I woke up feeling sick. The air-con was simply too cold. We had breakfast at my "favourite" Chinese coffeee shop before heading back to our rooms to pack our stuff.
We returned to the Central Market late morning for Lim Hwee to purchase his glass chess set. Lunch was at Chinatown and we hung around for awhile before heading to Hentian Puduraya. Today, I just felt like going home. Just as well, it was the last day of the trip.
Starmart Ekspres was a very slow bus. We had the privilege of great seats with massage functions though. It took forever to get to Johor and on the outskirts, we were informed that our bus was going to the Second Link. Passengers going to Larkin or Woodlands had to get off and get on an "identical" bus behind.
The driver was nice enough to drive us to the Malaysian customs although our tickets were for JB. In fact, we even got discounts on our tickets. I was glad to cross immigration. We were home! After 18 days and countless adventures, I was falling sick but elated to be home.
We had dinner at Woodlands before parting ways. I wondered if the four of us would have the opportunity to go overseas together again. It had been a great experience - something I would gladly and surely choose over school orientation.
This expedition has also enlightened me on the situation faced by our poorer neighbours. We as Singaporeans are indeed lucky to have more than our necessities. We live in comfort - begging for food to survive is probably the furthest thing on our mind. Getting a diploma or degree is not a problem financially to most of our younger generation, also thanks to generous education subsidies from our government. Sadly, most children in Cambodia or Vietnam do not have such a privilege and it's fortunate if they can even complete secondary school.
I read, with much sadness, news of four Vietnamese villagers including an entire family killed when they tried to remove gunpowder from an old bomb left over from the Vietnam War. The bomb had exploded. People may ask with incredulity why these poor people needed the gunpowder. The answer - to dig a well. I hope we try to understand the situation of these lesser privileged people, especially when we read the news. It is the least we can do. We should never take for granted the peace and stability in Singapore.
We returned to the Central Market late morning for Lim Hwee to purchase his glass chess set. Lunch was at Chinatown and we hung around for awhile before heading to Hentian Puduraya. Today, I just felt like going home. Just as well, it was the last day of the trip.
Starmart Ekspres was a very slow bus. We had the privilege of great seats with massage functions though. It took forever to get to Johor and on the outskirts, we were informed that our bus was going to the Second Link. Passengers going to Larkin or Woodlands had to get off and get on an "identical" bus behind.
The driver was nice enough to drive us to the Malaysian customs although our tickets were for JB. In fact, we even got discounts on our tickets. I was glad to cross immigration. We were home! After 18 days and countless adventures, I was falling sick but elated to be home.
We had dinner at Woodlands before parting ways. I wondered if the four of us would have the opportunity to go overseas together again. It had been a great experience - something I would gladly and surely choose over school orientation.
This expedition has also enlightened me on the situation faced by our poorer neighbours. We as Singaporeans are indeed lucky to have more than our necessities. We live in comfort - begging for food to survive is probably the furthest thing on our mind. Getting a diploma or degree is not a problem financially to most of our younger generation, also thanks to generous education subsidies from our government. Sadly, most children in Cambodia or Vietnam do not have such a privilege and it's fortunate if they can even complete secondary school.
I read, with much sadness, news of four Vietnamese villagers including an entire family killed when they tried to remove gunpowder from an old bomb left over from the Vietnam War. The bomb had exploded. People may ask with incredulity why these poor people needed the gunpowder. The answer - to dig a well. I hope we try to understand the situation of these lesser privileged people, especially when we read the news. It is the least we can do. We should never take for granted the peace and stability in Singapore.
Total expenses over 18 days: S$535
Participants: LSH, Zi Kai, Jing Kai, Lim Hwee
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