Genting 28 Jun 2013
103
129
98
Arena Country Club 5 March 2014
93
122
Wednesday, March 5
Sunday, December 22
Left the FX company on 19th September 2013, barely 5 weeks in. Was heading for USA for a family holiday on 20th and I did not return to the company on the 7th Oct Monday when I was supposed to. It was not a good place for trader education. They literally leave you alone to trade the charts naked, purely based on price action. Very little communication between the senior traders and the newcomers. A lot of things were hush-hush, like what kind of package we will get if we get past the 3 month training. Like what is required in terms of the win rate. The company structure was weak. There are only less than a handful of seniors traders who are under the payroll of the company. The rest are marketing staff, traders who paid a good sum to learn from the chief dealer and newbie traders hired to be the bots for the company. It was a good feeling for me to be in an office in Raffles Place, trading forex and all. But heck I wasn't paid a single cent and all day long we just sit in front of the dual screen desktop and looking at the currency price chart.
Fast forward 2 months of rotting at home applying for financial jobs, decided it was not going to look brighter in my prospect of working in the financial sector. My ultimate goal was to be a proprietary trader, trading the company's fund day in day out. But without a good uni degree or any outstanding portfolio of my personal accounts to show, my application forms will be used as rough paper for firms that I hire to.
I took a turn for the engineering job sector I once tried to avoid. Emailed the HR lady from the engineering firm which I interned at and left a good impression in year 3. Was hired in a matter of days. Contract for a year under a management associate scheme. Supposed to be in project dept but end up being ushered in the design dept i interned in, because one of the design engineer was leaving on Christmas eve and I had to take over everything from him. Alot of projects to take over. I had no time to enjoy the fact that I was finally a salary man. Engineering calculations, excel sheets and a whole lot of things I know nothing about. The routine of waking up early each week day and rushing through my breakfast and going to work is getting me. But thank God for the pluses in this job- the people and basic job scope I already know, super near to home, new and better office.
It has been 3 weeks into the job now. The first repulsive reaction from my flesh is to quit way before the 1 year is up. Just couldn't see how I can satisfactorily handle so many ongoing projects thrown to me.
But I remember what the Bible taught me through the sermons in church. From pastors like Dr Yonggi Cho, Pastor Phil Pringle, Visualise that I can handle the projects to the end, speak and think positive. Know that Jesus is interceding for me unceasingly before God, reminding God of His promises for me. "Jesus is closer to me than my very breath," Pastor Kong always said.
Then again, the second reaction is wiser. That I remembered why I decided to apply back to this engineering industry, this company. I wanted to stop getting allowance from my parents. Turning 25, way beyond about time !!! And also I want to start supporting my parents.
Now that I'm down this road, I will carry on demo trading on my thinkorswim account while I save enough to put in the minimum deposit of USD$3,500. It will take me a year to save that. Then I will leave the job once I can earn as much in my options trading as my day job.
Fast forward 2 months of rotting at home applying for financial jobs, decided it was not going to look brighter in my prospect of working in the financial sector. My ultimate goal was to be a proprietary trader, trading the company's fund day in day out. But without a good uni degree or any outstanding portfolio of my personal accounts to show, my application forms will be used as rough paper for firms that I hire to.
I took a turn for the engineering job sector I once tried to avoid. Emailed the HR lady from the engineering firm which I interned at and left a good impression in year 3. Was hired in a matter of days. Contract for a year under a management associate scheme. Supposed to be in project dept but end up being ushered in the design dept i interned in, because one of the design engineer was leaving on Christmas eve and I had to take over everything from him. Alot of projects to take over. I had no time to enjoy the fact that I was finally a salary man. Engineering calculations, excel sheets and a whole lot of things I know nothing about. The routine of waking up early each week day and rushing through my breakfast and going to work is getting me. But thank God for the pluses in this job- the people and basic job scope I already know, super near to home, new and better office.
It has been 3 weeks into the job now. The first repulsive reaction from my flesh is to quit way before the 1 year is up. Just couldn't see how I can satisfactorily handle so many ongoing projects thrown to me.
But I remember what the Bible taught me through the sermons in church. From pastors like Dr Yonggi Cho, Pastor Phil Pringle, Visualise that I can handle the projects to the end, speak and think positive. Know that Jesus is interceding for me unceasingly before God, reminding God of His promises for me. "Jesus is closer to me than my very breath," Pastor Kong always said.
Then again, the second reaction is wiser. That I remembered why I decided to apply back to this engineering industry, this company. I wanted to stop getting allowance from my parents. Turning 25, way beyond about time !!! And also I want to start supporting my parents.
Now that I'm down this road, I will carry on demo trading on my thinkorswim account while I save enough to put in the minimum deposit of USD$3,500. It will take me a year to save that. Then I will leave the job once I can earn as much in my options trading as my day job.
Monday, August 26
Momentous Day
This is my first day of 3 months training as a FX Trainee Dealer. Although there is no stipends during this period and no guaranteed full time position thereafter, I do believe I am starting to see where God is leading me to. It has always been kind of a dream for me to be a trader. Having a 3rd class degree in Mechanical Engineering with no job experience in finance, which trading house HR will bat an eyelid on my resume ?! Honestly, I feel more satisfying and comfortable looking at price charts rather than doing engineering calculations.
My decision to decline a SGD$3k engineering job offer and instead apply for the jobs I really wanted to do has finally bear some fruit. Thank God I am given this fully sponsored training course to learn from the best people in the industry.
My decision to decline a SGD$3k engineering job offer and instead apply for the jobs I really wanted to do has finally bear some fruit. Thank God I am given this fully sponsored training course to learn from the best people in the industry.
Monday, August 19
Wednesday, June 26
Medan
Day 1-31st May, Friday
Our flight departure was 8:35am. The check-in counter closes at 40mins before it and we were advised to be at the boarding gate 30mins before the departure time. It was an unnerving time waiting for Shawn on the Jurong East platform, as he only appeared 15mins past our 6am meeting time.
As the crowded train chugged its own sweet time toward Changi Airport, we figured it was best to get off and catch a cab to the terminal early, in case there was a bad queue along the way through to the plane. The female taxi driver was one helleva of a driver. We took the full effect of her intense action on the gas pedal. It was really flying to Changi Airport.
Indeed we reached the check-in counter in really good time, and relaxed at the transit area for a quick bite at Dunkin' Donuts. Discovered a S$2 note at the outdoor area but we didn't want to pick it up.
It was such a beautiful sunrise that this shot earned the honour of being the first photo on my dslr for this trip. The flight was 1hr long from takeoff to landing in Medan. But the taxiing for takeoff was almost half an hour.
A driver we arranged through the hotel we were staying in Samosir beckoned us with a cardboard with "Shawn Tan" at the arrival area. Hurriedly he led us to the shared taxi. Shawn faced his first challenge, a wide drain which we had to jump over to get to the car in the open-air carpark. He wasn't too happy doing that since he was in flip-flops.
We didn't ask the driver of his name, but he spoke good enough English. Shawn and I were exchanging looks at each other in the middle row of the 7-seater when the driver kept looking out of the car on either side. I thought he was lost or something. Actually he went to pick up a grandma with a baby in her arms who squeezed with us on our row. Some of her belongings also came aboard. For like the next half hour, the driver and her were conversing freely and loudly much to my displeasure. Shortly after, the driver stopped briefly and the grandma changed her seat to the front. The shared taxi also picked up a middle-aged couple and a male teenager who later took our middle row and we were kindly asked to occupy the back row.
All along the way to Parapat there wasn't anything spectacular except for the terrible roads laden with potholes on the way out of Medan and just outside of Parapat. We had a short break for lunch and it was about this time my throat started to cry dry before I could get water from the dining table and the snack stall. My meal costs 15k and Pocari Sweat was 8k.
And yeah my subsequent days of feeling feverish and lightheaded started from this point. My dad was right about the drivers in Indonesia. Always beep beep beep on the road, like an addiction. Somewhere along the way, the three passengers in the middle row was dropped off and then the grandma with the baby much later on.
After 4 hours, we finally reached Parapat, a port town. Arrived on the door steps of this agency called PT. Bagus Holiday's Tour & Travel. A very enthusiastic Mr. Samuel in shades welcomed us and tried to sell us a tour package to visit the attractions in Samosir island. But the price was not attractive as we had done our homework the island tours. In maybe 15mins our ferry docked and we lugged ourselves to the upper deck. Of course we're taking the upper deck !
Midway through the lake, the boat captain asks all the passengers where they are staying in Samosir, which I did not understand why initially. In fact, the ferry actually drops people off at the docks nearest to their resorts (assuming they are tourists). This dock was the first drop off point. I just had to take a picture of these kids playing without regard for the incoming boat ! Laundry is also done here. Seen walking inland is Sarah and Harrison, a pair of young and dating travelers whom was sitting with us in the upper deck.
We showed the front desk our online booking document but apparently they were not expecting us. The room we booked supposedly had a good view of the lake and costs 400k IDR per night. But the staff brought us to a room on the third level which was entirely blocked by the roofs of the lower level rooms. Ridiculous. He said the room is actually reserved for a tour group and said he could offer us room on the second level, which had a great view. It was more expensive but we negotiated the price down to 450k per night for 2 nights.
By now it was close to 4pm. We walked to the next resort to ask about the island tour and they agreed to do it for 500k. Chilled a bit in our room and the lobby and dinner time is upon us.
We chose to sit outside the lobby facing the lake, but the weather turned stormy and we made our way inside. Our meal was interrupted by multiple blackouts and the wise bit of me turned on the flashlight in the phone and continued eating.
Samosir Juice is a tasty blend of banana, papaya, pineapple and passion fruit. The rice was made rather salty with a peppery taste which was quite flavorful at first, but the saltiness just reduced my satisfaction thereafter. It was time for a session of ping pong before we headed back to our room.
Day 2- 1st June, Sat
The desk staff told us the sunset is at 5.30am. Nonsense. The sun only came out after 7am !
We took to the lobby for breakfast quite late at around 8am and most of the food was cleaned up by other guests. Our island tour starts at 9am but since we had a little time, we went down to the Carolina Resort's lake front to enjoy the view. The lake was very clean and quiet. I was amazed that such an unpolluted and beautiful place exist in a country of 240 million people.
Our driver was on time and he introduced himself as Darling. Yes you heard me right.
These are the places we went in sequence.
Tomok
Main attraction is the old tombs of King Sidabutar. A very small tomb area surrounded by merchandise stalls. There is a minder there who will require you to wear a traditional scarf over your right shoulder if you want to visit the tombs and also make a freewill donation before you exit the tomb area.
Ambarita
The story of Siallagan King and The Stone Chair. Entry fee 3k IDR.
We sounded to Darling that we want to buy cheap souvenirs and he had the best deal. His wife has a souvenir shop just around the corner ! Below are some pictures of the dock at the end of the souvenir street.
Hot Spring
Was way off my expectation of hot spring. I thought the place would have nice hot spring houses, or big public pools of hot spring water. But no! The hot spring source was bombed and pipes were constructed and channeled the precious spring water to different hot spring houses. We didn't visit the houses at all, but it was very plain looking from outside.
Tele Hill
A popular vantage point overlooking Lake Toba and Samosir Island from the north.
At the top of a viewing tower.
This hill in the photo does not resemble anything I have seen in this region. Usually it would be full of trees like a tropical forest but this is very picturesque.
Lumban Suhi-Suhi
A village where the local women make ulos (batak blankets)
The sun went out and I tagged along with my friend to do this cream bath at this salon just outside the resort. There were two local women before us and it was maybe two hours before my friend got his treatment. Juwita Cafe was our spot for dinner. It didn't look much from the outside but it was very cosy inside !
Day 3- 2nd June, Sun
Day 4- 3rd June, Mon
Our guide Smiley drove his very well-maintained vintage 7 seater to pick us up at 4am. His fee is 500k IDR, very expensive on hindsight as the average Indonesian draws very little salary. But if you ask me if I would get him as my guide again, of course yes ! His hairstyle alone is cool enough. His English is pretty good compared to the rest of the locals we talked to. And he's featured in a TV series called Intrepid Journeys, where he guided Rachel Hunter through Sumatra.
Smiley had drove us a little up Mount Sibayak through a small road next to our hotel, and that leaves us with 900m to hike. His friend took the car downhill and would return to get us when we're done.
It was pitch dark at the start of the hike. My friend was handed a small head torch while I used my mega iPhone flash app. The first few hundred meters were steep roads, then it developed into small trails through the bushes, and finally walking on a rocky path along the face of the volcano. Halfway through the dark, I heard a very audible and continuous noise. I asked Smiley if it was a waterfall. The answer that came back made me feel stupid. "No, it's the volcano." We finally reached the top area ready to catch the sunrise perfectly. But too early. Even though we took about 75mins to get to the top, it was not less than 30mins before the sun came out.
For anyone planning to hike this one, the difficulty in my opinion is medium. Because it is tough getting up the steep roads when your body is not stretched and cold.
Still early, I'll just take a nap on a volcano.
My friend's photog skill turned this shot into something very different.
Only when the early sun lit up the place, that I realised the manner of terrain we went through on the way up.
Smiley opened his house for us to visit and we had a good time just chatting. He has plans to remake his house (which was halfway in construction).
His hospitality is just Indonesian style. Very genuine, very generous. His wife made me a remedy for my sore throat when I told him my irritation. And we dined with his family at Famili Baru Cafe which he greatly recommended. Yesterday Smiley was saying he was heading to Medan after guiding us up Mt Sibayak, so he also offered us a ride to the city. He didn't charge us for the ride, but still we tipped him a tidy sum for it.
Traffic was starting to pile up near the city but we went to the correct hotel at least ! Palace Inn, formerly known as Supamas.
There wasn't really an itinerary for this city leg of the trip, because I was supposed to plan this part and didn't quite get the job done. But to help both of us recover from the volcano hike, Zengarden Spa was on top of our priority. From the hotel, go to the main road behind the hotel and walk about 1km against the traffic. Along the way there will be shopping mall Cambridge on the left, and the spa is further ahead on the right side. For 149k IDR, you get 90mins of massage ! What I don't like about the session was that the masseur placed my one hand next to my ear and on the edge of the bed and I maintained that difficult position for the longest time until I decided she forgot to put my hand back and moved it back myself. And I had a head-fitting problem with the head rest. Just uncomfortable. The massage itself was decent and really worked off the fatigue in my legs.
The spa house was very kind to help us flag a becak (2 seater motor rickshaw) to get to Cambridge mall. It was walking distance to the mall, but since it was night and raining quite badly, we decided to get a ride there instead. There weren't many good dining options. So we decided to try Merdeka Walk. We were told by a security guard that because it was raining, the bluebird taxis were not coming in. And so he braved himself in the slight rain and hailed a becak for us. Before that we also witnessed him helping a lady with big carrier bags cross the busy road. You can't get many of these good guys anywhere !
Rain was coming to a drip when we got to Merdeka Walk. Settled into this place famous for its good dim sum and anything Indon food called Nelayan Jala-Jala. The Nelayan brand is a major restaurant group which also has branches specialised in Japanese food, and other areas.
Day 5, 4th June, Tue
Hotel breakfast was awful. The selection was very limited and plain. If we weren't that hungry, we would have skipped it altogether.
In order of sequence for the day, we went to
Masjid Raya
If I'm not mistaken, it is the grandest mosque in Medan. First time to a mosque for me. The main prayer hall has very delicate carvings on the main pillars and stained glass windows. The pavement just outside the entrance of the compound looks like some heavy vehicle had run past. Very cracked and dirty.
Tjong A Fie Mansion (张耀轩故居)
In Brief, Tjong A Fie was the richest man in Medan during his time, even richer than the Dutch authorities who were in control of the city then. According to the guide in the mansion, he contributed to about 30% of all infrastructure in Medan then, including roads, hospitals, schools and etc. His philanthropic life, I leave it for you to find out when you visit his mansion.
If I remembered correctly, there was an unopened safe in his own bedroom, which you can see during your visit. The guide told us that Tjong A Fie ordered that this safe be opened and let known its content to the public exactly 100 years after his death. That means in 2021.
Eucalypt Spa
170k IDR for a foot, shoulder and back massage. While I was waiting for my turn to start my session, I took a peep at the receptionist's desktop screen. I had a rude shock. They were still using Windows 2000 !
Sun Plaza
A&W lunch for 46k IDR and a ridiculous-must go-obscenely cheap cream bath at Johnny Andrean for 27k IDR. Cream bath is a hair wash treatment using a special cream. I didn't really feel a whole lot of difference in my hair, but it comes with free shoulder and head massage. None of the staff were proficient in English, and we only got our thoughts to them through a customer who could translate for us. With the rest of the time to kill, we went to the cinemas for Now You See Me at 40k IDR per pax. The seats had so much more leg room than the budget airline I took to Medan. And it was reclined much to my delight. It was comparable to Cathay theaters in Singapore. Finally, we had our last meal of the day at Ayam Bakar Wong Solo. Just go there, like seriously.
Day 6, 5th June, Wed
I have to admit, I did put my feverish brain on planning this final day with my friend. Anyway it was not that difficult haha.
Bolu Gulung Meranti
This cake shop is famous for its swiss rolls. The cashier lady was the only Chinese in the busy shop and I suspect the famous chain is owned by Chinese. She gladly explained the varieties to us. Actually I only wanted to ask what is "keju" (cheese).
I got some back and am glad I bought them. 200k IDR was worth it.
Otten Coffee
It is just about 20m from Bolu Gulung Meranti on the same street. Sells various kinds of coffee beans, including the world-famous most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak. Very well decorated place with only about 5 tables or so. Friendly boss ;)
Bika Ambon
Sells more variety of cakes. I bought some white rice cakes in pandan flavour and original. Personally I didn't really like the 55k IDR of cake I spent here.
Garuda
The most expensive meal I had during my trip. 150k IDR ! The place is very upclass. They bring out every dish to your table and bill you according to whichever dish you have taken a bite from. So you'd better finish up the whole dish instead of taking a nibble off it.
Sun Plaza
-Hangover Movie. Each ticket actually costs 10k IDR more today than yesterday. That's like 25% increase ?!
-Red Mango yoghurt
Took the taxi service from hotel to Polonia Airport at 4pm for 20k IDR. Both of us didn't have exact change so we handed 50k IDR to the driver, assuming we will get a 30k IDR change. But he said a load of Bahasa Indonesia which we didn't understand. Said something like 3k IDR for the carpark entrance blah blah. Then shoved back a 20k IDR to my friend. If you've seen my friend's face at that moment, it would destroy what remains of your day. Absolutely pissed expression. Who wouldn't be?
Exchange rate was 1SGD to 7600 IDR
Our flight departure was 8:35am. The check-in counter closes at 40mins before it and we were advised to be at the boarding gate 30mins before the departure time. It was an unnerving time waiting for Shawn on the Jurong East platform, as he only appeared 15mins past our 6am meeting time.
As the crowded train chugged its own sweet time toward Changi Airport, we figured it was best to get off and catch a cab to the terminal early, in case there was a bad queue along the way through to the plane. The female taxi driver was one helleva of a driver. We took the full effect of her intense action on the gas pedal. It was really flying to Changi Airport.
Indeed we reached the check-in counter in really good time, and relaxed at the transit area for a quick bite at Dunkin' Donuts. Discovered a S$2 note at the outdoor area but we didn't want to pick it up.
It was such a beautiful sunrise that this shot earned the honour of being the first photo on my dslr for this trip. The flight was 1hr long from takeoff to landing in Medan. But the taxiing for takeoff was almost half an hour.
A driver we arranged through the hotel we were staying in Samosir beckoned us with a cardboard with "Shawn Tan" at the arrival area. Hurriedly he led us to the shared taxi. Shawn faced his first challenge, a wide drain which we had to jump over to get to the car in the open-air carpark. He wasn't too happy doing that since he was in flip-flops.
We didn't ask the driver of his name, but he spoke good enough English. Shawn and I were exchanging looks at each other in the middle row of the 7-seater when the driver kept looking out of the car on either side. I thought he was lost or something. Actually he went to pick up a grandma with a baby in her arms who squeezed with us on our row. Some of her belongings also came aboard. For like the next half hour, the driver and her were conversing freely and loudly much to my displeasure. Shortly after, the driver stopped briefly and the grandma changed her seat to the front. The shared taxi also picked up a middle-aged couple and a male teenager who later took our middle row and we were kindly asked to occupy the back row.
All along the way to Parapat there wasn't anything spectacular except for the terrible roads laden with potholes on the way out of Medan and just outside of Parapat. We had a short break for lunch and it was about this time my throat started to cry dry before I could get water from the dining table and the snack stall. My meal costs 15k and Pocari Sweat was 8k.
And yeah my subsequent days of feeling feverish and lightheaded started from this point. My dad was right about the drivers in Indonesia. Always beep beep beep on the road, like an addiction. Somewhere along the way, the three passengers in the middle row was dropped off and then the grandma with the baby much later on.
After 4 hours, we finally reached Parapat, a port town. Arrived on the door steps of this agency called PT. Bagus Holiday's Tour & Travel. A very enthusiastic Mr. Samuel in shades welcomed us and tried to sell us a tour package to visit the attractions in Samosir island. But the price was not attractive as we had done our homework the island tours. In maybe 15mins our ferry docked and we lugged ourselves to the upper deck. Of course we're taking the upper deck !
View of Parapat from our seat in the ferry top deck.
What's behind our seats. You can see a cliff face of Samosir Island at the far back.
Leaving Parapat for Tuk Tuk in Samosir Island !
Sabah, a local who was going to Samosir as well.
My friend in his punky hairstyle.
Midway through the lake, the boat captain asks all the passengers where they are staying in Samosir, which I did not understand why initially. In fact, the ferry actually drops people off at the docks nearest to their resorts (assuming they are tourists). This dock was the first drop off point. I just had to take a picture of these kids playing without regard for the incoming boat ! Laundry is also done here. Seen walking inland is Sarah and Harrison, a pair of young and dating travelers whom was sitting with us in the upper deck.
Aha our lodging for 2 nights !
Our artsy ferry boat.
By now it was close to 4pm. We walked to the next resort to ask about the island tour and they agreed to do it for 500k. Chilled a bit in our room and the lobby and dinner time is upon us.
Samosir Juice(13k IDR) and Nasi Goreng Samosir (25k IDR).
Not shown here was Chicken Nestum (15k IDR)
Not shown here was Chicken Nestum (15k IDR)
We chose to sit outside the lobby facing the lake, but the weather turned stormy and we made our way inside. Our meal was interrupted by multiple blackouts and the wise bit of me turned on the flashlight in the phone and continued eating.
Samosir Juice is a tasty blend of banana, papaya, pineapple and passion fruit. The rice was made rather salty with a peppery taste which was quite flavorful at first, but the saltiness just reduced my satisfaction thereafter. It was time for a session of ping pong before we headed back to our room.
Day 2- 1st June, Sat
The desk staff told us the sunset is at 5.30am. Nonsense. The sun only came out after 7am !
Taken at 6.54am. f/8 20s. Canon 650D w/ 18-55mm kit.
We took to the lobby for breakfast quite late at around 8am and most of the food was cleaned up by other guests. Our island tour starts at 9am but since we had a little time, we went down to the Carolina Resort's lake front to enjoy the view. The lake was very clean and quiet. I was amazed that such an unpolluted and beautiful place exist in a country of 240 million people.
Our driver was on time and he introduced himself as Darling. Yes you heard me right.
These are the places we went in sequence.
Tomok
Main attraction is the old tombs of King Sidabutar. A very small tomb area surrounded by merchandise stalls. There is a minder there who will require you to wear a traditional scarf over your right shoulder if you want to visit the tombs and also make a freewill donation before you exit the tomb area.
Ambarita
The story of Siallagan King and The Stone Chair. Entry fee 3k IDR.
We sounded to Darling that we want to buy cheap souvenirs and he had the best deal. His wife has a souvenir shop just around the corner ! Below are some pictures of the dock at the end of the souvenir street.
Hot Spring
Was way off my expectation of hot spring. I thought the place would have nice hot spring houses, or big public pools of hot spring water. But no! The hot spring source was bombed and pipes were constructed and channeled the precious spring water to different hot spring houses. We didn't visit the houses at all, but it was very plain looking from outside.
Tele Hill
A popular vantage point overlooking Lake Toba and Samosir Island from the north.
At the top of a viewing tower.
This hill in the photo does not resemble anything I have seen in this region. Usually it would be full of trees like a tropical forest but this is very picturesque.
Lumban Suhi-Suhi
A village where the local women make ulos (batak blankets)
The sun went out and I tagged along with my friend to do this cream bath at this salon just outside the resort. There were two local women before us and it was maybe two hours before my friend got his treatment. Juwita Cafe was our spot for dinner. It didn't look much from the outside but it was very cosy inside !
Day 3- 2nd June, Sun
The last morning looking out to Lake Toba.
Our ferry back to the mainland of Sumatra came at 9am but docked at another of our resort's drop off point and we panicked. We were chilling and waiting at this shelter overlooking the sea and saw all of this happened. Called the frontdesk from the shelter and weren't assured in any case and told to wait. That ferry rounded back to the usual drop off point and we stepped in gladly.
Asked the Samosir Villa desk staff to prepare a shared taxi for us from Parapat to Berastagi which will stop over at Sipiso piso waterfall for a short while. But no it didn't stop and instead brought us right up to our "hotel" in Berastagi, which was the wrong one. Told the driver to wait while my friend and I carried our belongings in to check with the counter. But the taxi was gone... Under a hot sun, we lurched through the busy main street of Berastagi before we reached the correct hotel- Hotel Sibayak International.
Very standard hotel, but also one of the most expensive in the town. It set us back 500k IDR. The whole hotel lobby was packed with travelers. Because of my fever/headache, I really slumped over the reception table as my friend kindly did the check-in for us. We settled our lunch in an empty hotel restaurant. Spent 40k IDR here.
We phoned our hiking guide to ask him to come to the hotel so that we could discuss the details about the hike tomorrow. I was really not feeling well, so I dug in and rested while Shawn visited the fruit market and met with Smiley (our guide) in the hotel after that. The plan was for Smiley to take Shawn up with a motorcycle if I couldn't go hiking with him.
Before dusk, we took a Angkor (van with no aircon) up to the nearby Gundaling Hill hoping to catch the sunset and look at the volcanoes around in the region.
We had trouble getting down the hill after dark. The tuk tuks were not coming up anymore. We wait in the cafe for like 30mins and decided to approach bikers or anyone who was driving down. Just in time, a pickup appeared behind our backs and I boldly stopped it and tried communicating to the driver that we needed a lift down to our hotel, which was right at the foot of the hill.
To make things easier for me, dinner was settled in the hotel restaurant.
Amazingly by God's grace and healing I was feeling better by the hour. Ready to hike Mt Sibayak tomorrow morning !
Very standard hotel, but also one of the most expensive in the town. It set us back 500k IDR. The whole hotel lobby was packed with travelers. Because of my fever/headache, I really slumped over the reception table as my friend kindly did the check-in for us. We settled our lunch in an empty hotel restaurant. Spent 40k IDR here.
We phoned our hiking guide to ask him to come to the hotel so that we could discuss the details about the hike tomorrow. I was really not feeling well, so I dug in and rested while Shawn visited the fruit market and met with Smiley (our guide) in the hotel after that. The plan was for Smiley to take Shawn up with a motorcycle if I couldn't go hiking with him.
Before dusk, we took a Angkor (van with no aircon) up to the nearby Gundaling Hill hoping to catch the sunset and look at the volcanoes around in the region.
He may be drunk from his Tehbotol but he ain't giving you a sip.
We had trouble getting down the hill after dark. The tuk tuks were not coming up anymore. We wait in the cafe for like 30mins and decided to approach bikers or anyone who was driving down. Just in time, a pickup appeared behind our backs and I boldly stopped it and tried communicating to the driver that we needed a lift down to our hotel, which was right at the foot of the hill.
To make things easier for me, dinner was settled in the hotel restaurant.
Seeing that the buffet diners finished their meals and left a few bunch of bananas untouched, I was able to ask the staff for them. You never know what volcano will bring to your body. Better stock up some energy food !
Amazingly by God's grace and healing I was feeling better by the hour. Ready to hike Mt Sibayak tomorrow morning !
Day 4- 3rd June, Mon
Our guide Smiley drove his very well-maintained vintage 7 seater to pick us up at 4am. His fee is 500k IDR, very expensive on hindsight as the average Indonesian draws very little salary. But if you ask me if I would get him as my guide again, of course yes ! His hairstyle alone is cool enough. His English is pretty good compared to the rest of the locals we talked to. And he's featured in a TV series called Intrepid Journeys, where he guided Rachel Hunter through Sumatra.
Smiley had drove us a little up Mount Sibayak through a small road next to our hotel, and that leaves us with 900m to hike. His friend took the car downhill and would return to get us when we're done.
It was pitch dark at the start of the hike. My friend was handed a small head torch while I used my mega iPhone flash app. The first few hundred meters were steep roads, then it developed into small trails through the bushes, and finally walking on a rocky path along the face of the volcano. Halfway through the dark, I heard a very audible and continuous noise. I asked Smiley if it was a waterfall. The answer that came back made me feel stupid. "No, it's the volcano." We finally reached the top area ready to catch the sunrise perfectly. But too early. Even though we took about 75mins to get to the top, it was not less than 30mins before the sun came out.
For anyone planning to hike this one, the difficulty in my opinion is medium. Because it is tough getting up the steep roads when your body is not stretched and cold.
Still early, I'll just take a nap on a volcano.
My friend's photog skill turned this shot into something very different.
Almost deafened by the vent next to my ears.
Only when the early sun lit up the place, that I realised the manner of terrain we went through on the way up.
Smiley opened his house for us to visit and we had a good time just chatting. He has plans to remake his house (which was halfway in construction).
His hospitality is just Indonesian style. Very genuine, very generous. His wife made me a remedy for my sore throat when I told him my irritation. And we dined with his family at Famili Baru Cafe which he greatly recommended. Yesterday Smiley was saying he was heading to Medan after guiding us up Mt Sibayak, so he also offered us a ride to the city. He didn't charge us for the ride, but still we tipped him a tidy sum for it.
Traffic was starting to pile up near the city but we went to the correct hotel at least ! Palace Inn, formerly known as Supamas.
There wasn't really an itinerary for this city leg of the trip, because I was supposed to plan this part and didn't quite get the job done. But to help both of us recover from the volcano hike, Zengarden Spa was on top of our priority. From the hotel, go to the main road behind the hotel and walk about 1km against the traffic. Along the way there will be shopping mall Cambridge on the left, and the spa is further ahead on the right side. For 149k IDR, you get 90mins of massage ! What I don't like about the session was that the masseur placed my one hand next to my ear and on the edge of the bed and I maintained that difficult position for the longest time until I decided she forgot to put my hand back and moved it back myself. And I had a head-fitting problem with the head rest. Just uncomfortable. The massage itself was decent and really worked off the fatigue in my legs.
The spa house was very kind to help us flag a becak (2 seater motor rickshaw) to get to Cambridge mall. It was walking distance to the mall, but since it was night and raining quite badly, we decided to get a ride there instead. There weren't many good dining options. So we decided to try Merdeka Walk. We were told by a security guard that because it was raining, the bluebird taxis were not coming in. And so he braved himself in the slight rain and hailed a becak for us. Before that we also witnessed him helping a lady with big carrier bags cross the busy road. You can't get many of these good guys anywhere !
Rain was coming to a drip when we got to Merdeka Walk. Settled into this place famous for its good dim sum and anything Indon food called Nelayan Jala-Jala. The Nelayan brand is a major restaurant group which also has branches specialised in Japanese food, and other areas.
Day 5, 4th June, Tue
Hotel breakfast was awful. The selection was very limited and plain. If we weren't that hungry, we would have skipped it altogether.
In order of sequence for the day, we went to
Masjid Raya
If I'm not mistaken, it is the grandest mosque in Medan. First time to a mosque for me. The main prayer hall has very delicate carvings on the main pillars and stained glass windows. The pavement just outside the entrance of the compound looks like some heavy vehicle had run past. Very cracked and dirty.
Tjong A Fie Mansion (张耀轩故居)
In Brief, Tjong A Fie was the richest man in Medan during his time, even richer than the Dutch authorities who were in control of the city then. According to the guide in the mansion, he contributed to about 30% of all infrastructure in Medan then, including roads, hospitals, schools and etc. His philanthropic life, I leave it for you to find out when you visit his mansion.
If I remembered correctly, there was an unopened safe in his own bedroom, which you can see during your visit. The guide told us that Tjong A Fie ordered that this safe be opened and let known its content to the public exactly 100 years after his death. That means in 2021.
Eucalypt Spa
170k IDR for a foot, shoulder and back massage. While I was waiting for my turn to start my session, I took a peep at the receptionist's desktop screen. I had a rude shock. They were still using Windows 2000 !
Sun Plaza
A&W lunch for 46k IDR and a ridiculous-must go-obscenely cheap cream bath at Johnny Andrean for 27k IDR. Cream bath is a hair wash treatment using a special cream. I didn't really feel a whole lot of difference in my hair, but it comes with free shoulder and head massage. None of the staff were proficient in English, and we only got our thoughts to them through a customer who could translate for us. With the rest of the time to kill, we went to the cinemas for Now You See Me at 40k IDR per pax. The seats had so much more leg room than the budget airline I took to Medan. And it was reclined much to my delight. It was comparable to Cathay theaters in Singapore. Finally, we had our last meal of the day at Ayam Bakar Wong Solo. Just go there, like seriously.
Day 6, 5th June, Wed
I have to admit, I did put my feverish brain on planning this final day with my friend. Anyway it was not that difficult haha.
Bolu Gulung Meranti
This cake shop is famous for its swiss rolls. The cashier lady was the only Chinese in the busy shop and I suspect the famous chain is owned by Chinese. She gladly explained the varieties to us. Actually I only wanted to ask what is "keju" (cheese).
I got some back and am glad I bought them. 200k IDR was worth it.
Otten Coffee
It is just about 20m from Bolu Gulung Meranti on the same street. Sells various kinds of coffee beans, including the world-famous most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak. Very well decorated place with only about 5 tables or so. Friendly boss ;)
Bika Ambon
Sells more variety of cakes. I bought some white rice cakes in pandan flavour and original. Personally I didn't really like the 55k IDR of cake I spent here.
Garuda
The most expensive meal I had during my trip. 150k IDR ! The place is very upclass. They bring out every dish to your table and bill you according to whichever dish you have taken a bite from. So you'd better finish up the whole dish instead of taking a nibble off it.
Sun Plaza
-Hangover Movie. Each ticket actually costs 10k IDR more today than yesterday. That's like 25% increase ?!
-Red Mango yoghurt
Took the taxi service from hotel to Polonia Airport at 4pm for 20k IDR. Both of us didn't have exact change so we handed 50k IDR to the driver, assuming we will get a 30k IDR change. But he said a load of Bahasa Indonesia which we didn't understand. Said something like 3k IDR for the carpark entrance blah blah. Then shoved back a 20k IDR to my friend. If you've seen my friend's face at that moment, it would destroy what remains of your day. Absolutely pissed expression. Who wouldn't be?
Exchange rate was 1SGD to 7600 IDR
Thursday, June 20
Book Arrival
Tuesday, April 17
My first exam of this semester is coming on this Friday and I ought to be studying like mad now. But as usual all these years, I tend to fizzle just before exams. I would really take my time and give myself super long breaks. Maybe it's my body's own way of blocking out stress. This semester has been really packed. Double sessions of lab. A project which my team mates and I had no solid clue what to include in the details. Just want to thank God for watching over me all these hectic weeks.
I cleaned up my list of blog frens, removing those who had a non-existent page. I still kept those which required an invitation to read. Some, had their last post dated in 2005 ! It was pleasant to see some blogs still alive in this very month ! The feeling for me was like meeting an old friend in a long forgotten place. But deleting those invalid blog sites was like saying goodbye to the ashes at sea.
With the emergence of Facebook and Twitter, most people are into writing short comments and maybe trying to grab attention (likes). Looking through my blog, jump blog and my friends' blog, I felt I've found back a piece of me.
Will update more soon...
I cleaned up my list of blog frens, removing those who had a non-existent page. I still kept those which required an invitation to read. Some, had their last post dated in 2005 ! It was pleasant to see some blogs still alive in this very month ! The feeling for me was like meeting an old friend in a long forgotten place. But deleting those invalid blog sites was like saying goodbye to the ashes at sea.
With the emergence of Facebook and Twitter, most people are into writing short comments and maybe trying to grab attention (likes). Looking through my blog, jump blog and my friends' blog, I felt I've found back a piece of me.
Will update more soon...
Sunday, February 5
Just ended my day at the IVP meet 2011/2012. NTU lost to NUS by only 2 points in the overall championship. And how did I do? An F grade for high jump. I arrived at the venue only 45mins before my event time. It was too rush for me to do the warmup and drills and to compose myself. I started the event with 1.60m but did not clear on all three attempts. Those were also poorly executed jumps.
It is just getting so embarrassing, trying year after year to participate in the event and not improving by much. And I got to attend the team dinner afterwards... I need a change to see the change. I have not decided what I am going to do about it, but generally I should just keep up the fitness until after exams when I can have more time to focus on the jump technique and all.
It is difficult and depressing to go through the cycle of fitness year after year.
加油吧，健超 ！
It is just getting so embarrassing, trying year after year to participate in the event and not improving by much. And I got to attend the team dinner afterwards... I need a change to see the change. I have not decided what I am going to do about it, but generally I should just keep up the fitness until after exams when I can have more time to focus on the jump technique and all.
It is difficult and depressing to go through the cycle of fitness year after year.
加油吧，健超 ！
Thursday, September 22
Tonight, I had a sudden wanting to hear Michael Learns to Rock. My da jie had the Paint My Love album while we were at our old house. It is the first memory I had from listening to an album. I am very glad to have just found it in a drawer and am ripping it to my iTunes and iPhone. I remembered I liked the track, Wild Women, very much. Especially the intro. We had a HIFI stereo set. I would play with the volume dial and sometimes when the set is switched on, it plays at the loudest volume and get a shocker !
Maybe I got bored by the latest hits being repeatedly played on radio. And those are just not good ! Those songs have too much reliance on music mixing, and the singers nowadays sound like cat in high pitch. They just can't be listened to over and over again !
Maybe I got bored by the latest hits being repeatedly played on radio. And those are just not good ! Those songs have too much reliance on music mixing, and the singers nowadays sound like cat in high pitch. They just can't be listened to over and over again !
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