Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Ehpie's birthday lunch celebration
These are my good friends from the Vancouver Church Of Christ. We hang out for lunch almost every Sunday after church. Today, we are at this Japanese buffet restaurant to celebrate Ehpie's birthday (1st on the left). Can you spot the sushi on the plate? Yes, we over-ordered.
Photos 048
Friday night hang out. According to Danny, this Shanghai Restaurant is the top 5 restaurant in Vancouver.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Vancouver and then Chilliwack
Hi there,
touch down at Vancouver at 1230hrs. Was in line for almost 2 hours to get thru the immigration, that was the longest queue I've experience at Vancouver.
I was warmly welcome by JJ, Gi Gi, Ivy and Liz. So touched by their kind gesture.
Well, I've spent 4 days in Vancouver. Now I am home in Chilliwack. Yes, home... It's strange how a foreign land can feels like home. As we approached the exit for Chilliwack on Highway 1, I saw the Sumas Mountain, the fields, Chilliwack Mountain, Vedder Mountain. I am sure I've entered the valley where Chilliwack is situated.
touch down at Vancouver at 1230hrs. Was in line for almost 2 hours to get thru the immigration, that was the longest queue I've experience at Vancouver.
I was warmly welcome by JJ, Gi Gi, Ivy and Liz. So touched by their kind gesture.
Well, I've spent 4 days in Vancouver. Now I am home in Chilliwack. Yes, home... It's strange how a foreign land can feels like home. As we approached the exit for Chilliwack on Highway 1, I saw the Sumas Mountain, the fields, Chilliwack Mountain, Vedder Mountain. I am sure I've entered the valley where Chilliwack is situated.
Jeans got stolen
I came back with only the brown pants I was wearing. When I left Canada for Singapore in June, I left a pair of levi's jeans behind. It's gone now.
The previous owner of the house that I rented from has ran away. He has not paid instalment for the house for a long long time. As a result, the angry property agent (no evidence but we suspect) sent people to break into the house to steal our things. Never did they know there are tenants too, we are innocent.
Personal items that got stolen:
1. Levi's jeans
2. Springsfield pullover
3. Sweater
4. CD holder with collection of photo achieve and documents.
Sigh, things MIA. Nevermind, at least my good trekking shoes is still with me.
The previous owner of the house that I rented from has ran away. He has not paid instalment for the house for a long long time. As a result, the angry property agent (no evidence but we suspect) sent people to break into the house to steal our things. Never did they know there are tenants too, we are innocent.
Personal items that got stolen:
1. Levi's jeans
2. Springsfield pullover
3. Sweater
4. CD holder with collection of photo achieve and documents.
Sigh, things MIA. Nevermind, at least my good trekking shoes is still with me.
Monday, 8 September 2008
Berkelah Waterfall
I had a pleasant trip to Bekelah Waterfall. There were so many things to talk about- the challenges of the trail, the fun interaction, the endless supply of crystal clear water, the slippery rocks. Here are some highlights, the most interesting one being the near-death encounter. I know we came back telling bits and pieces of the story. So here it is, come share in our adventure.
On 2nd Sep 2008, 3 of my trekking kakis met up at Woodlands MRT at 2200hrs, our bus departed from Larkin (JB) to Kuantan was scheduled at 2359hrs. Getting across the custom on a weekday night was a breeze, by 2300hrs we were having supper at Mcdonald in Larkin bus terminal.
Traveling hours by bus in Malaysia is quite a mystery. Figure this out: Singapore to KL=5.5hrs. Singapore to Malacca=4.5hrs, Singapore to Kuantan=5.5hrs. North-south Highway service mostly the western coast of peninsula Malaysia. The east coast city/town like Mersing, Kuantan, Kuala Trengganu, Kota Bahru are not accessible by NS highway and hence you'll take a longer travellng time.
0500hrs, we've arrive at the bus terminal in Kuantan. Don't know the name of the terminal because it doesn't matter, there is only one here. I was half awake and groggy. We look around the terminal for a place to continue sleeping. In the end we found a seat at the foodcourt. I did contemplate on sleeping with my head resting on the table.
Realising that it's the Ramandan (fasting) month for the muslim and being in a mostly muslim-community town, I know the chances of finding a place for breakfast after sunrise is near impossible. And so we had our breakfast at the bus terminal food court and besides, there was nothing else to do at this time.
We found a taxi driver who is willing to bring us to the Bekelah Waterfall trail head for RM50. The ride took 45mins before the taxi turn into a narrow unpaved road leading to the trail head. Another 15mins to reach our destination.
Traditionally, all Malaysia trek starts by crossing a bridge, any kind of bridge, it could be cement, wood, metal or suspended bridge. The point is to cross the bridge. Once I was trekking (cannot reveal mountain name) and at the beginning of the trail, there were 2 routes-one leads you to cross a bridge and the other one doesn't. We chose the route without the bridge. Our 2 hours hike ended up in 4.5 hrs, and many other incidents also... it's another story all together, I should tell you another time.
Back to Bekelah. Besides bridges, no trip is complete without make-up. Our beautiful sisters whipped out their lipstick and lip balm just before we put on our backpack to begin out 2.5 hrs hike up the waterfall.
Fastforward 2.5hrs. 1130hrs. we reached out campsite. It's Ramadan month and in the middle of a school term, we found ourselves alone in this paradise. Right before our eyes is a 10storey cascaded waterfall which flows into a pool almost 3/4 the size of a olympic-sized pool. 10 years ago when I was brought here by my friends, I remember the pool was clear and the water level extremely deep. I suppose it's been raining the day before, causing the pool to be milky.
After lunch, we spend the time exploring the area. David and I went for a spa session. We were amazed by the formation of this waterfall, the huge rocks and the never ending continuous supply of water. Will it ever stop flowing? Does the waterfall turn off at certain timing just like the water theme park? David and I put together all our knowledge and intellect, though we didn't quite figure out all the questions, we did come to a conclusion- God is awesome and almighty. He created all things. Amen. And so David and I had a prayer and praise God.
Rock climbing skill comes in handy here.
It's 1530hrs. Anna exclaimed,:"huh so early ah!! What shall we do!!" Play mahjong loh. Not the tiles version but the card version. I did suggest to DN to bring the card portable mahjong tile complete with table, on 2nd thoughts I know I would be the one carrying it. So we settle for the cards.
1700hrs. David is so awesome, he did everything from carrying tents, food and other communal items, to setting of tents, to dinner preparation, out of his own initiatives and totally without complains. I on the other hand would have done the above mentioned task but most likely with much complain. Since David is so awesome, we crown him as King David. How about the girls? what did they contribute? See the video.
1800hrs. Signs of weather coming in. From broken clouds, the sky is now covered with cumulus stratus AKA heavy showery clouds. Then it started raining. It was too late to start building shelter and so David continue to cook in the rain after putting on his poncho. I am pretty impressed with my MSR Dragonfly stove. It survive cooking in 1 hrs of rain. Later on, I torture it further by leaving it outside as the perfect storm rage on.
1900hrs. Finally, the cabbage is cooked and dinner is ready. Roasted meat (bought from Singapore, cannot reveal what meat), Mei Cai (preserved veg), stirred-fried pumpkin with meat and lastly cabbage soup. Alamak, except for the cabbage, the rest of the dish are hardly food I fancy. When it comes to camping food, I deny myself to show my appreciation to the person who prepare the meal. While I was eating dinner, I try to cast the scary thought of having pumpkin and roast meat for breakfast tomorrow (left over food from dinner preparation). God help me to deny myself!!!
Near death encounter
We were done with dinner. The rain persisted and we had no other option but to stay in the tent. By this time, the interior of our tent were wet too. Some water sipped in thru the seams. Our camping ground were flooded with water and the ground are uneven and water got into the tent as a result. Under such condition, I thought what would be more apt than to discuss the topic of near death accident.
At this moment, it dawn on us that we're camping near the pool and the waterfall. Rain usually means raising water-level and increase water volume flow from the waterfall. Then I unzipped the tent to check on the waterfall and water-level.
LO and Behold!!! My goodness!!! It was such a scary sight!!! The waterfall is no longer flowing with water but ROARING with water. Just like the merlion multiply by 20 times the water volume and power.
"What shall we do now?" "Should we move our tent?" "will the waterfall eventually get so strong and engulf us?"
With the powerful waterfall comes strong wind. David was concerned that the wind might blow the tent away and so suggested for us to sit at the 4 corners of the tent. DN makes speculation how the waterfall might gain power and hit our tent. I look at Anna and saw the red alert look in her face.
"Are we going to die?"
I was concerned too but kept my worries to myself. What if the rain persist thruout the night. If it does, we need to move our tent as the waterfall might hit our tent. We might get hypothermia if we get caught in the rain. It would also mean that we'll be trap at this campsite for days if water flow is too strong for us to cross. (we need to cross several times en route to the base.) Do we have enough food supply if we're trap here for days?
Human exhibit unusual behavior in dire straits. If you were on a plane making an emergency and the steward hand you a piece of paper to write a will? Would you panic? would you behave unusually? She did. She started pouring chili sauce( that were leftover from dinner) out of the tent. I suspect she would have throw more things in the tent, break some eggs, got rid of all her vitamins. Lucky for us, she did not.
There was really not much we could do but to waited for the rain to stop and pray for the waterfall to ease. Some of us dozed off.
2230hrs. The rain has stopped but not the fury of the waterfall. We got out of the tent for pee break and take closer look at the powerful waterfall that threatened to engulf us, as though it was angry with us for being there.
The waterfall causes a lot of fog. I stood near the water bank and looked at the monster waterfall and check the water level. The sky is clear and we can see the stars and moon. The fog, the powerful waterfall and the stillness of the night coupled with the fact that we are the only campers here feels like a scene taken out from a movie. It's like Armageddon. Thank God for sparing our lives.
We crawled back to our tent and make preparation to sleep. I am so grateful that the rain stop...
So much for our misadventure. The morning things were back to normal. David, like always, was the first to get up and start preparing breakfast and boiling water for hot coffee. Yes, breakfast is fried rice with pumpkin and roast meat. "Dear lord help me to finish up my share of the breakfast."
We also found out that we had a visitor last night. It bit thru out tent and ate 1/3 of a loaf of bread. There goes our planned lunch.
Did we really goes thru a near death accident? Yes and no. If the rain persisted last night, it could manifested into a wet and restless nite. We might have to move our tent to a safer spot and in the process get caught in the rain and potentially develop hypothermia. The water level could have rise to a uncrossable level and we have to spend the next few days on the mountain. Thanks God for his protection, all this did not happened.
On 2nd Sep 2008, 3 of my trekking kakis met up at Woodlands MRT at 2200hrs, our bus departed from Larkin (JB) to Kuantan was scheduled at 2359hrs. Getting across the custom on a weekday night was a breeze, by 2300hrs we were having supper at Mcdonald in Larkin bus terminal.
Traveling hours by bus in Malaysia is quite a mystery. Figure this out: Singapore to KL=5.5hrs. Singapore to Malacca=4.5hrs, Singapore to Kuantan=5.5hrs. North-south Highway service mostly the western coast of peninsula Malaysia. The east coast city/town like Mersing, Kuantan, Kuala Trengganu, Kota Bahru are not accessible by NS highway and hence you'll take a longer travellng time.
0500hrs, we've arrive at the bus terminal in Kuantan. Don't know the name of the terminal because it doesn't matter, there is only one here. I was half awake and groggy. We look around the terminal for a place to continue sleeping. In the end we found a seat at the foodcourt. I did contemplate on sleeping with my head resting on the table.
Realising that it's the Ramandan (fasting) month for the muslim and being in a mostly muslim-community town, I know the chances of finding a place for breakfast after sunrise is near impossible. And so we had our breakfast at the bus terminal food court and besides, there was nothing else to do at this time.
We found a taxi driver who is willing to bring us to the Bekelah Waterfall trail head for RM50. The ride took 45mins before the taxi turn into a narrow unpaved road leading to the trail head. Another 15mins to reach our destination.
Traditionally, all Malaysia trek starts by crossing a bridge, any kind of bridge, it could be cement, wood, metal or suspended bridge. The point is to cross the bridge. Once I was trekking (cannot reveal mountain name) and at the beginning of the trail, there were 2 routes-one leads you to cross a bridge and the other one doesn't. We chose the route without the bridge. Our 2 hours hike ended up in 4.5 hrs, and many other incidents also... it's another story all together, I should tell you another time.
Back to Bekelah. Besides bridges, no trip is complete without make-up. Our beautiful sisters whipped out their lipstick and lip balm just before we put on our backpack to begin out 2.5 hrs hike up the waterfall.
Fastforward 2.5hrs. 1130hrs. we reached out campsite. It's Ramadan month and in the middle of a school term, we found ourselves alone in this paradise. Right before our eyes is a 10storey cascaded waterfall which flows into a pool almost 3/4 the size of a olympic-sized pool. 10 years ago when I was brought here by my friends, I remember the pool was clear and the water level extremely deep. I suppose it's been raining the day before, causing the pool to be milky.
After lunch, we spend the time exploring the area. David and I went for a spa session. We were amazed by the formation of this waterfall, the huge rocks and the never ending continuous supply of water. Will it ever stop flowing? Does the waterfall turn off at certain timing just like the water theme park? David and I put together all our knowledge and intellect, though we didn't quite figure out all the questions, we did come to a conclusion- God is awesome and almighty. He created all things. Amen. And so David and I had a prayer and praise God.
Rock climbing skill comes in handy here.
It's 1530hrs. Anna exclaimed,:"huh so early ah!! What shall we do!!" Play mahjong loh. Not the tiles version but the card version. I did suggest to DN to bring the card portable mahjong tile complete with table, on 2nd thoughts I know I would be the one carrying it. So we settle for the cards.
1700hrs. David is so awesome, he did everything from carrying tents, food and other communal items, to setting of tents, to dinner preparation, out of his own initiatives and totally without complains. I on the other hand would have done the above mentioned task but most likely with much complain. Since David is so awesome, we crown him as King David. How about the girls? what did they contribute? See the video.
1800hrs. Signs of weather coming in. From broken clouds, the sky is now covered with cumulus stratus AKA heavy showery clouds. Then it started raining. It was too late to start building shelter and so David continue to cook in the rain after putting on his poncho. I am pretty impressed with my MSR Dragonfly stove. It survive cooking in 1 hrs of rain. Later on, I torture it further by leaving it outside as the perfect storm rage on.
1900hrs. Finally, the cabbage is cooked and dinner is ready. Roasted meat (bought from Singapore, cannot reveal what meat), Mei Cai (preserved veg), stirred-fried pumpkin with meat and lastly cabbage soup. Alamak, except for the cabbage, the rest of the dish are hardly food I fancy. When it comes to camping food, I deny myself to show my appreciation to the person who prepare the meal. While I was eating dinner, I try to cast the scary thought of having pumpkin and roast meat for breakfast tomorrow (left over food from dinner preparation). God help me to deny myself!!!
Near death encounter
We were done with dinner. The rain persisted and we had no other option but to stay in the tent. By this time, the interior of our tent were wet too. Some water sipped in thru the seams. Our camping ground were flooded with water and the ground are uneven and water got into the tent as a result. Under such condition, I thought what would be more apt than to discuss the topic of near death accident.
At this moment, it dawn on us that we're camping near the pool and the waterfall. Rain usually means raising water-level and increase water volume flow from the waterfall. Then I unzipped the tent to check on the waterfall and water-level.
LO and Behold!!! My goodness!!! It was such a scary sight!!! The waterfall is no longer flowing with water but ROARING with water. Just like the merlion multiply by 20 times the water volume and power.
"What shall we do now?" "Should we move our tent?" "will the waterfall eventually get so strong and engulf us?"
With the powerful waterfall comes strong wind. David was concerned that the wind might blow the tent away and so suggested for us to sit at the 4 corners of the tent. DN makes speculation how the waterfall might gain power and hit our tent. I look at Anna and saw the red alert look in her face.
"Are we going to die?"
I was concerned too but kept my worries to myself. What if the rain persist thruout the night. If it does, we need to move our tent as the waterfall might hit our tent. We might get hypothermia if we get caught in the rain. It would also mean that we'll be trap at this campsite for days if water flow is too strong for us to cross. (we need to cross several times en route to the base.) Do we have enough food supply if we're trap here for days?
Human exhibit unusual behavior in dire straits. If you were on a plane making an emergency and the steward hand you a piece of paper to write a will? Would you panic? would you behave unusually? She did. She started pouring chili sauce( that were leftover from dinner) out of the tent. I suspect she would have throw more things in the tent, break some eggs, got rid of all her vitamins. Lucky for us, she did not.
There was really not much we could do but to waited for the rain to stop and pray for the waterfall to ease. Some of us dozed off.
2230hrs. The rain has stopped but not the fury of the waterfall. We got out of the tent for pee break and take closer look at the powerful waterfall that threatened to engulf us, as though it was angry with us for being there.
The waterfall causes a lot of fog. I stood near the water bank and looked at the monster waterfall and check the water level. The sky is clear and we can see the stars and moon. The fog, the powerful waterfall and the stillness of the night coupled with the fact that we are the only campers here feels like a scene taken out from a movie. It's like Armageddon. Thank God for sparing our lives.
We crawled back to our tent and make preparation to sleep. I am so grateful that the rain stop...
So much for our misadventure. The morning things were back to normal. David, like always, was the first to get up and start preparing breakfast and boiling water for hot coffee. Yes, breakfast is fried rice with pumpkin and roast meat. "Dear lord help me to finish up my share of the breakfast."
We also found out that we had a visitor last night. It bit thru out tent and ate 1/3 of a loaf of bread. There goes our planned lunch.
Did we really goes thru a near death accident? Yes and no. If the rain persisted last night, it could manifested into a wet and restless nite. We might have to move our tent to a safer spot and in the process get caught in the rain and potentially develop hypothermia. The water level could have rise to a uncrossable level and we have to spend the next few days on the mountain. Thanks God for his protection, all this did not happened.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
My beautiful island
This is Admiralty Place, just 3 mins walk from my place. I walk thru this path everyday. My beautiful island.
Saturday, 14 June 2008
SQ 17: YVR-ICN-SIN
For the first time in my life, I am onboard the world renown national airline of Singapore. Total time for SQ17 to fly from Vancouver to Singapore via Incheon is 18hrs. Nope, I am not the pilot of this flight, I am just occupying an economy seat.
Coming home experience starts from the moment I took a photo of the 777 SIA aircraft with the bright red and white Singapore flag. I was greeting by beautiful stewardess dressed in Sarong Kebaya and well-presented steward in suit. And then, there's the Straits Time, my daily dosage of local and world news.
18hrs of flight was spent watching movies, listening to CDs, visiting the toilet, stretching at the area near the toilet, talking to people hanging around the toilet and back to my seat. I so not looking forward to that on my return flight.
1130hrs- Flight arrived in Singapore according to schedule, I am now in the brand new Terminal 3 of Changi Airport, the best airport in the whole universe.
My sister Jasmine and Jocelyn pick me up. As I step out of the airport, I braced myself for the humid climate, true enough, it felt like walking thru water. We heading straight to Sembawang for Chong Pang Nasi Lemak. I like driving on the expressway at night. The city is so beautiful.
I am in a state of euphoria after tasting the Nasi Lemak
6hrs later...
Got out of bed, meeting my running kakis at Harbour front. I felt disoriented so I spent the next 15 mins KLKL in my house. At Admiralty MRT, I tried to top up my EZ-link card with my UOB card. "Cannot leh" the machine says. So I went to UOB ATM to get cash, then I realize I've punched the incorrect PIN at the EZ-link machine.
Finally at 0830hrs, I met Deon and Anna. And I met the hottest babe in town.
5 hotties, the hottest one in red
When we arrive at Harbour Front, Fang, Raymond, Jason were there. It's so great to see my buddies. I am so crazy about running, especially with them. Today, we want to do a 9km run thru the latest attraction in Singapore-the Alexander Wave, Henderson Bridge and the Hort Park. We plan to turn around at West Coast Park.
Unfortunate, 30mins into the run. we were split into 3 groups. I'm with Jason, the girls are together and Raymond is on his own. We probably took different route but 1 thing that is in common- everyone of us didn't make it West Coast Park as planned. At Science Park 1, Jason and I lost the park connector that links to West Coast Park.
My bestest friend Raymond in white and my wacky friend Jason in red (but the not so hot one).
Monday, 9 June 2008
望春风 Spring Breeze
Last Sat, I had a blast!!! Together with Helmut, Mike, Ivy, Liz and Elaine, we attend the inaugural Vancouver Singapore Film Night featuring Singapore-made movie Just Follow Law, Singapore Dreaming and 3 short films. Our movie marathon lasted from 430pm to 1030pm. It didn't feel that long because we were having a great time.
I am a soundtrack lover and I went away from the event with a melody stuck in my head. That melody was 望春风 (Wang Chun Feng).
Singapore Dreaming is directed, produced and written by husband and wife team Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen (founder of talkingcock.com). While they were writing the scripts (while they were in New York), Yen Yen called home in Singapore and ask mom to recall some songs when she and dad are still dating. Mom could clearly remember 望春风 (Wang Chun Feng). Hmmmm... I wonder if my mom and dad knows this song?
Modern A Capella version by David Tao.
Singapore Dreaming capture my heart with the honest story telling, delivered by a talented crew of actors who bring to the big screen an astonishingly real side of Singapore and Singaporeans.
As the host of the VSFN said, :"Singapore is not about caning and banning of chewing gum. " We are ordinary folks just like you.
I am a soundtrack lover and I went away from the event with a melody stuck in my head. That melody was 望春风 (Wang Chun Feng).
Singapore Dreaming is directed, produced and written by husband and wife team Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen (founder of talkingcock.com). While they were writing the scripts (while they were in New York), Yen Yen called home in Singapore and ask mom to recall some songs when she and dad are still dating. Mom could clearly remember 望春风 (Wang Chun Feng). Hmmmm... I wonder if my mom and dad knows this song?
午夜无伴守灯下 春风对面吹
十七八岁未出嫁 见到少年家
果然标致面肉白 誰家人子弟
想要问伊惊歹势 心里弹琵琶
想要郎君做红婿 意爱在心内
等待何时君来采 青春花当开
听见外面有人来 开门该看见
月亮笑阮憨大呆 被风骗不知
-1933,
I stand alone at twilight under the lamp
The spring wind blows across my face
At 17 going on 18, I remain unwed
And then I see the young man
His face glows like ivory
To which family does he belong?
I think of asking for his hand
But my heart beats too furiously
I see him as my groom
Feelings of love fill my heart
Oh, when will the gentlemen bring
The spring wind so flowers can bloom?
I hear someone at the door
I open it to see who it might be
But I see only the moon laughing at me
I have been deceived by the wind
十七八岁未出嫁 见到少年家
果然标致面肉白 誰家人子弟
想要问伊惊歹势 心里弹琵琶
想要郎君做红婿 意爱在心内
等待何时君来采 青春花当开
听见外面有人来 开门该看见
月亮笑阮憨大呆 被风骗不知
-1933,
I stand alone at twilight under the lamp
The spring wind blows across my face
At 17 going on 18, I remain unwed
And then I see the young man
His face glows like ivory
To which family does he belong?
I think of asking for his hand
But my heart beats too furiously
I see him as my groom
Feelings of love fill my heart
Oh, when will the gentlemen bring
The spring wind so flowers can bloom?
I hear someone at the door
I open it to see who it might be
But I see only the moon laughing at me
I have been deceived by the wind
Modern A Capella version by David Tao.
Singapore Dreaming capture my heart with the honest story telling, delivered by a talented crew of actors who bring to the big screen an astonishingly real side of Singapore and Singaporeans.
As the host of the VSFN said, :"Singapore is not about caning and banning of chewing gum. " We are ordinary folks just like you.
Friday, 6 June 2008
Fresh coat of paint
Did you notice the fresh coat of paint? I pick orange because it reminds me of the sun. It's almost 2 years since I started blogging.
Spurred on by my buddy Jonathan, I want to write more.
I am in the midst of finding a new life - searching and exploring life's option. I hope to give a new theme to my blog just as I am heading towards a new theme in my life.
"Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not. "
- George Bernard Shaw
Spurred on by my buddy Jonathan, I want to write more.
I am in the midst of finding a new life - searching and exploring life's option. I hope to give a new theme to my blog just as I am heading towards a new theme in my life.
"Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not. "
- George Bernard Shaw
Friday, 9 May 2008
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Torch bearer reached world's highest point.
The torch has reach the world's highest point. Tibetan calls her Qomolangmo, Nepalese calls her Sagarmatha, Chinese calls her 珠穆朗玛峰 Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng, most of us knows her by Mt Everest.
Torch bearer team are made up of Tibetan and Chinese, male and female.
The oxygen level is so thin, temperature so low. Each movement felt like lifting a ton of weight. I wish one day I could experience being on the summit.
See another angle, the view is breathtaking...
Norbu Zhamdu is the team member who lighted up the first torch. This guy is 28 years old. He has climbed the summit 4 years in a row. Remarkable.
Also see the whole torch bearer team.
CNA report.
Torch bearer team are made up of Tibetan and Chinese, male and female.
The oxygen level is so thin, temperature so low. Each movement felt like lifting a ton of weight. I wish one day I could experience being on the summit.
See another angle, the view is breathtaking...
Norbu Zhamdu is the team member who lighted up the first torch. This guy is 28 years old. He has climbed the summit 4 years in a row. Remarkable.
Also see the whole torch bearer team.
CNA report.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
T-shirt and shorts
Finally, spring is here.
Today, I went jogging for the first time in shorts and T-shirt (in canada).
Average temp for the next 2 weeks is 19 deg C. Forecast to be 29 deg C on 20th May. Whoow....
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/index.php?product=fourteenday&placecode=cabc0057
Today, I went jogging for the first time in shorts and T-shirt (in canada).
Average temp for the next 2 weeks is 19 deg C. Forecast to be 29 deg C on 20th May. Whoow....
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/index.php?product=fourteenday&placecode=cabc0057
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Sunrise and sunset
I remember the position of the sunrise was about 10 o'clock from my window and sunset was about 3 o'clock. Well, the last time I took note of that was 1 month ago.
Now, I can't even see the sunset from my window. The sun sets at 5 o'clock relative to the position of my window. I don't know how to better word it. Now I can only see the sunset from my roommate's window, which is 180 relative to my window.
For me, this is new and takes a little bit of getting use too. I remember those days when I cycle to work on my morning shift. The sun always rise from the same position. Same goes with sunset.
Sunrise and sunset time has lenghten quite significantly too. Last year Dec, sunrise is 0800hrs and sunset is 1615hrs. Now, Sunrise is 0540hrs and sunset is 2030hrs. I like it better now.
Now, I can't even see the sunset from my window. The sun sets at 5 o'clock relative to the position of my window. I don't know how to better word it. Now I can only see the sunset from my roommate's window, which is 180 relative to my window.
For me, this is new and takes a little bit of getting use too. I remember those days when I cycle to work on my morning shift. The sun always rise from the same position. Same goes with sunset.
Sunrise and sunset time has lenghten quite significantly too. Last year Dec, sunrise is 0800hrs and sunset is 1615hrs. Now, Sunrise is 0540hrs and sunset is 2030hrs. I like it better now.
Friday, 18 April 2008
CNN Jack Cafferty
Just to clarify, I may not like China but that doesn't mean I hate China. My grandfather is born in China.
CNN's Jack Cafferty said:
"I don't know if China is any different, but our relationship with China is certainly different," Cafferty said. "We're in hock to the Chinese up to our eyeballs because of the war in Iraq, for one thing. They're holding hundreds of billions of dollars worth of our paper. We are also running hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of trade deficits with them, as we continue to import their junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food and export, you know, jobs to places where you can pay workers a dollar a month to turn out the stuff that we're buying from Wal-Mart.
"So I think our relationship with China has certainly changed," he said. "I think they're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years."
I agree with Jack. Many of us uses China product, they are best describe as disposable. Even my dad who is very pro-China agrees with me. Yes, they are cheap because they are disposable.
The other thing I don't like about China's remarks on Jack "slander" on China government AND Chinese people. What do they mean by Chinese people? Yes, I know that the Chinese American (or do they mean Chinese citizen living/working in America) is protesting against the "slander" by CNN's Jack. I am a Chinese but I am not a bit anger by Jack, rather to a huge extent, I applaude his courage and aptness to make such a comment on a international program.
"Chinese people" is too general a word to use. "Chinese national" will create zero confusion. I know that I am of Chinese descent but that doesn't mean I need to be on the China's side. How about Taiwanese, Chinese Canadian, Chinese Indian, Chinese Thai, Chinese Indonesian, Chinese Malaysian? They are all descendant of Chinese. I am very sure that they do not feel oblige to pledge their allegiance to China.
Are you first a Canadian then a Chinese (by ethnic group)? Are you first a Indonesian, then a Chinese (by ethnic group).
I am first a Singaporean, then a Chinese ( by ethnic group).
What is your opinion?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuCE4oeB0wY
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/15/cnn.china/index.html?eref=edition_world
CNN's Jack Cafferty said:
"I don't know if China is any different, but our relationship with China is certainly different," Cafferty said. "We're in hock to the Chinese up to our eyeballs because of the war in Iraq, for one thing. They're holding hundreds of billions of dollars worth of our paper. We are also running hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of trade deficits with them, as we continue to import their junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food and export, you know, jobs to places where you can pay workers a dollar a month to turn out the stuff that we're buying from Wal-Mart.
"So I think our relationship with China has certainly changed," he said. "I think they're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years."
I agree with Jack. Many of us uses China product, they are best describe as disposable. Even my dad who is very pro-China agrees with me. Yes, they are cheap because they are disposable.
The other thing I don't like about China's remarks on Jack "slander" on China government AND Chinese people. What do they mean by Chinese people? Yes, I know that the Chinese American (or do they mean Chinese citizen living/working in America) is protesting against the "slander" by CNN's Jack. I am a Chinese but I am not a bit anger by Jack, rather to a huge extent, I applaude his courage and aptness to make such a comment on a international program.
"Chinese people" is too general a word to use. "Chinese national" will create zero confusion. I know that I am of Chinese descent but that doesn't mean I need to be on the China's side. How about Taiwanese, Chinese Canadian, Chinese Indian, Chinese Thai, Chinese Indonesian, Chinese Malaysian? They are all descendant of Chinese. I am very sure that they do not feel oblige to pledge their allegiance to China.
Are you first a Canadian then a Chinese (by ethnic group)? Are you first a Indonesian, then a Chinese (by ethnic group).
I am first a Singaporean, then a Chinese ( by ethnic group).
What is your opinion?
http://www.youtube.com/wat
http://edition.cnn.com/200
Friday, 11 April 2008
Into the Wild, the book and the movie
Jon Krauer is an amazing adventure writer. I was traveling in Tibet and I met this Canadian-New Zealand couple. They told me about this great book, Into Thin Air- A personal account of the infamous 1996 Mount Everest disaster. Back than I was reading Into Thin Air in Kathmandu while waiting for my sister Charmaine to join me for 2 weeks. How timely is that for me to read about Everest in the Himalayas. I believe the location contributes to the excitement.
I finished reading Into Thin Air while I was halfway through Annapurna Circuit Trek. Click here (5th and 7th Apr 2007) When I got back to Kathmandu, I went to bookstores to search for everything about the 1996 disaster, then I chanced upon Jon's earlier work- Into The Wild. Somehow he like to title his books beginning with the word "Into".
Into The Wild is centred around a young man Chris McCandless. After completed college with impressive results, he decided to take off into the wild. He called it The Great Alaskan Adventure.
Unknown to his parents, Chris left without a word, though his sister Carine was inform of his plans. He threw away his wallet, cut his ID and ATM card into 2. Before he took off, he donated $USD 24,000 to charity. Lastly, to part with his possession, he deserted his broken down Datsun and burnt all his money.
I don't have intention to walk you thru the whole movie, but here's what I think of it.
My insights to the story was 2-fold. One is when I read the book. Two was when I watched the movie.
Thru the book, Chris was casted as a young man who doesn't agrees with how the world is. On top of that, he has an insatiable wanderlust to feed, which led him to his Great Alaskan plans. He finds happiness in the nature when he is immerse in the wild- Mountains, rivers, weather and animals. He delights that he doesn't have a single penny in his pocket. He live on plants and hunt for games for survival. I can relate to him on some levels. The joy of being one with nature, the feeling of being home, in a place where you felt you were created to be.
The movie sheds new insights to the character of Chris. Brilliantly directed by Sean Penn, he went to all the right source. Hooking up with Jon Krauer (who did his homework well in order write an accurate account of the life of Chris), they manage to convince the McCandless family to work with them on this film.
Most distinctly was Chris sister, Carine, whom Chris grew up with intimately. She lends her thoughts and feeling about her brother as it was narrated thruoout the film. Chris hated his parents. His parents lied to him. Dad got married before his parents got married and that fact suddenly made Chris realize he was a bastard: an illegitimate child. And that also makes her mom a mistress.
Growing up, mom and dad frequently fight, not just an exchange of heart-piercing words, but also physical abuse. Dad has no respect for mom, often refer her as "woman".
Chris is bitter about life. His whole life is a lie. He hated society for its hypocrisy, lies and double standards. He hated how everyone is doing things because everyone else is doing it. "Job is a 21th century invention. I don't need a job", Chris told an old man.
I think to a certain extent, Chris is running away. Bitterness and hatred is the drive behind his running.
Let me tell you something else about Chris. One thing for sure, Chris is a survivor. We all are survivor but Chris is an exceptional good one. He survived in the urban- straights A's in college to secure a place in Havard, working in Mcdonald's, on a wheat field, live with gypsies. He survive in the wild- He hunt for games, he search for edible berries. And he is good with people. He make friends everywhere. People simply love him, I mean in the movie, people whom he met cries when he leaves. That says a lot about his people's skill.
Finally, Chris made enough money to get to Alaska were he spend years there. He did that not because he was a nerd or a loner or an outcast. He did that by choice. I think he went out to search for his soul, to reset his magnetic compass and to find his bearing in life. In the book Wild at Heart, John Eldredge, a Christian writer, talks about what is inside a men's heart. And the way to find that out is to go into the wild.
Not all is gloomy and dark. There are some light moments too. This is my fav. Chris said:
"I mean, You are really good. I mean you are like 100,000 times better than, like, any APPLES I've ever had. I'm not superman, I'm supertramp. You are SUPERAPPLE! You're so tasty, you are so organic, so natural. You are the apple of my eye!"
(Chris renamed himself as Alexander Supertramp during the time he wanders)
Chris adventure took a spiral turn- his rice supply was running low, games are rare to find. Then he found wild potatoes roots which is mistaken as edible. These poisonous wild plants eventually cause him to get weaker and weaker, his waistline thinner and thinner.
In his last moment, he made a realization. I think maybe he's ready to forgive his parents. He wrote in his diary, sign off as Christopher Johnson McCandless.
"Happiness is found when shared".
I totally agree with him.
I finished reading Into Thin Air while I was halfway through Annapurna Circuit Trek. Click here (5th and 7th Apr 2007) When I got back to Kathmandu, I went to bookstores to search for everything about the 1996 disaster, then I chanced upon Jon's earlier work- Into The Wild. Somehow he like to title his books beginning with the word "Into".
Into The Wild is centred around a young man Chris McCandless. After completed college with impressive results, he decided to take off into the wild. He called it The Great Alaskan Adventure.
Unknown to his parents, Chris left without a word, though his sister Carine was inform of his plans. He threw away his wallet, cut his ID and ATM card into 2. Before he took off, he donated $USD 24,000 to charity. Lastly, to part with his possession, he deserted his broken down Datsun and burnt all his money.
I don't have intention to walk you thru the whole movie, but here's what I think of it.
My insights to the story was 2-fold. One is when I read the book. Two was when I watched the movie.
Thru the book, Chris was casted as a young man who doesn't agrees with how the world is. On top of that, he has an insatiable wanderlust to feed, which led him to his Great Alaskan plans. He finds happiness in the nature when he is immerse in the wild- Mountains, rivers, weather and animals. He delights that he doesn't have a single penny in his pocket. He live on plants and hunt for games for survival. I can relate to him on some levels. The joy of being one with nature, the feeling of being home, in a place where you felt you were created to be.
The movie sheds new insights to the character of Chris. Brilliantly directed by Sean Penn, he went to all the right source. Hooking up with Jon Krauer (who did his homework well in order write an accurate account of the life of Chris), they manage to convince the McCandless family to work with them on this film.
Most distinctly was Chris sister, Carine, whom Chris grew up with intimately. She lends her thoughts and feeling about her brother as it was narrated thruoout the film. Chris hated his parents. His parents lied to him. Dad got married before his parents got married and that fact suddenly made Chris realize he was a bastard: an illegitimate child. And that also makes her mom a mistress.
Growing up, mom and dad frequently fight, not just an exchange of heart-piercing words, but also physical abuse. Dad has no respect for mom, often refer her as "woman".
Chris is bitter about life. His whole life is a lie. He hated society for its hypocrisy, lies and double standards. He hated how everyone is doing things because everyone else is doing it. "Job is a 21th century invention. I don't need a job", Chris told an old man.
I think to a certain extent, Chris is running away. Bitterness and hatred is the drive behind his running.
Let me tell you something else about Chris. One thing for sure, Chris is a survivor. We all are survivor but Chris is an exceptional good one. He survived in the urban- straights A's in college to secure a place in Havard, working in Mcdonald's, on a wheat field, live with gypsies. He survive in the wild- He hunt for games, he search for edible berries. And he is good with people. He make friends everywhere. People simply love him, I mean in the movie, people whom he met cries when he leaves. That says a lot about his people's skill.
Finally, Chris made enough money to get to Alaska were he spend years there. He did that not because he was a nerd or a loner or an outcast. He did that by choice. I think he went out to search for his soul, to reset his magnetic compass and to find his bearing in life. In the book Wild at Heart, John Eldredge, a Christian writer, talks about what is inside a men's heart. And the way to find that out is to go into the wild.
Not all is gloomy and dark. There are some light moments too. This is my fav. Chris said:
"I mean, You are really good. I mean you are like 100,000 times better than, like, any APPLES I've ever had. I'm not superman, I'm supertramp. You are SUPERAPPLE! You're so tasty, you are so organic, so natural. You are the apple of my eye!"
(Chris renamed himself as Alexander Supertramp during the time he wanders)
Chris adventure took a spiral turn- his rice supply was running low, games are rare to find. Then he found wild potatoes roots which is mistaken as edible. These poisonous wild plants eventually cause him to get weaker and weaker, his waistline thinner and thinner.
In his last moment, he made a realization. I think maybe he's ready to forgive his parents. He wrote in his diary, sign off as Christopher Johnson McCandless.
"Happiness is found when shared".
I totally agree with him.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, 3 April 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.
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.
Saturday, 1 March 2008
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)
Aiyo. tak boleh tahan lah. See the video. I qyeo ga bdut dor tia (laugh until tummy ache ah)
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Friday, 22 February 2008
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 Concept Video
I'm already making plans to go home for the Youth Olympics in 2010.
Friday, 8 February 2008
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?'
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.
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.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 21 January 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
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.
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???
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
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.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
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.
-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.
Friday, 11 January 2008
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.
Can you recommend some English songs? Doesn't matter if is new or old songs. The website only has English song selection.
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
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?
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?
Saturday, 5 January 2008
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).
Next year I will hit 30's already. Wow. Exciting man.
Thank you for remembering my birthday (even though I forget yours).
Friday, 4 January 2008
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.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 31 December 2007
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
Previous trekking photos
These are photos of me and my Hong Kong friend. Taken on 21 dec.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556873854PQBrsI
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556873854PQBrsI
Sun and snow.
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.
...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.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
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.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
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.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
"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.
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.
Friday, 14 December 2007
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?
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.
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.
Thursday, 13 December 2007
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.
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.
This is Chilliwack Airport where my flying school is located
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.
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.
This is Chilliwack Airport where my flying school is located
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
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.
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Chilliwack
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
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.
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...
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.
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...
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
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.
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.
Friday, 2 November 2007
Monday, 15 October 2007
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
Sunday, 14 October 2007
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.
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.
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