Sunday, June 30, 2013
After a night of thunderstorm
The source of nature is able to accommodate the needs of human beings back then. But look at today, we are digging more and more resources from the mother earth. To balance it, we should have return what we have taken, but wait... what did we return? The fancy packaging to attract consumers and ends up as a non-recyclable rubbish in the dump site? Tonnes of paper kept for at least 7 years before we can at least send it to recycle centre so that records are available when needs arise?
I can't stop thinking. My pair of hands are very dirty, this pair of hand can't even be compared to those pair of hands that are really covered with dirt for the sake of planting or protecting the mother earth. I dare not even to think, annually, how many tonnes of waste have I disposed? But at least, I'm proud to say that I have never waste my food.
I am sorry, mother earth. For I have ill-treated you and not doing much good for you. I feel worse when I come to think that our next generations are going to deal with the waste we have leave behind for them. Come to think about this, I believe that this is the beginning of the generation of greed for we tend to stop thinking for our future when we realise there is not much we have done to hand a good future for our children.
Why education when conscience does not exist? And my heart weeps till the day that I finally do my very best part to be the eco-buddy of the nature :"(
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
For the longest time
Now back to the key point of 'for the longest time'.
1. What have I not been doing for the longest time?
2. What have I been liking for the longest time?
3. What have I wanted to do for the longest time?
4. What have I been forgetting for the longest time?
5. What have I kept for the longest time?
6. What have I been missing for the longest time?
And the list goes on and on. When I start questioning myself on all of this, I realise that I've forgotten many that I sometimes lead an auto pilot life. Just a couple of days ago, I was filing all my utilities bill and official documents. When I come to the World Vision file, I can't help but to remind myself there's something I've not forgotten, but avoided to do, yet, pretended that I'd forgotten. What was that? To write letters to our sponsored children. Why avoid? I sure believe I do have sufficient time to do that. But I seemed to have many excuses for not doing it. One minute, I got hooked up on the internet, the next minute, I got hooked up with gym, and the next hour with television (gosh, this sure is a 'killer'). Was it really that hard to get those letters written?
N.O. It isn't hard at all. The hardest part, which is also the easiest, is to do it with all my heart. In another word, with sincerity. Oh gosh! Have I lost my heart? Have I lost my sincerity? As I type and type, I realise, I've been lazying too much and relied heavily on the 'auto-pilot' mode for my life, that many things that I've done and went through meant nothing. Wow. How long has that been? I don't know. But I can't do much to change the past. All that I have is now. It's time to stop the auto-pilot mode and take charge of my journey. I guess the auto-pilot mode was my scapegoat in case if anything goes wrong. And that's totally wrong! Bad me, naughty me, thoughtless me! It probably went on and off for the past 3 years. Until now, that I'm ready for it. Nothing should stop me from turning into the manual mode. Bonne chance!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The rusty brain
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Pelindung Hill, finally, after almost a year...
It is of course, my precious weekend. And I've made full use of my weekend today. Managed to wake up 'early', got ready and head off to Pelindung Hill. After the fireflies sighting trip last night in Cherating, I'm very sure that I must get in touch with the nature even more. Thus, kept my promise to myself to wake up no matter how, and go for the walk uphill.
It was cloudy, it drizzled, and finally, it rained... But well, it was all good. For the beautiful sound of nature, the cry of the crickets, the chirping morning birds (this reminded me of the song by Cat Steven, 'Morning has broken'), and the precious sound of the rain in the rainforest.
I know, it isn't quite a rainforest, but it is remaining as original as it could be, I can't complain more, despite of the telecommunication towers that have been built for so many years up there. Still, I get to get in touch with the mother nature very closely and enjoyed the incredible chill in the morning! Love that - after so long...
As it started to rain when I was getting closer to the mid junction part, the rain started to pour in. And that was when I started to grab my phone and recorded the sound of nature, and some photos. Soothing, cooling. It could be incomparable, but it sure was as good as being in the bed and snuggling in the blanket!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
A year of wonder, and a year to wonder and ponder
| *Keep believing, that's where the strength is |
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| *The sky was still bright at 10.00pm, minus the sun ^.^ |
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| *The music festival over the summer in St Macaire |
Sometimes I think to myself, I am so small, as small as a micro-dust in this world (not to mention, the universe), yet, I am a significant being - to something, someone, in somewhere. Everyone has their own value, and that includes all living being in this world. Therefore, all of us deserve respect. It was so much that I'd experienced for the past 12 months that I'd somehow slowed down in my plan. Hence, have not done much up to now. But well, it wouldn't be long till I start being active again. This, I promise myself ^.^Saturday, April 7, 2012
Blessed
A few days before and after my birthday, I've got additional treasure ^.^ First, I went for a book fair for 3 consecutive days and spent about RM 400.00 for the pile of books I have in my bedroom now - it could have cost me about 10X of the figure stated for their original price. Wow! I love the books and they will surely keep me busy for quite some time! Next, a brand new tumbler to assist me in saving the environment as well as cost of drinking Starbucks. Later, a few free meals and drinks at Starbucks with a brand new card. Cool! Now, I'm so glad ^.^
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Making a statement for my 27th birthday
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.
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
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ending the 4 days trip in Bali
After the water rafting, we were back on our journey for... shopping! Gee... for me, it's really too much of shopping I must say. On top of that, at least 90% of the things were repetitive. Hence, does not really fancy the shopping session. We dropped by in Tanah Lot, and there goes another massive shopping session. Whew... Anyway, there were many different experiences in each of these places. Earlier in Ubud, it wasn't a good place to bargain and ended up not buying for you'll get some really bad looking faces or worse still, scolding... whoops! As for other places we go later, the locals were much better and friendly. such as Sukawati. Bargain all you want! In fact, I happen to be in about 1 or 2 stalls which do not require any further bargain. Because they simply offer the best price, of which my cousins had to bargain for more than 10 minutes for the same price. In fact, when I buy more, they gave me discount without having me to ask! I do miss that 2 stalls for they were really nice people.
It was indeed a great place! Quiet and pleasant! They served wonderful breakfast alongside with melodious music... I couldn't agree more that it was a great place to lie down and have a good nap or read a book! That, I call the best way to be back to yourself, a moment of self-reflection ^.^
Over the last day, we checked out and had our very first walk in Kuta area. And voila, it's shopping time again. I did not buy anything and simply walked and walked and walked and walked... But... I had an ice-cream... the hazelnut with rum! It was incredibly tasty! I wish I get to taste it again... yum... no, this shouldn't be the right sound for it. It should be 'sluRp'! ^.^
The massage and SPA somehow marked the end of our journey in Bali for this round. And some personal thought to chip in... as we travelled over the island where most call her a paradise... I had a moment of self-reflection.
I saw uncountable masterpiece on the island and all these, were produced with perfect passion! However, they were not sold at an any much higher price, comparing to some 'masterpieces' that were well recognised, with their creators' name on.
People behind these art shall deserve a good respect from me... if not us. I learn to appreciate every single tiny thing I encounter, once more... Thank you, Bali ^.^
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 2 in Bali
When we were there, and here we come! The sunrise, the dolphins! I recalled that we used to be taught on the right word to describe a group of dolphins... now, dear teacher, I can make a very good use of the word for the very first time. I saw many schools of dolphins! Oops, did I use the word in the right way? I really can't say that I saw a school of dolphins for we really saw many dolphins everywhere this morning! On the surface of the sea water and right beneath our boats as well. It was great!
What more after the sunrise and dolphins? Breakfast of course! Simple yet filling American Breakfast and English Breakfast. By the way, the orange juice we had was rather salty. One, we asked for orange juice without sugar. Two, we suspected that it was salty due to the water source which could be from the sea ^.^ We don't know for we didn't ask.
Next, we headed to Kintamani for the volcano mountain view. Simply good ^.^ And... before that, this morning from 5.30am onwards till noon about 2.00pm, I was still walking on my barefoot! Haha... ooh well.. that's an insane thing to do. When we visited the garden where we can get Luak Coffee, the walking paths were filled with sharp tiny stones everywhere. Phews... sweat! ^.^
Finally after that, I manage to get a new pair of slippers. Finally...
Next thing, we were in Ubud and had our lunch. I was having my own share of lunch at Bumbu Bali while my companions were trying out the Babi Guling dishes next door. Ain't too sure how it tasted, again, but the outlet was incredibly crowded!~ As for my side, simple and nice vegetarian dish with jackfruit and tempe. That dish was really good and... I'm missing it now.
After the lunch, there goes our whole evening! Shopping! Lots of thing to be packed now. So, guess I shall keep things posted tomorrow evening (if there is wifi available in the hotel we are going to check in tomorrow). Else, let's catch up later when all of use are back in Malaysia ^.^ Ooh by the way, it's another adventure tomorrow! Water rafting! ^.^
P/s: Monkeys are all over my sane mind now... goSh... ^.^
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 1 in Bali
Right, we've touched down in Bali! Our first day and we were greeted by a great local tour, Casena. Apparently, some of us missed his name and called him Caseno accidentally ^.^
However, many people are heading to this very beach which had appeared on the cinema screens many months before this. I guess about 95% of the visitors are foreigners, including ourselves. Except that we weren't there with our bikinis but about 90% were there with their bikinis and sun bathing. Ooh yes, many were doing the surfing there as well. How I wish I am doing that too!
Next, we headed to Pura Uluwatu from there. Here, we grabbed a quick snack food, the local satay! It's made of pork. Well, it contains the pork and liver as well. Don't ask me how it tastes, if you have ever had a meal with me, you know that I can't have meat in my mouth ^.^ But I saw everyone was enjoying the food ^.^ So, it must be good.
And there we go, entering the temple area! No shorts, but cloth was provided to cover all those who were in shorts or hot pants. This place was filled with monkeys. No intention to feed any of the monkeys, but I must admit, they are much alike a human, they have naturally gelled hairstyle! Phew! Cool!
Before we entered, we were warned that no earings, no necklace, simply, no anything to enter this area. Yes, we were warned! It offers a wonderful sunset view over the cliffs... but what do you know next? One of the many handsome monkeys hugged my leg, and my natural reaction was to kick the monkey away, and the next thing... when I lifted my leg, the monkey pulled off my slipper! Argh!! Now, I don't get the slipper back anymore. So, I decided to leave the other side of my slipper there. Tips here, no shining, shimmering, fancy stuffs to enter this area! Don't put yourself at risk! Eew... why would a monkey hug me? "-_- For the sake of the shining deco on my slippers! Good job! Now I really fall in love with the monkeys... And so, I was walking on bare foot from 6pm to 11pm today ^.^
Final destination of day 1, Jimbaran for seafood! Wonderful night view and ambiance for a romantic dinner! I couldn't agree more to this! Ain't cheap but it's a great place for a dinner on the beach with waves and cooling wind, fine sand... simply back to nature ^.^
Alright, I guess I could have written more. But, will just have to put a stop at the moment. Will have to wake up in about 2 hours for a long journey on dolphin watching activity tomorrow morning. Cheers friends ^.^




