A wedding in Shah Alam - 15 and 16 Mar 08

Decided to go for this as i will not be able to make it for the celebrations in Singapore come end of March. So Ed, Has' bro Sab and I took the late Friday night bus and headed to Shah Alam. The only thing i knew about Shah Alam prior to this trip was the Stadium that looked like Huddersfield Football Club's stadium. I also knew that Shah Alam has the biggest mosque in Malaysia and a velodrome.

So after close to 8 hours on the bus, including 2hours at Tuas checkpoint thanks to tri_mas, we finally reached Shah Alam bus terminal at Section 17. Took a cab to Quality Hotel and rested until lunch with Stan.

Fast forward to evening. I contributed my 2 cents worth of thinking into the planning for this wedding, all because i don't like the idea of travelling all the way there just to be a free-riding guest. Therefore, my job was to remind Has and Sab, all the small little things about the ceremony, things that people tends to forget; like arrangement of transport, copies of prayers etc.

We left the hotel just after 7 and headed to a surau near the bride's place. After Maghrib, we slowly walked to the house, with gifts in hand. The kadi arrived soon after and relatives were all excited. A microphone was placed where Has was supposed to be seated. Don't remember that being around for me. Anyhow, everything went well, groom looked calm and oath was clear.

Everything else was just like any other typical Malay wedding. A little variation from the ones in Singapore here and there but everything else was similar.

Next day, Sunday, was the "sanding" day. This is where the groom appears at the bride's place to take her back to his. I checked to ensure that Sab had the toll money (commonly used to gain passage to the stage, where the bride normally wait at). No toll was present however, probably because the bride waited and joined the groom outside the ceremony, another variation from that in Singapore. As the ceremony went into full flow, Ed and i sat around watching, making funny faces at Has everytime he looked at our direction.

Good experience this trip. The thing that impressed me most about the event, was the camaraderie of the neighbours. The bride's place was a semi-detached house, and the recemony area was on the road in front of the house. This meant that the road needed to be closed. Stations for other essentials like drinks counter, dishes washing area, music booth were also set up in the neighbours' varandah. Honestly, no way will you get that in Singapore, no way at all.

Ed and i took the late night bus back to Singapore, as neither of us took leave from work on Monday.

Congrats to Has and Yati!!

Ferry hopping: Bintan - Singapore - Desaru

Wanted to take leave but 17 August is the Independence Day for Indonesia and as a "PR" there, it was compulsory for all else like me to be present for the Big Day observation ceremony. Rest of the guys were probably on their way to Desaru while i sat watching the red and white flag being raised.

Anyhow, having obtained permission to skip the night activities, i left for Singapore while the sun was still high. Cabbie at TMFT tried to con me by informing that a surcharge will be imposed on the trip. I told him to cut the crap, having taken taxis for 5 years from the same spot without having to pay any surcharge. So i took the next cab, who also tried to con me with the same surcharge crap at first but changed his mind once i started speaking Singlish.

I was home half an hour later and immediately gathered my pre-packed stuff and bike. Got my father to send me to Changi Ferry Terminal via his cab (no issue of surcharge this time), stopped by Changi Village to ta pao some food. Its amazing how lacking in creativity the hawkers are; 1 sells Nasi Lemak, everyone sells Nasi Lemak. One sells Nasi Ayam Penyet, everyone sells Nasi Ayam Penyet. I got myself 1 pack of Nasi Lemak with extra chicken wing, 2 fried popiah swimming with chilli sauce and 2 goreng pisang.

Reached Changi Ferry Terminal and immediately checked in. While waiting for ICA to start working, i had my feast. Cleared immigration and was on the ferry within minutes. Met some guys who went to PD with me a few weeks ago but can't remember their names.

Ferry left for a 30mins journey to Tanjung Belungkor, passing by the unnatural-looking Pulau Tekong most of the way. On arrival, cleared immigration and surrendered my bike to a transport coordinator from Golden Beach Resort. He then ushered me to a Pajero and after loading 3 other persons with me in the post-20 year old jeep, the driver started heading towards Desaru.

My last and probably only previous trip to Desaru was with SL and BT, on a study trip at the nearby fruit plantation a few years ago. Other than the fruits and the dirty hotel, i couldn't remember anything else about Desaru.

We stopped by a Petronas station to get supplies before continuing to the hotel. My worst fears came true when i saw where we were stopping; that same dirty hotel. Called IMD and Balasing and was told to head up to the briefing room. Uncle Chan was giving his briefing about the LD race. He must have been a comedian in his younger days as the crowd were laughing throughout the briefing.

Met Eunice, my team swimmer, and we headed towards the registration booth. I registered my team name as Euhan, back when i thought I could do the bike and run legs. Decided against it and Fennel asked if she could join as runner. So i guess my team name will be Euhanli (EUnice-RaiHAN-AiLI). Also registered for the sprint before remembering that i had totally forgotten about my bike. In panic, i saw my bike and thought that the Bike Boutique stall was the bike collection centre. Grace from TBB went into blur mode when i told her that i wanted to collect my bike. IMD clarified the situation.

We then went back to hotel, then to dinner where i had a special beef burger (note: not beef burger special, difference lies in the kind of egg served) and lots of mosquito bites. Went back to hotel and prepared for my 2 races.

Fennel arrived later on. By then,i was on my way to dreamland. Next day is race day.

The way up to Port Dickson

My second trip to Port Dickson in 3 months. Could still remember running in the storm during PD Half and driving the way back on NL's car. Anyhow, got up very early and headed for Lavender Bus Terminal, courtesy of my dad, to meet Tri_Jon and gang. I barely know anyone from my bus and was happy to see Fennel, SV and Divey. Unfortunately, they will be going on a different bus.I made myself useful helping Peter and Jon load up the bikes on the bus. It is really innovative how they use the seats as a bike stand. Forgot to take pictures though. Meet new friends in Whelan, who will also be my roomie at Selesa Hotel, Amy, Kim, Peter, Colin etc.

Bus left for Tuas slightly after 7. Cleared immigration at both ends and i started to sleep. The journey took longer than i expected, even TIC the rest and toilet breaks. Anyhow, we reached PD just after 12, meaning less than 2 hours to report, collect race kit, get myself ready for the race, check in bike etc. Wonder how the race will be. Well, guess i will know in 2 hrs time.

10hrs bus ride and lots of good food

Left office and had dinner with Ed, before returning to office for a shower. Packed my bags and headed for Golden Mile, just across the road, where the other runners in the group, Eliza, Fennel, Balasing, Swoop, Teelee and Kayano were already waiting. Soon, we boarded the Grassland bus, heading for Penang.

After clearing immigration checkpoints both at Tuas and Tanjung Pelepas, i went into sleep mode, waking up just for toilet breaks at Yong Peng and Sungei Besi. Next thing i know, we have passed the bridge and in Penang, just 2 minutes away from the bus terminal.

I looked, found and bought credits to reload my pre-paid Hotlink Malaysian handphone line from a shop at the bus terminal before calling Juwatim who left a message at my SG handphone, requesting my help to buy his return bus ticket. Lucky him, there was 1 seat left.

After a breakfast of Roti Canai and Teh Tarik, we left the terminal and headed for Anggerik Lodging. Checked into 1 of the 2 quad-share rooms we booked before heading out again towards Queensbay Mall, where we collected our race packs. A good call we made to be there early, the place was yet to be crowded. I got my pack, with racebibs number A014, 1 cotton event singlet covered with hundreds of sponsors' logo and 2 coupons for KFC and Pizza Hut. We then split and roamed the Mall.

I headed straight for the Adidas shop and found a pair of Adizero CS on display. I scanned the display further but there was no sign of my favourite shoe, Adizero SN. Saw some stuff on display and i bought myself a set of tracksuit at RM140 (after discount). Continuing my window shopping, i got tired and lepak at Dome for a bad shot of Long Black and hard apple muffin (should have just gone to Starbucks).

Next was meeting up with the rest of the group for lunch but not before i met Tey from Pacesetters, camera in hand, and another Pacesetters member holding a picture of the Pacesetter runner who recently passed away.

I ordered and paid for a plate of Fried Ee-Mee from the foodcourt at the Mall's basement, but had doubts about its halal-ness after seeing a member of the stall's kitchen staff chopping dark-pinkish colored meat just beside the stove. Refusing to think or comment, i took the plate of Ee-Mee and walked to the table my group was seating at. After explaining to them about my doubts, the group finished the dish for me.

We then left for Gurney Drive, courtesy of Fennel's cousins' cars, after i bought some packs of powerbars for Sunday's pre-race meal. Reaching Gurney Drive, i bought a giant sausage from 1901, window shopped before lepak at Starbucks with a mug of Tall 3-raw Americano and a slice of lousy chocolate cheesecake.

Met the rest of the group again and headed for the foodstreet at Gurney, where i had a bowl of Asam Laksa and a plate of rojak Pasembur. We then left for the hotel. Showered, prepared the essentials for the race, and dozed off by 2100hrs. Next day is race day.

Ipoh – Singapore: The rush home

The Ipoh leg of the trip has been a rush. Firstly, we rushed to Alor Star bus terminal after Larian Bendang, not having breakfast and lunch. When in Ipoh, we settled for the first halal food shop we found instead of having what Ipoh is famous for. We then rushed to Ipoh 88 bus terminal after the Centennial run, having rushed through our washing up process in the hotel.

However, the biggest rush was when we reached Yong Peng, 2 hours away from JB. I checked my handphone and realized that I had many missed calls and messages. The first one I read crushed my heart. My cousin Yana sent a message which read “nenek dah meninggal at 1010am” (grandma passed away at 1010am). My granny has been sick for a very long time. It took a while for that to settle in but when I realized what that meant, I also felt very helpless since I was so far away. Instead, I called Yana to confirm and she told me something that gave me a bigger headache. She said that she couldn’t reach my dad. I tried calling my dad but to no avail. I called my stepmum and also received no answer. I messaged my mum, sister and brother and informed them. Tried calling my dad again and this time he answered. That provided some relief.

All I could do the 2 hours journey back was pray that I could make it on time, since the burial has been planned after the mid-afternoon prayer. If the bus made it back by 430pm, I still had a chance.

Like an act of god, the bus did reached Woodlands at 430pm. Not knowing what to do, I called my mum and she told me to go to my aunt’s place where she was at, and drive her to meet the rest of the family at the cemetery. I reached my aunt’s place at 5pm and drove to the cemetery at Lim Chu Kang. Unfortunately for me, my granny has already been buried by the time I arrived. Not to be disheartened, I made my way to her grave and offered some prayers. It was then explanation time as I had to face every member of the family and hoped they will not ask why was I not at the wake?

All this made me realized that God planned and decide everything. If I had not taken the 10am bus, I would have missed the whole funeral. Then again, if I had not finished my run in 2:08, I might not have made the 10am bus anyway. Then again, if Kak J has not been injured and Clinton had not pulled out from the trip, the possibility of me going back at 10am will not be discussed in the first place. Then again, if I had not gone for this trip, I would have been able to attend her funeral and maybe even be by her side before she died. Then again, then again, then again……….

Ipoh, Perak – 5 May 07

After washing up and a short rest, the group assembled at the hotel’s lobby, waited while Vincent checked us out. Kak J appeared with bandaged palms and elbows. She told us that she will not be joining us to Ipoh and will be taking a flight back to JB instead. Kak J then told us about her mishap; fell and injured her palms, elbows and knees at the 10km to go mark. I gave her my good wishes as the taxis came to bring us to the bus terminal, and we arrived in no time. By 12, we were on our way to Ipoh. In the bus, Vincent and Terrance informed NL and me that we can join the rest of the group on the 10am bus back to SG from Ipoh, if we can complete our 21km run within 2:45, since there are 2 extra tickets due to Kak J and Clinton’s withdrawal. With soreness everywhere, I felt it was a daunting task. I was more interested in addressing my hunger, not having breakfast or lunch after the run. I replied that we will try to make it. 10am bus will do us much good as compared to the 10pm we were scheduled to leave by.

At 430pm, we arrived at Ipoh. A few of us made our way to the race pack collection centre, the office of Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the race organizer while the rest headed for the hotel. Yeehua called and requested my assistance in collecting her group’s race pack, since they may not arrive by the 5pm cut off time.

Having collected all the race pack, we met Yeehua and gang before leaving for the hotel, a good 15mins walk away. After check in, NL and me left with Terrance, Vincent and Kevin and walked to the famous bean sprout fish place. Doubted the place serves halal food, NL and I opted for a Malay coffee-shop selling Nasi Kandar instead, and had a simple meal of rice with omelette, fried chicken, vegetables and curry fish.

After dinner, we walked around the area, where a pasar malam was being set up, and bought a bowl of bean curd each. By 730pm, we headed back to the hotel. After cleaning up and preparing for the run the next day, we watched Man Utd beat Man City 1-0 before headed to dreamland.

Alor Star, Kedah – 4th May 2007

After dinner with Ed, NL and I met the group led by Vincent and Terrance at Golden Mile. Uncle Chan, the 77-year-old runner who I tend to meet each time there is a run, was also part of the group. Vincent informed me that one runner, Clinton, pulled out at the last hour. Nevertheless, at 845pm, we got on Grassland’s bus and left for Alor Star.

After a grueling 12 hour bus journey, we arrive at the Alor Star bus terminal at about 8am. Had a light breakfast after buying the bus tickets to Ipoh. Left for hotel after that. Vincent and Kak J managed to check us in. I took a nap before waking up for Friday prayers at the nearby Masjid Zahir.

After prayers, walked past the hotel again, looking for a makan place. Took a wrong turn and ended up heading towards the stadium. Came across a place called Old Town White Coffee. I had chicken curry with rice and a delicious white coffee.

Having been given directions towards the town area of Alor Star, NL and me walked for 5 minutes towards a shopping centre. Half an hour later, we decided to go back to the hotel after having a tea break at a road-side stall.

Upon reaching the hotel, bumped into the rest of the group, who planned to go to the stadium for the carnival. Apparently, the half marathon is only part of the whole carnival. So we left the hotel and walked towards the stadium, passing by a banner informing about the carnival, and that we can expect to see Malaysian celebrities like Awie and Sharifah Zarinah. I would have preferred to meet the whole cast of Gol and Gincu.

Anyhow, 15 minutes of walking later and we arrived at the stadium. Pasar malam style stalls were set up, selling anything from t-shirts, bags, kacang puteh, drinks, foot reflexology services etc. Some competitions were held; sepak takraw, futsal, x-treme skateboarding and stunt bikes.

Collections of automobiles were also on display at the carnival. Being a fan of old cars, I took photos of all the VW Beetle and Vans on display.

After having a disappointing version of Nasi Padprik for dinner at the hawker centre near the stadium, we left for the hotel. Having cleaned up and prepare the necessary for the race the next day, I closed my eyes and slept.

GE Pacesetters 30km - Prelude to the race Fri, 19 Jan

I was all stressed out about this trip. Firstly, the flu and fever I've been suffering from for the last week have yet to heal, fully. I was still coughing. Next, i was the contact person for the group's accommodation. Thankfully, Diana from Coronade Hotel in KL has been a darling. I know of other reservation staff that would not tolerate with my late replies and constant amendments. Lastly, the biggest stress of all was the qualifying time for the race itself. Qualifying for what, i was not sure. I just knew that i have to complete the 30km in 3:30. Being a genuinely slow runner that i am, 3:30 seems a very daunting task.

19 runners from SGRunners took the train up to KL, from Tanjung Pagar Railway station. Ed was around to see me off, and assisted in giving out the immigration cards to the runners. Just before 10pm, all 19 of us cleared immigration and got on the train. My bunk was smack in the middle of the carriage, opposite Andy's. I would have preferred boarding from Johor, but knowing how fun it is to travel in a group, i decided to splash out the cash and bought the tickets for departure from Singapore costing about S$43, instead of the RM 42 from JB.

There were joy and laughter on the train as we plotted to surprise Run3 with a birthday song. Her birthday card was already being circulated for signatures and wishes, discreetly, as soon as we boarded. After clearing Singapore immigration, we waited for midnite to come before springing a surprise on her.

The train must have been delayed somewhere along the way as by 7am the next day we were only at Seremban. We eventually reached KL Sentral just before 9am. After washing up, we left for the hotel via the monorail. I have requested Diana to provide us with at least a room for early check-in, so that we can dump our bags before patrolling the areas around Bukit Bintang. Babumouse managed to get himself lost and the rest of us waited while Renoh and Andy Goh went searching for him. He eventually appeared and we left for Bukit Bintang station.

The hotel was just beside Lot 10, which had the monorail station just in front of it. We saw Dreamrunner and DO before i approached the counter to check into the 1 room i specially requested for. Having checked in, and dumping our bags, Freddie led us to a food court at the top floor of Sungei Wang Plaza. I had 1 roti canai (prata) kosong and a roti tampal (plaster) and washed them down with teh tarik.

Not knowing what to do, the group left for Berjaya Times Square, where we split up into 3 groups; one went shopping while the other 2 watched movies, Blood Diamond and Pathfinder. I was with the one that watched Pathfinder and i must admit that it was a horrible show.

On our way back to the hotel after the show, we bumped into Teelee, Roentgen, Charlotte, KJ and JT. This group took the Friday evening bus and has been scouring KL for food all day. Back at the hotel, I managed to get everyone their rooms. Other groups like those of Doraemon_Red, Fennel, tkTan, Swoop and Laokayu; Xinwei and Farmy; and LCPSimongoh and Joao_li gathered together with us at 4pm, waiting for Yeehua to come by with the racepacks. As soon as she arrived I distributed the packs out before searching for food at Bukit Bintang with cFred and my roommate Renoh. We eventually had hot dogs at 1901.

We joined the rest of the group later and walked towards Petaling Street, breathing in carbon monoxide, dreaming of Mata Kucing. The sky had other plans though and opened up, leaving us settling for a coffee shop serving Indian food. I had Maggi mee goreng, hardly the ideal pre-race carbo-loading choice. As the rain got lighter, we left to return to Bukit Bintang, shopping for breakfast at Giant of Sungei Wang Plaza before having coffee and cakes at Dome.

By 10pm we were back at the hotel room. Having enjoyed seeing Liverpool beating Chelsea on ESPN, i dozed off.