Another Solo Ride ( now in UK! )

Bismillah.

In the next 48 hours, i will embark on the most anticipated journey since the start of the semester : The Journey Home.

See, yours truly here haven’t seen her parents faces for almost two years. Literally. Most fault can be shifted on me because i never bothered skyping or setting up a webcam on my computer–a fault i wish to rectify once i get home.

Back then, i was thinking, now since i’m traveling home ,might as well consider a pit stop. Now, i still subscribe to this thought however not with the same excitement anymore.

Many factors weigh in, my traveling partner backed out the last minute due to her parents objections which lead us to——> the bird flu scare. We humans can only plan and only God determines.  I never anticipated a thing of this sort back in March. Not only it caused the Midwest Games to cancel ( and justifiably, since Illinois ranks with the highest cases in the US), my trusted side kick also backed out out of respect to elders. Most of all, i was overwhelmed with homesickness that constantly kicks my rear and made me fidget all the time.( “cepatlbalikcepatlabalikcepatlabaliiiikk”)

So i would say that this edition of summer mini-tour is filled with apprehension. My parents naturally voiced their concerns over me going all solo , and i share their sentiments as well.

I detest it .

It is quite lonely traversing alone although one might get more things done–i tend to be  in no nonsense mode when i’m alone with myself.

The best i could do now is ensure that i take my vitamins supply everyday, take care of my health, have a hand sanitizer in my pack and remind self to wash hands every four hours. Of course, a surgical mask too. All in day’s work of travelling in the swine flu era.

I look back at my itinerary and surprised myself at the reflection of my ambitiousness and truthfully, i did not conceal my disgust. Thank you ayah for pointing that out. Rasa macam orang tamak, astaghfirullah.  Why the rush? Exploration takes patience and they say reward will come rolling to those who wait. Travelling also means appreciating God’s creation and why would one want to rush that? After a bit of muhasabah , i question back my priorities of what am i trying to regain out of this, ( This is a very important question). I dont want to come out of this mini tour needing another vacation when this was supposed to be THE vacation.

So i set a new theme for this expedition:

‘ If you cant get the next thing done hanani, chill, you’ll have another time. Enjoy this one first.’

Originally, this was meant to be only a pit stop before heading home but somehow in classic farah hanani style , i turned it into a England-in-9-Days travel package. Please dont follow this example, its dangerous , overzealous and remember the kisah anjing dengan bayang-bayang if you are still not listening.(I have to add here, with impartiality, that it CAN be done with careful planning )

If i learnt anything during my California trip is that one can’t be too particular with your schedule, you should allow some ample flexibility. It reduces the level of frustration when things do go wrong  ( and they DO in frequent times). You can get over the messed up itinerary faster too rather than mope.

There are a couple of people whom i should thank profusely for assisting with my plans especially in the accommodation bit. I wont list them now, i will do a proper roll of honour when this experience is nicely wrapped up. But they include my senior, my high school friends and a  friend whom i only met once ( our most intimate correspondence are through emails) but is more than willing to offer me a place to crash. Thank you God  and please do me a great favour by blessing their generosity. Also to people whom i alluded my impending visitation plans and then welcome it with great enthusiasm,( well hello there, primary school friend 🙂 )i certainly do appreciate the moral support and it is most saddening if i will not be able to visit your part of the country. Nonetheless, fear not that you’re always in my thoughts.

Please pray for my safe journey , good health and easiness to perform fundamental ibadah.

OK, deep breath and remember not to forget about that toothbrush.

P/s: The writer repacked her luggage since during the first round she forgot that the laundry system exists even in Great Britain.