HELLO 2008!

Went to celebrate the new year today by meeting up with Cel, her bf, YS and Gal today. Had quite a ball.

Met Gal and YS first at City Hall mrt, then Cel, her bf and some of her other friends later. Once we were all together, we followed the flow of people down the escalator to the underground pass that leads to the Esplanade.

We reached the surface soon enough, and it was crowded. There were police at their stations everywhere guiding the flow of people and hurrying us along. We nearly got lost once or twice in the crowd, but managed to hold our hands to keep together.

After pushing our way past everyone, we somehow managed to reach the bridge next to the Esplanade. We were packed in so tight that it was literally a human traffic jam! The air was hot, people were pressed close against each other, and I couldn't even turn around as there was no space for me to move. At that point, we were separated from the second group, so it was just me, YS, Cel, Gal and Cel's bf. We tried to called them but the networks were jammed, so we just moved forward.

Then there were a bunch of teenagers (they stood along the barricade that controlled the flow of people) who had come up with a crazy idea to bring spraycans of fake snow to the fireworks viewing area. They randomly let loose a barrage of the fluffy white stuff on unsuspecting people. Not everyone took to it joyfully, but some of the victims looked damn funny in the process.

The worst hit was a bunch of guys behind us who had gelled their hair into spikes. Lol. All the snow got stuck in their spiky hair. They looked like they had gone for a foam party with their clothes on. XD

We managed to find a less crowded area to stand, and so proceeded to take lots of pictures there. Most of them with me looking half-asleep/dazed/drunk/high. Gawd I hate camera flashes. No flashes pleeeease! I got phobia.


Me look drunk weeee.


Introducing Celvin, the hot new couple of 2008!

Well anyway, everyone was in a generally jovial mood. Dunkards were shouting and singing, people were pushing, and we cam-whored to pass time. There was the occasional need to duck when more fake snow was blown over, but other than that, it was pretty alright.

Soon the hour arrived and some people in the crowd began to do the countdown.

"5..."

"4..."

"3..."

"2..."

"1..."

Nothing happened.

So, they started again.

"5..."

"4..."

"3..."

"2..."

"1......"

A second passes.

"Whoooooooo!"

Ok la, but still a bit off.

Those in front let out a whoop as the surface fireworks appeared. Those at the back, including us, were clueless. We only got to enjoy the spectacle when the sky fireworks started.

Blossoms of colours exploded before our eyes. There were trailing sparklets, huge fountains of neon and precisely-shaped planets and flowers. My favourite had to be ones with mixed colours of red and green.

It was beautiful.

It continued for 8 minutes, with everyone cheering at the bridge. Behind me, the windows of the Stamford hotel sparkled with camera flashes as the residents whipped out their cameras for the spectacle. The fireworks were so brilliant that they reflected off the windows of buildings in the CBD.

Sadly, it had to come to an end. We made our way of the bridge and past the Fullerton hotel, where the roads were clogged with traffic. Soon, we wound up in the Raffles Place area. We spent some time there waiting for the crowds to clear before taking the mrt to Aljunied.

From Aljunied, we walked around Geylang to find the elusive Yong He restaurant. A few lorongs later, we found the place, seated ourselves comfortably at a table outside, and ordered the food.

I love beancurd, so I had that. I was thristy too, so I also had cup of cold soyabean and a you tiao (what is you tiao in English har?) We talked cock for some time, before finally calling it a day and shared a taxi home.

One of my best countdowns ever!

Happy New year everyone!

PS: Thanks Alvin for the treat. =)