Second Entry (Exchange program to Wuhan, China)

During the trip, the teachers had arranged 2 students to share a hotel room. Unfortunately, I was paired up with a girl whom I was quite uncomfortable with. I've tried to ask the teachers to allow me to change rooms, but they didn't allow.

During one of the nights, we had an argument and I went out of the room and went to my other friends' room. But just then, i remembered that I have forgotten to take my hotel card from the room. I knocked on the door several times but she did not open the door. I was so pissed at that point of time. I had no other choice but to sleep in my other friends' room. After chatting and letting out all my frustrations, I felt much better. For the remaining days, I avoided her as much as possible.

From this experience, I have learnt how to manage my emotions better and over the years, learnt that it is necessary to be nice to everyone, even to people you dislike. I saw this quote on Facebook while writing this post and I think it relates well. "Being nice to someone you dislike doesn't mean you're fake. It means you are mature enough to tolerate your dislike towards them."

I've had many holidays before but the two of my most interesting experiences was when i was 12 and when i was 14. It was during the June and December holidays and my parents took the whole family overseas to the United States of America. We alighted at the Los Angeles international airport where we rented a Chevrolet family car and drove to our hotel. After a good rest, we hopped onto to car and had a road trip to the different sightseeing locations. Disney Land and the universal studios showcased brilliant shows and had awesome rides which Singapore can never match up to. The stars of the many shows which we have seen on TV or in the movies come alive in a fantasy world which a die-hard fan like me could never forget. Furthermore, since it was Christmas, there was a Disney Christmas parade filled with fireworks and festivities. It was truly a party to die for. After a few days of utter enjoyment and indulgence, we took off in a road trip to San Diego to visit Sea World. There in Sea World, Shamu from the movie "Free Willy" and other marine creatures showed and wowed the audience with their intelligence doing flips and obeying commands which the trainers gave. The playful animals also teased the crowded with water splashing from the open air aquarium and “flipper” gestures. We had a great time and it was really an eye-opener for us in the United States of America, would love to go back to USA again soon.

Essay 2: the trip to Mexico

The trip to Mexico was an educational one. As my dad was posted in Mexico to work, we went there to accompany him for 6 months. Hence, while we were there, we were homeschooled and my sibling and I were given the opportunity to learn Spanish and we embraced it and learnt more than just a language. We learnt cultures and as well as jokes which I have forgotten many years ago. In Mexico, we lived in Santa Anita, Guadalajara where our humongous house was situated in a country club which had a golf course and many other facilities which Singapore does not have in its country clubs. We had 2 cars one family and one business and as well as 2 Go-karts and a buggy for golfing. During the day, my dad would go to work while the family stayed home. My brother and I had lessons and after the educational intellectual nutrition, we went into the backyard to find golf balls and catch wild animals. In the evening, the sun would set behind the mountain which was situated just in the background, splashing out a spectrum of beautiful colours before it faded away in the darkness of the night showcasing the many more stars and bigger and brighter moon as compared to the Singapore scenery. Dinner in Mexico was unusually later as compared to Singapore and the food was nothing but authentic food of the Spaniards. It was tasty and my dad and my brother had a tacos eating contest amongst them. My brother, being a greedy pig ate 46 tacos in a single sitting. This was usually what we’d do in Mexico and it was considered a boring holiday. But it is forged deeply in my memory and it is truly unforgettable.

First Entry (Exchange Program to Wuhan, China)

4 years ago, I had this chance to go to Wuhan, China for an overseas exchange program with 9 other students. I was very excited about the trip because it was my first time going overseas without my parents. It was a whole new experience for me as we got to visit some places of interest to learn more about the Chinese culture.

When we reached Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, the students and teachers of Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School were there with a large banner to give us a warm welcome! We then proceeded to the hotel to put our luggage and then headed to the school. We were each paired up with a Chinese buddy that will bring us around the school and we have to attend lessons together.

We also have to stay over at our buddies' home for a night. For my buddy, she stayed in a condo apartment. The layout of the buildings were quite spacious, unlike Singapore where the apartments are very congested and close to one another. I had dinner at their house and their home-cooked dishes were similar to what I had in Singapore. After dinner, we had a night walk around the condominium. Everything was very good except for one thing. Their beds.

When it comes to sleeping time, my buddy showed me the bed which I should sleep in. The mattress was very thin, and i could feel the bottom of the bed. I kept turning and tossing that night and didn't have a good sleep.

The next morning, we had black bean noodles and egg in ginger soup for breakfast. The egg in ginger soup tasted really weird, but i still ate it anyway. After breakfast, my buddy and I then head to school together.

A few days later, when we were at the airport, getting ready to depart to Singapore, I saw my buddy and her parents. I was quite surprised to see them because her parents said they were busy that day and couldn't send me off. They approached me and passed me a bag. I thought they were going to pass me another present before I left. But when I looked inside, it was my bathing towel which i left at their house during the home stay. Haha! I felt so embarrassed and thanked them too.

Through this trip, i learned to be more independent when my parents are not around and overall, it was a great experience for me!

Entry 2 (Mission Trip With Church to Cambodia)

Actually this was not my first trip to Cambodia, I have already been there with my school before. Well, that was what I thought when I signed up for the trip, but i would have never imagined that how different it would be just being at different areas of Cambodia.

At Cambodia the church was split into two groups, both with different task, one group was tasked to help out and hold lessons in the orphanage, to play and make friends with the children. The other group which I was in, was tasked to build two houses in the village area, we were supposed to build a better house out of wood, nails and bamboo, which would be bigger and the family would be able to sleep more comfortably.

The first day there was at the capital Phnom Penh. It was,  out of the week there the most bearable day, we had good food and a nice hotel to stay in. 

But our fun stopped when we travelled to Prey Veng, it was a more rural part of Cambodia where there are only certain places that has cell lines. However, we were able to get good views of plain vast lands, we could see nothing but greens for about at least 5-6 kilometres away. About a few hours drive later we reached our so called dormitory, a small stretch of houses in the middle of no where. Even though the place looked a little run down you don't hear any complains from anyone we were actually happy to be able to get out of the fast paced city life and enjoy a slow paced life instead.

Our first night at the village we went to the orphanage as a group, just for about 2-3 hours and we already made friends with some of the children there, you could see how eager these children want to meet new people. But when it was time to say goodbye you just cannot simply forget the sad looks on some of their faces. Then again, the next day some of us will be coming here again, and me and my group will be heading out to our designated area to build the house.

For about 4-5 days we completed the house which was made out of nothing but wood, bamboo, nails and 9 solid vertical structures for each house, much hard work was put into building it, each day we had to suffer a two and a half hour trip to and fro in an open lorry on a bumpy road, and so much sweat and effort was put into hammering, some of us even have bruises. Our efforts were not in vain when we were able to see the happy faces of the villages when they saw the final product.

A week at Prey Veng has really thought us to humble ourselves down and to know that we should not abuse what we have here in Singapore, some kids there are only wrapped in undergarments and running around with food in their hands that are possibly filled with dust. If given a chance I would go to Cambodia again to do whatever I can to help them again. 

Entry 1 (Overseas Trip With Secondary School to Japan)

Being the first time ever that I am going overseas, I was so eager to sign up for it! The minute my teacher-in-charge announced that we are going to Japan, for a musical exchange, since
I am from the concert band, I was jumping off my seat! However, before I could make any decision, I would say that my parents were the biggest obstacle standing between me and the trip, the amount of trouble I had to go through was just unimaginable, but after a month or so of convincing and raising my own funds for the trip, about 60 of us were scheduled to take flight around mid December. Awesome!

I was lucky to get the window seat even though it was my first plane ride. With comfortable chairs, great facilities in the plane, and not forgetting a good scenery, we reached our destination in no time, (although it technically took about 8 hours). The minute we set foot on the grounds of Japan the temperature difference made us all put our hands together blowing hot air into our palms. We were all rushing to a place where possibly there would be heaters, but there were still those who quickly pulled out their cameras and took picture of everything their eyes set on. immigration took us awhile, but when it was done we head on to our hotel, instructions were given by our conductors of our roommates and to save time we quickly went to our room and settled down for awhile so that we could continue our activities for the day, ensuring that we do not miss anything.

Our trip to Japan was not all about fun and games, it was a learning trip as well, we had a few workshops with famous Japanese musicians, people like Toru Miura and Toshio Akiyama, definitely we were able to lean a lot from them on how to improve our self individually and as a group, but of course, there were some of us who were doing f during the workshops. (Hope they weren't spotted) We also wet to a Japanese high school for exchange, even though they were about the same age as us, we could hear a significant difference in the quality of music produced, we took this opportunity to learn as much as we could from them, and being heart-warming hosts they were ever wiling to help us. definitely there was a language barrier but it did not stop them from using sign language to communicate with us.

When it is time for work we would try to learn as much as we could, but when its time to play we would go crazy together. on the last few days of the trip we went to Disneyland, there we spent the whole days taking thrilling rides and munching down foods that are not normally found in Singapore, like a rice set box that is in the shape of Micky.

This trip was really unforgettable, I really felt that as a group of musicians who play together we have become closer as friends, and have also improved on our musical knowledge and technique by a notch. It would be great that we could have this experience again but it does not matter because we already have all these memories in us.

Short trip to Johor Bahru

My parents aren't big fans of travelling so...... I don't get to travel much either. Extremely saddening, isn't it? Anyways, after much negotiations with my parents, my whole family decided that since my parents don't like to travel so far, we shall make do with a trip to Johor Bahru!

Since Johor Bahru is just somewhat an expressway away, (a very long one to me at least if you're travelling from Bedok hahahaha) we decided to drive there! There were 2 cars driving there since there's so many of us! My parents, my 2 brothers, 2 sisters, me and my brother-in-law! As usual, we were all very noisy and chatty, to the extent of arguing over very minute details. I've always loved how my family is *rowdy*. Makes the trip more enjoyable and exciting!

First stop was a seafood restaurant! We were starving since we left on an empty stomach. It was 6pm and we were desperate for food. Yes, I am allergic to seafood and yes, we were dining in a seafood restaurant. Actually, I was the one who requested for it ;) I had craving for prawns and I know I had to have some prawns since we were already here! The prawns were really good and everyone simply loved the variety of seafood that was served on our table. We chatted over food and as usual my dad shared stories from his past. No matter how often we've heard it, a good story is worth listening to again. Soon after we finished our scrumptious dinner, I'd already started itching. But it was worth it!!! The prawns were mouth watering and I have no regrets :)

Next we headed down to Giant! I LOVE HOW THE GIANT THERE IS REALLY GIANT. It's slightly bigger than the usual Giant in Singapore, maybe excluding the one in Tampines? We bought a lot of food. We just keep filing up the shopping cart and my mum said, "Why not just buy the whole store?" as she looked at the mountain of food products in the cart.

We paid up and headed for more shopping! My dad and brothers went to a store selling baju kurung since they needed to buy one for themselves prior to my brother's wedding in a few months' time. Well, the girls did some window shopping, of course but we didn't bother to buy anything since we had too many plastic bags to carry already.

We ended up buying finger food and enjoyed the food while waiting for the guys to be done.

I like how our trips' highlights were always about food :) We're such foodies and I guess that's why I am such a foodie too!

I was too tired from all the walking so I fell asleep on the way back. Next thing I knew we were already back in Singapore!

First overseas trip ever!

I guess I could remember this pretty vividly as this was my first overseas trip ever (as mentioned in my post title) and I remember being very hyped about the trip. It was a 2-day trip to Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia. I was really hyped about the trip due to the fact that we were heading to Tanjung Pinang by ferry! Besides, it was our first family trip together with a new addition to our big family, my brother-in-law. I assume this trip was a few months after their wedding back in 2008. It was for family bonding purposes, since there's a new addition to our family :)

So we headed down to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and off to board the ferry! It was really scary for me to board on the ferry cause it felt like I could fall into the sea any time and for the fact that I can't swim made my imagination run wild. But I made it on the ferry safely and got myself comfortable in my seat. I think there were about 8 of us in total so it was very chaotic and noisy yet entertaining at the same time. I was getting a little sea sick so my mum passed me some sour plum which apparently helps to reduce the urge to throw up. It worked! And my sweet third brother passed me some chips to munch on as I seemed off, resisting the urge to puke. The ferry ride was an interesting ride, you can see all the islands as you pass by them. I just wished it wasn't so shaky. I got out with my sister to join my brothers who were enjoying the breeze outside. It was indeed really breezy, in fact it was really windy and my scarf was flying everywhere! I guess this would be the plus point for a ferry ride, you're free to move here and there, and also enjoy the wind/breeze outside as you're sailing to your destination.

We finally reached Tanjung Pinang after about an hour! What a shaky journey. It was safe, just that the fact I was slightly sea sick made it unpleasant. We headed to the hotel and checked in. I got a room with my sister! :) After unpacking, we went to eat and shop! I can't exactly recall where we ate but I know we had lots of food from everywhere ;) Like those finger food from the roadside stalls. And of course, Mee Bakso! Yummy :Q_______ I was just a kid so I wasn't exactly particular about food hygiene. Now that I'm all grown up and in this course, I really wonder how hygienic those stalls were! :O

Well, we then headed back to our hotel to freshen up before heading for more food for dinner!!! THE WATER SEEMS UNCLEAR TO SOME EXTENT....... It wasn't muddy or really dirty but you can see that it wasn't the pure running clear water that we have back in Singapore. Which was rather disgusting but we had no choice. So thankful for clean water in Singapore!!!

What I remember most from this trip to Tanjung Pinang was how friendly Indonesians were. Not only the staffs that served you but also the general public. They're so nice and definitely are not shy to strike up a conversation with you. It was an eyeopening experience for me too as they were many beggars around the area that we went too. It was really heart wrenching, seeing how they are begging for money. Some are old, mothers with a baby and even kids that were just probably 5 years old? But, they didn't force you to give them money, which was a good thing as for me, it should come from the heart and sincerely. If we didn't give them money, they would still smile at you. I like how they live life positively, no matter how bad it was.

This family bonding trip over food and shopping was indeed a memorable one for me! The ferry ride will always be dreaded though :/

Entry 2

One of the best trip i ever had was when i went to a family trip to Paris and London , about 6 years ago. We spent about 1 week in Paris as our supposed trip to Venice was cancelled. The train journey was too expensive. We went there without a tour guide even though it's our first time there. We got by places by Metro, the MRT there. Their subway is so confusing and the name of the places was hard to pronounce. There were no English signs so most of the time we made assumptions by looking at the pictures beside the signs.

We went to the palace where Marie Antoinette lived last time, Luxembourg and of course Eiffel Tower. I remembered how the Eiffel Tower looked so close so we decided to walk there and it was never ending. It was that huge, when we reached and stood under it, we felt like ants. It was beautiful especially when the lights were switched on at night. Although Eiffel tower is the main attraction, to me visiting the Palace at Versailles was the most memorable. The place was really big, there's beautiful gardens with statues and maze made of bushes. It felt like how i read in the book about Marie Antoinette.

After spending a week over there, we took a train back to London and spent 3 days over there. We took the open-top bus tour and pass by the London bridge. It was very short in London, and i remembered feeling too tired to go out and explore. Since most of the time, we were either walking or taking subways to places which may take up to 1 hour journey.

The trip taught me to be more street smart, patient and independent. And also learn some easy French words. In Paris, to start a conversation with the Parisians we have to say "Bonjour" before continuing with english. I realised that they are very proud of their language and would like other people to greet them in french first.

Entry 1

About 11 years ago, i went to Perth,Australia for a family trip. That's when I encountered my first and last vehicle accident. It started very abrupt, with my uncle suddenly waking us up at around 4am in the morning to get ready for a trip to Albany, the countryside of Perth. I felt very confused but in my sleepy subconscious mind, i followed without a word. The journey there was smooth but i felt very worried and uncomfortable throughout. I saw a double rainbow on the way, and it kind of made me feel delightful in a way. It's rare to get to see one. It was a few more kilometres to our destination. We were reaching soon. I heard my uncle saying under his breath that he felt sleepy. To stop myself from worrying any further, i decided to close my eyes and sleep when suddenly i felt like the world was turned over. I heard screaming and i felt literally how the van was flipped thrice before it came to a stop, sideways.

Fortunately, i wasn't injured at all. But my parents, cousins and older sis were. There were Australians passing by with their cars, they stopped and helped to sent us to the nearest hospital. Although it was a bit chaotic , everyone kept calm throughout. My mum was quite seriously injured, she needed an operation on her neck. Most of my family members were injured. I felt helpless in my shocked state, trying to calm my younger sister down from crying for my mother.

It was an unpleasant and unforgettable trip. I had nightmares of the accident and phobia of moving vehicles. However, i've overcome my phobia over the years. I'm thankful that nothing worse happened and that everyone was safe and is now healthy.