Thursday, 31 May 2007
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
Technical setbacks
sorry there were some technical difficulties so no video despite the deadline. Many many apologies. I shall persevere, though. I too shall be resilient.
Friday, 25 May 2007
Back to Life
We're coming back to life, back to the world as we knew it, certainly the world as everyone else knows it.
Do you feel it? The feeling of disjointedness? It feels different. It's the same home, same streets, same island, same bed, but something is not the same. It's yourself. The world may not have changed in the meantime, but we have. The feeling of strangeness is the knowledge that you've seen and done so much, and now you're tougher, and the world doesn't know it yet.
But they will. They are going to know, when you wake up tomorrow and the act of eating breakfast is like a whole new world after everything you've been through.
The fact is, you've lived life at it's barest, some of you even more bare than others. There was fun, but also pain. And the tougher it was, the tougher you have become now. This wasn't camping in East Coast park, this wasn't Ubin resort - this was the jungle, where rocks are sharp and the ground is a living thing. The more you put yourself through, the more you went for it, the more you bounced back stronger. Trouble is, the world doesn't realise it.
But they will. When you pause in the middle of breaking that egg or pouring your coffee tomorrow, thinking Man, I'm not the same anymore, know this: You won't be able to hide it, it's going to show up in everything you do. It'll be in the way you walk, talk, eat and read the newspaper. It'll be in the way you sleep, drink and make decisions. After all you've seen and done - and the more you saw and did, the more true this is - none of the small stuff can get you down: no obstacle can make you give up; no problem can make you worried.
When you pause then, taking it all it in, don't forget: This is your new life. YOU are resilience.
Do you feel it? The feeling of disjointedness? It feels different. It's the same home, same streets, same island, same bed, but something is not the same. It's yourself. The world may not have changed in the meantime, but we have. The feeling of strangeness is the knowledge that you've seen and done so much, and now you're tougher, and the world doesn't know it yet.
But they will. They are going to know, when you wake up tomorrow and the act of eating breakfast is like a whole new world after everything you've been through.
The fact is, you've lived life at it's barest, some of you even more bare than others. There was fun, but also pain. And the tougher it was, the tougher you have become now. This wasn't camping in East Coast park, this wasn't Ubin resort - this was the jungle, where rocks are sharp and the ground is a living thing. The more you put yourself through, the more you went for it, the more you bounced back stronger. Trouble is, the world doesn't realise it.
But they will. When you pause in the middle of breaking that egg or pouring your coffee tomorrow, thinking Man, I'm not the same anymore, know this: You won't be able to hide it, it's going to show up in everything you do. It'll be in the way you walk, talk, eat and read the newspaper. It'll be in the way you sleep, drink and make decisions. After all you've seen and done - and the more you saw and did, the more true this is - none of the small stuff can get you down: no obstacle can make you give up; no problem can make you worried.
When you pause then, taking it all it in, don't forget: This is your new life. YOU are resilience.
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Explorer's Logbook, 24th May 2007
Hello, I'm Victoria from Cave group C. For the past 2 days, I've done caving and abseiling. On the first day (Tuesday), my group visited 4 different caves. The first 2 caves were challenging because we had to hike through the jungle for an hour or so to get to the caves. The last 2 caves were interesting because we got to see the bats. On the second day (Wednesday), we did abseiling. There were 3 different caves to abseil from. My group started with the most difficult one. It was rather slippery and some of us received cuts and bruises. I think that it was fun and it gave me a sense of pleasure for I had conquered it. Some of my friends were elated too because they had overcome their fear of heights. Also, yesterday, we had a solo drop. We were all blindfolded and led into the jungle where we had to stay at our own spots for 1/2 an hour. It was funny because the guides were trying their best to scare us but to no avail. Some of my friends even fell asleep! Overall, I've learnt a lot from these activities. My group members helped each other as we went along and it was great to see the whole group bonding so well with each other. The guides were also very friendly which rounds up a great experience.
Victoria
3 Resilience
Explorers C
A Hunter's Journal.
Hey, Fazlynn here. I'm from the Hunter Group A. I went through challenges such as trekking for 8-9 hrs. From the starting point to the cave was 8.5 km long (distance). It was the tiring moment for all the students but we eventually made it to the end. I got bitten by the leeches more than 4 times! I didn't expect this to happen so I cried the whole night. The 2nd day that we started trekking was very bad. It started raining at the last 1 1/2 hours. So, the ground was VERY SLIPPERY! and that was where my friends and I got bitten by leeches. It was a tough experience for me as I cried almost the whole journey. But overall, it was fun and exciting :)
Fazlynnisya
3S
Hunter A
Hunters trekking out of the jungle
Today the Hunters trekked out of the jungle to their next destination of the Orang Asli where they can learn exciting things such as using a blowpipe and using traps to catch wild animals.
Before they could reach the Orang Asli, the hunters had to trek 8 hours out of the inner jungle. The trekking is definitely a very difficult task as they are required to trek long distances. The heat, fatigue and leeches in the jungle made the journey even more arduous. It must be quite an experience for the hunters to see so many leeches and to be bitten by them but this is really part and parcel of jungle trekking. One of the girls from the Explorers was even bitten twice and though she was afraid, she learnt resilience to overcome her fear and enjoy the activities in the camp.
One of the greatest lesson that many hunters have learnt is that they should appreciate everything that they have in the very safe and comfortable environment in Singapore. Some even mentioned that the camp made studying so much easier because prior to this camp, studying seemed to be the most difficult thing to do.
All in all, everyone is safe and sound as each group has at least 1 porter and 1 guide to take care of them. About 70 hunters are travelling together accompanied by more that 10 guides and porters(amongst them are 4 wild life rangers) and they are led by one of the most experienced guide of the forest. So don't worry, the hunters are fine!
Before they could reach the Orang Asli, the hunters had to trek 8 hours out of the inner jungle. The trekking is definitely a very difficult task as they are required to trek long distances. The heat, fatigue and leeches in the jungle made the journey even more arduous. It must be quite an experience for the hunters to see so many leeches and to be bitten by them but this is really part and parcel of jungle trekking. One of the girls from the Explorers was even bitten twice and though she was afraid, she learnt resilience to overcome her fear and enjoy the activities in the camp.
One of the greatest lesson that many hunters have learnt is that they should appreciate everything that they have in the very safe and comfortable environment in Singapore. Some even mentioned that the camp made studying so much easier because prior to this camp, studying seemed to be the most difficult thing to do.
All in all, everyone is safe and sound as each group has at least 1 porter and 1 guide to take care of them. About 70 hunters are travelling together accompanied by more that 10 guides and porters(amongst them are 4 wild life rangers) and they are led by one of the most experienced guide of the forest. So don't worry, the hunters are fine!
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
The morning after - Day 2 activities for Explorers
After a well deserved rest in their cave accomodation after their long journey on the first day, the Explorers showed their courage and mental strength to abseil down rock walls. They spent half the day to prepare for this challenge to ensure that each and every one was proficient enough to undertake the challenge. A safety breifing were conducted before the Explorers were taught the basic skills of abseiling. These included gearing up with thebsafety harness, proper rope grip and release technique, pushing away from the rock face and signalling techniques. This was to ensure that the Explorers were sufficiently prepared before proceeding with the actual activities. The Explorers showedw their mettle and everyone abseiledat least once and came away unscathed.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
The morning after...Day 2 activities for Rangers
Rangers
One Half:
The cycling expediton was flagged off at 0900hrs under fine weather condition. After a night's rest of sleeping in tents at the sand bank of Pasir Sia, one half of the Rangers were raring to go.
Along the 54 km route, Rangers were treated to sights of the countryside but had to negotiate challenging terrain which included avoiding potholes and cow dung. Muscles strained as Rangers toiled to take both man and machine uphill and downhill to cover their distance. At about 4pm, the last of the Rangers (the remaining half) crossed the finishing line to show true resilient spirit.
One Half:
The cycling expediton was flagged off at 0900hrs under fine weather condition. After a night's rest of sleeping in tents at the sand bank of Pasir Sia, one half of the Rangers were raring to go.
Along the 54 km route, Rangers were treated to sights of the countryside but had to negotiate challenging terrain which included avoiding potholes and cow dung. Muscles strained as Rangers toiled to take both man and machine uphill and downhill to cover their distance. At about 4pm, the last of the Rangers (the remaining half) crossed the finishing line to show true resilient spirit.
The other half:
The weather was very fine in the morning, when the Rangers set out to fly, cross and paddle against the non negotiating strength of the river. One half of the group was geared up to conquer their fear of heights by attempting the Flying Fox. Their flight would require them to scale up a tree, soar over the river and land on the opposite bank. They then had to challenge the strong current of the river with just the help of a rope to get back to base.
Rangers then gathered at the river bank to start off with the water confidence course, which enabled them to be one with water and to harness its power for their benefit. They then proceeded to white water raft, rafting their way in between the rocks and amongst the current. By evening, they went back to their campus to wash up and prepare themselves to depart to their next destination..... their next challenge..... Their Cycling Expedition!
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The Oracle speaks
Having survived the hunger pangs through the long journey, the students finally reached the first stop at Yong Peng where they had their breakfast and toilet break.After at least 12 hours of sleeping on the bus, they finally reached their destination where they would set up their tents for the night. I was really excited as this is my first time to Pahang.
I was paired up with Sara and the first group we were checking was the Rangers at Pasir Sia. By the time we reached the jetty, it was already pitch dark. We were supposed to get across the river in this small local village boat where the campsite was. We waited for a while for the boatman to arrive and we were flashing our torch lights to communicate with our teachers across the river. While waiting in pitch darkness and listening to the music made by the insects, I was starting to wonder if there were crocodiles in the water. We finally boarded the boat and made our way across the river. The entire area was full of students, not just Temasekians but also students from 2 other schools. Our students had already set up their tents and all of them had gathered in their groups sitting on the sandy shore. Some groups were cheering while the rest were simply chit-chatting with their friends and teachers. Most of the students looked fine and comfortable though many expressed that they are exhausted from the long bus journey. Not long after, it started to drizzle and lightning could be sighted. I started to get a little worried as I looked out for trees that might have caused possible danger. After seeing that the tents were far away from the trees, we were assured that the students would be safe. As we getting ready to leave for the second destination of the night, the students were returning to their tents getting ready for a good night’s rest.
After about half on hour of car ride, we reached Kota Gelangi where the Explorers are camping. Wow, the cave was magnificient! The students' tents were all inside the cave, protected, and safe from the rain and strong wind.No worries from falling trees finally! Going back to the hostel, not hotel like what Anthony had promised.. tired.. but looking forward to tomorrow's programme. :) Nite!
I was paired up with Sara and the first group we were checking was the Rangers at Pasir Sia. By the time we reached the jetty, it was already pitch dark. We were supposed to get across the river in this small local village boat where the campsite was. We waited for a while for the boatman to arrive and we were flashing our torch lights to communicate with our teachers across the river. While waiting in pitch darkness and listening to the music made by the insects, I was starting to wonder if there were crocodiles in the water. We finally boarded the boat and made our way across the river. The entire area was full of students, not just Temasekians but also students from 2 other schools. Our students had already set up their tents and all of them had gathered in their groups sitting on the sandy shore. Some groups were cheering while the rest were simply chit-chatting with their friends and teachers. Most of the students looked fine and comfortable though many expressed that they are exhausted from the long bus journey. Not long after, it started to drizzle and lightning could be sighted. I started to get a little worried as I looked out for trees that might have caused possible danger. After seeing that the tents were far away from the trees, we were assured that the students would be safe. As we getting ready to leave for the second destination of the night, the students were returning to their tents getting ready for a good night’s rest.
After about half on hour of car ride, we reached Kota Gelangi where the Explorers are camping. Wow, the cave was magnificient! The students' tents were all inside the cave, protected, and safe from the rain and strong wind.No worries from falling trees finally! Going back to the hostel, not hotel like what Anthony had promised.. tired.. but looking forward to tomorrow's programme. :) Nite!
The road to Pahang is paved with ...
276 initiates set off for Pahang at 0745 to learn skills that would equip them for modern life. One of the first obstacles they had to overcome was the massive jams at both immigration checkpoints. Having cleared the bureaucratic hurdle, the intitiates transferred to Malaysian buses to continue with their quest.
2 pitstops and 1 bus breakdown later, the cohort arrived at their respective destinations safely after 12/13 hours on the road.
Monday, 21 May 2007
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Rites of Initiation
The Society for Modern Living says:
Forget about technology. Forget about intelligent buildings, new cars, or molecular gastronomy. Modern life isn't that. It also happens to have them. but it isn't about them.
It's about speed. The quickening pace of life and being ahead of the game. It's not enough to have the right answer: you have to have a great answer.
Modern life looks safe and comfortable but is more deadly and difficult than ever. A roof over your head? Earn it. A loving family? No time. A steady paycheck? Forget it, yours is being outsourced. Bills? Up to your neck and drowning in them. Recognition? What on earth did you do to get any?
If you're going to stop and admire yourself, you aren't just going to lag behind. You're going to be last.
So what's it going to take to make it?
Early explorerers like Magellan and Columbus faced the unknown with little rules to guide them about what to expect. Our Explorers will do the same. And like deadly accurate hunters across the world, our Hunters will turn the landscape to their advantage. The Rangers, like others that share the name, will overcome everything thrown at them. Those traits will be necessary to survive.
Forget everything you know about modern life. Start over. This is your initiation.
The Hunters
Like nomads and aboriginals, this initiation group will live off the land, finding food, water and shelter in the most obvious yet unexpected places - right in front of them. By the time they walk out of the jungle they will be able to look at the most hostile situation and say, "Sure, I can handle that!"
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Prepartion for Inner Jungle Experience & Daily Reflection
Day 2: Inner Jungle Experience & Cave Stay
Day 3: Orang Asli Experience & Jungle Survival Skills
Day 4: Trekking up Dedari HIll, Canopy Walk & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
The Rangers
This initiatiion group will endure distances they would never dream of back home. They will walk, ride, paddle and fly farther than ever, and they will never doubt themselves or look back. When the marathons are done, they will be able to see anything through to the end, no matter how long it takes.
One half
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Camp Craft at Jeram Besu & Daily Reflection
Day 2: Water Confidence, White Water Rafting, Flying Fox & River Crossing
Day 3: Cycling Challenge
Day 4: Trekking at Kuala Tahan, Canopy Walk & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
The other half...
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Camp Craft at Pasir Sia & Daily Reflection
Day 2: Cycling Challenge
Day 3: Water Confidence, White Water Rafting, Flying Fox & River Crossing
Day 4: Canopy Walk, Trekking at Kuala Tahan & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
The Explorers
This initiation group will be either above, below or holding onto rocks at all times. Surviving the darkness of the caverns and of the night, to emerge at the end, a glorious initiate.
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Camp Craft at Gelanggi & Daily Reflections
Day 2: Abseiling (1st Half) / Cave Experience (2nd Half) & Solo Drop
Day 3: Cave Experience (1st Half) / Abseiling (2nd Half) & Night Walk
Day 4: Canopy Walk, Rapid Shooting, Orang Asli Experience & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
Forget about technology. Forget about intelligent buildings, new cars, or molecular gastronomy. Modern life isn't that. It also happens to have them. but it isn't about them.
It's about speed. The quickening pace of life and being ahead of the game. It's not enough to have the right answer: you have to have a great answer.
Modern life looks safe and comfortable but is more deadly and difficult than ever. A roof over your head? Earn it. A loving family? No time. A steady paycheck? Forget it, yours is being outsourced. Bills? Up to your neck and drowning in them. Recognition? What on earth did you do to get any?
If you're going to stop and admire yourself, you aren't just going to lag behind. You're going to be last.
So what's it going to take to make it?
Early explorerers like Magellan and Columbus faced the unknown with little rules to guide them about what to expect. Our Explorers will do the same. And like deadly accurate hunters across the world, our Hunters will turn the landscape to their advantage. The Rangers, like others that share the name, will overcome everything thrown at them. Those traits will be necessary to survive.
Forget everything you know about modern life. Start over. This is your initiation.
The Hunters
Like nomads and aboriginals, this initiation group will live off the land, finding food, water and shelter in the most obvious yet unexpected places - right in front of them. By the time they walk out of the jungle they will be able to look at the most hostile situation and say, "Sure, I can handle that!"
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Prepartion for Inner Jungle Experience & Daily Reflection
Day 2: Inner Jungle Experience & Cave Stay
Day 3: Orang Asli Experience & Jungle Survival Skills
Day 4: Trekking up Dedari HIll, Canopy Walk & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
The Rangers
This initiatiion group will endure distances they would never dream of back home. They will walk, ride, paddle and fly farther than ever, and they will never doubt themselves or look back. When the marathons are done, they will be able to see anything through to the end, no matter how long it takes.
One half
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Camp Craft at Jeram Besu & Daily Reflection
Day 2: Water Confidence, White Water Rafting, Flying Fox & River Crossing
Day 3: Cycling Challenge
Day 4: Trekking at Kuala Tahan, Canopy Walk & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
The other half...
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Camp Craft at Pasir Sia & Daily Reflection
Day 2: Cycling Challenge
Day 3: Water Confidence, White Water Rafting, Flying Fox & River Crossing
Day 4: Canopy Walk, Trekking at Kuala Tahan & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
The Explorers
This initiation group will be either above, below or holding onto rocks at all times. Surviving the darkness of the caverns and of the night, to emerge at the end, a glorious initiate.
Day 1: Initiation Begins, Camp Craft at Gelanggi & Daily Reflections
Day 2: Abseiling (1st Half) / Cave Experience (2nd Half) & Solo Drop
Day 3: Cave Experience (1st Half) / Abseiling (2nd Half) & Night Walk
Day 4: Canopy Walk, Rapid Shooting, Orang Asli Experience & Reunion Dinner
Day 5: Back to Modern Living
Monday, 14 May 2007
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Reconnaissance
I believe that a road can never be too long.
I believe that no depth is too deep to be plunged.
I believe that no river is too fast to be forded.
I believe that no jungle is too thick to be walked.
Getting the balance right
Nothing has changed much in this quiet town.
Nature is still the dominant force here.
The aboriginies have got the balance between respecting and using nature right.
The locals seem to have a good balance between modernity and culture.
We are here to ensure that this year's programme has a nice balance between activities that push one's resilience to its limit and making time here as meaningful as it should be.
Nature is still the dominant force here.
The aboriginies have got the balance between respecting and using nature right.
The locals seem to have a good balance between modernity and culture.
We are here to ensure that this year's programme has a nice balance between activities that push one's resilience to its limit and making time here as meaningful as it should be.
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
welcome to the jungle
This is not your park down the road. This is not an empty bit of land or a prawn
farm turned into a tourist distraction. This is the jungle.
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The Society for Modern Living thanks you for coming
I will be everything I want to be. I will be strong. I will be determined. I will become resilience itself.
