11 Dec - Pseudo Mumps

Perhaps it was retribution for disturbing Biao Shu. I woke up feeling an ache as the side of my neck, as if I was having mumps. I have been drinking my herbal tea and aloe vera juice daily. Why would I still be heaty? Could be due to the lack of water during these ENG shoots. I practically down eight bottles of water everyday before I started going out. This was probably due to the reduced water intake.

Still, nothing could stop me from going to the Aspire today. In fact, there was no one else available to do this. Kiok and I brought down our laundry. Our second and last. Five more days and we could go home. We all ate our breakfast at IBC. Kiok took a picture of the staff changing shift routine everyday.

Ghandi and I proceeded to the Aspire with Manueer, which is located next to the Khalifa stadium. Today’s lesson was Wushu. I had to learn the scoring system in half a day in order for me to deliver the script later. Reaching the Aspire, I had to walk the entire hall thrice before I could locate toilet and the Media Centre. I went past the velodrome, gymnastic hall, wrestling hall, and a swimming pool three times. The velodrome was an impressive sight – a temporarily venue that would be taken down after the Games. After locating the start list, our young wushu exponents were up to execute their moves.

Then in a long wait for the next event, I figure out that Taijiquan is a combination of two events - Taijiquan and Taijijian. Changquan - Changquan, Daoshu and Gunshu.

After talking to our athletes, Ghandi and I walked a long way to the Merchandise Superstore next to the Khalifa stadium. Inside there, Ghandi bought some t-shirts while I decided to make another trip here tomorrow. I had left my wallet in the IBC. This also bought me some time to consider what I want to get for my sister and my brother. I had already asked Kiok to buy two size 1 footballs for me. She would be going shopping again at the city centre. I was scheming on how to get Kiok to come with me to the Merchandise Store for second opinions.

Back at the IBC, I was very hungry and I down a cup of soup with some bread. Not enough, I started to drink plenty of the bottled fruit juice taken from the fridge. JB was hanging around the IBC and I got him to voice my wushu story. He was sick and drank the Luo Han Guo drink that Kiok prepared for him. There were lesser changes for Vivian to do to my scripts now. After finishing my story, it hit me that the ache at the side of neck has gotten worse. Kiok announced to Alvin that his PAP was sick and need to see doctor. I was initially quite resistant to the idea of seeing a doctor here. Not sure if he or she would turn out to be a quack. But the pain was so bad that I surrendered to Kiok’s nagging.

At the medical centre, Kiok left me sitting at one corner while she enquired about the waiting time for me at the reception. To our surprise, the receptionist was actually the doctor and she sent me into a room in no time, after taking my temperature. After examining my neck and throat, she said the pain was due to the accumulation of phlegm in the throat. She said she would give me two pills and I should be alright after taking the medicine.

Outside, a “nurse” passed me two pills and I swallowed them without saying a word. While walking back, Kiok said how come I just took the medicine without asking the “nurse” about what were the pills for and would they make me drowsy. Hahahahaha! I guess I was really too sick to be bothered. Minutes later, I told Alvin I had to snooze for a while as the effects of the pills kicked in.
Alvin and Kiok handled the live belt, leaving me to sleep through the effects of the pills. At 1800hr, I woke up to do the medal tally and the supers. The rest was good. The pain was gone and I was slightly refreshed.

Back at the apartment, I totally collapsed onto bed after a quick shower. But I jumped up, giving Kiok a shock and called Erquan. The moment he answered, he asked, “Is it 7 o’clock already?” HahaHa! So I was supposed to give me a morning call at 7am tomorrow. Something that he asked me to do last night and I think it would have to continue till our last telecast day.

Kiok was surprised and asked me if I tell Alvin everything, I said yes. Whether Alvin tell me everything, I told her I think so. She was wondering since when did Alvin and I became so close. Aiyoh, before her mind goes anyway else, I shut her up saying Alvin Ong my BIG BROTHER mah. And she would have to buy nuts for me when she goes Shouq with Vivian tomorrow. Wendy and I don’t have time to do that unless we go on the morning of the Closing Ceremony.