2015 is almost upon us. 

I kept saying "can't believe the year has gone by so quickly!", an unnerving reminder of another year gone by, once again faster than the year before. This year has zoomed by the fastest in my opinion. It has been a whirlwind year. New Year's Eve is often seen as the chance to start anew. A time for reflection. As I look back, this year has been quite a chapter. Big changes. Heaps of tears and laughter both at the same time. 

As I look back at 2014 (through my 5000++ photos in my camera and my camera roll *OMG I know*), there were so many special moments to be remembered and be thankful for. 

Here're my "14 Happiness in 2014".

                                                                                                                                                                         

#1 - HELLO FRIENDS (COLLEAGUES)

"Don't be say because you are saying goodbye, 

you should be happy because you have memories with them that you'll cherish forever."

2014 started fast and furious. Wrapping up the last bit of my work and saying goodbye to the awesome team of people at St Luke's Hospital (a separate post perhaps). Honestly, I have never worked in such a friendly environment before. The one year with SLH was a memorable one. I have learnt heaps from the really experienced team ranging from doctors to allied health to administrators. Many of whom have truly inspired me to be what I hope to be in future. Thanks. I am extremely happy and blessed to have many of you now as a friend that has become bricks of my life. 

# 2 - Chapter 3: 

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

"Dream the impossible, believe the unbelievable, and never take no for an answer."

Finally, after so many years of pinning and hoping I began my journey as a medical student (well, still a long long road to go, but I'm just glad I'm here). Well, many didn't believe it was possible. Honestly I didn't either, after all I came from some shit neighbourhood school isn't it? But I'm here. 3 days after leaving SLH, I'm here. Uprooting myself from the comfort of my home, and familiar faces to a foreign land, starting afresh. No shit it was daunting, but I am thankful to be here. Recently having a conversation with Dad in the car, I told him I am happy where I am now knowing that I am doing something that I know I love. To many despondent people out there, have a dream, have a goal and just work towards it. You will get there. EVENTUALLY.

#3 - Getting Richer (Figuratively) - 

NEW CHAPTER NEW FRIENDS

" Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and other is gold."

This year has been a hell of a ride, only made better with the new friends that have walked into my life. These new friends definitely made the stay in Perth so much more fun and meaningful. Special mention goes out to:

Dave - The mentor turned buddy now. Thanks for your guidance, support and believe throughout the year! Listening to me whine about assessments and failing. All the coffee dates and dirty jokes lol. Life would definitely be a little dull without you.

The rest of you are equally important as well. But words really can't quite describe my gratitude and love for all of you. Let the beautiful pictures speak for themselves as a testament to all the good times we've shared this year. 

**P.s. Heaps of photos to come on Facebook. Look out for it. It's fun/not fun going through 5000+ photos for the year!*

#4 - New Experience - 

UNIVERSITY LIFE 

"Whatever success I've achieved in life, 

I credit number one to my experience here at the university."

Recently had a chat with the little brother regarding university life. Throughout all my academic life, sports (canoeing) have been the centre of my life apart from studying. There were no time for any other activities. Even hanging out with friends seemed a little too trying. No time for parties, or any other social activities. In essence, NO LIFE lol (in my brother's word). However, this year, I have decided to do things a little differently and opened up to the idea of joining student run societies and my favourite charity now (Fairgame). I had heaps of fun working with GPSN (GP student network), SHMRC (Student in health sciences and medical research conference), WIS (Women in surgery) and Fairgame. During this one year I have had the chance to work aside some incredible people (turn friends), organising some amazing event (especially the WIS high tea) and not to mention brush shoulders with some of the prominent people in the field. Although it does take up a bit of our already limited time, I have to say it was worth it.

#5 - TAKE  TIME FOR FOOD AND COFFEE

" Sex might satisfy, food might fuel, love might sustain,

but without coffee, what's the point."

Thanks for the food. Well, Australia did introduce to their rich coffee culture as well as amazing brunches and food. Being as Singaporean as I can be, there are of course loads of time taken out to try out new coffee and food which are definitely made better with awesome company. With all honesty, there are too pictures of food. So look at my Instagram for more pictures!

# 6 - GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH! 

"Life is too short for bad friends and rubbish."

Aptly put by one of my favourite girlfriends last year (J yes I am talking about you). GOOD. RIDDANCE. TO. BAD. RUBBISH. This applies to everything, friends, partners, housemates, experiences etc... In summary, this year has been amazing. But no surprise, there were those dark clouds looming around too. I am not going to go into a social media b**tch sesh on the crazy people that I did not hesitate to strike out from my life. Thanks for the lessons you guys (serious piece of shit) has taught me and the strength and sanity gained to go through the crazy drama!

# 7 - MAKING IT THROUGH FIRST YEAR

"Keep calm and carry on."

Lol. RIGHT! My a**. I can't quite count the number of time I actually secretly have panic attacks before assessments, before clinical skills or even before tutorial. I think I started this year with peaking confidence to shine brilliantly in medical school only to be torn apart, coming out at the end of the year battled and bruised. I am very. very. VERY. thankful to have come out the end of the year surviving though! 25% doctor now. I am just happy that all of us made it!

# 8 - DOING MORE CRAZY STUFF

Well, let's just say mum and dad are not very impressed.

Oh wells, I love it!

# 9 - PARTY MORE 

"I live for the nights that I can't remember, with the people that I won't forget."

First and foremost, to Andrew (Singapore), I am NOT a party animal. I just happen to not party at all in the past because of many other reasons. And no I have not party a lot. Only a couple. Which I have to admit are great experience and once again made even better with amazing company. (Separate posts for all of these). Well, here's a little sneak to one of the set (Calvin Harris *btw amazing live*) from Stereo.

# 10 - HEALTH

"Health is wealth."

No shit. After some attachments and having studied some medical conditions now, I am thankful for being healthy. I am thankful for being able to do what I can do everyday. And I am definitely more thankful that my family and everyone I love are all healthy.

# 11 - THE PARTNERS IN CRIME 

"All you need is one (two) safe anchor to keep you grounded 

when the rest of your life spins out of control."

Looking back, I have no idea how the three of us ended up this close. 3 strikingly different people, different shape and definitely different personality ending up together (like this ==> above). It has been an incredible year having these two beautiful girls in my life, keeping me sane and pulling me through the hardest time. They are definitely the anchor that keeps me grounded when i'm out of control lol (up to your interpretations). Words really can't describe the gratitude and love I have for you girls. I thought this picture really aptly reflect our love for each other. Thank you. May our friendship age like freaking fine wine! Exquisite, expensive and rare.

# 12 - MY FOREVER FRIENDS

"A friend is someone who knows your past, believes in your future and accepts you the way you are."

Thank you all for still being such a big part of my life despite being separated by one freaking ocean. From checking up on me on whatsapp to sending me silly cards and everything in between. Special thanks to

Rei - Thanks for listening to me rant about everything and anything. Not sure what to do without you.

K and J - Thanks for always keeping me in loop with your lives and never stopped being a part of mine

Brenda - Thanks for practicing clinical skills with me through Skype

HT - You pervert for entertaining me with all your dirty jokes when i'm stressed

Audrey and JX - Thanks for checking in on me time to time and keeping me super grounded and focus

Chris and Rubz - Thanks for always making time for me

Most importantly, thank you all (even those that I have missed out) for the friendship and love you guys have given me.

#13 - MY BIGGEST FANS

"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."

Enough said.

#14 - CHEERS TO EVERYTHING ELSE ~ 

"Cheers to the 2014. Cheers to the new year, and another chance to get it right."

Last but not least, thanks for everyone who has been a part of my new chapter that I have failed to mention. Trust me all of you are important. Thanks for all the memories.

                                                                                                                                                                         

2014 has been great. No it has been more than great, it has been amazing. 

As much as the New Year seem daunting, I like the sense of gravity of the turn of the year. The invitation to take stock of life, to be thankful to every experiences and challenges, and the opportunity to tell those I love that I've treasured the year with them and look forward to many more to come.

As usual, please be kind 2015. 

Happy New Year everyone wherever you are. Stay safe!

Cheers! 

XOXO

iGlobalFootPrint: London Calling (Chapter 3)~

London Part 3... Coming to you from Singapore about London

Sorry for the delay in the update. So this is "final chapter" of the London trip. Day 6 and 7. 

Day 6: Oxford

Day 5 started off early, with me making a trip down to Oxford to meet a close uni friend, an uber smart guy, who is currently doing his PhD at the University of Oxford.

Glen and I @ Oxford~

Oxford is located at the Southern side of England. Oxford can be easily accessible by train. As usual do check the time table before heading out of the house due the train frequency. Train to Oxford runs from Paddington Station, and it leaves London every 30 mins. Like I mentioned, do check the time table to not waste time! Trip cost about 20pounds if i didn't remember wrongly and takes about an hour in journey. It's pretty easy to walk about in Oxford. It's about 15minutes comfortable walking to head into Oxford centre? Just follow the signs!

So the trip to Oxford primarily is to meet Glenn for a catch up? But you know what, you will always end up doing the "touristy" things. So first thing into the town you'll see:


Bodleian Library, touted as one of the greatest library in the world.

"generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, among them five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners, 26 prime ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien..."
- Bodleian Library, Oxford-


It's no surprise that this looked familiar? Seen in movies such as Harry Potter and The Golden Compass. Then Glenn took me for a walk about in Oxford.

Next up Christ Church, Oxford. Another familiar looking place. Indeed the great dining hall seen in Harry Potter movie. Exact. Looking. Very very mystical really. I think it's open for public viewing and visiting after certain time. Need to check.

 Photos on the walls of famous scholars and historians.

Pretty majestic right?

As mentioned earlier, really the trip to Oxford was to catch up with Glenn. So loads of talking and minimal pictures i suppose. There's something definitely magical about Oxford. Perhaps is it's old charm or perhaps it's the reputations? I swear you feel smarter already just by stepping foot into the campus and breathing in the Oxford air! No kidding. Do visit Oxford if you are interested!

Then it was mad rush back to city to meet another long time friend, Sarah, for a quick catch up as well.

So it was a quick catch up with Sarah and an impromptu plan sprung up to visit Camden the next day with her before the flight at night.

Day 7: Camden

So Day 7 is the day to return home. Seriously. Can't believe how fast time flies? In the blink of an eye, it's a week in London already. I suppose "good time flies" is pretty apt. But before the flight in the evening. I did a quick last minute trip to Camden with Sarah. Getting to Camden is pretty simple as usual with the convenient tube system. Just board the tube and make your way to Camden Town station. Once you get off the station, you will see a really busy street with tons of souvenir shops. Just take a wander around there. You will be able to find just about anything there. From beautifully hand crafted jewellery, paintings and antiques to a more quirky/eccentric shops like vintage clothing stores or even some weird looking sex shops!

The not-so-special postcard worthy picture of Camden. The hallmark bridge.

So we did a little walkabout around Camden. And started off our morning at one of the prominent tea house call YumChaa. They carry heaps of tea and I heard they have tea mixes that goes up to 400 types!

We had some nice tea, a good chat then proceeding to walk around Camden. Honestly, Camden is really one of the quirkiest market I have visited so far. Housed hundreds of shops and restaurants which could easily take up hours exploring. It is one of those places where no matter how much blogging can describe justifiably how interesting this place is. You will need to visit this place in person to find out more.

A very interesting sex shop place? You have to visit it yourselves. Let the pictures do the talking.

Sarah and I at Camden. =) Good times.

This concludes my short trip to London. I really had fun this time round just catching up with friends and do things that are not-so-touristy like visiting palaces, or churches but rather just wandering around, have a good cup of tea and enjoy the company of my friends.

Well this just sums up everything.

Read Part 1 here, and Part 2 here.

Till next time,

Cheers!

iGlobalFootPrint: London Calling (Chapter 2)~

London Part 2... Coming to you from Singapore about London

So from where i last left off. The next few days were pretty exciting as well. 

Just thinking about the trip itself does send nostalgic feeling through my body. Here it goes.

So the next few days were spent with one of my close girlfriend from uni. She's doing her PhD now in The Netherlands. AND the sweet woman decide to hop onto a plane and fly over to London over the weekend to spend time catching up. Boy was it a trip well spent. Day 4 began with her flying over.

Day 4: Good times with JingXiu

"Time and tides wait for no man," obviously not wasting any time we dive straight to our activities. So we have had a whole list of things planned out, with exciting itinerary. BUT since when does things go according to plan right?

Lunch + Afternoon Tea @ Fortnum & Mason,

181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

Fortnum's can be accessed by the Tube. We alighted at Piccadilly Circus and took a short 10 minutes walk. Do ask around for direction most brits know where this place is and would point you to the right direction. The beautiful exterior of the building.

JingXiu and I outside Fortnum's

It's said that visit to London is wholly incomplete without a visit to Fortnum's. Fortnum & Mason is one of the oldest stores in Piccadilly, if not the capital. It has nearly 300 years of historic past and is patronised by the royal family, the Queen.  Whilst its known that Fortnum's is an expensive place, it's definitely a trip worth making. Let me convince you why. 

Read on.

So the initial plan was to first have lunch. So we did. After looking at the menus, we decided on The Gallery restaurant on level 2. That's us on that pretty flight of stairs to The Gallery.

The Menu

Bread Basket to start off the lunch. I must say one of the best bread i ever had.

My lovely friend Jingxiu and her Confit Duck Cottage Pie~

That's me there. I had Pork and Sage Sausage Wheel with Mash and Caramelised Apple.

Plan Fail #1: So we wanted to visit St Paul's church. But we ended overstaying at Fortnum's for their afternoon tea! Tea time! Their afternoon tea, known as Gallery Afternoons, start at 3pm and goes all the way to 6. Here's a snapshot of their menu.

So the Gallery Afternoon Menu is pretty comprehensive. With elegant cakes, fanciful tea, beautiful silverware with enough shine to do your make-up! It's really a heaven for any girls and their girlfriends a good afternoon of tea party. I am just excited writing all these.

A small range of cakes not on the main menu.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. After much internal struggle, we have decided on these. Please, trust me if we could and can afford it, we would order one of each on the menu.

Top to bottom: Victorian Raspberry Cake, Earl Grey Tea for me and an Orange Chocolate Tart.

The Victorian Cake is heavenly. Rich home made raspberry jam stuffed in between layers of velvety soft sponge cake. Cake itself is very light on the palate. Jam is just right and not too sweet. It goes really well with the tea. The tart on another is a stark contrast in terms of taste. Rich chocolate with really strong orange flavour infused in it. Tart is not too hard, chocolate just right! These two dessert really compliment each other well.  Needless to say, we finished it! Before i forget, I must emphasize about the great services. The waiters and waitresses here were very very hospitable and knowledgeable, introducing us great tea and mixes to make sure it suits our taste.

So after spending like 4 hours, wait or maybe 5? at Fortnum's *gasps i know, we girls have loads to catch up on* we went on to walk around the main shopping floors. The main floor is equally spectacular as well, interior decors are very elegantly put together with huge range of products on display. From 

cabinate full of delectable sweets...

to pretty cookies....

to wide range of exotic tea...

to elegant tablewares and sparkly silverwares.

Each of us left with a little damage done. We both bought some great tea for personal consumption here back home as well as gifts for our friends. 

To sum it up, the afternoon spent at Fortnum's is really time well spent. The food was wonderful, the staff were attentive and the place is gorgeous. The whole experience at Fortnum & Mason unrivalled. I would personally recommend anyone who visits London to drop by, may it be for photo taking or a good tea! You won't be disappointed.

Next up. We had to RUSH BACK home (cause it was already 5 when we left Fortnum's, disgusting i know) to change for our NIGHT ACTIVITY. Guess what we were up to...

A quick freshening up, changed and we were off again.

There's always time for pictures!

Any idea yet?

We were on our way to Queen's Theatre for Les Miserables.

The World's Longest Running Musical

Before the musical start

The cast of Les Mis 2013

Pretty handsome Jean Valjean right?

Cast Pictures (from telegraph UK)

So the longest running musical on the West End shows no sign of neglect. The cast were strong, set were majestic, creative staging lending a cinematic fluidity to a beautifully lit spectacle. It was an amazing experience to sit through this musical. So after the musical, we wanted to head to Ministry of Sound in London, highly raved in London. 

But unfortunately, we were both dead tired at the end of the night. The chills (from the freaking rain) and the fatigue were definitely not the best combination for a high energy club. Hence, we decide to end the night there and head home. Wise choice really for what's in stall the next day.

To end off this post. Like to share this:

"Distance may rip us apart, but the miles that separate us 

are nothing compared to how close we are in heart"

Wait up for Part 3 of the London trip. 

Read Part 1 here.

Till next time,

Cheers!