12.20pm, Jan 30, 2009 he had made the decision, he finally opt to make way on his own. It was about a week ago when I called him to asked wheter he had applied (again) to continue his studies, but in vain he didn't. I tried again to persuade him but being a firm person he just kept on his own and decided.

What's more to say than to pray for his health and hope that he had made the wisest decison and action. He was ready actually as  about 12.00pm a red Kenari reached in front of our home and was ready to take his belongings. He came and told me that he'll be staying in Kelana Jaya. Full stop.

Am I right or wrong in doing this, only Allah knows. All I want to see is changes in his behaviour and attitude. For more than 21 years, I had tried to bring up a very closely-knit family, I had tried and told them all I need was for my children to study and enjoy life; priority is that I want (hopefully) that all my children reached and passed university level, and as for him just a step more towards the dream.

I talked to him that with his Electrical Diploma, he's just a step more and just need to put another extra effort to this but I failed (I guess). Maybe Allah wants me to see that not all wishes can comes true; maybe Allah wants me to look at myself; muhasabah diri, muzakarah diri and etc.

At this moment, I am empty headed, I am no-where to a straight mind-set, I can only think and say let-it-be. Again, all I can think is 'did I make or do the right thing', am I too hard and harsh to him; did I really fulfilled my duties as a 'father' .... can I hold on this; he's still and always be one of my siblings, no matter what happens; ... ooh, come on quit and stop grumbling  ... what had passed had passed, look forward ahead and pray for his safety, health and hope that he can lead a successful life, insyaallah.

Ya Allah, saya pohon moga beliau diberi petunjuk, kekuatan, ketabahan dan kebijaksanaan dalam menghadapi kehidupan beliau; tingkatkan iman dan ilmu beliau dan berikanlah pentunjuk dan hidayah agar menjadi orang yang soleh, beriman dan berjaya dalam kehidupan beliau.

Ya Allah, saya mohon ampun dari mu jika saya gagal dalam membina dan membentuk sikap, keperibadian, kehidupan kepada yang lebih baik. Hanya pada mu saya berserah, moga diberi keberkatan dan kerahmatan kepada keluarga saya dan diri saya.

To my son, all the best to you, may you lead a wonderful life and career, I will always pray for your health, safety and hopefully you'll lead a successful life as you had made the decision. Wasalam.

Reference : http://aziziahmad.bravejournal.com/entry/36577

Jan 1, 2010 in a foreign land or 'kita serumpun land'. It's also the day for departure back to 'tanah air ku'. As usual woke up early for Subuh prayers and woke-up my kids for breakfast. My mam, as always prefered the 'nasi padang' breakfast.

As soon as they were ready, took my kids down for hotel breakfast. Of course kids too feel the exclusive feelings, and of course the father will have to served.

Hello, you want to sleep or breakfast ? Muhammad Afiq and Nur Aqilah Fitri

Looking after these two, reminds me of my three other elders when we took them to Medan. After all they were of the same species, so wherever you go, never forget your siblings, hopefully insyaallah they will never forget you too. Wished that we can all be together at the same time for a trip like this, insyaallah.

As soon as they had their hearty breakfast, took them back to the room and again to 'breakfast  hunting' for my mam. Of course, I managed a good one for my mam and on the way back were admiring the lives of the Indonesian.

Masjid Jami Cikini Al-Makmur, Jakarta Pusat

According to the schedule. we should be taken to Tanah Abang, and yesterday to Mangga Dua (a very huge and remarkable outlet), but then again a 'Malaysian planning', and one must be with time-management, self-disciplined. Be prepare for the odds, like never go to a tour without an established and recognized agent, the tour agent must be with you along the trip, equipped yourself with informations of visits and etc.

Since we were from two different team but with the same tour trip, we should have depart at the same time, but we had to leave Jakarta at 8.25 pm and the first group at 3.00 pm; we were promised that we will taken for our rounds at not waiting for 8 hours at the airport. Again, we should be kind of patient with this kind of arrangement; I agreed to spend our day 4 stay at the airport rather than having to pay extra. By 11.00 am, we checked-out from the hotel, and bapak Maulana took us for a round at Mangga Dua (as we coudn't be there last nite as the road were too congested). Since this a public holiday (New Year's Day) globally, the outlets were closed and traffic were okay, true enough Manggau Dua outlets are nowhere compared to the KL outlet.

Pejuang Melayu Raya with background of Soekarno-Hatta statue

Kita Pun Serumpuan Juga Ya Buk .... Ibu Sofia Salim Idrus and Ibu Sariah Azizi.

Di Atas Lantai Pun Bisa Ya Kakek .. Lufna Salim Idrus and Nur Aqilah Fitri Azizi. 

Looking at the picture above I was thinking of what a good relationship should be; they never met and yet managed to foster a bond (that's what good about kids); sensing that maybe another visit should be worth; all the sayings about Indonesian against Malaysians seems not true; even the two 'ibu' agreed that it seems that they had long known each other. The truth remains the fact, if you are good to others, others will be good to you.

After Asar prayers, my kids and mam felt hungry, and we had lunch at the Bandara warung (again nasi Padang) and of course the meals are much cheaper than the fancy restaurants visited by the group, as it only cost a bit higher than the normal 'warung' but nicer and your stomach's filled. Good enough, right!

By Maghrib, we checked-in and performed prayers at the Bandara Musholla and by then we met Mr Mohd Jauni (who were in the same group with us but given the same flight AK389 by the 'agent'). Flight was delayed by half an hour, we should be on board and flew by 8.25pm but it's the reversed. Heard that the other group flight was also delayed but doesn't matter.

From 2009 to 2010

As we were on our way to board AK389 to KL, my son saw this and I agreed for this background did showed our 'vacation trip' purpose. Against 'kenangan manis dan membawa pulang cenderahati dari Bandung dan Jakarta'  statement, I must agree that I do learn and relearn the meaning of life, handling them, overcoming them. With Allah blessing, we reached LCCT Sepang at about 11.45pm, and not before having Nasi Briyani on board AK389.

Took the bus and paid for Mr Mohd Jauni (as he had no Malaysian Ringgit). By 2.00 am reached LCCT Bus Terminal at KL Central. Called my son, Muhammad Azrin and had supper at Firdaus Restoran (what a nice teh-tarik session, Toseh, Roti Canai and Nasi Lemak) after 4 days of non-Malaysian food. Mr Mohd Jauni slept at our place as he didn't managed to take his car at Maple Condominium, Jalan Ipoh. And by 3.45 am, Alhamdulillah, kami tiba di rumah dan tanah air ku!.

And to my friends and colleagues who had been calling me, my apologies for not responding these few days (from end of the year 2009 to the new year 2010) as now I guess you know where I had been. Just a memory for my two young siblings and my missus and as for me to plan more ahead, insyaallah. Warm regards.

Throughout this tour, most of the planned visits were of shopping spree and time-wasting activities (consists of waiting for the ladies to end their buyings, parkings, congested traffics). I had discussed with the agent before the trip that it should be more of 'museum and historical visits' rather than forking out on buyings. Although I agreed to the tour, but I felt should one be on their own, it would be much more cheaper. Having visit Indonesia for a number of time, I think I can manage a touring group but with proper planning and right contacts.

Day 3 wasn't different, this time to south of Bandung, they called the place Jalan Cibaduyut  where you can get original leather goodies of shoes, slippers, sandals, wallets, vest, jackets, Harley Davidson's items, handbags whatever at a reasonable and cheaper price than Malaysia.

Again hours spent, and we moved to Rumah Mode (Rumah Moda), a factory outlet just like Sogo and since it's almost end-of-the year sale, of course the items are 50%-70% sales off.

Muhammad Afiq, Nur Aqilah and Me in front of Rumah Moda

Beautiful display in front of Rumah Moda (Rumah Mode)

As the others were too busy with their spree, we had luch at a 'Baso' stall, fill our tummies first and prayers. You just can't forget prayers and filling tummies right. As time flew, it's almost 'maghrib' and Jakarta to Bandung is almost 2-3 hours, even Bapak Maulana grumbled as it was not as planned and of with the absence of the 'agent' things are against the schedule.

Bapak Maulana drove like a F1 racer to Jakarta but then had to stopped at a R&R on the way as safety is more important and he looked tired. Had a 30 minutes break and off to Jakarta again to check-in to Bintang Griya Wasita Hotel, Jalan Raden Salleh. Given room 311 (Rp 410,000) but then again no electric kettle provided. TV movie channels, same as Mutiara.

Bintang Griya Wasita Hotel, Jalan Raden Salleh
(Superior Room Rp 410,000; Executive Room Rp 540,000, Suite Room Rp 850,000)

Room 311, Bintang Griya Wasita (Rp 410,000)

By Maghrib we took off to Masjid Istiqilal (Independence Mosque) and reached on time for Maghrib prayers (of course 'jamaa'). A very huge and beautiful mosque.

Masjid Istiqalal (Mosque of Independence), a 5-storey mosque

After the prayers, off to dinner, and by this time the Indonesian were seen moving with traffic jams to celebrate New Year. Stopped at another fancy restaurant for dinner, the price came to again Rp 400,000, and of course the taste was not as good as the price, the restaurant name witheld, sorry.

Of course back to the hotel for rest, as for me food hunting again as my kids and mam were seen holding their tummies, and what a place to get foods (just in front of the hotel and a 5 times cheaper than the fancy restaurant).

Movie watching again as nothing doing, firework display can be seen at the hotel. The roads were jammed, we were told it's very difficult to move around at this time and better to stay in the hotel. Sure do, enjoyed stay in the room until you dozed-off.

Good nite!

It started raining in the morning, after a night rest, woke up at 5.00 am (Indonesia Time) for Subuh prayer. My kids were still dozing off as they were watching movies from the Indonesian TV all night, the hotel did put up a lot of channels. Though I tried to join them, maybe my mind were full of more things ahead.

Waked them up for breakfast and to be ready for the next trip, this time Tangkuban Perahu, a 60 minutes drive from Bandung. And again Malaysians are poor with 'time', my family and I had been on the walk almost 2 hours before but then being in a group and without the 'travel agent of Al Shazabi Tour' we had to be on our own. Though the group just only met yesterday and being the minority, we just followed what the other group wanted to do. Though we were on the Isuzu still the vehicle doesn't move; one of the known member were seen calling and replying calls from the 'Shazabi Tour' and God knows how restless we were.

It's almost 9.15 am against the promised 7.00 am trip, and with the rain pouring, the atmosphere was cool and nice. Bapak Maulana having 35 years of driving experience, sped off smoothly to our next destination. Of course, I dozed-off and when I woke up we were already at the entrance of Tangkuban Perahu. Another Rp 100,000 were collected (Rp 50,000 per head); I was quite lucky if not I would have to gave another Rp 200,000 for 4 heads.

The way up to Tangkuban Perahu was hilly and slippery as it was raining, but you can feel the cooling effect (as you talk or breath, you can see the 'smoke' given out).

Muhammad Afiq at the sign-board of Tangkuban Perahu.

Myself, Aqilah and Mam at the the crater of Tangkuban Perahu (in-active volcano)

Here again, petty traders will come and follow you selling gifts like key-chains, t-shirts, tasbih made from the volcano, sulphurs of the volcano , you name it. It's said that if you have health problem like rheumatisms; the soils of the volcano will make you feel better. They have tourist guides to take you along the trails of Dok Mas (1.5 km down) with charges ranging from Rp 250,000 for the services. There you can also have 'paid massage', hot-springs for medications.

The chilling effect, Muhammad Afiq and Nur Aqilah Fitri

Hopefully they'll learned something from this visit especially the volcano and the environment

They have food stalls where you can taste the food of traditional Indonesians, myself and family went to taste some of the delicacies at a stall nearby, and again just to remind for the past days, never did I tasted a real coffee or tea. For that I missed Malaysia; I think we had better taste of coffee and tea in our homeland. And of course my main dishes here is either Nasi Padang, Nasi Minang or Baso but not to the group, they do much prefer the restaurants though what I had at the 'warungs' are better in taste and cheaper in price. But then, my package doesn't include meals (as we had to go on our own, but then again during AK380 and  AK389 flights we were served with Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ayam and Nasi Briyani ). That compensate the problems we encountered.

The others were busy getting a lot of things to buy but me and family were enjoying the atmosphere and the environment. As it rained again and again, we finally took off back to Bandung. Again lunch at Sari Pawon Restaurant, another Rp 175,000 gone.

After lunch, we took off to some more factory outlets like The Herritage, the Summit, Tokoh Tiga (originals clothings here). Again spending moods for the other group but for us just loking around. Then off to Pasar Baru (the original visit should be on the first day).

Seroja Jaya offers a reasonable and good bargaining price for ladies

Seroja Jaya offers a reasonable price for ladies and Indonesian batiks for men. The owner Bapak Hilus H. seems a very nice person maybe an Indonesian-Chinese by the looks; he also except Ringgit Malaysia (should you finished your Indonesian Rupiah); a good strategy isn't it.

Bapa Toko Madura or Bapak 'Jaga'.
Maybe I should venture into this business, catering for Mlalaysians, Singaporean, Brunei or the for the South-East Asians.

After a bit of shopping spree of clothings, telekong and batiks we shoot-off back for dinner and back to the hotel. Again Restoran Sari Pawon was chosen and another Rp 100,000 gone; but be smart enough as in front of hotels there are lot of 'warungs' (actually  small restaurants to cater for food and drinks so go for it, it will be 4 to 5 times cheaper rather than to be at the 'agent's restaurants). Also noted that should you want to get items like bread, biscuits, 'smoking items', get them at the other 'tokos' and not at the roadside or small shops; it'll cost more).

Another movie sessions thru the TV channels and off to sleep.

Never make a promise or talk about things which you'll have to bear later, but a promise to your kids must be fulfilled. And that was said about moons ago, and luckily to say Allah had been kind to me and gave me His blessing but then not by easy means. I managed to save quite an amount thru part-time classes  given.

By December, one of my friend called me of an opportunity to the Land of Garuda Island. After consulting and discussions with thee, I called the agent Al-Shazabi Tour, based in Damansara Damai (formerly based in Ampang ). A lady called and we met for the arrangement. When the agreement and the payment had been made, a voucher and a travel itinerary was produced. Though thru Air Asia, still it's by means of my budget.

Passports ready, small amount of Indonesian Rupiah totalling Rp 2.75 million were exchanged. Travellers cheques and an amount of Ringgit Malaysia ready.

Never dream of being a millionaire (though in Indonesian Rupiah)

And off we go (my wife, my two young kids and me). By 4.15 am, we were on our way to LCCT bus terminal in KL Central. My elderly son took us and we were on the bus on the dot. But as always, Malaysian services are not mean to be, we should be on our way to LCCT Sepang by 4.45am but the bus moved at 5.10 am and reached LCCT Sepang bus terminal at 6.50 am. To save cost I took four (4) to and fro Aerobus Non-Stop bus tickets. (RM14 for adults and RM8 for children under-12).

Dragging the suitcases, hurriedly running and walking to check-in, and alhamdulillah by 6.55 am, we were already at the counter. There met, our travelling group (Pn Noorasma (plus Eza, her daughter), Pn Zeha, Cik Raja, Mr Abdullah, Mr Mohd Jauni and Mr Azhar) of MRSM Taiping. Greeting each other, quickly we entered the Immigration and baggage checking.

On the stairs of AK380 before departure. Had to walked about a distance to reached here.

By 7.25 am, flight AK380 is on the way to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, for my two siblings they were happy to be on the board. Two hours later, we reached safely at Bandara (Bandar Udara) Jakarta. Of course some airport process, quickly I went looking for the 'the guide/chauffer' and finally met bapak Maulana. Called all in the group to fill the Isuzu readied to our first destination, Bandung, a 2 hours drive from Jakarta and a cool place for a visit.

Bandara, Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport)

Stopped at Restoran Simpan Jaya for lunch and had a heavy and expensive lunch costing 500,000 rupiah. We were served with varities of dishes. Though my family and I knew about this (take only the dishes that you want to eat and only the dishes consumes will be charge) the others walloped like they had never eaten before and of course the charges are shared and me having to pay Rp 200,000 (for my family).

Lunch at Restoran Simpang Jaya