It's Flag Day today!
4.55am. Alarm clock (on silent vibration mode) went off, I was already awake. Set the alarm clock, as I was subconsciously afraid that I was going to be late. The act was needless, as I was kept awake throughout the night by the incessant nightmare that I am late (deja vu).
5.40am. Tiptoed out of the house. Was contemplating to walk (possibility of being JIT just-in-time or slightly late); or to drive for less than 1 km (1-minute drive; 3-minute from the time I start the car; 5-minute door-to-door). Decision taken: Opt to drive.
5.45am. Wee hour in the morning. Still pitch dark. Turned into HSSML car park. Wasn't 100% sure this was the right place to go.
Lo and beyond, Ser Aik was already there! Was surprised to see him there (as he was supposed to be on leave) armed with a SLR digital camera (so it looked like my humble Sony digital camera (without a proper flash) which I kept reminding myself earlier in the night to bring didn't need to be deployed afterall).
It appeared that I WAS late. I had just missed his flag-off speech. What a pity! (A lesson to be early, not punctual). Heard that some of the students had stayed overnight, and had started to move off as early as 5.30am. Early bird catches the worm.
Still, we managed to send off a few groups who were due for different drop-off points. The groups gradually departed in batches. We were joined by Geok Theng. Wow, all three of us from BBA Office were out in full force to support the students in the flag cause.
(Photos courtesy of Ser Aik)
It was really great to see the freshmen being highly involved in Flag. It is part of the induction to NUS life. Rag & Flag has become a tradition, imagine I'd been involved in Flag Day itself twenty years ago. Different Schools, and particularly the Halls, have come up with secret winning strategies which they keep close to their hearts. The competition and rivalry is fierce.
7.00am. The last group to Tiong Bahru departed.
Hmm... Not sure how they are doing with Flag now... Wishing them luck. Understand that they are suppose to report back with the tins at 10pm for counting.
Countdown to Rag Day this Saturday!