An Alien in Singapore(2)

As i told, i slept off that afternoon and got up at around 4.30. By then i had met the girls who had come from other countries and other sections from India only. I met Debolina from Bombay section and Nabila Naushin from Bangladesh. They had told they were going out for lunch so had asked me also to join them. But then we had had our lunch after noon only. Thank God atleast for lunch we could get south Indian meals. There was this place called ‘Food Enclave at NUH(National university Hospital)' which we had seen while roaming around the campus when we arrived in the morning. By roaming i mean, we used to go by a bus. There was internal shuttle service coz the campus is a very big one. So, we had taken around 3 rides in the morning spanning different routes in the campus and so i had a faint idea of what all is there inside the campus. Then we had seen this food enclave. So for lunch we went there only. Albeit not bad but the food wasn’t good either. Especially the place filled with that ‘peculiar’ smell. But that was all we could get for time being. They gave us ‘rasam’! That was the best thing. I felt as though i was having food after many days! Ate there, and left for the rooms we were allotted. After that, as i told i slept off and others went to see “Singapore”.

The campus doesn’t seem to be a University with reference to our colleges (as far as my knowledge goes regarding college campuses which i’ve seen so far). What we call hostels here they call ‘residences’. The place which we stayed was called PGPR- Prince George Park Residences. They were less like hostels but more like apartments! While roaming in the morning, I had seen a sign board which showed “Ascendas Science Park” which naturally interested me. So i decided will see that first. When i enquired the organisers ( those of them who were studying at NUS) what is there inside, they told that it is nothing but a group of IT companies. I felt disappointed coz i had expected a different science park :( nevertheless let me visit once i decided and took the internal shuttle service which led me to the science park. The point where i got down, had something which interested me. It was a board displaying information regarding the accidents. What was most impressing to me was that it was ‘up to date’! the last date it was updated it showed- July! The very month we had been there. I took a picture of that. That is one of the things which explain the prosperity of such a small nation.

The way to the science park, the foothpath has imprints of leaves and flowers. It appeared to me that they must gave got it done when the cement was wet. It was nice to look at. I took a picture of that also.. And also of some beautiful flowers which were alongside the footpath.I went around looking at the companies which were there. First one i visited was a steel company. There was a steel structure in front of it. Below that was an explanation which said mostly about the strength of steel. That structure was attractive (shown in picture). The companies were housed inside the campus as most of them were concerned with the R&D of their particular field. So it was obvious that the students there were a part of it. Isn’t that great?! They were learning the technology which was in use and which would be in near future. The next company was related to ships and vessels. They had the clock and some more things of the sort which one can see on a ship, at display at the reception. (I don’t know what exactly they are called but they did remind me of the movie “Titanic” :) ) Again that was also concerned with R&D. I talked to the person there at the reception. It was him who told me that i would need a letter of permission from our organisers why was i here in order for them to allow me to see the labs inside. Although i thought of asking our organisers but then discarded the idea. He was a friendly person. :) Although the science park wasn’t what i expected it to be, i felt i came to know some things.