Monday, December 18, 2006
Desaru
Day 1
After 3 days of fun in Desaru, Malaysia, I am back. Below is a short summary of what hath passed in those fun-filled 3 days. The trip started with a car ride to NUS SRC and then some physical exercise carrying the surfboards and paddles out of the store to the loading bay. I placed 2 more sets of flippers into my bag and then we were off via bus to our destination. On the way to Tanah Merah MRT station, JK and myself were listening to a senior talk of life and the working world. It is interesting to realise how complex and sad the real world is. So much pain and suffering..... After picking up the rest of the team from Tanah Merah MRT Station, we proceed to Changi Ferry Terminal which incidentally was within visual distance of an all-too familar place for many Singaporean males: SAF Ferry Terminal. We waited there for 1 hour before being allowed through the gates into the ferry. The ferry was surprisingly modern and comfortable. I enjoyed the view and soon we were at Desaru. Customs was a breeze and our transport was there waiting for us. The bus ride to hotel was uncomfortable as the bus was cramped and our luggage was on us. The hotel looked great. We deposited our bags in 1 room then went to the sea to play. This sea looked slightly more wavy than sentosa. We all played in the sea until around 6pm at which we changed and went for dinner.
Dinner was kind of normal if not disappointing. The food was poorly cooked and rather ordinary but then again it was a buffet.
After dinner, we went to the karaoke room to watch the seniors sing songs and we played cards. I had a beer to ease the culture shock but unfortunately being in Singapore for too long did not prepare me for the shock of people smoking in the same room.
It seems that in Malaysia it is okay to smoke in an air-conditioned room. Yes, I did not know that but still it was shocking.
The day ended with me going back to my room and sleeping at close to 12 midnight.
Day 2
We woke up at 7.30 am for breakfast. I had my morning shower and when I came out, I was shocked to see my 2 female course mates in my room. Thankfully, I was fully dressed abeit shocked. We then proceeded to breakfast. Breakfast was much better with the typical continental breakfast spread with a Malaysian twist of Nasi Lemak and Udon.
10am we went to the beach to train our beach skills. Despite having trained in Singapore for many of the beach events, the waves in Desaru were quite a different challenge. For 1 they were much bigger and stronger. When I first tried swimming against the waves, I was sent back to the starting point. After the instruction of Mr Sim, our coach, we were taught how to swim and surf against strong waves. This helped us to swim further out to sea and also to enjoy the sensation of being carried by the waves back to the shore on our return leg.
The usual competition occurred and my team won. Though I didnt contribute much to helping my team win but still I tried my best and that is what I am proud of.
Training ended at 4 pm to give us an hour to bathe, change and do some laundry. We then boarded 2 vans and went to a fish farm owned by our coach's friend for dinner. The fish farm wasnt fantastic but at least I got to see some groupers and lobsters. Dinner on the other hand was great. The resident mosquitoes came and disturbed our dinner but they left after a while. Guess Singaporean blood isnt very nice.
Next came the fireflies. We went to a special place near the water's edge to look at fireflies and werent disappointed. The brightness of the light was surprising given the size of the firefly which is no bigger than the mosquito. I would say thats the reason they only appear at night so no one will mistake them for mozzies. Haha.
Next stop was grocery shopping and gum buying. I got chips and drinks for the match along with a few boxes of gum of sharing with friends. Bought a large Kit Kat ice cream cone for SGD $1. Happily enjoying the company of friends while playing poker with chewing gum stakes. In the end, I fell asleep watching the AC Milan-Fiorentina match.
Day 3
Packed up my stuff, went for a good breakfast and had 1 last swim in the sea with my new found friends/seniors. The waves that day were larger and stronger than the days before but I was well trained to deal with them though I dared not venture as far as the day before as it wasnt a formal training so no need to push too hard.
Went back to change and bathe then home.
In all, the trip was unforgettable. I never had so much fun learning something important for my future survival. After returning to Singapore, life has not been as fun with sickness and other disappointments. Perhaps after the high of Desaru, nothing is fun anymore.
A.V.
Day 1
After 3 days of fun in Desaru, Malaysia, I am back. Below is a short summary of what hath passed in those fun-filled 3 days. The trip started with a car ride to NUS SRC and then some physical exercise carrying the surfboards and paddles out of the store to the loading bay. I placed 2 more sets of flippers into my bag and then we were off via bus to our destination. On the way to Tanah Merah MRT station, JK and myself were listening to a senior talk of life and the working world. It is interesting to realise how complex and sad the real world is. So much pain and suffering..... After picking up the rest of the team from Tanah Merah MRT Station, we proceed to Changi Ferry Terminal which incidentally was within visual distance of an all-too familar place for many Singaporean males: SAF Ferry Terminal. We waited there for 1 hour before being allowed through the gates into the ferry. The ferry was surprisingly modern and comfortable. I enjoyed the view and soon we were at Desaru. Customs was a breeze and our transport was there waiting for us. The bus ride to hotel was uncomfortable as the bus was cramped and our luggage was on us. The hotel looked great. We deposited our bags in 1 room then went to the sea to play. This sea looked slightly more wavy than sentosa. We all played in the sea until around 6pm at which we changed and went for dinner.
Dinner was kind of normal if not disappointing. The food was poorly cooked and rather ordinary but then again it was a buffet.
After dinner, we went to the karaoke room to watch the seniors sing songs and we played cards. I had a beer to ease the culture shock but unfortunately being in Singapore for too long did not prepare me for the shock of people smoking in the same room.
It seems that in Malaysia it is okay to smoke in an air-conditioned room. Yes, I did not know that but still it was shocking.
The day ended with me going back to my room and sleeping at close to 12 midnight.
Day 2
We woke up at 7.30 am for breakfast. I had my morning shower and when I came out, I was shocked to see my 2 female course mates in my room. Thankfully, I was fully dressed abeit shocked. We then proceeded to breakfast. Breakfast was much better with the typical continental breakfast spread with a Malaysian twist of Nasi Lemak and Udon.
10am we went to the beach to train our beach skills. Despite having trained in Singapore for many of the beach events, the waves in Desaru were quite a different challenge. For 1 they were much bigger and stronger. When I first tried swimming against the waves, I was sent back to the starting point. After the instruction of Mr Sim, our coach, we were taught how to swim and surf against strong waves. This helped us to swim further out to sea and also to enjoy the sensation of being carried by the waves back to the shore on our return leg.
The usual competition occurred and my team won. Though I didnt contribute much to helping my team win but still I tried my best and that is what I am proud of.
Training ended at 4 pm to give us an hour to bathe, change and do some laundry. We then boarded 2 vans and went to a fish farm owned by our coach's friend for dinner. The fish farm wasnt fantastic but at least I got to see some groupers and lobsters. Dinner on the other hand was great. The resident mosquitoes came and disturbed our dinner but they left after a while. Guess Singaporean blood isnt very nice.
Next came the fireflies. We went to a special place near the water's edge to look at fireflies and werent disappointed. The brightness of the light was surprising given the size of the firefly which is no bigger than the mosquito. I would say thats the reason they only appear at night so no one will mistake them for mozzies. Haha.
Next stop was grocery shopping and gum buying. I got chips and drinks for the match along with a few boxes of gum of sharing with friends. Bought a large Kit Kat ice cream cone for SGD $1. Happily enjoying the company of friends while playing poker with chewing gum stakes. In the end, I fell asleep watching the AC Milan-Fiorentina match.
Day 3
Packed up my stuff, went for a good breakfast and had 1 last swim in the sea with my new found friends/seniors. The waves that day were larger and stronger than the days before but I was well trained to deal with them though I dared not venture as far as the day before as it wasnt a formal training so no need to push too hard.
Went back to change and bathe then home.
In all, the trip was unforgettable. I never had so much fun learning something important for my future survival. After returning to Singapore, life has not been as fun with sickness and other disappointments. Perhaps after the high of Desaru, nothing is fun anymore.
A.V.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Hi all,
I will be outta Singapore from the 15th of December till 17th of December. The place I will be is Desaru soaking the sun rays, enjoying the beach and having fun.
Anything important or urgent, sms me. I dunno if i have internet access there.
Ciao!
Ian
I will be outta Singapore from the 15th of December till 17th of December. The place I will be is Desaru soaking the sun rays, enjoying the beach and having fun.
Anything important or urgent, sms me. I dunno if i have internet access there.
Ciao!
Ian
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
| Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss" |
 Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive |
What Does Your Candy Heart Say?
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
| Your Birthdate: January 24 |
 Number of True Loves You'll Have: 4 Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 1 You are most compatible with people born on the 6th, 15th, and 24th of the month. |
What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?
The past few days have been at best interesting. Spending time catching up with my dynamic thrio of JC frens, meeting new frens etc....
Seems to me, I havent changed much. Still the same old Ian. Oh well....
Seems to me, I havent changed much. Still the same old Ian. Oh well....
Monday, December 11, 2006
Today, we learn the meaning of true friends and self reflection.
I wont go into details but lets say i got some issues that need to be pointed out by my friends and reflected by me.
Lets hope the long talk we had will not be wasted.
Ian
I wont go into details but lets say i got some issues that need to be pointed out by my friends and reflected by me.
Lets hope the long talk we had will not be wasted.
Ian
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Wasted chances!!!!!
Today was a day where i missed chances both on the pitch with my new pair of street soccer shoes and off pitch by not going to meet my LS frens.
The day started early, very early. 7 am to be exact. I woke up early for my first driving lesson in 8 months. Yes, that long. The lesson was fruitful and I learnt some new skills. Hope to use them soon.
I rushed home, changed and went with meet my bro Chris for shopping at Queensway. Dropped my stuff off at his place and then we went with JD to Queensway.
There we met my godsis Wan Ting and her fren Michelle. Bought my shoes and 3 pairs of socks before going Anchorpoint for a drink. After that we went back to Chris place to chill before going for soccer at NP.
Soccer was fun, though my ankle is slightly injured. Had dinner with Aaron and SK. Reminiced the good times in SJI when we saw Nicholas Liu. Its a small world aint it?
Went home.
Ian
Today was a day where i missed chances both on the pitch with my new pair of street soccer shoes and off pitch by not going to meet my LS frens.
The day started early, very early. 7 am to be exact. I woke up early for my first driving lesson in 8 months. Yes, that long. The lesson was fruitful and I learnt some new skills. Hope to use them soon.
I rushed home, changed and went with meet my bro Chris for shopping at Queensway. Dropped my stuff off at his place and then we went with JD to Queensway.
There we met my godsis Wan Ting and her fren Michelle. Bought my shoes and 3 pairs of socks before going Anchorpoint for a drink. After that we went back to Chris place to chill before going for soccer at NP.
Soccer was fun, though my ankle is slightly injured. Had dinner with Aaron and SK. Reminiced the good times in SJI when we saw Nicholas Liu. Its a small world aint it?
Went home.
Ian
Day 2 of Freedom
Woke up at ard 8 + to have breakfast and then went to prep some stuff. At ard 12, I left from home to orchard to meet some frens for lunch. Had Burger King and a protein bar. Protein overload!!!!!! Yummy!!!!
After my hearty lunch (high in cholestrol, thus very hearty), I walked to Dhoby Ghaut Mrt to go to Harbourfront and then Vivocity. When I got there, I was stuned how large it was. Its like Orchard Road in 1 building. Lots of shops and lots of food courts. Kinda cool.
Went up to the cinema to book the tickets for Happy Feet. Walked ard for a while. Vivocity is 1 big closed loop with has 5 floors. Real nice place.
Then came Yixin. Both of us went for a short exploration b4 the movie. I bought popcorn and a drink to keep my hunger down.
Happy Feet is a great movie. It suits the little kids who love cartoons and cute animals. It also suits young adults like me and Yixin who like a good story as well as a deep meaning to the plot. A must-see if you believe in love no matter what or how.
After the movie, we exited the cinema. I turned around towards the exit and towards the famous/infamous GV exit to the stores, we saw a terrifying site: a door with no doorknob. Worse was that the GV staff decided it was funny to make the door back to the cinema 1 way. Luckily they opened the door and we exited fromk another exit. On the way out of the cinema, i saw my ex-classmate Corrina. Its a small w0rld after all.
We then walked ard looking for stuff to buy or look at. Yixin felt it was not that impressive and I agree. I didnt see anything that was outstanding or caught my attention except the Barcelona shop in the Spanish Alley on the 1st floor. Bought a Puyol folder for use in uni.
Dinner was simple. I had Thunder Tea Rice which is 90% fibre and carbohydrates. Nice stuff. After that, we walked ard the 3rd floor and enjoying the scenery. Ice cream came next. We had Brazzio Gelato. They rock.
The day wasnt perfect because it seems i cant eat too much fibre and carbs cause it gives me a gastric problem. Shows how long i havent been trying new types of food. Despite my unease which was nothing in the end, i sent Yixin home and we chatted about sch. It seems her tennis team mate in NTU was my ex-classmate from SJI. Once again its a small world after all!!!!
In all, the 7th of December has been the most fun day of my holiday. Hope there will be another day which will be better.
A.V.
Woke up at ard 8 + to have breakfast and then went to prep some stuff. At ard 12, I left from home to orchard to meet some frens for lunch. Had Burger King and a protein bar. Protein overload!!!!!! Yummy!!!!
After my hearty lunch (high in cholestrol, thus very hearty), I walked to Dhoby Ghaut Mrt to go to Harbourfront and then Vivocity. When I got there, I was stuned how large it was. Its like Orchard Road in 1 building. Lots of shops and lots of food courts. Kinda cool.
Went up to the cinema to book the tickets for Happy Feet. Walked ard for a while. Vivocity is 1 big closed loop with has 5 floors. Real nice place.
Then came Yixin. Both of us went for a short exploration b4 the movie. I bought popcorn and a drink to keep my hunger down.
Happy Feet is a great movie. It suits the little kids who love cartoons and cute animals. It also suits young adults like me and Yixin who like a good story as well as a deep meaning to the plot. A must-see if you believe in love no matter what or how.
After the movie, we exited the cinema. I turned around towards the exit and towards the famous/infamous GV exit to the stores, we saw a terrifying site: a door with no doorknob. Worse was that the GV staff decided it was funny to make the door back to the cinema 1 way. Luckily they opened the door and we exited fromk another exit. On the way out of the cinema, i saw my ex-classmate Corrina. Its a small w0rld after all.
We then walked ard looking for stuff to buy or look at. Yixin felt it was not that impressive and I agree. I didnt see anything that was outstanding or caught my attention except the Barcelona shop in the Spanish Alley on the 1st floor. Bought a Puyol folder for use in uni.
Dinner was simple. I had Thunder Tea Rice which is 90% fibre and carbohydrates. Nice stuff. After that, we walked ard the 3rd floor and enjoying the scenery. Ice cream came next. We had Brazzio Gelato. They rock.
The day wasnt perfect because it seems i cant eat too much fibre and carbs cause it gives me a gastric problem. Shows how long i havent been trying new types of food. Despite my unease which was nothing in the end, i sent Yixin home and we chatted about sch. It seems her tennis team mate in NTU was my ex-classmate from SJI. Once again its a small world after all!!!!
In all, the 7th of December has been the most fun day of my holiday. Hope there will be another day which will be better.
A.V.
First Day Of Freedom
The day started with me waking up and going jogging. Well, i jogged for 2 hours and went home to have breakfast which was simple. A simple meal for a big day ahead. The things I had to do included making my PDL, going my driving centre to fix appointments and going K Box.
So at 10, left my house on my journey to clementi. It was short but good. The taste of 'no need to study' is very sweet. As I walked, i reflected on how crap life has been since uni started. Not that bad but quite bad.
My reflective mood brought me to Clementi Post Office. There i made my PDL and spent 25 bucks on a piece of green paper which enables me to drive on Singapore roads with the guidance of a driving instructor. Oh well, scalped by the goverment, who doesnt get scalped anyway....
Next came my long walk. Since the weather wasnt too hot and I had time to kill. I attempted to walk from Clementi to Bukit Gombak. My planned route of advance was Clementi to Jurong then North through Bukit Batok.
Overall, the plan worked. I made it to BBDC and made my appointments. The walk itself was an achievement for a slacker like me who walks only 1.3 km from the nearest bus stop to his house. My estimate for my 'long march' was about 10km. Probably I overestimated and it was much less. We are all entitled to have our boasting moments.
Then, came to rush to Clementi K Box for a 5 hour singing session with my OG mates. It was fantastic!!!!! We sang songs like Tong Hua, Somewhere out there and others. A relatively cheap outing ard 15 bucks. It was the friendship bonds reforged that made me most happy.
Ian
The day started with me waking up and going jogging. Well, i jogged for 2 hours and went home to have breakfast which was simple. A simple meal for a big day ahead. The things I had to do included making my PDL, going my driving centre to fix appointments and going K Box.
So at 10, left my house on my journey to clementi. It was short but good. The taste of 'no need to study' is very sweet. As I walked, i reflected on how crap life has been since uni started. Not that bad but quite bad.
My reflective mood brought me to Clementi Post Office. There i made my PDL and spent 25 bucks on a piece of green paper which enables me to drive on Singapore roads with the guidance of a driving instructor. Oh well, scalped by the goverment, who doesnt get scalped anyway....
Next came my long walk. Since the weather wasnt too hot and I had time to kill. I attempted to walk from Clementi to Bukit Gombak. My planned route of advance was Clementi to Jurong then North through Bukit Batok.
Overall, the plan worked. I made it to BBDC and made my appointments. The walk itself was an achievement for a slacker like me who walks only 1.3 km from the nearest bus stop to his house. My estimate for my 'long march' was about 10km. Probably I overestimated and it was much less. We are all entitled to have our boasting moments.
Then, came to rush to Clementi K Box for a 5 hour singing session with my OG mates. It was fantastic!!!!! We sang songs like Tong Hua, Somewhere out there and others. A relatively cheap outing ard 15 bucks. It was the friendship bonds reforged that made me most happy.
Ian
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
And So It Ends
After 1 week of study and 2 weeks of studying and exams, I finally finished my first round of 8 rounds of exams in NUS. The experience was interesting. Seeing so many people in one place doing 1 thing: Mugging/ Studying!!!! Its amazing how a bunch of people can study for hours and not tire. I guess its training and a lot of discipline. I can study just not as long or as focussed as some of my fellow uni undergrads. Then again, I have not been in a pressure cooker school in my life before. SJI and CJC thought me how to 'keep your studying to home'. Public Display of Studying of PDS wasnt fashionable. :)
Now begins a phase revamping my blog, ie changing the skin, updating the side bar, etc... This is long over due like a library book from RBR you brought home for the weekend.
This week's activities are gonna be touch and go. Today, I intend to go exercise, settle my driving (renew my PDL and book my lessons), go Kboxing with my OG mates and prob sleep early.
Tomorrow, driving and movie with frens.
Friday, Driving and shopping then dinner with SK and Chris.
Saturday, Beach Training and Soccer Night.
Sunday, Driving and meeting Alex and Marcus, I think.
The plans for next week, I worry about them later.
Might update more in the next few days. Going to hit the tracks now.
Ciao!!!!
Arugono!!!!
After 1 week of study and 2 weeks of studying and exams, I finally finished my first round of 8 rounds of exams in NUS. The experience was interesting. Seeing so many people in one place doing 1 thing: Mugging/ Studying!!!! Its amazing how a bunch of people can study for hours and not tire. I guess its training and a lot of discipline. I can study just not as long or as focussed as some of my fellow uni undergrads. Then again, I have not been in a pressure cooker school in my life before. SJI and CJC thought me how to 'keep your studying to home'. Public Display of Studying of PDS wasnt fashionable. :)
Now begins a phase revamping my blog, ie changing the skin, updating the side bar, etc... This is long over due like a library book from RBR you brought home for the weekend.
This week's activities are gonna be touch and go. Today, I intend to go exercise, settle my driving (renew my PDL and book my lessons), go Kboxing with my OG mates and prob sleep early.
Tomorrow, driving and movie with frens.
Friday, Driving and shopping then dinner with SK and Chris.
Saturday, Beach Training and Soccer Night.
Sunday, Driving and meeting Alex and Marcus, I think.
The plans for next week, I worry about them later.
Might update more in the next few days. Going to hit the tracks now.
Ciao!!!!
Arugono!!!!
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