Nottingham, England

Wherein lies the tipping point between being too sociable and simply being friendly. Coming to a foreign land inevitably leads one to have no choice but to step out of his/her comfort zone or risk being isolated in utter loneliness (unless you delight in solitude, that is). At the same time, there is doubt and suspicion lingering in the air and a tinge of hesitation before one makes the first move to get acquainted with the random person seated next to you in the dining hall. The occasion varies. It could be the girl using the basin next you in the public restroom, or just someone next in line stuck in the same long queue as you in the grocery store. Despite the location, the same tension manifests itself--the short time two individuals spend observing the other party while mentally running through a checklist of safety measures. Some of the most obvious features are good enough warnings to not get acquainted. Potty-mouths are a definite out. Smokers are the next on my list. Multiple piercings and tattoos sometimes qualify for the blacklist too. Yet, you never know when someone might make a good friend when you're all alone in a foreign country. When all else fails, just wait for people to make the first move then decide if you want to follow through. Don't be the hero. You don't want to be on the losing end. Let's be realistic, it's a cold, cold world out there.

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Today's dinner was the best so far. We got to choose between the roast chicken, vegetarian patty (which I was inclined to get if not for it being deep fried and filled with yucky green peas) and the beef steak which ran out before we even got in the dinner queue. After deciding on our main course, our plates get filled with vegetables and potato of all sorts. Today was boiled broccoli, carrot slices, mini potatos as well as french fries. The highlight of dinner was the dessert though, which too ran out before we got our food. All that was left of it was the whole metal dish of warm chocolate fudge which was to be drizzled over our imaginary chocolate chip brownies. It's not that we went for dinner really late. The queue for dinner was simply too long and intimidating, plus being left in the cold and shivering with hunger wasn't a very pleasant thought. Dinner's served at 6pm, the same time when the doors to the dining hall are opened. I swear, at exactly 6pm today, a line similar to the McDonalds Hello Kitty queue magically formed before my very eyes. I know this because I was the only person sitting in the dining hall from 530pm--minding my own business and reading the local papers while sipping on my hot chocolate, foolishly thinking I'd not have to rush to get my dinner. Tough luck. Surprise, surprise these international students have a bit of Singapore in them as well. We're not so "Uniquely Singapore" after all.

A free screening of Sherlock Holmes took place after dinner at one of the rooms in the nearby Cripps Hall, and with that my day has come to an end. Good night, folks. I hope to fall asleep without trouble tonight.

Dear Cold,

I beseech you to refrain from waking Fiona and I up in the middle of the night like you did yesterday.

Your cooperation is much appreciated. Do note that no reply is needed.

Thanks yo.

Regards,
Celine

P/S: You might want to work harder in the day to keep my tic tacs from melting again.