270210 1043 local time (GMT)
London, England, UK
Murphy's Law states that if anything can go wrong, it will.
After deplaning and stopping for a couple of quick photos, I made my way through immigration and baggage claim. We then set about collecting our car.
The car rental area offered a good view of the runway and I enjoyed watching planes take off. Once we got our car, we realised that we left one luggage bag on the carousel. We had to go get it back, which involved me going back into the sterile area to find it.
Once this was done we headed for my aunt's place in London. However, satnav cockups caused some delays. Eventually we did make it here though. Today wouldn't be so interesting, I suppose, but we'll see.
1400
Leicester, England, UK
We were delayed again, this time to figure out how to use the SIM card we bought. Eventually we did, then drove out all the way to Leicester to meet my mum's friends. Now we should be going to a scenic castle in Warwick.
1630
Warwick Castle, England, UK
I'm standing here looking at the most beautiful rainbow ever. Got some shots of the brilliant double rainbow.
2211
London, England, UK
What a tiring day. As I mentioned above we did go to Warwick Castle. Pretty cool stuff we saw, including various human body parts. One thing that stood out to me was the enthusiasm of the guides. Though they couldn't have earned much, their passion for ther job really shone, and their acting skills are superbs.
I saw the abovementioned rainbow while leaving. We were headed to meet another of my mum's friends for dinner. I was pretty tired by then, think I slept in the car. Dinner was uneventful, then we headed back to rest for the next day.
So far, the weather has, with the exception of the rainbow, been miserable. It's not helping that I'm sick either. I find myself getting pulled down by the dreariness, a far cry from the warm and inviting London of last year. I now find that I'm yearning for the physical and metaphorical warmth of my Singapore.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, February 27, 2010
UK/USA 2010 Day 0
270210 0104 local time (GMT+8)
9V-SKI over Malaysia
I'm taking advantage of my phone's blog feature to try something new - live on-the-spot blogging. At the moment I'm at seat 74K aboard Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841 9V-SKI bound for London Heathrow, listening to Yagisawa's Hymn to the Infinite Sky. Photos will be added later.
The trip began at the airport a few hours ago, where I met Shuotian, Paul and Calvin at check-in. I was deeply disappointed that I didn't get to see Jinjun, but sadly it was not possible. We had US fries and a Topless 5 at Swensens, reminiscent of the time we went to Japan two years ago.
I dislike being sent off, as compared to being received, as I usually hate leaving my friends behind. This was no exception.
I proceeded to gate A10 (Thunderbolt II) where 9V- SKI was waiting. After a quick call to Jinjun, I boarded her and took my seat.
Pushback was slightly late, not that I minded, since this meant that there was a chance the sun would rise before we landed. We taxied out behind a considerable queue, the longest I've seen in Changi so far. I saw numerous airliners landing, including a United Airlines 777-222ER and a Japan Airlines 777-246ER. Also, we were overtaken by a Qantas A380-841 along the way, probably racing us to London. This lead to an interesting situation of us holding for the runway on W1, the Qantas A380 holding parallel to us on W2 and what I assumed to be a Paris or Zurich bound Singaporean A380 parallel to us on W3. The plane that was holding us all up? A Jetstar A320. Imagine the view from the right of that plane of 3 A380s lined up waiting.
The other A380 took to the skies, then we lined up and began our takeoff run. Our off time was 0033, making this the second longest delay I've experienced in Changi, and probably the longest out-off interval I've had in a while.
As the plane soared into the sky, I felt some of the burden on my back fall away, for which I am thankful. I guess I really do love being in the sky.
Till now the flight has been uneventful, although the clocks in the flight maps are an hour forward for some reason. Interestingly I was asked for my dinner order in advance. Not sure if this is due to my silver status with SQ. Also, after a year, the stage selections appear to be unchanged. Dinner should be interesting. Yusheng for starters. If you get more luck the higher you toss it, then I wonder how much one can get from tossing it 35000ft in the air.
0044 local time (GMT +6)
9V-SKI over the Bay of Bengal
Interestingly I was served dinner first, again not sure if it's due to my status.
Dinner was, as usual, excellent, especially the yu sheng, and I did do a little personal toss of it. Just took a little walk around the back end of the A380 to have a stretch. Top Gear as usual during dinner, love that show. I really should try to get some sleep in.
0344 local time (GMT +4)
9V-SKI over Afghanistan
Guess I'm not getting any more sleep than this. Probably because it's already nearly 8am back home. And I see as I'm typing this that we've just crossed into Iran. Fun part of the world this is.
0414 local time (GMT +3)
9V-SKI over Azerbaijan
Time's passing slowly thanks to the time zones. Just watched Merry Widow, which they've been showing since I flew this flight this time last year. Soon be over Armenia. I'm considering listening to Armenian Dances now. Should have listened to Persis when I was over Iran.
0525 local time (GMT +2)
9V-SKI over Moldova
The seafood noodles Singapore Airlines serves are excellent. Just crossed into Europe and it shouldn't be long more. Incidentally I did listen to Armenian Dances when we passed into Armenian airspace, but we crossed into Georgia before even halfway into the piece.
0549 local time (GMT +1)
9V-SKI over Germany
Deutschland Deutschland uber alles, and I am at the moment over Deutschland, therefore I am above all, and I just happen to be in the RSAF. Just over an hour left to go. Incidentally I am quite annoyed by an article in SilverKris magazine. It talked about how a successful trial flight was conducted on how to save fuel and all, lauded the achievement, talked about the vast environmental benefits and spooned praises to all involved, but made absolutely no mention at all that the star of the show, the aircraft, was a 747-412. Does Singapore Airlines really dislike it that much? Had it been an A380 you can bet the article would have highlighted the fact.
0619 local time (GMT +1)
9V-SKI over Belgium
My last post before landing. Listening to Saga Maligna on the way down. Been a good flight so fat, still racing the sun and hoping it wins.
0553 local time (GMT)
9V-SKI over the United Kingdom
Guess not. Holding over LAMBON. At least this should give the sun more time to come up.
0641 local time (GMT)
London Heathrow Airport
Great landing to a great flight. It was not as bright as I'd wanted, but still quite bright. The next aircraft to land was the Qantas A380 that raced us here (and lost). Now back in the all too familiar LHR T3. I shall end off here and carry on in the next post.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
9V-SKI over Malaysia
I'm taking advantage of my phone's blog feature to try something new - live on-the-spot blogging. At the moment I'm at seat 74K aboard Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841 9V-SKI bound for London Heathrow, listening to Yagisawa's Hymn to the Infinite Sky. Photos will be added later.
The trip began at the airport a few hours ago, where I met Shuotian, Paul and Calvin at check-in. I was deeply disappointed that I didn't get to see Jinjun, but sadly it was not possible. We had US fries and a Topless 5 at Swensens, reminiscent of the time we went to Japan two years ago.
I dislike being sent off, as compared to being received, as I usually hate leaving my friends behind. This was no exception.
I proceeded to gate A10 (Thunderbolt II) where 9V- SKI was waiting. After a quick call to Jinjun, I boarded her and took my seat.
Pushback was slightly late, not that I minded, since this meant that there was a chance the sun would rise before we landed. We taxied out behind a considerable queue, the longest I've seen in Changi so far. I saw numerous airliners landing, including a United Airlines 777-222ER and a Japan Airlines 777-246ER. Also, we were overtaken by a Qantas A380-841 along the way, probably racing us to London. This lead to an interesting situation of us holding for the runway on W1, the Qantas A380 holding parallel to us on W2 and what I assumed to be a Paris or Zurich bound Singaporean A380 parallel to us on W3. The plane that was holding us all up? A Jetstar A320. Imagine the view from the right of that plane of 3 A380s lined up waiting.
The other A380 took to the skies, then we lined up and began our takeoff run. Our off time was 0033, making this the second longest delay I've experienced in Changi, and probably the longest out-off interval I've had in a while.
As the plane soared into the sky, I felt some of the burden on my back fall away, for which I am thankful. I guess I really do love being in the sky.
Till now the flight has been uneventful, although the clocks in the flight maps are an hour forward for some reason. Interestingly I was asked for my dinner order in advance. Not sure if this is due to my silver status with SQ. Also, after a year, the stage selections appear to be unchanged. Dinner should be interesting. Yusheng for starters. If you get more luck the higher you toss it, then I wonder how much one can get from tossing it 35000ft in the air.
0044 local time (GMT +6)
9V-SKI over the Bay of Bengal
Interestingly I was served dinner first, again not sure if it's due to my status.
Dinner was, as usual, excellent, especially the yu sheng, and I did do a little personal toss of it. Just took a little walk around the back end of the A380 to have a stretch. Top Gear as usual during dinner, love that show. I really should try to get some sleep in.
0344 local time (GMT +4)
9V-SKI over Afghanistan
Guess I'm not getting any more sleep than this. Probably because it's already nearly 8am back home. And I see as I'm typing this that we've just crossed into Iran. Fun part of the world this is.
0414 local time (GMT +3)
9V-SKI over Azerbaijan
Time's passing slowly thanks to the time zones. Just watched Merry Widow, which they've been showing since I flew this flight this time last year. Soon be over Armenia. I'm considering listening to Armenian Dances now. Should have listened to Persis when I was over Iran.
0525 local time (GMT +2)
9V-SKI over Moldova
The seafood noodles Singapore Airlines serves are excellent. Just crossed into Europe and it shouldn't be long more. Incidentally I did listen to Armenian Dances when we passed into Armenian airspace, but we crossed into Georgia before even halfway into the piece.
0549 local time (GMT +1)
9V-SKI over Germany
Deutschland Deutschland uber alles, and I am at the moment over Deutschland, therefore I am above all, and I just happen to be in the RSAF. Just over an hour left to go. Incidentally I am quite annoyed by an article in SilverKris magazine. It talked about how a successful trial flight was conducted on how to save fuel and all, lauded the achievement, talked about the vast environmental benefits and spooned praises to all involved, but made absolutely no mention at all that the star of the show, the aircraft, was a 747-412. Does Singapore Airlines really dislike it that much? Had it been an A380 you can bet the article would have highlighted the fact.
0619 local time (GMT +1)
9V-SKI over Belgium
My last post before landing. Listening to Saga Maligna on the way down. Been a good flight so fat, still racing the sun and hoping it wins.
0553 local time (GMT)
9V-SKI over the United Kingdom
Guess not. Holding over LAMBON. At least this should give the sun more time to come up.
0641 local time (GMT)
London Heathrow Airport
Great landing to a great flight. It was not as bright as I'd wanted, but still quite bright. The next aircraft to land was the Qantas A380 that raced us here (and lost). Now back in the all too familiar LHR T3. I shall end off here and carry on in the next post.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, February 22, 2010
Too much of a good thing
Over-reliance on stuff isn't a good thing. But there's still such a thing as that.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Another spontaneous post
Lying on my bed after a good day's mahjong. Just as I am hurt when my friends are, I feel joyful as they do, and today was really the most joyful day of the week... Oh wait it's Monday so technically it's the only day so far... Oh well you get the idea.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, February 14, 2010
صديق / 朋友 / Ami / Freund / φίλος / יָדִיד / मित्र / ともだち / 친구
It's Chinese New Year and it's Valentine's Day. Family and romantic partners get together for fun, laughter and joy. So what's missing?
To me, friendships are a very important part of my life. Not that family's not, but I think a lot more about friendship, maybe because it's more complex. Sadly, I'm one of few that feels that way.
What defines a close friend to me? I was asking this question a while back, but couldn't find a definitive answer. Now, though, I think I have one. A close friend is someone who will share your joy and sorrow as though it were their own. I experienced this personally myself only recently. I guess you would regard someone as close if, when they were suffering or in pain, you felt it as well and conversely, would feel happy for them when they did. This is in contrast to just a friend or acquaintance who would probably try to help, but not feel anything much.
In this respect recent events have reaffirmed how I feel about my friends, especially this one. I think sometimes, friends are the best means of support, because sometimes you'd feel awkward talking to your family members, or they might not be able to help much. Obviously partners who you share a solely romance-based relationships wouldn't be a good idea either because relationships like that with no foundation in friendship can be unstable. As the saying goes "Joy shared is joy doubled, sorrow shared is sorrow halved", and I'm thankful to have people who I can share my joys and sorrows in, and I really hope I can be the same sort of person to them.
While everyone is thanking their family and their partners, here's a shout out to those people who fall into neither category, but who deserve recognition all the same. They may not be many, but they're more than enough for me:
ベン
ポール
ジンジュン
フイジュン
ジェレミ
シュオチアン
To me, friendships are a very important part of my life. Not that family's not, but I think a lot more about friendship, maybe because it's more complex. Sadly, I'm one of few that feels that way.
What defines a close friend to me? I was asking this question a while back, but couldn't find a definitive answer. Now, though, I think I have one. A close friend is someone who will share your joy and sorrow as though it were their own. I experienced this personally myself only recently. I guess you would regard someone as close if, when they were suffering or in pain, you felt it as well and conversely, would feel happy for them when they did. This is in contrast to just a friend or acquaintance who would probably try to help, but not feel anything much.
In this respect recent events have reaffirmed how I feel about my friends, especially this one. I think sometimes, friends are the best means of support, because sometimes you'd feel awkward talking to your family members, or they might not be able to help much. Obviously partners who you share a solely romance-based relationships wouldn't be a good idea either because relationships like that with no foundation in friendship can be unstable. As the saying goes "Joy shared is joy doubled, sorrow shared is sorrow halved", and I'm thankful to have people who I can share my joys and sorrows in, and I really hope I can be the same sort of person to them.
While everyone is thanking their family and their partners, here's a shout out to those people who fall into neither category, but who deserve recognition all the same. They may not be many, but they're more than enough for me:
ベン
ポール
ジンジュン
フイジュン
ジェレミ
シュオチアン
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Music that means a lot to me
Some snippets of the music that means the most to me, that evoke so many different emotions in my soul. (if you want to identify them, answers below)
Disclaimer :
1. The order of pieces is really completely random
2. Only the melody is included. Obviously most of them are band pieces but in some cases where there are more than one melody competing for the spot, the first among equals (chronologically) is picked
3. Most, if not all, of them are in their original keys, or the keys I know them best in
If you're curious as to what the pieces were:
1. Monument
2. Hymn of the Highlands
3. Gondor leitmotif (The Lord of the Rings)
4.浜辺の歌 (Traditional Japanese song)
5. El Camino Real
6. Auspicium Melioris Aevi
7. The Wheels of a Dream
8. And Then The Ocean Glows
9. Majulah Singapura
10. Theme from Jurassic Park
11. Hymn to the Infinite Sky
12. My Heart Will Go On
13. It's a Small World
14. The Seventh Night of July
15. God in de Hemel
16. Rohan leitmotif (The Lord of the Rings)
Disclaimer :
1. The order of pieces is really completely random
2. Only the melody is included. Obviously most of them are band pieces but in some cases where there are more than one melody competing for the spot, the first among equals (chronologically) is picked
3. Most, if not all, of them are in their original keys, or the keys I know them best in
If you're curious as to what the pieces were:
1. Monument
2. Hymn of the Highlands
3. Gondor leitmotif (The Lord of the Rings)
4.浜辺の歌 (Traditional Japanese song)
5. El Camino Real
6. Auspicium Melioris Aevi
7. The Wheels of a Dream
8. And Then The Ocean Glows
9. Majulah Singapura
10. Theme from Jurassic Park
11. Hymn to the Infinite Sky
12. My Heart Will Go On
13. It's a Small World
14. The Seventh Night of July
15. God in de Hemel
16. Rohan leitmotif (The Lord of the Rings)
ともだち
わかりました従って前のポストは小さい…直接であるかもしれない。 しかしそれは自発の憤慨から耐えられ、私は謝る。 但し、私はこれが幾分がちな時に来ることを仮定する。 最近、円卓会議のおかげで夜にベンとの小隊、私の議論、薄い枯渇および他の多くの要因、I'で話す; 私に意味する何を友情の意味についてたくさん考えているveおよび。 私が親友を考慮する少数の人々がある。 私が友人と考慮するが、だれない多くはレベルの親切なそれに。 、親友間に相違があるけれども、そして。 私は私が彼らの会社を楽しみ、がそれらとの楽しみを有する、時々猛烈に無感覚でもいく精神的支持の提供で非常によくないという意味でJinjunおよび ポールを親友考慮する。 また、この日および年齢に、楽しみしか提供なできる友人必要性の時サポートは来にくいが。 この点で私は私の友人としてベンがあるために私に感謝していなければならないことを推測する。 悲しげに私達が直々に会う機会を持っていないが彼がずっと最後の2年にわたっての私を提供したサポートは非常に貴重である。 実際は、彼は私が堅い時の精神的支持のために実際に数えてもいいおそらく、私が持っている唯一の親友であり2人の1才、私がチェスターに真剣にこのごろ話 さないので近い友情の最も厳密な定義に続けば私達が互いにこのごろ会わないという事実を割引く(私が望む事実はいつの日か変わる) 面白くこれは私によってが2005年の前にあった状態を平行にし、batchmateより後輩に近い方にある。 また、私はバッチに基づいてラインを引出すべきではない。 ついにそれはそうすることよいそれではない。 ついに、年齢は友情程に大いに私が私のバッチの多数をその当時言ったように、重要ではない。 私は今回が、私望む渡ることを推測することを。 反射はよいが、たくさん引きがちである。
Exasperation
Could anyone be more insensitive? I know you're a good friend, and I value it, but please, at least try to be more mindful of the feelings of others. Sometimes being the most practical or the most perfect isn't what important, I hope you realise that someday, even if not now.
Monday, February 01, 2010
A little affirmation...
...can really go a long way. Even if it's just a simple "good work" by your boss, or an expression of friendship unlooked-for. At least, that's how I see it. Sometimes that's all you need to turn a dreary unremarkable day into a brighter one.
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