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Lost in a Circle
© by Forest Ang
We camped at a secluded beach in Pangkor. The trail to the beach began from the Dutch Fort in Pulau Pangkor. It is about 10 minutes trekking to reach the secluded beach. We camped at the northern end of the beach.
There was a trail leading away from the beach to another one from our campsite. Nobody from the group wanted to explore the forest with me, so I went alone. The hike to the other beach was smooth. It took me about 30 minutes to reach there. Along the way, before reaching the other beach, there was a stream. I noticed that somebody had just taken a “flower bath” as there were fresh flowers in the stream.
“Flower bath” is usually taken when someone wanted to wash away the “bad” spirit or bad luck from the body. Usually 7 different flowers were used. They were mixed with a pail of water and the “holy” water is used for bathing.
The beach was beautiful with crystal clear water and abundant seaweed. I later came to know that the seaweed is the same kind people used for cooking. There were several small islands opposite the beach. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, I headed back to campsite. It was about 4.30 pm then. I crossed the steam again. I kept trekking along the path. I had to climb over a fallen tree. It was about chest high. An obstacle indeed. Unknowingly, there was another fallen tree. And another.
I remembered I didn’t come through with so many fallen trees. Only then did I realize it was the same fallen tree. I was "awoken". Apparently I was prevented from going back to my campsite. The obstacle that required a little climbing had awoken my “sleep”. Now, I was able to find my way back to the campsite. I did not discuss it with my friends. I am still puzzled why I was way laid into going in a circle for a couple of times. Now, I do believe when people tell me that "you will keep going in a circle when you are being bewitched by spirit".
Rule No 1: Never go forest exploring alone.
Have you any encountered to share? Email me.
Take care!
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