OMG!!!!!!

I guess people who have my FB already know what's happening in my life right this second. My former lecturer, Mr Alan asked me to keep a journal so I could remember this moment years later, when I want to tell my children about it, so here I am, writing a journal (more like a public one).

What happened? I just won the biggest prize I ever won in my life (I mean in a competition). I've entered a competition , Maxis Biggest Fan during the World Cup season, where you have to submit either picture or video that showed you're a big football fan.

So having quite an ample time (as I about to leave my former job), I've asked around for ideas. My former colleague helped tremendously with the ideas and I also got them to do the first part of my video. Thanks guys, you guys were the best colleague ever! Haha.

Then, I figured why don't I asked (more like forced) my happening cousins to dance Waka-Waka as it represented the World Cup? Thank god there was a reunion and I've got one shot to make them do it (Altho it's flawed, but it was still awesome). I'm lucky to have a family who were not shy.LOL. Love you guys!!!

I submitted my video with just a tiny weeny hope of winning. I never win a big contest before so I won't get my hopes high. By the way, the prize is meeting Lionel Messi in Barcelona, Spain for two.

Ramadhan is indeed a blessed month. I thank Allah for giving me the best gift so far. 

And the following is a video done by an amateur (I learnt how to use Vegas Pro in one night) so it's definitely flawed, but filled with the things I love the most : football, family and friends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5h8ir_Wwas

I am now planning excitedly for the trip and if anyone want me to say anything to Lionel Andres Messi, just tell me!It's not everyday you get to meet the best footballer in today's world. No puedo esperar a verte Messi!

Just to quote his Adidas advertisement:

"Impossible is Nothing".

After a while...

I haven't written in ages. Literally ages. Now I'm supposed to have all the time in the world to update my blog but well, as usual, the usual excuse like writer's block, mundane life etc brings months of absence.

But, as I know I don't have that many readers, I'll try to write for own fulfillment.

Ramadhan is here. The blissful month. I hope I'll make the best out of this holy month. I hope you do too. It's much more than foods and getting together for buka puasa and terawih prayers.It's a month of cleansing.

I've managed another holiday after my Eurotrip, it was to Cambodia with my girlfriends. The verdict: there's so much things to see and do at your own backyard that I do feel one should explore. Cambodia was a different adventure, especially to see the warmth of the people despite their hardships. It really humbled me. And it would definitely be a memorable journey as it brings friends together again (I hope so :)).

I have ended a stage of my life. I had fun in the sun with most vibrant people I know (I'll miss the geng kedai kopi. And the girls). It was like a school reunion everyday. Thanks guys for holding up with me :).

I'm entering my new phase of life. I feel like it is the real world now. That I couldn't afford to slack off. It is indeed a rezeki, alhamdulillah, but it is also a challenge so I'll try to grow up and face the waves (well, I had one important thing crossed out :D).

Shall end the post with a poem:

Life by Henry Van Dyke

Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best.

Euro Trip (London)

When the plane landed, there was a funny sound and everyone clapped. We have landed in our first and last destination, the great city of London!

In London, not only we went to all the main attractions, British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham etc, we stole some times to go and see two of main stadiums in London, the Reds (Arsenal) and Blues (Chelsea) of London. And I still think Manchester has the best looking stadium. LOL.

We also managed to watch a West End Show, Stomp at one of the many theater places in West End (we’ve got lost while searching for the right one). It was a bargain because we got the best seat for half price! The show was great; I could see they were very passionate with what they’re doing.

London was the easiest place to go around and also to find halal food. No wonder a lot of Malaysians stay there. It’s so comfortable (maybe because I went during Spring, can’t imagine the below zero temperature) and I just felt easy and safe somehow.

It was Bank Holiday and there were sales everywhere, so a lot of people were in every corner of Oxford Street. Thank god I was able to buy things because it was a long (but effective) queue.

That marks the end of my Euro Trip. I really hope to come back again (soon I hope) and go to Spain and Greece (especially Greece, I long for beautiful islands and beaches). I had fun, joy and a lot more. It was short and hectic, but sweet and unforgettable of course.

Viva Europe!

Euro Trip (Rome)

The Roman Empire was not built in one day. Yes, even touring Rome in one day won’t be enough so we allocate 1 and half there day. Verdict: Still not enough. I really wanted to tour Vatican City but due to limited time (and fund), we could only take picture at St Peter.

Me and another friend got into the tour guide group for Colosseum and it was great. The Italian by the name Gianluigi (yes, like Buffon’s name) was a passionate tour guide who told the story of Colosseum ( I wasn’t really paying attention due to picture taking and it was drizzling, so we were rushing off to see other places). Oh by the way, Gian was a cute Italian too. Hehe.

Rome’s buildings were indeed magnificent. To think they could carved all the sculptures and details that lasted by centuries was just mind blowing. I’m sure people with artistic mind will appreciate them more.

The hostel we’re staying, The Independence Square Hostel, was the best hostel we went to. Not only the room was nice, the caretaker (although seem cold at first) was a nice chap. We said to him that we would recommend the hostel to our friends, then he said, “Honey, write whatever that you feel from your heart.” Hehe. So caretaker (man, how could I forgot his name), Grazie per l'ospitalità e spero di rivederti!

Oh, another warning, those two days I was in Rome, there were two attempts of snatch thief right in front of me. To me, mind you. The money belt was really helpful and saved me from losing any important stuff. So just be careful because Rome was quite crowded and you could be distracted.

Tossed a coin into Trevi Fountain (which was beautiful) and you might come back to Rome! Well, I didn’t do it but maybe I would like to come back. One day. Heh.

Euro Trip (Venice)

There we were, in Venice, watching the waterways, with so many bridges and buildings. Where were we heading to? Most of the places we went were according to the Hostel world recommendations because we had limited time. So we went to St Marco, Rialto Bridge, and then taking the Vaporetto to go to Lido Beach.

Upon arriving on Lido beach, it was a side so different from the main attractions in Venice, mainly because it was so calm and less people were there. The beach might not be as beautiful, but the calmness and the breeze had me dozed off for nearly an hour. After all those walking, taking a break while chilling at the beach was the perfect activity to rejuvenate my tired feet and body.

We watched sunset from the Vaporetto, where Venice was indeed picturesque. Like taking a step back in time, everything is done traditionally so it’s a good break from the fast moving world. Indeed just like what I have imagined Venice to be.

While waiting for our night train to Rome arrived, we sat on the stairs, overlooking Venice at night. My friend even sang song that really made me miss someone over there. It was indeed a great day.

Euro Trip (Paris)

I’m procrastinating again. Let me write about the rest of my dream trip now before the memories start to fade away. Before I start writing, I would like to warn it might be long. (Or maybe I’ll just do them in parts. Hehe).

Paris

We nearly missed our Eurostar to Paris due to high confidence that not all 3 of us would overslept (before the trip this was my nightmare). Thank god there were the additional 2 guys who woke us up just in time. This trip consists of 5 people, 3 girls and 2 guys so it was more people that I have anticipated. The more the merrier!

In the train, we sat with an American guy who studied in London. And in the midst of volcano crisis, guess what was he studying? Geophysic. And he was on his way to study volcano in Spain. So our conversation revolved around Volcano and academics. Fun. Haha. He’s quite cute though. So thank god nothing like the guy in the movie Euro Trip (Mi Scuzi Mi Scuzi. LOL).

After 2 hours plus journey, Paris at last! One word. Je’taime. Heh. It’s so indeed romantic, people were in love everywhere. Even the street performers and the buildings looked so dreamy. Talking about dreamy, the people were gorgeous. I mean physically. Leather jacket, boots and scooter, what more could you ask? (I’m a sucker for boots and leather). Just one warning: Don’t go wandering during night at Moulin Rouge area; it’s dangerous because a bad incident occurred so just be careful. Singing in front of the Louvre was fun! Haha. Oh yes, a flattery thing happened: A Brazilian woman asked to take picture with us because she said we’re pretty and looked like we’re having fun. How sweet was that? Totally made my day :D.

I wished I could stay longer in Paris. Maybe I could go next during honeymoon (*wink*). Au Revoir Paris!

Dream Trip (Part 1)

I’m supposed to write about my dream trip. But I don’t know if I want to write long entries by parts or just summarized everything in one entry. Is it going to do justice to my memories? But I don’t know if I am rajin enough to write many entries (Maybe two lah), so I think I’m going to K.I.S.S (Keep it short and sweet).LOL. Here goes my journal:

KL to Manchester

KL: The volcano ashes made me and friends anxious about the probability of our flight got delayed. By god’s will, the flight was smooth, without any interruption at all. We arrived at Heathrow exactly as planned.

Heathrow:

There were 14 of us, with Abg Dzam as our tour guide, as he lives in Birmingham for years. We rented a minibus (or van) throughout the trip and our first stop was Birmingham, Abg Dzam’s house for breakfast.

Birmingham:

It was 4 am in the morning it it’s freaking COLD!As I have never experienced less than ten degree C temperature, my body was shivering. But the karipap, coffee and nasi lemak cured them. Our Host and family were the best of people. Then we’re off to Manchester.

Manchester:

Old Trafford at last! I was super excited, it’s like coming home to a place I have watched in talking box (a.k.a TV) for years (Sounds poyo I know). Then we went for the stadium tour (ooohs and aahhsss at every single thing) and bought merchandise at the Megastore. Checked in at Etap Hotel (So close.15 minutes walk to stadium) and went to Old Trafford again for the museum. We had dinner at a kebab place and flat out that night (First proper sleep since arrived).

Second day in Manchester: Match Day!!!Everyone around was clad with red, yellow and green (Love United Hate Glazer). There were booths selling so many items (The one I like was this t-shirt saying, ’Which ship has not sink in Liverpool: The Premiership!!LMAO!!Haha). We went inside around half an hour before match and guess what? The stadium was still empty!!They all went inside 5 minutes prior to the game. By the way, I sat in STRETFORD END, the area with the hardcore United fans! And man, they were the most passionate fans of all! We stood up the whole match, and listening to the fans singing so many United songs (I only know the glory2 and Giggsy song). The environment was unbelievable. Plus, United won the match so it’s worth the money alone. Indeed, dream came true: D.

Liverpool and Cheshire Oak

We went to Liverpool the next day and visit Anfield, Everton and Albert Dock. Liverpool Megastore sadly had more great items than the ones in Manchester (that’s the only thing that they are better at this season.LOL). Everton and Liverpool stadium were very close to each other, I wonder how the fans reacted when they were against each other. We rushed to Albert Dock and went to the Beatles Story shop because we had to head off to Cheshire Oak.

Cheshire Oak is a must place to go in UK. Designers outlets were everywhere with freakingly cheap prices. Because I was in a budget trip, I couldn’t spend much. Sobs. All of the other guys proved that guys could be shopaholic too. We’re off to London as our train to Paris departs early next morning and their flights home departs tomorrow night.

That’s the end of our trip with the Mymanutd guys. It was great and they were bunch of sporting brothers. Keep the spirit up and Glory2! Indee d an awesome start.

Coming up: Paris, Venice, Rome and London story…