Hidayah, World Traveller

Can you count the stars where you are?

2012-01-22T02:19:00.001+08:00

2012

2012-01-12T21:04:00.013+08:00

Only from the heart can you touch the sky - Rumi

Here's to a new year, a new hope, a new adventure.

Game On Bitches!*

Remembering Emak

2011-12-12T11:18:00.003+08:00

Asia binte Jofrie, a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul.

Today would have been my mother's birthday.

I miss you Emak :(

Alfateha.

My Cambridge Congregation

2011-10-22T13:15:00.007+08:00

Today is my Cambridge congregation! I know I should feel happy and proud but somewhat I feel sad at the thought of leaving my second home and my Cambridge family...

Ease Africa 2011

2011-09-18T12:36:00.013+08:00

I attended the Ease Africa 2011 event, co-organised by SMSO and other tertiary student bodies on 16 Sept 2011 at Ar-Raudhah Mosque in Singapore. There were bake sale, media booth, T-shirt sales etc preceeding the dinner event. Dinner was in dulang style, 4 persons to a round tray. There were religious performances, short film/presentation on the plight of Africa and a forum enlightening us on Islam's views on helping mankind and the legal aspect of fund-raising. Tears flowed as I watched the slides on Africa. Prophet Muhammad said, "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." It was indeed heartening to see fellow Muslims coming together to help their brothers and sisters in far away Africa. Alas I too can't wait until summer next year. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to go to Africa on the KEP.

Jernih berkaca

2011-08-28T11:03:00.019+08:00

It's been nearly a month since I returned from the UK. As much as I miss my home in Cambridge, it was good spending time with family members and friends in Singapore. The sweltering heat was unbearable, what with fasting and all. Anyway, I made time to visit friends in Kuala Lumpur and oh yes to buy baju kurung and some kuih raya. The short trip was made more special as I met up with friends whom I've not seen in ages, friends from Cambridge as well as meeting up a new friend. How lovely it was to spend some simple yet quality time with my new friend. I almost felt 'sebak' after our Sunday dinner together. As we talked over the fried beef dish, I held back my tears. Why was I reacting this way? Why did I not want to say goodbye? Anuar Zain's 'Kembalilah Kasih' played gently at the back of my mind as I waved goodbye to my friend whom I've grown fondly of over the past eight months, a friendship spanning over the Atlantic Ocean. When we finally met last week, it seemed so natural, no awkwardness; we're just being ourselves, the same selves we made known to one another. But perhaps I was the only one who felt the heaviness of parting...

I visited my mum's grave yesterday. Amidst the sobbing and making doa for her, I whispered to my mum, "I met someone. He seems nice and I think I'm falling for him. I don't know if he feels the same but I thought you should to know this and I'd like your blessing."

Kini hilang dari pandangan, jernih berkaca

Sayu suaramu...

The MPhil Journey

2011-07-29T15:25:00.010+08:00

Phew... I submitted my MPhil dissertation on 22 July 2011. What an exhaustive but enriching journey! I've discovered so much about Kampong Glam and about myself. I can't wait to continue the research to the PhD.

I'm leaving Cambridge for the summer but my heart feels heavy... And just like many who had left Cambridge permanently or for a while, Cambridge is our love - I feel the same as Xu Zhimo's poem as that was written on the 'batu bersurat' at King's College. Here's the English translation:

Very Quietly I take my leave
As quietly as I came here
Quietly I wave good-bye
To the rosy clouds in the western sky.
The golden willows by the riverside
Are young brides in the settling sun;
Their reflections on the shimmering waves
Always linger in the depth of my heart.
The floating heart growing in the sludge
Sways leisurely under the water;
In the gentle waves of Cambridge
I would be a water plant!
That pool under the shade of elm trees
Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky;
Shattered to pieces among the duckweeds
Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream.
To seek a dream? Just to pole a boat upstream
To where the green grass is more verdant;
Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight
And sing aloud in the splendour of starlight.
But I cannot sing aloud
Quietness is my farewell music;
Even Summer insects keep silence for me
Silent is Cambridge tonight!
Very quietly I take my leave
As quietly as I came here;
Gently I flick my sleeves
Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away.

Singapore Muslim Students Overseas (SMSO)

2011-06-30T18:28:00.012+08:00

Nadiah & myself founded the Singapore Muslim Students Overseas (SMSO), a support network for Singapore Muslims students around the world. We met for teh tarik on 6 May 2011 in London (after we voted in the Singapore General Elections).

We hope that SMSO will continue to grow with chapters mushrooming around the world! :)

Join us on Facebook

Read Berita Harian article & networking tea invite on UKSCC

May Ball

2011-06-30T17:25:00.008+08:00

Ahh... the legendary Cambridge May Ball

I was fortunate to attend the much coveted 'The First & Third Trinity Boat Club May Ball' on 20 June (9 pm to 6 am). The experience was simply amazing. I'm still gushing about it...

I look forward to "banish the blues, redden up the embers and explore the blackest night" again next year :)

Malays of University of Cambridge

2011-06-01T03:58:00.011+08:00

It's Easter term already? Gasp... where did time fly to? This term is madness, what with the exams, thesis-writing... As I frantically try to study and finish up reading that stacks of books, my mind wonders off... did the Malays of University of Cambridge in yesteryears struggle like how I'm struggling now?

Kak Putri's timely message on Facebook enclosing a photo of her uncle Raja Zahar (photo: top left) inspired me to compile photos of the Malays who studied at Cambridge. I'm so impressed with their achievements and contributions to society. Will I be able to walk in their giant shoes?

More photos and info on Facebook

Meeting Prof William Roff

2011-04-04T21:27:00.004+08:00

I met Prof William Roff (the father of Malay history books) in Edinburgh, Scotland on 28 March 2011. What an honour!

Battle of the Giants

2011-03-14T08:22:00.009+08:00

The countdown begins... Go Cambridge!

The excitement is almost like the regatta sequence in the Social Network movie. Although the Winklevoss twins in the movie are so hot, I still prefer the preppy and shy Cambridge men!

The Boat Race

2011-03-05T08:07:00.013+08:00

Oxford vs. Cambridge

I just watched the video of the Boat Race 2010. Despite lagging behind Oxford in the beginning, having to compete against 2 Olympiad rowers (the Winklevoss twins rowed for Oxford) and manoeuvring difficult bends, the Cambridge team didn't give up. Our rowers pushed hard and emerged as the champion. Such is Cambridge's staying power!

I know which boat I'll be rooting for come 26 March 2011 :)

http://www.theboatrace.org/article/racevideos/2010replay

From Beirut to Jerusalem

2011-03-04T20:38:00.008+08:00

I finally met Dr Ang Swee Chai at Trinity College, Cambridge last night!

Dr Radiah Salim told me about Dr Ang's medical relief efforts in Palestine. We are inspired by her, surgeon and humanitarian extraordinaire.

With her her husband Francis Khoo and some friends, Dr Ang helped to form the British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), following the 1982 Sabra-Shatilla massacres. In 1987, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat awarded Dr Ang the "Star of Palestine", the highest award for the service to the Palestinians.

Meeting Dr Ang rekindles my childhood dream. If it's meant to be, God willing, medical school will happen at some point in my life. If it doesn't, I will try to help Dr Ang and Dr Radiah in whatever ways I can.

What's in my pigeonhole?

2011-02-28T06:52:00.010+08:00

Last Friday evening, while waiting for Kak Zalyah at the Plodge (Porter's Lodge), I noticed the blue Newnham College Roll Letters in our pigeonholes. There was a woman standing near them. She smiled at me and said, "This makes a nice photograph. But what is even nicer is to come back and see how well you all are doing. So when you become scientist or artist or author, we will write about you in the Roll Letters!"

The woman was a former Newnhamite who didn't know me but our college bond was strong that her encouraging me seemed like a natural thing to do...

O Cambridge, my love for you grows and grows!

Meeting of Minds - Part 2

2011-02-19T21:23:00.008+08:00

Peter Sanders, Idris Tawfiq, Tariq Ramadan and T J Winter.

I'm glad to be able to hear them speak at 'Experience Islam Week (EIW) 2011' in Cambridge. Such great minds, such humility.

Sabiha (the student with the Union Jack in the video below) told me that when they were filming the EIW video (praying scene outside King's College), the English non-Muslim porter came out, not to chase them away but to tell them that the direction to the East was not that way! Ahhh... this is why we love Cambridge!

Love's Dizziness

2011-02-12T03:28:00.031+08:00

Even with the heated debates on rising fees at Cambridge, the varsity papers are also abuzz with Valentine's Day debates. Argghh... my mailbox is flooded with College Speed-dating Swaps and Blind Date invites (proceeds from both will go to charity). Alas, I'm jaded and disillusioned with love. Even 'Demon Wind', my short story that will be published in the Newnham Short Story book, is about what else but love and betrayal. I jokingly said to my ever enthusiastic friends who wanted to introduce me to potential soul mates, that "Men just disappoint me that I have to turn my attention to vampires!" Hee3. Oui, my current crush is on the unbelievably hot Salvatore brothers of 'The Vampire Diaries' series! *wink

p.s Euminl, you're to be 'blamed' for introducing the series :)

My against-Valentine's-Day-bah-humbug heart softened when I saw Vampire Diaries' 'Crying Wolf' episode. Bonnie finally put aside her prejudices and judgement and saw Jeremy in a different light (see video clip here). Although I've seen better kisses, theirs I felt was Epic.

To all jaded souls like yours truly, perhaps we should give love another chance. Yes, you preppy varsity Blues rower, perhaps this time, you could smile back at that shy girl who had been stealing glances at you during the Cambridge Union Society debates. And you, law girl with the tortoise rimmed glasses, can't you see how that dark-haired lad in the Vermont T-shirt who seemed interested in discussing your essay is so into you?

As for me, yes, I think "you're hot. Enough already." *blush

The Great Rivals

2011-02-03T22:44:00.019+08:00

Oxford (left), Cambridge (right)

"That sweet city with her dreaming spires" vs "the beauty of all beauties - King's College Chapel". I've always wondered about the Oxford-Cambridge rivalry. Is there really one?

"It is often assumed that the Oxford-Cambridge rivalry is a shared Oxbridge joke to baffle the yokels outside. In fact, there are hostility, and suspicion between the two places. Oxford fears and rejects the cold, ruthless spirit of inquiry, the questioning of accepted ideas, of Cambridge. Cambridge mocks the liberal 'amateurism' of Oxford, and especially the many politicians it produces."

- Birmingham Post literary editor Keith Brace describing Oxford/Cambridge rivalry in 1986

"Cambridge has more Nobel laureates but Oxford has more prime ministers ... Oxford people think they rule the world, whereas Cambridge people don't care who rules the world."

- German writer Peter Sager on how England's 2 greatest universities differ in 'Oxford and Cambridge: An Uncommon History (2005)'

Oxford, I found, had greatly the advantage of Cambridge in point of country... The town, however, made amends; and Cambridge has the advantage of Oxford in a remarkable degree, as far as regards eminent names. England's two greatest philosophers Bacon and Newton, and (according to Tyrwhitt) three out of its four great poets, were bred there, besides double the number of minor celebrities.

Yet they are divine places, both; full of grace, and beauty, and scholarships; of revered antiquity, and ever-young nature and hope.

- Leigh Hunt, Autobiography (1850)

Meeting of Minds

2011-01-28T07:36:00.011+08:00

I have been fortunate to meet many people at Cambridge. Besides discussing with professors, fellow Cantabrigians at formal halls, listening to presenters and sipping elderflower cordial (my current favourite drink) at pre/post-seminar drinks, I also got the chance to take snapshots of them (and with them). To name a few: Nik Nazmi (Malaysian politician), Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe, Newnham alum and biographer Claire Tomalin and St John's lawyer-turned-author and my crush (years ago) Karim Raslan!
Stephen Hawking, will you pls 'pigeonhole' (the old Cambridge term for 'email') your response? I'd love to meet you and discuss about the stars and the universe.

A Seeker's Prayer

2011-01-16T22:58:00.004+08:00

Don't let me
wander from
Your love,

Don't let me
leave Your
door,

And if I lose
myself,

Let me find
myself with
You.

~ Yunus Emre

2011

2011-01-16T19:35:00.007+08:00

New year. New dreams. New plans. New surprises.

I spent a lovely X'mas vacation with family and friends in Paris & Andrezieux-Boutheon. Alas the flu bug reached me, bed-ridden sans voix, very ill and of course lost some weight in the process. And while resting in bed, I reflected on 2010 and all the eventful happenings. Some plans went on as planned, some plans didn't materialise, some plans got deviated, other plans came about...
As per the words of Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, "It's a plan. Is it perfect? What plan is?"

Reflections of Michaelmas Term

2010-12-10T05:24:00.008+08:00

How time flies! It's the end of Michealmas term and what a term it has been! Adjusting to Cambridge and living the Cantabrigian way of life; rushing to attend all the thought-provoking seminars, formal hall swaps, dialogues and outings with friends, cooking, giving a book talk (complete with ondeh-ondeh and kuih keria), rowing amidst freezing weather on River Cam, studying until the wee hours of the morning, overcoming Fresher's Cold... so many things to do, so little time... argghhh...
I remember this conversation I had with John Stanley, my Bikeability Trainer:
John: So how do you find Cambridge?
Me: It's amazing... But I feel that I'm not working as hard as I should...
John (laughs): Whenever I asked this question to Cambridge students, ALL of you said the same thing!

And to top the madness of the term, there was the Burglary in my room in Week 5, leaving me traumatised, MacBook Pro-less, data-less... basically all my 'life' was gone in a mere dinner slot :( Well, at least I wasn't harmed... thank God.
As per Rumi, "Don't grieve. Anything you lose comes around in another form."

Where in the world is the Gedung Kuning Book? - Part 4

2010-11-10T23:50:00.009+08:00

The Gedung Kuning book is in Oxford University's libraries!
*Thanks Helmi & Nik for the lovely photos :)

Latest update:
The GK book is now available in the British Library, British Museum, SOAS Library, Cornell University Kroch Library and the Ohio University Library. Hurrah!

A Minah in Cambridge - Michaelmas Term

2010-10-10T04:19:00.013+08:00

After all that misplaced documents and delayed visa drama, I'm finally matriculated at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. This minah is now officially a student of Cambridge, the best university in the world! At matriculation (we were dressed in our gowns), we had to sign our names in the grand book only with a fountain pen.

"The reason why we need you to sign in this book, which will be kept in the university for eternity, is because when you win a Nobel Prize, we can tell the world that you were once a student of our college."

Such statement is so inspiring, unlike the statement given to me by a certain Malay community leader who said I will be a nuisance to society upon graduating from Cambridge. So that leader is implying that all Cambridge graduates (world leaders, countless Nobel laureates, scientists, acclaimed writers) are also nuisance to society? Has the Malay society regressed to the era of Hang Nadim, where young intelligent minds were killed by those in power when they could have otherwise nurture what could have been the country's future leaders? What a shame! Our community is in desperate need of good role models who are not singers, artists or glorified personalities with no real passion to help others. Sedarlah Melayu Singapura!

*See Cambridge photos on my Facebook

Where in the world is the Gedung Kuning Book? - Part 3

2010-10-10T03:55:00.005+08:00

The Gedung Kuning book has found a home in the Cambridge University's libraries!

So long, farewell...

2010-09-21T00:33:00.007+08:00

I was supposed to fly off to England on 17 Sept... but alas due to some documents being misplaced and the delay caused, I only managed to do my visa on 13 Sept. Sigh... Cubaan! The trials & tribulations! I pray that I'll get my visa soon so I can fly off just in time to be at Cambridge on 1 Oct.

I do however enjoy the extra time spent with family and friends. Oh how I will miss everyone! :( Although it's sad to leave loved ones behind, this opportunity is too good to pass.

Here's to a new adventure, a new dream, a new hope, a new love.

The Land of the Thunder Dragon

2010-08-31T21:09:00.011+08:00

Yes, I'm back from Druk Yul (Bhutan), the Land of the Thunder Dragon. What an experience volunteering on the Singapore International Foundation's Bhutan W.I.R.E.D project. Tiring, as Faizah and I were travelling from one village to another every 2 days. Felt like a rock band on tour (yes Germaine, you're the best rock band manager!). Extreme weather differences, lots of mossies and creepy crawlies, winding roads, wonderful polite students, sexy men in Gho, marijuana (ganja) growing wildly along the roads... No wonder Bhutanese are the happiest people on earth! *grin...

More photos will be posted on my FB when I fully recover from the vomiting bout (yep, was fasting in Bhutan and the body lacks the fluid to wash down the Malaria pills...). Ahh... the joys of volunteer work!

Read about my adventure "Wiring Up Druk Yul" at http://www.singaporekopitiam.sg/blogs/hidayah-amin/item/659-wiring-up-druk-yul

Moi in Manja

2010-07-22T11:33:00.003+08:00

Grab a copy of Manja magazine, August issue!
I'm featured in "Raikan lembaran baru' (Celebrate a new chapter) article - page 42

Birthday Celebrations @ Darul Ma'wa

2010-07-18T23:01:00.012+08:00

I thought I would have a quiet birthday this year. Lo and behold, Fauziah Hanim invited me to celebrate my birthday with the children of Darul Ma'wa!

Darul Ma'wa is a Children's Home for orphans and children from disadvantaged families of various race and religion - http://www.jamiyah.org.sg/homes/mawa.html

I'm so excited! I've ordered cupcakes from Kak Su of Lydia's Oven & prepared little favours for the children as well as gifts for the top 10 male and female students who excelled in their exams.

And I will be having a book reading and will give the home 2 books: my Gedung Kuning book and The Phantom Tollbooth.

What great fun it will be!

A Minah in Cambridge

2010-07-02T10:38:00.003+08:00

Gwen, my former colleague and internationally-acclaimed designer (yes she is to us!) made this pencil holder-cum-coaster for me (her farewell gift). Aww.... This can be the cover of my next book "A Minah in Cambridge" :)

Where in the world is the Gedung Kuning Book? - Part 2

2010-07-02T10:32:00.014+08:00

The book has travelled to the Land of the Midnight Sun!
Magnus Harsem bought the book online from Norway.

His posting on 'Gedung Kuning Book @ Facebook': Hi to all... and greetings from the Land of the Midnight Sun. I loved Hidayah's book... all the short stories were recounted with love and a vivid memory and I am sure lots of interviews with loved ones.. I have been asked which was my fav. story.. and well it is a tough question, as they all convey to me an image, a story of a family spawning ...a few generations, they all add up the whole...a dynasty... I want to visit Gedung Kuning and ask if i may and if in season - share a mango with a friend, under the mango tree. Keep writing Hidayah and keep your reading fans... happy la.. ;-) warm regards from Norway

'Potong Andam' in Manja magazine

2010-06-02T15:06:00.005+08:00

Grab a copy of Manja magazine, June issue!
'Potong Andam' short film & the Director (yours truly) are featured in 'Fragmen' (review of Sinema Showoff! The Balik Kampung Collection) article - page 66

Her World

2010-05-03T21:51:00.003+08:00

Grab a copy of Her World magazine, May issue!
I'm featured in "What I Did For Her" article - page 188

Where in the world is the Gedung Kuning book?

2010-04-09T13:14:00.004+08:00

The book has travelled far and wide! The book was spotted on Matthew Eaves' table at his Cleveratom office in Essex, United Kingdom.
Share with us your GK book photo!

A Note to God - Part 2

2010-03-26T13:38:00.010+08:00

Dear God, you probably already know what I'm about to tell you, but here goes ... I haven't been well lately and lots of things weigh heavily in my mind and heart. As much as I look forward to being a Cambridge girl, I feel so sad at not being able to study medicine, disappointing myself and mostly importantly Emak (Mum) and Nenek (Grandma). And you know how hard I tried! I've always accepted the turn of events and put my trust in you. Remember this conversation I had with Emak?
Emak: Cik Idah, I would like to seek your forgiveness.
Me: Why? You haven't done anything wrong to me. In fact, I should be the one asking you for forgiveness.
Emak: Remember when you applied for law school many years ago and how badly you wanted to be a lawyer? Well, Nenek and I were so upset. It's not because we don't love you; we love you so much that we didn't want you to be a lawyer. We know how passionate you are and how you would work very hard to defend your clients. And when you're starting out, you can't choose your clients, right? We didn't want you to be put in a position that you have no choice but to do the unethical and the haram (forbidden). So we prayed very hard that you won't get in law school. And when you didn't, we were so happy that our prayers have been answered. Of course you cried and it broke our hearts to see you in so much tears. So pls, forgive us...
Me: Emak, it's ok... Ultimately it's God who decides. Besides, things turn out for the best...

God, when both Nenek & Emak gave their blessings for me to pursue medicine, it didn't happen too... why? I've purified my intentions and did everything I could to achieve that dream. It's not about the prestige or wealth, I really do want to help the sick. And now, I'm embarking on the Cambridge path... God, if this path is good for me, then pls make the journey easier...

A Note to God

2010-03-20T23:58:00.003+08:00

No, my chest pain hasn't subsided... and I would still wake up in the middle of the night, breathless and my chest in knots. Just like Bella in New Moon, I felt as if a knife is being stabbed into my chest. The doctor said that it was probably stress (dad, rejection from medical school and disappointing my late mum and grandma in the process, paying for Cambridge etc). Unlike Bella whose dad was there to comfort her after every 'nightmare', I'm alone to cope with the pain.

At times like this, I remember a song I heard in Amsterdam many years ago. Wat is mijn hart (What is my heart) by Marko Borsato. Although I don't know Dutch, I felt that I understood the song's heart-wrenching lyrics. Recently, I think the song to describe my current state of mind would be Charice's Note to God.

If I wrote a note to God, I would speak what's in my soul...

I dreamt of Emak

2010-02-22T09:42:00.015+08:00

Last night, my father hit a car and all of us were stressed up...
What with all other matters weighing heavily in my head and heart, I suddenly dreamt of Emak. Emak picked me up in her car (she couldn't drive when she was alive) and I was gushing with happiness to see her. I hugged her and asked her for forgiveness. Emak then told me to wait with Hadi while she looked for something in the building. After a long while, we went to look for her. Someone told us Emak was hospitalised. We ran to the hospital (I didn't even care that I was barefooted). I saw Emak on the bed surrounded by some female relatives. Emak then hugged and kissed me, and told me how proud she was of her scholarly daughter. And as though she could sense the problems I was facing, she said, "Leave it to Allah."
I woke up crying. I miss my beloved mother, Asia Jofrie...

Dr Hidayah Amin?

2010-02-21T11:17:00.022+08:00

Last year during the holy month of Ramadan, I had the strangest dream. I was talking to my late mum (Emak) and complaining about how my father didn't care about me but gave his attention to my brother. Emak just smiled and then my late grandma (Nenek) came towards us carrying a crying baby.
Nenek: Cik Idah, pls help. The baby is in pain.
Me: How? I don't know what to do.
Emak: You must help this poor baby... Please!

I discovered that the baby had mouth ulcer. I took a scalpel and with the skilful hands of a surgeon, I removed the ulcer and the baby was fine! Both Emak and Nenek beamed with happiness and then Nenek took me by the hand and said...

Nenek: Come, let's go....
Me: What's this place?
Emak: This was Dr Aziz's free clinic for the poor villagers. But since Dr Aziz has passed away, the clinic felt into ruins. Now it's used as den for cock gambling. It's so sad.
Nenek: Even the kids are sacred of those fierce fighting cocks which chased after them every time they passed by.
Me: Don't worry, when I become a doctor, I'll monitor my clinic with my own eyes.

I woke up in a sweat. Oh God! Was this a sign for me to go to medical school and become a doctor? I decided to use the remaining money in my Wachovia account and make that tedious applications to Harvard and Yale again (last attempt).

Still no news from the schools so I suppose it's yet another rejection. Emak & Nenek, pls don't be disappointed. I've really tried my best (Kaplan classes in NYC, strong recommendation letters from academics and medical practitioners, my volunteer work at St Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem etc). It's more painful for me as this has been my childhood dream :( We can plan but ultimately, it's God who decides. I guess, I'll be heading for Cambridge instead...

The Eagle and the Wolf - Part 5

2010-02-20T10:00:00.018+08:00

Many have asked me about the Eagle and the Wolf... Any continuation? Any plans to make it into a short book? Pls Hidayah, we want to read more!
-------------------------------------------------------------------

As the eagle flies back to the canyon, Prairie Rose gets wind of the hyena which wrecks havoc and of the wolf whose seemingly sincere eyes speak of an unspoken secret... Suddenly Demon Wind burst into a tempest and the animals and plants stood still, afraid to breath. The tempest swirls throughout the canyon, its ferocious sound brings devastating news.
O God of Heaven, Prairie Rose whispers. How can the hyena do such a thing to her own flock? Oh how devastating for the eagle to hear the news from the hummingbird? And why is the wolf angry at the eagle for her warnings about the hyena? Doesn't the wolf know that the eagle's instinct is among the finest? Has the wolf forgotten their story, of what the eagle had done for the wolf, and of what she was willing to sacrifice for him? Or... Prairie Rose's petals suddenly quiver, has the wolf been playing games with the eagle all these while?
The tempest rages on. But it is nothing compared to the hurt and disappointment that are brewing in the eagle's heart...

Here's to many more mugs!

2010-02-10T23:01:00.014+08:00

Just when I was about to pick up those broken pieces, I received another email from Cambridge. Oh my God... (*uttered in the same tone as Angela did when she saw Bella with Edward in Twilight). There's a new Cambridge girl in town! :) So, it'll be MPhil first; and then PhD. I'm sure it'll be worth all that punting!
Of course, my brother Hadi asked me if it's medicine I'll be studying at Cambridge...
Well, come October, I hope to buy more of those mugs which my mother said I could...
But how about the funding for Cambridge? Argghhh....

Cambridge's Motto: Hinc lucem et pocula sacra (From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge)

Broken mugs, broken dreams

2010-02-09T12:10:00.011+08:00

I remember many years ago, I was in the kitchen with Emak (Mum) washing dishes after lunch. Suddenly, my Cambridge mug (with all the colleges' logos printed on it) fell and broke.
Me: Oh no, I really love this mug! I bought it in Cambridge...
Emak: It's ok... When you study in Cambridge, you can buy lots of mugs to replace this one.
Me: But Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world... it's so hard to get in...
Emak: Have you even applied? Then how do you know you won't get in?

Oh Emak, you're always encouraging and confident of my abilities! When she passed away, and when my medical school dream seems so unattainable, I remember the broken mug conversation and applied for the PhD programme at Cambridge. But alas... I received the rejection email last night :(
Shocked, sad and disappointed. I was eagerly looking forward to learn under my supervisor Dr Tim Harper. I was so excited about the dissertation that I wanted to do. Oh well.... no new mugs for me now. I guess I'll have to pick up those broken pieces and think...

Book Launch - 9 January 2010

2010-01-12T15:03:00.014+08:00

Thank you to those who attended the book launch at the Pod, National Library!
What an amazing event! Huge turnout, good panel discussion, delicious homemade food, interesting gifts (door gifts: scented candles, handmade songket bookmarks to those who bought the book & homemade agar-agar kering or packets of crystallised jellies as parting gifts) & excellent performance by RGS Angklung Orchestra & Nuradee (who also performed the song I wrote!).

Book is now available at all major bookstores like Kinokuniya, Borders, Popular, MPH, Times & Select Books. Price (before GST): SGD24.90.
Grab your copy today!

+More photos on Hidayah's facebook

Watch out for ...

2009-11-24T19:43:00.010+08:00

Hidayah's
... humanitarian trip to China
... book launch
... next short film
and a new adventure begins!

Of med sch books and green-eyed monster

2009-10-25T21:48:00.017+08:00

I bid a teary farewell to all my medical school books. I thought that perhaps Shamir who is preparing for his MCAT exams could use some good literature and prep books that I "lugged" back from the USA. When I was going through the books, my heart felt heavy. I looked at my scribblings, my notes, my mind maps, my flash cards etc. Gosh, I did put in so much effort for med school. Alas, I was disappointed when I was rejected last year and this year, my morale is so low that I'm not confident of acceptance. Parting with my books was very painful. I must really want to study medicine...
My heavy grew heavier with the low morale and throbbing headaches. The green-eyed monster emerged. I couldn't understand why I felt so jealous of a married woman who suddenly appeared and seemed rather friendly with a certain someone. How could I feel this way? I remember Shahih al Bukhari narrated - "Aishah: I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet as much as I did of Khadijah (although) she died before he married me, for I often heard him mentioning her." Perhaps I'm like Aishah who had deep feelings towards the person she loved. Either I'm just a "fool to want you" or truly in love with one who doesn't seem to love me... God, pls grant me patience, guidance and strength. This old soul needs to take her worn heart far away...

About love and lovers

2009-10-09T10:02:00.012+08:00

The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was.
Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.
They’re in each other all along.
~ Rumi

Purnama 2

2009-10-04T19:24:00.007+08:00

My short film 'Potong Andam' will be screened at the Singapore Malay Film Society's Purnama 2.
Date: 12 October 2009 (Monday)
Time: 7.30 pm (seats are available on first come first served basis)
Venue: The Substation Theatre (there's a min $2 donation to the Substation at the door)
Programme: Screening of 5 short films + Q & A session
*Note: It's a R21 session and there'll be ushers at the entrance to check IDs.
http://www.potong-andam-the-film.com/

Bohemian night

2009-10-04T18:58:00.007+08:00

I don't know why I was feeling blue and negative last night. Perhaps it was the gum surgery I went through on Thursday and the painkillers didn't help much... or the medical school applications staring at me, their preferred MCAT scores sticking out in BOLD or ...
So Erzwin & I hung out, watching 'Boiler Room' and strumming the guitar. Amidst trying to rationalise and making sense of things, we sung our favourite Mat Maintain songs. How I wish I had learned the violin then...
As per Guns N' Roses, "don't you cry tonight, there's a heaven above you..." Perhaps it's time the world sees a cold, un-emo Hidayah...

Let's Lepak!

2009-09-09T04:25:00.008+08:00

I've my own blog column on Singapore International Foundation's Kopitiam website - http://www.singaporekopitiam.sg/

Called "Let's Lepak!" (Let's Chill!), the weekly blog gives insights on Malay culture and heritage and also showcases my musings. I also write articles under the "Places & Heritage" space.

It's "Chill out time culture vulture Hidayah Amin"... so shall we lepak?

Invasion of Indon women

2009-08-22T23:31:00.011+08:00

Kak Waty & Yasmine from Fresh Meadows came to visit (one week after Steve & Din left) along with an entourage of warm and nice Indonesian aunts. Ahh.... how I miss staying with Kak Waty in New York. How Yasmine has grown! Tears rolled down our cheeks as talked about how we lost our loved ones last year - Pak Rurun to cancer and my mum to heart attack. May Allah place them among the blessed.

Lehigh brothers visit Singapore

2009-08-22T23:22:00.014+08:00

Learning to fly
A view to a kill
@ Fish Spa!
What the fish!
Steve & Din came to visit in early August. What fun we had! Jalan2. Makan2. Cakap2. Gaduh2. *LOL...
Come to Singapore again lah! :)

The Eagle and the Wolf - Part 4

2009-07-12T13:58:00.011+08:00

Prairie Rose weeps upon hearing the howling of the wolf which resonates through the canyon. O how sad the eagle must feel when she hears the message. O how miserable Mother Eagle would be if she too could hear the howling from the lands beyond. Prairie Rose whispers to Demon Wind, “Help her!”
The eagle feels weak, her eyes moist with tears. She flies aimlessly, her head hangs low. There's no point to be with one who doesn't want you. How her heart aches! Nothing else matters anymore; not that nest on the mountain top, not even that coveted honour as a messenger of prayers.
O wolf! Why such a drastic act? Why not run the distance with the eagle? Has the eagle not been a source of happiness? Is the eagle not worthy of devotion? Has the eagle not proven her unconditional love? For the first time, Demon Wind lets out a long sigh of disappointment.
The canyon is quiet that day. Demon Wind and Prairie Rose pray in silence. O eagle, lift your spirits and soar high in the blue sky. Soulmates are not for us to decide. O wolf, do you realize what you have let go?

Of Emak & Michael Jackson's passing

2009-07-01T09:36:00.004+08:00

The recent death of Michael Jackson reminds me of Emak's passing. Both were sudden and unexpected.

"Verily, with ALLAH alone is the knowledge of the Hour. And HE sends down the rain, and HE knows what is in the wombs. And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Surely, ALLAH is All-Knowing, All-Aware." Quran 31:34

As we mourn and pray for the souls of our beloved, let's remind ourselves to live life to the fullest, to do good deeds and be kind to one another. After all, this world is but a transient stop. As per Michael Jackson's Heal the World, "If you cared enough for the living, make a little space to make a better place..."

Michael, may the truth be revealed.
Emak, I miss you terribly...

Seribu Tahun (A thousand years)

2009-06-09T22:04:00.003+08:00

"Relaku menunggumu seribu tahun lama lagi
Tapi benarkah hidup aku akan selama ini
Biar berputar ke arah selatan ku tak putus harapan
Sedia setia

Relaku mengejarmu seribu batu jauh lagi
Tapi benarkah kaki ku-kan tahan sepanjang jalan ini
Biar membisu burung bersiulan terlelah gelombang lautan
Ku masih setia"

*1000 years of waiting patiently? Not to the disillusioned and jaded...

Les Francais!

2009-05-19T00:09:00.003+08:00

Rachid, Zineb et Djawida sont la!

S'pore Historic Buildings 101: Gedung Kuning

2009-05-18T17:04:00.006+08:00

venue: Visitors' Briefing Room, Level 1, National Library
date/time: Sat 16 May 2009, 2 pm

Very little is known of Gedung Kuning or the Yellow Mansion at No. 73 Sultan Gate. Once a stately residence for a Bendahara or Prime Minister, Gedung Kuning was home to the family of Haji Yusoff ‘Tali Pinggang’ or Haji Yusoff the Belt Merchant.
Haji Yusoff, patriarch of Gedung Kuning was a respected merchant who toiled at his business and was recognised as one of the great pioneers of the Malay community. Gedung Kuning has witnessed the seasons of Haji Yusoff’s family through four generations, and its gate welcomed the poor who came to ask for alms. Even to the very last day when the family moved out, Gedung Kuning stood proud befitting its royal colour and stature.
Hidayah Amin, one of Haji Yusoff’s great-granddaughters revisits her childhood home, taking you beyond the gate guarded by stone eagles, through rooms with big mirrors and marble floors and shares interesting anecdotes growing up in Gedung Kuning, the legacy of a Malay family in Singapore.

Potong Andam the Film

2009-05-11T11:52:00.008+08:00

Hidayah Amin's first short film! www.potong-andam-the-film.com
Watch out for the screening!

*Potong Andam is an old Malay ritual which brides undergo to determine their virginity. The film gives a glimpse of the forgotten ritual and the life of Nur, a modern woman who struggles with her personal beliefs and that of her elders.

4 generations of women across cultures

2009-05-11T11:37:00.006+08:00

I was a speaker at a panel presentation of five women from different communities in Singapore talking about four generations of women in their families.

Date: 29 April 2009 (Wed)
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: American Club, Claymore Hill

The other panelists:
Kel Yap: English teacher
Ivy Singh Lim: Founder of Bollywood Farms
Pina Marziliano: Professor at NTU
Caitlin Fry: President of the American Women's Association (AWA)

The panel was organised by Marjorie Wheatley (a fourth generation New Orleanean). It was the fourth in a series of panels on four generations of women across cultures. The first was at Cornell University in the early 1990s by a panel of five women; the second and third were done at MIT a decade later, one panel from the female perspective and then the following year, one from the male perspective.

That Princeton Junction train

2009-04-02T17:20:00.008+08:00

Remember Daniel Harray, NY actor and my travelling partner in the Nov 2007 blog entry "The Journey of the Rice Cooker'? Well, he recently invited me to Druids in Hell's Kitchen, NY for his birthday celebration. Alas, since I'm still in Singapore (and not leaving for medical school in the USA anytime soon), I emailed him my regrets.
Dan's reply: "I hope that you will not be discouraged, and will continue to realize your dream of becoming a doctor. And I'll be on the lookout for the Princeton Junction train -- not to mention, Krispy Kreme donuts!"

I remembered writing about the trip on that Princeton Junction train: "...you have to go through arduous journey (be brave to take alternative routes, be patient, maintain that sense of humour, don't give up, encourage fellow passengers along the way) before you can reach the ivy-covered tower. Just ask the rice cooker who endured the hardship and is now in Fadzilah's Princeton..."

So will Redfleece patiently brave the long arduous journey of becoming a surgeon?

18 March 2009

2009-03-20T07:24:00.014+08:00

2 significant things happened on this date...

Sang Serigala dan Sang Helang berbicara seketika (The Wolf and the Eagle shared a special moment).

The much-dreaded letter arrived:
"With sincere regret, I must report that the Committee on Admissions has completed its selection of the class entering in August 2009 and has not been able to offer you a place.
We are grateful to have received applications from so many students like you with excellent intellectual and personal qualities. This year, well over 5000 students applied for 165 places in the first year class at Harvard Medical School. With so many more talented and highly qualified candidates than we could admit, the Committee on Admissions faced a very difficult task."

Sometimes, the wait ends tragically. Sometimes, the wait is worth the while.

The Return of the Earring

2009-03-01T17:06:00.007+08:00

I recently lost one of my light purple crystal earrings. I searched high and low for it. I looked for it in the car, at home, in the office, everywhere. I even asked Rizwana to look for it when she came to visit. I love those simple yet elegant earrings! What good would 1 earring be? Should I just throw it away? What are the chances of finding the other one?
"Did you see it?" Da Jie (Big Sister) Sin Yue asked me last Thursday after my kickboxing exercise.
"See what?"
"I was walking along the corridor and I noticed your earring on the carpet."
"Really? That's great! Wait a minute, how did it end up there?"
Da Jie smiled and said, "Your earring came back to you, Hidayah."

Ah, yes... if it's meant to be yours, it'll be yours.

waiting...

2009-02-13T12:03:00.022+08:00

"Penantian adalah satu penyiksaan" (Waiting is torture)
These past three weeks have indeed been "torturous". Waiting teaches one to be patient and in Islam, patience is half of faith. Alas, my patience is running thin. When will I receive the much-anticipated email informing me to attend that interview? Hundred questions race across my mind. Maybe my application isn't good enough? Maybe my MCAT grades is the sole reason for not being shortlisted? Arghh!! My sleep is often interrupted by images of rejections and uncertainties. Well, I had done all that I possibly could. So now I wait...
I remember an old Malay movie where the hero told his lady, "Kalau sudi katakan sudi, tidak hamba ternanti-nanti" (If you want me, say so and I'd not have waited in vain). Sigh... I'll try to be positive about the long and emotionally exhaustive US medical school application experience. After all, the journey is the reward. Loved ones reminded me not to give up. Que sera sera. God, pls help me!

www.youngamp.sg

2009-02-09T23:05:00.008+08:00

The water bag has burst! And it is a beautiful baby whom we named http://www.youngamp.sg/
Aww... the labour was certainly worth it! So Young AMP family members, pls. make time to get to know the new addition to our family.

:) 'Surrogate mum' Hidayah

new year : new mood : new spirit

2009-01-20T13:28:00.018+08:00

How time flies! It's been 1 year since I returned from the USA. Lots of things had happened, lots of adjustment I had to do, lots of tears and headaches but lots of revelations too. The 6 degrees of separation is apparently reduced to 2 in Singapore, especially among the Malays. I recently found out that Alwi Hafiz and me are related through our fathers and that Hamid, one of AMP's Directors is Mama's nephew! >> photo of Emak and Mama
My new year's resolutions? Embark on new adventures comme toujours, continue my exercise regime, get that book published, go back to school, make that book:cafe idea materialise, etc. Yes, the list is endless. And Emak is still on my mind and heart; going through tedious medical school applications is but a therapy for my grief (knowing that it is one of Emak's last wishes for me).
I recently watched a Malaysian 3D animation - Upin & Ipin. Like those adorable twins, I'm too without a mother. But life goes on, n'est pas? "Betul betul betul" Ipin nodded.
Ah yes, some have asked if the eagle and wolf story is a reflection of my own. I'm sure Emak would have asked too... Oh Emak!

of unconditional love & tribal legends

2008-12-22T13:54:00.024+08:00

Twilight reminds me of my days spent at the Lakota Sioux Reservation and in small towns like Forks. My fondness to the Native Americans tribes enables me to identify with the Quileute tribe in the movie. And the Cullens... the brilliant surgeon and fatherly Dr Carlisle Cullen hints at my dreams. And Edward Cullen, oh how he reminds me of the wolf in my story. So mysterious, strong and silent, awkwardly private with that penetrating gaze...

Dr Carlisle Cullen: Bella is with Edward. She's a part of this family, and we protect our family.
Edward to Bella: Before you, my life was like a moonless night. Very dark, but there were stars—points of light and reason… And then you shot across my sky like a meteor. Suddenly everything was on fire; there was brilliancy, there was beauty. When you were gone, when the meteor had fallen over the horizon, everything went black. Nothing had changed, but my eyes were blinded by the light. I couldn’t see the stars anymore. And there was no more reason for anything.

*aww, Hidayah Cullen is experiencing her first vampire crush... blush...

The Eagle and the Wolf - Part 3

2008-12-01T15:32:00.019+08:00

The eagle remembered how her heart skipped a beat when she first saw the wolf. The wolf stops in his track. He stares at the eagle which majestically rests on the rock with the reddish skyline behind her. The eagle vocalises and flaps her wings anxiously. The wolf remains cold and distant. The eagle turns away and glances disappointingly at the setting sun.
The canyon is quiet, only Demon Wind is whispering little stories to his Prairie Rose. Oh, how sad they seem, Demon Wind tells Prairie Rose. Both so intelligent, kind and in love, yet so unforgiving now.
The eagle looks in the distance and flies away. The elusive wolf howls, a haunting sound that makes Prairie Rose weep. Oh why can they not see beyond their differences? Are they not soulmates?
Prairie Rose tells Demon Wind to catch the eagle from flying off far away. And as for the wolf, perhaps he will soon realise how much the eagle means to him...

*the end... or to be continued(?)

A Gift from the Heart

2008-12-01T13:35:00.014+08:00

It has been more than 5 months since Emak's death. I just couldn't bring myself to blog again. After all, this blog was started for Emak who wanted me to update her about my life. Life is empty without Emak. One night, I saw my brother Hadi standing outside my bedroom door hugging Emak's pillow. He said tearfully, "I miss Emak". Our sobbing broke the silence of the night. Emak's siblings too felt her lost tremendously. Sometimes, my aunts and uncles cried whenever they talked about her.
I recently received a card from Habitat for Humanity of Lehigh Valley, "A Gift from the Heart Builds a House".
"In loving memory of Asia Jofrie, a contribution has been made to Habitat for Humanity by Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators to help a family in need build a decent, affordable home"

My sorority knew I had volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Louisiana and perhaps they wanted to immortalise a good deed by including Emak... thank you ADK sisters. And thank you to those who remembered Emak in their prayers...

Emak's passing

2008-06-23T13:38:00.024+08:00

Asia Jofrie (Cik Yah of Gedung Kuning), a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul.

Emak (Mum) passed away suddenly on 18 June 2008. When I kissed and hugged Emak that evening, she hugged me a little longer. I smiled and said, "Emak, it's not as if I'm not going to see you again, I'll visit you tomorrow..." Alas, she returned to our Creator about 15 minutes after I left her. Oh Emak!
Emak was truly the epitome of a good wife and mother. She was kind, patient, gentle and loving. She spoke softly, did not think badly of others and was religious. Many old neighbours, friends and relatives attended the funeral. How everyone cried.
I have many wonderful memories of Emak. Even while I was away in America, I talked to her almost every other day. She listened to my woes and comforted me. She advised me and was understanding and supportive of my ambitions. Yes, we had our differences and petty mother-daughter squabbles but how I love her!
"Cik Idah, your hair is long now..." Emak commented. As I continued to rub Vicks on her back a few days before her demise, she made 2 Doa for me. Even in sickness, Emak thought of her only daughter's well-being.
My beloved Emak, I pray that you will be placed among the blessed and virtuous in Paradise, ameen.

the silence

2008-06-12T17:46:00.020+08:00

Why the silence, Hidayah?
Amidst skipping out on Hadi's 4-wheel drive adventure overseas, enduring chest pains, surviving the stifling system and sleepless nights, I managed to finish writing my book! Yes, the long-awaited Gedung Kuning, Memories of a Childhood Home is completed - all 29 short stories (32,943 words, 1/3 of a PhD dissertation). This is my labour of love which started 4 years ago.
I should then be jumping with joy, right? My silent composure causes some to worry and they wonder... Am I worried that NUS Press might not publish my book? Am I anxious about the expensive rewiring, retiling and plastering of my new dilapidated flat? Am I terrified that I might not pass the MCAT and make it to Harvard next year? Am I saddened by the not-fairy-tales endings of love stories?
Sometimes the silence kills you slowly, n'est pas?
Sabarlah Den Ayu...

Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love)

2008-05-31T02:20:00.018+08:00

I recently watched Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love), the Indonesian hit movie based on the best-selling novel by Habiburrahman El Shirazy - http://www.ayatayatcintathemovie.com/

The movie enlightens viewers on the Islamic perspective on love, polygamy, relationship between fellow Muslims and non-Muslims, status of women in Islam, brotherhood and family. It also attempts to clear certain misconceptions about Islam. A scene that tugged my heartstrings is when a 'seemingly insane' prisoner asked the distraught Al-Azhar graduate student Fahri who was wrongly accused of rape, if he only prayed to God when he was in trouble. The man then reminded Fahri of the story of Prophet Yusuf who was in a similar predicament like Fahri. He concluded, "Patience and Sincerity. That is Islam."

As I reflect on the man's statement in this wee hours of the morning, I cannot help but agree with him. The essence of Ayat-ayat Cinta is about the sincerity of the characters' actions and their patience in facing surmounting obstacles. I ask myself... Am I as sincere as Aisha who loved her husband Fahri so much that she put aside her own selfish needs? Am I able to recognise true love from only wanting to possess a desired need?

When Fahri told Aisha that she was his soulmate and that he loved no other, Aisha replied, "Jodoh rahsia Tuhan" (Soulmates are God's secrets). Tears rolled down my cheeks when I thought of my Eagle and Wolf Story. I described the Eagle and the Wolf as soulmates but who am I to determine that? I liken my Eagle to Aisha who is sincere in loving her Wolf. Somehow I believe that the Wolf too is as sincere as the Eagle. The continuation of the story is yet to be written... but I pray that their patience and sincerity will make their journey worth the while and that they are indeed soulmates. Ultimately, God knows what we know not.

Dream Big

2008-05-22T11:11:00.011+08:00

*David Cook, American Idol 2008
"Cos if we don’t Dream Big
What’s the use in dreaming
If you don’t have faith
there’s nothing worth believing
It takes one hope
To make the stars worth reaching for
So reach out for something more..."

How true!

The Eagle and the Wolf - Part 2

2008-05-08T10:49:00.018+08:00

The eagle remembered the first time they laid eyes on each other. The stars must have aligned themselves, dancing to the tune of excited pheromones.
The wolf walked beside the eagle which while soaring low, stole glances at the intelligent and handsome creature. O how she was captivated by his presence. The wolf too was enthralled by the elegant eagle. Many evenings were spent in deep conversations (the vocalising and howling were but music of the night). They were soulmates.
The eagle’s piercing eyes searches for the wolf. Her heart beats as loudly as the village drums at dusk. The eagle wonders... Is the wolf hurting in his lair? Does he not want to walk beside her anymore? Does he not miss her? Does the wolf know that the eagle too is wounded?
The eagle hangs her head low as she sadly flies away. She now understands how much the wolf means to her…

*to be continued

Kulo tresna marang panjenengan

2008-05-01T11:35:00.014+08:00

Cerita, ceritalah!
Woman: What's the special occasion? Anyone's birthday?
Soulmate: No special occasion. We just want to spend some time together since we love each other very much.
Woman: [Ahh, the lovebirds!]

The rest of the story is best told in its original Javanese, and since not many of us understand Javanese, the exchanges at St Gregory's can be summarised by Kumar's poem [from 'Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay' movie]:
I'm sure that I will always be / A lonely number like root three / The three is all that's good and right, / Why must my three keep out of sight / Beneath the vicious square root sign, / I wish instead I were a nine / For nine could thwart this evil trick, / with just some quick arithmetic / I know I'll never see the sun, as 1.7321 / Such is my reality, a sad irrationality / When hark! What is this I see, / Another square root of a three / As quietly co-waltzing by, / Together now we multiply / To form a number we prefer, / Rejoicing as an integer / We break free from our mortal bonds / With the wave of magic wands / Our square root signs become unglued / Your love for me has been renewed.

Wahidah got engaged!

2008-04-09T23:01:00.012+08:00

My cousin Wahidah got engaged recently! Congratulations! We're so happy for you! Here's Patrick Friori singing "Plus, je pense a toi" for you and Shah...

Ahh, I can hear the distant whisperings of aunts, relatives and friends, "Cik Idah, when...?" All in good time, n'est pas? :)

Of Rock songs & Rockstars

2008-04-04T17:30:00.017+08:00

Nani Reeves visits us from Hong Kong! She looks even prettier with her long flowy hair. Nani, how we've missed you! I also met Imad (whom I’ve not seen in 9 years) at dinner and durian session @ Geylang. But the highlight of the evening got to be listening to classic 80s Malay rock songs in Imad’s car (the sweet Masturah). Ahh… they don’t make rock songs like those anymore…
Which brings us to the topic of women's fascination for wild rockers... Be it American rockers or Malay rockers with their wild unkempt hair, unshaven armpits, tattoos and tight pants; they all make the ladies go wild. So it must be the talent right? Or is it the popularity or money? Hmm....
Even senior legal counsel Imad commented that he wants to learn to play a musical instrument in his next life and be a singer/rocker who gets all the ladies! As per Nickelback "I wanna be a Rockstar!"

I did have crushes on rock stars like Bon Jovi, Rahim Maarof... but it never reached the groupie level and I never hung their posters on my walls. Yes, some of the rock songs are rather "soulful" like Awie's Sejati... But seriously, I can't imagine the proverbial "Mats takde CPF" making promises under that frangipani tree! What do the Minahs see in the likes of Awie? I just don't understand it... Then again, some highly educated Mats with lots of CPF do make promises as high as the Himalaya, only to leave their gullible ladies "masih menggenggam janji" so "tinggal kenangan, gagal segala impian"... Les pauvrents!

Lehigh Family Reunion @ KL

2008-03-24T09:43:00.017+08:00

What a whirlwind, exciting weekend I had in Kuala Lumpur (KL)!
Bonding with Lehigh friends (the guys made it back from Kertih & Trengganu), meeting up my creative designer pal Tadaffee & his lovely wife, Farah; Putrajaya, glorious food (Pavillion & Nasi Padang at Ampang), chilling, donut and The Loaf (uhuhu!), F1 madness (courtesy of Maxis' updates on my iPhone), talking about Ika's famous politician neighbour, lugging my books back, driving in heavy rain in KL's jam and almost getting into an accident with one crazy taxi driver, surviving the LRT sardine squeeze and Nasi Ayam Itik (!).
I miss everyone already :( yes, even you, the one left back home...
Steve, you should have flown to KL from USA. We can relive the good ole times... remember when we drove the Budget truck across Pennsylvania?

+More of the Nasi Ayam Itik story when I find time to breathe... argghhh...

Proud to be Javanese

2008-03-08T18:20:00.013+08:00

I remember the Sioux Indian children asking me to speak my native language when I visited them in South Dakota in May 2007. They were so mesmerised by my spoken Malay. When I asked them to speak some Lakota to me, they shrugged their shoulders and said, "We don't know how to. Only the Elders know..."
The children's remarks made me reflect on my own culture. How often have we heard Malay speaking parents speak to their children in Malay, only to hear the children respond in English? Or hear how some Malay parents unbashfully exclaimed that their children are performing badly in the Malay language. They say, the first distillation of culture is the erosion of language. Are we guilty of this distillation?
Singapore Malays trace their roots to the Bugis, Javanese, Banjarese, Minangkabauese, Boyanese, Mandailings, Achehese and other sub-groups belonging to the Malayo-Austronesian group located in the area known as Hesperenesia (an area spanning the southern part of Taiwan through the Philippines, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and westwards to Madagascar). I trace my lineage to the Javanese (maternal side) and the Banjarese (paternal side). I recall how when I was growing up in Gedung Kuning, my mum and grandmother spoke some Javanese to me. Initially I thought they were Malay vocabulary and took the learning for granted. My interactions with the Sioux Indians made me realize that I should have taken my Javanese language informal lessons more seriously... *Mum in traditional Javanese dress worn at her wedding.

"Eloklah kita hentikan ngobrol buat seketika..."
"Sampai ketemu lagi. Jangan kangen sama den ayu..."
"Ah, so you speak Javanese too?" I shyly asked a fellow car enthusiast. The journey just took on a more interesting route...

Wolverine & Jean Grey

2008-02-28T10:18:00.020+08:00

My favourite 'couple' from the comics has always been Wolverine (Logan) & Jean Grey.

Jean Grey reminded me of this girl with striking features who was always teased for being intelligent, ambitious and idealistic. Misunderstood by some, my Jean Grey rises against all odds and is the epitome of understated beauty with a brilliant mind and a kind heart. It is she who put others before herself and sacrifices her own happiness for humanity.

Wolverine too reminded me of this boy whose cool, rugged outlook masks his deep affections for Jean Grey. Misunderstood by many as the wild spirit who is tormented by his past, my Wolverine is a caring and eloquent gentleman with a poetic soul.

Although in the X-men comics, Jean Grey married Cyclops, some believe it was Wolverine whom she truly loved. As for Wolverine, alas, no one, not even poets, knows how much a heart can hold...

Raisa Sidenova, PhD (Yale)

2008-02-24T17:43:00.016+08:00

Congratulations to Raisa (Raya) my Russian Fulbrighter friend at Lehigh who got accepted into Yale to pursue her PhD! We're so happy for you!

As I type this blog entry, an old song by Survivor came on air:

"I was living for a dream, loving for a moment
Taking on the world, that was just my style..."

Hmm... as we leave to pursue our goals, will we lose our loved one? Will our loved one accompany us on our quest? Will our loved one understand and let us chase our dreams? Will the miles apart take a toll on our love? Will our loved one wait for us? Que sera sera...

The Eagle and the Wolf

2008-02-23T07:58:00.023+08:00

The wolf remembered the first time he laid eyes on the eagle. How elegant the eagle is, he thought. A creature so refined and revered for she is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying human wishes and prayers to the Creator. The wolf is in awe of the eagle that soars in the blue sky, stopping only to rest in her high nest.
The eagle catches the wolf staring at her. What an intelligent creature, she thought. So strong, dependable, though cunning. Yet she finds kindness in his eyes.
The wolf advances slowly towards her. Is she guarding her eggs? Or does she fly alone? The eagle gives the wolf a piercing stare. The wolf locks in her stare. The eagle vocalises. The wolf howls back. A conversation ensues.
The wolf walks to his lair in trepidation. The eagle looks away in the distance, a little confused yet rejuvenated...

*to be continued

Walking beside Giants

2008-02-14T09:27:00.020+08:00

*
Google Scholar’s ‘Stand on the shoulders of giants’ got me thinking. Why should I stand on the shoulders of giants? Would it not be better if I walk beside them?
I remember when I was at a Fulbright Enrichment Seminar in San Francisco last year. We were given an information flyer of 36 Nobel Prize winners. I thought, so little Nobel Laureates? Then I realised that they were also Fulbright Alumni! In fact, the Fulbright program has more Nobel Laureates than any other scholarship programme of its kind :)

As I aspire to walk beside giants like Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus (Grameen Bank) famous for his successful application of microcredit (the extension of small loans given to entrepreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans), I must take small steps first. Setting up my Gedung Kuning Foundation and the Fatimah Jofrie Free Clinic will not happen so soon. So why not start with what I can afford now. Since I had given some sort of a grant to a friend for his masters in 2006, why not continue to do that with other students? Yes, the Hidayah Amin Scholarship is now 'unofficially’ launched. The scholarship is to help students pursue their studies and achieve their aspirations despite facing financial constraints. Although the fund is still small now but God willing, it will grow and benefit more students in the future.
For more information on the Hidayah Amin Scholarship, pls visit http://www.gedungkuning.com/Scholarships.htm

*my "giants"

Post-USA blues

2008-01-23T17:31:00.000+08:00

It has been almost 2 1/2 weeks I've been back home... but then again where is home when one is a global citizen?
I'm feeling blue... is this the end of my adventure or am I just re-grouping before the next wave? I feel a sense of abandonment. I watched Val Klimer in 'Thunderheart' and suddenly the rugged Black Hills in the Native American reservation of South Dakota seemed more real than my cosy abode in Punggol Gardens.
I yearn for the familiar... but the familiar is but a stranger now...

Goodbye Uncle Sam

2008-01-03T21:12:00.000+08:00

Rashidah, my cousin visited me from Singapura and we had been going on my 'goodbye tour' *lol.... Alas, it is almost time to bid farewell. My body grew weak with the raging winter storms, perhaps protesting against my impending departure... The snowflakes are but frozen tears of a heavy heart...

Wicked

2007-12-21T02:16:00.000+08:00

Seated on the 8th row from the front at Gershwin Theatre (on Broadway) last night, I was spellbound by Wicked. It was wickedly amazing! True to the producer that I am, I analysed the musical from all production aspects...*lol...
I have been fortunate to see musicals in Singapore and London but none has touched my heart than the plot of Wicked. Wicked explores the concept that Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West was a misunderstood and victimized person whose behavior was merely a reaction against a charlatan wizard's corrupt government. It also shows her relationship with the beautiful and ambitious Galinda, who ultimately becomes Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Through the show their friendship struggles to endure extreme personality conflicts, opposing viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, and Elphaba's eventual fall from grace.
Among others, the musical explores themes ranging from stereotypes to politics to love to human characters. Indeed, we have to look at things from different perspectives...

"Maybe I'm brainless
Maybe I'm wise
But you've got me seeing
Through different eyes..."

Orang Melayu di Perantauan

2007-12-01T22:00:00.001+08:00

Malays overseas

'Takkan Melayu Hilang di Dunia' - Hang Tuah

Holy Cow! (oops Turkey!)

2007-11-27T00:21:00.000+08:00

Thanksgiving (22 November) was spent in Connecticut with Steve's family. Instead of Steve driving us like last year, I 'flew' with my X-wing fighter to Waterbury and Ali remained in Bethlehem to spend Thanksgiving with his family.

New England is as picturesque as ever. How time flies since the last Thanksgiving! Mike (Steve's brother) and Linc (Steve's dad) looked slimmer. Rita (Steve's mum) was as stylish as ever. She even gave me goodies bags :) and Uncle Jaime did not grill me with his harsh political questions... *lol... he said he asked all those questions last year. Dinner at Juniper's (Steve's uncle's posh restaurant) was scrumptious and we had a lovely time. Supper at Beth's new gothic mansion was fun, with little Ava experimenting with the make-up set I gave her. Gosh, I will miss everyone when I leave the USA. It was surprising that I did not shed tears as I bid farewell. God willing, I will meet them again...

I also spent time at Zalman's in Hartford. As it was too cold, we just chilled at home, playing with Nuha, Naqib and baby Rayyan. I told Masyitah (Zalman's wife) how ironic that we would spent hours driving just to see each other but did not do the same in Singapore even though we lived so near... Does distance make the heart grow fonder?

The Journey of the Rice Cooker

2007-11-20T01:02:00.008+08:00

I must be such a sight, in my black Parisian winter coat, lugging a rice cooker and running across Penn Station to catch the New Jersey Transit one early November 18th morning. I panicked when the screen showed - Trenton: Delayed. Merde! The next available train was hours away at 12.14 pm (if they could fix the faulty wiring). Oh no, Fadzilah, Azan and Nida would be waiting! It would take another 1.5 hours to reach Princeton Junction and then there was also the Dinky ride. What should I do? Give up? Arghhh…

The gentleman beside me looked at the screen in equal exasperation. He was going to Princeton Junction too. What should we do? We decided to be adventurous and take the Path (what the heck was the Path?) and see if there was any alternative transportation. No one knew anything. No one gave us any information about what was going on. How could we all squeeze in the Path train and where would we be heading? The other passengers were just as clueless. But we joked and laughed and that somewhat lifted everyone’s spirit and gave some sort of assurance that things were going to be alright.
Daniel Harray, that gentleman at Penn station (an actor) became my incidental travelling partner who offered me my first Krispy Kreme and with whom I discussed politics and trashy reality shows like 'Shot at love with Tila Tequila' and 'I love New York'.

After what seemed like never-ending train hopping and detours to other places we never knew existed, we finally reached Princeton Junction. A nice old woman at the train station offered to drive me to the Wawa shop (of course the Dinky 'chose' not to run that Sunday of all days!) where Fadzilah would be waiting. Daniel smiled as he looked at my big bag. “Your friend better appreciates that rice cooker!” I laughed, bid farewell and thanked him again for the Krispy Kreme (the donuts my friend Gwen raved about and which I had been longing for).

Fadzilah and I huddled in the rain and walked around Princeton University. We then had a late lunch with a family friend’s son, Azan and his wife Nida. What good food - satay, rendang, sayur pucuk ubi, kuih hari Raya... It felt like we were back home in Singapore! Laughter and conversations in Malay flowed with the evening.
The moral of the story: You have to go through arduous journey (be brave to take alternative routes, be patient, maintain that sense of humour, don't give up, encourage fellow passengers along the way) before you can reach the ivy-covered tower. Just ask the rice cooker who endured the hardship and is now in Fadzilah's Princeton...

The Guggenheim

2007-11-20T00:05:00.000+08:00

Due to the ongoing strike by the Broadway stagehands, my sorority sisters and I could not watch Mamma Mia! on Saturday. Instead we spent the afternoon (after a scrumptious French lunch at Le Rivage) at the Guggenheim. Ah… I simply love Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style.
“The Guggenheim Museum is an embodiment of Wright's attempts to render the inherent plasticity of organic forms in architecture. His inverted ziggurat (a stepped or winding pyramidal temple of Babylonian origin) dispensed with the conventional approach to museum design, which led visitors through a series of interconnected rooms and forced them to retrace their steps when exiting. Instead, Wright whisked people to the top of the building via elevator, proceeding downward at a leisurely pace on the gentle slope of a continuous ramp.

The galleries were divided like the membranes in citrus fruit, with self-contained yet interdependent sections. The open rotunda afforded viewers the unique possibility of seeing several bays of work on different levels simultaneously. The spiral design recalled a nautilus shell, with continuous spaces flowing freely one into another.” - http://www.guggenheim.org/

I remember quoting Wright on my Gedung Kuning’s architecture page – “Noble life demands a noble architecture for noble uses of noble men. Lack of culture means what it has always meant: ignoble civilization and therefore imminent downfall."

Crow Warriors

2007-11-13T02:03:00.000+08:00

"Wouter Deruytter: Crow Warriors" is currently being exhibited at the UN New York.

Hidayah Soaring Eagle wished she had met some Indian warriors on the great plains of the United States and learned more about their culture and battle scars but alas...

Land of the Wizard of Oz

2007-11-12T12:12:00.000+08:00

Just came back from the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) ITE weekend in the Land of the Wizard of Oz... It was so good meeting up fellow sorority sisters from all over the USA and new sisters from Peru, Indonesia and Canada. Everyone is so intelligent, passionate, kind and warm.
Agnes Robertson would be so proud!

Cempaka & Melati

2007-11-06T11:22:00.000+08:00

Cempaka (Michelia champak)... how beautiful and fragrant! The subtle Cempaka hinted at honour, sacrifice and true love in The Legend of Suriyothai. Whereas the smaller, almost similar Melati (Jasmine) symbolizes purity, eternal love and nobility in Puteri Gunung Ledang.
I remember asking Nenek why she often put Cempaka or Melati on her hair. She smiled and handed me some to smell. Ahh... their beauty goes beyond mere fragrance...

apa namanya bunga melati,
cantik mekar harum setaman;
kenapa ditanya pada hati,
cerdik akal harus dahulukan.

~ Zaleha Ahmat

Autumn musings

2007-10-29T21:45:00.002+08:00

My good friend and I caught up recently and exchanged updates about our college mates back home - who got married, who got promoted, who just moved into a swanky apartment etc. It then struck to me that ... I'm actually homeless, jobless (my internship is not paid), a little penniless, swinging single with no kids in tow! My friend got a tad depressed too. Count your blessings! I told her. Perhaps we may not have all the material things others have but we've been blessed in other ways. As I breathed in the fresh mountain air at Lehigh (yes, I went home for the weekend to rejuvenate and escape New York's schizophrenia), I realised how fortunate I have been... to be able to travel the world, study in 3 continents, meet people, experience different cultures and lifestyles, exchange ideas and enrich my world view. Alhamdulillah (Thank God).

"Nak tunggu january tak lama ke. You tak rindu family ke...." Another friend asked why I am only returning in January and whether I miss my family. Ahh... the question of missing. I have been truly blessed to have many people who care and miss me. I have "families" all over the world, in the USA, in Paris, in Nepal, and even in a tiny hamlet in Africa. To have people who encourage me and spur me on to greater heights, to have them comfort me in times of sorrow, to have them love me unconditionally and remember me in their prayers... these are definitely worth more than all the wealth in the world!

"Have you packed?" Wait a minute, isn't it too early to pack? Why can't you just say that you miss me and want me home soon?

I wonder... will my love life have a Wicker Park ending:

or will it remain as an Anuar Zain's Mungkin?

... just be ...

2007-10-17T16:00:00.000+08:00

Of late, I've been experiencing terrible migraines, an equally weak body (from sudden bouts of vomiting) and interrupted sleep. Could it be the stress from work? living in fast-paced NYC? MCAT? coping with all those heavy reading? thinking about stuff? Perhaps my body is just tired... tired from all those adventures, tired from the 'jet' setting pace, always on the go accomplishing tasks and projects and having insufficient rest. Perhaps, I need to lie on the vast Lehigh field, stare at the autumn sky with the majestic mountains surrounding me, watch the dandelions float by... and ... just be...

"take me away"

*photo credit: Firdaus Omar, stranger in moskva

Welcoming Syawal

2007-10-13T09:11:00.000+08:00

Today is the last day of fasting. I can't believe the month of Ramadan is gone. When I called Emak (Mum) in Singapore, she said, "Where are you? I need you to cut the vegetables and make sambal goreng." Aww... I miss Eid preparations back home where I would help Emak with the cooking and Hadi would be busy cleaning the house. As much as I look forward to going home, I will miss my beloved friends & families in the USA (Kak Alo & Philip, Kak Waty and my roomie, Devi). During our last Terawih prayers at Al-Hikmah mosque, Kak Waty said, "Hidayah, I won't get to pray with you when you leave..." I felt so sad. I told her, "God willing, I'll be back..."
Some touching Petronas' Eid advertisement clips:
Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4, Clip 5, Clip 6

@ Directors' Guild Theatre

2007-10-07T21:59:00.001+08:00

Raya & I attended The New Yorker Festival last Friday. The evening started with low expectations (who the heck is Errol Morris!? Shame on me considering that I too am a producer!) but at the end of the evening, I was thanking Raya for "persuading" me to come along. I had learned some valuable tips for my next documentary film.
Errol Morris is an American Academy Award winning documentary film director. In 2003, The Guardian listed him as number seven in their list of the world's 40 best directors. His unconventional style of documentary film-making is indeed inspiring. Having been rejected from Oxford & Harvard (sounds familiar!), and dropping out from Princeton & Berkeley, and with no film production background; Errol embarked on film-making and produced (among others) 'Gates of Heaven', 'The Thin Blue Line' and 'The Fog of War'.
Errol invented the "Interrotron", a device similar to a teleprompter: Errol and his subject each sit facing a camera. The image of each person's face is then projected onto the lens of the other's camera. Instead of looking at a blank lens, both Morris and his subject are looking directly at a human face. The feeling of the monologues that Errol captures on film is human and conversational in a way that is usually impossible when a person is talking directly to a camera. Ted Bafaloukos said of the Interrotron, "...the beauty of it is that it lets people do what they do best, namely watch TV."

We also saw some snippets from the soon-to-be-released film - 'S.O.P: Standard Operating Procedure' (about Abu Ghraib). It was simply..... Raya & I can't wait for its release.

Just like Errol who faced rejections and criticisms... well, to all fellow underdogs & the downtrodden, pls remember that people can criticise and belittle us but as long as we stay focused on our goals, we will definitely reach that next star...

Thierry Amiel

2007-10-03T10:05:00.001+08:00

I'm developing a little crush on Thierry Amiel (*blush...)
Thierry Amiel is a French singer and songwriter from Marseilles, France. He rose to fame after coming in second place on the first edition of "A La Recherche De La Nouvelle Star" (the French 'Pop Idol'). Quel si beau! Quel voix!

His duet with Lara Fabian is just superb:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaUpPbIAigc
[the song is about breaking up; but in the clip, Thierry & Lara sang as though they were not calling it quits but were much in love...]
- Tout, tout, tout est fini entre nous. Mais je garde l'espoir fou qu'un jour on redira Nous...

He is like a younger Jean-Jacques Goldman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqQvmcmWWhE

Coeur Sacree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlkTzX_WNe4

Tjoet Nja Dhien

2007-09-30T09:30:00.000+08:00

I recently watched the 1988 Indonesian film "Tjoet Nja Dhien". Tjoet Nja Dhien or Cut Nyak Dhien (1848 – 1908) was the famous Heroine of Aceh Province. She had fought the Dutch from the jungle for 25 years.
I was filled with emotions when I watched how the determined Dhien led her people to fight the Dutch. Even though she became blind, she gave them inspiration to fight for independence. I remember writing about Panglima Salleh Selempang Merah who led the villagers to fight the communists in Muar, Malaysia and about Hajah Aisah, my maternal great-grandmother. "Hajah Aisah’s grandfather was a Temenggong (Minister of Justice) in Muntok, Bangka Island situated east of Sumatra in Indonesia. He was “bangsa Radén” (a race of Princes/royal blood). He fought the Dutch. As he did not want to live under the harsh Dutch’s rule, he escaped to Karimun Island in the Riau Archipelago with his family. To avoid detection, he did not use his Temenggong title and name. No one in Karimun Island knew that Hajah Aisah’s family was royalty. They lived their life as commoners..."

How I admire these unsung heroes with their unwavering spirit and a common aim: "Untukmu, jiwa ragaku!"

[*Both stories will be featured in my upcoming book.]

The General Assembly Debates

2007-09-26T02:07:00.000+08:00

The 62nd General Assembly debates started this morning! Some of the streets in Manhattan were closed to traffic as about 70 Heads of State and nearly 30 Heads of Government headed to the UN. Security was tight and the General Assembly Hall was packed. However, I was fortunate to be able to hear and see the leaders up close and personal from the gallery [the debates can also be heard via webcast - http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/ ]
My favourite speaker in the morning was Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France. He spoke with so much passion and conviction.... Au nom de la France!
And George Bush's speech? Ah well.....
Got to run now as the Head of States of Iran, Afghanistan and Indonesia are among those speaking this afternoon!

An evening with the Mets

2007-09-26T01:31:00.000+08:00

Gwen, Dana, Ben & I watched the New York Mets play against the Nationals at Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens last night. What an experience! Gwen & I who are both baseball illiterates, had to ask Ben and Dana to explain some of the game rules. But the sheer sight of the field, the impressive lights that illuminated the stadium, the crazy fans cheering, the sight of hot dogs and other game food, the cool music and our ultra mad "neighbours" who cheered in Spanish and purposely supported the Nationals, made the outing worth the while. Of course, the night wind was harsh and we left halfway when the Mets was losing to the Nationals 5-1; our neighbours who probably knew about half of the spectators in Gate B seats went wild with joy!

International Day of Peace

2007-09-22T03:15:00.000+08:00

Friday, September 21, 2007 is the International Day of Peace.
As I was walking along the corridor on 10th floor, I turned and saw one of UN's Messengers of Peace Michael Douglas (the actor & Catherine Zeta-Jones' husband) walking beside me! What a pleasant surprise! What a gentleman, and handsome and humourous!

Michael's area of focus is disarmament, and peace and security. Thank you for helping the UN, Michael!

Trade

2007-09-20T21:37:00.000+08:00

The world premiere of Trade, a film that sheds light on the underground world of human trafficking, was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at UNHQ in New York. UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa also introduced UN.GIFT, the United Nations-led Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking. The goal of the initiative is to raise understanding and encourage action against human trafficking.

Ah oui, I brushed shoulders with Kevin Kline outside the press conference room. During the press conference, there were comments made about the "disagreements" between himself and Angelina Jolie...*lol... I hope celebrities like Kevin Kline who contribute to humanity will not play up the media (there are some Hollywood artists whose humanitarian works are laced with hidden agendas).

Trade follows the story of a 13-year-old Mexican girl (Paulina Gaitan) and a young Polish woman (Alicja Bachleda) as they are kidnapped by sex traffickers in Mexico and transported for sale in the United States. As they make their brutal journey north, the young girl's older brother (Cesar Ramos) and a Texas cop (Kevin Kline) set off on a desperate and dangerous rescue attempt.

*Mayor Michael Bloomberg, proclaimed September 2007 in the City of New York: "Anti-Trafficking Month"