HELLO WORLD!
We've arrived at the USA safely.
It's getting colder each day. The weather here is totally different from Singapore.
The plane ride was 17 hours long, with a stop in Narita Airport, Tokyo.
This is the first time in which we have flown so far, for so many hours. It was hard getting used to it. We found it an interesting experience. Dear teachers, you are indeed caring, the Vietnamese students had to fly here by themselves, and their teacher is only going to arrive in Chicago on Tuesday. We feel thankful for having our teacher, Ms Ng taking care of us.
DAY 1:
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a huge university with a whole identity on its own--very special.
We were welcomed by the faculty from the Northern Illinois University and had a small welcome luncheon at a small local restaurant. We met the Program Directors, Dr Kate Wiegele, Dr. Jim Collins and Leslie Shive who introduced themselves, and whom we found extremely conversational and hospitable towards the SEAYLP participants. Together with a graduate student, Ms Maria Hancock, they were caring, and provided us with Asian staple food like rice and fish, but also told us that we would not be able to have Asian meals for quite some time. All of us were still struggling to adapt to the new time zone and the difference in culture. Living amongst Americans was an eye-opener for us. They are so expressive while we are so quiet.
At night, we slept with roomates from other ASEAN countries, mainly Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
DAY 2:
Macdonald's breakfast. Freezing trek to the restaurant. Temperature dropped further. Out came the hats, scarves, gloves, coats. Tough to handle so many layers of clothes.
1 point to note: Clear your own tray after eating--everybody does that.
Went back to campus for logistics briefing by the professors. Recieved some lunch money, phone card and insurance card. Received some complimentary materials.
Went to the Neptune cafeteria for lunch.
The canteen is very cool, with a wide variety of food. It is largely different from Singapore canteens, as the food is set out in a buffet style.
Went back to the heritage room and had a short Q and A session, as well as a short session about Southeast Asia by the country specialist, who are experienced with research in Southeast Asian countries. There is even a center here which specially does research on SEA, called the Centre of South East Asian Studies (CSEAS).
Went to Walmart, which is like Giant, only much much bigger. You can find just about everything in Wal Mart, from food to clothes, electronics to car equipment.
Of course, one hour wasn't enough to get everything we needed. However, we are glad that we were not the last to board the bus.
Note: Punctuality is a very important factor in meetings. Do not be late.
The bus almost went without the people who were late.
We went for dinner at Pizza Villa, a normal American pizza place. It was very different from what we have here at Singapore.
The lightings inside were dark and cosy, and there are a lot of entertaining graphics and pictures all around the walls. The servings of the pizza were also HUGE.
We could not finish the food in the end.
Note: Take only what you can eat.
We are back at NIU, blogging here. Tomorrow is going to be a new day. (: (colder)
