18 January Farewell Singapore

It was a weird feeling on the way to the airport in my brother’s car while my parents drove in a van. There were so many uncertainties about this adventure that I was about to indulged in. My adrenalin was pumping. Finally we arrived at the airport at 545pm and there I saw my buddy-to-be, ChinHui and his family. Comparatively, he has a stronger bond with his family than I do. I was really envious but I knew it was not my parents’ fault that we were not close. It was mine. My mum was hoping that I would be a better son when I return. I hope so too, if I survive at all the trip.

While checking in at the counter, the lady asked to see our letters from INRIA and NTU which is very strange because we did not know why she needed these proofs. Anyway the procedures were pretty smooth except for a small incident. I left my laptop on the bench while checking in and in the end had to trouble Hui’s father to carry for me. As for my dad, he was angry that I just left such important stuff lying around. He reminded me that never ever to do that again when I am abroad. As usual I brushed off his reprimand and didn’t think much about it.

At around 610pm, Hui and I went in and that was it!!! The parting moment was brief at least for my family. Nothing much was said, just goodbyes. As for Hui’s, I saw more emotional moments and reluctance in his family. Inside the check in area, we had a bit of time and waited at Coffee Bean. I was extremely tired and Hui thought that I was too excited and nervous. Frankly speaking, I was feeling rather indifferent. Maybe by showing tiredness, I was trying to cover up my anxiety. Such self-protective reaction has almost become natural in me. Always trying to pretend to be the tough guy. Even though I really missed my family.

On board the plane, it was very uncomfortable. I always feel uneasy taking airplane although this was just the third time I am flying. Hui was amazed by the fact that a machine weighing tons can propel in the air. Frankly speaking, I have no memory of my previous experiences with flight. How I wish I could be like Hui, who always treasures the past memories. I always claimed that I have amnesia and joked about that. Now I really have to think seriously about this.

Roughly about 2 hours later, we arrived at Bangkok. Yes before I talked about Bangkok, I must say something about Mr. Abby from STA whom we booked our flight from. He said that we were getting student fares and so were entitled 30kg of baggage capacity. What rubbish!!! After we checked in at the counter, we were told that only 20kg of baggage is allowed. Fortunately, we got endorsement for extra 10kg if not I would have to pay a bomb because I brought 27kg of luggage. Each kg cost $67 from Singapore to Paris and $56 back! However, we did not have the luxury of an extra 10kg on our return flight. So we have to dispose any excess stuff. Well that would be a problem to worry about 6 months later, which is such long time away.

Now back at Bangkok, we had about 3 hours of transition time. We arrived there at 9pm Bangkok time and our flight to Paris will depart at midnight. At the airport, I started to read my “San Guo Yan Yi” while Hui was very hyperactive and could not sit still. Finally we boarded the plane en route to Paris and it was a torturous 12 hours flight for me.