Braving It Alone

It's been a crazy few weeks.

I've been out of Singapore since mid-November. I returned on my birthday then flitted off again a day and a half later. Germany has somewhat been my home the last few weeks. It's a beautiful country, Germany. Berlin and Munich are especially close to my heart. Dresden, Rothenburg and Nuremberg are so gorgeous, fairytales fade in comparison. It's been a long trip.

Being on these educational journeys with school children is an experience I'd describe as varied and humbling. There are some kids (like my Crescent darlings) where they amaze and blow me away with their intellect, wit and good behaviour; and others who make me remember why I don't want kids. Every time they see something impressive and their eyes light up though, I feel a surge of satisfaction. Every time they learn something new, I feel proud of them. It's been a tiring and rewarding ride.

I don't think others realise how much work I am doing though. People around me just think I am travelling and having the time of my life, and that I have all the time in the world to go a-wandering. Of course I have fun, but I am also stressed everyday. And during my peak period (like now), I don't get days off at all. Not even weekends. I see the sights in the countries I visit, but I don't actually get to enjoy them because I'm busy making phone calls and ushering people one way or another. Plus, I'm the kind of traveller who enjoys basking in the locale and walking amongst the locals. Not something I can do on the job at all. Add all these to the fact that I have other expectations to manage back at home while I'm juggling stuff on the job (whether it's when travelling or in Singapore) - my work is just as hard as yours, mate. I'm not saying I don't enjoy it. I'm saying I don't have it as good as you think. And the money is a bit rubbish.

Still, I'm thankful for the opportunity to see the world. I really am. I want to say that this job has made me more open to talking to people from all over the world as well, but I was that person before this job. Ha. My only worry is that when I get back to Singapore now, I'd speak in simple English without connectors and prepositions, because that's what I've been doing most of the time. That's why I miss London. Well, the UK isn't far away - I'm going back early December. Yes, for work. London is my second home really. I miss the sooty air, the wet cobblestones, and the nice people everywhere. Well, and the fact that people will actually understand me when I speak.

By the time I get back home to Singapore, new train stations and shopping centres would have been built and opened. Friends would have had children. Things will be different, but the same - the feeling of home, where things are always comforting even if they looked different. I'll be back Singapore, be patient.