The one and only Charles A. Bateman sitting pretty and standing with daughter Felicia.

Bryan, Rachael, Maurice, FH2o, Charles A Bateman, Mona, Azmi, Angelina, Basil Wee & Felicia @ Sg Abang, Thursday 27th December 2007

Anyway after secretly reading my blog for a while, Charles being an outdoors loving person (although I must qualify that his fondness for the outdoors is strictly confined to his love for his old junk land rover and all things land rovers) finally decided to check out our kayaking trip – with his wife, 2 lovely daughters, his sister and her husband and their 2 sons.

And so on a fine Thursday morning we set out for Kg Bengoh with this fine company of 8 on their first kayaking trip ever. To cut a long story short – they all loved it! Especially His Excellency whose idea of kayaking is to lie on a supine position while his wife does all the hard work … *sigh*

They all did well despite being beginners although at one bend in the river they all went for a swim to avoid kissing a grove of bamboos when directed there by the strong river currents. And the governor has to do one better at the take-out at Kg Semadang while he pondered my command to get off the kayak but instead capsized it with Azmi and Juri desperately chasing after the runaway kayak!

I should have known better that Governors do not take instructions or commands kindly. Forgive me Your Excellency!

Kayaking Charles Arthur Bateman's style ...

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking, People

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Joel, Takeshi, Akari and Azmi @ Sg Abang, Bengoh 28 December 2007

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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Construction vehicles, materials, debris and workers greet you on your way to the basement parking ... Nice hor?

Unlike most of the “sakai” people in Kuching, I was vaguely interested in the opening of the latest shopping center not the least of which is the fact that I despite people who flaunt the laws (and the 'laws' abusing their authorities). The building is not even completed and yet the ‘authorities’ allow it to open for business just so that the greedy owners can open before Christmas. What a lot of B.S. but anyway that’s another story and who cares about public safety right?

With plenty of construction works going on both inside AND outside - is the building fit to allow public occupation? What B.S.!

My disinterest in shopping and distaste for conspicuous consumption was not match for my intrinsic curiosity as to why so many people here are rushing there causing massive traffic jams in the vicinity. So this morning while I was in the area and with light traffic, I dropped by for a quick visit to see what the attraction there is in this “just another meaningless shopping center” or what’s so special about it to warrant stewpig B.S. Kuching bloggers raving about it (they are just stewpig? “sakai”?)

Watch out as there are push carts everywhere!

Anyway the only thing that I could spot that is perhaps interesting and probably not seen in other shopping centers were these – which I dutifully snapped; at the meat section of the ‘hyper’ market. I think it’s enough to put me off burgers or steak for the rest of the week. Enjoy!

Lest you forget - we come from a long line of headhunters ...

Labels: Uniquely Kuching

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Christmas evening @ Sungai Kuap, Kuching

It was a lethargic (and rainy) Boxing Day back at work today but I'll be taking leave from tomorrow onwards with 6 blissful days off in a row. Nice. I'd been busy over the past week and as is always the case with me - too many things and not enough time (and kind of lazy) to blog about it! I'm also feeling kinda lethargic from too much eating (and drinking!).

Christmas morning green @ my house

Labels: Kuching Skies, Life

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I received this rather cute 'Kuching' Christmas greeting in my email from Mok in Kuching and a most beautiful Christmas Eve photo of Vancouver from Lou Parsons who resides in that beautiful city.

Here's wishing that your Christmas is as cute, beautiful and blessed; whether you're on the waters or on terra firma.

Labels: Celebrations, Kuching

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Labels: Weird Stuff

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A gentle and light hearted reminder to not go berserk with your Christmas lightings! Whatever.

Labels: Celebrations

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... and many thanks for visiting FH2o: Kuching Kayaking in 2007.

Labels: Celebrations

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Labels: Blogging

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Labels: Kuching Skies, Magical Moments

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Labels: General

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No. I do not recommend that you talk and drive at the same time much less take photos especially on a rainy evening. Shhhh!

Labels: Photography

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A peaceful and beautiful end to the work week for the beginning of another week ...

Beautiful Kuching evening skies, 14 December 2007.

I was on the cross trainer by the window at the gym taking the occasional glances at the evening skies and as the sun sets over the next half an hour, I paused to take periodic quick snaps and I was rewarded with these fleetingly delicate magical images that would otherwise have vanished had I not being mindful of the present – then.

The changing colours as one moment moves to the other.

As another year draws to an end, I trust that you are present here on this Monday and every moment of wherever and whenever you are. Be here and be well. Live this moment - it's all we have and it's beautiful.

To see the magic around us, we need to be fully present in the here and now - at the gym or anywhere else.

Labels: Kuching Skies, Magical Moments, Photography

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Overall aerial perspective of the exciting Riveria Square waterfront development in Kuching.

With a kilometer long water’s edge walk along Sungai Kuap for recreation, shopping and entertainment provided for by arcade shops; it brings to Kuching the kind of waterfront shopping experience one can only previously get overseas such as Sydney’s Darling Harbour and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. At a short 5 minutes from Tabuan Jaya, it’s destined to be the next “most happening” place in Kuching.

The first phase with with 29 units of 3 to 4 storey shophouses very competitively priced from RM718,888/- was launched on the weekend with each and every block enjoying either main road or waterfront promenade frontage. Now Everyone Has A Frontage!

Contact Naim Sales Office +6082-422 001, 422 236, 019-856 6738 to book your unit!

Labels: Architecture, Kuching

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2 Trees @ Riveria, Kuching December 2007

A stark image against a moody blue sky evokes a melancholic feeling. Whatever.

Labels: Photography, Trees

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She floats and she's beautiful - wood strip kayak designed and built by clever Kuching kayaker Dennis Leong

Dennis’s father picked up one of our flyers and passed it to him and he called me up one evening inquiring if he could join in one of our kayaking trips using his own kayak. “Sure!” As I’m glad to meet another kayaker in Kuching. So I asked him what make of kayak he has and he replied that he’s building his own! Needless to say I asked him if I could have a look and I sped to his house to meet him and have a look at his home built kayak. My jaws dropped as it was a most beautiful wood strip hand built kayak that I’d ever seen. Actually it was the first wood strip hand built sea kayak that I'd ever seen! It was all completed just awaiting the final few finishing coats. If Huey sees this - I bet tears will be rolling down his face! It was simply beautiful.

Maiden paddle - Dennis in his own designed and built sea kayak on Sarawak River, Kuching

When Dennis took her (christen 'Rilo Fun') out for a maiden paddle a few weeks back; I was away and this morning I received an email from him with these 2 photos and these 2 simple and beautiful words – “she floats.”

Labels: Kayaks, People

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I couldn't help but wonder what the food bill would be like keeping one of these! And I don't think they would fit on my kayaks as well; and in fact would most probably sink 'em!

"hey... i just had time to log on today, and was mildly amused to see that this picture of me and cookie actually appeared here haha. thanks for the write up on me and my pampered little princess!

to everyone else... yes, cookie hates flying terribly, doesn't help that she's a tad claustrophobic. but it's my three-month summer break now, and as i've just moved out of my place in miri and am technically homeless lol, so there's nowhere to leave her, so she has to come back with me to kuching.

and there's the matter of her being very very attached to me - she doesn't eat, sleep, or even drink much when i'm not around, and becomes depressed and listless if i don't come home for more than a day.

so considering all those, the trauma from a one-hour flight seems like a reasonable unpleasantness as opposed to her wasting away without me.

cookie was a present from my mum as part of my therapy. i suffer from a severe case of bipolar disorder and cookie's probably the best thing that's happened to me... she's my lifeline and one of the more compelling reasons in my life for me to continue fighting my depression.

all this sounds rather cliched and maybe very corny but yeah, she means a lot to me than a carry-round accessory or a cute toy."

Labels: General.

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Labels: Kuching Food, Travelling

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The snaps turned out sweet and so was the deal as the guy came to my office this morning to settle the payment - in cash(!) after I'd told him that I can only let him have the car after his cheque has cleared. While he was in a hurry, there was reluctance somewhat on my part as I felt a tinge of sadness to part with the car that has taken me to so many kayaking destinations over the past over 7 years. So much memories but time to let go.

Labels: About Life, Photography

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View of our kayaking group from the suspension bridge at Kg Danu

Also accompanying them were 2 guides from Borneo Adventure who (thanks to them) put them on to our kayaking trip. We arrived an hour earlier to get everything ready for the trip. And the group arrived at Kg Bengoh straight from the airport!

To take care of this – our largest group so far were 6 of us. 2 on the safety raft and 2 kayaking guides each for the 2 groups that we split them up into.

I must admit that we were a little nervous about taking out such a big group of 17 year olds but we needn’t have worried as all of them have 1 star Award and a couple of them had 2 star award Singapore canoeing certification. And they were so well behaved and organized thanks to the teachers and Vice Principal Mr Looi Eng Chai with everything proceeding with military precison. We were quite impressed as we have trouble on occasions getting even a small group of 4 or 6 adults to take simple instructions!

We took heaps of photos of them which I have complied into a downloadable slideshow in my earlier post. But since it’s such a large file (around 36MB), I’m posting some of the photos here for those who may not be inclined to wait for the download.

Group photo with a difference - in the river!

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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Group photo @ Kg Danu. (Click on photo to download slide show)

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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Entering a magical place on the waters on a Sunday, 9th December 2007

“Kayaking down a rain forest river is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get!”

And a beautiful shaded tributary off Batang Kayan @ Serian was a most welcomed surprise and respite from the heat on a most beautiful Sunday when we kayak down from Kg Tema to Tebakang fulfilling a trip that KK Seng and I reccee back in July and where I spotted the wooden boats from the pedestrian suspension bridge.

Labels: Explorations, Kuching Kayaking, River Trips

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On Thursday, there was a last minute booking from Paul and Charley who are 2 Koreans here on holidays.I know thats not very Korean-sounding but they are really from Seoul and speaka not a word of English with Azmi.However kayaking through the rain forests, getting soaked under a waterfall, climbing up jungle vines from the waters and seeing wildlife spells fun and adventure in any language - Korean included.

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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Labels: People, Travelling

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Why the photo of Buddy here?
Well, I hate posts without pictures and I think Buddy looks better than fishes! Whatever. I just love him no end.

Also looking at Buddy cheers me up especially after Big G had slashed my Page Rank to zero! *sigh*

*Hint* - Click on 'Buddy' for the various posts on him this year.

Labels: Travelling

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Blue eye Garoupa and PageRanking is a fishy business

I had a rude shock when I logged into PayPerPost just now to check in on the opportunities available only to be greeted by a red screen instead of the usual white screen that I’d been accustomed to!

For those who are not doing PayPerPost – a white and light beige/yellow means that the opportunity is available to you while a blue and red screen means that the opportunity is not available. Here's the legend explaining this.

For most bloggers like myself (before I started doing paid posts) Google Page Rank warrants nothing more than a big yawn. However to those who are trying to monetize their blog; it means making some money (or a lot of money if your blog has a PR of 5 and above) or nothing at all!

What surprised and disappointed me was the fact that PayPerPost and IZEA with their much touted pagerank is nothing but hot air and that Google Page Rank still call the shots with the advertisers. Now let's get back to life! ;)

Labels: Blogging, General

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They are a nationally recognized criminal defense firm that specializes in aggressive representation and are ready to defend all felony, misdemeanor and DUI case. I rest my case and good luck.

Labels: General

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People who think that beautiful looking fishes should be left alone swimming in the seas instead of ending up on the dining plate are going to squirm over this …

Pretty in pink and eating one would tickle you pink ... ;)

While I was photographing the parrot fish, the fish monger (seeing how appreciative I am about fine fishes) ‘fished’ out another even more striking looking fish for my ‘photo shoot’ – it’s a red/pink Star Garoupa or Rainbow Fish.

Because of its attractive appearance – like an art piece, it’s a popular restaurant dish as it tastes even better than it looks! Actually the red/pink colour loses its colour saturation when steamed. There are several species of this Star Garoupa with the higly prized ‘7 Star Garoupa’ commanding the premium price – especially the live ones you see in the fish tanks. You would want to eat slowly and savour its delicate taste and flavour. Yummy.

Head shots of a Star Garoupa headed for the dining table.

I think it’s a shame to just enjoy looking at such a pretty fish and not enjoy its even more delicious and succulent flesh … one man’s fish is certainly another person’s poison! But I bet they would be over the rainbow once they have a piece of Rainbow Fish in their mouth! Peace man!

Labels: Kuching Food

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And how I wished the gym that I go to had chosen their gym lockers and locker benches from Lockerixchange as they even have designer steel lockers which looked so much better than the standard boring metal lockers. They also have school lockers as well as plastic lockers. In fact they provide a full suite of locker room furniture including some such as vented lockers and basket lockers.

I’m pretty sure that Lockerixchange would meet all your locker needs and if not , perhaps you’re just too fussy or you may need to be locked up! *sigh*

Labels: General.

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The largest gathering of kayaks that Kg Bengoh has ever seen!

It was our biggest group ever and naturally we were a little bit apprehensive as it involves a group of 17 year old school kids from Singapore. With 33 students, 5 teachers and 3 guides to take care of on the waters I decided to be kiasu as well and called on Freddy and Becko in addition to Azmi, Bev, Juri and myself to take care of our group. That's why we were "busy" last week on Tuesday 27th November 2007.

Our group photo - after we had gotten everything ready for the trip and awaiting the arrival of the school group from Singapore.

We took over an hour to get the kayaks, paddles, PFDs, water, etc ready including our inflatable safety raft - just in case; and none the too soon as the group arrived just after we've had our lunch. Here are some photos of our preparations for the kayaking trip. And more stories to follow (eventually) - so stay tuned ...

After all that preparations - on the way at last.

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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And if you are looking for a specific Dyson parts or accessories for a particular model; it’s truly a piece of cake with the easy navigation and when you find the item you need you can click on a button to buy it online or on another button for more info should you require more information. You'll be amazed by the range of accessories available.

Labels: General.

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Labels: Kuching Skies, Weather

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With so many topics and areas that are covered from self improvement, fear and phobias, body image, overcome illness, skill improvement, business success, personal development, addictions and habits, mental health, love & emotions, sleep health etc – there’s virtually everything you may want to improve in any areas of your life. Actually there are almost 300 professionally produced hypnosis sessions available for instant download!

No wonder it’s the world largest hypnosis website. The "You Can Create Wealth" download should be of interests to posties and non-posties alike!

Labels: Discovery

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A false lull in the weather for Mohd Suffian, Rafzan, Mohd Fairuz and Muhamad at Sg Abang put-in

A wet stop at Kg Danu with no respite from the rain.

So Azmi and Juri drove them to the put-in hoping that the rain would subside when they reached there – which it did momentarily and then the sky opened up just after they paddled off! It rained continuously throughout the trip and even after they take-out at Kg Semadang!

Getting more than their feet wet on Sunday.

And according to Azmi, Suffian and gang had the time of their lives (despite the rain and the capsizes) and to express their gratitude for such an amazing time - took him and Juri out for lunch and seafood dinner that night! Certainly a kayak trip to remember. Yeah!

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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That’s where EZUnsecured.com can help as they specialized in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs obtain the capital they need to succeed and they have been doing that since 2002.

The process is easy – apply today and get your funds in 1 to 3 weeks time with approval in 1 to 3 days! That’s fast funding for you. And the great service continues with no upfront funding fees.

Even when you have no time to go around looking for finance and you have no collateral – it’s really no problem when you are looking for Business Loans with EZUnsecured.com!

Labels: General.

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A parrotfish in Kuching - destined to end up on a restaurant table.

Anyway I accompanied her on Saturday afternoon to one of her frequented places for fresh and wholesale priced seafood supplies. She directed and I drove – which makes for a pleasant journey (it does not work so well when I directed and she drove!).

We got there and while she checked out what is fresh to buy, I checked out the various types of fish available that day for a photo op. Noticing my curiosity one of the fishmonger ‘fished’ out an interesting looking fish for me to photography. It turned out to be a parrotfish (he called it ‘eng-ko’ hoo in hokkien).

Parrotfish are named for their oral dentition; their numerous teeth are arranged in a tightly packed mosaic on the external surface of the jaw bones, forming a parrot-like beak which is used to rasp algae from coral and other rocky substrates. It's mouth/lips actually reminded me of some people I know! Ooops! Anyway, there are many different species of parrotfish and all them equally delicious to eat and they command a premium price – around RM40/- per kilo.

We ended up buying some squids, a garoupa and a seabass, and we had an enjoyable seafood dinner. Anyway I hope you enjoy the parrotfish photos.

Labels: Kuching Food

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They have FREE SHIPPING on orders over $70 and for the bargain hunters – they have a great section of clothing and accessories at closeout prices.

I like their hawaiian shirts which with their loose baggy cut looks cool and so comfortable to wear and in their bold and bright colours clearly spells out to random strangers in no uncertain terms “Yes. I’m on vacation”.

At the Mad Gringo you just need to “go slow” take it easy and enjoy life. Yeah. But can someone now wake me up before I get carried away and head towards the river in a Mad Gringo Big Floppy Beach Hat to go kayaking instead of to the office. *sigh*

Labels: General.

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Azmi with Mei Ching, Juan Lyn, Jem & Fiona @ Kg Bengoh, 30 November 2007

Labels: Kuching Kayak Sdn Bhd, Kuching Kayaking

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And you can save yourself money as well as time at save buckets as they have a huge selection with over a thousand products just for MP3 Players alone! With prices starting from less than 2 pounds - now everyone can enjoy music anywhere. Go check out and compare prices of hundreds of mp3 Players there!

Labels: General

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Labels: Weather

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And National Car Shipping company is the leader in car shipping from coast to coast as they have over 20 years of experience in the auto moving business. As professional auto transporters you can be assured of pleasant and hassle-free service with your car arriving in perfect condition.

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You can get a free instant quote online or if you prefer you can call them to answer any questions you may have. Their shipping rates are amongst the lowest. And they also handle international car shipping or even your boat or motorcycle.

Labels: General.

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