the Physically Active blog: AMKSS Batam Badminton Exchange

Friday, November 21, 2008

AMKSS Batam Badminton Exchange

Last week, I went to Batam with the Amkss's badminton team. The company was called in to plan and organize the trip. I was not involved in the planning so I wasn't exactly sure what was suppose to happen here and then. Plus, I only got the itinenary the night before the trip, so I was playing by the ear all the while.

So I reached Harbourfront Ferry Terminal at 7am on 10-11-08 and I was surprised to find everybody already there. I thought somebody might be late or something but none. So I blended myself into the group and try to find something to do. Angeline then told me to bring the kids in first which I did. So it was kind of weird to bring a group of people and yet having no idea who is who; I believed they also don't know who I am and why am I leeching on to them.

After making sure everybody was seated, I got myself a seat far far away from somebody. I plugged my Zen into my ears and I dozed off. 45 minutes seemed to fly pass suddenly and we were at Batam when I opened my eyes.

A bit lazy to blog everything but I must say that each and every day was fun. By just looking at them play badminton made me feel like playing too. But I can't, I have a job to do. I have to make sure the bus is there when they need, I have to make sure there is enough water, I have to make sure lunch has been ordered and delivered in time... I have to... so many things to take charge of... And it was good to have Angeline around cause she always knew what to do. Albert was okay but I didn't like the idea that he was thrown to work with me with me knowing at the last minute.

I think I wasn't very friendly to him initially, "Sorry!"

There were so many detours that I almost couldn't recognize the original program. "Steven, do you it is possible to go here go there... " Sure, I understand that the requests were for the benefits of the students but it just create more things for me to do... with every request, I have to think and try to fulfill it. Not easy ok...

Anyway, I think the training at Banda Baru is not worth it. Too expensive!! One student has to pay $25 for one day of training. 2 days = $50!!! So the total bill came to (29+28)x$25=$1425! And come to think of it, I should have stopped the teacher from negotiating with the centre manager. I was quoted SGD$25 for 1 coach for 6hrs and 65000 rupiah for 1 court for 2 hours. So for 6hours of training, using 4 courts and 2 coaches, it will only cost SGD$154 for one day!! Oh man... too bad I was away when the decision was made.

We stayed at a budget hotel called Skyview Hotel. Really really budget... it is something like Hotel 81 in Singapore. Simple amentities and small rooms. But it is still alright for 2 small kids to share a standard room. But I have to share with Albert!! Personally I don't really like to share a room with a stranger so I requested to change the room to one with 2 beds. And we were given a Deluxe room. Haha... I am not the one footing the bill so it doesn't matter to me with regards to the cost. But the room was definitely better than the one we first got. 2 beds, bath tub, fridge, bigger TV!! The fridge was the best thing we had, nobody else in the camp has fridge other than me and Albert. Haha... Shiok sia to have cold coke to drink... ahhhh...

Having stayed at the budget hotel for 5 nights, it was a huge change for the participants when we checked into Golden View Hotel. I was glad that they liked it. I like it too. I have been hoping to stay in Golden View Hotel the first day we reached Batam. I was there during the camp a few times to meet Angeline and Gary but it was only for a while. Not shiok enough...

To sum it up, I can say that I wish I am young again. I wish I can play, study, exam, play... I wish...