So after half a year of planning, 2 months of working in Kings Dominion, here I am now, turned in my uniform and employee pass, not allowed to walk in and out through the employee gates, not able to eat at the employee's cafe. This marks the end of another phase of my life
Am leaving for New York tonight, so told Donovee to send me home early to pack my luggage, sign documents and settle housing. Started work at 11am, left at 1pm...so today's work is more symbolic in nature...just one shift at Zone 6 (I'm so happy to be assigned Zone 6) at Tidal Wave Bay
The bustling trailer before the start of the day
Was having my break when I called a call from her saying that I'm cleared to leave. Went back to Tidal Wave Bay to say my goodbyes and receive a few hugs. No teary scenes, just simple well-wishes. Walked all the way to the Splashouse to take one final look at my fellow Stingrays at work...and then spend another 15 mins in the trailer, unwilling to leave.
Finally got changed out of my uniform. Took my usual walk out of the park...this time, nothing was in my mind. Just keep walking and walking. Went to Park Operations to turn in some stuff and sign some documents. I was stunned for quite a while when the front desk told me that I have to turn in my employee ID, which means that i'm no longer allowed in the park anymore. It took me like a full minute to finally pass her my employee ID...so this means no more meals in the park, no more rides in the park for free, no catching up with the people in the park, no nothing in the park...
Was followed by employee services to turn in my uniform. Bought my very own stinky top from them (initially wanted a new one, but they ran out of my size. Anyway, wearing ur old shirt is very symbolic as well) as well as a new cap. Met the new lifeguards that are just fresh out of training...they were getting their uniforms. This sets me back to one and a half months ago, when I first got my uniform...now I'm being rotated out...permanently
With everything in the park more or less settled, it's time to head back to the dorms. Met Pablo, my new Ecuador roommate...coincidentally, he just got his uniform as well. He's a new Stingray...this means he's probably here to take my position on the team. Felt kinda like me passing the baton to him, and I really hope that he is able to continue or surpass the acceptable standards which I barely met.
The Termination List...feel like shredding it
So I've a couple of artifacts from this trip. I basically have the full set of uniform except for the name tag, my seal easy, Nick's Yuengling glass bottle, my King Dominion Badge...hopefully it's enough to help evoke some positive memories in the future
And since I'm near the end of my journey, there have been many people who have assisted me along the way...it's time to show gratitude...I dun think all of them follow this blog, but...oh well
To my family who was very supportive of my decision to go for this trip, mentally, spiritually, in action and financially
To my friends in Singapore, my most sincere thanks for keeping me company on Skype, MSN and Facebook. Thanks for keeping me linked and grounded to everything that's happening in ur life and in Singapore
To my Singaporean friends which I made here, my most heartfelt gratitude for making this dorm with its atrocious living conditions felt more like home. Hope we'll continue to keep in touch back in Singapore (for some reason, Zouk and Butterfactory comes to mind)
To my friends from the States and other international friends, my deepest and most genuine thanks to you all for the hospitality that you have shown throughout my stay here. Do allow me to return the favour should you ever decide to pay a visit to this small, tiny country called Singapore.
I guess this really really marks the end of my time in Kings Dominion. Still have 2 more weeks of travelling to go, but my unwillingness to leave Kings Dominion far outweighs the excitement of travelling around the States. But all good things comes to an eventual end...it's time for me to keep all this in memory, and embark on the next phase and next adventure of my life. I really do believe that "www.alonelyboyinaforeignland2.blogspot.com" will not be too far in the future.
Riiiiiide on!!!
Mark, employee of Kings Dominion
PS: a tear was definitely in the corner of my eye...thankfully, it's not that visible due to my shades
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