Return to the Walking Club

Can it really be a week already since we posted the last entry? The weeks are flying and there are only 3 to go before we have a break in Sri Lanka. It was green box week check at Kovan, this time last year I was stressed about having everything in place, now it's a piece of cake. They have advertised reading classes for next term, something we so far don't claim to teach, so it will be interesting to see what changes that will bring. I have been slated in for 3 classes but that won't necessarily happen.

This weekend we have at last had word back from Nandana in Sri Lanka that he will meet us at the airport and that we can stay in his guest quarters in Galle. They now have air con installed but we are not expecting to have to use it. It looks to be about the same weather as here and we haven't run the air con since we returned from nepal. That will change! Our itinerary includes wildlife watching in Yala National Park, blue whale watching off the south coast and  snorkelling/scuba. 

Organising holidays has certainly taken up a lot of time over the week, that's one of the reasons this is a little late being posted. But I can think of a lot worse reasons to be busy at the computer. As I sit here I am surrounded by bits of paper with figures, itineraries, flight schedules scribbled all over them - sounds just like my father. We have locked in our very special deal in Beijing that I mentioned a few weeks ago for the September break. We have organised to fly to Xi'an to see the tomb of the terracotta army first and then on to Beijing. We have also changed details of our trip to Batam in April because Trish Westaway is now joining Sandy when she visits us. A long weekend in Borobudur and the Portugal trip are still to be researched.

Eric had a bad case of solar dermatitis after our last snorkelling experience off Tioman but that has now cleared up. I visit the orthopaedic surgeon on Thursday for an update on how my knee is progressing. I say progressing as it is much better. I even managed to join the walkers for a stroll on Monday through Gardens By the Bay to the Barrage and along the east side of the river by the golf course. All very flat and a pleasant morning strolling through manicured gardens and riverbank verges. What an amazing skyline Singapore has!

 Gardens by the Bay

 Looking across the river to GBTB

The barrage is designed to keep the saltwater and freshwater separated at the mouth of the Singapore River. Gates, something like at a loch, can be opened on demand. As a result it creates a freshwater reservoir for water storage, flood control and recreation. It also means the river levels no longer fluctuate with the tides, so optimum commercial use of the riverbanks can be achieved. There is always a monetary influence behind every decision made here. At the barrage itself we found this lovely statue which depicts mother nature. the quote reads 'We (humans) think of ourselves as the supreme beings, above all others and in complete control of our destiny and surroundings. We live in a false sense of security only to be awakened by Mother Nature's fury, almost to be reminded of her presence and our responsibility toward her and her child (the earth). Lorenzo Quinn (Spain). How true that is, just look at the summer in Australia this year where once again there are floods, bushfires and cyclones. We are thinking of you.

 This s

On Monday night we had a fantastic evening at Wine Bos in the Arab Quarter celebrating a belated 60th birthday for Peter, which Eric organised. It is the first time we have all been able to get together, there has been so much happening lately. I took along my guitar and Michael Canaway from Jurong Branch belted out a few old standards which we all sang along to. It was fun but for some reason the guitar just cant produce the same sounds and rhythm in my hands. 

Return to Bintan

And there I was last weekend gloating that at last I might have outgrown sea sickness. Two water taxi trips and not a problem, managed it like an Old Salt. It's not the case. The ferry trip to Bintan was like surfing on a rolling simmer and as many of the other passengers dived face-first into the blue sea sickness bags I grimly hung on, staring at the horizon and fanning myself with the menu card from the seat pocket which advertises what is available from the BRF Cafe (if you don't mind).  Now I remember reading this last time! BRF stands for Bintan Resort Ferries but surely they could find another name for the cafe. We discovered they don't have ice on hand, something I have found very useful to suck on when being overcome with sea sickness, but a friend had ginger tablets so I downed a couple of them and perhaps they helped. 
We stayed the 2 nights at the Nirwana Beach Club Cabanas again. I was in the pool in no time, restoring my equilibrium, while Eric went in search of food. The afternoon was spent mostly reading and relaxing or dipping into the resort pool. In the late afternoon we met on Carolyn's balcony and then the whole group (almost 30) got together for sunset drinks at the Calypso Bar followed by dinner at the Kelong Seafood Restaurant. 

On the Tuesday we woke up to an overcast sky which is probably a good thing as we are still bearing the skin colour of snorkelling after last weekend, and yesterday in the water just topped that up. Eric read while I went for a traditional back, neck and head massage. Just sublime, as was the hot ginger tea they serve you afterwards. In the afternoon we ventured out for a walk, a little disappointed that we didn't have the binoculars with us this time. A stork-billed kingfisher visited us right by the cabin balcony yesterday afternoon, as did this friendly water monitor. We walked around the outdoor adventure area where they have a massive flying fox, an archery and air rifle range, horse riding or elephant trails, and all-terrain driving course. Then we discovered a nature walk.

In the evening we reconvened on Carolyn's balcony and this time chose the Indian Restaurant for dinner, quite spoilt for choice really. One important group decision to be made was whether the Edwina Beach Sprint Event, first held in 2012, should be re-run or quietly forgotten. Edwina was a new recruit last year and her personality and work style really didn't gel very well with the company or her colleagues. She left at the end of the year, the company happy to release her from a 2 yr contract. Finally it was decided there should be an event of sorts so a beach volleyball court was the venue for an inter-branch relay. Jurong was declared the winner despite some protests that were lodged and then dismissed through lack of interest. We walked home along the beach, a big mistake as it was polluted with lots of oil and all our shoes are now covered in it. My white sandals from Italy have seen better days and sadly need replacing. 

The great thing about this weekend is the opportunity to get to know your workmates better. We find the time you share with them away from the workplace is often spent discussing holiday options and travel experiences. The amazing coincidence this time around was to discover that 2 other couples are going to Portugal in June, an idea we were just contemplating last week, so that has helped us to make a decision. Now, can we squeeze some of southern Spain in as well or should we just settle for Portugal?  There is research to be done in the coming weeks.
And just in case you were wondering........between the two weekends away we did manage to get to work for the full compliment of hours (just).

Bali Hai

Singapore has been decked out in red and yellow for the past few weeks in readiness for Chinese New Year. The children in our classes have all been very excited as they are confident they will be receiving many "hongbao" or red packets from relatives and family friends filled with new crisp banknotes.  We used some vouchers for a buffet lunch at Holiday Inn on Friday and watched as many groups were enjoying business lunches where the Yu Sheng salad was served. We worked Saturday morning but then finished up as many families are already arranging to travel or entertain on this, the eve of celebrations. We have a rare long weekend to enjoy. We had dinner with Bev at Albert Court on Saturday night, Peter was due to join us so we could celebrate his birthday but then he had other commitments at the last minute.  On Sunday morning, as we were getting ready to take the train to the airport, the Lion Dancers arrived to perform and bestow the blessing of prosperity on our condo. It is amazing to think it was a year ago already that we first enjoyed this. 

Tioman Island lies within the Marine Park of the state of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia and was made famous in 1958 as the fabled “Bali Hai” in the musical South Pacific. Sitting in the departure lounge at Changi Airport awaiting our delayed flight we could hear conversations being conducted in many different languages, suggesting it is still a popular destination for sunseekers from all over the world to snorkel, swim and dive in its warm waters or just lie under the shade of a palm tree.  Because it is a marine park activities like jet-skiing, banana-boating and paragliding are not allowed so it is no place for thrill seekers. 

Leaving Changi in pouring rain

 

Arriving at K.Genting

We arrived at Tekek 2 hours later than expected and then arranged a water taxi (in the NT we would call this a tinnie with a canopy) to our resort at Kampong Genting. The 30 min trip was quite a rough one and there was also a light shower of rain so we arrived with our clothes and luggage a little damp but not our spirits. I used the word 'resort' very generously. Walking down the jetty towards the village we were happy to see there were quite a few options where visitors could stay, a few different places to eat (don't want to eat resort food all weekend) and a supermarket. The Impiana Inn is a five minute walk along the beach, but in keeping with the rest of the kampong, showing signs of age. The cabin is clean and dry though we had to walk a diversion path to get to it as the regular path is flooded.  

Our flooded path to the cabin, these kids didn't mind the rain

This is the first sign that we have come at the wrong time, the monsoon season extends through to March.  After unpacking we walked back in to town to find something to eat for an early dinner as the Impiana only serves breakfast in the off-season (another sign). We had missed any opportunity for lunch while we sat in the departure lounge. To our great disappointment all we could find that night was fried rice or noodles at cafes, all the other options were for guests only. We were looking for a good, nourishing curry, not snack food. We had to buy an umbrella before we went home to open our bottle of wine on the balcony and plan our itinerary for the next day. That's when we discovered it had a cork and we have no opener! What else can go wrong? The signs are not good and it is still raining.  

 

Copied image from The Age this week. Just seemed so apt.

The next morning we considered snorkelling but the boats are not going out and the waters around the point or off the beach are very murky and choppy. So we looked into walking options only to discover that there is only one from this kampong. We had read about walking across the island through the rainforest but now discover you can only do that from Tekek. Our only option is to follow the coastline back towards Tekek. This looks a better option anyway as the height of the peaks of the hinterland look somewhat daunting to someone who hasn't walked since mid December. While its marine life is diverse, bird watching is not an activity that Tioman is widely known for, but the lush rainforest does host a number of local birds while others visit seasonally. Frigatebirds roost on an island just offshore at dusk but since they feed on the wing they are rare sighting otherwise. According to local folklore Tioman was named after the hill mynah or 'tiong' which we have only ever seen in captivity. We found the path (that follows the power lines rather than the coast) was mostly concreted so easy to negotiate except for a few slippery spots where it was very mossy. And then there was the section where the large tree had fallen across the power lines so you had to either squeeze under or climb over. Didn't like that much. 

 

Bridges were very ornate

We got as far as Kampong Paya where we had coffee and later lunch before returning along the same route. We found a few new bird sightings which was pleasing; grey wagtail, collared kingfisher and common kingfisher. We also saw monitors, macaque monkeys, black giant squirrel and a myriad of butterflies. There had only been one light shower in that time so perhaps tomorrow will be better.  

 

Collared Kingfishers

Storm clouds in the afternoon 

We both read and slept in the afternoon, perhaps we are starting to relax into kampong lifestyle. Go slowly, we are on kampong time after all.  Interestingly, the manager at the Impiana asked us if we had found our cabin noisy during the night, did we want to move? We'd said no, slept ok. In town we managed to locate a good chicken curry and roti and someone with a decent corkscrew. Things were looking up. 

It started about 2:30 am. That's when the motorbike roared up the footpath outside our cabin for the first time. I don't know whether it was the noise so much as sensing Eric's blood pressure going through the roof but we were both wide awake when it went by for the 14th time. I had decided it must be someone supplying drugs! Eric got up and went onto the balcony, I still don't know what he thought he was going to do, but fortunately the rider gave up (Eric claims he chickened out) and so Eric returned to bed without any confrontation. In the morning we asked the manager what it was all about and it turns out the neighbour runs a food stall down at the jetty and when they close up each night they have to ferry everything home. By motorbike it apparently takes about 7 return trips. There are no roads on Tioman bar the few within the township of Tekek. Everyone gets about on foot, push bike or small motorbikes within the kampongs using the shared footpaths. You take water taxis to travel between them and a ferry to Mersing on the mainland.

On Tuesday morning we moved to another cabin, away from the footpath and had a few leisurely hours catching up on the sleep we'd missed overnight. The sun was shining for the first time so we collected snorkels and flippers and headed to the point at the end of the beach, its too late now to join the boats. Time passes so quickly when you are enjoying the treasures of the silent underwater world. I always feel so relaxed exploring all the corals and tropical fish in this octopus's garden. Not surprisingly we were both sun burnt when we emerged.   

 

The K. Genting beach

 

Libby landed a 'logodile'

We ate at the jetty again,turned out to be the noisy neighbour's stall! We were entertained watching the locals playing sepak takraw on the community courts. One court was for the adults and the other for the children. We reflected on the fact that the whole time we watched there was never any dispute on the kids' court about a line call, the score, whose serve it was next, who should fetch the ball..... The only time we have ever seen this same respect for the game rather than the score was working on the Indigenous communities in the NT. 

 

The very athletic game of takraw

After dinner we stumbled upon a quiet beach bar where we soon became the only patrons. We sat at the bar and had a very interesting discussion with the barman about growing up a 'lady-boy' in Malaysia. Quite enlightening!

After a quieter night, only punctuated occasionally by the slightly quieter throttle of the motorbike, we packed up and headed to the jetty with our bags. Turns out the water taxi operator was the same man who cooked our dinner last night so this family have a number of businesses on the go. In fact the whole family are taking the taxi to Tekek so we sat on the jetty with the offending honda motorbike and its teenage rider! Whenever do they sleep?
We were delivered to the airport in plenty of time, but once again the weather has closed in and the plane was delayed leaving Mersing. Eventually we took off and arrived at Changi in time to grab a cab and go directly to work, glad we had taken work clothes with us just for this outcome. 

It was great to be away for a few days, my knee stood up pretty well to the first test but if we go back to Tioman in will be after the monsoon season. We have still only ever seen the hill mynah in captivity, but we've heard it in the wild.

Year of the Snake

This week the new staff had an Orientation Recall so our staff meeting was cancelled. We quite liked having a few extra hours away from the workplace but the most interesting thing to come out of the meeting was the number of discrepancies now becoming obvious between branches and between leadership expectations and different intake years. Apparently we are not all getting the same message. Looks like the next meeting of the leadership team will be an interesting one, Eric will be able to get the info first hand. I've now been given all the files containing details of previous arrangements for the annual MAE Great Race (which wasn't held last year for the first time due to lack of interest in an organizing committee). It will be resumed in 2013 as I have put my hand up to coordinate it, co-opting Eric and Richard, and now June has offered to help as well. Good to have someone on board who has participated previously. 

The walking group wandered through Bukit Brown Cemetery this week. It got its name from the first land owner, George Henry Brown, a ship owner, Merchant and Commission Agent from Calcutta. In the early 1920's it was acquired by the council for a public burial ground and was eventually closed, but not before more than 100,000 graves were installed. In the 1970's, the cemetery faced the threat of being cleared for redevelopment, but it was granted a reprieve. Now, the cemetery is quite overgrown and home to many bird species and wild life which makes it an especially good site for the walking group. It was a particularly grey morning, with rain threatening, so Eric didn't take binoculars this time. We will have to return when I am more mobile, but we can't afford to wait too long as once again they are planning to redevelop the site, removing almost 4,000 graves to make way for a new 4-lane road that will cut through the cemetery. 

I joined the group at the MacRichie Reservoir Cafe for lunch and we celebrated Peter's 60th with more cake which June had managed to stash in a locker earlier.  Eric had a few words for our new  'Uncle' (local term of endearment for older person). Pete's birthday is not actually for another week but most of us will all be away for Chinese New Year so there will be no walk scheduled. We are off to Tioman Is for a few days. My knee is much better but I am still restricted and have to remind myself to take it easy so it will heal. No walking other than is necessary to get to and from work and the train etc. Still avoiding steps as much as possible and certainly not running for buses. Trying some pool walking instead.

Chinese New Year officially starts next weekend so MAE staff had the special dinner Tuesday night, right in Trengganu Street Chinatown at the same restaurant that we ate at with Adrian when he was here in December. Yu Sheng Salad was a feature of the meal where you all offer specific wishes of prosperity on each other as the  hostess adds each ingredient, then using chop sticks you all toss the salad high and calls 'lo hei' meaning toss higher and higher for a prosperous new year. 

Ric and 'ric suitably dressed in red

We got to see the lantern lit up as we walked to Crazy Elephant for some live music at the end of the night.

Tiger Beer have been running a couple of promotions where you can collect specially labelled bottles and wobble-headed mandarin figures. We now have the full set and Tiger brewery is doing well. 

It is my turn to do afternoon tea on Wednesday so I asked Ann for suggestions of what I should take to commemorate Waitangi Day, not being able to get roasted possum or kiwi fruit here. Her suggestions included Pavlova (what else) or maybe meringues, Mallow Puffs (same as Arnott's Chocolate Royals), Anzac Biscuits and Mouse Traps (easy to make she says). Butter slices of bread. Spread with Marmite/vegemite. Cut into 3 pieces longways. Keep close together on oven tray and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese. Bake in hot oven until cheese bubbles. Can be done in advance and keep in airtight container.
I figured I could manage this, now that we have a small bench top oven this year.