Goodbye, 2013, and thank you: 2014

The year 2013 has been rather interesting. From the highs of learning to live alone in Singapore, to passing my Master's and graduating at a grand ceremony, to the lows of uncertainty about finding a job, and emotional drama galore, it's been a hell of a ride.

The year has taught me so much that I had failed to learn in the 23 years of my life prior to that. Just one year has been enough to bring into relief the harsh realities of life. It was enough to snatch away the rose-tinted glasses that formed my vision on the world. But was it necessarily such a bad thing? I don't think so.

Now I know what can and will go wrong if I let it, I will be less square, try harder, and generally be smarter about how I conduct myself and what I do with my life.

The year has served to make me more cynical of several things, less wary of some others, downright distrustful of some, and more respectful of some others. It has made me stronger in so many ways and for so many reasons - sometimes on account of mistakes I've made, sometimes because I had no choice but to accept certain realities, whether I like them or not.

Then there were the really cool bits. Like Graduation. The pride of wearing the graduation gown, having my brother with me during that most important moment of my life, and sharing the joy and pride with him - the experience was unforgettable. Family's visits were also great highlights from my year. Taking a trip to Malaysia with mom, being a tourist anew in Singapore with my sister and darling little nephew, and finally visiting Universal Studios with my brother - all of these things made my year a super happy one. And then of course, there was the Bali trip! The epic trip where I trekked up an active volcano with my coolest travel buddy, and surfed with people for the first time ever, it is an unforgettable part of the year 2013 for me.

In this backdrop of happiness there was loss - the loss of a dear friend in tragic circumstances marred the year greatly. She is dearly missed and fondly thought of and has served to make many of us so much more responsible...

And then there's the ever present heart woes. The loss of love that never really existed was difficult. And in a new place, in a new atmosphere, I wanted to be more mature about it, which only served to make matters worse. Can't say I succeeded in getting over it, but I am certain eventually I will, because every day I try harder to achieve that end.

The year of marriages! So many friends got married, I've lost track! Those who are already married, were busy having babies, and the general life stage changes had me feeling as if I was stuck in a place from where I couldn't move, yet everything around me continued to change at mindboggling speed.

And now the eventful year is over. The year 2014 has already begun on an interesting note, and it can only get better. But this year, thanks to the last, I am going to be smarter, kinder, more aware, less stupid and naive, and a better and more evolved person in general. I will work hard for things, and achieve what I want, I will not allow meaningless things and people to become the centre of my world, and I will combine the person I used to be with the individual I can be, with the help of the wisdom culled from last year, and a positive outlook on the new one.

In ‘La’ La Land!

“Ah, can can can!” That’s basically Singapore for you – where almost everyone is more than happy to help you, even if it means going out of their way to do so. A month in Singa, and it feels familiar already. Considering this is the first time I’ve stepped outside my motherland, I had quite a few (one too many, rather!) concerns about the new place. Would I like it there? What would the people be like? I will miss home! And most importantly, what will I EAT??!!

So, laden with these doubts (and a whole lot of luggage!), my sister and I landed on the Little Red Dot. The first five days were a breeze – sightseeing with sister, staying in a hotel – I felt like the regular tourist. But then the inevitable day finally arrived, when sister left for home and I was finally… alone. Alone in the new land, with no friends and just a few familiar faces.

Yeah, the journey had finally begun. So buckets of tears later, I did what I do best – put on my game face, and busy myself. Emptying my thousands (okay, okay, I exaggerate) of bags, cleaning my room and the rest of the flat, and going around campus – the aim was to be so busy that I wouldn’t have time to think of home.

It worked to a certain extent, and in the meantime, CS played knight in shining armour. I have since met some amazing people via CS, some of whom, I daresay, will remain great friends for the rest of my time here.

These are the wonderful people who made me feel so welcome here in the early days. Starting with the wonderful lady, who, despite not knowing me from Adam (or Eve), invited me to her house for iftar, to another outgoing CSer, who’s plenty helpful and really fun to be around (except for when he randomly gives you a brand new name or makes up stuff as he goes, so much so that you no longer know what’s true and what isn’t), CS has ensured my first month here was fantastic.

And then of course, the inevitable happened – I made friends! They’re a crazy lot, and so helpful, it’s ridiculous. The closest ones (thus far) are Indian, but the entire gamut consists of a motley crew from around the world. And yeah, I couldn’t be happier about that!

Now to what I’ve actually come here for – (ahem) studies. It was ridiculously difficult to make up my mind about what courses to study. Should I stick to what I know? Or go with my initial plan of broadening my horizons and learning new things? But is one year enough to learn something new? What if I screw up and get rubbish grades? Decisions, decisions. But, I finally made up mind and decided to play it safe and take up subjects that I am mostly comfortable with.

One thing I don’t like about this place? How expensive it is! So the job hunt was on in earnest. I took up an internship (entirely unpaid, at that) just to get my name out there, and simultaneously hunted for a part-time job. I went for an interview to a far off place, and applied for on-campus positions as well, but things were taking too long to get in order. Well, not too long, since it’s been only a month, but, you know… Finally, things worked out and I took up a part-time position… at a café! Yes, I’ve become the regular firangi chick. So much so, that I left one job in a week’s time to take up another, which not only paid more, but more importantly, had more flexible hours.

Classes finally started after what seemed like an eternity in Singapore (owing only to how expensive this place is) on August 13, pretty near a month after I landed here! So far, it’s been one scary ride. Some of the subjects seem so alien, I wonder if I even know this field. It’s demoralising at best and depressing at worst. Most frustrating thing is, peers seem to be in a massive hurry to finish all the readings and studying everything that’s been assigned, so the term ‘peer pressure’ has found new meaning for me. But I guess I will survive.

Life outside studies and work has been no less interesting. Going to the mosque paid off (materially). I got invited to a nice lady’s (also from Mumbai!) place for Eid lunch. I guess listening to mom and praying was a good idea. My rewards were sheerkurma and biryani!

And oh, did I mention the most amazing thing? I’ve begun experimenting with cooking! Okay, so maybe not cooking, but ‘putting together’ meals by different permutations and combinations. And they’re not half bad, even if I do say so myself.

CS (and CSers) continues to delight and the inevitable link ups have begun, as is to be expected from Uni life. The important thing I guess is to decide to keep my head screwed on straight and not lose sight of the end goal… the Master’s degree and then a career. But in the meantime, I intend to enjoy my time in Singa and party (even make up for the non-partying days of Ramzan!). And, most importantly, save enough money to travel to all the places I keep adding to my mental bucket list. I will go, I will!

That’s Month 1 in Singa. If things continue the way they’ve been going, I think I wouldn’t mind staying here a long time, lah!

I WANT TO TRAVEL

Across the land

And over seas,

I want to travel,

Oh, I beg you please.

Many seasons are gone,

And several plans dashed,

But nothing of them has come,

And all hopes have crashed.

To travel means to see,

Places and people new,

Adventures too it brings,

Which are not in number few.

When I meet travellers,

In the walk of life,

They tell me their stories,

Some of fun, others of strife.

But through it all,

I've never met anyone

Who said travelling wasn't fun,

Who thought they should quit and run.

I want to travel

And see the world,

I want to know what it is like,

To have it before me unfurl.

And therefore,

Across the land

And over seas,

I want to travel,

Oh, I beg you please.