First skating event

During the weekend, I participated at a skating and cycling event at the Paya Lebar Air base. It was a annual event where they move out all the planes and open the air base to the public as a cycling and skating event. The course was 15 km per lap and there were varying events of different distances to cater for people with different goals. I participated in the 30 km endurance skate and tried skating for 30 km for the first time ever. It was a great experience but I also learnt that skating uses a set of muscles that I hardly train, the back muscles. At least for my skating style, I use a lot of back muscle. I must be skating wrong because towards the last few kilometers I could barely push fast due to the sore back. I also learnt that my skating skills need tons of improvement. Many were just zooming past me before I even got tired. If before I thought I was entering the intermediate stage, I just realised I am just a little better than the absolute beginner. Well I think I like this sport so I think next year I'll come back with a vengeance (if I am still in Singapore). Next year God permitting, I'll focus more on improving my skating skills. For this year, the sport focus will be running, in particular, hill or cross country running.

Puteri Gunung Ledang

Last weekend was a longer weekend so some of us pop over to a small town called Tangkak to climb Mt Ophir (Gunung Ledang). In fact there were 2 groups that went over. I climbed with the first group and hung out at the base camp while the second group climbed the next day.

The drive from Singapore to Tangkak takes around 2.5 hours. So on most weekends, I figured you could easily hop over on Friday night and come back Saturday morning. Even with car rental, I think it would cost about $80 SGD only.

It was not exactly a walk in the park. In fact it is rather challenging as a one day climb. The first group that trekked up consisted of Deon, Anna, Fang, David & myself had a blast climbing up. We weren't ultra fast but we just happily trod along. Somehow, I think I just gel well with this group so I had a good time. We stopped for light snacks along the way and just enjoyed the walk up. We did not reach the summit due to the heavy rain that started just 30 mins before we got to the summit. I actually wanted to continue climbing up as we were so near but was warned by a guide and a few others not to continue. So heeding their advice, we just turned back and went back to the base. Looking back, it probably would not have been dangerous if we continued on. I had a great time but I did not find any trace of the mysterious puteri (princess) Gunung Ledang. All I saw were some "unglam" shots of Deon, Anna and Fang. Well Anna did try to put on lipstick before the climb so she gets an A for effort. See it for yourself...

Mount Ophir May 2008

Myanmar refusal of visa

I am really indignant at the Myanmese government. According to them, 60k+ people are unaccounted for some died and many lost. And they want to play games and refuse foreign help. Their visa office in Thailand is on holiday. Can you believe it? People are dying and they cannot decide. Food is a few hours away, and they are going to let some starve due to redtape. Man, if I had one of those Ironman suits, I would just put it on and blast these government officials to smithereens. But I guess maybe it is good I don't have one, because I might end up doing something really silly.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5greyFH3qkj9mc9oagSoulgjN4KHgD90HTE586

UN blasts Myanmar for visa policy on aid workers
1 hour ago

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The United Nations says Myanmar's refusal to give visas to relief experts is "unprecedented" in the history of humanitarian work.

A spokesman of the World Food Program says the organization has submitted 10 visa applications around the world, including six in Bangkok, Thailand, and none of have been granted.

Spokesman Paul Risley said Friday "the frustration caused by what appears to be a paperwork delay is unprecedented in modern humanitarian relief efforts."

Myanmar's military government said more than 62,000 people died or are missing in a cyclone that hit the country's Irrawaddy delta last Saturday. The junta says it needs international aid but not the foreign experts and staff to deliver it.

No visas are expected to be issued in Bangkok on Friday because of a Thai holiday.

Picture of Kinabalu

Mt Kinabalu trip with dad

Click on the picture above to view the album.

Via Ferrata route : RM 600
Flight to KK: RM 400
Lodging: RM 300
Experience: Priceless