The entree

Hello from afar! I believe it has been more than a distant moment since I made my last post and since then, the events that ensued weren't far off the high extremes of the 'havoc' and 'interesting' scales. Before I begin proper on broaching the intended content of this entry- my impression thus far- you might want to checkout my philosophy of the day; nothing in this world comes for free. In conjunction to that, I've caved myself this opportunity to stray from the maddening crowd and pen my thoughts down , albeit in retrospect, by giving the possibly truncated next 1 and a half hour introduction to Law Faculty a miss. With the preceding apprehensions and ambivalence abandoned in Singapore, I departed for the United Kingdom and I've been consistently psyched up since!

Indeed, despite having only resided in Bristol for 3 days, the hostel experience has left but an indelible impression on my mind. In direct contrast to the common restraints reminiscent of most social environments in Singapore, the residents at my hall overtly engage in free spirited and intense interaction with one another, especially at our resident bar- The Three Horses. And for the best of everyones interest, this merit of concentrated intermingling has permeated through the various levels of South Wing and might I say, the entire hostel. This undoubtedly is pleasant because of the variation of gender it adds to the segregated floors of my wing HAHA. For informative sake, I live on 'G' level which happens to be the 'Cellar' for more than one reason and is concomittantly christened as 'G-unit.' Notice the incongruous language used in the previous sentence with intended sarcasm.

'G-unit' is the name of our faction and I believe it's underlying intention is to create an identity that would hopefully attract a stream of girls to our floor. Like in the many social scenarios, displaying ones defining trait or identity is rife. Two instances of such would be the night of escapades to the Carling Academy where we were donned in long sleeves and loose ties in fashion of a drunk hobo, as well as the emblazoning of 'G-Unit' across our chests in last nights pub crawl. Not surpsrisingly, others from the different floors started getting themselves branded. The culture among G-Unit is pretty interesting; we often congregate at someones room for a host of occasions such as pre-party gatherings where we unfaillingly immerse ourselves in goodwill and spirit(pun intended). Also, despite the association of idealism among 2 of my dormmates who're pursuing theology and philosophy, they've exhibited hints of pragmatism- using knives as door stoppers. To provide you with slightly more than a glimpse of what's happening, we played pictionary at Nick's room while en route to intoxication. Being 21, I'm pretty familiar with all this high school bravado and therefore simply enjoy the superficial entertainment its pursuers can offer.

In closer and less general terms of this social element, I'm selectively outgoing and made friends with a handful thus far. Not that I usually make distinctions, but in this case and for specifics, I made a whole lot more of acquaintances. My current infinitesimal sphere of friends is a confluence of folks that are of german, italian and cheifly british descent and extraneously, our interests are tapped from the common resevoir of booze and merry making. At this age, i believe i'm adequately wise and discerning to realise that hanging out with the faction or Clifton Hill House at large cannot always replace friendships as individuals. Therefore, on my first day, I perused and sized up the various personalities and decided on those whom I reckon are trustworthy. I hope the future won't detract and taint my judgement, but the few friends I made are plausibly reliable and hopefully these friendships would be based on integrity as well as the mere pleasures of one anothers company, rather than just arising out of propinquity.

Theories aside, I've mingled with pretty interesting characters. Mike the theology undergrad who has a penchant for issues pertinent to religion or the lack of believe in it, has a havoc room where his collection of books on Christianity is effortlessly juxtaposed to his mega-poster of 'The Periodic Table of Mixutres' on the perpendicular wall. This again, illustrates the incongruous concoction of sanctity/holiness and decadance that is prevalent throughout the university. Integrating into a foreign community can be pretty daunting, but with knowledge of social dynamics, the simplicity of heart as well as humour and wit off hand, these situations can be managed. Oh and not to forget, I've met with the Singaporeans on few occasions hitherto and for good measure, I should gather with them more often.

As most activites are held at the Junior Common Room which is actually a hall with a bar, consolidated gatherings have made it easier for me to conduct adequate and unbiased visual sweeps of the herd and more specifically the lasses. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it's my considered opinion that the appearances of girls leave quite alot to be desired. Contrary to my more extreme view, my brit friends think they're reasonably good looking and that some merit the title of 'fit' which is synonymous to 'hot' in vernacular British. Fortunately, despite the widening disparity in the looks department, there arre the few who constitute the saving grace and redemption of the overall quality. Most distinguishably, this asian girl whom I reckon brought only a havasack of clothes because everything she has been cloaked in seems to be downsized. You know, it's cool to take micro to the next level, which is nano HAHA. As I've yet to know her, I'm waiting for the opportune moment to get acquainted, trade numbers and know her real name other than what I refer to among my friends as the short skirty girl.

All the events to this point have gone according to script- in the sense every day was filled with more sensible activities such as city tours and nights that were alcohol fuelled and brimming with heathy interaction. However, lessons begin next week and if we don't haul ourselves out of the illusions of varsity, we're only doomed to a path that leads downhill and to hell. I guess that we're of good, a more ripe and matured age to recognise that our immediate actions dictate the paths of life we trod. I believe it is our duty to take active and practical measures to prevent ourselves from wavering and instead, walk the line.. to the end point of excellence. My hope extends to my fellow amigos to persist in your journey and keep your eyes focused on your purpose of studying at university.
-Kenneth Wong