For a while, it had appeared that we might not go ahead with the trip, what with the bomb blasts, civil unrest and the political spats with S'pore. But we are going to die-die forge ahead and disguise ourselves as either taiwanese, malaysians or japs. And why do we (as taiwanese, malaysians or japs) speak such fluent english? Coz we studied in int'l schools! Do pray we can fib our way through!

It has not been easy on my conscience. Going for this trip, that is. Having just started in the company, I've been feeling twinges of guilt everytime the same question pops up on people's lips. 'But u just joined! How come you are taking a holiday so soon?' I know I know, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't either. That is partly why I've decided not to go for my convocation ceremony in April later this year. It will be in Perth, and while I felt it would be a good way to round up the whole studying process (like don the blue-yellow gown, throw up the graduation hat to showers of confetti), it felt ...extravagant. And over-demanding.

On a separate note, I was telling my colleague about my face-flat fall in the theatre yesterday. One minute, I was walking out to the ladies, the next, I went down with an ooof onto the carpet, with all the wind knocked out of me. Ms Clumsy I know. But one of her comments got me thinking. If I were to really trip over a step, I would not have fallen so completely and so drastically rite? I might have fallen onto my knees...or broke the fall with my arms. But no, I was lying flat! And then she speculated that places like cinemas and washrooms are often refuges for lost spirits. That really sent a shiver down my spine. It was probably not a good idea that we went on to discuss about Thailand and its propensity for...being haunted. Shucks, now I'm creeped out. Hopefully, with Dor's trusty bible, we would be able to overcome all odds. And as this colleague alighted from the train, she turned back with the most crucial advice: 'Make sure u make lots of noise when u enter your hotel room! Laugh, shout or announce your presence!' Okay, I hope I won't feel silly if I really do try this out.

We will be heading out of the capital for the first few days of the trip. And I'm looking forward to it, more than the shopping! We will be staying in rooms on the river, dipping in waterfalls and petting tigers. Hoho. Here's a sneak preview: