:: Arab Day ::

Assalammualaikum, Keif Halkum?

Ana Bkhair, Shukran Jazilan...

Yesterday was my official Arab day. A dear friend, an ex-colleague from Emirates came to visit. Well, not actually came here and visit, he was here for a flight, layover for 2 days. His name is Hasil Khan bin Karim Al-Balushi. He's originally from Muscat, Oman but now living and working in Dubai. We used to hang out together everyday back when I was there since we lived in the same building. We were so close that people thought we had an affair.. What can you do? You cant stop people talking, can u? We both know what we had back then.. It was more special than an affair.. we had a very special bond that is a Friendship.

He and his friends (Juma, Feisal, Abdul, Habib, Tariq and Khalfan) were like the big brothers I never had. They took real good care of me when I was sick, cheered me up when I missed my home so badly, they gave me the support and a pat-in-the-back whenever I did something good and they scold me like nobody's business when I did something bad..

So yesterday, abang, me and hasil were planning a lunch together, but because of a silly phone mishap, me and abang ended up having lunch together and then, we went and pick up hasil from his hotel. He looked well and he bought me a really nice abai-ya ( the black jubah that their women wear). It was nice of him. Then we went the curve and shop like there's no tomorrow (that includes the must-have item from Malaysia, pirated DVDs).

The one thing hasil said stuck in my mind till today.. He said, "Faizah, u're a lucky girl. Shah is a very nice guy and he loves you a lot. To find someone that loves you that much and being able to marry and live with him, is just a blessing. Take care of him, yourself and the marriage. I will pray for your amirah. Please remain friends forever coz I dont want to lose u and miss the chance to see your baby..." and as always, he asked us to come to oman.. bila la agaknya.. I would really love to revisit a place called 'salalah' in Oman. Thats the place where the Nabi Ayub well is located. Nice windy weather with gorgeous view of the mountains and rivers.

When we were done, we bid our goodbyes and me and abang headed home. Then, nad called and summoned us for a mengeteh session in cyberjaya. And since we're headed that way anyway, we joined her. She was there with two of her friends from Saudi. There are such nice polite guys!

Anyway, I've always love Arab hospitality. Because contrary to popular believe, they are actually very polite. Yeah they speak loud, but it doesn't matter, does it? What matters is what they're saying. For example, a normal beginning of a conversation with Arabs will start with a lot of "How are you"s.. How's your life, how's your father and mother, how's your family, how's your work, how's your husband... I mean, how many of us actually asked a friend about his/her family when we meet up? None of my arab friends had met any member of my family. They never even speak on the phone, but still they kept on asking about the well-being of my family.. To me, that shows concern.. And that's something that we all should do more of... Well, thats only my personal opinion..

When everyone loves and cares about one another, the world will be a safe and happy place to live in.


Take care beautiful peeps... Lets take care of each other today..