22

As with last year, this year's birthday also falls during my internship stint, where many of my friends are interning as well. Being in the same position as them, I know exactly how it feels to be mentally exhausted after work. In fact, I must admit I sulked a lil over how I had to push myself to go out every night for celebrations even though I am tired, just because this internship has robbed away all my day time.

Yet for the same reason, I felt so much love from my friends, because I know they had specially taken their time off their precious after-working hours just to celebrate my birthday with me. These dinner celebrations, though simple, have certainly warmed my heart. I could see all their efforts from how they chose japanese cuisine over others and how they have tried to make the dinners less like a meet up or gathering even though I really don't mind at all. And my colleagues whom I knew for less than 3 months but still made me feel special and treated me like their little sister. All the smses, facebook wishes… I will remember. And the presents which coincidentally were all gotten for my overseas exchange, I will certainly fully utilize it! Thank you each and every one who made my 22 such a heartfelt one! :)

Picnic @ Botanic Gardens

First day of study week, which marked the final day of letting loose with the interns:

Let the girl power unite!




Till after the exams, after which I'll be leaving for my business study trip right after my last paper! Exclusive visits to prominent companies, good food and shopping awaits :) Despite everything, I hope for the trip to be a good one!

A lil' Chinatown adventure

Due to close proximity, Serangoon Gardens has been one of my frequent hangouts. Gotta love that place for Astons, Frolick and Dessert Bowl (for its Durian Mousse!). There's also Chompchomp for good hawker food, but personally I think it is overrated with insufficient space and marked-up prices. Why not head to Chinatown, for the same, if not more variety of local delights, and at more affordable prices?

So on a Monday evening, we headed down for a lil Chinatown adventure:


The xiaolongbaos that I craved everytime during my internship days! Made and steamed only upon ordering. I still remember the interns used to leave slightly earlier before lunchtime just to walk the further distance and queue for them before the lunchtime crowd.




One table of food emptied by us
We were supposed to end our food galore with yummy traditional dessert but my sense of direction really failed me - I could only remember the route if we were to walk from my workplace. We were so close yet we just couldn't find any dessert shop, had to settle for Nectarie @ Clarke Quay but all was still good!

Another round after exams? :)

A Mexican Affair

Shu Ann's 21st birthday party @ el toro


& her actual birthday celebration @ Giraffe Restaurant & Bar over at Istana Park

Celebrations

Trying out this new polaroid website!

✈ Batam Getaway

Back from Batam! What an awesome trip!

Batam was certainly more commercialized than I expected. Everything can be paid using SGD and is more often than not more expensive than the prices in Singapore (except for groceries). I overestimated on my expenses, which was a pity that I couldn't try para-sailing. Would have been a great experience! Other than that, the fortunately chosen atas place, good food and wonderful company have already made the trip an awesome one!

In summary:
The paranoia of getting robbed/raped, (painful) massage, grocery shopping with a trolley full of Indomee and Tango, the long walk to Waterfront with incessant annoying honkings, good food, SEA SPORTS with our bananaboat capsizing, "trespassing" to another hotel, lazing in the pool, KTV session, moment of truth/confession/adding value to knowing each other better, potato couching together... So much fun, laughter and memories contained within a 3d2n trip. ♥










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More photos on FB:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
People say going on a trip with people other than your family is risky. It's almost like living together with them - you get to see their true personality, their living habits, everything from unglamourous to ugly. Unlike your own family members who are always forgiving and accepting, there are couples who break up or quarrel over a supposedly romantic getaway, or best friends who stop talking to each other. There are also successful trips where you grow closer with your travel companions because of the memories forged during the trip, and understand them better. And I'm glad I went on a successful one with my GGs :)

I am 21!

The series of birthday celebrations which span over the week:

With some of the Cambodia Ocip people @ Hoshi Japanese Restaurant for buffet

Azur @ Crowne Plaza Hotel with family

Ambience and food was fantanstic. Very worth it despite the limited variety because the food made up for it- drunken prawns, oysters, sashimi, black pepper crabs were simply fresh and divine. They serve Häagen-Dazs ice cream too! Highly recommended to go while promotion lasts.
(See promotion)



Cousin who conincidentally share the same birthday as me

With secondary school clique


With smu econs clique. ♥ the handmade scrapbook!

And with my golden girls! Till we grow old and toothless!


It has been a truly awesome week. Thank you friends, for celebrating my 21st with me and for being part of my growing up phase. Thank you for all the presents! I feel so, so blessed :) Cheers to 21!