Okay. So I went running just now around the west lake. Okay maybe not around the 17km route but just a small portion of it. I ran for about 10mins at a 4:30 pace and I died. That is epic. My cardiovascular fitness is at its lowest. Okay. My overall fitness. I'm in a state which I've never imagined to be.

But that's besides the point. I went out in my usual running gear as I would in Singapore, a singlet which read "screw calm, go running" which was a gift from my friend who visited me in Vietnam and my army running shorts. At first I didn't notice it at first but as I ran and started observing my surrounds, I noticed people staring and me, some even laughing. Seems like the running culture isn't really strong here to see people in running split shorts. My colleague also exclaimed when I told him I want to go run. He said why! Haha guess the idea of keeping fit and healthy is still rather primitive here.

Lying on my rooftop deck chair where the winds blowing towards the west lake, I can't help but feel as though everything have been moving so fast. Few months ago, I never thought to be right here in Vietnam, where chaos is the the only constant on the city. Okay. I shall just end here. I'm too lazy to carry on. Sitting on this deck chair and listening to some lounge house music is making me too nua......

Dog

Many a time, easy satisfaction doesn't really come to me as I am one who aims high.

I left Singapore knowing that I will not get any job satisfaction from this internship after temping at the Singapore branch for 2 weeks. I wrote in my application for this programme that it would be a good opportunity to be exposed to another culture, especially one from a developing country. And like any other person, say that I'll gain from the many cliche things that one would write in such applications to get accepted. In truth, I only wanted to get out of the hectic Singapore rat race. And also the struggle to gain an A for that internship. That meant, being a slave and dog to your supervisor. Okay. Not an ordinary slave, but a good one. Although its no different here (we are still dogs), the way how we Singaporeans take pride in work is very apparent here, and hence our value is quite evident in this environment. This value of how we ensure that work is done to its best of ability has been nurtured in us since young and is a very valuable trait in most Singaporeans. Something that was cultured through the many years of the rat race. Some might call this level Asian but I would prefer the term level Singaporean because sometimes it's quite clear that we are a cut above. Though this might not apply to ALL, I would say the majority of the educated ones in Singapore are like this. It may not be apparent back in Singapore because of the high expectations but having Been exposed to many cultures, I must say its really very evident. Keep this up and you'll definitely be an asset to the team. Right now, I on the other hand, i am tasked with a shitload of work, some being menial tasks while others analytical ones. just because I'm a Singaporean intern where tag lines like reliable, machine and many other ridiculous phrases apply and hence more work. Many a Time, i can hear my name barked at as a command to drop what i am doing and carry on with another ridiculous task. Sometimes I wonder if they really need a university engineering student to do most of the job when in Singapore, it can be tasked to anyone, including an uneducated worker. (Not condescending anyone here btw). The work culture here is so much different where people are more laid back and I found out the hardway. I couldn't assume simple stuff to be instructed verbally. Even for simple things like sticking labels. Then again. I think I'm still a dog here. Woof woof. Will fetch anything for an A grade. Sucks when I'm in a foreign country, unable to fully immerse in but rather having my nights and free time spent doing something not related to my field of study.

Again, I'm a dog here, wandering into a new zone in search of food and finding its feet on the ground. Learning as much as the harsh environments throws at it. But then I rmb what a friend once said to me, "hardship brings about perseverance, and perseverance, character." And that is what I'm going to get out I this journey. Thanks friend.

so far nothing has gone well since i arrived in Hanoi. My first accommodation was somewhat different from what i'm used to back home, in budget hostels, student accommodate back home, around Europe and while travelling. just fyi. i showered in cold water from a pail! haha. certainly something to remember next time.

Many a time when I'm alone here, I wonder if all these has been worth it. I gave up a position with Exxon, gave up studying for a sem, gave up being there for my friends and loved ones, gave up the comfort of my home and the comfort of being in a developed country and I'm not saving much money for my grad trip here anyway, intact I'll be exceeding my costs here. Oh wells.. After all, I said I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. And this is as out of my comfort zone I can get. Outside the comfort zone of te comfort zone of the comfort Zone. Like in the desert and barren lands of Australia. Or the gobi desert. Haha you get the point.

work has been overly hectic, i've not gotten a life here. conditions wise, it isn't as nice as saigon nor is the workload as forgiving. i've been OTing everyday and my first weekend was spent in the warehouse man.

moved to my next accommodation. it wasn't what it seemed from the pictures on airbnb. the landlord wasn't as friendly as i expected. i told him i wanted a bike when i moved in but noooo i didnt get one. and i almost couldnt get to work.

but i must thank my colleague to have helped me through everything in hanoi so far. i think i would be feeling much worst now if not for him.

hope things will become better and i get to meet more friends.