What is that, son?

Recently, I watched a short movie clip sent by a friend, it is like a wake up call to me. It teaches me to bring the kindness forward and be kind to our parents who have been so loving in nurturing us.

For all they have given to me, there’s nothing I can ever repay them. And now I’m in my adulthood, I have less patient towards my aging parent. Thankful for this video, it reminds me to be gentle and kind to them.

The film title is “what is that, son?” At the beginning of the show, it shows an old age father sitting beside his adult son in the garden bench. His son is busy reading the paper. Both of them sit in silent until a sparrow landed in the bush near the bench they seated. The father gently asked, “What is that, son?” His son took a look at the direction his father looking at. Feeling a bit annoyed, he answered, “A sparrow.” The little sparrow happily jumping at the bush and his father asked again, ““What is that, son?” His son didn’t even bother to look at the sparrow. Without hesitation, he raised his voiced, “Father, I’ve told you. It is a sparrow!”

The sparrow flew to the tree behind their bench. His father took a look at the little creature, curiously again he asked, “What is that, son?” Furious, his son put down the paper and staring at his father, he shouted back at his dad, “Damn it. It is a sparrow!” After finished shouting at his dad, he re-picked up the paper and read it. His father calmly sat at the bench and again gently he asked, “What is that, son?” This time, his son was totally mad at his annoying actions in repeatingly asking him the same question. He slammed the paper in his hand. Stood up, staring at his father, in an extremely angry tone, “How many times you want me to tell you?! It is a sparrow! A DAMN sparrow. Sparrow! S.P.A.R.R.O.W!”

His father eyes showed great disappointment. He stood up, before his son could speak any further, he give him a sign there’s no need to talk further. He walked towards his house. His son felt some discomfort at the situation. Feeling mad and guilty at the same time. His father came back to the garden where his son was with a diary in his hand. He passed the diary to his son and requested him to read out the page where he had opened for him out loud. His son was puzzled, yet he fulfilled his father request. And the diary wrote, “Today, my 4 years old son was a sparrow in the garden. He had asked me 21 times what it was. And I answered him, son it is a sparrow. And each time I answered him, I hugged him in my arms, because I love him.” His son was embarrassed at what he did to his father. His father had only asked him 4 times, and he already lost his cool, he was shouting and blaming his father for the stupid question. So he hugged his father tightly. And the father smiled.

How true, when our parents guiding us during our growing years. They endure many things, accepting us by embracing it with tones of love. And when they have grow old. We are into our adulthood. We cannot even accept a little of slow actions, a little of repeating questions and many more. Blaming and complaining about them. Shame of me being a child that been grow in the blessing of loves. I’m sorry and I love you, mum and dad.

Ramadhan

It’s the Ramadhan month again. For travelers to Malaysia, there are few things that I think it is good to know about Ramadhan.

What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. In the Western calendar, there is no fixed date, it moves forward about 10 days each year. This year Awal Ramadhan (beginning of Ramadhan) falls on the 22 Aug 09. All Muslim will fast from dawn to sun set during the whole month of Ramadhan. At the end of the Ramadhan is Syawal where Muslim in Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya. During the fasting, Muslim are refrain from drink, eat, sexual and other evil deeds. They will get up before dawn to Sahur (eat) and then perform the prayer. They will break fast after the Maghrib prayer. Ramadhan is a holy month, where Muslim are to practice patience, modesty, spirituality, self disclipine and empathy to those less fortunate. Children, pregnant women, nursing mother, women on menstrual, elderly, critical ill and mentally ill are exempted from fasting.

What do a travel needs to know when traveling in Malaysia during Ramadhan? Well, I think the first thing is to Respect their religious practice. Avoid drinking and eating in front of a Muslim during their fasting period.

For many resort and hotel, generally it is the low season for room booking. This is because most Muslim would not travel or go for holiday during the Ramadhan. So, for many budget travelers, it is one of the best times to grab a good deal. However, if you wish to book for banquet function, it could be hard to reserve place. This is because many corporate firms and government bodies would hold buka puasa (break fast) session during the Ramadhan to have better bond among employees or customers.

Getting food before break fast can be hassle, if you travel to remote places. Of course, normal fast food chain, malls, hotel dining, restaurant manned by non-Muslims would function as usual. Many Muslim restaurants would not be selling food during the fasting period. They would only operate before and / or after the break fast. However, if you are a food lover, I strongly encourage you to visit one of the Ramadhan market / Bazaar Ramadhan, which only available during the fasting month. Muslim would shop for food to prepare for the break fast session after sun set. Many non-Muslim Malaysian would also shop at the market for the specialty that solely available during the Ramadhan. It is the best place to get a feel of the local culture. Try the kuih-muih (local dessert), kurma (dates), ayam percik (chicken), kuih raya and more…

If you are less adventure about hunting food on the street, no worries, you can still taste many unique local cuisines in restaurant and hotels that offer buka puasa buffet or special dining menu during the month of Ramadhan.

Except for the food, I personally feel that it is a good time to do shopping during Ramadhan. Many retailers would offer promotion or sales for the upcoming Raya celebration. Also you’ll get the chance to see more of the beautiful traditional custom of the Malay community in Malaysia. Baju kurung, kebaya, batik, songket, songkot are some of the apparel fashion you should look out for.

Well, that what I know about Ramadhan and traveling during Ramadhan. If you ask me, I would still say Ramadhan is a good time to visit Malaysia. The room rates are generally lower, you’ll get to taste the special food of Ramadhan, shopping are aplenty (and lots of deals and offer around), and it offer a chance to learn about the culture of Malaysia. So why wait, it is just another good chance to come and experience the Malaysia hospitality!

Additional info:
This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on the 20 and 21 Sep 09. Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday throughout Malaysia.

Snapshots from New Zealand

SCENARIES

I am taking a stroll on the peaceful Kaikuora’s street. Waiting for the time to go for dolphin watching.

A photo taken at Peninsula Seal Colony.

Our car stopped by the farmer for sheep crossing.

The quiet fishing village – Shag Point.

MILFORD SOUND

Spotted during the journey to Milford Sound. “avalanche area – no stopping” signage.

Which is really, which is reflection?

Fiord

Route to Milford Sound - winding, sharp turns, sloppy and avalanche areas.

QUEENSTOWN

Dare to challenge yourself for a jump? The first bungy jump site in New Zealand @ Queenstown.


Riding the chairlift up to the luge track @ Skyline, Queenstown. Oh, I love the fun of the high speed luge downhill!!

A goat standing at the hill top looking at us.