By Shazana Zahidah
Earlier yesterday (8 January 2016) I decided to take a stroll down memory lane at the National Zoo or familiarly known as “Zoo Negara”. It’s been awhile since my last visit which was during a school trip. This time I took my little sister along with me. As I took my first step, I could feel that the excitement to see the animals was different compared to those early years.
Since yesterday was Friday, Zoo Negara was not as packed as weekend.Though my last visit was 15 years ago, from my observation, there’s not much difference happening. This is because Zoo Negara is still a popular spot among the public to spend their time. Despite several negative issues raised in the media about our country of late, it’s such a relief to see families still have a good time to enjoy each others’ company. After all that’s what matters most.
While we were about to get the entrance ticket at the counter, there was another appealing view that proved Malaysia is still a harmonious place to live in. What makes me feel so? Visitors who were queuing up were not only Malaysians but they came from all over the world. I was amazed by their friendliness to each other, while waiting for their turn the visitors who were completely strangers to each other could still have a conversation. They smiled at each other and shook hands with another. Wasn’t it wonderful?
After we had purchased our tickets, my little sister and I were determined to go places by walking instead of taking a tram ride. Furthermore, we were still young and full of energy. We should use our abilities fully while we still can. I remember when I was a kid, I was told by my grandmother to never take our age for granted. Get sweat and be happy. I guessed I am on the right track.
The thirty minutes of walking made me feel petered out, so I decided to take a seat at the nearest bench available in Zoo Negara. The tranquility and peaceful nature of the environment had triggered me to take out my notebook. I am a person who carries a notebook everywhere I go because I believe there will always be interesting stories to write on depending on which angle I look at. My little sister had been walking slowly because she wanted to enjoy the green nature at its best. I did not mind about her doing that because I have found a place to start my writing.
People kept on passing by and at times some of them were taking a break and got their seats next to me. I enjoyed writing at a place where people got their happy vibes around. As I was writing my third paragraph, suddenly an old Chinese uncle came and approached me with a beautiful smile. From the way he walked he’s probably in mid-60’s. I offered him a seat after putting my beg under the bench. He was very soft spoken, demeanour and educated.
The conversation began when he started to ask me curiously, “What are you writing on, young lady?” I was happy because this uncle was showing interest to know what was inside my note book. I gave a glimpse to that uncle and told him in a rather excited tone that everything I saw today was pleasant to my eyes. It’s not something like what I have been reading in the newspapers. Following this he told me “things are not always according to our flavour.”
“Never blame people for what we have instilled and installed in our mind, be selective in whatever we read because everything is at our finger tips, a ladder has been given for free. Unlike 30 years ago, people have to get a ladder to climb.”
From the way he spoke I knew he’s a wise man, dispensing with golden and splendid advice. He came to the Zoo with his son’s family and he wanted to walk alone and seize the moment. He loved listening to chirping birds and the sounds of “siamang”.
My conversation with the Chinese uncle took place almost 45 minutes. We stopped when his son came with his wife and their son to take him home.
It’s unbelievable for what had happened to me yesterday. It’s like Allah has put all of the lessons in order.
The last advice given to me was,”If one day you are interested in becoming a journalist, report and write a story that shows the credibility of being one, it’s not an easy task, but it’s a very worthwhile journey.”
I felt so proud of what I had bumped into yesterday. It was lovely. I could no longer have trust or faith in stories that described Malaysia has started falling apart.
You know the saying, ‘Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.’ I have started to believe more and more now. We all go through unavoidable rough patches in our lives but our story doesn’t have to be tragic. If you’re determined, you can turn any situation into something positive.
My experience in Zoo Negara yesterday was enough to shed some light on the spirit of togetherness of us being Malaysians, that people are not as bad as reported in the media. I am so proud of being a Malaysian and I promise to take good care of my country. ***