Am done packing and cleaning out my room!
Most of my neighbours have left already. There are sparse crowds in the dining room these days. Pollock halls is quieter than ever before. It's strange to know that at this moment, I might be the only one left in my corridor.
The sun was unbearably strong today. I never thought I would say this, but the weather was hot enough to beat me back indoors by 2pm!
However, found time to say farewell to some familiar spots in Edinburgh before making a hasty retreat back to Pollock halls - I walked around Nicolson Street, George Square, the Meadows ...and even the school library! (printed out some last minute documents) And as I did my rounds this clear summer day, I couldn't help but picture a shadow of myself in January, bundled up in my thick winter parka, gingerly treading across these now all-too-familiar roads.
Did some last minute souvenir shopping at the Farmer's Market, and along Clerk street. Ever since that disastrous afternoon where I window shopped for souvenirs along the Royal Mile and bought practically nothing, I have decided never to set foot inside another tartan-swathed, bagpipe-bellowing shop ever again. And looking at the crowds thronging the Royal Mile this morning, I think I was wise to steer clear of Heritage of Scotland today.
At the Farmer's market, I picked up some lovely hand-made chocolate products for my former boss. Also purchased a pack of buttery short-bread made in Langholm by a smiling old lady for my research supervisor at NUS. My final stop was at Anteaques to pick up some loose tea (the Edinburgh Blue Lady!), which I managed to get in a nice red tea caddy at 50% off - score!
I like the fact that these gifts were purchased from places which I discovered, and from producers/retailers whom I was able to chat with personally; they all consequently have some kind of interesting 'back story' behind them, which I think is pretty neat.
Pleased with my buys. I just hope they survive the trip back home - the shortbread in particular looks crumbly.
On another note, Summer's really kicking in here in Edinburgh. As I've mentioned, the weather's become 'festive' (ie: hot), and there are bus-loads of tourists coming into the city. Buskers and street stalls have started to appear along the Royal Mile since April, and have practically mushroomed in number this month. And today, I even witnessed the Orange Walk - a procession commemorating the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over King James II in the 17th-century. A woman I spoke to noted derisively that this walk is considered sectarian, and not everyone likes it - have since learnt that the Orange procession also occurs in Northern Ireland, and has been greeted with abuse in some Catholic neighbourhoods.
However sectarian or not, I have to admit it was somewhat exciting to witness the military bands marching in all the way from the Meadows. A great sense of occasion in the air, though I suppose the cause celebrated is rather contentious.
Have about 10 more hours till I leave for the airport. I'm starting to feel a little nostalgic and unwilling to leave. At the same time, I'm pleased with myself for having made it through 5 months on my own :)
It's amazing how much the city has changed since that cold dark wintery night when I teethered precariously along Waverley Bridge to find a cab. And I'm sure in some small way, I've changed along with it.
Showing posts with label Pre-departure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pre-departure. Show all posts
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Pre-departure Mundanities: Packing
With just 4 days left in Edinburgh, I decided I ought to start on some packing today. Have gotten along pretty well - have packed about half my clothes (the clean ones). The other half will go through laundry before making their way into my suitcase.
In the meantime have also accumulated a massive amount of used paper which I shall chuck in the recycle bin tomorrow. I don't have a habit of keeping old brochures and lecture notes haha.
Am experiencing a distinct sense of deja vu as I pack. It wasn't too long ago that I was folding the same clothes and placing them in my suitcase back in Singapore.
A mild sense of poignancy as I look through some of my earlier "pre-departure" blog entries in January.
This too, is another pre-departure note I suppose. Only now, I'm preparing to go back home :)
In the meantime have also accumulated a massive amount of used paper which I shall chuck in the recycle bin tomorrow. I don't have a habit of keeping old brochures and lecture notes haha.
Am experiencing a distinct sense of deja vu as I pack. It wasn't too long ago that I was folding the same clothes and placing them in my suitcase back in Singapore.
A mild sense of poignancy as I look through some of my earlier "pre-departure" blog entries in January.
This too, is another pre-departure note I suppose. Only now, I'm preparing to go back home :)
Friday, 22 May 2009
A Week of Farewells and My Advice for Visiting Students
Term's officially winding up the following Sunday. A lot people are starting to leave (or have left). Attended various farewell "get-togethers" in the past week with a sense of poignancy.
Dinner at Patricia's flat just before she went back home to Germany, 21st May
Celebrating Chee May's birthday at Kampong Ah Lee, 2 days before she flew to Holland! 18th May.
At Marianne's farewell cocktail party, held at Under The Stairs, 18th May. Zipped here right after cutting Chee May's cake!
Sending Martin off at Vodka Revolution, 16th May. Don't ask about all the empty shot glasses.
As for myself, I'm leaving Edinburgh for Singapore in 8 days. I'm feeling rather ambivalent about the whole thing. On one hand, the prospect of flying off so soon is scary, and I'm starting to wonder if I should've extended my stay just a little longer...
On the other hand, my philosophy has always been that all good things must and should come to an end. They cannot continue indefinitely, if not they wind up becoming draggy and routinized.
I'm also looking forward to see the people (and food) back home, and I'm keen to spend my summer break catching up with friends and re-acquainting myself with the sunny island I call home!
At this juncture, it's inevitable that I'll reflect on my exchange and start to analyze it from start to end. I'm really not the kind of person who will rhapsodize and say that my exchange was fantastic and that there was nothing about it I would change. I really genuinely enjoyed it, but at the same time, it's inevitable that there are several "I-should've-done-that's" and "I-wish-I-had's" at this stage. Several issues come into mind:
1) Choosing a Residence: If you're coming to Edinburgh for exchange, unless you're here in your first semester, I would personally advise against staying in Pollock halls. It's hard to meet people when they're mostly shut up in their rooms - most of the time, I don't see my neighbours, I just hear them (or their music).
Also consider that as a new student arriving in the second semester, it's harder to break into cliques which have already formed in the beginning of the year. Not that people here are unfriendly, but they are less likely to go all out to know you when they have already settled down in their own social groups.
I wish I had opted for a flat because I think the level of interaction would've been better. I would rather know a small handful of flatmates really well and intimately, rather than have many acquaintances in Pollock who are of the "hi," "bye," variety.
One good thing about Pollock halls is the meal plan but consider if you really value eating convenience over and above community and socializing. I was lucky to be with other Singaporean students in Pollock whom I had known beforehand, but if you don't know anyone think about it - what good is a meal plan if you're eating your meals alone in the cafeteria?
As a point of comparison, I went for a 5-week summer programme in Yale last year. The layout of the dorm was excellent as it had a common space on each floor for socializing, and the bedrooms were all organized around the common room - I got to know my 5 dorm-mates there way better in 5 weeks than I have most of neighbours for 5 months here.
So my advice is: opt for the flats. It's cheaper, the location will probably be better, and you'll have a better chance of forging closer friendships.
2) When to come: Well this is less clear-cut for me. One problem about coming in the second semester is that you arrive in the thick of winter. And being so far North, winter lasts for an unusually long time in Edinburgh. This makes going out and exploring the city a bit of a drag - during term time, I spent most of the free periods I had in between classes shut up indoors or going to places I was familiar with. Getting lost in a strange neighbourhood in the wintery cold is not an inviting prospect.
In fact, it's only recently (after Spring break) that I've been really out and about Edinburgh, and discovering all its fascinating nooks and crannies - it's not an exaggeration to say that the weather is a huge deciding factor when venturing out.
At the same time however, coming in the second semester means you get to experience a three-week long spring break, and in my case, 2 examinations spread out over 5 weeks. This is an impossible luxury in Singaporean universities where term time is hectic to put it very mildly.
I would think that most of my fellow students from Singapore would be extremely keen to incorporate some continental tour when on exchange in the UK. If so, it's a good idea to come in the second semester - you have loads more free time on your hands once lessons end in late March. And spring (I feel) is really the nicest time to travel - not too hot, not too cold and flowers will be in bloom. Just perfect :)
But if you have the option, you might want to consider a full-year exchange...although you might have a lot of catching up to do once you're back. The average workload per semester here is the equivalent of 3 courses. Back in NUS, it's 5 and some people choose to do 6 or 7. So bridging this discrepancy might be an issue, especially if you want to graduate on time.
3) Surviving and Enjoying Winter: However even if you do come in the winter like me, I'd advise you not to coop yourself indoors too much even though it's tempting to!
At the same time, I don't encourage you to put yourself at the mercy of the elements in the spirit of 'fun' - especially if you're more used to tropical climes and need time to adjust. In retrospect, I find it a little funny that my friends and I decided to do a whole bunch of outdoorsy things in the bitter cold of January - including the visit to Edinburgh castle, trekking in Roslin and walking around Glasgow.
It's tempting to get the exciting things out of the way as soon as possible, to make time for...other exciting things outside of Scotland/the UK. But after coming close to frostbite in several of our little winter 'jaunts' (Dunfermline and Roslin come to mind), I'd say it's not a bad idea to slow things down. Shift the more outdoor-oriented activities to spring-time - there's really no rush...unless you're talking about winter sports and snow fights.
But apart from that, you might want to use winter to check out nice cafes, pubs, shops, galleries and other indoorsy, chill-out spots. How about visiting a heated outdoor pool for instance? Or curling up in the filmhouse's small, intimate theatres for a good indie flick? Sampling a hot soup at Henderson's little vegetarian empire over at Hanover Street? Sprawling on the gigantic bed at the Brass Monkey pub with a beer in hand? Checking out various live music venues in town?
There are possibilities even in winter - don't let the weather restrict you too much. And at the same time, don't fight it; work with it and plan appropriate activities/ itineries to get the most out of your time.
Okay I hope I don't sound naggy! Will upload more thoughts about leaving and my exchange experience when they come to me!
Dinner at Patricia's flat just before she went back home to Germany, 21st May 
Celebrating Chee May's birthday at Kampong Ah Lee, 2 days before she flew to Holland! 18th May. 
At Marianne's farewell cocktail party, held at Under The Stairs, 18th May. Zipped here right after cutting Chee May's cake!
Sending Martin off at Vodka Revolution, 16th May. Don't ask about all the empty shot glasses.As for myself, I'm leaving Edinburgh for Singapore in 8 days. I'm feeling rather ambivalent about the whole thing. On one hand, the prospect of flying off so soon is scary, and I'm starting to wonder if I should've extended my stay just a little longer...
On the other hand, my philosophy has always been that all good things must and should come to an end. They cannot continue indefinitely, if not they wind up becoming draggy and routinized.
I'm also looking forward to see the people (and food) back home, and I'm keen to spend my summer break catching up with friends and re-acquainting myself with the sunny island I call home!
At this juncture, it's inevitable that I'll reflect on my exchange and start to analyze it from start to end. I'm really not the kind of person who will rhapsodize and say that my exchange was fantastic and that there was nothing about it I would change. I really genuinely enjoyed it, but at the same time, it's inevitable that there are several "I-should've-done-that's" and "I-wish-I-had's" at this stage. Several issues come into mind:
1) Choosing a Residence: If you're coming to Edinburgh for exchange, unless you're here in your first semester, I would personally advise against staying in Pollock halls. It's hard to meet people when they're mostly shut up in their rooms - most of the time, I don't see my neighbours, I just hear them (or their music).
Also consider that as a new student arriving in the second semester, it's harder to break into cliques which have already formed in the beginning of the year. Not that people here are unfriendly, but they are less likely to go all out to know you when they have already settled down in their own social groups.
I wish I had opted for a flat because I think the level of interaction would've been better. I would rather know a small handful of flatmates really well and intimately, rather than have many acquaintances in Pollock who are of the "hi," "bye," variety.
One good thing about Pollock halls is the meal plan but consider if you really value eating convenience over and above community and socializing. I was lucky to be with other Singaporean students in Pollock whom I had known beforehand, but if you don't know anyone think about it - what good is a meal plan if you're eating your meals alone in the cafeteria?
As a point of comparison, I went for a 5-week summer programme in Yale last year. The layout of the dorm was excellent as it had a common space on each floor for socializing, and the bedrooms were all organized around the common room - I got to know my 5 dorm-mates there way better in 5 weeks than I have most of neighbours for 5 months here.
So my advice is: opt for the flats. It's cheaper, the location will probably be better, and you'll have a better chance of forging closer friendships.
2) When to come: Well this is less clear-cut for me. One problem about coming in the second semester is that you arrive in the thick of winter. And being so far North, winter lasts for an unusually long time in Edinburgh. This makes going out and exploring the city a bit of a drag - during term time, I spent most of the free periods I had in between classes shut up indoors or going to places I was familiar with. Getting lost in a strange neighbourhood in the wintery cold is not an inviting prospect.
In fact, it's only recently (after Spring break) that I've been really out and about Edinburgh, and discovering all its fascinating nooks and crannies - it's not an exaggeration to say that the weather is a huge deciding factor when venturing out.
At the same time however, coming in the second semester means you get to experience a three-week long spring break, and in my case, 2 examinations spread out over 5 weeks. This is an impossible luxury in Singaporean universities where term time is hectic to put it very mildly.
I would think that most of my fellow students from Singapore would be extremely keen to incorporate some continental tour when on exchange in the UK. If so, it's a good idea to come in the second semester - you have loads more free time on your hands once lessons end in late March. And spring (I feel) is really the nicest time to travel - not too hot, not too cold and flowers will be in bloom. Just perfect :)
But if you have the option, you might want to consider a full-year exchange...although you might have a lot of catching up to do once you're back. The average workload per semester here is the equivalent of 3 courses. Back in NUS, it's 5 and some people choose to do 6 or 7. So bridging this discrepancy might be an issue, especially if you want to graduate on time.
3) Surviving and Enjoying Winter: However even if you do come in the winter like me, I'd advise you not to coop yourself indoors too much even though it's tempting to!
At the same time, I don't encourage you to put yourself at the mercy of the elements in the spirit of 'fun' - especially if you're more used to tropical climes and need time to adjust. In retrospect, I find it a little funny that my friends and I decided to do a whole bunch of outdoorsy things in the bitter cold of January - including the visit to Edinburgh castle, trekking in Roslin and walking around Glasgow.
It's tempting to get the exciting things out of the way as soon as possible, to make time for...other exciting things outside of Scotland/the UK. But after coming close to frostbite in several of our little winter 'jaunts' (Dunfermline and Roslin come to mind), I'd say it's not a bad idea to slow things down. Shift the more outdoor-oriented activities to spring-time - there's really no rush...unless you're talking about winter sports and snow fights.
But apart from that, you might want to use winter to check out nice cafes, pubs, shops, galleries and other indoorsy, chill-out spots. How about visiting a heated outdoor pool for instance? Or curling up in the filmhouse's small, intimate theatres for a good indie flick? Sampling a hot soup at Henderson's little vegetarian empire over at Hanover Street? Sprawling on the gigantic bed at the Brass Monkey pub with a beer in hand? Checking out various live music venues in town?
There are possibilities even in winter - don't let the weather restrict you too much. And at the same time, don't fight it; work with it and plan appropriate activities/ itineries to get the most out of your time.
Okay I hope I don't sound naggy! Will upload more thoughts about leaving and my exchange experience when they come to me!
Friday, 20 March 2009
At the Post-office
Went to the post-office today with Felyna to obtain some Euros for our trip to Dublin. The exchange rate was almost 1 to 1; 1 Euro to 0.994 of a Pound.
"It's the worst the pound's ever been," said the lady who grimly slid 60 euros toward me.
I feel guilty about saying this, but I pick a good time to come to the UK on exchange.
"It's the worst the pound's ever been," said the lady who grimly slid 60 euros toward me.
I feel guilty about saying this, but I pick a good time to come to the UK on exchange.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Pre-departure
I'm leaving for York tomorrow morning! And for reasons which I can't remember, I chose the earliest train departing from Edinburgh, which means I need to get myself to bed NOW.
G'night world!
G'night world!
Thursday, 5 March 2009
The Highlands Call...
I am leaving for the Scottish highlands in exactly an hour's time! I can't wait!
Will be back on Sunday night so catch you all then :)
In the meantime, have a great weekend y'all!
Will be back on Sunday night so catch you all then :)
In the meantime, have a great weekend y'all!
Monday, 5 January 2009
Pre-Departure Notes: Packing Day
After some bouts of procrastination, I managed to draw up a packing check list today. If I do say so myself, it's a pretty comprehensive list! Gained some satisfaction checking off the various items while packing earlier this afternoon.
I think I can say with some certainty that I am 90% packed and ready to go.
Also spoke to seasoned travellers (haha) Clement and Gabriel in the afternoon. Upon learning that I was leaving in a matter of days, both were quick to proffer advice which - amongst other things - included warnings against pre-departure drinking.
Gabriel: Don't drink too much alcohol
Jeanne: Yea, alcohol's really dehydrating anyway especially when you're in the air.
Gabriel: No I meant don't drink so much the night before you leave if not you'll get a hangover and miss your flight in the morning...ey...free alcohol on the plane you don't want?!!
Clement in turn, encouraged constant Zen-ness even when in transit.
Clement: *matter-of-factly* Remember ah...Heathrow's not the most user-friendly airport...even if you lose your luggage must keep your cool and act like its normal hor.
Very cheerful. But oh well; I have travel insurance.
Prospect of lost luggage (possibly) and hangovers (dim) aside, I'm really excited about leaving!!
I think I can say with some certainty that I am 90% packed and ready to go.
Also spoke to seasoned travellers (haha) Clement and Gabriel in the afternoon. Upon learning that I was leaving in a matter of days, both were quick to proffer advice which - amongst other things - included warnings against pre-departure drinking.
Gabriel: Don't drink too much alcohol
Jeanne: Yea, alcohol's really dehydrating anyway especially when you're in the air.
Gabriel: No I meant don't drink so much the night before you leave if not you'll get a hangover and miss your flight in the morning...ey...free alcohol on the plane you don't want?!!
Clement in turn, encouraged constant Zen-ness even when in transit.
Clement: *matter-of-factly* Remember ah...Heathrow's not the most user-friendly airport...even if you lose your luggage must keep your cool and act like its normal hor.
Very cheerful. But oh well; I have travel insurance.
Prospect of lost luggage (possibly) and hangovers (dim) aside, I'm really excited about leaving!!
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Pre-Departure Notes: Anticipation and Just a Little Trepidation
Little Things I Worry About
Flight Mishaps: A delayed take-off. Missing my connecting flight. Snaking queues at immigration. Lost luggage. Every traveller's nightmare.
Resulting Homelessness: Arriving late at Pollock Halls, with no one around to help me check into my room.
The Cold: and subsequent cold-weather ailments and afflictions. I dread raw cheeks and cracked, sore lips.
Transporting Luggage: Lugging x number of suitcases/bags around on a bleak winter's night is not an inviting prospect.
Things I'm Looking Forward to
The Local Grub: It may have been disparaged as an 'inflated sheep's bladder' by the critics, but hey, one must try Haggis when in Scotland and finish it off with a dram!
Meeting New People: The whole point of an exchange.
The Scottish Accent: Believe it or not. I haven't decided what to think about the Scottish accent. It ranges from deliciously pleasant to downright unintelligible. I shall form an opinion when I get there and acclimitize to it.
The Sights and Sounds: Edinburgh, Scotland and yes, Europe are waiting to be explored!
My suitcase is filling up. I leave in nine days.
Flight Mishaps: A delayed take-off. Missing my connecting flight. Snaking queues at immigration. Lost luggage. Every traveller's nightmare.
Resulting Homelessness: Arriving late at Pollock Halls, with no one around to help me check into my room.
The Cold: and subsequent cold-weather ailments and afflictions. I dread raw cheeks and cracked, sore lips.
Transporting Luggage: Lugging x number of suitcases/bags around on a bleak winter's night is not an inviting prospect.
Things I'm Looking Forward to
The Local Grub: It may have been disparaged as an 'inflated sheep's bladder' by the critics, but hey, one must try Haggis when in Scotland and finish it off with a dram!
Meeting New People: The whole point of an exchange.
The Scottish Accent: Believe it or not. I haven't decided what to think about the Scottish accent. It ranges from deliciously pleasant to downright unintelligible. I shall form an opinion when I get there and acclimitize to it.
The Sights and Sounds: Edinburgh, Scotland and yes, Europe are waiting to be explored!
My suitcase is filling up. I leave in nine days.
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