Travelogue - Taiwan Day 1, Taipei

Moving away from Europe for the time being and focusing on a place that's much closer to home. And that place is Taiwan. I was in Taiwan for a period of 2 weeks on my grad trip and had lots of fun. Taiwan is also most known for their night markets - and I must say, the amount of food there is crazy! I didn't even know where to start.

But before I delve into more details, the first leg of our travels in Taiwan was Taipei. Taipei has so much to offer, from food to shopping, temples to nature sights. There's plenty to do within Taipei itself, and you can also choose to take day trips out to see what surrounding counties have to offer. Our Taipei itinerary was pretty packed. I'm gonna do a day-by-day travelogue here because I took too many photos, and Taiwan just has too much to offer.

Our first stop after checking into our accommodation and getting a little rest was the Fo Guang Shan Temple! It's a really intricate piece of architecture, and would have been better, if it weren't for all the flashing tourist LEDs. Took a walk inside, while my friends offered prayers. Was really impressed by the detailing that was done! 

S.E.A Aquarium, Singapore

I visited the S.E.A Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa awhile back with my family. Having previously visited the aquarium in Ocean Park, I had high hopes for this one. Especially with all the hype that had gone on prior to its opening, and what was proclaimed to be host to the largest viewing platform. 

Travelogue - Ibiza, Spain

Hola! Since it's summer, I thought I'd do a short entry on my very short stay in Ibiza. The story on how I ended up here is pretty amusing. I was in Lyon prior to that, and Ibiza was the cheapest destination to fly out too. Story of my wanderlust exchange. And that's how I ended up in sunny Ibiza for 2 days, and flew on to cold and rainy Liverpool after that. 

If you don't already know, Ibiza is an island off the coast of Valencia  It is also home to some of the prettiest beaches and best parties. I'm going to be talking mostly about the beaches because I'm a beach/seaside kinda girl. 

Travelogue - Rome Pt 3 ( Fountains in the City)

Last entry on Rome. I've probably sang enough praises about the city already. 

Fountains have long since been a part of Rome's history and landscape. In the past, they used to provide drinking water for the people - and today, some of the still do. I can't tell you how appreciative I am of this. To be able to refill your bottle while the hot sun beats down on you and enjoy a cool drink is just so refreshing. 

Travelogue - Rome Pt 2 (Colosseo & Roman Forum)

Back with more on Rome! 

Life

So I just found out about the death of Cory Monteith.

I must say I'm pretty much in shock. I honestly thought my friend was joking with me when she texted me the news. I've been following Glee since its debut, and it's mad me laugh and smile at the end of a bad day. Finn Hudson was one of my favourite characters.

Yet again, we get reminded by the fragility of life. We never know when our time is up, or that of someone close to us. It's another reminder to live life to the fullest, and be happy everyday.

RIP Cory. May you suffer no more.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Travelogue - Rome Pt. 1 (Vatican City)

They say that all roads lead to Rome. Rome is so huge, so full of attractions, that I decided midway to split this post into parts. 

Rome to me, is a city that I would love to go back again. There's something special about the cobbled pathways, the bustle of city life, the faint smell of pasta and pizza, and being surrounded by ancient Roman architect that draws me to not only Rome, but Italy in general. 

Rome being the capital of Italy, is bustling with tourists and locals, business people and students, the elderly and the young. Rome is also home to the only sovereign state - The Vatican City. 

Why you should travel young

People normally say that your golden years are when you get to take time out to travel, see the world without having to worry about the future. I beg to differ.

Yes, traveling in your golden years does have its perks, but I feel that traveling should be done in the prime of your youth too.

Your 20s are the best time of your life to travel, have fun and do crazy things without having to worry about being judged. Well, we will probably still be judged, but not as harshly. Where else in life can you party without a care in the world, stay up till 3 or 4am in the morning and still have energy? Jump of a plane above the swiss alps or bungee jump down the Macau tower?

Travelogue - Venice, Italy

Needless to say, I was brimming with excitement about going to Venice. To ride on a gondola along the many canals, weaving through buildings and under bridges. To get lost in the maze that is Venice, winding through narrow paths and into little alleys. To admire the many masks and costumes, and the breath-taking scenery that this city has to offer. To walk through San Marco Square and admire the rich history of Venice.

Choosing to go on Exchange

In 2012, I went on exchange to Maastricht University. I was overseas for a period of 6 months (end Jan to end July) and it was, without a doubt, the best time of my life.

I knew that I wanted to go on exchange since starting university. It was just a matter of making it happen. Going on exchange changed me. I learnt so much more than I ever would in any classroom. I got to marvel firsthand at structures made by mankind centuries ago. Soak in the culture and traditions of a country so far away from home. Meet people from all walks of life. Live independently for 6 months where I was responsible for no one but myself. Travel as and when I wanted. Learn history lessons where history took place. And most importantly, embark on a journey of self discovery.

When I returned back from Netherlands, I was no longer the same girl who had left Singapore a few months ago. I was bitten by the travelbug, badly bitten. No longer was I content to stay in one place, and dream about trips. I now knew that I could make it happen with a little planning and foresight. I had learnt how to navigate, plan timetables, book tickets and accommodation and other important skills. No longer was I the sheltered girl, it was as if I was a bird set free and could not wait to see the world.

Exchange taught me that I could survive and live on my own. The experience taught me that the world out there was bigger than I'd ever imagined, and that I had to wise up to survive. It taught me to appreciate what I had back home, and at the same time, be grateful for where I was at the moment.

Yes, there were homesick moments, but the thrill of visiting new places, and expanding my knowledge made up for that. I hated history back in my younger days, but Europe taught me that history is something that I should learn from. I came back richer in knowledge, with a thirst to find out more about the past.

Exchange taught me to open up, and take risks, because that's how you enjoy life to the fullest. Yes, I have certain regrets from exchange - not doing more, not visiting more places etc. But I remind myself, that one day, I'll be back in Europe.

Go on exchange, take flight. Your world might be changed forever. You learn so much that no classroom will ever teach you. It's a time to discover yourself. Make new friendships, lose old ones. While some may be afraid that going overseas for so long can change your life back home, my advice is, your true friends, will always be there waiting for you. No matter how long you take to come home. Open your heart, mind and soul, and the rewards will be boundless.

Given a second chance, I would repeat the whole experience all over again.