A trip down memory lane | Mount Kinabalu Park, Borneo

It's been a while, I'm finally home ( weird because technically I'm writing this in Singapore but you get the point. I'm narrating. Moving on..)

The days went by and I practically just shut myself at home. Literally left the house only to run errands and a lil bit of work outs. But basically just relishing being back home.

This trip to Mt Kinabalu Park was a great getaway, I was able to witness the majestic sight of the mountain post earthquake as well as just spending some quality time with the parents. Without further ado, here's some of the pictures I got whilst up there in the midst of nature and it's beauty.

My dad brought us to this trail that apparently was the trail he used to bring my siblings and I to when we were kids. This is the stream that flows along a bridge at the main entrance to the trail. 

Everything just looks, so

Green. 

Oh, dad found this ant or termite trail and I thought it was pretty gross! Ha, I hate little crawly things. 

Dad was fascinated with the roots that provided natural steps for the trail

Green. Again.

Introducing my beautiful Omma! 

My witty Abba!

( Randomly picks up branches and asks ' Do I look like a deer?' )

No trip can be complete without a SELFIE

And, finally. Mount Kinabalu.

Scars from the recent earthquake that sent landslides, boulders and loose rocks crashing down the mountain side destroying anything in its path as well as taking some precious lives. Till this day I can't imagine such heartbreaking event to have ever occurred so close to home. 

As a child I've always looked up and saw The mountain sitting so majestically swathed with trails of pearly white clouds, the pride of our land. Now, as we look upon her scars it'll bring a new sense of emotions, different for each individual and as for me, it'll be a heartfelt respect for nature and what has came from it. To know that we don't own nature but we're just mere beings that gained a temporary gift to dwell in this earth we can call Home.

Mount Kinabalu will forever be sat on her throne, looking upon the city of Kota Kinabalu. And we can always look up from wherever we are and remember,

 Tinggi-tinggi Gunung Kinabalu, Tinggi lagi sayang sama Kamu. 

Happy anniversary!

To be honest.... I don't think that I qualify to write about what I'm about to write so bear with me.

Marriage 

Definition: The formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

Worldly terms: Let's get married, see what it's like. If it doesn't work out then it's not meant to be.

Faith based: The union of a man and woman as one in flesh. One in unity, one in essence (as in family), one in purpose, and one in mind.

So what's your opinion on marriage? Everyone has their own opinion and definition of marriage. Here's mine.

Why do people get married? Why do some marriages work and some fail? It's a question you wouldn't find asking yourself often. But sometimes I do wonder about these questions. People date, they get married, have kids..yada yada. Seems so simple but the truth is. It's not. Personally, I think marriage is a scary thing. It's not something you should just jump right in to. 
I would like to think of marriage as something that you commit to for the rest of your life to that one significant one whom you love. Through thick and thin. It's a special moment when the woman is handed over to the man by her father as they begin a new life together. Their personal vows would be what binds their hearts as one. A promise of a life time to each other and to God.
Here's an analogy of marriage: 

“When two people get married, it’s for better or for worse, like joined salt and pepper. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. If you pull them apart, you’ll break either one or both of them. God made marriage to be for life.”

When I think of this analogy, I think of my parents. No marriage under the skies are perfect, I know this for a fact. Mum and dad, they've been through tough times I'm sure, but they stuck through it raising and providing for 3 children. Now that's one tough job to do. If we were to trade shoes and I be in my mums position, I'd be scared as hell. I think I'd have given up a long time ago. But no. My mum, she's an awesome mum. Not that I'm obligated to say such things because I'm her daughter but, honest to God she's the most kind and caring person I know. Credits to my grandmother who raised her into who she is today. My dad always tells me 'You are lucky to have such a great mother'. Sometimes I take that for granted, but when I look back at the sacrifices she made. I can see why.
As for my dad, he's the king of sarcasm. Witty and random. There's a young boy trapped in him, I guess he had to grow up way too soon. When it comes to family, he works hard. Sometimes too hard. But if he didn't I don't think I'd be sitting comfortably in this room writing this blog post now in the UK. So I'm forever grateful.
Mum and Dad are completely different people in character and background but they work as one and their main priority has always been family. So today, I'd like to dedicate this blog post to you two! And congratulate you both on another year and counting of marriage HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thank you for loving each other and for your selfless love for us!

Here's something I wrote for you guys =) Hope you like it!

They soar above the heavenly skies,

With wings outstretched there she lies, 

May it be that when she cries,

Their bond be strengthen with loving ties.

The grey reminds of how he toils, 

Though the world may make him boil,

Where fingers and thoughts start to coil, 

She be there to give him joy.

Gracious God up above,

May your mercy fall with Love,

Bestow on them peace like a dove,

To them who provided a loving cove.

I Corinthians 13:7 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Treasured Moments

What do you do on a Sunday afternoon?

Family time of course~

Dad the biker enthusiast decided to go on a bike ride at the beautiful Shangri-La Rasa Ria beach resort in Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. To be honest I reluctant because Sunday afternoon's is the time when I get really tired and crave an afternoon nap. However, I manned up (woman-ed up) and decided to go along with the family. I grabbed my camera and loaded up the bikes and of we went.

Along the way, the scenery was beautiful! We saw the majestic Mount Kinabalu showcasing its glamour on her throne enveloped in fluffy pearl dollops of clouds. Below the lowly hills bow in reverence as the pristine lake serves as a personal mirror to the beauty that never ceases to amaze villagers and tourists passing by.

My sister and I got to sit at the back of our Dad's pickup truck, the rushing wind on my face made me feel like I was soaring free like an eagle. 

Since we only had two bikes, Dad and my sister were the ones who cycled and I filmed the short journey whilst my mum drove the car.

It was a perfect day; breezy, not too humid as it always is on a Sunday afternoon and some brewing rain clouds.

So we came to a wide stretch of beach and the sight before me was spectacular. The sun was about to set and If you haven't yet know I'm obsessed with beaches and sunsets! We just looked on into the horizon as the sun began to set hiding behind an assembly of grey clouds. 

What I love about that place was that it wasn't crowded with tourist; there was only 2 families there including mine. It was quiet, peaceful and relaxing. You can't hear the chatters of people it's just your soul, the beach and the folding sound of waves. A great moment to have to yourself. 

After that, we had to rush back home. But before that we stopped by at a restaurant  further up the main road called the Oriental restaurant where they serve different types of Chinese cuisine (crocodile meat, bat, eels etc.) Pretty good food at a reasonable price. The owner was kind enough to offer us coconut drink out of the coconut itself that was grown just at their backyard. It was delicious! 

After the scrumptious meal we headed back home.

Here are pictures that I took. 

Mount Kinabalu
Isn't she a beauty 

Well I hope you guys enjoyed this post!

Note: family time is always important, cherish it =)

Let me know what your favorite family time is! 

XXXXX

Alexis