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Esc. by Budak Tomato | Book Review
September 12, 2017
This book is highly recommended by few other bloggers and people on Twitter. Because of that, I am triggered to get myself a copy of it. Again, as shown on the front cover - Bestseller di MPH. Ehemm.
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| Front cover. |
Title: Esc.
Author: Budak Tomato
Pages: 175
Publisher: Iman Publications
Publication Date: August 2015
I categorized this book as self-reflection and self-help.
Budak Tomato - the first time I know this person virtually when I came across his blog and attracted with his pieces of Chad and Qiden. Upon reading his blog posts, they reminded me of Hlovate. Their styles are not really the same but I have no idea why it feels related.
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Let me share what I have learned by reading this book so far. :)
1. Responsibilities.
While reading this page, it reminds me of two main goals in our life - to be the a'bid (worshiper of Allah) and khalifah (leader). I think I've shared many times on this topic in this blog - just for a reminder to myself.
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me".
- Quran 51:56
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| Hak kepada Allah, hak kepada manusia. |
2. Budak Usrah.
Maybe some people are allergic to the word 'usrah' - I had that phase before; a long phase before I realized it somehow helps me to develop a better version of myself. Just like other people, I have my own past - the past that I would love to erase from my life. But thing has been done, I can't do changes on it.
After getting to know these kind of so-called 'budak usrah', I know that people deserved to be treated not because of what they have done, but how they are right now and in the future. People can change. The world can change.
Usrah is not about getting to know our religion alone - it offers more than that - friendships, general knowledge, career tips, attitudes, life tips. :)
3. Sincerity.Human loves compliments, somehow. -_-'
I am currently preparing my mental for housemanship (I have no idea when). It is going to be a tough phase - to adapt with the system and to actually 'work'.
Be sincere.
Expect nothing from humans but rewards from Allah, ameen. Maybe if not here in this world, may everything we have done can help us later - in the other world.
4. Respect."Pergi sana sini orang kenal."
Somehow, Budak Tomato's words help me to realize and change my perception on this.
Honestly, I prefer not to be known by so many people. There are advantages anyway for being known - of course people treat you differently. I am known as my dad's only daughter in my town and it feels so bad when people know me (some can even call my name) but unfortunately I can't recall their names and our relations. T_T
Sorry ayah.
5. Appreciate our family.
Do we realized that we tend to fight with our siblings more than with our friends?
Do we realized that we tend to care about other people than our own family members?
6. The lost.
8 days left to the very first 'one year' since you left us.
Moga Allah lapangkan kuburmu, dijauhkan sebarang gangguan di dalamnya.
Moga ditempatkan bersama orang-orang yang soleh.
Moga semua doa kami sampai kepadamu dan mampu menenangkanmu di alam sana.
Ameen.
My rating: ★★★★★
I love all books that I've read so far. :)
Thanks guys for all recommendations!
SS, Perak, Malaysia
170912
Arkitek Jalanan by Teme Abdullah | Book Review
September 5, 2017
Honestly, I read this book first without knowing it is actually the second book. After reading Pelukis Jalanan, I would recommend to read them from Pelukis to Arkitek Jalanan. But, it does not really matter if you start with this one anyway.
I read Arkitek Jalanan on my way to Johor Bahru, the time I went to Singapore. It was surprisingly really intriguing as I managed to finish reading it within few hours!
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| Front cover. |
Pelukis Jalanan by Teme Abdullah | Book Review
September 4, 2017
This book was already in my bucket list to read after my BFG since months ago and alhamdulillah, I managed to get myself a copy of it in Popular. On the front page of Pelukis Jalanan, it stated "Bestseller di MPH" and yes, even in Popular, it is still in best selling rack despite it was published more than a year ago. :)
Pelukis Jalanan is the first book, followed by Arkitek Jalanan. In this post, I will share my thoughts on Pelukis Jalanan first and the next post will be for Arkitek Jalanan. :)
Let's go.
Title: Pelukis Jalanan
Author: Teme Abdullah
Pages: 215
Publisher: Iman Publications
Publication Date: January 2016 (PJ)
Synopsis:
Hmm, actually I am not sure if there is any synopsis written. But, let me share roughly about it.
This book is about the life of Teme Abdullah (Teme) on how he struggled to fund himself in an architecture school in London after he failed to pass the cut-off points from his sponsor for A-Level. There were a lot of life lessons and experiences that Teme had encountered while surviving abroad especially on how he worked hard for the tuition fee, how he was betrayed by his friend, how he managed to continue securing a good, supportive friend and finally how he went through the architecture course itself.
"Jika diberi peluang berpatah balik masa, perbetulkan semuanya, mengelak kegagalan berlaku, dan hidup dengan selesa, aku akan memilih untuk tidak lakukannya. Kerana pengalaman inilah anugerah bernilai Allah kepada aku.”
[Teme Abdullah]
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He is a strong guy, I must say. And I wonder if I happened to be in his shoes, what exactly will I do. At a very young age (I expect Teme leave for UK at the age of 19), he did a very challenging task - to survive.
Some of the things Teme shared there, I can indirectly relate them to my own life - either as a non-Malaysian university student and things I have encounter while staying abroad.
1. "In life, we will never get the same things as others. Never will. We are predestined to our own sustenance (rizq)."
Teme shared that he did not pass the cut-off points needed to fly. I did A-Level as well before, I can understand the struggle to meet the points. I had my rebellious phase that time. For some topics, I did not get it why I need to learn them, followed by A-Level - because I could not see the practicality of it that time - especially mathematics. I survived just for the fact - I love learning -_-' (minus the stress).
Teme's thought really opens my mind, anyway.
2. Parents' blessings.
As a grown up child, I realised most parents really care about their children. Teme's mother even planned to put their house into mortgage to help with the finance. Parents always want the best for the kids, even if they need to sacrifice a lot (in which they already sacrificed so much).
3. Teme's positive vibes.
The way Teme looks into life, is really adorable - I mean the positiveness (most of the time he think positively). I love the moment when Teme shared his thought on tawakkal - it is on page 148. This is a life lesson that I learn to treasure the most when I started my study in Czech. Not to put all burden of expectation on myself or other people but to rely on Allah with every step and effort that I make.
I was affected so much to read how Teme struggled with his monthly rent. Alhamdulillah, I had no problem with paying rents before but to search for a good flat with good price was never an easy job. My flatmate and I lost a lot of money before we secured a roof-top flat with no lift for us.
And if you are wondering what is the average flat rent in Czech - in Hradec Kralove itself it is RM1300+ per person per month (including energy and Internet). If in Prague, plus at least RM300 to it. The monthly allowance is usually enough for sponsored students (at least in the small town). Dealing with fussy landlord was another nightmare. T_T
4. Teme's artworks.
Honestly, I have no idea about Teme before until it became viral one time ago on social media. His artworks are awesome.
"Tak semua orang reti melukis, Teme. Kau rasa biasa-biasa, tapi bagi orang yang tak biasa, dah cukup mengagumkan dah. Bersyukurlah Allah bagi kau kebolehan menghiburkan orang dengan hanya buat perkara yang bagi kau 'biasa-biasa' je." - Ahmad
I am not into buildings much, but his quick sketches attracted me. My drawing skill is maybe just 1% of Teme's but sometimes I love sketching as well - especially for human anatomy when I was in my first year. :D
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Overall, I honestly recommend this book to read. Other than reading life stories of 'sponsored' oversea students - like me, this is another level of survival.
My rating: ★★★★★
SS, Perak, Malaysia
170904
Semusim Di Barzakh by Hadi Fayyadh
September 3, 2017
I just started to read again, slowly. Alhamdulillah :) Thanks to all lovely ladies to keep on sharing reviews on books that encourage me so much to read (and make me jealous a bit to think how amazing you guys are to always be with books haha).
To write reviews on Malay books, it makes me think thrice either to write in Malay or English. Adoi. Anyway, let's check this book out.
What Should We Know About Traveloka and KL2017?
August 25, 2017
Well, what is trending in Malaysia right now?
Most Malaysians know it right? Yep, exactly. The 29th SEA Games and 9th ASEAN Para Games are currently held in Malaysia. Most events are held around Kuala Lumpur. Despite the fact that sailing was held in Langkawi, to make these events to be easily remembered, they are branded as Kuala Lumpur 2017 - hence the hashtag #KL2017. :)
1. Gold sponsor of KL2017.
I am sure you guys realized Traveloka is stated on most banners of KL2017. It is one of sponsors! To be exact, one of the proud Gold sponsors for this KL2017. Haaa, to those who wonder what is the difference between Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsor... they are actually categorized by their sponsorship - Gold means RM 3M to RM 7.5M. Wow.
To those who are not familiar with Traveloka or simply have no idea what is Traveloka, let me give you rough idea about it. Traveloka is a platform to get one of the best hotel and flight offers for our travel trips. It is currently getting stronger around Southeast Asia.
2. Official online travel partner for KL2017.
As the official online travel partner for KL 2017, Traveloka offers a lot for visitors to travel and explore our beloved country, Malaysia - not only for foreigners but for us, Malaysians as well. Malaysia is really truly Asia, this is actually our own advantage to fully use Traveloka to plan our next trip around Malaysia.
Hello, Malaysia is the latest and on-going promotion (book till 31st August 2017) that we should not missed, especially those travelers who are currently planning their trip. Can you imagine Traveloka offers up to 40% hotel and flight discounts? :O
Honestly, I just enjoyed a good price and experience with Traveloka few days ago. My uncle and aunt were going to perform their Hajj, they need to check in at Tabung Haji Complex Bayan Lepas by 1 am. So basically the rest of us planned to stay a night at a hotel close to the complex. We chose Hotel Seri Malaysia Penang as it is located just 5-6km away and we are frequent guests of Hotel Seri Malaysia, so we are familiar with its standard and style.
To my surprise, the price offered by Traveloka was RM150 for a family room (3 persons) while the hotel itself charged RM 200+ for that specific date. The room rate is usually around RM 160 - RM200 - it depends.
Awesome. :D
3. Other Traveloka's offers for KL2017.
If you have the chance to watch any live games at Bukit Jalil, why not drop by at Traveloka booth there?
I really want to join the other Malaysians at Bukit Jalil or any other venues. I am an athlete myself :D Seriously I love sports and activities involving our body so much. Other than to cheer for our national team there, maybe this can be my second chance to meet KJ in person. :D However, I have other priorities to do this month so I am cheering in front of the television! :)
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| #talldarkandhandsome :D :D |
It is said that Traveloka organizes few contests there (like photo-booth and placard contests) and who knows any of us may win the prizes. I have been told that the prizes total worth of RM 200 000! Since I can not be there right now, you guys have one competitor less, hehe.
Anyway, for people who stay far away from Kuala Lumpur (like me), no worries guys. We still have chances to win something from Traveloka! Wohoooo.
How?
Go to this link http://travelokakl2017.com.my/. and next to the home button (on top of the page), you can see 'contest'. "Predict The Winner, Be The Winner!" The contest is as simple as ABC. You can read the instructions on the page itself. RM100 travel coupons are offered! WOW. RM 100 means so much to me, honestly. :)
Ahaaaa, to those who want to watch any live-streams and would like to keep updated with KL2017, you can simply stream the videos on the same link. This is very helpful Malaysians who are staying or currently abroad. I had problems myself to enjoy live sport events (like Thomas Cup etc) when I was in Czech back then. So, this time, to those Malaysians out there... you have no excuse to say you have no idea how to keep updated with this event as I have told you :) :)
Simply click on the link I mentioned earlier and you can access YouTube and Facebook Live for KL2017.
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Let's cheer for our national team and our country!
#KitaJuara #BangkitBersama #KL2017
All the best, athletes of Malaysia!
SS, Perak, Malaysia
170824
6 Things I Need to Consider Before Booking An Accommodation
August 24, 2017
Accommodation is very important thing to plan if we want to spend the night properly and comfortably, but based on the budget as well. I know that there are so many websites showing the best price for any hotel / hostels, but so far I will check booking.com, hostelbookers.com, airbnb.com.
So, what are the criteria I am looking forward for the accommodation?
1. Am I travelling alone?
If I am on my own, I would definitely choose hostel (female dorm) that I can cut cost and have the chance to mingle with random travelers.
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| Example of dorm. |
Female dorm vs mix dorm?
- It is a bit hard to find hostels with female dorm instead of mix room. Some people don't mind sharing room with opposite gender but I am not that person (no matter how open-minded I am).
- It is not that I did not consider at all, I had actually... but to think about all consequences, I made up my mind to spend extra money for a room for myself instead of mix room. That's what happened when I solo-traveled to Zakopane, Poland few months ago.
Obviously, it can cost 2-3x the price but I did it for the sake of my safety, inner peace and my faith.
2.1. If not alone, am I travelling with my family?
If I am going with family, Airbnb / a hotel room / a nice hostel room with en suite bathroom will be my preferences.
- Toilets - you know, parents they really care about toilets and I don't want to burden them with all necessary attire just to go to the toilets if we shared them with other travelers. My parents are getting used to keep the toilets dry, but sometimes it is hard to take wudu' (ablution without spilling water here and there).
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| Toilet in Italy. |
- Kitchen - I love the idea of Airbnb when there is a kitchen (if I rent the whole house / apartment) so that my mum can cook. Well... once again, parents are from different generations, they are not familar with Western restaurants and actually they just don't feel good eating in places that are... well, you know why.
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| Kitchen - some Airbnb owner will provide few food for free. |
I have my reasons / firm belief of going to restaurants and I've checked with many sources especially Fiqh Luar Negara. So, if I am travelling with my parents, I respect their decisions and well, who does not want to eat mum's home-cooked meals, huh? :D
2.2. If not alone, am I travelling with my friends?
We usually look for Airbnb, so far. Other than that, we will book an entire room for hostels.
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| King bed. |
3. Refering to point 1 and 2 - check the location.
Again, it also depends with whom I am travelling. Of course, with family I prefer somewhere closer to any bus / train stop or in the city center (although it will be a bit pricey).
- If we are travelling by car (road trip), as long as they provide free parking spaces and close to any public transportation stations, it should be okay (trust me, ticking parking spaces will filter out a lot of choices huhu). Any supermarket nearby is a bonus.
- Consider Uber to travel around if needed.
- Also consider if the stations nearby provide lifts / escalators. I seriously will minimize stairs for my parents unless it is beyond my control (unexpected renovation etc T__T)
4. Reviews.
I usually refer reviews before booking a place to stay, well I am sure all of us did. :)
Sometimes, I will personally ask friends to recommend any hostels they've tried. So far, I have good experiences with most places I have stayed. Ask them so that you always have low expectations of the places. Check reviews in hostelbookers, hostelworld, airbnb, booking.com, Trip Advisor, Google maps.
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| Good reviews :) |
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| Free food! |
The things I would focus from the reviews are:
- strength of the WiFi
- cleanliness of the toilets / rooms
- sound-proof rooms etc
5. Price.
This is usually the thing to filter after gathering few choices around the city we want to stay. I usually love to cut costs, but it depends on the situation (especially refer to point #1)
For Europe, I will put a limit of Euro 20/person/night when searching around. Usually the accommodation I have been to will be around that price. The cheapest I've got in Europe is around Euro 10-15. This applies to Airbnb as well, okay?
I have never been on a proper trip around Asia yet. So, I am sorry I can't say much.
Oh yea, another points to note:
- Always check for extra costs - like cleaning fees and service fees. Booking.com usually give cheap price but some rare occasion, the owner of the place will charge you extra cleaning fees
- If you are willing to pay security deposit, feel free to do so. For me, I will avoid that.
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| The bowl closer to the glass wall is called bidet - check here on how to use it. |
6. Before booking a room, always check the main website for that place.
For example, if you found any interesting place to stay, please check its own website. I had few experiences that if you contact the place directly, the price is way cheaper or they are doing some promotions. Well, no harm to check, right? If website is more expensive, you can just return to those booking sites and make reservations. I don't have trouble with all sites i have mentioned earlier.
This idea is similar to booking flight tickets. Of course I will use all the search engines but I will check the websites of the airlines afterwards.
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Please feel free to add anything you will consider before booking any rooms.
I would love to read yours. :D
Mind sharing your tips to book any accommodation in Malaysia / Asia? Please, kindly drop any comments. <3
SS, Perak, Malaysia
170818
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