Alhamdulillah.. my first year of puasa in Christchurch, the 4th year of Ramadhan away from home. I have wanted to blog about this the other day - to describe how it is like to fast in here, this city - away from home, far from the Brunei Students Association, miles and miles away from close friends whom I used to break fast with the last three years back in Dunedin.

Dunedin has always been close to my heart - the first city that I have ever lived far away from home. I recall, Ramadhan in Dunedin, has always been ... somewhat, much a bigger thing than it is over here. I guess, thats because in Dunedin, I still belong to the Brunei Students Association and the Al-Musa - and having gatherings and a lot of muslim friends around you do make a lot of difference. And Al-Huda mosque has always been a social hub for muslims - even more so during Ramadhan month, with brothers and sisters preparing for iftar everyday.

I havent been to the mosque here in Christchurch. I vaguely know the location of the mosque - I have seen a couple of middle-eastern men walking past my place on fridays, so if I am right, then I guess the mosque must be just a couple of blocks down from my street. Unlike back in Dunedin, I no longer feel like I belong to any associations here apart from the medical students association - and there are only a handful muslims I know from school. Terawih, so far, has only been a flat affair. I am glad that this year, m living with 4 other muslims and it hasn't been that lonely at all to break iftar and to wake up for sahur in the morning. Alhamdulillah.

Anyway, this is a picture of my flatmates and I at Great Wall the other night. =)



Actually, below is my favourite picture of the night - post-eating and back at our living room. We looked so happy clutching our own bubble milk tea. haha.



I am looking forward to this saturday. Has invited friends over for a potluck iftar here at my place. My dear Bruneian friends, I especially look forward to see you guys!! =D InsyaAllah.