Umroh: Part 1 (Jeddah - Medina)

Ola amigo! Rainy season has come! Have you prepared your own raincoat? The weather here in Jakarta has been so lovely, I think. The city has been shrouded in black clouds lately. But it makes you miss the sunshine a bit, don't you think? Speaking of sunshine, I wanna tell you about my visit to several cities that always exposed by sun throughout the year (according to some sources: rain only pour 2 times during one year in those cities). Yup, it's Umroh Trip! And the cities I mentioned before were Medina, Mecca, and Jeddah. So, back in may, me and my family (dad, mom, 2 younger brothers) including my grandma, my uncle, and lil bro's friend went to Saudi Arabia for approximately 1 week for Umroh. That was a very precious moment because we finally found a chance to gather over our packed schedule and to be honest, this was my first trip abroad. So the excitement went rising to the highest level.

The flight schedule supposed to be at 2 pm but we went straight to the airport at 11 am because of some regulations that requires the participants to arrive early and gather 3 hours before boarding time. So we waited for about 2 hours at the airport. But to be honest, there's no boring moment at all because all I can feel is only the excitement!! And finally here it comes the boarding time. Off we went to depart to Jeddah! Bismillah. :)

So after 9 hours flight, we finally arrived at King Abdul Aziz airport at 12am (if I'm not mistaken). We had to wait for about 1,5 hours until the immigration officers are ready. I find it a lil bit boring to wait because my body already in a tired state, so I tried to distract myself with snacking and playing with my cellphone after Isha prayer. Actually, besides all the excitement that makes my heart beating so fast, honestly I also feel a lil bit anxious because of arabia's myth and stories that I heard from people who already went for Umroh. But alhamdulillah, everything's well because I keep praying I won't do any harm here. After the immigration thingy had finally finished, we directly went to bus to head to Medina (approx 5 hours from Jeddah). In the bus we got our dinner and surprisingly our dinner menu was none other than rendang!! Hahaha. We flew hundred miles away from Indonesia and got rendang inside our box meal! I found it a bit funny but it turns out that it's a common menu because so many Indonesian go to Saudi Arabia along the year.

Arrived at 4am in the morning, we had to wait (again) to get our rooms prepared. Because the trip was at peak season, so the visitor quite a lot and the hotel's employees were extremely busy. Our group wasn't the only group that had to wait until we get our room. But before us, there were 1 or 2 groups that already waited in lobby. So after waiting for 30mins, we got the key and went straight to our room and when we entered the room, it surprised me because it much more looks like an apartement than a hotel room. Got no enough time to rest, we then went straight to Al-Masjid An-Nabawi to do subuh prayer. The distance between hotel and Nabawi is really close. Only takes 5 minutes walk. By the way, looking at so many people walking to the Mosque to pray is just too breath-taking to be honest. Feels different when I'm in Indonesia. In Medina, I feel that I'm really nothing. Just a body filled with stack of sin. And I'm so thankful that I've got a chance to feel that feeling. It makes me realized that life isn't only about how we live now, but how we live the life after the death.

The first time I stepped my feet on Nabawi's floor was absolutely thrilling. I am completely in awe by how well the architecture is. High ceiling with many stripes ornaments on the wall that sometimes resemble Egypt's. Along the corridor there're tons gallons of zamzam water and you are able to choose whether you want to drink it cold or warm. And it's all free. The mosque is divided into several sections and each section is big. Each entrances are guarded by Askar. No cellphone and camera allowed inside the mosque. So, sadly, I didn't get to take any photos inside the mosque. But I think it's fair enough because I don't want to spoil you too much. You have to experience it yourself! :p

pardon their sleepy faces, pals! :p

So many merchants on the way back to the hotel. They sell various things from meals until jewellery. The unique things is when I went to the mosque there're no merchants at all alongside the street. But when the prayer had finally done, you could find them in every step. After doing little investigation, I got the fact that there is city's regulation that prohibiting the merchant to sell when it comes to prayer time. They will be forfeit if they still doing trading activities in the time of prayer. So here they were selling this and that after the prayer had finally finished. The mosque's courtyard was completely packed and crowded. You can hear the merchant shouts "10ribu rupiah! 10 ribu rupiah!" from every corner of the street.

And the city tour had finally begun after we finished our breakfast at 9. The first destination was Quba Mosque. It took about 30 mins to go there from the hotel. Quba Mosque is actually the oldest mosque in the world. For more information about this mosque, you can read it here. We didn't get enough time to enjoy the scenery because the schedule was packed so the tour leader said we gotta hurry move to the next destination. We spent approx 1 hour to enjoy the view, take some photos, and do sunnah prayer. And then, off we went to the next destination!

The tour continued to Jabal Uhud. During the trip from Quba Mosque to Jabal Uhud, I've seen cluster of rocks along the way. Another awesomeness to enjoy because I haven't seen that kind of view in Indonesia. We finally arrived at Jabal Uhud in no time. Completely forgot about the length of travel time but all I can remember is when we arrived there, the sun was at its peak. It was so hot. And as far as the eyes could see, I've only seen rock mountain, sand hill, and hundreds of people trying to reach its peak to pray and enjoy the scenery.

My youngest brother with his friend. Kinda Swag, aren't they? :p

Time went so fast when you're in happy mode, indeed. The schedule for day 1 is finally over. We went back to hotel to get some rest and we also went to Nabawi Mosque. On the way back from mosque, me and my mom decided to take a different path to reach the hotel for sight-seeing. Neighborhood around the mosque is full with so many hotels. The sun is always shining so bright in Medina, but surprisingly it's always fresh, either the air or the atmosphere. Speaking of fresh, I think I'm going to divide the story into several posts to keep the mood 'fresh'. Hehehe. So, to stop my finger and to cover up the story, here is a glimpse of Nabawi Mosque. All photos taken by my brother, Ilham.

P.S: Actually there are few destinations more that I visited during the tour in day 1. But pardon my lame brain, pals. I can't seem to remember the details of each places. But one thing for sure, I also visited palm groves and another place on day 1. So, I'll see you on the next post with more interesting story to tell. Adios!!

The Journey

So, yes, finally the journey come to an end. I'm no longer uni student now and I've graduated as Bachelor of Communication. So relieved that I can fulfill my task and now I am so ready to enter the next phase of life. :)

Maybe I've told you a bit in my previous post that I read so many racism and representation e-books. Actually, my final assignment was about the representation of toddler in television advertisement. The research was about how toddler appeared in tv ad and it discussed from a to z. Umm, toddler and racism? I know maybe few of this post's reader will think "Do toddlers and racism connect? Do toddler suffering racism too? Not just adults?" So I gotta say yes. They do. And to be honest that's a miserable fact. How can a cute creature (angel in disguise to be exact) suffering cruel problem like that? But it happened. And it was showed globally through television. Okay, stop. I think that's enough. Actually this time I'm gonna tell you about what happened on my final defense. So, let's get it started!!

The final defense actually was going to be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 8 o'clock in the morning. Unfortunately the schedule moved to the next day because the 3 lecturers had another schedule on Tuesday. So the final defense rescheduled to Wednesday, July 20th at 10 o'clock in the morning. I knew the schedule about a week before the due date, thank God I still have plenty of time to study and also check re-check my final task. To be honest, my heart was beating so fast when I read the announcement. I can't control it and nervousness level went high. Up to the highest level I think. But I was very lucky at that time because my guardian angel, my mom, generously came to Semarang 1 day before d-day to support me in final defense. Lucky me!

Time rolled on and finally the final defense was only about 12 hours to go. The nervousness level went high again (fyi I finally managed to control the nervousness level 2 days after the announcement). I tried to distract it with praying and chatting with my mom but when I continued to study, my heart was beating fast again. Huftness ;p

So the day finally came. I woke up at 5 and did shubuh prayer. I took a bath and put clothes and some make up on. I also managed to iron my hair for the sake of appearance. Hahaha. At 8.30, Ison came home to pick me and my mother up (yes, I hadn't have any breakfast yet) and we arrived at 8.50 in campus. Oh well, here it comes the nervousness monster again! When I stepped my feet on the building, that feeling I had on the night before d-day came again. For sure, it never get bored to haunt me. Making me afraid and anxious.

I sat in front of lecturer's office room because the 2 lecturers and 1 examiner hadn't come yet. Lucky me I still had plenty of time to re-read my final assignment and thought about what answer would be the best for this and that questions. And lalalaa, one by one my lecturer came to campus and luckily I didn't have to wait any longer because the they were on time. At 10.05 I entered the assembly room. Surprisingly, I could walk lightly and enjoy because the silly nervousness monster suddenly gone! Alhamdulillahirobbilalamin I just thanked God for giving me too many luck at that time. So I began my presentation and it was only about 15 mins and continued with Q&A session that more like discussion I think. Hehehe. The questions were beyond my expectation and I could answer all the questions. I thought that the questions would be really complex and difficult. But it happened contrary. It was easy and smooth. Once again I have to say alhamdulillah because Allah SWT is so kind by showering me tons of luck! The final defense lasted for only 45 minutes and I walked out from assembly room with big smile on my face because lecturers told me that I'VE FINALLY GRADUATED. YES, I'M A BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION. EDWINA NUROCTAVIANI S.I.KOM :)

More surprise to come, few of my friends already waited outside to support me. Yay! That day was definitely my lucky day. Oh yea, I didn't forget to call my mom, telling her that I've managed to do it successfully and she sounded so happy knowing that her eldest child will be back to her arm, lol. FYI, my mother was waiting in library because she promised to meet her old friend there. It's time to celebrate the day! And we won't forget to take some pics.. :)

So happy and sad at the same time. Happy because of the title behind my name, and sad because of the fact that sooner or later I will be leaving Semarang. I think I've fallen in love with Semarang. It feels so funny how I hate Semarang at the beginning and finally be in love at the end. I guess that famous quote is definitely true. Tak kenal maka tak sayang! LOLest.

Along with this post I want to say thank you to Mas Hedi and Mas TL for being a very nice adviser for me. I also want to thank Mas Adi for being a kind and helpful examiner on the day. You guys were awesome!! The best lecturers I've ever met! Rock on, Mas! \m/

I won't forget to thank my mother too for giving me unstoppable support. You're truly an angel in disguise for me. I can't thank you enough. Thanks for showering me too much love. :)

I also want to thank my brother and his camera, my friend Moci, Mba Sha, Dhifa, Ayu, and Rizka. You guys were too kind, spare some time among the tight schedule just for come and support me. Thank you.

Last but not least I want to say thank you to the best boyfriend in the world (for me), the one and only, Muhammad Ihsan. I love you I love you I love you :*

FYI, when I write about this post, I already sit in my room in Jakarta. I moved 3 weeks ago and currently applying to few companies. So, my activities now are sending email, printing documents, being interviewed, and so on. Hopefully I can be accepted sooner because too many dreams that I want to chase! I want to be student (again) right away and for that dream, I have to take few courses and those courses need money definitely. Hehehe. Well I think I'm gonna stop blabbering now and I'll write about my graduation party on my next post. Oh yea, I'll also write about my umroh trip. So, stay tune pals!

An Existence

I feel bad for abandoning my blog again and i guess the word 'sorry' isn't enough anymore to say. I truthfully sure i want to update my blog regularly. But when i got the will to do it, there comes the distraction and obstruction, and i end up with nothing but neglecting this blog. I do ask for the apologize.

I guess some of you might already think that this 2010 year has been round so fast. Way too fast for sure. I still remember how bliss it was on the new year's eve on December, 31st last year. I also remember how excited it was to made 2010's wish list and now, it's already December again. Gosh, somehow i think this is a dream. But i knew i'm totally wrong on this. It's real but sometimes i couldn't accept it. It's just too fast and i'm afraid because i haven't got the things i want this year. But i need to admit i've got a heap of lessons this year. Good and bad. Pleasure and tears. Amusement and indignation. Loyalty and betrayal. One story that might i will never forget about, November had been a tough month for me. I've lost two family members last month, my uncle and my aunt. They passed away 2 weeks ago because of ill. It was such a sad condition for me and other family members. I earnestly pray for their salvation in the grave. May Allah had forgiven the sins they were made when they were alive. May Allah give them the best places in heaven. Amien.

Talking about the wish list itself, i simply still can't believe that it's been a year since i wrote it down to my blog. In other words, my blog is also grow up into the next step of its existence. This blog is totally different from the very first time i made it. Beside changing its layout and design, at first i used this blog as a diary journal. Filled by my daily activities and other interesting stories (for me). Well, i need to say i'm still keep it back and forth. But two things that make it different are: i'm now using english as a default language on my each posts and i regularly post about fashion-related issues and food reviews (great topics i liked the most). I knew i haven't been a good writer or a great fashion lover or a nice food reviewer if you could compare to other bloggers. I sometimes found that my writing isn't well-structured, uncountable grammatical errors and misplacement sentence. I also found that my fashion photos are such a lame photos to see. I do apologize for it once again and i hope i can make a better improvement on this blog ahead. Wish me tons of luck, dear pals!

Some of you might also realized that this past two months, the sun is really shy to show its brightness and i know sooner or later it'll affect your health. Sometimes seeing the rain pouring down is such a contentment to see. But don't let the rain beat you down, pals! Don't forget to drink some milk and vitamin. You don't want to end this year by lying down in your bed under your thick blanket, do you? ;)

● WIENA ●

Light of My Life

This post is dedicated to my beloved mom who was having a birthday on October 15th. Happy birthday, Ibu. Sorry for being fashionably late to post this post. It won't reduce my love for you. Thanks for being the best mother for me. I love you like a lot. Even words can't describe it.

 

7 reasons that make me proud of my mommy:

1. The Real Survivor

When she was a kid, she said that she was unfortunately under a poverty condition. She used to wake up in early morning (really early for sure) and got to help her mother (my granny) to sell some foods to market near their house. After that, she went home and prepared herself because she got to go to school at 7. Phew. That's why she always warns me to not to be too consumptive because you don't know what will happen tomorrow. (although i often break than obey it. :p)

2. Being Able To Do Mostly Job

Besides doing what house wife usually does, my mom is also being able to do some jobs that well-known as a man's job such as cutting grass, cleaning the fish pond, and fixing the tile. Hahaha. What a tough woman she is! Even i never ever imagine to do some tasks like that. ;0

 

3. Bestfriend in Any Condition

Happy or sad, up or down, my mother will be there listen to my whole story no matter what happen. She accepts it all unconditionally. Although sometimes she gives me some surprising advices, but i'm thankful because not many people are as lucky as i am who could be a best friend with her own mom.

4. She Has A Good Fashion Sense

Every women on earth definitely love shopping. So does my mom. Retail therapy is her hobby and she has a good fashion sense. She often shops good fabric and fabulous bag. And i'm thankful (once again) because i can borrow her stuffs without buying it first at store. Hihihi.

5. Good at Cooking

Well, i know that almost all mothers are really good at cooking. But, i dare you to taste her home-made spaghetti and ice cream.. I guarantee you will like it and ask for another portions! :)

6. Ready to Help Anytime

Sometimes life could be sucks especially when you meet someone who's irritating enough for you. My mother experienced it in many times. Like when she gotta deal with some irritating neighbors because of their uneducated mouths. But surprisingly, my mom never really really mad at them. She always there, ready to help everyone who needs it. No matter what they've already done to my mom. Oh mom, you're such a lovable person!

7. She Has A Good Sense of Humor Too

She loves to make some joke and telling it to her children. Laughing and smiling is her hobby too.. Even she could laughing at some unimportant joke for 30 minutes non-stop! That's also count as a reason why i have to be proud with my mommy, aite? ;)

Oh well, maybe i could spend 24 hours or more sitting in front of my laptop and writing about bunch of reasons why i have to be proud with my mommy. But i know it would be such a lame post to read. So how are you, pals? What's going on with you lately? Tell me! :)

● WIENA ●

What I remember the most.

It's been a busy week for me because i have to working on many pre midtest assignment and repeatedly learn about few lessons that lecturer's given to me. Yes it's mid term exam week. And it keeps me awake until dawn. On Monday, I worked on 3 pre midtest assigments for sure. 1 hour working on it and 1 hour and a half hit the bed to get some rest. Hahaha. Lazy me! Although i've been busy, but I did had such a great weekend on April 18th. (i'm sorry if i'm such a less update person). I thought my weekend would be boring because there're lotsa assignments that has to be done on Monday and i haven't been working on it before. But then i found myself with the weekend rescuer, the only one Paunchy Monster, we went to our new favorite restaurant then had a nice dinner. We ate a big portion of king crab with sour & sweet sauce and it went really delicious, then got back to my grandma's home with fully-loaded tummy and talked about much topics (mostly about our group assignment. Sigh.) But i really do enjoy this weekend. Thank God for it.

Another thing that make my mood turns great on last weekend was just because i had a nice phonecall from mom and she was happy because daddy bought him a thing that she wanted for long time ago. And she told me about daddy's great achievement. I smiled when i heard it. I'm so happy for him. I know he's been trying so hard to finally got that achievement. Way too hard for sure and he's truly deserved it. Congratulations daddy! :) Suddenly remember about my childhood memories when mom finished her phonecall. I laughed and feel ashamed when i remember about how silly i was. But it's just too sweet. Yes everyone does have such a sweet moments of their childhood memory. So do i. Ahh, suddenly i wanna go back exactly at those time. Time flies really fast and here i am now, a 20 years old girl turn to be an adult woman. I aint no more daddy's crybaby who frequently asked to carried on his back. I'm standing right here with my own feet. Yes, it's just too sweet to remeber. So, I did a flashback about what kind of things i remember the most and these are the results:

1. Daddy fed me using rice spoon.

Hahaha. I know i know it's kinda weird. But my dad did that when i was 4 or 5. Well my house was being renovated at that time and and all the furniture in a house were so messy, including the cutlery. I'm very hungry at that time and eventually cry, then daddy possessed of ideas and end up used the rice scoop to feed me. xp (pic courtesy: link)

2. Birthday celebration

The other thing i most remember about my childhood is my parents usually celebrated my birthday almost every year when i was a kid. And that memories were very impressive. Candles, birthday cake, sang the birthday song, a busy moment but very enjoyable.

3. May not dressed

Ahahahaha. That's so true! I could walk around the house without using any piece of clothing! Wondering if I'm still doing it after all these days. :D :D :D
  

4. "Digendong Kemana-Mana"

Almost all baby and children are always carried wherever they go and so did i. I still remember every time when i feel tired I could just asked my dad to carried me on his back. Ahhh, i miss those time. :)


Well those are few moments i could share with you. Actually there are many more but I'll try to remember again and tell you later. :)) Suddenly i think that those kind of memories are just too sweet to forget and too precious to ignore. AAA.. I'm gonna keep it right in my heart and my mind. I love my childhood memories and also my family!! :)

 pict of me and my cousins. Rindang & Mba Desy.

As i promised before, i'm gonna post you my second experiment and this time i did make a new background and used a pair of shoes. Voila!

dress: Mint, grey cardi: Mangga Dua, Tights: Mangga Dua, Shoes: Kimmy, Bag: a present from Mom, Scarf (using it as a hairpiece): Grandma's

Paunchy Monster also did his experiment too! Hihihi.

Ok... I think that's enough for this time. I'll let my self to be drown in my own childhood memories. See you... 

● WIENA ●

Mwah.

I met this cute little fairy about 1 week ago and I fell in love at the first sight! Her name is Kayla and she's my neighbour. I love her eyes. She's so attractive and cheerful. Oh I wanna take her to Semarang. Hihi. ♥♥♥
 



● WIENA ●