“You sound like Singaporean.”‘

That’s my most favourite comment from people. Two years ago, i came to this little red dot. Out from Changi Airport, I told Mr. Hee, the MFA offical came to pick us up, “wow, people drive on the left!”. That day Huong and I got lost in our hall, and we saw a red + white flag hanging outside, we asked each other which country does this flag belong to, and agreed it was from Indonesia. 42nd National Day was coming.

From 080621 – Singapore Discovery Center

I didn’t know much about Singapore at that time. And the first few weeks were very siong. For the first time I doubted my own ability to adapt to new environment.

Life goes on, and usually, it turns out right.

I can go for pages with all the memory I have had with this tiny island. Maybe it can be sum up in 1 sentence: it’s the people that makes a land home. Sincere thanks to all people I have met there that have built up this experience, especially my friends, my lecturers, my employers and NUS and MFA officers.

It’s been 2 years and I’m now new in a foreign country again. You appreciate something more when you lose it. As much as I miss Singapore, I love leaving and build new homes all over the world. Goodbye, and see you again soon!

My favourite video of Singapore:

Best ways to learn Singlish:

• Love it!
• Talk to Singaporeans
• Hardwarezone forum (especially the Eat-Drink-Man-Woman section lol)
• Talkingcock.com Dictionary

Things I love about Singapore:

• Community cats


Ah Boy at Metta Cat

• Cycling in Park Connector Tracks.

From 080531 – Park Connectors cycling

• So clean! So many rubbish bins!
• Friendly bus drivers!
• Army!
• Cool government

The list goes on…

I was suggesting a friend places to go to in South Korea (yah, not the missiles producing one hehe) and Gyeongju was definitely in my list.

Gyeongju is the city of tombs. Tombs of Silla Kings are here. Not as great as pyramids nor huge complex containing palaces, temples as those Vietnamese Kings’. No clay army neither. They are just hills that fit into the natural surroundings so much that I’m totally in love with them :”)

Near Royal Tombs Complex are Anapji pond and Cheomseongdae observation. Very nice to visit too.

Remember to go to the Gyeongju National Museum while you’re there. A great culture to witness. The best thing I like about museums in Korea is I can see many kids going to museums everyday. Their parents proudly teach them about their country. I saw kids who were so small that they couldn’t even talk yet their parents holding a camera, brought them to every corner of the museums and read the description and recorded the whole thing for them to see later. My friends who brought me there told me about their country proudly too.

Bulguksa temple and Seokguram grotto, which are in UNESCO World Heritage List, worth a visit too.

Since you’re in a ancient city, how about trying living in a tradition house as well? Sarang Chae Guesthouse was a great choice to me.

And food.

Yoon Joo, Jun Heom, I miss you guys much! :”)