My Very First Ramadan - Part II

Ok... 2 blogs in a day! And my first time blogging some more ah...

Just got back from Ba'alwi Mosque. For you guys who think it's a five - ten mintue walk... here's my third finger back at ya'. It's close to 16 mintues! Of course inclusive of the wait for the traffic lights (there are 3) that is.

Arrived there not knowing that the usual place I do my abulution (how'd you spell this anyway?) has been usruped by the ladies, I went to the "dining area" where I found not only food (yes... GLORIOUS FOOD!), but the male wudu area (I had to focus on my steps all these time while trying to walk past the buffet spread). Ok... here's the menu - Bubur Cha Cha, 2 more other kinds of desert (I think), Mutton Potatoe Soup, Murtabak, Curry Puff (both the Malay & Indian types),Bread & Dahl. For drinks there were choices of Bandung, Coffee (no milk option. All milked) & Tea. And of course... Zam Zam Water. Hey!!! Why am I Capping the words for food???!!!

People were pleasant enough. It's bad enough I cannot speak that good a Bahasa Melayu, but most people are generally welcoming. One Chinese Mualaf cannot be one too many I suppose. But I was introduced to a few foreigners too. But nothing can change the fact that I am as blur as they come (actually not... I just do what I wanna do. If it's not correct... I'll do it anyway). Muslims in mosques are generally really nice and patient people. I doubt I'd make a good Muslim... My usual vocabulary, although not welcomed during my conversations with the men, it was not forbidden. Something about cursing among men gathering for prayers does not seem right... but heck... who cares...

The minute Azan was called... it's funny how EVERYONE reached for the dates. I do not have great experiences with the little seeded fruit that's dried with the tough skin, so I proceeded to seemingly gently stuff the Murtabak into the small little slit in my face that's called a mouth. Bearing in mind all these time I was only looking down on my food. When I looked up and saw the "Manly" sight of my brothers eating as though they've just came back from a planet filled with only water but no food, I decided to "blend" in, being as incospicuious as I possibly can (achieving my desired result). I had seconds... and I had a guy flashing me a BIG, WIDE SMILE (he must think I come from some improvished island in Somalia where rice is traded on the market with the equal value of gold dust.)

My cigi tasted almost like a cigar (yes... I do from time to time appreciate my free cigars - by courtesy of my buddy from the rubber trade). A fellow smoking with me was surprised that I dragged fast. To my non-smoking friends out there, I'll spare you all with the reasoning for dragging half a cigi.

Anyways, heard some guy shouting that it's time to pray... I quickly formed up at the end of the line (I ALMOST AM NEVER AT THE END OF THE LINE - I usually go up front and centre). Prayer was fast and good. Kept my mouth shut most of the time. Guy beside me noticed, but didn't say a word. How I hate being mistaken for a Mat. Wish I had fairer skin or something... or a tattoo that says "I am NOT A MAT". Well.. then to think about it, God's worst creation is man who is uncomfortable in his own skin. I do not dispute this profoundity. I condone it actually.

After prayers, I realised I do not wanna wait for the next session... so I made a bee-line for the... whatever you call it...

All in all. Food was great, people nice, and well.. this is only the first day... I hope Allah will teach me the way ya?! Overall three and a half thumbs up!!!

24 Sept 06'