Friday, August 22, 2014

Of Dragons and Dragon Boating!

Today is one of those many days when I decide to get back to writing. I have not gotten to do much of writing in the recent past, other than the uninspiring business cases and recommendations at office. So, not sure if there is any creativity left in me. Nonetheless, getting back to it :)

So, this is the second time I moved countries since the last post, and I have come to call Singapore my new home. To be honest, I thought the 25 KM long island, which is a one-city-country was a bit cold(the vibe not temperature!) for me in the initial days. Not that I blame the place but, guess that's the way of life here. People are too busy to notice your existence, always rushing and preoccupied with their own respective businesses.

My first few days on this little island was busy settling-in, getting comfortable with my not so fancy but super expensive house, trying to figure out my way to get my own routine i.e. work-workout-sleep-work-workout-sleep mode. 

One of the days, I was at the office gym and someone strikes a conversation: 

"Hey there, you are pretty regular at the gym and I see you are quite fit, why don't you come and try rowing with us?"

These words sounded so refreshing to me, as I had lost all hopes of making new friends or meeting new people by then. By then, I had heard enough about the dragon boat team at office, had seen some mailers floating around as they keep winning races all the time :)

I decided to give it a shot. I checked for the details and I joined my first training one sunny Sunday afternoon.

Apart from all the physical workout and getting fitter business, I love it for another important reason! I have made some really good friends. They are the people I hang out that most, in this dear city! I want to go running, or swimming, or shopping, or a relaxed dinner, or just chill out for a coffee, I have friends and great company, thanks to the dragon boat team!

This is the time I realized the power of common sport, it could help someone's assimilation in a new country. I am so glad I am a part of dragon boating, it definitely feels great to learn a new sport and have a sense of belonging to a good community of friends!