Day 1

21 March 2018. A date that all Temasek International Foundation (TFI) Scholars have been waiting for. Students are up early at 0845 at Changi Airport Terminal 3 waiting for our flight to meet our Indonesian friends whom we've missed. 

It was a first time in Medan, Indonesia for most of us and we are amazed at how wonderful the country is. The locals here are also really helpful and friendly, always smiling and helping us whenever we are in need. We are touched by how hospitable they are. It is something that we can bring back to Singapore, to always portray hospitality towards our guests. Especially since we are from the School of Hospitality in Republic Polytechnic.

Students are in the Garuda Indonesia Airlines. It is equipped with a small monitor that allows passenger to listen music, play movies as well as games are available. This is to help passengers pass by time especially during long journey.

Our scholars also did not miss the chance to try out the movies available there. Movies such as "Thor", "The Amazing Spiderman" as well as "Baby Boss" and many more is available. There are also several subtitles available such as English, Bahasa Indonesia and Chines.

Here we are in our very own transport bus with our tour guide Pak Agus who is fluent in English and always engaging with us so we are not bored during our journey to the Medan Tourism Polytechnic. Pak Agus will be with us throughout our whole trip in Medan, Lake Toba as well as Brastagi.

Before going to the Medan Tourism Polytechnic, we of course have to fill up our stomach since our last meal is breakfast in Singapore. We are brought to a Padang Restaurant as our first meal in Indonesia. We totally fell in love with the Padang Cuisine especially the fried chicken!

Finally.... After 5 months of counting down the days left for us to reunite back with the Indonesian students, we met them! Hugs and tears were seen . Everyone misses each other a lot. Even though its 5 months, the people, the inside jokes and the laughter remains. It was not awkward, as we all seem as if we know each other for years. That is how strong our friendship bond is thanks to this TFI SCALE IV. We ended the day with a campus tour followed by a grocery shopping and dinner at a Steamboat Restaurant. It was a good day 1 and we definitely cant wait for what day 2 have install for us. Do stay tune to our blog to find out more !