Hi there, I was trying to think of something humorous or witty to say, come up with some joke or creative saying...but I couldn't come up with anything.... So matter of fact, I just finished my LAST final examination of Undergraduate EVER! I have only a few days left here in Singapore and then I will be traveling back to Hawai'i to be reunited with my husband and for us to walk at graduation ceremony on May 17. Shortly after that, we will be packing all of our belongings and moving to Colorado to begin the newest adventure of our lives and to see where God will take us. Thank you for all the love and support during my time abroad. Special thank you to my scholarship donors and Shidler adviser for the ability and support to study here at NUS and to travel throughout SE Asia. This has been an amazing, growing, challenging, and rewarding time. In a very formal sense, this was my personal statement in coming to Singapore: My purpose is to be immersed in the Singaporean lifestyle, both in the urban city and the rural surroundings. I feel that the soul of Singapore is alive and well, and very unique. I am a marketing and international business student and the experience of traveling to the city and country sides of Singapore and countries surrounding such as Thailand and Malaysia, would enhance my knowledge about different world views, values, and ethics, especially pertaining to eastern civilizations. I want to interact in these people groups’ daily lives, and see the world from a completely different point of view. Attending the ACCSB accredited University of Singapore in spring 2014, I would be able to learn business principles and perspectives outside of the US realm aligning with my academic and career goals. Having just spent the last 5 months in Singapore and traveling to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam plus three weeks prior to the semester in Northern India, I feel that goal was accomplished...and so much more! I was blessed with traveling, new friends, new foods, new experiences...many memories. And, I finished my degree and was able to take the exact classes I needed to. Thank you so much! Dream on...dream big. Pray big. 
Come find us on the grass field! We'll be standing at the 'D' section.
The Dean and the Director of Development of the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa were in Singapore engaging in a business conference and were meeting with Shidler Alumni along the way. I had the privilege to meet up with them and three Shidler Alumni that are working out of Singapore for lunch about a week and a half ago. Below is the picture of us!  We went to a very cute, old vintage style cafe/restaurant on Dempsey Road, called Dempsey House. We had a really nice lunch and it was a great privilege to be invited and to be a part of this lunch, I can't wait till I am on the other side of the table as one of the alumni!!!!  Super yummy lunch. I got this pumpkin salad coated in hazelnut and paprika toppings + a pineapple-something drink. Do you remember in one of my blogs a few weeks ago about the time I was at Arab Street and met those two kind strangers and we hung out all day? We ended the day in agreement that they would be my Singaporean Hanai family. Well, we have kept in touch and met up again yesterday! I traveled over to the East side of Singapore to spend a great day with these two. The first thing we did, to no surprise, was eat! We had prata and yummy tea at an Indian place in Bedok Mall and then walked around for a little bit. Singapore has so many malls! After a while of meandering, we finally made it over to East Coast Park, right near the hawker center. We walked down the sidewalk path for a little ways and admired the ocean view...except that the whole horizon was full of ships. We took some time to sit picnic-style and munch on some fruit and then we had fresh coconuts at the hawker center. Also good to note, apparently they offer the number one sting ray dish in all Singapore. 
After East Coast Park, we made our way back to the town side and went to the grocery store to buy ingredients to make a home-cooked meal. They invited me to their house for me to cook haha! We got stuff to make spaghetti and tortillas from scratch. It felt so great to finally be back in a kitchen cooking real food (microwaving top ramen at the dorms does NOT count!) It was especially nice to be so warmly accepted and it was my privilege to cook for them! And I must say, the tortilla dough was one of the best doughs I've ever made. We also sauteed up mushrooms and onions and put them in the tortillas with cheese...soo good! It was a great dinner with great friends. Oh and not to mention, they sent me home with a whole bag of Kit-Kats :) 
This is one of the relationships that I have been most thankful for here in Singapore. The true act of kindness by mere strangers. We never know the battles each person is facing or the stories behind the scars...it is not enough to simply look at someone and assume you know or worse yet, not even take the time to listen. These two have their own battles to face everyday, but I have never met two more joyous, live-living, opportunity-seeking people who really truly care about others above themselves. Thank you so much & seriously thank you for letting me cook!!! I'm hoping one day they will have the opportunity to come visit me and Carter in the US. :)
With much love and aloha, Dakota PS- I only have 28 days until I am back in Hawaii with Carter, 34 days until graduation, and 38 days until we make our big jump to Colorado! Yikes, my blessed life is so crazy! Today, Thursday April 10, 2014, I finished my last two group projects and presentations and never will have to do a group project as part of my undergraduate career again! There only stands one final exam between me and graduating college! 
The above photo was my group for Product Brand Management, and in the middle is our Professor. I didn't manage to get a photo with my last group from Entrepreneurial Marketing, but we did present our new business plan and it went well! Now, I am done with group work, presentations, and all submissions and only have a final exam on May 6! 
Aloha! Today I had my first of three final group project presentations. This presentation was for Strategic Business Management, equivalent of capstone BUS 345. We did our project on a local Chinese Bak Kut Teh company here in Singapore and we acted out the story of the company. Hence, I was the sister-in-law that owns one store along with Victor (next to me) who is the owner named Frankie. Next down, Christel, was Frankie's wife, and the last guy is Nick who was the son. Our presentation had a lot of humor as we threw some Chinese mannerisms in there. We served fresh and hot Bak Kut Teh to the class following the presentation. I think we did quite well!
My group with our Professor with OUR slides in the background!!
Yay!
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| I had quite an adventure in Indonesia arriving back in Singapore only the evening before Carter was to arrive. I had just enough time to do some laundry and try to wash that awful smell of sulfur out of my clothes and to get everything in order to take a taxi to the airport at 4:30am! Here in Singapore, the MRT does not open up until 6am and closes sometime between 11-12pm, dependent upon the line. Therefore, any travel done between midnight and 6am is monopolized by the Taxi industry, whom takes full advantage of being the sole means of transportation. Between those hours, they charge the meter + 50%, a $5 airport charge, as well as a $3 reservation fee....needless to say, taking a Taxi is not a cheap option. It cost me SG$46 just to get to the airport! So I got to the airport and anxiously waited for my dear love to walk through the arrival gates. (Just for the record of those who may not know, Carter and I got married last November). I saw him first as he walked across the alley ways to get to his baggage claim but he did not look my way. Once he got his bag, then he came hurriedly through baggage declarations and almost ran into my arms...glorious moments. From the airport, we headed down the long corridors to the MRT station. Here, we use EZ Link Cards, which are prepaid cards that you scan and have access to the MRT. You also have the choice of buying single one-way tickets. Because the service desk was not yet open to purchase Carter his own EZ Link card, we got him a one-way ticket to Bugis. At Bugis, we got off because I like the food exchange there and wanted us to get breakfast, but they were under construction and many of the shops were temporarily closed. So here we got Carter an EZ Link card (it costs SG$5 for the card, plus a mandatory SG$10 travel credit; but it is cheaper than buying single tickets). We took the MRT all the way to Holland Village, a little over an hour ride, so that we could get BreadTalk. We did get BreadTalk as well as a noodle+egg breakfast and Milo from the hawker center. | 
This is the first picture we managed to take together on the MRT leaving the airport...reunited!
Carter's first Asian breakfast in Singapore at Holland Village.
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After breakfast, we headed back to Kent Ridge via the MRT, only 2 stops away. We took our campus shuttle bus (which Carter was quite impressed by) to UTown. It was 10:30am at this time and we took some time to see UTown and get settled in...but then that's when I got sick and it was pretty downhill from there.
Literally an ice cream sandwich.
We went into one of the mall entrances where the Somerset MRT station is in search of food. There are a TON of options here, I think there may have been 2+ floors dedicated to food. We got foccacia bread and this yummy sandwich at a Swiss Bakery which was incredibly good and quite a change from the standard noodles and rice that I had been eating everyday! After a while, we took the MRT home, it takes about an hour+ to get back to Dover and then walk from Dover to the dorms. Vietnam! The next day, I had class all day long and group meetings in between. Carter was a trooper and stayed in the BIZ School the whole entire day, waiting to say hi to me during all my breaks. Not until after 8:30pm did we get home. We packed our things into two small backpacks and got ready for our trip to Vietnam. We left the next day (Friday) to Hanoi, Vietnam which is in the North and had a great trip, despite the rainy cold and feeling like junk. To read about our trip and to see pictures, click here! We returned to Singapore on Tuesday evening. Bright and early Wednesday morning, I went to class and then Carter and I walked to One North, just one MRT stop away from Kent Ridge in search of a recommended cafe for us to sit and work. I had to study really hard for my product brand management final on Thursday. The cafe we went to is called Jimmy Monkeys...and we were actually quite surprised. It was a cute cafe with a modern feel yet totally a small kine coffee shop. However, it was a small kine coffee shop with big kine prices! We decided to stay and enjoy the environment...it would be a good memory. Carter and I shared a tiny tiny macchiato and a really yummy Hulk Sandwich made of avocados on toast. We stayed there for a few hours while I studied away! Thursday, I again studied all day and had class from 5-8 and then my final from 8-10pm. That was a big check off the list...first final done and over! 
Big kids at the zoo. :)
The monkeys were relatively free roaming; the birds were pretty sweet. There was also a really cool reptiles kingdom with lots of mortifying snakes as well as alligators, lizards and all other kinds of the sort. There are so many funny stories that I wish to tell from the zoo....for instance, when we were looking at the baboons, what in the world is wrong with their butts? It looks like there are ample layers of large growths. We were also highly amazed at the cheetah videos...the cheetah itself was beautiful but it just laid there without any emotion. The lions were cool..and the polar bear too! Everything was completely worthwhile and totally worth going. Oh man, there is too much to remember. I highly recommend going to the zoo for those that have the chance! And be sure to get a map and follow it closely so that you don't miss any parts! The zoo is HUGE! Oh and I cannot forget, we found a critter at the zoo that voluntarily made the zoo its home... 
and yes...despite every argument I made, he touched the spider! oohhh so creepy!!
On our last day together in Singapore, we went to Harbour Front to Sentosa Island to visit the Aquarium. First we stopped at Subway in Vivo City (the largest mall in Singapore) and got hot breakfast sandwiches and coffee to kick off our day. Before I even begin with our adventures at the aquarium, it is an absolute must-see and will be worth every penny...which by the way costs SG$38 per person and this one does not offer any Singporean/Student discounts.This aquarium is one of the largest oceanariums in the world and was so cool!! After being first mesmerized by the largest fish tank I have EVER seen, you proceed to walk through a glass tunnel through the fish tank where fish of all kinds and stingrays are swimming past you. Once you get though, there is another huge fish tank, this one taking the shape of a huge pillar filled with beautiful colors of coral and numerous types of smaller fish. On the last stretch of the aquarium, there is another tunnel that you walk through and the tank surrounding this one is full of sharks..different kinds and many of them! Absolutely amazing. We spent several hours here looking at all of the water life...ranging from jelly fish to eels to sharks to stingrays to octopus to squid to so many different kinds of fish that I cannot even count. There were no boring moments ...there were even 4 very active dolphins!! | By Wednesday, I was feeling better enough to go to my Strategic Business Management class while Carter enjoyed the prospects of our Biz School while working on his own schoolwork. After class, we went to the Botanical Gardens and walked from there to Orchard Road for a few hours. The gardens were significantly different than when I had gone a few weeks prior, many of the orchids were not in bloom. We did manage to find a monitor lizard digging around and a really huge, creepy spider. We walked all through the gardens, a good couple miles until we ended up at Orchard Road. Orchard Road is one of the well-known rich and luxury streets and as one of the biggest shopping streets. Here, I had heard of the stand-alone uncles with their ice cream carts that serve literal ice cream sandwiches for SG$1. We found one...and then we found another..both of which we got ice cream at! 
Click to see our adventures in Vietnam!
After my final, Carter and I only had 2 last days together here in Singapore yet so much to do and see! On Friday, we headed up to the zoo bright and early. First, we stopped at the Fair Price grocery store in Kent Ridge MRT to grab some food for breakfast and as a snack for later. We scored with a hearty milk and cookies (welcome to college), and mixed berry juice and plums for later. To get to the zoo from Kent Ridge, you can take the Circle Line MRT up to Bishan and then transfer to the North South Line one stop to Ang Mo Kio. At Ang Mo Kio, you walk to the bus station following all of the signs for the bus to the zoo, I think it was the 183 bus. It is about a half hour bus ride to the zoo from there. We were SO EXCITED to go to the zoo. I had been saving this top Singaporean attraction for when Carter came. (PS- for students on exchange, you can get a 15% discount when you show your IC card). We spent a good 6 hours at the zoo enjoying the openness. All of the animals were so active...it was definitely the coolest zoo experience I have ever seen. There was a lot of really cool animals there...I think my favorite was the white tiger. 
After the zoo, we took the MRT downtown to Marina Bay Sands. We walked around the Esplanade, by Raffles Hall, and then behind the central business district (CBD) to the 'old' town. I had never been over here before. There is a river that runs through with an old bridge system and a long bridge of bars and restaurants. We walked behind there along the path for a ways until we found an old side street to take. We found a little Thai restaurant and sat in and ordered dinner. We had green curry and pineapple fried rice. 
Largest fish tank ever!
Coolest glass tunnel through the fish tank
Pillar shaped tank with beautiful coral and sea life
Absolutely captivating jelly fish
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These 4 dolphins were very active, chasing each other and appearing to have such a good time!
| After being completely awed at the aquarium, we walked down to Sentosa beach only for a moment and then returned back to Vivo City. We went to Giant, the largest grocery store that I know of and bought a few avocados, tomatoes, and chips to make guacamole. We headed back to Kent Ridge and then we had a very nice picnic out on the green, reflecting on our last few days and all our adventures and sipping on bubble tea. Later that evening, we got Yong Tau Foo for dinner from the canteen and prepared for Carter to leave. We boarded the MRT at Dover just around 9pm and arrived at the airport at 10:30pm. We said a dreadful goodbye but with the recollection of great memories and only 6 weeks until I would be back in Hawaii. | 
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Below are just a few pictures that didn't make the above story line that I think will just make you appreciate this blog! Thank you for taking the time to read it and I hope that it is an inspiration. That is my only goal in sharing my stories and travels is that it inspires, encourages, and generates creative or adventurous ideas in your mind for you to pursue!
Hey there!
In follow up to my last rather serious blog post about school, I wanted to give a much lighter account of my recent trips! I find such joy in traveling. Not necessarily the traveling part such as driving or flying, but the engaging with people part. I love seeing new cultures, people, places, foods, etc. When I go somewhere, I strive to break the boundaries between mere tourist and envelope myself in the local community. Some places are harder than others but interaction with people is the best way for me. Below are my trips since recess week. Before that, I went to Malaysia and visited Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy reading the stories and looking at the pictures. I have done my best to share some of my insight from each place, however, words and pictures can never fully do justice. I am so humbled and privileged to be blessed with the opportunities to see so many unique places in the world. Thank you to all those that support me in every way!
In follow up to my last rather serious blog post about school, I wanted to give a much lighter account of my recent trips! I find such joy in traveling. Not necessarily the traveling part such as driving or flying, but the engaging with people part. I love seeing new cultures, people, places, foods, etc. When I go somewhere, I strive to break the boundaries between mere tourist and envelope myself in the local community. Some places are harder than others but interaction with people is the best way for me. Below are my trips since recess week. Before that, I went to Malaysia and visited Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy reading the stories and looking at the pictures. I have done my best to share some of my insight from each place, however, words and pictures can never fully do justice. I am so humbled and privileged to be blessed with the opportunities to see so many unique places in the world. Thank you to all those that support me in every way!
Thailand!
During recess week, I spent 2 weeks in Thailand, split between Krabi and Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai, I visited some truly wonderful friends and loved my time there.
Indonesia!
Two weekends later, I went to Indonesia with three other exchange students and we went on some crazy adventures hiking an active volcano, Mt. Bromo and then hiking an active sulfur mine, Mt. Ijen. I hope you have a few minutes to read about our journey on these two mountains, truly an experience.
Click the pictures to see our adventures at Mt. Bromo and Mt. Ijen!
Click the pictures to see our adventures at Mt. Bromo and Mt. Ijen!
Vietnam!
The next weekend, I traveled to Northern Vietnam with Carter who came to visit me and we spent 4 days in Hanoi and Halong Bay. We had a good trip, despite having caught the stomach flu. The north was a vastly different experience for me than my time in the south.
Hanoi & Halong Bay
With warmest Aloha!
Hi Dreamers,
I wanted to give you an update on my time in Singapore. I had a realization...one that I knew all along, but the more it unfolds, the truer it strikes me. At the beginning of the semester, I had the time and desire to share what I was doing everyday. I found Singapore to be a new place...a place of daring adventure with unknown places to scout out, new people to meet, new foods...many open doors. I started out the semester at the National University of Singapore on January 13, 2014 directly after having spent 3 straight weeks in Northern India engaging in field work for an Honors Global Perspectives on Poverty Alleviation course. This is my final semester of my undergraduate career and will be graduating in May! Many people have asked me how I can study abroad my final semester so I wanted to answer that for all:
I was originally going to study abroad last semester at Thammasat University in Thailand and was all set to go minus buying my plane ticket but then God closed that door and made a new path visible to me. I spent last semester at UH Manoa and got engaged and married during that time (totally unforeseen!) and then I was able to go to India and now to Singapore where I have the privilege to travel often. This study abroad experience is a part of my International Business major...I am a double major: Marketing and International Business.
As I have said in past blogs, I am currently taking a Product Brand Management (MKT 3418) class, Entrepreneurial Marketing (TR 2201), Strategic Business Management (BSP 3001) class, and International Finance (FINC 401) class. These four classes meet the mark for the last credits I need for my home university to graduate on time.
Initially, these classes started out well, and by the looks of the syllabi, they appeared to have good structure and standards. I felt that it would not be so difficult and it seemed to be a lot less work than any other courses I have taken in the past. After the first few weeks, I was quickly corrected however. The business school here places a HEAVY emphasis on group work. All of my classes have one huge group project, and one of them has two! They have a hefty weight on our grades, ranging between 30-50% of our overall grade. Something I found quite interesting is that at Shidler, our groups start our projects early and do them well and thorough and we all work together to get it done well. Rarely do we push it too last minute (despite what our professors may attest to). However, here at the NUS business school, 3 of my 4 group projects started only a few days before the project is due and then they spend grave amounts of time working on the projects in a highly stressful manner. I can tell you, that is a horrible way of doing it!!! It is so stressful and creates such tension within the group. Especially as an exchange student who plans ahead (essential for traveling) and is used to being prompt in my school work (ie- I rarely ever wait to last minute), this style of work stresses me out and often brings much frustration, so it has forced me to practice much patience and adapt a new sleeping pattern. Fortunately, after 6pm today, 3 of our soft group presentations will be submitted. Next week is where all of our prep work gets put to the test....
April 9 =
* BSP 3001 group presentation
April 10 =
* Individual BSP 3001 case analysis due
* MKT 3418 group presentation
* TR 2201 30pg paper due and group presentation
April 11 =
*Meet with the Shidler College of Business Dean and Director of Development here in Singapore
Pheww! After that highly intense week, it will be smooth sailing. I will have one week of classes left and then will have 3 weeks off until May 6 when I have my final TR 2201 final. I have already taken my FINC401 final as well as my MKT 3418 final.
The business school culture here is very competitive, each student fighting to be the best and constantly doing anything to climb the ladder. In class, I often feel like its an arena of people fighting for floor time. It is quite interesting, the level of competition seems to have a lot to do with the professor. My MKT 3418 class is by far the most competitive class I have. I have been engaging with others to learn of their perspectives (both Singaporean students and other exchange students) to see if my perceptions are in line with those around me and to keep my priorities straight and in check, and it would appear that most everyone feels this way. Now, if you are wanting to go on exchange in Singapore, don't let this scare you!!! It really is a great place of learning, you do SO much learning! Singapore has a lot to offer and the students here contain a vast wealth of knowledge. Singapore is a great example of the potential a nation has to turn around and become one of the wealthiest, prosperous countries. Plus, if you want to travel, it is a perfect travel hub.
Back to where I started this blog with, the semester quickly unfolded to be very intense and has posed great learning stretches. Outside of classes, I have learned so much from being here in Asia and having the ability to travel to a handful of other SE Asian countries. Within the last 3.5 months, I have had the opportunity to leave my beloved Hawaii to travel to India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Each country is so different from one another and it is so awesome to be able to see different parts of each country and to gain insight on the land, people, cultures, and lifestyles.
I am so thankful for this wonderful, challenging, and completely engaging experience! Dare to follow your dreams and pursue the life you imagine...so imagine big and go for it and always be sure to take the time to sit and reflect and keep your priorities straight. Aloha!
I wanted to give you an update on my time in Singapore. I had a realization...one that I knew all along, but the more it unfolds, the truer it strikes me. At the beginning of the semester, I had the time and desire to share what I was doing everyday. I found Singapore to be a new place...a place of daring adventure with unknown places to scout out, new people to meet, new foods...many open doors. I started out the semester at the National University of Singapore on January 13, 2014 directly after having spent 3 straight weeks in Northern India engaging in field work for an Honors Global Perspectives on Poverty Alleviation course. This is my final semester of my undergraduate career and will be graduating in May! Many people have asked me how I can study abroad my final semester so I wanted to answer that for all:
I was originally going to study abroad last semester at Thammasat University in Thailand and was all set to go minus buying my plane ticket but then God closed that door and made a new path visible to me. I spent last semester at UH Manoa and got engaged and married during that time (totally unforeseen!) and then I was able to go to India and now to Singapore where I have the privilege to travel often. This study abroad experience is a part of my International Business major...I am a double major: Marketing and International Business.
As I have said in past blogs, I am currently taking a Product Brand Management (MKT 3418) class, Entrepreneurial Marketing (TR 2201), Strategic Business Management (BSP 3001) class, and International Finance (FINC 401) class. These four classes meet the mark for the last credits I need for my home university to graduate on time.
Initially, these classes started out well, and by the looks of the syllabi, they appeared to have good structure and standards. I felt that it would not be so difficult and it seemed to be a lot less work than any other courses I have taken in the past. After the first few weeks, I was quickly corrected however. The business school here places a HEAVY emphasis on group work. All of my classes have one huge group project, and one of them has two! They have a hefty weight on our grades, ranging between 30-50% of our overall grade. Something I found quite interesting is that at Shidler, our groups start our projects early and do them well and thorough and we all work together to get it done well. Rarely do we push it too last minute (despite what our professors may attest to). However, here at the NUS business school, 3 of my 4 group projects started only a few days before the project is due and then they spend grave amounts of time working on the projects in a highly stressful manner. I can tell you, that is a horrible way of doing it!!! It is so stressful and creates such tension within the group. Especially as an exchange student who plans ahead (essential for traveling) and is used to being prompt in my school work (ie- I rarely ever wait to last minute), this style of work stresses me out and often brings much frustration, so it has forced me to practice much patience and adapt a new sleeping pattern. Fortunately, after 6pm today, 3 of our soft group presentations will be submitted. Next week is where all of our prep work gets put to the test....
April 9 =
* BSP 3001 group presentation
April 10 =
* Individual BSP 3001 case analysis due
* MKT 3418 group presentation
* TR 2201 30pg paper due and group presentation
April 11 =
*Meet with the Shidler College of Business Dean and Director of Development here in Singapore
Pheww! After that highly intense week, it will be smooth sailing. I will have one week of classes left and then will have 3 weeks off until May 6 when I have my final TR 2201 final. I have already taken my FINC401 final as well as my MKT 3418 final.
The business school culture here is very competitive, each student fighting to be the best and constantly doing anything to climb the ladder. In class, I often feel like its an arena of people fighting for floor time. It is quite interesting, the level of competition seems to have a lot to do with the professor. My MKT 3418 class is by far the most competitive class I have. I have been engaging with others to learn of their perspectives (both Singaporean students and other exchange students) to see if my perceptions are in line with those around me and to keep my priorities straight and in check, and it would appear that most everyone feels this way. Now, if you are wanting to go on exchange in Singapore, don't let this scare you!!! It really is a great place of learning, you do SO much learning! Singapore has a lot to offer and the students here contain a vast wealth of knowledge. Singapore is a great example of the potential a nation has to turn around and become one of the wealthiest, prosperous countries. Plus, if you want to travel, it is a perfect travel hub.
Back to where I started this blog with, the semester quickly unfolded to be very intense and has posed great learning stretches. Outside of classes, I have learned so much from being here in Asia and having the ability to travel to a handful of other SE Asian countries. Within the last 3.5 months, I have had the opportunity to leave my beloved Hawaii to travel to India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Each country is so different from one another and it is so awesome to be able to see different parts of each country and to gain insight on the land, people, cultures, and lifestyles.
I am so thankful for this wonderful, challenging, and completely engaging experience! Dare to follow your dreams and pursue the life you imagine...so imagine big and go for it and always be sure to take the time to sit and reflect and keep your priorities straight. Aloha!
Hi there! Wow the last 2 weeks have been nuts once again, there is never a dull moment in my life! Before I have the chance to update and blog about all the adventures and learning moments of the past few weeks, I have to finish preparing for my first final this evening. It is for my Product Brand Management class, even though we still have 3 weeks of class after the final and a huge 30% of our grade group project and presentation. I also have my International Finance final this week too!
Wish me luck and I cannot wait to get back on here and blog!!! Shootz for now!
Wish me luck and I cannot wait to get back on here and blog!!! Shootz for now!
Krabi
I finally got the chance to go to Thailand!! It has always been high up on my list, I was so excited. My flatmate and I spent four days in Krabi, Thailand on the SW coast on the beautiful beaches. I have an entire photo album I'd love to share, as I think pictures speak a thousand words. Click here to see them!
Chiang Mai
After Krabi, I continued on by myself up to Chiang Mai, Thailand to visit some amazing family friends and to explore the northern region a bit. It was beautiful up there and I was so warmly welcomed in. The friends I am staying with are missionaries and run a church and a local foundation here in CM, and have 6 Thai girls living with them. This is one of the best parts of the trip...two of the girls invited me to stay in their room with them, rather than sleep on the couch. I loved being there. Click here to see all my pictures and story outline!
Hi there,
It has been a couple weeks since my last post, so sorry about that. Life actually got really hectic and my school work load got nuts! Something that I have learned and experienced attending school here at NUS is that the students are highly competitive. The system is based on a bell-curve, meaning if you do A quality work, someone might do higher A quality work, pushing your grade down to a B or C, etc. In the business school, class participation and discussion is a hefty component of our grades, therefore everyone is constantly fighting over floor time. Within the first two weeks of school, I felt like classes were easier than my home university and the work level would be significantly less. I had no midterms, only a few papers, group projects, and a final. But then the 5th and 6th week hit and I quickly changed my perspective. Within a two week frame, I had three group projects and presentations which entailed multiple lengthy group meetings, a 10-page product and brand management report, as well as a challenging international finance course. I also gave a short presentation on studying abroad, in representation of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
It has been a couple weeks since my last post, so sorry about that. Life actually got really hectic and my school work load got nuts! Something that I have learned and experienced attending school here at NUS is that the students are highly competitive. The system is based on a bell-curve, meaning if you do A quality work, someone might do higher A quality work, pushing your grade down to a B or C, etc. In the business school, class participation and discussion is a hefty component of our grades, therefore everyone is constantly fighting over floor time. Within the first two weeks of school, I felt like classes were easier than my home university and the work level would be significantly less. I had no midterms, only a few papers, group projects, and a final. But then the 5th and 6th week hit and I quickly changed my perspective. Within a two week frame, I had three group projects and presentations which entailed multiple lengthy group meetings, a 10-page product and brand management report, as well as a challenging international finance course. I also gave a short presentation on studying abroad, in representation of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
For my Entrepreneurial Marketing class, my group and I had to come up with a business idea/concept and run feasibility analyses in preparation for our presentation. We now have the next few weeks to create a full-blown business report on our company. I have a really creative group and we are working on a business concept of (pretend) opening our own edible fruits floral arrangements and sculptures business to the Singaporean market (similar to Edible Arrangements in the US).
For my Product and Brand Management class, I had to simulate the position as a product and brand manager for the Asian company, Tiger Balm and compare the industry among its competitors in the Singaporean market. I had to conduct field research to find its competitors, including visit a number of different pharmacies and stores to first-hand observe. I then had to do an entire analysis based on 12 components for Tiger Balm and its four competitors that I defined, as well as a SWOT analysis and give my suggested improvements. I learned way more about Tiger Balm and the pain ointment industry than I ever had desired!
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For my Strategic Business Management class, my group and I had several lengthy group meetings to prepare for our class facilitation and presentation. We had about half an hour of class time to engage the class in discussion on corporate strategies, using Amazon as a case study. I found our group meetings to be rather challenging, as we seemed to sit and toil with ideas in endless circles without ever making solid decisions. In the end, it worked out well and our facilitation went smoothly.
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For my International Finance class, I am in a very small discussion group (aka: 4 people + me) and we have to write a 250+word forum each week on various topics and respond to two other posts based on certain requirements. We also write a 500 words essay each week on an assigned topic. We cover three chapters a week and the learning curve is incredibly high!
After the final push of the first half of the semester, I finally was able to relax as I headed out to Krabi and Chiang Mai, Thailand for recess week.
This past weekend, one of my flatmates and I took a short trip up to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We saw the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, the busy (and dirty) streets, came across an awesome cafe and bakery, and witnessed the massive shopping malls that lined the streets. We also took a morning to go visit Batu Caves, which was my favorite part. It was really pretty! We also visited the National Mosque and walked all through the streets of KL. It was a nice weekend out of Singapore...but it sure did make me appreciate certain aspects of Singapore, such as decent directions, cleanliness, and overall safety! Yay for living in a hub for travel!!!
Today was a day where I just look at my life and think "wow, how cool." I decided to go to Arab Street today which is pretty close to downtown Singapore. When I had first arrived, I was taking a picture of this really cool building when I heard a soft voice ask me "You're not from Singapore?". I turned to see a mother and her son whom were out enjoying their morning. I replied that I was not and that I was just walking around and exploring the area. The mother said they were doing the same and asked if I would like to join them for the day. I did and I am so glad, because it was such a wonderful day.
We walked around Arab Street where the Sultan Mosque is along with a number of cafes and little shops. We stopped to eat at this Malay restaurant where we all shared grilled sting ray, a soy bean dish, potatoe balls, a green leafy coconut soup (I forgot what kind of vegetable it was) and rice as well as milk tea to drink. We ate with our hands which was fun and had a good chance to talk story. After Malay brunch, we did a lot more walking around. Throughout the day, we visited the Singapore National Library which is HUGE, Bugis Mall, and a bunch of other shops and stands. We had drinks and an appetizer at this cute cafe and also had watermelon juice later on. These two were so sweet, they even bought me the most beautiful Pashmina scarf I have ever seen. I cannot believe the kindness of two people and the impact they made on my day. They were so genuine and loving. It really made me stop and think if I show that same kindness to those around me. I saw things today I would not have found on my own, and more so, I witnessed the kindness of mere strangers on a search to live meaningful and happy lives despite the challenges and hardships they face. I felt so loved and valued...we ended the day in agreement that she could be my Singaporean mom and the son would be my Singaporean brother. :)
We walked around Arab Street where the Sultan Mosque is along with a number of cafes and little shops. We stopped to eat at this Malay restaurant where we all shared grilled sting ray, a soy bean dish, potatoe balls, a green leafy coconut soup (I forgot what kind of vegetable it was) and rice as well as milk tea to drink. We ate with our hands which was fun and had a good chance to talk story. After Malay brunch, we did a lot more walking around. Throughout the day, we visited the Singapore National Library which is HUGE, Bugis Mall, and a bunch of other shops and stands. We had drinks and an appetizer at this cute cafe and also had watermelon juice later on. These two were so sweet, they even bought me the most beautiful Pashmina scarf I have ever seen. I cannot believe the kindness of two people and the impact they made on my day. They were so genuine and loving. It really made me stop and think if I show that same kindness to those around me. I saw things today I would not have found on my own, and more so, I witnessed the kindness of mere strangers on a search to live meaningful and happy lives despite the challenges and hardships they face. I felt so loved and valued...we ended the day in agreement that she could be my Singaporean mom and the son would be my Singaporean brother. :)
While I am here in Singapore, I wanted to place myself into the footsteps of the locals and see this country from different perspectives. I thought a great way to see the whole (tiny yet seemingly huge) country would be to visit each MRT (mass rail transit) station and explore the areas surrounding. Here is a map of the MRT lines and stations for a frame of reference:
| Yesterday, I took on the yellow Circle Line, in which I made stops at and walked between 13 different stations! At each one, I tried something new or found one thing that I thought particularly interesting. I left Kent Ridge station at approx 9am where I made my first stop, of course, at Holland Village to go to BreadTalk Bakery to get breakfast. Then, I headed off to Lorong Chuan MRT where there was absolutely nothing except housing developments and concrete burning in the sun...but in attempts to find something interesting, I thought that the escalator was extra tall and the station was relatively abandoned. After this stop, I went to Serangoon and walked from there to Bartley in which there was nothing too spectacular..just buildings and roads. I also found a lot of construction going on. Then I got to Tai Seng where I found a mall (they are outside most stations; very popular in Singapore) and I found a food canteen and decided to eat! I ate at my favorite Yong Tau Foo place...and got my noodle tofu soup. This is what the stand looks like...you get your bowl and tray and then you grab a pair of tongs to pick up the items from the racks that you want. Then you hand your bowl to the lady behind the counter and tell her (or in my case because I don't speak Malay or Chinese) point to which noodles you want and if you want soup or Laksa. That's one of the most intimidating things I find here in Singapore is ordering food because it is really hard to tell what places serve what kind of food and how exactly you are supposed to go about obtaining that food. Best advice I can give = trial and error and watch the person in front of you. Do as you see being done. | 
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| I couldn't even finish my soup I was so full! I walked from this station to MacPherson station then to Paya Lebar. Today, I felt the Singaporean heat that everyone talks about. The sun was shining down and any ounce of wind felt great. I attempted to keep walking to the next station, Dakota, but I managed to get lost and ended up walking for about two hours in a direction that I did not know. I finally came across the station AFTER Dakota station...I don't even know how I did that. I also passed the Stadium and the Nicoll Highway which were stops after Dakota MRT as well, so I got a good taste of the area. I got on the train at Mountbatten and went back to Dakota just to say I'd been there and then I continued on. At this point, I began my journey home and switched lines at Dhoby Ghaut where I got a refreshing ice cold Jasemine Green tea with mini pearls! Once I got home, I was able to skype with Carter and enjoy a nice few moments on the grassy field watching the students play frisbee and soccer while I read my book. My new hobby is reading...for pleasure :) I am on my third book already! 
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Side Notes: Singapore has great public transporation via the MRT and an extensive range of busses. It is very expensive to own and drive a car here, as imposed by the government, to reduce the number of cars on the road. Singapore has really great food and it is everywhere. Also, the most popular sports I have seen here are tennis and frisbee. |
Here is the blog about my classes that you all have been waiting to read! :)
Here at NUS, the campus is clean and very nice; modernized and high-tech. There are ample places to study for lots of different styles...there are cubicles with a desk and an outlet for those that like that. There are large areas full of soft comfy low-level chairs with lap-desks for students who prefer to study like that. There are TONS of round tables in Starbucks to study. There is a MAC commons full of MAC computers and there is a PC commons full of PCs for students to use 24/7. There are tables everywhere, multiple libraries, and lots of coffee.
My first class, BSP3001C6 is called Strategic Management and is the Shidler equivalent of capstone BUS 345. This class is my favorite one I am in. The professor is incredibly hilarious yet incredibly knowledgeable and has traveled all over the world. In my experience, I have found that those who have traveled all around the world have a more successful time teaching as they have learned so much and have an understanding of many different cultures and atmospheres. In his class, we engage in a lot of class discussion analyzing companies such as the Virgin Group and Starbucks, as well as local Singaporean companies. Last class, he taught us about strategic management by comparing it to an orchestra concerto and then he explained external and internal business environments by analyzing a Polo Horse Race. Needless to say, his class is incredibly interesting, increases our business knowledge as well as our general knowledge and makes things remember-able. I just did four individual case analyses looking at the overall company and challenges/issues they have faced. I analyzed AirAsia, McDonald's India, Nike and its sweatshops, and the Tata Group. I must say that I learned a lot about each and feel significantly more knowledgeable than before.We have two big group projects and a few individual projects, as well as class participation points. This style of learning, analysis and discussion and no tests, is where I thrive...maybe that's part of the reason this is my favorite class!
My second class, and most challenging (extremely challenging) is Product and Brand Management. So far, we fly through the information and go for a sold three hours each week. We do lecture notes as well as open group and class discussions on various cases such as Kellogs, Dell, etc. This coming week, I have to give a mini presentation on a company or business that is effectively reflecting a macro-environment trend...in which I analyzed BrightStar Franchising, a woman created and operated (trend: woman empowerment) business that offers medically certified health care to children, individuals, and families and has special emphasis on senior care at home (trend: rapidly aging population). They also offer childcare and nanny services to working parents (trend: women empowerment). Coming up really soon, I have a 10-page analysis and research report on Tiger Balm (a pain relief ointment) due that comes from the perspective of a brand manager. In this class, we also have an intensive group project and a hefty final exam.
My third class, Entrepreneurial Marketing, is a bit challenging as well. We have a HUGE group project composed of creating a new mock business concept and plan and presenting it to the class. We also have a smaller team activity and in-class discussions. We will have a final exam at the end of the semester. This professor is a full-blooded Singaporean so sometimes I have trouble understanding what he says, but for the most part, he brings in a good energy to the class and has a lot of experience and wisdom to impart on us.
My fourth class, International Finance is an intensive 8-week course. I have taken a fond liking of finance since Professor Mills at Shidler kicked by butt all semester long but taught me more about the finance world than I would have ever known previously. Her class made me feel like hard work actually paid off.
Here at NUS, the campus is clean and very nice; modernized and high-tech. There are ample places to study for lots of different styles...there are cubicles with a desk and an outlet for those that like that. There are large areas full of soft comfy low-level chairs with lap-desks for students who prefer to study like that. There are TONS of round tables in Starbucks to study. There is a MAC commons full of MAC computers and there is a PC commons full of PCs for students to use 24/7. There are tables everywhere, multiple libraries, and lots of coffee.
My first class, BSP3001C6 is called Strategic Management and is the Shidler equivalent of capstone BUS 345. This class is my favorite one I am in. The professor is incredibly hilarious yet incredibly knowledgeable and has traveled all over the world. In my experience, I have found that those who have traveled all around the world have a more successful time teaching as they have learned so much and have an understanding of many different cultures and atmospheres. In his class, we engage in a lot of class discussion analyzing companies such as the Virgin Group and Starbucks, as well as local Singaporean companies. Last class, he taught us about strategic management by comparing it to an orchestra concerto and then he explained external and internal business environments by analyzing a Polo Horse Race. Needless to say, his class is incredibly interesting, increases our business knowledge as well as our general knowledge and makes things remember-able. I just did four individual case analyses looking at the overall company and challenges/issues they have faced. I analyzed AirAsia, McDonald's India, Nike and its sweatshops, and the Tata Group. I must say that I learned a lot about each and feel significantly more knowledgeable than before.We have two big group projects and a few individual projects, as well as class participation points. This style of learning, analysis and discussion and no tests, is where I thrive...maybe that's part of the reason this is my favorite class!
My second class, and most challenging (extremely challenging) is Product and Brand Management. So far, we fly through the information and go for a sold three hours each week. We do lecture notes as well as open group and class discussions on various cases such as Kellogs, Dell, etc. This coming week, I have to give a mini presentation on a company or business that is effectively reflecting a macro-environment trend...in which I analyzed BrightStar Franchising, a woman created and operated (trend: woman empowerment) business that offers medically certified health care to children, individuals, and families and has special emphasis on senior care at home (trend: rapidly aging population). They also offer childcare and nanny services to working parents (trend: women empowerment). Coming up really soon, I have a 10-page analysis and research report on Tiger Balm (a pain relief ointment) due that comes from the perspective of a brand manager. In this class, we also have an intensive group project and a hefty final exam.
My third class, Entrepreneurial Marketing, is a bit challenging as well. We have a HUGE group project composed of creating a new mock business concept and plan and presenting it to the class. We also have a smaller team activity and in-class discussions. We will have a final exam at the end of the semester. This professor is a full-blooded Singaporean so sometimes I have trouble understanding what he says, but for the most part, he brings in a good energy to the class and has a lot of experience and wisdom to impart on us.
My fourth class, International Finance is an intensive 8-week course. I have taken a fond liking of finance since Professor Mills at Shidler kicked by butt all semester long but taught me more about the finance world than I would have ever known previously. Her class made me feel like hard work actually paid off.
This is what 2 of my classes look like. My other class in even nicer! Ha, it is so much easier to learn and pay attention in a clean environment with chairs that don't fall down when you sit in them! Also, this shape fosters class discussion and participation. In addition, there is a little slit along the front of the desks for name tags that we put out during each class. There are 2 projector screens at the front of the classroom so everyone can see properly. Also, the students and teachers control the air temperature, so if it gets too cold, we can turn down the air. Genius!
Proof I am doing work my!
Aloha!
Dakota
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Since I arrived in Singapore, there has been tons of pre-Chinese New Year Festivals. The very day I arrived, I had gone down to Chinatown to watch a small street performance, admire the decorations (huge glowing lantern horses everywhere), and firecrackers in honor of pre-Chinese New Year. ----------------> Even in class, our professors have gotten in the spirit. My Strategic Management professor brought us CNY treats to eat during his lecture. He brought Pineapple tarts and love letters. -------------------> Yesterday was Chinese New Years Eve, in which classes were not allowed to be held past 6pm at NUS. I had class until 5pm but our professor let us out at 4pm. I met up with a group of friends at 5 to take the MRT down to Chinatown to experience the ambiance of Chinatown during festival times. Our group started with 15-20 or so people but we quickly got split up at the Hawker Center (food court) when some people sat to eat while others wanted to start exploring already! At the Hawker Center, I got the BEST bubble tea I have EVER had..the tapioca balls were still hot and melted in my mouth with each drink. -------------------------> The Chinatown MRT station is right across the path from the Hawker Center and the amount of people that were trapped in these areas was unbelievable. It was like a crazy maze trying to get anywhere! Finally we made it out to Pagoda street which is where all the main happenings were. There was a huge Festival Street Bazaar that filled the streets with stands of shops and people selling all kinds of goods. The number of people in the streets was crazy! ------------------------> The whole area was decorated with streams of lanterns and colorful decorations everywhere, including pineapple decorations which represent good luck. Also, the color red is supposed to be good luck. As we walked through the festival streets, I kept falling behind because I wanted to look at everything! -----------> After making it to the dead end and having regained our big group during the process, we went back to the MRT station and went to Marina Bay. It was fun meandering through all the people excited about the festivities and excited to be there! |      |
Marina Bay was beautiful. I was there last night with Danielle and Yi Zhen, so my pictures from here are combined from both nights. There was the "Floats at Marina Bay" which consisted of a big set up for CNY including a stage for awesome performances, and lots of food stands. From Bayfront, you can see the floats, the helix bridge, the Marina Bay hotel (the tall buildings with the boat going across the top), and the entire downtown business district skyline, the science museum that looks like a lotus flower, and the Singapore flyer. It is quite a remarkable area. I was even so lucky as to see two amazing fireworks shows over the water as well as a really cool light show. We saw the light show and walked through the floats. I got some Pad Thai to eat (2 nights in a row!) after I watched the lady make a huge batch of it and each portion is wrapped in a thin later of omelet.
Marina Bay with the Helix bridge on the left, the super cool hotel with the ship along the top, & the lotus shaped museum.
 Marina Bay Sands  Singapore Flyer and helix bridge  Business District skyline from view by the mall  Marina Bay Sands at dusk  Business district skyline lit up at night  Pre-CNY Festivals at the Floats  Entrance to the floats and festival area  Admiring the view of beautiful colors and reflections upon the water  Part of the beautiful light show  Light show...  Awesome picture of Danielle with the light show and the business skyline in front of her! Group photos to come...they weren't taken on my camera!! |  Skyline at sunset  Skyline at night and the Chinese Fortune God  Super pretty lighting and lanterns  Entrance to the Chinese New Year festival area  Singapore Flyer during the day  In front of the business district skyline as the sun is getting lower in the sky  Yi Zhen, Danielle, and I  Light show...  Light show...  Light show...  My Pad Thai  This is back at the Float...do you see how crowded it is?? |
| After our time at Marina Bay and Bayfront area, we actually got back on the MRT to go back to Chinatown. There was supposed to be a parade at 10pm that we wanted to see. As we got off the MRT, we had to queue in line to get out of the station because of all the people! It was sooo crowded!! There wasn't much of a parade, more of a stage with some people singing and talking. We stayed for a while, taking in the experience of being packed in Chinatown by thousands of people. In certain areas where people no longer packed in, it looked like a tornado had swept through by the amount of rubbish and chaos left behind. I think it was so cool to be here in a country that celebrates Chinese New Year and to be apart of the festivities! After Chinatown round 2, we went back to Marina Bay for round 2! It was a little after 11pm by the time we made it to the big stadium full of seats that overlook the bay. We gladly sat as we had been walking around for the last 6 hours. Ha, the night was great. The people that stuck around in our group were a perfect match for the night's activities. As midnight approached, the crowd began to count down in Chinese and at the stroke of midnight, the most amazing fireworks show I have ever seen took place. While my camera cannot begin to do it justice, here is the second part of the fireworks show. So intense...We could feel the fireworks as we sat. |  The people in this little section of Chinatown!  Daniel and Danielle amongst the crowd haha  |
I feel so blessed to have spent the evening in Singapore celebrating Chinese New Year with some amazing friends in such a vibrant place. Such a cool experience! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Hi there,
I have been inspired today and I wanted to share about my day of breakthrough. I think that today was one of my most favorite days I've had in Singapore...and it was so SIMPLE. This morning, I had the intention of going to the Chinese Gardens and then coming back to campus to get my textbooks situated and read a few chapters for class this week and just more-or-less exist. I have had a hard time adjusting to being here. I think it was quite a shock spending 3 weeks in India and then coming straight to Singapore..they are so vastly different. My motivation levels have been incredibly low for my normal adventure-seeking self and I seem to spend countless hours going in circles about what my purpose is here in Singapore, yet not actually getting anywhere or figuring anything out. Today...today was different. While I still went to the Chinese Gardens as well as the library and did my textbook reading, I went in a different direction and followed a way cooler path.
I took the MRT on the yellow Circle line from Kent Ridge to Buona Vista where I had to change lines to the green East-West Line in order to get to the gardens. As I headed for the escalator, I peered out through the glass windows and saw a really impressive glass building bulging with shapes that I have never seen before and I felt compelled to go check out. It was like the winds shifted and had a whole other set of plans for my day. I exited the MRT station and walked along the concrete path to this building and found a set of stairs to go up. As I walked up, I saw a few restaurants and as I walked passed them, this huge, empty but wide-open mall appeared before me. I am not a mall kind of girl...I actually really don't like going to the mall...but this one was different. There was 5 stories that were completely open to the middle and standing on any floor, one could see a different part of each level. It was all glass and the sun shone through like a brilliant light. It was decorated in flowers as part of the "Spring Garden" theme here in Singapore. It was about 10am and I meandered down the halls of each floor, passing by lots of restaurants, coffee shapes, travel stores, a book store, a flower store, and a huge Production Stage.
I love coffee. I love coffee shops. One day, I hope to open my own coffee shop with all kinds of special twists. There is something that makes my mind think clearer...I get inspired...I come up with creative ideas...I reminisce...I just love it. So, I took this awesome opportunity to sit in a mostly empty and beautiful mall when I found a coffee shop that just seemed to call my name. It had a huge open area that was designed perfectly for studying, reading, meeting friends, etc with amazingly comfy and clean chairs, chess board tables, and lamps. It was a perfect setting. I ordered a cup of their daily brew and added a bunch of vanilla to it and it was pretty good. I found a chair and snuggled up and opened my book. I found this book called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin yesterday when I went on a hunt for a bookstore in Holland Village (where I ended up leaving the store with 3 different books!! And found a delicious bakery.) Anyways, I sat in this chair underneath the sun shinning but in good balance with the A/C that was on, drinking my coffee and reading my book. I have been dreaming about this kind of morning for...like all of college. Ha, it sounds so simple..and that's the beauty of it. I spent almost 3 hours sitting in that chair reading this amazing book that I fully relate to, laughing on most of the pages, tearing up on a few, and thinking on just about every page.
I got up at one point to use the restroom and when I came out, I noticed this bus/travel agency booth...and it was one that I had been looking at online so I was super thrilled to see it in person. I couldn't believe the timing. I got a bunch of different travel ideas and some info on a specific bus route I was looking at.
By around 12:30, there was a lot more people around and the chairs where getting filled up, so I eventually left. As I headed back out, I stopped at this bakery lining one of the isles and I bought this sweet dough raisin bread that was SO GOOD! I got back on the MRT and headed to the Chinese Gardens.
When I got there, I was really impressed. I was really surprised that I haven't heard more people talk about these gardens. I walked in and went up the first tall pagoda, I think there was 5 floors. It was beautiful and I could see the whole garden from up there. I strolled through the rest of the gardens at a pretty slow pace, walking over little bridges, on beautifully placed stone pathways, and saw 2 of the biggest Monitor Lizards I've ever seen....they looked like baby alligators! I climbed up a smaller pagoda and watched a jet do some practice laps for a few minutes. I saw the statue of Confuscious...super cool! I enjoy many of his sayings and wisdom. After an hour or so of walking here, I headed back for the MRT to go back to school. Funny thing is, I thought I went to the Japanese Gardens while I was there but apparently I didn't even make it that far, so I shall have to go back!
I got off at the Dover station, which is relatively close to my school, but I didn't know which direction to go and ended up getting lost and taking a long-long round-about way of getting back, but none-the-less, I did make it back. I got some bubble tea to cool off with! Still on a mission to accomplish what I set out to do today, I went to the library where I intended to find my books for class. I went to the Central Library first but was then sent to the Business Library. K, you have to respect a school that has a library just for Business. I went in and found my textbooks which are in a special section that have a 2-hour rental period. I got the books I needed and photocopied several chapters that I needed for class. It's quite convenient, they have an entire photocopy room just for students. I bought a NETS card to pay for the copies ($10SD) which I didn't know, but you don't have to buy that card and can just use our MRT card....so for future students going on exchange, remember that secret. Just use your EZ Link card and don't buy a new card. I'll blog about my classes and show off the business school soon!
After getting all of that figured out (with quite ease), I came back to my room and unloaded my bag and sat for only a few minutes before my friend and roommate, Danielle, came home from class. We had planned to plan our trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this evening. We sat for a good while picking our hostel and bus..and after taking a dinner break, finally got it all settled and have a planned trip to KL for a long weekend!!!!
I have been inspired today and I wanted to share about my day of breakthrough. I think that today was one of my most favorite days I've had in Singapore...and it was so SIMPLE. This morning, I had the intention of going to the Chinese Gardens and then coming back to campus to get my textbooks situated and read a few chapters for class this week and just more-or-less exist. I have had a hard time adjusting to being here. I think it was quite a shock spending 3 weeks in India and then coming straight to Singapore..they are so vastly different. My motivation levels have been incredibly low for my normal adventure-seeking self and I seem to spend countless hours going in circles about what my purpose is here in Singapore, yet not actually getting anywhere or figuring anything out. Today...today was different. While I still went to the Chinese Gardens as well as the library and did my textbook reading, I went in a different direction and followed a way cooler path.
I took the MRT on the yellow Circle line from Kent Ridge to Buona Vista where I had to change lines to the green East-West Line in order to get to the gardens. As I headed for the escalator, I peered out through the glass windows and saw a really impressive glass building bulging with shapes that I have never seen before and I felt compelled to go check out. It was like the winds shifted and had a whole other set of plans for my day. I exited the MRT station and walked along the concrete path to this building and found a set of stairs to go up. As I walked up, I saw a few restaurants and as I walked passed them, this huge, empty but wide-open mall appeared before me. I am not a mall kind of girl...I actually really don't like going to the mall...but this one was different. There was 5 stories that were completely open to the middle and standing on any floor, one could see a different part of each level. It was all glass and the sun shone through like a brilliant light. It was decorated in flowers as part of the "Spring Garden" theme here in Singapore. It was about 10am and I meandered down the halls of each floor, passing by lots of restaurants, coffee shapes, travel stores, a book store, a flower store, and a huge Production Stage.
I love coffee. I love coffee shops. One day, I hope to open my own coffee shop with all kinds of special twists. There is something that makes my mind think clearer...I get inspired...I come up with creative ideas...I reminisce...I just love it. So, I took this awesome opportunity to sit in a mostly empty and beautiful mall when I found a coffee shop that just seemed to call my name. It had a huge open area that was designed perfectly for studying, reading, meeting friends, etc with amazingly comfy and clean chairs, chess board tables, and lamps. It was a perfect setting. I ordered a cup of their daily brew and added a bunch of vanilla to it and it was pretty good. I found a chair and snuggled up and opened my book. I found this book called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin yesterday when I went on a hunt for a bookstore in Holland Village (where I ended up leaving the store with 3 different books!! And found a delicious bakery.) Anyways, I sat in this chair underneath the sun shinning but in good balance with the A/C that was on, drinking my coffee and reading my book. I have been dreaming about this kind of morning for...like all of college. Ha, it sounds so simple..and that's the beauty of it. I spent almost 3 hours sitting in that chair reading this amazing book that I fully relate to, laughing on most of the pages, tearing up on a few, and thinking on just about every page.
I got up at one point to use the restroom and when I came out, I noticed this bus/travel agency booth...and it was one that I had been looking at online so I was super thrilled to see it in person. I couldn't believe the timing. I got a bunch of different travel ideas and some info on a specific bus route I was looking at.
By around 12:30, there was a lot more people around and the chairs where getting filled up, so I eventually left. As I headed back out, I stopped at this bakery lining one of the isles and I bought this sweet dough raisin bread that was SO GOOD! I got back on the MRT and headed to the Chinese Gardens.
When I got there, I was really impressed. I was really surprised that I haven't heard more people talk about these gardens. I walked in and went up the first tall pagoda, I think there was 5 floors. It was beautiful and I could see the whole garden from up there. I strolled through the rest of the gardens at a pretty slow pace, walking over little bridges, on beautifully placed stone pathways, and saw 2 of the biggest Monitor Lizards I've ever seen....they looked like baby alligators! I climbed up a smaller pagoda and watched a jet do some practice laps for a few minutes. I saw the statue of Confuscious...super cool! I enjoy many of his sayings and wisdom. After an hour or so of walking here, I headed back for the MRT to go back to school. Funny thing is, I thought I went to the Japanese Gardens while I was there but apparently I didn't even make it that far, so I shall have to go back!
I got off at the Dover station, which is relatively close to my school, but I didn't know which direction to go and ended up getting lost and taking a long-long round-about way of getting back, but none-the-less, I did make it back. I got some bubble tea to cool off with! Still on a mission to accomplish what I set out to do today, I went to the library where I intended to find my books for class. I went to the Central Library first but was then sent to the Business Library. K, you have to respect a school that has a library just for Business. I went in and found my textbooks which are in a special section that have a 2-hour rental period. I got the books I needed and photocopied several chapters that I needed for class. It's quite convenient, they have an entire photocopy room just for students. I bought a NETS card to pay for the copies ($10SD) which I didn't know, but you don't have to buy that card and can just use our MRT card....so for future students going on exchange, remember that secret. Just use your EZ Link card and don't buy a new card. I'll blog about my classes and show off the business school soon!
After getting all of that figured out (with quite ease), I came back to my room and unloaded my bag and sat for only a few minutes before my friend and roommate, Danielle, came home from class. We had planned to plan our trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this evening. We sat for a good while picking our hostel and bus..and after taking a dinner break, finally got it all settled and have a planned trip to KL for a long weekend!!!!
This is the crazy building that I saw from the MRT station that I went to see that turned out to be the mall with the best coffee shops!
My coffee with a whole history lesson on coffee and the coffee shop. Cool!
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The coffee place
My comfy chair...I sat in the one on the left side
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Below is a gallery of photos from the Chinese Gardens. I thought it was really pretty there and it was very enjoyable to walk through. As Chinese New Year quickly approaches, it was nice to take a step back and appreciate a little Chinese history. By the way, its the year of the horse which is why the picture with the horse has the red ribbon tied all around it. (click the image to make it bigger)
Hi Everyone,
I thought I should give a good update on getting into NUS and getting settled at NUS as well as some observations I have made since being here. Hopefully it'll be helpful to anyone interested in studying abroad too! In the prep for coming to NUS, I first had to apply back at my home university to get accepted. I went through the MIX (Manoa International Exchange) Program. This program allows a student from one school to essentially exchange spots with a student from another school internationally. Through MIX, I got accepted at the National University of Singapore as a business student. After the initial acceptance, I had to go through a long series of steps to get everything in order and ready for me to come.
Apply for Housing -
There are several places one could stay on campus (PGR Residence, Cinnamon, Tembusu, UTown, and a few others). PGR is really close to the business school but it's pretty far away from all the other dorms, so it might be harder to meet other students living there. The other dorms are all within UTown. When I was deciding, I was told that UTown Residence is the best place to live so that is what I put as my preferences, and now that I'm here, I would totally agree. For anyone considering Singapore for study abroad in the future, I would recommend UTown Residence. There are 2 towers, North and South, I am in South Tower.
UTown-
There is essentially a huge circle of dorms making the outline, and then on the inside is a big grassy area that people picnic on, play frisbee and soccer, and just hang out on. There is a big research building and a huge resource center with a library and classrooms. There are also 2 big canteens with food stalls. The food in these 2 places is pretty cheap...between $2-10SD. I think on average, I have been spending about $3-6SD per meal, including a drink. There is a pretty nice gym that students can use with lots of equipment, but the hours are only from 9am-9pm, so no early risers here. There is a super nice infinity pool right above the gym that overlooks the grassy area. There are also 2 mini-express grocery stores, a sports shop, a book store, a hygiene store, a Subway, a Starbucks and a Wendys. NUS is committed to giving students "the best campus life". Right from UTown, there is a pick up and drop off for the internal shuttle that runs extremely often and takes students to designated places around campus, such as the BIZ building (business school). Outside of UTown, there are a lot of other food canteens, gyms, a track, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, and many other things. The architecture on campus, and in Singapore in general, is so crazy. Really cool, super advanced looking.
I thought I should give a good update on getting into NUS and getting settled at NUS as well as some observations I have made since being here. Hopefully it'll be helpful to anyone interested in studying abroad too! In the prep for coming to NUS, I first had to apply back at my home university to get accepted. I went through the MIX (Manoa International Exchange) Program. This program allows a student from one school to essentially exchange spots with a student from another school internationally. Through MIX, I got accepted at the National University of Singapore as a business student. After the initial acceptance, I had to go through a long series of steps to get everything in order and ready for me to come.
Apply for Housing -
There are several places one could stay on campus (PGR Residence, Cinnamon, Tembusu, UTown, and a few others). PGR is really close to the business school but it's pretty far away from all the other dorms, so it might be harder to meet other students living there. The other dorms are all within UTown. When I was deciding, I was told that UTown Residence is the best place to live so that is what I put as my preferences, and now that I'm here, I would totally agree. For anyone considering Singapore for study abroad in the future, I would recommend UTown Residence. There are 2 towers, North and South, I am in South Tower.
UTown-
There is essentially a huge circle of dorms making the outline, and then on the inside is a big grassy area that people picnic on, play frisbee and soccer, and just hang out on. There is a big research building and a huge resource center with a library and classrooms. There are also 2 big canteens with food stalls. The food in these 2 places is pretty cheap...between $2-10SD. I think on average, I have been spending about $3-6SD per meal, including a drink. There is a pretty nice gym that students can use with lots of equipment, but the hours are only from 9am-9pm, so no early risers here. There is a super nice infinity pool right above the gym that overlooks the grassy area. There are also 2 mini-express grocery stores, a sports shop, a book store, a hygiene store, a Subway, a Starbucks and a Wendys. NUS is committed to giving students "the best campus life". Right from UTown, there is a pick up and drop off for the internal shuttle that runs extremely often and takes students to designated places around campus, such as the BIZ building (business school). Outside of UTown, there are a lot of other food canteens, gyms, a track, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, and many other things. The architecture on campus, and in Singapore in general, is so crazy. Really cool, super advanced looking.
 UTown...  Another view of the grass field with the buildings behind it.  Directions to the food court, stores, etc in UTown.  The roofs are covered in grass!  View from atop a roof  View of the courtyard between the North and South Towers of UTown Residence.  Part of the food canteen...when it is empty. Normally it is packed in here. |  The view from my window...you can see the grassy field, the gym area, the swimming infinity pool, the resource center, and part of the North Tower.  This is the outside view of the food court. On the ground level is the book store, Book Haven, and on the second floor is the eating area.  On the ground level is a little food spot. On the second floor is the gym. On the third floor is the infinity pool.  Infinity pool. My dorm is the tower on the right hand side with the 'NUS' on the top.  The resource center above a massive Starbucks and study area.  Still a part of UTown...headed toward the bus stop and Town Plaza  Back view of my dorm. |
Bid for Modules-
After getting accepted into NUS, the school asks that you list 10 classes that you would be willing to take over the duration of your stay. I had done the research at my school to see which classes had already been approved to transfer back for credit and which ones I could petition for. I listed about 10 classes, and of those 10, I got 3 back that I could take. Business Modules are really competitive and in high demand! With those 3, one of them was the equivalent of my capstone BUS 345 class called BSP3001C6. The only catch was that it didn't have the O focus at NUS, so I had to take an additional class last semester to fulfill that requirement. With the other two courses, I was able to successfully petition them to receive marketing elective credits.
NUS Class --> UH Equivalent
BSP3001C6 Strategic Management --> BUS 345
TR2201 Entrepreneurial Marketing --> MKT 371
MKT3418A Product and Brand Management --> MKT 361
You don't make your schedule until the weekend right before the first day of class. At that point, you also have the ability to add/drop modules.
After getting accepted into NUS, the school asks that you list 10 classes that you would be willing to take over the duration of your stay. I had done the research at my school to see which classes had already been approved to transfer back for credit and which ones I could petition for. I listed about 10 classes, and of those 10, I got 3 back that I could take. Business Modules are really competitive and in high demand! With those 3, one of them was the equivalent of my capstone BUS 345 class called BSP3001C6. The only catch was that it didn't have the O focus at NUS, so I had to take an additional class last semester to fulfill that requirement. With the other two courses, I was able to successfully petition them to receive marketing elective credits.
NUS Class --> UH Equivalent
BSP3001C6 Strategic Management --> BUS 345
TR2201 Entrepreneurial Marketing --> MKT 371
MKT3418A Product and Brand Management --> MKT 361
You don't make your schedule until the weekend right before the first day of class. At that point, you also have the ability to add/drop modules.
Since I missed registration day, Friday, January 11, I was really worried about being able to get a good timetable and I didn't know how it worked, in that I didn't know if the classes that I was approved for meant I would get them or not. I scheduled a make-up registration for that Monday, January 13. When I walked in, the registration lady handed me my timetable with my three desired courses (totaling 12 credits) with classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. After meeting with her, I was able to electronically change my group sections so that I had the same classes, but only on Wednesdays and Thursdays! I also have an online International Finance class, so in total I am taking 15 credits this semester, and will be good to graduate in May.
Pay Misc Fees-
An important step in getting everything settled for NUS is to pay all of the Misc fees they send you as well as your housing deposits. Without doing so, you will lose your housing allocation as well as your standing in registration. The fees include a mandatory health insurance and all of the other perks that this campus offers, such as the internal shuttle and food courts.
An important step in getting everything settled for NUS is to pay all of the Misc fees they send you as well as your housing deposits. Without doing so, you will lose your housing allocation as well as your standing in registration. The fees include a mandatory health insurance and all of the other perks that this campus offers, such as the internal shuttle and food courts.
SOLAR Pass (Student Visa)-
When coming to Singapore, US Citizens don't need a visa to enter as long as you are here under a certain amount of days (I think 90, but I am not positive). As part of the application process for NUS, they will send you documents and links to fill out to apply for a SOLAR pass. You have to fill out some documents very carefully, attach a visa photo, and respond within a certain amount of time. Once doing so, they send you finalized documents for you to print out and bring to NUS registration day. Because I missed registration day due to my time in India, I had to schedule an e-appointment to meet with this office. I am meeting with them on Wednesday afternoon. But all I will need is the documents and my disembarkment card that I got from my flight. Super easy, so no stress on getting a visa if your planning to study here (or visit)!
When coming to Singapore, US Citizens don't need a visa to enter as long as you are here under a certain amount of days (I think 90, but I am not positive). As part of the application process for NUS, they will send you documents and links to fill out to apply for a SOLAR pass. You have to fill out some documents very carefully, attach a visa photo, and respond within a certain amount of time. Once doing so, they send you finalized documents for you to print out and bring to NUS registration day. Because I missed registration day due to my time in India, I had to schedule an e-appointment to meet with this office. I am meeting with them on Wednesday afternoon. But all I will need is the documents and my disembarkment card that I got from my flight. Super easy, so no stress on getting a visa if your planning to study here (or visit)!
Arrival at NUS -
Ha, so this is where it all gets tricky. I signed up for a meet-n-greet airport service from NUS where they sent a buddy to meet me at the Changi Airport when I arrived. Unfortunately, my buddy wasn't able to ride in the taxi with me to campus because of other obligations, but she did meet me at the airport and sent me off in the right direction (ish)! The Changi Airport is quite cool, it's a huge airport, and supposedly one of the top in the world. Customs was really quick and I had no problem getting my baggage or finding my way around. From the Changi Airport, I took a taxi to NUS (except I had to find the address on my phone and tell the driver how to get there, which has been my experience on both the taxi rides I've been on...they don't seem to know where they are going!) So I was a bit frazzled at first, but then we got to campus and the signs were easy that led us to UTown. I paid $22SD for the taxi and I was now standing in front of a strange building in a brand new place with my bags and my only directions were to find the main office. I found some stairs and went to the main level where there was a bunch of people essentially thrift shopping through piles of people's unwanted stuff. When I got down there, an RA approached me and told me where to go and said to hurry back to look through the goods. So I meandered over to the office and checked in incredibly easily. It took less than 5 minutes. I got my room key and a bunch of keys to lock various things. I went up to my room, a single room in a flat of 4 with a shared common area. I am on the 17th floor and look directly across from the North tower, but if I look sideways, I can see the grassy field. I did go back downstairs to the thrift area and grabbed a ton of hangers, found some sheets, and got a few new pairs of clothes...good finds I'd say. I took the rest of the afternoon to do laundry (as all my clothes were dirty from India). There is a large laundry room on the 2nd floor, but the machines only take $1SD coins, and some of the machines require the new coin while others require the old coin. There are washers and dryers and they seem to work pretty good.
Ha, so this is where it all gets tricky. I signed up for a meet-n-greet airport service from NUS where they sent a buddy to meet me at the Changi Airport when I arrived. Unfortunately, my buddy wasn't able to ride in the taxi with me to campus because of other obligations, but she did meet me at the airport and sent me off in the right direction (ish)! The Changi Airport is quite cool, it's a huge airport, and supposedly one of the top in the world. Customs was really quick and I had no problem getting my baggage or finding my way around. From the Changi Airport, I took a taxi to NUS (except I had to find the address on my phone and tell the driver how to get there, which has been my experience on both the taxi rides I've been on...they don't seem to know where they are going!) So I was a bit frazzled at first, but then we got to campus and the signs were easy that led us to UTown. I paid $22SD for the taxi and I was now standing in front of a strange building in a brand new place with my bags and my only directions were to find the main office. I found some stairs and went to the main level where there was a bunch of people essentially thrift shopping through piles of people's unwanted stuff. When I got down there, an RA approached me and told me where to go and said to hurry back to look through the goods. So I meandered over to the office and checked in incredibly easily. It took less than 5 minutes. I got my room key and a bunch of keys to lock various things. I went up to my room, a single room in a flat of 4 with a shared common area. I am on the 17th floor and look directly across from the North tower, but if I look sideways, I can see the grassy field. I did go back downstairs to the thrift area and grabbed a ton of hangers, found some sheets, and got a few new pairs of clothes...good finds I'd say. I took the rest of the afternoon to do laundry (as all my clothes were dirty from India). There is a large laundry room on the 2nd floor, but the machines only take $1SD coins, and some of the machines require the new coin while others require the old coin. There are washers and dryers and they seem to work pretty good.
Amazing overhead walkway that blocks the rain and sun from UTown to the main sidewalk path. To walk, it is about 25 minutes from UTown to the BIZ building. If you don't have to wait for the bus, it takes about 8 minutes.
Grocery Stores & Food Canteens:
As far as buying groceries and other needed items, there is a Cheers and an Express FairPrice here in UTown. But they are super limited and pretty expensive. There are much larger and cheaper FairPrices at the Kent Ridge MRT Station, Clementi Mall, and my favorite one is about a 30 minute walk from UTown, off of Dover Road.
The food canteens here at UTown serve lots of noodles and rice dishes, but mostly everything has meat. For the first two weeks, I have had a relatively hard time finding food that I can eat, so I was mostly buying tomatoes, avocado, apples, and ramen from the store to eat. But, I have recently found this good vegetarian place that I cannot remember the name for the life of me, but it has a wall of items that you handpick and put in your bowl...ranging from baked, fried, and fresh tofu, vegetables, and a few meat items. Once you choose what you want, then you hand the worker your bowl and you can get one of four different kinds of noodles with soup or with Laksa (spicy gravy) or rice. This is a big bowl too, and it's super cheap....between $2.80-4.50SD per bowl. There are lots of drink options to choose from...from bubble tea, to hot/cold Milo, to fruit juices, to numerous teas.
As far as buying groceries and other needed items, there is a Cheers and an Express FairPrice here in UTown. But they are super limited and pretty expensive. There are much larger and cheaper FairPrices at the Kent Ridge MRT Station, Clementi Mall, and my favorite one is about a 30 minute walk from UTown, off of Dover Road.
The food canteens here at UTown serve lots of noodles and rice dishes, but mostly everything has meat. For the first two weeks, I have had a relatively hard time finding food that I can eat, so I was mostly buying tomatoes, avocado, apples, and ramen from the store to eat. But, I have recently found this good vegetarian place that I cannot remember the name for the life of me, but it has a wall of items that you handpick and put in your bowl...ranging from baked, fried, and fresh tofu, vegetables, and a few meat items. Once you choose what you want, then you hand the worker your bowl and you can get one of four different kinds of noodles with soup or with Laksa (spicy gravy) or rice. This is a big bowl too, and it's super cheap....between $2.80-4.50SD per bowl. There are lots of drink options to choose from...from bubble tea, to hot/cold Milo, to fruit juices, to numerous teas.
  Iced Milo.  Laksa |   Iced Oolong Tea  Iced Green Jasmine Milk Tea |
Transportation-
Singapore has really good public transportation including the MRT, busses, and taxi service. The MRT goes essentially everywhere in Singapore, and if it doesn't take you close enough, then you can hop on a bus to get to your actual destination. Despite the tiny size of Singapore, it takes at least an hour to go anywhere! It's crazy. I learned something about cars here in Singapore...Someone can buy a car for a decent price but then they must pay for a COE (Certificate of Entitlement) which can cost as much or more than the car! It is a government imposed initiative to limit the number of cars on the roads. It's similar with the housing industry...most Singaporeans live with their parents until they get married, because you are not allowed to own a house here unless you are 35+ or married. I found that interesting since that is not how it is in the states.
The MRT is good, it is clean, relatively efficient, and goes most places. At first, I was pretty nervous to go figure out the MRT system by myself, but I got a good little map that shows all the routes and I realized that it is actually really easy. The MRT is my main means of transportation...there is even a station named Dakota. I still have to go check it out! I actually want to stop at every station on the MRT to explore and see what is there. Each stop has a different name with a different meaning, so I think it would be really interesting to figure out what each one means. Plus, that would be a great way to get immense exposure to Singapore.
Singapore has really good public transportation including the MRT, busses, and taxi service. The MRT goes essentially everywhere in Singapore, and if it doesn't take you close enough, then you can hop on a bus to get to your actual destination. Despite the tiny size of Singapore, it takes at least an hour to go anywhere! It's crazy. I learned something about cars here in Singapore...Someone can buy a car for a decent price but then they must pay for a COE (Certificate of Entitlement) which can cost as much or more than the car! It is a government imposed initiative to limit the number of cars on the roads. It's similar with the housing industry...most Singaporeans live with their parents until they get married, because you are not allowed to own a house here unless you are 35+ or married. I found that interesting since that is not how it is in the states.
The MRT is good, it is clean, relatively efficient, and goes most places. At first, I was pretty nervous to go figure out the MRT system by myself, but I got a good little map that shows all the routes and I realized that it is actually really easy. The MRT is my main means of transportation...there is even a station named Dakota. I still have to go check it out! I actually want to stop at every station on the MRT to explore and see what is there. Each stop has a different name with a different meaning, so I think it would be really interesting to figure out what each one means. Plus, that would be a great way to get immense exposure to Singapore.
Just for Humor-
They have 13th floors here...haha
They have 13th floors here...haha
Today, I went to visit the Orchid Gardens at the Botanic Gardens of Singapore. Orchids are my most favorite flower so this was way cool! I didn't know this beforehand, but the Orchid is Singapore's country flower. I took so many pictures...each flower was so beautiful. I got to practice my macro-picture taking skills...so some of them are a little out of focus, but there are some really amazing pictures in here. I hope you can take the time to look at them all! I don't think I can even choose my favorite one...they are all just so beautiful!
(click on the small pictures to make them bigger!)
(click on the small pictures to make them bigger!)
Amazed by God's handicraft. I mean look at this thing! Imagine if He put so much careful detail and beauty in this flower, how much more care and love He has for us.
Ahhh, that was the coolest flower garden I have EVER been to!
FYI - $1 for students & $5 for general public.
Today was super fun. Two friends and I traveled up through Singapore via MRT (Kent Ridge to Tanah Merah Station) and bus (#2) until we got to the ferry terminal in Changi Village. From there, we took a short ferry to Palau Ubin Island and rented bikes and rode around the island for 3-4 hours, visiting the wetlands, dirt paths, paved paths, in through the land, and out by the water. It was quite fun and great company!
This bike looks WAY nicer than it was. You should have seen us trying to get up even the slightest hill. Gears slipping, chains falling off, noises that should not come from a bike... haha
Ferry to Ubin Island
$2.50 each way on ferry & $5-8 to rent a bike for the day for those of you wanting to go...
Wet Lands with a Super Cool Tower & we saw some boars!
Sporting the top of the tower windy kind of look :)
Biking Around...
Lunch & Double Decker Bus Back to the MRT Station
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ps- click on the small pictures throughout to see a bigger view!
Hi There :)
Today, I went on a cool adventure through Singapore following a long string of trails with crazy architecture and greenery along the way. The photos below depict the journey! For anyone wanting to do this, you can start at Kent Ridge Park (off of South Buona Vista Rd & Vigilante) and walk to Harbour Front and then take the MRT home (which is what I did) or you can take the MRT to Harbour Front and do it in reverse, ending at Kent Ridge Park.
Today, I went on a cool adventure through Singapore following a long string of trails with crazy architecture and greenery along the way. The photos below depict the journey! For anyone wanting to do this, you can start at Kent Ridge Park (off of South Buona Vista Rd & Vigilante) and walk to Harbour Front and then take the MRT home (which is what I did) or you can take the MRT to Harbour Front and do it in reverse, ending at Kent Ridge Park.
1. Kent Ridge Park
I started at NUS and walked to the Kent Ridge Park, about 45 minute walk.
2. Canopy Walk
From Kent Ridge Park, I took a short Canopy Walk :)
3. HortPark
From the Canopy Walk, I came upon HortPark which is a huge community garden!! It was super pretty and very peaceful back here.
4. Alexandra Arch
5. Forest Walk
After the bridge, I followed a chain of treetop metal paths thru the jungle.
6. Henderson Waves
7. Mt. Faber Loop
8. Marang Trail & Jewel Box
9. Harbour Front MRT - Vivo City - Sentosa Boardwalk
All total, it took me about 3 hours to get from NUS UTown to Harbour Front.
Pretty nature walk and a good view of that side of Singapore!
Pretty nature walk and a good view of that side of Singapore!
MacRitchie Reservoir & Treetops Walk, Singapore
Today, I had the privilege to meet up with my friend, Sam, who is from Singapore but spent her university years at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It was super great to see her. :) We did a long walk around a big reservoir and a tree tops walk somewhere near Bishan. There were lots of monkeys (and mothers with little tiny baby monkeys clenched onto their front sides) and a big Monitor Lizard on the trail. We walked for several hours, reaching close to 10 miles, about 16km.
Rider's Cafe - Lunch
After our walk, we went to the Rider's Cafe, a cute sandwich, salad, soup kind of place. We both ate a Portobello Mushroom burger and it was sooo good! It had mushrooms, french onion like onions, a yummy sauce, and something else that tasted good on Ciabatta bread. It was nice to see an old friend and catch up on each others lives.
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Then of course, I finished the rest of the day with a yummy bubble tea ;)
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