Day 1 – The Land of Smiles

It has been madness two weeks before we depart. Finally, after all the complaining, grumbling and last minute rush for cables and router the day for us to travel up to Korat arrived. With Clarity to hand-carry up, we booked a bus and had Azman depart from office with us. Uncle Patrick fetched me at 8.30, Kiok at 8.45 and we eventually left the office at 9.45, picking up Joanne at the Radiogate.

First to arrive at the airport, soon Alvin appeared then Prem, Vivian and Remesh. Mark was the last to arrive while Biao Shu and Abdullah were already on the SQ flight to Bangkok. The agency had left Biao Shu out and he had to take SQ with Dollah as Gandhi had to stay home to look after his wife.

Just before landing, the announcement was to have all animals quarantined. Erquan said he needed to be quarantined, just as I expected. A bus ride from the plane to the airport terminal, Kittipong was at the Custom waiting for us. He had expected only two person from MediaCorp. Turned out to be two busload, as he directed us to the checkpoint for SEA Games officials and Media. John Burgess was there at the airport since 6am in the morning and had to wait for us till we arrive at about 2.45pm Thailand time.

The three-hour bus ride to Korat saw me into dreamland. I was so tired that I felt as though I was sleeping in my own bed back at home. Reaching Kirimaya Resort, I told Kiok I had to take a photo at the entrance of the resort. Too grand to miss it. After checking-in, we embarked on our 11/2hr journey to the IBC. I was in the same bus as Remesh and he fast losing patience with the long ride. But this long ride just reminded me of the times I had in Toowoomba while traveling to and fro Bisbane. The similar scenery and the same isolated feel in the mountains, they only brought back those wonderful memories I had there.

By the time we reached the IBC, which was setup in one of the universities there, the sun has set. It took us quite some time before we were able to communicate to the locals that we were trying to find our way to the accreditation centre. Upon receiving our passes, we were handed a certificate of appreciation to our contributions for the SEA Games. Then I remembered that we were supposed to receive our Asian Games certificate this year and it has been a year since Doha!

Mark sent an sms requesting for diet Coke. I said I would try but no promise. Upon reaching, I asked Azman to help bring in the Clarity, which we had cleanly forgotten that it was still in the bus. Then Kiok, Vivian and I went to the back of the building where the organizers have setup a marquee to serve food. Kiok and I had marcoroni and I decided that I could have that everyday for the next twelve days.

Later, Kiok and I walked over to the 7-11 to buy drinks. She said “the IBC floor carpet colour nice right? I choose one leh!” Bought Mark’s diet coke and tomato juice. Walking back to our booth in IBC, I commented that the IBC reminded me a lot of Hanoi IBC. And the walk back from the 7-11 reminded me of USQ. While setting up the Clarity, I realized I didn’t bring the donger with me, called Allen right away and he said the donger has already been embedded inside the machine. What a relief! Which was apparent on Alvin’s face too.

We soon made our way back to the resort. I fell asleep on the along the way and later while we were in the room, Viv said she believed Remesh was the only one who didn’t sleep – he was worried about the speed the driver is going.

Before we go into our rooms, Alvin said take lots of photos as we might not be staying here anymore. And this was exactly what I did!