I was just thinking and doing nothing that I suddenly remembered that I hadn't blogged about how I got to Greece. Geez, I must be getting old...no wait, that's just my tummy rumbling.
Anyways, in a choronological order (at least I hope so, mind you that a hungry tummy doesn't make the brain smarter...well, not that I'm saying I'm dumb or anything):
16/11
Dinner with Fakhri. Got a lovely card and a Greek phrase book. Had a farewell party @ Purple Sneakers (the weirdly grinning photos were from this ocassion). Wished more people could have come. Made our way to Club 77. Had a fun night. Mum's totally gonna kill me now.
17/11
Sent all junks to Syai's place. Amy and Fakhri helped. Thanks. Sent Paris to work. Got teary when she was taken away. Pip and Yerko gave a farewell card (it was actually a birthday card that they got from Coles but scribbled the "happy bday" part and wrote "goodbye" - some true friends!). Missed hair appointment with Jane. Forgot to buy new work shoes. Depressed. Yaso came visit. Went dinner with the engo people. Thanks for the treat. Sent more junks to Syai's place. Engo friends went to party. Jealous. Sad. Missed them already.
18/11
Finished up packing. Didn't sleep at all trying to shuv evrything into one large Caribee bagpack that it ended up weighing 23 kg which I couldn't possibly carry but had to regardless since there was no any other choice. Amy gave a prezzie. Amy sent to airport. Syai and Fakhri were there. Parted. Sad. Refused to leave. Forced by Fakhri and Syai. Nervous wreck.
19/11
Arrived at Narita Airport. Pushed by old ladies to get on the shuttle train. Got stuck with the immigration for about 1+ hours because I did not have a hotel to stay the night at. Released. Almost lost my bag. Retrieved bag. Lost Peter (which therefore meant no going to the city centre). Called Ashrol. Still couldn't get to the city. Slept on the airport benches. Harassed by airport policemen (apparently you can't stay overnight in Narita INTERNATIONAL airport - how stupid!) 3 bloody times. Spoke to a guy from Timor Leste. Woke up. Got to Terminal 1 by a shuttle bus. Bought souvenirs. Ate some noodle thingy (after say 12 hours drinking only yucky green tea). Kept receipts as souvenirs. Checked in.
20/11
Arrived at Zurich Airport. 6 bloody hours wait. Bored. Called home. Ate something in Burger King. Tried to call the person who was supposed to pick me up in Thessaloniki airport. Unsuccessful. Guy called back...ermm, but I called him through a public phone, so naturally I didn't pick up in case it's like one of those scenes in a movie where Collin Farrel starred as a squad member or sthg. Ignored 2 more calls (some forein guy picked them up..haha, sucker!). Called again. Still unsuccessful. Tried to sleep. Scared that somebody would steal my bags. Got woken up every 5 minutes by dreaming of somebody trying to steal my bags. Walked to the departure gate. Got stopped by the immigration lady (I suppose she's never seen a Malaysian passport before). Got through (haha, sucker!). Sat beside a young, lovely but annoying couple. Hoping for good food. Got crappy food (almost, almost ate a ham sandwich...seriously, the steward was literally shoving it into my mouth). Hopes came crashing down. Went to sleep. Got woken up by annoying couple. 10 minutes to land.
21/11
Arrived at Thessaloniki Airport (at bloody 2 am). Nobody told me that it was still the 20th. Still assumed it was the 21st. Got stopped for 15 minutes at immigration. Got through. People starred. Felt insecure about my Asian look. Convinced that I'm a hot Asian. Got big Caribee bagpack. Anxiously hoped the Guy (from the phone, remember?) was waiting. No Guy in sight. Panicked. Called Mum. Mum advised to keep calling. Kept on calling. Unsuccessful. Gave up. Too scared to eat. Wandered the whole airport. Stayed till 8.00 am. Called again. Unsuccessful. Tired. Hungry. Smelly. Called the company. Picked up by the driver. Met boss and workmates. Boss scolded the Guy (or the people under the same organisation as Guy). Picked up by people from organisation. Met even more people. Got accomodation sorted. Tired. Homesick.
20/11
Yes, it's apparently still the 20th - hence a valid excuse for not picking me up from the airport. Got over it. Taken to the city at night. Goody's. Homesick. Got teary. Felt lonely. Went to sleep. Felt lonely even more. Decided this is not the way to live a life. Found a new spirit. Still felt homesick. Spirit was officially dead.
Now
So that's it. Now it's already the 30 th. Thinking back, after almost 2 days of travelling and smelling like erm, something smelly, I ought to be proud of myself. Made some new friends, awakened the dead spirit after a good conversation with Mum (Sorry everybody for calling at 2 o'clock in the morning) and feeling better about myself. Only one thing left in mind (more to come). How the bloody hell am I going to get back without a ticket?
Any sponsor? Please.... I'm good with ping pong balls....Anyone?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Pix
just thought i'd share some of the pix from the farewell party....owh yes, pip was sad cos i was leaving, not because of the body smell!
Essence of Pink
So now here’s the truth. I am badly missing home now. The familiarity of the house, the comfort of my parents’ bed and the sofa, the tv, the cats and most importantly the people – my family. Mum and Dad in particular. Tried to call mum the other night but wasn’t successful. Mum turned off the phone! And the bloody card only allowed me to talk for 3 bloody minutes. I cursed the day I bought the card, and ultimately the bloody guy who sold me that bloody pink card. Should have known better than to trust anything pink!
Familiar friends send some words of encouragement, something that goes “you’ll be fine and everything’s going to be alright”, but it’s just difficult to believe them when you’re the one who’s feeling the pain of loneliness. I apologise for getting too melodramatic. It’s just in my nature. Family on the other hand, take a much worse effort. No reply at all to my emails. Golly gosh! I can’t stand being this lonely. Sure there are people at work, sure there are people on the bus that keep staring at you, but nothing beats being with the people you love and care about. Still crossing my fingers that everything’s going to be fine…
And finer everything gets! Last night I went for dinner with a bunch of strangers who quickly became my friends (well at least I hope they think I’m their friend). I was told once that there is no such thing as strangers, only friends you haven’t met. I thank the person who told me that, whoever she/he may be. I can sense that all good things will come out of this newly formed friendship. Perhaps, being away from home (which basically includes almost all countries in Europe – Germany, Romania, Turkey etc.) and trying to experience new things in a foreign land have made us bond better. Perhaps we just simply clicked. Whatever it is, I’m glad and content. I just hope that these feelings of gladness and contentment will last longer.
Forever and ever? …yeah, that’s asking too much!
Familiar friends send some words of encouragement, something that goes “you’ll be fine and everything’s going to be alright”, but it’s just difficult to believe them when you’re the one who’s feeling the pain of loneliness. I apologise for getting too melodramatic. It’s just in my nature. Family on the other hand, take a much worse effort. No reply at all to my emails. Golly gosh! I can’t stand being this lonely. Sure there are people at work, sure there are people on the bus that keep staring at you, but nothing beats being with the people you love and care about. Still crossing my fingers that everything’s going to be fine…
And finer everything gets! Last night I went for dinner with a bunch of strangers who quickly became my friends (well at least I hope they think I’m their friend). I was told once that there is no such thing as strangers, only friends you haven’t met. I thank the person who told me that, whoever she/he may be. I can sense that all good things will come out of this newly formed friendship. Perhaps, being away from home (which basically includes almost all countries in Europe – Germany, Romania, Turkey etc.) and trying to experience new things in a foreign land have made us bond better. Perhaps we just simply clicked. Whatever it is, I’m glad and content. I just hope that these feelings of gladness and contentment will last longer.
Forever and ever? …yeah, that’s asking too much!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
hungry and cold
My watch says 1.53 pm. The computer clock says 1.54 pm. The point I'm trying to make is it's almost 2 o'clock in the afternoon but i still haven't eaten anything yet. Well, apart from the traditional Greek sweet called...ermmm...sighora...i think....that one of my workmates had generously offered to me at 9.30 this morning. I promise myself that I'll eat at 2.30 pm. My classic sardine sandwiches. Mum has taught me very well.
....brief interruption......
Arggh, the thing that I've dreaded the most. Reports! Something about spatial impacts on Australian road projects. How am I supposed to know all that crap! Thanks to Google and the person who found it, I think I'll be alright. It's not like I have forgotten how to stay awake till 5 o'clock in the morning finishing up uni assignments. So we'll see.
Anyways, speaking about the more important thing - food, I had dinner at a place called....ermm...I have no idea....a couple of nights ago. Nice restaurant - next to the seaside, live Greek music and people I enjoy hanging out with (not that I have that many people to hang out with anyway). Food was fantastic, based on the single fact that I haven't eaten all day, except for a small portion of bun that one of my friends had generously offered. On top of that, I just came back from paintballing. Imagine my delight to actually see a real restaurant serving real food. Ah, heaven!
I would like to write more but unfortunately, my life isn't filled with that many interesting things right now. Not to mention that my bladder is close to calling it quits and most probably will erupt in the next few minutes should I don't get to the loo on time. I've been drinking plain water all these while to somewhat ease the hunger. I know, I know, I'm killing myself. Plus, I need to eat. AHHHHH...got to go. I'll write more.
I'm coming, my darling sardine sandwiches....
...dash to the office loo...
....brief interruption......
Arggh, the thing that I've dreaded the most. Reports! Something about spatial impacts on Australian road projects. How am I supposed to know all that crap! Thanks to Google and the person who found it, I think I'll be alright. It's not like I have forgotten how to stay awake till 5 o'clock in the morning finishing up uni assignments. So we'll see.
Anyways, speaking about the more important thing - food, I had dinner at a place called....ermm...I have no idea....a couple of nights ago. Nice restaurant - next to the seaside, live Greek music and people I enjoy hanging out with (not that I have that many people to hang out with anyway). Food was fantastic, based on the single fact that I haven't eaten all day, except for a small portion of bun that one of my friends had generously offered. On top of that, I just came back from paintballing. Imagine my delight to actually see a real restaurant serving real food. Ah, heaven!
I would like to write more but unfortunately, my life isn't filled with that many interesting things right now. Not to mention that my bladder is close to calling it quits and most probably will erupt in the next few minutes should I don't get to the loo on time. I've been drinking plain water all these while to somewhat ease the hunger. I know, I know, I'm killing myself. Plus, I need to eat. AHHHHH...got to go. I'll write more.
I'm coming, my darling sardine sandwiches....
...dash to the office loo...
Monday, November 26, 2007
week 1: week of hell
ok...hell doesnt come close to describe what Im feeling right about now. Some words of advice:
1. Always make sure that you get in touch with the person who's supposed to meet u in the airport at least 2 days prior to your arrival. Mailbox is your friend and you should make the effort of befriending the lady who answers the mailbox. Remember: mailbox=friend.
2. Always make sure that at least one of your 4 phones is working properly. No faulty batteries, no unlocked sim card, no nothing. Make sure that your phone is usable in any parts of the world, even in the remotest place. Bloody three network!
3. Never, ever engage in a fight, verbal or physical, with the locals of a country that you have only been in for 2 days. Not even when they're staring at you and make funny faces which make you feel like you wanna smack their behinds and send them to hell and back, and then send them to hell again, and back (and the process continues). Remember that in this kind of situation, standing-up-to-what-you-believe-in spirit is never valid. For all you know, the reason them staring at you is because they think that you're so hot and therefore are worth staring at.
4. Always know where to eat, what to eat and when you can eat. You'll be surprised that some people just don't eat and they are perfectly healthy, something that might interest the medical world. It's also good to know that the things that you think won't taste any different can sometimes taste weirdly different, and that not everybody's eating time revolve around yours. Try to learn how to cook because cooking equals to saving money.
5. Always, always make sure that you are secured financially. If things don't go as planned and you fall short monetarily, identify sources for backups. These sources include a rich cousin whom you have never talked to since the day you were born, or maybe you have but vaguely remember of doing so, but know he/she is still alive and contactable. Notify your primary sources i.e. parents that you might starve to death should you not get enough money to buy an air ticket home. Or worst comes to worst, know your assets, whatever they may be, and take full advantage - if you've got them, flaunt them and hopefully you will be getting paid for flaunting them.
6. Always, always know where the public phones are and learn how to buy the telephone card so that you can contact your loved ones when you feel lonely. Since I am feeling heaps lonley now, I will cease writing advice no.6 for I will get teary and start to cry should I continue even further.
7. Make as many friends as you can. This is very, very beneficial to build your own personal network. Who knows, you can even rely on your newly found friends should you need any financial aid. All humans are the same. Do not discriminate, even if they looked like they just got out of jail. Single people (people who travel alone) with the intention of making friends are easy targets. Grab the opportunity and interesting things will definitely happen in the future.
Travelling alone is never easy. Just learn how to suck everything in, be brave and it helps if you get support from you loved ones. Believe that everything will be fine in the next few days. Hopefully.
1. Always make sure that you get in touch with the person who's supposed to meet u in the airport at least 2 days prior to your arrival. Mailbox is your friend and you should make the effort of befriending the lady who answers the mailbox. Remember: mailbox=friend.
2. Always make sure that at least one of your 4 phones is working properly. No faulty batteries, no unlocked sim card, no nothing. Make sure that your phone is usable in any parts of the world, even in the remotest place. Bloody three network!
3. Never, ever engage in a fight, verbal or physical, with the locals of a country that you have only been in for 2 days. Not even when they're staring at you and make funny faces which make you feel like you wanna smack their behinds and send them to hell and back, and then send them to hell again, and back (and the process continues). Remember that in this kind of situation, standing-up-to-what-you-believe-in spirit is never valid. For all you know, the reason them staring at you is because they think that you're so hot and therefore are worth staring at.
4. Always know where to eat, what to eat and when you can eat. You'll be surprised that some people just don't eat and they are perfectly healthy, something that might interest the medical world. It's also good to know that the things that you think won't taste any different can sometimes taste weirdly different, and that not everybody's eating time revolve around yours. Try to learn how to cook because cooking equals to saving money.
5. Always, always make sure that you are secured financially. If things don't go as planned and you fall short monetarily, identify sources for backups. These sources include a rich cousin whom you have never talked to since the day you were born, or maybe you have but vaguely remember of doing so, but know he/she is still alive and contactable. Notify your primary sources i.e. parents that you might starve to death should you not get enough money to buy an air ticket home. Or worst comes to worst, know your assets, whatever they may be, and take full advantage - if you've got them, flaunt them and hopefully you will be getting paid for flaunting them.
6. Always, always know where the public phones are and learn how to buy the telephone card so that you can contact your loved ones when you feel lonely. Since I am feeling heaps lonley now, I will cease writing advice no.6 for I will get teary and start to cry should I continue even further.
7. Make as many friends as you can. This is very, very beneficial to build your own personal network. Who knows, you can even rely on your newly found friends should you need any financial aid. All humans are the same. Do not discriminate, even if they looked like they just got out of jail. Single people (people who travel alone) with the intention of making friends are easy targets. Grab the opportunity and interesting things will definitely happen in the future.
Travelling alone is never easy. Just learn how to suck everything in, be brave and it helps if you get support from you loved ones. Believe that everything will be fine in the next few days. Hopefully.
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