Soul-Mate

Ok, before I start reviewing how the past 6 months has been, I think it is crucial that I introduce a good friend of mine, who ceased to exist as of 20 November 2013.

It has been affectionately called 'Kangoo' or sometimes 'Kangaroo' by my family. And it has earned the name, 'Van of Destiny' after serving the Dinner and Dance committee faithfully. Simply put, without it, the DnD would not have been possible. It belonged to my dad's friend, which it served as a company van, and when 10 years was about up, he bought a replacement and the ageing van was seen as surplus. So, that's how I got it, and was given the privilege to use up the remaining golden 4 months.

After effectively becoming an owner of a green dorky looking manual van, I finally understood why guys call their vehicles their wives. The fact that you spend so much time with it, sitting in the traffic, giving it a bath, introducing to your friends.. and when you are trying to reason your thoughts out loud or singing along to your favourite song that has come on the radio, it can be seen as talking or singing to it as it is the only listener when there's no one else with you. Over time, feelings do develop, no matter how hard you try to distinguish it between an 'it' and a 'she'.

The bulk of its usage was for dinner and dance, transporting people, goods, and was a shuttle bus for the photoshoot at the ulu Seletar. It was used for grocery shopping at Giant, speed racing from Tampines to Jurong when I was late for afternoon lessons and also a dinner companion when I resorted to dabaoing and eating alone. I actually spent quite some time at the back, doing my work, or waiting for people. There was even a play mat and carpet for those behind to have a more comfortable ride as the floor was pretty uneven and hard.

Besides the soft values of developing affection and taking care of it, I learnt the administrative side of owning a vehicle. Applying for season parking, insurance and pumping diesel for the first time.

No matter how hard I tried to protect and take care of what belongs to me, accidents still happen.

Similar to breaking your loved ones' hearts, I literally broke my friend. I swore I was aware of the low ceiling behind while parking, but taking your eyes off for a second proves too costly on the roads. Feeling remorseful and sad, I spent almost 3 hours cleaning up the glass shreds and patching up the rear window with a double layer of plastic to last its remaining days.

And when it was time to say goodbye, I took some final shots, albeit not very glamorous given the time constraint.

The short 4 months that had me holding on to the keys of my first wheels was indeed memorable. I gained even more experience on the road, while handling another type and model of vehicle, and more than not, strengthened my ideal that no matter what obstacles are in place, I must have my own set of wheels in future. While some argue that driving is a privilege for those who can afford it, especially in Singapore, I think it shouldn't be the case. Driving is more than just transport. The enclosed space within the vehicle gives off this sacred feel, and especially so if you have the right and good company. Even if you are without any human company, I believe the soul of the vehicle could provide a certain, unique, kind of companionship.

Farewell my friend, you came into my life and made a difference.