.: Wednesday :.

Another rainy day.

At a Chinese Muslim Restaurant in Shenzhen.

The owner was speaking in super lighting speed slurry Chinese. I guess the owner is in his early 40s, a merry guy who is very generous with his smiles and laughter. Acknowledging my incompetence, I gave up any efforts to comprehend his speech and chose to focus on something much more interesting; like the colorful menu while my friend kept him entertained.

Me :: What did he say?
Friend :: I don't know.
Me :: What do you mean?
Friend :: His dialect is a little different. He was asking where are you from, and are you a Muslim. I told him you're from Malaysia, and ya. He told me he heard Malaysia is famous for aerobics.
Me :: Aerobics? You just made that up right?
Friend :: I'm serious. He did say that.
Me :: Aerobics??? ... but why aerobics? *starts looking at the menu again; so many good food, too little time to try them all!*
Friend :: Beats me.

My friend had such a stoic expression on his face that I couldn't possibly think he was lying when he said that. But really ... why aerobics? Why?

PS :: This may be a little belated, but Happy Mid-Autumn Festival *中秋节快乐* to everyone! I still have one mooncake sitting in the fridge. :)

Hitting the books.

9.10am Malaysian Time

.: 覆水難收 :.

Opening chapter.

Global Hanyu & Culture College (GHCC) is a leading provider of Mandarin courses and study in China programs. It has a partnership with Shanghai Jiaotong University in the Confucius Institute @ Shanghai Jiaotong University - Global Hanyu & Culture Center in Kuala Lumpur - this is a member of the worldwide network of Confucius Institute under the Chinese government's International Council for the promotion of Hanyu abroad.

The Good News

After some conversations and reading tests, the teacher estimated that my Chinese proficiency level is between level 3 and 4. Level 3 and 4 touch on intermediate Hanyu grammar, hearing, practical oral, pronunciation, character recognition, and introduction to culture. Introductory class begins this Wednesday. Thankfully, there are only 6 levels so I will most probably complete all of it by mid of next year.

The teacher also suggested I sit for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK - Chinese Proficiency Test) level 4.

The Not-So-Good News

The upcoming HSK test is this November.

Can I make it?

9.45am Malaysian Time

.: Sea of amity :.

Friendship.

The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.

Elizabeth Foley

Back at work.

12.47noon Malaysian Time

.: Selamat Hari Raya :.

Maaf zahir dan batin.


Accepting forgiveness can be as difficult as offering it so perhaps out of the 365 days in a year we can take this blessed opportunity to open our hearts and seek forgiveness from others as well as accept their forgiveness. Hopefully this will mend and strengthen our bonds with one another, allowing us to get on with our lives basking in the light of a re-energized positive conscience.

.................................... ~ ....................................

:: Eid Greetings ::

Eid mubarak to my dear readers, brothers, sisters and loved ones!

May all of you have a joyous celebration!

Have a safe and pleasant journey!

.................................... ~ ....................................

In this regard I will sincerely appreciate it if everyone can forgive me if I'd ever written or done anything that may anger, hurt or sadden any of you. I will resume blogging on Sunday, Insha'Allah. :)

Reviving forgiveness.

11.55pm Malaysian Time

.: Simple life :.

Rumah terbuka.

The happiness of one's own heart alone cannot satisfy the soul; one must try to include, as necessary to one's own happiness, the happiness of others.

Malaysians are very synonymous with rumah terbuka *open houses*, and although Eid is about a week away I'm already receiving invitations. Apparently I have lost some weight so friends are taking turns to stuff me; not that I'm complaining. God willing I will organize one again this year, albeit I hope to do a simpler kind.

Not too long ago I became friends with a sister who leads a very simple life with her husband and children. Our correspondences made me all the more thankful with what I have as my seemingly 'simple' life pretty much pales in comparison to theirs. Coming from humble backgrounds, I wish to learn the simple life from her too, and in due course share our ups and downs with each other. We almost went our separate ways due to some internal concerns but praise the Lord our bonds are stronger than ever now. Sincerity, patience and perseverance along with sisterly love and the blessings from our Lord made it possible, Alhamdulillah.

PS :: To my dear readers, brothers and sisters who had given me the love and support during these past few days, I thank you so much. Only God can repay your kindness.

Ramadhan is coming to an end.

11.58am Malaysian Time