damian + turion

[260208] On my off day...

On off today, the 1st of 3 days off... today, tomorrow and friday. Shiokness. Thursday got some stupid rock-wall competition thingy but it's held at Yishun Safra, a stone's throw away from my home. No one understands how much of a relief it is not to be in camp suppressed by the regimentation, regulations, red-tape and regulars, that's why i enjoy my off days so much. I'm a civilian during these precious few hours.

Finally visited IKEA Tampines, it was huge and it was impressive. Finally managed to get my hands on the much fabled and critically acclaimed SGD $1.00 IKEA hotdog. Nice soft bun with that irresistible swedish sausage drenched in mustard, chilli and ketchup. A little piece of heaven finished in around 5 bites.

Took my time in walking around the displays especially the ones where they display entire homes in small spaces of 22 metre square or 35 meter square. It's simply amazing how they managed to squeeze in a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and even living rooms within the tiny confines. Saw a couple of nice displays for bedrooms. Really affordable too with one particular set going for under $1000.

Had lunch at the IKEA restaurant and ordered spaghetti with meatballs along with soup, coffee and a bottle of OLD GOLD beer (some danish beer that i decided to try). Kindda disappointed at the quality of the spaghetti, a case of 'Ive had better', should have just ordered the meatballs or the salmon which looked like a real treat. Beer was so-so, better tasting than Tiger (thankfully) but overall, only an okay meal and the meatballs sadly didnt really live up to expectations. Had I known, i would have just stuffed myself silly with the hotdogs.

Traveled to the new Terminal 3. The departure hall was huge... very airy and along with the glass paneling made the entire space feel bright, spacious and refreshing. The wall with fauna gave it an exquisite touch of nature in a man made environment and the prevailing useage of glass panels gave the entire space a very classy feel. I didnt know why, but i was smiling to myself as i walked around the departure hall. I know, i felt freaked out as well but there i was walking around, smiling to myself. I must look like an idiot to those at the airport. The basement and arrival halls though were suffocating in contrast to the airiness of the departure hall, with low ceilings and what seemed to me like inadequate lighting. Perhaps it was due to the severe contrast between the 2 halls but somehow i like Terminal 1 or 2's arrival halls for their bigger spaces and brighter lighting. The viewing gallery for T3 was sadly disappointing, not affording the best view as it's a considerable distance away from the tarmac.

A day not exactly meaningfully spent but at least on what i've been wanting to do for some time. Pleased. Looking forward to a nice slab of steak tomorrow. *drools*

Yesterday's memories