Gopeng Nature Resort

It's good to be home and blogging again. I've just returned from my UBS Annual Trip this year, and it was a blast (how not so? =P)! This year, it was different. For me, and a few others, it is the first annual trip that has been held in some place other than a comfortable setting. Basically, it was very rural. But the facilities were great, and the people,even more so. Can you believe it? Even the mak cik at the kitchen wouldn't let us wash our own dishes! But of course, most of the time we did anyway. Mr Ooi (who runs the place) told Pn Song (our mother in the unit) that he was very impressed with us. We were very well behaved it seemed, and the teachers could just let us be for hours without incident. And when Mother 'blooms with pride', how can we not?

Hahaha Pn Song is interrogated. I think she's saying 'I just want to be done and get away from this!' XD

So I, the responsible (ahem), beautiful, charming Assistant of the Trip Biro and Camp Commander, shall report back on what I learnt.

The head and the ass. LOL

We got to ride in trucks and shipped off like kambings and ayams. Wheee! It was bumpy, but it totally beats any rollercoaster anytime. Hang on for dear life at the sides, and watch for low-hanging branches lying in wait to slap the next unsuspecting victim. Captain Jack Sparrow warns us of these dangers with a 'Duck!' but gets hit himself. Pathetic, utterly useless. XD

This is where we live

The modules conducted were fine, Pui Ying's was a recap of the courses on how to handle peer pressure, and Ebe did Sex Education. Mind you, do not cringe or laugh at this. He pulled it off splendidly. I bet all of us have learnt something that day. SAY NO TO PORN!

PORN -> MASTURBATION = addiction,memory loss, loss of self-confidence, erectile dysfunction -> SEX = loss of dignity, addictiveness, underage pregnancy

* Oral sex (French kiss, etc) is sex. It is done to stimulate and arouse sexual desire before the act itself.

Makan!

Top 2 getting fresh with each other. =X

Another brutal truck ride later, we were unloaded at an Orang Asli settlement to trek all the way up to see a real Rafflesia. In all my jungle trekking experiences, I have to admit, that I have never seen so many people falling, or getting injured. I have to add though, that it is unlike ANY other trek I've been to. The gradient was just getting steeper and steeper ; after a quarter of the way, it was probably 75 degrees. Rope was there to provide a handhold throughout the way. And I must simply mention the guides. We never expected to be provided with so many guides : 12 for 47 people!! (or more). And even though they themselves slipped and fell, every 20-30 seconds they would ask 'Are you OK?'. They absolutely went all out for us; tending to injuries, hauling, pulling and dragging most up.

Orang asli settlement. Beautiful, really.

Many fell, and some just could not continue. Shin Ee had a cramp before the trek and had to stay behind. Fortunately, Xin Lin volunteered to stay with her for 3 hours. Bless her. The ones who got injured or could not continue were upset, I can tell you that. They were SO dissapointed at not making it to the top. But let me tell you, I admire their determination and spirit. They pushed themselves till they just could not go any further. 'Sometimes, the spirit is strong but the body isn't', Mother said. But its alright, we shall clap for them anyway for trying.

Pn Song, you rock!

The Rafflesia itself was dissapointing. It was miniscule, and there was no smell. However, it IS one of its kind, and how many city people can admit that they've hiked up that kind of trail to see one live? Not many I'd wager. But nevermind, 'It's the journey that matters, not the destination.' And this one's from me. Hahaha

Apparently it can't bloom fully because its 'senget-ed' XD

2 dead butterflies on the ground =(

All our truck rides were eventful. Here's what we did while trying not to fall, trip, or hit plants.

1. Negaraku
2. School song
3. Kau Ilhamku
4. Spirit cheer
5. 'You want some? Come get some!'
6. We Will Rock You
7. Daulat Tuanku!

The Kabadhi game was brutal. Its from India and the guys played it. Bruises were exchanged and a bit of blood was spilled, but no harm done. Its all in the spirit of the game. Even the girls had their fair share of it.

Both nights, we hardly slept. We talked about many things, some endulged in a Chor Tai Ti marathon, while others fought for the hammock. Others just gossiped and played games. For the seniors, it would be their last trip. Basically, a last time to bond with the members. And then, it hit me. With such force and brute force that I could hardly breathe. Next year would be my turn, my last year, my last chance. And I realised, that I did not want to go. This is one family I'd miss. They have shaped me in so many ways, moulding me into a better person. When I'm with them I see realise all the beautiful things I am, and sometimes, I reflect and I realise the ugly side of myself. So thats when I tell myself : 'I want to change, I need to change... And so I WILL change... And I HAVE changed.'

You never treasure something until you lose it. I think I shall quote all these things in my farewell speech, if given the chance (and if I'm president, or top 5). OK, now I just realised something very peculiar... Surprisingly, its not the fear, or the anxiety of leading the board that overwhelms me, but the thought of one day leaving. It cripples me. I feel like giving myself a kick in the rear for not realising how much the UBS means to me.

Do the Ebe . Muru looks like *swt* HAHAHA

'I think this camp is very good. I have never seen you all smile this much, its like sunshine around you all the time. I know that it is stressful in class, because we teachers have to rush the syllabus and have no time to nurture you. But the UBS makes up for it. I have seen a different side to you. This board is not only the best in Malaysia, but the best in the world. And I can tell you that.'
Puan Jeyanthi aka Super J aka J Coco
Science teacher and Special Guest at the Annual Trip

'When I see you growing and improving, and having the courage to come up to speak in front of people, I just BLOOM inside, like a Rafflesia. Because I am so proud of you.'
Puan Song aka Mother

'There is no board, no society, that can match us. Not even the Interact, the Librarian Board or the Prefectorial Board... I guarantee you that neither of them can offer you what UBS can. They don't nurture you the way we do, and they can never understand you the way we do. We cannot be categorised, because we are special. Every trip has brought me many memories. Memories which I will treasure forever. So please continue this tradition, never, ever, let Pn Song cancel a UBS trip!'
Ebenezer
UBS President and Head Prefect

'When we are on trips, there are no barriers, no status quo. It doesn't matter if you're a prefect, or a librarian; if you're in the first class or last. You're intellect is the last thing that matters. Everybody mixes with everybody, as is required. And I think thats what makes our bonds strong. Its what makes our unit one of a kind.'
Yours Truly.