Johor Arts Festival

The kids with their team, Jumping Jellybeans performed again, this time at the Johor Arts Festival.
What a memorable trip it was, travelling with all their friends in a big bus, singing and playing games all the way.
In between rehearsals and performances, the children went on a walking tour, visiting old bakeries, small sundry shops and playing. An unforgettable trip!

 

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Sg. Lembing, Rainbow Falls

 We love the outdoors. Sg. Lembing, (to us), is really a piece of paradise on earth.  So before I begin, bear in mind, that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. (Just saying coz, I once told a friend about the beauty of certain place..and this friend went and later said "There was nothing to see at all."

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So our journey began at 5:45am. Our tour guide was Ah Tak, who is a fantastic, fabulous tour guide! (highly recommended.) (His phone number - 019-9446167)

Since we don't own a 4WD, we hired him to take us in. His truck can take about 12-16 people. The journey in  at a moderate speed, with multiple stops along the way (to take in the breathtaking view), took more than an hour. Ah Tak, our guide, knew just where to stop for photography.

This was followed by an hour plus of trekking. (I know, this duration might be insulting to fast trekkers...but alas, we are not speed trekkers, but rather trekkers who stop to enjoy the beauty along the way.) So here,  a short  (may be long winded) photo post about Sg. Lembing.

Journey In

 As we drove across the dirt road, we saw the beautiful Sg. Lembing meandering peacefully, calmly, way below us. Such serenity.  Most campers along the way were already up, watching the sunrise, for indeed the sunrise there is an awesome sight to behold. Beautiful, and glorious.

The water is so crystal clear, that despite the distance between us and the river, we could see right down to the river bed. Slowly as we journeyed, the sun began rising and the forest came to life.

Trekking

Finally after a rather long bumpy journey, we arrived at trekking point. The trek in is not difficult, with some  slopes, river crossing and clambering over rocks. Just be watchful of roots, and slippery rocks (there are ropes along to way to hang on to.) But then, if you're not a regular hiker, then it's good to stay with the guide.

Several river crossings along the way, so wear suitable sandals, with good grip. Our guide Ah Tak, ensuring  that the children cross safely.

As usual, the children were way faster, and several times, we had to yell for them to come back, as it can get dangerous.

Minor hurdles along the way

Finding the path across rocks just before Rainbow Falls

Arriving at the falls

After passing several smaller, beautiful waterfalls along way, we finally came to a small pool, and beyond it was the Rainbow falls. What attracted me first wasn't the rainbow, but the strikingly green, beautiful moss that grows on rocky walls beside the falls.

The sight before me transported me to a fantasy world. I imagined pterodactyls  flying across the cascading falls, and possibly brachiosaurus and all gentle dinosaurs feeding on the green green trees that grow there.

Behold part of the amazing falls. Unfortunately, my lack of photography skills doesn't portray the beauty of this place enough. (Note* I read elsewhere, the falls is not spectacular in dry season, and only lovely after heavy rainfall. It is a tall fall, and under normal conditions the water comes down as a spray. It is this spray which results in the famous rainbow, but only when the sun is still low.)

We were fortunate that we had the falls to ourselves (usually it can get very very crowded up there, said the guide,) and thus were able to fully soak in and enjoy the beauty of the place. (I can't describe the beauty enough,....but I feel it in my heart. )

The rainbow at the falls comes and goes, depending on the clouds. But to catch it you have to be there before 10am. While watching for the rainbow, at slightly before 10am, the sun hit the falls at a certain angle creating this beautiful rainbow!!! Oooohhhhh!!! went all of us!!! My lil one began imagining mermaids...she dived in and out trying to catch the rainbow.

An interesting thing about this falls is that, if you approach the rainbow, and sit down on a rock beneath the pool right below the falls, you'll actually see the rainbow on the surface of the water, coming all the way towards you, creating a full circular rainbow. So Spectacular!! An amazing experience. I don't own a water camera thus I wasn't able to capture this phenomenon, but it's forever etched in my memory.

After 10am, the rainbow did not occur anymore and we picniked there a little longer, taking dips in the cold refreshing water. Then slowly we trekked back, taking longer this time as our guide showed us the amazing variety of fauna found along the trail.

Below- just a few pictures of insects/fauna we found along the trail. Too bad, my batteries ran out half way through the trail.

** Just outside the forest reserve boundary, we saw extensive logging going on. Sad :( :( 
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Underground Tin Mining

There are other places worth visiting at Sg. Lembing but this trip we only managed the falls, a tin mining museum, and a tunnel at the old mining site. The tunnel has been opened to tourists since January. It usually costs RM30 per adult and RM15 per child. We, however, got in at a very very good discount. Don't ask me how, but we did. (photos taken with good old handphone.)

Entrance to the mining tunnel

They called this a mouse hole...tunnels made to seek out more tin.

Lots of interesting info along the tunnel

Trying out the handcar/pump trolley

ok...this post is getting "photo heavy." So will end the post here. So Sg. Lembing, we will definitely be back! As for the town of Sg. Lembing, it is a really sleepy, small town. I love it. Feels like going back several decades in time.  :)

[for my own records about my stupidity: Back to Rainbow falls, as I approached the falls after a long trek, I was so struck by the beauty of the falls before me, that I totally missed the path towards the falls. Just before the falls, there is a pool of water. To get to the falls, one must trek AROUND the pool. I, however, stupidly trekked right into the pool, all the while, gaping at the stunning beauty before me. At certain point, the water actually went up to chest level, and that wet my pouch and part of my backpack. Thus I had to hold everything (including my camera) up above my shoulders and continued wading through, until I noticed a few tourists who were leaving, laughing at me. I wondered how everyone seemed starked dry, and then it dawned on me, that they had all trekked around the pool, while I, dumb tourist had waded through the pool, bags and camera above my shoulder.)

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Creativity

Over dinner recently, a friend of mine commented, "Your children are so creative. They must've gotten that from you." Honestly, I think all children are/can be creative if given the chance.  To me, chance equals time and space.

Many parents out there want their children to excel in creativity, and businesses that promise enhancing creativity in children are booming. I'm not against such businesses, and I think some are truly valuable. But can a child who's often so tired from all that school work, extra curricular activities and tuition really absorb what's being taught in creative classes?   Or do they merely produce what's needed/expected just like in any tuition class?

From a personal point of view, when my daughter went to school full time, creativity was not her priority. She'd usually be focused on homework in the morning, then quickly packing her school bags, getting ready, and all school related stuff. When she got back from school, she'd be tired, hang out just half an hour at the playground, shower, dinner and then work on homework before knocking out from  tiredness. Her spare time was often spent worrying about what teacher said, what a friend did etc.. Day in and out it was that way, and she just did not have space, time and energy (plus peace of mind) to indulge in creativity.

When we pulled her out of school, all of a sudden, there was time on her hands. We have a schedule, but not a strict one. There are days when we work hard, and days when we play. But on play days, I have one rule in this house, which is, "You may do anything you want, as long as it is not destructive.However, you may NOT have TV between 8am and 6pm, and preferably no TV on most days.

Initially, they would get bored. But in that boredom....(Time and Space), creativity began to emerge in various ways. In my older child it was in building and making things. In the younger it was in acting/singing and drawing. Soon boredom disappeared, and every spare time became a time to create.

And I've never sent them to a creative class, all I gave them was time and space.

Yes, there were things I did to spur them along, like
- I'd provide them with new art materials, google different artists' works online, and different mediums of art
- we'd  visit art galleries, go  to ballet/music concerts and watch plays
-we'd visit interesting places for inspiration  (padi fields, a potter's workshop, museum, exhibitions.etc.)
- Take long walks just to enjoy nature and all its splendor, sometimes "armed" with a camera
- spend several nights camping away from the city, where the jungle becomes their playground
-talk to interesting people
-host imaginary tea parties, talk shows at home
-read lots of wonderful books

The above are just some of the stuff we do together. And they don't really take a lot of time...but they "open" my children's eyes to a wider perspective of things. They provide bits of inspiration and ideas that become a stepping stone to a creative project.

So..Creativity...yes, there are classes that can help enhance creativity, but the best help is to give the child time (lots of it) and space.





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Forensic Science - Blood Typing and Blood Spatter

Co-op learning has always been something my children look forward to. Our co-op started several years ago with just 2 families. Now we're 5 families, and we've decided this is the max we can be so every child benefits fully from each lesson. I will write more about Co-op another day. Well, this month we started on a new unit, an exciting one, Forensic Science!

To kick start this unit, we borrowed story books where crime scenes and mysteries were the main plot. We also watched this short interesting video -  where detectives try to solve the mystery of a half eaten cake. (Children loved it!)

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During today's class we discussed the role of blood analysis in forensic science. As preparation, children reviewed blood components on their own at home, and played this wonderful game, Blood Typing Game,   to learn about blood typing.

At Co-op the children were given a mystery to solve. Who killed the Victim? 6 samples of blood (artificial blood, made of milk and colour) were labeled and provided. Children had to gently pour blood into anti -A, anti-B and Rh serums to determine the blood type of each suspect/victim/blood found at murder scene.
[*Anti serums actually consisted of water or vinegar, which were pre-prepared in selected containers. Clumping will occur when vinegar and milk combine.]

Based on the results obtained, children discussed possibilities of who suspects were, and what  happened at crime scene.

Part II 

We headed outside and using stuff from the kitchen, we made artificial blood. I think the children really loved this bit!

We then ran several different tests to study blood spatter patterns.

- We tested dropping artificial blood we made from different heights to study patterns formed.

-We walked/ran at different speeds to see how the patterns differed.

-We dropped multiple drops from different heights.

Children plotted results on graphs, and made sketches of patterns. We also discussed how blood pattern analysis helped in crime solving, and what information it provided. (Eg. weapon used, direction victim was walking, timing of crime etc.)

Of course, there was fun involved...creating gory scenes. :)

Co-op ended with older children cooking lunch, which was spaghetti (colour of red!) and tomato juice (colour of red!!)

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Road Trip East, Camping on Perhentian Island

 Rarely do we get to go for a family holiday longer than three days. But when hubby was asked to take a one week compulsory leave for Hari Raya, we decided on a road trip. :)  Well, the 6 days went by way too fast, and we're back, happy, tired and with pretty bad sun burn!

We drove along the East Coast, stopping by Cherating, Kuala Terengganu, Setiu and finally camping on Perhentian Island (the highlight of our trip.)

CHERATING
Our first destination, Holiday Villa Cherating. Puasa month is a really good time to visit Cherating, as almost all hotels offer a 50% discount off room rates. Thus a room that would usually cost 360RM cost us only 160RM.  The kids enjoyed the beach tremendously, until Jo got stung by a jellyfish.  Her whole left arm turned red and red bumps began swelling all over. Was pretty scary, and painful for her. Thank God, after rinsing with salt and running water, it began to subside. The rest of our stay there was relaxing and wonderful.

PENARIK INN SETIU

Penarik Inn is located on a really REALLY quiet stretch of beach. The effect of it is wonderful...peace and tranquillity. I felt like I'd gone back years and years in time. There are no motels nearby, and the only sound we heard was the crashing of waves and laughter of the host family as they celebrated Hari Raya with loved ones. 

The rooms are very simple/basic, and the beds...kinda sink in the middle. But that's ok for us. We really loved the hospitality there though. We were served a feast of ketupats and rendang for Hari Raya, all on  the house and had wonderful conversation with the lovely host and family that runs the place.

The little inns at Penarik Inn. Very basic accommodation.

 Our children really loved this tree house and spent hours in it.

The very peaceful beach, and a turtle and terrapin hatchery run by WWF.

We met the son of the host family, Kidir, and he happens to be an artist. He and friends have set up a really small, but lovely turtle information centre with art and sculptures all made up of recycled materials brought in by the ocean. I loved his turtle painting and the little art decorations all around the inn.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves at Penarik Inn. If going, bring lotsa mosquito repellent. Do not expect a perfect room. Rooms could do with improvement. But excellent hospitality and location, if peace and tranquillity is what you're seeking. By the way, they are planning on having Hari Setiu on the 6th of September. Itinerary include gasing (top spinning) and Wau competition.

CAMPING PERHENTIAN ISLAND

This was the most exciting part of our road trip. We awoke very early and arrived in Kuala Besut jetty to meet Sh and family.The moment we arrived, motorbikes followed us, each one persuading us to get boat tickets through them. In the end we went with the one that offered the best deal. Adults RM70, and children half price.

Upon arrival on the island, Sh commented "How lovely...just us on the island campsite."  We spoke too soon, for we heard the sound of loud engine approaching, and turned around to discover a large fishing boat with an entire kampung of campers arriving. Later in the day, 2 other large boats turned up. So all in all, there must have been close to a 100 campers staying the night with us. :)

One of the fishing boats parked 

The first night was like celebrating Hari Raya on campground. Generators from the campsite and boats whirred through almost half the night. Fireworks blazed through the darkness, laughter, barbeque, music. The people were really nice though. They told us it was a yearly affair to have Hari Raya reunion on the island. How lovely indeed. Wonder if I could ever convince my uncles and aunts to do the same? Impossible I think.

Our campsite, right by the snorkeling site. It got really quiet when the group of campers left on the second day. Still we loved it As my lil one mentioned, "I miss camping mum. I miss getting up early in the morning, putting on my swimsuit and just jumping in to snorkel." Indeed, the snorkeling site at Teluk Keke is lovely! :)

During the day when the sun got too hot, the children built and ran this restaurant, which occasionally got destroyed by fellow picnickers, and which the children kept repairing. In the end to protect their restaurant, they made booby traps all around. (Don't ask me who taught them how to make traps..ahem.)

While diving, our children found sea cucumbers. They discovered that these creatures have tentacles that are really sticky and will stick to the hands!

While enjoying the corals and beautiful fish, we also found a  Cushion Star (Culcita novaeguineae) which we picked  up just for a while before releasing it back to where we found it.

Rock climbing, another favourite pastime while camping.

As for food, the nearest restaurant was about a 15 minute walk away. We feasted mainly on instant noodles, but twice during the stay we walked to the restaurants to have a good meal and ice cream. :)

We booked a snorkeling trip by boat. At one point we saw a turtle swimming. I dived in to watch the turtle way down on the grass bed feeding slowly, gently. Unexpected encounters like this make the trip all so worth it. The turtle and encounters with the Clown fish "Nemo" and sea anemone was the highlight for the children. Jo however, loved the parrot fish most of all.

Children watching  boats pass by.

I guess, the only downside of camping on Teluk Keke was that, all toilets were NON functioning. No flush, no water supply. Thus a spade to bury "stuff" came in really handy. As for bathing, we depended on well water. The children did become experts at drawing water from the well. Basically...as the Malay saying goes "Mandi Kerbau"....

Would we camp on Perhentian again? Oh definitely a Yes. If camping there, pack light, as you'll have to carry everything onto the boat and unload on to campsite.
Things to bring:
-Goggles/snorkel
-Swimming board/life vest for kids
-lots of sunblock
-repellent
-vinegar for standby in case of jellyfish bites
-tea tree oil or ointment for bites
-paper and spade for toilet
-cooking stove and lots of snack.
-at least four bottles of 5L water for a 3 day stay if cooking. (buying necessities on island can cost almost double!)
-etc.

There was one more thing we loved about being on the island.....the dark sky like a sea of endless twinkling stars...oh so mesmerising... :) 

(For our first road trip East, with more stops and visits to random places, please click on this post HERE. )

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Having fun with Ink Monsters

I stumbled upon this video featuring Stefan Bucher one day and really loved his creativity, the way he did monsters especially.

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 So we decided to give it a shot.

Bought some ink, straws, ink dropper, black inked pen of different tip sizes and had some fun with the kids and their friends.

Ink dries fast, so the children found that they had to drop the ink and blow hard and fast! (Tip: Cut different lengths of straws and find what works best for you.)

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NEL's Art

 Nel adding lines to her blob of ink to create a masked man. Ahem..notice her right arm, I had painted a portrait of her on her arm using face paint.

Two other ink monsters by Nel

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Joniq's Art

This below is Jonq's (Jo's friend) first ever attempt at art with ink. First you drop the ink, blow it in any direction. Then carefully turn the paper all around and see what sparks your imagination. Based on what you see, turn your ink blob into a monster of some sort.

 

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Jo's Art

Below are Jo's attempts. She liked it more colourful so added colours using Sharpies.

 

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Ian's Art
Below is Ian's work, judging by the focus and details he put in, I think he really enjoyed this activity.

Have fun trying, if you haven't already. Only, make sure to cover your table first if you don't want to end up cleaning like mad like I had to after the activity. Cheers!


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