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My first day of work in Escape Theme Park was on the December 10, 2006. The first day already was a funny day filled with Elaine’s bloopers – those “scare-liu” days. Working at that environment took me longer than usual to adapt to; and I almost left because of its management.

Though work was really tiring during those days when guests literally flood the Central Pavilion to play those games, I was very thankful I had Elaine, Kak Sikin and Kak Su to make every late-night briefing uplifting and hilarious. I was welcomed with open arms.

Oh, let’s not forget how Kak Sikin and Kak Su gives me the uncanny smiles over THE GREAT ELAINE-ERIC SCANDAL OF 2006 AND 2007. Yeah, they named me Eric for a day so Elaine and I have something in common. Did I mention the scandal was rather explicit, too?

Since then, as I become more attached to the department, I am literally going to the Carnival to joke instead of work. Those were the days briefings and colleagues were the two only things I looked forward to each day I worked. So much to the extent sometimes I couldn’t wait for weekends to arrive.

As time passed by, I realized I learned more than I could through a Diploma or any educational certificate. I was more than appreciative to Kak Sikin and Kak Su because they were the ones who talked me around – right, I was having problems and issues back then, if some of you didn’t know.

Above me and above all, it was Kak Sikin and Kak Su working constantly to help us with our problems. Dear colleagues, do you have the slightest idea how much personal savings they have came out just to cover our mistakes with the 5+1 promotional coupons? That’s not to mention they usually do the top-up when there’s a difference in retail’s float amount.

What about the “cash crisis” we just went through just recently? Most seniors know about how grievous this matter was. This matter could have possibly been through Police investigations with maybe with even multiple arrests.

Who, just who, was the person who understood us? Who?

You know it.

Instead of turning the whole world on us, we are asked affectionately to give a pact and little-finger promises that this would never happen again. Ever.

13 April, 2008 was a day like never before. If my gratitude could be measured, it would be by the waters in oceans altogether. Never have we entertained the thought our times with Carnival would be punctuated this way. We may be physically separated and broken, but I swear to God, I believe our hearts and memories would stay the way it is — a big happy family with hilarious briefings and jokes that would make you laugh for days.

On the other hand, it was also unprecedentedly and unofficially considered the last day I would report for work. I returned my work uniform today and felt so nostalgic because I would never be doing all these routines I have been doing for the past seventeen months!

Like putting down Remote Boat, collect stocks, drain Vertical water, troubleshoot Roller Derby, pick up rings and balls at C2, do refunds and troubleshoot lockers, sell ponchos and photograph at the Retail, have my Echo Delta and Echo Lima at the Ops Room, tick and tick those payment forms, inventories. Those routines!

While en route out of the Park after a chat with colleagues, I subconsciously headed towards the clocking-machine. I swing opened the door of it then only to realized I didn’t have to do it. Never again. However, upon leaving the park, I refused to look back and I suddenly felt a burden lifted for some odd reasons.

My amazing story with Escape Theme Park would end here. But I am positive and sure that the moments I shared with each and every of my amazing colleagues would stay with me and I will reflect back on the past to think how wonderful ALL of you had been.

Your jokes, your bloopers, your guidance, your candy, your drinks, your stories.

People, thank you so much.

Faizah, thank you. You taught me the ropes first day.