21

I turned 21 on Monday. I'm not sure how I feel about that. 21 - it's one of those much celebrated years signifying freedom. Or responsibility. Somewhere in between. To be honest, turning 21 feels like turning 20. It hasn't kicked in yet. I didn't initially have plans but a friend convinced me to make some.

Frankie and Benny's

The day before, we had our first and final restaurant meal as housemates (admittedly without Ezra who had already left) at Frankie and Benny's. Jess also made me a cake before she left that day. 

Mambo Jambo

Went for a Mexican meal with Malaysian friends on the 25th of June. I had my first taste of jalapeños and they were surprisingly not as hot as I imagined them to be. There was a lot of ice cream too.

At the end of it all, all I can say to those who sent a wish my way or celebrated my 21st with me is I really appreciate it, guys. Thank you. It'll be a fantastic year. Now that... I can feel.

The Many Masks

The Many Masks, a photo by rachlyf on Flickr.

One of the essays I wrote about in my Shakespeare exam was on festivity. It was a concept we studied about in class, one that explored how carnivals were associated to general disorderliness.

While I was reading up on it, many times I associated it to a prominent aspect of Italy - the Venetian masks. Made from paper mache, beautifully crafted, decked in stalls and sold in the markets of Florence.

During the 12th century, masquerades were a part of the festive culture of Venice. People dressed up in disguises and wore masks during Carnival or other holidays. Social ranks dissolved, hidden, equalized during that period of Carnival. Only during that period. Otherwise people must act normal, look normal, and adhere to law and order.

I have one. Haven't found a reason to wear it yet but it'd be nice to have one when I do.

Florence was lovely. I want to go travelling again.

Westlife Concert

Westlife is one of my favourite bands. Watched the Uptown Girl video when it first started playing on the telly as a child; now when their songs are on, I'm actually bopping to the tunes in my head. It'd been a dream to watch their concert.

Melissa and I at the 02 arena

They are retiring later this month and this was their final concert tour ever. Am I using this as an opportunity? Of course. Hey, what can you expect from a student? Last year they went to UEA a few days after my flight was due. It bugged me that I could have met them earlier. But I digress.

Singing Seasons in the Sun

At least it worked out in the end. I do so enjoy most of their songs, but I was happy that they sang World of Our Own.

That's another thing off my list. 

Credits to Melissa Ling for allowing me to use her photos. 

Naturally

Natural History Musuem, a photo by rachlyf on Flickr.

I'm done with my exams and hopefully that will be the last of it. The sensation of never having enough time doesn't really sit well with me.

At the moment I'm spending time with people in Norwich, enjoying my final weeks under this roof, applying for internships, settling bills and packing up. Oh how I despise packing up - but at least half of it is gone.

I'm also watching a number of TV series, including Game of Thrones and Revenge. Will finish the former quite soon.

Next plan: Play the theme song on the piano. Fingers crossed.

Almost at the End of Year Two

Justice League Monopoly, a photo by rachlyf on Flickr.

Most friends are done with their exams. Some lazing about. Some leaving. Some left. It's the end of the year for them. It's not officially over for me until next Friday.

And because I'm feeling more and more guilty with each word I type, I'll list this down and make this as quick as possible.

1. I'll be going home this summer. As in, Malaysian home.
2. I'm feeling good about my second Creative Writing piece.
3. I am determined to get an internship. By hook, crook but most probably by the book. Cringe-worthy? I'm a little tired.
4. TV Sitcoms are the bane of my life.
5. Our Monopoly Game lasted 6 hours.

Malaysian Meal

Malaysian Meal, a photo by rachlyf on Flickr.

International student away from home? Bet you have a stash of food packets or spice mixes tucked away somewhere. Little reminders of home that usually end up unused for months. No? You're probably not too fond of cooking, are you?

It had been a while since I last cooked Malaysian food. I have lots of spice mixes, but the only time I seem to be able to find any use for them is if (a) I have the same dishes for the next few days; perfect for exam period, or (b) I cook for a big group of people.

When Charlene, John, Michael and Derald came over the other day, we had chicken curry (spicy as spicy should be), fried long beans with carrots, stir-fry beef and "bak kut teh" (also known as pork ribs and tea soup). All served with rice. Also, John baked a raspberry cheesecake for dessert.

Speaking of Malaysian food, I've decided to fly back for the summer. There will be a lot of that when I'm home.

Spring, at last

Spring at UEA

It's a lovely, warm day outside. The area by the lake is carpeted by greens and dotted with yellows. There is an indistinct pathway around the field in which I cannot, for the life of me, seem to find. So I must wobble through the tall grasses until the cleared pathway inadvertently appears. Beautiful weather all prepared for students to have barbecues (which has been ticked off the list), walks and picnics. 

As friends start and finish their exams, those taking the second-year Shakespeare module purse their lips and wonder whether it is worth having over a month's break in between exams. Since, you know, we clearly use that whole time to study.

Besides, it's a lovely, warm day outside. Too inviting. Too tempting.