Wednesday is not only hump day, but also LADIES NIGHT! Singapore bars and clubs serve women free drinks with no cover charge at the door....damn straight, Women Power! One reason to love being a lady! (besides the terrifying stages of pregnancy, menopause, mood swings, period cramps...the list goes on!)
For dinner, we went into Chinatown and ate Austrian sausages! Funny, right? These sausages were fabulous though! Dominik knew of a place called, "Erich's Wuerstelstand" in the heart of Chinatown. I ordered the Kaiserkrainer (sausage with cheese in it) and a soft pretzel... sooo good! Fiona and I ended up buying another sausage, Frankfurt because the sausages were that damn good. The meal was pricer than the typical S$2.50, but it was totally worth it! After enjoying my Austrian meal, it was off to Clarke Quay bridge!
We went to "Cheers" (another version of 711) and bought beers to indulge on the bridge. There were beautiful lanterns and lit blown-up creatures and ships, I'm not too sure what the occassion was, but it was very nice to see. On the bridge, it was just me, Lizzi, Fiona, Dominik, Alex, Campbell, and two German girls Fiona is friends with. We just chilled out and enjoyed cold beer in the humid, thick air. I was pretty attractive with the amount of sweat running down my face and neck....mmmm mmm sexy! After literally swimming in my own sweat, it was about time to head off to Arena (me, Fiona, and Lizzi).
What we thought was going to be a "chill" night, turned out to be a "wild" and successful night! There was a live band singing the most recent pop music, which was really good! We took full advantage of the free drinks, going back in the queue (line) once our glasses were clinking with ice in them. Although it was just us 3, it was still a lot of fun and just cozy. We met up with Annemette and Andy at the fountain, which is in the middle of Clarke Quay. They are an adorable couple! Such nice people, big smiles and sweet personalities! They joined us at Arena; we sat at a table, chatted and chilled out. After a couple of hours, they left to go to bed... I should have done the same thing, but what the hell! I really need to catch up with my ZZZZ's.
Fiona, Lizzi, and I refilled our drinks over and over... hey it was free! don't judge! We danced all night and even on the stage...which was only for ladies! I saw a boy trying to get up there, and the security guy pushed him right down. Poor guy.... Man it feels good to be a woman! We ended up meeting some guys who gave us their drinks, so basically we bought $0.00 for drinks! SCORE! As I mentioned, although it was just the 3 of us, we had a blast! The song, "Nobody Nobdy But You" came on...from then on, I knew it was going to be a great night. That song cannot get away from me!
Scoot over Fridays, Wednesdays may be my new favorite day! [FREE BOOZE]
I am now on Week 4 (out of 13) of classes... I cannot believe how fast this month went by. I feel like I have been here much longer. I have made great friends and memories. I cannot wait to see what comes in the next weekends and months. Recess week comes up at the end of September, and off to Melbourne, Australia I go! ................One downfall: the work is starting to build up along with group work assignments. I hope I can balance out both, without getting academically or socially hurt/screwed!
This weekend, we have plans ahead of us and I SOO look forward to tomorrow afternoon which is FRIDAY! Until next post, Much love from the Chatty Chong! xoxo
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Tuesday 30 August 2011
I want nobody nobody but you!
...."I want nobody nobody but you" might be my new favorite song by The Wonder Girls (korean pop female music group)... sorry Lady Gaga, but I'm in Asia....gotta like and respect their music more, catch my drift?
WARNING: this blog post is gonna be a long one....too many memories were made with such great friends and great activites... so brace yourselves!
WHAT A WEEKEND! We went to Sentosa Island and stayed at Siloso Beach Resort....the most beautiful place on Singapore! It was just so nice to be away from the dorm-life and into well... luxury, well my version of it... a comfy bed, a nice view of the beach, a sick-ass pool, and great friends...that to me is a great and luxurious vacation getaway!
After the lovely hour and a half travel (bus, mrt, and tram) and lots of Bounce (stupid game on my phone), we finally made it to Siloso Beach Resort. It is an eco-friendly hotel...and breathtaking. The pool was hugggge! There was a waterfall and two slides (for children, but of course, I went on it). The structure of the hotel was so unique, I was taken back. First thing we did was check-in and throw our bags in the rooms, and out the door we went to Underwater World.
Before we ventured to Underwater World, we grabbed lunch at HotDog King, I believe that what it was called. Singapore does not have "ballpark hotdogs," but "chicken hotdogs," I will never eat one again. It did not taste so great, and by the way, there were peacocks just chillin out right next to me as I was eating. First of all, I LOATHE birds, so of course, as I was eating, I was freaking out 'cause these peacocks looked like they wanted to eat me. I chucked my hotdog bun and fries in another direction and bolted. Underwater World was not what I expected; it was very small and bland. The only two things I enjoyed about it was the tunnel and fish-touch tank. I touched fish, star fish, and these fish that looked like baby sharks. They were slimy! The tunnel was really cool, it was literally a tunnel, with fish and sharks swimming on top of you and next to you. Baltimore Aquarium definitely kicks Underwater World's ass in the water... haha, get it? (small joke...). After that, we decided to give ourselves a pat on the back and relax at the Fish Spa...yes, FISH Spa.
Fish Reflexology is a "nibbling" foot massage....basically, fish nibbling at your dead skin and eating it up. Our dead skin is their source of food. When I saw fish relexology the first time, it was at Night Safari.. I thought okay I have to do this! The fish were so small and cute... UMMM TOTAL OPPOSITE at Underwater World... these fish were massive, probably the size of 2 betta fish. We stuck our feet in the water, and they swam right up to my feet and started to nibble and eat. At first, I could not stop laughing and screaming. It was so tickly! After a few minutes, it started to feel good. It was the most weird thing I have ever done in my life, but it was so worth it, cause afterwards, I got a nice back and head massage... and oh hot damn, it felt good...something I REALLY needed!
Afterwards, we bought a "noon day pass" where you pay a reasonable amount of money to do 4 activities on the island, such as the Tiger Tower, Luge ride, 4-D rides, Skyline, Segway Tour, etc. We chose to do the following: Skyline Luge, Extreme Log Ride (4-D), Pirates (4-D film), and Desperados (4-D, cowboy-shooting type of thing). After the long day of rides and fun times, we met up with our other friends (Robbie, Alex, Meg, Lizzi, Dominik, and Fiona) at Bora Bora Margarita Bar. I ordered 2 mojitos (strawberry and apple)...sooo refreshing and yummmy! Before those shenanigans, we watched "Songs of the Sea," a laser and water show, the effects were spectacular, but the music was a mix of Barney and Dora the Explorer, and I wanted to kill someone haha, but overall it was a really nice show. We ate dinner at a place called, "Tastes of Asia" and I ordered something Vietnamese, Beef Pho, which was a soup-noodle dish with beef brisket and it was verryy good, one thing that ticked me off was that there was no section for Korea....why you gotta be like that Tastes of Asia? don't discriminate and hate. shoot yo. Anyways, back to Bora Bora, we pregamed there for Azzura....oh Azzura... I'll get to that in a second.....
After Bora Bora, we all went up to our rooms, my room was the girls room, the other was the boys...we were all getting cute and ready, but before we did, us girls went to the pool. Lizzi and I hopped into the freezing water, and I of course a little tipsy, went down the slide...up and down...up and down.. woops? Anyways, as we were getting ready and pregaming (part 2), we were watching Hairspray...and oh how it reminded me of Baltimore, my home. I intensely watched it even with the background noise of, "hey take this shot of gin!" or chatter. After everyone was pretty buzzed, we headed off to Azzura, a beach club. Fiona, Lizzi, and I made a pit-stop to McDonalds, where I ate a McSpicy.. it was McDelicious (small joke again). Oh and at 711, I bought two ciders and the man CARDED me... I thought I was in Singapore Sir. Ouch. Us girls went to the beach and got stupid-drunk. You had to pay $30 cover charge to get into Azzura, and no way in hell we were gonna pay that! (By the way this was Justin's birthday weekend, so shout-out to you mahhh man Justin!) Lizzi sweet-talked the security and we were close to getting in, but then got impatient, so we jumped over the fence....yes I, Shannon Chong jumped over a fence to get into a beach club.. I felt so B.A. (for those of you who don't know what that means, Bad-Ass) and rebellious.. I was "bad to the bone." Anyways, we got caught but somehow did not get in trouble and the manager let us in for $30 for the 3 of us combined, we took it and proceeded into the club. There was a pool at Azzura, as Lizzi said, she felt like she was in an "Usher music video," it was so much fun, except, something had died....my phone. Never in a million years would I be the one to be careless and break my phone, it's never happened, but I guess my phone wanted to go for a swim. The phone was dead, but I did not care. Azzura was hoppin' and I had a blast.
The next day was a rough morning... it was off to Universal Studios Singapore....hungover! Justin, the birthday boy and champ went at 9am by himself, since all of us were too hungover and met up with him around 11am? It was TEAM USA and Lizzi who went to Universal, oh and did I mention it was the hottest and most humid day EVER? Sweat dripping nonstop...so gross. I rode rollercoasters, which is so unlike me. The mummy ride was the scariest thing I have ever done, I wish everyone could have seen my face on the picture screen, it was as if I saw the most scary horror film out there, and I don't do horror movies or roller coasters.. I don't know what got into me, but I felt really adventurous that day. For lunch, we went to Chili's....HORRIBLE service but the food reminded me so much of home...it was great! The Shrek portion of Universal was amazing.. I literally felt like I was walking the streets of "Far Far Away," I think I enjoyed it more than the kids around me. Overall, I was really impressed with Universal Studios Singapore, especially after our last ride on the Madagascar Beach Carousel ride, haha. Of course, we were the loudest people on the ride (at that point we were so exhausted, sticky, and delirious!).
When we got back to the hotel, we all jumped into the pool and were joined by Robbie, Meg, and Fiona. We went out to dinner for Justin's birthday at Raffles City at a little pizza place called, "The Pizza Place" (real original hahaha). I ordered the Chicken Alfredo Linguini and literally it was a PARTY in my mouth... so damn good to have Italian food rather than your typical "chicken rice." Then we went to the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel where the Singapore Sling was originally created. Although it was mighty expensive, the atmosphere (live band) and great friends made up for it. I felt so relaxed and at ease with my Singapore Sling in one hand and peanuts in the other, and enjoying the old, cheesy live band music.
The next day was our last day at Sentosa, (oh how reality stinks, when vacation is over), we grabbed breakfast at the hotel and discussed our plans. By the way, that weekend I had real eggs and was in Egg-Heaven. It was kind of a rainy, gray day, so we decided to do something indoors and (hopefully) cheap. We visited the Sentosa Merlion. We watched a cute film on the Merlion, apparently, a king and his homies took a boat out to an empty island, and were approached by this lion. The king and the lion became BFF, and to be creative, he decided to give the lion the body of a mermaid, thus the Merlion was born! Hooray! We went up to the Merlion head and took pictures of the beautiful view. We could see Universal in one direction, and the other, the beaches. We took some corny photos by a photographer, and purchased them, because they were just too funny (up on Facebook). It was like "awkward family photos" but worse, haha. After our Merlion visit, we hopped on the mrt and back to NTU we went, but before we grabbed lunch at Vivo City. I had Indian food for the first time in Singapore, and oh my gosh, it was divine! The boys had to meet up with their group for class, so I decided to go to Boon Lay and purchase a new phone (oops..). The guy at the desk laughed at my phone, as he showed his co-workers the water sloshing around in my screen. I bought a new phone and BAMMMM I was texting like nobody's business!
I returned to my room and passed the frick out. I bought food from Golden Spoon (I call it my canteen because Hall 12 does not have one) and watched 2 episodes of Pretty Little Liars, and felt pretty damn content. May I just add, Pretty Little Liars is getting SO good! A is so evil! Hanna's soon to be stepsister is just as bad as A. WHO IS A? Oh and Mr. Fitz, Ezra, you're really hot.
After my lovely vacation, I decided to crack down today and do work. I did some here and there, and did my laundry. Go me! I grabbed lunch with my roomie, Joanna (every Tuesday we get lunch together) at Golden Spoon. I ordered my favorite: Chicken Oyster Sauce noodles....sooo good! It's only $2.50 Sing. dollars, so about... US $2.07? I may have done that math wrong, hence why I'm a Comm. major. So cheap and big portion too! I was soo happy!
I had dinner with Ms. Wendy (family friend...my Aunt's best friend from college, cute I know!) and her family tonight at a Seafood restaurant on Orchard Road. It was DELICIOUS. We ate crab fried rice, fried eggplant, coffee spare ribs, the famous Singapore "Pepper Crab," and a veggie dish. The coffee spare ribs were actually my favorite, next to the Pepper Crab. The crab was so good, it was definitely spicy but with a sweet side. After dinner, we grabbed Haagen Dazs icecream and chilled out after our big Seafood feast. Ms. Wendy and her family are soo sweet. I feel so comfortable and "homey" when I am with them. I cannot wait to see them again!
And, now I am here, almost ready to pass out at my laptop, with my poor fingers still typing this novel of a post, haha, but I do it because I want all of you to know that I am enjoying myself in Singapore and ALIVE! Call me corny, but I am truly blessed to have made the friends I am with at NTU. They are all so nice, warm/welcoming, and make me feel comfortable and can finally say that I love Singapore. On another note, I do miss my Loyola peeps especially now that fall o has officially started, so Evergreens if you are reading this, I miss you a lot! Sam Garvey is an amazing fall o EPC and I know you all are going to have the time of your lives! And, abroaders if you're reading this, enjoy international life! I'll see you in the spring soon enough! Back to classes tomorrow (Wed), but then Fri is only 2 days away, thank sweet Buddha, until news about this upcoming weekend, Much love from the Chatty Chong! xoxo
New vocab........
flat = apartment
close = hallway
bangers & mash = sasuages and mashed potatoes
oh and LOVE Singlish (singapore-English) accent... I'm starting to speak like a local and tag on "lah" at the end of my sentences...hahaha!
WARNING: this blog post is gonna be a long one....too many memories were made with such great friends and great activites... so brace yourselves!
WHAT A WEEKEND! We went to Sentosa Island and stayed at Siloso Beach Resort....the most beautiful place on Singapore! It was just so nice to be away from the dorm-life and into well... luxury, well my version of it... a comfy bed, a nice view of the beach, a sick-ass pool, and great friends...that to me is a great and luxurious vacation getaway!
After the lovely hour and a half travel (bus, mrt, and tram) and lots of Bounce (stupid game on my phone), we finally made it to Siloso Beach Resort. It is an eco-friendly hotel...and breathtaking. The pool was hugggge! There was a waterfall and two slides (for children, but of course, I went on it). The structure of the hotel was so unique, I was taken back. First thing we did was check-in and throw our bags in the rooms, and out the door we went to Underwater World.
Before we ventured to Underwater World, we grabbed lunch at HotDog King, I believe that what it was called. Singapore does not have "ballpark hotdogs," but "chicken hotdogs," I will never eat one again. It did not taste so great, and by the way, there were peacocks just chillin out right next to me as I was eating. First of all, I LOATHE birds, so of course, as I was eating, I was freaking out 'cause these peacocks looked like they wanted to eat me. I chucked my hotdog bun and fries in another direction and bolted. Underwater World was not what I expected; it was very small and bland. The only two things I enjoyed about it was the tunnel and fish-touch tank. I touched fish, star fish, and these fish that looked like baby sharks. They were slimy! The tunnel was really cool, it was literally a tunnel, with fish and sharks swimming on top of you and next to you. Baltimore Aquarium definitely kicks Underwater World's ass in the water... haha, get it? (small joke...). After that, we decided to give ourselves a pat on the back and relax at the Fish Spa...yes, FISH Spa.
Fish Reflexology is a "nibbling" foot massage....basically, fish nibbling at your dead skin and eating it up. Our dead skin is their source of food. When I saw fish relexology the first time, it was at Night Safari.. I thought okay I have to do this! The fish were so small and cute... UMMM TOTAL OPPOSITE at Underwater World... these fish were massive, probably the size of 2 betta fish. We stuck our feet in the water, and they swam right up to my feet and started to nibble and eat. At first, I could not stop laughing and screaming. It was so tickly! After a few minutes, it started to feel good. It was the most weird thing I have ever done in my life, but it was so worth it, cause afterwards, I got a nice back and head massage... and oh hot damn, it felt good...something I REALLY needed!
Afterwards, we bought a "noon day pass" where you pay a reasonable amount of money to do 4 activities on the island, such as the Tiger Tower, Luge ride, 4-D rides, Skyline, Segway Tour, etc. We chose to do the following: Skyline Luge, Extreme Log Ride (4-D), Pirates (4-D film), and Desperados (4-D, cowboy-shooting type of thing). After the long day of rides and fun times, we met up with our other friends (Robbie, Alex, Meg, Lizzi, Dominik, and Fiona) at Bora Bora Margarita Bar. I ordered 2 mojitos (strawberry and apple)...sooo refreshing and yummmy! Before those shenanigans, we watched "Songs of the Sea," a laser and water show, the effects were spectacular, but the music was a mix of Barney and Dora the Explorer, and I wanted to kill someone haha, but overall it was a really nice show. We ate dinner at a place called, "Tastes of Asia" and I ordered something Vietnamese, Beef Pho, which was a soup-noodle dish with beef brisket and it was verryy good, one thing that ticked me off was that there was no section for Korea....why you gotta be like that Tastes of Asia? don't discriminate and hate. shoot yo. Anyways, back to Bora Bora, we pregamed there for Azzura....oh Azzura... I'll get to that in a second.....
After Bora Bora, we all went up to our rooms, my room was the girls room, the other was the boys...we were all getting cute and ready, but before we did, us girls went to the pool. Lizzi and I hopped into the freezing water, and I of course a little tipsy, went down the slide...up and down...up and down.. woops? Anyways, as we were getting ready and pregaming (part 2), we were watching Hairspray...and oh how it reminded me of Baltimore, my home. I intensely watched it even with the background noise of, "hey take this shot of gin!" or chatter. After everyone was pretty buzzed, we headed off to Azzura, a beach club. Fiona, Lizzi, and I made a pit-stop to McDonalds, where I ate a McSpicy.. it was McDelicious (small joke again). Oh and at 711, I bought two ciders and the man CARDED me... I thought I was in Singapore Sir. Ouch. Us girls went to the beach and got stupid-drunk. You had to pay $30 cover charge to get into Azzura, and no way in hell we were gonna pay that! (By the way this was Justin's birthday weekend, so shout-out to you mahhh man Justin!) Lizzi sweet-talked the security and we were close to getting in, but then got impatient, so we jumped over the fence....yes I, Shannon Chong jumped over a fence to get into a beach club.. I felt so B.A. (for those of you who don't know what that means, Bad-Ass) and rebellious.. I was "bad to the bone." Anyways, we got caught but somehow did not get in trouble and the manager let us in for $30 for the 3 of us combined, we took it and proceeded into the club. There was a pool at Azzura, as Lizzi said, she felt like she was in an "Usher music video," it was so much fun, except, something had died....my phone. Never in a million years would I be the one to be careless and break my phone, it's never happened, but I guess my phone wanted to go for a swim. The phone was dead, but I did not care. Azzura was hoppin' and I had a blast.
The next day was a rough morning... it was off to Universal Studios Singapore....hungover! Justin, the birthday boy and champ went at 9am by himself, since all of us were too hungover and met up with him around 11am? It was TEAM USA and Lizzi who went to Universal, oh and did I mention it was the hottest and most humid day EVER? Sweat dripping nonstop...so gross. I rode rollercoasters, which is so unlike me. The mummy ride was the scariest thing I have ever done, I wish everyone could have seen my face on the picture screen, it was as if I saw the most scary horror film out there, and I don't do horror movies or roller coasters.. I don't know what got into me, but I felt really adventurous that day. For lunch, we went to Chili's....HORRIBLE service but the food reminded me so much of home...it was great! The Shrek portion of Universal was amazing.. I literally felt like I was walking the streets of "Far Far Away," I think I enjoyed it more than the kids around me. Overall, I was really impressed with Universal Studios Singapore, especially after our last ride on the Madagascar Beach Carousel ride, haha. Of course, we were the loudest people on the ride (at that point we were so exhausted, sticky, and delirious!).
When we got back to the hotel, we all jumped into the pool and were joined by Robbie, Meg, and Fiona. We went out to dinner for Justin's birthday at Raffles City at a little pizza place called, "The Pizza Place" (real original hahaha). I ordered the Chicken Alfredo Linguini and literally it was a PARTY in my mouth... so damn good to have Italian food rather than your typical "chicken rice." Then we went to the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel where the Singapore Sling was originally created. Although it was mighty expensive, the atmosphere (live band) and great friends made up for it. I felt so relaxed and at ease with my Singapore Sling in one hand and peanuts in the other, and enjoying the old, cheesy live band music.
The next day was our last day at Sentosa, (oh how reality stinks, when vacation is over), we grabbed breakfast at the hotel and discussed our plans. By the way, that weekend I had real eggs and was in Egg-Heaven. It was kind of a rainy, gray day, so we decided to do something indoors and (hopefully) cheap. We visited the Sentosa Merlion. We watched a cute film on the Merlion, apparently, a king and his homies took a boat out to an empty island, and were approached by this lion. The king and the lion became BFF, and to be creative, he decided to give the lion the body of a mermaid, thus the Merlion was born! Hooray! We went up to the Merlion head and took pictures of the beautiful view. We could see Universal in one direction, and the other, the beaches. We took some corny photos by a photographer, and purchased them, because they were just too funny (up on Facebook). It was like "awkward family photos" but worse, haha. After our Merlion visit, we hopped on the mrt and back to NTU we went, but before we grabbed lunch at Vivo City. I had Indian food for the first time in Singapore, and oh my gosh, it was divine! The boys had to meet up with their group for class, so I decided to go to Boon Lay and purchase a new phone (oops..). The guy at the desk laughed at my phone, as he showed his co-workers the water sloshing around in my screen. I bought a new phone and BAMMMM I was texting like nobody's business!
I returned to my room and passed the frick out. I bought food from Golden Spoon (I call it my canteen because Hall 12 does not have one) and watched 2 episodes of Pretty Little Liars, and felt pretty damn content. May I just add, Pretty Little Liars is getting SO good! A is so evil! Hanna's soon to be stepsister is just as bad as A. WHO IS A? Oh and Mr. Fitz, Ezra, you're really hot.
After my lovely vacation, I decided to crack down today and do work. I did some here and there, and did my laundry. Go me! I grabbed lunch with my roomie, Joanna (every Tuesday we get lunch together) at Golden Spoon. I ordered my favorite: Chicken Oyster Sauce noodles....sooo good! It's only $2.50 Sing. dollars, so about... US $2.07? I may have done that math wrong, hence why I'm a Comm. major. So cheap and big portion too! I was soo happy!
I had dinner with Ms. Wendy (family friend...my Aunt's best friend from college, cute I know!) and her family tonight at a Seafood restaurant on Orchard Road. It was DELICIOUS. We ate crab fried rice, fried eggplant, coffee spare ribs, the famous Singapore "Pepper Crab," and a veggie dish. The coffee spare ribs were actually my favorite, next to the Pepper Crab. The crab was so good, it was definitely spicy but with a sweet side. After dinner, we grabbed Haagen Dazs icecream and chilled out after our big Seafood feast. Ms. Wendy and her family are soo sweet. I feel so comfortable and "homey" when I am with them. I cannot wait to see them again!
And, now I am here, almost ready to pass out at my laptop, with my poor fingers still typing this novel of a post, haha, but I do it because I want all of you to know that I am enjoying myself in Singapore and ALIVE! Call me corny, but I am truly blessed to have made the friends I am with at NTU. They are all so nice, warm/welcoming, and make me feel comfortable and can finally say that I love Singapore. On another note, I do miss my Loyola peeps especially now that fall o has officially started, so Evergreens if you are reading this, I miss you a lot! Sam Garvey is an amazing fall o EPC and I know you all are going to have the time of your lives! And, abroaders if you're reading this, enjoy international life! I'll see you in the spring soon enough! Back to classes tomorrow (Wed), but then Fri is only 2 days away, thank sweet Buddha, until news about this upcoming weekend, Much love from the Chatty Chong! xoxo
New vocab........
flat = apartment
close = hallway
bangers & mash = sasuages and mashed potatoes
oh and LOVE Singlish (singapore-English) accent... I'm starting to speak like a local and tag on "lah" at the end of my sentences...hahaha!
Thursday 25 August 2011
At last.
Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Ni hao! (feelin' international right now)
This is gonna be a short post because I am soo tired from the week, but thank God and Buddha it's Friday tomorrow! I felt like this week has been slow, probably 'cause there is a 4 day weekend with my name on it!
Today was Thursday...hmmm I had a tutorial from 11-1 and then lecture from 2-4...not bad, but right after lecture, I attacked 2 tutorial work that are due tomorrow..oops sorry for procrastinating, as Nicky and Danielle would say, "SINS!" (sorry I'm not sorry). Between my two classes, I had lunch with two girls from my advertising class, Susanne and Malin, both from Sweden, and very nice girls! Lots of Swedish people here, I believe around 70? Speaking of Sweden, we went to Ikea last night----SO MUCH FUN! I bought so many snacks! Oops...sorry diet?
I had a very awkward meal today. I got a plate full of rice, tofu, green vegetable (still don't know if it's spinach or some Chinese veggie, but hey it's green and I need the vitamins), beef? and chicken? The beef tasted very... odd and cardboard-like and the chicken was...definitely not chicken, it had a squishy texture almost like boiled organs, so I definitely did not enjoy my lunch (did I just make you feel sick? SINS), but I enjoyed the company from the two girls and the others who joined. I met two girls from Germany, Sophie and Leanna (hopefully I spelled all the names right!) and another girl, Laura. Also, Fiona (from Singapore) joined us as well. All the international students are all soo friendly! We're like one big happy family (who have not met each other, more like long lost family). Everyone is welcoming with warm smiles on their faces. You know, all we have is each other, so everyone opens up their minds and hearts, and instant friendships are formed.
Tonight, I went up on the Digital Media and Arts building with Katie, Lizzi, Fiona, AM, Steph, Katie's labmates Nick and Ed. That is the building with grass on the rooftop (you can take a look in my facebook pictures). There are stairs so you can climb up there. I was definitely a minority, being the only American haha. It's so cool to hear everyone's accents and the way they speak. I find it fascinating haha. It was such a beautiful night with a nice breeze in the air and nice company as well!
At last, I am soo happy to be in Singapore, I felt so content and relaxed without a care in the world. It would not be the same if I had not met the people I am friends with at NTU. The people you choose to hang out with really have an effect on your experience abroad. Although I miss home, Loyola, family, and friends (oh and American food!), I am so lucky and fortunate to be in a vibrant and amazing country as Singapore and sharing it with great people as well. At last I have overcomed the little hump of homesickness!!!!! (we'll see how long this lasts, but I gotta be optimistic!)
To friends/family at home: Please stay safe and dry! I hear Hurricane Irene is making her way and that earthquakes are a fad now? Watch over each other and stay safe. I am thinking of all of you.
Goodnight for now Singapore! Good morning USA? hahaha. Until next time, much love from the Chatty Chong xoxo
This is gonna be a short post because I am soo tired from the week, but thank God and Buddha it's Friday tomorrow! I felt like this week has been slow, probably 'cause there is a 4 day weekend with my name on it!
Today was Thursday...hmmm I had a tutorial from 11-1 and then lecture from 2-4...not bad, but right after lecture, I attacked 2 tutorial work that are due tomorrow..oops sorry for procrastinating, as Nicky and Danielle would say, "SINS!" (sorry I'm not sorry). Between my two classes, I had lunch with two girls from my advertising class, Susanne and Malin, both from Sweden, and very nice girls! Lots of Swedish people here, I believe around 70? Speaking of Sweden, we went to Ikea last night----SO MUCH FUN! I bought so many snacks! Oops...sorry diet?
I had a very awkward meal today. I got a plate full of rice, tofu, green vegetable (still don't know if it's spinach or some Chinese veggie, but hey it's green and I need the vitamins), beef? and chicken? The beef tasted very... odd and cardboard-like and the chicken was...definitely not chicken, it had a squishy texture almost like boiled organs, so I definitely did not enjoy my lunch (did I just make you feel sick? SINS), but I enjoyed the company from the two girls and the others who joined. I met two girls from Germany, Sophie and Leanna (hopefully I spelled all the names right!) and another girl, Laura. Also, Fiona (from Singapore) joined us as well. All the international students are all soo friendly! We're like one big happy family (who have not met each other, more like long lost family). Everyone is welcoming with warm smiles on their faces. You know, all we have is each other, so everyone opens up their minds and hearts, and instant friendships are formed.
Tonight, I went up on the Digital Media and Arts building with Katie, Lizzi, Fiona, AM, Steph, Katie's labmates Nick and Ed. That is the building with grass on the rooftop (you can take a look in my facebook pictures). There are stairs so you can climb up there. I was definitely a minority, being the only American haha. It's so cool to hear everyone's accents and the way they speak. I find it fascinating haha. It was such a beautiful night with a nice breeze in the air and nice company as well!
At last, I am soo happy to be in Singapore, I felt so content and relaxed without a care in the world. It would not be the same if I had not met the people I am friends with at NTU. The people you choose to hang out with really have an effect on your experience abroad. Although I miss home, Loyola, family, and friends (oh and American food!), I am so lucky and fortunate to be in a vibrant and amazing country as Singapore and sharing it with great people as well. At last I have overcomed the little hump of homesickness!!!!! (we'll see how long this lasts, but I gotta be optimistic!)
To friends/family at home: Please stay safe and dry! I hear Hurricane Irene is making her way and that earthquakes are a fad now? Watch over each other and stay safe. I am thinking of all of you.
Goodnight for now Singapore! Good morning USA? hahaha. Until next time, much love from the Chatty Chong xoxo
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Now walk it out
Tuesday is my favorite day.... a) it's not Monday... b) No classes! ...c) Sleep in.... d) Be lazy.....and, e) The next day is Hump Day (halfway through the week and closer to the weekend) .......except I was not lazy today, I was a walking machineeee! ...."look at me now"
Today, I decided to get my act together, so I paid my housing, went to the supermarket, and did laundry... I was pretty productive and did not, I repeat did not use the shuttle bus at all! I know, I know you are proud of me! NTU's campus is SO huge, it is not normal to walk everywhere. I walked and walked and sweated buckets, did I mention how soaked my shirt was? Or, how shiny my face was? My poor poor skin......
Joanna, my roomie and I got lunch today! It was really nice getting to know her. We are making it a every Tuesday lunch kind of thing. We both got Korean food (mama would be proud of me). I got "yuk gae jang" which is a spicy beef stew. It did not taste like mommy's, but I managed. It had weird, random things thrown in the soup, and no, I did not eat it, I stuck with rice and the broth, maybe few noodles here and there. Joanna got BBQ Pork, I believe.... her first time eating Korean food! I was so proud! =)
I went to the supermarket to buy apple juice, bananas, post cards, stamps, and other pointless things. I bought 10 stamps for $5 (Singapore $). The lady handed me the stamps, and I looked at it with a funny face. I was expecting a sticky kind of stamp, like the ones we use in the US, you know, you just peel off the stamp and BAM. This one had no sticky material or anything for that matter, it looked like it was printed from the computer. I walked back to my room and proceeded to write to the lucky people who get a postcard from me. Joanna walked into the room and I asked her the most dumb question of how you put a stamp on a postcard. She said, "People lick it." I said, "Uh no thanks." hahaha, so Joanna gave me some glue, and MAGIC!
After Joanna left the room for class, I blasted Taylor Swift (as usual) and decided to "buckle down" (as my dad would say) and got to work. For a couple hours, I brainstormed a Tiger Beer advertisement (for my assignment). I thought of a fun tagline and attacked my laptop, googling images and information on Tigers and Tiger Beer. In the midst of creativity, I received a text from Lizzi, asking to go to the pool. Immediately, I dropped everything and as fast as I could typed back "YES" (especially after my long and wet trek around campus). We went swimming and chatted about our day....I always look forward to swimming with her.... it seems to wash away all of the day's troubles hahaha. Corny.. I know! The pool is probably my favorite place on campus, there are palm trees swaying and blue water....what more could you ask for?
We had dinner in North Spine on the top floor. It's such a nice place to eat there, it's air-conditioned, and has a wide variety of food. I ordered the dumpling noodle dish....so good! It was hearty and meaty and hit the spot. We're off to Sentosa Island for the loooong weekend and I cannot wait! I just have to get through the next 3 days. But, yeah everything is so far so good, the way it should be. I have class at 9am and 2:30pm tomorrow, so off to sleep! Until then, much love from the Chatty Chong! xo
Also, some new vocabulary for ya.........
toilets = bathroom
lift = elevator
pants = underwear/panties
trousers = pants
queue = line
Uni = university
chips = french fries
crisps = chips (like potato chips)
tube = subway/mrt
..........Fun, right?!
Today, I decided to get my act together, so I paid my housing, went to the supermarket, and did laundry... I was pretty productive and did not, I repeat did not use the shuttle bus at all! I know, I know you are proud of me! NTU's campus is SO huge, it is not normal to walk everywhere. I walked and walked and sweated buckets, did I mention how soaked my shirt was? Or, how shiny my face was? My poor poor skin......
Joanna, my roomie and I got lunch today! It was really nice getting to know her. We are making it a every Tuesday lunch kind of thing. We both got Korean food (mama would be proud of me). I got "yuk gae jang" which is a spicy beef stew. It did not taste like mommy's, but I managed. It had weird, random things thrown in the soup, and no, I did not eat it, I stuck with rice and the broth, maybe few noodles here and there. Joanna got BBQ Pork, I believe.... her first time eating Korean food! I was so proud! =)
I went to the supermarket to buy apple juice, bananas, post cards, stamps, and other pointless things. I bought 10 stamps for $5 (Singapore $). The lady handed me the stamps, and I looked at it with a funny face. I was expecting a sticky kind of stamp, like the ones we use in the US, you know, you just peel off the stamp and BAM. This one had no sticky material or anything for that matter, it looked like it was printed from the computer. I walked back to my room and proceeded to write to the lucky people who get a postcard from me. Joanna walked into the room and I asked her the most dumb question of how you put a stamp on a postcard. She said, "People lick it." I said, "Uh no thanks." hahaha, so Joanna gave me some glue, and MAGIC!
After Joanna left the room for class, I blasted Taylor Swift (as usual) and decided to "buckle down" (as my dad would say) and got to work. For a couple hours, I brainstormed a Tiger Beer advertisement (for my assignment). I thought of a fun tagline and attacked my laptop, googling images and information on Tigers and Tiger Beer. In the midst of creativity, I received a text from Lizzi, asking to go to the pool. Immediately, I dropped everything and as fast as I could typed back "YES" (especially after my long and wet trek around campus). We went swimming and chatted about our day....I always look forward to swimming with her.... it seems to wash away all of the day's troubles hahaha. Corny.. I know! The pool is probably my favorite place on campus, there are palm trees swaying and blue water....what more could you ask for?
We had dinner in North Spine on the top floor. It's such a nice place to eat there, it's air-conditioned, and has a wide variety of food. I ordered the dumpling noodle dish....so good! It was hearty and meaty and hit the spot. We're off to Sentosa Island for the loooong weekend and I cannot wait! I just have to get through the next 3 days. But, yeah everything is so far so good, the way it should be. I have class at 9am and 2:30pm tomorrow, so off to sleep! Until then, much love from the Chatty Chong! xo
Also, some new vocabulary for ya.........
toilets = bathroom
lift = elevator
pants = underwear/panties
trousers = pants
queue = line
Uni = university
chips = french fries
crisps = chips (like potato chips)
tube = subway/mrt
..........Fun, right?!
Sunday 21 August 2011
Finally, the zoo!
Hello my US/International loversssssss!
After an hour and a half of traveling on the bus and mrt, we finally made it to the zoo! We were all so dead tired, but once we saw the sign that read, "Singapore Zoo," there was a rush of adrenaline that sparked excitement as we entered the area. With our bellies growling away, we decided to settle down with KFC for lunch rather than your typical rice and noodles. Now if you know me, I NEVER put fast-food in my mouth at home, but in Singapore, I time to time need a taste of greasy, nasty, American fast-food, and today was that day. I had a spicy chicken sandwich with of course KFC mashed potatoes and gravy, oddly it tasted soo damn good at that moment, but afterward I felt like crap...oops, my B.
As we entered the zoo area, we were greeted with two monkeys hanging out in the tree, and of course, cameras were ripped out of handbags and were shot right away. It was the hottest day ever; if you did not sweat, then something was clearly wrong with you. We saw so many animals!!! From elephants to kangaroos to lemurs and even manatees, there were a large range of animals from different countries all over the world! It was a huge zoo with lots of beautiful nature as well. Singapore is a very beautiful place, from the city to woodlands. I felt like I was walking around NTU campus though because of the size!
Okay real quick, I need to go off on a tangent.....last night, Lizzi, A.M., Katie and I went to Beer Fest at the staff bar and I had the MOST AMAZING drink ever! It was Brothers Toffee Apple Cider. It was soooooo damn good and tasted even better after a long day at the Water Park. At Beer Fest, I walked up and down to spot any [American] beers, like good ol Budlight, Coors, or my faveeeeeeee Corona Extra Lime....but none, a little depressing hahaha, but I settled with Brothers and it was life-changing! All this beer made me think of good ol Zen and Murphy's on York Road, the sticky bar table and people shoving you....ahhhh Loyola..
Ok back to the zoo, see what happens when you go abroad in Europe or Asia, the drinking age is legal and all us Americans think about is... BEER (alcohol)...anywho, on a sober subject, the zoo was phenomenol. I was very impressed, especially with this one exhibit called, "Fragile Forest." Although I was dodging and running away from flying birds, butterflies, oh and an iguana (no big deal), it was amazing, and I was glad I did it! I posed next to a lemur that was literally a foot away from me. The animals are set free and actually, flying ducks almost knocked over my friends! After that little mishap, I decided to walk with caution. Also, I think I sweated even more not because of the heat, but from being scared of the animals..oops?
We were all dead by 5pm, you could tell from our faces, with bags under our eyes, frowns (well me haha), and the occassional big yawns, it was time to go! After our 1.5 hour travel this morning, we were not looking forward to the deathly trip of the bus and mrt, so we decided to take a cab. Considering the fact that there were 13 of us, we were screwed. We finally found a van that fit 13 of us.. SCORE! Half of us were passed out (including myself) haha. After a 20 minute drive....let me say that again.. 20 MINUTES...we ended up at Pioneer Station hawker center. I had a DELICIOUS meal that I swallowed whole. People probably thought I hadn't eaten for days...def. felt like it! After that, we decided to go back to campus. The girls are off to a move in the Chem building, I decided to go back and be a loser, shower, skype Mama Chong, read (HA), and sleep early, since tomorrow is Hell day, I mean Monday. We're thinking of Bali this weekend! Hopefully it all works out because we are off next Monday and Tuesday! What's up 4 day weekend?!? Until next time, sending YOU some international love from the Chatty Chong!
P.S. Any evergreens reading this-----HATE YOU ALL because fall o is coming up! miss you all! know that I am thinking of you, yes you! No one's loud as me, so Justine has proudly offered to be Shannon Chong in the fall hahaha. LYLAS...TJ IS SOOO HAWWWWT.
After an hour and a half of traveling on the bus and mrt, we finally made it to the zoo! We were all so dead tired, but once we saw the sign that read, "Singapore Zoo," there was a rush of adrenaline that sparked excitement as we entered the area. With our bellies growling away, we decided to settle down with KFC for lunch rather than your typical rice and noodles. Now if you know me, I NEVER put fast-food in my mouth at home, but in Singapore, I time to time need a taste of greasy, nasty, American fast-food, and today was that day. I had a spicy chicken sandwich with of course KFC mashed potatoes and gravy, oddly it tasted soo damn good at that moment, but afterward I felt like crap...oops, my B.
As we entered the zoo area, we were greeted with two monkeys hanging out in the tree, and of course, cameras were ripped out of handbags and were shot right away. It was the hottest day ever; if you did not sweat, then something was clearly wrong with you. We saw so many animals!!! From elephants to kangaroos to lemurs and even manatees, there were a large range of animals from different countries all over the world! It was a huge zoo with lots of beautiful nature as well. Singapore is a very beautiful place, from the city to woodlands. I felt like I was walking around NTU campus though because of the size!
Okay real quick, I need to go off on a tangent.....last night, Lizzi, A.M., Katie and I went to Beer Fest at the staff bar and I had the MOST AMAZING drink ever! It was Brothers Toffee Apple Cider. It was soooooo damn good and tasted even better after a long day at the Water Park. At Beer Fest, I walked up and down to spot any [American] beers, like good ol Budlight, Coors, or my faveeeeeeee Corona Extra Lime....but none, a little depressing hahaha, but I settled with Brothers and it was life-changing! All this beer made me think of good ol Zen and Murphy's on York Road, the sticky bar table and people shoving you....ahhhh Loyola..
Ok back to the zoo, see what happens when you go abroad in Europe or Asia, the drinking age is legal and all us Americans think about is... BEER (alcohol)...anywho, on a sober subject, the zoo was phenomenol. I was very impressed, especially with this one exhibit called, "Fragile Forest." Although I was dodging and running away from flying birds, butterflies, oh and an iguana (no big deal), it was amazing, and I was glad I did it! I posed next to a lemur that was literally a foot away from me. The animals are set free and actually, flying ducks almost knocked over my friends! After that little mishap, I decided to walk with caution. Also, I think I sweated even more not because of the heat, but from being scared of the animals..oops?
We were all dead by 5pm, you could tell from our faces, with bags under our eyes, frowns (well me haha), and the occassional big yawns, it was time to go! After our 1.5 hour travel this morning, we were not looking forward to the deathly trip of the bus and mrt, so we decided to take a cab. Considering the fact that there were 13 of us, we were screwed. We finally found a van that fit 13 of us.. SCORE! Half of us were passed out (including myself) haha. After a 20 minute drive....let me say that again.. 20 MINUTES...we ended up at Pioneer Station hawker center. I had a DELICIOUS meal that I swallowed whole. People probably thought I hadn't eaten for days...def. felt like it! After that, we decided to go back to campus. The girls are off to a move in the Chem building, I decided to go back and be a loser, shower, skype Mama Chong, read (HA), and sleep early, since tomorrow is Hell day, I mean Monday. We're thinking of Bali this weekend! Hopefully it all works out because we are off next Monday and Tuesday! What's up 4 day weekend?!? Until next time, sending YOU some international love from the Chatty Chong!
P.S. Any evergreens reading this-----HATE YOU ALL because fall o is coming up! miss you all! know that I am thinking of you, yes you! No one's loud as me, so Justine has proudly offered to be Shannon Chong in the fall hahaha. LYLAS...TJ IS SOOO HAWWWWT.
Saturday 20 August 2011
Forbidden City twice in 1 week? WHY NOT?
Hello! It's been a while since I've blogged...I've just been so busy!! I did not forget about any of you!
This was the second week of classes and so far, everything seems to be working out as planned. I am taking Marketing, Integrated Marketing Comm, PR Writing, and Advertising Creativity/Copywriting....which is great! The professors are all nice.... I think academically it will be a good semester. I enjoy my major/minor, so call me a nerd, but I'm excited!
It's so funny how people are leaving to go abroad this week, when I have been in Singapore for over 20 days... it feels so much longer than that though. Kelley and Merrie are in Ireland; Libbie is off to Denmark; and Katie is off to Spain soon. I have made some great friends from all over the world; I feel comfortable with them. The homesickness is getting better....baby steps... baby steps. Now that school is in full gear with readings and tutorial week, I am pretty sure I will be occupied. The school work is really not that bad though, comparing to Loyola. In some of my classes, the readings are very similar or the material in the textbook is something I already covered at Loyola, so nothing to really complain about.
On Tuesday night, I went out to dinner with my aunt's best friend (Ms. Wendy) and her family who actually live here in Singapore. It is really nice to have some type of "family" structure, especially since I have been homesick. That's another thing I want to talk about homesickness, but before I do, I'll tell you about the dinner. It was in Vivo City which is near Sentosa boardwalk...absolutely beautiful place. I ate a very nice Chinese restaurant with Ms. Wendy, her husband, her two children (Aaron and Elisabeth), and her niece (Daphne). They are all such friendly people! Her children are 11 and 8, so they are much younger than I am which is great because I love children! Her niece is 19 and is studying abroad in the UK for 3 years. She is very sweet and down-to-earth, and we may hang out in the future before she leaves. Before we ate, Daphne, Elisabeth, and I walked on the boardwalk. It was a nice setting with the sunset and breeze. Daphne and I bonded over girly things like shopping and school, etc. We finally got to the table and started our feast, we ate peking duck (which was absolutely delicious), pork, beef, shrimp in a creamy wasabi sauce, crab fried rice, vegetables, and so on. The catch about this restaurant is there is a spinning round table on the table; the waiter puts the dishes on the table and we spin the table instead of passing around the plates to each other---it's kind of nifty! I look forward to seeing Ms. Wendy and her family again!
Homesickness---never did I think in a million years I would feel this. At Loyola, I forget to call home and talk to my family---as bad as it sounds, I never miss home, but I think it is because I am so close to home, I know I can go home whenever I want to at any time, I know I have that ability, whereas in Singapore, I do not. I am not a "home-body," but I do love my family. I flew here by myself, had to do things on my own, and find friends (like freshman year all over again but in a new country). At one point, I wanted to quit and fly back to the US, but I knew why I came to Singapore, and I intend to meet my goals and have the best experience ever, seriously, when am I ever going to do this again? The homesickness has definitely died down a bit, since I have been hanging out with my friends more and opening my mind up. I think the first month abroad, there is a "homesickness hump," that everyone needs to get over, and once you're over, you finally understand the real reasons why you are where you are. We'll see how it goes!
On Wednesday night, I went out to Ladies Night at Clarke Quay, specifically Forbidden City, which is basically our favorite place. I had a ton of fun, maybe drank a little too much, but still went to classes on Thursday. I intend to go to every single lecture and tutorial to the best of my ability! It's so nice to drink OF AGE comfortably, instead of freaking out in the US, whether or not I'll get in trouble or not.
Last night (Friday), my whole entire group of friends (20 of us), went out to a hawker centre in Raffles Place. Hawker centres are cheap and affordable food courts with so many different kinds of Asian foods, from Korean to Chinese to Indian....you name it. I got Korean Rameon with rice, kind of tasted like the once from home, but I guess I just needed a taste of home that night. Each couple of people shared a jug of Tiger Beer and we sat there with our bellies full, listening to the live band. After a couple of hours, we headed our way to the bridge in Clarke Quay. We had a great time, drinking and chatting, and soon enough moved our party group to Forbidden City (once again, our favorite place haha). Everybody was wasted (I was not as wasted only cause on Wednesday, I had my fair share) and having a good time. I finally danced on the fish aquarium stage, literally it's a huge fish tank but as a stage. After dancing for countless hours, I returned back to good ol Hall 12 and passed out.
Today, I woke up and layed around until 1 pm. We grabbed lunch in North Spine. I had McDonalds. Funny thing is, you will NEVER catch me with fast-food at home, but in Singapore, sometimes I have to eat the nasty, greasy McD's just 'cause my poor stomach cannot handle endless amounts of rice, noodles, and chicken. We decided to go the water park off of Chinese Garden mrt stop. It was a ton of fun and really cheap too! It was $2 admission, 40 cents to rent a locker, and $4 to rent a tube.....cheap! It was a really nice inexpensive day! Katie and I grabbed dinner in the hawker centre nearby and chatted. I returned to my room, showered, and now I'm here. I have water in my ear though, which is distracting me!
Off to the zoo tomorrow (hopefully it does not rain)! Maybe, staff club with the girls tonight? It's beer fest all weekend, we'll see.. we'll see...until then, much love from the Chatty Chong! Miss you all at home! xoxo
This was the second week of classes and so far, everything seems to be working out as planned. I am taking Marketing, Integrated Marketing Comm, PR Writing, and Advertising Creativity/Copywriting....which is great! The professors are all nice.... I think academically it will be a good semester. I enjoy my major/minor, so call me a nerd, but I'm excited!
It's so funny how people are leaving to go abroad this week, when I have been in Singapore for over 20 days... it feels so much longer than that though. Kelley and Merrie are in Ireland; Libbie is off to Denmark; and Katie is off to Spain soon. I have made some great friends from all over the world; I feel comfortable with them. The homesickness is getting better....baby steps... baby steps. Now that school is in full gear with readings and tutorial week, I am pretty sure I will be occupied. The school work is really not that bad though, comparing to Loyola. In some of my classes, the readings are very similar or the material in the textbook is something I already covered at Loyola, so nothing to really complain about.
On Tuesday night, I went out to dinner with my aunt's best friend (Ms. Wendy) and her family who actually live here in Singapore. It is really nice to have some type of "family" structure, especially since I have been homesick. That's another thing I want to talk about homesickness, but before I do, I'll tell you about the dinner. It was in Vivo City which is near Sentosa boardwalk...absolutely beautiful place. I ate a very nice Chinese restaurant with Ms. Wendy, her husband, her two children (Aaron and Elisabeth), and her niece (Daphne). They are all such friendly people! Her children are 11 and 8, so they are much younger than I am which is great because I love children! Her niece is 19 and is studying abroad in the UK for 3 years. She is very sweet and down-to-earth, and we may hang out in the future before she leaves. Before we ate, Daphne, Elisabeth, and I walked on the boardwalk. It was a nice setting with the sunset and breeze. Daphne and I bonded over girly things like shopping and school, etc. We finally got to the table and started our feast, we ate peking duck (which was absolutely delicious), pork, beef, shrimp in a creamy wasabi sauce, crab fried rice, vegetables, and so on. The catch about this restaurant is there is a spinning round table on the table; the waiter puts the dishes on the table and we spin the table instead of passing around the plates to each other---it's kind of nifty! I look forward to seeing Ms. Wendy and her family again!
Homesickness---never did I think in a million years I would feel this. At Loyola, I forget to call home and talk to my family---as bad as it sounds, I never miss home, but I think it is because I am so close to home, I know I can go home whenever I want to at any time, I know I have that ability, whereas in Singapore, I do not. I am not a "home-body," but I do love my family. I flew here by myself, had to do things on my own, and find friends (like freshman year all over again but in a new country). At one point, I wanted to quit and fly back to the US, but I knew why I came to Singapore, and I intend to meet my goals and have the best experience ever, seriously, when am I ever going to do this again? The homesickness has definitely died down a bit, since I have been hanging out with my friends more and opening my mind up. I think the first month abroad, there is a "homesickness hump," that everyone needs to get over, and once you're over, you finally understand the real reasons why you are where you are. We'll see how it goes!
On Wednesday night, I went out to Ladies Night at Clarke Quay, specifically Forbidden City, which is basically our favorite place. I had a ton of fun, maybe drank a little too much, but still went to classes on Thursday. I intend to go to every single lecture and tutorial to the best of my ability! It's so nice to drink OF AGE comfortably, instead of freaking out in the US, whether or not I'll get in trouble or not.
Last night (Friday), my whole entire group of friends (20 of us), went out to a hawker centre in Raffles Place. Hawker centres are cheap and affordable food courts with so many different kinds of Asian foods, from Korean to Chinese to Indian....you name it. I got Korean Rameon with rice, kind of tasted like the once from home, but I guess I just needed a taste of home that night. Each couple of people shared a jug of Tiger Beer and we sat there with our bellies full, listening to the live band. After a couple of hours, we headed our way to the bridge in Clarke Quay. We had a great time, drinking and chatting, and soon enough moved our party group to Forbidden City (once again, our favorite place haha). Everybody was wasted (I was not as wasted only cause on Wednesday, I had my fair share) and having a good time. I finally danced on the fish aquarium stage, literally it's a huge fish tank but as a stage. After dancing for countless hours, I returned back to good ol Hall 12 and passed out.
Today, I woke up and layed around until 1 pm. We grabbed lunch in North Spine. I had McDonalds. Funny thing is, you will NEVER catch me with fast-food at home, but in Singapore, sometimes I have to eat the nasty, greasy McD's just 'cause my poor stomach cannot handle endless amounts of rice, noodles, and chicken. We decided to go the water park off of Chinese Garden mrt stop. It was a ton of fun and really cheap too! It was $2 admission, 40 cents to rent a locker, and $4 to rent a tube.....cheap! It was a really nice inexpensive day! Katie and I grabbed dinner in the hawker centre nearby and chatted. I returned to my room, showered, and now I'm here. I have water in my ear though, which is distracting me!
Off to the zoo tomorrow (hopefully it does not rain)! Maybe, staff club with the girls tonight? It's beer fest all weekend, we'll see.. we'll see...until then, much love from the Chatty Chong! Miss you all at home! xoxo
Sunday 14 August 2011
Italy in Singapore?!? Talk about diversity!
So because I'm sick, I skipped out on Malaysia (damn it!) BUT I had a great weekend with the Edinburgh kids! They're awesome! So friendly! We went to the mall and I bought two dresses from New Look..it's like USA's version of Forever21...so I was basically in Heaven! Great prices and great clothes! I will be back there hahaha.
After endless walking and shopping, we met up with the boys in Holland Village or was it Holland Town? haha oops...well we went there and it's a street with cafes, restaurants, bars, and cute shops. We ate a Amici, an authentic Italian restaurant..did I mention how DELICIOUS it was?!? The restaurant was little but soo adorable! I ordered the tortellini with ham and mushroom cream sauce...SO GOOD! It was soo great eating Italian and not rice, noodles, and deep fried chicken in sauce haha. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who vists Singapore and has a taste for Italy!
On our way home, the girls and I could not hold our laughter in when we spotted a couple on the MRT...they were holding each other and looking at each other...but...with frowns?...It was weird.. maybe they just saw a very sad film or came from a funeral? It was weird, strange, and...odd..? haha.
The medicine is definitely working...all 6 of them... haha. Asians love their drugs! I feel a whole lot better than last week and I'm happy I rested this weekend instead of travelling around...it was a hard decision to make, but totally worth it! Almost done with the medicines...maybe a couple more days and I'm praying to Buddha that I'll be fully recovered!
Other than that, tutorials are starting up so it's time to buckle down and get busy.... Miss America and all my loves back home! I wish I could skype you all but just know I am thinking of you! Until next time, much love from the Chatty Chong!
After endless walking and shopping, we met up with the boys in Holland Village or was it Holland Town? haha oops...well we went there and it's a street with cafes, restaurants, bars, and cute shops. We ate a Amici, an authentic Italian restaurant..did I mention how DELICIOUS it was?!? The restaurant was little but soo adorable! I ordered the tortellini with ham and mushroom cream sauce...SO GOOD! It was soo great eating Italian and not rice, noodles, and deep fried chicken in sauce haha. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who vists Singapore and has a taste for Italy!
On our way home, the girls and I could not hold our laughter in when we spotted a couple on the MRT...they were holding each other and looking at each other...but...with frowns?...It was weird.. maybe they just saw a very sad film or came from a funeral? It was weird, strange, and...odd..? haha.
The medicine is definitely working...all 6 of them... haha. Asians love their drugs! I feel a whole lot better than last week and I'm happy I rested this weekend instead of travelling around...it was a hard decision to make, but totally worth it! Almost done with the medicines...maybe a couple more days and I'm praying to Buddha that I'll be fully recovered!
Other than that, tutorials are starting up so it's time to buckle down and get busy.... Miss America and all my loves back home! I wish I could skype you all but just know I am thinking of you! Until next time, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Friday 12 August 2011
Yesterday was Thursday. Today is Friday.
"Yesterday was Thursday. Today is Friday" is what my professor said this morning...he definitely listened to some Rebecca Black this morning haha.
This week was the first week of lectures! Tutorials start up (along with lectures) next week! I'm excited for classes---I enjoy communications and marketing...call me a nerd! Add/Drop is stressful here! Right now, I'm trying to drop 2 courses to add a marketing and advertising course...wish me luck!!!
Everything so far is good here in Singapore. The pools with the palm trees are just great...when I'm not in class..you can find me at the pool! I've been hanging out with the Canadian and UK/Scottish girls a lot...they are just wonderful people, all down to earth, and remind me of my friends from the US which is a GREAT thing.. I feel comfortable in my skin when I am with them.
One downfall: I'm SICK =(
I have a terrible cough which hurts, runny/stuffed up nose, headaches and stomach pains... I really think it's cause my body is trying to adjust the new life I am encountering which includes the food, the weather, and so on... I visited the Med. Centre and the doctor gave me 6 different medicines... 6! The Asians love their meds! Because of my illness, I have to skip out on a weekend in Malaysia....DAMN! But, I will spend great times with the UK/Scottish group---such a nice group of people.
I am so happy with the friends I have made here so far. It's so cool to have international friends and to see their way of life and the way they speak. I think it's funny when people say that I have such a "strong American accent" haha.
So for now, I am being a loser and staying in so I can get better... sleep is the best remedy when you're sick...so I'm off to shower and bed... Until next time, Much love from the Chatty Chong!
This week was the first week of lectures! Tutorials start up (along with lectures) next week! I'm excited for classes---I enjoy communications and marketing...call me a nerd! Add/Drop is stressful here! Right now, I'm trying to drop 2 courses to add a marketing and advertising course...wish me luck!!!
Everything so far is good here in Singapore. The pools with the palm trees are just great...when I'm not in class..you can find me at the pool! I've been hanging out with the Canadian and UK/Scottish girls a lot...they are just wonderful people, all down to earth, and remind me of my friends from the US which is a GREAT thing.. I feel comfortable in my skin when I am with them.
One downfall: I'm SICK =(
I have a terrible cough which hurts, runny/stuffed up nose, headaches and stomach pains... I really think it's cause my body is trying to adjust the new life I am encountering which includes the food, the weather, and so on... I visited the Med. Centre and the doctor gave me 6 different medicines... 6! The Asians love their meds! Because of my illness, I have to skip out on a weekend in Malaysia....DAMN! But, I will spend great times with the UK/Scottish group---such a nice group of people.
I am so happy with the friends I have made here so far. It's so cool to have international friends and to see their way of life and the way they speak. I think it's funny when people say that I have such a "strong American accent" haha.
So for now, I am being a loser and staying in so I can get better... sleep is the best remedy when you're sick...so I'm off to shower and bed... Until next time, Much love from the Chatty Chong!
Monday 8 August 2011
Glee...Bieber fever...woman acapella group?
1st day of classes! woohoo! I had IMC (integrated marketing comm) and Communication Campaign today. The professors are great! I think I'm going to enjoy the classes. As for the other two courses, I dropped brand management and added PR writing and waiting on Marketing....the add/drop here is sooo disorganized, so the next time we have add/drop at Loyola... I won't complain =) The walk to IMC was BRUTAL, Meg and I walked maybe 20 mins to class and by the time we were there, our shirts were damped with sweat...DISGUSTING! But, all was well...so I don't have much to complain about my two classes..SO FAR.
Most depressing moment of my life: LUNCH. I ate by myself in canteen 13...I was so lonely and depressed... I'm pretty sure people who walked by felt sympathetic towards me. I shoveled my food down to forget about the fact I was eating alone...never have done that unless I'm in a rush to do a paper or something.. OH well!
I went back to my room and did laundry and talked to Liz Creed on FB chat...what a doll! The laundry is free, but dryers are a dollar! not too bad! After laundry, I just sat in my room.....sitting, waiting, sitting, staring at the walls.... I was soo lonely... so I decided to take a nappy for an hour before Comm. Campaigns....I hopped on the shuttle this time, and although it was a long ride, it was better than being soaked in my own sweat, going up and down the hills and stairs!
After class, I met up with the Canadian girls and had dinner. We then went to Jasmine's common area and performed add/drop, for Shelby it was a success, for me...it was not.. I just need one more course...ONE! The COMM. ones clash with my schedule as well as everything else, EXCEPT a marketing course... I wanna take it here and get it over with so I can do upper level marketing courses...is that too much to ask for?!?! After add/drop, the girls and I blared Glee music and Justin Bieber and sang along... I'm pretty sure Malaysia could hear us sing =) We then went to the staff bar and met up with our usual group (whom I love sooo dearly!). We ordered like 4 Tiger Beer Towers and shared it among ourselves. It was really nice =) I love my international family! Shelby, Meg, and I walked back from the staff bar and sang Glee and random songs all the way back to the residence halls. It was HILARIOUS, I'm pretty sure the Singaporeans thought we were drunk...oh wait... =)
Tomorrrow (well today since it's 1:09am) is NATIONAL SINGAPORE DAY! Happy birthday Singapore! We are off of school, so let the celebrations begin! I'm dead tired! I have been up since 7:30am...so off to bed! Until next time, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Most depressing moment of my life: LUNCH. I ate by myself in canteen 13...I was so lonely and depressed... I'm pretty sure people who walked by felt sympathetic towards me. I shoveled my food down to forget about the fact I was eating alone...never have done that unless I'm in a rush to do a paper or something.. OH well!
I went back to my room and did laundry and talked to Liz Creed on FB chat...what a doll! The laundry is free, but dryers are a dollar! not too bad! After laundry, I just sat in my room.....sitting, waiting, sitting, staring at the walls.... I was soo lonely... so I decided to take a nappy for an hour before Comm. Campaigns....I hopped on the shuttle this time, and although it was a long ride, it was better than being soaked in my own sweat, going up and down the hills and stairs!
After class, I met up with the Canadian girls and had dinner. We then went to Jasmine's common area and performed add/drop, for Shelby it was a success, for me...it was not.. I just need one more course...ONE! The COMM. ones clash with my schedule as well as everything else, EXCEPT a marketing course... I wanna take it here and get it over with so I can do upper level marketing courses...is that too much to ask for?!?! After add/drop, the girls and I blared Glee music and Justin Bieber and sang along... I'm pretty sure Malaysia could hear us sing =) We then went to the staff bar and met up with our usual group (whom I love sooo dearly!). We ordered like 4 Tiger Beer Towers and shared it among ourselves. It was really nice =) I love my international family! Shelby, Meg, and I walked back from the staff bar and sang Glee and random songs all the way back to the residence halls. It was HILARIOUS, I'm pretty sure the Singaporeans thought we were drunk...oh wait... =)
Tomorrrow (well today since it's 1:09am) is NATIONAL SINGAPORE DAY! Happy birthday Singapore! We are off of school, so let the celebrations begin! I'm dead tired! I have been up since 7:30am...so off to bed! Until next time, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Sunday 7 August 2011
Immerse Yourself
The next day after Sentosa, we visited Little India and Chinatown (once more). We visited buddhist/hindu temples which were absolutely fascinating and beautiful. The colors were vibrant and you could tell that the sculptures were meticulously made, with every sharp detail of the human and animal faces.You had to take your shoes off though, so there were piles and piles of shoes in front of the temples. I was afraid I was going to lose mine!! I mostly walked around Little India with Annemette and Lizzi. It was nice to be with the girls for a change hahaha. The boys were straggling along. And of course it was the hottest day ever...the sun was beating down on us as our shirts became more damp with our own sweat. After walking around here and there and exploring, we decided to go to Chinatown for dinner to meet up with Dominik who said he knew the best seafood place in town.
Annemette, Lizzi, and I made a pit stop at the toilets (they call it toilets here instead of bathroom)...and guess what I did there?! PAY 10 cents to use the bathroom! and that was WITHOUT toilet paper....absolutely crazyyyy! I was shocked for sure and digusted b/c there was no toilet paper...talk about culture shock! After that horrifying incident, we proceeded to get some dinner in Chinatown...
The girls split and ate at a thai place while I stayed with the boys and had some seafood. I got a seafood noodle dish, while the boys practically ordered a seafood feast...it reminded me of Thanksgiving dinner....plates in the middle of the table, and everyone grabbing at whatever they can and stuffing themselves. The boys licked the plates clean!!! Justin and Dominik ordered the famous Singapore Chili Crab...I tried a little piece and it was delicious! The sauce was sweet but hot! After rubbing our bellies, we decided to go to Clarke Quay bridge and meet up with Robbie and everyone else. It's so nice to be surrounded by familiar faces and drinking and just hanging out.
The next day, Team America plus Fiona went to Boon Lay to have lunch. We ate at Pepper Lunch---absolutely delicious food! They bring out your food on a hot plate. You then proceed to cook and mix it around and add sauce. It was like a mini hibachi on a plate. I ordered the chicken and salmon rice. It was almost cooked to perfection, so I moved it all around on my hot plate and added this sweet honey brown sauce. It was hot, tangy, and delicious!! I then purchased school supplies and started to feel excitement for classes..I enjoy communications, so I was ready for school! We decided to go watch a movie, but the one we wanted to see did not start until 5:30 so we decided to go to Jurong East, I believe to see if there was another movie....After walking around for hours and hours, we were informed that the movies were only at Boon Lay. Frustrated, hot, and bothered, we went back and sat at the food court, waiting for 5:30.
All of a sudden, I felt a surge of exhaustion and homesickness....out of no where. I decided to go back, rest a little, and hang out with Jasmine and Shelby. I grabbed dinner with them along with Kelly at Canteen 13...the food was just O.K--it was the same thing, same taste...just "blehhh." Shelby, Jasmine, and I decided to walk to Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information so we had a feel for where our classes would be. After walking around for half an hour dripping sweat all over the place, we found it! The building has a really cool and interesting set up. It is not indoors, it is outdoors. In the middle of the campus, there are tables where you can eat, hang out, or study. Along the borders are the lecture and tutorial rooms.... I will be spending a lot of time there! After finding the place, we decided to reward ourselves to McDonalds Oreo McFlurry's at North Spine. It was sooooooooo good and it was just what I needed---a taste of home. After that, I went back to my room and prepared for classes and skyped my family. I miss them soo much... after talking to them, I just wanted to hop on a plane and be with them, instead I showered, calmed down, and talked to Katie Joumas from home! Miss that girl....
Now on to TODAY...so far I had one class, my Integrated Marketing Communications. I walked over to the lecture with Meg. We were sweatyyyyyy! The professor is really cool, I think I am going to enjoy this class. We just have two assignments: a tutorial due before recess week and after, then a final, so just 3 things to get through this semester. I am excited because I enjoy IMC and like to see how everything works together. I grabbed a quick lunch afterwards and proceeded to attack laundry. Washing is free!! Drying is only a dollar--not bad at all....definitely A LOT cheaper and faster than Loyola =) Now, I am just cooling down, folding laundry, and going to CHILL out. I have one more class today at 3:30...until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Annemette, Lizzi, and I made a pit stop at the toilets (they call it toilets here instead of bathroom)...and guess what I did there?! PAY 10 cents to use the bathroom! and that was WITHOUT toilet paper....absolutely crazyyyy! I was shocked for sure and digusted b/c there was no toilet paper...talk about culture shock! After that horrifying incident, we proceeded to get some dinner in Chinatown...
The girls split and ate at a thai place while I stayed with the boys and had some seafood. I got a seafood noodle dish, while the boys practically ordered a seafood feast...it reminded me of Thanksgiving dinner....plates in the middle of the table, and everyone grabbing at whatever they can and stuffing themselves. The boys licked the plates clean!!! Justin and Dominik ordered the famous Singapore Chili Crab...I tried a little piece and it was delicious! The sauce was sweet but hot! After rubbing our bellies, we decided to go to Clarke Quay bridge and meet up with Robbie and everyone else. It's so nice to be surrounded by familiar faces and drinking and just hanging out.
The next day, Team America plus Fiona went to Boon Lay to have lunch. We ate at Pepper Lunch---absolutely delicious food! They bring out your food on a hot plate. You then proceed to cook and mix it around and add sauce. It was like a mini hibachi on a plate. I ordered the chicken and salmon rice. It was almost cooked to perfection, so I moved it all around on my hot plate and added this sweet honey brown sauce. It was hot, tangy, and delicious!! I then purchased school supplies and started to feel excitement for classes..I enjoy communications, so I was ready for school! We decided to go watch a movie, but the one we wanted to see did not start until 5:30 so we decided to go to Jurong East, I believe to see if there was another movie....After walking around for hours and hours, we were informed that the movies were only at Boon Lay. Frustrated, hot, and bothered, we went back and sat at the food court, waiting for 5:30.
All of a sudden, I felt a surge of exhaustion and homesickness....out of no where. I decided to go back, rest a little, and hang out with Jasmine and Shelby. I grabbed dinner with them along with Kelly at Canteen 13...the food was just O.K--it was the same thing, same taste...just "blehhh." Shelby, Jasmine, and I decided to walk to Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information so we had a feel for where our classes would be. After walking around for half an hour dripping sweat all over the place, we found it! The building has a really cool and interesting set up. It is not indoors, it is outdoors. In the middle of the campus, there are tables where you can eat, hang out, or study. Along the borders are the lecture and tutorial rooms.... I will be spending a lot of time there! After finding the place, we decided to reward ourselves to McDonalds Oreo McFlurry's at North Spine. It was sooooooooo good and it was just what I needed---a taste of home. After that, I went back to my room and prepared for classes and skyped my family. I miss them soo much... after talking to them, I just wanted to hop on a plane and be with them, instead I showered, calmed down, and talked to Katie Joumas from home! Miss that girl....
Now on to TODAY...so far I had one class, my Integrated Marketing Communications. I walked over to the lecture with Meg. We were sweatyyyyyy! The professor is really cool, I think I am going to enjoy this class. We just have two assignments: a tutorial due before recess week and after, then a final, so just 3 things to get through this semester. I am excited because I enjoy IMC and like to see how everything works together. I grabbed a quick lunch afterwards and proceeded to attack laundry. Washing is free!! Drying is only a dollar--not bad at all....definitely A LOT cheaper and faster than Loyola =) Now, I am just cooling down, folding laundry, and going to CHILL out. I have one more class today at 3:30...until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Friday 5 August 2011
Toes in the Water & Ass in the Sand
Today we went to a beach on Sentosa Island---absolutely beautiful place to visit in Singapore. The weather was perfect--humid as usual but sunny with a gentle breeze on the beach. It took about close to an hour to get to the Island, but it is well worth it. In Singapore, public transportation and walking is the best form of transportation and CHEAP too! As I was laying on the sand and swimming in the perfect bath-water ocean, I freezed in the moment and could not believe what I was doing, it was almost a dream...I just cannot believe I am halfway across the world on this beautiful island. At that very moment, I was content and happy (even more!) about my life, plus I was in the sun with a cold Tiger beer in my hand---what more could I ask for???? After relaxing and enjoying my tropical day, we met up with the Canadian girls in Chinatown.
Chinatown was just what I imagine---crazy, loud, busy, and hectic. It was like real China but in Singapore. There were lots of venues and shopping streets all over the place, where people would try to drag you into their stores or restaurants so they can basically empty out your wallet haha. I love culture and seeing different things, so Chinatown was the best move. I walked up and down the shops and touched everything--when am I ever going to do this again? I took full advantage. I did not buy anything because I want to wait until I visit Thailand (before I splurge). We had dinner at this Chinese restaurant that was basically...ridiculous. They made you pay for peanuts and wet napkins! RIP-OFF! never going there again... The boys went to Clarke Quay tonight to the Ice Bar, although I wanted to go, I decided a sober night and plus I love shopping and boys really don't, so I spent time with Shelby, Jasmine and Kelly (from Canada). They are very personable and remind me of friends from home.
After Chinatown, I received a call from Robbie (from the UK) asking my whereabouts. He was waiting for us at a MRT stop so we could go to a similar Chinatown, where there are lots of shops and stuff. We met up with the UK/Scottish girls and Leo...we sat around and just conversed and shared stories, it was very nice to just catch up. Afterwards, we went on the MRT and headed back to NTU. I am exhausted from Sentosa and Chinatown, so off to bed! Until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
P.S. Did you know education in some institutions are free in Europe? Whereas Loyola students pay a fortune and a leg or two! Why can't all education be free?? [Fun fact of the day/night]
Chinatown was just what I imagine---crazy, loud, busy, and hectic. It was like real China but in Singapore. There were lots of venues and shopping streets all over the place, where people would try to drag you into their stores or restaurants so they can basically empty out your wallet haha. I love culture and seeing different things, so Chinatown was the best move. I walked up and down the shops and touched everything--when am I ever going to do this again? I took full advantage. I did not buy anything because I want to wait until I visit Thailand (before I splurge). We had dinner at this Chinese restaurant that was basically...ridiculous. They made you pay for peanuts and wet napkins! RIP-OFF! never going there again... The boys went to Clarke Quay tonight to the Ice Bar, although I wanted to go, I decided a sober night and plus I love shopping and boys really don't, so I spent time with Shelby, Jasmine and Kelly (from Canada). They are very personable and remind me of friends from home.
After Chinatown, I received a call from Robbie (from the UK) asking my whereabouts. He was waiting for us at a MRT stop so we could go to a similar Chinatown, where there are lots of shops and stuff. We met up with the UK/Scottish girls and Leo...we sat around and just conversed and shared stories, it was very nice to just catch up. Afterwards, we went on the MRT and headed back to NTU. I am exhausted from Sentosa and Chinatown, so off to bed! Until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
P.S. Did you know education in some institutions are free in Europe? Whereas Loyola students pay a fortune and a leg or two! Why can't all education be free?? [Fun fact of the day/night]
Thursday 4 August 2011
Reality
Today we had our Exchange orientation---it all feels so real to me now... I just cannot believe I am thousands and thousands miles away from home. I terribly miss everyone already, it's just so different. I need to come out of my comfort zone and welcome any new opportunites and experiences with open arms...for God's sake I am an Evergreen (Orientation leader for 1st years) at school! [Evergreens are the most upbeat and friendliest people I would say at Loyola haha] Why am I putting a wall up and shying away at times? I have never been out of the country by myself. As I sat in the lecture hall, listening to speakers, it made me think of my freshman year as a new student at Loyola, having the same feelings: excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and such, except this time I cannot go home on the weekends. Being abroad and away from home makes me realize it's time to grow up, be independent, and self-sufficient.
One of the speakers from the Counseling Center spoke about the phases we will be going through (honeymoon, adaptation, etc.) and culture shock. I am afraid of being homesick and dealing with anxiety. If you don't know me, I stress myself even more with school, and I like to have that one person or couple people to go to, to vent and such. I have to think "baby steps, Shannon..." I need to learn to take one day at a time and try not to rush things and let time do its part.
Classes start on Monday...I cannot believe it's already time for that. I have definitely been enjoying my time so far in the Lion City. I definitely have made great friends so far from the UK, Scotland, Canada, etc. Everyone's just so nice and welcoming. I am actually very excited about my courses, Loyola does not really have these specific ones. I am ready to take on challenges. Call me a nerd, but I just cannot wait! I love communications and cannot wait to see how different it will be from the US (teachings, projects, assignments, etc.).
Last night, we went to a club called Zouk. It was a mixture of Zen West and Reefers (My Loyola people will totally get this!). The DJ was awesome, what was really funny about the music, was that it went from 80's music to modern day music to Grease music? I had such a great time dancing and getting to know my friends better.
Funny story: I met someone from Maryland (Bel Air) who goes to College Park who is at this school and lives in the same Hall as me...what a small world!
I know this was not really an enjoyable blog to read; it was more of a venting post for me, but I sware next post will be better and more fun to read, until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
One of the speakers from the Counseling Center spoke about the phases we will be going through (honeymoon, adaptation, etc.) and culture shock. I am afraid of being homesick and dealing with anxiety. If you don't know me, I stress myself even more with school, and I like to have that one person or couple people to go to, to vent and such. I have to think "baby steps, Shannon..." I need to learn to take one day at a time and try not to rush things and let time do its part.
Classes start on Monday...I cannot believe it's already time for that. I have definitely been enjoying my time so far in the Lion City. I definitely have made great friends so far from the UK, Scotland, Canada, etc. Everyone's just so nice and welcoming. I am actually very excited about my courses, Loyola does not really have these specific ones. I am ready to take on challenges. Call me a nerd, but I just cannot wait! I love communications and cannot wait to see how different it will be from the US (teachings, projects, assignments, etc.).
Last night, we went to a club called Zouk. It was a mixture of Zen West and Reefers (My Loyola people will totally get this!). The DJ was awesome, what was really funny about the music, was that it went from 80's music to modern day music to Grease music? I had such a great time dancing and getting to know my friends better.
Funny story: I met someone from Maryland (Bel Air) who goes to College Park who is at this school and lives in the same Hall as me...what a small world!
I know this was not really an enjoyable blog to read; it was more of a venting post for me, but I sware next post will be better and more fun to read, until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Write here, write now.
Here is my address so you can write to me and send me some lovins from good ol USA!
Ms. Shannon H. Chong
Nanyang Technological University
Hall of Residence 12
Block 60- Level 5- Room 1184
30 Nanyang Crescent
Singapore 637659
Nanyang Technological University
Hall of Residence 12
Block 60- Level 5- Room 1184
30 Nanyang Crescent
Singapore 637659
Tuesday 2 August 2011
AMEN
Amen for air conditioning. I put money on my cash card so I can put money on my Air-Con (air conditioning) card and it feels DAMN GOOD in my room. When you're walking in thick air all day, all you want is a big gust of cool air coming your way....and now I got it! Amen to the LAWWWWD!
Some things I have learned so far in Singapore:
Instead of farenheit (spell check?), they use celsius.
Instead of the word bathroom, they use toilet.
Instead of dormitory, they use flat.
Instead of bartender, they use bar-man or bar-woman.
Instead of closing bars at regular hours like American bars, they close at 5am.
Instead of forks in the cafeteria or food court, they only put out spoons and chopsticks (and no napkins are given out).
.....interesting, right? But I love it!
Tonight we hung out at the Staff Bar with a whole bunch of international/exchange students from Sweden to Denmark and so on.... We as in the crazy Americans ordered a HUGE Tiger Beer Tower and got very..happy hahaha. I took a nice cool shower to "sober up". I'm loving life.....what could get any better than friends and good beer? Time for bed, dreaming to not having any hangovers....Until then much love babies!!!!
Some things I have learned so far in Singapore:
Instead of farenheit (spell check?), they use celsius.
Instead of the word bathroom, they use toilet.
Instead of dormitory, they use flat.
Instead of bartender, they use bar-man or bar-woman.
Instead of closing bars at regular hours like American bars, they close at 5am.
Instead of forks in the cafeteria or food court, they only put out spoons and chopsticks (and no napkins are given out).
.....interesting, right? But I love it!
Tonight we hung out at the Staff Bar with a whole bunch of international/exchange students from Sweden to Denmark and so on.... We as in the crazy Americans ordered a HUGE Tiger Beer Tower and got very..happy hahaha. I took a nice cool shower to "sober up". I'm loving life.....what could get any better than friends and good beer? Time for bed, dreaming to not having any hangovers....Until then much love babies!!!!
Monday 1 August 2011
Beer Towers and Friends!
Hello Hello! So yesterday I officially signed in with the International Student Centre. It was mad mayhem in there, did I mention how sweaty everybody was? Talk about B.O.... Anyways, it was succesful and now I'm officially an NTU exchange student! WHAT WHAT check me out.
Patrick took us out to Orchard Road, which is basically an Asian form of New York City, but MUCH cleaner and more sophisticated. It was crazy though. The cars don't stop for pedestrians...just like good ol NYC. There's America in Singapore I sware! You just have to look for it! We went into the ION mall on Orchard Road and it is absolutely beautiful in there! The biggest mall I've ever seen stuffed with people rushing around to get some shopping done. Did I mention how much Singaporeans LOVE food? They reserve the top and bottom floor JUST FOR FOOD. I was in Heaven. It's all Asian food. It's so funny because in Singapore in the food courts, well the Food Opera (they call it in this mall ), there are no forks or napkins given out, only spoons or chopsticks (Poor Bobby is still struggling...). Lucky for me cause I'm used to eating rice with chopsticks all day everyday haha. I wonder how long noodles and rice will last for me.. I'm starting to miss my American cuisines..
After walking around Orchard Road and such, Bobby, Andrew, Justin, and I were trying to plan our night. We decided to go to Blooie's Bar. It's outdoor with a tiki Canadian theme (haha). There's a tiki hut but with hocky sticks on it and pictures of a ice hockey team with a Canadian flag and random paraphernalia such as plastic giraffes and dogs? hahaha. We ordered a beer tower between the four of us, so it's 2 glasses per person, but Bobby, Andrew, and I basically had 3. I felt a good buzz afterwards. Our new found friends, Fiona and Campbell (from Scotland) joined us. They are just great people, so friendly. Fiona told us about this "Staff Bar" on campus that apparently was holding parties for the exchange students, we went to go check it out..
As we were walking in, we heard music booming through the lobby. I walked in and saw only 7 people in this party...7! I said, "Damn... Oh well...", So I went up to the 2 girls at the bar and introduced myself. The girls were super nice and welcoming. Their names are Lizzy and Katie. They 7 of them are from the UK, but some of them were born from Denmark and Scotland. Leo apparently looks like a mix of Ronald Weasley and Neville Longbottom. He was soo hilarious. Robby is just hysterical! No matter who you meet on campus, we all have one thing in common.... WE LOVE TO DRINK. The Europeans find it fascinating that the drinking age in America is 21. Sucks for us... when I return to the USA, I'll still be 20....
After the long 4 days we were here, we finally made some great friends (the Canadians and Europeans). The Singaporeans aren't as welcoming which I TOTALLY understand. They are used to their friends and cliques, it is just like when Exchanges are at Loyola...did I ever go out and beyond to hang out with them? Now I just feel guilty..... But, hey we made friends and had a beer tower, and I was pretty content with the night, plus I might have bought a couple more beers at the staff bar...oops! We'll see what happens tonight, until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
Patrick took us out to Orchard Road, which is basically an Asian form of New York City, but MUCH cleaner and more sophisticated. It was crazy though. The cars don't stop for pedestrians...just like good ol NYC. There's America in Singapore I sware! You just have to look for it! We went into the ION mall on Orchard Road and it is absolutely beautiful in there! The biggest mall I've ever seen stuffed with people rushing around to get some shopping done. Did I mention how much Singaporeans LOVE food? They reserve the top and bottom floor JUST FOR FOOD. I was in Heaven. It's all Asian food. It's so funny because in Singapore in the food courts, well the Food Opera (they call it in this mall ), there are no forks or napkins given out, only spoons or chopsticks (Poor Bobby is still struggling...). Lucky for me cause I'm used to eating rice with chopsticks all day everyday haha. I wonder how long noodles and rice will last for me.. I'm starting to miss my American cuisines..
After walking around Orchard Road and such, Bobby, Andrew, Justin, and I were trying to plan our night. We decided to go to Blooie's Bar. It's outdoor with a tiki Canadian theme (haha). There's a tiki hut but with hocky sticks on it and pictures of a ice hockey team with a Canadian flag and random paraphernalia such as plastic giraffes and dogs? hahaha. We ordered a beer tower between the four of us, so it's 2 glasses per person, but Bobby, Andrew, and I basically had 3. I felt a good buzz afterwards. Our new found friends, Fiona and Campbell (from Scotland) joined us. They are just great people, so friendly. Fiona told us about this "Staff Bar" on campus that apparently was holding parties for the exchange students, we went to go check it out..
As we were walking in, we heard music booming through the lobby. I walked in and saw only 7 people in this party...7! I said, "Damn... Oh well...", So I went up to the 2 girls at the bar and introduced myself. The girls were super nice and welcoming. Their names are Lizzy and Katie. They 7 of them are from the UK, but some of them were born from Denmark and Scotland. Leo apparently looks like a mix of Ronald Weasley and Neville Longbottom. He was soo hilarious. Robby is just hysterical! No matter who you meet on campus, we all have one thing in common.... WE LOVE TO DRINK. The Europeans find it fascinating that the drinking age in America is 21. Sucks for us... when I return to the USA, I'll still be 20....
After the long 4 days we were here, we finally made some great friends (the Canadians and Europeans). The Singaporeans aren't as welcoming which I TOTALLY understand. They are used to their friends and cliques, it is just like when Exchanges are at Loyola...did I ever go out and beyond to hang out with them? Now I just feel guilty..... But, hey we made friends and had a beer tower, and I was pretty content with the night, plus I might have bought a couple more beers at the staff bar...oops! We'll see what happens tonight, until then, much love from the Chatty Chong!
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