I can't believe it's already my last day here in Siena.
It's funny how despite my travels in other parts of Italy, I always find Siena the best city in Italy to reside in. It's never easy saying goodbye, to a city you absolutely adore, and to friends you love. As I spend my last day here, I am just trying to remember Piazza del Campo, the University, the alleys, the gelateria I frequent with the best gelato ever, yummy, San Martino's with the best pizza ever, the Internet cafe and the Palio flags.
I will miss Siena dearly. Till the next time.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Reflections
Wah lau. At this time, exactly a week from now, I will be back in Singapore.
Tomorrow marks my last day at school, the Universita per Stranieri di Siena, the place where I met friends from around the world whom I know I will keep for life, where I learnt Italian for almost everyday for 4-5 hours. It's strange having to say goodbye, to a place which u have got so accustomed to, the staff, the teachers, even the idiosyncracies belonging to different nationalities. It's strange not having to wake up at 8, walk to school every morning and grabbing a cup of coffee along the way. I wouldn't necessarily describe the feeling as sad but rather, bittersweet. It will be difficult seeing these people again, or even experiencing like this, I guess it's something you do once-in-a-lifetime. But to those who have been wanting to pursue their dreams, go for it! You don't know what you have been missing out.
So yeah, I am taking my final (!) exam tomorrow. It is heartening that I am able to speak and converse in Italian nowadays rather confidently, considering how far I have come.
Now, it's time to go home.
Tomorrow marks my last day at school, the Universita per Stranieri di Siena, the place where I met friends from around the world whom I know I will keep for life, where I learnt Italian for almost everyday for 4-5 hours. It's strange having to say goodbye, to a place which u have got so accustomed to, the staff, the teachers, even the idiosyncracies belonging to different nationalities. It's strange not having to wake up at 8, walk to school every morning and grabbing a cup of coffee along the way. I wouldn't necessarily describe the feeling as sad but rather, bittersweet. It will be difficult seeing these people again, or even experiencing like this, I guess it's something you do once-in-a-lifetime. But to those who have been wanting to pursue their dreams, go for it! You don't know what you have been missing out.
So yeah, I am taking my final (!) exam tomorrow. It is heartening that I am able to speak and converse in Italian nowadays rather confidently, considering how far I have come. Now, it's time to go home.
Monday, August 27, 2007
I heart Milan/Lake Como
Italy does eeevil things to your wallet, in particular Milan that fashion capital. The shops are brighter, posher and they carry a whole lot bigger collection compared to other parts in Italy and Singapore of course. In other words, I am now a broke but very happy woman. Plus I saw the most awe inspiring, neatest looking Duomo ever. It looks like it's been transported from a fairy tale.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The place I called home for the last six months
I am still in disbelief that I am returning home in less than 2 weeks...I recall the time when I first set foot in this small little town called Siena, which doesn't even own an airport; not knowing where my place and university is located; getting lost in narrow, old alleys; having no friends; spoke really basic Italian and asking myself 'What on earth am I doing here?'
But looking back now, my stay in Italy has made me a stronger and braver individual- trying leaving your job and loved ones behind for a foreign land in a far away continent all alone and I am even not talking about Hong Kong or Australia. After all how many people has the courage to do something as crazy as this?
But looking back now, my stay in Italy has made me a stronger and braver individual- trying leaving your job and loved ones behind for a foreign land in a far away continent all alone and I am even not talking about Hong Kong or Australia. After all how many people has the courage to do something as crazy as this?
Surprisingly, despite all that Singapore bashing, I must say that at the end of the day, I have learnt to appreciate Singapore to a great extent. Our efficiency, shops open during public holidays, Sundays and afternoons, clinics and supermarkets within easy reach, trains and buses that arrive on time, speedy Internet access, no lack of cabs, the list goes on.
Although Italy may not be the best place to live, it is still undoubtedly an excellent place to travel to. The museums (another realisation is that I am just not a museum person afterall); the food; the shopping (bags! whoohoo!); the mountains, lakes and the Tuscan countryside. Man, I miss Italy already.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Thousand Splendid Suns
I am sold. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini must be one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It's becoming almost impossible to put the book down.
It depicts the national and personal tragedies that befall two women in war-torn Afghanistan and how they form an unique, special bond. I must admit, I was moved to tears at certain parts.
A review from Publishers Weekly:
Afghan-American novelist Hosseini follows up his bestselling The Kite Runner with another searing epic of Afghanistan in turmoil. The story covers three decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny through the lives of two women. Mariam is the scorned illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman, forced at age 15 into marrying the 40-year-old Rasheed, who grows increasingly brutal as she fails to produce a child. Eighteen later, Rasheed takes another wife, 14-year-old Laila, a smart and spirited girl whose only other options, after her parents are killed by rocket fire, are prostitution or starvation. Against a backdrop of unending war, Mariam and Laila become allies in an asymmetrical battle with Rasheed, whose violent misogyny is endorsed by custom and law. There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systematic business of beating and being beaten. Hosseini gives a forceful but nuanced portrait of a patriarchal despotism where women are agonizingly dependent on fathers, husbands and especially sons, the bearing of male children being their sole path to social status. His tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters.
It depicts the national and personal tragedies that befall two women in war-torn Afghanistan and how they form an unique, special bond. I must admit, I was moved to tears at certain parts.
A review from Publishers Weekly:
Afghan-American novelist Hosseini follows up his bestselling The Kite Runner with another searing epic of Afghanistan in turmoil. The story covers three decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny through the lives of two women. Mariam is the scorned illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman, forced at age 15 into marrying the 40-year-old Rasheed, who grows increasingly brutal as she fails to produce a child. Eighteen later, Rasheed takes another wife, 14-year-old Laila, a smart and spirited girl whose only other options, after her parents are killed by rocket fire, are prostitution or starvation. Against a backdrop of unending war, Mariam and Laila become allies in an asymmetrical battle with Rasheed, whose violent misogyny is endorsed by custom and law. There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systematic business of beating and being beaten. Hosseini gives a forceful but nuanced portrait of a patriarchal despotism where women are agonizingly dependent on fathers, husbands and especially sons, the bearing of male children being their sole path to social status. His tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters.
Monday, August 20, 2007
I heart Trentino Alto Adige (where's that again?)
The highlight of my trip to Trentino Alto Adige, situated way up nooooorth, near Austria - where people speak German!, was seeing fat, juicy apples hang from a tree and apple plantations for the first time in my life!
Say hi to apples! We took off from Siena, in the midst of the Palio frenzy, just like how Singaporeans 'escape' from festivals like CNY or National Day, for the peace and quiet in the mountains. Fuckorgeous! I like that it's not that touristy compared to places like Florence or Rome, where you see Americunts everywhere, especially during this period of time, where 'summer's in and school's out'. Those cunts in my house are enough to drive me nuts.
I doubt I will ever visit this place if I'm the regular tourist (tell me which Singaporean has been to Trentino Alto Adige?), but here i am. And I love it.
2 more weeks!!!
Oh my gaaaaaawd! Just two more weeks left in Siena.
I can't believe that in just a matter of two weeks, I will be back stuffing my face in Asian food, walking in air-conditioned buildings, taking MRTs and SBS buses and just being uniquely Singaporean.
But I guess above all, I will be able to see my baby again after an antsy six month wait. Wey !!!
I can't believe that in just a matter of two weeks, I will be back stuffing my face in Asian food, walking in air-conditioned buildings, taking MRTs and SBS buses and just being uniquely Singaporean.
But I guess above all, I will be able to see my baby again after an antsy six month wait. Wey !!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Stupid Americunts
Heard this in class.
Our teacher asked if we knew the origins of the well-loved children's story, Pinocchio, the puppet who wanted to be a boy. He asked if we knew who invented the story.
The Americunts answered "Walt Disney".
From the people who hail from supposedly the world's most powerful nation. Boo!
Our teacher asked if we knew the origins of the well-loved children's story, Pinocchio, the puppet who wanted to be a boy. He asked if we knew who invented the story.
The Americunts answered "Walt Disney".
From the people who hail from supposedly the world's most powerful nation. Boo!
Monday, August 6, 2007
I heart Verona
Interesting tidbit from Wikipedia on Verona:
Balcony of Juliet
"Verona is the setting of the story of Romeo and Juliet, made famous by William Shakespeare. Although the earliest version of the story is set in Siena, not Verona — the move was made in Luigi da Porto's Istoria novellamente ritrovata di due Nobili Amanti — a balcony falsely claiming historical connection to the fictional lovers has become a tourist attraction for lovers.."
Me being the tourist
L'arena di Verona
http://picasaweb.google.it/eileenleeyl/Verona
Americunts
Give me a reason not to hate the Americunts.
Day One of moving in (into my place, that is): Whole group comes home, both gals and guys, perhaps drunk, makes a racket in the kitchen. Woke up from my stupor. Watch reads 2am or so.
Day Two: Whole group out again. With bottle of alcohol in hand. All below 21 years, aka legal age limit for drinking in the States. Group already looks drunk. Peace finally after they left. Group returns, with guys again this time, makes a racket in the kitchen. Woke up from stupor. Watch reads 4am.
Day Three: Group out once more. One of the girls returns home alone, with a man who resembles 30 plus in age, looks Italian. Carried on with my conversation with a friend who visited. As I sent my friend out, I hear humping sounds - loud. Girl moans and moans like a loose cunt. Wait, she is a loose cunt.
What next?!
Day One of moving in (into my place, that is): Whole group comes home, both gals and guys, perhaps drunk, makes a racket in the kitchen. Woke up from my stupor. Watch reads 2am or so.
Day Two: Whole group out again. With bottle of alcohol in hand. All below 21 years, aka legal age limit for drinking in the States. Group already looks drunk. Peace finally after they left. Group returns, with guys again this time, makes a racket in the kitchen. Woke up from stupor. Watch reads 4am.
Day Three: Group out once more. One of the girls returns home alone, with a man who resembles 30 plus in age, looks Italian. Carried on with my conversation with a friend who visited. As I sent my friend out, I hear humping sounds - loud. Girl moans and moans like a loose cunt. Wait, she is a loose cunt.
What next?!
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