Chronicle 63 - 自由之中寻方向

Trying to put the entire saga of being fired behind me, I flew to Taiwan with my University mates. The first day was alright; we were visiting Taroko Gorge. There was this Water Curtain Cave that had a stream running across it. It was quite fun wading our way through the stream and also bathing in a mini-waterfall from the ceiling. The water was ice-cold but definitely refreshing. Mountain water sure is different. It was so clear that I felt guilty just touching (polluting) it.

The following days were not as exciting though. The various night markets we went to were quite disappointing. Just a few snacks here and there actually lived up to their reputation. The rest were mediocre. There was a game booth at a night market where you had to shoot balloons with pellets from a gun. Never mind that I couldn't win the big stuffed toy, I was just glad (and relieved) my aim was much better than a certain someone. I duelled that certain someone in those arcade style basketball throwing machine. Thank God I won again! Although the food from the night market was disappointing, a Halal beef noodle store recommended by a friend was great. As some of the others could not finish their portion, I ended up with almost 3 bowls, which was pretty satisfying by the way.

In the hostel, I shared the bed with a certain someone. While annoying, he was pretty amusing as well. I remembered waking up to the noise of his electronic razor, and as I opened my eyes, he was shaving on the bed RIGHT BESIDE ME! If not for the fact that it was still the early morning and I can't really be bothered, or the fact that I was actually amused, I might literally kick him off the bed.

Travelling in Taiwan was pretty time consuming though. I spent more time on a train in Taiwan for 1 week than I did in Singapore for an entire year! Another friend and I would sometimes spend our time, having a discussion on the "attractiveness" of on-site girls.

I bought this book in Taiwan, [Thinking, Fast and Slow]. It was quite an interesting book and I was able to read it on and off before bedtime and on the return flight to Singapore. On the return flight, I decided to take a break and slotted that book into the front pouch. I then engaged in a conversation with a friend. I think I spoke more that I usually would, which was very rare. One of the rare moments where I actually felt like talking. Alas! When it was time for us to depart, I forgot all about the book in the front pouch. Immediately after reaching home, I called up Scoot to report the loss. Long story short, they weren't the least bit helpful and the book was not retrieved.

Not having to work or study sure is relaxing. Although at times, it gets kinda frustrating at times not having things to focus my energies on. Even gaming can only fill a part of that void. I did send resumes and went for job interviews, but thus far none has really gone through. I attempted IPPT twice for September but just couldn't seem to retain Gold. The previous motivation had subsided sometime back. It seems that physical stamina can't be regained with a mere 2 weeks. It took me 2 full months of consistent running with someone's motivation to attain Gold the other time. This time might be more difficult.

Sometime back, I met my course mates at Bugis. While we were having our discussion, an old lady came over and begged for money. We politely refused and avoided eye contact. I felt her kneeling down behind me but dismissed it as nothing suspicious. When we decided on a time-out from the discussion, I realized my wallet was missing. While trying to search for my wallet, my friends and I acquainted ourselves with most of the rubbish bins within a 200m radius. The wallet was not found, but I certainly appreciate their efforts in helping me with the search. After I had thought hard about it, I realized that the contents of that wallet was worth a hundred odd dollars. Just my luck.

I met some of my ex-students at Hougang Mall the other day. I did acknowledge them but did not really talked to them. I guess there is still a certain barrier present. Anyway, one of my student has offered to meet me to collect the farewell presents I never had a chance to give them. I'm still debating on whether or not I should meet him.


Anyway, for some reason, I decided to order some books online. They just arrived a few hours prior to this post. The books are:
1. Thinking, Fast and Slow (yea, I know... ...)
2. The Book of Disquiet
3. The Four Loves

These should keep me occupied for a while.

[Reflection]
"I convinced myself that I was actually firm in my resolve, and resolute in my conviction ... ... for a moment anyway."