Tuti And I - Part 1: Working with Al-Ameen and getting the book out.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate

It would have been wonderful if I had scanned the raw version of 'Tuti And I' and shared it via my blog. Unfortunately, I did not get down to doing that. Anyway, if anyone is interested to know, the first penned version of 'Tuti And I' still exists in the hubby's notebook. Back in Singapore after 'That Lombok Backpacking Trip', the hubby and I got down to business. I do not remember whether I had mentioned before that my brother-in-law was the initial connection to my publisher, Al-Ameen. He has been working with Al-Ameen on various projects one being an illustrator for book covers that Al-Ameen publish. So the brother-in-law introduced us to the heir of Al-Ameen, Luqman.

One of the challenges that I faced in the process of putting this book together was that, it was quite a chore to facilitate direct communication with Al-Ameen and receive immediate responses because Al-Ameen was based in Malaysia KL. As a result, the hubby and I had to travel up and down KL quite a bit. We spent December hols in KL due to work and keeping up to date with al-meen and my illustrator. Sometimes, over the weekend after a busy week, we had to go to KL too. It was tiring! It was really kind of Luqman to have come to meet us for our very first discussion about 'Tuti And I'. On top of that, we received good news from Luqman that Al-Ameen was looking out for children's books in the English language to publish. I was on top of the world! I mean, I could not believe that the window of opportunity was so near within my reach! Luqman told us, it would be better if we could make a trip up to KL to speak to Che Mazlan, the boss of Al-Ameen.

We got ourselves a brilliant illustrator, Iman, who was an illustrator and creative artist in his own right! He had his own way of working and I must admit that he had put in a spot many a times with his delay in meeting deadlines. Iman had a terrible thing going with deadlines. Please, do not get me wrong. Initially, I found it difficult to adapt to Iman's working style. When he first read my story, he was bursting with ideas! I was intrigued but eventually, I got lost in his ideas and thoughts. He was too complex and quick for me to keep up with. Believe it or not, he MIA-ed for a period of time. Then when we managed to contact him again, he revealed that he had spent a few days in the jungle to learn about the colours of the leaves and branches in order to be able to bring that into his illustrations for 'Tuti And I'. Even at the very last minute when it was time for us to hand in our final manuscript for the contract to be signed, Iman was still working on last-minute changes in his drawings. Once I got to really understand him, I did not feel the jitters about meeting deadlines anymore. I eventually understood that Iman needed his own time to work and work to the very best. Up till now, I cannot imagine having someone else as my illustrator. Nobody could depict 'Tuti' and his surroundings as well as Iman could. Iman's a prodigy.

So, with the opportunity practically knocking at our door, did we manage to get 'Tuti And I' out?

Tune in to 'Tuti And I - Part 2: 'Tuti And I' is real!

I thank Allah first and last for without His Mercy, nothing is Possible, nothing is Blessed.
All praise and thanks be to Allah, My Lord - Jaslina

Tuti And I - Chapter 4: That Lombok Backpacking Trip

In The Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

It did not take long to reach Gili Meno. It was a bumpy 45-minute boat ride to Meno. Upon reaching, we were able to catch sight of the three islands all at once. We were instantly grateful that we made Meno our choice among the three Gilis. Gili Tranwangan was a party haven. Loud music, endless bars, alcohol and overpopulated. Gili Air was second to Trawangan. When we got to Meno, it was the most peaceful and laidback beach ever. You could count the number of people sunbathing on the beach, couples strolling under the shady trees. There were beach shacks here and there. The one thing that we were most grateful for was that there was no ear-deafening music. Once we alighted our boat, we managed to easily find our lodging, Hotel Gazebo Meno. The hotel was more resort-like with classy bungalows scattered around its compound. At the front, was the restaurant and a small salt-water pool. Hahahaha! Cute! Mokhs and I were dumbfounded when we were shown to our room. It was a bungalow situated right at the back of the compound. We got the most secluded bungalow of all. No complains about the interior. It was definitely worth the money we paid for the room. However, we had actually hope that we would be staying a little up front. It was a little eerie but we settled.

There was not much to do at Meno. Lonely Planet mentioned that the island was suitable for honeymooners and it was right. It was THE place for us. We discovered rows and rows of cozy eateries. What was outstanding about the eateries were that most of them had shacks by the beach. Every bamboo shack was simply decorated with cushions and sitting mats. There were short-legged tables for food and drinks. What more could you ask for when you could have the gorgeous sea view and dig in to glorious Indonesian food at the same time! Well that was exactly what Mokhs and I did for dinner. After surveying the area near our bungalow, we had dinner at one of the eateries by the beach. There was no need to do anything at all. All we had to do was relax and enjoy. It was heavenly especially after we worked ourselves to death climbing Mount Rinjani. We were more than happy to relax our tired muscles and enjoy pure bliss.

Gili Meno is a really small island. You could walk from the diameter of the island quite easily. Despite its small size, the island houses a few small kampungs and a Bird Sanctuary. So Mokhs and I spent the first half of our morning snorkling and the second half exploring the island. Snorkling was great. I had never seen so many turtles before in my entire life! We even got to meet the only kind soul on Meno who rescues baby turtles. The Bird Sanctuary was not so heartening though. The animals there were not very well taken care of. And it broke my heart to see macaques and a baby Komodo Dragon caged up. They were filthy and really not very heartening to look at. I wished I could do something but really, what could I do?

After getting the feel of kampung and walking along the salt lake, the sun was setting soon and Mokhs and I wanted to find a great place to relax, have dinner and catch the sunset. We did! Again, we found ourselves a comfortable restaurant by the beach, bagged a shack and got our cameras ready to click away at the magic hour. We chatted about our climb, reminiscing about how much we learned and how much we envied Tuti. We were talking about Tuti and the mountain most of the time. I guess we were both so truly inspired by his passion and undying spirit towards Mount Rinjani. Then I let slip, "Maybe I should write a book about Tuti and Mount Rinjani." At that time, the climb was still so clearly imprinted in my mind. So I took Mokhs's journal and penned down a simple story. It came out naturally like a children's story since I have always been an avid children's books reader. It did not take long for me to finish the story. It did not take more than a few seconds for me to even come up with the title. Mokhs and I were actually quite proud of it! I even sketched a few pictures of Tuti, Edleweiss and Mount Rinjani herself! Then Mokhs said that I should get the story published. I was like, "Really? I mean how can we do that?" Very positively, he said that we could seek help from his brother who works with a publisher in Malaysia KL. All of a sudden, I was filled with hope. Me? Write a book? Publish my own book? Wow! It seemed so far-fetched. Nevertheless, that pursuit never left our minds even after the vacation.

The day ended with the beautiful sunset and us getting home on a horse carriage. There are abundance of horse carriages in Lombok. A horse carriage is called a Cidomo in Lombok. It was pitch black when the horse took us back. We were amazed and intrigued as we could not even see our hands in the dark! The horse had no problems taking instructions from the 'driver' and we reached our room safe and sound.

Wow, what a day! And it was that day, that 'Tuti and I' was frst penned down in its raw form and it was that day that we realised how much we missed Tuti and his mountain.

I thank Allah first and last, for without His Mercy, nothing is possible and nothing is blessed.

All praise and thanks be to Allah, My Lord. - Jaslina Yassin

Tuti And I - Chapter 3: That Lombok Backpacking Trip

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate

Although we were very much relunctant to leave Sembalun, we were nevertheless grateful to have reached 'home'. Our room at Lina Cottage was awaiting our arrival so there was no issue about having to scout for rooms. Mokhs and I spent the rest of the day, lazing by the beach. As we were letting our bodies recuperate, we looked through our Lonely Planet and discussed about the next pit-stop. Of course we already had one of the Gili Islands in mind we just could not decide which one to set foot on. Given only a few days left of our vacation, Mokhs and I felt it would not be feasible to visit all three islands. In the end, we decided on Gili Meno, the one which was the most laidback,with no party animals or pathetic drunks! The best part was choosing a place to stay. Call us spoilt brats on a backpacking trip but I find it hard to feel guilty for having chosen a higher end lodging to crash on Gili Islands after we have sweated it out at Sembalun.

It was decided. We had booked ourselves a 'classy, spacious and stylish' bungalow at Hotel Gazebo Meno. We were to leave Senggigi for Gili Meno the next day in the early morning.

That evening, just a few hours before the sun had set, we rented a motorbike to travel along the coasts of Senggigi. I loved the ride. Mokhs was a safe rider and I am proud of him for that. We rode uphill and downhill and past by gorgeous panoramic viewing spots. On some occasions, we stopped and took pictures. At most viewpoints, we could see the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. On our way back to Lina, we happened to come across a sign that said 'Coconut Hut'. We were curious and followed the sign. The trail led us through tall coconut trees and on our right and left were two cozy cafes. The end of the trail was the beautiful coastline with waves crashing and smashing against the reefs. Wow, at that moment, we felt like we had entered a sacred sanctuary. Somehow, the place was magical. The sun had not made it's way down the horizon. Our surrounding was still bright but somehow, the feeling was special. While having a drink and enjoying the sight of the magical ocean, we got to know a few villages. In fact, Mokhs saw them first and started taking pictures of them. They were children and were so excited at the attention Mokhs was giving them. I joined the lot and snapped away at my camera as well. The children were laughing and posing for the camera as if they had done it a thousand times before. An old man, whom I had assumed was the father of some of the children chatted with Mokhs while I was playing along with the children. They were a beautiful group of people. Again we felt sad to say goodbye. We had to leave early before it turned dark. However, our memories of that moment were preserved in the many pictures that we took when we were there. Thanks to the sign 'Coconut Hut' or we would have never discovered the hidden beauty behind the trails.

It was time to head back. But it was still quite early. And since we were quite close to 'home', we thought we should sit at one of the warungs that was situated along the road, at the top of one of the many hills that lined the coast of Lombok. It was great nibbling on corn and enjoying the wind and listening to the music of the ocean. All our five senses were activated at that time but I can assure you, there was nothing more relaxing than letting yourself flow in the lure of the ocean songs of Lombok.

As we sat by the beach at Lina Cottage that night, Mokhs and I chatted about what we would do at Gili Meno the next day. It was at Gili Meno, where the idea for the story 'Tuti And I' was born.

I thank Allah first and last for without His Mercy, nothing is possible, nothing is blessed.

All praise and thanks be to Allah, My Lord. - Jaslina Yassin

Tuti And I - Chapter 2: That Lombok Backpacking Trip

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate

Like I said, the climb up to Mount Rinjani sparked the beginning of a new friendship, a new relationship with two of the most humble souls we had met in Lombok. It also marked the beginning of my love and my knowledge for Mount Rinjani and for those who love her with all their hearts and who have appreciated the many flora and fauna that she houses in her majestic domain. We reached the end of our mountain adventure at about 10a.m. .

After the climb, part of the program was to visit a waterfall before we headed off to Sembalun Lawang, where we were to camp for the night. As excited as we were to head to the waterfall, especially when we were all hot and sweaty from descending the mountain, we were dead beat and our bodies were aching from the over-stretching of all our muscles and the cold on the mountain top. Our legs suffered the most torture, considering Mokhs and I had not had any physical preparation (training) before pushing ourselves to the limit in Lombok. So...it did not help when we discovered that we had to descend a number of steep steps in order to get to the much-talked-about waterfall. UUURRRRGGGGHHHH!!! My legs felt like it was going to give up on me. You know how it feels, after exercising like crazy, especially when you have not exercised for like a decade, then you go to sleep and the freakin' aches you get in your muscles when you wake up? Yah ok, it felt like that and the fact that our muscles had to endure more going down of steps and going up of steps, not only were we internally screaming for mercy, I think our muscles were hating us every second we took a step. Of course the waterfall was a comfort. It was in some way like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I mean, I cannot deny that it was situated in the most beautiful site. The water dropped from an extremely high elevation and the water temperature was so low it chilled every bone in my body! The waterfall looked like it was almost right smack in the middle of a valley.

Then after clicking away on the camera and enjoying the 'pot of gold at the end of our rainbow', all of a sudden, our 'gold' vanished and a dark and heavy cloud hovered above us. It was time to go up the steps that took us down to the waterfall. I felt sorry for my muscles. But what could I do. In our situation, what came down had to go back up. We summoned whatever strength and energy that was left in us and pushed ourselves back up till we slammed our overworked bodies in the van that was to take us to Sembalun Lawang. Ladies and gentlemen, THAT, was our final limit!

Along the way, we passed by vast hills and paddy terraces. It was nothing but beautiful pastures and greenery. It was a pleasant drive and we were more than happy to rest our tired bodies in the van.

I cannot remember how long the journey was. By the time we reached Sembalun the sun was almost setting. Tuti brought us to an empty campsite and we set up camp. It was a gorgeous sight because we had Mount Rinjani as our backdrop. It was just amazing. The air was cool but it started to get really chilly once the sun made its way down magically behind the mountain. Then before Tuti retired to his kitchen to prepare dinner, he sprang a wonderful surprise on me. He unzipped his backpack and took out a bunch of Edelweiss and presented it to me! I was lost for words and then emotions overcame me. I remember mentioning to him about Edelweiss when we were climbing and Tuti told me that Mount Rinjani had her very own Edelweiss. He also shared with Mokhs and I that in Bahasa Indonesia, Edelweiss is called 'Bunga Abadi'. It means a flower that will last forever. Indeed it is true. Till today my bunch of Edelweiss rests beautifully in a vase at home, looking like it was just plucked from the hills of Mount Rinjani. Nothing could describe how touched I was by the gesture. I asked him when he had the time to get the blossoms for me. He reminded us that there was one point when he told us to climb ahead without him as he had to chop some wood for fire. And that was when he took the time to pick the flowers for me. And that was during our climb up! So he had the Edelweiss all the time until we descended the mountain, until we were done with our frolicking in the waterfall and until that unfrogettable momet when he gave me the flowers with the silhouette of Mount Rinjani behind our tent in Sembalun Lawang. Mokhs was equally touched by the gesture.

The bond between Tuti, Eddy and us was getting stronger every minute. After dinner. the four of us and another friend of Tuti's chatted around the campfire. Tuti shared with us his amusing and experience-filled stories of being a guide. We chatted like there was no tomorrow. We chatted as if we had known one another for centuries. It was a bond strongly formed, a friendship strongly forged, a humbleness increasingly forming in Mokhs and I for our lives were a thousand times better than our beloved Tuti and Eddy. As our surroundings started to drown deeper into the darkness, we said our goodnights and retired to bed. As I closed my eyes, I dreaded to face the day when we would have to say goodbye to our new friend and brother in faith, Tuti.

We were greeted by the fresh morning air of Sembalun Lawang the next day. It was our last day with Tuti. I was already feeling that pang of dread and sadness. But I allowed myself to enjoy whatever was left of our time together. Tuti brought us on a tour around Sembalun Lawang. We visited the little kampungs, bamboo fields, rice fields, tomato, capsicum, onion fields etc. Everyone was busy and happily working in the fields. As I stood from a hilltop, watching the peaceful activity going on in the fields, for a moment, I felt like Heidi in one of my storybooks. The feeling was phenomenal. More phenomenal than when I was on Mount Rinjani.

The people of Sembalun Lawang brings this village to life with simpleness and a serene spirituality cannot help but exists amongst one another. The hands that work, the hearts that unite for a survival of a people, the souls that bind one and all together to achieve the tightness of family-hood. In a way, to me, Mount Rinjani symbolises her people who work around her. A majestic mountain that stands tall but humbled by other giants like Fuji and the Himalayas. A majestic mountain that rejoices because of the hands that care for her, the hearts that love her and at that time, I was humbled and honoured that I got to know one such heart. Tuti's heart.

Evening was nearing. Dinner was a good spread at Tuti's very own home. The clocked ticked on with every second, signalling our time to bid farewell. It was time to part. We got into our vehicle and with that growing ache in our chests and that lump in my throat, we said our goodbyes, waved our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch.

Even now, as I recall that moment, I cannot keep my emotions stable and intact. I miss Mount Rinjani, I miss Sembalun Lawang, I miss her beautiful people and most of all, I miss Tuti. I thank God for blessing Mokhs and I with such a valuable and honourable friend. Without God's Will, we would have never met, our paths would have never crossed and today, I would have never written my book, 'Tuti And I'.

I thank Allah first and last for without His Mercy, nothing is possible and nothing is blessed.

All praise and thanks be to Allah, My Lord. - Jaslina Yassin