We departed
Penang on SilkAir to Singapore at 1030, and reached Changi Airport at
approximately 1125. We were welcomed by facilitators Ryann and Kenneth, who
brought us to Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School (HCI) for check-in by
mini-bus. Unlike Penang, the mini-bus (or van) is spacious and well taken care
of, the condition of the road is even and also extremely clean. As an overall,
the journey was smooth and enjoyable. Without realizing, we reached HCI,
checked in and took our lunch. Seeing that we still had time until 1800, our
teacher Mdm. Hong brought us out for a half day trip. We took the bus and MRT
to Kent Ridge, where Mdm. Hong contacted a Chung Ling ex-student, who then
brought us around the National University of Singapore. He is currently
completing his 2nd semester of his last year majoring Physics. He
took us on a ride, showing us around the campus: faculties, canteen,
dormitories, lounge etc. We hanged out with some ex-Chung Ling students on
campus and went back at about 1745. We got off the MRT at Botanical Garden, and
took a brief walk there. Full of greenery and breath-taking landscapes, the
Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for daily exercises, family picnics, and
even for photography. Being in the Botanical Garden, even though for a short
time, gives a soothing feeling as there were no pollutions at all, no litters,
just pure calmness and tranquility. From the Botanical Gardens, we took an
approximately 1.9 km walk back to HCI Boarding School for dinner. After dining
we get to gather in groups which were earlier arranged (I’m in group Zania,
JianZi in Lyra, names of constellations of stars are used as group names) and
had a short ice-breaking session before we proceed for our free time.
Feelings: Impressed
by the efficiency and warmth of the facilitators’ service, and their
well-organized programme. I got to know more about the NUS, which actually
helped me in planning my further studies, liked the fast and convenient public
transport, and satisfied with the standards of the dorms (better than my room
in some aspects).
