Less than 2 weeks into the program I have already learned so much. Beyond our courses and expeditions in Singapore, the chance to interact within our group of 25 Tar Heels has really reminded me of what it means to be human. We are all blossoming into very different individuals and being forced to live and work together has allowed me to make some wonderful friends I know I will cherish forever. This has been a wonderful opportunity to both reconnect with old acquaintances and develop new friendships. There is also something to be learned in seeing everybody out of their elements, because our struggles remind us that we are all human and essentially the same despite our cultural, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic differences.

We were fortunate enough to have our trip coincide with the 2008 Singapore Arts Festival. Daniel and I attended “Radio and Juliet” on Tuesday night, a ballet interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” by Romanian choreographer Edward Clug, accompanied by music by the British band “Radiohead.” The ballet was wonderful, but the real significance is that all of these seemingly random pieces fit together into a beautiful and complex show. This is not unlike the culture of Singapore, which contains a mishmash of all types of people, foods, languages, religions and cultures. During our trek to the performance we also saw a free performance by traditional Indian and Flamenco dancers, who first performed individually and then together. It was extraordinary to see East and West collide on the dance floor through such passionate choreography, and I am confident in saying that only in Singapore could you find the desire and ability to create such a show. Daniel also brought me to an underground B-boy dance scene (I am not quite sure how to describe this so please see the posted video). I was amazed not only has that such a place existed, but also that the government allows these youth to loiter in the underpass, whereas in the U.S. it would have been broken up immediately. The safety and security of the city allows these wonderful opportunities to gather in public places and makes wandering so much more enjoyable!

I am frequently asked what my favorite thing about the trip so far has been,
and it is definitely the people. There have been so many amazing
opportunities to interact with our professors, other program participants,
Singaporeans and other students studying abroad that everyday seems to be
an adventure leading to a new friend. After being both physically and
mentally lost the first week, it was an amazing feeling to find my place
this week in both the group of participants and the city itself. My growing
sense of security, knowledge and understanding would not be possible without
everybody involved (whether through funding, organizing, studying or
teaching) and for that I am extremely grateful.

Zai Jian! Poyitu varen! Selamat tinggal! Goodbye!
-Leia