I arrived Taman Segar Cheras at approximately 430pm by taxi from KLCC. It was a smooth ride except I got ripped off by the taxi fare, it cost me RM30 from KLCC to Cheras on a blue KIA taxi where else a conventional Red taxi only cost RM15. Reason: I didn't know it was a Premium Taxi.
The first thing I did when I arrived Cheras was to stop by Oriental Martial Arts shop. It was a dream comes true. The moment when I stepped into the shop, I felt like a small little kid stepping into a ice cream shop. The feeling was unexplainable. As a karate-ka myself and been practicing the sport since Penang Free School days, I can't help myself by asking the question that I always wanted to ask for 18years now 'How much it cost for a Shureido or Tokaido gi?'
For anyone for practices Karate, these two are like the Rolls Royce and Ferrari for karate-ka's. No one will ever understand how it feels when you donned the Ultimate gi and in total trance and concentration on the art. It is not a sport but an Art, an Art where the mind controls the actions and perfection by 10,000days of practicing the same movement.
Nonetheless, I didn't forget about my primary task that brings me to Cheras (apart from Oriental Martial Shop) is to meet up with Vicky, an appointment made 2 weeks in advance. That shows the importance of 'Cheras Uprising Meeting'-
After couple of phone calls made, Vicky sent his friend Bala (sorry if I got his name wrong) in the most charming Orange Colour Land Rover to picked me up in front of Hong Leong Bank Jalan Manis 2.
The journey from Taman Segar to Vicky's place didn't take long as both are in Cheras. Once arrived, Vicky gave me a warm welcome to his humble workshop and showed me around. I was most impressed especially the 6x6 in his garage. We didn't waste time and go straight into business.
Firstly I need to explain to Vicky my purpose of organizing the trip and how are we going to do it. We shared the same frequency in speech and Vicky quickly understand my goal. Approximately after an hour into the discussion, we came into few conclusions:
1) We should consider reversing the trip from London/ Europe to Penang instead. This is to create a 'balik kampung' feeling and it will be more meaningful to drive home.
2) Ownership of vehicles and numbers of vehicles. At the moment, we are able to commit only to two Land Rover of the same model. We need to check on the budget of transporting the Land Rover from Malaysia to Europe or would it be cheaper if we get it from UK? Further enquiry with fellow Old Frees who worked in a logistic firm in KL, we figured out approximate cost for a 40' container including agency fees around RM10000 from Port Klang to Southampton/ Rotterdam. This comes down to RM5000 per vehicle.
3) We need to take into account of different types of travelers. Since this is not a convoy, we are skeptical of choosing our team player and only those who willing to play a role are allow to tag along.
4) As we are not sponsored by Malaysia giants telecommunication company, unlike the world trip by Datuk Azhar Mansoor we will have limited communication ways and will rely heavily on long range VHF and hand held UHF.
5) We need to make up a list of Rules of Do's and Don'ts. Strict Rules where NO ONE in convoy are allow to break.
6) Paperwork used to be my biggest concern but I was given the assurance by Vicky that this is something we should not put much effort into. Everything can be done with local agent and of course, money!
After everything was well said and done, I gave my final handshake to Vicky to a beautiful beginning in friendship.
Our next step, who are our team members?
Thank you all for your support and we shall make it back to Penang in 2012!
Steve
27 Sept 2011
0030hrs Singapore
An average person with average talent,ambition and education, can outstrip the most brilliant genius in our society,if that person has clear,focused goals.
