260211 2107 local time (GMT +8)
B-HNE over the South China Sea
We're going to Hong Kong again, on the first 777-300 ever built no less.
The day started normally, dropped by RI to give Quanhui his R2D2 thumbdrive before heading for Changi Airport. We met Hafiz there, and chatted with him before entering through T2, the first time for most of us in a long while.
We spent some time spotting and at the Skyview lounge, and got a decent haul, and some spiked drinks for Calvin. I also swung by Bengawan Solo to pick up stuff for my aunt.
Our gate was D34, and while I was disappointed that our flight was on a 777-300, I was happy to note that it was B-HNE, the 773 I saw yesterday and the first ever built. We boarded and met with Jinjun's parents. The flight's empty, so we reshuffled our seats for takeoff.
We took off at 1850, passed over Tekong Disneyland, and were treated to a glorious sunset. I must say before we took off, I had a view of our cycling spots and kind of felt homesick. As usual though, my spirits soared with the aircraft.
Dinner was good. I had pork rice, and what was supposed to be white wine but ended up tasting like pure ethanol. The meal was good, but Calvin's risotto was fabulous. Ok maybe not the risotto, but the sauce was heaven.
We should be landing in Hong Kong soon. It's only been 2 months since we left, but I'm still looking forward to seeing her again.
270211 0100 local time (GMT +8)
Hong Kong, China
I feel like I've been dreaming for the past 2 months and just woke up back in Hong Kong.
We landed at 1003, then taxied to gate 67 on the far side of the airport. As a result we had a long walk to go. We cabbed over to Rai Lei to dump our stuff, then we all went our separate ways. I made it, with Jinjun in tow, to the Albany, my aunt's new place. It's really nice. Anyway tomorrow will be a long day, so I guess it's off to bed!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Kuala Lumpur 2011 - Day 1
190211 1344 local time (GMT +8)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
It's my first trip of the year! And we flew here on Tiger. What a great way to start the year.
Headed for the budget terminal in the morning and met Calvin and his parents, who were nice enough to buy me breakfast. We met Hafiz too, who was sporting a D300 and a fisheye. I dislike fisheyes for some reason, can't think why.
Anyway we headed into immigration with not much time to spare, and almost immediately headed for gate 9. 9V-TAE was waiting for us, and we took our seats, 1A and 1B, next to an Irish fellow, who was studying in Singapore for one semester and was heading for Laos on AK after the TR flight.
We took off at 1046, and more or less rocketed into the sky. The engines were running at what sounded like full power almost the whole way. Of course, being Tiger, we had nothing to do, so we bought some presents. I also struck up a conversation with the Irish fellow in 1C. Pretty soon, we were descending into Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and landed at 1126. Still 5 min short of my record of 35 minutes from takeoff to landing Jetstar did on the return flight 2 years ago. While deboarding, both me and the Irish chap were stunned by the amount of baggage Calvin was lugging for a 1 day trip. To this day I still wonder what manner of things he had inside.
We cleared immigration after a long while, since we spent a lot of time taking photos outdoors on our way through thebus interchange LCCT. Didn't spot much interesting except for some D7 A330-300s. Once out, we found a shop selling AirAsia souveniers, and I bought a cheap but old-generation model of an A330. We then found a RM2.50 shuttle bus to the main terminal, where I am now. Sure beats the RM40 taxi.
23000 local time (GMT +8)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
On the KLIA Ekspres now after a long and tiring day.
Once we reached the KLIA main terminal, we went for lunch at the second floor food court. This wasn't that great. We then headed for the viewing mall. Sadly though, except for one or two A330s, most of what we saw were Malaysia Airlines 737s. Mostly -400s, but some -800s as well. Eventually we gave up and headed for the hotel. After a brief rest, we headed back to the airport and caught the express to the city.
We spent a bit of time at the Petronas Towers shooting them, then headed for dinner at Madam Kwan's. The kway teow there is excellent, I have to say. We then picked up a charger for my phone before heading over to Jalan Petaling. We did intend to find souveniers for people, but nothing there really caught our eye. Eventually we gave up. On the way back to the hotel now for some much needed rest. Also, Calvin is going to die :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
It's my first trip of the year! And we flew here on Tiger. What a great way to start the year.
Headed for the budget terminal in the morning and met Calvin and his parents, who were nice enough to buy me breakfast. We met Hafiz too, who was sporting a D300 and a fisheye. I dislike fisheyes for some reason, can't think why.
Anyway we headed into immigration with not much time to spare, and almost immediately headed for gate 9. 9V-TAE was waiting for us, and we took our seats, 1A and 1B, next to an Irish fellow, who was studying in Singapore for one semester and was heading for Laos on AK after the TR flight.
We took off at 1046, and more or less rocketed into the sky. The engines were running at what sounded like full power almost the whole way. Of course, being Tiger, we had nothing to do, so we bought some presents. I also struck up a conversation with the Irish fellow in 1C. Pretty soon, we were descending into Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and landed at 1126. Still 5 min short of my record of 35 minutes from takeoff to landing Jetstar did on the return flight 2 years ago. While deboarding, both me and the Irish chap were stunned by the amount of baggage Calvin was lugging for a 1 day trip. To this day I still wonder what manner of things he had inside.
We cleared immigration after a long while, since we spent a lot of time taking photos outdoors on our way through the
23000 local time (GMT +8)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
On the KLIA Ekspres now after a long and tiring day.
Once we reached the KLIA main terminal, we went for lunch at the second floor food court. This wasn't that great. We then headed for the viewing mall. Sadly though, except for one or two A330s, most of what we saw were Malaysia Airlines 737s. Mostly -400s, but some -800s as well. Eventually we gave up and headed for the hotel. After a brief rest, we headed back to the airport and caught the express to the city.
We spent a bit of time at the Petronas Towers shooting them, then headed for dinner at Madam Kwan's. The kway teow there is excellent, I have to say. We then picked up a charger for my phone before heading over to Jalan Petaling. We did intend to find souveniers for people, but nothing there really caught our eye. Eventually we gave up. On the way back to the hotel now for some much needed rest. Also, Calvin is going to die :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, January 01, 2011
2010 in review
I still remember clearly how the year started... Jinjun, Paul, Jeremy, Calvin and I, among others, standing at the end of East Coast Park with our bikes, watching the fireworks.
At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2008 ended (pretty well), and how it foreshadowed 2009, which was a great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2009 was ending was pretty good, 2010 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Another good year in the Republic of Singapore Air Force. I think our little platoon has gone from strength to strength. We've seen many people leave of course, James, Joel, Andre and etc, and their passing (ok maybe not the best word to use) definitely left an impact. But at the same time, we've seen new people join the family and keep the flag flying. I will be really sad to leave in 26 days time, as I've grown too attached to the place and the people that make it up.
Travel wise, this year was a good year for me, visiting Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Bali, Japan and Hong Kong. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries and experience their cultures and scenery. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. 2 new types this year for me, the DC-9-50 and the Beech 1900D, both flights proving to be good ones. Flying over the Rockies has to be the highlight of my flying experiences, along with the business class flight back from Hong Kong not 3 days ago.
Musically, this year was slightly more prolific, and I had the good fortune to both see and play in some excellent concerts. Guest-playing in Prometheum, and in VCH for the last time, was a magnificent experience, and both Up and Chess were very enjoyable. Then we had Of Voices and Winds, my first recital experience. It went decently, could be better, but was a great stepping stone. JCBF was an unexpected windfall for me, allowing me to once again perform in the Esplanade, and once again perform under Mr Oura. JCBF also fulfilled a third of my dream piece list, at least, a third of the ones that I really want to play. The second of the three was fulfilled slightly later than JCBF, at:
Coda VI - Singapore Conference Hall, 20th December 2010
Visions of Flight
Oregon
Romance for Band
Enka Medley
El Camino Real
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four Hits for Five, by George
Glenn Miller Medley
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese Graffiti XII
Riverdance
Hymn to the Infinite Sky
Hogan's Heroes March
Well if you're wondering about my choice of bolded item this concert, it's because I didn't play for Gershwin. Really though, this time I cannot really think of a single repertoire item that didn't hold significance for me. Of course, the main highlight would be Hymn to the Infinite Sky, the second of the trilogy, and playing for that was an emotional high. However, pieces like El Camino Real and My Neighbour Totoro bring back such fond memories, and most of the pieces are a blast to play, so I really enjoyed the repertoire a lot.
Another thing about RWinds this year, as I'm sure I mentioned earlier, is that I think the whole cycle leading up to Coda has been the most enjoyable and meaningful ever. Unlike previous times, I've gotten to know quite a few people, and grown close to some of them, especially the saxes. Juggling work, RWinds and JCBF in December was hell, and I still have not even had the chance to try to recover, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope this year, this trend will continue, and RWinds will provide even more musical and non-musical fulfillment.
Of course, the most important factor of the past year are my friends. I've had many wonderful experiences with them this year, the highlights of which have just come to pass with Coda and Hong Kong. Once again, word of thanks to the following people, in order of birthdays.
Benjamin Ni - Another year of great musical friendship. All the best for NS, wherever you end up, and hope to see you in Coda VII pracs!
Calvin - Enjoyed the flying around the past year, let's try to avoid Murphy as much as possible on this one.
Hafiz - Thanks for the friendship again, and for coming down to support the various performances. Hope we get the chance to play together again soon.
Jinjun - Well what can I say. Another year of great music, travel and friendship, which I will forever cherish. I hope you've gained as much out of our friendship as I have, and here's to more great experiences in 2011.
Huijun - Thanks for the support this year, you've helped me out sometimes when I needed it. All the best for whatever pursuits you may have, especially in terms of your uni.
Shuotian - One of the most dependable persons I can call a friend. I guess this year will be the last I see you regularly, but that's the way it is, I suppose. Thanks for everything this year, hope you do well in the USA.
Jeremy - Another one of my longest standing friends, if not the longest standing. 8 years have passed already, but our friendship's still as strong as it ever was, for which I cannot express enough gratitude
Paul - Ok this is sounding a bit repetitive, but yeah, thanks for all the fun and laughter you've given me this past year, especially towards the end when I really needed it. May your dreams come true someday, even if not now.
That about wraps it up for individuals, though of course if your name's not there, it's not to say I'm not extremely grateful for all the help and friendship rendered over the past year. Special votes of thanks also go out to RWinds members, especially the saxophones, and to 2^7 Thunder, for making my year especially enjoyable and fulfilling.
2011 holds many things in store. It's marking another big transition in my life, ORD followed by university. Travelwise I am looking at 2 huge (relatively anyway) projects in the form of Japan and the USA, some minor stuff and who knows what else. Musically there's Coda 7 and Of Voices and Winds 2, possibly more experiences in the form of good performances and learning experiences too. Friendship wise, I hope that I can say the same thing next year that I did a few paragraphs ago.
Onward to 2011!
At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2008 ended (pretty well), and how it foreshadowed 2009, which was a great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2009 was ending was pretty good, 2010 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Another good year in the Republic of Singapore Air Force. I think our little platoon has gone from strength to strength. We've seen many people leave of course, James, Joel, Andre and etc, and their passing (ok maybe not the best word to use) definitely left an impact. But at the same time, we've seen new people join the family and keep the flag flying. I will be really sad to leave in 26 days time, as I've grown too attached to the place and the people that make it up.
Travel wise, this year was a good year for me, visiting Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Bali, Japan and Hong Kong. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries and experience their cultures and scenery. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. 2 new types this year for me, the DC-9-50 and the Beech 1900D, both flights proving to be good ones. Flying over the Rockies has to be the highlight of my flying experiences, along with the business class flight back from Hong Kong not 3 days ago.
Musically, this year was slightly more prolific, and I had the good fortune to both see and play in some excellent concerts. Guest-playing in Prometheum, and in VCH for the last time, was a magnificent experience, and both Up and Chess were very enjoyable. Then we had Of Voices and Winds, my first recital experience. It went decently, could be better, but was a great stepping stone. JCBF was an unexpected windfall for me, allowing me to once again perform in the Esplanade, and once again perform under Mr Oura. JCBF also fulfilled a third of my dream piece list, at least, a third of the ones that I really want to play. The second of the three was fulfilled slightly later than JCBF, at:
Coda VI - Singapore Conference Hall, 20th December 2010
Visions of Flight
Oregon
Romance for Band
Enka Medley
El Camino Real
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four Hits for Five, by George
Glenn Miller Medley
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese Graffiti XII
Riverdance
Hymn to the Infinite Sky
Hogan's Heroes March
Well if you're wondering about my choice of bolded item this concert, it's because I didn't play for Gershwin. Really though, this time I cannot really think of a single repertoire item that didn't hold significance for me. Of course, the main highlight would be Hymn to the Infinite Sky, the second of the trilogy, and playing for that was an emotional high. However, pieces like El Camino Real and My Neighbour Totoro bring back such fond memories, and most of the pieces are a blast to play, so I really enjoyed the repertoire a lot.
Another thing about RWinds this year, as I'm sure I mentioned earlier, is that I think the whole cycle leading up to Coda has been the most enjoyable and meaningful ever. Unlike previous times, I've gotten to know quite a few people, and grown close to some of them, especially the saxes. Juggling work, RWinds and JCBF in December was hell, and I still have not even had the chance to try to recover, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope this year, this trend will continue, and RWinds will provide even more musical and non-musical fulfillment.
Of course, the most important factor of the past year are my friends. I've had many wonderful experiences with them this year, the highlights of which have just come to pass with Coda and Hong Kong. Once again, word of thanks to the following people, in order of birthdays.
Benjamin Ni - Another year of great musical friendship. All the best for NS, wherever you end up, and hope to see you in Coda VII pracs!
Calvin - Enjoyed the flying around the past year, let's try to avoid Murphy as much as possible on this one.
Hafiz - Thanks for the friendship again, and for coming down to support the various performances. Hope we get the chance to play together again soon.
Jinjun - Well what can I say. Another year of great music, travel and friendship, which I will forever cherish. I hope you've gained as much out of our friendship as I have, and here's to more great experiences in 2011.
Huijun - Thanks for the support this year, you've helped me out sometimes when I needed it. All the best for whatever pursuits you may have, especially in terms of your uni.
Shuotian - One of the most dependable persons I can call a friend. I guess this year will be the last I see you regularly, but that's the way it is, I suppose. Thanks for everything this year, hope you do well in the USA.
Jeremy - Another one of my longest standing friends, if not the longest standing. 8 years have passed already, but our friendship's still as strong as it ever was, for which I cannot express enough gratitude
Paul - Ok this is sounding a bit repetitive, but yeah, thanks for all the fun and laughter you've given me this past year, especially towards the end when I really needed it. May your dreams come true someday, even if not now.
That about wraps it up for individuals, though of course if your name's not there, it's not to say I'm not extremely grateful for all the help and friendship rendered over the past year. Special votes of thanks also go out to RWinds members, especially the saxophones, and to 2^7 Thunder, for making my year especially enjoyable and fulfilling.
2011 holds many things in store. It's marking another big transition in my life, ORD followed by university. Travelwise I am looking at 2 huge (relatively anyway) projects in the form of Japan and the USA, some minor stuff and who knows what else. Musically there's Coda 7 and Of Voices and Winds 2, possibly more experiences in the form of good performances and learning experiences too. Friendship wise, I hope that I can say the same thing next year that I did a few paragraphs ago.
Onward to 2011!
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