Reflections on board the MRT in Singapore

I seriously have no idea how many hours I’ve spent inside a train since yesterday here in Singapore. Moving from green to red to purple lines. Passing through various malls and shops.

And I’m exhausted. For the first time since the start of the Big Trip, I was impatient and I almost got stressed out.

The Cat and I in Melaka

It's 6pm, Melaka Town is about to sleep. I walked around not really knowing where to go. Stumbled upon boutique shops that are about to close and old historic structures. I thought maybe I should grab an early dinner now. I looked for restaurants that are open but couldn't find any. I turned left and just decided to eat at the first place I see that's open. There it is 'Honky Tonky Haven Cafe'. Quite a quirky name for Melaka, I thought. But I was hungry. An old man, he's from New Zealand, welcomed me in. I was about to sit down when he told me I can eat outside along the river. I didn't know there was a river nearby.

Why I'm Going Back to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu wasn’t initially part of the Big Trip. In fact, Kota was not on my list of places to go to. It was just a spontaneous decision by four highschool bestfriends who love traveling and who tries to travel together at least once a year. There wasn’t much research involved for our almost four days stay there. We could’t do the Mt. Kinabalu climb since it has to be booked months before and it’s quite expensive. So we just booked our hostel and decided that we’ll figure out everything else once we’re there.

But after visiting the place, I found out that it has a lot to offer. 

Settling Into The Backpackers' Lifestyle in KL

Diedeth, Martin, Jen, Edgardo

Note: I apologize as this entry may probably sound like a journal. Just wanted to tell you guys how my first day of traveling alone was. 

Finding my way around and the importance of packing light.

I arrived in KL only with a print-out of the directions going to the hostel and knew that I should go see Batu Caves and Petronas Towers at night. That was it. I didn't know how to go to the Caves or the Towers or what other worthy places to go to. Upon arrival in KL Sentral, I took the Metro and walked just a few blocks near the Central Market. Good thing I packed light. ;)

A Five Minute Moment in an Old and Rusty Local Train

Original photo by Mitch

"Toot! Toot! Toot". There's a father and son behind me. The father playing with his son and making train sounds.

There are two girls engrossed in their books and magazines.

There are two Muslim girls taking photos of each other and laughing.

I am on board a Kota Kinabalu rusty local old train.

The Day I Finally Quit my Job

2009 Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Quote from an Ad on the 2008 Beijing Olympics

The past few weeks in the office have been relatively busy. In fact, I even closed a deal on that same day. So I really didn't feel like it was my last day. It's either that or I was just in denial. 

Big Trip Preparations : Hoping to Learn the Art of Packing Light

Packing light? It's not easy. I had to practice three times. Now why do I have to pressure myself into packing light aside from its practicality? It's because I have a relatively small bag compared to what most backpackers bring:

LUGGAGE

These two bags are going to be my best friends for the next three months.

- Deuter ACT Lite 35+10SL bag which i bought before the Big Trip idea even came up. I love the shoulder straps and back system, and the bag's especially made for women. :)

Big Trip Preparations: Updates and Moving Out

Countdown: 16 days before the Big Trip; 12 days before I move out of my place.

As you’ve all noticed, I haven’t been posting much on my blog lately. Work has been keeping me busy, I still don’t feel like I’m about to resign. I’ve also been attending friends’ events which have been occupying my weekends. I’ve also crossed-out certain items in my to-do list for the Big Trip. And overwhelmed by the fact that I’m officially moving out of Manila in less than two weeks. Yes, I’m giving up my apartment.