When I get older, I will be stronger

Wavin’ Flag – K’naan

When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag

When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
And then it goes back
And then it goes back
And then it goes back
Ohhhhh

Born to a throne, stronger then Rome
A violent prone, poor people zone
But it’s my home, all I have known
Where I got grown, streets we would roam
Out of the darkness, I came the farthest
Among the hardest survivors
Learn from these streets, it can be bleak
Except no defeat, surrender, retreat
So we strugglin’, fightin’ to eat
And we wonderin’, when we’ll be free
So we patiently wait for that fateful day
It’s not far away, but for now we say…

So many wars, settlin’ scores
Bringin’ us promises, leavin’ us poor
I heard ‘em say, love is the way
Love is the answer, that’s what they say
But look how they treat us
Make us believers, we fight their battles
Then they deceive us
Tried to control us, they couldn’t hold us
Cuz we just moved forward like Buffalo Soldiers
But we strugglin’, fightin’ to eat
And we wonderin’, when we’ll be free
So we patiently wait for that fateful day
It’s not far away, but for now we say…

Ohhhhhhh…
Ohhhhhhh…
Ohhhhhhh…

And everybody will be singing it
And you and I will be singing it
And we all will be singing it

Ohhhhhhh…
Ohhhhhhh…
Ohhhhhhh…

When I get older; when I get older
I will be stronger, just like a wavin’ flag
Just like a wavin’ flag, just like a wavin’ flag
Flag, flag, just like a wavin’ flag

The Times They Are A Changing…

Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’.

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don’t stand in the doorway
Don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There’s a battle outside
And it is ragin’.
It’ll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin’.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin’.
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin’.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’.

CN Tower Climb for United Way

This past saturday I did the CN Tower Climb to raise money for the United Way. Its my 3rd time doing it I believe. And each time I’m doing it I’m like never *gasp* ever *i’m going to die….can’t breath* going to do this again The first time I did it I took 23something mins. Of course that was like 8 years ago now and I was in better shape then

Last year, I decided to do the run after well 7 years and I thought ok, I’m going to do well. I’m going to excercise and train and kick butt. And then….well not only did I not really excercise (only minimally) I got sick right before the climb. I ended up getting a time of 27mins which is….not terrible, but well its just every average. Slow side of average even maybe.On the plus side, I managed to raise $1200! Much more than I imagined or initially set out to.

So this year…..again didn’t get around to training for it. But I didn’t get sick! And my time? …….Again 27 something mins…..ah well. Maybe better next time. I finally am excercising a bit more consistently. Starting to play squash once a week too. So we’ll see. I also feel like the recession is still definitely having an effect. So far this year I’ve raised $200. Thats good, every bit helps. But a far cry from last year….technically I can still raise more money (til nov 20th)…but its hard to ask people to donate when the climbs already over…still if you’d like to donate you can use the link here -> http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=763616&LangPref=en-CA

 

My Alhamdullilah List

So awhile ago Liya did an Alhamdullilah list and I thought it was awesome idea and then I was tagged

So here we go…(btw Liya, I copied a few bits here and there

For everything, I am so grateful.

1. I am incredibly greateful for my family. My parents are my greatest role models and have done more for me than I can even imagine. And I think sometimes about my grandparents, the ones no longer here and…you know, no one can pray for you like your parents. My sister is a pain but also awesome. They are all always supportive and there.

2. My cousins. And general closeness with family. I know many people that aren’t close to their family and extended family and I can’t even imagine that. I have many friends, which I’ll get to in a sec, but I grew up spending every weekend and summer with my cousins. Hanging out, playing, having sleepovers, etc. Everything was with my cousins. I can step into any of their houses anytime and feel comfortable, know where everything is in the kitchen. And basically just treat it as my own home.  They aren’t just relatives, they are family.

3. I’m grateful for my all my amazing friends. I have so many amazing amazing friends. Many of whom I’ve been friends with for over 10-15 years now. They’re always there when I need an opinion or advise on something and of course when we just want to go out for food and dessert or something

4. Alhamdulillah, for my having all and then some of the basic necessities. I’ve never had to fight for my survival. I’ve never worried about shelter or clothing and I probably complain about being too full (late night cereal snacking ) than being hungry. And I love food and have been lucky enough to try some really cool restaurants, and for the most part go satisfy a craving when I want. In some places I’ve travelled people have lived in make-shift shacks by dumpsites or just off the beach or just on the streets. I’ve had people beg me for less than a penny in change…and…I’m grateful for what I have.

5. Alhamdullilah I am healthy. I’ve never had a serious health problem and I’ve never worried about having access to medical care when I need it. In some of the places I’ve travelled I’ve seen some people with handicaps/deformations/etc that to be honest just make their appearance scary to me and at times I was so shocked because I never thought people could live (like just be alive) in such conditions. Alhamdullilah, I am able to eat enough and healthy enough to be active and excercise and pursue all the things I want in life.

6.  Alhamdullilah, I am in more debt than I’ve ever been in my life, more than most people in the world earn in their lives. And yet, I’m making more than I ever have in the past and I’m not at all worried about being able to pay my loan back and am more concerned about saving, buying, and investing.

7. I’m grateful that I live in Mississauga (Toronto). I live in a part of the world where people ‘have’. There are strong social systems in place. And I have freedom and safety. I can walk the streets alone and at night and without fear. And I’ve been spoiled by the diversity of the people. In undergrand I rented a house with 6 friends 1 year and together we represented Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, India, and Pakistan. And my group of friends is even more diverse. Its wonderful to experience and learn about their different cultures and at the end of the day, although we maintain our culture, we come together as Canadian.

8. Alhamdullilah, I am thankful for opportunities in life. And that ties into my parents and health, and where I live.  Thankful that it allowed me opportunity to work hard and go to school for undergrad and then grad school and just pursue the education and career path of my choosing. I am able to pursue a career in what I want to do and for the most part where I want. I am not forced to work a job simply to survive.

9. I’m so grateful for being fortunate enough to pursue things for fun. I can stop and chill, hang out with friends, spend money on a movie. Buy a book. And for the time/money/health to be able to travel. I love travelling! I really started travelling maybe 5 years ago (excluding Pakistan when I was a lil kid) and in that time I’ve been incredibly fortunate enough to visit India, NYC (other U.S. cities),  France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, China (mainland and HK), Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Turkey.

10. Alhamdullilah, I am thankful for everything that has shaped me into who I am. I of course have aspects of myself I don’t entirely like and that I wish to improve. But generally, I like who I am. Every year I find myself more and more confident in all that I do and who I am. I realize more about myself and whats important to me. And I’m glad I know what is right and what is wrong. That I am an optimistic and idealistic person for the most part. I’m glad that when I do something wrong, I recognize it. And Its not something I’m willing to accept, it feels like an act against my nature and who I want to be. Allowing me to try and continue to improve myself.

Alhamdullilah I was born into a religion I’ve never had to question. I pray that I never lose my faith. I pray that continue to grow and learn more and be a better muslim and person. There is nothing in my life that I could have done without Him, alhumdullilah, all praise be to God.

You know, when I let my thoughts wander a bit here and there while writing this or thinking about this…there was a part of me that was worried what people would think. Like I dont want people to think I’m bragging about things or trying to show off.

But as I come to the end of this. I thought less and less about that and more and more about wow. I am so incredibly lucky. There are billions of people in this world that struggle. And I mean really struggle, just to live. I am incredibly blessed, fortunate, lucky, and a hundred other synonyms. All I can think of I feel I need to go pray now. And I need to do more.
What are you thankful to God for?

Amazing Sand Artist!

This is just amazing!!!  Its incredible how quickly she can change from one scene to another, how it all ties together in a story. And that she’s so fast and skilled with both hands.

Kseniya Simonova – Sand Animation

Oh and on another note. This Saturday I’m doing the CN Tower Stair climb to raise money for the United Way. Please sponsor me at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=763616&LangPref=en-CA there is no minimum amount and its for a good cause. Thanks

Say running running, say running running

I’m behind in posting, I know that. Part of that is because of my last post….though of course by not posting it means I’m not entirely successful with that last post….but things are good and improving. And at least I’m moving in the right direction. I really need to just take a bit of time and sit down and write some stuff down with maybe a time frame in mind. I tend to get more down if theres a deadline.

On another note, I went running this morning. Outside. The threadmill is much easier! And I’m already sore. I rarely get sore from the threadmill. But I’ll take it as a good thing

I want more

And so I will begin by doing more. I want to be better. And so I will start being better.

Its getting colder

I don’t like it.

Istanbul, Its Constantinople time!

This post is much much delayed. But its here now!

I have to say from my trip, looking back now Istanbul was one of my favourite places. I’d say my top 3 were London, Berlin, and Istanbul (in no particular order). I definitely have to visit them again one day InshaAllah.

So, I flew in to Istanbul from Budapest with no idea what to expect, and this is what I saw.

Arriving in Istanbul

So many boats

And red roofs

Lots of greenery too

So finally I landed and took a tram to a bus to the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia area) where my hostel was located. I walked through a park.

Park between Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia

The park is between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. Its full of people just chilling and snacking and people selling soveneirs its also right off 2-3 streets full of restaurants and shops and whatnot.

The Hagia Sofia and me

Here’s the Hagia Sofia in the background. It was originally a cathedral which was then converted into a Mosque and now its a museum. Inside you can see architecture and art common to both religions including arches, stain glasses windows, decorated walls, calligraphy, etc. More pictures later in the post.

The Hagia Sofia

This was my left. And directly on my right was the Blue Mosque.

My first (definitely not last) picture of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Tourists walking from one to the other

Vendor selling corn

I love food! hehe Though I have to say, the corn in Pakistan/India is better only b/c this guy didnt have any spices to put on it. It was just salt and butter here.

Vendors on the path leading to the mosque

There were all types of lendors tryign to sell stuff on the path to the Blue Mosque

Coming up to the Blue Mosque

People doing Wadu outside

Entrance to inner courtyard

Entering the courtyard

Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue Mosque

So inside its a giant hall. Its huge but its all one floor with a massive dome. Tourists and basically anyone are allowed inside except during prayer times. Women are provided temporary scarves they can use when entering if they do not have one. Despite the constant flow of visitors, once inside it just feels incredibly calm. Or maybe its b/c I was alone that I kind of forgot about everyone else around me. I was just in awe of the size of it and how beautiful the building was.

Inside Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue mosque

Inside the blue Mosque

Blue Mosque at Night

At night

I just like how this (above) pic turned out. Not sure why.

Vendors at night

So afterwards I went walking around randomly. For the most part Istanbul is quite safe. There are areas you don’t want to go. But if you stick to the main tourist places, you aren’t going to end up there at night anyways. People do approach you to talk to you though. Most of them are trying to sell you stuff or help you spend your money. So you do have to be a bit careful. But many are just friendly and just want to chat. So I bumped into a few different people as such. And I just walked along with them and came across this. The Galata Bridge. Theres traffic and cars travelling the top side. But the bottom is all restaurants and stores and it looks amazing at night

Galata Bridge at night

So the next day I set out to explore some more and one place recommended to me to see was the Basilica Cistern. This is the largest of several hundred cisterns that lie beneath the city.

Entering the Basilica

The place was massive!

The entire bottom had a couple feet of water.

Complete with fish!

And its not like I was that close, those were big fish!

Medusa head (1 of 2) in the cistern

Medusa head base on one of the columns. Its placed upside (the other sideways) to ward off the power of the gaze.

I then went to Topkapi Palace. A huge Palace compound made up of several buildings. My favourite section there was the Holy Relics section. The Turkish people (Sultans) were in charge of many of the things in Mecca and Medinah and took several items back to Istanbul. Particularly when they felt the items might started to be worshipped by people. So they had stuff like the old door of Kaaba, the old drainage pipes, the jacket of Prophet Mohammed. The swords of the Prophet and the 4 caliphs. The turban of Joseph. The footprint of the Prophet. And the most amazing thing to me was the staff of Moses. Now, is it real? Who knows. In the end it doesn’t really matter. But I enjoyed the moment of awe standing infront of it and imagining.  Unfortunately, that section does not allow pictures. But here are some pictures from other sections of the Palace.

Entering Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

I wish I had this view from my house

See these gems, these were the sultans leftovers, he didn't know what to do with them so he just put them here. Actually I forget if they were leftovers or just some he found in his collection. Either way, an after thought.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

After touring the Palace it was time for a snack. And while I’m generally not a big fan of Baklava, OMG it was SOOOOOO GOOD HERE!!!!!! I wish I could have brought some home.

So sooo sooooooo good!

Galata Tower

Busy street I was randomly walking

I just like the colour in this picture

The next day, I visited the Hagia Sofia!

Hagia Sofia

Its even bigger than the Blue Mosque!

Massive!

Hagia Sofia

The cathedral work was coverd with clay when it was changed to a masjid. Here is some restored to show what it looked like.

Trying to show how tall it is #1

#2

#3

Hagia Sofia

Hagia Sofia

View of Blue Mosque from exit gates of Hagia Sofia

From there it was on to the Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

They even had a huge book section!

Ok, I’m getting tired so I’m just going to post soem random pics now.

The old Valens aquducts

Kids playing outside a masjid

Fatii Masjid

Spice Market

Guard outside Dolmabahce Palace

Clutching his dagger...

Vendor frying cheese naan

Inside Topkapi

Swords of the Caliph and Prophet Muhammed Note: This picture is not mine but taken from the net. I wasn't able to get one myself since it wasnt allowed. Its from the Holy Relics section.

One expensive watch

The staff of Moses. Real or not.....its amazing to imagine. Note: This picture is not mine but taken from the net. I wasn't able to get one myself since it wasnt allowed. Its from the Holy Relics section.

The footstep of Prophet Mohammed Note: This picture is not mine but taken from the net. I wasn't able to get one myself since it wasnt allowed. Its from the Holy Relics section.

Inside Dolmabahce Palace - The heaviest and tallest chandelier in the world

Inside Domabahce Palace

The Aquducts

The sultans bow and arrow case

Crystal Staircase in Domabahce Palace

Overall, I had an absolute blast on my trip! It was almost a month long but it went by so quick. I have to say I was totally exhausted by the end of it and I was ready to come back. But I learned a lot about the places I visited. I learned a lot about myself and that travelling alone can be a lot of fun. I’m very blessed to have been able to do this and InshaAllah one day I’ll be able to go back to some of these places.

Theres tons more I could say. And things keep popping in and out of mind regarding it. The people I met, on the street and the hostel. Getting lost, walking endlessly. But I think this will have to do for now. If you’d like to see more pictures you can check them out HERE. And if you’d like more info you’ll just have to ask me directly

Eternal

On Eid I woke up early and with my family went to ISNA masjid for namaaz. It was full! Overflowingly so! And it was great   I love hearing the takbeer (sp?). The only bad part was waking up sooo early man, yesterday was tiring. But really it was b/c I had my friends wedding. I was one of the groomsmen and man it was sooo much fun! I’ll blog about that later though.

I just want to mention one thing. The Imam a wonderful speech and theres one part I’d like to share b/c I really liked it. He talked about everything that we did in Ramadan and why we did it. And boiled it down to, If we worship Ramadan, Ramadan has passed. If we worship Allah, well Allah is eternal. So take what we’ve done in Ramadan, praying, reading quran, giving to charity, being truthful, not backbiting, etc all of that, and we should work to continue it. And not simply leave these things for Ramadan. Its something we all know. But I think reminders are always good. And I’m not at all doing his speech justice….but ah well, you get the point.