Today has been easier than expected. We set off for St Pancras Station at 11.45 & comfortably caught the 1pm train to Luton. But boy, all that luggage! Definitely called for dexterity.
We got picked up at Luton station & taken to the warehouse where we were warmly greeted by Nicci, the one person I'd been dealing with from day one. She instantly recognised me & gave me a bear hug. Amazing how in spite of all the logistical nightmare, she kept a smile throughout the day.
In less than 10 mins of us getting there, team Aqsa Sharif arrived. And we got down to making payments for the ferry crossing to Greece, validating documents, signing a code of conduct & collecting a tent for each vehicle, t shirts, & the stickers for our vehicles. Then we got down to work, puuting up all the stickers on our vehicles. The Aqsa men were indispensable, rolling their sleeves up & getting down & dirty. Each vehicle had at least 10 stickers, with 2 especially big ones. But that didn't deter them in any way. They chanted as they worked & naturaly garnered everyone's attention. They were so good at what they were doing that others came to watch their technique while some were hoping to steal them away to their own vehicles.
We were helped by a couple of Malaysian students in the UK, one of whom, Azeem used to record MPF events. And he was a gem. Never tiring, running out for errands, promising to buy Azura & me some drinks for our roadtrip as that's the one thing we haven't managed to pick up.
The entire warehouse has been kindly donated for the use of VPUK by a couple of young men, who'd quit their daytime jobs to completely be at the disposal of the convoy, getting vehicles ready for the trip, fixing, repairing etc. Everyone was in an upbeat mood, strangers remained strangers for as long as it took them to pass each other.
The briefing which was to take place at 4.30 took place at 6. It was a quick one, general code of conduct, what to expect & they ecpect difficulties from the Egyptian, but are hopeful of entering Gaza. There'll be massive negotiations for sure. The convoy vehicles will be split into 2.
One group will leave the warehouse at 6.30am for the embankment, in the heart of London. This will be the official flag off. The other group will leave the warehouse at 9.30am & wait for the first group at along the M20. The first group will comprise the Londoners & those familiar with ondon roads as they cannot risk delays due to drivers being unfamiliar with roads. All of VPM vehicles are in Group 2. Upon meeting on the M20, we'll make our way to the Euro tunnel crossing, just on time for Saturday night in Paris.
Our group has a total of 15 vehicles & my vehicle A2 is the team leader. I will lead our group together with some guy I've yet to meet, called Jim.
Was chatting with an Irish, who have sent 5 vehicles. This guy, Tony will be driving a vehicle funded by the Catholic church of Belfast. They were moved to action by the killing on board the Mavi Marmara. The day of the murders saw them out in the streets protesting.
Another guy, aptly named Guy, is from the US. He's spending the night at the warehouse & is sleeping in one our vehicles. Then there's the Kiwi team...
The camraderie is unmistakable. Everyone's there for the same cause, same purpose. Everyone's there with a mission.
Azura & I checked into a hotel in Luton town at about 8.30pm, completly exhausted, so exhausted that Azura fell asleep sitting down while on her laptop.
Tomorrow I've asked team Aqsa to be at the warehouse by 8.30 am to allow us ample time to see that our vehicles are ready to go. Hope to catch a good nights sleep.
And yes, I've met so many of my fellow Pakistanis on this convoy that my instinct just wants to break into my Urdu.
Good night home & Insha Allah will update again.
salam
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Now in Luton, London
Gaza, Gaza, Here Comes Azura!: Now in Luton, London: "Salaam and hello dearest all, It is right now Friday 17th September 2010 @ 14:07 (GMT +1) and I am now moving towards Luton, London to pick..."
And...the second team off to London!
I know this entry will be very much anti-climax as our 3 VPM heroes are now running around London to settle some last-minute errands but gotta put up the pictures of the historical moment at KLIA last night. So, the three VPM volunteers departed yesterday evening for their flight to London. Quite number of family members, VPM members came to send the three of them our beloved Aunty Azra, Aunty Azura and Faisal off. Everyone was all hyped up, excited, nervous and emotional at the same time especially after the beautiful du'aa by Dr Hafidzi. These are some of the pictures i took at the airport (do wait for more 'pro' pictures from our pro Daniel tho!). Let's pray that Allah will look after our heroes and make their journey smooth & easy insyaAllah. They are scheduled to leave London tomorrow 1.30 (Malaysian time).
Hello London
Flight was pretty uneventful. Managed to catch some sleep, a bonus. Am now awaiting noon to make my way to St Pancreas Station to catch the 1pm train to Luton where a long process awaits. The convoy is scheduled to depart 6.30am tomorrow so looking forward to a good nights rest.
MAS cabin crew was very helpful & impressed with our mission & went out of their way to ease our flight. Of course Azura being with us was the the key. Sitting in the same row was a young Malaysian, 25 yrs. Works for an oil & gas company in KL & was headed to London for 2 weeks for work. Ver well informed about the Plaestinian cause & all the attempts to break the siege. Was very happy to meet Insha Allah soon to be siege breakers in person.
MAS cabin crew was very helpful & impressed with our mission & went out of their way to ease our flight. Of course Azura being with us was the the key. Sitting in the same row was a young Malaysian, 25 yrs. Works for an oil & gas company in KL & was headed to London for 2 weeks for work. Ver well informed about the Plaestinian cause & all the attempts to break the siege. Was very happy to meet Insha Allah soon to be siege breakers in person.
Ahoy London!
Before we even get pictures of lasts night's send off we get word that the three volunteers who left last night, Azra, Azura and Faisal, have reached London safely. They arrived at 5.45am London time and were met by Azura's cousin who lives in London.
So what's in store for them today?
Well other than last minute purchases (camping stove fuel and food supplies) all our 10 volunteers have to be at a particular London train station at 1pm to board a train to a town outside of London where their vehicles are being stored. There they will be briefed in full about the journey, pay any outstanding fees (ferry, train fees) and stick out specially designed stickers on our SIX vans. The whole group will then spend the night at that town in preparation for the early start tomorrow.
It's all very exciting!
So what's in store for them today?
Well other than last minute purchases (camping stove fuel and food supplies) all our 10 volunteers have to be at a particular London train station at 1pm to board a train to a town outside of London where their vehicles are being stored. There they will be briefed in full about the journey, pay any outstanding fees (ferry, train fees) and stick out specially designed stickers on our SIX vans. The whole group will then spend the night at that town in preparation for the early start tomorrow.
It's all very exciting!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
And We're Off!
The first group of drivers, our friends from Aqsa Sharif, departed Wednesday evening for their flight to London via Doha, Qatar. Follow them at their blog aptly named Aqsa2Gaza! Their last update informs us that they have reached Doha safely.
Here are some photos from their send off at Kuala Lumpur International Airport taken by our volunteer photographer (who is amazing by the way) Daniel Zain. Check out his photography at his website.
More photos from yesterday here.
Here are some photos from their send off at Kuala Lumpur International Airport taken by our volunteer photographer (who is amazing by the way) Daniel Zain. Check out his photography at his website.
More photos from yesterday here.
Invocation for the traveller
Currently just chilling & enjoying the peace & quiet of home. 7 hours to departure after which its probably going to be a whirlwind of activities before settling into the routine of the convoy.
O Allah, we ask of You goodness & piety on this journey, & for all that pleases You.
O Allah, lighten this journey & make its distance easy for us.
O Allah, You are our companion on the road & the One in Whose care we leave our family
O Allah, we seek refuge in You from this journey's hardship & from the wicked sights in store & from finding our family & property in misfortune upon returning.
(Muslim 2/978)
O Allah, we ask of You goodness & piety on this journey, & for all that pleases You.
O Allah, lighten this journey & make its distance easy for us.
O Allah, You are our companion on the road & the One in Whose care we leave our family
O Allah, we seek refuge in You from this journey's hardship & from the wicked sights in store & from finding our family & property in misfortune upon returning.
(Muslim 2/978)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Packing it all in
And so the packing commenced right after dinner. Everything, well almost everything, had to be packed into a 60L backpack. I'm fortunate as my daughter Shazee & youngest son Shakeel did practically everything for me.
We did pretty well I think. But I'm gonna have to unpack & pack then pack again & unpack for the next 30 days...
Khair Insha Allah:)
Some mix up with flight schedule has resulted in us leaving for London tomorrow instead of today.
After all the hype of 24 hours and less to go, we now have to re hype ourselves.
On the plus side, it gives us a little more time for last minute prep & time with family.
The downer? We have a very small window to work with when we get to London. 24 hours to rest, get foodstuff and all other outstanding necessities, see to our vehicles & then its ready, set, GO!
After all the hype of 24 hours and less to go, we now have to re hype ourselves.
On the plus side, it gives us a little more time for last minute prep & time with family.
The downer? We have a very small window to work with when we get to London. 24 hours to rest, get foodstuff and all other outstanding necessities, see to our vehicles & then its ready, set, GO!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Road to Viva Palestina 5
“Galloway announces the next land & sea convoys to break the siege of Gaza.” We received this email mid June 2010 and there was very little doubt that VPM was going to be a part of this momentous event.
The wheels started turning slowly but surely, gaining momentum, energy and loads of enthusiasm. We needed to raise a lot of money, as each vehicle filled with aid cost RM55, 000. We started off by sending email notices out and in no time FIMA & IMAM rose to the occasion with RM55, 000 for the purchase of one vehicle. Then came news that threw everyone into near fits. A local pharmaceutical company very generously donated RM110, 000 to fully fund another two vehicles.
And good news was a constant companion as TV3 came on board, pledging full support. Friday 27th August marked the start of our convoy. VPM vehicles were symbolically flagged off at TV3’s HQ and our 2 female drivers were interviewed on our mission, objectives, hopes and aspirations, ‘live’ on Malaysia Hari Ini.
Following that VPM was at Masjid Negara with the total support of the mosque committee. Donation boxes were placed all around and we were generously allocated space to sell VPM paraphernalia. VPM t shirts were snapped up like hot cakes as Malaysian generosity showed its hand once more. The media was out in full force clamouring over Tun Dr Mahathir’s symbolic contribution and the official cheque presentation from FIMA & the pharmaceutical company. The total collected surpassed all our expectations; just under RM13, 000. The following Friday we were at Masjid Wilayah and once again the collection stupefied us; just under RM13, 000.
Shah Alam pasar tani was next on our list. VPM members & volunteers labored over 2 Sundays, tirelessly selling anything we could get our hands on; clothes, shoes, handbags, cookies, cupcakes, knick knacks. Everyone chipped in; no task was too big or small and no one too young or old. Tired feet, parched throats, hoarse voices but smiling hearts; all in the blessed month of Ramadhan. Again collection exceeded expectations; RM15, 000.
And Malaysians kept giving. The association of wives and female staff of Telekom Malaysia contributed RM5, 000. Anonymous donors banked direct into VPM’s account, RM10, RM50, RM100, RM1000, RM2000.
Then came the stunner, Aqsa Sharif, an NGO that’s part of VPM came on board with the purchase of 3 vehicles throwing everyone into convulsions. This brought to total 6 vehicles from VPM. Totally colossal.
The Malaysian contingent of volunteers number 12 in total. 10 will be leaving for London on Wednesday, 15th September to begin the month long road trip. 2 more will meet the convoy in Damascus on 5th October.
VPM thanks everyone who has made possible the first phase of this mission. The known donors, the anonymous ones, the volunteers who were relentless in turning up at every event, the media for the much appreciated publicity and anyone and everyone who’s had a hand in this most noble cause.
We now enter the second phase; the actual breaking of the siege. VPM reminds everyone to not lose sight of the bigger picture; 1.5 million Gazans have been under a total lockdown for over 3 years by Israel. Nothing goes in and nothing goes out. Gaza remains in ruins and is cruelly denied all means to rebuild itself. VPM hopes that this convoy breaks the siege for good and the blockade of Gaza is forever lifted. But be rest assured that if it’s not, civil societies around the world will be relentless in their effort to force Israel to end the siege of Gaza.
It’s going to be a long and hard month for our volunteers as they drive the aid laden vehicles from London through France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Egypt and God willing into Gaza. We ask all Malaysians to pray for the safe, speedy and successful delivery of this aid to the besieged people of Gaza and the safe return of all our volunteers.
The wheels started turning slowly but surely, gaining momentum, energy and loads of enthusiasm. We needed to raise a lot of money, as each vehicle filled with aid cost RM55, 000. We started off by sending email notices out and in no time FIMA & IMAM rose to the occasion with RM55, 000 for the purchase of one vehicle. Then came news that threw everyone into near fits. A local pharmaceutical company very generously donated RM110, 000 to fully fund another two vehicles.
And good news was a constant companion as TV3 came on board, pledging full support. Friday 27th August marked the start of our convoy. VPM vehicles were symbolically flagged off at TV3’s HQ and our 2 female drivers were interviewed on our mission, objectives, hopes and aspirations, ‘live’ on Malaysia Hari Ini.
Following that VPM was at Masjid Negara with the total support of the mosque committee. Donation boxes were placed all around and we were generously allocated space to sell VPM paraphernalia. VPM t shirts were snapped up like hot cakes as Malaysian generosity showed its hand once more. The media was out in full force clamouring over Tun Dr Mahathir’s symbolic contribution and the official cheque presentation from FIMA & the pharmaceutical company. The total collected surpassed all our expectations; just under RM13, 000. The following Friday we were at Masjid Wilayah and once again the collection stupefied us; just under RM13, 000.
Shah Alam pasar tani was next on our list. VPM members & volunteers labored over 2 Sundays, tirelessly selling anything we could get our hands on; clothes, shoes, handbags, cookies, cupcakes, knick knacks. Everyone chipped in; no task was too big or small and no one too young or old. Tired feet, parched throats, hoarse voices but smiling hearts; all in the blessed month of Ramadhan. Again collection exceeded expectations; RM15, 000.
And Malaysians kept giving. The association of wives and female staff of Telekom Malaysia contributed RM5, 000. Anonymous donors banked direct into VPM’s account, RM10, RM50, RM100, RM1000, RM2000.
Then came the stunner, Aqsa Sharif, an NGO that’s part of VPM came on board with the purchase of 3 vehicles throwing everyone into convulsions. This brought to total 6 vehicles from VPM. Totally colossal.
The Malaysian contingent of volunteers number 12 in total. 10 will be leaving for London on Wednesday, 15th September to begin the month long road trip. 2 more will meet the convoy in Damascus on 5th October.
VPM thanks everyone who has made possible the first phase of this mission. The known donors, the anonymous ones, the volunteers who were relentless in turning up at every event, the media for the much appreciated publicity and anyone and everyone who’s had a hand in this most noble cause.
We now enter the second phase; the actual breaking of the siege. VPM reminds everyone to not lose sight of the bigger picture; 1.5 million Gazans have been under a total lockdown for over 3 years by Israel. Nothing goes in and nothing goes out. Gaza remains in ruins and is cruelly denied all means to rebuild itself. VPM hopes that this convoy breaks the siege for good and the blockade of Gaza is forever lifted. But be rest assured that if it’s not, civil societies around the world will be relentless in their effort to force Israel to end the siege of Gaza.
It’s going to be a long and hard month for our volunteers as they drive the aid laden vehicles from London through France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Egypt and God willing into Gaza. We ask all Malaysians to pray for the safe, speedy and successful delivery of this aid to the besieged people of Gaza and the safe return of all our volunteers.
Bon Voyage Land Convoy to Gaza 5!
Bon Voyage Land Convoy to Gaza 5!
This Wednesday, 15th of September is a historic day for all of us.
Our 1st 10 activists (from total of 14) will travel to London via KLIA in 2 groups to join hundreds of other activists in Europe, Central America etc. (The last 4 will leave Malaysia on the 4th of October 2010) to travel via Land Convoy to Gaza.
This Land Convoy 5 from Europe consists of hundreds of vehicles (driven by activists) will be travelling via France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria and in the end to Al Arish, Mesir.
The Land Convoy 5 will meet with 2 other convoys coming from Casablanca and Doha.
Now, this is your chance to bid BON VOYAGE to our beloved Malaysians!
The Schedule:
So, for this Wednesday, 15th September 2010 Viva Palestina Malaysia will have 2 groups departing from KLIA to London.
First group consist of 7 activists with flight detail : KUL - DOHA-LDN on 15 September ETD 2035
Second group consist of 3 activists with flight detail: KUL-LDN on 15th September ETD 2340 MH 002
To bid farewell for the first group, please be at KLIA by 5pm, 15th September 2010. You can stay on for the second group schedule to be there by 9pm.
LOOK OUT for our BANNER, FLAGS and people wearing Palestinian T-Shirts and paraphernalia when locating VPM's Activists in KLIA!
Anyone who can make it, please be there to send our beloved friends on probably one of the most amazing and important journeys of their lifetime!
I am so very extremely excited!!
So, come and join me and other Viva Palestina Malaysia and Aqsa Syarif's activists, volunteers and supporters by being there!
- Sis Zabrina
This Wednesday, 15th of September is a historic day for all of us.
Our 1st 10 activists (from total of 14) will travel to London via KLIA in 2 groups to join hundreds of other activists in Europe, Central America etc. (The last 4 will leave Malaysia on the 4th of October 2010) to travel via Land Convoy to Gaza.
This Land Convoy 5 from Europe consists of hundreds of vehicles (driven by activists) will be travelling via France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria and in the end to Al Arish, Mesir.
The Land Convoy 5 will meet with 2 other convoys coming from Casablanca and Doha.
Now, this is your chance to bid BON VOYAGE to our beloved Malaysians!
The Schedule:
So, for this Wednesday, 15th September 2010 Viva Palestina Malaysia will have 2 groups departing from KLIA to London.
First group consist of 7 activists with flight detail : KUL - DOHA-LDN on 15 September ETD 2035
Second group consist of 3 activists with flight detail: KUL-LDN on 15th September ETD 2340 MH 002
To bid farewell for the first group, please be at KLIA by 5pm, 15th September 2010. You can stay on for the second group schedule to be there by 9pm.
LOOK OUT for our BANNER, FLAGS and people wearing Palestinian T-Shirts and paraphernalia when locating VPM's Activists in KLIA!
Anyone who can make it, please be there to send our beloved friends on probably one of the most amazing and important journeys of their lifetime!
I am so very extremely excited!!
So, come and join me and other Viva Palestina Malaysia and Aqsa Syarif's activists, volunteers and supporters by being there!
- Sis Zabrina
Monday, September 13, 2010
Fun or foolish
3 pairs of pants & 5 shirts for a month long road trip. Camping cooking equipment for hot food, will be buying food supplies in London. Sleeping in tents each night, in sleeping bags. We need torches, wind proof matches, water purifying tablets... Fun or foolish?
I was at a dinner with YMPians, my anak2 angkat & their well wishes & farewell left me all warm & fuzzy. And a number of them promised to be at the airport on Wednesday. You guys are the best!
Emails from UK are coming in fast. Insurance, registration, drivers...
And 48 hours to go before departure, Insha Allah.
Emails from UK are coming in fast. Insurance, registration, drivers...
And 48 hours to go before departure, Insha Allah.
Khairul dropped of his 60L backpack, plus a sleeping bag. Thanks Khairul. And lots of advice, tips and well wishes all around. Thank you all. Really appreciate it.
Got my phone & glasses fixed. That's a relief.
I need to get pressure socks as Juana who was on the last convoy said they had swollen feet & legs due to long hours driving. I tried Guardian pharmacy at Mid Valley but they didn't have any. Does anyone know where I can get them?
Got my phone & glasses fixed. That's a relief.
I need to get pressure socks as Juana who was on the last convoy said they had swollen feet & legs due to long hours driving. I tried Guardian pharmacy at Mid Valley but they didn't have any. Does anyone know where I can get them?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to this blog. At the moment we're still tweaking it so check back in the next few days for updates.
While you're at it add the following people on Twitter for convoy updates - @shazeea @azrabanu and @VivaPalestinaMY
Three days to go before we set off!
While you're at it add the following people on Twitter for convoy updates - @shazeea @azrabanu and @VivaPalestinaMY
Three days to go before we set off!
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