Waalaikummusalaam

The sequel to yesterday's post, join me on a more detailed look-back-journey of my stay in the Cahaya Gemilang, Cherating camp.
And so it came to pass, on the day 20th March 2009, I woke up early and got myself readily prepared. I bathed myself thoroughly and had my hair done perfectly, it was flawless. I packed last minute things into my humongous blue bag, and stepped into the car-- I was on my way to the pick-up point in Bentong, my hometown. On the way there, I looked and admired all that I passed, trying my best to keep them in my memory, saying my goodbyes to all that I see, buildings, roads, and traffic lights. The minute I reached the pick-up point, I registered my name at the registrar and I was told of the bus I was going to go on. So i was headed to the bus. As I walked, I saw many of my friends who were on their way to their respective camps, just like me. And so I waited at the side of the bus after lugging my luggage up on to the bottom compartment. I stood there and chatted with my friend. My parents were waiting, looking at me on the other side. I looked at my mum once a while, afraid that she will tear :P I don't know why, my heart is made of stone but it melts when it sees soeone else cry. Luckily, there was no rain. Hallelujah :) So, it was time we went up the bus and we said our last goodbyes to our parents. I did not look back much for I did not want to leave sayonara memories in my heart of stone. On the bus, I chatted with my friend for some moments and he told me that he wanted to sleep, so, I just played with my phone. Smsing friends, receiving some goodbye calls from friends, checking read inboxes, and checking phone functions that I have already known a year ago. This went on for quite a while, around 3 hours until we reached our destination, Kem Cahaya Gemilang Cherating. When the bus first moved into the camp's grounds, I was excited and I felt a bit weird all at the same time. We got down the bus and went to the dewan makan where we were supposed to gather for lunch. Once we reached there I heard loud roars screaming at us to urge us to enter the dewan makan. He was a land soldier and he was LOUD. As newbies, we were somewhat terrified. We sat down and listened to him carefully. He shouted at us and told us that we were supposed to eat and then gather again. So my friends and I went for food there and ate. There was no fork and spoon for us so we had to eat by hand. After that we gathered again and it was time for registration. I noticed an indian man with the word "PENGURUSAN PLKN" walking about. And damn, was he huge! He was wearing a different shirt from the others. Others were having "JURULATIH PLKN" on the back of their shirts. On the spot, I knew that the indian was some big shot here. Later on, I knew, that he is the TKP ( Timbalan Komanden Pengurusan ) of the camp. Wow, the Number 2 Man! So where was the Number 1? No where to be seen. After registration, I was given my No. Pelatih, Blok, and No. Katil.

No. Pelatih: 4120
Blok : L4
No. Katil : 9

So, I carried my humongous luggage to my block. So... But wait, did I know the way? No, I didn't. So I had to search for my block before proceeding. And mind you, I got lost. I asked around, and they said " Tak Tau". Well, can't blame them for they are same like me, still new. I asked a Jurulatih, and he pointed to me where the block is. I looked at the direction, and nodded my head, said my heartfelt thank you, and moved towards that direction. So, even though given directions, I still had to lookout for the writings L4 on the block, right? The problem is, I couldn't see the writings! I was totally lost. I think the searched lasted for 10 minutes or more. In the end, I found the block, Hallelujah! Upon entering the block I saw some Malays already chatting in the room. So I found my bed and popped the things there. The amazing things about Malays is their ability to adapt quickly. I salute them for that. Why? They were already bathing from the moment I was searching for my block! *salutes* So after that, I was summoned by some Malay boys. They asked me about my SPM results and I told them that I got an A2 for BM and their response was like "WHOA!". After that short interview, I went out for my friends. And then a Jurulatih saw us and told us to have our haircut at the BRL. So we went and had our heads shaved bald. The first time I got my head shaved, I was terribly unsightly. I couldn't believe myself that I went bald. After that, we went to the logistics unit to have our things and we went for our bath and had our dinner. At night, we weren't called out for any meeting so all was easy for us. And at around 9pm, the TKP came in. "Semua duduk di katil sendiri". With his deep and loud voice, that's enough reason to scare us. He pointed out to some basic rules and regulations in the dorm, and then he checked to see if everyone was seated on their own bed. Those who weren't had a scolding from him. And then, he gestured to a chinese guy who came from Bentong, my friend, to sleep over here, next to my bed! In the whole camp, there was only the two of us who enjoyed the luxury of sleeping together of the same race! ( except for malays ). So we were happy :) and then later on, past midnight, I heard motorbike sounds and people shouting about. I thought it was the Jurulatihs screaming at the malays to go back to their own dorms and sleep. Then, a sharp light shone directly into my eyes. I tried to look away, but the voice shouted at me to get out of the dorm, there was a fire! So my friend and I rushed out quickly. My spectacles was put inside the locker and I didn't have enough time to search for my keys and open my locker, so I followed my friend closely from behind. It was pitch black, and even if I had my spectacles on, I doubt that I could even see. We searched for the sound of Chinese people and gathered there. After a while, after the fire was put off, we went back to our respective dorms and slept soundly.

That was day 1.

*to be continued*