Bye Boston...

Marriott Long Wharf, Boston was once again our home for 5 days 4 nights before our departure to San Jose ( di sebut San Ho-say ) on Sunday Sept 23rd. The hotel is located at the edge of Boston's Historic Northend, just beside the harbour and having the New England Aquarium as its neighbour. The Northend is also known as "Little Italy" and this area has seen folds of changes from the days of the early immigrants. Quincy Market & Fanueil Hall are just across the road from Marriott, but the best priced souveniers we found are from the stalls/vendors located on Marriott side of the road.. Besides job handover at the office, all 'loose ends' must be cleared and settled before we make our move. Our stuff have been packed and taken by the movers to be delivered to the new destination. The house lease was amended and the house transfered to the new officer-in-charge, along with the keys to the car. Anis had her last violin lesson - I guess Peter Kryssa was sorry to see her go and also missing the weekly $50 per 45 mins fee that I normally handed to him in the Raya Packet, which he has taken a liking to. Atiqah had also said her goodbyes to friends and teachers at Newton South High School. A pewter miniature of Petronas Twin Towers & a Sarawak Table Lamp were our show of appreciation to the school. They seemed to like the gifts & we hope conversations will be driven towards Malaysia whenever anyone sees them. We also had the pleasure of being guests for dinner or breaking of fast at friends' homes during these last few days in Boston.. The initial plan for us treating them fall out at the last minute. Thank you to Sairah & James Glick, Kartini & Sabri Mohd Zain and last but not least Yasmin & Giles Saulnier for the lovely feasts. Not forgetting Zarina for her treat at a restaurant nearby....

James tired out from barbeque-ing.....

Hassan Basri Bin Sabri at his bessst...

Having tea with Yasmin & Giles after a hearty dinner....

Too bad we didn't have pictures with Amin Shah, Nusrat & the twins (Asma & Amir) who graciously brought back food stuff for us from their holiday in Malaysia.

Gracias Amigas....adios!

Missing Boston...part1

Hujung bulan September ni kami akan berpindah ke San Jose, California. I don't know how it would be like over there but everyone I talked to, have everything good to say about San Jose. Mild weather...friendly people......of course, they'll be more internationals especially Spanish speaking. And I hear there are many Malaysians too over there. But, I am already begining to like Boston...it's sad to leave everyone that I know here, like the Sostilios our landlord, who live in the house at the back & who have been very2 nice to us. Fernando, age 70 is like a 'rock' of the family & to his tenants. Every minor 'leak' or 'loose' in the house will be fixed in no time. He would keep us safe from the slippery & icy snow in front & around our houses during winter. Without him piles of snow wouldn't be 'ploughed' and shoveled. In summer the grasses, plants & trees around his property appreciate him too. The grounds of his houses would be adorned with flowers; a few even have names unfamiliar to me. I love the hibiscus grown just outside my front window. Hibiscus really reminds me of home... but, I have never seen the size of them like the ones on the left! I will never forget, his usual " How ARe ya...? " whenever he sees us..., or the Russo trips he used to take us for fresh vegies. He was willing to help out during the time when both my children had to take TOEFL & SAT at two different test centers; and sat with me until my son safely entered the hall. His backbone is of course Anna who I think, doesn't have even an ounce of evil in her; walks 'religiously' every mornings and evenings. She'll take a hooded jacket if it snows, carries an umbrella if it rains and a flashlight if she goes out later in the evening - come rain or shine, but walk she must! Normally she goes walking with Menina, her good friend....I use to follow them when in the 'mood' & we'ld catchup on the days' activities. Our favourite spot is on top of the hill where the Andover Theological School is located. In the middle is a beautiful courtyard lined with oaktrees. The school's oneway private road runs around the courtyard. We'ld walk in the middle of the road circling the courtyard many times breathing in the hill's unpolluted fresh crisp cool air, while exchanging stories. To the north of the courtyard is a Chapel just newly opened, Anna said it's not a church & anybody can practice their religion within...well..., I don't know. To the south is a library that faces the Chapel. Cars would enter from the right of the library and exit on its left. For those walking can enter the area from either sides. To the right of the courtyard are apartments for staff & students; Theological School is a place to study religion. I am not sure whether there are any Muslim students but once during maghrib time, I heard athan coming from one of the rooms. I was sure it was the same as the Islamic Finder - athan installed in our PCs. But then again, I wonder .. On the left of the courtyard are offices and lecture halls. The Principal's house is located on the front leftside just as we enter the area from the left. The road extends to the back of the Chapel where we can view houses at the foot of the hill. A newly completed project of terraced houses uncommon here - but typical to the ones back home, makes me 'homesick' everytime I go to the spot. The cool, serene & calm atmosphere would rejuvenate any 'troubled' souls..Sometimes I would walk with hubby to the spot. Anna reminds us not to talk on any financial matters while we are there. I would miss the spot... But most of all I would miss 10, Beecher PL especially the window in the basement, - you see beside the side door, where I do all my crafts & writing...

Missing Boston...part 2

I feel so sad as the day approaches for us to move to San Jose. I know I will miss all my friends here as I do all my friends back home. 9 months is too short a time to meet many people; but, the ones that I have begun to get to know are more than just friends.

'Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget. "

FRIENDS & BESTFRIENDS...

Friend: calls your parents by mr. and mrs.

Best friend: calls your parents dad & mom or auntie & uncle...

Friend: has never seen you cry

Best friend: has always has the best shoulder to cry on

Friend: never asks for anything to eat or drink

Best friend: opens the fridge & makes themself at home

Friend: asks you to write down your number.

Best friend: they ask you for their number (cuz they can't remember it)

Friend: borrows your stuff for a few days then gives it back.

Best friend: has a closet full of your stuff

Friend: only knows a few things about you

Best friend: could write a biography on your life story

Friend : will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing

Best friend: will always go with you

Friend: will ask where you've been (after going AWOL)

Best Friend: will say I MISS YOU & goes on being your friend

Friend: would just read this post

Best friend: will send a comment and mail to all their on-line buddies

Missing Boston...part 3

Another that I will truly miss is my eldest; who has started classes in Northeastern University here. When everything seemed a dead end, alhamdulillah Allah answered our prayers.... Macam satu 'load off' our shoulders when the U offered him an On-Campus room. At least he has a place to stay, and class is just 15 minutes walking distance. Of course, my friends tried to help and I am glad orang melayu kita masih kaya dengan 'budi bahasa'. Itu yang membezakan di antara 'kita' dengan 'mereka' dan kita tidak semestinya menjadi seperti 'mereka'. Teringat pulak pada orang tua-tua atau orang kampung dulu-dulu yang sangat menghargai tetamu. I am glad my parents were one of them.. minta ma'ap lah ya, sempit sikit semak pulak tu..., ini jer la yang ada. Tetamu tu rezeki kata nya... Alhamdulillah, everything works out fine and we can move with peace at heart knowing my son will be warmly received in all of my friends' homes here.

I told my son he's lucky to have a room-mate whose mother supplies him the microwave, toaster, flatscreen TV & PS2.... saves us all the trouble too!

Haymarket, Boston

Many have told me about Haymarket that operates every Friday & Saturday in downtown Boston, where one can get various kinds of produce at very - very cheap price. But, I had not the chance to go until last Saturday when Sabri offered to bring me & my son there. One thing about living overseas, away from home, is that we never run out of good friends. Hubby's away for 3 weeks but groceries still got to be done...sigh! Located on and around Blackstone Street, Haymarket is made up of a maze of outdoor stands selling everything from fruits and vegetable to sugarcane to fish. Halal meat & chicken can also be found there. Alaaa...macam pasar malam! As my children had finished almost everything stocked up in the refrigerator, Sabri's offer was very welcoming indeed! Riuh rendah di Haymarket is nothing new to this lady yang dah biasa dengan pasar2 malam kat every Seksyen di Shah Alam tu.

"Buck a box!", "Dollar a pound!", "Buck a box!", "Dollar a pound!" ..each vendor squawking away to attract - itu lah yang dilaungkan oleh peniaga2 yang masing2 cuba menarik perhatian pelanggan - those passing in front of their stalls. I was told that they don't like customers to pick the produce themselves. Yells and cynical remarks would be the normal sounds there at Haymarket. But, surprisingly that morning they did not mind me poking my fingers at the fruits or membelek2 the vegies... must be it was still early and they were not too tired!

Getting there: Haymarket is right around the corner from Quincy Market. On the subway, get off at the Haymarket stop on the Green and Orange lines or the Government Center stop on the Blue and Green lines.

Prof. Muhammad Salleh Poetry Reading at Grolier's

The show began after an introduction of our esteemed National Laureate Professor Muhammad Salleh, by Professor Makita - a Professor at one of the Us here who originate from Nigeria. I have never been to a poetry reading before, atau dalam bahasa kita deklamasi sajak - it was my first experience and I think I sort of like it. Once a while we have to work our right brain. Don't you think so? Obviously the rest of Prof's audience seemed to like his poetry reading too. Well, maybe not so much for the two girls in the frontmost seats - Atiqah & Ava Saulnier who were somewhat lost in space!.

The rest of us were transported by Prof to zaman kesultanan Melaka..,kisah percintaan Hang Jebat dengan Dang Anum.., experiences on Oxford Street.., University life at Ann Harbor.., kehidupan ber-sawah dengan anak2 raja(semangat padi).., our fallen Meranti, Chengal,.., and lots more of his pen-ed ideas; telling his life stories, the many poetry conventions he attended and jokes in between each of them. It was a first time thing too for Grolier, the cosy little poetry book shop located behind Harvard Book Store to receive a Malaysian poet. And Professor Muhammad Salleh paved the way for many more Malaysian poets to come. His opening sajak during the reading : MyLand.......Negaraku

Negaraku
bermula dengan awan tinggi
dan berakhir sebagai ombak menepuk haluan
negaraku
bangun sebagai titik embun
dan bermalam sebagai sekawan kunang-kunang

Negaraku mengalir dari setitik hujan
dan berakhir sebagai muara merah

negeriku menyayup pada hijau hutan
dan berakhir dipermaidani kuning sawah

Negaraku
berkeliling laut
tapi berhenti di tepi matahari

Negaraku
diaslikan oleh Aslian
dan bawakan kebukit oleh Kadazan

Negaraku
berhuma di bukit
dan bersayu dipasir lombong

Negaraku
kelapa sayup dilidah laut
dan bakau liat di pantai selut

Negaraku
indah seperti pemberian kasih
apakah yang dilakukan padanya?

Melaka 24.1.99

New England Dinner

We had a taste of New England dinner when my friend Yasmin prepared a few dishes for her cousin Raja Datuk Seri Eleena at my house.
It was lovely meeting Datuk Seri and family; as well as Adam Farouk and his sweet wife Elizabeth..

Atiqah at the Children's Hospital Boston

I never liked going to hospitals; except visiting newborn babies. I think hospitals here are the same as those back home... in terms of the waiting time! Maybe there are not enough doctors back home or doctors here analyse & scrutinise results more.. so they need more time. I don't know! But I pray I don't have to go through it again. My worry during the wait was as agonising as Atiqah's pain in her tummy. Is it ovarian cyst or is it appendicytis? Should she really go through the surgery as recommended by the surgeons? What if her appendics burst? Surely the doctors here are the best..as what I've heard! After all, Ultrasound, X-rays, CATscan semua dah buat. Thank goodness for insurance! At last after 24 hours of waiting, the Chief of the Children's Hospital himself (Dr Linden) came and explained on the analysis of Atiqah's tests - power point slides and all! With his support we decided not to go through the surgery. Alhamdulillah... by then her pain have also subsided. I think the 'drip' helped. What I appreciate most was his call early the next morning asking about my daughter's condition...

Royal Visit To Boston

I will never forget the days I got to spend with DYMM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail - Tuanku Raja Perlis and DYMM Tuanku Fauziah Binti Al-Marhum Tengku Abdul Rashid - Tuanku Raja Perempuan Perlis, accompanied by Datuk Dr. Vanamaly K.S Menon, En Kamil Busu and a travel coordinator during their private visit to Boston from June 28th 2007 till July 1st 2007. The Royal Couple were traveling from Canada, on their way to New York City and Washington DC. From the very first day the Royal Highnesses, former King and Queen of Malaysia - Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong ke-X11 - showed graciousness and appreciation towards whatever was presented to them. Meeting both the 'modest', caring couple was a real honour. Not that I get to meet many royalties before but...to me Tuanku Fauziah reflects a true 'Queen'. Her mannerism..., her appearance..., no 'dayang2' or maids with her but she still managed an elegant and sophisticated look, that captivated me! She just laughed when I summed up the courage to ask her on her spotless, untarnished, glowing complexion. I could see she misses her grandchildren very much as her mind and thoughts were mostly on them. Her days at the Istana Negara were refered to as 'kerja' .. but she has fond thoughts of the staff that she had then. " ...kasih kita dekat Istana Negara, sayang kita dekat Istana Perlis" confirmed that she is a very loving and caring person, indeed!

Of course the King didn't hold much conversation with me but I could see him 'lightened up' whenever he was telling stories about his army days. Quite a few times he had Dr Menon- his personal doctor, and my husband chuckling listening to his stories. The Royal Couple took in the sights of Cambridge - took pictures in front of MIT and entered Harvard Yard; walked on the cobbled stones of Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall; and also shopped for both family and friends. I really hope they had a sweet and memorable time while they were here.

"Ampun Tuanku sekiranya terdapat cacat-cela dan Menjunjung Kasih Tuanku dari kami di Boston."

4th of July in the U.S of A

Independence Day is the birthday of the United States of America and is celebrated on the Fourth of July each year. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. That means America has celebrated 231 years of independence! In terms of age, my 'beloved country' seems a toddler when compared to this 'old' nation. I wonder what Malaysia would be like when she reached 200?!. If wishes could come true... I wish to see her growing old gracefully, preserving her natural beauty - forests, mountains, rivers and valleys , able to tap her existing resources & generate new, abundant in knowledge and wealth, practice positive values - culturally and spiritually. I also wish to see her safe, healthy and wise. It's sad to even think she would be infested with many negative values that America practices at her age today!

The Declaration of Independence signed by America's forefathers, I guess holds many meanings and may be interpreted however way that benefits anyone. Quoting part of it: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness".
Case in point : the recently passed law for Gay Marriages in Massachusetts! What will they think of NExt?

One event that's similar to all when celebrating Independence Day is the fireworks!. Quoting John Adams, one of the founders of this nation, said, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty ( doa selamat la tuu..!!). It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore."

Back home, we normally 'sparked' after the midnight countdown of the day before. However, here it's held on the evening of July 4th around 9 or 10pm. That way, it won't be too late in the night and the whole family including babies can stay and watch the one hour spectacular show!. Boston's Independence Day fireworks is ranked 3rd BEST after New York City, so a group of us : 2 men, 3 teens, 2 children, 3 ladies + one 7 months pregnant :), decided to walk alongside others, thrudging through the 'drizzle' (which later turned to 'shower'!), towards Charles River just to witness Boston City Skies exploded & lit up like creations of art to the tune of the amazingly designed fireworks. It was a cold wet night but that didn't stop hundreds - some even setup tents!- to fill up the banks of Charles River. But, somehow like Shahmi, the 9year old who huddled close to me for warmth and kept me occupied with his knowledge of fireworks, we WISHed we were in front of the TV!

HAHVAHD Unofficial Tour

On Tuesday June 12th, my children and I with Mega and her mother, took the unofficial tour of Harvard; which was organised by Unofficial Tours - a recently Harvard approved, Student-Run, Student-Owned company. Go to their website at http://www.harv.unofficialtours.com/ and take a look at how the company was started; the beautiful pictures in their on-line brochure and the graphical image map of Harvard Square will give some idea of the route taken during the one and half hour experience. The tour time sounds long - especially on foot! - but the Dual Tour Guide System managed to satisfactorily highlight Harvard hot-spots through their in-depth knowledge, exciting history, side-splitting jokes, and exclusive accounts of student life; making the unforgettable journey oblivious to passing time. Without even using hailers our Tour Guides captured all of their 'followers' attention with fluid flowing 'scripts' on Harvard's (pronounced as HAHVAHD) lingo & terminology, Harvard's buildings & architecture, Harvard's known rivalry with the City of Cambridge and last but not least Harvard's Student Admission and their life in the historic campus. To get enrolled in Harvard is of course not easy; one must be either a top A student, or obtained incredibly high SAT scores, or musically inclined, or.. having very rich parents with none of the above! (The picture on top right with the Memorial Hall behind us was taken by Tom - the bigger size Guide, from a secret vantage point buried deep in Harvard Yard!). The tour starts immediately outside of main Harvard MBTA station, by the Cambridge Info Kiosk in the middle of Harvard Square, and ends in front of the gate along Massachusetts Avenue. As a note: the Tour Guides do not have regular income from the company - I guess because it's 'Unofficial' - so, they get paid through the visitors sincere contributions ( an amount mentioned as an equivalent to a movie show with popcorn ) at the end of the tour. So, if ever you're in Boston, don't miss strolling through Harvard Square & experience the Unofficial Tour of Harvard - which is said to be by far better than the officially run tours!

The First Masjid in Boston...

Last Saturday June 9th, we went to the first ever 'big' Masjid to be built in Boston! It is located on Malcolm X Avenue, Roxbury - tempat yang mostly inhabited by ramai African-Americans di Boston! I heard (if it's true..), Governor Deval Patrick wants improvement to that area & he believes it can also be done through Islam. Of course the building of the masjid is not without problems, issues, hindrances & slanders from the enemies of Islam - I believe it took 7 years to get this masjid approved and be erected, and even now it's not completely built yet! Construction is halted due to insufficient funds - the contractor needs an additional of US500k just to continue on with the development. It seems that the committee had to resort to internal/private contributions ( which is kind of slow ) as funds from outside is stopped and cannot be channeled in. Too many negative speculations! Anyway, everyone was there for the placement of the minaret and for the first athan to be heard. Can you imagine the athan 'berkumandang' di udara mat salleh!? You have to be here to experience the feeling.. perasaan macam kat Mekah pulak! Syahduuuu... We were told that the minaret could not have been built, if not for an old lady who 'sedeqah' all of her inheritance & belongings - may Allah shower her with all of his blessings. There were quite a few 'sobs' and 'sniffles' I heard coming from those around me (including yours truly!), amidst the 'ameens' during the do'a done by the Imam. Well, it was in English and everyone understood the message. Actually, there were also talks of 'trouble' likely to happen, instigated by people who tak suka tengok orang Islam hidup senang! We were a bit apprehensive at first of going, especially my husband, who doesn't want us to be caught up in any conflicts - but, upon seeing throngs of Muslims coming from all walks of life, berbagai bentuk dan rupa..the young and the old, with children & babies...walking like one mile away towards the masjid...we were pulled along! Tak ku sangka macam Hari Raya pulak! Fortunately nothing major occured..except for the incident when the tow truck wanting to pull our car away for having the boot a few inches beyond the 'yellow line'!. Alhamdulillah, if not for a few 'brothers' who not knowing the owner of the targeted car, quickly donated US5 each to make up for the 50 dollars requested by the tow-ers, our car would have been compounded. Now that would be another story to tell! They turned down my husband's request to re-pay them and gladly, I witnessed one of the teachings of Islam being practiced here. We are gratified by their sincerity and willingness to help - semoga Allah kurnia lebih banyak rezeki kepada mereka!

Memorial Day & The MBTA

Monday 28th May is Memorial Day. We took the opportunity of the holiday & the fine weather to go venturing the 'T' in Boston. If you're familiar with the Komuter, The Star & The Putra in KL then you'll get along fine with the trains here. In fact, you'll survive in any train, Underground, Metro or Subway system in the world! First of all, go to the nearest train station and get yourself a map of the train routes; plan where you're going, then get a ticket.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)'s website is also a good way to start. It contains wealth of information. Every ride cost $2, so round trip is $4 - we bought our tickets from the touch screen machines at the station, but I noticed passengers can also buy them from the slot machine on the train, near the driver. Macam naik bas kat Malaysia! I also find crossing the railway tracks at the station as something odd, when its a No! No! back home. The station at Newton Center is above ground...I can say Newton nie macam Shah Alam laa. For an 'old' train system, I think the trains here are very fast & on time. Don't mind the physical conditions though - my son said " ..kalau kat M'sia, dah kena buang dah nie.." We took the Green line, Route D & our destination was Gov't Center in Downtown Boston - 14 stops altogether. From there we walked over to Quincy Market, Fanueil Hall, Haymarket & the New England Aquarium. With summer-like weather which the 'mat sallehs' crave for, the centers were buzzing with people & happenings.




I can say we were not the only visitors in town! :-) Quincy Market offers rows of food stalls which during lunch time will be packed with office workers surrounding the area. Boston souveniers are available at Fanueil Hall - an 'old' post office is also located within to cater for immediate deliveries and postal service. There's also a 'Cheers' bar lookalike nearby where we see quite a number of snapshots taken. Besides being a 'hot spot' for visitors, this area is also a historical site and its part of the Freedom Trail that the Trolley Tours offer. Notice the 'old' I previously mentioned in quotes; I believe we should also be preserving & showcasing them MORE than the 'new' which we are frequently hype-ing these days.. People want to see history & culture that's why they go to places; if not they would have stayed at home! Don't you think? Well, just a passing thought..:-)
The New England Aquarium, like any other, features animals from around the world - equipped with four-storey 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank, its home to everything from seaturtles to sharks to tropical fish. I have been to our Sea World in Langkawi but it was some time back so I can't make an immediate comparison to this aquarium. Maybe I should research it! ;-) But, what I notice about the NE Aquarium is that, it has a clinic & lab for injured sea animals within the facility & those that they find in MA surrounding waters. Which is quite comforting to know...Of course, research is in conjunction with the educational institutions which Boston is renowned for.
Besides going around the 'inexpensive way' like we did, the city also offers visitors many more ways to tour Boston; such as the different Trolley Tours, the Duck Tours - it goes over land & water!, and the Harbor Cruises. To see so many Architecture, Museums, Historic Sites, Tour Sites & Fun Sites - making Boston a charming and educational city to visit. :-)