Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Pulau Ubin
At 9.30 PM, looking like a red-faced monkey and feeling like beaten to death, the only thing that keeps me awake is food. I missed it all through the day… however, the cost of it was extremely low. It has been one of the best days of my life since I came to Singapore and is also possibly one of the most eventful days of my life.
We had been to Pulau ubin, an island near the eastern part of Singapore. But then, that is exactly where the relationship ends. This place, in no ways, is like Singapore. No ‘$1000 fine’ signboards, no double-decker buses, no hawker-centers – it is an isolated world, one that is all by itself but still very much worth a (few) trip(s). It is rustic, full of greenery, surrounded by sea (of course) and importantly, fresh! It has winding roads that take you all around the place to various corners and beaches.
The interesting part of the whole thing is that there is no ‘transport’, so to say, inside. You go to this place on a Ferry from Changi Village. Once you get there, you can rent a bicycle for as low as $5 for the entire day and you are on your own to explore the entire place. All you get is a nice map of the whole island with proper signboards in every possible place. The rest is upto you – begin wherever, go wherever, reach wherever and do whatever!!
I’m sure it sounds very interesting – it was indeed!! We rented our 7 bikes and set off on our exploration journey. It was about 12 noon and we were energetic because it was almost years since any of us had touched a bike, that too in such a setting. We set off on a winding earth trail and reached a meeting point, only to realize that, had we taken the opposite direction we could have reached there in 2 minutes. Well, that is the whole fun however – it is a mystery, in spite of the map. Then we cycled along to the Thai temple and on the way, the pedal of one of our mates bikes came off. Imagine – after such a long ride, walking back to the base camp in that noon time. Fortunately, we had these shuttles plying around to the temple and we used it to quickly fix the problem.
The Thai temple was a beauty in itself. I was amazed – first time I entered a Buddhist temple. It was surprising to see a ‘Guinness’ beer bottle next to the holy shrine – which definitely didn’t look like having been misplaced. I still don’t know ‘why’ – but this temple was a revelation with the entire setting being so different from what I have typically experienced. That done, we set off towards Ketam Channel. My bike’s chain came off on the way back – It was a ‘n’ geared bike and I was jamming the gears so much that something like that had to happen. But that was like a ‘two-minute’ issue with such vast experience to support. Setting it right, we pedaled to the base-camp for lunch. Veggies have a hard time in Singapore and it was worse in Pulau ubin. Managed some food and got geared for the second half.
We visited Noordin Beach – a point that is like 50 mts away from what is technically Malaysia. We could actually see Malaysian land on the other side! We then set off for the Chek Jawa Beach which is apparently closed currently but for guided tours. We came all the way (biked for more than half hour non-stop in that terrain) to end up on the wrong side. It was almost five. We took a break at the Kelichap hut (there are 1000s of huts there which serve as guide points on your map too!) and decided to help ourselves by heading back. It was 5.30 PM when we reached and man… we were all almost dead. It has been ages I’ve had such an experience that involved so much of physical exertion.
It could sound exciting but it wasn’t all that pleasant too. I almost blacked-out at one stage after lunch. It was possibly because of the extensive biking and not enough food to support it. I had to get off the bike and take a break for nearly a quarter hour before I could get on the trail again.
Though I’ve covered many of the things, it was a lot more exciting. There were earth trails, sensory trails, discovery trails, swamps and much more to explore. There are these small shops everywhere and we took breaks quite often to rejuvenate. I could keep writing… but food is ready!!!
I’d post the photos as soon as I get them. 3 cheers to Pulau Ubin – my best get-away yet!!
Cheers!!
We had been to Pulau ubin, an island near the eastern part of Singapore. But then, that is exactly where the relationship ends. This place, in no ways, is like Singapore. No ‘$1000 fine’ signboards, no double-decker buses, no hawker-centers – it is an isolated world, one that is all by itself but still very much worth a (few) trip(s). It is rustic, full of greenery, surrounded by sea (of course) and importantly, fresh! It has winding roads that take you all around the place to various corners and beaches.
The interesting part of the whole thing is that there is no ‘transport’, so to say, inside. You go to this place on a Ferry from Changi Village. Once you get there, you can rent a bicycle for as low as $5 for the entire day and you are on your own to explore the entire place. All you get is a nice map of the whole island with proper signboards in every possible place. The rest is upto you – begin wherever, go wherever, reach wherever and do whatever!!
I’m sure it sounds very interesting – it was indeed!! We rented our 7 bikes and set off on our exploration journey. It was about 12 noon and we were energetic because it was almost years since any of us had touched a bike, that too in such a setting. We set off on a winding earth trail and reached a meeting point, only to realize that, had we taken the opposite direction we could have reached there in 2 minutes. Well, that is the whole fun however – it is a mystery, in spite of the map. Then we cycled along to the Thai temple and on the way, the pedal of one of our mates bikes came off. Imagine – after such a long ride, walking back to the base camp in that noon time. Fortunately, we had these shuttles plying around to the temple and we used it to quickly fix the problem.
The Thai temple was a beauty in itself. I was amazed – first time I entered a Buddhist temple. It was surprising to see a ‘Guinness’ beer bottle next to the holy shrine – which definitely didn’t look like having been misplaced. I still don’t know ‘why’ – but this temple was a revelation with the entire setting being so different from what I have typically experienced. That done, we set off towards Ketam Channel. My bike’s chain came off on the way back – It was a ‘n’ geared bike and I was jamming the gears so much that something like that had to happen. But that was like a ‘two-minute’ issue with such vast experience to support. Setting it right, we pedaled to the base-camp for lunch. Veggies have a hard time in Singapore and it was worse in Pulau ubin. Managed some food and got geared for the second half.
We visited Noordin Beach – a point that is like 50 mts away from what is technically Malaysia. We could actually see Malaysian land on the other side! We then set off for the Chek Jawa Beach which is apparently closed currently but for guided tours. We came all the way (biked for more than half hour non-stop in that terrain) to end up on the wrong side. It was almost five. We took a break at the Kelichap hut (there are 1000s of huts there which serve as guide points on your map too!) and decided to help ourselves by heading back. It was 5.30 PM when we reached and man… we were all almost dead. It has been ages I’ve had such an experience that involved so much of physical exertion.
It could sound exciting but it wasn’t all that pleasant too. I almost blacked-out at one stage after lunch. It was possibly because of the extensive biking and not enough food to support it. I had to get off the bike and take a break for nearly a quarter hour before I could get on the trail again.
Though I’ve covered many of the things, it was a lot more exciting. There were earth trails, sensory trails, discovery trails, swamps and much more to explore. There are these small shops everywhere and we took breaks quite often to rejuvenate. I could keep writing… but food is ready!!!
I’d post the photos as soon as I get them. 3 cheers to Pulau Ubin – my best get-away yet!!
Cheers!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
I'm left behind...
I have been thinking of porting my blog to blogspot for a while now. However, I am too lazy because it is quite some work that I need to do to accomplish this task completely. And what is the benefit, is another question I am trying to answer. All I need to do is have a hyperlink in this blog and so in the other one and voila, things get tied up.
For now, I am choosing this option... I would publish some of my 'close-to-heart' posts from yahoo 360 on to this space with time. For now, welcome to my new world!! I am going to have as much fun here because it is the words that I love!!
Cheers!
For now, I am choosing this option... I would publish some of my 'close-to-heart' posts from yahoo 360 on to this space with time. For now, welcome to my new world!! I am going to have as much fun here because it is the words that I love!!
Cheers!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
A Life just went by!
Name Nilesh,
Age 29,
Works for Infosys Technologies Ltd,
Married in 2001,
Has a 2 year-old kid...
It was under quite unfortunate circumstances that I got introduced to this person, only yesterday. I left office, unusually early. There were a couple of shuttles moving ahead, probably taking back the employees home, as I was driving my bike towards the highway. Suddenly the shuttles braked hard, my first thought was someone crossed the road unexpectedly - nothing new in this part of the world.
But, as I tried to move ahead, I saw him. He was lying right in the middle of the road, helmet broken, bike fallen by his side. My instinct said 'stop' but I wasn't really sure what to do. As my bike was crawling due to my confused thoughts, my friend, who was with me, shouted 'STOP!'. I did exactly that and we rushed across to him. There were a few people who stopped by and saw what was happening. My friend was frantically shouting at the top of her voice asking people for 'help'. The Road accident emergency number on her phone was not responding. Finally we got hold of two other people and we tried to lift him in order to move him to any nearby hospital (where was it? how do we find it? how do we take him there? - unanswered thoughts). But we could not manage it.
We had to act fast, time was a luxury. Infy (office) was nearby and we went back there to get our ambulance. Circumstances!!! The ambulance was not available. We took one of the shuttles that was available then and asked the driver to rush to the spot. So where do we take him once we get him in? Baner?? Or to this small dispensary nearby itself? Would it be helpful? - unanswered questions.
By the time we reached the place, an ambulance was already there. Nilesh was just moved into the ambulance. People who lifted him (noble souls) said there is 'no hope'. We got into the ambulance and rushed to the nearby hospital. As we put him in the ambulance, we saw that he had an Infosys ID. Fortunately, his phone was half-working and we managed to locate a 'kaka' in the Contacts list. We informed him about the incident. We also contacted Infosys HR and let them know about it. The ambulance was trying to rush through the evening traffic. Our dearest truck drivers did not even bother to give way for an ambulance with the siren on. It took us full 15 minutes to reach the hospital.
The doctor and nurses got into the ambulance to check his pulse and heart-beat. In a few seconds, my friend came to me jumping and said there seems to be some pulse. We shook hands after the seemingly victorious moment. But the examination took another 5 minutes after which the doctor came out. He started asking questions like 'are you related to him?', 'where are his relatives?' etc and my hopes were fading again. They took us inside to the doctor's office. There he informed us that Nilesh was no more - no pulse, no heartbeat. The happy seconds that passed a few minutes ago just vanished. I have never been so close to death ever before. I was blank and did not know how to react. I just walked out and sat in the chair.
There were frantic calls from his relatives on his cell. His wife broke-down on the phone. I dont know if we should not have told her about it. But frankly, we did not know how what to do. My friend was crying by my side. I, as usual, was silent and following my thoughts which were recounting the moments of the evening.
All of us know death is inevitable. But the way it happened is really disturbing. The sad part is we never think about all these things when we sit on the bike and take pride looking at the speedometer hitting 80kph. We don't even think twice before trying to sneak through the wrong side of the road. All this is because most of the time we get away with it scot-free. But when the move proves incorrect, the consequences are too heavy. I think of his family and I shudder at the thought of losing such a young one amongst them.
Coming back, now we are being told that he died on-the-spot. I certainly could feel a jerk in his body when we tried to lift him up the first time. I am quite sure about it. May be he did a mistake, driving on the wrong-side. But the only thought that haunts me is 'could we have saved him?'. Something tells me 'probably yes'. I accept, it was a brief hope, but not impossible. I can never get over this feeling for the rest of my life.
After all this, I come to office again today; We have a condolence meeting; People resume their work. And as it is often said, life goes on. For me, 'a life just went by'.
Age 29,
Works for Infosys Technologies Ltd,
Married in 2001,
Has a 2 year-old kid...
It was under quite unfortunate circumstances that I got introduced to this person, only yesterday. I left office, unusually early. There were a couple of shuttles moving ahead, probably taking back the employees home, as I was driving my bike towards the highway. Suddenly the shuttles braked hard, my first thought was someone crossed the road unexpectedly - nothing new in this part of the world.
But, as I tried to move ahead, I saw him. He was lying right in the middle of the road, helmet broken, bike fallen by his side. My instinct said 'stop' but I wasn't really sure what to do. As my bike was crawling due to my confused thoughts, my friend, who was with me, shouted 'STOP!'. I did exactly that and we rushed across to him. There were a few people who stopped by and saw what was happening. My friend was frantically shouting at the top of her voice asking people for 'help'. The Road accident emergency number on her phone was not responding. Finally we got hold of two other people and we tried to lift him in order to move him to any nearby hospital (where was it? how do we find it? how do we take him there? - unanswered thoughts). But we could not manage it.
We had to act fast, time was a luxury. Infy (office) was nearby and we went back there to get our ambulance. Circumstances!!! The ambulance was not available. We took one of the shuttles that was available then and asked the driver to rush to the spot. So where do we take him once we get him in? Baner?? Or to this small dispensary nearby itself? Would it be helpful? - unanswered questions.
By the time we reached the place, an ambulance was already there. Nilesh was just moved into the ambulance. People who lifted him (noble souls) said there is 'no hope'. We got into the ambulance and rushed to the nearby hospital. As we put him in the ambulance, we saw that he had an Infosys ID. Fortunately, his phone was half-working and we managed to locate a 'kaka' in the Contacts list. We informed him about the incident. We also contacted Infosys HR and let them know about it. The ambulance was trying to rush through the evening traffic. Our dearest truck drivers did not even bother to give way for an ambulance with the siren on. It took us full 15 minutes to reach the hospital.
The doctor and nurses got into the ambulance to check his pulse and heart-beat. In a few seconds, my friend came to me jumping and said there seems to be some pulse. We shook hands after the seemingly victorious moment. But the examination took another 5 minutes after which the doctor came out. He started asking questions like 'are you related to him?', 'where are his relatives?' etc and my hopes were fading again. They took us inside to the doctor's office. There he informed us that Nilesh was no more - no pulse, no heartbeat. The happy seconds that passed a few minutes ago just vanished. I have never been so close to death ever before. I was blank and did not know how to react. I just walked out and sat in the chair.
There were frantic calls from his relatives on his cell. His wife broke-down on the phone. I dont know if we should not have told her about it. But frankly, we did not know how what to do. My friend was crying by my side. I, as usual, was silent and following my thoughts which were recounting the moments of the evening.
All of us know death is inevitable. But the way it happened is really disturbing. The sad part is we never think about all these things when we sit on the bike and take pride looking at the speedometer hitting 80kph. We don't even think twice before trying to sneak through the wrong side of the road. All this is because most of the time we get away with it scot-free. But when the move proves incorrect, the consequences are too heavy. I think of his family and I shudder at the thought of losing such a young one amongst them.
Coming back, now we are being told that he died on-the-spot. I certainly could feel a jerk in his body when we tried to lift him up the first time. I am quite sure about it. May be he did a mistake, driving on the wrong-side. But the only thought that haunts me is 'could we have saved him?'. Something tells me 'probably yes'. I accept, it was a brief hope, but not impossible. I can never get over this feeling for the rest of my life.
After all this, I come to office again today; We have a condolence meeting; People resume their work. And as it is often said, life goes on. For me, 'a life just went by'.
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