Happy 2014

It has been a great year doing amazing things all year round and meeting new people. I ended my 2013 and welcomed 2014 in Bangkok, the so called sin-city of Asia. The first time staying in a massive 6 bunk beds hostel (I know there are rooms with more beds) and I was not surprised that none in the room is Asian except me. We did some touristy things together and really had fun specifically the temples visiting.  We visited the infamous ping-pong show (I hope my parents would never find out) and I was really stunned by the kind of performance they could do with their ahem. Food was great especially the tom yum but pathai was so so, maybe our char-kwey-tiaw is better. 

Here is one of our group pictures taken. Me, Kasper from Denmark, Simon from Australia and Melli from Germany. =)

Finally meeting up Nicolas (left) again for the third time in 2013. It is amazing how we get our friendship going since the first meetup in Kuching in June 2013 thru a mutual couchsurfer. It is amazing how I keep all this friendship in pace and almost all of them become my good or even best friends now. I really appreciate the effect of what traveling has brought me, thank you. =) 

It's been a great year really. I believe I changed a lot from inside from a teenage kid who used to trap in the materialistic world evolves to a person who is more outward with a big heart of adventurer. I had a flying color results graduated from polytechnic, traveled alone to down under and got a good job in a German firm! That's like all my wish list came to realisation!

In 2014, I wish I can continue to excel in studies while having a job in hand. I know it's not gonna be easy but let's get this through. To be honest my focus will still be on my studies as work is just an obligation that I am tied to. But sometimes it is the good penny that keeps me moving. As I am in the midst to fund myself a world tour soon I think keeping a job in hand is pretty important!

Resolution for a new year huh? Hrm... After getting into the workforce for about 5 months I starting to realize this might not be the ultimate thing I am going to do for the rest of my life. I involved in a couple trade shows the past few months and found out that I actually enjoy more doing the preparation of a better visual appeal and how the make the product looks more convincing to customer which leads to the business/marketing/economics field. Certainly I could perform well as an engineer in what I am currently doing but it eventually get bored now (after few months) after having to deal with technical stuff all the time. I find out that I am more like a person who likes to interact more with bona fide people, how to enhance one's experience with what I am doing. So my resolution this year is to keep exploring myself and to find where it fits me the best. Be it a tutor to help a student understanding in what he is studying or to become a friendly accommodation provider to make visitor finds the home away from home. I think things like that are what I enjoy doing better. 2014 I will continue to travel more on my own to see what the world has to offer me. 

p/s: My boss was not really happy that I applied for leave during Christmas to go home. He said "work first then play". Despite having a few days of legitimate pro-rated leave but he did not seems to willingly grant it for me. I really hope his principle in line with our parent German company of work-life balance or else really, I do not think I will stay long despite all the perks of great remuneration package and the opportunity travel to work. I hope the German culture is in the heart of this Asia HQ, or I might keep looking for a real German's.

Meaning Of Life?

You know how difficult it is to maintain a work-life balance when your soulmate is thousands miles away and the only thing to keep you sober is studies and work. I enjoy my current work so much and do make a decent amount among my peers, actually having a large lump sum left after every month and started thinking to invest a property in Malaysia. But what do I gain in return to keep the spiritual parts occupied? I miss my schoolmates so much, really. Distance has kept us really far at certain point I cannot be bothered to travel almost 4 hours round trip just for a couple hours of potluck gathering? I know there is a saying that minority follows but the commitment to put in is massive. Alternative always has to come in hand to resort a better me especially in the psychological section. I have to keep moving to scout for inspiration to kick start my entrepreneurship and I strongly believe that a good partner is essential with akin character. Not an easy task. Collecting ideas for inspiration has become an integral of my life and that is the reason why I invest so much (not really that much in backpacker's way) in travel recently.  

Filial Piety

I went to Cathay AMK for movie last Friday, I watched "Escape". Nothing much to comment on the movie just another action movie which is very fascinating, very typical American film. As usual I went down to level 1 to grab my MOS rice burger (if you never tried it you must! It reminds me a lot of my fond time in Japan). As it was early prior to my show I dined-in and did not do the takeaway I used to. While I was happy munching away my big fat chunky fries the table opposite me caught my sight. It was a daughter and her mother. Initially the waiter delivered a large size soft drink over. The old lady (mother) stood up and approached the counter to get an extra cup then came back and shared the drink with her daughter. I was pretty surprise why was the mother who went to take the cup but not the daughter. I tried to direct my ears towards their direction that I thought I would hear a "thank you" from the young lady. Nothing but instead "你不要耍赖，你一定要喝多一点！" The image of a filial daughter bringing her old folk out for a meal on weekend, a role model has shattered instantly at that point. She was rude and actually ordering her mum to finish the drink if she can't. While waiting for the rest of their order to be served, I only see two things that make me feel really sad. The daughter just non-stop swiping her thumb on the screen with an occasional rude verbal throwing in her mum's face followed by a displeased look as if she were a little girl throwing tantrum when her mum did not want to buy her her favorite toys. The meal was served a few minutes later with two MOS signature burgers. I was done with my meal and left. 

It reminds me a lot of my family. She has time to spend with her elderly but does not seem to appreciate it but at least, AT LEAST she still brought her mum out for dinner although being reluctant. I always keep a very close relationship with my mum everyday. We whatsapp, we call and sometimes FaceTime (ever since my mum changed to Samsung we seldom use FaceTime anymore unless she uses my bros or dad iPhone). We have so much time hearing each other's voice that at certain point we were having awkward silence because we did not know what to say anymore. Having said so I am never physically present by her side, or even by my dad's side. Verbally they don't want me to always go back as they thought I would love to stay overseas and find hometown really boring. Indeed I admit I don't really like to go back unless I need to. I think it is just something in our gene that we love to be bound by foreign land. Now if I recall the members of my family almost more than half do not reside in hometown. My dad's sister has been living in the US for more than 40 years, his brother is also currently in Singapore. My cousins? So many are overseas there are some whom I even lost track of. I find that "going-overseas" kind of gene has starting to surface in me. I used to love to go back Kuching but now whenever I have the opportunity to do so I would just hop on the plane elsewhere and travel. Deep down I love my parents and family so much I wish I could have more time spend together. Contradicting huh? In the western culture, the kids have to shift out from the parents when they are in high school or as late as after college. But in our culture usually we don't shift out until we get married some still stay with parents even after married (especially the guy). That explains why the Asians' house usually has more bedrooms than the Westerners do. These days I find myself in a very difficult situation where my family oriented side wanted me to be home to stay with my parents but the other side of me is to go to different parts of the world to see, to feel the culture. None of which is evil nor devilish, just how I follow my instinct every time I come across these two options. This time, the latter wins. I am off again this Saturday.

p/s: He is a German.

星期五的夜晚

我独自站在长龙的后边

默默地向前移近

买了一张票

走进剧场

演完了这场独角戏

Untitled

Yesterday we patted on our shoulders toasting our pints high up in the air 

promising on our eternity friendship,

Today I gave you a ring in a blue moon asking for favor,

And then you unreluctantly nodded out of what seems like a forced obligation,

Tomorrow I am meeting a friend from Germany not knowing what to expect,

But from yesterday and today I know at any instance,

Celebrate the joyous moment is better than to reminisce the memory

that would hardly happen again.

I find it so difficult to keep the conversation rolling anymore. The green icon only pops out when favor takes place. Although it seems legit regardless if one is a good friend or just a hi-bye friend but when I tried to roll out a casual ball on the rainy weather, all I got was a delayed reply and slavish "urm...ya" response that resonated the already cold air around me. It happened a few times. At that very moment I was pretty upset and felt sorry for that very smooth flow of conversation that came out from no where which we once had and proud of. Time diluted everything and distance definitely pulled us further. I reckon my change from a materialism to a more spiritual person has somehow made me kind of standout in the crowd and could not blend in as well as I would before. Retail is no longer top on my list but carrying a backpack footing on a foreign land is. Rather surround myself in the lush of mother earth than spending hours on queue just to ride on a 90 seconds world's faster twin roller coaster. The only agenda that remains the same is the foundation of CREAF and the idea of which my belief lies.

30 Days of September

Ever wondering what was I doing for the entire September? It has been a mixed of everything but in the end something good finally struck me, it's like rojak you have everything inside but it tastes awfully awesome. 

I finally secured a real job at OPEN MIND Technologies Asia Pacific AG! Real job as in I am really starting working as oppose to my previous status despite having an offer but the dorky *** and *** refuse to grant me a valid pass! At first I thought I would begin a 8-5 job living the life like most of the working adults do but wait a minute it's not! First thing first the company practice flexible working time that's mean I can come to work and off work slightly off the schedule as long as I am completing my task. Official reporting time is from 9-6 but you can come later and leave earlier if you have other agenda going on. Second the breakie! The first few days of work I have to get up early around 7 to prepare and get my breakfast served. Few days later having know that we actually have breakfast from 9.30-10.30 every morning I can now sleep half an hour more every morning. =) My MD told me that breakfast is the time when everyone gathers so we can casually bond among ourselves and share our problem if there is any. So technically speaking the time when I really get into work is 10.30, yes freaking 10.30am! Thirdly, Open Mind Asia Pacific just as the name itself says "Asia Pacific" it means we are not just serving Singapore but serving the entire Asia Pacific. Despite the establishment in Singapore for more than 15 years but till date we only have a workforce of 9. A small team consists of 9 essential talents - 1 managing director, 2 admin, 1 marcom (marketing and communication), 1 sales engineer and 4 application engineer (which I fall in one of them). Imagine that 9 people serving 10, 20, 30 and more countries. How is that possible?! Yes we have to fly! Till today (my third week) I have yet to see the office in full force. At anytime at least 2 are traveling to meet clients around Asia or other continent. An outward bound person like me this is definitely a plus plus plus added advantage! I like to travel and what can be better when you get the best of both worlds - travel and work! Next of course the team, the people I work with! Everyone is just amazing at work. From the basic humor notation to the unique skill in the bosom. That is how beautiful works are being done. I have never imagine that I have the opportunity to work with a group of talented CAD/CAM engineers with years of experience and be part of the team. I reckon that is one of the reasons why I am recruited. ;) Last but not least I received email in German! Ja, das ist Deutsche! I get exceptional adrenaline rush when I see german-related stuff - emails in german, german server with domain ending ".de", german names in skype team and german inspired products... It has been an integral of my work and the soul of it. This is what I have been dreaming since two years ago and I did not know God grant my wish so soon. I guess when you endure thru a series of tough downs you get your reward at the breaking dawn. 

p/s: And it pays me well, above average. =)

Weekend in Merlion City (Nature Enthusiast)

Today I am gonna tell you how to spend your weekend in Singapore the different way. Getaway from bustling crowds at shopping malls and catch a fresh breathe of pythoncidere from the wonders of nature. Pretty ironic that although I have stayed in Singapore for more than 3 years but I have never been to the Botanic Gardens. To be frank I don't even know its existence until recently when I started to look for lush greenery within the city-state. The garden spanning across a whopping 74-hectare is probably the one and only spot in Singapore where you can lost yourself in the middle of rainforest and enjoy the sunshine lying on the green field. What more can you ask for?

The entrance from Tanglin Road

One of the lakes

Sun beam breaks into the thin canopy

One of the heritage trees which has girth size up to 8m

Swan lake

The must try ice-cream when you are in downtown

It is a slice of ice-cream in rectangular form sandwiched either in waffle or bread

Apart from it's tempting freezing flavour to combat with the tropical climate

It is definitely cheaper than any of the cheapest drinking water you could find in 7-11

(It used to be $1 I had few months back, but it has now become $1.2-1.4,

20-40% inflation in just few months time?

Singapore is definitely no longer a cheap place to live)

You can spend at least half a day to one day at Botanic Gardens depends on your liking. If you just strolling slowly across the different themed flora attractions you can expect to spend 3-4 hour in the parks. From "Healing Garden" for herbs lover to solitary drought survivor of deserts in "Sun Garden" and lots more which you will at least find one your favourite. The gardens also has a few shady spots for picnic as well as track for runners.

I will do another post on the second garden in Singapore - "Gardens by the Bay" next time. Practically I don't really like this one as the entire garden is man made even the land where the garden sits on. It is more on stunning architecture than to its natural appeal.

The "Super Trees" at Gardens by the Bay at night

BMW i8                                                        BMW i3

I bumped into BMW I roadshow when I walked from Botanical Gardens to Orchard Road. I have always been fanaticised by the jaw dropping technology of German engineering especially the automobile industry. BMW and Audi are always my all time favourite. Today I had the chance to see and touch my dream concept car and never thought that the car will hit offshore in Singapore one day - the BMW i8. The i-series are incorporated with the latest blue efficiency technology of BMW which is fully petrol free and electrical powered. The chassis is also made from BMW home developed new carbon compound which is lighter, has better aerodynamic flow and harder than conventional steel. Germans always inspire the little engineer inside me. 

Book. Music. Bed.

I don't have lots of drinking kaki in Singapore but this definitely does not lead to a saddening night life. I reckon myself as an academic person as I can master almost everything a little quicker than other people do. I don't want to take this gift as granted so I started to pick up new language as I could to further ameliorate my language proficiency. Twenty-one years ago I was given Mandarin as my mother tongue following English as my second language. Fourteen years ago I was admitted to the national primary syllabus where Malay is added to the list of my language proficiency. Three years ago I picked up German as my affection for engineering grows stronger day by day. Few weeks ago I started Spanish as a friend from Boston who happens to be a Spanish teacher told me I would have conquered the world if I could speak Spanish in addition to Mandarin and English (Three most widely spoken languages in the world). Since I am taking a break from the technical engineering knowledge these days, I think it would be best I utilise the time to polish my German and quickly pick up the new Spanish. I hope by the end of 2014 I can be real fluent in five languages - Mandarin, English, Malay, German and Spanish. 

*The little perk of speaking Spanish is it is so similar to Portuguese that both are mutually intelligible. 

If you have recently done watching "Game of Thrones" and being paranoid and in dire searching for another good show, here you are - Da Vinci's Demons.

A Listener or A Getaway

Past 1.5 month was never easy on me. I was pretty happy the first few weeks having freedom doing what I love to but it didn't last long when it eventually gets boring where I have to interact with myself everyday. Thanks to the people I have met in Kuching who set foot in Singapore in early July and August where I have a little time filled with socialisation. I don't know why I have this feeling, the feeling of being lost in life. Do we always have to study, work, fall in love, get married, have children, build a family, buy a home, get a car, aging and eventually die. Is this cycle forever going to be the same and to repeat after one another generation? I am a person who doesn't after the usual phenomenon. I love to do things of how I feel it should, not thru the publicly recognised and deemed to be usual pattern.

In the following week when I find myself getting sick from the dull life I have started to do something different. For the first time I have engaged my soul in art. I started to listen to very unique genre music probably those artists who create their one-of-a-kind classification or alternative. Like Of Monster and Men, Daughter, Miss Li and so. Sadly according to UberFacts - Teenagers who spend much of their time listening to music are more likely to be depressed. Maybe I no longer fit in the teenager's category which then there is another fact also from UberFacts - Music helps reduce anxiety, as well as helps the mind and body cope with stress. Both statements somehow coherent to each other. Music - the mother of emotional sway but also the answer to it.

Medicine by Daughter

Art in the visual way. I made a little "renovation" here and there in my room to kill time also to make myself feeling more relaxed with more random visual impact that projects upon me when I enter the room. With IKEA and Daiso I get to source many of my painting materials, frame, pictures and decorative accessories easier and much more affordable.

Frames and art cards from IKEA

 White lantern from IKEA

I paint it with colours

With the art cards in the frames and the painted lantern. 

I lit it up with scented candle at night, 

giving soft beam of yellow light at night 

and the soothing scent that aids my sleeping

Fixed up a wall shelf from IKEA

Canvas wall art featuring cities (IKEA)

Place some miniature cactus and succulent on top (some from IKEA some from AMK florist)

A wooden human block (joints can be formed into different posture) 

A standing white frame (IKEA)

and Campbell Soup coinbox (bundle free gift when I bought the canned soup from NTUC)

Few books with book-end (from Daiso)

This is a general view of my bed, window and the wall shelf.

I hang a 2 metre fabric on the ceiling facing my bed

(The hangers are actually made for hanging towel in bathroom but I customized it for ceiling, it's from Daiso for only $2, so why not?=) )

Giving me some imagination whenever I lie on bed and looking into the ceiling

A good way to stimulate my mind for thoughts

 When I lie on bed and look upon, this is the kind of view

The reason why I have time to do all the things mentioned above is because my application for EP (employment pass) got rejected. According to my company that MOM has recently tighten the rules for the pass seeing high influx of foreign talent into Singapore. They are doing appeal now which I don't think it's gonna work. I consulted EDB and NYP they both pushing their responsibility off and didn't want to bother much. My sixth sense directs me that I am leaving this tiny red dot for good and for studies very soon. Well, sixth sense may not be true at least for the next few weeks. While being placed in pending very likely I will start doing some study for uni that accept credit transfer in both Australia (particularly Melbourne) and the States (Virginia, DC and maybe Boston). Speaking of which I have a hard mixed feelings as if I really do leave I will miss the goods in Singapore, particularly the ease of public transport and the greenery of Fort Canning, Botanical Garden and Gardens by the Bay as well as some of my classmates and friends. Feeling relieved when I no longer have to deal with an almost fully urbanized community where profit and personal interest always come first, people who have left a scar in my life to remember along my path towards graduation. 

"At the verge of meritocracy and personal benefits, 

Singapore serves as an eye-opener for me 

to understand the world is not made up 

of just cheerful looks and innocent smiles 

from where I come from. 

Mundanity has become a vocabulary 

far beyond my ability of comprehension."

2 persons whom I wish they could be by my side now.

I have never realise how important they are to me
until the emptiness of life devoured my soul

Google Plus is my new twitter

La Franciose

I met a lot of Europeans and Americans, they all told me French are infamous of their arrogance and are difficult to get along with. Many of them who traveled almost every land on Earth but refuse to set foot in France. Since then I was always cautious whenever I have to deal with French. Not until I have met one myself.

Nicolas joined me, Lauren (Boston, USA), Duncan (Melbourne, Australia) and Arturoo (Madrid, Spain) during our excursion to Bako National Park back in June. Despite the language barrier to my surprise Nicolas always had a handy French-English dictionary in his pocket and whenever he finds it difficult to express certain word he will look up immediately.

I am impressed by his humbleness which is nowhere close to anything that people were describing about French. Soon he taught me lessons about life along with his travels' experience and stories. Each of every has given me impact in a way or another at certain degree of insight about life. He let me understand that hearings may not always be true until you have experienced it yourself. I speak no French, he speaks a little English. But language is definitely not a stumbling block to halter us from zero to becoming friends.

One more time, travel has surged me to a whole new horizon. Bon voyage Nicolas Mahé! I will see u somewhere in Asia again or else in Paris, I promise.

p/s: Does he somehow remind you of Robinson Crusoe?

One Step Ahead

Few more days to August so what have I done in July? Apart from the daily rotting at home, I actually had some time for myself to do something that I usually don't. First week of July I met up with Lauren and we made a day trip to the SEA Aquarium and I really loved her accompany. Despite the gap that spans across our age but she is more like a sister to me than just a friend. We almost have message everyday on Facebook to keep ourselves updated. I would really appreciate if we have more time together. =)

Next up is Andrew's birthday which was last week at their new apartment. I was pretty conservative this time not doing anything significant sometimes I believe by making things simple is better than the other way round. Had time to catch up with my classmates and coursemates who all have made their first step in their career. Nothing much to fancy with but I realise one thing in common which everyone was trying to sell their company by telling people how good their current job is. Not too sure if I am gonna be one of them soon but even if I do, I won't stay too long doing the same routine everyday to get up by 7 and get off by 6.

I have already started to plan my RTW (Round The World) trip which I will do it latest by 25 or 26. So now I have a few more years to prepare and get ready especially the financial part. I asked my dad few weeks ago how much would he give me if I were to work with him. He said probably about the same of what I am going to earn in Singapore but in MYR. I was like no way that's gonna be 2.5 times lesser. He was kind of outrage saying what am I expecting when I already have a Peugeot and a place to stay if I were to go back. Fair enough I guess I am on my own this time for RTW trip. I have to save enough money that will last me a year to see the world. It is hard to tell if I am able to achieve that but I already have a goal set for myself. Consider myself fortunate as I only have to focus on how to manage and adjust my income to meet my saving target, my bachelor and master support are still on my parents (although I wish I could be more independent but judging from the current situation, big sigh). 

I have a different feel for Singapore now even with the people I used to hang out with. A lot of time I find what people are doing contradicts with the situation they are in. For instance when someone's bank account is approaching zero but still have no sense of alert, maybe a little without real action taken. Still longing good food (as in fine dining) at the expense of traveling far away which adds on burden to transportation fee. If I were in that situation I would prefer cheap eat (like Indian food) or maybe homecooked meal. I will try to find alternative that can stretch my dollar further. I read about a travel forum few days back and one of the rules was "try to hang out less with the people who are not intend to travel because the way of spending would be different." Soon or later I would start to isolate myself from unnecessary spending spree that will jeopardise my reach to the goal. Nowadays I feel happier to hang out with travellers because they all seems to be more open-minded and easy-going. We share our life not afraid to be known by strangers, literally no border in between us. I would do things my own way yet no question asked, revealing one's true hidden identity. I miss all the good time with full time travellers as I love to be bounded by big and small interludes that arise surprise. I miss traveling and I love it now.

*I do not know why but now I find it annoyed when people question my accent. What has Australia done to me? I find it comfortable the way I speak English now but I do not know how does it sound like in other's ears. What Jeremy said was also true - I cannot stand very very typical Singlish now with very strong and heavy tone, like trying to articulate every single word. God luckily English in Malaysia is more Malay influenced which sounds more of standard English than awkward. 

Restart Afresh

Finally, I made a move. I always thought that I gonna stay at my aunt place for indefinite time in Singapore. But things happen and story changes from time. My aunt has some issue with her husband thus my parents asked me to shift. First time moving house and now I know how much junk I have got in my room. So fucking lot of clothes, about a third of them are brand new I mean those still with tags on! I could not believe how much I used to love shopping. If I have saved the amount of money I wasted on unnecessary things I definitely can go traveling for an extra month in New Zealand. I feel so silly at the old me. I love how I have changed since I met those fabulous people in Australia, a trip that gave me an invaluable experience and lesson.

So let's start on my new room. This is how it looked like when I first moved here. It was equipped with basic furniture - a wardrobe, a single bed and a small side table. 

So I did some research online to look for cheap furniture, I start becoming a cheapskate trying to cut down unnecessary expenditure for which I would rather spend my money doing traveling some time later. In the end I think IKEA has the best deal. Picture below shows what I have ordered from IKEA. Cheapest swivel chair at IKEA for $35, KILBY bookcase for $69, a white table (in brown box wrapping that lies on the wall) and a 195 X 133 carpet. The picture was when I was halfway fixing everything.

 My study corner - a bookcase complete with a high pile dark pink carpet

My charmig white table is fixed. Got my printer, MacBook and penguin table lamp set up. I have to be honest I like my room so much now. =)

My bed. Got a bed linen set from NTUC nearby. Blue fleece blanket I bought from Philip Island in Melbourne. The brocoli plush toy I got from IKEA last year and Tigger which I got as an exchange gift from Inggrid during Christmas last year.

I originally wanted to take a panaroma picture of my room but the picture did not come out very good. I guess panaroma was meant for taking scenery than enclosed room. I have to express my gratitude towards IKEA for making my room looks so clean and modern now at a fraction of price I would pay for if I sourced everything from other furniture store. Although having to fix everything on my own was really tiring but it definitely worth it when you see the end product you built up from scratch.

This evening I finally had my long awaited video call with my besties. The last time I met them was in December? God it has been more than half a year. Love the fun conversation and I wish everyone all well. Looking forward to our next meetup! =)

A Concoction of F - Fun, Friendship and Future

FUN

Still remember couchsurfing from my last post? As soon as I had Lauren, Duncan and Arturo as my first wave of surfers. I had second wave after resting for a week. My parents were not very happy with my second wave as they were complete strangers to me, just some random travellers who put up open request on couchsurfing.org. Dad was skeptical about their personality although I rest assured him with the good references on their (Marti from Barcelona and Caxia from Poland) profile. Despite some disagreements from my parents I insisted to host them. It has been awhile since rebellious last shown up but I was quite aware that if I did not host them that time I do not know when will I get the chance to do it again. My experience with couchsurfing has been amazing so far and I believe I will continue to benefit in the future. 

Beer buffet with couchsurfers and guests at hostel

from left: Caixa from Poland, Justin from Wellington, me, Marti from Barcelona, guy from Canada, Jereon from Holland, Stephen from the UK, Symon from Sydney, last three also from Canada.

FRIENDSHIP

afternoon I was at Brian's place still wondering what was going to happen next as it was my first time doing couchsurfing and Brian told me there were a few girls from Germany, United States and Austria arriving that night. Not knowing what to expect but I was getting a mixed of both anxiety and excitement at the same time. The next day we went outing in a big group. Brian was like our guide showing us around Darling Harbor in Sydney. That was when I started to get a closer chance to have proper conversation with Lauren. I forgot what the conversation was but I remembered there was a part where we were talking about hobbies and I told Lauren I am sort of like an IT geek and she asked if I could fix the problem which she couldn't play certain video on her Mac. I have the problem solved the following day. At night we went out around Redfern to hunt for Indian food (Lauren explored the area earlier on so we were following her instinct). We found the place and I had rice with some chicken curry if I didn't remember wrongly. We were sharing our travel experience during the meal. I learnt that she was going to China, Japan then Indonesia after Australia but not Malaysia. I was like "Why not come to Malaysia since you're going to Indonesia?" She said she will look into that but I thought she just said that as a gesture of goodwill not to turn me down. 

When Lauren was in Sapporo...

She wrote me a message on Facebook asking me how long would be sufficient for her to spend in Malaysia. I was suggesting a few days in Penang and Langkawi or any other island on the Peninsula like Redang or Tioman and maybe a week and a half in Borneo. We were doing this discussing remotely on Facebook for a few weeks before she finally confirmed her itinerary for Malaysia. Lauren ended up spending a week in Kuching. We went to Gunung Gading to see the largest flower on earth, went trekking in the tropical jungle, spotted Proboscis monkeys in wild, tried most of the local delicacies and billions more. I had to admit that it was the most fulfilled week I've spent in Kuching for my vacation back home that round. Not only that through couchsurfing we also met other travelers from Australia, France and Spain who joined us for most of the excursions we have done together in the vicinity. 

Three weeks later...

We met again in Singapore. Although this is the shortest time we traveled together (2 days) but the fun level always stayed on peak. Did some really touristic thing in Singapore which I reckon we were both not used to. Went to the shopping district in Orchard road, seen the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the highlight was the SEA Aquarium (it claims to be the world's biggest but seriously not jaw dropping huge to me at least). Had our old-fashioned Indian food, dumpling noodles which I doubt if she would have it again and of course some really good ice-cream and gelato. I was trying to squeeze in as much as I could to let Lauren experience the most of Singapore in such a short duration. The outcome was definitely exhaustion bounded with heaps of fun that never failed to cease.

Finally we waved again at Changi airport. I don't know when are we going to see each other again but definitely not as soon. She told me she has a feeling that we're going to meet in the States. That sounds so encouraging and I hope her instinct is right.

We've met 3 times within 5 month in 3 different countries. Can you imagine that? I am amazed by how our friendship grows. Totally psyched. 

FUTURE

Always wonder how will my life be in the next few years. I am definitely going to spend a few year in Singapore before further plan is made. Three years ago Singapore was always my dreamland, I spent almost every school holidays here. With the strong "settlement" of almost half of my relatives here I somehow call Singapore my second home. So when I decided to come here for studies I was quite happy as I do not need to worry settling myself to a whole new environment, everything just felt kind of familiar. When I was young (in high school when I frequent Singapore) I always admired Singapore how advance the city state is and always wanted to move here. My dad even wanted to send me here when I was in Form 3 but luckily I did not. Or else my Mandarin and Malay would not be as good as my English is now. In my impression, Singapore used to be a perfect city - clean, readily available public transport, world leading economic hub, almost corruption free government and a lot more.

Everything started to change when I moved here to pursue my diploma. For me who originated from big land getting suffocating in small unit here. Houses are way too small for my comfortability. I had also encountered some biased treatment in my college, those who are familiar knew what was going on. You can refer to my earlier post if you want to find out more but I suggest you not to. I tend to enjoy my life now and put aside those which drag my mood down. Most of the things on the island are artificial. Man made island Sentosa, man made trees at Gardens by the bay even the entire suburb Marina is built on the sea. I am now more inclined towards nature in pursue of discovering wild flora and fauna and that just would not happen here. Too many retails. Shopping is one of the reasons why I used to love Singapore. There are shopping malls everywhere to fulfil everyone's desire from the luxurious designers chain along Orchard to wallet friendly brand names like H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and so on. Singapore is definitely one of the shopping paradise for shoppers. Now I would rather spend my money on experience than materialism. By experience I mean travel to see how the rest of the world differ from where I live, difference in culture, food, practice and almost everything.

To make it short, I love Singapore as how organised it is. This city is no longer a place where I would want to spend the rest of my life with. It now serves as a jumping board to achieve my dream to do a round the world trip - which is I want to save up enough money to travel a year round the globe few years later. My blue plan in 5 year time:

1 Get at least a Master degree

2 Round the world trip

3 Pan Borneo road trip

4 Start up

I wish

Dirty Paws by Of Monsters And Men

*A song that keeps looping on my iTunes