A Rubberseed's Journey

Exploring the Ancient Forests in Singapore with My Pupils

2011-01-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

"Quickly put your plastic bag in your bag", I shouted across to one of my female student who was being chased agrassively by an alpha male. She had been confronted by the monkey once she stepped off the bus, and the poor girl was running in circles trying to get the monkey off her back.

This was the first lesson that we learnt once we reached Bukit Timah Hill - never to feed monkeys, if not, they will turn agressive. Bukit Timah Hill is one of the remainding few patches of primary forests in Singapore. Primary forests are the original patches of the forests that have never been cleared by Man. Secondary forests, on the other hand, are forests that have grown back after human intervention, for example, an abandoned rubber plantation. Due to the lack of human intervention, primary forests are known for their richness in biodiversity, tall tress and lack of undergrowth due to the density of the canpoy wipping out sunlight within the forest. In comparison, secondary forests tend to have lesser species and have more undergrowth as more sunlight can pass through.

Mr Wong, my first guide, shared that there are around 900 species of non-flowering plants and 100 species of flowering plants in Singapore. He also shared that there are more types of plants and animals in Singapore compared to the entire North America! How amazing is that? We are a country too small to find in the world map, and with more than 90% of our forests cleared, we still have more species types compared to an entire continent!

Throughout the fieldtrip, we saw many interesting plants. Beside are the links of my students' blogs which capture much of our learning. We also did manage to see the monitor lizard and several other insects, but they were too fast to capture on the camera.

I really enjoyed this fieldtrip, not just because I like being with nature, but I can see a lot of good character/values in my students. Many students showed interest, and were taking photographs, writing down notes and asking questions. It was heartwarming to see them interested in the nature. I see students, particularly the international students, sharing their own knowledge about certain plants. I also was proud of the student, whom despite was born with a hole in her heart, decided to join the class and climbed slowly to enjoy nature and persevered on. I was equally touched when I saw another student being a gentlement and offered to carry the bag of the girl I mentioned earlier on.

That's why I enjoy organising fieldtrips for my students - other than to expose them to nature & reality - I also get to see them with a different perspective.

Mr Murphy, My Belated But Unwanted Valentine

2009-02-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

Murphy came knocking once again.

I was almost close to tears.

It was 8.30pm. I was cold. Tired. Hungry.

I was still in the office.

And this time, I was locked inside the office.

Because my keys were locked in the students' office.

When I should be safely locked inside, I was locked outside.

When I should be safely outside a locked office, I was locked inside.

Murphy, Murphy, I know I didn't have a date on Valentine's,

But you really need not come knocking ... ...

Editor's Note:
You need to read the blog entry on “A Stormy Adventure” where I was locked out of my house to fully understand the context of this entry and how miserable I felt when I found myself locked in the office. Nevertheless, Nelly became my superhero when she braved the cold and dark night to rescue me from my pathetic situation. On a positive note, we spent some time walking her back and admiring the stars. This time, we could identify the Orion and see The Milky Way clearly (also read “A Night Under the Stars” to understand context).

Dinner @ Charlotte's

2009-02-07T11:22:00.001-08:00

“Let's put our hands together and pray for our food.”

I held hands with Charlotte and her mom as her mom said a prayer for our dinner. It was fish that Charlotte's sister, Inge, who had caught it in Namibia, and they had invited me over for the braai/BBQ. This was the third time that I am eating with her family, something that I am very grateful for.

The first time was when I was in Bloemfontein for the eco-school assessment. It was my first time having a dinner at a more traditional “English” household. There was a prelude of chips and tea and epilogue of tea and chocolate to the dinner. It was a really nice, warm and homely experience. It made me feel like home, and Charlotte's mom also reminded me of my mom and aunt.

The second time, I was invited over for Christmas lunch. Again, it was a new experience for me, putting on Christmas hats and popping Christmas crackers. As usual, her mom wiped up delicious meals which were presented so nicely that they could easily be part of a hotel buffet. I was really touched by her family who so kindly offered me to be a part of their celebration.

To a large extend, Charlotte's family is like a surrogate family to me in this foreign land. I look forward to every interaction with them, as they remind me, and provide me of the family warmth that I lack over here. This is one of those memories that I will pack carefully and safely in one corner of my heart and bring it back with me when I go home.

A Night Under The Stars

2009-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

“Chi, the bread that you ordered is here!”

I looked at my watch – 2.30am.

“Thanks, I will be there just now,” I quickly placed down the telephone receiver, got off the bed, grabbed my jacket, money and car keys, and drove down to the security gate.

I was there to receive 50 loaves of bread on this early Sunday morning. We were going to make sandwiches for 625 learners/students for the Wetlands Day Celebration on Monday. Looking at the bread, and loading it into the car, I was getting worried if we could actually pull off such a stint. There were only four of us, and we were only starting in the late afternoon that day. Nevertheless, I should worry about that later. Now, I just needed to quickly pay up the money and snugged back into my warm bed before icicles start to form at my nostrils.

“Thanks buddy,” I thanked the equally tired, but reliable security guard, before I went back into the caddy.

As I drove up the hill back to my house, I was greeted with an entire sky filled with stars. I have never seen so many stars together, ever. They were packed like sand on a beach, of various brightness, but all gleaming that the moon was not here to outshine them today. I parked my car under my porch, and walked out of my gate, away from the light, to admire the amazing sight.

I tried to identify the stars, but it was evident then, that I had been sleeping through much of my astronomy course, as the only constellation that I could identify was the Orion, with his awkward posture, belt and dagger. I realised that the more I stared into the sky, the nearer the stars seemed to be, and somehow this created a false sense of warmth. I quickly forgot about the icicles that were forming, and continued to absorb the beauty before me.

“Chi, what happens if you cannot open your door like the other day?” my imaginary friend warned. I brushed it off, as I was quite sure that Murphy would not decide to visit me twice in a month. Moreover, my door was already closed. If it was stuck, it was stuck. Why should I stop what I was doing to check?

“Chi, unlike the other day, you cannot be banging at your neighbour's door for help at half past three in the morning....”

Somehow, I understood where my imaginary friend was coming from, and thus reluctantly returned to my house. That night, I had a strange but wonderful dream of swimming with the stars. Yes, swimming, not flying with the stars. Thus, it was a strange dream. But still very pretty.

Afternote: At the end of Sunday, we managed to complete all the 50 loaves, and created lovely sandwiches for the learners! It was really a cool learning experience for me i.e. making the sandwiches, not waking up at 2.30am to receive the bread order.....

The Golden Gate Special – Using Drama in Environmental Education

2009-01-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

“Welcome to the Live studio of Wilgenhof at Golden Gate Highlands National Park! You are here today, because your school, Mariam College, have received free tickets to this awarding winning talk show – The Golden Gate Special. Our programme will start rolling in five minutes. As this is a Live recording, please kindly switch off all mobile and sound devices. Please also kindly refrain from talking to one another during the show. Are you ready?”

After addressing the audience, the host settled down in her chair, and her assistant, Nelly, helped to neaten her hair as camera man, Koketso, started to count down to the start of the show. “5, 4, 3, 2, 1...”

“Good Evening, and welcome to the Golden Gate Special! I am your host, Chi, and we are honoured to have the presence of Mariam College today as our audience. The focus topic for tonight is - The San People. We have several important guest speakers who would be sharing and discussing their knowledge about the different aspects of the San people. First up, we have Professor Kirsten and Professor Kaylee, anthropology experts from the University of Cambridge, who will share with us who exactly are the San people and how they look like.”

“Hi Chi, thanks for inviting us to your show. First, I would like to bring out my models to better explain who the San people are and how they differ from the Khoi Khois.... “

It was a wet-weather programme for Mariam College. It had been raining continuously Golden Gate for the past few nights, and they were not able to go on a night walk to Holkran's where they would learn more about the first inhabitants of the area – The San People. Prior to the start of the talk show, learners were divided into six different groups. Each group were given information from various articles concerning a specific topic and area of focus about the San people i.e. physical appearance, social structure, food & water, language & beliefs, culture & art and current challenges. The group then had to select two key guest speakers who would share information about what they have learnt. During their sharing, other team members were integrated as part of the show in many ways e.g. live models, acting in a “documentary video”, demonstration etc. Each team was then interviewed by the host and the audience. The host then showed the audience photographs and summarised key points to wrapped up the segment before introducing the next guests. The structure of the programme was modeled after famous talk shows like the Oprah Whitney Show and Dr Phil.

It was indeed an academy award winning show! Other than the first guest speakers who introduced the physical characteristics of the San people with the help of models, “professors from the University of Reitz” also shared the social structure of the San people through a “documentary video”. “Language experts” taught the audience how to pronounce the different clicks “!”, “/”, “//” and “=” of the San language. A “team from National Geography” shared how the San people hunt for food and how they obtained water. “People & Conservation officers” also shared the culture and beliefs of the San people, with particular focus on rock art. “Representatives from UN” also generated a discussion on the fate of the San in modern society, with particular interest in the current San community who is facing oppression in Botswana.

Through the various presentations from their peers, and with the questions and further inputs from the host to fill up the content gaps, learners from Mariam College were able to learn about the San in a much more fun and engaging way! Let us continue to try and think of creative ways in which we can engaged our learners in environmental learning!

Chinese New Year @ Golden Gate

2009-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Sticking to traditions, I started spring cleaning on Saturday. Defrosted my fridge and gave it a good scrub. Cleaned my sheets & pillows. Vacuumed and mopped the floor. Scrubbed the toilet & kitchen. Cleaned my oven. Tidy the house. For my reunion dinner, I wiped up a nice meal with prawns, dried shitake mushrooms and broccoli. The only thing that was missing was the presence of family.

It was strange spending new year away from home, family and friends. However, thanks to technology, I was able to call my family and friends to send my greetings half way across the globe. It was really heartwarming to hear the familiar voices from home. It was then that I fully understand the meaning of absence makes one's heart fonder. I also then decided that I shall not be so stingy (with money) and try to call them more often.

Another reason that made me upset, spending new year away from home, was the fact that I could not have my lao he (toss fish) this year. I really do not understand why this dish is only available during this time of the year. The ingredients are actually available in the market all year round! (Actually, I do understand, but I'm in denial at the moment.) It's my favourite dish that I look forward to every year, and I would eat it on all the 15 days if I could.

Nevertheless, I'm glad to be back home for the next new year. And I am quite sure I would never spend another new year away from home, ever again!

A Stormy Adventure

2009-01-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

It was about six in the evening. The storm was creeping quietly but quickly from afar. Filled with reddish sand and dust, the storm was ready to squeeze itself through the valleys of Golden Gate Mountains. Like a funnel, the location of my house is right at the entrance where the neck of the funnel starts, i.e. storms usually hit really hard at my house.

While the storm continued to engulf the faraway scene, the late afternoon sun was still shinning brightly above my house. Birds continued to sing, oblivious to the approaching storm. I quickly went into the house to grab my camera and contentiously closed the main door behind me. I was determined to film this storm.

The bright spring scene at my house was quickly taken over by strong winds and gloomy clouds. Rain drops hit hard against the wall of my house at an almost parallel angle to the floor. The wind was so strong that the bushes in garden looked that they were doubling over from a severe tummy ache. My roof rattled so violently that I swore it would have blown off if the storm just tried a little harder. Either I was being brave or naive, I excitedly continue to film my National Geographic documentary show, giving a “live” commentary as I described the storm process.

Fifteen minutes into the filming, I realised that I was simply naive, and was nothing close to brave. I was getting soaked through, and the storm was getting more aggressive. I was drenched in no time, in a short sleeve white t-shirt and (thankfully black) quarter pants, and fighting a losing battle with the storm. Temperatures were dropping a degree every two minutes. I was freezing, and the sky was darkening quickly. Moreover, it was time for me to take out my dinner from the oven.

To my horror, Murphy decided to visit at this inappropriate time, and like any predictable B-grade movie, I just could not open my door!

The next hour was the most dramatic experience I ever had. Went over to neighbour's house, contacted the technicals (they were 28km away, busy with another repair), waited and prayed that my dinner would not burnt too badly. Technicals came, tried to open the door and failed. The reassuring thought for me was that by this time, there were two other people who were also miserably wet and cold like me. I had company while the storm continued to enjoy its torture. The technicals then jumped over the fence, into another neighbour's garden and broke my window grills to access into my room. Filling confident of my agility, I followed suit. Tore a hole in my pants and poked my palm into the barbed wire as I jumped over. Only to find out that I was too short to climbed through my window. Borrowed a chair from a concerned neighbour who was shocked to see me appear from his back door, drenched from head to toe with a bloodied shirt and torn pants. As I climbed through my window, I was welcomed by a string of granny underwear which I had to duck under before I was safely in my room.

Thankfully, the technicals were very professional, and only commented about the lock which they eventually managed to break and fix from the inside of the house. As appreciation for their efforts, I shared my burnt dinner with the technicals, and made them hot chocolate.

Yo, what a stormy evening!

The Suicide Bird

2008-12-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

It was in the evening when the sun was setting. We were returning back to the base camp of Venetia Nature Reserve near Mapongubwe National Park behind an open air safari buckie. The sky had considerably darken for the past half an hour. I was looking at the outline of the trees against the sunset when I saw an outline of a chicken looking like bird flying out of the top of a tree at almost a vertical angle.

It flapped it wings rapidly and struggled to fly its fat body about three metres above the top of the tree. At the peak of its height, it stopped for a split second, did a 360 degrees turn, tucked its wings tightly against its body and took a dive back down.

I blinked my eyes and stared hard. I thought I was imagining things. I quickly closed my mouth and looked around to see if anyone else saw what I had seen. Was it a guinea fowl? But I have never seen a guinea fowl doing anything remotely close to such a display. But I was so sure it looked close to a chicken looking like bird. But it also looked so unreal, almost like some scene from the animation Chicken Run.

“It's a suicide bird doing a display,” Laura, GVI volunteer from Tstsikama explained.

Cool.

Apparently, suicide birds, known as the red-crested korhann, do this as part of their courtship displays. More information can be found can be found here

What a cool bird!

The Venetia Experience

2008-12-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

It was the GVI get together trip and we had dropped by Venetia Nature Reserve for an afternoon, another project that GVI is engaged in. We were going to try and track a wild dog.

Despite having to sit in the open 4X4 safari vehicle for the next one or two hours under the sourcing 40 degrees heat from the afternoon sun, I was looking forward to the experience. I threw aside my self image and put on my super big wide brim japanese tourist hat and sunglasses to protect myself from the sun.

“Watch out for the branch!” I shouted and pointed. Both me and Melissa, a GVI volunteer from Khgalahadi ducked to avoid smashing our faces against the low branch that our 4X4 safari was driving into. Strangely, it reminded me of those coaster rides that I took where one would be on a safari, going through tunnels and adventures like Land of the Dinosaurs or Tomb Raiders etc.

Pete had explained and taught us on how to use to the tracking device. We took turns to use the device while Pete drove around the area to track the dogs. Even David had the opportunity to try out and helped in establishing the location of the dogs. Unfortunately, the dogs seemed to be on the move as their location was not stable. After two hours on the road, we still had no luck. Nevertheless, there were still various good sightings along the way, including seeing a bustard (the largest flying bird), a flock of around thousand swifts flying from tree to tree, and a suicide bird (see blog entry on “A Suicide Bird”)!

As we drove back to base camp, I could not help but smile to myself as I enjoyed the beauty of the South African sunset, along with the long awaited cool evening breeze. It had been a wonderful day!

“Watch out for the branch!” Melissa shouted and pointed.

Both me and Melissa ducked.

“Er Chi, did you just lose your hat?”

An Adventure with No Name

2008-11-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

No Name, the horse that I was riding, finally stopped. I was still hanging on No Name, with both my arms tightly grabbed around his neck and my body hanging off on the right saddle in an awkward position. I looked at Alet, who arrived a second later on her horse, with polouring eyes, as if to gain some sympathy and also to ask “What next?”

“Chi, just let go!”

In a very Singaporean way, in my head, I immediately told myself, “Yah hor?!!!?” and felt really silly as I slowly lowered myself to the ground, and tried to rid No Name again.

I had requested for Alet to bring me and david for a two hour horse riding session. It was nice without riding with the tourists, as I could really experiment and learn how to control a horse, e.g. trotting and galloping. It was also great to have Alet around as she would also help to check my posture and commented on what I should really be doing. No Name is a very pleasant and easy to ride horse.

We went to the top of Cathedral Cave and actually tried to see the source of the waterfall. It was actually a really small stream that supplied water for the magnificent Cathedral Cave waterfall! Other than some individual antelopes, we also saw an entire herd of red hartebeast. I would estimate around 35 to 50 of them, including the really young ones.

It was my best animal sighting in Golden Gate so far.

When we were riding towards the valley, we saw around 12 to 15 young ones running up the slope away from us, followed by a group of adults. As the herd moved further up the mountain, we noticed four adults slowly walking cautiously up the slope towards the big herd, looking at us once in a while.

“Those are probably the alpha males,” Alet explained.

As we rode slowly towards the herd (not that we want to, but the trail is such that we had to), we could see that there was some confusion as to where they should now proceed – back to the valley or further up the mountain. After some thought, the herd decided to proceed towards the peak of the mountain. It was an amazing sight to see how they sprinted up the slopes with such energy! This time, the little ones were in the middle of the herd.

Wow! Have I mentioned that it was my best animal sighting in Golden Gate so far? =)

Thus, looking forward to return from Victoria Falls for another horse riding adventure with No Name before David goes back to Singapore!

Close Encounter with a Rock Dassie

2008-11-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me, and even if I had my camera with me, I would probably not have taken a photo either, but rather enjoy the sighting. Nevertheless, here's a picture of a rock dassie (source: http://pagesperso-orange.fr/gerard.joannes/03damanrocher2.JPG).

It really looked like the one in our presentation slide show. Except that this was larger.

That was my immediate reaction when I saw the rock dassie appearing from the bushes less than three metres away.

I was chewing on my breakfast/burger at my favourite spot when I heard some rustling. When I turned to look in the direction of the bush, I was pleasantly surprised to see a rock dassie popping out of the bush. Yes, popping. It definitely popped out from the bush, like a rocket that had failed to launch properly and just popped out from the launcher.

It was so cuddly and adorable that I wanted to go over and hug it! But I knew the slightest movement from me would have alerted the oblivious dassie. Thus, I stayed frozen at my spot and enjoyed the sighting. The dassie sniffed around the rock surface with its animated face and nibbled at some plants near the rocks. It continued its little adventure exploring the rocks towards my direction until it spotted me.

It froze and stared at me straight on – face to face.

Time stood still for the next 5min as we competed to see who would blink or break away from the stare.

I won.

It started to turn and walk upwards towards another rock, turning to check on me ever so cautiously. I tried to turn my head slowly inch by inch towards the back to get a better view of the dassie, stopping and pretending to be a piece of rock whenever it turned around to check on me. It reminded me of a game I used to play in my younger days, where I would creep up behind a friend and everytime when my friend turns, I would have to freeze in my position, until she 'catches' me moving.

Just as I was in a totally uncomfortable position, with my head twisted more than 110 degrees at my neck, the dassie decided to stop and challenged me again.

Time stood still for another 5min as we started our second competition. It was really not easy. I was in an awkward position. I was starting to have pins & needles at my feet, my hands were starting to freeze due to the cold morning breeze, and I wasn't getting enough oxygen or blood to my brain due to my twisted neck. The rock dassie obviously had a better advantage this time round. I was quite sure I saw it smirked before it went up to the nearest rock, and stood up there with its head up high.

I tried to shift my body towards the dassie to get a more comfortable view. Unfortunately, my movement startled the dassie. It probably thought that I was a piece of fallen rock, and did not expect me to move. It quickly scampered behind some grasses and disappeared from my view.
Gesh. What an idiot. Myself, I mean.

Disappointed, I went back to my original position, completed the chew in my mouth which had stayed untouched since the start of the encounter, before taking a second bite off the burger in my hands.

Yo, what a morning breakfast in the veld.

Scrapping Leftovers

2008-11-01T04:02:00.000-07:00

I went on a spending spree yesterday. I splurged R90 (including tips) on a sushi set at a local restaurant and R13 for a bag of chips & drink. For two weeks, I have managed to survive without spending a single cent. I was rather proud of myself. At the same time, I was also taken aback by my own behaviour and what I had done to save up money. It was not something that I would normally do.

I was fortunate to be assigned to coordinate the LoveLife group who were taking our meals. Thus, I had the opportunity to have at least one meal with them daily, and I would packed some of the leftovers, freezing them for future use. I would strategised such that I have just enough for myself over the weekends, and during lunch or dinner. I would also try to exercise my creativity to create new dishes from the leftovers, instead of eating the same combination =).

Yo, looking back at the last two weeks. I really cannot believe what I was doing. I did not expect myself to be scrapping for leftovers. Nevertheless, other than saving money, the benefits were that I did not have to do much cooking and that I did not take much meat, since leftovers were usually just the rice, sauce and mix vegetables. The problem was that I had more carbo than I would normally take! Plus, I am also taking larger servings than I would normally have taken.

Unfortunately, I am now back to normalcy. Will be starting to cook my normal meals tomorrow! Thinking back, wow, it really had been an interesting two weeks!

Taking Time Off - An Alien Concept

2008-11-01T03:47:00.000-07:00

“But what can I do if I take off?” I candidly replied to my supervisor who felt that I was working too hard, and should take some time off.

“Er, you can sleep in later or tidy your house?” Sandra earnestly suggested.

I further explained that since I wake up daily at 5.30am, it was difficult for me to sleep in. Even on weekends, I “sleep in” till at most 7 plus. And tidy the house? Because I do keep my little house tidy and neat on a daily basis. It doesn't take much time for me during the weekends to do my more extensive household chores. I reassured her that I would definitely take time off when I feel exhausted, and need time to rest.

Actually, there are also other reasons why I don't take time off.

1) An Alien Concept
As a teacher, I don't calculate the hours that is put into work on a monthly basis, nor do I have the option of taking time off just because I have worked over the stipulated hours. When work needs to be done, it needs to be done. And there is no such thing as I have finished all my work and I can go home early. And as a teacher, unless I am really sick and have a MC, I would not stay at home or do my own things while my colleagues are still at work. It just doesn't feel right to just take a day off.

2) Already Taking Time Off
On average, I have been working 9-10h daily for the month of October. For a person who used to leave home for work before sunrise and return after sunset, working for an average of 12h daily, it is already a luxury to be back home by 5pm. Also, because I do not have to bring work home, I could sleep a full 8h on a daily basis. Moreover, I get to do caneoing or go on hikes almost on weekly basis during office hours, and I can even clock these leisure activities as “work time”! What more can I ask for?

However, I must admit that if I had a car or there is reliable public transport to Clarens or Bethlehem, I would probably take time off to explore the towns. Nevertheless, would do that when david comes around, and we can explore the towns together.

In the meantime, taking time off? Nagh... maybe when I'm really sick or need to rest...

Death of Shortie

2008-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

I reached over and gave her cold hands a long hard squeeze. She looked sadly into my eyes and struggled to respond with a weak smile, indicating that she had understood and appreciated my well wishes. Somehow, both of us seemed to know that it would be probably the last time that we meet. I gave her one last concerned look before I closed the door of the caddy. Please let her survive through this, I muttered under my breathe as I watched the caddy drive away.

“CHI!!!!!”, Esther welcomed me into the kitchen in her usual way, hugging me as if I were her life-size Teddie bear. We had bonded within the first few days I arrived at Golden Gate. Perhaps it was because I would always greet her, in my broken Sotho, with a bow in respect, or maybe it was because I had bothered to find out her name and called her Esther rather than Shortie (her nickname as everyone knew her by – she's below 1.5m). Despite our inability to communicate in English or Sotho, we often laughed and hugged each other when we met. I quickly adopted her as a mother figure in this new foreign environment.

Thus, I felt a surge of anger when I heard how she died.

Esther had been feeling very weak and breathless for a few days before she was driven to the nearest hospital at Phuthaditjabah. She had been in and out of hospital, and doctors could not give an explanation as to what was wrong with her. Her family went to visit her last Thursday. They found her bed empty and was puzzled. Upon asking the nurse on duty, they found out that Esther had already passed away on Monday. The nurse claimed that the hospital did not have the contact numbers of the family, and thus was not able to contact them. When they searched the case file, Esther's family pointed out the contact numbers that were written clearly in the documents... ...

I was horrified.

How can a hospital not even take the slightest effort to inform the family of a patient who has died? And this was the nearest hospital that we (people living in Golden Gate) have to depend on if anything happens to us???!!!!! I hope I never have to be hospitalised when I am here, or even seek medical treatment at a hospital or clinic.

I hoped that Esther passed away peacefully, and that it wasn't because of the negligence of the doctors/hospital, but the fact that she was already old. The kitchen now looked strange without her around. Although the new staff is friendly and we exchange smiles and greetings, it is just different from Esther's daily yo-i've-not-seen-you-for-a-long-time-and-i-really-miss-you hugs.

Bye, Esther a.k.a Shortie . You will be remembered.

My Love Life

2008-10-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

“Here's something for your love life,” Nelly, my colleague, passed a piece of paper into my hands. Sandra, my supervisor, gave me a weird what-can-nelly-share-with-me-about-my-love-life look.

“It's the invoice for the Lovelife group,” I clarified.

A few weeks ago, I have been given the task to coordinate the Lovelife group. Lovelife seek to help the youth of SA, especially to provide opportunities for youth from disadvantaged background and to encourage them to lead a meaningful and fruitful life. This camp is the last phase of the Lovelife programme. The participants have gone through a series of leadership exposure and are attending the camp to prepare them for the "outside" world. Through this camp, they learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses and what suits them as a career through personality tests and discussions by the facilitators.

Initially, I thought I would have several problems with the Lovelife group. Based on last year reports, there were several problems with their requirements and the facilitators were also far from being role models. Members of the group were also difficult to control, were noisy and rowdy.

My first love life group has just ended, and it was one of the best group that I ever had.

The group was very well-disciplined. I was immediately impressed the first day when the main facilitator Max asked the participants why lovelife chose to come to golden gate. As a young adult, he was able to control the group, and the group was also participative. Throughout the entire camp, not only did the facilitators managed the group well, even the participants had control over their own group. It was fun being with them throughout the week.

Bringing them for canoeing was not work. It was like an outing with a group of friends. It was one of the most pleasant group that I brought. There was no splashing or shouting. Everyone was just enjoying the serenity of the place. It was very heartwarming to see the excitement in many of the faces.

Bringing them for a walk at cathedral cave was not work. The participants followed instructions well and walked in a line throughout the session. They asked a lot of questions, and listened attentively when I was presenting. It was amazing. In the cave, we had a warm sharing session and discussion on their Basotho Culture. Even though I was with the group for the entire day from 8am to 6.30pm, I did not even feel tired due to the adrenaline I had!

Thinking back, I have been working for 14h everyday for the entire week! I had to wake up at 5.30am to fetch the cooks, and only returned home at 8.30pm!

But the group was worth it.

A World Class Musical Written By Nature

2008-10-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

The whole room brightened for a split second, followed by a loud roaring sound so close that it caused my roof to vibrate. Heavy rain pattered against the window panes in rhythms with the howling wind. It was indeed a world class musical written by nature - the first serious thunderstorm that we had in Golden Gate since winter.

The sky was magnificent earlier this evening. The dark clouds gathered tightly behind the mountains, causing the sky to quickly changed its mood from a calm blue to a gloomy gray, A series of beautiful lightnings started to colour the greying sky, each followed by deep angry thunder. The scene was so intense that I could feel my heart beat faster with the increasing streaks of light flashing across the sky.

Another flash of lightening strike close, and I counted. One, two... it was quickly followed by an angry roar. This time, I swore my walls were vibrating. Clenching my pillow tightly, I cuddled underneath my blankets, and with mixed feelings, I prayed that my roof would hold as I continued to enjoy the world class musical written by nature.

A Slave to Technology

2008-10-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: I don't think you can truly understand what I am saying or understand how I am feeling in this blog entry. Nevertheless, I am doing what Singaporeans are best in doing – complaining. So, just bear with my rumblings.

I was so angry that I could feel my chest tightened immediately. I had to close my eyes and breath slowly and deeply to calm myself down. I could feel tears swelling in my eyes. Tears from anger, not from being upset. The knots in my temple were so tight that my head would probably burst at the slightest touch. I had never been so frustrated and angry in my life.

Never. Ever.

I was surfing on the net on the evening of 18 Oct when my data credits ran out. When I tried to purchase more data bundles (at R80 for 100mb), I was told that I was only allowed to do so once a month. I had to wait till after 24 Oct to make my second purchase. I couldn't believe what I heard! Nobody from the service provider could give me a reason for such a rule. Which means that I only have two choices – pay R2 per mb or go without internet access till 24 Oct.

How can I be paying R2 per mb when my budget is R100 per week?
Also, why would I pay R2 (S$0.35) for a miserable mb, i.e. R160 ($30) for just 80mb to surf facebook, when R160 could probably buy me UNLIMitED access back home. Not to mention that R160 can also buy me 30 pieces of chicken (R90), 5 heads of cabbage (R35), 5 bags of carrots (R25)and 15 onions (R10)!

I feel miserable.

And ANGRY.

Reason 1
Because of the lack of competition and expertise, technology is ridiculously expensive over here. Games that usually we can buy for $10 at petrol stations are sold at $50 over here. Computer cables/wire that would cost $6 to $8 back home are sold in shops at $30 to $40. The same wireless modem that can be purchased for $120 in Singapore cost $350 here.

Reason 2
It is not just the high cost of technology that is pissing me off. It is also the arrogance of the SERVICE providers. How can MTN, the only network that I can use in Golden Gate, call themselves the SERVICE providers when their service plans actually blatantly “milks” the customer?

1st – you can only purchase data bundles once a month, i.e. you are forced to spend more money to purchase a larger bundle or end up paying R2 per mb when your original bundle is used up

2nd – even if you purchase a larger bundle (e.g. 1G ), it will also also expire after one month, and you cannot carry the data over.

Which means to say that if you are working online, and suddenly you have used up your data bundle before the month ends – too bad, you have to continue your work paying exorbitant prices, and the next month you just have to learn your lesson and purchase a larger data bundle.

And you call that service?

Reason 3
The lack of IT competency also frustrates me. Recently, I had to check out a quotation for laptop repair, and I e-mailed a computer repair centre in Bethehelm. It scared me when it took them 3 days to reply my email. I can understand if a local school takes two weeks to reply an e-mail or they do not even have e-mail, but I find it hard to comprehend how a supposedly IT service centre can take 3 days to reply an e-mail. Also, they insisted that the laptop is virus free until I ask them to insert their thumb drive into the laptop, and use it on their own computer, which then alerted them of the virus.

Reason 4
Lastly, the viruses are driving me nuts. I freaked out when I scanned my thumbdrive and found that 471 of my files were infected with 3 different viruses. And I am quite sure that at least another virus have not been identified or picked up by the anti-virus scan as I am still having funny files on my thumbdrive that I cannot delete.

I am seriously trying to cope without reliable technology. I can handle and cope with all other “challenges”, e.g. having no water or clean water for a few days, having no power at times, having a tight budget etc. But the lack of realiable technology is driving me nuts. I have to learn how to manage my emotions while waiting up to 20min for the office computer to start up and load outlook for me to start working.

Thankfully, I still have this mini-hand-top to keep me sane by being able to type my blog entries and listen to music. I cannot imagine if my mini-hand-top is also infected with viruses. I would probably be zombified.

Can I live without internet access at home? Yes, I have already been doing that from mid Jul to end Sept anyway. While, on a positive note, other than saving money, I will definitely be posting more blog entries now that I have more time to reflect at home rather than to surf the net.

Challenges of SA Educators

2008-10-07T22:40:00.001-07:00

The knots above their eyebrows became tighter as they frantically looked through their packed calender to find another suitable date for us.

“You must find a date for us before the final submission on the 31st Oct, and make sure that the things that we talked about are in the final portfolio. There can only be one result and that's for us to succeed!” My co-colleague, Thami pressured the educators from Pheta Primary School again.

This would never be a scene that you will see in Singapore. Let me put it into context for you. Imagine you are writing a report or doing up a portfolio for the MOE NE Award, and the people from Singapore Discovery Centre not only demands that you make time for them during your lessons, present your portfolio to be critically assessed by them and you will also be pressured to be on your toes to complete tasks and guidelines given. I cannot imagine our Singaporeans teachers humbly appreciating this gesture, we just have too much pride.

Many schools here apply for the Eco-School award, do a lot of school improvements, but fail to give themselves a pat on their back due to their lack of interest or capability to put together a portfolio. Our job is to guide the educators to put together this portfolio. There is a lot of communication and hand holding to help the educators in this process over the year, from workshops to one-to-one sessions. I feel that it is a meaningful additional gesture by SANParks to help the community. Being with so many schools in SANParks, it is obvious that there is a great gap between the quality of education in different schools, especially between the private schools in the urban areas VS the public schools in rural and poor areas. And hopefully through simple gestures like these, it could help to expose the educators in more rural areas.

My co-colleague has this genuine interest to help the schools to achieve, especially for Pheta Primary School. She had seen a lot of improvements in the rural school, but was concerned when I feedback about the lack of content in their portfolio to her (based on what i had observed during the eco-school meeting). And thus she was really adding pressure on the team of teachers. I could fully understand where she was coming from, but my heart also went out to the educators.

Let me bring you back to the first scene where the educators are frantically searching for dates in their calendar while my colleague added verbal pressure. The Principal was standing behind and looking over their shoulders while the Deputy Principal sat beside them with equally tight-knotted brows. It was the 7th of Oct, exams are around the corner, and there was a list of more than 10 items for improvement on our notes.

Is the disease for awards spreading in this globalising world? I do agree that awards help to boost the morale of the school, educators and learners, it is also an effective guideline for the school to check that their systems are in place. However, it can also be equally demoralising for the unprepared educator.

One thing that is for sure, the educators here are also not having an easy time. As quoted from a South African teacher, Parween Khan, in response to people who comment how lucky teachers are to have a half-day job and have four holidays in a year, “Frankly this is a simplistic view and I have come very close to committing murder in response to this comment. So often have I heard this inane and uninformed statement, spoken in a patronising, holier-than-thou tone – and by so many different people – that it is just by the grace of God that I have not become a serial killer!” (“Setting Things Straight”, The Teacher, Sept 08)

Take a peak into the lives of an educator from an urban area -not only do they work long hours and write long reports, they are often also potential victims of violence. Items such as screwdrivers, penknives and the occasional gun can be items found during random searches. Not to mention having to deal with the many other problems such as teenage pregnancy/AIDs/discrimination/poverty of such Mt Everest magnitudes that sometimes make us look silly when we always have so much to complain on our little Bukit Timah Hill.

I agree that back home we are really working very hard and sometimes we multi-task so much that we burnout or forget our duty as classroom teachers. But we also do get world class training and support (in terms of funds and facilities). And really, looking at what the educators have to deal with over here, I feel that we need to just stop complaining, appreciate what we have, and just start acting. Let us manage the system and not let the system manage us.

My Grandfather's Test

2008-10-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

I have not talked about this incident for a long time but a motivational powerpoint slideshow that my colleague showed me today suddenly triggered this childhood memory back to me.

It was during Chinese New Year, and my grandfather was ready to give red packets to all his grandchildren. He showed us a bundle of red packets in his hands.

“Here, take one!”

They were all different, but all large and glittery, except for a really plain and small one. My cousins started to grab at large and glittery red packets. I reached out and took the plain one.

“Hey, how much did grandpa give you?”

We were comparing our red packets in the room. Everyone had two $10 notes, and we started laughing at ourselves for thinking that my grandfather could have put different amounts into the different red packets. He had made us believe that there are different amounts of money in those different packets.

I held on to my red packet tightly. I have often been the quiet one, so I got away without answering when asked how much I had. How could I have told them that I had a $50 note in my red packet?!

“Grandpa, I think you put too much into my red packet,” I innocently went back to him to return the red packet. And he gave a winked and said, “Keep it. You deserve it, because you chose the simplest and were not attracted by the size and glitter of the other red packets.”

There were two simple lessons here.

1) Be satisfied and you will be rewarded.
I was happy enough to just take the plain red packet. I did not need to have the biggest or the most glittery one. I feel that happiness is not defined by what happens to you, but how you perceive what happens to you. e.g. if I strike 4D of $100, I can either be really happy with the returns or frustrated that the amount is so low. And strangely, when a person feels happiness, he or she displays more self confidence, and are able to make more positive decisions that lead to positive outcomes and events.

2) Dare to be different and you will find unexpected returns.
It did not bother me that I was getting something really different from the rest. I am not advocating that one should always be singing a different tune, but rather don't be afraid if you don't have a good voice - just sing out loud, be creative with your voice or do something different. You don't have to pretend to sing along with the choir and feel miserable all the time.

It just dawned upon me ....

2008-10-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday 4th Oct 2008, 6:15 52sec ....

It just dawned upon me that I am in South Africa.

Alone.

Fulfilling my aspirations and dreams.

I have been just busy learning, adapting and being involved in the daily operations that I forgot that I am actually in a totally strange and new place....

10 years ago, i never thought that I would be where I am today.

I have always been fearful and weary. And had always prefer the “safe option”.

“Why don't you want to study overseas? Me & Mom are willing to send you overseas!”

I must be one of those strange kids who actually rejected my parents to send me to an overseas university. I wanted to be close to home.

I remembered also backing out on one community project in China because I didn't have confident with the organisers, and actually worried it was a 'scam'. I had lots of regret when the rest continued with the journey and gained/gave so much.

“You have made a very selfish decision. You should have done this before you got married.”

“But just go ahead and enjoy yourself.”

Moms will always be moms. They may not agree with your decision, but will support you all the way.

It may not be a big deal to many, especially those who have been educated overseas, but for me – it's one of those decisions that I thought I would never have the courage to make.

And it's also the support and encouragement that I have from home that gave me the strength - my hubby, parents, in-laws, relatives, friends and school. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to make this selfish decision.

Thank You.

Being Creative With Junk

2008-10-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

The other night my husband commented that he goes to the recycling centre less frequently now that I am not around. Back in Singapore, I was the main contributor to our recycling bin - with milk cartons and cornflake boxes. Other than recycling, more importantly, if we can cut down on the amount of things that we use or purchase, we can “save” more. Thus, I seldom purchase things unless I really need them – clothes, accessories, cosmetic stuff, shoes, can/bottled drinks, things with excessive packing etc. When my husband made the comment, it made me think if I could have made wiser choices in my purchases.

Especially, being here in Golden Gate where there are no recycling facilities nearby, I have been feeling strange when I had to throw away things like can be recycled. Moreover, I can see my recyclable trash accumulating rapidly (I have been keeping some stuff with the hope that I can one day put them in a recycling centre, or perhaps have some use for them), and I don't really have space to store them anymore.

Thus, I have started to be even more cautious about what I buy, and think twice before I buy things with packaging i.e. i try to buy more fresh food. It's more healthy too! Also I try to use the same thing at least twice before I really throw it away. So, here are some ways that I have tried to be creative with the accumulated “trash” that I had.

Hot Chocolate Cans (I took them from the Education Centre kitchen trash) – useful as mini dustbins for tissues, cotton wool etc, and also to put plastic/paper bags. The other one I use a can opener to create some holes in the bottom and use as a drainer.

Chocolate Bar Box (also from the Education Centre Kitchen) – useful to place cooking stuff. The box is nice too!

Milk Cartons – Unfortunately, it's hard to find a cow to milk for my daily calcium dosage, thus I still accumulate a lot of of milk cartons. Was looking at the sunset one day, and was suddenly inspired. It's now decoration for my kitchen.

Top of Milk Cartons – felt bad to throw away the rest of the carton, so used one box top to put my spices, the other to put rubber bands.

Plastic tray from purchase of fresh mushrooms – usually, i keep these trays to defrost my frozen meat a few times before throwing them away, took one to use as a drainer for my sponge (with some holes in the bottom that drains water into the sink).

But honestly, I feel that it is also because I do have a lot of time on my hands. There are no distractions in terms of television and internet. At home, at this time I would be hooked on to the net or the tv, and not writing this blog or thinking of ways how to be creative with “trash”. Anyway, the pros & cons of having the tv and the net deserves a blog entry on their own (tbc). Hope that this entry can help you to also trigger off some ideas of your own. Do share any other new ideas as well.

50 Things That I Would Not Have Done Back in Singapore

2008-09-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

It’s been 2.5 months since I left home for SA, and around 2 months since I have settled down at Golden Gates. It’s time for some reflection. Here’s a list of 50 things that I never thought I would have done, accomplished or experienced:

1. Drive at 140 km/h.
2. Be driven at 180km/h.
3. Learn to stop at Stop Signs.
4. Learn how to give way at a cross junction of Stop Signs without traffic lights.
5. Learn to signal on the left and put on the wiper on the right.
6. Call traffic lights “robots”.
7. Call BBQ “braai”.
8. Wear shoes into my house.
9. Wear my pyjamas and uniform at least five times before I wash them.
10. Wash my hair only twice a week.
11. Wash my shoes at least once a month.
12. Handwash my own clothes and linen.
13. Wake up at 6.30am to handwash my own clothes.
14. Wake up at 6.30am to cook my own lunch.
15. Make beef dumplings and sweet & sour pork.
16. Bake delicious pies.
17. Eat green apples.
18. Eat green apples everyday.
19. Give green apples to horses trespassing my garden.
20. Feel that Maggie mee is the most important invention that ever happened to Mankind.
21. Feel excited and happy when I found egg noodles in a Pretoria supermarket.
22. Feel excited and happy when I found a Chinese family restaurant in Bethlehem.
23. Feel excited and happy when I spot Chinese, Koreans or Japanese.
24. Feel excited and happy when I see Chinese words.
25. Learn how to say greetings in 9 different languages (English, Mandarin, Malay, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, German, Afrikkans, Sotho)
26. Speak to an audience of 800 in simple Afrikkans.
27. Watch movies at a cinema.
28. Watch movies at a cinema for S$2.80 (R15).
29. Watch movies at a cinema 48km away.
30. Survive for 2 months without television.
31. Survive for 2 months without watching shows on internet.
32. Survive on a budget of S$18 (R100) each week.
33. Be approached to loan money (it’s usually the other way back home, I’m the one asking for loans because I forget my wallet.)
34. Be wary of my expenditure and make every cent count.
35. Compare prices of food in a supermarket
36. Count my money every weekend to keep track how much I have left.
37. Sit in a pothole (will do that the next time I go to Cleopatra Pools).
38. Hold on to a one day foal.
39. Hold on to the torn rear of a one day foal.
40. Hold on to the torn rear of a one day foal in a caddy driving at 140km/h to the vet.
41. Feel sorry for the horses when I ride them.
42. Be at a dinosaur fossil site.
43. Climb up a waterfall.
44. Climb up mountains without tracks.
45. Do a presentation to people from UN.
46. Learn so much about astronomy and palaeontology.
47. Maintain a neat & clean office table.
48. Appreciate that teachers do not have a fix timeslot for lunch.
49. Appreciate that my school forces us to leave the office by 6pm.
50. Appreciate that my school do not let us into the office on sat & sun.

A Magical Walk

2008-09-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: Cleopatra Pools is a relatively unknown trail to members of the public in Golden Gates. There used to be guided walks to the location, but for reasons unknown to me, it has since been stopped. Before I went, some colleagues warned that it is a difficult walk and that one should leave early in the morning for the walk. I finally did the walk on 24 Sept 08. I don't think words can ever do justice to the magical scenery at Cleopatra Pools. Thus, will try to put more photographs in this blog entry. All pictures with me are taken by Alet. Enjoy!

It was a public holiday and I was walking down or rather hopping down Little Caledon River and taking pictures (literally enjoying myself hoping down the rocks – see below) when I found myself at the foot of Wilgenhof.

The Chi Angel on my right shoulder gave me a pat on my ear and said, “Good job! You had a fruitful morning. Now that you are here, you just have to walk up to Alet's place and ask her to go for a walk as planned! Wouldn't that be nice?”. Before I could react, the Chi Devil on the other shoulder pulled my ear and reminded me, “Are you sure you want to do that? It's a nice afternoon to rest and just relax! Why go and torture yourself? You just have to call Alet to cancel the walk.”.

That sounded like a better option.

“But Chi, you have not been exercising for the past two weeks! And you have been procrastinating to go for a walk! Shouldn't you just exercise some self control?”

“But Chi, you can also do it another time? Why must it be today? Haven't you walked the river already? Give yourself a break!”

While my imaginary friends continued their arguments, I thought that I would just give Alet a call and see how things turned out.

“Hello, Alet? Chi here. .....How's your assignment going on? ...... good good......Would you like to go for a walk? ........ where?........Cleopatra Pools?”

The moment i said “Cleopatra Pools”, I could feel an angry 50 ton hammer slammed right into my head. What on earth was that?!!!! How did the words Cleopatra Pools come out from my mouth? It was too late now. I held my breathe for the next few seconds waiting for a reply.

“Sure? When? Now?”

Another heavy 100 ton hammer slammed straight into my chest. *gulp*

My Chi Angel friend gave a huge grin, waved bye to us and *poof* off. There was no backing out now. I dragged my feet up the hill and met up with Alet. The next thing I knew, we were at the foot of a mountain. I looked up at the greenery between two mountains. Somewhere in the midst of the trees up there lies the Cleopatra Pools.

We begun our journey by tracking through the grass. “I'm not sure where the track is, but the general direction is over there,” Alet reassured me by leading in front. Er, ok, cool, as long as the snakes stayed away, I'm fine with walking through grass. As we trekked through the grass, I couldn't help but feel really excited. I'm in for a exploration expedition!

We took several rest stops along the way, and each time when I turned back, I was really amazed by the scene that was presented to me. The last stop before we went into the “forested area” was at a cliff filled with honeycombed formation.

We had to bash through the vegetation to reach the other side where the pools were. I was filled with emotion when I saw the enormous potholes appearing behind the vegetation.

It was really a geographer's paradise! I seriously didn't want to leave this place. It was so serene and unreal. The sounds of the birds and wind filled the deep overhang with acoustic music. And the potholes were like a huge art installation, carved into the floor of the deep overhang like the steps or footprint of a giant walking by. It gave me goosebumps just thinking about how the elements of water and wind could create such a masterpiece over millions of years.

That was not the end. As we walked through the forested area, we explored more and more deep overhangs, and saw dried up waterfalls (it's now end of winter). We even tried to climb up one of the dried up waterfalls to try and see what was on top. I kinda of freaked out halfway and was clinging on the rocks for my dear life. The wind was really strong, and my knees just went weak when I looked down.

There were several other beautiful corners during this walk. There were also many formations to study, to admire and to awe at. We took several pictures and explored nearby formations.

I was really sad when we had to leave. It almost felt strange to leave, although it had been less than three hours since I was on this walk. I felt that I had been transported to somewhere from a different time and space for many many years. “Please give me moment,” I told Alet, and looked towards the cliff. I closed my eyes and tried to absorb and remember all the magical moments that I had during this walk.

It wasn't a difficult walk. In fact, it was a really relaxing and therapeutic walk. It is really the best walk that I have ever been in my entire life. On one hand, I would really like to share this paradise with the rest of the world, but I also fear that human traffic can destroy the serenity of this place. I believe the beauty of this walk and place was also because there was no human elements evident at any point! I fear how ignorant people might draw their initials on the wall, and how high human traffic swimming in the pools would affect the future formation of the holes etc. We would never know the impact that we have on this mystical location if it opens up to the public. Thus, I sincerely hope and appeal to those who learn about these pools through this site, to NOT try and locate these pools on your own, but rather wait for official guided walks from Golden Gates. =)

Adventures of the Snowman

2008-09-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of me. I kinda like the way I look, with a nice smile, hands and a turf of nice hair on my head.

I was created by Alet & Chi on the 21 Sept 2008, Sunday, along Blesbok Route, Golden Gate. It was actually quite a miracle that I was born. It had been warm in Golden Gates for the past two weeks where temperatures during the day actually reached over 20 degrees Celsius. It seemed like summer was just around the corner. But suddenly temperatures dipped on 20 Sept, Saturday and it snowed on the top of the mountains throughout the night!

Fortunately, when Alet & Chi arrived at the top of Blesbok Route around 9am, not all the snow had melted. And with their bare hands, they started rolling snow around for my torsos and head. Alet made a huge ball for my lower torso, and Chi did my upper torso and head. I was really grateful to them as their fingers and hands were so frozen and numb from making me.

However, I was a bit frustrated at the by-standers who just simply watch Alet & Chi make me without helping, and just as my basic structure was done, suddenly everybody had a lot of suggestions and ideas. One guy put stones as my eyes, another even tried to make me a hand and put his gloves on me! I mean HELLO?????!!!!! Where were you all during the most difficult part in my creation – the poor ladies were the ones who dipped their hands into snow for me. It is so typical of human behaviour. During the most shitty moments, there is usually only a few pioneers who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty, while the majority just stand and watch. But when things are going on well, suddenly everyone wants to own it or me in this case.... fortunately, both Alet & Chi were quite firm with these strangers, and we took a series of wonderful pictures together! It was really fun! We used the timer and took many silly poses together. It was definitely the best moments of my life.

Soon, both Alet & Chi said their goodbyes and went to their car to warm up. They must have been freezing cold. I was sad to see them go, but nevertheless it was heartwarming to still see them hanging around just to make sure that I was okay.

Unfortunately, more strangers came along and wanted to take picture with me. There was even this young kid, probably not more than 3 or 4 years of age who cried when her mother brought her to me. She had never seen snow and it was her first time seeing a smart looking snowman like me, and i guess she was just overwhelmed.

More random people passed by and took several pictures with me. I started to feel glad that I am bringing so much joy to people around me, then this middle age man came along and tried to put his cap on my head. The next moment happened so fast that I didn't even have enough time to think, and before I could protest, i found my head missing!!!!!! I was simply horrified! My head broke and splattered into lumps beside my lower torso. And this homo sapien actually then placed his hat on my torso and took a picture with whatever is left of me. I was really mad! If I could move, I would probably perform a kamikaze full body launch at him and freeze him up!

Fortunately, along came another family whose grandmother saw the incident. She then tried her best, without gloves, to try and fix me up. Although i lost my turf of hair and my smile, but i did get back my head. She also tried to fix back my eyes. I was so touched by her gesture. While her family continued to take pictures and played in the snow, she was just working hard to put me back. I think humans and their behaviours are really interesting. In a short span of time, i was amazed to have experienced and witnessed such varied types of human behaviour!

My heart sank when I heard Alet's car starting. It was really time for my creators to go. As their car moved off from the sideway onto the road, they turned, looked at me and waved for the one last time. A trickle of water started to fall down my broken cheek. Was it the warmth of the sun that was consuming me or was I simply sad to see them go? I wasn't so sure, but I felt tremendous warmth and peace in my heart. Thank you, my ladies... ...

My Little Red Dot

2008-09-19T02:01:00.000-07:00

“Singapore! Oh, i know Singapore!”

“Oh great! Thanks for not asking me which part of China!” I replied, being really grateful that someone knows where I come from and that Singapore is not anywhere in or near China.

“Yes yes, i know, cos my aunt is also from Taiwan,” my new south african friend proudly announced to the group and continued to share with us the delicious food that his taiwanese aunt makes.

I just gave a polite smile. I didn't want to embarrass my new friend. I would find another appropriate moment to tell him that Singapore is also not anywhere in or near Taiwan.

I find that Singapore is not an easy concept or place to imagine. The only person who truly bothered to find out where I came from was Alet, the student intern at Golden Gate, and she said, “I really tried my best to find where is Singapore on the map, but i can't find it!” When i showed her the word Singapore on the world map, I had to convince her that my country actually existed, it was simply just covered by the little red dot used to indicate the name Singapore.

Another common question that I get a lot:

“So which city do you live in Singapore?”

“Er, Singapore?”

“I know you live in Singapore. What is the city? Where is your capital?”

“Er, Singapore?!” Then I have to explain how the island Singapore is a city. It is hard to imagine for many, especially when I tell them that my entire country can fit between where i stay in Golden Gate to the nearest town Bethlehem 48km way.

“So how does your country earn a living?!!!!”

“We focus mainly on manufacturing and services.”

“You mean like you make your own cars? but your country is so small!” Then i continue to explain that in Singapore we focus on high-valued and value-added manufacturing services, and gave examples on how we are one of the largest oil exporters in the world despite not having our own oil supply, and how because of land shortage, we also have several investments overseas. And how we have expanded our land through land reclamation to around 1.4 times from the original size. Somehow the more i described, the more unconvinced my audience became. The last straw was when i told them that we live in flat units as high as 40 stories, and that all 40 floors were just apartments, not offices.

Nevertheless, two weeks ago, I had an unbelievable nice conversation with the most unlikely person that had actually been to Singapore! It was with Charlotte (stable master @ GG)'s grandmother! She had went on a Southeast Asia tour during the 1980s. Her memory was really good as she discussed her adventures in the various countries like Thailand, Hong Kong etc she also remembered being in Singapore, and Changi Airport =)

My little red dot, my little red dot. Hopefully through this year, more people from this side of the world will get to know who you are.

Eco-School Workshop on African Time

2008-09-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

“I live in a country where the speed limit is 90km/h, please put on your seat belt and hold on to the door,” I told my passenger as I, not so confidently, tried to maneuver down the curves of Golden Gate Mountains at 130km/h. It was already 8.55am, and the eco-school workshop was suppose to start in five minutes time at 9.00am.

I was panicking.
I don't like to be late.

It didn't help that Senitel Primary school was probably another 36km away at Qwa-Qwa, and that we were, er hrm, also the organisers of this workshop.

Thankfully (although it should not be an excuse), the rest of the educators also functioned on African Time (i.e. anytime). When we arrived at 9.20am, only two out of six schools arrived, not including our guest speaker from a neighbouring school just down the road less than 1km away. Those who arrived before us seemed to be relatively calm and accepted our apologies as if they were very used to such situations.

After the arrival of our guest speaker, we finally managed to start the workshop at 10.00am with a total of three schools. Slowly but surely, more schools arrived, including one school whom we did not invite. One school did not turn up, and even the teachers from our hosting school apparently lost their way too.

Nevertheless, it was a good and fruitful session for the 5 schools and 10 educators who attended the workshop. Three out of the five schools gave feedback that the time allocated for the workshop was too short. In fact, after we ended at the workshop at 12pm, packed and cleaned up the place, there was one more school that was still deep in discussion with our guest speaker. It was heartwarming to see the interests and commitment from the educators, including the guest speaker from Letotolo Primary. Despite a rocky start, I believed that the success of this workshop was due to the following factors:

Focused
There was no frills. The main objective of the workshop was to help our eco-schools in their portfolios for submission on 31st Oct, and the agenda was simple: 1) Recap on the programme objectives & expectations, 2) a sharing by a green flag eco-school, 3) discussion & sharing of porfolios and 4) sharing of common problems with eco-school portfolios.

Expertise
There were three “experts” to help the educators check their portfolios and to share their experience. Thulani – an eco-school evaluator in 2007, he was able to share what the evaluators look out for, and what were some common issues with rejected portfolios. Mr Finger – a fellow educator that can empathise with the challenges faced by the schools and could give practical advice. Moreover, he had the spirit of sharing by showing his portfolio (both 2007 & 2008) for others to learn and ask questions. Myself – an educator that is also familiar with putting up portfolios & reports for school awards in a competitive education system. Thus, there was a high ratio of facilitators to schools, and schools were able to attain critical and constructive advice for their individual portfolios.

Sincerity & Passion
All the facilitators had a genuine interest to share their experiences and also constantly encouraged the teachers to believe in the value that they are doing for their learners and schools. One school provided feedback that the workshop was “constructive” and “motivational”.

However, during the course of this workshop, I feel that although a lot of issues were addressed, I still feel that many of the portfolios would not be able to meet the standards. The main problem was that right from the start, most of the schools did not know how to use to audit to help them choose their theme. Many had mismatches, e.g. their school audit shows that they did well in the theme “healthy living” and were poor in “heritage and culture”. Yet, the school still choose “healthy living”. Also, during the celebration of water week, they had lessons on how to save water (which falls under “resource use”). Thus, there was a lack of consistency. It was also difficult to educate the teachers on this concept. Moreover, it was already impossible to change the theme and their plans for the coming submission. I fear to think that the schools might just eventually change the results of their audit to match their theme. This will definitely defeat the purpose of the programme!

This opportunity to organise and conduct the workshop actually kind of motivate me to look forward to help the KIPs schools this year embark on the eco-school programme and project next year. To be fair to the schools, I feel that we need to inform them early, and probably also conduct this workshop during the mid-year. I feel that with proper guidance, educators need not be told one month before submission that their fundamental focus was wrong. It can be very discouraging, especially for a school who had taken effort in their programmes & portfolio but chose a theme that did not support the gaps that surfaced as a result of their audit. Ok, enough said.

TV in Bedroom? No Affinity =(

2008-09-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

I remembered the first time i had a tv in my bedroom. It was during my university days and I had a second hand tv in my hostel room. One afternoon, less than a week after i acquired the tv, i accidentally fell asleep on my bed with the tv on. I then woke up to a burning tv. Yes, it was on fire!

So, when my supervisor asked me if i would like the put a tv in my current room, i wasn't too sure. One on hand, i understand the benefits of connecting with the world and knowing more about the local culture, on the other hand, i fear that history will repeat itself. Fortunately this time, the tv did not literally burn. It just fused on the third day after i got it....

Living on 100 Rand Each Week

2008-09-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

Imagine living on 100 rand (less than S$20) weekly. This is my current challenge. So far, it's not been really difficult. I don't drink, smoke, buy soft drinks, snacks, no internet, no calls/sms on hp (only receive incoming calls which are free), no purchases like tv, microwave etcetc etc However, i do have the occasional craving and i treat myself to a pack of chips @ 11 rand (10% of my weekly budget).

Honestly, i am amazed myself and am rather proud that i am able to keep it up so far. It's like doing a social experiment. How long would it take for me to succumb to temptations?!!!!

Actually, the main reason why I don't really spend $$ is It will cost me 50 rand service charge just to withdraw cash!!!!!! & with 50 rand i can buy a 10 piece mix chicken parts (R29.90) + a large head of cabbage (R6.99) + a bag of carrots (R7.50) + half a dozen of eggs (R5.75) and still have change to spare ... moreover, the exchange rate in Singapore is more favourable, thus i try to stretch what i bring over. e.g. in Singapore i think i S$1 = 5.70 rand whereas here, if i withdraw money, it is S$1 = 4.70 Rand or something like that ... so, here are some strategies that i use to make my R100 last!

1) No need to buy air time (only receive incoming calls)
2) Watch movie only on tue ~ 15 rand!!!!!!
3) Buy cabbage & carrots as vegetables ~ they are the cheapest and are hardy
4) Buy frozen packs for meat, and seperate your minced meat into smaller portions and freeze them. e.g. R30 for 7-9 pieces of frozen chicken & R20 of minced meat (which can be seperated into 6-7 portions) can easily last me 2 weeks.
5) Compare prices, don't be too quick to buy
6) use lots of cabbage & carrots when you cook & only one portion of meat for any meal
7) beat 2 eggs and fry then cut into strips. they can substitute as meat when you do fried rice or fried pasta
8) use only half a packet of instant noodles and add cabbage/carrots & maybe max 1 or 2 crabsticks
9) don't be shy to take away (e.g. ordered a pizza @ R42, but only took 3 pieces and took home the rest, which lasted me for another 3 meals throughout the next few days)
10) don't be too quick to make purchases unless they are necessities like food, e.g. i wanted to have a small flask for warm water in the office but just took a cup from my room as substitute (and recently i got a small flask as a gift... *goose bumps* ...).

Actually, by also spending the R100 only on necessities, i can also save the environment coz i do not make unnecessary purchases and learn how to be creative with what i have, e.g. using my boxes as dustbins etc I really hope that i can last all the way till my hubby arrives in Nov. That's my target =)

Kids in Parks ~ A Great Concept

2008-08-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

“Kids in Parks” is a great concept! Sponsored by Pick N Pay (equalivant to our NTUC), pupils from disadvantaged homes/schools have a once in a lifetime opportunity to stay at Golden Gates for 3D2N. Once they arrive, there's a goodie bag with a t-shirt, hat, squeeze bottle and snacks! They experience various activities, such as canoeing, abseiling, hiking, horse riding, campfire etc. There is also a lot of learning opportunities on resource use, cultural heritage and outdoor lesson on water. It can be really packed and tiring. Imagine this, the first school comes in from mon to wed. when we send off the school on wed, we immediately pick up the next school who will be with us from wed to fri. i.e. every other day, there will be hiking, canoeing/bseiling/horseriding and campfire! thankfully we rotate our duties and there will be only two nights that we would have to work late! There are 10 schools in this programme, from late July to early September.

Nevertheless, It was very heartwarming when i read some of the reflections from the pupils. Many of them are thankful for this opportunity and for the simple things like food and nice dormitory where they slept overnight. The food that they had were really filling, and with fruits for every meal! With some schools, it was obvious that the pupils really appreciated the sumptious food which they may not have back home. The pupils just came back for second helpings and they really just ate! They were also thrilled by the opportunities to canoe, abseil and horseride!

I was very impressed with the pupils from Machaea Primary School. The pupils were very reflected in their learning, and respectful towards us and their teachers. They raised their hands to answer questions and even to ask questions. What was heartwarming was that although they did not speak English very well, and could only use simple sentences, every sentence that they spoke “hit the nail on the head”, and were reflective/good answers!

Unfortunately, not all the schools were deserving of this opportunity. Just finished with a school where pupils had flashy handphones, nice clothes and wasted food. I am not saying that they should not be given this opportunity to attend the camp at Golden Gate. In fact, they should attend the programme, but perhaps as a paying school. This fully sponsored camp should be given to schools who otherwise would never have the funds to bring their pupils. To be honest, for that few days when I was attending to these more privilege kids, I questioned my decision to come here. I felt that it was ridiculous to abandon my own pupils back in Singapore who probably needed me more. Moreover, some of these kids were more privilege than my own pupils back home! Nevertheless, this is only one school out of the many schools out there that are really disadvantaged.

After Kids in Parks, these schools will embark on another more long term programme – Eco schools, which some schools view it as very prestigious. Went to an Eco School Flag Raising Ceremony – Letotolo Primary School. It was more grand than our Speech Day. They had various VIPs, performances and the raised the flag with the national anthem, a mini police squad and salutes. It was an eye opener for me. The teachers doubled up as cooks to prepare a really sumptuous lunch for the VIPs. The whole staff room and main office was converted to a preparation kitchen. It was amazing!

Nevertheless, not all schools are successful. They also face the same problems where some teachers see it as additional work. Most of the schools that are successful have very supportive principals. However, it is important to bring the message across that building an eco-school is not about aiming to get the award or the flag, but rather strengthening curriculum & making experiences more meaningful for learners, and the flag/award is just an affirmation(& recognition) that the school's systems are in place. wow! Singapore MOE has trained me well =P

A Day at the Stables

2008-08-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

It had been a great day! After cleaning up my own house and laundry, I decided to help out in the stables. Started off by cleaning up the stables. Learnt a lot of new things, e.g. how to separate dry hay from wet hay, how to scoop up poo, how to scrub off harden poo/mud from the stable floor, how to saddle horses etc. To be honest, I don't really enjoy horse riding as much as I enjoy being with the horses – watching them, scratching them or even helping to clean out their stables, getting food for them, having them nibble at my hair etc. Somehow, when i was riding with a group for an hour, especially at the slopes, i just wanted to get down. I felt apologetic being on the horse. It had to work so hard to carry my weight. And i have seen how much they perspire when they are back from such journeys. I just reassured myself that at least I had helped them to clean out their stables today, and that they will have a nice place to rest in tonight. Anyway, I really missed home today. I see families and couples coming for horse riding. Reminded me of home, especially when Charlotte's family visited her at the stables – her mother, sister and grandma. Suddenly reminded of our weekly Sunday gatherings with grandma at my mom's place. Suddenly missed my mom's home cooked food....... *sigh*... anyway, it really had been a meaningful day! I really don't mind helping out in the stables during weekends when i am free. =)

Adventures of Saving a Foal

2008-08-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

“Congratulations! I heard it's a boy!” I shook the hands of Stable Master, Charlotte, and congratulated her on the new arrival of a pony foal. It had just arrived in the early morning.

Me and my colleague, Alet, were waiting for a group of people at the stable to have a guided walk at the Cathedral Caves. Fortunately or unfortunately, they decided not to turn up and we decided to go ahead to the Cathedral Caves with the horses. While we were about to get the horses, Bushman, one of the biggest stallion, suddenly went crazy and aimed for the foal's testicles. The next few minutes felt like eternity.

It was tragic.

Bushman dragged the young foal aggressively across the floor in circles. The surrounding horses were horrified, and there was total chaos. Charlotte was screaming at the top of her voice at Bushman to get him to stop. Bushman continued to slam the poor foal repeatedly on the ground. I froze. It was a frightful sight.

Suddenly, when Bushman let go of the foal, other horses managed to surround the lifeless foal and kept Bushman out. Charlotte and Alet immediately took the limp foal out of the chaos. It was bleeding between the hind legs. We had to keep it on the ground and apply pressure on its wound with a towel. It was shivering quite badly. I felt lost, not knowing what to do, or how I could help. I just kept stroking it's legs and applying pressure on the wound while others busied with getting the vet on the phone etc. The next thing I knew, Alet came with the cabby, and created space in the boot.. Charlotte had also placed mats in the boot. We were bringing him to Bethlehem (around 48km away).

When we placed him in the boot, his mom was furious and confused, and just kept coming to the boot. It was heart wrenching. When we were moving off, she just kept galloping towards the car, knowing that her new born foal was in it.

Nevertheless, in the car, we were doing what we were good at. Charlotte – being the stable master and the best with horses held on to the foal's head and stroked it, trying to comfort it. Alet – superbly fast, but not necessary safe driver, eventually managed to drive us all in one piece to the vet at 170km/h. Me – since i could do neither, held on to the wound, and in order to do that well, my face was at its rear end for most of the journey. My first real application of the first aid skills that I have learnt during my first two weeks of training in Kruger.

To be honest, when I was kneeling in the 170km/h cabby holding on to the rear end of the foal, for a split second, I had visualized the headlines in the newspaper tomorrow, “Golden Gate Tragedy – 3 Dead with Foal in Car Crash” I believed my heart rate was probably at least beating as fast as the car was travelling, i.e. 170. It must have been all over my face as Charlotte, who should be the most traumatized, kept asking me if I was alright. I just kept on praying that all would be well, the foal and us.
Charlotte was initially worried that his mom would reject him. Afterall, he was just born, had yet to feed, and there was no time for imprinting before we took him. Thankfully, he was not rejected when we got back, and now, he is feeding well, sniffing, trying to gallop =) He is a real survi

Someone is watching over Me

2008-08-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

i have always strongly believe that there is someone watching over me (is is God? or a Guardian Angel? Or is it simply because i have contributed a lot during my past life?). Whatever it is, it is one of my driving factors to keep on doing good, as an appreciation and also to be that guardian angel for someone. These are also the reasons what keeps me going and being positive. The fact that everything always seem to fall into place. Here's more reasons why during my journey so far:

1) The other ex-GVI volunteer from Singapore is actually a fellow Sungei Buloh Volunteer as well, and I saw her wearing a GVI t-shirt during our volunteer outing. It was strange coz we had communicated through email but didn't know each other! what are the chances???!!!!!! Crazily slim!!!
2) I met someone who was also going to Harrismith on the bus from the backpackers inn in Joburg, thus i had company. Initially was bit concerned about travelling on my own. although i never got his name, i am thankful for him crossing my path and assisting in my journey in GG.
3) my co-colleague is also an ex-teacher, and we have very similar philosophy and attitudes when it comes to teaching and learning. it gave me goose bumps when we graded some science projects with very similar results.
4) my 14watt light bulb burst and i was just about the replace it when i was given one as a free gift during the science expo. i freaked out when i saw what the gift was. i was just about to buy it that day?!

Strange? Fate/opportunities/chances are very strange. it always amazes me how things fall into place. Someone asked me what if one day something really bad happens? I am really not sure, but i hope it never happens, and even if it does, i believe that my coping mechanism will pull me through – there's always a light at the end of the tunnel, the sun will always rise again tomorrow, there will always be something positive in any bad situation.. ...

Settling Down At Golden Gate Highlands NP

2008-08-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sunny South Africa! Here I come! Counting elephants daily on a safari! Where's my sun block?! My insect repellent! My shorts?! My tank top?! My hat!?

That was for a few months before I left Singapore. The day before I left Singapore I was told that I would be stationed at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. I repeat, it is a HIGHLANDS national park where it snows and where summer doesn't reach beyond early 20 degrees Celsius. Let me paraphrase again, summer during the day doesn't get warmer than the coldest night back home. Currently in sunny Singapore, i already use a quilt at night (without aircon, just my windows open); plus I already sometimes turn blue after bathing at night due to the cold weather. Now, I am transported to a freezer almost 2000m above sea level.

I had to repack all my clothes & stuff.

I had to rethink my safari dream & anticipated experiences.

Nevertheless, I am glad i was told before i left. At least i would not be stranded at my snowy winter wonderland dressed in shorts and tank tops.

Thankfully, it is the end of winter at Golden Gate, and it is starting to get warmer. I have managed to settle down comfortably, and converted my little hut into a warm home. The previous occupants (former GVIs) were all males, as such my supervisor was initially concerned that it may not be suitable for a lady (*er hrm*) to live in. Other than the clothes line being too high for me to reach, the house is quite well equipped. The scenery infront of the house is also beautiful. Sometimes, the horse will gather and feed infront of the house. I also get the sun the whole day to the left of my house. The stars are also amazing at night!

My colleagues are really warm and new friendships are easily formed. Their friendliness made it even easier for me to settle in. It did help that my birthday was a week after I arrived, and they did a mini celebration – with balloons and a homemade cake. We also did a massive pizza together, it was almost the size of a small table! Thankfully, I could reciprocate their kindness with peanut butter cookies (which I learnt from Vishalla & Bridget how to do during the first two weeks training in Kruger).

Workwise, it is very similar to home, except that I am obviously enjoying myself more here. I am now involved in environmental education work. Basically helping out with groups coming into Golden Gate and raising awareness on environmental issues. Also get to canoe or hike or have a campfire at least once a week. Get to teach pupils and share teaching strategies and ideas with fellow colleagues. Weekends - busy with cleaning up house, laundry, walking around. Unfortunately or fortunately, no television =)

Food – currently there is Kids in Park programme, i.e. food is provided as the pupils stay in the dorms for a 3D2N camp. Nevertheless, there are still some meals that I have to prepare on my own. But it's fine, and I could try out many different recipes. Meat is expensive, but the rest of the basic necessities are easily available (about 48km away – er, although that's further than from changi to Jurong, i.e. the whole Singapore can fit inbetween GG and Bethlehem – where i get my groceries).

Currently enjoying the space and fresh air that is around! =)

Best Animal Sightings at Kruger

2008-07-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

They were like a cut out from a cartoon. All the tightly packed elephants were just staring at us. We were just looking at some impalas at Roodewal, Olifants, waterhole on our left, and just as we are able to leave, Vishalla alerted us to our right. We could see all their packed faces, big and small, at various heights, just intensively looking at us to anticipate our next move. Apparently, they had been staring at us for sometime now.

Suddenly, when they realised that we were also staring at them, they backup for a while before one of the larger females walked infront of our car and the rest of the herd followed and crossed the road. The matriarch then came out from the herd and faced us with her trunk slightly raised. She stayed protective and stood firmly infront of our car as her herd pass behind her. the moment was very intensed, and my heart was seriously pumping very fast. As the last elephant crossed, she finally turned and joined the herd.

They went to the waterhole to quench their thirst. There was this really little one that tried to drink from its trunk as well. It was just like a scene from National Geographic. Everything else was a standstill, except for this herd of almost 15 plus ellies. It was a peaceful sighting and finally the herd left. Just as we were about to leave again, another female that was limping scrambled from the bushes and crossed the road quickly, and tried to keep up with the herd. It was really a heart wrenching sight.

River at Skukuza

The entire episode was an amazing 15 min, and was the best animal sighting that I had in Kruger. Nothing can beat the ellies, not even the leopards or lions. There were a lot of other good animals sightings, e.g. over 50 – 80 buffaloes hanging out/crossing the road, etc. Many of them at Olifants, but I really have a soft spot for the ellies.

Olifants River (I get goose bumps when I see the river - like a scene from LOTR)

Lions feeding on a girrafle! Along the roadside!

There was another old female that we saw close to the road. She was so tired that her eyes were drooping every now and then (see above). Her trunk was so relaxed that it touched the ground. She swayed slowly from side to side, closing her eyes occasionally, and scratching her ears every now and then. She then took a bunch of leaves. Just as we thought she would be feeding on them, she took the bunch of leaves and stuffed it in her ear! We just kept on laughing and laughing. I think the whole car shook for the next couple of minutes! It must have been itching really badly! That's what I mean about ellies, you can watch them for hours without feeling bored =)

Training in Kruger

2008-07-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

The training in Kruger was very comprehensive and organised. There was a wide variety of activities. e.g. visit to skukuza herbarium, first aid course, SA education course, reptile course etc. It was a great experience to be able to travel around Kruger, along with fellow GVI mates , attending training together, cooking and eating together. For me, the best part of the entire training, other than the game drives, was finally being able to learn first aid formally. Back in school, we train ourselves by reading up or learning from our guides when they share what they learnt during first aid course. It was great to be able to be able to learn with a small team. We had mock up scenerios for us to train our ability to react and think when situations arise. Also, glad that finally I had the opportunity to try out CPR on a dummy. Definitely, i feel more adequate and confident now. At least now with our guides, I feel that I am in a better position to “train” or comment on certain first aid issues.

Another highlight from the two weeks wonderful course was the visit to a local school at Phalaborwa Gate. There were about 718 pupils in the school with about 20 teachers. Unfortunately, they only have 8 classrooms, out of which 1 was burnt down, and the pupils had to have their lessons in a make shift shack. Also, the truck which was suppose to bring food did not arrive, so the pupils did not have food for recess. It was really difficult to see how many of the children, some in their home clothes because they cannot afford uniforms, looking and staring at one lucky child, with his neatly pressed uniform, sitting on a chair outside the classroom having packed food. The teachers did not have a staffroom, simply because there wasn't enough money to buy one. The HODs and VP sat in a room that was half the size of our conference room, with the library books. There was only one computer in the principal office. However, despite the poor conditions of the school, it was heartwarming to see how the pupils work diligently and neatly on their exercise book. The classrooms though packed with pupils, had decorated walls, and one even had a mini science garden at a corner. The school has also organised fieldtrips for the pupils, e.g. kruger, coke factory and radio station. There was a team of willing and hardworking teachers, but lacking the funds to have a more conducive physical environment.

Another interesting experience during these two weeks was the cooking and preparation of food! We had to prepare the meals by ourselves. We were very fortunate as there was only 4-5 of us at any part of the journey, so preparation of food was easy. It was also easy to have teamwork, i.e. some of us prepare food, some cook and another wash (mainly Pete, the GVI coordinator, was doing the washing – thankfully). One thing that i needed to get used to was to eat sandwich for lunch. Generally, I am okay with sandwiches once in a while, but it was different from the usual hot lunches (rice or noodles) that i am used to. I can have noodles from our canteen auntie for weeks =P But having sandwiches for two weeks was difficult. Nevertheless, learnt a lot of new recipes! It will be put into good use for our 2009 Guides Camp! My girls was commenting during the last camp the menu was the same as the previous year =P It was a good two weeks of training, and also an adjustment for us before we go to our parks!

Recycling ~ Any real value?

2008-03-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

Is there real value in recycling? This question was posed to me many times, especially when my friends come over to my house and see the recycling bin that i have in my kitchen. The argument is that one individual cannot make an impact, it has to be the major companies or government that take the lead and make more efforts in conservation.

While I agree that in the short term to have maximum impact, these efforts should be driven by large companies and the government. However, that does not negate the impact that we have! The value of conservation can start from home, and our actions also influences our future generation. Recycling can be contagious!

I remembered a lesson/sharing by one of my uni professors (prof. victor savage). He shared about how he gave an overseas talk on conservation/reduction of carbon emission and was challenged by one of the audience. The audience asked him what car he drove to school. My prof was proud to say that he took a bus instead. Of course, he then gained the respect of the audience and me as well =)

The point that I'm trying to make is that all actions start from home and how you live your personal life. In large companies and governments, it is still the individual who makes the decision or at least promote conservation efforts. If we always have this mentality that as individuals there is nothing much that we can do, things will never move, and things will never change.

If you don't believe in recycling, do cut down on consumption as an alternative to conservation. Choose wisely and make sound decisions. Avoid purchasing items with excessive packaging and say no to plastic bags/styrofoam etc etc Just take the first step today, and after a while, it just becomes easier and easier.

My Other Half

2008-02-13T04:38:00.000-08:00

I really need to count my blessings.

When I married my hubby, I did not know that he would also care for the environment. I would already be grateful if my the other half does not complain when I set up a recyling corner in the kitchen and store "trash". However, not only does he support setting up our own recyling corner, he also helps to bring the trash to the main recyling bin periodically.

I was particularly proud of him the other day, when he decided to take public transport to Vivocity to purchase movie vouchers in exchange for tickets. I mean, we don't exactly live near Vivo. Today, he ordered a chicken pie, and when the lady wanted to use a styrofoam box, he told the lady to use a small paper bag instead.

I really need to count my blessings.

My hubby really supports me in what I do, and also participates actively in my passions. Many people cannot understand why he would allow me to go for this journey to SA for a year, while he stays in Singapore. But I understand that it is his way of showing his love for me. I cannot imagine how different my life would be if he had been less accomodating. And to some extent, I do feel a bit guilty as I feel that he is definitely more supportive than I am in this relationship. I would really need to do some self reflection and think about how I can provide more actively for our home/family before going on this journey!

I must be the world's most blessed wife =)

It's more than Cruel ~ It's Barbaric

2008-02-09T19:52:00.001-08:00

This was written in response (suntimes@sph.com.sg) to the article on how people are tattooing fish for 4D numbers (Straits Times 10 Feb)

No matter how humane people claim the process of tattooing (the fish) is, it does not change the fact they are branding another living thing -permanently. Even if it does not cause pain, the act itself is barbaric. To me, these are actions of the past, when humans were less civilized, and where slaves were branded and forcefully tattooed. Have we now accepted these kinds of actions just because the victims are now other smaller animals?

It is not as if the act of tattooing on fish is for research, where one can help to find the cure cancer. It is simply for the pleasure of some who wants to get 4D numbers. Can’t there be other less deeming ways to get the 4D numbers? Here are some suggestions:

1) Throw a pack of cards into the air, and pick out numbers.
2) Make a board of numbers and play darts.
3) Use mahjong tiles and get your pet to “pick” the numbers.
4) Draw a matrix of numbers (0 to 9) on the floor/sand, turn your back to the matrix and throw a one dollar gold coin to see which number it lands on.

I am sure people can get the numbers without subjecting the fish to unnecessary dosage of anesthetic and injection.

As for issue on tattooing on fish as a form of art, there have been many people around the world who readily decorate their bodies with tattoo art. So, I have no problems with that as long as the fish agrees.

Why I am Anti-Golf

2008-02-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

During CNY visits to family and friends houses these few days, I have heard at least five people spoke about picking up golf or are already playing golf. Well, while I may not agree with their choice of hobby, I have not gone to the stage of discouraging them from it in a serious manner. I don't think I'll ever do it either, unless its my own close family members.

I'm anti-golf. The first time I knew about the environmental impacts of golf was through my teacher. I can't remember when I started having such strong feelings against golf, but I remembered being very upset with my parents for picking up a country club membership when I was in Secondary school. I also refused to pick up the club during a trip to Desaru with my colleague (it was a free trial or something like that). While I acknowledged the many benefits of golf, from providing income for the local people to even sometimes protecting pockets of nature from urbanisation, I still cannot condone an activity that destroys massive forested areas and wetlands just for the enjoyment of a privillage few. Also, with the increased popularity of golf, more and more developing countries have started to clear their lands, and this is growing concern as these LDCs (with all their other problems) may not have developed proper accountability and stewardship to the environment.

Here are some articles/websites that I would like to share:
1. Impact of Golf Courses (Retrieved on 09 Feb 08) which also highlights the benefits of golf.
2. A Global Perspective on the Environmental Impact of Golf (Retrieved on 09 Feb 08) which gives details on the environment impacts as well as the impact on developing countries

It was interesting to read how golf traditionally is a game where the course "goes" with the environment when it first started approx. 500 years ago (e.g. using pasture land ~ maximising land use!), but has unfortunately become a game where it deliberately changes that landscape =(

Anyway, to all who are avid fans of golf, I sincerely hope that you can seriously think through if there are less damaging forms of sports and entertainment. =)

Showers of Blessing

2008-02-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

The Golden Shower (Cassia fistula) is another tree that I highly respect and appreciate. It is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves every 8-10 months, especially during flowering. It is absolutely beautiful when that happens (see below) as the whole tree simply brightens up the roads when there are very few leaves to cover the yellow flowers.

This golden shower tree is found along Serangoon Central, opposite the KFC outlet. There are about three of these trees along this road, which I would pass on my way back home. However, this particular tree caught my attention as it would bloom the brightest! It gives me a sense of happiness whenever it blossoms! And it's definitely a great stress reliever after a long day at work =)

What is also amazing about the golden shower is that (according to The Trees of our Garden City)almost all parts of the tree - the leaves, bark, flowers, fruits and seeds - are believed to have curative properties, and are extensively used in folk medicine to treat a myriad of ailments, from pimples, burns, wounds, skin diseases and worms, to cold, fever, flu and malaria, to rheumatism, epilepsy, convulsions, delirium and even cancer! People in general, are like trees where we are all unique from each other. So how then, can we make ourselves useful? =)

The Majestic Bismarck

2008-02-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

This is my favourite palm - the Bismarck Palm (Bishmarckia nobilis). I first fell in love with it when I saw it at Serangoon Central (see above). It's got this dreamy, where it's leaves seem to be coated with a layer of powder. I find it a very artistic and dramatic tree, with its large majestic fan palm. I later found out that the Bismarck Palm is native to the island of Madagascar! Wow! That made it even more exotic =P Here's some interesting facts that about the Bismarck palm from Trees of our Garden City - A Guide to the Common Trees of Singapore:

"The Bismarck Palm is dioecious, i.e. the male and female flowers are separated and borne on different plants. It is drought tolerant and not as subject to disease and nurtitional deficiencies. It is adapable to many kinds of soil."

So, after knowing about the characteristics of the Bismarck Palm, it became another source of my strength and inspiration - being tolerant & adaptable =P Of course, there are many other beautiful trees in Singapore, but this one has a special place in my heart =P

Insect Survey @ Kranji Nature Trail

2008-01-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

Insects? You mean mosquitoes? Cockroaches? Ants?
My relationship with my house's insects is simple. It is basically a three step approach: See - Smack - Wipe clean. Occasionally, I'll murmur a "sorry".

Although this is the general approach in my house, there are some insects that my husband and I show more respect to. We call them "The Friends of David & Weiqi". These important house guests include moths and beetles. We would usually spend some time admiring them, and then coax them to leave the house. On the event they refuse to leave, we are more then happy to make space for them till they leave on their own accord. Sometimes, we will take photographs, in rememberance, of them as well.

Perhaps it is because of this subtle respect that I have for some insects, that I readily volunteer to help in the insect survey @ Kranji Nature Trail. It is a year long project to collect data on the different types of insects found along Kranji Nature Trail.

It was an exponential learning curve for me during my first session today! From vaguely remembering that an insect consist of three body parts, I was eventually able to catch, identify and archive insects at the end of the session. I had the opportunity to work along with a great team consisting of Eddie, Teck Chye, Robert, Joanne, and myself. As amatuers in insect study, we spent a lot of time catching the insects and putting them into bottles. We also had difficulty pinning the more tiny insects. Nevertheless, we managed to successfully archive 23 different insects for the day.

With a keen eye and patience, I realised that there are many interesting and colourful insects to see in the natural environment. I believe I must have walked past many interesting things too quickly. Often, I am on the look out for birds, monitor lizards, and at most cotton stainers and spiders. Although I know that there must be a lot of insects around, hiding among the bushes, or underneath the leaves, I was still rather surprised by the variety of insects that we caught within a very very very small area!!!

Insects are one the smallest animals around, but their diversity is definitely the largest! In Singapore, many of these species of insects have extinct, and many more have been undiscovered. Alfred Russel Wallace had once discover over 700 different species of beetle "in one patch of jungle not more than a square mile in extent" (see: http://www.sochaczewski.com/ARTbeetles-geographical.htm). I cannot imagine the many more beautiful insects that will become extinct without being ever discovered!

After this experience, I will definitely treat insects with more respect. Although I will not be too quick to remove my ant traps, I promise that I will rethink my home strategy in dealing with our tiny guests. =)

Work Attachment Reflections @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

2008-01-02T00:03:00.000-08:00

Note: This article was written in 2004 Dec, after my work attachment @ SBWR, for the Wetlands - SBWR Newsletter.
The prawn census was one of the most memorable experience that I would treasure and share as I return to teaching. Friends and colleagues were amused that I would be willing to give up my holidays to work at ‘a mangrove place’ and ‘travel almost to JB’ each morning for five weeks. What they failed to see was the amazing learning opportunities that available at SBWR.

In the span of five weeks at SBWR, I witnessed for myself the rich natural heritage that we Singaporeans ought to be proud of. There are just so much wildlife and natural beauty around us!

People around me sometimes complained about living in a concrete jungle with little or no natural beauty, and grumbled at the lack of wildlife in Singapore. These people who would also often pack their bags during holidays, fly off to an exotic nature site in another country, and boost about their experience over dinner to their friends when they are back. These people may have witnessed the grandeur of the sunset at Grand Canyon or the majestic power of the Nigeria Falls, but they never bothered to explore their own backyard.

If I were to bring these people to SBWR now, they would probably not be able to call out the name of their own giant mudskippers, and would probably even identify monitor lizards as komodo dragons. They would see otters and think that they are big rats. They could witness their own estuarine crocodile half submerged in water and insist it to be a prop. During the migratory season, they would probably glance at about a thousand pacific golden plovers feeding on the mudflats, and ask,”Where’s all that beautiful chirping sounds coming from?” But alas, it is only if these people would be willing to come with me to visit a mangrove.

The good news is, there are many other Singaporeans who appreciate our own nature spots. From my understanding, each year, at least 100 000 Singaporeans would take the extra effort to travel to Kranji to visit our very own wetland reserve. I believe that we just need to sometimes stop in our fast-paced society and look around us. Nature can exist in small pockets. Every turn at SBWR and Kranji Nature Trail is picturesque. Stay at one spot long enough, and you would witness the place coming alive. As Singaporeans, shouldn’t we explore our own country and know it well first?

I was really glad to have trade my travelling bags for this once-in-a-lifetime experience to work at SBWR. I was very grateful that SBWR was prepared for my attachment. There was a well-planned programme drawn out for me and staff at SBWR were briefed about my attachment prior to my first day. People were friendly, and were very willing to allow me to join them in their work. Several of the staff also took initiative to share their expertise, organisational values and conservation views with me. The organisation also took initiative to liaise visits with two other Nparks Conservation Units: Biodiversity Centre and Pulau Ubin for me to have a more holistic view of the conservation measures in Singapore.
I had the opportunity to help out in SBWR research and educational programmes and activities. Some highlights of my attachment include helping out in bird census, bird ringing, prawn census, and conducting as well as participating in activities such as nature guiding, reforestation, coastal cleanup, teachers’ workshop and young naturalist camp. By participating whole-heartedly in all work that was given, I experienced working as a visitor centre personnel, educational outreach officer, ranger, researcher, clerk and even had the opportunity to do manual labour along with the contract workers.

I have definitely become more matured, and now truly appreciate the efforts and roles played by other people in our community. Through this attachment, I also had the opportunity to do a lot of reflection. I personally feel that the best insight that I had gained from this attachment is that I am now even more convinced about the role I play as a teacher. While I can contribute a bit to conservation by joining as a volunteer with SBWR, I believe I can do so much more by teaching my pupils well, and moulding them to be morally upright and environmentally consciences individuals who are proud of Singapore's own natural heritage.

When I was "Converted"

2008-01-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

There were hints as a child that I will grow up to have a certain respect for the environment. As early as in Primary School, I would wrap my gifts with magazines and cut out pictures from birthday/chirstmas cards to make my own cards. I would reused wrapping paper from my own christmas/birthday gifts for others. I would also concientiously use both sides of the paper when printing/writing, switching off lights/electricity when not requried, etc
I cannot remember specifically when I started my interests with the environment.
Perhaps it was the influence from my parents and the many travels which they brought me with them. They enjoyed travelling in rural areas to enjoy beautiful sceneries, rather than in big cities. As a child, I remembered being fascinated by a frozen waterfall in Jiu Zhai Gou (China), and awed by the snow-capped mountains in New Zealand. There was also a period of time when trekking Bukit Timah Hill was a weekly affair for the whole family (including my cousins, uncles/aunties & grandma)!

I was definitely also inspired by my secondary Geography teacher, Ms Mary Chua. Although we did not have technologies such as powerpoints/videos/internet, she still managed to make geography come alive. We learnt about river processes through models and role play. We composed songs about the Earth, and discussed about human impacts on the environment.

During my university days, my course mates and I conducted geographical fieldtrips and experiments. We went tracking around MacRitchie Reservior in search of natural streams, hang around in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for a day to study tides changes, and digged around for soil analysis etc.

While I enjoyed nature, I was actually more interested in community work (i.e. with people) due to my social work background rather than the environment. The first major turning point was when I started teaching. As a geography teacher, I got to read up more on environmental issues, and a part of me feel the need to set a good example and a role model in what I teach, e.g. taking more active measures to conserve & protect the environment. The second major turning point was when I did my 5-week work attachment at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (as part of my teacher work attachment programme). It was such an amazing experience that I signed on as a volunteer. Since then, I had more opportunities to interact with the environment, and to play a more active role in protecting it.

Why Rubberseed?

2008-01-01T01:04:00.000-08:00

I was helping out with a senior's research at a stream in MacRitchie Reservoir during my university days. While waiting for the rain (we were comparing run-off between forested areas VS urban environment), I heard several loud sounds, "tack", "tack", "tack". Upon investigation with my teammates, we discovered that the rubber trees were "dispersing" their matured rubber seeds from the casing.

It was amazing seeing how the waxy rubber seeds & boat-like casing float down the river! I collected some of the rubberseeds then, and till today, I still have them on my car's dashboard.

I chose "A Rubberseed's Journey" to represent myself, as just a like the rubberseeds that I saw floating along the river, I am now embarking on an exciting journey in my life. One day, I will eventually settle down on a bank and start to grow and mature. And just like a rubber tree, I hope to be useful, where my knowledge and experience can be of help to others.