THE FIRST [whatever that is] IS ALWAYS THE DEEPEST

Today's theme: 

THE FIRST TIME

Sounds so wrong but feels so right isn't it? heh.

Whoa.

Hold your horses and calm down. im not going there. not even remotely close. Not even a tiny bit of and attempt to entice you there.

Instead, I'm gonna share the first time for everything, going places and such.

Let me start with my first ever experience travelling abroad.I still remembered it like it was yesterday. And come to think of it, the next 3 years would mark the 20 years since I first traveled abroad. it was in the late 90s and I was still this young chap eager to see the world. PLEASE NOW, STOP CALCULATING AND GUESSING MY AGE! Continue reading puhlisss.

Going gaga over Luton for whatever reason

When the university offered a study tour (nowadays the call it student mobility) to UK, I jumped with excitement and enrolled in it. Of course, to raise fund we organized all sort of activities and the highlight was fashion at Crown Princess Hotel (no longer in KL. it was located at the Tun Razak junctions near KLCC - the place to be and where the famous nightclub/disco was located.. forgot the name though. I'll let you know later).

Ok I'm digressing. huh.

Anyway, with sponsorships pouring in and stuffs we were able to fly to the UK. Mind you, there was no Airasia and being a normal human like me, I would not even dream of flying. I remembered the return ticket to the UK was about RM 9k close to 10k yeah. and there were 36 of us. it was 13 hours direct flight and God were we bored to our bones. I put on my modjo and flirt with the flight attendant just for the kick. haha.

In the UK, we stayed at Malaysia Hall before going to our host university, Luton University. If im not mistaken, it's 2-3 hours ride from Bryanston Square. While in the heart of Great Britain, we managed to cover the famous Shakespeare Village at Stratford-Upon-Avon and spend good one day there. Crossing the Hyde Park oh so many times that it became our rituals just because it was really nice walking. You dont get it here in KL because its hot and humid and before you know it, you'll drenched with sweats and stinks. Yuck. Whilst in London, the cold weather suit me just fine.

The team. We are TESL-ing!

Ok, Imma stop now. Perhaps in another entry I'll write more. Ciao bella!

[apekTRAVELS]

Souvenirs

Since I'm too lazy to re-write my post on Pangkor, I am just gonna share some of the souvenirs collected for the past 10 years or so whilst traveling from one country to another. 😂

This need no caption, right? 3 eiffels to mark my three visits to this city of light. eh love. which is it?

The wooden camel I bought in Doha, Qatar in one of my business trip. Stop short for 2 days. Didn't get to really enjoy the city except its mall and eating places and desert view. heh. The stupa and the miniature temple I bought at Candi Borobudur and Candi Prambanan respectively. Stayed and enjoyed the city whole heartedly as I stayed there for 7 days and 6 nights. Managed to cover Jogjakarta and Solo. Visited the famous UNESCO certified Borobudur and Prambanan. Went to Gunung Merapi and visited the eerie site where the people was burnt alive. 

Ah yes, visited the mytical Kratons in Solo. Yup, there are more than 1 Kraton. Take your time and savor these two cultural infuse city. Don't forget Maliboro for some signature batik shopping. One thing I regretted was that I didn't have the time to go to the famous South Sea beach or Laut Selatan where the legend of Ratu Laut Selatan / Roro Kidul originated. They said it's a site to go especially at dawn for some twilight zone moments. Perhaps later.

prize item. statue of Medusa from the land of gods and myths and legends, Greece

I especially treasure this not only because its bloody expensive for a miniature (EU40), also because it's a souvenir from Caine, France. The site where Normandy beach was the entry point for the allies entering Europe in WWII. Simply put, remember Saving Private Ryan? 

This is not quite a rare item but I love it nonetheless. It's the  key chain to my car and office. I bought it at Kildare in Ireland. I was your typical cold and windy day in Athlone that we bravely drove about 2 hours to reach Kildare (similar like JPO here). There's this Cath Kidston store and I found this key chain made of copper. There were 3 left and I bought them all. Gave away 2 and kept 1 for myself. It has the dog and Union Jack flag to mark the brand's origin and Cath Kidston signature engraved on the other side.

Now, let's see whether you can guess which came from which country? 

I have plenty more but it's in the boxes tuck away at home. These are some souvenirs hanging around in the office. 

Hehehe

To Travel OR Not To Travel

Some people hate traveling. As much as i like to disagree to this, i must first admit that everyone entitle to their opinion. I respect that. There must be a very good reason for not wanting to travel. And by travel, notwithstanding overseas. Local is as good as going abroad.

Caen, France. We took tram from Syed's apartment to the city. The arrow pointed our location.

Ive asked a few close friends why wouldn't they travel and these are the top reasons for not doing so:

1. Financial 

2. Hate packing and unpacking

3. Bad experiences

Hmm, sounds valid ain't it. To divulge further into this, let us read with open mind. Yes, financial is the one and utmost challenges when it comes to traveling. It'll become even more challenging when you have family. Every nickel and dime are accounted for. Not only for the traveling but mostly for living expenses, daily. As for singleton, finance would not be as burden as the married lot, but it also poses the same dilemma. 

Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4. We waited for nearly 7 hours for Julie to arrive from Dublin. Managed to walk around and discover interesting places nearby. 7 jam, lama tu. eheh.

My best take is that if you want to travel, then start on with your little piggy saving dedicated for your travel. Separate it with your other savings. Well it worked for me. Also, if you have travel buddies, start a travel fund together. Decide a fix amount each member must contribute and be very disciplined. Once you reach the desired amount, GO TRAVEL! 

Mary had a little lamb. This was taken along the scenic view of Ireland's countryside. On the way to the Cliffs of Moher. About 4 hours drive from the Dublin.

For point number 2, try not to pack the whole house when traveling (exception for those with small kids). You buy as you travel (without im telling you so, this is in fact, TRUE!). So, be a light traveler and pack the most important stuffs only. Example, if im traveling for one week, i will only pack 1 pair of trousers, 2 shirts, and few briefs (not including the ones im wearing). That is all you need. When you reach your destination, you will definitely buy tshirts and trousers again. And if you stays longer, laundry is everywhere. So, go figure! 

The famous World's End pub, Edinburgh, Scorland. I've posted it's story/history in the previous posting. Checkidout!

I cannot deny the fact that we all have bad experiences when traveling. Clashes with the authorities, lodging issues, lost in the middle of nowhere, ripped off and cheated by the locals, etc etc. You name it, i've experienced it. But that does not stop me from traveling. In fact, it excites me further. We all learn everything new every single day. And trust me, along the road, faw years after that bad incidents, you will laugh at it and smile upon it and glad that it happened. It becomes part pf you and make you a better person. 

That's me! Cliffs of Moher, IRELAND. Honestly, I don't mind coming here again, and again!

Why do we travel

There's this saying: The world is your oyster, TRAVEL!

As cliché as it may sound, there's some truth in it. Oyster, famed for its aphrodisiac (read: medicinal) purposes and of course, and by that, it metaphorically signify that it provides pleasure. And no one can deny the fact that traveling gives you joy; regardless for whatever purpose, mean, distance and who you travel with. 

arc de triumphe, paris 2013: that's me blowing kiss to y'all! hahah

The mood swings and severe headache from planning and scheming would cease once you start your car, or step on the plane to embark for the journey. The sense of relief is indescribable and you will sheepishly smile loudly! I have traveled to quite a number of countries for the past 20 years. The first overseas trip was when I was an undergraduate student. It was like a dream come true and I enjoyed every bit of it. 

the younger version of me back in the heyday where life was simple, fun, 
and no worry (except exams and deadlines!)

Despite financial challenges, I could proudly claim that I did it! Stepping foot in the London was a lifetime dream and when the opportunities knocked, without any hesitation, I jumped to the offer! And it was worth every bit of it. 

first time reached Normandy (read: Saving Private Ryan). beautiful town with centuries old architecture. 
we crossed the English channel via Brittany Ferry for good eight hours.

And yeah, I don't know whether this is true or not, there's this study on the things your are passionate about with your blood type. Guess what, I'm a B positive type and travel fits nicely with the people who like to travel. Coincidence? You tell me. He he he. 

When it comes to travel, all of us have preferences. Some like to travel lavishly while others prudently. Your status too say so much about your traveling style. For student, you may look into the opportunities that allow you to travel with an edge i.e through education means like university or college mate trips. 

this was back in campus years. we hiked the Gunung Tahan. Tiring. But fun!

Traveling as a student was one many highlights that I will always cherished. Sometimes its not about the destination. Rather, who you travel with. One of the biggest hurdle traveling as students is the financial aspect of it. For that matter too, you travel with friends because it close the gap you are facing when cost is accounted in. You split the cost, you shared your food and chew gum when there's not enough money to buy food (TRUE STORY HEH!)

Below the Eiffel Tower. The weather was unpredictable. Cloudy and drizzling 
and all of a sudden, it was bright and shiny.

Here we go (again)

ok hat ni masa kt brunei airport. transit nak p europe bak hang. dok melangut 5 jam. dah tu, nak flight murah kannnn. merasa la.

finally, dalam flight semula. in total, kitorg stop 2 kali. kat brunei 5 hours, dubai another 3 hours + tukaq flight  (lagi). but it was all worth it. time travel mmg azab la. but come to think of it, kinda happening weh. tgk gelagat org. there's this ah so scolded the dubai airport security for asking her to remove her belt. and ada sorg lagi ah so dengan muka stoned selamba cut queue. all the mat and minah sallehs rolleyes. *i is malu to be asian at that time*

this uncle on the other hand, diligently read that book for solid 2 hours without interruption whatsoever. aku mmg tabik spring the european and their reading culture (no more habit cos it has become part of the nation's identity). wonder bila la orang kita nk jdk camni. eheheh.