And it comes a little bit late this year.
So, I am happy to share that this year, 2014, my year end holiday spent in laughter and happiness, surrounded by people I love, who love me in return, unconditionally.
![]() |
At the nursery, tho only 1 orangutan in sight |
I went back to my hometown, with my family (now I know my friend is actually A FAMILY...through my Dad, and her, through her mom). Drove the long way home on 26th December, very early in the morning, 4.00 am, reached Sandakan around 9.00 am. The early arrival allowed us to take the opportunity to visit Sepilok, a place I haven't visited for years, I think the last one was in....I don't even remember when.
Lucky for us, it was the right time, the feeding time, which is at 10am and 3 pm every day. The ticket was affordable, RM5 for adults and RM2 for children. My only and biggest regret was, I forgot my DSLR at home. A regret I doubt I could ever forgive myself.
Then, we rested on Sabbath. Sandakan was in its wet season again. Luckily, the sky was considerable enough to let us have our chance to explore Sandakan, at least to enable me to fulfill my promise to bring my family for a stroll around, as far and much as we can.
Sunday, 28th Dec. 2014, we spent half of it at home. Then towards the other half, we went out and had our share of Sandakan's air at the top of the famous hill, the Temple.
Sorry, I forgot the name, but it was the only and most famous temple on a
hill in Sandakan. Probably not much luck on our side, the inner side
was inaccessible for visitor, there was a praying session went on
inside. As for the outside, renovation was still ongoing, it has been
for more than a year now. Couldn't make a complete round stroll around
the temple, the gazebos down the hill (the park, we called it) were in a
very sad condition, no wonder the gate was closed.
Then, I drove us to town, shop a bit at Wisma Sandakan. Fellow Sandakan friends, don't laugh. The parking was easy there. On the way back, we stopped at War Memorial at Mile 7. The last time I was there was back in 1995, my Form 5 farewell party. Hmm, what a memory.
Monday, we spent the whole day at home. Not resting, no, not at all. From the moment we woke up, we put on our battling gear, and went towards the back of our house, clearing weeds, and planting vegetable and corn. It lasted until well past lunch. Then immediately after that, we went on to pickling Kedondong. Google this please, if you don't know what fruit it is. A big bag of it. I called an early night that night, I was tired and beaten flat, but satisfied, nonetheless.

31st Dec. 2014, morning, after another batch of Kedondong was ready to be pickled, we went for the final and last minute shopping at Mile 8, for the New Year's Eve celebration that night. The celebration cum camping happened at our church, starting around 6.30pm. Set up 4 camps, and the audio system then the celebration began, devotion, prayer, birthday celebration, games, songs and laughter. At the strike of midnight, came the splashing session. It was cold, there was drizzles all night, but that didn't stop us from running around like kids. Felt like a teenager once again. Had a very late and little sleep in the old church, the camps we set up ended up being occupied by my mom and my childhood friends.
1st Jan. 2015, the games continued, despite drizzles and occasional rain. Managed to finish all the planned games, and my group was crowned the champion. Immediately after the final lunch, we went back home, all tired and totally beaten, more than ever before. Still, we woke up at 4.30am, got ready and started our long journey back to KK at 5.30am on the 2nd. Jan. 2015.
There you are, a very long but satisfying holiday, a complete week at home, in Sandakan. Thank God for the great year end, for the blessings poured upon us all. We pray for His continues guidance and protection for this brand new year, and years after.
No comments:
Post a Comment