Save Bukit Gasing, also from the "concerned" users

One of the things I shall miss is the walks in Bukit Gasing, something that has been a part of my life (though not always consistent) for the last 14 years, or since I started working and living in Petaling Jaya. Most of the times I've been there on my own, but I've also had good friends as walking partners and used the walk both for trainings and to just enjoy the forest walk.

In 1998, it was to prepare for Kinabalu, in 1999 for Nepal and now its to encourage a friend, SF, who plans to do her own hikes as well. The treks have become more interesting over the years and the place is certainly much more busier today then it was even 10 years ago. That's a good sign and its so encouraging to see groups of friends and families go for their weekly walks. I think there are about 10 trails to choose from. Its so refreshing after a night rain, on a clear day, the blue sky that is the backdrop for the forest from below is fantastic. With its highest point at 160m, the forest is definitely worth protecting.

(Moss on the tree)(Sunlight into the forest)
(Walk up the hill, almost feels like a pilgrimage)

Unfortunately, there are those who think otherwise. While the PJ side of the forest has been gazetted as a protected area since the early 1960s, the KL is not. And of course, this also means that development has been approved (to build 70 bungalows on a 15.5hectare site on Bkt. Gasing as the court ruled against the application by 108 residents for a judicial review of the proposed development by Gasing Meridien Sdn Bhd). Read more at the Save Bukit Gasing blog. Its been a long struggle by the residents in PJ and nature enthusiasts to protect Bukit Gasing, which is one of the few remaining green lungs in the city.

The other problem that has arisen of late is the "action" by some people who think they are helping the conservation of the forest by building reflexology paths, planting flowers, damming the river (for absolutely the wrong reasons) and turning it into ponds with turtles! Obviously, those who are responsible for this have no awareness or understanding of biological diversity at all. Ok, so this used to be a rubber plantation many years ago, and it has not been a real forest for a long time, and yes there are irresponsible people who steal from the forest - but these do not give us a license to do whatever we want.

Apparently the council is aware of what's going on and has posted a warning to the continued "renovation" of the forest area. But I'm surprised the council has not been more aggressive in stopping the intrusion. I've heard from my friends that the group of people who think they are doing a service are very defensive against anyone who doesn't support them. If you're interested in conserving Bukit Gasing, please tell these people to stop what they are doing, and maybe the council should organise for an expert environmentalist to explain to the people why what they are doing is wrong. Here's a picture of the damned part of the river, by the bridge at the main entrance.
Sorry guys, this is not your garden at home for you to do what you want. And no surprise why there's suddenly lots of mosquitoes, when you block the flow of water and create stagnant water, of course this is the most conducive for mosquitoes!

Searching for..... in Denmark

So I've been here in Denmark for 3 weeks now and how fast time has gone by! I'm on the last leg of the trip, mainly in Fredericia and to the west coast this weekend. I was curious as to how I would feel coming back to Denmark, just months after Soeren's passing. The last time I was on the plane here, it was two days before he died. I know at some point, I will have to stop that frame of reference, but that time is not now. One can say that it is also related to this feeling of worry that you will forget details, feelings and experiences. I know only too well that like many things, we will not be able to remember everything forever but there are some very fundamental relationships that will not be lost. But I also foresee that while my ties are still strong here, I will not have the luxury of visiting so often as I would like to. Reality check.

Having said that, I of course had an itinerary for my visit, maybe something I picked up out of habit from Soeren:) I had a good trip to the island of Aeroe, which is on the south of Fyn and accessible by ferry. Kamma was a great company and definitely a fantastic guide - making the historical and nature landmarks so much more meaningful with the personal stories and encounters. We stayed the night at the town of Aeroskoebing at a nice bed and breakfast place called Karen Lise's Bed and Breakfast, which was nice and cosy, and nice spread for breakfast:)

In Marstal, we attemped the tour of the landmarks that were featured in the novel, and I was impressed by the Maritime Musuem, which I rarely do. Don't be fooled by the entrance because it is a rather big museum. I especially liked the photographs that gave you an insight into what it looked like 150 years ago. Like this picture here where you see the boys (mainly) and the town people by the harbour, and the sight of the ships in the background is just fanstastic. I think the photo must be from way before the WW2. And giving life to the story in the novel where all boys know their fate is in the seas on the ships. I've mentioned elsewhere that this has been one of the best books I've read in a while. To be able to visualise and then be anxious about the characters right till the end is a hallmark talent of an author.

The rest of the time in Denmark, or Europe, has been in search of the autumn, my first in this part of the world. Literally seeking out the changing colours of the leaves. I've not got the full colours but I'm not complaining. I cherish every day as it comes, with its share of the wonder, amazement, excitement and joy:)

The church in Marstal

What else am I looking for here? Maybe a map of how I will remember Soeren. A guide to what were his feelings and thoughts. Soon it will be time to say goodbye to Denmark, and its with the realisation that it is goodbye.