As soon as my family crowded into the cabin, two sharp, shrill whistles sounded, and a flash of green caught my attention. As if in reply, the locomotive tooted, and the pistons moved ever so slowly, forwards... backwards... forwards... backwards...
Before long, the train began to pick up speed. A cocktail of emotions, that of excitement and anxiety
swamped my senses. I pressed my nose against the door (this was the best spot we could find) only to realise that the door was not locked! I pushed the latch, in an attempt to lock the door, but to no avail. At this moment did I realise how dangerous this ride could be! If the door swung open suddenly and someone fell out......The train headed towards its destination: Malaysia. There we would stop by a station in Johor Baru where we would begin our trip. Adrenaline swept through my being. My eyes dilated in
unbridled suspense. The veins in my temple throbbed with a ferocious intensity. Foliage flanking the track- a blur as the train whooshed past at a speed of 70km/h, sending fallen dried leaves scattering haphazardly in all directions.All of a sudden, the train came to a halt. Thoughts swirled in my mind, did the train stop because it was waiting to switch tracks? Or because the train broke down? Or because the train ran out of fuel?
Five minutes passed but still no sign of movement. By now, adventurous commuters swung open the doors to their cabins, jumped out onto the track, armed with professional cameras, phone cameras, and compact cameras, capturing photo's of their friends and families beside the locomotive, without fear that the train might continue the journey without them.
For what seemed like eternity, the train finally started off. Although a few of the passengers managed to board the train in time, two cameramen oblivious to their surroundings were left behind.
An exhiliriating moment was when the train crossed the bridge. From up there, I could see The Railmall partially hidden behind some shrubs.
Finally the moment I had awaited for so long came. It was so sudden that I could not get a clear, good shot of that moment. My heart palpitated wildily in anticipation as I felt the train increase in speed gradually. Thundering down the track, the train crossed the road. I could only catch a glimpse of the cars giving way to the locomotive. The only building that caught my attention was the now under renovation Ten Mile Junction, soon to be known as Junction Ten. Before long, we reached the Woodlands checkpoint. After our passports were checked, we took a short trip to a room where we would wait to board the train once more.
This time though, we managed to get a seat!
An exhiliriating moment was when the train crossed the bridge. From up there, I could see The Railmall partially hidden behind some shrubs.
Finally the moment I had awaited for so long came. It was so sudden that I could not get a clear, good shot of that moment. My heart palpitated wildily in anticipation as I felt the train increase in speed gradually. Thundering down the track, the train crossed the road. I could only catch a glimpse of the cars giving way to the locomotive. The only building that caught my attention was the now under renovation Ten Mile Junction, soon to be known as Junction Ten. Before long, we reached the Woodlands checkpoint. After our passports were checked, we took a short trip to a room where we would wait to board the train once more.
This time though, we managed to get a seat!
Before long, we reached our first stop. Weary from the long trip, I trudged together with the rest of the CG members towards a door- an opening that led to Denga Mall. As we neared the entrance, I caught sight of a notice that read "For your own safety, the doors will automatically open 15minutes before the arrival and departure of the train. "
Upon seeing this, a few of my friends looked as horrified as I was. That sign meant that we had to wait for 15minutes before the next train's arrival before we would be able to enter the mall! Well, we didn't have the time to idle about at the entrance doing absoulutely nothing!
Finally, after some negotiations with the sercurity guards in the mall, we came to a compromise, and the doors swung open.
After brunch, noodles which I hardly relished, we headed to the bowling alley.
When my turn came, I grabbed a 9kg bowling ball. Moving my arms, I created enough momentum for the sphere to move fast enough, such that there was no time for it to change course. I heard the sound of pins falling upon impact. I glanced up at the monitor, and saw an X. A strike!
A whole lot of other interesting and exciting activities happened later today. We went to City Square, where we had a western lunch. We also watched the movie 'Thor' in the cinemas(it was a lot cheaper to watch a movie in Malaysia than in Singapore).
Well, time flies when you're having fun! Before we knew it, it was time to go. Going through the same procedures as before, we entered the train and began on the long journey back to Tanjong Pagar train station. From Woodlands checkpoint onwards, we managed to occupy a seat. easing comfortably into my seat, I fished out my camera. I had a brain wave; since the train service would cease on the 1st of July, I might as well capture a video of the whole trip! A pressed the menu button, and clicked 'video'. I pressed the shutter button, and the entire departure was recorded. This time though, I managed to catch a video of us passing by Ten Mile Junction!
Although at the end of this railroad trip all my limbs were numb and aching, this experience was worth while. This may be the first time I took this train service to Malaysia it would also be my last.
Upon seeing this, a few of my friends looked as horrified as I was. That sign meant that we had to wait for 15minutes before the next train's arrival before we would be able to enter the mall! Well, we didn't have the time to idle about at the entrance doing absoulutely nothing!
Finally, after some negotiations with the sercurity guards in the mall, we came to a compromise, and the doors swung open.
After brunch, noodles which I hardly relished, we headed to the bowling alley.
When my turn came, I grabbed a 9kg bowling ball. Moving my arms, I created enough momentum for the sphere to move fast enough, such that there was no time for it to change course. I heard the sound of pins falling upon impact. I glanced up at the monitor, and saw an X. A strike!
A whole lot of other interesting and exciting activities happened later today. We went to City Square, where we had a western lunch. We also watched the movie 'Thor' in the cinemas(it was a lot cheaper to watch a movie in Malaysia than in Singapore).
Well, time flies when you're having fun! Before we knew it, it was time to go. Going through the same procedures as before, we entered the train and began on the long journey back to Tanjong Pagar train station. From Woodlands checkpoint onwards, we managed to occupy a seat. easing comfortably into my seat, I fished out my camera. I had a brain wave; since the train service would cease on the 1st of July, I might as well capture a video of the whole trip! A pressed the menu button, and clicked 'video'. I pressed the shutter button, and the entire departure was recorded. This time though, I managed to catch a video of us passing by Ten Mile Junction!
Although at the end of this railroad trip all my limbs were numb and aching, this experience was worth while. This may be the first time I took this train service to Malaysia it would also be my last.
