Staying Young As We Grow Older

A week from now, I will be celebrating my birthday. By numerical age, I am considered old within my peers but I can still fool others by my outlook and well being. Products are not the only thing that can mask your age but something I came to realise when I set up this whole blog, The Journey Beyond Quarter Century.

I stopped counting my age by 25 (quarter century) and looked into the journey that I ventured on. I don't really celebrate my birthday by parties and gatherings. I don't expect my family and friends to pour me with gifts like how I've spoilt them. Of course I will be grateful for the gifts but it has been a fact that giving me a present would be head-bursting ordeal as I've satisfied myself with all the material needs/want like those in SINs.

I prefer to stay away on my own that very day and count my blessings instead of my age. That is why I am always away that very day. I found satisfaction by immersing myself into new experiences and surroundings. That has always been the best present I've gotten either by myself or others.

My First Solo Trip - Hong Kong and Macau
Experience Business Class Flight (Pure Orgasm)

Another adventure to South Korea - Busan, Jeju and Seoul
A very rewarding trip as I got to try and converse in Korean

A crashed birthday getaway by Hakimbo that I was grateful of.
I've gotten to experience more than just bumming around

Back to Hong Kong with Diane for Disneyland.
Broke my stubbornness of not going to theme parks and actually had fun

Well, it does not mean that you have to be on a trip on your birthday. Just find something new to do that you can enjoy. Remember that materialism is a temporary happiness. That smile will turn to a frown once it's broken or lost. The memory of experience will be everlasting which will continuously bring back a smile when you look back. Invest once and the reward will be recurring.

So, the actual secret of staying young is being HAPPY and GRATEFUL. Count your blessing and experience, and not by the materials you hope people will get for you. Life is temporary, we don't get to bring them all when we passed on. That wrinkle that appears when we smile is more beautiful that the wrinkle from stress.

So remember, I like my moment of introversion on my birthday. I'll be grateful of your present of staying away from me. I'll still be grateful of gifts and blessing too. Gastronomical experience are most welcome also. HAHAHAHA...

Island Getaway

It is becoming a yearly affair for the group of friends that went to Bangkok back in 2014. In 2015, we had a simpler getaway to Tioman Island, off the Malaysian eastern sea. I've been there twice and the last was in 2010. Tioman is really meant for a stress free holiday.

With the help of the same travel agent Hakimbo used, we got a superior chalet at Paya Beach Resort, inclusive of return coach to Tanjong Gemuk, return ferry to and fro the island, 5 meals and snorkelling activity all for just $250 per head.

Before 'it' began

For some, the 3 hours bus ride was gruesome until we experience 2 to 3 hours of ferry ride in a bad weather condition. The ferry had to go slow to cut through the rough waves. The start of the ride was merry until the first wave. It really felt like a roller coaster ride (like I know since I rarely ride one). I plugged in my earphones tight, grabbed my bag close to my chest and closed my eyes to sleep. I could faintly hear the screams and puking noises all around. I refused to open my eyes and ears as the ferry was still rocking furiously against the waves.

From a normal 2 hours ferry, it took us almost additional 30mins to 1 hour to reach the first jetty. Ours was the second. All that nausea passed as I stepped on steady land.

I had the privilege to stay in different rooms during my stay in the resort. I had a bigger room at the newer wing where the swimming pool is just in front of the room. Since there wasn't any activity on the first day, everyone dived into the pool after our stomach had been fed. I however had to complete my assignment due on the day I returned. So I stayed in the room like a confined student on a holiday. Once done, of course I dived into the salty pool.

Even with dinner, we still grabbed food at the warong. I have to admit, it's a must to get food there. The local delight and the infamous burger Ramli are must try. Not to forget the ever refreshing NesLo (Nescafe and Milo concoction). We stuffed at either warong till our stomach cried to stop.

So what do you do for a beach holiday, head to the beach of course. A little familiarisation with the snorkelling equipment by our dear Hakimbo at the beach till sunset. The boys minus the mummies, kiddies and me, crossed over to the nearby island. I was left out because I was in the water when they were looking for me. Hence I ended playing sand play with the kids and mummies. The sunset was mesmerising that we had multiple photo shots. I didn't bother with my camera because I didn't waterproof them. At least our main guide had prepare all the necessaries.

The silly things we do

Day 2 is activity day which was mostly snorkelling the first half of the day. The boat picked us up from the jetty and brought us to Renggis Island. I was amazed by Rayyan who was only 6 year old jumped into the open sea (with a life vest of course). Too bad, he's not used to the snorkelling gear to see the underwater beauty.

After 45mins at Reneges Island, we boarded the boat and headed to Marine Reservation center for another snorkelling. Usually we would be able to drop into the water from the jetty but the low tide didn't consent. We had to walk to the mainland and swim out to the sea. It's basically the same kind of activity but at least the mummies and kiddies were able to get into the water from the low tide. After a long and hot day, we headed back to the resort.

Kids nowadays are so sheltered from parents who prevent them from getting sick or hurt. On our way back to the resort, it started to rain. We were out on the boat from and had no shelter. Since we were all yet, we embraced the rain together with the kids. That's when the parents realised that something does not really harm the child.

Once back to the resort, it was practically dozing off, eating and swimming in the pool. We were also hoping that the ride back would be smoother, praying that it won't rain.

Again, the family had an ease of holiday. Everyone had fun and had our bellies filled happily. We did discuss our 2016 plans and it will definitely be a bang, in experience and our pockets. I can't wait for it that both Hakimbo and myself will scout the place first. HAHAHAHAHA....