Spring

Part I.
A generous brush of green,
A pearl river running between.


Part II.
The leaves are back,
The flowers no longer shy,
The earth brims with life.

The hill transforms,
The trees orchestrating,
It's a colourful canvas -
Of noise, of colours, of smells,

The wind spreads the rainbow across the land,
The rain, it nourishes and cleanses,
The sun smiles brightly upon all,
Its warmth spreading throughout them.
Those that chirp,
          that buzz,
          that hop,
          that crawl,
          that fly,
          that walk,
They sense the awakening in the air,
Now, it's time for them to be out.
Out they are, in comes the season,
Spring is finally here.





On a side note, sigh. A few weeks back, I researched on must-visit places, came up with a long list of things and places to do/eat/visit in Korea and wrote it all down on a piece of paper (complete with directions and all).. but I think it's gone now. I can't find it anywhere in my bag or table. There goes my research and list of places to visit. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.. How upsetting.

The One and Only Mid-term Exam

So I had a very peculiar mid-term exam today that lasted 6 hours (10am to 4pm). I initially thought that I should treat it as a 3-hour exam (like those back in SMU) and leave by 1pm to get lunch but 1pm came and went. 2pm crawled by without pausing at all and before we knew it, it was already 3pm. As I've told some of my friends, I don't even sit at my desk/in front of my laptop for more than 4 hours at a time so today's experience was really.. hardcore. I didn't even leave for a toilet break hahaha lest I lose the comfortable sitting/typing position I was in (ah, inertia). The exam was clearly designed to be a 5/6-hour paper - the instructions page actually revealed that it was meant to be a take-home exam report - and although the professor had mentioned that we could leave for breaks at any time, hardly anyone left. I finished the paper around 3.10pm, spent the next half an hour reducing the word count and zoomed out of class (for high tea) by 3.40pm. You would imagine that most of the students would be done by then but surprisingly, when I left at 3.40pm, more than two-thirds of the class was still typing away at their laptops. There was this one caucasian guy who finished his paper around 2-ish pm though - thumbs up to him! (or is this just badass behavior haha)

This exam was also very intriguing for many other reasons, namely: we were expected to type our exam report on Microsoft Word (and then submitt it through an online portal), we could use the internet, we could access our notes in soft-copy, we could basically do anything we wanted to on our computers, the professor never showed up (teaching assistant was there instead), and we could leave for unlimited toilet/lunch/destress/pull-hair-out-in-frustration breaks. The only things we couldn't do were talk in the classroom or use our phones (collected by the teaching assistant before the start of the exam). I don't think the phones were confiscated to prevent communication between/among students/outsiders though since we could have done that through email or the desktop mobile apps - my guess is that the professor didn't want the exam questions to be leaked and hence, decided to confiscate the phones (I arrived at this conclusion because I really wanted to take a photo of the exam questions midway through the exam.. but couldn't do so). The no-speaking-in-class rule was pretty absurd though - there's no way to stop students from talking outside of the classroom during breaks so I don't get the logic behind restricting conversations in class. One could prolly leave for a 1-hour break and go discuss all 3 exam questions with one's exam kakis in detail - there's absolutely nuffing the teaching assistant can do. The best part today was the professor who was MIA throughout the 6 hours - I spotted a typo in the exam paper 5 minutes into the exam and asked the TA about it. The TA said he would message the professor but he never got back to me - cheat my feelings -.-! Around 2.30pm, more people started to alert the TA about the typo and it was only then, did the TA reveal that.. bravo! he couldn't get in touch with the professor to inquire about it. He then proceeded to read the sentence in question and asked us hesitantly, "do you think this is a typo?" I was just like... (=__________=)" You ask us, we ask who?!

If you're wondering whether the law exams here are difficult, I would answer in the affirmative. The questions were definitely not easy (why do you think we needed 6 hours to tackle them haha) and if one didn't prepare for it by studying the course materials, I think it would be quite difficult to even churn out a decent response. In fact, even though I did revise, I had problems answering one of the questions. D: I totally wasn't expecting this on exchange (why so exhausting?!) but pheww, very fortunately, I only had this one mid-term exam. AND IT'S OVER! GOOD RIDDANCE!

After the draining exam, I had to go rest my brain and feed my stomach so I ended up in Macdonalds for lunch/high-tea/early-dinner. I had their signature Bulgogi burger with a small pack of fries and mineral water (4000W in total; more worth it than a set) and as usual, it was yummy! My only grouse is that they don't serve chilli sauce at their fast-food outlets here.. much less stuff like curry or bbq sauce haha I haven't visited most of the fast-food restaurants here yet - just 2 visits to Macdonalds and I got a Bulgogi burger on both visits - but I think I should (despite the unhealthiness) because we won't get to try all these unique flavours back home. Perhaps one visit to a fast-food outlet every fortnight?

Then I trekked back to my dormitory, zoned out in the lobby for 20 minutes, rested (more like paced around my room listlessly and washed my face) in my room for 20 minutes before my doorbell rung. Time to go out (read: drag weary body, mind and soul) out again. It was my idea to go watch the Lantern festival today (came up with the idea like three days ago so I didn't expect this level of mental exhaustion) but it was pretty enjoyable overall to hang out with friends. I didn't get to watch the entire parade in the end because my friends were Christian and lost interest soon after.. but oh well, at least I got to watch at least 40 minutes of it! We lounged at Caffe Benne after dinner - I had a sweet potato latte (meh, once is enough) - and had a leisurely stroll back to dormitory.

Lotus Lantern Festival (연등회 연등축제)

The Lotus Lantern Festival is held every year on April 8th (lunar calendar) in honor of Buddha's Birth. The festival is preceded by hanging of lotus-shaped lanterns across Seoul for several weeks, and officially kicks off with lighting of the Jangeumdang, a large lantern that symbolizes Buddhism and Buddha's Birthday, at the Seoul Plaza. The celebration continues with a wide array of Buddhist programs and activities, before ending with an impressive lantern parade in the heart of Seoul.

                                                                                 

 

Anyway, I updated my Culinary Adventures (under "March" in Archives) post! Go check it out if you're interested in fooooood! :D

☆ You who came from the Stars ☆

Halp.

My stomach hurts like there's no tomorrow.

Gosh.

Let's eat a cow. (maybe not)

I observed that the lunulae (the white crescent-shaped area on the bed of a fingernail) on my fingernails were receding and since the condition of our nails reflects our health, I thought I should get it checked out. It turns out that the absence of the lunula on our nails is an indication of vitamin B12 deficiency (there are many other causes but I think this is the cause in this case) and such vitamins are usually found in food items like meat, fish, eggs and milk. That was when I realised, oh my - I haven't been eating much meat lately. I don't think I've had a meal with proper meat (the slice of sausage in my kimbaps don't count) in the past 2 or 3 weeks! The fried chicken overload in the first two weeks of exchange must have scared me off meat so much, I have been subconsciously avoiding dishes with it. My lunches are usually vegan meals from Loving Hut, bread/cereal or some kind of stew from the school cafeteria. Stews form a huge part of my diet here and for some reason, unlike the Korean soup dishes back home, stews here (tofu stew, bean paste stew, kimchi stew etc.) have no meat. I think meat's expensive here so they don't bother including them in the soups - even if the stews are expensive.. Orz Likewise, I've been having a lot of stews and bibimbaps (all vegetables) for dinner so I think my body has picked up on the fact that the main source of vitamin B12 is missing. 

I decided that something had to be done about it so.. I went out for dinner with meaty dishes in mind. I was ready to chow down an entire cow. It was raining when I left the dormitory so I just walked to my favourite eatery (called Food Cafe, 10-15 minutes away) and ordered beef soup (뚝배기 불고기). As you know, I don't like beef but since Food Cafe doesn't have stuff like pork/chicken soup and I can't identify the stir-fried chicken dish on the menu, I thought bulgogi was a safe bet. Unfortunately, apart from that bit of vitamin I got from ingesting the beef, the only other thing I got was a reminder of the fact that I dislike beef. The taste...... arghuhfhuereoiwwfxliwp (throws hands up in air) hahaha 아 짜증나!

I have no idea why I constantly end up with things that I dislike eating when I'm in Korea. I have to eat beef, I have to eat kimchi, I have to eat onions (only because it's the only vegetable floating around in my soup), I have to eat pig's intestines (epic waste of money to eat those oily fried intestines) and the list goes on. 

In any case, dinner was awful but I couldn't let the day just end like that on a sour note! Hence, I went around searching for a post-dinner snack (teehee) and eventually ended up at... Baskin Robbins! Initially, I considered a much healthier option - Korean corn - but I figured it would be so chewy that I'll just end up feeling more tired than before so.. PASS! And since I haven't had ice cream in a while (the last time was probably a month ago at Macs here - this miserably thing they call choco McFlurry) + the ice cream is SO cheap (only 2800W for a regular cone) = I ended up with a Jamocha almond ice cream in hand. :D It was SO GOOD. hahaahahah I don't think I've had a cone like this all to myself in years (we usually share one back home) so it was a very refreshing experience to just nibble at it and lick it all over mhmhmhmmmmm yummmyy! The ice cream was chock full of halved almonds - my mom would lurveee it - and I can't wait to bring her there when she comes! For a moment, I completely forgot about my stomach discomfort and could thoroughly enjoy the little treat! Yippie! ^^

Speaking of which, I was quite unwell yesterday because I was suffering from a bad bout of indigestion. I've never suffered from severe indigestion before so I didn't know the symptoms and how bad it could get. The night before, I passed it off as a case of bloatedness (from say, excessive consumption of beans or tofu) but it wasn't till I woke up in the morning with abdominal pains, headache and an aching body, that I realised it was something more serious. As Dr. Maddie got to work with the (self-)diagnosis, I learnt for the first time that indigestion (and bloatedness) can actually cause headaches and body aches. I can't see the link between the two but yes, it does happen. It makes one feel utterly terrible (made worse by the professor who kept arrowing me to answer questions - why on earth does he like to call on me so much?!) because of the constant throbbing in one's head and the painful body aches (the kind which I associate with fevers). Fortunately, I feel much better today after getting some exercise, avoiding starchy things and drinking loads of water. My stomach still feels really weird but at least the aches are gone. Yippie again!

Cooked lunch today - stir-fried rice cakes with fishcakes, ramyeon, mushrooms and carrots  :D

I miss home so much more whenever I'm unwell because I think it would be such a nice feeling to have someone around showering their (healing) love, care and concern on me. Over here, whenever I feel less than well, the only thing I want is for people to stay away - rather than have me continue to act like I'm fine and well. Or be faced with dismissive attitudes. For instance, I was on my way back to class yesterday when I told my friend (who sits next to me in class) that I was feeling extremely uncomfortable and to my surprise, I was barely two sentences into the conversation when she suddenly stopped, turned and said, "hold my bottle for me, I'm going to the toilet." "Mouth hanging open in shock" would be a very appropriate expression here.

Lol.

What a caring friend.

I don't need you to help me to the doctor or anything, but the very least you could do was to listen.

Lol.

Which brings me to my next point - this is why I think it's best not to rely on people too much over here. I'm not particularly close to anyone here yet and since I don't have any best friends here on exchange with me (strange how so many people get to be with their best friends here), I think it's perfectly fine to go solo - I can jolly well take care of myself. If not for the family who thinks it to be an unwise idea for me to go travelling outside Seoul alone and the (very important) fact that I need a photographer friend to take pictures for me (wahahaa priority concern), I would have just set off on my own.

The thing with new people and associating with them is.. as much joy and happiness which you can derive from them, they are capable of disappointing you equally much as well. They can make you smile but at the same time, don't forget that they can hurt you too. Try not to expect anything and naturally, there wouldn't be much disappointment.

Enough of that talk, I hope tomorrow will be a more interesting and exciting day! Going to some lunchbox shop at some market (lol you can totally tell how much I've planned), hopefully the KTO building and still have time for an art museum visit! :D I still have a broccoli to cook so I should get back by evening to cook dinner. Yippie Yippie Yippie!

Oh! I went to Everland over the weekend so here are some lovely and magnificent photographs of the amusement park and the Tulip Festival! Enjoy! (I will upload the pictures tomorrow cos they're still sitting in my camera!)

 After about 2 hours, we finally reach the Everland.. shuttle bus stop!

 

 Little cuties that greeted me at the ticket counter.

 Ran into my friend, Pororo ^^ - but he's a bit shy..

 Monkey see monkey, monkey see, monkey do? (who copied who?)

 Animal Wonder Stage - trained animal performance (you get to see a not-so-tame eagle soar above you)

 Company for the day (: Jamaica and I!

 At Zootopia - which is basically a zoo (with all the animals you can imagine, even different breeds of owls!) inside the theme park.

 Souvenir shop...... *excited squeal*

 Just cos I like monkeys :P

CHURROS! the must-eat in amusement parks hehe

Donald Duck Says Hi

I’m past the stage of raging at the kitchen thieves anymore – now, I’m just resigned to the fact that some people are of such low moral fiber – they steal people’s things (ah yes, my sponge is gone for good) and wow, do not even bother to conceal the dastardly fact. If you had the time and energy to drag my basket aside and take the sauces/soap out (initially hidden behind the basket, quite a useless move I now realise), I’m pretty damn sure you can expend similar time and effort to arrange the items back to their original state. To be honest, it’s not the half-empty bottles that’s the problem (the missing sponge is an issue though, since it means I have to replace it when there’s no guarantee that it will not get stolen too) – it’s the blatant act of theft and ostensible lack of manners. It leaves me astonished every. single. time.

Back to the weather today – delightfully cold and chilly even if I’m not exactly dressed for it! As usual, my choice of fashion stood out from the rest (does it ever not, ahahah). I decided to go with a combination of a grey Donald Duck T-shirt with black jeans since the temperature was pretty high yesterday and as I found out whilst walking to class, no one was wearing T-shirts! Even if they were wearing T-shirts, I couldn’t tell as everyone was wearing a long-sleeved sweater of some sort. Haha I felt like the only one for whom Spring has arrived for real! Though the nice sunny moment didn't last (after which I was all like, 今天本姑娘穿‘踢射’，你竟然给我刮大风?!) - it was a good morning. (: Oh, and good breakfast too! Milk with granola - bought a new brand of cereal last week and it has been interesting so far.

After class, I went for lunch and finally bought my Yonsei sweater! Woohoo! For a whopping 64,000W! (I'm crazy!) I was so excited to buy the sweater (despite the hefty price tag) that even though I saw the spring version of the sweater (I even tried it on...), I didn't give it much thought and went ahead with the purchase. And lo and behold, the minute I stepped out of the Yonsei store, I begun to realise that... no one in the SUB was wearing that sweater. At. All. Nobody. Not a single soul in the SUB was wearing that.

....

........

...........

During the 10-minute walk back to the law building, I spied only one other lonely soul in the Yonsei sweater (it wasn't even the same design as mine T_T)... That was when I realised, right - it's probably getting too warm to wear the sweater I bought. I might just end up baking myself in it.... Just 1 or 2 weeks ago, literally everyone on campus was wearing the blue Yonsei sweater and hence, I was so eager to get my hands on one! Now that I do have it - I think it's going to be sooo awkward if I wear it around school. Orz  Why you do this to me? #facepalm My friend tried to reassure me by saying I could simply wear it next winter and I was just like... "Singapore.... doesn't have winter. It's hot all year round." #cries 

That said, I don't care though ahahhaha - I'm just gonna be awkward and wear it around heh :P I'll post a picture of my awesome varsity jacket once I wear it out! Gonna shower and cook dinner now! BYEE! 

All the best to those having exams!!!

Picture of the Day! (Maddie with Kakao Friends)

CHUBBYBUNNY

It is official - I am getting fat.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH 

*breaks down hysterically*

*flails around on ground*

(hm, since I'm getting fat..)

*starts rolling around instead*

*rolls around happily in self-denial*

Everyone says that I'm getting chubby and that is, let me tell you, a HUGE cause for concern. I know that my appetite has increased ever since I got here because food portions are larger (I blame the bigger servings of food haha) and since food is very expensive here, I try not to waste any food and end up.. licking my plate clean. Lol. Not that extreme - I simply try my best to finish as much food as I can, even if it means eating more than I actually have/need to. Sigh, sadly, I have been punished with this evil thing called "weight gain". Chubby maddie? NUUUUUU! It has only been slightly over a month since I arrived in Korea - apart from the bigger meals and occasional snacks (guilty look), I haven't been binging or drinking! So WAI DO THIS TO MEEEEEE?! ME NO UNDERSTAND! *dissolves into tears again*

I don't know whether to be happy or sad because whilst my relatives have been saying that I look chubbier, they've also said that it is a good change and that I look better now.. D: (conflicted sia) But does that mean.. I didn't look as good in the past? That a chubby me is a better look? (insecurities much) #RAGE

Gah. No idea. 

No idea, man. *shakes head in despair*

I'll probably try to cut down on meal portions, (more importantly) snack less and (most importantly) eat more regularly (now I know where the late lunches and dinners are going..... boohooooo) so let's hope this is as far as it goes! A lil' chubby me - I can still live with that - but it has gotta be a healthy chubby! :3

And since I have no idea what to do later in the afternoon (apart from doing the dreary readings) and I'm out of shows to watch - should I or should I not start on a new show heh - I'll just run to get my bread and then HIT THE GYM! YES GUYS, I'VE FINALLY VISITED THE GYM (HALLELUJAH) and put my pricey Nike shoes to good use. *\o/* For the first time, I went to the gym last.. Thursday or Friday! Since I haven't had proper exercise in a long time (unless you count the daily trek(s) up/down the hill), I'm only starting with the exercise bike and just for 30 minutes. To my surprise, it wasn't the exercise bike I see back home (the ones that are more compact and which you can pedal really quickly) - it was bigger and really strenuous to cycle. The pedaling experience was like.. swimming against the current, except on land and on a bike. I never knew a 30-min cycling duration could be that tiring.. T^T Then again, I want to get stronger calf muscles so that the daily treks will become effortless (and I can spring and skip up the hill rapidly) and I can breeze through the school everyday. So, more cycling sessions to come up! I'l graduate to the treadmill eventually.. but not for now!

Anyway, today is a SUNNY, HAPPIE day! Frankly, I'm still deprived of sleep (stayed up to finish one weekly response paper) but for some reason, I'm in a strangely good mood! Perhaps.. because it is my dearest mummy's BIRTHDAY today!! \(^~^)/v

MUMMY, HAPPIEEEE BIRTHDAY! :D

Have a wonderful and joyful day and know that I love you!

Greetings from a chubby maddie! (chubby or not, you judge aha)

Have a good day, everyone! Study hard and as I always say, stay well!

now.. it's time to focus on the last 18 minutes of class *grins* AHAHAH :P

This feels like home.

The one thing I look forward to every single day is breakfast.

Bread with Nutella spread or Skippy peanut butter;

TriBerry bread from Paris Baguette;

Milk and Cereal;

Juice with digestive biscuits;

Bananas and cereal bar;

Comfort and Relaxation.

Simple joy and happiness.

(I can't wait for breakfast already!)

:)