For breakfast this morning! Peanut butter toast with a fried egg on top. Not bad huhhhh. Bet it tasted good. yeap I bet it did. Still ha...

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For breakfast this morning!
Peanut butter toast with a fried egg on top.
Not bad huhhhh. Bet it tasted good. yeap I bet it did. Still having a blocked nose so nothing is entering my smellsss, but hey, I bet it was still pretty awesome! Tried to do a sunny side up but my egg yolk just keeps breaking!? I dunno why! Urgh. Yeah I've been cracking eggs the past few days and none of the yolks have maintained their pristine condition. Sigh.

But yeah, having good breakfast every morning here is just awesome. Cooking your own stuff and eating whatever you make, good or bad hahaha. I think what makes it exciting is the fact that you buy your own groceries and you cook what you bought and everything you do is entirely up to YOU. Like you're part of the entire process that's why. Hopefully this keeps up and I'll have many more delicious meals ahead of me TEE TO THE HEE.

Gonna get out for class right now and get some bank account issues sorted, as well as buy books for class AND get tickets for tomorrow's BEECH day. Gotta get out and socialise again.

That's some awesome fried noodles I cooked there ;D First meal I cooked at the cottage woohoo! Cooking can be pretty exciting lol lol...

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That's some awesome fried noodles I cooked there ;D First meal I cooked at the cottage woohoo!
Cooking can be pretty exciting lol lol. I even offered this to my international friends and they said they liked it? Out of courtesy I dunno but hey not bad aye?

Omg, I feel hungry already. The cold makes you feel like gorging all the time zomg.

Was supposed to go for a Toga Party tonight but my asshole of a friend left me!!! I so badly wanted to dress up in a sheet!!!!! URGH! Nevermind. Tomorrow night. There's a party every night during O-week. Crazy huh.

It's been more than a week and I have more or less settled down. Not married, but adjusting haha. I'm only worried about whether I&#...

It's been more than a week and I have more or less settled down. Not married, but adjusting haha. I'm only worried about whether I'll be able to transfer enough credits back to Singapore. Coz as an exchange student we're only allowed to take up to a maximum of 60 points here... but converted into AUs, the papers that I want to take and can take are not enough. I'll be going home with 13AUs which is pretty pathetic and I'm trying to push for 65 points here in my University. I'm gonna have to put some faith into this! So I'll have the perfect papers to take while I'm here!!

Other than that, everything else has been pretty much settled. : )

I am finally and slowly but steadily easing into the kiwi lifestyle.

To be honest, the past few days have been pretty daunting coz I had to do everything myself. I had to enquire about everything on my own. Sometimes I'd wish that I had someone by my side at least so I wouldn't feel too alone in doing stuff. Coz there were times when I felt like I didn't get what I want just coz I wasn't aggressive enough and that perhaps if I were to pry more, it would work. Then blame myself for not being something that I'd hoped to be. And if I had someone with me, it'll be less worrying.

But I'd tell myself, just try. Just ask, you never know.

For example, the papers that I was talking about earlier on... I wasn't sure if I could take them. I would think, ahh, just leave it as it is. It's not like I MUSTTT take them, I can settle for papers that met the 60 points requirement without exceeding. Yet, I knew that I really really wanted to do that certain paper. So I try. I try to push my luck. And so, right now I'm waiting for them to get back to me. And I really hope something good will come out of it.

And for dry admin stuff like my insurance. I wanted to extend my policy coz I thought it would end too soon. Money wise, I didn't want to take the risk and end up with my parents receiving nothing if I died. Plus, I didn't want to feel like I was worth nothing if I happen to die while I'm here in NZ. Hahhaha. So I decided to enquire at the help desk. Didn't get a very polite response. My day just died. I'd wished things could've been better. Those were the days when I wished I could do things with someone.

Then again, there were times when I pulled through, and it'd absolutely make my day. I'd give myself a pat on the back and tell myself, "See, it wasn't that hard. You just had to ask and make a little extra effort." And remind myself not to be scared of anything. You had the right to ask. And even if I didn't get a very receptive response, hey, at least I tried. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with you being Asian LOL LOL LOL. (totally does. ok i'm kidding)


That aside, YOU must be quite interested to know what has been going in my life. Quite a bit has happened and I've been tired everyday. I didn't get to blog, or update my facebook, or check my whatsapp or instagram or ANYTHING> I shut myself up from my old life.

But here I am, speaking to you once again.

I must introduce to you my new best friends in New Zealand, because without them, I honestly wouldn't have been able to pull through. They've provided me so much LOVE AND CONCERN AND UGH I can't feel grateful enough to them. I feel like I've known them for too long, when I've only met them the past few days. They've given me food last week when I only had cookies, took me out to town, told me where to buy stuff and OMG EVERYTHING I really do love them a lot.

They've truly taught me to be more generous in everything that I own because that was the kind of treatment I received. And I feel like I should reciprocate this to the rest of the world, coz I now know how nice it is to feel like someone is there for you when you think you're alone. I can never thank them enough.


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Meet Talei. She was the first person to make me feel at home by her friendliness and warmth. She NEVER fails to offer me something whenever I go to her cottage. Yeap, she's my neighbour teeheeee. Cottage friends hahahaha. Oh we're dressed nicely coz we had a formal dinner at our hall!

She is also the first Islander I've ever met in my life. She lives in Fiji. Like OMG right? FIJI?! That's like exotic please. You know that place that conjures up the image of palm trees and beaches with a cocktail in tow on one hand hahaha. I sound ignorant but I've to admit, I dunno this part of the world. She's half German as well. Father's German. I realise they don't really have a race. Islanders. Their race is... Island. LOLL!!! Amazing.

Islanders are EXTREMELY friendly. They come to New Zealand to study coz NZ is closest to them. You know islands like Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, Samoa, yeap.. I find it incredibly amazing to be able to meet these people. And they are extremely EXTREMELY friendly. I can't stress enough.

Which brings me to my next awesome friend,

Also from the Islands, the country of Vanuatu,

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LENI!!!!!! (pronounced as Lenny)
He is just the cutest thing. As you might tell from the pictures, he is VERY VERY much like Gaga, a friend back in Junior College. The moment I met him, was the moment I felt like, this boy is gonna be THE ULTIMATE bitch friend to be with.

And one more thing about him, which makes him different from Gaga and very much special is...

He's deaf.

He lip reads whatever people say and can't speak very well as like all other deaf people. So sometimes he has to repeat himself multiple times for us to get what he's trying to tell us. And I'd lip read him too. So it's quite a pity coz whenever we get excited about something, I wish I could scream with him and blabber away. I'd feel sad coz I'd love to hear his voice. And I'd imagine how a normal conversation with him would be like. One thing though, he expresses himself SO WELL even though he can't talk. I can tell what he's trying to say just by looking at his eyes and gestures. Him being deaf makes him very much special and I love talking to him. I am lucky to have met him.


Every Asian needs an Asian friend.

Mine comes in the form of Serena Lee from South Korea hehehehe. SOUTH, emphasis on the SOUTH yo? They always introduce themselves like that to angmohs coz apparently, they don't really know the difference between South and North goodnezz.


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As all Koreans are, she is pretty glam in all her pictures hahaha and dresses up well. And puts on makeup well. I came to know her through Talei. She is awesome, I feel like I've known her for quite a bit coz I feel like I can tell her things. She's been here in NZ for about 9 years I think? So she's pretty adept to kiwi life. She doesn't stay in the cottages but the flats. She is such a joy to be around, always smiling.

So these are my first few friends in New Zealand and I feel really close to them already. We meet practically everyday coz we're neighbours, except for Serena but I still see her everyday coz she goes for dinner at the cafeteria which is next to our cottages. Ahhh, I feel like I'll miss the cottages already sigh.

Speaking of cottages, I'm sure you'd like to see how they look.


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Talei's and Leni's cottage right in the middle. Mine's right next to their's on the right.
Every day I'd pop by their cottage and chill on the sofa hahaha.
These are self-catered cottages, meaning we cook and clean on our own. Bryant Hall woohoo!

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The volleyball cum a lot of other games' net.
Played volleyball with kiwis once and badminton with THE friends.

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That's Talei walking down the path outside of my cottage back to hers.
Can you tell what time it is when I shot these photos? 12pm? Nah. 1pm? Nah.

It was 5:30PM!!!!!!!!!!! It was evening but it freakin looks like noon right?!?!?! Apparently it's called daylight saving in summer so the sun sets later but earlier in winter. Really strange to me, coz by 9, I can still see specks of the sun setting.


Wanna check out my room?? ;D

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This is what I see outside of my cottage window everyday.
Nice skies and trees but I was expecting mountains and forests and lakes HAHAHAHA. Just stereotype the country. JUST DO THAT


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I bought a pot of purple flowers to accompany me and my lonely nights hahahhaa. So pretty right? They're called Limonium. Apparently very easy to maintain coz of low water usage and other stuff. Should be easy heh. If it manages to survive for more than 2 weeks, I'm gonna consider buying more flowers MUAHAHHA. I'll make my room a freakin rainforest I swear.

Anyway. That's all for my room. Coz I really wanna shoot a "Room Tour" for you guys, it's easier that way to view everything at one go. It's a cosy room, I like it! I make an effort to keep it tidy. Sometimes I wish I were that neat back in Singapore. Now that I wash my clothes and all... Surprisingly, it's not that hard to wash clothes at all. Quite enjoyable in fact. For now. I feel like one of those olden day maiden kinda girl with an apron and braids in the hair, something like the Dutch Milk Lady, going out to hang her clothes out in the sun.

I had a bit of a sore throat and flu. Now it's just a block nose. Coz of the extreme weather change. It's so bloody cold in the morning and night but once it's afternoon, the heat is crazy. I love the sun. But the cold.. argh, it seeps in when you least expect it to. Sneaky.

I'm adapting.

I like the cottage's bathroom, it's clean. So there isn't much to complain.

I've started classes already this week, but it's still O-Week (O for Orientation) so I can still add/drop papers. And not pay too much attention during classes. Same as in Singapore. I have some awesome papers this sem and I hope they won't get ruined just coz of that extra 5 points more than the maximum 60 points I'm allowed to take :'( I've really enjoyed one paper especially, and having to drop it would make me feel like shit. So God, I appeal to you. Haha. I feel bad for God. Has to answer stupid prayers like mine from so many people in the world. Sigh. God Bless HIMSELF.

As of now, thank you if you've been concerned about me. Just so you know Joelyn, I haven't used the polaroid camera yet!!!! I still love it. A lot. And people around me think it's cool. And thus, I am cool. LOL LOL>

I have so much blogging to do and am lagging behind. I can finally strike off some of the stuff I'd intended to do while I'm here. I've experienced their clubbing culture, and boy, angmohs are shit ass wild. More about that next time. I've done kayaking, really fun I must say, I wanna do it again esp since it's still summer and NZ waters are clean. I've also visited the set of The Hobbit. Wasn't impressed by it, but I can't say much since I wasn't a fan of LOTR to begin with. Visited Hamilton Gardens just a few days back. And done a lot more other stuff that I wish I could just vomit all out here. But I guess I shall summarise it another time in another blog post.

Am glad to be blogging again coz I've been feeling really bad about not blogging coz it was so much a part of my Singapore life. And I just shelved it while I'm here. But you must know, I have a practical explanation for that and that is... internet here is not free and I've to top-up for more internet. Right now I only have 1.5 GB free and video rendering on YouTube is pretty pathetic. I see pixels sometimes. So I've to pay for internet. And electricity. Sigh.


Ok, SEE YOU WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN. I hope all's swell in Singapore!

Homg, it's been awhile hasn't it. Took me some time to get internet and everyday has been so tiring I didn't feel like blogging ...

Homg, it's been awhile hasn't it. Took me some time to get internet and everyday has been so tiring I didn't feel like blogging or Facebooking or anything. I completely stopped doing anything that I used to do in Singapore. But here I am, blogging my first post of New Zealand.

Quite a lot of things have happened. Classes haven't started but I have been attending some orientation and stuff. Orientation here isn't the same as orientation in Singapore like there aren't camps but talks and        a few games that's all, not much. But I've just been so tired every day.

It's summer but definitely not as hot as Singapore. In the afternoon, the sun can be pretty hot but it's not humid at all and the wind is really cold. So I don't complain about the heat whereas others think it's hot haha.

Shall blog more soon, but so far, I've been fine so don't worry if you are! Thanks for the concern everyone :'D


No time to write anything so I videoed a message down as quick I could and here you go! I will blog and vlog as much as I can to stay san...



No time to write anything so I videoed a message down as quick I could and here you go! I will blog and vlog as much as I can to stay sane and alive. Sadly, I won't get to see my parent's faces for 6 months coz we've no webcam. So that means, I will only hear their voices.

Alright, see ya. I'm actually quite zen, surprisingly. I guess, I've just been thinking about this day for so long that it doesn't occur to me as heart racing as the other days... AHHHH GOOD BYE!

I am surprised that many of the people around me do not know where New Zealand is. I thought watching the Olympics would help. It's ok,...


I am surprised that many of the people around me do not know where New Zealand is. I thought watching the Olympics would help. It's ok, I guess it's like how others think Singapore is part of China...

So here are some simple facts about NZ.

1) It's beside Australia
2) Nope, it's not part of Australia
3) It is a country.
4) Not in Europe
5) Population of about 4 million people
6) Larger in land size than Singapore
7) But smaller than Singapore in terms of population. Surprise surprise
8) More sheep than humans.
9) Native people inhabited New Zealand earlier than Europeans. They are called Maoris.
10) We're called Singaporeans, they're called Kiwis.
11) Kiwi bird is their National animal
12) Kiwi fruit is abundant
13) They love kiwi.
14) World renowned for scenery
15) Bungey jumping originated from New Zealand
16) Last country to ever be discovered by man. Thus, pure.
17) First country to see daylight
18) 5 hours ahead of Singapore time
19) Allowed to drive at 16
20) Allowed to consume alcohol at 18
21) Allowed to have consensual sex at 16. Shen jing bing.
22) Ex-Prime Minister is Helen Clark. A female.
23) First country in the world to allow equal voting power for women. Hell yeah.
24) Does not advocate nuclear power. Therefore, no nuclear power stations.
25) The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth. They are still sai kangs of the English people. Britain.

26) Si Hui is heading there today in approximately 3 and a half hours.

There ya go! All that came up from the top of my head. Whatever that struck me as interesting as well.

Terminal 1, 8.15pm HERE WE GO, NEW ZEALAND!

I am seriously having an anxiety attack. Not a full blown one but my chest is just congested man! I keep HEAVING. IT'S TOMORROW OHMAGAHD...

I am seriously having an anxiety attack. Not a full blown one but my chest is just congested man! I keep HEAVING. IT'S TOMORROW OHMAGAHD. Ugh! Am doing my last minute shopping later to get all my necessary thingums and then say my goodbyes to Alicia coz she's flying off to Australia tonight. Then, pack somemore later. And prolly blog again tonight if I've got time! Time to go take a shower. Please subside, rain. I'm freaking out I really am. This is insane. I even watched this video by zoella hahaha. Siao.




Ah I love YouTube.

I've been experiencing anxiety attacks the entire day. My heart is in pain. Literally, In Pain. Like it's aching man. There's t...


I've been experiencing anxiety attacks the entire day. My heart is in pain. Literally, In Pain. Like it's aching man. There's this clenched up feeling inside of my ribcage, terribly sore. I have to admit, it's because I'm freaking anxious about my trip to New Zealand. I honestly am quite scared of what's to come, yet excited.

I couldn't sleep last night. Only fell asleep at 4 plus am, after much tossing and turning. I now understand the term "Tossing and Turning" coz you literally keep tossing your blanket and pillows around and turning to get into the best sleeping position, thinking it'll help. And guess what, I woke up at 7am today. It's insane!!! I simply couldn't fall asleep!!!!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M FLYING IN 2 DAYS' TIME!!!!!! Argh omg.

This year's CNY has been particularly moving for me. Nothing special, in fact this year's Chinese New Year has been the same as always like the past few years. Just that.. everyone's been so excited for me, and for that, I truly am touched. If you've so much as asked me "Are you excited?", I'm already touched by that gesture. I may not show it, but honestly deep down, you've sent my HEART AFLUTTER. Not love in that sense. But simply asking me that question tells me that you bother and that you actually CARE. Which I am so thankful for. All that advice, that my friends and aunties have been giving me.. I mean, SHOWERING me with.. makes me feel so loved. You know who you are, I don't even need to name names.

Ever since 2013 came around, I've gradually started to find myself getting more and more attached to my family. Especially CNY, coz I know right after that I only have a few days left before I leave for NZ. Sometimes, I think 5-6 months ain't that long, considering the fact that you KNOW that you'll be back after that. So there really isn't much fuss. But if you think about it, it's longer than BMT. Longer than any army boy's time away from home. Furthermore, they get to call home every blardy day. And come back on weekends. Take that! But I do hope, the excitement and the fun that I'll have there overrides any form of homesickness.

And I guess the February batch of people going overseas will miss their family more since there's been a build-up of emotions the entire month of January and half of February. Enough to form some kind of attachment to people around them. Ahh.. same goes for me.

But you see... Adventure is Out There! And there really is nothing for me to be scared of. (self-consolation begins)



Watching UP makes me feel so hopeful of what's gonna begin for me. Sometimes I wonder how kids' animation can be so inspiring. Btw I tear up every time I watch this clip. Sometimes I let the music run on its own without watching the clip. The ups and downs. Undulations of the music and how the characters bounce back in their lives after every setback.

Although this love story isn't real, you can tell how venturing and exploring the world can mean so much to a couple, or more specifically, a girl. Alas, to how one's dreams may not always be fulfilled......

So I guess do what you can, while you still can and have the means to do so.

And zats ezactly vvhat I'm gona do.

I'm halfway done packing. Can't believe it takes DAYS for me to pack my luggage, not that there's tons of things to load in, but more of... What am I gonna put in. I have dilemmas on what piece of clothing to bring along with me. That floral pants? That white shirt? What? What do they wear there? Am I overdressing? Underdressing? Will they mistake me for a XXXX? Blahblahblah.

Here are some of the stuff I got to go along my maiden voyage alone.

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Ma new specs. Yeap comfort for the eyes is a must enroute to your destination.


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Trusty backpack! From Winning. Coz I'm a winner.


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And yeappp that is my half-packed luggage. All set to go. Not really actually since I've more stuff to STUFF. Hope this baby doesn't overload 23kg.

And yes, my trusty brown school bag parked right next to my luggage!

All I hope is I have enough winter/summer wear. Winter especially, since us Singaporeans aren't very adept or equipped for the cold.

More packing to be done after I'm done with this blog post.

But before I go, here's some Food For Thought : ) Found it particularly meaningful.



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Helloooo guyzzz. Here are some photos the past few days. Not CNY though. 2D 1N Korean BBQ with my Korean friends. Well, I'...

Helloooo guyzzz. Here are some photos the past few days. Not CNY though.

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2D 1N Korean BBQ with my Korean friends. Well, I'd say they've become pretty Korean after coming back from exchange. Ate till we were the last customers to leave the place. Had Baskin Robins after. 2 scoops each. Bloated.


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Met up with Kahwhai. She let me in on sooooo many things over at Australia! I think I'm lucky to have so many friends studying there. Thanks for the lovely outing. I enjoyed reading your little paper aeroplane letter to me : )


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Emily's birthday with OCIP kaki. T'was fun. OCIP Handover after. Was out shopping with Joelyn Pohling and Yenhuei earlier on in the day. No picx tho haha.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR GUYS. Sorry bout the lack of updates been busy this week. Promise I'll be buck. Ahh so excited bout Friday ye...


HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR GUYS.

Sorry bout the lack of updates been busy this week. Promise I'll be buck. Ahh so excited bout Friday yet apprehensive zomg.

Out exploring Tiong Bahru once again, with May this time!!! Walked into the inner dwellings of Tiong Bahru, much to MY delight haha. May&#...


Out exploring Tiong Bahru once again, with May this time!!!
Walked into the inner dwellings of Tiong Bahru, much to MY delight haha. May's first time to Tiong Bahru but she did the planning on places to go to.

First stop was of course to refuel our bellies at Tiong Bahru Food Market. Fav place.

Had Roasted Duck RIce while May had Boneless Hainanese Chicken Rice. No pix for you coz I was too hungry heh. Maybe in instagram if you're followingggg @firstconcubine. I don't instagram like crazy, but I do when I can.

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Ju kueh!
Didn't really like it when I was young. But somehow, as you grow older, you enjoy eating food you didn't used to. And I think this is one of them. Not my favourites, but I don't mind eating it any time. Btw, Ju Kueh, is written as "Water" kueh in chinese. Just some Food For Thought haha.


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TEH HEH!

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Mini exhibition there on "Young Hawkers"

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1. Down the escalator
2. Flea & Trees

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Favourite Yong tao fu stall with the father in the mornings when I had school, which transforms into a Western food outlet by night. Notti notti.


Then, Out to explore with May!

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Visited a quaint bookstore which sold a lottt of vintage stuff.

I was ok-impressed by it. Somehow, it felt like it was trying a lil too hard to appear indie and vintage and stuff.
Nevertheless, we spent about an hour just browsing through the books and items up for sale.
I just wish the books weren't that expensive, I'd have bought them. But I like how it supports local authors coz I see a lot of Singaporean published books. thumbs up on that.

We then dropped by Forty Hands, a cafe. I can't tell you how much I love cafes even though I don't drink coffee or anything that tastes close to it. (I do love inhaling coffee smells that waft throughout  a cafe tho haha.. feels therapeutic) I enjoy talking to a friend about everythingggg for hours on end at a cafe. And today, it was with May! We sat inside all snug and warm while it poured heavily outside and chatted till the cafe closed at 7pm!


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Outside Forty Hands, while it was still raining.

Thanks May, I REALLY enjoyed today's mini-adventure and chat in the cafe. Lovin it and can never get sick of it. This part of Tiong Bahru will always be special to me\\ May's one of those friends whom I rarely meet. Sometimes only twice or thrice a year, but we never feel a stranger to one another. And talk like 6 months were nothing in between, if you get what I mean haha. Thankful to have such a friend by my side. Coz it's hard to be close to someone despite not meeting them for months on end. Much like a long-distance r/s but not quite one either! Something we talked about. I shall see you when I see you! Maybe again before I fly. But if today is the last day, till then, the next time I see you/ Like it's always been between the both of us : )


Next up, Star Vista with The Usual SUSpects

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We had Ramen! That's the only thing we ever eat when we meet up. It's always Jap Ramen. NOTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!!!
This is black base soup ramen. Pretty gelat. But Ramen is always good.
Damn bloody full afterthat, dunno if it was the lunch I had earlier on at Tiong Bahru, or black base soup is just freakin filling.


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Chou xin nian chou xin nian~ Those are the words and lyrics I seem to be hearing every time that song plays.
Anyway, it was just a short meet-up so I could see their beautiful faces before I fly haha. Study hard at school you guys.

And back.

Seeing Suxin and Ruilin for Korean BBQ tmr or technically today since it's almost 2am! As well as Kahwhai at Cityhall in the evening~ Wooohoo! Going away on exchange has really allowed me to catch up with most, or even ALL of my friends. Blessed. Should I add "xoxo" behind? Nahhh that's pretty gay.

It has occurred to me that today will be the second last weekend I will spend here in Singapore... My time here is running out and I am cou...


It has occurred to me that today will be the second last weekend I will spend here in Singapore... My time here is running out and I am counting down my dying days hahah. But honestly, whatever I do and eat, I'm constantly reminding myself that this could be my last bak kut teh or ban mian here in Singapore. Or simple things like helping my mom cook and stuff. Yeah that's how often I do cooking in the house. I don't. I think I'll die there with cooking. I think I'll miss my family a lot.

But whatever it is, I've been thinking a lot about what I want to get out of my 5/6 months live and study experience in New Zealand. I think it's about time to share it here with you guys coz I really don't have much time left. If you realise, exactly next week's CNY. SO fast.

Here are some of the things I want to do and hope to learn from this whole experience. Sorta like a bucket list and here it is,


1) Putting myself out there to see the world

I've always wanted to do this since I was 14 and I've always wanted to study in some place foreign. I want to learn about what the world is like OUT THERE. Not only will I get to immerse myself in a different culture in New Zealand, but I'll also get to meet people from ALL OVER THE WORLD. International students. I want to meet and talk to them, learn from them so many things and hear their perspective of the world that will be very much different from mine. Share our stories. Breathe their air.

Reading the book, "Sushi and Tapas", which I recently bought and am about to finish, has inspired me and made me so anxious to want to get out there to see the world. It shares perspectives and stories of women from all walks of life who come from many different countries. MANY of them very well-travelled and have so many insights to share... it has truly inspired me to want to do the same... and to see the world on my own. 

And being a soon-to-be 21 y/o WOMAN myself, I think it really is one of those coming-of-age things that I need to do. To broaden my horizons and see what's out there for me. Am not afraid to make mistakes and do the things that I really want to do in life.

Which leads me to my next point


2) Learning to be Independent

I've never really done things on my own before. Nothing big. So I guess, heading off for a 6 months exchange will be one of those things that will help me with that. No more relying on anybody else. I'm here to fend for myself and do things on my own. Down to the simplest things that we take for granted everyday when our mothers do them for us, like washing clothes and cooking meals. Buying groceries. Paying up for fees. Falling sick and taking care of myself (choy!)

I've thought about this and sometimes... I think that if I'd gotten my first choice to Israel, whatever that happens will be very different. Coz I'd be with Jasmine. I won't be alone. There'd be less of that insecurity. I really think it must be the f word, fate, that got me New Zealand, my second choice. I wasn't happy at first, in fact, I was devastated, but now I thank God for that. Very serendipitous indeed. 

It's time to spend some time alone. And do things alone. And really, be independent. It sounds easy, but I know I might have a tough time at the beginning. Hopefully, I'll learn and get used to it. Probably I will learn to appreciate a lot of things AND people while I'm there... 

I thank my parents like crazy for allowing and giving me such freedom to do something like that. I needn't even ask for permission... I knew they'd let me! Not that I'm taking it for granted or anything but they've always given me so much freedom. They've always let me do what I want. Where ever I went, they let me decide my paths to say, which secondary school I went to, what major I wanted to undertake... They'd advise me at times when they knew some of the things I wanted to do were on a whim, like wanting to take up ice skating/drumming class in sec 2. Those lofty aspirations when you were a teenager and you'd wonder whatever for, now. Haha. 

And I know I'm very lucky. Monetary wise, my parents are using their savings just to let me do this. I truly am thankful. Whenever I think of this, I'd always tell myself that I'll give back 10 times. Or at least half of what they've been showering me all my life. Though... it does sadden me to know that there isn't much time left I have with them on Mother Earth. 

They're letting me see the world. In a way, I guess living their own dreams by sending me over. Like an envoy, yes. Our generation is really privileged. We get to make our own choices and do things our parents never got to do or dream of, in their early years. I'm bloody blessed and I know it.


3) Bringing back with me whatever I learnt, to Singapore

I've been reading a couple of Facebook shares by people on their thoughts about living in Singapore. Some I agree with... others, not so. Like that of Pamela Low. Whatever she mentioned is pretty balanced.. but I still don't get it. If you do love your country, and if you do wish for native Singaporeans to still be living here in Singapore in the next 5, 10, 20 years, WHY STILL MIGRATE???? I DON'T GET IT!?!?! 

What's the point of explaining to us how lovely the other side of the world is and how you haven't regretted your decision to migrate, yet make the last statement saying that you wish to still see native Singaporeans here in Singapore? I DON'T. GET. IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's making a contradiction no???? Yet, so many people are doing the same! Shouldn't you, like what she mentioned, be sticking around in Singapore to ensure Singaporeans are giving back especially when times have changed? I don't see the loyalty to a country like that. I really don't.

Or maybe it's coz I just watched Ah Boys to Men 2 yesterday, so I'm all Singaporean up in the head. It was a pretty good show by the way hahahahaha. Didn't watch part 1 tho! Always thought Jack neo produced ah beng shit and all that. But it was okay and I really liked it.

I really do love this country. It may not be the most democratic country or relaxing of places to live in but I know I will live here for the rest of my life, and die if I have to when the need arises. I wish I were an NS boy sometimes. I'd go to OCS I swear. HAHAHAHA Ballz if I could do pull-ups if I were a boy.

So, I'm going to New Zealand myself. To see if that really is the case. I'm giving detractors a chance to prove their point. I'm reasonable like that. Really. Hahaha. I'll see if it really is true... to be enchanted by another's land. I will definitely be charmed by the beauty and tranquil of the country, much like what happened in Laos, but I've always thought that, nothing else will lure me away from where I was born and grown to love. 

I love travelling, and exploring. My curiosity and energy for that is boundless. I dream of going so many places, visiting every corner of the earth before my soul leaves me. I have plans to live my dreams and I will take what I learn and always return. I'll never leave home ground! Even when there are 6.9 million people by the year 2030.

Enough rambling, on to my next point.


4) Have FUN AND LOADS OF IT. 
Heaps, I mean. Kiwi lingo

I'm FREAKIN FREAKIN excited about all the omfg fun over there in New Zealand. Am gonna do so many things. I will tell you what.

- Bungey Jumping duh.
- Skydiving if I can
- Skiing in winter
- Hiking Tongariro Crossing and other mountains available hahaha.
- Kayak in one of the lakes

Yeah, mostly extreme stuff that you can only do overseas. What's more, NZ's known for all that. And I hope I can find people and make friends so that I CAN DO ALL THAT.

I reallyyyy wanna hike a mountain. Something I've never done before and OF ALL PLACES NZ IS THE BEST TO DO SO!!!!!!!!!! Jump at opportunities I tell ya.

I found this website called http://twoguysaroundtheworld.com 
As you can probably tell from the url what the website's all about. SUPER INTERESTING. Not just on NZ but on SO many countries they've been to. Videos, blog posts, all I can say is WOW. I spent one night just watching and reading. Insightful. And wow.. if only I had the money to do all that.


Anyway, this is the Mountain I wanna hike up coz it's around my area in Hamilton, so it's this particular one, called the Tongariro Crossing. If you're a LOTR fan, it's Mount Doom apparently.



Omgggg! Yeap I wanna do JUSSST that.


And I also hope to do the day to day things that normal Kiwis do. Like,

- Spending time in a cafe
- Cycling/jogging in one of their parks
- Clubbing. I think it'd be nice to see how clubbing's like in other parts of the world. 
- Public transport. Omg so exciting hahahaha. Especially railway trains and stuff like that.
- Falling snow. Something I've never seen in my life. Except maybe in Beijing when I was 4 or 5. But it was measly and I was so young then I don't even remember.
- Studying. I wanna learn stuff I'll never get to in NTU.
- Going for a music festival or concert with NZ music live. Gin Wigmore please!!! YES HER!
- Taste NZ's cuisine


I really wanna do all of these and strike them off one by one before I return...
If only we had all the time, money and energy in the world...


Last but not least, my final point on my bucket list.


5) Preparation for OCIP Laos 2013

I know it hasn't really got anything to do with NZ. But I will always have Laos at the back of my mind. I will always be preparing for it while I'm there. Getting proposals done and all the admin stuff. I will ready myself for Laos.

I don't want to lose sight of it, so that when I get back, I can get right back on track to get down to doing things.

And I'm gonna take whatever I'm gonna learn.. for what's to come in New Zealand, in preparation for OCIP Laos.


Guys, it's less than 2 weeks. And a few days after Chinese New Year when I'll be embarking on the journey of my LIFE! Thus far, I believe this will be the most exciting thing that's gonna happen to me. I dunno what will lie ahead, but I am all set to go. AFTER I pack my luggage and backpack haha. Yehahh... I have yet to pack anything. But Yes. The world is waiting for me, and so am I for my flight out of Changi.

I will cry, I will laugh and I might die of loneliness there, but whatever it is, COME WHAT MAY, I'M READY, Take me now!

Credits: Nor'Huda Missing Laos a lot. Period. Finding someone willing to do this was a little harder than expected. A lit...



Credits: Nor'Huda

Missing Laos a lot. Period.

Finding someone willing to do this was a little harder than expected. A little faith c'mon!

"Dear Si Hui, Good morning to you! I was recommended by our School’s Chair, Assoc. Prof. Detenber, to contact you. Being an...



"Dear Si Hui,

Good morning to you! I was recommended by our School’s Chair, Assoc. Prof. Detenber, to contact you.

Being an avid blogger, I would like to ask if you would be interested to promote the school’s Open House event (to be held on March 9th ) via your blog.
Please feel free to contact me should you want to find out more details."


ARE YOU SHITTING ME??? Wee Kim Wee??? 
Prof. Detenber?! Seriously? Are you SHITTING ME?!?!! 

Prof. D is the freakin' dean of my school. He is like UP THERE. No way!!!!!

I replied in the email that I was honoured, and would definitely love to but would be on exchange in Sheep land in March. Unless I didn't have to be there in person.

The person I was corresponding with replied, yes, I wouldn't have to be there in person.

So yes! I'm gonna blog about my school's Open House event, guys. And of course, $$$ minded as I am, I asked if there were monetary incentives nyahahahahahahha.

But honestly, Me???! Zapyou? Chickenbackside?? NO ONE READS THIS OTHER THAN MY FRIENDS SIAH. And secretreader ;D Hahhaa. But seriously, my readers are not a lot at all. I don't understand!

Diz must be BOGUS. I tried googling 'wkwsci'. My blog didn't come up what. Don't understand. Unless they just send this out to everyone hahaha it must take a lot of diligence to change the names for each email. 

I would definitely be very willing to promote my school. I love it. Never attended any open houses or talks before I decided to enter the school though. Nonetheless, I shall flaunt and promote and shamelessly add kisses to every picture or something. Gonna be over there at NZ blogging about it though. But whatev it is, I am truly honoured. 


Anyway, was helping Yuanyun with her project today and it was like writing a term paper again. I could tell that my brain needed a good shaking up coz I was dead tired thinking and structuring the 1000-word essay. Waking up at 6:30am to continue and complete it with her over at my place, before heading off for work at 10 tomorrow! I mean later, since it's 12:12am now. Teh heh, good night y'all.