Last Week 24rd July 2012

Just like how the chinese saying "天下无不散的宴席" (There are no everlasting banquets in life) goes, every good thing eventually comes to an end. This is very much so for the 6 weeks that I am in AIU for the Summer Programme 2012. It has been an exhilirating experience with so many new friends made, so many new things learnt and so many new memories formed. I will never forget the time spent in AIU and neither will I leave behind whatever I have learnt and experienced. I would admit that my time in AIU, the experiences that I have gathered, are far different from the traditional exchange experience, because of the people that I have met in this course of 6 weeks. Every single person that I have come across, has changed my life in ways big or small, but nevertheless a change. I am so grateful for the chance to come to a foreign land, to learn their culture, be absorbed into it and even interact with people of these culture so frequently and easily. As I type this post at 3am in the comfort of my room, I am reminded of how little time I have left in AIU and how I will miss every single thing here, from the social gatherings with my Singaporean friends, to the hour-long chats I have with my Japanese roommate. From the times in class where I was asleep 80% of the time, to the exploration of beautiful nature in parts of Akita. From the moments where I am stuck with my homework, to the long walks I had with my soulmate. Every single moment, big or small, will always cherish the times I have spent here and the people I have met here. As I leave AIU soon, I will take these memories and friendships along with me back to Singapore. As the movies always go: This is only the beginning...