Padas Rafting with a Dollop of Wine

Location:
Tenom, Sungai Padas and Beaufort
Sabah, Malaysia

24 May 2008

it was supposed to be a familiarization trip for other agents in KK but they backed out. since i might be a bit busy the next few days i decided to go on with the trip.
i did not regret that decision!

though this is my 3rd time to brave this raging river,
the experience was still different.
this time i was thrown off the raft
and was stuck under the boat.
i didnt panic and remembered the safety briefing
that i should trace my way to the outside.
but not seeing where I was,
worried my guide so he jumped in for me
thank you for looking out for me N.

also i was able to swim to the end point
with Razali shouting that I had to swim to the right
where a hand caught me followed by a voice
that said "careful langga, rocks"
sweet kan? he he he

after the ever yummy bbq lunch of kambing,
there was an extra mile of rafting to meet the speedboat
but the boat wasn't there...
so we were stranded in a Murut village with a storm brewing.
and when the rains did come,
just like those younger years
i went to dance and play in it.

leave it to the guides to think ahead,
they bought local rice wine to keep us warm
and when the wine kicked in...
we realized that Nrey can do magic
and that rubber bands can hurt real bad when you play with them.

when the boat came the rain was still pouring,
but more wine kept us warm
and after another bottle
the guides started singing any song they could remember
including I Will Survive - The Malay Version!
DVD wasnt able to make a video backup though
so no proof!!! dang it!

all it took was...
a lone raft with a mix of characters in them
1 late speedboat and rice wine
2 safety kayaks taking video and photos and
3 funny guides that made the best decision to buy rice wine

and it did not stop there...for the day's cherry on the top...

getting louis & achu at upperstar,
4 rounds of Tiger Beer and uniting the Padas Musketeers
which led to balls & sausage conversations
plus knowing the difference between macho & cute!!!
and finding out what it was like when everyone can just be themselves
as they say here in KK... sakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!!!

__________________
this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.