A tale of a bus trip to Singapore

Date 10.07.2010.

It was the last day of our conference in Kuala Lumpur. Waiting for a freak out to Singapore. We were waiting for the clock to tick 9.30pm so as to move to the Imbi station from where we have to catch a bus to Singapore.

First Shock, Bukit Bintang station has given us. We were waiting for the train to come, as we had hefty baggage, everyone near to us were looking us like who are these mad guys to travel in a highspeed metro. Our tension gone up as meantime one train didn’t stop in our station. The station is crowded, every one is looking for the next train. Imbi station is only 7-10 mns but my problem was how I can get don with the luggage as the stoppage is less than a minute.

Train came at around 950 p.m and there was a mad rush from my side. Surprisingly other pax were pity on me, as they gave me space to keep it in, i am doubtful, same never happens in India. when the train started moving I looked for my friends. Thank god there also in..Without any problem we could getdown in Imbi station.

Imagine two pieces of heavy luggage. Cross a busy 4 lane road. Yes. I did it/not only me we all ( I mean we four). Excusing the motorists, who curse us as we are crossing road in the motorway without following any rule of traffic. There is no zebra line, There is an overbridge. We are supposed to go via the overbridge..what to do ? we are Indians na…..the real problem is not law, but the weight of our luggage..

When we got the boarding pass for the bus, Rajeev Sir got a call from home, which made all of us panic. His elder daughter is not well. He was of the opinion to come back to india by catching the next flight. His tensions were reflected in his face and we were also worried. None other than his wife has to take care of their two small kids. Its 8.30 p.m Indian time. Timely act of Praveenji give courage to Rajeev Sir, as he passed the message to his wife and inturn talk to the doctor and had 2-3 dozes of Crocin.

Our bus was really a surprise as it compromised us the flight. A super luxury bus with foldableTV, 160 degree couch cum seat and rest all we find in a business class in flight. Rajeev sir was busy to connect to his wife in India. Lama was busy in browsing the TV channels. Poor fellow wanted to attempt for a horror movie, but it made him sleep. Praveenji was also trying the music/film channels. Fortunately, I dint hav to make much attempts, as my T V panel was neither showing movie, nor music.

We had a half an hour stop, I believe close to Johor Baru at around 2.30 am. On 11 July. As we see the Dhabas filled with buses there were a no. of buses queing up there.

We all woke up hearing the sound of driver, that we have to go for Immigration clearance. Yaa. The police people were watching us with suspicious eyes. I went first carrying my bag. The immigration officer all rubbish questions such as why I am going to Singapore, where I will stay, how long, and asked me to show the return ticket. We all were in deep sleep and you can imagine it was around 4.30 a.m Somehow, with lot of irritation expressing in my face could get the ticket and moved to baggage xray.

But Rajeev Sir and Lama were caught in the Immigration. Problem with Rajeev Sir was something becoz of his typical answers to the questions of the customs official. It seems the lady customs officer, had a doubt that Rajiv sir is a terrorist? And with Lama he was looking like an illegal migrant coming with a duplicate passport to Singapore. At the end we cleared it and reached the bus back, where the driver was eagerly waiting for us.

Hurray….We are in Singapore, a dream city. A city no a country of 45 sq. k.m. The roads were empty other than some taxis going at higher speed. Complete silence. Clear that city is sleeping. The ports are cleary seen form the main road. Beautiful small building. And some places skyscrapers. It was amazing to see that a developed nation, in such a small area…..

Bus stopped us in beach road at 5 30 a.m. We have to go Amigo Hostel, which is in Lavender Street. Praveen sir was reminding us it is 20 mns from beach road, and Lavender is a famous street. We got a taxiwala and next effort was to locate the hostel.

to be Contd........