MyPHD: Arrival to Wollongong

After the special firework extravagant, we end the night with a cone of ice-cream from Gelatosimmo. I had Salted Caramel dipped in chocolate with a hint of 'sky juice', because we were eager to head home and it was raining. The ice-cream dripped everywhere and.... it was not pretty.

When we reached Moon's house (the student's house at Barker St), we were flat and we all, including Moon slept like babies!!

WOLLONGONG, HERE WE COME!

Sunday, 15.02.2015.

The next morning we packed and Moon taught us how to use an apps called TripGo. One thing amazed me about Australia is the punctual public transportations. If the schedule listed Bus A will arrive at 10.23am, then it WILL ARRIVE at 10.23am!! Bukan janji Melayu, hokeh!

The names of places in Australia are really unique. This is an English-speaking country and they retain the aborigine names of the states, region, city, etc. I always thought they sounded like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. For example; Thirroul, Helensburg, Wolli Creek, and Redfern.

In the train we met and had an opportunity to chat with a young lady with 2 kids, a 5 year-old and a 2 year-old accompanied by her 51 year-old mother. The chat was a friendly chat about the weather and the children suddenly turned into a cultural discovery and religious discussion. The mother comes to know about Muslims and how we pray 5 times a day and fast for a month. But they didn't really understand as to why we cover up like wear hijab and why do we fast which we do not eat and drink from sunrise to sunset. I tried my best to explain and answer all their questions.

Among the questions were:
1. Isn't it hot and sweaty when you cover up?
A: We are accustomed to it as we start covering up since we reach puberty. Plus, here in Australia is not that humid like in our country. This is sort of an air-conditioned weather!

2. Does the man bash (beat) their wife in Malaysia?
A: There are cases as such in Malaysia. However, it is not a normal everyday news. Women are well-respected in our religion.

3. If you fast without water, wouldn't you be dehydrated?
A: Logically, yes. But, when you are used to it... Training since we are 5 years old. You will not feel the thirst, nor hunger. Plus, it is scientifically proven that it improves digestion and overall health.

4. In the labor room, can the father come and watch the birth of their child?
A: Yes, as long as they are married.
Q: If they are not married, they can't?
A: I guess not. In our religion, even culture, it is not usual to have children for unmarried couples.

In my mind, she might have her own perception about our culture or our religion, but I have my own too. She is going to have 3 children and all three are from three different men, which is not a norm in our society. Which leads to how beautiful Islam is, Subhanallah. Not only protecting women, but also the descendents and future generation. I LOVE BEING MUSLIM!


ARRIVED TO WOLLONGONG

The train made a few stops and after two hours we arrived at the North Wollongong station. I was surprised that there were no barrier gates there and we need to tap our Opal card (similar to Touch&Go) before we leave at a tall unit installed like a light post. This is responsible at its highest level!! Using this system, it shows that you must be responsible for yourself and the true meaning of amanah is really at stake here. Well, sort of. Because if you don't tap all your balance will be deducted. HAHAHA...

We called Anne Porter and she drove us to No. 83, Grey St, Kieraville. This is the house we are going to stay for the next two weeks. Alhamdulillah, we met our housemates and they are wonderfully friendly.

Anne gave us an hour to freshen up and she then gave us a tour to Wollongong.

Here are some pictures.

Beautiful? Yup....

To be continued....