I woke this September 1, 2025 to what shall be described as a giant Jakarta juxtaposition. Took a sunrise photo, in some ways over all odds. A screen in the palatial bathroom hid the spectacular view. The command center daunting, controls for lights, appliances, curtains and screens. Victory achieved in the nick of time as shall be revealed. The sunrise photo sent to my WhatsAppers with the following caption: Good morning! Gaze upon my September morn sunrise from Jakarta. Allhanduillah.
I have stayed in countless hotels the world over but this has to be the most luxurious EVER. I woke convinced I absolutely HAD to be in Jannah, there is no other way to describe it. Everything is perfect, the temperature, the quiet, the room’s accessories, the coffee maker, and the bathroom, which you shall hear more about later.
However this hotel in located in Jakarta, Indonesia. These are the headlines from Al Jazeera: Indonesia tightens security after deadly protests Police set up checkpoints across Jakarta in anticipation of further demonstrations.
So to say the least it is not looking very good. So what seems like Jannah in a city torn apart by violence. A perfect example of juxtaposition; the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Wikipedia informs: “Juxtaposition is an act or instance of placing two opposing elements close together or side by side. This is often done in order to compare/contrast the two, to show similarities or differences, etc.”
I have plane reservations to return to Penang but have messaged Shamir:
Me: Things in chaos here in Jakarta. Not sure I can get to the airport. Apparently there are police checkpoints all over.
There is absolutely no reason to worry about things, we shall see how things will unfold.
Nesh was one of the first responders to my sunrise photo.
He: This is stunning. Such a beautiful sunrise…thank you for sharing. Definitely made my day. Also!!! Yesterday’s blog break up is up and live,
Me: I read it! It was definitely WOW and shall share many reflections. But SO loved the sneezing GIF to be the feature story.
He: I loved the GIF so so much hahaha
Me: You cannot believe the luxury of this room. I am going to do a walk through and send you a video to put up on YouTube. The toilet is worth the price of admission. It stands, salutes, and squirts warm water. The seat is warm. Best toilet I have ever sat on my whole life. Wish I could pack it up and take it home. Hahaha
The remainder of this blog shall be devoted to blog breakdowns.
The breakdown with the sneezing GIF began in the following manner. Artificial Intelligence, Faith and Sneezing GiFs. From Quran verses to 11 sneezes only Alexis could turn it into one day.
From Quran verses to sneezing GIFs only my life could pack so much into one day.
When I let go for Allah’s sake He opened doors I never imagined. Safety replaced fear, blessings appeared quietly, and joy returned in the most unexpected ways.
But in true Alexis fashion, faith and humor travel together. Somewhere between 11 sneezes (yes eleven) and a GIF war with Shamir, AI reminded me that reflection is not dwelling. It’s gathering yesterday’s flowers and putting them in today’s vase.
Allhanduillah, laughter really is worship when it heals instead harms. And if my “GIF victory the day” proves anything, it’s that even humor is stitched into a life by Allah.
Then one swipes and this is what you get.
Letting Go and Trusting Allah
Recently, I let go of something, or someone that wasn’t mean for me. It was heavy, frightening even but I trusted Allah’s praise.
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from where he does not expect. (Quran 652-3)
Alhamdulillah,, safety replaced fear, and. Blessings unfolded in many ways I could never have planned. Proof that when you let go for Allah’s sake He opens doors you never imagined.
Blog Breakdowns and Living in the Present.
Nesh’s breakdowns are brilliant, so. Brilliant, in fact , that they pull me back into yesterday.
AI reminded me that reflection is not dwelling. Reflection means gathering yesterday’s flowers and putting them in today’s vase. The water that keeps them alive? Allah’s presence here and now.
Humor, Potpurria and Dua
AI even turned my dilemma into a joke.
Without today’s water, yesterday’s flowers will turn into potpourri
Somehow I loved it.
And it left me with a dua worth repeating.
Oh Allah, make my words light, place barakah in my pen, and make my writing cause for guidance and joy.
Sneezes and GIF wars:
Mid reflection, I had a sneezing fit. Eleven in a row. Alhamdulillah, Muslims are to say when we sneeze.
Shamir, of course sent the perfect GIF, I surrendered. Then sent him another GIF declaring myself winner.
He crowned me: GIF winner of the day.”
Some battles you do not mind loosing.
Packing a Lifetime into a Day
Shamir often teases. “You pack a lifetime into a day”
He’s not wrong. Faith, reflection., laughter and writing., somehow it all fit. This time: Aishah’s wisdom, Jakarta unrests, Bubble baths, POOPs seals, and luxury birthday celebrations.
Langham Luxury
The day ended with Baby and I celebrating in what might be the most luxurious hotel in the world.
Laughter, prayer and joy stitched with Allah’s mercy. Not royalty. Not normal. Just Alexis
Somewhere along the line I missed the August 14 blog breakdown by Nesh. It was entitled: Changing Everything. How two Malaysians, AI and a new rhythm turned this blog on its head.
Change just isn’t the topic of Today’s blog, it’s the heartbeat of this season of my life.
What was once a solitary morning routine has become a full-on collaboration with my Dream Team. Now the blog is shaped by conversations, shared laughter, and even the occasional GIF war. AI has become an unexpected co-writer, defining phrases, sparking ideas and weaving itself into the language of each post.
From Bali memories, to Penang food tasting, horse riding, flashbacks, to jokes about ‘husband stores’ in Jannah, the blog isn’t just words anymore. It is alive, moving, unpredictable ..and better for it.
By the way, received another response from my morning sunrise photo.
She: I am sick. I hope you happy always. Ameen
Me: I hope you get better soon. I am indeed happy. I have NO reason not to be. I am truly blessed by Allah,
My blessings suddenly disappeared. My WhatsApp got disconnected. All of my numbers and everything were on the phone and there was no way to contact anyone. No idea how this could have happened. I definitely need a new phone plan.
Photos of the beautiful sunrise, some of the celebratory cakes, Baby and I. There are no GIF war results because WhatsApp is not functioning. So sorry.
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