Making a statement for my 27th birthday

At most of the time, I'm telling people I don't really care for that age is just a matter of number. If I really want it to mean something, I simply say that it shows we've gain yet another year of wisdom and experiences where nobody could have had the same! And me, I've decided to make my second attempt to Mount Kinabalu on my birthday this year. Prior to the climb, everything just doesn't seem right.. things kept pouring in with various obstacles. From not obtaining the climb booking on the desired date, to flight tickets unavailability to almost missing the flight to Sabah! Wow! That was so close!

Anyway, good thing that all went smooth, just some obstacles.

It all begin with the journey to KL where I met with Jean again after seeing him off for almost a year! I have no better words to express my gratitude to have him around in this trip. Next, I am very thankful that my dear brother has offered his rooms for us to spend a night in KL. Knowing that we have so many people departing for Sabah, it's a blessing too that my sis agreed to lend her car for us to begin our journey with.

Beginning from 30th March, it's about waking up at 5am for shower, breakfast and heading to airport! For this, we almost missed the flight... thank to the GPS. Gosh... well, at least we made it to catch the flight ^.^

When we touched down in Kota Kinabalu, we spent the very first day exploring KK city centre on our own feet! It's a continuous walk for at least 5 hours, thanks to the car provider who couldn't keep his promise to deliver the car on time. Well, it was our fault too as we made a last minute request. I learn a lesson here, but it's still a good one. And this was the only night where we had all sort kind of seafood! One of the most rare thing we had, the stone fish! Looked spooky but taste great! What more, their bone turned green when it's exposed to air!

Here comes the second day where we woke up at 4.30am to catch the bus for water rafting session! All the way to Beaufort and down to the memory lane... a very special kind of train we sat in to get us to the Pangi station to begin with the water rafting. The weather was so good that I tanned my skin on that very day. I could have soaked myself in the river at all time if such choice was given @.@ Overall, there was good view.. and good compliment from the guide "You're a good paddler". Well, that made my day. Guess my past experiences have eventually made me a better paddler now ^.^ However, the whole water rafting was shorter compared to the one I had last year. Well, I guess I will be missing that whole lot now! It was at this time that I realised I needed a new backpack! So, without any delay, I went to the shopping centre nearby to hunt for one - although I have not made my decision whether to get a porter for carrying my backpack or to carry my own. So, I bought one. Actually, before I went to hunt for the backpack, I dropped by in a cake house to grab some snack and my colleague was there! He told me to keep quiet so that no one knows that I saw him there. I didn't suspect anything, but I told him that, "Don't worry, I'm here to grab some snacks and the ladies are in the room having their instant noodles!" My intention was to let him know that he doesn't have to worry of anyone knowing that he's getting extra food. And it seemed that it somehow led to another information leakage, he told me to keep the secret that I saw him buying a cake there!~ Crap... such coincident?! Well.. that's why I never really believe that I will have much surprises in my life ^.^

Towards the evening, we managed to find a new spot for dinner - right next to the seaside. Well.. while eating, all light went off.. you could have guessed it right now, it was the Earth Hour! Haha... poor us.. we have to eat in dark that evening. The mosquitoes have somehow showed their mercy on us where none bite us despite the good opportunity they had that evening.

Once when we reached hotel, I took my shower and the room seemed to be crowded. Everyone was in the room playing games and performing their own chores. When Jean mentioned that he needed to get something from room, I led him to the door. A while later, bell rang and "Special delivery"! Wow.. a cake and a bottle of red wine! What a night ^.^ Thanks, everyone!

Now, time to sleep and everyone is expected to be awake by 5am the next morning! It's the climb! The transfer turned up late. It's okay, at least we still make it to the Timpohon Gate, though it's an hour later. With my new backpack, I've carried a load that weighted about 6kg. Phew.. I was still undecided whether to get a porter service. But when we were sent to the Timpohon Gate, we realised it was too late to get any... That was how I ended up making another breakthrough to carry my backpack this round. The journey begin. Jean was obviously F.A.S.T where he was taking only about 2 to 2.5 hours to finish the 6km trail! And the rest of us, well.. I shouldn't elaborate more. But I guess I'm doing way better this time compared to last year as I kept moving consistently even though it's slow. But hey, I went passed quite a number of people as well! With the weight on my back, I'm quite satisfied with myself though ^.^ After several hours, it's 'Hello Again' to Pendant Hut! For this time, I didn't take my lunch nor snacks along the way. It's only plain water for the entire journey and yet, it's refreshing.

After an exhaustive morning, went through the via-ferrata briefing and took a shower. Dinner before 6pm and off to bed by 7pm! This time, I couldn't really sleep well and woke up every 2 hours or so until I decided to wake up at 1am and not trying to sleep anymore. Getting ready for the final round of climb and begin at 2.15am ^.^ My new headlamp was working perfectly and I love it! At least not as troublesome as the torchlight I brought last year. Along the way, saw a wonderful starry sky... and that reminded me of 'Vincent' - "..for they could not love you, but still your love was true. And when no hope was left in sight on that starry starry night, you took your life as lovers often do. But I've could told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you..." Wow.. mesmerizing! Exactly the same like last year, as I climbed, I took off my layer of jacket and kept it in my bag for I was beginning to feel hot as I move up ^.^ But I did not cover my face this time, which eventually caused my lips to crack right now and they're still bleeding until today. All the way up to the Low's Peak, I was back to the same spot once again, a day after my birthday, almost a year after my first climb! Everything doesn't feel the same anymore. From the water rafting to the climb.. it doesn't really feel the same. Perhaps it's hinting me that it's time that I look for a new kind of challenge now. But I'm glad that I did it once again, with better stamina this time.

At 6.30am, we rushed for our via-ferrata session! Yeay! Did it! Exhausting but fun! We had two strong men leading the team and therefore, the remaining two of us did our best to follow the pace! Tiring but great! This was definitely something different. And with the help of both Jean and Tom, I have an unforgettable bridges crossing! Thrilling! It's more than via-ferrata for that ^.^

When everything's over, it's back to Timpohon gate time again! Well, that was definitely torturing! Nothing changed for this part ^.^ And that's how I ended up with my muscle ache now, but I love it! As to the rest of the team members, everyone made it and added an interesting chapter to their life book. For Jean, I believe so it's not as challenging, but I'm glad that he's at least enjoying it ^.^ Thanks again for everything, guys! ^.^


Also with a short video made by Jean: http://youtu.be/FeMXmJkA3j8