Monthly Walk – Sat, 08 March 2008

Time to resume our mthly walk to burn up the calories accumulated during the festive celebrations.

Walk:  S’pore Guilin Park & Bt Batok Nature Park
Date:  08 March 2008 (second Sat/month)
Time: 4.30pm
Meeting Place:  Bt Gombak MRT Stn.  Those who drive, park behind the Stn or check comments Dolly#27 & Veronique#52
Total Time taken for walk:  one half to 2 hrs.
Do not forget umbrella, water bottle & camera (beautiful scenic spots).
NB: Slopes & steps to climb

From MRT stn, 5 mins walk to reach Guilin Park.  We walk 2 trails (15-20min).
We then proceed to Bt Batok Nature Reserve by the connector (half hr). The main entrance leads directly to "pond plaza".
Surrounding – very scenic and rich in fauna & floral & many species of birds.
We will also visit the site where Japanes soldies built a shrine to commemorate the dead (WWII).
More info: visit http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/bukit-batok.htm

After walk: We take a bus to Bt Batok MRT stn.  Those who can stay, join us for dinner at Kopitiam.  Those who drive, can take MRT to Gomak stn to pick car after dinner.

We hope to see all the regulars and a warm welcome to New comers
Rain or shine – we’ll be there 4 u
VeronW, Mary, Charles,Christina CL
Philip Wee-  help with photography for tis walk. TQ

To facilitate those who wld like 2 know who’s coming

1Charles,  2Mary,    3ChristinaCL,   4Veron,   5Veronique    6June  ,     7Steven   
8Ah Nee,  9Eleanor,  10Lina Ng   11Gingko,  12Ann,    13John     14/15Paul&Jenny     16Dolly.  17EvelynOng  18CatherineChong    19/20 Rose&JackieChin      21DaisyPhua      22Leekingseng    23JoyceKwok    24MelissaKhng     25GraceWong    26/27 Kristin&VenikaLeong    28-31 janetNg, GraceTan, TaiJoo, Gek Hong,
32Mikekoh,      33Dennis&Wendy    34EstherPoon   35JoyceTan     36AaronHow   37 Philip    38 MaryChan
39HelenWong 40PhilipWee   41WeeChin     42LimSiewEng     43SusanChang 44NoraChia  45 Margie 46 Pauline    47 Sally         48 Karan

Author: Veronica Wong

Interests: Outdoor outing, healthy lifestyle and ballroom dancing.

114 thoughts on “Monthly Walk – Sat, 08 March 2008”

  1. Hi Vwong,

    Thanks for the walk.

    A bit short leh, I hardly sweat.

    It was fun and laughter at Sakae Sushi with you guys and gals. Hope we can have more time together chit chatting n makaning.

  2. VWong,
    Thank you for organising this walk. I found itinteresting and manageable, in spite of the climb. Looking forward to the next one.
    Cheers. :-)

  3. Many thanx for your companionship. I hope all of you had an enjoyable walk.
    Post-walk comments welcome for improvement.
    Pl look out for the pictures on a new post.
    I have received some pictures but not all.
    Akan Datang.
    cheers
    vw

  4. Hi all
    I joined in he walk and I really enjoyed my self as well as the company og fellow club members.

    Although this is the first time I participate in the club’s activities, I felt very at home with the very friendly club members.

    I will make it a point to participate is as many activities of the club as possible.

  5. Joy,

    He is selling sushi at West Mall.

    Haha! when you were talking to the computer alone, the whole bunch of us were having a good time chatting, laughing and enjoyed munching sushi.

    C u on our next eating day. Akan Datang…….

  6. John/Veronique, my block rattled when the whole lot of you trooped past this evening to continue the search at Bt Batok Nature Park. So Veronique, was he selling nasi lemak at Bt Batok Kopitiam? Hee…

    Aiya, no one’s around. I am talking to myself. How pathetic…

  7. Hi Pauline @ #103,

    Can you please ask Karen and Sally to send in their membership forms? Please ensure they meet the club’s criteria.

    Terence Seah

  8. Hi Veron & co

    Used to join you all many moons ago. This year am glad to be able to meet up again at Bukit Gombak Mrt Stn at 4.30pm tomoro.
    See you then. Thanks for organising.

    Yvonne Ang

  12. Hi,

    Pauline here, I with two other friends Karan & Sally will be joining on 8March08 Wallk Guilin Park & Bt Batok Nature Park
    (This is our first time joining the club activity)

    Thanks

  15. Hi Veron,
    I’m unable to join you all for the walk this Sat. as I’m down with the flu and I do not think that I’ll well by Sat.
    I hope to join the next walk, thank you.

  16. Thanks Tim,

    Glad that you are coming to join us at Tanamera ,7pm and on 15/3 at the SHC flea market.

    Lina, pls. make more fluffy yam cakes . Who knows it could be the best seller.

  17. Steven, my next date with SHCians (with folks interested in sharing/discussing the Chinese language & culture) is 2mrw 0703 at TanAminah 7 p.m. and then on 1503 to watch Lina squat on everyone’s table at the flea mart to make yum yum cakes.

    Enjoy yr walk……………………..

  18. Hi Tim,

    I had last seen you at the
    Karaoke function at the hotel last year.

    Hope you can come along to join us this Sat. 08/03/06
    walk at Bkt. Batok Nature Reserve and on 15/3 at our exciting 1st.time SHC Flea market.

    We missed you too.

  23. Oei Mary Chan (#89),

    True enough I was chasing him … thru the phone one sms after another … finally he woke up from his nap. Yes was in contact and found the place I needed to visit. Thanks to you for your prompt assistance… :D

    Cheers, Grace

  26. Hi GraceK,
    Did you injure yourself chasing Terence in BKK?? Hahaha. Btw, did you manage to contact him when you were there?
    Take care and get well soon. The D n D is just round the corner.
    Cheers. :-)

  32. Dear SHC members
    Great to hear such good response. List updated.
    Janet Ng #61 & 69
    Many thanx for bringing a few friends to support
    Andrew #69 & #71
    1st the Good News #69.
    Then the Bad News #71. Nevermind, we c u in our next mth walk
    Aaron & Philip 79 & 81. I bet it will not be your 1st and last.
    Mary Chan #81 Sure, most welcome to join us.
    Do not worry. There will be somehow someone to keep pace with you.
    cheers

  35. Hi Aaron How,

    Welcome.
    You will be surprised that SHC is a warm and friendly grp even if this is your 1st. time.

    I too was like you when I join the 1st. time I remain hesistant but pluck my courage to join them at the ECP potluck and I am happy to meet such nice members who come from all walks of life as though they knew me for a long time.

    Something which I did not expect at 1st, encounter.

  37. Hi Lina

    It is stately courteous to include appropriate “please” in speech and writing.

    You will hear even ER2/MM says that to stewards and stewardesses when they are being served.

  38. Hi Lina & Andrew

    Lina #64

    Please don’t get me wrong. I’ve been trained to include the word “please” when in writing. But if you really feel uncomfortable with the “pleases”, then I shall drop them all …… which means that my wish shall be your command….hhhmmmm not bad for a change :)

    Would you share your yam cake recipe, pXXXXe? :):)

    Andrew #66

    I am unable to attend your class as my March calendar is full. I don’t see a dire need to relearn the finance principles at this point in time. Thanks for the invite.

  39. Hello everyone,
    I’m Esther, I’ve been reading about all the wonderful activities that SHC had been organising and I would like to join you for this walk.
    Will meet at the Bt. Gombak MRT stn. Ta, ta.

  40. Hi Ah Nee,

    OK, you go for tennis lessons and make sure you work hard and be good at it. Otherwise, stay at condo and cannot swim or play tennis. Only good at housework. Better stay in HDB.

  41. Lina, I think hor, I have to forgo the walking at Guilin Park & Bt Batok Nature Park. I don’t want to miss the opportunity of learning Tennis from Roland leh. So more hor, I think I begin to like to play Tennis, so must practise for the rest of the Sat in Mar. Hopefully after the sessions end, I can play Tennis at my Condo lor, otherwise very “lau kwei”, dare not to play.

    Ah Nee

  44. #69

    Look like I have overlooked March 2008 Saturdays for 4 tennis coaching sessions which the “Coach” intends.

    Will extend to swimming, gym and makan thereafter. Can stroll to the five courts opposite the estate.

    So have to miss this walk on 8 March.

    Apologies.

    Andrew

  45. Charles, Christina and others.

    Yes I confirm will be coming and the no. 70 ??? OOOOph is the numbering correct, do we need permit for such a large gathering..

    See yeooooow !

  49. Dear Eleanor at #63

    On 8 March, I will be teaching Fundamental Analysis for investing at Scorebot from 9 to 1pm.

    Yes will see you, if you are attending.

    Cheers,

    Andrew

  50. Hi Lina Ng,

    .Comment at 64 …We had a great time at Andrew’s place and you missed my yam cake.

    Lina, yr yam cake was so delicious and laku .

    It was gone within a few mins.

    Phaps,u could share with us yr “secret recipe” on how to make yam cake under posting on cooking and pot luck

    They r some cooking enthusiast in sHc who would like to learn from you.

    Boleh?

  51. Hi Eleanor,

    You sound like a student with your pleases, so you get treated like a student. What do you expect? Drop your pleases. No need to be so formal.

    Sure you can come on the train ride with us. Meet us at Bishan MRT.

    We had a great time at Andrew’s place and you missed my yam cake. See you at the walk.

  52. Apology for my MIA. I have been busy all week.

    Charles #13

    Thank you for including me in the walk but please do drop the formality. When you addressed me with my last name, it sent the chill down my spine. It reminded me so much of my primary school teachers, those that wore Sum-Din-Har’s black rimmed glasses. They would shout our names out loud in full whenever we were caught in our naughty tricks. You can call me by my nickname, Ele.

    Ah Nee @ #14

    You are very sweet too!

    Lina @ #22

    Yes, we’ll catch up when we meet. May I come on the train ride with all of you, please?

    Andrew @ #36

    What a shame that your party was over by the time I read about it. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time.

    Seeya on 8th March.

  63. Hi Lina (#22)thanks, I think it will be more practical to buy a one-way ticket as suggested by Nor (#23) because i dunno when i will need to take MRT again.

    I will leave my car at home and “walk n jog” 1km to the Bt Batok Stn so i can save petrol and parking fee to buy a bottle of 100+. Times r bad, must save for rainy day hor. Hehehe…..

    Hi VeronW (#51), there is a car park with ample lots on top of the BB bus interchange. I usually park my car there if I shop at West Mall.

    cheers!

    veronique

  64. Hi
    Many thanx for comments & support. Me not able to edit to put the names up on main post.
    To facilitate those who wish 2 know who’s coming since post #50
    1Charles,2Mary,3ChristinaCL,4Veron,5Veronique6June,7Steven 8Ah Nee,9Eleanor,10Lina Ng 11Gingko,12Ann,12,John 13/14Paul&Jenny 15Margie
    16Dolly.
    Maybe: Grace,Sue& Joy.
    Whatever clothes you wear or no wear, my advice 2 u to be in walking shoes.
    Dear Dolly #27
    Yr gd intention appreciated. We keep your suggestion for future. Once up on Web, a change will confuse. Many thoughts have gone into Why BB stn chosen.
    Don’t think there is a direct bus from BBNPark to Gombak Stn. Gombak Stn is not a bus interchange. BB stn more centralised for those who want to go home by bus straight after walk.
    Cater to all walkists from N,S,E&W.
    There are many eateris in BB central, so more varieties. No hard & fast rule – must eat at
    Kopitiam. We “play” by sight.
    *** All those who drive please take note of Dolly’s advice on parking# 27. TQ Dolly.

  67. Hi John H,

    Since Ah Nee has to hold on to your hand, isn’t it a good enough excuse for you to leave your car at home. Or tell you what, leave your car in Bishan, and we go together on the train. Then you can hold my hand as well. How about that?

    Suzhang, will keep in touch with you regarding setting off time.

  68. #28 Hi Charles, didn’t know you have a sense of humour… cheeky fella !

    I will rephrase it : If I am free….(now I know… don’t type any thing in a rush..)

    #30 John, I thought Lina said you don’t normally logon to PC or read your email ? After reading this, you got all excited ah?…ha..ha.. you another one! no wonder, you are going for the walk & the swim…

    Ah Nee, don’t be so paranoid. You’re not alone, as we won’t leave you wonder or lost in transit. Hold on to John & Lina’s hand, as they are also 1st timer on the train. I can lead all of you if Charles can’t follow us. We will take the train from Bishan towards AMK, then save the hassle of hopping from one train to another at JE Int. Let’s go on the chooo.chooo train together, am sure we will joke all the way there. :)

    Lina #42, you don’t hv to lure John… as he should be making his way to the pool too
    since he knows so many of you will be there.

    What time are we setting off? Send me a note.

    Cheers & Good nite.

    Suzhang

  69. Hi Tim #43

    Ha ha, I do not lecture from textbooks. I write my Finance, Econs and Business Maths notes and teach from professional training and real-life practical experience since 1980s.

    If you chance to meet any of my students, they will tell you so. Or, ask Max from Scorebot.

    So much for the academic and professional sides.

    See you this Saturday at the Tanamera. Enjoy yourself swimming lor!

  71. Looks like Bt Batok will have the first nudist park in Singapore. Must get the News crew down.

    Gingko, you calling me at #17? I may join in the walk if I don’t have a date with Felix the Meow Meow. But let me visit Woffles first. Must look good on national TV.

    Joy

  72. Me know-all? Hardly but do know the orr (black) from the pek (white), yes me hei bai feng ming.

    “See but not sighting; hear but not listening”……this was what i taught the corporate honchos at massage parlours, very different from yr “see & not seeing, hear & not hearing”, and giving it an extension, talk and not talking, me confused and not confusing…………

    But I dont diagree with all you hv said, like “Common sense is always not common esp for “textbooks people”.

    So, do forget abt textbooks when you next lecture, reading from yr prepared text is an exception without a difference.

  74. Haha, Tim

    You must the Mr know all.

    Fortunately my maternal grandma is a pragmatic person. She did not tell me grandma’s tales when I was young. She told me real-life events of Jap Occupation in SE Asia, Indonesian Confrontation, and of life in Indonesia. I can relate to them when I had witnessed riots and killings in Singapore.

    Eyes can see unless seeing not seeing, hear and not hearing. I taught many doctors and health-care personnel Finance during their MSc (Health Care) in early 1990s and NUS final-year dental surgeons(for almost ten years). I did not see any sting in their eyes. So, I must be fortunate to meet only good and kind people, hee hee!

    Common sense is always not common esp for “textbooks people”. Not sure about fairy tales during bedtime, ha ha!

  75. “All Gynaes/doctors/nurses(including life-savers) do not have those “eye sting” problems”

    Who told you? Grandma again??

    For sure, if you hv piles stinging yr butt like hell, you wont tell.

    And this is the truth.

  76. Ah ha: old grandma’s stories…one sits on papers/books will become stupid.

    The truth is – do not do things inappropriately.

    All Gynaes/doctors/nurses(including life-savers) do not have those “eye sting” problems.

    Nature is for admiration, for its purpose and appreciation.

  77. Aiyo, John, me no p/t carpark aunty la.. just dat i used to go to Bt Gombak CC for gym and park in those HDB carpark by using Day/Nite coupon lor. Of cos, there also must b indication of night parking allowed 1 type lor.. I hv sumtin on la.. just kaypoh oli la..

  78. If Lina has nothing on at/in the pool, for sure, I’ll hv my blindfolds on.

    According to the see-no-evil monkey, one goes home with an eye sting if one sees something one is not born with and those things dont belong to one’s gf/bf or spouse………….

  79. Ah ha!
    We will have real mermaids and one/two mermen in “The Tanamera Ocean” – 1 March 08 Saturday Times

    Hi calling Eleanor : for all your scuba divings, you did not see and feel one in the open seas, don’t you want to see and meet a party of them at least once in your life-time?

  81. Charles Wee,
    See what you have done to John Howe, talking about ‘nothing on’. Now he’s all excited and doesn’t know which thread to go to. He’s got walking mixed up with swimming now. Poor John.

  82. Hi John,

    You are on the wrong thread. We will have nothing on at Andrew’s condo, swimming pool, not at the walk. So, are you joining us?

    Ah Nee,

    For me, I just go on that north-south line to get to Bt.Gombak. No need to change trains. John you can join us too at Bishan. The first time riding the MRT is exciting. Want to try?

    Susan,

    You better join us this time. Don’t play MJ.

  83. ANee, almost forgot to mention this.

    If the train is driven by pak la or ong cutting or semi velu, dont board cos the train is a north bound express service.

    Board if it’s driven by la pak, cutting ong or velu semi……..any one of them will send you direct to xiao guilin, park the train there and wait. They will hv 2 cabins filled up with sun flowers, garlics and yes, you’re in luck, they’ll arrange for sun bears as your personal attendants…..

    Btw, I dont think I can join you folks…….too dedicated to my charity work lah.

  84. Hi Veronica,
    Great you’ve found the “connector” Priscilla Wee & myself had recce the trial at Bt Batok Nature Reserve last year. I went back twice but unable to find the connector to Guilin Park.

    Should be able to join the walk by then, right now recuperating from sprained legs. Did’nt realize the fall off the bike was serious till after the last danz lesson.

    Cheerio! ChristinaCL

  85. This post is called “Monthly Walk” – sounds very innocent! But it looks like it’s going to be quite a thriller! Yup Suzhang if you having nothing on you will join the gals. So Lina and Ah Nee will also have nothing on. Maybe if everybody has nothing on we’ll be much more comfortable isn’t it, given the current hot spell? But rub some anti-mossie gel and an SPF 15 for good measure, hehe.

    Dolly, you will also have nothing on? You part-time parking attendant or what? Don’t understand leh! You mean we can park from 4.00pm and just display a $2 coupon?

    Yes, Veron and gang, I’m in this walk. Bt Batok, Bt Gombak wahpiangz, that’s another story.

    Cheers!….john

  86. Thank you Tim, lucky you mentioned about the transit, I didn’t know that. Hi gals, Lina, Suzhang remind each other to alight at jurong east interchange and take the NS connecting train in the middle platform to go to Bt gombak hor. Now I am not worry if I am lost, got so many of us..we all take MRT ok, free & easy… with Charles being our Tour guide and Tim bringing sun flowers & garlics, just in case… he…he..he.. :)

    Ah Nee

    Ah Nee

  87. Suzhang, you hv nothing on?? The other gals also hv nothing on? What a sight! I think many now will want to join the walk.
    ha ha,just joking lah, no offence meant, hope you take it in that light.

  88. Weiwei, wander y Bt Batok kopitiam was suggested for dinner after walk. I think wud be vry crowded at d walk, i.e. ard 7.00pm due to weekend crowd at West Mall. Y dun venture in opposite side of Gombak MRT whereby there are lots of coffee shops with much selection of foods, i.e zi char, indian rojak, malaya lontong n chinese wan tan mee har..

    Dun park behind d MRT stn as dat plc usually hv lots of car learners/instructors coupled the free xport from BBDC turn in there lor so at times, quite congested.. Just park opp MRT those HDB car park lor.. lots of them available. My adv is dat if u r going 2 park there 4 more than 2hrs, use coupon for D/N parking @ $2 i/o of hourly parking lor..

  89. ANee @#18, coming fr the east, i must assume that you’ll be taking the E-W train, in which case, pls light at jurong east intercgange and take the NS connecting train in the middle platform. Bt gombak is 2 stns away, after bt batok.

    Btw, xiao guilin is haunted but I think a 2-hour walk ending at 6.30 p.m. still gives you some sun to see; theoretically, ghosts dont like to see the sun so you shd be safe.

    Other than bringing the usual stuff – sun visors, sun blocks, sun glasses – do carry some sun flowers & garlics……just in case.

  90. Hi Lina

    If I hv nothing on, I will join you gals. If you are driving, I will follow you…If Ah Nee is taking the train, I can too…. whichever is good, you decide… how’s that ? Let me know where & when to meet (your secret hide-out??)

    Cheerio,
    Suzhang

  92. Lina..no need to buy ezlink card lah..there’s a one-way ticket rite?as she said seldom take public transport
    alamak in Spore anywhere also hv directions at MRT stations,donno…go ask the control room ppl…they are very frenly with suaku ppl like us..hhmm, me too!hehe

  93. Hi Ah Nee,

    The foreigner showing the Singaporean how to get to Bt.Gombak MRT station. Either you take Bus 52 (or whatever) to Bishan (headache included with the bus ride). Then we go by MRT. Or you drive to Bishan, then take MRT to Bt. Gombak. How’s that? With Charles as tour guide thrown in. So you want or not?

    I know the way to Bt. Gombak, but tour guide say better to go by MRT. Thank you Veronique for the very clear directions. Will teach you how to take MRT. But first you have to go buy an ezlink card.

    Eleanor Chan, #10 welcome, welcome. We can spend hours chatting.

  95. Hi Ah Nee the “Easternee”!

    Welcome to the west to meet the “Westernees”. Don’t be confused lah, i will try my best to guide you. The reason y I choose to park my car at Bt Batok MRT bcos is nearer to my home and also the ending point where we will be having dinner at the kopitiam. I suggest you travel by PIE towards Tuas direction and exit by Bt Batok East Ave 3 (after Clementi Ave 6 Exit) then drive all the way down to the traffic junction directly facing SECOM bldg and turn right to Bt Batok East Ave 3 and all the way to Bt Batok MRT. Hope my direction is clear enough hor. Bt Gombak MRT is 1 stn after Bt Batok. Anyway, I also need your help to teach me how to take MRT bcos this “suakoo” never take public transport for many yrs. Hehehe………

  96. AhNee..im sure Veron know what’s she’s doing..that’a her area..don ‘investigate’ too much..haha..I also thot, isnt Bt Batok & Bt Gombak nearby?? I know where is Kuilin Park but not sure Bt Batok Nature Park?? so better not cakap2 so much!

  97. Hello Veronique,

    I don’t understand, why park your car at Bt Batok MRT and take a train to Bt Gombak Stn. Why can’t you drive straight to Bt Gombak Stn and park your car there ??? Before starting the walk, I already confuse and lost. Which stn comes first if I come from the East, Bt Batok or Bt Gombak. I suppose they are one stn apart. Whatever lah, I better go with Lina and meet you at Bt Batok, right?

    Ah Nee

  99. Hi VeronW,

    I would like to join in the walk. Please count me in.

    Changing from train to bus to train to train again… gosh, hope I won’t get lost in the Nature Reserve.

  100. Hi Lina n Ah Nee,

    I intend to park my car at Bt Batok MRT and take a train to Bt Gombak Stn. Shall we meet there and we proceed to the meeting place together. I can direct you the way to Bt Batok MRT if you are coming by PIE.

    Will hear from U!
    veronique

  103. Hi Ah Nee,

    Hey, you Singaporean or foreigner?

    Come to Bishan, park your car in our secret hide-out, then follow me in my car (Will try not to get lost). OK with you. Or take the MRT.

  104. Wei Wei Ah Nee – he he he,

    I have a pre-engagement on 7th and 8th March. In the event it gets cancelled, I will likely join you guys, hence for now cannot commit.

    West is not a familiar ground for me as I do get lost myself. However, members residing in the West could likely be able to assist you or alternatively (blind lead blind) to look out for the green road signboards to bring you or even for me home(if I do participate).

    Ah Nee, so sorry hor, this round cannot assist you … could someone please make sure that Ah Nee finds her way home??

    Thanks and regards,
    Grace Kok

  106. Hello Walking EO,

    I grown-up in the East, hardly venture to the West. I have never been to Guilin Park & Bt Batok Nature Park, so must take this opportunity to explore further.

    Wei wei Grace Kok, are you coming? he…he..he…. I need you to guide me how to go home after the walk leh. Lina, you coming also, just in case I am lost, I can follow you mah. :)

    Ah Nee

  110. Hi KT,

    Thanks for reminding. But not on a v hot day.
    I remember wearing my sports visor while hashing in Pattaya for hours in a very hot afternoon and my head was almost “COOKED”, I got to use my sports towel to cover my head then.

  112. VL @ #2

    Did we forget something ….

    If it shines, don’t forget the sports cap without the crown. Helps to put senility and dementia at bay.

  113. Hi VeronW,

    If rain I will use umbrella and shine I will wear my hat. So rain or shine I will be there definitely. Thanks and C U on dat day!

    veronique

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