Fund Food Day!

There's only a few days of fasting... and yet here I feel like to talk about food....

A couple weeks ago, Persatuan Pengakap Twintech held this Fund Food Day in raising some money to donate to orphanage community.  It is a creative things to do by asking lecturers to cook their home meals and sell them in a so called bazaar from morning till afternoon.  There are 2 choices.... either the participate lecturers to donate the whole cost & profit... or only to donate the profit and gain back the cost of productions.  Well, I choose the first.:)

It was a good event even though not many lecturers participate.  We have only four tables with one table selling coupons and tidbits.  Total lecturers involved was like 12 lecturers preparing foods like laksa, spaghetti bolognaise, nasi lemak, bubur & pengat, fried mee hoon, fried mee, fried condiments such as fish ball, cucur, crab ball, etc.., there was also cupcakes, jellies, all kinds of nuts and rebus ubi eat with sugar or sambal tumis ikan bilis.  And surprisingly there's also pizzas from Pizza Hut on the booth!

this is where it happened!!

the coupon counter..

the laksa, spaghetti, bubur, drinks booth..

hot from the wok! there's also malaysian ice-cream were served here...

me & my students whom helped me out at the stall..

The customers enjoyed their meals...

I prepared my specialities.... macaroni pie and bread pudding eat with ice-cream and puding sauce.  It was a hot selling dish especially the macaroni pie, the first dish to sold out among others!

my selling food... macaroni pie with chili sauce.. and simple bread pudding eat with ice cream & pudding sauce.

In the end the event finish early around 1.30 pm.  That was too early because lunch hour just started.  But the foods were great!  It was variety, delicious and people just couldn't get enough of them.  So we planned next time to be sure there will be more foods to served and more tables around.  And maybe next time I might post my macaroni pie recipe..:)

* oh, forgot to mention that Persatuan Pengakap Twintech managed to collect around RM600 to donate to their selected orphanage center.  Bravo!

Hiking @ Bukit Tabur, Melawati

Ever since I've been active back with last hiking at Gunung Nuang, Hulu Langat, I've become addicted and craving for more.  Last month (somewhere in June) me and my colleagues and some students decided to one day hike Bukit Tabur at Melawati.  We were so excited to explore the hill as we know that hill is not an ordinary hill.  But, a hill with lots... I mean LOTS of different size of stones.

The journey will take supposedly around 3 hours or so up and back down.  It's depend on your group fitness.  We were lucky that we were fit enough to climb even though one of us take sometimes to climb as she left this sort of hiking activity a very long time ago.  But we enjoyed the most of it because the view are breathtaking!

The rules of hiking whether a hill or mountain, in a group, there must be a first man (the leader to guide along the route).  He must be fit and fast and still will not left people behind far in front.  He will motivate the group to walk in a consistent pace.  He also know how to read the path as to avoid of misleading route.  And then there must be a last man (the person who will always stay behind the group to ensure nobody left out or lost).  This person is the very most important person.  Not only he must be the most experienced guy in hiking, he also must possessed the ultimate patient for those who are very slow and take time in hiking.

For this activity at Bukit Tabur, our experienced 'last man' could not joined but we have others who can be a 'last man'.  Anyway  it's just a one day hiking and still it is just a hill.  Our departure were very early in the morning.  But since it was a semester break, we have to pick some of the students along the way.  However some of them have a difficulties to arrived at the pick point on time, we were quite late to arrive at the spot.

Let me tell you about Bukit Tabur....

Picture courteous from internet... 

Bukit Tabur stretches around more than 22 kilometres, but only 200 metres wide.  We called them rabung yg panjang.  From the picture above people said it looks like a sleeping dragon.  The hill is made almost purely from quartz.  That is why the path are narrow and rocky.

Because it is a rocky hill, the hiking become adventurous and dangerous too.  There were cases of misfortune that can lead to death.  But as long as you are very careful, no rushing, and follow the guidelines, you will be fine and enjoy the most of it.

Only one of us have the experienced hiking Bukit Tabur.  He advised us to bring enough water and food and wear an appropriate attire for the expedition.  We were almost ready, mentally & physically, for the journey..

The journey has started with climbing a steep..

some of us admiring the view from some part of the ridge once we reached one..

some of the jungle path that we have to encounter..

some part of the ridge again at the early journey. stop for picture taken... by me...

this is me!!

A view that can be seen from top... some neighborhood at Melawati area...

the rocky path that we have to climb... fuuhhh!!

this is the route (very rocky) to the point we're heading to...

another view of the town...

our last man arrived a bit later while accompanied the last member of the group.. 

just look at the view behind him! It's God's creation!! the back of the sleeping dragon..

one of the extreme skill we have to learn.. descending the steep rock using ever ready rope with cautions warning...

another extreme path...

we have to climb up the rocky steep... and it's raining!!

Here we are!!! a very nice ground to land on while having our food... this is the peak with a nice view below..

that's me (orange cap) talking to one of the student who lead us to the peak..

group picture (except the photographer..). just look at the plantation...

our way back to our car using a different route...

On our way back, unfortunately one of us injured and cause the journey become slow... this is because it has been raining (breezely) on our way to the top and cause the route very slippery.  Luckily I'd prepared to bring along my rain breaker (but some didn't).  Unfortunately I didn't take any picture during that time...

Mad World - Gary Jules

The world? Its balance, there is the same amout of horrid things as there is beautiful. That's what this song is about. A lot of people seem to think this is a negative song but it plays on the listener's perseption of whats negative and positive with the world. There's a lot of negativity as the positive aspects are not published in the media. Life and death is a present were all blessed with.. -you tube comment-

Fasting and Running

Fasting month is just around the corner.  Can't wait to perform fasting together with my family.  It is the month when we actually sit down together in one table for a month break fast together. I will cook delicious meals, deserts & tasty drinks together with my children.  It is going to be a memorable event for the whole family.

But that month is also the month I don't have enough energy to run.  Sometimes thinking of riding my bicycle is also jolting me back.  Only stretching is the only mean of available exercise that I could think of. hehehe :)

The reason behind of lack energy to exercise is just not because of little food intake, but lack of nutrition goes inside the body.  I realise this when I start taking supplements (I mean a really good quality supplements) introduce by my brother.  It is called USANA.

These supplements really a 100% pure and I gain full benefit from them.  The result is I have extra energy during fasting month, and could do extra work and even run a few pace.  I really do like this supplement and I recommend to all to try.

Hiking & Camping @ Gunung Nuang, Hulu Langat

Before I've been in the silent mode, I've enjoyed myself with a bunch of activities with my students (whom I respect their spirits & commitments towards all activities that our club organised).  It was truly a positive aura surround us all.

Our activity, dated 7/5/11 - 9/5/11 was hiking and camping at Gunung Nuang.  Gunung Nuang peak marks the meeting point of three Malaysian states, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang & Selangor.  The mountain itself is the highest peak in Selangor.  This is one of Selangor’s highest mountains, and it’s not really a difficult mountain to conquer.  And this is also my second trip to the peak of Nuang... 13 yrs back..

The height of Gunung Nuang is 1,493m (4,898ft) and the expedition took around 9km long with approximately 8 hours to reach to the peak.  Since we took 3 days and 2 nights to spend at Gunung Nuang, we took time to reach to the peak with camping at the campsite for refreshing and resting period.

Below are the logs written by one of the participant for the expedition which I've gain his permission to post them here :)

this is our journey...

HIKING & CAMPING AT GUNUNG NUANG, PANGSOON, HULU LANGAT.

7/5/2011 – 9/5/2011

Day 1 

9:00am 

All students n lecturers gathered at Twintech parking lot. Start repacking foods n utensils. First trekking started when we search for the lost van in the concrete jungle. After a long frustrating search, finally the van moved desperately into parking lot which turnout to be borrowed by unauthorized Twintech staff. We have kill one and half hour of our time. Start loading our haversacks and we moved at 10:30am together with Pn Hafsah cars'. Along the way we bought some cooked food for our lunch. We reached Pangsoon around 12:00am and registered at the rangers office.

Time : 12:28 

Loc : Pangsoon

Height : 185 mtr fr sea level

Temp 35.9 C

Air Press 991 hpa

Wheather Hot n shinny

After a short brief and reciting doa, we make our moves along bituminous road and about 200 metres we reach the junction which leads us to the river track. It is like walking in foreign country as the vegetation are alien to our forest.

Time : 14:02

Loc : Pangsoon- Lolo

Height : 310m fr sea lvl

Temp : 31.5 C

Air Press : 975 hpa

Wheathe r: Hot n shinny

We took a long rest after climbing the first stiff mountain and the track were slippery. The foliage of giant trees protect us from the scorching sun.

Time : 15:43

Location : Pangsoon-Lolo

Height : 315m fm sea lvl

Temp : 30.7 C

Air Press : 976 hpa

Weather : Hot n shinny

We took another long break and have our lunch by the rushing river. Tranquility is the words. After performing our jamak solat, we start our journey again along the river banks. It is proved, that the river is our worst challenge. We have to cross the rushing water and slippery rocks 7 or more times. Some of our members do feel the coolness of this natural mineral water when unintentionally swallowed and washed by the water.

Time : 19:05

Location : Sungai Lolo Campsite

Height : 555m fm sea lvl

Temp : 29.2 C

Air Press : 948 hpa

Weather : Cloudy

We were lucky to find a remote location to set up our tents as almost all site are fully occupied by campers. There are easily around 8 to 10 groups. Even though the campsite is quite a walking distance to the river, the ground are flat and easily can accommodate 5 tents. We settle down for the day.

Day 2

Date : 08/05/11

Time : 10:00

Loaction: Lolo Campsite

Height : 545 meters fm sea level

Tempreature : 29.2 C

Air Pressure : 949 hpa

Weather : Shinny

After a long good sleep & healing process (sleepless night for as the nightman) we wake up early in the morning and prepared our superfast and full of energy breakfast....tuna sandwish and scramble eggs.The nutritions are good enough to energized our mind and body before the elements consumed all of it. Everybody seems eager to fullfill what they dreamed for without knowing what may lies in their bare eyes...gift from mother nature (accept me  n Pn Aida)  En Azam volunteered to safeguard our campsite and belongings. After reciting doas, with three small bags we brought along our fried beehon for our lunch at the peak if we made it. Within a minute of walking, the very first obstackle lies in front of us....another river crossing with its gushing water. After two long hours of walking and crawling we reach Istana Pacat.

Time : 12:00

Location : Kem Pacat

Height : 1035 meters fr. sea level

Tempreature : 30.4 C

Air Pressure : 895 hpa

Wheather : Cloudy

Upon reaching at Kem Pacat, we rest for another 30mins or so.  This is the last spot to refill our water container with the only water sources from a small river before we go on. Unfortunate for one of the members who had a complication during the journey decided to descending back to Kem Lolo.  Another member voluntered to accompanied her way back to the campsite. That make only ten of us left to complete the mission. Our next target are Batu Putih (green anyway coz of algae) and Anak Nuang. We have to struggle for the next one and half hours climbing slippery slopes, roots and rocks.

Time : 14:10

Location : Puncak Pengasih (Anak Nuang)

Height : 1410 meters fm sea level

Tempreature : 29.2 C

Air Pressure : 865 hpa

Weather : Sunny and windy

Anak Nuang is a narrow and long path that leads to Nuang summit. It can be considered as flat and the soil are muddy due to constant moisture its received all year long. Puncak Pengasih is a wide flat area that climbers take final rest before proceed to the summit. While we are waiting for three group members to arrive, we can see the summit in between trees at the end of the ridge. There will be another tough climbing in front of us. The situation almost demoralised our spirit, but we are at the point of no return till we reach the summit. Soon after all members arrived, we proceed and the trekking will take between 30 to 45 minutes.

Time : 15:00

Location : PUNCAK NUANG

Height : 1455 meters fm sea level

Tempreature : 29.5 C

Air Pressure : 851 hpa

Weather : Cloudy and windy

You know it is the summit when you see the Beirut (steel structure that looks like a pyramid). We have our lunch under this structure....beehon and Sungai Lolo water. Everybody are on their smiley face.The suffering and torture have long gone. Satisfaction of a life time achievement. Cold wind blows and the surrounding are misty. Due to hazed, our visibility are limited whereas on a good day you could see Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. We spend one hour at the summit looking at breathtaking views. After performing solat jamak and taking pictures we decending down 16:00 hours.

Time : 18:00

Location : Istana Pacat

Height : 1035 meters fm sea level

Tempreature : 28.7 C

Air Pressure : 895 hpa

Weather : Sunny

We reach Istana Pacat a little bit late due injuries. As usual we took a long rest and we emptied our water bottles (meaning we have to reach Lolo without water...normally it is ok) After fixing our Nicotine intake (bad habit never die) we start to walk again. Slowly and carefully, we find ourselves trapped in the middle of darkness due to the dense of the jungle. Luckily we are all prepared with our torchlights

Time : 20:15

Location : Lolo Campsite

Height : 540 meters fm sea level

Temperature : 29.1 C

Air Pressure : 950 hpa

Weather : Clear night with stars

We reached Lolo Campsite in three separated groups. The first group reached at 17:15 hours. The last group contained seven members. We were blessed with Allah will, we managed to reach our destination even though in difficulities and full of unexpected challenge. After cleaning ourselves we have our dinner and call it the day (not for me....another sleepless night with watchful eyes)

Day 3

After having our breakfast, it is a free time for everybody. Swimming are the favourite activities. We started to pack our stuff and cleaned the surrounding. We started decending down to Pangsoon by using the Trailler Route at 11:00. It is not a difficult route but it is sure a dull journey and exposed to the heat. Finally we reached Pangsoon before 13:00 hours.

We reached Twintech around 15:00 hours. ALHAMDULILLAH

I would like to take this opportunity to congratule the whole team.  Bravo guys and girls. Only the braves can touch the cloud.  You all are the winners. You have done us proud. Your contribution and commitment are most welcome. Thank you to Miss Wahidah who ensure this log book are not left empty. Oh Almighty Allah, grant that we may first be a winner in Your eyes, and then in our own......amin. Wassalam.

me and my 65 litre bag sack.

rations all food items & kitchen utensils with others bag sack.

Photo shoot at the front gate of the trek.

me & the ladies...

the journey to the camp site Lolo began.. however there are 2 paths we can choose, either the river path or the vehicles path.  fortunately, we choose the hardest path, the river...

here is where we camp at camp site Lolo.

our way to the peak!

one of us had sole problem... hahahaha!!

the faces of extreme exhausted..

me and the team at the Kem Pacat.  At this point I had to accompanied one participant who injured back to the camp site...

this is where the rest of the team reach 'puncak pengasih' just a few metres from the peak..

we're almost there...

we're at the top!!!