Updates. Another trip organised by BISC (Bristol International Students Center) which I was looking forward to held last Saturday, this time, off to Wales, visited Big Pit (coal mine) and Cardiff Castle. Had a great time eventhough its cold and raining:s

First up, the big pit. Used to be a coal mine, we went 8 feet underground to see well, what remained. Our tour guide was a funny person, kept on making jokes and all while feeding us with past history, information. Unfortunately we werent able to bring our cameras underground because of safety precaution and all, even our watches. Nevertheless, it was interesting and cool to see and learn as well. We had to be strapped with this heavy battery pack and a small oxygen tank on our waist, helmet with the flashlight on. That was cool too except it does get heavy.

Then in the afternoon, went to Cardiff Castle. Get to tour the city a little bit while waiting for the tour and once inside the castle, wow!! Its amazing to see all the artefacts mostly still intact, the wonderful design of each rooms and illustrations, drawings, everything. Looking forward to more visits next year hopefully, grabbing the chance while still here.

Other events, hari raya aidiladha soon, having the celebration here on Friday and Saturday back home in Brunei. My friends will be visiting as well, Hj from London and Mizi from Birmingham this weekend, so will be busy bringing them around though we’re also excited as well. Get to catch up with one another.

Other than that, well, still working along as well, trying to do some readings and planning, more reading and researching for assignments due in January, which isn’t that far off, eek!! Now it does feel like tims is flying, soon it’ll be December. Weather wise, its been raining more now, well, drizzling a lot actually, hence the name “brizzle” and getting colder which is the point since winter is coming. I do wanna see some snow just because it’ll be exciting as all first time experience always are, but not looking forward to more cold temperatures. Im already freezing now.

Been meaning to post some updates but well..things keep getting in the way. Rewinding back, exactly a week ago, went to watch Bridgwater Carnival somewhere in Somerset. Its basically a float procession, something familiar back home, but of course different contextually. It was interesting and you can tell, its quite a big thing, loads of people, and the floats were huge, most of them and like I said, very very interesting to see. I have my favourites, the design and all.

How did I end up going? Well, I went along with my friends under BISC (Bristol International Student Center), so its an event/activity arranged by them. It was raining in between the procession and cold (of course) yet it was fun. Upcoming event, going to Cardiff next week. Im only gonna be here one year, so might as well follow trips/events arranged in groups, when else could you do it, right? It was long trip but you get to see/meet new people.

This week, I must say, its an extra tiring week for me. One of the units just started since Wednesday and its pretty much an intensive one. One whole day since Thursday though I enjoy it very much. Its called ‘Including Student Voices’ and we’ve had speakers with special needs, coming in and having a session and all. I must say, its a whole good learning experience personally for me. Yes, there are many readings to cover (for our own good sake) and it does take whole day, but other than that, I quite like how the tutors are handling the course. Mostly, its been interactive, working/discussion/etc  and there are only 8 of us, so its pretty ‘exclusive’ in an ‘inclusive’ context. (Im so gonna copy paste this whole thing and add more tomorrow for my evaluation feedback:P)

Assignments wise, got 4 writings to complete by January, a presentation on Monday, another presentation on the 4th December. Mostly still trying to work out topics, structure and all. Im not there yet in the sense of starting to actually write but will get to it eventually. I still need to work out some stuffs and after that read read read journals/articles/books. Yikes. Yes, Im still getting use to the whole routine of ’studying’ again.

Weather wise, its raining now, so was yesterday when we got back from Uni, expecting ’storm’ now and again I think, as reported. The wind is strong, I can hear it ‘wailing’ outside. Im so sleepy so Im gonna ending this soon though I wonder if I can get a good sleep, I can hear someone playing the piano next door, nice though. Its been a whole long exhausting day and week, that I lose track of the days, its the weekend tomorrow, Saturday and the final day for the course, been staying up at nights to cover pre readings.

As usual, a summary of what it has been like since I last posted something. Let’s see, graduation ceremony was held on Saturday. We watched it live via streaming on Friday night, well, early morning actually, at 12:15am. What can I say? Happy and proud for my friends and sisters but also sad and frustrating for me here, just because Im missing it after 5 years of study. So, that’s the downside. I ended up crying just because of it and called my dad. Well, getting over it now, there’s no point wailing all year long. Now that Im here, just make good use of it and manage through the year, wish me luck.

Speak of which, this term, there are 4 units/subjects meaning 4 separate assignments. 3 are already given and due in mid January, all writings. So, now, have to pick a research topic for 2 of them. Next year in spring, there will be only 2 units, so workload is slightly less and start planning for dissertation topic as well in time for summer. Basically, I understand the flow and what Im suppose to do, all that is left for me is to actually pick and choose topics related to my course and interest.

Other than that, nothing major just yet, since house related matters are settled, just waiting for bills this first month. Already and more often than not, I feel like Ive been here a while which is not the case. Lastly, Congratulations to all UBD graduates of 2009, especially my sisters and friends of the BA Primary Education batch as well as to Simah, Jul, Izam, Syaz. Yayy! We made it:D

Well, since last update, Im much more settled, moved in on Mondaya afternoon
alongside with my friend, Zawanah, and 2 other Bruneian girls, Mizah & Sha. Since then, been busy getting settled and sorting things out like getting internet connection and other bills. Since its the first time moving and all that, this is what I feel about the whole independent thing is about, like paying bills, groceries, budgeting basically to survive, getting/managing things on your own.

For the internet connection, tv and landline, the package was supposed to be delivered yesterday between 9 - 12pm but it came so much later that we ended up staying at home instead of going out to Uni. It came by 4 or 5 and it took hours to set up the whole thing! My credit run out because Ive been trying to get hold of someone from the provider. I was put on hold over and over. Sheesh.

Other than that, so far, been to 2 classes and its been overwhelming to say the least. Gonna get use to it eventually and I dont wanna get all worked up before anything major. So far, I can say, too many writings to be done and other will be on their way.

Home is quite far from the Uni campus so most of the time we have to get on the bus much earlier at least 2 hours before any classes start. Mostly because the bus service going up comes about every hour and sometimes its hard to get the bus going back home that we had to take a taxi:s The bus will usually stop ‘down’ our classes so we still have to walk up the hill to our classes anyway. Ive done lots of walking my first week here, going within the Uni campus and going further down shops and all that.

Have I mention about weather? Its cold here. Even it it’s a sunny day, it’s still cold not like back home in Brunei. I always have a jacket on going out and mittens cause its that cold for me. Its only autumn here, I can only imagine during winter later on. At home, I always have my socks on at night especially.

Will be going out in about and hour or so to pay for our tv license. We have to get a TV license here, well, the tv comes with the house and the channel comes with the package for landline and broadband. So, we must get the license though I think, we all wont be watching tv that much. Pretty much summarising all this week and last. Went to gathering raya at St Georges house (khairul’s sister, Fiizah) last week, met up with most Bruneians who are here in Bristol. Its been nice meeting new people and the food.

First up, before moving on to other details, brief updates on stuffs. Last week was prety hectic, mostly because the scholarship results just came out and since then, been going here and there, handling related issues and stuffs, vaccinations, buying things, packing and all that. Sometimes I feel like at the back of my mind, I am not going to UK because too hectic and rushing here and there.

But here I am, finally arrived in London yesterday after a journey of 16 hours flight. I left Brunei Airport on Monday 5th October, transit to Dubai, then arriving at Heathrow on the 6th October around 6+ am. Stayed at the Brunei Hall for a night before leaving to Bristol and just arrived at Bristol just now. Been doing lots of walking in London and definitely so much more in Bristol. Currently staying at the guest house/hotel for 2 nights. Hopefully we can find and get the accomodation as soon as possible.

Im so tired from all the walking/long flight but will get use to the walking soon because that’s the only way to get around here. The University is quite a huge place, and hilly (that I already know), so “turun bukit, naik bukit”. At least I have a friend who’s going here so it’ll be fine and been getting so much help from Khairul’s sister, Fiizah who’s here as well.

So far, I can say I am not settled yet, once everything is settled, then I will enjoy everything. At the moment, my brain is still not registering that much just yet. I have to get my sleeping time right, a little bit jetlag. And it’s cool here, much cooler than London and it’s only autumn, imagine winter. Maybe partly I am not adjusted yet with the climate and temperature, so feeling cold all the time. Luckily before arriving here, while in London, got the chance to buy mittens at Marks & Spencer. If I didnt remind myself that I am not in London to shop but to study, I would buy so many stuffs already especially it’s sale and if you don’t consider the exchange rate, you would think everything is cheaper, well it is, in pounds*wink.

There are still a lot to do, the most important, finding the accomodation, then go the bank, and get a UK line and Uni related stuffs. Hopefully will settle soon enough. Missing home? Oh yes, very much!! My family, my home, my friends, food, my room. Life is different here. ~duh~

The last day of fasting month today. In a few hours, it’ll be 1st Syawal which means, ‘hari raya’ is up and about. Well, tomorrow to be precise. After the 1st week or so of fasting month, time seems to fly quickly. Before shouting out raya greetings, brief updates of the past few weeks.

Went for sungkai-out with my bestfriends twice. 1st place was at Serikandi and the latter was at Nyonya Gadong - a treat from Mdir (Thanks!) Preparations for raya..well..usual, nothing out of the ordinary or extravagant. Will be slightly busy I assume later to make final arrangements, cleaning the glasses etc. Can’t wait for first day of raya tomorrow just because it’s the first day. Moving on, raya greetings.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin to my bestfriends, Fau, Leah, Khairul, Azim, Mahadir, all here except Khairul. Extending this greeting to Rannil as well.

Next, my closest friends, from my Uni gang, Jif, Hjh Kate, Nadz, Zatil. The guys, Nabil, Mizi, Midy, Hj, Kam, Khai, Dd, Amin, Shahrum. Also, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin.

To my other friends, BA Pri Edu batch, Nurul, Arni, Zawanah, Gbah, Zemah, Lini, Meez, Tika, Hjh Mizah, Gee, Hjh Sab, Safwanah, Farah, Nonoi, Syifa, Niza, Shamsul and everyone else; Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin.

Lastly, to everyone else and all family, friends, cousins, relatives etc etc. Selamat Hari Raya..Maaf Zahir & Batin.

To date, its finally the fasting month, the 5th day so far. Been pretty much at home doing absolutely nothing. Well, Ive been meaning to clear out my room, getting rid of old notes from previous semesters and sorting things out but I havent got any mood to do so, probably later this weekend.

Past two weeks or so, also nothing much going on. I did went to Bridex 2009 on both days it was opened to public, Friday and Saturday. On Friday, went with Leah and Rose except that we got stuck in traffic getting there, so missed the air show and we parked so far, lots of people so pretty much wasnt able to really view the exhibition. Saturday went with Fau and her dad, no traffic, thank goodness, managed to see the air show though under the hot hot weather. That was cool, seeing all the planes blasting at a high speed..whew!!  

Havent been on a ’sungkai-out’ with my friends yet, probably sometime later, everyone is busy with work, I assume. I do enjoy sungkai-outings with friends occassionally just to catch up with one another especially those I havent see in a while but I also like spending sungkai at home cause everyone is at home. Other days, its hard to get together for lunch or dinner unless we’re eating out cause of school or work.

Right now, pretty much still hanging about, waiting for stuffs. Anyhow, Selamat Berpuasa to everyone, my friends & cousins especially:D

Yesterday, witnessed ‘fire-craze’ commotion in the afternoon till night at my neighbourhood. I was hanging out at fau’s place, we didnt realized there was forest fire right in front of our houses until fau’s younger sister asked the number for fire brigade. Then only, we knew there was fire going about. We heard crackling sounds earlier on. I thought it was the sound of the clothing line being pulled or something.

As it turned out, of course it wasn’t, it was from the fire. So, we ended up waiting outside for the fire brigade to come but to no avail at first. Then, we heard and saw helicopters above us, pouring water to the fire. (The highlight of all, getting to see this was very cool indeed that Fau & I ended up taking pictures/video). This happened a number of times. The fire wasn’t as huge, thankfully, but it was spreading from one area to another. It must’ve been
coming from the other side of the forest.

At night, it was again from the other side, this time moving on in the middle of my house and the neighbour to our right. So again, we can see the huge fire, ending up with 2 fire engines and a crowd of people from the neighbourhood at the end of our road. Whereas the whole of us, stayed at our place, keeping an eye as well since its nearby our house. What an event, I tell you. I learned that there were other fire-incidents as well in other places now that we’re experiencing dry season.

Been a long time since Ive written anything in here. Lots of catching up to write then. Let’s see. Well, starting with work. Im working part time at Baiduri - ’screening’. I had intverview on the 9th July and started work immediately the next day. It’s a new work experience as it is. Duration is a month which is almost soon though I wish to be prolonged, hopefully, doing something else. We’ll see.

Moving on with very great news!! Our degree classsification came out last week!! I got upper second class!!! Wheeee!!!!! Much to my delight and surprise! Alhamdulillah!! So, big CONGRATULATIONS to everyone from BA Pri Edu batch. Congrats, my friends; the guys; Nabil, Mizi, Midy & Hj. Also to the rest, Nurul, Arni, Zawanah, Hjh Mizah, Gbah, Zemah, Lini, Meez, Tika, Nonoi, Gee, Hjh Sabrina, Safwanah, Farah, Syifa, Mufie, Alif. Heartiest congratulations goes especially to Arni Syamilah who got 1st class!!! Way to go, Arni!! Always knew you’d get 1st class, you make the rest of our batch extremely proud!!! Yayy!!!

So now, all that is left is waiting for the Graduation Day!!! No idea when will it be, just hope that, will be able to attend it. At the moment, just waiting for other stuffs.

Other than that, been busy, well, just because of the working days period. Havent really been spending much time with my friends; everyone’s busy working. It’s August now, so fasting month is just around the corner.

Saturday night was our dine in dinner plan at Azim’s House. This is our 2nd time doing this sort of dine in thing. The menu for that night included Chicken by Azim, Fish (wheatgrass i think) by Fau, Beef by Leah, Sheperd’s Pie by Rannil and sweet corn soup by myself. Mahadir couldn’t make it that night, so it was just the six of us.

To sum it up, dinner was great and enjoyable. After dinner, mostly we just watched TV, no karoake as what we would normally do. Other than that, oh yea, watched Transformers 2 Friday night. We were only able to get tickets for that night though we’ve been trying to get it since Wednesday. It was just the 4 of us though, Azim, Krul, Rannil and myself of course. All in all, what can I say, love the movie a lot!!! It was yes, bigger and better than ever though sometimes I get lost like “Hold on, which are the decepticons and autobots?” Haha. Nevertheless, still love it! Plan to watch it again if I have the $$$.

Speak of which, so broke!! Well, currently doing nothing and still waiting for job offers and Uni offers. So, we’ll see.