Why I write this blog for #wyd #madrid11

I thank God that I am very blessed and fortunate that I am able to attend the wyd2011 in Madrid. There are many catholics and friends out there who would not be able to share this experience with me in person for what ever reasons.

In 2008, it was unfortunate that i was not able to attend the wyd in sydney. However, thanks to the wonders of modern technology; primarily the internet , i was able to share in the excitement of the pilgrims, and to follow the general events and happenings in Sydney.

As such, i decided that for this WYD i will do my part to share my experience with those who are not able to make the journey, thanks to the wonders of modern technology. If my thoughts, sharing, preparation and experience is able to help a fellow pilgrim in anyway, or allow someone to participate thousand of miles away, i say that my blog has achieved its objective.

This is why, I share my built up and will share my expereiences via this online channel, with the hope that i can Make A Difference in someone's life.

I can already see that this blog, through the grace of God, has been viewed by readers around the world, on the various topics that I've posted on. I've recieved some comments from people who appreciate my posting, and i hope that i get to meet them in Madrid. I do not claim credit for this blog, and I only pray that this tool will be used by God to reach out to someone who needs it .

I am only His humble instrument in His grand plans.

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Sharing the excitement for the @madrid11_en #wyd #madrid11

Tonight I met with 2 wyd pilgrims - Paul and Heather. Both are going under the Assumption Church banner, but they will be travelling separately. It is safe to say that all of us are quite excited about the upcoming pilgrimage of ours. There is a sense of anticipation, but we agreed that it is also very mix feelings and emotions about the trip.

We had a good laugh tonight about what to expect for this trip to Madrid , and we shared some travelling tips. I think that I'm the only one who is putting so much effort into getting ready for thr wyd, while both of them generally haven't even started preparing for the trip. Guess that is me being overly prepared and worried.

While all 3 of us will be traveling under different itinerary, i can safely say that we are united in Christ. For 3 of us, it will be our first wyd, and yes there is some nervousness about the trip. But the joy and eager anticipation of this trip out weights this nervousness

Heather is generally worried about the toilet and shower conditions, while Paul is quite cool about the whole thing. We did have many laughs about the shower facilities provided. Paul and I agree that it will be an interesting experience, and wished that we could take photos of it. Heather meanwhile shudders at the thought of it.

The best part is that tonight, we were joined by other friends from CHOICE, and we also got them actively involved in the discussion, jokes and excitement.

I hope that they too will join us on this pilgrimage spiritually and virtually.

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Pilgrims walk for #wyd #madrid11 closing mass

On saturday 20th August, there will be a pilgrims walk to the venue of the closing mass celebrated by His Holiness Pope Benedict. It will be a hot afternoon walk, and here are some tips for the walk




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Tips for travelling 3 - Speeding through Security Checks #wyd #madrid11

Security is a constant concern , especially in the aviation industry. Air travellers today are subjected to many different security checks as they prepare to board the aircraft and sometimes when they disembark.

I am sure that travellers to wyd in Madrid will be subjected to a number of security checks and here are some tips to help you speed through it . These tips are not intended for you to evade any security checks but to help you pass through it faster.

1. Loose items - when going through an Xray and Metal detectors, put all your loose items into a bag or your backpack, as you are queuing. Empty your pockets and dump everything into the bag.

2. Metal items - try not to wear heavy metal items like belts and heavy watches. They set of metal detectors. Take them off and throw then in your bag at the xray machine

3. Metal implants - if you have any surgical metal implants , bring along a doctors letter preferably in English and make sure it is legible.

4. Shoes - some security checks requires to xray your shoe. So wear easy slip on, so that it is quick for you to take it on and off.

5. Belts - if possible, wear travel belts i.e. belts with plastic heads so that you do not have the embarassment of holding on to your pants as you go through the metal detector.

6. LAG - stands for liquid aerosol and gas. Whe travelling by plane, The allowed amount on board the aircraft is 100 ml per item. Some airports require it to fit into a 1 liter ziplock bag provided at the airport. Others just make sure that it is not more then 100ml. Do not bring any amount more then that as they will be consfiscated.

7. Dangerous items - such as knives, guns, munition etc are not allowed. Dont even bother trying and arguing with the secuity officer on how small your pen knife is or how insignificant your nail file is just a waste of time. Give it up and shut up.

8. Laptops- be prepared to take out your laptops and any major electronic item and placed separately into the xray machines. At times you may be asked to turn it on just to verify if a genuine device.

9. Long queues - if you are genuinely late for your flight and in danger of missing your flight, inform the security officer, who may allow you priority screening. If not just keep quiet and wait in queue like the rest of us. Get point #1 ready,

10. After the metal detector - grab your stuff and quicky get out of the way. There are hundreds of people behind you , so please do not hold up the queue. Quickly grab your stuff and move to thhe packing table,


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An Interview with a Pilgrim of @Madrid11_en #WYD from Malaysia - Heather

1. Why are you going to Madrid World Youth Day 2011?
I’ve heard so much about it so wanted to experience it.

2.Will you be going with a contingent or on your own ? How many are you travelling with ?
I will be going with the group from the Parish of the Assumption Church, Petaling Jaya.

3. When will you be departing for Madrid World Youth Day ?
11th August 2011

4.What do you hope to achieve at Madrid World Youth Day ?
I don’t know.

5. What spiritual preparations are you doing , to prepare yourself for the largest Catholic event?
I've been attending the monthly gatherings organized by the Assumption Church

6. Will you be travelling anywhere else aside from Madrid ? Do share some of your plans.
Yes I will be going to Portugal before the World Youth Day. After the World Youth Day, I will be going to Barcelona, Venice and Rome with a group of friends

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Shower facilities for #wyd #Madrid11 Pilgrims

Aiks. Pilgrims attending the wyd in Madrid will be treated to luxurious shower facilities throughout the cities especially near places of accomodation.

Imagine the logistics of providing showers to 1 million guest!

Oh yeah. Temperature will be soaring hot and humid. Probably bearable for us Malaysians, but heck its going to be hot and sweaty this August in Madrid .

Too bad photographs are not allowed. I would like a photo take of it and me using it ( in my swim shorts of course!)

Must remember to pack swim shorts and towel !




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Tips for travelling 2 - Surviving long haul flights #wyd #madrid11

Many pilgrims will be descending unto Madrid in a few weeks time. How exciting and for many this will be their first long distance flight. Flying can be a really exciting experience where you will get to enjoy inflight movies, delicious food, and great service on a modern aircraft.

However, the downside is that seating conditions will be cramp, with relatively full flights, dry air and many time zones to cross. These factors alone will wear down the most seasoned of travellers. However there are some tricks to make the journey more bearable.

1. Seat - not all seats are alike, even in the same class. Popular seats like aisle seats or front of cabin seats offer more leg room to stretch and easier access to toilets. Other poorer seats are those located at baby bassinets, toilets or galley (kitchen) where there is high chances of crying babies, families with young children or busy activity near the galley and toilets. I recommend choosing an aisle seat towards the front of the cabin. If possible get a seat at the door, where you will have ample leg room. Check with your airline if you can pre book these seats before your departure.

If the aircraft is not full, try to get a seat where there is at least 1 empty seat next to you to spread out. You can change seats when the door of the aircraft is closed or when the seat belt sign is off. Do it quick because season travellers will be quick to move.

2. Clothing - dress comfortably with loose clothing, especially if you are taking a long flight. If you do not want to wear your shabby but comfortable clothings through the airport, then pack it into your hand carry luggage. Of course please remember to be decent on board and the cabin air will be cold. Nighties and boxer shorts are typically frowned upon. This will also ensure that your clothing will not be crumpled upon your arrival, and giving you a fresher feel when you land,

3. Basic toiletries - bring on board some basic items such as toiletries that you will need for the flight, including toothbrush, Cologne and comb. While some airlines will provide this on board, others may not. Disposable razors are also acceptable to carry on board.

4. Sleeping well - bring with you eye shades and ear plugs to cut out light and sound , so that you can get a more peaceful sleep. Take a couple of sleeping pills to help you get better sleep. Bring along an inflatable travel pillow that fits around your neck. This will support your head when you are asleep so that you do not wake up with a stiff neck, or end up drooling on the passenger next to you.

5. Time zones - before you depart, adjust your watch to the arrival time, and adjust your sleeping schedule on board the aircraft. If it is night time at your destination, go to sleep. If it is day time, try to stay awake as long as possible. You can also inform the cabin crew not to disturb you during meals, and only take your meals when you awake










6. Meals - do not worry. All full service airlines will provide food onboard the plane for free. If you are a big eater , portions could appear small. Pack a light snack like a muesli bar if you are afraid you will get hungry. There are normally extra food on the aircraft, and it is ok to request for a second helping. Normally the crew will be happy to oblige if they have any spare meals. For very long flights, there will normally be 2 servings of food and a snack in between. Some airlines even provide a snack bar at the certain locations

7. Water - drink plenty of water on board the plane. The air in the aircraft will be cold and very dry. You will need to stay hydrated. Bring along a small bottle of moisturizer for your skin. If possible avoid alcohol and coffee or drink it in modereation. If you dont want to bother the crew for water all the time, bring on board an EMPTY bottle eg 1 liter and request that they fill it up for you.

8. Exercise - sitting for long period of time may be uncomfortavle. So try to take a walk around the aircraft once in a while. It gives you some exercise, loosens the stiffen joints, and gets the blood flowing. Of course if you are in economy, you are only allowed to stay within the economy zone which is quite big. Also head to the tail of the aircraft where there is alot more space, where you can do some basic stretching exercises.

9. Entertainment - nearly all airlines provide in flight entertainment for long distance flights. This includrs movies and games to help with the time. Alternatively bring a good book, or a tablet/ laptop to watch some of your own preferred movies. This will help with boredom.

10. Respect - respect the privacy of your travelling companion. Whle you may be a chatty person, the bloke next to you may just want to sleep. Also remember to be polite to the crew, as they are there to help and assist you during your flight, and they are there to do their job. Also remember at the crew actually has a lot of authority in the interest of safety, and they can exercise the right to restrain you to your seat if you are disruptive.

11. Freshening up - just before arriving, go and freshen yourself up. Brush your teeth, wash your face, change back to your street clothing, put on some cologne, mosturize yourself, comb your hair. If you have a small face clothe, give yourself a quick wipe down. Simple actions like this really helps when you arrive, and you will feel alot more fresher and presentable when you arrive. Pls do not attempt to take a shower in the cabin toilet !

12. Keeping warm - the air temperature in the cabin will be controlled to about 25 degrees celcius or lower. Some may find this chilly, so mske sure you are dressed comfortably and warmly. All full service airlines will provide you with blankets and pillow for long haul flights. If you are cold, you may request for an extra blanket.

13. Not feeling well- if you are not feeling well at all, please inform the crew. The aircraft carries a certain amount of medication including aspirin, paracetamol, and some basic medication which can be provided to passengers without any problems. For emergency cases, all aircrafts carry a full physician kit which may include morphine, Epinephrine and other medication. The physician kit can only be used by a trained medical personel and authorized by the captain. The crew is also trained to handle medical emergencies and will page for a doctor or nurse if needed.

14. Safety - keep your seat belt on at all times, even if you are seated, as air turbulence can happen unexpectedly. If you are going to sleep, afix your seat belt over your blanket so that the crew knows you are safely secured to your seat.

15. Have fun - be cheerful and have fun on board the aircraft. When the crew is not busy, you can have a chat with them , or if possible get to kow your fellow passengers (be mindful of point number 10). Time flies when you are having fun. Similarly if you are in a bad mood, your flight will seem like an eternity.

Well hope these tips help you onboard your flight. It has helped me for my long haul and even short flights.

Have a safe flight! And remember to have fun.


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