Finally some news...

After 2.5 weeks in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, I've finally found the motivation to start typing my entries again. Throughout these 2 weeks, i realized I've learned quite a lot, be it life lessons or stuff that concerns my extended family. I will talk about whatever I've learned later in this entry.

It felt really surreal to be living in Brisbane right now, i could not get past the fact that i have already left greater Wellington. 4 very exciting months of travelling in NZ and studying in VUW has left so much hanging or lurking in my heart. Whenever i browse through the thousands of photos taken in NZ, my heart somehow feels very sore. I try my best to log online, check my facebook on any updates from any of my international or kiwi friends in Wellington. This somehow connects me with NZ and it feels better.

For the past 2.5 weeks in Brisbane, i haven't really done much. I visited the city attractions in Brisbane City Centre itself, went down to the Gold Coast City for a day visit, went WWOOFing, saw the A-League game between Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar and a lot of chilling and movie watching at home itself.

People always ask me ,"Hey! How come u're online? Shouldn't you be out having fun?" Ya, maybe for now, having fun plainly means that i want to chill and watch a movie or surf the net at home. Why should i be travelling and going out every single day? Will that make me happy? I'm pretty sure that my pocket will not be happy with me if i just do whatever my friends tell me to. I like hanging out at home, talking to my aunt/cousin and just sipping my coffee and watching a film. It relaxes my mind and salvages my shallowing pockets. Of course, if i have a choice or money, i would very much love to grab my backpack, wear my hiking shoes and go for a hike. But, i am really tired of travelling. No one seems to understand how tiring travelling can get. Just look at this : I travelled Vietnam at the start of 2009, went to Indonesia in May, after a very hectic semester of workload, caught a virus, became ill, boarded the plane 2 days after my arrival back to Singapore and went to Darwin, NT Australia. 3.5weeks later, i was again at the airport, waving goodbye to my family and friends and spending the next 4 months going around the Pacific. Maybe you will think that this is nothing, but i am very honest and will tell you that i'm drained. So, as some of you might already have seen my FB status " Do not let anyone dictate you on what to do, do what you FEEL like doing". "Go travel! Stay away from the net!" But i just want to do the latter, any problems with that?

I've also realized that I've learned many other lessons in life from the 5 months stay away from home. One important lesson being "Do not live THE life, live YOUR life". Do not let others waver your decisions or thoughts. Be yourself, do not confirm. You are what you are and remember, you are unique, just like anyone else. BUT, you are not the same as any other person. It may sound confusing but trust me, you'll get it one day.

And for all my faithful readers: I am very glad that you are reading all these stuff. I can tell you that this 5 months trip has given me a lot. I had been able to see things differently and maybe i have matured a bit. Some people dislike me but i am sure more people like me now. I can tell you one thing for sure, the Andy you see if the Andy you get. I'm not saying i am a very truthful person, but i am definitely not those who will stab you from behind and leave you bleeding to death.

I will be glad to share more of my life experiences and lessons with you guys when i encounter them. Meanwhile, keep reading and enlighten me too.

Cheers,
Andy

Post Welly , Pre Brissy

This blog should show: www.lifefrombrissy.blogspot.com, but i will not change it because Wellington had left an indelible mark in that heart of mine. Right now, i am in Brisbane and my soul and mind is still stuck in Wellington. There is simply no way that Brissy can overtake Welly as of now. Welly is simply amazing.

Well, i will embrace life as it is now and will update you guys.

Epic Last Weekend

What a blast to celebrate the end of my exchange stint in Aotearoa New Zealand! Snowboarding at Mt.Ruapehu Turoa Ski field, attempting the advanced level slopes, falling on my bum, busting my knee, twisting my wrists, doing 360deg turns, jumping off mini humps, high speed cruising and playing with white fluffy snow. Last snowboard weekend in the entire North Island. Do or die. Tom and Michael(Annika's brother) are pretty good boarders as they proceeded to the tricks section, attempting rails and near 90deg slopes. It was awesome, just based on the fact that i was boarding with 2 rather seasoned boarders. It was EPIC. I got cramps on my thighs but i kept going, realising the fact that if i do not continue, i will never have the chance to do that ever again. It was very important for me. Falling didn't dampen my spirits, i just had to jump back on my feet and carry on the journey. Never say die is the rule on the mountains.

After 4 long hours of snowboarding, we left the ski field, set up our tents somewhere near the field and camped overnight. We were so tired and smashed that we slept right after dinner. As usual, nights in NZ is really cold and even wrapping ourselves in sleeping bags and thick jackets was barely enough to shelter from the cold. But i was still happy. A natural air conditioner is always appreciated.

The next day, we headed to Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an amazing 19.4km hike/tramp to the top of a mountain. We walked through rocks, sand, snow, ice and the blazing sun. For a moment, it felt like an army route march all other again. I was carrying my army bag, with 3 liters of water food, some extra clothes and my camera bag. It was definitely not easy, as my combat fitness was already gone. And, i wasn't trained to walk up mountains with that, Singapore is relatively flat. Kilometre by kilometre, we walked, climbed and took photographs. The scenery was simply breath taking. NZ is definitely a place to visit for everyone reading this post. We took about 7hrs to walk 19.4km and it was so nice to see the ending point. Realising that you have just conquered one of NZ's most walked tracks is very satisfying.

Thanks to Tom, Annika and Michael, without you guys, this trip will never be possible. Cheers!

Wellovin'

People hate the Wellington weather, I LOVE it. No matter how much rain or wind there is, nothing can beat the coolness the Welly weather offers. 18deg OR 33deg? Choose it. So damn comfortable in bed, good for sports and simply chilling! But bad news : 9 more days to reality. Sun here i come!

Time really flies and i'm already in November. This is freaking me out. I didn't expect an exchange programme to be so fast. Good news : To those who dearly miss me, i will be back soon!