tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38359266192404777832024-03-14T01:23:58.582-07:00A Dragon in the Land of LionIt's not just a semester in my life. It's a life in a semester.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-1542943716326562302012-12-03T09:45:00.000-08:002012-12-03T09:51:33.666-08:00These Are The Last DaysWalking towards my hall building few hours ago, I noticed my room's light was off. I thought my roommate Tinglin was asleep already. However as I got in front of the door, I noticed her shoes were gone. I unlocked the door and instead of seeing her, I saw only plushies neatly tucked under her blanket. OH NO! She left without me having a chance to say good bye. I'm not gonna lie, but I got a little teary when I read her note. The morning when I woke her up with my arrival and the luggage noise that I made seems to be really fresh in my memory, just like yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbbcuemPGs/ULzmH6BoJnI/AAAAAAAAAns/1UDfJBH659s/s1600/CIMG3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbbcuemPGs/ULzmH6BoJnI/AAAAAAAAAns/1UDfJBH659s/s320/CIMG3942.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So with that being said, this is very likely to be my last post written in Singapore as I'm leaving in 2 days. I've spent the past week just studying while being tourist at the same time: visiting places on my list that I haven't gotten a chance to visit. Among them are the St. Andrew's Cathedral, Peranakan Museum, Asian Civilisation Museum, and the Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_A-mF2IKOc/ULzcy6p6-dI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/XhuJHPbksc4/s1600/2012-11-25+23.37.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_A-mF2IKOc/ULzcy6p6-dI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/XhuJHPbksc4/s320/2012-11-25+23.37.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-3AzEiagLc/ULzcPv0BJ5I/AAAAAAAAAmI/0f-P92uETFo/s1600/2012-11-25+22.02.58-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-3AzEiagLc/ULzcPv0BJ5I/AAAAAAAAAmI/0f-P92uETFo/s200/2012-11-25+22.02.58-1.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKSO_51wCrc/ULzdS6KZi0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/hrFnWgFnqLs/s1600/2012-11-26+01.30.59-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJjxO6Z6KLM/ULzd5mpYlpI/AAAAAAAAAmk/8NVS6bkqdxk/s1600/2012-11-29+22.23.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJjxO6Z6KLM/ULzd5mpYlpI/AAAAAAAAAmk/8NVS6bkqdxk/s320/2012-11-29+22.23.18.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKSO_51wCrc/ULzdS6KZi0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/hrFnWgFnqLs/s320/2012-11-26+01.30.59-1.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Saying goodbye is never easy, but I've been handling it well so far through some of the goodbye dinners I had this week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7b6-Cy6dRc/ULzeRABO63I/AAAAAAAAAmw/Uf7UCMigrTQ/s1600/2012-11-30+05.44.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7b6-Cy6dRc/ULzeRABO63I/AAAAAAAAAmw/Uf7UCMigrTQ/s320/2012-11-30+05.44.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZIGRoOSq9U/ULzfLCn3OII/AAAAAAAAAnI/j7HtZaPhAh0/s1600/704173_384954234920750_178790076_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZIGRoOSq9U/ULzfLCn3OII/AAAAAAAAAnI/j7HtZaPhAh0/s320/704173_384954234920750_178790076_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdam67k_iH8/ULzervdx2GI/AAAAAAAAAm4/1BDhguHEepU/s1600/CIMG3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdam67k_iH8/ULzervdx2GI/AAAAAAAAAm4/1BDhguHEepU/s320/CIMG3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_49Sn4QuR3I/ULzfKJ9eh-I/AAAAAAAAAnE/_CYYPx6OP1w/s1600/CIMG3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_49Sn4QuR3I/ULzfKJ9eh-I/AAAAAAAAAnE/_CYYPx6OP1w/s320/CIMG3936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now that it is all about to come to an end, I can't even imagine how my life would've been if I didn't make the choice to come to Singapore in the first place. I wouldn't met these awesome new friends, nor would I traveled to these amazing places. I would've just been a typical Fransisca: clocking in and out of co-op for the rest of the summer, overworking myself with ambitiously packed schedule, looking for jobs that would pay me well after graduation, and just sticking with the status quo.<br />
<br />
This semester has definitely been the highlight of my Drexel career and changed my life. My Singapore experience has changed the way I view my life and the ideas of rest, life calling, and community. I've also been challenged to step out of my comfort zone and complacency in many situations and without God's providence, I would never had the strength to go through it all. In a way, I'm sad to pack all these memories with me as I leave this place. But on the other hand, exciting stuffs are waiting for me in the States. Talking with friends back in Philly as we plan things to do this winter has definitely helped in getting me pumped once again for the rest half of my senior year.<br />
<br />
Good night, Singapore! I will miss you just like a migrated Singaporean does.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-37918898697485545392012-11-25T03:32:00.000-08:002012-11-25T03:35:14.706-08:00Happy Thanksgiving from SingaporeI know it's a little bit belated, but happy thanksgiving to you all in the States! I really miss my American thanksgiving: thanksgiving day breakfast with my church family, hosting my best friend Ei for thanksgiving dinner at our home, staying up for black Friday shopping, decorating the house for Christmas, and heading to perform Balinese dances for the annual Bali to Bala opening night. I didn't get to do the traditional thanksgiving meal here since 1) I don't have access to a kitchen, 2) Restaurant thanksgiving meals are pricey, 3) When I found out supermarkets were catering it, it was too late to place the order for thanksgiving day. Believe it or not, turkey dinner here is more of a Christmas fare so this time around they have just started providing the service. Despite of the absence of thanksgiving meal, my heart was so grateful for all these places, faces, and experiences that God has blessed me with. They were more amazing beyond I previously imagined. I'm also thankful for whatever God has in store for me next.<br />
<br />
One and a half week left for me in Singapore. Everyone has been busy preparing for the finals. I only have 2 exams,which are on the 29th and the 5th. So much time to study that I've became kind of scared that I'll forget things I'm reading up now comes the real exams. This is where lecture videos come in handy. I've been putting it on as I do my chores and start on consolidating/throwing my stuffs away. On the brighter note, I'm really looking forward to spending a month in Indonesia and more importantly going back to the States. So here's what my life looks like post-exam:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dec 6th: Flying to Jakarta in the PM</li>
<li>Dec 7th-10th: Being tourist in Jakarta with Diana, an exchange friend I've been travelling with</li>
<li>Dec 11th-13rd: Bali with my mom</li>
<li>Dec 13rd-20th: Mostly Jakarta, but I might drop a visit to Bandung as my sister ends her semester and coming home</li>
<li>Dec 21st-29th: North Sumatra to visit grandmother, relatives, and some times of family vaca</li>
</ul>
Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-27716250795951068152012-11-20T03:25:00.000-08:002012-11-20T23:52:03.408-08:00Last Backpacking Trip: Melacca<br />
I might've lied when I called Cambodia as the end of my backpacking series. I actually headed to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacca" target="_blank">Melacca, Malaysia</a> which is 4 hour bus ride away from Singapore with some friends last weekend. Leaving around 9 am in the morning, we got there around lunch time and to our surprise, everyone was taking lunch break *sighs*. Despite of the lunch break, we managed to find a cab driver who was still working over the lunch break and drove to the guesthouse in the <a href="http://www.malaccaguide.com/jonker_walk.html" target="_blank">Jonker Walk</a> area. To our surprise (again), the guesthouse owner who also happened to live there was taking a lunch/nap break as well. We knocked and he welcomed us, giving a spare backdoor key aside from our room key in case he locks the front door (which also happens to be his t-shirt store and his office) when we get back.<br />
<br />
Feeling hungry ourselves, we took a lunch break just like the locals did. We decided to have the legendary Famosa chicken rice balls. It was way better than regular Hainanese chicken rice.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdkfKMf9-BY/UKtYiVojvnI/AAAAAAAAAhk/oIgpMS_SUYc/s1600/CIMG3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0HWD8dONXY/UKtY_dBgm8I/AAAAAAAAAh0/14EW30Qb0Lo/s1600/CIMG3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0HWD8dONXY/UKtY_dBgm8I/AAAAAAAAAh0/14EW30Qb0Lo/s1600/CIMG3735.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdkfKMf9-BY/UKtYiVojvnI/AAAAAAAAAhk/oIgpMS_SUYc/s1600/CIMG3734.JPG" width="150" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All the interesting attractions are within walking distance from one another. So much Dutch and Portugese influences shown in their landmarks, which are remains from the European conquest of East Indies beginning in the 15th century. The overall highlight to me was definitely <a href="http://www.malaccaguide.com/jonker_walk.html" target="_blank">Jonker Walk</a> and <a href="http://amazingmelaka.com/2011/10/baba-nyonya-heritage-museum/" target="_blank">Baba Nyonya House</a>. <a href="http://www.malaccaguide.com/jonker_walk.html" target="_blank">Jonker Walk</a> turns to a night market after 6 PM where they sell a lot of souvenirs, antiques, and local delicacies. <a href="http://amazingmelaka.com/2011/10/baba-nyonya-heritage-museum/" target="_blank">Baba Nyonya House</a>, on the other hand, used to be a real house where a family of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakan" target="_blank">Peranakan</a> merchants lived. Thanks to the Singaporean drama I've been watching titled "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Nyonya" target="_blank">The Little Nyonya</a>", I became really interested in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakan" target="_blank">Peranakan</a> cultures and stories.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_TQXBApOpc/UKtZdSWvrtI/AAAAAAAAAh8/D0L_C6dLY1k/s1600/CIMG3737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_TQXBApOpc/UKtZdSWvrtI/AAAAAAAAAh8/D0L_C6dLY1k/s1600/CIMG3737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-xMgpGdti4/UKtaaPMk0aI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/-lGEr1-0k0w/s1600/CIMG3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-xMgpGdti4/UKtaaPMk0aI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/-lGEr1-0k0w/s1600/CIMG3748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQV_K1wvZEs/UKtZ7MUnV4I/AAAAAAAAAiI/_nOkTcI2hwg/s1600/CIMG3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQV_K1wvZEs/UKtZ7MUnV4I/AAAAAAAAAiI/_nOkTcI2hwg/s1600/CIMG3743.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5N0xQOqjHIo/UKtgr1uuszI/AAAAAAAAAjs/o6L8uoDpDIk/s1600/CIMG3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5N0xQOqjHIo/UKtgr1uuszI/AAAAAAAAAjs/o6L8uoDpDIk/s1600/CIMG3816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Another highlight was definitely the food. Thanks to the same drama, I was so wanting to try the <a href="http://nyonyafood.rasamalaysia.com/ayam-pongteh-nyonya-chicken-and-potato-stew/" target="_blank">pongteh</a> and <a href="http://www.makansutra.com/Makanzine/.../ayam_buah_keluak.html" target="_blank">ayam buah keluak</a>. And of course, authentic nyonya laksa was a must-try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlE7mPMjNn4/UKtbQupSkoI/AAAAAAAAAik/Lt6iCauw35c/s1600/CIMG3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlE7mPMjNn4/UKtbQupSkoI/AAAAAAAAAik/Lt6iCauw35c/s1600/CIMG3797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7y7sGtYjw/UKtdFTfw0TI/AAAAAAAAAjM/mXPMbTAdDKU/s1600/CIMG3821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7y7sGtYjw/UKtdFTfw0TI/AAAAAAAAAjM/mXPMbTAdDKU/s1600/CIMG3821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The local snacks at <a href="http://www.malaccaguide.com/jonker_walk.html" target="_blank">Jonker Walk</a> was unquestionably good as well. From the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuih" target="_blank">Nyonya kuihs</a> to twisted potatoes, from Taiwanese omelettes to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satay_celup" target="_blank">satay celup</a>; everything was so delish!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jw5LnfP8MA4/UKtbuxYTEoI/AAAAAAAAAiw/FUTDA5Qrc6A/s1600/CIMG3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jw5LnfP8MA4/UKtbuxYTEoI/AAAAAAAAAiw/FUTDA5Qrc6A/s1600/CIMG3801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHAuq0hY4B8/UKtiUb0GeoI/AAAAAAAAAkA/1tDnI3H68Zs/s1600/CIMG3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHAuq0hY4B8/UKtiUb0GeoI/AAAAAAAAAkA/1tDnI3H68Zs/s1600/CIMG3778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtXWOWynYh4/UKtazmPtMEI/AAAAAAAAAic/53RM67bpy18/s1600/CIMG3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtXWOWynYh4/UKtazmPtMEI/AAAAAAAAAic/53RM67bpy18/s1600/CIMG3777.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq7UOBNy7p0/UKthr017XRI/AAAAAAAAAj0/OIqapzrku3o/s1600/CIMG3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq7UOBNy7p0/UKthr017XRI/AAAAAAAAAj0/OIqapzrku3o/s1600/CIMG3771.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBSHSIPv4vk/UKtivhubw-I/AAAAAAAAAkI/WRiS5m46ka8/s1600/CIMG3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBSHSIPv4vk/UKtivhubw-I/AAAAAAAAAkI/WRiS5m46ka8/s1600/CIMG3780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFvPjGawGjc/UKtjNRDeHnI/AAAAAAAAAkU/QbwOUIXRhqA/s1600/CIMG3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFvPjGawGjc/UKtjNRDeHnI/AAAAAAAAAkU/QbwOUIXRhqA/s1600/CIMG3781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eddIMAVhWwI/UKtjrn7Z6BI/AAAAAAAAAkc/AQpAgcNK8Pc/s1600/CIMG3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eddIMAVhWwI/UKtjrn7Z6BI/AAAAAAAAAkc/AQpAgcNK8Pc/s1600/CIMG3783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rdkfKMf9-BY%2FUKtYiVojvnI%2FAAAAAAAAAhk%2FoIgpMS_SUYc%2Fs1600%2FCIMG3734.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdkfKMf9-BY/UKtYiVojvnI/AAAAAAAAAhk/oIgpMS_SUYc/s1600/CIMG3734.JPG" -->Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-59227347153970255842012-11-07T17:53:00.000-08:002012-11-20T23:51:34.692-08:00Breaking My Singapore BubbleAmerica, it is.<br />
<br />
This past week I've been thinking of things that are going on back there a lot. It all started with the Hurricane Sandy hitting the Mid-Atlantic. Even though I was spoiled by Singapore's 90 degree days during that disaster, I was with you folks. I kept a close eye on the news while praying for your safety. I missed the historical Drexel closure and worked intensively on term projects and papers instead, boo! (I did celebrate Halloween with my neighbors, though. <a href="http://www.easternstate.org/" target="_blank">Eastern State Penitentiary</a> should start hiring them; they did an awesome job scaring people off and turning TV lounges into haunted houses).<br />
<br />
Election was another thing. You'd never know how much the international community is watching your election from here, America. Students from all over the world gathered at our Global Lounge nervously watching the votes being counted: many celebrated at the end, while few were disappointed. I had a mixed feeling towards the whole thing. However, a key take away is that no matter who the president is, God is still in His throne and Christ reigns over all. I had never felt such overwhelming gratefulness that my citizenship is not of this world, but is in heaven ruled by my Savior Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I have only one month left in Singapore and two months in Asia. It's time to register for courses to fulfill my degree requirements. I'm already set on staying full-time until graduation since the senior capstone course that I needed was closed for Winter term already; making it 2 courses that I really need for graduation to be postponed to Spring. I've also started to look through the application for the year-long ministry internship which was quite lengthy. God has definitely been making me realize more than ever of my great insufficiency apart from Him.<br />
<br />
This Singapore comfort bubble needs to be broken. Time for some real stuffs to kick in.<br />
<br />
<br />Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-87655328399121381382012-10-29T03:45:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:51:10.934-08:00Holiday in CambodiaThis past Friday was a public holiday here in Singapore. Prior to my recess week, I knew about it and had planned to travel somewhere, preferably solo. I finally decided on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia" target="_blank">Cambodia</a>, one of the countries on my to-visit list.<br />
<br />
My outbound flight departed from Singapore at 6:30 AM Thursday morning. Since taking the first MRT wouldn't get me to the airport on-time and I didn't wanna pay for a cab ride, I took the last MRT to the airport Wednesday night and camped there until the morning came. First experience camping at <a href="http://www.changiairport.com/" target="_blank">Changi Airport</a> wasn't all too bad, considering I finally had my first doze of Dunkin Donuts coffee after 3 months.<br />
<br />
I took a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw" target="_blank">tuktuk</a> right away from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Phnom Penh</a> airport to a bus company's office and headed to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siem_Reap" target="_blank">Siem Reap</a>, which was 6 hours away. Some parts of the ride was quite bumpy, and the villages in between looked more like wastelands; impoverished and very under-developed. Anyhow, I took a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw" target="_blank">tuktuk</a> as I arrived there to go up north of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siem_Reap" target="_blank">Siem Reap</a> where the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat" target="_blank">Angkor Wat</a> and the other temples are. It was quite breathtaking especially during sunset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1RWWibLwOs/UI5YAqxRTyI/AAAAAAAAAf4/H47vYSkGQlQ/s1600/2012-10-25+03.59.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1RWWibLwOs/UI5YAqxRTyI/AAAAAAAAAf4/H47vYSkGQlQ/s320/2012-10-25+03.59.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ4ZC86UbDg/UI5YmLFKNrI/AAAAAAAAAgA/dYX8D9SKks4/s1600/2012-10-25+04.30.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ4ZC86UbDg/UI5YmLFKNrI/AAAAAAAAAgA/dYX8D9SKks4/s320/2012-10-25+04.30.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGV0CFQuzn8/UI5Y9nXszpI/AAAAAAAAAgM/Rocu4YhOAPw/s1600/2012-10-25+05.42.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGV0CFQuzn8/UI5Y9nXszpI/AAAAAAAAAgM/Rocu4YhOAPw/s320/2012-10-25+05.42.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After sunset, I was all set to go to Channa and Thomas' home. This Khmer-Danish couple owns a beautiful villa hidden in the heart of <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Angkor_Archaeological_Park" target="_blank">Angkor Archeological Park</a> and often hosts guests to stay with the family. I somehow overlooked what Thomas said in the booking e-mail about the impossibility of me finding their home on my own. After a phone call by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw" target="_blank">tuktuk</a> driver, Thomas finally came on a motorbike and took me to his family's home. I was welcomed like a family as Channa showed me my room: a peaceful little pavilion in the beautiful yard. I quickly showered, then enjoyed a Khmer home-cooked dinner with the family as we got to know one another better. To end the nice evening, I had a chance to help Amanda, their 8 year-old, with her Math homework as I thought to myself "What a true homestay experience!" I didn't have the chance to take any picture due to the rush in the morning to get the bus back to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Phnom Penh</a>, but I would highly recommend <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d2638704-Reviews-Channa_s_Angkor_Homestay-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html" target="_blank">Channa's Homestay</a> to anyone visiting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siem_Reap" target="_blank">Siem Reap</a>.<br />
<br />
While waiting for the bus, a quite respectable-looking mid-age man approached me and asked where I came from. As I answered, a glimpse of excitement shown on his face and he started to tell stories. Stories about the good old days of his youth spent in a refugee camp in Pulau Galang, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau" target="_blank">Riau</a>, Indonesia, of how well fed and treated he was, and how he came to Christ during those times. He's pretty up-to-date with the Indonesian current news, maybe more than I am. He really wish he could come and visit Indonesia again one day.<br />
<br />
Arriving back in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Phnom Penh</a>, I walked my way by the river towards <a href="http://cambodiamuseum.info/en_information_visitors.html" target="_blank">National Museum</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Royal Palace</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Pagoda,_Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Silver Pagoda</a>, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Monument,_Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Independence Monument</a>. The late <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norodom_Sihanouk" target="_blank">King Norodoum Sihanouk</a> has just passed away 2 weeks ago, and people are still mourning. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Royal Palace</a> was closed to public as crowd still gathered and prayed in front of its gate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxoutI5amhQ/UI5Zc81jIZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/NQV8qYhZLtc/s1600/2012-10-26+03.41.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxoutI5amhQ/UI5Zc81jIZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/NQV8qYhZLtc/s320/2012-10-26+03.41.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXMOm6caLtA/UI5Z7WGESFI/AAAAAAAAAgg/FGMUBMBQ7SU/s1600/2012-10-26+04.26.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXMOm6caLtA/UI5Z7WGESFI/AAAAAAAAAgg/FGMUBMBQ7SU/s320/2012-10-26+04.26.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcTV1iPfcLA/UI5d1TReEMI/AAAAAAAAAhI/0gAWCIt579U/s1600/2012-10-26+03.54.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcTV1iPfcLA/UI5d1TReEMI/AAAAAAAAAhI/0gAWCIt579U/s320/2012-10-26+03.54.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Feeling exhausted, I chose to save <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phnom" target="_blank">Wat Phnom</a> and <a href="http://www.phnompenh.gov.kh/phnom-penh-city-central-market-141.html" target="_blank">Central Market</a> for Saturday just before I head to the airport. I tried to visit the night market by the river, yet it was really mediocre since I've had experienced much better night markets before. Chilling out at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Madmonkeyhostel" target="_blank">Mad Monkey</a>, the hostel that I stayed in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Phnom Penh</a>, I met another exchange from <a href="http://ntu%2Cedu%2Csg/" target="_blank">NTU</a>. I guess it kinda became common by now meeting a fellow exchange everywhere I travel :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGYquYTlZMU/UI5aUjmcJFI/AAAAAAAAAgo/gyUK8dIeAF8/s1600/2012-10-26+21.14.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGYquYTlZMU/UI5aUjmcJFI/AAAAAAAAAgo/gyUK8dIeAF8/s320/2012-10-26+21.14.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-58456438832889682242012-10-21T08:11:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:50:37.077-08:00Crossing Out 2 Items in 1 ShotThis past weekend has just been crazily amazing! I had never thought I would crossed out 2 items of my Singapore bucket list in one weekend while managing to fit dim sum meals in between. So the first item of business was the <a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/Sands-SkyPark/" target="_blank">Marina Bay Sands infinity pool</a>. Thanks to Mike for initiating the room booking, we managed to get 16 people to come over, chip in for the room, and just chill on a Friday evening by the infinity pool. It was quite an experience sneaking that many people to both the room and the pool, hiding from the security people, and asking for extra key cards "just for the pool". What a night!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20mwjB4dX0c/UIQHe-CA6mI/AAAAAAAAAdo/cN2ABdylDfY/s1600/2012-10-19+06.30.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20mwjB4dX0c/UIQHe-CA6mI/AAAAAAAAAdo/cN2ABdylDfY/s200/2012-10-19+06.30.39.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zhHO6f49hU/UIQHD27KsDI/AAAAAAAAAdc/W7R-KZ4z_Fc/s1600/2012-10-19+05.07.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zhHO6f49hU/UIQHD27KsDI/AAAAAAAAAdc/W7R-KZ4z_Fc/s200/2012-10-19+05.07.16.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Sh329ol8Y/UIQGohntrcI/AAAAAAAAAdU/ffGjXUaJ0r4/s1600/2012-10-19+04.36.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Sh329ol8Y/UIQGohntrcI/AAAAAAAAAdU/ffGjXUaJ0r4/s320/2012-10-19+04.36.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZn973-LTTU/UIQH4A9UFAI/AAAAAAAAAdw/pLXmv7JzRMc/s1600/2012-10-19+23.13.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZn973-LTTU/UIQH4A9UFAI/AAAAAAAAAdw/pLXmv7JzRMc/s200/2012-10-19+23.13.13.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErHdJqpF-ew/UIQIO-4g7gI/AAAAAAAAAd8/8wdosblBEpE/s1600/2012-10-19+23.14.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErHdJqpF-ew/UIQIO-4g7gI/AAAAAAAAAd8/8wdosblBEpE/s200/2012-10-19+23.14.23.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was set the next day for a dim sum brunch over at <a href="http://www.sichuandouhua.com/" target="_blank">Si Chuan Dou Hua</a> restaurant with some folks from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeliAprecio" target="_blank">NTU Deli Aprecio</a>. It was a really good and legit dim sum experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTr7FhCUWo/UIQIlLv8ElI/AAAAAAAAAeE/q7FNlLLpThQ/s1600/2012-10-19+23.22.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KTr7FhCUWo/UIQIlLv8ElI/AAAAAAAAAeE/q7FNlLLpThQ/s200/2012-10-19+23.22.46.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGPGiXM61xU/UIQI9v919ZI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ytZAMs_dJFo/s1600/2012-10-19+23.50.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGPGiXM61xU/UIQI9v919ZI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ytZAMs_dJFo/s320/2012-10-19+23.50.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nNS1mV882o/UIQJVHeBImI/AAAAAAAAAeY/tbSODZLKAj0/s1600/2012-10-20+00.09.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nNS1mV882o/UIQJVHeBImI/AAAAAAAAAeY/tbSODZLKAj0/s320/2012-10-20+00.09.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At first, I was contemplating whether or not to join Zhinwei and Joey (both are involved with NTU <a href="http://www.sccc.sg/" target="_blank">Cru</a>) visiting <a href="http://www.rwsentosa.com/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore" target="_blank">Universal Studios Singapore</a>. Yet I soon remembered that the student discount of 20% was about to end and in heartbeat, I headed to <a href="http://www.sentosa.com.sg/" target="_blank">Sentosa Island</a> to join them. It was such a small park, yet I really enjoyed the rides and of course the awesome fellowship with these bros.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQOZ8Bs3mFo/UIQKRSWF6RI/AAAAAAAAAes/Zacawd4v0iw/s1600/2012-10-20+04.43.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQOZ8Bs3mFo/UIQKRSWF6RI/AAAAAAAAAes/Zacawd4v0iw/s320/2012-10-20+04.43.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq_CfPgquP8/UIQJz3aUxEI/AAAAAAAAAek/vY3izUaE_78/s1600/2012-10-20+02.46.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq_CfPgquP8/UIQJz3aUxEI/AAAAAAAAAek/vY3izUaE_78/s320/2012-10-20+02.46.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vd8XGcrYAEE/UIQLPuqKkdI/AAAAAAAAAfA/SzYX5c_8Xus/s1600/2012-10-20+05.19.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vd8XGcrYAEE/UIQLPuqKkdI/AAAAAAAAAfA/SzYX5c_8Xus/s200/2012-10-20+05.19.14.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3N1OnXvjIA/UIQKtynRfiI/AAAAAAAAAe4/MB03imr-lRg/s1600/2012-10-20+05.14.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3N1OnXvjIA/UIQKtynRfiI/AAAAAAAAAe4/MB03imr-lRg/s200/2012-10-20+05.14.33.jpg" width="200" /></a>Coming out of the park, we had a dim sum dinner at <a href="http://www.dintaifung.com.sg/" target="_blank">Din Tai Fung</a>. We were quite hungry, let me just put it that way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FN4zP-iu5Pk/UIQLuGmdbUI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/Lw6GwpUabHM/s1600/2012-10-20+05.21.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FN4zP-iu5Pk/UIQLuGmdbUI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/Lw6GwpUabHM/s200/2012-10-20+05.21.48.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrbCN6dLO1w/UIQMLk0V1fI/AAAAAAAAAfY/FR7iSxarBHI/s1600/2012-10-20+05.26.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrbCN6dLO1w/UIQMLk0V1fI/AAAAAAAAAfY/FR7iSxarBHI/s200/2012-10-20+05.26.09.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Rain and thunderstorm soon started, and we decided to just stay in and chat over the free-flow hot tea. The topics, mostly about America, were quite wide in variety such as sport teams, politics, outdoor activities, travels, but mostly it all came back to food. I had to say it was just a really great day of fun, bonding, and getting to know them better.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-91862283612590621052012-10-16T18:58:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:49:44.991-08:00Hong Kong Madness<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yWkUxHuAtA/UH4EVqVhdbI/AAAAAAAAAa0/cHe6hJ4tHGc/s1600/2012-10-12+09.21.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yWkUxHuAtA/UH4EVqVhdbI/AAAAAAAAAa0/cHe6hJ4tHGc/s320/2012-10-12+09.21.11.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
After reading this post's title, please don't be too judgmental. I know I had just came back from Thailand and Vietnam the Sunday before, but I'm not as addicted to travelling as you might think haha :D<br />
<br />
So how I ended up going to Hong Kong was quite an interesting story. Right before leaving for Vietnam, I got a text from friends with whom I also did Kuala Lumpur back in August. I booked my flights right in a heart beat, and <i>kaboom!</i> That's where I spent the past weekend; a New York City of the Eastern world, 4 hours away from Singapore. Such a crowded city that even our hostel was located at a residential flat building along with a couple other hostels, and a room for 6 was only about 36 feet-square.<br />
<br />
We started off the first night in Hong Kong with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dim_sum" target="_blank">dim sum</a> dinner at a humble stall downstairs from our hostel at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Road" target="_blank">Nathan Road</a>. With happy stomach, we were able to plan for the next days. After getting some rough ideas of what we were going to do, it was time for some exploration. <a href="http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/kp/en/" target="_blank">Kowloon park</a> and <a href="http://www.avenueofstars.com.hk/eng/home.asp" target="_blank">Avenue of the Stars</a> were so gorgeous at night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-yTwMVT5LU/UH4Db2S7L2I/AAAAAAAAAag/_50v-_x_2jg/s1600/2012-10-12+07.22.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-yTwMVT5LU/UH4Db2S7L2I/AAAAAAAAAag/_50v-_x_2jg/s1600/2012-10-12+07.22.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-yTwMVT5LU/UH4Db2S7L2I/AAAAAAAAAag/_50v-_x_2jg/s320/2012-10-12+07.22.45.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUUUgKMY5-w/UH4D5WBeToI/AAAAAAAAAao/wkWu1R4QDCI/s1600/2012-10-12+09.06.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUUUgKMY5-w/UH4D5WBeToI/AAAAAAAAAao/wkWu1R4QDCI/s200/2012-10-12+09.06.35.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O6vrRs0AIk/UH4FElBVyBI/AAAAAAAAAbI/9Lb02JNH7B8/s1600/2012-10-12+10.09.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5O6vrRs0AIk/UH4FElBVyBI/AAAAAAAAAbI/9Lb02JNH7B8/s320/2012-10-12+10.09.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The next day was a very packed one. We started the day off busing to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shek_O" target="_blank">Shek-O</a> to hike the <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/tours-walks/guided-tours/nature/dragons-back-hike.jsp" target="_blank">Dragon's Back trail</a>. I still can't get over how helpful and friendly the bus driver was. He actually made another passenger go up to the deck where we were sitting to tell us that we've arrived at our stop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRsDX7n08xc/UH4FpuT9XCI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/3ole_hqVML8/s1600/2012-10-12+20.20.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRsDX7n08xc/UH4FpuT9XCI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/3ole_hqVML8/s320/2012-10-12+20.20.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The hike itself was quite easy and quick. In about 1 hour we were able to reach the peak and enjoy this gorgeous view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yDqim-u3A8/UH4GBGh8HrI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ONqSm6Gq2q8/s1600/2012-10-12+21.11.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yDqim-u3A8/UH4GBGh8HrI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ONqSm6Gq2q8/s320/2012-10-12+21.11.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Since the day was still early, we walked around the Central area for the <a href="http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/sysmp/en/index.html" target="_blank">Sun Yat Sen memorial</a> and various markets along the waterfront.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5p43VFA9jM/UH4H14Znx-I/AAAAAAAAAcA/UmaNfb-W9gg/s1600/2012-10-13+01.30.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5p43VFA9jM/UH4H14Znx-I/AAAAAAAAAcA/UmaNfb-W9gg/s200/2012-10-13+01.30.23.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6To3epZNGGE/UH4G6nVBmQI/AAAAAAAAAbw/eZwDzb4UNMc/s1600/2012-10-13+00.23.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6To3epZNGGE/UH4G6nVBmQI/AAAAAAAAAbw/eZwDzb4UNMc/s200/2012-10-13+00.23.33.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnCYnsOpt28/UH4HQtDq2RI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Bddr8CSbvfM/s1600/2012-10-13+00.41.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnCYnsOpt28/UH4HQtDq2RI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Bddr8CSbvfM/s200/2012-10-13+00.41.23.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nA-1nU-rsYk/UH4GiG-NHxI/AAAAAAAAAbk/wN3fKbn0ohE/s1600/2012-10-12+23.55.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nA-1nU-rsYk/UH4GiG-NHxI/AAAAAAAAAbk/wN3fKbn0ohE/s320/2012-10-12+23.55.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And somehow also made it to the <a href="http://www.thepeak.com.hk/" target="_blank">Victoria's peak</a> as well as picnicking on the rooftop garden of <a href="http://www.ifc.com.hk/" target="_blank">IFC mall</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANGfPlbE9w8/UH4M8MoBWyI/AAAAAAAAAc4/knize7VAMXE/s1600/2012-10-13+09.44.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANGfPlbE9w8/UH4M8MoBWyI/AAAAAAAAAc4/knize7VAMXE/s320/2012-10-13+09.44.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-hR47aJ06w/UH4IWTVgRkI/AAAAAAAAAcM/OuFymUpBZuo/s1600/2012-10-13+03.00.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-hR47aJ06w/UH4IWTVgRkI/AAAAAAAAAcM/OuFymUpBZuo/s320/2012-10-13+03.00.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ql7o9HR9oD8/UH4Iv4ps4eI/AAAAAAAAAcU/DBy06KnAliU/s1600/2012-10-13+22.00.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ql7o9HR9oD8/UH4Iv4ps4eI/AAAAAAAAAcU/DBy06KnAliU/s200/2012-10-13+22.00.46.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XI09AFaVtQ/UH4JWX68B6I/AAAAAAAAAcg/rLMbLkr2iE4/s1600/2012-10-14+01.55.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XI09AFaVtQ/UH4JWX68B6I/AAAAAAAAAcg/rLMbLkr2iE4/s200/2012-10-14+01.55.25.jpg" width="200" /></a>The group split on Sunday since some wanted to go to <a href="http://www.macau.com/%20-%20Hong%20Kong" target="_blank">Macau</a> and some wanted to explore the <a href="http://www.hkac.org.hk/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Arts Centre</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mong_Kok" target="_blank">Mongkok</a> markets. I went with the second since I wanted to get some souvenirs. I headed back early to the hostel to repack before I flew back only to find that nobody was at the reception desk and our the key to our new room were nowhere to be found. The thing is that they also moved our stuffs to the new rooms. Huge thanks to Heather; we finally found a stack of card keys from the unattended reception desk and tried breaking into each room to look for my backpack. It's Hong Kong after all, gotta do it action-movie style.<br />
<br />
<br />
By the way, I still owe 80 cents on my <a href="http://www.octopus.com.hk/home/en/index.html" target="_blank">Octopus card</a> due to my purchase of gums at the airport. Anyone heading to Hong Kong can use it, just remember it will deduct my debt right away once you top-upFransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-8158084038752293282012-10-08T21:16:00.001-07:002012-11-20T23:48:48.256-08:00Recess Week part II: Big Hit in Thailand<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeBr8CgkU-o/UHOXAFLPyGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/V7mkWZZ9Z6U/s1600/CIMG2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeBr8CgkU-o/UHOXAFLPyGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/V7mkWZZ9Z6U/s200/CIMG2957.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWajB-2JZF8/UHOWgfHtziI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Ti2TA2znNTE/s1600/CIMG2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWajB-2JZF8/UHOWgfHtziI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Ti2TA2znNTE/s200/CIMG2951.JPG" width="200" /></a>We said goodbye to Vietnam for the moment and hailed to another South East Asia beauty: <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/" target="_blank">Bangkok</a>. As for now I'm still in a speechless and *shaking-my-head* mode of all the amazingly random things there, but let's start on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattaya" target="_blank">Pattaya</a> day trip. It was the closest beach to <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/" target="_blank">Bangkok</a> so it's a good way of sampling the beauty of Thai beaches. First activity in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattaya" target="_blank">Pattaya</a>, though, was riding the elephants. Yes, there's an elephant village near the beach. Only in Thailand haha. The beach was quite crowded during the day, and from what I heard <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattaya" target="_blank">Pattaya</a> is actually one of the quite shady spots in Thailand where the tourists love to go. Oh well, beach wasn't quite a big deal but <a href="http://www.pattaya.bangkok.com/tours/tiffany.htm" target="_blank">Tiffany's Show</a> definitely was! It was the Broadway for prettiest and most talented <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathoey" target="_blank">lady boys</a> in Thailand. They were such princesses and they'd chase after you after the show to get you take a picture with them (and hence your tip).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FGTNnn-Mtc/UHOV3SNDS6I/AAAAAAAAAYg/o3p52QWXtzg/s1600/CIMG2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FGTNnn-Mtc/UHOV3SNDS6I/AAAAAAAAAYg/o3p52QWXtzg/s1600/CIMG2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FGTNnn-Mtc/UHOV3SNDS6I/AAAAAAAAAYg/o3p52QWXtzg/s200/CIMG2932.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi7JMNVEVY4/UHOX4oFybBI/AAAAAAAAAZI/HzJm1zyOHy4/s1600/CIMG2963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi7JMNVEVY4/UHOX4oFybBI/AAAAAAAAAZI/HzJm1zyOHy4/s200/CIMG2963.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC1WAaUw3bE/UHOYxPSeX3I/AAAAAAAAAZc/1wDk7gsvbNs/s1600/CIMG2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC1WAaUw3bE/UHOYxPSeX3I/AAAAAAAAAZc/1wDk7gsvbNs/s200/CIMG2987.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
So what does a city tour of <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/" target="_blank">Bangkok</a> look like? Temples, temples, and more temples. Oh, and the grand palace that looks like a temple too. If you're feeling cheap, look for one of those 3-cents <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw" target="_blank">tuk-tuk</a> ride. The driver would tale you to few temples but he got a task for the passengers. Beside taking you to the temples, he would take you to jewelry stores and ask you to pretend to be a potential buyer so that he can get the free gasoline voucher to take you around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cBteUL-Vng/UHOYSjeYg2I/AAAAAAAAAZU/yEmVav_VUcg/s1600/CIMG2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cBteUL-Vng/UHOYSjeYg2I/AAAAAAAAAZU/yEmVav_VUcg/s400/CIMG2986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BC7vk9CklkU/UHOZMvzsrHI/AAAAAAAAAZo/oPKrLZgIyMU/s1600/CIMG3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BC7vk9CklkU/UHOZMvzsrHI/AAAAAAAAAZo/oPKrLZgIyMU/s320/CIMG3047.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08Y0w16UusE/UHOafvxGU-I/AAAAAAAAAaE/SsjQ3NAEBl8/s1600/CIMG3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08Y0w16UusE/UHOafvxGU-I/AAAAAAAAAaE/SsjQ3NAEBl8/s200/CIMG3044.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.khaosanroad.com/" target="_blank">Khao San road</a> is where the wild things are, as featured in the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/" target="_blank">"Hangover 2"</a>. Backpacker ghetto full of night market stalls, massage houses, bars, restaurants, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathoey" target="_blank">lady boys</a>, and other random happenings. Shopping there isn't so great, but street <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pad_Thai" target="_blank">pad thai</a> is cheap and decent. It was raining so we decided to go into the McDonald's, ordered a drink, and eat our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pad_Thai" target="_blank">pad thai</a> dinner there. All the sudden, a random Vietnamese Australian guy with his friend asked if we were Singaporeans. How have we become such, oh my? Apparently these guys were past NTU exchange students who are just spending months travelling in Southeast Asia at the moment. They have been, let's just say, through a lot of random things. But they knew where the free and hygienic toilet is where they also gave free soda (which happened to be a pub with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathoey" target="_blank">lady boys</a> as ushers). And they know how to distinguish <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathoey" target="_blank">lady boys</a> from real ladies accurately, which is by asking directly (Ann tried this to a hostel employee before asking about nearby shows but he gave a not-so-pretty face. <i>Woops</i>). No offense to Thai ladies (you're amazing just the way you are), but that got me to question the femininity of the ladies I saw in Thailand thereafter.<br />
<br />
Ok so the overall best thing to do in <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/" target="_blank">Bangkok</a>, well other than getting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_massage" target="_blank">Thai massage</a>, is shopping. <a href="http://www.chatuchak.org/" target="_blank">Chatuchak market</a> is where you can find everything under the sun, but I prefer the cheap and trendy fashion items. Not satisfied? Head to the outdoor market at <a href="http://www.siam-square.com/" target="_blank">Siam Square</a> on the way back but expect slightly higher prices. Still have money to splurge? Go to the 81st floor of <a href="http://baiyokeskyhotel.starlighthotel.info/" target="_blank">Baiyoke Sky</a>, which is the tallest building in Bangkok, and get a nice buffet dinner with the best view of <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/" target="_blank">Bangkok</a> just for about US$ 20.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzIpnJMeAKU/UHOZrSgLTlI/AAAAAAAAAZw/ZrQNtRA07Bc/s1600/CIMG3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzIpnJMeAKU/UHOZrSgLTlI/AAAAAAAAAZw/ZrQNtRA07Bc/s320/CIMG3048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3EpD7IsSbk/UHOaFYLkUyI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/vsuJ0PVJ8Pc/s1600/CIMG3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3EpD7IsSbk/UHOaFYLkUyI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/vsuJ0PVJ8Pc/s320/CIMG3055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-18170653607957123362012-10-08T20:56:00.001-07:002012-11-20T23:49:04.833-08:00Recess Week part I: Bonjour Vietnam!What a wonderful week it has been. I'm sitting now in my dorm room thinking where did my recess week go? It was definitely the highlight of my exchange semester. I flew to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_City" target="_blank">Ho Chi Minh City</a> in Vietnam as my recess week commenced 2 Fridays ago. Having many Vietnamese friends back in US, I was really enthusiastic about the whole experience. All of which was possible thanks tho the hospitality of Rensy and her family who have let us be a part of their household for 5 days.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MfEQqjTh2w/UHOPYHA5jAI/AAAAAAAAAYE/8ekNH5O7S9Q/s1600/76240_10151028377640667_861471724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MfEQqjTh2w/UHOPYHA5jAI/AAAAAAAAAYE/8ekNH5O7S9Q/s200/76240_10151028377640667_861471724_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>First night in Vietnam was all about the coolest hangouts and food. Rensy took us to her favorite <a href="http://www.noodlepie.com/blog/bittet/index.html" target="_blank">bo bit tet</a> place downtown and walked us around the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saigon_Notre-Dame_Basilica" target="_blank">Notre Dame Basilica</a>. Next to Notre Dame was a park where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_City" target="_blank">Ho Chi Minh</a> youths like to hang out over coffee and street snacks. It was really cool to hang out on a Friday night just like they do, but it's even cooler to try the very original <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pho" target="_blank">pho</a> at the restaurant that made the dish for the first time. At Pho Hoa Pasteur was born my favorite comfort dish of the winter, by a man named Mr. Hoa. Now we know why <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pho" target="_blank">pho</a> restaurants all over the world love that name.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYILFVfGqM8/UHOPO4carMI/AAAAAAAAAXY/nJKaJyBb3h4/s1600/576470_10151028377520667_1498317961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYILFVfGqM8/UHOPO4carMI/AAAAAAAAAXY/nJKaJyBb3h4/s400/576470_10151028377520667_1498317961_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HptTeQ5vpZk/UHOPR5z-qWI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FhRUpn9MBMw/s1600/580238_10151028378205667_491421613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HptTeQ5vpZk/UHOPR5z-qWI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FhRUpn9MBMw/s200/580238_10151028378205667_491421613_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Weekend scene in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_City" target="_blank">Ho Chi Minh</a> was just like any other weekday. I was surprised that they have a 6-day work and school weeks. Amidst the busy streets, we headed over to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%E1%BA%BFn_Th%C3%A0nh_Market" target="_blank">Ben Thanh market</a> to shop for souvenirs. Bargaining power and a local translator came very handy this time (Thanks, Rensy!). After such a tiring shopping trip, we made a stop at Nhu Lan, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A1nh_m%C3%AC" target="_blank">banh mi</a> bakery with a proper deli counter that has existed since the days of the French. Since most attractions opened all week long, we saved the trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reunification_Palace" target="_blank">Reunification Palace</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saigon_Notre-Dame_Basilica" target="_blank">Notre Dame Basilica</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saigon_Central_Post_Office" target="_blank">Central Post Office</a> on for Sunday. It also happened to be the full moon night, so it was just perfect for heading to Chinatown and saw the commotion at lantern street.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNqCJIYTvv0/UHOPVimYbTI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gfhB0i1FT2c/s1600/75114_10151028383255667_321899439_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNqCJIYTvv0/UHOPVimYbTI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gfhB0i1FT2c/s400/75114_10151028383255667_321899439_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTb0WvcYepo/UHOPMHKwcaI/AAAAAAAAAXE/Vdf3vjsnNpc/s1600/44270_10151028382160667_2095078690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTb0WvcYepo/UHOPMHKwcaI/AAAAAAAAAXE/Vdf3vjsnNpc/s200/44270_10151028382160667_2095078690_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Sl0CPfauY/UHOPLEPohCI/AAAAAAAAAW8/dzFin4cUkC0/s1600/306628_10151028383735667_2009863675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Sl0CPfauY/UHOPLEPohCI/AAAAAAAAAW8/dzFin4cUkC0/s200/306628_10151028383735667_2009863675_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9f8zSNkKBA/UHOPQH0XpYI/AAAAAAAAAXc/5dhG8_Y9_8g/s1600/576894_10151028378990667_350030664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9f8zSNkKBA/UHOPQH0XpYI/AAAAAAAAAXc/5dhG8_Y9_8g/s200/576894_10151028378990667_350030664_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6FVwekSWBs/UHOPTV0b5xI/AAAAAAAAAXw/GjaYX-fosGU/s1600/60644_10151030324615667_60548429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6FVwekSWBs/UHOPTV0b5xI/AAAAAAAAAXw/GjaYX-fosGU/s200/60644_10151030324615667_60548429_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>After a having a couple laid-back days, we had a couple days of bigger trips. We cruised on a small speedboat to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekong_Delta" target="_blank">Mekong Delta</a> at <a href="http://m%E1%BB%B9%20tho%20-%20wikipedia%2C%20the%20free%20encyclopedia%20en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%E1%BB%B9_Tho" target="_blank">My Tho</a> with another group of exchange friends from NTU who happened to be in town. It was quite rainy and muddy that day. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to float on a wooden boat, saw how coconut candies were made, and had a python wrapped around my neck. It was also quite surprising to meet someone from Philly on the same trip. At the end of the day, we went crazy over karaoke and saying "see-you-later"s to the other group until people on the street side started to wave to us as well. It was too much fun that it was so hard to wake up the next morning for another trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cao_Dai" target="_blank">Cao Dai</a> temple and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_tunnels" target="_blank">Cu Chi</a> tunnel. Thanks to the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0" target="_blank">Gangnam Style</a>" anthem playing in the cab on our way to the tour agency, I became quite pumped and knew it was gonna be a great day :D The bus rides were quite boring, but our guide was hilarious and spoke very good English. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cao_Dai" target="_blank">Cao Dai</a> temple stop was only 30 minutes since we were only there to see the religious service of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cao_Dai" target="_blank">Cao Dai</a> faith, which is an interesting mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. The rest of the trip was spent at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_tunnels" target="_blank">Cu Chi</a> tunnel where I got to learn about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, which is way beyond the scope of my high school US History class.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNtug0gLaYQ/UHOPJ-AIhUI/AAAAAAAAAW0/tdVgVwgc7z0/s1600/306628_10151028383735667_2009863675_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNtug0gLaYQ/UHOPJ-AIhUI/AAAAAAAAAW0/tdVgVwgc7z0/s200/306628_10151028383735667_2009863675_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs02YVVhmcw/UHOPIwCvNfI/AAAAAAAAAWs/7ovXxjaKKps/s1600/198740_10151030323885667_969252358_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs02YVVhmcw/UHOPIwCvNfI/AAAAAAAAAWs/7ovXxjaKKps/s200/198740_10151030323885667_969252358_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQOj1RyVngs/UHOPW_DhUqI/AAAAAAAAAYA/9Qit1OpXvOs/s1600/75734_10151028381060667_593171894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQOj1RyVngs/UHOPW_DhUqI/AAAAAAAAAYA/9Qit1OpXvOs/s320/75734_10151028381060667_593171894_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was quite sad to leave this beautiful unMcDonald'sed country where I could really enjoy good coffee and a lot of fresh herbs. I'll never forget the near-to-death crossing the streets and reckless tour driver driving on the wrong wrong side experiences. Special thanks to Rensy and her family who have let us stay in their home, shared their dining table of delicious Vietnamese home-cooked meals, and showed huge hospitality during our stay in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_City" target="_blank">Ho Chi Minh</a>.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewg2K4UTsAE/UHOPNRK9anI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/DcZr4ZwsUOU/s1600/534381_10151028381300667_1616558399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewg2K4UTsAE/UHOPNRK9anI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/DcZr4ZwsUOU/s320/534381_10151028381300667_1616558399_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-57305218827669118032012-09-27T02:55:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:47:11.733-08:00Pre-Recess Week PostSo the moon cake festival at <a href="http://takashimaya-sin.com/" target="_blank">Takashimaya</a> was not disappointing at all despite of what everyone said regarding "<i>No need to go Taka, can do at any mall</i>". What a huge festival with a LOT of <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=mooncakes&hl=en&prmd=imvnse&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=hxxkUIXZIYr4rQeU_IG4Aw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=600" target="_blank">moon cakes</a> to sample. I've never seen so many varieties of moon cakes before such as durian, red wine, chocolate, caramel, red beans, even Angry Birds. Kudos to Matt, the local buddy of my UK exchange friends, who guided us through and took us for the fish and chips dinner long-missed by the UK chemists bunch (Yup they're all chemistry majors.No offense to the engineers, but eating with engineers is getting overrated after 4 years of Drexel).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIPsTl2zWWw/UGQemD58_xI/AAAAAAAAAVY/GCUngrteHQ8/s1600/2012-09-22+03.17.19-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIPsTl2zWWw/UGQemD58_xI/AAAAAAAAAVY/GCUngrteHQ8/s320/2012-09-22+03.17.19-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After church Sunday, I went with Ann, Rensy, and Purun to <a href="http://www.swensens.com.sg/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Swensen's</a>. We can say it was quite a spontaneous plan. As a buffet fan, I haven't tried to go to any self-serve buffet in Singapore. It was only a dessert buffet, but that's exactly why it's perfect for girls outing time :) First time I have a piece of <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=carrot+cake+recipe&hl=en&prmd=imvnse&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=jxxkUIaWIIfyrQfHsoH4BA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=600#hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=american+carrot+cake&oq=american+carrot+cake&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l5j0i5i24l3.10483.12024.4.12259.9.9.0.0.0.2.148.881.6j3.9.0...0.0...1c.1.grKFZADE8-g&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=181b5cb83ef647a9&biw=1024&bih=600" target="_blank">real carrot cake</a> in Singapore (as opposed to <a href="https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=singapore+carrot+cake&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=kRxkUIqSGMPyrQev9oDICg&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=600" target="_blank">their carrot cake</a>). We had such a great time that me and Rensy almost forgot that we had a <a href="http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/dining/restaurants/chomp-chomp.html" target="_blank">Chomp Chomp</a> dinner appointment with Louis and Rayden, local buddies of ours. More local tastes from the best <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_centre" target="_blank">hawker centre</a> in Singapore (I had asked more than 5 locals to confirm this).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpV8Noe9DOM/UGQffO-U3ZI/AAAAAAAAAVg/GjFuI3yiKfQ/s1600/2012-09-23+05.41.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpV8Noe9DOM/UGQffO-U3ZI/AAAAAAAAAVg/GjFuI3yiKfQ/s320/2012-09-23+05.41.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g1AXMDbREg/UGQf2qIBpZI/AAAAAAAAAVs/hPcrZ1cy0ls/s1600/2012-09-23+05.45.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5g1AXMDbREg/UGQf2qIBpZI/AAAAAAAAAVs/hPcrZ1cy0ls/s320/2012-09-23+05.45.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fv8_AZnt2o/UGQgS9PTjtI/AAAAAAAAAV0/9AtsE6kREeU/s1600/2012-09-23+05.47.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fv8_AZnt2o/UGQgS9PTjtI/AAAAAAAAAV0/9AtsE6kREeU/s320/2012-09-23+05.47.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwXj7VpDdcQ/UGQgo_M6K5I/AAAAAAAAAWA/dZG_Jc1tijg/s1600/2012-09-23+05.52.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwXj7VpDdcQ/UGQgo_M6K5I/AAAAAAAAAWA/dZG_Jc1tijg/s320/2012-09-23+05.52.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQGPmz6kyTo/UGQg-FDfnbI/AAAAAAAAAWI/joM4oXH7CLM/s1600/2012-09-23+05.57.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQGPmz6kyTo/UGQg-FDfnbI/AAAAAAAAAWI/joM4oXH7CLM/s320/2012-09-23+05.57.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGR29XMhxhQ/UGQhXc8tEuI/AAAAAAAAAWU/u6Ref9itDxo/s1600/2012-09-23+06.31.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGR29XMhxhQ/UGQhXc8tEuI/AAAAAAAAAWU/u6Ref9itDxo/s320/2012-09-23+06.31.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So what's next? Recess week is here! I just need to attend 2 presentations tomorrow morning then off I fly to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh" target="_blank">Ho Chi Minh</a> in Vietnam. The 4 of us (Rensy, Ann, Diana, and I) are travelling together this time. We'll spend Friday through Wednesday exploring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh" target="_blank">Ho Chi Minh</a> and staying at Rensy's house. Another bunch of exchange friends is joining us on Sunday and Monday as they come down from Hanoi and would continue their journey to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh" target="_blank">Phnom Penh</a>. Comes Wednesday, we'll be in <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/" target="_blank">Bangkok</a> until Sunday. Very excited for this trip of a lifetime ;)Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-2391913754106664312012-09-21T18:04:00.001-07:002012-11-20T23:46:26.627-08:00It's Beginning to Look Like Mid-Autumn!Back in the States, I had never noticed anything about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival" target="_blank">Mid-Autumn festival</a> unless I go to the Oriental Supermarket only to find that the festival is over from the deeply discounted <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooncake" target="_blank">moon cake</a> prices to get rid of them. Here, though, it's a big deal. The <a href="http://clubs.ntu.edu.sg/chinesesoc/" target="_blank">Chinese Society</a> on campus had a festival at our own Yunnan Garden a couple weeks ago. I didn't quite make it since it rained. <a href="http://www.fairprice.com.sg/" target="_blank">FairPrice</a>, which is the grocery store chain I go to regularly, even has its own row of lanterns, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooncake" target="_blank">moon cakes</a>, and so many other festive stuffs.<br />
<br />
Speaking on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival" target="_blank">Mid-Autumn festival</a>, I've been attending weekly coffee talks hosted by the International Student Center here. I was quite looking forward to it since the topic was conversational Mandarin. However, I had to say I kinda set my expectation quite low. It was such a neat session of learning Mandarin with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival" target="_blank">Mid-Autumn festival</a> themed lesson. We even had some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooncake" target="_blank">moon cakes</a> as the <a href="http://clubs.ntu.edu.sg/chinesesoc/" target="_blank">Chinese Society</a> taught us about the various type of tea and performed their traditional tea art ceremony (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongfu_tea_ceremony" target="_blank">gongfu</a>). I really enjoyed sampling the various traditional teas they had. My favorite is the fully-fermented and aromatic black plum tea (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keemun_tea" target="_blank">keemun hongcha</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zacpCYgdlaE/UF0Hv2fb5GI/AAAAAAAAAU0/EncxZzRdySw/s1600/CIMG2655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zacpCYgdlaE/UF0Hv2fb5GI/AAAAAAAAAU0/EncxZzRdySw/s200/CIMG2655.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRKvt1LjmVg/UF0IGjv0RkI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Hnv--a39qeU/s200/CIMG2660.JPG" width="200" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So to join the festivity, me and some UK exchange friends are having lunch and heading to <a href="http://www.takashimaya-sin.com/" target="_blank">Takashimaya</a> at <a href="http://www.orchardroad.org/" target="_blank">Orchard Road</a> today. Not to shop for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooncake" target="_blank">moon cakes</a> (man, they are expensive until the festival ends), but to sample them around hahaha. Pardon us the thrifty expats, we're just college students after all :D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Zhu ni zhong qiou jie kuai le!</div>
Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-35295994151685509982012-09-18T04:26:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:45:43.319-08:00Endless HallelujahJust wanna share a song that has been playing in the back of my mind a lot since I first heard it on Sunday at church. I couldn't believe I actually cried in the middle of singing it. It reminds me so much about how all the fears and troubles that I have now are nothing in the light of eternity. Looking forward to the day when all I'll do is singing praises to Him, endlessly.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7PwL9tzvOQw" width="560"></iframe>Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-67896823103780048092012-09-16T02:13:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:45:12.491-08:00Exchange Life Starts to Get BusyGeneral warning: please forgive me if this post and future posts are lacking in quality compared to the first ones. My life just got so much busier. Out of the 4 classes I'm taking here, 3 of them are group project oriented. I also caught a flu somehow somewhere. I went to the school clinic and was given some medications. Feeling much better now, thank God!<br />
<br />
Since people were mostly away (general majority went to KL, Melaka, Vietnam), it was quite a quiet weekend for me. I took the chance to catch up with some homeworks, readings, and projects mostly on Friday. Then on Saturday, I went to LEGOLAND! It was the grand opening day in Johor Baru, and I managed to secure a pretty nice Groupon deal that includes 2-way coach and admission. It was really nice to spend the day in a land full of my favorite toy ever as a kid. I got to play with majority of the rides since it was quite small. I was about to enter the driving range, but the guard said "Sorry, this is only for 6 to 13 year olds". Wkwkwkwk :D<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLR6o83aLhc/UFWWiuF4xfI/AAAAAAAAAUU/mlyrPfYDG-s/s1600/CIMG2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLR6o83aLhc/UFWWiuF4xfI/AAAAAAAAAUU/mlyrPfYDG-s/s320/CIMG2570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, coming home from LEGOLAND, I was able to watch the special show celebrating Merlion's 40th birthday. It was pretty awesome and of course, ended with a bang from the fireworks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJrRjIKtmP0/UFWXRm7KDRI/AAAAAAAAAUc/C3ZP9qjEY0A/s1600/CIMG2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJrRjIKtmP0/UFWXRm7KDRI/AAAAAAAAAUc/C3ZP9qjEY0A/s320/CIMG2629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-75965046208334833602012-09-07T18:58:00.001-07:002012-11-20T23:44:35.384-08:00What a Crazy Week It Has Been! :)And by crazy, I really meant I couldn't find another word to describe my week haha. There have just been so much random things going on :D<br />
<br />
I finally paid my visit to <a href="http://www.holland-village-singapore.com/" target="_blank">Holland Village</a> and <a href="http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/" target="_blank">Night Safari</a>. To compare the 2 on the scale of 1 to 10, I'd give <a href="http://www.holland-village-singapore.com/" target="_blank">Holland Village</a> a 9 and Night Safari a 3. But keep in mind that I don't like animals, so I might be bias. Anyhow, <a href="http://www.holland-village-singapore.com/" target="_blank">Holland Village</a> is such a very laid back district with many restaurants and coffee shops to hang out. Typical expats would love this neighborhood. Moreover, there is a branch of <a href="http://phohoa.com/" target="_blank">Pho Hoa</a> there!!! I haven't had my bowl of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pho" target="_blank">pho</a> in quite a long while and definitely need to go back there for that :))<br />
<br />
Other than that, upon meeting and befriending some Singaporean and exchange students from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeliAprecio" target="_blank">Deli Aprecio</a> club, we kinda created our own subgroup just to do our own food trips together. Our journey began with Japanese Street at <a href="http://www.jurongpoint.com.sg/" target="_blank">Jurong Point</a>. It was my first time having <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okonomiyaki" target="_blank">okonomiyaki</a>, which is Japanese traditional pancake. Yurie, the Japanese in the group, approved that it was quite an authentic Japanese experience. Yay :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFHdO1fm8T8/UEqiC3Y6KOI/AAAAAAAAASc/FLMT5CiM0R0/s1600/CIMG2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFHdO1fm8T8/UEqiC3Y6KOI/AAAAAAAAASc/FLMT5CiM0R0/s320/CIMG2488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9gewCLuc9E/UEqiYqJQLWI/AAAAAAAAASo/JGG7Lp4q1Ho/s1600/CIMG2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9gewCLuc9E/UEqiYqJQLWI/AAAAAAAAASo/JGG7Lp4q1Ho/s320/CIMG2495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For dessert, we stopped at <a href="http://www.jidechi.com.sg/" target="_blank">Ji De Chi</a> for some traditional desserts and snowies. Their idea of dessert here is always something icy. Sweets and cakes, on the other hand, would be considered "snacks".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRCSVMQHalQ/UEqiwgLsLEI/AAAAAAAAASw/WPliil7ELag/s1600/CIMG2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRCSVMQHalQ/UEqiwgLsLEI/AAAAAAAAASw/WPliil7ELag/s320/CIMG2498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And to welcome Jia Jia and Kai Kai on their arrival day, the new panda couple at <a href="http://www.zoo.com.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore's Zoo</a>, I had this bowl of udon for lunch with DG gals<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWfAZhhT0k4/UEqjkEU-czI/AAAAAAAAAS8/RWwVkyxOT-Y/s1600/CIMG2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWfAZhhT0k4/UEqjkEU-czI/AAAAAAAAAS8/RWwVkyxOT-Y/s320/CIMG2511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My life can't never get random enough, so last night I celebrated Vietnamese independence day with Rensy. The Vietnamese student group here was holding a really interesting show of historical videos, traditional dances, as well as live comedies. I should say watching a comedy in different language has never been funnier, thanks to Rensy for translating :D<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUui06hGurU/UEqkAofTdxI/AAAAAAAAATE/_qIpM7RJWY0/s1600/CIMG2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUui06hGurU/UEqkAofTdxI/AAAAAAAAATE/_qIpM7RJWY0/s320/CIMG2518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Up next for today: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeliAprecio" target="_blank">Deli Aprecio</a> trip to <a href="http://www.bumbu.com.sg/" target="_blank">Bumbu</a>. People said it's a Thai-Indo fusion restaurant quite interestingly. Let's see how it is.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-79444249714584467602012-09-01T04:16:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:43:14.009-08:00Back from Discovery WeekendAnother week of Singapore awesomeness was just behind me. It's been raining every single day, but today the sun was shining so brightly. A call to do laundry for me haha :D Anyhow, class assignments and readings have started to pick up their dynamics as groups are being formed for our various term projects. Praise the Lord that I got into that one Friday morning class that I thought I wouldn't get. I know the timing sucks, but I need it to graduate. I also joined another club on campus called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeliAprecio" target="_blank">Deli Aprecio</a>. We had our first meeting this past week, and I'm excited for the activities planned for this club. Woaa, so busy lah. And in the midst of all, I was able to fit a weekday lunch with Giang, a fellow Dragon ending her co-op abroad with <a href="http://www.flyscoot.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Scoot</a>. I visited her during her lunch at Changi and we went for some Japanese food. She's flying back to US in a week or so, and as for now I just don't wanna imagine myself doing the same yet. Send my regards to Broad St., Giang!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWhl-mu4svw/UEHuSW0L0kI/AAAAAAAAASI/sIe_B3YjDgA/s1600/CIMG2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWhl-mu4svw/UEHuSW0L0kI/AAAAAAAAASI/sIe_B3YjDgA/s320/CIMG2406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A backpacking trip for recess week is being planned as well. I would spend 10 days in Southeast Asia with my girls Diana and Rensy. The original plan was to do Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand, yet due to safety reasons we've just decided to call Cambodia off and spend more time exploring the other 2 instead. Definitely exciting stuff!<br />
<br />
By the way, I've just came back from an overnight <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/421594771217540/" target="_blank">Discovery Weekend</a> organized by the lovely campus staffs here at <a href="http://www.sccc.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Cru</a> for college seniors. I heard some cool testimonies as well as talks that were intended to equip all of us to discern God's calling for our lives after graduation. Something that God has put in my heart since last year's <a href="http://radiate2011.com/" target="_blank">Radiate</a> conference was to dedicate a year post my graduation to intern with <a href="http://gainusa.org/" target="_blank">GAiN</a>. Somehow, I dismissed that call and insisted that it wasn't for me until a couple weeks before I left for Singapore. I felt like God was really pressing it hard on my heart during those times until I couldn't stop thinking about it and finally fell on my knees. After some period of struggles in prayer, I finally forwarded the long-abandoned email from a <a href="http://gainusa.org/" target="_blank">GAiN</a> staff I met through Radiate to another person in-charge of the interns. I guess we'll wait and see how God's plan for me in this unfolds as we pray for His will to be revealed in my life.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-45806762292521534602012-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:42:38.975-08:00A Kuala Lumpur WeekendAs promised on my last post, I would share with you about my weekend trip to <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/" target="_blank">Kuala Lumpur</a>. It was amazing!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCxhyoyHE0U/UDuHeN_qqrI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/0pghJHB3cbw/s1600/CIMG2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCxhyoyHE0U/UDuHeN_qqrI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/0pghJHB3cbw/s200/CIMG2286.JPG" width="150" /></a>Waking up Friday morning to catch the 9 AM "luxury coach" there was a drag at first. But I was so thrilled to find out the "luxury coach" features massaging reclining seats which made the five-hour bus ride not bad at all. The city mass transport in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/" target="_blank">Kuala Lumpur</a> is very unreliable, so we walked to our first choice of hostel, <a href="http://www.reggaehostelsmalaysia.com/" target="_blank">Reggae</a>, for about 45 minutes or so in the Chinatown area (it's a really great hostel, btw!). Recuperating from the ride, we spent the evening strolling around for bargain items in the Chinatown night market and chilling at the rooftop.<br />
<br />
<br />
The only landmark we were dying to visit in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/" target="_blank">KL</a> city itself were the <a href="http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/" target="_blank">Petronas twin towers</a> which are best viewed at night. Waiting for the dusk and our grand visit to the towers, we decided to go to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298570-d317520-Reviews-Batu_Caves-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html" target="_blank">Batu Cave</a> which is about 20 minute train ride away. Climbing up its 272 steps was totally worthwhile since the view from up top was beautiful and we got to see some violent monkey fights at the main shrine. Our visit to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298570-d317520-Reviews-Batu_Caves-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html" target="_blank">Batu Cave</a> was followed by a pursuit of Little India for a pursuit of some good Indian food. Apparently there were 2 Little Indias in the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/" target="_blank">KL</a> city, and we mistook the smaller one for the real one and the smaller one doesn't really have Indian restaurant. For the crave of Indian food, five of us hopped on a small taxi to the bigger Little India where we just went into whatever we found first. Aside from the way better quality of Indian food compared to <a href="http://universitycity.org/" target="_blank">University City</a>'s "Big 3" (<a href="http://www.tandoorindiarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Tandoor</a>, <a href="http://newdelhiweb.com/" target="_blank">New Delhi</a>, <a href="http://www.sitarindiacuisine.net/" target="_blank">Sitar</a>), I grew to enjoy Indian snacks and desserts I have never seen in Philly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClZ37FwPXi4/UDuJ2C4Ph9I/AAAAAAAAARc/KyYdou7AEag/s1600/CIMG2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClZ37FwPXi4/UDuJ2C4Ph9I/AAAAAAAAARc/KyYdou7AEag/s200/CIMG2346.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwe9Qs5rYzU/UDuIfTK6WXI/AAAAAAAAARA/qFW0LH51Z8E/s1600/CIMG2318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwe9Qs5rYzU/UDuIfTK6WXI/AAAAAAAAARA/qFW0LH51Z8E/s200/CIMG2318.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNsYRqdfhtw/UDuJAp49lKI/AAAAAAAAARI/07Ha47W4CDM/s1600/CIMG2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNsYRqdfhtw/UDuJAp49lKI/AAAAAAAAARI/07Ha47W4CDM/s200/CIMG2326.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDKpd3WEzcQ/UDuJaiIXTKI/AAAAAAAAARU/UDkBOYx6PyM/s1600/CIMG2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDKpd3WEzcQ/UDuJaiIXTKI/AAAAAAAAARU/UDkBOYx6PyM/s320/CIMG2331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The highlight of the trip was the guided hiking trip by <a href="http://openskywilderness.com/" target="_blank">Open Sky Unlimited</a> on Sunday to Bukit Tabur, an hour drive away from the city. It was a sweaty hike under cloudy morning skies, but it was definitely worthwhile for the even more amazing view from the peak. After the hike, our guides Amos and Kevin took us for a special brunch to a local <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamak_stall" target="_blank">mamak</a> restaurant as they educated us about their local food. All in all, they definitely gave us a really professional service.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20-Tesf6hvg/UDuMQOHUq1I/AAAAAAAAARo/U6JGcxqhwss/s1600/CIMG2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20-Tesf6hvg/UDuMQOHUq1I/AAAAAAAAARo/U6JGcxqhwss/s320/CIMG2370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buU1fOYe4zQ/UDuMokojC4I/AAAAAAAAARw/UZ31bz6uuMw/s1600/CIMG2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buU1fOYe4zQ/UDuMokojC4I/AAAAAAAAARw/UZ31bz6uuMw/s320/CIMG2394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The weekend had to end, somehow. We finally packed and hit the bus station to come back to Singapore where another great week was just starting :)Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-10094776930247408142012-08-23T09:21:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:42:04.764-08:00Solo Adventure Followed by Another Great WeekLast Monday was a public holiday here in Singapore for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid-ul-Fitr" target="_blank">Hari Raya</a> observance. Since everyone else decided to sleep in, I took that opportunity to just explore on my own some interesting faucets of Singapore that others most likely won't be interested in visiting. My adventure that day began at <a href="http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/parks-and-gardens/chinese-garden.html" target="_blank">Chinese Garden</a>, which is just a few MRT stops away. It's a really refreshing place to run, bike, and picnic. I almost forgot all the dynamics of industrious Singapore as I climbed the main pagoda and saw so many green :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKHCAoX0M4U/UDt1dK9PgwI/AAAAAAAAAQU/0rpz7JlVDWM/s1600/304779_10150971283535667_1293529829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKHCAoX0M4U/UDt1dK9PgwI/AAAAAAAAAQU/0rpz7JlVDWM/s200/304779_10150971283535667_1293529829_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ4MB2SIezw/UDt1eGJRl7I/AAAAAAAAAQc/tQVaSLWhvNM/s1600/539226_10150971284605667_1396649357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ4MB2SIezw/UDt1eGJRl7I/AAAAAAAAAQc/tQVaSLWhvNM/s200/539226_10150971284605667_1396649357_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From Chinese Garden, I hopped on the MRT to <a href="http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/arts-and-entertainment/architecture/haw-par-villa.html" target="_blank">Haw Par Villa</a> or Tiger Balm Garden, which happened to be a tourist trap. Other than the not-so-aesthetically-painted Chinese folklore statues, there's really nothing else to it. However, after entering one of their attractions called "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyu" target="_blank">10 Courts of Hell</a>", my heart was just amazed once again as I was reminded of how deep my Father's love is for me. He could've just poured all His wrath on me because as a filthy rugged sinner, I deserve punishment. As vivid as they were, the kinds of wrath I saw through statutes at that place would not probably compare to what I deserve. But the good news is He chose not to. Instead, He poured it our on His perfect son Jesus Christ so that I can be one again with Him and experience His grace and mercy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3lDZuTzS7aM/UDt1zQbSoHI/AAAAAAAAAQk/wpQ7EQr5KqE/s1600/228417_10150971289265667_679371882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3lDZuTzS7aM/UDt1zQbSoHI/AAAAAAAAAQk/wpQ7EQr5KqE/s200/228417_10150971289265667_679371882_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>As I continued to think of His love, I moved on to my next stop: <a href="http://www.sbg.org.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Botanic Garden</a>. For the interest of time and mom's love of orchids, I purposefully zoomed into just the <a href="http://www.sbg.org.sg/centralcore/nog.asp" target="_blank">Orchid Garden</a>. I was really glad I went there since there were so many colorful and rare collections from around the world that I haven't seen before.<br />
<br />
<br />
As far as campus life goes, this past week has been very dynamic and fun, thanks to Campus Clubs and Activities Fair. Beyond the freebies and free food, I think I've became interested in joining <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeliAprecio" target="_blank">Deli Aprecio</a>. Class activities have also picked up and I made more non-Business friends through my Engineering classes.<br />
<br />
That's about it for now. Stay tuned for more updates on my Malaysia adventure this weekend :)Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-59804569201943715322012-08-16T17:02:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:41:12.206-08:00The Honeymoon is Over!Classes finally started this week for me here. First day was especially hectic for everyone who was trying to add/drop courses. Praise the Lord I pretty much have all the classes that I wanted except for 1 that would ruin my 3-day weekend anyway.<br />
<br />
Aside from classes, I had the cool chance to visit <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-sg/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Singapore</a> as a part of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation week at <a href="http://ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank">NTU</a>. All of you <a href="http://www.lebow.drexel.edu/Prospects/Undergraduate/Programs/bae.php" target="_blank">B&E</a> majors reading this, please don't be jealous or bitter. It's our bread and butter, gotta get it where ever we can :) Microsoft HQ here is amazing and the people taking us on a tour was awesome. We got to play with many of their new gadgets and innovation. Located on the 21st and 22nd floor of One Marina, the view outside its windows was simply gorgeous as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVQnzOVcHoI/UC2GQBnrHJI/AAAAAAAAAPc/oBd3_W6slWQ/s1600/CIMG2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVQnzOVcHoI/UC2GQBnrHJI/AAAAAAAAAPc/oBd3_W6slWQ/s200/CIMG2061.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHl3VgMJ5CA/UC2G4o4fjuI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tFP_gMSoLEI/s1600/CIMG2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHl3VgMJ5CA/UC2G4o4fjuI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tFP_gMSoLEI/s200/CIMG2082.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I also praise the Lord for providing me with a family of believer on campus. NTU <a href="http://www.sccc.sg/" target="_blank">Cru</a> is adopting me during my exchange here. I was plugged right into a discipleship group for final year ladies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzi2YnPOewg/UC2HlrS_cnI/AAAAAAAAAP4/duUXhqrjG3Q/s1600/CIMG2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzi2YnPOewg/UC2HlrS_cnI/AAAAAAAAAP4/duUXhqrjG3Q/s200/CIMG2085.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This semester, we're going through a Cru curriculum that speaks about being sent to a world of harvest through a biblical perspective. Crossroads also kicked off last night. It was awesome to finally meet everyone in the ministry. Next week, we will be having a vision tea for to welcome the freshmen, and I'm glad that they asked me to be a part of their flash mob dance to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgVV1jHh2hE" target="_blank">this song</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So this weekend is a long weekend due to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_ul-Fitr" target="_blank">Hari Raya</a>, but unfortunately the <a href="http://ica.gov.sg/" target="_blank">ICA</a> hasn't issued my student pass yet which means I can't travel outside Singapore. The plan is to check out the <a href="http://worldfoodfair.com.sg/" target="_blank">World Food Fair</a> and hang out at <a href="http://orchardroad.org/" target="_blank">Orchard Road</a> today with my fellow Dragon Rensy. Tonight, the group of exchange students I've been hanging out with is also throwing a sushi dinner and karaoke for the birthday girl Diana. A relaxing day at <a href="http://sentosa.com.sg/" target="_blank">Sentosa Island</a> might be planned for tomorrow. For the rest of the weekend, it might just be exploring more of Singapore's hidden gems :)Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-83325986878702078022012-08-11T16:55:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:40:11.932-08:00Welcome Week<div>
It's only my first week here, but my schedule is already looking packed. Praise the Lord that I am adjusting well, finally settled in my dorm, and familiar with the public transportation. The climate is hot (average high is 85 F) and humid (average humidity of 67%). If you want to send me snail mails, here's my address:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Nanyang Technological University</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Hall of Residence 10, 52-4-1020</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">22 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639810</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I still do get lost on campus sometimes. It is a HUGE campus with a lot of trees and hills, which is nice. However, the buildings are more like labyrinths inside another jumbo labirynth. There are 4 shuttle buses and one of them actually take people to the nearest <a href="http://smrt.com.sg/" target="_blank">MRT</a> station. There are also 2 public bus routes serving the campus and surrounding neighborhood which pool at a nearby shopping mall called <a href="http://jurongpoint.com.sg/" target="_blank">Jurong Point</a>. Anyhow, here is the recap of the week:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395840_10150953690100667_415582130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395840_10150953690100667_415582130_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Orientations</span></b>: I got to attend 2 different ones for the general exchange as well as the Business exchange (more free lunches, more free goodies lol). Informations regarding transitioning into the whole <a href="http://ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank">NTU</a> life as courses, healthcare, safety, and other services were being explained. I can't believe that there are 400-something exchange students in total this semester, yet very few Americans. Such great opportunities to make some new friends from all over the world, but I definitely still need to make more local friends :) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DIx6kiSesk/UCMt019eXsI/AAAAAAAAAPA/t8GVLaYIjKg/s1600/CIMG1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DIx6kiSesk/UCMt019eXsI/AAAAAAAAAPA/t8GVLaYIjKg/s200/CIMG1803.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Cruising Singapore River</span></b>: This is a great way to enjoy Singapore's greatest landscapes and history. Surrounded by historical as well as modern buildings, Singapore River is definitely the heart of Singapore. The "Quays" such as <a href="http://clarkequay.com.sg/" target="_blank">Clarke Quay</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Quay" target="_blank">Boat Quay</a> are also cool places to hang out. There are plenty of restaurants, food booths, and shopping centers too on these spots.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/549644_10150953711350667_2070913939_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/549644_10150953711350667_2070913939_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><strong><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://ndp.org.sg/" target="_blank">National Day</a></span></strong>: There weren't much going on in the morning. It was quiet until afternoon-ish when people started coming out for lunch and just hanging out downtown. Red and white totally dominated the city. Not knowing much about what to do/where to go, I was very blessed to be invited by my exchange buddy Christine and her friends to spend the evening with them. We had dinner of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hainanese_chicken_rice" target="_blank">Hainanese chicken rice</a> at the air-conditioned <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_centre" target="_blank">hawker center</a> inside <a href="http://marinasquare.com.sg/" target="_blank">Marina Square</a> before heading somewhere near Millenia Walk to watch the fireworks.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/524546_10150953716670667_1788620776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/524546_10150953716670667_1788620776_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><strong>A Day in the Bay+Singaporean meals</strong>:</span> Another day of adventure! I started the day off with Singapore's national breakfast: Paket B from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/odfm/amenities/cafesandcanteens/Pages/Location.aspx#c11" target="_blank">Canteen 11</a> accross from my hall.
For S$1.50 only, I had a very substantial breakfast of 2 boiled eggs, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaya_toast" target="_blank">kaya toast</a>, and a cup of tea with milk in it before heading downtown for the <a href="http://singaporeflyer.com.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Flyer</a>.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284879_10150953725210667_627868472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284879_10150953725210667_627868472_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>I also had the chance to lunch at <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/odfm/amenities/cafesandcanteens/Pages/Location.aspx#fc" target="_blank">Canteen A</a> with Ashley, one of the <a href="http://ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank">NTU</a> Cru staffs who has been in touch with me. It was a really great time of getting to know each other, encouragement, and prayer as she introduced me to another Singaporean dish: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laksa" target="_blank">laksa</a>. I'm really looking forward to meeting my discipleship group (equivalent with <a href="http://drexelcru.com/" target="_blank">Drexel Cru</a> 's growth group) and going to Crossroads (equivalent with <a href="http://drexelcru.com/" target="_blank">Drexel Cru</a> 's large group) kick-off for the semester :)</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<li style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386864_10150953738295667_1812889612_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386864_10150953738295667_1812889612_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Singapore Discovery Tour</span>: Sponsored by the super awesome <a href="http://nbs-eclub.weebly.com/" target="_blank">NBS Exchange Club</a>, this tour took us through Singapore's important trails and landmarks. We started this tour on <a href="http://www.bugis-street.com/" target="_blank">Bugis</a> which is a famous open-air shopping market for everything under the sun.
The guides got us a box of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian" target="_blank">durian</a> that we ended up throwing away because it was hard to insist us exchangers to finish it. We also had a chance to have some Singaporean dishes for lunch at one of the hawker centers.
<img height="150" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400479_10150953742075667_212462171_n.jpg" width="200" /> </li>
<br />
<ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</ul>
<br />
After fueling ourselves, we were ready for some more adventure. We walked to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Street" target="_blank">Arab street</a> and the <a href="http://www.kampongglam.org.sg/aboutUs_HistoryOfKampongGlam.htm" target="_blank">Kampong Glam</a> areas populated by Malay and Middle Eastern small businesses. The dominating businesses here are imported textiles, rugs, as well as ethnic food. There's also the famous <a href="http://www.sultanmosque.org.sg/" target="_blank">Sultan Mosque</a> in this district. After succeeding better in getting us to try food from the stalls, our guides took us on an MRT ride to the Raffles Place where we would meet our <a href="http://singaporefootprints.com/" target="_blank">Singapore Footprint</a> guides.<br />
<div>
<img height="200" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427505_10150953751330667_1456451519_n.jpg" width="150" />
<img height="200" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283962_10150953751915667_44302995_n.jpg" width="150" />
<img height="200" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/527026_10150953757835667_946270672_n.jpg" width="150" />
<img height="200" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215425_10150953769090667_647392185_n.jpg" width="150" /><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://singaporefootprints.com/" target="_blank">Singapore Footprint</a> guides then led us through the most important landmarks in Singapore along the river such as the <a href="http://fullertonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Fullerton Hotel</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavenagh_Bridge" target="_blank">Cavanaugh Bridge</a>, <a href="http://www.acm.org.sg/" target="_blank">Asian Civilisation Museum</a>, <a href="http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg/" target="_blank">Peranakan Museum</a>, <a href="http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/" target="_blank">National Museum</a>, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Church,_Singapore" target="_blank">Armenian Church</a>. The tour ended there for the day, but a handful of us decided to go for more adventure to the recently-opened <a href="http://www.gardensbythebay.org.sg/" target="_blank">Gardens by the Bay</a>. From this spot, we got a really beautiful view of Singapore's night. Tired from a day filled with fun, we ended up eating at the <a href="http://www.marina-bay.sg/" target="_blank">Marina Bay</a> food court instead of the original plan of visiting the touristy <a href="http://www.laupasat.biz/" target="_blank">Lau Pa Sat</a> market.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-20955183406166463392012-08-08T20:02:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:39:46.906-08:00Let the Countdown Stop......and the journey begin!<br />
<br />
The long-awaited moment finally came. After church service and fellowship hour were over last Sunday, I went home for a quick bite, then caught my shuttle ride to JFK. New York traffic was bad. It literally took 4 hours to get there. To add to the hassle, my baggage went over 3 kgs of the allowance. Thankfully, the check-in person was okay with it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkMLTBpKnYE/UCMfSwSTaEI/AAAAAAAAANs/2TeyFOpPa-s/s1600/CIMG1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkMLTBpKnYE/UCMfSwSTaEI/AAAAAAAAANs/2TeyFOpPa-s/s200/CIMG1762.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
So those shenanigans were minuscule compared to my flight experience. The best part? My seat! It was the best seat I've ever had flying with <a href="http://singaporeair.com/" target="_blank">SQ</a>. Window view next to the emergency door, which I would consider a perfect combo. To add into this combo, I sat and got acquainted with another Singapore-US exchange student during the flight. Hailing from his hometown in AZ, home college in GA, and an internship in NY, Scott is spending this semester at <a href="http://smu.edu.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore Management University</a>. It was nice to chat with another person who is going through a similar adventure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
As we boarded, the sky was pretty clear. But soon enough, thunderstorms came and forced a 40-minute delay. We still landed in Frankfurt close to being on-time, though. Not surprisingly, my flight experience with SQ was very pleasant. This time around, it didn't feel like the 20-something hour journey was long at all. They served really good food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOl98mqwgOI/UCMko5Y_K1I/AAAAAAAAAOc/B-WH4rymsE0/s1600/CIMG1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOl98mqwgOI/UCMko5Y_K1I/AAAAAAAAAOc/B-WH4rymsE0/s200/CIMG1757.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mStgOIup7ck/UCMjYPA3B8I/AAAAAAAAAN8/6EQvEGhYDn8/s1600/CIMG1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mStgOIup7ck/UCMjYPA3B8I/AAAAAAAAAN8/6EQvEGhYDn8/s200/CIMG1747.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwWNNm_a5-Y/UCMjzgIrppI/AAAAAAAAAOI/1CH-zD9DraM/s1600/CIMG1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwWNNm_a5-Y/UCMjzgIrppI/AAAAAAAAAOI/1CH-zD9DraM/s200/CIMG1748.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zB6OWSczgss/UCMlRAhYB6I/AAAAAAAAAOs/MZ_6hFsvA88/s1600/CIMG1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zB6OWSczgss/UCMlRAhYB6I/AAAAAAAAAOs/MZ_6hFsvA88/s200/CIMG1759.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-De_4vKCA/UCMk7owIHgI/AAAAAAAAAOk/NYPO0zyakOw/s1600/CIMG1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-De_4vKCA/UCMk7owIHgI/AAAAAAAAAOk/NYPO0zyakOw/s200/CIMG1758.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcTh-Qzb3dE/UCMkQkebKFI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/F4kBUTgJXoc/s1600/CIMG1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcTh-Qzb3dE/UCMkQkebKFI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/F4kBUTgJXoc/s200/CIMG1756.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
I also had the chance to catch up on "The Lucky One", "Five Year Engagement", "Hunger Games", "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1911553/" target="_blank">Comme Un Chef</a>", "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2191861/" target="_blank">The Soul of Bread</a>", "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", and 2 episodes of "The Office".<br />
<br />
We landed in Singapore around 6:35 AM. It was still very dark. Mr.Yeo, the flight attendant, said that I should expect that every single day. The immigration, baggage claim, and custom went fairly quick and smooth, thank God. Scott and I eventually separated as he headed to <a href="http://www.sleepysams.com/" target="_blank">Sleepy Sam's</a> downtown, and I headed to <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank">NTU</a> in the West.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-89171872084999823782012-07-31T17:16:00.002-07:002012-11-20T23:39:07.239-08:00Last Day of Co-OpTime to say sayonara to my wonderful 4-month working experience at <a href="http://www.pjm.com/" target="_blank">PJM</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FK_X5WklWZ8/UBhzbY62UbI/AAAAAAAAAM0/4RyRFOytIHg/s1600/IMG-20120726-00013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FK_X5WklWZ8/UBhzbY62UbI/AAAAAAAAAM0/4RyRFOytIHg/s320/IMG-20120726-00013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At first, I felt indifferent about being paired with this position. However, I grew to love this workplace after just a couple
weeks. There were so many things to learn, and it was just so encouraging to
see full time employees here enjoy what they’re doing. Saying goodbye to the
lovely workplace and people in my department now is kinda sad. They’ve been so
supportive and patient in helping me develop professionally. Btw, thanks to
them for taking me out to lunch today at <a href="http://www.primohoagies.com/" target="_blank">Primo’s</a>. Last Philly hoagie until 2013
couldn’t be better.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezIobazpQHg/UBhz0gRgtWI/AAAAAAAAAM8/rx_yG_85mDg/s1600/CIMG1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezIobazpQHg/UBhz0gRgtWI/AAAAAAAAAM8/rx_yG_85mDg/s320/CIMG1724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Clearing up my desk, I realized that work post the cubicle life has gotten better exponentially. For those who don’t know, I moved to a room with 3 other System Planning co-ops for a couple months now. Never crossed my mind about all of us getting along hilariously well, until the co-op team building luncheon where the HR told us to get to know our team. “<i>But we’ve gotten to know each other all too well that now we wish we un-know ourselves from one another!</i>” we replied proudly. I will definitely miss my fellow super hilarious, criminal-minded, power fool colleagues who would still have 1.5 months of brain-storming to take over the world and a presentation to do. Now I’d never know whether the Visual Sharp Sharp Pythetica Lab Plus Plus .Net language will be developed, whether they ever find the 5th person who is a dinosaur, and whether all of them are surviving the projects or killing the Python since “<i>The last co-op who did this, DIED!</i>” :)<br />
<br />
Boarding the bus for the last time from this Valley Forge site, I got a little teary. I realized that even though my daily commute was annoying, I witnessed plenty of lives that are so different than mine. I saw their struggles and their joy, their good days and bad days. Such an eye-opener to the creative ways the Lord works through people’s lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5bnhjtBf_w/UBh0VcykJ8I/AAAAAAAAANQ/QKopK88jjUA/s1600/IMG-20120731-00017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5bnhjtBf_w/UBh0VcykJ8I/AAAAAAAAANQ/QKopK88jjUA/s1600/IMG-20120731-00017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5bnhjtBf_w/UBh0VcykJ8I/AAAAAAAAANQ/QKopK88jjUA/s1600/IMG-20120731-00017.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVp-xexe7Ls/UBh0J7eidlI/AAAAAAAAANI/GCgnwBDjAHs/s1600/CIMG1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVp-xexe7Ls/UBh0J7eidlI/AAAAAAAAANI/GCgnwBDjAHs/s320/CIMG1725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here’s to a successful, joyful, and valuable 4-month at <a href="http://www.pjm.com/" target="_blank">PJM</a>! I thank my Boss up above for this wonderful opportunity.Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-36956308892316066872012-07-20T17:46:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:38:26.469-08:00(Unexpected) Study Abroad ScholarshipAn e-mail from Ahaji came to me today while I was working and laughing with other System Planing co-ops at the "1-2-3-4-R" joke (if you're curious, ask me about it!). Anyhow, here is the screen shot of the e-mail:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vTr2tgL4kc/UAn6hlNBwYI/AAAAAAAAALc/0EUNRsY8QCM/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vTr2tgL4kc/UAn6hlNBwYI/AAAAAAAAALc/0EUNRsY8QCM/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Praise the Lord for that! And thanks to the team at the <a href="http://drexel.edu/studyabroad" target="_blank">cool office</a> for the financial help. I'm not sure what kind of project they are expecting from me. It can be anything ranging from travel-blogging for the <a href="http://drexel.edu/studyabroad" target="_blank">cool office</a>, writing a guidebook, serving as Dragon Buddy, etc. Whatever it is, I'm UP for it! :)Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-23424571186431037062012-07-14T16:05:00.001-07:002012-11-20T23:37:52.182-08:00My Study Abroad 10 Commandments<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've just thought of some rules of thumbs to maximize my experience in this journey :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am embarking on this journey, trying to uphold these:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shalt have </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">nothing</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> from <span style="font-size: large;">American fast food chains</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, for I have travelleth for million cubits not to consume those junks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shalt not spend more than 3 hours/week on <span style="color: blue;">social media</span> includeth Facebook, Twitter, GChat, Skype, and this blog for constant updates on those are signs of homesickness and unsavory experience</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shalt<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"> inform</span> my on-site coordinator, roommate, parents, and the <a href="http://drexel.edu/studyabroad" target="_blank">cool office</a> shall there ever be any transportation delay, emergency, trouble with authorities, or shall I travel beyond the border of my host land</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shall get involved and invest my time in developing friendships with <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">new local friends</span>, yet I shall not spreadeth myself too thin across too many circles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember to take <span style="color: orange; font-size: xx-small;">half</span> as many clothes as I thinkest,<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-small;"> twice</span> the snacks, <span style="color: orange;">three times</span> the money, <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">four times</span> the courage, and <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">infinite</span> amount of energy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shalt manage my resources wisely: much for<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"> unrepeatable experiences</span> and very few for tangible goods</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shalt not <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">confuse</span> the locals by speaking American (or Philadelphian)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shall not covet what whomsoever(s) back in the States are experiencing while I’m away, for the experience that I am having is far more <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">priceless</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shall not<span style="color: red;"> nap</span>, nor sleep before 10 pm, while I shall not sleep in after 9 am</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I shalt not <span style="color: lime;">judge</span> the people of the country by the person who hath given me trouble</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>22 MORE DAYS!!!</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835926619240477783.post-36836164474801049202012-07-11T17:51:00.000-07:002012-11-20T23:37:34.869-08:00Watch Out, Dragons are Taking Over the World!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_t3mYP3WPw/T_4fQJIvelI/AAAAAAAAAK0/Uxp7jFtYeVA/s1600/predept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_t3mYP3WPw/T_4fQJIvelI/AAAAAAAAAK0/Uxp7jFtYeVA/s320/predept.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I can’t believe my journey is starting in 3 weeks. The
<a href="http://drexel.edu/studyabroad" target="_blank">cool office</a> that has been handling all the nitty gritty businesses of studying
abroad presented a Pre-Departure Meeting last night. Sounds formal, eh? Trust
me, it was a very fun and informative night for us Dragons who will be
dispersed all over the world this upcoming Fall term. These are the places
where we’re ready to blow some fire (kinda looks like a World Cup group
brackets lol):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2b8RFw9Z2dY/T_4e4q-Ih9I/AAAAAAAAAKk/vTLSz-cWmws/s1600/world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2b8RFw9Z2dY/T_4e4q-Ih9I/AAAAAAAAAKk/vTLSz-cWmws/s320/world.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">You can also think of it as a see-you-later pizza party
for us. Being famous for treating us international dishes, they took a spin
this time by serving us the Drexel staple: <a href="http://edswings.com/" target="_blank">Ed’s Pizza</a>. What can be more American
and (Drexel-spirited) than that? Kudos to the cool office again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5VFVsOl-TA/T_4fBIQZoGI/AAAAAAAAAKs/eqHwdIOVBCA/s1600/pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5VFVsOl-TA/T_4fBIQZoGI/AAAAAAAAAKs/eqHwdIOVBCA/s320/pizza.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Some key take-away from this meeting:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">*Don’t get arrested, or plan on getting arrested<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">*Don't try to be the next <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eduardo_Saverin" target="_blank">Eduardo Saverin</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">*Contemplate once, twice, three times before calling
Dani’s cellphone for emergency (She’s the awesome <a href="http://drexel.edu/studyabroad" target="_blank">cool office</a> coordinator)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*YOLO! Be adventurous! Get
pumped!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Fransiscahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11439973678339932279noreply@blogger.com0