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 

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 11: Stranded in Lukla

Hot on the heels from:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/10/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-10.html

25 May 2018, Friday, Lukla

Finally, the day to head back to Kathmandu. I woke up a quite edgy, hoping for a clear sky, so that our flight back to Kathmandu would be as scheduled. 

I wouldn't say that I eagerly wanted to get out of the Himalayas. I just had one of the best 10-days of my life. 

But I wanted to have another shower, which I didn't have for 2 days (since Namche Bazaar). The lodge at Lukla didn't have hot water, citing the lack of sunshine for the Solar panels...

The day started really well. Glorious sunshine, clear blue sky and we had a fantastic view glancing out of the hostel window. We were on standby mode at 7am!

What a morning!

CCTV in the hostel to have real-time monitoring of the Lukla Airport runway

No more hard-boiled eggs and toasts - There's no more hiking left, so it's time for some pancake with honey and jam

We were told that we are on the third out-going Tara Air flight. We kept our fingers crossed. We are required to gather at the airport (which looked more like a bus station) when the second flight comes in. 

In anything you do, never lose hope

However, in true fuzzy Nepali standards, Henry suddenly told us that we were on the 6th flight out. Alas, we were still hopeful.

On a slightly different note, we learn that our porters had ditched us, apparently not being happy with the tips they received the previous night. According to Henry, the 'market rate' was USD 60 for the whole trek. Our own research showed that it's about USD 40-60. I have no qualms tipping the porters this amount. There were 4 porters, each carrying 2 x 10 kg for the 8 of us in the team. So the 8 of us put our tips together, and handed it to head porter the night before. We then had a pleasant dinner with the porters. So, I was quite disappointed learning that porters didn't show up as promised.

To my dismay, I would later discover that a team member chose not to tip anything. Our total tip amount would be unexpectedly lower. Again, tipping is a culture, and everyone has their own right to decide. I felt annoyed knowing how people could spend on 'luxurious items' such as unlimited cans of Pringles, coke, cakes, a USD 200 half-day horse-ride...

Yet, refuse to acknowledge the work of the porters, who enabled him to 'walk' his way up empty handed (with a mere day-pack of 2 Litters of water). It was a shame. It wasn't a lot of money to us, and we could easily earn it again. However, any amount is significant income to the porters, who are still mostly teenagers making an honest living. I doubt most of my team members adhered to the 10kg backpack rule like I did. So the porters worked really hard, and were always on time in their collection and delivery.

Needless to say, our guide (performed average, at most) and assistant guide would get nothing too from some of my teammates, supposedly from a 'first world' country.

I was disgusted.

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 10: Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Previously:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/10/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-9.html

24 May 2018, Thursday

Namche Bazaar (3440m) - Lukla (2850m)

Trek time: 9 hours instead of 7 hours (due to strained right heel)


I woke up quite early in order to start hiking at 6.30am. Dave and Dhinesh were really kind to accompany me as early starters. I had a strained right heel, which took the wind off me quite substantially the day before. I felt in-debt and blessed to have met them. The rest of the team would start at the usual time of 8am. It was vital that I get to Lukla before night-fall, and fly out of Lukla the next day.

Amazing views on the way down

(From right) Dave, Dhinesh and I 

Interestingly, after a good night's sleep and lots of muscle cream, my right heel actually felt good. It still feels when I touch it, but I was able to walk without much fuss. Boy was I relieved. 

It took around 2.5 hours to reach Monjo (which was faster than the 4-hour estimation) from Namche, the landmark entrance to Everest Base Camp.

I would reach Phakding at noon

From then on, the landscape would change dramatically. There were more vegetation, felt increasingly humid, while the ground was wetter. There were visibly more manure, which stink. There were no more yaks, but donkeys were aplenty. Yaks require colder climate. 

The last day seeing yaks

Kids going to school

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 9: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

This is a continuation post from:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/09/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-8_30.html

23 May 2018, Wednesday

Pangboche (3800m) - Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Trek time: 9 hours instead of 5.5 hours (due to strained right heel)

Had a good sleep at Pangboche's Eco Hotel. At 3800m, oxygen was plentiful, and I thoroughly slept through the night. They say in the Himalayas, you are able to enjoy star-gazing, experiencing the milky-way, meteor shower...

For me, pure exhaustion was apparent. Even going to the loo was done at god-speed. Forget about waking up, braving the cold, and leaving my -20 C sleeping bag.  

I woke up at 4.45am feeling my right heel. It was due to the careless leap I did yesterday in order to overtake a yak-train. After a grueling 13-hour hike, without feeling anything, it finally swell as I slept. In a way I was fortunate that the heel held itself yesterday. It'll be almost impossible to hike from Gorak Shep to Pangboche with an unfit heel.

Thankfully, I had my own first aid-kit and essentials. 

My essentials: Knee/ankle guard, chlorine pills, muscle cream, tea bag, watch, 风油, gloves

Dawn broke early, and I went out exploring the village of Pangboche, which has the oldest monastery above 3900m in Nepal.

There was a sense of spirituality or zen (if you may) - Very tranquil and serene

Tibetan scriptures everywhere, but sadly, not many understand the knowledge and wisdom nowadays

Early passer-by - The surrounding of Pangboche

We started hiking after breakfast at 7.45am. 

The rocket trio of Ryan, Dave and Pat would reach Namche Bazaar at 1pm, while the second group would reach around 2pm. 

Summer season is ending soon, so is the hiking season

To my horror, my strained right heel was almost hopeless. My walking speed was so slow that the yaks could overtake me. I was basically limping. Thankfully, I had my hiking poles, which was vital.

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 8: Part 2 (Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pangboche)

Previously, I hiked up Kala Patthar at:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/09/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-8.html

22 May 2018, Monday

Gorak Shep (5180m) - Kala Patthar (5455m) - Pangboche (3800m)

Trek time: 
- 3.5 hours round-trip to Kala Patthar at 4am (extremely tough hike for me)
- 2.5 hours to Lobuche
- 1.5 hours to Tukla
- 4 hours to Pangboche

In Day 8 Part 1, I was able to drag myself up and down Kala Patthar, before taking breakfast at around 8am

~~~

As the team set-off the long journey downhill, I took my time to settle all my chores, which include having my customary toilet break, brushing my braces-wearing teeth (with minimal water), packing my bags...

From then on, there were no more urgency or expectations. As far as I was concern, I achieved my objectives in Nepal, the holy grail of an armature hiker. I departed Gorak Shep around at around 9am with Henry (our guide), and took my time to trek, savouring the landscape and scenery. I enjoyed the Himalayan skyline. 

This wasn't a good thing, as complacent crept-in. Being impatient of waiting for the yak-train, I made a few jumps on the rocks too many. I was actually trying to follow Henry's speed, being the last member of the team. A particular jump-landing with full body weight on my right leg would cause a bad strain on my right heel the next day. 

You could hire a donkey if you can't move

For most of the hike, I was alone, and was wondering where the rest were. Dinesh was leading the front pack. reached Lobuche at around 11.30am.

Was extremely glad to see Lobuche, after trekking alone for more than an hour

I headed straight into our lodge expecting to find familiar faces - without success

I was somewhat confident to trek alone because I had a Nepali sim-card, with the phone numbers of my guides and the tour company office in Kathmandu. Fortunately, Henry suddenly appeared at the guesthouse, saying that I had somehow overtook him, as he was waiting for me. Luckily, he spotted me on the horizon, and hurried to the guesthouse.

After a breather at the guesthouse, refilling drinking water and retrieving Ryan's lost sunglasses, we pushed on, and reach Tukla Tea House at around 1pm. It was only at Tukla that I met half of my teammates. The 'rocket team' of Dave, Ryan and Pat were long gone.

Packed my egg sandwich (which wasn't the best) from Tukla, and pushed for Pangboche

The trek to Pangboche was serene

Trekking with my teammates, whom we became quite close was enjoyable. We spoke a lot as we trekked. It was really nice. I made great friends in Neil, Reena, Praksha, Shiva and of course Dinesh, our guide.

It did felt like a never ending journey

Even after 3.5 hours of hiking and in the late afternoon, Pangboche was still super far away 

Nevertheless, we all reach Pangboche at around 5.30pm. I felt great at 3800m. Oxygen felt plentiful. Statistically, I have walked for 13 hours, having started the day at 4am!

No hot shower available though

The only thing I want, was a hot shower the next day at Namche Bazaar.

Up next:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/10/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-9.html

From Johor to Everest Base Camp: Day 8: Part 1 (Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pangboche)

Previously:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2018/08/from-johor-to-everest-base-camp-day-7.html

22 May 2018, Monday

Gorak Shep (5180m) - Kala Patthar (5455m) - Pangboche (3800m)

Trek time: 
- 4 hours round-trip to Kala Patthar (extremely tough hike for me)
- 2.5 hours to Lobuche
- 1.5 hours to Tukla
- 4 hours to Pangboche

If I had to choose one of the longest and physically challenging days of my life, it'll be this day.

I seem to be the only one in the team that was motivated for Kala Patthar, and I woke up at quarter to 4, promptly. Had to wake my roommate - Dave up, and credits to him, he was up for it. We knocked the doors of our fellow teammates (Ryan / Pat), but no one could wake up. 

Undeterred, we headed downstairs and found a few hikers near the door of the lodge. There was no sign of our guides. We decided to tag along with other hikers, as we half-suspect that our guides wouldn't turn up.  

It was 4am, dark and cold outside.

We were told that it takes around 2 hours to the peak, and were promised the sunrise view of Everest. The words and reminder of the Canadian guide I met at the airport when I touched down (which was now more than a week ago) still rang strongly. 

And boy it was a tough hike, at least for me. Dawn broke around 5.30am, where the first rays of light projected through the skyline. 

It was a vertical ascend of around 350m (Mt. Pumori peak at the rear end)

If you look carefully, you could see the town of Gorak Shep (almost center of this photo)

Dave, after a slow start, become his usual self, and without much fuss, disappeared. The more I climbed the slower I got. Hikers overtook me, as I took breaks, and photos. A mistake I made though, was that I didn't take breakfast. (Who takes breakfast at 3.45am?) A cup of milo probably would have helped. 

Everest hides behind the mountain range

It took me an excruciating 2.5 hours to reach the summit of Kala Patthar. While on the way up, I saw Dave, who was already heading back for breakfast, citing the crowd and cold at the summit. In a way, by taking my own sweet time, I reached the summit pretty empty.

View of Kala Patthar - Sunny, but I was in my down-jacket all the time (Mt. Pumori peak at the rear end)

Tips for Chevening Scholarship Application

What are your dreams in life?

What about taking a break from work, and head back to university for a Masters degree (uni and subject of your choice), on a full scholarship?

Have you ever thought of embarking on a once in a life time adventure in the UK, a gateway to Europe?

The UK Chevening Scholarship presents an opportunity, and I was a fortunate recipient in 2016-17.

Receiving award certificate from High Commissioner (Malaysia) - HE Vicki Treadell (July 2016)

You can read more info at their website: www.chevening.org (open for applications from 6 August)

Every year, 1800 scholars from around the world are chosen to embark on a year's adventure in the UK. In Malaysia, there are around 40 recipients each year. The per-capita ratio for Malaysia is one of the highest. 

This year, another 45 Malaysians are heading to the UK: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/399803/45-chevening-scholars-set-pursue-postgraduate-studies-uk

Read about Diana Shakira's account: https://www.nst.com.my/education/2018/08/403976/uk-bound-postgrad-studies

From my observation, Cheveners come from a mixture of professional backgrounds, from lawyers, doctors, scientists, environmentalist, government officers, engineers, journalists, social activists and the list goes on. One thing is for sure, these people are no fluke. All are experts, leaders and high-achievers in their fields. Initially, I did feel a lack of confidence, or slightly inferior, like a small prawn in a huge lake. 

Anyway, this should not stop you from TRYING and APPLYING for the scholarship. You stand a chance only if you apply. In fact, a friend made the cut only after 3 years or applications. 

So credits to my Chevening 2016-17 friends for indirectly contributing to this post.

Malaysian Cheveners 2016-17