(how many fresh starts do I have lol anyway,)
After an extremely long hiatus...
I AM BACK!
An extremely "pleasant" person dropped my MacBook close to 6 months back and didn't own up so I was not able to edit any photos or post much with my meagre tablet. BUT my Popo struck Toto recently and gave my parents money which they generously used to fix my baby so yes, I am back.
I took a trip to Japan and Boracay while my MacBook was down but I did write about it on my tablet so I will try (no promises) to post about them soon!
In other news, I will be taking a trip to Lombok / Gili Island / 3 Nusa Islands for 2 weeks in the beginning of June before jetting off to Korea for 2 months for study exchange. I am really excited for both trip - with the only downer being my boyfriend stuck in Singapore because his major does not offer any mods in Korea :(
If you've been to Lombok / Gili Island / 3 Nusa Islands or Korea and have any recommendations, please do leave a comment so I'll know to check those places out. Thanks in advance!
It's been awhile since I last posted anything because I've been so busy with my new life aka, University.
A lot has happened in the past few months and I’m grateful that amidst the insane studying and endless tests, university has been nothing short of a heck of a good time. I might sound crazy to many, but I have honestly never felt so happy studying, ever. Oh of course with the exception of Computer Science; which is nothing but DBIT all over again.
It’s the holidays now and I just came back from Bintan with some uni friends few days ago. What inspired me to draft up a post was really just sheer boredom LOL. I have had enough of watching Korean Dramas with overbearing characters that made Koreans look like shitty people and shows too serious I can barely focus.
I casually keyed in my blog URL and ended up reread the previous post on 2016. It reminded me of how thankful I was to be able to finally embark on something I love doing and even though I’m still a far cry from achieving anything, these baby steps remind me of how slowly and steadily, I’ll get there some day.
I decided to pen down how I felt after every semester so I can look back (like how I just did) and remember to always be thankful for all that I’ve achieved so far – regardless of how minimal.
So here’s me, 1 semester up, and still full of zest for life. Let’s see how long this’ll keep up.
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Life in University // Part 1
The past few months were spent ¾ studying and ¼ partying. It was the toxic lifestyle I’ve always dreamt of and I loved it. The friends I’ve met were also people I’m immensely thankful for.
A competitive, unfriendly competition for the highest GPA is what many view university life as but it’s a wonder how different it is for me. I have classmates giving last minute “tuition” to students that needed help and friends that willingly exchange notes to help those that needed it. I hope nothing changes in the months to come.
Although most days were spent staying back after class to study because some crazy person decided to kill all Communications students with 5 modules, it was fun because everyone went crazy together and dinner time was always something we looked forward to. I finally met 2 girls I can be myself around and this is a great feat for me, who barely even had female friends to begin with. Next semester will definitely be more chill and I’ll begin another mini journey to try achieving my driving license! Sophia & I are also in the talks of taking our diving licence so we’ll see how that turns out for us.
Amidst all the studying and partying, the renovation of my flat also went underway and I’m not gonna lie about how this affected me quite a fair bit. I was no longer able to study in the comfort of my own home, sleep on a comfortable bed and do whatever the heck I wanted whenever I wanted. The renovation was supposed to only last for 1.5 months but it’s been close to 3 months. All that’s left now is the wallpaper and furniture now so, i'm excited!!!
On a drearier note, I allowed someone to pass me by and as much as I know how immense these memories will haunt me, things always work out for those who believe. If you do see this, thank you for all that you’ve done for me. Till we meet again, please be well.
A glimpse of how the semester went:
me asleep on Soph's leg after getting drunk LOL
crossdressing for sociology, oh my
and of course, Bintan - which I might briefly write about soon!
I know it's a little after 2016 but I drafted this post a few days ago and only got to finalizing it today.
2016 felt very much like a dream to me and although I've had my fair share of downs (like every other year) it will probably go down in history as one of the best years of my life because of the many travel opportunities I was blessed with.
A little side story,
I was never an independent girl to begin with. Yes, in Singapore I could survive on my own - order my own food, eat by myself, navigate around easily - but I never felt any sense of achievement because no matter how independent I may seem, c'mon, it's Singapore! It's the safest place I'll ever be. Travelling, on the other hand, really made me test myself. How quick on my feet am I? Can I navigate myself around foreign land? Language barrier? Human anxiety? Dealing with the unexpected? DIRT?????
So the adventure bug, fearless, idgaf, step-independent girl in me decided. Let's travel, explore new ground, meet new people, let the unknown be known.
Japan was one of the most memorable trips of the year because it was the first time I've ever seen or touched Cherry Blossoms! Yes, I might have seen them once a couple of years back in Beijing but that was 1 pathetic tree and the rest were while I was in the cab to the airport so IT DOESN'T COUNT.
It was also where I had the best ramen of my life (still dreamin' bout chu baby)
and where the Potterhead in me unleashed.
I also finally got on a ride that made me scream my lungs out in excitement
and fell in love with the beauty of shrines.
If given the opportunity, I'd fly back to Japan in a heartbeat. For the ramen, of course.
I have never been away from home this long on a holiday and it was my very first time going on a trip with no plan, no schedule, just lodging, commuting from city to city like a local would.
On this trip, I saw a dry waterfall for the first time in my life HAHAHA this was a funny one
and travelled with the locals (although not so much "local" as "airbnb host" even though she is Thai
I visited the "Long Neck" village(!!)
and jumped off a 10m cliff (if it makes me a rebel, unsupervised)
But the newest and most memorable experience for me in this trip was definitely fleeting in and out of sleeps on a 13-hour, non-airconditioned, dust-filled cabin, train ride.
As much as I hated waking up to a literal black face, something in me just felt so happy I didn't do it the expensive, comfortable way. Maybe I'm a little crazy, but I guess we all will be at some point after 6 hours cooped up in a train.
Bali was a first when it came to planning a trip. My past trips were always me following my parents/friends so it kinda gave me some sort of ego-booster on how independent I can be on foreign ground. Although my parents were around the bulk of the trip, it was the first time I didn't feel so clueless overseas because I knew almost everything I had to know about this city I was in!
I saw an active volcano, obviously not erupting or I'd be running,
talked to a barista about coffee (hue hue hue this was so fun!!!),
and visited 2 cliff temples! Prior to Bali, I barely even saw such a cliff. *suaku alert*
I went White Water Rafting,
and set a baby sea turtle freeeeeeeeeeeee~
Nasi Campur was legit my best friend,
and I died at ever cliff I saw.
I roasted marshmallows by a bonfire (not bqq pit hor)
and discovered the existence of a waterblow!
Last but definitely not the least,
I tried surfing and swore to myself that I'll definitely do this again, and again, AND AGAIN.
Oh right, I almost forgot. BEST WATERPARK EVER
Ipoh (editing in progress)
Ipoh was more of a chill getaway than an exciting one but no trip is complete without a first AMIRIGHT!
Me, a born and raised city girl, lived in a kampung, WITHOUT ANY INTERNET FOR 2 DAYS. OK I know it's damn exaggerated but it really was my first time living in a kampung and it definitely did open my eyes to a new lifestyle.
Waking up early in the morning for yummy freshly grown in the backyard kinda breakfast, strolling around the vicinity, going back home to more yummy food, resume stroll/take a nap bc 0 responsibilities (responsibilities include replying SMSes HA), returns home for dinner, play mahjong, have an early night.
I admit I'd be bored outta my wits if I lived like that every day but it sure was fun experiencing it for a day or two.
Have you ever decided to visit another city a day before and booked an Airbnb the night before? Because YES I DID THAT! HAH! I've never been this erratic overseas before because, being a very rational thinker, everything must be pre-planned swee swee at least a few days before.
But yay! I did that, and i'm very proud of myself *pats self on back*
Not forgetting how it was my first backpacking trip!
Cebu - Oslob, Moalboal, Bohol (editing in progress)
Cebu was one heck of a trip. It was a backpacking trip planned by my mum, but I tagged along because the itinerary was too damn interesting to say no to.
(Please make do with my Instavids bc I have yet to finish editing the full vid. Do stick around though, it'll be coming soon with my posts of Cebu!) CANYONEERING WTFF
I cliff dived (probably enough for my entire lifetime), slid down a waterfall, albeit mini but still fun, swam in a river and allowed the currents of it to push me while I floated around like a cute lil feather
Thailand - Bangkok & Hua Hin (editing in progress)
Thailand? Again? Not so much, my friend.
As mentioned above, no trip is without a first. For this trip, it was my very first time going overseas with my one and only blur sotong, LE. Bali was suppose to be the first but my parents ended up tagging along. Anyway, he helped me unleash my full potential and made me realise how awesome and independent I am overseas. I planned everything, and everything went perfectly as planned. :') oh Tricia, how much you've grown.
I fed the cutest animals everrrrrrrr - alpacas and camels - carrots and was even chased by the super aggressive alpaca :( but still fun!
I climbed up a mountain,
and blessed my eye with the Phraya Nakhon Cave Temple. One thing off my bucket list!
Back when I was Googling around during my first trip to Thailand, I chanced upon a photo of this cave and instantly added it to my bucket list. Never did I imagine I would've been able to tick it off the same year I added it in *cries*
Tbh this would have been the view (even more sob-worthy) if we didn't spend so much time taking photos while on the way up :'( ah well. It was still gorgeous in person.
I obviously have no photo of this because I was too busy shopping but ....
I also shopped till I dropped at Chaktuchak HAHAHA. Not kidding when I say I've never shopped this much in my entire life but OKAY not considered. Just wanted to let it out hehe.
*transforms back into prim and proper writing style*
I'm not here to flaunt (heck, some might not even find it much) but rather just here to express how grateful I am for this year.
To have the financial capabilities to house myself for at least a week overseas for every one of my trips, to live in the moment free of worries, and last but definitely not the least, to see, understand and feel new cultures.
I've matured a lot, grown more independent and definitely, seen the world in a new light. Of course, these few countries cannot really be considered "the World" and I still have much to learn but thanks to these trips, I came to realise how tiny we are in this big big world and that all my problems, they aren't even sizable to the vastness of it all.
Although I won't be able to achieve "SEA by 21" (it was unachievable to begin with, but I enjoy impossible goals) because 2017 will be back-to-school for me, I'll reminisce the past and strive for a better future in hopes of relieving the good ol' days.
I'll also be eternally grateful to those that stood by me and encouraged me as I questioned my own existence and took the road less travelled by by staying rooted to my dreams despite countless futile attempts. For unwaveringly believing in me, I'll prove to you guys that it won't be for naught.
2017 will be an important year for me as I step back into the daily grind, but this time, doing something I love. It will be the year I finally embark on my dreams and, God, I pray it'll work out in the end.
Thank you 2016, you've been more than great to me.
Le & I celebrated our 1.5 Anniversary just this Saturday and had such a great time!
I was honestly unsure if I wanted to blog about our 1.5 or just do individual reviews on the 3 places we went to but decided to just stick to one loooong post. Why? Because my boyfriend deserves some credit for planning the day.
We planned to meet at Holland V @ 2pm but being typically me, I arrived at 2:20pm (not that bad imo HAH) and immediately spotted this beautiful bouquet of flowers in Le's hands. Even as I'm typing all of these, I can see it in the corner of my eye and the colours just makes me soooo happy!
Isn't it just the prettiest bouquet ever?!!!?
After my fair share of spazzing and going crazy over the gorgeous bouquet (I can never say it enough), we headed to Project Acai for a light lunch. He initially wanted me to choose between this, Sunday Folks or Patissez. I personally, didn't enjoy Sunday Folks the last time I was there so it was between Patissez and Project Acai but ...
OMG PLS?????? So pretty but the number of calories in this jar is off the charts.
When it comes to over-the-top milkshakes like these, Patissez was the one that started it all. I drooled as I read articles after articles on this BUT if I had this, I'll have to skip my dinner *cries*
Project Acai
Despite being a Saturday, we managed to grab a seat at a corner beside the window - aka perfect lightning. The cafe wasn't big but the turnover rate of customers was quite high so I doubt it'd be tough to find seats. There is also a small sitting area with pillows for customers who would prefer to stay around longer and get some work done.
(Apologies for the absence of price because I forgot to take the receipt!)
Original Flower Bowl - Handy
I'm sure many of you aren't new to Acai Berries but if you are, here.
Although small, this little Acai Bowl packs a punch. I was pretty much full after eating this because it is so high in fibre (let's not forget the chia seeds on top) but I give it to myself for having a tiny ass stomach so if you're a big eater, please go for the larger sizes.
Nuts for Acai Bowl - Medium
The smallest size for this bowl was medium so I gave this to Le since he had a bigger appetite than I did and choose Cookie Butter out of the 3 butters (Cookie, Peanut and Almond) available.
Admittedly, this was much nicer but, also had more calories. If you're a health junkie and enjoy eating clean, this bowl will feel more like a dessert to you because of the butter but if you're in it for the taste, this is the one you're looking for.
Tummies satisfied, we took a walk around the vicinity and ended back where we were a year ago, on our 6th Monthsary, to take OOTDs and obviously the ajsdkfghl FLOWERS.
Wearing a denim jacket my mum got when she was a teen! Still in tip top condition.
Next on the list was Fosters. Fosters is a Steakhouse that is also known to serve the cheapest High Tea in Singapore, without skimping on quality.
Fosters
Having read through quite a couple of good reviews on this place, I was initially quite displeased by how noisy the restaurant was. Nevertheless, we were lucky enough to clinch the sofa seats and went ahead with our afternoon tea.
Devonshire Cream Tea Set ($11.50)
For only $11.50 per set, we were given 2 scones, an, albeit small, slice of cheesecake and a salmon mayo sandwich served alongside a tea of our choice. I had Earl Grey while Le got Peppermint.
The scones, I must say, were really tasty. The top was perfectly crisp while the inside was so soft and moist. We both agreed that the scones tasted better without the jam because, well, it's just that good. It was surprisingly filling too!
Honestly, I did not see myself enjoying the sandwich or expected it to be just meh but damn was I wrong. They were very generous with the amount of salmon mayo and we may have also been lucky because they seem to change their sandwich and cake flavours once in a while.
After lounging around the comfy sofa seats for a little bit lot, we made our way to Clarke Quay for dinner. Talk about fat! Thankfully, Le wasn't exactly hungry when we got to Clarke Quay so we push back our reservation and tried to digest some of the many things we've been eating throughout the afternoon.
Try hard artistic shot but the sky was really gorgeous.
The highlight of his night -
8 Korean BBQ
We've been eyeing this place for quite a long time but never felt like it was the right occasion to take a trip down because this was considered more atas, something our wallets can't handle well. Refusing to smell like Korean BBQ, we requested for outdoor seating and even though they warned us that it would be hot, it didn't really affect me after tying up my hair.
4 Colours Set ($58 + $6 for Army Stew) There is a beef option too.
If you're not sure how the "colour" works, they have 8 different flavours of pork belly and we get to choose 4. For bigger groups, you can get the full 8 Colours set and 1 of each flavour. Simple! We chose 2 light and 2 heavy flavours as recommended - Wine and Garlic for the light flavours, Kalbi and Red Pepper Paste for the heavy flavours.
The meat, kindly cooked and cut up nicely by the waiter, told us that we should eat from the lightest flavour down to the heaviest so we started off with wine down to red pepper paste. My favourite was garlic followed by wine, kalbi then red pepper paste.
The wine was pretty subtle, just enough to enhance the flavour of the meat without being overly alcoholic, but best eaten alone. Wrapped in lettuce, I could barely taste the wine. As for the garlic, it tasted good with or without lettuce. I finally understood what the Running Man members felt like whenever they ate the sizzling bbq meat on tv. :') so good.
Kalbi was tasty but nothing out of the ordinary and finally, we were both very disappointed with the red pepper paste flavour. It wasn't spicy. At all. I expected it to taste of Korea but nope, not one bit.
All sets come with a Seafood Bean Paste Stew so we topped up $6 for the Army Stew instead. There wasn't much to shout about for the Army Stew, probably just there to fill you up.
Overall, it was a good experience trying something out of the regular $20++ kbbq buffet. The meat was pretty much cooked to perfection and I really enjoyed my time there. One downside would be the price, definitely. Apart from being situated at Clarke Quay, nothing about this place justifies the price because our total bill came up to $80 when it felt more like a $60-70 meal.
Deadbeat from waking up early that morning for Sean's Parade, we took a trip back to Holland V because my dear boyfriend left his phone at Fosters (thank God they are nice people!) before heading back home.
It was really an enjoyable day just eating and chilling around with the person I love. In hopes for more days like these, Happy 1.5 to us once again. Yay!
