Merentas Desa 越野跑步 at Penang Botanic Gardens

What a walk! We joined 姐姐 for her school event "Merentas Desa" or 越野跑步 at Penang Botanic Gardens (huh, what desa?). She pestered us to go as she always wanted to join whatever activities organized by the school. Besides, their teachers already dangle the "carrot" to children with a souvenir for those who completed the run. We have no idea what the activity is about, so just go for the experience.

We were up early as merentas desa will start at 7:15pm at Taman Kuari. There's a huge jam leading to Botanic Gardens and tonnes of cars parked all along the road. We found later there's a few activities on-going at Botanic Gardens at the same time. Pity the morning walkers/joggers who got caught in jam with us. Can't help it! Gosh it's a steep walk up to the Taman Kuari!

At Taman Kuari, before start time.

This photo manage to capture the nice green hill

Only school children in the Anniversary t-shirt gets a souvenir, it's stationary set.

We didn't know what route will be taken, and it was a steep walk uphill. We keep encouraging both children to persevere on. The view was breathtaking but we didn't take any photos. We didn't know there is not really a time limit. Being a bit kiasu, we didn't wanna be the last group to arrive. Glad that we finally made it back to the Taman Kuari which is both the starting and ending point. In fact we're very proud of them to make it as I was also panting and tired (爸爸 as usual berlagak and say bor rasa). 姐姐 was very happy with souvenir she got, and she generously shared one of the pencils with 弟弟. Everyone got a coconut with brown sugar bun and a lucky draw number. Too bad we didn't get any lucky draw as prizes are limited.

弟弟 said he don't wanna join next year since don't get souvenir and his legs are aching and tired from the hike. After much convincing that he will get souvenir once he join as standard 1 student, he said "OK la, if got gift I will go".