Thursday, October 31, 2013

Reading: 2 of 2

I love to travel. I believe same goes to you. But when it comes to budget then the worries start to seep in. I did my homework before I get in here and I was told although the British pound is expensive, foodstuff could be the least of the headache. 

So I try to list everything that I purchased, so I could keep an eye on my spending. This list is my meal for the whole weak but with some conditions. First, the apartment which I stayed has its own kitchen so I cook my own meal every time. If you are talking about eating out, then this won't be very much appropriate. Second, I bring some packed meal from home, apart from to remind me how warm it is back home, I hope this will lasted for a few weeks before I need to really think where to source fresh supply. Third, I haven't tasted chicken, beef or even fish since the day I came here, so if you were really a humongous carnivore trying to have half chicken for every meal, then it would probably cost you more. My formula is just to keep my meal simple, take in heavy breakfast (rice/pasta/penne etc) early in the morning, nibble something while at the university and upon returning home, I normally ate bread, lettuce and bananas. These were simple, yet proved to be much filling until I rest for the night. Fourth, this based on buying groceries at (mostly) Poundland/World, 99p shop, Tesco and Sainsbury's. The fact that I lived near to the town making all this even more easier.

So straight to the list (in Sterling Pound):

Bread - Kingsmill (halal certified) - 1.00 x 2 = 2.00  
Lettuce - 60p
Milk (1 pint) - 49p x 2 pints = 0.98p
Cadbury Brunch Treat - 99p x 2 = 1.98
Eggs - 1.00 (10 eggs only from 99p shop)
Chocolate mix - 1.00
Sainsbury Lemon and Ginger Tea - 80p (for 20 sachets)
Penne (2 packs) - 99p
Tomato Puree (3 medium size cans) - 99p
Sunflower cooking oil (500 ml) - 1.00
Bananas (pack of 5 large) - 50p

Just over 10 quids. This is only possible if you don't mind cooking and not having rice with chicken or any kind of meat. There's halal outlet at the university, and normally it cost like 4 pound for each meal but big portion. But other thing like electrical item may cost you a bomb, firecracker actually. For instance:

Kettle (0.4 Litre, very small travel like one) = 6.59
Filter jug - 6.59
I bought pillows - 2.94 for 2 pillows.
Saucepan - 2.90
Tefal pan - 7.99

I bought few items from ebay. I found it easy to shop with ebay here and for some items like toys, it way much cheaper. Don't know your preference, but if you don't mind eating the same menu everyday, I would say meal is done. Chocolate is very cheap but I restrained from having too much because am planning to loose some weight. 

Cheers!!


Reading: Post 1 of 2

Again no photos because this ain't a holiday.

I really need to write this thing down since I was so worried few months back, on the prospect of getting in in Heathrow. I heard endless stories about people being held back due to their fishy purposes of coming in here and it might be useful if I shared the experience of mine. Well, different people might their own version of it, but at least this is what I have experienced.

I flew from KLIA at almost dusk, in a nearly full flight to Dubai and cannot stop of thinking what will happened as I reached London. I would never imagined that I was there smack in between the narrow seat trying to nip what UK has to offer. At almost 13 hours of flight plus 3 hours stranded in Dubai I really replay the whole plan over and over again. Whatever it is, I always say to myself that if I were ever denied for an entry, there'll be no problem. Just get the next available flight and return to safety.

It seems very odd especially when you try to beat the time. I managed to do that when the plane really travel against the time. Just imagine leaving at dusk and arrive at dawn. It feels like nothing change really. I arrived at London Heathrow really at dawn. It was 630 am local time when the plane landed and I saw endless planes just touching down like every 5 minutes or so interval. Heathrow really is a busy airport and people like just thronging every single minute and second.

Like an hour or so before landing, the flight attendant will start giving away landing card. It's good if you place your detail handy, otherwise you'll need to fill it later in the terminal.

The moment I walked out from the cabin, cold wind start to blow and I was very surprised at how fast people walk. Every disembarking passenger just walk very fast and if I were to continue my jaywalk, I really felt that I will be in so much trouble trying to catch up. Terminal 3 was like a very huge complex and soon after from afar, I start to see the UK BORDER sign. It wasn't hard to be missed and all path are heading towards that direction.

The immigration booth were well laid. Basically two sections, one for British passport/EU passports and the other is for other passports. I guess mine will be at the later section.

I start to practice for the last time and surprisingly most of the counters were manned by Brits of asian origin. I lined up and there'll be an officer calling you whenever a counter is available. I handed over my passport and the officer start to ask. He asked me where am I heading to, for how long, for what purpose and any letters to justify. I was not asked on how am I going to support my life here. I feel blessed. The session lasted for just about 20 seconds. My passport is stamped and I was permitted to enter.

Morally speaking, I think, if your reason of coming is clear, nothing fishy about it then I think there's nothing to be worried. But every preparation to face them is very compulsory and it would be very hard to satisfy them if you came in with empty hands.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Freezing

I remember when my supervisor here asked me (several months back) on my plan here in Reading. At that time, the best as I can remember, I talked to him about my plan of doing this and of course doing that. He responded by looking at me and said, its going to be cold, especially in November, December all the way up to January, and I do not want you to think at that time, what's the hell I am doing here?

Believe it or not, I am now thinking exactly his concern to me on the purpose of I am here.

So ironic, my first week has finally over yesterday and I can't stop myself from counting the days when this will finally be over. If you were on a holiday, the first week will be so much fun. Going out, tasting new thing, trying to soak the local spirit as much as you can etc etc. But in my case, there is nothing fun in it. Yes definitely I am taking this as an opportunity to be away from routine and basking myself in a new environment but things are so different.

Take the weather for example, I know before I get to here, I always wonder how nice living in a cool weather where you are not soaking in sweat whenever you go outside. Well, it serve me right on my face now. There is nothing good about it I swear. It makes life so difficult. Try to imagine compressing four times prayer in a nip of just four hours. I think I just done with my ablution when suddenly I need to get a new one because the next prayer is almost due. There is no such thing as warm water here, its either hot or freezing cold. Pick up the one you desire and I found at least, the freezing water is still tolerable. 

At this point of time, I remember best how I normally start a conversation with my wife after we all finish with our routine and normally I would say to her, it's very hot today and it took the laundry just an hour to dry. Well if I can return now, I would just switch off the air conditioning and perhaps soak myself in the hot and humid weather.

All this boredom has led me to a new hobby. I easily find myself now eager to shop. Everyday, for the past a week or so, I constantly made my way to the town area and peek at every shop along the road. I must say UK is a must when it comes to shopping. The selections are endless and that thick furry winter jacket sometime tickle my buds to purchase. But, I am constantly being sobered with the prospect of that jacket will have when time finally call me for home. That will be useless and unless I can sell it, there is nowhere that jacket will fit with our local temperature. 

As for now, I am comforting myself with a huge cup of hot chocolate trying hard to fit in and try doing my job. Good conversation with people back home will be good but as I am 8 hours behind them, it is always not possible to catch a good conversation. Just imagine rushing home here only at 3pm but unfortunately it's already 10 pm back home. As a matter of fact, I woke up at 5 am here and my wife just had her lunch for the day.

*its only 19.47 now but its already been dark since 16.40 hrs. Hope I can cope up with this and I really miss my work station back home now - cry!!    

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Reading: Thank you

No photos.

It sounds rather odds, but just wait a second, try think and remember how many times that you've said 'thank you...' and being apologetic by saying 'sorry..' today? or perhaps more astonishing to hear people say 'thank you...' and ask for your forgiveness simply for unintentional mistakes. 

I bet none.

While immersing myself with the surrounding and enjoying myself listening to the thick British accent around me, it was surprising to hear 'thank you..' being considered as an everyday phrases. I was in a bus queuing behind an old lady on my second day here and I heard every passengers who disembarked were thanking the bus driver for the service. Well that really start my system to crunch on the happening.

Today, I was in a mall, trying hard navigating the alleyway just to locate a loo and after I finished the business I nearly bumped into this white chap who seems desperate to carry on with his business. The bumped was really nothing but to my surprised, he simply said 'Sorry mate!' and look back to see whether I was alright. That was simply superior. 

I tried not to compare the society we have back home, but it keeps my head rolling. Why can't we practiced such a noble behavior back home?

-I'm waking up myself for this- I should say thank you more often.

I try to recall any occurrence where people saying 'thank you..' and 'sorry..' in a bus back home, and as long as my mind had served me, I think none. I remember frequenting a family mall close to home and more often than not greetings are from cashier who seemed to had woke up from the wrong side of the bed. Simply unimaginable. 

Is it a culture? Were they been taught that way? Is it because our hot weather making people grumpier than here?

The time I am writing this, my cramped mind keep playing an image of two ladies who worked at the fresh section in the family mall back home. Lady 1 look grumpy and she is and Lady 2 simply talk in front of my wife when our kids had their fight for superiority in the supermaket's trolley. Not really nice especially when you're working in the frontline.

I hope this nobility will eventually seep to us and why not start tomorrow by saying 'thank you..'? 

Note: Hoping for more sunshine tomorrow. The day is getting shorter now and its colder. Woke up this morning and the weather forecast said it was 4 degree. It was really chilly but somehow people still wear skirts!

Forgot to buy eggs. Making me completely vegetarian for the 4th day. 

I craved for chicken since this afternoon. Consequently, I spent 2 hours browsing through halal restaurants which sells fried chicken. Ironically, I ate wheatgerm bread with cheddar and salad for dinner and I'm thinking the same menu for supper! how absurd

Cheers mate!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Reading: Random shots (I mean photo shots)

I was advised by my supervisor here to 'visit' the town and even was told to visit London this weekend. I know it is hard to adjust and settling in, but research is something that can't wait. The moment I think less about it, time flies. But of course, been in a new place, new environment and weather is somehow invigorating. So for the past 2 days, I've been to the town in and out like I own a shop there but mostly to Poundland and Sam's 99 pence or less. Well, these place got everything except fresh items, but along the Broad St, you'll be spoiled for choice. I've been to the Broadstreet Mall and found the mall is 'penny' friendly. There is Wilko, Poundland and some others all sell items at bargain. I know it sounds like a holiday rather than research but trust me, you wouldn't want to miss this place. Today I walked a little up and found Homebase, Argos -  there's one in Oxford St. and Hobby craft. It's still early I know, but I've started to think the best way to bring all these back.home. I'll show you the reason why:

Love the flower. Those in the small pots go for about 1.79 pound.

This suppose to be laundry box. Go for about 55 pound.

They sell pretty jars everywhere. Mostly ceramic but aluminium are available as well.

I like that teapot. It goes for about 5. Notice yet another jar.

More jars right up!

Again jars. The small one goes for less than 2.

Jars. But the big one, that's for bread. It should be nice to have that one back home.

I feel blessed and hope to post more photos soon.

Cheers!

Reading: Arrived

It was a tiring journey. Never in my life I traveled this long and far. It started on 20th October at Senai Airport and it only ended today, 21st October at around 6.30am local time. Flight from JHB to KUL was delayed for 20 minutes and making matter worse, my checked in luggage was mis-routed. It was about an hour before they recover the luggage.

Well, perhaps not a smooth start but Emirates flew pretty much on time. The plane was practically full to the brim and since I was seated near to the bassinet, I really expect that possibly some kids will be crying along the way. The plane took off 1930 as scheduled and to my suprise, A380 really exhilarating. The engines were super smooth, I heard only the air-conditioning and not the engines. Took off was smooth, the plane gently accelerate on the runway before suddenly flies. It took of course quite a distance before it flies but it was smooth.

The plane was mostly filled with Middle-easterners perhaps holiday makers making KL as their destination. Nothing much happen during flight. I was seated next to a gentleman who made Bahrain as his base and we chatted once in a while before both resorting to the entertainment system until the plane made it to Dubai.  

I made it clear with the check in staff at KLIA that I'm going to London and I hope by telling them, I shouldn't be bothered with whether my luggage will arrive or not. They gave me their assurance and  I was issued with 2 boarding passes, to Dubai and later connecting with Qantas to London.

Dubai airport to me, is pretty much like KLIA. Surprisingly, the shops are manned with mostly asian.

The procedure for transiting was fairly simple. Just follow the sign and passengers were prompted for security check before been allowed to enter the departure hall. Unfortunately, Qantas flight that night was delayed and instead of flying at 0100, ETD has been shifted to 0230.

In comparison with Emirates, Qantas seems much better. Bigger leg-room and super friendly cabin crews. 2 meals were served during the flight. The moment the plane took off, they served chicken wrap with some other dishes. I didn't care much, perhaps since it was dark. But the food served in Qantas, especially for plane flying off from Dubai is halal. Even the wrap of the chicken wrap confirmed this.

Nothing much, it was 7 hours flight bla bla bla, but the entertainment system fared less compared with Emirates. Well, if you asked me how many movies you wanted to watch in 7 hours, then perhaps it was enough. I didn't bothered much, filled most of my time trying hard to catch some sleeps. It's a red-eyed flight so I was told to sleep whenever I could. But who wanted to sleep on flight bound to London. It's not every year we'll come to London didn't you? but I was defeated. I fall asleep, soundly, and woke up when it's very near to breakfast.

Breakfast was good. At least to me, they gave two options, one is very light cereal where they serve with yogurt. Sound healthy. The other option was omelette, serve with yogurt and some snacks. Well, of course, as you can predict, I resorted to omelette thinking this will be my last halal meal on earth.

Well, why not some photos. Photos speak a thousand word didn't they? I'll include captions whenever I could:

Well this is how it's look like. Just to let you know, if you plan to take the bus to anywhere from Heathrow, National Express is calling from the central bus station. From terminal 3, it's easy, just follow the sign after you pass the custom. It's quite a walk from terminal 3, but you can take the trolley with you all the way to the station. Ticket counters are there both human and machine. As I am heading to Reading, I need to board the Rail Air, but all stands are allocated for National Express. I went in again and asked a very friendly staff of the airport and was told that ticket can be purchased at the national express counter. Buses leave in 20 minutes interval, so there'll be plenty tickets available. 

First taste of UK. Shivering and I didn't know how to switch the heater on! pathetic. I've been stalking this building right beside the apartment, and I think it's an office.

Moment before took off

Landed at Heathrow terminal 3. It was raining that time. Love Qantas, super friendly crews. I am not comparing to Emirates, but yup, they are friendly.


Well, that's it for now. I've been doing an extensive walk for the past 2 days. I got some photos with me and hope to post it out soon.

Kind regards and cheers!