Promise

I was in 3 countries in one day. All for a promise I had to fulfill.

8am Friday left for Singapore from Thailand. Reach Singapore at 11.30am.

Made a surprise call to my father and met at the airport at 12noon.

Had lunch at World Trade Centre food court with him. I know he missed me a lot. Just that he didn't say it. Had a good chat with him. Went for Friday prayers and then headed for the ferry terminal. Took the earliest ferry to Batam with hope that a flight to Solo, Indonesia will be available for me at Hang Nadim International Airport.

My guitarist's grandmother in Solo, Yogyakarta, Central Java, is critically ill. She was diagnosed with cancer a month ago. Her breathing got worse a week ago. I had to see her soon.

When she came to Singapore, she made me promise to visit her again before she left for Indonesia. I couldn't say no. I'm very close and attached to her with reasons I just cannot explain. It was as if we are related. I just had to fulfill that promise and at least see her for one last time.

Here I am, typing away at an Internet cafe called Google.net just nearby her house. At least for now, she could still smile when I visited her at the hospital. I've never felt such overwhelming mixture of sadness, happiness and helplessness seeing her on the bed. Allah granted me my wish. Alhamdulillah.

I really don't know how long I will be here. I only have 30 days. I just want to be with her as long as I can. After that, my whole backpacking trip will be taking a totally new detour.

Await good news and interesting stories. That, I assure you. For now, your silent prayers are truly appreciated. May god lessen Bu' Uwa's pain and suffering. InsyaAllah, Amin.

jamiel
Breathing Sampoerna air finally

Punch me hard

Went to see Tim and Sun kick each others' ass in Muay Thai. It was more of an exhibition.


But injuries are always inevitable. I should know better.


It's been known that one of the most lethal martial arts in the world is muay thai. One freaking body shot with the leg will leave you with broken ribs with none to spare.



This place is actually situated just beside the Ekamai BTS station. Every week, Thai cultural performances will be held there. It's more of a cultural hub. They have their semi-finished artificial ancient ruins.

We have our CCs.

jamiel
knocked out

Randomness

Here's me and Sergio just finished watching Rocky Balbao. Awesome show with a simple warm plot; to persevere and help those in need while you still have the position to do so. The whole nostalgic feeling of being Rocky came when the song came out! "Pam pam pam pam!" He started running with this new pooch that he saved from the pound. I was so hooked to it that I went to buy Rocky 1 to 5 the next day. Had a Rocky marathon on my own.


Finally found a sign that wrote the Uni's name.


Some of the buses that I could take.


Went to walk around Siam Paragon and found this bunch of Thai students taking photos in weird positions. Ride on!


Steps you'll see if you visit the mall.


The crazy people I hang out with. The Korean is a constant Thai chick magnet everywhere he goes. Sheeesh...


I can't say much about this professor. Very drama mama. Time is running out. Thailand's been a blast. Tomorrow's my last paper but I still have to attend a field trip to a fisherman's village 2 days after the exams. Right after that, I'll head back to Singapore before departing for Indonesia and the other countries.

jamiel
ran do mness