All posts tagged: blog

The young porter of Mount Kinabalu

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[Above picture] Mount Kinabalu porters taking a break after completing the 6km trek from Timpohon gate – the starting point of the climb – to the Panalaban base camp. – Pix by NSTP/Khairull Azry Bidin NOTE: From April 1-2, I climbed Mount Kinabalu and had the chance to talk to some of the most inspiring individuals, the mountain porters. Here’s what I learned. ****** STANDING at only 160cm and weighing 52kg, one would be forgiven for doubting Jvy Mius’ ability as a porter, carrying heavy loads up Mount Kinabalu. However, the sight of his lithe frame springing from one rock to another as he treks his way up to the Panalaban base camp of Malaysia’s highest mountain is a marvel to behold. Depending on the weight of the load, the 22-year-old Dusun lad from Kampung Waang in the highland district of Ranau can reach the base camp, located 3,272m above sea level, in under two hours. “That is if I am carrying light objects. If the loads are heavy, then I will reach the camp …

A souvenir kind of day

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I was feeling a little unproductive this morning. Maybe because I had to attend a boring assignment – Goods and Services Tax briefing by Sabah Customs Department … … And no, I am not going to talk about GST. So, I arrived office at 12.15pm, bringing in only one news. As I settled back in my seat, my colleague approached me. Olivia was holding a box of some things. As I looked closely, there were five or six fridge magnets, and five or six thin boards with pictures on them. There could be more than five and more than six too. My eyes were fixed on one of the thin boards. It was the one with two tiny holes and a rope attached to one of the holes. There was a red building painted on the board with caption written Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan). I was not sure what to do with it but I took it because it was unique. “How long were you in Taiwan?” I asked. I knew Olivia was on leave for the past few days. I just didn’t …

Drinking coffee in Copenhagen

People drinking coffee

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One of my favourite pastimes is going to cafe for a cup of joe. There is something relaxing and elegant about it. Maybe it is the ambience or perhaps the smell of coffee. Or maybe it is the act of observing people sipping a cuppa  itself. It will take me some time to explain but like Jackie Chan said, coffee is a language itself. Here are pictures I found on Pinterest.