Aquamarine

This was a tiring week at the office. We started our training program hence we have to come to the office earlier than the usual.  So when Friday came, it was really TGIF.  Z in her usual style reserved (and paid) for the place without us knowing.

The look of hungry but happy faces

Through the years, I believe I have evolved as a buffet consumer.  From someone who would eat her heart out, I am now someone who would enjoy the variety of tastes more than the quantity of food that I would consume and therefore, would just take a spoonful or even a teaspoonful of every dish on the spread.

For this buffet, here's what I had.

Plate # 1: different kinds of salads, from leafy greens to filling ones

Plate # 2: oysters, prawns, mussels, the incredible poached salmon, and different kinds of crabs

Plate # 3: sushi and sashimi

Plate # 4: dishes that you could get from hawker centres but much much nicer

Plate # 5: durian plate with chocolate pudding and other kinds of desserts

Plate #6 : Dessert.  This is always, always, meant to be shared

AquaMarine is good if you like seafood but it's a bit pricey.  Everything is good but the poached salmon is the best that I ever had.  It is plain delicious!

Z's car which will be scrapped the following day. I couldnt help but feel sad because it has been our group's reliable transport in our escapades both for work and for fun.

Random triggers of happiness

Iam TA-ing for the Social Research Methods class tomorrow by Dr Feng under our Centre's Training Program.  Browsing through the course materials brings back memories of college and evokes excitement from relearning basic research methods.  The older I get, the more affirmation I get that I do love research and I want to be in this field for a long long time.

my nephew with his precious find

Last January, my sister's family was here for a 3-week holiday.  On some days, we would meet after work and have dinner outside.  One day after dinner at Orchard, when we were on our way out of Ion (I think), my six-year-old nephew suddenly rummaged through his pocket and exclaimed "Oh my goodness, I almost forgot to show you this!", showing me a dime that he saw on the streets.  It was just a dime but the excitement written all over his face for finding something that might have been so alien to him and sharing that excitement with me was both amusing and sweet that remembering it now makes me smile :)

Ang Pagbabalik ng UPAAS Bakunawa and other adventures

UPAAS with Motley Crew

We had our first practice today with the Motley Crew at Passion Wave.  Compared with the past years, more and more people are joining us this year.  Although I myself could not join the actual competition, Im still excited to join the practice sessions. I enjoy paddling.

Almost half of the boat are first time paddlers and right handed so I tried left hand paddling.  It was tough and waist breaking (if there is such a term).  Compared with rich-hand paddling which was kind of intuitive, left-hand paddling is kinda awkward for me resulting to me being rigid.

Our coach was very particular about the form so we spent more than an hour on that.  I think we only paddled continuously for more than 30 minutes but my sides were already aching by the end of the session.

Saturday at Marina Bay is busy with many teams practicing.  There was the FDS boat, Gaelic dragons, and Canadian dragons.  If only I have the time, I would love to paddle regularly.

After the practice, we had balut at Kontiki.  One of P and D's Filipino friends who are working at Kontiki brough back balut from the Philippines.  D tried it but didnt finish the entire embryo.  We on the other hand ate semi-frozen balut.  It was weird.

After the balut adventure, we went to LP for bulalo and halo-halo.  Bulalo at Inasal was actually good.  They serve 3 rice but it's good for 4 people.

Since we're all full, we decided to walk home. McR stays at Newton and M and S both can catch the MRT at Newton or Novena so we all walked. We wanted to see the GOT exhibit at Newton but the gallery was already closed.  We were in our Tai tai mood that night.

On our way out, we saw an adult shop and went inside giggling.  I think no one was clueless as to what we're going to see inside but I was still surprised to see so many things.  I didnt realize that vibrators are expensive.  And I was amazed to see a replica of the female organ.  It looked so real!  There were sex card games, sexy underwears, different kinds of rings, etc.  Needless to say, we were still giggling when we got out.

the tai tai wannabes

We also passed by the Indocafe restaurant along Newton.  I had always wanted to go there since I thought it was a coffee shop.  I was surprised to know that it was a fine dining restaurant.  We were so underdressed since we were still in our active wear but we felt like being tai tais that night so we had drinks there.   I had lemongrass which tasted pretty authentic.  M's passion fruit was very good and was my favorite too.  The store closes at 10 but I think we left at half past.  I couldnt help but compare how things are in a high end place.  Instead of telling us that the store is closed as how it usually is, the crew were just observing from a distance.  Of course we were sensitive enough to get the message so we left.

It was an enjoyable Saturday.

Coney Island (not in New York)

We went to Coney Island today.  Ms Chi is in town and she wanted to see everyone so this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

There are two ways to get to the island.  One is by the west entrance - via Punggol, and the other is by the east entrance - via East Coast Park.  We went by the Punggol route.

From Punggol bus interchange, we took bus 84 that brought us to Punggol Promenade.  It was a short ride, about 5-10 minutes.

waiting at the interchange

most of the gang waiting for X who at that time was finding her way to the place

From Punggol promenade, there are directional signs pointing to Coney island.  Getting to the Coney Island gate from the promenade takes about 15 minutes by foot which we did.  X rented a two-legged scooter for $10 per hour.  And some people hop on to their bikes.

X on her 2-leg scooter

view of the island from the waterway

X teaching M how to ride the scooter

M finally getting the hang of it and going on her own

map of the island.  it's a 2-km walk on each way. 

trees in the forest

 Compared with its NY counterpart, Coney Island in Singapore is not a theme park but a nature park.  And it's a beautiful one in my opinion.  It has a rustic feel to it.  I saw shrubs and grasses that I used to see back home. And the flora was "untouched".  It was also cool inside as the sun coudn't really penetrate through the thick shade provided by the trees.  One warning we got about the place was that it had a lot of sand flies so we sprayed insect repellant on our clothes so luckily, we didnt get any sandfly bite.

There was also a beach but I dont think it's conducive for swimming.  The water looks like it's contaminated by oil.  I learned that the nearby islands were Jurong Island, where the oil refineries are, and Pulau Ubin.

the beach

X and M by the beach

the semi-unpaved pathway

C and Ms M

Ms Chi with G and D

the group

patches of touch-me-nots

the entire crew. i didnt realize that i was standing far from the group

We didnt finish walking the entire stretch of the island.  I think we reached half of and then started walking back.

But one day, I want to go back there and run/cycle around it.  A good route would be to cycle the entire stretch of Punggol waterway all the way to Coney Island.

After the walk, we headed back to Punggol Waterway, which is right by the bus interchange, for brunch.

And we saw this cool thing.  A tray return robot.  There were 4 them plying the entire food court. It always stops by our table because one of the chairs that we're using is on its way.  When it stops, the eyes turn sad and politely says "Please excuse me".

Maybe in a few years' time, robots such as these will replace the elderlies who help tidy up foodcourts.

the robot tray return assistant at the Koufu food court in Punggol Waterway mall

Budget trip series: Climbing Gunung Lambak

This is the second time that we're doing this.  The first time was in 2015 when we tagged along Kuya N's hike group.  I remember that the hike was difficult and yes, it really is.

There were 9 of us in the group.  We rented a van and left Singapore at 630am on a Saturday.  It was still quite early so crossing the border was a breeze, except for a few hiccups with P and T's thumb marks unreadable causing them to do their thumb marks again.  After that, we had breakfast somewhere near JB.  Breakfast was chill, the group talking about random stuff that we were tempted to just ditch the hike and go for a food tour instead.  I wouldn't have minded that.

Kluang, where Gunung Lambak is, is 2 hours away from the border.  We didn't really feel that the drive was 2 hours as we talked about a lot of things on the way.  Well, mainly org-related stuff.  We were joking that it was like a Mancom meeting.

We reached our destination around 11.  After a bit of stretching, we started on our journey at 11:25am.

The last time we were in G. Lambak, we went to all 4 stations.  This time, we didn't have a set itinerary.  The plan was just to go to as many stations as we could.

The start.  Everyone looks fresh and excited and ready and all

starting the long walk. the road is paved but im already using my walking stick to support my still sore knee

after a few minutes of walking, we reached the official starting point. to the left is a trail of moderate difficulty, to the right is a difficult trail.  we took the left one

this is moderate but as you can see, it's quite challenging.  it's steep. 

taking a rest

this is already close to the false summit.  i like how these ferns branch out into pyramid like shapes

it's not very obvious but those are ropes to support hikers because of the steep trail. this is on the way to the big tree...a difficult trail.  by midway, there was even a discussion as to whether we should continue or not because 1) the trail is too steep, and 2) it looked like it was going to rain anytime soon and if we go further, there's a high chance that we'll be caught up in rain.  most of us said go, others said no and so we decided that those who said no should just wait for us at the false summit.  but eventually, all of us went ahead.

this is how it is...this is m on her way up.  i remember from last time, we were warned about the difficult trail going to the big tree. and yes, it was really difficult.  we saw hikers on their way back and they said that the trek going to the big tree is just about 15-20 minutes.  that amount of time passed and still, we couldnt see it. we saw several big trees which we thought were THE big tree.  and then finally, we saw it... 

finally, the big tree.  it really is big. we were all exhausted by the time we reached the place

the tiny stream by the foot of the big tree.  

on the way back, i saw this gigantic centipede and i remembered that centipede joke which goes like this.
question: what did the baby centipede say that caused the mother centipede to faint?
answer: mom, buy me havaianas!

going back to the false summit took us about an hour.  we went in pairs.  there was even a time when i was alone in the middle of the forest.  i sat on a log waiting for my sister.  as i looked at where we are heading, dark clouds suddenly appeared and mists enveloped the top of the trees. it felt like the setting of one of those suspense movies. it felt surreal.  one really feels so vulnerable in the midst of nature.   and after a few minutes, rain fell.  i had my umbrella but didnt have my poncho.  needless to say, it was a challenge trekking when it's raining.  it was not slippery but the gush of water coming from upstream was enough to makes one shoes soaked.  add that to the difficulty of trying to balance while climbing a steep slope, having only two hands but trying to hold an umbrella, a walking stick and ropes. it was incredible.

in hindsight, i dint mind that we were caught in rain because that made me experience how it is to trek in the rain! it's definitely a big hassle but it made me feel so close to nature.  imagine being under the rain, with no roof above your head, your feet, ok shoes, getting all wet and dirty.  and of course, it's a bragging right.  yes, ive trekked under the rain!

here was E finally making it to the false summit.  we rested for a few minutes and embarked again on our descent because we didn't want to trek in the dark. it was 5:59 when we reached the base of the mountain.

the photo couldn't capture the soaked feet in squishy socks and shoes, and the wet pants

fruits and drinks at the base of the mountain

dinner at nando's where we indulged ourselves with chicken and nice drinks.  see how fancy our drinks look like?

It was generally an amazing hike.  I was so happy that my knees did it.  Climbing up was ok because I had my stick and the ropes to help me use more arm power because I had to pull myself up at some point but going downhill was more challenging. I had to rely more on my right knee and of course, climbing down backwards.

Compared with running,  I like hiking more because I get to enjoy the sights and the sound of nature at a closer distance, slower pace and occasional stops. Plus, it is a team activity that strengthen bonds as exemplified by the buddy system and having to wait for each other and make sure that everyone is safe and well accounted for.  I also realize that Im more of an "enjoying the journey more than the destination" kind of person.  Most of the mountains/hills that I've climbed have an OK view at the summit and that is perfectly fine with me because I enjoy the climb more, the trail, seeing what's on the way, climbing, holding on to those ropes, pushing myself and others, talking to myself to just carry that leg one more time because we're almost there, not to give up otherwise i'll just stay there in the middle of the forest, to finish and go back to the start.  Yup, I like hiking.  I hope my knees would allow me to enjoy this hobby more.

===

Budget for the trip
Van hire from Sg-Kluang-Sg (1 day trip): $42 each
Breakfast: about 5RM
1.5L of water: about 5RM
lunch: pre-packed
post-trek fruits and drinks: 5RM
indulgent dinner at Nando's: about 40RM
Exchange rate: $1: 3.04RM
Total expenses $42 + 55RM ($18)= $60

2XU Half marathon

So this is my first non-academic medal.  After 4 months of training which includes waking up at 6am on a weekday to run, waking up early on Saturdays (!) to run longer distances, contemplating whether it's best to "listen to your body" or do that "mind over matter" thing when aches and pains begin to manifest, this is what I got. A huge and heavy 21k medal.

A couple of days before the run, I couldn't sleep properly.  I was a bit anxious about my knees giving up because it hasn't been in its best form.  My goal was to finish the marathon running and I was agonizing over the possibility of it not happening and months' worth of training being thrown into waste because of my body giving up on me. Yes, I could totally imagine myself being this guy.

I know. I could be totally depressive for no reason at all

But well, if my body gives up on me, that's beyond my control, right?  I mean, I could only do so much.  I knew that I've trained well, I did the required preparations and that's enough.  So I let it go and just told myself to just go with the flow.

The day before the run, I had a meeting with my org and the food in that meeting helped with my much-needed carbo loading.  And also, I had a good excuse for eating a loooot of lechon, steak and nilaga.  I mean, Im running 21k the following morning!

So I set my alarm for 230am and slept before 10pm.

But my body had other plans.  I woke up at 130.  And wasn't able to go back to sleep since then.  So instead of turning endlessly on my bed, I got up at 2, took a bath, did a bit of stretching and had breakfast.  M and I left the house at 330.

We were trying to go for the first wave which starts at 430 but traffic was horrible, so we didn't make it on time.  We went for the 3rd wave instead.

3rd wave started at 450am

When the gunshot went off, people started dashing.  M and I opted to just start easy as what's usually advised in training plans.  We didn't want to get tired easily.

M and I chatting. Goodluck finding us here

The weather was perfect.  It was a bit cool and the ground was wet.  We started from the flyer, went to Kallang, headed towards Gardens by the Bay East all the way to East Coast Park, then came back through Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Makansutra and finished right by the entrance of the flyer.

21km route. Something obviously was wrong with my steps counter because it only registered 13 steps which is probably good for just 10km or so

Personally, the first 5km was difficult for me in the sense that I felt that it went on for a really long time.  No, I wasnt tired but I just felt that I was already running for a long long time and yet, the road markers tell me that such is not the case.  I was also surprised to see people walking within the first 5km.  I heard that a lot of people really walk towards the end but I wasn't expecting it at that point.

The best part for me was from 5-10km.  I was warmed up, not tired and just enjoying the experience.  There was an old man, probably in his 70s, doing the 21km and I have so much admiration for him.

The East Coast Park was another difficult part for me because well, it also felt neverending! My only motivation at that point was knowing that we're getting a banana on the way back.  I mean, eye on the prize, right? (That motivational quote doesnt even motivate me most of the time).

After the 10thkm, I could feel a bit of tiredness on my legs but they were still fine.  By the time we reached Marina Barrage (about 15km), I could already feel a bit of pain.  Doing a bit of stretching helped. M was also at this point doing a run/walk.  By the 18th km, I said enough.  I care more about my knees than my goal of finishing it running.  So I started to walk.  I would run once in a while but the pain is well, a real pain the ass (or in this case leg) so I would go back to walking.

Needless to say, I walked the last 3km of it.  Of course, I went back to running when I was at the finish line because, who wouldnt?

Give me my shirt!

Who thought of these cold towels?  This is pure genius! 

mob of runners

Getting the medal is quite unceremonial and anticlimactic.  One just needs to queue for the proper category (21, 10, 5) and gets the finisher shirt first, followed by a bottle of  isotonic drink, a banana, and yeah, that medal.

That day, I realized how good cold pocari sweat tasted like.  It's heaven (ok, if you're running)!

So will I do this again?  Probably not too soon.

One thing that I realized about running is that, it's a very individualistic endeavor.  Im glad that M and I went together because otherwise, I would have been so bored! Imagine waking up early in the morning, going to the race venue, check-in, run, get your shirt/medal/whatever, and then leave. There's no social interaction unless one is part of a team or runs with a group already.

Also, I realized that Im someone who enjoys the journey more than the destination.  I made it because I enjoyed the training (even if I would start grudgingly) and discovering new routes from running is really fun. I wouldn't have finished it if I hated the process.

So yeah, do that 21km.