Raya Money Expedition

Finally, after a month of abstaining from food and and other wickedly wicked things, Ramadhan gives way for Syawal to shine. And you know what that means! It's RAYAAAAAAAA!!! :D Following our yearly routine, we excitedly ate our breakfast after the Raya prayers. Atuk's house was full of warmth and laughter, as it is the time of the year where everyone would gather at the house. Although celebrating is on everyone's mind, kids have prioritized  something else during the festivities; Raya money.

 'Tis a tradition for working adults to give out Raya money to the children, whatever the amount is (The minimum being RM1.) The living room was brim full of cousins, ages ranging from 5 - 20++ (Yeah we teens can also be considered as money-hungry children in this case. XD) lining up to receive the once-a-year colorful packets from aunts and uncles situated in different parts of the room. Laughter ensued as sly kids attempted to double their profit, and many snickered when I tried (and failed) to extort some Sterling Pounds from my older cousin. (He's currently vacationing in Malaysia during semester break.)

Yet, I felt that I was missing out on something. My dear mother enlightened me in the car on our way to visit open houses. 'Did you know,' she started. 'That when I was a kid, we would walk around the neighbourhood, visiting the neighbours and collect Raya money?'

Lightbulb moment.

 When we returned to Atuk's house (No house was open, which was expected, since the first day of Raya is always spent with family.) I headed to the back of the house, to find all my cousins dying of boredom in the dim room, with only the TV screen as a light source. After berating them for lazing about, watching TV ('Now you know the true meaning of Raya.' one of them smirked.), the 'Raya Money Expedition' team was formed, which consisted of me, the eldest of the group (My peers declined, due to them being 'too mature' for this activity, or what I prefer to call as their 'lack of courage'.), 4 girls and 4 guys, ranging from 5 - 15. God, I felt like a black sheep.

 So for all the houses we visited (Only three.), 17-year-old me would be forced to holler at open doors by the girls (Who kept their distance from the boys, to avoid embarrassment of being with a guy who hollers at open doors) in hopes that someone would notice and invite us in. When someone does invite us in, the girls would appear right behind us. We would then proceed to eat the kuih (Small delicacies.) and stare around the house in an awkward atmosphere as the the people of the house sit unblinking and throw around occasional questions at us. At the second house, however, somebody turned a little clumsy (Hint: ME) and dropped a jar of bahulu.
 Don't blame me. How was I supposed to know the lid wasn't tight enough to be lifted? Thankfully, they were all too far at the back of the house to be within earshot.

 Though we only collected RM4 from the expedition, we had a fun time. I sure did. It was due to the fact that it was a first time for me, as when I was younger, Raya was celebrated at a less festal atmosphere in the UK, and I never thought of doing so the past 4 years I've been back in Malaysia, because of the city, and citizens' attitude towards random strangers who holler at open doors isn't that warming (Increase of crime rates, wariness towards people etc.) So yeah, I had a really fun time.

 Next me, I'll force the others to join me so I don't have to wallow in awkward embarrassment alone. (Insert evil laugh.) >:D

The Spirit of Eid

This month, Eid ,or Raya, is being celebrated 'round the world after a month of fasting, including Malaysia. It is a festive season, one which is celebrated by going to visit open houses, and having fun with your family and friends.

Kids, however, have more than just fun in their heads. Yes, for the time being, their thought are filled with MONEY. They go 'round people's home and rob them of their money collect Raya money given by the adults. This is the moment where the children tune into their loan shark spirit, their eyes burning with determination to collect the most among them. How greedy-minded are they? This is a true conversation:

Dad: Do you want to go visit my friend's open house?
Baby bro: Is he rich?

 Yesh, this happened a few days ago. O.O *Dundundun* I wouldn't be surprised if I see kids running 'round with a list of open houses to visit. They're like, collecting debts from grownups or something. XD

 But Eid is a time to forgive. There are people who wants to be forgiven, but lost the chance forever. There are people who, most of the time, finds it hard to forgive others, because of the seriousness of the culprit's offense. Just ease the burden for all of us by forgiving them who have wronged you. :) Have a happy Eid.

In an Empty School

So, there's only a few days left before Eid is celebrated all 'round the world, and students rejoicing as the hols start. Students like me. But unlike others, I get to experience what it feels like to wait for your parents in a boarding school, all alone. :)

It's true what my friends say, being in the school grounds with only the birds chirping, the trees swaying and some unknown species screeching is quite relaxing. You don't have to worry 'bout other people ruining your eardrums as they shout incoherent things. The students were so eager to get home. It took like, an hour for the place to go from hazardously loud to deadly silent. :D

But within all that calm and peacefulness, there's a sense of loneliness in my heart. Wandering 'round the empty school and dorms aches my heart. So I feel painful yet exhilarating. XD And I felt bored, even though there was a pile of comics next to me, and so many things that can be done. Like vandalizing, or rummaging through other people's stuff, but I don't do that. It's not nice. :) In the end, there was only the kitten I was entrusted to take care of this hols to keep me company. Though it was of no help at all. It slept all the while. ._________.

The kitten. So cute~ :D

I'm gonna end this by saying have a happy Eid and hols to everyone! Make sure you come back in one piece. ;)