Saturday, March 04, 2006

Today is a special day. Not only it's the last day of my ICT, but it's the first time I felt so touristy in my homeland. Yeah, you all will say I already look like one with the D70 hanging on my neck. But today is different!

Let me explain. Well, in light of the government's effort to promote racial harmony, we have a Connexion Tour today. SAF charted 4 buses and brought us for a day trip to understand our non-chinese camp mates culture better.

First stop was Little India. We alighted the bus, with a tour guide showing us around. Interestingly, I learnt something new today. You know those leaves that you find hanging ouside Indian shops and homes, are actually mango leaves! Bet you didn't know! The purpose is to ward off evil spirits.

Another revelation. If you notice those stalls that sell flowers and garlands for religious purposes, how come there are no ladies selling them? All the flower stores are own by guys!

Well, according to beliefs, girls are not "clean" on certain days of the month, and since these flowers are offered to deities, guys will be a better choice.

Learnt something new today?

Second stop was Chinatown Heritage Centre. Its just along the road outside Chinatown MRT, beside the vain bodybuilder chef's porridge place.

They did a mock up of the cubicles that our fore fathers stayed. It was really bad, small, dark and crampy. The worst must be the toilet. Basically its a chair with a hole in the middle, and with a metal bucket underneath it. And sometimes when the night soil collector will spill some on the floor when he cleared them outside...

Yucks!

I felt that we really have a good life now. Although we read similar stories from text books, you have to see one to really get it into your head.

Went back to camp for Happy Hour. They ordered buffet and I drank some cheap Tiger Beer at $1.20 a can. Can you believe it? The dispenser sells a can of Coke at $0.90.

However, the best part is the Out Process. Scan ic, take receipt and kiss SAF goodbye till September. Got range to attend. I haven't shoot from an M16 since recruit days. Probably can't even shoot an elephant right in front of me.

Hopefully, I would already be in Australia with Eliss, with a great job. God please help me!

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