What defines a good trip to me would definitely be its people. I was treated with so much kindness during my stay here and I definitely agree that the Portuguese are one of the most welcoming and approachable group of people out there. Besides the daily exchanges I've had with people at the gym, at the supermarket, on the metro or at the school canteen (okay not so much of this one hahahaha),  I think I've been incredibly blessed to have crossed paths with people I would always call my friends no matter how far apart we are. I definitely count my lucky stars for a few amazing housemates who are probably the ones who see me at my ugliest. From doing our work together in the living room (while watching tv) to making a huge mess in the kitchen when we cook together - these will be the times I wouldn't forget. Here's also a huge shoutout to my Algarve road trip buddies who have also become my clubbing/drinking squad back here in Lisbon. To the drunk nights we can't really remember and still laugh about because absurd photographs appear in our phones the next morning hahahaha. I was rather absent from school but still glad all the project work and business proposal writings helped me gain beyond the academia. And of course last but not least, my SMU family who've been the greatest support throughout my mee sua cravings and the great nasi lemak surprise on my birthday. You guys reiterated the meaning of home here in a place so far away and I can't be grateful enough.

I've seen so much more of the world in the past six months and doing so has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life (quite literally). I've seen many things from such different perspectives - outlooks I would never have considered if we didn't hold proper conversations. I've learnt so many lessons on the way that I won't ever forget. The world is so big and six months is hardly enough to even see a large part of it. I love standing in front/on top of grand sceneries and taking it all in because it makes me feel so so so small in this world. And if I feel this small, then my problems barely even exist. That feeling that you really are just a speck in this ginormous world, to me, is more empowering than intimidating and I absolutely love it.

I don't want this to end up being a draggy, TLDR story but here's the most important part: I feel beyond fortunate to be able to enjoy this stint away from my comfort zone. I remember by mom telling me to forget about schoolwork when I told her I was quite worried about failing my modules since I barely go to school. She told me to travel and learn more about the culture of the places I go to instead of worrying about school. Okay maybe she didn't understand the seriousness of failing a mod but still -- I know I'm extremely lucky to have the full support (both monetary and mentally) of my parents when it comes to seeing the world on my own without them by my side (contrary to the true fact that I'm such a mommy/daddy's girl).