These were just a few pictures taken a few days before my departure.
Anal carnage.
His name is Hootie.
Met up with the Jenggos at the SMU swimming pool. During this period, I had a weird phobia for going out. I was too scared that SOMETHING and ANYTHING could happen and would certainly jeopardize my exchange to Thailand. To be honest, to have worked so hard for something that is so surreal, is a feeling that I just cannot describe. You have to understand, to be studying in an overseas university is certainly something that I can never afford but I do yearn to have a slice of that opportunity and this exchange proved to be the ticket out of Singapore and enjoy what most overseas Singapore students experience.
Looking at the camera on the right is Ben Jenggo. I showed his picture to a Chula researcher and she thought he was Keanu Reeves. Right... Haha. Melvin is the whale on the left.
This dugong that was swimming towards them is Jz.
Then went back to school to try and bump into old friends whom I adore so much, especially those from my batch and the third year students, students who came from the ORIGINAL Bukit Timah campus. I salute ourselves, if that is ever possible. Lol.
Anyways, there has been lots of media hype about the erection of the new SMU Lodge at Prinsep Street. Sue Jan, my assistant director for Wayang Ramayana, gave me a short tour of what it looks like from within. It gave me a preview of what my future accommodation would look like yet, the feeling of excitement still wasn’t there yet.
The co-owner, Sue Jan!!! I might go for an Aceh trip with her after exchange. We'll see how that turns out.
The CIT guy, Ridzal, who gave me the opportunity to work and study in SMU. Certainly saved my ass on a couple of times when my computer almost crashed. Gonna miss this dude so much. In the company of this fella, both of us never fail to crack each other’s butts off. If you want to know how the staff of the old campus is like, talk to this fella and you’ll feel it. It’s all about warmth and fun.
This is Rosley, the new addition to the CIT family. He’s like Ridzal except that after 4 years, Ridzal’s mental condition has reached beyond help as you can see. Rosley is still ok. Well, for now. =D
This is Ricky. Gotta pay tributes to this dude here. If any one of you ungrateful SMU undergraduates dare to make life difficult for him, I’ll curse you and make sure that a thousand flies would linger around your armpits for the rest of your life. This guy is a legend. He has been working for SMU ever since it began. He and I have gone a long way, from the day I stayed over at CR6 at the Bukit Timah Campus to the day that he saw my performance at the Big Steps with 7 Till Dawn. A guy who knows how to give and take, only to the students who were willing to give and take. Gonna miss ya old chap.
Ok, so finally, I bought a hardcase for myself. Not too bad. 85 bucks. Well, at least for now, I know that my guitar will be safe.
Stayed up all night just to pack up and even managed to see my lil sis in her Sailor Moon secondary school outfit early in the morning.
This was taken after my last gig at Merbau Wine Gallery. I was supposed to meet Fifi at Adam Road for one last supper but I made a short detour to the old campus for one last time. I never regret the moment I stepped into the compound. It was as if night turned into day and all the memories just came flushing in. The route that I took reminded me of the time when I had my first bike called Love Machine. This was where I parked it.
Remember Eu Tong Seng?
The slope that every rider and driver would have to pass to make their way out of school.
This used to be House 1 where I did my first gig with Jason and Canjie. We called ourselves The Carribean Currypuffs or TCC. Don’t ask me why. We just wanted to have fun. Starry Starry Night was born here and that was when 7 Till Dawn was born. Lots have happened there and I guess many of you would have your own personal memories with the long walk down the sheltered walkway towards Food Haven.
And so I made my way down to Adam Road while reliving the moments that I used to have with the old slope.
Finally, met Fifi and Syed who joined us an hour later. He just finished a gig at Timbre. These two guys have been in the local scene more than I have. They more like the granddaddy of the local scene. Talked about music and the genre that seems to be lacking in me. I don’t have a fixed identity when I write my songs. I need to find a centre, a focal point, a constant theme to allow people to recognise my works. So that’s why I’m in Thailand right now, to detox myself from mainstream and gather new materials from the Thai musical influence.
Ok, so the day has arrived. After putting Chinook at Wan’s place, I headed back home to do my packing a.s.a.p. Grandma was in the house when I reached. My cousin, Ali, was just there to follow me to the airport the next day. My personal backpacker agent, was online to tell me of what to do and what not to do, what she will provide and what I need to get for myself. It took me 2 hours to pack everything up and slept early without wanting to watch my favourite team defeat Liverpool.
Pre-departure family photos.
Cousins and friends were at the airport to say hi to me before I leave. I came at 9am to ensure that I had enough time to check in my baggage. Clad with my yellow polo tee, I just hanged around with the people who made the effort to come down. For those who gave me your well wishes, they are similarly appreciated. Thank you so much!
I shall draw my line here and begin a new entry for my first steps in Thailand.
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