Basket.

Friday was the last day of the year I will spend in camp. When I next return, it will be 2006. Fresh year, last year of service.

Looking back on a year overwhelmingly spent in various military camps (actually only two, perhaps more fortunate than many) - it's been an intriguing experience at times. From the relative comfort of the BMT bunks (obviously built so to wayang a good show in front of all the parents) to the spartan accommodation provided for the 8th FATA Trade Course to the current better-than-BMT new bunks, I've seen both extremes of the spectrum.

Truly cold nights in BMT were replaced by truly cold nights in Khatib Camp tormented by mosquitoes, which were in turn replaced by stuffy nights in improperly ventilated new Khatib bunks. Well, at least these days I don't have to lie awake for five hours scratching countless mosquito bites on my legs and arms. Slept, 10.30-1.30am and never again after that. It sucked.

Most "What the fuck?" moment concerning accommodation during the year: when CO sir (then still not my boss) came to check the bunks and asked me, as bunk IC, to open my cupboard for him to have a look. Of course, we were told it was a standby bunk, not bed, so my cupboard was quite... improperly prepared for such an eventuality. "Not too bad", he said. I breathed again. Of course, I didn't know CO was a nice guy then.

In any case, not sleeping at home most of the time, I have learnt, only makes your own bed all the more comfortable.