We started off at 8:20 and reached JB about 5 hours later. Around 1:20, we reached Woodlands Immigration Checkpoint. It was my first trip to Singapore as such, so I was nervous when I got my luggage checked and passport stamped. God, it was a relief when I got past it...!
On 1:32, I officially have entered the borders of Singapore. I was nothing short of amazed, but a certain bad news that was told shortly before my departure dampened my spirits a bit. Nevertheless, I was determined to focus on the good things.
At one point we were on Bradell Rd. I saw Madrasah al-Irsyad al-Islamiah. I felt a sense of amazement and "unrealness". I couldn't believe that I was actually seeing a place that I've only seen in Internet photos. It dawned on me that that was an actual place. This feeling would recur one too many times throughout the trip.
The tour guide also us that we're supposed to be visiting Madrasah al-Irsyad, but their administration refused to let us visit, since they had more important guests on the same day.
At somewhere near Geylang, we picked up our tour guide. I looked around, and felt like something was taking place inside me. We arrived at Masjid Kassim in Changi Rd. at about 1:50. When I stepped off the bus, it felt unreal.
I was in Singapore.
I'm breathing the same air as my crush.
And a lot other things were on my mind that I couldn't say.
I was amazed. I would be in this state throughout the 3-day trip. It never stopped.
We went up the mosque and prayed before coming down to eat. After that, we were briefed on how youth-related mosque activities were conducted.
After that, we went to An-Nadhah mosque in Bishan St. We visited the Harmony Center, and also the part-time madrasah which was located on the top floor. Of all the places we've gone to, this place was the most... informative should I say... I learnt a lot about other religions there.
We arrived at our hostel/dorm, which is Fernloft Hostel at around 7:10 to 7:30, located somewhere at Jln. Besar.When I walked in, I was relieved to find out that they had computers, which means I can access the 'Net. However, before we arrived, I noticed something.
The street names.
There's North Bridge Rd. and Ophir Rd. among others( I tried to memorize the names of every street in and near Bugis area), so I realized something : I must be close to Bugis area!!. So, I made a resolve to try visit Madrasah Aljunied before we left, if time permits it.
We settled in, and rested for about 20 minutes. Then, without knowing it, we set off to Bugis. I didn't know it until I saw a sign that said, 'Jln. Kubor'. I froze for 3 seconds before uttering a, "You've got to be freaking kidding me right?????" We ate at Zam-Zam Restaurant(I think?). And then, we went off to Masjid Sultan to pray.
As I stepped inside Masjid Sultan, I kept my eyes open for a possibility that my acquaintances (or any madrasah students, in fact) would be there. After I prayed, I looked around the mosque. There was none.
Still I expected that, so I exited and went out to Busorrah St. As I walked a bit along there(I didn't go far), I felt someone was walking with me. The lights were very dim at that time, so I became freaked out. I stopped. The others were either still praying or are at the end of the street. I was the only one walking out there. I didn't run though, I walked calmly back to where the others are.
As I walked back, I thought to myself, "Yep, something or someone is with me right now,"
Despite the fact I was walking calmly, every nerve in my body was screaming and urging me to make a break for it.
I returned to the others. We walked around Kandahar St. before heading back.
When they passed through the Victoria St./Arab St. intersection, I saw Madrasah Aljunied's 5-story building.It strengthened my resolve to visit it before we left... I said to myself, "I'm going there," before the bus headed back to Jalan Besar.
When we reached Jalan Besar, we stepped into the dorms to end our day.
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