Thursday, June 24, 2010

Bruce

While driving on our way to Snake Valley River last 14 June 10, I just can’t stop but ask my friend Bruce if he is very calm. I admire him because he is the type that no problem can make him speak a note higher than his usual tone. While he teaches me how to run off-road, he bravely narrated his story. As I expected, he was not like that before. In his terms, it is because of tragedies and very valuable lessons he learned in life.()

He was an impatient person before and observing what is happening in his life… he made his change. Same with me, his kids are also factors for the change he made. We would not do things that our kids would copy. These are the start of our 4 hour chat, that is, we drove for 4 hours which was supposed to be only 2 hours if not for the muddy road on the cliff of the mountain.

Nelson Mandela which is one of my current subjects and I am trying to learn more of him. I did not realize that he is a South African and that Mr. Mandela was a President of his before. I learned a summary of Mandela’s life and some insight from a person that was led by him.

He is also a good reader and I asked his favorites. He said two books that I would like are “The Key” and “1423” which he said is a Chinese story of how they sailed around the world… approximately 75 years before Columbus did. I have yet to read those. Another thing in common to us is personal development that is why he said “the Key” would be a great read for me. Aside from off-road driving, talking to him throughout the journey is very enlightening. I really had fun with that very long journey.
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Off-road Driving

Our GM Mike Kingston invited us on the trip to Snake Valley River, still here in PNG. He had an invite from Hon. Sam Basil of Morobe Province. Aside from going to another place, what gained my interest is that the invitation says only 4X4 vehicles can climb this area.()

The time of departure was7:30 on 14 June 2010. I have been awake on the night before it as I have been with my friends, having fun playing cards. I just thought of sleeping on our way as I will just use a spare seat of those with the ideal cars for the trip. I only had minutes to prepare and after that, my co-worker came with his car and he said he is not coming. I drove the car to the meeting place and still thought of transferring to a different car. I really don’t want to drive knowing I haven’t slept for more that 24 hours straight.

Then there is this manager, who I know that can help me – Bruce, who works on the other side of PNG, also with K.K.Kingston, I just tried to ask him which car he will use and learning that he will just be a passenger, I asked if he can drive us, at least until I get some rest. Hearing my story, he said it is not right for me to drive. So he did and I slept most of the way. After probably more than 2 hours of resting, I said I am good and I can take it from there. I thought that he will go with be with his wife when I said that and fortunately he stayed.

When I drove and I forgot that to consider that I have never driven in a dusty rough road before. He found some weak spots in my driving. I have never driven in a terrain as such and I am doing it as it is on paved road. He gave me some tips on our first stop and he was happy with my quick improvement the next time I drove.

On the last stretch to our destination, we got tied up in this very steep road. I had problem with it so he easily drove after changing the other shift stick of the 4x4 car - something that I wanted eagerly to learn.

After the very relieving journey we had, we headed back home. He asked if I need his help. I said I can drive but hope he can hop in to our car because help might be needed. Then after that, before I asked him, he said he will teach me how to use the “low range”. I got excited that I did not think of the long drive we are about to take.

Rough road was fine, but he just gave me some tips on riding in a road on cliff like the one we took. It was the first time I drove on a one way road on a corniche. We used the low range and told me how to it works, it just became semi-automatic, but the main thing is that the breaks should not be pressed. I had some mistakes, he saw it, and reminded me that it is very dangerous on narrow roads and most especially at the side of a mountain.

After some practice and turns, we had to pass muddy and narrow road which made driving more interesting. And there is where these low ranges are very useful. I also had time when I slid on mud and he told me what to do.

Many people who came to that long trip were so tired after but I was pumped up learning and having this new experience. Good thing I did not rest the night before.
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