Skyp-ing with family

I've been here for only two weeks, but it feels like 2 months. Thank God for internet here, at least in keeps me connected to the people back home and Shadow. I really miss the company and the cheekiness of Shadow.

Mum said when I called his name, he would wag his tail. Hopefully he doesn't forget me when I come home this November or else I would cry! ...

I really miss hawker food in Penang. I've been eating Chapati and Dahl for breakfast and lunch every day. Yes, you read that right. Every day I'm Chapating. I wanted something different today. As I took out the 'Har Mee' instant noodle 'Har', my maids got excited, stopped their work and started following me. Mama Leki, Mama Rebecca, Evone and Sophie gave me an impression that they have never seen instant noodle in their life before. They got all curious and started talking among themselves. I asked them what is noodle called in Swahili, they said there is no such word in Swahili. I gave them half to try it out and they love it. They would said, Mezuri (means good). I'm glad I am able to share something with them.

Charcoal hokkien mee

So goooooooooooood!

First week of work

I pretty much work from home. Work culture here is very different from Malaysia. How things are done is also very different. It’s all about the money here. From the first day till today, all I see and hear is $$. I have been given the mandate to protect the interest of MSC and I personally find it difficult but I shall try my best.

Just outside my house in a big football field. The condition of the pitch is really BAD. Almost every afternoon/evening, I would stand on the chair and watch the games. The teams here are pretty hard core. They are good, fast and aggressive. Their tackles are meant to break your leg or something. Every time they tackle, but heart rate would spike up. I guess that’s their only source of entertainment here, hence the enthusiastic atmosphere during game.

They are very professional and formal in the game. They have proper lines man and referee. All in full suit jersey. They have substitute board with numbers and even stoppage time. Red cards are quite a common thing. There was once a player went crazy after being red carded. He chased the referee and wanted to wack the crap out of him but thankfully his teammates stopped him and they wacked him in return. It’s really quite funny. When that happens, all spectators will run into the pitch and start cheering.

 

This place is crowded during match day

Game about to start

From my view

The bad condition of the pitch

Another funny thing is when a player is injured, the referee will show a sign for a stretcher, like really do the hand sign OUT LOUD. But there is no such thing as a stretcher there! But usually someone from the spectator would run into the pitch and carry him out. I really like the linesman and referee. They really put their life on the line just to conduct a fair play.

They armies are around during official matches. I was told that each spectator would have to pay CDF500 (equivalent to RM1.50). One day as I was watching they game, I saw him confiscating slippers and shoes of those who can't afford to pay. Not sure how it works but I saw them begging for their slippers. Kids would treat this as a game when they army comes. They would try to avoid getting caught by them.

I have a video of them celebrating the victory but I can't upload it. Keep failing every time I try.

House Party

We had a house “party” last Thursday. One of the guys from MMC is getting married. Can’t remember his name, let’s just assume his name is Muniady. Muniady’s wedding date falls on the same date as India’s Independence Day. All this friends were making fun of his wedding date, even myself. They keep asking him to change the date of his wedding but unfortunately, it’s fixed and it can’t be changed. So for the rest of his life, when the citizens of India is celebrating their country’s Independence Day, he will be celebrating the day he lost his freedom. =P

Muniady

There were 10 person who were present that day, 8 Indians (from India), 1 Malay and 1 Chinese. Of course I feel a little out of place due to different culture and language, and this made me think about my farewell with the SOT. It’s quite similar, just without the dancing.

We had pizza, spaghetti with mackerel and vegetable soup. I filled to the neck after dinner. I even had Coke! I thought I would never taste Coke till I get back to Penang.

First Day in Kindu, DRC

My house is about 15 – 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Once you get out from the airport, all you see is red soil. No proper road or even buildings around it. There are a few huts selling some fruits and sim cards. I don’t know how to describe the place. No proper houses are being seen from the start of the road to where I live. I saw mud houses and children running around. I will try take some photos but maybe later when the people are more familiar with my presence.

I was surprised when I arrived at my house. It’s way better than I expected it. My room is even bigger than my room in Penang. I have a table, a chair, a fan, a queen sized mattress and a cupboard. All I need to survive and to work. We have 4 bed rooms and 2 toilets here. We have satellite TV and WiFi as entertainment in the house. The living hall is pretty huge and it’s comfortable with sofas. Electricity was running when I arrived. Toilet is pretty decent and modern, the only setback is we need to flush or bathe with buckets of water. But all these are prepared by our maid, Mama Laki.

My bed

My table

My wardrobe

The view outside my room. That's Ramzan preparing water for us to bathe.

Living hall

 

I had lunch with Mr. Hitesh and Mr. Jhatan as Mr. Sahat is fasting. We had some chapatti, dahl and papadum (They are vegetarian). I was introduced to this yoghurt like drink. It looked like milk but it taste like spoilt milk. They said in India, this is a very good appetizer and it helps with food digestions. I only had a small cup as I can’t really stand the smell.

After lunch, I unpacked and started settling in my room. Took a short nap.

Dinner was prepared by Mr. Sahat. He made green beans with banana to buka puasa with, sardine with carrot and potato leaves. Very basic cooking but it was good. Oh yea, we had their local rice too. And cooking is all done by charcoal. There is no gas. We sat outside our house and talk about life, religion and work throughout dinner. It was a good first day.

 

Master Chef at work

Romantic dinner under the stars and moon

Where we cook

My boss

Shower is really different here, even though they have two bath tubs here but you can’t use them obviously. Mr. Sahat adviced me to bathe with two buckets of water as this is my first time. But it’s not that bad. Water was clean, not sure where they took it from. But I plan to follow the boys to get water if I have the chance. Imani (our water boy) have really muscular arms due to this activity. I can bathe with only one bucket of water. It’s not a problem. More on the toilets in another post. =)

My Adventure to the DRC

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Innebandy!Co Going For Gold

I am really blessed to be a part of Innebandy!Co. To look back at my floorball journey since 2003, I am thankful for friendships I have built and the experience I've gained as a player, a coach and a team manager. To be a good player is not that hard, its about how much you want it but to achieve the vision of Innebandy!Co, which is "to be an influencer and a role model", that is where I struggled. I really hope I have shown bits and pieces of what an influencer and a role model is as I close this chapter in my life. I guess this will be the last time me playing competitive floorball.

I managed to play the first two games of our league campaign. Knowing that I'm gonna step on court for the very last time was really emotional for me. I know I was gonna miss this feeling. The feeling of scoring goals, the celebration with teammates, feeling the supporter's cheer and feeling the adrenaline rush before each game. Balik Pulau Sports Complex was the first time we played competitive floorball, it all started with YouthWave. Can't believe that 10 years had passed just like that.

Inne has never started this strong before, we all know that FireBrands are one of the title contender for this year's PFL. But everyone in the team stood up, especially young Divesh Mohan. Just last year he was playing in Div 2, this year he is joining the big boys. He showed my what Insane Courage was, he went in for every ball despite being surrounded by physically bigger defenders but his courage was just too insane to handle. The way I look at him run, made me feel really really tired.

I too have to thank Timothy Kok for availing himself despite his hectic work schedule. For a person to drive from KL to PG just to contribute his blood and sweat to the team speaks a lot about his commitment to the club. And despite two years not holding a floorball stick, he made it look like he just missed training for 2 weeks. Amazing talent he has there.

Special thanks to an old friend and ex-teammate who willingly came back to help in times of difficulties. I want you to know, I am really really thankful for what you are doing and I know there is no way I can repay you for your willingness to step up and be in the club. I like to welcome back Jeremy Yeap, a legend himself. my first training mate and driver. =) Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Watching you play isn't a unfamiliar sight, but knowing you are playing in the same team as I am, it made me feel really touched. It's like all those all memories of us playing in Blazing Eagles just started pouring into my mind. The way you move the ball....speechless. The team is really grateful to have an asset like you. I really hope you will help the team retain our title. =)

To Nicholes Ong, a senior member of Inne. It's been a journey for you and I, since day 1. People always talk about your crazy goals against frontliners when Sam and I was away. Probably if we were away more often, you would have achieve your goal of being an All Star player. hehehe. On a serious note, I would like say thank you for being so committed, for giving your words of advice to the younger players and I am really glad to share the sweet victory moments with you. You are the one person who channels positive energy in all our training sessions, without you is like the rabbit without energizer. Keep chasing your goal of being an All Star player. You have more games ahead, I've none. =)

My goalie, Bryan Teoh, thank you for always looking up to me and asking me for advice. I guess you have learned well from the club and I can see you putting those philosophies into practice. It was a good start, blocking countless of shots from FireBrands and Frontliners were really mind blowing! You gave me the confidence that I can count on you, and I can forget about defending. =P But winning is not everything, so that pressure yourself too much that you can't enjoy the game. But really, you prove me wrong. Keep it up and I hope you be better than Lin Ken one day. hehehe.

 My coolest defender, Darien, did you know this crazy fella went to his sports day after our FireBrands game. Yet he got first in the 4 x 100meters relay. And after his race, he came back to Balik Pulau and played against Frontliners. Is that insane or what? I knew he was tired yet, he never really complained. He just gave his best. One of the most talented person I know and that can be dangerous if you don't have humility. Always always remember, there is always someone better than you, and that's ME! hahaha. I've also seen you grown from a noob to a pro. I really hope you keep up with your form, then we are one step closer to victory again.

Jason Chew no comment. You sucks!

Bryan Looi, respect. I don't think there is any talent in Penang or Malaysia which is even close to your level. You are in your own zone. Playing in Line 2 sucks because I don't have you to make scoring easier. You read people like ABCs, you score like 123. Sometimes I wonder where did you get all this talent from? Uncle James? I doubt so. hehehehe. Continue to be a role model for all the aspiring young floorballers. And despite being such a skillful level, I find you very humble and approachable by anyone. That is what I like and admire about you.

To my captain, David Kok, if I could, I would serve you till the end of the PFL. You make me wanna give my best to the team. Thank you for the note you wrote for me, that really showed me that I have done my job "well" and I know you will be a good captain and leader to the team. Continue to do what you are doing, you have the ideas in your head, just have to learn to put it into practice, but all this takes time. I know you are getting there. Remember when you said, putting yourself in our shoe's for a week or two is frustrating and  crazy. You are damn right! Coaching a bunch of people with different attitude and behavior is really no joke. But you will find it worth it when just one or two appreciates you for the things you did. Its the law of the dividend, you will only see the results later in the future. Thank you for your willingness to step up.

To my moley coach, Sam Teoh, we have come this far together and I would like to congratulate you for all the success you have brought to the club. I admire your heart to step a step further and not just be a coach to our players. Probably that is the one thing that I lack throughout this years in Inne. I admire the way you connect with the players and care for their well being. You have really good analytically skills and the result speaks for itself. You are more the the 'Special One', you are 'The One'. I know its never been easy to lead the club, as there are so many areas you have to handle, yet you do it without receiving a single penny. If there is no you in the club, I don't think all this success would be printed behind our CHAMPIONS t-shirt. Great job and well done!

To the rest, Kay Jyn, Benedict, Kon Joe, Ronnie, Eric Wong, Ephraim Teh, Rooban and Joshua, thank you for being part of Innebandy!Co's inner circle. Innebandy!Co is always about people, it starts with Inner Circle, then the rest. I don't wanna sound like a grandmother but everyone is important to the club so the vision, the 3ICs and the 7LOVs. I really with you guys all the best and I'll be waiting for guys to lift the cup again. =)

Thank you for being a BIG part of my life. Thank you for the memories and achievements that you guys have contributed. Go Innebandy!Co!

Penang International Triathlon 2013 Race Report

The last triathlon that was held in Penang was probably 10 years ago. Based on the experience of some of veteran athletes, the sea was infested with so many jelly fish that many could not finish the swim leg. However, last year, a group of dedicated athletes and pioneers pitched the proposal to our CM and fast forward all the crazy time consuming hectic meetings. 800 plus athletes are now being able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Knowing partially of all the challenges they have to go through to make this event a memorable and a successful one, I really salute and thank them for the bottom of my heart. Congratulations and a hell of a great job done! Of course there are still rooms for improvement. =)

I couldn’t make it for the race briefing and carbo loading dinner at Bayview Beach Hotel because I had to attend Jason’s birthday cum farewell party. So I might have missed a few key information regarding the race. I arrived at the transition area only to find out that no basket was provided to put our personal belongings in. However, I was damn fortunate to have a damn good spot. I have the ‘corner lot’ of the bike check in area as this gives me more space to put on my shoes at T1 and T2. 

Blowing the candles

Jason and I

Spacious area for me =)

Body marking was a bit meaningless, as my number faded even before I started my race. As I make my way to the swim start, I didn’t know how the direction of swim was gonna be. From the race information booklet, it was suppose to be a triangle but I think I saw a curve line which was different from the illustration showed. I asked one of the triathletes there and he was kind enough to give me a short briefing.  After greeting one or two familiar faces, it was go time. 

We were released at 7.30am sharp, my main concern was the jelly fish. But when we started the usual chaos of kicking and getting kick in the water, jelly fish did not cross my mind at all. I was way easier swimming in the sea due to the buoyancy and the little waves. I was right behind this ‘ang mo’ girl the whole time of the swim, just trying to stay with her for as long as I could but I lost her in the last 150 meters. She had a temporary tattoo on the back of her left shoulder stating, ‘He has risen’.  I really hope I cut at least a few minutes of my swim this time. I quickly check my watch to see how I did but the screen on the watch tells me, ‘Low battery’. >< As the swim is completed in two loops, you need to collect a ribbon on the beach before you get into the sea for the second loop. 

Corner lot

As I finished my swim, I quickly make my way to T1 and prepare myself for the cycling leg. I had to prepare mentally to overcome the first climb, which was before the Teluk Bahang dam and the climb up till 800. When I got out into the main road, I saw the ‘He is risen’ ang moh just in front of me, I overtook her before Escape and continued on with the others. My weakest is going downhill and I got overtaken by many when we are going downhill. Not more than 5k into the race, we were alerted by Marshalls that an accident has occurred. I saw a man sitting by the road side with lots of blood on his face, I was told that a car from the other side of the road hit him and he broke his head. That gave me chills as I rode pass him, I became more stingy with my speed during downhill. Even though drafting wasn’t allowed in this race, I could still see riders forming a speed train cruising away. I was fortunate to stay with a cyclist 80% of the way (of course at an allowable distance). My goal was to be discipline with my ride, be conservative and don’t fall into temptation of following a faster rider. I’ve read that if you fail to perform a good run due to excessive energy consume at the bike leg; then you’ve not mastered the art of triathlon. I kept that in mind throughout the bike leg and I was glad I did that. I think the cycling route is easier as compared to PD or LK, probably it’s because I’m familiar with the route.

Finished

As I got into T2, cars were starting to pile up along the road due to ‘Cheng Beng’. However, the traffic was under control by the authorities. Coming into T2 was a little confusing due to the way it was structured. I don’t know how to explain it but I lost a few precious seconds due to the wrong direction I went to. As I prepared my run, I had a little chat with Aethel who was there to motivate me in my run. I got to know that Jason was involved in an accident. I was shocked and speechless. But Aethel told me that is he ok, that was a great relief.

Said bye bye and I my first time to the grueling 10k run. Sun was up so was the temperature. The road heading towards the dam was un-shaded. You could see the ‘kek sai’ faces of many participants as the run along ‘energy lab’ (only triathletes would understand this). I too started to struggle as we climb that crazy slope up to the dam. I walked and jogged along the way. After the water station, I met Karen, she doesn’t know me but I know who she is. She is the owner of my Triathlon shop and she is a darn good runner. That was the best opportunity to pace her and finish the race with her. Reason being, she gets a lot of motivation from people around her because she is ‘famous’. So I assumed those words of encouragement was for me too. Haha! I might have more photos this round and most importantly, a good running time. We didn’t say a word to one another throughout the whole 8k or so together. But she was really strong! I really didn’t feel tired like I did in Lake Kenyir 3 weeks ago. The inspiring thing about following a great athlete like Karen was not only she gives thumbs up, high fives, etc to other slower athletes, but as she overtook a competitor of hers, she asked Karen to keep going, and encouraged her. That really struck me, how often one would tell his/her ‘enemy’ to keep going and get the prize from her. (Karen got 2^nd place and the other lady got 3^rd) Only till the last 1k, I felt my legs requesting for cramps but I told them NO. She picked up speed as we approach the finish line, I gave all I’ve got in my reserved tank and sprinted to the finish line. I could have overtaken her but she deserved to cross the finish line first, as a sign of respect and sportsmanship; I slowed down and gave her the victory celebration she deserved. 

Can you see me behind?

My turn

The pain. wohoo!

Packing

Hot hot hot

With Darien, future elite triathlete =)

 I’m glad I did a sub three race and I’m just a proud Penangite being able to enjoy the things I love to  do in a place call home. All glory to Him, for His protection and strength in times of need.

With <3 and="" br="" for="" motivation="" support="" thanks="" the="">

Now I make it a ritual for me to go for a full body massage after my race. Just to pamper my body and it does make me recover better. I choose Leia because it is affordable and no hanky panky business there. Why I'm so sure? Because this is pasted all over the wall:-

No sex here =P