Saturday, May 30, 2009

Biometric Passport

And so I went down to Lavendar to collect my passport. Went out right after my 7 a.m. war. Managed to reach ICA building 1/2 hour earlier. As I had booked my appointment online, it was swift. Only waited for 10 min to be served. Since I am going to Malaysia in a few weeks time, I must ensure that the passport is at least valid for much longer than 6 months. (My old one was due to expire on 21st Dec this year).


I must say that the eportal is quite efficient. The photo in my new passport was uploaded from my com a few days ago, instead of having to take instant colour photos at the building last time.


Much has happened over the past few weeks of slacking. Shall touch on them in my next post.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Recuperation Part II

We were joined by Min Huey at Bedok MRT station. Helped Michelle carry her guitar and took a few shots (as usual) of our group on the train.


When we arrived at HarbourFront station, we waited for a few more of our CG ppl--Cclia, Bel and Ome. Some of them went to buy the $1.80 chicken rice at the store conveniently located near our waiting spot; others went to super dog to get their "dogs".


Left the cool comfort of VivoCity and waited at the bus stop (blardy humid) for bus 97 to bring us to Hort Park (which I had been wondering the whole time what the heck was it). It was literally hot when we went there; I was sweating furiously under my cap.


The bridge that we climbed on was an interesting architecture. It reminded me of those old Sonic games in which Sonic had to speed across those pathways filled with rings. It was of a similar concept, except that there was no rings or TV sets. The linkway up the sky was quite narrow and we could actually see through the bottom of the walkway; we were like several storeys up in the air :S


By the time we travelled the whole 2.7km, dusk was already approaching. With bellies growling and feet itching from mozzies, we hurriedly made our way through the darkening path. After a few group shots and some cars that sped past us, we managed to ascent to our final destination for the night: Hendersson's Waves.


It was beautiful at night. (one day I might upload the photos). We scaled the wooden bridge (one of them commented that it looked like a worm). Just like the earlier trail, we were like close to 20+ storeys "suspended" in the air. Finally settled down at a convenient resting point.


We began our picnic spread of chips, salad (prepared earlier in the afternoon) and other munchies. All the while, our backs were leaning on the side of the bridge, with the cool night breeze caressing our bodies. Cclia and Michelle began to strum the guitars, playing some hymns. With good food, great company and nice music, it was life! :D


I reclined my back, slowly resting as I downed my ju hua cha. Ahhh. Time must have passed by extremely slowly. After a long time, we reluctantly left our camping spot and made our way towards Mount Faber, passing by a few couples snoggling, petting and what nots along the way. (still on the same Hendersson's waves)


Followed the signs and along the way to the top of Mount Faber, we stopped by to admire the night scenery of the lit buildings, which appeared quite small to us. Had to ask a security guard for directions at the top of the hill before we began our descent, passing by an apparently ATAS place known as Jewel Box.


On our way down, we came across a few telescopes that needed gold coins to see anything. We did not linger there for long, being the cheapskate SG (ok me only). Almost horlanded, as we chose to follow the road instead of going down this wooden flight of staircase (the staircase was kinda dark, since there was no lamps along the way). Turned out that if we had walked down the dark staircase in our descent, we could have reached Vivocity faster. Thankfully, after encountering a few friendly Ah Tiongs, we navigated our way back to civilisation.


It would be good if this adventure had ended. Alas, it did not. After a quick visit to the loos, most of us bought some drinks at 7-11 (Bel had bought a chocolate cake at Bakerzin, which was sinfully ******ic). Lazed around in the humid play area outside, sitting near the water area at the rooftop on Vivo, before we really had to make our ways home. Somehow, we unanimously agreed that we don't want to spend our nights as vagrants on Vivo..though I do not mind going back to Hendersson's Waves to enjoy the night breeze....ahh...if only I have a lover at the moment.

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Recuperation Part I

Just got home from an outing that lasted 1/2 day (literally). The shower had washed away the dirt, sweat and a bit of fatigue off my body; hence this post here that you see.


After losing some online war, eating wanton noodles and attempting to fix my dad's com, I made my way to the mrt station. Being the cheapskate ****tard that I am, I decided to save 40-60 cents by walking across the park at noon. Had to don on my cap to shelter my head from the scorching sun.


Since bus-train hybrid concession fare was slashed from 97 to 93 dollars, I decided to renew mine. This time, the concession office had installed speakers in front of the glass panel, hence I am able to hear the "topping-up" lady very audibly.


Went to see my fellow classmates at Tampines. Lost count of the number of times I travelled between Tampines Mall, the MRT station and Tampines One just to wait for them to be free for lunch. Only managed to have lunch with two of them at 230pm, before I had to make my way to my friend's house to accompany him in his cooking quests (another guy that likes to cook like AO).


Reached his house exhausted and thirsty. Being a typical male, I lazed around his living room while he and 2 of my CG girls were busily preparing a spread of kebabs, potato salad and chocolate brownies. Ran out of salad dressing, in which the girls promptly went downstairs to get. The only job that I get is to mix the salad well by folding (with Italian dressing) and putting the bowl into the freezer.


Supposed to meet the rest of the CG by 430pm. By the time we are done feasting on the kebabs and brownies, it was already 440pm. The 4 of us proceeded to HarbourFront Station for another long evening ahead...

Friday, May 08, 2009

CG outings

Ever since my last paper ended a few days ago, I have been feverishly going out with different group of friends to "celebrate" and "dewind". Turns out that my sleeping hours is like cut into half compared to during study break.


After Pharmacology I paper (which ended at 7pm), my friends decided to celebrate all the belated birthdays that had occured during the semester. Went back to Mad Jack at Parklane (otherwise known as Paradiz) to have some Blue Mountain burger. It was filling, but one kinda gets sick of stuffing the patty in the mouth after some bites.


The following day, I met up with my CG friends. The guys had gone to Cathay for LAN (at an ex price of $2.50/hr) while the girls went for their retail therapy. Later met up at MINDS cafe which was opposite my favourite haunt. Played for 4hrs till dinner, then went back to Parklane again to eat at Ishi Mura, a Japanese theme-based food court.


Friday. Went to school for some briefing about my attachment in 6 weeks time. Later, the guys went to (no need to guess by now) the usual haunt to kill some zombies/survivors. Ate at Ishi Mura again (deja vu) for lunch. Wanted to linger longer for more male-to-male bonding, but I had to leave and meet the CG guys for a short zombie shooting at Bedok Princess.


After a short killing spree of around 1515 zombies, the 3 zombie killers went and meet the girls at Tampines One. It was my first time at this shopping complex. Went to this Japanese restaurant, Manpakku, for dinner, which I must say the food provided is better than usual.


True enough, after we had finished our meals, there was a long queue outside. Went to get Pao Pao cha (aka bubble tea) to complete our dinner, before going to Bel's house for CG.


I shall leave the CG details for another post..