It's the end of an era in two senses.
2 years and a day after our investiture, it rolls around once more. This time it's the turn of the batch that was Sec 2 when we left.
The investiture was unusually a split one, not entirely sure why. The core elements were present, of course, but the section dinners would wait. I personally don't agree with this, and I can imagine it took a lot of significance away from the Sec 4s.
The Sec 1s went first with Centuria. The standard wasn't too bad for a Sec 1 batch, but overall of course, the greatest room is the room for improvement.
The Sec 2s played Crystal City Overture first, and I was struck by the fact that this is the third batch to play this piece, though somehow I didn't feel this way for Centuria. They also played John Williams in Concert, which was a medley of various pieces such as the Imperial March, the Cantina Band and Jaws. Slightly mangled, as is usually the case.
The Sec 3s played a medley including Careless Whisper and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. I was reminded somewhat of our Orientation. They also played their batch piece, Circle of Life. I wish Jurassic Park was still around, although Circle of Life has some poetic meaning. Finally they played Army of the Nile, something I don't consider to be a good idea given Mr Oura's history with the song.
The Sec 4s played Highlights from Ragtime, and played it well for an Investiture piece. Besides the obvious problems of having only one clarinetist and one trumpeter, they managed to sound good, and brought tears to my eyes as I was reminded of Prometheum XI. They next played a different arrangement of First Love as compared to our Utada Hikaru Vocal Selections. I didn't like the arrangement that much. Finally they played Centuria, which I think was the best batch piece ever played in an investiture since I joined the band.
The ceremony followed, and formal mixed with informal. Notable moments include Mr Oura's speech, as usual, the various exco posts being announced, and Jeremy Wong (alto saxophonist) presenting a certificate to Jeremy Wong (alto saxophonist).
After Investiture, I followed the Sec 4s to S11 because I promised Samuel a lift. They talked for a while, I joined in once in a while, then I left, with Samuel in tow.
I think this Investiture is pretty significant for me, because firstly, the band has now come another full cycle since the Prometheum XI band. Secondly, it meant that the batch of 2008 left, and well, I've always held them dear to my heart, almost as much as my own batch. I'm kind of grateful, even, that the Japan trip was with RI, so I could enjoy it with them. Of course, I'm not a member of their batch, so at the most I'm an outside observer. But the individuals that make up their batch are people who I've grown quite close to. It's people like Samuel, Bryan, Benni, Jerald, Alastair, David... who really made me feel welcome everytime I stopped by the band room, and who helped me keep up my spirits and sanity in RJ, knowing that RI band at least remained the warm, friendly, mad and spirited place that I remembered it. I hope their batch makes it through, somehow I know they'll do better than us, and I really hope so.
It's also the end of an era of waiting for one Pixar film and the start of waiting for the next. After the Teachers' Day Celebrations in school (I loved the quiz show, especially *cough1atmcough *), I went down with some people to watch Disney/Pixar's "Wall-E". It was really heartwarming and touching, and I loved it. I won't spoil any, but I'd love to watch it again.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
2 years ago...
Investiture in 2003 had little significance for me at the time. Ditto 2004 and 2005, although they grew in significance over the years. Investiture 2006... At the time it felt a little insignificant because of Lillies on the River one week later, but still, it's a day that will forever be etched in my mind.
On that day, our batch was separated from the band we held so dear, and we've never gotten that back. There's a part of me that remains with RIMB forever, and the separation has left a wound, that time can cover up but not heal.
RIMB was really my home at the time, and I cherish the memories of the four years I spent there, especially those of my batch. Listening to our Investiture recordings, as technically bad as they are, still evokes feelings in me that I can't describe. Because all the music, and all the screwups.. they were ours, not anyone else.
While the batch as it was in 2006 is nothing more than a memory now, I'm thankful at least some small parts of the old ties remain. However, I still long (probably unhealthily) for what we were in 2006, a band of brothers.
Tomorrow is the Investiture 2008, where the batch of juniors (can I call them juniors? Friends, more like) I cherish the most will face the same thing we did. I think they'll come through better though, just a gut feeling.
While most in my batch may have forgotten, I'm afraid that I probably never will.
43rd batch of the Raffles Institution Military Band
Chen Shuotian
Jeremy Wong
Brian Cheung
Lu Yiding
Chester Gan
Jiang Lingzhang
Liu Wentao
Justin Ong
Aaron Theseira
Bernard Toh
Eng Zi Guang
Paul Ng
Michael Lim
Eugene Seow
On that day, our batch was separated from the band we held so dear, and we've never gotten that back. There's a part of me that remains with RIMB forever, and the separation has left a wound, that time can cover up but not heal.
RIMB was really my home at the time, and I cherish the memories of the four years I spent there, especially those of my batch. Listening to our Investiture recordings, as technically bad as they are, still evokes feelings in me that I can't describe. Because all the music, and all the screwups.. they were ours, not anyone else.
While the batch as it was in 2006 is nothing more than a memory now, I'm thankful at least some small parts of the old ties remain. However, I still long (probably unhealthily) for what we were in 2006, a band of brothers.
Tomorrow is the Investiture 2008, where the batch of juniors (can I call them juniors? Friends, more like) I cherish the most will face the same thing we did. I think they'll come through better though, just a gut feeling.
While most in my batch may have forgotten, I'm afraid that I probably never will.
43rd batch of the Raffles Institution Military Band
Chen Shuotian
Jeremy WongBrian Cheung
Lu Yiding
Chester Gan
Jiang Lingzhang
Liu Wentao
Justin Ong
Aaron Theseira
Bernard Toh
Eng Zi Guang
Paul Ng
Michael Lim
Eugene Seow
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Jinjun's quiz episode 2
got tagged by jinjun
1.What disappoints you the most?
Friends abandoning me, or losing touch with said friends.
2.Where would you go if someone sponsors u a air ticket?
Anywhere, really, I'm not fussed. But my prime choice would be the United States, and Japan after. Specifically I'd like to go back to Arizona, maybe Colorado. Also Pyongyang.
3.Whats your favorite things to do?
Play music, fly, listen to music, fly some more, spend time with friends.
4.Do you think money can buy you happiness?
"No, but it can buy you a private yacht" - Richie Rich commercial
5.If you had one dream to come true,what will it be?
That I remain close to my friends.
6.Do you believe in love at first sight?
Doubt so, unless the other party is a 747
7.What are u afraid to lose?
My friends
8.If you win one million,what would you do?
Let it collect interest until it becomes about $2 million, then i'd buy a small private jet.
9.What do you dream of doing in future?
2 main goals - short term SAF band, long term to become a pilot and play for a full-time band.
10.What do you want most right now?
For my current problem to vanish
11.Do you believe in fate?
I doubt so
12.What do you think it is the most important in your life?
That my friends are happy, safe and enjoy their life, and that my friendship means as much to them as theirs has to me.
13.Who are the ones that can make you very happy when you're super upset no matter when?
The person who gave me this quiz, and the people I tag.
14.If you have a chance to choose, would you like to come back in time?
I'd like to rewind, to re-experience, but not to change.
15.What kind of music turns you on?
Powerful stuff, think flowing high notes on roaring lower brass and horns sort of thing, or anything nice really.
16.What is the stupidest thing you have done?
Hmm hard to say... too many things to choose from.
17.How do you feel when someone important ignores you?
Quite upset, actually very upset.
18.What you like most about earth?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_x7LEJCvL4&feature=related
Seriously, the scenery. The mountains mostly.
19.What's the worst injury you ever had?
Physical? I've been quite lucky, worst is a twisted ankle. Emotionally, 2007 beginning has to be a low.
20. Do you think long relationships are good or bad?
Good, for sure. But that could be just me? I know I prefer a few long ones to many short ones.
instructions:Remove 1 question from above and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions then tag 8 people to do this in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them through their tagbox:Paul, Shuotian, Chester, Zi Guang, Bertrand, Jerald, Shuyi, Ben
1.What disappoints you the most?
Friends abandoning me, or losing touch with said friends.
2.Where would you go if someone sponsors u a air ticket?
Anywhere, really, I'm not fussed. But my prime choice would be the United States, and Japan after. Specifically I'd like to go back to Arizona, maybe Colorado. Also Pyongyang.
3.Whats your favorite things to do?
Play music, fly, listen to music, fly some more, spend time with friends.
4.Do you think money can buy you happiness?
"No, but it can buy you a private yacht" - Richie Rich commercial
5.If you had one dream to come true,what will it be?
That I remain close to my friends.
6.Do you believe in love at first sight?
Doubt so, unless the other party is a 747
7.What are u afraid to lose?
My friends
8.If you win one million,what would you do?
Let it collect interest until it becomes about $2 million, then i'd buy a small private jet.
9.What do you dream of doing in future?
2 main goals - short term SAF band, long term to become a pilot and play for a full-time band.
10.What do you want most right now?
For my current problem to vanish
11.Do you believe in fate?
I doubt so
12.What do you think it is the most important in your life?
That my friends are happy, safe and enjoy their life, and that my friendship means as much to them as theirs has to me.
13.Who are the ones that can make you very happy when you're super upset no matter when?
The person who gave me this quiz, and the people I tag.
14.If you have a chance to choose, would you like to come back in time?
I'd like to rewind, to re-experience, but not to change.
15.What kind of music turns you on?
Powerful stuff, think flowing high notes on roaring lower brass and horns sort of thing, or anything nice really.
16.What is the stupidest thing you have done?
Hmm hard to say... too many things to choose from.
17.How do you feel when someone important ignores you?
Quite upset, actually very upset.
18.What you like most about earth?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_x7LEJCvL4&feature=related
Seriously, the scenery. The mountains mostly.
19.What's the worst injury you ever had?
Physical? I've been quite lucky, worst is a twisted ankle. Emotionally, 2007 beginning has to be a low.
20. Do you think long relationships are good or bad?
Good, for sure. But that could be just me? I know I prefer a few long ones to many short ones.
instructions:Remove 1 question from above and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions then tag 8 people to do this in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them through their tagbox:Paul, Shuotian, Chester, Zi Guang, Bertrand, Jerald, Shuyi, Ben
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Jinjun's quiz
1. The person who last tag you is:
Jinjun
2. Your relationship with him/her is:
Friends.
3. Your five impression of him/her:
He's musical, lame, funny, carefree (in a good sense) and nice
4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
Lots of stuff I guess
5. The most memorable thing he/she had said to you:
"Thanks, you're a really great friend"
6.If he/she become your lover, you will:
Jump off Tojinbo
7. If he/she become your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
His taste
8. If he/she become your enemy, you will:
Probably not likely
9. If he/she become your enemy, the reason will be:
I defect to North Korea
10. The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
erm... finish typing the scores I was supposed to
11. Your overall impression of him/her is:
nice
12. How you think people around you will feel about you?
I'd love to know myself, you know?
13. The characters you love of yourself are:
erm characters? you mean characteristics right?
14. On the contrary, the characters you hate yourself are:
see above
15. The most ideal person you want to be is:
the best friend to others I can be
16. For people that care and like you, say something to them:
ありがと ございます
17. Pass this quiz to 10 persons that you wished to know how they feel about you:
1. Paul
2. Chester
3. Zi Guang
4. Shuyi
5. Shuotian
6. Shuhui
7. Bertrand
8. Jerald
9. Samuel
10. Meiyi
18.Who is no.6 having relationship with?
no. 9
19. Is no.9 a male or female?
male, but questionable
20. If no.7 and 10 are together, will it be a good thing?
Hardly likely
22. What is no.2 studying about?
BCMEGP
23. When was the last time you had a chat with no.3?
Last night
24. What kind of music band does no.8 like?
RIMB
25. Does no.1 have any siblings?
2 brothers
26. Will you woo no.3?
Why would I want to do that??
27. How about no.7?
Eh I'm straight, please.
28. Is no.4 single?
Hmm, dunno
29. What is the surname of no.5?
Chen
30. What 's the hobby of no.4?
listening to random disney songs
31. Does no.5 and 9 get along well?
Quite, yeah
32. Where is no.2 studying at?
RJC
33. Talk something casually about no.1:
He's a cute best friend for me
34. Have you tried developing feelings for no.8?
Yeah... feelings of friendship, what were you thinking?
35. Where does no.9 live at?
Eunos, in Karen's estate
36. What colour does no.4 like?
Purple
37. Are no.5 and 1 best friend?
Hmm, possible
38. Does no.1 have any pets?
Many many plushies
39. Is no.7 the sexiest person in the world?
*vomits*
40. What is no. 10 doing now?
Online MSN
Jinjun
2. Your relationship with him/her is:
Friends.
3. Your five impression of him/her:
He's musical, lame, funny, carefree (in a good sense) and nice
4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
Lots of stuff I guess
5. The most memorable thing he/she had said to you:
"Thanks, you're a really great friend"
6.If he/she become your lover, you will:
Jump off Tojinbo
7. If he/she become your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
His taste
8. If he/she become your enemy, you will:
Probably not likely
9. If he/she become your enemy, the reason will be:
I defect to North Korea
10. The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
erm... finish typing the scores I was supposed to
11. Your overall impression of him/her is:
nice
12. How you think people around you will feel about you?
I'd love to know myself, you know?
13. The characters you love of yourself are:
erm characters? you mean characteristics right?
14. On the contrary, the characters you hate yourself are:
see above
15. The most ideal person you want to be is:
the best friend to others I can be
16. For people that care and like you, say something to them:
ありがと ございます
17. Pass this quiz to 10 persons that you wished to know how they feel about you:
1. Paul
2. Chester
3. Zi Guang
4. Shuyi
5. Shuotian
6. Shuhui
7. Bertrand
8. Jerald
9. Samuel
10. Meiyi
18.Who is no.6 having relationship with?
no. 9
19. Is no.9 a male or female?
male, but questionable
20. If no.7 and 10 are together, will it be a good thing?
Hardly likely
22. What is no.2 studying about?
BCMEGP
23. When was the last time you had a chat with no.3?
Last night
24. What kind of music band does no.8 like?
RIMB
25. Does no.1 have any siblings?
2 brothers
26. Will you woo no.3?
Why would I want to do that??
27. How about no.7?
Eh I'm straight, please.
28. Is no.4 single?
Hmm, dunno
29. What is the surname of no.5?
Chen
30. What 's the hobby of no.4?
listening to random disney songs
31. Does no.5 and 9 get along well?
Quite, yeah
32. Where is no.2 studying at?
RJC
33. Talk something casually about no.1:
He's a cute best friend for me
34. Have you tried developing feelings for no.8?
Yeah... feelings of friendship, what were you thinking?
35. Where does no.9 live at?
Eunos, in Karen's estate
36. What colour does no.4 like?
Purple
37. Are no.5 and 1 best friend?
Hmm, possible
38. Does no.1 have any pets?
Many many plushies
39. Is no.7 the sexiest person in the world?
*vomits*
40. What is no. 10 doing now?
Online MSN
SIBF 2008
Well, SIBF was my last performance under Mr Oura (unless I come back as a guest player), it's not a nice feeling. We left school later while waiting for a PW teacher and came to the hall.
After a period of waiting we made our way to the tuning room, and began warming up and touching up some pieces. We then made our way up on stage to deliver the opening pieces of the Open division.
Now, I had been warned, but I still didn't expect it. The hall makes the SCH's acoustics look like the combined quality of VCH, the Esplanade and Fukui Harmony Hall. I couldn't hear anything except the echoey percs, and various problems kept cropping up. It sounded like there was another timpanist playing at the back of the audience. The lighting conditions were sucky as well, I had to strain to see the conductor and the scores. I can't comment on the pieces because, well, I couldn't hear them.
We went back to RJ after that, had dinner, and went back. On the way, Jinjun said that if both RJC and ACJC didn't get into the finals, we would go for a sushi buffet on Saturday. Then we laughed at the thought that neither band would get in. We weren't confident ourselves of getting into the finals, but the thought of ACJC not getting in was unthinkable.
Surprise surprise... ACJC and RJC didn't get in. We did quite well though, given the circumstances. An 86%, silver, but an SYF gold with honours.
I'm not unhappy with the result. I think we all did our best under the circumstances. What I'm disappointed with is that the school won't recognise our contributions as anything significant.. as usual.
Also, for my last concert, I was hoping to soak in the music, enjoy it, and let my emotions run, especially during Monument, with it's soaring melodies and music. Instead... I had to struggle to barely hear anything.
I' m very proud of RIMB though, and I envy the Sec 4s. A joint third with RGSSB, which is no mean feat considering the competition. Their batch was so happy, and I'm happy that I could bring them such good news, and by reading their blogs, I sort of wish I could have that batch spirit among us.
I really hope to wear the uniform of RJCSB/RIMB again, to play under the baton of the best conductor a band could possibly have. Thank you.
After a period of waiting we made our way to the tuning room, and began warming up and touching up some pieces. We then made our way up on stage to deliver the opening pieces of the Open division.
Now, I had been warned, but I still didn't expect it. The hall makes the SCH's acoustics look like the combined quality of VCH, the Esplanade and Fukui Harmony Hall. I couldn't hear anything except the echoey percs, and various problems kept cropping up. It sounded like there was another timpanist playing at the back of the audience. The lighting conditions were sucky as well, I had to strain to see the conductor and the scores. I can't comment on the pieces because, well, I couldn't hear them.
We went back to RJ after that, had dinner, and went back. On the way, Jinjun said that if both RJC and ACJC didn't get into the finals, we would go for a sushi buffet on Saturday. Then we laughed at the thought that neither band would get in. We weren't confident ourselves of getting into the finals, but the thought of ACJC not getting in was unthinkable.
Surprise surprise... ACJC and RJC didn't get in. We did quite well though, given the circumstances. An 86%, silver, but an SYF gold with honours.
I'm not unhappy with the result. I think we all did our best under the circumstances. What I'm disappointed with is that the school won't recognise our contributions as anything significant.. as usual.
Also, for my last concert, I was hoping to soak in the music, enjoy it, and let my emotions run, especially during Monument, with it's soaring melodies and music. Instead... I had to struggle to barely hear anything.
I' m very proud of RIMB though, and I envy the Sec 4s. A joint third with RGSSB, which is no mean feat considering the competition. Their batch was so happy, and I'm happy that I could bring them such good news, and by reading their blogs, I sort of wish I could have that batch spirit among us.
I really hope to wear the uniform of RJCSB/RIMB again, to play under the baton of the best conductor a band could possibly have. Thank you.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
We interrupt the Japan report to bring you...
SIBF. It's tomorrow. I'm not overly nervous. My heart isn't pounding away like an enraged timpani. It's a bass drum. Slow, soft, but foreboding. A sensation of ominous feelings. Will we play well tomorrow? Yes, we will. I'm confident. Am I overconfident?
RJCSB is sounding good, we should be able to do well enough to get into the finals unless something bad happens, and if that does happen... well it's unavoidable I guess. Uncontrollable stuff happens. So let's not let stuff that can be avoided happen.
Ultimately, the only reason I want to get into the finals is to extend my time under Mr Oura's baton for just a while longer. I can't describe my feelings for him. He's been a conductor, of course but more than that. He's taught me music, teamwork, respect, discipline and so much more, acted as a teacher and a friend, as much as a conductor. I can tell how much he loves our bands, sacrificing a dinner meet to make sure we got the practice. I remember having chats with him in Japan, at Prometheum. But most of all I remember playing under him during Prometheum X and XI, A Tempo XVIII and XIX, and so much more.
10years? 5more SYF? 30 major concert? Or more?
UNISONO was one of the best concert, I have ever conducted. Technically, it was not the best performance but the way students put their effort, shining eye balls!! moved audience's heart. When conducting "It's a small world" my tear almost dropped Trumpet played bright fanfare, horn screamed, band suppoce to play much softer for the song but everybody just play from their heart, and saw juniors singing out loud with happy face, saw rgs alumni singing joyfully and etc
almost tear dropped.
I was the happiest man in the world.
I'm going to share this joyful life with my students for another ten years or more.
at the SYF, let's send our message to the people with love.
music without message is really boring and it is not music , just a sound (or noise)
if the message doesn't have any love in it. something awful.
only the message with full of love makes people happy.
i believe our music will give them the best message ever.
Do I really have to say anything more than how much I will miss this guiding light, this inspiration to all of us?
RIMB, I have the utmost confidence in all of you to do your best tomorrow. It's not the award that matters, as long as you can play your hearts out. RJCSB, likewise.
We Should, We Must, We Can, We Will!!
RAFFLES BANDS
RJCSB is sounding good, we should be able to do well enough to get into the finals unless something bad happens, and if that does happen... well it's unavoidable I guess. Uncontrollable stuff happens. So let's not let stuff that can be avoided happen.
Ultimately, the only reason I want to get into the finals is to extend my time under Mr Oura's baton for just a while longer. I can't describe my feelings for him. He's been a conductor, of course but more than that. He's taught me music, teamwork, respect, discipline and so much more, acted as a teacher and a friend, as much as a conductor. I can tell how much he loves our bands, sacrificing a dinner meet to make sure we got the practice. I remember having chats with him in Japan, at Prometheum. But most of all I remember playing under him during Prometheum X and XI, A Tempo XVIII and XIX, and so much more.
UNISONO concert
I am 43 now. how long, how many years, how many times I will conduct the bands?10years? 5more SYF? 30 major concert? Or more?
UNISONO was one of the best concert, I have ever conducted. Technically, it was not the best performance but the way students put their effort, shining eye balls!! moved audience's heart. When conducting "It's a small world" my tear almost dropped Trumpet played bright fanfare, horn screamed, band suppoce to play much softer for the song but everybody just play from their heart, and saw juniors singing out loud with happy face, saw rgs alumni singing joyfully and etc
almost tear dropped.
I was the happiest man in the world.
I'm going to share this joyful life with my students for another ten years or more.
at the SYF, let's send our message to the people with love.
music without message is really boring and it is not music , just a sound (or noise)
if the message doesn't have any love in it. something awful.
only the message with full of love makes people happy.
i believe our music will give them the best message ever.
Do I really have to say anything more than how much I will miss this guiding light, this inspiration to all of us?
RIMB, I have the utmost confidence in all of you to do your best tomorrow. It's not the award that matters, as long as you can play your hearts out. RJCSB, likewise.
We Should, We Must, We Can, We Will!!
RAFFLES BANDS
Monday, June 16, 2008
Japan!!!
Japan was great, absolutely fantastic. I'm too tired to blog now, a full post will come later. Just some of the highlights of the trip:
Swensens at Changi T3
Munchkins while waiting for the plane
Sour plum breakfast
Todaijin temple and the deer park
Fire extinguishers
Breakfast and lunch buffets
Bubble-wrapped instruments
Osaka Toin school and their symphony hall
Japanese comedians
Crazy baritone sax players
Huge bands of >100 players
Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood Dream
Giant crabs
Kiyomizu Dera and Kinkakuji
Wandering around Osaka, Kyoto and Fukui
Magnificent Harmony Hall in Fukui
Concert packed lunches that put ours to shame
Tojinbo beach
Mr Jee and Mrs Tan's date by the beach
Paul and his puppet shows (e.g. P1, P2)
Ofuro in Fukui hotel
Sour plums
Meeting Japanese students and talking in Japanese and Troll
Concert to almost a full house
Illicit taxi trips to random aircraft model shops
Yodobashi Camera, that huge electronics megastore
Kansai International Airport
Mountains and lush valleys on the long road trips.
Shining blue oceans and scenic rivers
Food, of course
Shopping for random kamikaze headbands, 5-in-1 instant geisha kits and other random souveniers
Heart attacks as the 4 J1s I was responsible for kept disappearing
and so much more.. What a great trip! The thing I enjoyed the most though, was the quality time I spent with Paul and Shuotian, the 3 of us being basically independent from most of the band as a close-knit group of 3. I couldn't have asked for more. Detailed picture account of our journey coming soon, I hope.
Swensens at Changi T3
Munchkins while waiting for the plane
Sour plum breakfast
Todaijin temple and the deer park
Fire extinguishers
Breakfast and lunch buffets
Bubble-wrapped instruments
Osaka Toin school and their symphony hall
Japanese comedians
Crazy baritone sax players
Huge bands of >100 players
Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood Dream
Giant crabs
Kiyomizu Dera and Kinkakuji
Wandering around Osaka, Kyoto and Fukui
Magnificent Harmony Hall in Fukui
Concert packed lunches that put ours to shame
Tojinbo beach
Mr Jee and Mrs Tan's date by the beach
Paul and his puppet shows (e.g. P1, P2)
Ofuro in Fukui hotel
Sour plums
Meeting Japanese students and talking in Japanese and Troll
Concert to almost a full house
Illicit taxi trips to random aircraft model shops
Yodobashi Camera, that huge electronics megastore
Kansai International Airport
Mountains and lush valleys on the long road trips.
Shining blue oceans and scenic rivers
Food, of course
Shopping for random kamikaze headbands, 5-in-1 instant geisha kits and other random souveniers
Heart attacks as the 4 J1s I was responsible for kept disappearing
and so much more.. What a great trip! The thing I enjoyed the most though, was the quality time I spent with Paul and Shuotian, the 3 of us being basically independent from most of the band as a close-knit group of 3. I couldn't have asked for more. Detailed picture account of our journey coming soon, I hope.
RIMB Japan Trip: Day 7
Well, this would be the day we left Japan and returned home to Singapore. But of course, breakfast and last minute packing was in order.
The rather messy desk in our room
The desk again
The last of the many photos I took from our window. The room we got was actually next to the original room we got.
4073 right next to 4072
The hotel room corridor
We packed up everything and left the hotel to board the Chuki buses for the last time. The buses rolled out, and headed for the floating aircraft carrier that is Kansai.
Chuki bus
A random house
Signs pointing us to the airport
ANA signage
Random city view of Osaka
Trees lined this particular highway
Spaceballs?
After a long drive, in which Paul slept, the rest of the bus gambled and I soaked in my last views of Osaka and Japan, we made it to the long bridge leading to RJBB/KIX/Kansai
The long bridge
We crossed over the bridge for obvious reasons
On approach into RJBB
Dear friends of Jinjun and I
Beginning to see too much of ANA
The buses pulled up outside the terminal's departure area, and we proceeded to check in and try to sort out our seating plan. Eventually I got 52A, a nice seat just behind the port wing. We then proceeded to immigration and entered the terminal. There's not much to elaborate on for now, I left the rest of the pack and proceeded to do some spotting with Bertrand and a bit on my own.
The edge of the terminal building reminiscent of KJFK's T4 which I would visit in 2009
Why can't the green be yellow or red... I wouldn't even mind blue
Checking in took quite a while
Instruments ready to be loaded up
A screen showing the flight departures for the day
A Japan Airlines MD-90 hanging around
A view of the aerofoil-shaped terminal building that makes Kansai famous (other than the fact that it's floating)
This is an interesting advertisement
Korean Air aka Pepsi Air 747-400 joins the fun
Another JAL 767, they have loads of these it seems. This one is a 767-300ER
Joyriding the skytrain
Our aircraft, 9V-SRP, a 777-212ER
The nose of a KLM 777-200ER bound for Schiphol
Her slightly darker Vietnamese cousin
Gate signage
The front end of the KLM again.
After a while, it was time to board. I proceeded to rendezvous with the rest of the band at gate 41, where SQ617 would depart from. Today our aircraft was 9V-SRP, a 777-212ER in a 2 class config, similar to 9V-SRL, which brought us here. Gate 41 was also the same gate, so I guess SQ uses 41 all the time? We took some photos and noted that a Japanese school group would be flying with us before boarding was called, and I stepped off Japanese soil and (legally) back home into Singapore.
Bertrand and I in front of a 777. Spot the not-so-hidden 747
Shuotian and I staring down each others' lenses.
After the aircraft had boarded, the doors were closed and armed and the safety video was played. The aircraft was pushed back out of gate 41 and the twin Rolls Royce Trent 892s were started up. One thing I had been looking forward to seeing was the traditional send off given by Japanese ground crew, and I was not disappointed. They first waved to the pilot and the passengers before saluting and bowing, then turning to bow to each other. Professional, no?
The wingview from my seat
Ground crew sending us off.
We taxiied around to RWY 6R and made ready for takeoff. As the plane rolled down the runway and soared into the sky, I felt a pang of longingness to remain in Japan with my friends there, wishing to remain longer and savour the experience, but all good things must end. The plane did a turn, following one of the SIDs that would point it south, and I got a good view of Kansai airport as it did so,
One of the tails from our welcoming party also featured here
Just before takeoff at RJBB
A view of the newer runway
Aircraft carrier
The rich blue ocean around Kansai.
The flight was decent by SQ standards, nothing too outstanding but nothing to complain about, excellent food and comfort but slightly lacking IFE, and all I watched was Top Gear. Lunch was a triple grilled meat selection which was excellent, and the presence of my favourite food on SQ, the soba, made it even better. The green tea ice cream was interesting too, although it's a taste I don't like all that much.
Paul looking cute
Mr Oura!
Peanuts, get your peanuts here! Only $600 000 a peanut!
Superb food on Singapore Airlines, as usual
All too soon the plane began its decent into WSSS's RWY 20C, and I found out that we would sadly be arriving at Terminal 2. Not that I don't like Terminal 2, but arriving in Terminal 3 would have been much more fun. The landing was smooth and uneventful. We flew over Tekong Disneyland, then over Changi Beach, a route I had seen many times. Although at this point, I felt the usual sense of being back at home that I enjoy, this time there was a hint of sadness to it too.
A random coastline near Singapore
North shore of Tekong
The happiest place on earth!
Disneyland Tekong
Flying over Singapore itself
Short finals
Rolled out
9V-SWP
Jet Airways NC A330
You're a great way to fly
T2
But no A380s come here anymore...
Taxiing into F33.
Upon arrival, we all cleared customs and collected our baggage. Outside the arrivals, we found that we had an unexpected welcome party consisting of Kirk and to my surprise, my batch. We moved stuff over to the bus park outside T2, and took some photos before loading up and headed back to RI.
Baggage claim
Paul in T2
My batch and Mr Oura
The last photo we took on the trip, my batch and some crashers.
We headed down the PIE back home to the RI band room. After moving stuff up, we closed off the trip with not one, but two band cheers. I also expressed my thanks to Mrs Tan and Mr Jee, and would have done so to Mr Oura if I had managed to find him. I popped by RJ for some food, running into Calvin and Lynette, before heading home.
I will post more detailed reflections on the trip later, but overall, I really enjoyed myself and learnt a lot. I wish I will have more chances to go for such things with my batchmates and my juniors, though unless they all join NUS, that's not likely, sadly. Flying, band, Japan and my friends have always been major loves of my life, and this trip had them all, what more could I ask for?
The rather messy desk in our room
The desk again
The last of the many photos I took from our window. The room we got was actually next to the original room we got.
4073 right next to 4072
The hotel room corridor
We packed up everything and left the hotel to board the Chuki buses for the last time. The buses rolled out, and headed for the floating aircraft carrier that is Kansai.
Chuki bus
A random house
Signs pointing us to the airport
ANA signage
Random city view of Osaka
Trees lined this particular highway
Spaceballs?
After a long drive, in which Paul slept, the rest of the bus gambled and I soaked in my last views of Osaka and Japan, we made it to the long bridge leading to RJBB/KIX/Kansai
The long bridge
We crossed over the bridge for obvious reasons
On approach into RJBB
Dear friends of Jinjun and I
Beginning to see too much of ANA
The buses pulled up outside the terminal's departure area, and we proceeded to check in and try to sort out our seating plan. Eventually I got 52A, a nice seat just behind the port wing. We then proceeded to immigration and entered the terminal. There's not much to elaborate on for now, I left the rest of the pack and proceeded to do some spotting with Bertrand and a bit on my own.
The edge of the terminal building reminiscent of KJFK's T4 which I would visit in 2009
Why can't the green be yellow or red... I wouldn't even mind blue
Checking in took quite a while
Instruments ready to be loaded up
A screen showing the flight departures for the day
A Japan Airlines MD-90 hanging around
A view of the aerofoil-shaped terminal building that makes Kansai famous (other than the fact that it's floating)
This is an interesting advertisement
Korean Air aka Pepsi Air 747-400 joins the fun
Another JAL 767, they have loads of these it seems. This one is a 767-300ER
Joyriding the skytrain
Our aircraft, 9V-SRP, a 777-212ER
The nose of a KLM 777-200ER bound for Schiphol
Her slightly darker Vietnamese cousin
Gate signage
The front end of the KLM again.
After a while, it was time to board. I proceeded to rendezvous with the rest of the band at gate 41, where SQ617 would depart from. Today our aircraft was 9V-SRP, a 777-212ER in a 2 class config, similar to 9V-SRL, which brought us here. Gate 41 was also the same gate, so I guess SQ uses 41 all the time? We took some photos and noted that a Japanese school group would be flying with us before boarding was called, and I stepped off Japanese soil and (legally) back home into Singapore.
Bertrand and I in front of a 777. Spot the not-so-hidden 747
Shuotian and I staring down each others' lenses.
After the aircraft had boarded, the doors were closed and armed and the safety video was played. The aircraft was pushed back out of gate 41 and the twin Rolls Royce Trent 892s were started up. One thing I had been looking forward to seeing was the traditional send off given by Japanese ground crew, and I was not disappointed. They first waved to the pilot and the passengers before saluting and bowing, then turning to bow to each other. Professional, no?
The wingview from my seat
Ground crew sending us off.
We taxiied around to RWY 6R and made ready for takeoff. As the plane rolled down the runway and soared into the sky, I felt a pang of longingness to remain in Japan with my friends there, wishing to remain longer and savour the experience, but all good things must end. The plane did a turn, following one of the SIDs that would point it south, and I got a good view of Kansai airport as it did so,
One of the tails from our welcoming party also featured here
Just before takeoff at RJBB
A view of the newer runway
Aircraft carrier
The rich blue ocean around Kansai.
The flight was decent by SQ standards, nothing too outstanding but nothing to complain about, excellent food and comfort but slightly lacking IFE, and all I watched was Top Gear. Lunch was a triple grilled meat selection which was excellent, and the presence of my favourite food on SQ, the soba, made it even better. The green tea ice cream was interesting too, although it's a taste I don't like all that much.
Paul looking cute
Mr Oura!
Peanuts, get your peanuts here! Only $600 000 a peanut!
Superb food on Singapore Airlines, as usual
All too soon the plane began its decent into WSSS's RWY 20C, and I found out that we would sadly be arriving at Terminal 2. Not that I don't like Terminal 2, but arriving in Terminal 3 would have been much more fun. The landing was smooth and uneventful. We flew over Tekong Disneyland, then over Changi Beach, a route I had seen many times. Although at this point, I felt the usual sense of being back at home that I enjoy, this time there was a hint of sadness to it too.
A random coastline near Singapore
North shore of Tekong
The happiest place on earth!
Disneyland Tekong
Flying over Singapore itself
Short finals
Rolled out
9V-SWP
Jet Airways NC A330
You're a great way to fly
T2
But no A380s come here anymore...
Taxiing into F33.
Upon arrival, we all cleared customs and collected our baggage. Outside the arrivals, we found that we had an unexpected welcome party consisting of Kirk and to my surprise, my batch. We moved stuff over to the bus park outside T2, and took some photos before loading up and headed back to RI.
Baggage claim
Paul in T2
My batch and Mr Oura
The last photo we took on the trip, my batch and some crashers.
We headed down the PIE back home to the RI band room. After moving stuff up, we closed off the trip with not one, but two band cheers. I also expressed my thanks to Mrs Tan and Mr Jee, and would have done so to Mr Oura if I had managed to find him. I popped by RJ for some food, running into Calvin and Lynette, before heading home.
I will post more detailed reflections on the trip later, but overall, I really enjoyed myself and learnt a lot. I wish I will have more chances to go for such things with my batchmates and my juniors, though unless they all join NUS, that's not likely, sadly. Flying, band, Japan and my friends have always been major loves of my life, and this trip had them all, what more could I ask for?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)