Thoughts On mY ExpeditIOn to Gunung AYaM.

+ DAY 01 +
One week ago, at this time, I was at the Tanjong Pargar Railway Station, waiting to take a train from Singapore allt he way to Dabong, Kelantan, Malaysia. it was the first time that I was taking a train from one country to another, and it wasn't underground or anything like the Mass Rapit Transit or North East Line, but it was the kind of train that I would see on shows like Shanghai Noon.I think I practically felt like an overgrown kid on that day. I was already so excited the moment I stepped into the train station. It was situated at this corner of Tanjong Pagar. behind all the hustle and bustle of the business district, it just stood humbly, hidden behind the taller, glass buildings. Yet, it had it's own splendor, and majesty. it made me feel strangely nostalgic even though I had never lived in that era and witnessed how the building looked when it was in its hey days. What greeted me on the outside was an amazing architechture and artistry. I can vaguely yet surely remember four big pillars, standing tall and upright. On top of each stood a stautue. Each one representing a different form of livelihood or souce of income to the country-agriculture, industry, commerce and one more, which I currently can't recollect. When I ventured in, I saw more art pieces. mosaic art to be specific. There were pictures of rubber tappers, fishermen, farmers, ships-all seemsed to represent bustling economic activity and the importance of those activities then and may I say even now, to our neighbouring country, Malaysia. The train station kind of gave me a whole new experience. It felt like we had a slice of Malaysia right here in Singapore. The trains were operated by a Malaysian company, needless to say.

So, we were early at the station. I sat down, and started to stare up at the surrounding place. I was impressed. I took out my camera to get a snapshot of the wall infront of me. I thought that it had this "royal" feel. It was about four letters printed individually on something which resembled a shield. Oh well,my friend sort of felt I looked very much like a tourist. And, I did feel a little teeny wee bit silly, but, who cares, I got my picture:) I may not have so much time to make it down there in future, so, yea, make full use of what I have.

Well, so my train ride starts. There's this rush of adrenalin when the train arrives. I was seriously stunned when I saw so many people at the platform rushing up the train without even letting the passengers alight first! This happened at the Malaysian immigration point. Hrmm..guess they should have a courtesy campagin in Malaysia too huh? Everybody just wanted to chiong up the train, while we with our huge expidition bags had to SQueeZe Our way ouT. I almmost lost my breath! Anyway, When it was OUr turn to board the train, we did it in a much more civilized manner, fortunately. Oh well, what can I say, we learnt well:) heehee..

So here starts my twelve hour jouney to Dabong Village from Johor Bahru Train Station. ...