Introduction
This blog is meant to be used as a journal to keep track of the struggles, obstacles
and the successes that we shall have during our one year stint in Shanghai as an
intern. With a more practical immediate use, this blog is also used for loved ones,
friends and family to have access to what is happening to my life in Shanghai.
The Night Before Departure: Equinox
Let me first thank Wenrong, my old time army buddy that made this meal on the
70th floor of Swissotel possible.
We had a main course, a drink and a dessert there. Let me tell you, the view is
superbly breadth taking! Double-decker buses are as big as the nail of my pinky.
After dinner, actually Dore and I wanted to get perfume (Addidas Sports Fever) for
my trip. But I guess we had too much fun we forgot the time and were too late to
get it from Metro since both Addidas stores in Raffles City and Citylink does not
sell that.
The Night Before Departure: Last packing of Luggage
Have to thank my parents and Dore for showing soo much concern prior to my trip
to Shanghai. Would like to take this opportunity to thank Dore for staying over the
night prior to leaving and finishing up the calendar that she made it herself. We slept
at 2+ (actually me, I think she started at about 1).
The extra time is for me to use it to keep the pictures that we took together and date
it, burn it into a CD, so that no matter what happens, she will still have the pictures. =)
At Changi Airport
Thanks Ade, KC, Murni, Zhigen, Dave, Kenny, Peter, Huiping and my best fren Pujue to
come and see me off. Also not forgetting, I have groups of friends from my JC (Thanks
Yuan Ern for the treat) and RSS friends meeting up for farewell meals, really
appreciate the effort and trouble you all took to organise all these.
Back to the topic at the airport, waving good bye to my friends, family and dore, this is the
first time I am leaving home for a year. For someone who didnt travel very far and stayed
elsewhere for very long (Army was max 2 weeks), its really a bold move that I am taking
for the sake of a brighter future.
Reality struck me hard as I was heading toward the departure gate and showing the officials
my passport and boarding pass: I am really on my own… Its the first time I see mum crying
as I head further and further into the departure hall…
One thing that I am telling myself as I walk away: I MUST make this one year worthwhile.
For this trip, I left behind my entire colourful life in Singapore and throw myself into an whole
new environment… All for the sake of a better future, to be a more holistic and gobal individual.
The feeling grew stronger with every stepI take. Every glance I looked back at my parents, at
my friends and at Dore, whom I cant leave behind (emotionally) most.
I finally went far enough to not look back, and mentally gear myself up for the challenge…
Shanghai! Bring it on!
At Thailand International Airport: Bangkok (For Transit)
Midway between Shanghai and Singapore. Feeling hanging in the middle. I am grateful that I have
a group of friends here who are as (if not more) progressive than I am. Who have a common goal
to be determined to succeed!
With that, this transit was not only a physical one, but also an emotional one that begin to open up
to this band of people who would be sticking through thick and thin for the next one year to come.
Really glad that I am not alone. Sad, but I am not alone.
