I went on a trip to Genting Highlands; return after about 10 years of last visit.
It was my initial idea that to gather few colleagues for the show entitled "1001 Nights: Sinbad" at Genting Highlands. However, under the aggressive promotion and planning from two colleagues, we were able to travel in a big group by our company coach. Meanwhile, there were also other colleagues and their family members to meet us there on their own by self-drive. I have to say this is a really great experience! Although there were some arguments and complaints raised from the time we checking-in the hotel to participating all other activities till we checking-out, and we had wasted a lot of time on waiting for others. In fact, this is an unavoidable problem when dealing with a group. Overall, we were still very happy with this trip and we really felt that the time was not enough! We have not visited all the other places!
In my mind, over the previous years of changes, Genting Highlands is no longer the same like those days. Even though I was return for a visit but everything seems unusual to me, like the first time I'm here. Over development had caused the congested and massy situation, apart from the peaceful and natural environment had been replaced by the overflowed visitors during the holidays. For me, here is nothing much different from a stressful city rather than a relaxing place of interest. Those days' memories now can only be found in the dream, what a missed!
Our coach was having a problem while going up hill on the way to Genting Highlands; it was damn slow. Luckily we had the chance to take the high-speed cable car half way not to waste our time further. The cable car was sometime near to the ground and sometime far high away, quite fast that caused me felt uneasy riding it. That night, the dancing and magic show was nice, with the beautiful dancer; colourful customs and props; lighting and sound effects were amazing! However, not all my colleagues learned to appreciate the show. After the show, together with my colleagues, we had coffee and chatting at Coffee Bean till the cafe close at midnight. We then proceeded to Genting Casino for few games before returning to our rooms. The Casino was really huge and fascinating, out of my imagination; there were lots of people and smoke around. Everyone had a serious and unfriendly facial expression that made me feel very uncomfortable; I don't feel the true happiness and joy there, but full of greediness and stupidity.
The unpleasant incident happened at the entrance to the Outdoor Theme Park had caused us dislike the management of the properties. Anyway, our happy hours were not effected after that. Unfortunately, due to lack of time, we were not able to finish all the rides in the Theme Park. Before leaving, some of us went back to Casino for the final "battle", whereas I wandered around and took photos alone. Two days one night trip was rather too short, I had not even relaxed myself to enjoy it and now I had to leave, what a missed!We took a group photo before leaving Genting Highlands.
April 20, 2003 (Sunday)
The group photo that I still keeping in my photo album, I noticed most of the colleagues in that photo had left the company. In five months time, things changed dramatically, unbelievably and remarkably. I returned with another 6 colleagues (all of them female). I had one room of my own at Resort Hotel. Last time I was staying at First World Hotel.
Due to the deadly disease (SARS), the situation at Genting Highlands was not really overclouded like it usually does. Still many visitors but surprisingly no one was wearing mask to protect themselves from SARS, neither the hotel staff nor us. The weather was not really cool and was only 25 degree Celsius.
The ladies were enjoying themselves the whole afternoon in the Outdoor Theme Park and later on in the Indoor Theme Park when it was rain. Whereas, I enjoy being alone relaxing myself by taking a hot shower and a lazy afternoon nap. Later on, I was writing my diary in the room sitting on a chair comfortably next to the window where I could see the rain and mist outside. The peaceful and relaxing moment was the one that I long desire for and I was enjoying them whole without any disturbance.
In the evening, I met them at the Theme Park at First World Plaza. Again, I was alone enjoying myself in the "Ripley's Believe It or Not", the ladies were tired and went back to their rooms. It was really amazing experience while touring inside to read, watch and find out the unbelievable incidents happened on this Earth and its people. I learn a lot for this, it was like an eye-opener to me. It was fun!
At night after the dinner with my colleagues, I went back to room to continue writing my diary and watching the TV programs till I fell asleep.
Next day morning, it was very misty and light rain; I hardly could see the other buildings outside the window. We had very simple breakfast in the room, i.e. self-made sandwiches and 3-in-1 hot drinks. We left the hotel about noon.
Well, Just a break! That's what I want.
Yoke Ming
5 May 2003
[View Genting Photos]
