Tales of the UK: September 2010

Current song: Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day

"Summer has come and past, the innocent can never last."

"Nine" has always been a special and favorite number of mine; it is no surprise that I have always loved the month of September. However, this September has been exceptionally and even surreal at times. I've had quite memorable experiences and will never forget them. Since I'll be in the UK for the majority of the rest of the year, I decided to try and hang out with all my friends, even ones that I haven't seen since the end of high school. For the most part, I was mostly successful (Tony, John D, John L, and Jon: we'll have to hang out ASAP).

For starters, working in a Chemical Engineering research lab in the sub-basement of Building 66 throughout the month of September can become quite dull, especially when everyone else is busy with classes and other commitments; I spent much time working out and "attempting" to study for MCATs. Studying didn't really worked out as planned, but I was able to take up running and going to the gym daily, and sometimes between experiments haha. My weekdays were fairly boring, but my weekends were quite action-filled. Thanks to everyone who hung out with me and for the ones I couldn't meet up with, we'll have to catch up when I'm back in the States. I'm really grateful towards my awesome friends and family for their support and help!

I honestly don't remember how many times I crashed at MIT on the weekends...it felt like I was living there with everyone (thanks Anthony and Feng for accommodating me). From playing card games to partying and from working out to just talking, I enjoyed catching up with everyone after the summer. I hope everyone will have an amazing year and keep in touch!

The following is partial summary, shoutout and reflection:

I thoroughly appreciated gaming with Andrew, Anthony, Chris, Feng, Peter, Yanping, and others. Thanks for keeping me entertained on those boring nights and distracting me from studying. Whether online or in person, hanging out with you guys is always fun.

Thanks Ahmed for accompanying me on an epic Harold and Kumar-esque trip to NYC that involved, but was not limited to surmounting sketchy parks at night, having a cameo appearance in Joseph Gordon-Levitt's newest upcoming film, eating at White Castle in Harlem, partying at Columbia frats, and taking NYC by storm in our shades.

Thanks so much John and Janice for hanging out with me in NYC and keeping me entertained. Good luck this year and enjoy NYC. Both of you owe me a visit at MIT when I get back next year!

Thanks Gloria for organizing a dinner at Royal East with your littles- Andrew, Anthony, Anton, Feng, Jenny, Julian, Peter, and myself. The food was very yummy and we'll have to go again sometime.

To all those who were present at some point during or after my birthday, thanks for taking the time to see me before I leave! The surprise dinner at Gargoyle's in Davis Square was awesome- I loved the steak and the ambiance of the restaurant. Thanks Andrew, Anthony, Anton, Chris, Eunice, Feng, Jenny, Julian, Kuan, Robert, Will, Yanping for coming out that night! In addition, thanks go to Jenny for an awesomely decorated cake! I loved the cards and the messages I received! I hope you guys enjoyed showering me- next year I promise it'll be even harder.

Thanks Peter for grabbing lunch with me in the Brain and Cog. Building and hanging out in general. I always enjoy our conversations, and especially the one we had when we went to Castle Island during spring break last year by ourselves.

Thanks Julia for taking me out to Uno's and catching up before I leave! Stay in touch and good luck with your classes.

Thanks Sanyee for treating me out to lunch at Taiwan Cafe and an awesome chat about life at Boston Common. Don't overload yourself too much this year and keep me posted on life!

Thanks Wesley for meeting up with me and treating me to Ramen. It was awesome seeing you for the first time since graduation. Good luck with your senior year and keep me updated. Next time, it'll be my treat.

Thanks Louis, Will, and Paul for grabbing Korean food at 88 and chilling afterwards. Definitely repeat when I return.

Thanks Ethan, Neel, Latif, Ameya and Sam for partying with me on my last weekend in Cambridge. Despite the minor obstacles, we eventually made it. PS We need to joyride in the Porsche and drive down Newbury St while blasting loud music when I get back.

Thanks Feng, Jenny, and Kuan for the late night heart-to-heart. Hope you guys weren't too tired the rest of the weekend.

Thanks Robert and Sam for getting lunch with me in Harvard Square. You guys are always down to hang out regardless of the situation. Good luck with work this semester and manage time more efficiently! Sam: you'll be a great doctor, don't worry too much. Robert: bros for life...not much more can be said.

Thanks Will for all the awesome advice you've given me, I'll miss you next year. PS I owe you a match of tennis; be prepared for a challenge.

Thanks to my boss for taking me out to coffee at Starbucks just to chat. Hopefully, I'll see you in London or Paris.

I'll miss all of you and hope you know that I am so grateful for wonderful friends and being able to spend time with you!

Wow, after saying thanks so many times I feel like I just won an Emmy or something...haha. Well, I'm off to the UK in under 24 hours. Looks like this adventure is finally about to start ...I promise to keep this updated and come back even more badass than ever, if that's even possible ;).

Some UK Goals (just for reference)

1. Pick up a British accent

2. Ski in the Alps

3. Visit Morocco

4. Attend a Premiere League game (Man U vs. Barcelona or Chelsea?)

5. More to be added

Tales of the UK

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Arrived

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

Reflections on September

Monday, September 27, 2010

Updates Coming Soon