When September Ends

Song by Greenday



A few events happen in quick succession. Fireworks festival, ICT and 40 days in India.
In August there was a fireworks festival in Singapore. I was not really into it but my wifey persuaded me to go for the first one. After that I was hooked. I went to practically all 4 displays that was held near the Esplanade. I would say that the best, to me was the last which was done by team France.
The following Monday after the festival I was back in reservist again. I was telling most of my friends and I will keep on telling them that despite the 'siongness' I still have fun whenever I go back in-camp. One of the reasons probably cos I click with most of my reservist mates. They are a great bunch. My men under me are also not bad ( the problematic ones are gone). I manage to get 'Bronze' for IPPT which I guess should be rightfully so after all the lunchtime workouts I have. But I didn't get marksmanship which still eludes me ever since army days. Who knows maybe one day?...
The next morning after my out-process I flew to India on Air India. The last time I went there was 98. Somehow or rather I manage to survive the hot climate, the food (dhal and curry everyday), the stray animals running around ( cows, goats, dogs, monkeys and pigs/wild boar ), lawless traffic and come back in one piece. The people are nice though. The Muslim brothers served us food , helped us with our luggage and even hand-fanned us when the fans are not working ( blackouts are regular occurrence in some villages ). The Hindus and the Muslims have great respect for one another there. There was one place when a Hindu priest came towards me while I was at the gate of the mosque. He took his hand and touched the soil near the mosque and then touched his head. No words were spoken between us. I guess its a act of respect for other religion.