16th February 2006 - Day 122

Today marks the end of all the lectures I'm having here.

I recieved the confirmation that another oral exam of mine will take place on next Thursday. In the meantime, I have to prepare for the exam tomorrow before starting on the other module.

There's still another exam which I have not made an appointment for yet. That should probably come in 2 weeks' time. This can only be confirmed once I know more about the lab timing at the briefing next Thursday.

Effectively, I'll be "free" from tomorrow afternoon until next Thursday. I am beginning to wonder where I can go for a short getaway. I have to do some travelling before going back. Am looking at options like Innsbrueck, Prague and Barcelona.

Perhaps I'll try to hitch-hike to my destination this time round. That should be the cheapest option available.

The temperature today hit the double digit mark at 10 degrees Celcius. But it was raining in the afternoon. I think it hasn't stopped yet.

As the weather gets warmer, I looked at the unworn clothings which I've brought along. What was I thinking bringing so much clothings? Now I still have to bring them back.

I'm also reminded that I forgot to do something while there was still snow. I should have gone to the Schwarzwald. Well, I've taken a train through the Black Forest the last time I went to Konstanz, and it was snowing. But it's quite a pity that I did not aussteigen at that time, simply because it was too cold.

It's late and I have an exam tomorrow. I should be revising, so that I can answer at least one-third of all questions and secure a pass.

It's really quite embarassing when the professor looks at you, gives you all the hints, and you're still unable to give an answer. From the side of your eyes, you see the Beisitzer slowly shaking his head while producing the "tsk tsk tsk" sound. How they wonder about the state of university education in Kuching-pura.

In Kuching-pura, students do not have the luxury of having a free education. However, one can expect some form of subsidy from the generous government if one is "deserving" enough of an university education.

But events have made it necessary for the premier institutions in Kuching-pura to raise the tuition fees again in response to the increasing operating costs (some say wastage for a certain university).

Of course, the student population understand that costs will rise eventually (just like how everyone wants a higher salary). But where did the money go to?

Nobody has a clue, though rising costs was largely pin-pointed to facilities, administration and professors with their research.

Rumours has it, that it was spent on building better facilities for example, a grand looking building, which unfortunately the students won't get to use.

Administrative personnel are trying their best to help students who run into funny administrative problems in the course of their studies. Unfortunately, they aren't exceptionally efficient with all the red-tape around. A pay raise might help change that.

Some speculate that higher pay has to be given to the professors in order to attract more talented professors, who will then come from all around the World and do researches, which will have far reaching consequences in whatever field in time to come.

Oh yes, the last point is important. It makes the university more...distinguished. Everyone will then hear the name of the University and be wowed. The graduates stand to gain from this too. Imagine, a graduate from one of the top ranked universities (in the region)! How cool is that?!

The Beisitzer is still shaking his head.

So, better go back and do some more revision.