Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Not Really)

So I am currently in Penang, having escaped from Outward Bound for a holiday. Considering how tired I was after the CAC, this relaxation time is much appreciated. I am joined by the fabulous Alison and Eleanor, who were kind enough to invite Geordam and I to their Project in Semenyih, where they work in an orphanage. Enjoying the Christmas spirit indeed, as while we didn't get to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner - pot noodles lined my stomach instead - we spent our day carol singing, at church, and then spreading the joy by playing with the various children at DAJ.

So much easier to deal with than 10 year olds, be ickle 5 year olds - you throw them around, spin them upside down and give them bubbles and they're happy as clams. Why are clams happy again? I don't really understand how that phrase makes any sense, but it's what applies. Moving on, El, Al and I have spent the time being regular old tourists, as well having a blast visiting some spectacular course assistants - Bryan, seriously delicious lasagne, thank you very much! - and a pretty waterfall where we enjoyed cake.

If you want to come to Penang for anything, come for the food - and the Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia (apparently) which I have no doubt is brighter than Las Vegas at night, considering every statue had fairy lights attached. In the daytime, you still get absolutely gorgeous views, as well as excellent chances to haggle considering the amount of stalls lining the path up. Back to the point, the food here is gorgeous - and there is a huge variety, from Malay to Japanese to Filipino!

The one hassle of this holiday is that we have spent the entire time unsure about what we're going to be doing. Due to a surprise return by Mya and Lisa, we are now heading to Langkawi for New Year, where I will hopefully be able to scuba dive - finally! I'm getting the feeling our New Year will be starting off with a bang, and even if not, the countdown to our return starts with 2012, thus requiring us to make a variety of New Year Resolutions.

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas, and should New Year bring you much luck and happiness. I'm feeling slightly Chinese after all the temples we've seen!

Emily

Children Adventure (sort of) Course

Greetings Earthlings, I am venturing off to Pangkor tomorrow (this being a normal event for me nowadays, with courses everywhen). The children of watch Camah appeared on Monday, the youngest one being just 9 years old, all terribly excited (well, some of them) to be at OB, where the good times roll.

Most of the kids are great - enthusiastic, overly talkative, and try hard, as well as using us as monkey bars, or seats, whenever possible. They are continually confused by the game 'Black Magic', unable to work out the trick, and spend the whole time playing 'Splat!', thus improving their reaction skills remarkably. Apart from the early morning wake up calls we deliver - which seem unnecessary considering they're already awake - the course is moving along smoothly, even if keeping up with the crazy antics and their inability to serve food as a group is a tad tiring.

However, I must say, out of the three girls in the group, two of them are really letting the side down. Maybe I'm biased because their slouching posture really bugs me, but I doubt it, considering both course assistants and instructors have mentioned their failure to join in - at one point wasting time during the 'ball walk' game because it was 'too embarrassing', forcing the others to take their place - or the fact that they constantly chat in Chinese while David is talking, or even that they seem to believe the washing will magically do itself.

Whatever. They've improved, however minutely, so I shall just give a nod in thanks. They actually did the wall climbing, despite initial refusal, and really the most dramatic thing was a girl (not them) bursting into tears while I was belaying her. No, I did not scare the crap out of her, no matter how sadistic I can be with a wake up call siren - she was scared of heights, so you have to admire the fact that she went up at all.

Moving on, belaying really works up an appetite, so I shall now disappear off to dinner. Ciao!

Emily

Volunteer Hassles

Greetings from relaxation land! I have had the pleasure of a week off, due to a course being postponed, and I have made the most of it. Of course, things have clearly changed, since I am going on runs, of my own accord. Seriously, abnormal. However, the rest has been necessary, considering the previous course, and the course soon to be - hyperactive 10-12 year olds, requiring constant supervision, are the soon to be students of OBS.

My previous course was Bethany Home, with students ranging from 14 upwards, all with some sort of learning disability - autism, downs syndrome, and so on. It was nice actually, getting a chance to do a course which felt very much like volunteer work, helping those who needed the help.

At the same time, it had its problems. Each student - about sixty in total - had a volunteer for constant supervision sakes, as a few could be considered 'escape risks': with the beach, and beautiful blue sea so close, it was definitely necessary. However, the volunteers were a tad prickly, and also a tad unhelpful when it came to basic clear up. OB is not a resort. Yes, you are there to learn teamwork and to push past your barriers through outdoor experiences, but preparation and clean up are a part of it. Leaving us to clean every kayak, as well as wash up everything after the barbecue is just bad manners.

Moving on, the students were really impressive. A whole range of activities took place - wall climbing, kayaking, rafting, sand castle competitions (random, but true). They especially took to learning the school song, and while all instructors had a moment of panic (I underexaggerate with 'moment') regarding the night walk, the sky remained clearish (does drizzle count?), and no terrible accidents occurred. Admittedly, it took us an hour and a half to do a 5 minute walk, but the students seemed to enjoy it, so it was worth it.

One thing I have to say that got to me though: considering the oldest student was in fact 42, calling them 'special kids', as the director of BH seemed fond to do, seems rather patronising. Is it just me? I doubt it somehow.

Farewell for now: I am off to a wedding tomorrow, so my baju kurung will once again be making an appearance.

Emily

Horror at Site B

Ah, it was a sad farewell. My children have departed for better shores, and thus I remain at Outward Bound, ready to take on further courses. It is sad indeed, so sad in fact, that one tears welled up in Sha Lin's eyes.

But the farewell was not the most dramatic part of the course for me. That, is dedicated to solo camp, a time for rest and relaxation, swinging gently in my hammock at Solo B to the chorus of monkey chatter. Or, that is what is it meant to be. Instead, the storm the previous night had soaked the available wood, leaving the kiddies unable to cook, and thus starving, since they hadn't eaten since breakfast. Food is very important.

And so, four hours commenced, leaving me with tears welling up in my eyes and unable to breathe, smoke and ash settling against my skin like a warm blanket. The monkeys, cunning and vicious in their attacks, welled up from behind the trees, stealing the unhidden food and mosquito repellent. What? Monkeys can't hate them too?

As it was, 6 o'clock came round, and my other support was nowhere in sight. I stumbled down to OB from camp, feeling rejuvenated after food and a shower, only to notice the thunderstorm shaking the foundations of the building outside. If not for David's awesomeness, I would have never have made it back. As it was, I barely did. In flip flops, I stumbled up that hill, David's cagoule my only protection from the elements (plus trousers and a top of course) and a lantern, the tiniest pin prick in the all encompassing darkness.

If I seem a tad dramatic, it is because I don't think you will understand quite how strange the situation was without. I was searching for half an hour on what is a 3 minute walk, and still, the other support did not show, preferring to stay warm and dry in the Staff Quarters.

Alright, I won't deny. Once I found my hammock, I was amused. But until then? I'd gone from a red-eyed monster with hair askew, to a drowned rat, and neither were fun transformations.

Moving on, Eikken and Agnes have taught me further insults. Yay Malay!

Emily (or Amina or Amelya or Amelia or Amily, they apparently don't like the E)

Instructor Benefits

As you may, or may not know, I am currently support instructing on YAC28 or the Youth Adventure Course, under Izzat with watch Yong Yap. There are twelve participants - four girls and eight guys.

My favourite part?

Orienteering lessons led us to Adam's Bluff, where I followed my children (14-16 year olds with little common sense) to ensure they escaped during the time limit. Since it was two and a half hours, with only 16 check points, I had little fear that they would have problems.

And fortunately, they didn't. That did not stop them from asking me if they were going in the right direction however, or if there was a shortcut, or if they needed to backtrack. As it was, my smiles are now considered portents of doom. The average conversation, went as thus:

'Emily, is this right? We're going downhill but it's going really far...'

*Smile* 'I don't know, is it? I mean, the path could be back, or it could be forwards, or it could be sideways...hey, do you like Disney? I love the Lion King! Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phraaaaaaase.'

If anything, the happiness confused them further, leading them to thinking I was giving them clues. It was a glorious time.

The actual hike was leech city, screams of horror (the high pitch meaning you couldn't tell whether it was a girl or guy) filling the air. Our parang man showed courage and great disdain for his fellow comrades, picking them up with his fingers, and flinging them away. Despite continuous stops, they arrived first, and so I set up my hammock and lounged. Plus, you get to go back to base and shower. Being an instructor holds so many more benefits.

Ciao for now!
Emily

Sleeping: commencing NOW.

I am exhausted. The past two weeks, or however long it has so far been, have been rather intense. Training has in fact commenced, something I am eternally grateful for, because it has been far more interesting since we started - speed boat practise, kayaking (eskimo roll attempts!), noting routes for trekking, getting practise at briefings and set-ups (with Geordam hassling all the way, apparent practise for unruly children).

First aid was also the name of the game, something our Project Trust Desk Officer Chris i.e. Bossman or Safety Chris, got to enjoy. The amount of injuries I had to bandage was ridiculous. According to Karl, he fractured his skull, cut his hands up, broke his scapula, forearm, upper arm and elbow. In one day. Pretty impressive really. Geordam spent a great deal of the time tying each other up. That's really all I have to say for that.

The weekends have been especially busy. We headed over to Kuala Lumpur last weekend, as we had a public holiday on the Monday, and met up with the Seremban and DAJ lot, which was lovely as we haven't seen them in two months. Rather shocking really, considering how little time seemed to have passed. A lot of time was spent drinking, but I managed to see some of the temples - cathedrals, mosques, Chinese temples, everywhere you look, diversity on a grand level. It was stunning.

This weekend has been an exercise in dealing without sleep. A basic marketing opportunity, an unusual one-day course was set up to give teachers from school's in the area, a chance to see what a course is all about. In one day there was an opening ceremony/admin, games, rock climbing, rafting, a boat ride to Sekadeh and a barbecue (with two 'goats' - or lambs as we know them).

My first time support instructing, and it worked well. We did basic set up for the activities, as well as making sure no one died due to inefficient belaying, and rowed the pram around as rafts fell apart. The participants were hilarious - the sponsors of the event were the mining company Vale, and disbelieving in my ability to climb the wall, forced me up there, ending in them constantly claiming that I 'crawl like a cat', with actions alongside. Apparently I broke their spirit with my moves. Ah well.

Today was a four o'clock start - and yes, I mean in the morning. The Powerman race, being a 11km run, 64km bike ride and 10km run again, started at 7.30, but we were Crew members, and thus were required for set up. I got a bit of a nap as we waiting for the sprinters, who do half the Powerman race, as my job was handing out certificates and 1 coupon for dessert. And not chocolate dessert unfortunately, but cendol which I leave you to reserve judgement on, it containing 'green worm-like jelly' (wikipedia's words, not mine).

As it is, after packing up, we waiting around for about an hour to get paid (yes, money and free stuff was involved in our decision to attend), during which I promptly fell asleep on the grass, to wake up to random Malay people staring at me. Vaguely creepy. It might have to do with the watermelon I was looking after as well, I'm not sure. Moving on, I intend to sleep for a week now - or I would, if training was not starting up tomorrow. Woo, morning runs. Whatever did I do without them.

Emily

Carpet Marriage

Since the instructors here are a. on leave, b. on course, or c. have meetings, our training this past week has been basically on hold, left until Karl returns on Tuesday to begin the exciting 'crash course' I keep telling you about. Owing to this, we've been going out quite a bit, spending money we really shouldn't and generally finding out more about Lumut, Manjung and Satiawan.

Frustration at his luscious locks (HA) led Adam to cajole Douse into taking us to the barbers. The fear on his face when he was actually in the chair was amusing, though surprisingly the shortness doesn't look too bad. We ventured into a Bundle shop after that, or a Japanese second hand clothing store, which Adam found great delight in. I, having no money and no interest in the clothing, grew bored and ended up wandering into the carpet store next to the barbers, the bright colours attracting me like a moth to a flame.

And so, this interesting conversation happened.

'Ah, come in, come in, no need for you to take your shoes off, come, come.' The manager, I realised upon a closer glance, had wandered into the barbers and stolen a hairbrush earlier. He'd already received the customary smile that being here recommends. 'You sure? I don't mind...' my voice trailed off, as he continued to wave his hand, standing up to do perform the classic, but ever so annoying, seller trick.

Not wanting to appear as though I wasn't going to buy anything (though I wasn't), I chanced upon the first carpet/rug I could see and began to stroke it, feeling the softness. 'That is a prayer mat.' He said. 'For Muslims.'

Ah. Not quite what I was going for. As it is, he didn't appear interested in selling to me, instead asking me where I was from: 'England! Such a lovely place, wonderful, wonderful.' At that moment, George passed by, having disappeared towards the knife shop earlier. In a fit of enthusiasm (as in having something else to say), I mentioned that he was also from England. Perhaps he heard me, perhaps he didn't, but he double backed and walked into the shop, leaving me sighing with relief - perhaps now the awkwardness would fade.

'So this is your...'

'My friend, we're working up at OB Lumut for the year.'

'And the other one?' The managed glanced over towards the Bundle shop, though Adam was nowhere in sight.

'He's another friend, part of the volunteer group we're with.'

'So they are not your husbands?'

Er, what? Suffice to say, the conversation grew steadily stranger, him apparently believing George was 25, refused to tell us what he thought my age was (his answer was 'young' though I don't know how that translates to 'being married') and then forcing us to guess what his age was (we still don't know), before telling us the ages of his sons and showing us pictures.

Eventually we escaped, heading off to another Bundle store which Douse claimed to be of more interest. The only thing I can say about that trip, is that by the end of it, Geordam - who had set themselves a quest to find the ugliest clothes, and then actually bought them - now own mechanics outfits. And by mechanics outfits, I mean the kind that you would expect gay porn stars to wear.

Anyway, while aerobics was fun-filled and amusing all round (it actually was, I'm not being sarcastic there), I feel I have thrown enough at you already, so shall depart to contend with the ant infestation in the bathroom. Wish me luck!

Emily

Langkawi Bonanza

Theme of the past week and a half has been basic relaxation - which after CC490 feels well deserved. Langkawi, made up of 99 islands, of which only 4 are inhabited (thanks Jo!), can only be described as a tourist resort. If you want to claim to have been to Malaysia, without losing out on home comfort's, Langkawi is probably the place for you. Otherwise...no.

Our journey there required a 6 hour bus drive, 1 hour ferry and 40 minute taxi to Pantai Cenang, the most famous beach area. In total, it came to 61RM or just over 12 pounds, giving you a true glimpse into how cheap Malaysia can be. Our first night was spent integrating - by this, I refer to getting to know the drinking scene, Geordam's favourite activity. As Adam is a Scot, you can imagine what he wanted to accomplish. Beer is not my thing, so Malibu and Coke became the drink of choice. By one, search for Shisha commenced (do not fear, it was not found) leading to us stumbling upon the 'Sports Bistro'.

It appeared fine. I was moving on to drunk by this time, but am surprisingly still not happy with spending money, so George bought me a drink, in an attempt to worsen my condition no doubt, before Lesley moved into the proceedings. He seemed drunk (he wasn't), challenged George to pool, claiming to be bad (he wasn't) and then tried to get us to return to his house with him (we didn't). George received a number of odd phone calls over the week, but that section of town was avoided for the rest of the week.

Langkawi is only recommended for short breaks. By the time 4 days had gone by, we were ready to leave. Geordam had rented a car, George driving us to the Cable Car (spectacular views), I'd gone to a Spa, caught up on Supernatural (I know, but what did you expect?), we'd eaten our body weight in burgers and ice cream, met some Glaswegian's at our hangout 'The Yellow Cafe', and oddly enough, I was missing proper Malaysian food badly.

The return journey was just as easy, though for some reason the same bus now took 8 1/2 hours, Taufik picking us up at midnight. The weekend was devoted to basically nothing, as training officially starts today. MJ, the programme coordinator, went through admin with us, then took us out to lunch with Shuq and Douse, before giving us the afternoon off.

Yeah, not what I expected either. Plus, despite the fact there are no Hindu OB instructors, we get Deepavali off. So the holiday continues!

Jumpa Lagi kiddies.

Emily

Survival of the fittest

If you're looking for a tale regarding food poisoning and sea sickness, sunburns bad enough to peel and millipede bites large enough to cause pain, capsizing and general bad luck in all areas of life, you're going to talk to Geordam, because I had a rather awesome time.

Our 25 day course, known as CC490, involved 5 people - the bromance, myself, Alora and Thomas. Alora is a 21-year-old Canadian whose been travelling around Indonesia since June, with a perpetual habit of being late, but has an intriguing view on life and a passion for the outdoors. Thomas is a 28-year-old lawyer from Kuala Lumpur, sent by his company, who doesn't participate in outdoor activities but is a total sweetheart. As a whole, the course could be considered rather tough - the general number of participants being 15, to encourage teamwork and leadership skills effectively.

There were 6 expeditions in total requiring overnight stays - a kayaking expedition (2 days, 1 night), a trekking expedition (same length), a whaler expedition (3 days, 2 nights), solo camp (same length) and the final expedition, know by instructors' and participants alike as 'Hell', which was 4 days and 3 nights.

The course didn't get off to a particuarly wonderful start - Alora, Adam and George all got food poisoning from the kitchen (not sure how considering we were eating the same food...), with Alora forced to spend a night in hospital. As it was, we had almost a week to gear up for our first XPDC, an easy kayak to a beach on Pangkor, the island opposite OB. Monkey's are clever bastards. You leave sugar crackers on the table, they will get them. Of course, the sudden convergence on our kayaks with the sugar crackers raining down upon them was rather amusing, especially when we found that one of them had gotten a tad excited and decided Alora's kayak was a bathroom.

The trekking XPDC went well on the first day, Thomas needing some encouragement but pushing through. We set up camp by a waterfall, meaning a much needed rinse down occurred. I was given a parang, which after 6 expeditions I can in fact wield efficiently when chopping wood. The first time was more of a 'miss and bleed' situation. The second day started well, despite our instructor Taufik's refusal to help us with navigating. And the singing. He really loves to sing. Unfortunately, we got lost, missing the junction which would have taken us to our final peak. We escaped without having to climb back up because dehydration was considered a risk - but we were forced to do a 'musical drama' as a penalty. I'll spare the details.

The Whaler Expedition for most appears to have been a gut-churning experience of exhaustion. I found it rather amusing. The IiT's joined us, as 8 people are required for rowing, and we were forced to row 30 km, gaining wind only 6km away from Rumbria Island. The next day was a 42km job, and while we did receive the luxury of wind - meaning I slept until 12 - it wasn't strong, and we were forced to row until the mother boat took pity on us and towed us the rest of the way. Once you get into the head space, the rowing isn't too bad - a little monotonous perhaps, but singing livens up the place remarkably.

Solo was a time for reflection and meditation, but the first day basically involved me avoiding making a fire, and sleeping the day away. Despite my fear that I would not be eating, I managed to make respectable fires, large enough for me to cook Maggi noodles (Beware: can cause kidney failure). So, if stranded, give me matches and a candle, and fire shall reign. The second day could be considered more of a reflective time, but it turned out to be time for talking, as we all converged on the water van for an hour. Oops.

And then, Hell. It was tough. I've been cut to pieces on the rocks, got tan lines that look like colour charts, leeches biting my ankles, and the final track of kayaking nearly reduced me to tears, but the feeling of achievement was astonishing. We kayaked around Pangkor island, landing at Sharwal beach. Alora and I were sharing a kayak for that section, and we took the time to enjoy the scenery, the others getting more and more frantic as the current increased. Adam bailed out his boat using Alora's water bottle at one point, while George and Thomas literally went over the edge. The second day was fun until 12, being in a kayak with Thomas ensuring I could sing Disney songs without being hit over the head. Unfortunately, Taufik (perpetual liar that he is) compelled us to head straight over to OB - just 1 hour away. 2 hours later, no food, OB still not in sight, and a failure to remember the water sloshing in the gallon can...I was considering capsizing because I felt like the world was ending.

BUT I DID NOT. Inspirational quote from George kiddies: 'the hardest thing to overcome is the human will to give in'.

Trekking forced me into navigation mode once more, something I was more confident in fortunately, and thus we trekked up hills, down hills, around rocks, through the sea (not necessary and dangerous due to coral, but I have a lack of personal safety apparently), and through a swamp. As Geordam got angrier and angrier, I was reminded of year 4 and mud pits, thus causing a great deal of muffled laughter as swearing filled the air. A low did occur when a fire could not be made, and we became a man down the next day when Thomas found himself unwell, but as we saw the blue jetty, light filled our eyes and we danced wildly (note: I lie, we slept).

Thus, the course came to an end. We painted a bench for our watch project, cleaned the dining hall for community service, and watched Anchorman at our barbecue instead of doing our presentation. But we achieved, and we achieved 'commendably' despite the lies Taufik tells us, and despite Geordam's continued insistence for ice cream.

On a side note, I had some today. IT WAS AWESOME.

Emily

Preperation, Preperation, Preperation (Not).

This will be my last post for a month, the 25 day Classic Course approaching at an incredible speed i.e. it starts tomorrow and I still haven't packed. To be fair, my clothes are all currently on the washing line, and my fortune holds - despite being forced awake multiple times last night due to an intense thunderstorm, the sun is shining. Giving us a farewell I presume - we only just moved in, and now we are moving out again - from instructors' quarters to participant dorms, the amount of stairs I will be forced to climb will grow substantially - especially if I'm placed in Kinabalu. Yes, the dorms are named after Malaysian mountains. Guess why. It's not hard.

Despite the fact that I'm the one who was stung by a jellyfish, I am also apparently the 'fearless one', considering Geordam's refusal to go off the boat. And by go off the boat, I mean go off the roof of the boat in a kayak. Yes, I capsized in water filled with jellyfish. Do I care?

No, because it was AWESOME.

So yeah, after the course, so doing it again. That was pretty much the most excitement I've had the past few days, as we've spent the rest of time getting ready for the course - we finally met the official Executive Director today, who seems nice enough, but encourages us to separate and chat to the other instructors. Not hard on my part, considering I spend a lot of my time without Geordam anyway, but I'm thinking it might break their hearts if they're forced to spend time without each other.

Ah well, the 25 day course is approaching, and it looks like we won't be the only international participants - a Canadian lady is joining us. As it is, we're lacking participants - the standard is around 15 and apparently we have about six. Until it starts, I can't tell if this is a good thing or not, but we'll have to wait and see. It can't be helped that I will soon be in mourning - no outside contact with the world aside, books and music are off the list of approved items. And I'm not going to be like the 12-year-old girl who tried to insist that Twilight was a religious book to her. That's just sad.

I should depart - I need to finish off the chocolate since it's not allowed on course. A hardship indeed, but it must be done.

Emily

Failed Artists

After a relaxing few days spent mosying around the staff mess, yesterday provided an excellent source of amusement. Timetables do not appear to be a set process around here - especially in regard to white foreigners. Despite a previous mention of First Aid training with Karl, Geordam and I headed out to an OB campsite, to help the technical team clear it up in time for the kayaking squad.

By clean up, I mean they did pretty much everything, while I looked official with a clipboard as Matthew and I walked around noting Risks and What To Do. Not exactly the hard going work we expected, but considering the violent storm that emerged around 11, we weren't about to complain. If anyone wants to know a way of making me gigglier than a hyena without resorting to a high intake of sugar, it involves being soaked through while collecting clams on the beach, as a man trapped in the sand teaches you random Malay words.

Eventually, the rain cleared. Blue sky, golden sun, green trees - it was a beautiful day. With jellyfish. Who I sincerely believe have attitude problems, or are just really bad artists, considering the not so stunning pattern currently covering my calf. Fear not - a bit of cream and a shower, plus Adam's constant sexist remarks making me want to hit him, meant I was in a kayak by four. To make the kayaking more interesting, Karl joined us, and thus we went on a 1 and a 1/2 hour journey around the Marina, leading to us interrupting wedding photos, noting the presence of otters, and capsizing in succession, as a gust of wind and waves first tipped me over, with George following shortly after, once my kayak and I had become one again.

Dinner was spent out with David and Karl at a Chinese, which, creating an apparent 'Opium Den' feeling, burn egg boxes to create smoke. It's remarkably effective at stopping the nyamuk. We entered into the shopping mall once more, stocking up in supplies (read: chocolate) before departing home to rest before the early morning trek.

The peak we ventured to is about 331m high, and it took us about 35 minutes to reach it. Word to the wise? Eat food before you trek. As it is, Karl carries Snicker bars because he is a genius (more on that later). Thus, the trek was pretty enjoyable, if hard work. The way down was...well, it cemented my belief that I got lucky with my placement. Karl, Safety Officer Man, and David, Instructor Dude, are both comic book fans. This had been established yesterday at dinner, exciting an intense discussion regarding the Justice League and beyond. But today, as I threw myself down the hill, repressing the urge to roll, I discovered this: The Flash (Wally West), Supernatural, Doctor Who, Glee - Karl is a fan of all. It brought a slight tear to my eye (actually, that was sweat) as I realised that I found a kindred soul.

And now I must venture off to do grown up things, like washing my clothes. Adios!

Emily

Attack of the Nyamuk

I am apparently a free of charge, all-you-can-eat buffet, if the amount of mosquito bites is anything to go by. Really, I blame myself. Not only do I forget to put on suncream (no burns yet thankfully), but I also forget to put on insect repellent. It should be a requirement. If you're going trekking in the middle of the jungle, wear insect repellent, or be prepared to face the crazed swarm of the dreaded nyamuk.

As it is, it's been an interesting couple of days with David giving us an orientation course. The run on Wednesday was...well, it could have been worse. It certainly wakes you up in the morning, though I reckon a longer amount of sleep would also result in the whole 'I'm not tired' phase. The current instructors-in-training (IiT) are required to do morning exercise every day, so poor them. Geordam and I sat through a session on what OB actually is, the motto 'To serve, to strive and not to yield' being a variation from Tennyson's 'Ulysses'. In the afternoon, a session on knots was in order - the bowline, the clove hitch, the reef knot, the fisherman's knot, the anchor line, the figure of eight, the sheep bend - all important in their own way, to ensure that death and destruction does not fall upon us. Adam had a few...issues with the fisherman's knot, resulting in David lending him ropes to practise with. Not that he did. David then took us out for dinner at Restoran Biriyani, and we delved into the shopping centre for essentials. For me, toilet paper. Which isn't really used here. There's a hose if you want it. But, not as fun as it sounds.

Due to the drizzle, Thursday's morning exercise was in the gym - resulting in push-ups, runs and various other torture methods. There was also an odd 'stepping stone' idea, where we had two chairs each and had to get to the finish line without touching the floor. It's harder than you'd think, especially in the heat. Kayaking was the main agenda of the morning though, with a proper introduction to the boat house, as well as various strokes and techniques mentioned. We joined with the IiT who were being assessed, and capsized various times. On purpose. I do have some skill in a kayak. The afternoon was devoted to map and compass skills (which we already possessed, more fool them) and a trek in the jungle - insects, spikes and the use of ropes in order to climb up the hill were all part of that lovely experience. No, it was actually quite nice. Hard work, resulting in a tomato face and a loooong shower needed, but the view was beautiful.

I'm not really allowed in the men's quarters, for obvious reasons. But Khaliq invited us all to Dede's house for dinner, and since Geordam weren't responding to their phones, I trekked up to their room. This was fine. I'd been told to go there anyway, in order for us to be taken to Dede's in the first place. I, however, had not remembered that this was Hari Raya month, and thus any 'dinner' we are invited to, would be to do with Hari Raya. Meaning board shorts? Well, lets just say that while I don't know Malay, I'm pretty sure there was a general inclination towards me being of 'loose' character. Or something to that effect. It was fine otherwise. The female IiT's taught me some more Malay, the food was good, and George spent some time hitting Adam's pecs in an attempt to keep them in a 'constant state of firmness'. Sure boys, whatever you say.

Once again, ropes. We got a lie in i.e. lapan, or eight, and then rope practise, this time including square lashings (thank you Guides!). Due to it being Friday, lunch started early and finished late, to allow for Jumu'ah, the congregational prayer Muslim's hold every Friday. It was strange, because the staff mess was totally empty, something I haven't seen before. Belaying technique, which rock climbing has forced into my brain, was again demonstrated by the IiT, before we ventured up ourselves. After Geordam 'taxed out' (whatever that means) I rang Nazri to ask for permission to go kayaking. I then began to scare the hell out of Adam (joy of joys) as apparently jellyfish don't care if it isn't jellyfish season. And Adam? He reeeeeally doesn't like jellyfish.

I don't think they really know what to do with us. Until we go on the 25 day course, starting the 21st, they can't start putting us to work. So far, we've had it easy - Geordam live in their room watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, or are here playing Guitar Hero, while I spend time listening to my iPod, watching the TV with the instructors, or writing this blog. All that will change soon. Our 'back to basics' 25 day course allows no electrical objects (except cameras), no money and no leaving the compound without express say so. Woop woop.

I'll leave off now - the new course participants will be appearing soon, and I (in the proper dress code) must go observe. Ah, the joys of learning!

Ciao!

Emily

P.S. Geordam also have a blog, though it's actually a 'video diary'. They currently have our first day up, and are in the process of the first day of Hari Raya. It's kind of epic actually, and can be found at: dangertwin--boats-n-hoes--extreeme.blogspot.com. Enjoy!

Final Destination: Lumut

Well, after two seven hour flights, eight days in Seremban and an eight hour journey by bus, we have finally arrived in Lumut! Saturday night was fun, if a tad jumbled - I'm still not sure if the owner kicked us out or not, though why he would I have no idea - and Lisa swears he was closing up. Ah well, it wasn't too bad - a huge fit of the giggles and Tom being carried home, but nothing was broken, and the owner appreciated the three beer buckets a strange Malay bought us.

The next day wasn't quite as interesting. A late start, and then a trip to the Royal Ujong Club (the Colonial Club mentioned earlier) for lunch and a swim. I decided to follow the traditional Malay route, and considering we were eating 'Banana Leaf' (not literally, everything just placed prettily upon it), it seemed apt. By that, I mean I ate with my hands. Rice and vegetables covered in sauce - and not a drop passed my knuckles. Impressed, no? It is way more refined than the customary 'cram it in your mouth' style you're probably thinking about.

A quick swim, ending in Max smacking his head due to a 'Death Dive' gone wrong, and we departed to the hotel. I was able to get my packing done easily - Mya and Lisa had gone to visit their possible homes - and then we headed out for dinner and a final send off. Which got steadily more depressing as bouts of home-sickness (or something like that) took hold, sending some of our group into hiding. Mya, Geordam and I ended up in the Mamak, where roti chanai was consumed at around three in the morning.

The sad times were necessary I feel - after spending a week together, we've split up to make our way in the world. Tom and Max were seen off before Geordam and I departed to the bus station, only to discover all buses to Lumut were fully booked. Thus began an eight hour journey, requiring five hours to Ipoh, a half hour attempt at finding where to get a bus to Lumut, another bus journey to the Central Terminal, and then a two hour journey in a non air-conditioned bus. (to put this into perspective, the Lumut bus was a five hour, air-conditioned bus, and the man at the station lied to us, a confident 'Ipoh is 15 minutes from Lumut, ye?' proved false, the situation exacerbated by the worrying issue that I had eaten no breakfast or lunch).

I suppose the important point is, we have arrived. Atan picked us up for the fifteen minute journey to Outward Bound Malaysia Lumut (OBML) and showed us to our rooms, before supplying us with dinner. I have my own room in the women's quarters, the bathroom right next to me and the dining room literally next door. About an hour was spent blue-tacking things to my wall (including all my The Flash comics) before a shower and finally bed.

This morning, we met Nazri, the Executive Director, who helped set up bank accounts for us, as well as taking us to the Doctor for check-ups. If anyone's interested, they're going to have to wait for the urine sample to come back to know whether I'm fully normal. This week is basic administration, and appears to have a lot of hanging around the Staff Mess ('no access to participants', I so did enjoy passing that sign!) as we aren't allowed to leave the area without express permission from Nazri, due to health and safety risks. We were also told that we couldn't go swimming in the sea this week, again due to 'elf and safety, but all was well, as a Project Trust volunteer from India (nope, didn't know PT was there either) supervised us while we went kayaking.

Now? I've spent about an hour playing Guitar Hero (I'm bad, it must be said) and talking to Aliff who has promised to help me with Malay in exchange for English lessons. So hopefully, you will soon see a vast improvement in my Malay skills. As it is, my bed is calling to me - I have to be up for a run at seven. Pity me children (then again, I'm by the sea).

Selemat Malam,

Emily

Seremban draws to a close.

One week and counting - I'm adjusting to the heat (slowly but surely) and getting fat off the delicious food (as well as the not so healthy Oreo's, which live a few shops down). Tomorrow is my last day here in Seremban, but I feel like we've packed a year's worth of visiting and travel into a ridiculously short time span.

Following the traditional tourist route, we've been to Kuala Lumpur (KL) and seen the Petronas Towers, as well as various mosques. What sticks out most was the sudden rush of people - Malaysia's 54th Independence Day saw everyone out on the streets, and 'the white people' were cause for amusement and wonder. Really, we should have started charging them - Mya literally got mobbed, with various people groping her at will, and Geordam standing in the corner laughing.

We've also been to Batu Caves, where following my tradition, I managed to lose my group and ended up wondering around the temples, happy as a clam with no shoes, while the others searched for me. True to form, I didn't have my phone with me either. The elephant sanctuary has probably been the best part of the week - we were allowed to feed, ride and help wash them, and ended up taking a few showers of our own when they decided they'd had enough! Crazily, elephant's in captivity need 100-150 litres of water because of their diet, although I wouldn't want to drink the water we were swimming in.

Yesterday was pretty relaxed - all of us girls bought Baju Kurung's, traditional Malay oufits, as we had (finally) been informed that we were heading to a wedding the next day (actually an engagement). I headed out to a Hash Run with the guys, where we promptly got lost, as the man who had laid the track had failed to inform anyone that it was in a figure of 9, and thus we should return the way we came. Everyone ended up getting pick up off the highway, including 3 Canadian children, aged 10, 7 and 6. Unfortunately, they were probably fitter than all of us Outward Bound lot combined. Then again, I claim a reprieve - a vicious tree attacked me, leaving me reeling from the blow, and blood streaming from my head (I exaggerate).

Today was certainly our most official day. Dressed up, make-up done, hair straightened, we headed to the Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan's Open House Hari Raya, where we were treated to the silver service, Chris being an in-law. The King of Negeri Sembilan also came, proceeding stately as the paparazzi flooded the area. 'Foreigners!' He cried as he passed us by. 'American?' Shocked as I was by the prescence of royalty, I still had enough in me to correct him. While he didn't seem to mind that, I forgot the important point as we were leaving - don't turn your back on the King.

For those of you worried, it was fine. I may have simply confirmed the point of ignorant foreigners, but I gave them a laugh at least! Anyhow, we later attended Chris' work colleague's daughter's engagement party. No, we didn't know her. We brought nothing, ate their food, and took pictures. Strangely, they seemed pretty happy with this. Seriously, Malay people must be some of the nicest in the world - we've been fed so many times over the last week, and welcomed warmly, despite never having met them before.

Considering the time, I should probably venture forth into the world. We're eating dinner soon enough, and then...well, to the bar I suppose. I still don't like beer. And unfortunately, the quest of the year appears to be to get me drunk. This can not end well.

Jumpa Lagi!

Emily

Omnom

Day empat (4) of my Malaysia adventure, and I am currently in 'holiday' mode. If any of you are sending me letters, I'm not actually at my project yet but in Seremban - Ramadan meaning it's been difficult relocating us. Not that I'm complaining - all we've done is eat, drink, sleep and swim.

One thing needs to be established here. I love food. Seriously, food is basically my 'one true love' and I have reached the stage where I will eat anything and everything. And Malaysia? It's that cheap Cafe on the corner, which looks kind of dodgy, but smells gorgeous and the first taste sends you into conniptions. In the past few days, I've eaten shark soup, red snapper, roast boar, crab, grouper, satay chicken, rambutan - it's tastebud heaven. We've been eating at the strangest times as well - Sunday found us having curry for breakfast, then lunch, a snack-the-size-of-dinner, and actual dinner at 22.30. I mentioned the drinking, and I wasn't joking - you can buy a bucket of beer - six bottles in ice - for 50RM which is £10. We had three of these Saturday evening, and the next night we were taken to a Portuguese Malay Cafe, where we had three beer towers, six pints in each.

Our country representative Aini is away at the moment, so her husband Chris has been looking after us - we invade his house, located on the top of the hill. Following British colonial tradition, this means his house is 'upper class'. He also took us to a Colonial club, where we went swimming again. The boys tried to make a whirlpool by swimming in a circle - all that happened was they looked like dogs chasing their tails.

There has been much bonding time, with us spending a decent amount of time travelling in the bus driven by Mr. Man, a sniper who isn't allowed to leave the country in case he's hired to take out the government. All those fearful for my safety, do not worry! Mr. Man is here. I'm staying in a room with Mya and Lisa at the Lotus Hotel, which is great, though we can't unpack properly and it's driving everyone a tad insane.

On a final note, my partners will now be referred to as 'Geordam' as they have entered into the stage of bromance that demands a couple name.

Hopefully I will be able to write more at some point, but Mya is asking for her laptop back so for now, jumpa lagi!

Emily

3, 2, 1 and BLAST OFF.

And so it begins, Project Trust sending 9 plucky Europeans to Malaysia, to help others, to grow and mature, and to have fun. I'm off with my partners, Adam and George - I'm sure they're going be interesting to work with, what with their quest to steal a monkey.

This is probably the best time to start, although considering the amount of effort that has been put into fundraising, I'm not mentioning nearly enough! Alas, I leave for Malaysia tomorrow. My bag is packed (well, almost...), and reminds me vaguely of the TARDIS or Mary Poppin's bag, considering how much has been fitted in.

Not only this, 'the last supper' is being prepared down below, which for some reason is reminding me of the whole 'Condemned Man' thing - which really doesn't work, as volunteering in Malaysia for a year is NOT a hardship.

As it is, my particular project is certainly interesting! I'm off to Lumut to work at an Outward Bound School. The centre is the oldest Outward Bound centre located outside the United Kingdom, and is designed to encourage teamwork within its groups of participants. The work I'll be doing is varied - if I'm 'on course', I will be instructing, or support-instructing, a range of activities such as kayaking, wall climbing, jungle trekking, sailing, rafting and team games. When I'm 'off-course', I'm still working, but I'll instead be doing equipment maintenance, forest maintenance, swimming, training and first aid.

As with the activities, hours vary - 'on course', I'm on-call 24/7, with main work hours being 6.30am to 10pm, with no days off. In comparison, 'off course' I get a half day on Saturday and Sunday off, as well as the relaxed hours of 9am to 4.30pm.

The participants themselves are also very different - I could be teaching middle aged Malaysia government workers (which sounds terrifying, considering I'm only 18) to children from international schools, with ages ranging from 10-18.

If you want to know anymore about the project, just ask - though I should warn you, at this particular point in time, I have very limited knowledge. Once I actually arrive there, I should be able to tell you more as well as put up some pictures.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the fundraising, and don't forget to stay in touch! And DFTBA (Don't Forget To Be Awesome, as the Nerdfighters say).

Selamat Tinggal!

Emily