Chiling Waterfall

After the Sg Lembing Rainbow Waterfall, I was eagerly looking forward to another outdoor adventure.  To my disappointment, all plans failed until finally I got in touch with this loveliest girl, Doreen.

I knew Doreen since 12 years ago (Wow, didn’t realize it has been that long!).  She was still in secondary school then.  She is a fun-loving girl that you would love to be with.  Her smile is contagious and she has certainly brightened up many of my cloudy days.

Our last adventure together in 2006 - Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum

Together with my adventurous girl, I drove up to KL on Friday afternoon to stay with Doreen for 3 days 2 nights.  But to my horror, I woke up with a fever on that fateful morning.    My fever went down a little after I swallowed 2 tablets and took a nap.  Thank God that the journey was smooth except for a few minor traffic jams in Malacca and KL.   This is my first time driving to KL all by myself.  We arrived almost 6pm and met Doreen at Paradigm Mall.

We had dinner and then Doreen treated us with a movie “Storks”.  After that, we called it a night and went back to her apartment to rest for the night. 

The next morning, the five of us (Doreen, her boyfriend, Daniel, her brother, Timothy, Elyse and myself) began our journey with a breakfast feast at one Dim Sum shop.  Daniel even took the trouble to ‘da bao’ a few packets of ‘loh mai kai’ after I commented that I still find KL’s loh mai kai much better taste than Malacca’s (Sorry, Malacca folks!). 

It took us about an hour to reach our destination.  We passed by scenic views of the Selangor dam in KKB shortly before we reached Chiling Waterfall.  The entrance to the Sungai Chiling Fish Sanctuary itself is evident with many cars parked along the narrow roadside.

After registering our names at the ranger’s office and paid RM1 per person, we commenced our hike by crossing the suspension bridge.  From here on, it was about an hour’s trekking to reach the falls at an average speed.  The hike is relatively easy compared to Rainbow Waterfall.  The only thing to watch out for is the rocks on the riverbed are very slippery.  There are altogether 6 rivers before we arrived at the waterfall.

My girl was so excited as the crystal clear waters of the river are teeming with lots and lots of fish.  Surprisingly, the fishes are very people friendly.  They do not scatter away but will swim close to your legs even caressing it at times.  I bought her a packet of fish food at the ranger’s office.  That kept her pretty occupied and looked forward to the next river crossing as we trekked for an hour.

Finally, we reached our destination at around 11am.  There were already quite a big crowd splashing and playing around the site.  Our group lingered around the falls for approximately one hour.  Indulging ourselves in the beauty of nature; listening to the sound of water splashing down through the gap between two big rocks.

Some of the hikers took a leap of courage to jump down from the big rock into the water.  Their bravery won the applause of their friends and other onlookers.

On our way back, a small accident happened when Daniel’s slipper was swept away accidentally.  But thank God that he managed to retrieve back in time. 

As we departed this place, we stopped at one of the restaurant to have our late lunch.  Then everyone fell into slumber land whilst Daniel drove through the winding path and brought us back home safely.

The next morning, Elyse and I bid farewell to Doreen and made our way back to Malacca – another 2-hour drive with my fever acting up.  But all in all, we enjoyed our trip and looking forward to go back to this fish paradise.  I’m sure Erwyn will enjoy feeding the fish.

Erwyn was kidnapped

Erwyn was kidnapped!!!  Yes, you read it correctly.  Thank God that no harm done.  Now let me relate the story to you…

It was just another Saturday.  As usual, I checked with Erwyn would he like to follow me to fetch Jie Jie to art class or does he prefers to stay in the office with Daddy.  But there’s a wedding ceremony today in church.  So, Daddy would be occupied as he is the officiating minister.  Erwyn was excited when he heard there’s a wedding.  He wanted to see the ceremony.  So, he pleaded to go to the church.  Daddy warned him that he needed to sit quietly upstair with Aunty Nancy while Daddy preaches and conducts the solemn event.  Erwyn happily agreed and assured Daddy he would be obedient.

So, we parted our ways.  I fetched Elyse to Art Class whilst Erwyn stayed with Daddy in church.  After chauffeuring Elyse, I returned home to prepare lunch.  I was hoping to do so within 30 minutes so that I can pick Erwyn up earlier.  Although I know he’s a good boy, leaving him alone without Daddy’s company worries me.

On the other hand, Erwyn kept his part of the bargain.  He was sitting at the mezzanine floor with Aunty Nancy at the sound control panel nearby.  He observed the Bridal Procession.  He loves to see the bride with her gorgeous wedding gown.  That reminded him of the recent musical that Mommy was involved in; in which Mommy was wearing a wedding gown also.  Even so, he thinks Mommy is prettier.  The singing and the preaching were quite boring for him.  He has no company; neither did he bring any toys to play with.  He stood up, stretched his tiny leg a bit; turned and looked around and sat down again.

All of a sudden, a lady came and sat next to him.  She had a little chit chat with him.  Then she took him downstairs and walked him out of the sanctuary.   As the two walked pass the field in front of the Ranger Hall, an old man with his two grand-children were playing close by.  The old man noticed the lady when she walked into the church.  She was alone.  Now, this lady was leaving with a child.  Something suspicious was going on here.  He stopped the lady and talked to her.  Then, he raised the life-saving question: Who is this child?  The lady was stunned.  She was taken aback.  She did not expect this old man to notice and dare to post such a question to a stranger.  All these while Erwyn was quiet; just staring at the two adults with his innocent eyes.

 “This is my son”, the lady answered with a shy smile.  Then this lady continued to explain to the kind old man that her husband was in the church, and she came to bring my child back home.  She even told him that the pastor is her husband.  Well, if you know her well: It isn’t a norm for her to tell others that she is the pastor’s wife.  That is one hat that she would prefer to hide under the blanket.  But to avoid further misunderstanding, she put the hat on.

I am very grateful to the old man.  Though he’s a stranger, his kindness and attentiveness and bravery drove him to question me in this circumstance.  How many of us would do so?  Society nowadays have grown to become so cold and alienated.  Everyone for himself.  No, not in this case.  I certainly hope and pray there would be more people like this old man in our neighborhood.  Looking out for one another.  A caring and loving society.

So, Erwyn was kidnapped - by his own mother!!!  :p

A bouquet of flower

A big surprised from my not-so-romantic hubby – a bouquet of white roses.  Honestly, this is the first time I received a dozen of roses from my dear.  His argument is: Flowers are useless.  It’s better to spend the same amount of money on food.  But I like flowers.  Who else can I count on if not hubby to send me flowers?  For umpteen times I hinted to him; well, considered we’ve been married for 12 years.  You do the calculation.  I gave up hinting in fact.  Spoke plain simple language to him: ‘I want a bouquet of flowers; not a single stalk, but a dozen of them.’  Guess what was his reply?  Do you know that nowadays a bouquet cost more than RM150?  My heart sank when I heard that.  Can a man really be so practical?  Not even a single ounce of romance?  Perhaps it is more sensible for me to buy a bouquet of flower for myself than to depend on my man.  I shrugged it off my mind, trying to let it go.  There’s nothing else can I do.  In another occasion, I severely warned my husband: Please don’t buy a bouquet of flower for me anymore even if you actually thought of doing.  Because when I receive it, all I could think of is: This bouquet cost more than RM150!!! 

Our anniversary fell on a Sunday this year.  On Saturday morning, I was driving my girl to Art Class and stopped at the traffic light.  Out of the blue I thought to myself: This month is September… what’s today’s date?  When is the wedding anniversary?  18^th… But before I realized the light changed and I continued driving…

The same night, church organized the Mid Autumn Festival.  After the event, I told hubby and children to go home first while I took a final check on the musical equipment.  As I was walking towards the church, a church member passed something to me; so I headed back to hubby’s car for him to bring it home.  The children were already sitted in the car; whereas hubby was about to take the driver’s seat.  I intended to just open the front door of the car and leave the thing in it but hubby stopped me right away.  He took the thing over from me and assured me that he would bring it back.  I was puzzled. 

Jokingly I teased him: “Why don’t you let me open the door?  Are you hiding something from me?”

Hubby replied: “Ya, I have a mistress in the car.”

I gave him an ‘evil’ look, so he said, and then waved goodbye to them.

And nope, I didn’t suspect anything amiss.  Such a simple-minded girl I am, right?

Later that night, I was ironing the clothes and out of the sudden hubby came into the room and handed a bouquet of white roses - a dozen, to be exact, and wished me ‘Happy Anniversary’… WOW!!!  I was stunned.  Speechless.  Couldn’t believe my eyes.    This guy not only does he remembers our anniversary, he actually bought a bouquet of white roses for me.  That was one of the best anniversary presents I have received after so many years.  (*smiling)

**hubby was so proud that I forgotten the anniversary while he remembered**

...Do I remember the cost of this bouquet?  Of course I do.  But I shall not 'open fire' or 'start a war' coz I really really love this bouquet.  

 

HS Farm Muar

This is our second time visiting HS Farm.   Click here to read about our first visit.

Since I have just been there few months ago, I wasn’t expecting much.  But apparently most of the renovation is completed.  So, the room is so much better looking and the place is not that dusty and noisy anymore.  What surprises me more is that the staff could still remember Andrew.  Well, no doubt he has an distinctive figure.  (Honestly, I am not sure having a distinctive look is good or bad.  Mind to share your opinion???)

We were welcomed by Douglas and Dina upon arrival.  Our room is just right next to our previous room.  The best of all is, this room has 2 king size bed and 1 super single bed.  So, the 2 kids get to sleep by themselves on a bed without sharing with anyone else.

Douglas and Dina showed us the meeting room as well as the children’s room.  Last time, we had our teaching session conducted in the dining area.  It wasn’t very conducive as it was warm and being open-air it was rather distracting.

The children’s room is actually a bedroom with 3 king sized beds.  It is very spacious.  The last time we used our own room for the children to play around.  It wasn’t that bad.  But it was only 2 other kids.  I couldn’t imagine if this time we did the same with 8 kids including my darlings.  And all of them are about the same age.

We started off with steamboat for our dinner.  The portion was huge and none of us could finish it.  How could one pay much attention to the teaching with a bloated stomach?  Thus, the teaching session in which followed was cut short and Andrew sent everyone to slumber land in preparation for an early rise the next day.

The next day, we were greeted by cereal, bread, nasi lemak, fried bee hoon, sausages, half-boiled eggs and etc at the dining hall.  The teaching session took off right after the breakfast.  The kids joined the worship and then proceeded to a world of our own after that. 

We played board games, watched a 30 minutes show, munched tidbits, built Lego pieces, and I also brought them to the fish spa for some fresh air.  I am so thankful to have a good rest the night before.  It is very rare for me to sleep well when I travel.  But God knows I need the rest to keep up with these 8 energetic kids for 3 hours. 

After lunch, we visited the pony farm, bee farm, coconut plantation, and a deer farm. 

Pony Ride

Mr Pony, it's tea time

Buzzzzz......

Don't worry, these are stingless bee

Refreshing coconut... erm, Kong Peng, where are you?

IT IS HEAVY!!!

Kampung lifestyle education: Spot the tadpoles

Deer feeding... illegally actually

After the tour, we were separated into 2 groups.  One group headed to Muar town in search of the famous foodie.  The other group went back to HS farm to rest.  Rest?!!  Not so for me.  The children with their unlimited energy requested to take a swim in the newly built swimming pool.  I am so glad that part of the swimming pool is under a covered shade.  So, I hid under the shade keeping an eye on the kids.  Shortly after that, Andre’s family joined us.

Every now and then, whenever my girl is free; she would grab the mic and sing her heart out.  Getting ready to be a soloist?

Girlfriend No 1

Girlfriend No 2

The dinner was BBQ buffet.  Again, the portion was enormous.  We ate and joke and chat the whole night.  The children played around the compound.  I was surprised till now, the kids were spared from any mosquitoes bite.

We had our last session cum Sunday service the following morning.  A surprised visit by Donald Duck mascot when I brought the children out for fish spa.  Later, Minnie Mouse also dropped by to visit.  What an exhilarating morning!

Lunch was not provided and we decided to head straight to Malacca for lunch.  This is the last DG retreat of the year and I am glad it’s over.  I may have a love for children, but being together with them in a confined space for hours really drives me to the wall.  But that could be the best place to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, don’t you agree?