when i was still in the Philippines, snug beneath my lovely flowery comforter, i remember thinking to myself that i probably would get lost during my first few days in Singapore and would therefore spend a whole bunch of my pocket money on senseless cab rides; but surprisingly, that was not the case. i admit, there have been many instances where i was so tempted to take the cab (since i was always late in meeting my friends cause i have yet to get used to managing my time in accordance to commuting and not in accordance to my driver's insane speeding), but i have so far managed to commute all over this damn place as if i never left. sure, the first day made me feel like a total tourist but as the days progressed, i found myself looking at my surroundings and getting that everything-feels-so-familiar sensation at the pit of my fat tummy.

things really haven't changed that much since i left. sure, there's a whole bunch of new malls that have popped up and a few favorite haunts that have been demolished; but other than that, everything still feels like home. the best part of everything is: despite the years apart, my friends and i seemed to just pick up from where we left - albeit a few miscommunication problems as they struggled to comprehend my strange accent.

i love them all for remaining friends with me despite the distance.

one more thing i love though is this whole new independent side of me. this may seem silly but i am immensely proud of the fact that after almost 5 years of not commuting, i still managed to commute myself from Kallang to Orchard to Tanglin to Orchard and back home to Kallang on the second day without anyone accompanying me. it's funny how quickly my brain adapts to the bus and train system here. in the Philippines, it would usually take me a million trips with someone before i dare travel anywhere on my own - but then again, the term "on my own" in the Philippines means "with my driver" or "in a cab" so it doesn't really count.

i so love the feeling of independence. i love it so much that i am now looking at grad schools here.
i really think i wouldn't mind living here on my own. my friends are all here and i oddly feel more at home here despite not having my family (and the boy) next to me.

if i could, i would extend my stay for another month; but i don't think that's possible.