Travelogue - Taiwan Day 6, Kaohsiung

Second day of my travels in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. We found ourselves waking up to a bright, sunny day. Kaohsiung is much more humid as compared to Taipei! We decided to spend the day exploring Lotus Lake, and boy was the lake huge. 

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.

Travelogue - Florence, Italy

If you haven't guessed by now, it's Italy time. Florence is impossible to not fall in love with. The city is so rich in the renaissance era. The city is scattered with various museums each specialising in a certain area. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest Museums in Florence and is home to some of the most astounding pieces of art. I believe I took more than 3 hours to cover this whole museum. 

Travelogue - Budapest, Hungary

Budapest was my first foray into Eastern Europe. I flew down to Budapest from Stockholm, and I must admit that I experienced a bit of a culture shock. While the streets of Stockholm were lined with old buildings that looked well preserved, and a sense of comfortable affluence, Budapest was the opposite. People there dressed differently, and the streets had people seeking for kind donations. Buildings weren't as brightly coloured and more draper. 

Travelogue - Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

Zaanse Schans is located in the town of Zaandam, and it is THE must-go place in Netherlands. The city is home to some of the few operating windmills left in Holland. Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of the place. Pack a picnic with you and eat along the piers, soak in the endless fields and clear blue skies. Twirl around on the green grass and find inner peace in the beautiful countryside.