got a replacement phone with the same number so just holla if you need anything
607 339 6058

Ice-age heat wave, can't complain.
If the world's at large, why should I remain?
Walked away to another plan.
Gonna find another place, maybe one I can stand.
I move on to another day, to a whole new town with a whole new way.
Went to the porch to have a thought.
Got to the door and again, I couldn't stop.
You don't know where and you don't know when.
But you still got your words and you got your friends.
Walk along to another day.
Work a little harder, work another way.

useless update. after missing a whole season of OC, i caught the finale on FOX thursday night. as drama mama as it always seem, josh schwartz really knows how to evoke the emo in people. props.

8 May 2006

At JFK’s terminal 9’s starbucks. This would officially be my first time catching a plane, solo effort. But of course the mom doesn’t know, she’d freak out (hi mommy!) It’s not that difficult really, except for the struggling-with-the-humongous-suitcases-part and not-being-able-to-catch-some-sleep- (been up since 4 am) while-waiting-part so I’m writing now to stay awake.

Didn’t sleep at all last night. When I woke-woke: my pillows tear-stained, my heart still aching. It was a four month experience and as much as everyone assumes that I am excited about the completion date drawing near, I am hurting from having to bid farewell to a place that has succeeded in charming me, ultimately.

But more so, I am hurting because I had to say goodbye to CJ and Marie last night. It was pretty dramatic when the time came, the moment still vivid. CJ said, “Becky Ye, come here”. I hesitated not knowing what to do cause I was putting off this particular farewell throughout the last week. Hesitation equals blanking out equals just cry if you don’t know what to do. The next twenty minutes, I will never forget, as the three of us embraced, cried, made promises, cried, cried, cried.

As I hugged not wanting to let go (not cause I saw it in the movies and wanted to mimic so but just cause I really didn’t know what else to do) CJ kissed me on the head like an older brother would and said it was going to be ok. Then Marie said, “When you go home, all your friends are going to be there,” kissed me on the cheek and I just cried more. Yeah my friends are going to be there, and I am tremendously excited to return home to them, but it’s different that the rest of my live will be CJ & Marie-less, that I can’t just run across the backyard to the male sweds’ den and lie on the couch and listen to metallica or whine to Marie endlessly as she patiently listens and gives me excellent advice on how to revenge the irritant, or have meals at the dining hall and just talk about the day or what we should do on the weekend. As we return to our lives back in Singapore and Sweden, seeing each other would require a 13 hour flight, and this lack of physical presence stings and stinks.

2008 Europe grad trip is as close as I can get to seeing them again, and so the travel plans begin. The search for travel partners is on, and first condition is that you must like Swedish very much.

Okay, I don’t think I can go on talking about these folks here cause I am on the verge of tears in JFK – not cool. But CJ and Marie if you’re reading this: Please Rock South America while you’re there, take Peru by storm, hasta luego amigos and I LOVE YOU.

9 May 2006

Hollywood:

We walked down from the hostel to the walk of fame, pass the Kodak theatre, Gauman’s Chinese theatre (that was unfortunately hosting some Microsoft event hence we couldn’t go in to put our hands in the hand prints!). We also checked out Hollywood and Highland, this really fancy open-air concept shopping centre. Then we took a limo tour to Beverly Hills, Sunset Blvd, Rodeo Drive, past celebrities’ houses. Some of these celebrities include Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, The Cruises, Brad and Jen’s old house, yada yada.

It was interesting cause you could point out which houses were celebrities. They had high hedges and you see NO house. While in the limo observing the life of the rich and the famous, we had to see the homeless people living at the public toilets just outside rodeo drive to serve as a good reminder of the stark divide between the haves and have-nots, and, sigh.

So I’m at USA Hostels now, in the room with Mitch and Will, nice chaps from England, and we’re listening to blink 182, chatting about all things, and writing our travel journals. Been meeting a lot more cool people this time round as compared to the hostels in Canada, perhaps due to the fact that LA is a popular destination in Europeans’ round the world travel and Europeans are very cool people as I would soon realize.

There was this Swedish couple Linda and Ulf, aspiring social worker and teacher, who have been traveling the world and we were just hanging out in our beds, talking through the night. Reminded me so much of the lovely sweds I know :)

Then there was Rob from England (too) who had just finished being a ski bum at Whistler for six months and we had pancakes together in the morning.

One thing I realized common among these people is how many of them don’t rush into entering the work force; there is no need or crazy pressure demanding them to have to find a job once they graduate. They take two years, three, maybe more, off, go round the world, work part time in hostels, ski resorts, get working visas, then when they’ve seen enough they go home. Can I do that too.

Best part about staying in hostels, meeting the people.

10 May 2006

Slept really good for the first time in a long time. Which is weird cause I was in a room with 4 strangers and I woke to the sound of sirens and all kinds of funny noise from the streets.

Universal Studios was a blast. I had forgotten how amusement parks can make me so happy. Screamed so much and lost one side of my favorite earring on the Jurassic Park ride.

Chatting with our new roommates from New Zealand now as I type this. They’ve been working in Vancouver for the past 11 months and are on their way home. Brad, one of them, just bought some new CDs and graciously allowed me to rip it open from their plastic and play it on the laptop. Matt Costa and Alo (Animal Liberation Orchestra). Costa sounds so much like Ben in Death Cab, and I have already found a few favorites – Astair, and These Arms. lovely. These Kiwis are such amazing and easy to talk to people, albeit only meeting them for less than 2 hours.

The rest of the night was spent chilling on the bed watching Brad’s Jack Johnson DVD. It was rad watching Jack do crazy things like mishmashing all the songs in his In Between Dreams album and conceiving an entirely new song. We concluded that only someone as talented as him could think of using words like “peanut butter” in lyrics.

11 May 2006

Last night was an odd night. I think I heard a gun being shot, a girl scream and sirens rushing to the scene that was probably a block down from our hostel. Then 5.30 a.m. the new Zealanders left and we whispered goodbyes.

Morning breakfast, I sniffed out a Singaporean and was glad to finally see some home-ies bag packing. Made some pancakes out of sympathy for German guy who failed on 3 attempts and that resulted in much conversation later.

On the shuttle to Santa Monica, got acquainted with Wendy, a teacher from the Netherlands, who was traveling solo. Another one of those brave lady souls. She was such a joy to talk to. Teachers.

With the Savage Garden’s song stuck in my head the whole day, we walked along the Santa Monica pier, had authentic fish and chips by the broadwalk, cycled along the beach, visited Venice Beach and unfortunately didn’t spot any weird muscular men in tight speedos due to gloomy weather, walked to Third Promenade and did some shopping at last.

Took the bus, yes the bus, that everyone said you shouldn’t take. It was a nice way to see the towns of Hollywood. Outside the glitzy part, Hollywood is dingy and not very pretty. We went to Pinks for dinner. It’s a notable chili dog diner, most famous in L.A, frequented by celebrities, recommended by Frommer’s. Best dog I’ve eaten, ever. The taste, still lingering in my head.

Prof Kesh just sent an email, header: miss ya.

12 May 2006

Final day in L.A was spent at none other than the quintessential childhood experience I’ve unfortunately missed out on before. Disneyland was magical alright, but no one was quite a child as Joe was.

We did the must-do rides, hunted down Mickey and Goofey, had mickey mouse ice creams, and was pooped by the end of the day, just doing all that.

13 May 2006

I have left Hollywood. Funny how I’ve grown attached to this place in a mere five days. Left a note for the new Swedish roommates Hannah and Johanesson cause I couldn’t say bye officially this morning as when we left at 6 am they were still asleep. The two nights before we were chatting much and they were such interesting people, and I do hope I get to see them again some how in Sweden.

French guy working in the hostel asked me if I wanted to meet him in France, and I had no idea what else he was whispering in my ear in his bad French English. He was just crazy everytime we bumped in the hostel and half of the time I didn’t know what he was saying. All I did was laugh and wish that I could just continue on my journey with all these amazing and hilarious people coming along with me, and not have to say goodbye not knowing if I’ll ever see them again.

The train ride to San Diego was beautiful. I finally got to see the beauty of California as we past the Pacific where heaps of surfers paddled towards the giant crashing waves, as we crossed hills and terrains and the most beautiful landscapes.

Tijuana. When we first walked in, everyone was just quiet, and you could sense the uneasiness amidst the silence. It took us about an hour, reggaeton music and some pina coladas and chicken burritos, to warm up to the place.

This town breeds on tourism. All over, men try to get you into their shops by using the cutest phrases like “The time is 11:46 am, it’s margaritas time!” “Come on amigos, look at your faces, you need a break” “Hola senorita, I’m single” “Make a purchase and get a free Mexican”.

This town is bustling with energy, color and excitement. One minute you see a pharmacist in white coat standing outside a drug store that sells prozac and Viagra, the next minute he is at the back of a police truck handcuffed, publicly shammed - a hope to deter future crimes. This town is also sadly saturated with child beggars, a sight that I hate to have to see. Their parents push them into the streets when a gringo passes and they are forced to plead for money.

I wish I could have spent more time discovering this intriguing city that has been sadly condemned to be drug town all because of one OC episode. Unfortunately we had to get out before the sun went down and our visa was to expire the day after so staying there any later would make me an illegal immigrant at a really bad time.

It was a tearful farewell at the train station as I hugged Joe goodbye. It was his fault, he started crying first. He and his cowboy hat and crying, not very manly there. But I miss my yosurf much and hope to see him again soon.

What a delight to see Cher again. The lovely lady brought me first to Ocean Beach to see the sunset and it was definitely a great way to start off the San Diego leg. At this beach, dogs were allowed to run free (not good for me), people were having beach parties around a bon fire, and surfers were scattered all over the shore stretching before they call it a day. We then went to In & Out Burger, Cheryl’s favorite, with a little menu that boasted only 4 burgers, but it was one good burger I had and that’s good enough.

14 May 2006

Slept so much and so deep. Must be due to the fact that I was sleeping on a real mattress on a real pillow with a real duna since a long time. We went to Gaslamp District to meet my lovely dearest Chang and Gracia and the rest of the day was nice and cosy as we had Japanese, dessert at Gueradelli, and visited SDSU to see what I missed out on.

I surely did miss out on some things. With not one, BUT TWO starbucks on campus, a campus replete with crazy flowers and palm trees, and a lady who comes in to clean their rooms every 2 weeks! Watcha.

Throughout the day, I felt it was so surreal that I was hanging out in San Diego with 3 great friends from home. The world is surely smaller than we think.

Cheryl the chef then whipped out some chicken rice that made me a very happy person. We watched heaps of MTV (for mtv-deprived-me), and the British House of Commons on C-Span that blew us away, together with Meiko, her roommate, who was a Japanese riot. Tapioca Express at Convoy street for Bubble Tea was the last stop of the day where there was much catching up to do :)

15 May 2006

Coronado for the most complete view of the San Diego skyline, La Jolla to see the sea lions and ridiculously strong tides, lovely lunch at Living Room such a quaint Victorian café, Carlsbad outlets to unleash the held-back-for-too-long-cause-becky-was-travelling-shoestring-retail-instincts, and Shanghai city for the best Chinese food I’ve eaten in America. San Diego experience, complete. Thanks Cheryl for showing me your town for the next few years. I had such a blast.

16 May 2006

I lost my phone. It could have been worse, like losing my passport or wallet. I guess things like that had to happen to remind me that whilst traveling alone, I have to have a cuppa so I won’t be sleepwalking.

Travel Fatigue. Is it an inevitable thing? I am so tired and I have about 25 more days to go. On the tiny jet to Springfield now. Misread played and I felt the urge to write. Can I just say again that I’m tired. Been up since 4.30am, caught the Amtrak from San Diego to LAX, caught the Flyaway to the airport, struggled so much with those blooddy luggages I wanted to abandon them for good. Then at LAX, Sam weighed 10 pounds more and I had to re pack in the girls’ room which was highly stressful. I was pissed off with Sam.

Transited at Dallas Fort Worth, Texas: People talked different, wore cowboy boots and yes, the hats – it’s all true.

17 May 2006

Springfield. This morning we went to a ministry wives’ meeting. Preachers’ wives, missionaries’ wives, evangelists’ wives, you name it we had it. Very hairsprayed hair, starch-ironed 2 piece suits and southern accents. It was rather stressful being in a room with 200 Brees.

The night was spent at “Refuel”, part of Baptist Bible Fellowship International’s (BBFI) graduation week. It was a youth outreach that blew me away and made me think a lot about doctrines staying but methodology changing. I am so conflicted because I witnessed that change and how it seems to be working for the 2^nd generation Christians here, if done right and through abundant blessings from above. The sermon by Alex Myers was so powerful, so intelligent, I wish he could come talk to the youths in SBBC. It’s been a long time.

18 May 2006

Auntie Sally graduates!

The craziest moment was probably meeting the Gladens, the missionaries who were responsible for having the vision to plant SBBC. As I approached the seats before the ceremony, Ms Bever asked, “Is this Alice’s daughter?” Talk about sniffing it out. It was surreal meeting the people who started it all. If it wasn’t for them, Mom would have never entered SBBC, pops wouldn’t have forsaken his biker days to go to church, the folks wouldn’t have met, wouldn’t have hooked up, have us… If I had to trace it back to the roots, my existence could really be attributed to these two people who were willing to spend 29 days on a ship to travel from Springfield Missouri to our sunny shores. It was such an honor.

The post graduation ceremony was spent with Auntie Sally’s group of friends from High Street Baptist (the sending church of the Gladens). They were a crazy bunch and we had a crazy lunch at Ruby’s Tuesdays. All grown women but behaving like fifteen, just the way I like it.

14 days. many more to come. will be back
much love.
out.

6 May 2006

Brunch: Sausage, potatoes, scrambled eggs; lots of salt and pepper, juice, French toast and fresh strawberries. The last meal at the dining hall, was good.

Baseball Game: 3 degrees weather in flip flops. Marie lends me her sweater and it’s nice and warm

Last time on the Tcat. Bittersweet. We catch American Dreamz, with the ‘z’. The Lake House preview shows, want to catch it bad, but why do I think of you after that?

Fruit Salad at the Swed’s, cosy as always. But as the night draws to a close, nostalgic silences emerge and I don’t want to think of having to say goodbye tomorrow.

7 May 2006

Today is our last day at Ithaca. Prof Kesh brought us out of town to Lodi for brunch. Along the way during the one hour trip, we past rolling hills, farms, cute & quaint little towns like Trumansberg, all these viewed from the pimp mobil.

Brunch was exquisite and the view of Seneca Lake was magnificent. A great way to remember the Tompkins County. He then drove us around the parks, nature reserves, and boat yards. Ithaca is so alive in the spring/summer, it’s a pity I saw it most in its dormant stage.

Most importantly, had such great conversation with the man Kesh; you can talk to him about anything and everything. When it was time to say goodbye, I cried like a baby. The first cry I permitted from a farewell this week. It was saying bye to the surrogate pops and the kid had to be a kid. Thinking of him now and how I’m not going to see him in the near future makes my heart aches.

Packed, and ready to go? I don’t know.

It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m leaving. That my time here in Ithaca is done. It is finished. Pack, go home, all that you have thought of for a long time becky! It’s funny how the mind and emotions work. Plays games with you. I have much to say bout this funky little town, and will reflect soon, when I have a cup of coffee in hand.

Packing is stressful. And thinking of how I will be leaving out of a suitcase for the next 4 weeks adds to the stress too. Flights to catch, trains to board, thises and thates. Covet your prayers as I travel to the west coast, mid west, back to the east side, Korea and then the much awaited.

Goodbye Ithaca. You’ve been kind.

And you guys, if I don’t get to come to this space soon, here’s all my love.

But for now, California, here I come.

for videos, go to: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=51875AE8E4A4595D