Major Pilgrimage 1444 H 02-14 Dulhijjah (Hajj) from UK

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ

Dear reader, I hope you are well. This short blog is intended as a reminder for myself of the hajj journey and to provide readers a brief information of the process of applying for hajj from UK through the nusuk hajj system. One important quote from a fellow brother that can act as a reminder is : Remain patience (sabr), steadfast in action, and always make sincere du’a and tawakkal to Allah in the process of the hajj journey since the intention until you return, inshaAllah, the spiritual journey of Hajj will be with you as you go home.

  1. The niyah (intention)

It was during my conversation’s with two friends whom already went hajj from UK that I conceived the push and idea to go hajj also from a nazar to Allah. It was well known that the major pilgrimajj from UK is a big chance for moslems to go hajj without the difficulty of queing many-many years to go there. After passing COVID-19 time (2020-2021), and hearing about the new system called ”motawif” that was introduced in 2022, I decided to go for the 2023 hajj season.

2. The nusuk hajj system

A newer system system was introduced to the pilgrims who will depart from Europe, UK, Australia, US, South America, and Africa. It was through an official website https://hajj.nusuk.sa/. Info of this can be seen from the Mintistry of Hajj of the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) https://twitter.com/MoHU_En?t=gTbhWmizPLJWBJ0cegSUmw&s=09. The registration of our profile was opened around February 2023. We register our dependants or our group member in our profile, if you are planning to go together. It looked similarly like the image below.

The system has a nice interface. Each user will be required to enter the email address and provide a password and the system will do a verification through our email for accessing and editing their profile. Users can easily register themselves in the system by filling their personal data. In my case, I attached my photo ID, scanned passport, and the BRP (biometric residence permit) data. It took around a few days up to two weeks for the profile to be verified by the system. Register your spouse, children, family member, or friends that is in your group. After it is verified it is ready for registering for the hajj package. However, the package is not released until a further notice from the nusuk system. This is a good time to prepare your ACYW vaccine before it is difficult to book near the departure time.

As a pilgrimage from UK who have never went to hajj and umrah before, information of hajj can be gathered by joining the online and offline seminars by https://cbhuk.org/ or any local masjid who has a hajj seminar, joining the hajj whatsapp group of a local mosque (i.e: Al Falah Bolton), very helpful brothers would really recommend, and buying physical books (would recommend the Hajj and Umrah Made Easy Spiral-bound book for the day). I wrote down the du’a, the day-to-day activity during hajj, and what to do at each time and important moments during the pilgrimage.

3. Registering the hajj package

In around week 1 May 2023, less than 2 months before the hajj season, the annoucement of the hajj package released came as a text message to my phone and also inside my email inbox. It announced that the package will be released soon. I remember it took a couple of hours or even days until the hajj package was shown and released to the website. However, it was a bit late for me as when I accessed it many packages were sold out. The decision of selecting the package are based on : appointed travel agent, total cost, hajj travel duration, hotel, transport (airport transit and destination), and service provided. In 2023, the hajj packages from UK were priced in the range of 6,000-13,000£ per person. FYI: there was a package that was 3000£ (without accomodation) if you think you can do this go ahead. After choosing, we are required to pay the package within 14 days before the package is released. You can either pay bay: 1. international transfer 2. credit card 3. collect at local office via vfs global with bank draft (25 % tax). I chose to pay through international bank transfer. An application and website xe.com was easy to use to transfer and many pilgrims used this during this year. The package I details of my trip are shown below (appointed travel agent: Zam Zam tour and travel (UK) x MCDC Travel for Umrah and Hajj (KSA)).

Recommended Packages: Al Bait, Dome Tours. For couples: you can apply for a double room to be together in a room instead of quadraple (4 BR) where you will be seperated and share rooms with other pilgrimages (brothers with brothers and sisters with sisters). For families: apply for a quadraple (4 BR) and be together in that room.

4. Preparation for hajj and the e-visa application

After being registered as an official hajj participant, the next step was continue learning about the rukun, sunnah, and all the details of hajj (the process, the journey, the customs) and preparing for the departure (items to bring), including biometric for the hajj eVisa application. In 2023, the application of the eVisa was performed online. In my case the passport need to be sent to the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Embassy in London. After successful biometric application in the app, the eVisa was established, and appeared in the nusuk website, ready to be downloaded.

Some important to do’s : exercise walking (20-30 minutes) a day, ACWY vaccine, apply for raudha in Nabawi (in nusuk app, can fownload from google play/applestore), items you need (hajj items, necesarry toiletries, and personal items including medicine).

There will be seminars held by the hajj travel agent regarding your trip. Make sure to make contact.

5. Departure and the Hajj Journey

I arrived 1 day earlier to the airport to obtain the flight tickets to make sure of my flight. The next day I arrived early for the trip. There was a slight change to my trip details: London Heathrow-transit in Istanbul- flight to Jeddah IA-Medina via highs speed train (stay 2 nights)-bus to Mecca (stay 10 nights)-flight Istanbul- flight London Heathrow. Remember to find and stay with your group, and join the WhatsApp group of the hajj group. Get to know each other and be kind, its hajj. Some photos of the journey:

actual flight ticket

Departing for Hajj
Arrival in Jeddah International Airport
High Speed Train from Jeddah to Medina
Medina High Speed Railway Station (Haramain)
Duhr, Arrival in Pullman Zam-Zam Hotel, Medina
Baqi Cemetary
Beautiful sight during Maghrib prayers in Nabawi
Raudhah during Isha Jamaah Prayer

keep reciting quran

Uhud in the morning
Quba Mosque for dhuha prayers
Ust Ariful Bahri lecture at Nabawi gate 19 ba’da magrib
Arrival in Masjidil Haram at Fajr Prayer and Performing Tawaf (Umrah)
Arrival in Mina Tent – Start of Hajj Alhamdoulillah
Dinner in Mina
Namirah Masjid for Hajj Cermon
Mt Arafat on Day of Arafat, the Hajj day – best time and place for dua
staying the night outdoor at muzdalifah

Indonesian Group starting the Walk to Jamarat

Walking back to masjidil haram from muzdalifah via Jamarat (22 km)

the walk from muzdalifah to masjidil haram https://www.strava.com/activities/9348750360

Al Khayf Masjid
time to go home

We have reached the end. Bring the hajj journey with you home. Important Lessons: learn the navigation in Mina and the transportation of bus and train between Mina camp and Masjidil Haram. Let me know how you did your hajj.

Warmest regards,

والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Journey to Al Quds (17-19 Safar 1445H), 2-4th Sept 2023

All praise to Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Kind, Lord of the sky and earth and The Day of Judgement, The Sole Creator of Humankind who is created in Pairs,

Peace and Blessings be to our Messenger, Prophet Muhammad SAW, his Father Prophet Ibrahim and all the other prophets (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Them) up until our Father, Adam AS.

Introduction 

Dear reader,

This 15-20 minute read is meant to share the story of a short but pleasant journey to the Land of the Prophets, The Holyland, Al Quds (Al Aqsa Compound, Old City Jerusalem). Disclaimer: This read was not meant to serve as a proper tour guide but as a motivation and a story to refer to if you wish to have a journey and visit there. 

As a matter of fact, for the past 48 hours since arriving in Ben Gurion Airport from the UK, the journey has been nothing but fulfilling this faith’s thirst of being near and closer to the Creator, and to understand more the deen of Islam and learning the long history of this Landmark.

As soon as you acknowledge and realize the happening of events and Allah’s sign in this city, to name a few: the light that appeared up to the land of Shams that include Al Quds during the birth of the beloved Prophet SAW, the Ascension of Isra Miraj, the change of Qiblat from Al Quds to Masjidil Haram, the place of Prophet Isa, his mother, and his people, the land of prophet Yaqub AS and his sons, the land of prophet Moses AS, Prophet Ibrahim AS, the Kingdom of Prophet Sulaiman AS and his Father Daud AS, back to Adam AS, there is nothing you can say and do but to praise Allah and do the best Ibada you can for the blessing that you have had the opportunity to live, walk, and breath at this sacred land among the footsteps of the best servants of Allah that pray solely to Him.

Based on this, dear Moslem Brothers/Sisters, I would say, if there is a place on earth, when you have the chance and time to travel, prioritize yourself and go to any of these three Holy Lands on Earth:

  1. Mecca Al Mukaramah
  2. Medina Al Munawarrah
  3. Baitul Maqdis (Al Quds)

Now, you might wonder about the preparation to get to Al Quds. This was based on my experience, as an Indonesian Passport Holder that resides in the United Kingdom.

  1. It is preferable to travel in a group, i.e: can be with a travel organization. Mine was organized by Al Buruuj Press London. The Israel Embassy in London asked and were happy to learn that I am travelling with a group. Learn who you travel with and make contact with them. If you happen to have any contact in Israel, that is much better.
  1. Have a clear written itinerary, statement of purpose cover letter of your journey. As mine it was purely for searching the blessings on this spiritual and historical trip to the holy land. A formal letter from the Organizer will be helpful. 
  1. Prepare all the necessary documents for the VISA application: passport, BRP copy, flight ticket, hotel reservation, bank statement with sufficient funds, employment letter/student letter, a special royal mail 1pm next day delivery stamped.
  1. Book an appointment at the embassy at least 45 days in advance of the planned trip. Alternatively, contact the Israel Embassy via email, and they can also arrange a document delivery so you don’t need to come to London directly.
  1. Patience and follow up on the visa progress. Alhamdulillah my VISA was granted. Kindly note that you might need to be prepared for a last minute change on your flight schedule as the issuance of you VISA can be very near or hours before your flight schedule. If you happen to live in London and fly from there, that would be a great advantage for you, to collect the passport and VISA at the embassy as soon as it is approved. Good luck and God Willing InshaAllah you are the way to the Holy Land.
  1. Prepare the iman, faith, taqwa, knowledge of Al Quds that includes the history of it, and the knowledge of Islam.

Now, I’ll tell you my story of this blessed journey:

The VISA approval process.

My visa appointment in London was at the end of July, and the visa was approved one day before my travel schedule, Wednesday (30 Aug) around 4pm, when the officer from the Embassy called and gave me the good news. I had to cancel the initial scheduled flight from Manchester to Tel Aviv that was planned for the next day. Well, luckily, alhamdulillah, I got a flight change for Saturday without needing to change any itinerary of the days in Jerusalem until the return flight from Tel Aviv Airport on Monday night. I thought that at least I can spend time at Al Aqsa and pray there. That was the sole target, aside from wanting to have a nice picture in front of the Dome of the Rock holding the Indonesian Flag. That was the image I was thinking of.

Back in the UK, the itinerary was rapidly changed as my flight on Saturday noon was from London Luton Airport. I managed to get a place to stay on Friday night in London, to get close to the airport to attain energy for the long journey ahead. I made sure to bring all my documents I might need just in case security issues exist. Alhamdulillah, now, as I write this story in Ben Gurion Airport whilst waiting for my flight back to the UK, I have to say, there was no major issue that I needed to show any documents aside of my passport, visa, and the green card after I passed the Israel Immigration.

The flight to the Holy land and The Immigration Process

For this trip, I brought only 1 backpack that was filled with 3 casual shirts, 1 thobe, 1 long and 1 short sleeve shirt, 2 long pants, a hat, two moslem hats, a praying mat, sling bags, a pair of sandals, toiletries, medicines, some provisions (food and water for the journey), documents, running gear (dont ask, its a hobby), a pocket quran, a pocket book of dua, and books about Jerusalem, Al Aqsa (and a map of Jerusalem), and a few shekels exchanged from 50£. For the security check, the leader of our group announced that there is a chance of being interviewed by the security that might take up to 7 hours at the airport. That actually happened to the group that flew on Thursday, they got stopped in the immigration process and needed an interview that took about an hour and 5 hours in total after landing. In my case, it was not like that, I landed as scheduled around 7.30 pm and arrived inside after riding the airport shuttle bus to the terminal gate, and went inside and passed the security just before 9 pm with the green pass card. On the other hand, a companion who flew from Scotland who arrived at 7 pm was finally able to go pass immigration at 10 pm. I learned that at least from my case, that we need to be prepared for any possible situation, be patient, make dua, and be nice and clarify your purpose and itinerary to the officers.

   (Top) Queue for immigration of non Israel Passport, (Bottom) Giant Mural (Am Yisrael Chai)

After me and my travel companion united, we decided to take the train from the station to Jerusalem, the nearest one was at 10.56 pm that costs 18 shekel one way each. The journey took 22 minutes to arrive at the train terminal Yitzhak Navon in Jerusalem. The location is not that near to the hotel we were staying (about 2 miles away), so we chose to ride the bus that transports us very near to our stay, the Golden Walls Hotel, located just at the outskirt north part of the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. 

(Top) Train Ticket (Middle) Inside train (Bottom) Yitzhak Navon Train station

Nice story to tell:  During our bus ride, there was a nice gentleman (citizen) who helped us with the bus boarding process because we did not have a Rav Kav card, which was required for paying as our Bank Card in the UK did not work. We managed to do a transaction of cash to him and he let us use his Rav Kav card, and he actually gave change more than supposed to, bless him.

The 1st day, 1st Salat, fajr prayer at Al Qibly Mosque, Al Aqsa Compound (Sunday, 3 Sept/ Ahad, 18 Safar 1445H)

At 4.30 am sharp I was at the lobby, as written on the broadcast message from the leader, and praise be to Allah, coincidently the leader of the group walks down the stairs, and we introduced ourselves and we walked together entering the old city via Bab Herrod (Herrods Gate). Plenty of moslems were walking towards the Al Aqsa Compound. The weather was nice and cool, about 20 degrees C. We passed by the Dome of the Rock, subhanAllah, and continued until we entered the south mosque, Al Qibly Mosque. It has a big gate and a high ceiling. At the door people were humbly serving Arabic coffee, medjoul dates, at the door. We entered, placed our footwear (sandal) and prayed separately to our own private talk with Allah. Inside the masjid, plenty of gentlemen were reciting Quran on their seats, with a high Quran stand. I walked towards the front row to have a closer look on the jamaat and to pray at the front row. Adhan was commenced at 4.51 and the fajr jamaat prayer was established about 20 minutes later. After the adhan, we prayed 2 rakaat, and near the praying time, people started to clear their seats and Qutan stand, and the Imam came to lead the prayer. He recited a part of the Quran about Moses AS and Bani Israil who was unwilling to enter Jerusalem and wandered for 40 years in the first rakaat starting from Al Maidah 20 and I think it was either an earlier part of Al Maidah in the 2nd rakaat that was about the Christian and the Jews, or continuing the ayat of Al Maidah about repentance. Inside Qibly Mosque:

(Top) walking to the Al Aqsa Compound, (Middle) Dome of the Rock, (bottom) Inside Qibly Mosque

(Top) Qibly Masjid at 6:01 am (Bottom) Dome of the Rock Masjid after shurooq

Such a pleasant introduction from Allah on this trip. I recited some ayats of Surah al Imran while waiting for shurooq (sunrise), which was very nice.  Stayed until near 6 am to speak and return with the brothers from the Boards of the Isoc Uni of Manchester who already know the way back. I was still clueless on the way back to the hotel, honestly.

The path from masjid to hotel via herrod gate 

Breakfast was served at 7 am but I planned to have a walk and jog around the city. So after a short sleep, at 8 am I decided to go out, wear my running gear, bring my ID (passport, visa, green pass),  some shekels, and the room card key. 

This was the route: check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/9Eefsc8bPCb. During the run, I saw childrens going to their school. On the way to the wailing wall the security was friendly, and alhamdulillah, all in all, it was a lovely and enjoyable morning, ended by buying some local bread that shaped like the letter U and has sesame seed on it, called the Ka’ak Al Quds or Jerusalem Bagel. Ate some breakfast at the hotel at 9, took a quick shower, and continued to recite Surah Al Imran. 

(Top) wailing wall (bottom) Ka’ak Al Quds

About 10 am, the companion from Scotland messaged me to go for a walk. While running earlier, I only managed to look at the market without buying anything. We agreed to go at 10.30 and went to the market in the Old City, seeing the Wailing Wall, Church of Holy Sepulchre, and back to the hotel at 12 pm. 

Market in the Old City of Jerusalem (Al Quds)

Duhr adhan was about 12.40 pm. I managed to pray zuhr jamaat outside the Dome of the Rock Mosque (Gold Dome).  

We were scheduled for a Ziyarat to the Masjid Al Marwani, also inside the compound, once the place of the Crusaders who invade and prosecuted 70,000 moslems, christians, and jews in the city and used the Masjid as a stable for their horses. 

We also went to the grave of sahaba: 

1. https://www.islamiclandmarks.com/palestine-jerusalem/tomb-ubadah-bin-samit-ra and 

2. https://www.islamiclandmarks.com/palestine-jerusalem/tomb-of-shaddad-bin-aus-ra 

It was located near the Bab Rahmah at the east outskirt side of the Al Aqsa compound. We went back to Qibly Mosque for Ashar. Within this visit is when I had the opportunity to get to know the other participants of our group. All of them were students from the UK, and alhamdulillah, feels blessed with the opportunity to make friendship with these companions during this trip.

(Top) Quran Hafiza Madrasa for Girls (Middle) Entrance of the Grave Yard (Bottom) Visiting the Tomb of the Sahaba Shaddad Ibn Aws, lead by Shyeikh Zayd Ul Islam (Founder of Al Buruuj Press)

Dinner was served at 6.15 pm and between maghrib and Isha, we had the opportunity to hear a short lecture about the prominent history of Al Quds from Prof. Dr Abu Sway (a Professor who teaches Philosophy and Islamic Studies at Al Quds University, Jerusalem). He noted the importance of understanding the Arabic language, and encouraged more people to come and visit Al Aqsa as mentioned by our Prophet Rasulullah SAW. I had a short chat with a local boy, Abdurrahman who asked where I am from.

At 10 pm there was an optional trip to Mount Olives overseeing the city. I initially opted to come but felt overwhelmed and decided not to come as I needed some rest to prepare for the next day. There was numerous times in prayers during my time in Al Quds that I recited Surah At-Tiin because it was mentioning this blessed location.

Photo from Mount Olive Overlooking the Old City Taken by my Scottish Travel Companion

2nd day, Monday, 19 Safar 1445 H

This part might be a short one. I woke up just after 4.10 am for sahoor and night prayer of tahajjud and witr, and went to the the masjid. This time I took a video of the fajr prayer. I might share a video of this trip later when I have the chance. 

I spent most of the day spending time at the masjid, praying two rakaat tahiyatul masjid at the other masjids inside the complex, and finally performing the last and final pray, duhr and asr jamaat combined. We left at noon for our journey back to UK.

With Mostafa, a moslem merchant who is lovely and kindhearted. Say salam to him if you meet him, located pass the Damascus Gate

Towards the end of the journey

The friends that I made during the trip was kindhearted, young, and the future generation of the Islamic Diaspora. One person who I got in touch was a medical student who raised funds for kids in Palestine by doing 25,000 football kick ups in 7-8 hours ! What an effort! We actually managed to video himself doing the kickups right in front of the Dome of Rock! SubhanAllah! A future medical doctor ! The others were students who studied dentistry, psychology, accounting, finances, IT, and engineering. Such bright minds! Towards the end of trip on the way to the airport I shared contact with some to keep in touch and just in case we meet again in the future, inshaAllah.

Class lecture: Lessons of Al Aqsa with Prof. Dr Abu Sway

The spending details for this trip : £329 for the Al-Buruuj Al Aqsa package (4 nights hotel, Jerusalem transport), £357.98 (flight MCR-Tel Aviv, return) + 22£ B/2 Israel visa (student price), + £108 (flight change), 50£ (exchange to shekel).

I honestly hope that we can see and live the day or at least our children or grandchildren to actually perform a pilgrimage (hajj) wearing the ihram connecting directly from Baitul Maqdis (Al Quds) easily and peacefully to Masjid Nabawi in Medina, towards Masjidil Haram (Mecca). That will be a beautiful time, not only for muslims, but for humanity, as that is what Islam is meant to be as delivered by our Prophet SAW, a religion of rahmatan lil alamin.

Acknowledgment

This trip is such a beautiful closure of my study in the UK. I thank my wife and son for being patient of me going on this trip and with my studies, also my parents & family who keep making dua for the safety of my trip. I also thank my friends who supported me for this journey. May Allah bless all of you.

If any one wants to go with Al Buruuj Press, get in touch with them via Instagram/email, they have flew 6,000-7,000 people since 6 years ago to Baitul Maqdis.

Some reference to listen:

  1. Masjid Al Aqsa- The Occupied Sanctuary by Dr Omar Sulaiman, https://open.spotify.com/episode/13nOAfQ7S44akQbfHDAJuq?si=11f68b08455547d5
  2. Q and A of Masjid Al Aqsa by Dr Yasir Qadhi https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PtC3WtUDpfmQUjdBqpMSX?si=4f58dfb4762d463c 
  3. Palestine, Al Aqsa, and the Libration with Dr Azzam  Tamimi, https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nykq4dwoII3FRlc2mRWDB?si=84e857c9251e4ee0

To read:

  1. Remembering Beautiful Days in Jerusalem by Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi, by Al Buruuj Press

Recommended Youtube Video of Al Aqsa (no talk just walk around the Al Aqsa compound)

My first ultra marathon – BDG100 (56k), Race, persiapan, dan evaluasinya

Hari Sabtu yang lalu, 15 September 2018, saya baru saja mengikuti kegiatan race yang diadakan teman-teman komunitas lari pesohor dari bandung, bdg.explorer. Kegiatan race tersebut dinamakan Bandung Ultra 100. Ini merupakan tahun ke-dua diadakannya race tersebut. Ada 3 kategori, full 100k, half 50k. dan 25k. Saya mengikuti kategori 50k.

Saya memutuskan mengikuti race ultramarathon trail ini diawali oleh ajakan teman kuliah semasa S1 dulu, Oom Hilman Frimadi, atau biasa dipanggil Cule untuk mengikuti program TNF Outdoor Training yang diadakan oleh The North Face Indonesia. Saya bergabung karena tertarik dengan program yang mereka rencanakan, dimana peserta yang mengikuti program tersebut, akan mampu lari di beberapa event seperti BDG 100, BTS170k. Saya tertarik dan akhirnya bergabung sejak bulan Juni 2018. Seiring mengikuti program latihan yang dibuat oleh coach Rahmat Rukmantara, mendekati bulan Juli, saya memutuskan untuk mendaftarkan Bdg100 kategori 50k ini.

Sekilas mengenai kategori 50k ini terdapat perubahan rute dari tahun sebelumnya dimana pada tahun lalu melalui Gunung Burangrang, sedangkan tahun ini tidak lewat sana, dikarenakan ada latihan kopassus pada tanggal race.

MAPS-50K

Rute 50 k Bdg100 2018

ELEVATION-50K-1343x433


Elevation Profile 50 k Bdg100 2018

Sehari sebelum race, saya menyusun strategi nutrisi dan strategi pace, yang kira-kira hasil ngawur-nya seperti ini :

plan bdg 100 50km Edo Suryopratomo.
Fast plan :

WS 1, baru tunggul km 9.5 (elevation 950-1400, 450m)
1jam 20menit. 6:50
stop 30”-1′ minum air, roti, salt stick, energy gel 1, kurma.

WS 2 cikawari, km 16.5 (+7km).
1280mdpl
turun ke 1100 km13, lalu naik ke 1280 km 16.5.
42′. pace 6. 7:32. stop 30”-1′ air, roti, salt stick, pisang.

WS 3 Cibeusi km 24(+8km),
900mdpl.
naik sampai 1500 km 20, lalu turun sampai 900 km 24.
52′ pace 6:30. 8:25.
stop, air, roti/apel, salt stick, energy gel.

WS 4 Cikole Wates km 33.9 (+10km),
1350mdpl.
turun sampai 800an,km 26,tapi naik sampai 1500 km 32an.
pace 7:30 75′. 9:40.
stop 1-2′. air, roti, pisang/jeruk/semangka, salt stick, energy gel

WS 5 1420mdpl, climbing wall km 39. (+5km),
turun dikit di 36.5 ke 1220 lalu naik ke 1400.
pace 7:30. 37.5′. 10:20.
stop 1-2′.

WS 6, tangkuban perahu km 44. 5(+5.5km), naik ke 2051.
pace 9:00, 50′. 11:10.
stop 5-10′.
finish line km 55 (+11km), villa istana bunga,
naik dikit 100m ke 2152,km45.5. turun terus ke 1400m.
pace 7.5′. 1jam 30′.

12:40 finish. total 7 jam 10 menit.

Ketika saya buat, otak saya mengira bahwa kemampuan saya udah seperti Oom Dylan Bowman, kenyataannya tidak. Sehingga menjelang garis start, firasat saya mengatakan ini plan ngawur, sehingga saya kasih keleluasaaan waktu spare dimana target finish 9 jam dengan posisi 10 besar, pikir saya ulang.

Pagi itu saya berangkat dari rumah orang tua saya jam 4.15, dijemput Cule yang diantar oleh Ayahnya. Sesampainya di lokasi, setelah drop bag, kami sempatkan foto ber empat, bersama pelari kategori 100k, dimana mereka start lebih awal 30 menit, jam 5.00.

start.jpg


Menjelang start 100k, dari kiri , Kang Dike Wibowo, Cule, saya, Kang Berry

Setelah pelari 100k mulai berlari, saya sempatkan shalat subuh bersama. Segera setelah shalat, kami pemanasan sambil cek kembali peralatan dan posisi barang ketika race. Tidak lupa saya nyalakan file GPX dari rute lari ini untuk memastikan arah saya berlari. 5:21, saya mulai masuk ke barisan pelari 50k. Mulai lah lagu kebangsaan Indonesia Raya, dan sesuai target finish top 10, saya maju sedikit ke depan, kira-kira baris kedua terdepan. Saya ingin setidaknya berada di depan, dan tidak perlu antri seandainya nanti ketemu pendakian yang jalurnya sempit, begitu pikirku.

Diawal 2k pertama, saya posisi 5 besar, saya tidak begitu melihat pace, tapi catatan sportwatch saya, saya berlari pace 4:11′ di 1-2k pertama. Rasanya memasuki km ke 3 , saya berusaha mengerem kecepatanku karena setelah mengecek HR, sudah sampai 161. Di saat itulah beberapa pelari di belakang saya menyusul.

Kira-kira separuh jalan menuju WS 1, saya berpapasan dengan pelari dari depok, Bang Anton. Kurang lebih kami posisi 6-7 saat itu. Di WS 1, saya berhenti untuk meminum 1 energy gel, 1 buah semangka. Bang Anton menyuruhku lari duluan, sehingga saya berlari duluan diikuti pelari lain, Erwin. Cukup nyaman kami berlari di pace 5-6 ketika di dataran, dan 8 ketika tanjakan, kami barengan hingga WS 2 Cikawari. Kata panitia, pelari 1-2-3 gak jauh, selisih 5 menit. Di WS 2 pun, kami tidak berhenti lama, hanya 1-2 menit, saya ikut makan semangka. Kami lanjut lari sambil ngobrol, setelah ngobrol agak panjang, ternyata cukup jauh jarak saya dan Erwin. Sempat saya kira ada Erwin di belakang, ternyata saya ngomong ama diri sendiri. Lucu sekali pokonya. Tapi lari setelah WS 2 lah dimana saya berpapasan dengan pelari finisher ke 3, terjadi bencana dimana saya terjatuh ketika downhill dan seketika kram betis kiri dan kanan. Sakit sekali, untungnya saya ditolong oleh pelari lain, mas Rachmat, untuk meluruskan kaki. Padahal mas Rachmat juga sebelumnya saya temui, habis jatuh juga, tapi kata dia,dia gpp.

Gak lama setelah itu, Erwin sampai, saya suruh dia duluan. Habis sudah pikir saya, celana sampai robek, botol sampai terlempar, cukup kacau pikiran dan mental saya saat itu. Saya melakukan stretching lunge depan untuk menarik kedua betis, dan saya jalan pelan-pelan sambil minum 1 salt stick. Yang terpikir olehku adalah bisakah finish?Melihat jam sportwatch pinjaman mbak Novi, teman kantorku, masih ada 33 km lagi yang harus saya tempuh. Waduh, sudah bukan posisi yang kupikirkan, meski aku sangat menyayangkan, di posisi ke 8 udah ok banget. Gapapa, saya minum terus sambil sabar, tidak memberanikan lari dulu. Nyeri sekali rasanya betis ini, kayak abis main bola full time tapi kecapekan hingga kram. Memang sudah 2 jam lebih rasanya sih saya berlari.

Sedikit-demi sedikit, saya mulai bangun ritme kembali. Di saat itu memang penuh tanjakan, dan ruang berlari sempit. Pokonya saya keep fokus, hati-hati, kapok sudah saya downhill ingin ngebut. Saya berusaha mengingat-ingat, saya jatuh karena tidak fokus, malah nafsu saja ingin mengambil posisi ke 3 dari pelari di depan saya. Akibatnya tersandung akar dan melayang. Sudah kapok, yang penting ingat kemampuan diri sendiri, dan lakukan yang terbaik saja. Seperti nasehat coach sebelum race, yang bikin bahagia ketika berlari itu ada 3 elemen, pikiran, hati, dan fisik. Ketiganya harus diperhatikan dan positif.

Sampai di WS3, segera saya minta tolong medis untuk memberi massage pada betis saya akibat jatuh ini. Ditolonglah, dimassage, sampai disusul beberapa pelari yang mulai berdatangan. Saya ingat, Simon (finisher 5) dan temannya (Antoinne) tiba di belakang saya. Teman-teman di WS benar-benar membantu saya dengan membantu mengisikan water tank bladder di hydro pack saya. Cukup PR juga sih untuk memasukkannya ke dalam tas lagi, karena perlu mengeluarkan barang barang lain sebelum memasukkan nya (setelah full air). Btw, habis loh 2L bladder saat itu. Ok, saatnya memulai 2 salt stick per jam sepertinya, itu pikirku. Dan di saat itu, saya sudah melupakan nasehat dari coach Rahmat untuk tidak minum isotonik, dikarenakan ini hal darurat dan saya butuh isotonik untuk memperbaiki reaksi peredaran darah di betis saya, dan mengurangi rasa sakit post-kram. Saya bekal 400ml isotonik yang disediakan panitia.

Suasana hati semakin membaik, pikiran juga, tapi ternyata pegal berpindah ke kaki bagian lain, di quad (paha bagian depan). Mulai pegal juga nanjak-nanjak terus, pikirku. Melihat orang lain pada pakai trekking pole sedangkan saya tidak, setelah WS 3 itu, saya mengambil kayu yang ada di track. Kayu tersebut saya gunakan hingga tangkuban perahu. Kembali pada saat itu, saya ingat ngobrol dengan Maulana, dia menyusul saya setelah WS 3, namun setelah di pandawa 5, saya yang di depannya. Yang canggih adalah Simon, dia nanjak udah kayak jalan datar, cepet banget! Memang, latihan trekking pole penting banget, ujarku pada diri sendiri. Awalnya, saya berniat foto hanya di Tangkuban Perahu, namun akhirnya saya sempatkan foto karena tergiur dengan Pandawa 5.

Saya saat di pandawa 5.

INFO-WS-50K-275x375


Water Station Route 50k

Sampai di WS 4, KM33, Cikole Wates, disini saya minta di massage kembali, karena saya ingin memastikan kaki saya baik-baik saja. Kurang lebih 5 menit pun saya spend disini. Saya dikasih coca cola. Disini cukup ramai WS nya, karena banyak orang. Temen-temen panitia lucu-lucu juga pakai jahil ama salah satu dokter nya minta suapin jeruk ke saya.Dari WS itu saya dibekali 1 jeruk dari mereka, happy sekali rasanya setelah ketemu mereka. Saya ingat mereka bilang, “dikit lagi Kang ayo”.

Saya berlanjut lari, mengikuti track dan GPS di jam tangan saya. Di sini asik juga, melewati daerah Cikole, sambil melihat tempat-tempat wisata. Saya ingat, mendekati WS5, saya menyusul Simon. Di saat melewati Simon, kami melewati track yang digunakan land rover untuk trail. Berdebu sekali disana, dan kami lari berlawanan arah dengan mobil-mobil tersebut.

Memasuki WS 5, saya melewatkan massage dan memilih hanya minum coca cola. Saya lanjut berlari saja, saya ingat Simon meminta bakso ke panitia. Sambil maju saya hanya mengambil roti dari tasku. Hampir tiap 1.5jam saya mengonsumi 1 roti sobek cokelat. Saya ingat bertemu dengan kameraman, katanya ada 5 pelari di depan. Apa saya salah hitung? Terakhir saya ingat, dengan menyusul Simon, saya posisi 7. Kaki mulai semakin pegal rasanya. Setiap kali saya ketemu Batang Kayu yang menghalangi track, saya pastikan tidak ada gerakan tiba-tiba yang mengagetkan. Khawatir kram lagi,dan kejadian,namun tidak separah ketika saya Jatuh di awal perjalanan.

Memasuki awal awal pendakian tangkuban, saya berpapasan dengan posisi ke 4, yaitu bang Andre yang sedang berlawanan arah. Dengan muka agak asam, dia menanyakan mas panitia yang sedang berjaga di tenda, ke mana arah lari. Namun ternyata panitia tersebut kurang dapat memberi arahan. Saya berhubung bawa GPS memberi info ke Bang Andre bahwa tidak perlu khawatir, agar dia cool down dulu dan tenang. Sambil berlari dan mendengarkan cerita bang Andre, kami berdua akhirnya menemukan titik dimana memang signage nya sama sekali tidak begitu kelihatan. Saya mempersilahkan bang Andre duluan, karena saya pikit it’s his right, karena dia sebelumnya sudah posisi ke 2 di belakang Ucup (finisher 1) dan sudah 30 menitan kehilangan arah. Kami berbarengan hingga hampir puncak tangkuban. Seperti sebelumnya, lagi lagi Simon menyusul saya karena dia kencang sekali di tanjakan. Tiba di agak puncak, mulai turunan, aku bergumam “wah downhill, tadi aku berhasil susul Simon,apa disini bisa susul lagi?” . Dan sempat saya papasan dan susul menyusul, sambil ngobrol, tapi kaki ini sudah mulai berasa. Saya pilih berlari di belakang Simon. Tapi kok geli, pengen nyusul lagi ampe akhirnya saya ga lihat jalan, malah nabrak dahan di kepala. Ampun kejeduk dahan, saya tertawa dan malu, untung ga ada yang lihat. Sudahlah, I’m happy for being at 7th place, pikirku, selama bisa pertahanin pace ini, sesuai rencana. Melewati puncak, aku sempat kan foto. Trims bang yang jaga di sana! GPS sudah mati disini karena batre jam tangan sudah habis,dan saya ga bawa chargeran portnya.

Ga jauh kok ke WS, ujar panitia. Sesampainya di WS terakhir, saya memilih untuk massage, 1 massage terakhir untuk lari terakhir menuju finish line. Disini saya ketemu Erwin dan Rachmat. Ternyata mereka saya susul pas di WS5, mereka makan bakso dulu. Saya ingat dari GPS bahwa masih ada 10k sampai finish line. Aku nyalakan HP saya dan kunyalakanlah file gpxnya. Terlihat masih jauh memang sampai finish line.

Lari lah downhill saya turun duluan, saya ingin finish ke 7. Sepanjang jalan berbatu dan telapak kaki nyeri. Persis seperti ketika saya latihan di turunan gunung Gede-Pangrango. Sempat beberapa kali saya berhenti untuk stretching. Sudah habis persediaan salt stick saya. Tapi gapapa, dikit lagi finish, ujarku.

Tibalah saya di finish line. It was there. I made it. It was great, I felt awesome. Alhamdulillah.

Sekilas review lari saya :

Review persiapan latihan :
Bandung Ultra 2018
Nama: edo
Katagori Race: 50k
Waktu: 9:29:19
Rank:7/203

Catatan tentang latihan:
– Cardio endurance (running), 3x sehari Sel-Rab-kamis-jumat, long run Sab-minggu
– Strength, Universal strength malam, iron strength kamis, super saiya selasa,
– Functional training (flexibility/mobility/stability), TNF drill tiap pagi, rabu animal flow
– Mental training (breathing/visualisasi/imagineering/NLP), kadang pas weekend

Catatan tentang Nutrition Intake dan Rehidrasi termasuk salt dan elektrolit, jumlah dan timingnya:
– jenis asupan kalori carbo : roti sobek coklat/jam, kurma tunisia 3/jam, jeruk/semangka/pisang tiap water station
– Rehidrasi: air putih biasa tiap 10′, energy gel 5, salt stick 13, 1 di tiap jam, setelah 5jam 2 perjam, coca cola 2 WS, seteguk

Catatan tentang Dynamic rest saat rest
walk, stop, ukur HR, kurangi speed, squat, climber pas kram, massage di tiap WS, cream pegal2 (walk, power walk, reconditioning otot spt squats, climber atau dynamic stretch) waktu dan frekuensinya
Juga tentang passive recovery spt rendam es atau massage atau static stretch saat race.

Learning points:
(Catatan penting yg perlu diingat)
-trekking pole
-mind set, ga perlu nafsu ngejar orang, hati hati, fokus ke kemampuan diri sendiri saat itu aja, catatan timing yang baik
– p3k kalau kram
– universal strength ga konsisten?
– speed training kurang?
– GPS tracker berguna banget

What next:
Strategi selanjutnya
– lari dengan trekking pole pas nanjak
– sport watch dengan heart rate monitor
– latihan ke gunung lagi

My first full marathon experience (April 2018)

Hi there readers!

Ini sebetulnya sudah pengen saya tulis sejak finish FM Jogja Marathon 2018 lalu, tapi belum sempat nulis. Ok gpp, karna saat ini saya akan melewati banyak race di bulan Juli – Agustus 2018, jadi pengen nulis dulu pengalaman Full Marathon saya.

Pertama, latihannya. Latihan menuju Full marathon ini sebetulnya hanya melanjutkan latihan saya menuju event perdana half marathon saya di Oktober 2017 lalu,  Jakarta Marathon. Namun, perbedaanya, per minggu bisa 50-60km, jadi total sebulan jarak tempuh 200-240km dari sebelumnya 170km per month. Saya masih mengikuti program dari coach virtual aplikasi telpon genggam, Nike run club app. Saya ikuti sepenuhnya.

Ada beberapa event yang masih saya sempat ikuti sebagai persiapan menjalang race. Yaitu, di 31 Desember 2017 lalu, Tugu to tugu 30K, Januari 2018 Jakarta Ultra Marathon 25k, Februari 2018 Bintaro Loop 24k relay. Semua saya ikuti untuk meningkatkan pengalaman lari dan mendapatkan euphoria event. Semua event yang saya ikuti tersebut berbuah menyenangkan dan hasil racenya cukup baik. Mungkin akan saya share di blog terpisah. Tapi Jogja Marathon 2018 ini benar-benar berbeda.

Jauh hari saya menyiapkan akomodasi yang cocok sesuai selera istri. Ya saya mengajak istri dan anak saya, berhubung kota Yogya destinasi wisata yang sangat menarik! Kami menginap di hotel Adhistana. Letaknya di Jl prawirotaman, 30 menit dari race venue. Tak apalah, saya booking pesawat untuk Jumat pagi, Sabtu untuk ambil racepack, dan Minggu untuk race, kembali flight Senin siang. Saya memilih moda transportasi udara karena bawa anak saya umur 14 bulan. Rasanya dia gak bakal nahan duduk di kereta 8 jam. Bencana!

Tiba Jum’at pagi, alhamdulillah sodara kami di Yogya pas banget lagi cuti honeymoon, jadi bisa jemput kami. Haha, mereka senang hati kok jemput kita karena memang di penghujung honeymoon mereka. Mengitari jalanan kota terlihat beberapa pelari sedang latihan di jalanan. Saya berpikir,  “wow the race is on !”. Competitive mode on. Setibanya di hotel, saya sempatkan sore itu untuk berlari 10k untuk jajal jalanan Jogja, latihan terakhirku seingatku.

Sabtu ambil race pack, malam sebelum race masih menikmati kota dan bersilaturahmi dengan ikut makan bersama grup lari Depokrunners di Gudeg Sagan.

Minggu pagi berangkat saya bersama tim Depok Runners, ditemani mbak Oliv, Fani, Mas Davis. Tiba di lokasi jam 4:30 an seingat saya. Sempat shalat subuh, ke WC (bersih dan terorganisir banget!!!! Ga ada antrinya! Cool). Sebelum race start sempat mencari pacer 5jam (target saya finish 5 jam). Ternyata ada yang saya kenal, pelari dari NRC jkt pacer.

Setelah sedikit warming up, saya menuju starting line. Dekat starting line juga sudah melihat beberapa pelari lain, Mas Riefa, ada Rushrunners. sudah hampir mau Start, 5:00. saya perhatikan suasana dan balon pacer 5 jam. Start.

Suasana masih gelap jam 5 pagi. kami berlari dengan pace 7 an min/k. ini pace yang cukup aman menurut ku. Sepanjang rute rasanya pace bertahan di kecepatan itu.

km 21. Setelah melalui tanjakan halus dari km 9-19, saya memutuskan untuk keluar dari grup dan menantang diri sendiri untuk mempercepat pace. badan rasanya masih segar, kaki juga. saya berlari hingga pace 5-6 menit/km sampai km 26 an seingat saya.

dari awal start saya memakai sling bag, isi 1 isotonic drink kesukaanku dan jas hujan, jikalau hujan. di tangan kiri HP, di tangan kanan botol isotonic. di tas pinggang sudah siap 30 kurma.

Setiap kali saya lapar, saya makan 3 kurma,di tutup minum.

km 33an.

Kaki mulai berat. saya berlari kembali ke pace 7. bahkan 7:30 an sepertinya. dari km 33- finish saya berusaha tidak jalan sama sekali. sempat berhenti minta spray atau es batu untuk mendinginkan kepala, kaki, dada,tangan. Sepanjang jalan saya pegang itu es karna nyaman sekali sambil mendinginkan anggota tubuhku.

Melihat jam, rasanya bisa ini finish 5 jam. jarak siswa sekitar 2 km lagi, dan saya masih punya 15 menitan. meski semangat, berat skali kaki ini untuk finish.di depan saya melihat bang Riefa, dan beberapa pelari yang saya familiar seoanjang rute. sesampainya di finish saya hanya melangkahkan kaki sembari berhenti dan dalam hati berkata, hi, saya finish. betapa bahagianya saya ketika tiba. 5:03. 3 menit terlambat.

My first half marathon run experience

Hi there.  It has been 3 years since my last post. I want to report my first half marathon experience,  from the preparation towards the run, race day,  and after the race itself.

The preparation took around 12 weeks. I followed the training plan made in Nike Run Club app. It started from an easy 2km run on the first weeks and gradually increasing to a 18 km long run at the peak of my training.  That was the longest run I have ever done by that time. I executed almost all of the training plan,  but skipped the strength training, which later I learnt wasn’t a wise idea. Moreover,  I feel confident for the race.

My race was on the 29th of October 2017, held in Jakarta,  Indonesia. It was a good day. I slept at 21:00 at my uncle’s house which was quite near the race venue. I drank few glasses of water and ate enough carbs, rice before I slept. I  also prepared all my gear inside the plastic bag provided by the organizer. I woke at around 3:15.

I rode at 3.30 am with gojek towards monas,  the venue. I arrived at 4am. Luckily, my running whatsapp group shared about the available entrance gate. There was already a queuing line inside in front of the race gate. When fajr adzan came out,  I went out the line to pray and I prayed together with 2 other runners. They both were racing full marathon. When I came back,  the race gate was already opened and I went in towards the bag collection area. I stupidly left my phone at the praying area so I went back. After that I took a position on the 21k bag collection queuing line while passing the 5k and 10k desk which had only 1-2 runners collecting their bags there. On the other hand, it was very crowded at the 21k collection bag desk.   It took me around 20-25 minutes to collect my bag, extremely timely consuming! A very poor distributed desk I believe.

It was 4.40, and the race starts at 5 for the full marathon and 5. 15 for the half marathon. I needed to pee but the toilet queue was just too long, so I decided to pee inside a bottle. I soon started warming up.  It was 4:55. I can hear the Master Ceremony already started the full marathon. I can see around me there are a lot of half marathon runners still warming up and socializing but I felt that I should move towards the starting  line.  I needed to see what’s happening in the front.

I was glazed, as I walked near the MC stage, he announced that the half marathon will soon start.  And he counted down.  It was not even 5.15, it was like 5.05 on my phone. So I prepared forward and soon I went pass the starting line.

I started easy at a 7 to 6:30 pace. After a few meters suddenly a group of Pocari Sweat pacers started shouting Half Marathon 2:15!2:15! Anybody who wants to finish 2:15 follow us! They were holding balloons with 2:15 written on them.  This looks interesting I said to myself,  as I planned to finish at 2 hours and following a group of pacer seems like  a good idea.  So then I followed. For the first 4km I followed them. They started at a pace of 5:45-6:15 and stabled at 6:15. I planned to race at a pace between 5:30 and 6:30 and finish at 2 hours,  so I went out of the group and wished to find the 2 hour pacer group. I ran at a 5:10 pace for a few km,  way faster then I planned. But then I slowed to 5:20-5:30. I looked around for the 2 hour group but still no sign.  All I found was groups of full marathon pacers, the 4:30,4:15 and 4:00. I drink casually,  just a few sips on each water station, which the location suits my plan.

It was km 11, but not according to my phone,  it was already almost 12. But,   I still felt good on my legs.   I needed to slow down a bit to prepare for the last km’s. I slowed to 6:30 till km 17. My thigh and back lower leg muscles started to feel a little tight.

Near bundaran HI, km 19, there I found the 2 hour group, but they were already om the way back to the finish line.  I believe  I can’t make that 2 hour finish then. I loosed up a bit because my legs are really starting to get tight.  I walked and took any refreshments available.  From watermelons, oranges,  water. I was even surprised that somebody even offered a cake!!! Of course I didn’t took that offer because I can’t run with a full stomach!

I stopped at the side to do some stretching because my leg muscles was just too tight. I soon walked.

I could hear a few full marathon runners passing me from the back accompanied by a bike. In front of me I saw the leader of the full marathon race shouting to any crowd of spectator that stood on his way.

Near the finish line I was passed by the 2:15 half marathon pacer group, which was quite funny for me and so I finished at 2:15 anyway. My phone showed that it was a 21.9km run.

It was nice to finish that race. My leg was still tight. I ate 3 bananas and a warm cake which was amazing.

The days after I cooled my leg with ice packs. I drank a lot.  The 3rd day post race I took a very easy 2k group run session. I did cross trainings,  bike,  swimming. I started to plan for a new race,  a 30k this end of the year, on the night of 31 dec. Wish me luck

An honour to the noble Mr. Robert Noyce, one of the co-founder/inventor of Intel(1968) born 12th Dec 1927

This is short story of an educated man, humble, generous, religious on his childhood which has brought him to the limit, which is the sky itself, and destiny has lead his life to an honourable position in this funny world. He is Robert Noyce.  According to sources, he was born this day, 12th December 1927.  Born 3rd from 4 children, he loved math, physics, and I suppose, he was circled by a well bond with God, because his father and his mother was sons and daughters from Reverends.

As I see, He grew up passionated by his own thoughts. One time, in the summer of 1940, when he was 12, he built a boy-sized aircraft with his brother, which they used to fly from the roof of the Grinnell College stables. Later he built a radio from scratch and motorized his sled by welding a propeller and an engine from an old washing machine to the back of it. How fun is that ! :))

He finished high school at age 18 and college later earning BA in math and physics in 1949, while receiving a signal honor from his classmates: the Brown Derby Prize, which recognized him as “the senior man who earned the best grades with the least amount of work”.

Ph.D from Massachusetts Intitute of Technology was gladly recieved by Robert, having finished it so fast, he was known by his class mates as “Rapid Robert” .

Sources says that Mr. Robert Noyce and Mr. Gordon E. Moore founded Intel Corporation in 1968 when they both left Fairchild Semiconductor, the 3rd company he joined after earning his Ph.D.  Mr.  Arthur Rock, the chairman of Intel’s, the 4th company, board, and a major investor in the company said that for Intel to succeed, Intel needed Noyce, Moore and Grove. And it needed them in that order.  Mr. Noyce: the visionary, born to inspire; Mr. Moore: the virtuoso of technology; and Mr. Grove: the technologist turned management scientist.

The relaxed culture that Mr. Noyce brought to Intel was a carry-over from his style at Fairchild Semiconductor. He treated employees as family, rewarding and encouraging team work. His follow-your-bliss management style set the tone for many Valley success stories. Mr. Noyce’s management style could be called a “roll up your sleeves” style. He shunned fancy corporate cars, reserved parking spaces, private jets, offices, and furnishings in favor of a less-structured, relaxed working environment in which everyone contributed and no one benefited from lavish perquisites. By declining the usual executive perks he stood as a model for future generations of Intel CEOs. At Intel, he oversaw Tedd Hoff’s invention of the microprosessor, which was his second revolution.

In his last interview, Mr. Noyce was asked what he would do if he were “emperor” of the United States. He said that he would, among other things, “make sure we are preparing our next generation to flourish in a high-tech age. And that means education of the lowest and the poorest, as well as at the graduate school level.”

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Noyce with a little touch from me :D:   d(^-^)b thank you

how music advertising and movie business evolve!


This Business is huge!

1. As of November 4, 2009, District 9 had grossed an estimated $210,816,205, of which $115,646,235 was from Canada and the United States making it a huge box office success, with a revenue 7 times its original production budget of only $30 million ! [1]

2. Worldwide, the movie Transformes was the highest grossing non-sequel movie in 2007. It grossed $709.7 million, making it Michael Bay’s second highest grossing film to date, with only the sequel surpassing this amount by more than $100 million . [2]

So ! Thank You Lord, Bless Thy for the Art of Technology, Light, Colour, and People ! :))

[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_9
[2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_(film)