I've started packing for the wyd, and have begun throwing things together, laying it near my bag. I've also cleaned my rucksack. As i go along , i may add in a thing or two and will update this accordingly.
Also let me know if i am missing anything and leave a comment below
Here are some items that i plan to pack for the wyd
2 pairs of long trousers - travel cargo convertible pants
1 pair of shorts
1 pair of pajamas shorts
7 pairs of underwear
5 pairs of socks
7 t shirts
3 handkerchiefs
1 towel
1 light weight jacket
1 poncho
1 Malaysian flag
60 pieces of Malaysian souveniers
1 money belt
1 pouch
1 backpack
1 rucksack
1 spare foldable bag
Ipad
Camera
Chargers for phone and camera
Spare memory card
Hand fan
Cap
Toiletries - bath gel, shampoo, shaving set , toothbrush, toothpaste, hairgel, cologne
Traveling first aid kit - panadol, charcoal tables, antihistamine, anti diarrhea, herbal tea, handy plast and gauze
Sunglasses
Contact lenses
Sunblock
Moisturizer
Lip balm
Mini mag light (torch light)
Swiss army knife
Travelling kettle
Coffee & milo packs
Instant noodle packs
Energy bars ( maybe i'll get this in London)
Outdoor refillable water bottle
Soap powder - for washing clothes
Wire hangar - for drying clothes
Ointment for feet - after a long day of walking
Rosary
Documents
1. Passport
2. Photocopy of passport
3. Photocopy of credit cards
4. Hotel and airline booking confirmations
5. Cash - euro and pounds
Gifts for a friend in London
1 packet of achovies
1 tub of homemade cornflake cookies
1 tub of choc chip cookies
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MADRID WYD 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
412,000 pilgrims registered for #madrid11 #wyd
As of today, over 412,000 pilgrims have registered for the world youth day. It appears the numbers registering is accelerating closer to the date, as people are now surer of their calendar and hence able to commit to this great event.
It is still a far cry from the 1 million expected pilgrims, but then again it is usual for unregistered pilgrims to turn up. There will also be other groups of tourist and locals who will participate in the wyd as well as the army of volunteers locally and from abroad who will be there.
With the grace of God, the organizers of the wyd will hitbtheir expected target. They are already expecting 20,000 priest to attend this event. This brings to mind todays Gospel reading, where Jesus saw the large crowd and took pity on them for He said the harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out the labourers for his harvest.
Let this wyd be testimony that the harvest is indeed plenty, not only through those present at Madrid in person but also those present spiritually. In this testimony of faith, may the Lord of the harvest increase his laborers many folds through the calling of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Lord of the Harvest,
The harvest is abundantly plentiful, but your labourers are indeed few. Grant Lord that you may touch the hearts of your people, to open the ears of their heart to hear your gentle calling to be your true servant
Dear Lord, in todays mordernized and secular environment, the need for sincere shepherds of your flock is even more pressing. The sheep of your flock today faces many difficult challenges in our own spiritual pastures.
I also pray for those whom you have called to be priest and religious, as well as those in the seminary, that you strengthen their love and resolve in serving you. Guide them through their own journey and sturggles, so that they may continue to serve you with a faithful and sincere heart through the care of your sheep.
Lord, for those whom you are calling, help them to discern your quiet whispers in your heart. Silent the fears they have, open the path for them and guide them in their discernment.
Blessed mother, watch over those who serve your Son. These limited edition shepherds are invaluable to us. Guide them to always be faithful to your beloved Son, protect them form all harm, and comfort them in times of distress, so that they may always serve for the greater glory of your son,
Amen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It is still a far cry from the 1 million expected pilgrims, but then again it is usual for unregistered pilgrims to turn up. There will also be other groups of tourist and locals who will participate in the wyd as well as the army of volunteers locally and from abroad who will be there.
With the grace of God, the organizers of the wyd will hitbtheir expected target. They are already expecting 20,000 priest to attend this event. This brings to mind todays Gospel reading, where Jesus saw the large crowd and took pity on them for He said the harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out the labourers for his harvest.
Let this wyd be testimony that the harvest is indeed plenty, not only through those present at Madrid in person but also those present spiritually. In this testimony of faith, may the Lord of the harvest increase his laborers many folds through the calling of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Lord of the Harvest,
The harvest is abundantly plentiful, but your labourers are indeed few. Grant Lord that you may touch the hearts of your people, to open the ears of their heart to hear your gentle calling to be your true servant
Dear Lord, in todays mordernized and secular environment, the need for sincere shepherds of your flock is even more pressing. The sheep of your flock today faces many difficult challenges in our own spiritual pastures.
I also pray for those whom you have called to be priest and religious, as well as those in the seminary, that you strengthen their love and resolve in serving you. Guide them through their own journey and sturggles, so that they may continue to serve you with a faithful and sincere heart through the care of your sheep.
Lord, for those whom you are calling, help them to discern your quiet whispers in your heart. Silent the fears they have, open the path for them and guide them in their discernment.
Blessed mother, watch over those who serve your Son. These limited edition shepherds are invaluable to us. Guide them to always be faithful to your beloved Son, protect them form all harm, and comfort them in times of distress, so that they may always serve for the greater glory of your son,
Amen
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, July 4, 2011
Vaccination for #wyd @madrid11_en
The organizers of WYD is expecting approximately 1,000,000 pilgrims. As of today there is approximately 350,000 registered, with many un- registered last minute pilgrims turning up.
This alone can be can be a logistical and healthcare nightmare, not on to the pilgrms but also to the authorities of Madrid and Spain. Pilgrims will arrive from all over the world, mingling around with each other. In some cases, pilgrims will be staying in communal accomodations such as shools and community halls.
This alone is a perfect recipe for the spread of communicable diseases. While some will say that because this is God's events, he will protect us all from any harm including diseases.
I agree that is true, but God also gave us the resources and free choice to take precautions prior to our travels. If you can afford the trip to Madrid, generally you should be able to afford basic medical healthcare. Even for e largest pilgrimage in the world, the Haj, pilgrims are required to vacinate themselves before leaving for Mecca.
As such, i spoke to my doctor, who recommends a number of vaccinations, typically adminstered for large gatherings of people. The 2 recommended vaccinations are :
1. Meningococcal
2. Influenza / H1N1
In addition to this, I also received a booster for my hepatitis B vacination.
As the medical center recommends taking the vaccination over a period of time, I took my Hepatitis B booster last week, and my Meningococcal today. i will take the Influenze / H1N1 vaccine next week
I'm also considering taking a measles vaccine. I just read that the European Center for Diseases Control (ECDC Health Advisory) recommends vaccination against measles as well.
I truly recommend any and all pilgrims heading to Madrid to consult your local doctors for appropriate vaccinations. It isn't only just for your own protection, but is also a social responsibility to minimize the spread of potential communicable diseases.
If you believe there should be other types of vaccination required, pls do post it in the comments.
Again here is the list of Vaccinations :
1. Meningococcal - vaccine against meningitis
2. Influenza / H1N1
3. Hepatitis B
4. Measles
AGAIN PLEASE CONSULT YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR FOR FURTHER ADVICE !
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The Lords Promise - a message to #wyd @madrid11_en pilgrims
"And I will be your guardian wherever you will journey, and I will bring you back into this land. Neither will I dismiss you, until I have accomplished all that I have said.” ~ Genesis 28:15
God's message to Jacob, as he journeyed is very appropriate to the pilgrims heading to Madrid for the 2011 World Youth Day. It promises his protection from harm, to bring us back home and that he will always be with us.
How glorious is this message that affirms those who will make this journey from their home lands. The world youth day will not only be a physical journey, but also a journey of faith. While many will see it as a testimony of our Catholic faith, perhaps we should view it as a testimony of God's promise to all of us.
This is His promise to Jacob, as well to us, for those who walk in faith with Him. Never will He will abandon us.
My Faithful Lord,
I pray today for those whom you have called upon on this journey of faith with you. Any path taken will always be filled with dangers, obstacles and distraction. Likewise, any journey that we take with you, will be one of dangers and obstacles.
Lord, as you have promised Jacob, be with us on our journey with you. Grant us your protection and strength, and most importantly Lord, when we are tired, hurt and in distress, teach us to always seek you as our faithful companion on our journey.
You call the tired and weary to you for your yoke is light. As we exhaust ourselves in this journey with you, grant us your healing rest, that we may refresh ourselves in you.
Mary, blessed mother of God, teach us to be faithful companions of your beloved son Jesus. As we walk this path with Him, through the brightest of days or the darkest of nights, grant us your guding light on this path of our.
Amen
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Sunday, July 3, 2011
Bringing souveniers and gifts for exchange @madrid11_en #wyd
WHEW! Just went out today to buy some stuff for my trip to Madrid. I have read that it is good to bring some souveniers from your home country, to share and exchange with the people we meet along the way.
So today, i went to central market (a well known place to purchase Malaysian souveniers and crafts) and managed to find some very affordable gifts. It was so affordable that i think i went overboard and purchased way too many!
I found these lovely key chains at a very reasonable prices, in various designs depicting well known Malaysian icons, or cultural symbols. So. I went ahead and bought 60 pieces! I think i over did it. Well if i have too many at the end of the day, i will just hand it out to anyone i meet .
While i was there i also purchased a large Malaysian flag, to waive in the air at any events! (Yes despite the shit that we read in the news about our country, i do still love my country) And also a disposable poncho for the summer rain. All in all, about a good RM 75 spent for this.
Here is another close up shot of some of the key chains
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Bringing my iPad2 for @madrid11_en #wyd to blog
So in my previous posting, i mentioned that i have been planning for this Wyd for quite a while. Among one of the plans was to document my journey on a blog such as this that you are reading now.
I initially planned to purchase a mini PC or netbook, which is light weight and cheap, but then the tablet revolution took place nad the iPad was launched. I waited till this year to get the iPad, which the current up to date model is the iPad2 .
My criteria of the purchase was that it had to be lightweight, able to handle pictures and movies, easy to connect to the internet and approximatte within an rm 2k budget I guess my iPad2 fell within the category, except for the pricing, as i decided to purchase the highest end one i.e. 64gb 3g+Wifi. I even purchase a SD card reader to extract photos from my camera. Luckily i purchased it online and had it delivered to my office. There isn't any stock in retail despite the launch about a month ago!
Well as you can see the iPad has served me well as my primary blogging tool.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, July 1, 2011
Why I am going to #wyd @madrid11_en
Some people have asked me why i am going to Madrid for the world youth day, and many have asked what i hope to achieve out of the wyd.
Honestly i do not know what i hope to achieve. I know 3 years ago, i wanted to go to the sydney wyd, but i was unable to, as it was avery busy year for Choice, and i did not have that many days of leave.I followed the wyd very closely online, reading blogs and news artciles, watching videos of the event, and really wishing i was there. It was then that i decided that i would attend the next wyd, where ever it may be held, and started my planning since then.
Hoever i still do not know why i am going to the wyd, and i can only answer that i am going there for the experience. Many people have testified to great miracles at the world youth day, including finding thie life direction and vocation at the wyd. For me, i do not even know what i am seeking , or what i hope to achieve
I know that the wyd is the single largest expression of our catholic faith, and the largest gathering of catholics from aroudn the world. It is definately more then a large picnic for rowdy youths, but actually an event that shows the world that our catholic faith is alive, relevant and happening!
Despite not knowing why i am going to madrid, i know that i felt called to it, and that ive been planning this for 3 years. Although i can't say that i am jumping up and down in excitement, there is a growing anticipation for the event building in my heart. I have been further blessed with a job in Malaysia Airlines, enabling me to travel to the wyd at a fraction of the price that most pilgrims will have to pay.
So i guess, i will go to the wyd with simple objective, to encounter Christ in all the pilgrims that he has called to Him in Madrid. That i will partake in this expression of faith, to meet like minded catholics from around the world, and to grow spiritually through the sessions held.
What can i expect? Well i decided to set expectations to a minimum, but i hope to have a prayerful week in Madrid. I look forward to adoration of the blessed sacraments around the city, to learn more about my faith and at a very minimum, a break from my hectic busy life.
Todays reading from Deutreronomy struck me as very relevant .
"For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you so that you would be his particular people out of all the peoples who are upon the earth."
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Honestly i do not know what i hope to achieve. I know 3 years ago, i wanted to go to the sydney wyd, but i was unable to, as it was avery busy year for Choice, and i did not have that many days of leave.I followed the wyd very closely online, reading blogs and news artciles, watching videos of the event, and really wishing i was there. It was then that i decided that i would attend the next wyd, where ever it may be held, and started my planning since then.
Hoever i still do not know why i am going to the wyd, and i can only answer that i am going there for the experience. Many people have testified to great miracles at the world youth day, including finding thie life direction and vocation at the wyd. For me, i do not even know what i am seeking , or what i hope to achieve
I know that the wyd is the single largest expression of our catholic faith, and the largest gathering of catholics from aroudn the world. It is definately more then a large picnic for rowdy youths, but actually an event that shows the world that our catholic faith is alive, relevant and happening!
Despite not knowing why i am going to madrid, i know that i felt called to it, and that ive been planning this for 3 years. Although i can't say that i am jumping up and down in excitement, there is a growing anticipation for the event building in my heart. I have been further blessed with a job in Malaysia Airlines, enabling me to travel to the wyd at a fraction of the price that most pilgrims will have to pay.
So i guess, i will go to the wyd with simple objective, to encounter Christ in all the pilgrims that he has called to Him in Madrid. That i will partake in this expression of faith, to meet like minded catholics from around the world, and to grow spiritually through the sessions held.
What can i expect? Well i decided to set expectations to a minimum, but i hope to have a prayerful week in Madrid. I look forward to adoration of the blessed sacraments around the city, to learn more about my faith and at a very minimum, a break from my hectic busy life.
Todays reading from Deutreronomy struck me as very relevant .
"For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you so that you would be his particular people out of all the peoples who are upon the earth."
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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