Scribe for Run 1504 ( 21-10-2003 )
by Suzanne Todd
Mon, 10 Nov 2003
After a three year absence, Dave and I returned to
Melaka on our way to Sydney, Australia. We had planned our trip so that we
could enjoy a run with MH3. We set out for Durian Tunggal, with only these
directions - "look for signs after the overpass." Apparently, some things
haven't changed at all around here. The directions are still
sketchy! Never mind, we found the run and received a wonderfully warm
reception from many familiar faces - Marion, Lee Sin Fatt, Dr. Dave, Robert
Choe, Holly and so many others.
At 6 o'clock sharp, Dr. Dave conducted the warmup,
and we all took off. There were only seven front runners, and Dave and I
were two of them. Apparently, most people still go in early. When we
came upon the first check, my eyes could not believe that Lee was joining the
paper. I wondered if I was in an altered universe. My memory of Lee
Sin Fatt was seeing the back of his shorts as he sped away from checks, and here
he was joining paper! Shortly after that, the other front runners
disappeared and left us in their dust. Dave and I muddled through the rest
of this up and down run through tangles of prickly vines and undergrowth.
Although this run was only about 8 km, it took us over an hour to complete
it. I like to think it was the heat that slowed us down, but truthfully,
we were just out of shape. When we finally arrived at the runsite again,
there was a crowd of hashers I had not seen earlier - the early starters and non
runners. It was great to catch up with Vijai, Raman, Chinnathambi, Lynn,
Gopal, Balan, Grace, Laughing Boy and more.
The GM, naturally, called on me to sit on
ice. I was expecting this to happen, but the ice still took my breath
away. Once I gave an explanation for my three-year absence, I was
on-downed and allowed to get off the ice. Dave, of course, was invited to
take a seat next. Others were required to take a freezing seat as
well -- Ho, Pak Sek Koh (hare) and GM Balan for showing up at the runsite
late. Had Alex Khoo been there, he would have been seated; however, he had
cleverly avoided the runsite and gone directly to the on-on.
The On-On was held at the Dog. The food was
as familiar as if I'd had it yesterday. Had Dave and I been smart, we
would have left after the last dish. Unfortunately, poor judgment made us
stay until late. It was 2 a.m. before we arrived home. It was a hash
to remember.
I'd like to extend many thanks to MH3 for the
hospitality we received at this homecoming. I didn't expect I would know
anyone anymore, but it was just like old times. I'd also like to thank the
hare for providing the food. We enjoyed seeing all of you and wish you the
very best in hashing.
Sincerely,
Sue Todd