I woke up this morning in the Jakarta JW Marriott feeling disoriented, in despair and discombobulated (I do love that word, it means confused and disconcerted), Looked about wondering what to photograph for my morning WhatsApp greeting. Spied a painting on the wall. Sent it to some with this caption: Good morning!! The view from my huge Jakarta bed. Admit to feeling a bit disoriented. Nesh was one of the first to respond.
He: Good morning.
Me: Hello you. I woke up in a bad mood. What cheered me??? Reading your blog breakdown. Honest it is absolutely true.
He: Really Alexis!!! I am so so glad…
Me: Me too. Hahaha
He: Have you had breakfast?
Me: Not yet because I gotta get dressed to go for it. Just had coffee in bed so far.
He: Have a great breakfast Alexis
Me: I will, I went down for the breakfasts buffet. Everybody remembered me. So famous even before you arrived in my life to make me famous. Hahahah I was here about three weeks ago.
He: Hahah You’re unforgettable! That’s why…
Me: Apparently unfortunately. In a way my past comes back to haunt me. But my life improves with each passing day it seems.
One hour later I could provide Nesh with living, undeniable proof.
Me: Here is an example. Went down for breakfast but somehow could not find the elevators to bring me up to my room. Rather unbelievable since I stayed here for a week only three months ago. But true. A man handsomely dressed in a dark blue suit helped me. He was, unbelievably, the newly hired general manager. He found me interesting. Showed him your blog breakdowns. Hmmmm Now need to go and write the blog.
I also texted Baby with the news.
Me: Had breakfast and THEN accidentally met the newly hired general manager. He seemed charmed. My life is SO unusual my dear. It cannot hurt to be friends with the general manager.
By the way, yesterday morning I woke up in Paradise. Spent the night in my apartment, leaving there for the airport. My driver’s name was Rashid, by the way. The same name as the man who wrote my name in Abu Dhabi sand. The caption for the beautiful sunrise photo read:
Paradise overnight. Awakening to this sunrise.
Had a different conversation with another friend, a Malaysian Muslim Sister in her late fifties.
She: Alhamdulillah
Me: I am now at Penang Airport on way to Jakarta.
She: Have a safe journey. Have fun and take care dear Alaa Alexis
Me: I will my dear. I was greeted by name at the business class lounge. The chef remembered me from my days at Lexis Suites. I am truly and absolutely blessed by Allah (SWT) Alhamdulillah. I am so loved but it is the love of Allah. All love comes from our Creator.
She; Alhamdulillah.
Me: I do have to fight me ego, my nufs constantly reminding myself it is not me, it is Allah. Repent for my ego. I must remain patient.
She: Don’t we all. It’s a struggle against the naps and to be mindful about Iblee’s’ promise to tempt the humans. It is Allah’s test for us. To each his own.
Me: I love that you said this and that you understand and face the same obstacles. It is such a temptation particularly with my fame.
She then spoke of her ‘training’ to go on a strenuous hike.
Me: I am so proud of you! I do forget when I was your age I was doing the same thing thing.
She: Well it’s inspiring and how blessed you are that you are jet-setting and going about independently at your age with much drive and vigor, sharpness and alertness of the mind, and able to perform acts of worship as you please. (Alhamdulillah
Me: Thank you! I particularly love your saying ‘perform acts worship as you please.’
After meeting the GM I went to my room and began writing this blog. Decided I should look for the Kablet direction, usually found in hotel roomsi n Muslim majority countries. Found it in the desk but could not believe what was in the adjoining drawer. I have a photo to prove it.
I could not make this up, for one thing I do not have that vivid an imagination. Two books were in an adjoining drawer. The Book of Mormon and New Testament in Indonesian and English.
I am not altogether sure how I feel about this, or should feel about this rather strange juxtaposition.
I looked around in the room but could not find a prayer mat. So I called reception. The woman promised one would be sent to my room. I told her of the discovery of two religious books in the drawer, and we both started to laugh actually. Then I said:
Me: Yes, I do not think it would be a good idea to use the Book of Mormon as my prayer mat.
She: Probably not. I will make sure we get a prayer mat to you as soon as possible.
Me: Thank you very much.
Do admit that I already sent the photo to Nesh.
Me: The drawers in the desk of my Marriott hotel. Can you believe it??? It has gotta be the photo for the next blog breakdown. Hahahaha
I am earnestly writing because I will let Baby know when I am finished and she will come and get me and we will go to her house here in Jakarta. I really want to see her again. This is what happened, I did not take a photo so you are going to have to believe me, even though a picture is worth a thousand words. Of course, Googled the phrase. Found that Artificial Intelligence has a lot to say about it.
“A picture is worth a thousand words” is an adage meaning that a single image can convey complex ideas and emotions more effectively and concisely than a lengthy verbal description. It highlights the power of visual communication, suggesting that a well-chosen photograph can express its meaning or essence more powerfully and immediately than a lengthy text.
Key Aspects of the Adage
- Efficiency of Communication:
A picture can communicate a complex situation or emotion in an instant, whereas words require time and effort to describe the same thing. - Emotional Connection:
Images can evoke feelings and emotions in viewers, creating a deeper connection and understanding than words alone might achieve. - Clarity and Impact:
Visuals often provide a more direct and impactful way to understand a subject, whether it’s a landscape, a person’s expression, or a historical event. - Multiplicity of Ideas:
A single image can simultaneously convey multiple ideas, details, textures, and forms that would take a significant amount of descriptive text to articulate.
Origin
The exact origin of the phrase is American, with early appearances in advertising and newspaper articles in the early 20th century, notably in a 1911 quote from news editor Arthur Brisbane. In essence, the saying encourages the use of images to supplement or even replace words when the goal is to communicate quickly, effectively, and with emotional resonance.
So picture this in your mind’s eye. I have just arrived at the enormous Jakarta airport. I am in a wheelchair, being pushed by a handsome Singapore Airline staff member. I have collected my baggage. I look up and there stands Baby. Somehow not at the Exit but in the airport itself,I could not believe my eyes. No one EVER meets me at airports – Shamir arranges transportation which is great but he does not meet me. There she stood. I think I started to cry, tears of joy. I got out of the wheel chair and gave her a HUGE hug. We then went to the Exit where her Lexis limo was waiting, driven by her full time Chauffer, Boy Man. A story of great humanity, showing what an enormous heart this woman has. We are not genetically related – although we are sisters. I never had a sister – she has too many sisters but they are jealous of her. We recently spoke of our connection.
Me: We will be like two sisters seeing each other. I guess I am the oldest one. Hahaha And you are the baby. Hahaha
She: Yessssssss
Me: So I am the boss and you have to behave. Hahaha
She: Hahaha For sure.
Me: They will call us the Laughing Sisters. Hahaha
She: Yes for sure why not.
Me: The Giggle Girls.
Speaking of being pushed in wheel chair, you will not believe this. I am in the Singapore Airport being pushed by a young woman.
Me: What is your name?
She: Alaa
Me: I cannot believe this?!?! That is my Muslim name and we are meeting. I have never met a Muslim woman by the name of Alaa.
We Both: Alhamdulillah
Just now my door bell rang. It was a staff member delivering me a prayer rug.
Me: Oh thank you. Alhamdulillah.
Photographs will include the sunrise from yesterday, the framed art seen from my bed, the photo of the desk drawers in my Marriott Room and the prayer mat which was delivered.
Alhamdulillah .
