hi everyone!! not sure how often you all check this blog out, but i decided to post anyway.

hope everyone's been doing well. uni here has been a very eye-opening experience...you really learn to do things for yourself and learn to interact and accept people who are different from you. a lot of people here know about Singapore surprisingly. maybe cos the exchange and summer programs to NUS are pretty popular. I have friends from here going to NUS in the summer and fall, so very excited for them. FINALLY they can see what i've been describing about all along. =)

School here's been challenging. this sem especially. i think i took too many courses, so i'm kinda worn out now...i think next sem i'll try to take it slow.

people here have been very nice to me. perhaps its because its the South and here, the idea of Southern Hospitality is prevalent. so far a lot of people have told me, if i ever need a place to stay, i'm always welcomed at their place. I'm very touched by this gesture and feel very blessed. maybe cos i may not necessarily extend this sort of welcome if the roles were reversed. (ya, i know i'm a selfish pig.)

hmmm, so what other things would you all like to know? just shot an email or comment or sth so i can update you all.

Spring and fall here are so beautiful guys. i wish you could see it! last week, we had warm weather and you can see people lounging around in the quad (field) between the class buildings playing frisbee , doing homework, reading, talking, etc...we are also allowed to ask the prof whether we could have lessons outside because its so nice out. Also, all the flowers are budding. There are some trees that a few weeks back had pink flowers and last week, they were green and now white. I can't wait until spring actually sets in (now is the transition from winter to spring), when everything has bloomed. i heard that the campus looks gorgeous during that time. i will try to take as many photos as i can remember to. =)

I miss all of you and am already counting down to the time when we can finally see each other again. i hope you all are enjoying yourselves wherever you may be in life now. talk to you all soon.

Ting Xu