HEY, HEY THE GANG'S (VIRTUALLY) ALL HERE

End of January already? Then it must be time for the traditional batch picture-picture! Yep, that time of the year when we voluntarily capture indisputable visual proof of how progressively fat and old we are getting!

(and by “we”, I mean “me” dragging everyone else down into my wrinkled, double-chinned world)

This year had a very different feel to it, as practically everyone was already away at post or on scholarship. Through harassment of the batch's Facebook mafia, however, word quickly came down that everyone had to take a picture of themselves in front of a local landmark on a date and time certain, or else be social-network shunned.

Well. No one wants to be shut out of all those compelling “X is going downstairs” and “Y is now a fan of air” status updates now, do they? So comply most everyone did (those who didn’t are dead to us, at least until we wanna go to their city and need a place to crash). And I must say in all seriousness, people looked good. And happy. And safe. Which is great because, in the end, isn’t that all you can ever ask for your batchmates every year?

(unless that someone asked is me, in which case my question is “Oh, who is s/he kidding?! S/he had eyebags and arm flab in 2005!!!”)

So greetings from:

The Home Office

 

Where you're never too old to throw dorky gang signs. (BTW, the "landmark" was chosen "ironically") 

Tel Aviv

 

Didn't set the time stamp and posed behind a bush. For security reasons. Totally understand.

Singapore

Nice Oranges?

San Francisco and Dubai

 

No no no, dear, wrong way. You Escape FROM Alcatraz. . .

 

. . . oh I see, she's running away from our constipated-looking stalker DOM batchmate. Carry on, kids. 

Hong Kong

 

Kung Hei Fat Boy! (hey!) 

Agana 

"...that I will execute the office faithfully...er...faithfully execute...er...I will be faithful...er...Do over! Do over!"

Vancouver and Islamabad

waaaaiiit a minute...It's late January, and people are in short-sleeves and v-necks in Canada, while there's snow on the ground in Pakistan? Weather control has finally happened, hasn't it? Just like Superman III said it would.

Madrid

 

"Esta aqui prueba dela vida. Payer el ransom en cheques de regalo de Zara" 

See y'all next year! Hope we still fit into the picture frame!