On the 28th March 2009, Dan, Yoyo, Aunty Mary (aka Ma), Sue and Yoyo’s Mum started their walk from Hort Park. Yoyo’s not a big fan of bridges due to her fear of heights. Having little see through holes on the bridge did not help either and Yoyo had to clench on tightly to Dan and Sue for support before her jelly legs gave way. Not only were they surrounded by nature (getaway from the bustling city life in Singapore), it was also educational since many trees had little signboards near them stating their origin, characteristics and usefulness. The walk nearly caused Yoyo her life since it was scorching hot that day. Despite being born in hot and humid Singapore, the weather is definitely not something Yoyo is used to. There is a simple equation for Yoyo: Hot weather + Yoyo = Grouchy Yoyo. The 5km walk ended in Vivo City, one of Singapore’s latest high-end shopping malls. They had a quick lunch, did some grocery shopping for the week and decided that another 5km would kill them, so they took a bus back to Hort Park and drove home.
As if walking in the heat was not enough on Saturday, Dan and Yoyo decided to embark on their little adventure. The challenge was to walk from Orchard Road back to Jurong West. According to Google Map, the estimated time taken would be 4.5 hours. As enthusiastic as ever, Dan and Yoyo got on their feet immediately after lunch on Sunday afternoon. The journey can be broken down in 3 parts as the following:
Part 1
Yoyo suggested that in order to burn more calories, they should swing their arms more (doesn’t this remind you of Wii Fit?). To make things more interesting, Yoyo suggested that they should have 1kg dumbbells tied to each leg in the future.
The walk down Holland Road was awesome since it was past the Botanic Gardens and posh houses (which make Yoyo’s house look like a dog’s kennel). Despite the glaring sun, Yoyo was glad she took up Dan’s challenge as exercise really helps release more endorphins thus making her feel like she has got Angelina Jolie’s never-ending legs just after walking 1km.
Part 2
Dan and Yoyo had salt and vinegar crisps with them to keep them going when the going gets tough. Dan starting feeling the strain on his shoulder as his bag kept rubbing against it. Ouch…
They stopped at Clementi (mid-point) for a drink. Dan has never seen Yoyo drink anything that quickly before. She finished the ice-tea in about a minute (exaggeration!!!). The weather did not look promising, but these two strong fighters were determined to complete the walk.
Part 3
It started pouring slightly. Dan and Yoyo were like little children, happy to be let out of the house to play in the rain. However, the rain drops soon got bigger and fatter…
Still, those two fighters were enjoying their crisps and the freshness of the air surrounding them. However, the moment they got to Chinese Garden (approximately 6km from Yoyo’s home), it started to pour meow meow woof woof. The brave souls ran from shelter to shelter only to be drenched from ground water splashed at them whilst cars drove passed. Yoyo’s shoes were soaked wet. Ewww…squashy…squashy…
They had to make a decision – carry on walking home in the rain and risk Yoyo’s parents finding out that they were both soaked through or take a train back from Lakeside. The decision was heart-wrenching. Yoyo chose to take the train back as she could no longer tolerate the dampness in her shoes.
It was a shame these two fighters had to give up on the challenge. So close, yet so far. They were almost there...near the finishing line. If they had an umbrella, nothing would have stopped them. But circumstances were not in their favour.
However, Dan and Yoyo were very proud of their achievement! They walked almost 18km! And that was just their 1st try! They are definitely looking forward to this Sunday’s walk – definitely well prepared for the weather.
COME WHAT MAY~~~~~
1 comment:
That's a very high bridge - no wonder Yolande was scared! Great view from up there, though!
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