2023: Hajj and Free Palestine

Here comes again, the last day of a year. In general, not many extra ordinary personal events happened in 2023. However, I'd like to keep the only personal highlight of 2023 in this blog. I cannot remember and too lazy to check on past posts so I'm not sure if I ever mentioned it in this blog, but I had been thinking about going for Hajj since around 2018. If I were living in Indonesia, maybe I'd have to wait for years. Actually according to a news article, the waiting period per July 2023 for my city is 23 years for regular program. No kidding! For readers who don't know what Hajj is, please check this link for your information. The reason why people from Indonesia and many other muslim majority countries have to wait so long to go for Hajj, mainly because there is cap for the number of pilgrims each year. Hajj can only be performed during a specific period of time in each year with rites and rituals in specific places. Therefore, this cap is meant to control and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Well, considering I have lived in Japan for years now, going for Hajj from Japan is actually an option. Muslim population in Japan is still small, thus the yearly quota for Hajj from Japan is not huge but just enough for most people who intent to go in the same year they apply. At least for now.

In 2019, I started looking for information on how to go for Hajj from Japan. In Indonesia, Hajj is managed under the Ministry of Religious Affairs but not in Japan. There are several travel agencies approved by Saudi Arabia in Japan that can accommodate Hajj travel. It is especially important for me to find out which travel can accommodate a non-married woman without any male family member to travel with. So I managed to confirm one agency that would be able to accommodate me and had a slot available for 2020. Then I requested them to put my name on their list so I could secure a seat. Well, God had different plan! With the Covid19, obviously the whole world was put to a stop, and Hajj was not an exception. In 2020, only 1000 pilgrims from within Saudi could perform Hajj. In 2021, there were less than 60000 pilgrims still only from within Saudi could perform Hajj. In 2022, Saudi welcomed pilgrims from worldwide but still limited the number to less than one million and sadly Japan was not included. 

As we entered 2023, I started to feel nervous as I hadn't heard anything from the travel agency whether they would have the 2023 Hajj Tour or not. I emailed the PIC on March 2 asking if they had updates, but he said they're still waiting for official announcement from Saudi. Mid March the PIC sent an email to hopeful pilgrims to be, mentioning that they were still waiting for announcement but providing us the estimated departure and arrival dates. They also mentioned the estimated fees which was a very huge increase from the price announced back in early 2020. They finally contacted us on April 18, almost at the end of Ramadan, that they would accommodate Hajj Tour this year. Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar! I remember discussing with my travel mates which Hajj tour plan should we choose on the last day of Ramadan, because the agency we chose offered 4 plans and we had to give them quick confirmation.

Alhamdulillah Allah blessed us with ease during the preparation for visa application etc. Our group departed on June 19 and arrived back in Japan on July 9, with 1 day stop in Qatar on the way back. I pray that my Hajj was accepted and I can return to the holy land again and again in the future. I wish I could write more details about my Hajj experience but maybe I'll do that in another post, but let me share few photos here though.

The Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, Mecca

The Green Dome of Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina

Now, the other highlight that isn't applicable only for me personally but for many people with a right sense of humanity across the world is the ongoing atrocities on Palestinians especially in Gaza imposed by Israel and its allies. Israel is committing g-e-n-o-c-i-d-e as deemed by many human rights organizations. It has to stop! Palestinians have the right to be free, they have the rights for liberation, and they have the rights to stay on their land and have their homes returned! Free Palestine!

I cannot believe we are still witnessing such cruel and unlawful attacks after 3 months since things were escalated. Important to note, Israel attacks on Palestinians did not start on October 7 this year but since many many many years ago, such as since 1948 known as the Nakba which caused millions displaced Palestinians. However, as a Muslim, I should stay strong to my faith that God have promised the victory for Palestinians in the holy land. Free Palestine!

That's me with my two arms up, joining the crowd protesting in Tokyo last October

Yakiniku at Home

It's been more than half a year of Covid-19 being around our lives now. While there are few countries where appropriate and effective measures are implemented and have been doing great controlling the spread, and even brought the active cases down to zero (wow - Standing applause for NZ!), there are more countries which are still struggling so bad in controlling the spread of the virus. Some countries have not even peaked out the first wave of the virus! Hey, Indonesian government! Yes, you! I am pointing right at you! 😠

In Japan where I live, things were improving around mid May to mid June before the cases gradually increased and now we are at the point of what likely to be the beginning of the second wave, well at least in Tokyo. Even Tokyo has just been excluded from the Go To Campaign, which will be launched by the Japan government to promote economic restoration next weekend. People in Tokyo are discouraged from traveling to other prefectures in the fear of bringing the virus there, yet traveling within Tokyo seems daunting to me because it is a very much densely populated city, man! So, home it is.

As I told you in one of my previous posts, I began working from home in the beginning of March, I still am, and I still will be until who knows when. I've been staying home like literally everyday! I do online shopping as much as possible, so I only go grocery shopping once in about two weeks to get fresh milk, fruits and veggies. In these past months, I only went far (to office) maybe 5 time max to do errands that needed to be done at the office.

So what did I do this whole time of staying home? I started 'new hobby', painting digitally or with watercolor, I studied and took an online proctored exam for a certification, I joined many webinars, and of course just relaxed and enjoyed the moment. And one thing that I want to mention specifically in this post is that I even started doing yakiniku at home! Before Covid-19, I would just go to Panga (halal!) when I want to have yakiniku. So, after having an encouragement from a senior, I bought a yakiniku grill plate! As for the halal wagyu yakiniku meat, I purchased them online from either Panga Online Shop or Ajinatori Online Shop. Yummy 😋, Alhamdulillah! You can have a little bit more variations of beef parts from Panga, but my favorite, which thankfully is available both in Panga and Ajinatori, is the Short rib or カルビ (read: karubi). It will melt right after you first chew it. Love 💜!

These are Halal Wagyu Marbled Short Rib from Ajinatori

Talking about meat, don't forget to arrange your Qurban, guys! It is definitely much more needed this year, as more people face difficulties economically to get foods with virus and natural disasters happening across the world.

Covid-19, Ramadhan, and Golden Week

Hi people!

I hope everyone is healthy and safe despite the pandemic happening around the globe. So, how have you been coping with the situation?

I am trying to recall when I first became fully aware of the virus, I am not certain, but maybe back in January soon after I arrived back in Tokyo after spending the new year holiday in Indonesia. A colleague at work also came back from China, so after some chats with him, considering we were sitting next to each other we agreed to put on mask for two weeks. Thankfully we were fine.

But then the number of Covid-19 patients started to increase in Japan, including Tokyo. We started to wonder if our company would consider enabling work from home policy. Thankfully the group where I was working with was quite proactive in negotiating with HR to make this happen. Then I began working from home on March 2nd, so it's been approximately two months of working from home now.

I would say I have been enjoying the WFH so far. Although it is not as comfortable as in the office because I only have low desk, which would cause worse stiff shoulder and back pain if not followed by enough stretching. I am happy that I don't have to spend 40 mins train ride each, I am happy that it is so much more comfortable to do my daily prayers at home, I am happy that I have the energy and time to cook properly. Most of all, I am thankful to Allah s.w.t that work has not been affected by the pandemic. I have been blessed that I only have to refrain from going outside unless necessary to try protecting my own health.

Hopefully those badly affected by the pandemic, financially, will have more ease to overcome this difficult time.

Now, Covid-19 has also made Ramadhan this year so different than any other Ramadhan we observed before. Ramadhan 1441 H started on May 24th, in the midst of nationwide state of emergency in Japan, or even lockdown in other countries. Normally, for Indonesian Muslims in Tokyo, we would gather every Sunday to attend Tabligh Akbar, where Islamic Scholar would have been invited from Indonesia, followed by the break-fasting. However, due to Covid-19, we are now doing it online. Normally many Muslims would prefer to go the masjids/mosques to do the Tarawih prayer, but now we are encouraged to do the prayer at home as most masjid in Japan are closed to prevent the virus from spreading. If we looked back to the days of the Prophet, he also practiced Tarawih prayer at home to show to the other believers that Tarawih prayer is a sunnah.

Nevertheless, this situation doesn't stop us from having a break-the-fast together with friends. With technology, I just did an online break fasting for the first time ever yesterday 😄

Besides Ramadhan, it is now the Golden Week, the long awaited long holiday. In the past two years I spent Golden Week by going for a solo driving trip. In 2018, I went to Aomori prefecture then rent a car to drive around Aomori. Last year in 2019, I went to Okinawa, drive around island, and observed the era changed from Heisei to Reiwa. This year, as I knew Golden Week would be during Ramadhan, I didn't really plan to go for a driving trip. But, not going anywhere at all throughout Golden Week, would be my first experience after 11 years in Japan.

Anyway, hopefully the virus can be controlled soon, and we can be free again to go out and see family and friends. Aamiinn..

Have a blessed Ramadhan all 💕

Coping with Loss

Half year ago today, I hurriedly listing down my works after telling my manager that I just got a call from mom asking me to come home because my dad's health condition had dropped. I tried to find flight ticket and managed to get a seat for the next day.

When my flight was taking off, I wished I could see him and that by seeing me he would get better. I landed in Jakarta around 5 p.m. My uncle came to pick me up at the airport then we just hopped on to the car. He did not say anything, acted as anything was normal. But then when I turned my phone on, I received a message from my cousin, telling me to be patience. I started to think why would she sent me such message. But, I did not have the courage to ask my uncle. Then, a call came in from Dhilla, asking me where I was. Then she started to cry. That moment, I knew I was late. Though I realised I did not make it to see my dad, it hadn't hit me just yet. So, I just spent the rest of the ride home as normal as possible, talking about random stuff with my uncle.

As we got closer to the housing complex, I could see the yellow flag, the sign that someone in the neighbourhood passed away. As we reached home, so many people, relatives, neighbours, parents friends were there. I learned that my mom and brother were still on the way back from the hospital with my dad.

Then my dad arrived. I never thought I would see him with no more warmth from his body that soon. I had been excited waiting to come home on August so we could finally spend Eid together. But, Allah decided my dad would not be there by then.

I was trying hard to process the situations, I was trying to imagine how it was gonna be when a father figure suddenly gone. I was sad that I couldn't go home sooner to at least see him alive for the last time.

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

To Allah (Almighty God) we belong, and to Him is our return.” (Qur'an 2:156)

Reminding myself that everyone would eventually die, and recalling the past years where I had been witnessing my dad turning his way of life more and more into what Allah loves, I believed my dad went away as a believer and that he would return to the best place where Allah had prepared for him. With these thoughts, I did not whine. People told me that I seemed so strong, but really, what else could I do?

Been half year since he's gone, many times this fact hit me and left me in tears. It's still hard to imagine living without him to go to when I need to hear his words, for his advises. It's weird coming home and not seeing him, while he had been the person who asked me the most where I'd like to go whenever I was home for holiday. It's not easy but life goes on. I miss you every day, Papa ♥

Few Days Until 30

What did you imagine about being 30? Did you ever think turning 30 as a milestone of your life? As women, I assume many of us had certain thoughts about turning 30.

Back when I was in high school, I had always thought that I would be married and gifted at least 1 child before 30. It is natural that most ladies have similar dreams about their lives, because most of us are conscious about our biological clocks, that we were taught it would be harder to have child after 30. At actual, I am not married, and of course I don't have any kid yet. I wonder what would the 17-yo me think if she finds out about this fact. Would she be disappointed? We will never find the answer anyway. So, what do I feel?

One thing that I am certain is that no, I am not disappointed. There were chances where things might have been different but decisions were made and I don't regret a thing.

Honestly, sometimes I feel left behind because most of my friends are now married and blessed with cute children. It just hits me sometimes that whenever planning on something, my friends would need to ensure certain arrangements with husband or children first before we can actually make a decision. I can't deny that sometimes I feel anxious about life, about the future. Especially now that may dad is no longer around, the pressure on my chest due to uncertainties have felt bigger than ever. 

But, I have learned along the way we are walking on our own paths at our own paces. So, it's normal that we are not always necessarily at the same stage of lives.

Whenever I become anxious about the future, I quickly remind my myself that a muslim, it is my obligation to always trust The Best Planner, The Most Knowledgable, The Almighty God, Allah.

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ خُلِقَ هَلُوعًا

Indeed, mankind was created anxious (70:19) 

Be it personal life or career, I gotta put some efforts to lead them to the way I want them to be, but first thing first, to put trust in Allah. What kind of life would I have after turning 30? Of course, not that I am saying it will immediately change. I have been thinking on some plans, on things that I have control to change (if Allah wills). I just wish I can always be optimistic and positive!

A Year Older

Normally I would make a post on my birthday. But, this year, I decided I don't wanna put such pressure on myself. So, here it is one day late post :D

Well, actually I don't plan to write anything special. I will only post a picture, which is related to my upcoming post (hopefully soon), about my solo trip to a city in Ehime Prefecture last year. Ciao!

Bye 2012! Hello 2013!

It's January 8th already, but I think it isn't too late to post something about new year, is it?

2012..

2012, the year when I finally had to face the reality that I would be in my senior year.

2012, the year when I tried to think what my future plans after graduating from university would be.

Well, even now I haven't been able to create a long-term plan for myself, but at least I know I don't really want to work yet because I haven't figure out what kind of work would be good for me. Of course I know that I would never know whether a job is good or not until I give it a try. Anyway I just don't want to work yet. So I decided to continue my study. Quite a simple reason, right? Actually I wished that the reason I decided to continue my study was passion. But, honestly, no, that's not the reason. Too bad, I know.

2012, again I couldn't bear a room-mate. But thank God, she left after one semester :D

2012, had a lot of trips and adventures! 

2012, the year when I turned into a quite 'freak' fangirl of a Japanese boy band, Arashi. I know, many people around me couldn't bear to stay around me 'cuz I would start to babble everything related to Arashi. But it's just so frustrating to keep all the excitements by myself. :p This fangirl euphoria actually made me broke. It doesn't mean that I spent all of my money, but my savings haven't been increasing in the past months. haha. Well, of course the reason is not only fangirl-ing, but basically I tend to shop when my mood isn't so good. haha. Back to Arashi, in 2012, I went to two of big events of them. Arashi Waku Waku Gakkou and Popcorn Tour Concert!! Although the seats in both events were quite far from the stage, the atmosphere was super amazing. I should admit their voices aren't so great, but the entertainments that they always give are really great. Although I only have been to their concert once, I could feel the greatness of the entertainments through their concerts' dvds, too. Well, I think this fangirl-ing thing will still continue through 2013 :p

2012, made me think a lot about everything. Some stuff might have not ended in a good conclusion. But I think that's life. There's good and there's bad. We just gotta accept it.

2012, bye!

God, thank you for the wonderful year!

2013..

First week of the year has passed but I haven't been so productive yet. I slept a lot, it's like a payback after the hectic weeks of thesis-writing. haha.

Anyway,

2013, let's walk slowly, don't run too fast!

...

Btw, yesterday I finally had a baking lesson again. I made maple almond breads! Tasted good :9

.....♥

This Dream Is Gonna Be Over Soon

Only one more days before 29th of September, which is the date of my departure to Tokyo. Yes, my summer holiday is gonna be over so soon. Honestly I don't really want that day comes too soon since I understand very well that by coming back to Tokyo means I will start my scariest periode in college --to write my graduation thesis. But, life must goes on and so does my thesis should be done by early 2013. I hope I could finish writing it by early January though so I could go on with some plans afterwards.

So, during this summer holiday, I wasn't only enjoying the time for relaxing but I also traveled to some places to conduct my research. I went to provinces in Indonesia that I have never visited before. So it was like a 'Let's Get Lost' trip since I traveled by myself. The trip itself was great, aside from the research, I learned so many things. As for the research itself, well we'll see :p

Besides traveling for the sake of my research, I also had a trip for a conference in Taipei, Taiwan. Went there with my mom. Of course we did visit some tourism spots, too! I actually love Taipei for the convenient transportation mode but it is not a good destination for culinary since I found it hard to find halal meals. Although some people said that around 40% of Taiwanese are vegetarian so it's supposed to be easy finding vegetarian food, I personally felt not comfortable with the food-related-thing. One thing that I found was quite funny is the way I tried to communicate with the Taiwanese who couldn't speak English. Photos, hand drawing, etc were involved! Even a woman at a restaurant made a sketch of a shrimp to describe one of the menu (everything on the menu was written in Chinese characters which are very strange to me and there's no pic at all). haha.

This holiday I also managed to attend some of my friends graduations. Although I couldn't attend some, too due the packed trip schedule. Congratulations, girls! You all are so amazing and deserved to be proud of :)

Lastly, here just a very few photos to close the post! See you again, Indonesia, i hope pretty soon!

Chiang Kai-Sek Memorial Hall, Taipei

One rainy afternoon with the girls ♥

Hey Summer!

It's summer already and the temperature is very hot lately in Tokyo (and most parts of Japan). Here it comes my fourth summer in Japan. Unlike the last three years, I'm not so busy with school's exams ahead the summer holiday. Since I've completed enough credits for my undergraduate study, this semester I don't take any classes other than the seminar class at the laboratory where I belong to. So I've been spending my semester by thinking about and building the concept for my graduation thesis and also preparing for graduate school entrance examination (which was held last week). And thanks God, I'd probably stay for two more years after March 2013 to continue my study.

filtered using Instagram

Btw, it's the second week of Ramadhan this year. Despite the very hot weather, I think I've been doing okay with fasting. No dehydration nor heat stroke. Alhamdulillah. And the most exciting thing is that I'll be going home to Indonesia this weekend :D Can't wait to be home!

Still Need To Be Alert

Today is exactly a month after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake happened. Along with the cherry blossoms which now have already bloomed, people, which also including me are trying to welcome the beautiful season with new spirit, leaving the bitter past behind.

We're trying yet this earth we stand on is not finished with its business. It's still bringing us strong shakes even today. Another magnitude 7.1 earthquake happened with the center at Fukushima. Tsunami warnings and advisories were released for a while along the east coast line of Japan from Miyagi to Chiba following the earthquake. Fortunately now those warnings and advisories had been canceled. And so far, there are no irregular activities reported at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

No matter how many earthquake would still happen from now on, i just hope we all can stay stand strong above this earth we live in.

God, please keep us under Your guard :)