to 2016 – after 16 years to be exact; suddenly Pokemon came into the picture. I was quite surprised to see this name suddenly emerged out of nowhere after 16 years?! The first time I heard about this was after my Euro trip with Kakak (refer to my previous entries). I read about this tabloid piece on this one fan who was so occupied with the game DESPITE standing so near to the stage where Beyonce was performing!! Naturally, the person who recorded the act went berserk with that (REFER to http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7446716/beyonce-fan-pokemon-go-concert)!!! Haha! Nevertheless, I was nonchalant about Pokemon Go until the Malaysian public went nuts when allegedly a Mufti (Islamic scholar/cleric) was quoted to issue a Fatwa (Shariah decision) that this game is forbidden or ‘haram’ for the Moslems. The response was ballistic – both from the Moslems and unsurprisingly, of course the non-Moslems!

Pokemon Go. The game that goes global obsession. Apparently, not on Malaysia issues statements to defy the obsession – Indonesia, Middle East, Thailand, Russia, Israel (REFER to http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/israeli-soldiers-banned-from-pokemon-go-as-palestinians-struggle-to-play).

At this juncture, I was left with this gap of knowledge (whoa, sounds so research-chy, huh? Haha!). Why is it that this seemingly harmless game is being labeled as “Haram”? Was it simply another moral-policing which has become a rampant phenomenon amongst the Malaysian Moslems of late?

The Mufti (Head of Clerics) of Wilayah Persekutuan, Dr. Zulkifli al-Bakri was bashed by Malaysians for his statement on regards of Pokemon Go. It is sad to see how the Malay Moslem themselves are so vehement in lambasting him – due to their sole obsession.

To add salt to the wound, Malaysian Moslems who are already addicted to this game wasted no time to bash the Mufti by claiming that it was a biased decision to ‘execute’ a mere virtual game whereas the main priorities should be given to counteract other illicit activities such as promiscuity-among-Moslems, bribery, etc (REFER to http://www.theheatmalaysia.com/Main/Pokemon-Go-pokes-Malaysian-muftis). Now perhaps due to public backlash, The Mufti then issued another statement saying that there was never any official proclamation saying that Pokemon Go is to be “Haram” (Forbidden) BUT it is best to be AVOIDED due to several reasons such as time-consuming, jeopardizing self security as well as the nation, etc (REFER to http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/ft-mufti-clarifies-pokemon-go-not-haram). On the other hand of course as expected, the non-Moslems or rather Moslem-haters (I don’t think they really hate Islam or Moslems; perhaps they were just so annoyed by the endless “Haram” issuance when they thought are simply trivial matters, no?) wasted no time to share their own opinions on this as they believe in ‘freedom of speech’ and of course, inevitable unauthorized scholar a.k.a. keyboard warriors.

With all these fracas going on, I believe that the non-Moslems are not affected by this and I understand their antics on ‘poking around issues that are not even theirs’. It was no biggie, actually. NEVERTHELESS, what irked me the most was to see the comments made by my own Moslem brethren on regards of this Pokemon Go. Just because they were angry that the Mufti issued a statement defying their addiction towards Pokemon Go, they jeered and even used improper words besmirching the Mufti! Some even questioned the credibility of the Mufti by saying he was merely a puppet who did not dare to question the ruling politicians’ uncouth administration BUT YET dare to persecute the Plain People???! In short, one lets the cruel BIG FISHES go but persecutes the smaller fishes!

Pikachu! It is cute, alright! Haha!

I don’t think it is appropriate for Moslems to do that. I am not a saint and I am far from being a religious person but I feel as a Moslem, you have to uplift your own religion and any institutions entrusted to govern the sanctity by giving them support and if you are not in agreeable term, it would be better not to issue any comments that will degrade our religion or the institutions per se. Looking at this, would you blame the non-Moslems when we as the Moslem ourselves degraded and ridiculed our own Mufti?

  

Some of the Malaysian-flavoured names.

I understand the idea that ‘mortals are imperfect’- therefore, Muftis and clerics are bound to be imperfect as “they probably simply dwell in religious affairs and oblivious with secular world” (don’t lie; I understand how the secularists think; they think highly of themselves and regard religious figures as dumb buffoons who merely devote themselves towards AfterLife affairs!). Nonetheless if one fathoms the Maqasid Syariah under the umbrella of Fiqh (I am no expert but as I took Islamic Studies as a minor when I was in USM, I gained little bit of knowledge on this and via my brief stint as Islamic banker), a Moslem is advised to avoid any elements that could jeopardize the healthy state. In this perspective of Pokemon Go, it is dubbed as very time-consuming and it will cause extraordinary obsession and addiction to the players as they need to travel out to certain places; even the ones that are closely-guarded or situated at impossible locations – just to collect these pocket monsters! There were a few instances where players climbed water tanks, trespassed holy and personal spaces and even caused fatal accidents as some would stop their vehicles abruptly while driving when they suddenly got notifications on the sudden existence of these pocket monsters!

 

Ooopsie! Just look at the names! Kikikiki! (,”)

Accident in Malaysia due to this Pokemon Go! Like, seriously??? Oh, my!

To be fair, there were also a few positive things engendered from playing Pokemon Go. Players claim that they have opportunity to get to know new people with same interests and this game also force them to venture out from their house (therefore related to fitness) and some even helped other living beings when they encountered some mishaps at the location where they seek the pocket monsters.

Comments from obsessed Malay Moslem Malaysians. So sad.

Need to avoid. In terms of Maqasid Shariah, anything that violates the tranquility of physical, mental or spiritual is deemed to be avoided as it is harmful to the quality of one’s life.

On whole what I am trying to say here is that if you want to play or if you don’t want to play, IT IS YOUR PREROGATIVE. Do if you want to do. BUT, do not go over the board. You DON’T HAVE TO BESMIRCH THE MUFTI or those who are entrusted to protect the sanctity of Islam. Despite the secularists’ perception that the clerics are merely piety-buffoons, they are the learned people on the creed. They don’t simply issue opinions if they do not have concrete reasons for that. The same goes to the e-cigarettes hullabaloos last year which I have also written about it (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2015/11/13/the-malaysians-opium-war-the-evolution-of-tobacco-laden-cigarette-shishahookah-vaping-e-cigarette/). The Muftis know. Now if you disagree, it would be best to exercise diplomatic approach – use appropriate words. Well, I am sure of some of you out there disagree with what I have written and I respect that as well. In short, let’s learn to agree to disagree, no? With civilized manner, of course!

The winner! Haha, what a name!

The 90s babies must be familiar with this theme song. Hahah! I loved the catchy line “Gotta Catch Them All!” And not to forget the OST theme song for the movie sung by M2M “Don’t Say You Love Me” (used to be my life anthem! LMAO!).

The Orient Express Of Magic & Kungfu : A Tale Of Mofa & Wuxia @ “Billy & The Cloud Fife” By Winston Lim.

I have completed reading the 5th book that I bought using Baucar 1 Malaysia (“Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them” by J.K. Rowling) during my Europe backpack tour and also the 6th book penned by my Penang Free School senior, Winston Lim entitled “Billy and The Cloud Fife”. Review for the former would have to wait – I am opting to write for the latter now.

Winston Lim is my super senior from my alma mater, Penang Free School! Argh, I have so many successful people in the alumni!! This also one of the reasons why I feel like I need to grab chances to improve my life and potential. I used to be a ‘play-safe-in-the-cocoon’ person. But now in my 30s, I am ready to take the world! Haha! Late bloomer, I know!

My first impression when I read “Billy and The Cloud Fife” was that this is an oriental version of Harry Potter – a reluctant mortal named Billy Lin who suddenly discovered the secret of magic in his family. Then, the protagonist was introduced to the magical world namely Wulin and soon befriended two junior goblins who were obviously more well-versed about magic than him – a stocky Ox goblin named Spikehorn and the seductive know-it-all Flower, the Snake Princess. Nevertheless as the plot started to unravel, I guess first impression does not always depict the correct picture.

Started to read this on the train from Amsterdam to Brussels. While sipping coffee on the train, such an intellectual European escapade. LOL! (,”)

I personally think that Chinese, particularly the Malaysian Chinese should be proud of this book as the book centers upon the cultures, legends and traditions. Winston embroidered the elements of Wuxia (Chinese martial arts) into the plot as well as the rich Chinese customs (addressing the elders in accordance to their ranks such as “Niang-Niang”, “Pai-Mu”; the love of food; the demure curtsy of a lady; etc). As a reader, you can’t help being bedazzled with the description of Snake Queen, Lady Pai as this ethereal most beautiful creature with her irresistible ‘Snake Glamour’. I guess the best description that fits this novel is that “Billy and The Cloud Fife” is more or less like Harry Potter meets Kungfu Panda! Haha! Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be fair to say that this novel is eclipsed by its Western benchmarks. This novel has its own strength and uniqueness.

One the most decent illustrations of Snake Queen I could find in the Internet! Haha! Snake is a sexy creature. It slithers its scaly and smooth skin, encircling the hard strong pole. Ooops! Haha! What an innuendo!

Basically, this novel chronicles around a mixed-parentage boy named Billy Lin in Penang Island, Malaysia who accidentally found a unique fife in his uncle’s cabinet (Curiosity Cabinet). Apparently, it is a ‘Curio’ and regarded as one of the most precious instrument in the magical world of Wulin. On top of that, Billy also found out that his whole family is actually the custodian of the Curiosity Cabinet and is highly respected in Wulin. Dramas and adventures unfolded when a Lizard Prince named Jasperback tried to kill Billy as he assumed he was the more worthy person to inherit the fife instead of Billy.

The ox prince. Sturdy and brawny and stocky, huh? (,”)

I feel that it is brilliant that Winston incorporated the wuxia element (Kungfu; The Inner Energy a.k.a. The Chi) in this novel because that could serve as a magnet to the wider spectrum of market as Chinese is universally-known for the Kungfu! With a few Hollywood movies released centralized on this martial art such as “Kungfu Panda” & “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, I believe that it is not impossible that one day, this novel could be adapted into silver screen! In addition, I also notice that perhaps by moulding Billy’s trait as this mixed-parentage boy, the character will exude some appeal to the western readers because we know that there are always this unspoken taboo when Asian products (films, songs, literature, etc) try to penetrate the western market. It is always expected that whether the protagonists are to be Western or the whole films are to be told from Western point of view! Nevertheless, that is not such a big deal.

I can’t help but imagining the curtsy displayed by Zhang Ziyi in “House of Flying Dagger” while I am reading description of Lady Pai’s grace while demonstrating her martial art skills!

On whole, I don’t think it is fair to compare this novel to Harry Potter. I am sure if some of Harry Potter fans read this, they will instantaneously make that inevitable comparison :-

• Snake Glamour = Veela’s Charm;
• Flower, the know-it-all Snake Princess = Hermione Granger;
• The protagonist’s trio group (Billy, Flower, Spikehorn) = Harry, Hermione, Ron
• Goblins, Fairies of Wulin = Elves, Gnomes of Diagon Alley, Hogwarts

; but I believe those are coincidence. As this is the first book of the trilogy, we are yet to know the identity of Scorpion Mask, the person who allegedly concocted the plan to kill Billy on the first place. I look forward for Billy’s adventures with Flower and Spikehorn!

OK, I admit I feigned this pose and asked Kakak to take photo of this! Haha! In the train; from Rome to Venice.

The Ramli Siblings, Conquering Europe (Part 6) @ Milan, Rome & Venice, Italy : The Bricks & Bouquets Of The Birthplace Of European Renaissance.

Italy is the last country in our European backpack tour. If Switzerland was the cool “Holy Grail of Earth” as per my previous blog, Italy was the scorching hot and raucous Mediterranean Peninsula! Boy, didn’t we have a lot of things to say about Italy?! From Switzerland, we arrived at Milan Centrale Station after 3 hours journey on the train.

 

The train stopped at Domodossola, the first Italian terminal you would meet once you crossed the border of Italy and Switzerland. The side view of Tuscany from the train as we made our way towards Pisa as transit to Rome.

From Milan Centrale, we boarded the Metro to Maciachini heading towards Piazzale Carlo Maciachini. It was a walking distance but quite challenging to find “the first wooden door” as people hardly speak English and we didn’t have constant WIFI to find our way. When we arrived at the door (which looked pretty antique and elegant), it was locked and there were security codes to be entered. We tried to explain to the audio machine but proved to no avail. Luckily suddenly, a young man was about to enter and he speaks English. So, he helped us dialled our hostess’s number and assisted us into the apartment.

Milan Centrale. Majestic architecture, it was.

 

Our hostess, Alice. Her cat, Bresson was a big fat but fierce male cat. Hahaha…sometimes he liked to fondle you but you can’t fondle him! LMAO! But he was fond of Kakak. Haha!

Our hostess in Milan was Alice. Kakak got connected to her via Airbnb (she is really good in this, really!) and she is merely 21 years old. I noticed there were a lot of books on cinemas and films and I asked her about her studies. She told me that she is a Mass Communication student and she has been doing Airbnb for 3 years now because it brings money and put bread to the table (and Kakak said that Alice has been getting a lot of good review in Airbnb so she probably makes tonnes of money!). Alice lives with her grandmother and mother and there was a pet cat named Bresson (very big but fierce cat!). I could see why people praised the house. From outside, you thought it was merely a small apartment ala Hong Kong’s but apparently, the interior was quite big. The decoration was magnificent and you could see there was sense of Renaissance style (classic portraits hung; Alice said they were her mother’s). The bathroom was big and very comfortable. Our room also was very comfortable. I could vouch that Alice’s house was the best lodging we had throughout the entire Europe trip! Haha!

 

Alice’s house. You guys can get in touch with her via Airbnb. Very comfortable and luxurious home-styled (for us, backpackers!) accommodation.

Our first destination was San Siro Stadium, the heart home of AC Milan. I am not a football aficionado but I occasionally enjoy watching football every now and then. Abang Zam was a football fan so Kakak thought of visiting the stadium on behalf of him and I also was intrigued by that as well. It was scorching hot 35 celsius and we were quite taken aback by the stadium. It was indeed big but there was no sign indicating it was San Siro Stadium except for a few “entrance” (Ingresso!) signs leading to the AC Milan’s museum tour which cost 14 Euro per person. Obviously we didn’t enter the museum but we managed to slither our ways into the merchandises shop. I could see excited boys and men who were probably AC Milan’s ardent fans thronging the shop. It was understandably their candies shop, of course!

 

San Siro, home of AC Milan.

One for the nostalgia! Haha! My skin was burning under the hot sun!

 

I am quite a fragile person. I couldn’t stand scorching heat without any head protection (even my colleagues at school know that!) so after having that intense heat from the sun while ‘circumambulate’ San Siro Stadium, my body became frail and feverish. Luckily with two Panadols, I was recharged and ready for our next destination, Piazza del Duomo. Like so many other “squares” with majestic cathedrals in Europe (just like in Brussels’ Grand Place), Piazza del Duomo was a place with extraordinary history. We were warned by friends that Piazza del Duomo was a haven for pickpockets and gypsies lurking around! Irregardless, the complex was a beautiful historical place. The cathedral was an apparent mirror to the glorious Italian Renaissance days. Besides the cathedral, there was a boulevard called Galleria Vittorio with a lot of high-end shops such as Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton – to named a few. As expected, you could see a lot of Arabs dining there. They are rich lots!

Piazza del Duomo. My classic levitation pose! But beware of the pickpockets here.

 

The Galleria Vittorio. What a luxurious boulevard!

 

Are you brand-freak? Are you fashion victim? Are you the ones who would splurge tonnes of money just for the name of the brand? Then, this is your candy store. I, on the other hand had no money. Haha!

Anyway the next day, we went out early from the house as our train was scheduled at 8.15 a.m at Milan Centrale. Well, the transportation’s schedule in Italy was helter-skelter! Our train was supposed to head for Rome with Pisa as the transit and the ticket indicated certain number. When we searched the number, the train in question was to head towards Remini. We decided to ask the Information Officers but with limited English, it was hard to get confirmation. In the end, we decided to take the train after Kakak asked another train officer at the front of our train coach (who also did not speak English! He just abruptly shunned us off and indicated “go in”!).

 

The famous iconic architecture of Pisa. It felt great to finally witnessing this. I have been teaching my pupils by reading passages from English textbook but now I can vouch my experience to them as I have seen this myself. Being a teacher, you need to constantly inspire your pupils apart from imparting knowledge. That’s what I vow to do as long as I am working as this primary school teacher. It ain’t easy to retain such positivity if you don’t have the heart as a teacher (though people said teaching is piece of cake. Haha!) (,”)

Beyond this picture, there were a lot of people aligned the alley with different poses (the famous one would be the one you pretend as if you push the tower!) and try to secure strategic places! Haha! All for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The train to Pisa took us around 3 hours. We stopped at Pisa Centrale and we had a gap of 2 hours before our next train resume the journey. We took the bus (again, the schedule was all confusing! We had to ask another Indian family entourage who was also heading towards Pisa Leaning Tower!) to Pisa Leaning Tower which was situated in a historical complex. Well, there were a lot of people thronging and each one of them vies for the best picture angle they could get with the leaning tower! Well, heated conversations were inevitable! Haha! It was surreal seeing that with my own eyes. I have been teaching my pupils based on the textbooks passages on Pisa Leaning Tower and now I have witnessed this my own! That’s life enriching, for me – not merely based on facts and figures confined in text books (although that helps!).

 

Roma Termini.

The majestic Colosseum! Amazing historical architecture.

 

After countless of Selfie snapshot. It has been ages since I last used my NIKON camera. The last time was my 2014 United Kingdom’s trip. Haha!

The journey to Rome took us around 4 hours across the Tuscany region (remember the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun”?). We arrived at Roma Termini and our Rome lodging, Lazio Hotel was just a stone-throw away; walking distance. Kakak is always good in arranging our accommodations! Anyway, while we were scouting and searching for the route heading to the hotel, a fluent English-spoken Caucasian man suddenly approached us. Being Asians we were bound to not be rude although we already aware with the abundant gypsies and refugees in Rome! With his oily manner and silky voice, he offered to show us the direction as if the hotel was far. But when we refused and told him that we already knew the location, he abruptly left us and the oily manner VANISHED! LOL! So y’all better be careful in Rome! On whole, Lazio Hotel was nice except that the WIFI only available at the lobby so we had to do all the navigation at the lobby. But the bathroom was spacious and pretty comfortable.

Spectacular! Imagine the gladiators fought here years ago on their horses chariots!

 

There were soldiers everywhere. Felt like in a warzone. The threat of terrorism all over Europe!

After settling our things at the hotel, we didn’t waste time to visit the magnificent Colosseum. You won’t get lost. It is merely at the front yard of the metro station! It was magical historical ruin. Being a historical freak, I could imagine how the Roman Empire glorious days with the Colosseum’s architecture! Coincidentally, the sun was about to set when we visited the Colosseum. We could hear some Italian music being played at the alfresco restaurant on the elevated terrace opposite the Colosseum. And then, there were soldiers patrolling (due to the recent terrorism fracas in Europe!) the place – I guess they are safeguarding public places as terrorists seem to aim these types of places.

In front of St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.

 

Apparently, the obelisk (the right picture) was taken from Egypt by the famous Roman ruler, Caligula! I didn’t know until I read this Wikipedia link at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City. For those of you who do not know, Caligula was this famous Roman ruler who had outrageous sex lives (he did men and women) and there were also movies on him; the first one funded by Hugh Hefner of Playboy. How did I know? Don’t ask! Haha! (,”).

 

The next day, on 17th July 2016; we went to Vatican City which is the smallest country in the world!!! My sister and I read a lot of books about facts of the world when we were young and we remembered reading about Vatican City being the smallest sovereign in the world! Of course Vatican City is the focal point of Catholic Christianity being the home for the Pope; but I guess a sounded Malay Moslems would not go berserk with that, no? Some people may wonder why I put this disclaimer – lately, a lot of average-thinking Malay Moslems love to do moral policing and besmirch their brethren they thought defy the piety codes. In short, “holier-than-thou” attitude! Enough of that! Anyway, the queue was so long that we made decision that if by 8.30 a.m. we were still to queue, we need to abort the Vatican City visit due to our train to Venice at 10.15 a.m.!

 

The long queue to enter Vatican City. And there was a pinoy working at the souvenir booth before entering Vatican City. Filipinos and Bangladeshis are apparent labour force of the world. Their diaspora are dispersed everywhere especially in Middle East. Amazing, isn’t it?

Alas like Kakak said, ALLAH SWT wanted us to experience that. No more than 15 minutes later, the security guards let the crowd in. Like the usual procedure when we were to enter a new country, we have to be scanned and put our luggage to be scanned as well. Anyway, we didn’t have time to explore the whole Vatican City as we were running out of time – we didn’t even queue up for the museum (it was Sunday, mind you! So there were a lot of people!). We just hanged around at the front of St. Peter’s Square and admiring the architectures of St. Peter’s Basilica. Though it was short stint but it was surreal for us!

Waiting for water taxi in front of Venezia St. Lucia. The weather was so hot and crowd was thronging like ants!

  

The real Venice from backpacker’s point of view. Haha, a dirtier version of Diagon Alley!

From Roma Termini, we boarded the train to the northeast of Italy Peninsula! The journey to Venice took us around 4 hours but it was pretty comfortable (in comparison to the train trip from Pisa to Rome where we had to face another strangers who had the same coach and berth opposite us! Imagine being like that for 3-4 hours? LOL!) as it was a bullet train.

The famous Rialto Bridge. Unfortunately it was under construction. But we were still able to cross it. There were shops on it.

 

The famous Venetian Carnival masks. Perhaps suitable for those predators and preys who were into one-night-stand games? Haha! After all, Casanova was from Venice, no? Haha!

Now, Venice has another new life experience for us. We arrived at Venezia Santa Lucia Railway station. And then from there, we boarded water taxi (yes! more or less like ferry as Venice is an island) No.5 to Rialto. This was where our adventure began. Venice is not that big BUT it has intertwining cobbled streets like a maze! Each one of the road cross each other and some even had dead end! There was no WIFI for us to locate our hotel and we were practically tired dragging our 3-4 heavy luggage amidst the immensely overcrowded alleys of Venice! We located certain landmarks suspected to be near around our hotel such as the Max Mara but failed to see any signs of “Hotel Canada”. We also followed a few families walking to any exits we thought would lead us to the place but turned out that they also gambled their ways out and all we found were dead ends! FINALLY, Kakak managed to get a few faint WIFI signals from a shop nearby. We tried our luck and at last, we found the hotel at Campo San Lio!! As the matter of fact, we actually DID pass by the area twice or thrice but perhaps we didn’t realize it due to its small hidden compressed-to-the-corner facade! Gosh, Venice IS NOT FOR THOSE WITH CLAUSTROPHOBIA!

Gondola ride? Nah, couldn’t afford. Haha!

 

Well, our final lodging in Venice was OK. It has the warm ambiance but the room was small AND the bathroom is located outside from your room. Nevertheless, it is your own bathroom, though. Unfortunately if you want to browse Internet, you have to pay 2 Euro for 1 hour! This is like a prepaid service! Darn! Hahaha! What a sly way to cut the tourists’ throats! We also bumped into another Malaysian Chinese family who resided the same hotel. It was nice meeting your countrymen at a foreign land.

People especially women always have this romantic fantasy to have gondola ride. Well, probably the romantic fetishes do no match with the harsh reality (smelly water, crowded water traffic). Nevertheless it is prerogative as long as you have money, no? Hey, it’s your own money and fantasy. Haha!

Our vacation in Venice was somewhat a bit more relaxing than the others as we didn’t have any specific tentative to be met and it was the last destination. The famous Rialto Bridge was apparently under construction. Alfresco restaurants were abundant and gondolas ferried their ways in and out of the canals (80 Euro per boat! We couldn’t afford to lavish ourselves with that!). There were a lot of carts selling souvenirs and the famous Venetian Carnival masks! The spontaneous impression when I was in Venice struck me as Diagon Alley BUT the dirtier version! Haha! People thronged the pavement and alleys. I have to say the ambiance was nice and I guess the rich people’s romantic fetish that “Venice is a romantic place” could crystallize IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF MONEY to splurge on the fine dining and high-end brands, no? We also managed to find our ways (Haha!) to the famous Piazza San Marco. It struck me that a gigantic behemoth of building was built on an island years ago! History is interesting, isn’t it?

 

Pigeons at Piazza San Marco – named after Italian famous traveler, Marco Polo.

There were also a lot of pigeons (do you know pigeons love dirty places ala Trafalgar Square and all? Haha!) and you could see a lot of Bangladeshis or Indian immigrants trying to make a living by offering us few grains to the be thrown at the pigeons and of course to charge Euros on us! As much as we adored their gallant efforts to survive in a foreign land, we refused that and a few of them scowled back at us! LOL! That night, Kakak just stayed at the hotel whilst I went out to roam around at the banks of Venice Grand Canal. Maybe harsh but it looked more or less like Melaka River Cruise panorama. Haha! Nevertheless, it was always good to fly away from your cocoon and see the world.

Night at Venice. 

On the 18th July 2016 for the first time ever, we woke up quite late at 8.30 a.m. and then packed our things. Had the croissants as breakfast (English meals aren’t my cup of tea but I have to do it to avoid the stomach from being empty!). We bought our tickets from this one ticket shop. As there was only one ticket girl handling all the customers, the time to queue was quite long and the heat was unbearable in Italy! Well, Kakak asked the ticket girl whether we had to validate the water taxi tickets or not – she said only validate (to touch the ticket at a detector ala Touch ‘N’ Go concept in Malaysia!) the bus tickets and the water taxi tickets were unnecessary. That was where we went wrong.

We boarded the water taxi to Piazzale Roma so that from there, we could board a bus to Marco Polo Airport. We expected the whole journey to take 1 hour; the max. So, at 11.00 p.m. we checked out from Hotel Canada. Once we boarded the water taxi amidst the congested people thronging the pier, Kakak told me :-

“Wei, Alhamdulillah. Kita dah naik feri tanpa sebarang halangan”. (Thank God we are now on this ferry without any major glitches).

The water taxi officers began to check tickets. Somehow, they passed by me as I was standing at a corner (Kakak got my tickets, anyway) and they began to check those who were sitting at the berths. Apparently, we were to be fine because we did not validate the water taxi ticket for 70 Euro each (140 Euro!!!!). Kakak tried to reason with them but they refused and adamant for us to pay. Unfortunately, Kakak’s credit card somehow went haywire in Europe as everytime she tried to swap, the machine demanded password which she said she never had! AND her Bank Rakyat account won’t work via ATM card! I myself had no more Euro left!!! I went white!

Fortunately, Kakak did transfer some money to my Maybank account and I already activated my debit card prior flying abroad. By hook or crook, we had to pay and the fine was tantamount to RM700++!! For rich people, that was little I am sure but for us, it was like a huge some of money we could use to sustain our lives back in Malaysia before the payroll date at 25th. The three lady officers went to extend of ‘escorting’ Kakak to the nearest Bancomer (bank in Italy) and even threatened to confiscate our documentations if we failed to pay! We were undeniably crestfallen by the unfortunate circumstances but Kakak told me :-

“It’s a shame what happened but although ALLAH gave us this test, there was also a way out given to slither away. Perhaps this is a subtle reminder for us for not reading Quran or being negligence to Him throughout this journey.”

In a way, everything happened for a reason. Alhamdulillah, we managed to board the bus No.5 to Marco Polo Airport and our journey to the transit Dubai Airport was smooth. Although we had the gap 10 hours for our connecting flight to Malaysia (my second time experience sleeping at airport. Initially I tried to sleep on the floor but it was damn cold so in the end I resorted to sleep on the berth), Alhamdulillah, all went well.

This tower is called St Mark’s Campanile. Situated at Piazza San Marco. Read more about it at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Campanile.

On whole, I feel that this Europe journey was a precious memory I have and it enriches my life. This is also as a reward to myself for being extremely hardworking (I was so into studying Corporate Communication; a far cry from my Microbiology degree days! Haha!) for the past 2 years on my Master of Corporate Communication and even nailed 3.938 as the overall CGPA! I guess I deserve a reward for being such a dedicated person (I am not bragging. If you don’t compliment yourself, who does? I merely give myself credit and a pat on the back! Haha!) I have no regret of applying Cuti Tanpa Gaji and that will affect my one year seniority (as Malaysian teaching posts are ‘time-based’). Initially, my colleagues went agog and even surprised that I would trade my seniority for this. For me, it was all worth it. Like what Kak Adda a.k.a Zalisa (my ex Head of Discipline Teachers who also happened to be a wanderlust person like me!) said :-

“Ambik peluang yang ada. Nak kisah apa orang cakap? Ini pengalaman diri ko sendiri. Berani buat berani tanggung beb”. (Take this opportunity, bro. Why do you bother about others? This is for your own life experiences. If you dare to take the risk, you shall dare to bear the consequences, babe.”)

This journey also gave me:-

• An opportunity to see the insight of the Malay diaspora in Leeds, United Kingdom and the tapestry of their little world;
• To discuss my PhD plans with the Malaysians who are studying doctorate abroad;
• Witnessing a convocation in abroad university which totally different from our local’s;
• I also witnessed the gigantic windmills of which I used to teach my pupils on Science (year 5; Energy; windmills turn the wind energy into electricity via turbine-spinning!);
• I also able to crystallize my wanderlust dream with Kakak to set footsteps on the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City!
• Opportunity to witness the ethnic mobility around the globe. There are so many Bangladeshis and Indians (the poorer ones) in Europe doing odd jobs. So touched seeing their determination to venture out to foreign land, away from their cocoons and make effort to sustain their lives and blend with the new culture by learning the language, etc. Amazing!;
• To make differentiation of cultures of the Europeans – the British, the Belgians, the Dutch, the Parisians, The Swiss, and of course the Italians!
• To find my own Malay identity and embrace my root as a Malay Moslem; even greater when I am in Malaysia.

 

From our small room in Hotel Canada, Venice. Initially, I was a bit taken aback by the abysmal facade of Venice buildings. Seems that the ruins were visible. Aren’t the city council do anything about it? But when I read Wikipedia (of course!), apparently, Venice is known for its “elegant decay” (eeeks!). Perhaps, the decays are purposely let to be under the name of ‘aesthetics’? Read more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elegant_decay.

It was all worthy, Shahrill Ramli. Would you ever thought that one day you too had the experience of travelling 6 European countries within 12 days with Kakak? You know what they said; life is a mystery and have fun to unravel that! Amin. (,”)

I didn’t mean anything malicious but Italy was the least favorite European countries in our trip. And Venice? Bad memory for Kakak and I. Haha! But we cherished the experiences gained. No regret whatsoever! I need experience to enrich my life. 

The Ramli Siblings, Conquering Europe (Part 4 & Part 5) @ Paris, France & Interlaken, Switzerland : The Epitome Of Joie de Vivre Romanticism & Holy Grail Of Mother Earth!

As I am writing the introduction for this entry at this very moment, our room is facing the scenic hills of Interlaken. Our lodging here is in Bahnof Hotel which is exactly opposite the railway station Interlaken-West. Therefore, there was no problem when we arrived at midnight yesterday with the 6 hours journey from Paris!

It is Paris, the capital city of France!

Yesterday was such a tiring journey. We pushed off from Leeds to London by bus (Megabus!). We opted for this cheaper option as trains are more expensive and we have already spent that on the East Coast Train for the journey from London to Leeds. We boarded the bus at 1 a.m. but to be on the safe side, we checked out from Kelso Garden at 11.30 p.m. and of course, we arrived VERY EARLY at the bus station! I have to say that at times, I did feel like I was about to throw up due to the bumpy ride and perhaps because it has been ages since I last took a bus ride. AND the toilet was horrendous! All I could say, it was bad for us Moslems who usually practice cleanliness (we wash our genitalia with plain water after we do our business  – we don’t simply wipe!).

 

The Gare du Nord station in France.

Anyway, we arrived at London around 6.00 a.m. which was a delay from the scheduled journey and my neck strained from my lolled sleep head throughout the journey! We had our breakfast at Pret-A-Manger in King’s Cross London; and took the Eurostar to Paris at 9.15 a.m. The journey took us approximately 3 hours.

 

Well, my first priority was the Notre Dame Cathedral. But due to technical glitches, having a picture at Eifel Tower will do, no? After all, it is the icon of France! Haha!

We had an interval of 3 hours before our TGV Lyria France-Suisse Train kicked off to Interlaken, Switzerland. I don’t know why but I have no excitement; really; for Paris. My first priority was to see the Notre Dame Church (famed for the depiction in Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” as well as its Disney adaptation!). Nevertheless, Kakak mistakenly thought that Notre-Dame-des-Champs metro station as the one we should go to visit the church. Commuting towards the station from Gare de Lyon station and then to change at Charles de Gaulle – Etoile itself took us a lot of time. Nevertheless to compensate the loss, we decided to pay a visit at Eifel Tower. So we stooped at Bir-Hakeim. Haha! I guess women are so fascinated with the idea that Paris is the city of love and Eifel is the pinnacle of modern love. But really, apart from the historical architecture, I didn’t find it that intriguing. And Paris is dirty! LMAO.

The misty morning at Barnhorf, Interlaken West! Don’t you feel calm and peaceful?

It was cool. Really cool.

Our train to Interlaken took us approximately 6 hours and we reached Interlaken West station at midnight. It was cool. Luckily, our lodging here which is the Bahnof Hotel was merely opposite the station (as per above). Honestly, it was really a tiring journey so we decided to just relax at Interlaken. This morning, we decided to go to Harder Kulm, which happened to be an apex with a funicular tram that we could commute there; much like our Penang Hill’s and also the Hong Kong The Peak’s. It was drizzling but in Interlaken, the coldness is really freezing – and to think that it happens during summer?! Haha! So, it was misty all the way up there. Nevertheless, it soon cleared away and wow, the scenery was BREATHTAKING!!!! You could see Interlaken from the apex and the name “Interlaken” (Between The Lakes) really speaks for itself as you could see the two lakes “bordering” the land – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and the beautiful  unbelievable blue stream, The Aare River! I have never seen any stream that is more blue than it. Really, Masya ALLAH! Amazing! God is Great!

 

Beautiful blue streams of Aare River! It is the linkage between the two lakes. Subhanallah! Amazing! I read in Wikipedia that this river is a peripheral of the famous Rhein River!

Kakak and I were hungry at the apex as it was so cold and our fingers were numb. We simply needed some hot drinks and sustenance amidst the misty drizzling atmosphere. There was a small stall erected at the looking out points as well as a restaurant. We went to the small stall selling french fries (chips) and hot drinks. The girl at the counter happened to be a Vietnamese named Hana. She was very sweet and friendly person. I soon learned that she was also a teacher and she worked 10 years in Vietnam and decided to do MBA Switzerland to upgrade herself! Amazing! I told her that I am also a school teacher and just completed my Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication and inspired to do PhD to pursue career as lecturer. She told me to chase my dream. I was inspired to know that she financed her own MBA cost and eventually tried internship in Switzerland. She said :-

“People pay to come here but I am paid to work here with this amazing view.”

 

During the misty rain at the apex of Harder Kulm!

Had to wear that poncho. Amazing and breathtaking view!

Beautiful view, taken by my sister’s Iphone and accentuated by Instagram!

I love her carefree spirit which I also found something in common. I felt amazed that she worked her way out wriggling from the career and hop on for something new and adventurous! I am inspired to emulate her footsteps! Thanks Hana!

Hana and I. A very inspiring and friendly teacher from Vietnam working at Harder Kulm.

 

When the rain gone. Can you see the villages on the mountain? Don’t you instantaneously thought of the fable “Heidi”?? (,”)

We then deliberated either to go to Grindelwald or not (Jungfrau was definitely out of question as it is SO EXPENSIVE. Perhaps next time? Haha!). Nevertheless we decided not to waste the money on Grindelwald. Perhaps some other time. We need to that for Italy! Haha! Well, that’s our budget trip y’all. Have to be thrifty! We had Kashmir cuisine as our dinner cum supper (and breakfast!). We pushed off at 7.05 a.m. from Interlaken West to Spiez and from there, we took the train all the way to Milan, Italy.

A sunset view from our hotel’s window. Can you see the light shone upon villages on the snow-capped mountain?? Subhanallah!

Goodbye, Interlaken. We are so going to miss your beautiful cool atmosphere and fantastic view. God bless!