My Raya stint-Touch & Go-part 3

continue from here

5th Oct 2008 (Sunday)

The whole family woke up early. Mak Ngah was already busy preparing breakfast (just hot Milo, though) in the kitchen. Since there were 9 of us, we all had to wait for turns to shower. I decided to take another quick shut eye before mine comes. ;) 

We all then bid farewell to Mak Ngah. She looked so sad that we're leaving. She would be all alone again in her house. She really looked happy when we decided to stay the night at her house. 

We told Mak Ngah that we will be visiting our relative's graves this morning n our way back to Muar. Mak Ngah gave us the direction to the Muslim cemetary at Jalan Bahar. 

Muslim cemetary at Jalan Bahar

The whole stretch of Jalan Bahar area was quite secluded. People don't usually visit this area. There was still quite a lot of greenery in its surroundings. Also, I noticed that there were cemetaries of different faiths located along the road. Christian, Hindu, Baha'i, etc. You name it, they've got it all here in multi religious Singapore. 

A budhist cemetary lies besides the Muslim cemetary where my relative's are buried. 

The graves are numbered and are clustered according to blocks. There was block 1 Lane 1 and so forth. 

Hmm...seems easy. 

There were already quiet a number of cars parked alongside the narrow road encircling the cemetary. People parked haphazardly along the road, and this caused a mini traffic jam. Urgh...selfish 'living' people! 

We arrived at block 16 where Grandpa Musiran and Uncle Mamat and Wak Esah is buried. We then spread out to find those graves. Not an easy thing to do because the graves were not clearly numbered and there is no map of the block that shows how the graves were positioned. 

We found Grandpa Musiran's first. My 2nd brother had to do some explaining to his newly married wife, of who is who. A crash course for her, but I think that an old family photo would have been a big help if only we'd remember to bring it along. 

We then offered Al-Fatihah, and Mom poured water on the grave. Mom then asked for her, err, sunglasses. Looking puzzled, I look up at my 3rd brother. He must have noticed of my expression and he then explained, in hushed tones that Mom just wanted the sunglasses to conceal her tears. True enough that as soon as she put on the glasses, the whole family then started to hear her sob. 

Boy, that one was fast! We siblings just look on without saying nothing. 

                                  

We then moved on to Wak Mamat's; Mom's elder brother. Again, we all helped to pluck the weed from his grave and offered some prayers. Then we searched for Wak Esah (Wak Mamat's wife) and repeat the same routine. 

Us family then moved to a different block where Nenek Jemah and Nenek N'cah (Nenek Jemah's elder sister) was buried. We repeated the same routine. 

All along, Mom's tears never stopped rolling.      

At the same time, I was reflecting on my own self. My own death, those of my parent's, those of my sibling's and close friend's. I guess thats one of the hikmahs of visiting the graves. It helps you remember that life is short and sooner or later, we will all die.

Insaflah sekejap. 

After we've finished our 2nd bottle of water, we've finished visiting the grave's of our closest family. We then made it slowly to our cars. I can't help noticing some 'interesting' things along the way.

There was a family who was burning incense on the graves! Incense!! I thought that only Budhists  do that! 

I also noticed that some families came and put up a small,colourfull windmill on the grave. This is new! Don't ask me whats the windmill is for...

                                         mini windmills on the grave. notice the name Hjh Burok?

I also couldn't help but noticed the 'unique' names of the deceased. There was a Hjh Siam, Hjh Busok, etc. 

Me and my sisters was enjoying ourselves looking for the most unique names on the block. Dad explained that in the old days, Malay people tend to purposely named their child with 'bad' names in order to keep their child from harm's way. For example, if the child is beautiful, the family would named her 'Burok' (ugly) so as to protect her from evil eyes, etc. 

Omoshiroi...

My younger sister than asked my Dad what will he named her if we were born in the old days? My Dad pondered for a while, and casually said; BACIN, before laughing all the way to the car. I just smiled at this little clown family of mine... 

We then continued with our journey back to Malaysia.

                                                                                                        ...to be continued

An 'unpleasent' cab ride

I experienced something new today...

I went shopping at Shinjuku's Tokyu Hands. I kept buying new magazines and books, and my house is running out of space to keep them.

So, I thought that I'll run over to Tokyu Hands and get myself some wooden boards that I can convert into a make-shift shelf. 

And that was exactly what I did this morning.

I came out of Tokyu Hands with a plank of painted wooden plank, 80 cm in length and a 50 cm by 50 cm wooden box, both neatly wrapped but were hanging/dangling dangerously on my skinny hands. Hmm, not a good idea to bring these items into the train. I might slam someone's head with my plank. 

I then made my way (while trying my best to balance those two items) to the taxi stand located at the ground floor. The taxi was already waiting, the door automatically opens, and theres a man from the shopping center who was kind enough to help me haul those 'dangerous' wooden things onto the taxi trunk...for free! (japanese service...world's no. 1)

I climbed in, the taxi door 'automatically' shuts after me, and soon I found myself being ferried away in comfort to my house at Hounancho. 

The whole journey was 'quiet'. There was no further conversation between me and the driver, besides the one that we had when I gave him the instruction to my house...just the way I like it. Its not that I don't appreciate a good conversation with total strangers (I sometimes do that, but usually its to get into the stranger's bed! this time, I wasn't too keen. haha!) but I was just not in the mood for any talks. I focused on the changing scenery along the road to my house. 

As we were passing a bridge, suddenly the taxi driver murmered something.

Taxi driver: Shit!

Me: ???!

(Remember that we're talking about super polite japanese taxi drivers here. They don't 'shit' around that often)

 

The taxi slowed down, and I soon figured out what the 'shit' was meant for.

A policeman (ehem) was standing next to the driver's window, gesturing him to wind down for a 'chat'.

Policeman: Good day, sir. Do you know why you're being stopped?

Taxi driver: Overspeeding?

Me: (We were?!)

Policeman: Correct. Can you please turn at the next junction. We need to see your license, please.

Taxi driver: Okay, but I'm with a customer (gesturing at me) and I'm dropping him at Hounancho. May I drop him first and return later?

Me: (They allow you to do that?!)

Policeman: Well, we'll still need your license and some details first. 

Can you wait a few minutes? (looking at me)

Me: Err, yes, I guess. (what else am I to say? Just drop me here, and I'll find another cab? No way! This is far more interesting)

The taxi driver produces his license, and the cop starts filling in some form ( I think its the ticket), while at the same time, another policeman approaches the taxi and showed the driver a piece of paper with numbers on it.

Cop No.2: Sir, you were doing 60 km/h. Do you know the speed limit for this road?

Me: (60?!!! You got a ticket for doing 60?!)

Taxi driver: Yes. Its 40.

Cop No.2: Yes. So, you were over speeding for 20 km/h. 

Me: (60?!!! You got a ticket for doing 60?! Still can't get this out from my system)

Taxi driver: Sir, I need to get my customer to Hounancho. I will come back as soon as I dropped him off.

Cop No.2: OK. We'll be waiting.

Me: (60?!!! You got a ticket for doing 60?!)

(What?! The cops let the driver go and are trusting enough to wait for him to come later?)

The taxi then drives away and soon I found myself back on the road to Hounancho.

All the while, the taxi driver was appologizing for putting through an 'unpleasent' experience. 

I also recalled him saying that he managed to stay clean without being ticketed for a whole year, last year. He also commented that the company will pay the summons on his behalf. He mentioned something about the summon's rate but I was still too perplexed about this unexpected, 'unpleasent' experience of mine, to pay him much notice.

I only managed to say that today might be his 'unlucky day'.

Five minutes later, me and my wooden stuff arrived safely at the entrance to my house.

I bet the taxi driver went back to see the policemen like he promised.

 

   

   

My Raya stint-Touch & Go-part 2

wokay...

lets continue from here.

                                                                        ***

I arrived first at the airport and checked in. I then waited for my brother near the check in counter. 5 minutes later, he finally arrived, looking a little dazed, one hand prodding into his bag, frantically searching for his ticket and passport. 

I ushered him to the check in counter and checked him in. It was 5 minutes before the counter closed. He made it in the nick of time...

We then rushed to the immigration counter. I don't know why but it was very crowded.

Had to wait...again.

Breathe in, breathe out. Try to relax.

Well, we finally managed to board the plane just on time.

Fortunately, my brother's seat wasn't anywhere near mine.

If not, then GOD save him. He'll have to bear 2 long hours of my 'pep talk'.

11:30am 

Arrived in Singapore. The new terminal 3. 

I've used this terminal before, but I just noticed that it also has an arboretum, where real, live butterflies are actually flying around, as I hasten my walk to the immigration counter.

Thats a nice feature. Made mental note to stay around and discover what Changi's Terminal 3 has to offer whenever I'm here the next time.

We both passed the immigration counter, and as we were about to go out the door, the police stopped us, and asked to scan our belongings.

Hmm, must be my brother's yakuza-like appearance. 

We behave ourselves and within minutes, we're finally out in the open.

Phew.

I then called aunt, who lives in Pasir Ris. 

I initially wanted to go to her house by MRT, but she said its more convenient to take the taxi from Changi. I followed her advice and soon enough, we both arrived at her apartment's doorstep.

12:30 noon

Auntie (we call her Mak Ngah) made us some 'mee hoon sup' for brunch.

Both of us was hungry, so we just helped ourselves to it.

Added several teaspoon full of 'sambal kicap' for an extra 'umph'.

Ahh...heaven!

   

14:30pm

The rest of my other family finally arrives at Mak Ngah's house. 

It was a miracle! All of us under one roof! Together for Hari Raya. 

We don't usually have the chance to celebrate Raya together with the whole family since my 2nd brother is now working in Jakarta, my 3rd brother is in Dubai and me now living in Tokyo. Its quite difficult to get everyone to take leave on the same day.

Furthermore, 3rd brother and 4th brother are not in speaking terms, so whenever 3rd brother is around, 4th brother will always find an excuse not to stick along. They're still in a state of 'Cold War' but I guess Hari Raya mood got the best of them and they behaved themselves this time.

I believe that day was the happiest day for Mom.

                            from left: Fifi, Ayie, Ami, Mom Musalmah, Alaina, Dad Mahamud, Leny, Me and Aan.

Now that the whole family is here, we then starts making our Hari Raya rounds. Of course, Mak Ngah also joined in the fun.

In 2 cars, we first dropped by Auntie Teh's house at Lorong Sarina. 

I met my cousin, Kak Yah and her children. Unfortunately, the kids are in exam week, so no Raya fun for them. Have to study.

After that, we then drove to Cik Mah and Cik Ju's house at Tampines. More food and drinks are served.

Lastly, we made a stop at Kak Jana's house (other cousin) in Pasir Ris before heading back to Mak Ngah's house for a night's rest.

The clock showed that its well past 10pm when we all finally set ourselves down to sleep.

Tomorrow, Raya some more...

                                                                             *** 

                                                                                                        ...to be continued 

Balik kampung? What do you think?

POLL RESULTS »

The exodus home during the festive holidays always results in bad traffic jams and just too many accidents. Are Malaysian highways and the authorities ill-equipped to handle the high volume of traffic?

Yes		66%
No		16%
Encourage use of public transport		7%
Travel only during off peak days and hours		10%

My Raya stint-Touch & Go-part 1

I was in Bangkok for this Hari Raya.

Thought that I'll take advantage of the short distance to 'balik kampung' and celebrate this year's Raya with my family members.

I then used my 'power of persuasion' and sweet talked my japanese boss into granting me leave on Monday (6th Oct, 2008) so that I can spend 3 short days with my family this time.

Coincidentally, my 2nd brother was also in Bangkok for a conference. 

It was fate that both of us had to spend this year's first few days of Hari Raya on foreign grounds.

3 days. Hmm...

Not much, but it'll have to do. 

Have to make sure that I spend my precious 3 days wisely.

I decided to fly to Changi instead of Sepang.

Lets face it. Transport from KLIA to Muar isn't easy, especially during Raya holidays.

Changi, on the other hand is more predictable. I am more confident to handle Singapore's public transport than Malaysia's.

I told my brother and parents about the change of plan. 

My father had initially planed to visit my families in Singapore, so my change of plan fits in perfectly.

I then used my airline mileages that was accumulated until now and redeemed 2 tickets to Singapore. I had to fork out and extra RM600 to cover the fuel surcharges and airport tax, still cheaper than return tickets on Airasia, and yet I'll fly a full service airline! Have to count my blessings!

Told brother that I'll pick him up at his hotel at 5:30am on 4th Oct.

4th Oct. (Sat)

The company's driver came right on time to pick me up from my apartment.

Within minutes I was on my way to Sheraton Grand Orchid to pick up my brother. 

I called his handphone. 

No answer! 

I tried calling him several times, yet no one picked up his phone. 

I was getting worried.

Arrived at his hotel around the pre agreed time, and dashed to the hotel lobby.

He was nowhere to be seen! 

I called him yet again, but still no answer.

One thing that I can't tolerate is, having to wait for others! 

I swear that I can hear my blood boiling in my head.

I gave my brother's name to the guy manning the hotel's reception.

He checked the name in his computer, and, after what felt like ages came back to me with, 'I'm sorry sir, but we cannot find anyone by this name in our record'. 

Huh?!

Something is not right. 

The clock is ticking. My blood's temperature is rising. 

FAST!

After trying his cell phone for what felt like the hundreth times (exagerating, I know but it sure felt like it) someone finally answered his cell phone! The person sounded sleepy. He said that he's sharing the same room with my brother. I told him to wake my brother up and shove the phone on his face!

Finally, I had him (my brother) on the line.

Me: What are you doing? Do you know what time is it! (I sounded hysterical!)

Him: Err...morning? 5 am?

Me: Its almost 6!!! Now, I'll give you 5 minutes to pack up and check out from here. PRONTO!!!

        (I was pissed off)

Him: Kay...(still sound sleepy)

I then walked to the reception and told the guy in charge to pass this message to my brother when he checked out:

'I'm already on my way to the airport. Find a cab and rush to the airport by yourself. I'll meet you there. Unfortunately, the plane won't wait.'

I then called my driver, climbed inside my car and sped off to the airport without my brother.

                                                                            ***

                                                                                                            ...to be continued

 

Bills, Notices and Posters

THAI OFFICE

This notice was pasted on the public toilet booth door at my office building.

Err, I am 'being watched'? 

Wonder what it means.

How would you feel if you come across this bill/notice on the toilet wall, just as you're about to 'answer the call of nature'?

I was totally spooked!

TOKYO OFFICE

Lately, Tokyo office are 'encouraging' us not to do overtime.

Lots of posters are pasted around the office to kindly 'remind' us not to 'over work'.

Heres a sample:

The poster tells us to 'procrastinate' those works that can be procrastinate.

Hmm...

If I can have things my way, I'd like to 'procrastinate' ALL of my works!

;-)

Hari Raya di perantauan

Its 1st Syawal.
Its the first day of Hari Raya....and I'm stuck in the office, staring blank at the contract draft, while my boss and other colleagues from work are golfing somewhere in the outskirts of Bangkok.

Arghhhh!!!!!!!
Life is unfair, I know.
But, I didn't know that sometimes, life too can suck, BIG TIME!
Urghhh...
(Serves me right though. My colleagues did asked me to tag along, but since I don't golf, I turned down their offer)

Well, I guess that is one of the downsides of living/working out of Malaysia.
You don't get the chance to celebrate major festivals with family members and best friends.

After having lived overseas for years, ( I did a quick count and realized that I've spent 12 years overseas, out of which I only managed to celebrate Hari Raya with folks back home like a couple of times, only!) I know that I should have been accustomed to the idea of celebrating Hari Raya A.L.O.N.E, but unfortunately, celebrating Eid in Tokyo and celebrating Eid here in Bangkok do have its differences.

If I were to celebrate Eid in Tokyo/Japan, I would most probably teamed up with the other Malaysian community living/working there, burning the midnight oil, cramped ourselves into our small houses, chatting away while at the same time, busy preparing delicious foods for 'Rumah Terbuka' (open house) on Hari Raya Eve.

                     

I really miss that 'excitement'.

The smell of 'ketupat segera' aka 'Ketupat plastik' boiling (in what seems like ages!) in the big copper pot on the gas stove.
The laughters of close friends preparing the ingredients for the 'lauk-pauk' that will be cooked next.
The Hari Raya songs coming out from the computer than the people downloaded from the Net a few days before the gathering.
The constant ringings of differing ring tunes, signaling the numerous Selamat Hari Raya calls and SMSs from families and friends back home to everyone's handphone.
A phone call from my mom, telling me that tomorrow's Hari Raya, when I've already heard the announce via the Net.
Happy Raya wishes and greetings via YM and IM.
And not to forget the endless E-Raya cards and Happy Raya wishes via email.


Unfortunately, none of those I mentioned above happened while I'm here in Bangkok.
Urghh...


Anyway, to all great friends out there, I'd like to wish you all a SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI.