A Full O

Went hunting at the western part, which is also hilly, and within, the highest hill in the island. It was quite a journey as up and down we trekked and through thick forest.

As Temasek is a very small island, a small area, comparatively with Palembang. Travelling from west to east would take a full day - sunrise untill sunset - by horse and slightly less from north to south, whereas it would require 3 full days from west to east in Palembang. Hence, having in mind the size of the island, i decided to venture into the area where it's most hilly. As the hills are where all the excitements are.

Upon reaching the hills, we hiked up the highest point for a panaromic view of the island. The furthest we could see would require travelling from sunrise till midday, also by horse. It's really a low hill. We were up in a jiffy, before i even break sweat. And seeing the high density on the north side from the hill, i decide to explore it.

Down we go and into the forest. After bashing through many many trees, i turned left without informing, as i thought my convoy would be closely following behind me, or at least haolian would. Apparently, i was wrong. None of them did, because they were busy helping each other to untangle from the torns, roots, and bush that wrapped around certain part of their bodies. With a knife in hand, i simply chop anything off in my way. Realising that i'm alone, i shouted but there was no response. I figured that the forest was too thick for any sound to travel far enough, at the same time not willing to backtrack for sighting a waterfall ahead of me. I continued, thinking my trail would lead them to me.

The waterfall was a small one with water falling, onto a flat rock, into the small circular pond. I took a mouthful of water and felt my mouth froze for a second. It was cold and refreshing under the hot sun. Seeing that it's only midday, i went for a swim and some waterfall therapy. I had such a great time that time passed unknowingly.

Feeling hungry, i went to search for food in my sack. It carries no food. Seeing the sun setting soon. I quickly dressed up and backtrack. But, i cant find the trail. This struck me hard that im lost. Decision decision decision. I decided to head back to the waterfall for the night and find my way out the next morning. This is only logical and rational. While trekking, i saw a banana tree and pluck some to satisfy the hungry stomach.

Darkness soon overwhelm my entire surrounding. It was pitch dark. I couldnt even see my hands. All i can hear is the sound of the waterfall, which was extremely soothing and fell asleep while listening to the it.

Then i heard a voice, it said and faded away, "Utama, you can have the kingdom but lose your soul. Behold of what is important and dont lose it. With kingdom, you control your territories. With soul, you have the respect of your people. Remember, each of us has it's limits. Act wisely."

Awaken by the croaking sound of the frogs, i look around but saw no one with the sun rising. It was only me, the frogs, the waterfall, the forest and the sun. I washed myself and find my way out of the forest by the flow of the stream. Soon after, i reached a village and back home safely. Everyone was worried back in the Istana but i assured them the everything is fine or even better, because i have found something i lost.

Perayaan?

Yesterday, i saw this strange man making lots of noise by using his utensils. They said he was celebrating. He is making music with it.

'That's great'
i thought,
and inquired,
"For what occasion?"

The man replied,
"My wife's death".

I had a shocked and asked,
"Why are you celebrating death and especially someone so close to you?"

He explained,
"The reason is because my wife is liberated from life's sufferings. To live is to handle problems, we aren't living if there are no problems. Hence, death is the liberation of all these problems, which are the main cause of life's sufferings."

I paused and contemplated.
Then asked,
"Don't you think it's cold-hearted?

"Cold-hearted? Why so?"
he rebuked,
and continued,
"Why should i be sad when i know that she would be in a happier place. This world we are living in are fighting everyday. Does it make you happy knowing it? Would it be a wonderful place to live where everyone is peaceful, helpful, sharing and hospitable. You may say that this is not possible. Everything is not possible if you think it's not. It's not possible because one never try, or try hard enough. The mind is one's greatest strength and weakness. You may also argue that human nature is selfish. True. Why? Because they aren't taught the proper values. Selfishness is one single factor that had lead to how our society function currently, which works under the basis of survival of the fittest. Just imagine, if people of the society practiced just one of the those values i mentioned, do you think it will make the place wonderful to live in? Would you want it? Would you love living in such an environment? If you don't, it shows what kind of heart you have - cold-hearted. Therefore, do you still consider myself being cold-hearted?"
,explained the man.

Astounded as i am but cannot denied his rhetoric even though it may be difficult to be accepted.

Followingly, he smiled and said these before he left,
"You are a hot-blooded, impatient man. The day when you see the moon in the eye, these temperaments will be under control."

Dumbfounded and thought,
"What a day for celebration!"

Earthquake eaRthquake!

When the earth quakes, the world standstill and there is peace for that period of time. This is the only time when people stop fighting and the effect of the aftershock is people begin to love each other. Love is something many are poor at. Why? Is loving so difficult?

I remember some chinese guy saying,' It takes 3 seconds to be evil, but 3 years to learn to be good'. Someone even said that 'The human nature is evil!'. However, what does love have to do with being evil and good? Nothing, i suppose.

Love is just love. To love is giving and to be loved is a blessing. So when the ground you are standing on are shaking, you know that love is on the way.

Baru Zona

After studying the town plan made by Raffles, i realised there is a need for a different zone. In the town plan, there are Malay village for malays, Little India for indians, Chinatown for chinese and Commonwealth for westerners. This clear segregation of races somewhat implied racialism in the society which is, also somewhat, undenialable. Hence, in order to bring these races together, a zone which is free for all races should be created. There shouldn't be a management by the central adminstrator, Farquhar. It should be manage freely by it's own district head, who is nominated by it's community.

However, there is one big problem. Will Temasekians be willing to live in an environment that is "race-less", which also mean culture-less? And, where should this zone be? Or maybe, should i wait for the poisonous gas from Gunung Merapi to exterminate all races before forming the zone for a single new race? But, am i still capable of forming the zone once the poisonous gas spread across the world?