6 Dec 2014 (Saturday)

Transcription

1 25 6 Dec 2014 (Saturday) There is a commendable tradition practised at TTC. Retired TTC teachers and ex-students normally pay homage to their alma mater, on every 6th of December. Yes, including the monk too! The standing left most gentleman on the second row is running a hotel in Phuket. He said business is thriving. Good luck. The ex-teachers and ex-students would start their meeting with a prayer while we all sit under a tent. It was the chance to see how they pray and made the offerings with various foods and fruits. When it was all over, it was time to take a group photograph. It was my first time sitting next to a monk.

2 26 6 Dec 2014 (Saturday) From Monday to Friday, everyone worked hard, day and night, to make ASEAN TVET English Programme a success. On Saturday, we started our excursion trips. The first was an eco-tourism spot, Le Khaokob Cave, managed by Khao Kop Tambon Administration Organisation. L-R: Bakri, Rahman, Hamid, Wan Aishah Address: Mu 1, Tambon Khao Kob, Amphoe Huat Yot, Trang. Tel: The initial journey seemed to be very ordinary indeed. I was wondering why small engine is not used in this modern age. Later, I found out why. The organiser must have kept the secret well, so as not to spoil the excitement. Each sampan takes a maximum of 6 passengers. The rent is only B200 per trip. However, if you find that the visit is very interesting then you should give some tips to the boatmen. They have to work hard to earn an honest living.

3 27 6 Dec 2014 (Saturday) As we approached the cave opening, we were asked to bend down. The sampan operators kept on rowing. Finally, we reached the destination, in the middle of the cave. We disembarked at a platform area and started to trek inside the cave. There you are there is no word to describe the beauty of God's creation; the stalactites and stalagmites. L-R: Bakri, Rahman, Hamid, Wan Aishah In Thai tradition, to lay down under an elephant foot would bring you good luck. I remember our visit to an Elephant Show in Bangkok in Lucky spectators were invited into the ring where an elephant is commanded to place lightly its heavy foot on their chests. In this cave, you would find an elephant-like stalactites. I hope by touching it might bring me some luck too.

4 28 6 Dec 2014 (Saturday) Unknown to us, the return journey was using a one-way route. It was most horrifying. We had to lay down flat on our backs. The canal just fit the size of the boat with a few cm clearance from the cave ceiling. My tummy grazed the ceiling 3 times and it was dark. This is a file picture from the internet. I was too scared to take out my handphone in my pocket. Eventhough it lasted for not more than 15 minutes but I felt like forever and a day. The boatmen used torchlight which was fitted on his forehead. He did not pedal anymore. He put his hands on the cave ceiling and pushed us forward, inch by inch. At the same time, reassuring our safety provided we kept our head flat on the wooden seat. I did better than that, I held on my breath at times, to keep my stomach in. So, losing some weight is not a bad idea after all. No, no thank you, I am not going back there.

5 29 On Sunday, the whole group members left Pakmeng Jetty, Krabi for island-hopping. Since the group members have already been covered by insurance, we need not buy new policy. After an hour, the boat stopped, about 25 metres from a rocky island. The skipper swam and tied a thick rope to the rock. Wearing vest, everyone was asked to jump into the sea and held on to the rope. We pedalled in the deep sea of Andaman while holding onto one another s shoulder in a single file. As soon as we reached the cave opening, everyone was caught by surprise. There was no more rope for the next 30 metres. There was no choice but to keep on pedaling in the dark. It would be a lie to say that I was not scared. I am not a good swimmer.

6 30 Welcome to Marakot Cave Beach. It is about 30 metre in length and 10 metres wide. Another way to reach this spot is to air-drop you from a helicopter. It is rich with flora and fauna as sunshine and rain could come from the open top. While we were there, there was another group from Germany enjoying themselves. We spent about half an hour before making the journey back to the boat. The return trip was more organised. We formed a long line of 40 staff and students. The TTC vicedirector, Mr Sahat was in front of me while Abdul Hamid was behind me. I felt very safe. After all, they needed me that night to speak in the closing ceremony! The reward was like the photo shot. No, no thank you, I am not going back there again.

7 31 The other 3 islands we visited were special in their own ways. The 2nd one is best for swimming with great views of surrounding islands. They were many Europeans sun-bathing on the beach. Again, the boat could not get too close to the beach. We held on to the rope and quickly moved toward the beach. The 3rd and 4th islands were for snorkeling to see coral and sea fish. Our staff and students enjoyed the activities very much. We had lunch on the boat. The organiser with tourism teachers from TTC kept a watchful eyes and made sure everyone was safe and returned safely. Inset: Hamid in action!

8 32 As we approached the 4 th island, it started to rain but it was not too heavy. Everyone was excited at the very idea of diving into the sea to see live fish. As we reached the spot which is closed to another rocky island, there was another excursion boat like ours. There was no time to lose. Within minutes, most were already in the water. I was not sure whether they were swimming with the fish or vice versa. Helan, Bakri, Rahman and Hamid We are coming in from the cold! As the rain was getting heavier, everyone was ordered to come onboard. We headed home. The wind which blew the rain got everyone soaked. We were wet and cold but happy. The skipper passed by another rocky island which has become bats sanctuary. As we approached the land, it was low tide but the skipper expertly maneuvered the boat to berth at the jetty.

9 33 This programme would not have happened if not for the many contributions by many parties and individuals. First and foremost, the TTC, headed by Mr Prasong Yoothong who had provided transport, food, lodging, excursion trips, etc. He was well supported by other colleges directors, his deputies, teachers and students. On our part, all the 6 polytechnic directors, JPP and our KSU who had approved the trip. TQVM to Datuk Mohlis Jaafar for your "Well Done All of You" message. It came in Just in Time (JIT) for our closing speech which received a big applause from our delegates. Above all, we hope the kinship that we established on 8 December 2014 will bring mutual benefits to both parties.

10 34 At 9.00 pm, 2014 ASEAN TVET English Programme came to a close at TTC. I was given the opportunity to deliver a speech while TTC Director did the closing. Prizes were given out to the winners, souvenirs changed hands between Politeknik Malaysia and the 9 participating Thailand Colleges. But, the highlight was when representatives from each college addressed the participants in English. The stage fright is finally broken!

11 35 10 Dec 2014 (Wednesday) Our group made the journey home from Trang on Monday, 8 Dec We reached POLIMAS at 7.00 pm. Some of the members from Melaka, Putra Jaya and Shah Alam flew back to their hometown that night. The next day, Monday, was a working day. On 10 Dec 2014, Utusan Malaysia daily published an article on our Trang project in Thailand. We made waves not only in Malaysia but was aired on Thai TV too. Congratulations to 6 Malaysian Polytechnics for making this project momentous. It was the most successful and memorable outing to date. Khop Kun Krap.