5 reasons YOU should go for overseas exchange

It's been 1 month since I've returned from my overseas exchange. I still cannot believe I spent 4.5 months in my dream city, a place i've been dreaming of going since i was 10 or sth. I don't even know the reason why i'm so insistent on going to Rome. However, I do not regret choosing the beautiful place to spend my exchange experience in.

Here's 5 reasons for those who are still contemplating on whether to go for ur dream exchange:

1) You only live once! DUH! There's no better time than to travel while you are young. If you worry about staying in a foreign land for 5mths, it's understandable. I did too but it's a good chance to learn more about yourself and your dreams.

2) Learn about other cultures better and faster than what you learn in books. I learn more about WWII during my 4-day stay in Berlin then what i've learnt throughout my life in school. If you have a question about another culture, simply ask your international friend about it! They're more than happy to share about their country and then, they will ask about yours. :)

3) Whatever awesome pasta/pizza you thought you tasted in Singapore, forget it once you step into the land of pizza (Italy). There is nothing better than tasting the local cuisines in the country itself! I did not know Carbonara was 'dry' until i reached Italy and fell in love with it. There's so much more learn when u're travelling! Don't be satisfied with your life in Singapore. Travel and you will realise there is more to life than grades and results.

4) Get the chance to have the option to choose. Want to bungee jump? Go for it! Want to drink? Go for it! Want to feed the pigeons? Go for it!  I may not have the urge to complete all these tasks, but it feels awesome to have the option to do so. I can choose to do it if i want to and no one is going to judge me for it. That could be the moment where you learn to appreciate more for what you have rather than you don't.

5) The thought of being independent. Decide for yourself where you want to go. You will be responsible for your own travels. This could be the only time where you can choose to go wherever you want! If you want to visit another EU country over the weekend, just buy the air/train tix and fly over! This is only possible when you stay in an EU country for a 'long' period of time. It's the best time for you to be reckless(in a gd way) and spontaneous. Of course, managing your expenses may be a chore but trust me, it's worth it. :)

Noi Siamo Infinito.

Just found out about the passing of a prof in my home university today. It was shocking to find out about this sudden news and I took a course under him in y1. I remembered thinking what a charismatic speaker he was and how I truly enjoyed the course. He highly encouraged us to go for our dreams. I did not understand that at first (regarding GPA as top priority) but seeing how fragile life can be, I'm slowly beginning to understand the importance of embracing the moment and how many people failed to do so. I hope I am living the moment now and I'm very blessed that everyone around me is safe & sound.

Despite having some small mishaps in Rome, I think it is fate that led me here. :)

To be independent, finding true friends and discovering my true self.  

Stay safe everyone! 

Tiramisu in Rome?

If you are in Rome and in the mood for a sweet dessert, you have to try their tiramisu! They come in a variety of flavours and you can easily request for the counter to mix so you can try all flavours. We had the traditional flavour, pistachio and coconut! Anything with pistachio is awesome and you can find pistachio flavour in almost all the desserts and pastries in Rome. Def a place for pistachio lover like me :)

Ciao! Venice, Italy!

Hi guys! Sorry for the long hiatus! I'm currently on school exchange and hence, will be converting this blog to a travel blog for the span of 6 months. Whee~ Hello from Rome, Italy everyone! I'm currently snuggling up in my couch, as I'm typing this blog post. Gotta type quickly as the internet is bonkers when everyone else is awake. I still can't believe I am in Italy for 6 months, despite being having reached here for a week! I have not spent much time in Rome yet as we took the train off to Venice to catch the annual masquerade carnivale. Venice is one of my most highly anticipated city in Italy and it did not disappoint.

 
I highly recommended buying the water bus pass for 18 Euros (For youths) and you can use it to travel anywhere within Venice. I always choose to sit outside when i'm on the boat even though it was freezing. It's an experience you have to try and you get to see Venice from another angle! :)

One of my fave places in Venice is the Burano Island.It's definitely worth half a day of exploring and just enjoying the unique architecture of pastel coloured houses. It's so beautiful and I really want to go back someday! In line with the Carnivale, the kids also dressed up in costumes at Burano and everyone was in masks and superheroes outfits!


We notice PDA-ing everywhere. LOL But isnt this a nice shot? :)

You have to try the Carbonara when u're in Italy. It's totally different from the ones we have in SG. It's drier, less creamy and wayyyyy tastier! Even if you're not a fan of cheese, you won't be disappoint by the taste of the Carbonara here. :)

P.s i really want to try blogging regularly on my adventures in Italy and anywhere in Europe. Fingers cross i can keep to that promise! :) Ciao! Till next time everyone!

Street Photography in Ipoh!

Ahhh... it's been awhile since i last blogged. I just started my temp job, hence been slacking of with my updates:x Anyws, immediately after exam finals, i headed off to Ipoh with a good friend of mine, together with nEbO's photography interest group, SIM peeps and Triston Yeo (Our mentor) for 3D2N photography trip! Met loads of nice people and eat loads of good food! All i remember from the trip is that we kept eating and walking. LOL LOL wanted to take some lessons from the master before i go for my exchange so that i can learn some skills about street photography.

The people in Ipoh are VERY friendly. They allowed us to take photos of themselves and even looked directly into the camera! :) Truly enjoyed myself and i'm glad that i went for the trip!

Ps. Anyone interested in Photography and are looking out for buddies, please join nEbO's photography interest group!:D Awesome place to make new friends:D

Animals, one of the most popular subject for the trip. LOL

Love the laid back pace of Ipoh. :)

We were very lucky to have such good weather! Heard that Singapore rained through out :x

Kellie's Castle. Ps. it's a real castle

Love this shot! Doesnt it look like the world is ending? LOL

We even visited the famous night market!

Top view of Kellie's Castle. There were no barriers, my legs are practically trembling

Next we went to a coffee making factory. The lighting for that morning was so pretty! PS hurhur, not good enough yet, did not get some many shots as i hoped:(

 

 

Of Course, we have to visit a scenic place! We were at Taipeng lake! Def prettier than Singapore's Chinese Garden. LOL

 

One of the highlights of the trip! We went to a charcoal factory to see how they make charcoal from Mangrove trees. The boss aka speaker was so enthusiastic about his factory. Dint know that they have to put in so much work to make a bag of charcoal. Def wouldnt have visited such an interesting place had i not join this trip. :)

 

End off with a pic of me taking the other photographers taking photos. Yups, that's how professional their equipments are! *sweats* I only brought my DLSR and Tripod. My tripod was so lanpong that it spoilt when i used it during the trip. :( I think i need to invest on a new one!!! $$$ T_T