Little Joys

I managed to take a few photos of the places I walk by or see daily, but I don't think it is enough to give an adequate picture of how this place looks like, but ah well, I guess you guys reading out there will just have to be satisfied with these. ;)

This is Forgan Smith Building, one of the most prominent buildings in the university. Of course it is bigger than what this photo shows; this is only the center potion.




This is a photo of the pathway which we would walk into the university take at night. I think it was close to midnight when I took this photo. Well, Eby and I were in the library that night, using the internet access from the library. Yes, one thing interesting about the library is that it opens till midnight on weekdays! I think I know where to go if I want to study in peace at nights...

This is the pathway leading up to our apartment, haha, I just realised that I have not taken a photo of our apartment either! Ah well, will take it if I remember.


Did I forgot to mention that there is a swimming pool in front of the apartment? Just like a condo eh? There is also a BBQ pit, but the swimming pool is more like a waterhole; it is so small! Haven't seen the point in swimming there, so don't think I will do that...

Quite a lot of people tell me that I seem to be enjoying myself here. Well, that is sort of true, if it wasn't for the fact that I miss a lot of people in Singapore. These activities and outings are just that, to tourist attractions. I mean if I were to come here to study and stay in my apartment the whole day to mug and people were to ask me:

"Hey Terence, you were in Brisbane eh? So did you visit Gold Coast or the Great Barrier Reef?"

"Nope, stayed in the university and my apartment most of the time. Why leh?"

"Wah... You study in Australia and never bother to go out and take a look at the country or the attractions, how can?"

Of course I am not here for just fun and games, but I believe there has to be a balance between work and play/relaxation. Going to Gold Coast, diving in the Great Barrier Reefs... These are stuff that we can only do if we slog and save up from or work over time and take a nice long vacation. I mean, since I am here studying, and it is not that expensive to take a bus ride or rent a car to take a look, and as long as I do it within my budget, it shouldn't be a problem now is it? Anyway, these activities usually amounts to one Saturdays, so don't worry about it taking up too much of my time. ;)

Not that I am ranting at people who seem to think that I am enjoying myself here; I do enjoy studying, and studying after a 3 years break, I find myself enjoying it more and more. The activities here are fun, but at the end of the day, when I lie down to sleep, the fact that I am so far away from everybody else I know comes crashing down on me and I just feel so alone.

I guess that is one of the things that international students have to face I suppose. Now I know how those international students that we see in Singapore feel, being so far away from everyone they know and are familiar with, in a foreign land with different customs and cultures. As well as being in a place that is suddenly filled with food that is so different and prices that are so steep. Ah well, I guess I shall stop here. Will blog another time, perhaps later in the week. ;)