261210 1337 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
I am in heaven. Spotting heaven that is.
We woke up to clear skies, and decided to seize the chance to go spotting at the far side of the airport. Breakfast was had near the hotel, some beef satay noodles which I quite enjoyed.
We headed to our favourite MTR station, Tung Chung. That name sure brings back memories, doesn't it. Anyway we split up when we were there. Shuotian, Jeremy and Paul hit the outlet mall while we proceeded to catch a bus. Unfortunately we caught the wrong one. Looks like our old friend Murphy's caught up with us.
Anyway that was a minor setback and we did eventually make it to where we are now, a small beach near the aircraft maintenance building. The spotting opportunities are endless, I've seen many interesting airliners (and one or two less interesting ones). The highlight was the return of 9V-SWG, our old friend who brought us here yesterday.
Now we're just waiting for the guys to call us and let us know when they're done. We're also hoping to do some whale watching while we're here.
2200 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
Well in the end we did manage the whale watching, then headed back to Tung Chung to join the others. Lunch was at the ICC, some nice noodles and xiao long bao. We then tried to get up the ICC, but sadly it wasn't opened, so we decided to head up to the peak.
On the way to the peak, we were debating over whether the bus or the tram was faster. We didn't reach a conclusion, so we decided to settle it in traditional manner with one of our First Gear races. Jinjun, Calvin and Jeremy would take the bus, while Shuotian, Paul and myself would take the Peak Tram.
The race flagged off at Hong Kong station, from which the three of us immediately rushed out to find the Peak Tram. We were rushing to wait though, as we got there and saw an enormous queue. This effectively cost us the race, as we stood around waiting for our turn in line while the others' bus had already reached the top.
We did make it, eventually, although sadly it was dark by the time. We admired the views of the harbour and a nearby forest fire, then got dinner at a nearby fries place. We all took the bus down after that, which was more fun than it sounds.
We tried to pull off another race after that, me, Jeremy and Jinjun MTRing across the harbour while the rest took the Star Ferry. In the end, we gave up on this and just headed back to the Rai Lei.
Today's been quite tiring, though enjoyable. Still miffed at not seeing the Peak by day though. Disney tomorrow should be fun.
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Hong Kong 2010 Day 1
251210 1039 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SWG over the South China Sea
Merry Christmas to all, and this is the first time I'm spending Christmas in the sky.
Woke up early this morning at 5:30, then woke Jinjun up (he was staying overnight at my place). Had a quick breakfast and did some last minute packing, then made for Changi Airport.
We met Calvin there, and I saw his parents for the first time. We also ran into Hafiz and chatted a while, before bidding him farewell and clearing immigration.
For once we actually had a bit of time after clearing customs, so we relaxed and took a leisurely walk to A12, where we found a beautiful 777-312ER, 9V-SWG waiting for us.
We boarded and took our seats. Sadly it was impossible for us to get 3 seats together, but we made do with 50A, where I am now, 50B and 35A. I feel quite bad for Calvin though, maybe I should swap with him later?
Takeoff was a bit late at 0846, but the plane made up for the lateness with a typical GE90 start up and takeoff, in short, a tremendous surge of power befitting the most powerful turbofans in the world. We had brunch soon after, I took the char siew noodles while Jinjun had the omelette. The noodles were good, if a little dry, and I enjoyed them. I'm disappointed with the IFE though, two of my staple programs for SQ, Merry Widow and Top Gear, are gone. Oh well, I've always got my own. As is tradition on flights, I'm listening to the Yagisawa trilogy. The difference this time is that now two of the three feature yours truly, and I appreciate having played them.
Just an hour or so out from Hong Kong now, really fast flight.
1405 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong International Airport, China
Finally, we've arrived. Landed early at 1155 and taxied over to gate 21, passing by many interesting airliners in the process, and some less so (i.e a Tiger Airways A320).
We did some spotting, then headed for lunch at the good old T2 food court. After dropping our bags off at the lockers and enjoying a good Japanese lunch (pity they ran out of Calpis though), we left the airport by bus. We're now on the way to our favourite MTR station, Tung Chung. Why do I feel a strong sense of Deja vu
2300 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
It sure is nice to see all these familiar places again. Basically what we did was go to Citygate so that Jinjun could buy shoes, then head back to the airport to camp. We decided to camp at our old camping ground near the end of the airport. Once there we also realised that we were wearing the same clothes we did on the first day of the first trip. Really Deja vu here.
Eventually the others showed up, and we caught an airport express and a cab to the Rai Lei, where we ran into Yanlong. Dinner was at a KFC, then we walked around for a bit, visiting a Fortress and buying some cool mango drinks and XO conch, before calling it a night.
My memories of the place are still crystal clear... It's good to be back.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
9V-SWG over the South China Sea
Merry Christmas to all, and this is the first time I'm spending Christmas in the sky.
Woke up early this morning at 5:30, then woke Jinjun up (he was staying overnight at my place). Had a quick breakfast and did some last minute packing, then made for Changi Airport.
We met Calvin there, and I saw his parents for the first time. We also ran into Hafiz and chatted a while, before bidding him farewell and clearing immigration.
For once we actually had a bit of time after clearing customs, so we relaxed and took a leisurely walk to A12, where we found a beautiful 777-312ER, 9V-SWG waiting for us.
We boarded and took our seats. Sadly it was impossible for us to get 3 seats together, but we made do with 50A, where I am now, 50B and 35A. I feel quite bad for Calvin though, maybe I should swap with him later?
Takeoff was a bit late at 0846, but the plane made up for the lateness with a typical GE90 start up and takeoff, in short, a tremendous surge of power befitting the most powerful turbofans in the world. We had brunch soon after, I took the char siew noodles while Jinjun had the omelette. The noodles were good, if a little dry, and I enjoyed them. I'm disappointed with the IFE though, two of my staple programs for SQ, Merry Widow and Top Gear, are gone. Oh well, I've always got my own. As is tradition on flights, I'm listening to the Yagisawa trilogy. The difference this time is that now two of the three feature yours truly, and I appreciate having played them.
Just an hour or so out from Hong Kong now, really fast flight.
1405 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong International Airport, China
Finally, we've arrived. Landed early at 1155 and taxied over to gate 21, passing by many interesting airliners in the process, and some less so (i.e a Tiger Airways A320).
We did some spotting, then headed for lunch at the good old T2 food court. After dropping our bags off at the lockers and enjoying a good Japanese lunch (pity they ran out of Calpis though), we left the airport by bus. We're now on the way to our favourite MTR station, Tung Chung. Why do I feel a strong sense of Deja vu
2300 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
It sure is nice to see all these familiar places again. Basically what we did was go to Citygate so that Jinjun could buy shoes, then head back to the airport to camp. We decided to camp at our old camping ground near the end of the airport. Once there we also realised that we were wearing the same clothes we did on the first day of the first trip. Really Deja vu here.
Eventually the others showed up, and we caught an airport express and a cab to the Rai Lei, where we ran into Yanlong. Dinner was at a KFC, then we walked around for a bit, visiting a Fortress and buying some cool mango drinks and XO conch, before calling it a night.
My memories of the place are still crystal clear... It's good to be back.
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Friday, December 24, 2010
Coda VI
Chairperson's Message
This concert marks my 5th with RWinds, and so far the previous four have been really fun, though some more than others. Personally, though, this has to be the best one so far. Sure, the run-up was a lot shorter and a lot more hectic than the previous ones, but to me, the gains in both musical standard and friendship were much greater than before. Sure, I was dying of exhaustion by the time it ended, but it was well worth it.
Conductors
I have to give special mention to Quanhui this year, we have improved tremendously musically and it's probably thanks to him and his increasing standards for the band. To keep at it the way he does is really impressive.
Special mention also goes to the assistant conductor, Yunsong, as well as Jinjun for his brass sectionals. Especially leading up to the concert, they played a huge role in pushing the band up to where it was.
Committee
Well as a librarian this year, I'm quite happy that most things went according to plan. Still room for improvement in the way we do things though.
About the concert
As with most nights the previous week, the saxophones were out until early in the morning either folding Totoros or getting drunk, the details of which I shall not go into here. As a result, I slept pretty late, at about 2 or 3. Woke up the next morning and drove out to J8, as usual, to do some ultra-last minute concert note writing, which I took a bit more literally this time around.
Went back to school for the usual instrument moving fest, which was done in good time, before setting off on the bus. Instead of VCH though, we ended up getting sent to SCH... Still, setting up of the stage went real smooth and we actually managed to start rehearsal on time. Rehearsal went pretty well, I think, and soundchecks aside the saxes definitely had some good photos taken of ourselves.
Dinner was (again) spicy, but at least this time there was chocolate (courtesy of the boss). This year, I found I had more time to give out concert notes, at least it didn't feel rushed. Pity I didn't really have time to find gifts, other than our signature drink.
At around 7:15, we walked on stage and the concert began. An annoyance of mine during the concert was that my glasses kept sliding off. Minor, I guess.
Intermission was spent mingling, then prepping for ensembles. We walked on stage, did our thing, walked off, and walked on again for the full band's second half.
After the concert ended, with the usual photos and all, we wasted no time in packing up, collecting scores and engaging in a bit more mingling befo re taking the bus back to RI. Supper was spent at McDonalds in nearby Ang Mo Kio, listening to the recordings along the way. I then dragged myself home and got ready to work a few hours later, feeling extremely tired, but satisfied.
Visions of Flight was quite possibly our best piece that evening. Listening to the recording feels extremely inspiring, and I'm quite happy with it. I've grown to really love this song, about as much as the mainstay pieces of the repertoire.
Oregon wasn't as good as Visions of Flight, could have been better, but overall OK. Enjoyable piece to play, I suppose.
Romance for Band caused a lot of worry running up to the concert, but I'm glad we didn't have to highlight the advancements made recently in MIDI technology the way we did for Berceuse. Decently played, I think.
I always think Enka Medley wasn't really worth 11 minutes of time, but overall it was decent. My friend really likes it, for some reason.
Ensuring that every concert I play in has at least one repeated piece, El Camino Real hails from the honour band days of JCBF 2007. I think we did better here than then, although we were a bit less energetic than then. Overall was pretty happy with this one though.
Can't say much about Four Hits for Five, by George, because I didn't play for it, it being a brass quintet item. Apparently it was better than at OVW, so kudos to the brass quintet.
For a last minute addition to the repertoire, we did this one pretty well. I was pretty satisfied with my playing here, but always room for improvement of course.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, cute song, played decently, but we really slowed it down near the end. Actually one of the main issues with our ensemble overall was tempo control, something that we can work on in future.
My Neighbour Totoro is fast becoming our signature tune. I hope the audience appreciated the hard work we put in to make the Totoros, as well as the amount of Calpis consumed as a result.
Japanese Graffiti XII, featuring GE999 and of course, Space Battleship Yamato, wasn't that well played I think, in fact I'd say there's a long way to go with this one. Amusingly, while playing Yamato, I couldn't help but hear "Uchuu Senkan.... TO-MA-TO" in my mind.
Riverdance was pretty good, I think. Quite enjoyable to play, and even my friend who knows nothing of band music finds it fun. Choo Wee's solos were good, as was most of the rest of the piece.
Well for 2 practices, I think it sounded really good. Quite fun, I think, marches usually are. We ought to do more marches, really.
Nice Easter Egg at the end by the trumpets. Rather fail ending though.
Acknowledgements
Well I think this has to be the best Coda ever. Although of course, the performances could be improved a bit more, we definitely outshone last year's performance. The disappointing thing I suppose is that we definitely could have done better too. Hopefully next year, we can execute what we've learnt this time and make Coda VII the best Coda ever.
However, standard aside, I really enjoyed playing this repertoire. Most of the pieces either started out having great meaning to me, or developed it as we went by. Of course, I don't really need to identify my two favourites here, and to play them really made my year, along with Perseus last Tuesday.
Personally I think this cycle was really too short, or at least it felt so. It's definitely been much more enjoyable than any before, in no small part due to the fact that we are now mobile. The saxophone section has been really crazy, practically living with each other the week before the concert, and enjoying good food and Calpis in the process. I'm really happy to have worked with this section, and gotten to know Joanne and Yixian. Really hope they hang around.
I certainly look forward to performing with the section again in OVW2, and the rest of the band in future. Definitely one of the main things I want to take away now are increased bonds with the rest of the band, getting to know each other better. Of course, I'd love to see the music we make soar to new heights too, especially as it's our anniversary. If we work as hard for the whole cycle as we did for the last two weeks for this one, then I am really looking forward to hearing ourselves at our 10th anniversary concert.
Player List
To close off, I would like to thank a number of people who really made this concert what it was, I have to say probably the best concert in my life to date.
Quanhui and Yunsong: Thanks for pushing the band up, never accepting anything less than perfection in the drive to improve, and yet having patience, especially under such trying circumstances. We couldn't have done it without you.
Audience Members: There would be no performance without someone to perform too, so I have to thank all friends and family members (eg 2^7) for coming down to support and watch. I hope you enjoyed the concert as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.
Committee: Thanks for the hard work, as usual, in making sure this concert went smoothly. Look forward to working with you all again for Coda VII.
Calvin: Thanks for the help filming the concert, hopefully we take less than 3 years to do the video. Good to see your close-ups on the right track this time :)
Batchmates who performed i.e. Jinjun, Jeremy, Paul, Shuotian and Yuhyiing: For most of you guys this will have been our last performance in a concert together, hopefully not for all. It's been fun, and I hope we keep the batch spirit alive in future.
Shelley Chan: Special mention since I received a note from you and failed to reciprocate, for which I feel quite bad. Thanks for that, and for being so outgoing and friendly!
Finally, my section, especially the ensemble. Amir, Joseph, Yixian, Choo Wee, Joanne and Jeremy (again): You guys really made this concert for me, especially the last couple of weeks. I felt like dying, but somehow the drive to do well for ensemble and full band kept me awake and alive. OVW2 and Coda VII beckon, let's carry on the good name of the saxophone section!
See you next year!
This concert marks my 5th with RWinds, and so far the previous four have been really fun, though some more than others. Personally, though, this has to be the best one so far. Sure, the run-up was a lot shorter and a lot more hectic than the previous ones, but to me, the gains in both musical standard and friendship were much greater than before. Sure, I was dying of exhaustion by the time it ended, but it was well worth it.
Conductors
I have to give special mention to Quanhui this year, we have improved tremendously musically and it's probably thanks to him and his increasing standards for the band. To keep at it the way he does is really impressive.
Special mention also goes to the assistant conductor, Yunsong, as well as Jinjun for his brass sectionals. Especially leading up to the concert, they played a huge role in pushing the band up to where it was.
Committee
Well as a librarian this year, I'm quite happy that most things went according to plan. Still room for improvement in the way we do things though.
About the concert
As with most nights the previous week, the saxophones were out until early in the morning either folding Totoros or getting drunk, the details of which I shall not go into here. As a result, I slept pretty late, at about 2 or 3. Woke up the next morning and drove out to J8, as usual, to do some ultra-last minute concert note writing, which I took a bit more literally this time around.
Went back to school for the usual instrument moving fest, which was done in good time, before setting off on the bus. Instead of VCH though, we ended up getting sent to SCH... Still, setting up of the stage went real smooth and we actually managed to start rehearsal on time. Rehearsal went pretty well, I think, and soundchecks aside the saxes definitely had some good photos taken of ourselves.
Dinner was (again) spicy, but at least this time there was chocolate (courtesy of the boss). This year, I found I had more time to give out concert notes, at least it didn't feel rushed. Pity I didn't really have time to find gifts, other than our signature drink.
At around 7:15, we walked on stage and the concert began. An annoyance of mine during the concert was that my glasses kept sliding off. Minor, I guess.
Intermission was spent mingling, then prepping for ensembles. We walked on stage, did our thing, walked off, and walked on again for the full band's second half.
After the concert ended, with the usual photos and all, we wasted no time in packing up, collecting scores and engaging in a bit more mingling befo re taking the bus back to RI. Supper was spent at McDonalds in nearby Ang Mo Kio, listening to the recordings along the way. I then dragged myself home and got ready to work a few hours later, feeling extremely tired, but satisfied.
Visions of Flight was quite possibly our best piece that evening. Listening to the recording feels extremely inspiring, and I'm quite happy with it. I've grown to really love this song, about as much as the mainstay pieces of the repertoire.
Oregon wasn't as good as Visions of Flight, could have been better, but overall OK. Enjoyable piece to play, I suppose.
Romance for Band caused a lot of worry running up to the concert, but I'm glad we didn't have to highlight the advancements made recently in MIDI technology the way we did for Berceuse. Decently played, I think.
I always think Enka Medley wasn't really worth 11 minutes of time, but overall it was decent. My friend really likes it, for some reason.
Ensuring that every concert I play in has at least one repeated piece, El Camino Real hails from the honour band days of JCBF 2007. I think we did better here than then, although we were a bit less energetic than then. Overall was pretty happy with this one though.
Can't say much about Four Hits for Five, by George, because I didn't play for it, it being a brass quintet item. Apparently it was better than at OVW, so kudos to the brass quintet.
For a last minute addition to the repertoire, we did this one pretty well. I was pretty satisfied with my playing here, but always room for improvement of course.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, cute song, played decently, but we really slowed it down near the end. Actually one of the main issues with our ensemble overall was tempo control, something that we can work on in future.
My Neighbour Totoro is fast becoming our signature tune. I hope the audience appreciated the hard work we put in to make the Totoros, as well as the amount of Calpis consumed as a result.
Japanese Graffiti XII, featuring GE999 and of course, Space Battleship Yamato, wasn't that well played I think, in fact I'd say there's a long way to go with this one. Amusingly, while playing Yamato, I couldn't help but hear "Uchuu Senkan.... TO-MA-TO" in my mind.
Riverdance was pretty good, I think. Quite enjoyable to play, and even my friend who knows nothing of band music finds it fun. Choo Wee's solos were good, as was most of the rest of the piece.
Well for 2 practices, I think it sounded really good. Quite fun, I think, marches usually are. We ought to do more marches, really.
Nice Easter Egg at the end by the trumpets. Rather fail ending though.Acknowledgements
Well I think this has to be the best Coda ever. Although of course, the performances could be improved a bit more, we definitely outshone last year's performance. The disappointing thing I suppose is that we definitely could have done better too. Hopefully next year, we can execute what we've learnt this time and make Coda VII the best Coda ever.
However, standard aside, I really enjoyed playing this repertoire. Most of the pieces either started out having great meaning to me, or developed it as we went by. Of course, I don't really need to identify my two favourites here, and to play them really made my year, along with Perseus last Tuesday.
Personally I think this cycle was really too short, or at least it felt so. It's definitely been much more enjoyable than any before, in no small part due to the fact that we are now mobile. The saxophone section has been really crazy, practically living with each other the week before the concert, and enjoying good food and Calpis in the process. I'm really happy to have worked with this section, and gotten to know Joanne and Yixian. Really hope they hang around.
I certainly look forward to performing with the section again in OVW2, and the rest of the band in future. Definitely one of the main things I want to take away now are increased bonds with the rest of the band, getting to know each other better. Of course, I'd love to see the music we make soar to new heights too, especially as it's our anniversary. If we work as hard for the whole cycle as we did for the last two weeks for this one, then I am really looking forward to hearing ourselves at our 10th anniversary concert.
Player List
To close off, I would like to thank a number of people who really made this concert what it was, I have to say probably the best concert in my life to date.
Quanhui and Yunsong: Thanks for pushing the band up, never accepting anything less than perfection in the drive to improve, and yet having patience, especially under such trying circumstances. We couldn't have done it without you.
Audience Members: There would be no performance without someone to perform too, so I have to thank all friends and family members (eg 2^7) for coming down to support and watch. I hope you enjoyed the concert as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.
Committee: Thanks for the hard work, as usual, in making sure this concert went smoothly. Look forward to working with you all again for Coda VII.
Calvin: Thanks for the help filming the concert, hopefully we take less than 3 years to do the video. Good to see your close-ups on the right track this time :)
Batchmates who performed i.e. Jinjun, Jeremy, Paul, Shuotian and Yuhyiing: For most of you guys this will have been our last performance in a concert together, hopefully not for all. It's been fun, and I hope we keep the batch spirit alive in future.
Shelley Chan: Special mention since I received a note from you and failed to reciprocate, for which I feel quite bad. Thanks for that, and for being so outgoing and friendly!
Finally, my section, especially the ensemble. Amir, Joseph, Yixian, Choo Wee, Joanne and Jeremy (again): You guys really made this concert for me, especially the last couple of weeks. I felt like dying, but somehow the drive to do well for ensemble and full band kept me awake and alive. OVW2 and Coda VII beckon, let's carry on the good name of the saxophone section!
See you next year!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Junior College & Polytechnic Band Festival 2010 Concert
Back at the Esplanade once more, something I didn't really see coming at the start of the year.
Headed off to the Esplanade after that for the usual soundcheck and dinner, which was... passable, I suppose. Then followed a really long wait until the performance. We were to be the last item after intermission, so we had a long time.
Walking on stage for the first time since Limelight, I savoured the moment. The hall seemed fuller than I had expected, not that I expected much. Mr Seville walked onto the stage and lifted his baton for...
Ride, a piece that reminds me of Choo Wee's driving. This was fast, with changing key and time signatures left right center and justified. Still, we did manage to keep relatively together and I suppose it sounded good.
Suite on Celtic Folk Songs was next, a piece I'd played in Coda II 4 years ago, keeping up my traditions of always having repeated pieces. Pretty well done too, I suppose, we managed to sort out a lot of problems that were evident in the practices.
After that piece, the moment I was waiting for arrived. Mr Oura walked onto the stage, I stood, preparing myself for...
After the concert, I quickly packed up and rushed to RWinds, where I joined the others for supper. Ended up at Adam Road Food Center till about 2am, as seems to be usual these days.
Well, this has definitely been a tiring week, especially jugging work, RWinds and JCBF, and with JCBF pracs extending till 10+ at night. Still, I think the experience was definitely worth it, met a few people, improved myself and learnt some things. Of course, the main reason I went was well worth it, and more. Onward to Coda!
Went to work super early in the morning, not really something I wanted, but sadly unavoidable. Following work, I headed for lunch with Jinjun and Shuotian, to Ippudo at Mandarin Gallery. While we were there, we bumped into Shelley, though not entirely by accident, and enjoyed some excellent Ramen.
Headed off to the Esplanade after that for the usual soundcheck and dinner, which was... passable, I suppose. Then followed a really long wait until the performance. We were to be the last item after intermission, so we had a long time.
Walking on stage for the first time since Limelight, I savoured the moment. The hall seemed fuller than I had expected, not that I expected much. Mr Seville walked onto the stage and lifted his baton for...
Ride, a piece that reminds me of Choo Wee's driving. This was fast, with changing key and time signatures left right center and justified. Still, we did manage to keep relatively together and I suppose it sounded good.
Suite on Celtic Folk Songs was next, a piece I'd played in Coda II 4 years ago, keeping up my traditions of always having repeated pieces. Pretty well done too, I suppose, we managed to sort out a lot of problems that were evident in the practices.
After that piece, the moment I was waiting for arrived. Mr Oura walked onto the stage, I stood, preparing myself for...
After the concert, I quickly packed up and rushed to RWinds, where I joined the others for supper. Ended up at Adam Road Food Center till about 2am, as seems to be usual these days.
Well, this has definitely been a tiring week, especially jugging work, RWinds and JCBF, and with JCBF pracs extending till 10+ at night. Still, I think the experience was definitely worth it, met a few people, improved myself and learnt some things. Of course, the main reason I went was well worth it, and more. Onward to Coda!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
JCPBF 2010
For the past 5 days or so, I've been juggling Rwinds with a new activity: JCBF's alumni band. So far it's been short, but rather fulfilling. I'm looking forward to the concert immensely, especially the last piece. I'm sure it's obvious why.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Japan 2010 Day 5
130910 1127 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Hong Kong International Airport, China
Well, this is the final leg of the trip. At gate 65 now, just opposite where I boarded the plane to Osaka on Thursday, and at seat 56A.
This morning I decided to go to Tsim Sha Tsui via the Star Ferry. Of course this resulted in an almighty rush to get here in time, and I barely made it on. On the plus side the weather was brilliant for shooting, no haze at all. My aunt tells me the past few days have been quite bad, and I've got firsthand evidence from Wednesday night to back that up, so I guess I was lucky.
Time for pushback soon, on my first pureblood Cathay 747 flight, then homeward bound it'll be. Seems like a delay though, failure of the automatic fuel system so they're manually refuelling the plane.
1151 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Hong Kong International Airport, China
Seems like they're done, we're pushing back. B-HNN just pulled up beside us too.
1218 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over the South China Sea.
Wow. By some definitions that was my 100th takeoff. And what an astounding view of Hong Kong. 1206 saw the 747 launch itself into the sky and straight past Victoria Harbour. Coupled with the clear skies, a rarity here, the view was awesome.
Watching Top Gear once more, really a good show to watch I flight.
1346 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over Vietnam
Halfway home now. Been a good flight so far, enjoyed the fish and oyster sauce lunch. We're almost there.
1438 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over the South China Sea.
Starting our descent in 3 minutes, and we're just 160nm out of WSSS. Feels good.
1510 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
Touchdown on 20R at 1505 marked the end of this short but enjoyable journey. Now parked at D41 near 9V-SYD awaiting deboarding.
1530 local time (GMT +8)
Singapore, Singapore
Well, that's that. It's been a really fun experience, and I'm sorry it had to be so short. Ah well, someday I shall return to Japan once more.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
B-HUF at Hong Kong International Airport, China
Well, this is the final leg of the trip. At gate 65 now, just opposite where I boarded the plane to Osaka on Thursday, and at seat 56A.
This morning I decided to go to Tsim Sha Tsui via the Star Ferry. Of course this resulted in an almighty rush to get here in time, and I barely made it on. On the plus side the weather was brilliant for shooting, no haze at all. My aunt tells me the past few days have been quite bad, and I've got firsthand evidence from Wednesday night to back that up, so I guess I was lucky.
Time for pushback soon, on my first pureblood Cathay 747 flight, then homeward bound it'll be. Seems like a delay though, failure of the automatic fuel system so they're manually refuelling the plane.
1151 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Hong Kong International Airport, China
Seems like they're done, we're pushing back. B-HNN just pulled up beside us too.
1218 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over the South China Sea.
Wow. By some definitions that was my 100th takeoff. And what an astounding view of Hong Kong. 1206 saw the 747 launch itself into the sky and straight past Victoria Harbour. Coupled with the clear skies, a rarity here, the view was awesome.
Watching Top Gear once more, really a good show to watch I flight.
1346 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over Vietnam
Halfway home now. Been a good flight so far, enjoyed the fish and oyster sauce lunch. We're almost there.
1438 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF over the South China Sea.
Starting our descent in 3 minutes, and we're just 160nm out of WSSS. Feels good.
1510 local time (GMT +8)
B-HUF at Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
Touchdown on 20R at 1505 marked the end of this short but enjoyable journey. Now parked at D41 near 9V-SYD awaiting deboarding.
1530 local time (GMT +8)
Singapore, Singapore
Well, that's that. It's been a really fun experience, and I'm sorry it had to be so short. Ah well, someday I shall return to Japan once more.
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Japan 2010 Day 4
120910 1123 local time (GMT +9)
Japan
I wish I could say exactly where I was, but at this speed it wouldn't be accurate, the train's covered 5km in the time I typed this sentence. On another Shinkansen, a 700 this time, running a Hikari service for Kyoto at a good 250km/h, though I'm not sure, it's gone off the scale of my GPS. I am really impressed by the Shinkansen.
1802 local time (GMT +9)
B-HKU at Kansai International Airport, Japan
All good things must come to an end I guess. Sitting at 33K on another ex-SQ 747-412, B-HKU. We're parked at gate 3, with 2 ANA 737-700s at 2 and 1. I think the closest is JA11AN.
Nothing much occurred today. After another amazing Shinkansen ride, we proceeded to souvenier shop. I then departed back to Osaka via the final and slowest (in terms of number of stops) Kodama Shinkansen, but again, it was a 700.
Once at Osaka, I headed for Yodobashi hoping to pick up good stuff, but failed. My mom was supposed to meet me at Namba station, but by the agreed cutoff time, she hadn't showed up, so I headed to take the Rapi;t Beta back to the aircraft carrier.
After checkin, I did some spotting, the highlight of which was the ANA Panda 767-300. I then had a quick lunch, then went to the Rokko lounge. This was quite small, nothing more than armchairs lining the walls with drinks and peanuts available.
Well we've started pushback and received the usual farewell. Sayonara Japan, till we meet again.
1920 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU over Taipei, Taiwan
Beethoven's famous 9th Symphony is providing the background for this post.
We took off on 24L at 1818, did an S turn for some reason, probably the SID, and left Japan behind. The dinner of Japanese beef and rice was pleasant, and Top Gear's Bolivia special was hilarious.
Almost back in Hong Kong, and Singapore comes ever closer.
1942 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU over the South China Sea
I wouldn't be nothing if I didn't have you.
I'm starting to love this song.
1956 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU over the South China Sea
I think we're landing soon, Shantou's lights are just out the window, the plane has turned and is descending, and the seatbelt light is on. That's almost an hour early.
2023 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU at Hong Kong International Airport, China
Textbook touchdown at 0820 on 25R although the approach was a little rough. Time to head back into the familiar terminal.
2359 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
Nothing much to report of the journey, parked at gate 2 next to where we parked on the way in from Macau, got off and headed for the all-too-familiar Airport Express into town. Met my aunt at the IFC, then cabbed to her place.
Once there we sat and talked, along with her husband, over tea and cakes. That done, I decided to retire. Hope to get up early tomorrow for some photography.
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Japan
I wish I could say exactly where I was, but at this speed it wouldn't be accurate, the train's covered 5km in the time I typed this sentence. On another Shinkansen, a 700 this time, running a Hikari service for Kyoto at a good 250km/h, though I'm not sure, it's gone off the scale of my GPS. I am really impressed by the Shinkansen.
1802 local time (GMT +9)
B-HKU at Kansai International Airport, Japan
All good things must come to an end I guess. Sitting at 33K on another ex-SQ 747-412, B-HKU. We're parked at gate 3, with 2 ANA 737-700s at 2 and 1. I think the closest is JA11AN.
Nothing much occurred today. After another amazing Shinkansen ride, we proceeded to souvenier shop. I then departed back to Osaka via the final and slowest (in terms of number of stops) Kodama Shinkansen, but again, it was a 700.
Once at Osaka, I headed for Yodobashi hoping to pick up good stuff, but failed. My mom was supposed to meet me at Namba station, but by the agreed cutoff time, she hadn't showed up, so I headed to take the Rapi;t Beta back to the aircraft carrier.
After checkin, I did some spotting, the highlight of which was the ANA Panda 767-300. I then had a quick lunch, then went to the Rokko lounge. This was quite small, nothing more than armchairs lining the walls with drinks and peanuts available.
Well we've started pushback and received the usual farewell. Sayonara Japan, till we meet again.
1920 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU over Taipei, Taiwan
Beethoven's famous 9th Symphony is providing the background for this post.
We took off on 24L at 1818, did an S turn for some reason, probably the SID, and left Japan behind. The dinner of Japanese beef and rice was pleasant, and Top Gear's Bolivia special was hilarious.
Almost back in Hong Kong, and Singapore comes ever closer.
1942 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU over the South China Sea
I wouldn't be nothing if I didn't have you.
I'm starting to love this song.
1956 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU over the South China Sea
I think we're landing soon, Shantou's lights are just out the window, the plane has turned and is descending, and the seatbelt light is on. That's almost an hour early.
2023 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKU at Hong Kong International Airport, China
Textbook touchdown at 0820 on 25R although the approach was a little rough. Time to head back into the familiar terminal.
2359 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
Nothing much to report of the journey, parked at gate 2 next to where we parked on the way in from Macau, got off and headed for the all-too-familiar Airport Express into town. Met my aunt at the IFC, then cabbed to her place.
Once there we sat and talked, along with her husband, over tea and cakes. That done, I decided to retire. Hope to get up early tomorrow for some photography.
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Sunday, September 12, 2010
Japan 2010 Day 2
100910 1159 local time (GMT +9)
Kawachinagano, Japan
Woke up early this morning to participate in a Buddhist ritual, in which all the guests had to watch the priests play with fire and pray. After that, we visited a famous cemetery. Highlights include a flagpole with the flags of Japan, Australia and Malaysia, and a memorial put up by a pest extermination company for all the ants they killed.
At the moment I'm on a train headed for Nara. RIMB and alumni who went for the 2008 trip should be familiar with it as the first stop on our tour.
2230 local time (GMT +9)
Kyoto, Japan
What a tiring day, and I didn't even do that much. Basically went straight to Nara and had a delightful tonkatsu near the Cafe et Pain, before visiting Todaiji. It was just as I remembered it, complete with deer. Some scaffolding marred the view of the temple though. Hmm I wonder if the deer remembered me.
The next stop on our journey was Kyoto. By the time we reached, it was quite late, so we just headed for the hotel. The hotel was nice, budget but with Internet and a toilet which opened automatically when the door to the bathroom was open. Annoyingly though, while the net worked on my phone, my com couldn't get it.
Anyway we went for dinner at Hisago, one of the most acclaimed sushi restaurants in Kyoto. While the sushi was excellent, the prices were absurd. One particular type of tuna sushi costed 1000 yen, which could probably get you the whole buffet in Sakae. The owner of the bar was nice though, she told us she'd been to Singapore before.
After dinner we walked around Gion district. Apparently Shinbashi is supposed to be the most beautiful street in Asia. However I personally felt that Lorong 2 Toa Payoh looked better. The whole place reminded me of the sort of place some of my colleagues are probably way too familiar with. In all I can best describe Gion as the Geylang of Kyoto.
Ah well, off to sleep now, as I'm dead tired. I hope tomorrow is more relaxing.
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Kawachinagano, Japan
Woke up early this morning to participate in a Buddhist ritual, in which all the guests had to watch the priests play with fire and pray. After that, we visited a famous cemetery. Highlights include a flagpole with the flags of Japan, Australia and Malaysia, and a memorial put up by a pest extermination company for all the ants they killed.
At the moment I'm on a train headed for Nara. RIMB and alumni who went for the 2008 trip should be familiar with it as the first stop on our tour.
2230 local time (GMT +9)
Kyoto, Japan
What a tiring day, and I didn't even do that much. Basically went straight to Nara and had a delightful tonkatsu near the Cafe et Pain, before visiting Todaiji. It was just as I remembered it, complete with deer. Some scaffolding marred the view of the temple though. Hmm I wonder if the deer remembered me.
The next stop on our journey was Kyoto. By the time we reached, it was quite late, so we just headed for the hotel. The hotel was nice, budget but with Internet and a toilet which opened automatically when the door to the bathroom was open. Annoyingly though, while the net worked on my phone, my com couldn't get it.
Anyway we went for dinner at Hisago, one of the most acclaimed sushi restaurants in Kyoto. While the sushi was excellent, the prices were absurd. One particular type of tuna sushi costed 1000 yen, which could probably get you the whole buffet in Sakae. The owner of the bar was nice though, she told us she'd been to Singapore before.
After dinner we walked around Gion district. Apparently Shinbashi is supposed to be the most beautiful street in Asia. However I personally felt that Lorong 2 Toa Payoh looked better. The whole place reminded me of the sort of place some of my colleagues are probably way too familiar with. In all I can best describe Gion as the Geylang of Kyoto.
Ah well, off to sleep now, as I'm dead tired. I hope tomorrow is more relaxing.
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Japan 2010 Day 1
090910 1143 local time (GMT +8)
B-HKE over the Pacific Ocean
Had a quick rest in the hotel, then headed to the airport for my free breakfast. The spotting wasn't that good this morning, so I enjoyed the lounge.
I was pleasantly surprised to see B-HKE at gate 64. Distinguishable by her PW engines compared to the usual RR of CX, this aircraft once flew the Singapore flag.
We took off slightly late, leaving China behind for Japan at 1022. Got a nice view of the new ICC on the way out too.
The new CX seats are way more comfortable than the old ones, and the entertainment system is a vast improvement. It is a little glitchy though. Lunch was better than last night's dinner too, except that I still prefer SQ's soba.
1401 local time (GMT +9)
B-HKE over Japan
It's been a pleasant flight so far, the best I've had on Cathay, and I'm almost sad to land. We're running parallel to the Japanese coastline now, and I'm preparing for our carrier landing by listening to Perseus, Ocean and Sky.
1652 local time (GMT +9)
Sakai, Japan
Once again, I'm back in the Empire of the Rising Sun. We touched down at a rather empty Kansai Airport at 1426 and taxied over to gate 3, just opposite where 9V-SRL and 9V-SRP parked back in 2008.
Going through the arrivals area brought back fond memories, especially the cool arrivals screens. I then caught a Rapi'T Beta, which is apparently what they call their airport express, and changed to a local train at Tengachaya. The train system is highly confusing, but once you figure out how to read the information board, you'll get the idea
1805 local time (GMT +9)
Kiikamiya, Japan
I'm enjoying some beautiful vistas as I take this 2 carriage rural train up the mountain. It's quite relaxing really, and a little amazing to think people live like this in Japan, in stark contrast to Osaka and Tokyo.
2230 local time (GMT +9)
Koyasan, Japan
After the train journey, I took a cable railway up to Koyasan station, where I transferred to a local bus. Interestingly here you get on at the back and off at the front.
The temple is nice. It has no aircon or chairs, but Internet. I always thought the Internet was on a higher tech level than aircon.
Also, the feeling of partaking in a Japanese bath once more was indescribably good. I wish I could set a good one up at home.
Ah well, off to sleep and time for another day tomorrow.
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B-HKE over the Pacific Ocean
Had a quick rest in the hotel, then headed to the airport for my free breakfast. The spotting wasn't that good this morning, so I enjoyed the lounge.
I was pleasantly surprised to see B-HKE at gate 64. Distinguishable by her PW engines compared to the usual RR of CX, this aircraft once flew the Singapore flag.
We took off slightly late, leaving China behind for Japan at 1022. Got a nice view of the new ICC on the way out too.
The new CX seats are way more comfortable than the old ones, and the entertainment system is a vast improvement. It is a little glitchy though. Lunch was better than last night's dinner too, except that I still prefer SQ's soba.
1401 local time (GMT +9)
B-HKE over Japan
It's been a pleasant flight so far, the best I've had on Cathay, and I'm almost sad to land. We're running parallel to the Japanese coastline now, and I'm preparing for our carrier landing by listening to Perseus, Ocean and Sky.
1652 local time (GMT +9)
Sakai, Japan
Once again, I'm back in the Empire of the Rising Sun. We touched down at a rather empty Kansai Airport at 1426 and taxied over to gate 3, just opposite where 9V-SRL and 9V-SRP parked back in 2008.
Going through the arrivals area brought back fond memories, especially the cool arrivals screens. I then caught a Rapi'T Beta, which is apparently what they call their airport express, and changed to a local train at Tengachaya. The train system is highly confusing, but once you figure out how to read the information board, you'll get the idea
1805 local time (GMT +9)
Kiikamiya, Japan
I'm enjoying some beautiful vistas as I take this 2 carriage rural train up the mountain. It's quite relaxing really, and a little amazing to think people live like this in Japan, in stark contrast to Osaka and Tokyo.
2230 local time (GMT +9)
Koyasan, Japan
After the train journey, I took a cable railway up to Koyasan station, where I transferred to a local bus. Interestingly here you get on at the back and off at the front.
The temple is nice. It has no aircon or chairs, but Internet. I always thought the Internet was on a higher tech level than aircon.
Also, the feeling of partaking in a Japanese bath once more was indescribably good. I wish I could set a good one up at home.
Ah well, off to sleep and time for another day tomorrow.
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Saturday, September 11, 2010
Japan 2010 Day 3
110910 1447 local time (GMT +9)
Kyoto, Japan
Another walk down memory lane for me, literally. After a futile search for a breakfast place, we headed up the all-to-familiar shopping street below Kiyomizu temple. This has to be one of two locations in Japan I am most intimately familiar with, and I'm on a bus to the second now.
At the top I tried something new- a walk down a literally pitch black tunnel, representing some Buddha's room. It was as if my eyes were completely closed.
Following that, we explored the main temple, and I said hi to my good fire extinguisher friends. We then proceeded down the shopping street to find some lunch.
I had a Kaiseki meal for lunch, which is a traditional Japanese way of eating involving many small courses, and a changing menu depending on the season. This was long and expensive, but really delicious and the presentation of the courses was superb.
Now on another bus, let's see where this takes me.
2300 local time (GMT +9)
Osaka, Japan
What an exhausting day.
When I last left off, I was on a bus to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion. I've seen her many times, but she remains my favourite spot in Kyoto.
Following that, we took a JR train to Kobe, as opposed to the private railways we'd been on for the past couple of days. JR trains, I found, tend to be faster and smoother, and have forward facing seats, a big plus for me.
While on this JR train, I saw a sight which captured my imagination. As we were gaining speed out of Kyoto, we were overtaken by one of the most elegant trains in the world, a Shinkansen 700 series. It overtook us, then banked left and swooped away, almost like an aircraft.
Once in Kobe we headed somewhere to try the Kobe beef. This was quite good, but also exorbitant. Following that, we took a Nozomi service back to Osaka. Nozomi is the fastest of the three Shinkansen, though the only difference is in the number of stops, and since Osaka was the next stop, there's no difference no matter which you take. Still, the experience was nice, the speed and smoothness of the ride was evident.
After walking around Dotonburi and sending my brother off to the airport, we headed for the hotel near the Shinkansen station, thus ending my last full day in Japan. It seems so short now...
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Kyoto, Japan
Another walk down memory lane for me, literally. After a futile search for a breakfast place, we headed up the all-to-familiar shopping street below Kiyomizu temple. This has to be one of two locations in Japan I am most intimately familiar with, and I'm on a bus to the second now.
At the top I tried something new- a walk down a literally pitch black tunnel, representing some Buddha's room. It was as if my eyes were completely closed.
Following that, we explored the main temple, and I said hi to my good fire extinguisher friends. We then proceeded down the shopping street to find some lunch.
I had a Kaiseki meal for lunch, which is a traditional Japanese way of eating involving many small courses, and a changing menu depending on the season. This was long and expensive, but really delicious and the presentation of the courses was superb.
Now on another bus, let's see where this takes me.
2300 local time (GMT +9)
Osaka, Japan
What an exhausting day.
When I last left off, I was on a bus to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion. I've seen her many times, but she remains my favourite spot in Kyoto.
Following that, we took a JR train to Kobe, as opposed to the private railways we'd been on for the past couple of days. JR trains, I found, tend to be faster and smoother, and have forward facing seats, a big plus for me.
While on this JR train, I saw a sight which captured my imagination. As we were gaining speed out of Kyoto, we were overtaken by one of the most elegant trains in the world, a Shinkansen 700 series. It overtook us, then banked left and swooped away, almost like an aircraft.
Once in Kobe we headed somewhere to try the Kobe beef. This was quite good, but also exorbitant. Following that, we took a Nozomi service back to Osaka. Nozomi is the fastest of the three Shinkansen, though the only difference is in the number of stops, and since Osaka was the next stop, there's no difference no matter which you take. Still, the experience was nice, the speed and smoothness of the ride was evident.
After walking around Dotonburi and sending my brother off to the airport, we headed for the hotel near the Shinkansen station, thus ending my last full day in Japan. It seems so short now...
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Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Japan 2010 Day 0
080910 0825 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Singapore Changi Airport
Once again I'm flying off, this time to wonderful Japan. At the moment, I'm in 60K of Cathay Pacific's A330-300 B-HLG waiting for pushback at gate D44. I'll be flying to Hong Kong first, obviously. Now parked next to 777-246ER of Japan Airlines. Not going to see them around in Singapore soon, but no doubt I'll see many where I'm going. A Garuda 738 is near too. Oh and we just started pushback and startup. Trent 700s powering us here.
2145 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG over the South China Sea
Took off at 2037 in front of a Tiger Airways A320. We passed by a company 777-267, probably headed for Colombo. Watched Wall-E in Cantonese, at least the front of it. Interestingly it seems to be in sepia. Probably some problem with the projector. Ah well. Dinner hasn't been served yet either, wonder when they'll get round to it.
2337 local time (GMT +8)-
B-HLG over the South China Sea
Well, almost there. We're beginning our descent into VHHH now. Dinner was below average. The vegetables had the same texture and consistency as mashed potatoes, and the actual potatoes were bland. The chicken wasn't too bad though, and this meal at least beats the last one I had on this airline.
I'm feeling really tired, for some reason. Ah well, it'll help me sleep later.
090910 0030 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG over Hong Kong
This feels like a scene from Red Alert 2. There is a massive lightning storm outside, and we tried to land through it. As a result, we got hit by the worst turbulence I've ever seen, passengers started screaming and the pilot, probably wisely, decided to give up. The aircraft dived and climbed countless times before finally surging up and out of the storm. We're now in a holding pattern while he decides whether or not to divert. On a plus side, the lightning has been rather magnificent, and it's a pity I can't capture it on camera well enough.
0100 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG over Hong Kong
We seem to be deciding. Is the captain going to shoot for it? But the destination marker's on top of Macau now?
0206 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Macau International Airport.
Evidently my suspicions were confirmed. We landed at 0102 on runway 34 at Macau International Airport, thus allowing my record of having never flown directly from Singapore to Hong Kong to stand. I wasn't sure at first, but I knew it when we turned onto the taxiway bridge over the water, not to mention when I saw the casinos.
There seem to be quite a few other stranded aircraft here. Saw a Cathay 747-400, some random Cathays and now parked next to an Air Hong Kong A300-600. We've been here an hour now, wonder what will happen from here on out.
0300 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Macau International Airport.
We've been here for a good two hours now. Luckily it seems like we'll be heading over to Hong Kong very soon. Gonna miss the view of the Crown and the City of Dreams.
0425 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Hong Kong International Airport.
Finally we arrived. This is the shortest airliner flight I've ever been on, possibly the shortest flight ever, taking off on 34 at 0356 and landing on 25R 20 minutes later at 0416. Feels good to be back.
0510 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong International Airport
Whew what a long journey. And it's barely the half way point. Good thing I was connecting though, I got a free hotel stay and a $40 voucher for breakfast once I got off the plane at E1. I'm now lying on the bed at the good old Regal Airport Hotel, enjoying my runway view out the window. Hopefully today's leg will be less eventful, I really need some rest.
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B-HLG at Singapore Changi Airport
Once again I'm flying off, this time to wonderful Japan. At the moment, I'm in 60K of Cathay Pacific's A330-300 B-HLG waiting for pushback at gate D44. I'll be flying to Hong Kong first, obviously. Now parked next to 777-246ER of Japan Airlines. Not going to see them around in Singapore soon, but no doubt I'll see many where I'm going. A Garuda 738 is near too. Oh and we just started pushback and startup. Trent 700s powering us here.
2145 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG over the South China Sea
Took off at 2037 in front of a Tiger Airways A320. We passed by a company 777-267, probably headed for Colombo. Watched Wall-E in Cantonese, at least the front of it. Interestingly it seems to be in sepia. Probably some problem with the projector. Ah well. Dinner hasn't been served yet either, wonder when they'll get round to it.
2337 local time (GMT +8)-
B-HLG over the South China Sea
Well, almost there. We're beginning our descent into VHHH now. Dinner was below average. The vegetables had the same texture and consistency as mashed potatoes, and the actual potatoes were bland. The chicken wasn't too bad though, and this meal at least beats the last one I had on this airline.
I'm feeling really tired, for some reason. Ah well, it'll help me sleep later.
090910 0030 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG over Hong Kong
This feels like a scene from Red Alert 2. There is a massive lightning storm outside, and we tried to land through it. As a result, we got hit by the worst turbulence I've ever seen, passengers started screaming and the pilot, probably wisely, decided to give up. The aircraft dived and climbed countless times before finally surging up and out of the storm. We're now in a holding pattern while he decides whether or not to divert. On a plus side, the lightning has been rather magnificent, and it's a pity I can't capture it on camera well enough.
0100 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG over Hong Kong
We seem to be deciding. Is the captain going to shoot for it? But the destination marker's on top of Macau now?
0206 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Macau International Airport.
Evidently my suspicions were confirmed. We landed at 0102 on runway 34 at Macau International Airport, thus allowing my record of having never flown directly from Singapore to Hong Kong to stand. I wasn't sure at first, but I knew it when we turned onto the taxiway bridge over the water, not to mention when I saw the casinos.
There seem to be quite a few other stranded aircraft here. Saw a Cathay 747-400, some random Cathays and now parked next to an Air Hong Kong A300-600. We've been here an hour now, wonder what will happen from here on out.
0300 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Macau International Airport.
We've been here for a good two hours now. Luckily it seems like we'll be heading over to Hong Kong very soon. Gonna miss the view of the Crown and the City of Dreams.
0425 local time (GMT +8)
B-HLG at Hong Kong International Airport.
Finally we arrived. This is the shortest airliner flight I've ever been on, possibly the shortest flight ever, taking off on 34 at 0356 and landing on 25R 20 minutes later at 0416. Feels good to be back.
0510 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong International Airport
Whew what a long journey. And it's barely the half way point. Good thing I was connecting though, I got a free hotel stay and a $40 voucher for breakfast once I got off the plane at E1. I'm now lying on the bed at the good old Regal Airport Hotel, enjoying my runway view out the window. Hopefully today's leg will be less eventful, I really need some rest.
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Of Quanhui and the rest of us.
Slightly overdue comes my post about last Friday's recital. However if you were expecting my usual detailed review of the concert, you'll probably be disappointed because I have not much to say, having only performed for 15 minutes.
The day started in RI, where the sax ensemble had some last minute practice. We then headed over to YMS, courtesy of Choo Wee's car, and had a bit more prac in the tight spot before the concert began, together with an almost nonexistent soundcheck.
For those of you who thought VCH's backstage design was bad, YMS's will come as a slight letdown. There's no way of accessing the backstage except either via the stage (obviously impossible during a performance) or a door that leads outside to some random backalley. Also, the floor creaks, making unwanted noise during a performance. Ah well, it's not a full-fledged hall anyway, and I guess it's standard for an auditorium.
Quanhui's song cycle went first, though I can't comment much because I was too busy going through my own pieces. It was definitely the heaviest piece of the evening though.
The saxophone ensemble then took the stage, opening with Close Your Eyes and Listen, by Astor Piazzolla of Libertango fame. I think we did this piece quite well, considering our previous expectations, and I'm pretty happy with it, despite some minor screwups.
I shall not elaborate on our performance of Berceuse, except to highlight to the composer, my old friend Jinjun, both the recent developments in MIDI technology as well as the advantages of engineering as a university degree.
Yakety Sax was pretty fun, though I was feeling pretty nervous before my solo. Still, this has to be my best runthrough of the solo, as my rehearsal ones were definitely more tense and rushed.
After the intermission, we had more songs by Quanhui, including Wintersturme, solo items by Jinjun and Luke, and finally the brass quintet. I'm quite impressed by their performance, their items weren't easy, and it's been great to see the younger musicians improve over these few months.
Post-concert was relatively standard, loaded my bari sax up onto Quanhui's car, then headed for dinner with some of the performers as well as my batchmates who came down.
Personally this concert is probably not one that will go down etched into my memory. Besides the short performance time, our ensemble could definitely have done better. Granted, we were plagued with many problems and external commitments, and a tough repertoire. Next time we try something like this, it will have to be executed with greater care and more practice.
Another point that I find annoyed at was the relatively large number of people who backed out at the last minute. On hindsight, considering our performance, this may or may not have been a bad thing, but it's still one of my pet peeves, especially as all reservations for this concert were paid for, and considering recent events.
Still, I suppose that overall the concert was a success, and it did achieve its aims, with a relatively full hall. I look forward to redeeming our ensemble and having an even better performance should we have an event like this again.
The day started in RI, where the sax ensemble had some last minute practice. We then headed over to YMS, courtesy of Choo Wee's car, and had a bit more prac in the tight spot before the concert began, together with an almost nonexistent soundcheck.
For those of you who thought VCH's backstage design was bad, YMS's will come as a slight letdown. There's no way of accessing the backstage except either via the stage (obviously impossible during a performance) or a door that leads outside to some random backalley. Also, the floor creaks, making unwanted noise during a performance. Ah well, it's not a full-fledged hall anyway, and I guess it's standard for an auditorium.
Quanhui's song cycle went first, though I can't comment much because I was too busy going through my own pieces. It was definitely the heaviest piece of the evening though.
The saxophone ensemble then took the stage, opening with Close Your Eyes and Listen, by Astor Piazzolla of Libertango fame. I think we did this piece quite well, considering our previous expectations, and I'm pretty happy with it, despite some minor screwups.
I shall not elaborate on our performance of Berceuse, except to highlight to the composer, my old friend Jinjun, both the recent developments in MIDI technology as well as the advantages of engineering as a university degree.
Yakety Sax was pretty fun, though I was feeling pretty nervous before my solo. Still, this has to be my best runthrough of the solo, as my rehearsal ones were definitely more tense and rushed.
After the intermission, we had more songs by Quanhui, including Wintersturme, solo items by Jinjun and Luke, and finally the brass quintet. I'm quite impressed by their performance, their items weren't easy, and it's been great to see the younger musicians improve over these few months.
Post-concert was relatively standard, loaded my bari sax up onto Quanhui's car, then headed for dinner with some of the performers as well as my batchmates who came down.
Personally this concert is probably not one that will go down etched into my memory. Besides the short performance time, our ensemble could definitely have done better. Granted, we were plagued with many problems and external commitments, and a tough repertoire. Next time we try something like this, it will have to be executed with greater care and more practice.
Another point that I find annoyed at was the relatively large number of people who backed out at the last minute. On hindsight, considering our performance, this may or may not have been a bad thing, but it's still one of my pet peeves, especially as all reservations for this concert were paid for, and considering recent events.
Still, I suppose that overall the concert was a success, and it did achieve its aims, with a relatively full hall. I look forward to redeeming our ensemble and having an even better performance should we have an event like this again.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Anthem
No man, no madness
Though their sad power may prevail
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They rise to fail
She is eternal
Long before nations' lines were drawn
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
My land was born
And you ask me why I love her
Through wars, death and despair
She is the constant, we who don't care
And you wonder will I leave her - but how?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart
Happy 45th, Singapore.
Though their sad power may prevail
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They rise to fail
She is eternal
Long before nations' lines were drawn
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
My land was born
And you ask me why I love her
Through wars, death and despair
She is the constant, we who don't care
And you wonder will I leave her - but how?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart
Happy 45th, Singapore.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Shot in the back over a matter of $80
Quote above from Back to the Future III, really quite a nice movie.
貴重な私には私たちの友情は、あなたにもない価値が80ドルですか？
貴重な私には私たちの友情は、あなたにもない価値が80ドルですか？
Monday, July 26, 2010
SIBF 2010
This past long weekend has more or less revolved around band. Obviously Saturday saw the resuming of RWinds practices, but Saturday was sandwiched between two intensive days of competition. Yep, SIBF, that event that marked a horrendous conclusion to school band life for me returned for another year. However, the differences in the one two years ago and now could hardly be greater (besides the obvious fact that I didn't actually participate).
As compared to the poor playing and low results that marred my own SIBF, the results of the two Raffles bands were spectacular. 1st and 2nd in division, and 1st and 3rd overall, no mean feat. Of course, the results are meaningless compared to the music, but in this too, a high standard was achieved. Perseus brought a lump to my throat, and while Machu Picchu, not having any emotional connection to me, did not quite have the same effect, I could see it was reasonably well played.
Seeing the happy faces of the band members and looking at their high Facebook statuses takes me back, and I wish I could feel the same way somehow. It's just pure passion and exuberance which is hard to come by these days (of course my dream is to instill this in the members of RWinds). I'm also very happy for Mr Oura, as these results probably reflect his own hard work, and I hope that seeing how happy he's made his students has been a just reward for this gift of music which he has given to them.
As compared to the poor playing and low results that marred my own SIBF, the results of the two Raffles bands were spectacular. 1st and 2nd in division, and 1st and 3rd overall, no mean feat. Of course, the results are meaningless compared to the music, but in this too, a high standard was achieved. Perseus brought a lump to my throat, and while Machu Picchu, not having any emotional connection to me, did not quite have the same effect, I could see it was reasonably well played.
Seeing the happy faces of the band members and looking at their high Facebook statuses takes me back, and I wish I could feel the same way somehow. It's just pure passion and exuberance which is hard to come by these days (of course my dream is to instill this in the members of RWinds). I'm also very happy for Mr Oura, as these results probably reflect his own hard work, and I hope that seeing how happy he's made his students has been a just reward for this gift of music which he has given to them.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Prometheum XIII
Six years and a day after my first performance at Victoria Concert Hall came my last. Both were Prometheums, X and XIII, and both featured alumni playing chess, or rather, Chess. The difference was, this time, I would be playing as the alumni. And how far we've come, the Prometheum X alumni band was a motley collection of RI alumni, brought together solely for Prometheum, while the alumni band of Prometheum XIII would be the well-established (I hope) Raffles Winds.
Sadly I had to work in the morning, and rushed down after some failed hairstyling by my colleagues. Had lunch in the good old RJC canteen, which I do miss. I then headed over to the Varese to get the stuff ready.
While we were preparing, Amir said that the RI people had requested our help to move the percussion instruments. It ended up being a mostly RWinds effort in loading the percussions up, until Mr Oura saw this. He unleashed all fury on the RI people, and blasted them with the question of why all the "old people" were on the lorry doing all the work (Amir promptly responded "We're not old").
Eventually we boarded the buses and headed for VCH for the last time. Once there, we moved instruments up, and once again, I felt unsurprised at the lack of efficiency on the RI side. However, their soundcheck did sound better than I expected.
Soon it was our turn. Problems with the tenor saxophone scores aside, everything went well, and I was confident that it would be a good performance. Dinner was spaghetti, which was excellent, probably the best I've had pre-concert in Singapore. I then proceeded to change, and headed to the foyer to meet people. I met Shuotian, Calvin, Huijun and Paul and passed them their tickets, but didn't enter the hall as I wanted to mentally prepare myself for our performance.
Intermission came and we assembled backstage, before quickly proceeding onto the stage to warm up and tune. Soon, the bell rang, the emcees introduced us, we stood as Quanhui strode on stage, and proceeded with what was possibly, if not definitely, the best performance in the history of Raffles Winds.
Up was uplifting, we played well, and I could think of few, if any, problems, none of them major. I really enjoyed playing this lighthearted, relaxing piece, and I'm glad Jinjun and I recommended it.
Chess was, quite simply, the best performance RWinds has put up so far, in my opinion. Despite the fact that there were a few problems, and it was I think not as well played as Up, considering the relative difficulty and length, I think we did really well. Anthem especially brought a lump to my throat. Having recordings of superb quality helps of course. Quanhui's passion was evident, not to mention infectious, and I played my heart out, for RWinds and for VCH.
After the performance, we vacated the stage to allow RI to enter. Jinjun and I busied ourselves collecting scores, following which, possibly the largest camwhore session I have ever seen ensued. Cameras were flashing left, right and center, probably because of the amount of time we had before the end of the concert. Near the end though, I snuck out and to the stage door on the opposite side, to watch Mr Oura conduct from the performer's POV, or at least, as close as I could.
When the whole performance is over, we took a few more shots, then moved our stuff down to the porch. While waiting for the RI people to load the percussions, my batchmates and a few of the other RWinds members had a chat with Mr Oura, discovering, among other things, his Facebook profile.
We headed back to school and after packing up, the remaining RWinds members headed for Junction 8 for supper. During supper, we discussed the plans for the Coda VI cycle, and set the wheels in motion.
This concert was a significant performance to me. Of course, all my performances, no matter how small, are significant, but this was particularly special in that it would be my last at Victoria Concert Hall before she underwent plastic surgery. Victoria Concert Hall has been the site of most of my most precious memories, especially Prometheum XI, Coda IV and Coda V. I will forever treasure her.
On the RWinds side, I was thankful for the chance to do more with RWinds besides just a yearly Coda. I think this performance really showed what we can do, and I wish for more such chances, to keep the RWinds momentum going.
Of course, I need to thank Mr Oura, once again, for his patience in taking RI band through this concert, for all the wisdom he's shared and for all the fun moments too (like when he found my file lying around). Someone I'll never forget, really.
I guess it was a fitting end to a VCH career. Here's a final tribute to the great concert hall.
2004 - Prometheum X
2005 - Unisono
2006 - National Band Competition, Prometheum XI, Coda II
2007- Coda III
2008 - Coda IV
2009 - Coda V
2010 - Prometheum XIII
Thanks, VCH.
For RIMB and RWinds.
For Twelve Seconds to the Moon, Ragtime, Vox Stellarum, Seventh Night of July, Saga, Up and Chess.
For the music and the memories.
For everything.
Intermission came and we assembled backstage, before quickly proceeding onto the stage to warm up and tune. Soon, the bell rang, the emcees introduced us, we stood as Quanhui strode on stage, and proceeded with what was possibly, if not definitely, the best performance in the history of Raffles Winds.
Up was uplifting, we played well, and I could think of few, if any, problems, none of them major. I really enjoyed playing this lighthearted, relaxing piece, and I'm glad Jinjun and I recommended it.
Chess was, quite simply, the best performance RWinds has put up so far, in my opinion. Despite the fact that there were a few problems, and it was I think not as well played as Up, considering the relative difficulty and length, I think we did really well. Anthem especially brought a lump to my throat. Having recordings of superb quality helps of course. Quanhui's passion was evident, not to mention infectious, and I played my heart out, for RWinds and for VCH.
After the performance, we vacated the stage to allow RI to enter. Jinjun and I busied ourselves collecting scores, following which, possibly the largest camwhore session I have ever seen ensued. Cameras were flashing left, right and center, probably because of the amount of time we had before the end of the concert. Near the end though, I snuck out and to the stage door on the opposite side, to watch Mr Oura conduct from the performer's POV, or at least, as close as I could.
When the whole performance is over, we took a few more shots, then moved our stuff down to the porch. While waiting for the RI people to load the percussions, my batchmates and a few of the other RWinds members had a chat with Mr Oura, discovering, among other things, his Facebook profile.
We headed back to school and after packing up, the remaining RWinds members headed for Junction 8 for supper. During supper, we discussed the plans for the Coda VI cycle, and set the wheels in motion.
This concert was a significant performance to me. Of course, all my performances, no matter how small, are significant, but this was particularly special in that it would be my last at Victoria Concert Hall before she underwent plastic surgery. Victoria Concert Hall has been the site of most of my most precious memories, especially Prometheum XI, Coda IV and Coda V. I will forever treasure her.
On the RWinds side, I was thankful for the chance to do more with RWinds besides just a yearly Coda. I think this performance really showed what we can do, and I wish for more such chances, to keep the RWinds momentum going.
Of course, I need to thank Mr Oura, once again, for his patience in taking RI band through this concert, for all the wisdom he's shared and for all the fun moments too (like when he found my file lying around). Someone I'll never forget, really.
I guess it was a fitting end to a VCH career. Here's a final tribute to the great concert hall.
2004 - Prometheum X
2005 - Unisono
2006 - National Band Competition, Prometheum XI, Coda II
2007- Coda III
2008 - Coda IV
2009 - Coda V
2010 - Prometheum XIII
Thanks, VCH.
For RIMB and RWinds.
For Twelve Seconds to the Moon, Ragtime, Vox Stellarum, Seventh Night of July, Saga, Up and Chess.
For the music and the memories.
For everything.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A Tempo XX
Let's take a trip back in time, just a few days short of 2 years, back to the 26th of May 2008...
It was a school holiday, so I woke up relatively late at around 10am, then headed for the Esplanade via car, before transferring to the MRT to school.
Flash back to today. Unlike then, I woke up at 5am in order to reach camp by 7am, then spent the full day at work.
Pre-concert was a whirl of activity, the usual concert stuff. Of course, the fact that it was in the Esplanade made things slightly different, but the familiar still held.
After work, I took a cab down to Raffles City, where I tried to find nice gifts for people, but ended up buying various types of "flowers" for people. Had a rushed dinner with Paul and Eugene, then headed for the age-old Victoria Concert Hall. It didn't strike me then, but this would be the last concert I would ever watch in that hall. Fitting that it be RJCSB's A Tempo XX
A Tempo XIX - Love Knows Not of Death or Calculus Above the Simple Sum of Heart Plus Heart - This line adorned the front of our programme booklet, intricately designed in full colour, and featuring heavily our theme of love.
A Tempo XX was emblazoned on the front of the programme, resembling not so much that of the previous A Tempo than that of Coda V, with photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Fuji and an airliner landing over an array of approach lights.
Of course, before the concert, there was a mad exchange of giving gifts and notes and receiving them. I gave out stuff ranging from a DVD to a box of "Chicken McNuggets", and received... absolutely nothing, other than notes I mean. Not totally unexpected though.
While it was surely a night of musical enjoyment and appreciation, it was really hard to ignore the fact that many of the people sitting (and standing) in front of us were people that I once played with.
Before.
It was a surreal feeling. This is the first time I've watched RJCSB since graduating, and unlike the times when I was watching RIMB, since I knew many of the people on stage, it was really hard to ignore that fact.
It's a feeling hard to describe. Their batch of J2s were the people I had known since I was sec 3, and played alongside all the way till last year. And surely, no one will be able to forget aobut the times we had, the songs we sang together?
RJCSB occupies a special, inerasable part of my heart.
It's guilt, it's regret. All the endless possibilities, of things that I could have done with this band 2 years, even 1 year ago, that I did not accomplish. During the concert I was alone and took a moment to ponder about all of these. I stifled a tear out.
Hearing the music, I couldn't help but noticing that those were not faceless, nameless people on stage as is usually the case, but people like Samuel, Benjamin, Alastair, Huijun, Zhenyi, Yethong..... the list goes on. I saw them both as people and as the musicians they were, adding to the emotional rollercoaster I never expected to feel.
You could say that I was going like, "ugh why do they have to start with Army of the Nile"? It brings back way too many memories.
Our first piece was Army of the Nile, with Mr Oura walking in halfway. I think we did pretty well, and the song brought back fond memories of RIMB 2006.
Their first piece was Army of the Nile, with Mr Oura walking in halfway. I think they did pretty well, and the song brought back fond memories of, well, everything. RIMB, A Tempo XIX, Limelight... Emotions welled up in me even though the piece was a simple march.
I'm not going to review the rest of the pieces in depth, except for a few that mean much to me. Suffice to say, mostly, they were all well played with few errors, and more importantly, I could see that the band, and Mr Oura, was playing right from their heart, having a good time and enjoying the music.
Throughout the concert though, I couldn't help but hear in my mind, as each piece was played, the repertoire of A Tempo XIX
Saga Maligna was arguably one of our two best songs of the evening. I love the piece itself, it epitomises the sound of the band and it is majestic, light and grand all at once. I almost cried during God in Heaven.
Satoshi Yagisawa's Symphonic Poem - "Northern Mother Earth - With the Beat of All Living Things" was epic. A grand, majestic and beautiful piece that RJCSB premiered outside of Japan. I really loved it, and enjoyed it immensely. I hope the players did too.
The intermission was a boring one, nothing much to say here.
During the intermission, I popped downstairs and ran into a few people, but it was generally uneventful.
Titanic Medley... I really can't describe how it felt playing this song. Memories of my batch, my time in RIMB welled up and in the end, during the saxophone soli, where my first solo was played during Investiture 2006, I couldn't hold it in. I just let go completely and let my emotions and tears run. They kept running too, all the way until the end, as I just played my heart out. After the song, I couldn't turn the page to the next song, I just stared at it, until Mr Oura raised his baton for the next piece.
The next song that struck a chord (pun not intended) with me was the Joe Hisaishi piece. I love his music, and it was really nice to hear familiar tunes such as those from My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away.
In it's third year serving as an RJCSB encore piece, Takarajima brought the house down with it's lively tune and hyped up rhythms and sax solo.
Encore was sooo awesome...
In it's fifth year serving as an RJCSB encore piece, Takarajima brought the house down with it's lively tune and hyped up rhythms and sax solo. It was the best part of the concert for me. I felt emotional and high all at once, wanting so badly to join in the music but knowing that I could not. Pity Samuel was not as audible as I would have liked, but no matter, the band really had fun, and Mr Oura was smiling all over.
After that amazing performance, we went to recieve the performers, despite rain and more rain. As each RJCSB guy and girl walked past, a different memory came up, which when pieced together, reveals the essence of RJCSB, and my time spent, especially guest playing last year.
After the concert, of course the usual occurred. We went to find our friends, and I handed out my "flowers" and took a few photos. I really really enjoyed seeing all my juniors again, especially the J2s. After some nice chats with them, as well as the good old VCH uncle, I headed off with Jeremy for supper.
In the end I feel as a whole that the concert was a rousing success. The audience thought we played brilliantly, and everyone left the concert happy. I guess no matter how divided our band has been, we, for a brief moment of time, felt as one.
This will probably be the last time I'll be seeing the J2 batch in action. They aren't going to be present in Prometheum. And technically, it will also be the last time seeing them in action, since I'll be performing WITH them in RWinds in the future.
Which all translates to: the last concert that I'll ever see my juniors in.
And it ended well.
Well, what do I have to say. My mind kept flashing back to that day, 2 years ago, and I still remember it so clearly. As we greeted the performers, I flashed back to the Esplanade stage door 2 years ago, where we got a hero's welcome from the audience, and I remembered as clearly as if it were happening then the events, hugging my juniors and friends, talking and chatting. As the lorry arrived (drove into VCH itself no less), I remembered pushing instruments up onto the lorry in the Esplanade with the bottle of milk. And as the pieces played, technically good or not (and they mostly were), I remembered how it felt to be back on stage.
Walking alone after the concert, I kept thinking about these events, and how I missed being back in the school bands. I wondered, too, why RWinds never evoked the same feelings, despite my passion for her. I came to the conclusion that it was probably because RWinds is more or less eternal, in the sense that it will always be there as long as the people are willing. However, in school bands, graduation's graduation. A Tempos, Prometheums and Cadenzas are finishing points, and starting points, more so than Codas.
This A Tempo was also special because of the people playing, especially the J2s. I've watched them grow since 2005, followed them through Prometheum XI, Prometheum XII, the Japan trip, and especially Limelight, where they made me feel more at home than I was with my own batch. To see them end their career with school bands, and at such a great concert at that, it's almost like watching your own son grow up and leave home...
Ah well, I'm getting way too emotional. But really, it's hard not to. I think no other Prometheum or A Tempo will ever evoke in me these feelings, of grief, laughter, pain, indifference, remorse, despair and hope.
To the RJCSB - Thanks for providing a place to further my musical skills, to my batch, for pulling through in the end, for giving me a night that I'll never forget
Most of all, to Mr Oura - Thanks for everything, over the past 6 years, for all your musical guidance, humour and imparted discipline and wisdom, for teaching me what it means to be in a band.
Also thanks to: Benni, for providing half the material in this post, and being a part of the wonderful music today.
It was a school holiday, so I woke up relatively late at around 10am, then headed for the Esplanade via car, before transferring to the MRT to school.
Flash back to today. Unlike then, I woke up at 5am in order to reach camp by 7am, then spent the full day at work.
Pre-concert was a whirl of activity, the usual concert stuff. Of course, the fact that it was in the Esplanade made things slightly different, but the familiar still held.
After work, I took a cab down to Raffles City, where I tried to find nice gifts for people, but ended up buying various types of "flowers" for people. Had a rushed dinner with Paul and Eugene, then headed for the age-old Victoria Concert Hall. It didn't strike me then, but this would be the last concert I would ever watch in that hall. Fitting that it be RJCSB's A Tempo XX
A Tempo XIX - Love Knows Not of Death or Calculus Above the Simple Sum of Heart Plus Heart - This line adorned the front of our programme booklet, intricately designed in full colour, and featuring heavily our theme of love.
A Tempo XX was emblazoned on the front of the programme, resembling not so much that of the previous A Tempo than that of Coda V, with photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Fuji and an airliner landing over an array of approach lights.
Of course, before the concert, there was a mad exchange of giving gifts and notes and receiving them. I gave out stuff ranging from a DVD to a box of "Chicken McNuggets", and received... absolutely nothing, other than notes I mean. Not totally unexpected though.
While it was surely a night of musical enjoyment and appreciation, it was really hard to ignore the fact that many of the people sitting (and standing) in front of us were people that I once played with.
Before.
It was a surreal feeling. This is the first time I've watched RJCSB since graduating, and unlike the times when I was watching RIMB, since I knew many of the people on stage, it was really hard to ignore that fact.
It's a feeling hard to describe. Their batch of J2s were the people I had known since I was sec 3, and played alongside all the way till last year. And surely, no one will be able to forget aobut the times we had, the songs we sang together?
RJCSB occupies a special, inerasable part of my heart.
It's guilt, it's regret. All the endless possibilities, of things that I could have done with this band 2 years, even 1 year ago, that I did not accomplish. During the concert I was alone and took a moment to ponder about all of these. I stifled a tear out.
Hearing the music, I couldn't help but noticing that those were not faceless, nameless people on stage as is usually the case, but people like Samuel, Benjamin, Alastair, Huijun, Zhenyi, Yethong..... the list goes on. I saw them both as people and as the musicians they were, adding to the emotional rollercoaster I never expected to feel.
You could say that I was going like, "ugh why do they have to start with Army of the Nile"? It brings back way too many memories.
Our first piece was Army of the Nile, with Mr Oura walking in halfway. I think we did pretty well, and the song brought back fond memories of RIMB 2006.
Their first piece was Army of the Nile, with Mr Oura walking in halfway. I think they did pretty well, and the song brought back fond memories of, well, everything. RIMB, A Tempo XIX, Limelight... Emotions welled up in me even though the piece was a simple march.
I'm not going to review the rest of the pieces in depth, except for a few that mean much to me. Suffice to say, mostly, they were all well played with few errors, and more importantly, I could see that the band, and Mr Oura, was playing right from their heart, having a good time and enjoying the music.
Throughout the concert though, I couldn't help but hear in my mind, as each piece was played, the repertoire of A Tempo XIX
Saga Maligna was arguably one of our two best songs of the evening. I love the piece itself, it epitomises the sound of the band and it is majestic, light and grand all at once. I almost cried during God in Heaven.
Satoshi Yagisawa's Symphonic Poem - "Northern Mother Earth - With the Beat of All Living Things" was epic. A grand, majestic and beautiful piece that RJCSB premiered outside of Japan. I really loved it, and enjoyed it immensely. I hope the players did too.
The intermission was a boring one, nothing much to say here.
During the intermission, I popped downstairs and ran into a few people, but it was generally uneventful.
Titanic Medley... I really can't describe how it felt playing this song. Memories of my batch, my time in RIMB welled up and in the end, during the saxophone soli, where my first solo was played during Investiture 2006, I couldn't hold it in. I just let go completely and let my emotions and tears run. They kept running too, all the way until the end, as I just played my heart out. After the song, I couldn't turn the page to the next song, I just stared at it, until Mr Oura raised his baton for the next piece.
The next song that struck a chord (pun not intended) with me was the Joe Hisaishi piece. I love his music, and it was really nice to hear familiar tunes such as those from My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away.
In it's third year serving as an RJCSB encore piece, Takarajima brought the house down with it's lively tune and hyped up rhythms and sax solo.
Encore was sooo awesome...
In it's fifth year serving as an RJCSB encore piece, Takarajima brought the house down with it's lively tune and hyped up rhythms and sax solo. It was the best part of the concert for me. I felt emotional and high all at once, wanting so badly to join in the music but knowing that I could not. Pity Samuel was not as audible as I would have liked, but no matter, the band really had fun, and Mr Oura was smiling all over.
After that amazing performance, we went to recieve the performers, despite rain and more rain. As each RJCSB guy and girl walked past, a different memory came up, which when pieced together, reveals the essence of RJCSB, and my time spent, especially guest playing last year.
After the concert, of course the usual occurred. We went to find our friends, and I handed out my "flowers" and took a few photos. I really really enjoyed seeing all my juniors again, especially the J2s. After some nice chats with them, as well as the good old VCH uncle, I headed off with Jeremy for supper.
In the end I feel as a whole that the concert was a rousing success. The audience thought we played brilliantly, and everyone left the concert happy. I guess no matter how divided our band has been, we, for a brief moment of time, felt as one.
This will probably be the last time I'll be seeing the J2 batch in action. They aren't going to be present in Prometheum. And technically, it will also be the last time seeing them in action, since I'll be performing WITH them in RWinds in the future.
Which all translates to: the last concert that I'll ever see my juniors in.
And it ended well.
Well, what do I have to say. My mind kept flashing back to that day, 2 years ago, and I still remember it so clearly. As we greeted the performers, I flashed back to the Esplanade stage door 2 years ago, where we got a hero's welcome from the audience, and I remembered as clearly as if it were happening then the events, hugging my juniors and friends, talking and chatting. As the lorry arrived (drove into VCH itself no less), I remembered pushing instruments up onto the lorry in the Esplanade with the bottle of milk. And as the pieces played, technically good or not (and they mostly were), I remembered how it felt to be back on stage.
Walking alone after the concert, I kept thinking about these events, and how I missed being back in the school bands. I wondered, too, why RWinds never evoked the same feelings, despite my passion for her. I came to the conclusion that it was probably because RWinds is more or less eternal, in the sense that it will always be there as long as the people are willing. However, in school bands, graduation's graduation. A Tempos, Prometheums and Cadenzas are finishing points, and starting points, more so than Codas.
This A Tempo was also special because of the people playing, especially the J2s. I've watched them grow since 2005, followed them through Prometheum XI, Prometheum XII, the Japan trip, and especially Limelight, where they made me feel more at home than I was with my own batch. To see them end their career with school bands, and at such a great concert at that, it's almost like watching your own son grow up and leave home...
Ah well, I'm getting way too emotional. But really, it's hard not to. I think no other Prometheum or A Tempo will ever evoke in me these feelings, of grief, laughter, pain, indifference, remorse, despair and hope.
To the RJCSB - Thanks for providing a place to further my musical skills, to my batch, for pulling through in the end, for giving me a night that I'll never forget
Most of all, to Mr Oura - Thanks for everything, over the past 6 years, for all your musical guidance, humour and imparted discipline and wisdom, for teaching me what it means to be in a band.
Also thanks to: Benni, for providing half the material in this post, and being a part of the wonderful music today.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Confused
I've been feeling quite lonely the past few days, and it's not just due to Bali/USA withdrawal. Recently I've been plagued with yet another wave of uncertainty and distress, feelings of nostalgia and loneliness all rolled into one, and recent events haven't really helped all that much.
Specifically recent events such as the Pixar exhibition have left me feeling even more neglected than ever. I suppose I shouldn't feel this way, but really, when your friend asks you to go for an outing, then turns it into a group outing with you as the sole outsider, it's almost inevitable to feel this way, and the feeling was heightened through the events of the day. I may as well have gone for it myself. But it's not just that of course, I find myself feeling left out, neglected and lonely. I've also come to the realisation that most of the time, events which I try to initiate always seem to get rejected whereas I find myself caving in to the demands of others, and flashbacks of events such as the A levels release day don't help.
Who do I have to blame for these? My friends, for leaving me out or not taking heed? No, I believe I have to blame myself, at least mostly, for feeling this way. How can I, after all, blame my friends for having others they value more than me? It's their right after all. Who am I to detract from their friendship with others? Friendship isn't just something I can demand, it has to be given freely. And it's not as though they don't give the friendship, they do, just that somehow I never feel satiated. It's like a neverending hunger of mine.
I just wish that sometimes, people would make me feel as though I mattered. Maybe it's just my luck, or the fact that the people I'm friends with don't see things the way I do, but I never really get this from most people. I know, consciously, that they regard me as friends but sometimes my heart just needs more. Sometimes I just feel like a friend of convenience, that people call if they need me or want company, but otherwise they'd rather not go out of their way. I guess it's the differences in the way I see things, I regard each person as an individual and treat the friendship as such, while most people would be happy with anyone's company, not caring who it is.
This loneliness and unjustified jealousy and possessiveness is something I need to get rid of, but I have no idea how, really...
Specifically recent events such as the Pixar exhibition have left me feeling even more neglected than ever. I suppose I shouldn't feel this way, but really, when your friend asks you to go for an outing, then turns it into a group outing with you as the sole outsider, it's almost inevitable to feel this way, and the feeling was heightened through the events of the day. I may as well have gone for it myself. But it's not just that of course, I find myself feeling left out, neglected and lonely. I've also come to the realisation that most of the time, events which I try to initiate always seem to get rejected whereas I find myself caving in to the demands of others, and flashbacks of events such as the A levels release day don't help.
Who do I have to blame for these? My friends, for leaving me out or not taking heed? No, I believe I have to blame myself, at least mostly, for feeling this way. How can I, after all, blame my friends for having others they value more than me? It's their right after all. Who am I to detract from their friendship with others? Friendship isn't just something I can demand, it has to be given freely. And it's not as though they don't give the friendship, they do, just that somehow I never feel satiated. It's like a neverending hunger of mine.
I just wish that sometimes, people would make me feel as though I mattered. Maybe it's just my luck, or the fact that the people I'm friends with don't see things the way I do, but I never really get this from most people. I know, consciously, that they regard me as friends but sometimes my heart just needs more. Sometimes I just feel like a friend of convenience, that people call if they need me or want company, but otherwise they'd rather not go out of their way. I guess it's the differences in the way I see things, I regard each person as an individual and treat the friendship as such, while most people would be happy with anyone's company, not caring who it is.
This loneliness and unjustified jealousy and possessiveness is something I need to get rid of, but I have no idea how, really...
Friday, April 09, 2010
Indonesia 2010 Day 4
This post hasn't been posted live because the day offered no chance for me to blog at all. It was a pretty eventful one, and I'm glad that all the problems are solved now.
We woke up, finally, after the sun had risen, and went for breakfast at the hotel. It was a buffet, with some pretty good food. We then headed back to the room to rest a while before heading out to shop.
Our shopping trip wasn't very fruitful though. We walked around trying to find a specific CD, but couldn't. In the end, we bought 3 souveniers, for Huijun, Yethong and Jinjun's friend, but try as we might, we couldn't find anything else. This was probably due to the fact that most of the shops were, for some reason, selling nothing but large wooden carvings of a particular section of the male anatomy.
We headed for the hotel, packed, had our final lunch with my final orange juice, then set off for the airport in an unofficial cab. Along the way, Calvin and I were showing our passports to each other. Big mistake, I think.
At the airport, disaster struck. Calvin found that his passport was missing. We had an hour before the flight, and we frantically searched for it, but to no avail. The only thing to do was to find the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta, and at this point I was thanking God we had chosen to fly back via Jakarta, as there is no Singapore Consulate in Bali. After some searching for a police post to make a report, we gave up and headed for the plane. Some panic arose as Calvin forgot his bag and phone, but thankfully they were found.
The airliner, PK-LGK was a 737-900ER, the first time I'd flown this type. We passed by numerous interesting airlines on taxi, including some Pacific Blue airliners, Cathay, Thai, China Airlines, a BAe-146 and for some strange reason, a Trimotor. Took off straight west and headed for Jakarta.
The flight was really uneventful, save for me noticing that the safety card consisted of a series of prayers for the Islam, Hindu, Catholic, Protestant and Buddhist faiths. Somehow this didn't encourage me. Nevertheless landing in Jakarta was uneventful, and we taxied to our gate in Terminal 1, parking next to the Dreamliner special livery that Lion Air painted on their first 737-900ER. Something I found ironic was that the planes were parked directly in front of jetways, but they used airstairs instead. Still, I always like walking on tarmac.
A strong sense of Deja Vu as we found that Jinjun left the tent on board the aircraft. Upon realising this, he sprinted back across the tarmac and climbed the airstairs ... of the wrong aircraft. Calvin and I shouted after him, but he seemed oblivious, and only the flight crew of that aircraft managed to convince him. He then sprinted across the tarmac again to the correct aircraft and retrieved the tent.
We cleared baggage claim and headed for the shuttle bus to the international terminal, with Calvin calling the embassy along the way. The bus took us past the ex-SQ Lion Air 747-412 and an Emirates 777-300ER.
At the terminal, we made it to the Lufthansa check-in counter, and tried to organise Calvin's ticket. Thankfully they agreed to waive the change fees if Calvin could provide the documents to prove that he had indeed lost his passport. I withdrew some money for Calvin, as well as to pay the departure charges, and we checked in. At this point, we bid Calvin farewell as he headed for the embassy. I felt really bad leaving him behind, and would have rather we stayed together, but in this case circumstances such as our tickets having to be paid for to change and our NS obligations prevented it.
We started queueing at immigration for about 10 minutes before realising we had queued at the queue for Indonesians. We then joined the back of a foreigners queue, and I was cursing the fact that Soekarno-Hatta airport did not have a priority lane for business class passengers. Just as we reached the front of the queue, Jinjun realised that he could not find his departure card. We had to go all the way to the Turkish Airlines check-in counter to get one, then rejoin the queue at the back.
Nevertheless we did make it through with a bit of time to spare, and after a couple of quick photos we headed for the lounge. I left for a while to try (and fail) to photograph our 747, while Jinjun hit the buffet. When I got back, we enjoyed relaxing in the lounge, which is pretty luxurious, to the point that there's a guy who does nothing but open the restroom door for you.
We woke up, finally, after the sun had risen, and went for breakfast at the hotel. It was a buffet, with some pretty good food. We then headed back to the room to rest a while before heading out to shop.
Our shopping trip wasn't very fruitful though. We walked around trying to find a specific CD, but couldn't. In the end, we bought 3 souveniers, for Huijun, Yethong and Jinjun's friend, but try as we might, we couldn't find anything else. This was probably due to the fact that most of the shops were, for some reason, selling nothing but large wooden carvings of a particular section of the male anatomy.
We headed for the hotel, packed, had our final lunch with my final orange juice, then set off for the airport in an unofficial cab. Along the way, Calvin and I were showing our passports to each other. Big mistake, I think.
At the airport, disaster struck. Calvin found that his passport was missing. We had an hour before the flight, and we frantically searched for it, but to no avail. The only thing to do was to find the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta, and at this point I was thanking God we had chosen to fly back via Jakarta, as there is no Singapore Consulate in Bali. After some searching for a police post to make a report, we gave up and headed for the plane. Some panic arose as Calvin forgot his bag and phone, but thankfully they were found.
The airliner, PK-LGK was a 737-900ER, the first time I'd flown this type. We passed by numerous interesting airlines on taxi, including some Pacific Blue airliners, Cathay, Thai, China Airlines, a BAe-146 and for some strange reason, a Trimotor. Took off straight west and headed for Jakarta.
The flight was really uneventful, save for me noticing that the safety card consisted of a series of prayers for the Islam, Hindu, Catholic, Protestant and Buddhist faiths. Somehow this didn't encourage me. Nevertheless landing in Jakarta was uneventful, and we taxied to our gate in Terminal 1, parking next to the Dreamliner special livery that Lion Air painted on their first 737-900ER. Something I found ironic was that the planes were parked directly in front of jetways, but they used airstairs instead. Still, I always like walking on tarmac.
A strong sense of Deja Vu as we found that Jinjun left the tent on board the aircraft. Upon realising this, he sprinted back across the tarmac and climbed the airstairs ... of the wrong aircraft. Calvin and I shouted after him, but he seemed oblivious, and only the flight crew of that aircraft managed to convince him. He then sprinted across the tarmac again to the correct aircraft and retrieved the tent.
We cleared baggage claim and headed for the shuttle bus to the international terminal, with Calvin calling the embassy along the way. The bus took us past the ex-SQ Lion Air 747-412 and an Emirates 777-300ER.
At the terminal, we made it to the Lufthansa check-in counter, and tried to organise Calvin's ticket. Thankfully they agreed to waive the change fees if Calvin could provide the documents to prove that he had indeed lost his passport. I withdrew some money for Calvin, as well as to pay the departure charges, and we checked in. At this point, we bid Calvin farewell as he headed for the embassy. I felt really bad leaving him behind, and would have rather we stayed together, but in this case circumstances such as our tickets having to be paid for to change and our NS obligations prevented it.
We started queueing at immigration for about 10 minutes before realising we had queued at the queue for Indonesians. We then joined the back of a foreigners queue, and I was cursing the fact that Soekarno-Hatta airport did not have a priority lane for business class passengers. Just as we reached the front of the queue, Jinjun realised that he could not find his departure card. We had to go all the way to the Turkish Airlines check-in counter to get one, then rejoin the queue at the back.
Nevertheless we did make it through with a bit of time to spare, and after a couple of quick photos we headed for the lounge. I left for a while to try (and fail) to photograph our 747, while Jinjun hit the buffet. When I got back, we enjoyed relaxing in the lounge, which is pretty luxurious, to the point that there's a guy who does nothing but open the restroom door for you.
All too soon it was time to board our flight. We headed for gate D5 and boarded the 747, turning left instead of right at the jetway and taking our seats in 2H and 2K, forward of the nose landing gear. We were presented with a welcome drink as the safety video was played, then the airliner taxied out and made ready for her takeoff.
Now, I know I'm about to wax lyrical, but the 747 and I share an emotional connection of sorts. The feeling of takeoff on this aircraft is vastly different from any other, even the A380, and on this, Jinjun will agree. For me, taking off on a 747 is always a special experience, and usually, it's heightened by the fact that normally the flights I take on a 747 are homeward bound, as it was in this case. We surged skyward as I felt a small lump in my throat, as is normally the case with the 747, simply because of its power and my connection to the plane. The sound of the nose landing gear being raised was quite magnificent, as the plane shot to the sky like a bat out of hell, heading home for Singapore at a 3000fpm climb.
The service on this flight consisted of what must be Lufthansa's idea of a "light snack". I'd hate to see what their main meals must be like then, because it turned out to be a full four-course meal, with a main of fish in butter sauce with ratatouille and pasta. Really delicious, but not as much as Singapore Airlines, I have to say.
Throughout the flight Jinjun was like a kid with a new toy, playing around with the business class seats, and I don't blame him, remembering my first time on SQ's business class. For my part, I relaxed a little, explored the seat and just thought about how happy I was to be flying again, under such great circumstances. At the same time though, I wished Calvin were around to share in the experience.
All too soon though, the flight turned over Singapore for landing. Surprisingly we landed on 20R, 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The feeling was quite fun, as the main gear touched down before the nose gear, we were suspended with the nose above the ground for about 10 seconds before we felt the nose gear slam into the ground. We took a long taxi around the north cross, then parked at E24. We deplaned after taking some good photos of the cabin, though sadly, none of the flight deck.
We met Jinjun's parents at the airport, and I managed to catch a ride home from them. But the story doesn't end here. Calvin faced a couple of snags in his passport process, and in the end came back on the same flight two days later. I met him at the airport, and it was my turn to give him a ride home.
Overall, besides the snag with Calvin's passport, this trip has been really enjoyable. Short of the Hong Kong trip, this has to be the best so far. I will never forget all the moments, the big moments, like summitting Batur, seeing dolphins swim during the sunrise and flying, or the small ones, like walking around Kuta, playing Pokemon with Jinjun in the rooms at the Vilarisi or sleeping in Surabaya Airport.
Much as I felt Calvin's pain at the end of the trip, I felt really happy seeing Jinjun so happy during the trip and on the LH flight, the first time I've seen him really enjoying himself in a while, and I'm really thankful, for him, that he got the chance to spend his birthday this way, and for myself, that I got the chance to share in the experience, and I hope Calvin felt the same way. I guess it's true about friends, that you share in their joys and their sorrows, and I really hope this won't be the last time we share the joy together. (*cough*)
All good things must come to an end I guess. Indonesia Raya, and on to the next trip. Advance Australia Fair!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Indonesia 2010 Day 3
040410 0030 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
Happy birthday Jinjun!!!
Damn I hate waking up at this time. We have a little time to prepare, Jinjun's cooking Maggi using my mess tin. Oh well, got to rush!
0300 local time (GMT +8)
Mount Batur, Indonesia
1100m ASL
Wow. Batur looks imposing at night. What a starry sky though.
We took a 2 hour drive to get here, where we met our guide and prepared to head up. Just starting now, all the best to us!
0700 local time (GMT +8)
Mt. Batur, Indonesia
1600m ASL
Wow, the sunrise is simply stunning. It's almost surreal.
I can't really describe it, the vista with clouds below and Mt Abang and Mt Agung shrouded by mist in the distance.
The climb was much easier than Mt. Ophir. Took us 3 or so hours to get to this point. It's not the summit but it does give us good views of the sunrise.
There are quite a few people here, not to mention a bunch of playful and smart monkeys who love stealing our food and producing babies in front of us.
We'll be heading to look at the crater soon, then pressing on to the summit.
0900 local time (GMT +8)
Mt. Batur, Indonesia
1717m ASL
Summit!!!!
The view is brilliant.
The climb up took us up slippery slopes of volcanic soil. Kept slipping down, but I found it easier to get a comfortable footing as compared to rocks.
On the way we heard about a Swede who fell into the crater and perished. Sad, really.
We carried out a flag raising ceremony on the summit, using of course the Raffles flag. Really nice to plant our colours on the summit.
I feel really happy for Jinjun, to be able to spend his birthday this way. I know it means a lot to him. It means a lot to me too, as his friend, to be sharing this with him. I really have him to thank for making it here. Calvin too. I never had any motivation to climb myself, so every inch of the way, my main motivation was not to let them down.
Should be casing the colours and making our way down soon, as rain clouds are coming in. Agung looms in the distance, but I'm thankful we didn't climb her. We wouldn't have made it, not to mention missing out on the dolphins and stuff.
Facebook on the summit is fun.
1200 local time (GMT +8)
Kintamani, Indonesia
1300m ASL
The descent was pretty ok. Had a taste of skiing as we delberately slid down the volcanic sand on our feet. That was really fun. The rest of the descent was easy, checking out stuff like volcanic vents called fumeroles and cooking combat rations on them.
Now on our way to buy Babi Guling, or roast suckling pig, which is one of the most famous Balinese delicacies. The mountain looks like Totoro from here. Hope we get back soon, we need to change room again and I'm exhausted.
2100 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
A strong case of Deja vu. I left the room for a while to use the net downstairs and when I came up, Jinjun and Calvin had both fallen asleep, leaving me locked out. They didn't even wake up to the repeated excerpts from William Tell Overture. In the end I had to find a spare key once again.
We wanted to watch the sunset that night. However, Calvin and Jinjun slept through, and no matter how hard I tried, I failed to wake them up.
Dinner was KFC. Not as bad as I remember it, but nothing fantastic. Now at the restaurant having a LAN session with the other two guys.
Back home tomorrow, it's a bittersweet feeling.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Bali, Indonesia
Happy birthday Jinjun!!!
Damn I hate waking up at this time. We have a little time to prepare, Jinjun's cooking Maggi using my mess tin. Oh well, got to rush!
0300 local time (GMT +8)
Mount Batur, Indonesia
1100m ASL
Wow. Batur looks imposing at night. What a starry sky though.
We took a 2 hour drive to get here, where we met our guide and prepared to head up. Just starting now, all the best to us!
0700 local time (GMT +8)
Mt. Batur, Indonesia
1600m ASL
Wow, the sunrise is simply stunning. It's almost surreal.
I can't really describe it, the vista with clouds below and Mt Abang and Mt Agung shrouded by mist in the distance.
The climb was much easier than Mt. Ophir. Took us 3 or so hours to get to this point. It's not the summit but it does give us good views of the sunrise.
There are quite a few people here, not to mention a bunch of playful and smart monkeys who love stealing our food and producing babies in front of us.
We'll be heading to look at the crater soon, then pressing on to the summit.
0900 local time (GMT +8)
Mt. Batur, Indonesia
1717m ASL
Summit!!!!
The view is brilliant.
The climb up took us up slippery slopes of volcanic soil. Kept slipping down, but I found it easier to get a comfortable footing as compared to rocks.
On the way we heard about a Swede who fell into the crater and perished. Sad, really.
We carried out a flag raising ceremony on the summit, using of course the Raffles flag. Really nice to plant our colours on the summit.
I feel really happy for Jinjun, to be able to spend his birthday this way. I know it means a lot to him. It means a lot to me too, as his friend, to be sharing this with him. I really have him to thank for making it here. Calvin too. I never had any motivation to climb myself, so every inch of the way, my main motivation was not to let them down.
Should be casing the colours and making our way down soon, as rain clouds are coming in. Agung looms in the distance, but I'm thankful we didn't climb her. We wouldn't have made it, not to mention missing out on the dolphins and stuff.
Facebook on the summit is fun.
1200 local time (GMT +8)
Kintamani, Indonesia
1300m ASL
The descent was pretty ok. Had a taste of skiing as we delberately slid down the volcanic sand on our feet. That was really fun. The rest of the descent was easy, checking out stuff like volcanic vents called fumeroles and cooking combat rations on them.
Now on our way to buy Babi Guling, or roast suckling pig, which is one of the most famous Balinese delicacies. The mountain looks like Totoro from here. Hope we get back soon, we need to change room again and I'm exhausted.
2100 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
A strong case of Deja vu. I left the room for a while to use the net downstairs and when I came up, Jinjun and Calvin had both fallen asleep, leaving me locked out. They didn't even wake up to the repeated excerpts from William Tell Overture. In the end I had to find a spare key once again.
We wanted to watch the sunset that night. However, Calvin and Jinjun slept through, and no matter how hard I tried, I failed to wake them up.
Dinner was KFC. Not as bad as I remember it, but nothing fantastic. Now at the restaurant having a LAN session with the other two guys.
Back home tomorrow, it's a bittersweet feeling.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Indonesia 2010 Day 2
030410 0300 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
Got turned out just now. We were supposed to wake up at 1:45 to catch our ride at 2. We ended up being woken by our driver. Now on the way to the north of Bali, Lovina beach, to see dolphins.
1300 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
Wow. We did manage to see a whole load of dolphins and some beautiful corals, as well as some cool night views of the mountains, such as Batur and Agung. The dolphins and sunrise were really pretty. I've always loved dolphins, and the sunrise was vivid. Bali is really a beautiful place.
Back in the hotel now, lunch was traditional local food from McDonalds. Later we aim to watch sunset from Kuta beach.
2000 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
Mission CX due WX. Nothing much left to do but camp in the hotel, use the net and play Pokemon. Sad, right? Hope we get a good few hours of sleep, since we have to wake up at 12. We were actually supposed to sleep by now, but I'm not nearly tired enough.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Bali, Indonesia
Got turned out just now. We were supposed to wake up at 1:45 to catch our ride at 2. We ended up being woken by our driver. Now on the way to the north of Bali, Lovina beach, to see dolphins.
1300 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
Wow. We did manage to see a whole load of dolphins and some beautiful corals, as well as some cool night views of the mountains, such as Batur and Agung. The dolphins and sunrise were really pretty. I've always loved dolphins, and the sunrise was vivid. Bali is really a beautiful place.
Back in the hotel now, lunch was traditional local food from McDonalds. Later we aim to watch sunset from Kuta beach.
2000 local time (GMT +8)
Bali, Indonesia
Mission CX due WX. Nothing much left to do but camp in the hotel, use the net and play Pokemon. Sad, right? Hope we get a good few hours of sleep, since we have to wake up at 12. We were actually supposed to sleep by now, but I'm not nearly tired enough.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, April 05, 2010
Indonesia 2010 Days 0-1
020410 0033 local time (GMT +7)
Surabaya Airport, Indonesia
I'm back with another trip report, less than 3 weeks after my first. This one will be much shorter of course.
Mad rush down to the airport after work, where I met up with Jinjun, Paul, Hafiz, Calvin and Shuotian in that order. Had a bite at Popeye's and presented Jinjun with his birthday present. Hope he likes it.
We then ran for the gate, having only 15 mins before scheduled tine of departure... only to find that the plane was delayed. Luckily though it turned out to be a special livery.
Eventually we boarded, and were soon on our way, passing by stuff like a CX 777-367, a JAL 777-346ER and 9V-SPP. Takeoff at 2217 was slightly rough, but not very.
The flight itself was possibly the longest sector the 3 of us had flown together. This says a lot considering it was 2:15. Dinner was chicken with potatoes or seafood rice.
Landing on runway 10 at Surabaya was rough, with an on time of 2208, during which we noticed that the tower resembles a lighthouse. Also, the first plane we saw was a CX A343, B-HXA.
We cleared immigration after deplaning and were treated to the realization that the landside of the airport isn't air conditioned. The night's not going to be comfortable. At least there's a 24 hour place here.
0733 local time (GMT +8)
PK-GZI over Bali
Yay we survived the takeoff!
The night was a little restless, but at least I caught some sleep. Still feeling dead tired though.
Walked out to the plane at gate 8 and took off at 0713. Pretty ok so far, except for a rough takeoff, albeit with a powerful climb.
The volcanoes we saw on the way were really scenic. Also Jinjun tells me we can see Agung. Time to go find it.
2100 local time (GMT+8)
Bali, Indonesia
That was a pretty good pair of landings our plane did. First aircraft we saw was our own 9V-SRC.
Getting our bags proved to be a snap, and we then caught a cab to our hotel, the Vilarisi in Kuta.
The hotel was nice, but despite our need to rest, the room wasn't ready. We dropped off our bags and decided to "Jalan-Jalan", hoping for A Vision of thr Isle of the Gods, as Bali is otherwise known. We saw Kuta beach, with it's many sunbathers and surfers having a good time, and the more subdued Bali bombing memorial.
We then returned to the hotel to rest. Calvin and I concussed almost immediately, while Jinjun, who had managed enough sleep in Surabaya, managed to stay awake long enough to find out that...
Mt. Aging was closed! He woke me up with this shocking piece of news, and, faced with this huge problem, decided to go for lunch at the hotel restaurant.
We discussed plans and settled on climbing Mt. Batur instead, our original plan. We tried, but failed to wake Calvin up to enter our room, so we had to ask for a spare key.
After resting a while, we took a walk out again, to watch the sunset near the beach. On the way, we decided to plan something for the next day, and had a tough choice between watching wild dolphins or white water rafting. In the end, the dolphins won.
We then took a cab over to Barong beach to watch sunset and planerise. The sunset was simply beautiful, but far away, shrouded in mist, Agung stood taunting us.
After it got dark, we set off for the return trip to our hotel, and had dinner at the hotel restaurant again. We then decided to turn in early, for tomorrow will be a long day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Surabaya Airport, Indonesia
I'm back with another trip report, less than 3 weeks after my first. This one will be much shorter of course.
Mad rush down to the airport after work, where I met up with Jinjun, Paul, Hafiz, Calvin and Shuotian in that order. Had a bite at Popeye's and presented Jinjun with his birthday present. Hope he likes it.
We then ran for the gate, having only 15 mins before scheduled tine of departure... only to find that the plane was delayed. Luckily though it turned out to be a special livery.
Eventually we boarded, and were soon on our way, passing by stuff like a CX 777-367, a JAL 777-346ER and 9V-SPP. Takeoff at 2217 was slightly rough, but not very.
The flight itself was possibly the longest sector the 3 of us had flown together. This says a lot considering it was 2:15. Dinner was chicken with potatoes or seafood rice.
Landing on runway 10 at Surabaya was rough, with an on time of 2208, during which we noticed that the tower resembles a lighthouse. Also, the first plane we saw was a CX A343, B-HXA.
We cleared immigration after deplaning and were treated to the realization that the landside of the airport isn't air conditioned. The night's not going to be comfortable. At least there's a 24 hour place here.
0733 local time (GMT +8)
PK-GZI over Bali
Yay we survived the takeoff!
The night was a little restless, but at least I caught some sleep. Still feeling dead tired though.
Walked out to the plane at gate 8 and took off at 0713. Pretty ok so far, except for a rough takeoff, albeit with a powerful climb.
The volcanoes we saw on the way were really scenic. Also Jinjun tells me we can see Agung. Time to go find it.
2100 local time (GMT+8)
Bali, Indonesia
That was a pretty good pair of landings our plane did. First aircraft we saw was our own 9V-SRC.
Getting our bags proved to be a snap, and we then caught a cab to our hotel, the Vilarisi in Kuta.
The hotel was nice, but despite our need to rest, the room wasn't ready. We dropped off our bags and decided to "Jalan-Jalan", hoping for A Vision of thr Isle of the Gods, as Bali is otherwise known. We saw Kuta beach, with it's many sunbathers and surfers having a good time, and the more subdued Bali bombing memorial.
We then returned to the hotel to rest. Calvin and I concussed almost immediately, while Jinjun, who had managed enough sleep in Surabaya, managed to stay awake long enough to find out that...
Mt. Aging was closed! He woke me up with this shocking piece of news, and, faced with this huge problem, decided to go for lunch at the hotel restaurant.
We discussed plans and settled on climbing Mt. Batur instead, our original plan. We tried, but failed to wake Calvin up to enter our room, so we had to ask for a spare key.
After resting a while, we took a walk out again, to watch the sunset near the beach. On the way, we decided to plan something for the next day, and had a tough choice between watching wild dolphins or white water rafting. In the end, the dolphins won.
We then took a cab over to Barong beach to watch sunset and planerise. The sunset was simply beautiful, but far away, shrouded in mist, Agung stood taunting us.
After it got dark, we set off for the return trip to our hotel, and had dinner at the hotel restaurant again. We then decided to turn in early, for tomorrow will be a long day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Satoshi Yagisawa "LIVE"
Victoria Concert Hall, 20th March 2010
To The Crown
Berutness - Ship of the Sun That It Invites to Ocean
Cluster of Light from Pleiades
Birth of Life from Sea
The Honour of the King
-----------------------------------------------------------
March Willing and Able
"The Bells of Sagrada Familia" - An Everlasting Will of Antoni Gaudi
Perseus - A Hero's Quest in the Heavens
Ephermal Dream of Prosperity
"Morning of Keith Haring" And the Darkness was Filled of Happiness
Yes, I know, the titles of the pieces look like they were fed through Babelfish.
Met Benjamin at the Esplanade's rooftop, then headed for dinner at Just Noodles at Suntec. After dinner, we attempted to find Eugene a gift, found said and headed for Victoria Concert Hall, where I discovered that our reservation wasn't present. We did get tickets though, and a CD.
I shall not comment much on the concert, because my comments are going to get boring. But suffice to say, it was brilliant. Excellent musicianship and conducting from both bands and all three conductors. For me the highlights were, of course, seeing Mr Oura in action once again and seeing Satoshi Yagisawa in action live.
I was most impressed, and moved almost to tears, by the performance RGSSB put up with Perseus. It has to be the best performance I've ever seen by a secondary school band, and was of a standard I wish RI could even reach half of.
After the concert, I was pulled aside by Mr Oura to meet Yagisawa himself. At this point, I was really touched by his actions. Not only did he give me some special token (some cute Yagisawa piece stickers), when I requested his autograph, he did it in Kanji instead of his usual English "just for me".
Had a quick photo with Yagisawa, where I introduced Benni in Japanese as "the best percussionist under Mr Oura". Benni of course was smiling happily and nodding, not knowing what I was saying. We then left for Macs and home.
This concert was one of the best I've attended. Musically, it was brilliant. I half expected to be bored after so much Yagisawa but that was not the case, as each piece had its own unique flair. NTUSB and RGSSB put up magnificent performances, and credit goes to Yiheng and Eugene among others.
On a personal level, it was good to spend some time with Benni in person. For all the talking we do on MSN, we don't see each other in person that much, and it was a good bonding experience.
Sound advice of course from Satoshi Yagisawa, music must come from the heart. I loved the way he conducted, you could see that he was pouring his heart into his conducting and that he really felt the music. I would really have loved the chance to play under his baton.
Finally, the actions of Mr Oura today left a deep mark on me. More than Yagisawa, I was really looking forward to seeing him today. As my teacher of six years, as the person who taught me music and life, I really miss him and his doing what he did, minor though his actions may be, really touched me. So, obviously, you're not reading this, but I have to say this, once again, but it won't be enough.
全て私の心から ありがとうございました
To The Crown
Berutness - Ship of the Sun That It Invites to Ocean
Cluster of Light from Pleiades
Birth of Life from Sea
The Honour of the King
-----------------------------------------------------------
March Willing and Able
"The Bells of Sagrada Familia" - An Everlasting Will of Antoni Gaudi
Perseus - A Hero's Quest in the Heavens
Ephermal Dream of Prosperity
"Morning of Keith Haring" And the Darkness was Filled of Happiness
Yes, I know, the titles of the pieces look like they were fed through Babelfish.
Met Benjamin at the Esplanade's rooftop, then headed for dinner at Just Noodles at Suntec. After dinner, we attempted to find Eugene a gift, found said and headed for Victoria Concert Hall, where I discovered that our reservation wasn't present. We did get tickets though, and a CD.
I shall not comment much on the concert, because my comments are going to get boring. But suffice to say, it was brilliant. Excellent musicianship and conducting from both bands and all three conductors. For me the highlights were, of course, seeing Mr Oura in action once again and seeing Satoshi Yagisawa in action live.
I was most impressed, and moved almost to tears, by the performance RGSSB put up with Perseus. It has to be the best performance I've ever seen by a secondary school band, and was of a standard I wish RI could even reach half of.
After the concert, I was pulled aside by Mr Oura to meet Yagisawa himself. At this point, I was really touched by his actions. Not only did he give me some special token (some cute Yagisawa piece stickers), when I requested his autograph, he did it in Kanji instead of his usual English "just for me".
Had a quick photo with Yagisawa, where I introduced Benni in Japanese as "the best percussionist under Mr Oura". Benni of course was smiling happily and nodding, not knowing what I was saying. We then left for Macs and home.
This concert was one of the best I've attended. Musically, it was brilliant. I half expected to be bored after so much Yagisawa but that was not the case, as each piece had its own unique flair. NTUSB and RGSSB put up magnificent performances, and credit goes to Yiheng and Eugene among others.
On a personal level, it was good to spend some time with Benni in person. For all the talking we do on MSN, we don't see each other in person that much, and it was a good bonding experience.
Sound advice of course from Satoshi Yagisawa, music must come from the heart. I loved the way he conducted, you could see that he was pouring his heart into his conducting and that he really felt the music. I would really have loved the chance to play under his baton.
Finally, the actions of Mr Oura today left a deep mark on me. More than Yagisawa, I was really looking forward to seeing him today. As my teacher of six years, as the person who taught me music and life, I really miss him and his doing what he did, minor though his actions may be, really touched me. So, obviously, you're not reading this, but I have to say this, once again, but it won't be enough.
全て私の心から ありがとうございました
Thursday, March 11, 2010
UK/USA 2010 Day 11-12-13
090310 0713 local time (GMT -7)
Denver International Airport, Colorado, USA
Well I'm off on the next leg of this 2 and a half day long journey home, and I'm back in KDEN queueing fo security and looking at N927FR out the window. She has a dolphin on her tail, I think Jinjun would be happy, I know I am. The queue is quite long. No rush though, and I managed to get my bag checked through all the way home. What's the worst that cou... Oh crap I shouldn't be saying that.
0843 local time (GMT -7)
N791UA over Colorado
Channel 9 rocks. Had it all the way from the gate, and I made good use of it, listening into ATC. We took off at 0827 and are now headed for southern California. Incidentally we were followed by the dolphin plane I noticed earlier. Quite fun to hear Denver ground tell him to follow "the United heavy".
At the moment I'm listening to Monument again and enjoying the scenery it describes out the window, which is simply spectacular.
0902 local time (GMT -7)
N791UA over Utah
How poetic. The last notes of Monument ended just as we exited Colorado and left the Rockies behind.
0837 local time (GMT -8)
N791UA over Nevada
I just listened to a nice talk by the captain about the flight, the 777 and so on. I found it pretty informative, and it was a really nice personal touch by the captain.
We're flying near Las Vegas now, sadly it's too cloudy to see out. Should be over California soon. Whatever happens in Vegas stays there I guess.
0857 local time (GMT -8)
N791UA over California
Descending into KLAX now. Channel 9 is the best form of inflight entertainment ever. It's really fun to follow your flight and hear what's happening around you. Crossing over another beautiful mountain range now, the Sierra Nevada.
1000 local time (GMT -8)
Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA
Quote of the day:
"American 2099, light chop and heavy 777" (referring to our own 777)
On time was 0918, much earlier than I expected. Something interesting to note is that during the post-landing announcement, the flight attendant mentioned that we had members of the armed forces on board and thanked them for their service. I did notice earlier that a major in uniform was upgraded for no apparent reason. Now why can't Singapore Airlines do this?
I did want to find my way to the In-N-Out at LAX, but decided it was too difficult and that finding spotting places in the Tom Bradley International Terminal would be easier. I'm there now checking in for SQ11
1246 local time (GMT -8)
9V-SPO at Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA
Most of my time, other than a break for curry rice brunch at Hamada's, was spent photographing airliners from all over the world. My ride home is a new one, 9V-SPO. I'm finally back in Singapore, officially. Let's hope she's a great way to fly.
1518 local time (GMT -8)
9V-SPO over Oregon
We taxied out a little late, but not very. Amusingly during the taxi there was a little kid who kept going "bye bye plane!" I remember a story in the news once of a mother and a kid who got kicked off because the kid was saying exactly that.
Fortunately this didn't happen this time round, and the majestic 747-412 took to the skies at 1332. It felt good to be flying, better to be flying home, better still to be on Singapore Airlines, but the best part was really the 747.
We flew out over the Pacific for a while, then turned north to fly over California. The lunch was excellent. I had a really tough time choosing, reason being that one choice had smoked salmon for an appetizer and the other had soba, my two ultimate favourite SQ dishes. Eventually I went with the soba and teriyaki chicken, and as usual, it was superb.
For now the queen of the skies is over the third mountain range I'm flying over today, the Cascades. She's just about to cross the coast once more, and we expect to reach the Empire of the Rising Sun in 10 hours or so.
Interestingly, we're now flying close to Everett, Washington, the place where this magnificent airliner was born and first took to the skies.
100310 1718 local time (GMT +12)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Hmm I pretty much concussed after we left the Alaskan coastline, so not much to say. 4 hours left to Tokyo and once again we're racing the sun. Doubt we'll win though.
1804 local time (GMT +11)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Am I the only person who thinks that flying, especially oceanic flights, and Satoshi Yagisawa pieces, especially Hymn to the Infinite Sky and And Then the Ocean Glows, go extremely well together?
1756 local time (GMT +10)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Just had the "light meal" which wasn't that light. It was good though, ham and potato salad followed by a really good barbequed chicken with mac and cheese.
Looks like we just came off the PACOT and I think we're passing GUPPY. Sapporo is just off to the right, so we should be reaching Tokyo soon. The clouds appear to be bathed in the light of the early stages of the sunset. Hopefully the sun doesn't set that fast.
1746 local time (GMT +9)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Just felt the unmistakeable downward pull that means we've started our descent. The sun is well on its way down, I really hope we make it before it does.
1845
Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan
Touchdown was on the dot at 1816. Sadly we lost the race against the sun, and it was quite dark by the time we got to the gate. Still, I did manage to catch some planes. Interestingly I think I saw more United and Delta/Northwest airliners than JAL and ANA ones. Should be boarding soon for the last leg of the journey home.
2032 local time (GMT +9)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
We took off quite late, almost an hour after scheduled time. This was probably due to a long queue for the only long runway there, 34L. I wonder if we were routed via taxiways O U R A again.
Eventually we made it into the air at 1959. I'm dead tired and intend to conk out after dinner. Looking forward to wheels on at Changi.
2032 local time (GMT +9)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
The winds are really bad. Something close to 160kts headwind. I think we could hover if we wanted to. As it is we can't even hit 600km/h of groundspeed. This is going to be a long flight.
110310 0104 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SPO over the South China Sea
Wow. I've never seen so many stars out the window of an airliner before. It's simply epic.
It's nice to be back in my home time zone again, and we're just abeam of Kota Kinabalu. We took a far more westerly route than Japan flights usually do, for some reason, missing Taiwan completely as opposed to the usual overflying it.
Just over an hour to home.
0120 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SPO over the South China Sea
"Singapore 11, contact Singapore Center on 127.3, have a good night"
Just entered the Singapore FIR. Less than an hour.
0153 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SPO over the South China Sea
For the last time on this trip I feel the familiar lurch of an airliner starting its descent that in this case means we're near home.
0319 local time (GMT +8)
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
I'm home.
Touchdown at 0219 after flying past all the familiar sights of home and the 2L approach.
At the airport I found myself turned into an airport guide of sorts, helping a Texan guy find his way to T2 in the absence of a SkyTrain. There was also a Japanese student flying to Sydney who I met. She turned out to be a flautist with her high school band. I walked with her from the plane and helped her find a transit lounge to shower. On the way we talked in both English and Japanese, and turns out she was on an exchane program. Sounds way too familiar. Still, it was good talking to her, telling her about Singapore (her first time here) and of course, good to help people.
On the ECP headed home now, finally. It was a good trip, overall, especially the later half. I enjoyed visiting the United Kingdom, the United States of America and for a brief while, Japan. But really, there's just no place like home.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Denver International Airport, Colorado, USA
Well I'm off on the next leg of this 2 and a half day long journey home, and I'm back in KDEN queueing fo security and looking at N927FR out the window. She has a dolphin on her tail, I think Jinjun would be happy, I know I am. The queue is quite long. No rush though, and I managed to get my bag checked through all the way home. What's the worst that cou... Oh crap I shouldn't be saying that.
0843 local time (GMT -7)
N791UA over Colorado
Channel 9 rocks. Had it all the way from the gate, and I made good use of it, listening into ATC. We took off at 0827 and are now headed for southern California. Incidentally we were followed by the dolphin plane I noticed earlier. Quite fun to hear Denver ground tell him to follow "the United heavy".
At the moment I'm listening to Monument again and enjoying the scenery it describes out the window, which is simply spectacular.
0902 local time (GMT -7)
N791UA over Utah
How poetic. The last notes of Monument ended just as we exited Colorado and left the Rockies behind.
0837 local time (GMT -8)
N791UA over Nevada
I just listened to a nice talk by the captain about the flight, the 777 and so on. I found it pretty informative, and it was a really nice personal touch by the captain.
We're flying near Las Vegas now, sadly it's too cloudy to see out. Should be over California soon. Whatever happens in Vegas stays there I guess.
0857 local time (GMT -8)
N791UA over California
Descending into KLAX now. Channel 9 is the best form of inflight entertainment ever. It's really fun to follow your flight and hear what's happening around you. Crossing over another beautiful mountain range now, the Sierra Nevada.
1000 local time (GMT -8)
Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA
Quote of the day:
"American 2099, light chop and heavy 777" (referring to our own 777)
On time was 0918, much earlier than I expected. Something interesting to note is that during the post-landing announcement, the flight attendant mentioned that we had members of the armed forces on board and thanked them for their service. I did notice earlier that a major in uniform was upgraded for no apparent reason. Now why can't Singapore Airlines do this?
I did want to find my way to the In-N-Out at LAX, but decided it was too difficult and that finding spotting places in the Tom Bradley International Terminal would be easier. I'm there now checking in for SQ11
1246 local time (GMT -8)
9V-SPO at Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA
Most of my time, other than a break for curry rice brunch at Hamada's, was spent photographing airliners from all over the world. My ride home is a new one, 9V-SPO. I'm finally back in Singapore, officially. Let's hope she's a great way to fly.
1518 local time (GMT -8)
9V-SPO over Oregon
We taxied out a little late, but not very. Amusingly during the taxi there was a little kid who kept going "bye bye plane!" I remember a story in the news once of a mother and a kid who got kicked off because the kid was saying exactly that.
Fortunately this didn't happen this time round, and the majestic 747-412 took to the skies at 1332. It felt good to be flying, better to be flying home, better still to be on Singapore Airlines, but the best part was really the 747.
We flew out over the Pacific for a while, then turned north to fly over California. The lunch was excellent. I had a really tough time choosing, reason being that one choice had smoked salmon for an appetizer and the other had soba, my two ultimate favourite SQ dishes. Eventually I went with the soba and teriyaki chicken, and as usual, it was superb.
For now the queen of the skies is over the third mountain range I'm flying over today, the Cascades. She's just about to cross the coast once more, and we expect to reach the Empire of the Rising Sun in 10 hours or so.
Interestingly, we're now flying close to Everett, Washington, the place where this magnificent airliner was born and first took to the skies.
100310 1718 local time (GMT +12)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Hmm I pretty much concussed after we left the Alaskan coastline, so not much to say. 4 hours left to Tokyo and once again we're racing the sun. Doubt we'll win though.
1804 local time (GMT +11)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Am I the only person who thinks that flying, especially oceanic flights, and Satoshi Yagisawa pieces, especially Hymn to the Infinite Sky and And Then the Ocean Glows, go extremely well together?
1756 local time (GMT +10)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Just had the "light meal" which wasn't that light. It was good though, ham and potato salad followed by a really good barbequed chicken with mac and cheese.
Looks like we just came off the PACOT and I think we're passing GUPPY. Sapporo is just off to the right, so we should be reaching Tokyo soon. The clouds appear to be bathed in the light of the early stages of the sunset. Hopefully the sun doesn't set that fast.
1746 local time (GMT +9)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
Just felt the unmistakeable downward pull that means we've started our descent. The sun is well on its way down, I really hope we make it before it does.
1845
Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan
Touchdown was on the dot at 1816. Sadly we lost the race against the sun, and it was quite dark by the time we got to the gate. Still, I did manage to catch some planes. Interestingly I think I saw more United and Delta/Northwest airliners than JAL and ANA ones. Should be boarding soon for the last leg of the journey home.
2032 local time (GMT +9)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
We took off quite late, almost an hour after scheduled time. This was probably due to a long queue for the only long runway there, 34L. I wonder if we were routed via taxiways O U R A again.
Eventually we made it into the air at 1959. I'm dead tired and intend to conk out after dinner. Looking forward to wheels on at Changi.
2032 local time (GMT +9)
9V-SPO over the Pacific Ocean
The winds are really bad. Something close to 160kts headwind. I think we could hover if we wanted to. As it is we can't even hit 600km/h of groundspeed. This is going to be a long flight.
110310 0104 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SPO over the South China Sea
Wow. I've never seen so many stars out the window of an airliner before. It's simply epic.
It's nice to be back in my home time zone again, and we're just abeam of Kota Kinabalu. We took a far more westerly route than Japan flights usually do, for some reason, missing Taiwan completely as opposed to the usual overflying it.
Just over an hour to home.
0120 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SPO over the South China Sea
"Singapore 11, contact Singapore Center on 127.3, have a good night"
Just entered the Singapore FIR. Less than an hour.
0153 local time (GMT +8)
9V-SPO over the South China Sea
For the last time on this trip I feel the familiar lurch of an airliner starting its descent that in this case means we're near home.
0319 local time (GMT +8)
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
I'm home.
Touchdown at 0219 after flying past all the familiar sights of home and the 2L approach.
At the airport I found myself turned into an airport guide of sorts, helping a Texan guy find his way to T2 in the absence of a SkyTrain. There was also a Japanese student flying to Sydney who I met. She turned out to be a flautist with her high school band. I walked with her from the plane and helped her find a transit lounge to shower. On the way we talked in both English and Japanese, and turns out she was on an exchane program. Sounds way too familiar. Still, it was good talking to her, telling her about Singapore (her first time here) and of course, good to help people.
On the ECP headed home now, finally. It was a good trip, overall, especially the later half. I enjoyed visiting the United Kingdom, the United States of America and for a brief while, Japan. But really, there's just no place like home.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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