Ambiguous

I must say, I don't have the keen interest all built up for Hari Raya this year. When I say this, this term, I must meant the hype and the chaos, puns intended, surrounding it. The very essence of Hari Raya is, of course, untouchable, unchangeable, and it is the essence that is the only part that I hold respectful, and meaningful -- but not the whole euphoria.

I might be accused for being unorthodox, but then I'm always accused of all things. People who ask 'why--?' over this matter, or over my opinions on other matters similar, for me are unsurprising. My stand is this, and it is simple: I don't believe in things I don't understand. Be it understood, or will be understood -- it won't matter: as long as it is not comprehendible, then it is.

I did say, however, that I do appreciate the core element of the whole celebration. Yes, I do, and why not? Love, victory, happiness: who would ignore these, replace these for anything? It is the clumsy celebration that I'm against, and I wish to skip. Victory is not for those who didn't fight, love is not for those who didn't love, and happiness, is still expensive.

Label me with all labels you want, call me heretical, grim. But of this I am sure: sweetness can't be differentiated without the sour.

11 months to go until the next Ramadan.

To:

It's my last day in Makkah, today. The feeling is.. static, contemplative, nowhere at the zenith of feelings. However this, I must say: We are beautiful, and it's amazing how we can go on and live without realising that, in fact, believing in quite the opposite. We are beautiful, and we're living in beauty, though some might argue, it's not everlasting.

I'm set for Amman later today and Jerusalem tomorrow. Wish us a safe entry into the Palestinian Territories. And Selamat Hari Raya.

It was a Ramadan to be missed, dearly.