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]

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.

MANCHESTER: The Noisy Neighbour

Tonite (or tomorrow) Im gonna write about Manchester. No, not Manchester United you silly. The city of Manchester. Well, here's the pix before I add on the story or details behind it.

rush hour

Ok, this is the hotel where we stayed for good 3 days and 2 nights. Sachas Britannia Hotel right in the middle of Manchester City Centre. I would say this is a good three star hotel. Why? Well, basically the location (i tell you more bout it in a while) and rate per nite (we booked it while we were in Lancaster with a good £30 per nite for 2 persons). 

This hotel is very near to/ rom Manchester train station and the ever so conducive Metrolink. We arrived from Edinburgh. Yup, from Lancester we took train to Edinburgh and headed to Manchester. Our flight home departed from Manchester International Airport; not Heathrow. That gave us plenty of time to explore the city. 

Anyway, arriving from Edinburgh we asked around and was advised to just walk from the train station to Sachas Britannia. It was about 1km walked but cos of the pleasant weather (cold and slight windy), no one complained. This hotel is right next to Chinatown and just a scream away from the shopping area; Primark, Mark & Spencer, HVN, etc. So you'll save money for transport.

The cheap souvenir I bought near the Manchester Train Station just after arriving from Old Trafford (visiting Man Utd, what else). Cost me £2. Cheap eh? 

Well hello there

 

i reckoned these are broadcast students

busy at work. definitely the best place to tell a story.

view from the tram. we were on our way to Old *sigh Trafford.