Many of us would want to follow the latest fashion trends to look appealing to our peers. But some just couldn’t afford to do so as the prices of new clothes are expensive these days. I recently got introduced by a friend about the concept of thrifting. Here are a few thrift shops you could visit around USM Penang for a wardrobe makeover.

So whats this thrifting all about? It is where used clothes with big brand labels are available for sale in so called bundle shops for a relatively cheaper price and surprisingly they are still in good condition.

Doubt Bundle

Doubt Bundle is located in Bukit Jambul which is around 10 minutes from USM. It can be accessible through bus, car and motorcycles. It sells a variety of branded clothing which includes Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, Polo, Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger. A plus point in this store is you might find rare vintage items. Prices here may be a bit expensive nd ranging from Rm 20 onwards. But if your’re a fan of luxury items but not willing to spend a fortune, this place is the most suitable for you. Its address is at 1st Floor, No. 12-L, Jalan Rumbia, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. Below are snapshots of clothes from Doubt Bundle. It opens from 11 am to 9 pm.

MF Mart

MF Mart is a great place for personal shopping for cheap branded clothes. Although its items may not be as premium as the shop above, it sells clothes for a more affordable price with prices ranging from RM 6. Brands sold here include Nike, Adidas, Dickies, Fruit of the Loom and Ralph Lauren. A casual place to stop by if you’re looking for some nice T-shirts for a reasonable price. Its is located at No. 186A, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kampung Sungai Tiram, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. Below are some items sold by MF Mart and is accessible by car, bus and motorcycles. It opens from 11 am to 7 pm.

Bundle Gear

Bundle Gear focuses more on clothing suited for outdoor activities. Products include tracksuits and jackets from Timberland, Clanks, Columbia and Nike. T-shirts are less sold here. If you’re an big fan of sports and outdoor activities, this would be the perfect place to shop as they have a wide array of sports apparel for many different types of sports. Below are a few snapshots of items sold by Bundle Gear. It is located at 6, Jalan Tokong Ular, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang and accessible by car, bus and motorcycle. It opens from 12 pm to 8 pm

I have recently visited a Ramadhan bazzar near my hostel and had picked up a few delicious foods for my review. Hope you do enjoy it. You can drop by the bazaar at Kompleks Desasiswa Restu Saujana Tekun Universiti Sains Malaysia, Halaman Bukit Gambir 4, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang during the puasa season to enjoy the varieties of food.

The classic dish of rice and chicken which is a favorite for many. The rice is a bit overdone where the grains are filled with flavor. The chicken is well done, smooth and its texture is crunchy on the outside, smooth and savory on the inside. With the price of RM 5.50, it is indeed affordable.

The chicken is marinated in a zesty sauce of spices and citrus that gives it its distinct flavor. Overall, chicken was so juicy and succulent, evenly seasoned and filling. It is suitable as an appetizer before moving on to the main course.

Malaysian kuih is another iconic food where it comes in different colors and flavors. The kuih looks appetizing thanks to its its bright colours and sweet smell. It is not too sweet and is soft and well balanced in terms of flavor. Its delicious flavor comes from the usage of santan, a type of coconut milk. If you do buy this make sure you consume it fast or it’ll go bad.

 A murtabak is a stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread with eggs, onion, and garlic and chicken or beef. It is well fried, filled with equal proportions of meat and vegetables and well cooked, and not too oily which make it taste delicious. As for the texture soft on the outside and crunchy and smooth on the inside combined with a nice smell.

The sugarcane juice is cooling and refreshing. It is not too sweet and not too watery. A perfect combination of juice and sugar.

At dawn they returned home,

Their clothes drenched, eye bags visible,

Lugging their bags,

Eyes half open, worries edge their face,

There were nothing but despair.

Time flashes by,

Assignments, due dates, submissions,

Days and nights passes,

Desperately awaiting the long break.

When can they have happiness?

They have live their lives burnt out,

Yearning for gaiety

To live freely without worry.

Flashing back to happy times,

At least they survived the hardships,

With smiles and laughter,

With no regrets.

Till the late night we build our rafts under dimly lit field preparing for the journey the next day. Beads of sweat trickling down our foreheads, we are exhausted and our  arms sore. The grunts, groans, of the participants echoes through the field, as they work in unison to build a raft, strong as rock to withstand the upcoming journey down the river.

Through the dark nights,

Sleepless night and sore,

Staying strong without sighs,

To live amidst the perilous journey

As the morning sun’s rays illuminate the horizon, our facilitators announced the beginning of our journey. We crossed the muddy river bank, each step dragging us down like quicksand. We struggled to and it was like a standstill moving coursing through muddy waters like gelatin. Although it was tough and dirty, we still managed laugh enjoy and splashed water at each other.

Step by step,

Moving through murky waters,

Not knowing what’s below,

We kept moving,

Without signs of worry

The river stretches far ahead as we rowed, not knowing how far the distance left. We just kept rowing and rowing. The warm morning sun now blazing gazed upon us crushing our spirits, draining us of strength. Our skin left sun burnt and dark, still we kept moving.

Crushed by harshness

We lived, laughed, and sigh

Broken out of despair

But never looked back

By dawn we completed our perilous journey. It was tough but worth it. We returned to land after 8 hours in water, all drenched, exhausted and drained. In the end we still had fun, the journey made a lasting impression for the future.

Through hard times

Never complain nor sigh

Adventure gone, memories made

Lasting forever

I returned home after completing a whole load of assignments in a night. The burden of work, back to back for 2 days with little sleep burdens me. Frustrations when the dateline and the work is nowhere finished. Exhaustion fills through me making me feel numb. Just a little rest break will do from all these

Through the dark nights,

Sleepless night and swollen eyes,

Staying strong without sighs,

To live amidst the perilous journey

The first sight was the bed, as soft as cotton, alluring. It calls my desire for a needed rest, drawing me closer. I walked slowly and fell, captivated by its softness slowly as the fan blows cool air as soft as breeze across my skin lifting my burden. My head felt light like a feather.

Body and mind broken,

            Dulled senses, seeking refuge,

   Simple pleasures,

Captivates my desire

Losing myself

As I lay on bed, I felt at peace, silent and calm except the sound of the fan doing nothing. Warm and pleasant I felt, like magnet drains my strength imploring me to stay, resisting my efforts to stay awake. Soon, I fell, down deep into darkness into a long slumber.

Sounds of nothingness

Surrounds me, lulling me

Shutting me away from the world

Into dreams

Why can’t you see me properly trying,
A thousand times I spent crying,
Was it my high expectations,
Or many hesitations.

All those nights I wondered,
Was it me,
Sleepless nights seeps through me,
Making me ponder.

Should I have kept my guard up,
Will I not tear up,
Would I had not broken down,
Looking like a clown.

Still I smile,
Seeing you with him hand in hand,
They say forgetting is an ease if you go the extra mile,
But I couldn’t, can’t do much but stare and stand.