In a new place

The thought of leaving home and going to a different country to study was both exciting and trilling and also upsetting at the same time. I had always wanted to go abroad to study and become independent and a live a new life altogether. When I got into NAFA it was a dream come true. I was thrilled and excited to meet new people, live in a new and totally different place, learn to live all by yourself. At times it also gave me Goosebumps. I was leaving family friends and a lot of other things behind.  But the excitement was al together at a different level, a much higher one.

My experience in this new place has been great and would not wish or exchange it for anything else. Singapore has become home for me in no time. Within the first few days I felt totally settled it. Now it feels like I have always been part of Singapore. The place and people are very welcoming and comforting.

I have learnt so much in just little time. The thought of living alone and taking care of yourself and doing each and everything for yourself was frightening at times but I knew I would manage and even if I wouldn’t have been able to, I wanted to learn how to.

Its been nearly three months since iv come here and like everyone said, the homesickness would set in, and now, I see it set in slowly and gradually. At times I miss family, friends and hot meals cooked fresh by mom with all her love.

 But yet, I would never give this up. I know I will be visiting home every six months, a long period but this place makes six months feel like a very short period.

Diving into a new world

I had heard a lot from people who were into scuba diving and they all had very few words to describe the experience. In short they all had almost the same thing to say “it’s a different world altogether “ (with a big glowing smile). But until one has experienced it no one will have a clue of what they mean.

So one day my father and me thought of taking a dive trip to Bangkok to experience diving into the ‘underwater world’.

We did our training and were all set to go. The very first dive we took was enough to give us the ‘different world feeling’.

Once you are below the surface suddenly its complete silence. All one can hear is yourself breath and hear your thoughts.

You are suddenly disconnected from the outside world. All other thoughts fade out of your mind and all you do if cherish this peace, hear yourself breath and observe the life down there.

On looking around, I was amazed at the infinite lengths of the ocean I could see. Unlike in big cities, where your vision is hindered by numerous obstacles, underwater all I saw was clear-cut beauty. I was in awe of the sheer magnificence of it all and just wanted time to stand still. I wanted to stay there and take it all in.

Exploring nature is a meditation in itself. The feeling of power that you experience rejuvenates your inner self again. Its like a dream you do not want to wake up from ; swimming with a school of fish, plants tickling your body with the slightest touch and the limitless vision of water all around you.

This experience left me feeling serene and mellow.