I miss Kili

I miss Kili……

I went to a seminar the other day… It was themed.. guess wat…

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

It didn’t really help by feeding my nostalgia of my days I lived
down in Africa. With much zest and adventure. Singapore. Its
just aimless and boring.
Money Money Money. And more money. Sucks.

One of the speakers said this-
trials and tribulations hardens your conviction. I
believe this to be so. More than often Xinyu and I and some
others have spoken about pulling out of this little adventure.
We often discussed that what kept us going on was our Ego,
our Ego that would be bruised if we had put in so much effort
in a dream that we would just shatter with a mere rash decision.
But I guess its not about the ego, not about the hardwork we put
in. It’s about the trials and tribulations that comes along our
way, that hardens our conviction to a Dream that began as an
idea conceived by two like-minded leaders to one that would
put us right on that crazy, cold and windy bus ride to Tanzania.

Then I heard a story about a Mama camel and her baby camel.

The baby camel asked: Mum, why do we have this long eye
lashes.

Mama replied: All the more to shield our eyes from the harsh
sandstorms.

Baby Camel asked again: How about our weird two humps on
our backs?

Mama replied: For us to survive in the hot desert where
water is scarce, my boy.

Baby Camel then replied in frustration: Then Why the Hell are
we in the goddamn Zoo?

I guess D2D showed that we are made to withstand so much
more punishment that we thought we could. I guess Panti
frightened a good bunch of us and showed to us that we aren’t
that physically ready..Then came the daunting Gunung Tahan.
I guess most of us enjoyed it tremendously, sort of breezed
through it despite much uncovered fears. After which the even
more daunting situation of having not enough funds was even
more scary. As human logic and sense would judge us, we
weren’t ready for this big adventure. Things were looked awry
but we defined all odds, all that we were made for, as
Singaporeans, as island dwellers and conquerors of high rise
buildings and “hills” ( After Kili, I wouldn’t qualify Bukit
Timah as a bloody hill) and conquered Kilimanjaro.

I miss Kili….

It was one big emotional rollercoaster I tell u. I never cried
so hard in my life before. I never laughed so hard before
either (because of the lack of oxygen). Nor did I showed so
much butt at such a high attitude before.
I never felt so elated by in being in such a beautiful
country before. I have never felt shittier on a top of a
mountain than Uhuru Peak. It was the first time I really
talked to and got to know my buddy, Er Jun in great detail.
He’s a mightily cool dude. ( except for the part when he
told me that he hasn’t done pushups for a week. I was
freaked out) I guess there is a firsts for many things. The
friendships, the bonds made through this crazy journey
have been great. And I really miss those times. I also miss
our crazy Koon Kiat, whose very queer fashion side and
constant solo diarrhea caused more than a few uproars of
laughter. And his similanjiao reply to Tse Tiann on Tahan
was a ultimate classic that will never be forgotten. I also miss
the East side boys- Baikun, KK and me. The times bitching
about how bloody far bukit timah is. And the times we
conquered BLK 534, 535, of Bedok in attempt to do some
stair training. Ho ho ho…

The last speaker, a man from the Bronx, said something
like this- I wouldn’t want to lead my life aimlessly and
safely and without risk and arrive to my coffin bed in a
nice preserved body. I wana live life recklessly, breathe
in deep, crash every party, meet everybody, do everything,
and drink hard, and arrive in a used, scarred, scratched body,
and shout Yee HA! to signify the end of my Great Journey.

Life is a Game, Play it.

Reliving Kilimanjaro (Pt 2)

After walking for more than 9 hours in the pitch black freezing cold, we finally reached Stella Point, where most of us were so exhausted/tired we fell asleep. But it was the moment we all dreamt of before, we climbed over 5000m to watch the sunrise on the roof of Africa, and it was amazing, more than beautiful and indescribable.


Up on the snow-capped summit, the icy coldness and the mighty glaciers.


Uhuru Peak: 5895m. The highest point in Africa. Walking up the steep slopes in near pitch darkness (if not for our small but trusty headlamps) was truly a walk to remember. Breathless, panting and shivering, fatigue set in quite early on and every part of your body is just screaming for you to slow down and stop.
The whole summit push was surreal and dream-like, i guess partly because it was so dark and cold, and seeing ice and snow next to you as you ascend made it all the more magical. But the most amazing part about it was when all our guides (about 10 of them) started singing to us and it wasn’t long before we realised they were familiar Christian tunes. There we were, struggling for every single breath and it was so effortless for our guides who sang to us all the way up. Their voices harmonized perfectly as one, ringing out in the darkness and I remember Weibo kept saying how this felt like we were literally walking to heaven. Our very own stairway to heaven.

Out of the 18 of us that summited, 13 went on to Uhuru peak while the remaining 5 of us headed back down out of sheer exhaustion. In the end, we realised that it wasn’t making the summit that mattered. Yes, it was quite sad that some of us didn’t get to reach 5895m, Uhuru Peak, but at the risk of sounding clichéd, I will say this anyway- it’s the journey that counts, not the destination. It was the whole experience, right from the beginning to the end, and everything in between.

It was the twice/thrice weekly trainings we had. It was the countless meetings we had discussing about important matters, coming to decisions about choosing our operators, sticking to Kilimanjaro instead of changing our destination, choosing the 5 boys out of the initial 30 odd. It was getting the door slammed in your face countless times while trying to find sponsors, facing monetary difficulties and then doing our fundraising. It was the terrible training treks we had (read Gunung Tahan) but the amazing times we shared together as a result of the mental and physical challenge. It was all the little silly moments, Nyan’s cackling laughter, Jimmy/Charlie’s split personality, Mei’s weird out of point comments (read: if you blablabla i will chop off my breasts, or i will kiss my own ass) , KK’s cursing streak and his one man diarrhoea show, our Bridge Club, Vomitting Club and Acclimatization Club. It was the times we were all sick to the bone, but had to learn how to care for one another despite that.

I could go on and on, but in the end, these are just words on a page, pictures and photos that speak a thousand words, but even all that wouldn’t do justice to our Dare to Dream 06 expedition, to the lives changed and to each of us who has grown so much in the last 6 months.

Reliving Kilimanjaro

Since I've been quite free for the past 2 days and also because i managed to steal quite alot of photos from the others already, I shall take the honour and start blogging some collages and photos. There are literally, thousands of photos that we have, all so amazing and beautiful. It was really hard to choose what to post.

First up... before embarking on our climb.

We flew by Emirates via Dubai to Nairobi, before taking a 5 hr long bus ride through the Kenyan/Tanzanian border to Arusha town.


And we saw the beautiful blue African skies that stretched on forever.


Finally on the wide open roads of Africa, on our way to Kilimanjaro.


The impending views of Kilimanjaro. We were constantly in the shadow of the summit, and being able to look at the peak as we were walking each day was an awesome yet intimidating feeling. By the third day most of us were hit by AMS (acute mountain sickness/altitude sickness) and various other problems like diarrhoea etc. We even had a vomitting club and an Acclimatization Club. But that was when we realised that no matter how strong you think you are, nature still has its way of catching you out and just like that, the strongest can become the weakest. Definitely one of the most humbling lessons for most of us.


The amazing flora that grow on Kilimanjaro, some of which are unique to the mountain. My favourite is the Senesia (i think) plant! That weird huge cactus like plant.


Doing our infamous SMU jump nearly everywhere we went (:


Food oh glorious food on Kilimanjaro and at the Safari. Although after about the 3rd day we started noticing something in common- potato stew, baked potatos, mashed potatoes.


Through the silly times...


And the happy times. We were all smiles and happy faces throughout the expedition (most of the time), despite the deterioriating weather conditions and everyone falling sick.

In the closing scenes of Black Hawk Down, the character played by Eric Bana, "Hoot", tells the main character played by Josh Hartnett, Eversmann, "When I go back (to America) and people ask me, 'Why do you do it, man? Why do you keep going back? Are you some kinda war junkie?' I won't say a word. I won't say cos they won't understand. They won't understand that it's about the man beside you."

As we conclude the actual expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, we shall not remain silent. Do ask us how it was like, because Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro sure made for a priceless experience. Do ask us about the gorgeous sunrise, the clear night sky, the breathtaking views of the peak and the Acute Mountain Sickness. We'd be more than happy to share. But what we had on the mountain was unique to ourselves. Heck, each individual experienced something unique. To the team, I'll say: Treasure those moments, guys. No one else could have experienced the mountain your way, and you are blessed and privileged to have been touched by the mountain as such. No one could ever claim a name on that treasure chest of yours.

The thing which I didn't mention during the sharing session that night was how this Dare to Dream project has brought us together much like the soldiers featured in BHD. All the great times we had, all the sweat and tears has brought us together in a way not many other activities can. Thanks for being such a great team, guys! -Jimmy

"We happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother."
Henry V, William Shakespeare

in true blue smu spirit

WE LEAP!

Just a teaser, heh. Mega pic post after Mei collates all the pictures!

(And I'm sure everyone's dying to see the *ahem* mooning shots...)

itinerary of our kili trip

OMGOSH guys, we're leaving Singapore tomorrow.

For our readers, I took the courtesy of posting our itinerary up. (: Enjoy! (and don't turn too green with envy :P)

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DAY 11th of June 2006: NAIROBI TO ARUSHA
- Pick up from Nairobi Airport by the Afternoon shuttle bus which departs Nairobi at 2:00hrs and transfer to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Impala Hotel. Half board (dinner and breakfast)

DAY 12th of June 2006: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100mElevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ftDistance: 18kmHiking Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and half hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

DAY 13th of June 2006: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840mElevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ftDistance: 9kmWalking Time: 4-6 hoursHabitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

DAY 14th of June 2006: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860mElevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ftDistance: 15 km Walking Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Semi-desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

DAY 15th of June 2006: (Acclimatization) Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200mElevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ftDistance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

DAY 16th of June 2006: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600mElevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ftDistance: 13km Hiking Time: 8 hoursHabitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

DAY 17th of June 2006: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 18th of June 2006: Mweka Camp to Arusha
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830mElevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ftDistance: 15 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hoursHabitat: Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Impala Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight. Full board

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Our flight will be on Sunday at 2am. We'll be transiting in Dubai before heading to Tanzania. Everyone please bring cards or other forms of onboard entertainment.. Ryan, if you have a mini monopoly set, please bring! Woot, how exciting (:

thumbdrives for sale!

We have custom-made thumbdrives for sale!

They are available at $72 (1GB), $45 (512 KB) and $35 (256 KB).

These prices are below the market rate, so if you need new thumbdrives for the new school year, this is the time to buy them!

Classy white design. (:

Please email boonseer.2005@business.smu.edu.sg if you're interested in purchasing one.

campers corner prep session

We went down to Campers Corner for a little talk that the folks there kindly organised for us.


Campers Corner is easily our favourite store! It offers a huge range of products that will keep every camper satisfied! (: We are proud to add that Campers Corner has been one of Dare to Dream's main supporters, especially when it comes to each team member's individual equipment. So, three cheers for them! (:

Xavier was the one who spoke to us. He has climbed Kilimanjaro before, so he gave us valuable insight as to what to expect and most importantly, how to prepare ourselves for the trip.

That's him!

The lesson he taught us was to 'always keep dry'! He brought out some of the thermal wear for us to try. JJ and Mei were the models of the day!

JJ - looking like a strange cross between a superhero and an escaped convict, and Mei - looking.. demure.. wait, something isn't right..

Aha! She's back to normal again. heh. j/k. The waterproof jacket she's wearing actually has zips under the arms to enable the wearer to air himself!

Xavier's very cool Montrails.

Xavier brought out a variety of stuff for us to try on and demostrated how each individual piece of clothing will help to keep us warm and comfortable while trekking.

We got a feel of the fabrics and cuts..

Paulies getting strangled by the powerful TT!

The lot of us trying the beanies!

Mei doing some shopping!

Paulie, TT and JJ looking pleased..

.. while Charms puts her height to good use. :P

Thanks Campers Corner for being such a great help to the D2D team! (: We appreciate it lots.

After Tahan comes Kili

Hey guys,

While we await the people who patiently took photos during the trek to upload them, here is a useful link I found for people who (like me) are wondering what exactly we need to buy to bring up to Kili.

Check this out

I don't know about you, but I think we really need to meet up one day to buy them. Hope none of you are bleeding from the nose thinking of all the money flowing out of your bank account. =P