Happy Chinese new year! I had an uneventful flight and spent my waiting and flying time reading my book. Got through customs very quickly and cabbed down to my grandma's for reunion dinner which was awesome cause I was running on a pancake in the morning the entire day. Got commented on about how fat I've become which made me feel very guilty- like a glutton. Oh Singapore, I can only expect criticism from you. Dad came home from work at midnight with KFC and I obliged to eat cause the idea of a family meal (minus my sister cause she was asleep) appealed to me due to the scarcity of it's occurrence. This also marked the first time I've eaten KFC chicken in 5 years (cause I had convinced myself they were simply too cruel to their chickens, but apparently Singapore is not the USA). It'd Lunar New Year now, so here I am now at 1.30am in the morning at a huge florist buying new year plants, as is customary. It's good to be back and doing the things of my childhood, even if not as extravagant as when we were wealthier.

I turned on my iPhone to a flurry of messages enquiring my wellbeing and I have to say, I am truly appreciative of my friends. The trip started bad but it got better. Bob and I worked things out and more or less hung on our own. Things got better with the other 3 towards the end- everyone was just more caring and considerate. Instead of 'DIBS! me first!' it became 'What would be better for everyone.' from simple things like sharing food to making sure the person behind you had enough leg space- it really turned things around and I regret nothing. We probably won't travel as this exact group again but I think I've learnt a thing or two about my friends and the trip, although never reached it's full potential, was indeed an eye opening and enriching experience. I haven't taken many pictures at all (which was uncommon of me) but maybe I'll talk more about the different places we visited in another post.

Regardless, it's good to be back. And it's chinese new year! What used to be my favorite occasion. Things are less fun and vibrant however the family remains the same- after missing CNY last year, I am more appreciative of what I have now. I'm blessed with such a large extended family. And I look forward for this morning to come. The thought of feasting on fats ningles at the back of my mind but i suppose I must really discipline myself and get back to running when I return to Perth.

I'm exhausted. Goodnight, friends, and a festive holiday to you (:

'jol