I just realized that it was exactly a year today that I touched down in Singapore Changi Airport, carrying 4 years worth of things in my 2 suitcases. It was great to see my parents at the airport at stupid o’clock in the morning, playfully jabbing at each other about how they always get lost in T3. A year has passed since then and boy has it been an eventful one! You think I would stop missing the UK after a year, I do miss it less, but there are just some times where I look back at the good old M postcode and the friends I left behind, many of who i’ll probably not see for a long time. Anyway, for all my friends I’ve left in the UK, this is for you. (This is gonna be a long one)

I remember walking down this road countless times from both ends, seeing this building and thinking how lucky I was to be in one of the best Uni’s in UK.

I remember my first United match at Old Trafford as well as every single other one I went to with my first year house mates… If you haven’t been, you won’t know. I remember tearing up when I first heard United Road being sung by the Stretford end.

I remember my first White Xmas.

I remember meeting one of the best friends and God Sisters anyone could have. For the record, I miss you Deni!

I remember when 4 became 3 =)

The work got harder, our own programs would fuck with us.

I remember living like a rock star. (Picture courtesy of Kudo)

And I got to be one.

I remember playing poker on the sidewalk, getting puzzled looks from the takeaway guys

I remember parties…

And Parties….

You get the idea. (Wonder where you are Jacko & Rob, good vibes to ya)

I remember always having you lot so close by.

I remember actually making it… With the boys I couldn’t have done without.

I remember knocking on those doors.

Course we weren’t always hard at work.

I remember uprooting my entire life, to live with these boys. We were a family. Albeit slightly disfunctional, I miss you lot. San, Rodge, Martin, Black Guy, The Boss & Deeksy.

I remember when Rodge jumped into the sea in Southport.

I remember going to the field with my crew. The tank, Kiwi Dan and the Man…

I remember Lazy Fridays… Or Tuesdays or whatever day we wanted… There you go Deeksy and Jess you lovebirds you…

I also remember Birdie… The wisdom of a fucking pensioner, libido of a bloody rabbit. I remember Jess saying “I’ll get pregnant just standing beside you Birdie” Good luck at whatever you’re doing lad…

I remembering going everywhere and anywhere in the North West, from Bacup to Burnley to Colne to Blackpool to Bolton to Wigan to Moss Side to Just outside my doorstep. They never sent me to chinatown in the end did they?

I remember watching the sun go down on Manchester for the last time. Packing my bags with a heavy heart.

And then, I was home.

But that’s another story for another time.

L