Difference between Training and Learning

Major Dr. Preba told us the story of Mahendra Prasad and Rajendra Prasad, of ancient India.

Mahendra Prasad was the Prime Minister of a Maharaja (King) in a faraway kingdom, and was an expert in interpreting dreams. One day, the Maharaja dreamt that he lost all his hair, and asked Mahendra to interpret the dream. Being skilled and honest, Mahendra explained that it was a sign that the queen may pass-away pretty soon. The Maharaja was super angry, and ordered Mahendra to be executed.

Rajendra Prasad was Mahendra’s younger brother and long time assistant. Being from a family of advisers, he replaced Mahedra as the Prime Minister…

After awhile, the Maharaja again dreamt that he lost all his hair, and summoned Rajendra to interpret his dream.

Rajendra remembered the fate of his elder brother. He calmly explained that the Maharaja will live very very long, longer than the queen…

He survived...

Knowledge is IQ, but presentation is EQ.

Few days back I attended a half-day seminar by Major Dr. Prebagaran (R) (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpraba/?originalSubdomain=my), organized by IEM JB, on Rescuing Troubled Projects. The seminar didn't dwell much into project management, but it was inspiring, a much needed booster in life. 

I thought I should share what I learned. 

¬¬¬

What is learning? How do you define learning? What is training?

As newbies at the workplace, we always lament the lack of training. Nowadays everyone, organizations, including the government is allocating large amount of budget for training or re-training. Some would demand you to train on-the-job. But do people really learn? How do you train someone effectively?

Learning brings change in behavior, and if there's no changes, learning did not happen - You may attend training, but there may not be learning. At the end, you didn't acquire knowledge that you WOULD use – You merely acquired attendance certificate. 

Training is like seeds. Training is when you have the best Roselle flower seeds, and plant it in your backyard. Afterwards, you still need to water it, add fertilizer, trim and tidy up the garden. If not, it'll become dried seeds. Most of the time, when things don't go right, we blame the seeds. It’s always someone else’s fault… We should never forget to look ourselves in the mirror.  

In pursue of training and education, we see many institutions being formed – colleges, universities, private schools, training centers… Training is big business. At the end, some institutions give education, but some give degrees. Most of the time, it's all up to the student.

Practice the Art of Happiness

While I ate Nasi Goreng Ibunda (the 2nd time in 3 evenings), and a bowl of Mushroom soup, I came across this article in the 'Classified' Section of the News Straits Times (a paper I don't normally read) - Practice the Art of Happiness, by Dr. Victor SL Tan.

I found it extremely enlightening, and useful as a principle in life.

Dr. Tan first states that a happy workplace is a productive and creative workplace. When a person is happy, he/she is definitely more productive, motivated and positive. He/she could influence the rest to be happy too. So it looks imperative that leaders try to build a 'happy' workplace.

In the January-February 2012 issue of Harvard Business magazine, Shawn Achor says "success doesn't make you happy so much as happiness makes you more successful". Happiness is a state of mind.

Abraham Lincoln said: "Most folks are as happy as they made up theirs minds to be".

In short, Dr. Tan summed up the 4 proven ways to be happy:

1. Appreciate the blessings you have. 

Why focus on the don't haves or weaknesses all the time? If you have health, loved ones, jobs, belongings, occasional vacations.... Too often, we take for granted what we have until we lose them. What you don't appreciate, depreciates.

Maybe the next time WE start complaining, think twice.

2. Exorcise the unpleasant

Life is not a bed of roses. Unpleasant things will definitely happen in life. Too many of us are preoccupied with the misfortunes of yesteryears, which they cannot do anything about.

Professor William James said: "Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcome". The key to happiness is to exorcise our unpleasant past and exercise appreciation of the present, to help us create a better tomorrow.

Hiking Gunung Tahan (Part 3 of 3)

Our hike was between Independence Day and Malaysia Day - I wish Malaysia peace and prosperity. I genuinely hope that people would be more understanding, matured and mindful when they speak their minds. Those keyboard warriors who spread hatred and unverified fake news should be ashamed of themselves.
(Credits to the 10-men team from KL for the flag)

~~~

Day 3

It wasn't the best sleep last night. It drizzled for 2-3 hours, and I was kept wondering if my clothes hanging on the tree-line outside the tent would be soaking wet. I didn't want to leave the cozy and dry tent to keep my clothes. Thankfully, my clothes turned out fine. 

We all woke up at 5.30am promptly - It was summit day!

The plan was to hike up the summit for sunrise, get back to Kem Botak, take breakfast, and head down to Kem Kor. It was estimate to reach Kem Kor by 5pm - almost a 10-hour day of hiking. 

By 6.15am, after some milo, biscuit and a small piece of Snickers, we departed for the summit, 'free-body' (without our haversacks). It was almost like I could jump and hop my way up. Without the haversack, I felt so much lighter and agile. We were practically leaping and running up the mountain in the dark. Rocks were scattered along the way, but we were unperturbed. Mr. Yew, the most athletic, led the way, and must have summit-ed in less than 30 min. 

The push to the summit took me around 40 minutes. There were only the 2 groups up there - us and the 10-men team from KL. We had the summit to ourselves. 

We reached the top before sunrise

Sunrise was amazing, as in, looking at the sun itself. The thick fog and morning mist rendered us unable to see much, but Pak Uda, our guide could correctly point out the directions of Terengganu and Kelantan, in relation to our location in Pahang. Nevertheless, everyone made it to the top. What an achievement! 

Sunrise - Sun only

Team-7 and Pak Uda

As the sun rose above, it was time to leave the summit.

The hike down from the summit to Kem Botak was actually more spectacular.

Striking down-jacket

The sun would rise above the summit and provide an amazing view of the rain-forest and mountain range from above

Coupled with the morning breeze, it was picturesque

Hiking Gunung Tahan (Part 2 of 3)

The journey to the foothill was pleasant, as discussed in Part 1: https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2019/09/hiking-gunung-tahan-part-1-of-3.html

We started our hike, and had a good Day 1.

Credits to my mate of almost 2 decades - Ivan for bringing and carrying the 2-men tent (bought from Decatlon, at SGD 30). I had quite a good sleep last night (which is always the case). The tent was warm, and I didn't require my sleeping bag, which was used as a makeshift pillow.

~~~

Day 2

There were rumours that this morning's hike would be the toughest - From Kem Kor to Kem Kubang. The difference between 5D4N and 4D3N depends on how we fare today (Day 2). For 5D4N, we are to trek about 4 hours from Kem Kor to Kem Kubang (and call it a day). Whilst for 4D3N, we would then need to hike from Kem Kubang to Kem Botak, which is another 4 hours. So it pretty much depends on how fast we could reach Kem Kubang, and if we still have the strength (and determination) to continue. 

The double-ladder slope was my favourite

We started our hike at around 8.30am, and would reach Kem Kubang for lunch around 1pm. The terrain was visibly different, and clouds would form from no where. 

Packed lunch (Ayam kicap, rice and an apple)

Kem Kubang had weak telco signals - I prefer to be isolated and maintain Flight Mode

It was apparent that we still had the legs to continue, so did the neighboring team of 10 from KL. We decided to push for Kem Botak, thus officially switching from 5D4N to 4D3N. The main reason being, Kem Kubang had nothing much to offer, no views, and was far away from the water source. Kem Botak had water source, and the summit was just 2.5km away. If we could reach Kem Botak, the stage is set for us to hike up the summit the next morning. 

With an extra day to spare, we imagined going for some food hunt around Pahang on Day 5. We eventually did nothing like that. We were exhausted by the end of Day 4, and preferred to haed home. I would end up taking the 11.30pm bus from TBS to Skudai. 

But that story is another day - Part 3. Stay tuned.

Hiking Gunung Tahan (Part 1 of 3)

It's been 10 years since I hiked up Mt. Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to join a group of hikers for Gunung Tahan (Mt. Endurance), the tallest in Peninsular Malaysia. 

Gunung Tahan has a reputation of being one of the toughest and most challenging in the country (I rate it twice as tough as Mt. Kinabalu). Since the 70's, the only way up was via Kuala Tahan, a scenic but long trek that takes 7 days round-trip, with views of tigers and elephants along the way. It's about a 80km round-trip. 

In the 90's a new route was founded, via the sleepy village of Merapoh, Pahang, a kampung between Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis. The Merapoh (also known as Sungai Relau) route halves the hike duration, with a one-way distance of 32km. Most hikers who would attempt Gunung Tahan (mostly having sufficient hiking experience) require 4D3N. A more relax 5D4N is possible, but you 'waste' valuable time doing nothing on the 2nd half of Day 2, where you camp at Kem Kubang. 

Needless to say, Gunung Tahan was always on my mind. 

My training and preparation wasn't fantastic. I hiked up Gunung Pulai, a relatively 'easy' mountain near Kulai, Johor during the weekends. The night before I left, I actually joined my weekly badminton session, but was extra-cautious. Nevertheless, I was excited. I prepared my haversack weeks in advance, though I brought the bare minimum. Gunung Tahan, almost somewhat mysterious to me, commands respect to any Malaysian nature-lover and hiking-enthusiast.  

I tried doing research online regarding Gunung Tahan, but couldn't find much. I would later realize the reason - hiking was already tiring enough, not many would take photos, let along have extra energy to write about it. 

Entrance into the woods - Ready to go

~~~

Day 0

We boarded the 7pm train from JB Sentral, and reached Merapoh station at, well, 7.30am the next morning. It was my first time taking the Malayan inter-state Railway. The last time I took a sleeper train, was from Hanoi to Sapa Valley on the Vietnam Railway, more than a decade ago. The Malayan Railways or Keretapi Tanah Melayu is a colonial-era dinosaur, used to ship tin and rubber from the interiors to, most notably the port of Singapore. 

It still had a sense of elegance and class. Buying the train tickets though, was not too elegant. You have to basically 'walk-in' to the ticket counter at JB Sentral. Tickets start selling one month before the travel dates, but you could always try your luck 1.5 months before, like I did. Single ticket costs RM 51 from JB to Gua Musang (For Sleeper train to Merapoh, you need to buy a ticket to Gua Musang). KTM is definitely not the up and booming railway company of the 21st century. You could tell it's happy running on it's own pace, which in a way is an attraction by its own.

Bed for the night

Making yourself at home

I must say the train ride was pretty comfortable, at least for me. As usual, after hours at work, a quick shower and a heavy dinner, plus the oscillating (and rocking) movement of the train, I took a 1.5-hour nap upon boarding. It wasn't until Kluang (famous for its coffee), when I realized the sheer number of people alighting and coming aboard the train, that I woke up. I had a nice chat with a strong-looking uncle who had just got up at Kluang Station. He stays in Layang-Layang, and was heading to Gua Musang. He manages an oil palm estate there. We spoke at lengths from Oil Palm, Durian plantations, job opportunities, Singapore, and etc. Uncle who is in his late 50s, was very sharp, and able to identify the economic trends. He'd traveled extensively during his career, clearing land and managing oil palm estates for Genting for 3 decades. He also stayed in Sabah for a decade, but reiterates the fact that Malaysia is still home, and no matter how far we go, there's still no place like home. 

We would reach Merapoh station on time, at 7.15am. The train would only stop for 1 min, and we jumped off the train, into a misty village. We were back in the wilderness! 

The train would only stop for a minute, we scrambled for the exit

Morning breeze, not haze

Travelling America: Niagara Falls

I cut short my stay in NYC and took the 10.20am train from NY Penn station. I bid farewell to my pal CL and took the 9-hour train-ride up north. 

Check out the last post at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2019/05/travelling-america-new-york-city-part-2.html

Thankfully Amtrak trains were comfortable. I had my laptop, and was able to do some work, reading, sleep, eat my packed lunch (with fruits) and still I was still in New York State.  

Niagara Falls is in New York State

Well, there are 2 sides of Niagara Falls - One in USA (New York state) and one on the Canadian side (Ontario).

How do people do a day trip from NYC to Niagara Falls remains a myth to me. I booked 2 nights in a promising-looking hostel from booking.com. In fact, it was the cheapest I could find.

When I finally arrive after 9 hours, it was almost dark. From Google Map, it showed a distance of 25 minutes walk from the train station to my hostel, so I imagined it would be a serene stroll in what was a famous town.

Good start

But the longer I walked, the more dire it got. Niagara Falls, New York (state) seems to have a glorious past, but it did look slightly rundown. Maybe it was still winter, and low season for tourism.

I would later learn that this city's population dropped almost half since the heady heights of the 70s

The eerie solo-walk bordered serene and fright. I was glad that I stood at 6 feet. It was too still and too quiet.

After checking-in with the night sky still clear, I decided to take stroll into town and get some food. Again, it was very quiet, with some occasional cars passing-by. 

Nope, the background is Ontario in Canada, across the river (mostly casinos)

The weather forecast for the next day was not inspiring... There would be rain / snow.

Things that I learned from football (and Liverpool Football Club)

When Liverpool beat Barcelona last month 4-0 at Anfield, over-turning a 3-0 first leg defeat, it was a terrific week for world football or any neutral football fans.

If you do not know what happened, just remember that nothing is impossible in life, and that we should never give up.

Ever since my cousin WH showed me a red 'Owen #10' jersey from his wardrobe, I sub-consciously supported the team. The first Liverpool team I watched had Gerard Houllier as manager, with players such as Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Emile Heskey, Sander Westerveld, Patrick Berger, Jamie Carragher, Sammi Hyypia, a young Steven Gerard and etc. It was the days where you could just watch EPL on our normal TV stations without paying big bucks for private cable TV.

It must be way back in 2000...

Fast forward to 2016, I was lucky enough to go to the UK for my postgraduate studies.

I worked part-time to finance my past-time

Kak R (Grand Master) would drive to Anfield from Glasgow, and back after matches, while I tag along (It's 4-hour per way journey!) 

I do at times reflect and try to take a leaf out of the beautiful game (maybe just to self-motivate or self-console). Here are the top 8 things I've learned thus far:

#1. English

It's true. To be able to understand every word and term the football commentators speak requires practice and ability. The next level is to differentiate and understand different accent from different countries / regions of the English speaking word. Scottish accent takes time to get used to (but I really like it), while Scouse is difficult to understand, and Geordie accent from the east coast is almost...

#2. Mutual Respect and team ethics

Football is a team sport, and there is always no 'I' in a 'TEAM'. You occasionally find superstars like Messi and Ronaldo, but the football field is a bit too big when compared with a basketball court. A chain is as strong as the weakest link.

In life, I strongly believe in mutual respect, and staying humble. We do at times see teammates fighting each other, even at a level like the EPL - (Was it Newcastle or West Ham). This is definitely a lesson of what not to do.

You also need to respect your opponents. In this modern digital edge, where everything you do get captured on camera, it is always safer to follow the rules and 'not play dirty' in life. Sergio Ramos wrestled Mo Salah to the ground and dislocate Salah's shoulder in last year's final, and I think the whole world knows it.

Travelling America: New York City Part 2

Started Day 2 in NYC with a pleasant stroll in Central Park, the huge green lung in the middle of Manhattan. It's a fantastic decision to gazette this green space in the middle of NYC. I am sure it provided a much getaway for the stressful city life. 

Check out NYC Part 1 in:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2019/05/traveling-america-new-york-city-part-1.html

Ice-skating in the midst of sky-scrappers

It's always to gazette land as nature reserve

Actually played a game of chess at the Chess Room with an elderly man. He looked really lonely and was waiting for a next challenger. Needless to say, I was well-beaten, having last touch chess maybe a decade ago.

Apparently, NYC has the biggest Chinatown outside China. It was indeed a happening and bustling part of town.

Staircase are located outside of the building - So you can't go upstairs if it's raining?

Chinese chess played everywhere in every Chinatown in the US

Everyone's favourite

Craving for some more familiar food, we searched high and low for something more comforting, rather than burgers, fries, pizzas and sandwiches.

Always a safe bet

Chinatown NYC is just beside 'Little Italy'. Nothing much in 'Little Italy' though.

After lunch, a quick head to downtown saw us reach 5th Avenue, famous for the high-rise and shopping malls. We should pay the most powerful man (may not be the most popular) on earth some homage. Everyone knows who the current President is. We checked out his 'nest'.

Traveling America: New York City Part 1

Before we start, I feel the urge to explain the difference between New York and New York City (NYC). New York is a state, with a land area of 141,000 km square, or basically 4 times the land area of Malaysia (that includes Peninsular and Borneo if you are going to ask), at 330,000 km square. Albany is the capital of New York State, while NYC is the biggest city in New York state (and the whole world I believe). 'New' York, is basically named after the English Roman town of York. 

From Boston, I took the Amtrak train to New York City. A 1-way ticket cost around $49, while a bus ticket will cost half the price. It depends on what you like. I was able to do some work on the train, with free Wi-fi and proper table/chair. 

We stayed in a Airbnb in Queens, Long Island. The NYC Subway was convenient, and runs for 24 hours, so it was a good choice staying away from Manhattan. NYC was actually founded by the Dutch, and was initially named 'New Netherlands', before being transferred to the English, and renamed New York.

5th Avenue

The first stops in NYC, on a good spring day, would be the Statue of Liberty. Do go early to beat the queue. From Battery Park (southern tip of Manhattan), you could take a ferry to Liberty Island.

Probably the most well-known statue on earth

The Statue of Liberty was a present from the French to the US, in celebrating the abolition of slavery and the victory of the Union in the Civil War (or some would argue, to celebrate more than a century of independence from the British).

The Statue would welcome migrants arriving in America from Europe

Liberty wasn't 'green' to start with, but after years of oxidation of bronze, she became 'green'

Traveling America: Harvard and MIT

Previously, I completed IET's events and eating lobsters in downtown Boston:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2019/04/traveling-america-boston-city.html

Harvard University is always somewhere at the top of any global university rank list. I for one though, never believed in university rankings. Old universities, with proud traditions, long history and well-known alumni are bound to be 'ranked' better than newer ones. I feel it's more of a publicity stunt. But I suppose some healthy competition is always welcomed. 

Still, it was quite fascinating to visit Harvard University, most probably the best in the world. 

Legendary Harvard Yard

Harvard University's campus is made up of independent buildings with various styles and design.

The Museum of Natural History

We've got a common friend, also from the IET who is currently studying MBA at Harvard Business School - LX. LX was really kind to reserve seats from the Professor, for us to sit-in. It was an amazing experience!

Back to school

 Everything at Harvard is posh, artistic and ooze class.

Spangley foodcourt - Felt like a 5-star hotel restaurant

We attended a class on Entrepreneurship Management. For 1.5 hours, everyone was discussing on a Case Study - Eastern Bank's evolution. It was on how CEO Bob Rivers' decision to turn a traditional community bank into a modern and savvy bank. The case study circled around the threat of technology disruption. This is a common challenge faced by mature companies. Because of technology-driven disruption, the lifespan of companies has decreased dramatically. 90% of companies in the S&P 500 were replaced in the past 50 years, and 50% of them which were not, will disappear in the next decade or decade and a half. 

How should a CEO, or company top management team address the challenge of technology disruption and innovation? How would you maintain (or even cut) cost, increase productivity, and most importantly keep the Board (and customers) happy? How about long term sustainability and growth? Are you willing to throw in some investment to 'test the waters' and gain some learnings? I think the divisive factor is the long-term and short-term goals of an organization. How many organizations are willing to forego short-term goals for longer-term ones? I guess ultimately, the priority is still to survive. Everyone's looking at instant success (and reward).

Traveling America: Boston

Courtesy of the IET, we were in Boston, MA. We had a meeting and attended IET PATW New England Network Finals at Northeastern University. It was a fantastic outing, having met members and students from the America. The difference in views and lifestyle was apparent. Hopefully, with a clearer view of IET Americas, we could devise a YP strategy and better support CC-Americas.

Northeastern University

If you are interested in science, engineering and technology, please like us on our Facebook page. We are constantly looking for volunteers, engineers and students to join our fold. 

~~~

I have never been to America, and to be honest, America was never on my bucket list. It has always been somewhere faraway. Indeed, the flight was 24 hours, with a 1.5 hour transit in Doha. My first impression of Boston was, 'Wow, it feels like England, and the chilly weather feels the same too'.

Wasn't the best first impression - Why do people need guns?

I am aware that the East coast and West Coast, North and South are vastly different. US is such a huge country.

It was end of March, and the temperature was still hovering below 8 degrees Celsius.

View of the Charles Rive on Day-1 dawn (Snowed throughout the night)

Thankfully, the next day was beautiful (but I still needed my bulky Scottish winter jacket)

Boston is one of the earliest English settlements and oldest cities in the US. Wikipedia gives a good history lesson.

After our conference, we explored the city. It was a nice day, but the temperature was still below 5 degrees. One of the must-dos in Boston is the Freedom Trail. Apparently, Boston was where the American Revolution began. The olden days are always associated with wars and batters.

This well-designed 4km 'trail' is marked by red bricks or red lines. It includes all important sites, buildings and monuments. This is actually a brilliant idea, and helps tourists navigate (and don't require too much homework). Of course, you'll need strong legs to complete the trail.

The 'trail' map

Everest Base Camp - Insurance Selection for Malaysians

Malaysia is a beautiful country. We have mountains, rivers, reserved forest, islands, seas... It's a heaven for nature-loving people and adventurers... This encourage and nurtured generations of hikers, mountaineers and outdoor enthusiast.    

Everest Base Camp, though not the toughest, still represents the holy grail for many amateur hikers (at least for me). What could possibly beat the view of the highest point on earth - Mount Everest. In fact, I consider standing 3000m below the summit a lifelong achievement.  

Sunrise view of Everest (8848m - left) and Nuptse (7879m - right) peaks from Kala Patthar (5545m), 22 May 2018.

Insurance is key, especially when you'll heading to the Himalayas. EBC is at an altitude of 5400m, while the view point Kalapattar is at 5550m. At these altitude, anything can happen. Unfortunately, the choices of insurance (Malaysia) is limited. I took time to email all the below insurers to find out the best choice. 

In 2013, my friends and I attempted Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via Phokara. We took AIG Travel Guard back then, as it gave unlimited altitude coverage. However, fast forward to 2018, the maximum coverage is at 4000m. In other words, anything happens beyond 4000m, you are on your own. An 18-day coverage cost around RM 135.00. 

ABC is at 4130m, and should still be fine. However, for EBC, you'll spend half your time trekking above 4000m. It wasn't very suitable. 

Zurich TravelPac costs almost the same, but would not cover hiking at all. 

Worldnomads is a Dutch insurer, who could cover everything you need for EBC hike. But it costs a whopping USD 112 for a Malaysian Resident. I felt it was a bit expensive. Prior experience to ABC showed that I was fine at the altitude of 4130m, I felt confident. 

AXA Affin, which I once bought for my 2-week backpack in Europe, would not cover any injuries or issues related to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). However, they can provide emergency evacuation at any altitude, as long as it is not related to AMS. In other words, should you suffer some life threatening injury not related to AMS, at say 5500m, you should be covered by AXA. It cost RM 112 for 18 days, with maximum claim up to RM300,000. 

I went for AXA Affin, and bought the policy online. Very simple steps. 

I would later claim RM 2200 from AXA Affin due to travel delays. Payment was done online into my bank account. It is important to keep all receipts, flight itinerary, letters indicating delays for insurance claim. 

So far, AXA Affin (https://digital.axa.com.my/travel-insurance-malaysia/) has proved to be a reliable insurer for all my travel insurance needs.

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 13: Showdown with Travel Agent

Previously:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2019/02/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-12.html


27 May 2018, Sunday, Kathmandu

Arriving at 4.15am, after a gruesome 13 hour jeep ride, I was glad to see the hotel. The first thing everyone needed was a shower! The hot shower was really good.

In additional, it took me 20 minutes to get my face (2 weeks of beard) cleaned and shaved...

When I got down to the lobby at 5.30am, I saw our Travel Agent Mr. Jar. along with a few of my teammates, in some serious discussion. The mood wasn't wonderful. Ryan, Pat, Neil and Praks were genuine speakers, and it wasn't without validity. Jar was actually at the hotel to collect USD200 for the helicopter ride for Day 1 (Kathmandu to Lukla). They quickly shot him down and listed down our displeasure for the entire trip:

1. Dave and Weeser were left to hike Kala Patthar alone without any guides (Henry and Din). Even it's at 4am, there were no reasons for Henry/Din to not show up. Dave and Weeser tagged along other teams/guides. Coming to think of it, it was quite risky and dangerous.  
2. Potters ditched our bags on the last day (not being happy with the amount of tips).
3. The team was stranded in Phaplu despite being promised a flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu. The team had to source our own jeep back to the capital (for 13 hours). 

All the above were valid arguments, and Ryan pushed for compensation - USD 300 reimbursement or Full refund (That was negotiation skills!). Reviews will be posted online for the awful services. Jar was speechless. Our points were valid.

Having traveled with his company for Annapurna Base Canp hike 5 years ago, and being the only one in the group who had approach the company directly, Jar looked to me for support. I couldn't, as I was quite disappointed with the services this time round. All along till the end of the trip, I had always tried to be as neutral and supportive of the company/guides as possible. I gave my views, and a fair account of everything. The company simply did not deliver.

Feeling the wind, Jar turned the table, offering to wave USD200 for the helicopter on Day 1, and compensation of USD150 cash. I guess everyone wanted to come to an agreement and move on. We accepted the offer.

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 12: Lukla - Phaplo - Kathmandu (A 20 Hour Journey)

Previously:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/11/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-11.html

26 May 2018, Saturday, Lukla - Phaplu - Kathmandu

We all learned about a place call mysterious place known as "Pablo" yesterday, being an alternative of flying from Lukla - Kathmandu. "Pablo", or rather Phaplu is located 15 minutes helicopter ride away from Lukla. It is located at an elevation of 7918 ft (2413m) above sea level.

It turned out to be the only option we had.

A 'documentary' describing the situation at Lukla

After anxiously waiting the whole morning, we were glad to leave Lukla at 11.45am, after paying USD200/pax at the helipad, which acts as a top-up for our canceled flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. We bid farewell to our guides Henry and Din. I passed them dollars, so did the a few of my teammates, and wished them well.

Glad but a bit sad to leave

When you spend almost 2 weeks with a group of people in a harsh environment, you more or less become friends. Rumors said that Phaplu Airport has better weather / visibility, and that a Tara Air flight would then take us from Phaplu to Kathmandu. IF there are no flights from Phaplu to Kathmandu, a jeep could take us to Kathmandu in 9 hours. Simple enough solution isn't it?

See you again Lukla - You've been the best adventure in my life

After a scenic 15 minute chopper ride, we landed in Phaplu Airport, except that it's not really an airport. It was a 100m air strip.

The chopper ride was smooth, and the pilot gave us a perfect landing