Intro bushwalking FAQ

Amende bushwalking ni? According to wikipedia its just another term used to describe hiking.Its associated with bush because of the type geographical landscape one goes through during the trip.Yang cool about bushwalking is the ones where you cover a long distance, there is no such thing as designated tracks.Gile kena pakai map! Im not at that stage yet but hopefully I will be doing at least one of those.

"The bushwalker may justly claim that this pastime is one of the very few that develops both the mind and the body. It takes him far away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city, and he may tread in places where no white man has trodden before. He learns to appreciate the strange, peaceful charm of the Australian bush, known only to those who seek its virgin spots, and he realises that man and his civilisation form a small part only of a wonderful creation"

(below taken from FAQ bushwalking

What is 'the bush'?
"Bush" is just an Australian term for our unique combination of Eucalypt forests, wildflowers and scrub.

What is Bushwalking?

Bushwalking covers a very wide range of terrain in Australia: from the heat (and rain) of Far North Queensland to the wild territory (and more rain) of South West Tasmania; from desert walking to ski touring, from easy track walking in rolling country to canyoning in the Blue Mountains, and so on. Needs differ - not surprising with a continent the size of ours.

"Bushwalking" means walking through the Australian bush: other countries call it something else (hiking, tramping, trailing ...) because they do not have our "bush". Aspiring hard walkers may be interested to know that Australian bushwalkers do have a bit of a reputation - or at least our bush does. Some overseas companies will not release some of their lighter gear in Australia because our bush is too rough. Apparently, walking in some countries usually means "on a track", rather than "off track". Bunch of wusses.

And from where did we get this term 'Bushwalking'? I thank Anthony Dunk and Tom Brennan for the following.

The word "bushwalking" is derived from the title of the first hiking club in Sydney which was open to both genders. This club, formed in the late 1920's, was originally called the Waratah Walking Club, but then changed its name to "Bush Walkers". Later the name of the club was changed to Sydney Bush Walkers (SBW).

.Apa laga... jom la bushwalking!

MM127hours-Bushwalk Bold Park

I recently watched 127 hours. I must say, there is something in common between me and the main character in the movie. We both love outdoors and I would love to do things that he did. Of course, mine is with limitation because I started late in life to explore the outdoors.

Being in Western Australia is certainly an advantage for me compared to other regions in Australia. A lot of my friends asked me why I chose Perth over Melbourne when Melbourne is the most happening place to be! When I made my choice earlier, I dunno why but now I don’t think I have regrets. I’ve been surfing (the net la..) and I guess there are lots of things that I can do during my off days and weekends enjoying the outdoors!

Today was a start. I came across a hiking group website and in it were their past hikes and future plans.It is similar like my climbing group back home,OGKL and I was looking forward to join them.However, I thought before I join them I should expose myself to such hikes. Over here, as according to the aborigin culture, bush walking is their hiking activity.Not just walking around the bushes,its because their natural geographical landscape; the bushes.(boy..how I wish I was more attentive during my geography classes and I could have produce a better infoblog!) Interestingly, walking is a way of life! That would be the reason why Australia aborigins do not really have any settlements and thus the excuse for whiteman to claim the land!

Anyway, I decided to go for a grade “easy” bushwalking which is situated in Bold Park,Cambridge, West Perth. One thing good about “orang putih” countries, their information and ways to do things are clear and you just need to find out from their resources. Bold Park was easy to reach as it is within Transperth (the main bus/train/ferry company) which operates in Perth. It was interesting when I initially enquired in their website and one of the options to reach Bold Park was walking which would take 2 hours! Hahaha

After taking the no 84 bus from Wellington bus station, I was off early in the morning. I woke up earlier to prepare my snack for the day; macaroni & cheese with chilli tuna! Haha bukannya susah sangat nak buat pun! Instant! The bus journey took me 30 minutes but I was not sure where my exit point was.I depended just upon memory if the map which I browsed earlier the previous night. I took a wrong turn and ended up near City Beach! Luckily my orientation is good that I managed to find my way to Boulevard Drive and thus to Bold Park. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the main office is closed during the weekends. I would have thought it would have been open! I was left with just my memory to look out for the trail and thus my objective of the day.

I started off by going on top of Reabold Hill and Masya Allah it was beautiful.It is the highest point and a special platform was made so that you can see the 360o scenery. I then began my bushwalking trip by following the Zamia trail. I was at the starting point and seeing it to be only 5.1 km, I thought it would be a breeze for me.

It was a typical bush trail where you get bushes and wildflowers along the trail. There are a number of different species of trees and I guess having a guided walk would provide me more information on this. Typical birds and animal species can be found along trail; however I did not have the info book or brochure with me. It was OK as my aim was to complete this trail.The weather was permitting and it was hot! The forecast was otherwise and I am glad I took the gamble to enjoy my day.

However, like any outdoor trail; 5.1km here is not equivalent to your typical 5km run!Hahaha sometimes you go up and down and it varies.Only then did I realize I may have underestimated the trek and having to walk about 2km upon reaching Bold Park I was a bit knackered then!Luckily I brought my drinks and snack as how it was adviced in the website.And it is important to bring your own water and food because the trail is conserved and there is no commercialism! Don’t expect to find a stall selling drinks in between..hahaha

I ended the walk by climbing back to the Reabold Hill hut. The sea breeze was cooling and I am glad I took the effort to to this today.It is certainly something that I love to do and will continue doing while Im here.

One month away from home

Tomorrow will be exactly 1 month I'm in Perth,Australia. Time flies very fast and now I'm at my own place drinking hot coffee while blogging this entry.I've definitely settled down and with that peace of mind I am more relaxed.I went to Harbour Town earlier today and did a bit of my own shopping!Haha It is still expensive but I try to maximize the bargains and i reckoned I did well today! The most expensive item would be the New Balance terrain shoe which was hard for me not to buy it today:)
Working in the department has been a different type of experience.Im more familiar now with how things are run in the theatre.I am yet to do my night duties which in a way good for me! The roster was already up and I guess it was too much of a hassle to change everything.Therefore till the end of this month,I'm only up for day duties for the week.I did my weekend on my first week of job therefore I don't have any til November i reckon.
Royal Perth Hospital has lots of history as it was the first major hospital and still is the main referral centre of Western Australia.The theatres can be busy but I guess not as busy as the ones back home.Even the ranges of cases are fairly typical and not much of a problem for me to understand.Its just the type of patients here which are different from the ones back home.It brings me a different perspective on how to handle patients expecially from a country where they are mostly educated and more organized.
I have been working with different Consultants every day(which tells you how many we have here in RPH!) All of them are nice and helpful but like back home have their own different styles and ways.Seeing the cases which is done everyday, I do reckon that the trainees and MOs back home are much more competent when compared to their counterparts here.Unfortunately, in Malaysia the MOs are mere workers and do things to make things run.It is sad that the specialists are not keen to educate and make them think.But then again I may be unfair because the remenuration and how things work at home are totally different. Here, doctors are paid well with protected working hours. We get our rest days and not overworked.The lifestyle here is totally different and i reckon the reason why those who have been here decide to migrate or prolong their stay as long as possible.The money is enough as a registrar and more so for Senior registrar.COnsultant lagi lah! I'm experiencing how life can be plentiful and family time is definitely priority for the community here.I'm beginning to miss the family and how hectic life can be with the children.
I am not too sure on how i will blog about my daily life in OT here but I guess I will be careful when talking about patients.They are sensitive about privacy here and I guess I have to be as vague as I can be so that the stories may not be so revealing or me invading somebody's privacy. But then again, you'd be amazing to see how the freedom of speech is really practiced here!

Pay day..Off day!

It was a nice feeling.I was being a bit excited when the first thing I did today was to log on to my westpac bank.Yes..my first pay cheque is in! They pay us fortnightly and Alhamdulillah the payroll has started!I guess after going through everything, to see those numbers on my account bank is such a relief:) Its not about the salary so much but the point where you felt that whatever that you've done is literally paying off!
It was a coincidence too that Im on my off day today.I didnt have my day planned properly only a few administrative things that I wanted to do.Borrowed 2 DVDs as I thought I would be spending the day at my lovely CIRB.However, the weather was totally different from the past miserable 3 days.It was sunny and no clouds were in sight.It was horrible every morning as I took the easy way out by going to work with the CAT bus rather than walking.It was too cold and wet! It was the end of September and as I remember, King's Park display and emphasis on wildflowers will end come October.

After Asar, I was off to King's Park via Blue CAT bus which took me to the start of Jacob's ladder.Its a pathway thought to be a shortcut to get to King;s Park but one needs a really good heart to climb all the way!I was a bit puffed when i finished the climb but i thought it was a good training spot if i wanna push up on my fitness but Im not too sure if its good for my knees :)
The park was wonderful.Its the first time in my life that I really appreciate the wildflowers which looked really nice.I tried to capture it on photo but i guess the limitation of an automatic camera limits the beauty I saw.I guess now I know why fanatic photographers will spend hours in taking a good picture:)
I was wearing my Blue Malaysia jersey and proud of it I guess!Hahaha I had a great time and I'm sure to bring my family here for picnic so that they can enjoy what I experienced today.

Baobab.. geography 101.

Good picture kan?

this is my camera tau!

CRIB

I was waiting anxiously for the real estate agent phone call last Tuesday.My application for an earlier apartment was rejected and it would be more stressful if I am not considered again. Finally,when she called, to my surprise she asked me whether I was still interested with my first application. Well, I preferred the earlier apartment and without being hesitant I agreed to take the first apartment in Wellington Street instead of the one within Minray Hotel.
I signed off my papers on Friday and by Saturday I was in my aparment! Alhamdulillah.It is situated in the city and within an old warehouse which is currently a Perth Heritage building.The interior is modern and I must say what attracted me to it is the ample space it has.It is a modified studio and getting a fully furnished apartment in the middle of Perth CBD is a bargain.Why I am very particular for a spacious unit is because of the possibilities of my family members visiting and I dont want them to cramp into a small unit.Getting a satisfactory size i bedroom apartment is rare in the CBD but alhamdulillah its a rezeki for me.
I kinda like the setting of this apartment and I am so glad to call it home. I've been doing a bit of shopping in buying what is necessary and Insya Allah, it looks like I'm going to be for some time.

Night view

Perth at night from my camera. 128/138 Barracks Street.
Managed to get the shot i wanted:)

Yanchep National Park

Masuk gua terus kat Perth!

A colleague of mine,Siva came down to Perth from Sydney.He was visiting friends here whom I met at a small gathering in Wembley.It was nice to meet up with Gopal and his wife,Usha and family, Athena and Lip Yang came a little bit later.It was nice to have some sort of UM Anaesthesia Alumni meet up that night:)Siva then asked whether I was free the next day as they were planning with Alvin(another UM colleague) to go to Yanchep National Park to see wild flowers! Of course, this was something that i will not refuse:)
Athena picked me up in town and quickly we went to Alvin's place.It was a very nice house and how iwished that my family was here as well seeing him with his kids:) After a quick IGA stop, we were off to Yanchep.It is a bit north not too far from Perth CBD. It took us about half an hour to reach there and this was the introduction to the WA outdoors for me!
The park was really nice and what complimented it well was the excellent weather.The ducks were really tame and came to our picnic seat without fear! Both Alvin's kids went chasing after them and again they came back! Alvin and wifey prepared a very delicious choice of picnic snacks and I enjoyed it very much.
It was also the first time I saw a koala in their homeland.. hahaha they looked lazy but then peduliklah as long as they are cute!No kangaroos in site though but I guess Yanchep was not the best place to see them.After finishing our lunch we were off to the short cave walk tour.That was interesting and I certainly enjoyed my day.
Thank you guys for bringing me with you and indeed i know that Perth is the perfect place I wanna be for now :)

excellent lunch and weather to picnic

Surviving survival

swan river: house hunting..

Sorry as Ive not been updating! Life is hectic and Im more settled now with work.I'm still homeless and I must again thank you Jaya and Cheng Bee for their hospitality.Terhutang budi betul and i will repay their kindness somehow someday definitely!Its not easy to get friends like them and i do really appreciate their gesture.I really dont know how to express my upmost gratitude and i guess it is explained why I keep writing this in my posts!Not sure if they are reading my blog but someday when they do, THANK YOU!!!
Its been 2 weeks now and I'm off today as I was working during the weekend.I've just worked for a week and still trying to get hang of the system in Royal Perth Hospital.Im currently doing the general anaesthesia work and its definitely the start I want before they put me in more subspecialty disciplines or responsibilities.Work itself is not an issue but on how they do it here,what to be extra careful of, the population and kind of people you anaesthetize; mind you I gave GA to a 92 year old on Sunday! However with the drugs and technique which is available here,it is possible to do it in ways that you'd never consider back home.In fact, having a 92 year old in your list is of rarity!Hahaha
Being a senior registrar means that you are depended upon especially during night time.The strata goes that this is post is just one step behind Consultants.Ive yet to be given that responsibility but it will come soon and I have to be ready for it.Previous Malaysians and current ones who are here had given a good reputation and standard. I dont want to be the one who spoils it and therefore it is a bit of a stress for me now to maintain that class.I must say those who were here were the top anaesthetists back home.Well, I have to take up this challenge and continue to prove myself!
I've met a few Malaysians who are currently PR here.Talking to them gives me the input of keeping my options open. It is interesting to see their point of view and how they've lead their lives.Certainly, when thinking about the young ones; why one should not take the advantage?Globalization can be a good thing if we know how to make it a win win situation for all. I guess all this will make me wiser in making decisions in the future.
In the mean time I guess, Ill do what I am here to do.However, being apart from the family is slowly creeping in as life can be lonely when you are used to the chaos and mumbo jumbo of handling of 4 small kids!

House Hunting Job

House Hunting

This is something which I reckon is difficult to do especially when you are on your own. Of course the budget comes as the highest priority but there are a number of factors that should be considered. Especially in Australia, one has to choose it well. Potential tenants are known to be fussy and the owner are careful as well in selecting their renters. Its always scary to imagine a “Michael Keaton of Pacific Heights” to become your tenant! Here in the Aussie world, your complaints are my priority.

I’ve been doing a lot of Net research and scouting around to look for the best place to be at least for one year. It was easy back then in Manchester as there are many people who can suggest and help. You can look almost everywhere for the information. But then again , maybe because it was Student’s City where things are easy for everybody. Currently I am looking for a good place in town , fully furnished. It is suitable for me who’ll be alone here.

Its not easy though to do it. I’ve never been the one who really look into details, scrutinizing and being very meticulous in choosing a place. So far, wifey is the main person doing this. It is sort of a new experience for me. Even before in Manchester, I was only part of the consortium and not the main person who really dwells into details. Its rather expensive to rent in Australia nowadays. Not just for the numbers but when you convert the currency to RM, then you’d realize how much you’ve paid for your monthly rent.

I’m still looking for the best place and I will definitely share my stories of that chapter

Good Day Australia!

Au revoir Malaysia, Good Day Perth!

I woke up early that morning, mama woke us up for Subuh. Dzareif the baby was with us.The kids were with their nenek, not knowing that they will be seeing me physically the last time that morning. Wifey just came back from Phuket earlier and I guess did not gauge much sleep.

We went off to KLIA in my car. Both Papa and Mama followed but did not stay long; the usual practice for my family members. Mak, Abang, Yo and Adik came along as it is in their tradition that any family members going abroad for some time they will all be at the airport. Azam was late but I really do appreciate his effort as I saw him puffing away when he arrived as I was waiting at the escalator to board the immigration. Thank you again. The kids were very casual about it, I guess they’ve sent me many times to the airport and thought I would be coming back 2-3 days later with presents for them. As I walk to my Gate, I felt a bit sad realizing I’m leaving behind my kids.

I took MAS and glad I did that as the flight was half empty. In fact, I had the whole 5 seater for myself! More worthy than a first class or business class seat! Hahaha The flight was short, about 5 hours to arrive in Perth International Airport. There was a heavy traffic in KLIA so we were delayed by almost an hour!

It was a breeze through the immigration. I guess my e457 visa did help to ensure the custom officers that I’m here not to destroy their ecosystem or introduce a destructive species in their land! As I came out from the door bringing my luggage with me, hmm.. guess I’m here now to proceed with my latest adventure of my life. Quickly I bought myself both prepaid phone and mobile broadband because that will be my lifeline for the next week. This is especially true in settling lots of things! Oh.. how we’ve depend on the internet so much that you cannot live or start life without it!

“Welcome to Perth.. Macha!!” Jayaraj greeted me with joy on hearing my voice. After giving specific instruction, I was on my way to Barracks Street (to which at that time I did not have a clue where in the hell it was!) It was nice of him to wait for me and he offered me to stay at his place for a number of days before I get my accommodation. To Ching Bee and Jayaraj, My upmost gratitude for your help and I know I will not be able to repay such kindness! Thank you again.. Later that night, we were off to Wembley Food Court to enjoy Malaysian dinner as most of the dishes there were Malaysian based cooks!

And that was my first day in Perth…

New Adventure New Life

I have safely arrived in Perth. It has been a hectic three days. I'm staying with a friend at the moment as I am still looking for my own place.
I have registered with the authority, registered with my hospital, department and now, waiting to start work here in Royal Perth. Insya Allah.
MAfeitz Mamat

Raya 2011 blast from the past

Salam Aidilfitri to everyone! I am writing this blog entry in Muar at the moment. There is no broadband connection at my grandmas but I can’t seem to sleep after Subuh. Mak Tuk and Mama is having a conversation early in the morning. Mak Tuk’s senility is not as bad as how it was last year. One thing I respect about her that she never failed to wake up dawn and perform her Suboh prayers and proceeded with her wirids. Without fail everytime I am back here. And despite her poor memory span now, she never forgot the Quranic verses and perhaps this helps her not to deteriorate. I should have brought Dr M’s autobiography with me as Ive only managed to glance through 4 chapters so far. Here I am on my lappie doing this draft as it is now so that I can post it later when I have the internet connection.

Everybody is still asleep. I slept in the living area; or “lambak” they call it. It is one of the fun things to experience going back to kampong. I am really thankful that my grandma is still alive at the age of 84. She is the sole reason all of us go back to Muar and I am thankful that at least my children will have the memory of what kampong raya is really like. I guess as long as she is still around my extended family will take the effort to be here together. If Mak Tuk is not around anymore, I’m not sure what will happen to the Muar home. I’m sure one of my uncles/aunties will stay here but the atmosphere and spirit will be different. Until then, it will be Muar for us every raya.

I guess the reason why I can be so nostalgic about Muar is because of the time I spent here when I was young. Mama will always send me back to kampong during the school holidays and it will be from 1 week to 2 weeks. Most of the time, I will be alone here in Muar unlike in Melaka where I have En. It can be boring at times because I don’t really mix around with my age group there but somehow I managed to entertain myself then. Remember that this was the period when there was no internet and video consoles! I must have read anything which was readable here.. hahaha

I still remember when it was still the old house. Its design is like a big extended studio ; all the way to the kitchen. The living area will be turned into area for “lambak” after 11pm. Mind you at 10pm, there are visitors who will throng the house! There were two toilets (well till now there is) one would be the more modern one with pipe and another which is very traditional with a tempayan there. It had green motive as its overall colour and somehow I do miss that old toilet. I had preference for sitting toilet rather than squatting ( hahaha..typical town boy) so when my favourite toilet was occupied, it would be agony for me to hold on. But when there is emergency, I had no choice!
Arwah Tok Abah will wake up really early and go to town to get pau, nasi lemak and paper. I will be the cucu who will wake up early and follow him. I guess that is the special bond I have with him at that age. Most of other cucus will still be sleeping when we did this activity. Well, I didn’t do anything much just sat in the car as we drove around town. Pak Man when he was well used to bring me down to Tanjung but I cant remember what we did there. Just being at the jetty side was good and I guess that’s why until now I have a kind of affection with Tanjung whenever I am in Muar.

Well, I just had to put it down in writing what I felt this morning. I want to cherish it and make it a permanent one with this entry. Insya-Allah, god willing if Mak Tuk is granted a healthy bill of life, I will be able to blog more entries of such with the coming years.