And No-one Else

Usually but not always, I am among the early bird that leave the nest. Yet somehow there is always an exception for every ‘usually’. Due to some unavoidable reason, for the very first time; I’m staying at Wang Ulu unaccompanied; at least without many of my friends. Well I’m just going home a day later than most of the people here; a day might be rather tiny for you all. Still it bring a major different to me; indeed a real eye opening for me.

It’s actually kind of fun to be able to experience such thing; well to be forthright, it’s not an everyday-can-experience matter. I’m pretty sure most of you don’t get the chance to witness this; so I planned to carve up some of my observation here. “Out of ordinary!!” that’s the only remark I can give. Ever signing in your messenger; finding merely three persons online? Ever walking down the stairs to the RO water machine and the only thing u heard is the echoes of your own footstep?

”Spooky huh?” by and large there will be for sure other people who shared the stairs; some rushing back to their room like never before whereas some just taking their honeymoon sweet time walking up and down this set of steps. The whole Wang Ulu is completely shut down even before midnight; not even a sound. Normally there are people shouting their monkey business around, nocturnal sport addict playing their sport right after midnight, mobile-phone-receiver who nomadic around Wang Ulu to search out for a better cell reception and of courses the couples.

After refilling a few bottles, I intentionally take the main road back to my room; just to feel the atmosphere there. Not to be surprise at all, the street was truly ‘asleep’; no one roving around and not even the noise of bus engine. The ambiance was indeed gloomy, dismal, and of all the sudden lonesomeness environs me, then I realize that was my life before I know any friends here. Day by day facing the concrete wall and locked myself in this rock-solid room; that was a pathetic life.

Sometimes, I do hope that everyone went home in order for me to wholly utilize the internet, no need to wait for foods, dominant the TV room and so on. Now I entirely conquering the facilities here, nevertheless what’s the point of that, if everyone is not here to share the joy?

Dim-Witted Things

Ever witness something destroys in front of you, nevertheless you is incapable of saving it? Since you understand that you aren’t able to save it, why does one persist in trying to save it? It’s no point to save some things that are predestined to be destroyed; so why does one could cut remark of all his ego, dignity and pride just to amend this fact? For me, I rather let it go than watching it devastate in front of me; yet not all will be of the same mind with me.

Did you ever changing yourself for someone just to save a relationship? No doubt, many people do change or do want to change for their special one; and this includes one’s lifestyle, personality, eating habit, sleeping time and basically everything about them. Well as long as they are happy, why not? However I can’t help myself to wonder “are they really happy with the changes?”

From my own experience, happy men eat and burp in satisfactory; not with hunger grumble. Also from my own experience, happy men do have fun with no qualms; not with worries above their head (worry about minor stuff such as “I didn’t wish her” or etceteras). Well it does bother me seeing some people doing dim-witted things with their life. Yes! You may save it from being destroyed, but ask yourself; are you happy with it and does it really worth it? I have always been in awe “don’t love someone means loving everything about that particular someone? Then why change?”

Being as a third party has really granted me the chances of seeing one relationship better; to be honest, I’m real blessed to be able to witness so many of his ‘trial and error love’. And I started to understand why some parents don’t encourage or to a certain extent forbid their young one to be in love during study age; at least my parent does. Undeniably love is indeed a big distraction, as far as I concern, breaking up is the maximum distraction one can be in; nonetheless I do found out from my specimen 20 that being in love is somewhat more distracting; or perhaps it only applied on my specimen 20.

A person that had been in love before will surely know how to handle this study-first-love-second situation; people who don’t will keep on asking other people opinion on how to handle his love problem. So I leave it to you to solve the mystery, Detective Holmes.

Mountain Conquering

“Mountain Conquering” sound pretty impressive huh? Well it’s indeed a little mountain voyage for me; not a huge one though. The term “Mountain Conquering” does sound like I was going to triumph over Mount Everest.

Gua Cenderawasih, was originally a small recreation park located near Dewan 2020; with just only a few human-excavate caves; nothing much besides EMPTY CAVES. Not far from there, there is a children playground by days and adult playground by night; not to mention that there are also some great spot for picnicking.

“All the way up?” I dared my buddy as I saw the human-made stairs which lead to the top of the Gua Cenderawasih. Now, it’s not advisable for old folks to hike this mountain, as the stairs provided are extremely narrow and wickedly aslant; it’s like 45 degree all the way up. Apart from that, there are only 2 resting spot along the journey to the top; unless you willing to take the weight off your feet on the stairs. For those who really interested to conquer Gua Cenderawasih, do remember to bring adequate amount of water and don’t ever hike a mountain with jeans; believe me, you’ll regret BIG TIME if you do wear jeans; extra force is needed just to stretch your legs or made a step.

As I was hiking, the journey to the top is tremendously tiring; no doubt Gua Cenderawasih is just like a miniature of Mount Kinabalu, but it’s undeniably tiring. As I proceed, the roads are becoming more and more difficult; yet the thrill to touch down at the top was tempting. I reached the first resting point about 20 minutes later and the second resting point with the same duration as the first one; at that moment I have no idea what lies ahead of me; maybe it takes a few more hours before I can reached the top. Frankly speaking, I was extremely exhausted at that time; the extra few hours of hiking will indeed killing me. My buddies already start giving up and start to blame each others about whose stupid idea to hike with a stomach full of foods. The state of affairs is exceedingly tense at that time, nevertheless I insist to move on. Just after a few steps of stairs, surprisingly I reached the top; no one expect the second resting place to build so near the top of the mountain.

The scenery there was really breath taking; my buddies are speechless once we reached the top; no more blameworthiness, just plain mesmerized by the scenery. I never realize how green is Perlis until I really seen it myself. Perlis is indeed a very green peaceful country. You can actually counts the number of high buildings or the number of cars in Perlis; how peaceful. For those who want to escape from a peaceful environment to a more peaceful environment in Perlis; do give a thought about Gua Cenderawasih. Going down Gua Cenderawasih was indeed much easier than climbing up.

As I was going down, I begins to wonder “what happen if I really quit half way?” Then I’ll miss all the scenery, wasted my beautiful morning and never had experience the taste of victory for overcome another obstacle. We never know how fragile one thing is unless we take risk to test it; same apply to life, we never know how what’s happiness unless we take risk to seek for it. Building a relationship does need times as climbing up to the top, nonetheless crushing a relationship is as easy as going down the mountain. Pain, cries and sad are intermediary, but wound, scratches and scar last forever.

Utmost Regret

Ever feel that after doing something, you sense that you’ll regret it for life. I do feel that way after doing something awfully terrible; somewhat that will haunt me; being a nightmare for life. Just for the sake of seeking some people’s opinion about a particular matter; I voice out my thought and hoping for some respond. However, what those people bequeath are beyond opinion; distant ahead of advice; afar from feedback; and basically beyond any helps to you at all.

Being criticize had been a norm to me as I grew up; I of course had being condemned many times by my mentors, my seniors, the elders, and basically those who had experience what-I-not-yet-been-through. By criticizing, they share their knowledge, experience, life, thought, and philosophy with us; most importantly they try to change you into a better living being. As what they said “seek for criticism rather than praise”. Being disapproved, I can be taught from my mistake.

The terrible thing that I did was to share my experience with that particular someone. What I want is just to share some of my happy thought, my useful daily tips and maybe some enlightening advice; nonetheless what I acquire is the direct opposite; some harsh respond, heartlessly reply and to tell you the truth, it do break my heart. Frankly speaking, it’s really my utmost regret for sharing something to someone that doesn’t be grateful for. Till now I still wonder how can one speak without even think? I don’t mind if I were being condemned by those who are superior to me; not to those that think they are superior to me. Those uncivilized barbarian bastard real pissed me off; “BASTARD!!You only shine among the sludge; not among the finest.

Yet, after a real cool down; I start to think, maybe she’s right and possibly she’s more superior to me. Perhaps I deserve to be condemned by her; the pearl within the mud. I do give in and I totally give up, it’s all her triumph; she totally had the right to do so.

Up till now I still had my slight liberty to feel remorse for sharing my thoughts.

Suddenly Alor Setar

Ever went for a sudden-random trip? Going on an unexpected trip with friends is indeed a very thrilling thing. It’s more attention-grabbing when it comes to a sudden trip to some random place. “LET’S ALOR SETAR” and Alor Setar it is!!!(A real hit-and-miss decision) Alor Setar being the capital city of Kedah, it sure has its own local specialty.

Alor Setar which is about forty minute’s trip from Kangar, Perlis is indeed a better city than Kangar. I was told that Alor Setar is famous for its Alor Setar Tower and Paddle Museum. Yet my real intention to Alor Setar was to shop and only shop. My first destination was Pacific Mall, a Kangar version of The Store but just superior in size; as the name The Store explains everything, NOTHING SPECIAL. Then about fifteen minutes walk from Pacific Mall, I reached a shopping complex called ‘Billion Mall’. Now, if you are fans of real hip cloth but you can’t afford expensive one; here are the heaven for you. There are many shop lot that sell easy on the pocket non-branded cloth; at least one in each floor.

Well it’s undeniable that branded cloth is always been superior to non-branded cloth; a fact proven by many shopaholics. In term of quality, popularity and preferably; non-branded is no match for branded one. I myself had always been a fan of branded one. But when it comes to fashion, who care as long as it looks nice on you and it doesn’t harm your body.

It really amazed me how some non-branded cloth can be that satisfactory. Before this, I thought that only luxurious one will look nice on us; well it’s not always true and proven wrong lately. Indeed a real eye opener for me. Nevertheless remember to do price comparison in such places as you were dealing with non-branded stuff; it’s not surprising to see a major different in price. Price may vary; typical 45 bucks cloth can be raise to 60 bucks just in the next store.

Overall, it’s a nice trip as we (with my closest buddies) explore new places and seeing new stuff; which we never had in Kangar. At any rate there are always something that Kangar doesn’t have; Secret Recipe, Mc Donalds, Body Gloves and other outlet. In the end of day, it does seem like a successful sudden trip; as smile can be seen on each faces.

Yours Special Occasion

The clock was ticking slowly as my watch’s millisecond was running fast. Time seems to be frozen and sleepiness had been haunting me for the last few hours. It had been a real tiring day for me. As I was sitting on my bed, almost a few times I felt asleep. Nevertheless I had to stay strong; couldn’t collapse on this out of the ordinary day. Not planning to reiterate last year mistake; therefore I hunt for more coffee. “What? Is this a joke...” just after I opened my closet; I realized I’m out of coffee. There goes my only awakening potion; my caffeine drug.

I had been putting up memo, setting up reminder and asked my friend to remind me on this special occasion. Not that I’ll forget, it’s for the sake of precaution; with the intention that I don’t miss such day. As I was staring at the ceiling, my eyes felt heavy, my sight was buried, and Mr. Peter Pans is welcoming me to his dream world. “Not in a millions!!” swiftly I bound off of my bed; thinking that perhaps a walk might be revitalizing. Without shilly-shallying, I run towards the nearby basketball court; not really a basketball court, it’s more like a badminton court with basketball stand. Anyhow, I had a game there. My watch is showing 2200.

As I was playing, I relentlessly looking at my watch; trying to grasp a glance at the time more than I try to grasp a breath. Time does hasten when one is having fun; and it was already 2350. Another 5 minutes has passed for me to run all the way up and reach my phone. Followed by rushing back to the basketball court; as the signal is better there. My watch is showing 2355; perfect timing.

At the end of the day, I managed to celebrate this special occasion with her. Although I wasn’t around her at that time, but that make no different at that moment. After a long chat; I couldn’t help not to collapse as soon as I reached my bed. It was indeed a real tiring day, yet a chuckle or two can be seen on my face; for the reason that I remembered her special occasion.

Finale Judgment

“Don’t Judge Recklessly!!” These words are still running in my head; it has been almost a year since the last time anyone shouted it to me. “Don’t Judge Recklessly!!” that is the only senior-junior advise to me, others might get books or notes from their seniors but what I get is far more meaningful. At first I still couldn’t understand for sure, but when I think back now; it might just be a BIG HELP in life.

In reality, humans tend to judge one by their own perspective and draw their own assumption. Normally in this case, their assumption is the finale judgment. Isn’t that a bit unfair, at least give these poor guys a chance to prove you’re wrong. Yet bear in mind, each person have their own definition of ‘right and wrong’; what you think is right might be wrong and vice versa. So who are you to give the finale judgment bout ‘right and wrong?"

The most common and the easiest way are to pursue the world’s definition of ‘right and wrong’. The law that had been recognized since mankind gain knowledge of civilization; that’s the majority deliberation of ‘right and wrong’. With such long history and numerous modernizations, we are taught by this philosophy of ‘right and wrong’ and somehow it has becomes a norm along our existence. But back in reality, not every act is bonded to this philosophy; some give their judgment by heart, some by logic and some by nothing at all.

So take a look around you, think back and reevaluate your judgment. Doesn’t matter what’s your finale judgment but do remember this; it’s you who prevaricate your ‘right and wrong’. It’s never about the judgment, it’s always about your own version of ‘right and wrong’.

“We neither know nor judge ourselves; others may judge, but cannot know us. God alone judges and knows us.” Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), a truly great inspiration towards me.

Hidden ‘Makan’ Place

The word ‘makan’ mean eat in Malay; accordingly the phase ‘makan place’ simply suggests eating place or a place to please one hunger. I had been hang about in Perlis for quite a while; one and a half year to be exact but I never heard of any eating place that serves Chinese Penang style laksa. What I had so far in Perlis were just Malay style laksa; having a Chinese Penang style laksa in Perlis is like searching a pearl in the sea. It’s a real desirability to the Perlis citizen especially laksa-lover.

About a few kilometers from Taman Semarak, there lies a hidden stall in the housing estate area. Most people will just passes by without even noticing any stall nearby. Indeed a real out of sight place. I wouldn’t have found that place without the guidance of my friend (thanks a bunch to her).Once I reach there, the aroma of the finely diced fish and Assam stew is all around me. As I was walking in, my curiosity is soaring high wondering what are their specialty; then I overheard the lady owner talking about their famous ones; the Lemak Laksa (a typical Thai laksa) and the Assam Laksa (well-known Penang Laksa).

The hot-sweet-sour-spicy laksa is irresistible; it’s proven when many of customers leaving with a empty clean bowl and a big burp of satisfactory. The thick fish stew is just perfect for lunch; if you are not a laksa fonder, you might try their chill cendol or Malaysian famous Ais Kacang as well. That’s just something we need right after a bowl of laksa. What a perfect combination of ice, sweet-sour-spicy stew and DELICIOUS.

To all laksa-lover: “Hunt for the pearl today and experience a bowl yourself, highly recommended”. NON-HALAL.

The Soya Bean Stall

A plain stall that is to be found in the heart of Kangar city, equipped with only a few tables and chairs. The owner is a mid-50 friendly old man selling soya bean drink. Speaking the local dialect, he politely asked each of his customers what they want; well the choice are limited to either the soya drink or his famous ‘Lo Hon Guo’(a Chinese herbal drink).

What really grasp my attention aren’t his well-known drinks, nevertheless what do attract me the most is none other than his hard work. He devotedly opens his stall every night no matter what’s the weather or who’s the customer. Working with sweat, blood and pain; he struggles each night to keep his business running. A plain stall that are surrounded by numerous of gargantuan food courts; situated strategically right in the middle of more than four food courts, where most of the food courts offer drinks too. There are even some food court that does not allow his drink into their place. I can’t help to wonder “how can one survive beneath such taut competition?”

As I was observing from a corner, the old man is working hard; trying to jot down every single order from his customers, then he hurriedly pours the white soya to a cup filled with sweet ginger syrup and it do look like a busy day for me. Let’s face it, everyone is making a living. Nonetheless on top of his serious make-living face, I found that he seems to enjoy his work as well. Often a smile or two can be seen on his face; joking with his customers, chatting with his sons or even having a big laugh with his fellow friend. I was really amazed by his enthusiasm; his gusto; how one can find his heaven in the midst of chaos.

And I started to understand why some can endure such state of affairs.

Life’s a Cup of Coffee

Most of us know a little of coffee, yet it has become common for a cup or two of coffee to be brought along and shared among friend and their loves one. One often wonders if we really know what we are drinking? Yet nobody care to know; what more important is it taste good, and the caffeine really helps BIG TIME. Nevertheless what life has to do with coffee?

Life’s somehow just like a cup of coffee; some like having it black (sugarless and kind of like espresso), some like having it mild, while most of us like having it with maximum saturation of sugar and fully blasted with milk. Well, different people do have different outlook bout their coffee. It’s just like our life, some having a bitter time, while other having a sweet time. The only different is that we couldn’t choose what we want our life to be. No doubt, many of us aren’t a great lover of bitterly taste; let’s just face it: humans tend to enjoy a relaxing and sweet life. However back in reality, life has not been that easy; it’s not like we can choose our life nor our way of life. Well, we can’t really choose what we want like in Starbucks or Kopitiam with a friendly waiter patiently taking your every order. Nobody knows what we’ll get and nobody is satisfied with neither their coffee nor their life.

Getting a black coffee each time tends to change my perspective of life. Well what more can we do when we are not getting what we want? Once again, life has not been that easy. There’s nothing we can do about it, we endure the bitterly taste each days by taking it sip by sip and hope that we are able to adapt this exotic taste. Nonetheless what I do learn is: it’s never about the coffee, doesn’t matter whether it’s black or white; what really matter the most is how the person take it.