I remembered it was 16 August 2016, it was the day I'm gonna board a flight to somewhere super far from home. I had no idea how to feel and had been worrying ever since I got offered to study at Lund University, Sweden! I don't even know a single Swedish word la, omg!
I couldn't find other pictures, besides these two! I recalled both my sisters sobbing at the airport while I wore my BASIC tee into the gates!
We took 2 flights, connecting at Qatar(?) and it took more than 16 hours to reach Copenhagen Airport! Louise was so dramatic on the plane when she saw me take out the cards and pictures I got from my friends to read, she did the same too and began her whole sobbing party LOL (why you so insecure...)
We met Songle before we took the connecting flight and all I could remember was running for it as there was a delay in landing. Songle and I continued our adventure together from there (eventually without Louise HAHAHA)
We took a train from Copenhagen and safely arrived at our destination, LUND!!!!!
We saw locals doing construction work in Lund and it's so different from Singapore because we have foreign workers doing all the work we don't wanna do! (side note: those construction guys in Lund were smoking hot)
Some Lund City views😍😍😍
We were touring the campus and I took this derpy picture with Lund University in the background heh! (yes, the Basic Tee)
After getting orientated with things, such as our respective accomodations, SIM cards and all, we finally went to our rooms and put down our things and had Pizza!!!!!
At the pizza place, we also met some creepy dude called Björn, he was super helpful but kinda sus too...
I had trouble adjusting and even asked my neighbors at Delphi to extend their wifi to me, just for today but they said they can't?? (I think not feasible). I could only get a wifi router on Day 2 after school, so the first day I got internet access to contact my friends and family by tapping on Louise's wifi, at another block leh!
I shared a common kitchen and living area with my apartment-mates, but we all have our own rooms and washroom, I loved that very much!!!! (I can shower and come out comfortably, given my apartment-mates are all males...)
FURNITURE THINGS
I recalled having to fix the shower curtains, which took me forever to get it up!!!
The first weekend at Lund, the school had an event to bring new students to explore and we paid $50 SGD for this Zoo trip! It was fun meeting fellow exchange mates, instead of always being with Louise and the biggest takeaway from this, IS MEETING SUZANNE!!!!!
I think she wanted to take pictures with a pretty horse but then worried that people may judge her, and I said "just do it" so we started talking from this Zoo trip onwards!
Both me and the goat (??) not having a good time interacting, LOL
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One of our free days, we traveled to Malmö for their IKEA!!!!! How could we not visit when we are finally in the country that made IKEA (Side note: I still can't stand Singaporeans pronouncing IKEA wrongly)
(Instagram vs reality, haha look at my HUH expression!!!!)
My room was awfully empty and I didn't have curtains to block out the morning sun, so I guess it was time for some shopping??? I finally got my curtains, with some DIY skills!!!!!
(and grabbed some flowers from the garden downstairs)
Not forgetting to feature my Iranian Carpet, and chilling with Suz on it!
Hehe, extending our Carpet adventures!!!!
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It was also common to join Nations in Universities!!! But most of the time, I just joined my peers to chill at Pubs (I did not take part in any sporty activities tho, what a waste for Louise to bring her 2 floorball sticks so that I can play too HAHAHA). I only found this picture of me and Songle returning from a Nation event in the middle of the night???
We went for the drinking ones before, but maybe we were too early, it was boring...
Okay, the only sporty thing I did at Lund was rock climbing with Suzanne and that's all for sports hahaha
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In August/September, it's their Summer! But we were all covered up in this weather. Before the weather gets any cooler, we decided to visit Helsingborg!!!
DAY TRIP TO HELSINGBORG (with Songle + Yaufei)
Loving all the blue 💙
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DAY TRIP TO YSTAD (with Suz)
YSTAD is so beautiful but I failed to capture its vibrant colours!! (only some pictures of me trying to wing the holiday vibes)
Now, I think it is appropriate for me to insert the proof that I actually went to my Neurobiology Master's class!! I studied okay, it wasn't easy and took me considerable time to warm up to Locusts, cut out their exoskeleton chest plate and hook their nerves up for our experiments!!!!
Louise and I also took a selfie with this giant toy cockroach on our first few weeks of class! SHOOK HOR
I remembered the walk to class was about 20 minutes and there was once I was too tired to get up in the morning and completely missed the entire lesson! I recalled rushing in when the class ended LOL, A FOR EFFORT at least??
The hardest thing about school was getting around the campus and SWEDISH CLASS!!!! The 2 things I learned were "HEJ HEJ" to say hello and "Vad Heter Du" which I just googled - it means "What is your name"?
During one of our compulsory Swedish lessons, I sat beside a German student who thought Singapore is part of India and I was speechless, how do I explain where Singapore is???
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MY COOKING ADVENTURES! I always made extra so I could pack it for my lunch if I had a whole day lab session the next day! Cooking really helps to save $$$$!!!!
I loved using the oven and got a huge burn scar on my left index finger, but no ragrats because my pulled pork oven-baked pasta tasted so good!!!! We also got dine out occasionally when we are feeling rich, or too lazy to cook? I love getting Pizza take-outs, haha 1 pizza = 2 meals!
One of my favourite drinks in Sweden is their chocolate milk (can't remember the brand name) but I also liked the chocolate milk Malaysian makes with MARABOU CHOCOLATES!!!
Some common snacks I have in my room:
(the frozen yogurt is great, especially when it's cold outside!!!!)
📍LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
This was our very first holiday trip during our exchange days and we were so excited!!!! I remembered how we wanted to save money, we got ourselves cheap tickets (arrive at odd timings and landed at a not-so-accessible air terminal) and stayed at a cheap hostel.
When we arrived at the immigration, I recalled showing Suz my UK flag-printed socks. I was excited about being in the UK!
In 2021, I asked Suz if she remembers how we have the 2nd picture, and we both just can't recall.
Our recollection of events: we landed at an airport away from the city and needed to take a bus but the flight arrival time was in the middle of the night and our bus time is probably at 5-ish or 6 am in the morning.
I was writing my lab report regarding some insects' anatomy/nervous system thingy here at Starbucks (the life of a university student then!!!!)
We were also very sleep-deprived during this trip, but it was worth it!
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I remembered our first adventure in the UK, we met up with Mary and Grace who were there for their dentistry exchange (of only 3 weeks)! We didn't manage to have a meal together but went to get Starbucks instead for a nice catch-up! The sky was all blue yet grey and we were just elated to be traveling!
PRETTY PICTURES:
We did a lot of TOURISTY THINGS!!!!!! The first photo below, my caption on Instagram: yes yes, who do you want me to kill?
We also went to Platform 9 3/4 at King Cross Station - GOALS!!!!!
I was getting coffee everywhere with occasional stops for ice cream and whatnot. We tried Lobsters and Burgers before they were a thing in Singapore and it was lit bruh! I really like the steak from Flat Iron, and the fried fish with a lot of bones that we bought on the streets! (did we throw the fishbones on the street? HAHA)
We also met Songle + Malaysian to eat nice food!!! I remembered the Chinese food from this restaurant recommended by Malaysian was so delicious!! We were laughing and enjoying ourselves so much!!!
Songle stayed at the same hostel as us! Malaysian went to stay at his friend's place to save money haha
Hostel horror: the toilets were located on Level 1 so we had to move from our rooms to go downstairs to use the washroom. I had no slippers on that trip so had to borrow Songle's! Our room is filled with many bunk beds, probably 20++ people in a room. I also saw a lady remove all her clothes as she changed into a fresh set, it was a culture shock!!!!!
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Suz is the best because even tho I have 2 groups of friends to meet during this trip, she was totally fine with the company! She sort of knew Mary and Grace but not Jeffrey!!!!
He suggested going for some nice French food and I remembered loving every single course. He also kept adding food to my plate + Suz's! I had to go to the washroom during dinner and when I came back, both of my friends were so excited to tell me something funny they talked about earlier!
Jeff: you and Rachel know each other very long already?
Suz: errr maybe about a month's time
Jeff: y'all know each other awhile only, then go travel together?
Suz: why ah? you scared something happen to her ah (sounded like don't trust Suz)
Jeff: haha, I am more worried for you
WAH THANKS MAN BRO
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We also went to Primark and it was life-changing! They have so many things at affordable prices, thank god I brought my smaller luggage on this trip so everything could fit back in (this was also the last time during the exchange I traveled with my luggage)
Think I also slept at Primark couches because I was too exhausted, hope no one saw that!
Ending this trip with loots + favourite selfie in UK!
In 2021, my dad revamped and fixed my UK watch that broke in 2018 (?) so now I am feeling london-ny again!!!!
Presenting my favourite pictures with Suz from our UK adventure!😘
📍BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
I remember how Suz and I lied about our e-check in time so that we don't have to sit with Louise on our flight to Belgium! Not sure how we decided to go on this trip together because she is one insecure kid with a lot of issues, she always likes to paggro people into doing what she did, just so she feels good about herself LOL (remembers all her couch surfing stories). I remember how she was always clinging onto me yet behind my back, she does other shits... In conclusion, we didn't like her.
Suz and I had a good time on our flight there HAHAHA, no ragrats for sinning!
IT'S SO PRETTY!!!! especially the first picture featuring a stretch of buildings. We bought chocolates from across the street, it was so good! We also bought things from Godiva!
FOODIE PHOTOS!!!!
As ladies, we got free beer! I WAS SO HAPPY (LADIES PRIVELLEGES)! The mussels dish was lit too!!!!!
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We traveled to SPA for skydiving, but ultimately it would depend on the weather on that day! Fortunately, the weather god was on our side so we could SKYDIVE!!!!!
After we went thru all the training and got changed, preparation completed!
Our respective instructors started taking videos of us boarding the flight until we land safely on the ground. The view was so breathtaking but my ears hurt as a result of the free fall.
My parents weren't very happy hearing that I went skydiving! BUT I ONLY GOT ONE LIFE!!!!!! (and more importantly, I came back alive)
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Personal favourites from Brussels:
I also realised how much I needed to re-dye my hair from the last photograph!
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We were scheduled to take an overnight bus that leaves at 2 or 3 am to Paris, we got to the bus terminal way ahead to hobo. We saw dogs and some strange hobo was hovering near us booo
📍PARIS, FRANCE
(Okay we still don't like Louise, she still got on our nerves and she couldn't stand being alone for a bit...)
MY FAVOURITES ❤️
More touristy things!!!!!
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We went to a famous restaurant, I remember it's very small and packed! I enjoyed being in the restaurant, reminds me of the place in the Ratatouille movie! We had Foie Gras and Escargot woohoo
(the staff accidentally spilled some sauce on my coat...)
Louise insisted on getting macarons from Laduree! We actually thought any dessert shop will do it good man. We got the desserts and went to chill in the park, it has never been this relaxing!
EIFFEL TOWER THINGS
At night, we sat on the grass patch across the tower and drank beer while looking at the iconic City of Love! This is a feeling I will never forget!
Malaysian brought the whole class down by telling us Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa painting at Louvre is the same. They look the same in real life as compared to looking at photos. He told us not to waste time hahaha
Being in Paris, makes me want a lover!
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The French are so rude!!!! When we asked questions, they always answered us in French and how would we understand that. I also remembered at the airport, the security dude was racist and against me even though I clearly understood his English. He just kept saying under his breath: stupid.
I couldn't scold him back, like how Rachel would because I needed to board that flight!
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I have always loved horror movies or the horror element of such festivals but it's quite scary to be partying on HALLOWEEN in an English country la!!!! So here are my very chill Halloween inserts of 2016:
(To my first pumpkin carving hehe)
📍PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
It was my very first solo traveling trip and first stop - Prague!
I recalled feeling all scared on my own and not knowing what to do, like where to go for good food, etc etc.
First night in Prague, I had KFC which I felt was a waste when I should be enjoying their delicacies. I remembered telling Songle that I felt out of place and dreaded the rest of my trip (on day 1). With her encouragement + the spirit for adventure, LEGGO!
I told Jia Le where I was throughout my trip and promised not to drink, since I was alone on this trip.
However, one of the street stalls was selling honey wine and we don't really see honey wine anywhere so I got one cup and started walking around at night! Thankfully the hostel I am staying at is nearby all the tourist attractions so yay! SAFE AND SOUND!
I was very lucky to meet a bunch of nice roommates at the hostel, they are friendly and lend me their things. I got to be friends with a Taiwanese who was then working in Switzerland and came to Prague to tour. We are still friends on FB now and she's the sweetest. I think she took this picture for me:
I also heard from someone at the hostel about this gorgeous city in Austria - Hallstatt that she visited (too late for me to make plans now, but that's on my bucket list).
I met up with Nithya's friend, another Rachel haha for the free walking tour on the second day! It wasn't very hard to spot an Asian going for the walking tour and we enjoyed each other's company. We also went for dinner together that evening.
TOURISTY THINGS!!!!
(Street musician picture caption: Imagine all the people, living life in peace~)
I am super in love with the views from and of the Charles Bridge!!!
These few pictures were my desktop wallpaper for a period of time, loving the vibes! The last picture with me in it - to feature how chaotic the wind was despite the endless blue sky + fluffy clouds! It's probably my best selfie in Prague HAHAHA
Not leaving out the food pictures because I am a foodie!!!! Wish I had more of the donut cone (Trdelnik) with different toppings and flavours!
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I remember I was rushing to the train station to catch my ride to my next destination and all the words were unrecognisable for me. I quickly asked the guy manning his store where do I go if I need to get on this train. He was so rude and told me off by saying he is not the directory and I should not be asking him for directions and whatnot! OKAY THAT'S RUDE BISH!
When I found the right platform and boarded the train, I didn't really understand my ticket or where my seat was. The guy sitting right next to me that day helped me to read and told me if my ticket allowed me to sit throughout the ride or I have to get up at some point for a higher priority rider to sit. We chatted for quite some time and he told me about the university he was studying at etc and the rest of it, I can't remember!
Putting this as the last picture of my trip to Prague (credits: Rachel, not me)
📍VIENNA, AUSTRIA
I recalled arriving in Vienna in the evening and I have a poor sense of direction, especially in the dark??? I took about 30 minutes to finally find the hostel that I will be staying at.
My room got 4 other occupants and they are all males... Mixed dorms are cheaper than same-gender dorms so why not. The only bed left was my bed and it was right outside the toilet door so I was kinda annoyed but the rest of it was great! I didn't really see much of my roommates, much less talk to them.
I was going to meet Nithya and friend (HZ) on day 2 for the walking tour but I have the whole morning to myself and decided to go for a walk around the city first!
Vienna's vibes!!!! I got a hot cup of coffee and a croissant to go with it. We could eat freely on the subs!
Then, I met up with Nithya and friend, HZ at the hostel and we were on our way for our walking tour! I think Vienna is where I fell in love with walking tours because the guide will share so much more information about the people, history, and architecture we see around the city.
I remember there was this well in the middle of the city and it was believed that if you touch the ass of this particular statue, it will bring you good luck in love and marriage. Nithya touched it for sure, but not sure what's her relationship status now haha
We went to a famous restaurant to dine and I love their Liver Schnitzel!!!!! It was a good ladies night out with nice food and drinks.
Then we also didn't want to skip desserts so here's ours: (+ nice cup of coffee)
As Nithya and HZ bought a tour pass to cover more attractions at a fixed rate, they were always rushing and I was due to leave for the next city on day 3. I didn't really like how controlling and restricted things got but we still had a lot of fun.
It was the time to say goodbye while I make my way to my next adventure!!! I was all excited to run to the train station and be gone, for my freedom HAHA
My two favourite pictures from Vienna! Loving how aesthetic the building and fountain look (I also didn't look awkward so yay). The other photograph captured the blend of colours of the leaves on the trees, from green to yellow, to orange.
📍SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
The hostel I was staying at is a chain outlet of the one in Vienna, this time my roomies and I weren't so lucky because there was this dead tired Asian guy snoring way too loudly. I couldn't even hear myself think.
The next morning it was raining endlessly, my feet were freezing so I had to make many intentional stops to coffee places or souvenir shops to warm up my body. It's November already and starting to look a lot like Christmas everywhere!
GARDEN can look so gorgeous??!
Salzburg is Mozart's hometown so most things are Mozart or feature Mozart. I bought chocolates with Mozart all over it and went to the Museum of Mozart (?).
Yes, it was gloomy throughout the day due to the rain!
I am loving everything and even more when I saw:
The city looks so peaceful and beautiful!!!!!!!!!! 😍😍😍
MY FAVOURITE PHOTOS! I was taking pictures and this guy came over asking me to help him snap a few pictures and I did pretty well. He then offered to help me but I declined (not sure why tho). Now, the regret is real!
Then I was looking to get to the fort but can't seem to google maps my way there correctly and a white guy approached me to offer his help. All that ran through my mind was if he was going to rob me *anxiously grabbing my bag*
He noticed it and shared that he used to work in Japan and are friends with Asian, he just wanted to help me and he really did just help me, we were chatting away during the walk to the fort.
The climb was hard, but the view is great!
😍
I took pictures for this Chinese couple, uncle and auntie insisted to take pictures for me, so presenting their efforts:
But aiya the plastic bag so ugly...
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The next day I decided to go to the place where they filmed Sound of Music (even though I never watched that show). What I failed to do was to check if the place is open and it wasn't so I just took a bus down here for nothing...
I decided to go explore randomly! This place is so beautiful too!
I also accidentally roamed too far into residential areas and got confronted by an old uncle...
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When it was time to go back to Sweden, I was taking a few last looks at this beautiful place. I got on the bus to the airport, I was constantly anxious, afraid to miss the right stop. I couldn't understand the names of each stop or at least I took much longer to catch the names/locations.
There were a few elderly on the bus and they noticed that I was having difficulties with getting to places, they asked where I was going to and when I nervously looked outside to see if this is the stop, one of them signaled to me that it's not my stop yet.
When he left at his stop, he told me how many more stops mine would be so that I will get there safely.
I was also feeling conflicted between 2 airport bus stops and the rest on the bus discussed and told me which would be a better choice.
❤️ I'M SO GRATEFUL TO THIS DAY!!!!!
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Background: I watched Train to Busan during my exchange and started thinking about the possibility of survival if I stayed in my room. Well I had some food in the room, but then I think at some point, I probably have to leave my room and get exposed to infected neighbors, what am I gonna do? *so dramatic*
When I arrived at Copenhagen Airport, the train platform was filled with people. They all looked stranded and it started to snow. It hardly snows at Copenhagen/Lund, at least that's what I heard.
Everyone being stuck here just looked like how a Zombie apocalypse will begin and I am low-key panicking.
I saw this guy standing alone and he looked Swedish so I asked him what did the announcement said (since I didn't take my Swedish class seriously then). He told me he doesn't know what is holding up the trains but the next one will be arriving pretty soon so all these people are waiting to rush onto the train later.
He was shivering so I offered the chocolates I got from my flight. He said he didn't know it will be snowing, me too man! Then we just chatted during the waiting time, and when the train was here, he made sure I caught up with him to board the further carriage. So coincidental, we were both heading to Lund and he was also staying at Delphi!!!!! We walked back to Delphi together! COOL~
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The next morning, I woke up to a snow-covered Lund?? It rarely snows in Lund even in early November, but ❤️
📍BERLIN, GERMANY
I remember Suz and I planned to visit Berlin together and she will be going off to visit Hamburg while I stayed to tour around Berlin (my class schedule didn't allow a longer trip)
We planned to meet at the train station to travel to Copenhagen Airport for our flight to Berlin. I was standing at the bus stop near Delphi, wondering why the bus hasn't come for the past 40 minutes. There were a few Swedish guys who walked away after checking their phones at the bus stop, while I continued to wait.
Later a lady came by and seemed frustrated by the waiting time and I told her I have been here for quite a while and no bus came + the guys situation. She said: "What an asshole!" and proceeds to call the bus terminal. The findings are the buses are on their way here, something went wrong and the bus couldn't leave the terminal.
So we waited and the time for my flight was getting closer and I was so worried. The lady offered to get off the bus with me and also did a sprint with me for a distance so that I can reach the train station the soonest! She's so kind, right?
I was rushing over and climbed over the railing to attempt to reach the train faster than walking the pathway. I watched the train leave the station, and Suz on the train as well!!!!
I had to wait for the next one, but that will mean losing 20 minutes of transport time waiting for the next! The game plan was to run to the security gates and begged that to let me take the express queue through, the people ahead of me were doing everything super slowly and I was dying inside panicking about not making it!!!!!
I did the fastest sprint of my life to the boarding gate, I was so thankful they let me board the flight and quietly listened to the staff's nags about arriving earlier. Who cares right? as long as I got on. Suz saw the flight attendants closed all the overhead cabin compartments and she thought, she will be on her own for this trip, then I suddenly appeared.
I MADE IT!!!!!
I ordered a 3.5 euros coke on the plane, I deserved that for all the running I did HAHAHAHA
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VIEW AND TOURISTY THINGS!!!!!
Memorial Visit! I love learning the history of the places I go to. I don't think I will forget the things I learned of an event, a city, or a country that I visited.
I also wanted to visit a concentration camp, especially when I was in Germany but never got the opportunity to, it's always closed on a Monday...
FOODIE MOMENTS
Of course, I will be drinking!!!!!!
CHRISTMAS MARKET 🎄🎄🎄🎄
OMG LOOK AT THE SAUSAGES and I remember finishing the mulled wine and cleaning the cup to bring it home with me HAHA
Missing this moment the most, every Christmas after 2016!!!!
misc:
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Favourite pictures with Suz:
and I think I got this cute beanie from Berlin, will be featured a lot during my Iceland trip!
📍ICELAND
The burden me got no driving license (that didn't change in the year 2022) so this trip to Iceland was only possible with Suz and Shane!!!!
I felt bad so I woke up earlier to make breakfast, fry some eggs for them. Besides being the DJ, I also occasionally take naps bc of motion sickness problems HAHAHA
I remember we were so excited when we arrived in Iceland, after we sort out the car matters, Shane and Suz started trying out left-hand side driving and I think we (they) are good to go!!!!
The first night we went to the grocery stall to buy bread, pasta, ham, and cheese, and really just everything that's cheap. Throughout the 1 week-ish trip, we went grocery shopping a lot, not sure when was this photo taken but HAHAHA the still-a-kid me, pushing a kid's trolley!!!
The first night we stayed in Reykjavik, we couldn't locate the keys in the mailbox or some box in the night after arriving at the house. We also keyed in the keycode in the dark too, and boom to our beautiful home for a day!
It was on the 2nd floor and I don't know why is the roof so low? We only found it low after seeing Shane in it. He can't move around without bending his neck, so poor thing la.
This is also the place that provided us with breakfast ingredients, such as milk, cereal, and eggs. We took all the cereals when we left the next day hahaha.
I googled Reykjavik and all the images damn chio, but we only saw the city in the night... Guess all my Iceland inspiration/goals came from "Youth Over Flowers, Iceland"
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This is the first waterfall on our trip! Throughout our journey, we stopped by many touristy attractions and EVERY PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!
I also learned that Iceland is green, and Greenland is filled with Ice.
We spent a lot of time on the move; them driving and me making sandwiches in the backseat HAHAHA
TOURISTY THINGS:
GLACIER PICTURES!!!
I remember falling over the ice while taking pictures of my friends, but worth it, especially Suz looking 美美!!
We did a lot of silly things such as scissors paper stone, and the loser dips their feet in the ice water. I climbed and sat on a ice block and my legs split at 120 degrees, for the fun of it.
I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH THE ENDLESS WATER AND SKY, especially the colours in the sky!!!
Then there's me, not being able to smile right in photos! In 2021, someone zoomed in on my WhatsApp dp (left) and asked me why does my face look liddis. SHUDDUP
DC PLANE WRECK
I didn't manage to climb up so that's the best I could do, photo on the left is my Google Chrome background!!!!! 💖 Shane tried to help me get up safely but I couldn't (the steps were just holes on the plane's body)
There were alot of walking involved while we visited the different chio destinations!
Featuring beanie, and black sand beach!!!!
We went to Blue Lagoon too, but didn't manage to take many pictures or glam enough ones but we liked the warmth and drinks!
We didn't stay more than 2 days at each accommodation since we were always on the move. Our frequent and random shopping always ends silly:
I remember staying at a hostel with wifi only available at the main cabin so we endured the cold to use our phones/laptops outdoors, the room cabins don't even have locks but okay maybe Iceland is a safe country???
There were nights we made plans to drive out to areas where Northern Lights were often sighted to try our luck. Despite several attempts, we never saw the Aurora...
One night when we went out and on our way back after another unsuccessful attempt, Shane was driving in the dark. He told me to sleep if I am feeling tired but I was worried that he was tired too, so I stayed up with him in the front seat. On a nearby road, we saw a car on fire, the light from the fire lit up the surroundings. I don't think I will ever forget that scene.
During our drive, we talked about it before if we ever meet an accident, would we rather be half-dead or dead? My answer was dead.
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We have been saving by eating pasta and sandwiches for our meals, we decided to try eating at their restaurant on our last day in Iceland. I ordered some fish dish and it cost 50 SGD for this plate, it wasn't filling + I don't get why I am paying so much for this taste.
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PHOTOS OF ICELAND US! The photo on the right: getting drenched because we went below/near a huge waterfall, but we had fun!
Ending my Iceland travel stories with:
📍AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
I remembered vividly telling Songle I didn't want to stay in Lund for my 21st, let's go somewhere and we decided it's gonna be Amsterdam!!!
This was probably our first meal at Amsterdam, I think it was a restaurant near our hostel.
This meal inspired us to eat plenty and drink a lot??!?
We left all the Google Maps work to Choo, so I recalled taking this selfie on our first daylight expedition in Amsterdam!
(probably can do some teeth whitening at this point)
GLOOMY SKIES
THEIR STREETS! (side note: we got called racist remarks by the locals - "ASIANS"!!!!)
TOURISTY THINGS ✨
MORE TOURISTY THINGS
Their nights felt a lot more magical!!!!
Gonna interject some food photos before we move on:
I was so full that I was low-key passing out and when we returned to our hostel, Songle was all suspish - telling me to get her some hot water from the pantry lady??
Actually, it was t get me away so they can bring me my surprise Apple Crumble for my birthday!!!!! SO SWEET HORRRR
Also, not forgetting the love I received from miles away from here!!!!! I used the picture below on the left to celebrate all the love, and spirit for traveling on my 21st!
21ST IN AMSTERDAM
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AMSTERDAM CHEESE FACTORY🧀🧀🧀 (one of my favorites!!!!!!)
HEINEKEN BEER MUSEUM🍺🍺🍺
We paid the entrance fee and were each entitled to 3 free large beers and it was just too much without any finger food! I was lowkey vomiting in my mouth from all the beers but 难得 we get to do some adult things such as visiting a beer Museum.
(Okay we also saw the prostitutes' places along the streets of Amsterdam, I am not gonna lie!)
When we were leaving the Museum, it was raining very heavily and we saw people taking raincoats from the gift shop. So Songle and I quickly grabbed the raincoats too but got caught, and apparently, they are chargeable items oops! (Did we just steal? hah)
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The next day, we were on our windmill trip (completely forgot the name of this town):
I am wearing Songle's jacket because I kept saying mine (in red) looks weird with windmills hahaha
WINDMILLS PICTURES😍
MORE WINDMILLS PICTURES
CUTIES!!!!
Featuring pretty Songle pictures here!!!
Of course, Songle and I are going to do funny things throughout hehe, loving us so much 💕
Then Amsterdam travel group looking happy and err, no idea what concept that is HAHAHA
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In 2022, I asked Songle why she didn't take the flight with us, she shared she had to leave earlier for her exams!
I don't know why I have weird affinities with almost missing flights, Choo and I almost missed our flight back to Copenhagen! (With all the mood swings, I think Choo most probably has bipolar disorder, oops).
IMPORTANT: WHO DID IT BETTER AT DAM?!?
THANK YOU SONGLE FOR ALWAYS MATCHING MY ENERGY AND MAKING THIS TRIP AMAZEBALLS!!!!😘😘😘
Ending off this trip with one of my happiest smiles (that doesn't look too unglam), I hope I can always be this happy in life!!!!!
📍MALMÖ, SWEDEN
Based on the timestamp of the photos taken, believe Nithya and I decided to meet on 15 or 16 December 2016 at Malmö!!!! I took a train down from Lund and arrived here:
I went around sightseeing with one of my coursemates, Laila, and she showed me around the city from a whole new perspective + Swedish secrets!!!!
Then I met Nithya for dinner, believe it was Sweden's favourite steak place hehe! We then went to walk around and sat at this outdoor bridge place, Nithya was laughing so much and wondering how I can wear leggings below jeans (and 3 tops) and wing this below 0 temperature!
Well I stayed in Sweden for months man, of course, I'm used to the cold!!!! (she made her way up from Scotland)
Can't believe I met Nithya twice during our SEP 2016! (Once in Vienna and this time, in Malmö)
Many dark-skinned individuals called out to Nithya and cat-called her along the way, but other than that, we were very happy to be seeing these reindeer lights!!!!! 🕯
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CHANG'S FAMILY MISFORTUNE 1
Due to work arrangements, mom and older sister can't come to visit earlier so dad and fat fat came to Copenhagen first! As we are evidently Asians and out of place, some creepy dude targetted my family and stole their luggage when they left the hotel lobby (when the luggage was locked in their luggage areas - horrible security la!!!!!). This is the face of the asshole who stole our things!
To this day, we never recovered our lost items! Fat fat had to wear my dad's clothes because her new items got stolen by the trash bag above!
If I remember correctly, my last day of exams was on 21 December 2016. Once I was done, I was on my way to meet the family at Copenhagen train station! (say yes to normal clothes and some chili supplies that Dad started craving on Day 2??)
📍COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
When we haven't met in months, we cannot leave each other alone for a moment!!!!
CITY VIEWS
TIVOLI✨
We met up with Aunt's family! Who's gonna break it to dad that he's wearing his beanie funny HAHAHA
COUSIN THINGS!!!!!
Then we went up North to Stockholm and visited Kiruna before coming back to Copenhagen, again with the rest of the family!
Putting our travel photos here:
😍😍😍
COPENHAGEN AND ME!!!!
(Insert stories later: I made a short evening trip back to Lund on 31 December 2016!)
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CHANG'S FAMILY MISFORTUNE 2
Due to confusing text messages alert of delayed flight, Mom and Sis missed checking in their luggage on time and almost missed their SGD $1.6k flight (each) back to Singapore! They made their longest sprint to the boarding gates, leaving their luggage behind!! We then brought their belongings back to our Hotel. We had to squeeze 5 pax worth of baggage to meet the flight requirement of 3 pax! Dad went to the hotel concierge many times to borrow their handheld measuring device!
After Mom and Sis left, the 3 of us continue to travel and went on walking tours, to see their iconic little Mermaid statue and we also took this mini cruise!
We also visited a Castle on the way, but it was too chilling to stay outdoors for long!
Later, we went to dine at the Fishmarket my Dad really likes!
My favourite picture of us!!!
Before we left Scandinavia, I remembered eating expensive sausage/ hot dog buns at the airport!!!
When we were finally at the airport (to return to Singapore), we were free of the luggage and Dad even changed out of his multiple layered items of clothing in public HAHAHAHA (feels good to be free, I guess?)
📍STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Did we take a train or a plane from Copenhagen to Stockholm? All I remembered was the sushi from Sushi Yama!!!!
Dad wanted to have this real atas buffet with all the seafood choices. But you know budget issues, fat fat and I were quite okay with not eating that and decided to go for MAX while Dad go on his feast!!!
Then later I passed out at the buffet lobby area, too full from eating, also featuring my innies.
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When Mom and Sis were due to arrive in Stockholm, Dad went to pick them up so fat fat and I had some time to explore the city!!!!
My Swedish neighbors told me about breaking the cookie into 5 at one go means good luck and this is also where I fell in love with mulled wine!
GAMLA STAN
Dad insisted we took bus tours to move around Stockholm and so we did! I think it wasn't very worth it tho, but not gonna waste $$$
Not sure where this was, but fat fat had a lot of trouble finding a washroom! I liked how everything is so blue and clear!!!
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I'm loving this picture so much, then I realised fat fat was having a weird hair moment, but anyway still one of my favourites from Stockholm (if you ignore her hair)!
CITIES BE LIKE:
European cities value their holidays and will never work at their expense of rest or life! It was so difficult to find a place to have a good dinner during the holidays! Places like McDonald's ain't open 24/7 here in Sweden!
We found a good Italian place and the route up to the restaurant was so pretty!!!
CHRISTMAS DINNER (yes the lighting is poor)
But we had a great time!!!!!
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ICE SKATING IN STOCKHOLM
Loving this picture of us, but can never forget how much our Aunt shamed us for wearing jeans instead of track pants when we said we don't feel that cold LOL
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Then, we left Stockholm on an overnight train to Kiruna, there wasn't enough water for us and poor fat fat injured her own hands trying to open the bottle of water!
There was no wifi for 12 hours???! We also slept on bunk beds, of 3 different decks/floors! Mine was way at the top, wonder how I endured not going to pee for hours...
This picture is too golden to left out of my blog post so here is "DO YOU WANT SOME DRUGS?" from Sweden haha
📍KIRUNA, SWEDEN
After a whole ass disaster train ride, we have safely arrived in KIRUNA!!!!
We saw this weird yet beautiful cloud thingy on one of the days we stayed here! I still have no idea what that is, to this day.
The places we will be visiting will need to take long bus rides out and we have to catch the very short daylight hours (we have until 4 pm only leh)!
ICE HOTEL
Too cold, I will not recommend staying here! The hotel is beautiful tho!!!
The naughty ones!!!!! Our drinks are served in iced cups??
I can't remember the location for this, but 😍😍😍😍😍
Not wasting pretty skies!!!!
THEN COMES FUNNY US!!!!!
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DOG SLEIGHING + NORTHERN LIGHTS (?)
DOGGO!!! The owner said this dog gets bullied by the others, so he gets to stay indoors and receive all our love!
SUITING UP!!!!!! We are wearing so many layers under this blue overalls!!!!
It's such a pity we couldn't bring our phone along for the dog sleighing, I remembered the endlessly vast clear dark sky filled with stars, it would have been perfect if we saw the northern lights. It was super exciting to be sitting on the sleigh, letting the dogs bring us around while having some control??
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Ending of our Kiruna trip with me lying in the snow - in denial that exchange is almost over???
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For SEP 2016 Closure, I'm writing back to the times in Lund before I said goodbye to carefree-er days, for a long time!
📍LUND, SWEDEN
I'm glad I came on this trip, not knowing anyone (other than Louise - she doesn't count as a friend, more like coursemates?). Otherwise, I would not have stepped out of my comfort zone and made real friends!!!!
The dinners and events we went to at each other's accommodations were our daily lives, I cannot imagine going through 5 months without any of that!!!! We took turns to cook or find out what was on sale at the supermarket! The walks back to our accommodations were also one of the most memorable, especially after drinking during dinner!!!!
Here's to a picture of me slightly tipsy and cold, making my way back to Delphi from Suz's place with Malaysian!
So sad I couldn't find any pictures of us doing our daily lives, waiting for Suz and Songle to SOS me for the pictures!
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Here we have the 5 of us celebrating the festive holidays in Lund!!!!✨🎉
Special shoutout to Suzanne and Songle for being part of my life!!!!💋💕 I'm eternally grateful!
Also, not forgetting the support and love from Singapore, I probably wouldn't have taken this courageous step towards experiencing overseas school life! It was all the skype and facetime calls that kept me close to the people I love, whether they are in Singapore or experiencing a new life in a new city! We overcame the time difference problem during these months, THANK YOU!!!!!
I remembered fat fat staying up late so that we can catch up on each other's day, my friends too who slept at 4 am so I wouldn't be walking the streets alone at night (due to time difference)!
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Despite popular belief that I did not study at all given how much I was traveling, I did okay!!!!!! I'm going to put down my studying journey here:
I remembered tying the pancreatic duct of a rat during one of our lab sessions and we also did bacteria culture plates with our own poop sample (yes, it's damn gross, but it's better than using your lab partner's HAHA)!
For us to complete this course before the actual end of the course date (since exchange students return earlier), we were given the opportunity to take part in a nutritional study on the importance of Lipase in early development!!!
The study was done on prematurely born piglets that our Professor had performed C-section on two mother pigs a few days ago. One group of piglets gets regular milk while the other group gets enhanced milk with Lipase, we took care of the piglets such as feeding, warming their environment. The piglets have such cute and strong noses, I wish I took photos of them (if not for the risk of contamination and putting them in harm's way).
We wore the special scrubs and were on odd-time shift work to care for the piglets! Does the outfit kinda look like a prison uniform???
We heard eventually for the study to go further, they killed the piglets and did a dissection of all the piglets' guts to prove the study...
SO SAD LA, but I guess in the name of Science??
We had to do a combined write-up for this study and also pass the written exam. The exam duration was 4 hours?? and maybe at the 3 hours mark, I was dying to leave already (got so many things to write meh)
Then, fast forward to 31 December 2016, on the train from Lund to Copenhagen, I saw the email from my Nutritional Physiology Professor saying I failed my module???! WAIT THAT'S EQUIVALENT TO 2.5 MODULES IN NUS OMG JESUS!!!!!! (that would mean having to overload at least 3 modules in my final year??)
I went back to NUS in 2017 and retook the exam in the first week of the term!!! (Side note: both Lousie and I failed HAHAHA, but we passed it in Singapore)
OKAY SO NOW IS REALLY GOODBYE LIAO!!!! Thank you Lund for giving me a lifetime of adventures!!!
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