Hadji - Let's get religious for a moment... in it's physical sense, this Arabic word (also spelled "hajji") is bestowed upon a Muslim who has made pilgrimage to Mecca.

In the Malay context, however, the word is NOT only spelled differently (it is "Haji" or "Hj" for short) but it has also taken a pseudo-secular twist and unquestioningly accepted as a status symbol, along with every other conceivable thing that involves the spending of large sums of money and, of course, it goes without saying that going on a pilgrimage will set you back a tad. This would probably explain why some proprietors would choose to commercially announce this new-found status by naming their businesses "Haji..." something or another!

Another reasoning behind this commercial announcement is a marketing ploy that presupposes the concept of association, namely, "trustworthiness by association!" A Hadji, after all, has cleansed himself of all evil and looks forward to the straight and narrow and is, therefore, trustworthy.

Haggle - It's a way of life!

We, Asians, do love to haggle over prices... even in departmental stores, especially when the salesperson happens to be within earshot!

Sometimes it is worth pondering if the "art" of haggling isn't actually an alternative form of communication. If you understand the local culture, you'll NOT be surprised that "haggling" is the Asian way of "breaking the ice" and the chance of it developing into a full-blown conversation is highly probable.

So, even if the likelihood of getting a "discount" is absolutely remote, don't be daunted! Haggle away!

Caution, there is a limit to haggling!

For some strange reasons, we, Asians, find it bad form to haggle over prices in restaurants. If we are at the "weighing-counter" in one of those fresh-seafood restaurants and are charged, say, RM 150.00 for a kilogramm of lobster, then this is obediently accepted, as though it is the Gospel truth. A demeanour that is totally foreign in the wet-markets!

Halal - In all likelihood, you are bound to find the word "halal" being prominently displayed at certain food outlets, or, less prominently, on food packets... although you might not be aware of this because, sometimes, it only appears in Arabic!

If you happen to be a non-Muslim, then this wouldn't interest you one least bit, unless you also happen to practice Judaism.

On the other hand, if you happen to be a Muslim then you'd know why, shouldn't you? So, there is no need to explain any further, is there?

But, for the benefit of those observing Judaic Laws... "halal" is "kosher" for you!

Harvest - This signals the end of the paddy planting season. Although there are no specific timetables, but, between the months of November-January, it is time to gather the paddy stalks and reap the benefits of half-a-year's toil.

Traditionally, this was a time of much joy and much economic growth. Debts were settled and consumerism peaked. There was an atmosphere of merriment among the happy inhabitants, especially the children, that was pleasantly infectious, in which you can't help but feel in your heart... and the only tears shed would be the tears of joy!

Nowadays, after the harvest, the most noticeable are the abrupt appearance of large numbers of the road-menacing buffaloes let loose to roam and that nerving-wrecking sleep-depriving low, humming noise!

Hindu - A Hindu is someone who practises Hinduism, which has its roots in India.

Hindus celebrate Deepavali -- a festival of lights -- and is a national public holiday.

They also celebrate Thaipusum, which is yet another public holiday in some of the 13 Malaysian states! So, despite being a small minority, they have 2 religious festivals that are nationally recognized. A recognition not accorded elsewhere in the world... not even in India! And yet, there are those "knowing without learning" people in white-houses who castigate us for, by their presumptions, practising religious intolerance. What a bummer!

The majority of Indians, living in Langkawi, are found around Kisap area, noted for its former glory of having the largest rubber plantations and, presently, for its splendid Hindu temples.

History - Reportedly, one of the earliest known document about Langkawi was written by a French General, Augustin de Beaulieu.

Dated 1621, the "L'Histoire General de Voyages XXXIV" mentioned "Lancachui" as being a popular port of call among the pepper traders.

From historical records, Langkawi has always been under the control of the Sultan in Kedah except, between 1821-1839, when the Kedah-Siam conflict resulted in the occupation by the Siamese forces.

In 1841, with the conflict over, the Sultan was allowed to return to Kedah by consent of the then King of Siam, Rama III.

Fifty years later, in 1891, the new King of Siam, Chulalongkorn, visited the kingdom of Kedah, where his impressions were duly recorded, in which he wrote about Langkawi as having sufficiently recovered from the earlier conflict with a thriving agriculture sector, especially paddy and coconut productions. Also mentioned were the legends of Tasik Dayang Bunting and Gua Cerita, that was narrated to His Majesty by the island's chieftain, Wan Mat Saman, but... surprise, surprise... there was no mention of that most famous of the Langkawi legends, Mahsuri and the curse of 7 generations.

On the other hand, Tunku Abdul Rahman, in his book, The Curse of Mahsuri, stated that following Mahsuri's execution, in 1829, the Siamese forces invaded Langkawi which left the island in total destruction and devastation. A claim, quite absurd, on account of Langkawi already being under Siamese occupation during that period, 1821-1839!
Evidently, one is a legend and the other is... a historical fact!

As always, if the facts don't find the legend... change the facts!

Honeymoon - Believe it or not, Langkawi must be about the (almost!) perfect place for a honeymoon -- if the traditional meaning of honeymoon is taken into consideration, of course!

Hospital - Langkawi is fortunate to have a nice, comfortable, and modern hospital. But, doctors are hard to find! This shortage of doctors is, basically, a nationwide problem.

Any doctors out there keen to volunteer and work in government hospitals?

There are several private medical practitioners on the island and their consultation fees are almost similar to that of dentists.

Hygiene - The general standard of hygiene is okay-lah, an apt expression considering it is the Malaysian standard that is here used as a yardstick... well, it has to be, because the Health Ministry officials are, supposedly, to make their presence felt by checking up on food joints for any violations of the health code -- whatever that is -- once in every six months!

In theory, at least, but in practice and in keeping with the civil servant mentality, these health officials would only conduct their inspections prior to big major events such as L.I.M.A. which comes around once every couple of years.

And, to think that Langkawi has, just last year, been declared, among many others, a Healthy City.