Updates from my room

Am recovering from a rather tiring trip to Spain, and a painful dental procedure which I went for yesterday to clean out the gum area around an infected wisdom tooth. The post-procedure pain has largely ebbed thankfully, although there is still slight discomfort in the tooth area, and swelling around my jaw area. Hopefully that will subside in the days to come.

I am in the midst of completing a take-home essay examination for my Scottish Literature module. It is going well, albeit rather slowly, because my room (and laptop) provides ample sources of distraction - blogging happens to be one of them. At the moment, I am hooked on following the AWARE saga in Singapore - it feels so good to be connected to going-ons back home via the internet!

For more information about the saga, this has been the website I visit most regularly for updates: http://www.we-are-aware.sg Check it out if you have time. The case itself is interesting in its own right, but beyond that, it also provides intriguing insight into the state of contemporary civil society in Singapore. I am excited to see the amount of lively debate and intelligent comments the case has brought about - well, not to say that there haven't been un-intelligent responses but those are generally inevitable.

I will be following the press releases after May 2 (slated date of the Extraordinary General meeting) with much enthusiasm! My only regret is that I cannot be in Singapore to catch the proceedings in person - there is, however, an online petition which we can sign to show moral support for the old AWARE. It really is extraordinary how overseas Singaporeans can continue to follow and participate in happenings back home nowadays.

Other than that, I am glad to finally settle back down in my room. Not to say that Spain wasn't fun (although we did have awful room-mates in the hostel), but it is comforting to be back in familiar surroundings. It doesn't hurt also to be back in a place where the people speak English - Huishan, you were so right when you spoke about linguistic capital when travelling. Simply understanding and being understood can make such a big difference to your confidence levels, especially in places where the people aren't exactly famed for their patience, manners or tolerance toward foreigners (I'm speaking generally here).

Well back to work then. More updates soon!