From Melaka to Portsmouth: Nottingham Story.

Salam.

I know it's very late to post this entry.No matter how, I still insist to upload those pictures that really made my experience unforgettable. So, here it goes.

30 October 2009.

Above picture is taken when we went to watch fireworks display at the Gunwharf Quays. It was so exciting and many people gathered there.

Another pictures.Taken from my cell phone camera.

These were some of us. As you can notice, the look-red building at our back is the Spinnaker Tower. (If I'm not mistaken, Tazi was the one taking the picture since she's not in picture.)

Actually, the university Malaysian society organised a trip to join annual Notts Games at the Nottingham University on 31 October 2009. So, any member who were interested should pay 10 pound each to join. As what had been informed through emails, we needed to be in front of Student Union building before 2.00am to gather first before departed together by a hired bus.

Because of that, we,the Langstoners--(including me) Ipi, Tazi,Yuni, and Adib planned to go to the city centre(where our main campus is located) and stayed in some of collegues' rooms. At 1.45am, off we to the informed place.Soon, the bus started its 5-hours journey.

31 October 2009

This was one of my first pictures in the Nottingham. It was very cold that morning and FYI, I was shaking all over my body due to shivering once I came out from the bus.
Seriously, I couldn't stand but thank God, I found the strength in me to go against it. =D

My first impression towards Nottingham was "beautiful and fantastic". I love the scenery everywhere that my eyes looked at because they were just so beautiful. Plus with the white foggy atmosphere all around, the trees which were undeniably huge, mixed yellow-orange-chocolate autumn leaves which made layers on the grassy ground, cute squirrels which sometimes appeared to earn their food, did a great job in fascinating me that morning. I was like,spellbound, I shall say.
Unfortunately, I didn't have any hardcopy pictures to prove all that. The only remaining pictures now are in my intangible memory; that is in my head.XD

Before everything was begun, all the participants and supporters and whosoever-you-are gathered in a big hall. From here, we met many other Malaysians who are in the same boat with us; being students here in UK to be exact. Some even found their friends from different universities and I discovered that it was so interesting to see all their happy faces. Meeting each other in such foreign land is such a miracle!

Everyone was placed to be together in groups of the university. But still, we could make chaos chatting and giggling and laughing. Suddenly, the atmosphere became silent when the master of ceremoney asked everyone to stand up and get ready to sing our national anthem, Negaraku.
I felt so touched (but not crying-lah, of course!) to give respect to our national anthem during that time. A feeling that I had never crossed before after a long time singing it in every formal function back Malaysia; be it in school assembly, IPDA assembly or hearing it at the television(when it comes to close the programme at the middle of night). It was absolutely great!XD

Then, there were some VIPs giving speeches but the only one that I recognised was Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister . And he was the one who launched the Notts Games.

After that, everyone was free to go any spot that they like; be it football, basketball, volleyball, batu seremban, or whatever!(lazy to think and write-lah!hehe)
In my opinion, the must-going place and the crowded one was the Malaysian Food Festival!haha.This was our first destination since none of us had their breakfast that morning. There were many stalls set up and provided various Malaysian delicious foods. It was very tempting, and I couldn't help myself roaming from one stall to another just to adjust my budget and looking for Malaysian foods that I craved for (and of course after quite a couple of months living in UK which we can only find all the mat salleh's food only).

Finally, I got this!Nasi Lemak+ ayam goreng! (coconut rice and a fried chicken!). It cost me around 2.50 pound. By the way, the craving that I had doesn't imply anything to my cooking ability. It's just the feeling of missing Malaysian food that I take for granted back in Malaysia (I think,...ea?haha)
If you notice, there was also cendol there, in the plastic glass.(slurrp,so delicious!)

Well, every place seemed so crowded with people and even tables and chairs provided were not adequate to cater everyone. So, I just sat down on the floor as if it's normal and started enjoying my food. haha. Look!I noticed that there were people took my pictures even I sat on floor!haha.
*kipas like a diva*=P

After that, we roamed to some booths and looked around what they had for us. Some were for providing Euro trip management and offers, some sold their products like t-shirts, veils, books and etc. Nothing much was interesting; I guessed.

Some of us performed ruksah prayers first since it was about 10 past 12.00 noon. Then, we went out of the building and took pictures here and there. The sun emerged in the midst of cloudy atmosphere and it shone the day; at least for hours. I was so glad. And I did meet some of our TESLian friends from the different university.We did have a chat.

At one point, all of us felt so bored. Out of nowhere, Sister Fiona--our university Malaysian society's secretary appeared and suggested that we went to the Nottingham city centre. Wow! It was great idea and each one of us agreed to follow her suggestion without taking so much time to think. She called the taxis(or the hired seven seaters) to pick us up there. So, off we to the city centre then!

By the way, since the group that were going to the city centre was quite big in number, so we divided into two small groups. Sister Fiona and her friends were in one group and us in another --Adlyn, Ipi, Tazi, Yuni, Ejat, Kak Nik Mahani and me.

We split, and we walked away following our instinct and desire.haha.

Ejat was very good because she made her homework before coming to Nottingham.=D

It was because, she knew what are the popular tourist spots there. She said, Nottingham is well-known for the remarkable hero Robin Hood statue and the Nottingham castle. Due to that, we made our plan to go to the place.

While walking to the place, we captured some pictures. Above was at the Old Market Square.

Dropping by for a while in front of a unique building at the Old Market Square. Busy taking pictures.~~

Credit for Adlyn.She took the above picture and uploaded it in Facebook. I just would like to make the sample of the building that we were stopping before it. It is nice and beautiful,isn't it? The white balls were so quaintly attractive.

Erm....when?Forget already.But for sure, it was at that moment stopping by before the building.

Thanks again to Adlyn.I had no sophisticated camera to capture this. LOL. She used her camera and uploaded this in Facebook. If not, I might miss to capture one of the memorable moment in my life,you know!

XD

When we were heading to the place where Robin Hood's statue is, we spotted this kind of road-train. Well, that was my first time to witness train used the road instead of provided railway--in front of my naked eyes! But of course, there are rail lines on the road and some sort of electric wires on top of our head,connecting to particular pillars along the road.

I could say, I could not believe it because all this while I only watched this through the television! Reminding myself that UK is a developed country, I came to realise that it is not impossible. Fortunately, Adlyn and her camera was there to capture this. Great!
=D

Finally, we reached to the place. It was so lovely to see the autumn leaves hues coloured and layered the ground.

The nearby trees also did a amazing job by putting us (myself especially) in a tantalising aroma of fresh scenery. The yellowish colours everywhere either the trees or the leaves enhanced the element of the goodbye-farewell autumn.

This scenery reminds me of Siti Nurhaliza's Sanggar Mustika album cover. Calming, but full of inspirations. The dead leaves all around the place really made me feel excited. Thus, I asked those who have camera to take some of my pictures here and there.Thanks guys; Adlyn and Tazi for being patient with me!

Hah. This is the proof!I was there (definitely), taking picture next to the Robin Hood's statue. Actually, there were many people around waiting for their turn to capture their picture there.
And I was so glad because I also managed to get one for mine there.XD

OK. This is the information board once you enter the Nottingham Castle. Actually, the Robin Hood's statue and the Nottingham Castle are next to each other. So, we didn't have to walk another mile to get there.

Honestly, I didn't want to enter that castle because we needed to pay the fee before we could enter. However, since Sister Fiona (who we had bumped into at the Robin Hood's statue place) paid the fee for us in advance, I just followed. Yeah, I shouldn't be so "berkira". =P

There were fresh flowers once we entered the castle. We,of course, could not resist ourselves to take our pictures there as well. I, as if kissing the scent of the flowers, was pausing to be captured in the above picture.haha.LOL.But,it is nice, isn't it?=)

We were like, hiking; just to go to the castle. It was tiring and the most affected part of body was our legs. Well, the enthusiasm of getting in the castle outpaced the feeling of tiredness. It shows as you can see those happy faces once we were at the top of the castle.(above picture)

Another 'victory' picture.haha.LOL.=P.

Ehmmm, there were many things we discovered inside the building. I personally picked some random pictures from my collection to put here. And this one is quite unique too. The chickens, look real though.haha.Being "jakun" for a moment.LOL.XD

Do you guys think that above picture is Tazi and me were ordering something from that old man? A cafe in that building?

The answer is......

No.It was fake. We were like modelling.haha.LOL. The old man is also fake. Synthetic copy, I guess. Made from wax.
But seriously, it looks real at first sight.

Hehe. This was the place that reveals the childish in us.haha.LOL. It's so colourful,yet informative.

After walking and walking from one corner to another, fascinated by some unique displays especially the wax models, we stopped by at one place outside the castle. Luckily it wasn't too cold to bear with.

We relaxed for a while. Everyone took out the food that they bought and packed during the Malaysian Foods Festival. We enjoyed that cool evening, and gave some time for our legs to chill.

Then, we decided to return to the Notthingham university since it was getting late. We needed to be there before 7.00pm, the time when the bus supposed to depart to Portsmouth. So, slowly we made our way to the city centre and called the taxis.

Ahha! We also managed to drop by in some stores like Lacoste, Primark, and Zara. But frankly speaking, my legs were getting tired due to keep walking here and there.Owh,pleaseeee...T_T.

Finally, we returned to the place where we supposed to meet. The bus departed around 7.00pm to Portsmouth. I was so tired that day and by the time I arrived my room, I went bathing and sleeping then.

OOpss...This is one of the beautiful pictures that I have in my collection. Could you see how beautiful the scenery is? I just would like to share it here. (taken before we entered the castle).Thanks for whoever camera are. If your cameras weren't there, no memories would be made into hard copy!Love it!XD

That's all for now.I will blog more later.

Bye!

From Melaka to Portsmouth: Another Chapter Has Begun...

Salam.

Fuuuuhhhhh!!!!....

Folks,

I believe pictures can tell thousand words.So, for this entry, I would like to cut my words.Yes, people do more interested to see pictures rather than reading lengthy-boring-dreadful words; err,sometimes?Whatsoever! However, every picture will be accompanied by my description telling what had taken place.*I know, at times, I am 'lazy' too. haha.*

I've chosen the selected pictures that are presented chronologically after such a long time devoted myself to pick and choose the best bunch. Here are some of the collections of my experience so far. They are ...

Registration Day + Sightseeing nearby the University

This picture was taken before we went to the city centre where our university main campus is located. So, just to show you that, along the way to go to my hall , there is a vast field on your right hand side.

I give a title for this picture that is "Di Bawah Pohon Cantik pada Pagi yang Dingin" or "Under A Beautiful Tree in The Cold Morning".haha. (Location: in front of QEQM Tower where you can see Langstone Cafe Bistro at your left hand side and the Langstone Village reception office at your right hand side.)

Hah!Try your best to find me? Well, this picture actually tagged by someone in Facebook. I can't remember who the person was. By the way, I was at the back. This was when part of us going together to Nuffield Centre to register.

For your information, there was such a huge crowd on that International Student Registration Day. I felt so tired waiting and plus, it was Friday. I was thinking how I was going to perform Friday prayer since the queue was quite long. Nevertheless, I decided to register on the other day because one friend of mine told me that we could do so later. It was about midday. I guessed, they wanted to break a while and having a cup of coffee or tea. I still got the chance to pray because,fortunately, there was an Imam coming to Nuffield Centre building. We performed the prayer together in the Muslim prayer room located at the ground floor. That Imam told us, usually the Friday prayer is held at the main hall in the Nuffield Centre building. Since the university using it for registration day on that particular day, they held the prayer there. He convinced us, the next Friday we would pray together at the main hall.

(above picture: in front of Guildhall Building.)

This is Park Building, place where most of my classess are held. It looks ancient and unique in its way. I've been informed that this building is one of the oldest university building. ~~no wonder~~

Hehe. Thanks Aiman for helping me to capture my 'jakun' moment.haha. I intended to prove my dad, Abah, if you are reading this, that I am really here! (nampak tak papan tanda ni?betulkan?haha)



"Finally, I get here!". That was what my heart whispered after I saw this signboard for the very first time. I prove you, your effort and patient would be paid off if you really really trust Him. Alhamdulilah, thank you Allah for this opportunity! I know He never stops testing me but it doesn't mean I should surrender. I always pray to have His blessing all the way of my life. Dear Lord, don't make me apart from You. InsyaAllah!=D



--->Sightseeing nearby the university...

Above picture: in front of an ancient-looked cathedral. (Of course, it is an ancient building what!haha)

If I'm not mistaken, on that Sunday, we went to a sightseeing fieldtrip conducted by the Student Union representatives. At first, they led us to 'travel' around the city. So, in the meantime while walking, we took the opportunity to chat with some of them. They were undeniably friendly and sporting.However, we were left at the Gunwharf Quays since they knew that we wanted to have our-own-sweet-time roaming around Gunwharf Quays. (*Gunwharf Quays is a one of the hot spot in Portsmouth because,...there are lots of factory outlets here!*)

Above picture: somewhere nearby the Old Portsmouth, where it is just stone throw away from the seaside. I asked someone to capture this picture because "it is only in UK you can see red telephone booth.".haha.(*perhaps one will ask me that in Cameron Highland also has.But..?Whatever-lah!*)

For those who interested to know what factory outlets are here, I will list some. *Sorry, I can't remember everything!T_T*
There are Nike, Adidas, Vans, Fred Perry, CK, Banana Republic, Ted Baker, GAP, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Paul Smith, FCUK, Levis, Karen Milen, Animal, etc etc etc.*haha.*

There are also a cinema for the movie-goers, bowling place, restaurants, bars, clubs etc etc.So, no wonder it is a one of the tourist hot spot.

OK, at my back in this picture is the Spinnaker Tower, the landmark of Portsmouth. The building is located near to the Gunwharf Quays.

Hayling Island.

On the 3rd October 2009, we went to Hayling Island, one of the interesting islands recommended by John Naysmith, our Head Department. So, this is us who had gone there: Durga, Ejat, Ipi, Ayuni, Tazi, Adlyn, Adib, Ipang and me.

above picture: taken by someone from inside of the boat.

The weather for that particular day was 'OK' to go out. Even though it was breezy, we enjoyed our journey from Langstone to Hayling Island.=D

We captured our first memory coming here by taking picture(s) next to the Hayling Island signboard. It doesn't that 'big' and 'attractive' anyway.hmmm...

Actually, it took only 5 minutes from our place to Hayling Island through the to-and-fro boat that we needed to pay. The ticket for student rate was around 3.00++ pound each. We left our place to there quite early in the morning, around 9.oo am. Anyway, the place (the entertainment theme park) that we were heading to was quite far and we needed to walk to reach there. However,it did not matter since we had such an ample time to walk dilly-dally and take lots of pictures here and there.hihi..XD

Hah!Thanks Durga for capturing my picture using your camera! For your information, when we were on our way to the entertainment theme park, we saw many beautiful houses and unique buildings. But I personally think that this house (in the picture) was quite interesting to me from the others. It was because, it made me remember to my drawing when I was 9 that I submitted for my art class. "It does look alike!", I said to myself and I told Durga about it.I felt so delighted. Apparently, the drawing came real in front of my eyes!

Above picture was taken by Ipi because she wasn't in the frame.haha.It's ok. There are also few of yours,what!I picked it up randomly just to put here only . This picture indicated that it looked like "A Big Happy Family",...isn't it?huhu..=P

Thanks Tazi for asking me to pose for this picture. Though it was fake, I still like it.XD

As you can see, that is us. Macam-macam hal..haha..=P.We were almost to the theme park by the time we came to the seashore. As usual, we took lots of pictures here.huhu

Yes, nine of us were here. Before we could play any game there in the theme park, we had to pay 7 pound,each person. It was considered cheap since usually, it costs more than that. Moreover, the October promotion just started a couple of days earlier. So, we were quite lucky and the green wrist band indicated that we got the ticket!Yeay!XD.

It is quite funny though to look at this picture again and again. You know what, we were riding the kids' rollercoaster! haha.LOL.But we still, played that game.It wasn't that scary anyway!=P

We played also this game that I couldn't recall what its name was. Frankly speaking, I did not favour this game because, it made me wet at the end of the game. Luckily I was wearing my water-resistant shoes and trench coat when the water splashed on me.

Heh, don't underestimate us ok! We also played this game, adult rollercoaster.haha.*the kids one was just next to it.* It had thrilled us andsome of us including me even rode it twice.haha.Sound crazy,isn't it?=P

There were also games that we played but I didn't put it here. It's ok because I believe this picture above was the main highlight for our visit that day. It's called "The Torpedo". We saved it for the last before we returned home. It was very very extremely horrifying. You know, once you on the seat for the first couple of second, everything was all right. But as it was getting wilder, it tumbled you down and up,right to left as if you were in the invisible washing machine.
Only then you realised you could see the blue sky without wings and felt as if you were almost hitting to the ground. Even if your voice hit the highest note, it didn't work to stop the 'crazy machine' though.When it stopped and finished, everyone seemed pale, speechless with what we had gone through. But later, we could burst into laughing; together.haha. It was seriously unbelievable, but, well, you know.Sometimes we do crazy things that in the end we may ask ourselves "Hey, what I've done?".LOL.

We left the theme park around 3.00 pm because we needed to consider our time-consuming walking, the boat trip, and the day that seemed going to dark soon. Well, this was our picture, in the boat before we left Hayling Island.

In brief, it was a worthwhile trip going to Hayling Island, especially accompanied by friends. Hopefully, the sweet memory remains in each of us.=D

Celebrating Eid Mubarak in London.

The Eid Mubarak atmosphere was still in air when we arrived here. Frankly speaking, I was really looking forward to any open house held to be attended. Iman Syafiq, our friend/senior that helped us from London had told me that there was one in London organised by Petronas (correct me if I wrong) during our first few days in the UK. However, I refused to come not because I didn't want to, but I really couldn't make it. First reason, I had no cash at all. I had only travellers' cheque. Second reason, many of basic necessities I didn't have yet, so how come I could go enjoying myself before settle down every single thing? Even if I attended, I might be so worried and not enjoying my first Eid celebration abroad. So, the best way was, getting everything prepared and settled first. Only Adib and Qassim had followed Iman to London for that purpose. I did feel sad, but, what to do?Priority remains priority. I needed to put aside my leisure.

However, before they off to London on 26 October 2009, Iman had told me that there would be another open house,on the third week of Syawal which the organiser was him and his housemates. So, I , sort of made a promise, told him that I would probably come on that open house.Honestly, I really wanted to come because I missed to eat rendang and ketupat!='(

When the day came, we departed from Portsmouth to London by Greyhound coach.(above picture; the grey colour bus.note that megabus UK was at the front.)

We stopped at Victoria Station, London. From here, Iman picked us up to his place, Finsbury Park. He led us : Adib, Qassim, El, Oci, and me along the way, even we kept changing the underground tube. But, it was such a new experience for me.huhu~~

Victoria Station.

Haha. This was taken when I was in hurry, catching up those guys who left me behind.=(

My 'jakun' moment.haha.It was my first ride in the underground tube in London. So, why not I captured the unforgettable moment for my future?haha.

I couldn't remember the name of mosque that we dropped by to perform Asar and Maghrib prayers. But, after that, we walked together heading to one of the halal 'Subway' here since many of us starved to death. *ceh.hyperbole!sorry for overexaggerating!*

By the way, I took the picture of this red double decker bus while we were walking. I think it is a common to see the red double decker buses here and there. For a person like me who loves to treasure new things that he discovered, I captured one picture of the red buses. And I think it was very attractive.

"Subway", one of eating places in London that provides halal food. (I think it is a norm in London since London has quite high Muslims population. Not in Portsmouth.=(

Picture: Trafalgar Square at night. The fountain was,...should I say colourful?haha.It was nice though.=D

After we had our dinner in the Subway, we went to sightseeing London at night scenery. First, we off to Trafalgar Square. From here, you can see the Big Ben. Since that was my first time, I urged to go closer to it. It was very amazing to witness by my own eyes; it stood right in front of me!(*I write this as if it is a human being!haha*)

See....isn't it amazing and fantastic?I couldn't believe what I had seen that night. LOL..XD

Oops! This picture should be after the Trafalgar Square picture. No matter what, it's still ok.Tagged by Qassim in Facebook. Thanks!=D

While we across the Westminster Bridge nearby the Houses of Parliament, we bumped into our friends who were also attending one of the sisters' open house. Still, we managed to take picture together.haha.Thanks for Adlyn for capture this picture and tag in Facebook.Can you see the Eye of London at our back?That was the place where we headed to!

Afterwards, we went home by following Iman. At the house, I had met many people that I could describe at first were so kind and generous. Brothers at the house were so welcoming us and they were very friendly. They treated us nicely until I felt so ashamed. Ashamed of not able doing anything to help because on the day after, they would organise their open house. Thus, one should think that everyting must be prepared before the day came. Well, they insisted us to have enough rest first and felt like home. So, I just obeyed.=).Thank you!

The next day, we celebrated the Eid Mubarak together. Here we met many other Malaysian students from various sponsorships and universities and courses. I love to see and mingle with them. Not forget to mention, I grabbed my chance to taste the ketupat and rendang that they had provided.Wah....it was so just lovely!



Around 3.00 pm, we had to make a move since our bus would depart at 4.00 pm. We bade them farewell, and off we to Portsmouth.

*pssssst........Emak, Abah, Kakak,Angah, Achik,& Fatin: Hope you enjoy it!=D

From Melaka to Portsmouth: The Arrival + After a Few Days...

Salam.

Hi folks!

Sorry for keeping all of you waiting to read my journey from Melaka to Portsmouth. Now, I shall continue from where I had left though I have been here quite a month plus.=D.

(Hopefully I still remember every first precious moment in the UK!)

So,here we go.

After spending around thirteen hours in the flight from beloved Malaysia to the UK, finally we touched down at Heathrow Airport, London, UK around 5.30 a.m. At first, I didn't believe what I was going through.

Was this for real?

Did my dream come true?

Subhanallah!Alhamdulilah,Thank God!

I prayed to God for keeping my journey safe. My heart was beaten happily. Now, another challenging journey of my life has opened its first chapter. Amidst of people who were disembarking together from Malaysia Airlines, I managed to compose myself and stayed cool. Some of my colleagues had gone out earlier and I just followed them at the back, enjoying every first second I was in the UK. My feeling was so overwhelmed. I became speechless.

First thing first.I texted my mom, Emak telling that I safely arrived Heathrow Airport. I knew that it was about 12.30 noon in Malaysia. I really hoped she received the message so that she and my family should not worry about me. Unfortunately, my cellphone kept on-off-on-off repeatedly.Maybe its battery needed to charge.That was why I let it *die* for a while.

(I think I have charged the battery full before I left home. Why?...Oh, maybe it was due to massive messages flooded in my cell phone inbox!)

I realised that some of colleagues were taking pictures with their megapixel cameraphones or super digital cameras. I felt so jealous and asked myself how I was going to upload pictures in my blog if I didn't have any.So, I took the opportunity to *interframe* in some of my friends cameras. No matter what, thank you guys! =D

Here are pictures that will tell you thousand words!Enjoy!

I was lucky because before my cell phone really really *died*, I managed to capture a couple of pictures.XD.Above:(My green cargo luggage, my notebook bag -on top-, and my Padini hand luggage.)

Second picture from my cell phone.Haha. I think it was Vicky who helped me to take this picture.Thanks Vicky!

Once we had passed the immigration, we went to the airport lobby waiting for the University of Portsmouth representatives who were suppose to welcome us. But I saw none. I could only see one Malaysian Student Department officer who welcome us cordially, Mr Mohd Zaki Zakaria. He came with his wife. He dealt with our leader,Aiman regarding our transportation to the university campus. Suddenly, three mat salleh approached them introducing themselves as our co-ordinators from the University of Portsmouth. They were Dr Mario Saraceni, Miss Susan Gibbs and our school programme co-ordinator, Mr Piers McEwan. We were so glad to meet them. Then, we were left with our co-ordinators.

We took the opportunity to chat with them. Dr Mario was very friendly. He tried his best to know everyone, even in pronouncing and remembering our names correctly. He jotted down in a piece of paper,for the God sake, you know!

Susan was so lovely. She helped me out by giving relevant ideas where and how to cash my traveller's cheque. (Oh, well, I didn't bring any notes in Pound. So, I asked her what to do.XP)

Piers?Hmmm...this man was quite shy indeed, but he did smile to everyone. He seemed so pleased to see us.

It was half past 7, if I'm not mistaken. I could see many English people by that time. (It shouldn't be a surprise, what! This is their country,Yazid.haha=P).

By this time also, I met one Malaysian student wearing cap, a hoody and a bag pack. He introduced himself as Iman Syafiq, second year student from Greenwich University,London (if you are reading this,=P). I didn't surprise because through one little guide book given in ESSET(the place where we attended our pre-departure briefing), it mentioned some senior students would come to help us at the airport. He seemed so kind and did mingle with others. I was so pleased to see him there.XD

(Above picture: Tagged by Fatin Amirah if I'm not mistaken in Facebook.) Actually, we were waiting for the student representatives from our university to fetch us by bus. So, while waiting, we captured the moment together.=D.Note that Dr Mario was at the back.

Hah! This picture was captured by Fifi who asked me to hold that signboard. Can you see it,can't you?It's our university signboard! Tagged by Fifi in Facebook.(*For those who don't know, the man who appeared here is Piers.How is he?=P)

Actually, the buses that should fetch us should be at the airport by 9.00 am. However, the buses turned up late, about an hour after the supposed time. Before that, some student representatives came and met us there. There were three of them. They distributed stickers that we should paste on our luggage and temporary ID card.

Then, after the buses arrived, off we to our university. Since it took 2-hour-journey from London Heathrow Airport to Portsmouth (basically London to Portsmouth), I fell asleep in the bus. In addition, I was extremely exhausted going through all that I had told earlier. Yes, I believed each one of us was in the same boat with me. They also fell asleep in the bus.

When we arrived to our place,--to be specific--our own hall of residence aka Langstone Student Village, we had to go to the receptionist first to get our access cards and hall keys. First experience encounter with the people who in charge at the reception was really fantastic. They were all so welcome and warm especially Paul. One word that I realised he kept uttering was "Fantastic!". I still remember him with that word indeed.hehe..=P

Enough for now.Let's take a look at the pictures below:-)

This packet of sweets was distributed by our Hall representatives;its name is 'Hello Sweetie'.(hmm,so sweet indeed!)

OK.Chill out. This is chocolate cake that my mom forced me to bring along in my hand luggage. I was so reluctant at first because I was afraid if the immigration officer wouldn't allow me to bring it along. Fortunately, it passed through from the immigration section.Thank God!=D...Psst... My sister baked this cake.=)

My bed: After several days in Portsmouth, only then I managed to get myself a pillow, a duvet (one of new things I learn here), and the cover sheet for the former two. Black and white,isn't nice,is it?

I captured this picture to show you that I have a guest chair, a noticeboard, and a drawer next to my bed in my room.

Sorry, a little bit messy. Not really, right?Whatever. I just would like to share with you that I also have a sink and a big mirror in my room.hihi.

Yes, I also have a study table completed with three drawers and an adjustable study chair. On top of that table, there is a double-bookshelf. Well, not everything is book there.huhu

My wardrobe. It is spacious, but up to the moment when this picture was taken, I haven't had many things to put in. =D

Another new thing I discovered here. Strawberry chocolate!(strawberry+chocolate=strawberry chocolate!)emmm..nyum2.*you know what, strawberry only costs me around one quid, and chocolate around 98p.it's like heaven-sent!
XD

My hall called the "Trust Hall". *picture a little bit shaking*

The scenery outside of my hall,entitled; One cloudy evening..~~

I think, it is enough for now. I will continue later.

Cheers.;-)

From Melaka to Portsmouth : Intro & The Departure

When I opened up my eyes this morning, I knew I have been more than a week here in Portsmouth. To be exact, nine days, folks!9 DAYS!I couldn't believe it so far for what I have done. Am I abroad? "Yes you are,Yazid! ",my heart whispered. I'm now in UK!

Owh, before I go further and cannot recall what had happened ten days earlier, let me spin the yarn of how this another challenging journey has started.

22 September 2009.

It should be the fourth day of Eid Mubarak that I would fly off to UK. However, a day before I flew off to UK (above date), many good friends of mine paid me a visit at home. It happened from day to night. Azman, Abg Fad, Haziq, Syazwan (Naima!) and one of Azman's friends that I knew through Friendster, Haris. All of them really wanted to see me face to face because they couldn't send me to the airport, especially Haziq and Azman. I did understand why. But it didn't matter. It was more than enough to see all of you guys happy with me. By the way, thank you for coming to visit me before I left Malaysia on the following day. Thank you again, guys!

Later, my sister's family-in-law also came all the way from Johor Baharu to celebrate Eid Mubarak here in Melaka. So, as one of the 'manpower' inside the household, I was needed to lend my hands to treat them. I did it with very warm smile though at the same time I was thinking about my unsettled bags.*Help!* Owh, I had one huge cargo luggage and one Padini hand luggage that needed to settle! Thus, I planned to do it immediately after they went back home.Mak Andak and her family also dropped by from grandmom's house at that moment. She and Pak Andak gave me something that I hadn't expected.It was a small Holy Quran. Little present but it has indeed a deep meaning.I was so grateful to them.

The night came. Suddenly, I received a message from Marzuqi that he would like to see me before I left. He texted me that he would come along with his family at that time. So, I had to put aside my plan (to make a final touch-up on those luggages)and treated them until they went home. After they went home, I felt my body was very exhausted and I felt sleepy. Moreover, I was starving to death because I only took little amount of food earlier. Therefore, after taking bath, I ate some spicy noodles that my sister had cooked.

*tit*tit*

My cellphone rang again. I got a message from Syamil asking when I supposed to fly abroad. When I texted him telling that I would be going on the next day, he urged me to meet up on that night. However, I couldn't do that though I wanted to because I was too tired. Plus, Abah and Emak also advised me to take care of my health and safety before I departed on the next day. Hence, I asked him to come home instead on the day after,but it must be before afternoon. He agreed.

23 September 2009.

Syamil did come on the following day as what I told so. It was about half past ten, if I'm not mistaken. We had quite a long chat together up until 12 noon. Many things we had talked about and at times, we did reminisce our past memories in high school.He was seemed overwhelming, but I ensured him everything would be all right. His day to German also would come, I assured him. I could see he's smiling. After he has done, he drove home.

Now everything had finished.I must prepare myself before going to the KLIA. I checked again all my stuff and my luggages.Everything was ready. As I was preparing myself, slowly the dreadful feeling of reluctant crept into my heart.

"Uda, jom!"

I wasn't sure who was calling me at that time. As I knew, all of us were kind of rushing because the clock had shown half past two already. Supposedly, we planned to leave at about 2 p.m. but this time it was different. I didn't complaint, even a single sentence. I was just observing them properly and enjoying every second of their action of being late. Abah had repeatedly nagged. I couldn't catch every word, but I believed it was because everyone seemed dilly- dally.Emak was busy getting herself ready and brought some foods like nasi impit, beef curry, and others into the van. Fatin was asked by Abah to help doing this that until she put on such a long face. Poor her. Achik?~~M.I.A or did he help Emak?Yup! I saw him helping by brought some drinking bottles into the van. Kakak and Abg Amir too. Only Angah was not at home because he had gone earlier to Kuala Lumpur and he said he would see us at the airport. Nenek?~~ she did her own business.Never bother others.

When everything was ready, off we to the KLIA. During the two-hours journey, I received lots of messages via my cellphone bidding me farewell. Some did call me and wished me luck. I also got Emelia's message from Russia. And the best part was, I also got a phone call through internet from one of my BFFs, Amir Firdaus whose in German. Though I kept smiling and looking at the outside view, I was actually tired and sleepy. Still, I made it as if I was 'OK' as to not worry my family.

It was 5.30 pm when we reached to KLIA. Not many of my collegues had arrived but so far, I could see many people which I believed were students, wearing their own lounge suits, neckties, and looked smart in their attire. I remembered my friends told me that that particular day might be busy as many scholars from JPA, MARA, and Petronas also were being sent off. Afterwards, the place where check-in luggage was taking place became crowded, tremendously.Fortunately, I was the first the person to be there in the queue and it meant that, I finished earlier than the others who had to wait another next few hours.

I returned to get my family who waited at a corner. I got them and then spent my that so-called last quality time with them. We were having what Emak had brought along from Melaka for dinner. Emak said, I should enjoy them in every bite. Undeniably, they were too awesome and irresistible!

Before that actually, I met up with my ex-English teacher, Puan Basinah who came with her daughter. She told my parents that she was really proud of me. She just couldn't believe that I have made this far. Her statement made me so blushed and became speechless,which I tried very hard to smile. She added, being a teacher has a bright future. So, my parents should not be worry about me, she assured them as she spoke it through her experience.Finally before she left, she gave me a 'kain sarong' present. A sudden pang of reminder hit me unexpectedly upon receiving her present. I knew that she meant well as it also was implying another deep meaning. Great!One Holy Quran, and now 'kain sarong'.I understood,Puan! Thanks!

At 9.15 pm, while waiting for others to gather in front of Body Shop store for briefing purposes, I took pictures with my family members. I was very sure that, many did the same thing as I did. It's a norm. No harm. Here are some:-

With my sibling.(right to left: my sister aka Kakak, my elder brother aka Angah, me, my younger brother aka Achik, and my youngest sister, Fatin.)

With my mom's mother, Nenek. She has sewn me a nice bag!XD(*sorry,it's a little bit dark here.*)




With my lovely mom aka Emak.






With my beloved dad,Abah and Emak and Fatin.



Owh, this picture was taken earlier! left to right: my brother-in-law, Abg Amir, my one-year-three-month old nephew,the cute Zafran,me, and Kakak.






During the briefing, I checked my cell phone and discovered that Kak Nadia had sent me a message telling me she was there. So, I pushed the green button and called her. Surprisingly, when I asked her where she was, she answered that she was at the back. I waved my hand to her with a friendly smile when I spotted her from far. I could see her face, brightly smiling. I came to her, we took picture together. I was really really touched. She bade me farewell and told me to take care of myself.Thanks Kak Nadia for troubling yourself,just to send us off!




With Kak Nadia.(Tagged by her in Facebook.Thanks Kak!=D)



Do you see this picture above?Hah. This one was actually taken by Neo who has tagged me in Facebook.Thank you,Neo. If you hadn't tagged me, I would never know.LOL







As all of us were heading to the Departure Hall, my cell phone rang. It wasn't a message, but a phone call from someone that I respect, Kak Melody. She apologised because she couldn't meet us before we off to UK. She did advise me to take a great care of myself. I felt so touched. I remembered her words on her last day in TESL programme. She said she was really worried about me. Indeed, she really meant it!Thanks Kak Mel for your concern.If you are reading this, I would like to tell you that I really appreciate it. Everything is OK up to this moment. Don't worry!Thank you again!I told you so that you're like my own sister.=D














We departed from Kuala Lumpur at 11.40 p.m sharp.










I think it is enough for now.I will update this blog later to get all of you known what has happened next in my journey from Melaka to Portsmouth. Bye!

In My Opinion

Salam Ramadan.

It has been a long time indeed that I did not drop by here and share my thought. Many things have happened in my life within these three months lately and no bright idea has come popping up in my mind to write in this blog.However, today I would like to post something that I think that it is good and inspirational for many Malaysians;and --to be specific--for myself.

I believe I have a solid reason why I would like to express my thought here.

This morning, my father asked me to buy him Utusan Malaysia newspaper as usual. When I returned home, I read the newspaper and found that one of the snippets at the front page attracted my interest. Click here. And here. Then, I flipped through a few pages and read in details once I found it.

Read already?Fine.

*In my opinion*:-

Probably for some people it is not a big matter since they are others who are excellent away much better than her. In fact, there are also students from Malaysia who outperformed her before. You can name it whoever you want, from any varsity (especially the well-establised one), and what kind of field they were in. This fact is undeniable. Indeed.

However, what has made feel so touched and inspired is when she quoted...

"Saya akan bekerja di Malaysia. Saya sayangkan Malaysia. Negara kita tetap menjadi pilihan saya untuk meneruskan karier saya kerana banyak peluang di sini."

Apabila kita habis belajar di luar negara, adalah lebih baik kita balik dan menyumbang tenaga dan khidmat kita kepada negara kita yang tercinta",

In my lay-man opinion, I think that she is very patriotic and loves Malaysia very much.I believe that she does really mean it.

She herself has created a great role model for me to look up to. If I could meet her, I would like to congratulate her. Then, I would like to express how proud I am to her and how she became my inspiration to achieve success. For me, she is a good example for us Malaysian students who study abroad (and who will study abroad).

Put you best foot forward and never forget your roots!

Congratulations, Kak Adelina Raisa Sufian!=)

Yearning for 'him'

A picture worth a thousand words.
But how with many pictures?
Let me disclose to you what I am going to tell...




Introducing my first nephew.....Zafran!!!=)...Above picture is sent through MMS from my brother -in-law, Abang Amir.This was the first time this infant came home after he was born.

Muhammad Zafran Aqil Bin Muhammad Amiruddin, this is his full name.

When I was away at the north of peninsular Malaysia, studying for what I am doing now, my sister MMSed me this picture. She texted that this cute baby knew already to handle his own bottle. So cute though I knew it was her 'effort' to make him hold it by himself.=)

He seemed to be like crying...but fret not because my sister was next to me.Probably he was sleepy or just would like to be in his mom's arm.Grr...

Caught you in red-handed!haha.Actually, this picture was taken when he was being spoonfed by my sister, early in the morning. When I woke up, realising them at the living hall, I grabbed my cellphone to capture his action.So, this is the result!

The pride and joy are really conveyed through his eyes. I cannot imagine if I stay away from him, he is too inevitably missed.

He is giggling here, can't you see that?I'm so fascinated by his adorable cuteness. Indeed, he is lovable!=)

This picture was sent by my sister through MMS. At that time, I had no chance to meet him because I had to wait until the semester break. So, I asked my sister to convey me one picture of this cute infant.

Erm, this picture was sent by my sister through blueetooth to my cellphone. I really like it when the combination of his purity, innocent smile and that particular cap are combined together.Love you so much, dear!

This time Zafran turned out to be slightly 'naughty'. He licked his upper lip, in a way to show his innocence. Really? =P

Actually, this picture is captured by my sister and then she MMS me because I texted to her that I felt longing for him. What a bright smile, indeed!=)

This had been taken when he finished eating, spoonfed by my sister.

What a cute face, he showed! I felt so 'geram' when he giggled with his toothless mouth...huhu

At this time, Zafran was able to 'meniarap' only. He was so charming cute when he did this. The best thing was, he just did it still, so static before he knew to crawl.(so sorry because I am clueless to put the appropriate adjectives to collocate the word..haha)

This cute nephew was actually in his cradle. I shrewd ('Bedung') him before he went to sleep.

Zafran with my sister. I took this picture when we were going to our grandmom's house.

Now, he has two cute teeth. See,take a closer attention.

Abang Amir, my sister and my nephew.(taken during 2008's Eid)

INDEED, I'M REALLY REALLY MISS HIM SO MUCH!!!

WAAAAA=(

Pre-Birthday, During Birthday, & Post-Birthday

Frankly speaking, I really do not want to celebrate my 20th anniversary since this is the stage where it clashes the matter of being ‘teen’ and ‘young adult'.

However, as a matter of fact, I have to face this reality by hook or by crook and indeed, everyone is getting older every year, month, week, day, hour, minute, and even second. Does anyone aged gradually downward? haha.Impossible!

Pre-Birthday

All right. On this very precious date of my life, I would like to make a wishlist(nak juga menyibuk! =p though it passed already...) since many friends of mine doing so.

• · I want to be much dapper and suave in style. Yes, good looking couple with well-grooming appearance in every occasion. Erm, a little bit of up-to-minute element in every inch of styles from head to toe. This is because sometimes I found myself was rather conservative and to a certain extent,….. *dunno what to say*
  
• · I want to be more diligent, hardworking, keen, and whatsoever terms related to it in doing and performing anything, even a single simple thing. Yes, sometimes, when I review my masterpiece and try to look at it from a different angle, it does not match my interest and does not meet my contention. So, I would practise and practise to make it perfect, regardless of anything.
  
• · Be more alert, meticulous, sensible, in conducting my behaviour towards people surrounding me.
  
• · Be much closer to Him. I think I should hold to His faith tougher as a preparation to go overseas. And, (this might be quite religious) I want to practise as far as I could to adhere to what had been written in the Holy Quran like avoiding to be gossipmongers, having a ‘clean’ heart, nice words to be spoken from a ‘well-conserved’ tongue even in extreme condition, becoming more patient even being tested harshly, etc etc…
  
• · More productive in blogging. Yeah, I found it amusing as compared to other friends and bloggers who have ample time to publish their own post creatively and analytically but mine….huh
  

During Birthday

Actually we (my coursemates) were having two-week school experience in different schools starting from 15 February to 26 February 2009. The school which i had gone to was having their Annual Sports Day, a day before my birthday, which was also the last day of our school experience assignment. Usually, schools in Malaysia would have 'cuti peristiwa' the next day. Well, of course it really was! I was having my 'cuti peristiwa' in my own room whilst others going to schools. Coupled with free-call services offered by Maxis via my cellphone, i felt it was absolutely awesome. So, i phoned every single person that i have in my list.(^_^)

In the afternoon, I went to Jitra Mall playing bowling with some of my colleagues who were sincere to celebrate my birthday that were, Alisa, Zayanah, and Hanis. It was so an exciting afternoon.t Then, we played...

Pool...It was my first time playing such game.Not so bad.(above: Zayanah & Alisa)

Then, another good friend of mine called, Fifi. She asked to go out with her to the night market as a treat for my birthday(well,since we are quite away from the night market area, so any free transportation plus being offered to go to, I think that is more than enough.Yes, ok - lah!)

Together with Faten and one of the their student, we went to the night market by Fifi's Viva.(Wah, it was quite a pleasure since I did not go and roam at the night market for quite some times.=-)!)

As i roamed at the night market, my heart asked my eye to keep on looking for some beautiful bundle t-shirt. Yes, as a gift for myself who had just reached at the 20th stage, I thought that it should be all right.Finally, after a-long-tiring half an hour choosing on the mass of bundle tees and pants and etc, I discovered this:-)

A beautiful and unique brown t-shirt.hikhik=P

Late that evening, almost dusk, we dashed off to our hostel. Tiring, but indeed, it was exciting!

That particular night also, I gave myself a new bedsheet...(as my own gift to myself...haha)

Pink again...I love pink so much!!!

Post-Birthday

Seven days after my birthday passed, and yes after our assignment had been completely submitted to the lecturers respectively according subjects, I went to the Secret Recipe in Jitra. I was going there with Adib, Aiman and Mr Ramli. In fact, it was Mr. Ramli (our LDV Lecturer) treat to foot the bills which was also celebrating Adib's birthday as well.


I felt so touched because it had passed already and yet, Mr Ramli said "It is my pleasure."

Here are some photos to be displayed...


A slice of chocolate fudge cake...

A plate of lasagne and a glass of apple kasturi juice and..

. Another plate of banana split...em..yummy..

All in all, I would like to thank everyone who remembers me and treats me in the stated occasions. However, those who are not having the opportunity, I think it is more than enough when you could remember me and do wish me. After all, it is a great pleasure for me to celebrate the age of 'twenty' though!=)