The 2 Puzzles In My Life At The ARK!

I spent all my Monday evenings at the ARK, commonly known as Muchuan to many, during my 1 month holiday in Singapore. It is a place that forms up 2 puzzles in my life so far. The first being during my university days and the second being the current phase of my life.

I remember during my uni days, I had a group of seniors who really love to spend our evenings at Muchuan. Listening to songs, enjoying colourful pao pao cha and indulging in one another's company. We just liked to sit around at the cushion area, talk rubbish and relax. We left a lot of memories behind, in the old ARK. Time passes, many of the old gang had moved on in their lives. Some are married, some are working overseas and some had...simply lost contact. Graduation, moving on to the next phase of our lives concluded our visits to Muchuan and also in some ways, concluded our friendships with one another.

It is rather sad that relationships of any kind get lost, get diluted, get broken when people stop putting in the effort. Many a times, we are the culprits of such an ending because there are other priorities in lives.

The second puzzle with the ARK started at the beginning of this year. This time, at a new location with a new set up. The initial feel of the place is that it is more "thin down". The old ARK gave a more warm and cozy feeling. Never mind the aesthetics, the old feel of the ARK remains. The visits were with a group of secondary school friends whom have managed to stick with one another for about 17 years. Thinking back, this is a remarkable achievement and a very valuable relationship many wish they had. The visit to the ARK had changed from fun and companionship (during uni days) to a place where few old friends share our joys, our sorrows and our inner thoughts of things and people around us.

There is also an interesting affiliation that we foster with the 4 singers at the ARK. They are Xi Mei, Mei Lian, Ah Du and Jian Hua (Monday segment - From 8pm to 11pm).

(4 out of the 6 people

here are the singers of the ARK on Monday evening. Who are the ones? This is for you to find out :) )

Why interesting affiliation? I guess is because how the acquaintance has evolved. From being just another audience at the ARK to having a form of familiarity with one another. Many a times I can feel the passion of what they believe in, the sincerity in their words and the thinking behind their thoughts. I never thought my evenings there are to see a show or a performance. It is more of going back to a familiar place, to see familiar people, to continue where we have left off and sometimes to seek solace in.

The ARK to me, is a place where friendship are formed, enjoyed, fostered and a place with many many fond memories.

To Monsters - Ganbatei and I really hope to be able to hear you and see you again. In the meantime, keep in touch :)

To my friends who are with me - Friends forever :)