On 31 December 2010, 19 Singaporeans met up and prepared to walk up Bukit Timah Hill to celebrate the end of 2010 and to welcome 2011. The walk started from Base Camp at 11 pm. It was a dark and moonless night. The night sounds of the forest were a wonderful accompaniment to the footsteps on the earthen forest floor. All was quiet as the group emerged out of the forest at the Visitors' Centre. A lone ranger sat sleepy eyed at his station. We got his go ahead, then headed up the hill towards The Lookout.
The Lookout overlooks the quarry. The silver reflection of the surrounding and silent hillside on the still quarry water was rather eerie. But we were not afraid. We had each other!
After a short breather, some sat around and shared about the many blessings that were received in 2010. Others were busy preparing the champaign and sparklers for the countdown. Then it started. 10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... 6 ... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... HAPPY NEW YEAR!
There were shouts and screams of "Happy New Year" resounding from the nearby condominiums (too close for comfort) and from our group of 19. We clinked champaign glasses (plastic ones) and wished each other well. The strains of Auld Lang Syne filtered through the stillness of the night. We thanked God that we had a lovely starlit night to welcome 2011.
Then the sparklers display started.
Four clowns managed to get their sparkled 2011 captured on camera. Goodbye 2010. Hello 2011.
Soon, it was time to walk back to Base Camp. It was half past midnight. The walk out was much faster probably fueled by the bubbly. As we were the only 19 Singaporeans (out of 5 million) welcoming the new year at Bukit Timah Hill, we considered ourselves rather unique.
Goodbyes and hugs were exchanged as everyone left for home. Here's to a blessed, love and laughter filled year ahead. God bless us all. Zzzzzzzzzz ...
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