Unlike in Singapore where recess week is a myth and should instead be referred to as catchup week, here in the US, spring break is indeed a break. Academic work gets thrown out of the picture as out-of-state students head back home while others go down South in search of warmer weather from Miami to Mexico; school life literally comes to a standstill. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. So off I went to see the world.

The trip took me over to the West Coast where I toured mainly in San Francisco and LA. It wasn’t easy travelling solo in a country that I’m relatively new to but I got by. In San Francisco, beautiful sights on the Golden Gate, compelling tour of Alcatraz, great views from Twin Peaks, and a relaxing stroll through UC Berkeley (thanks to LZ). In LA, fantastic tours of Hollywood, fantastic day-out at Universal Studios, and the rare opportunity to participate in the Tonight Show taping as well as being part of the boisterous crowd at a Lakers game.

Overall, I love each city for its character – the quaintness of San Francisco bay area provided a stark contrast to the grit of the downtown LA neighbourhood. Each has its share of crazies too – crackheads on the streets of San Francisco and lunatics in the subway of LA were not uncommon. I can attest to that. But through this travelling experience, it really opened up my eyes up to the world beyond safe, old Singapore. And in another 5 weeks, the sunshine of Florida and glamour of New York await.