Goodbye 2005, Hello 2006!

2005 flies extremely fast. Before I knew it, it's the last day of the year. This year has been a good year for me, though there were some months when I was sick and down.

I was really happy that I got the chance to visit Kuala Lumpur 3 times this year. That was the best time for me, though this 3 trips was very tiring for me.

The first time was in 22-23 April 05 when I went with my expupil friends from Spastic Centre. We spend 2 days and 1 night at Hotel Maluri. We went down by a tour bus a there were 40 of us, (disabled friends, family memebers, teachers and volunteers). The places we visited were Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) shopping mall, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Science Centre and a drive to Putrajaya.

At Petronas Twin Tower, we went up until 44th floor, where the bridge was. The view from the bridge was absolutely beautiful. I never imagine myself up there till that very day. Everything was so thiny when I looked down. After caming down, we went to KLCC shopping mall. The things were very expensive, what we could do was window shopping. At night we visited KL Tower which we went up to the 88th floor (at the very top) The beautiful scenery of KL city lights was amazing! The next day we visited the Science Centre and before we leave for Penang, we took a drive to Putrajaya.

My 2nd trip to KL was in 22-30 July 05 for nine days for Boccia training and a friendly tournement with Hong Kong team which consists of 6 disabled friends, all on wheelchairs. Boccia is similar as Lawn Ball, but Boccia is a sport for Cerebral Palsy (disabled friends) who are on wheelchairs and can cordinate with hands and our mind. Recently Boccia sport open a category for non Cerebral Palsy, that is why I was choosen to enter this sport. I didn't regret or disappointed for not winning any medals, but I was happy that I gain more experience from the training and friendship KL, Johor and Hong Kong disabled friends.

My third trip was with my Faith & Light friends. We went down for the weekend on the 29-30 Oct 05 for a church Pilgrimage at St. Jude in Rawang. 6 friends and I went down by van (5 disabled friends and 2 able body friends). . The reason we went to KL was to joint with Petaling Jaya and Cheras community for the Pilgrimate. After the Pilgrimate, all of us adjourned to Templer's Park for a picnic. Both KL community cooked the food for that afternoon. There was a stream of river by the side where we were have our picnic. Some of our disabled friends and able body friends went down for a smim as it was a very hot day.

In the evening after dinner, few of my disabled friends requested to go to KLCC as they had never been there before. My friends wish was granted so all of us together with some KL friends. Inspite of my tiring body, I enjoyed the evening outing.

Even though all this outing maybe nothing to some people, but it was really a special time for me as I met and make new friends. I had a wonderful time. If it's GOD's will, I hope in 2006 I may able to go further than Kuala Lumpur. I love to travel and see places. The advanture is out there!

P/S : The photos were taken during Boccia training/competition and the Pilgrimate.

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A beautiful dream came true

Mr. Sasaki dropped us off at the departure hall. It was a very sad time when we had to say to goodbye to him and I thank him for everything that one week and gave him a hug before we left. We check into the counter one hour before boarding the plane and the. I went to the rest room before we checked into the plane. You cannot imagine how modern the disabled rest room was? It was really big and clean and there was 2 buttons at the wall to open and close the door. The buttons was not only inside the toilet but outside too. I was really amazed when see it. Ai Na took me round the airport as there was still time. Mum took a rest. When we heard them calling my name, we rushed to check in. It took us at least half an hour before the rest of the passengers board the plane.

Our plan was TG641 and it took off about 12.15pm. When I was in the plane I felt very sad as my beautiful dream has come to an end and I had to say goodbye to beautiful Japan. Tears nearly flow out my eyes, but luckily it didn’t or else it would be embarrassing to the people there. It took 7 hours to reach Singapore, but when we arrived Singapore airport, we couldn’t land as there was a heavy rain so our plane had to go round in the air for few times before landing At last we landed, but we were one hour late so rush down to catch our plane from Singapore. We were in such a rush when we left the plane that we forget to take my pillow along and left in on the seat. Luckily I had got some minutes to go to the rest room before boarding the plane to Penang. We let other passengers went in first so I was the last to get in. Our plane was SQ997 landed at Penang airport safely about 9.30pm. Denis came to fetched us home. We thank Ai Na for all her help during our stay there.

We arrived home about 10pm. I was really happy we reached home safely as I was very tired of the whole day’s trip. I really thank God for this wonderful trip I had experience. I have never been happier before in my entire life. I enjoyed the company of all the kind people, had lots of good food and enjoyed the Autumn season. I thank God for all these people who sponsor us for this trip and made this a memorable time that I may never forget.

The End....

A sad morning

Day 6 - 6th Oct 03 - Goodbye Japan

It was a very sad day as we were going back. Mum and I got up early that morning as we prepared and got me ready and we have to arrive at Narita Airport by 10am. Our plane was to board at 12 noon. We had quick breakfast at the hotel café. After got everything ready Mr. Sasaki came to fetched us after dropping the Thai group at the airport. It was quite sad that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to Non and the rest of the Thai group. I thought we were going to airport at the same time, but later I knew that their plane left an hour earlier.

The Korean group went together with us as their plane was an hour later than us. Narita airport was only less than 10mins drive from Excel Hotel. Since Narita Airport was very big, we went into the first terminal instead of the second. Then we realise it was the wrong one and rushed to the other terminal.

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A great day

I believe everyone felt very tired and not me alone. The hotel which we stayed for that night was near to Disneyland and Narita Airport. It was called Excel Hotel. While waiting to check into our rooms, I saw many air stewards and stewardess came into the hotel with their baggages. So I knew they must be spending their nights there while on duty.

To my surprise, our room was big with two queen size bed and couch for guest to rest. The most disappointing thing was their toilet was as small and narrow like the two previous hotels. I thought since the hotel was much bigger and nicer, their toilet must be bigger but it was the same. Anyhow, it was only one night so we had to bear with it.

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A day that I will never forget

Many people were already queuing up near the garden to see the lights’ parade. We were luckily that we go the front row. I believe some of the disabled friends from Korea couldn’t see much as their wheelchairs were behind me. The lights’ parade started within 20mins. One by one, the car came out with beautiful decorated Disney animated animals. It was very beautiful! I never imagine myself watching the parade or even enter the Disneyland.

Before we left Disneyland we took our last group photos. At that time I was very tired and my back was killing me. When we walked back to the car park Ai Na had to tilted my wheelchair while wheeling me.

It was such a wonderful and remembrance day at Disneyland that when Ai Na turned me back to see the last glance. I wish I would get the chance to go back again. The bus took a while to enter the car park as there were still a lot of cars. I couldn’t sit anymore at that time as my back was aching and my body was very stiff due to sitting the whole day.

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A breeze evening

We were supposed to go back after seeing Mickey’s House, but Mr. Sasaki decided to let us stay on as there was a parade at night. So we all had some time before dinner and everyone went their own way as were yet many things to see. We were to meet at certain time for dinner. The air was very cold and fresh that evening. The breeze kept coming towards us and I had such a nice feeling. I have never felt such weather before in my entire life. Ai Na took mum and I round another side of the place where it was very beautiful. By 5.30pm, it was already getting dark. We went to see the trademark of Disneyland and other beautiful statues’ and took many photos.

After seeing all the many beautiful things, we went back to our meeting place where and we had our dinner restaurant. It was such a beautiful restaurant with many people inside. Luckily, there was still couple of tables’ left, so we filled in the place. While ordering our food, mum and I made a call home and but no one answer, so we called Janice’s house and luckily she was in. We talked for a while and told her about our flight the next day.

When we came back, the food was served at our table. We had to have a quick dinner as we wanted to watch the parade. When we went out, the lights all over the place was so beautiful. Since we still have some time, Ai Na and Mr. Hee took me for a walk to the nearby shops and I bought a few soveniour. You cannot imagine there were so many people inside the small shops.

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Mickey and I!!!

At 4.30pm we had passes to get into Mickey’s house. But before that, all of us went separate ways to see what they want see. At that time, my back was already killing me. Guess what? I got a place to rest my body for a very short while. It was on the side bench where people were sitting. Behind me, was a small garden full of beautiful flowers. Again I didn’t bother whether people were starting at me, but most of them were enjoying themselves with all the cute cartoons which walked around the park that they didn’t notice I was there. I felt relief as no one was staring at me. I lie for only few minutes as the bench was quite cold so I was afraid my back would give me trouble.

When I got up, Ai Na took me round the place to see some of the nice and cute cartoons’ houses. We gave mum the chance to rest as her legs was giving her trouble. It was time to visit Mickey’s House. All of us in a group queued up to go in, there were other visitors too, but they were on another lane. We saw all the things that Mickey wear, use etc. there were even a small theater where Mickey made his appearance in the cartoons screens. They were all in black and white. There were many others things that I have never seen or know Mickey use before. Then, we entered a room and there was Mickey! It was indeed nice to see him. All of us took photos with him, but as an individual group. I was really happy that I have few photos with him. It will be a good remembrance for me.

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A very beautiful parade

As it was already lunch time, all of us went to a fast food restaurant (like Mac Donald). There were a lot of people that we had difficulty in finding a table for ourselves. At last we found a long table. The Korean group didn’t join us, they sat separately. Mr. Sasaki, Ai Na and few of them went to buy food for us all. We enjoyed the food very much and also the companies.

There was a parade outside the fast food restaurant that afternoon. After our lunch, we all queue up in rolls to watch the parade. We were advice by the people who in charge to go to the other side as the front roll was for the disabled. It was a hot afternoon that day and the parade only start after 2.30pm. We had to wait for more than half an hour before it starts. There were many old people on wheelchairs too. Everyone, young and old had to make their seat on both the sides of road.

Just before it starts, few dances came out dancing on the road. Later the parade passed us one by one on a beautifully decorated big car. All the animated Disney animals and cartoons came out. I took many photos of them as they were all dressed so beautifully. The music was very loud. They were dance and waving to all of us. The parade took about half and hour before it ended. It was really a dream came true

After finished, we all went for a walk round the park. There were lots of things to see and all the things eg: cartoons/toy house etc, which were really beautiful. For some older people who cannot walk for a long distance, they provide wheelchairs for thems itting in front and watching them.


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So trilling!

We continue our rounds and saw a ride that we could sit and that was “Pirate of the Caribbean”. There were lots of people queuing up for the ride. Since we have our disabled passes, the lady in change took us in to one corner. Inside the place was quite dark and water in the middle, but there were railings all sides.

We got into a boat and it took us round and we could see the olden days pirates’ which was made of creative down moving around. It was very dark and I was frightened at one part when the boat suddenly went down (like the waterfall). I screamed, but Ai Na hold me as she sat beside me. It was quite trilled at that moment, but later it was calmed again. I saw many pirates fighting and also many in prison and lots more. It was a nice experience.

After coming out, we checked out others interesting places whether we could go in, we nearly went into another place, but the guy in change saw our disabled pass he discouraged us from going in as it may be to dangerous to us disabled. We could not understand a single word they were telling us, so Ai Na had to explain to us.

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Easy access to the restroom

As we pass the park, we saw a garden full of beautiful flowers. We took a slow walk as we look around the place and saw many souvenir shops. We didn’t go in, as we have not enough time as there were still many things to see.

At that time, I needed to ease myself so we went to find a disabled rest room. Wow! When I went into the rest room, I was so amazed to see how big it was. It was all equip with railing and bars. At one corner, there was a resting place (like a bed) for us to lie down. It was so big, clean and easy to move around. I have never seen such a beautifully design disabled toilet before.

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Such a big and beautiful place

When we went in, I feel as if I was in a dreamland! The whole place was so big and beautiful as I have never seen before. There were a lot of people everywhere most of them were Japanese. I saw a group of disabled friends too. I believe they were local people who went out for their Sunday outing.

There was photo session with Winnie the Pooh at one side and another was with Goopy. Wow! There were a lot of people queuing up taking photo with Winnie the Pooh, while only a few with Goopy. I never like Goopy, but since there were only a few people we were wheeled to take photo with him. I was looking forward for a photo with Winnie the Pooh as it was so cute, but sadly I didn’t have a chance. Later, when we went in, Ai Na told me I could take a photo with her as I had a disabled pass.


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