A year and a half later...

I miss documenting things. I feel like I've been missing out on so many unforgettable opportunities but I have never had the urge to blog about them anymore. Some of them are going to be left forgotten just like that later in the future.

This is just a rant. Nothing more than that. My (not-so) regrets in life. But hey, there's more to life than just documenting them in the form of writing. I still have still pictures for me to remember them by, no?

Word of Mouth: Diary

There’s always a first for everything.

My first new experience for the year 2017 is attending a poetry night event: Word of Mouth.

I have never imagined that one night, I would be sitting on the floor, listening to an amazing bunch of poet and poetess. Never crossed my mind at all. Never thought that I’d like it, let alone love it.

But I did!

I enjoyed the pieces and some touched my heart. Especially because the theme is sooo personal: diary. If only I had put enough effort to feel the feelings that they were trying to deliver, I would have cried! (I almost did but I didn’t. Close enough.) I have yet to reach that level of emotional expression, obviously.

I did laugh though.

Excuse me for stereotyping but I thought poems are supposed to be deep, emotional and dark. I never thought that it would be humorous. Boy, was I wrong. These people expressed themselves well enough that the showcase was super entertaining for me. I enjoyed it so much, I would recommend everyone to come at least once to experience it themselves.

I was blown away that night. Too bad I didn’t get to stay for the whole thing. Next time, I’ll stay longer so that I can be swept off my feet by more awesome strangers.

Thank you to my friend for giving me a reason to check this thing out. I love your emotional piece that I can resonate well with. I wish I have the talent and courage to bare my soul to the public like you did. You did great and I am so proud of you! #minishoutout

Now, where’s my creative juice? Or to be more precise, where are my emotions?

Check this page out for similar upcoming events!

Happy New Year (Finally!)

Ummm. Happy…New Year!? Hehe better late than never!

This post is probably more suited for the coming Chinese New Year but whatever, I can start a new year whenever I want because WHY NOT.

Like every other year, I wish to write more. Just so you know, I have a somewhat similar post in the draft folder since three weeks ago but I never managed to click on the publish button because I was too distracted by other things that I had in mind at the time. Attention span level: goldfish.

BUT THIS IS HAPPENING. I AM FINALLY PUBLISHING THIS.

So, what are my plans and goals for the blog this year?

1. To finish posting all those travel logs that I started but never finish – simply sharing the photos should be acceptable (I’m keeping the expectation and amount of work low here, people).
2. To post the things that I have crossed off from this list.
3. To post about my new experiences and life milestones/achievements.
4. To bug my friends to write more so that I have things to read and that will pressure me to write more too.

And phew! That’s a lot. And they should be enough and hard to keep for this year.

Let’s pray and hope that I have consistent determination to maintain this blog better.

Cheers to a colourful 2017!

Update

Abandoned for ten (eventful) months.

Such a waste of opportunity (and stories)! But, it's never too late to do anything about it, yes, no?

So, here I go!

Okay...where do I start?

...

Maybe, later.

Every. Single. Time.

Summer Trip Travelog: Getting to Amsterdam

Our tour with Kelana Convoy started at Park Lane, London.

All participants were required to gather at this place by 7:30 a.m because the coach would depart at 8 a.m. sharp. We weren’t the earliest to arrive. In fact, we were probably one of the latest (not late though!). The bus was almost full when we went up to the upper deck to take our seats.

Our first destination was Amsterdam and to get there, we had to pass through France and Belgium. Based on the itinerary provided, the options to get to France was either by taking a ferry or traveling under the sea via Channel Tunnel (I know, sounds interesting, right?!).

The first pit stop was at Folkestone which meant we were going to use the Eurotunnel!

We had plenty of time before our ‘boarding time’ and thus, we were allowed to roam around the tax and duty-free mall. The crews also allocated some time to show the campers on how to set up a tent. This was crucial information for first timers like me and my friends, so, we took videos...

 

 

The journey to France through the Eurotunnel was only 35 minutes. You didn’t even notice the difference once you’re inside. The most interesting part for me was probably getting the vehicles in and out of the shuttle. #mudahterhibur

 

Europe has strict rules on drivers to ensure safe driving. A driver can only work 9 hours per day and a break of at least 45 minutes after no more than 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving is required. Therefore, to adhere to these rules, we had another pit stop: the chocolate factory outlet. (I personally think these rules are cool - it helps to reduce the risk of accidents and cares for the drivers' rights.)

 

At the chocolate factory, everyone went crazy with the free samples. The word free and Malaysians are a lethal combination. Given that this was the first pit stop, I didn’t go too crazy on chocolate shopping – budget and space-constraints. But I did buy four boxes of chocolates…and had a lot of free samples. :P

Later that evening, we arrived at our campsite: Het Amsterdamse Bos. We picked a spot by the small stream and set up our tent for the night there. Such a cool first camping experience, no? 

 

Photo credits: Uncle Mustaffa