Volunteeringg (World CP Day & Palestine)

I'm in a rush under 10 minutes, so haha. Slept at 8.40 yesterday, woke up at 5.40. Yikes. Hence, I'm writing this in the morning before work. So I took a break from writing last week. I remember the week I got back, I worked volunteered for cp day,

2nd locum,

3rd  work extended hours at clinic + volunteer for medical aid for Gaza.

I actually liked the volunteering experience, never fail to make me feel useful, and brings me joy of meeting amazing new people. I do hope for more chances like this. Thank you Allah.

In a rush,

TGiaH

5D5N in Korea From Malaysia (Part 5)

Writing this with red eyes. Not a fun way to start the blog.

Writing this the next day. At least I'm not crying. Haha. Let's get this done. Wuhuu.

29th September 2023

Checking out of our hotel. :( We went out at 8.40 if not mistaken as our bus to Everland was at 9.30am Myeongdong. As we left our luggage, we arrived at Myeongdong early. The driver spoke english and off we went to 1 & half hour to Everland. It was our last day, so I tried to soak in every view. When we arrived, took the 5 minutes shuttle bus then scan our qr codes at the gates. Everland look definitely magneficient. Just it was super packed. Huhu. Every ride we had to wait like 40 +minutes. It was so-so fun. I enjoyed the gun + 4d movie. Just not so much on the rides. Haha. Guess I'm not a theme-park kinda girl.

We arrived back at Myeongdong, ate our last dish at Kim Seri before they sold out. Our rezqi. Most of the shops were closed due to Chuseok (also the super packed Everland) but the night market was alive. After dinner, we went back to Chungmuro and picked up our bags. Arriving at Seoul station, it was confusing how to get to Arex. I think we passed the wrong gate. Haha. We managed to catch the last train (40 minutes away, I think). Then, arriving we sleep at the chairs at Incheon airport near the train area. They got power plugs. My friend was already sleepy so I stayed up for a bit before sleeping at 2. 

We walked to the airport at 3.30 (the check in gate opens at 4am). Haha. I explored the airport a bit before it was time. Checking in & everything, we were on our way home. Slept pretty much through the flight. Ahh. Home.

Maybe itinerary + budget?

TGiaH

5D5N in Korea From Malaysia (Part 4)

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. - Dory

28th September 2023

Day 4. Ahh. More than half way through the journeyy. Don't wanna leave korea. So today we planned to go to Everland via public transport. Set to go out by 9. Late cause of me & restroom. Then, when we arrived at Gangnam 2 buses passes are still no seat available! And buses to Everland were like 30 minutes apart. Huhu. Because the cab was too expensive and it was already midday we decided to go tomorrow. (Also, decide a little later we go using shuttle bus.) So today shopping day!

After a little walk to bus station (there were like 4 stations on the same road), we went to Dongdaemun. The complexes inside were closed. But outside was still hectic. It was the day before Chuseok btw. Hyundai duty free was open and wah Idk that the prices were in dollars. Haha. Found the cheapest mask of 25pcs for 10k krw at tony moly shop near the streets. Seriously I would go there again to buy. Then, to the art complex. The architecture was heavenly. Sort of places you wanna go skateboarding too. Unfortnately, the gallery was paid ticket so we didn't go in. 

Next, Namdaemun! Same complexes inside was closed. But the shops outsides were still open. Here's the places you get cheaper souvenirs. The socks on the outside store were the same prices with fewer options in compare to Myeondong subway shops. I boughts some brooches for my mom. Oooh. And here Namdaemun all cash kinda shops unlike Dongdaemun. Loved Namdaemun! 

Then, after we went back to our room to pray & eat, another last night out at Myeondong. Our mission? Busanjib & almonds! We've got Busanjib chicken (even this one I packed also with bap. Mianhae~). I would it was good. Got the mix snowy cheese + spicy. Busanjib in a narrower alley but it's just at the corner of Olive Young with the escalator. Also, I really want to go to Olive Young to spend a lil on myself. The one with escalator inside. Noticing, they don't have much options just specific brands. So if you trying to find something specific, it might be a search through all the stores.

We also did try to go to Lotte duty free store because we got vouchers from our tour of Nami island agent but closed. :( Then, after our nuts, we went to Daiso. It has 12 levels! The size of each floors are very small. The envelops were something people might wanna buy. I bought 2 notebooks for journaling (2k & 3k) & Avengers mousepads for my bros. It was 1k krw only each! Ahh. Alhamdulillah, they loved it. Hehe. Myeondong is still lit even before & also our last day too (Chuseok).

We've got back, packed, and for an early check out tomorrow!

Summary:

Dongdaemun - more modern, fashion & luxury stuff.

Namdaemun - souvenirs, acessories also fashion on streets.

Myeondong - beauty & food night market.

Shopping,

TGiaH

5D5N in Korea From Malaysia (Part 3)

Seven days has passed since I've came back from Korea. Despite the very productive day yesterday, today I'm just in hibernating mode. Uhuhu. I really need to get this going before my brain forgets.

27th September 2023

Today we had a pretty late start at 9 ish. I grab the chance to use the bath tube and ohh it helped my sore body (especially feet). We went to Starfield library. Such an insta worthy spot (do take one at the escalator!). It was wasn't too big but nice. I enjoy the mall too. Didn't know there's a halal turkish restaurant inside but good to know there is (we bump into it). And the book + stationary shop was fascinating. Got this sort of small 100+ pcs puzzle in a cube. 

We then went to Itaewon. On the bus ride there, it was getting full and as we were reaching our next stop, I offer my seat to an ahjumma. She was speaking to us about there are 2 stations are Itaewon and my brain kinda was too busy with thinking getting off the next stop. Searching for Eid restaurant, we passed right by it. Iteawon halal/arab/islamic street is interesting. It is a hill steep area so it was a walk even to Seoul mosque. I was a lil afraid we might trip. Eid topokki set was yummy. Alhamdulillah. Got this huge fist size tuna rice ball as well. I got full uickly so they packed the leftovers up for me.  Love the fish cake strips + kimchi + anchovies side dishes. I wish I'd gotten more kimchi. Haha. Reminded I really filled up my kimchi filling at Nami island. Seoul mosque had a seperate building for wudhu' and I'm actually curious about the main hall seeing it's glorious ball light. We just went to the muslimah area below.

We stopped by CU mart on our next stop + managed to buy t money cards for my family. The cashier at CU  understood my minimal korea so yeay. Alhamdulillah. We were supposed to go the National Museium of Korea. This is when, I realised more than the stops are a lil confusing. We were supposed to be at the other side of the road. And what me & my friend search really got jumbled up. Haha. At least we weren't too lost. After getting off the next stop, we eventually got on the right one. On the bright side, I multilanguage square spots on the floor. An interesting thing to notice in Itaewon. We didn't actually managed to visit the museum. Just the Hanguk one which was also fun. Most museums here are free so bonus much. I even said kiyowo-yo at an aegi. Haha. Sorry I was too excited for my poor Korean. The mother was surprised in a good way asking whether we spoke Korean which is no. Haha.

We rushed back to our room for maghrib. I think we really scored our accommodation cause it made solah + commuting easy. Alhamdulillah Allah ease it for us. Living in an islamic country where prayer places are easily accessible made me prayed that solat is easy in Korea. I can't really imagine praying in the streets or corner or stairs but Allah made it easy. For the night, we went to a Han river cruise. This was another star of the trip. We got the sunset river cruise (for 8.30pm). Though we missed the ticket booth, we managed to find it. Upon the cruise, inside was nothing. Up on the deck, Ma Shaa Allah was everything. I was never bored. The clean calm river, the night breeze, the colourful light, the magnificient bridges. I even got touchy with my thoughts and feelings here. Han river side was a definite picnic spot so it was a nice walk too.

Day 3, done!

TGiaH

5D5N in Korea From Malaysia (Part 2)

Guess who slept early then still wanna continue sleeping. Me. Aduh. Idk why I feel so sleepy & tired. Hence why I'm blogging at 6.09am in the morning. Let's see what 10 minutes can do.

26th September 2023

Today is Nami Island + Petite France day. We've got a tour bus as that was easier + cheaper than going on our own. Woke up early & arrived at the location 8.30am (we need to arrived at least 10 minutes before 9) as buses here are sharp on time. And know what? Who got the stomachache at 8.49am? Me. And not having the bidet system like in Malaysia certainly didn't help speed up the process. So yeah I was lagging the group behind at 9.01am. Ahh. I feel so bad. Especially for my friend. But Alhamdulillah at least my stomach was okay on the bus. 

We went to Petite France first. Though Petite France is famous actually it's connected to Italian Village (which I love more). I toured the whole place in a rush. Italian Village was on top so that's the first then Petite France. Italian Village had this whole Pinocchio then Da Vincci exhibition hall. Which 1 hour each to tour the whole place is not enough. Petite France landscape is also interesting (takes a shorter time to tour). Didn't know that I would love to tour this place (it wasn't on my list but yeah I loved it more than my friend. Haha.) We had to get on the bus by 12.30pm, so I thought it's good to get 12.25pm, 5 minutes before. Guess whose the last person to get on? Me. At 12.26pm. Argghh. Whyyy. Why everyone got on so early? Come on there's load to explore.

Time to go. Cont Nami island later.

Cont writing on Saturday morning, when I had to rush for volunteer. Geez.

So we arrived Nami island in around 40 minutes I think. I didn't know the region was famous for Dakgalbi and there were halal meat options (by booking) on the platform before getting on the island. Maybe next time. There were 3 options getting on, boat, speed boat & zipline (I think that is what's is called). The boat is 5 minutes journey but the interval is 30 minutes. So we got right on then, to Asian Restaurant for halal eateries. Got bulgogi and it was so so. Side dishes, water you can take it you self. It's kind self serving. You order & pickup yourself. The prayer room is behind the restaurant and so nice. They even have the toilets with external bidets. There's so many things to see at Nami island. The gorgeous pine tress, winter sonata, animals running around, the gardens, library. They even have a hotel there. Ahaha. We had 2 plus hours to explore and even we didn't cover everything. 

We arrived back at 6.40 ish, and headed to our hotel before heading back to Myeondong. It was aliveee at night. We did a bit of shopping at the underground shoplots at the subway station area (souvenirs are cheaper at Namdaemun. Just we were worried it might be closed so just be safe than sorry. Visited Olive Young, it was nicee. You get 10% immediate tax refund for total 30k won above. Just bring your passport. My friend stop by for some steamed guguma (it looked so delicious). Walked until the Myeondong theater (love the design) and bought some halal nuts. The big 180g ones are 5.9k, the small 30g ones where 30g. You can get a mix pack of 10 for 12k won I think.

So that's a wrap for Day 2.

Note: It was raining lightly but constant throughout the day. Lucky we bought our umbrellas & poncho. I ended giving up my umbrella to a Sabahan couple with their baby.

3 more days to go,

TGiaH

5D5N in Korea From Malaysia (Part 1)

Haha. I readily wrote part 1 but hopefully I finish writing everything tonight. I feel a bit down + disoriented but I'll try my best. Bismillah.

24th September 2023 (Sunday)

Finished packing the morning (just a tidbits in the afternoon). I discovered the pharmacy keys I forgotten yesterday + early goodbyes to my parents and other siblings too since they have the business meetings. Lucky my lil bro was home to send me off to the airport. Alhamdulillah saved a bit more money. We arrived around 6 ish for my flight around 10.30pm. I arrived a bit earlier than my friend, S. Excitedd. But also a lil like unbelievable we're gonna go to Korea & it's time. Thinking Allah choose me for the experience, Alhamdulillah so so grateful. After we checked in our luggage, the Batik Air worker said happy studying in Korea! Haha. That was something to remember. A bit of walking + prayer in the airport. It's a been a first in KLIA1 for me after so so long. Just knew the prayer room is like under an elevator. Then the hand carry stuff security check in is right before boarding unlike KLIA2. Haha. And funny incident, I left my phone in the toilet. Astagfirullah. I was too preoccupied with the thought of boarding + don't wanna make my friend wait (which has been very constant throughout the trip). Alhamdulillah, I noticed before boarding (had to reverse back the gates) + the cleaner was honest. Thank you so much Allah for the rezqi + protection, still 'berjodoh' with my phone. 

Ahh. I want to continue but I also need rest. Huhu.

23rd September 2023 (Monday)

Flying with Batik Air was a first to me. Loved loved the extra legroom. So putting the seats to the back a bit doesn't bother others (something I've been aware of in AirAsia) and I can 'lunjurkan' my legs under the seat of the person in front. So I kinda can sleep inclined. Of course, there's no tv. But an ungraded bit for a budget airline? Plus, for the ticket price. Alhamdulillah, this is so comfy. I've got the nasi lemak as my pre-planned meal. It was good aside the sambal was sweet it mix well with the rendang. The nasi is purrfect. But unlike AirAsia packaging this is a little empty designed. And the food, we got after 1 hour in? Yes! I was starvingg. There was turbulence almost all the way so the ride was a little loud. Ohh. And this is my first flight wearing ear plugs. Definitely helped me. Experienced less pressure pain. Alhamdulillah.

Arrived at 7am korea time. The first thing I noticed the airport restroom the mirror's are so well lit making us look flawless. Haha. There was a bit of a queuing at the immigration but the process was quick. They didn't ask for my k-eta or anything. Though I did print out everything up to the booking & itinerary just in case. The officer was polite & helpful too. I noticed my Yoodo didn't work huhu. So I opt for normal data roaming. 

Went out and hug abah before he goes to work & back here again at 10pm. I really wanna story but there's so little time before I forget everything.

After  that, we went thru declaration part, nothing to declare so okay. After we went thru the gate, much thru some bread. My friend helped bought bottled water at CU Mart + topup (30k krw) our free t-money we've got from kto booth (answer survey first). The bottled water is same everywhere I noticed. 1.3k krw. Then, we went to AREX. There's 2 station. The left one is the all-stop train (using t money card if I'm not mistaken), and AREX on the right (seperate ticket). My friend helped book ours thru klook so we've just need to scan at the ticket machine to redeem our ticket. The train was less than an hour to Seoul station + designated seats + free water bottle. The restroom was also nice. Upon arriving Seoul station, we need to scan out our ticket than scan our t money card before boarding the train. The subway system in Seoul is fairly easy I would say. Only a few stops away from Chungmuro. We left our bags at our hotel there. And most exits I noticed, there's no escalator or lift so carrying our luggage is a bit of muscle training. Also, Seoul tends to be on the 'berbukit' side so yeah. Alhamdulillah, for me while carrying my luggage, a namja tried to help me (despite I kindly refuse just to be safe). Jamshemanyo + other korean words I didn't understand. Thank you for your kindness.

At Oriens Hotel, leaving our luggage was easy + proper. Though we were a bit confused on the back entrance. 2 japanese girls (seem to be staying there) helped us. So thank you too! After that, we went to Gyeongbongjuk Palace. The pathway was so nice. And we kinda went to the National Museum (unplanned) but so nicee and freee. There was a bride hanbok special exhibition with so many nice postcards so yeay. After that, we went searching for hanbok. I asked my friend to cancel our hanbok reservation the week before our flight cause there's so many hanbok rental shops plus I don't want the hassle to find the shop. We've ours at 15k/day (no hours limit) plus matching with our hijabs. The staffs helped us with getting the hanboks and there's also lockers and bags. Acessories also included. Just the royal hanbok is a different price. Ahh. I loved my hanbok so muchh. Walking thru the palace. And the palace was hugee. Might wanna explore again one day. The performances was also interesting. Then, we got back at 3pm to check in + late Maggi lunch. 

After asar prayer, we went to Namsan Tower by bus. Drop off at the peak stop. Then, another 200m ish walk to the top. Namsan Tower also so nicee. Awe by the performance entrance then, outside it was this whole love platform + pagoda + 'lepak2 area'. Worth the ticket! We stayed until sunset (so maghrib at the corners there). Went to Myeondong had dinner at Kampungku. The food was okay, kind people just they had problem with the online ordering system so mine was late. Deciding to go back to the hotel as were too tired and that was day 1.

10.29pm,

TGiaH

A trip to Korea.

Ahh. A busy day since 7. Got back here yesterday then slept from 6ish to 7 ish. Super tired + lack of sleep at airport (sleep 1 hour at the airport) and 1 on the plane. There's so so many things I wanna story + tell. Hahaha. I talked the whole hour in the car about Korea to my abah. Poor abah. Haha. Miss you big time. I wish I had more time. I really wanna write tonight before forgetting everything. Just time really goes away fast when you're doing things. Huhu. 

A promise to myself to write tomorrow & the day after, wajib.

TGiaH