And packing is just the easiest part..

After hours of dumping, packing and cleaning, I am finally ready to move out of my apartment. Looking back, its been 4 of the best months I have ever had. Sure, I stupidly took THREE Level 600 (grauate level) classes, one supremely boring Philosophy class, and the worst ever cinema class, and the workload kinda killed me. BUT, I did everything I wanted to do here in the states, and I got more than what I bargained for, in the most positive of way.



I must admit, when I first got told that I was going to be sent to New Orleans for exchange, I was a little apprehensive. However, since I cant refuse the offer from my school in the choice of destination for my exchange, I decided to look on the bright side. The first day I got to New Orleans, it was storming. In fact, it stormed for the first two days I was there. And when the rained cleared up, it was hot, and humid. I was thinking "Aw crap, I came halfway around the world to get the same type of weather as Singapore."



But I soon got to experience the side of NOLA that most people who have not lived here get to know. The people, culture, and attitude of the city is amazing. Out of all the American cities I have visited so far (I have been to quite a number), the people in New Orleans are by far the most friendly and welcoming (with maybe the exception of Hawaii. But then again, its Hawaii) I never fail to get a smile and a greeting from people around, or on the streets. At first I was not really used to it, cause in Singapore people mostly keep to themselves, though I must say I like the attitude of the people here alot more.



And as the title of this note says, packing really is the easy part. Because I have got to know so many good friends here, and saying goodbye is the most painful and difficult bit. Within this short 4.5 months away from home, I really feel that I have taken root here in NOLA. They have all been so friendly and helpful to me, especially since I can't drive (I do walk alot though hahaha) and even though most of them were 'training partners' to me at first, they have become SOOOOOO much more. Mark Berger, Jessica (CONGRATS again!) Nic, Stacy, Dominic, Carolyn, Adam,Ann Elise, Lanie, Doug, Jenni, Mark Carter, Chrishelle, Carolina, Ashley, Gary, Nell, Fergus, Myles, Ryan (did i get everyone?) Thank YouS and I am going to miss you all on tuesday, thursday and saturdays!


farewell dinner at louisiana pizza kitchen


carolina and chrishelle after their beer mile


jessica and nick, BEFORE their beer mile


the lovebirds. definitely AFTER the beers


carolyn, jessica and i before ole man river half


hi ashley! one of our long saturday runs


mark, me, chrishelle, adam.


jenni! coach and friend!


lanie! schoolmate and running partner!


post ole man river


stacy. giving everyone else a chance by not running the race

these are the folks who made long runs and intervals really fun, and nothing better than hanging out after runs on thursdays!



then there are the people i ride with. at the pelicanman duathlon i got to know diego and friends. i then rode almost every week with diego, really such a kickass cyclist, and sometimes with steve who we both call a 'machine'.

long rides into the headwind, and avoiding stupid ass dogs, then running off the bike made up my sundays, then we would catch the saints games on tv at kona club or diego's place. thanks bro for everything.



of course, Tulane cycling, another fun group who i looked forward to ridin with on fridays and saturdays. rides into the headwind on the levee along the missisipi wiver, and the city rides where we explored the cresent city on our bikes. Jordan, Mike, Ric, Doug, Allie, Carlo, Alex, Randy. wishing u guys an awesome season ahead, with gatorade!





my sociology of education class gave me a chance to give back to the city as well. I tutored Tahj and Jariell on wednesdays on reading. It was a pleasure and I loved this two kids. Unfortunately on the lst day Tahj was too hyper and I didnt manage to get a photo with him. But here's the lovable Jariell


wishing her a future as bright as her smile!

then there are those who lived in the papillion with me. my best friend there, and my companion on tues and thurs morning 730am shuttle rides to school, katie! im really gonna miss hanging out with her!!! The others from the apartment include Pete (England), Carly (Ireland), Virginia, Carmen (both from Spain) and Franziska (Germany)


katie!

my classmates! Max (thanks for being my guide in NYC dude), Beau, Samantha, Miles, Chloe, Ellyn, Margot, Sabrina, Mia, Tina, Schuyler, Moira, Julie, Jilian, Gwen,Hank... (i definitely missed out some, but u all know who u are!)



then there is a family, not from NOLA, but still who have welcomed me and made me feel at home in Atlanta and Maryland. The Chuangs! Saying hi to Christine in the NUS pool was one of the best things I have done all year, and maybe my life.


thanksgiving at the chuangs'


christine and way joe here in NOLA with hand grenades!

Last but not least, my HK roomates Juno and (Gemma u spend so much time up here anyway) thanks for the company and friendship! hope i get to go back to HK soon to visit u guys


juno and gemma!

Thank you everyone for makin my experience in NOLA. Im gonna miss watching Saints games during normal daytime hours (im gonna have to wake up in the middle of the night to watch them in singapore), the street car, the buildings, the people, the food, the knowing that there is always something happening in New Orleans. I will come back one day, whether it be vacation or something else, but I will. And If anyone of u come to Singapore, do lemme know!