my caffeinated mind

I can't seem to upload videos to blogspot still. I give up. Just check out multiply for the optimum level of laughter and endless nonsense (that is, if you share my quirky sense of humour).

I said this before and I'll say this again. My exchange programme has ended and this will mark the closure (end of blogging days for blogspot account). I couldn't leave without saying some last words for the beautiful people i met in the last six months. They are afterall, totally wicked people. :)

Exchange started off with much frustration and sometimes, I overload myself with the unnecessary stress. I never had problems being alone. In fact, i do treasure very much the space and privacy that is bestowed upon me by my generous parents... what with the hostel stay in Singapore and now, this exchange programme. I cannot thank them enough.

I do admit though, that halfway through exchange, i did feel lost. More than anything else, i wanted to crawl back to Singapore even if it takes ten years from England. Point is, i wanted to be ON MY WAY home. Singapore, home. Why? I still am not too sure. Probably the lack of company and how time flies too slowly for me to fully seize the day. It feels endless. The calendar- planner hung loosely on the wall, counting down the days that my source of sanity should arrive. I reflected on that again. Maybe all i needed was company at that point of time. No excuses, but really... PMS is no joke. Hence, every time of the month is met with teary- eyed Aida seeking attention from home. This is as honest as it can get.

I failed miserably in learning what the exchange is all about until so much later. I did not see the point of making new friends. After years of seeing people come and go, i told myself that friends are those i can keep for life. Why bother with acquaintances? They'll leave and your next close encounter would be when you bump into them one day (if you do at all). I met the Lboro exchange students from other parts of Europe, Lboro Singaporean undergraduates and the fellow NUS exchangees. Somehow, I did not grasp that opportunity fast enough. If there wasn't International Day, I would have completely overlooked Xian, Yan lian, Lydia, Lester and Alwyn. Not that they are insignificant... who wants to mix around with low EQ people right? :)

Mel's bad. Not low EQ at all. These people, they're really sei (cool).
Then, there's the Lboro undergraduates who made the small town rock like Las Vegas - Jeremy, Wee Yong (Willie), Jerry, Alicia and the rest. You know who you are.
Next, thank you God for the existence of Helena, Sarah, Saara and Daniella. Without them, the exchange experience won't be complete at all. Lastly, the Arts NUS exchangees also known as the sorority - Melody, Yingzhi, Yushan, Joan, Yuen Mei and Huiran. I can't imagine a more exciting girl talk than the ones we had. Somehow, we never got bored over the same topic.

Each and everyone of you are precious to me and although things appear a lil bit difficult here back in Singapore when it comes to meeting up, do keep in mind what each of us promised over there. For myself, me trying to the best of my ability to manage time well and put some time for occasional gatherings. If there is one thing i learn from this, it would be how relationships take up a lot of one's effort. No loss there though, for such given experience brings joy and many smiles.

How can one say no to:

1. Jeremy's fantastic human / non- human impersonation,
2. Wee Yong's constant mumbling and lack of understanding on the meaning of crisps,
3. Jerry's metrosexual needs,
4. Alwyn's demands for late night tea sessions and politics,
5. Xian's incessant challenges in board (bored) games,
6. Melody's whining needs,
7. Yingzhi's "BIATCH" exclamations,
8. Yushan's need for "extra services",
9. Huiran's fashion talks,
10. Yuenmei's cooking recipes,
11. Joan's philosophical take on love,
12. Yan lian's famous chocolate cake,
13. Lester's fantastic cooking skills and
14. Lydia's sweet smiles and lovely company.

It is tempting to continue gushing about the fun moments even when it comes to grocery shopping and our battle for the bombay mix. I just wanna say THANK YOU, for your hospitality, never-ending support, love and laughter. Those five months will remain in my mind (and heart) as long as this cognitive mind of mine is still intact.

Quoting Mr Xian, "Goodbye, my Lough. It has been a loughly five months".

This is not a secret.

Oh happy day.

I shall type this entry with the end of exams in mind. On the 15th June 2007, the last paper was done. Submitted. One can only imagine the grin on my face as i confidently stood up at the end of 45 minutes, walking towards the entrance as a rainstorm greeted me outside. No wait. Something's amiss. I left my matriculation card on the desk.

With annoyance and embarrassment for myself, i turned around and smiled at the invigilator.

Aida: Hi. I'm officially done with the paper. I think i left my card on the desk. Would it be possible for you to get it for me?

Invigilator: Which desk is that?

Aida: This row, fifth desk. *Winning smile* CHEERS!

She passed me the card and i strutted out convincingly. The heavy rain welcomed me to the outside world and I quickened my pace towards Butler Court, anticipating banners saying "Congratulations, you're done!" There was none... but an extremely agitated Amirul stood in his room pacing about trying to dry himself from the downpour.

I went online, announcing to the world i'm through with exams.

That was the last day. The exams in Loughborough are different from our normal NUS-we-follow-US- and- UK system. Ironically, UK focuses much on understanding the concepts in greater detail rather than trying to make you memorise the entire definitions and concepts put forward by scholars since the 1st century. Alright, i am being far too critical. Maybe the 20th century.

That said, i must add that i still prefer the NUS way (apart from the horrid bell curve. A huge problem for someone with mediocre IQ like me). While it is good to fully understand a concept taught, i think a range of different ideas from different scholars can help us be far more critical and somehow, produce a more engaging and rigorous analysis. The only problem is, some of us (minus the dean's listers and book prize awardees) will take the short cut and not go in-depth with the readings. I am guilty of that myself.

Then, there's the weather. I am doing General Biology module for this special semester 4 (for no reason. Just wanted to be a nerd). The weather is melting me and i seem to have difficulties concentrating or not falling asleep after lunch. I get exasperated at every trickling of perspiration down my neck, eager to just either go somewhere air-conditioned or take a long nice shower at SRC. I think i am complaining too much. It feels like i am reverting back to the whiny Aida. If you've got a problem with that, deal with it.

Back to the point. I've digressed too much. Supposed to talk about Choa Chu Kang but i went on to Pulau Ubin (the Ulu East). The Loughborough exams encompassed two multiple-choice questions paper and essays for the rest. MCQs are tough things, i tell you. Although you are assured of a correct answer if you pick wisely, i suspect a huge flaw to my elimination method. For that, i am still worrying over the outcome of my papers.

That is all about the papers. Coursework wise, i think i've done justice to my parents by ensuring that i haven't touched the 50 range. As it is, the way with parents is simple - just tell them you've done well... relatively. :)

Singapore is great fun. I love our nightlife. I love my friday nights. I love my beaches. I love the variety of food.

So... Sushi me.

And I have God to thank for the two years.

Les Amis D' Aida... Friends of Aida :)

Guess who i met in Paris? Ivy Lam Huiling! Was ecstatic when i saw her walking up the stairs trying to exit Cite Metropolitan. Had such a lovely time, pity it was only a day. John met us there too (an equally short time cause he was too excited about the French Open). This entry will cover two places i visited with Amirul (along the way, met many others) - Paris and Rome. To start off, maybe this picture will intrigue you to read on / see see more.

Eiffel Tower at night. The white sparkles is switched on for about twenty minutes from 9.30 p.m. Catch it at that hour. Do not go up there during that time for you cannot see the Eiffel Tower sparkling if you're on top / in it.

Heh. Digress a bit la. Amirul, Ivy, John and me had a little picnic with our kebabs while waiting for the sun to set (was late at 10 p.m.). I love sitting on the grass.


Ivy sketching. Please look at her blog to see her sketches. They're all so pretty. :)

We had some French food in a nice cosy restaurant in a busy street. Amirul tried his hands on escargot (pronounced ass-car-go). Pretty tasty i must say.

We took our time and sat down at a cafe which charged us a minimum of 4 Euros per drink.
"Nevermind. Just sit longer," Amirul said. I'm so proud of him for being totally Singaporean.

River Seine.

Along the famous Champs D' Elysee is this huge arch. Champs D' Elysee fascinates me because it is where Louis Vuitton originates from. The LV boutique there is huge. Of course, we passed it without contemplating about going in.

Below: Louvre. Musee D' Louvre in French i think. I should stop trying all the French phrases and leave it to the experts. By experts, i am strictly referring to French people... original ones that has grown up in France ;)

We saw the Mona Lisa there. All protected.


There are three pyramids there - 2 small ones and a huge one as shown above. Louvre is really big. Prollie need two days to cover it. Amirul and I went on an accelerated trip. I've more pictures of the Louvre but it is too big to upload. Very pretty. I was amazed.

Below: Concierge. Marie Antoinette was imprisoned here before she was executed.

Below: Notredame! Go to the top most floor to make friends with Gargoyles. We didn't enter because of 1) the queue and 2) we planned to visit Eiffel Tower whose view is superior than being on top of this church.




This church acknowledged Joan of Arch as a Saint.

Below: View from the top of Eiffel Tower. Notice the amount of green spaces. Hausmann's input into the development of the city is evident.


The walk to Eiffel Tower:




I love love love the picture above.

One of the rare occasions.. ice-cream.

The photographer of the holiday.

Above: The product.


Picture of Ivy busking at Eiffel Tower. I've got a video of her singing. Real funny. I should upload soon.






Next destination for this entry: Rome

The ruins of Ancient Rome. If there is one thing i admire about Rome, it'll be their conscientious effort into ensuring that those ruins (no matter how ruined) is preserved for the future generation to see and admire. Authentic stuff i tell you.

Above: Vatican City! Didn't manage to see the Pope :(
Wanted his autograph and a picture with him. For the fun of it, of course.


Magnificient pillars... countless.

St. Peter's Basillica.

I loved the picture of the confession box taken by Amirul. Light falls on it so nicely. It's like, feeling a lil more free after the burden is lifted. Okay, too poetic. Quit liao.


We visited The Vatican museum next to Vatican city. Went to the Sistine Chapel to see Michaelangelo's famous work. The queue was horrible.


I am a lil' vain by nature. This candid pic turned out rather pretty.

More ruins of Ancient Rome. You know what they say? All Roads lead to Rome.

Inside the Colosseum. The Colosseum is undergoing repair and according to the tour guide, it has always been opened for the public since ancient times. Only in 1996, did they start charging people. The walls aren't exactly smooth as there are traces of rocks being cut out. We were informed that those small rocks were used to build the Basillica. What a waste.


Basically this is it. I've got many other pictures that i am willing to share if you are interested in seeing for a small price of tea at some nice dining place. :)

Before i go though, i must put up this picture because we actually paid TEN (blardeee) EUROS to take this picture with this pseudo- gladiator whose body convinced me that he'll be the first to die in a real match. Anyway, TEN (blardeee) EUROS to take pictures from our own cameras minus developing. The Italians sure now how to make loads of money.


Okay I am done. More to come... On my last few days in the UK before flying back to Singapore.

THIS is home.

All good things come to an end on the 18th June 2007 when i left for London, heading to Heathrow to return Home.

Came back to lovely surprises:
Thank you Yihui, Bin and Jannah for receiving me at the airport. The smile came naturally looking at how things have changed but still, pretty much the same (i must have listened to too many songs cause that sounded like some lyrics from some song). Thanks to my (extended) family and of course, Amirul for bringing me home. Told him I would have stayed longer if not for his presence.

The bombardment of messages that came flowing throughout the night was an added incentive to wake up early the next morning to go out. Screw jetlagging. I missed my friends. :)

I was treated like a princess by my family members. I walked around the house, stunned that five months resulted in many physical changes such as new modem and a very different room. They painted my room red, just the way i like it. In addition to that, they bought a new bed that I set my eyes on the last time we were out. It is now all about getting new furnitures to let it blend with the bed, paint and exotic ceiling fan. I think my parents wanted to confuse me. I'm so confused since i got back. Of course, they were quick to straighten me by suggesting i clean my room and remove the boxes of old books collecting dusts and memories of past glory.

The two buggers and the sister made three banners - one of which disposed after quality control by the sister. Sadly, my battery for the camera was low until today and i haven't got the chance to snap a few pictures of that.

My sense of direction has been a lil off, considering how i had to call Jannah to find me at Vivocity's Mango because i couldn't find Banquet. I am not joking. I think i am still lost. I have been having problems sleeping early and more problems waking up just in time for special sem. I sure hope this will be pass come Sunday.

More activities coming up. I have been in great distress following the treatment cum revelation that i have indeed put on weight. 3 kg and i have been pretty depressed since. Just you wait. I'll lose 3 kg of you lard on Saturday during floorball by running like hell.

I have been too busy to update. Just a note to remind me of what to blog about before officially closing this phantasmicexperience.blogspot.com.

1. Rome and Paris trip and pictures.
2. Exams @ Lboro.
3. A friendly note for those left behind in Lboro or those having the most exciting time of their life splurging with their parent(s).
4. My return flight and the adventures.
5. More additions to the label 'my schizophrenic other' inc. videos.
6. Closure.

Sigh. Sleepless in Singapore, I tell you.

And I know you are just waiting for me to say it.
"It's freaking hot!"

There you go.

hush...

I am having exams right now. Tomorrow's the last paper. After today's bloody paper, tomorrow's paper better be good.

I'll update on Paris and Rome soon enough. Taking a break from the studying now. Feeling a lil' too emotional and i just had to look at sweet things.

Mel introduced me to Conny. She is amazing. Take a look:




But i happen to like him (George) a lot too. He has a gorgeous smile.
Man, if only i'm twelve now.



I should really stop.

This is it- part one.

This should be the last posting before i fly off to Rome and Paris (where i'll meet Ivy Lam O.S. and maybe King Kong).

We had a BBQ last friday to celebrate Xian and Mei's birthday (the former older by a generation). I do not have many pictures with me because the pictures turned out ugly/ bad. If you just turn to Mei's blog, maybe you'll see it. It was crazy for we played so many games... my favourite being the song lyrics game where we leave one word for the opponent (all girls VS Xian) to sing another song with the word in it. Can't believe the word 'Venga boys' was up... very gay. haha. We played three rounds of Polar Bear and i think i am getting better at it. *Three cheers for Aida*

I must thank Alwyn though for facilitating the whole BBQ. I must say, you were impressive... the OCS style, eh? Cheapo but efficient. haha. Of course, to the rest as well who put aside everything else to make this celebration a complete one.

Happy Birthday Xian & Mei! I should be wishing Mei again for her party on the 8th.

On to a serious note, i just wanna share something. Sometimes, we go through life thinking how hard and bad it is, choosing to see the unseen rather than the seen. It works both ways, good and bad. This is not the end yet. I do see it clearly though, that i must say things before it all ends officially. I should be writing one again at the end, where i probably will have more time to think. This is just a summary cause as much as i'd love to write a bye-note for everyone, i really don't have the time now cause of the free- trade agreement that i signed with Mel. It's coming along just fine. Here it goes:

CHEERS!!! For everything. For just being there. For looking me up. For ensuring this girl won't die of coke overdose. For protecting me from the darker forces of evil in SMB. For accepting that her PMS is analogous to the nuclear bomb. For the many supper and tea sessions. For polar bears. For the medication when i was down in the dumps. For the many movies to cheer me up. For teaching me table tennis... and the list goes on. At the rate we're going, i feel like i'm leaving everyone for good. Just going off for nine days yeah? We'll organize another get-together just before i depart for Singapore. YOU ALRIGHT?

I think a more touching message will be on this blog before we leave yeah?

Okay, on to less serious issues (the above not very serious also, i know)... I know i'm vain and some people told me i look 1) cuckoo in this picture, 2) like i failed in being a porn star and 3) like i am acting cute. Whichever way it is, i shall share it anyhoo because i like how i look in soft focus. No pimples yeah? Excellent. Thanks Jeremy for snapping it. haha.

That's the birthday girl's bunny actually. But as usual, i just had to borrow it.

On an episode of Yushan say the darnest things: "Is it polar bears wake up when you say the word 'so'?"