Singapore: Day 54

Today I had lunch at JJ Yong Tau Foo in the Kopitiam. I had an all vegetarian noodle soup, meaning I only picked vegetables and tofu to go with my noodle soup. It has been my favorite food place at my workplace, because I miss eating a variety of vegetables. On a work-related note, my project is winding down. However I have been leaving work earlier this week, because it is my last week with the program and I want to spend more time with my peers before they leave.

Tonight was going to be a big night. It was our last night with everyone after all, because Nicole was leaving on Thursday for Bangkok. James and Laney had dinner with their coworkers, so Michael, Emily, Angelo, Nicole, and I grabbed a Western dinner at Everything With Fries in Holland Village. I mentioned in a previous blog post about how there is a section dedicated to cultural foods, so I had a chance to at least try the food there. Nicole found the recommendation via Ladyironchef (she seems to always be craving fries.) Once at the restaurant, I ordered a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with curry fries. I personally don't like eating unhealthily, but ever since I've come to Singapore I've eaten at McDonalds on three occasions and other various fried foods. Food is food, and I shouldn't let previous habits restrict me from trying new foods. The grilled ham and cheese sandwich was a pretty good attempt at Western food, and the curry fries in particular were very good.

Everything with Fries

Grilled ham and cheese sandwich w/ curry fries

Holland Village at night

After we finished our dinner, we went back to PGP to rest and prepare for the night. We met again at 10:45 PM and grabbed a taxi to Zouk, one of the oldest and most popular clubs in Singapore. Most of the students from the Berkeley and USC study abroad programs were attending that night, and we joined a group of them pre-gaming outside Zouk. Eventually, we made our way into the club.

Zouk!!

The night was definitely memorable (both because of the club experience and the bonding experience afterward). We moved around the different rooms within the club and just danced within our Balongong group. For the final dance, we all huddled in a circle with our arms around each other and swayed to the music. It reminded me of my final dances at the JHU CTY summer programs at UC Santa Cruz, so it brought about a sense of happy nostalgia. It's been so long since I've felt so at one with a group of friends.

The Balongongs, PC:Estelle

We left the club around 3 AM and headed back home via taxi. We sat in the PGP lounge and ordered McDelivery, because we were all hungry. The food arrived around 4:20 AM, and as we ate we gave positive affirmations until 6 AM. It was a touching experience.

Our McDelivery feast

After our affirmations, we huddled for one last time and broke with a cheer to the Balongongs. It was definitely an emotional and memorable last night with them, and I am glad I had the chance to know and spend time with this amazing group of individuals.