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At NUS, it's only Week 10 of school but that means the semester is coming to an end in three weeks :( As I begin to wrap up the last of midterms and enter into final group presentations, I have also begun to gather where I should have some last few adventures in. Although much of my time at NUS was taken up due to assignments, I found myself in the most unlikeliest of places with the realest people I knew. I am someone who is willing to do the impossible and that is something I learned from those around me. Up until now, I have only been to three different countries, but despite these popular destinations, I often wander off path. And what I find amazes me every single time, even when I flip through all the memories I've captured. To me, that's more important than doing touristy things. So for my last few stories, wherever I am, I'll be all there. After a weeklong battle of group presentations and a take home midterm, I unwounded at our University Cultural Centre’s Concert Hall to support my friend, Felice, for NUS Wind Symphony's InTempo 2019: Of Music and Hope performance. The event took part of NUS Arts Festival 2019 featuring pieces inspired by personal experiences and stories of hope. It was just what I needed before ending Week 10 with another round of group presentations :) My most favorite part of the performance was not only the pieces performed — but, a sense of hope. Music bridges people from all over the world together and it reminds us that we all go through times when nothing seems right. To be able to reflect that message through each individual piece, it creates a brief moment of happiness and hope — something that I have been lacking due to the increasing difficulty in completing my course assignment and requirements. Hong Kong pt. II | March 26 - March 28, 2019 Cathay Pacific has a lot of promotions & there was one recently for students; so, I booked a ticket back to Hong Kong to fit in a few more trips before I leave Singapore. Hong Kong will always be a home away from home for me — I can’t understand or speak Cantonese, but it’s not too hard to adapt in this fast-paced city that never sleeps. Another reason for returning is that sadly, the neon-lights that once lit up Hong Kong are starting to really disappear. I wanted to document whatever I could as well as squeeze in time to visit my very talented best friend. For 48 hours, I zipped through the streets of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon day and night. This time, I didn't have much time to enjoy Hong Kong as much as I wanted to, but as I sat across from my best friend — I knew I made the right choice.
March is where the assignments start intensifying and after midterm week, finals is just right around the corner. Studying for exams has always been my weak point and for MNO3303 Organizational Effectiveness, it was no exception. If you’re not used to intense pressure, imagine studying an entire textbook for a 30 minute, 32 question exam. At NUS, the professors will only tell you which chapters are tested and it is your responsibility to be well prepared on every single topic you can think of. My classmates have told me that past professors used to weigh the exam at 35% of our grade which is high; however, this is because there is no final for MNO3303 which is understandable. Although the exam currently weighs 20% of our grade, it is still a lot and every mark counts. One thing that stuck with me while I was studying would be the words that Mr. Koh left when my group interviewed him about Project Dignity during recess week: “Every person can succeed, but there will always be factors that challenge us. Every single one of you now are the future leaders of tomorrow. There will always be someone who can do what I am doing now better than I. That person may be you one day, so focus in school because what you invest in is who you are eventually bound to become.” Project Dignity is a project that consists of training programs, culinary classes, hawker centers, bookstores, and many more. What sets this project apart from others is how Mr. Koh gives those with disabilities a chance. Rather than view them as someone with disabilities, he sees someone with the ability to change their life. It is the first project of its kind in Singapore, and Mr. Koh shared that there are many hurdles to overcome since he launched the idea in 2006. In the near future, he is thinking of expanding to Hong Kong and spread the value of dignity around the world. Note: the food at Dignity Kitchen is really good! If you ever want claypot rice or rojak (a type of Indian salad) & want to contribute, Dignity Kitchen in Serangoon is the place to go :) Aside from studying, the next few weeks are also jammed with group projects as the semester is coming to an end in about a month half. One thing that sets group projects at NUS apart from back home is how much depth and knowledge you gain from the readings that bring these projects to life. The local students are very school-oriented, therefore, it is my responsibility regardless of whether I am an exchange student to help out my peers as much as possible. On a lighter note, with one exam out of the way, it’s time to explore! Seoul, South Korea | March 9 - March 10, 2019 I planned for South Korea about three weeks ago before I decided I’d take a trip to Hong Kong for recess week. As there are barely any flights that fly out of Singapore to South Korea, my only choice was Korean Air. For an all service and more than six-hour flight, the prices were not too bad (around $500 to $550). Scoot does have an flight to Incheon International Airport; however, there are limited timings if you plan on flying out over the weekend. Also, flying on Scoot is more expensive than Korean Air after you add in baggage and seating options. I have provided a tips/places to visit list under the “Trips” tab for any reference you may need. This trip completed my journey of being able to walk through all four terminals at Changi Airport. Before studying at NUS, I’ve always heard good things about the services that Changi had to offer. I’d say that by far, I would love to depart from Terminal Four if I had a choice. This terminal is much newer compared to the other three terminals and due to its distance, only houses a few airlines. Instead of the usual security check right before departing, you go through security right after going through immigration. With only less than 48 hours to spare in Seoul, it was really difficult to hit popular tourist places. This didn’t stop me from going to a few spots such as Buckhon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Itaewon (Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art), and Dongdaemun. Upon arriving, I took a short detour to Hanuel (Sky) Park right across from the World Stadium Station. You can either pay 3,000 won and take a round trip trolley up to the park or follow an uphill path (291 stairs). This park is lesser known and it’s not a common place that tourists frequent. I wanted to get an aerial view of Seoul as well as the Han River and was in luck that they did not get rid of the whole silver grass field just yet. In all four directions, you can see Namsan Tower past the Han River and more. Later, I met up with Anna Chen, a fellow Freeman Scholar, at Myeongdong for quick snacks. Known for its endless streets of food, I found a stall that sold delicious Korean pancakes! The area is also full of shops, but Hongdae would be the ideal shopping district if that’s up your alley. Afterwards, we walked to Insadong to explore the area before arriving at Dongdaemun Design Plaza right before sunset. Myeongdong, Insadong, and Dongdaemun are easily walkable on foot (about 20-30 minutes each direction). DDP is also designed by Zaha Hadid who designed the Jockey Club Innovation Tower in Hong Kong. With that in mind, you can expect the inside of the plaza to be filled with quirky designs. To end the day, we walked to Gwangjang Market (winding street full of delicious street food) for dinner then back to Myeongdong for Sulbing (a Korean dessert cafe that sells bingsu or snow ice). The next day, I woke up bright and early to get to Bongeunsa Temple where I was able to watch Koreans pay their respects or practice their daily rituals. In one corner of the temple, stood a fully bloomed dark plum cherry blossom tree. There were many professional photographers surrounding the tree trying to get the first picture of spring. I ended up at Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace where people were walking around in hanboks. Unfortunately, I was not able to arrive in time for the changing of the guards; however, I had one of the best hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes, but with vegetable fillings) nearby :) Leeum - Samsung Museum of Art is separated into two museums: Historical and Modern. Photography is not allowed within the museum so please don't break the rules. The only areas that visitors could take pictures at where the artworks on public display. This included a floating staircase as well as gravity stairs. For a few minutes, I had this place to myself. Being in Seoul for the first time was quite overwhelming, so whenever I had the opportunity to sit or stand in peace, I made sure to take it. I went back to Dongdaemun Design Plaza later to snap a few pictures of the rose garden and admire the quirky design that Zaha Hadid seems to embed into the buildings she designed. I ended the day at Hongdae to get some shopping in and get a quick bite of Korean barbecue before I left. As the sun began to set, it was also time for me to leave.
The week before and after recess week is always tough. At NUS, everyone is trying to beat the bell curve which means that it is even more important for exchange students to receive as many marks as possible. With no classes after DSC3203 on Tuesday, I took a short break from studying and strolled through Marina Bay. Hong Kong | February 23 - February 28, 2019 Hong Kong is one of those trips I took on a whim. With a last minute change in my schedule, no real plans again, and my camera in my hand, I hopped on the earliest flight I could. After settling in to a backpacker hostel in Tsim Sha Tsui, it was time to eat! Anna Chen, a fellow Freeman Scholar studying at the University of Hong Kong, was kind enough to set aside time to take me to Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop near Jordan Station. Famous for their wontons, it was just what I needed after a week of consultations and midterm papers. Nearby was Yee Shun Milk Company which served the best steamed milk I’ve had :) Since I arrived right around monsoon season, it was raining a lot so it’s best to bring an umbrella during February-March. The next day, I woke up bright and early to go to a list of places that Anna helped me compile. Hong Kong consists of not just one but several islands. Thus, transportation can be expensive without proper planning (especially taking the MTR across the islands from Kowloon/New Territories to Hong Kong Island). I bought a Airport Express Pass (one ride from airport + 72 hours of unlimited rides, 250 HKD or $30) and an additional 24-hour tourist pass (65 HKD or $8). This allowed me to run around Hong Kong with unlimited rides for five days and was a much cheaper option than purchasing an on-loan Octopus Card for 150 HKD that required topping up. Since the Airport Express Pass is an Octopus Card itself, I actually managed to only have to top it up with 100 HKD on my way back from Kowloon to the airport. Note:
I started out Hong Kong by tackling places near Tsim Sha Tsui. I went to Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Jockey Club Innovation Tower in Hong Hom which is known for its quirky architecture by Zaha Hadid. As I walked back to TST towards Victoria Harbour, the sun came out for a brief moment giving a clear view of Hong Kong island’s beautiful skyline. Just a 20 minute walk or a MTR ride to Austin Station was Xiqu Centre. Also known for its architecture, the inside of the Cantonese Opera/Chinese traditional theatre resembled an egg. Later in the afternoon, I met up with Anna at Choi Hung Estates where we eventually went to Lok Wha South Estate which are perfect places for photography. We ended the day at another famous wonton place and made it back to Central Harbourfront Event Space in time for the last day of the Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival. On Monday, I went to several other hidden places in the New Territories which are also great backdrops for photographers. As I hopped onto the blue East Rail line to make it back to TST so I could explore Hong Kong island, I felt as if I was secretly in Taiwan. Without barricades and open stations, there was barely a difference between the MTR stations in Hong Kong and the train stations in Taiwan. On the way, I made a pit stop in Sham Shui Po to eat in Hong Kong's iconic dai pai dongs. Dai pai dongs are essentially open-aired, cooked food stalls found in wet markets around the city. It's quintessentially Hong Kong consisting of the cheapest eats you could possibly find. I visited the Montane Mansion (Transformers Place) in Quarry Bay. Along the way back to the station, I was intrigued by all the trams and taxis that zoomed past me so I climbed up to a an overpass to get a better view. Since the weather wasn’t really good the days I arrived, I decided to make it to Kennedy Town before sunset. There is a swimming shed in the area which is about a 20 minute walk uphill. Hidden midway up the hill and a few flights of stairs, the spot is really nice if it’s not raining. Near KTown is HKU or the University of Hong Kong. Down the street from the station is what’s commonly known as Instagram Pier. You’ll either see people taking pictures or exercising along the pier. After meeting up with Anna for clay pot rice which is a perfect meal for the cold Hong Kong weather, I ended the day on a night cruise around Nathan Road from Mong Kok back to TST for night photos. The roads of Hong Kong used to be brightly lit with neon signs which is what most people think of when it comes to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, neon lights damage our environment and the government has pushed for an effort to change most neon lights to LED instead. Note/Tips:
Hong Kong Island isn’t small, but it’s easily walkable by foot from one end of the MTR Island Line to the other. I returned to Hong Kong Island to tick off the remaining places that consisted of Sheung Wan to Tin Hau. It’s not a trip to Hong Kong without having some dim sum so I met up with Anna at Lin Heung Tea House. Afterwards, I made my way to Sister Wah in Tin Hau for some famous beef brisket noodles. Causeway Bay is a huge shopping district but it is where the Olympic Bridge is located. Etched into the steps are all the years and locations the Olympics took place at. Next stop is Wanchai. It’s an area known for arts and temples as well as its neon-lit streets (it's where you'll find the Blue House, a significant landmark & one of the remaining few tong lau or a style of residential building notable for balconies). Wednesday was my last full day in Hong Kong. The weather was exceptionally nice so I took a stroll in the far areas of the New Territories. I eventually made my way back to Hong Kong Island and took a tour of HKU. In-between, I went to cha chaan tengs for a quick Hong Kong style breakfast/lunch. I ended the day watching the sunset at PCWA (Western District Public Cargo Working Area). With an upcoming midterm and many group projects in March, it was time to return back to NUS.
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Apa Kabar, Ni Hao! My name is Irene Chen. I am currently a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa pursuing a BBA in Accounting & Finance. Join me on this journey through Singapore!
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