YEAR END ESCAPADE TO DUBAI & ABU DHABI.

If you are granted one wish and only one, what would you pray for? Different people have different wants and need (some does not even know what they want) but my siblings only have one mutual want echoing my parents only dream, which was to have all their children, in laws and grandchildren to always be together throughout as many generations. The same sentiment gave birth to our residence, the Bustanu (meaning: The Gardens of) Pahamin which currently accommodate three generations in more than 2 acres of land living harmoniously in the same compound to an annual oversea trips to further foster the family close relationship. Although we live in the same compound, the daily hectic schedule of each family member forbid us from a daily gathering but the oversea trip became an escapade away from any business, work or whatever appointments, the trip was all about the family.

This year, we went to Dubai. The whole battalion of 22 pax went except for Azhar Sulaiman whom had to stay back alone in Malaysia having accepted a long winding assignment which ran throughout the traveling dates. We were toying a few countries to visit but Dubai came with the voices of the majority. Democracy ran even in family decision making irrespective of gender and age. 

The youngest in the battalion was Mohamad Khaleef Shamsul aged, 6 months old and the oldest.. of course, my dad aged 67 whom also hold the record of 6 children. Rhiza and Melor are both catching up fast with 4 children while Chempaka Emalin Pahamin and Azhar Sulaiman has stopped producing but perhaps, Dr Teratai Edithy Pahamin and Shazrul Shaari may break the record although currently, they only have Shazrai and Shazrhy. Rumours has it, Rose Emini Pahamin and Shamsul Adnan are a potential record breaker.  Me... I am contented with my wonderful Aaraf Armin but given a chance Allah hu alam (Allah knows best), I want at least 4 children. Having a big family is a true blessing.

Our travel agent for this tour was Parlo Tours Sdn Bhd. Our traveling destination was Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We arrived at the airport in a long queue but the 'online checked-in' expedited the whole queue process and seating arrangement (Note: always check-in online before departure).

We took the Emirates. I've downloaded a few movies to watched in the 7 hours of flight journey but slept throughout the flight. Aaraf finished the whole season 3, the Grims. We arrived in Dubai as scheduled and was greeted by a blond tour guide. I peep through the counters, shops and browsed through the airport to see how the local Dubai'ian looks like? Typical Arabs or... but I did not see any Arab looking people. There were a great mix of race varieties. Dubai has a population of about 2 million and the majority are indians. The local which are of Arab descendant comprised of only 10% while the balance population are foreign. For the longest of time, only the 10% locals were allowed to own any property in Dubai. Now, the government has opened up for foreigner to owned properties in Dubai but only at specific location.

BOOTCAMP TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR 2014

We completed our last session for the year 2013 at Alpha, Bravo, Zulu and Dusk platoon at all locations today and tomorrow will be the last session for Charlie platoon. While we close the curtain for 2013 training, we are pleased to display the training Calender for 2014.

For the year 2014, we scheduled our training session with a one week break for the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. We thought we should give ourselves a break to balik kampung and indulge in feasting twice a year before getting back into shape. We have also pre-scheduled the  quarterly Bootcamp fancy dress party.

The year 2013 was a successful year for many recruits. Some have conquered the peaks of many mountains, have gone deep down into some deep sea/ocean diving and some ran miles in marathons and ultra marathons. We at the Chief's Original Bootcamp is proud of our past recruits as well as our former instructors whom have created a name for themselves in the name of fitness. Many would think we take them as foes and rival but we do not. They all started at and with the COBC. Personally, I feel proud of each and everyone's achievement. Everytime I browsed the facebook status, I smiled when I see our recruit (past and present) participating in various events including the recent cross-fit challenge and Commando Challenge in Singapore. 

When we had our daily team discussion on whatsapp group chat, Corporal Amir reminded us that tomorrow is Li Wern's 1 year anniversary with COBC. He had ACE'd 12 consecutive year without missing a single session. Li Wern had joined the likes of many otais at COBC whom found solace with the COBC community that shared similar passion for fitness and health. 

We have less than 2 weeks to outline our new year resolution. Do not be afraid to have a resolution even if your past resolution always failed unnoticed. Let us make 2014 a year to be reckon with.. at least for our health and fitness.