Let There Be Peace

The Hatyai Explosion

It was sad to hear the troubled Southern Thailand experiencing another horrible incident a couple of days ago.Many were innocent victims of irrational decisions and so lives were lost on a trip that was supposed to bring fun and relaxation.
A favourite weekend getaway for Malaysians and Singaporeans, Hatyai is a shopping haven. I was there some 10 years ago with family members and when the school made plans for a benchmarking trip to the top school there last February, many of us teachers could not resist. So, in early February 2012, some 43 of us including a few PTA members made the maiden trip as a school team to visit Hatyaiwittayalai School, a world class school of the region.

Sumalidza on the right with Poh Bee Lee, Saadiah, NurDarina and Ainon braced through the night journey all the way from Subang Jaya to Hatyai.

At the famous stop before reaching the immigration point, we stopped for a drink and rest.

The male counterparts of the school; Zulkifli, Jafny, Rahim and Zaharol (standing) all took the brunt of the long journey with ease.

The only thorn among the roses, Gan Kim Jin sat beside Tan Shw Shing, Patricia, Sumalidza and Zaidah. They wanted to have a time of meaningful sharing and playing together. It is always outside the school grounds that the best of friendship and fun are found and treasured.

Another group of us; Haron with friends chatting away though it was during the wee hours of the morning.

I also do not think I am too old to take the long haul; it's a matter of mental strength.

Mr. Rahim left his children and wife behind for this benchmarking session. That must have taken quite a big part of him.

We seldom have him on trips ; so it is indeed great that he decided to tag along.

At the immigration check point, the weekend queue was long; but we did not mind as we were imagining all the fun ahead of us.

See how well behaved we were; all dressed in our lovely batik themed attire to meet our counterparts in Hatyaiwittayalai School. We were glad we made the trip; not knowing of the lurking danger that could hang around us. Indeed it was a trip to remember by.

Glad we were not there at the wrong time.
May there peace in this land.