From New York City, to Helsinki, to Singapore
My plan for the past few weeks involved packing up a portion of my things in New York City, cleaning out the cobwebs, and seeing some friends for some last drinks and/or meals (for now, not forever!). My plan for the next week or so is to go to Helsinki, Finland for 4 days, and then move to Singapore just after New Year’s. My flight for Helsinki leaves tomorrow!! This will be my 3rd time there, and I am looking forward to what will be the coldest New Year’s Eve I’ve ever had in my entire life.
So begins my quest to complete a PhD program. Weird, huh? I’ll be in Singapore for at least all of 2013, and then hope to move to London in 2014 to continue my research and things.
I love New York City, but am looking forward to living in and exploring a new place. I really enjoy getting to know a new public transportation system, finding new favorite places, and getting a taste of some good food if I can find it.
I plan to live as lightly as possibly, with as few unnecessary things as possible. It makes me a bit nervous to think about the amount of my things that have piled up in my parents’ apartment, but I’m slowly trying to make changes to my lifestyle that would reduce the amount of Stuff I have and accumulate. I’m moving with a backpacking pack (about 50 liters) and 1 large luggage (about 103 liters).
I’m also going to aim to be as frugal as possible while not sacrificing quality. I’ll be living on a grad student’s budget again, and there isn’t much stretching room in there. That is not to say I will be living on instant noodles every day. I like to cook, and I like to live in a homey place.
That said, I’m going to miss my home and my family and friends. Many have promised to visit, so I hope that really happens. I’ll try to plan trips to visit friends and to come home! Also, I hope I don’t miss too much while I’m away, but I know that everyone will do great anyhow!
