My First Time

This past weekend marked my first time for many things. . .

It was my 1st time I. . .

1. Waited 2 hours for my transportation to even arrive
2. Traveled with 6 Kenyans
3. Crossed "No Mans Land"
4. Was stranded at a country border
5. Was housed by trainees instead of housing trainees
6. Visited Singapore
7. Saw a Rugby game
8. Dealt with Malaysian Immigration


Now for the details of my experience. . .

My bus leaving KL was supposed to arrive by 7pm and depart at 7:30pm. I watched the disorder of transportation logistics as dispatchers on walkie-talkies attempted to coordinate busses leaving an entering over 23 bus platforms. I waited for 2 hours for my bus to arrive and finally sat down in my seat at 9pm.

I was traveling with 6 Kenyans; Pilli - an AIESEC trainee working for DHL, Robert & Grace - their father is the Ambassador of Kenya in KL, and then Bonnie, Vincent, & Cindy - all University students studying in Malaysia. Kenya was one of the countries represented in the
game.



We arrived at the Malaysian border, got our stamp to leave the country, and then entered "No Mans Land" - a small area of land after leaving Malaysia but still not officially in Singapore.

Some of the Kenyans were pretty loud on the bus, so when we arrived at Singaporean immigration, the bus driver took it upon himself to leave us all behind.

Stranded!

Oh my. . .What to do? What to do?

We all paid for an official ticket!! I was mad. He should have waited. . .

Fortunately, Pilli, who previously experienced this on her way down to Singapore, said this happens often. She recommended that we wait for the next bus to arrive instead of hauling a cab. 5 minutes later a bus half-full arrives, and the driver cuts a deal and charges each of us 3RM (<$1USD) to complete the ride. The total trip took 6 hours, not including the 2 hour wait time for my bus and being stranded at the border.

Although I arrived at 3am, I can already tell the visible difference between Malaysia and Singapore. The cabs are newer, cleaner, and by law we had to wear our seatbelts in the back seat. Most of the flats (condos) looked really nice from the outside as well.

We got to the condo we planned on staying at and rang the bell twice.

No answer. . .hmmm

Tired & sleepy. . .What to do? What to do?

We all sit on the ground and then Pilli leans back on the door. To our surprise it was left open for us. =)

We were greeted with a nice welcome note on top of a stack of towels, pillows, blankets, fold out beds. Sweet! =)

Thanks to Diggidy, Tee, & Nacho - we were able to stay at a great place for 2 nights! All three of them are AIESEC trainees working for DHL in Singapore. Back in Atlanta, I frequently housed incoming trainees for a few days as they finalized their housing situation. . .so it's different being on this receiving end.

In the morning, I looked out at the view from their flat, which is on 15th floor and located in Singapore's residential area. Absolutely beautiful! Clean, organized, and as Pilli says "Not a single tree missing . . . Not a blade of grass is out of place."

Tee made pancakes for breakfast and then we headed to the game.

I really didn't know what to expect at the Rugby game. . .as the typical American, I haven't seen a rugby game let alone know the rules of it. So I was kind of excited. =)

For those who do not know what it looks like, it's similar to our American football game, in the sense that ball is shaped alike, players get tackled, and the object is to get score a touchdown (US football) or a Try (Rugby). I've actually concluded that Rugby is a much tougher sport since you run forwards, pass backwards, a ball dropped does not stop a play, and the players do not wear padding. I'm sure there are many more similarities and differences, but these are the ones I particularly noticed. (I found some heated debates online that talk about Pro Rugby vs. NFL Players)

The tournament was called the 'International Rugby Sevens' and it was held at Sinapore National Stadium. The first game started at 12:30pm and lasted until 9:30pm. I baked in the hot sun for the early part of the game and then cooled off in the rain early in the evening.

I really enjoyed watching and learning more about the game, socializing with friends, helping to root for the Kenyan team, and checking out the HOT International Rugby players (particularly Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Figi, and South Africa. =)






Hello Canada!


. . .and more eye candy ;)


New Zealand = 68, Singapore = 0
*Tsk,tsk,tsk*


Singapore reflects on their loss


Singaporeans in kilts?


Elvis @ a Rugby game? I think these unusual characters were there to hype up the crowd. Like cheerleaders of some sort. I don't know, don't ask me.


Yes, Singapore. You are unique!

After the game, we went to a club located on the 74th floor of the Swissotel. (Looks very similar on the outside to Westin Peachtree in Atlanta).


Nacho, Me, & Tee @ Swissotel's Nightclub on 74th floor


Sunday Brunch

On Sunday morning, I left Singapore and headed back to KL. (You can ask Sharath about this one). . .