Take A Deep Breath

Chapter 22 : Change Is Good Sometimes

2012-02-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaikum,

It's been a month since my last post here. Wow. Everything is moving so fast now. January had been quite a month. The lectures schedule is pretty packed last month. Class from 0800 to 1600 almost everyday and we sometimes have revision classes at night which were supposed to be a 2 hours class but turned out to be a 4 hour class. Imagine studying embryology for almost 5 hours after 10 hours of lectures and practical classes. Not complaining though. The lecturers are really helpful everytime the exam is around the corner. They would sacrifice their time for us and would talk for 5 hours straight.

I'm on a study week now. My final exam is in a week time. Everyone is studying in their room, at the living hall, burn the midnight oil or stay awake after dusk which frankly, makes me feel inferior. Though these geniuses never failed in helping me-we help each other. They're not that kiasu here. We share notes, we share tips and we would study together.

One of the things I have learned here is that we can never study alone. Be it in medicine or in anything. There's so much to study in a limited time. 24 hours is never enough but it amazes me how my seniors here can juggle their time. They have lectures and classes everyday, cook and clean the house everyday and can even find time to feed the soul. They go to " kelas mengaji " , tafaqquh, play futsal at night, visit us, juniors ( they even cook for us sometimes ) and yet they can get excellent results. Ya Allah, they amaze me.

I want to be like them. I want to be a better person inside and outside. I want to be close to my creator-to Allah. I want to be a good doctor.

Dr. Hatta, a Visiting Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Fertility Specialist came to give a talk last year and he truly inspires me. He's a graduate from Tanta University, Egypt which somehow makes me feel relieved because I've been wondering where are the doctors who had graduated from here? But he answered my question. He is THE answer. And he works in Sabah at Queen Elizabeth hospital. Yeay! That is so me. Hehehe.

He asked everyone that day ;

" Do you want to be a doctor who happens to be a Muslim or a Muslim who is a doctor? Your choice. "

And that hit me. We learn about our body everyday. How the body functions. How can a single enzyme effect the whole system. When Aldolase B is inhibited which causes accumulation of fructose hence causes fructosuria. Genetics and mutation which truly is interesting. Looking under the microscope and figuring out what it is and to find out that it's a tissue from the epididymis T_T You'd think it's gross but to tell you the truth, we laugh and at the same time are amazed to see this kind of things. How the tissues of the intestine looks like, the mode of secretion and etc. Not to forget, a chance to stay in the morgue. There was this time when my friends and I sat there for an hour with a cadaver beside us. Lol. We even ate beside it. Hahaha.

Studying medicine has opened my eyes and make me see everything in a different perspective. It has made me closer to Allah. Plus, who else do I cry to or ask for guideness if not Him? And mum and dad are miles away and they can't be always there for me. So yeah.

I do sound different, do I? Haha. Oh well..Sometimes, people need to change. Change is good sometimes. I used to hate changes but this..this is good. I feel calm. I feel happy :)

Chapter 21 : Buang yang keruh, ambil yang jernih

2011-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

A new chapter.

Happy New Year everyone <3

My resolution?
To be a better person and a better Muslim.

To be a stronger, patient and an optimistic person.

To be able to handle feelings better.

And to keep on working hard to achieve my dream.

Amiiin.

Chapter 20 : Wrong Decision

2011-12-31T05:55:00.000-08:00

It's been almost 4 months already. Time sure flies so fast now. I can't believe we're going to be in 2012 in a few hours. They say that time flies when you're having fun. Am I having fun? Well..maybe. Maybe not.

I have a confession to make. I am not strong. I am a cry baby. Up until now, I would silently scold myself for wanting to study overseas. I silently regret leaving home. Le familia whom I miss dearly.

Eventhough it has been 4 months but I am still trying to fit in. I love my friends here but I do miss my old ones. I'm still trying to cope with everything. Oh common. I've known my friends since we were 8. We've been close friends since in primary school.

Today is the last day of 2011. I've been reminiscing all the memories that I could possibly think of during this year. There's a lot that came through my mind and as the memories came flashing in front of me one by one, tears begin to drop.

It just hit me.

I've grown up. I can no longer be who I used to be a year ago. I can never get to go to school or have midnight snacks with Mum.

With the stress studying for Mid Term and Final Semester Exam, made me miss home even more. Yes, people. I am feeling homesick as hell right now. And so is everyone here.

I can't believe I wouldn't get to watch the fireworks with my family anymore. This has been our almost tradition, to watch the fireworks during new year's even. I can't believe that I couldn't make it for any gatherings or celebrate my parents' birthday. I wouldn't get to watch SYTYD with Dad, accompany Mum to the office during the weekends.

I've grown up. Life goes on but what if I don't want to grow up? What if I don't want to stop those so called traditions?

I miss home. I miss my room. My messy room T__T I'm not used of having to share a room with a stranger. Well, she's no longer a starnger to me though but you get it. Wouldn't it be awkward and annoying to be talking to the wall and explaining about the Kerb's Cycle while she's in the same room with you and on the same time, studying too? We both need some privacy. I am thankful that my roommate respects my privacy and so do I and she understands me well enough now. But deep down inside, I know both of us want to have the room by our own. Plus, I am such a terrible room mate. My study table is a mess. My closet is a mess and well, every other things too -.-

I want to go home. But I know I can't. I need to toughen up. But how can I be all tough when I'm crying everytime I here the word ' family ' ? How can I be strong when all I can think of is home?

Belajar dalam negara seribu kali lebih baik. Period.

Chapter 19 : Undefined

2011-12-31T05:07:00.001-08:00

While everyone was talking and trying to check out the answers with their friends, I heard someone saying " Why on Earth did I take medicine? "

Then I heard a friend of mine asking " If we died, they won't look for our parents and ask them to pay back them back, right? " and I laughed silently listening to them.

And I heard a group of people, a girl telling her friends " I belajar penat-penat, pulun habis and the questions were too easy until I, myself got confused and couldn't even answer it "

It was true. I too had the feeling of regret. Fear of failing. The thoughts of that I am a scholar and a medical student scares me. Thinking that if one of us fail, we would have to repeat during summer break. Who would want to stay here during summer? Not me, that's for sure. The word 'scholar' scares everyone here. You failed twice and you're out. By means that so long degree, so long dreams, hello home and hello repayments.

At times like this, when I feel down, scared of the uncertainties, I ask to myself,

Why did I take this road?

Chapter 18

2011-12-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

Life changes. You get it all lined up just the way you like it and then something beyond your control comes along and bumps you off center. Nothing stays the same. You grow up, make friends, lose friends, lose track of people, meet new ones and sometimes you ask yourself why. But all I can tell you is that every single experience you go through changed you in some way. Every new person who comes into your life changes you. Every moral dilemma or emotional experience you come up against changes you. It’s your job to decide how.

Chapter 17 : Ed Sheeran

2011-12-23T08:41:00.001-08:00

This is cool.

Chapter 16 : What a year it has been

2011-12-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

2011 was overwhelmed. I've gained a working experience. Got the opportunity to taste my own money. Working at my father's office had made me become mature and grateful. The long hours and work done by him just to support the family amused me.

I've had ups and downs through out the year. I had a rough time in choosing the right career path. The agony of having to choose between two choices and the thought of no mistakes should be done as you can't turn back time.

I've also had the chance to perform the Umrah with my family and not to forget, the chance to visit my aunt in Riyadh. It was amazing and I thank Allah for giving my family and I the chance be one of His guest. No words can described this feeling. To be frank, I've changed a lot since I've come back from performing the Umrah.

I've also gotten straight A's for SPM. It wasn't that good but Alhamdulillah :) It was quite an experience. I didn't get to take my results on the day the results were out since I was at my aunt's place. Everyone was tweeting and updating their status while I on the other hand, just woke up and had pancakes for breakfast. Yeap, I can still remember every single details of the incident. My family was eager to know my results while I didn't. I only got to know my results a few minutes later through a text. Haha.

Then the interview scholarships came in and I've been accepted to pursue medicine here in Alexandria. I was devastated at first as it wasn't my choice to go to middle east. I didn't even intended to studying there. Plus, there were news of how politically unstable Egypt was after the revolution.

I then went to IKIP which is in Kuantan for my preparatory program. Those 3 months were the best 3 months I've ever experienced. I've met so many friends from so many backgrounds. I've learned so many things there. I've learned to enjoy marching. I've listened to Arabic and Nashid songs more than my friends and I've become a better person. Change can sometimes be good, right?

KIBA was such an experience. Who knew I could speak Arabic in 3 months time? I didn't. Haha. I thought it was impossible and learning a new language sure sounds hard. It was hard at first but then, as time flies, I've fell in love with the language. I have new friends now too. I was placed in an apartment with 5 Sabahians and a girl from Pahang who became my roommate then. The time we spent was a treasure. I had so much time with them. The crazy, fun moments with them were just amazing. They helped me a lot there and thanks to them, I did not regret going there. I did not regret taking the offer of going to a place where 75% Malaysian doesn't know. In fact, I am grateful. I've learned that not everyone is the same. Not everyone is the same status as you are but you can get along with them, right?

I really miss my friends there. My housemates were the best. The ones who would listen to my problems and laugh with me ( or at me :p ) . We went shopping together, do crazy things together. The memories will always be remembered. I miss you guys.

I'm doing my degree in medicine now, here in Alex. And I still can't believe that I've gone so far from where I started. I'm a step closer to my dream now. But that doesn't mean that I don't have to work hard anymore. I need to work harder in order to achieve my dream and medicine isn't an easy course. Everyone says it is one of the toughest! But InsyaAllah, I can make it till the end. All I need is to walk an extra mile in order to gain success. Nothing is impossible, right?

A lot of this had happened through out the year and I have to admit that it was a roller coaster ride. I am grateful and happy for every single thing that had happened. I've learned to become patience, to be stronger, independent and accept that you can't always get what you want. You can always set your target but if always keep in mind that if it's meant to be, it will be. Kunfayakun :) I've learned that whatever happens, always be thankful and be positive. You can cry all day long but at the end of the day, always believe that Allah knows best. La tahzan, Allah ma'ana :) Plus, I've learned to live on my own, away from my family. And I've become a more realistic and an optimistic person.

2011 left a lot of memories for me to reminisce a few years later. Goodbye 2011 and may 2012 be a better year.

Chapter 15 : Saya Orang Melayu

2011-12-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Kalau dulu, lepas balik sekolah, kita boleh cerita apa yang jadi kat sekolah dan apa yang kita buat kat parents kita. Kita boleh cerita-cerita dan gelak-gelak dengan keluarga masa makan, masa tolong mak masak kat dapur, dalam kereta. Kita boleh kongsi cerita sama-sama.

Kalau dulu masa kat Ikip, kita boleh cerita dengan housemates sebab semua orang kelas lain-lain. Semua orng ada cerita masing-masing. Balik je kelas, masuk rumah, buka tudung, terus cerita * kadang-kadang bergossip* dengan mereka. Makan pun mesti nak bercerita. Kat meja boleh bercerita, tengok tv boleh bercerita, basuh baju, masak maggie pun boleh bercerita. Pendek kata, mesti adalah cerita hot hot ni. Ada je yang nak dikongsi. Cerita dalam kelas, masa makan, cikgu, masa kawad ataupun sesi luahkan perasaan.

Tapi sekarang dah lain. Kat siapa kita nak cerita pasal hari kita? Kat siapa kita nak berceloteh? Kawan-kawan kat sini semua satu universiti, satu lecture, satu class, satu floor dan yang paling best..satu bilik. Takkan nak cerita benda yang sama terjadi kat mereka kat diorang sendiri? Tak ke pelik? Takkan nak cerita kat parents everyday? Parents kita pun nak buat kerja lain juga.

Jadi, setiap hari lepas kelas, kita wash up, lepas tu terus buka laptop. Terus menghadap alam siber sambil mengunyah biskut chocolate yang ya ampun, banyaknya dan murahnya kat sini. Setiap hari mesti nak search videos kat Youtube. Setiap petang mesti online. Kadang-kadang bosan juga tapi nak buat macam mana. Ni je lah yang kita boleh buat selain daripada belajar..ataupun tidur. Hahaha.

Hidup kita dah lain. Kita tak boleh nak lari balik ke masa dulu. Kita sedar yang kita dah dewasa. Ke kita dipaksa untuk menjadi matang? Ye lah kot.

Chapter 14 : Toughen up, girl

2011-11-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

It gets tougher day by day. Siapa cakap tinggal kat luar negara ni senang?

Kena tawar-menawar dengan pemandu teksi. Kena kejar pergi kelas. Kena berebut tempat dalam lecture hall. Kena dengar betul betul apa lecturer cakap kalau tak, memang membazir je pergi kelas. Kena jalan kaki dalam hujan, kereta laju tak tau nak kejar apa, teksi yang malas nak hantar pergi Sesostrees sebab jam. Penyeluk saku yang datang tak kira masa dan tempat. Cuaca yang sejuk. Badan yang tak sihat. Kempunan makan itu ini. Keadaan yang macam ni pula.

Tapi ni semua cabaran. Cabaran yang harusku hadapi. Cabaran sebagai pelajar perubatan kat negara Mesir ni.

Betullah apa yang diorang cakap, campaklah sesiapa yang belajar di Mesir ke mana-mana negara sekalipun, mereka pasti boleh hidup.

Hidup kat sini menguji kesabaran, menguji diri daripada segi fizikal dan mental. But it's ok. I'm doing fine here. I need to toughen myself up. Ni baru belajar. Belum lagi bekerja.

Ma'assalamah, asdiqa!

Chapter 13 : Oh Common!

2011-11-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Can a guy and a girl be just friends? Can they?

Why not?

You see, there was this friend of mine who insisted that us, girls to change our appearance. No tudung bawal, no this, no that and the list goes on. I got a bit upset and depressed listening to this every single time she joins any of our conversations. But I kept that to myself. I didn't show them how I feel and yes, I sure can act. No one can even see the tears I wiped after prayer.

I was getting better that day until yesterday. It was her turn to give a tazkirah. Yes, we have a tazkirah everyday after Isya'. She started to talk about aurah and then after a few minutes, an interesting topic came up. It was about boys and girls.

Sounds interesting, don't you think? Now here it goes. She began telling us that we should dress up properly and not too over the top. But seriously, this people here doesn't even wear any nice, cute blouses. They wear jubahs, long hijabs, longs shirts and wearing a niqab has been a trend here. I once saw two seniors wore a shawl with a niqab.

Oh here's an interesting part. She told us not to wear pink or red or any striking colours if possible. Why? Because it might attract men. Ha ha ha. Everyone then began to whisper and some were confused. Funny don't you think. Us, girls being blamed for wearing such colours.

She then insisted that we should avoid talking to guys and if possible, cut all connection with guys. No calls, no chats or even look at the guy. Hah. I went flabbergasted.

I joked about pretending to be a guy when calling the musyrifs and everybody laughed. Sorry to say but I personally think this is crap. Can't talk to guys? Can't even look at them? Oh God.

One day, sooner or later, we are going to be a doctor, InsyaAllah. It's funny when people has this kind of thinking. How are we going to communicate with each other. For an example, a doctor. You can't choose your patients. You can't decline any male patients or avoid any contact with them. You can't run away from your colleagues who I doubt are all of the same gender as you. You can't just lower your gaze and voice during presentations or explaining a diagnosis to the professors. Face it, you can't run away from the other gender. What's wrong with mixing around? What's wrong with talking to guys? All you need is to set your niat right. That's all.

SIGH.

I can't tolerate with this kind of attitude. Sorry.

Chapter 12

2011-10-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

I love this guy so much! Since the first time he auditioned in The Glee Project.

Hi. Phew. It's been quite a hectic month. Us ,trying to fit in and still in shock with the environment.

We had an end of module exam last Thursday. Mind you, we have an exam everytime we ended a module. Module 2 started 2 days after the exam and for the new module, we have to move to Mowassah which btw is much better compared to CC. Haha.

So class started this morning and Prof Iman told us that starting from this year, we'll be learning two modules in a go. Which means module 3 will be learned parallel to module 2. Wow. This sounds fun. Instead of learning two subjects only ( note : Biochemistry and Physiology ), we'll be learning an additional 3 subjects which are Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry and Community. GULP.

I hope I can cope with everything. This is the path I choose and I am not going to regret or let anyone's hope down. InsyaAllah, I can do it :)

We'll be learning about Body Label in anatomy class and carbohydrate structure in biochemistry. I have to continue studying now. Adios :)

Chapter 11 : Hopelessly, I'm taking a mental picture of you now

2011-10-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Cause hopelessly, the hope is we have so much to feel good about

When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over

When everything is out, you got to take it in
Oh this has got to be the good life

Chapter 10

2011-10-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I went to a mobile store on my way back from class and there were three Chinese girls who were talking to the salesman at the counter. Mind you, they were talking in Arabic. Fluently.

We chatted with them since the salesman was taking ages to register one of the Chinese girls' broadband. They were asking whether we were Malaysians and well, we proudly said ' Naam. Ihna Malizi '. Ceh.

They couldn't understand English that much though. We were talking in Arabic most of the time. I still can't understand what they were talking. Hahaha. They were talking too fast and sure sounded like the egyptians. I was amazed.

And guess what are they doing here? They're doing their masters here. In what? Wait for it. Wait for it. Waaaaaaaiiit. Ok fine. That. Was. Lame -__- Master in Arabian Culture. Yup. Arabian Culture. I was surprised, shocked and amazed. Lol.

So let me get this straight. Three Chinese students went here all by themselves to continue their masters in ARABIAN CULTURE. How awesome is that? They speak fluently in Arabic since they've been learning the language back in their hometown.

And I wonder what made them study this people's culture? What made them go here where the majority community here are Egyptians and brave enough to pursue it here in Alex? Hmmm.

Chapter 9

2011-10-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have four hours of practical classes tomorrow. Two hours of ethics and two hours of medical presentation. I have a presentation tomorrow about types of bacteria. Mine is about Gram-Positive bacteria. I have an end of module exam on Thursday and I don't know if I'm ready for it.

I'm planning to revise everything that I've learned after the presentation and spend some time in the library since dad kept reminding me to do more research and browse the internet and buy books so that it would be easy for my to study and gain more knowledge about medicine.

So we had this Lingo club meeting at the rooftop just now and man, it was freezing cold. I wasn't that cold though but my hands where cold as ice. It's not even winter yet :p

Speaking of winter, I can't wait for it. Can't wait to wear my purple coat. Hehe.

Exams a stone away and I'm not sure if I'm ready or confident enough to sit for the exam. I'm surely am not going to waste my time fooling around here. I keep reminding myself that I am here to study and will make sure to go back to Malaysia as a graduate. Of course, I'll let loose and have fun and go shopping but study will always be my priority. Everyone is counting on me especially my parents. I will not et down ayah and ibu's hope..and Mara too :p

Laila Saidah everyone.

Chapter 8 : Deep In My Heart

2011-10-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

So when the time is hard

There’s no way to turn

As HE promise

HE will Always Be There

To bless us with HIS love and HIS mercy

Cause, as HE promise HE will Always Be There

HE’s always watching us, guiding us

And HE knows what’s in all in our heart

I've beginning to feel homesick. It's been 18 days since I left Malaysia.

Everything's different now. The thought of leaving my family has always been a horrible one. But look at where I am now. I'm in Egypt. I'm 9547 miles away from home.

Exam is a stone away and we have an assignment to present this Saturday. Yes, I have classes on Saturday AND Sunday. So dear friends in Malaysia or wherever you are, be thankful for having two days break ok. Unlike us ( read : ME ), we only get to rest on Friday only. And thats it.

People here like to judge. To them, criticising is a must. The way people dress, the way they spend their time, the way they talk, the way they use their money or even the way they think.

They judge those who doesn't wear the hijab. They judge those who covers but still showing her aurat. They judge and post it on Ahlan. They judge those who plays Dota or Counter Strike just because they think they are good enough. They judge us because we talk so much. Because we like to laugh and talk among ourselves. Because we look hype and cool.

But this people has one problem. They can't be criticised. They can judge but no one can judge them. Personally, I hate this kind of people.

Apa masalah kau pun aku tak tau.

They change looks and stare at a girl who wears a snow cap and large glasses. Just because she's the only girl in class that is not wearing the hijab. They begin to whisper just because she wears skinny jeans. They change glances just because she wears a shirt instead of baju kurung.

Why judge? It's their right to wear what they want or wear it with their own style.

And this made me think and realised how much I miss Malaysia. How much I miss my friends. Those who wont judge others based on how they look or act. I miss my old life. It's just not the same. I used to be carefree and talking to guys wasn't a problem back then. Yes, I know that I need to move on. But common. Do I have to change myself into a whole new person? Can't I say or give opinions just because I am a girl. Don't I have the right, too?

People here judge a lot and I'm sick of it. Berlagak je lebih. Bukan main kutuk semua orang kat sosial sites tapi dalam class diam pula. Tergagap gagap baca text.

I'm tired of keeping my peky-ness to myself. They think I'm quite. They think I'm shy. But most of the Kiba-ians know that I am loud and well, like they all say, I am 'Anis'. I am never quite and I am a happy go lucky person.

But a few of them noticed that I looked different lately. I looked gloomy and a few of my guy friends even said that my eyes looked dark and they thought I was pms-ing T__T

I don't really show my feelings to others. I'd usually sit alone and do a lot of thinking or eat a lot. Haha.

Today, for the first time in Alexandria, I cried. I miss my life. This is not me. I am not used to this environment. I used to hi others just like that. Used to smile when I pass everyone I know. I've changed a lot now and to be frank, I hate it. I want to be myself. I want to sing out loud or play music and no one will judge me. I miss my housemates. I miss my friends and I miss my family dearly.

But it's ok. I am strong and I can do this. I've been through a situation worst than this. InsyaAllah, I'll overcome this soon :)

I should probably continue finishing up my slides. Bye!

Chapter 8

2011-10-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

I tried to be strong and I tried to stay calm.

This is so not me.

Chapter 7 : Muhasabah diri

2011-10-18T02:02:00.000-07:00

I walk to class everyday. It's not that near to the hostel though but I find pleasure walking on the streets.

There's a lot of things that run in my mind when I pass the same streets everyday. I see old women and men sitting on a corner of a building, praying and pleading for money. They look week, scared and I feel bad. I pity the misfortunate and would silently pray to Allah to give these people a better life.

Here in Alex, most of them seemed to use horses as a transportation and if you're lucky enough, you'll get to see donkeys on the street too. Horses are used as a carriage while the donkeys are used to transport veges or heavy things. Some sell their goods on these animals.

Once, I heard a loud swiping sound and saw a man, scolding his horse. It was loud and I'm sure it had hurt the horse. To them, this is a way of making the horse walk faster. I was walking to the hostel yesterday and saw a horse standing between cars. There was a traffic jam in front of our hostel yesterday and the horse couldn't make any move. The man was pulling the rope hard enough to make the horse change it's direction.

I silently cried watching the incident. How innocent animals and unfortunate people here are greatly in pain. How different it is here compared to Malaysia. I see a beggar teaching her child how to read on the streets- smelly one, I tell you.

Tentang Syukur

Pernah melihat saudara-saudara di pinggir jalan? Sahabat-sahabat kecil pengembara jalanan?

Apakah dirimu tak merasa malu kepada mereka?

Banyak diantara mereka masih anak-anak

Beberapa diantara mereka bahkan sudah tua renta..

Beberapa diantara mereka bahkan cacat..

Pakaian mereka compang camping..

Mereka tidur beralaskan kain, beratapkan langit..

Mereka tak memiliki pendidikan setinggi dirimu

Mereka tak memiliki kemudahan selengkap dirimu

Tetapi….

Keinginan bertahan hidupmu tidak setinggi mereka!

Kemampuan bersyukurmu tidak sehebat mereka..

Kerja kerasmu tak sebanding dengan kerja keras mereka!

Harapan atas hidupmu tidak sebaik mereka!

Ketika kau tidur, mereka sedang bekerja, mencucurkan keringat..

Ketika kau menonton TV, mereka sedang berusaha bertahan untuk hidup..

Ketika kau selalu menuntut sesuatu daripada orang lain, mereka sedang berusaha mencari dan mendapatkannya sendiri, dengan tenaga sendiri..

Tanpa pernah sedikitpun keluh kesah terlontar dari mulut mereka.

Padahal, bukan salah mereka untuk hidup dengan cara seperti itu..

Kasihanilah pada mereka, contoh pejuang hidup yang tabah, yang tak pernah menyerah pada keadaan.

Betapa sulit pun keadaanmu, ingatlah bahwa masih banyak pihak yang keadaannya lebih sulit daripadamu

Dan BERSYUKURLAH.

- source : tumblr

I wish for a miracle. A change to these poeple. For a brighter future, a better life. I could only pray for them and thank Allah for everything and how blessed I am with everything that I have. Alhamdulillah, asykuru nikmatullah :)

Chapter 6 : Optimism

2011-10-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

There was a demonstration near our hostel. For the first time here in Alex, there was a demonstration. The people here look serious and are ready to fight with each others.

I'm scared. My hands were shaking and to be frank, I wanted to cry. People were saying ' Allahuakbar ' out loud. The roads are busy and I can hear hons everywhere.

I was on my way to class this afternoon and I saw a man in front of a church being tied with ropes across his hands and legs. Everyone ( read : us, medical students ) stopped. We were too scared to pass through them. We stopped for a few minutes and then bravely walked to class. The incident still scares me out up until now.

It's been almost two weeks now. I'm beginning to love Alexandria. Things were fine until..until yesterday.

I'm beginning to miss home. Well, not that much though. I began to silently ask myself every day how can I improve my English if no one here speaks English? You see, us, students communicate with the people here in arabic. Eventhough we learn in English but us, Malaysians still communicate with each other in Malay. And not to downgrade the others but let's just say, by listening to them reading the questions or a paragraph asked by the professors here, we can detect who can speak or even read in English.

Malay's typical mindset :- Those who communicate English or try to speak English among each other are snobbish.

But I don't know about here in Alex though.

Life here is beginning to be hectic. I have two practical classes and 2 hours of lecture every day. Not complaining though. It's been so long since I've been this busy studying.

It's 1 am in Malaysia right now and the moment I saw the demonstration outside the building, I keep thinking about dad-up until now.

It's a quater after 1, I'm all alone and I need you now.

I want to talk with my parents so bad right now but I can't. I don't want to wake them up nor worry them by telling them what's happening here in Alex.

I hope everything will be fine by tomorrow. I hope so. And do pray for my safety here.

Assalam :)

Chapter 5

2011-10-15T05:17:00.000-07:00

Things sure are moving fast.

Chapter 4

2011-10-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Assalam,

Class ended at 11 1 today. We learned about Ethics in Medicine and Medical Terminology. Med Term was.. err full of informations (?) I was sleepy during Ethics. Didn't concentrate much on it since I've read it before class starts and because I was hungry. Hehe.

Went out with the gang for lunch. We were planning on exploring the city of Alexandria and trying out new food and new restaurants but we ended up eating Pizza and Gambiah Baniah at Gad. Haha. Failed.

Ooovoo-ed with dad just now. Yeay! Terubat sikit rindu eventhough my voice sounded husky. Dad thinks that I'm getting fairer. NOT AT ALL -.-

The weather is getting colder everyday. I wonder what it feelis like during winter. Hmmm.

I better get some sleep then study after Isyak.

Wada' :)

Chapter 3

2011-10-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

We had 3 classes today. Biostatistics for the first period and E-learning later on.

We were late for Biostatistics. The professor was angry and asked us why we were late. Well, the main reason why we were late was because we got lost. Yeap. We couldn't find where Class 1 was. Haha. We arrived at the university right on time and sat in front of the lecture hall's building. We thought the class was still occupied by other students so we decided to wait.

After a few minutes has gone by, one of my friends asked one of the people around where is Class 1. And she told us that it was at the other building..outside the university -.- Haiyo!

It took us a few minutes then to reach the place. We were asking the people passing through us, the receptionist, one of the students. Obviously, we got lost. AGAIN. Haha. Luckily, we found someone who can speak English and she showed us the way to the class.

Biostatistics was ok. It's like Mod Maths and a bit of Add Maths. E-learning was a bit boring. We had to activate our email to access the university's portal for presentations and assignments. Thats all. We then went to the lecture hall for an hour of Med Terminology. I find Med Term interesting. We got to know and recognise the disease by it's name.

Ex : -itis = inflammation

I had Nasi Goreng Pataya and hot lime for dinner. Yummy. I'm getting bored of cheap arabic dishes :p Ceh. Banyaklah pula songeh.

#Badan tengah sengal sengal. Tekak dah sakit dan gatal. Kepala dah pening. Badan mula rasa lesu. Roommate pun dah demam. Oh no!

#Tadi cakap dengan mak cik cleaner lepas kelas e-learning. Bukan nak riak tapi dia cakap kita pandai cakap bahasa Arab. Haha. Dia tak tau betapa susahnya lidah ni nak cakap 5 bulan dulu -.- Alhamdulillah, berkat usaha UStadz wa Ustazah ajar setiap hari :')

Chapter 2

2011-10-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

Our class ended at 11 am today. 2 hours of lecture only. We learned about how to become a good doctor for an hour by Prof Sanaa and did nothing after that. The lecturer for the next class went MIA, I guess.

Class was interesting. I'm looking forward to new things. Finally bought the textbook for the first module. It costs only 50 pounds. Cheap. Haha.

The weather today is windy. It's bright and windy. I kind of like it. Unlike Cairo or yesterday, the area near the university is windy and cold due to it's location near the sea.

We then ( me and Ummi ) went to look for Sajadah. I forgot to bring one from Malaysia -.- The senior told us that there's plenty near the musolla but I can't find one store selling Sajadah. So mission failed.

We were craving for fried chicken or to be specific, McDonald's because it reminds us of Malaysia. LOL. But unfortunately, the McD's around here doesn't sell Fried Chicken nor Bubur Ayam Mcd :( Oh well. So I decided to go to KFC. Bought a snack plate for 11.57 genih. It doesn't taste as the ones in Malaysia but what the heck, I want something oily, something other than Shawarma or Pizza -.-

Did a revision on what we learned today and now, I'm off to bed. Bye bye.

# I miss my mum. I want to skype with her badly.

Chapter 1

2011-10-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

Today has been the 6th day here in Alexandria. So far, everything is great. The seniors are helpful and kind, my room is comfortable and the hostel is good.

Everything's in good condition. We had an orientation week for 3 days. There were modules, LDK sessions. It was fun yet tiring. The orientation week started as soon as we arrived here and let's just say, we were exhausted. We were tired and cranky but the most important thing was, we had fun. Kudos to the organiser.

We went to Cairo yesterday. It was fun. I was amazed on how huge the pyramid was. Getting the opportunity to get a close up of the pyramid was beyond awesome. The bricks were huge. Tall and heavy. Approximately 2m each, I think. It made me ponder on how strong the people back then, how can they managed to lift such heavy bricks. It must have been a torture.

We then went to visit the Sphinx. I have to admit, I was excited to see the sphinx. Haha. I find the sphinx very cute. LOL.

Later, we went to pray at Qanah ( I can't remember the name ) . There were three kids running around asking for money. They even took our drinks and bags of chips. Rude much?

After that, we visited Salah Ad-Din. There were three museums! We didn't get to go all three though. The museum was dusty and dark. The mannequins freaked me out. Haha.

Cairo's weather is different compared to Alexandria. It is really hot. Everyone was sweating. The air is dusty. Everyone's shoes were grey-brown in colour. We got to visit Masjid Muhammad Ali. It was beautiful. The surrounding was calm despite the hot weather. Everyone sat down in the mosque and by the expressions on the faces, I can see that they were just amazed as I was.

We then went to Masjid Husin and Masjid Al-Azhar. Masjid Husin was named after Husin, the prophet's grandson. The seniors gave us almost an hour to shop at Husin. Everything was pricey. A shawl for 20 pounds? We could get around 10-15 pounds here in Alex.

It was a 3-4 hour journey from Alex to Cairo. We arrived safely at our hostel at 1 am due to a problem. Tayar bas pecah tengah tengah jalan -.-

Class starts tomorrow. I'm nervous to be frank. Medicine is not an easy course. The toughest course. Oh well. InsyaAllah, I can do it. Like what Rancho said in 3 Idiots, " Pursue excellence, and success will follow, pants down " .

Till then, Maassalamah.