Oct 01 2009
Much ado about China’s 60th National Day
1.20 am. Zzzzz.
Mobile phone rang.
“Hello…”
“Hi, this is the Media Centre. You may come and collect your media pass now.”
“Wot…? You mean you are calling from the Mei Di Ya News Centre, the media centre for the National Day Parade?”
“Yes, at Mei Di Ya. Please come now or you may not make it in time for the parade,” said Polite Staff.
“But how am I supposed to get there with the traffic restrictions?” I was still coming to my senses.
“You’ll just have to find your way here. Please come fast, or it will be too late.”
I sprang out of bed, and looked at the time again. No kidding, it’s 1.25 am.
Called the apartment receptionist to help flag down a cab, even as I was putting on my pants. Would there even be a wheel in sight?
“Sorry, Ma’am, but our walkie-talkies have been taken away as we were told they may interfere with the communication channels of the parade later on….”
“That’s ok, I’ll run out and find one. Thanks.”
Empty streets all round. Think, think, think…
And then… a moving light! Dashed 80 meters to the cab.
“Please take me to the Mei Di Ya Centre near the old CCTV building.”
“The main route’s been blocked, I’ll have to make a detour,” said Seasoned Cabbie.
“A detour, it is!” Stay positive!
“And I’ll have to make a petrol stop first.”
“……”
2.00 am. I arrived at the Media Centre, disheveled.
“Here’s your pass, Ma’am. The bus will leave at 4 am, you can take a seat at the the holding area and wait for the bus.” Polite Staff handed me an envelop containing my press passes.
“What about my cameraman?”
“I’m sorry, but the list was computer-generated and your name was selected. You’ll just have to get someone to send you your equipment.”
Bearing in mind the traffic restrictions imposed since the evening before and the logistics involved, that’s as good as a no-go for us.
Here I was, clutching the passes that I’ve been waiting for over the past few weeks, acquiesced to the only option viable.
Headed back out. At least Seasoned Cabbie was still waiting.
3 am. Zzzzz.
Poor Yee Fong. Come back Singapore lah!