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!
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