Kai Yan and His Cycling Adventure

This is a story about 5 young adventurers decided to cycle around, wanting to find their own sanctuary in Singapore.

Prologue

The story took place on 30 January 2009. It first started at Pasir Ris, where the main protagonist, Yeo Kai Yan was waiting for his 2 friends before meeting the rest of his gang at East Coast Park. It was 3.30pm at that time when he reached the Bus Interchange, and he was waiting for Yi Shyang and Alvin. Yi Shyang came a few minutes later and both of them waited for another 30 minutes for Alvin. However, the weather suddenly turned dark as they were waiting, and drizzle can be seen shortly. Kai Yan told Yi Shyang that his mother's premonition came true again. Just last week, when the night cycling was confirmed but was cancelled in a last minute notice since most of his friends were not able to make it, and that situation was also predicted by his mother. He really wished that he could cycle this time round.

The main objective for this guys to meet out was actually to celebrate Kai Yan's birthday, which so happened that it falls on the first day of Chinese New Year. He wanted to have a night cycling with his friends, and his birthday wish came true. The rain stopped at around 5pm, and the 3 of them met up with Ming Jie at Parkway before making their way to East Coast Park.

Chapter 1 Waiting for the Rest of His Gang

Kai Yan, Alvin, Yi Shyang and Ming Jie went to have a seat at McDonalds while waiting for the rest of the gang. Kai Yan was already hungry, so he ordered the Beef Prosperity Burger Meal, while Alvin bought a set of Poker and Ming Jie went to check the rate of Bicycle Rental. The 4 guys played Bridge for an hour before Darrell made his appearance. Cheong Guan also made his special appearance! Actually, he was organising a chalet of his girlfriend's birthday and the place was at East Coast. It looks like he is continuing putting on weight! It has been such a long time since all of them seen Cheong Guan, and apparently, rounder and chubbier. Meng Yong also came shortly after Cheong Guan's appearance.

It was around 8pm. The 5 guys who were embarking the cycling journey were Kai Yan, Alvin, Ming Jie, Meng Yong and Yi Shyang. They first rent the bicycles and cycled to the Hawker Centre for their dinner, while the other 2 drove to the destination.

Chapter 2 A Dinner of Seafood

After they found their seats, Yi Shyang went to buy the Famous Fried Carrot Cakes for Kai Yan as birthday "cake". The others also split up to order different dishes, and the table was filled with so much food suddenly, mainly Seafood. There were Bloody Cockles, Sambal Sotong, BBQ Stingray as Main Courses, Chicken Satays and BBQ Chicken Wings as Side Courses. Everyone was enjoying their food except for Yi Shyang who do not eat calms and squids, so he ordered a bowl of Lor Mee for himself, and his stomach was the fullest after that meal. Everyone was already surprised to hear that he do not eat calms and squids. When he also claimed that he dislikes Kang Kong, which is a Singaporean favourite vegetable, everyone was even astonished.

Kai Yan and Gang then decided to head to Cheong Guan's chalet while waiting for Shen Yean aka Potato to come and gave Kai Yan his wishes personally. However, he has already reached the hawker centre when they were about to leave. Since Potato has arrived, he joined the rest of them to Cheong Guan's chalet.

Chapter 3 Waiting for Nothing

The 5 cyclists cycled to a random chalet to wait for Cheong Guan, while Potato took Darrell's transport there, but Darrell went off after sending him. The 6 guys took pictures and had a small chat and changed to singlets (Except Potato) before embarking on the journey. Kai Yan was not wearing a comfortable pants, he was wearing khakis... So Yi Shyang lent him his sports pants, and it actually fitted him surprisingly! Kai Yan's friends have also presented his birthday gift to him, a Adidas bag. Before the gift was presented, Yi Shyang gave him some hint that he would be getting a bag, but he still did not get it until the bag is presented to him. Talking about bag, Potato's bag seemed to have a lot of things inside it, just like Doraemon's pocket!

After 30 minutes, Cheong Guan called and said that it was not convenient for Kai Yan and gang to 'crash' the chalet since they were playing Mahjong. As a result, they had to bid goodbye to Potato and began their journey to find their sanctuary. At that time, it was 11.30pm. (I Guess)

Chapter 4 Lost and Found

The first part of the journey for the 5 of them to... GET OUT of East Coast Park of course! Well , anyway, the formation was Ming Jie to lead the way, and Alvin stayed at the back. Kai Yan positioned behind Ming Jie. They used around 10 minutes to cycle out of the park and made their way to Kallang. The cyclists first took a short break when they reached the Outdoor Stadium and figuring for the next route. These guys decided to trust their instincts and took whichever route that seemed would take them to the city. In the end, they ended up cycling one round around the Kallang River, and reached the street to Gelyang! Obviously, these guys were lost, but they could still find their way to the city.

Ming Jie initially wanted to take the guys to the city via Nicol Highway, but he led them to Lavender, then to Bugis instead. Then from there, they went to the city. It was only 1am when they cycled around Suntec City Mall and Marina Square. They made a stop at Xin Wang Cafe at Marina Square for about an hour. The previous meal had not actually filled the guys' stomachs apparently, as Ming Jie and Alvin ordered porridge and Meng Yong had Hor Fun. Yi Shyang had Sesame Paste. This was another surprising case: Kai Yan did not ordered any dish! He only ordered a drink... Well, with a scoop of ice cream on it. Meng Yong have already complained being tired and sleepy by that time...

Chapter 5 The Marina Barrage

After the supper, it's time to continue to find their sanctuary. The so-called sanctuary was actually The Marina Barrage. According to Ming Jie, the building is situated near the Singapore Flyer since you can see it from the rooftop. According to Yi Shyang, he saw the picture taken from the top, and all you can see is grass patches. The guys decided to hunt around the flyer, hoping to spot it from there. However, they could find none. Ming Jie and Alvin asked around and finally found a way. An EXTREMELY long way.

The guys have to enter the on-going construction area for the Integrated Resort, and follow the signs and directions to find that place. Along the way, as they were cycling in, they found the road was so deserted. And when they finally found the place, the location was even more secluded... Kai Yan and gang went up the rooftop to feel the breeze and enjoy the scenery around... A complete dark scenery... You could see nothing when you take picture with the background...

The Marina Barrage is a building, or rather a dam for the reservoir in Marina Bay. It is designed in such way that people are allowed to come in at anytime to chill out. The Singapore Flyer is indeed within the sight, but are separated by that reservoir... Although the location was secluded, many people still went to the place at the middle of the night to chill out.... Mostly made up of Hooligans... Making noises out of the peaceful and quiet night...

Chapter 6 Making Circles

At 3am plus, the guys cycled back down the construction area at full speed. Alvin and Meng Yong cycled at crazy speed!!! Yi Shyang was puzzled how could they cycled at such speed despite of having painful ass and legs... They made their way back to Raffles and to City Hall. This time, the "lead"er, Ming Jie suggested to take Nicol Highway back to Kallang, which is a lot faster. However, after cycled through the highway, they have reached the area where they have been making circles before. Then, after crossing an overhead bridge, they also reached another spot where they have been turning circles before! It was then they have realised how foolish they were... But now, they were familiar with the road, and made their way back to East Coast Park a lot faster.

Chapter 7 Sleepyheads

The race continued as the cyclists reached the park! This time, Ming Jie joined in the fun and the 3 of them cycled at insane speed! Kai Yan said he was also quite tired and joined Yi Shyang in leisure cycling, but his speed became too fast for him and eventually catched up with Ming Jie. Then, both of them waited for Yi Shyang up ahead while Alvin and Meng Yong continued racing. Because of the race, Kai Yan and gang reached McDonalds faster than expected. It was 5am. All of them had early breakfast.

Everyone was mentally exhausted, except Yi Shyang, who was actually physically exhausted. (Why I'm always the exceptioal case?!) However, the bicycle rental shop would not be open till 9am. The rest of the guys decided to sleep, leaving him sitting there alone unentertained or no one to entertain... He has to plug on his iPod to his ears and listen to music... Kai Yan was so amazing when sleeping, Meng Yong and him remained unchanged in sleeping position, while Alvin and Ming Jie kept on adjusting to find the comfortable position.

Epilogue

The sleepyheads slept until 7.30am when Alvin said that he needed to make his leave as he has something to attend in the morning. Kai Yan left with him since both of them stayed in the same area. Alvin and Kai Yan took a cab back home, and of course they remain concussed throughout the journey. He left the 3 guys to return the bikes... Ming Jie and Meng Yong continued to sleep until the loud music in the McDonalds drove them to Coffee Bean. The 2 sleepyheads continued their work in the cafe. Yi Shyang finally got tired because of boredom and slept for 20 minutes. At 9.05am, the shop finally opened, and the boys returned the bikes and went home immediately. Meng Yong and Ming Jie shared cab back home while Yi Shyang walked back to Parkway, then to Katong to take Bus Service no.12 straight home.

CNY Without Any CNY Mood

What can I say when I spent my boring Chinese New Year playing computer games only?

I woke up at 11am on the first day, and went to my grandma's house at noon. 小舅and 三姨families are already there and the CNY mood was not there as usual. Everybody was just sitting down at the sofa watching TV. I went in and played The King of Fighters on the computer since everyone looked so bored. I only came out when I completed the game and the gambling table was set just in time. However, I lost money to my dad who was the banker. >.<

I stopped playing when I lost all my money which was only around...$5. Haha.

After watching and eating junk food for a while, it already evening. I went to play computer once again, this time I installed Rollar Coaster Tycoon 2. It's been such a long time since I bought the game and have never played it. The mission for each theme parks is so difficult, even for beginner level. So I don't really have a business mind after all. I stopped the game after getting irritated by my little cousin. So I went to play with another cousin of mine, he is the youngest of all from my mother's side cousins, and I think is the cutest!

On the second day, I woke up at the same time, it is because I slept at around 2.30am for the 2 previous nights. I watched Don't Forget the Lyrics Taiwanese Version for an hour before heading to 大伯 house. My brother and I did nothing much as usual, just sitting on the sofa reading magazines again after our lunch. It was until the oldest cousin came to me and told me I could play his Playstation 3. Initially, I don't really want to play his game, but he said that he has "Devil May Cry 4" . I couldn't resist temptation, and I left my brother alone... Sorry!

Third day? Here am I, staring in front of the computer screen again! I woke up slightly earlier today since I slept at around 1.30am. Haha. I woke up to watch Bleach and Tales of the Abyss while having my breakfast. My dear friend, Derek is going to be enlisted today. Poor thing, on the third day of CNY... But I'm sure he will do fine in the Pes C company, but must do take care of yourself in there!

Now, I'm wondering what to do for the rest of the day...

Surprise Her?! Surprise Us!!!

I came out in the early afternoon yesterday to get Yvonne's Birthday Present, it is Wednesday night then I decided what to get for her. Luvena suggested Japanese or Business books when I asked her on Wednesday, the day when I was shopping with Ken in Bugis. I went back to Bugis again since Kinokuniya provides more language books. I hestiated again, which language book should I get for her? Japanese or the one I decided the night before? In the end, I still chose the second option: Cantonese Guide Book. Haha.

After getting that book, I sat down at nearby Starbucks to drink a cup of Mocha Frappe and also to peel off the price tag on the book. When I'm done, it was only 3.20pm. Alvin texted me and asked the meeting time, and he suggested to buy her a cake to surprise her. Well, frankly speaking, I have never thought of getting a cake, maybe is because we never had birthday cakes when I celebrate with my other friends. We are used to not having cakes. Anyway, since Alvin suggested it, why not go for it?

Yvonne said to meet 6.30pm for dinner before the 7pm K Box session. So I told the others to meet at 6pm to get the cake and hid it with KBox staff. I left Bugis at 3.30pm and dropped off at Tampines since I have a lot of time to waste. I tried to walk to Pasir Ris via The Connector. I think it took me around 30-40 minutes to reach White Sands. When I was near White Sands, I texted the others to meet earlier at 5.30pm to have more time to prepare. It was quite last minute for them to prepare, since it was 4.45pm when I SMSed them. I can make a stroll around first to see what cakes are available, so that we can further reduce the time to choose the cakes and make our way to EHub.

However, as soon as I stepped into the mall, Yvonne SMSed to change the meeting time to 6pm! I did not reply her first. Luvena said that can only make it at 6.30pm intentionally, and she called me and wanted me to stop Alvin from agreeing with Yvonne to meet earlier. It was too late. Alvin agreed. So when Yvonne called me again to confirm with me, I made another plan at that instant. I also followed her decision. This plan became: Alvin will meet Yvonne at 6pm, and I will SMS her that I will be late, while Luvena will appear at 6.30pm accordingly. This arrangement was made so that Luvena and I can meet to get her cake.

The plan changed again when we got the cake. We did not buy a big cake, and the size of the cake is small enough to stuff into Luvena's bag. When the both of us reached Downtown East, it was only 5.46pm. By that time, Yvonne called again and said that she also had reached the meeting point. So Luvena went ahead to meet her first, while I waited for Alvin and we would then meet the girls. Despite my reminder, Alvin still forgot to take the Company Entrance Pass that we have previously worked in, he had to turn back and get it. In the end, the 3 of us went on to have our dinner first.

When I met the girls, Luvena told me something that surprised me instead! Alvin was also surprised when I told him that. It is something that will no longer surprise Yvonne. Guess What? The KBox session that we were going is actually a Birthday Package which comes with a free Birthday Cake!!! Then, the 3 of us suddenly became actors and actress, as we have to communicate with each other without Yvonne noticing that we are discussing how to deal with the cakes hidden in Luvena's bag. We still brought out after our dinner and let Yvonne blew the candles.

The KBox session was rather a HIGH one, but not for the Birthday Girl, but me?! I sang a lot of High Songs and it turned out I became the High One. I should say it was a pleasant night.

The Last Minute Shopping Spree

I went out with my brother to shop for New Year clothes. Chinatown OG became our first stop when my brother has the OG Membership Card. Chinatown OG was already filled with people back then when we reached there, and several queues could also be seen in front of the cashier counters. There are not many nice clothes for us over there too, and there used to have Lawman and others, but right now the spaces are dominated by Levi's. Feeling disappointed, we left the departmental store and took MRT to Marina Square and hope to have clothes that suit us.

We look for T-shirts in Quiksilver and Rip Curl, I could find a T-shirt suitable for me, my brother too, but the store ran out of new pieces. We even went in and out of the store 3 times for my brother to carefully pick a T-shirt that really suits him. Still, he could find none. We walked around the whole mall, and realised it does not really have shops that we can find clothes for us. We had a early dinner at Pasta de Waraku, and it is the first time for both of us to dine in there. Wonderful pastas. I should patronise more to try on different kinds. After a satisfied meal, we left the mall feeling less disappointed.

Our last stop: Tampines. It appears that we had to settle our clothes there after all. Brands like Giordano, Bossini and Ocean Pacific again?! In the end, my brother admit defeat and bought most of his clothes from OP, and I bought another T-shirt and my first boardshorts from there too.

I will continue to shop for more of course! I will use this last week to get more!

The Most Important Age

Yvonne is one of my friends who will be turning 21 first. 2 days later will be Wee Khiang's. However, the Chinese New Year of this Ox Year falls on late January, they have to celebrate their birthday earlier, and so happens that their celebrations falls on the same day and the same time. But since Khiang invited me over first, and that time I was fully unawared that Yvonne is going to hold hers on the same day, I have to support my brotherhood. To make it up, we will have a separate outing with her on her actual birthday to celebrate.

Right after my Japanese class yesterday, I went back home to put down my books before I head to Tampines Mall to meet up with Alvin, Kai Yan, Potato and Meng Yong to get Khiang's present. I met them at Mos Burger first, and when we went up one level via the escalator, I saw Tze Keong standing outside The Face Shop. I called him immediately. At the same time, Alvin tried to see who was it since Yvonne and I have been talking about he and his gang when he are reminiscing our secondary school memories. I should have introduced him to them. Silly Me.

Actually, there are more people with him: Rong Teng, Wei Tian and Xiujun. Xiujun is still as cheerful as ever. Nice to see her. We had a small chat while waiting for Alex to come. It seemed that they are also getting Yvonne's present like us getting Khiang's at the last minute. Haha.

I went up as fast as I can after the chat, and I found my other gang in Popular and still not yet bought the guitar. They wanted to seek my opinion. I'm not really good at looking at guitar since I myself does not have any musical background, except for the pathetic knowledge of playing a recorder, so I stared at the guitar for a while and make sure that it is at good condition before getting it. I also tried to look for Basic Scores for Beginners, but the outlet has none. Sigh.

The guys also wanted to get some alcoholic drink before going to his party. We made our way down to Fairprice, and Potato greeted to Weiliang (The Ex-TPJC student who is Mrs Tay's son), and of course I know him. Surprisingly, Weiliang said I looked familiar to him but he just can't recall who am I. It does not really matter to me since I have never talk to him before. And after we got a bottle of 40% Volka, I saw my Aunt and his husband. After meeting these people, I've been wondering, why I would not meet my friends when I shopping in Tampines Mall alone?

MSG Eva is already there, unentertained, when we reached there. We chatted a lot and played Black Jack for a few rounds. For that few rounds, Potato and Meng Yong have been very busy entertaining all of us as Potato has been losing when he is the banker, while Meng Yong kept winning everytime Potato gave up the position to him. Darrell and Jiun Yan also came shortly when we started playing poker. However, the only people staying over are me, Potato, Meng Yong, Kai Yan and Ming Jie who arrived the latest since he has to work till 10pm. Again, alcohol starting to drive people crazy when some of us started drinking it. Our group should be the most rowdy one in the chalet... Sigh.

I slept the earliest when the group decided to play Mahjong. I thought since I am not good at playing that game, I rather use the time to sleep. Haha.

After surveying most of the CSC people, they decide not to hold any chalet kind of party. Should I hold a similiar party as Khiang? Or Not?