It's not that I haven't had things to write about but I guess I've been lazy. Between school and whatever else, I haven't been too motivated to sit and write. However, today I have decided it is time to sit down and give you an update on life in Singapore.
We had rain today! I actually stood at my window and breathed in the smell of the rain. Weird? oh yeah but also refreshing. You see, the season of haze has settled upon the city and the little segment of rain today was desperately needed to help clear the air. (Imagine that, weather can be a topic of conversation even when you're experiencing Canda's craziest winter in a long while)
So back to life and filling you in on what I've been up to starting all the way back to January.
At the end of January I went with a number of people to Tioman Island, Malaysia. Due to not taking into consideration the fact that it was the Chinese New Year week end, we had a bit of fun trying to arrange travel but it all worked out and made for some good memories.
First there was the planned bus ride that turned into a van ride of games, music and a perfectly timed stop which allowed us to view some fireworks.
Then there was the ferry ride that almost wasn't but thanks to some fine work by members of the group, we acquired tickets to board. Unfortunately the next 2+ hours were spent being tossed around at sea. I finally understand what seasickness is all about and I didn't even suffer as bad as some others. Thankfully the return trip was smooth sailing.
LAND! We survived (Some better than others)
At least there was an amazing view welcoming us as we stepped onto the island.
And then there was the rest of the week end. Relaxing in the sun, sand and water. Unfortunately for me, the combination of salt water and sun were too much for my eyes and I spent a good portion of the second day sitting in the shade with irritated, watery eyes.
The first week end in February there was a parade in town. It was unlike any parade I have ever been too with incredible floats and dance performances. It was also all part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The National University of Singapore float
Recess week was the last week of February and if any of you pay attention to my facebook, you'll know that I spent the week in Chaing Mai. It was incredible to be back in the city and catch up with friends. I didn't do a whole lot other than a bit of shopping and spending a lot of time with friends. If you want to see pictures of my time there look on FB. I will admit that another highlight of the week was driving! It was fun to be back on a little motorbike but coming back to Singapore has made me miss my car a lot. Transportation is very accesible here but I do still miss my little VW golf.
There's been some birthdays to celebrate. Waffles and pocky sticks make the perfect cake.
An afternoon visit to Little India to get some Henna done and I learned one thing. Don't get henna done before spending a week driving around town on a motorbike because it means that after that paint comes off you are still left with the design on your skin since the skin under the paint wasn't able to tan like the rest of your arm!
The past couple of weeks have been busy with assignments and mid-terms so besides working on school work, life has been pretty low-key. It is quite different for me to be a non-working student who is also not heavily involved with any clubs or volunteering on campus. I definitely have more free time than I ever have had in a sememster of school in Waterloo which means more time to commit to my studies, right? This was proven to me the other day when I, one of the exchange students in the class, had actually managed to finish one of the readings before any of the local students. Trust me, it's an accomplishment! However, the free time is balanced out with the stress of academics and the uncertainity of professors expectations so I have also spent more time here on perfecting assignments than I ever do back home! I guess it all evens out.
There you have it. Another little update on life in Singapore.
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