Bus trip to Les Houches

It was quite strange to meet everyone in person after looking at their Trekker profiles online. Most of them had met before or are doing this trek as a group, so I tried to get to know them all quickly. All 19 of them!

We did quick name exchanges, but the more detailed introductions were given in Les Houches.

There was this feeling of anticipation in the air as we got on our bus to Les Houches, France where our next motel is located. It is a tiny destination made of motels, shops and a pub where trekkers (like us) and hardcore skiers / hikers / marathon runners (unlike us) go to get closer to the ranges of Mont Blanc, being the point closest to Geneva. The tuckaway gave us a teasing glimpse of our first glacier! And of the intimidating mountains we would be climbing - laughing at us "We lie!!! We're bigger than you thought we were in those images you googled!"

The fields and beautiful West European architechture held all my attention on the bus ride. Which was great, or I'd be spewing on my boots before I'd even started this thing. Airsick? Seasick? What're those? But chuck me in an expensive car which glides like silk... Well then you'd better have a rather fancy sickbag in the backseat.

Geneva Farmers Market

The first morning I had in Geneva, I decided not to stay in for breakfast, but to have a little solo walk outside to explore the streets. Early and hungry, I was hoping to search for some local fare.

Walking around, I found that most of the stores were closed. (fonduee...!) But undejected, i forged on... when out the corner of my eye, I saw something explosively colourful - a FARMER'S MARKET!!! I actually ran towards it across the main roads, as excited as I was. Please don't follow my example and ignore incoming traffic, it's not very smart.

The market had jars of jam, cheese, ham, flowers, bread, fruits, vegetables... etc, etc. All fresh and waited by friendly Genevians. I wanted to buy each of everything but my bag was too small and I knew they wouldn't last. Still, I got some bread and cheese with my horrid messed-up french.

"Quel le fromage est avec la fondue?"
She paused, smiled and said something while giving me a large packet of shredded Gruyere. I asked again, haltingly, if there was a smaller packet. No? Okay.

I hope i didn't offend anyone.
Yum!

Geneva, Hotel Residence St. James

While we waited for the rest of the trekkers to arrive in the city, we took the opportunity to run errands and a little tour of the streets were taken.

There were a lot of cyclists, as expected because the streets were absolutely clogged with cars. It was so relaxing, with all the locals speaking french everywhere, walking their dogs or sitting on the grass for a picnic on the jetty.

There were white swans! And a carousel! I haven't seen white swans in years - all the swans where I come from were black, and beautiful as they are, you just can't beat the graceful classics.

After walking around, we had dinner at an Italian pizzeria. I was totally unoriginal... Mushroom pizza and coke?! I could feel my italian speaking relative sigh. It was fantastic though!

Bienvenue to Geneva!

We MDA trekkers caught the train from the airport to the main part of Geneva, where our motel is. And promptly wound up lost on the streets. Our french might not be so good, but we had something even better: a lost hot mumma with a short dress ;D . What samaritan could resist?

Whether it worked, or whether they just humoured us, we found our way in the end.

To the Hotel Residence St James.

Hiatus end, adventure start!

It's been ages since I've posted, and I've been kicking myself to start but somehow things have just been making me sluggish and not wanting to. This mood has been getting me and others around me feeling a bit down, but I will do my best to get moving and enthused!

Where were we..? Oh yes, Geneva!

Back home in Australia from Europe!

Well finally I'm back home in Perth!

It's been a wonderful, tiring experience but I'm so grateful for my modest little washing machine, and having an actual fluffy body towel to dry myself off with. (Yes, I had forgotten to bring one - I used a tiny face towel. Unbelievable, but I managed it.)

The trek itself was so. Awesome. It was really difficult (and painful!) managing all the uphill slopes, boulders and loose gravel littering the path, and there were a few hardships, but absolutely nothing that bothered me enough to say that I'd never go on something like this again. The mountains were awe-inspiring, the people were melodious and friendly, the culture was rich and made me hugely curious and the food - I photographed almost everything I ate. It was that good. But then, I am asian. We tend to hoarde photos and everything of value like ferrets. (If you don't know what ferrets are, pretend I said squirrels.)

Me: I don't think I took enough photos on my trek..
My colleague at work V: Aw why? How many did you take?
Me: About 800.
V: *mouth agape*
Me: ..Thats not enough, right...?

In plane to Geneva, flying over France.

So anyway, this trip gave me the chance to see a bit of 3 countries as we crossed the rugged Alps from Switzerland to France and Italy. The trek around Mont Blanc in the middle of these countries allowed me to appreciate how they each differ whilst hiking through the glorious alpine scenery.

The spectacular circuit around Mt Blanc - one of the world's classic hikes, demands some respect. From the massif of Mont Blanc (4801m- the highest mountain in western Europe), seven valleys extend into France, Italy and Switzerland. Each valley retains its own unique culture, architecture and landscape and it's through these valleys we have hiked. Each day we hiked up to the ridges and descend into valleys below, with time to enjoy views of glaciers, green mountain meadows and snow capped peaks.

Still on plane, looking at random mountain (NOT Mt Blanc).

We have crossed passes above 2700m walking an average of 5 to 7 hours a day (with steep ascents and descents averaging 1000m to 1200 m up and 700 to 1000m down each day). Everyone was in fair physical condition, although there were some blisters and cramps but I found going uphill to be horrendous. I can't complain because I know I wasn't fit enough, and ended up being one of the last of the group. But going downhill, or on flat ground, I was in my element! I could bounce around admiring the flowers. I still have no idea how I'd ever managed to finish it, but I know I would never would have if not for the support of my amazing fellow trekkers, the tour guide and organisers, my sponsors, and my family and friends who have helped me in a thousand ways through the fundraising process.

Thank you all so very much! Also on behalf of those suffering from MD.

Arrival in GENEVA!

Whoah I cant believe Im in Geneva - where the keyboards are different so to avoid me finding my apostrophe key for typing out this post! AHHH

I flew via Emirates from Perth to Dubai, then Dubai to Geneva, all in 18 hours. The flight was quite suprisingly restful, and the food was really good for aircraft fare. Got in a few hours sleep myself, which is the reason why I was coherent enough to find my way around.

Met up with some of the others at the arrival hall at Geneva airport, and traveled by train and tram to Lhotel Residence St James with 2 to a room for our group.

Then we had Italian for dinner - yum!! 8P But because I was watching my money (who cares about my waist?) all I had was a mushroom pizza and a coke.... How unique am I, right?

After a wonderful dinner, we traipsed, jetlagged, back to the hotel and had a well deserved sleep. The pillows were square. I thought it was pretty funny. It was so comfy Im getting one when I go back to Perth.

No camera cable port for this comp available, so PHOTOS TO COME!! 8D  

Training at the last minute - bad idea?

Went training at Jacob's Ladder and Mount street. Rolled my ankle too, but it seems fine even after I got back home. Also did Kokoda Track few weeks ago but that, to me, seems a whole lot more strenuous than all of them combined. Behold!

Jacob's Ladder

From bottom of Kokoda Track - Kings Park

Thank you Lee and Lyndon for driving me around while I was tagging along! It's tough trying to keep up but I do suppose, after all this workout, I felt a little more confident in myself.

8th in my Muscular Dystrophy List:
Distal Muscular Dystrophy. This group of rare diseases affects adult men and women. It causes weakness and wasting of the distal muscles (those farthest from the center) of the forearms, hands, lower legs, and feet. It is generally less severe, progresses more slowly, and affects fewer muscles than other forms of muscular dystrophy 

 3 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!  *shakes nervously in her boots*

A Sponsor!! Thank you Gemmill Homes.

A wonderful company called Gemmill Homes has very generously donated to my, and MDAs' cause!


Gemmill Homes is a residential building company based in Western Australia.
From their website: "We stand behind every home we build" and "To design and to build high quality, affordable homes that will not only meet but exceed our client’s expectations; this is what Gemmill Homes has adopted as its mission statement with the aim of becoming the most successful home building company in Western Australia."

Your donation is deeply appreciated. Thank you very much on behalf of MDA, Gemmill Homes Group!

Charity Dinner - Success!!

I was so nervous for all of the 2 weeks leading up to my Charity Fundraising Dinner.
What if the food was undercooked? What if everyone felt bored or awkward? What if NOBODY SHOWS UP?!

I had decided to hold a dinner (with an invite to all my friends and colleagues) with an European theme, and blustered about looking for the perfect place and I found it - Pancakes & Grill on James St! The owners were kind enough for allow me to create a set menu - Savoury Crepes for mains, Delectable Pancakes for dessert and a drink to follow it down with. I prepared a fun little quiz for all my guests, a homemade food hamper to raffle off and a speech - for those who didn't know what they were there for. With all things ready, I held my breath, crossed my fingers and forced myself to chill.

RESULT - It was magical. 

I owe it all to my wonderful guests - they were such an amazing bunch of outgoing, happy people.
I love you guys.

Yum Crepes!!!

Pocket full of Chicken. (& mushrooms n cheese n more yums)

*Grins*

Blackforest Cherry

Digging in to Dessert~

CONGRATULATIONS KATIE! Winner of Food Hamper Raffle.

Winding down with a smile

 Thank you to all those who supported me during my fundraising and this dinner itself too!

!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10 MORE DAYS TO TREKKING MONT BLANC !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Shire Australia!

There has been a very kind donation on Shire Australia Pty Ltd's part! YAY!!

Thank you very much, Shire!

On their homepage: "Shire Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shire plc, a global specialty biopharmaceutical company that works closely with specialist physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to develop and market medicines that improve quality of life for patients, their families and carers."

I totally adore their motto: "To be as brave as the people we help."
Doing this trek, I can understand how it feels to wonder... will I ever do enough to make a difference?

Need.. More.. Sponsorsss.....

Gosh how time flies o_O

Well, I've sold 3.5 boxes of chocs/gummies out of six. It seems it was a waste getting the gummies because I would've gotten rid of all 6 already if it wasn't for these poor unwanted little bags of sugary goodness. I'm tempted to sell them discounted by now. Brought a water bladder for trekking too - Camelbak! Yay!

Now organising a Raffle with a food hamper! Brought lots of stuff to help with collection of money and record-keeping. Raffle draw will be held in mid-June just before the trek (eek! cutting it close) at a dinner at, hopefully, Pancakes n Grill in the city! I got promised a voucher from Fremantle IGA - thank you in advance!!

Brought some money tins to fundraise door-to-door. Shopping centres have too many hoops to jump through, something went wonky with my cert (I'm the only one in WA) and the fees/times are disappointing. Trying IGAs - but they take ages to get back to you if they do at all. Shouldn't it be as simple as asking?

Am walking from traino to work tomorrow with my daypack i plan on using, and trekking shoes! Go MDA Trekkers!

One more Muscular Dystrophy type:
Oculopharyngeal MD. Oculopharyngeal means eye and throat. This form of muscular dystrophy appears in men and women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. It progresses slowly, causing weakness in the eye and face muscles, which may lead to difficulty swallowing. Weakness in pelvic and shoulder muscles may occur later. Choking and recurrent pneumonia may occur.

Fundraising is hard work...

I have been selling Cadbury Fundraiser Chocolates and Gummies and so far, I have about 4 and a half boxes left. It's a lot harder than just that single one everyone does in High school. I do hope to get rid of them soonish!
 
I realize I need to put in a whole lot more of an effort than what I have been doing, because the amount I have raised just isn't going to reach my goal amount, not at this rate. So I'm going to set up a Sausage Sizzle at Willeton Bunnings in June, and probably set up a Trivia Night or a Dinner. Trouble is, I don't know anyone to invite besides my work colleagues (who are just so sweet and wonderful) and my few friends. Hahaha it shows I really need to make an effort to socialize more and keep connections. 

Also, I will need to set up a Thank You Page on this blog for donors and the people who have supported me so far on this fundraising for MD! They have been such amazing help and really generous with their donations I feel they need some recognition.

Another type of Muscular Dystrophy:
Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Congenital means present at birth. Congenital muscular dystrophies progress slowly and affect both males and females. The two forms that have been identified -- Fukuyama and congenital muscular dystrophy with myosin deficiency - they cause muscle weakness at birth or in the first few months of life, along with severe and early contractures (shortening or shrinking of muscles that causes joint problems). Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy causes abnormalities in the brain and often seizures. 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002172#adam_001190.disease.causes 

Reaching out even more~

A few days ago I submitted a form to my local animal shelter to be a volunteer!

So I now get to help out at the Animal Protection Society by walking dogs, cleaning the kennels, general housekeeping, and trying to pat the cats. I'm such a slaving petting machine for the cats. They seem to know who's boss - glaring at me when I stop petting and giving me violent slash wounds when I pet them for too long. Stupid human!

But I walked my first 2 dogs today, and got my daily exercise. I'm looking at a endurance training regime online, something more specific and includes things like diet and times for various sporting activities (swimming etc..). Also looking at bushwalking, but that's a rather different sort of thing than trekking, isn't it?

Petting kitty at APS

This is another catergory of Muscular Dystrophy:
Myotonic (MMD or Steinert's disease). The most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, myotonic muscular dystrophy affects both men and women, and it usually appears any time from early childhood to adulthood. In rare cases, it appears in newborns (congenital MMD). The name refers to a symptom, myotonia - prolonged spasm or stiffening of muscles after use. This symptom is usually worse in cold temperatures. The disease causes muscle weakness and also affects the central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and hormone-producing glands. In most cases, daily living isn't restricted for many years. Sufferers have a decreased life expectancy.
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002172#adam_001190.disease.causes

Trot trot...

I just recently (and finally) signed up for one of those community walk groups created by the Heart Foundation!
I didn't think my exercise regime was tough enough. So when I heard about it from my awesome friend Tessa, who joined a walk at another time and location, I just had to sign up. These walks are led by volunteer organisers and the walks vary in difficulty and duration, which makes it really easy finding one to suit your normal activity levels - even if they're lower than a Crazy Crabs'. Lucky me!

I picked a group that jogs around a lake. Or what used to be a lake. Now it's just a sandy crater with green/brown things sprouting all over and around it. The few other members of the group were such wonderful people. We were from all walks of life and backgrounds, so the conversations we had were varied and full of experience. They were also very fit with a zest for life and the environment... and over 50 years old.

Talk about putting me to shame.

Here's a little view of the path:

More on Muscular Dystophy:
Facioscapulohumeral MD. Facioscapulohumeral refers to the muscles that move the face, shoulder blade, and upper arm bone. This form of muscular dystrophy appears in the teens to early adulthood and affects males and females. It progresses slowly, with short periods of rapid muscle deterioration and weakness. Severity ranges from very mild to completely disabling. Walking, chewing, swallowing, and speaking problems can occur. About 50% of sufferers can walk throughout their lives. Sufferers usually live a normal life span.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002172#adam_001190.disease.causes

Aiyo Singapore~

Chinese New Year is such an excellent time to visit asia. I went to Singapore to visit my mum's side of the family and was reminded of how comfy and warm a house filled with people could be. My grandmother was overjoyed (she loves directing our reunion dinners or any other function) and it was definitely a trip I should have gone on more often. People of chinese descent still do celebrate 15 days of CNY, but our family normally fades the celebrations out within the first week. The food was so nostalgic and fantastic, as always. We had a different variety of food for dinner each night - things like a traditional chinese meal with a 'lazy susan' (turntable), some with Malay and Indian dishes thrown in, a sushi buffet and even vegan! Really glad my mum and I turned up. It was loud with quite a bit of bickering with about 3 or 4 different languages mixed in, but man was it fun.

And red packets. Yes. Must not forget those <3

A CNY decor store

Marina Bay Sands

Skydeck of Marina Bay Sands

This here's the 3rd Muscular Dystrophy post:
Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy. 
This appears in the teens to early adulthood and affects males and females. In its most common form, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy causes progressive weakness that begins in the hips and moves to the shoulders, arms, and legs. Within 20 years, walking becomes difficult or impossible. Sufferers typically live to mid to late adulthood.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002172#adam_001190.disease.causes