I dreamt that I hugged my wife. I was calm. We were watching TV and cuddling on a seat. I kissed her cheek. She had soft hair, smooth skin. It was surreal.
I'll wait for you.
ja
swollen right eye
Sunday, April 30, 2006
You and Me
This is a tale of precedents, fate and mindsets. As what I've written in my last entry, Chinook broke down at Holland V after work. So I left it there, only to collect it the next day. This was what happened the next day in which fate made me see a lot of things.
Taking the train that morning allowed me to get closer to humans outside of my asylum. What is my asylum? It consists of 2 communities; the SMU community and the motorists on the road. Yup. That's my community. Crazy huh. I never realized that there were more humans out there ever since I got Chinook.
And so I sat and watched the people in the last cabin. Weird. Kids nowadays, piercing everywhere. Nose, mouth, cheeks, tongues, eyelash. They were barely legal. I still have my resentments towards all these. Call me traditional. I dunno.
2 seats away from them, sat a pretty girl; fair, smooth skin, great locks. But one thing that was prominent among these features, were her tattoos on her right arm and right knuckles, with words written that was too small to be deciphered. Why? Why did she need to do that? Was it necessary? Shrugs. I just sat there, with questions in my head.
As I alighted at the Buona Vista MRT station, I made a phonecall to my mechanic when I realized that he still hasn't reply my message. He told me that he'd be a little late so he suggested meeting at Holland V straight away. Haiz... fine... So I'd figure I'd walk to Holland V from Buona Vista. Trying to get my bearings right, I still remember the route.
I walked through the underground pass and to my great delight a busker was getting ready to sing. I was SO happy. Don't ask me why but I love to watch musicians at work. As I placed my $1 dollar coin on his guitar casing, I squatted across him and waited for him to sing. Great voice, great guitar but people were just passing by as if he's not there. Some walked faster maybe because they feel guilty of not doing anything for him. Ok, let me explain something here.
First, he is not a beggar. He is working. Some people might contest that he is still fit enough to do other forms of work, why beg?
Point Number 1.
Answer: First, I REPEAT, he is not begging. He is working. Why not do some other forms of work? Well, that is his biggest strength. Why not ask doctor why he is not a coolie worker eventhough he is still fit and young? Stupid question to ask a doctor right? But why isn't it a stupid question when we asked that to the busker? Is what he's doing wrong? Ask yourself that question.
Do we blame culture for our society's lack of appreciation and misconception of buskers or did precedents played a part that shaped the mindset of the common man in Singapore?
Singapore has never established itself as a hub for the arts scene. Well, at least it's moving towards that direction now. Looking back, we never had people who busked on the streets. We are too shy, conservative. Worried to be judged. Worried about what people say. Besides that, I think people were too busy to survive and many were not skilled. Therefore, the attention was placed on hard labour because that was the only work with the least amount of skill.
As new generations graced the Earth, they realised that education is important. The focus was then turned towards going to school and getting a good education. Music was expensive to learn unless you learn it off from friends. The rich could afford music knowledge but none would use that knowledge to busk. Never. What did I say about being judged? Therefore, there was never a busking culture in Singapore due to reasons that we could not avoid. Well, after saying all these, I could be wrong. Just trying to find reasons, linking causal relationship between history and societal behaviour.
Or perhaps, we always associate busking to the handicaps; people with disabilities who use music as a tool to survive. There are two ways where this could go about busking. People give money to these buskers out of pity or they just appreciate the music that they're playing. Now, let's magically make these blind people have the ability to see, ceteris paribus. NOW... Will you still give drop coins to these able-bodied performers? They are not beggers may I repeat, they're just performers. And when we see able-bodied buskers perform, we question their existance, their performance. But we don't question much when we see a handicap person playing the keyboard along the busy streets of Orchard. Why so? Ask yourself. It's not as if, they stand there, with a note that says, "I'm homeless, I need money. Pity me." They're doing work. (please scroll up to refer to point number 1) They are entertaining and if you're entertained, drop some coins to show some appreciation. We're doing too much unnecessary association that the busking community can never flourished. The stigma is there.
Let me draw some parallels here. Now, what's the similarity between EIC, Robbie WIlliams or your favourite artists? They are performers, right? The only difference, their stages are at Wala Walas, King Albert Hall or National Stadium. For a busker, his stage is just the space around him. That's it. So aren't they the same? We are just associating buskers to beggers but I repeat, beggers beg and not do work, while buskers do. So don't do that, don't associate buskers to beggers. (please scroll up and refer to point number 1 if you still don't get it) Please. And when you drop your money on their guitar casing, drop it not out of pity, but out of appreciation. Ok? I'm just clearing the air here. There is certainly miscommunication between society and buskers.
I shall drop another bomb. Have you guys ever heard of Wicked Aura? The percussion group that plays samba beats along the streets of Orchard. They're buskers and people do drop in money because they appreciate their crafts and performers. Why are able-bodied guitar players considered beggers instead when they're doing the same thing as Wicked Aura. Think about that.
The Singapore community needs to understand the word "appreciation" instead of pity. This entry may be seen by only a few people who do read my blog but I hope that this message would spread and that this stigma could be removed and place a positive light on what busking is all about. Why did I raise this issue? That's because, I busked.
So, I squatted just across the busker, Kino. I can't make out the race but he could speak fluent English and Malay. He distinctively played old school stuff, Beatles and some old tunes. I observed my surroundings, and people do acknowledge his presence indicating that he is no newcomer. Not many dropped coins or notes. It came in slow. Kino looked tired and sweating profusely. Nevertheless, he never fails to smile and I could really see that he is a friendly character when he chatted up with me. He said that he was feeling sick and he was losing his voice. I could sense that. But he said, if he didn't sing, he would have nothing to eat. And so after hearing that, I went up to him and told him to rest while I took over his position. He smiled and handed over his Ibanez acoustic to me. He told he will be going to get some drinks with some of the money that he got. I started work.
Let me describe to you what I was wearing. I was wearing my striped CK shirt, Replay jeans, green DADA shoes with a scarf around my neck. I had my Kappa bag beside me with my helmet nicely placed beside it. My handphone was inside my half helmet. Not a typical outlook of a busker right? Yup. I began to sing a few numbers ranging from Iris by Goo Goo Dolls, You're A God by Vertical Horizon and You and Me by Lifehouse. Many people passed by and I observed discreetly each and everyone of them. There were the school children who dare not look at me. There were the office workers who scurried hurrily past me. There was the Caucasian dude who dropped $2 dollars on the guitar casing and said "Good job dude" My first $2 dollars as a busker, from a non-local. I was thinking who would be the next one. I hope it's a local. While singing to You and Me, I saw this Malay lady who was looking at me with this inquisitive look while she was passing by. I smiled and carried on singing and looked at the other direction. To my surprise, she returned and placed $2 dollars on the casing. There's still hope for the locals. I thanked her and in my heart prayed for her safety to wherever she was heading to. Oh! Where's Kino?
Lol, he was busy complaining on how expensive the drinks are. $1.40 each for a 100 Plus. Lol. Cute fella. I passed the guitar back to him and told him to take care. Chinook was already waiting for me. He looked at me, smiled and thanked me.
Buskers, they ain't no beggars. (please refer to point number 1 above if you STILL don't get it) That's what Kino tried to explain to me. I feel for you Kino because I experienced them first hand.
This is EXACTLY what it looked like when I busked. I was just cuter and better dressed than this chap here. Oh, and there was no dog in the guitar casing. hehe.
ja
Singaporeans conservatism lead to their lack of compassion
Taking the train that morning allowed me to get closer to humans outside of my asylum. What is my asylum? It consists of 2 communities; the SMU community and the motorists on the road. Yup. That's my community. Crazy huh. I never realized that there were more humans out there ever since I got Chinook.
And so I sat and watched the people in the last cabin. Weird. Kids nowadays, piercing everywhere. Nose, mouth, cheeks, tongues, eyelash. They were barely legal. I still have my resentments towards all these. Call me traditional. I dunno.
2 seats away from them, sat a pretty girl; fair, smooth skin, great locks. But one thing that was prominent among these features, were her tattoos on her right arm and right knuckles, with words written that was too small to be deciphered. Why? Why did she need to do that? Was it necessary? Shrugs. I just sat there, with questions in my head.
As I alighted at the Buona Vista MRT station, I made a phonecall to my mechanic when I realized that he still hasn't reply my message. He told me that he'd be a little late so he suggested meeting at Holland V straight away. Haiz... fine... So I'd figure I'd walk to Holland V from Buona Vista. Trying to get my bearings right, I still remember the route.
I walked through the underground pass and to my great delight a busker was getting ready to sing. I was SO happy. Don't ask me why but I love to watch musicians at work. As I placed my $1 dollar coin on his guitar casing, I squatted across him and waited for him to sing. Great voice, great guitar but people were just passing by as if he's not there. Some walked faster maybe because they feel guilty of not doing anything for him. Ok, let me explain something here.
First, he is not a beggar. He is working. Some people might contest that he is still fit enough to do other forms of work, why beg?
Point Number 1.
Answer: First, I REPEAT, he is not begging. He is working. Why not do some other forms of work? Well, that is his biggest strength. Why not ask doctor why he is not a coolie worker eventhough he is still fit and young? Stupid question to ask a doctor right? But why isn't it a stupid question when we asked that to the busker? Is what he's doing wrong? Ask yourself that question.
Do we blame culture for our society's lack of appreciation and misconception of buskers or did precedents played a part that shaped the mindset of the common man in Singapore?
Singapore has never established itself as a hub for the arts scene. Well, at least it's moving towards that direction now. Looking back, we never had people who busked on the streets. We are too shy, conservative. Worried to be judged. Worried about what people say. Besides that, I think people were too busy to survive and many were not skilled. Therefore, the attention was placed on hard labour because that was the only work with the least amount of skill.
As new generations graced the Earth, they realised that education is important. The focus was then turned towards going to school and getting a good education. Music was expensive to learn unless you learn it off from friends. The rich could afford music knowledge but none would use that knowledge to busk. Never. What did I say about being judged? Therefore, there was never a busking culture in Singapore due to reasons that we could not avoid. Well, after saying all these, I could be wrong. Just trying to find reasons, linking causal relationship between history and societal behaviour.
Or perhaps, we always associate busking to the handicaps; people with disabilities who use music as a tool to survive. There are two ways where this could go about busking. People give money to these buskers out of pity or they just appreciate the music that they're playing. Now, let's magically make these blind people have the ability to see, ceteris paribus. NOW... Will you still give drop coins to these able-bodied performers? They are not beggers may I repeat, they're just performers. And when we see able-bodied buskers perform, we question their existance, their performance. But we don't question much when we see a handicap person playing the keyboard along the busy streets of Orchard. Why so? Ask yourself. It's not as if, they stand there, with a note that says, "I'm homeless, I need money. Pity me." They're doing work. (please scroll up to refer to point number 1) They are entertaining and if you're entertained, drop some coins to show some appreciation. We're doing too much unnecessary association that the busking community can never flourished. The stigma is there.
Let me draw some parallels here. Now, what's the similarity between EIC, Robbie WIlliams or your favourite artists? They are performers, right? The only difference, their stages are at Wala Walas, King Albert Hall or National Stadium. For a busker, his stage is just the space around him. That's it. So aren't they the same? We are just associating buskers to beggers but I repeat, beggers beg and not do work, while buskers do. So don't do that, don't associate buskers to beggers. (please scroll up and refer to point number 1 if you still don't get it) Please. And when you drop your money on their guitar casing, drop it not out of pity, but out of appreciation. Ok? I'm just clearing the air here. There is certainly miscommunication between society and buskers.
I shall drop another bomb. Have you guys ever heard of Wicked Aura? The percussion group that plays samba beats along the streets of Orchard. They're buskers and people do drop in money because they appreciate their crafts and performers. Why are able-bodied guitar players considered beggers instead when they're doing the same thing as Wicked Aura. Think about that.
The Singapore community needs to understand the word "appreciation" instead of pity. This entry may be seen by only a few people who do read my blog but I hope that this message would spread and that this stigma could be removed and place a positive light on what busking is all about. Why did I raise this issue? That's because, I busked.
So, I squatted just across the busker, Kino. I can't make out the race but he could speak fluent English and Malay. He distinctively played old school stuff, Beatles and some old tunes. I observed my surroundings, and people do acknowledge his presence indicating that he is no newcomer. Not many dropped coins or notes. It came in slow. Kino looked tired and sweating profusely. Nevertheless, he never fails to smile and I could really see that he is a friendly character when he chatted up with me. He said that he was feeling sick and he was losing his voice. I could sense that. But he said, if he didn't sing, he would have nothing to eat. And so after hearing that, I went up to him and told him to rest while I took over his position. He smiled and handed over his Ibanez acoustic to me. He told he will be going to get some drinks with some of the money that he got. I started work.
Let me describe to you what I was wearing. I was wearing my striped CK shirt, Replay jeans, green DADA shoes with a scarf around my neck. I had my Kappa bag beside me with my helmet nicely placed beside it. My handphone was inside my half helmet. Not a typical outlook of a busker right? Yup. I began to sing a few numbers ranging from Iris by Goo Goo Dolls, You're A God by Vertical Horizon and You and Me by Lifehouse. Many people passed by and I observed discreetly each and everyone of them. There were the school children who dare not look at me. There were the office workers who scurried hurrily past me. There was the Caucasian dude who dropped $2 dollars on the guitar casing and said "Good job dude" My first $2 dollars as a busker, from a non-local. I was thinking who would be the next one. I hope it's a local. While singing to You and Me, I saw this Malay lady who was looking at me with this inquisitive look while she was passing by. I smiled and carried on singing and looked at the other direction. To my surprise, she returned and placed $2 dollars on the casing. There's still hope for the locals. I thanked her and in my heart prayed for her safety to wherever she was heading to. Oh! Where's Kino?
Lol, he was busy complaining on how expensive the drinks are. $1.40 each for a 100 Plus. Lol. Cute fella. I passed the guitar back to him and told him to take care. Chinook was already waiting for me. He looked at me, smiled and thanked me.
Buskers, they ain't no beggars. (please refer to point number 1 above if you STILL don't get it) That's what Kino tried to explain to me. I feel for you Kino because I experienced them first hand.
This is EXACTLY what it looked like when I busked. I was just cuter and better dressed than this chap here. Oh, and there was no dog in the guitar casing. hehe.
ja
Singaporeans conservatism lead to their lack of compassion
Friday, April 28, 2006
Red socks busker
Love my new socks. Red, green and yellow. Bought em from Khatib's pasar malam. Darn cute I tell ya. Thursday's gig at Harry's was great. The crowd was having fun, singing along to songs like Creep and This Love. Met some regulars; an Indonesian lady with her Dutch husband and a corporate dude who kept asking for Whitesnake songs ever since he saw us play.
That night, I asked Shaiful to come along down to just chill and he managed to come down just before it closed. We wanted to go down to town to just chill and relax. Due to my dismay, Chinook didn't wanna start. Dunno why. She's been having her cranky mode lately. Thank goodness Shaiful was there to pillion me. Things that happened that night.
1. Went to Devil's Bar to watch my favourite band play. As always, I love to see Ah Pek play his drums effortlessly. If I want a teacher in drums, I'd rather choose him. He plays with feel. Oh btw, he looks like Ken from Singapore Idol. Hopefully they're not related. They played Dilemma by Nelly. Damn shiok. It was perfect, the arrangements and the instrumentation. Carbon copy I tell ya and Ah Pek could really pull the beats off. The dance floor was not spared by people who were boogeying their butt cheeks all over the place but one couple really marred it. I saw this dude grinding this butch before kissing her! EWW EWWW EWW EWWWW!!! The band was squirming I tell ya. Serious. Lol. The singer was looking at the other direction so that she won't get distracted. I can't say much for the bassist because it happened right in front of him and he certainly has no space to manouvre around.
The crowd was disappointing but after the band ended their set, we decided to give Fort Canning a visit. Yup. Fort Canning
2. Fort Canning. 2.30am. Yup 2.30AM. I don't know why but I've been pestering Shaiful to head down to Fort Canning with me. At first it was just a candid gesture but that night, things just happened. I had no objectives of going there. I just wanted to visit it. That's it. And so off we went. When we reach the carpark, we were surprise to see that the carpark was empty. I was just guessing that Fort Canning would be a hotspot for couples to make out if they don't mind "other" people to watch.
The visit was simple. I told Shaiful that our main intention is to visit Fort Canning and nothing else. Bearing that in mind, I knew we would be safe. It damn calm. Just moving around at such oddly hours and I could really imagine what was going on at Fort Canning when the war was raging on back in the past. We saw the Gothic entrance, which was damn spooky to a certain extent and the war relics left behind. We walked aimlessly and chanced upon a signboard. Yay!!! At least we know where we are. We had some surprise findings.
1. Fort Canning has a reservoir! Bet you guys didn't know about that.
2. They fenced up a section of the top of Fort Canning. I think they're doing some Alien experimentation shit up there. It would have really been a great view if we get to climb the fence. But the fence talked to us. It said, "Trespassers will be shot". ok.... I get your message.
3. Only one spot caught our attention. The Keramat or the Royal burial site of Sultan Iskandar Shah. He was also known as Paremeswara before he converted to Islam. Remember him from our History lessons guys? We just had to go there. Just to pay him a visit. Time check, 3am.
So off we went in search for the sacred royal tomb, with only signboards and instincts as guidance. 5 mins of making lefts and rights, we stumbled upon a tomb that was brightly lit and with flowers lavishly scattered all over it. Reading the information board, we were told that the tomb might not be Sultan Iskandar Shah because as the story was told, he actually fled to Melaka. So if he fled to Melaka, who's tomb was this? I didn't ask. All I know, there might be somebody there whom I just came to visit, as a human being. That's all. I drew closer to have a better look but didn't cross the boundary line. I knew I couldn't. I smiled and left the place feeling very satisfied. It was a peaceful visit. Shaiful and I was giggling our asses off because he jumped when he saw the signboard that showed us that the Keramat was nearby. That was funny.
4. While walking down the hill, a whole load of past memories began to flush in my head about the times I used to watch Indonesian bands perform at Fort Canning and how badly I wanted to be on that stage. I did manage to stand on stage and even got the drummer to accept my Demo CD. Once we got to the carpark, we scooted off to Al-Ameen at Woodlands for our 4am breakfast.
I just need more memories for me to keep. I've realised, I don't know bout you guys out there, that I've wasted my time in school too much. Staying back late to do readings and meet up for unnecessary project meetings at times. There was never a time for me to get beyond my academic compounds or perhaps I didn't bother to make the effort. Shrugs. But one thing I do know, I want my summer to be filled with concrete memories. Fullstop. I don't care what, but I must have concrete memories. Life is short. I know. I don't know how long I'll live to see my friends. That's a scary thought. But I do hope I'd be able to live long enough to see my grandchild.
Don't waste your time guys. :D Do something that's worth to keep in your memory box. Do more good to others perhaps because one thing that I realized is that people are rushing too much and too engrossed in their daily activities that they forget about those who are in need. I'd blog about my personal experience soon.
ja
take the lead
That night, I asked Shaiful to come along down to just chill and he managed to come down just before it closed. We wanted to go down to town to just chill and relax. Due to my dismay, Chinook didn't wanna start. Dunno why. She's been having her cranky mode lately. Thank goodness Shaiful was there to pillion me. Things that happened that night.
1. Went to Devil's Bar to watch my favourite band play. As always, I love to see Ah Pek play his drums effortlessly. If I want a teacher in drums, I'd rather choose him. He plays with feel. Oh btw, he looks like Ken from Singapore Idol. Hopefully they're not related. They played Dilemma by Nelly. Damn shiok. It was perfect, the arrangements and the instrumentation. Carbon copy I tell ya and Ah Pek could really pull the beats off. The dance floor was not spared by people who were boogeying their butt cheeks all over the place but one couple really marred it. I saw this dude grinding this butch before kissing her! EWW EWWW EWW EWWWW!!! The band was squirming I tell ya. Serious. Lol. The singer was looking at the other direction so that she won't get distracted. I can't say much for the bassist because it happened right in front of him and he certainly has no space to manouvre around.
The crowd was disappointing but after the band ended their set, we decided to give Fort Canning a visit. Yup. Fort Canning
2. Fort Canning. 2.30am. Yup 2.30AM. I don't know why but I've been pestering Shaiful to head down to Fort Canning with me. At first it was just a candid gesture but that night, things just happened. I had no objectives of going there. I just wanted to visit it. That's it. And so off we went. When we reach the carpark, we were surprise to see that the carpark was empty. I was just guessing that Fort Canning would be a hotspot for couples to make out if they don't mind "other" people to watch.
The visit was simple. I told Shaiful that our main intention is to visit Fort Canning and nothing else. Bearing that in mind, I knew we would be safe. It damn calm. Just moving around at such oddly hours and I could really imagine what was going on at Fort Canning when the war was raging on back in the past. We saw the Gothic entrance, which was damn spooky to a certain extent and the war relics left behind. We walked aimlessly and chanced upon a signboard. Yay!!! At least we know where we are. We had some surprise findings.
1. Fort Canning has a reservoir! Bet you guys didn't know about that.
2. They fenced up a section of the top of Fort Canning. I think they're doing some Alien experimentation shit up there. It would have really been a great view if we get to climb the fence. But the fence talked to us. It said, "Trespassers will be shot". ok.... I get your message.
3. Only one spot caught our attention. The Keramat or the Royal burial site of Sultan Iskandar Shah. He was also known as Paremeswara before he converted to Islam. Remember him from our History lessons guys? We just had to go there. Just to pay him a visit. Time check, 3am.
So off we went in search for the sacred royal tomb, with only signboards and instincts as guidance. 5 mins of making lefts and rights, we stumbled upon a tomb that was brightly lit and with flowers lavishly scattered all over it. Reading the information board, we were told that the tomb might not be Sultan Iskandar Shah because as the story was told, he actually fled to Melaka. So if he fled to Melaka, who's tomb was this? I didn't ask. All I know, there might be somebody there whom I just came to visit, as a human being. That's all. I drew closer to have a better look but didn't cross the boundary line. I knew I couldn't. I smiled and left the place feeling very satisfied. It was a peaceful visit. Shaiful and I was giggling our asses off because he jumped when he saw the signboard that showed us that the Keramat was nearby. That was funny.
4. While walking down the hill, a whole load of past memories began to flush in my head about the times I used to watch Indonesian bands perform at Fort Canning and how badly I wanted to be on that stage. I did manage to stand on stage and even got the drummer to accept my Demo CD. Once we got to the carpark, we scooted off to Al-Ameen at Woodlands for our 4am breakfast.
I just need more memories for me to keep. I've realised, I don't know bout you guys out there, that I've wasted my time in school too much. Staying back late to do readings and meet up for unnecessary project meetings at times. There was never a time for me to get beyond my academic compounds or perhaps I didn't bother to make the effort. Shrugs. But one thing I do know, I want my summer to be filled with concrete memories. Fullstop. I don't care what, but I must have concrete memories. Life is short. I know. I don't know how long I'll live to see my friends. That's a scary thought. But I do hope I'd be able to live long enough to see my grandchild.
Don't waste your time guys. :D Do something that's worth to keep in your memory box. Do more good to others perhaps because one thing that I realized is that people are rushing too much and too engrossed in their daily activities that they forget about those who are in need. I'd blog about my personal experience soon.
ja
take the lead
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Impromptu 11 December 2005
This is a post that I've been keeping for a while because I didn't have time to do a proper one on it. This is a tale of two guys who have the same frequency and aspirations in life.
It all started on a Saturday evening at 7pm when Shaiful called me up to have dinner at a nearby coffeshop. While eating dinner, we chatted about our previous attempt of doing an overnight cycling trip with our secondary school mates. That was truly a moment to remember. 8 years ago, 7 brave souls ventured out into the unknown, assisted only with a map and loads of guts to complete a journey that altered the way we think and boosted our self-esteem. Nothing is impossible.
So, I candidly asked Shaiful whether we could pulled of another stunt like that after 8 years. He looked at me and knowing him, he's up for anything. It then became serious. Lol. Just the 2 of us. Uncertain whether our body could take it. Remember, we're no longer at our peak after loafing on our butt after we had ORD from National Service. But one thing for certain, both of us, if we really say we will do it, we will do it. All it take is the first step. I truly believe in that first step where you can never turn back and say that you ain't gonna do it no more. So what's our first step? A phone call.
Time: 8pm.
I called up my friends to borrow a bicycle for Shaiful. His bicycle was a long goner. He was making calls too. And yup, we did manage to find a decent bicycle for him to survive this arduous trip. I met up with him at his house at 11pm. I swear, the journey from my house to his was damn testing. At the back of my mind, could I pull this off if I'm already having doubts? But knowing me, if I say I can, it just takes my mind to drag me through this trip. Once I reached his house and did a checklist on our "Survival Kit"such as torchlight, bandages, bread, tuna, off we went on our magical trip. LOL. I hope we don't meet trolls and monsters along the way.
Jamiel and Shaiful. Attitude and mental strength shall prevail over our fragile limbs.
That's me writing our journal. I still have it in my drawer to remind myself that we managed to pull through the trip and what I felt there and then.
It all started on a Saturday evening at 7pm when Shaiful called me up to have dinner at a nearby coffeshop. While eating dinner, we chatted about our previous attempt of doing an overnight cycling trip with our secondary school mates. That was truly a moment to remember. 8 years ago, 7 brave souls ventured out into the unknown, assisted only with a map and loads of guts to complete a journey that altered the way we think and boosted our self-esteem. Nothing is impossible.
So, I candidly asked Shaiful whether we could pulled of another stunt like that after 8 years. He looked at me and knowing him, he's up for anything. It then became serious. Lol. Just the 2 of us. Uncertain whether our body could take it. Remember, we're no longer at our peak after loafing on our butt after we had ORD from National Service. But one thing for certain, both of us, if we really say we will do it, we will do it. All it take is the first step. I truly believe in that first step where you can never turn back and say that you ain't gonna do it no more. So what's our first step? A phone call.
Time: 8pm.
I called up my friends to borrow a bicycle for Shaiful. His bicycle was a long goner. He was making calls too. And yup, we did manage to find a decent bicycle for him to survive this arduous trip. I met up with him at his house at 11pm. I swear, the journey from my house to his was damn testing. At the back of my mind, could I pull this off if I'm already having doubts? But knowing me, if I say I can, it just takes my mind to drag me through this trip. Once I reached his house and did a checklist on our "Survival Kit"such as torchlight, bandages, bread, tuna, off we went on our magical trip. LOL. I hope we don't meet trolls and monsters along the way.
Jamiel and Shaiful. Attitude and mental strength shall prevail over our fragile limbs.
That's me writing our journal. I still have it in my drawer to remind myself that we managed to pull through the trip and what I felt there and then.
First leg of insanity
Up and down hills we faced. My thighs were burning but we kept shouting at each other to "HURRY UP!!!!" "WE AINT NO QUITTERS!". I swear, the hills were killing us. Both of our knees are wobbling like jellies. Haha.
Reached the Shell Station near MacRitchie reservoir. Shaiful was panting but we were sweating. That's good.
Shaiful loves to take pictures of signboards.
Updating the journal. Oh, I was bitten by ants. I HATE ANTS! They were in my pants. I dunnno how. Maybe I was sitting on a nest or something.
Next stop, Novena Square.
Novena Square
We wanted to just check out Novena Square to see whether it's gonna be brightend up since Christmas was just around the corner. Apparently it's kinda dull. Blurgh. Kinda disappointed.
Phooooey! Closed....
HO HO HO!
And so we cycled off to Orchard through Far East, we saw the most HUMONGOUS TREE we've ever seen.
What a tree.... woah...
Shaiful couldn't wait to ride off. Relax bruddddderrr!!!
Attempting a wheelie. Tried so many times that I decided to fake it. Hehehehe....
I still had the energy to conjure up a smile. Pol? You still there?
I spy with my lil eye. A HUGE CANDY!!! If only it was real. I would have brought it along with us throughout the trip. I could see the sign on the candy, "Lick me" Yummm...
Time to go. Next up, Esplanade.
Can I ask you something Mr Baby?
Dear Mr Baby with the wings, where is the lady that stood between you, me and the moon? Is she drooling somewhere in this universe?
Dear Mr Baby, can you help me meet Maria Sharapova please? Don't tell anybody ok? Steady.
Dear Mr Baby. Sorry to disturb again ah. But the fortune teller told me that Fiona Xie is chasing after me. Is that true? hehe. Just wanna double check.
I wonder whether this is what a person would see when he is drunk. Remember. Don't drink and drive people. Try not to drink.
Of flour and fishes
We reached the Espalande at 1.30am. Signs of fatigue were settling in. So we decided to take a short break and eat our food. We brought A LOT of food.
1. Bread
2. Tuna
Yup. Shiok level 8 I tell you. When you're hungry like bullfrogs, you'd eat anything.
Food glorious FOOD! Bread and tuna and... tuna!!!
Standing tall and proud.
Standing taller and prouder.
Thus far, I felt truly blessed to be spending some quality time with my best friend. We've not been spending time due to commitments and other obligations. That was truly a great moment to just reflect on our lives and memories. And what better way than to spend it with my bestie. A good friend whom I'll never trade for anything else. If I wish for a brother, he would be the one.
1. Bread
2. Tuna
Yup. Shiok level 8 I tell you. When you're hungry like bullfrogs, you'd eat anything.
Food glorious FOOD! Bread and tuna and... tuna!!!
Standing tall and proud.
Standing taller and prouder.
Thus far, I felt truly blessed to be spending some quality time with my best friend. We've not been spending time due to commitments and other obligations. That was truly a great moment to just reflect on our lives and memories. And what better way than to spend it with my bestie. A good friend whom I'll never trade for anything else. If I wish for a brother, he would be the one.
Lelong! Lelong!
We reached Geylang and managed to stop by a fruit stall. I just had to take some photos. I love colours!!! Mangoes anyone?
One more of Shaiful's work. See what I told you about Shaiful's obsession with signboards? haha. kidding.
Alor! Mari mari! Lelong lelong. Nice fruits for grabs! Mangoes, papayas, rambutans. Cheap cheap.
East Coast Peace
We reached East Coast safe and sound despite getting a lil lost, thanks to Shaiful's directive instincts. Lol. Remember the roundabout bro? hehe.
But it was beautiful. 3.20am. We rested our butts at the breakwater for awhile. Eating tuna and bread and enjoying a nice cup of coffee that I brought from home. The simplest things in life just makes me happy. I don't need no diamonds, I don't need no trip to the Bahamas. I just need my bestie and we can have the best time of our lives doing the simplest of things.
Red sky colouring my thoughts.
Putting my thoughts to words. Let it be my deepest unsung symphony.
As I wrote in my journal, "We reached East Coast half an hour earlier from our estimated time. Great view, great friend, great life BUT!
My butt hurts
My body stinks
The rats are HUMONGOUS!!! Scary. The rats look like cats at night. My thighs hurts but my froggie is happy. I've been feeding him with tuna and mayo and bread. Oh, not forgetting the coffee I brought from home. Still warm."
"Shaiful lept in fear when he saw the huge rats. I was shocked to hear his scream. Haha. I won't forget this night. It was already 4am. I wanna come back to the beach again."
It looks as if it was going to rain. It began to drizzle...
All I can is smile looking at this pic.
This was what I wrote in my journal pertaining to the photo. "It rained as forewarned by cowie. Had to take cover from the concrete benches to the nearby McCafe. It was kinda cold but my stubborn head didn't allow the rain to spoil my much needed break. I had mittens on! Didn't know why I brought it but I'm sure glad that I did. It kept me warm throughout the wet Sunday morning. People were looking at us sleeping in our sitting position. They thought it was weird I guess. But knowing that I don't give much care to people on what I do unless it affects them." I signed off at 5.30am.
In this case, we didn't. I really don't like the cold. This means living in Switzerland is already out of the question.
But it was beautiful. 3.20am. We rested our butts at the breakwater for awhile. Eating tuna and bread and enjoying a nice cup of coffee that I brought from home. The simplest things in life just makes me happy. I don't need no diamonds, I don't need no trip to the Bahamas. I just need my bestie and we can have the best time of our lives doing the simplest of things.
Red sky colouring my thoughts.
Putting my thoughts to words. Let it be my deepest unsung symphony.
As I wrote in my journal, "We reached East Coast half an hour earlier from our estimated time. Great view, great friend, great life BUT!
My butt hurts
My body stinks
The rats are HUMONGOUS!!! Scary. The rats look like cats at night. My thighs hurts but my froggie is happy. I've been feeding him with tuna and mayo and bread. Oh, not forgetting the coffee I brought from home. Still warm."
"Shaiful lept in fear when he saw the huge rats. I was shocked to hear his scream. Haha. I won't forget this night. It was already 4am. I wanna come back to the beach again."
It looks as if it was going to rain. It began to drizzle...
All I can is smile looking at this pic.
This was what I wrote in my journal pertaining to the photo. "It rained as forewarned by cowie. Had to take cover from the concrete benches to the nearby McCafe. It was kinda cold but my stubborn head didn't allow the rain to spoil my much needed break. I had mittens on! Didn't know why I brought it but I'm sure glad that I did. It kept me warm throughout the wet Sunday morning. People were looking at us sleeping in our sitting position. They thought it was weird I guess. But knowing that I don't give much care to people on what I do unless it affects them." I signed off at 5.30am.
In this case, we didn't. I really don't like the cold. This means living in Switzerland is already out of the question.
7
On our way back, we passed Eunos and decided to surprise our Malay Literature teacher, Cikgu Ismail. But instead he surprised us because he was not at home. haha. Damn, would be great to meet up with him and share our interesting stories. So if we can't get to see the man, we might as well just take some photos as keepsake.
Our favourite number. Remember, the fortune teller once told me that my lucky number is 7 and I was going to have 7 kids too. Lol. By the way, my birthday is on the 7th of February. How coincidental can that be? Lol. Don't believe in such stuff ok? It's just for fun.
Keeping ourselves hyrdrated all the time. It was very important. After having 2 kosong and 2 egg pratas for breakfast, we had to constantly wash it down with lots of liquids.
Yes Shaiful, everybody knows that 7 is your favourite number. Lol.
What did I say about being coincidental? Even his house is number 7. lol. This is me mimicking Oscar the grouch. No wonder he's grouchy. He lives in a trash can for goodness sake so cut him some slack ok?
Next stop, home!!!
Our favourite number. Remember, the fortune teller once told me that my lucky number is 7 and I was going to have 7 kids too. Lol. By the way, my birthday is on the 7th of February. How coincidental can that be? Lol. Don't believe in such stuff ok? It's just for fun.
Keeping ourselves hyrdrated all the time. It was very important. After having 2 kosong and 2 egg pratas for breakfast, we had to constantly wash it down with lots of liquids.
Yes Shaiful, everybody knows that 7 is your favourite number. Lol.
What did I say about being coincidental? Even his house is number 7. lol. This is me mimicking Oscar the grouch. No wonder he's grouchy. He lives in a trash can for goodness sake so cut him some slack ok?
Next stop, home!!!
Shiok Level 10
The way home was worse I tell you. There were so many construction works going on that we had to go through mud, hard ground and makeshift bridges to get to the other side. PUSH!!!
I don't want to push alreadylahhhhhh.... help...
We stopped by a petrol kiosk. I could never believe that petrol kiosk would be my favourite places in Singapore because it gave us a reason to stop and rest of NUMB BUTT!!! While Shaiful went to fill up the water bottles, I tried to put some air in my body. PANCIT ALREADY.
Hehe... I borrowed Shaiful's cap. Trying to have the emo look. Verdict? FAIL. I'd rather stick to my Royale style.
Isnt' that what the picture was trying to show? Shiok Level 10. The ultimate shiokness. The silent shiok.
By the way, I took one photo that cannot be seen in this blog. Took it at a construction site. If you guys wanna see it, seek from me personally. hehehehe....
Going underground
As we passed Ang Mo Kio, I suggested that we could visit our secondary school since we still have ample time in our hands. This is the drain that I used to climb over each time I was late. I had to stealth myself through school in order not to get caught. Detention back then was 3 hours of solitude confinement. I cannot bear to watch the hands of the clock till every second. It was hell.
The fence back then was as high as the makeshift wall that you see. Yup, I climbed that.
In front of me used to be the field where Shaiful, me and the gang used to conquer in soccer. We even beat the upper secondary students. PUNKS rule! (we name the gang the PUNKS)
That was where we used to buy our chocolate Ice Jelly. It's like ice kacang but we replaced it with choc fudge and mango jelly. We called it Madampudipudipoong. Don't ask why. Something happened. Haha. I forgot.
The spot where Shaiful is pointing is where the only Malay stall was situated. That was where the infamous $2.50 rice and cabbage incident took place. We even had a challenge. The last person to finish his plate would have to return the rest of the PUNKs' plates. The record was held by Steven with 21 plates, all nicely piled up.
Auntie, I nasi ayam please!
"This is our basketball court you stupid signboard. Don't tell us what to do."
Shaiful and the signboard. What did I tell ya? lol.
We actually managed to trick this students that we were their Military Band seniors back in 1998. hehehe. Evil... I managed to get my hands on my love!!! The drums. DOM DOM DAM DIM DAM CHENG!
Trying out a few new tricks.
This used to be the air rifle range. This is underground actually. Above is the netball court where the PUNKS turned it into our makeshift street soccer court.
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