Jiuzhaigou, China

Jiuzhaigou has been so well publicized that its beauty and majesty have been compared to shangri-la or heaven on earth. With the capacity crowd of 40,000 thronging this scenic spot everyday during its peak season in August/September, its lure to visiting outsiders often heightens their imagination and fantasy!

It was drizzling when we reached the entrance of Jiuzhaigou on 14 September 2016. From the weather forecast, we were aware that we might have to tour Giuzhaigou in rainy weather condition. Still the mild rain didn't seem to dampen the spirit of all visitors queuing up to enter. In actual fact, with an average of 13 raining days in the month September from historical statistics, it is good weather that may come as a surprise.

When I saw the huge number of locals selling "raincoat shoes" at RMB10 a pair at the entrance area, I could imagine that God must be having a hard time. Every morning, tourists would pray for good weather so that they would have the best view and under the most pleasant weather condition; the "raincoat shoes" peddlers would pray that it would rain so that their sales would be good to enable them to feed their families!

Much to our relief, the crowd that morning was small and we hardly needed to queue long to enter. Still, my guess of 8,000 visitors that day was still large when compared to crowds in tourist attractions in Malaysia.

We were fortunate not among such ungodly 

number of tourists!

"Raincoat Shoes"

Jiuzhaigou or the Valley of Nine Villages falls within Tibetan territory. The area was almost destroyed by massive logging to extract timbers in the forests in the past. It was said that some scientists who went there to do research were spellbound by the beauty of the valleys that they decided to petition against the logging activity. Logging was finally banned in 1979. The area was declared as a National Park in 1982. In 1992, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997.

Jiuzhaigou basically is a Y-shaped configuration of rivers that meander through valleys of this mountainous terrain. Along the flow paths, you find terraces where ponds or lakes are formed. Some are simply huge expanse of wetlands and in some areas, water drops over cliffs to form waterfalls. The varieties are simply spectacular!

I would say that a minimum two days are required to fully gaze and appreciate the bulk of the natural wonders of this rivers system. We spent a mere six hours in one day and managed to see just five of them! Still, it was sufficient to make a lasting impression.

Our first stop is Long Lake in full raincoat

Long Lake at the western upper reach
 of the river system

Drizzle did not last long and we were able to remove the raincoat and took more photos in proper attire.

Multi-Colour Lake

Multi-Colour Lake

Gran Lake at the eastern upper reach
of the river system

Group photo at the Gran Lake

Timber logs are still visible in Gran Lake

Five Flowers Lake

Timber logs are still visible in Five Flowers Lake

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Jiuzhaigou has been used for a number of movie scenes and backdrops. The Flower Lake was chosen for the shoot of the epic fight of Jet Li and Tony Leung in the movie "Hero" above this lake.

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Overland flow upstream of Pearl Shore Waterfall

Pearl Shore Waterfall

Pearl Shore Waterfall

Pearl Shore Waterfall

Pearl Shore Waterfall

Shimon Peres (1923 - 2016)

Barely three years ago in January 2014 (Read here), Ariel Sharon, the ex-Prime Minster of Israel passed away. Unlike Ariel Sharon, who was seen by many as a hawkish politician, Shimon Peres on the other hand was seen as a man of peace. "Peres Center for Peace" founded by him in 1996 sums up his legacy.

Future historians in looking at the Middle East will wonder what Middle East would have been like had the promoters of the Oslo Peace Accords signed in 1993 continued to helm the leadership of Israel and Palestine. Unfortunately, the peace approach was cut short after Yitzak Rabin, the then Prime Minister of Israel and a signatory of the Peace Accords was assassinated in 1995 by a Jewish extremist who opposed the Oslo Peace Accords.

Throughout history, people who dared to chart into unknown territory in order to make a difference faced great risks and adversity. Many paid the price with their own lives.

Shimon Peres once said, "The most important thing in life is to dare. The most complicated thing in life is to be afraid. The smartest thing in the world is to try to be a moral person". This probably sums up his conviction and approach for peace rather than confrontation.

He was a leader who dared make difficult decision just like what he said. "I worked with a group of people who argued day and night - professors, officials, the Minister of Finance - but there were decisions that I had to make". This statement is particularly true because I have met leader who just loves to solicit for ideas after ideas but never dares make a decision lest it may "offend" certain people or he may become unpopular. We find such kind of "leaders" among many of our politicians! What a shame!

But Shimon Peres' assessment of the Jewish people probably is the most accurate. What he said truly reflects the tenacity and endurance of this special chosen people called the Jews: "The Jews' greatest contribution to history is dissatisfaction! We are a nation born to be discontented. Whatever exists we believe can be changed for the better".

Rest in Peace Shimon Peres!

Orange Farm in Chittering, WA

On our driving tour to the north of Perth, we made a detour to Golden Grove Citrus Orchard Farm in Chittering, an orange farm earlier introduced by my daughter.

This is quite a large orange farm with a few rows planted with lemon trees. Due to time factor, we decided against plucking the oranges but buy directly from the counter. We thought that buying directly from the farm could be cheaper. In the end, we discovered that this is not the case. Oranges sold in places like Spudshed is even cheaper.

But for people who is keen to experience plucking oranges, this is a probably a good place to spend some time with friends and family.

Tokoh Guru

18 August 2016 marked a truly significant day in our calendar. Not only was it the day when my beloved "purple ninja" was finally sold off (Read here), but it was also my wife’s birthday - a double celebration made even more memorable because she was honored as the Tokoh Guru of Papar District.

What exactly is Tokoh Guru? At first, I turned to Google Translate, but the result was vague and unhelpful. Eventually, I found a clearer explanation from the Ministry of Education Malaysia. The title Tokoh Guru is not just a ceremonial label; it is an official recognition given to outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to teaching, nurturing students, and contributing to the broader development of education in their community. It is a mark of deep respect, celebrating not only years of service but also the positive impact and legacy a teacher leaves behind.

"The award is a symbol of the government's recognition of the sacrifice, integrity and contribution throughout their service. Among the criteria is that the candidate has a track record of excellence in the classroom, outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and education, active involvement in activities outside the classroom and community service, in addition to excellence in other fields. They must be a Malaysian citizens who were born in this country; as far as possible be chosen from among prominent personalities who have been awarded the title of Master at the state level; aged 50 years or over, whether serving or retired; are or have served as teachers, principals, teachers, lecturers or administrators in education services".

With these criteria in mind, the closest English translation I can think of for Tokoh Guru would be “Exemplary Teacher” or “Distinguished Teacher.”

It also becomes clear why such awards are often given either to retirees or, at times, posthumously. A teacher’s true legacy can only be fully recognized once he or she has stepped away from active service. Only then can the breadth of their contributions, the values instilled, and the impact they have left on students and the community be properly assessed and appreciated.

Award presented by the Deputy Minister of Works, 

Malaysia, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin 

who is also the Member of Parliament for Papar.

The two Tokoh Guru

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Our home holds a remarkable collection of gifts and souvenirs that my wife received in the days leading up to her retirement on 18 August 2011. Each item carries a story, a memory, and a token of appreciation from those whose lives she touched. I feel that now is the right time to share some of these cherished mementos.

The parting words of the Department of Visual Arts & Department of Indigenous Pedagogy of Keningau Teachers Training Institute on the eve of her retirement sum up her legacy in her teaching career.

"Thank you for being such a wonderful leader, an exemplary model and caring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for not being afraid to trust the citizens of IPG Keningau Campus like real people. Thank you for showing acceptance, approval and appreciation. These are all gifts that are so important for our development and we will remember you well. Words of encouragement, a little respect and simple gesture of kindness promote the perfect climate for working, learning and growing. Your attitude translates into a spirit of friendliness and good will towards other. Progress is easier in an atmosphere of creative freedom, joy and ease and we will remember you well. We salute the good work you have done, we appreciate the person you are and we thank you for your positive influence. You have passed on invaluable instruction and wisdom and created pleasurable moments associated with learning that will always be sweet memories and we will remember you well. Thank you for ensuring impression you have made in the lives you have touched. You are a great leader, teacher and great friend and we will remember you always. 

Retirement may be an ending, a closing, but it is also a new beginning. 

Happy Birthday & Happy Retirement!
17 August 2011 

From Jabatan Seni Visual & Jabatan Pedagogi Perimubi."

A portrait painting by a Lecturer.

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This year, her birthday was not celebrated solely with me. In August, Paul and Jun Shi returned home for a short holiday. On the night before their departure for Singapore on 8 August, they surprised us with a thoughtful gesture - pulling out a birthday cake from the fridge. It was a secret they had carefully kept until the very last moment, making the celebration all the more memorable and heartwarming.

We also spent an evening at Kokol Haven to enjoy the awesome sunset view of Kota Kinaballu.

Letting Go - My Old Land Cruiser

My work horse, a land cruiser which has been with the family for over 20 years was finally gone on 18 August 2016, the same day my wife celebrated her birthday. It had been a faithful "work horse" ferrying the children to and from schools in the late 90's and early 2000's. It had traversed across various parts of Sabah during the family outings. It had even gone as far as Brunei when we took a drive to see the newly opened Jurudong Theme Park. But the most unique description came from my grandson. He didn't see it as being painted purple. He called it "Gung gung's big red car!". He will miss it when he visits KK the next time.

But time is catching up and keeping it in serviceable condition is likely to become more costly. Rather than keeping it idly, it was time to let go. It was put on sale in Mudah.com.

After meeting with numerous potential buyers, one chap was genuinely interested with an acceptable offer. A handshake formalized the deal. The new owner, Ramli Mohamad however was worried that I would change my mind when I was away for two days in West Malaysia. He called me the minute I arrived home from the airport on 16 August and was keen to have all the paper work done.

In the morning of 18 August, Ramli was a happy man. His immediate plan - a drive to Kota Marudu with his wife! I am happy it is in good hand.

Reunion of MU Fifians

David Tow remains as the undisputed individual who could motivate the fifians to meet and be connected over and over again.

David Tow, a lecturer of the Faculty of Education of the University of Malaya was a Fellow of MU 5th Residential College in the 1970s. When we first entered the university as freshies in 1973 and stayed at the 5th College, David opened his living quarter in the College to allow us to meet and fellowship. We called ourselves the 5th College Christian Fellowship and the Fifians in short.

At around the mid 2000s, David and his wife Rosalina decided to relocate and return to his original country, Australia for good. Since then, they came back occasionally to Malaysia. Reunions were always organised for the Fifians to meet up with him and for fellowship. The last gathering I attended was in August 2009 (Read here).  He came back twice after that. I being in Sabah did not attend any of the last two.

A few years ago, his health deteriorated significantly after two strokes. Currently, he is wheel chair-bound and he can no longer talk. A procedure was done to insert a tube through the neck to his stomach for feeding because he is unable to swallow due to weakened muscle. Nephrostomy tube insertion was also done to drain the urine via a catheter.

Despite of his condition, he and Rosalina made another trip back to Malaysia in July. All of us knew that this would be probably his last trip back to Malaysia.

I and my wife, also a fifian flew to KL to attend a reunion with him and other fifians in one of the homes of the fifians on 15 August. Two smaller gatherings were held earlier in David's house on 23 July and 4 August. The one I attended was the largest with fifians coming from Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah. We had great time reminiscing old time, catching up on news about children and grandchildren.

More than 43 years have passed since we got to know each other. Most are now retirees and grandparents. Deep down, we knew that such occasions would become more difficult to organize because time is catching up fast.

Still, we had surprises. We discovered that one among us who had no culinary skill during our university student days is now a "chef extraordinaire" - cooking skill that he picks up as a hobby. KC Ho single-handedly cooked all the dishes we had that evening.

How the ladies looked in August 2016 as against in August 2009

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With KC Ho in August 2016 as against in August 2009

My wife with Guek Yean, (right) a fellow 

Batu Pahatian and also ex Convent girl

We sang, just like old time! KC Ho, our guitarist during university days is still equally good with the guitar!

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When the rest were busy cooking in Lar Har's house, a few of us had private moments with David at his home.

Least Expected Encounter With An Old Friend in WA

There are people that you cross path with for a period of your life and then part way and never to meet again. But by divine intervention or whatever you may call it, there are incidences that separated individuals may cross path again in a totally different environment.

I met Tay Eng Ping, a Sarawakian in 1973 when we both stayed in the Fifth Residential College, University of Malaya. He was studying for his Science degree in MU while I was studying for a Civil Engineering degree. In fact we were staying in the same block, Block D. He is one of those individuals that you find it difficult to forget because of certain unique ability in him. He has this exceptional ability in picking up foreign languages. Barely a year in the university, his Japanese language skill which he learnt in the university out of interest was so good that he was one of the five selected for students exchange to Japan. Since I left the 5th College in 1974, I had not seen or heard from him.

When I was in Perth recently, a uni-course mate also from Sarawak asked me whether I knew one Tay fellow who did his study in MU but has migrated and now works in the Kings Park Botanical Garden as a Botanist. I just could not recall someone by the name of EP Tay whom I knew in MU. He then added that EP Tay was from Sarawak and had stayed in the 5th College. Only then, the surname Tay clicked and this language specialist re-surfaced in my memory.

After a lapse of more than 42 years, we finally met in Lau Hui Wu's house on 16 July 2016. There was not a shadow of doubt that my guess was correct because he has hardly changed after all these years. The only obvious difference is that his hair has now turned white, much like all our peers! Incredibly, he remembers my Chinese name but has no re-collection of my English name. This is understandable because I started off with my Chinese name in my initial years in the University before switching to  using the English name later on.

He now even speaks French! After working for a couple of years in Malaysia upon graduation, he then moved to Singapore working as a Botanist in the Singapore Botanical Garden. Later on, he was offered a scholarship to do post-graduate study in France. For the course, he had to learn French which he picked up in 6 months instead of the normal one years! His language skill is truly incredible.

Lau Hui Wu (Middle) and EP Tay (Right).

At the Dragon Palace Cockburn Gateway, a kind lady offered to take a photo for us. The chap in the middle is  the classmate of EP Tay in St. Thomas Secondary School, Sarawak, Lau Hui Wu. He pursued his civil engineering degree in UWA and after graduation somehow ended in KK, Sabah. He married a Sabahan and worked in the Drainage & Irrigation Department before switching to practice as a consulting engineer. He too migrated to Perth after giving up his consulting practice more than ten years ago (Read here).

Geraldton

Geraldton, a town 425Km north of Perth turned out to be much bigger than we originally imagined. Though with a only population of under 40,000, it has almost all amenities and infrastructure of a big city. 

We spent a night in Geraldton and stayed in a heritage guesthouse called Weelaway on Gregory. As we checked into the Guesthouse, the owner, Jackie was keen to tell us that we have chosen the right place to stay, a place of historical significance. This is the first residential house built in Geraldton town and was at one time occupied by the first mayor of Geraldton.

Weelaway on Gregory.

Geraldton has a number of buildings of unique design and architecture. One of the buildings we had planned to visit is St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, a catholic church building completed in 1938. Unlike the old traditional single spire cathedral design that we are used to, this cathedral is built with a twin-tower and finished with a very distinct and striking brown orange mud color. It looks more like a castle than a church building. Before coming to Geraldton, I have read a lot about its stunning interior design. Unfortunately, we were unable to enter the building to see because it was closed for renovation.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

St. John Uniting Church.

Just like the pioneers in New Zealand, the initial settlers in Geraldton from UK brought along their Christian faith and built churches to keep their faith and to have a center for communal interaction. The St. John Uniting Church built in the late 1800's (Foundation Stone laid on 26 July 1893) is a small church building. Now listed a heritage building, its symmetric, simple yet imposing design must have been a pride of the locals during the early 1900's. Christian influence clearly has declined over the years!

Regional Art Gallery and some of the paintings on display.

Queens Park Theatre.

HMAS Sydney II Memorial (Day View & Night View).

Geraldton sits on a very flat piece of land. The only high spot in town is a little hill called Mount Scott which is about 35m high. On top of the hill is the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. This memorial is built to commemorate a naval cruiser, HMAS Sydney II which was sunk by a German raider HSK Kormoran off the Western Australia coast on 19 November 1941. The wrecks of both ships however are never found. The centre piece of this Memorial is the Dome of Souls. The domed roof is a flock of stainless steel sea gulls, 645 in total to symbolise all the crew of the sunken ship. We were there twice, in the afternoon and at night, to see the Dome of Souls and the sunset of Geraldton.