Wednesday, November 26, 2008
MunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshi
Finally settled down to post about Outward Bound Singapore. On that very first day, we waited at the OBS meeting area for the ship to come to ferry us from the Punggol jetty to Palau Ubin. We did a lot of things such as ice-breakers, kayaking, tent pitching.
It started off with everyone playing concentration. i think at that time we all were still not quite used to interact with each other. But the bonds seemed to have started after everyone went into the sea before the start of the kayaking lesson. We went in, hand in hand, not letting go off whoever is beside us. That's the best "ice-breaker" i had. We then kayak in trios to a point on the sea to learn about capsizing, came back and went off to kayak for a short while. Then we went off to fixed our dinner and pitch our tent with the "magic sticks" and sheets.
On the second day, we picked up a load of 15kg on our back and move of from Camp 1 to Camp 2. It is about 1.6km walk with steep gradient, pass through the forest. Everyone supports each other along the way. We cheered, we socialized and bonded ourselves along the walk. In there, we did activities such as belaying and trust fall. I had my very first experience of flying fox. It is simply breathe-taking, 'flying' down a height of 6 to 7 levels. And if i not wrong, it was certainly the 'murderer' in all of us that doubled the speed taken for us to built the bond. We too have our own marathons. We battled very hard and got into the second, not bad already.
As nightfall, we were to venture into the forest again. Trusting our friends in front of us, we follow their lead. We the stop at a place and numbered ourselves. We then entered the tunnel in order and our trainer Dayah say these to us: "Are you scared of the dark?", "Are you afraid of being alone?", "Are you scared to be in a confined area?" and ended with "Don't worry, you'll survive". Its pitch dark in the one-way tunnel, rounded walls. My first thought was snake in the tunnels. But after a few seconds of confusion, it was quickly replaced by the thought of reaching the other side as soon as possible.
On the third day, we had land expedition. Carrying our 15kg load, we bashes into the forestry area, searching for our checkpoints to progress on. Tiring we are, but we showed teamwork and trust along the way. We had a lot of fun until it was disrupted by lightning and we were forced to settle ourselves in the shelter. Then i learn how to know the time using stones and who to invited for a birthday party and where to go around the world, haha.
When nightfall, it was like raining cats and dogs with strong winds. Luckily we stabled the tent beforehand. Very 'cosy' night as some of the kind-hearted members help to cook for us in the rain and bring in the food for us.
During the fourth day, woke up at 4 to 5+ to move to the setting off area, had sea expedition. We kayak from one end of Palau Ubin to the other. And that was like for 8 hours! Fun fighting against the tides. Ate coffee powder when was very tired and realised that it was actually very nice haha. Kayaking was still very new to me though, but then it sure was fun. Then we had a cookery competition at night. And we came in second! Not bad since we are like dumping every single food into it, haha.
But the very last night was disastrous. Do not know why at all, I could not sleep!
Then on the last day, we had water confidence jump. And yes, one by one, we jumped. Quite thrilling, haha, but i mean what i said before i jumped. Then we bade goodbye with each other and exchange our contact.
Comrades in Munshi are:
Dayah (Watch's instructor)AdamBenjaminCelineDarylFatinJasmineKelvinKia KiatLorrayneRafidahShuyiWei XiongWilsonYong ZhiZiHui
This is the best camp i went to and your are the best people i worked with. Thank you for being there in making this experience with me.
MunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshiMunshi
i will never let you fall...
...i'll stand up for you forever
