Kayaking and Beach Clean Up

Date: November 18, 2010

Location: Sarasa watersport grandstand 

Purpose of experience: community service, environment appreciation, teamwork

Highlight of experience:

After a run through/practice of how to get on and off the kayaks from the water, group three depart from Sarasa grandstand. Our first destination was a resting point where we had an icebreaking session, beach clean up, and found an awesome then onto our destination where we enjoyed poking around the island and had lunch.

What caused you the most anxiety?

I would call myself an athletic person, though when I saw the island we would be kayaking to, I thought it was a joke and we would be going to a closer one. I knew I would be able to finish, but was nervous a bit nervous since i'd never kayaked before. When we started paddling toward our first destination, it was no longer a joke and my partner, Dean and I put forward our best efforts.

Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?

what surprised me most was how many treasures we found along our kayaking journey. At our first resting point Hj Ramley found a balankas while we were cleaning up the beach and we all learned a thing or two about the sea creature most of us had never seen before. We were also lucky enough to find ripe palm fruit, also something that most of the students (including myself) had never tried or seen before- it reminds be of a cross between lychee and an avocado. Walking along the shore, our Curlews group and a few others saw the Bruneian flower, different fruits (we were most curious about a red pineapple looking one hanging from a palm- like tree) and found a soccer ball to keep us preoccupied while waiting for lunch. I couldn't have expected any of these fun surprises.

What were the three most important things you learnt from the experience?

1. beach clean up can be as simple as picking up a bit of trash as you go and when people work together, clean up is quick.

2. Teamwork and communication is essential to getting first ;)

3.Even though some experiences are difficult, if you at least try to find the joy in them, the experience seems to blossom into an exciting and positive experience.

Which aspect would you include in your future behavior based on your learnings from this experience?

As one of the instructors pointed out, we can apply that fact that hard work , including perseverance and consistency, that we practiced while kayaking can be applied to our study habits as studying/hard work pays off in the end. Sometimes things seem extremely difficult and intimidating, even impossible, but if you start with trying, and continue to do your best, you will complete your journey and be successful in whatever you do; may it be studying, working, or kayaking! :)

Thank you Hj Marliza for this great experience.

Christine Lynn Hixenbaugh, 10N0001, November 18, 2010  

BRUNEI TRANSPORTATION

across from our house, waiting for the bus

Stage 1.

Unlike most students, I do not use transport to get to school and instead I walk because I live in the Female Hostels but to be honest I would take a car if I could. It's just too hot! Coming from my house in Kota Batu it took me about 25 minutes by personal transport and by bus 22 (from Bandar) it takes about an hour on top of the 1-30 minutes I wait in order to take the bus from our house in Kampung Kota Batu to Bandar Seri Begawan because from BSB, the bus stops at Terrace Hotel, Kiulap, Pasar Gadong, Biro Kawalan Narkotik, Jalan Tungku, De Rimba store, Kampong Rimba, Perpindahan Rimba, and finally to UBD. This is officially, but in reality, people are pretty much dropped wherever they want to be; their houses, side of the highway- whatever the passenger wants. 

Stage 2.

There and back (the bus calculation may be off by about 2 miles but because of the grography of Brunei, with the airport between the two destinations, it impossible that the bus return quickely form UBD to BSB. In fact, from UBD, it stops at EMpire and a number of other destinations. I wasn't able to calculate closely

Mode of Transport	Distance Traveled	Time Taken	Fuel Used	MOney Spent	CO2 Emissions
Bus	App. 17miles x2 = 34	varies 1-1 1/2 hr.x2= 3 hr.	App. 1 gallon X2= 2	2 x2= $4.00	.01 tonnesx2= .02
Car medium honda	App. 13 miles x2= 26	about 25 min x2=50 min.	App. .528 gals X2= 1.056	1x2=$2.00	.006 tonnes x2= .012

In one week ( 4 days of 7 )

Mode of Transport	Distance Traveled	Time Taken	Fuel Used	MOney Spent	CO2 Emissions
Bus	136 miles	12 hours	8 gallons	$16.00	.08 tonnes
Car medium honda	104	200 min	4.22 gallons	$8.00	.048 tonnes

How much I would Save in terms of

fuel	money	CO2
-3.78	- $8.00 gallons	-0.032

.. I would be spending more in each aspect

one direction

Mode of Transport	Distance	Time	Fuel	Money spent	CO2 Emissions
Bike	13 miles	way too long and dangerous	n/a	n/a	0
Car	app 13 miles	25 minutes	.528 gallons	1	.048
Bus	app 17 miles	1.5 hours	1 gallon	2	.08

In planning a journey, it is very important to use a map and ask people as they both play significant roles in transportation. I used Google Map, and two documents I retrieved form the International Student Office when I had asked about transportation in the past.

Suggestion:

I suggest having government owned buses that run on hydro electricity. With Brunei having access to the SOuth CHina Sea, I'm sure something can be worked out in the creation of a hydroelectic plant.

To the Land Transport Department, I would suggest having more reliable bus schedules. Sometimes people in areas such as UBD have to wait for multiple hours or have to wait outside the UBD gates for the bus to see them. Otherwise, the bus won't bother to enter the premises.

To UBD administration, I woudl dsiggest that buses be specifically routed on certain days for students staying at the hostels. This would allow students to work the bus into their schedules without the fruastration of wasted time of waiting for a bus that comes late, early, or never.

Date of Experience: January 22, 2010

Date Assigned, mid August, 2010

Venue of experience: Bus from Kota Batu to Bandar to UBD and back.

Purpose of experience: To realize the effects that different transportation has on your wallet and the environment.

What was the highlight if the experience?

Experience the transportation of Brunei from my home to UBD and calculate the expenditures in regards to the type of transportation, fuel prices, distance, CO2 emissions, and time.

What aspect caused you the most anxiety?

I was most anxious waiting for the bus because I was afraid I had missed it and because it was so hot outside, my brother and I had to take turns standing on the side of the street between Yacht CLub and out House. There weren't any signs to signify where we were supposed to stand. The bus just picked up anyone on the side of the road.

Was there any aspects of the experience that surprised you?

yes, I was surprised that it is less expensive for me to go by car instead of taking the bus. Because I would ahve to change buses and wait I usually end up taking a taxi. When calculating the time of 3 hours on a bus to get to and from school, the extra 14 dollars is worth not having to wait on the smelly bus with all the people staring at me. :/

What was the three most important things you learnt from the experience?

1. I should get a car if I am going to stay here longer

2.Many of my friends have never used the bus or had any desire or reason to; therefore, it is notdesigned for students, but instead for workers.

3. Planning ahead when using the bus is very important- especially when you dont speak the language.

Which aspects would you include in your future behavior from this experience?

I now would rather wait until my friends get offf work in the evening instead of taking the bus when it is supposedly making it's round to UBD because standing in the sun is too hot and if I would like to look presentable (which i usually would) then this is not the ideal transport. If I can help it, I will never ride the bus again.

Christine Hixenbaugh 

GAS CALCULATIONS

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/fuel-cost-calculator.php

CO2 EMISSIONS 

http://www.nativeenergy.com/pages/travel_calculator/30.php

MAP OF BRUNEI

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=map+of+Brunei+Darussalam&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Brunei+Darussalam&ei=-GXeTJ6UGZClcej3lJcM&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q8gEwAA

The Polar Girl

Date of experience: 17 September, 2010

Venue of experience: CLT Hall, UBD

Purpose of Experience: To become enlightened and inspired by Dk Najibah Era, the first Bruneian woman to cross the Antarctic and also to learn a bit about global climate change and ozone issues.

What was the highlight of the experience?

Dk Najibah Era, also known locally as "The Polar Girl," told her story of her experience with Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition team in the journey across the Antarctic to the South Pole. Throughout this journey she became Brunei's first person to ski the 900 kms across the Antarctic and has become an example for the youth of Brunei to look up to because of her drive to complete the challenge. While speaking to students, she has also been highlighting the issues of global warming and the growing hole in the ozone layer.

What aspect caused you the most anxiety?

To many of my peers, the most anxious part if this experience was the 30 degree Celsius temperatures and harsh conditions that the expeditionists had to endure but I personally found that the most anxious part was learning about the growing hole (or increasingly thin part) in our ozone layer above the Antarctic. From the website, http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/ozone_hole.htm I have learned that this layer, measures about 3-5 mm and is made up of oxygen atoms O2 and O3 which combine to protect the earth from ultraviolet rays by absorbing large quantities from the sun. This has an effect on everything living on earth; in particularly starting with the eyes and phytoplankton in the oceans. The ozone's deterioration has been an issue for decades as technology advances and as more people populate the earth.

Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?

The aspect that surprised me was that the woman all speak different languages but were able to communicate well and without much complication. The expedition across the Antarctic is a dangerous one and they have to work together. I am pleasantly proud and surprised that (to be frank) they are women, and that they were able to work well together.

What are the three most important things you learnt from this experience:

1. Language barrier can be broken with the right attitude

2. I learntthat the Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition is proudly made of women

3. Brunei's participation in such events makes for a great role model for young adults.

Which aspects would you include in your future behavior based on your learning from this experience?

I learned that even in Brunei, women play an important role in leader the country. With this experience Dk Najibah will have women and kids of all ages looking up to her and taking her more seriously when she speaks about global warming. Women are increasingly encouraged throughout the world to do difficult tasks and to be the first in their field. Having the successful woman speak to our class about her journey and global warming put into perspective the increasing influence women will have as we find ourself in a more equal society with men.

Thank you BEACA professors for giving students this opportunity to greet the first Bruneian woman to complete the expedition. This experience sounds exciting and it's a pity that I wasn't able to make it to this activity.

Birdwatching Activity at Kg Tamoi

Date of Experience: November 7, 2010

Location of Experience: Kampong Tamoi

Purpose of experience: To locate and watch common birds in Brunei

What aspect caused you the most anxiety?

Walking on the Kg Ayer wooden path cased me anxiety because we were stooping low and taking photos and constantly weren't paying full attention to where we were walking. I am very glad that we had no one fall in or loose personal possessions.

Nov 6- Looking @ the rooster and Pigeons in the Cages in Kg Tamoi

Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you? 

I was surprised that there were so many birds in the area of Kg Ayer Tamoi. I had just been there the day before I didn't notice any birds other than the pigeons and the roosters that remained in the cages. I was pleasantly surprised that just taking a walk through the village, we were able to see so many different and fascinating birds.

Some of my the most prominent in the area include:

(Extravagant) Collared White Kingfisher

(Elegant) Great White Egret

(Cutest) Sand Piper 

Great Bittern (my favorite)

Rufous Night Haron

What were the three most important things you learnt from this experience?

1. Birdwatching can be done in unexpected place. I previously didn't realize Kg Ayer would be an ideal site to see birds- prior I didn't notice any wild birds.

2. Each type of bird is not necessarily all the same. Some might have a different shade of color compared to the sample in the book.

3. Birwatching is fun. It is important to know a bit about each bird to find it enjoyable.

Which aspect would you include in your future behavior based on your learnings from this experience?

I know that later in life, if anyone mentions birdwatching I will think of this activity with BEACA.

Now that I am able to identify these birds, it makes me curious of other birds and where I can find them . Im sure that this will not be my last birdwatching experience.

Thank you to BEACA professors/lecturers, for giving the students this opportunity. It's a shame that this class wont be put together for next year. :/

Christine Hixenbaugh 10N0001, November 8, 2010

Taking Care of Our Little Saplings

Follow up Tree Planting

Date of Experience:We have been required to keep out saplings healthy SINCE October 10

Location of experience: Near water tower behind UBD (My tree saplings are on the left following the street.

Purpose of experience : Keep maintenance of tree saplings prior planted on the above beginning date

What aspect caused you the most anxiety?

As I hadn't easy transport to the site, I had anxiety thinking if my saplings were okay. Because they are near the base and in the brush I knew they were shaded and had enough water (logic of gravity & the heavy rains recently). I didn't make it to the site until a couple weeks after and one of my saplings had died due to unexpected exposure to sunlight. There was a hole in the brush that directed the sunlight like a beam over my sapling and unfortunately 3/4 only remain.


Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?

I was surprised that it takes more than just planting a tree to keep it healthy. I thought that if you plant a tree, it will automatically develop a system that created vitamins from the outier atmosphere and minerals in the dirt. I wasn't aware prior that a tree would need unnatural help. Furthermore, because we planted them in an unnatural way, it makes sense.

What were the three most important things you learnt from the experience?

1. That planted (and natural) trees are not self-sustainable- they need nutrients, adequate water, and sunlight to breath, eat, and be healthy- like us!

2. If you are to plant something, you need to also be responsible and take care of it. Before, I wanted to have my own garden but with this experience, I think I will start with a few house plants instead. :)

3. Saving the environment is something in which takes a group participation and cannot be don emy just one person. People need to work together for the betterment of the environment. If you have 100 trees split into 10 people, it only takes a couple people to be irresponsible to ruin 20% of the initial group effort.

Which aspects would you include in your future behavior based on your learnings from this experience?

I have learnt that taking care of the environment takes a lot of work, time, and experience to learn how to help in an efficient way. I do plan to participate in activities to help save the environment but when I am busy with school and later, when I am working- i will remember this activity. This has given me the idea to later show students/staff/employees (in whatever occupation I am in) that the environment is important and I pledge now, to get people together to help aid the environment. If I am not available- I will help in other ways, like donation, or spreading the word on environmental matters and activities in my area.

Christine Lynn Hixenbaugh, 10N0001, 7, November, 2010  

REFLECTION ON TREE PLANTING

Date of Experience:10-10-10 :D

Location of Experience: near UBD campus- area designated . My trees are on the left side of the road just above where Dr. Irene was planting.

Purpose of experience:
COmmunity Action-

 

Highlight of the experience:

We arrived ( I about thirty minutes late because i got lost trying to walk) early in the morning, grabbed a couple shovels and started digging.

Each student was to plant 4 small karamunting trees as a way to improve the environment by lessening carbon emissions we put out everyday via transport, improper disposal, and using technology. This experience taught students how to plant trees properly and how to make the difference.

What aspect caused you the most anxiety?

When I heard we would be planting four trees each I was anxious and a little disappointed but enjoyed getting dirty and taking some stress out with the very small shovel. I have planted things like flowers and small plants but not trees and i suppose I was intimidated by the the steep slope and tools. Seeing the tree successfully in the ground and knowing that it will grow tall like the others surrounding it is the ultimate highlight of my experience.

Was there any aspect of the experience that suprised you?

I was suprised to learn that the karamunting tree has become an endangered species and was relieved that the forestry department and the BEACA plecturers ares taking the initiative to rebuild the species quantity. Physically I was suprised at how quickly I was able to plant the trees. Planting a single tree involves hard work but once you get the hang of planting one tree, the rest aren't nearly as difficult.

What were the three most important things you learnt from the experience?

1. the proper way to plant a tree - including measurements and furtalizers.

2. That the karamunting tree is a part of the endangered species list and our efforts to help take this species off the list is a step toward a more stable environment.

3. 2 is only possible if the maintenance of the tree is taken care of.

Which aspects would you include in your future behavior based on your learnings from this experience?

Planting the trees felt good and I enjoy helping make our environment a better habitat for all. Therefore, if there are tree planting activities I am much more likely to participate. Next time though I would like to plant more than four trees. I now look at a tree differently- I find myself taking the time to think of the growth stages and have become to appreciate a tall healthy tree. It is unfrotunate that it takes so long for a tree to grow and then it's just cut down for quick scratch paper but thats the world we live in. It's fortunate however, that there are people who go out of their way to help the environment like the BEACA professors and lecturers in collaborating to raise awareness of environmental matters and show students how to make a difference. Thank you for this opportunity,

Christine Lynn Hixenbaugh, 10N0001, 22, October, 2010

Jungle Trekking from the Diplomatic Site

Date of experience: October 22nd
Location of experience: Diplomatic Site

Courtesy of Mas - Map of our trek

Highlight of experience
In a group including Nisa, Fayen, Nazreen, Izzul, and Kairul, we made the first jungle trek through the Borneo rain forest. As we were told that the previous group had not gotten out of the jungle until after 7pm, we worked together to be efficient in our trek to ensure no mishaps. Successfully, we made it out without any broken bones or getting lost at about 6:00pm.

What aspect of the experience caused you the most anxiety?
Having this been my first time trekking in any sort of jungle I was a bit anxious about the entire experience. Walking in it was quiet and I felt like we were alone, 6 students on our way to getting lost. Immediately I was reminded of snakes, and the HUGE spiders and creepy crawlies I have discovered here in Brunei. We heard noises while we were in the jungle and images of a “true stories” on Animal Planet about this guy with half a face who barely lived to tell the story of his friend getting torn apart by 6 foot chimps came into my mind. There was actually a point that I didn’t want to proceed but I couldn’t say anything because my group was thinking a was mentioning the sounds in a spiritual regard and apparently it’s protocol not to mention weird happenings when you’re in the jungle. In reality though I was afraid of monkeys and chimpanzees hahaha Definitely made me anxious but it’s a story I will retell and am glad I experienced it.

Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?
Something I found interesting was that you’re not supposed to mention hearing voices or anything while you in the jungle and was surprised my fellow trekkers were afraid of the sound. A friend said she heard voices screaming, “HELP!” and I thought I heard it too but another trekker shushed us and said we shouldn’t talk about it. This is different from what I have learned in my experiences hiking in the states. If you hear someone cry for help, you’re supposed to immediately radio an emergency contact or the forest dept. but apparently, its too spooky to think about in Brunei. Just after, I heard a cry/scream/gock from above (in my mind I was thinking oh poop, a chimp!) and looked up to only catch the ruffle in the plants. ** spent 15 min. imaging what the Monday headlines would read**

What are the three most important things you learned from the experience?
1. When trekking in a group, you should always be communicating with your fellow trekkers to insure everyone is aware of any dangers and to make sure everyone is present
2. Jungle trekking is a peaceful experience –when your not worried about Chimps
3. You’re not supposed to talk about creepy things, especially in reference to spirits when you’re with Bruneians in the forest- some feel that what we cannot see may try to fool trekkers.

not from our trek- but i found the same thing on our hike- very neat ;)

Which aspect would you include in your future behavior based on the learning from this experience?
I would like to jungle trek with friends more often if it’s possible. I now know that someone who knows the trail is very important to ensure safety and that people can really get lost- as proved in another groups trek . Hopefully when my friend visits from California, I will be able to find a trek leader or group of friends who are going and tag along with them. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with friends and family of my first jungle trekking experience-
Thank you professors and lecturers for the opportunities shared through BEACA 

AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT CHIMPS ARE INDIGENOUS TO AFRICA- Orangutan and monkeys are indigenous to Borneo. ;D 


<< that guy doesn't look too bad

Paddy Harvesting Whoo

                                                                                              courtesy of the Borneo Bulletin website  http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/tue/oct19h36.htm

Location of experience:   Wasan Paddy Field

Date of experience:  October 15th, 2010

Highlight of experience

Students were called out Wasan  paddy field to experience first-hand the process of harvest and learn a bit about Brunei’s newest export. After being told how to harvest the paddy and given a brief history of the product, we got to put the much talked about and intimidating sickle to work. Dressed in boots and hats, we worked together trudging through the deep mud to get to the uncut paddy and successfully filled our Curlew group large bag full of the stalks of paddy. After, we enjoyed curry puffs and refreshments together and learned about the different types of paddy from the person in charge.

What aspect of the experience caused you the most anxiety?

On the way to the fields, our group made a left instead of a right and our caravan ended up at the border. Unfortunately we were late to the field and missed the official briefing of history and harvesting directions but fortunately we were able to catch up efficiently as our group works well together ;)

Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?

I was most surprised at how beautiful the scenery was while harvesting. I thought it was going to be tough work and everyone was going to be filthy and sweaty. Instead, the atmosphere was laid back and the people helping us were very friendly which created a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable environment. 

                 Minshara Sayer and I making our way through the muddy field- courtesy of Izzul Adi

What are the three most important things you learned from the experience?

1.       I learned the process of harvesting paddy into rice

2.       Harvesting the paddy takes teamwork- in my case specifically, to make sure I didn’t get stuck J

3.       Advanced technology can harvest 1 acre /hr but me and my friends  only harvested approximately 10x10 feet in 1 hour. – Manual Labor is slow but much more rewarding.

Which aspect would you include in your future behavior based on the learning from this experience?

Every time I look at another paddy or rice field when I go back to the states, I will remember this experience and the manual labor that is being practiced in other countries instead of technology. I will remember getting stuck in the mud with friends, the teamwork to get each other out, and the paddy harvest process. Since I was young driving with the family down the CA 5 freeway, I always gaze at the miles of fields wondering  what it be like to step foot in a rice field.  I now can tell other curious kids(and adults) who will ask me of my experience and will no longer wonder because I found my answer right here in Brunei :)

Reflections

After many attempts to get to a computer with internet, I can finally do my assignment! : )

Highlight of experience


I was pleasantly suprised that this video seemed to be similiar as almost a continuation of Daniel Quinn's Ishmael which i have recently read just a week ago. This documentary of the human population ruining the world's ecosystem doesn't sound "pleasant" though the highlight of my experience was knowing that all of the students are watching this video. When I finished Ishmael, I began to wonder on a daily basis, what can I do? where do I stand, and how can I make a difference. My classmates are intelligent people and many with wonderful leadership skills and it's comforting knowing that they are watching this film and have had their eyes opened to this catastophy caused by what many call a typical lifestyle early in life.

What aspect of the experience caused you the most anxiety?

The aspect that caused me the most anxiety would definitely be the information given regarding the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island who ruined their civilization. It was said that they had the tallest palm trees in the world but were cut down for lumber. I couldn't help but thinking, wow- how selfish of them to do such a thing but it is a possibility that they just weren't aware of the consiquences.It caused much anxiety for me because the possibility of the end of a 21st century civilization became more real and practical.  Fortunately, with advanced technology we are a civilization that can save itself. That is if we can all work together.
Was there any aspect of the experience that suprised you?

I was suprised over and over again throughout the film mainly having to do with agriculture. Water consumption, food, oil, and clean air sacrificed in extremely massive amounts in order for a small percentage of the population to make money made me sick. These resources can be used in countless other ways than to make some money and serve fillets at a dinner party.
What were the three most important things you learnt from this experience?

1. I learnt from the websites and links from the page that the world's youth is becoming increasingly interested in the environment.
2. I realized that just one person can make a single decision that will alter the lives of millions.
3. Oil isn't the only resource the earth is running out of.


Which aspects would you include in your future behaviour based on the learning from this experience

I know that one day I will have the ability to influence a lot of people who make important decisions. I now will work toward campaigning for mother earth as she has given so much to humans. I feel now like it is my duty as an appreciative human to give back and speak for the voiceless nurturer of our world.

Why Hello there and welcome to my blog =D

My name is Christine Hixenbaugh and I look forward to participating in the BEACA for 2010. I have always had an interest in environmental matters and can't wait to trek through the Borneo rainforest. It may sound like any other forest to Bruneians, but in fact, not many people get this opportunity. In my country, it would be considered a chance of a lifetime. So lets enjoy! ; )