Europe in words part 2.

Winter times in Istanbul part 2.

Today was tour day. Various tourists from all around the world joined us for today’s sightseeing. The first stop was the bridge that separates turkey as a whole, one was the modern side which is further north Europe and the other was the old fashioned side. This division consists more of mosques, bazaars, and museums and plenty other historical sites as well. It was very fascinating when we acknowledge the information or history of every place we visited. One of the most renowned mosques is the blue mosque. Did you know that it was once a church? I didn’t. I was very interested on the overall transformation, how it now becomes a mosque and a church, and how people of different religions congregate and pray to god. Many questions still lingered in my brain waiting for to be answered. Unfortunately, time was of the essence and not many tour guides were available. Sad I know, but I guess its alright.There was this other site we came upon, and that was the basilica cistern.at first, the place was  filled with water up to a very distinct height. Let’s say about 100 feet tall? Yes, seems so unbelievable but its the truth. Apparently, the history of the place was related to Medusa’s adventure and stories after stories evolve into more fascination and excitement.We attained to many more places that even i cant remember  the names of a few of them. So after a day of fulfilled fun, our tour journey came to an end.The bus dropped us at the nearest station and we took the metro back to the hotel.The next 2 days was shopping day. My family and i along with our family friends went to the spice bazaar, markets and heeps of clothing to footware ,home decos to furniture outlets and restaurants here and there.Before we headed to the mountains , we bought extra food just in case someone gets hungry after skiing or snowboarding.As for my brothers and i, this was the main reason we went to turkey, and that was to experience snow. On the 20^th of march, the clan took the mini-van  to go to the Bursa mountains. The journey there was very tiring as we had to shuffle ships just to get there.It wasn’t long until we saw snow. Just the speck of it made us shrieked excitedly and drove the driver mad, but he was nice enough to understand.Finally, we reached to the mountains and it was a winter wonderland. Aliff, Adam , Afeef and I was in complete amazement. We were bewildered by the luxury of snow and professionals skiing and snowboarding. One of them then told me,  “hey sis!check this out. It’s  -15degrees.Isnt that fantastic?!”I was shivering a bit too much to answer so i nodded.Mum and dad were hanging out with their friends while we  were busy enjoying snowboarding and skiing. We had the time of our lives literally. No one could ever expressed our ample amount of happiness and laughters we shared that day.unfortunately, it was getting dark and we had to leave because the roads would be dark and rarely visible. Our parents could tell that we didn’t want to leave but there was no option else.The hotels were either fully booked or closed.Nevertheless, we coudnt be more greatful of today. All 7 of us , thanked our parents from the bottom of our hearts with hugs and kisses. Ultimately, the weeks trip ended.it was time to wrap up and go back to dubai. All in all, everyone enjoyed their trip and would love to come  back if given the opportunity to. 

Europe in words.

Winter times in Istanbul, Turkey.

15th March 2010, that was the date that confirmed our departure to this country in Europe. We were so thrilled to go as a family not forgetting the other family friends as well. A week before, everyone was occupied with their own tasks. Spent a day in the outlet mall, Dubai just searching for winter clothes. We came across timberland, Tachibo, and Columbia outlets there and shopped for the necessary attire for winter. From long johns, to thermal wears, thermal hats, gloves, snow suits and furry winter coats; we were equipped from head to toe. Timberland supplied us with winter boots. Basically, around 15 pairs of boots were bought. Imagine the cost. Might have made the cashier’s day that time, ‘chuckles.’ After a day’s worth, we headed off home for a family dinner and said bye to the friends as well. An hour later, dad got all the luggage bags out and began to pack.It was a while but we had to be prepared. It was a day till departure and excitement began to blast the house with continuous happy shrieks and limitless laughter. Mums were chattering about on their social life, and kids were just playing around. It was fun. The next morning, my brothers and i were so thrilled that we were actually counting down the hours. However we didn’t have the time to as we were pretty occupied with the last minute stuff. At last, the time had come... and we’re about to take off. Istanbul Air flew us miles and miles away at a distant height. The duration of the flight is only 4 hours. The families were tired and literally everyone dozed off during then. A very vivid and loud announcement by the captain and flight attendants got us at shock. “Thank you for flying Istanbul Air and we hope to see you next time. Have a pleasant evening.” These were the words that we partially heard since we were barely awake. There it was, beautiful sunny skies enriching the vivid colours of the atmosphere..  Luscious blue sea with seagulls teeming by the bay, with the misty cold winds blowing all around, it made the trees dance and citizens seemed like they had chills in their bones. To Afeef’s (youngest brother) point of view, they seemed like jelly being taken out from the refrigerator...Wobbly. I laughed uncontrollably. As we reach the ADA hotel, we were all greeted by a wrinkled and deprived elderly man, putting on his widest smile,  and tired eyes. Basically he had a similar complexion like Albert Einstein.So now you can imagine what he looks like.Exhausted and worn out,the bed was our best friend at that time.The whole group decided on taking the day off.16^th march 2011, I woke up to a bright sunny morning with an almost perfect weather  knowing that today’s going to be a wonderful day. By 10 A.M. , the group headed out for sightseeing and i shall continue in the next post ... so this is how it goes.

Living life independently .

So my first week at Taylors was something alright. Finally, I can take a breather and enjoy the environment. Starbucks in the morning, then Japanese by evening.   Coffee is the best remedy to lazy mornings, or maybe simply because I’m addicted to it? I don’t know. Japanese is heaven! I love having  “ bentos “ of all sorts. 
Basically, bentos consists of rice, various meat dishes of your choice, pickled ginger or horse raddish,salad, wasabi and green tea.  They are delish. Makes my mouth water now that I come to think of it. Maybe I’ll have some later. Well , the food court here is priced reasonably. However, if you ‘re going to be reside here for a long time, my advise would be to not eat there on a daily basis because eventually, you will get bored of seeing the same food  everyday, but there's no harm in trying a different dish each day.Then you'll know which ones are nice and which aren't.Everyone's entitled to their own opinions. Now,  what has come to mind is the security here. Back in the middle east, the crime rates are very low. Citizens were afraid of the consequences there, for example, let's say that you were accused of being a thief in the groceries store, and if you get caught by the shopkeeper, they will report you to the police and your hands will be chopped off, literally. This is a serious matter and only under valid reasons should  you be excused from this punishment, which i tell you.. happens VERY rarely. I got used to life there. Regardless of that, I was very impressed on how everything is well secured here.  Apart from it, my roommates are very friendly and welcoming.  The room, pantry and washrooms are well designed. It was everything I saw in the pictures, literally.Mum and I was thrilled to get my room equipped.however,that was a long process but was worth the time. What kills me inside is the fact that I have to be apart from the family.Positive thinking is the only way to get me through. I guess im not the only one facing it.To me, being independent is not as simple as ABC.You need to work your way through and never let anything hold you back.This is all part of  the process of being an adult.Anyhow, tutorials  have started in the second week.Thus, the launching of excessive  homework / assignments. I make that phrase sound so alienating, but it’s the truth.I was looking forward to it but something just bugs me every time I feel happy to attend  them.Maybe it's because of the duration, or my never-ending curiosity.But face it,we are going to eventually be loaded with assignments from everywhere. But hey, its for the best! 

The first of everything.

 “Taylors ,  Malaysia’s renowned university. “ those were the words that came out from mum’s friends mouths. It sounded very fascinating and my curiosity began to take me places. When I surf through taylors.edu.my, there were so many captivating photos of the campus and the rest of the university. The place is beautiful, and the rooms are designed to the highest means. Moreover,  Taylors school of communication tops all other similar ones  in Malaysia. At that instant, I knew that this was it for me. I really wanted to do media and this was a sign. You know how people say : a picture is worth a million words ? well this doesn’t.  Everything in the pictures which seemed so surreal and has amazed me beyond expectations.Anyhow,  Orientation week started, time to socialize and get to know your batch of people.On that day, there were both foundations and diploma courses like business computing and communication. Almost 3/4 of the massive hall was filled with students from everywhere.Speeches were given out by important people i have no idea of, but was intriguing .. in a way.Campus tours were held too, several times.On the third day of orientation, I took a stroll down Taylor's abbey and wondered everywhere.Somehow i ended up at the admin block.From there onwards, I figured i should get the basics like student ID,a taylorian T-shirt etc done first.Above all,I was pretty occupied with other matters which were dealt with fast thank god.After all that hassle, lectures began. Everyone was looking forward to it. There were a few ice breaking sessions which was, interesting, “awkweird “ ( my understanding of awkward and weird ) but amusing sometimes!  The lecturers were keen on getting us started, in terms of studying and a basic introduction of the courses which was indeed a common thing that they share (no offense intended) .  From my knowledge, the campus life here is highly sociable.But I LOVE IT.

Couple of days after came the party, at first I didn't have the heart to attend it at all. Unfortunately, I was having a stir of mix emotions, which could not be resolved till days after.Nevertheless,I threw all those away and headed to the multi purpose hall with that false smile on my face. What caught my eye was their lavish, over the top attire and attitude. It wasn't a pleasant sight to me.I felt disintegrated.Luckily,I had my new classmates with me and we enjoyed our time at the party together.One of them was even fortunate enough to win the grand prize.Besides that, I would rate the food as satisfactory, which included fried noodles,  vegetable spring rolls, white rice and some meat dish. Numerous performances by members of the groups and societies were presented during then.To conclude the event, they brought out the Taylor's dance group and challenged the audience to join. most of the people there had butterflies in their stomach , and tried to evacuate the hall A.S.A.P.Sooner or later, we join the clan and left too.I had to go back home with my parents and my friends had plans.As soon as we reached to the hostel, i dashed first to get my bag ready for the weekend as my mum and dad had already waited for me for about half an hour.As soon as i greeted them, story after story began to utter from my big mouth that to an extent, my parents thought that i had lost it, literally. On the other hand, it's pretty important or vital to me that i update my mum especially, about what has come into existence ever since i started here.Freedom is everything they say and based on my opinion, it is indeed a very free life.Seems a bit odd that now you're on your own, everything changes, from the constant ranting and friendly fights with your siblings, to cooking and baking for one. Bit of a downside for me , but hey once i graduate as a successful taylorian, I'm going to give myself the liberty to go for a holiday with the family and re-live the good old times and cherish the moments while i'm at it.Go back and rejoice to the times when it's alright to rant to one another and fighting with your brothers are very amusing.As this is my first post, I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart who actually took the time to read my experiences in university and  are pleased with it. Hoping to see many more in the future. Always think positive and live a little. Thank you and god bless.