Friend, it’s getting late 

We should be going 

We’ve been sat here beneath

These flickering neons for hours 

While I am cracking their code

You are deciphering me 

For I am a mystery

I am a locked room in a tall tower 

Oh can you feel the gravity falling

Calling us home 

Oh did you see the stars colliding

Shining just to show 

We belong

We belong

--------------------

I've been putting this post off for way too long. Now too much has happened, and I won't be able to blog properly. Sigh, WoW is to blame. In combination with the slew of events in the past few days since I got back. I'll try though.

I'll start with the remainder of the trip in Sri Lanka. I suppose most memorable was the day before the day we flew off. We went for an evening Christmas mass at a friend's catholic church, where many of my dad's childhood friends were singing in the choir. And damn, the choir was incredible. I could sit for ages just listening to the choir singing, with nothing else. Althogh the church organ came in later for some songs, but still it was great. Really enjoyed that, I somehow love listening to harmony. After that went to this super nice restaurant/cafe, called The Gallery Cafe. Modern art gallery transformed into a cafe/restaurant, the idea was brilliant. The result was an outdoorish sort of modern look, with ornate sculptures and beautiful artwork adorning the place. The atmosphere, mood, food was all excellent... For just a while, I could actually have forgotten that I was in Sri Lanka. So stark was the contrast. Made me wonder how such places still exist in third world countries like these. How can there be a separate world in the form of places like these, when not two streets away beggars line the roads?

Hmm, had a night flight, was pretty exhausted by the time I got back to Singapore in the morning... Breakfast with family, and then we went our separate ways. This presented an interesting situation. Parents and sis would be in Singapore, but due to (obvious) space constraints, will not be able to live with me, as I did with them when I went back to Australia (in my own room~). Consequently, the place they're staying at, with my aunt, is fully maxxed out at an additional three people. Cramming a fourth person would not only be squeezy, but also impractical. Hence, I would go back to my room in NUS, and they would stay on in my aunt's place. Then the question arises: How often is would we be meeting up? How often is acceptable? While I imagine this situation isn't exactly unique, as many probably would be able to understand in some way, if not experienced it through a similar situation. Keep reading.

After getting back, I knocked myself out on the internet (you have no idea what it feels like, deprived! Lol not really, but still).  In this day and age, being disconnected from the world for a week is akin. No phone, no internet, it's almost scary. And then, it's scary that being away from everything for just a week is scary. Out of touch with the wider world, and with my own inner world that is my life, and then with my guild and happenings in-game, even deeper in. How dependant have we become on crutches, crippling ourselves with luxuries...

Went night cycling on the 23rd night, with the OG. Good fun, and despite not having night cycled before (or even touching a bicycle for the better part of 5 years), I managed to adapt sufficiently to be able to participate properly. Unfortunately, it rained at about 2am, but thankfully (magically) we chanced upon a 24 hour prata shop, where we bided our time... Until the morning light. The rain didn't end up stopping, so there we sat. While I do realise our primary objective was to night cycle, I believe that the night was still enriching. Those of us who managed to keep awake just ended up talking. Sometimes, it takes circumstances like these, in the dead of night, to see the side of people they don't normally show. Over the years I've developed something of an ability to read people, for better or worse. But sometimes, the only thing that some people reveal is that what you're seeing is just a facade. As for the inner person, it's rare times like these that you see them. Due to the nature of our circumstances, the conversation was forced down the way of passage that all "deeper" conversations must first pass in such a social setting, allowing eventually for the lead up to the deliciously enlightening topics, and the views individuals hold of them. Life, the Universe, and Everything sums it up nicely, though it really can be broken down into specifics; emotions, relationships, dreams... (Ok, I know that's not very specific at all, but hey, one has make some attempt at preserving the sacredness of that night). But yeah, it was also warming, in an odd sort of way, to be able to see and listen to everyone with one level of inhibitions removed. It renewed my faith in humanity, somewhat. 

Christmas at my cousin's place, with the relatives, grandparents (who flew over to Singapore (Yes, after we just flew to Sri Lanka and back)), parents and everybody. Mum actually went out shopping for all the lovely Christmas treats and goodies. Reminded me a bit of the old times when we still lived in Singapore. There were the turkey and the ribs, the cheeses and the wine, among other things... Always loved Christmas feasts. Anyway, we stayed late into the night (at which point I was pretty zombified, having not slept the night before due to the night cycling...), and then got up next day for church. Which was pretty good as well, the Christmas play was very well done, as it always is. And even the usual shortened Christmas message wasn't stereotypical or lame/boring. I think mum, having not been back at City Harvest for ages, felt that even that short sermon was really good, lol.

Went to Nick's place for the OG barbecue on Boxing day... It was really nice of him to open his house up like that, but unfortunately not many people were able to turn up, due to various commitments, overseas or otherwise. Still, the few of us who went had an enjoyable time... Well what can I say, most of them are just pretty fun to be around in general =). And Nick's room needs nerfs. It was incredibly, impossibly neat. Seriously. Jealousy!! Probably explained his aversion at the state of my room here... Hey, I'm pretty sure my real room back home never got this bad anyway, since it was, a real room. Ok, I have nothing to back that up with. Maybe evidence contrary instead ><.

The rest of my holidays are just going to be a mad rush of more outings/events/meetings with family/relatives/friends, as well as getting my raiding schedule with guildmates settled proper haha. This has probably been my most packed holidays ever... Generally, I always have this feeling that I wasted my holidays somewhat. But at the same time, I'd be refreshed and energised and ready for the new term. Wonder what the feeling at the end of it will be like. 

Merry (Belated) Christmas.