A Desperate Housewife in Gua Musang - Part 2Written by Linda Trivino
Ironically living in the jungle has taught me to appreciate life more. There are many things we have to make do without e.g. proper sanitation, clean water and electricity. In spite of the lack, my friends and I did not whine. I owe this ability to withstand all harsh conditions to Tammy who is an avid trekker and runner, having tagged along with her to numerous outdoor activities. She said, “no one can perish from dirt but you can if there is no food”. This doesn’t mean we lived in extreme filth for 2 days. We are blessed with rivers and streams in the jungle (tap water is unheard of here). When we went to bathe in the river after sweating profusely throughout the day, I thought the icy cold river water was the best thing next to an air conditioner that we longed for so pathetically whilst in the jungle. Our sleeping arrangements here were simple - we slept on hard bamboo floors with our sleeping bags. As for dental hygiene in the absence of the luxurious wash basin, like the ones we have back home with gold fitted taps, over here we are contented to use just a mug. It was like going back to the past where we grew up always well trained to depend on basic amenities in our small towns.
Ironically living in the jungle has taught me to appreciate life more. There are many things we have to make do without e.g. proper sanitation, clean water and electricity. In spite of the lack, my friends and I did not whine. I owe this ability to withstand all harsh conditions to Tammy who is an avid trekker and runner, having tagged along with her to numerous outdoor activities. She said, “no one can perish from dirt but you can if there is no food”. This doesn’t mean we lived in extreme filth for 2 days. We are blessed with rivers and streams in the jungle (tap water is unheard of here). When we went to bathe in the river after sweating profusely throughout the day, I thought the icy cold river water was the best thing next to an air conditioner that we longed for so pathetically whilst in the jungle. Our sleeping arrangements here were simple - we slept on hard bamboo floors with our sleeping bags. As for dental hygiene in the absence of the luxurious wash basin, like the ones we have back home with gold fitted taps, over here we are contented to use just a mug. It was like going back to the past where we grew up always well trained to depend on basic amenities in our small towns.
Meal time with the children
The following day, we had a mild trek up the hills with Yuen, Jasmine, Kim, Kelvin and Tay. Though it was an extremely hot day, we eagerly ventured into the unknown secretly hoping to stumble upon the foot prints of prowling tigers or perhaps to chance upon a head-on collision with some wild boars. Instead we came up, close and personal with another Orang Asli tribe. Kelvin, (the joker whom we would later come to know) told us he’s the original (whatever that means) Orang Asli. This new stranger, dark skinned and frizzy hair ain’t so good looking but he sure can tell the time (half correctly though) when Kelvin tested his IQ. He was flaunting his watch (a gift probably) and we became curious as to whether he knows how to tell the time. He later admitted he preferred to observe the sun’s rotation for accuracy. We exchanged some light conversation with him in simple Malay language and felt proud that we could bond so easily with the people of the forest.
The following day, we had a mild trek up the hills with Yuen, Jasmine, Kim, Kelvin and Tay. Though it was an extremely hot day, we eagerly ventured into the unknown secretly hoping to stumble upon the foot prints of prowling tigers or perhaps to chance upon a head-on collision with some wild boars. Instead we came up, close and personal with another Orang Asli tribe. Kelvin, (the joker whom we would later come to know) told us he’s the original (whatever that means) Orang Asli. This new stranger, dark skinned and frizzy hair ain’t so good looking but he sure can tell the time (half correctly though) when Kelvin tested his IQ. He was flaunting his watch (a gift probably) and we became curious as to whether he knows how to tell the time. He later admitted he preferred to observe the sun’s rotation for accuracy. We exchanged some light conversation with him in simple Malay language and felt proud that we could bond so easily with the people of the forest.
The distribution event
The next “do” was the distribution event whereby Soo and the other ladies (Yuk Horng, Jasmine, Hee, Alice, and Kim) handed out goodies like clothes, stationery, dry food, shoes, sneakers, socks, blankets, towels and handbags to the Orang Asli and their families. This happened to be a highly significant event, because it was here that we get to see the young, up and coming generation of adults i.e. youth of the community. It is worthwhile to note that their youth of today are good looking, sturdy and healthy. The males are definitely not the loathsome brutes like our “Mat Rempits” or “Samseng Jalanan” recently coined by our Police, who make a mockery out of our law abiding pedestrians in their bag snatching rampage. What we are seeing are the Asli youths of today, they are well mannered and gentle. We could spot the grateful glances from a mile when Soo handed them shirts and pants.
The next “do” was the distribution event whereby Soo and the other ladies (Yuk Horng, Jasmine, Hee, Alice, and Kim) handed out goodies like clothes, stationery, dry food, shoes, sneakers, socks, blankets, towels and handbags to the Orang Asli and their families. This happened to be a highly significant event, because it was here that we get to see the young, up and coming generation of adults i.e. youth of the community. It is worthwhile to note that their youth of today are good looking, sturdy and healthy. The males are definitely not the loathsome brutes like our “Mat Rempits” or “Samseng Jalanan” recently coined by our Police, who make a mockery out of our law abiding pedestrians in their bag snatching rampage. What we are seeing are the Asli youths of today, they are well mannered and gentle. We could spot the grateful glances from a mile when Soo handed them shirts and pants.
Waiting in line for new clothes
Meanwhile, the other ladies were deeply engrossed in sorting out several bags of clothes donated by City folks. They were surrounded by a huge female population all waiting eagerly to get the nice frocks and blouses. Even among the Orang Asli, women rule in fashions! Yes, these women may be village folks but they definitely know a thing or two about haute couture. They picked and chose what they like, discarded what they don’t to another and then raved about the new designs to their kin. Tammy took the liberty to dress up several kids and toddlers and slowly transformed them into little Angels. They resembled the Angels that we have become so accustomed to see in Christmas cards every year.
Meanwhile, the other ladies were deeply engrossed in sorting out several bags of clothes donated by City folks. They were surrounded by a huge female population all waiting eagerly to get the nice frocks and blouses. Even among the Orang Asli, women rule in fashions! Yes, these women may be village folks but they definitely know a thing or two about haute couture. They picked and chose what they like, discarded what they don’t to another and then raved about the new designs to their kin. Tammy took the liberty to dress up several kids and toddlers and slowly transformed them into little Angels. They resembled the Angels that we have become so accustomed to see in Christmas cards every year.
The youth of the new generation
It was a picturesque scene here, reminiscent of our local night market with splashes of colours emerging from the huge pile of clothes. Women and children chatted excitedly, most ladies (perhaps for once) had to make some comparisons with their vital statistics in order to get fitted into those lovely blouses and long skirts. Quantum science said that we are all one, we come from the same source and eventually we returned to the same source. How alike we human beings are, especially the female species!
It was a picturesque scene here, reminiscent of our local night market with splashes of colours emerging from the huge pile of clothes. Women and children chatted excitedly, most ladies (perhaps for once) had to make some comparisons with their vital statistics in order to get fitted into those lovely blouses and long skirts. Quantum science said that we are all one, we come from the same source and eventually we returned to the same source. How alike we human beings are, especially the female species!
The lemang demonstration
We also had the honour of watching a cooking demonstration, conducted by the Penghulu’s granddaughter. She showed us the Asli way to cook lemang in bamboo poles. When a young lady of an Orang Asli descent is able to project herself so confidently in front of an audience and without showing any signs of nervousness, it could only mean that she has reached a level of maturity as development from the outer world come closing in.
The beauty of nature is indescribable, I was lost in the tranquillity of the forest and the sounds of the insects and wild animals are music to my ears. I get to smell the flowers, exotic plants and even the soft ground we stepped on. I observed the natives for 2 days and they look so happy and contented. Though they stare aimlessly around them throughout the day, life moves on and whatever dreams they had, I’m sure some must have made it in the civilised world. But there is always a price to pay because eventually, one has to give up their roots to blend into society. If they stay put in the Settlement, there is no hope for a better life except to watch the sun rise and set every day. The aged waits for the day to check out of life, what else can they do?
We also had the honour of watching a cooking demonstration, conducted by the Penghulu’s granddaughter. She showed us the Asli way to cook lemang in bamboo poles. When a young lady of an Orang Asli descent is able to project herself so confidently in front of an audience and without showing any signs of nervousness, it could only mean that she has reached a level of maturity as development from the outer world come closing in.
The beauty of nature is indescribable, I was lost in the tranquillity of the forest and the sounds of the insects and wild animals are music to my ears. I get to smell the flowers, exotic plants and even the soft ground we stepped on. I observed the natives for 2 days and they look so happy and contented. Though they stare aimlessly around them throughout the day, life moves on and whatever dreams they had, I’m sure some must have made it in the civilised world. But there is always a price to pay because eventually, one has to give up their roots to blend into society. If they stay put in the Settlement, there is no hope for a better life except to watch the sun rise and set every day. The aged waits for the day to check out of life, what else can they do?
Tammy with the little angel
On the morning before we left, everyone lend a helping hand to clear and pack up. The team work of William’s 4x4 buddies is highly commendable. They helped each other diligently to have a good stay, everyone is in sync emotionally and they possessed good companionship. William has a natural flair in telling stories, he’s very laid back when he sits in his foldable wooden chair, with a beer of course and relate his past adventures. I especially like the one when Soo interrupted and dramatically told us of the time William wanted to wash his 4x4 by driving straight into the river and gotten trapped in the river for hours. That’s the experience that Tammy is looking for. Anyway William is a force to be reckoned with if you wanna be an adventurer like me. Am I desperate to be call again, I’ll be biting my nails soon when the time comes.
On the morning before we left, everyone lend a helping hand to clear and pack up. The team work of William’s 4x4 buddies is highly commendable. They helped each other diligently to have a good stay, everyone is in sync emotionally and they possessed good companionship. William has a natural flair in telling stories, he’s very laid back when he sits in his foldable wooden chair, with a beer of course and relate his past adventures. I especially like the one when Soo interrupted and dramatically told us of the time William wanted to wash his 4x4 by driving straight into the river and gotten trapped in the river for hours. That’s the experience that Tammy is looking for. Anyway William is a force to be reckoned with if you wanna be an adventurer like me. Am I desperate to be call again, I’ll be biting my nails soon when the time comes.
Before we say goodbye to the women folk
My friends and I had a great time with this group, they are fun-loving and jovial. After the trip, for days (due to my limited automobile intellect) I was left wondering, how in the world could a 4x4 climb up the steep slopes with the tyres hanging precariously near the edge of cliffs, or dropped dangerously into some huge gaps and still roar with power? I learned some exciting new words used frequently in a 4x4 adventure like “off road” “high and low gear” “off road tyres” “incline” “shovel” but my favourite is “winch.” My next dog will be name Winch!
We never felt out of place during the entire 3 days and with Chan, life couldn’t get any better in the forest. In his elements, he was witty and funny and with laughter being the best medicine, we sure had a full dose.
To read all postings written by Linda Trivino, click here (scroll down the pages)..
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Linda TrivinoMy friends and I had a great time with this group, they are fun-loving and jovial. After the trip, for days (due to my limited automobile intellect) I was left wondering, how in the world could a 4x4 climb up the steep slopes with the tyres hanging precariously near the edge of cliffs, or dropped dangerously into some huge gaps and still roar with power? I learned some exciting new words used frequently in a 4x4 adventure like “off road” “high and low gear” “off road tyres” “incline” “shovel” but my favourite is “winch.” My next dog will be name Winch!
We never felt out of place during the entire 3 days and with Chan, life couldn’t get any better in the forest. In his elements, he was witty and funny and with laughter being the best medicine, we sure had a full dose.
To read all postings written by Linda Trivino, click here (scroll down the pages)..
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