Of Xmas and Boxing Day 2011.

I had the most beautiful xmas ever this year (:

Im so thankful that this year not only did I get 2 nights at MBS, loads of good food but I also spent it with such a lovely bunch of people.

MBS was amazing, I love the toilet there. Judge me, but I judge how awesome a place is based on their toilets and MBS is definitely up there in terms of that. I like the fact that there is a shower and a bath tub (it was oh so shiok soaking in it), a separate door for the loo (so when someone else poo- poos, the smell can be contained within) and separate sinks for couples to brush their teeth/prim themselves at the same time. Little things that goes a long way to making the stay more pleasant. The room was pretty nice, not like out of this world but defo 5 star standard at least. Afterall it is a new hotel and new things are always nice. The staff were surprisingly helpful and friendly- happy to provide us with a table and ice and knife and all sorts of funny requests we had. Also, they sent up the cleaning team at 8pm for us (cos we were just lazing in the room for the whole morning) when we asked for it, without any hints of irritation.

Of course, what makes good celebration is always the people. Spending it with the Losers (my sec 3/4 clique) just made the whole stay memorable. Loads of heart to heart talks and catching up and even more loser stories and laughter. Plus this time Huien the lumpsy was back from Aussieland to attend one of her mate's hen's party (gosh people are starting to get married). Xmas eve dinner was also joined by may (a very unlikely friend considering we have personalities world's apart) and mindy and monica who cant stop quarreling with each other. Of course with my family and cousins and some of my brother's friends (kids who really make me laugh). So it was really one nice big gathering!

Now, post- Xmas ... BOXING DAY SALES START! Apparently, its been crazy in London this year, with record breaking sales and a fatal stabbing along Oxford Street. Of course, I have to join in the fun (not in the stabbing), even if im not physically in London. I have scoured through the websites of Topshop, Warehouse, F21, Dorothy Perkins, Ms Selfridge, Selfridges etc and managed to nab quite a few pieces for pretty good prices. Looking forward to them greeting me when I head back to London on New Year's Day. Shopping in Singapore is really getting way to expensive nowadays. I just cant afford anything locally! :( If there is one thing im gonna miss from London, it would be online shopping ... and freedom of course.

But really, its time to come back home. Better to be rough it out when you are younger than later yes?

New Year's coming .. its time to make some resolutions.

I think I shall give up on the whole dieting business this year since it hasnt worked .. since I was 15 maybe?

A week wasted.

I feel immensely guilty that all I have been doing for the past few days are eat, sleep and ... eat outside. Or watch shows on my computer and whatsapp.

I have about 1 wk left in singapore, and Im dreading it so much this time- because there are so many people I would like to have more time with, so many food which I havent had the time to have, and so many things which I would like to do ... and finally, so much work which needs to be done when I get back to London. And this time, with Kiki not around, its going to be pretty lonely (oh so lonely) for me in that empty apartment. Hopefully, I would be distracted by the work and stress of MBBS

And of course, this year, I have chinese new year to look forward to, cos some of the Losers are flying over to spend it with me ... true friends indeed (not tt they did it purely for me). Sadly, CNY has lost its appeal altogether for me- as an older friend told me, Im going to come back to have loads of people asking me "Have you brought your bf home?", "When are you getting married?", "Oh, you must earn alot as a doctor. How much do you earn?" Seriously. And of course, how much I have put on since I left singapore.
Moreover, now I really dont need CNY to see my grandparents and my cousins, they organise so many gatherings that Im more in the loop with their lives now than in the past (when i used to see them once a year).
Of course, with Facebook, everyone knows whats going on in each other's lives (which is a double edged sword since it can be dangerous with malicious relatives too). And having been away for so long, Im starting to appreciate all these little time I have with my family and Im starting to make the effort to go down to visit my grandparents whenever I can. Its scary how much things have changed in 5 years for me- I've mellowed, what I want and what I think is important have all changed as well.

I am looking forward to coming back to Singapore, but I know Im going to complain and cry and whine about missing London and wishing I was back there again. But hopefully, I would be strong enough to suck it up and plod on ... without being jaded and bitter.

Xmas plans!

Its 3 days to Xmas, and Im starting to feel the excitement!

Im currently planning an Xmas eve party at MBS (thanks to my parents for giving me a room all to myself) for some of my friends. The dinner menu is starting to look more exciting ...

1. Starters- Old Chang Kee curry puffs, squid head etc (Good ol' Singaporean faves. I would ideally like to get the curry puffs from A1 at Taka, but its too much of a hassle to go all the way down there that morning.)

2. Greens- Salad/ Asparagus (Lovingly tossed/ made by May)

3. Bailey's Chicken Wings (Im really looking forward to this alco twist of one of my fave foods ... again by May)

4. Mains- Pizzas from Timbre (Hopefully the duck pizza is as good as they all make it out to be.)

5. Dessert- Ice cream Log Cake from Swensen's (Probably the most chrismassy item on the menu.)

6. Drinks- Diet coke, green tea ... and maybe I should bring in the vodka (which would go well with both coke and green tea.) and fix some sangria as well! (Since i still dont know how to make mulled wine.)

And probably loads of mineral water to get through a potential AI (alcohol intoxication).

I was just wondering if I should throw in some german sausages (but i would make the menu so protein laden which I dont think us girls would fancy so much).

And fruits would probably be a good idea as well ... maybe I could fix a fruit salad yay!

Of course, there would be snacks for us to nibble on through the night and loads of silly games and of course... CARDS!

I think its time for me fix up an Xmas playlist on my Mac now!

Finding joy in things mundane.

Ive decided to spend some time with mom today, after making her upset yesterday (we both refused to back down on our stand on 体罚 for kids). Its good too, cos she is going for the Robinson's Sale at expo and I might possibly just manage to find myself some jewels in the mess there. And subtly try to make up for yesterday, cos Im just too proud to say sorry (and so is she, it runs in the blood im sure).

I had such a wonderful night yesterday with 2 of my besties, Ernie and Lily. Dinner was with Ernie and Greg who brought me to Santouki at Cuppage Plaza for Ramen and gosh, it now stands as my fave ramen in singapore (i like it more than ippudo yes) cos the charsiew there is oh-so-yummy and the egg is like flowy and orgasmically goood! Greg had to leave for a conference call after, but its cool cos I get to spend some girl time with Ernie and Lily who joined us eventually. It was girls activities after-- gossiping over ice-cream (cold stone is gorgeous, gotta love the cake batter man!) and shopping (have to say it still cant compare to London though, and its sooo expensive in singapore nowadays).

I guess you tend to appreciated things so much more when they are scarce- this is only my second night out since Ive started my attachment at SGH!

Lazy day.

I have 1 whole day off today and I dont know what to do with myself. Technically, I had 1.5days off, but I KO-ed for 20h after night take last night.

Should I stay in and do some reading for finals, go into ED and learn more stuff (and since my MO is on locum duty anyways, i could technially follow him around), go shopping (i need to get presents and more clothes) & get my brows done (they havent been touched for months i think) or just stay home and do lazy things like nap and waste my life away online.

Its my flatmate's big day today. No, she is not getting married ('cos that would prbly be alot less stressful than this) but is taking her USMLE. Hope it goes well for her!

Okay, it has just started pouring outside so I guess, i'm gonna stay in since mum doesnt have the car to fetch me around today. And, weve just had a little tiff about caning children (she still strongly believes in it), so Im not sure if she would be happy being my chauffeur.

Zzz, what a lazy day (:

Happy Bunny!

Im bursting with happiness and joy now even though nothing major or different has happened to me. I have just been going to work (which takes up 80% of my life now really), meeting up with the random few friends, speaking to others on whatsapp or online occasionally and having the occasional dinner with my family. Its really ridiculous that such mundane things are making me so happy Im bouncing off the walls most of the time. Im starting to wonder where all these endorphins came from.

Christmas is coming soon- have you guys made plans? As usual, my family is going to be spending it at MBS. Im soooo looking forward to the bathtub again. Its totally the highlight of my stay hehe. Im so planning to soak in there with some nice bath salts with a book/ ipad for at least an hour before dolling myself up, making myself feel pretty and stuffing my face full of good food. And I have plans to get some of my mates over so that we can drink ourselves silly and party the night awayyyyy!

It would be nice if we could do some gift exchange as well, though I have to say that I have kinda reached the age whereby there isnt much things that I would like to ask for anymore and even so, things that I want, arent quite within the affordable range anymore. (Though I wouldnt complain if you sent a charismatic gentleman my way to bring me out for a nice meal.) Plus, there is no greater gift than that of joy, happiness, love and laughter- and basking in the company of my friends would give me just that.

So ... How are you spending your xmas? :D Make sure its filled with love and joy!

Ban Marathons!

I really think that running a marathon screws up any human's physiology somehow. We are just not built to run/ last so long!

It was such an eventful day at A&E today. I was on in the later morning, when people started streaming in for heat stroke and exhaustion from the Stan Chart run. One 22y boy even died from it. SERIOUSLY, is it worth it at all? Is there anything to prove at all with a death like this? Really guys, love yourself more- you are worth more than a 42k run. And think about who you are leaving behind, these people you love (more than your own life possibly) are really the ones who are suffering more.

I wish Stan Chart would just ban this silly marathon of theirs. What are they trying to prove really?

A&E Week 2

Shiftwork really does messes up your sense of time and social life (wait, what social life?). I have completely lost track of time- my days are no longer mondays or saturdays but have all come to merge into 1 long week ... or day. Its now either on or off, nights on or day on, in Resus Room, Critical Care area or just P3 (ie. I dont know why they are in A&E actually).
I know I do sound like Im whining, but I have to say, Im really loving this attachment. Mainly because Ive been meeting such inspiring doctors who have shown me how its possible to be remain true to what we've all set out to be when we first entered med school, how we shld continually up our clinical skills and acumen and not be sucked into the system and become just yet another member of the production line (ordering all the routine tests and making everyone go through protocols for the sake of doing so) and picking up many skills of the trade.

I love A&E, but Im not sure if I would like to do it for life (besides the fact that Ive found another specialty i love more). Yes, it is exciting and yes, as a consultant you probably get to plan your shifts such that you get alot of time off to do other things, but I think what really bothers me (yes, i know you will all say I have a massive ego) is that they seem to have to take the flak from everyone in the hospital- especially when they refer a pt to them. Everyone seems to doubt the abilities and clinical judgement of e-medics and try to avoid their calls as much as possible. I can never phantom why, for 9/10x, their management plan is appropriate. Plus, if you try to avoid all admissions and not have any patients, you cant really be a doctor anymore can you? You probably are just a chap with a MBBS cert.
Pardon the angst but Im feeling really sorry for these AE chaps whom i feel deserve a tad more respect from their peers!

Ok time to get ready to set off for shift work again!

A&E Post Week 1

I cant believe that I havent managed to meet a single one of my mates since I came back to Sgp! But, I havent been so happy being in school for such a long time. Every single day, I come back smiling and eager to share all the beautiful things which has happened to me!

Week 1 in A&E has been incredibly busy but wonderful for me. I have seen a great doctor (in fact more than one) in action, he is the epitome of exactly what I hope to achieve when I graduate- clinically astute, kind and genuinely caring to his patients. All these amazing people I meet, they just totally blow my mind away! Not only have I rediscovered my love for medicine but have been truly inspired to work hard so that I could be doctor worthy to work alongside them in future :D Afterall, I cant say I want to come back to Singapore to help my people when I have nothing to offer them yes?

I have a long day in A&E Resus today, seeing one critical case come in after another. Will probably speak about them in time to come cos they are just too exciting to be mentioned in a one liner or two and I need to finish reading up on my acid base disorders and interpretation of ABGs before night take.

Meanwhile, everyone please pray for the best for my interview for residency this friday! I really really want the spot (so does everyone there i guess).

Post First week in Singapore

Its been a great first week in Singapore this time round- really busy, really fulfilling and really, time just passes too quickly! I have had about 2 days in at SGH A&E and Im starting to notice my (horrifying) lack of knowledge and extreme unpreparedness for finals.

But yet at the same time, I have refound my love for medicine and how it is actually possible to remain true to your heart and goal (how cheesy sounding i know) even when everyone else around you is ridiculously jaded. I think Im just so fortunate to be shadowing a MO who is so brainy, good- tempered, kind to everyone and who genuinely cares for the patients. I would be happy if could achieve half of what he is doing after I graduate.

Medicine aside, cos of my crazy A&E schedules, it means that my social life is taking a toll. No more dinners and no more outings since Im in hospital, Friday night and all weekends!
And there are just tonnes of things which I would like to do and people I would like to meet.

For people who say that Singapore is boring, I dont see how so! Scanning through the sistic and expo website, there is already some stuff which I would like to do:
1. Wicked the musical!- Yes I have watched it once in London but would like to watch it here again (cos its so good its probably worth it) and to hear the aussie cast sing (:
2. Song Dynasty Living Art- Ive an obsession with chinese art. Im not sure if its cos I used to do chinese calligraphy (something I would really want to do again if I have the time) and chinese painting, or cos of all the period dramas I have been watching or maybe just cos Im yellow and yellow art naturally appeals to me.
3. Chronicles of Narnia Exhibition- To embrace the kid in me! (: And I think this would prbably be a pretty short exhibition given the ticket price of $5 and its location in the middle of nowhere in MBS. In fact, heading to the ArtScience museum for the titanic exhibition after would be a good idea too!

And finally the things which I always would like to do as much as possible when Im in Singapore but rarely have the chance to do so:
1. Wakeboard!
2. Cycle at ECP (and stopping by for food en route)
3. Swim
4. Eat good food
5. Movies (Just cos its so ex in London)

Lucky (:

What a sweet song! (:

Back in Singapore

Just a quick update that I am now back in my lovely sunny Singapore doing my final special study module in A&E at SGH. 4 weeks of that followed by xmas break and then it would be back in London for the final lap before finals!

I have been suffering from really bad jetlag this time. Sleeping at 11am in the morning (or early noon) and then waking up in between for meals, finally up and chirpy at 2am (only to realise that the only people that i can talk to are my mates in London).

I have 2 upcoming interviews for my residency spot in the coming 2 weeks, so wish me loads of luck in pulling it off.

Meanwhile, i shall enjoy all the good food, friends and family!

London

Back in London now doing my special study module in O&G, high risk maternal medicine. After which, I will be back in Singapore again (I must be spending more time in Singapore than London this year) after this 4 week module for my final SSC in A&E at SGH. Kinda nervous and yet excited at the same time. Nervous cos I expect to have my ass kicked by the singaporean students and excited cos i think i'm going to be able to see loads (: It's all about pride aint it?

And its going yet another beautiful christmas in singapore with friends and family, really looking forward to it. That being said, I think Im starting to see a home in London, with all my beautiful and fun friends.

Best friend Prisc would be in town this weekend which is getting me all excited! We are going to watch the best cartoon of all times, LION KING IN 3D at the Imax at waterloo. My first time there, and to watch my fave childhood movie, how very nice! :D

Medical Electives in Singapore.

Just a quick update cos life is just way to exciting for me to document all of it down in words.

I have just been back from a 16day trip to Nepal- Bharaput, Pokhara and Kathmandu. It was truly an exciting trip that has opened my eyes to that part of the world (my little taster to India, though I am very sure that they wont be happy to know that they are compared to the Indians) and one which has allowed me to meet some really great friends. I got witness neurosurgery in a developing country, birth without any pain relief (holy!), patients with worms in their brains amongst many other interesting medical cases. We also managed to try paragliding (oh so beautiful the view of the padi fields from the skies), go on a jungle trek, go river rafting, elephant riding through the forest (i got motion sickness from this) and I managed to get myself a pretty blue sari too! Of course, the down side included battling the bed bugs, temperatures and humidity worse than Singapore and the streets of Kathmandu (just way too stressful with all the honking, spitting, dust and mud and noise).

Now i am on my second week of my medical elective, doing paeds at KKH. Its been such an enjoyable experience despite me feeling really stressed and stupid next to all the local M3 students. I think i truly miss being home. The people, the efficiency, the food and of course the friends and family.

Then Singapore just chose her new president- Dr Tony Tan (: What an exciting elections it was, afterall he won Dr Tan Cheng Bock by no more than 0.5% of the votes.

And ... I am going for the Jackie Cheung concert tonight, and Im sure it would be one amazing concert. Afterall he is the 歌神!

Seriously, I dont understand when people say that there is nothing to do in Singapore. I seem to have too many things I want to do and so little time- Singapore Zoo (check), Halloween Horror at Night Safari, MAF at HwaChong (kinda exclusive i guess), Museums (Chinatown Heritage Museum, Dali exhibition at Art Science Museum), Wakeboarding, Treetop walk, Bukit Timah Hill, the various shows going on- Hossain Leong etc! And if you are really bored, check yourself into MBS or Resorts World Sentosa for some pampering or take a day trip to Batam. Of course, and there seemed to be never enough meals for all the good food here!

Final Year Student Finally.

Oh yes, IM OFFICIALLY A FINAL YEAR ((((: Now I can hold my head up high and head back home with my head held up high! Im all hyped up about my summer plans and elective in singapore and loads of fooooooddddd. Enjoying the sun, going wakeboarding, chilling with friends and family ... here I come!

Year 4 has truly been one whirlwind year, I cant believe that its already July 2011, I dont even remember it turning 2011?! Time seemed to pass more quickly this year than any other year. But not necessarily bad for they always say that time passes quickly when you are enjoying yourself.

I think I might just have an inkling on which speciality I would like to pursue in future (although whether or not I get it, its a different matter altogether). I have grew to love medicine now more than ever, and I have also learnt to learn medicine not just to pass exams but to be a safe doctor. Someone spoke about a great doctor that heads a dept in UCH, saying that "He wasnt a brilliant medical student, but he is an amazing doctor." And that is what I would like to be. It would be a bonus if I was a brilliant medical student but I think its important that I never lose the goal in sight. For spamming MCQs would never make me a good doctor.

I have met new friends, people who have made me smile and chuckle to myself whenever I think of them. Of course, I have rediscovered old friends. I have learnt to better deal with stress- to laugh it off, albeit maniacally. I have learnt work- life balance, so thats geeky peish out of the door! This concept, Im still grappling with, but Im determined that as much as I love medicine, its never going to be the only aspect of my life.

Im looking forward to the coming academic year, especially with a great bunch of people who will be posted to the same place with me.

For now, adieu 'cos the sun is finally shining outsideeeee! xxx

The last lap.

2 days to exams, the last one of the year. Thats if i manage to get through it successfully.

So people, pray for me, pray that I'll be blessed with the strength to get through the last few days, and that I'll shine during the exams- that all I have studied I will remember and that I wont eat up my words and go uhm & ahh during OSCEs.

I cant wait for home (((:

The price of freedom.

I really wish I had a secretary to work out my schedules for me, make sure that bills are all sorted, elective applications and random bits and bobs sorted.

And if its not too greedy, it would be really nice to have someone to help me out with cleaning and ironing. I dont mind doing the cooking hehehe.

But i guess, I do have the freedom of doing whatever I want :)

>:(

I know Im usually happy and cheery and problem- less.

And I know that exams are not near, and there isnt anything thats troubling me right now, Im having a great social life, heading out almost nightly and Im not even supposed to be having PMS now.

But sadly (no pun intended), my baseline mood has gone into deficit, Im just perpetually sleepy/ tired and I feel ... erms, lonely? I dont even know if thats what i really feel, but its really a mish- mash of emotions that i dont normally associate myself. Maybe its the effect of doing a Psychiatry rotation. Im probably getting mild depression. But statistically speaking, I dont have any of those bad prognostic indicators.

Or maybe my puberty came late and Im just going through that moody phase now.

That aside, Im heading to edinburgh this weekend, so hopefully it will clear things up.

Plea for Postcards!

Now that my time in London is ending, Im starting to treasure it more. And being a sentimental nostalgic little girl, Im trying to compile an album full of my memories my uni life (which actually a large part aint in uni or uk for that matter).

So i would really appreciate if anyone could get me a postcard from the following places:

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

2. Brela, Croatia

3. Oslo, Norway

4. Highlands/ Isle of Skye, Edinburgh

5. Dublin, Ireland

6. Barcelona, Spain

7. Venice, Italy

8. Verona, Italy

9. Naples, Italy

10. Cambridge, UK

11. Oxford, UK

12. Birmingham, UK

13. Prague, Czech Republic

Thats as far as I can think of for now! (:

Would pay you back and love your for ever and ever xoxo

My First Ever Vote for Singapore

Once again, I have to repeat myself for the 1000th time that I LOVE SPRING!

Even if it can get wayyy to hot in the very crowded non- airconditioned rush hour tube or super crammed & slow royal free lifts.

The days are long and people are just generally nicer and happier! Its less cold and most importantly, THERE IS SUN! I know Im becoming a Londoner when I obsess so much about the weather.

And today's a very important day, cos i voted in the Singapore General Elections. Im really thankful that I'm in London 'cos its not ridiculously difficult for me to get to the polling station (Singapore High Commission near Hyde Park Corner). Everyone tells me that my vote doesnt matter cos they aint going to count the votes of overseas Singaporeans unless there is an ambiguous win. But you never know right? I have to say I'm not really a fan of either of my candidates and with almost every seat ('cept for the unshakeable MM Lee) being contested, people will definitely forget my small constituency. It's a pity, 'cos potentially someone so much more capable could be our voice in parliament. Being an MP is not only about upgrading ... and erms, payouts? Its disappointing how neither of my candidates (Sitoh and Lina Chiam) addressed bigger issues that many other politicians have been discussing. The opposition party (Lina Chiam) appears to me to be merely trying to stir up angst amongst the residents against the government who has pretty much been neglecting our area ('cos its an opposition area) and Sitoh seems to be only dangling upgrading incentives (and he only had 1 rally). And sadly, neither are very engaging, sincere- sounding, charismastic or grammatically- correct speakers. Well maybe there are on the grounds, but it doesn't appear so on the online videos that I have to rely on.

Potong Pasir aside, I'm definitely way more concerned about the bigger guns- Aljunied especially. And I have no qualms that PAP would once again win in Marine Parade, despite Tin Pei Ling's "spectacular" performances and slips of tongue once and once again, but I'm excited to see how the results would be like. Yes, Nicole Seah is good, but can she compare to Goh Chok Tong? Indeed, she is more impressive than TPL but we cannot forget that there are very worthy candidates in PAP as well like Tan Chuan Jin, and can she compare to them? Much less GCT. Nicole Seah is one of the opposition party's stronger candidates and we are comparing her to PAP's weakest link. Is the opposition's weakest link even weaker than TPL? But as GCT said, (sadly) with GRCs you've gotta vote for the team and not only for individuals. TPL ain't ready, but if she doesnt perform (and in fact flop completely), I'm sure PAP would (hopefully) have a change of strategy next coming elections and understand that every single MP represents the voice of the people and fielding someone so unprepared can be a costly mistake.

But this election is exciting, and in less than 24h, we shall see what our new parliament will be like. Let's cross our fingers and hope that we have worthy MPs.

Easter Ends :(

Today marks the final day of my (well-spent) Easter holidays.

Its been definitely one of the best holidays- having gone to 4 different countries in a span of almost a month. Never have I ever travelled so intensely before, and never have I been to 4 such different places one after another. I guess in a way that is good, because the contrast brings out the beauty in each of these places.

Rome + Naples: The historical sights are just so well preserved in Rome that I feel like I'm almost transported back in time. Naples was alot less clean and organised as a city, but alot less touristy as well. And Pompeii was just breathtaking, its undoubtedly my favourite sight of the whole trip. Of course, what is Italy without the Italians who are always so friendly, helpful (going out of the way to help you with directions even when they dont speak English) and gorgeous (oh yes, check out those dark curly hair).

Croatia: Its beautiful with clear waters and unending scenery. And I can totally see why the Plitvice Lakes with the awesome waterfalls, clear lakes and hillsides make it as an UNESCO world heritage site. Unfortunately, it was too cold to swim at the season which we went. But still, it was a good (driving) trip with loads of laughter, joy and great company.

Paris: Its just so beautiful in Spring when the weather is great, and also when youve a local french- speaking friend to bring you around. The food was great, and now i can understand why people said that Paris is a romantic place to go to (only if you head there the right season)- the view from Eiffel, sitting by river seine, roaming the streets and picking up little things. Yes, Im glad i returned and let Paris have another chance (:

Istanbul, Turkey: A very interesting experience for me, travelling with 2 people Ive never travelled with before. Although I was ill the 1st 2 days, having about 6days in Istanbul meant that I had more than enough time to see/do most things anyway. (For a hurried tourist, 2days would suffice.) It was exciting for me 'cos Istanbul was just such a beautiful mix of Western culture and Asian (Islamic) believes. It was different from all my previous travels 'cos I was visiting mosques and the architecture & artwork are just so different from that of most of Europe's. Turkish food was great but Turkish coffee and tea (incl apple tea) was definitely my highlight! And I was lucky enough that one of my travel buddies had a local friend who invited us to her place for a great local turkish meal, which was awesome 'cos her family was just so inviting, friendly and it really showed me what a typical turkish family (& dinner) was like. Of course, what makes me fall in love with a place is the people. The turks are just so friendly-- like genuinely warm and helpful. Although they can get a little cheeky (maybe cos I was an Asian girl and there were hardly around. So as we all know, scarcity= highly sought after), but it wasnt so bad as to make it repulsive. Moreover, some of their pick up lines can be quite funny really. (Needs improvement though definitely.)

"Excuse me, can I hassle you?" (remains my absolute favourite)

(Conversation) "Oh, so you are a student. Do you have a sponsor, can I sponsor you?"

"You are my dream girl."

"You have a baby face. Can we be facebook friends?" (Is baby face even a compliment?!)

7 yo: "Hello, you are beautiful. Friends? Can I have a photo?"

"Hello you dropped something. You dropped my heart."

"Hello, where are you from?" remains the most common of all.

And so, this concludes my Easter break. Its now back to reality- Neuro, Psych and Ophthalmology. But it aint all bad, cos the weather outside is great (spring is great!), Im gonna be meeting my council mates who are in London for electives, and I still have 3 weekend breaks all lined up. 'tis an exciting term i foresee (:

Istanbul, Turkey Day 1-2

I spent my first 2 days in Istanbul sleeping in the hostel.

Which works well for me 'cos I really am completely shattered from all the travelling in the past weeks. I basically spent the day munching on cookies and bananas and finishing Michael Crichton's State of Play, which presents a really interesting perspective on the environmentalism and global warming.

Although my impression of Istanbul is based merely on a 1h drive from the airport (and the limited stroll around my hostel) but I still find this place really interesting- it seems to be a city of contrast. Western and Islamic culture meets and also, it seems to be conservative (almost communist like with the Turkish flag everywhere) and yet, it embraces democracy and I believe its one of the first cities in the world where women are allowed to vote.

The food too is interesting (although I havent really had it considering I have barely stepped out of the hostel) cos its like pitta (western bread) plus meat (grilled and roasted, which is pretty asian to me).

Im really looking forward to touring the city tmr. Hopefully the weather would be good, food good and people friendly!

Good night world (:

Easter 2011.

I know Im going to get slapped for whining that I have to go on holidays (ie. travelling). But i have to admit I am truly getting some sorts of travel fatigue. Firstly, I know something must be seriously wrong when I all I wish I could do now is to hole up at home (preferably Singapore home, but London will do fine), read a book and occasionally study (yes, I mean it).

But that aside, I really did enjoy myself in the past 3 weeks in Italy (Rome and Naples), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Brela, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar) and Paris, France. I will be off in to Istanbul, Turkey in less than 12h time, with the same backpack, and barely anything unpacked from the Paris trip.

Italy was great, cos I got to see a side of my mum I never knew. Someone so childlike, so sweet and who likes to laugh so much. To me, she seems to be reliving her youth again, afterall she did devote her prime years to us. And, Im glad that now I have reached a stage of my life whereby my mum becomes one of my best friends and I listen to her because I respect and value her advice, more than because Im terrified of her. Im also glad that when I give her feedback or tell her I dont agree with her actions or ideas, she takes it in and we talk about it instead of me being dismissed as a naughty kid who 顶嘴s. Its really refreshing because its been a long time since I had the luxury to spend this much time with my mum.

This aside, Rome was beautiful. I love the Italians- the men were dropdead gorgeous and really friendly, even when we dont speak their language. They would go out of the way to help you and show you directions or offer tips. The streets of Rome were clean and despite many warnings about thieves and conmen etc, we didnt meet any. The food was good- I loved the pastas (squid ink pasta omg yums), pizzas, italian starters, coffee, biscottis, gelatos and the list continues. I basically had too much food there. The weather was slightly too warm for my liking, but that is of course better than having it chilly. The typical tourist sites- Trevi fountain, Colosseum, Vatican City etc were majestic but too crowded for my liking. And because it was just after exams for me, I was getting slightly saturated after a couple. But that also means that I have another excuse to go back there again (:

Although Naples was a more chaotic city (definitely more unsafe with rowdy teens and drunks in the noon), Pompeii is definitely worth a visit. Im not sure if its cos I was able to identify with it more since I studied it for history last time or that it is actually just really amazing that an entire city can be so well preserved. It also really struck me how good engineers, scientists and artists the Romans are. Many of the technology that we see today appears to have had some of its roots from their times- saunas, ovens etc. Naples is also the birthplace of pizza, and indeed, it did not disappoint. I definitely had the best pizza I have ever tasted at a small family run place near my hotel. The staff was extremely friendly- the cook even came out to have a chat with us, the food was fantastic (portions a little too generous) and prices good. In fact, all the best meals I have in Italy seemed to be in Naples. It was also really interesting for me to contrast Rome, a tourist hotspot, and Naples, what I would imagine to be a less well- to- do italian town.

I will update soon about Croatia, whereby some of my mates joined us and Paris- who is truly beautiful in Spring (and when you have a local to bring you around). Meanwhile, I need to catch some sleep before I head off to Istanbul, Turkey for yet another week long trip.

Ciao!

End of Paeds!

Exams are finally over! ((((:

It was definitely difficult, but all I can do now is to just wait for the verdict to be out this coming thursday.

And I still find it amazing that I have managed to cram Paeds, Derm AND GP in 2 days. (Yes we literally end school on Friday and have the weekend to cram it). And somehow we manage it.

Heading off to Italy (Rome and Naples) and Croatia. Hence, will be on yet another hiatus.

Plans after that will include Paris, Turkey, Sardinia, Edinburg and Berlin. What a mouthful. WHOOPS.

HELP!

Im positively suffocating under the sheer amount of work for this end of module exam. I really wished there was no exams so that I could go in every day and roam the clinics and wards and enjoy Paediatrics & Dermatology. (Or they could just cut down the number of weeks i had to spend in GP.)

Im currently swinging from 2 extreme ends of total panic to complete depression & hopelessness.

I really cant wait for this all to end and head off to Italy, Croatia, Paris and Turkey. Actually, I want this to end so that I can have a good night's sleep without nightmares and having to wake up to mug.

So all you kind souls out there, pray for me that I will somehow get through this with some sanity intact :D

Happy St Pats Day!

Happy St Patricks Day everyone!
And for those who intend to wear green and get really wasted tonight, why not add go green on your to do list as well!

I think I really have finally reached the age whereby birthdays ain't such a big deal anymore. I can't decide if it's cos I'm so paranoid of flunking my upcoming paeds end of module exam or that I'm feeling the age. I don't think I've really recovered since public policy challenge from the lack of sleep. It appears that I can no longer do nights like I used to in my teens.

And I promise to blog about public policy idea sometime soon :)

Happy St Pats Day!

Happy St Patricks Day everyone!
And for those who intend l wear green and get really wasted tonight, why not add go green on your to do list as well!

I think I really have finally reached the age whereby birthdays ain't such a big deal anymore. I can't decide if it's cos I'm so paranoid of flunking my upcoming paeds end of module exam or that I'm feeling the age. I don't think I've really recovered since public policy challenge from the lack of sleep. It appears that I can no longer do nights like I used to in my teens.

And I promise to blog about public policy idea sometime soon :)

A Father's Love.

I'm not a Christian but I really do want to share this video with all of you out there about a true story of a father's love for his son.

I have to admit I was bawling by the time I finished the video not only because I was touched by this case but 'cos I have seen so many similar cases in the Paediatric wards that Im roaming in now. The sacrifices and unconditional love that each parent would give to their children is just overwhelming, and I find it so beautiful that every single child is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to them no matter how imperfect/wrong medical opinions would classify them.

So, may you enjoy this (:

And love your parents more every day.

A Son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says "Yes". They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons. The father always saying "Yes" to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his fater, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together."

To which, his father said "Yes".

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together!

For more details: Google Team Hoyt

Helping Japan.

For those of you guys who are thinking of doing your own little part for Japan, one of my friends have set up a JustGiving page to raise some funds for Shelterbox. Shelterbox provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most.

I tried to do my part by putting in some money and keeping them in my prayers. My friend has set up this page and pledged to give a 100USD Amazon voucher to 1 lucky person. (Although this should not be our motivation in contributing anyway, but if it gets the job done, I suppose its good too.)

I know ideally, we would all like to give abit more than just cold hard cash. But, I guess whilst money isnt everything, it can get us some things as well. So, hopefully with this little bit that we are doing, it can all add up to alot. Spread the word, like this you are giving more than just your X-amount.

For more details, your can visit Rachel's page.

Back from PSC Public Policy Challenge London

Am absolutely shattered now having only slept less than 4h last night.

But am a very happy (and well fed) girl and am really really glad for the amazing experience I had over the weekend.

For now, good night! Need to catch up on the sleep, my head is spinning right round right round ...

1st Morning of PSC Public Policy London

At St James Sofitel London now with 3 of my best mates in UK as part of the Singapore PSC Public Policy challenge, which is an initiative to get some of us from the younger generation thinking about policy making. Cynics see it as Singapore's ploy to recruit/ tie down more of us to the government whilst optimists see it as their way to attract more talents into the public service to do good for the country.

Was such a pity I had to come late for the event last night cos I was tied down in clinic with my Prof, but they did serve a good dinner (complete with macarons even though Im not a massive fan but I can imagine girls back home all going nuts) and that was definitely a good way to give any Singaporean a good impression.

It was followed by a talk on how to craft a public policy challenge and what really struck me was how much drafting a public policy mimics medical practice (or vice versa). It appears that the principles behind coming up with a good public policy is what should be guiding us young medics to become a good clinician. Shant talk too much about the concepts here. Propaganda or not, but I was impressed by how well Singapore as done thus far (based on the accounts of the speaker). But as most would know, I am ridiculously patriotic.

And on a more bimbotic level, the room is absolutely beautiful here at St James' Sofitel. The rooms are vintage meet modern, and I am truly inspired to model my home in future after this.

7am, bright start to the day, Im ready to get my case scenario. Till then, adieu! xxx

Hwa Chong Night London 2011

Last weekend was definitely amazing, and it got me counting my blessings.

(Omg, my Itunes just started playing 心旅 as Im typing this.)

I have to admit I had formal events like this. I hate it that I dont know how to put on make up properly and that every single dress makes me look extremely fat.

Yet I love that it is an excuse for all of us busy people to out aside what we are doing grudgingly and end up enjoying ourselves tremendously anyway. At events like this, I count my blessings that I have such great friends around me who can always make me laugh, whom I could count on and who make breathe a sigh of relief instead of turning bright red when they remind me that I have a wardrobe malfunction.

4 years down, and I love and trust them even more than ever.

Presenting the 32nd in London 2011 (:

And for the first time, I could really relate to the song lyrics. And in our eyes, I see signs of "having seen the world" and "age".

Gosh.

Please let the weekend come now.

I am so absolutely knackered that the weekend feels like its never ever coming.

That being said, Im glad that my idea to roll CPR out in schools in singapore as a station for napha tests during PE is slowly taking shape with some motivation and help from my best mate in London.

Its HC night this coming sat, and I have been junking so much these few days to keep myself at work and at home that Im positive I cant fit into any dress without looking like a freaking dumpling. Damn. I hate it that girls have weight woes all the time.

I am truly proud to be a Singaporean.

This is my fave version of Home so far!

I think coming to London to study has really made me really appreciate home and love it all Singapore- both her good and bad. Yes indeed, we do have our flaws and Singaporeans aint the most perfect people in the world, but i still do love my country and my people so very much. I know we are kiasu, but we are also efficient. I know we speak Singlish, but sometimes there just isnt another better word to substitute "damn sian". And yes, we dont have any Michelin starred restaurants, but we have the Tiong Bahru Market, Katong Laksa and even Food Repulic serves awesome food. We dont have Eason Chan or Madonna, but I think JJ Lin, Stef Sun and Kit Chan amongst others does a pretty fine job too.

Yes, we dont have much political freedom, cannot hold strikes/ protests unless we apply for a licences and cant even buy chewing gum. But at least, we still have a working government -a damn good one as well-, a reliable MRT & bus service (muahaha, no tube strikes and no lost income cos you cant get to work) and I never have to feel pull a chair to sit on and feel a sticky disgusting piece of thing under it.

I am patriotic, I dont deny it. I know its not very cool, esp so amongst people of my generation.

I know Singapore aint perfect, but I love her all the same. Thats what love is about right? Appreciating whats good about someone and accepting the flaws as well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

May your day be filled with love, romance and kisses!

Starting Afresh!

I've decided that I've enough of black and I need more colour in my life. Anyway to us Chinese, black isnt the luckiest of colours as well.

So here's a new background (template and sorts remains the same cos I know nuts about HTML) to welcome Spring! ((((:

Agatha Christie's Mousetrap!

Mousetrap's well worth watching!

I have never really liked watching plays in the past, because I used to find it so hard to catch what the actors are saying and 'cos I have a very short concentration span. Unlike musicals, you cant just zone out for a bit and come back again. Once you have fallen into the Whats-Going-On blackhole, you are pretty much stuck there forever. Plus, I always found them alot less entertaining than musicals (less prancing about and repeating the same sentence many times till i finally could sing it too).

But I had decided to go for Mousetrap partly because of all the good reviews it has gotten (but I have to admit I was still slightly skeptical then) and mainly 'cos I wanted to meet up with a mate of mine from Oxford who had come down to London for the show.

But Mousetrap was real good, I never got bored at any point of time and possibly because Im a terrible detective, it got me guessing till the end. Having watching 2 really good plays in London thus far (Woman in Black and Mousetrap), I am now ready to embrace the theatre more!

On a side note, doing my GP rotation now (despite not seeing very many white patients because the location Im in tend to see more immigrants), made me realise that the uptightness, properness and politeness we see of the Brits in films/plays are so very true (esp so in the older population)!

Ciao, off to wingchun practise now! Unfortunately it doesnt look anything sunny enough to take a walk in Hampstead Heath.

CNY 2011- London & Faro

I know I havent been updating for quite some time but thats because I have been so ridiculously busy with so many things--- a weekend trip to Faro, Portugal, a couple of CNY dinners, my dearest flatmate's bday (I baked a Victorian butter cake- My 1st ever baking experience other than the other time I made bread pudding which really doesnt count as baking.) and so many other small random stuff that seems to make my days pass in a daze. Its definitely been one of the best chinese new year away from home.

Faro '2011:

Pictures of Faro would be up once I order my all-in-one memory card reader and get the photos into my Mac.

It was a lovely trip- perfect for a weekend getaway cos there was nothing to do there except for beach activities. Moreover since it was off- season (winter), it wasnt crowded. Although we couldnt swim (wayyy too cold), there was still some winter sun and I was thankful enough that we were able to stroll about in our shorts and sleeveless tops. We were definitely inviting stares at our inappropriate attire (most people were in sweaters and long pants which to me was pretty absurd cos the temperature was possibly about 18degrees or so.).

On our first morning there, we took a long 2h stroll from our hotel (Hotel Monaco- Highly recommended. Clean, friendly staff, Awesome room at Hostel Prices!) to Faro's only beach. Because Im a traveller who values the experience more than visiting 1000 churches or tourist attraction, the walk there was one of the highlights of my weekend trip. The weather was beautiful (sunny and warm but not too hot), and there was hardly any traffic so we could easily walk along the expressways and sometimes in the middle of smaller roads. We walked past the airport (our hotel was about 5mins drive away from the airport), across the Faro's massive nature reserve at low tide (Which was alot of marshland, but it was still a pretty sight in its special way.), stopped by a fruit stall set up along the roads, chatted to the very friendly fruitseller & had the best and biggest oranges I have ever tasted (8 for 1euro!), took many many photos along the way and finally made it to the beach. The waters were too cold to swim in, but since it wasnt peak season, there were only a couple of locals sitting about and enjoying family time, we had a really nice walk down, picking up seashells and enjoying the waves.

Of course, a trip is never perfect without good food (and desserts). We found a lovely bakery near our hotel which served awesome sponge cakes and coffee, plus at a cheap price (we paid about 8euros for 8 plates of cakes and 3 cups of coffee). The custard portuguese tarts were kinda disappointing though- Im not sure if its cos we overdosed on custard (they somehow had to add custard to everything, and a generous serving of it) or that Im expecting something like Magdeleine's egg tarts in Singapore or Macau's take on portuguese egg tarts.

Another thing which I thought the Faro-ians (or maybe its a Portuguese thing, Im not too sure) did beautifully was homemade potato crisps. The chefs at the local restaurants would hand sliced potatoes and then fry it before serving it immediately (literally piping hot!). I love those which are crispy at the sides and yet soft in the middle- Its like getting the best of both kinds of Mac's fries. If you like your fries/ chips/ crisps crispy, the smaller slices were also fantastic.

Finally, the highlight of my trip was the discovery of WHITE SANGRIA (served by a very cute Portuguese bespectacled bartender). I had a bit too much that night (at least a pitcher), so much so I was asking for more (very unlike my usual behaviour I must clarify), asking D & K ridiculous questions (I dont remember what exactly though) and doing alot of pointing & big actions according to K. Whoops. But definitely worth it. I cant rem what exactly is the name of the bar but its one of the 2 bars that people like to go for pre-drinks. Will definitely share if any of my travel buddies can recall.

All in all, the people there were also really lovely, all very friendly and helpful. Friendly locals definitely rank as one of the most important factors when Im judging a place and Faro would get loads of stars for that. The food there was good and cheap and so were the drinks. So thats adds more stars to it. Plus, we paid 20euros per night for a very lovely hotel!

But that being said, 1 weekend is definitely all that is needed for Faro (:

新年终于来了！

Since I am now too stuffed to shower and sleep, I thought I might just do a quick entry here to wish everyone 新年快乐，学业进步，兔年行大运!

Hoping that everyone out there has had a wonderful reunion dinner with your family, friends and loved ones!

I have had a extremely lovely steamboat dinner complete with LOADS of food (chicken, squid, abalone, yong tau foo, fish, 烧肉, chin chow, 年糕, home made banana cake ... BURP), loads of laughter (always the case when you have a hyperactive mark around) and loads of good company! I count my blessings here everyday that I have such lovely friends like them around when Im here in London.

I think when Im back in Singapore, Im definitely going to look back at these times and wish that I could be back here for something like this again.

All in all, Im thankful for the very beautiful CNY reunion dinner which I just had, even if it was cold outside and we didnt have as much pineapple tarts and bak kwa as we would like.

张敬轩－ 我的新欢。

Recently I discovered a singer who has pretty good songs.

Even though he has been around for quite some time, I have never heard of him. But i have definitely heard some of his songs on Yes 933 in the past. I youtubed his name and it came up with quite a few old songs which I used to liked, but I suppose never enough to want to google his name.

张敬轩- 吻得太逼真 (click here if video doesnt load)

This was the song which Yes 933 played that caught my ... ears.

I have since been listening to it on loop.

-

And 新年快乐 to everyone, its 除夕 tomorrow!

To me, its possibly the most important day of chinese new year and Im glad Im spending it with my pseudo- family here in London.

I do hope that all of you friends would be spending it with friends and family and loved ones wherever in the world you are at now (:

Happy birthday to my favourite credit card bill payer!

Happy Birthday to Lee Pa Pa!

Wished I could be home for this and for CNY :(

At least Im trying to make it slightly more festive for myself by having a massive clean up of the house to rid of dust, dirt, bad luck and expired food, creating a mini CNY corner full of goodies and reading my favourite chinese work of all times- 绝代双骄.

Plus, my consultant (? italian) said he would give me an angpow cos his wife is singaporean. Muahahahahah.

And the CNY celebrations starts for Peish (:

I only wished I had brought my camera with me cos it was really lovely today at the Singaporean CNY street market. It was properly crowded even though it was held in UCL's south cloisters (which is basically not bigger than half a bball court). There was happy chinese music & CNY songs blasting through the air. There was also a good selection of good ol' Singaporean/ Chinese food like kaya, chwee kueh, orh nee, cheng tng etc. Most importantly, there was loads of Singaporeans! It always makes me happy to meet fellow schoolmates and countrymen (how very communist i sound). Even if occasionally, I have to make (awkward) small talk with hi- bye friends or admit (very embarrassingly) that i cant even remember their face, much less names.

But all in all, its a good feeling and Peish is a very (tired and cold but ...) happy girl today!

-

PS. Need advice for the following:

(Am as usual being my very indecisive self)

1. Singapore VS Spain?

Should i go home (singapore) for easter for 13days (Ie. Sun and Comfy bed and wakeboarding and friends & family) OR 7 Day Spain/ Canary Island trip for beach times +/- weekend trips with my medic friends from singapore who would be in the uk for weekend trip?

2. Singapore VS India?

Should i go back home or India for a 6 week medical elective?

新年快来了！

Had a day off today, which really is a great luxury. Despite that, I didnt quite manage to sleep in, was up and about by 8am. Unlike most uni students my age, I have trouble sleeping in even when I want to. I just have this extreme paranoia to jump out of bed asap cos I have 1001 things to do.

I have been feeling very festive recently. I mean since Im in a land whereby 99.99% of the population doesnt know that the biggest event of the Chinese calendar is next week, its really up to the individual to create the 气氛.

It actually feels really good to start chucking all the bits and pieces which I have been collecting in the past year but have never used (I still have the garang guni/ rag & bone man mentality. You know when you are young, you would keep everything from wrappers to broken toys 'cos you just dont wanna throw anything away. I still have this bad habit.) and ridding the house of all the dust and dirt. Started with my loo yesterday and Im going to work my way to my study area, room and then the living room.

On top of that, Im really looking forward the CNY eve reunion with my favourite people in London (32nd councillors) which Im sure will be filled with laughter, joy and loads of food! And then 人日 celebrations with the medics, of course over even more food!

Its been 4-5 years since I last celebrated CNY at home with family and friends and solid good quality singaporean yummies. I really cant wait for the day that I can throw my square cap in the air, get the scroll I have been working for for the past 5 years and take SIA back to Singapore for the last time. Its gonna be bittersweet, but I think its time for me to go home. I have had my good share of fun.

I really want to go home for CNY.

Everyone has a soft spot for something/ someone. For me, its my little brother even though I have never mentioned it to him before.

So today when he txted me to ask me when I would be back to go wakeboarding with him, it just got me terribly homesick. And really it doesnt help that CNY is in about 1.5 weeks time. We could still have steamboat dinners, pineapple tarts, lo hei and Stephen Chow films, but it just aint the same when its not in Singapore.

But I did make the choice of coming here 4 years ago and promised that Im gonna complete it and do it well. Afterall, I cant let my daddy down. Just like how I want everything to turn out perfectly for my brother (Eg. I was ridiculously happy when I heard he got into good unis), I know my dad has a soft spot for me and its going to make him insanely happy when I graduate ... well.

Ahhh, venting helps. Now, Im ready to continue with the term (:

All your wide- feet ladies.

Yes, after years of searching, I have finally found the right boot. I know this is such a Carrie Bradshaw moment, but i really just cant contain my excitement.

For someone like with a funny arch and really wide feet, finding the right shoes/ boots has always been the biggest challenge. For women, you would know how important it is to find a bra that fit, like it just cant be uncomfortable in any way.

To me, Shoes are that and more ... 'cos it has to be aesthetically pleasing as well. And whilst most people have the luxury of having a wide range of choices, having a pair of slim cinderella feet, I have always been plagued with the problem of having to put on a pair of shoes/ boots that either hurt (slightly in front cos its too tight or at the back 'cos I had to get a bigger size to fit the front and the back of the shoe would be too loose & cause abrasian) or settle for something like crocs (eeps.).

Aesthetics and comfort never seemed to agree at the same time for me, until I found this baby a couple of days ago at Birkenstock's in Covent Garden.

It doesnt look like Jimmy Choo's but it doesnt resemble Crocs as well. But best of all, wearing it feels better than not wearing shoes at all!

For those who have ever owned a pair of Birks sandals, you would probably know that the sole is awesome for peeps with wide feet. And the contoured sole is just amazing, I almost feel like I could stand on them forever! For me, the arch support it provides really does help to redistribute the weight on my feet, which makes it even more comfortable than not wearing shoes at all.

Its probably a splurge, but hopefully, it would be able to last as long as my sandals (4years and still going strong)!

For more designs, check out the Birkenstocks website!

Life's only as exciting as we make it to be.

Paediatrics is exciting, even when Im posted out of London to Queen's Hospital in Romford and even though I havent actually really started (today was my 1st day and all we did was to roam around getting access cards settled & such). Its got me excited that there is now yet another specialty whereby one can still be a generalist.

After year 3's rotation rotation through medicine and surgery, I was beginning to think that other than Geriatrics (not exactly my cup of tea), EMed (very exciting, but also very exhausting. Potentially unsustainable as a career in the long term.) and Critical Care/ ICU (Ditto as EMed), we have to be tied down to a subspecialty. But the Piscean in me really wanted more freedom to do something different everyday. Then, year 4 came by and let me discover O&G and Paeds. O&G was an amazing experience, cos for the first time I really wanted to be a doctor- like a practising one. I have loved medicine the day I started, but I was ambivalent about being a doctor- I am happy to give up being a doctor to maybe pursue an academic path in the medical field (like to be a student for life) or maybe for my family if necessary. But now, i really do want to practice. It might also be due to the fact that these specialties generally have patients who are so motivated, which does add on to the feel- good factor of being a doctor.

I shall sit tight and see what Paeds and Queen's have to offer, Im hopeful and excited (:

-

Aside from starting on a very exciting posting, I have got real exciting plans lined up-

1. Billy Elliot musical finally!

2. Weekend trip to Faro, Portugal over CNY weekend with 2 really good mates of mine.

3. 10 day trip to Rome, Naples, Croatia & Macedonia

And Im planning ...

4. Trip to Morocco with some of the medics

5. Crossing my fingers and hoping that I can get a table at THE FAT DUCK in march (Pray for me!)

-

Finally, I really really want to catch this real bad:

The King's Speech

Looks like a very powerful movie!

Afterall, how can Colin Firth produce bad movies eh?

Medicine. Play. Eat. That's my life for you.

13 Things I want to accomplish before I graduate:

1. Pass my exams, hopefully better than just barely scraping past.

Visit:
2. Rome & Naples & Pompeii
3. Croatia
4. Morocco
5. Greece
6. Berlin
7. Malta
8. Iceland
9. Portugal
10. USA ... Maybe just Harry Potter Land, or Miami or California ... or the Grand Canyon

Eat at:
11. The Fat Duck
12. Gordon Ramsay's

13. Not be embarrassingly bad at wing chun

There are just so many places in the world where I would also like to visit, like South Africa, Egypt, Dubai, South America, Vietnam and Cambodia, Bhutan ... The list goes on.
But I guess its a good thing that I probably will not be able to do so in the next few years or so because I (hopefully) have another good 50years to see this world and I wouldnt want to be real bored by the age of 35, would I? (:

Im off to Italy and Croatia ... in April!

Pathology week is over and Im off to Romford for my DGH posting next week. Excited or not I cannot decide. Excited because I do hope that I will like paeds very much, and not very excited because it is winter and battling (1) London transport in (2) the cold is very unpleasant.

I have pretty much spent the past week or so scouring the internet for details to plan my 10-day trip in April to Italy and Croatia. After much deliberation and advice from friends who have been to these places, Ive decided to just stay in Rome and Naples/ Pompeii for about 5days, and the other 5 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. From Dubrovnik, I might take a day trip to Macedonia (or maybe stay there for 1 night) and to Split or other neighbouring cities.

As it seems like an almost impossible task from Italy to Croatia by land/ sea (either wayyy too many train changes or too pricey OR the ferry from south Italy for Croatia leaves on funny days), I might just splurge a little and take a flight with croatian airlines to save me some time and hassle.
(It takes at least 13h on train from Rome to Zagreb, Croatia with a couple of changes in between and from Zagreb, I would still need to take an overnight train to Dubrovnik that would make it another 10h. 1 whole day of travelling ... not appealing.
Ferries from Bari, Italy to Dubrovnik/ Split doesnt leave very frequently, about 2x per week. This would either shorten the Italy leg of my trip significantly or the Croatia part, neither of which I am keen to give up.
Flights are short, about 1-2h excluding all the airport transfer, check-in time etc but quite pricey- Best 1 way tickets with Croatian Air is about 140euros.)

I am really looking forward to the beautiful beaches (and sun!) in Croatia and chilling out. I only wished that there was a younger person (Im heading down there with my Mum and Aunt, and I dont know many people who are very keen on travelling with me if they know that there are 长辈s around) who could go Croatia with me just so I could do all the extreme sports there. Neverthelss, I do think I would be a very nice chillaxing trip even if I didnt have the chance to do so anyway.

I have also applied for my elective in India and Im going to plan my SSC back home in Singapore as well.
And its probably, just about right time to do something about my Easter trip to Morocco!

Life's only just as exciting as you make it out to be yeah? (:

Tough Choices.

As I thought about the places in Europe that I would like to visit and the number of holidays I have left, it just struck me today suddenly that Ive barely much time left in UK/ Europe.

And its probably time for me to stop moping about being homesick and maybe start making good use of my time here- to see more of Europe (Where to find time for Berlin, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal, Morocco), to watch more football matches (yes Im positively excited about the Arsenal- Man City match at Emirates Stadium tmr) and musicals/ plays, to frequent more michelin starred restaurants and enjoy the pizzas & kebabs, and most importantly, to enjoy the freedom that I have taken so for granted.

An old friend of my mine who had studied here in the UK but have since returned back home to Singapore, told me that she has since started missing her life here quite a bit. This surprised me slightly, for she was one of my kind- someone who would get so terribly homesick and be hit by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during winter and is always happy to be back home in the land of good food, good weather and good beaches. But as she said, the grass is always greener on the other side- she has started missing all the freedom she used to have. I could see why- when Im back home for holidays, everyone seemed to let me have things my way, cos Im hardly back. I get to choose where to eat, what to do and our holiday destination. But I would think that the novelty of having me back when I do return for good will wane, if Im lucky, after a honeymoon settling- in period of 1 month. And then, it might be back to schooling- days, with a curfew and all. How ready am I for that? But then again, how ready am I to stay here potentially for another good 10 years?

Life's full of tough choices- I have thought long and hard about how badly I would like to go home to do my housemanship and my registrar training which would mean:
1. Im home.
2. Im going to be working with people whom I can really get along well with. (As much as I hate to say this, I still do find it hard to really connect with the angmohs. We really do have different humour.)
But ...
1. Less freedom, less pay (least of my worries to be honest).
2. Harder to get specialty of choice cos its so much more competitive in singapore (number places in each specialty is probably 30x less and Im not even trying to exaggerate the statistics), and we medics who have graduated outside Singapore are generally considered to be less able than the locals. Plus, we are apparently disadvantaged with regards to application for the residency programme because "we do not know the consultants"- ie. poor networking.

So here I am still sitting on the fence, deciding whether its time to pack up and go home, or to rough it out for a good career. Either way, I have this nagging fear that I will one day no longer be able to fit in anywhere anymore.

How to be a 20- something, Singaporean Style.

A friend showed me this article, How to be a 20- something, which brought a grin to my face. It was cheeky and yet relatable article that truly captured the thoughts of our age, although it probably applies more to American teens than us. So why not come up with one more relevant to Singaporeans? Out of sheer boredom, I thought why not tweak the original article slightly so we could identify with it more? I have to, however, clarify that I unfortunately spent most of my twenties outside of Singapore, and have actually not even completely 1/3 of the twenty- something journey. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope you would like my version anyway.

Here goes ...

Be really attractive. Your acne is gone, your face has matured without having wrinkles and everything on your body is lifted naturally. Eat Old Chang Kee and drink Koi Bubble Tea 7 days a week and still look like a babe/ hunk. Have 2 servings of roti prata with extra curry and sugar for supper. When you turn thirty, it’ll become a different story but that’s, like, not for a really long time.

Move into school hall, and burn all your time on RAG, hall play or going on random walks with your mates in the middle of the night. Take as many zi- pais (self- potraits)/ neoprints as possible. Sit in Macs or Starbucks for hours and talk about nothing important in general.

Stalk your crush on FB, join clubs and societies to widen your social circle and if you are lucky, he/ she might just be sitting opposite you whilst you are mugging in the library.

Work part time as a tutor or at (M)phosis because your allowance is not enough for a weekly Mambo night or to fund that 1 month trip to Europe you have been planning since forever. Be part of as many initiatives as possible, and stay hopeful that what you are doing makes a great deal of difference to the less fortunate. Remember that you’re young and that the world is your oyster. Everything is possible, you still have so much to see and hear. You went to a good school and did good things. Figure if you’re not going to be successful, who the hell is?

Date the people you never had the courage to even talk to in the past because your friends will go “Ah Beng and Ah Lian sitting on the tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G”. See someone for 3 months just because all your friends are too busy to watch movies with you.

Eventually all these nobodies will make you crave a somebody. Have a real relationship with someone. Go on vacations together, exchange house keys, cry in their arms after a demoralizing day at work. Think about marrying them and maybe even get engaged. Regardless of the outcome, feel proud of yourself for being able to love someone in a healthy way.

Start your twenties with a lot of friends and leave with a few good ones. What happened? People faded away into their careers and relationships.

Think of yourself at twenty and hanging out with people who didn’t mean a thing to you. Think about writing papers, about being promiscuous, about trying new things. Think of yourself now and your face looking different and your body feeling different and how everything is just different.

Form the habits that will stick with you forever. Drink your Kopi- Siew Dai every morning over Today/ Straits Times. Enjoy spending money on fine dining, go swimming every Saturday and have dim sum on Sunday morning.

Help your parents on Chinese New Year eve, prepare the steamboat and wear red. Remember Mother's Day and Father's Day and give a handmade card. This will all mean so much.

Think about having children when you stop acting like a child. This may not ever happen.

Maybe this is assuming too much. Maybe this is generalizing. Maybe society uses age as an unrealistic marker for growth. Maybe. Still feel the anxiety on your 30th birthday and think to yourself, “Oh shit, I’m no longer a 20-something.”