Tried and Tested

A Prelude to My Expat Tales

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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It's been almost three weeks since I got back from my most recent trip. And while I am still busy slaving myself to my laptop, trying to gain back what I spent for that 10-day out of the country trip, I am taking a break to tell and show some wonderful things about it.

I'm just going to tell about my trip to Malaysia, because Vietnam has already been told several times in my blog, and I know the minute I started talking about Hanoi again, I'll end up gushing. Plus, I didn't take many photos during my return, because I wanted as much as possible to spend more time with my friends, Austen and Ryan, and less sight seeing.

The main reason I went to Malaysia is to see my favourite band, Bloc Party in FMFA. I was originally scheduled to go to Kuala Lumpur in November, but then I had to make changes because I thought there's no chance of seeing the band I have been fan girling to for so many years to bring their talents in Manila. So I immediately bought new set of tickets to KL and took advantage of Early Bird Discount for FMFA. Much to my surprise when somebody posted that Bloc Party's holding their first concert here. But I wasn't disappointed because aside from them, I also got to see fun. and Temper Trap. Not bad, right? Also, Psy who sang Gangnam Style TWICE.

Arrived very early in Kuala Lumpur and despite it being one in the morning, it was unutterably hot. The very humid city is even hotter than Manila, but looks much the same, with enormous buildings and blinding lights. I spent my first night in a hostel, my first time EVER, because my host (who I have forgiven before I even met him!) was not able to pick me up in KL Sentral. I was there, maybe for an hour thinking where to go. I was tired, hungry, and desperate for a shower when I decided to screw my plan of sleeping in the train station. I wasn't even sure if that is possible, though. So I searched for the nearest, possibly cheapest hostel to get some shut eye. In about a thirty minutes, after a shower and fixing stuff, I finally slept. Hostel life isn't easy, especially when most people are already snoring when you arrive.

I have seen far worse signs, but this is one of the funniest things I saw in my hostel.

The next morning was filled with many awkward firsts, as I struggled my way around the hostel, eating and barely talking to other guests. I'm not sure if you've had the same "first day jitters." I didn't bother making any more acquaintances, as I was so worried about my host. When I got back to my room, I received a call from him and my life became a better place again. Next thing I knew, I was off to my first mall, where he lived nearby.

Well, my first bus ride. A man paid for my fare. Saved me RM 1.80

I met the very charming Martin, my host in one of KL's biggest malls, MidValley. We walked from the mall to his condominium under the sweltering heat. Then went back to the same centre in the shorter, more shady, but very dangerous way. It was fun crossing highways, going through fences, and under the flyways. I was just too happy to meet him finally, and get to the other side alive. The first agenda of the day was to look for Borders, because no matter where I go, I always look for bookstores. I'm not sure if Martin was amused by my marvelling on supposedly the biggest bookstore in KL, but told me it's in the same mall. After dropping me off in MidValley and reaching the bookstore, I made my way back to the city center, at freaking 12nn.

While waiting for the train from MidValley to KL Sentral

Luckily, my host was kind enough to lend me his LRT card and it saved me tons of Ringgits because I'm the roaming, but easily gets lost type of girl. I cannot remember how many times I rode a different train or got off the wrong stop. But it was fun getting lost, just don't mind the excruciating heat. Kuala Lumpur has a pretty impressive transportation system. I really, really liked their trains, which go in some schedule so you don't have to wait long in train stations. My host lived pretty near Seputeh's train station, more like 10 minutes walk from his place. I didn't mind walking, but during the first few nights, I was so paranoid, I end up running from the station to his condo, flashing my led lights. It was crazy.

My friend Vins wanted me to look for this specific place where Bea Alonzo shot a scene for one of her movies. After looking for it in Google, it led me to this place:

Can't seem to find my panorama shot, but this is pretty much it.

This lake is Titiwangsa. I walked miles from the station to get to this place, so it was a relief to sit for a while, watch people, and look over at Petronas from afar. My next agenda was to get to Petronas, and thought it would be an easy trek. Of course I was wrong. It was waaay over the other side. I was not even far from Titiwangsa and I was already sweating and so tired I looked so harassed. I kid you not. Good thing, a group of Malaysian students were kind enough to tell me which way to go, with one of them actually driving me to the towers, even if it was out of his way. You already know this story from previous post.

After a brief ride, I reached Petronas Twin Towers!!! I'm not really a fan of skyscrapers, but Petronas was just too majestic, I couldn't even. It's no wonder a lot of tourists troop over to KLCC to get a glimpse of this beauty. If I had much more money, I'd go all the way to the top to get a view of the entire city.

Ah, no one to take a photo of me against/ carrying the towers. I would have loved to do those 'stunts'

Some more photos of the towers from 3PM to 7PM. Sunset was at 7:30PM so...

I didn't realise I spent so much time around KLCC, just oggling at Petronas. I spent some more time inside the malls, like Berjaya and Suria KLCC, but just to get some cold air. I was probably too tired, all I can remember was lying down in KLCC park until 7PM, because I really wanted to wait for sunset, but it was getting 'late,' I decided to go home.

And it was such a bad idea to stay until 7-ish because I caught the human traffic in rush hour. Not comparable to us, because KL-ites are disciplined to fall in line and wait for their turn when riding the train. But too much people, was TOO much. I went from LRT Putra line to KTM Rawang-Seremban line. There were too much walking and I was just so happy to end my first day in KL. But because my memory always fails me, I ended up crossing the other side of Seputeh, I had to go through a scary under pass and of course ran my way to Martin's condo to get there fast.

Never Forget.

Good thing when I arrived, Martin was already there, home from work. I took a snapshot of my view from his place. I don't know why I didn't take a morning version. It was beautiful in the morning, especially at sunrise, which I saw that one morning when I woke up early.

All the KL Lights. Petronas, sadly is on the other side, where there's no window

Martin and I ended our day with his karaoke app. And because karaoke brings out the competitive side of me, stayed up pretty late trying to beat each other's scores.

I guess this entry is pretty long, so I will tell more stories of the next few days in upcoming entries.

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Couchsurfing

Nobody to Somebody

Thursday, March 28, 2013

"Some stranger took me from Titiwangsa to Petronas today."

"Weren't you afraid?"

There was a brief pause before I finally told Martin, "No. Actually I never really thought about it until now."

Funny my host asked why I wasn't scared when he was also a complete nobody to me until the morning we met... Which was on the same day this happened.

I have always had trust issues. I don't remember when and how it started, but I know I'm never the trusting type of person. Sure, we could talk about our secrets and tell each other the darkest stuff about ourselves, but it takes time, even years before I finally lay my elusive trust on you.

But since I started travelling on my own, I realised I'm trusting my life more to strangers than I actually trust people I've known for so many years. It's quite ironic to think that I am more at ease with unknowns, rather than those who knew me almost since birth. I have grown accustomed to living with people I have only met for a few days, all thanks to Couchsurfing. I have also eaten, walked, and spent happy hours with locals who despite having a hard time conversing in English, take the time to help me plan out my itinerary and without a miss, direct me to where I am supposed to go. I look back and think I could have gotten some serious trouble if I weren't so keen. Imagine, a petite girl, with very poor eyesight, who looks like she can't kill a bug to save her life, hanging out with complete 'aliens'. Luckily, three countries after (including the Philippines) I am still here alive, unharmed, and still have all my belongings intact. It's also amusing that those people you think you know and knew you way back are those who sometimes lead you astray.

Sometimes, I wonder what I was thinking when I joined those people because I would never talk to anyone I don't know. Usually, I think twice before I go with or talk to someone, as what I was taught. But recently, I give in to blind trust and eventually follow my instincts. I guess that's the good thing about travelling alone. You are forced to get out of your comfort zone, speak up, and immerse yourself to a community completely new to you. Maybe without thinking about it, my problem with opening up and trusting people have become my motivation to finally open myself to others.

So far, I have spent nights sleeping on the couch and beds of three different people who I just met weeks before. Walked around with a fellow traveller I have only talked with over e-mails and sms before meeting up in real life. Exchanged stories and itineraries with a nomad I met on a plane. Ate at sidewalks with strange menu and not thinking about what I am actually eating. Rode a car with a man who only asked for my blog address in exchange for his kindness (hello, if you're reading this!) Going from one place to another with someone who was kind enough to pay for my fare and the list of awesome experiences with strangers pile up every time I set foot on a new destination. I have also maintained good relationships with most of them that some have become my close friends! These people have also helped shape some of my thoughts and have been instrumental with my life path. I find myself coming back to their stories every time I think about my future.

Maybe I'm just lucky enough with my encounters. Maybe it's the heaven telling me it's okay to trust. I'm not so sure of the reasons why all of these are happening. But one thing is true, these people are responsible for the greatest things I have ever experienced throughout my trips. I could not imagine how my travels would have been if it weren't for them.

Here's to hoping I get all the luck in the world and meet more wonderful strangers along the way.

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Life

Why Some Things Do Not Work

Sunday, February 10, 2013

There has been so much stuff written about first love. Some say it's bittersweet, others said it's worth it, some are even wishing it never happened. It could be many things, but forgettable is not one of them.

I remember mine like it was yesterday. When you're seven and attracted for the first time, you will think it is love. Maybe it was more of a crush, because what would a first grader know of such things? He's older, funnier, and wiser. He didn't smell, always tidy, and reserved. My adult self would like him so much. Every day when we're called to class, I was so excited my heart literally skips a beat. One time during our practice, I forgot my poem and felt embarrassed, not to my teachers, just to him. I noticed that I was more conscious when he's around. He has become my motivation and the reason why I did better in English classes as compared to my other subjects.

When he left school after a year, I thought things would be different. I have not really talked to him and there was probably no other way to look for him so I bid memories goodbye and went on with my life. There were no emails, no Facebook, or Google to search for him. I was eight and had no capacity to look for people. I gave up.

But a few years after, with the influx of text messages, I finally got a chance to talk to him. Our exchanges were something I looked forward to. I was twelve when I finally realised I was in love. It didn't happen instantly. But our situation was not that easy. I was young and not ready. I wasn't even sure if my parents will allow me to go out. So the futile attempts to have a relationship was aborted. I had no choice, but to forget. So he and I decided, we'd be friends. That's it. That was probably a stupid, but an effective remedy at that time. Because really, conceal romantic feelings with friendship? Yes, that would totally work. (Sarcasm)

Our friendship went on for a decade, maybe even more. In a span of ten years, there were times when we'd talk about getting together, but we never really got a chance to. How we have always attempted to give it a shot, but circumstances begged it won't work. He and I remained friends, very good friends that sometimes when good things happened to me, he was the first person to know. How my ex-boyfriends asked me to stop talking to him, but I didn't because why would I? I made myself think that I am not in love with him because THIS will not work, because duh, friends don't fall in love. That's the cardinal rule of friendship, don't fall in love or else friendship is doomed.

But you know how fickle minded women are. Why not take it to the next level? And when we finally made a plunge, it didn't work. My worst fear took place and I didn't know what to do. I thought I was too comfortable with him. I am not really sure how he felt. There were good days and there were bad days. We didn't fight, probably because we know each other well, if not too well. But things, no matter how hard you make it happen, will now work. We have tried, but it did not succeed. My old school love is now one of my worst heartbreaks.

There were times when I thought, I wish nothing happened because I did not only lose a lover, but I also lost a friend. There were so many times when the world told us, told me THIS WILL NOT WORK, in bold, capital letters, but you know, I was stubborn and in-love, and unbelievably stupid. I believed we could make it. It was painful. This person you thought you knew how to care and love, is completely a different person from how you imagined him to be. It might not be Earth shattering, but it was close.

But the heartaches aside, I am happy he has such a positive effect on me. He's one of the reasons why I went to study Journalism. He's the reason why I watch, read, and like certain things. He's the reason why I cringe when 'stuffs' and 'did + past tense of the word' happen. He taught me well.

He was my first love. I'm pretty sure, I am not his. But ours could have been a love story worth telling to. And no matter how many kisses and hugs come in the future, the feeling shared with your first love is hard to forget - the mushiness, the intensity, the whirlwind emotions. I have read somewhere that your first love will eventually become a benchmark to your succeeding relationships. Which is sad, because I want the next person I fall in love with be himself. Not some replica of the past.

They say, there's a minute chance of ending up with your first love. There is no right formula or spell to end up with the first person you have ever fallen in love with. And when they're done, you have to move on.

I struggle with this resolution every day. He has been a part of something wonderful, but it's over. He could be the first, but the most important thing is to find the one who will and will be the last.

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Authors

Of Handwritten Letters and Scribbled Notes

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Somebody once told me I am an old soul. And although I don't think I am wise beyond my years (still childlike and childish at 24), it's nice that someone thinks you understand the world more compared to people your age.

But I'd like to think that my being an old soul stems from my traditional approach to things. Maybe I have lived a hundred years ahead and that my spirit thinks it's still in the same period, like it never left. It's still living relishing experiences and the only way to do those things again is to make it happen in this lifetime. I'm not sure now if I'm still making sense, but you get the point right?

One of the "old" things I tremendously enjoy is writing letters. There is something about stories written in ink and the anticipation it brings that make letters endearing. Whenever there's a chance, I prefer to write my messages and scribble my short notes, instead of sending them virtually. With the emergence of technology, handwritten letters are becoming obsolete. I remember when having a pen pal was a hit and knew of people who ended up together after having written each other. It has since become a thing of the past (and corny) when the internet arrived. We need our information fast and cheap, so we settle for e-mails, Facebook messages, and texts.

Although I really cannot do anything, but to ride the wave of modernisation, there is still a huge part of me who wants to get my letters the old fashion way, longhand, stamps, postcards, post office, the works. My parents were lucky enough to enjoy writing love letters when my father lived in the US when I was younger. It was fun and heartwarming at the same time to read his letters now, thinking how much time he spent actually writing those, even when he was dead tired from work. I also kept a few postcards sent by Lian when she was in London and Scotland and Monica when she was in Malaysia. Honestly, I appreciate those things more than any other souvenir.

One of my books, Love Letters of Great Men and Women featured some of the most romantic love letters in our history. My favourite, not just because it's featured in Sex and the City (well okay partly) was Beethoven's third letter to his Beloved Immortal:

Good morning, on July 7

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

Ever thine

Ever

mine

Ever ours

I also frequent to Letters of Note, a site featuring collected correspondences written by people from different periods of our time. Although not everything is handwritten, it's still interesting to read through all sorts of messages, letters, postcards, faxes, telegrams, and memos. It's also fascinating to go through photos read a bit about them. I have bookmarked Stieg Larsson, journalist and author of the Millenium Series. This was his letter to his partner Eva Gabrielsson, which he specifically requested that she open after he dies.

Stockholm,
February 9, 1977

Eva, my love,
It's over. One way or another, everything comes to an end. It's all over some day. That's perhaps one of the most fascinating truths we know about the entire universe. The stars die, the galaxies die, the planets die. And people die too. I've never been a believer, but the day I became interested in astronomy, I think I put aside all that was left of my fear of death. I'd realized that in comparison to the universe, a human being, a single human being, me... is infinitely small. Well, I'm not writing this letter to deliver a profound religious or philosophical lecture. I'm writing it to tell you "farewell." I was just talking to you on the phone. I can still hear the sound of your voice. I imagine you, before my eyes...a beautiful image, a lovely memory I will keep until the end. At this very moment, reading this letter, you know that I am dead.

There are things I want you to know. As I leave for Africa, I'm aware of what's waiting for me. I even have the feeling that this trip could bring about my death, but it's something that I have to experience, in spite of everything. I wasn't born to sit in an armchair. I'm not like that. Correction: I wasn't like that...I'm not going to Africa just as a journalist, I'm going above all on a political mission, and that's why I think this trip might lead to my death.

This is the first time I've written to you knowing exactly what to say: I love you, I love you, love you, love you. I want you to know that. I want you to know that I love you more than I've ever loved anyone. I want you to know I mean that seriously. I want you to remember me but not grieve for me. If I truly mean something to you, and I know that I do, you will probably suffer when you learn I am dead. But if I really mean something to you, don't suffer, I don't want that. Don't forget me, but go on living. Live your life. Pain will fade with time, even if that's hard to imagine right now. Live in peace, my dearest love; live, love, hate, and keep fighting...

I had a lot of faults, I know, but some good qualities as well, I hope. But you, Eva, you inspired such love in me that I was never able to express it to you...

Straighten up, square your shoulders, hold your head high. Okay? Take care of yourself, Eva. Go have a cup of coffee. It's over. Thank you for the beautiful times we had. You made me very happy. Adieu.

I kiss you goodbye, Eva.

From Stieg, with love.

While I know it would be silly now (unless you have so much trust to humanity) to write and send handwritten to complete strangers, I took a sudden leap of faith and correspond (although through e-mail) with a fellow traveller I haven't spoken to in real life and had just shared a few eye contacts with when we met. Honestly, the letters/updates have been a highlight of my weeks, and I hope I haven't creeped my friend yet, but I told my e-mail pal that it's actually refreshing to reply to mails aside from those I get from work. As much as I want to write with pen and paper, I guess electronic mails would suffice for now. But I hope one day, I get to receive actual letters and be able to give them without clicking "send."

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Book

Thank you, Twenty Twelve

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Yesterday, Steve Carell posted this on his Twitter account:

And then I figured that because it's probably the end of the world tomorrow, the least I can do is to be grateful. That is probably the kindest thing a person can ever think of doing before dying. That or profess undying love, but you know me, I don't profess. The world *might* not end tomorrow, and I don't want to go through the next years of my life in hiding. So here are the things I am truly thankful for this year, in no particular order (this phrase is so Ms. Universe!), just because I may not be able to do so.

1. Thank you 2012 for allowing me to go to Hanoi

I'm not sure how I will get over this, but the definite highlight of my year is travelling alone to Hanoi. I am thankful for the opportunity to get out on my own and leave my comfort zone without support from anyone. Truth is, it was kind of an ordeal to conceive my plan without busting it to my parents, because I know once they knew about it, they won't allow me to go and I will be very sad, because I have already paid for my tickets (hehe). I never really intended to travel alone and have never thought about Hanoi, until the last minute when I randomly selected a city. Glad I made the decision and pursued it because it has taught me a lot of things I don't think I'd discover had I decided not to go.

Going there gave me time to talk to people I never really thought I have the courage to talk to. My host, +Ryan told me that independence and rebelling are good things (I know he meant rebelling in a good way), that it's not bad to leave things behind, even if it gives you so much money, for something you actually love and gives you happiness and better sense of fulfillment in life. My experience with him has helped me open up to trusting people again, which is really hard for me with all my trust issues. There are so many people I've met during my short stay, but Ryan has definitely made me think about my life and my goals, which makes him the coolest person I met this year.

2. Thank you 2012 for the awesome movies, books, and music this year

Movies, Books, and Movies are three of the things I truly enjoy, but never paid too much attention to. During the start of the year, I vowed to write all the movies I saw and books I read throughout 2012. It was tedious, but it gave me a push to discover and re-discover because the thought of not filling out the notebook is disappointing. True enough, it made me see more movies, even those I have already seen before. It made me appreciate (or not) the things I've seen or read. It helped stir up conversations among my friends, which made meet ups more engaging. It made me buy or download (sorry!) books of different genre (some of which I have yet to read, but at least I have things to do when the world continues to live beyond 21st). Aside from my growing book collection, I have also decided to collect DVDs which I am planning to make bigger if I survive the apocalypse.

This year has led me to 8tracks, a site which features specially curated playlists, letting users become their own DJ and create a virtual mixtape. I don't know where have I been living all these years and I only discovered 8tracks this year. Shameful. This site has opened my ears to more artists, some of which I haven't really heard of. It gave my often neglected iPod Shuffle a new life with new tracks from singers and bands I got acquainted to by going to 8tracks. It can be a small feat for a self-proclaimed music fan, but a great musical victory nonetheless.

3. Thank you 2012 for being cruel... to be kind

I have been warned: 2012, despite being under my Chinese zodiac sign Dragon, will not be so nice with me and that's true. There are things I regret and I want to forget doing. But you know what, come to think of it, they me made stand up and face realities I try to shun away, because then, I only want what's beautiful and easy. This year's cruelty (from instances to people) made me work harder, made me think of things that truly matter, and let go of whatever's stopping me to do what I want to do. This year, brought heartache (so many times), anger, injustice, and whatever heart wrenching thing you can think of. But defeats, no matter how awful they are and how nearly it tried to kill you, must mean to make us stronger, better, and wiser.

4. Thank you 2012 for terrific friends anyone could have

This year may have been a roller coaster, but I must say that some of the best parts of 2012, if not all them were spent with these people. I am grateful for all the experiences I had with them, that nothing, even the worst natural disaster can ever erase. I'd like to think that my memory may not be top-notch, but I am glad I have photos to help me remember when, where, how, and why these things happened. I am grateful for brave friends who weren't afraid to be themselves and discover who they are. For wise friends who shared wisdom and experiences with utmost patience despite my short comings. For inspiring friends who has greatly influenced my decision to pursue my new goals.

This year brought me to new people, rekindled old friendship, strengthened bonds, and reaffirmed relationships. These photos are just snapshots of those people I am truly happy to have met. For those in and not in it, but have made a huge impact in my 2012, a big thank you and I hope we survive tomorrow.

5. Lastly, thank you 2012 for my awesome family

Despite everyone getting busy all year long, I am thankful my family and I get to spend time together. I cannot remember any year before 2012 where we spent the most time together. I'm not sure if it's with age or that we just really wanted to hang out as a family, but I am happy that we have those lunch dates, dining out, out-of-towns, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other wonderful instances to get together. I've never been so excited to celebrate any occasion in my life before, but this year was totally different that it made me giddy every time I invite or get an invite from them. Not to mention our adorable pets who are all charming and affectionate. I cannot imagine having another family and I would gladly spend the next lifetime with all of them.

And as I wait for December 21st, counting down minutes before a supposed demise of humankind, it's nice to look back and appreciate how beautiful life has turned out this year.

If by any chance I survive and end up in Planet Niburu, I hope I won't lose my memory and remember to still be grateful for the wonderful 2012 I had on Earth.

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A Prelude to My Expat Tales

Malaysia Day Two

Malaysia Day One

Nobody to Somebody

Why Some Things Do Not Work

Of Handwritten Letters and Scribbled Notes

Thank you, Twenty Twelve

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Thank you, Twenty Twelve

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