Tuesday, October 30, 2007
zhui hou yi ge da xia
Hi Guys, haha todae I was Msning with Weixin, and he is truly the old shows lao jiao! Check this out man if you guys still rem. I am sure you can.
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 6:17 am
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Paris 11
Looking back at how everything started, I am glad that things have started to have a routine. Routine life is quite boring sometimes, but it is a blessing in a way and I cannot complain. I still remember how I did not have any place to stay at the beginning, always in school using the internet to look for accommodation, and only to reply to one after another strings of email scams. Someone told me before about a person who came up with a pyramid of needs of human beings. At the base we have housing, food and warmth. At the top we have something like knowledge and status. In the middle it could be love and friendship. So it seems like human beings are always chasing after something because after we have settled a level of the pyramid we want to ascend to the next one, and every level is harder than the one before. So I guess the way to be happy is to be contented and appreciate the nuances of everything, at least for my case now haha. I think it is normal for exchange students to feel lonely and miss home sometimes, but I should hold my head high and enjoy the moment.
Gavin and Michelle from SMU have come over from UK Bath to Paris and I am putting them up, after Laura’s 2 NZ friends have come. We will most probably be meeting them again when I go to Barcelona/Madrid next weekend. Both Gavin and Michelle have been good company too. Laura and I are also in the midst of planning our trip to Germany to look for Magdelene, but the air tickets are kind of expensive. We’ll see how it goes. Hope you guys are doing well too!
Gavin, Michelle and I.
Gavin and Michelle from SMU have come over from UK Bath to Paris and I am putting them up, after Laura’s 2 NZ friends have come. We will most probably be meeting them again when I go to Barcelona/Madrid next weekend. Both Gavin and Michelle have been good company too. Laura and I are also in the midst of planning our trip to Germany to look for Magdelene, but the air tickets are kind of expensive. We’ll see how it goes. Hope you guys are doing well too!
Vania, Gavin and I. Vania is the girl whom I am staying with.
Gavin, Michelle and I.
We sort of sabotaged Michelle to dance with the fat Ang Moh who is really high. The guy in black is the waitor, and he makes everyone have a good time by asking the girls to dance with him. I think 'this' is service.
The Lourve is free on Fridays from 6-9pm. I think this will be my hangout on Fridays. This is taken in the Sully Wing, which displays artefacts from Egypt. Btw, this is massive.
The Statue of Hour.
Mummies' Coffins
They have to carry this piece of massive rock over 80 km. Egypt did not use wheel barrows in those days and this mission required hundreds to thousands of people. And anyway this is for someone's funeral haha.
Maybe I should join them? It's sort of a dream for me to sit down and draw. Haha kidding la.
We went up the Ferris Wheel. Not very worth it I would say. 8 Euros for less than 10 min. The view was nice that's all.
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 6:08 pm
Monday, October 22, 2007
Paris 10
Today's temperature reached 9 degrees celcius, the coldest so far I have been here. It's really cold, even though my room had 4 people (including Laura and her 2 NZ frens, Emma & Anna) and the windows were closed it was still cold. I am having a little bit of flu but I am recovering after some medicine as my sense of taste is back. Laura just left, and there's a weird silence inside my place. I think it's amazing how 2 people can grow to be mutually dependent on each other. But right now, I can only try to reminiscise the good times we had and look forward to more.
Ascending the Arc de Triomphe through a spiralling long tiring flight of steps..
Atop the Arc de Triomphe, a bird's eye view again (Well actually like what Laura said, every view seems almost the same, so we may be missing some soon), where there the blue map shows the location of the toutistic sights in Paris. See Eiffel picture aligning with the real Eiffel.
The 'Pencil' lookalike and the Ferris Wheel, near Champs-Elysees.
Zinedine Zidane and I in the adidas shop. His picure I mean haha. He made this funny commercial with Orange, the equivalent of Singtel in France, with the theme Rugby World Cup. You guys should watch it.
At the Chinese Buffet, where Laura and I left very full, but satisfied and sleepy.
Below the Eiffel Tower, where Laura and I went to watch the Finals Rugby game between England and South Africa. The Eiffel had sparkling white lights around it. Very nice. Coincidentally, it was green and yellow, the color of South Africa's flag, and all the rowdy but passionate England fans kept singing and chanting 'Turn the tower Red and White!'
Laura and I had beer all over us when England scored a try, but only to be disallowed. The fans were furious, and in the end South Africa won. Laura and I wanted to leave early to avoid the angry fans, but everything was ok.
Our most expensive meal in France, actually to be honest it's the most expensive one Laura and I had since we have know each other. Total damage 32 Euros. It's authentic French food, but some of the dishes tastes similar to Oriental food I think. Laura and I enjoyed it very much.
Foie Gras. This dish alone costs 8 Euros. but Laura and I couldn't appreciate it. Foie Gras is this duck fat with goose liver sauce I think. It taste rich and a small can at Ikea cost 40 Euros. Like the Abalone of the Chinese.
I think this duck is called Duck Cantin or Cancan or something, which is cooked over a long time in fat. They use salt to preserve some of the sauce and hence it tasted a little too salty for my liking.
The 'Oriental' dish. Sea Bass, very fresh.
Our desert, Tiramisu.
We went into the Treasury of the Cathedral de Notre Dame, and the picture below (look into the reflection of the mirror) is supposed to be one of the very nail which crucified Jesus Christ. If I am not wrong, the piece of wood in the glass chamber in the middle is part of the Cross too. Actually I feel that all religions are great, especially so when it can offer solace and a peace of mind to people. It does not really matter which religion you believe in and it's really silly to fight for which religion is the best. All of us should practise more tolerance for one another.
Laura asked me if I liked Barcelona or Paris more. I said I enjoyed Barcelona more but I like Paris more, and she said I was being politically correct. But that was really what I felt. In Barcelona, everything and everyone is warmer. but in Paris, the architectures are nicer. I think it is a 'good' bad thing that Laura and I did not end up together at Barcelona for exchange together, so that we could house and show each other when we know our places well enough between the 2 places.
And does Laura like Paris? She likes it enough to warrant her a kiss.
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 5:00 pm
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Paris 9
Tomorrow, 18th October, is the day when the French are going to have a strike. A massive one. One that happens once a year. Reason? Because they are unhappy with some of the government’s policies, and some people are losing some of the advantages they used to enjoy. All the public transport including the RER, Metro and bus are going to stop till Friday morning. And the best part? Laura is coming to Paris tomorrow.
I could have been more prepared when I was planning Laura’s arrival with her, but seriously how could I have expected a strike when I have never encountered any in Singapore? Right now, I have booked a shuttle which costs quite expensive for our transport from the airport. I just hope that the strike will end on Friday, as it is not confirmed yet. If not, Laura and I have got to get ourselves ready for a massive workout for our weekend trips.
I knew about this strike a few days ago, but only got to know it in depth when I spoke to a person from the bank I opened an account with. I asked her why is it that the people are allowing this to happen as this is going to cause so much inconvenience? She said this is because in France, people have liberty to choose if they want to work or not. And some people do support the strike! She said it with a matter of fact expression and I guess she may be one of the supporters as well. The strike is not going to be anything violent, just that people do not work, and it is permitted as long as the public is informed about it, so that people can plan their holidays better. Haha! And she asked me if I was excited to see my first strike in France. Well I would be if Laura is not coming over to Paris for the weekend! But it is just such a coincidence! I would be snapping some photos of the strike though.
I hope things will become better.
I could have been more prepared when I was planning Laura’s arrival with her, but seriously how could I have expected a strike when I have never encountered any in Singapore? Right now, I have booked a shuttle which costs quite expensive for our transport from the airport. I just hope that the strike will end on Friday, as it is not confirmed yet. If not, Laura and I have got to get ourselves ready for a massive workout for our weekend trips.
I knew about this strike a few days ago, but only got to know it in depth when I spoke to a person from the bank I opened an account with. I asked her why is it that the people are allowing this to happen as this is going to cause so much inconvenience? She said this is because in France, people have liberty to choose if they want to work or not. And some people do support the strike! She said it with a matter of fact expression and I guess she may be one of the supporters as well. The strike is not going to be anything violent, just that people do not work, and it is permitted as long as the public is informed about it, so that people can plan their holidays better. Haha! And she asked me if I was excited to see my first strike in France. Well I would be if Laura is not coming over to Paris for the weekend! But it is just such a coincidence! I would be snapping some photos of the strike though.
I hope things will become better.
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 2:53 am
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Paris 8
I stood in the middle of Champs Elysees to take this 2 photos, which shows the ends of the whole road. In one end we have the Ferris Wheel, and on the other we have the Arc De Triomphe.
I could not find a toilet, and when I saw one (below), I went in and it looked kind of posh. The person stopped me and said," 1.50 Euros!" SIAO!
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 2:30 am
Monday, October 15, 2007
Paris 7
Went to walk at Champs Elysees today. Came back, fried some beef patties and potatoes, and now it’s at night and I am on my bed looking into my laptop again. It’s a cooling night, and I feel a little reflective being in these kind of conditions.
This blog is dedicated to my sister, Shuting. Sis, I know you read this blog and this are some of the things I would like to say to you:
I just read your blog and I feel like it is a shame sometimes to know that we have gotten closer only because of your heart condition. Like what Dad said, it is not worth it at all.
I still remember the first time I visited you at the hospital and I saw you lying on the bed with all the tubes in your body. Before I visited you I have already tried to psyche myself up but still when I saw you I could not control my emotions at all. To see a family member in your condition is nothing words can describe at all.
As I am typing this, I feel waves of emotions rushing through my mind. Memories of how we started quarreling with each other, how it began, how it went on, how it reached the point when I told myself the only way to make you change is to give up on you.
How we drifted apart, how little we spoke, and how little we knew about what was going on in each other’s lives. How daddy was angry at you, how I always teamed up with daddy to criticize you but mother will stand by you against us, which I did not understand why.
How I then realized in the later stages that I have not shown you much concern, and that although daddy and I always criticize you which we thought was a good way to make you change, and it was a convenient way as well, we did not realize that a better way was to be more involved in your life and showing you more care and concern, which mother already realized but did not know how to convey to us.
How I begin to understand you better as I talked to you more in the hospital and realized how little I have known you in the past. You were just a simple person who wanted to love and be loved.
Now looking at the whole aftermath I realized how brave you have been to face the period you were at home but suffering from the disease, alone, because daddy and I, in particular, wasn’t there for you. How you couldn’t sleep at night, how you panted, how your leg started to swell and all I thought was that you were lazy and did not want to start work again, which was the result of me not knowing you well enough at all.
Now that you have recovered, and still I do not know how much I mean to you only after reading your blog entries. I begin to realize that things happen for a reason, but I hope that the ways that we learn are not only through really bad things that happen like that. I hope that you will improve as a person too and that only fortunate things will happen to you in the future, and as your blog writes, you will get stronger and stronger.
The reason I am typing here is to let everyone know that you mean a lot to me too. The whole family.
And friends reading this blog, please treasure your family members well, for I am a good friend of yours and also a good example of someone who did not and my sister paid the price for my mistake. Also, I hope that you all will remind me, and I will remind you all too, if anyone of us made the same mistake again.
And in a less serious mood and a fortunate turn of events, things did not turn out as bad as they could be, and I can only be grateful and thankful for that.
Songjie
This blog is dedicated to my sister, Shuting. Sis, I know you read this blog and this are some of the things I would like to say to you:
I just read your blog and I feel like it is a shame sometimes to know that we have gotten closer only because of your heart condition. Like what Dad said, it is not worth it at all.
I still remember the first time I visited you at the hospital and I saw you lying on the bed with all the tubes in your body. Before I visited you I have already tried to psyche myself up but still when I saw you I could not control my emotions at all. To see a family member in your condition is nothing words can describe at all.
As I am typing this, I feel waves of emotions rushing through my mind. Memories of how we started quarreling with each other, how it began, how it went on, how it reached the point when I told myself the only way to make you change is to give up on you.
How we drifted apart, how little we spoke, and how little we knew about what was going on in each other’s lives. How daddy was angry at you, how I always teamed up with daddy to criticize you but mother will stand by you against us, which I did not understand why.
How I then realized in the later stages that I have not shown you much concern, and that although daddy and I always criticize you which we thought was a good way to make you change, and it was a convenient way as well, we did not realize that a better way was to be more involved in your life and showing you more care and concern, which mother already realized but did not know how to convey to us.
How I begin to understand you better as I talked to you more in the hospital and realized how little I have known you in the past. You were just a simple person who wanted to love and be loved.
Now looking at the whole aftermath I realized how brave you have been to face the period you were at home but suffering from the disease, alone, because daddy and I, in particular, wasn’t there for you. How you couldn’t sleep at night, how you panted, how your leg started to swell and all I thought was that you were lazy and did not want to start work again, which was the result of me not knowing you well enough at all.
Now that you have recovered, and still I do not know how much I mean to you only after reading your blog entries. I begin to realize that things happen for a reason, but I hope that the ways that we learn are not only through really bad things that happen like that. I hope that you will improve as a person too and that only fortunate things will happen to you in the future, and as your blog writes, you will get stronger and stronger.
The reason I am typing here is to let everyone know that you mean a lot to me too. The whole family.
And friends reading this blog, please treasure your family members well, for I am a good friend of yours and also a good example of someone who did not and my sister paid the price for my mistake. Also, I hope that you all will remind me, and I will remind you all too, if anyone of us made the same mistake again.
And in a less serious mood and a fortunate turn of events, things did not turn out as bad as they could be, and I can only be grateful and thankful for that.
Songjie
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 3:51 am
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Paris 6
This is a random blog, but I am posting cos I did something which is rather impressive. On the day we moved into this apartment, my landlord bought some flowers for us as a welcoming gift. The flowers were left in Vania's room and they were dying. I told Vania to put it in the sunlight but she said that maybe we should throw the flowers away. But I felt that maybe the landlord bought us the flowers for a reason: If you can't take care of a bouquet of flowers, what about my flat? Anyway I just felt that throwing them was a waste since it was in fact, a living thing, so I put it in my room and together with some 'magic', it is sort of revived again! Seriously guys rocks man. Even when it comes to girly stuff like flowers which just needed a little more TLC, we can do it better! Haha kidding! I will post the photos of the apartment where I am staying in when it is in a cleaner and better state. I hope I get the motivation to clean up my place tomorrow.
Before..
After! Last night it was going through its metamorphosis and I could hear the plastic below it twicked when I was sleeping. Voila!
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 7:55 pm
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Paris 5
Today should be day 17. I stepped on dog shit yesterday. I know Parisians like dogs, but I do not understand what is so difficult to use a piece of tissue to clean up the mess. It’s like a mine field around my estate, and I only let down my guard for an instant and I got wet, sticky, smelly and fresh dog poo in my boots.
I am supposed to receive my pin code for my ATM card last Friday, but it has been delayed for more than a week. So I went down to the office yesterday and asked about my pin. The person whom I spoke to couldn’t really speak English and a kind lady next to my counter translated it for me. She told me that the guy had sent the letter already and there was nothing he could do. I then explained to her that I was supposed to get my card a week ago. She said,” Boy, this is France! Nothing works in France!” And she said the same thing in French and everyone laughed in agreement. Funny these French, I do not understand how they work. Just went to settle my internet 2 days ago and they were efficient and chop chop and if nothing goes wrong I will get stable internet next Thursday. I pray nothing goes wrong.
I went to the Cathedral of Notre Dame just now. I alighted at St Michel Metro and could not find the Cathedral initially, because the buildings around the Metro were all pretty impressive. I think the Europeans places a lot of emphasis on their buildings and artwork. I realized that Christians and Catholics will like Europe, as even I was quite overwhelmed by the sheer size of the churches and the elaborate designs of the statues in it. The churches look fairly simple at first glance, but a closer look will reveal much more. I stayed for the session they had for a while and they were playing the organ and the choir was singing really nice.
The rugby world cup is on right now and I would love to take a look. However, the cheapest tickets are going for 95 Euros which I do not mind but they are already sold out. The next cheapest tickets are 215 Euros. I do not think I would pay this kind of money for the ‘experience’.
So far I have not stepped into many of the places as they required an entrance fee. I am sure there are much more to see inside the Arc de Triomphe, Lourve or the Cathedral. Going to wait for Laura if she wants to see them. If not I am contemplating to view them myself someday.
The Cathedral de Notre Dame
I am supposed to receive my pin code for my ATM card last Friday, but it has been delayed for more than a week. So I went down to the office yesterday and asked about my pin. The person whom I spoke to couldn’t really speak English and a kind lady next to my counter translated it for me. She told me that the guy had sent the letter already and there was nothing he could do. I then explained to her that I was supposed to get my card a week ago. She said,” Boy, this is France! Nothing works in France!” And she said the same thing in French and everyone laughed in agreement. Funny these French, I do not understand how they work. Just went to settle my internet 2 days ago and they were efficient and chop chop and if nothing goes wrong I will get stable internet next Thursday. I pray nothing goes wrong.
I went to the Cathedral of Notre Dame just now. I alighted at St Michel Metro and could not find the Cathedral initially, because the buildings around the Metro were all pretty impressive. I think the Europeans places a lot of emphasis on their buildings and artwork. I realized that Christians and Catholics will like Europe, as even I was quite overwhelmed by the sheer size of the churches and the elaborate designs of the statues in it. The churches look fairly simple at first glance, but a closer look will reveal much more. I stayed for the session they had for a while and they were playing the organ and the choir was singing really nice.
The rugby world cup is on right now and I would love to take a look. However, the cheapest tickets are going for 95 Euros which I do not mind but they are already sold out. The next cheapest tickets are 215 Euros. I do not think I would pay this kind of money for the ‘experience’.
So far I have not stepped into many of the places as they required an entrance fee. I am sure there are much more to see inside the Arc de Triomphe, Lourve or the Cathedral. Going to wait for Laura if she wants to see them. If not I am contemplating to view them myself someday.
The Cathedral de Notre Dame
The session
Along the river..
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 11:35 pm
Friday, October 12, 2007
Paris 4
Slowly but surely, things start to settle down. I have a roof over my head, cooked rice and pork yesterday, which was one of the best dinners I’ve made for myself, and now looking forward to the Chinese buffet for 12.50 Euros I saw at Chinatown a few days ago, making it a point to have the buffet once every 2 weeks to make up for the ‘missing oriental touch’ in my meals these days. It has fried rice, sweet and sour pork, hainancse steamed chicken and ginger sliced fish, haha and I’m looking forward to eating all of them soon.
I have not got to try the authentic French food, like foie gras and such, and will be looking forward to try them too with Laura when she comes over to Paris next Thursday. They will be expensive, but no harm giving them a try. I have lost some weight I think, as food here is expensive. But now that I can cook, it is cheaper and I’m sure I’ll start putting on weight again haha.
There are some interesting things to note about Paris. Like almost every one owns a dog. And there are dog shit and urine all around. There is a statistic that shows the number of people who enter the hospital each year because they slept on dog shit. Yet after 2 weeks here I have not seen a single pet shop yet. There are plenty of pigeons here, and the crows here are big and stocky. If you thought those in Singapore are big, check out the ones in Paris. But they are less annoying here. Everything is in the opposite direction as Singapore. On the escalators, if you want to stand you should be on the right. The fast lanes on the express way are on the left. If someone goes through a door before you, they always hold them for you even if they have to wait for you for some time. This is one of the few gracious things about them. The apartments here are mainly 6 storey max, and most of them do not have lifts. The French are more reserved than other Europeans, hence giving them the aloof feel. Most French are good looking like Hollywood stars, and they always dress up well. I saw a girl and a guy on the Metro that day and they looked like the models in magazines. Almost everything is slow here, except the Metro which is really fast in its frequency. Sometimes the Metro will stop for awhile and I wonder if the next Metro will ram into the one I’m on. And the French students here? They are hardworking! The library is most of the times, packed with students. It is not difficult to find Chinese food here, but they are costly. I bought fried rice, chicken and sweet and sour pork and they cost 9 Euros! The French likes speaking French, not English. And if you can speak French to them, they’ll appreciate it.
Now that everything is more settled, I have more time for myself and to explore. How are you my friends? Projects and exams are coming, and I wish you all the best!
Songjie
I have not got to try the authentic French food, like foie gras and such, and will be looking forward to try them too with Laura when she comes over to Paris next Thursday. They will be expensive, but no harm giving them a try. I have lost some weight I think, as food here is expensive. But now that I can cook, it is cheaper and I’m sure I’ll start putting on weight again haha.
There are some interesting things to note about Paris. Like almost every one owns a dog. And there are dog shit and urine all around. There is a statistic that shows the number of people who enter the hospital each year because they slept on dog shit. Yet after 2 weeks here I have not seen a single pet shop yet. There are plenty of pigeons here, and the crows here are big and stocky. If you thought those in Singapore are big, check out the ones in Paris. But they are less annoying here. Everything is in the opposite direction as Singapore. On the escalators, if you want to stand you should be on the right. The fast lanes on the express way are on the left. If someone goes through a door before you, they always hold them for you even if they have to wait for you for some time. This is one of the few gracious things about them. The apartments here are mainly 6 storey max, and most of them do not have lifts. The French are more reserved than other Europeans, hence giving them the aloof feel. Most French are good looking like Hollywood stars, and they always dress up well. I saw a girl and a guy on the Metro that day and they looked like the models in magazines. Almost everything is slow here, except the Metro which is really fast in its frequency. Sometimes the Metro will stop for awhile and I wonder if the next Metro will ram into the one I’m on. And the French students here? They are hardworking! The library is most of the times, packed with students. It is not difficult to find Chinese food here, but they are costly. I bought fried rice, chicken and sweet and sour pork and they cost 9 Euros! The French likes speaking French, not English. And if you can speak French to them, they’ll appreciate it.
Now that everything is more settled, I have more time for myself and to explore. How are you my friends? Projects and exams are coming, and I wish you all the best!
Songjie
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 5:20 am
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Qin's 23rd Bdae
Yo!
Here's the few pics we took for qin's 23rd Bdae where we went to eat XO bee hoon near Holland Village there. Happy B'dae Mr Guay!
Here's the few pics we took for qin's 23rd Bdae where we went to eat XO bee hoon near Holland Village there. Happy B'dae Mr Guay!
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 1:01 am
Monday, October 08, 2007
Paris 3
Leonidas! True fighters do not wear anything, other than a helmet and robe. Not very sheltered i think.
The Mona Lisa, heavily guarded and people can go near.
Look at the tears of the baby, very lifelike.
The water too.
Lourve
My bedroom
Arc de Triomphe
Day 12
I finally moved. Not to Aline’s apartment, but to another place. On the good side, it is cheaper, going at about 800 Euros a month with the bills and utilities included, I can move in earlier (last night), and it is very spacious. Vania likes it too because of the cheaper rent, and that unlike Aline’s apartment, she does not have to pass by my room when she wants to go out of her room.
On the bad side, it is very old, rather dirty, far from metro, far from school, no internet yet, quite eerie, and we have to play Aline out. To be completely honest, despite all the good points about the current apartment I am living in, I prefer Aline’s apartment. My reasoning is that money can be earned back in the future, if it means giving me a better conscious of not playing someone out.
But now, another person comes into the picture and makes things a lot more complicated. After much self-reasoning, I decided that taking this apartment was the more appropriate choice.
I had wanted to call Vania on the house line just now and ended calling Aline instead. Haha. And I told Aline about the current apartment I’m staying now. She did not sound very happy, as she rejected another offer for us. I feel bad about it, and I hope she understands.
I visited the Arc de Triomphe yesterday. There is a history behind it but I’m not too sure about it now. I would need to start reading up the history on all the places I visited to be able to appreciate them more. Also, I walked along Champs Elysee and saw many big brands like LV, Gucci and Bally. If you guys want anything from here let me know.
Visited the Lourve today. It was great, but I have not explored the details yet as I was tired due to bad sleep last night. It is free every first Sunday of the month. In order to know more, the audio guide is necessary. Maybe I would go down one of these days and coop myself in the Museum for a couple of days.
The paintings and sculptures are nice, especially if you look at the amount of details in it. Some of the paintings are so big you wonder how long the painter took to finish. The first painting I wanted to see was the elusive Mona Lisa. And I took some photos of it. I do not know if I am allowed to, as there were many signs saying that no photography are allowed, but everyone is taking out cameras and snapping non stop.
Tomorrow the cleaning lady will be coming by our apartment for a few hours. Let’s hope she does a good job. I did not take a photo of the toilet bowl because it was too repulsive.
It sometimes feels weird to rent an old place. This apartment, has afterall, been vacant for 2 months. You do not know the person who was sleeping on the bed you are sleeping now and how he was as a person. Was he a psychopath or some sadistic ‘The Hostel’ maniac? I really shouldn’t have watched ‘The Hostel’.
The owner of the apartment is an old lady called Marie who does not live in central Paris. We did not even sign a contract with her and everything was based on ‘trust’. Although I would have felt safer if there was a contract, Vania said that the lady was an introduction from a close friend whose 2 Russian friends have been living here for 1 year. Marie isn’t a businesswoman, as she said it herself, hence she did not advertise this apartment on the internet nor prepare a contract. I just hope when I wake up tomorrow morning, there will not be a pig’s head hanging there! But she seems nice enough. After we paid the prepaid rent and she handed over the keys, she bought champagne and we toasted. I said ‘Avil al shan teh!’ which meant something courteous when people toast to you. She took a while to figure out what I was saying and said,” Ahhh.. you are speaking French!” Haha maybe I really should improve on my pronunciation.
I finally moved. Not to Aline’s apartment, but to another place. On the good side, it is cheaper, going at about 800 Euros a month with the bills and utilities included, I can move in earlier (last night), and it is very spacious. Vania likes it too because of the cheaper rent, and that unlike Aline’s apartment, she does not have to pass by my room when she wants to go out of her room.
On the bad side, it is very old, rather dirty, far from metro, far from school, no internet yet, quite eerie, and we have to play Aline out. To be completely honest, despite all the good points about the current apartment I am living in, I prefer Aline’s apartment. My reasoning is that money can be earned back in the future, if it means giving me a better conscious of not playing someone out.
But now, another person comes into the picture and makes things a lot more complicated. After much self-reasoning, I decided that taking this apartment was the more appropriate choice.
I had wanted to call Vania on the house line just now and ended calling Aline instead. Haha. And I told Aline about the current apartment I’m staying now. She did not sound very happy, as she rejected another offer for us. I feel bad about it, and I hope she understands.
I visited the Arc de Triomphe yesterday. There is a history behind it but I’m not too sure about it now. I would need to start reading up the history on all the places I visited to be able to appreciate them more. Also, I walked along Champs Elysee and saw many big brands like LV, Gucci and Bally. If you guys want anything from here let me know.
Visited the Lourve today. It was great, but I have not explored the details yet as I was tired due to bad sleep last night. It is free every first Sunday of the month. In order to know more, the audio guide is necessary. Maybe I would go down one of these days and coop myself in the Museum for a couple of days.
The paintings and sculptures are nice, especially if you look at the amount of details in it. Some of the paintings are so big you wonder how long the painter took to finish. The first painting I wanted to see was the elusive Mona Lisa. And I took some photos of it. I do not know if I am allowed to, as there were many signs saying that no photography are allowed, but everyone is taking out cameras and snapping non stop.
Tomorrow the cleaning lady will be coming by our apartment for a few hours. Let’s hope she does a good job. I did not take a photo of the toilet bowl because it was too repulsive.
It sometimes feels weird to rent an old place. This apartment, has afterall, been vacant for 2 months. You do not know the person who was sleeping on the bed you are sleeping now and how he was as a person. Was he a psychopath or some sadistic ‘The Hostel’ maniac? I really shouldn’t have watched ‘The Hostel’.
The owner of the apartment is an old lady called Marie who does not live in central Paris. We did not even sign a contract with her and everything was based on ‘trust’. Although I would have felt safer if there was a contract, Vania said that the lady was an introduction from a close friend whose 2 Russian friends have been living here for 1 year. Marie isn’t a businesswoman, as she said it herself, hence she did not advertise this apartment on the internet nor prepare a contract. I just hope when I wake up tomorrow morning, there will not be a pig’s head hanging there! But she seems nice enough. After we paid the prepaid rent and she handed over the keys, she bought champagne and we toasted. I said ‘Avil al shan teh!’ which meant something courteous when people toast to you. She took a while to figure out what I was saying and said,” Ahhh.. you are speaking French!” Haha maybe I really should improve on my pronunciation.
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 6:07 pm
Friends
Dear Friends,
We have been meeting less and less often as compared to before. Guess it’s attributed to our different, changing lifestyle. In addition, all of us are now more aware of what we will be facing in the years to come and are probably working hard for the “path” which we hope to take. Change is inevitable. However, the deep friendship and bond I have with each and every one of you is something I hope will never change.
Over the years, as we grow older together, we managed to help each other mature to be the person he is today. Different people play different roles but I believe everyone has played a part to make us become what we are today. With that, I am thankful to you all for helping me to make me who I am. Of course, not everyone is perfect. I believe some of you hate some parts of me but just didn’t say.
Nowadays, we no longer know well what is happening to each and everyone’s life. The less frequent gatherings and the sparse usage of the blog contributed to such an effect. I believe song’s usage of the blog to convey his unfortunate loss of 200 euros probably shows that we still do read the blog but just that we seldom post. Since everyone is getting busier and busier, probably a quick update to the blog would be good so at least we know how the others are doing. I will post here when I have something to update you guys as well. The purpose of this post is also to tell all of you what I feel about you, hopefully it can serve some kind of encouragement. In no order of preference,
Es: You are a person with drive and ambition! I respect your determination and self- discipline. No one in this world can know for sure how well they will do in life or lead a path exactly to what they have planned for. I hope you accept the fact that people do fail at times no matter how much effort is put in. It’s only through failure followed by picking themselves up that they grow a step closer to success. None of us should be afraid of failure as long as we have put in maximum effort! Failure only means we have more to improve on but it does not mean we have not done our part. You are good! Don’t be afraid of failure! You got to have confidence in yourself! I have the confidence in you! All of us have in you! I guess you have to counter whatever problems you are facing now yourself, but of course with all our support. We will support you from a fall and prevent you from sinking further, but you got to stand up yourself, against all possible obstacles! You can do it!
Song: You are a rational and responsible person. Most times, the advices you give are sound. I like to go to you to seek your rational thoughts whenever I am troubled. Although in terms of academic, your results don’t tally with the effort you put in, you refused to give up and will convince yourself you have done the best you could at that time. Your attitude will definitely bring you a long way. A point to note about you from this trip shows that your planning for it is insufficient. Probably it is due to experience and this is definitely going to be a good lesson for you! From how I see you handle arrangements, you tend to be less “Kiasu” of the preparation you make as compared to others. So, next time try to think of as much obstacles as you can before you embark on anything new. Don’t everything also “can one la”. Of course, there will definitely be some situations where you are caught unaware and that’s where your plus point, “Ability to still think calmly what you should do” comes in. Anyway enjoy yourself in Europe with Laura! It’s definitely the right choice!
Black & Ivy: Christianity has brought both of you closer and I believe both of you are leading a life you both want to lead. I am really happy for you both. Good that both of you are already planning into the future…well ahead of most of us. Black, I appreciate the concern and support you give me. You are also very driven and focused towards your goals. I believe in no time, you can meet them and set higher ones. Whether you both choose to be in Singapore or UK, I wish Ivy and you all the best!
Yuyee: You are a very supportive friend. You used to give me the “take it easy” impression whenever you do anything in the past. I feel that these days you are more driven. You know what you want and you are striving for it. You take up more responsibility like organizing many soccer matches for us to have gatherings. Of course, it’s also something you have interest in. I feel however, you tend to mind how others will think or look at you. Yuyee, if people want to laugh at you if you ask a question that sounds stupid to them, just don’t bother. As long as you have prepared your stuff and you are unsure about something, just ask! They can laugh, but ultimately you still benefit since the doubt is clarified. Trust me, you only need to start the ball rolling and this will no longer be an obstacle for you. It’s like how you are forced to make presentations from the start of year 1 but now you are a seasoned speaker.
Seto: Probably the most street-wise person amongst us. You are capable. Educational grades are not really a good justification of capabilities for you since you didn’t have the time to show your maximum potential. Seto, you have a money making business mind. Go all out for it man! Don’t be afraid of failure in business because I believe after every failure you will learn something new which will lead to your success. Good luck! And please, try to quit smoking. It’s bad for your health and very expensive.
Weixin: You are one talented individual! I feel in some ways, you are reserved. Are you trying to be humble? You must go all out to achieve what you want. Do not have doubts in yourself. You must have the confidence! You are like a person filled with substance but very negative about yourself! And please, always think about yourself first b4 u think for others. Of course, you are the best person to decide what is the best way to handle and I respect that.
Sq: You are another damn talented individual. Don’t belittle yourself! You have proven in many ways you are capable. When you articulate your thoughts, there are times when they really impress me. Don’t think that no one is listening to you! I am always listening to the sound and logically views you have, trying to rebut you at times. You are someone with little expectations, leading a happy-go-lucky, very easily contented life. Like everything, it has pros and cons. You will pick yourself up fast when you fail but you will not have very high goals. I hope you will aim really high but still can keep the “always look on the bright side” attitude. I believe in you! One more thing, I believe you will earn lots of money in future but please do some financial planning.
Qin: You give me the impression that you have very big goals in mind but I don’t know what they are. You dare take steps that normal conservative people don’t. For example, you go for minor in entrepreneurship, something which I don’t believe many year 1 eng student will take. You take Arabic language outside which I believe you probably feel its usefulness. In short, I believe you know what you want! The only issue I have is your sleeping habits. Not that it affects me, but I just want you to know that it’s not good for your health in the long term. So please also take care of your health while having big goals.
Terence: Nothing wrong with being the last. Doesn’t mean you are the worst friend! In fact, I admire your way of doing things sometimes. A very confident person with a mind of your own, but be careful it might be taken as arrogant. You are someone who is big-hearted, not minding about the lots of things which you consider them “small”. Capable person whom if you want to do something well, you will show your potential and get it done, like how you managed to excel last semester. You are not a risk averse person, so in future, when you gamble in the market, just make sure you have a “stop” line.
You are all great, loyal friends to me. In the years to come, everyone will be busier with many more things to manage. However, I still have the hope that all of us can still travel together in future! I see immerse potential in each and every one of you! Have faith and confidence in whatever you all do. Even though we might meet much less, you all will always be my best friends. Good luck!
Cheers,
Lam
We have been meeting less and less often as compared to before. Guess it’s attributed to our different, changing lifestyle. In addition, all of us are now more aware of what we will be facing in the years to come and are probably working hard for the “path” which we hope to take. Change is inevitable. However, the deep friendship and bond I have with each and every one of you is something I hope will never change.
Over the years, as we grow older together, we managed to help each other mature to be the person he is today. Different people play different roles but I believe everyone has played a part to make us become what we are today. With that, I am thankful to you all for helping me to make me who I am. Of course, not everyone is perfect. I believe some of you hate some parts of me but just didn’t say.
Nowadays, we no longer know well what is happening to each and everyone’s life. The less frequent gatherings and the sparse usage of the blog contributed to such an effect. I believe song’s usage of the blog to convey his unfortunate loss of 200 euros probably shows that we still do read the blog but just that we seldom post. Since everyone is getting busier and busier, probably a quick update to the blog would be good so at least we know how the others are doing. I will post here when I have something to update you guys as well. The purpose of this post is also to tell all of you what I feel about you, hopefully it can serve some kind of encouragement. In no order of preference,
Es: You are a person with drive and ambition! I respect your determination and self- discipline. No one in this world can know for sure how well they will do in life or lead a path exactly to what they have planned for. I hope you accept the fact that people do fail at times no matter how much effort is put in. It’s only through failure followed by picking themselves up that they grow a step closer to success. None of us should be afraid of failure as long as we have put in maximum effort! Failure only means we have more to improve on but it does not mean we have not done our part. You are good! Don’t be afraid of failure! You got to have confidence in yourself! I have the confidence in you! All of us have in you! I guess you have to counter whatever problems you are facing now yourself, but of course with all our support. We will support you from a fall and prevent you from sinking further, but you got to stand up yourself, against all possible obstacles! You can do it!
Song: You are a rational and responsible person. Most times, the advices you give are sound. I like to go to you to seek your rational thoughts whenever I am troubled. Although in terms of academic, your results don’t tally with the effort you put in, you refused to give up and will convince yourself you have done the best you could at that time. Your attitude will definitely bring you a long way. A point to note about you from this trip shows that your planning for it is insufficient. Probably it is due to experience and this is definitely going to be a good lesson for you! From how I see you handle arrangements, you tend to be less “Kiasu” of the preparation you make as compared to others. So, next time try to think of as much obstacles as you can before you embark on anything new. Don’t everything also “can one la”. Of course, there will definitely be some situations where you are caught unaware and that’s where your plus point, “Ability to still think calmly what you should do” comes in. Anyway enjoy yourself in Europe with Laura! It’s definitely the right choice!
Black & Ivy: Christianity has brought both of you closer and I believe both of you are leading a life you both want to lead. I am really happy for you both. Good that both of you are already planning into the future…well ahead of most of us. Black, I appreciate the concern and support you give me. You are also very driven and focused towards your goals. I believe in no time, you can meet them and set higher ones. Whether you both choose to be in Singapore or UK, I wish Ivy and you all the best!
Yuyee: You are a very supportive friend. You used to give me the “take it easy” impression whenever you do anything in the past. I feel that these days you are more driven. You know what you want and you are striving for it. You take up more responsibility like organizing many soccer matches for us to have gatherings. Of course, it’s also something you have interest in. I feel however, you tend to mind how others will think or look at you. Yuyee, if people want to laugh at you if you ask a question that sounds stupid to them, just don’t bother. As long as you have prepared your stuff and you are unsure about something, just ask! They can laugh, but ultimately you still benefit since the doubt is clarified. Trust me, you only need to start the ball rolling and this will no longer be an obstacle for you. It’s like how you are forced to make presentations from the start of year 1 but now you are a seasoned speaker.
Seto: Probably the most street-wise person amongst us. You are capable. Educational grades are not really a good justification of capabilities for you since you didn’t have the time to show your maximum potential. Seto, you have a money making business mind. Go all out for it man! Don’t be afraid of failure in business because I believe after every failure you will learn something new which will lead to your success. Good luck! And please, try to quit smoking. It’s bad for your health and very expensive.
Weixin: You are one talented individual! I feel in some ways, you are reserved. Are you trying to be humble? You must go all out to achieve what you want. Do not have doubts in yourself. You must have the confidence! You are like a person filled with substance but very negative about yourself! And please, always think about yourself first b4 u think for others. Of course, you are the best person to decide what is the best way to handle and I respect that.
Sq: You are another damn talented individual. Don’t belittle yourself! You have proven in many ways you are capable. When you articulate your thoughts, there are times when they really impress me. Don’t think that no one is listening to you! I am always listening to the sound and logically views you have, trying to rebut you at times. You are someone with little expectations, leading a happy-go-lucky, very easily contented life. Like everything, it has pros and cons. You will pick yourself up fast when you fail but you will not have very high goals. I hope you will aim really high but still can keep the “always look on the bright side” attitude. I believe in you! One more thing, I believe you will earn lots of money in future but please do some financial planning.
Qin: You give me the impression that you have very big goals in mind but I don’t know what they are. You dare take steps that normal conservative people don’t. For example, you go for minor in entrepreneurship, something which I don’t believe many year 1 eng student will take. You take Arabic language outside which I believe you probably feel its usefulness. In short, I believe you know what you want! The only issue I have is your sleeping habits. Not that it affects me, but I just want you to know that it’s not good for your health in the long term. So please also take care of your health while having big goals.
Terence: Nothing wrong with being the last. Doesn’t mean you are the worst friend! In fact, I admire your way of doing things sometimes. A very confident person with a mind of your own, but be careful it might be taken as arrogant. You are someone who is big-hearted, not minding about the lots of things which you consider them “small”. Capable person whom if you want to do something well, you will show your potential and get it done, like how you managed to excel last semester. You are not a risk averse person, so in future, when you gamble in the market, just make sure you have a “stop” line.
You are all great, loyal friends to me. In the years to come, everyone will be busier with many more things to manage. However, I still have the hope that all of us can still travel together in future! I see immerse potential in each and every one of you! Have faith and confidence in whatever you all do. Even though we might meet much less, you all will always be my best friends. Good luck!
Cheers,
Lam
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 1:06 am
Friday, October 05, 2007
Paris 2
At the National Music Center
I like this building, it has 'peace' written around it in all languages
The Eiffel Tower
Eiffel looking big from afar
Eiffel and I
Listening to the ruffles of the leaves is nice.
France is truly a arty place, even the police wears picasso hats
I like this building, it has 'peace' written around it in all languages
The Eiffel Tower
Eiffel from below
Eiffel looking big from afar
Eiffel and I
Listening to the ruffles of the leaves is nice.
France is truly a arty place, even the police wears picasso hats
Big square with many monuments..
The pics below are not really suited for the young..
The Moulin Rouge
Inside the Erotique Museum: Alphabets, but look closely
Whip or be whipped? Read the words!
A picture paints a thousand.. bodies?
Chinese are naughty..
And the nice part near Moulin Rouge, again a famous church which I cannot remember the name..
Bird's eye view of Paris
Day 6
I want to find my own apartment!
Why?
So that:
I can wash my clothes
I can unpack my luggage
I can cook my food
I can sleep on the bed
I can walk around naked and change in the bedroom instead of the wet toilet after I bathe
I can pee loudly
I can move around freely and not be confined
I don’t have to bathe in a 80cm by 80cm cubicle and knock onto the panes whenever I move my hands to rub my body
I can watch TV, use internet, listen to music and do whatever I want!!
I don’t have to wait for Chloe to finish doing her things before I can do it, like bathing or internet
I can talk with a little more dignity.
This is a torture man!!
Day 7
Today I spent a whole day walking. Walking and walking for hours and hours. My friends, coming for exchange really isn’t that easy, especially for me. Maybe I’m very much dependent on other people without actually realizing it until I’m down here alone and have to do everything by myself.
In the morning I tried to look for the American Church where they put up ads for housing. However, I walked for a while and could not find it. I realize how lousy I was at looking at maps because I was holding the $13 comprehensive map Laura bought for me in Kinokuniya but I just couldn’t find the church.
Next, I went to look for the guard at Lionel Doyen’s apartment’s concierge. The 2 people were seemingly unhappy to help and they couldn’t speak English either. So I went to the police station near his place, and again they do not speak English well. After much hand motions and trying my best to explain with the limited French I have, they realized that I have been cheated of my rent deposit and explained that I was the 23rd victim they have heard. 23! Lionel Doyen you must be a rich guy now. God bless you man. They directed me to another police station where there is a special department in charge of these fraud cases. After much asking I finally managed to find that police station and again, they do not speak English. I mean, what kind of government department doesn’t employ at least some people who speak English? Or either that they were simply not very willing to help. They asked me to go back again with a friend who can speak French. I contacted Terence, and he may be going down with me tomorrow or on Friday.
After that I decided to look for the Singapore Embassy. Finding the place was difficult, and I walked for 2 hours non stop till I finally found the place, which was hidden behind a closed gate with other buildings with the Singapore national flag seemingly obscure.
Again, the person couldn’t offer me any practical help, and only offered me a list of websites, which most of it I have already gone through. I explained that to them, but their answer was that that was the best they could do. Slackers. I want to work in the Paris Singapore Embassy next time. Outside the Embassy were Mercedes and they did not have help for Singapore citizens who cannot find housing?! There was a Singapore old lady at the embassy who overheard my conversation and took down my particulars and promised to keep a lookout for me if something suitable pops by. I hope she helps me.
After which I went to back to my school only to find that my academic advisor has already packed her bag and ready to go off. I then went to visit an apartment which was great but the deal did not pull through. Reason being, another girl wanted to rent the apartment for a year, and that Laura’s friend did not feel that it was appropriate to share the apartment with me, although she was the one who approached me in the first place. Now she wants 2 private rooms. I walked back a disappointed man to Chloe’s place, back to my own dark corner in my sleeping bag.
Actually the feeling of putting up at someone’s else place really sucks. I can remember those Hongkong TV serials where the characters in it say things like,” Shou liu wo ba! Wo mei you di fang zhu le!” Yes, that’s EXACTLY my case now. I really do not have ANY place to stay other than here. I could try hostels, but this means I have to pay more and move all my luggage again and share spaces with other youths and have to grab on to my valuables at night even when I sleep. Sigh.
But I’m holding my head high! I believe and hope that there must be a place that can accommodate me! Wish me luck my friends.
Day 8
My first lesson got cancelled. What the hell. Is God trying to tell me that I’m not suited to come for exchange to see the bigger world, and should have just stay in my own little pea-sized country? The teacher did not come, and after speaking to a French fellow student, he told me that no students were taking the initiative to look for the teacher, and the students were enjoying doing nothing. I went off and proceeded to open my bank account, which was one of the few things I actually managed to get it done.
I then went to Moulin Rouge with Chloe. Moulin Rouge is a super sleazy place with lots of sex shops, live shows and peep shows. I went to visit the Museum Erotique and took many photos, some of which are interesting and I will post them up.
I still have not gotten a place to stay, and Chloe’s landlord has been asking her what was my situation now. I did not want to put Chloe in a spot and told Chloe to tell her landlord that I am moving out on Thursday, which was the day I am supposed to move out if I had gotten the housing deal I mentioned earlier. God, please tell me what to do next, or start sending some divine help to the poor guy (me!) whom you have neglected for a long time.
Day 10
Coming for an exchange seems rather lonely for me, at least for now. I realized that I do not speak a lot. Most of the days when I talked it is only to Chloe. I do not think I laugh as much now as I used to in Singapore, when all of us just sit down and talk nonsense or play mahjong and laugh like crazy. You can be very sure I miss those days a lot.
I visit places alone, and in school because of my language barrier I feel alienated. Everyone speaks French, and from what I understood from my teachers the French are more reserved than the other Europeans. We thought they were dao, but they were reserved. I am still not thick skinned enough yet to talk to anyone that pops by, but I’m making a conscious effort to do so. One thing I learnt while working at Peach Garden is that one has got to be thick skinned. That’s one of the sure ways to success.
I woke up late thinking that my ‘Cross Cultural Barriers’ class was at 1015 but it was actually at 830. Again, dependence on friends. Back in Singapore I could always count on my friends to tell me little things like this, which causes me to become more dependent and blurrer. Good and bad, I think.
I reached school at 915 with a terrible stomachache. After feeling like shit for another hour, I ended my conversation abruptly with my allocated American buddy and went to heaven. Not a very good start to a friendship, especially with my limited number of friends here. Formed a presentation group with a guy who was even later than me. Haha.
When we were introducing ourselves, the class seemed intrigue with Singapore. I was supposed to do a presentation on a very tough subject but in the end the teacher asked me to do a presentation on Singapore, which is very good because the SMU international relations people has asked us before to present ourselves as good Singapore ambassadors and if we needed materials about Singapore, we could just ask from them. And that’s what I’m going to do. 40% of the course grade more or less taken care of. The next lesson was very boring, and I might just drop it. Now pondering between 2 other classes. Will need to make a decision soon.
Then, we went for the international students briefing. Much of it was done in French, which reminds me to ask SQ to send me the online courses which I can download from BitTorrent to improve my French. SQ, you always say my French sounds like Hokkien and now I feel conscious about it. Thanks ah! My allocated senior from Dauphine is a nice person called Elodie, and she has offered to help us in as many ways as we needed. But somehow I realized that depending too much on other people is bad, and depending on myself is the best.
Went to view an apartment, with Laura’s friend, Vania, this time. Both of us were satisfied with the apartment, and the owner was nice enough to offer us a discount too at around 1100 Euros a month. I know that’s pretty expensive, but with the factors of time running short, the difficulties of find an apartment, the satisfaction not only to me but to Vania e.t.c., we really do not have much of a choice.
Her son, a very good looking French with green pupils, is coming to work in Singapore at Ernst and Young, and I have promised to show him around when he comes to Singapore next year. If everything goes according to plan, we will be signing the contract next Tuesday at 2pm. If not, I will have to start the whole tedious process of searching for apartments again. Friends, if you want to see the place where I will be staying, please check out http://www.alineapartments.com/ and look at ‘Renoir’.
Went to view 2 other apartments for backup, in case Aline plays us out.
Went to visit the Eiffel Tower today, and I was impressed. I used to tell other people braggingly (as usual) that the person whom built Eiffel Tower is a smart fellow. Just some pieces of curved metal bars tied together you have an everlasting icon representing a place. But I was awed. Some pictures of Eiffel Tower below, together with other pictures of places which I do not know the names yet, but are all nice to see.
Inside the Erotique Museum: Alphabets, but look closely
Whip or be whipped? Read the words!
They broadcast porn
Who's this?
A picture paints a thousand.. bodies?
Chinese are naughty..
Yummylicious chair..
Along the streets of Moulin Rouge..
And the nice part near Moulin Rouge, again a famous church which I cannot remember the name..
Bird's eye view of Paris
Day 6
I want to find my own apartment!
Why?
So that:
I can wash my clothes
I can unpack my luggage
I can cook my food
I can sleep on the bed
I can walk around naked and change in the bedroom instead of the wet toilet after I bathe
I can pee loudly
I can move around freely and not be confined
I don’t have to bathe in a 80cm by 80cm cubicle and knock onto the panes whenever I move my hands to rub my body
I can watch TV, use internet, listen to music and do whatever I want!!
I don’t have to wait for Chloe to finish doing her things before I can do it, like bathing or internet
I can talk with a little more dignity.
This is a torture man!!
Day 7
Today I spent a whole day walking. Walking and walking for hours and hours. My friends, coming for exchange really isn’t that easy, especially for me. Maybe I’m very much dependent on other people without actually realizing it until I’m down here alone and have to do everything by myself.
In the morning I tried to look for the American Church where they put up ads for housing. However, I walked for a while and could not find it. I realize how lousy I was at looking at maps because I was holding the $13 comprehensive map Laura bought for me in Kinokuniya but I just couldn’t find the church.
Next, I went to look for the guard at Lionel Doyen’s apartment’s concierge. The 2 people were seemingly unhappy to help and they couldn’t speak English either. So I went to the police station near his place, and again they do not speak English well. After much hand motions and trying my best to explain with the limited French I have, they realized that I have been cheated of my rent deposit and explained that I was the 23rd victim they have heard. 23! Lionel Doyen you must be a rich guy now. God bless you man. They directed me to another police station where there is a special department in charge of these fraud cases. After much asking I finally managed to find that police station and again, they do not speak English. I mean, what kind of government department doesn’t employ at least some people who speak English? Or either that they were simply not very willing to help. They asked me to go back again with a friend who can speak French. I contacted Terence, and he may be going down with me tomorrow or on Friday.
After that I decided to look for the Singapore Embassy. Finding the place was difficult, and I walked for 2 hours non stop till I finally found the place, which was hidden behind a closed gate with other buildings with the Singapore national flag seemingly obscure.
Again, the person couldn’t offer me any practical help, and only offered me a list of websites, which most of it I have already gone through. I explained that to them, but their answer was that that was the best they could do. Slackers. I want to work in the Paris Singapore Embassy next time. Outside the Embassy were Mercedes and they did not have help for Singapore citizens who cannot find housing?! There was a Singapore old lady at the embassy who overheard my conversation and took down my particulars and promised to keep a lookout for me if something suitable pops by. I hope she helps me.
After which I went to back to my school only to find that my academic advisor has already packed her bag and ready to go off. I then went to visit an apartment which was great but the deal did not pull through. Reason being, another girl wanted to rent the apartment for a year, and that Laura’s friend did not feel that it was appropriate to share the apartment with me, although she was the one who approached me in the first place. Now she wants 2 private rooms. I walked back a disappointed man to Chloe’s place, back to my own dark corner in my sleeping bag.
Actually the feeling of putting up at someone’s else place really sucks. I can remember those Hongkong TV serials where the characters in it say things like,” Shou liu wo ba! Wo mei you di fang zhu le!” Yes, that’s EXACTLY my case now. I really do not have ANY place to stay other than here. I could try hostels, but this means I have to pay more and move all my luggage again and share spaces with other youths and have to grab on to my valuables at night even when I sleep. Sigh.
But I’m holding my head high! I believe and hope that there must be a place that can accommodate me! Wish me luck my friends.
Day 8
My first lesson got cancelled. What the hell. Is God trying to tell me that I’m not suited to come for exchange to see the bigger world, and should have just stay in my own little pea-sized country? The teacher did not come, and after speaking to a French fellow student, he told me that no students were taking the initiative to look for the teacher, and the students were enjoying doing nothing. I went off and proceeded to open my bank account, which was one of the few things I actually managed to get it done.
I then went to Moulin Rouge with Chloe. Moulin Rouge is a super sleazy place with lots of sex shops, live shows and peep shows. I went to visit the Museum Erotique and took many photos, some of which are interesting and I will post them up.
I still have not gotten a place to stay, and Chloe’s landlord has been asking her what was my situation now. I did not want to put Chloe in a spot and told Chloe to tell her landlord that I am moving out on Thursday, which was the day I am supposed to move out if I had gotten the housing deal I mentioned earlier. God, please tell me what to do next, or start sending some divine help to the poor guy (me!) whom you have neglected for a long time.
Day 10
Coming for an exchange seems rather lonely for me, at least for now. I realized that I do not speak a lot. Most of the days when I talked it is only to Chloe. I do not think I laugh as much now as I used to in Singapore, when all of us just sit down and talk nonsense or play mahjong and laugh like crazy. You can be very sure I miss those days a lot.
I visit places alone, and in school because of my language barrier I feel alienated. Everyone speaks French, and from what I understood from my teachers the French are more reserved than the other Europeans. We thought they were dao, but they were reserved. I am still not thick skinned enough yet to talk to anyone that pops by, but I’m making a conscious effort to do so. One thing I learnt while working at Peach Garden is that one has got to be thick skinned. That’s one of the sure ways to success.
I woke up late thinking that my ‘Cross Cultural Barriers’ class was at 1015 but it was actually at 830. Again, dependence on friends. Back in Singapore I could always count on my friends to tell me little things like this, which causes me to become more dependent and blurrer. Good and bad, I think.
I reached school at 915 with a terrible stomachache. After feeling like shit for another hour, I ended my conversation abruptly with my allocated American buddy and went to heaven. Not a very good start to a friendship, especially with my limited number of friends here. Formed a presentation group with a guy who was even later than me. Haha.
When we were introducing ourselves, the class seemed intrigue with Singapore. I was supposed to do a presentation on a very tough subject but in the end the teacher asked me to do a presentation on Singapore, which is very good because the SMU international relations people has asked us before to present ourselves as good Singapore ambassadors and if we needed materials about Singapore, we could just ask from them. And that’s what I’m going to do. 40% of the course grade more or less taken care of. The next lesson was very boring, and I might just drop it. Now pondering between 2 other classes. Will need to make a decision soon.
Then, we went for the international students briefing. Much of it was done in French, which reminds me to ask SQ to send me the online courses which I can download from BitTorrent to improve my French. SQ, you always say my French sounds like Hokkien and now I feel conscious about it. Thanks ah! My allocated senior from Dauphine is a nice person called Elodie, and she has offered to help us in as many ways as we needed. But somehow I realized that depending too much on other people is bad, and depending on myself is the best.
Went to view an apartment, with Laura’s friend, Vania, this time. Both of us were satisfied with the apartment, and the owner was nice enough to offer us a discount too at around 1100 Euros a month. I know that’s pretty expensive, but with the factors of time running short, the difficulties of find an apartment, the satisfaction not only to me but to Vania e.t.c., we really do not have much of a choice.
Her son, a very good looking French with green pupils, is coming to work in Singapore at Ernst and Young, and I have promised to show him around when he comes to Singapore next year. If everything goes according to plan, we will be signing the contract next Tuesday at 2pm. If not, I will have to start the whole tedious process of searching for apartments again. Friends, if you want to see the place where I will be staying, please check out http://www.alineapartments.com/ and look at ‘Renoir’.
Went to view 2 other apartments for backup, in case Aline plays us out.
Went to visit the Eiffel Tower today, and I was impressed. I used to tell other people braggingly (as usual) that the person whom built Eiffel Tower is a smart fellow. Just some pieces of curved metal bars tied together you have an everlasting icon representing a place. But I was awed. Some pictures of Eiffel Tower below, together with other pictures of places which I do not know the names yet, but are all nice to see.
Some photos of Barcelona. I do not think that I do much justice to this place by these pics alone. You guys have got to come and check it out yourselves! Most of the times I visit places but the names are too hard to remember, but Laura knows, so ask her!
See that place right in the background atop the mountain? We went up there!
We only went outside. Hope to watch a match soon.
This is a place by Galdi, which is still in construction after his death.
Christopher Columbus, pointing in the direction of America, but I heard that he pointed wrong.
Bird's eye view atop mountain.
Tibidaboo, the church atop the mountain.
Blackie and Ivy will love this!
Amusement park below Tibidaboo.
Atop Tilidaboo.
Laura and I on the Barcelona Turistic Bus
Nice scenery, look like postcard.
A demonstration we saw on our way back. Europeans like to do these kind of things apparently.
Everyone likes to post pictures of the food they cook overseas, so do us. How does the food taste? You only have to see my expression to find out!
# posted by eastsidebackstreet : 9:14 pm
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