30 January 2016

The day began quite early, with students coming down to the Leadership Hall, puzzled on what to expect from the activity. They met Albert, who divided them into teams and further divided into sub-teams. Each team received a team colour bandana, and each sub team got envelopes with the clues. It was all so exciting.

As the race commenced, they ran out trying to figure out the places they were supposed to go first. Needless to say, this was going to be a very adventurous day for each of the students. We first went to China Town, which is a multitude of colors and a kaleidoscope of Chinese and oriental culture. It was beautiful. They tasted food and took pictures. Travelling with the team was an enriching experience as it gave them the opportunity to know each other, and discovered similarities and differences they shared with each other.

The next destination was the National Library of Singapore. They were all in awe at its impeccable architecture and the collection of books and resources. Most students had never seen anything like it. They took a while to go around the place, and decided to visit back in near future. 

 On the path that this amazing race took the students, the next stop was Chijmes, which was on Victoria Street. This place was a former convent and school, and is a structure that was built in the 19th Century. Now, this place is bustling with activity as it has bars and restaurants and just places where people can go and spend time appreciating the ambience and architecture. It was inspiring — with the different forms of art that one could explore and the rich history that the place possessed. The students gaped at the beauty of the place. 

The Amazing Race was an experience that allowed students to learn and explore the places—ones that would’ve been otherwise gone unnoticed. It was also a great opportunity to know my friends better, get connected well with the place where they have lived the past month and will do for the next couple of months.