Monday is the first day of fasting in most of Pakistan. I wrote 'most' because in one part of this country, the Northwest Free Frontier Area, Ramadan started on Sunday. This area is something of a wild and lawless area governed by various tribes like the the Pashtun instead of the Pakistan goverment.
I did my first fasting month run on Tuesday. I ran 5 km on a treadmill. I had more than enough energy to run 5 km and could certainly run another 3 km if thirst and dehydration were not limiting factors.
I didn't run on Wednsday and Thursday. Right knee problem again.
Although Pakistan is officially an Islamic county and regarded as staunch Muslim society, most of the women here do not wear a hijab or "tudung" or even cover their hair. Most women wear a loose fitting blouse and tunic called Salwar Kameez. Last night I even saw some Causasian women in a shop wearing Salwar Kameez. However I have not seen any women in Islamabad wearing western clothes much less a skirt.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Pakistan : Report # 1 The first 3 days
I hope I won't into trouble by blogging this from Pakistan. Pakistan has imposed a blanket bsan on several blog sites including blogspot. Read this article for more information.
I arrived in Islamabad on Saturday morning on Pakistan Airlines from Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). I was in the UAE for 3 days. One thing I can say about the U.A.E is it's not for the budget traveller (read : backpacker). You won't see young people carrying back-packs roaming anywhere in the UAE. The reason ? Cost - UAE is one of the most expensive places to travel. A five star hotel here starts at USD 250 or more. Luckily my hotel (USD 160 per night under corporate rate) is paid by the company.
In the UAE, the majority of the population are foreigners. Indians and Pakistanis as labourers, technicians and engineers in the construction sector and filipinas in the service industry as waitresses, cashiers , receptionist , secretaries. Last year,the UAE passed a law to get the companies to employ UAE nationals to be employed in the public relations and secretarial services. The finance sector already has the same law for a number of years. The trouble with this law is the expectations. A national UAE secretary is asking USD 3000 per month while the foreigner (almost always from the Philippines or perhaps Egypt) , USD 1000. Sounds a bit like the situation in Malaysia. doesn't it?
Back to my first 3 days in Pakistan. I am staying in Islamabad , the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The office is just next door to where I am staying: the Marriott hotel.
The Mariott hotel chain is of course owned by a US based company in a nation led by the El-Diablo "The Devil" himself as Mr Hugo Chavez (Venezuelan President) called George Bush junior (USA president) last week.
Let me describe the security set-up st the Marriott hotel here.
I arrived in Islamabad on Saturday morning on Pakistan Airlines from Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). I was in the UAE for 3 days. One thing I can say about the U.A.E is it's not for the budget traveller (read : backpacker). You won't see young people carrying back-packs roaming anywhere in the UAE. The reason ? Cost - UAE is one of the most expensive places to travel. A five star hotel here starts at USD 250 or more. Luckily my hotel (USD 160 per night under corporate rate) is paid by the company.
In the UAE, the majority of the population are foreigners. Indians and Pakistanis as labourers, technicians and engineers in the construction sector and filipinas in the service industry as waitresses, cashiers , receptionist , secretaries. Last year,the UAE passed a law to get the companies to employ UAE nationals to be employed in the public relations and secretarial services. The finance sector already has the same law for a number of years. The trouble with this law is the expectations. A national UAE secretary is asking USD 3000 per month while the foreigner (almost always from the Philippines or perhaps Egypt) , USD 1000. Sounds a bit like the situation in Malaysia. doesn't it?
Back to my first 3 days in Pakistan. I am staying in Islamabad , the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The office is just next door to where I am staying: the Marriott hotel.
The Mariott hotel chain is of course owned by a US based company in a nation led by the El-Diablo "The Devil" himself as Mr Hugo Chavez (Venezuelan President) called George Bush junior (USA president) last week.
Let me describe the security set-up st the Marriott hotel here.
- Outside the 3 foot high concrete gate, there are 3 security guards holding rifles. I took s peek yesterday on what kind of rifles they were holding. The rifles seemed to be the old bolt action firing pins ala the famous Enfield rifle used in World War I. I am not an expert on this matter but that is the impression.
- There is a steel barrier (3 inch diameter steel pole) slung across the main entrance. Upon stopping here, the guards will check the car; opening the engine compartment and car boot. There is also some sort of device to check for bombs underneath a vehicle. At this point, there are about 4 security guards with few more inside a guardhouse.
- After passing through the above gate, there are 2 more security guards at the hotel entrance doors. Just beyond these doors, there is
- An X-ray machine to scan baggage and there is also a metal detector to pass through. The set-up is identical to an airport.
- Lastly, there is also a steel pole before getting into a separate car parking area.
- I also checked the glsss windows at the hotel. The windows have been laminated with tough plastic film to prevent shrapnels from say flying everywhere from umh ... an exploding device (bomb).
Don't get me wrong when I am writing sbout the security measures (I am not complaining but just describing them). The measures are quite unobstrusive and necessary in the ever present risk of a terrorist attack. The Marriott is indeed an amazing hotel. My room (USD 150 per night) has a 42 inch LCD TV mounted on a wall and 60 channels. Plus a fruit basket and free refill of the minibar everyday. The hotel services are very good perhaps near perfect.
I ran yesterday on the treadmill at the Mariott fitness centre. Did 5.0 km.
As for the price of petrol here - it is RM 3.40 per litre. Compared to RM 1.90 in Malaysia we have it good back home.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Airports
I say that you can judge a country such as how well or how badly it's run by the International airports. After having been through the chaos at Khartoum airport (Sudan) this year, I am to
Pakistan this Saturday via Abu Dhabi. I will be flying on Pakistan Air lines landing at Islamabad airport.
Read about what other people wrote about Islamabad airport here and here.
If you read the report, they are not exactly the sort of experience I want to go through but I have to go through it to get into the country.
I ran yesterday evening at 6.00 pm in the old park again. It was quite cold as I was just wearing a T-shirt and shorts. I did 3 km before deciding to go back before it gets any colder.
Pakistan this Saturday via Abu Dhabi. I will be flying on Pakistan Air lines landing at Islamabad airport.
Read about what other people wrote about Islamabad airport here and here.
If you read the report, they are not exactly the sort of experience I want to go through but I have to go through it to get into the country.
I ran yesterday evening at 6.00 pm in the old park again. It was quite cold as I was just wearing a T-shirt and shorts. I did 3 km before deciding to go back before it gets any colder.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sunday Morning Run in Asghabat
I managed to drag myself out of bed yesterday for an early morning run. It was quite chilly but it was not cold enough to stop me from wearing shorts.
The park where I was going running was 5 minutes away. It is old park untouched by the beautifification craze by the authorities. I did some strecthing near a tree. In the park, there was a guy with a huge dog , maybe a bull mastiff or some equally giant dog breed. I decided to run a route away from the dog just in case.
I was suprised to see someone else running in the park besides me. A short woman with flaming red colour hair and wearing black T-shirt and tights was running at a brisk pace (9 km/hr estimated). Too bad she looked a bit haggard and drawn out.
After finishing my stretching, I started to run. I love running in the cooler temperature (low 20's degrees C) . It 's just too bad that after 2 km, I was hit by the urge to go to the toilet. I ran another 1 km before doing my cool down stretching. I ran just 3 km.
I wil be going to Dubai this Wednesday morning . I will be in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 3days for a meeting on Thursday. I will be leaving Abu Dhabi at 2.15 am to Islamabad, Pakistan for a 3 months assignment.
I though of taking a break from running during the fasting month but I have changed my mind. I plan to run on a treadmill which hopefully is available in the hotel.
I love this photo taken during the Mizuno Wave run yesterday.
The park where I was going running was 5 minutes away. It is old park untouched by the beautifification craze by the authorities. I did some strecthing near a tree. In the park, there was a guy with a huge dog , maybe a bull mastiff or some equally giant dog breed. I decided to run a route away from the dog just in case.
I was suprised to see someone else running in the park besides me. A short woman with flaming red colour hair and wearing black T-shirt and tights was running at a brisk pace (9 km/hr estimated). Too bad she looked a bit haggard and drawn out.
After finishing my stretching, I started to run. I love running in the cooler temperature (low 20's degrees C) . It 's just too bad that after 2 km, I was hit by the urge to go to the toilet. I ran another 1 km before doing my cool down stretching. I ran just 3 km.
I wil be going to Dubai this Wednesday morning . I will be in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 3days for a meeting on Thursday. I will be leaving Abu Dhabi at 2.15 am to Islamabad, Pakistan for a 3 months assignment.
I though of taking a break from running during the fasting month but I have changed my mind. I plan to run on a treadmill which hopefully is available in the hotel.
I love this photo taken during the Mizuno Wave run yesterday.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Turkmenistan Update
I have been here for 5 days now. When I reached Asghabat airport on Sunday, everyone had to had to have their baggage scanned at an X-ray machine before going through customs.
I had 3 things with me; 2 bags and 1 box filled with food , spices, ikan bilis (anchovies) etc. When I was about to collect the box, the airport guy manning asked me to open the box. Then he said something else "Ten dollar, go". He said it twice. He was asking me to bribe him. There is no way I was going to give him any money so I said I will open the box. I did and showed him what was inside He didn't seemed particularly interested in the contents. The point of the "inspection" was an opportunity for him to extract money.
It is now a noticeably cooler in Ashghabat. The temperature in the morning is the mid 20's deg. C. I plan to run a few km in morning in the park this weekend.
I had 3 things with me; 2 bags and 1 box filled with food , spices, ikan bilis (anchovies) etc. When I was about to collect the box, the airport guy manning asked me to open the box. Then he said something else "Ten dollar, go". He said it twice. He was asking me to bribe him. There is no way I was going to give him any money so I said I will open the box. I did and showed him what was inside He didn't seemed particularly interested in the contents. The point of the "inspection" was an opportunity for him to extract money.
It is now a noticeably cooler in Ashghabat. The temperature in the morning is the mid 20's deg. C. I plan to run a few km in morning in the park this weekend.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Going Overseas Again
I haven't got much to write on running. On Monday I ran 5 km on a treadmill. It was very boring.
On Tuesday the Rat Race was held in KL. Some of my friends were running but I wasn;t able to see it. On Wednesday, I wanted to run outddoor but it rained again.
I am going overseas again. Two weeks in Turkmenistan and then three months in Pakistan (until end Dec.).
This year if including the forthcoming Pakistan trip, I would ve spent about half of the year overseas.
To those running the Putrajaya race this Sunday and the Mizuno Wave Run next Sunday, good luck and enjoy the races.
On Tuesday the Rat Race was held in KL. Some of my friends were running but I wasn;t able to see it. On Wednesday, I wanted to run outddoor but it rained again.
I am going overseas again. Two weeks in Turkmenistan and then three months in Pakistan (until end Dec.).
This year if including the forthcoming Pakistan trip, I would ve spent about half of the year overseas.
To those running the Putrajaya race this Sunday and the Mizuno Wave Run next Sunday, good luck and enjoy the races.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Klang Merdeka Run (31 August) Report -
The event was a Merdeka Run on 31 August at Sekolah Rendah Cina Pandamaran B in Pandamaran, Klang. The race start time was 7.00 am.
Before I started driving, I checked out a map on how to get to the school. It was still dark when I left the house at 6.00 am intending to reach there at 6.30 am. I should have known better as I got lost. Although I reached the area at 6.30am, I promptly became hopelessly lost. I spent the next 30 minutes driving around, stopping 3 times to look at the map and pissed one time into a drain. It was only at 7.00 am that I was able figure out where the school was but it was too late as the race would started already.
As it turns out, when I reached the school there were still many people milling in front of the school hall. Ahh thanks goodness, it is a "political" race. You can always count on such races to start late. I met up with many Klang Pacers runners whom I didn't meet often due to absence from running scene and weekend training. I was especially glad to have met Kong who I have not seen for 3 months.
An announcement was made before the start that the race distance had been shortened from 5.5 km to 4.5km. The race finally flagged off with a Malaysian flag (Merdeka!) at 7.34 am. In no time everyone else was ahead with me "leading" the back-end of runners. 5 minutes later the Klang Pacers have all dissappeared far ahead. For a while I was running with Mrs Kong. I think this was the first time I've run with Mrs Kong. I think if she was younger she would be more than able to give the current female runners a run for the their medal.
After a while , my right knee was still OK so I decided to run faster in the hope of making up for lost time and perhaps a chance to get the 100 medals. Alas, my desire and attempt to run faster was not matched by my stamina. I had to take short walks (100 to 200m) about three times. I had never run at the back-end of a race before and it was quite discouraging to be at the bottpm 10 percent of the pack. But still I reminded myselt to let it go as I was in not in the best of shape. I still felt the tinges of excitement to be in a "race" and ruefull recalled the races I had missed this year; Ipoh, Seremban , Penang and so many others.
27 minutes later I passed through the school gates and ran in between a row of chairs to finish the race emptyhanded - the 100 medals were all gone.
I hung around for a while to watch the prize giving ceremony and witnessed two Pacemaker members (PM 37 and PM39) getting their hampers. I left the scene after all the prizes had been given out.
Before I started driving, I checked out a map on how to get to the school. It was still dark when I left the house at 6.00 am intending to reach there at 6.30 am. I should have known better as I got lost. Although I reached the area at 6.30am, I promptly became hopelessly lost. I spent the next 30 minutes driving around, stopping 3 times to look at the map and pissed one time into a drain. It was only at 7.00 am that I was able figure out where the school was but it was too late as the race would started already.
As it turns out, when I reached the school there were still many people milling in front of the school hall. Ahh thanks goodness, it is a "political" race. You can always count on such races to start late. I met up with many Klang Pacers runners whom I didn't meet often due to absence from running scene and weekend training. I was especially glad to have met Kong who I have not seen for 3 months.
An announcement was made before the start that the race distance had been shortened from 5.5 km to 4.5km. The race finally flagged off with a Malaysian flag (Merdeka!) at 7.34 am. In no time everyone else was ahead with me "leading" the back-end of runners. 5 minutes later the Klang Pacers have all dissappeared far ahead. For a while I was running with Mrs Kong. I think this was the first time I've run with Mrs Kong. I think if she was younger she would be more than able to give the current female runners a run for the their medal.
After a while , my right knee was still OK so I decided to run faster in the hope of making up for lost time and perhaps a chance to get the 100 medals. Alas, my desire and attempt to run faster was not matched by my stamina. I had to take short walks (100 to 200m) about three times. I had never run at the back-end of a race before and it was quite discouraging to be at the bottpm 10 percent of the pack. But still I reminded myselt to let it go as I was in not in the best of shape. I still felt the tinges of excitement to be in a "race" and ruefull recalled the races I had missed this year; Ipoh, Seremban , Penang and so many others.
27 minutes later I passed through the school gates and ran in between a row of chairs to finish the race emptyhanded - the 100 medals were all gone.
I hung around for a while to watch the prize giving ceremony and witnessed two Pacemaker members (PM 37 and PM39) getting their hampers. I left the scene after all the prizes had been given out.
Monday, August 28, 2006
My First "Race" this year
I registered yesterday for my first "Race" for this year. It is a low key last minute event to be held near Klang town to celebrate the National day. No prizes given out and a free registration. The distance is only 5.5km.
I joined the above event to support the Klang Pacer Athletic Club who is organising the race. The race will starts at a Chinese Primary School. Strangely enough the run starts quite early at 7.00 am. I think it will be a social run for most of the serious runners.
I joined the above event to support the Klang Pacer Athletic Club who is organising the race. The race will starts at a Chinese Primary School. Strangely enough the run starts quite early at 7.00 am. I think it will be a social run for most of the serious runners.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Customs Again!
I received a notice from Pos Malaysia on Tuesday asking me to pick-up something from the Post Office. On Wednesday , I got the item but it was what I was expected but instead it was another form. The form said the item I had bought from the USA is now at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The precise location ? Customs dept. - it has been held back pending clearance and possibly payment of sales and import tax.
The item I bought are two iPod accessories ; a silicone case with a belt clip and an FM tranmitter. The total value is USD 100 (RM 360). The silicone with belt clip is for me to use the iPod while I am running on a treadmill. What amazes me is the customs authorities taking the trouble to inspect and possibly charge taxes on something that is worth very little.
Malaysian customs motto now is "Every Dollar Counts"
The item I bought are two iPod accessories ; a silicone case with a belt clip and an FM tranmitter. The total value is USD 100 (RM 360). The silicone with belt clip is for me to use the iPod while I am running on a treadmill. What amazes me is the customs authorities taking the trouble to inspect and possibly charge taxes on something that is worth very little.
Malaysian customs motto now is "Every Dollar Counts"
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Update
It' s been more than one week since my last blog update. To tell you truth, I wanted to write a some entries but the broadband speed at my place is so slow that I could not open my blog to write them.
I attended a course this week at JW Marriot hotel in KL. I only managed to run 2.6 km at KLCC park on Monday. I ran too fast, made my right knee injury worse and had to stop after the 2nd lap.
I couldn't run for the next 3 days.I wanted to run but I had to rest my knee.
Friday : The course finished at 12.00 pm. My right knee was still sore but decided to try running in the evening. Only managed to run 2.6km before stopping. Walked 3 more laps with a trio of women walkers who are regulars at KLCC park.
I bought a PDA last weeek; a Palm TX. If only I had the time to use it.
Today (Saturday) : I had to pay RM 275 to the Fedex delivery guy for the flashlights I bought from the US. I was hoping customs would not charge sales and import tax (30% total) but no such luck. I'll bet that during the upcoming 2007 budget speech, taxes and duties collected over the past one year will be the highest ever. I have certainly made my contributions in import and sales tax for the things I bought from the Internet.
Last week I bought PALM TX. If only I had the time to learn how to use it.
I attended a course this week at JW Marriot hotel in KL. I only managed to run 2.6 km at KLCC park on Monday. I ran too fast, made my right knee injury worse and had to stop after the 2nd lap.
I couldn't run for the next 3 days.I wanted to run but I had to rest my knee.
Friday : The course finished at 12.00 pm. My right knee was still sore but decided to try running in the evening. Only managed to run 2.6km before stopping. Walked 3 more laps with a trio of women walkers who are regulars at KLCC park.
I bought a PDA last weeek; a Palm TX. If only I had the time to use it.
Today (Saturday) : I had to pay RM 275 to the Fedex delivery guy for the flashlights I bought from the US. I was hoping customs would not charge sales and import tax (30% total) but no such luck. I'll bet that during the upcoming 2007 budget speech, taxes and duties collected over the past one year will be the highest ever. I have certainly made my contributions in import and sales tax for the things I bought from the Internet.
Last week I bought PALM TX. If only I had the time to learn how to use it.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
3 Days of Running
I have been able to run 3 conseutive days with two of them outdoor in fine weather and haze free.
Monday : 5 km on the treadmill . Thick haze. Got bored after 3 km (15 minutes).
Tuesday : Clear skies and clean air at last. I ran at KLCC park. Did 2.6 km(2 laps) with Gan at a pace which was too fast at my current level of fitness. I had to stop after 2 laps. I saw Jamie running too and I ran another 2 laps with him. Later Justin showed up to run as well. Total = 5.2 km.
Wednesday : 3rd day of running. It is quite unbelievable that I was able to run for a 3rd consecutive day. Less problem with my right knee. I did 6.5 km, 2 laps with Yong, stopped, continued another 2 laps with Jamie and Justin, stopped and ran the 5th lap with Newton. Total = 6.5 km.
Thursday : I am not running today to rest my right knee. I
Being able to run for 3 days is something wonderful I have NOT experienced since February 2006. My right knee seems to be getting better but I will limit my runs to about 5 km for now.
Monday : 5 km on the treadmill . Thick haze. Got bored after 3 km (15 minutes).
Tuesday : Clear skies and clean air at last. I ran at KLCC park. Did 2.6 km(2 laps) with Gan at a pace which was too fast at my current level of fitness. I had to stop after 2 laps. I saw Jamie running too and I ran another 2 laps with him. Later Justin showed up to run as well. Total = 5.2 km.
Wednesday : 3rd day of running. It is quite unbelievable that I was able to run for a 3rd consecutive day. Less problem with my right knee. I did 6.5 km, 2 laps with Yong, stopped, continued another 2 laps with Jamie and Justin, stopped and ran the 5th lap with Newton. Total = 6.5 km.
Thursday : I am not running today to rest my right knee. I
Being able to run for 3 days is something wonderful I have NOT experienced since February 2006. My right knee seems to be getting better but I will limit my runs to about 5 km for now.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Here We Go Again
I was going to run to KLCC park today but the haze is just so bad now. I wuz going to do 5 km. With the KLCC runners gasng like Jamie. But I might as smoke a cigarette if I was going to run in this haze.
Didn't the SBY (Indonesian President) apologised last year and said his country will not carry out open burning which is the source of haze . And the same thing is said every year since 1998. F*** It!
I have to run on a treadmill today. I will be bored after 20 minutes. I hope there will be something nice to see in the gym today.
Didn't the SBY (Indonesian President) apologised last year and said his country will not carry out open burning which is the source of haze . And the same thing is said every year since 1998. F*** It!
I have to run on a treadmill today. I will be bored after 20 minutes. I hope there will be something nice to see in the gym today.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Turkemistan Post #5 : Running on Sunday
I finally managed to run yesterday (Sunday). My alarm clock buzzer came on at 6.00 am. Boy, it was tough to wake up and for a while I stood by the bed and wondered if should go back to sleep. But then I said to myself " Don't be a lazy bum" and put on my T-shirt and shorts.
I was planning to run in an old park nearby but I only knew the general direction to get there. After 20 minutes of walking (2 km) I spotted a thick row of trees. Other than some early morning garbage haulers , there was no one else in the park. Unsure of my level of fitness, I decided I would run as long as I could. As I finished one loop (1 km) and on my way to the 2nd loop, I saw a guy wearing a sleeveless T-shirt, baggy shorts and a baseball cap running about 20m ahead of me. He was holding two rusty steel barbells and pumping his arms up and down whie running.
As I was about to overtake him on the right, he veered to the left. I continued running until until about 400m from the house.
Total distance ran : about 4 km.
Walked : 2 km.
Time : Did not measure.
I conclude that I am still fit anough to run about 4 to 5 km.
I was planning to run in an old park nearby but I only knew the general direction to get there. After 20 minutes of walking (2 km) I spotted a thick row of trees. Other than some early morning garbage haulers , there was no one else in the park. Unsure of my level of fitness, I decided I would run as long as I could. As I finished one loop (1 km) and on my way to the 2nd loop, I saw a guy wearing a sleeveless T-shirt, baggy shorts and a baseball cap running about 20m ahead of me. He was holding two rusty steel barbells and pumping his arms up and down whie running.
As I was about to overtake him on the right, he veered to the left. I continued running until until about 400m from the house.
Total distance ran : about 4 km.
Walked : 2 km.
Time : Did not measure.
I conclude that I am still fit anough to run about 4 to 5 km.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Turkmenistan Post #4 : What's cheap
What's cheap:
Petrol is Ringgit 30 cents per litre here.
Grapes are cheap too; 1 big plate is RM 1.00
Electricity and water is free.
What is expensive is - fish. There is no fresh fish available here in the markets. Frozen fish is RM 60 per piece and the large fish (0.5 m) can cost RM 200.
Canned sardine and tuna is the way to go if you want to eat fish here.
Petrol is Ringgit 30 cents per litre here.
Grapes are cheap too; 1 big plate is RM 1.00
Electricity and water is free.
What is expensive is - fish. There is no fresh fish available here in the markets. Frozen fish is RM 60 per piece and the large fish (0.5 m) can cost RM 200.
Canned sardine and tuna is the way to go if you want to eat fish here.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Turkmenistan Post #3 - I want to run
It's only 4 days to the Penang Bridge Run (PBR). If I was in Malaysia and running the PBR I would have already felt the a tinge of excitement and anxiousness this week. As it is I am in Ashgabat and have not run a single step.
The area where I am staying at has one nearby park across a major road. I checked it out last week but the park circumference was only 200m. It's not really a good park to run as there are very few trees. The park surface is made of concrete tiles and not very friendly to someone who has an injured knee.
I have found another park about 500 to 800 m away. It is not a fancy and beautified landscaped park with fountains built to impress by the authorities. It doesn't have these things but what is has are plenty of trees and a surfaced roads between the trees. In short, a good place to run. I plan to run this weekend in this park sometime early in the morning.
Over here, during summer the sun rises as early as 5.30 am and sets late at 8.30 pm. The evenings are just too hot to run (38 deg. C). Early morning is the only suitable time to run here.
Over the past 3 days, Ashghabat have been experiencing sometime rare - traffic jams. The Iranian president is here for a visit and entire roads have been closed for the whole day. Sometime you normally cannot do in other countries but who dares to complain here?
The area where I am staying at has one nearby park across a major road. I checked it out last week but the park circumference was only 200m. It's not really a good park to run as there are very few trees. The park surface is made of concrete tiles and not very friendly to someone who has an injured knee.
I have found another park about 500 to 800 m away. It is not a fancy and beautified landscaped park with fountains built to impress by the authorities. It doesn't have these things but what is has are plenty of trees and a surfaced roads between the trees. In short, a good place to run. I plan to run this weekend in this park sometime early in the morning.
Over here, during summer the sun rises as early as 5.30 am and sets late at 8.30 pm. The evenings are just too hot to run (38 deg. C). Early morning is the only suitable time to run here.
Over the past 3 days, Ashghabat have been experiencing sometime rare - traffic jams. The Iranian president is here for a visit and entire roads have been closed for the whole day. Sometime you normally cannot do in other countries but who dares to complain here?
Monday, July 24, 2006
Turkmenistam : Post #2 Weekend in Asghabat
Monday again.
On Saturday I went to the Turkmenistan History Museum. As it is with every goverment building, this edifice is a gigantic square building with huge columns and the enitre wall made of marble. As a foreigner, I had to pay a huge sum for the ticket ; USD 10.00. The locals pay only Manat 2,000 (USD 0.10). Yep you read that right, foreigners pay one hundred times more to get into the museum.
The museum had three floors. One of the worker showed me the way to the 1st hall. The first hall is basically about the modern history of Turkmenistan post 1991 when the current president declared inpendence from the Soviet Union. There were photos and boards showing the various achievements over the past 15 years. One hilarious photo that should not be missed is the Man himself wearing an airforce uniform. The only problem was it showed his face but it quite apparent that it the photo was a fake. Someone had done a very bad job pasting the Man's face on top of the uniform. I wish I could have taken a photo.
2nd floor contained the archeological exhhibits which I think is the most interesting area of the museum. I learnt that the areas in Turkeministan have been occupied in ancient times since 3000 B.C. (5000 years ago). There were several beautiful and elaborate ivory carvings. Again I could not take photos even furtively as the attendant followed me everywhere. Other than watching me, the pretty attendant was not much help as she could not speak English.
The rest of the 2nd floor consisted of ethnographic exhibits. The exhibits were however not quite ethnically diverse as they showed overwhelmingly Turkmen artifacts leaving out the 15 percent of the population of Uzbeks and Russian.
The 3rd floor is an exhibit of the Turkem contribution in the Patrotic war. The exhibits were entirely in Turkmen and Russian language. I had no idea what it was all about.
What was obvious to me is a large part of the Turkmenistan history has been left out, namely the 110 years subjugation by the Russian empire. I guess this is not something that the goverment want to showcase.
I can't upload photos to blogspot - not sure what is the reason.
On Saturday I went to the Turkmenistan History Museum. As it is with every goverment building, this edifice is a gigantic square building with huge columns and the enitre wall made of marble. As a foreigner, I had to pay a huge sum for the ticket ; USD 10.00. The locals pay only Manat 2,000 (USD 0.10). Yep you read that right, foreigners pay one hundred times more to get into the museum.
The museum had three floors. One of the worker showed me the way to the 1st hall. The first hall is basically about the modern history of Turkmenistan post 1991 when the current president declared inpendence from the Soviet Union. There were photos and boards showing the various achievements over the past 15 years. One hilarious photo that should not be missed is the Man himself wearing an airforce uniform. The only problem was it showed his face but it quite apparent that it the photo was a fake. Someone had done a very bad job pasting the Man's face on top of the uniform. I wish I could have taken a photo.
2nd floor contained the archeological exhhibits which I think is the most interesting area of the museum. I learnt that the areas in Turkeministan have been occupied in ancient times since 3000 B.C. (5000 years ago). There were several beautiful and elaborate ivory carvings. Again I could not take photos even furtively as the attendant followed me everywhere. Other than watching me, the pretty attendant was not much help as she could not speak English.
The rest of the 2nd floor consisted of ethnographic exhibits. The exhibits were however not quite ethnically diverse as they showed overwhelmingly Turkmen artifacts leaving out the 15 percent of the population of Uzbeks and Russian.
The 3rd floor is an exhibit of the Turkem contribution in the Patrotic war. The exhibits were entirely in Turkmen and Russian language. I had no idea what it was all about.
What was obvious to me is a large part of the Turkmenistan history has been left out, namely the 110 years subjugation by the Russian empire. I guess this is not something that the goverment want to showcase.
I can't upload photos to blogspot - not sure what is the reason.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Turkmenistan Post #1
It is now very hot in Asghabat (capital city). At 5.00 pm, it is about 39 degree C but I was told it will be hotter in August.
On Sunday I got through customs without any problems even with the 1 Litre rice cooker and a 12kg box full of food stuff. The customs guy pointed to the box and asked "Food?" I said "Yes, food". He nodded and waved me through and I was through!.
I am now staying at the Staff House which is a two storey bungalow with four rooms. The house is fully equipped with facilities for cooking and entertainment. There is even an outdoor sauna though I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend time inside it when the outside temperature is 42 degree C.
I am hoping to take some photos. It is now easier to post photos to blogspot without using separate software. I have to be a bit careful as the police here are quite touchy about anyone taking photos.
On Sunday I got through customs without any problems even with the 1 Litre rice cooker and a 12kg box full of food stuff. The customs guy pointed to the box and asked "Food?" I said "Yes, food". He nodded and waved me through and I was through!.
I am now staying at the Staff House which is a two storey bungalow with four rooms. The house is fully equipped with facilities for cooking and entertainment. There is even an outdoor sauna though I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend time inside it when the outside temperature is 42 degree C.
I am hoping to take some photos. It is now easier to post photos to blogspot without using separate software. I have to be a bit careful as the police here are quite touchy about anyone taking photos.
Friday, July 14, 2006
This week's training
I have been running a bit more than normal this week.
Monday : 5.2 km (stop and go, some walking)
Tuesday :4.0 km (some walking)
Wednesday : Rest (sore knee)
Thursday: 4.0 km (stop and go again, walked!)
Friday : 5.0 km on treadmill (9.4 km/hr down from my normal pace of 10.5 km)
Total distance = 18 km.
My right knee is still sore. I shouldn't overdo things; no more intervals run for me.
Monday : 5.2 km (stop and go, some walking)
Tuesday :4.0 km (some walking)
Wednesday : Rest (sore knee)
Thursday: 4.0 km (stop and go again, walked!)
Friday : 5.0 km on treadmill (9.4 km/hr down from my normal pace of 10.5 km)
Total distance = 18 km.
My right knee is still sore. I shouldn't overdo things; no more intervals run for me.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Yesterday's Run
Oww, Oww, my right knee is still sore today.
Yesterday I ran 5.2 km(6.5 laps) and walked 1.5 laps (2.0km). The first 800m I ran alone with Ronnie joining me at the 800m. We ran together for the 2nd lap doing 7 min 30 seconds per lap.
After the 2nd lap, my knee was getting very sore so I slowed down and ran with PM21. For the rest of the time, we ran and walked together.
Later we sat down to chat at the Bench with Al Loong and Ronnie. Tey and Phyllis was running together. A grinning PM19 showed up at 7.10 pm and rushed off to join Tey and Phylis.
My knee which was quite OK last week is hurting again. It was my fault really as last Thursday I did some interval runs at KLCC park. I shouldn't have done it but sometimes I just want to run faster and get a thumping hard workout.
I am going to Turkmenistan soon. I plan to run more often over there but it will be very hot. It's now summer and temperature ranges from 36 to 43 degree Celcius.
Yesterday I ran 5.2 km(6.5 laps) and walked 1.5 laps (2.0km). The first 800m I ran alone with Ronnie joining me at the 800m. We ran together for the 2nd lap doing 7 min 30 seconds per lap.
After the 2nd lap, my knee was getting very sore so I slowed down and ran with PM21. For the rest of the time, we ran and walked together.
Later we sat down to chat at the Bench with Al Loong and Ronnie. Tey and Phyllis was running together. A grinning PM19 showed up at 7.10 pm and rushed off to join Tey and Phylis.
My knee which was quite OK last week is hurting again. It was my fault really as last Thursday I did some interval runs at KLCC park. I shouldn't have done it but sometimes I just want to run faster and get a thumping hard workout.
I am going to Turkmenistan soon. I plan to run more often over there but it will be very hot. It's now summer and temperature ranges from 36 to 43 degree Celcius.
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