Road test result

I know this is funny but I failed my road test because I am driving much slower than the posted speed limit.

Also, I was faulted for waiting too long on making left turns. My examiner said that on many occasion, I didn't cross the intersection when I should be. I was just trying to give more space and be extra caution. Isn't safety the no. 1 priority on the road? sigh...

Overall, I think I am too cautious. I should have been more aggressive. The truth is, there are disparity between road test driving and in-the-real-life driving.

I'll try again on 18th Apr 2008.

Long run plus walk

I just went for a 18km run plus 10km walk. The 10km walk wasn't plan for, it was because there is no bus operating the route on wed night. Evening bus operates on Thurs, Fri and Sat. How strange? I just need to get use to it.

I like the Greendale leg. Country, barns, nice houses, large fields, horses and sheeps, little traffic. The Vedder River leg was great too, with mountain views and river running.

Qyeo ga bdut dor tia

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bd7cHnePBFs&feature=related

Aiyo. tak boleh tahan lah. See the video. I qyeo ga bdut dor tia (laugh until tummy ache ah)

View from my room on a sunny day.

View from my room on a sunny day.
Originally uploaded by Jerry Tok

2010- A year of Olympics

YES, Singapore won the bid to host the first ever Youth Olympics Games (Summer) in 2010. I know for Singapore, summer doesn't mean anything to us because we have summer all year round. But in the Northern hemisphere (anywhere above the equator), summer is generally in the 3rd quarter of the year.

2010 is also the year where Vancouver is hosting the Winter Olympics Games somewhere in Feb. It'll be a great experience to be a part of this international event. Winter games are rather foreign to me, I think I'll be trill to see the snowboarding events.

I know it might be confusing- In Singapore, we are familiar with the Summer Olympic Games. the upcoming one will be host in Beijing, the most recent game was held in Athens.

Winter Olympics Games- The most recent games was held in Torino, Italy. The upcoming games will be host by Vancouver, Canada.

Summer Youth Olympics Games- First games will be proudly host by Singapore in 14th August 2010.

Winter Youth Olympics Games- First game will be host in 2012. Winning host will be announce in Dec 2008

Find out more about the olympics Games
Singapore 2010
Vancouver 2010
Straitstimes news
Soak yourself in the celebration with these videos:
Singapore 2010 Bid Film - Blazing the Trail
Singapore 2010 Concept Video
Announcement 2010
News on Channel 8 (PM Lee lost for words)
The Youth Empire Shouts: Youth Olympic Games 2010

I'm already making plans to go home for the Youth Olympics in 2010.

大年初一 First day of Chinese New Year

After observing the tradition all my life, I woke up this morning wanting to change into new clothes. It's new year- new shoes, new pants, new shirt and new underwear. I was brushing my teeth and realize that I didn't buy any new year cloths this year. Also, there is no one here to visit and 拜年．Reality sets in. I am not in Singapore and Chilliwack is a 'white' town. It'll be surprising if anyone know it's Chinese New Year.

But I did receive 1 Ang bao this year. My worst record was 2007 when I was in Korea. Zero Angbao. This year 1, still better than yesteryear. My classmates and I went to 2nd floor (where my boss stay) to 拜年． He was expecting us and we receive our first and last Ang bao for the Rat year.

The rest of the day are uneventful, went for class from 6pm to 9pm. No Bak Kua. No new year goodies. But also no one to ask me the same new year question "when you getting married huh". So good luck for the singles out there. For those married without kids "when you going to have baby huh?" And the married with kids "when you going to have more kids huh?'

新年快乐 Happy New Year

發啊! 大家發啊!!

Chinese New Year AKA Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is celebrated by Chinese all over the world. Koreans called it Sollal. I just learn from my Bhutanese friend that they celebrate lunar new year too. Others culture include Vietnamese, Nepalese, Mongolian and formerly Japanese.

I wish everyone

恭喜發財
歲歲平安
年年有餘

And prosperity in every area of your life, especially your waistline!!

Oh, almost forget. I accept e-Angbao (e-红包), you can transfer to my UOB account.

New house at Airport Road

Moved here since 26th Jan 2008. So here some photos to share with you.

My room is on the 3rd floor. The other room next to mine is a fellow classmate.

View from outside.


View from my room on a sunny day.
Originally uploaded by Jerry Tok

I pasted postcards of Singapore on the walls.

On a clear day, I can to see the mountain and ridge from my window. It's the most accurate way to know whether today can fly or not. First thing I do in the morning is to pull up my window blinds to check the weather.

This is an extremely posed photo.

Richmond

I mentioned before that Vancouver has a huge asian community. Today I went to the heart of the Chinese community-Richmond.

I joined Danny for lunch with his girlfriend, gf's sister and gf sister's boyfriend. I felt slightly out of place having dinner with 2 couples. We went to this high class Cantonese Restaurant that serves really delicious Dim Sum. It is so good, probably the best I've tasted in my life. A Hong Kong brother (Ryan) once told me that Vancouver, and especially Richmond, has really good restaurant, many of them are even better than HK's restaurant where most of these chef in Vancouver probably come from. Maybe all the good chef come to Vancouver liao, deserting HK.

We went to Aberdeen Mall. Feels like any other asian city. We spent some time in a totally Japanese store that sells everything that you can ever imagine and everything you would never imagine.

Well the best part of our Richmond adventure is the desert. Danny brings us to the desert place that serve soy bean pudding (豆浆）. I added black bean to my pudding. Aiyo, it tasted so good. Really didn't expect to get this in Vancouver. Danny says this is the only place he know in Vancouver. Food always bond people together. I went home feeling satisfy that I had a great day in church worshiping God in the morning. And spend quality time with Danny and Mike in the afternoon at Richmond.

Circuits

I practiced Circuits today so many times that I lost count of it.

Circuit puts all that I've previously learned into application.

1. Taxi to active runway
2. Take off and climb to 1000'
3. Climbing turn
4. Straight Climb
5. Straight and level flight.
6. Descending
7. Descending Turn
8. Final approach and landing.

A circuit is this- Take off, climb to 1000', fly a rectangle and land at the same runway. Sounds simple right? Not until you master all the fundamentals mentioned above.

I find myself having difficulty making radio call. I try memorizing them but just can't find the words at the appropriate moment. Making sense of what other pilots are saying is just as tough. I will practice listening to them as often as I can.

For a beginner, circuit is demanding. Everything happen one after another. Take off... BANG...climbing turn....BANG...BANG...radio call... BANG... I find landing the plane the most rewarding maneuver. I was surprise that I handle it almost according to what I visualised. Flare 3mt above runway...Cruise attitude and hold, allowing airspeed to fall...continously pull back until main wheels touch runway... slowly let down control column.

At the 2nd last circuit, I'm almost in zombified state. Exhausted from all the execution and attention that I have to give to flying. After landing, Juan said " Add power" which I usually do it automatically. I turn and ask him "huh, we are going for another round". Because mentally I want to switch off liao. But then I braced myself to give my best for the last circuit and it turns out great. More circuits to come in the coming days.

Bollywood wave

Don't ask me why but I am caught on the Bollywood wave.

Akshay Kumar performing live at IIFA (International Indian Film Academy). Do you know that it was held in Singapore in 2004? Bollywood movie industry is huge and international.

Enjoy his rocking performance. This guy is 40 years young and he can sing and dance for 8mins straight, I am impressed. Some of the movies includes Namaste London and Om Shanti Om

You may skip the Spiderman intro to the 2nd min.

Response to "Has Singapore Found the Secret to Satisfaction?"

Have you read the interesting article Has Singapore Found the Secret to Satisfaction?. You should read the comments too. One of the woman interviewed (who owns 300 pair of shoes) left a comment. She mention the contents of her interview are flawed. It's suppose to be positive but the report worded it in a negative tone.

I am incline to agree with the report that we are happy ppl because of our strong community. I have 6 immediate family, 5-10 best friends, 30 over good friends and thousand over people I know. I strongly believe Singaporeans should be happy people, considering the quality life we have in Singapore.

It's sad that there are always nasty Singaporean who are unhappy with their life due to trivial things (for e.g. they complain that there are only 3 buses plying Punggol Road). They are also very fond of engaging in heated argument online. Unfortunately, these are also the group of ppl who left most of the comments online, whether it is Straitstimes.com or abcnews. Hopefully readers are mature enough to read their negative comments in contexts. They do not represent the nation.

I was watching a Vodcast on http://www.straitstimes.com/Home.html

A 23 year old journalist claims that Singapore lacks civil liberty.

MM Lee: "Are you a Singaporean...how old are you...what school did you go to...??"

23 year old journalist answer sheepishly: " why does it matter?"

MM Lee:" It does matter...give me an example of where your freedom of speech or your first freedom and expression has been limited...Then I will answer your question... Now you have made a broad statement..."


Would you be able to answer MM Lee's question if you shares the some sentiment as the young journalist? I find myself having difficulty answering MM Lee's intriguing question. Maybe one, my mum told me police will come and catch me if I scream in the house. Does that count???

Has Singapore Found the Secret to Satisfaction?

Citizens Willing to Trade Civil Liberties for a Cleaner, Safer, Efficient Society

By BILL WEIR

SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2008 —

If you set out across the globe and talk to a few of the 6.5 billion people who live here, you will be amazed by the pockets of joy you'll find in the most unlikely places. You'll find happy mothers in the dusty villages of Africa, happy Tibetans toiling under Chinese oppression and happy families in the slums of Bombay.

To understand this sort of human contentment, Dan Buettner founded a global project called Blue Zones. He found that a liberal, tolerant, democratic society helps make Denmark the happiest country in the world.

But is there a similar level of contentment in a place with one political party, a censored press and nonjury trials? Welcome to Singapore, the happiest country in Asia.

"Ninety-five percent of the people around us say they're either somewhat happy or very happy," Buettner said of Singapore. "That's a very high proportion for Asia."

Watch the story Friday on "20/20" at 10 p.m. ET

Safety and Success

This high proportion of satisfied citizens wasn't the case 40 years ago, when a man named Lee Kwan Yew took power in Singapore, and laid down the law. He made the Chinese and Malaysian locals learn English, banned spitting, chewing gum and long hair, and even paid educated people to have children.

With his draconian laws he transformed Singapore from a smelly, chaotic seaport into one of the richest, cleanest, safest and most efficient big cities in the world. But woe unto those who break the rules and litter or forget to flush. "[Singapore] is based on the rules," one local said. "[With] rules and very systematic country."

There are fines for the smallest infractions, and more serious criminals are strapped to a rack and beaten with a bamboo cane.

We met one man in Singapore who has seen and felt Singaporean justice firsthand. After serving 15 years for gang-related crimes, Neville Tan is now a pastor with a prison ministry. He says he was caned many times and describes it as a "horrible, painful experience." But he doesn't mind it one bit. "We feel safe. If we don't break the law, we don't have to worry about the law."

Mark Zee is an actor who moved to Singapore from Apple Valley, Minn., and he says he had no problem giving up civil liberty in exchange for a clean, safe city. Singapore, he says, has some of the "highest paid civil servants in the world, and so you get some very smart people running the country, and that's something that, you can't say in all Western countries," said Zee. "Hint, hint."

So on a scale of one to 10 as the happiest, how do citizens rank themselves? "Probably an eight," one man said. Another responded to the question "What would make you happier?" with "more money."

Many people agree; some of the other pillars of Singapore society are built around wealth. They're known as the five C's: cash, credit cards, condominium, cars and country club.

Celina Lin, a self-made millionaire and one of the nation's best-known bachelorette socialites, can tell you all about the five C's. Despite her apartment full of art, her snazzy Porsche and 300 pairs of shoes, she was the least happy person we met.

"Sometimes I get unhappy if I compare," she said. "Of course someone & wealthier, having a more luxurious life, driving a bigger car, having a bigger house, having a wonderful husband who provides for her. And when I think of that, I feel, I mean honestly, I feel a tinge of jealousy."

Keeping up with the Joneses is an obsession in this culture.

In Singapore, kids spend their vacations participating in time management seminars. While this kind of competition is often the source of unhappiness, the drive to succeed is tempered by Confucian values the family ALWAYS comes first.

Striking a Balance

Jennie Chua, the former CEO of the famous Raffles Hotel, says she is often happiest when having breakfast with her grandchildren, and her contentment comes knowing that they will have a secure future. Douglas Foo, one of the most successful restaurateurs in Asia, says that his goal is to create a chain as big as Starbucks or McDonalds & as soon as he's done playing with his kids.

"All of us have one thing that's limited in supply, that's time," he said. "So we should do some planning, right? How much time do you want to spend with the family, your career, or some hobby? I think there's a balance."

But can you have both? "Well, I'm not going to do that single-handedly," said Foo. "There are a lot of things I want to do in my life; I want to make sure by the time I leave, when he calls up and says 'Now is the time to go,' I will leave smiling, and saying that I lived a very fulfilling, meaningful life."

But all this talk about happiness raises a question: Where is the happiest place in America? In his new book, "The Geography of Bliss," Eric Weiner also explored the happiest spots on the globe and using the lessons learned, set out to find the happiest place in America.

He settled on Asheville, N.C. "You've got mountains, beautiful mountains all around," he explained. "You have a tremendous, thriving, artistic community. You have cafes everywhere, every other shop is a coffee shop or a bookstore."

But more importantly, he said, "You have a really strong sense of community here. And if I've learned anything from researching this book, it's that other people matter. There's no such thing as personal happiness, your happiness is part and parcel of those around you."

Community that's the key. Community is why happiness can be found along with the high taxes in Denmark, the harsh rules in Singapore and the crushing poverty in India. One study found that the people living on the streets of Calcutta are happier that those in California. The homeless in Fresno may have more access to food and shelter, but what have the "houseless" in Bombay got? They have each other.

Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

URL: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=4097264&page=1

报告新闻

-Current flying hours= 11.8 Progress has been smooth and steady. Weather wasn't favorable and so I put my grounded time to good use- Review, review and review.

-Practice Spins and Spiral today. I like the G force. Like riding roller coaster except that I have to do something to the controls to stop the ride. After mastering Spins and Spiral, it's circuit, circuit and more circuits.
Read this to find out about Spins and Spirals. http://books.google.com/books?id=GKMSsue-JW0C&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=spins+and+spirals&source=web&ots=uhBcORU7PE&sig=S-yFmQ_lOATB40Z2qIuY88lFeTs#PPP1,M1

-Weather in Chilliwack is either cloudy, drizzling or snowing. Sunrise at 0800hrs, sunset at 1645hrs. Rather depression isn't it. However, weather forecast an extended period of sunny days, beginning from 15 Jan, will persist for a good 2 weeks. I look forward to embrace the sun.

-My cooking was a hit and miss. Salad today was great- lettuce, potatoes, apples, blended carrots with creamy caesar dressing. Gong Bao Ji Ding was a miss. I think I shouldn't fried the dried chilli at such high temp. Will attempt again next week.

- In order to save time and money, I usually prepare 2 portion at one go. For e.g., my lunch tomorrow is the same as my dinner tonight. I will packed my lunch to the airport and heat them up using microwave. The other day Kelvin just recommend a few youtube videos on cooking. ( I find the british accent hard on the ears.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz91iI1FNBc
I doubt you'll try them 'cause if I were you, I would rather pop-by the ever convenient nearby coffeeshop for 福建面 or Wanton Mee or 海南鸡饭.

Free songs download.

I got free song download from my phone service provider. Since I've been listening to mostly Mandarin songs, I really don't know what songs to download.

Can you recommend some English songs? Doesn't matter if is new or old songs. The website only has English song selection.

Commuting

Alot of people laugh at the idea of the Off-Peak Car scheme in Singapore but I beg to differ.

In 2006, my dad bought a car for my family's usage. And yes, it has a Off-Peak Car plate. What does that mean? Off-peak cars are allow to be on the road from

Monday to Fri: 1900hrs - 0700hrs (the following day) AND
Sat 1500hrs to the following Monday 0700hrs.

Some people call this the weekend car. Not really. Notice that every weekday evening, you can get on the road. I had good memories of having a car to get to church on Wednesday nite, to the park connector or Seletar Reservior for evening jogs, countless supper at Jalan Kayu or Chong Pang Nasi Lemak, to pick up Zach from his place. You see, the city is very very much alive after 7pm. Unless you are one of those guys who NEED to be a home to catch some TV series.

How about getting to work? I don't need a car, I've got my Kah (my legs in hokkien) My camp is about 8km away and so I cycle to work and back almost everyday even on a rainy day. Once I get to camp, I can get a shower before I change to my work attire.

Singapore has fantastic and cheap public transport. In Chilliwack, the bus comes every 1 hours, sometimes 1.5hrs. And the bus fare is 1.50CAD (2.50SGD). Bus operate from 0720hrs to 2200hrs, Mondays to Sat. 0930hrs -1800hrs on Sunday. No operation on public holidays (about 10 of them). Oh ya, they are not in operation on days if it snows heavily, I don't know how they qualify for heavy snow.

Fares are even higher in Vancouver. Starting from 2.50CAD, it gets as expensive as 5CAD depending on timing and distance. 5CAD can purchase petrol equivalent to 50km for a salon car. Aiyo, the fare doesn't make sense for a commuter to choose public transport over a privately own car. However, the tagline for the public transports says: " I am part of the solution". I'm assuming they are referring the solution of pollution and global warming. But can they make the solution cheaper?

29 years young

Yes, today I turn 29 years young. See my photo on the left, I look young and handsome right?

Next year I will hit 30's already. Wow. Exciting man.

Thank you for remembering my birthday (even though I forget yours).

Moving to Airport Road.

Chilliwack
Originally uploaded by Jerry Tok

Yes, it is confirmed. My boss drop by my apartment last night to inform us the changes. We are moving to a new house. It's a 3 storey house with 4 bedrooms. We were promised everything new-all household appliances, wireless internet, large LCD TV with satellite TV. Really looking forward to it.

My new house is only 300m away from Chilliwack Airport. However, it is far from most establishment (malls etc). Since I am so near to Chilliwack airport, I think I'll prepare most of my meals instead of eating out. Quite a struggle lah. In singapore, I'm so used to going down to nearby foodcourt for meals. Now my food selection is limited to what I can prepare. Nevermind, I shall embrace the opportunity to be a great cook. Watch out for the new chef on the block. In time to come, I may open a Singapore Restaurant in Chilliwack with world famous dishes-best in Singapore, JB and some say Canada.

9 years and going strong

9 years ago, I proclaimed Jesus as my Lord and was baptized. Today, I celebrate 9 years of being a Christian. I am grateful to God for my life and everything He so generously bless me with.

Do I feel old as a Christian. No. Consider that I have 50 years more to live, I am not even halfway there. I am a young Christian and I look forward to the next 50 years of discipleship.

I love you, God.

New Year run

This morning, I went for my traditional new year run. Usually, I run together with Raymond and whoever is interested to join us.

I set my alarm at 7am but I only manage to crawl out of the bed at 10am, nevertheless, I still changed into my running gear. The night before, I done my research on googlemaps to plot a good running route.

The 2nd KM was great. Then I get on Ashwell, wolfe and on to Indian Reserve 6. On a new year day, it was quiet. No cars and I only saw 1 guy on the street. Beautiful scenery. On my left is a river. Not so far away is snowcap mountain. There are lots of open space and fields. I suppose this is not the season for crops yet.

Overall, a nice running route. I will do it again.

My last weekend of 2007

My Christmas was boring. Everything restaurant and mall are closed for business. Christmas is a time for the Canadians to hibernate at home with their family. Kind of like Chinese family having reunion dinner during Chinese New Year. True, I agree that family need to spend time together. Especially for the whites, most of them moved out of their parents house before they hit 20. But one thing I don't understand is that why close everything? Family time can also be like going to a nice restaurant for dinner etc.

So to compensate for my miserable hibernating Christmas, I had a wonderful weekend at Vancouver. I felt privilege to be invited by Mike and Ivy to the place over the weekend. Let me tell you the highlights of my weekend.

28th Dec

MEC
I took the afternoon bus from Chilliwack to Vancouver. I got there at 430 pm and headed to Mountain Equipment Co-op to see if there's any year end promotion going on. If if there isn't, I still love to go to MEC. The store is gigantic, as huge as the total floor area of Causeway Point Foodcourt on the 5th level. MEC has almost every outdoor gear that you can think of- trekking, biking, climbing, snowboard/ski, kayak and more. It's an adrenaline-rush experience being in the store, looking at all the cool gears and stuff. www.mec.ca

Laksa for dinner
Yap, Ivy prepares Laksa for dinner. It was tasty, yum yum. The 3 of us had a great time chatting over dinner. Mike and I also plan a trip to the mountain to try out snowboarding.

29th Dec

Snowboarding
I like snowboarding even though I've never done that before. Showboarding has some similarity to skateboarding and surfing. The learning curve for snowboarding is rather steep, unlike skiing. Most people can almost maennourver on their ski within much coaching or help on their first try. We signed up with the drop-in lesson. It's a 2 hours lesson starting at 10am. For 100CAD, I think it's money well spend. That includes area pass, rental of equipment and the 2 hours lesson.
It's hard to describe my snowboarding experience. All I can say is I enjoyed it a lot. The snowboarding season is open from Nov to late feb. If I stay in Vancouver, I would really consider taking up snowboarding. It's only 45 mins drive from Vancouver. And that's the amazing part of staying in Vancouver.

Hotpot AKA steamboat
We gather at a sister's place for steamboat. Same concept as what we have in Singapore. Raw meat, fishball, noodles, vege, golden mushroom. All you need to to dump everything into the boiling soup. 1 thing different is they don't drink the soup. We scoop the food from the soup and dipped it in some traditional Taiwanese sauce. A little bit like 虾米辣 (in hokkien)

In the house, there is a room for pool and table tennis. No I am not kidding you, the house is big enough for a pool room. Mike and I had a good game of table tennis.

30th Dec

House church at Andrew Nyugen's place
Church service is not at the usual Justice Institude of BC, so we meet at Andrew's place. Again, a big and beautiful house. On the 3rd floor, there is a view of Fraser River and overlooking the city. It's hard not to adore Vancouver.

After service, I went to Mike and Ivy's place for lunch. I wanted to get back to Chilliwack early so I took the 230pm bus. On the way I was entertained by Hindi songs played on 93.1. Yah, I am a fan of Hindi pop.

Internet radio station.

Internet radio station.

I was traveling from Vancouver to Chilliwack. The radio is playing Hindi song. I recognize the song, it's from a bollywood soundtrack but I forget the movie title.

Due to the multicultural scene in Vancouver, the radio station also play Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu (pakistan). On weekends- Tamil, Farsi (Persian language), Bengali. http://www.redfm.ca/

On the Chinese station, the music selection includes, Mandarin, Cantonese and Min Nan Yu (Hokkien). I was listening to the top 10 album countdown, Fish Leong album was in the top 10. Last nite, I heard 要拼才会赢 (Hokkien). Interesting. http://www.am1470.com/home_c.php

I am still tuning in to Singapore station via the internet. Mostly 88.3fm and occasionally Power 98. Internet is powerful.

Previous trekking photos

These are photos of me and my Hong Kong friend. Taken on 21 dec.



http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556873854PQBrsI

Sun and snow.

Chilliwack, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Chilliwack, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

These 2 photos above are taken at the Chilliwack airport. One on a sunny day and the other on a snowing day (22nd Dec). It looks totally different. Obviously, the runway, taxiway and all our aircrafts are covered with snow. So it's a no flying day for us.

Chilliwack, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

...and this is what we do on a non-flying day.

The next thing I am looking forward is to do my first solo flight. Some students can go for solos as soon as they clocked 10 over hours. Others needed more practice to do that. Solo sounds like a very scary thing for a student. Imagine you are flying on your own. You instructor will not be there to help nor guide you. You are doing everything by yourself.

Actually, it's not that scary. Your instructor will be the one assessing your competency in handling the a/c. He will give you the green light to go solo only if he knows you are up to it. Basically, You have to taxi the a/c from the terminal to the runway via the taxiway, take off and join the circuit. Complete a circuit, carry out a landing and bring your a/c back to the terminal. There you go, your first solo flight.

By the way, you need to pass 2 in-house test before your solo, they are the PSTAR and Radio Operator test. I've taken and passed both of them already. Now I just need to focus on my flying. Oh yes, my Class 1 medical cert. I pray they reach me soon.

My apartment

My room
Originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

So this is how my rooms looks like. Study table and chair, bed, wardrobe. The rest of the house is carpeted except the kitchen. There is central heating system and you can adjust the temperature between 18 to 30 degree C so I don't feel cold at home.

This apartment is called Chilliwack Garden and it is on 45749 Spadina Ave. I share this apartment with my fellow student pilot. It's equivalent to a 3-room flat in singapore. 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, fully equipped kitchen, dining area with tables and chairs, shared toilet.

I like my apartment, it is basic and has everything I need. I have privacy in my own room. I can cook. There's nothing more that I would ask for.

Spadina Ave to Hope River Road loop

This is my second run in Chilliwack. The street name of my apartment is Spadina Ave (the locals pronounce it as SPUR DYE NA, I would have pronounce it as SPA DEE NA) Running in the cold is ok lah. You don't perspire that much but you have to put on warm cloths. I was wearing my jogging pants, a sports thermal undershirt, winderbreaker and a wool hat. So far it's working for me.

I'm going to do more runs to keep up with my fitness. It's a great way to explore the place where live in.

Btw, I am thinking of buying a bicycle to get around in Chilliwack and as a form of exercice. I miss cycling.

"I'll be home for Christmas"

No, I am not coming home for Christmas this year just like last year. I was in Hong Kong spending Christmas with the Hong Kong Church.

I'll Be Home For Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas song. However, listening to this song and knowing that I will not be going home for Christmas leaves a bitter-sweet feeling in my heart.

To increase or decrease a/c airspeed.

Driving has only 1 axis- The vertical axis whereby the car turns to the left or right.

An aircraft in flight has 3 axis.

Vertical-Yaw.
Longitudinal-Roll
Lateral-Pitch

I have to learn to understand airspeed, vertical speed, nose up, nose down, cruise.

If I pull the control column (aircraft steering wheel) back towards myself,
a/c nose goes up
a/c starts to ascend
a/c airspeed decreases

So to increase airspeed, you push the control column. The a/c nose down.

Understood?

Shoes shrinking or feet expanding?

I got abrasion on my feet. What do you call the area where your shoes touches the back part of your feet? The last part of your feet to enter the shoes when you put them on.

Anyway, I am puzzled by the abrasion. Now my leather shoes and running shoes feels tighter. So are my feet expanding or my shoes shrinking? I am hoping that the abrasion to heal faster so I can start to run again. Yah man, I really miss running. Something seems to be missing without running in my schedule.

Today I went to buy a pair of pants for jogging. Don't have much experience with running in the cold. Unlike in Singapore, I can jog with just a pair of shorts. So I'm going to try out my new running pants, together with a quick dry shirt and a wind breaker. I see if I'm adequately dress to keep myself warm. Still, I have to wait for my abrasion on my feet to heal first.

Flying program commence liao

Flying is great. I love the view from the top.

Chilliwack is set in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. From the plane, I marvel at the mountains, valleys and river. But then now I very green. There are so many things to do in flight. Still working on my Straight and Level exercise. Sound simple but it's not. Moreover, it's the foundation of flying. All pilots have to get this right before moving on.

But just like learning how to drive a car, flying is very straining on the body and mind. Drivers-remember those days on your first few driving lesson? Very exhausted right? You feel like you just wanna to take a nap right where the instructor alights you. Flying is 3 times as exhausting as driving. Don't know lah, they say one.

Chilliwack Airport, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

So basically this is my daily schedule.

Flying - ground briefing (explanation on the flying practicals) - hit the books

and the cycle repeats

Come 15th Jan 2008, there will be more theory known as the Ground School- 60 hours in total and infinite hours of self study.

Scary.... I got to go and hit the books again. Really back to campus life.

Chilliwack Airport, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

This is Chilliwack Airport where my flying school is located

Internet connection

After being deprive of internet connection for days, I finally got the cable guy to fix up the internet connection at my apartment. Ahhh... feels more secure being connected to my family and friends at the other side of the globe.

Chilliwack

Chilliwack, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

My first day in Canada was bright and sunny. Nevertheless, the temperature is still hovering near 0 degree C.

I've got someone picking me up at the taxi stand to bring me to Chilliwack. Going to take some time to get over the jet lag.

Completion of SC Marathon

http://www.runpix.name/sin07/42/finord.php?LastName=9524&lan=&aset=0

I completed my second marathon in 5hrs and 15mins, that would place me in the 3419th position out of 9697 participant. 43% of male participant is ahead of me.

Ok, I shaved off 15mins from my 1st marathon in 2005.

The greatest reward I get from the marathon are memories of running with my best friend. True friends goes thru thick and thin together. You train, encourage and persevere to complete the race together.

My brother, we will in the same way, walk or run together till the day we get to heaven.

Wonderful time with my sister, neices and nephew

We love to make the best use of our time. In 1 day, we went from HSBC TreeTop walk in Mac Res to Singapore Flying Club (Seletar east camp) to Pasir Ris Park and finally to Changi Coastal Boardwalk.

My day started with Sharon picking me up from my place in Woodlands. I was still recovering from my mild hip joint injury so it's not a good idea to go Bukit Timah Nature reserve for a hike. We diverted our destination to HSBC TreeTop walk in Mac Res.

The official carpark to access to the treetop walk is at Venus Dr. From here, it's a good 45-1hr walk to the treetop walk. I directed Sharon to drive into the private road of SICC, nevermind it's a private road, you wouldn't know if you can enter unless you try.

MacRitChie Reservoir HSBC Treetop Walk, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

We were not stop by the security and so we drove all the way to the road leading to the entrance of Kallang Service Reservior. From here, it's a 10mins walk to the park ranger toilet.

To be continue...

Pasir Ris, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Seletar Camp, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Changi, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Changi, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Dinner after dinner

I felt so blessed, beginning from last Thursday. My schedule is packed with dinner appointments with my family and friends.

Last Thurs : Dee and Leon
Last Sat: Trekking kakis
Last Sun: My family
Tonight: Stanley@5pm, Jonathon@730pm
Tomorrow: Lunch with KB
Thursday: Dinner with ex-poly gang
Sat: Lunch/dinner with running gang in preparation for SC Marathon on 2 dec
Sun: Celebration Lunch after SC Marathon
Next Mon: Dinner with ex-poly Xtians gang
Next Tues: Dinner with my Best, Bestter and Besttest buddies. (or better, betterer and betterest)
Next Wed: Supper at Chong Pang Nasi Lemak with NW brothers.

32km run with my buddy

Testing

From outdoor instructor to flight instructor

My job-hunting experience was as adventurous as my 6 months of travel.

I began my full time job as a job seeker in mid June. Back then I was very sure I wanted to get a job as an outdoor instructor in an international organization Outward Bound. And so I waited for Outward Bound Singapore to commerce their next round of recruitment. From my observation in 2006, there is 3-4 intakes in a year. I thought the longest period I will have to wait would be 4 months. I check their career page on their website every other day.

Some time in late June, I picked up an ad in the Classified section of the Straits Times. (SIA recruitment is ongoing now) SIA is recruiting cadet-pilot. They are offering a full sponsorship to train candidates to become professional commercial pilot. The training phase would be from 18 to 21 months, thereafter candidate who survived all the training will be offer a 7 years contract with SIA, possibly the most awarded airline in the world.

My boyhood dream of flying resurfaced. Sometime in my teens, I aspire to be a pilot especially those macho fighter pilot. I don’t think I told everyone about my dreams, as I was quite discreet about it.

At 17, I enroll into Singapore Poly. At that time, RSAF is recruiting candidates for a wide range of vocation. RSAF is particularly interested in recruiting diploma holders. They offer sponsorship scheme that I eventually took up. I signed the 10 years bond with RSAF (3 years of study, 7 years of work) because I want to be financially independent. But besides the conventional (and genuine) reasons for taking up the 10 years bond, I secretly thought that by getting myself closer to the aircraft, it’ll increase my chances of flying. Hmm, yes I did fly many times (at least 30???) and on many types of aircraft (Chinook, SP, C130) but not in the cockpit, rather in the cabin as a passenger. Also as a Radio and Communication Specialist, I spent many hours sitting in the cockpit, diagnosing radio and navigation related problems. To be able to sit in a cockpit is close enough for a lot of flying enthusiast but that was it, I still couldn’t get to fly it.

Well, back then I was not so resourceful, I have no idea what it takes and how to embark on the journey to be a pilot. But in the second or third year with the Airforce, I applied with RSAF to be a pilot and was ask to the Airforce recruitment centre for the computerize test. That was an exciting time. I felt I drawing closer to my dream. My hopes and dreams felt as fresh as a newly bloomed rose.

After the computerize test, I had to undergo a medical check at the Aviation Medical Centre. Some time later, I receive a letter from the recruitment centre.

“We regret to inform you that your application for the vocation of pilot is UNSUCCESSFUL”

Dark clouds covered the sky. “That was it”, I thought. My dreams were dashed.

All these years, has my dream of flying died? No really, I think I just shelved it somewhere at the back of my heart. Man are quite good at compartmentalizing their thoughts and emotions. And that’s what I did.

Because of that ad from SIA, I embark on a journey to research on the routes to be a pilot. Those who have figured this out might scoff at my slowness. But for me, I think it’s never to late to learn. We never stop learning till the day we stopped breathing.

Basically, there are 3 route to be a pilot.

1) Military (RSAF)

2) Full sponsorship

3) Self sponsorship.

In the context of Singapore, SIA is currently the only route to get a full sponsorship. Other airlines like Qantas, Cathay, Emirates, Indian Air, all offer cadet-pilot sponsorship program for their own citizens only.

That leaves me with the 3rd choice. There are flight schools in Australia, Europe and America and I chose America. And for weeks, I googled as much info as I could from the internet. To get a CPL (commercial pilot licence) in USA, the cost is around USD70,000 (SGD105,000). That is solely the course fee only.

July 2007

My sister picked up a Classified Ad. This time, a Canadian based company is offering sponsorship for professional pilot with job opportunity. IN essence, the company would pay for most of my course fee (minus accommodation, air fare etc). After 1 year of training (max) I would be bond with them for 2 years, working as a flight instructor. That 2 years of flying is very crucial for me. Major and regional airline requirement for entry level pilot is to have an experience of 1,500 flying hours to even consider them. However, there seems to be a trend of regional airline taking in pilots with lesser flying experience. At the moment, the prospect of a pilot seems bright.

With the flying hours I acquire over the 2 years as a flight instructor, I would be marketable to major airline and regional airline as well (Tiger, Jetstar). Actually, being a flight instructor doesn’t always have to be only a short term career as most see it as “building time”. If you like instructing so much, you can do it long term.

I am not sure if I’ll certainly change platform to a major or regional airline in the future. I might like the life of a flight instructor in Canada so much that I decide to stay there for good. Having said that, I am not implying that I will do that definite. I’m just saying that I’m aware of the possibility and I am keeping that option open.

Departure

I’ve purchased my 1-way ticket to Vancouver. I’m leaving on the first week of Dec 2007, right after the SC Marathon

Fangjing and Deon went steady

Team A- Photography Jerry. Flowerboy Han Cong. Observer Kong Hong
Team B- Musician comprises of Chan Nyap, Kelvin and Jeffrey
Team C- Deon, FangJing, Zach and Aunty Florence. They are pretending to be on a normal Saturday date.

I met up with Han Cong and Kong Hong. Han Cong is the assigned flower boy. He was tasked to purchase the flowers that was to be presented to Deon after she said yes.

Over there at the site (Great World City), Kelvin, Chan Nyap and Jeffrey are scouting out the area. We were informed that the foodcourt in GWC is temporary closed for renovation.

Upon arrival at Orchard MRT, we proceed to the florist on B1. To our horror, it's no longer there!! Aiyo, that's the only florist I know in Orchard. How??? Gan Jiong spider liao... Fangjing actually instruct Han Cong to purchase the flowers at GWC. What if GWC florist also not open!??? (btw, it's closed when we got there). We call a few brothers for help. And then the information counter at Wisma Atria kindly direct to Takashimaya departmental store. Yes, it is on Taka departmental store B1.

By the time we got the bouquet of flower (1 rose), we were running short of time to go for dinner. But for the sake of our brother and the operation, we bravely forsake our dinner and proceed to GWC by bus.

We reach GWC. I gathered Han Cong and Hong Kong to discuss how we would negiotiate the mall without getting spotted by Deon. I also rehearsh with them that if even we ganna spotted by Deon, we have agreed to tell her we are here in GWC to catch a movie at 2120hrs. Same goes with Team B. So in we enter the mall. Never have I in my life felt so jumpy in a mall. How do you avoid bumping into someone else??? Our natural instinct tells us we need to go down. After contacting Team B, we snake our way to B2, our base at Subway.

We still have time before the operation. So we grab our dinner at Subway. Team B is rehearsal the song.

Over at level 2. Zach is our insider on Team C, we are in contact via SMS. We almost tried the method used by Liang Chao Wei in Infernal Affair (the Morse code tapping into the phone method?? You know?) But we realize none of us knows Morse code.

ACTIVATED!!! Team C has activate Team A and B to 2nd level. We got there by lift. Team C is seated at Ben and Jerry's. We have to hid behind a pillar. Wait... Gan Jiong.... Wait some more.... peek at Team C... Check SMS.... wait.... Check camera... wait... check sms... peek...

OK, the SIGN!!! Let's go....Musician zoomed in to Deon and besiege her. I am at a distance, snapping a photo of them from afar like a snipper.

Sing song. Guitar "and then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like I love you....I love you...." Clap clap clap. Deon shocked and embarrassed at the attention she is getting. Bystander watches. Other customer in Ben and Jerry turned and gave their blessing with a smile.

Mission accomplised. Deon is now Fangjing's girlfriend.

One more night

I miss my flight. I'm still trying to make something good out of this flight incident. I can't think of anything positive yet, maybe there's one. The next time someone tells a similar story, at least I can truly say, "I know exactly how you felt"

To answer your query, I shall explain in detail how it happen...

I started my day early at 0800hrs. I am having my breakfast in the kitchen of Samesun Backpackers Lodge at 0820hrs. By 0845hrs, I've left the hostel to make my way to the airport by public bus. So I reached the airport before 0930hrs, did some shopping before I proceed to check in my luggage.

In Vancouver International Airport, there is a different queue for US flight and international flight. So, you either check in either to an international departure hall or US departure hall. After getting my boarding pass, you'll have to go thru the US Custom. Once you get thru that, you have legally enter US.

Dissatisfied with my answer. I was refer to another department for further questioning.

Why couldn't I get thru? I don't know? But these are some of the factors I think attributes to my creditability (or the lack of it).
- unemployed
- ex-military personal
- Single man
- Traveling alone.
- Multiple entries into SEA countries
- Connection with flight school
- Being good looking (maybe)

So I showed them my Letter of Acceptance from my flight school. Then they took out everything from my bag. I think the officer almost fainted when he examine a black plastic bag containing my sock. Another officer power up my IBM, saw the file "Illegal Parking" and ask me what it was. And I have to explain... blah blah blah. what language I spoke blah blah blah....

I was given the green light to go at 1150hrs. That is exactly the time my flight bound for Portland. I missed my flight. I call Alaska Air (I purchase my tickets from NWA but they codeshare with Alaska Air.) and a officer came to assist me.

Here's the tricky part. I have clear the US borders and has legally enter US, though I am still in Vancouver land. Now, I have to re-enter Canada to get my tickets re-booked.

My next flight is tomorrow. I will arrived in Singapore on 07th Oct '07 0115hrs.

In conclusion, US is paranoid on visitors entering their country. Avoid transiting in US at all cost. Travelers transiting in US joins the same queue as travelers entering US. Meaning, you are subject to all the TRASH by US Customs.

Jogging in Stanley Park Vancouver

I decided that the weather should not and cannot stop me from continuing my marathon training. So I pray to God to give me a window of good weather. And just before I go to bed, I check up the internet on tomorrow's weather, some website reviews that tomorrow might be cloudy but not necessarily rain.

The next day I woke up. Yah, it was not raining indeed. Nevermind the lack of sun. So I packed my bag, part of me just want to walk the whole 10km of Stanley's park, the other part of me wants to run the 10km. Nevermind, let's just get there first.

At 10am, people are walking and others are jogging. It's just great to be outside and seeing people having activities in the park. So I walk and walk. All in all, I took a 3 hrs loop from my hostel to Stanley's Park and back to my hostel (on Granville St).

After lunch, I took a nap. When I woke up at 3pm, I thought how about going back to Stanley's Park for a jog, maybe 1 hour? And so I did, I put on my shorts, addidas long shelve quick dry shirt and a windbreaker. Hey, this is my first time jogging in about 10 degree C. How interesting.

Now that I found now things to do, I went for evening jog again today. I did slightly longer, I think I run about 12 km. And it was good. It was cloudy but not raining. I also planned to go for sat morning jog at Mac Res.

Singapore to Vancouver

My flight to Narita, Japan was uneventful. First time I set my foot on Japan. And then immediate proceed to my connecting flight bound for Minneapolis, USA.

I met an Indian and we talk a bit on the flight. I examine my flight itinerary to find out this flight will take a longer time than the previous one, a total of 10hrs 40mins.

We arrived at Minneapolis. It's a weird system, everyone including those connecting to another flight goes thru the same procedure as those entering USA. If we wouldn't visiting USA, why do the authority wants us to go thru the form filing and the interrogation? They ask details like what is your purpose for visiting US, how much money you bought? The queue took 1 hrs....

Well, my flight to Vancouver is 8hrs away and since I've cleared the custom and lawfully enter US, how shall I make full use of my time? I approached the friendly Information center and was recommended to take a Light Rail (like LRT) to Mall of America, or I could check out downtown Minneapolis which is 30mins train ride away. I chose to go to both place, first to Mall of America. It's very strange, I didn't thought I would ever visit US and now I am sitting in a Light Rail talking to an American.

I wanted to find a place to sit down and do a bit of reading. I found myself too tired to do anything. I ended up looking for a quiet corner to catch some sleep.

Ok, here's the highlight. While Digital Life reviewer is raving about his experience with the iPhone, I want to announce that I could be the first Singaporean (other than the reviewer) to try out the iPhone. It's actually quite cool. The 4G model is priced at USD299 (SGD450), comes with a contract with AT&T. Then I saw the MacBook. The entry level model is only USD1000 (SGD 1500)!! However, that is before tax. I console myself by assuming the cost would be on par with a machine bought in Singapore.

Ok. After loitering USA for 8 hours, I am exhausted man!!! Aiyo, true. I got a good price for the flight fare at SGD1255 but is all this waiting and physical strain worth the money??? I would seriously consider getting a flight with good connectivity the next time I fly long haul.

Arriving in Vancouver at 2300hrs. The airport is nice. At the custom, I was ask the same question: What is your business in Vancouver? What is the name of your friends? Where are you staying? Have you made your reservation? Unsatisfied that I'm here just to visit my friends, I was directed to another immigration officer for further questioning again.

Swimming Carnival 19th Aug 2007

Swimming Carnival comes and goes. Did I learn anything?

I like the training. Every Sunday, Fangjing, Zach and Jeffrey will make our way to our favourite swimming pool at Yishun Safra. Our training session ends with a dinner at Yishun.

Also on Thursday, brothers and sister from CNN will be there at YCK swimming complex. The Royal Rumblers will carry out strengthening exercise with their multiples reps of push-up, sit-up, crunches and etc.

The swimmers will be swimming reps to build up their stamina, strength and stroke. Zach is the most experience swimmer among us. He would give us pointers on how to swim better competitively, especially on how to execute a plunge.

I always look forward to the end of training session. After cooling down and taking a nice shower, the NW brothers, under my persuasion and recommendation, would make our way to the hawker centre at AMK Blk 628 for the World Famous Hokkien Mee. Besides the Hokkien Mee, there's also the Satay, BBQ chicken wings, bubble-tea with exotic names like Tian Mi Ai Ren (Sweet Lover). All the above mention dishes are world famous. The secret on the world famous food at block 628 soon got to the ears of the sisters. Soon, Weiting starts to join us and there's no turning back from then on.

Oh yah, forget to mention that once, we had Huat Gway for dessert. According to tradition, we shouted and echoed "HUAT AH" as we break the Gway and share.

Week after week, we (the brothers + Weiting) would go for Thurs training session at YCK swimming religiously. While I was counting down to the last lap, my motivation mantra goes like these:

"The faster I finish my routine, the faster I can get my Hokkien Mee".

Yes, that is the secret to getting my bronze medal in the 50m Men's Open Breaststroke. To Hokkien Mee be the glory…. Hmmm, opps…

To God be the glory!!!!!!!!!!

On a serious note, the training session really bonds the swimmers together. For some of us, the training acts as stepping stone to motivate us lead a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise. As for me, I like the feeling of a stronger body.

I felt good that I've given my best, never mind that I did get a gold. Never mind that CNN came in overall 4^th position. We did what we did to glorified God. And God in his grace and love, awarded us with a great family memory, unity and love for each other.

These are wonderful things I take home from the Swimming Carnival.

Swimming Carnival 19th Aug 2007

Transformers-It's more than meets the eye

Hey, I can't hold it any longer. Please let me RAVE about the movie Transformers!!!!

Transformers was part of my childhood. I remember catching the cartoon series on TV. I was crazy about the toys too. I dreamt of possessing one. But I was not one of those fortunate kids whose parents could afford to buy them the toys.

Once, I was with a bunch of boys in the school canteen. Our conversation turned to Transformers. One of the boys proclaimed proudly that his parents bought him the ultimate dream toy of all boys- The Optimus Prime. We wowed in the loudest WOW we knew. If I remember correctly, he soon become all the boys' best friend. We just want to have our hands on Optimus Prime, transforming him from the masculine truck to the formidable robot.

Forward 15 years....
I choose the cinema carefully. Yes, I went to Singapore's newest and hippest place-the AMK hub (or Hup, in hokkien it means "come together" in this context). Even on a weekday, I spotted lunch time crowd at foodcourts and fastfood chain. The theatre was 60% filled. Pretty packed for a weekday crowd. Eh... Singaporean don't need to work meh?

The movie showcase the first generation Transformers-Optimus Prime, Magatron and other cars and aircraft that are capable of transforming into robots. 2nd generation Transformers are the Beast Transformers, they can transform from an animal, say lion, into a robot. The latter I didn't like very much, which is why I am so excited about the movie, which features my hero Optimus Prime. If you don't understand what I'm saying, nevermind... You don't need all those knowledge to understand the movie.

I like the first fighting set. Set in an US airbase based in Qatar. The radar captures an unidentified helicopter who refuses to move out of the US airspace nor identify itself. The aircraft went on to land on the airbase. The camera zooms in on the pilot. He or rather it, was not a human. It was a robot in disguise.

Very coolly, the rotor blades retracted, which is a feature in some modern advance helicopter. Following that, the helicopter went on to transform into a full blown robot. His name is Blackout from the Decepticons. They come to earth to destroy. The whole airbase was wiped out except for a small team of elite soldiers.

Aiya, it's very tiring to word the movie. I just tell you everything COOL about the movie.

Firstly, there are lot's of cars. A spokesman of Chevrolet simply says: Our cars are the stars of the movie. Also featured is the gas guzzler, the Hummer. It's basically a car that looks like a tank and consume petrol like HanCong consume Coke.

2ndly, there's Optimus Prime. He's so big on screen. 15 years ago, he was just as powerful except that I can only see him on the confine TV set. He is so big, yet so gentlemen. I can feel the vibration of his footsteps. I watched in awe as he transform from the truck to the towering robot, though I must admit he does take a minute longer to transform as compare to the others Transformers.

Then there's Bumblebee. Despite being a robot, he was very fond of human interaction. He have a bad habit of driving himself out in the middle of the night. First time car owner Sam Witwicky was so freaked out by his cars disappearing act. He comically tries to escape from Bumblebee on his mother's bicycle, comes complete with a basket in front just like Deon's beloved bicycle. She affectionately calls it her Gu Niang Bike.

I like the whole theme of the good and the bad, the hero and the villain, the protector and the destroyer.

Maybe I should give my Bible Talk group a new name and a new identify. We are the Transformers. We use God's words to transform our lives and others lives. Jesus is our Optimus Prime, our hero. We are here to protect the human race from deteriorating and from falling into the lies of Satan.

In conclusion, every human embedded with the Y-chromosomes will adore this movie. I hope there will be a sequel, 10 sequels even better. In time to come, I will introduce my son (I am still single, I mean in future) to my hero Optimus Prime. I will have reasons to buy those expensive for my son or more like for myself.

Don't miss Transformers. It's more than meets the eye.

Pulau Tioman

I didn't expect to be using my passport so soon after my return from the travel. However, in just 3 weeks,I've been using my passport to enter Malaysia twice. First trip to Berlumut, second trip to Pulau Tioman.

A couple of years ago, David Teo shared with me his adventure, or misadventure as some might called, in Tioman several years ago. He and 2 other guys planned to spend 4 days exploring Tioman Island. The plan is simple-just backpack and circumnavigate the island and in the course, camped and set up tents along the way.

Sounds simple: Island, beautiful sandy beach on the coast and just keep walking.They soon found out it was not exactly as they thought.

Several stretch of the coast are line with slippery rocks or muddy area or swampy area, depending on the tide. Others are just cliffs and the only way to get around is to wade in the water or swim across in worst case.

On my journey to Mersing, I was contemplating with the idea of doing what David did. However, I only have 1 full day to explore the island.

Arriving at Mersing. Thank goodness someone has done something to make travel from Mersing to Tioman a breeze. At the reservation office, I was able to arrange everything- from purchasing 2-ways ferry to Tioman, to arrange my accommodation, to the bus ride back to Singapore. Even diving trips can be arrange and purchase here.

Thanks to Fangjing who provide me with the information on Mersing and Tioman, Otherwise I would have to spent maney on tour pakages.

So, what is my purpose here? Why the sudden interest to visit Tioman when I'm not even interested in diving and snorkeling?

Well, Joon Uk a brother from Korean wants to spend a couple of days in Malaysia and/or Indonesia diving and a little sight seeing. Many of my best friends are leisure divers and hence I have an idea on arranging diving trips.

I agree to help Joon Uk. Fang Jing helped me call several dive operator and finally found 1. The operator charges 500 sing. I called the operator at 1100hrs to confirm. Then I call at 1700hrs again, I was told that the company is unable to secure a bus ticket to Mersing.

Not wanting to disappoint and make him feel like he has wasted his time in Singapore, I decided to arrange his DIY diving trip for me. So here I am entering Malaysia again.

First day home

27th May 2007

0810hrs. The plane touch down at beautiful Changi Airport. The aircrew announced that the outside temperature records 37 DC. I went to look for Charmaine at her MAC counter. Her colleague checks the roster, her shift starts at 3pm.

Clearing the immigration was a breeze, with the fully automatic gantry, all you need is your passport and thumbprint. There was no one in the queue. It took 1min. I am back in Singapore officially.

On the other side, the Indian nationals are waiting in line patiently. Whether you like it or not, every country has to distinct between the citizen and foreigners. I recall having to wait in line at so many custom, while the locals just breeze thru. I noticed there are only a handful of Singaporeans on board the flight.

While taking the escalator, Fang spotted John waiting for us. We had no difficulties retrieving our luggage. Thank goodness, my Xiao Ming survived.

Fang was kind enough to give me a lift to church, a 10 mins detour from her place.

The familiar expressways, beautiful trees lining the road dividers. The new Ikea, Courts and Giants are open for business already.

5 mins into the taxi ride, I recognise the HDB apartment of Seng Kang and Punggol ( the much nicer estate). The Merc cab driver exit TPE at Punggol Road.

At the church building, the first couple I met was Jessica and Micheal at the lift lobby. Then Zach and Deon outside the sound room. From afar, I saw my best friend Raymond on stage practicing the songs with other singers. Stephenie and Qiuling are preparing the communion. Eventually, I met Matthew, ZQ, Joey, Siewlay, Berlin.

When the church sings, I wanted to record it on my camera. It seems new to me yet not exactly. In the Kingdom, Be Still My Soul, Be With Me Lord.

After service, I went straight to Jonathan. So good to see him. He told me he’d guessed that I’ll be back today. He knows me well.

Where is Xinglai? I asked Stephenie and was told that Xinglai is attending a funeral wake, a close friend of him. Later, I manage to grab time with him. He was visibly disturbed. I try to find words to comfort him. A few moments of silence and we moved on to talk about my return.

Humpta Pass Trek.

23 May 2007

Today, we got up early for breakfast. We are going to Humpta Pass and will return back to Camp 5. Weather doesn't look good- Cloudy and light snowing.

0630hrs-Set off for the pass despite the light snowing.

0730hrs- The snow gets heavier. Within seconds, my bright red Mammut windbreaker becomes decorated with white snow all over. Visibility also reduced to 10-15m. Now, snowflakes are all over my face and sunglasses. I have to keep my camera in my pocket. Our guide stopped to enquire if we're still keen to press on in this weather. I think that the weather is still manageable and so we pressed on.

The first hour, we’re walking on visible trail. Subsequently, it was all snow. There were no existing track, our guide made new trail on the white sheet of snow that surrounds us.

Snow
There’s so much to learn about walking on snow. First of all, there are so many type of snow.

Some are hard. When you stepped on it, it’s usually few inches or at most ankle deep.

Some are soft. Stepping on them could be as deep as hip level.

Then there’s walking on frozen snow. The accumulated snow melts and become like ice. Walking on ice presented no friction at all.

I also learned a few techniques for walking on snow.

Along the slope, perpendicular to the gradient- Dig into the snow using the outer side of your left foot and the inner side of your right foot.

Vertically up slope- Dig into the snow using the front (toe area) of your boots.

Vertically down slope- Dig in using the heel of your boots. Alternative, slide, roll, ski, do whatever it takes to get down. This is the most fun part of walking on snow.


The weather gradually clears. I turn back to look at the direction where we came from. Part of the clouds have cleared, revealing the beautiful blue sky. I think Camp 5 is now enjoying the warm morning sunshine. I can visualize Suat sitting under the sun reading the non-fiction, Left For Dead.

Also, the gathered clouds in the direction of the pass is starting to clear.

We arrived at the ridge, the next 30 mins to the pass is paved with mixed snow, mud and rock. I find this part trickiest. Every step I made, I have to test the stability before I put my whole body weight on it. I try to follow the footprint of Dhuni and Fang, even then, I have to put 100% concentration on the trail. There’s little room for error.



We were doubly blessed- first for arriving at the pass safely, second for the almost perfect weather.

We recharged our body with water, biscuits and trail food. Dhuni did not carry anything with him, not even water and food. I saw him helping himself to the snow, I offer him my water.

Going down was easy. We were skiing down the slopes. Playing with snow was fun. I try to make snowball and allow them to roll down the slopes. Strangely, it doesn’t works. How did the term snowballing come about?
Actually, throwing snowballs at Fang is more interesting. She would scream and dodge and also make attempts to throw snowballs back at me. We collaborated by pretending to throw at each other. But at the count of 1 2 3, we change our direction from each other to Dhuni. What great fun! We were in good spirit.

More walking on snow. Where is the midpoint? I am hungry again, I want to eat Maggi Mee.

Singapore- Home Sweet Home.

27th May 2007, 1530hrs.

Finally, I am home.

More stories to be updated. But now, let me have a good rest

Humpta Pass Trek

I am going for a 4 days trek to Humpta Pass. This will be the last trek for my travel.

Tin Tin goes to Manali

On 18th May, me and my 2 travel mate depart Leh in a 4WD for our new destination-Manali.

During my 3 days of rest in Leh, I was introduced to Tin Tin. I enjoyed my first episode of Tin Tin in Tibet.

Actually, prior to reading my first Tin Tin. I read on the papers that 2 mega movie director-Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg will collaborate to produce movie on Tin Tin. Supposedly they had already selected the series. I hope the Tibet series will be made into a film. Mountains, adventure, loyalty to friend. Sounds appealing to me.

Yah, we also had quite a bit of adventure on our 4WD journey.

First, besides the driver and the 3 of us, we have other passengers. They are from the Indian Army. So at 0130hrs, we made our way to their army camp to pick them up. At the gate, the driver was denial entry. After like 20mins of talking, explaining and phonecalls, he return to us with one other moustache guy. This time, we were allowed to drive into the camp to pick up the rest from their living quarter.

There are so many of them, we really wonder how many are just onlookers and how many will be our fellow passengers. Also, their luggage was enormous. Later on, as I found out, they have received now posting. And hence the size of their luggage.

As I was in the semi-unconscious state, I couldn't fully recalled all the details. Next thing I know, there was an empty jeep parked next to ours and the 2 drivers are transferring the luggage from the top of our jeep to the young drivers. I get the message now: our vehicle has broken down, we're getting on another jeep.

While they're doing the loading, 2 other jeep appears. These jeeps are almost vacant.

When the moving is done, we were split into 3 jeeps unevenly. With me was Fang and Suat. Suat, not wanting to squeeze in the front row with Fang, moved to the back row. Due to the design of most jeep, the last row tends to be the bumpiest. I suppose she preferred a bumpy but spacious seat. And we journey on.

I've yet to speak a word to our Indian friends but I've already acquainted myself with them, physically literally.

As I dived deeper into sleep, my body starts to curl sideways, with my head planted on the shoulder of my Indian friend.

I realised that but the position was so comfortable that i just couldn't summon the energy to adjust my head away from him. Honestly, I've never rested my head on a shoulder as solid and as comfortable like his. Not once did he fidget or wake me up to move away.






Mountains...roads...blackout...snow...mountains...blackout...roads....
This is what I remember for the next few hours until we stopped for breakfast at Pang.

The locals cleverly make use of unused cargo parachutes to recycle them into makeshift tents. There were about 8-10 tents in total. Each tent is a kitchen cum dining area. Further inside is what seems like a room with bed and blankets. I suppose that would be the owners living quarter.

When the road closes every year in Aug/Sep, I think the tents would be packed and the owners returned to their home or some other placed for business or trading.

We arrived in Manali at 2000hrs, that makes the total journey 18 hrs.

We were full of anxiety. Manali is a new place and a busy one. This is the trekking season, many Indians made their way to this popular mountainous state. With all our bearing still in a state of uncertainty, we spot a restaurant, went in and decide to take dinner before hunting for accommodation. The streets were busy, we wonder if there's available accommodation.

We checked into Hotel Seagull for the first night. For 900rs/night, we find the condition of our room unjustifiable. SO the next morning, we moved to Johnson Hotel, slightly up-market but value for money. The hotel resembles Changi Chalets. On the ground floor with balcony overlooking a field.

I spent 1 hour or so checking out the trekking options available . Most of the office are not very enthusiastic to answer queries. Some are open but not manned. A few companies quoted USD50 per pax per day for a 5 days trek. I was about to give up asking when we arrived at the office of Mountain Expedition. I was shocked when they asked for 100rp (USD 25) per day per pax.

Mountain Expedition
Every year during the trekking season, the company set up temporary campsite that lasted thru the trekking season. Campsites are complete with sleeping tents and sleeping bags, Kitchen (fully equipped with cooking pots, stoves etc.)

With such a clever arrangement, all we need is a guide to show us the way. There's no need to carry tents and food nor do we need to hire horseman(and their horses) or porters to help us.,

We bargain further, out trekking cost us 800rp (20USD) per pax per day. What a steal.

5 more days to 6 months of traveling

Hi, I am back in Leh, Ladakh.

Come 21 May, I'll be celebrating my 6th month of wonderful traveling.

No Photos Policy

I have made an agreement with 1 of my traveling companion on a No Photos Policy. It means that I will not be posting any photos on www.flickr.com/photos/jerrytok from today onwards. But that doesn't mean I will stop taking those National Geographic and award winning photos.

There will be a photo viewing session when we get back home. So hang on, you will eventually get to see them.

Ladakh-Indian Himalayan

What a relieve to exit the blazing hot weather of Delhi to the Indian Himalayan.

I am now in Leh, Ladakh which is in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Temperature in Leh (3500mt) range from 28 to 14 DC. Delhi is hovering in the 40s. Now you understand why it is such a relieve.

I've been spending the past 2 days acclimatizing. As my rest heart rate increases from 60 (beats per min) to 85 bpm.

Tomorrow, I am going to do a famous trek in Ladakh, The Markha Valley Trek. Typically, this trek will take 8 days. I will be taking a detour to try to attempt a summit- Stok Kangri at 6130mt. Little mountaineering experience is needed for this summit, subject to the weather. The detour will add another 3 days to the Markha Valley Trek

My first choice was to do the Zanskar Trek. It will take 20days to trek from Lamayaru via Padum to Darcha which is not far from Manali. Zanskar Trek is reputed to be the best in Ladakh, with landscape that resembles that of the moon.

A Ladakhi guide told me that the apparent global warming is affecting this part of the world as well. 10 years ago, he has to trek over glacier for a good stretch of 2 km on the Zanskar Trek. 2 years ago, he return to find the glacier disappeared. Not so good news...

I'll be back with more stories. Till then bye...