Day 1 at our makeshift bunk - a large, rather flimsy-looking bivouac supported in the centre by three or four metal poles, with flaps that were unmanageably heavy acting quite inadequately as doors at either end. Slept on these taut foldable beds which fell apart whenever too much pressure was exerted on any one spot. We all got used to it, since it proved to be a great deal more comfortable than the next best alternative - on a mat outdoors. In any case, we spent probably less than a quarter of the twenty-one nights sleeping there.
The main track that led to our campsite in the wild, which our Course Commander christened Johnny Axis. It took slightly over an hour to get back to our proper campsites fifty kilometres away. Whenever we were allowed to go back to take a bath (once every three days or so, after the initial seven days) we were all transported back crammed like sardines on these army lorries. And the return journey, bumpy most of the way, very dusty and far from enjoyable, usually rendered our baths redundant.
Sunset. Was acting as sentry for a live firing exercise which most of my other coursemates were participating in. Didn't fire because I already did so back in Singapore, since the instructors wanted everybody to participate in at least one live firing exercise, and there weren't enough positions to go around for every cadet. I recall on that particular day being forgotten and left in my position way after the firing had ceased. By the time somebody came to retrieve me, it was near eleven at night, and I was positively freezing.
Steven and I, sentries again, the day after the previous photograph was taken. As can be observed, we were quite grimy, and bored, having ran out of anthills to terrorise, and stones large enough to terrorise them with.
Boatnetting on the first day of R&R. Gave it a miss as I neglected to bring a change of clothes. It must have been quite fun. Should have given it a try because I had no other opportunity after that day.
My section on Great Keppel Island, a poor Australian attempt at an island resort, missing one or two people. To be fair, the water was much clearer, and looked more inviting, than what we have back home in Singapore. But the facilities, living and entertainment, were rudimentary at best. Those of us, most of us actually, in long pants were those who decided to walk around instead of indulging on the beach. I was, as usual, armed with a book. One of those many places where I really shouldn't have brought a book along with me. Two or three weeks later, I brought one to Zouk.
Lorikeets, easily the most colourful birds I've seen in the wild. These are the equivalents of the mynahs and the sparrows that we have in abundance on Singaporean streets. Attractive birds, but something one wouldn't like to have hovering around a lunch table.
