Recollections 1 - The Departure

2nd March 2007

Given the character of my family (cool about all things), I thought that they would just let me go to the airport myself. But on the contrary, my mother and brothers (+girlfriend) came! The only one left out was my father. But he did wish me bon voyage before I left my house and I really felt a lot of love that special night.

After the frantic last minute packing, we heaved the heavy luggage into Weiyang’s van and rushed to the airport. On my way, Janice and Siew Kuang messaged. They wanted to see me off too! And Janice would be coming with Huiboon. I was touched by their willingness to go out of their way to send me off.

didi and mama

guangrong:)

At the airport, the van group consisting of Mama, Weiyang, Guangrong, elder brother, young brother, Xinying and I, headed to the SQ lane 7 check-in counter in Terminal 2. I cut the queue to join Gan further up the front of the line. We checked in our luggage and were happy to find that our total weight fitted nicely. No baggage excess charges. Ha-ha. Meanwhile, my Mama was nagging to me regarding taking care of myself (her way of showing concern) and my elder brother and Xinying was nowhere to be seen. I realized that their real aim of coming to the airport was to eat here. “So much for being concerned about me” I thought.

My younger brother, Guangrong and Weiyang stood nearby. We took some photos at the check-in counter vicinity. My younger brother and I exchanged childish languages and sarcastic remarks. (Evidence of our closeness) Guangrong was very cheerful and helpful.

the gang (huiboon, janice, me, gr, weiyang)

After checking in our luggage, it was another frantic period. Janice and Huiboon came. They were hungry so my mother stuffed me some money and I bought the gang some Bengawan Solo kuehs and cakes. Then I had to go to the toilet. After that, I took more photos of the group. I hugged and kissed my Mama even though she was unwilling and almost wanted to squirm out of my arms. I chatted with everyone. And in a flash, it was time to go to the gates. Gan was waiting for me but my unfathomable elder brother and Xinying was still nowhere to be seen and Siewkuang was still on her way. I had to make Gan wait and we were getting late.

siewkuang!

brother and xinying!!!!

Finally, when I was about to give up on waiting, three of them came. Third round of photo-taking! I didn’t want to leave anybody there out of the picture. That feeling of someone coming to send me off really strings something in my heart. I want to remember that.

(and finally, this is...)

gan.