There was once a man named Sam.

Sam wanted to win the lottery. He wanted to win it BAD. He knew the odds were not so good but being a religious man, he decided to ask God for help as he knew that with God all things were possible.

Sam then prayed every morning that he would win the lottery. But he didn't win.

He then began praying 3 times a day to win the lottery. He continued this for over a year, but he still didn't win.

Finally he began praying constantly, all day everyday, to win the lottery. He did this for several years but he STILL didn't win. Despite all this, his faith didn't waver. He continued to pray, "Lord it's me Sam. Please let me win the lottery."

One day God actually replied.

"Sam," the Lord said, "it would help if you bought a ticket in the first place."

Moral of the story: Sometimes, things won't happen if you don't make an effort of some sort.

Duke is a very pretty place.

Buildings like these are scattered all over campus; part of a very gothic influenced culture. The highlight of the place however, is this rather breathtaking chapel in the center of the school. Pictures might not do it justice I'm afraid.


Spent the better part of the day exploring more of the campus and familiarizing myself with the place. Things felt a little less foreign compared to my first day on campus, when I was really struggling to keep myself from getting lost (and then get laughed at by you Hui).

Took a walk to the place where I would be spending the better part of my one plus year here.
Yup the Fitzpatrick center! This is the building where my department is located. Pretty nice place actually... and bloody huge. Took me a while to finally get to the office. Was really glad to find the advisors EXTREMELY helpful. Maybe its part of the Southern hospitality I've been hearing so much about. Which is possible actually, cos many of the people here speak with a very distinct Southern drawl. Haha. Its quite cute; lets see if I can pick some of that accent up. =P

Having some time in the afternoon, I then decided to explore OUTSIDE the campus. One problem with Duke is that its kinda in the middle of nowhere. =( There isn't the convenience of the Ave like in UW. Food places are thus rather hard to find! I saw on the map however, this mall which seemed to be located relatively close to campus and so took a walk over there. NOTE TO SELF: SHORT DISTANCES ON MAP CAN STILL BE RELATIVELY FAR. T_T Took me a half hour plus to walk over there... but I finally found it!!
Haha guess what? Northgate mall!! (Ok I guess only Seattle pple will understand the significance). Was rather amused... maybe these malls are opened by some huge syndicate throughout the US? I wonder. Anyway I took a walk around, and even the design within the mall is very similar to that in Seattle! HMMMM. Too bad couldn't take any pics... the security guard would think I am a terrorist. =(

Okie gotta change and get ready for this graduate student welcoming ceremony later. Tata for now!

Am in Duke!!
It was a long and hellish flight... and somehow my luggage decided to take a different flight from me, but finally, here I am! Hmm now I'm back to the times where I have to walk around holding a map. Sigh. Hopefully won't get too lost.
Will go explore the sch now, updates and pics later!!

I hate farewells. =(