Season 7, Episode 8: U-bonding in the East

" If you have a ticket to travel Around The World, where will you go?
Malaysia?
'Tak Boleh...' (Cannot)
*scratches head* "

We had a Field Trip for 3 days; but really, the field trip was only over 4 hours. It was the bus ride to the destination, filled with unlimited fun; the amazing stay at a beach side resort along with people i grew to know closer that made this trip memorable. In fact, the field trip was surely an educational one but above everything else, i felt this trip bonded us closer- closer than ever.

It began on Saturday when we were divided into two buses and stayed in that particular group throughout the trip. We traveled south, stopping along the way for toilet breaks and 'makan'. As our lecturer commented, 'you eat at every stop'. It was true because on the bus, we only sat and when we had the chance to stretch our legs, we walked to the shops. Lunch was at McD and the entire group queued for the burgers! Great influx of customers.

In front of the McD!

Part of the group at Genting Sempah after lunch.

Traveled for another 6 hours or so towards Kerteh. Had dinner at Mesra Mall. It was better than some malls in KL. TGV Cinema was there. Bowling. Futsal. Burger King. Starbucks. Secret Recipe. I felt like strolling along the nights in a Western country instead. In short, i was really impressed.

Reached the Residence Resorts. Hurried to put our bags down, headed for welcoming drink at the cafe and discovered what the resort has to offer. Played Monopoly Deal cards until late, and with little 'night' time remaining, a good night's sleep was what we needed.

Woke up the next day as early as 6.30am. Had breakfast and departed to the tour site in Kemaman. Manage to steal some sleep in the bus.

Before we started our tour...

Had a short briefing...

Then a gist of the life of a Petroleum Engineer. Seen here is a choke manifold (no further explanation intended).

As i said, the tour lasted about 4 hours and we were off to lunch, again at Mesra Mall. Went back to the resort for 'free and easy' period. How can you resist the beach?

Of sands and seas!

Played football on the sands...

Taking a 'leap of faith'...

The Great Wall of China meets the Taj Mahal sand's imagination!

Hit the big waves... Sea was rough and clearly not advisable to play in it. On the edge of the waters, that's another story.

The beach time was great, with the right mix of people, the right things to do, the right time and obviously, the right place. I am always one with the seas, and sands, and nothing beats the music it creates.

Taking a chance on Paka, we walked to the nearby town to hunt for dinner. There wasn't much options and so we settled for a restaurant at a corner, opposite the police station.

I realized that the price per meal, or the cost of living, around the place was relatively higher than i expected. With the booming Kerteh nearby, Mesra Mall amongst others, no doubt my dinner plate of fried rice 'Minang' was RM 6.90. However, it was good dinner and as i've stressed again much in this post, good company.

Wore out by the day, i slept early and woke up to witness the sunrise. Alas, it was cloudy and when we could see the Sun, it was already above the horizon. Needless to say, there will be more opportunities for this in the future. Had breakfast and halfheartedly packed our belongings. I clearly didn't want to go back, and i can say much for the rest of us. Lots of stress await us back in uni. Anyhow, our time in the resort was up and we left to travel another 10 hours back.

I have never spent so much time with my coursemates and friends, and to say the least, i now know and remember at least most of their names. And became friends on Facebook. It was indeed more than just looking at metals. It was, to me, a great bonding trip that i'd love to rerun the journey.

wc11 says 'Hello' to a whole new experience.

"Nak pergi (Can go to) America boleh?
Boleh (Can)~~~"