Vist to NEWater Plant

Newater has always been a pride of Singapore product... a signature that we casn survive independantly under the threat of Malaysia.

Hurray!!!! Hurray!!!

How not to be proud!!!

Challenge of 44 - Reverse Trans Jerging Day Trek

44 is the year of reborn. I choose to go for the trek on this day instead of lying on the beach. The terrane starts from Mossy Garden of Cameron, summit Gunung Irau, descend deep into the pristine valley between Irau and Suku , ascend Suku Summit and then exit to Simpang Pulai

From 22nd 9:00am to 23rd 6:00am, it's a 21 hours messy, sleepless, hungry, thirsty, tiring trek... but NO REGRETS! New challenge, new job, new life...
谢谢千手千眼观世音菩萨广大圆满无碍大悲心佗罗尼。
南无大悲观世音菩萨。南无大悲观世音菩萨。南无大悲观世音菩萨。

End of 长假 - Phuket

Before starting my new job, I brought mum for a short trip to Phuket. It symbolise that as the trip ended, it is also the end of my 长假. 

Thanks to 千手千眼观世音菩萨 who give me the chance of reborn. I have great expectation of my new career 😃

Kathmandu

Domestic flight, Tara, does not takes off everyday especially during this season. 

Finally, the EBC is coming to an end. My life is never smooth...

Sad: Faced a lot of technical and communication difficulty in changing air ticket home early :(

Happy: Sister-in-law manage to call Silk Air to secure a seat for us :)

Happy: The domestic flight took off as per scheduled. No delay :)

Worried: Our luggage was misplaced and still left in Lukla. Worse of all, there is no more flight that day due to the bad weather 

Happy: A chopper was arranged to pick up our bag and transfer to international airport  :)

Happy: Domestic and International airport is just 2 streets away. I can run over to confirm our air ticket to Singapore while Shinta stayed in domestic airport to wait for luggages.

Panic: No one at the counter speak English and they just direct me from counter to office and then back to counter and office again. If the ticket cannot be confirmed, it will be voided and we will need to buy a new ticket home. 

Angry: Shinta took such a long time to cross over from domestic to international airport.

Reluctant: Shinta was panic and wanted me to pray again... but I only wanted to reserve my prayer for career. What are luggages to me? They can be lost but I cannot afford to lose any opportunity to get a new job.  

Happy: After ticket and luggage are settled, I rushed back to hotel to collect our belongings. On the way, bought 2 trekking pants

Happier: Didn't get to meet the guide. No need to give him tips. His service does not deserve a cent from me.

Happiest: Flight to Singapore took off. Bye Nepal... forever!!!!

Hope it is a symbol that I will get a new job.

Phakding (2804m)

Started with a slow walk with Shinta initially and I realise that she can really walk like snail. Now, I understand why the guide is so rude and mad with her. 

We started from a patience to an argumentative walk. If only she can walk faster, we could have save a day in the mountain, and save the additional guide charges of USD45 pax.

Simple terrain that can actually be achieved it in lesser days.

Namche Bazaar

Initial plan is to by pass Namche and go straight down to Josephlin, but Shinta is such a 摸姐 that we started 2 hours late in the morning and throughout the journey, was slowed down for her photography moments. Well, "conflict of interest". I should have come alone! 

Gorak Shep (5200m) - EBC (5364m) & Kala Patthar (5555m)

Day 12 (20/08/2012) Lobuche trek to  - walk Everest Base camp -2 hrs/7 hrs.

Day 13 (21/08/2012) Gorak Shep –climbs up to  and descend to Pheriche (4200m) – total 8.5 hrs.

Hurray!!!! It snows in the morning, when we climb up to Kala Patthar at 6am. The snow flake are so light and tiny. 

We could have feel more if we left at 4am, as per planned.

My greatest regret is that I turned back 200m just before the Kala Patthar summit because I saw Shinta dragging herself and our poor porter up. She cannot make it to the top.

 

Reached the base camp with a German girl and her porter. I am paying my guide to ignore my safety and rest in that comfortable guest house.

 

A rescue team is here.... this time not for me.... and it will never happen on me again.

Shinta and our poor porter.... crawling way behind me  

There are less fog on the second day at Kala Patthar, but too bad, we do not make the second attempt up... because we cannot afford Shinta pace. We need to move down to catch my flight home.

Lobuche (4900m)

Rocks again!!!!!!

The rock dessert looks different under the vast white clouds

Dzongla (4800m)

Rocky path to Chola Pass (5300m). As compare to Thorung La Pass, this is less scenic & challenging

This is the high pass? I only get to know that when I reached the guest house.

On the high pass (5300m), ices are thin and you can see water running through. Shinta is nervous but I find it amazing. Everyone was tense up... I believe I still have a long journey of suffering ahead, my life will not end so easily and beautifully.

Initial plan is to rest at Lobuche, but the lazy guide pretended to be sick and we had to spend a night at Dzongla. This is what I call "leave us with no choice" because there is no negotiation ground. Nepalese is really ugly in this trip.              

Thangna (4800m)

AC is beautiful and EBC is just rocks... the beauty of Nepal is not consistent

Didn't manage to get another porter at Thangna, which means we only have Nissan to carry 40kg of our backpack to cross the Chola Pass. Why the guide can't help to share load? For this issue, has a disagreement with Shinta. I wanted a porter and don't mind paying Rps5000, but she thinks Rps3000 is the maximum we should offer. 
In Thanga, she forgot what she said then and blame me for "leaving her no choice but to turn back". I was lost in words. To recall about it now, it piss me off. If I were to come alone, this is not even in my least concern because my bag would not even exceed 8kg

Gokyo (4790m)

EBC is a rocky trek. However, you may find yourself in an oasis after walking a distance. Gokyo is well known for its 3 lakes and another 2 hidden lakes.

A buddha was sitting on the Gokyo Ri (5483m) summit. I recite 大悲咒 a couple of times, hoping that I can get a job soon. 

Gorgeous! This is Gokyo Ri.

After coming down from Gokyo Riz, Shinta and me went to look for the forth and fifth lake. Due to the heavy fog, we almost lost our way back. I know God will bring us home.... but God never bring my cap home :(  

Machhermo (4500m)

Short and easy walk from Dole to Machhermo. Actually we can easily trek from Namche to Machhermo within a day.... but that Nepalese guide wanted to earn a day

That guide spoilt my trekking mood but Mother of Nature makes the trek memorable

At the hill top, I faced north, south east and west reciting 大悲咒. I am desperate for a career that can make me glow.... nope, nope nope, I am actually desperate for an opportunity to glow my career

Dole (4200m)

Snow mountains appear, disappear, appear, disappear... as the fogs move 

This is the valley that separates Gokyo and EBC. Chola Pass is the high pass that links the 2 summits together... That's make up the Everest circuit.

After the praying ceremony, people start to hold up the frame of the door. So, the door is up before the building is up

Namche Baazar (3440m)

Notices put up at the entrance checkpoint of Namche Bazar

Shinta is a sincere Buddhist. She is a sweet girl. 

Shinta loves to take photos... and that is what worries me...  and what the guide hate most

Nepaleses are really disgusting.  The guide threatened us that he could leave us anywhere in the mountains and then forced Shinta to apologise. That's the end of my friendliness to him.

  

Josephlin

By plan, we should reach Namche Baazar, but Shinta was not feeling good. Menstration + vomit + diahorrea, she was in a very weak state. I got worry when she kept saying "I want to live. I still have many things to do", "Can I make it", "Do you think this is AMS?"

I told the guide I would want to move on if Shinta couldn't proceed. I cannot afford to turn back the second time. There maybe no more Nepal trek after this. I have to reach the base camp, the 2 summit and the high pass!

Phakding (2600m)

It's a tradition that whenever you see such a stone, try to walk on your left. They believe by doing so, you will be blessed. I seen woman carried load of weight and they still go by the rule. Guess they rather stayed inflexible than being not blessed. Actually, I am one of the inflexible person also.

Attempting EBC again

Attempting Everest Base Camp again with a lady of same channel, Shinta. Like previous ABC & AC trek, I will go without any training. This time must drink more water... I have to recover from my humilation with that group of "team spirit" guys.

Day 01 (09/08/2012) Singapore – Kathmandu (1 night in Thamel) Pre-Trip meeting and Welcome Dinner.

Day 02 (10/08/2012) Kathmandu Fly to Lukla (2804m) trek to Phakding (2600m) – 35 min/3.5hrs

Day 03 (11/08/2012) Phakding trek to Namche Baazar (3440m) – 6.0 hrs

Day 04 (12/08/2012) Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar

Day 05 (13/08/2012) Namche Bazaar trek to Dole (4200m) – 6.5 hrs

Day 06 (14/08/2012) Dole trek to Machhermo (4500m) – 5 hrs

Day 07 (15/08/2012) Machhermo trek to Gokyo (4790m) – 6 hrs

Day 08 (16/08/2012) Acclimatization day in Gokyo- Climb up to Gokyo Ri (5483m) – 5 hrs

Day 09 (17/08/2012) Gokyo trek to Thangna (4800m) – 4.5 hrs

Day 10 (18/02/2012) Thangna trek to Dzongla (4800m) via Cho la (5300m) – 6.5 hrs

Day 11 (19/08/2012) Dzongla trek to Lobuche (4900m) -4.5 hrs

Day 12 (20/08/2012) Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5200m) - walk Everest Base camp(5364m) -2 hrs/7 hrs.

Day 13 (21/08/2012) Gorak Shep –climbs up to Kala patthar (5555m) and descend to Pheriche (4200m) – total 8.5 hrs.

Day 14 (22/08/2012) Pheriche trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 7 hrs

Day 15 (23/08/2012) Namche Bazaar trek to Lukla (2840m) – 7 hrs

Day 16 (24/08/2012) Lukla flight to Kathmandu transfer to hotel

Day 17 (25/08/2012) A ''feeding buffer" (PMBOK guide terms) in Kathmandu, in case flight to Lukla is delayed or one of us not feeling well in the mountain and need to take a day rest. Cross my finger not at Namche again.

Day 18 (26/08/2012) Fly back to Singapore.

Pinnacle

There are five stars arising, out of the stormy sea
Each is a lamp to guide our way; a lamp for all to see
Reach out for the stars above, savour freedom, truth and love
There are five stars arising, out of the stormy sea

There's a new flag arising, out of the stormy sea
Crimson as the blood of all mankind, yet white and pure and free
Reach out for the flag above, savour freedom, truth and love
There's a new flag arising, happy and proud are we

Standing at the roof top of the 50th storeys high HDB flat, I feel the success of my country. PSA, commercial buildings, Esplanade, high rise... I am proud.

But at the same time, I wonder why Singapore can be so successful but as her citizen, I failed. Does the country actually bother if her citizen is successful or not? Is the country only bother with how she outshines the neighbourhood and stand out differently in the eyes of the First World Countries?

Paintball

Go-kart is not interesting... from the point of view of a very serious, careful driver. It is stressful!

Paintball is interesting, but no one play strategy.... ended up everyone playing defensive. I try to be different, but I died fast. Same as reality, I work hard to be an outstanding employee, but I died fast under the China empire. When can I take my last breathe of humiliation? When would I be out of the company?

 

Life is bitter, pessimistic, painful, suffocating, depress, low morale, unfair, hopeless...

Mount Ophir after 2.5 years

I am back at Mount Ophir! Same T-shirt, same cap, same trekking pole... but the difference is not only the pants or backpack or my new iphone. It's the experience. I brought my toileries and an easy heart.

 

Feb 2010. Shot taken by Endra

June 2012. Shot taken by myself using my iphone

Tabur Xtreme

This is a rock challenging trek. We need to strench ourselves to climb over huge rocks, make the correct judgement to slide down, grab tightly to the rope & branches to push ourselves up. Tough!

Am I getting old or has been smoking too much? Lately, I found that all the treks are tough. Hmmm... I think I am getting old (what to do? I can't quit)...

Usually I will bring 3 litres of water for any trek but this times I brought only 1.5 litre up. This dehydated feeling makes me recall that humiliating Everest trip. Anyway, what I actually wish to say is that it's a blessing that I have brought a "Vanilla" favour coca-cola at a petrol station. I was complaining about the flavour earlier on but this became my saviour up at the mountain.

Yes, a mistake can be a saviour at times. I have to learn to treasure mistake... but it's difficult to put in action. 

Herbalife Extravaganza

A huge crowd from all over the countries come and attend the APAC Extravaganza Herbalife Event.

 

It looks very much like a Church Mass... the difference is people in the Event is clapping and feeling excited to hear how a person turning successful with the help of Herbalife. 

Ramp up in Taiwan

The project is planned to ramp up on 25th April, but due to the absentee of PRC, nothing was conducted. I spent my first week basically idling around. On the 2nd week when the other 2 PRC arrived in Taiwan, the ramp up finally start to kick off in minimum quantity. This is why local people are so defensive towards the foreigner and they hated government for inviting all the 蝗虫 into the country.

I went to the temple twice, praying sincerely for another new job to come.  It was Lunar 15 on my 2nd visit (before I left Taiwan). There were many praying going on... I am not sure if mine is heard.

Working with the 3 PRC is killing me. Yes, it's dishearted to see that the local citizen not secured with a job while the foreigners are enjoying our flat, our subsidy benefit, our well paid permenant job, our passage way... and yet fucking most we have to bear their words of dissatisfaction of my country. This is how the opposition get their votes last year, but they have yet to get my vote...

You may say that I am an obstrict shying away from fighting the govenment, but "nope".... Even when I am so disappointed with government with their open market policy to absorb the selfish foreign talents, I still feel grateful that my governmnet has been doing so much for me, for my family, for my country....

But who know if this support and faith will still last in the next Election... things change, mindsets change, appearance change... my heart????

Cameron Yellow Pass Mossy Tunnel

Back to Cameron trek again. This time doesn't start from Irau, so there are less thorns, less muds, less crawling. We started off from expressway entrance to Gunung Pass, Yellow Summit and then made a U-turn at the mossy tunnel (the place where we camped previously)

Leo came as well. It was him and Kaien who actually made the team unable to proceed to Yellow Pass summit for camping in my first Cameron trek. Surprisingly, he is fast this time... but he doesn't talk as much as the previous time I met him. He looks lonely but he also looks "I don't care what you think".

Invading leeches home, Bukit Kutu

It's 3456 feet above sea level. Ladder up to the summit view was broken, so I didn't make it to the top view... but no regret about it. I don't think I missed much... BUT I do miss the 2 other mountains which I didn't get to achieve last year

My salute to the stick. It is thin and yet able to support me all the way down Bukit Kutu. Of course, on the way, I found myself like a ranger, picking and sweeping the dried leaves.