Visit from my graduates currently in NUS. The unanimous opinion is NUS is very much difficult compared to SP. Even former AD students have trouble bagging one A in NUS.
It was a rare chance indeed to visit Singapore's one and only landfill on Pulau Semakau. Since landfilling is part of my module's syllabus, it only makes sense that I made a trip there to actually see what is going on.
Surprisingly, the place is very well kept (typically Singaporean) and there is hardly any smell. Landscaping was wonderful, making the whole island feel like a holiday resort. The staff there seemed relaxed - who wouldn't be if you are working on a small island without your bosses around?
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| On the charted boat. Semakau transfer station can be seen in the distance | On the island. Semakau landfill is surrounded by a bund with a road on top | After a cell has been filled, it is covered with a layer of soil for vegetation to grow |
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| This cell is still filled with water which has to be drained before solid waste is disposed in it. | Besides providing some greenery on the island, mangroves are used as an indicator of whether the leaching of toxic substances is taking place. | End of the bund. Across this narrow strait is the other end of the bund. |
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| Looking more like a resort than a landfill | Group photo | Leaving Semakau. Nearby are Bukom refineries giving off air pollution. |
There are no pics in this post.
I was thinking of posting a writeup on a recent night walk on Pulau Ubin (4 Dec 2004) describing the sights and sounds of the island's night life (the animal kind).
However, I received a very sad piece of news from an army friend at noon on 13 Dec 2004 (Monday) which happened to be the first day of school. One of our close army friends was killed in an accident during his honeymoon in New Zealand. This was especially shocking considering that we only attended his wedding dinner last month. No one would have expected this unfortunate turn of events.
The gang of us were on very good terms in our NS, going out together for all sorts of activities. Admittedly, we drifted apart after our NS when we went for further studies or out to work. Nevertheless, we would still keep and touch and come out once in a while.
Life can be so unpredictable.
I guess for the rest of us, try to live life to our best but always keep our minds and hearts open, treasure our loved ones and live without regret.
Adieu, dear friend.