Yee mun! Thanks for being the first person to leave a comment! Haha...yes, as you have noticed, my blog is rather dull without pictures. I stopped because I was too lazy to upload, wait and align the photos. I would upload photos here once I have the time and mood k. For the time being I would continue with my monlogue.
The last four days was a blank in my exchange days, in terms of activities. I had spent all of the last four days working intensively on my IO intensive paper. I did not leave the home until last night, when I went to UCC to buy my greyhound tickets! Orla was quite amazed that I could stay in all day, while I am amazed at her being able to walk to the gym in the snow, come back and then go back to the school library to study for her take-home. I felt quite bad that I was occupying the whole of the kitchen table for those days, scattering it with loose paper and books.
So well, end of IO! It was really a crash course. I have never done anything like that before, doing the research in 3 days and writing the paper in 4 days. I think maybe I am too slow a worker, that's why I took all the time until 3pm today to finish the paper. All the other girls taking other subjects finished theirs before I did! Anway, rushed to school, rushed the print-out and rushed to pass up. I was just 10min from the deadline and Prof Carmody together with Tigger at the counter was "ah...another [last minute] one". Haha.
Anw after that met Orla and Carlet at UCC. I realised only during lunch today that Carlet did not have to speak a single English word in Netherlands! She was told to write "English is not my first language" on the front page of her paper, haha!
I went to masonville in the evning, in search of sports wear and luggage. I managed to get a 25 inch luggage at Zellers for CAD$70 (it was a 60% off!). Fortuitously, I ran into other sales going on too and the items were exactly what I needed- boots and sports shoes! The boots were 50% off, so effectively I paid a CAD$30 for it and sports shoes was about $20. These were not the things that made my day though. I was really impressed by the counter staff at Zellers. It was not the first time that I had received kindness and helpfulness from a Zellers staff. On my second day here, it was one of them who directed and helped me to finally locate the adaptor at Access.
This counter stafff (I shall call her A) was so friendly and I would say 'professional' in all sense of the word. I had bought 2 pairs of pants which were tagged wrongly I think, therefore in order for me enjoy the lower price she had to void the items and go through another round of checking and processes. She did it cheerfully and even thanked me for being patient! I should be the one thanking her for helping me save $10! After that I went back again to pay for a pair of gloves and while chatting she said that she was actually very tired. I was even more impressed- tired but still being about to be prompt, cheerful and helpful -this kind of workers are a rare gem in Singapore. I wish A and the staff -who- helped -me-on-my-second -day well. Zellers is a good plac! It became my favourite place in London tonight.
I am now very very tired as I only had 4 hours of sleep last night! But can't gp sleep yet, must go collect my laundry first.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bday Surprise and First Present from Orla!
Tomorrow (following Ontario time) is my birthday and I've already gotten a surprise birthday celebration and a present! 22nd birthday and 1st time spending it away from home. I do not usually care alot about my birthdays but this will be a special one for me. Well, it could have have been better though, if the IO paper is not getting in the way...Haha.
Orla told me the girls would come for "some tea" at 7pm tonight. Well being naive as I am, I believed it totally since it is so normal to have guests in our room to have some tea. They were actually incubating a birthday surprise, which I happily embraced as I opened a door to a bunch of familiar faces and a big choc fudge cake. It was heart warming to have friends remember your birthday. I'm not a big fan of birthday celebrations but having experienced a few times the pleasant feeling of being remembered and coupled with the knowledge that people have made efforts to make you happy, I think birthday celebrations are not farcical after all (but still, subject to the context). So a big slice of choc fudge cake made my dinner :)
Then I got my first birthday gift from Orla! A maroon UWO T-shirt and a card! So sweet of her. 我被摸了。I think we've been getting closer and I'm confident that we click now. I'm sooo glad to have her as a roomie.
I video called home this morning and jiu jiu family and zhou yian family and Daphne were at our house. They had had dinner-guo tie and mi fen!! My stomach growls now at the thought of these foods. Although I had lots of dumplings last night, I still crave for the lovely home made guo tie :( Maybe I should start making some dumplings myself as Zhou Yian suggested, or easier, buy them from Far East.
Tonight has been good. Now I'm very tired and is at 3/25 pages. Boo. I shall wake up energised tomorrow morning and speed race through it! Target-Thurs!
Orla told me the girls would come for "some tea" at 7pm tonight. Well being naive as I am, I believed it totally since it is so normal to have guests in our room to have some tea. They were actually incubating a birthday surprise, which I happily embraced as I opened a door to a bunch of familiar faces and a big choc fudge cake. It was heart warming to have friends remember your birthday. I'm not a big fan of birthday celebrations but having experienced a few times the pleasant feeling of being remembered and coupled with the knowledge that people have made efforts to make you happy, I think birthday celebrations are not farcical after all (but still, subject to the context). So a big slice of choc fudge cake made my dinner :)
Then I got my first birthday gift from Orla! A maroon UWO T-shirt and a card! So sweet of her. 我被摸了。I think we've been getting closer and I'm confident that we click now. I'm sooo glad to have her as a roomie.
I video called home this morning and jiu jiu family and zhou yian family and Daphne were at our house. They had had dinner-guo tie and mi fen!! My stomach growls now at the thought of these foods. Although I had lots of dumplings last night, I still crave for the lovely home made guo tie :( Maybe I should start making some dumplings myself as Zhou Yian suggested, or easier, buy them from Far East.
Tonight has been good. Now I'm very tired and is at 3/25 pages. Boo. I shall wake up energised tomorrow morning and speed race through it! Target-Thurs!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
CNY Eve Hotpot
I found out that at least three of my friends have been keeping up with my blog. It's a funny feeling, both pleased and a little queasy as it's the first time I'm publishing online. But more importantly feeling happy out of sharing.
I went with a hotpot CNY eve dinner with Elian, Stefy, Kanica (I need to find out how to spell 'Kanica''s name!), Mike, Kanica's friend Andrea and her room mate. All of us are Chinese except for Kanica. I can't believe that Kanica only stays 2 doors away and this is the first time I talked to her proper. We had a great chat on the bus and her bubbly and cheerful personality is very likeable! Andrea and her room mate are Canadian-HK chinese. Andrea is pretty, looks quite typical HK-chinese and is very nice; glad to have met her.
It was a good dinner because there was hot soup! We had what would be called a "yuan yang guo" with half a pot of 'mala' broth. Kanica surrendered when we could go on for another 45 min and she was labelled the 'weakest link'...haha. It's good that she enjoyed the dinner so much when she didn't even know what hotpot is about before she went into the restaurant!
First CNY eve dinner away from home. There is not even a tiny festive sign here, except for an obscure poster with some CNY chinese food menu at the Hall lobby. This will be one of the more memorable CNY dinner yet, for good or bad reasons. I realise that the environment that one is in determines one's feelings about an occasion. Every year's new year back in Singapore feels like a real start of a fresh year- I would make some effort to make some resolutions (which I don't usually follow up), clean up my table and clear my things, and talk about new year plans with sisters. There is a real count-down and a feeling of having crossed on to the other side to a new year. But it's just another day here.
Anw, got to start working on my paper first thing tomorrow morning, by hook or crook!
I went with a hotpot CNY eve dinner with Elian, Stefy, Kanica (I need to find out how to spell 'Kanica''s name!), Mike, Kanica's friend Andrea and her room mate. All of us are Chinese except for Kanica. I can't believe that Kanica only stays 2 doors away and this is the first time I talked to her proper. We had a great chat on the bus and her bubbly and cheerful personality is very likeable! Andrea and her room mate are Canadian-HK chinese. Andrea is pretty, looks quite typical HK-chinese and is very nice; glad to have met her.
It was a good dinner because there was hot soup! We had what would be called a "yuan yang guo" with half a pot of 'mala' broth. Kanica surrendered when we could go on for another 45 min and she was labelled the 'weakest link'...haha. It's good that she enjoyed the dinner so much when she didn't even know what hotpot is about before she went into the restaurant!
First CNY eve dinner away from home. There is not even a tiny festive sign here, except for an obscure poster with some CNY chinese food menu at the Hall lobby. This will be one of the more memorable CNY dinner yet, for good or bad reasons. I realise that the environment that one is in determines one's feelings about an occasion. Every year's new year back in Singapore feels like a real start of a fresh year- I would make some effort to make some resolutions (which I don't usually follow up), clean up my table and clear my things, and talk about new year plans with sisters. There is a real count-down and a feeling of having crossed on to the other side to a new year. But it's just another day here.
Anw, got to start working on my paper first thing tomorrow morning, by hook or crook!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
London Knights and 2nd Cooking
I've just had a home-cooked dinner with Orla. It was a very nice dinner- rice, vegetables and fish. I think I exceeded my own expectations. I was quite dis-oriented at first because it was the first time I cooked rice in a pot. And also because I wasn't exactly sure how to operate the oven (!! but now I know). Luckily, the rice turned out fine and the fish (which took a longer time to bake in the oven than expected) was nice (arh yes, they are frozen marinated ones). It's so much better to cook for and eat with someone else, that is if I have the time!
Now I understand why Ah gui always shouts and rushes us to go and eat whenever she finishes cooking a dish. It is because she wants all of us to taste the dish when it is at its best-piping hot and tasting fresh. I only understood that when I started cooking for myself here. After frying the vegetables, I was worried that it would not taste good if I leaving it on the table for too long while waiting for the fish to cook. I was worried that Orla would not find it tasty enough...blah...Being the chef is really not easy. It's actually quite stressful to cook for someone else and especially for Ah Gui I think, who has to tolerate our nonsensical criticisms sometimes!
Last night's London Knights v Niagra Icedogs was a cool game. We had a reception before that, ie. free food and feeling happy after eating. The John Labatt Indoor Stadium is quite spectacular. The ice skating rink is huge, the lighting was elaborate and the seats were three levels high. We sat on the third level and had a rather good view of the game. We were really excited when the game started. We actually cheered very hard when the London Knights scored the first goal-I felt like I belonged to London at that moment! I guess competitive sports has that magic touch of bringing out the 'nationalism' or 'sense of belonging' for audience supporting either side. However, it seemed that supporting audience of the Niagara Icedogs was woefully lacking. There was such a contrast in the amplitude of cheers.
However, after the first break, we got sorta bored and I ended up chatting with Elian and joking around with Ruth, both of whom were great company!! Ruth laughed out heartily whenever a player gets squashed against the wall or when there's a fight between incensed played...haha...and together we were 'hey hey look there's a fight!' Haha....and I learnt alot about the education system of HK after the chat with Elian :) It was so nice to have good company after one gets bored in watching a game.
In the end London Knight lost 4-6. Well, kind of embarrassing when London is the host city and especially when the audience cheered so hard for them. Whatever lah.
Tomorrow is CNY eve!
Now I understand why Ah gui always shouts and rushes us to go and eat whenever she finishes cooking a dish. It is because she wants all of us to taste the dish when it is at its best-piping hot and tasting fresh. I only understood that when I started cooking for myself here. After frying the vegetables, I was worried that it would not taste good if I leaving it on the table for too long while waiting for the fish to cook. I was worried that Orla would not find it tasty enough...blah...Being the chef is really not easy. It's actually quite stressful to cook for someone else and especially for Ah Gui I think, who has to tolerate our nonsensical criticisms sometimes!
Last night's London Knights v Niagra Icedogs was a cool game. We had a reception before that, ie. free food and feeling happy after eating. The John Labatt Indoor Stadium is quite spectacular. The ice skating rink is huge, the lighting was elaborate and the seats were three levels high. We sat on the third level and had a rather good view of the game. We were really excited when the game started. We actually cheered very hard when the London Knights scored the first goal-I felt like I belonged to London at that moment! I guess competitive sports has that magic touch of bringing out the 'nationalism' or 'sense of belonging' for audience supporting either side. However, it seemed that supporting audience of the Niagara Icedogs was woefully lacking. There was such a contrast in the amplitude of cheers.
However, after the first break, we got sorta bored and I ended up chatting with Elian and joking around with Ruth, both of whom were great company!! Ruth laughed out heartily whenever a player gets squashed against the wall or when there's a fight between incensed played...haha...and together we were 'hey hey look there's a fight!' Haha....and I learnt alot about the education system of HK after the chat with Elian :) It was so nice to have good company after one gets bored in watching a game.
In the end London Knight lost 4-6. Well, kind of embarrassing when London is the host city and especially when the audience cheered so hard for them. Whatever lah.
Tomorrow is CNY eve!
Friday, January 23, 2009
End of IO and Hockey Game Later!
IO course came to an unofficial end this morning after our presentations. We have no more lessons and the last thing we have to do next week is to hand up our 25/36 page paper.
The presentation went pretty alright, although I think I could have been more confident in my delivery. I think I answered one of the questions only partially well and I floundered for the second part. Anyway, there is always chance for improvement.
I'm going for a ice hockey game later! Ice hockey is really big here, apparently. One of the Canadian-Chinese roomie of Bec told me because "it is the only thing that Canada is good at", haha. It's London Knights v (something) Icedogs. The latter team's name is kind of comical. Caitlin told me today that London Knights has a new player who is quite good. I expect the game to be exciting!
The presentation went pretty alright, although I think I could have been more confident in my delivery. I think I answered one of the questions only partially well and I floundered for the second part. Anyway, there is always chance for improvement.
I'm going for a ice hockey game later! Ice hockey is really big here, apparently. One of the Canadian-Chinese roomie of Bec told me because "it is the only thing that Canada is good at", haha. It's London Knights v (something) Icedogs. The latter team's name is kind of comical. Caitlin told me today that London Knights has a new player who is quite good. I expect the game to be exciting!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Not Feeling Well
Dry throat, cold and a little feverish. I am not feeling well. I guess this is the culmination of 2 days of 5-6 hours research stints in the library and braving of the cold to walk in -10 degrees celsius weather.
I took a nap just now (after having pita bread, potatoes, egg and vegtables for lunch) after a wave of overwhelming fatigue set in. I woke up with the dreadful feeling again- lost, wondering where I am, and overall homesick. I thought I had settled into the rhythm of life here already. I guess this is due to the stress of the presentation on friday coupled with the mild sickness. No lah, the presentation on Friday should not be stressful at all. It's only 10 mins.
Anyway, talked to gwen this afternoon and am rather sad to find that internship at SPH has been a dread for her, mainly because they are expected to contribute fresh news ideas in the weekly team lunch. The stress of the newsroom! And her ideas got shot down by who else but Susan Long! One really needs to be resilient, creative and brimming with ideas to thrive in the newsroom.
The girls are going for Indian food at a restaurant later. I want to go but 心有余而力不足. I'm afraid that I would be even more sick after going out in the cold cold night. I wonder when this winter will end! Hope it would end exceptionally early this year, if not for anything else but just for me!
I was listening to Ah gui's favourite song just now and I wonder what she is doing now. She has probably woken up and going about her usual da chang jing routine :)
I took a nap just now (after having pita bread, potatoes, egg and vegtables for lunch) after a wave of overwhelming fatigue set in. I woke up with the dreadful feeling again- lost, wondering where I am, and overall homesick. I thought I had settled into the rhythm of life here already. I guess this is due to the stress of the presentation on friday coupled with the mild sickness. No lah, the presentation on Friday should not be stressful at all. It's only 10 mins.
Anyway, talked to gwen this afternoon and am rather sad to find that internship at SPH has been a dread for her, mainly because they are expected to contribute fresh news ideas in the weekly team lunch. The stress of the newsroom! And her ideas got shot down by who else but Susan Long! One really needs to be resilient, creative and brimming with ideas to thrive in the newsroom.
The girls are going for Indian food at a restaurant later. I want to go but 心有余而力不足. I'm afraid that I would be even more sick after going out in the cold cold night. I wonder when this winter will end! Hope it would end exceptionally early this year, if not for anything else but just for me!
I was listening to Ah gui's favourite song just now and I wonder what she is doing now. She has probably woken up and going about her usual da chang jing routine :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Presentation, Research paper and Sports Gear
We had to finalise the paper topic today and elect the mode of examination- either 65% paper, 15% presentation or 80% paper in lieu of presentation. I elected the format with the presentation partly because 35 pages for the latter is rather daunting, and also in large part because I thought a presentation would be a good way to hone my public speaking skills and train myself to manage stage fright. I hope it would turn out to be a good choice ;)
So having settled the topic for my paper and with a presentation on my schedule, I was motivated enough to spend 7 hours in the library doing my research! It was not very difficult to find all the relevant books, but sifting through them to find the relevant parts was very time-consuming. I had quite a few books on the table. I borrowed about 1/2 of the books I pulled out from the shelf and it a subtantial load in my bag! The kind and friendly librarian at the desk was so cheerful. As I was talking to her, at the back of my mind I was wondering: how does she manage to stay so cheerful while on duty at 8.3opm in a cold dreary night? This level of hospitality and cheerfulness at work I haven't encountered in Singapore. The librarians at the CJ Koh library, although not grumpy, do not exude this kind of cheery warmth. And this reminds of the service at the restaurants too. The service is really good and the waiters and waitresses are helpful, cheerful and very pro-active. I take my hat off in salutation to their professionalism- no matter which profession they are in. 真是行行出状元. I guess an excellent work attitude helps alot.
I passed by the new recreation and athletic centre on the way back and popped in to take a look. The inside of the building is cool, and the open concept gym on the second floor looks somewhat like a carve-out from a high-end country club. Stefy and Elian told me a few days ago that there is a whole array of free aerobics/yoga/pilates lesson to go to! And I think they have an indoor swimming pool! I'm going to try and buy a pair of sports shoes and other sports gear to take part in all these. Anyway I've paid for the school fees so should make good use of the facilities and classes (Singaporean mentality)! I hope I can find reasonably priced ones in masonville this weekend.
So having settled the topic for my paper and with a presentation on my schedule, I was motivated enough to spend 7 hours in the library doing my research! It was not very difficult to find all the relevant books, but sifting through them to find the relevant parts was very time-consuming. I had quite a few books on the table. I borrowed about 1/2 of the books I pulled out from the shelf and it a subtantial load in my bag! The kind and friendly librarian at the desk was so cheerful. As I was talking to her, at the back of my mind I was wondering: how does she manage to stay so cheerful while on duty at 8.3opm in a cold dreary night? This level of hospitality and cheerfulness at work I haven't encountered in Singapore. The librarians at the CJ Koh library, although not grumpy, do not exude this kind of cheery warmth. And this reminds of the service at the restaurants too. The service is really good and the waiters and waitresses are helpful, cheerful and very pro-active. I take my hat off in salutation to their professionalism- no matter which profession they are in. 真是行行出状元. I guess an excellent work attitude helps alot.
I passed by the new recreation and athletic centre on the way back and popped in to take a look. The inside of the building is cool, and the open concept gym on the second floor looks somewhat like a carve-out from a high-end country club. Stefy and Elian told me a few days ago that there is a whole array of free aerobics/yoga/pilates lesson to go to! And I think they have an indoor swimming pool! I'm going to try and buy a pair of sports shoes and other sports gear to take part in all these. Anyway I've paid for the school fees so should make good use of the facilities and classes (Singaporean mentality)! I hope I can find reasonably priced ones in masonville this weekend.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Back to London and Back to Work for the next 2 weeks!
I reached London at around 8.30pm this morning. The return trip feels so much faster than the trip to there, although it was just a difference of 1 hour. This wraps up my trip to DC and brings me back to London! All that happened there seems like an imagery now.
After video call with family, I was surprised that I did not have to sleep and in fact managed to go on a grocery shopping trip to Loblaw. The weather was too severe for me to get there on my own (today is -15 degrees celsius) and so I took the 1pm bus there and 3pm bus back. Although I did not manage to get all the things I may have needed, I had to go and catch the bus. Oh yes, and I haven't got a pair of boots! The pair that I saw today costs $150, and I was not ready to spend such money on a commodity which I would probably only use for 4 mths. I'll see how.
Tonight was dinner with all the exchange students. Got to know 2 more new faces: Annika (swedish) and Barbara (French). I had a talk with Barbara and her roommate Lucy after dinner and realised they are from Lyons (and they pronounced 'Lyons' in a unique french accent).
It has been a long day for me AND I haven't got any work done!!!! I have a presentation next week...I must really start working on my paper tomorrow.
After video call with family, I was surprised that I did not have to sleep and in fact managed to go on a grocery shopping trip to Loblaw. The weather was too severe for me to get there on my own (today is -15 degrees celsius) and so I took the 1pm bus there and 3pm bus back. Although I did not manage to get all the things I may have needed, I had to go and catch the bus. Oh yes, and I haven't got a pair of boots! The pair that I saw today costs $150, and I was not ready to spend such money on a commodity which I would probably only use for 4 mths. I'll see how.
Tonight was dinner with all the exchange students. Got to know 2 more new faces: Annika (swedish) and Barbara (French). I had a talk with Barbara and her roommate Lucy after dinner and realised they are from Lyons (and they pronounced 'Lyons' in a unique french accent).
It has been a long day for me AND I haven't got any work done!!!! I have a presentation next week...I must really start working on my paper tomorrow.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Chinese Dinner, Finally!
Today is considered the best day in D.C. so far, because I met up with NUS friends! Audrey came to find me at the EU delegation (it was so nice of her to walk in the cold to come find me!) and Gabriel caught up with us later. We ordered chinese fried rice, tom yam beehoon, gong bao chicken, vegetables and tofu and dumplings! It is my best dinner in 2 weeks. Sniff* Audrey was rather incredulous that I am already craving so much for home food when it's only my second week away from home, haha! But I think the good dinner and familiar company really lifted my moods quite a bit for tonight!
Before we went for dinner, Audrey brought me to walk around Georgetown and I learnt abit more about DC. Owing to historical legacy, DC is not considered a state but rather a 'neutral' district. That is why their representative in the Congress does not have a vote and according to one cab driver, could only "make a lot of noise" in the Congress. Audrey also mentioned that this explains the omnipresent posters shouting "DC Statehood, Yes we can!" that we see around almost every corner. Then we went to this famous Georgetown cupcake shop, from where I bought a small US$3.03 cupcake, a whopping price for its size! I didn't check out the price before ordering partly because the prices were blocked behind the counter and partly because I thought since I was there, I might as well get one for a tasting experience.
Then we walked over to the Georgetown Uni main campus. The campus is beautiful, with its clock tower and stony rustic feel. We went inside and sat outside a lecture theatre where I was supposed to eat my muffin, but I didn't really feel like eating it because I had eaten a double choc cookie just 1 hr before that. So we talked for a while, then took a bus to the restaurant.
Taking a bus in DC is not any different from London. One ticket one price, but no transfer slip! haha, Audrey told me that they just stopped giving transfer slips a few weeks before I came. But overall the ride is affordable, US$1.35. It costs CAD$2.45 in London!
Well I guess today is the most eventful and enjoyable day for me in DC because I was able to visit 3 museums in the morning: Air and Space, National Gallery, and Natural History (the ones I really want to visit). I was most impressed by the art pieces in the Art Gallery. I realised that I am a quite a paintings person. It is rather therapeutic to just peer into the painting and try to observe and absorb every detail and interpret their meaning/subject's expression. One of the paintings depicting a cheeky looking younfg girl reminds me of Taiqi! Haha....I was glad I visited the National Gallery. And it was housed in a very majestic building too! And above all I managed to meet up with friends from nus! That is really a bonus.
I'll try to find out where the post office is tomorrow. I shall send my first postcard home!
Before we went for dinner, Audrey brought me to walk around Georgetown and I learnt abit more about DC. Owing to historical legacy, DC is not considered a state but rather a 'neutral' district. That is why their representative in the Congress does not have a vote and according to one cab driver, could only "make a lot of noise" in the Congress. Audrey also mentioned that this explains the omnipresent posters shouting "DC Statehood, Yes we can!" that we see around almost every corner. Then we went to this famous Georgetown cupcake shop, from where I bought a small US$3.03 cupcake, a whopping price for its size! I didn't check out the price before ordering partly because the prices were blocked behind the counter and partly because I thought since I was there, I might as well get one for a tasting experience.
Then we walked over to the Georgetown Uni main campus. The campus is beautiful, with its clock tower and stony rustic feel. We went inside and sat outside a lecture theatre where I was supposed to eat my muffin, but I didn't really feel like eating it because I had eaten a double choc cookie just 1 hr before that. So we talked for a while, then took a bus to the restaurant.
Taking a bus in DC is not any different from London. One ticket one price, but no transfer slip! haha, Audrey told me that they just stopped giving transfer slips a few weeks before I came. But overall the ride is affordable, US$1.35. It costs CAD$2.45 in London!
Well I guess today is the most eventful and enjoyable day for me in DC because I was able to visit 3 museums in the morning: Air and Space, National Gallery, and Natural History (the ones I really want to visit). I was most impressed by the art pieces in the Art Gallery. I realised that I am a quite a paintings person. It is rather therapeutic to just peer into the painting and try to observe and absorb every detail and interpret their meaning/subject's expression. One of the paintings depicting a cheeky looking younfg girl reminds me of Taiqi! Haha....I was glad I visited the National Gallery. And it was housed in a very majestic building too! And above all I managed to meet up with friends from nus! That is really a bonus.
I'll try to find out where the post office is tomorrow. I shall send my first postcard home!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Third Day in D.C.
Today started off a little bit dry with a talk at the CIEL. We had a couple of speakers but I don't think we discussed anything really very memorable. Then we had lunch at a sandwich place called Cosi. The meal I had (grilled chicken melt and hot chocolate) cost me US$10.25! I think I will become a pauper if I do not leave DC soon. So far I've been spending on nothing but food! Yesterday we had dinner at Sequoia restaurant in Georgetown and it cost me US$40. Woo~
The restaurant was very under-patronised yesterday night and we gathered that it was because of the recession getting into everyone's consciousness. It leads me to think: and I am spending so much in a time like this! But guess I have no choice since food is a necessity. I have to eat to live.
After lunch we moved on to the US Institute of Peace. The session was good as we had a good discussion with the lawyers from the "rule of law" department. One of them is slightly more intimidating than the other. The less intimidating one, however, is more knowledgeable and answered our questions more directly I think. I was just thinking, if I were to pick up mooting again, I would like to come across like he did-direct and sincere in answers.
Morgan, Peter, Gustav, Alex and I found some time to visit the Lincoln memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial before we headed to the law firm reception. The marble slabs, pillars and statute of Abraham Lincoln make up a very impressive piece of architecture. The view of the monument from the steps of Lincoln memorial was quite breath-taking as well! I bought some postcards from the bookshop in the memorial...I will send one home and for the remaining two, I have no idea who to send to yet.
The last event for today was a reception with Ian Laird from the firm Crowell and Moring LLP, apparently a very big firm in DC with a few hundred lawyers. The lawyers are from the international law practice group and specifically, international investment arbitration. All of them are very well-qualified; Ian has an LLM from Cambridge and the other 2 have LLMs from Georgetown University, which is a very good university for international law studies I've learnt. Their head of department is very experienced and spoke to us at considerable length on his professional background and advice for us. I wish I could acquire his air of erudition and eloquence.
All the lawyers were very sincere in offering us advice on our careers and surprisingly, had no airs at all. It was a fruitful session for me as I went away contemplative on my approach to choosing my career path. I also left with a sanguine feeling that being a top-notch lawyer is not outside anyone's reach., including mine. Dilligence, acuity, business sense and eloquence in communication can be cultivated, and don't think it's too late for me to start now.
The restaurant was very under-patronised yesterday night and we gathered that it was because of the recession getting into everyone's consciousness. It leads me to think: and I am spending so much in a time like this! But guess I have no choice since food is a necessity. I have to eat to live.
After lunch we moved on to the US Institute of Peace. The session was good as we had a good discussion with the lawyers from the "rule of law" department. One of them is slightly more intimidating than the other. The less intimidating one, however, is more knowledgeable and answered our questions more directly I think. I was just thinking, if I were to pick up mooting again, I would like to come across like he did-direct and sincere in answers.
Morgan, Peter, Gustav, Alex and I found some time to visit the Lincoln memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial before we headed to the law firm reception. The marble slabs, pillars and statute of Abraham Lincoln make up a very impressive piece of architecture. The view of the monument from the steps of Lincoln memorial was quite breath-taking as well! I bought some postcards from the bookshop in the memorial...I will send one home and for the remaining two, I have no idea who to send to yet.
The last event for today was a reception with Ian Laird from the firm Crowell and Moring LLP, apparently a very big firm in DC with a few hundred lawyers. The lawyers are from the international law practice group and specifically, international investment arbitration. All of them are very well-qualified; Ian has an LLM from Cambridge and the other 2 have LLMs from Georgetown University, which is a very good university for international law studies I've learnt. Their head of department is very experienced and spoke to us at considerable length on his professional background and advice for us. I wish I could acquire his air of erudition and eloquence.
All the lawyers were very sincere in offering us advice on our careers and surprisingly, had no airs at all. It was a fruitful session for me as I went away contemplative on my approach to choosing my career path. I also left with a sanguine feeling that being a top-notch lawyer is not outside anyone's reach., including mine. Dilligence, acuity, business sense and eloquence in communication can be cultivated, and don't think it's too late for me to start now.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
"Your English is Perfect"
A fellow classmate told me that my English is 'perfect'! Well I've never expected such a compliment because I have always thought there is lots of room for improvement in the fluency of my spoken English. She told me that after I asked a question during the talk by the IMF rep and she is the second person, after Orla, to tell me that.
I think I can rationalise it as the "Sarah Palin expectation -phenomenon". After she had her vice-presidential debate with Biden, it was apparently quite evident that she had lost to Biden when it comes to the degree of grasp on national issues. However, some have said that she had scored a victory in her own right because public expectation was so low in the first place that it was quite easy to cross the threshold of expectation. I have a nagging feeling that this was the effect in my case. As I am a Chinese from a remote island called Singapore, perhaps most people would not expect me to speak relatively good English. And perhaps because I speak relatively good English, I have crossed the threshold of expectation and therefore considered to speak well! This is not necessarily a bad thing; at least I've managed to get compliments for my spoken English, well done! I have to continue to polish up my spoken English and this is my new resolution! Thanks to the fellow classmate who let me know what she thinks about my English, it was a considerable encouragement!
Today we went to the well known institutions: IMF and World Bank. The IMF talk by the legal counsel (he is from Canada) was quite dry but not bad for knowing what the legal faculty of the IMF thinks and their roles in the Fund. Then we had lunch at Corner bakery. The meal, which serves quite a small portion according to American standards, was US$8 ie abt S$12! It was just a sandwich and a bowl of soup. Woo~
Then we had a talk at one of the organs of the WB, the centre for settlement of Investment Disputes. Its principal function is to oversee the settlement of disputes between an investor and a state. The speaker is from Chile and it was not bad. The last speaker was Serge from the Inspection Panel of the World Bank The IP is supposed to be an independent fact finding body which looks into the complainants by people/state harmed by World Bank Projects. Serge is a nice, pleasant guy with a very gentlemanly disposition. I liked his talk, although I was feeling sleepy. I looked at the clock at one point in time and realised that it was 2am SG time. I guess my biological clock has not really attuned itself to N Amerian time zone.
Anw, going for a dinner with Prof Carmody in 15min time. But I feel tired now! My roommate has gone down to the lobby to use the internet I guess. So I'm alone in the room now. I'll now take this last 15 min to rest.
I think I can rationalise it as the "Sarah Palin expectation -phenomenon". After she had her vice-presidential debate with Biden, it was apparently quite evident that she had lost to Biden when it comes to the degree of grasp on national issues. However, some have said that she had scored a victory in her own right because public expectation was so low in the first place that it was quite easy to cross the threshold of expectation. I have a nagging feeling that this was the effect in my case. As I am a Chinese from a remote island called Singapore, perhaps most people would not expect me to speak relatively good English. And perhaps because I speak relatively good English, I have crossed the threshold of expectation and therefore considered to speak well! This is not necessarily a bad thing; at least I've managed to get compliments for my spoken English, well done! I have to continue to polish up my spoken English and this is my new resolution! Thanks to the fellow classmate who let me know what she thinks about my English, it was a considerable encouragement!
Today we went to the well known institutions: IMF and World Bank. The IMF talk by the legal counsel (he is from Canada) was quite dry but not bad for knowing what the legal faculty of the IMF thinks and their roles in the Fund. Then we had lunch at Corner bakery. The meal, which serves quite a small portion according to American standards, was US$8 ie abt S$12! It was just a sandwich and a bowl of soup. Woo~
Then we had a talk at one of the organs of the WB, the centre for settlement of Investment Disputes. Its principal function is to oversee the settlement of disputes between an investor and a state. The speaker is from Chile and it was not bad. The last speaker was Serge from the Inspection Panel of the World Bank The IP is supposed to be an independent fact finding body which looks into the complainants by people/state harmed by World Bank Projects. Serge is a nice, pleasant guy with a very gentlemanly disposition. I liked his talk, although I was feeling sleepy. I looked at the clock at one point in time and realised that it was 2am SG time. I guess my biological clock has not really attuned itself to N Amerian time zone.
Anw, going for a dinner with Prof Carmody in 15min time. But I feel tired now! My roommate has gone down to the lobby to use the internet I guess. So I'm alone in the room now. I'll now take this last 15 min to rest.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. city, the repository of political power! Haha, whatever the case, this city is beautiful and some of its renowned architecture naturally inspired awe in me. Roman pillars, the Capitol Building, museums...all speak volumes about the rich and dignified history of the United States of America.
I guess USA is the only world superpower not without good reasons. All its major institutions are well-organised in an orderly fashion and there is a palpable pride of the people in their shared history. This comes with the maturing of the state over time and does not come naturally to young nations with colonial memories that cannot be shaken off easily. I think political struggles in the past also serves to make a triumphant nation more resilient and united in the face of adversity. This is my sense of the substratum of the american society. I think heritage and the associated pride define who the americans are, and how they assertively juxtapose themselves vis-a-vis the rest of the world.
But of course, America is far from flawless. I have yet to visit the seedier parts of the country, nor will I stay here long enough to find out more about this country.
In any case, over-consumption is a real problem in USA. The food portions are so big (and the price is equally huge)! Like for dinner tonight at the Union Station, Michelle and almost all of us could not finish our food. So wasteful.
I went around looking for noodles with soup at the Union Station and I was so surprised that there was not a single chinese food stall! In the end I had to settle for oily tepanyaki style noodles. I miss hot and soupy chinese food!
Meetings with people at the Tillar House was good. We had 3 speakers, Rafael, someone from WB and Scott Lyons. Rafael is such a charismatic speaker such that it hardly felt like a 'lesson' on the EU at all. With his lead, the discussions were so spontaneously rigorous. Really admirable and smart guy. WB person was regular and Scott was very helpful.
Walk around capitol building was fun and time well spent. We took some photos and it struck me that Canadians, despite being fellow North Americans in close proximity, generally do not identity with anything in the US. US is in a sense in a little capsule of its own.
I'm feeling very tired now from a long day!! I need to go to bed now as tmr I have to wake up at 8am for another day that is set to be more tiring!
I guess USA is the only world superpower not without good reasons. All its major institutions are well-organised in an orderly fashion and there is a palpable pride of the people in their shared history. This comes with the maturing of the state over time and does not come naturally to young nations with colonial memories that cannot be shaken off easily. I think political struggles in the past also serves to make a triumphant nation more resilient and united in the face of adversity. This is my sense of the substratum of the american society. I think heritage and the associated pride define who the americans are, and how they assertively juxtapose themselves vis-a-vis the rest of the world.
But of course, America is far from flawless. I have yet to visit the seedier parts of the country, nor will I stay here long enough to find out more about this country.
In any case, over-consumption is a real problem in USA. The food portions are so big (and the price is equally huge)! Like for dinner tonight at the Union Station, Michelle and almost all of us could not finish our food. So wasteful.
I went around looking for noodles with soup at the Union Station and I was so surprised that there was not a single chinese food stall! In the end I had to settle for oily tepanyaki style noodles. I miss hot and soupy chinese food!
Meetings with people at the Tillar House was good. We had 3 speakers, Rafael, someone from WB and Scott Lyons. Rafael is such a charismatic speaker such that it hardly felt like a 'lesson' on the EU at all. With his lead, the discussions were so spontaneously rigorous. Really admirable and smart guy. WB person was regular and Scott was very helpful.
Walk around capitol building was fun and time well spent. We took some photos and it struck me that Canadians, despite being fellow North Americans in close proximity, generally do not identity with anything in the US. US is in a sense in a little capsule of its own.
I'm feeling very tired now from a long day!! I need to go to bed now as tmr I have to wake up at 8am for another day that is set to be more tiring!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pensive
My biological clock seems haywire now. I was very sleepy at about 9pm, so I took a nap and woke up at 2am just now. I so sleepy that I couldn't drag myself up to go for dinner with Orla, Carlet and Sofie. Now I'm very awake!
I went to see Andrea about a problem I may have regarding the travel to Washington. The I-94 visa waiver departure card in my passport was supposed to be turned in before I leave US, I just realised yesterday night. Nobody at Detriot and the airport here took it from me though. According to the card I may experience some delay at the border next time that I cross. Andrea promptly called up the people who may provide information on this matter to seek advice. The crucial person who did the pre clearance could not be reached...so. I really hope everthing would go through smoothly on Sun...otherwise, not only money would be lost but it would also stir up quite a lot of hassle.
Then I went to see Prof Carmody in his office regarding my research topic in the afternoon. He was very busy as students were looking him up before and after I went into his office. He was very nice and helped me looked up some relevant books on the library catalogue. Hmm, but the book which I saw available yesterday on the shelf (but did not borrow) is now on loan. I wonder if someone is else is doing the same topic as me?
First week in London and everything is fine. However, it seems that a long time has passed since I left SG. I still miss SG and family. There is a resolution that I am going to make now: resume my daily prayers! No more excuses for me.
I went to see Andrea about a problem I may have regarding the travel to Washington. The I-94 visa waiver departure card in my passport was supposed to be turned in before I leave US, I just realised yesterday night. Nobody at Detriot and the airport here took it from me though. According to the card I may experience some delay at the border next time that I cross. Andrea promptly called up the people who may provide information on this matter to seek advice. The crucial person who did the pre clearance could not be reached...so. I really hope everthing would go through smoothly on Sun...otherwise, not only money would be lost but it would also stir up quite a lot of hassle.
Then I went to see Prof Carmody in his office regarding my research topic in the afternoon. He was very busy as students were looking him up before and after I went into his office. He was very nice and helped me looked up some relevant books on the library catalogue. Hmm, but the book which I saw available yesterday on the shelf (but did not borrow) is now on loan. I wonder if someone is else is doing the same topic as me?
First week in London and everything is fine. However, it seems that a long time has passed since I left SG. I still miss SG and family. There is a resolution that I am going to make now: resume my daily prayers! No more excuses for me.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Cooking and Denning
I cooked my first dinner here last night: whole wheat macaroni with veggies and mashed potatoes with eggs. I did not have the potato though. I gave one portion to Orla, then the rest to Stephy, Elian and Hini. I brought the food over to the girls and had a nice chat with them. At about 7.30pm, Stephy and Elian were still cooking their dinner. I've never enjoyed cooking but cooking (or in my case not really cooking) for others is a little less dreadful because there is a purpose and there is normally a desire to do it better. Cooking for oneself is tiring and it takes such a long time I was doubtful whether it was worth all the trouble halfway into it! I was sooo tired after cooking, probably because I was already feeling a quite tired before that. But talking to the girls perked me up a bit. The macaroni I made was quite badly cooked but I attribute most of the disaster to the bad taste of the pasta itself, probably because it was whole wheat and in a very dehydrated form before cooking. I should look up one-person-meal recipes online soon.
I didn't feel like going for drinks at Denning, but after getting the fb message from Adriana and some goading by Orla, I decided to go anyway. Since it was the first denning, it should be quite a fresh session. We also met up with Anne-Sofie's friend at a restaurant prior to that. Her friend treated us to shots which tasted like the awful cherry red cough syrup I hated. 4 of us cheered and after the other girls downed theirs, mine was still intact, ahaha! Well I eventually gulped it down anyway. The girls also ordered other drinks, which didn't taste good at all. Anyway, welcome to Canadian drinking culture! I felt quite incongruent with the culture here in this respect as I don't see what's so enjoyable about drinking...but it was fun participating in something that I do not usually do.
TJ's became so crowded and noisy I was literally shouting into the ears of anyone whom I was talking to. Got stuck at the counter on my way back from the restroom, and talked to a few people who happened to come by to get drinks. Haha. What a way to meet people. I met Joel (who happened to know Adriana quite well!), Erica (girl planning to go NUS for exchange next sem!), Dan (first year) and Vanessa (who took IO last year!).
We left at about 1am in a taxi. Anyway glad that I went. Although it was not exactly a lot of fun, it was a different way to spend a night with different people.
I didn't feel like going for drinks at Denning, but after getting the fb message from Adriana and some goading by Orla, I decided to go anyway. Since it was the first denning, it should be quite a fresh session. We also met up with Anne-Sofie's friend at a restaurant prior to that. Her friend treated us to shots which tasted like the awful cherry red cough syrup I hated. 4 of us cheered and after the other girls downed theirs, mine was still intact, ahaha! Well I eventually gulped it down anyway. The girls also ordered other drinks, which didn't taste good at all. Anyway, welcome to Canadian drinking culture! I felt quite incongruent with the culture here in this respect as I don't see what's so enjoyable about drinking...but it was fun participating in something that I do not usually do.
TJ's became so crowded and noisy I was literally shouting into the ears of anyone whom I was talking to. Got stuck at the counter on my way back from the restroom, and talked to a few people who happened to come by to get drinks. Haha. What a way to meet people. I met Joel (who happened to know Adriana quite well!), Erica (girl planning to go NUS for exchange next sem!), Dan (first year) and Vanessa (who took IO last year!).
We left at about 1am in a taxi. Anyway glad that I went. Although it was not exactly a lot of fun, it was a different way to spend a night with different people.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Oh dear, it's snowing!
It's 7.38am London time. It's snowing rather heavily! I bet it hasn't stopped since last night. I had hoped that it would stop. How am I to walk to school later? I haven't got any snow boots! Oh dear this is the worse morning yet since I came. As usual, I'll take things in my stride. I had been worried about my journey here but I arrived and settled in all the same. This shouldn't be too much of a problem for me (fingers crossed).
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
First Day
First day of IO was normal and overall quite good. Went away quite satisfied with how the lesson was run. I didn't expect that the paper would be due in 2 weeks after I come back from Washington though. What a crash course. Prof Carmody is a neat and by-the- books guy and I could see a bit of him in me, I think.
I gotta a bit unnerved tonight when a denmark exchange student told me that she did not sign up for IO because she would not be able to travel to US in April then. I didn't know of such rules. So I emailed the Singapore Consulate to check with them. I hope this is inaccurate hearsay. But if it happens to be true, too bad I can't travel to US after the exchange. A little disappointing but no big deal I guess.
I paid CAD $140 for the Reznet service and the denmark exchange student could use it for free! Orla helped her with it. I wonder how they managed to do it. I feel a little cheated now. Anyway, it's money spent and no use being bitter about it! Cheer up and I should not let something that cannot be helped bother me too much.
I've hardly done any readings for IOs and I should really buck up now! In SG, I'd not have gone out for dinner just now given the very time-pressed situation I am in. However, I thought to myself since I am here, perhaps I should heed Louis's advice and not 'coop' myself up! It would be foolish to do so and then regret not having let go of certain short term inconsequential targets for some experience that I would still recall with fondness later on, after I've forgotten all of what I've studied. Anyway, although it was a cosy dinner with so many people around the table, I guess I was too tired to really enjoy. But I'm glad I met Rebecca and her canadian-chinese roomies.
Adriana is really sweet, dropped me a message to ask how my first day was. I never thought I'd meet such a worthy friend like her here. I hope our friendship would blossom :)
Monday, January 5, 2009
School is Starting Tomorrow
Finally, January 6th- the day that I've been looking forward to since my arrival in London. However, now that it is arriving I have a mix of excitement and slight apprenhensiveness going on in me. Excitement because I am able to experience classes in Canada; apprehensive because I am not sure what are the expectations of the Professors here. In NUS it is easy as we've either been taught by the professors before, or we's have heard about their teaching styles/expectations from students/workload from classes from people and seniors. Anyway, some uncertainty is part and parcel of exchange!
The last two days have been eventful. JC brought me around on my second day and on my third day, helped me to move into London Hall. He has really been a great help to me! He even offered to drive us to the Wal Mart supercentre so that we could pick up things like groceries and bed linens. I felt fortunate to have met such a nice fellow countryman. Who says Singaporeans are aloof?
Today was a great day too. I went to tour the campus with Orla, my Irish housemate. We found the law faculty building without much of a hassle and went around looking at almost every building in UWO. It's not as big as NUS Kent Ridge Campus but the architecture is much more awe-inspiring. We then had lunch at the UCC. I had a veggie Subway sandwich which is almost the same numerical price as Singapore, sans the exchange rate differential.
I then met up with my exchange buddy, Adriana. Adriana has a great personality which made her glow. We had great conversations both on the bus and over dinner. I was actually surprised that we seemed to have no barriers between us at all, linguistically or frequency wise. We clicked almost immediately and I found her to be a really sincere and genuine friend.
I think I'm just blessed to have met with such kindred souls within just a few days. I think it can only get better :)
Thinking about home, Joey told me that Ah gui is still tired from taking care of Taiqi on her own. I have to resist the thought that I shouldn't have come for exchange at all, because it'd not justify the lengths that Ah gui has gone to put me on this exchange.
Ok, time to sleep. 8.30am class tomorrow!
The last two days have been eventful. JC brought me around on my second day and on my third day, helped me to move into London Hall. He has really been a great help to me! He even offered to drive us to the Wal Mart supercentre so that we could pick up things like groceries and bed linens. I felt fortunate to have met such a nice fellow countryman. Who says Singaporeans are aloof?
Today was a great day too. I went to tour the campus with Orla, my Irish housemate. We found the law faculty building without much of a hassle and went around looking at almost every building in UWO. It's not as big as NUS Kent Ridge Campus but the architecture is much more awe-inspiring. We then had lunch at the UCC. I had a veggie Subway sandwich which is almost the same numerical price as Singapore, sans the exchange rate differential.
I then met up with my exchange buddy, Adriana. Adriana has a great personality which made her glow. We had great conversations both on the bus and over dinner. I was actually surprised that we seemed to have no barriers between us at all, linguistically or frequency wise. We clicked almost immediately and I found her to be a really sincere and genuine friend.
I think I'm just blessed to have met with such kindred souls within just a few days. I think it can only get better :)
Thinking about home, Joey told me that Ah gui is still tired from taking care of Taiqi on her own. I have to resist the thought that I shouldn't have come for exchange at all, because it'd not justify the lengths that Ah gui has gone to put me on this exchange.
Ok, time to sleep. 8.30am class tomorrow!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Friend and A day around London, ON
I'm grateful to Kelvin, who introduced me to Jen Chyang, one of the few Singaporeans living permanently here. JC volunteered to show me around and he kindly drove me to a number of places. We went to Masonville Place (where I had gone yesterday to buy my adaptor), Loblaw (a groceries place where I bought apples, carrots and tomatoes), Chapters (a bookstore with an adjunct Starbucks), Best Buy (like Best Denki, is an electronics store. I bought a mouse there).
Shopping is expensive here! Not only is there a 5% GST, there is a 8% or thereabout provincial tax! The government taxes off goods is appalling. Now I see some sense in the Singapore Government policy against a welfare state. Though I must say that healthcare can be better subsidised in SG. JC told me that healthcare in CA is totally free! That's incredible to a Singaporean's ears who lives in country where people 'would rather die than fall sick'.
JC also drove me to see the UWO campus and the law faculty builiding/London Hall. We passed by the Thames River, covered in snow and liveless but I could tell that it had seen better times. I think the scenery on the riverside should be rather magnificent in the fall/autumn period. Following that we went to south London and visited another mall, then we headed for dinner at a vietnamese restaurant. I had shrimp dumpling with egg noodles. Portions were small and overall rather expensive though the price is considered mid-range. If standard of living correlates directly with the price of food and goods, then the standard here is very high. I didn't expect the prices of goods to be so high such that it's comparable to prices in other major western posh cities. Oh well...
Still feeling a little bit depressed about living alone. I'm still not used to the way of living for myself only-there seems to be something missing. Anyway, saw a book on philosophy in Chapters today and it says Aristotle thinks the telos (the "end"/"purpose") of man is happiness! Some other philosophers did not agree because happiness seems too superficial. But I agree with Aristotle. Man is constantly-consciously or not-seeking satisfaction in life which necessarily translates to happiness. I think to be able to show love your loved ones is one great source of happiness.
I'm moving into the residence tomorrow. I hope everything goes well.
Shopping is expensive here! Not only is there a 5% GST, there is a 8% or thereabout provincial tax! The government taxes off goods is appalling. Now I see some sense in the Singapore Government policy against a welfare state. Though I must say that healthcare can be better subsidised in SG. JC told me that healthcare in CA is totally free! That's incredible to a Singaporean's ears who lives in country where people 'would rather die than fall sick'.
JC also drove me to see the UWO campus and the law faculty builiding/London Hall. We passed by the Thames River, covered in snow and liveless but I could tell that it had seen better times. I think the scenery on the riverside should be rather magnificent in the fall/autumn period. Following that we went to south London and visited another mall, then we headed for dinner at a vietnamese restaurant. I had shrimp dumpling with egg noodles. Portions were small and overall rather expensive though the price is considered mid-range. If standard of living correlates directly with the price of food and goods, then the standard here is very high. I didn't expect the prices of goods to be so high such that it's comparable to prices in other major western posh cities. Oh well...
Still feeling a little bit depressed about living alone. I'm still not used to the way of living for myself only-there seems to be something missing. Anyway, saw a book on philosophy in Chapters today and it says Aristotle thinks the telos (the "end"/"purpose") of man is happiness! Some other philosophers did not agree because happiness seems too superficial. But I agree with Aristotle. Man is constantly-consciously or not-seeking satisfaction in life which necessarily translates to happiness. I think to be able to show love your loved ones is one great source of happiness.
I'm moving into the residence tomorrow. I hope everything goes well.
Friday, January 2, 2009
In Transit and Settling Down
I met Jon Kao at during transit at Tokyo Narita! I didn't know that we were at the same plane until I saw him in a parallel queue for luggage check. What a coincidence. I had not expected to meet anyone I know on the journey here, so it was a pleasant surprise. He's going to Queen's, but before that to join Ben and his Aunt in Toronto. At least we could take turns to look after the belongings while the other goes to the toilet.
Detriot Airport is a fairly big one given that it mainly services Northwest Airline only. There was a stretch of travellator connecting concourse A to B and Cans there it was an interesting tunnel with galaxy-like swirling lights and music. I was quite impressed
Taking a cab to my hostel was so expensive! CAD$29 for a 20min ride. I can't understand that. However the driver was quite nice and helped me with my luggages.
The Guesthouse is really as described, tranquil and prim. It had been snowing so the view outside my balcony is a snowy one. Why did I ever think that seeing snow is fun? As I trudged along the snow covered grounds I wonder: why am I here walking on snow when I could be walking on the clean and easy walkways in SG? It just felt somehow surreal when it occurred to me that I have been transported to a different world. No more warm weather and easy life.
I went to Masonville Place today and what I was told to be a 7 min walk turned out to be at least 12min. But I pressed on because I had to get a laptop charger adapter! My 'universal adaptor' got burnt when I inserted it into the socket here. Having a goal in mind can really keep one going. And looking around for the adaptor was not easy. Luckily I met a very helpful staff at Zellers (their equivalent of our Giant) who said 'hello' to me first. She directed me to go to the Access store instead and that's where I got the right one. 'Gui ren' in a foreign land is a blessing. I took a bus back as it became too cold to walk back to the hostel. I've been done a shopping that is more tiring and depressing. Even as I was about to leave, I didn't even know where to look for a bus stop. I had to ask around and was lucky to have been guided by a Jap man who was with his family.
Departure
I hadn't want the departure to be a teary one. However, emotions are hard to control and I guess I'm too soft at this. Jas and Gwen the good pals were there-thanks for staying up! I used to think that being seen off by the family is enough. However, the feeling of having your friends there with you is one of a totally different kind. While with family there is overwhelming sadness and reluctance surging inside everyone during the lead time before boarding, friends give you a sense of warmth and security. And Jas even made me a tub of pineapple tarts!
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