Reading Week

I'm back!! If you have been following my blog and realised that it had stagnated one week ago, it's because I was really away.

After a gruelling IO paper, I thought I deserved a nice break. The one week break came just in time. It was such an incredibly eventful week that looking back now, I wonder if it has even happened at all.

I'd really like to write a long post but I'm so tired now that my eyes can hardly open. So I shall make a quick broad brush of the reading week activities.

NYC was fun. Three fully packed days with lots to see and do everyday. The very nice people, especially Joanna, at ISC makes me want to go back to stay there again. Visits include Columbia Uni campus, Times Square, NY public library, Bryant Park Herald square, Liberty Island, Chinatown, Little Italy and the museums. I think Times Square left a lasting impression simply because of the loudness of everything. Gawdy buildings, neon lights, billboards and digital screens. Taking the subway was a little depressing though, when homeless beggars approach people in the train for money, food and water. It's quite ironic to encounter this in a city brimming with money and power. At the same time I was thinking that the culture is really different. No matter how poor or destitute someone is in Singapore, I don't think he would ever stand in the middle of a train and publicly ask for help-that's also why we never see such people on the mrt trains. It's to do with the asian reticence in contrast to the western openness. Overall I would say NYC is a must go, although 3 or 4 days are enough for the whole city.

Returned to Toronto on Wednesday for STINT at Cassels &Brock (which was a nice and neat session meeting with lawyers from different practice groups) and Women Connecting Seminar on Friday (an eye-opener and quite inspiring discussion with different panels. Cocktail was good as well as there were more people to talk to).

Went to stay with Adriana's family on Thursday evening. I think it is and will be the best part of my exchange experience. The friendship, the warmth and the hospitality is compelling. I must say I can't be more fortunate to have had met Adriana and her family. Even now as I am recalling the last 3 days, it feels nostalgic and kind of surreal. I will miss Richmond Hill.

Anways, school is starting again tommorow and it marks the beginning of the Spring term. I have 4 modules to juggle next term. Let's hope I wake up tomorrow renewed and refreshed, ready to start a new term!