For most of you who don’t know, the hottest issue in Malaysia right now is not the cost of petrol BUT a fight over who owns the right to use the word “Allah” exclusively. In the Malay language, “Allah” means God and many non-English speaking Christians use this word in hymns, songs and so forth. This is especially common among aboriginal Christians who worship in Malay – the national language in Malaysia – AND among East Malaysians.

In a nutshell, Muslims are saying that the word “Allah” should only be used in the Islamic context whereas Malay-speaking Catholics and Christians are saying that it should be free to be used by all (like in the Catholic weekly The Herald).

While everyone is busy squabbling over the exclusive rights to the word, a church got burnt down in the process and someone like me who hasn’t been really following the drama begins to wonder…

Is a religion tied exclusively to a language? Do all Catholics speak Latin? Do all Muslims speak Arabic? Since when did speaking a certain language meant that you were part of a religion as well? More importantly, since when did God belong to one religion? I always thought that we belonged to him and not vice versa.

I guess in Malaysia where we tied the ethnicity with the religion, I supposed people would automatically think that Malays who are deemed to be all Muslims have the exclusive right to use Malay in their worship of God. BUT they fail to realize that a language and ultimately a word can never be exclusive as people of all walks of life can learn a language and utilize it. Is it fair to say that I’m French because I speak French OR that I’m Malay because I speak Malay? Subsequently, if I spoke Latin, would you say that I’m Catholic?

The word “Allah” is just another word in a different language used to describe God, just as how the French use “Dieu”. I find it shocking yet ignorant for some Malay groups to demand exclusive right to the word “Allah”. For a people who profess to be practitioners of a peaceful faith, I find them to be very intolerant.

What’s worse is that some groups feel that it’s necessary to terrorize and scare others into dropping the use of the word “Allah”. Are they any better than the 9/11 terrorists? Hardly. Scare tactics like leaving a cow’s head at a temple doorstep or burning down/bombing churches (even my church got hit by this issue) only makes Muslims look bad and the people of their faith who don’t say anything against it are no better than their bomb-totting peers.

And you wonder why many European governments are having a hard time with extreme Muslim immigrants who want everything done according to their way and rules.

*sigh*

I hope such behaviour doesn’t spread like mesothelioma or any other cancer – it would be such a shame. So much for hoping for a positive start of the year. Bah.

When most people travel to Bali, they head to places like Tanah Lot, Jimbaran, Seminyak and Ubud. Nil and myself together with Eva opted to stay the full length of our trip just in Ubud and make daytrips, if possible, to the surrounding areas. You could say that it was a very leisurely holiday for the both of us and a chance for Eva to bond further with my in-laws. It came at a good time as she is beginning to experience some separation anxiety but more on that in my baby blog.

Note: Ubud has a no-electricity-town-wide every Saturday from 6pm till 10pm so choose your activities wisely.

What’s nice about Ubud?
In a nutshell, if you like culture, a slightly more laidback environment (compared to the hustle and bustle of Kuta), then stop here. Tourists flock here for the cultural shows, as well as the arts and crafts (galleries, markets, shops, etc). Most people will opt for about two to three days but if you’re staying longer, you can explore more than just the center of Ubud.

Where to stay?
There are plenty of resorts, homestays, cottages and villas – the sky is the limit…or rather your wallet, that is. Most people opt for accommodation in the centre of Ubud, which is along Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Raja Ubud. There are a few hidden gems in the other smaller streets like Jalan Goutama, Dewisita and so forth. Because our accommodation was paid for and we didn’t have to scout around (we stayed with my in-laws at Agung Cottages along Jalan Goutama), I can’t be too sure about the prices but what I do know is budget accommodation are priced below 100,000 rupiah per night.

Do be careful when it comes to choosing a place to stay – you’ll want hot water as the water in Ubud can get frighteningly chilly. Bonuses are things like air-conditioning (you won’t need it around this time of the year as the rains are heavy and very cooling) and a swimming pool (which is great if you’re heading there in the hot months).

What to eat?
Balinese cuisine, of course! While rich in spices, it is an eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, making it very unique. The traditional bebek betutu (roasted duck stuffed with herbs and spices before being wrapped in leaves) and babi guling (roast stuffed suckling pig/pig) are must-tries on the list. If your palate is adventurous, you can opt for some lawar – with or without meat. Other Indonesian favourites like gado-gado, bakso and soto are good options as well.

Warungs or simple family-styled eateries are your best bet if you’re on a budget and would like to stretch your rupiah to the limit. Warung Local and Dewa Warung along Jalan Goutama have pretty delicious choices starting from 6,000 all the way till 15,000 rupiah (and more). Warung Ika Oka serves up some yummy roast suckling pig that is a hit with the locals during lunch and it’s located opposite the palace.

Posh places like Nomad and Kita serve up pretty good food but the ambience is more for tourists rather than locals or budget eaters like myself and Nil. Tourists love Nomad and another spot called Bunute for its lively environment and in the case of the latter, a very talented local band.

What to do?
Relax.

Seriously, if you’re looking for adventure or a boisterous nightlife, Ubud is hardly the right place to stay in. Come here if you’re after some cultural shows – there are plenty all year round – and some art. There are plenty of galleries to feast your eyes on plus the surrounding areas like Batun, Mas, and Celuk are home to some of the loveliest works of arts in this region, be it in the form of canvas/paint, stone or wood.

Spas and massages are popular as well; expect to pay 50,000 rupiahs for an hour’s worth of traditional Balinese massage on site. Add about anywhere between 25,000 to 50,000 if you want the masseur to drop by your hotel. Pedicures, manicures and facials are available as well not to mention the full on treatment of a lovely scrub plus a bath. Options like mandi lulur, milk baths and what-nots are available. Yes, when it comes to pampering oneself, Ubud is the place.

If you’re bored, rent a bike or bicycle and head off to the surrounding villages. The view can be fantastic with scores of paddy fields and houses/villas lining the skyline. Alternatively, if you don’t mind, take a walk. Best times are during the early hours of the morning. Bring some sunblock and an umbrella in case the heat gets unbearable OR in case it rains.

For those into shopping, expect some lovely gems at the local Pasar Seni located along Jalan Raja Ubud. Remember to hard bargain as anything and everything can be priced exorbitantly especially if you’re a tourist. Don’t be afraid to ask for less – your cue is this: if it doesn’t have a price tag (even handwritten ones can be challenged), it’s okay to bargain. Start off at the lowest possible – at least 75% off the original price before making your way up. Then again, don’t die from a heart attack if you end up paying more than what someone else paid. Most of the time, the difference hardly makes a dent in your pocket but means a lot to the locals.

Special notes
Drink only bottled water (a large bottle of 1.5L only costs 3,000 to 4,000 rupiahs) and avoid fresh vegetables & fruits (salads, etc) whenever possible.

Also water here is quite soft so if you’re doing laundry, you may want to skip the water softener and buy local detergent available at the mini-marts or Delta chain stores here.

Watch out for dog poo as you’re exploring the streets as Bali has an awful problem with the huge number of stray dogs – they are not wild, just loose. Most are harmless and some, well, their bark is worse than their bite.

…and busy getting into the old rhythm of things not to mention unpacking, laundry, running errands and so forth. Much on the trip and pictures to come soon but here’s a teaser for your pleasure!

You could say that second to the year in which I got married, this year was a pivotal for me as I went from being just a woman and wife to being a mother as well.

Being pregnant again after a previous miscarriage wasn’t all that a happy occasion as we grappled with the possibility of history repeating itself. Many people assume that I would have been happy to be pregnant but what they didn’t know then was how worried I was about miscarrying again. I was taking no chances even though you probably wouldn’t have suspected looking at the trips I was making to the Alps. I went through a horrible bout of flu and food poisoning – all of which I had to go through without resorting to medication except for some Smecta. Oh the woes of being pregnant AND sick!

So when we went into the second trimester without a hitch and got our first confirmation that all was great, the next hurdle came along in the pregnancy. Because I was born with a congenital defect, the doctor was concerned that Eva may face the same problem as congenital defects are genetic. We went through a number of scans to be sure that everything was in place and you could say that I could only stop worrying towards the end of my second trimester.

It was during the end of the first trimester in which Nil and I experienced our first major major issue/conflict as a couple and pulled through it just well with the support, encouragement and help from both family and friends. Upon returning from our Christmas vacation, we discovered that Nil was being retrenched, and that his last month would be March. It couldn’t have come at a crappier time – just as we were thinking of setting up a nursery and so forth.

The following weeks after getting the news was hard as we adjusted both financially and morally to the news. Bringing a child into the world was a joyous occasion and one that many would look forward to but in my case, it was worrisome as we had to consider how to go about feeding not just ourselves but a baby. But we pulled through with some adjustments to our finances.

Then we had a break – sort of. Nil received some good news in the form of a job in Singapore and while he was elated to bits, I, to be honest, wasn’t looking forward to the move again. I knew that it would be tough adjusting to a new country and the Asian culture that I was happy to leave behind, but to do all that while coping with being a mum on top of running my shop, handling assignments like life insurance policy reviews and so forth? Lets just say that I had so many breakdowns then and now that sometimes I felt like giving everything up!

Really, being a mum is a test and while not everyone is cut out for it, I must say that it can bring out the best in people. I was pushed to so many limits, limits that I didn’t even know existed. What more, the word “sacrifice and selflessness” is never more real than when you’re a mother. The things I do, buy, and heck, even think, is often about her first – it has long stopped about what I want or need; although sometimes those things (”me” time/things) are important.

To be honest, I can’t really remember anything else apart from the fact that I got pregnant, Nil lost a job, Nil found a job, we moved to Singapore and that I’m a now mother. I guess when life keeps you busy with a baby, you don’t really have the time to sit back and take stock of the little little stuff. Sometimes they do matter but in this instance, I think the bigger picture is more important. The year 2009 was just that – the bigger picture.

Mum is the word.

….when people make “what happened in the year” together with Christmas shopping lists.

….when people go bonkers and get festive in all sorts of ways, from dressing to the mood and even the food!

…when all you can think about is holiday, holiday and more holiday.

Yup, even Nil and myself are becoming quite festive as gifts pour in from families (and we give a little of our own) not to mention prepping for our upcoming trip to Bali. Travelling with a baby always requires some form of forethought plus planning, not to mention hunts for the appropriate things like a travel cot and such. We’ve decided to rent a Samsonite Pop Up bubble for the trip and I’ll be getting that tomorrow. But otherwise, we’ll be lugging our stroller there together with a carrier – am deciding between the BBjorn or the pouch. Maybe we’ll end up taking both.

But yeah, going back to the whole spirit of making lists…

Now that we’re closing in onto the end of 2009, time to take stock of what happened this year both personally and on the “global” front. So over the next few days, do watch this space for some “summaries” to mark the end of 2009 on this blog. Yup, the lists will be my last entries for 2009 as I’ll be coming back only after the New Year. In the meantime, there is the rush to work on things like phentermine reviews and crochet/knitting projects!

Every night, I go to sleep (around midnight coz of a late feed) with all sorts of noises blaring right outside my window – from buses, to bikes to sports car engines going full throttle at 20 km/h (don’t ask). Now I live on the 10th floor and if my father-in-law over the phone in France can hear the vehicle’s engine/exhaust ramming up at its peak very clearly over the phone, that should tell you what I have to go through virtually every day from sundown to sun up.

I know who the culprits are after painless night stalking and running to the window to see where the source of the noise is coming from. I am more forgiving of some models of motorbikes but cars which huge exhaust pipes and engines that make more noise than speed for the sake of “show and tell”? Nah, I have more evil thoughts than forgiving ones of these buggers.

Why?

Because every time they pass my apartment, they’ll always stir poor Eva from her sleep causing her to wake up and turn around to find a comfy position to go to sleep again. Mind you, this is even with the window firmly closed.

My neighbour who has triplets is another one. Her children are always shouting, screaming and stomping their way in front of my unit. In the beginning, they would always wake Eva up despite having the door and windows closed, and the poor gal would end up crying her eyes out at being woken up from some yummy sleep. These days, they are still at it but I don’t know if them stopping in front of my unit and taking a peek is more annoying and offensive than light-hearted.

Sometimes I’m awfully tempted to film these buggers and report them to the police for disturbing the peace BUT something always stops me…

What is the definition of “peace” in a country packed with people to the brim like Singapore? Where a car alarm is left blaring on and on for…lets see, it’s been an hour now and it’s still going on. Where fights, screams and shouts from both adults and children alike are tolerated or even excused in some places. What is even more surprising for me is that I don’t even recall KL being this noisy. Or maybe I’ve forgotten what it was like to stay in a big city.

I’ll be honest – I miss the tranquil, peaceful and average-moving pace of Neuchâtel. At least I didn’t have a neighbour who would be revving his car engine for a good five minutes around midnight and then again at around 5am plus every day. Weekends are worse. People are just more considerate of others there…or maybe that’s just how things are where I’m staying. Yup, it’s my luck – I’ve moved to a place where people are noise-challenged.

Hai.

This weekend has been somewhat dreary with the appearance of the dreaded flu buggies! Try crocheting order after order and attempting to sew a straight line with a mild headache, low-grade fever, stuffed nose & ears while trying awfully hard not to sneeze the house down and pass your buggies to a little one. Plus it’s been oh-so-long since I last came down with a bug; I have somewhat forgotten what it felt like to have a stuffy nose and ears. =.=

On top of that, I’m not taking any medication for these since I’m still breastfeeding and have opted for the old-fashioned treatment involving huge doses of water and plenty of fruits namely mangosteen, my new favourite fruit; guava, watermelon and mandarins.

Add that with the heat and lack of rain for four days in a row and well, I’m really dying here! Bleck.

The only saving grace came in the form of some lovely sunnies (and a bonnet) on Eva! Utterly cute and very funny (at least that’s how I saw her – I couldn’t stop laughing from the time we left the apartment till we reached the store nearby!).

What a weekend really…

…well, almost.

Just earlier this morning, I decided that it was time to dust off those WIPs in hibernation and put my knitting needles to good use. Nil had remarked that I switch hobbies far too often and bemoaned the status of my non-moving yarn which we paid to move here together with all our stuff. Heh. Okay okay, I get the drift. I need to kick myself in knitting again.

So I took a look at my Rav project page and decided on what WIPs to bring out of hibernation and such. One the list was my Ivy wrap which has been on hibernation for a longgggg time. I managed to make some headway with it towards the end of my pregnancy but alas, fell short of the finish line. So this time, I was determined to finish it by hook or crook.

Now, I was about to start working on my Ivy wrap when a rather large-ish order for crochet booties came in. So once again, it’s KIV…for now. I’m hoping to be able to work in a few rows in the evenings. The plan is to work on the shop items (booties and sewing) while Eva takes her afternoon naps and reserve my evenings for time with Nil and doing my other hobbies like knitting, spinning and sewing up non-shop items like my quilts. Hopefully this plan works out…

*keeps fingers crossed*