and all this time, I thought the world would never end.
The thermometer reads -8 degrees Celsius. About 38 less than what I'm normally used to. Yet, this biting cold doesn't hurt so much anymore. I'm getting used to it, settling down in Sweden. And at this very point in time, a stark reminder appears. Sweden, where I have called home for the past 5 months or so, is not really my home. Nor is the continent it resides in. Yet, having set foot on so many countries, made so many acquaintances, friends, I feel like it could pass off as home. That's the key phrase isn't it? "Pass off". It's not really home when my family, and so many more friends are back in Singapore.We're lucky, those on exchange this time, that so many people from hall have decided to take this journey together. We decided to leave bothersome things like school, and less bothersome things like our families and friends, and go into Europe. We have explored different places together, leaving our mark in little ways, and all the many places leaving their mark on us. The rich history, the culture, the art, as well as the less happy things like war, conflict. They all have a story, and together, is woven into the intricate tapestry that is Europe. And seeing Europe through Asian eyes makes it all the more interesting.
I look back at the photographs, and I sincerely believe that in each and every of those photographs, time ceased to be a concern. I am certain that at each and every point those pictures were taken, I felt that exchange, time, the world would never end, and I, though not king, was determined to enjoy every last bit that the world had to offer. Of course, there were times when things weren't the best, money lost, wasted, trains we missed(not always bad :D), poor decisions made. But I wouldn't change it for anything else in the world. For this was when the world could not end.
But it could yet. Course registration, telling me what courses I should take for the next semester, clambering to better my grade, climb over a few more people. I hate it, but I do it anyway, because it's survival. We're taught to do that. Not in Europe. They climb by teamwork, helping one another reach as high as they can. We climb OVER one another in the struggle to reach the top. What if I didn't want to reach the top? Let's say the world DID end, I think that this exchange could be the best decision I made in a long, long while. But let's be optimistic. It doesn't end, I return to the sweltering sweathole that is Singapore, and see my family and my friends again. It's back to the race, but my, my was the break worth it.
justin.
posted by justin @ 5:40 AM
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