This week was focused on saving space for moments of peace amidst a busy schedule. One of the highlights was visiting the Gardens by the Bay, not once, but twice. My first visit was with a group of friends from the program, and we had a great time exploring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. But it was the second visit that truly stood out to me. One of my friends sadly had complications and wasn’t able to continue the program so she was leaving this weekend. Therefore, our group of friends decided to go back with her, so she didn’t experience it alone. Although I had already seen the sights, I didn’t mind revisiting them at all especially since there were fewer people, making it a much calmer and peaceful experience. It was wonderful to go at a slower pace, taking in parts of the garden that I didn’t take in before.
Over the weekend, I had the chance to take a local cooking class where we learned how to make Laksa, a traditional Singaporean curry noodle soup. We were paired up and given base ingredients and instructions but then encouraged to personalize the dish to our own taste. I loved that creative freedom because it reminded me of what the instructor said about how Laksa recipes vary from family to family, evolving based on personal preferences. After everyone finished cooking, we got to taste each other’s versions and chat about what made each one unique. It was fun comparing notes and picking up ideas from others. I ended up really enjoying how mine turned out and even brought some back to share with friends, which felt like a small but meaningful way to share the experience.
Later that day, I joined some friends to explore Joo Chiat, a charming neighborhood known for its colorful shophouses and local markets. We hoped to browse for unique souvenirs, but unfortunately, our adventure was cut short by a sudden downpour. Even with umbrellas, we still got pretty soaked, and many shops closed early due to the rain. It was a bit of a bummer, but we couldn’t keep going because we didn’t want to stay in our wet clothes for the rest of the day.
To manage my busy schedule, I strategically created a plan to focus on all the recipes I received by the end of the week. My plan was to dedicate each day to focusing on a different country’s recipes, and I communicated clearly with each tech lead about when I’d complete the uploads. Creating my own internal deadlines gave me structure without overwhelming me. I was able to stay productive while keeping a manageable pace. One big win was reminding myself not to bring work home because I chose to have a great work life balance. This included hanging out with friends, visiting cafes, specifically a cat café, as well as doing some shopping, and enjoying a few lazy afternoons.
This week was a great reminder of how important it is to make space for both adventure and rest. Looking ahead, I want to carry this mindset with me of staying present, finding joy in both the big experiences and the quieter ones, and approaching each new opportunity with a sense of curiosity and balance. I’m learning that it’s okay to slow down, take things in especially since I never know when I’ll be back. I want to enjoy the country and the company culture to take in as much as I can.