Masjid talk

I've always wondered... How a person can be so diligent in performing his Muslim duties, yet have a poor attitude and character.

I've always wondered... How can one be so determined in memorising Qur'an, reading the Qur'an everyday and yet still have trouble praying 5 times a day.

I've always wondered... Why aren't there any movies about our prophets. Or our sahabats or any Islamic movies which portrays the goodness in Islam during those times.

I've always wondered... Why are there people who knows the Arabic language, lives in the Arab world, yet is not a Muslim. How can they not embrace Islam when they know and understand the beauty of the Qur'an. Why people like us who don't understand Arabic language loves Islam the same way the Arabs does?

I've always wondered... Why are there so many divisions and subdivisions of Islam.

I've always wondered... Why are there every divisions and subdivisions of Islam frown upon one another. Some go till such extent of killing one another.

I've always wondered... How, or rather why Muslims in those areas have such a difference in beliefs from us until they have the urge kill in the name of Islam. What have they been thought? Or which parts are we missing? What are they missing? What values have they been instilled upon and we did not? What values have we been instilled upon that they did not? Never have I and will I ever understand why people hate one another until going to the extent of killing.

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"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." - Surah Al-Hujarat

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Prata talk

I'm typing this while having my favourite cheese prata session. Alone. In my own zone. Cold.

Ok whateva

Lots of people close to me have recently been reaching milestones in their lives. Be it marriage, engagement, graduation, getting new jobs. All that. I'm so very proud of them all. Love to see people accomplish their dreams.

My next #goal2015 and life accomplishment will come in December Insyaallah, when I attempt to backpack for a month and complete the remainder of Southeast Asia. Hiking up Thai peaks and Philippines' volcano, Laotian jungles and caves and witnessing different cultures and beliefs.

Much has been documented about my travels and I will be updating here daily throughout the month.

It will be difficult and challenging. However, I believe that nothing is ever too difficult for the things we love.

I am passionate about many things. Football is well documented. I can go for 5 football sessions in a week without complaining. That is a good example of the quote above. Normally, people would simply cringe at that thought. But for me, it is a challenge and its not that difficult of a challenge if its something close to me.

I believe it's the same for everyone too.

Speaking of challenging, im challenging myself to learn Thai by December. I love the Thais. Their culture. Their way of life. I used to think that one day, that's the place I wanna settle down. Been watching quite a lot of Thai movies too. Learning how to speak their lingo's and common phrases. I believe my progress has been good. I think my Thai is on par with my Arabic language(which is not that great either. Lol).

Alright. Ive been typing this for a good 20mins. My cheese prata will get stale soon. Yes, stale! Haha

Till then my fellow friends.

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On a magical boat ride

About 3 years ago today, I embarked on my first ever backpacking trip. This was one experience I still remember ever so clearly and will never forget!

It was raining. We got on a local boat to a secluded place. This tiny boat was the only way the locals used to transport raw food and groceries. These seamen looked like regular housewives and normal men. Little did we knew that this innocent looking boat wasn't so innocent after all... 20 mins into the open ocean, the boat suddenly stopped. These seamen started smoking. However, it smelled different; not the typical cigarette smell. Within just a few minutes, the whole boat was engulfed with smoke. We were the only foreigners, seated right in the middle of the enclosed boat, in the middle of the ocean. Trapped!! 

Once they were done and all seemed so weirdly happy, we continued our journey.

Unfortunately, things got even worse! About 5 mins in, something from the engine somehow broke apart!
It was so hilarious looking at how these seamen attempted to repair the engine. They stumbled, tripped, slipped. Some even fell into the sea. Everyone was laughing and there was absolutely no signs of panic. HAHA!

After awhile, the boat somehow got partially repaired and we managed to land safely. All still smiling...  #adventuresofyanparker #yanparkertravellogue

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Knowledge. Cultures. Diversity

I often hear people ask me, "Why do you go to Country X? What's there? It's so boring." Every time I venture overseas, I often come back tired. So tired I usually take MC the following day just to sleep in. 

My purpose of backpacking/travelling is to open my eyes to other cultures, beliefs and practices, their way of life and its simplicity. And most importantly, to appreciate the good life we have in Singapore, Alhamdulillah. Every place has something new to offer no matter how 'boring' it seems to be. These are experiences we can't find here in Singapore and these experiences are ever so invaluable.

 "Travel for the sake of knowledge. Pursuing knowledge is ibadah." 📷: @_aniq_

#adventuresofyanparker#yanparkertravellogue #rgn2k15

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Circle train? Circular train??

Probably the most colourful train ride I've ever taken. The 3hr ride costs 20cents and it showed me the diversity of the Burmese people and how they go about their daily lives. In this picture, the guy in green/sarong beside me was openly promoting (complete with pull up posters) his tongkat ali and some pills of which I'm clueless of. Probably I should use his style to promote my cycling tights too. Lai lai!! ✌

😂 #adventuresofyanparker #rgn2k15#yanparkertravellogue

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On Foot!

On our typical adventures overseas, we usually clocked about 20km on foot daily exploring the areas, finding halal food, learning different cultures, and also errr.... getting lost! Maps, GPS, motivation and big sets of balls are essential tools to ensure we do not get extra mileage on our foot. Haha 📷:@_aniq_

#adventuresofyanparker#yanparkertravellogue #southeastasiantour#coolkids #rgn2k15

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Rangoon City

After trekking volcanoes at Mt Bromo and Ijen, we're back to exploring cities and off beaten paths. Visiting Rangoon City was an eye opener to say the least. I never thought Myanmar had a multi racial society as well. 

To me, the laws created are comparable to Singapore's. Muslim food are super easy to come by. There are plenty of Indians. It is a super safe city. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Many of the men wore tattoos. Heck, even Singapore itself is a brand!! And so so much more... 

I wouldn't have known all these if I didn't have the opportunity to visit Myanmar. Alhamdulillah.

#adventuresofyanparker #coolkids#yanparkertravellogue#southeastasiantour #goal2015

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