May 19, 2010 - So Here I Am

Well I did it! I have come to the end of my exchange program, and accomplished everything on my checklist. I even tried durian today! I don't know of anything that is left for me to do in Singapore. Lastly, I am now a promotional face of NUS. I will post a video once it becomes available.

Today I am camping out at the airport in order to catch my airplane in early hours of the morning. I met up with my host for one last time at the airport and we went and ate Hibachi Grill Japanese food. I am stuffed. It is like I ate dinner and breakfast in one sitting.

After a long-short semester I am ready to go back. I will miss this place, but I know that one day I hope to visit again. I am ready to bring life back to the way it was and see familiar faces again as well as embarking on new adventures.

Ready or not world, I am on my way home!

May 12, 2010 - Things To Do & Places To See

Currently, I am busy working on accomplishing everything on my checklist. Since the start of this week, it seemed like I was not going to be able to get everything done in enough time, but now it looks quite manageable.

Today, I fulfilled my promise that I have been postponing for about a month now. I finally went to Universal Studios!

So, as promised, here is the report: It is smaller than EPCOT at Disney World. It does not have too many high-thrill rides. It is more of a theme park with many shows. However, there is an indoor rollercoaster where its surroundings are completely dark. Which means, you have no reference as to which way is up and which way is down. They had a special promotion for the month of May where visitors get a $10 food, and a $5 souvenir voucher. The $5 souvenir voucher really was not much help at all because most of the products are overpriced. I did not want to spend a bunch of money, so I just bought a deck of cards with Universal Studios Singapore written on them.

My favorite part of Universal Studios Singapore: At the end of the day, the workers line up on both sides of the road at the park entrance and wave the guests off as they walk out of the park. After I was waved off, I walked a bit further, and then paused. I thought, "Since I am by myself, I have no time constraints.” I then turned back around, walked to the workers, joined them in their line, and started to wave other guests off. I asked the workers if they minded and they said that was fine. So, I spend a good hour waving and high-fiving people off. The workers, guests, and I had a good laugh. Some guests looked at me with an oh-he-works-here facial expression, while others simply laughed. When the guests were getting their picture taken with the workers, surprisingly the workers invited me to get in on the pictures too! They interacted with me for the many photos taken and treated me as if one of their own. One of workers from the other side playfully asked me where my costume was. I replied, "I am wearing it. I am an extra from one of the newer films." They smiled and laughed. It honestly seemed like most of them were thinking that I would make a good addition to the park, and if they had the power, would give me an on-the-spot job offer. I do not know, but doing something like this really makes me want to go into the entertainment industry...

So what is next? Tomorrow, I am going to ride all the MRTs and then go cable skiing at Ski 360. I have been walking for a good part of the past two days, and I need to give my legs a break because the day after tomorrow I am going to go to Indonesia. After that, all I will have left is a quick trip to go SCUBA Diving!

April 22, 2010 - Reflection

It is hard for me to believe that this semester is already winding down. It went by so fast. Looking over my daily logbook, I am amazed at everything I have done while in Singapore. Yet only a small dot on a map, this country is thriving with a multi-cultural aspect that could not be found anywhere else. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to call Singapore my temporary home, and to participate in the Texas A&M Reciprocal Education Exchange Program. Whoop!

Between the time that I have arrived and now, I have noticed a change in me. Being on this Exchange Program has reassured me that after I graduate, the sky is my limit (pardon the pun), and I can do anything I set my mind to. It has allowed me to open my eyes and gain a greater international perspective and understanding about the world in which I live. I have become more cultured, self-reliant, and independent. I would not trade this experience for anything else! Once I walk through the security checkpoint at Changi Airport, turn around one last time and say farewell to a world that was first unknown to me, that door shall remain open and never close, but instead, it will be awaiting my return.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible! I have 29 days left in Asia, and now it is time to make this last month a memorable experience!

April 19, 2010 - MacRitchie Nature Reserve & AlumNUS

Yesterday I went to the MacRitchie Nature Reserve. It was very relaxing. This place is a giant area in the middle of Singapore that has been left untouched to development in order to preserve the natural wildlife and trees of the region. Monkeys are free to roam about and are not confined to one area. I could literally reach out and touch one sitting right next to me, but I did not. While on the trek, there were signs that told people about the native plants and animals within the Nature Reserve. I made it an effort to read all the signs along the trek. I enjoyed reading the signs about the natural environment and all the different trees (I know where that gene comes from). I learned, there are two trees in the Nature Reserve that, when certain compounds are isolated, have anti-HIV like properties! The rainforest has so much to offer, yet very little has been explored or tapped into! I do not know the next time I will ever experience something like this again.

I laughed about an hour into the park because once you enter; there is no direct way out. You have either to walk back or continue the trek to the end. I decided not turn around, instead I continued the trek to the end. I walked for hours! Halfway through, I decided to take a longer, “scenic route,” and made my way to the treetop walkway. There I was suspended 35 metres (~100 feet) above the rainforest floor. Everywhere I looked, I could only see trees. There were no buildings nor sounds of cars. It felt like I was instantly transported back in time, where only man and nature existed. I am glad I went. I will definitely be back to take some pictures (I did not have my camera with me; it was more of a spontaneous activity). Overall, I walked more than 13 kilometers (8 miles) with very little stops, only 3 letres (~1 gallon) of water, and three flavours of ice cream in my stomach…all in 5 hours! The only other time I did something like this was with Boy Scouts at the Philmont Scout Ranch.

On other side, it is now official. I am considered an alumni of NUS. I am now the proud owner of the NUS alumni card and I am now entitled to various discounts all around Singapore any time I visit. Whoop!

April 15, 2010 - Other News

Tomorrow, I will be going to watch the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. I am excited to go and I am looking forward to the unique experience. That morning, I will finally be exploring part of the northern half of Singapore (Bukit Reservoir area to be exact). After Friday, I would have traveled and seen over 80% of Singapore. The remaining 20% would be northern residential areas that I tend to explore too. It is also in my plans to ride all the MRT (Mass Rail Transit) routes and visit all the parks before I leave. After that, I will have seen all of Singapore.

I have not gone to Universal Studios yet, but I hope to next week. Today is the last school day at NUS, and all I have left are finals. I will now have more time to go do some fun and exciting things. I am ready to embark on a new adventure!

I have had only one trip outside of Singapore, and that was the only time I traveled. I think it would be good to have one "end-of-the-year" reward for the end of a successful semester. I am planning on going SCUBA Diving in the tropics of Asia.

April 14, 2010 - Exchange Student Farewell Party

It is about time I start these back up again. School has been hectic, but now I have no more classes! Whoop!

Today, there was an Exchange Student farewell party at the NUS alumni center. It was the only other time all the exchange students have gotten together and visited since the school year started. There are some exchange students who do not take finals, because they are auditing classes, so they will be departing soon. It was good to see them one last time, and a great way to end the year!

I participated in a photography competition that the NUS alumni center hosted. Out of three photographs I entered, the one titled, "Hands - Earth Hour" in the Singapore album won first place! The prize, a $30 gift certificate to a very nice high-ranked Japanese shopping mall.

After the party, I was approached by one of the employees from the Office of Admissions at NUS. They told me that they would like me to appear in their main promotional video for the prospective international and local NUS Students. I was honored that they asked me. I told them I would, and now I have a shooting date set for April 23. When the video get's released, it will definitely be up.

It was hard for me to believe, but it seemed like the day just kept getting better.

March 27, 2010 - Cosplay & Earth Hour

Very Short Update. Things are going well. I have been very busy with school and I have been sick the past week.

Today, I took a day for myself and took photographs of a cosplay competition and of an event called Earth Hour. Earth Hour at Esplanade Park was entirely powered by recycled cooking oil.

If you would like to learn more about Earth Hour, please check out last year's commercial down below.

March 25, 2010 - Touring Singapore

I got to go on a tour of Singapore by some NUS students to help them out on their business project. I had so much fun, and got to see many new sights and get an insider scoop on the daily activities in Singapore. I have attached their finished video.

March 6, 2010 - Pulau Ubin & the Casino

My day was pretty fun. It was a well-needed break from studying. I biked through the undisturbed jungles of Pulau Ubin (one of two islands that belong to Singapore). I saw a bunch of wild animals including monkeys, wild hogs, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and tropical birds. This island is so small, I literally biked down every single road in 3.5 hours. It was good exercise. This island was exactly what I was looking for in Asia. It consisted of unpaved trails surrounded by trees and very little modernization. It was great!

I also went to the casino in Singapore. I got in for free, had a half-price meal, and had the intention of spending SG$20. I played roulette, and came out with SG$25 (that's enough for a "free" lunch tomorrow)! Overall, it was a good day.

Universal Studios Theme Park opens on March 18! I'll be there soon after that date, and have a report for you all. Until then...

February 20, 2010 - TEDxSingapore

"Imagine if every time you dine out, a hungry child gets fed automatically. Imagine if every time you bought a TV, someone else received the gift of sight automatically. Imagine if every time you buy a book, a tree gets planted automatically. A simple idea sharing the joy of giving, every second, every day and in every way." -Masami Sato, B1G1

Many ideas, all worth spreading. TEDxSingapore accomplished just that.

Let me tell you about some that stood out for me:

1. (This deals with the quote above) Back in 1997 only half a million charities existed in the United States, and 10 years later, it grew to over a million. What I find interesting is that if you look at the number of people considered in poverty or in need of help, this number was not cut in half, but also doubled. Just imagine a world where every day we help someone out, directly or indirectly. It is a beautiful thought. So simple of an idea, yet it can be so powerful. Masami Sato's quote/idea is not too far away. If we all pitch in and play our part, I have hope that one day, "a simple idea sharing the joy of giving" can be obtained.

2. This is an excerpt from a talk about nueromarketing, the understanding of how the brain functions to market products and ideas to you.

Are you right or left brained?
Left Brained	Right Brained
Reasoning	Insight
Problem Solving	Imagination
Right Hand Control	Art Awareness
Spoken & Writing	Left Hand Control
Mathematics	Hearing Melodies
Science	Pattern Recognition

Which eye is your non-dominate eye? Refer back to the table. Here is an idea: Maybe next time you go to a store, you should close your dominate eye while you make your purchase selections. You should be less inclined to impulse buy.

3. Inspirational quotes:
"We must never forget to connect with our heart." -Jacquelin LeSueur
"When you touch pure energy, there is no beginning and ending, just oneness." -Jacquelin LeSueur (This is the basics of Buddhism belief)
"Don't think outside the box, your life is one beautiful box overflowing with ideas and experiences." -Alison Lester

February 17, 2010 - Chinese New Year

This past Saturday marked the start of Chinese New Year (CNY). I watched firecrackers (like multiple strings of M80's) and enjoyed listening to the Chinese music. There is a ton of food too! It is all very good and filling, and it mostly consists of soup, noodles, rice, and meat. Lastly, there are some insane discounts...90% off books (I know where I'm spending my time now)!

Two nights ago I jogged to west coast park and saw a bunch of pitched tents. At the park there were people flying kites at night with strobe lights. What a relaxing way to spend CNY! I never knew how close this park actually is to the National University of Singapore (I'll definitely be back to take pictures).

Other than that, nothing is new over here. I am on my spring break equivalence and only have 66 days until the end of school (not including finals). Time here is starting to fly fast. I hope I can keep up!

February 9, 2010 - Update

These past couple of weeks have been busy. In two days a successful trip to KL was planned. Though it is not as clean and safe as Singapore, it was an enjoy able trip. I would go back, but to the east side. The west side reminded me much of the border towns in Mexico (mostly along the lines of people wanting you to check out their shop). They always wanted to make a "special deal" with me, but I declined all deals. It felt like I was my own discount card. I was bugged so many times, by so many people, that it got to the point to where I just told them that I do not speak English in either Spanish or German. Once I said that sentence, they left me alone. The east side, on the other hand, was nice and clean. It was very peaceful and laid back. It felt like a different city. I went up to the Petronas Towers (worlds tallest twin towers) to view KL. It was not all that exciting. Since tickets were free, they can only let a certain amount of people up to the sky bridge per day. I waited in line for about two hours to view KL for 10 minutes. On the plus side, I can now say I have been there and seen all of KL.

On a different note, I have registered to attend a free TEDxSingapore conference on February 20. It should be fun to hear about many "ideas worth spreading" from a different cultures point of view. Last year, my Cultural Anthropology teacher introduced me to TED, and I quickly became a fan. I might as well jump at the opportunity while it exists.

I went to the Singapore Airshow and came back roasted like a lobster. I wore my NASA hat and for some reason I felt immune to the sun's rays and did not apply sun screen. I am better now though. I actually had people ask me where I got my tan.

I will be updating my pictures more often, so check back. Please feel free to send me feedback using the contact me link. Well that is about it for now. Until next time.

January 24, 2010 - Typical Happenings

Well not too much is new over here. Tomorrow marks the start of the third week of school. I got all my classes set (I love my schedule and the diversity of the subjects). This semester I’m taking Sociology, Physics, Theatre, and Engineering Ethics. I have no classes on Friday, and every other week, I have Wednesday off.

I'm feeling comfortable in my surroundings, and now I believe it is time I explore what lies outside of Singapore. I have looked into going to Kuala Lumpur (in Malaysia) and I can get round-trip 1st-class train tickets for only $20 USD! That sounds like a really good deal. I might have to get a small group of exchange students together to go on a weekend trip to KL. I am also looking into Indonesia, but haven’t gotten very far. Singapore is the most expensive place in all of Southeast Asia. So, it can only get cheaper from here.

You might be wondering what most Singaporeans do for fun. I have discovered, and been told that they are shopping, eating, and standing in long lines. The most common of the three is eating. The food here is very diverse with many different cultural dishes. I decided to try Singapore’s most spicy dish, Curry Chicken. I ate it, added more spices to it, and it still was not hot. It ranked with Jalapeños. I was told that I should try Thai food, especially Tom Yum (a very spicy soup). We’ll see how that goes. Another hobby would be standing in long lines. It doesn’t matter what the line is for. Just stand in it, chances are it is probably something free. Shopping and window shopping both rank high amongst the locals. With malls everywhere (about every 1000m), it can be a little overwhelming. I am used to going to one mall to satisfy all my needs. In downtown Singapore, they have them of all genres!

This study abroad experience still feels like one giant summer vacation. What a perfect time to get fit. I’m going to go exercise. See you all in about 117 days.

January 15, 2010 - Becoming a "Local"

A week ago, January 8, a group of exchange students happened to stumble upon what would soon become my favorite spot thus far in Singapore, Marina Bay.

Marina Bay is a bay in the middle of the city that allows spectators to view the skyline of Singapore from all different locations. At one end there is a Merlion (Half lion, half mermaid) that overlooks the bay. At the other end there is an outdoor theatre that also overlooks the bay. The skyline at night is amazing, and it is something I cannot describe. Every Friday night the convention center setups a free venue for local artists to come and perform. The music I listened to that week was Mellow Acoustic Jazz. Before Friday night I felt as if I was a tourist in this city (sometimes I still feel that way depending on where I go), but this night was different because I made me feel as a local. Maybe it was Singapore's way opening up its arms, ushering me in and saying "welcome." I now know where I am going just about every Friday night.

January 10, 2010 - Foot Fish Spa & Tea

Well, today I got a pedicure. This was not your normal pedicure though. Flesh eating fishes attached themselves to your feet and hands, and nibble away at the dead skin for about 20 minutes. It was kind of awkward at first, but I quickly got used to it. I never knew that fish could make your hands and feet so soft and smooth. I find myself rubbing my hands together unknowingly to feel how soft and smooth they are. They feel so great. I'll admit, I will do it again.

I also tried peppermint tea and that was extremely potent. I had the three people I was with try it too, and after their first sip, their facial expression immediately changed as if it was too strong for them. One small sip is equivalent to eating five peppermint mints at once. It was so strong that I only had half a centimeter before I had to throw the whole drink away and get a new drink all together that was less strong, Milk tea with pearls.

It has been a good day. In one week, I have traveled around most of southern Singapore, and now I know the south pretty well. School starts tomorrow and I will register for my classes then. Lets hope it goes smoothly!

January 4, 2010 - Tasting and Seeing Singapore

Forget Jet Lag, because that never happened. I went to bed last night at 9 and woke up this morning at 7 to start off on a new adventure, Tasting and Seeing Singapore. Now I believe the easiest way to get to know a city is to just immerse yourself in it. Well I did just that and I brought along two other exchange students from the US.

We jumped on the first bus we could and headed off to an unknown location. When we decided it was time to get off, we were at miniature mall. This mall was not your typical mall, instead there were shops and shops of nothing but food, an arcade and karaoke. You might as well enjoy Singapore while you are there, so the three of us decided to go eat at "Shin Tokyo Sushi" (there was a special deal of 99 cents per plate)! This isn't your typical restaurant either because there is a conveyer belt that delivers food to everyone in the restaurant and you just pick and choose what you want and take it off the belt. You don't need to worry about someone else further down the belt because there is plenty to go around (pardon the pun). So what did I get? My meal consisted of Cold Japanese Green Tea, Kani Tama Maki, Spicy Shitake Mushroom, Chuka Idako, and Spicy Idako.

Once we were finished eating, we decided to go explore Singapore so we jumped on the subway train headed for China Town. Honestly, I felt like I was in a border town shopping center in Mexico. I know why too. A lot of tourist go there. From there we went across town and jumped on a bus to head back to NUS (by this time it was already 5pm). When we got off the bus we were lost and started consulting the bus route. While doing so, a local overheard us and asked us what we were looking for. We said that we were looking for NUS and they just told us to turn around (a giant blond moment for all three of us). When we got back to our dorms, we departed and went back to our respective rooms. What an adventurous day.

December 31, 2009 - Last Day

Today I finished packing and went to the airport to obtain my tickets to Singapore. It is kind of hard to believe that in three hours time, I will embark on a new venture.  I remember that about a year ago, I was sitting at my computer exploring the possibility of becoming a foreign exchange student, and well...here I am about to set foot on a new country that I will call home for the next 5 months.

When the airline representative handed me my tickets today, mixed feelings of excitement about the unknown that is to come, and missing the known that I have grown accustomed to for 21 years flowed throughout my body.  I remember my dad telling me that an experience like this is life changing, and there is no doubt in my mind that it will be one of these experiences.  Time to live a simple life.

Ready or not world, here I come!

December 17, 2009 - Introduction

This blog will be used to document my study abroad experience in Singapore.

Having this opportunity will make a lasting impression on my life, helping shape my life goals, and gaining a greater international perspective and understanding about the world in which I live. As a young adult, if we want to develop international ties and unity with other countries in the future, it starts with us now. The experience of traveling abroad will allow me to meet and develop relationships, network with future leaders and scholars of other countries, and gain new perspectives of the events that shape our world.

As a serious student, an Eagle Scout, and a young adult with very strong morals, I know I will be an outstanding representative of Texas A&M University in the study abroad program at the National University of Singapore. I understand that participating in this program is an honor and carries with it the responsibility of representing the best qualities of Texas A&M University students in a foreign environment. I know that I will not only meet, but exceed these expectations as an Ambassador of goodwill from Texas A&M University.