Day 6: Something Happened

Today did most of the prayers in the hotel building. I did laundry since going to send our clothes to be wash prove to be quite expensive in the long run. So did it early in the morning and I had time to hang them to dry before the crowd came in. More and more pilgrims started to converge in the hotel. We also heard that the day of wukuf maybe is faster by a day. So Insya allah if it falls on a Friday people say it’s going to be Hajj Akhbar (the highest form of Hajj). For lunch today wife didn’t want to eat what they were serving which was beef and veggies so she ask me to go get the fried chicken which is 5 minutes from the hotel. Everywhere they sell something call broast chicken. I think broast is a way of cooking the chicken in a broiler. So yeah it’s actually just fried chicken. After Asar we decided to go to the mosque to pray maghrib and isyak. She use her cane and walked slowly. We arrive with lots of time so we go to go inside and sit at the air condition place. Alhamdulilah. During maghrib I say beside a pilgrim from Indonesia and we shared stories about our diffence in packages. They are more comprehensive then ours and they have a shuttle to take them to the mosque 24/7. After Isyak I prayed and then I saw something. It was a small mouse (black colour) right in front of me. It was going around and around and finally decided to settle underneath my thighs while I was in prayer. I can feel it nibble nibble down there. But I didn’t move and eventually he ran away. The guy from behind me (I assume it was from Turkey) was trying to kill it and was taking to me. Rat Rat!! Stayed till isyak and then left to see the Kaabah one more time. After that we walked home. Before we walked home we stopped at the mall called Bin Dawood where I got an umbrella and some yougurt and stuff. The walk was slow and I was stopped by two different type of beggars. The first one was a man from Pakistan who actually can talk good english told me that he lost his wallet. Another was a small boy who keep holding my hand wanting money. I feel sorry for them and it’s not that I don’t want to give money but I know if I do that more will come and I don’t have enough to give. Arrive at the hotel was super tired and hungry. Ate a cold dinner which was squid with veggies and then took a shower and went to bed. Super tired… tomorrow is another day 

Day 5: Second Umrah

Today we woke up to get ready to go for our ziarah at all the spots that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was there like the caves and such. I saw a lot of cool sights and I notice that Saudi is divided into two parts. The part where there is signs of modernisation and barren parts where it looks like no one touch it (to put it into a war zone is stretching it a bit to far. It’s all lovely in my opinion. We visited Arafah, Mina and Mudzalifah. Looking at those places makes me in awe as well as a bit daunting when the time comes for Hajj. I pray that Allah will make it easier on me and the wife. After that we went to Tana’im to change into our ihram and niat miqat for our second umrah. Came back to the hotel. Had an early lunch and then at 11 made our way to the mosque. We tawaf around the kaabah close to 12 in the afternoon. There was not that many people and it was also not that hot. Prayed zohor and then we to saie. We wanted to ride a scooter but were denied entry. So we had to walk 3.5km instead. Walking with wife I can that she is suffering because that’s a long walk. We took zamzam breaks and sit down where we can. But after 1hr and 20 minutes we finally finish 7 rounds. Then we made the mistake of editing at the Marwah exit which will lead us to the back of the mosque which is not the way back to the hotel. Wife looked panicked as we had to navigate our way to the masjid we went up and down looking for the exit and finally after 20 minutes of walking we finally found the right way out. Then that when it got scary wife suddenly started seeing spot and her body became heavy on me. She said that we need to find shade due to it being super hot. I carried her as she walked incoherently to the mall and found her a place to sit down. I got her something to eat which was a chicken fajita sandwich. After a while we made it back home and then rest it off. Take the laundry, had dinner and  then I went to pray at the surau for maghrib but after that I had to go up and sleep because I was so tired. Pray isyak at the room. Alhamdulillah… 

Day 4: A bit relaxing

Another morning, another trip to the mosque to do Subuh prayers. This time it is just me and the wife where we went early and yet there is still a lot more people around. We manage to get a seat and stayed till 7. After that we went exploring around the mosque. We found a supermarket that sells groceries. We bought some groceries and I got my shaver. Went up one more floor and had some McDonald’s overlooking the view of the mosque m. McDonald’s over here only comes in one size which is extra large and the price is a bit on the pricey side. It’s okay we were hungry and we just want a place where we can sit down. After that we just spend the day prayer in the hotel and I did some laundry and stuff. For lunch they serve beef curry and veggies and for dinner they serve some squid and veggies. Tomorrow we are going to do our second umrah so need to sleep early. Since we are going in a bus tour to visit all the spots that the Prophet has been.

Day 3: Still getting a hang on things

This morning wife wants to go for subuh prayers. So we woke up at 3:30am. The whole group was still sleeping soundly when I, wife, aunt and cousin left. We took a cab and walk halfway. The azan was heard and we were not even close. But Alhamdulilah we made it in time before the second call to prayer. After  that we stayed and prayed more. I got to see the kaabah a second time even though it was far but I can still see. During that time I made doa for everyone that I care about and friends. Left around 8:30 and went back to the room. There I took a couple minutes of sleep here and there and just hang about. We were hungry so we went down to the cafeteria for breakfast. It was home food but it doesn’t taste anything like it. Food is food I guess. Lunch time they served us fish with veggies. The fish was on the hard side. Prayed in the building since it was too hot to go out. Did laundry and went up to hang clothes. It’s like those movies where people hang clothes on rooftops. In the evening wife and aunt wanted to go again to pray so this time we left early. As early as we are we arrived to a sea of people. The crowd was more than before. We were squished together to the roof and there we made camp to pray. Wife told me that if it’s too hot she needs to go home. I said okay since the amount of people is getting too overwhelming for me. After maghrib she said she is getting wheezy and we left our aunt and uncle to come down. After we left the mosque we just went for a short stroll to see the shop. We ended up in a arabic Starbucks and a arabic version of kfc call Al-baik. Too many people but I hope to try it before I leave. We did buy fried chicken from a different store. It was okay. Bought some fruits and then we walked slowly home. Got home. Got home and the hotel was empty. The lobby was ready to accept more pilgrims for the hajj season. Got up, have dinner and then we to take a shower. And here we are now. I’m sleepy so goodnight 

Day 2: The Journey Continues

As I write in at masjidil haram lying down due to my back is a bit whack if I sit down for too long. I try to remember what has happened in the past 24 hours. We started with our umrah briefing at midnight and make our way to the kaabah. Wife and aunt didn’t want to use their wheelchairs saying that they can try to walk. It was a good 950m walk. Our hotel the land premium it’s not a bad hotel but it’s just far away. When we arrived there I was greeted by the majestic sight of the kaabah. I have seen pictures of it but to actually see it up close and we were really very close due to it being 1am and there were like less people. We got to do all 7 round (did 8 just in case). Did our prayers and then it’s time to saie from Safa to Marwah. This is the time when wife and aunts legs started to give up. When we reach the saie spot it was full of poeple from all over the world. Some in unison when walking and others are doing their own thing. Wife said she can’t walk anymore and it was already 2am. She was worried it’s going to take forever if we decided to walk. So we we a couple of floors up and paid 115 for a scooter. Since I have to be the driver I can’t quite pray that much. But what doa I remember I just say while driving the scooter. 7 rounds took us a good 25 minutes. After that we caught up with my aunt and her daughter. Both of them were totally shot in the legs. So they can’t wait if subuh. So I took them all back to the hotel by finding a cab. The problem is that I didn’t know arabic and the cost of transporting 4 people to the land premium hotel is 30 riyal. When we arrived there we notice that this wasn’t our hotel. Turns out there was another hotel with the same name. This one does look a bit more premium. So we had find the actual hotel which is actually block by cars by a police blockade. I had to get out of the cab and ask the policeman to open the barricade so the taxi can come through. Paid him and extra 20 for being patient with us (I probably got ripped off but it’s okay). I was first in so I did my unpacking. Took a shower and went to bed. After that my housemates joined in the unpacking and sleeping. We slept till 930 and then I can’t sleep anymore. Still jet lagged I guess. Now it’s time to get ready to go to Friday prayers. I wore my jubah and then took my long scarf/prayer mat and make it into a makeshift hoodie (well a lot of people are doing the same thing) it was so hot. 40 degrees but I am not complaining. Just make sure I don’t get sunburned in the process. The amount of people going to the mosque was in the thousand. Men and woman. We (me, my uncle and his son) went until we hit the top floor and just praye in the corner. Walked home after that and then I rest for a while by having lunch. Rice with chicken curry and cauliflower curry. Tasted yum but I was probably hungry. Wife has a problem with her room. Her room is shared by 4 (our family + another girl) this girl has been missing since they got there. After some digging we found that the girl has covid and it’s quarantine for 3 days. And the management didn’t know about her. During maghrib went for prayers and stayed till isyak. It always takes 1.3km to go and back. So it really takes a toll on me. Came home and had some dinner. Beef with beans and rice and did laundry. Overall good but tiring 

Day 1: The Journey

Where do I start. We just arrived at our hotel but the journey is one of the ages. Started in the morning after saying goodbye to the girls. Their grandparents will take care of them so we are not that worried. Arrived at the place of meet (movenpick) and there were loads of people even though the fact they said only one person can send us. We got our sling bags, lanyard with my face and a chain bracelet that we can’t take off. After that breakfast of noodles and briefing. After that we went on the bus with a police escort straight into the international terminal. There we did both check in from our country and the Saudi government. Went inside the flight at 2:40pm local time and then it was off we go. The flight was 9 hours. I tried as much to sleep but it wasn’t comfortable. Airplane food was great tho. I had chicken briyani and fish curry. They fed us twice. Arrived at 6:30pm local time  and we boarded the bus. When we came to the terminal we were greeted and give zamzam water. I think I drank a lot of water. Oh I accidentally peed on my ihram so that was an adventure trying to clean it in the airport bathroom. Good thing I manage to do it. After that we boarded the bus that will take us straight to the hotel which was 2 hours away. We had to stop at a lot of checkpoints and they took our passports. Came to the hotel and we were sharing it with 3 extra people. I came with my uncle and cousin and we had 3 extra people joining in. Had to rework the sleeping arrangements and we got our luggage. We got more food which is some arab rice. Now it’s 11:40pm local time and at 12 we are going to do tawaf umrah. Ya Allah.. please let me have strength to continue. I’m so tired 

This blog is taking a break

So I got the call to do Hajj and I will be leaving tomorrow. I know nobody reads this blog and its only just for me. So I can say that I won't be updating any new media that I consume to stay sane for a while. I will be coming back after 44 days. My feelings on going. Excited, Scared and also Happy. I get to go with my wife and I have only 3 things I need to do 

• Take care of her and make sure I don't rush things 
• Do my 'ibadah' in a calmly fashion 
• Know that I am entering the house of God so no funny business. Basically behave because I am a visitor here  

This opportunity only comes once in a lifetime so this is going to be a very exciting adventure  

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shredder's Revenge

The last game before a long break 

Game no: 472
Genre: Action  
Platform: Nintendo Switch 
Release Date: 2022

After years of playing 16-bit beat em up. There is a comeback in a form of TMNT Shredder's Revenge. This game mix the pixel art style of the 16-bit games but twist it in a modern take it advance mechanics, level up, multiple combo systems and overall an awesome fun game to play 

You can play as 6 different characters (with a 7th unlocked once you beaten the game). Each of them has their own power, speed, balance. If you like range combat go for Donatello but if you want power is either Raphael or Splinter. Overall there is a different character that suits your playstyle. There are 15 stages an you move from point A to B while fighting a lot of bad guys. There are also power up such as pizza that comes in different forms. That give you an added boost when fighting enemies. The way the game works is it upscale the enemies depending on how many players are in the screen. So there is going to be a lot of chaotic action when the screen is bombarded by bad guys. The bosses are a treat to fight. They are from past games and movies and only a true fan will recognize them. 

The thing I don't like about this game is that I wish I was a bit longer. at 2 hours plus you can beat the game but there are a lot of challenges to keep you coming for me. But I
wish there is a fighting mode since the move set of each character is quite good to be a game in its own right. 

Overall is it a great game to play with you family (My kids and I actually beat the game until the end) rather than just playing it by yourself. The hectic fighting as well as being in a group makes you miss going to the arcade. This game is going to be one of my top 10 game of the year. This game deserve an S Rank in my book 

Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers

 A interesting take on an old show 

What is it about?
20 years after the Saturday morning cartoon. We see the lives of Chip n Dale as well as a mystery to solve 

The Good 
The movie is just full of cameos
Some of the jokes just land 
The mystery is not a bad one. The plot makes sense 

The Bad
I don't understand how a fly and mouse get together 
The Bad guy is not that memorable 

The Ugly
Nothing much. 

After Credits: Yes in a form of what happens next 

Verdict: A must watch for adults and kids alike

Top Gun Maverick

 This movie is a masterpiece 

What is it about?
Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is back to train the future of Top Gun pilots

The Good
The aircraft scenes are amazing. This practically 60% of the movie
Old characters are back and new characters relate to what happen 30+ years ago 
The airplane cinematography is really out of this world
Tom Cruise is a class on its own 
Paid tribute to an old friend 

The Bad
Wish there were more fight scenes but the third act was just amazing 
Didn't tell what happen after the mission but we can assume it was something good 
They don't need to put in a love scene but it was good anyway 

The Ugly
Nothing 

After Credits: No 

Verdict: One of my best movies of the year. A must watch 

Scream

This re-sequel is worth the watch 

 

What is it about?
20+ years after the original movie another ghostface killer pops out

The Good
The story knows that is making a parody of the original movie but does it in a way you know that this is something new 
The made it so that we yelled at the screen saying how stupid people are during horror movies 
The original characters are back from the first movie which is a great edition 
You won't know who is the killer until the last minute

The Bad
The bad guys motivation is so dumb

The people in this movie is equally dumb

The Ugly

Nothing much. I enjoyed it. It wasn't that scary 

After Credits: No 

Verdict: If you want to scream, you will enjoy this movie 

The Night House

 This movie I don't understand 

What is it about?
After her husband died, the truth started to be revealed 

The Good
I really don't get the story is about what but I enjoyed it 

The Bad
It deals with supernatural things but didn't quite stick the landing for me. 

The Ugly
Really this movie is a bit boring 

After Credits: No

Verdict: Don't watch. Not worth your time 

Things that happen in May

Family 

Met all my extended family members. Had a great time (May 2) 

Wife got called to do Hajj (May 21)

Mom came (May 25)

Friends

Met my reddit friend and his wife (May 16) 

Me

I got a job (May 5) 

Flying to Penang (May 20) 

Memorable moments 

I’m going to do Hajj (May 12)

Send my friend to the airport (May 16)

Met my reddit friend and wife (May 16)

Unmemorable moments 

H2 had an allergic reaction. Had to go home (May 2) 

Feelings 

Happy meeting everyone. Wish I could stay longer (May 2) 

Sad. I have a wife that is so broken that my life right now is just trying to make her happy (May 8)

Other 

Eid is today (May 2)

Meets 

My extended family and cousins (May 2)

Wife’s aunt and dad (May 3)

My aunt and uncle. My best friends parents (May 20)

Daughters friends parents (May 21) 

Daughters friends parents (May 22) 

Neighbours (May 30)

Hana Islamic teacher (May 31)

Breakfast 

Leftovers (May 1) 

Rendang and Lemang (May 2)

Porridge (May 6)

Fried rice (May 7)

Egg sandwich (May 8)

Tosai (May 9)

Noodles (May 10)

Sloppy Joe (May 11)

Butter chicken  pie (May 12)

Pancake (May 15)

Egg muffin (May 16)

Rice with beef curry (May 17) 

Spagetti with meatball (May 18) 

Bread (May 20)

Breakfast buffet (May 21)

Bread (May 22)

Bread (May 23)

Muffin and bread (May 26)

Leftovers (May 27)

Bread (May 28)

Bread and nasi lemak (May 29) 

Bread (May 30)

Lunch

Rice and chicken curry (May 2)

Rice with rendang, prawns and lemang (May 3)

Lamb chops, beef and pesto (May 4) 

Dim sum (May 5)

Leftovers with egg and rice (May 6)

Bagel (May 7)

Pasta and calzone (May 9)

Mee Rebus (May 12)

Laksam (May 13)

Nasi ayam (May 14)

Chinese Food (May 15)

Raya food (May 16)

Korean food (May 19)

Rice with veggies and fish (May 20) 

Lunch Buffet (May 21)

Raya buffet (May 22)

Uni buffet (May 23) 

Oiso (May 24) 

Rice lunch (May 25) 

Rendang and mee hoon (May 26)

Leftovers (May 27)

Rice with kurma (May 28)

Tomato rice (May 29)

Open house raya food (May 30)

Lontong (May 31)

Dinner 

Chillis (May 1)

McDonald’s (May 2)

Rice and Sardines (May 4)

Porridge and Soup (May 5)

Bali food (May 6)

Egg sandwich (May 7) 

Chicken rice (May 8)

Bread (May 10)

Sarawak Laksa (May 11)

Pasta coconut cream (May 12)

Leftovers (May 13)

Satay (May 15)

Spaghetti with meatballs (May 18)

Homst (May 19)

Rice with lauk (May 20)

Dinner buffet (May 21)

Lamb and Soto (May 22)

Chicken and egg with rice (May 24)

Leftovers (May 25)

Leftovers (May 26)

Mushroom soup and fish and chips (May 27)

Leftovers (May 28)

Madam Kwan (May 29)

Mcd (May 30)

Snack 

Cookies and fruit (May 2) 

Cookies (May 3)

Cookies (May 6) 

Cakes (May 31)

Eat out: 3

Groceries: 3

Fuel: 3

Weight: 

             

New Stuff 

Series 

Moon Knight (Another Marvel hero with his own series. Start slow and ends great)

Yellowjackets (an awesome premise that left more questions than answers)

Euphoria S1 (A very deep story about high school, love, drugs and sex. I like it but I don’t recommend others to watch)