tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61012433617834979112024-03-09T01:52:39.344+08:00Oh Brilliant Shit From Around the WorldOh Brilliant Shit
Left mastereye
Right masterhand,
in more than one way.
Canon S2 IS,
UV filter
and polarizer
Some old batteries.
Distracted undergrad
Perpetually penniless
Let's see where we can go,
or shoot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-7245992725159132432007-08-28T04:31:00.001+08:002007-08-29T17:57:46.719+08:00Siem Reap, Cambodia - A PrimerSiem Reap, Cambodia<br />24th to 27th July 2007 (about 3 full days)<br />Xueling, Xuemin, Alvin Pek and John Doe<br />Low tourists monsoon season<br />Midday furnace causing sunburn and over-exposed photos<br /><br />More <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><a href="http://kloozo.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Siem_Reap">photos here</a></strong></span>. Comments encouraged, critiques more than welcomed.<br /><br />Sleep: <a href="http://www.bousavyguesthouse.com/">Bou Savy Guesthouse</a><br />Driver: Mr. Ra. - two thumbs up. very pleasant and humorous chap -<br />contact: dara_siemreap[at]yahoo.com - +855 92 98 69 46<br /><br />Return Air tix: S$187 from Jetstar<br /><br />$$$: Less than US$200 or S$300<br />Departure tax: $25<br />Accomodation: $18 * 3 nights / 4 heads = $13.5<br />Temples: $20<br />Boat to Tonle Sap: $20<br />Museums: $4<br />Tuktuk: $10<br />Food: $30<br />Shopping: $60<br />Tips/donations: $12.5<br /><br />Highs - Experiencing the simple and delightful Cambodian life outside of the tourist traps<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lows </span>- Discovering that hundreds of photos were ruined by the shitty wide angle lens causing severe chromatic abberation. :(<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Khmer </span>- is pronounced ke-mare.<br /><br />Initial <span style="font-weight: bold;">worries </span>about overly aggressive tuk tuk/cyclo drivers soliciting for your ass, as suggested by the excellent www.talesofasia.com, were unfounded. Sure they offered their services along the way, but you can always decline with a smile/ignore/wave them off/engage in light banter, all of which i tried. Even after declining his service, I had no problem asking a helpful tuk tuk driver for directions on the map.<br /><br />Siem Reap is <span style="font-weight: bold;">safe</span>, as far as I can tell from that short 3 days. I'd have no qualms about walking alone at night.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shopping. </span>There are a few places, but forget about the Old Market (Psar Chaa) and Central Market (Psar Kandal). Go straight for the Night Market, which I heard opened only weeks ago. The stalls there sell just about everything you can find in the previous two markets, and at a cheaper price. Very comfortable shopping environment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Horning </span>among vehicles is common as I found out, but not in a oei-fuck-off manner. The drivers' blaring is more exuberant than rude, and is no more than a little oncoming notification.<br /><br />Roads are <span style="font-weight: bold;">dusty. </span>The face gets sooty after half a day of travelling. While face masks are common, contrary to what I read, the krama (scarves) are hardly used. However during the temples hopping day, I wore the krama that I had bought and it served me well against the dust and sun. Works for photos too.<br /><br />Girls in general are more scrupulous at <span style="font-weight: bold;">bargaining. </span>They will hold out for say, $2 for something instead of the 'lowest price $2.50' like it's a matter of life and death at times. Reality check - $0.50 or 2000 riels isn't really that much though it means more to them than us. Taking it a little easier makes the world goes round. That said, bargaining off the starting price is still a must since it is already expected of you. If you don't, they will certainly think that you're either extremely charitable or an ill-informed idiot, either of which will make them like you a lot more than the last chap who didn't buy anything after 15 minutes of bargaining.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat </span>the local Khmer food. I tried the roadside stalls, an eatery for locals and a Khmer restaurant called Socheata, and all were good. The most disappointing was the American breakfast offered at the guesthouse.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angkor Archaeological Park. </span>A one day visit is only enough for a brief look at the more famous temples. Mid day is scorching hot, demoralizing and a terrible time for photos.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angkor Wat </span>is a photographer's dream and nightmare. Simply overwhelming. Performance anxiety arises.<br /><br />For Cambodians, it is <span style="font-weight: bold;">inauspicious</span> to take photos with three people in it. Same for touching them on the head.<br /><br />Singapore remains one of only 13 countries who are still producing <span style="font-weight: bold;">landmines</span>. Why a rich and peaceful country like us continue to do so for commercial reasons is both baffling and shameful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-31355925147168452372007-08-28T04:30:00.000+08:002007-08-28T05:10:01.903+08:00Siem Reap - Day 1<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsSNHBCKWXI/AAAAAAAABOw/Gk1Gco4KYAc/s400/IMG_1408.JPG" /></div>The important symbolism of Angkor Wat to Cambodia is apparent everywhere, from the flag to the immigration card to the mass-produced souvenirs to the beer.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQx4xCKU0I/AAAAAAAAA9M/NXNDtyMa8GU/s400/IMG_1419.JPG" /></div>We touched down at the Siem Reap International Airport at about 7am Cambodian time, via JetStar. We like promotional prices. There was a point of time before the trip though when I wondered if we'd even reach this far. One day Xueling asked if I wanna go to Siem Reap with them, them being the people whom I know from the Krabi trip and I must admit I had forgotten who Alvin was by then. We met up once to fix a date for the trip and that was the last I saw of them till the departure day itself. All I had was the Lonely Planet book to guide me through those dark period of uncertainties.<br /><br />At the airport exit we located the guy holding a sign for the semi-fictional Miss Shermin Ng for our free pick up service to our guesthouse, Bou Savy.<br /><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsShshCKWhI/AAAAAAAABQY/0CUL12u_VSk/s288/IMG_2188.JPG" /> <img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsShqhCKWgI/AAAAAAAABQM/2nC5nIdxEUA/s288/IMG_2184.JPG" /> The four of us shared a room like the cheapos that we are. At USD$18 a night, the room was pretty decent and resembles more like a 2-3 star hotel. They however complained of some rather mysterious itchy insect bites of which I was spared from. The kind girls even bravely saved me from any mosquito bites.<br /><br />Over breakfast we decided to leave the temples till Day 2 and check out the floating village and Kampong Phluk via a boat ride across the Tonle Sap river instead. We were told a Tuk Tuk could only legally carry two passengers but we talked our way into squeezing all four butts into a single vehicle and were introduced to Ra our tuk tuk driver. Wasn't much of a squeeze as it turn out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQyGxCKU5I/AAAAAAAAA90/57HqZm3j_8I/s400/IMG_1441.JPG" /></div>The floating school of the floating village which was towed along the river by a boat. The place is basically a community dwelling at one end of Tonle Sap and which wasn't that interesting<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQyJBCKU6I/AAAAAAAAA98/XTJ443wYanM/s400/IMG_1443.JPG" /><br /><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQx8RCKU1I/AAAAAAAAA9U/frU4VIW-H98/s400/IMG_1456.JPG" /></div>One of the young river peddlers bailing water out of her little wooden boat. They would paddle to wherever you are and offer plates of bananas for One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar! One dollar!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQx_hCKU3I/AAAAAAAAA9k/Y2rs7EFBH18/s400/IMG_1467%20copy.jpg" /></div>Mr. Ra. we all like him.<br />Moving on from there, the boat ride to Kampong Phluk, known for its flooded forest, took over an hour. Along the way there was absolutely nothing to see except for the murky muddy waters and unless monstrous dragonflies interests you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQyDRCKU4I/AAAAAAAAA9s/KnGKv55s18U/s288/IMG_1478.JPG" /></div>looks like a descendant of the dinosaur era who will eat up its Singaporean counterpart for tea.<br /><br />When we eventually arrived at the place, we found out that it was well worth the journey. The boat turned into a narrow opening and we caught sight of the locals fishing. Their looks that fell upon us revealed that it's not a place where tourists frequent. Indeed, during that couple hours, we only saw a handful others. It was the first time there for Ra as well, and that really says something.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQyMBCKU7I/AAAAAAAAA-E/l6nZxiw8XIw/s400/IMG_1492.JPG" /> <img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQyOxCKU8I/AAAAAAAAA-M/KjLFpWEsL-w/s400/IMG_1493.JPG" /><br />From curious stares.. to friendly smiles in a minute.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQyURCKU-I/AAAAAAAAA-c/JjpWneziJac/s400/IMG_1501%20copy.jpg" /><br /><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQyWBCKU_I/AAAAAAAAA-k/m2JdcYSMxSc/s400/IMG_1502.JPG" /><br /><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQyhhCKVBI/AAAAAAAAA-0/6YbUjPfOOz8/s400/IMG_1505.JPG" /><br /><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQylhCKVCI/AAAAAAAAA-8/PtX9Z3LPTBY/s400/IMG_1509.JPG" /><br /><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQyshCKVFI/AAAAAAAAA_U/xI9-VsciVYA/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" /><br /><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsS21RCKWiI/AAAAAAAABQg/_-IXX6sb3L8/s400/IMG_1516.JPG" /></div>For those who tire of the overly commercialised mood in Siem Reap's town and temple area, Kampong Phluk would be a welcomed relief. The evil lure of money haven't yet pervade this simple kampong spirit. We met three little angels at the temple who delighted themselves by asking for our names even though they couldn't really speak english. We in turn communicate with hand gestures and the handful of Cambodian words that we mastered, namely, hello, handsome/pretty and bye bye. From my memory, their names read something like Linda, Gaia and Tria. Damn nice kids.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQyxBCKVII/AAAAAAAAA_s/dt48Ys8TJRU/s400/IMG_1540.JPG" /> <img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQy3RCKVKI/AAAAAAAAA_8/iAa4HUilynM/s400/IMG_1551%20copy.jpg" /></div> As we were leaving, these two kids came running after us. Girl on the left was showing off her nail polish though i think i can do a better job of it. At the muddy river bank, I unfortunately slipped and landed on my butts. Still, that did not dampen their enthusiasm for us. The sight of them trying to handle the wooden boat and the over-sized oars while trying to follow ours was both heart warming and touching, hence leaving the deepest impression on me of Cambodia. I must also mention that according to my travel mates, as I slipped I landed gracefully while still holding my camera up in the air to keep it from the mud. Quite brilliant I must say.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RtGYnhCKXDI/AAAAAAAABUM/kE3bsALLQNs/s400/IMG_1565.JPG" /><br /></div>On the way back, stormy conditions turned the Tonle Sap river into a rampaging sea. Our boat was tossed about mercilessly and her brave occupants were soaked to the skin.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsSQFRCKWaI/AAAAAAAABPI/cogZLugRfEo/s288/IMG_1574.JPG" /> <img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsSQGxCKWbI/AAAAAAAABPQ/W8gP4T5s9yg/s288/IMG_1586.JPG" /></div>Next up was the War Museum which was much slated in all the travel guides that I had read. Nothing but a collection of war junk, that was the general consensus, so I was somewhat reluctant to head there but for the fact that there didn't seem to be much other places within convenient distance. The 'museum' is operated by the 'Ministry of National Defend' as printed on the US$3 admission ticket. We opted to take the free guided tour. True to its reputation, the museum housed nothing but rusty weapons and army stuff salvaged from the brutal civil and not so civil war.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsSQDxCKWZI/AAAAAAAABPA/6TwVUl0xJc4/s400/IMG_1591.JPG" /></div>The only redeeming factor was our museum guide who was a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. Having fought in the war and amazingly survived 6 landmines; he walks with a prosthetic leg and is blind in an eye, and has several shrapnels still embedded in his body which can be clearly felt through the skin, he let us, the guide provides that bit of real life experience that is missing from the museum. He was like a walking encyclopedia of all the war machineries whom readily provided detailed information of the weapons, a tad too much for our interest in fact. At the end of the tour, it was revealed that he was going for an eye operation soon and solicited a small donation. We hence gave him USD$5.<br /><br />Tips and donations are sometimes tricky affair. How much is enough, how to not look like a complete miser or an overly philanthropic soul when I can barely afford to? There's obviously no clear answer to that, so just give whatever is comfortable within your conscience and ability, that's what I feel. In poverty stricken Cambodia where the tourist dollars doesn't reach the majority of the civilians, it doesn't hurt to be a bit more generous if i can help it. Put in local context, a bowl of noodles cost about 1500 riels. 1 USD = 4000 riels. By giving US$5, he can effectively buy 13 bowls of noodles with change to spare. That's loosely equivalent to donating S$26 if we go by the noodles analogy in Singapore economics, each bowl costing S$2. So is that too much a donation? I don't think so. If US$5 or S$8 can buy a comparatively poor person 13 bowls of noodles, I think that's inflation put to good use for once.<br /><br />That said, we made Ra bring us to somewhere nice and cheap for dinner where we can exercise the power of a higher currency as theorized. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsSQKxCKWeI/AAAAAAAABPo/a3cvkO86B7Y/s400/IMG_1618.JPG" /> <img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsSQJBCKWdI/AAAAAAAABPg/bLUwlucYKL0/s400/IMG_1612.JPG" /></div>Socheata Khmer Food Restaurant. The food here rocks. We paid only about US$3 per head for a sumptuous meal. The national dish called 'amoc' is a must try, as well as their green curry and.. oh everything else. Socheata is located in the Psar Cha (Old Market) area, down the street that houses Le Grand Cafe and runs parallel to the river that looks like a drain.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsSQHxCKWcI/AAAAAAAABPY/DAMm7uyDerc/s400/IMG_1605.JPG" /></div>Finally, that's how dirty our face was at the end of the day, from all the dust riding along the road. Wearing face masks here won't make one look like an idiot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-20889778462587953212007-08-28T04:29:00.000+08:002007-08-28T05:10:26.072+08:00Siem Reap - Day 2Day 2 in Siem Reap is dedicated to the temples and 12 hours is barely enough to scratch the surface of it all. Angkor Wat is but one of the numerous temples situated within the Angkor Archaeological Park though it is the most famous one and rightly so, once you've witness it for yourself.<br /><br />Our day started at 4.30am so that we can make it for sunrise at Angkor Wat as recommended by Ra, and ended with the sunset at Phnom Bakheng. And it's all wrong, not just because we missed the breakfast that we had already paid for.<br /><br />To most people, catching the sunrise probably means seeing dawn breaks with the sun rising from beyond the horizon and catching the first ray of the day. If you're at a beautiful place like Angkor Wat you can't go there without wanting to take photos. The part that goes wrong is that the main facade of Angkor Wat actually faces the west hence going there at the end of the day would make more sense. At dawn, the sun lights up from behind the temple and you see tons of tourists trying to take shitty photos with flash that reveals the lighted sky and nothing else, unless silhouette shots are all that they want.<br /><br />Phnom Bakheng was recommended for sunset because it is situated on a hilltop and the sprawling landscape could be seen, including the Western Baray, a huge reservoir. Thousands of tourists probably get the same information from their local guides. However it means that one would have to bask under the scorching sun for ages while waiting for the sun to drop while squeezed together with ALOT of people at a place where architecture-wise, there is nothing much to see.<br /><br />A better plan would perhaps be to visit the enigmatic Bayon at dawn and Angkor Wat at the later part of the day.<br /><br />We only bought a 1-day pass to the Archaeological Park though i think the 3 days pass for $40 is more appropriate. I would love to spend another more thorough day at the temples. Our itinerary for the day hence goes:<br />Angkor Wat --> (long ride through the country side) --> Banteay Srei --> Landmine Museum --> Pre Rup --> Ta Phrom --> Bayon --> Phnom Bakheng.<br /><br />After words come photos. Lots of them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Angkor Wat - Say Whattt?</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099256723395990722"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQy-RCKVMI/AAAAAAAABAM/xwvfJ9cuPm8/s400/IMG_1624%20copy%202.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099256766345663714"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQzAxCKVOI/AAAAAAAABAc/azFPS2p78Gk/s288/IMG_1652%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />Part of her keep-fit regime.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099257436360562002"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQznxCKVVI/AAAAAAAABBU/iWSLMTcQG68/s400/IMG_1723.JPG" /></a><br />Bas-reliefs along the outer walls.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099256805000369394"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQzDBCKVPI/AAAAAAAABAk/_4ovL7kW-dE/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" /></a><br />In front of one of the ancient libraries.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099256899489649938"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQzIhCKVRI/AAAAAAAABA0/e7DvPYvUTHk/s400/IMG_1667.JPG" /></a><br />The Eastern Gate in the background. That yellow blob is a touristy hot air balloon.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099257496490104178"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQzrRCKVXI/AAAAAAAABBk/ZGXPIY3B4Ic/s400/IMG_1728.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099257530849842562"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQztRCKVYI/AAAAAAAABBs/7_4_lBmV0ZA/s400/IMG_1760.JPG" /></a><br />Inner courtyard or something. Perfect place for meditation or kick ass kungfu.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099257616749188514"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQzyRCKVaI/AAAAAAAABCA/R1pwhqbCrig/s400/IMG_1767.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099257844382455250"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQz_hCKVdI/AAAAAAAABCY/bRfZEQx82nU/s400/IMG_1788.JPG" /></a><br />I like the snapshots.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099257913101932002"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0DhCKVeI/AAAAAAAABCg/a96GEa-qs6M/s400/IMG_1822.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258132145264162"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0QRCKViI/AAAAAAAABDA/ObpWNTzTfZA/s400/IMG_1861.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258080605656594"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0NRCKVhI/AAAAAAAABC4/ER37WNmntA0/s400/IMG_1853.JPG" /></a><br />Vendors selling mass-produced artwork that you can find everywhere in Siem Reap.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258162210035250"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0SBCKVjI/AAAAAAAABDI/LlFrefAne40/s400/IMG_1864.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258192274806338"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0TxCKVkI/AAAAAAAABDQ/Pc1tzdsmXjg/s400/IMG_1869.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258213749642834"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0VBCKVlI/AAAAAAAABDY/WpzD3JYp3HM/s400/IMG_1873.JPG" /></a><br />The ancient moat that protects the place against invaders.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Along the countryside</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258411318138482"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0ghCKVnI/AAAAAAAABDo/Zoe7EjeR8Zk/s400/IMG_1888.JPG" /></a><br />While stopping to refuel along the roadside stalls.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258428498007682"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0hhCKVoI/AAAAAAAABDw/NX9k7RACfNI/s400/IMG_1890.JPG" /></a><br />The beautiful Cambodian landscape. Grass was at her greenest, the skies blue, yet for some strange reasons, my travel mates keep sleeping on the tuk tuk.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258793570227938"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ02xCKVuI/AAAAAAAABEg/Iz8PP1it1Z0/s400/IMG_1968.JPG" /></a><br />Volleyball is a surprisingly popular game there. Snapshot from the tuk tuk.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258458562778770"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0jRCKVpI/AAAAAAAABD4/zl-kOfjVW_Y/s400/IMG_1910.JPG" /></a><br />Lunch was some simple fare.</div><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Banteay Srei - Midday furnace</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258488627549858"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0lBCKVqI/AAAAAAAABEA/KEbpFTJV4pI/s400/IMG_1925.JPG" /></a><br />The afternoon sun was so bloody hot I was worried for my camera. Too hot for photos. The only decent shot is of this artist doing his stuff under the shade. But Banteay Srei and her intricate hand carvings is worth a visit. Just don't go during midday as you'll be at the mercy of the sun.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Landmine Museum</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258518692320946"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0mxCKVrI/AAAAAAAABEI/hFiA7ud9Xu0/s400/IMG_1943.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258553052059330"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0oxCKVsI/AAAAAAAABEQ/py0iClWJPtE/s400/IMG_1954.JPG" /></a><br />More worth the while to visit this place rather than the War Museum. It's opened by a Mr. Aki Ra who fought in the war and devotes his time to detonating land mines around the country. Used to be free but now charges US$1. The place is quite small though.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pre Rup</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099258948189050610"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ0_xCKVvI/AAAAAAAABEo/rotwkKwMV-k/s400/IMG_1987.JPG" /></a><br />In the ancient times all the Cambodians must have really tiny feet or they are all acrobats. The steps leading up to every single pagoda in the archaeological park that we visited were small and steep. The width of each step is only about half the length of my US size 10 sole.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ta Phrom - The temple eaten by giant trees.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259188707219202"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1NxCKVwI/AAAAAAAABEw/8mO_KsSuJxM/s400/IMG_2012.JPG" /></a><br />A tree with a gigantic buttress root. One side of it is more than enough to fit the three of us in.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259274606565138"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1SxCKVxI/AAAAAAAABE4/Hk-eXksZuOk/s400/IMG_2027%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />This is the tree that makes the tree-engulfed temple ruins famous. Archaeologists gave up trying to restore the temple as nature has since became an integral part of it.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259330441140002"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1WBCKVyI/AAAAAAAABFA/qzI-zHjPXyk/s400/IMG_2036.JPG" /></a><br />We got split up while exploring and couldn't find each other. It's really much larger than how it appears on the map.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bayon - Temple of many faces</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259412045518642"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1axCKVzI/AAAAAAAABFI/iSf5PNxKHOg/s400/IMG_2053%20copy.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259493649897298"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1fhCKV1I/AAAAAAAABFY/dy_Yf86Le8A/s400/IMG_2058.JPG" /></a><br />First sight of Bayon. Simply breaktaking. <br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259583844210546"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1kxCKV3I/AAAAAAAABFo/pkv7T1QLD7k/s400/IMG_2064%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />Buddha resides within.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259618203948930"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1mxCKV4I/AAAAAAAABFw/U3XGVzZx2is/s800/IMG_2066%20copy.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259639678785426"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1oBCKV5I/AAAAAAAABF4/JL1PKmOpgkc/s400/IMG_2071%20copy.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259674038523810"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1qBCKV6I/AAAAAAAABGA/azI88BXV9b8/s400/IMG_2081%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />There are 216 faces in all but we didn't have time to fully explore the place.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259712693229490"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1sRCKV7I/AAAAAAAABGM/QtnpmB2pamk/s400/IMG_2082.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259820067411906"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ1yhCKV8I/AAAAAAAABGU/aUIQAynsAEs/s400/IMG_2114%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />Withstanding the test of time. Courtyard.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099259936031528914"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ15RCKV9I/AAAAAAAABGc/U56_Wk7K7HA/s400/IMG_2118.JPG" /></a><br />From his perspective.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260000456038370"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ19BCKV-I/AAAAAAAABGk/ezSTVgBAjxc/s288/IMG_2127.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260051995645938"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2ABCKV_I/AAAAAAAABGs/PRjved84-Cw/s288/IMG_2129.JPG" /></a><br />Passing through Victory Gate. Each statue has a different face and holds part of a giant naga, a mythical snake/dragon with multiple heads.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Phnom Bakheng - Disappointing sunset</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260099240286226"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2CxCKWBI/AAAAAAAABG8/FwbznFyfv8g/s400/IMG_2142%20copy.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260129305057314"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2EhCKWCI/AAAAAAAABHE/bbWKMryoNWw/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" /></a><br />Streams of monkeys..<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260309693683794"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2PBCKWFI/AAAAAAAABHc/U9h7kBmjFx4/s400/IMG_2162.JPG" /></a><br />joining those who are trying to look cool while being roasted. See how packed it is.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260258154076226"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2MBCKWEI/AAAAAAAABHU/wKWN6iKxZkI/s400/IMG_2158%20copy.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260348348389474"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2RRCKWGI/AAAAAAAABHk/lBjvZGcwYi8/s400/IMG_2165.JPG" /></a><br />Took some photos and left.</div><br /><br />That pretty much sums up day 2. At night Ra brought us to a real local place near where he stays with his aunt, at our beseech, where the Cambodians eat. It was so local that the people there don't speak English. We had some kind of noodles with gravy that is similar to laksa. It wasn't too bad at all actually, except for the fact that everything is strangely cold. Dinner was rounded off with cold dessert that taste like our bo bo cha cha. Local food = local price = everything is cheap. Noodles cost 1500 riels if i'm not wrong while the dessert cost a bit more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-74753131718325640142007-08-28T04:28:00.000+08:002007-08-29T17:44:05.477+08:00Siem Reap - Day 3On Day 3 we finally had breakfast at the guesthouse. I disagree with their choice of American breakfast, especially since there's nothing special to it, just eggs and baguette. Oh wait isn't that French? When in Cambodia, do as the Cambodians. I wonder what they eat every morning.<br /><br />Siem Reap isn't really that big and Day 3 poses new problems of where to go. We decided to check out an orphanage nearby then head to the New Market which isn't really new but is certainly more market-like than other markets as it caters for the locals rather than tourists.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260502967212162"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2aRCKWII/AAAAAAAABH0/J_A2ys_2_SQ/s400/IMG_2206.JPG" /></a><br />National Highway 6. The main road that cuts across Siem Reap.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260545916885138"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2cxCKWJI/AAAAAAAABH8/7ox5PuztNGI/s400/IMG_2217.JPG" /></a><br />Kid chasing us near the orphanage.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260593161525410"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2fhCKWKI/AAAAAAAABIE/TLgDq5ZfNUs/s400/IMG_2220.JPG" /></a><br />Arriving at the New Central Market. We saw a deranged man standing totally naked along the road. I think the girls peeped.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260674765904050"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2kRCKWLI/AAAAAAAABIM/5Lwb92EoYpI/s400/IMG_2223.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260790730021058"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2rBCKWMI/AAAAAAAABIU/FvXi6C-cROk/s400/IMG_2231.JPG" /></a><br />1/3 of the stalls in the market sell shoes and they are all the same ones.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099260855154530514"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RsQ2uxCKWNI/AAAAAAAABIc/DwtuRvhSngY/s400/IMG_2233%20copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />The rest of the day was spent wandering around the Central Market (Psar Kandal) and Old Market (Psar Cha) trying to dispense the remaining of our currencies. We treated Ra to dinner again for his excellent service at the equally excellent Socheata restaurant where we had yet another feast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099261005478385906"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RsQ23hCKWPI/AAAAAAAABIs/i9hd0saB__Q/s400/IMG_2251.JPG" /></a><br />JetStar's air stewardesses look more decent than Tiger Airway's.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099261052723026178"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ26RCKWQI/AAAAAAAABI0/KeiLJSlPalw/s400/IMG_2255%20merged.jpg" /></a><br />French colonial architecture at the Old Market.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099261172982110498"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ3BRCKWSI/AAAAAAAABJE/Pr7oG_kOk_I/s400/IMG_2269%20copy.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099261207341848882"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RsQ3DRCKWTI/AAAAAAAABJM/YRTOwSiE2wk/s400/IMG_2270%20copy.jpg" /></a><br />Damn adorable kid we came across while Xueling was trying to find a phone booth. "Movin' on up street vendor little help".. whatever that means.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099261254586489154"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ3GBCKWUI/AAAAAAAABJU/BcWenZJi4SI/s400/IMG_2280.JPG" /></a><br />Ra and our smart little tuk tuk.</div><br />After that came a visit to a children's hospital although we reached there too late to do anything. We then headed for the Night Market which had just opened and wasn't mentioned in any of the guide books. From our experience, this definitely is the best place to do your shopping in Siem Reap. The prices were the lowest for just about everything compared to those in Central and Old Market. Stall owners were friendly and doesn't hassle you to buy. The ambience was nice and relaxing and some stalls were selling stuff that wasn't seen elsewhere.<br /><br />At a particular stall selling scarves I was instantly offered a surprisingly low price, the same price that I would have gotten from elsewhere only after much bargaining. The lady boss said I was special hence giving me a good offer. haha. Life's often unfair when you're charming. Bought two in the end, the first time I did it without bargaining even though I probably could have lowered the price a bit more. We also saw a couple of young gays at a shop selling furniture who came running to greet me as I walked past. I think Xueling scared them off.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReap/photo#5099261855881910626"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RsQ3pBCKWWI/AAAAAAAABJk/ES5L1N99e6s/s800/collage.jpg" /></a><br />My spoils from Cambodia.</div><br />We spent our last pennies at the famous Dead Fish Tower in town. The unique interior design and live band, complete with equally alive crocodiles makes it a good place to chill out. There are also free Apsara dance performances although that's probably how the bar got its name.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-64966590003755436332007-08-28T04:27:00.000+08:002007-08-28T05:48:40.228+08:00Siem Reap - Day 4We left Siem Reap on Day 4 early morning.<br /><br />The trip was well worth it and I'll surely go back again, hopefully sooner than later. At the end of the day there leaves one small regret.<br /><br />Over dinner and a lot of chatting on our last night, Ra had actually offered to bring us to visit his aunt's place where he stays together with his sister. We had all wanted to go but after doing the shopping at the Night Market, it was rather late and the aunt would probably be asleep by then. Coming from a driver whom we hired barely 2 days ago, I felt that the invitation was a very generous and warm gesture that came with genuine friendship, something that won't be extended to most tourists. It was most unfortunate that we failed to accept it. Maybe on my next visit, I hope.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReapOthers/photo#5103482335560096866"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RtM2JRCKXGI/AAAAAAAABWM/cFk4zLcy85I/s400/IMG_2293.JPG" /></a><br />Our farewell picture. I gladly tipped Ra quite a bit, with whatever currencies I have left in my pockets, amounting to almost US$10 altogether.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReapOthers/photo#5103482408574540946"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/RtM2NhCKXJI/AAAAAAAABWk/xT-yMoKRiBo/s400/collage.jpg" /></a><br />Our silly moments.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReapOthers/photo#5103482361329900658"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RtM2KxCKXHI/AAAAAAAABWU/eYGdHJeQF_Y/s400/IMG_2320.JPG" /></a><br />Aerial view of Cambodia.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/SiemReapOthers/photo#5103482387099704450"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RtM2MRCKXII/AAAAAAAABWc/IikDZTvjMM0/s400/IMG_2325.JPG" /></a><br />And the mighty Tonle Sap Lake.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-6312150016352518572007-07-05T23:52:00.000+08:002007-07-06T01:28:17.572+08:00Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, MalaysiaA man is brave if he abandons all to go diving two and a half weeks before his final university exams of which he knows nuts about.<br /><br />A man is fearless if he distributes S$450 of currencies to the great land of Malaysia, leaving but $50 of his life-savings to last through the wintry, desolate April.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RnqeS_JtH0I/AAAAAAAAAlw/rp-O_pmxQHk/s400/IMG_9832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RnqeS_JtH0I/AAAAAAAAAlw/rp-O_pmxQHk/s400/IMG_9832.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I am both brave and fearless. And it is only on this tiny island that men of such distinguished caliber gets to celebrate April Fool's Day.<br /><br />Pulau Lang Tengah, the lesser known neighbour of Pulau Redang, 4 hours of a speedy boat ride from Merang Jetty in Terengganu, the North-eastern state of Peninsula Malaysia which is separated by an 8 hours bus ride from Singapura, the land of Sang Nila Utama, where brave and fearless men (and some women) hails from.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/Rn1P1PJtIMI/AAAAAAAAApI/3wwrB9_sQis/s400/IMG_9879.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-78915619831703210412007-07-03T00:10:00.000+08:002007-07-03T01:50:12.487+08:00National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore, Closing Ceremony<div align=center><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RofmhxBtwVE/AAAAAAAAA0s/H33spfGOPmM/s160-c/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">National Stadium - Closing ceremony<br>full album here</a></td></tr></table></div><br />30th June 2007 marks the final time we step foot into the 34 year old monument of Singapore's history.<br /><br />The plan was simple. Grab a few good men, reach there early, grab a few (good) shots, wait for the late-comers, grab a few good seats, endure the heat, hope for a few good goals, then take our last steps out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284537353716274"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/Rofm3BBtwjI/AAAAAAAAAz0/6BnoWUAvbE8/s400/IMG_1185.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />Things went more or less according to my divine plan.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284236706005378"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/kloozo/RofmlhBtwYI/AAAAAAAAAyc/THl4QRlkQjA/s288/IMG_1126.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />Tickets were bought way in advance. I'm surprised it wasn't sold out, and what a shame. I reached there on the dot at 4.30pm with Weiwei; Zijing arrived, and I took some farewell shots.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284301130514850"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RofmpRBtwaI/AAAAAAAAAys/VvcZ3whdMXU/s288/IMG_1142.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284331195285938"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RofmrBBtwbI/AAAAAAAAAy0/f9EBQlWCGFI/s288/IMG_1146.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />Alex fulfilled his part of the plan by being late. We then grabbed semi-decent seats near the cauldron at the Eastern gallery, gate 32B. We chose to ignore the 32C or 32D that night. They sound wonderful, but alphabets can be misleading in this case, especially since it wasn't really a Cup final. Football had to take priority.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284438569468402"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RofmxRBtwfI/AAAAAAAAAzU/EFUBFpU1dg0/s400/IMG_1173.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />The humidity was manageable. Whoever wasn't sticky with sweat that night did not experience Kallang.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284387029860818"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RofmuRBtwdI/AAAAAAAAAzE/Ktq7_kUIeOs/s400/IMG_1156.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />Then <S>Sundram</s> scored.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284417094631906"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/RofmwBBtweI/AAAAAAAAAzM/1zcj7CYaazw/s400/collage1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><S>V. Sundramoorthy, the wayward hero of my childhood, rolled back his years to score with an exquisite chip from the corner of the box for the Ex-Internationals. I doubt anyone in the current national team could have conjured that in his mind, much less finished it. That piece of magic made the night all worth it for me.</s><br /><br /><i>oh damn it, it was R Suriamurthi who scored, not Sundram. The bloody commentator misleaded me.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284472929206786"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/RofmzRBtwgI/AAAAAAAAAzc/AUar9amiI4I/s400/IMG_1176.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />In the other more serious match that night, Singapore kicked the Australian asses 0-3 and the players gave a good account of themselves. Yeah the Socceroos did all the scoring but who cares. We kicked their asses nonetheless.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284653317833330"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/kloozo/Rofm9xBtwnI/AAAAAAAAA0U/4wUzG7Bt-8Q/s144/IMG_1251.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284558828552770"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/kloozo/Rofm4RBtwkI/AAAAAAAAAz8/UONml_Z2kTY/s144/IMG_1194.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br />And so with that, the story of the beloved National Stadium drew to a close. We took our last steps from the concrete drabbed in gray, keeping with us the yesteryears of Red and White, till the next Kallang roar comes along.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadiumClosingCeremony/photo#5082284520173847074"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/kloozo/Rofm2BBtwiI/AAAAAAAAAzs/BjLfZdLM_3E/s400/IMG_1186.JPG" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-81316002752889322022007-05-16T13:54:00.000+08:002007-05-16T18:02:54.011+08:00National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore<strong>12th May 2007, 10am</strong><br /><br />April to June '07 - many Singaporeans are visiting the National Stadium for perhaps the 1st or 2nd time in their life, sadly because the grand old dame will be torn down once all the goodbyes are said. And of course, we normally don't cherish what we have till she (normally it's a she in such cases) is going or gone.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064832742013011986"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/kloozo/Rknmi1J0CBI/AAAAAAAAAVw/AnQZgQFOqoo/s288/IMG_0524.JPG" /></a><br /><p align="right"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064834116402547042"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/kloozo/Rknny1J0CWI/AAAAAAAAAYY/_q9LRgPT1uY/s288/IMG_0591.JPG" /></a></p>Having served us well for decades, the stadium will be torn down for a new one as part of the proposed sports hub. The new stadium design certainly look impressive; part of it opens to the waterfront, where water can be let in to fill the stadium for water events. We'll no doubt be eagerly anticipating its completion in years to come. But for now, we explore the stadium, which for most, should be the last time ever.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064832763487848482"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmkFJ0CCI/AAAAAAAAAV4/xzjj0kygBu0/s288/IMG_0525.JPG" /></a></p>Me, Alda and Yanqing (Zhenhan succumbed to drinks on the previous night while John went wind surfing) joined the free stadium tour which is organised by the Singapore Sports Council as part of the <a href="http://www.ssc.gov.sg/SportsWeb/sw_cat_details.jsp?type=9&root=31&parent=31&cat=755">closing down celebrations.</a> On that Saturday morning we met at the scheduled 10 am and joined about 20 others in a little tour group, led by one of the SSC staff. However, scorching hot day it was and not the most suitable for photography. I saw several DSLR cameras, but not many real photographers. I had wanted to go down in the early morning but didn't have time in the end.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064832849387194466"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmpFJ0CGI/AAAAAAAAAWY/aH2QiEWC-JU/s288/IMG_0538.JPG" /></a></p>I started the tour by tripping over one of the many stairs at the West Entrance. My extraordinary dexterity however meant that I instinctively stuck out a hand to stop myself from falling and looking like a fool. My big right toe kinda hurts though. The pain later spread to my foot and then to my right knee, but not for long.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064832866567063666"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmqFJ0CHI/AAAAAAAAAWg/csmn9U75ptg/s288/IMG_0539.JPG" /></a></p>Our tour group consists of mainly families who stupidly brought their young brats along. As if they will remember anything about the stadium. While the tour leader tried to informed us on various nuggets about the stadium along the way, the brats made noises non-stop and shut out the commentary half of the time. One of them eventually wilted under the hot sun and puked. The mother encouraged her to do it in the middle of the grandstand pavement. Once done, they walked off and rejoined the merry noise making, leaving the puke to dry up. I suppose this is how they do things at home.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064832961056344242"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmvlJ0CLI/AAAAAAAAAXA/JCGGYeSJWls/s288/IMG_0550.JPG" /></a></p>Places we visited include the VIP lounge, interview room, sports science room, rehab room, sports museum, caulderon and floodlight towers, most of which are normally out of bound to the public. I was slightly disappointed at the floodlight towers though, the itinerary which I was looking forward the most to. I had imagined they would let us climb all the way up to the top and catch the possibly magnificent view. Instead, we were offered a peep through the opened door and that's it. The only thing I could see in the dingy interior were electrical boxes, wires and a wall ladder that led into the darkness. Maybe without the brats...<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064832939581507746"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmuVJ0CKI/AAAAAAAAAW4/6tQbC4nX8Po/s288/IMG_0549.JPG" /></a></p>The whole tour took a good 2 hours and included a brief talk by Mr C. Kunalan, the former national sprint champion whom I had frequently heard and read about. Didn't realise that he is actually a professor lecturing at NIE. Thankfully he's quite humourous. Nothing else would stand a chance under the temperature that morning.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064833046955690226"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/kloozo/Rknm0lJ0CPI/AAAAAAAAAXg/X-_87z3tCos/s288/IMG_0565.JPG" /></a></p>The National Stadium meant a lot to different groups of Singaporeans. The purpose of building it back in 1965 was to foster community spirit and to build a national identity amidst the ethnic, cultural and racial differences.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064834279611304402"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/kloozo/Rknn8VJ0CdI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/AoCN4U25mcI/s288/IMG_0618.jpg" /></a></p>In present days, she touches my heart in the way that I guess only fellow Die Hard Fans would understand. I missed the halcyon Malaysia Cup days in the early '90s because I was still a kid then and no one brought me to the stadium. I had to settle for live radio commentaries and the occasional telecast on TV. 17th April 1994, I remember that day clearly in my head.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064833098495297810"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/image/kloozo/Rknm3lJ0CRI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Dv4IhLhwewQ/s288/IMG_0573.JPG" /></a></p>When I got older, I made up for it by attending most of the football matches that Singapore played at home. I still keep all the ticket stubs in a little Mauna Loa Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts tin box. My most memorable match was probably the Asian Cup or World Cup qualifier against Bahrain a few years back. Singapore needed a win to qualify. The opponents were a goal up and we struggled to get past them, tried as we did. Despite their superiority on the pitch, the team of middle-eastern cheats started time wasting with more than 20 minutes of the game to go. The crowd was incensed. Furious. The trickeries of time wasting that they employed would put cristiano ronaldo to shame, even superior to the comical Rivaldo during World Cup '02 who clutched his face in agony after the ball gently struck his leg.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064833004006017234"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmyFJ0CNI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/7eatD01gm8w/s288/IMG_0560.JPG" /></a></p>Singapore fans reacted in a way I had never seen before, shouting and cursing as one. That was Team Singapore, if I may borrow the present day term, at its united best. Coins were thrown and bottles flung in a mad cacophony. Rubbish strewn the pitch. Police had to intervene, so did Nazri Nasri, the Lions captain then. The Bahrain team bus was waylaid by lions and had to be escorted out. Kallang certainly roared that eventful night.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064834021913266466"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/image/kloozo/RknntVJ0CSI/AAAAAAAAAX4/5l2sXyYvrAE/s288/IMG_0581.JPG" /></a></p>At the end of the tour, we went across the tracks and onto the pitch. Not exactly hallowed turf but still the green grass upon which I had cheered and cursed for a decade.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium/photo#5064834339740846578"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/kloozo/Rknn_1J0CfI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ZtrhOBgINdw/s288/IMG_0633.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left">We lingered on for a while more on the pitch, the stadium alternating between cool breeze and sunlight, absorbed in her peace, her final days before the demolition begins..<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><hr width="70%"><br /><table style="WIDTH: 194px"><tbody><tr><td style="BACKGROUND: url(http://picasaweb.google.com/f/img/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left 50%; HEIGHT: 194px" align="middle"><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium"><img style="MARGIN: 1px 0px 0px 4px" height="160" src="http://lh4.google.com/image/kloozo/RknmX1J0B_E/AAAAAAAAAaE/kaakZd-1LfU/s160-c/NationalStadium.jpg" width="160" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: #4d4d4d; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kloozo/NationalStadium">Full Album: National Stadium</a></td></tr></tbody></table><hr width="70%"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-19407695172412721642007-03-05T03:49:00.000+08:002007-06-26T22:47:38.010+08:00Gunung Stong Dabong, Kelantan, Malaysia<strong>23-26 February 2007</strong><br /><br /><i><b>Afterwords</b>: It's a tough job uploading this many photos in blogspot... bugger. To the point that I tire of writing about the trip at one go. Words slowly drain out from mini essays to one liners, but the good thing is that my photos are up, at long last, though just some selected ones. Will fill in my thoughts and more words as and when I find time, as well as photos from others.</i><br /><center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqBnwkPPvI/AAAAAAAAADc/5UNNTQ9jZDo/s1600-h/IMG_9300.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqBnwkPPvI/AAAAAAAAADc/5UNNTQ9jZDo/s400/IMG_9300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037981653219098354" /></a><br />Went for another trip organized by NTU ODAC, this time to Gunung Stong. Apart from her nice name, Stong is also home to Jelawang Falls, arguably the tallest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Gunung means mountain in Malay, as verified by my trusty Malaysian translator, Weiweiwei. So Gunung Stong = Stong Mountain, and it resides within the Dabong Forest Reserve. I did my homework.<br /><center>~~~~~~~~</center><br />Which got me thinking.. maybe this is what Anwar asked his alleged gay partner: “Awak mau pergi ke Gunung Pecah Belakang dengan saya, sayang? … boleh minum dari air terjun saya” <br /><br />“Do you want to go Brokeback Mountain with me, sweetheart?… can drink from my waterfall”.<br /><center>~~~~~~~~~</center><br />In all, 36 of us travelled, split into 3 groups. Here’s the wise and noble Group 1, which includes a Swedish exchange student and a Princess from Swaziland:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqClQkPPwI/AAAAAAAAADk/LzpUwTr5op4/s1600-h/group+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqClQkPPwI/AAAAAAAAADk/LzpUwTr5op4/s400/group+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037982709781053186" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-73262499029463635652007-03-05T03:48:00.000+08:002007-06-26T22:47:38.010+08:00Gunung Stong Day 1<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqDbQkPPxI/AAAAAAAAADs/wEZANbIYi2M/s1600-h/collage.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqDbQkPPxI/AAAAAAAAADs/wEZANbIYi2M/s400/collage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037983637493989138" /></a>Iris and her private train seat.<br /><br />Most of us used the backpacks provided by the school. Ugly shit, but you dun have to bother too much about them getting dirty.. and it works anyway. I affixed a DIY adidas logo on the front flap for easy recognition among all the ugly bags. Hooked up a strap to the cumbersome tarpauline that I was assigned to carry. Smart.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqFkQkPP0I/AAAAAAAAAEE/l-u2nQYKJZ8/s1600-h/collage1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqFkQkPP0I/AAAAAAAAAEE/l-u2nQYKJZ8/s400/collage1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037985991136067394" /></a>Met the whole lot at the Woodlands Sheng Shiong supermart, the traditional groceries shopping point before most Malaysian trips. The rain dampened our mood somewhat. From there we crossed immigrations, took 170 to Johor Bahru then walked to the nearby train station. First time I’m taking a proper train, the choo choo kind. Omg omg.. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqGMgkPP1I/AAAAAAAAAEM/YwPUxF5VZUs/s1600-h/collage2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqGMgkPP1I/AAAAAAAAAEM/YwPUxF5VZUs/s400/collage2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037986682625802066" /></a>Old man at the platform which we invaded.<br /><br />Inside the JB train station.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqG_QkPP2I/AAAAAAAAAEU/BLOnkFzhqoA/s1600-h/IMG_8960.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqG_QkPP2I/AAAAAAAAAEU/BLOnkFzhqoA/s400/IMG_8960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037987554504163170" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ang moh kid caught me snapping.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqG_QkPP3I/AAAAAAAAAEc/GpLRYSp_P_I/s1600-h/IMG_8961.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqG_QkPP3I/AAAAAAAAAEc/GpLRYSp_P_I/s400/IMG_8961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037987554504163186" /></a>And his annoyed looking sister.<br /><br />She looks like Ben Stiller in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/gallery/ss/0196229/Ss/0196229/zool_02.jpg.html?hint=tt0196229">Zoolander</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqG_gkPP4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/gJmWg4jXYPE/s1600-h/IMG_8963.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqG_gkPP4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/gJmWg4jXYPE/s400/IMG_8963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037987558799130498" /></a><br /><br />First time i see a real train in front of me, like I was living out a scene from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418239/">Tickets</a> which I caught not too long ago.<br /><br />Tickets was good.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqJ5QkPP5I/AAAAAAAAAEs/oS9C8uhrZqA/s1600-h/IMG_8966.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqJ5QkPP5I/AAAAAAAAAEs/oS9C8uhrZqA/s400/IMG_8966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037990749959831442" /></a>Voyeurism from outside. <br /><br />Now this really reminds me of a typical film scene. <br /><br />The journey took about 11 hours each way.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqJ5gkPP6I/AAAAAAAAAE0/Vf0MbFHZilE/s1600-h/IMG_8968.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqJ5gkPP6I/AAAAAAAAAE0/Vf0MbFHZilE/s400/IMG_8968.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037990754254798754" /></a>Our group took Cabin 1 which was at the end of the train. Right beside my bed was this door which you can open and jump straight down onto the tracks and die. Or not die but lay dying among piles of splattered shit and piss coz that's where the toilet waste ends up. <br /><br />"Keep the door closed". yeah that's right.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqJ5gkPP7I/AAAAAAAAAE8/HmPsO6uLWv0/s1600-h/IMG_8974.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqJ5gkPP7I/AAAAAAAAAE8/HmPsO6uLWv0/s400/IMG_8974.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037990754254798770" /></a>Iris and Yanqing at the train cafeteria at the other end.<br /><br />Weisiong got hooked on their Roti Bakar.<br /><br />Everyone got excited coz i ordered Tongkat Ali. It's like they were the ones drinking the aphrodisiac instead. It's just milky coffee. And I swear it did nothing to my libido that night.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqMQQkPP8I/AAAAAAAAAFE/4JDJwi_iWgc/s1600-h/IMG_8995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqMQQkPP8I/AAAAAAAAAFE/4JDJwi_iWgc/s400/IMG_8995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037993344120078274" /></a><br />The empty aisle of our cabin after we finally decided to sleep. We were travelling on sleepers on the ride to Dabong, and sitters on the trip back. We played cards for a while and really made hell of a racket on the train which i felt went kinda overboard. It was a night train afterall and there were people trying to sleep. A pair of chinese teens who got the unfortunate beds next to ours couldn't take it and left for some other cabins. I do feel apologetic. and i lost rm$6 on cards. damn.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqMQgkPP9I/AAAAAAAAAFM/b--mzebFxIY/s1600-h/IMG_8996.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqMQgkPP9I/AAAAAAAAAFM/b--mzebFxIY/s400/IMG_8996.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037993348415045586" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-74261649176166016942007-03-05T03:47:00.000+08:002007-06-26T22:47:38.010+08:00Gunung Stong Day 2 - Part 1<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqdEQkPQAI/AAAAAAAAAFk/G9hMJhUNpn4/s1600-h/IMG_9018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038011829659320322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqdEQkPQAI/AAAAAAAAAFk/G9hMJhUNpn4/s400/IMG_9018.JPG" border="0" /></a> After 3 days, we finally reached Dabong.<br /><br />No la, only 11 hours. time flies when you're sleeping.<br /><br />Arrived at around 6.30am<br /><br />Dabong station is nothing but a small little shelter with some seats. You could have been in some rural outskirts of Mexico and not tell the difference.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqaeAkPP-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/9fwrlA-SfWc/s1600-h/collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038008973506068450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqaeAkPP-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/9fwrlA-SfWc/s400/collage.jpg" border="0" /></a> Breakfast at the coffeeshop around the corner.<br /><br />Kelantan is a Malay state in Malaysia. It sounds like i'm stating the dumb obvious but it's not the same as saying Shanghai is a Chinese city in China. Malay state as in it's under some Muslim political party so there are hardly any non-malays there, unlike JB or KL.<br /><br />Ke Rui, or Princess as she prefers it, literally jumped into the picture. it's her party trick. she is Princess Cam-whore and will attack any cameras that are brandished within her sight. But funnily I hardly took any shots of her. I think she gave up trying to make me shoot her.. now that i think about it, i feel kinda bad..<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqhogkPQBI/AAAAAAAAAFs/X1v6n5hW0o0/s1600-h/IMG_9027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038016850476089362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqhogkPQBI/AAAAAAAAAFs/X1v6n5hW0o0/s400/IMG_9027.JPG" border="0" /></a> Exploring the little town as the sky lightens up.</p><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqhowkPQCI/AAAAAAAAAF0/vXv54H9slLQ/s1600-h/IMG_9029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038016854771056674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqhowkPQCI/AAAAAAAAAF0/vXv54H9slLQ/s400/IMG_9029.JPG" border="0" /></a> That's Gunung Stong in the misty background.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqhowkPQDI/AAAAAAAAAF8/741YIXBRO1I/s1600-h/IMG_9046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038016854771056690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqhowkPQDI/AAAAAAAAAF8/741YIXBRO1I/s400/IMG_9046.JPG" border="0" /></a> Wooden boards to close shop like the good old days. The numbers when put together correctly gives you free pizza delivery.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reqi8QkPQEI/AAAAAAAAAGE/zJjjLiLPv-0/s1600-h/IMG_9042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038018289290133570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reqi8QkPQEI/AAAAAAAAAGE/zJjjLiLPv-0/s400/IMG_9042.JPG" border="0" /></a>They were looking for coins on the ground to make a phone call back to Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reqi8gkPQFI/AAAAAAAAAGM/E-z_QN2ViNE/s1600-h/IMG_9061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038018293585100882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reqi8gkPQFI/AAAAAAAAAGM/E-z_QN2ViNE/s400/IMG_9061.JPG" border="0" /></a>Johan the Swede talking to Asian midgets.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reqj4wkPQGI/AAAAAAAAAGU/PVXBgaQjfRk/s1600-h/IMG_9063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038019328672219234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reqj4wkPQGI/AAAAAAAAAGU/PVXBgaQjfRk/s400/IMG_9063.JPG" border="0" /></a>Johan and his gangly frame. Everybody wanted to play with his...... camera.<br /><br />While we are still slaving away for our degree and slogging towards that first pay check that will ignite the repaying of numerous study loans, he at 24, have explored more of Asia than most of us Asians did, travelled through US and other countries, and still have enough to fork out for that D80 of his. Such is the difference in society. Oh and he's somewhere alone in Borneo now, prolly diving at Sipadans.<br /><br />I can't even figure out where Borneo is. Always thought it's some ancient city.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reql1QkPQHI/AAAAAAAAAGc/SToYhQXAcKg/s1600-h/IMG_9064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038021467565932658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Reql1QkPQHI/AAAAAAAAAGc/SToYhQXAcKg/s400/IMG_9064.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />sometimes I get to have my photo taken<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqtDAkPQRI/AAAAAAAAAHs/1_DKPPtqBkU/s1600-h/IMG_9073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038029400370528530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqtDAkPQRI/AAAAAAAAAHs/1_DKPPtqBkU/s400/IMG_9073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We can't sing, we can't dance. We are S Club 7.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqotAkPQOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/NW2RP2g97RU/s1600-h/IMG_9075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038024624366895330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqotAkPQOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/NW2RP2g97RU/s400/IMG_9075.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The local guides for our trip. Fauzi and Wan?<br /><br />From the little town, we took mini-bus-like vehicles to the Dabong Nature Reserve which wasn't too far away. But before that, we stopped in the middle of the road, flanked by limestone hills, and went caving.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqoDAkPQKI/AAAAAAAAAG0/b2oTy2fPedo/s1600-h/IMG_9078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038023902812389538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqoDAkPQKI/AAAAAAAAAG0/b2oTy2fPedo/s400/IMG_9078.JPG" border="0" /></a>Briefing and an intro to the area. Starting off with one of our main activity, caving. The area is populated with numerous natural caves.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqpxAkPQPI/AAAAAAAAAHc/IudQXx4P7AA/s1600-h/IMG_9080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038025792597999858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqpxAkPQPI/AAAAAAAAAHc/IudQXx4P7AA/s400/IMG_9080.JPG" border="0" /></a>Descending down the slope towards one of the cave entrance.<br /><br />This was when I discovered that my camera lens cap was missing. I back-tracked to where we alighted from the van and weisiong offered to help me find it. Failed to see it, but we found something else instead. One of the guide who was near the van asked us if we wanted to see a snake..<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqoDQkPQLI/AAAAAAAAAG8/DgcSPQofcjI/s1600-h/IMG_9081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038023907107356850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqoDQkPQLI/AAAAAAAAAG8/DgcSPQofcjI/s400/IMG_9081.JPG" border="0" /></a>Spot the snake..<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqpxQkPQQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/0966uwt1K3I/s1600-h/IMG_9083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038025796892967170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ReqpxQkPQQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/0966uwt1K3I/s400/IMG_9083.JPG" border="0" /></a>Wriggling away from us. Nice..<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/36PPnvf8xFc"></param><embed style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/36PPnvf8xFc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br />Only me and ws saw the elusive creature. Heaven rewards the helpful and the bloody unlucky, sometimes. </p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrTwkPQSI/AAAAAAAAAH0/rlvOVtaqIT4/s1600-h/IMG_9087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrTwkPQSI/AAAAAAAAAH0/rlvOVtaqIT4/s400/IMG_9087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038097857854259490" /></a>Entering the first of the three caves that we explored.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrsgkPQTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u7Swk13XJt0/s1600-h/IMG_9093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrsgkPQTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/u7Swk13XJt0/s400/IMG_9093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098283056021810" /></a>The guide examining the interiors. It was a long wait as we proceeded in and we later understood why. The mouth of the cave was pretty cramped, sometimes having space for only one or two person and at times we had to walk bending down. A couple of disturbed bats were flying around as well.<br /><br />Slightly further in, we saw the bottleneck. At the start when the guide told us to prepare to get wet, I thought we'd perhaps be wading through tiny streams or there may be water dripping from ceilings. Then in front of us, there was nothing but a tiny hole which I suppose was created by the running stream over the years. In order to progress on, we had to crawl through it flat down and half submerged in muddy water.<br /><br />Damn.. didn't know i'll get so wet this early in the trip without even seeing a waterfall. Interesting caving indeed.. Definitely beats the previous Krabi experience, where caving meant that our longtail boat stops for two minutes outside some birdnest caves before hurrying off.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrswkPQUI/AAAAAAAAAIE/F_E6jzUYS4M/s1600-h/IMG_9103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrswkPQUI/AAAAAAAAAIE/F_E6jzUYS4M/s400/IMG_9103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098287350989122" /></a>Posing in the more spacious part of the cave.<br /><br />I didn't take much photos during caving. Pretty aversed to taking photos in the dark, since they turn out awfully bad most of the time. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrtAkPQVI/AAAAAAAAAIM/8NA6bhf66Vw/s1600-h/IMG_9109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrtAkPQVI/AAAAAAAAAIM/8NA6bhf66Vw/s400/IMG_9109.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098291645956434" /></a>The rock formation at the center is supposed to resemble a Kris, the traditional malay dagger, hence the name, Kris Cave. Bad angle that I took it from though, can't really make out the shape.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrtAkPQWI/AAAAAAAAAIU/jfhEGFnNRMo/s1600-h/IMG_9116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrtAkPQWI/AAAAAAAAAIU/jfhEGFnNRMo/s400/IMG_9116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098291645956450" /></a>Natural soil formation and natural round pebbles in the natural limestone caves with natural shiny material in the natural rocks.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RersDgkPQaI/AAAAAAAAAI0/J3Qc-_cmwgA/s1600-h/collage3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RersDgkPQaI/AAAAAAAAAI0/J3Qc-_cmwgA/s400/collage3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098678193013154" /></a>The Goddess of Mercy resides in the Dabong caves and helps people with constipation.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrtAkPQXI/AAAAAAAAAIc/gkIx9TTURVA/s1600-h/IMG_9143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RerrtAkPQXI/AAAAAAAAAIc/gkIx9TTURVA/s400/IMG_9143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098291645956466" /></a>I couldn't let the rare bit of sunlight in the cave go to waste.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RersDQkPQYI/AAAAAAAAAIk/LlNLfyFt3wk/s1600-h/IMG_9153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RersDQkPQYI/AAAAAAAAAIk/LlNLfyFt3wk/s400/IMG_9153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098673898045826" /></a>The last cave that we visited had a large rock (All natural of course) which resembles an elephant's head, tusk and body and have nothing to do with this photo. It's just Weisiong posing as instructed.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RersDgkPQZI/AAAAAAAAAIs/FJndoPB4tvM/s1600-h/IMG_9155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RersDgkPQZI/AAAAAAAAAIs/FJndoPB4tvM/s400/IMG_9155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038098678193013138" /></a>sneaking out of the caves.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BAkPQbI/AAAAAAAAAI8/vzI526ER5bU/s1600-h/IMG_9160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BAkPQbI/AAAAAAAAAI8/vzI526ER5bU/s400/IMG_9160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038111829382873522" /></a>Somehow everytime we see water we rush to it like some drought victims. wash hand, wash leg, look at it, splatter around. Yes, water turns us on. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BAkPQcI/AAAAAAAAAJE/tuzMdtaqZIM/s1600-h/IMG_9171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BAkPQcI/AAAAAAAAAJE/tuzMdtaqZIM/s400/IMG_9171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038111829382873538" /></a>One of the 3 little vehicles that drove us about. A dozen people, a dozen bags and a couple guides in each vehicle. Somehow we managed.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BQkPQdI/AAAAAAAAAJM/R5-5F11AbO0/s1600-h/IMG_9176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BQkPQdI/AAAAAAAAAJM/R5-5F11AbO0/s400/IMG_9176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038111833677840850" /></a>We like to see things that we can't usually see in urban Singapore. Cows taking a walk, roosters and little chicks checking out the rubbish on the floor, little streams along the way. Anything that moves, we shoot.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BQkPQeI/AAAAAAAAAJU/GTMVFfFDko4/s1600-h/IMG_9178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BQkPQeI/AAAAAAAAAJU/GTMVFfFDko4/s400/IMG_9178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038111833677840866" /></a>Check out the rubber shoes.. Kampong Adidas Spring Collection '07 - Rubber is Cheap - Only 4 Ringgit. Available at all leading mamak shops near you. But seriously the shoes are good for trekking.. should get a pair of those myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BgkPQfI/AAAAAAAAAJc/cak-klxFzrA/s1600-h/IMG_9184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4BgkPQfI/AAAAAAAAAJc/cak-klxFzrA/s400/IMG_9184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038111837972808178" /></a>Cheery faces before the ascent. This is at the foot of the mountain. To get there, we had to first go through the official entrance of the Dabong Nature Reserve which houses some wooden 'resorts'. But why stay there when you can camp out at the base camp, beside the glorious waterfalls...?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4gQkPQgI/AAAAAAAAAJk/n0uucRpTBcw/s1600-h/IMG_9185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4gQkPQgI/AAAAAAAAAJk/n0uucRpTBcw/s400/IMG_9185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038112366253785602" /></a>I dun really know the people from other groups since we didn't talk much. Got too carried away with our Group 1 team bonding perhaps. But that girl in white is a little crazy. very garang..<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4ggkPQhI/AAAAAAAAAJs/50SAbgxxRyU/s1600-h/IMG_9190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/Rer4ggkPQhI/AAAAAAAAAJs/50SAbgxxRyU/s400/IMG_9190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038112370548752914" /></a>Steps that lead to no where. Someone's idea of a joke. Reminds me of one of the Enid Blyton children book series, about the tree that leads to the clouds and habitated by Moonface and other weirdos who likes to eat toffees.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-87342734395244411452007-03-05T03:46:00.000+08:002007-06-26T22:47:38.010+08:00Gunung Stong Day 2 - Part 2Already at Part 2 and I haven't even reach the base camp. I must learn to be brief and succinct. And Blogspot is sucha bitch at uploading photos.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkQkPQiI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/i8TYLh7Zo60/s1600-h/IMG_9194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkQkPQiI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/i8TYLh7Zo60/s400/IMG_9194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038124529601167906" /></a>Reached the first falls enroute to base camp. had to climb a thousand stairs before we start trekking.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkgkPQjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/dmMoajqcCp4/s1600-h/IMG_9205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkgkPQjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/dmMoajqcCp4/s400/IMG_9205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038124533896135218" /></a>Jealous lover found her partner taking photo with pageant contestant and ran amok.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkgkPQkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/GeInOnyX18M/s1600-h/IMG_9207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkgkPQkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/GeInOnyX18M/s400/IMG_9207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038124533896135234" /></a>Nice view already<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkwkPQlI/AAAAAAAAAKM/SF4CS9sy0To/s1600-h/IMG_9209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkwkPQlI/AAAAAAAAAKM/SF4CS9sy0To/s400/IMG_9209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038124538191102546" /></a>Alvin packing up the remnants of Iris' bag. She was having problems with her back so the guys in our groups split up her load, kind hearted souls we are.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkwkPQmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/rZCZjGEAELw/s1600-h/IMG_9218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResDkwkPQmI/AAAAAAAAAKU/rZCZjGEAELw/s400/IMG_9218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038124538191102562" /></a>Bandanna girl and friend. No I still dunno their names.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResEBAkPQnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/5UnyPLALtuc/s1600-h/IMG_9220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResEBAkPQnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/5UnyPLALtuc/s400/IMG_9220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038125023522407026" /></a>Ws and Earnest. On trial for Dabong Football Club.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResEBQkPQoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/wtJ8u437sDg/s1600-h/IMG_9221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResEBQkPQoI/AAAAAAAAAKk/wtJ8u437sDg/s400/IMG_9221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038125027817374338" /></a>After around 2 hours, we reached our base camp, Baha's Camp.<br /><br />The local guides live here, in wooden huts, in the embrace of nature. They lug whatever necessities they need up the mountain a couple times a week. The base camp actually leads not only to the summit of Gunung Stong, but also to a few other peaks such as Gunung Ayam and.. Gunung whatever..<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEQkPQqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/8jsRyG931Uc/s1600-h/IMG_9222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEQkPQqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/8jsRyG931Uc/s400/IMG_9222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038134974961631906" /></a>Finally we reached the viewing gallery.. nice.. damn nice.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEQkPQrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/sPZhdCQYhrU/s1600-h/IMG_9225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEQkPQrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/sPZhdCQYhrU/s400/IMG_9225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038134974961631922" /></a>Gravity proved too strong for Alda and she tumbles over the cliff but luckily my camera managed to capture the moment.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEgkPQsI/AAAAAAAAALE/g0-1_zWICMo/s1600-h/IMG_9226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEgkPQsI/AAAAAAAAALE/g0-1_zWICMo/s400/IMG_9226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038134979256599234" /></a>Alvin, who was nearer, took a photo before helping her up. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEwkPQtI/AAAAAAAAALM/VM5eI-u-OxI/s1600-h/IMG_9230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEwkPQtI/AAAAAAAAALM/VM5eI-u-OxI/s400/IMG_9230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038134983551566546" /></a>Love...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResMqQkPQpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qWYl5i6of_0/s1600-h/IMG_9233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResMqQkPQpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qWYl5i6of_0/s400/IMG_9233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038134528285033106" /></a>Quickly take more photos before the other groups arrive<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEwkPQuI/AAAAAAAAALU/MpiCxyLCNAw/s1600-h/IMG_9235.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNEwkPQuI/AAAAAAAAALU/MpiCxyLCNAw/s400/IMG_9235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038134983551566562" /></a>The walking advertisement for X-Physique.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNhgkPQvI/AAAAAAAAALc/9f3Y1AuREoc/s1600-h/IMG_9239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNhgkPQvI/AAAAAAAAALc/9f3Y1AuREoc/s400/IMG_9239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038135477472805618" /></a>Johan is a brave man. If i'm that tall I'll think twice about standing there like that.. it's really a long way down.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNhwkPQwI/AAAAAAAAALk/1Q-3hxkYf5g/s1600-h/IMG_9250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNhwkPQwI/AAAAAAAAALk/1Q-3hxkYf5g/s400/IMG_9250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038135481767772930" /></a>real clouds<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNiAkPQxI/AAAAAAAAALs/fDa0V4a6UR8/s1600-h/IMG_9259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResNiAkPQxI/AAAAAAAAALs/fDa0V4a6UR8/s400/IMG_9259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038135486062740242" /></a>I think this is really funnie.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKQkPQyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/5X-lBtMN0OA/s1600-h/collage1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKQkPQyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/5X-lBtMN0OA/s400/collage1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038140575598986018" /></a>And this has got to be the highlight of the trip.. Sliding down from the waterfalls a few storeys high.. awesome. and the speed at which you slide down was a bit scary.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8DrILYu1HFw"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8DrILYu1HFw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;"></embed></object> This is what we did..<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iWu3zdGoJis"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iWu3zdGoJis" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" ></embed></object>This is how the guides did it.. bloody cool.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKQkPQzI/AAAAAAAAAL8/SCGPG4VXVgc/s1600-h/IMG_9261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKQkPQzI/AAAAAAAAAL8/SCGPG4VXVgc/s400/IMG_9261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038140575598986034" /></a>pitching our tents.. couldn't figure out how to set up the rain cover. Never never throw away the instruction manuals.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKgkPQ0I/AAAAAAAAAME/mnTwkvn_K9k/s1600-h/IMG_9288.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKgkPQ0I/AAAAAAAAAME/mnTwkvn_K9k/s400/IMG_9288.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038140579893953346" /></a>Dinner time.. cooked pasta with some sausages and stuff.. pretty nice, but sadly it's nothing much compared to what other groups cooked. teriyaki chicken? .. sinful.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKgkPQ1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/SKgyAe6Y4jk/s1600-h/IMG_9290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/ResSKgkPQ1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/SKgyAe6Y4jk/s400/IMG_9290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038140579893953362" /></a>Happy faces. camping and outdoor cooking beside gushes of waterfalls.. blissful .. till you feel like shitting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-88280618533870102902007-03-05T03:45:00.001+08:002007-06-26T22:47:38.011+08:00Gunung Stong Day 3Morning of Day 3.. <br /><br />The previous night, we decided to split into two groups for Day 3's activities. One group to trek to the 1433m high summit of Gunung Stong and the other to just relax and explore the other waterfalls.<br /><br />I was supposed to join the summit group, but the guide made it sound like it's some gruelling holy grail.. "malaysian standard, 4 hours up, 3 hours down.. I dunno about you all".. everything was like a race against time and we had to make it back in time to pack up everything and descend the mountain before dark. So I thought twice and joined the other group instead. This is meant to be a fun and relaxing trip after all.. even if there were interesting sights along the summit trek, would there be time to enjoy it?<br /><br />And it turned out to be a wiser choice personally speaking.. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLtwkPRAI/AAAAAAAAANk/6zR_TvTfZFI/s1600-h/IMG_9297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLtwkPRAI/AAAAAAAAANk/6zR_TvTfZFI/s400/IMG_9297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038485332623836162" /></a>Catching remnants of sunrise.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLcQkPQ_I/AAAAAAAAANc/SUmkH3t8dy8/s1600-h/IMG_9303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLcQkPQ_I/AAAAAAAAANc/SUmkH3t8dy8/s400/IMG_9303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038485031976125426" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLcAkPQ-I/AAAAAAAAANU/SdUsiv4qoH4/s1600-h/IMG_9321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLcAkPQ-I/AAAAAAAAANU/SdUsiv4qoH4/s400/IMG_9321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038485027681158114" /></a>Sky brightening up..<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLcAkPQ9I/AAAAAAAAANM/jLcrCHUqoJs/s1600-h/IMG_9347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLcAkPQ9I/AAAAAAAAANM/jLcrCHUqoJs/s400/IMG_9347.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038485027681158098" /></a>Everyone thought the best was over and left.. and suddenly the lighting conditions turned a warm glowing shade of lovely, with only a couple of us catching it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLbwkPQ8I/AAAAAAAAANE/2vZe6sXQq7k/s1600-h/IMG_9352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLbwkPQ8I/AAAAAAAAANE/2vZe6sXQq7k/s400/IMG_9352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038485023386190786" /></a>Off to the waterfalls.. this first one after a brief trek. Sadly Iris got some phobia of the big round rocks and didn't join us.. would have been fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLbwkPQ7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/i80oxLmO6SU/s1600-h/IMG_9359.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLbwkPQ7I/AAAAAAAAAM8/i80oxLmO6SU/s400/IMG_9359.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038485023386190770" /></a>Suddenly I was everyone's best friend. They did everything they could to get my attention and take photos for them. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBwkPQ6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/zMdg7UaXJ9o/s1600-h/IMG_9370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBwkPQ6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/zMdg7UaXJ9o/s400/IMG_9370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038484576709591970" /></a>The slightly crazy girl as demonstrated here. From where I was, which was way below, the place she climbed up to looked seriously dangerous. I didn't have the heart not to take a shot for her. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBgkPQ5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/zvDOheXY9bs/s1600-h/IMG_9384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBgkPQ5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/zvDOheXY9bs/s400/IMG_9384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038484572414624658" /></a>O.D.A.C. All along I was actually trying to delete crappy photos from my cam to free up some space but they keep waving and shouting at me for photos.. most disturbing. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBQkPQ4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/FbWDw0iIQPQ/s1600-h/IMG_9400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBQkPQ4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/FbWDw0iIQPQ/s400/IMG_9400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038484568119657346" /></a>Happily under the falls.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBQkPQ3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/BYzt4mgmuYg/s1600-h/IMG_9402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBQkPQ3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/BYzt4mgmuYg/s400/IMG_9402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038484568119657330" /></a>Making our way to another waterfalls.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBAkPQ2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/UoOEwZHSduw/s1600-h/IMG_9405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexLBAkPQ2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/UoOEwZHSduw/s400/IMG_9405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038484563824690018" /></a>Looks like we were rapelling down the cave.. pretty fun.<br /><br />Sadly, that was where the last of my 4 battery sets went flat. damn sad.<br /><br />The summit group made it to the peak and got back ahead of time. Singapore Boleh! Their trip was somewhat disappointing though.. what good is a summit view if it's obscured by trees and shrouded by clouds? I'll take the base camp's 400m++ high viewing gallery anytime.. and of course we can't help rubbing in how wonderful our waterfalls were. <br /><br />And so hours later, we packed up our tents and descended down Gunung Stong. The down trip was soured by my impotent batteries. The camera turned into a piece of rock stuffed into my bag. <br /><br />Noteworthy incident.. one of the girl had an asthma attack halfway down the mountain and she strangely did not bring her inhaler to the trip. it got pretty serious and eventually the guides had to carry her down somehow; some parts of the trek were vertial drops of a couple meters high. she got down somehow and was sent to the hospital/clinic in a car .. luckily she ended up okie. <br /><br />We bathed at the 'resort' area.. bought drinks and some pirated ramly burger at the makeshift roadside stall. Ice was ferried up from the village on a motorbike. The same vehicles then brought us back to the station area where we had dinner at a coffeshop.<br /><br />Took the night train back to Singapore, where once again we made a hell lot of noise and incurred more than a few irritated looks from the malaysian passengers.<br /><br />Till the next trip,<br />Goodbye and goodnight, Dabong.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-3807502151946456532007-03-05T03:44:00.000+08:002007-06-26T22:47:38.011+08:00Gunung Stong Day 4<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexVHwkPRBI/AAAAAAAAANs/3JqNeex2pVY/s1600-h/IMG_9410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFP0CprHNI8/RexVHwkPRBI/AAAAAAAAANs/3JqNeex2pVY/s400/IMG_9410.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038495674905084946" /></a>The last shot of my trip, and also one of my favourite. Malaysia Boleh.<br /><br />Lesson learnt. Always bring backup batteries for your backup batteries. Not many thing is quite as sad as having a camera and plenty of batteries, all dead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101243361783497911.post-41569335989431070382007-03-05T03:38:00.000+08:002007-07-22T18:33:09.765+08:00Gunung Stong MiscellaneousI was in a hazy mood throughout the trip, sometimes feeling as though my mind's detached from the body, though prolly that's how i feel half of the time anyway.<br /><br />Participants from such trips are usually fine people that i can mix well with. Birds of the same feather flocking together and all that shit. Once in a while there'll be a black sheep who comes along and smudge the pleasant experience.<br /><br />On the Jerangkang trip there was the obnoxious Adrian. This time, a certain PCK really got on my nerves, so much so that he deserves a mention here.<br /><br />This PCK wouldn't stop talking and maintained his LOUD incessant talking throughout the trip, even if the person don't show any interest in what he's talking about. Someone suffering from Tourette's Syndrome would look like a meek lamb beside him.<br /><br />The worst moment was after we had all just entered the first cave and by some great misfortune, he ended up right behind me. Due to the narrow passageway, it meant that I was stuck there with a booming bunch of noise behind me for quite a while. He kept bragging to another poor guy about his photography skills and some dumb photography composition lesson which he paid a fortune for. Anyone with a bit of knowledge would have known that he's just relentlessly bullshitting about something that he doesn't understand at all. I had a burning desire to tell him to shut up at that time.<br /><br />When he attempted to bug me, I gave him the shortest reply that I could muster and walked off.<br /><br />Fast forward to the end of the trip, PCK and some others descended from the mountain first. Along the way, the pest attempted to talk to Iris and Yanqing, the latter who then told him that he's irritating. A while later, Iris was having difficult going down a slope so she called out to PCK for assistance. He was in front of her, yet merely turned back for a look and moved on without helping. Jerk.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2