Day 1 - The Day With The Rush

The Arrival

*Damnit, Just realize that a posts can only have a maximum of 8 photos... Stupid blog*

We were assigned window seats and Haoxin was kind enough to offer me the window seat. =) It was a long flight of seven hours and I pretty much slept through the journey. Before landing, he bet with me if the plane would land within seven minutes and I got it wrong, awww. Even the flight there was enjoyable and memorable, argh... heehee.

Due to the stupid delay of our flight, we reached Sydney airport around 1530hrs. We were supposed to be meeting Yadan (Haoxin's friend, also known as Adam who is taking his Masters in Australia) at the airport who has helped to make preparations for our 2 day programmes in Sydney. But due to the stupid delay, he waited 3 hours for us since 12 noon. Poor him. =(

I was estactic even till I stepped into Syndey Airport, the echoes in my mind was like, "Woohoo! My first trip to Australia! With my close friend some more...! Ha ha." So many things that I wanted to jot down, i.e, the movies I watched onboard the plane, the stuffs that I ate etc, but I have been really busy for the past few days that I took too long to blog that I have forgotten some of the minor details. Haiz. Anyway, I went to the information booth to get some Sydney guides while Haoxin went to the gents to wear his contact lens. While queueing up at the customs, I was telling Haoxin how my father got strip seached while travelling when he was young. After collecting our baggage and making our way to the exit, the customs officer stopped me and Haoxin requesting a search on our baggage. Damnit, just because I looked rugged with unshaven stub for 1 night and they mistook me for a punk. They did a thorough check of my bag, even asking me about the notes I written on my 'what to bring' checklist. Fortunately there wasn't any strip search for us.

The moment we step out of the exit, we each were given a goodie bag, compliments of Sydney Airport, and warmly greeted by Haoxin's friend, Adam! =) Something that I noticed about toilets in Sydney Airport, they have vending machine selling condoms at only 1AUD... only to realize most toilets and hostels in Australia have them. The weather is Sydney was extremely cool today, with only 17°C, just like walking with airconditioning in the streets. =)

The Streets

We first took a cab to Hurstville, where we will be depositing our baggage at Adam's friend's apartment. Once reaching his friend's place, we were greeted by 2 really friendly girls. (Grace and the other whose name I forgot, paiseh) Depositing our baggage, and packing necessary stuffs for our 2 days stay in Sydney in our backpack, we made our way to the taxi stand just outside the railway station. The taxi took us to Sydnsy central where the activities for our first day in Sydney first begun!

We first stopped by Queen Victoria Building, where we did a little bit of window shopping. Before entering the building, how can we not take a few photos of our surroundings? =)

Majestic Queen Victoria Building with lots of boutiques. Shopping time...!

Stop moving when taking photo!

Forgot what is the building behind me, but look at the purplish tree. =)

The D.N.B, hee hee. =Þ

Eh... Dont block me.

Haoxin, and my new friends Grace and Adam! =D

Aww... so suave. Ha ha.

The Clocks

What greeted us inside Queen Victoria Building was something unexpected. It has an old colonial design, impressively decorated with lights and coloured-glass. The interior was magnificent with ancient looking elevators (the one that you see in the Superman Return movie), and something that caught my attention was the numerous clocks this building has. I was too excited and busy taking photos that I didn't really slow down and observe the design and interior. Furthermore, we were in a rush and didn't really had the chance to visit all the boutiques. However, most of the shops are selling branded goods that I had no intention of buying.

Wish Fountain with a Doggie begging for money.

Clock No.1

Queen Victoria.

We stopped by the second clock that we see dangling from the ceiling. To have a clearer view of the clock, we went to the top floor of Queen Victoria Building where Grace did a little introduction on the story behind this particular clock.

More Clocks...

Story behind the clocks...

And more Clocks...?

Clocks Again? Neh, it is the same one...

The Chinese

The gents in Queen Victoria Building is also very unique. The urinals are actually facing each other in a square rather than the usual design seen in Singapore. Eh... thus you can actually see the guy opposite you while peeing... With not much stuffs in mind to buy and the rush for time, we stayed there for less than half an hour.

After the visit at Queen Victoria Building, Adam and Grace took us to Sydney Chinatown. While walking along the streets of Sydney Central, I notice several fast food restaurants, with one that resembles 'Burger King' with its unique logo. However, here in Austrlia, it is called 'Hungry Jacks'.

Burger King?

Before heading to Sydney's Chinatown, we made a detour to Sydney Tower first. Realizing that we might not have enough time to go up the tower, we only took photos from the building across the tower. =( Damnit, so rushed that we don't have ample time to fully tour each places of interest... can only glance and leave.

Sydney Tower

Not knowing the route well, Haoxin and me basically followed Adam and Grace who leads us around the area. Cant really remember the route we taken, but we basically snaked around the city area, had ice-cream when the temperature was less than 15°C before we reached Sydney's Chinatown. It wasn't a big area like I had expected. In fact, it is only a small stretch of shops along a street. Mostly chinese restaurants and shops selling souvenirs, we didn't stay long as there is nothing much to see.

China Town!

My Buddy. =)

Understand Virtue and Trust.

Contestant No.1 - Kevin

Contestant No.2 - Adam

Contestant No.3 - Grace

Day 0 - The Day With The Delay

The Stupid Delay

This is one of the most exciting day of my life (at this point of time) as this will be the first time I actually go travelling abroad with one of my closest friend. It has always been my dream to go overseas for a trip with my close friends after graduation. Finally after 1 year and couple of months that this dream can be fulfilled. The closest feeling to this would be the time when I went on a cruise with my other close friends Marilyn and Alvin, and other classmates Hui Shan, Li Min and Guo Quan after graduating from YJC before the guys got enlisted for National Service.

We were really enthusiastic about this trip and has planned the journey weeks before today. The planning involves booking of domestic flight tickets since we will be flying to 2 other states in Australia, prior researching of backpackers hostel and booking of accomodation, information regarding rental of cars and driving in Australia, application of Visa, viewing and studying maps, understanding the rail and various transport in Australia, stuffs to bring, buying of new shoes to be worn there, etc... (The writing of this post actually brings back the excitment then! Man, how I wish time will go back to the day before the flight so that I can go to Australia again!)

We left home at around 2123hrs... Hao Xin took a cab from Yio Chu Kang, picking me up at Toa Payoh before heading to the airport together. We met with a really friendly taxi driver, and throughout the journey, the uncle was talking about his past visits to several places in China, his immigration to Malaysia and how he enjoyed his life in Sabah where the people are more friendly.

Reaching Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 2204hrs, we were greeted with something unpleasant as we scanned the departure board for our check-in rows. The original departure time for our flight was 21st October 2006, 0030hrs. However, the departure time displayed beside our Flight no. SQ231 showed 0345hrs instead. We queued at the designated check-in row and learnt from the SIA staff at the counter that they scheduled a last minute change of aircraft, resulting in a 3 hours delay. They actually offered volunteers who are willing to take the next flight to Sydney a refund of $$500 and an upgrade in the class of travel. The offer sounds really good! If we accepted the offer, we are basically paying for the price of only 1 air ticket since we are getting back a refund of $$1000. (The air ticket we paid per person to Australia is S$1063) I have always heard about flight delay in movies and shows, never did I expect it to happen the first time I travel abroad. However, we have made reservations of cruise in Sydney on the first night, its not possible for us to accept the offer. Furthermore, such an offer will only depletes us the time we have in Australia.

The Wait

With time to kill after check-in, we decided to chill out at Coffee Bean. It took a total of 15 mins waiting time for the staffs to actually get the drinks. Worst of all, the staff taking the orders was a dumb freak. Hao Xin ordered a cup of ice blended drink and yet the staff actually asked 3 times, "Do you want it hot or cold"? Duh...

We left Coffee Bean around 2304hrs and go shopping for Duty Free stuffs. Shop not for ourselves, but for 2 ladies in Sydney. Yadan (Hao Xin's friend from China whom we are meeting in Sydney) has arranged activities for our 2 days stay in Sydney with the help of 2 ladies. In return, we decided to buy something for them. It wasn't easy shopping for girls... firstly, we dont know them or their taste, and bringing food into Australia might be a problem. Thus we settled for 2 scarfs each costing S$20.

There's nothing much inside too... Most of them are selling perfumes, liquors or chocolates. We stayed at the Koi Pond for a while before I suggest taking a look at the Movie lounge. The Movie lounge looks like a miniature cinema with perhaps 5 to 6 rows of seats. They are basically playing movies from Star Movies and it happened to be screening "Creep"... A Horror show about people trapped in a London underground subway station. Nasty, gory scenes... pure disgusting movie. But somehow, I've developed a liking for scary movies recently and has the urge to watch them in cinema. Saw III screening soon! Ha ha. =Þ

0150hrs, the movie ended and we have roughly a couple more hours to spare. Noticed that Hao Xin was dozing away, we decided to find a quiet spot where we can catch a nap. Found a corner beside an escalator outside gate F50. Put down our things, Hao Xin lay down and sleep, while I decided to stay awake to look after the belongings.

Changi Airport at 0153 hrs.

Trying to stay awake looking after the things...

While Hao Xin sleeps soundly!

Upcoming post: Day 1 - The Day With The Rush

Fading Light

Went to Frances House in the afternoon with several of DBS staffs to look at her baby girl. She looks really cute and sweet, but she seems to be afraid of me. Or rather, I'm afraid of her. Whenever I walk near to take a closer look at her, she will starts frowning and seems she is about to cry. It was a nice afternoon as I got to chance to catch up with some of them, people like Wendy and Choy Eng. =)

Was supposed to catch a Greek movie at Vivo City and Choy Eng was kind enough to give me a lift to the nearest bus stop that has bus service to Harbour Front.

Date: 15th October 2006
Time: 1900 hrs
Venue: GV Vivo City
Hall: Hall 2, H-10/H-11

BBQ

Its been quite a while since I last had a bbq session which was some time in late July this year. This time round, the bbq was at Season Park. Reached around 7pm to help set up the fire and prepare the food while waiting for the host to arrive as he went for a session of soccer.

Enjoyable, peacful breezy night... yet my mind is in a turmoil. Everything seems to be in a mess at the moment, but I still enjoyed the BBQ.

As usual, we couldn't finish the food as Arthur bought $130++ worth of food excluding drinks and tibits which was taken care of by me. Once again, we played Connect-7, with the last 2 players eating some of the food as forfeit. The game lasted till 4am and I had 4 cans of beer. For the first time, I didn't lose as pathetic as I did for the past few bbqs... Hee hee

A great BBQ, as I get to meet new people.

Little Miss Sunshine

This post is long overdue as it should have been published on 7th October 2006, a saturday where I met up with Kah Wai, Xin Yan, Li Ling and Kelvin for a movie session. Hasn't really been in any mood to update my blog till today (17th October 2006).

Initially we had plans to watch Death Note or Stay Alive, but as it hasn't screened, we settled for "Little Miss Sunshine", a film that I recommended and liked! =) We met for lunch at 1pm in Plaza Singapura Subway, as we couldn't get any seats, we decided to have Moss Burger instead.

Personally, I enjoyed the movie alot... Interesting direction and plot, yet heart-warming. I highly recommend my friends to watch it, though I know many people will not like it... just like the 2 ladies that watched the show with us... Hee hee. =Þ

Date: 7th October 2006
Time: 1400 hrs
Venue: GV Plaza

世界末日

想笑来伪装掉下的眼泪
点点头承认自己会怕黑
我只求能借一点的时间来陪
你却连同情都不给

想哭来试探自己麻痹了没
全世界好像只有我疲惫
无所谓反正难过就敷衍走一回
但愿绝望和无奈远走高飞

天灰灰会不会
让我忘了你是谁
夜越黑梦违背
难追难回味
我的世界将被摧毁
也许事与愿违

累不累睡不睡
单影无人相依偎
夜越黑梦违背
有谁肯安慰
我的世界将被摧毁
也许颓废也是另一种美

想哭来试探自己麻痹了没
全世界好像只有我疲惫
无所谓反正难过就敷衍走一回
但愿绝望和无奈远走高飞

天灰灰会不会
让我忘了你是谁
夜越黑梦违背
难追难回味
我的世界将被摧毁
也许事与愿违

累不累睡不睡
单影无人相依偎
夜越黑梦违背
有谁肯安慰
我的世界将被摧毁
也许颓废也是另一种美

Haiz... Sian...

Never thought I will be typing this here... but I think I do need help. Life's getting somewhat out of control.

I dont know what . ....

I dont know who ... .. .......

I dont think . .... . .... ......

Haiz...

Sian...

白色风车

Too tired to blog properly, and the stupid site has been losing connection so frequently (due to updates and changes for Blog beta) that it really pisses me off. Shall keep my blog simple and short until I'm really in the mood to type. =Þ

Has been listening to this song for quite some time but didn't really like it... Until I read the lyrics today and found it simple and sweet, yet captivating. Was looking through the lyrics when I came across one particular phrase in the chorus that makes me tear: "...你说不该再相见只为了瞬间, 谢谢你让我听见, 因为我在等待永远..." The whole chorus was magnificantly written but this particular phrase really got me...

Composed and written by Jay Chou himself, this song makes him likes him even more. Man, he is so talented! =D

歌手: 周杰伦
歌名: 白色风车

白色的风车
安静的转者
真实的感觉
梦境般遥远

甜甜的海水
复杂的眼泪
看你傻笑着
握住我的手

梦希望没有尽头
我们走到这就好
因为我不想太快走完这幸福

很可惜没有祝福
但爱你并不孤独
不会再让你哭

我背你走到最后
能不能不要回头
你紧紧地抱住我
说你不需要承诺
你说我若一个人会比较自由
我不懂你说什么
反正不会松手

我背你走到最后
能不能别想太多
会不会手牵着手
晚一点才到尽头
你说不该再相见只为了瞬间
谢谢你让我听见
因为我在等待永远

白色的风车
安静的转者
真实的感觉
梦境般遥远

甜甜的海水
复杂的眼泪
看你傻笑着
握住我的手

很可惜没有祝福
但爱你并不孤独
不会再让你哭

我背你走到最后
能不能不要回头
你紧紧地抱住我
说你不需要承诺
你说我若一个人会比较自由
我不懂你说什么
反正不会松手

我背你走到最后
能不能别想太多
会不会手牵着手
晚一点才到尽头
你说不该再相见只为了瞬间
谢谢你让我听见
因为我在等待永远

谢谢你让我听见
因为我在等待永远

PIC

I suppose having slacking for several months has really pissed Hao Xin off... and he has been dumping me with some microcontroller stuffs to learn. Still, I wasn't really putting in any effort and slacking at home. Today was the last straw and he asked me to go down to his office to help him implement some interrupt routines for his project.

He jio-ed me an early breakfast at Jackson centre for roti-prata before we proceed to his office. I had no experience in Microcontroller and the last time I did a similar work was back in NTU during one of the lab's project. Spent the whole morning trying to figure out the commands for the compiler, the register settings and the bits to enable some of the configurations.

I was suppose to implement an interrupt routine for the microcontroller such that when any key was pressed on the keyboard, the input will be displayed onto a LCD through a serial port. After going through some crash course on the registers, implementing the interrupt was pretty easy and I managed to complete it in the early afternoon. Went for a tea break around 4pm before I helped him out on a satelite project. Didn't do much as I was more like a helper, carrying the cables and equipments around. It was really really interesting and I had a really productive day after so many weeks of slacking. =)

The Banquet

Tennis session in the morning at Season's Park... played rather badly today due to lack of sleep. Slept for only 3 hours and woke up in the morning at 6 to get ready. I thought that the game was early, so I reached at around 7.30 am, only to realize my friend had scheduled it at 9 am. Well, need not feel bad for me though... I spent time at the roof-top napping where there are wooden chairs amidst some potted plants under the shelter of trellis... It feels like I'm basking in the cool morning sun in a miniature sky garden. =)

Went to Junction 8 Coffee Bean n Tea Leaves in the afternoon to study. Tried their Oreo Cheesecake for the first time, and I would say its 'ok' only. Took a walk around, shopping for shoes before we proceed to the cinema.

The movie was surprisingly nice, opposed to the comments that I heard from my other friends. Most of them found it boring, but I think it was really nice and I enjoyed the movie. =)

Date: 1st October 2006
Time: 1630 hrs
Venue: GV Bishan
Hall: Hall 6, K-03/K-04