Day 41 (12-4-2009) - the Delayed final entry

Day 41; the last day in Wuhan. I realised that I miscalculated the number of days I was going to stay in Wuhan. The name of this blog should really be “41daysinwuhan” rather than 42.

As with any kind of goodbye or farewell, there is always a mixed feeling in the air. Part of you wants to stay; part of you wants to move on to experience what is ahead.

Wuhan has been a great home for me. I will always remember the friendly smiles that people would give us as we walk by, the giggles when we struggle to understand certain things, the help given when we were helpless.

But at the same time, there are also reasons for me to be getting home. I miss my family and friends. I’ve been longing for just a taste of Singapore cuisine. At times when it was cold, I dreamt of Singapore’s hot weather in my sleep. After 6 weeks, I just need the comforts of home once again. Still, something tells me that after some time, I’d be longing to go back to Wuhan, for countless reasons.

For now, it would be fair to say that I’m glad to be back. On the plane, when we were just reaching homeland, I experienced how beautiful the night lights of Singapore are when viewed from above. How bright and shiny the tiny island is, distinguishes it prominently from its surroundings. There was a loud cheer of jubilation when the wheels of the plane touched Singapore soil. We were home.

Everyone had their families and friends to pick them up at the airport, while I had requested my parents to stay home and allow me to get home myself, just for that sense of independence. It was one of the reasons why I went to Wuhan in the first place; to be independent.

In that quiet taxi ride home, the only thing accompanying me other than the driver was the song “Where I Belong” by Tanya Chua, played on my MP3 player. The lyrics never felt truer.

I think all these go on to say that as much as I love Wuhan, I still love Singapore most.

I gave both my parents a hug the moment I saw them. I can’t remember the last time I’ve ever done something like that. After giving them the gifts I bought, unpacking my luggage, I did some catching up with the world through the internet, and now here I am typing this final post to be entered in the blog that has been telling the story of my life for the past 41 days.

A life well lived, with lessons learnt, memories to be kept.

Until next time, goodbye!

PS: I will miss you, Wuhan