Mount Kinabalu Climb

Dear friends, I am still so excited from my journey despite returning from Kota Kinabalu since July 1, 2012. The climb to the highest mountain in South East Asia on June 30, 2012 was a truly expensive experience that I had ever encountered. It was a Self Satisfaction and Achievement. I had never imagined that I could go through the walk, right from Laban Rata to Low's Peak. Alhamdulillah, I was given the strength and courage by God The Almighty to carry myself -physically, emotionally and spiritually without any difficulties.

 It was not an easy climb, but I have to say that for a person who does not exercise regularly, except walking around the lake for at least eight rounds two months' before the trip, I did GREAT! It is all about the power of your mind, not so much of your fitness. At the end of the day, if you are fit, there is no guarantee that you will be able to reach the peak as you may face the Altitude sickness. Many of the people had actually U-turned when they saw the rope hanging near the cliff and the difficult path they have to go through.

We arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 10.25 am and was greeted by Latif, who was our guide. We had lunch at Centre Point, that was my first ever lunch in Sabah and was then driven to Kundasang which took about 2 hours.

On the way, we stopped over at Jambatan Tamparuli, the well known bridge in Sabah. We were excited to be able to experience a quick adventure walking along Jambatan Tamparuli. All the while, it has always been the song that we have been listening to, now we could actually see how the bridge looks like. Awesome!

 

Before checking-in into the hotel, we dropped by at the Kinabalu Park HQ for our registration after debating in the van whether we shoud take the Timpohon or Mesilau's route up to Laban Rata. We finally agreed, after weighing Latif's wise advice to take the Mesilau route to Laban Rata despite having to walk the extra 2 kilometres. We will then descend via Timpohon after that.  It was a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu from the Park. We could see the Laban Rata Resthouse sitting on top of the mountain, it was such a miniature cabin from where we stood. And yes, we started to think that it is sure going to be a real LONG walk. But that did not kill our spirits at all :P

We had ourselves registered for the next day. We were all so excited to start our walk to Laban Rata which will be 6 kilometres and probably will take 6 hours. But what is more important now is to check-in into a hotel and have enough rest for our adventure to begin in the woods. Kundasang is a real beautiful and tranquil place to be at. I wish that I could spend more time there, just sit outside and let the cool breeze brushes against my face - although it is really cold and freaking freezing especially at night.

Me, Kaklong and Anita shared a room at Cottage Hotel, Kundasang. I have to say that the room was very tight for the three of us, but then it was just for a night stay, so it was alright! We had a sumptous steamboat dinner which was a good source of heat and energy when the weather is really cold. We ended up stuffed and hung out with Latif to hear some stories about Mount Kinabalu in the cold, outside the hotel.

I just could not sleep well throughout the night. Probably was too worried about what is going to happen the next day, and Kaklong kept on waking up coughing and going to the loo. The next day, after breakfast, we left the hotel with mixed feelings but all determined to face the challenges that are ahead of us. Mesilau, here we come.

Upon reaching Mesilau's starting point at Mesilau Nature Resort (located at 2,000 metres above sea level), we were given our packed  lunch - sandwiches, an egg, an apple, a banana and a bottle of mineral water. I am not sure if I would actually eat those but it is better to stock up food than being starved in the woods. We were greeted by our guides cum porters, Rowdy Junik a.k.a Naga and Nickles (spelt with one less "S"). Our bags were weighed before we started walking and ours was 10 kg. That is super heavy to be carried up the mountain but thanks to our guide, we just need to pay RM 100.00 for a return ticket for our bag. Naga and Nickles briefed us a bit on safety and gave us some tips before we took our own paths to Laban Rata.

I took note that in our itinerary it says that "Depending on your fitness level, the 8 km trail's trek takes about 6 to 8 hours for the day". I wonder how long I am going to take now :P But I am so excited to see the different vegetation - from Oak & Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations!

We started our walk with our walking sticks. I rented one for RM 10.00 which I think is quite decent thinking that the money will be channeled to maintain the park, it was worth it. The Mesilau path was so beautiful. There were so many floras and faunas which I took time admiring each one of them. The vegetation changes as you go up higher and higher. Nothing could explain how breathtaking the view was at the top of our climb, but I really thanked God for giving me the opportunity to explore the nature without fearing any wild animals or people stalking me in the middle of the jungle.

We reached the junction where the Timpohon and Mesilau routes meet at 1.25 pm. There were so many people who had followed the Timpohon route, compared to what we have at Mesilau. Many of the guides whom we met complimented us for reaching the junction at a fast speed. But the last 2 kms was sure a disaster and torture and we did not know how long we have to endure the tough ride ahead.

 

 

The journey was not fun at all. It was really tiring although it was only 2 kilometres to reach Laban Rata, but it feels like forever. Not easy at all :(

After much panting up the hill, I could see a hut from far and was so glad that I was almost there (K Long and Idayu have left me behind). Upon reaching, I was about to scream out loud when I had discovered that it was not Laban Rata, but was a place called "Waras Hut". That structure sure have made me "tak waras" for a while! I was cheated and felt so deceived, hah hah.

Not long after walking past the Hut, I came across this signage which had made me so MAD! I spent almost a minute staring at the signage and just felt like unearthing it and throw it far away from me. It did not motivate me at all although it says "10 minutes to Laban Rata Resthouse". 10 minutes at that time felt like 1 hour!! Noie!!!!

So, as not to dampen my spirit, I took my own sweet time walking up the so-called 10 minutes' path admiring the flora and fauna along the walk. Not forgotten, with my long face and jaw dropped to the ground.

 

And finally, after dragging my heavy feet uphill, I jumped with joy when I see the Laban Rata Resthouse. It was only this signage that greeted me at the entrance, and sure the coldness was creeping into my bones. Thank God that I am still alive :P At least I did not have to spend 8 hours of walk :)

Kaklong and Idayu were already seated when I entered the Resthouse. I could smell coffee and food and that made me hungry. So, we decided to order bihun tomyam while waiting for the others to arrive. It was worth ordering the bihun tomyam though (gratis, Kaklong paid for it although it costs around RM 15 I guess). That was the most delicious meal I ever had (not trying to exaggerate here but yes, it was tasty) and what great match does a hot and spicy bowl of noodle makes when you are freezing cold? By the way, the Laban Rata Restaurant is opened at 7 am and closes at 7.30 pm, so for those who arrive after that, there will be no food available, WOOPS!

Most Delicious Tomyam Beehoon Ever!

Everyone else reached Laban Rata before dark except for Wanie. She had asthma attack and could not continue her journey due to the drop in  temperature. So, while waiting for Rowdy and Wanie, we got ourselves cleaned up, but mind you ablution was a torture when you don't have any running water from the tap and it is freezing cold when the water touches your skin. Sunset was a breathtaking view from the deck of the restaurant despite the cold wind that blew into your face.

Since it was already 8 pm and it is too dark for both Kuzi and Wanie to walk up to their hostel, Kaklong had suggested for both of them to bunk into the same room as ours. So, there were 8 of us instead of 6 and I had to share the bed with Kaklong. It was all good and that means we have natural thermal heat, thank God or else I will be a frozen meat by the time I wake up the next day. Wanie had successfully reached the Resthouse not long after we all decided to call the day off. Although exhausted, she was still determined to climb the peak the next morning. The trail that awaits us tomorrow morning, Gambate-kudasai!

Our day started early, as early as 2 am since we have to start our climb by 2.30 am. It is going to be a 2.72 km trail trek and the walk is estimated to take about 3 hours. After a quick snack and a short safety briefing by our guides, we headed for the track and mind you, the coldness just continue to creep into your bones. I was so nervous and was wondering if I could ever reach the top but was praying hard all the while for God to make it possible for me to do so.

I kept on reciting Al-Fatihah and Ayatul Kursi to keep me moving and for protection against any evil spirits etc. while climbing. As the climb gets steeper, more energy is required and we had a few stops to ensure that we do not overdo ourselves. Kaklong was already out of our sight, in fact, she was one of the earliest to reach the top (this is her second climb anyway). Nickles was accompanying all the time while Rowdy had decided to help Wanie. I have to say that the climb up was so super duper interesting as we met so many new friends.

  

STOP OVER AT SAYAT SAYAT CHECK POINT

At one stage, myself and Idayu had to leave Faizal, Anita, Mas, A'an and Kuzi behind since the sun was rising soon. We stopped before St John's Peak for our "menghormati waktu" Subuh prayers with some eyes looking at us going up and down. That was the most memorable moment having to pray at about 4,000 metres above the sea level, on rocks and at a temperature of about less than 5 Degrees.

After solat, we phased ourselves up, just to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from Low's Peak. Although we only need to walk up just another 0.5 km, the drop in temperature had slowed us down and Idayu was at the brink of giving up when we reached the base of Low's Peak. I gave her the motivation to continue on climbing as we cannot afford to be stationary in that cold weather, as it could result in numbness and dehydration. Idayu was just forcing herself up, but with determination, we both made our way to witness the beauty of surroundings from the mountain top. No words could describe how thankful I was to be at the top, and I shed tears of joy and was so proud of myself for achieving what I thought was impossible at first. Alhamdulillah, it was MAGNIFICENT!

We were all posing like corpses, can hardly smile since it is extremely cold up there and we heard someone saying that it was 3 degrees at that time. For my next climb, I will make sure that I hire a make-up artist to tag along and get the best shots at the peak, hah hah. And I was just so unlucky as my camera battery was flat and could not snap as many pictures as I wanted :(

The descending part to me was more difficult than the ascending part, my weight could not hold myself from going down like Jack and Jill, and I was so worried that I might just tumble down to Laban Rata. I met a few Koreans but they were not that friendly though and it tells when I knew that they are North Koreans. I was walking down all alone since the others were busy taking pictures at the top. I just had to leave since my toes were starting to feel numb. It was a breathtaking view as I descended and all the cliffs were so visible that I did not believe that I did went through the same trail before. Oh, that's why we have to walk up in pitch dark so that we won't take a U Turn half way through the journey, hah hah!

I was the first from the group to arrive at Laban Rata and met both Rowdy and Wanie at the base. We had to leave Laban Rata by 10 am or else, we will have to pay RM 100.00 for every hour spent in the hostel. So, after a sumptuous breakfast, we packed our stuff and was all ready to bid farewell to Laban Rata, although we know that we are going to miss the place dearly minus the absence of clean water of course :P

It was the Timpohon route that we have opted this time descending. It was the same trail until we came across the junction where the two routes met. We greeted the other climbers who were going up and gave them free advice and motivation to continue the hike. The vegetation along the Timpohon trail are not as beautiful as the ones we have along Mesilau trail, and since it was going downhill most of the time, the walk was fast and we reached the Timpohon Gate at approximately 1.30 pm and being greeted by the ever smiling Latif.

We then all walked together to the exit gate and bid farewell to the trail and will always treasure the priceless moments we had gone through for the past 1.5 days. We paid our guides the dues and thanked them for being so patient and lovely throughout their company.

Our van left and we headed to the Kinabalu Park HQ to collect our certificates and enjoyed good food at Balsam Restaurant for lunch. After that, we were driven to Kota Kinabalu to check-in into  Marina Court Service Apartment in the smack of the city itself, near the Filipino market. And after that, it was all about eating and shopping until the next day we bid farewell to the one State that I have fallen in love with.

I am looking forward to climb Mount Kinabalu soon via the Ferrata route. I shall miss the happy moments that I have experienced throughout this unforgettable journey and those memories will just flashback on my mind everytime I hear Jimmy Palikat singing Lagu Anak Kampung. I miss you dearly Sabah and I shall visit you again soon, I hope!

And I am sure that IT IS A CLIMB but I am glad that I have done it! Alhamdulillah. To all those who have yet to witness one of God's greatest gift, do it while you are strong because you do not know what you will miss until you discover it!

 

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming, but
There's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm takin'
Every move I make
Feels lost with no direction,
My faith is shakin'
But I, I gotta keep tryin'
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it, but
These are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep goin',
And I, I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on, 'cause

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

Yeah

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
It's the climb

Yeah, yeah

Keep on movin'
Keep climbin'
Keep the faith baby
It's all about, it's all about
The climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Note : You should refrain yourself from climbing if you suffer from Hypertension, Diabetes, Palpitation, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Severe Anemia, Peptic Ulcers, Epileptic Fits, Obesity, Chronic Asthma, Muscular Cramps, Hepatitis (Jaundice)

Sime Darby Teenage Girls' Camp

Hey there, it has been ages since i log onto my blog! Another new chapter in my life as a volunteer has begun. This time, it was a Girls' Camp for the Children of the Sime Darby Plantation Division. It was sure not a holiday, like most friends told me before I left "Enjoy your holiday in Janda Baik!", but a noble work to give back to the society. The "niat" has to be clear for whatever work you wish to undertake, then you will feel that you have accomplished your mission 120%, instead of just 100%.

I was late to meet up with Azdiana at Genting Sempah R&R coz I was so carried away with my Chiro session after work in the afternoon. So, the hike began on March 13th, 2012 at approximately 5.45 pm. It was starting to drizzle as I made my way up to Genting Sempah and thank God i reached the R&R at 6.15 pm, just as promised. Azdiana followed me from the back, very slowly I must say, I had to stop a few times when I did not see her car in my rear mirror.

So, we headed to Camp ABC, Janda Baik which is nestled next to Suria Hill Resort which was my accommodation during a holiday in December last year. There is sure a reason why the camp is called ABC, don't ask me why but obviously they don't sell Air Batu Kacang there =) Upon arrival, we were greeted by the CSR team from GHO and Plantation - Izlin whom I met at the Zoo, Soraya, Nisha, Qisha (so confusing when there are two "Ishas" in the house) and Kak Zura. We were later after Maghrib, treated to some barbequed meal by the host. I met Jasper (the photographer at Zoo) and Nadiah (whom was also at the Zoo) at the canteen. I must say that the sweet potato and ikan keli were my favourite, and it is such a kick when cicah with the air asam. Wala, mama mia!!! Later, after dinner, Nadiah briefed us on the details of the activities which will take place in the next two days.

My forehead was stamped with the word "FACILITATOR" on March 14th, 2012, a word which carries a huge responsibility. I was asking myself could I really facilitate the teenagers or will it be the other way round? This is the first time I am facilitating a group of teenagers, who are 20-25 years younger than me. The last time I was facilitating a group of youth at the age of 25, and that was a solid 13 years ago! God, how time flies :(

The group of girls arrived with excitement, leaving me with so much anxiety looking at their different shapes and sizes, most of them were bigger than me! We were all at the registration counter, checking their attendance and giving them their tees and "door gifts". After morning tea, we started the activities as planned. The first activity which I have to facilitate was the "BUILD YOUR OWN TALLEST AND SOLID STRUCTURE". I was squeezed between the girls from the first group called HAFSGAMS (I think this is how it should be spelt!). It was an advantage to have Goh being the tallest in the group, the girls won the game. Not bad for a first timer like me, so proud of the girls when chosen the winner by Jasper, who was somehow or rather admiring the name which sounded strange.

The two days were filled up with so many beneficial activities for all of us, not only the teenagers. I learnt a lot from the talks and the activities. It was interesting to observe how the girls think when given a task. My first reponse will be more of delegating the work to each team member, but these girls, they just belasah as they wish. Like Nadiah said, this is not a LEADERSHIP or MOTIVATIONAL camp, but I did tell my team to organise themselves when carrying out the tasks. As a facilitator, we were expected to guide the girls in accomplishing their tasks, but at the end of the day, the output is theirs. Originality was the key word in being an outstanding individual or group!

The various talks from the experts - Kak June, Aunty Noni, Chris and Captain Bala were so educational and mind opening to some of the participants, including myself, of course! In less than 48 hours, the girls were equipped with so many useful tips and information for their own survival in the challenging and unpredictable world. I hope that the girls will share all the information with their friends and family members when they return, and use them throughout their lives.

I must say that I am glad to be involved in the camp and the experience that I have gained is so valuable, it cannot be exchanged with any diamonds or pearls (I am not a fan of Gold) in the world. The camp to me, was not only about learning new things, but the bond knitted between all of us from the different divisions matters most and that was a Pow Wow factor that made the event happened! I am looking forward for more of these events to happen in the near future and hope I can do more to give back to the Society once again! Many thanks to Nadiah, Izlin, Kak Zura, K Shida, Nisha, Azdiana, Nabila, all the boys and the speakers who had made the voluntary work worth all the treasures in the world!

Whitney Houston - On My Own - HQ + lyrics

Such an inspirational and motivational song. Thanks Whitney for all the beautiful songs that you have shared with us. Every living soul will find its' way back to the Creator one day.

林俊傑 她說She Says MV(HD畫質)

Life now

I am here in Toyota Segambut waiting for the car alam to be fixed while at the same time watching Amazing Race on AXN channel. Just wanna thank God for giving me the chance to share the love, care and joy from my loved ones - my parents, sibblings and dear Nenek Yam. Both me and Nenek Yam will be heading to Singapore this afternoon, visiting Rohani's parents who have undergone operations recently. It has been ages since i last went to Singapore, i guess it was nearly 20 years ago or probably 30 then with my age crawling to 36 soon on 16th December 2010.

I had been down with flu and fever since Tuesday and still am recovering from it, hopefully soon. Being on the move non-stop, i have somehow or rather exhausted myself and gotten myself in trouble when all the anti-body in me has depleted. Talking about ageing, hah hah.

Still owing a hi-tea with friends who used to be in Sunrise Berhad and with some who are still there before Christmas but looks like it may not happen after all if i do not recover soon. Being with old friends do allow me to reminisce the good days we had together, very valuable memories. I spent almost 8 years in Sunrise and there were just too many sweet memories to be cherished than those which may crush your heart into pieces. So, i have to gear up myself and start looking around for a good spot to lepak with those people whom i have not met for quite a while now.

It is just amazing to see how i have matured from just being a person with zero knowledge in property management and now, with 13 years of experience. But when people belittled you, it is the most hurtful feeling you face and it could just demotivate you. I pray that God will give me the strength and courage to move on and face all the obstacles in life. Insyallah, as far as i have faith, i will not give up easily and will pace myself towards excellence.

Orphanage

Alhamdulillah, today is my third visit to the orphanage at Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Dan Miskin Baitu Saidati Khadijah at Batu 8 3/4, Gombak. Although it was only myself, Moira, Eliyati and Moira's son, we feel good about the whole arrangement as we had managed to ensure that the mattresses were delivered as promised. We only managed to get 8 out of the 15 required but hey, it is better than nothing.

We spent almost 1.5 hours with the children, only a handful of them as most of them are in lullaby land. Iwan, the lead singer sang us a few songs which we do not have any idea what songs were those but then we clapped and cheered along. Moira's son was playing bottle caps with the abang-abang and was interviewed inside. Eliyati seems to be a bit awkward when asked to sit on the floor with the children, she prefered standing all the while. She keeps on saying how sad to see the children being dumped at the centre, and what is worse is that they are mostly Malays. I told Eliyati that the children can be considered as lucky compared to those who live in a worst state.

I really feel at ease when i sit and talk to the children and could feel the love that they shared with us. The love is so genuine and you could feel it in the air. I hope that we can continue to spend our time at the Home again soon as i feel a sense of belonging althought we are not related in any way. May God bless our noble action. Amin.Looking forward for our next project in December 2010,insyallah.

Team Based Culture (TBC)

Hi guys! It has seriously been ages since i made my last entry into my blog. Well, to kill time, i just want to share my exciting days spent with friends from Sime Darby Property a few days ago.

It all started off with an e-mail from HR informing that i had been selected to join the TBC course in Genting View Resort and Kem Ampangan Pecah, Kuala Kubu Bahru for a solid 4 days. As it is my first ever training since i joined SDP on 5th August 2010, i thought that it will be great to be out there instead of just being in the office. Furthermore, when i look at the lists of participants, i have realised that they are all of interesting background being some cooks, banquet personnel, guest officers, and of course 3 other friends from the same department. So i thought that the class module will be kacang, as you cannot expect the cooks to be an expert in management plans etc coz i am not myself.

The days began with waking up at 5 am on 18th October 2010. After my Subuh prayers, i went to my parents' to pick up abah so that he can drive my car back to Gombak after dropping me off at SDCC. So, despite ending up on the wrong road (thanks to abah who had it all confused) but managed to U turn and get into Duke, we reached SDCC at 7.20 am. Almost everyone was there, waiting for registration etc. However, we ended up sitting at the steps, greeting the Management Trainees who were there to attend their classes instead of leaving at 7.30 am. At approximately 8.00 am, our breakfast arrived and we left the place at 8.30 am (one hour later than the scheduled time).

The journey to Genting View Resort started and we reached GVR safely in an hour's time. Stuffing all our luggage at the store room, we headed to our classroom, greeted by Encik Rusli Osman and assitant, Encik Suhaimi. We had our registration and were then handed over our course materials and class started with introduction of the team members. We sang "Wind of Change" when En Roslan came in to give us his words of wisdom, a song that urged us to change for a better future.

The Kawanku session was the first ice breaker where we were given task to get to know 2 other person in the group. So, i was paired up with Ali, the SDCC cook and Ja, the machine operator from IGCC. It was hard at first coz we have to draw caricature of the friend that you are interviewing, who in my case, Ja. Ja, or his real name is Mohd Ariza is 22 years old and was born in Tanah Merah, Kelantan. Being the third in the family of 6, Ja now works in IGCC and has worked there for almost 4 years. Ali, on the other hand, has been with SDCC for quite a while. He reminds me so much of the late Nizam, his hair and the way he talks, so real. And the best of all, the three of us are the middle child or third in the family. That makes us a big triple 3!!!

Days went by, i dreaded most of the classes coz there was too much of brain cracking and presentations. Furthermore, the subjects were not as easy as i thought, silly me!!! On 20th October 2010, after breakfast, we checked out of GVR and headed towards Kuala Kubu Bahru. It was a real hot afternoon, and we started off with our first project "Journey to the Unknown". Lucky us, we did not have to cross the river to point B as the water level was higher than expected confirmed by our trekkers. So, we were considered to have met our target for the said project.

Next was the Hamburger Hill (Heart & Head) project where i was involved with En Haniff, Raidah, Ja & Jee. It wasn't an easy climb though, with the gradient of the hill being at 80 degrees. I went up with the "macho" guys to carry out the site survey. Thank God, there were strong roots and trees for me to hold on to while climbing or else, i would have gone down the hill tumbling like Jack & Jill. I decided to just slide down coz it was much more easier to do that but was being watched by Ja, who was so concerned of his big sister. The climb went well for the other team members as En Hanif had done a great job tying the rope strong enough for everyone to hold on to. We made it before the stipulated time and was awarded bonus to boost our morale.

Next in line was the Survival Kit 1, where we have to locate our lunch. After much negotiation, we were finally given our packed lunch which consisted of : an apple, a packet of Twisties, Chikadees, some candies and asam boi plus egg sandwich. Apparently, i don't even know where is the rest of my food pack until now coz i only took the apple, sandwich and asam boi. We then had our solat break and headed for the next project which is the Journey Across River Kwai.

The journey was not an easy one, although i would say that it is much more kacang then the one that i had in Lumut with the Paskal boys but we all had made it through. Despite many negative comments from the non-management team, the group had managed to achieve the objective and we moved on to our Hoot Hoot Trail. This trail allowed us to go back to the campsite where we had our break and dinner. I helped Ali cook the sardine and vegetables (but it's actually mengacau), coz it is fun cooking with a professional chef.

We left the campsite at approximately past 12 midnight where we were splitted into 3 groups. The Moonlight Sonata project required us to walk alone in the woods to get from point A to point B. I was imagining more like the "Jirat Malam" that i went through with Paskal but then it was nothing like that at all. Alhamdulillah, i had managed to get to the group members in one piece despite the fear of getting lost at first, but i don't mind ending up in Taman Ibu Kota Gombak, my hometown :)

From Moonlight Sonata, we continued our journey to Mission Impossible where we, as a group were given a task to meet the Mayor of Hadyai, to tell him our experiences during the night trekking. All our night missions were successful and we had managed to get all the merits that were promised. Thank God, we had enough money to pay off all our debts to the bank amounting to RM 77 million despite losing out the indoor projects at GVR. Or else, we will end up in the lock-up when we return to KL.

We called off the night sleeping in the tents and for once i had a good night sleep unlike the previous nights at GVR. Woke up at 6 am and did my Subuh prayers, i did not actually had a decent bath. It feels yucky but then who cares? Ah Seng was already busy with his wok, frying his Chinese fried rice which tastes like Heaven. Can still taste the ikan bilis at the tip of my tounge and have to admit that i can't even cook that well. We had our morning briefing with Encik Burn where we shared our experiences on the outdoor activities that we had. I pointed out that we are all dependent on each other and that our weaknesses and strengths complement each other's. However, you should never let the weaknesses that you have to be with you forever but you should transform those into strengths. Unfortunately, there are people who finds that the whole exercise was just another vacation and it is really irritating.

Next on line was the Corporate Survival and the exercise valued at RM 300 million (wish i could have that much money in my bank account). In line with the amount, the project was not an easy one. We went through all the obstacles and stress, from K Ana to the Tok Batin and son. Time passed by and we had failed to meet the time frame given to us to get all information to the customer within an hour. Realising that we have passed that time frame, one of the team members had suggested that we should just return to the campsite and call it off. Me & Lyana were personally pissed off with such a call, as we were all out to take up the challenge and whatever risks to get back whatever money we have lost.

Since the Tok Batin wanted an ibu to help him make kopi & susu since his "wife" passed away in an accident involving our RM 300 million Ferrari car (which did not pass the QC and was stolen out of the show room), i suggested that Nonie should give a helping hand. Wala, must be the Tongkat Ali kopi, Tok Batin gladly passed us an information to find "One Tanah Merah" which is hidden on the ground near the walls. Nonie had suggested that we should be looking out for a watermelon as the subject was described as "Round, green, stripes and on the ground" and someone had also said that our watermelon at the campsite went missing. Hanif managed to locate the watermelon at the end and horah, we all had managed to clock out our last project.

What does the watermelon depicts? Encik Burn said that it depicts "rezeki yang halal". We sang to the tune of "That's What Friends Are For" at the end, shaking hands with each other, some even shed tears knowing that it will be the end soon for all of us. We walked back to the campsite, did our housekeeping and bid our last goodbye to the fishes in the river by feeding them Ah Seng's leftover nasi goreng. After a group photo, we walked back to the main camp and had our shower and got ready for our last class.

I was so down upon entering the class, with mental block that we were all required to summarise on certain areas for our last presentation. But, we had managed to pull our resources together and summarised all the points, although they do not make any sense due to lack of attention and focus. It was another round of "That's What Friends Are For" and "Wind of Change" and we hugged and embraced each other. With the graduation tokens and certificates from the CCT Management, we walked out of the room with a mixed feelings of proud, tired, sad and relieved that we are finally going back to our own homes.

Upon reaching SDCC, we were greeted by our own HOD, Puan Norlida who looked stunning in her black cocktail dress. We were glad that we were home, and so was she. We were welcomed back by Hajah Marini and Wafi and were then presented with TB caps as a symbol that we have completed the whole journey. After supper, we all headed home, hoping that the memories that we had during the TBC will be cherished forever.

To all those whom i have known during the 4-days course namely Joe, Ja, Jee, Ju, Dila, Hanif, Hamzah, Baha, Lyana, Oi Ying, Kevin, Raidah, Nornie, Hafiz, Sue-E, Syu, Khairul, Khairil, Ali, Ah Seng, Wan, Syed, Kamarul and Syukri, i just want to tell all of you that you guys are FABULOUS and i will always treasure every single second spent together. We made it through despite all the arguments and obstacles as we believe in ourselves that the ImPOSSIBLE, is POSSIBLE, after all. To all our facilitators namely En Roslan (sorry to say that you sounded more French than Italian), En Rusli & Roseffindi - thank you for being such a support. To all our trekkers; En Suhaimi, Hazri (i think so), Kak Ana, En Burn and Tok Mut - you guys are the best!!!

Every step that we take is a lesson for us. In life, you have to face the ugly side of it to be able to enjoy the beauty later. May what we have learnt during the course make us stronger and bolder in life and always remember that "A Hero Lies in You". God Bless everyone.

Missing all of you and lots of hugs and kisses, Baya.

Well you came and open me and now there's so much more i see
And so by the way I thank you


Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know these words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember


Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times, and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/dionne_warwick/thats_what_friends_are_for.html

Marriage

The ups and downs of life around me always make me think what is going to happen to me - next? Will there be a rainbow or will there be dark clouds? Only God knows. Marriage is a sacred bond between two lives, a husband and a wife. It is not easy to maintain a relationship, what more a marriage? However, i believe that a marriage can be a wonderful experience throughout someone's life if respect and honesty are being practised all time.

When you are not with your partner after being together for years, it is not easy to face reality. True that reality BITES!! However, if it is fated that the paths that had crossed between you and your partner discontinue, then you will just have to swallow the bitterness and move on with life. Whatever happens, always remember that you are still fortunate to have gone through marriage life compared to those who are still single out there and that you are more matured and wiser in certain things. Let it be a lesson for you to move on because you do not know how long more you are going to be living on Earth.

As for me, i have to face whatever is the fate written for me and move on with life. Insyallah, there is a reason for everything that happens to you. May God give me the strength to go on. Amin

Jogjakarta Trip

Wow! It has really been a long time since I last wrote in. It's because I have forgotten my blog name. Silly me! Just want to share the experiences from my recent trip to Jogjakarta and Solo in March 2010 - almost 2 months ago :)

Thanks to Sheli for sponsoring my air ticket, accommodation etc, i get to learn the hardship of the others in that part of the world. I am glad that i had the chance to see with my own eyes on how lucky i am to be in my own country, whilst the others may wish that they could be where i am. There are a lot of things that we always take for granted when we are in our own birthplace and when we go elsewhere where life is not as luxurious back home, we feel totally helpless and hopeless.

Important is that for all of us to thank God for every single thing especially gifts that we have been granted as the gifts will one day be taken away from us. I would love to share the lovely pictures of our trip to Jogja and Solo with everyone. The mountains are one place you guys should not miss and of course one of the wonders of the world - Borobudur :)

Overall, the whole trip was a mesmerizing one - from hotel to the food (execpt when i have to force myself eating talapia - urgh) to the people to the shopping and all. Do pick Jogja & Solo as your next trip destinations. Enjoy the beauty of the untouched world while you can :>

What i am sure of is that my dad was very happy to be able to reminisce the life of his ancestors in Kebumen and he may want to make a trip there if he is able to find someone he knows there. I wish him all the best and at the same time, wish that i could make the trip there too.