In-Camp Confinement Talk
by Reizou Tachikawa on Aug.13, 2006, under General
What am I living for, really? I’m out of camp barely 36 hours a week, and even when I’m out, I don’t even know WHAT to do! Everyone’s so busy. Everything’s still the same. Same old movie theatres. Same old places. Same old food. god.
Its come to a point that when I’m given a day off on a Friday, I’m actually QUESTIONING the merits of having one, since I probably have more useful things to do in camp than OUTSIDE of camp. yes. You heard me right. It has come to that, ladies and gentlemen. I can swim, run, watch TV, movies on a projector system in bunk (don’t ask), surf the internet, play soccer or basketball, or bask in the EXCELLENT coastal scenery and the wafting sea breeze. or maybe engage in endless mindless banter with the so many friends I’ve made in camp. or just chill out with my trainees.
I think. I seriously think that I’m gonna miss everything once I get outta there. and it doesn’t even cost a dime to have fun in there! The comraderie is so uplifting, we practically have FUN staying in camp. god. What has national service done to my head?!! (and not to mention my social life?! ESPECIALLY my social life?!)
Maybe I’m an introvert (right..), or maybe I’m just plain tired of facades in the real world. In camp, we’re all guys. Well, mostly. No girls to care about, to ‘wayang’ (put up a show) in front of. We’re in our ‘place’, our ‘zone’, you know? So many things non-existent in mainland Singapore. Mini-soccer leagues in basketball courts, chilling by the road with the sea breeze in the air, marble games, bonds, friendships and motivating environments. An air of trust and esprit de corp. They just don’t exist anymore. At least not on the outside of The Island. Maybe now I understand why some people sign on as regulars in the army. Maybe. Just maybe. The outside world? nah, maybe I’ll stick to camp life for now. At least for a little while longer ya? Maybe till I find that one special thing to keep me OUT of camp. But will I ever?
