Which event has impacted you the most in 2009? Why is it so significant in 2009? Many will assume that it will be the “Ella Noraidah Saga – The hidden truth”. This had to be the most shocking truth for everyone that I know. Those millions lies and the married man. As for me, it got to be the climb to Mount Angsi.
Why Mount Angsi? The journey itself taught me the meaning of life. It made me realized that I have made the right decision as not to cry over someone who is not worth it. I have learned to overcome all the challenging terrains and pushed myself to the maximum ~ exceeding my limits. There were times when I felt like giving up but I did not. Every single soul in the team was encouraging and supportive. Many of which I have just being introduced to by Andy. Andy was my main motivator. He was my mentor and friend during the trip. I listened to his every instructions and he was there to lend me a helping hand. In times, when I accidentally tripped and fell, he was there to make me stand on my feet again. I wasn’t afraid as I know that there were many hikers looking out for me. I need to be at the summit of the mountain and I knew from the very start that this wasn’t a child’s play.
It didn’t occur to me that maybe I wasn’t fit enough for the climb or maybe I will be exhausted easily. My whole face and body was covered with sweat. The body felt hydrated and the throat was running dry. Andy ensured that we have enough pit stops for me to recharge. Along the trail, his favorite line would be “Baby, are you ok?” No doubt that I was starting to feel the burden of carrying a heavy backpacker bag on my petite shoulder. While doing a random check in my bag, Andy ticked me off when he saw my bulky cosmetic bag as part of my packing list (Andy will pack my stuff for the next trip). Those slippery and muddy trails and those tiring climbs made it so impossible for me to reach the summit. At times, it felt torturous and I had to stretch out my short legs to climb up the unpredictable mountain which was about 184 meters above sea level. The hot sun was scorching on me at certain areas where we were in the open. Although I had many different types of chocolates in my bag, I didn’t really bother to grab any. I was too focused on my summit. Are we there yet? Nope!
With all my determination and great perseverance, we reached the top. We had mixed feelings and reactions. Some were ecstatic and some heaved a sigh of relief that finally after 4 long hours of hardcore climbing, we had conquered Mount Angsi. I was beaming with joy and was proud of overcoming hindrances and obstacles along the way up the mountain. She was indeed a painful and tiring journey! “Come on guys, we have about 2.5 hours to descend. Better rush before it turns dark”
I never could have guess that I almost did not make it down the mountain. Who could have predicted that that were more test waiting for all of us? Descending seems manageable and I was able to do it all by myself initially. Somehow or rather, we did not make it in time to avoid the darkness of the jungle. The way down the mountain seems different. No! We were not lost but we were losing our sight when we continued our hike in complete darkness. To make things worst, we only had two torchlight. I could not even see on what was ahead of me. All I knew was, Andy was in front of me leading my way. In darkness and plus if you are in a jungle and you hear someone humming or crying or singing, just keep your mouth shut and walk as fast as you could. If you see white figures or shadows, just let it be. My body was aching so badly and my knees felt so wobbly. With all the disturbances and the complete darkness, stopping for a while is not the right thing to do. It seems endless and it was still a long way down the mountain.
At the very moment, while I was about to cross a steep slope, I lost my balance and it left me hanging off the cliffs. Luckily, I managed to grab Wan’s strong hands. Andy and Wan was asking me to pull up myself. How could I do that? I have lost all my strength. I was too tired. I can never push myself up. How much longer can I bear this pain? I locked my left leg on a tree beside me. The harsh bark rubbed against my skin. It felt tormented and horrible. It felt like thousands of needles piercing into me. The pain was killing me. I was holding on to Wan and told Andy that I can’t hold on any longer. I have to let go. In my ultimate silence, all I heard was Andy’s voice. He looked pale in shocked and assuring me that he will never let go of me. I heard him shouting at the others asking for help to pull me up. In a sudden moment, Ian came by and he promised me that no matter what happened, he will bring me out of the jungle safely. With all the strength that he had left, Ian grabbed my hands tight and pulled me up. It left me lying on top of Ian’s body and for a moment, there was silence. He hugged me and I held on tight to his body. It was a close shave. It felt weird but at the same time what just happened was too traumatizing. I lost my pair of shoes because of the fall and Ian offered me his shoes for the rest of the journey….
I was quiet throughout the whole descend. Andy kept on apologizing on the accident. Not your fault baby! He hugged and kissed me to sleep and helped to apply medicated ointment on both my bruised legs. That night in the bus, I kept having nightmares and I couldn’t fall asleep. I just closed my eyes knowing that I will be safe beside him…I’ve known that after Angsi, I’ve known him even better….
Why Mount Angsi? The journey itself taught me the meaning of life. It made me realized that I have made the right decision as not to cry over someone who is not worth it. I have learned to overcome all the challenging terrains and pushed myself to the maximum ~ exceeding my limits. There were times when I felt like giving up but I did not. Every single soul in the team was encouraging and supportive. Many of which I have just being introduced to by Andy. Andy was my main motivator. He was my mentor and friend during the trip. I listened to his every instructions and he was there to lend me a helping hand. In times, when I accidentally tripped and fell, he was there to make me stand on my feet again. I wasn’t afraid as I know that there were many hikers looking out for me. I need to be at the summit of the mountain and I knew from the very start that this wasn’t a child’s play.
It didn’t occur to me that maybe I wasn’t fit enough for the climb or maybe I will be exhausted easily. My whole face and body was covered with sweat. The body felt hydrated and the throat was running dry. Andy ensured that we have enough pit stops for me to recharge. Along the trail, his favorite line would be “Baby, are you ok?” No doubt that I was starting to feel the burden of carrying a heavy backpacker bag on my petite shoulder. While doing a random check in my bag, Andy ticked me off when he saw my bulky cosmetic bag as part of my packing list (Andy will pack my stuff for the next trip). Those slippery and muddy trails and those tiring climbs made it so impossible for me to reach the summit. At times, it felt torturous and I had to stretch out my short legs to climb up the unpredictable mountain which was about 184 meters above sea level. The hot sun was scorching on me at certain areas where we were in the open. Although I had many different types of chocolates in my bag, I didn’t really bother to grab any. I was too focused on my summit. Are we there yet? Nope!
With all my determination and great perseverance, we reached the top. We had mixed feelings and reactions. Some were ecstatic and some heaved a sigh of relief that finally after 4 long hours of hardcore climbing, we had conquered Mount Angsi. I was beaming with joy and was proud of overcoming hindrances and obstacles along the way up the mountain. She was indeed a painful and tiring journey! “Come on guys, we have about 2.5 hours to descend. Better rush before it turns dark”
I never could have guess that I almost did not make it down the mountain. Who could have predicted that that were more test waiting for all of us? Descending seems manageable and I was able to do it all by myself initially. Somehow or rather, we did not make it in time to avoid the darkness of the jungle. The way down the mountain seems different. No! We were not lost but we were losing our sight when we continued our hike in complete darkness. To make things worst, we only had two torchlight. I could not even see on what was ahead of me. All I knew was, Andy was in front of me leading my way. In darkness and plus if you are in a jungle and you hear someone humming or crying or singing, just keep your mouth shut and walk as fast as you could. If you see white figures or shadows, just let it be. My body was aching so badly and my knees felt so wobbly. With all the disturbances and the complete darkness, stopping for a while is not the right thing to do. It seems endless and it was still a long way down the mountain.
At the very moment, while I was about to cross a steep slope, I lost my balance and it left me hanging off the cliffs. Luckily, I managed to grab Wan’s strong hands. Andy and Wan was asking me to pull up myself. How could I do that? I have lost all my strength. I was too tired. I can never push myself up. How much longer can I bear this pain? I locked my left leg on a tree beside me. The harsh bark rubbed against my skin. It felt tormented and horrible. It felt like thousands of needles piercing into me. The pain was killing me. I was holding on to Wan and told Andy that I can’t hold on any longer. I have to let go. In my ultimate silence, all I heard was Andy’s voice. He looked pale in shocked and assuring me that he will never let go of me. I heard him shouting at the others asking for help to pull me up. In a sudden moment, Ian came by and he promised me that no matter what happened, he will bring me out of the jungle safely. With all the strength that he had left, Ian grabbed my hands tight and pulled me up. It left me lying on top of Ian’s body and for a moment, there was silence. He hugged me and I held on tight to his body. It was a close shave. It felt weird but at the same time what just happened was too traumatizing. I lost my pair of shoes because of the fall and Ian offered me his shoes for the rest of the journey….
I was quiet throughout the whole descend. Andy kept on apologizing on the accident. Not your fault baby! He hugged and kissed me to sleep and helped to apply medicated ointment on both my bruised legs. That night in the bus, I kept having nightmares and I couldn’t fall asleep. I just closed my eyes knowing that I will be safe beside him…I’ve known that after Angsi, I’ve known him even better….
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