Tekong Days

Tekong Days

Monday, I woke up early today to get ready for work, but something very stupid happened. I actually forgot where I had placed my glasses the night before n was searching for it frantically just before I was about to leave the house. The search caused me to be late for work. I really felt like a cock. Dad was back from Siberia ystd evening. He had been away for 3 weeks, n in this 3 weeks I had spent a whopping S$104.50 on petrol. Heck, it's time he take the car n share some burden. We had dinner as one whole family last night, a thing we last did the night he left for Siberia 3 weeks ago on 6^th May. It is good to have a meal together.

My Sunday was spent "overseas" Haha, not exactly out of country, but to a Singapore offshore island. Went to Pulau Ubin with MQ for a cycling trip. Due to our late night on Saturday, we were both looking pretty stone on Sunday morning. It was the first time I ventured onto the island on my own, lest an OBS camp back in 1999 on the island. The ferry terminal is much nicer n better now as it was being rebuilt. Access to the bump boats is safer n easier too.

Off we went on the slow bump boat onto the island, the last place in Singapore that still have a kampong environment. The ride was pretty short n we reached the island with the sun shining brightly. Took a short walk through the small street n decided to rent a bike for the day. We bought some drinks n off we went into the biking trial. We rode on the tarmac surface that is pretty easy n smooth. Saw some weird plants n a huge quarry. The view of the quarry is fantastic but sadly it is being fenced up due to safety reasons.

Suddenly the sky started to darken n we could hear thunder. My worst fear had been confirmed. The rain is coming. We stopped by the street near the jetty n had our lunch while avoiding the rain. The rain didn’t fall heavily, instead, it drizzled. The heavy drizzle lasted for about 3hours! MQ n I almost fell asleep in the Ubin Heritage Centre waiting for the rain to stop. When the rain finally stopped at 3pm, we were only left with 2 hours before we had to return the bikes. So off we went into the trail again. This time, we ventured into the rocky n muddy dirt track of the forest.

The route instantly reminded me of the days in Tekong when I had to march ten over kilometres on the muddy n uneven route, giving myself numerous blisters on my feet. MQ struggled through some part of the rocky surfaces, but came through unscathed, I'm duly impressed. An unseasoned rider like her can actually follow me through the pretty tough route, which is something quite incredible.

We ended up on the other side of the island after losing our way on the route to a quarry. I have to say the map of the island suck, I should have brought a compass with me instead. The trip wasn't wasted though. We had a very nice view of Singapore mainland from our location, n I could even show her where my army camp is cos we were very near to the Punggol n Seletar area. Took a short break n we rushed back to the bike shop when time was running out.

It was fun, except that the rain shortened the time we had to explore the island. Another time perhaps? Haha.. MQ ended up with wobbly legs on our way back. Lucky that she could still get on n off the boat on her own, albeit with a helping hand from me. We grabbed a bite in Changi Village before heading for home. Our day was spent fully on the island, most of it under the shelter waiting for the rain to stop. Hehe.. I think I'll want to go there again very soon.