Nature's Gift

Nature's Gift

Cameron Highland

“Your welcome.” 

I said to the lady with pink streaks on her black hair while handing me a freshly made of glazed strawberry custard. It only costs me RM 3! While munching the custard, I walked out the bakery and scanning everywhere looking for a seat. Tourists and local visitors are everywhere, filling the table that I see.

I found it. A black, high chair next to the rail at the balcony, with the tea farm as a background. It is like destined for me. I take the seat and enjoying the peaceful scenery of the green mountain. The mountain filled with organic tea plant garden and team of workers, plucking the finest leaves for us to have a taste of hot, quality black tea.

“I’m glad I chose Cameron Highlands for my sweet escape.” said my mind. 

Sipping a cup of tea at Sungai Palas Tea Centre, it was founded in 1929 by a British businessman, J.A Russel during British colonial era in Malaya. This place is a must-visit for tranquility of mind and freshly hand pick tea leaves.

After a delightful lunch, I headed to the tea garden and run as swiftly as I can to the top of the

mountain. While gasping for air on top of the garden, I stand up and I can see all the fantastic

panoramic view that I have never seen in my life. The workers look like an ant from my perspective and it is very chilly up here.

“I RULE THE WORLDDDDDD!” 

I screamed at the top of my lungs like I was on the top of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. I waved my hands in the air and the visitors down there are watching me like I have just escaped from a mental hospital.

Embarrassed with myself, I slowly go down while embracing every leaves that I pass. I stop and pluck the leaves, smell it and said,

“Arrhh.. The aroma is so good..” 

The sky starts dimming. I am sitting on a pile of tea leaves, witnessing the scenery that only Mother Nature can provide. The sun is about to set. The clouds slowly faded to purple and filled the red sky. A flock of birds flying across the sky,  a beautiful sun set from the tea garden.

I take out my smart phone and capture the moments that only can be seen here. I started to feel cold as the wind flows my hair and touched my shivering exposed hand. I keep back my smart phone and it is time to visit another heaven. Big Red Strawberry Farm.

As soon as I reach the destination, there is not only strawberries, but also cactus, pitcher plant, mushroom, and who knows you also find plants that looks like Mandrake here. The plant in Harry Potter series, which will scream as soon as you pulled it out from the pot. Well, it may be looks like it, but it will not burst your ear drum if you pulled it. 

I have to show this place to my family. I know my brother will love this place since he is a vegetarian. It is a food paradise to anyone who loves fresh vegetables and reasonable price too.While strolling around the garden, there are strawberries grows in the pot, hanging on top of my head. I yank it and eat it straight away! 

“Oh, my God.. It's delicious! I have to bring this home!" I said.

Without delay, I go to Royal Berry and there is self plucking strawberries service.

The worker gives me the basket and scissors and I quickly search for the big, plump strawberries that I could find. After purchased three bags of strawberries, I head to Cameron Lavender. To all flower lovers, this place is perfect. 

The purple lavender grows, row by row with red roses, yellow daisies giving a dazzle of colors for any visitor to admire. I feel like I want to lie down on these flowers and flap my hands like a fairy. The lavender scent gives a soothing pleasure and changes my exhausting trip to stress-free vacation.

I bought myself some perfume as a souvenir and it is time to return to hotel. Arrived at the hotel room, I go to the balcony and staring at the night sky, full of twinkling stars. I hear footstep coming. I glanced back and it is my uncle. He just got back from his shopping with his wife. I smiled and helped them carry inside things they bought.

Written by : Marcus anak Anthony

Serendipity in Life

“Mom, I don’t want to grow up…” I still remember what I said to my mother thirteen years ago. I did not want to feel the hardship in life. All I thought was about to have fun and to live without the feeling of sadness and disappointment. I miss my life when I didn’t know the meaning of misunderstandings, fights and evil things in this world.

               Seconds passed. Minutes passed. Hours passed. Days passed. I was slowly growing up. Bit by bit, I learned about the hard life. I’ve been through the bitters in life. I’ve been through to too many complicated things that are difficult to be explained. Sometimes I felt that my life was too empty. But sometimes I felt that my life was too occupied with things that I shouldn’t be worried of.  And it was stuck in my head that my life would be very difficult to be cured again like before.

                In just a short period of time, I lived such a wonderful and a happy life nobody could have imagined. I remembered smiling and laughing with joy and delight, not knowing what does stress and depression mean, not knowing what fear and anxiety mean.

                But time was running so fast. All my life, all I’ve experienced was all fear and stress. The thing that haunted me the most was the judgments of others. Faces that keep pretensions. I always wanted to get rid of them. I kept on asking myself what is it that I did that made them act like that? Why and what should I do? Nobody wanted to eliminate the ego within them. Selfishness, stubbornness, evilness. How could they do this to a child? It has made the life of a child tainted with germs that could change her life forever. Even one word can hurt her and leave scars in her.

               It is my intention to experience the harmonious life and full of joy.  That was the first thing I really wanted since high school –to acquire a life of bliss. Keeps me wondering how others can smile sweetly and joyously.

“Don’t worry too much. That’s how life goes on. It circulates.” Mother has always been my supporter. She listened to me complaining and crying and yet very gentle and patient.  Serendipity has enriched my life intellectually and emotionally. It even stepped in and surprised me. This whole thing that happened to me has enhanced my life. It had made me stronger. By the same token, it turned me to a mature minded person.

              Since entering university, I found out that people are so different from each other.  They have different goals, different dreams and different way of life. I could now understand why some people act differently.  Judgment is one of the key to a successful life – if we look at the bright side. That’s how I can improve myself. Not all people are perfect but all people can wipe out the blemishes within them.

Thankfully, I could understand life gradually even though I couldn’t have what I really wanted. I’ve learned how to polish myself to be better. I didn’t expect to understand all this situations.  

This is serendipity. 

                                                                                                                                    Prepared by,
                                                                                                                                            Edith Edna