10 THINGS I'LL MISS

I'd like to share some of the things I'll miss about my stay here. (in no particular order)

1. Sleeping late and waking up later (Thanks, Suzy!)
2. Going around Singapore by foot with Richard, the tourist guide and historian
3. Walking A LOT and probably losing half an inch in each thigh
4. Biking in East Coast--but I won't miss falling flat on my face, haha)
5. Going for interviews--it's nerve-wracking as it is and having it in another country brings a whole new set of nerves
6. Eating, eating, eating (and drinking)--from stingray, chili crab, chicken rice, duck rice, cheng teng, soy bean drink, soy bean curd, teh tarik, mee rebus, prata and everything unique here
7. Commuting everyday--good thing transportations is efficient here
8. Going to museums--I only went to two but they have pretty interesting stuff here, I stayed for five hours one time
9. Going and taking photographs in Chinatown--probably where most of my photos came from (will be posting soon)
10. Independence (well, sort of)

AS THIS COMES TO AN END

As this trip comes to an end, I feel both excited and sad. I miss home, my family, my friends and I can't wait to go back. I am sad though, as I know I am also leaving this place that I have grown accustomed to, even with just a short period of time. I do have some prospects here that may make me come back but everything is still unsure.

But the accentuated emotion I have right now is a sense of fulfillment and happiness stemming from the knowledge that I followed my dream. It's one of the few moments in my life so far where I reached for something I thought was so far away, only to find out that it wasn't. And it may sound as if I am a blind optimist but really, I feel that even if I don't get anything from this, I am and will be satisfied from any outcome. It's being here and getting out of my comfort zone that has made the trip. It has made me believe in myself more and learn about what I can do with my life.

WHAT'S UP?

Well, nothing much. I've been staying inside the house for 2 days now, only going out to buy food and take some photos. And not surprisingly, I've been applying to even more companies. I hope other companies call soon, the clock is ticking.

MY SUNDAY & MANIC MONDAY

It’s been raining in Singapore I heard from my colleagues who came here recently. I experienced that. And the only thing I can write today is: Can you imagine being head to toe water splashed by a passing bus? I can.

***

Today, I went to SC, the area where my interview will be tomorrow. I just wanted to check the place out to avoid any misadventures. This is too important for that. By bus, it actually takes two stops and about an hour and a half, which means I have to wake really early tomorrow.

I lugged around this huge bag which carries my laptop, camera and several books. It is so heavy, I have marks in my arms and hands now because of the weight. My back is aching as well. After confirming the place, I went to a retail store for market visit. At this point, I have concluded that most of the people I meet here may nice but some can be plain mean. Take for example this employee in C. When I was about to claim my big bag, I saw that there was only one person manning the booth and there was he was, standing and just doing nothing. I approach him and asked he could assist me in getting my bag.

Me: Excuse me, can you help me? I need to get my bag and there’s only one person manning the booth.
Mean oldie: You need to get your bag? Then fall in line.
Me: But there’s only one person there.
Mean oldie: Yeah, fall in line.

How he can stand there and watch the line go longer is beyond me. Is this the C service I am getting into? I hope not.

***

As I am not familiar with going around the city, I take along the bus guide and street directory Suzy lent me. My itinerary today included a visit to the National Library. Being closely connected to libraries, I was very excited to go and though finding it became somewhat of a burden, I am here right now and I can say that it’s worth it.