Tuesday 20 May 2014

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And I am officially back from my trip guysssss. My first ever solo (Seoul-o, get it? Perfect pun ever.) trip, in fact. I'm pretty much still in my holiday mood as I mourn through the work week which has begun ever so grudgingly. Time really flies doesn't it, as I recall that it was just a while ago (late last year actually) that I decided upon embarking a lonesome holiday to somewhere, booked my tickets, and so recently still scrutinizing over the 'perfect' details as I tried to complete my itinerary as the travel dates loomed near. And all at once, it's ended already so soon. Too soon.

Before I pursue the whole lowdown of my trip and all them fanciful pictures, I thought it wise to pen down some thoughts about it before I (because I know I typically would) get too lazy about it.

Some friends/colleagues/family, naturally, have questioned me on my decision to travel alone. And typically in the past, I would never have thought of doing such a thing myself. I might say that the decision came at a spur of moment, having read one too many Thought Catalog inspirations. Additionally it's been increasingly frustrating organizing travel plans with friends, with multiple excuses 1) no money 2) no time 3) no interest 4) boyfriend, etc which to be honest was no less an annoyance. Now I'm not saying that everyone should follow my thoughts for everyone has their own opinions and agenda, but it wasn't going to be my excuse not to move forward myself. Back then when I was all puppy-loved up and obsessed with designer bags, I used to think that traveling was a waste of money. Now, with a different mindset but no less love for bags, I love traveling more than ever. Just to point out that I'm no rich kid nor am I paid a handsome salary for a honestly boring job, but I do save for things that I want, and those include bags (well, lesser these days) and more importantly, travel. It was either to pathetically wait for someone as company, or go ahead myself. I chose the latter just cause I'm impatient like that. So there you go, a simple reason for a simple decision.

Next up, my choice of destination and why. Let's see, 1) Seoul is incredibly safe 2) it was still a first trip alone so it was a good place to start with 3) a new place is still a new place and always worth a visit, duh.

When it came to the planning, I was pretty anal about it I'm not gonna lie. I guess my previous trips to Japan and Taiwan sort of trained me into it, having been precise in every detail down to the very minute. I was out on 'perfectionist' (or to put it bluntly, 'kiasee' as Singaporeans call it) mode once again and made a shitload of notes and details. Which ultimately I learned, wasn't all that necessary after all. Being a solo trip, it was a trip for myself and no other. In the end, I did end up ditching some of my initial plans and changed my routes to suit my pace. Reasons being, 1) I got tired and lazy 2) I loved my room and rooftop so much I spent way too much time dragging time than heading out 3) I just wanted to do what I wanted to do rather than following where to go/what needed to be done. I did go to most of the places I had initially planned for, but ditched the few left for next time perhaps. Instead, I chose to spend more time walking along narrow streets and sitting at cafes people watching (and watching videos on my mini). I headed back early almost every night too, just to relax at the rooftop which honestly was the best part of my whole trip. I really wish I could've brought it home with me.

I made some friends during my trip though. I initially considered a hostel for the sake of making friends with strangers but ended up booting the idea for comfort. So I chose a single room instead. I love having my own space, and while I don't seek luxury in my accommodations, I do ask for comfort after a long day out and about. And that was possibly one of the best choices I made cause my stay was almost perfect. Funnily enough, I actually bumped into my dentist (of all people) along the streets during one of the days. Aside that, I met some others interesting, some friendly, and some rude-as-hell people during my trip. Interesting, as is the learning experience that comes along with it.

It's been a liberating experience to travel alone, and I wouldn't hesitate to try it again. Till the next one.

Monday 5 May 2014

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Thursday 1 May 2014

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There’s so much more to life than finding someone who will want you, or being sad over someone who doesn’t. There’s a lot of wonderful time to be spent discovering yourself without hoping someone will fall in love with you along the way, and it doesn’t need to be painful or empty. You need to fill yourself up with love. Not anyone else. Become a whole being on your own. Go on adventures, fall asleep in the woods with friends, wander around the city at night, sit in a coffee shop on your own, write on bathroom stalls, leave notes in library books, dress up for yourself, give to others, smile a lot. Do all things with love, but don’t romanticize life like you can’t survive without it. Live for yourself and be happy on your own. It isn’t any less beautiful, I promise.
-- Emery Allen   (via c-oquetry) 

Love will never be like it’s shown in the movies. It’s a trap and we all fall for it that’s why relationships take an early end these days because they can’t reach the expectations we have and we have them because of all those movies that teach us the wrong things. We fall for those ideals like kissing in the rain and running after someone and finally finding the right words but this is as wrong as the ideals itself because kissing under summer rain isn’t as special as kissing under the shower. And I would have used the right words if I could but I never ran after her because I was afraid and no words could have healed what I have broken. Maybe my feet would have been running after her when there would also have been some dramatic music that made up the suspense and maybe with that music in the background the right words would have come floating out of my lips like a waterfall. But there has never been this background music I waited for because this is life and not a god damn movie and I will probably never find the right words to turn it all around, instead I will just stand here and watch everything fall apart and say nothing at all and realize that I’m my own director and right know I’m making a better movie about the real love than anybody ever has because there is no assurance of a happy end in this love, just like it is in reality.
-- Elay Neal Moses   (via c-oquetry)