The Night Life

Its been a very interesting welcome week. Been hanging out with the housemates going for dinner and stuff. Have been talking alot more with my roommates these few days about all kinds of stuff, politics, cultures, cuss words, girls so its pretty cool hanging around those guys at least. Its weird cos we started talking about girls when we were walking along the whole row of sorority houses, and all along the street, outside every house, there were a few girls who were made to wait outside to look after everyone's bags/purses/valuables! They were so exclusive! And it was cold outside, yet these girls had to look after everyone else's stuff, as the sorority made their picks of who gets to join the sorority inside the comfort of the house. I think that just plain sucks, y join one anyway, but perhaps the benefits of being in one far outweigh any costs I guess.

Went to watch the Ornette Coleman Quintet at Royce Hall on Wednesday evening. Royce Hall is this beautiful performance theater at UCLA akin to the UCC of NUS? UCLA's live events calander is staggering to say the least, so many world-class artistes performing right here live in school. There weren't any student tix left, but someone told me about this thing called "student rush", where they would release student tix bout 10-15 mins b4 the concert or play started if there were still tickets available. And so that was how I got my $17 tix to watch a legend play! He was a legend in every sense of the word, hahaha, yeh he was old and good. Amazing. Free Jazz is not really something that beginners warm up to at first, and it could sound a little jarring in the beginning I must admit. But it was tight, and after a few songs you caught on the theme, and the way they put different stuff together and presented it just blew me away.

Thursday night I headed out to the bar near school, O'Haras, with a couple of people who were above the legal age drinking limit of 21. Had myself a beer and just a few shots, nothing too dramatic, but enough to feel a warm buzz. It was a bar, but it was loud. When we got there it was still quiet with ppl just having their beers, but, an hour later, it just started piling up with people and the music started getting louder, and it became a Zouk like place. And it was a small place with no dancing space, so people were just crowding the bar and shaking their booty, and urgh, up to that point a pretty enjoyable time became not so enjoyable. But I had my beer, and it was all good, so we left to head back to the dorms.

School has started though, and I don't foresee myself hanging out enjoying myself as much as I would like. It all looks pretty intense because I'm taking 2 classes more than the average workload of students here, so that I have credits to transfer back to NUS. Good thing is, the classes up to this point are really interesting, and not really too diffcult. The bad thing? Textbooks, readers, reference materials are sooooo expensive. NUS and the IVLE and lecturers posting readings online or just cheap course packs and inexpensive textbooks, I MISS YOU! I don't think I'll drown in work actually, because I still have alot of free time, just that I have started using this free time to actually start studying, or making notes from the textbooks I have borrowed out from the library to save myself some money. I'm sure I should be studying like this back home instead of slacking till who knows when! HAHAHAHA.

Its all pretty intense, and I hope I settle into a good rhythm soon. And in a flash, 10 wks will past, and I'll be back home.

Hilgard, Second Home?

Just got back from a get to know you session of the Hilgard Houses, which is where I'm going to be staying for the next few months. Its kinda weird, seeing that I've always not liked staying on campus. In a way, I guess the Hilgard Houses were kinda made for me cos I've never liked the whole hall thing where there is just a huge number of students whereas in Hilgard it really is a small tight group. And the "hall activities" aren't forced on you. hahahaha.

I think I'll like it here. Hopefully. Wish me luck!

Orientation and the Hilgard Houses

Guess I haven't been really updating much on what's been happening in the 2 wks I've been in LA and in school. There's an ice cream social and a meeting of all the residents in about 2h time so I should blog real quick and put this in before I forget all this stuff in my head!

Had an orientation for international students from the 17th-20th. Was quite informative, there as information on bus services, attractions, academic services blah blah blah, everything an orientation should have. A trip to the Santa Monica Beach and 3rd St Promenade which is like the shopping district at the beach hahaha. All these stuff, minus the "get into groups and do funny things and cheer madly" stuff. Which was just excellent. Think the 2 singaporean girls I was with made quite a few friends, and they got quite chummy with this brazilian girl, who's name is Tassia, and she had quite a few friends, her suite mates, her brazilian guy friends, and others, so our group gradually got a little bit bigger and a little more interesting. Its always interesting to be with a huge group of international students. Its a cliche, but you really get to experience all kinds of different cultures. Its quite funny though, I think I am one of the older ones here on exchange, or even at school, judging from the people I've asked. Hahaha, don't look that old though, as compared to the french chicks and their ray bans and stuff. WHAHAHAHAH. Still I ain't the most social person, so, just been doing the hi-bye stuff with the ppl the girls have been meeting.

And 20th was the big day where we moved out from our ultra comfortable hotel to move into our halls. My dorm is like an apartment, where its 1 room in this hugeeeeee house. It's got quite an old school charm to it. Its a huge room, for 3 ppl. My roommates are pretty cool. One's a german from potsdam (potsdam conference!) and the other is an american who's a transfer student from another college. Best thing is all of us are pretty easy going, and we've hit it off ok, so I don foresee any problems. And having an american around makes it easier cos there's someone to bring me out. hahahaha. Although I get the idea that they tend to find silences uncomfortable? We talk and talk, and then it gets a little stale, but its never easy to resolve our conversations? I find it weird, unlike back home where I usually don't engage in small banter at all? But still its all good, I guess an experience where I've gotta come out of my comfort zone.

After orientation, you would think that isn't it time for Kenneth to finally start school yet? but NO it ain't! There's still welcome week for new students. Amazing. I went to a Welcome Picnic at the recreation center in school, and it was fun. Good food, babes in the bikinis, ppl playing beach volleyball, ppl swimming...There was this informal soccer thing that just got organised, and I joined in for some gd fun. Even though football is the American thing, but we know what gets the REST of the world going don't you? heh. At night there was a Bruin Bash. I went for a concert and the guest performer in the house was T.I. the rapper and it was held in our Tennis Center. After that there was either dance, or clubbing in the Pauley Pavillion, which is like comparable to the Indoor Stadium, except half the size? or we could catch a sneak preview of the movie "The Kingdom", starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. How cool was that? Wanted to watch the movie cos clubbing ain't my thing, but some screw ups ensured that the queue for the movie and the bash all became too darn long, and i totally hate queues especially if I'm far behind. But still, I appreciated the idea how much was being done to welcome new students, or freshmen that were 18 for that matter, whereas it never felt like there was such a magnitude of events back home in NUS.

School's starting Thursday, and the few days before Thursday are some settling of admin like checking in with the International Center and the EAP Office, and also attending some Visa workshops and Department talks. Its all tiring, but fulfilling. And I do hope I'll have enough time soon to start heading out to downtown LA to catch the sights and stuff!

And did I mention my window is overlooking a sorority house?

Can you say W** is happening?

Right now waiting to go to dinner, sitting in the YIH of UCLA using the wireless network cos the configuration of my network in the room is non-existent. YES, I cannot connect to the Internet in my room at the moment and it IS driving me crazy. So this update is just to let you guys know I've moved in, and apart from feeling terribly pissed off that there's no Internet in the room, am basically quite pleased at having settled in. Just abit jealous that my NUS friends who have on-campus housing are basically staying in some hall that looks like a 5 star hotel compared to where I am staying, which is basically a huge house. (a room in a huge house lol). Not that I'm reallly complaining, alright a little...lol. Never seem to have good luck with housing, since army, also live in barracks. Worse. Oh well, the girls are paying premium prices too, so I guess I got nothing much to complain about do I?

EXCEPT FOR NO INTERNET!

AND THAT I SHOULD BUY 4D COS ITS RAINING IN CALIFORNIA OMG!!!!!!!!

Back to School....NOT.

After 2 wks of travelling around, now that I'm back in LA, I'm still living out of a suitcase. Not that I'm really complaining, since the place where I'm putting up now is really comfortable, and really reasonably priced. And its probably going to be a few more days of staying here, before finally moving into hall and unpacking and getting settled.

Can't wait to get settled down. I know I've said this a million times. but living off the cuff, while knowing at the back of my mind, I've got school, I've got to buy a horn, I wanna get a few bone lessons, do a little travelling around LA, and California, kind of seems a little overwhelming at the moment. Think its best to take things one at a time, and let the things pan out. Not to say I ain't enjoying myself, I'm enjoying myself tremendously! But this mental checklist thing sure is getting to me a little, hahahaha. Seems like a holiday but it isn't is it? Thinking to myself the other day that in this whole 52 wks of 2007, I'll only have been studying for 24 wks in total for the year.

Anyway, it was back to school for orientation. Words can't describe the campus, and unfortunately, you can't see any pics yet cos I haven't taken any either. But its beautiful. The long sprawling carpet greens, the classic victorian architecture on some of the buildings really just adds a touch of class to against the backdrop of other modern looking buildings. The campus is huge, although I'm tempted to say that the numerous walks I've taken between Arts and Science in NUS doesn't make the size of the campus that daunting.

Found out also that UCLA was kind of the baby school of UC Berkeley, that's why the Bruin Bear is like our mascot, where as the mascot for UCB is the Bear. Also found out the UCLA was established in 1919, which ironically, makes NUS older than UCLA. Doesn't feel like it though. And its not only the preservation of the original buildings of the school that lend credence to this thought, its also the traditions, the myths and legends that perpetuate the school that makes it give off this rustic charm. There was the christening of new students at the Inverted Fountain, the scratching of the lower paw of the Bruin Bear for good luck, the famed Underwear run in the finals week, (I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT), the skipping of the 6th step at some pathway etc etc. There's this infectious school spirit that lingers in the air, something that screams blue & gold, and everything screams UCLA is the place to be, whether it is the overwhelming enthusiasm of the staff, or the vociferous cheers coming from the field, or the mammothly huge marching band practising in perfect harmony for school events. I'm definitely not one to get overly excited, (in fact not at all), about school rahrah stuff, but I'm brimming in anticipation of going to football games and basketball games. Of listening to live performances put up by students on a regular basis. Of stars and celebrities using UCLA as a filming ground.

Feeling a little betrayed now by the bubbling enthusiasm which threatens to surge out once I'm settled in and in the know of what activities that are going to happen in school. Yes, I am excited, about meeting my new roommates, of attending school and experiencing how studying is like in the States. Maybe not so much of bfast lunch and dinners that just seems to be perpetually pancakes eggs potato bread and sausages, or italian, or terrible chinese. Funny how it seems to be that the pace of life is slower, but I relish the fact that the activities will still be coming fast and furious, (doesn't make sense I know, but go figure, probably just means, i have more time to do stuff since I'm not gaming anymore hahaha)

Amidst all the spiralling emotions, of indulging in the fun and experiences down here, I'm constantly thinking of the people at home. I'm not missing home yet, cos I've been away longer with less communication (and a whole buncha army dudes, HOW ARE YOU GUYS), but I still think of the people at home definitely. Wish the dhs gang could be here so that we could just feel like kings in this school hahaha, without a care in the world. would be great if all the jazz peeps were here runnin around listening to stuff, tryin to hook up with tutors, and just jammin in this school, perhaps a 100 times more appreciated here lol. even the family, just to experience life outside of msia HAHAHAHA. but most of all i wish you were here sharing all these beautiful moments with me.

Back at LA

Finally, back at LA. Its been hell of a 2 wks, travelling from New York, Niagara, Washington D.C. then Chicago b4 flying back to LA. Can't believe I travelled all the way to the East Coast. I think its been quite of an experience, especially being a n00b in the U.S., and the next time I ever head back to the U.S., it will be easier to plan a trip and to decide how best to enjoy the sights and especially sounds of these diverse cities!

But first things first, an update on Chicago. And what better way then with some pics right? LOL. Guess it'd be easier to load some pics of D.C. here also.

The White House

The Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial from atop the Washington Monument.

Shot from the WWII Memorial.

Chicago at night from atop the John Hancock Observatory.

Andy's Live Jazz Club

Jazz Record Mart in Chicago, the biggest baddest jazz record store ever!!

I like the feel of Chicago, like I said, its very vintage and O Skool. The freedom of expression that is jazz just lingers all about this place, in its image, in its architecture. Somehow, from what I've heard, San Francisco will be the other city that will probably speak to me the same way Chicago did. In the mean time, its all about living LA. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the O.C.

The Windy City + O Skool Jazz = Chicago.

The blog title was actually supposed to be, Justin and Kenneth goes to White Castle, but we skipped White Castle cos it was too far south and we didn't feel like walking all the way there to gorge on burgers.

So we arrived yesterday in Chicago. and boy, I loved this city immediately. Walking along the airport, we saw some place showing Man U vs Sunderland. Love at first sight, soccer on the tele. When we stepped out of the airport, it was a blast. Even though the sun was blazing, the temperature was like 20 deg, and the wind was just blowing in our faces. A far cry from the blazing hot, no wind D.C. and New York. Hahaahhaha.

Every store you step into, every eatery, is playing jazz or the blues. This place is so vintage O' Skool it rawks your socks off. Somehow I just can't describe Chicago just as I did D.C., just that this place speaks to the heart.

I know its a short post on Chicago, but I promise I'll update more on this place, and with pictures, once I get a more stable Internet connection. You guys should really consider getting facebook if you wanna see more pics, cos I dumped more pics there. Hahahah

Hoping the people at home, or those overseas reading this blog are taking real good care of themselves.

Think about What You Saw.

The second day of walking Washington D.C. and viewing the memorials. We practically walked the whole day covering the Washington Monument and many other various memorials like the World War II memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial so on so forth.

Its been a day of poignant reflections and the meaning the memorials carry sure places its weight on you, leaving you heaving and breathless, both literally and figuratively.

Commemorating the war dead and the forefathers of the country, those lives that the very foundation of this country was literally built upon, is quite hard to fathom for the Singaporean whose independant history just spans 42 years.

For the U.S., with its values of liberty and equality and freedom, epitomised by famous characters such as Thomas Jefferson and artifacts like the Declaration of Independence, from Lincoln to commemorating the war dead from the Korean and Vietnamese wars, America must be one of those countries that has that rich of a history to lay claim to purport these abstract values that strike a chord in your heart. At least, for those who believe, or those who have studied the significance of the historical impact of such values, and dying for them.

That being said, we even saw a mini demonstration outside the White House renouncing Bush and nukes, and even informing tourists of the organisation of a peaceful march outside the White House. There were also those who responded to these demonstrators by showing their support for Bush by saying how he is protecting the country, and for some it degraded to a shouting match between 2 or 3 people. Freedom of speech: you air your views, and you are shouted at it to shove it. You would never see that in sunny, SAFE, conservative Spore. Somehow it makes you think, what exactly IS the best way to get your politcal message across?

Of course, on one hand, you wonder if Singapore would ever have that form of an immortalization, what's with all the memorials and monuments being concentrated in Washington, whereas that is impossible in Singapore. Also, I'd prefer not to be a war dead.

Pictures.

Its 940pm after a freaking tiring day travelling from Niagara to Washington. We arrived and checked in early, thank god. So we did a bit of walking around the area first, and went to see the White House and the Visitor Center, as well as the surrounding areas like Lafayette Park, Ford Theatre etc etc b4 heading back to the hotel for a well-deserved break. So I guess its a good time upload pictures from New York and Niagara.




New York Skyline at Night from the Brooklyn Bridge



Taken from the top of the Empire State Building



Miss Statue of Liberty herself.



American Falls with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in the Background.

American Falls from the Maid of the Mist river cruise.

Illumination of the American Bridal Veil Falls at Night. Really Pretty.

Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Thought it was kinda cool also that we went over to Canada to view the Niagara Falls from the canadian side. Met Mingguan my JC classmate who's over at University of Toronto on exchange as well. What a small world. A word of advice, Canada is a good place to see the falls, but America is a good place to feel it.

Its not Australian, it ain't poisonous!

Just reached Washington after another monster ass hurting bus ride, 13h from the Niagara Falls.

The Niagara Falls was awesome, it was surreal, and kind of the perfect harmony u get between man and nature that u often see in the movies or documentaries. The rousing emotions that the Falls bring, from romance to recklessness, just epitomised the wonder, splendour and majesty of this fascinating water feature.

Bought a passport to the falls ticket, and went on quite a kickass tour of the Falls I must say. The Maid of the Mist cruise ride brought us right close to the American Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. But the most excellent part of the tour was this tour called the Cave of the Mist. We walked a wooden observation deck that was just built next to the Bridal Veil Falls. It was amazing. The cascading fury of the falls that was crashing down from a height of god-knows lol, culminated with us standing at an observation deck called the Hurricane Deck. Standing at the Hurricane Deck looking up with the water crashing into your face, it was as if the whole world was falling down on you, and you could either fight it or embrace it.

Absolutly Amazing.

High in the Sky, Low in the Subs

Been a mad few days in New York, and before you know it, I'm just a few hours away from a mad ass bus ride to the Niagara Falls.

Basically did the whole New York touristy sight-seeing thing. There was the Empire State, the Rockafellar, Metropolitan Art Museum, Harlem, Times Square, watched a Broadway etc etc. and going to a lounge to catch a glimpse of the New York jazz scene. Mad house inside the freaking subway. U thought Singapore was bad during the peak hours, New York is worse.

Guess even though it seems I've run up and down New York visiting churches, tourist attractions, there seems to be something lacking at the New York stop. I guess I'm putting it down to a lack of time, and a lack of a settling feeling that I gotta rush through the sights b4 I run off in 4 days to some place else. Maybe the next time I head back down to NY, if ever, I would take the time to go to one of the suburbs like Harlem, have a coffee and not rush around like a mad man. Every night would be soul food and drinks. Perhaps that would make it more fulfilling, and also make it less of a burden to me that I've gotta just complete an itineary.

This screams that I'll probably be much happier once I settle down in LA and actually start going to school. Kinda looking forward to it actually.

It still is fun though, when you get to see the original stuff that you see on television, and you hear the historical background of what made New York the Big Apple. Only now do i know what Take the 'A' Train really meant.

The Big Apple

Hey peeps am in New York right now, slacking in the hostel, waiting for justin's fren, so guess it's gd time to update b4 i get all lazy and leave this blog to rot.

been crazy travelling all this way from SG to LA to NY and then it was a mad house from JFK airport to the hostel. massive jams in Manhattan delayed our freaking shuttle. But its been a gd first 24h in New York. been having gd breakfasts lol. and doing the touristy thing walkin in Central Park and heading off to Times Square later.

just wanna say thx to the ppl who came to see me off, (special mention JW and Cheryl), or wanted to see me off hahaha. hope u guys are doing fine and do take care of yourselves. mail me or anything k?

not one for the mush as u guys know, but really missing the girl back home in SG.

tink i'll only post pics when i'm all fine and settled down back in LA. wait up for the next update peeps.