Day 1 - Berlin

The Middle East is exactly how I imagine the Middle East to be. Sand, sand and more sand. Even the air feels sandy. We transited at Qatar for an insane 7 hours and relieved our boredom through a mixture of quizzes, snacks and naps.

Qatar airport

Invisible ink book my mom used to buy for us when we were young

Can't live without Pocky!

airplane buns are a cheap alternative

two piggies. seriously Gill and TR spend most of the time sitting and sleeping

"why take such unglam pics!"

flight to Berlin. finally!

We reached Berlin 8 plus at night but summer nights are long so the day is still bright. We wanted to chill at a wine bar but everybody looked intimidatingly dressy so we headed to the playground opposite. It was great fun! The Germans really know how to make a good playground that appeals to deprived adults too.

On the May pole and basket like swings

the merry-go-round!

boing... boing...

.... BOING!

roped in!

An hour more to go

Ok some random thoughts before I leave in a couple of hours. Today I went to school for probably one of the last few times ever. I'll miss the 3 cents photocopying service!

Have not met up with Mag :( She didn't reply to my messages either.

Managed to meet up with my law friends though over a very good dim sum at Imperial Treasure.

Nice lighting for once but ZY had to cut Yixian off!

Obviously have not mastered the white balance function on my camera

After dim sum lunch, it was high tea at Marriott with Bing. I simply love the weird jumble of food they serve at high teas!

Spent the evening laughing with Bing over Horrible History books and we ended up buying the same book for our trip (Mr Pip).

These few days have been stressful - last minute planning, last minute packing, unfinished business - it's exams all over again. A sleep deprived me does not feel ready to tour the world. But then when will one ever be ready to travel? That's always stuff to be settled back home so we should just uproot our comfortable asses and GO!

Other bits of the last days of my slacker life: we chilled at Shuxin's house the other day to celebrate the very belated bdays of Yivon and JY.

erm, the many faces of us?

poster girls for Sarpino's

the bday girls

I totally adore the doll we got Yivon!

B&J's never tasted so good when shared...

... and we never felt happier sharing (the calories)!

Oops this is supposed to be Yiwei's surprise bday present but we haven't send it yet I think. Never mind. Here's a teaser for you!

Like the good old days

My primary school friends are refreshingly fun! They are constantly amused by my law student anal-ness/kan cheong-ness and think that it's their duty to bring me back to earth. I like that despite their teasing and suaning, the guys are gentlemanly softies at heart (though they'll deny it of course).

Take Ken for example. I used to be intimidated by him cos of, well, his looks. I thought that he was the epitome of the alpha male species. Until he blasted Way Back into Love on the car radio and sang along with me (which accounted for a heart stopping swerve which I caught on video!). Or Mal who insisted that he's not nice cos he doesn't know how to "criticize or compliment myself" -_- I wish that's the only fault I find in guys.

The suppers are making me fattttt... But the fact is it's nicer to chill at night when the heat dissipates (note the word "chill").

my first visit to Chomp Chomp!

the obliging people

the scarily big drink

the yum seng