2011 came out to be a year which felt wasted. Perhaps it was some sort of a long ORD break. ORD came in Feb, after which was much nuaing and planning for a crazy Europe backpacking trip. ORD was kinda bittersweet. 2 years of life in army had been good I must admit. I was lucky enough to get a slack job, meeting new people, and also trying to understand myself and how the world works a little more.
Europe trip was done with Ben, Subra and Louis. I just can't help but feel that the trip was outright suay for me. Getting pickpocketed and managing to escape, yet unlucky a second time with my entire bag stolen. Camera, iPod, notes I jotted down throughout the trip together with contacts of many people we've met along the way, all lost. Young and reckless? I still don't think that it's my fault, the thieves were just too professional. Perhaps it's just not something that Singaporeans (coming from such a safe city) would ever understand, the importance of guarding your own things.
Nevertheless, looking back, there were still good times of getting shocked at the size of the pissing boy in Belgium, getting zonked out in Amsterdam, getting blown away on the ferry in Hamburg, getting blown away (again) by the BG in Berlin, stunned by the quirky weather of Dresden, wowed by the sheer beauty of the city of Prague, knowing that there's the UFO bridge in Bratislava, having the massive Hungarian meal in Budapest, getting lost in the complex waterways of Venice, impossible number of poses with the leaning tower in Pisa, visiting Michelangelo's David (fake) in Florence, the rich history of Rome, the most beautiful side of Mother Nature in Interlaken and finally with my bag getting stolen in Paris.
My most favouritest city has got to be Interlaken, a clear winner with its quiet surroundings, friendly people and the stunning Alpine Alps. There is no doubt I'll be back again, definitely.
Coming back from the long trip was some time left to recuperate before school started. Lost quite a bit of weight during the entire trip. The best decision during this period of May to July was probably an impromptu decision to go to Bali with Kai Keng. My first time flying alone. Waited at the cui airport alone for several hours as we were taking different flights. Nevertheless, the wait was worth it when we reached our accommodations. Bali is a beautiful city with endless beaches and rich history. Excellent place to wind down and relax before the sheer hecticness of uni life awaits me.
School started and ended in a flurry. 4 months, not quite knowing what I've actually learned, not quite knowing friends, not quite doing anything at all. It all felt too fast, too furious. Maybe I should try to find what i truly am interested in.
All in all, 2011 made me feel like a cat. Sleep, eat, wake up, crawl around, sit around, fall asleep.. Didn't accomplish much at all.
Let's hope 2012 would be better.
