Coming Home =)

As I sit in this freezing coldness of Central Library procrastinating, I have decided that it would be a good time to do a before exam reflection on some of my thoughts during this trip!

This trip was great. The best part by far was being able to travel so much. Having stayed in Canada for most of my life, until living in Boston for my last work term, I have lived a very safe and sheltered life.

I guess it was time for me to see how other people in this world live, to learn and also appreciate what I have more.

I think one of my favourite parts of traveling is visiting ancient civilizations. Seeing the remnants of a fallen civilization is a constant reminder that this is life, that we leave behind is all that future generations have left of us. I also really enjoy seeing places where my parents grew up.

Living in Canada, I have so many opportunities that I don't realize the hardships and challenges my parents had to overcome on a daily basis.
I also saw a lot of poverty, especially in Cambodia. I think Cambodia was the poorest country I had visited. It was really sad that this is how children live in some parts of the world.

At the same time, it was very humbling to see that the people of Cambodia did not feel sorry for themselves, but struggled to live their lives everyday.
Even though the country was torn apart by war not too long ago -- the Khmer Rouge genocide occurred only in 1970's -- people learn to pick themselves up, persevere and work towards a better future. Visiting these places has made me want to learn more about them, learn from the history, and become a better person.

Seeing and visiting relatives in Vietnam was also another eye opener. I really don't realize how much I take for granted, living in a country such as Canada.

For instance, I never really think twice about leaving the country, there is never really a problem, as long as we have our passports and proper visas. The people of Vietnam can't really leave, and if they do, even for a visit, it is very difficult.

Here, I am on exchange in Singapore, and visiting another country about every other weekend. It's just a huge difference in the amount of freedom. I guess since Canada is so huge, it's not too big of a deal to not be able to leave the country, but Vietnam is quite small, I almost feel claustrophobic thinking about that. Ok, maybe not claustrophobic, but it is very limiting.
It's so weird, this will be my first birthday without my close family and friends around. It doesn't really feel like it. I can't believe that I'm 23 already. I hope I don't look it. I know one of the perks of being Asian is that you don't look your age. So as long as I look younger, then I'm happy.

Besides, no one has really mistaken me for older than I am, usually I'm told I look a few years younger, I've been told that I look 19 - 20. Except this one time, when one of my sister's friends thought that I was her mom!!! I will choose to ignore that one!

Anyway, I won't feel like its really my birthday until I have celebrate it with my friends and family! So I cant wait to go home!
I really miss home! I'm so glad that this exchange is only 4 months. I love traveling, but I'm ready to go home. I miss being with the people I love and care about. As a UW coop student, I have had learned from most of my work terms, and most of the time, I learn about what I don't want to be doing.

Applying the same theory here, I have learned from this exchange what is really important to me.

Even though I will definitely love to travel more, and see more places, and even go back to the places I've seen to visit them again, the most important part of the journey is going home. And home is where my family, friends and where my heart is. Having lived in a few cities, I appreciate Toronto even more, and love it even more.

I can't really picture myself living anywhere else, maybe Boston, but other then my family won't be there.

I really love the atmosphere of Toronto, it really is a beautiful city, and I never realized what a beautiful city is until I've visited some other cities. Toronto is home sweet home, and I can't wait to be back. I'm gonna appreciate it so much more when I'm back, me and some of the exchange students were joking around how we would buy a lonely planet travel guide to T.O. and just travel within TO.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me so much during this exchange term. It's the thoughts of you, that make me feel like I'm home, even though I'm half way around the world. And, I can't wait to get back home... I think this song sums up how I feel

Feels Like Home -- Chantal Kreviazuk

It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me
It feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong