Training Chung Cheng High Yishun at Bt Timah

Taking a water break after 20 mins into the training session

The 2nd water break in the forest trail

Staircase climbing

The Summit!

The guys having fun before heading down from the Summit

The final round of staircase

Just one more...........

It was an exciting morning as we all gathered at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for our training session with Chung Cheng High Yishun. They will be leaving for Nepal on 11 March to trek Ghorepani and do some service learning after their trek. Everyone was in good shape after weeks of training in the school ground. We all did the forest trail and stair climbing and ventured all the way to the summit. Being with the students always reminds me of my own school days. We were not that lucky to have overseas trips and what more trekking in Nepal! It was an ungorgettable experience for me to trek Ghorepani and I hope it will be so too for Chung Cheng. Kudos to the teachers that made all these possible for them!

R&R in Sabah, Borneo

The local coffeeshop which we tried different kinds of noodles

The exterior of the coffeeshop

Chendol at Baba and Nonya

Peranakan food at Baba and Nonya

Zen Garden room exterior

Grounds of Zen Garden Resort, outside Kinabalu Park

Restaurant managed by the Sutera chain in Kinabalu Park

Lounge besides the restaurant

What a gorgeous fried rice

Sumptous lunch in Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park as the backdrop (reminds me of the Amazon!)

Stairways into the park and off to Mt Kinabalu

Deepak posing before heading to the Botanical Garden

View of Mt K from Zen Garden Resort

Breakfast at Zen Garden Resort

Finally, we saw the Rafflesia sign along the road

On the way to the Rafflesia spot

The Rafflesia bud

Not allowed to climb in so...

We were away in Sabah over the Chinese New Year. it was the first time Deepak was visiting Sabah as a tourist and not a trip leader for our annual Mt Kinabalu expedition with schools and organisations. This photo series is a makan showcase more than anything else.

You can view the main album here.

Briefing for Ghorepani Trek at Chung Cheng Yishun

Teachers, parents and students settle down for briefing

Everyone watching the video clip

Deepak begins his presentation of Nepal

Deepak and I were at Chung Cheng High Yishun last Saturday to brief all parents, teachers and students on their 11 days trip to Nepal. It was really nice to see many parents turned up for the briefing. Except for one parent who had been to India, none of the parents had been to Nepal or the Himalaya. We also met up with the VP Mr Toh who was jovial and told us that he had been to Nepal once many years back. The school is very supportive of the trip, their teachers and students.

We played a video clip for parents to have an overview followed by a detailed day to day run down of the trip. We also touched on the relevant travel information when visiting Nepal and advised the students on their trekking gear. Everyone was very attentive to us during the entire briefing. We believe the video and past experiences of various schools did alleviate many doubts and concerns of parents.

Deepak is always cautious to set the expectations of everyone heading to Nepal, to make them understand that they should have no expectations of a third world country and that they are there to learn and not enjoy.

We are looking forward to our Bt Timah triaining session with the kids and of course, to a successful trek in Nepal!

Briefing for Everest Base Camp Trek at Christ Church

Everyone listening intently so as not to miss out details

Deepak paying attention too!

Q & A session with Deepak

We were at Christ Church Secondary School for a briefing session last night. As a centre for outdoor excellence, the school has organised many outdoor trips for its students.

We had the pleasure of participating in their trip to Annapurna Base Camp in 2007 and climbing Mt Kinabalu (see previous post here) in 2008.This round, we are really excited to be able to support YMCA for all its ground operations in Nepal for this amazing all-girls team to trek to Everest Base Camp!

It is inevitable for parents to worry for their girls going on the trip as everyone is a novice when it comes to trekking. What more, with little understanding about Nepal except its famous Moaist fightings and the perception of lack of food in Nepal....little do they know that millions of tourists flock there every year to do what their girls are doing! :)

Anyway, it helped that Deepak, as an officer from Nepal Tourism Baord and trek consultant, was there to share with views and gave an update of the current situation. Having been on part of the trek last year, I urged the girls to be clear in their objective and keep in mind what will motivate them on the trek. It is important to be focused and not habour any thought of giving up before trying.

It was wonderful to gain the parents' understanding (and a granny was there too!) at the end of the session. We look forward to assist the team in their quest and working towards a successful trip together.

Happy Chinese New Year 2009

A yak walking in Dingbuche within the Everest National Park.

Dear all,

In the auspicious year of the Ox, we would like to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year! In good times or bad times, let us look forward to a better tomorrow everyday. Stay Happy!

Yours Sincerely,

All of us at Divine

Kent Ridge Secondary - Thank You Card

Words cannot express our appreciation enough. Thank you very much.
Ms Sujeetha, Head of Department

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Dearest Deepak,
Sincere thanks for all your effort! Your commitment and patience have certainly impressed me. I also enjoyed all your sharing of the Nepali culture and lifestyle. Thank You for everything! You have sone an excellent job!
Ms Lim, Teacher

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Dearest Deepak,
It is a comfort to have you with us all this while. Your care, patience and attentiveness is greatly appreciated. Your smile never fails to brighten up our day. We’ve learnt a lot from you this trip. Sincerely, thank you.
Ms Chua, Teacher

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Thank you so much for everything. Your patience inspires me. We will really miss you. You are very kind. Thank you so much.
Syubri

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Thank You for this whole awesome trip and taking such good care of us.
Karina

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Thank you for everything especially during the four hours trek! Thank You!
Felicia

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Thanks a whole lot, Mr Deepak, for everything.
Peinah

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Thank You for guiding us along in the trip.
Frederick

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Thanks for being so very patient with us!
Claudia

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Thanks for being patients and all.
Natt

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Thanks a lot! Danyabad!
David

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Thanks for your guidance!
Azraa

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Thanks for guiding us for the whole trip!
Khalid

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Thanks! We will be missing you!
Joanne

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Thank You Very Much!
Indah

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Thanks for guiding us along!
Diana

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Thank you for everything.
Fatimah

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Thank you very much!
Yong Wen

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Thank you so much!
Maxine

Kent Ridge Secondary in Nepal 2008

Sent-off at Changi Terminal 2


Briefing upon arrival in Dhulikhel

Breakfast at Dhulikhel

Loading the luggages

Trekking from Dhulikhel to Nagarkot

Photo opportunity with Deepak

Toast and potatoes - Breakfast at Nagarkot

Eggs and Vegetables - Breakfast at Nagarkot

Beach ball for break time at village school

Oragami session

Teeth brushing techniques

A group shot with ethnic costumes from Singapore

How about a cake to celebrate the success of the trip?

Jake receiving his participation certificate from Deepak

The result of this trip - a brand new volleyball court

Kent Ridge Secondary School was in Nepal for their service learning trip in November 2008. If you have read about their trip and viewed the trip photos on our website www.nepalexplore.com , take a peek into those behind-the-scenes shots here. Our Singaporean students and teachers are really a great bunch of people to be with!