As a Year 2 in Uni

It is becoming very easy for me to slip into this endless wondering of the shortness of my time here in the UK. The happier I get, the more I tend to think about this. Because I want the happiness to last. It's always good when the realization hits me,because then I know I am having a good time. 

Sometimes you do need tell tale signs to reveal the meaning behind things. It's gonna be hard, without them, to judge if doing x or y is really worthwhile? 

Strangely, many people I've talked to expressed the same feeling that time is passing them by too quickly. I guess it didn't hit on us how quickly first year has passed until we came back from a long summer holiday and return to uni as second years. The usual comment is "I didn't do much last year!". And suddenly everyone is doing something, society work, volunteering, travelling or internship-related stuff. The biggest difference for me is I only did travelling and that's pretty much it for last year, but this year, I am taking on more responsibilities. Almost doing all of those aforementioned things.

Nishi put it just right. As a freshie you are excited but nevertheless have your reservations. We did bits of this and that but nothing grand. As a second year you claim ownership to your uni life, both academically and in terms of knowing the physical environment, and you sort of feel comfortable perching on more important positions. 

In the past month alone, I've spent my weekends to the following cities doing the following things:

1) Norwich 
Spent the whole weekend there and sorted out a few things before Uncle left for Shanghai

2) York
Spent a day touring around the pretty city. Nishi and I went to the Shambles, River Ouse, Museum Garden and Clifford Tower. Of couse it's a worthwhile trip, having photos taken in a beautiful place is a bonus plus the weather was on our side.

3) London
Woke up at 4 am in the freaking morning, caught a train to London and came home feeling totally exhausted. But all was worthwhile as the Singapore Seminar I went for was by far the most engaging and stimuating seminar I've ever been to!

4) Warwick
Another conference day with speakers. Topic was the Emerging Market, with a few sub topics being energy, breaking into the emerging markets and growth.

I have not been terribly busy but the time I spent was all fruitful. Among other things we celebrated Nishi's and Stefie's birthdays:) went to watch the Bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night. Fireworks were so beautiful!!  I have been putting off writing this new entry but knowing that I will only get busier in the upcoming weeks with the training for Inspiring mentor and monetary presentation, I have to wrap up the experiences over the past month properly before moving on. 

To end it nicely here's a good news :

My application and interview for Inspire Mentoring progamme has been successful! I do look forward to working with young people in the local area:)

Giant Teddy Bear we saw along the Shambles in York

Sitting along the bank of River Ouse

On top of Clifford Tower. We paid 3 pounds plus to get up here but it's worth it as the view was scenic!

Very happy to have caught his smile! Many street artists I have seen but he is one of the most creative ones so far! 

Basking under the sun along River Ouse

Pictures don't tell a thousand words here. Only a video can do justice to the beautiful fireworks but sadly I have neither the skills nor the internet speed to upload one ;) 

Tonight I miss Munchen

Tonight I miss Munchen.

The month I spent alone, away from everything I was familiar with. Strangely I felt no way out of place. Guess over the last few years I've grown used to living life on the move, out of a suitcase. 

When I tell people I spent a month in Munchen, they thought I was there for the Oktoberfest. They wonder why I would stay put in one city for a month without going anywhere. So much travel, so little time. But isn’t it good to soak yourself up in the charm of a city? Focus on just one place at a time.

I remember Munchen not only for the good times, the Oktoberfest, the drinking and fun, but also many other of its beautiful aspects.I can never in my life forget how when I came out of Universitat and laid my eyes on Ludwigskirche for the first time, was totally awestruck. I remember the surfers in Englisher Garten, riding on currents on a bright sunny day. I remember Munchen and its many Kirche, dotting the city and telling its Bayern stories. I remember being totally immersed in the Alte Pinakothek, and amusing over many of its treasures holing up in the Residenz.

But there's also a special place for the little things that happened. I am missing cooking dinner alone in my Kieferngarten Wohnung, organizing my Bayern experience in a little apartment.  I remember walking via “Arvenweg” to reach the U Bahn station.  I remember Alex and his child-like gestures, talking in ear-pleasing Deutsch, his mother language. I remember heading to Mensa, my group of friends divided over walking or taking train. There are too many things to remember about Munchen. 

And of course, the invaluable friendships I have made there. 

The people are the jewels. Everyone was friendly in a down-to-earth and straight forward manner. The Germans cut the frills. The pretentious “how are you”s. They go straight to the point, their friendliness just cannot be mistaken to mean otherwise.

Funny sprachkurs mitnehmer: Mao, Julia and Vivek

Sorting out the many handouts I've accumulated thanks to Alex just now, I fell into deep nostalgia.

Karlplatz is very Munchen to me. Fountains, people shopping, sitting, sun-bathing. Sometimes one or more are done with beer in one hand!

Painting the road with chalks on the Kunstareal day withJulia and Ellie

One of my favorite picture from Munich.Of the loveliest classmates brain storming on ideas for a class debate. Picture is nto candid as it seems :D

The aforementioned Ludwigskirche. That first sight was a killer.

Kieferngarten. Taken on the last day in Munich. I thought I would miss you, the most ordinary place I've been in Munich. wasn't sure I would. But I am now!

Munich and its fountains.Too many to show, so here's my favorite. 

The usual way to school. How it looks in the morning.

What the typical "Muncheners" on a Sunday. 

People relaxing along the Isar River, the soul of the city.

Thank you September.

Thank you September.

The month of septembr is a blank on my blog. You see no traces of me, but it can’t be more misleading. Because it has been one of the most fruitful and busy months so far. What do you expect, when you spend one twelfth of the year in one of the most charming cities in a completely new country which speaks a new but exciting language. To add to the thrill, the last week of your stay, you encountered its biggest mega festival of all times: The Oktoberfest! (for which an estimated 6 million people flock to the city just to join in the party!).

The city is Munich, or Munchen, as the locals prefer to call it. The stay as been fruitful. Note, I did not say “wonderful” because it is far too one-dimensional to sum up my time there. There have been good and bad times, I have felt really low and experienced self-doubts too. But then, everything was worthwhile at the end. Many small or big things I did, which I could rely on looking back and feeling grateful for the decision to make this trip.

Made Great Friends
I am eternally thankful for the trip, or myself for signing up to the course, for the great friendships I have been blessed with through it. It is definitely the biggest take-away. Some of the people I met are really inspiring. Many are well-travelled.

Two very fun persons whom I spent a lot of time with are Pei who is a civil engineer and Mao, the most cheerful and positive person I’ve ever met (seriously). They are the classic specimen of modern day women: strong (in willpower), independent, critical and successful (according to my definition). Of course they are different in every other way, but both have experiences which really inspired me to do the same. Their companionship especially during the Oktoberfest period is the most important experience in my entire trip. And I can be forever thankful for that! For the positivity, the joy and laughter they have brought in my short stay there.

Travelled to Austria

So far Hallstatt is the most stunning place I have ever been to. Picturesque is the word. Traditions have a strong place in the heart of the Austrian town, and people live their lives the old way, oblivious to the tourists flooding in every day.

 There are far more breath-taking places on earth that I haven’t set my foot on yet. I’m sure they shine better as an attraction, but what Hallstatt has is unique. The smallness of the town, its church and clock tower, together with many houses and boutiques were so beautifully lodged on the lake-facing hill. I plan to write one blog entry that will be entirely devoted to the Hallstatt experience.

Got drunk for the first time in my life!

This bit is another greaaaat thing that happened! The three girls, including me, we can just go on and on about this drinking night. Fun isn’t enough to accommodate all those good feelings that suddenly overtook my soul that night. It’s not euphoria, but another feeling I have never experienced before. Now I’m starting to understand why the idea of getting oneself drink it’s not bad. And its appeal to some.

It’s a chance to redeem your free soul from the unimaginative earthly happenings of day-to-day life. That’s how I felt that night. Totally freed (but still under control), dancing, talking, drinking. Have the greatest time of my life.

You see, I was sober enough to tell the difference in me. The tingling feeling when a strange (but strangely good) feeling overtakes you.

I felt happy. Simple bliss. It’s been hard for me. So hard to truly release your grip of control on yourself. People are afraid to be themselves, to do and say the things they want. To have fun in a way where they can just be oblivious to the world. Because nothing really matters.

I did just that.

Looking back, it’s one of the biggest steps forward in my twenty-two-year-long life. It changed my life somewhat. Because I know something in me has changed. In a good way. Something has grown inside me, stemming more from that drunken night, but also the overall experience in Munich. I’ve grown richer, because it’s broadened my vision a bit. I know what other things I can take on in life, like how it really feels to have a good drink with friends.  

And it sure won’t be the last drunken night! :)

View from the burial ground and the church on hill top.

Hand-made soaps and salts are the specialty of this quaint little town, but be prepared to fork out lots of ££!

View on arrival. What you see as soon as you alight the coaches.

View from another side of the town. Only discovered this good spot to snap picture after going all the way inwards. 

welcoming autumn in Hallstatt. In my favorite boots:)

House Hunting!

The second last day of August. I mustn't let the month go by without clocking a single entry. Also very soon an exciting new journey will begin, before that I want to sort a few things out so my mind would have space to absorb more.

It has been a month well-spent, goal-oriented, and focused but things have been paced out so it was a stress-free process.  Today marks the third week since my arrival in the UK, and I’m very satisfied to see uncle’s house-hunting is coming to an end.

House hunting, literally.

We walked around a lot since the very next day my coach pulled up at Norwich Bus Station. I have repeated my phone number hell lot of times it’s become a second nature. The sheer number of strangers I've met and spoken to (including seeing agents/making phone calls) probably exceeds the total number of encounters I had throughout the whole of last semester!

Good thing is of course, it kept me on my toes. Though very few of the encounters are fun, I've learned lawyers are, as how I've always imagined them to be, not-so-friendly. When it comes to paying for services/products, it boils down to either quality or service satisfaction. If quality is not up to standard but the salesperson proves to be friendly, helpful and professional, I don’t mind paying more really. However, the bottom line is, they are not scamming away my money! Have grown to be very vigilant with the myriad of online transactions coming straight for my purse, some of them can be evil, evil money-swallowing demons sent straight from hell! So googling the company in question is always advisable. That’s what I always do to avoid being tricked to part with my money.

Ok, maybe I am money-minded cuz I just successfully turned a casual blog entry into personal-finance-dos-and-donts. Huh whatever, if doing that reminds me to continue to be vigilant, nothing bothers me really.

Looking forward to a hearty shopping trip with Stefie tomorrow <3<3. Ohhh high street, It’s been a long while! Have been wanting to shop but kept postponing. Women shall never be made to prolong their shopping I believe. It will wreak havoc to their hormones and internal balances! 

I haven't been out with a care-free mind in a long time!

This was meant for le boyfriend, was telling him "I'm talking a walk!" <3<3

Today I asked Stefie, "did you ever imagine three years down the road you would be walking home somewhere in the uk after grocery-shopping with a good friend like me?". Cuz I myself didn't. I only imagined very briefly how it would be like to come here for studies, and never took myself seriously. But I've been very lucky and blessed, to have a dream-come-true!

Real Ways to Live

Sometimes people may try to bully you if they sense you are vulnerable - they are bullies - walk away, and never waste time trying to impress them.

Stop looking for the approval of others. Its a trap and a snare.

You are your worst critic, STOP judging yourself, and the world won't judge you.

Have faith in your own ability, and when you meet someone, ask lots of questions about them.

Don't always be on the defensive. Be willing to admit when you have done something wrong because it really isn't the end of the world. Everyone makes mistakes. Go ahead and apologize. Then MOVE ON.

How to Be Yourself and Be free

Being fake is ugly. Just don't do it.


Don't worry about what people think- they're not as interested in you as much as you'd think. They are probably worrying about themselves more!

Take a deep breath Break that focus you're locked into where all you can imagine is yourself.

When someone criticizes you, don't take it unless it's constructive. Think of the wittiest response you can, and if possible, twist their words against the accuser in a tactful manner. For example, if someone asks you a malicious question, respond "Don't worry about it". Don't be mean. That's what they want.

Don't think someone is better than you. You have so much to contribute, and whether you do or not marks what kind of a person you are.

Change your self talk from negative to positive. Say "I am a very confident person". Repeat this as often as you can, any time of the day. Find other affirmations that will help boost the way you feel about yourself.

Surround yourself with people that make you happy. Being around negative people only drags you down.

Love yourself. Accept reality. Be bold and know that you'll only move in one direction and that's forward.

The moment you look past the flaws(which everyone has) is the moment you accept who you are.

Try not to please and impress others instead focus on the activity at hand.

Carry yourself gracefully.

Look in the mirror each day and say "I love you" out loud to yourself.

Stay true to yourself.

Remember "Always be the first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of someone else" ----Judy Garland.

Starting to Feel Happy around le Brother

I've heard parents complain about their annoying kids, then they are comforted by this "they-will-grow-up-and-that's-the-time-you'll-enjoy" talk. Of course when I heard this I thought it's some meaningless comfort talk, but now I'm actually starting to see the meaning behind this.

Of course it's because of my (or maybe no longer) little brother.

This little boy that you see here. Yes. HIM. He has been the source of my frustration, my dismay and angst. I used to complain many times in despair about having to take care of him, over his homework, and was so anxious (for no reason now it seems) about his future. My emotions were so negatively affected by him just being there and all the restraints and horrendous possibilities that can arise that I almost wanted to do what the T-shirt in the pic reads: put him up for adoption or something.

Nah just kidding! (Ok I admit my thoughts always tend to rack up the negative stuff, and I gotta change this.)

The previous moment  I was still deep in woes over him, and then suddenly the nuisance stopped. The dismay gone and my angst disappeared. Like puff. Le brother and every issue of his stopped bothering me. Well, it's also true that when he stopped posing as a nuisance himself, the issues naturally disappear too.

I'm starting to feel more at ease with le brother now. I've learnt to relax and just enjoy the quiet moments and his presence. Ok honestly in our past few encounters I've actually enjoyed joking around with him a lot, and were happily looking forward to the next time when we'll have our usual dinner bonding time again. On his side, le brother has grown up. He has his opinions in many things (even when it doesn't cut me and most people the correct way). He's become more of a gentleman. He carries himself well and is able to come up with reasons for most of the things he does. That shows that he's rational.

The most heart-warming of all these, well, is that le brother actually entrusts me with many of confessions: recently he's told me a lot about this girl whom he likes. He also asks my opinions on many things and we have great time sharing our thoughts on the many things regarding the present and future.

All in all, I'm feeling blessed and happy to be around le brother. It's a sense of security and comfort that I never have associated with him. Maybe part of the positivity has come from changes in the way I think.

But there's no denying, the little brother has grown up! :D