Dear pipsqueaks,
I've always gone by the words, "live every day to its fullest". Taking every chance without hesitation, for some chances are once in a life time. To miss it will be forever regretted. Well, possibly. At least that's what I thought about my very fortunate state to wander the world. Not until last week when I came back from Jakarta that I truly feel even travelling needs to be on a carefully measured scale too.
Everyone thinks that travelling, aka, exploring, adventuring etc., whatever you want to call it, is a form of relaxation and rest. Completely true, up to a point. No one ever sees the headache of packing bags, the torture of making the trip to the airport, and the boredom of waiting for the plane to land. All of the pre-fun part are almost never taken into account. Of course, who would remember? Well, my body does.
22 June 2012
21 June 2012
Away From Home
Dear pipsqueaks,
Having hit the limits of my ability to endure pain, I paid a visit to a nearby hospital and was emitted to the emergency room. As I laid on the bed while the nurse pulled the curtains all around, suddenly enclosed, I felt alone. Why is it that at such a moment being alone mattered? It's not as if having anyone there would take away the pain. But, it would probably have given me the mental support I needed. To know that someone cared...well, I'm sure my family, the BF, and my friends care about me. Possibly, the real challenge is not the battle against sickness, but the fight against loneliness that deepens when one is weak.
Having hit the limits of my ability to endure pain, I paid a visit to a nearby hospital and was emitted to the emergency room. As I laid on the bed while the nurse pulled the curtains all around, suddenly enclosed, I felt alone. Why is it that at such a moment being alone mattered? It's not as if having anyone there would take away the pain. But, it would probably have given me the mental support I needed. To know that someone cared...well, I'm sure my family, the BF, and my friends care about me. Possibly, the real challenge is not the battle against sickness, but the fight against loneliness that deepens when one is weak.
On a side note, my boss actually called to check up on me! No worries, super PA is super after all. I will survive.
18 June 2012
Just Gotta Do [Jakarta]
Dear pipsqueaks,
Djarum Indonesia Open 2012: it almost came down to a no-go decision as I had only bought a one-way ticket to Jakarta at a dirt cheap price of MYR95 with no return ticket cutting close to 2 weeks prior to departure.Why didn't I buy the return ticket together? Because AirAsia's sneaky like that. With a cheap outbound, you can almost guarantee a full price for the return, so I waited and waited to see if the price would drop. It's quite random with Air Asia as they tend to manipulate what's available to ensure the best sell out. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but it's a little "ugh" when you check again and realise another flight time is actually available, but you can't make exchanges to your existing ticket because it was on promotion. So be very careful when booking with Air Asia! Know the trend to beat it :)
Anyway, this post is obviously not about AirAsia, but it began with it as I always try to keep all my travels to a minimum- flying low cost is the way to go! By now, it's almost a commonplace for something to happen when I travel. Be it checking in at the wrong counter, not being able to access my luggage for overnight stay in Singapore, or making Olympian sprinter-estimated transfer times in London Heathrow, it's almost abnormal for something not to happen during my explorations. This time was no different.
Djarum Indonesia Open 2012: it almost came down to a no-go decision as I had only bought a one-way ticket to Jakarta at a dirt cheap price of MYR95 with no return ticket cutting close to 2 weeks prior to departure.Why didn't I buy the return ticket together? Because AirAsia's sneaky like that. With a cheap outbound, you can almost guarantee a full price for the return, so I waited and waited to see if the price would drop. It's quite random with Air Asia as they tend to manipulate what's available to ensure the best sell out. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but it's a little "ugh" when you check again and realise another flight time is actually available, but you can't make exchanges to your existing ticket because it was on promotion. So be very careful when booking with Air Asia! Know the trend to beat it :)
Anyway, this post is obviously not about AirAsia, but it began with it as I always try to keep all my travels to a minimum- flying low cost is the way to go! By now, it's almost a commonplace for something to happen when I travel. Be it checking in at the wrong counter, not being able to access my luggage for overnight stay in Singapore, or making Olympian sprinter-estimated transfer times in London Heathrow, it's almost abnormal for something not to happen during my explorations. This time was no different.
10 June 2012
Weekend Getaway: Kota Kinabalu
Dear pipsqueaks,
No doubt, I think I do make the most of everything sometimes. Possibly even a bit spoiled, but meh, that's life. You only live once. So many times I hear, "yah, next time". Well, what if there isn't a next time? Chances come and go. Tides ever-changing. This is not to say that a better chance may not come, but just that THIS chance may not happen again in the future. So, the best way? To live every moment to the fullest.
With that said, we spent the weekend in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia. Although the weather wasn't fantabulous during our whole stay, for the most part, it played it's part right.
Upon arrival at Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, you could say I was slightly disappointed by the presentation of the hotel as it did carry a world-brand name of Best Western. It was quite an old hotel with a rather small lobby/reception area. The breakfast area doubled as a karaoke/lounge at night, with an always-occupied pool table that we never got a chance to play on. The elevator tried to eat me several times, but I survived. Somehow, I had a feeling there was a reason why this hotel room was slightly cheaper on agoda.com. Literally opening the door, it brushes pass a corner of our bed. A step to the right side, you'll find a table, and a step to the left, a cupboard beside the TV that eventually led to the washroom door. What surprised me? The shower was missing a piece of the sliding door. I mean, yah it's overall a clean room, even though slightly small, but missing a shower door? Hm. I also tripped on a tile that was sticking up a bit from the rest, but survived that too. Oh! And the addition of curtains to create the illusion that a window exists? Hm, I guess it did make me feel a bit better, for the mind does play great tricks indeed.
No doubt, I think I do make the most of everything sometimes. Possibly even a bit spoiled, but meh, that's life. You only live once. So many times I hear, "yah, next time". Well, what if there isn't a next time? Chances come and go. Tides ever-changing. This is not to say that a better chance may not come, but just that THIS chance may not happen again in the future. So, the best way? To live every moment to the fullest.
With that said, we spent the weekend in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia. Although the weather wasn't fantabulous during our whole stay, for the most part, it played it's part right.
Upon arrival at Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, you could say I was slightly disappointed by the presentation of the hotel as it did carry a world-brand name of Best Western. It was quite an old hotel with a rather small lobby/reception area. The breakfast area doubled as a karaoke/lounge at night, with an always-occupied pool table that we never got a chance to play on. The elevator tried to eat me several times, but I survived. Somehow, I had a feeling there was a reason why this hotel room was slightly cheaper on agoda.com. Literally opening the door, it brushes pass a corner of our bed. A step to the right side, you'll find a table, and a step to the left, a cupboard beside the TV that eventually led to the washroom door. What surprised me? The shower was missing a piece of the sliding door. I mean, yah it's overall a clean room, even though slightly small, but missing a shower door? Hm. I also tripped on a tile that was sticking up a bit from the rest, but survived that too. Oh! And the addition of curtains to create the illusion that a window exists? Hm, I guess it did make me feel a bit better, for the mind does play great tricks indeed.
(my snacks for the night! Haven't had a Crunch since highschool, possibly)
04 June 2012
The Dark Side of Kuala Lumpur
Dear pipsqueaks,
It took me some time to be able to objectively look at this event. For many, it would seem like I've "unconsciously" asked for it by walking in an unpopulated alley wearing my jewellery the way I do, and at some point, I may have actually believed that. But not any more. To think that way is to condone this kind of behaviour, which no society should. Before all this analysis, I should probably share with you one of my first nightmares of living in KL.
I had just crossed my one-year mark on the 1-Jun. I can't say I had made the most of my year living in KL, but I did quite well with my travels. All in all, it had been a good year. No major events or injuries (okay, apart from the one where I slipped and popped some elbow skin in my own apartment). So, of course, with all that positive experience, no one would think such a thing would happen. That is exactly where I went wrong.
It took me some time to be able to objectively look at this event. For many, it would seem like I've "unconsciously" asked for it by walking in an unpopulated alley wearing my jewellery the way I do, and at some point, I may have actually believed that. But not any more. To think that way is to condone this kind of behaviour, which no society should. Before all this analysis, I should probably share with you one of my first nightmares of living in KL.
I had just crossed my one-year mark on the 1-Jun. I can't say I had made the most of my year living in KL, but I did quite well with my travels. All in all, it had been a good year. No major events or injuries (okay, apart from the one where I slipped and popped some elbow skin in my own apartment). So, of course, with all that positive experience, no one would think such a thing would happen. That is exactly where I went wrong.
03 June 2012
Checking In From Wuhan
Dear pipsqueaks,
(couldn't access to my blogger in China, so this is just an at-the-moment post I wrote while I was in Wuhan...)
Sitting in Secretariat duty, I’m about to pass out from food overdose and over-soreness of the right side of my body. Yes, I was dragged on court during our badminton session last night to play in my jean shorts and randomly offered skater shoes (even though I didn’t mind playing bare feet). Once again, the aftermath proved that I should just stay off court, because the level of expectancy to perform as I did during my junior days is nowhere in comparison to what I can physically do now. So, to save myself all that disappointment, it’s probably better to just resume behind the curtains. Although, I do have to say, it was great fun to be playing again. It does remind me of how and why I find myself in the position that I am now, and in support of such an amazing sport. It’s true- a sport for all ages and all groups.
The tournament is the gathering; the game is the language. Do you speak badminton?
Of course, never trust a chinese when they tell you it will be a “light meal”. The after-baddy snack was more than fifteen dishes, though quite uniquely, styling different types of cuisine. From sashimi to pancakes to wok-tossed vegetables, you could say the meal was well-prepared to accommodate our group of diverse representatives from around the world. Mind you, most of us only had time to change into a fresh shirt before being rushed to dinner. Not knowing it would be in such a grand scale, the expression “under-dressed” facepalmed me upon entering the hotel. Well, at least I didn’t contaminate the surrounding air with waft of distinct odor :P Nonetheless, I wish I were hungry enough to try everything! Needless to say, breakfast was just unnecessary after such a big dinner, but seeing how I’ll be on duty for 4 hours, I should really grab something. A chocolate muffin would have been great, except it’s always when you want something that it’s not there. The hunt is still on for two more mornings!
(couldn't access to my blogger in China, so this is just an at-the-moment post I wrote while I was in Wuhan...)
Sitting in Secretariat duty, I’m about to pass out from food overdose and over-soreness of the right side of my body. Yes, I was dragged on court during our badminton session last night to play in my jean shorts and randomly offered skater shoes (even though I didn’t mind playing bare feet). Once again, the aftermath proved that I should just stay off court, because the level of expectancy to perform as I did during my junior days is nowhere in comparison to what I can physically do now. So, to save myself all that disappointment, it’s probably better to just resume behind the curtains. Although, I do have to say, it was great fun to be playing again. It does remind me of how and why I find myself in the position that I am now, and in support of such an amazing sport. It’s true- a sport for all ages and all groups.
The tournament is the gathering; the game is the language. Do you speak badminton?
Of course, never trust a chinese when they tell you it will be a “light meal”. The after-baddy snack was more than fifteen dishes, though quite uniquely, styling different types of cuisine. From sashimi to pancakes to wok-tossed vegetables, you could say the meal was well-prepared to accommodate our group of diverse representatives from around the world. Mind you, most of us only had time to change into a fresh shirt before being rushed to dinner. Not knowing it would be in such a grand scale, the expression “under-dressed” facepalmed me upon entering the hotel. Well, at least I didn’t contaminate the surrounding air with waft of distinct odor :P Nonetheless, I wish I were hungry enough to try everything! Needless to say, breakfast was just unnecessary after such a big dinner, but seeing how I’ll be on duty for 4 hours, I should really grab something. A chocolate muffin would have been great, except it’s always when you want something that it’s not there. The hunt is still on for two more mornings!