Day of speeches and talks

[Lifehouse - You And Me]

"来,来,快点."


These were the exact words that MM said to Rus and I as we got ready for the photo-taking session. Amidst the Australian crowd, MM had chosen to use Mandarin. I suppose all he wanted was to give a 'lil more 亲切 feeling to the atmosphere we were in. Indoors, it was all nice, warm and smiley but outside was totally different.


As of the last time I estimated (before I stepped into the University Hall), there were easily 30 protesters. Many of them carried placards and papers expressing their displeased views on the issue. While I was waiting for MM's arrival, I saw a guy taking off his jacket and I thought to myself, "gosh, don't tell me he wrote something on his ass and he's going to flash it." Luckily, it was just my wild imagination. I must say it'd be a hell of a hilarious sight should it occur.

Just as MM's convoy appeared, the crowded shouted the exact same phrase as Mr Unknown Protester (above) had on his placard. I think the protesters were quite cute lah, want to protest still must have rhyming phrase. Soon as they got tired of that chant, they started another, calling MM a dick-ta-tor dictator.

Back inside, Rus and I couldn't resist the temptation (and just in case we couldn't get a photo opportunity with MM), we took a photo of us and the magnificant hall.


I say, add a few flying owls while the academic VIPs walked in, and it'd look like a set for Hogwarts. The usual formalities for the conferring ceremony soon proceeded and after the brief meeting and photo taking session with MM, we were ushered to the courtyard to have some drinks. Just as I thought Rus and I could have our little private bitching session about the ceremony with our orange juice and champange (respectively), we were soon joined by 1 MP, 1 SPS, 1 MOS and 1 ANU professor. Damn cool. Luckily I still know a thing or two, if not kenna snook damn paiseh one man. It was a good 15 minutes chat before they had to go back in for lunch with MM. Damn... To think that we were close to getting seats there. But I'm sure that'd completely freak Rus out and he'd probably eat very little which would result in us havin to go for a second lunch. Nonetheless, we rewarded ourselves with...


Hahaha...

In the evening, I went for a talk on "Australian Defence Policy and Planning" at the Australian War Memorial and I saw a few familiar faces from this morning, including the DA for Singapore's embassy (if I"m not wrong). The talk was very insightful, it's like reading some article on Foreign Affairs, only that it's LIVE. And the Australian War Memorial... I must say it's a very nice place, one which I plan on visiting soon. But remind me... It's a fucking long walk from Civic.

Nonetheless, it has been a very eventful day so thanks... to all the people who made today possible (even though most of you will never read my blog).