Final week of October

I must say that my last week of October was eventful. There were days that were enriching, and there were days that were fun-filled.

• Things at work underwent major restructuring and there was a huge event where everyone came together as one, one last time. Didn't sign up for any activities on that day, but spontaneously ended up learning introductory Salsa and did archery. Super duper fun.
• Caught David Cook live. I was really contented because he played about like, 10 songs. I must say it was worth waiting 2 hours for him to finally appear on stage. Thanks to a close friend who asked me to come along and follow her for this event because she's a major David Cook fan. The last time I saw him was through a video conferencing the same friend won tickets for.
• Was invited for an interfaith dialogue (Islam-Judaism) at a synagogue. Very eye-opening as I've never stepped into one before, and I certainly have never met or spoken to a rabbi before. Had kosher food, and of course I feel happiest with awesome food, yum. I'd say that the general takeaway on that day is learning that there is a need to agree to disagree. And dialogues are meant to be tense, otherwise, it wouldn't be called a dialogue, in my humble opinion. Only through dialogues, we get to slowly step into uncharted areas and uncover more differences, major or subtle, and to finally see where are the areas that can or cannot be agreed upon. And to slowly recognize and acknowledge these differences.
• Got acquainted with a group of Iranians who are staying in Singapore for a week. They were hosted by a prof whom my close friend linked me up to (merci beaucoup ma chérie!). The ladies are simply lovely. It was a day of cultural exchange for me as I got to interact with them and went to places. We went to the Armenian church and the Singapore Arts Museum where there was an exhibition displaying the Southeast Asian Islamic art that I've been meaning to see ever since awhile back. 
• Went to a Halloween event at USS. I'm ok with haunted houses and ghouls and stuff, but my idea of thrill is more inclined towards the roller coasters although the whole point of attending this event initially was for the Halloween stuff. But I must say that everything was very well done; the props and make-up and the setting. I especially think that the whole misty thing was good because we couldn't see anything and the next moment, you can possibly get a heart attack by the looming ghost.
• Attended an intra-faith dialogue. I was especially looking forward to this one. I hope that there would be more follow-ups of such dialogues as I see the need for the larger community to recognize that there are subcultures within the cultural group itself. There is a need to create awareness of the existence of different sects under the same faith, and there is a need to have dialogues to dispel misconceptions and doubts. Only through these dialogues, there exists a gradual process of understanding whereby social cohesion can be achieved.
• Went to Turkish Cultural Centre, which is so homey and comfy! The home-cooked food was excellent and again, my eyes lit up with so much delight, for, FOOD. It was an evening of cultural exposure for me and learning more about the Turkish culture in a nutshell. I was especially inspired after that night, and all the more I would like to see Turkey sometime in the near/distant future. I was also inspired by the works of a Turkish scholar, Fethullah Gülen (do check him out!)  and by his humanistic and spiritual approach to faith, which is very much in sync with my belief system. After that, they played some Turkish music and there were people dancing. And the highlight was when the prof did zapin, a dance which I hope to learn sometime.

I am immensely grateful :)

The year is coming to an end sooner than I expect it to and why hello there, November!
May this month be kind to us all.