Change is the only Constant: Time away in Ubin part 2

Night
We played Giant, Wizard, Dwarf, a mimic of Gorilla, Jane, Tarzan, or the ever existing scissors paper stone. It soon became apparent that only sports enthusiast and enthu people like me would play. And it was screwed up by the usual disruptive people. Not that its a bad thing, sometimes these things make it more fun I assume, but I'd really rather have fun ACTUALLY playing the game.

Afterwards, we showered and fractured into splinter cells (did I use the term correctly O_o?). And I watched the stars with Kwang Ik (eww sounds so gay xD) just lying on our ground sheet and sleeping bag respectively (which I later regret because it soaked up all the dew). For the first time I actually properly did some existential contemplating and discussion while reading constellations (OK it was just Orion we don't know anything else haha) and imagining, soaking in the vast universe. I drifted into a dream of being on other planets with different but spectacular views and sceneries.

Our Earth is so majestic and magical already, its hard to imagine anything else, or anyone who would, in their power, choose not to recycle, or choose not to switch the fan off.

After that, we attempted to gather as a class and play some games. But failed utterly, no thanks to the usual people. Dang I'm making them sound like awful people! I wish I would stop thinking it that way, but I get really frustrated when there are people like Elizabeth and Kaushik in class, who are nice in general, but are so apathetic when it comes to anything out of their stride like class bonding or listening in class... Sigh, I'm still lucky though, that there are awesome people like Kwang Ik and Rachel in class haha.

So we split up. And I tried that tight rope thing my instructor set up. Quite fun bah, trying to walk on it, with the occasional awfully painful cramp on your feet haha. Then some social games like truth or dare (which I personally don't see the big deal about it is, it always ends up stopped halfway).

The Interim (Midnight to Sunrise)
Possibly the darkest time of the camp (no pun intended). It made it all the more memorable.

The thunderstorm and chilly winds cut through our tents and our skins like ice. Everyone was now awake at 4 am, barely having slept 3 hours, holding the tent together against the elements. At this point, I was only concerned at passing this storm.

The teacher ran over and told us to run for proper shelter with our stuff. I was last to go, having assumed that there would be no rain that night since it rained in the afternoon already.

My prime concern when reaching the shelter: My poor, soaked, D90.

Screen didn't work.

I think it was only then that I realized how much I loved my camera.

Having lost my confidence in singing, my entire persona collapsed.

For the length of time I couldn't use my camera. I was just lost.

That piece of equipment was more than a machine. It was my friend.

It didn't need to say a word to cheer me up. Just the sound of the shutter was enough to bring my delight. I didn't need the approval, nor the praise that anyone would give me. The camera accepted me openly, and often it is with some reluctance that I lend it away. When I didn't feel like talking, it was there for me to grasp it tightly, and just click away and stand in a little corner, analyzing my own shots mechanically but emotionally too.

I remember one of the earliest advice that Mr Zabid gave us as photographers was that we must be unseen...

Just like my blog, its where my C personality shines the most. The quiet, modest one, just seeing the world through a lens or what you post.

So it was to my utmost horror that my screen didn't work. Sure I could take pictures. But how could OCD me stand not being able to see and readjust my shots? What the hell was my use now that my camera was broken? How can my parents trust me with such equipment ever again? Identity, completely lost now.

And with the exception of closer friends, nobody gives a shit about the photographer. Who cares if he actually obliges to bring his camera, risking it against the rain. Its his problem. Its his responsibility. Yeah. That's the point of being unseen all the time.

The frosty breeze didn't help. My instructor's coffee did. And after that, became a lot of emotional again. Lately lapsing into that a bit too often. So while everyone was bothered about their own business, complaining about their wet shoes and what not, I sang my time away against a little pillar watching the sunrise, uncaringly humming away a lot of Coldplay and Muse. Its OK. I am stronger than I look people. I'm more independent than you think. So while I'm still healing. Just have a little patience.

Here comes the sun. Doo do do do. And miraculously, Japanese technology redeems itself as my camera snaps back into action with some of my thumping and cleaning. Happiest moment in my life: SYF 2009 Results. Second Happiest: My Camera is OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Celebratory jump shots were calling, so I happily obliged with some close friends and heard my camera's shutter again. Clicking happily, I felt my D90 sharing my joy with me, as if it could do its job for its owner again. From then on, never let it out of my grasp or sight during the camp again.

Morning
Some inter-class games involving a series of activities that must be mastered as a team. So obviously, we didn't do as well as we could have, given the few ADHD people we have in our class. In the end, we didn't do so badly, mainly because the final part of the games was to make a catapult, and that only required a few people to construct. Hence allowing the skilled and diligent to work alone and efficiently.

Cleaning and clearing. Half the class helping half the class Lepaking all over again. Gah. At least they know they're really just slacking while we're working. Being appreciative is a start haha. After that was the reflection period. We knew where our class stood I guess, the question was if everyone wanted to make a difference, or just keep to the status quo.

So ends our journey. Some lame photoshopping ensued of course. Also, if your not in to those, some ACTUAL photography. Of course, if you want them all, go facebook! The photos should be chronological, which means it might help you visualize our entire camp! Note the many tumblr references sprinkled around, hope you don't mind haha.