Travel Journal - unknown. (1 day before trip)

Its Sunday, 9th Dec 2012. 9:58pm if my time is right that is.

Nervous. Curious. Excited. All in one. My favourite music is blasting from my blackberry. My only companion besides my iPad. Tools i use to pen down my thoughts and getting in touch with civilization. Sat next to the window just overlooking the view at night. I dont know if those are thick mist or thick clouds hovering over the mountains. Nature still awe me. Tonight is peaceful, somehow. Cool breeze brushed my cheeks. I looked far while my thoughts just flow along with it. Like a feather caught in the wind. I sigh.

I have not even packed anything for my trip. I swear i hate packing and unpacking. Just not my forte. All chores are done. Least im relief to know my home is clean before i leave. I stared at my haversack again. Clueless. The stress im in right now, brings me back when i was in my early 20s. While friends bragging about Bali & Phuket during those times, i was thinking of someplace further away. So i bought a flight ticket one day, just sponteneously, then told my parents, im leaving for Italy. By myself. Then next was to Mexico. Alone. My parents was immune, somehow. Just like when i got my first piercing on my nose, then my naval. By the time i got my first 'flower', she said nothing except telling my sister i am crazy. That was my last.

At the age of 22, i was already bursting to get out of my comfort zone of living with my parents and wanted to work abroad. Which i only found out later, 22 was a late number to be living on my own. Late bloomer! Since then, i was working and living away from my parents with just couple of years returning home before heading off again. I guess i have always known i wanted to travel since at a very young age. Perhaps since i was a feotus. Seeing my father who travelled extensively around the world, working. I remembered each time he comes home, i love digging into his luggages for chocolates (and some red notes) he bought from travelling. And his jacket and luggages always have this distintive smell of the airport. Probably the number of hours where his luggages was being stored.

So as i grew up, i only know how to travel with my big yellow luggage. (yellow means happy and of course so that i wont lost sight of my luggage right. It was a stricking yellow!) Which almost breaks  into pieces every other time i pushed it down the flights of stairs. (See, we live of the 4th floor. Lifts stops at 5th. Get the picture?) Weather by flights or by bus while i worked in Indonesia and Malaysia. I never own a backpack. Ever! Besides, i am always staying in a 4-5 star hotels. The perks of working in hotel industry. Travel with style, as many said. And thats the only style i knew anyhow. Sad.

But the trip this time, is a whole new adventure. A new style. A new experience. I was blessed i have good friends who introduced and taught me the other side of life. Its like i flipped a coin. Crossed over. I took baby steps to understand and experience this new 'life'. Overcome many fears along the way. Still a 'grommet'. A term surfers use for newbies. I travelled extensively across Malaysia for only a short span of less than 2 years. More than i ever eaten chewing gum in Singapore! (as you know, it was banned during my era!) For a grommet, thats a lot to take in and study!

So! This time its just, me. Alone. Again. Like i was in my early 20s. The only difference is im on a backpack trip. I will be sleeping in dorms. Taking buses from one destination to another. I have to learn to trust my instincts and strangers. Make decisions. Read maps. Time-management. Anticipate. Control my finances. Self-planning. Self-defence, by using pepper spray, scream or run for life! (For what i have read in the guider book) Pre-prepared and expect the unexpected. A lot to digest actually. And, my backpack is still not packed! I got to thank my friends who patiently enough to share with me many things. I observed and absorbed, like a primary school student. And this trip is my final exam, to pass with flying colors. Which in return, comes home safely, healthy with tons of memorable photos to share and talked about and a bunch of new friends. But most importantly, a wider perspective of how i see life, happiness and a clearer mind. Inhale. (This is worse than my mathematics exams. Even home-economics are taught by manuals) Exhale.

Free Spirit..

Like shackles on her ankles
she fly with strings on her wings
her heart cries for free wind
while her soul weep to be free.
Through her little eyes she sees
through her hurting heart she feels
appreciate simple little things
that luxurys not everything
A love that bound so strong
a soul that runs deep
free wind free heart is where she belong
for a keepers hard to keep
She dont fly for freedom
but she fly to feel
the wind beneath her wings
that feeds her soul to heal
Like any wild horse
a heart can be tamed
a horse-whisperer murmurs
tales of natures grace awakens
A loyal heart and faith remains
when sweet vows pure and true
with earthly bond unchanged
...she will only bow to you.

Mengejar Impian di Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

Nights lullaby

As im sitting out here at the verandah in the midst of early morning,
i close my eyes and listen to the pouring rain.
As i vacuume my thoughts i wonder.
How the dry earth welcomes them and the leaves receives them in utmost joy.
The sound of rain hitting the rooftops like melodious percussions.
The crickets whistle its tune like a flute in the night.
Gentle breeze sweeps through as the night gets cold,
While the moon lit up the dark skies.
All the creatures unite..Nature's melody night's lullaby,
calming, soothing for every soul, for every mind.

Absolute Bliss! My 4x4 Wheel & Camping @Lata Berembun, Pahang

6:40pm. Never did i imagine, that someday id be lying on a hammock facing directly at the waterfall. I feel so tiny, enveloped by absolute nature. Tall jungle trees and the sound of the water gushing down the waterfall. Utmost peace and tranquility. The smell of burnt woods and charcoal while the boys are preparing our meals.

It is so difficult to explain how i am feeling at this moment. But i know i felt absolute bliss, calm, satisfaction at such a different level. After those crazy 4 wheel drive on a wet muddy trail with my butt hiting the seat and sides of the vehicle many times, its almost like a 'happy torture'. One that you look forward to do again. I guess this is what many nature goers chased for. A satisfaction deep from within. Its like when you take a deep deep breath and gave a good happy sigh. Its overwhelming. One cant express in details but to tell you to experience it yourself.

Its already 7pm. Few steps away, the borne fire lighted up the camping site. The sky slowly closing down on us. It gets darker but the waterfall is still visible. Gas lamps being hanged at several spots and i hear chatter of new found friends warming up, getting to know each other. Amongst the fresh air, nice aroma coming from a corner. By this time, the chef is busy cooking. Everybody else gets busy putting on their head lamps helping out roasting the marinated chicken. Today, i will experience a totally different style of cooking chicken  in a bamboo. They said it will taste like Tom Yam. A cuisine i known only from a thai recipe book cooked from a conventional kitchen.

It has only been 30mins from my previous paragraph and it is already absolute darkness. This is going to be my first time sleeping outdoor in a hammock. Luckily i equipped myself with a headlamp that i bought a day before. The weather is cold. I can feel the vapour from the waterfall. Thats how fast the waters are. Time to help out the boys now.

Rise and shine. Took a peep from my beenie, stretched myself like a cat, and looked around. It is slightly dark..but you can see the light is getting brighter. Some of the boys are up. Mischievious as they are lighted up a firecracker to fright those who are still sleeping. Boys. Glance at my watch, it is only 6:30am. Jumped off from my hammock, took my tooth brush and looked around for a spot. Its has been quite and experience when i first arrived, but yet to experience another bigger task. My tummy started grumbling and mother nature is calling. Walked down towards the edge of the river-banks while my team-mate watched over. I cant believe im doin this. I knew i have to let it go anyhow. In the midst of 'getting-in-sync-with-nature', the boys threw some firecracker, purposely to startle me. Finally its all over. But the feeling of doing it at the river banks was so indescribable. Its crazy-excited in a way.

Hanging out with the boys, they really how to have fun. Which is one of the reason why i have more male friends that i do have female friends.We went over to the waterfall and get ourselves clean, ready for the day. The air and the water was fresh. My watch showed its 8am. By now the sky getting brighter. We have a feeling that there will be bit of sun. The guys  managed to catch some fresh water fish from the fishing net they placed by the river stream yesterday. We are going to have roasted fish for breakfast. Coolio! Im sitting at the edge of the camping site while typing this, listening to Colbie Caillet and looking over the waterfall and the green surrounding. Breathe in deep and gave a good sigh, close my eyes and smile. Its truly been an unbelievable journey. Simply amazing. Simpy beautiful. Im taking a break now, going to help the boys roast the fishes. Woohoo!

As i was looking up, saw rays of lights shone down in between the green leaves. With the shadowy effect and it put a glow to the waterfall and our camp site. It was the most gorgeous view ive ever seen. Breaktaking. You can see the mist and could tell that it is still cold. My morning was simply amazing. Not far away, there seemed to be a good spot for some sun. I took off my t-shirt, closed my eyes and enjoy the sun. Cool breeze sweeps off my skin while the heat of the sun rays gaves a nice warm fuzzy feeling. Then some guys and gals join in. We looked like some reptile standing in a row sunbathing. It was just us. Such a great feeling doing silly things.

Time for lunch and we all gather under the fly tent. Chatting and laughing. Teasing each other and  making crazy jokes. Right after, we jumped in the water. It was almost freezing cold. As if we were swiming in a pool of water came straight from the refrigerator. The local boys seemed to be swimming as if it was a hot pool. These are avid nature goers. For them it is normal. Laughter and screams broke the silent morning. Observing and watching them, i discover some sence of breakaway, freedom and utmost bliss. Every boy i asked said the same. Some has even been doing this for as long as more than 10 years. Hes married wth 2 kids. Appreciating and enjoying nature is like a drug. Its a need. Its a craving. And once fulfilled, the satisfaction shown on their faces were just glowing. It was like a transformation.

The theme for this trip is Deepa-Raya. The teamleader decided to make it more exciting and memorable. Once dressed in our malay and indian traditional costume, we head off to the rocks and the river banks and had a photo session. Smiles and laughter breaks the camp site area. Other campers came out and watched us in silly action. Some sat on the sand, some standing in silly positions while some jumped at a count of 3. 'Happy' is simply the best word to described. It was the best moment.

Then its time to wrap up, packed and cleaned up. All rubbish were collected and nothing left behind. Nature goers practice clean environment. 'Save the earth'. As we never know how long more we are able to enjoy God's gift.

Our trip back to base on 4 wheel this time was super bumpy. Due to the rainy weather occured the night before. We went uphill and downhill, crossed over the rivers and streams.  Trees fell down, the trail was muddy and slippery. Orange mud flew everywhere when the wheel got stuck. We were all covered in mud. Still laughing, enjoyed every second of the journey. Very challenging and indeed it was exciting and fun!

Upon return to base, the driver set up a rain-shower, water hose he pulled straight from the river. It was just like showering under the sprinkler. Each one of us, took off our shoes and boots, clothes and grab our towels and shampoo and ran for the shower. Mud were everywhere on our hair and faces. We were like children playing under the sprinkler. We are talking about adults aged 21 to perhaps 38 years of age. Laughing and playing like little children. I got only 1 word to say absolute F.U.N!

All smelling nice and clean, put on new sets of clothes and we head off to the nearby cafe. We were so dead hungry. Every plate were filled with mountain of rice and dishes with extra dessert. Simple food suddenly seemed like an expensive menu from a hotel restaurant. I think we open our mouth so big that a python would run away watching us. That was how hungry we were. Even while eating, we were still laughing and chatting over the trip.

It is soon time to go, we exchange numbers and facebook adresses, shook hands and hugs and we're off on our way home. Everyone looked tired but super satisfied and happy.

This trip, has shown me what it was like camping. Work as a team, helped each other, look out for each other. We talked about nothing but just having fun and appreciaing the nature around us. The weather, the greenery, the trees, the water, the air with good food and great company. It was both an educational and fun trip i have never imagine i will at last experience. It is one trip highly recommended. As much as i have described above, you got to 'feel' it yourself to understand the depth of satisfaction i personally feel.

Many thanks to the bunch of sporting peeps, namely, Lya, jajz, azlie, hussein, boboi, jambul, marcel, budi and abg askar. You guys rawks!

xoxo

Somewhere..your presence make life more worthwhile..

In our lives, there will be once or even twice, impact, an impetus transmitted which will leave you thinking. A lesson learnt. Both good or bad. I try not to think of the negative ones though somehow it may be hard to forget. Some  made a 360 change in our journey. We may either perceive it as a stepping stone to push ourselves harder, stronger and more confident person. No matter how successful we are, our parents always taught us to appreciate and staying humble. Every journey is a lesson. 

These people who are responsible on creating an impact in our lives, can be a stranger, our closest friends, families or even loved ones. These are the people who may not realize the impact they made. They may not even realize perhaps how special they are, the things they do for you, the things they say, the advice shared, the time spent and sacrificed, are somewhat extraordinary. Sometimes you ask yourself why. Sometimes you wonder that there are still some people who are more caring than others? That there are some people out there who are willing to share your moments. Some whom put yourself first before them.  

They have seen you in joy, when you are right at your peak moments. They have seen you dance and skipped. Do silly things. They have cried with you when you are at your most lowest. Walked with you when u cant find your way home. Sat next to you. Listen to your crying heart. Hold out a tissue for you. Gave you a hug, comfort. They have walked the highest mountain with you when you are climbing and picking yourself up. They seen you fall. They seen you persevered. Then they see you celebrate with joy. Some teaches you to appreciate life at the most simplest level. Some teaches you that not always luxury is joy. Some teaches you that there are more out there to offer if you see life in all different angles. They have been with you on all the roller-coaster rides. These may be people who just walked into your lives, unexpectedly. They appear like a dream to you. These may be people, whom you never thought you would choose to be with right in the beginning. Or perhaps you never though that they even existed! How the world works in such a mysterious way.

I had my share of many highs' and lows' moments in my life. Maybe 'going with the flow' is sometimes not always very promising. But for me, i rather look at it all as positive as i possibly can. Change that only put a smile on my face. Change that skipped a beat in my heart. Change that i know no matter how worse it was, it is an eye opener, a lesson that could re-emerged me a better person to make better decision, a better choice in life. 

Life is just too beautiful to live in bitter. Let us not lived in the past but live in future and take the past experience for you to carve your journey. A journey only 'you' know best.

These people are to thank for. Without them, life be too boring. It be mundane. So love them even when they have hurt you in many ways. Love them more when they love you. And i don't think that you only thank and utter love on Valentine's Day! Every other day is! And it should not be too hard to say. As by saying it, will free yourself from any bitter, any hatred. Life never promised to be easy anyway. But we all seek peace, joy and laughter.

I love my families.

I love my son.

I love my friends.

I love my life.

I love my guitar.

Most of all, i love you, yes you!.Many of you who have created an impact in my life..and for that i am most deeply and sincerely grateful. And you ought to know that you are simply and amazing and beautiful person. 

I have said mine. What about you folks?.....

In the meantime, here's a lyrics from a song which i really think tells how much we look at one, whom have help us through or created an impact in our lives..on many ways...

Everybody needs inspiration

Everybody needs a song

Beautiful melody, when the nights so long

Cause there is no guarantee

That this life is easy (Yeah)

[Chorus]

When my world is falling apart,

when there is no light to break up the dark

That's when I (I) look at you

When the waves are flooding the shore and I

can't find my way home anymore

That's when I (I) look at you

When I look at you

I see forgiveness, I see the truth

You love me for who I am like the stars

hold the moon

Right there where they belong and I know

I'm not alone (Yeah)

When my world is falling apart,

when there is no light to break up the dark

That's when I (I) look at you

When the waves are flooding the shore and I

can't find my way home anymore

That's when I (I) look at you

You appear just like a dream to me

Just like a kaleidoscope colors that cover me

All I need every breath that I breathe

Don't you know you're beautiful (Yeah, Yeah) 

When the waves are flooding the shore and I

can't find my way home anymore

That's when I (I) look at you

You appear just like a dream to me.