Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world

"Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel’s immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be right and only way."

Thank you God for the protection and blessing throughout this trip. 日本, it was good while it lasted and I will definitely be back xx

Every meeting led to a parting

It was like a mid-winter night’s dream.

Now I’ll disappear, like the dream you dreamed last night.

Goodbye.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

“I am not the same, 
having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”

And this marks the end of my (semi) solo Aussie trip. It has been remarkable and rewarding, praise God for His divine protection and blessing. Not forgetting those who have been in contact with me, keeping me in prayers and ensuring that I am safe. Thank you lovelies, you guys made this trip slightly better, reminding me that I am not alone when I got a little homesick.

Through this journey, I grew and changed. I feel that I have become more courageous, independent and strong-minded. I have made friends along the way, whether they are here to stay or are just passing clouds, I am still thankful for the opportunity to know them. For the times with some of the family members, thank you for hosting and taking care of me. The worrywarts back home can breathe for a few days because of the companionship.

There were a lot of 'first' in this trip. First time driving in Australia, first time driving at night with worries that the wild wallaby may jump out anytime, first time speeding at 100km/hr without the fear of getting a speed ticket etc. Among all the firsts, the most memorable one will be exploring a city alone - imagine the mix emotions of fear, excitement etc as you take the first step out.

This is just the beginning of my solo trip adventures. The world is your oyster so...here's to more solo trips in the future;)


Now, with God and a refreshed mind, I will say...Bring it on!

You will only know the road, until you have travel on it

“The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” 

 — Albert Einstein

Romans 8:31 

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

A difficult journey is spiritual rewarding. 

There is a more dependence on God, 

His supernatural power, 

grace and divine favour long the travel.

Time for my first solo trip due to an unexpected turn of event.
16 days of adventure, 1 city, 1 state, 4 flights to and fro.

I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.

I am back from the land of kimchi.

White Christmas and almost white New Year.

Thank you God for the snow, journey mercy and blessings showered upon us for this trip.

xx

A new year, a fresh page of story telling.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Let 2016 be a year of blessing, joy, hope, love and peace.

Another year of adventures

Another year of forgiving

Another year of prayers

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, 

live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. 

See the world. 

It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”

White Christmas and ushering 2016 in Korea

xx

Camping is nature's way of promoting the motel business

Oh goodness, this is a major throwback to June. Took me long enough to do this entry, I can run for the Goddess of Procrastination award, should there ever be one. 

YDC 3 days 2 nights Experiential Camp 2015 that took place on 17-19 June. The first night was an overnight stay at Pulau Ubin. This was my first time stepping onto the island. Let's just say, it had been an interesting camp. Ices were broken and well, most things were never gonna be the same- which is not a bad thing. 

I know my poses are all the same but really, when you are in that spot, what decent poses can you actually come up with?

How does field cooking near the police station sounds, cool?

The mandatory shot.

I can positively say that the dogs at Pulau Ubin are attracted to males despite being males themselves. I am suspecting if they are gay. So females who are afraid of dogs, you have nothing to fear. They don't even want to go near you. 

The second night was back at the center (oh hello to the city of Singapore). We did go kart which was a good yet expensive experience. Kudos to my driving license, I was able to go beyond the maximum limit which was 50km/hr whereas the rest were stuck at 30km/hr. 

I don't know how to end off this post. Leaving it hanging seems awkward, haha!
It is gonna be the long holidays soon. Sadly, I failed to get the NDP tickets. On the other hand, this will be the best time to do those catching up sessions.

Ugh, still not the good way of ending. Time to throw in the white flag.

Ilha Formosa

7 days of 台中 and 台北市

Weight has been gained, new friends have been made, breath-taking scenery have been explored, old and new food tasted etc.

Now, back to the bustling city of the little red dot.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit

Resolution One: I will live for God.
Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.

Finally had a meet up with Nadiah. Both of us have been busy, especially since Nadiah's nature of work requires her to do shift work. She bought a second hand camera and wanted to do some test shots so we headed to Waterway @ Punggol.

It was a first time for the both of us and it felt like we've discovered a hidden gem (despite being out of the way). This park is really calm and serene. The clear blue sky was a bonus to the atmosphere and environment, enhancing the beauty of the photographs. But still, it doesn't feels like Singapore.

P.S. I am still working on my photography skills so pardon me if there are any ugly shots that you can't stand the sight of and no, I am not using a DSLR.

Photos really do no justice to the breathtaking scenes before us. This is an ideal place for photo shoots so if anyone wanna take a cover shot or something, you can consider this place. We didn't cover the whole area because it was getting a bit too late and also because some parts were undergoing constructions. We were a bit lost so we didn't dare to wander too far. After all, this is not our area, hahas!

After which, we headed down to Clarke Quay's Lockdown to see who were on shift. Luck must be on our side because it was Nicholas working! Wasn't a wasted trip because dinner was on the house (Thank you Nic, hahas!) with lots of chattering. Nadiah wanted to visit Vanessa so we walked down to Suntec's Lockdown. 

Collapsed onto the bed after one whole day of walking.

The traveler sees what he sees.The tourist sees what he has come to see.

Objectives for the day: To explore XiMenDing, Shilin Night Market and watch the fireworks performance at Taipei 101.

We headed to XiMenDing with stomachs waiting to be filled:) As the shops will not be opened till late morning/early afternoon, we grabbed whatever we see because, our stomachs have been giving us gentle reminders since the moment we woke up.

THIS IS THE BOMB! (or shingz or whatever you call it) I absolutely love oyster omelette. Totally different from Singapore's-the oysters, the sauce...just simply sedap! Can never get enough of this.

Pan-fried carrot cake. 

Sauce really do make a lot of differences when it comes to the overall taste. Without the sauce, the carrot cake will be just...plain. With the sweet sauce, it is up another level. 

We spotted a shop with so many cute socks! 3 for TWD100-What a steal! Being the typical Singaporean, see good deals confirm buy! (pardon for the Singlish,hahas!)

3 for SGD 4.36. Cheap right?!

The weather was cooling (at about 16-18 degree) and being the weirdo, I craved for icy cold desserts (I love eating ice cream on rainy days). Don't judge me please, hahas! Due to walking aimlessly, we saw a shop that sells shaved ice. Jia Lin have been spontaneous about it. I pity that she has such an unpredictable friend who comes up with random (sometimes crazy) suggestions. I guess sometimes because of my enthusiasm, she finds it difficult to reject me,hahas!

She chose mango shaved ice and I opted for Matcha(obviously!). Everyone around the shop shared a bowl between 2. We were the only ones who had 1 each and even finished it. Crazy right? People were giving us the are-they-nuts? look though, hahas!

The all-time favourite, die-die-must-eat-when-I-come-Taiwan's 地瓜球 (potato balls). I had this almost every day.

The crowd was crazy, more so with the roads being blocked. Everyone was just prepping and finding their spots. 

Alcohols, checked.

Snacks, checked.

Picnic mats, checked.

Company, checked.

Here's to the start of the 2015!