When Capt Rudi first approached me about his cruising program, I politely declined the offer to join him as his "crew", instead offered to arrange for the FAM Cruise. And so I helped with the FAM trip. And the feedback was not very overwhelming. Everybody thought it is, Catiana, the Catamaran is some (lets hope that I spell it right, one time, this time!) yacht! At least the one that allows one to dress up on board it :P ! I was worried. Have I misled those beautiful people I sent on board the (supposedly) romantic Catiana to watch the sun set?
So off I went. Getting onto Catiana itself is not something romantic (for ladies who's thinking of wearing those red stilettos for something like a romantic sunset cruise (you think..) forget it! Well not on the Catiana, you don't!) Oh well if you insist! You really ought to take them off anyway. You have to cross over the fence (unless Capt Rudi waited at the blue-carpeted steps to climb on, then you can wear those shoes! For a while..) and your feet would be in the water. Can you imagine that already?
As soon as we started, I thought of what some of the people were telling me about..there's no way you can move about the catamaran. In style. We set off at around 5.30pm. Tide was already high. And as soon as we got out of the marina, I regretted agreeing! That was the first time and I thought the last.
As soon as we started, I thought of what some of the people were telling me about..there's no way you can move about the catamaran. In style. We set off at around 5.30pm. Tide was already high. And as soon as we got out of the marina, I regretted agreeing! That was the first time and I thought the last.
Last month (in March, really), I took my children and Yein on the cruise. They were so excited. The view of the marina is breathtaking. The kids loved it. Like at the airport, you need a boarding pass..so as soon as we got ours, we ran towards the gate. OK, I lied, the muskies (hey you, if you're reading this post, this is dedicated to you) did the running! The water was clear enough to watch fishes swimming around the boats. This may sound to you a little more than trivial, but wait til you're there! So we walked on telling one another how beautiful the boats are and wishing that we'd get invitation to go on board. At least one!
When I saw Lynn, the musketeers asked, "Is that the boat?" I said, "Yes, THAT is the catamaran and its name is Catiana...." and led them towards the Catiana where Lynn greeted us with a sweet smile. I made all of them wear sneakers. We climbed on board and the adventure begins.
Altaf was the first man in command of the catamaran! Capt Rudi pulled Altaf towards him and placed him on the chair to sail the boat. Well whaddya know, the boy's at ease sailing as he is cycling! And we were not just looking around! We're one of the Catiana's crews. When we started, we didn't do much work, but after about 20 minutes or so Capt Rudi was on his feet giving orders to his crew! You really really are not on a romantic cruise. Well not yet..
"Raise the sail," Capt Rudi's coarse voice broke into the whirring strong wind in the sea, about 2 nautical miles from the mainland. It looked really far to us all. Plus, I'm feeling (AGAIN) like the whole catamaran was going to overturn on my side!
LOL big time! Actually, I was feeling that way most of the time! Sumpah saya tak tipu punya...! So I was given the honor to sail the catamaran towards the sun. Some kind of thrill it was really, but still couldnt beat the fear of the catamaran overturning!
Honestly, from the time you set sail, there's really nothing romantic about the catamaran, the baileys, the warm tea..just walking from point A to point A and a half, holding on to just anything at all just so you won't get thrown off the boat. I think Trish would love the life at 
sea. She stayed "awake" with me throughout the cruise while her dad gave in to motion sickness and slept it off at a corner of the cockpit; with Aesyah and Altaf for being tired.
So it did give me a different outlook on life (the experience on Catiana that is) I'm not sure though but that's what happened. I guess I'm somewhat braver ( :P ) now (please wipe that "chuckly-smirk" off your face)
You see, after the divorce, I worry about financial stuff, the kids future. And more. But I have soon crawled out of that "cocoon" and I have a good relationship with myself. And I know it's a good thing because the ONLY person you should trust your life with is your self. When I thought Catiana was going to overturn, I heard old faithful Norrie telling, "Hey Snap out of it! YOU are in control!" More like a doppelganger than a friend really.. and I did.
I believe that every new thing or.. OK , OK.. if you are searching for some kind of a "petunjuk" something to give you a sign. Guidance.. apart from going back to Allah SWT (Almighty God) there are other things that you should really look into.. A challenge. Something... a defying moment. I guess it's true what they say.. you have to conquer your fear to move forward.
sea. She stayed "awake" with me throughout the cruise while her dad gave in to motion sickness and slept it off at a corner of the cockpit; with Aesyah and Altaf for being tired.So it did give me a different outlook on life (the experience on Catiana that is) I'm not sure though but that's what happened. I guess I'm somewhat braver ( :P ) now (please wipe that "chuckly-smirk" off your face)
You see, after the divorce, I worry about financial stuff, the kids future. And more. But I have soon crawled out of that "cocoon" and I have a good relationship with myself. And I know it's a good thing because the ONLY person you should trust your life with is your self. When I thought Catiana was going to overturn, I heard old faithful Norrie telling, "Hey Snap out of it! YOU are in control!" More like a doppelganger than a friend really.. and I did.
I believe that every new thing or.. OK , OK.. if you are searching for some kind of a "petunjuk" something to give you a sign. Guidance.. apart from going back to Allah SWT (Almighty God) there are other things that you should really look into.. A challenge. Something... a defying moment. I guess it's true what they say.. you have to conquer your fear to move forward.
To experience the Catiana Cruise:
Please call 06.6516888 ask for me, Nora. I personally recommend Adventurous Honeymooners, Kids 7 above preferably, team building organizers to give this a try!
Have a grand weekend :-)
Please call 06.6516888 ask for me, Nora. I personally recommend Adventurous Honeymooners, Kids 7 above preferably, team building organizers to give this a try!
Have a grand weekend :-)
