June | 2010 | Iamalaysian

Dear Lenovo,

It is sad and a tragedy that your laptop that you sold to me was faulty since the day I bought it. On my 3rd day of being the owner, I had to send it back for warranty claim.

You said sorry.

After the repair, your technical people had proudly said that it won’t be anymore problem. If it still does, I can get it fixed ANYWHERE on earth for FREE. But weeks ago, I had to ship it back to Malaysia at my own expenses because, again, it was faulty.

Again, you said sorry.

I sent it back on my own expenses and waited eagerly to get back on track with my work. But today is a total MAJOR disappointment, the laptop you sent back is badly bashed and broken.

Hello, are you sorry again?

Are you going to that it’s not your fault?

Will you ship another one to me?

If so, when and where?

Is it in London?

Is it going to be an empty laptop with just Windows OS inside?

Dear Lenovo,

Please know that the laptop that has been giving me problem since day one is my bread and butter. I hope you understand what I mean. I need it to put food on my table for this trip and pay for my roof over my head. Without it, I might soon have to call this ride off because I just can’t afford it anymore.

And of course, you are going to say that it’s not your fault again.

Please bear in mind too, the laptop is not just for the trip. It’s my ticket back to home too. My files are all in there. My trip files and important documents are in there. Everything related to this ride is in there; password, clearance, contact, links, copies of approval and border clearances. Basically, my whole world is in there.

In a plain five simple words, my life depends on it.

I need it urgently and it has been almost a month. Yes, I can read your thoughts, you are going to say that I should’ve backed them all up and have hard copies with me all the time. Are you asking me to print all the details of everything for 27 countries on papers and carry it with me? I am only riding a small bike not driving a truck.

It’s an opportunity lost for me all this time, so don’t let it be yours too.

Khoda Hafez.

Waiting here endlessly,
Hadi Hussien.

Tuesday, 8 June 2010. Was up by 7am staring at the sky. It was gloomy and there was a sign that it was going to be stormy too.

Went downstairs and warmed Lil G. To go or not to go? My permit was only valid for a day. Out for breakfast hoping that the weather would eased on me. It was not getting any better but it was not raining so off I went with Lil G. By 9.30am, we were already riding uphill. Nice and superb view…breathtakingly beautiful.

But the moment was short-lived, the snow storm came rushing in. Talk about having fun, eh. The storm stayed awhile but the snow kept pouring down all the way. Surprisingly, Lil G was purring with pure relaxation in the weather. As long as her engine is warm, she is running smoothly without hiccup. Ride lasted for about one and a half good hour to the top.

Yes, we’ve made it! We have reached the summit of Khardung La!

The summit was jam-packed with tourists and locals alike, so, it was not easy to get a spot for us. We were trying so hard to squeeze ourselves in-between the crowds and traffics. But we managed, haha, I had to pull my stomach in.

My shoes was already wet and freezing; trying to walk on numb feet in the snow seems funny to me. I am so not geared for this but hey, I’m already here! I am not going to mope about my numb feet and not enjoying the moment. I had fun taking pictures and waited for the right moment before I finally got G to pose for history.

Yes, HISTORY.

I am the 1st Malaysians to made it here solo on a Malaysian-made bike. Others may have made it and said they made it big. Big bikes, yes. In a group, yes. Solo on a Malaysian-made Kapcai? Hardly so…

Had some moments with her on the top and as usual, people asking the same typical questions. How much, how fast. Guess I better print some t-shirts with details on it. Hahaha…this reminds me Forrest Gump’s ‘Shit happens’ bumper sticker.

Oh well, then it was time to head down. Weather was not getting better. We rode very slowly and cautiously as the road was very slippery and icy. Took more than 2 hours to descend. Glad that both of us were in a very good condition. None had any problem.

I was one hungry and cold man. Reached Leh late afternoon and headed for a meal. I feasted a bit, you know. Had good food and good coffee to celebrate the achievement. Good lunch and dessert too.

It’s really satisfying to be able to do this feat for my country, even though without at least a corporate sponsor. Even without the manufacturer of the bike, who has choose to remain silent. Still. It has been almost 2 months that I sent a proposal letter. I am giving up with the thought that my letter might have ended at the recycling center and is in the process to be made as toilet rolls. Ah well…at least I tried.

I tried at least.

Went back to my room, changed my clothing and later headed to a cybercafe to empty my memory cards. Man, how I wish I have my own laptop to do my transfer and editing. Doing everything in a cybercafe is so not it; with the slow PC, the virus and what not…it takes me forever to upload. Three hours at the cybercafe and all I managed to upload was few pictures and a video. Went for dinner and headed back to my room.

The rain came again, this time with heavier drops. I now need a good sleep and plan for the next ride.

Nitey nite, people. Khoda Hafez.

Enjoy the pics and video!