Monday, April 26, 2004
10th - 11th Nov. Australia - Bangkok, Thailand
did a company class with Expressions in the morning and just walked around brisbane town..Im leaving for Thailand tonight and am very excited..So far, my australian experience didnt really give me the sense of being in a foreign country..guess the fact that they all speak the same language makes it somewhat Non-exotic.
The flight to Bangkok was looooong. It took about 12hours..I dont like long flights. (well, who would, i suppose..) it's a real torture unless u are in the business class or 1st class. anyway, i dont remember what I did, I somehow found myself at Bangkok airport at 5 am next morning. The air was really hot and damp =humid. Nattavut (my Thai friend who I went to school of Dance with in Wgtn.) and his Dad were waiting for me..How lucky I felt to be welcome by them in this foreign country! (I did feel like being in a foreign country there..not knowing a word of Thai and my first time visiting the country.) After unpacking my stuff at Nat's place, I came out with his parents to central bangkok..(where they sell Jewellery at a big department store.) Gosh..the hot, humid weather just drains ur energy out. well, they said that it's their Cool season..around April is the HOT season. I cant imagine how hot it would actually get..
Ive got 3 wks in Thailand before I fly to Germany..ohhhhh how exciting!
did a company class with Expressions in the morning and just walked around brisbane town..Im leaving for Thailand tonight and am very excited..So far, my australian experience didnt really give me the sense of being in a foreign country..guess the fact that they all speak the same language makes it somewhat Non-exotic.
The flight to Bangkok was looooong. It took about 12hours..I dont like long flights. (well, who would, i suppose..) it's a real torture unless u are in the business class or 1st class. anyway, i dont remember what I did, I somehow found myself at Bangkok airport at 5 am next morning. The air was really hot and damp =humid. Nattavut (my Thai friend who I went to school of Dance with in Wgtn.) and his Dad were waiting for me..How lucky I felt to be welcome by them in this foreign country! (I did feel like being in a foreign country there..not knowing a word of Thai and my first time visiting the country.) After unpacking my stuff at Nat's place, I came out with his parents to central bangkok..(where they sell Jewellery at a big department store.) Gosh..the hot, humid weather just drains ur energy out. well, they said that it's their Cool season..around April is the HOT season. I cant imagine how hot it would actually get..
Ive got 3 wks in Thailand before I fly to Germany..ohhhhh how exciting!
Saturday, March 27, 2004
4th -9th Nov. Brisbane, Australia
I visited QUT..the school i almost went before I chose to go to school of Dance..did the 2nd yr contem.class and got to talk to the director.. she allowed me to watch their graduation dress-rehearsal. (yessss!) I also went to Expressions Dance Co. and joined the company classes ..and whatelse did I do?? Ah, yes, I visited Museum, visited City Hall for its free lunch time concert...(bet I was the youngest in the audience there..they were all at least 60+..)
The museum of Brisbane was doing an exhibition called 'A mile square exhibition', which was about Racism in Australia. Some of the works really stood out on me. As I am one of minorities in NZ, I could easily relate myself to some of the works. (thou I have to say my understanding of racism is insignificant to what the aborigines must've gone through, or even the early asian migrants in Australia. I hardly had any racist experiences..or even if I had, didnt pay much attention to it ..took it as just a sad product of people being ignorant.) It was amazing to see how artists used their anger against racism to create those artworks..striking.
I found this book called 'Forbidden Love' at Dymoks bookshop. It's a true story about a Jordanian lady who falls in love with a christian guy, which is strictly forbidden in the muslim country. Started reading it on the spot and couldn't stop it..so what did I do? I finished til chapter 4 at Dymoks and went around to another bookshop across the street, read it til chapter 7..the next day, paid a second visit to the bookshop and read til chapter 11 and finally finished it on my 3rd visit there. I know i know..but what can I do..gotta save $$! and also, ive already got so many luggages with me..cant add a thing more!
I visited QUT..the school i almost went before I chose to go to school of Dance..did the 2nd yr contem.class and got to talk to the director.. she allowed me to watch their graduation dress-rehearsal. (yessss!) I also went to Expressions Dance Co. and joined the company classes ..and whatelse did I do?? Ah, yes, I visited Museum, visited City Hall for its free lunch time concert...(bet I was the youngest in the audience there..they were all at least 60+..)
The museum of Brisbane was doing an exhibition called 'A mile square exhibition', which was about Racism in Australia. Some of the works really stood out on me. As I am one of minorities in NZ, I could easily relate myself to some of the works. (thou I have to say my understanding of racism is insignificant to what the aborigines must've gone through, or even the early asian migrants in Australia. I hardly had any racist experiences..or even if I had, didnt pay much attention to it ..took it as just a sad product of people being ignorant.) It was amazing to see how artists used their anger against racism to create those artworks..striking.
I found this book called 'Forbidden Love' at Dymoks bookshop. It's a true story about a Jordanian lady who falls in love with a christian guy, which is strictly forbidden in the muslim country. Started reading it on the spot and couldn't stop it..so what did I do? I finished til chapter 4 at Dymoks and went around to another bookshop across the street, read it til chapter 7..the next day, paid a second visit to the bookshop and read til chapter 11 and finally finished it on my 3rd visit there. I know i know..but what can I do..gotta save $$! and also, ive already got so many luggages with me..cant add a thing more!
Thursday, March 25, 2004
3rd Nov 03 Geebang, Brisbane
went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this morning. I saw all those 'so-called' Australian animals- Koalas, crocodiles and kangaroos etc. thought it was a good idea to come here instead of the Dream World. I really wanted to go the dream world but knew it wouldnt be as much fun since I was on my own. its a kinda place where you'd go with a bunch of friends...
Now Im back to Brisbane and am staying with Erynne's parents. Erynne's mum has got exactly same smile as Erynne does and it's so similar it's scary. She cooked me lamb chops for dinner. Alas..I did mentioned that Im not fussy with foods..didnt have a clue that she'd come up with LAMB CHOPS. well, told myeslf "just eat it"
it wasn't too bad..ate them all.. thinking it'd be GOOD for my body..
everything is running smoothly so far. :-)
went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this morning. I saw all those 'so-called' Australian animals- Koalas, crocodiles and kangaroos etc. thought it was a good idea to come here instead of the Dream World. I really wanted to go the dream world but knew it wouldnt be as much fun since I was on my own. its a kinda place where you'd go with a bunch of friends...
Now Im back to Brisbane and am staying with Erynne's parents. Erynne's mum has got exactly same smile as Erynne does and it's so similar it's scary. She cooked me lamb chops for dinner. Alas..I did mentioned that Im not fussy with foods..didnt have a clue that she'd come up with LAMB CHOPS. well, told myeslf "just eat it"
it wasn't too bad..ate them all.. thinking it'd be GOOD for my body..
everything is running smoothly so far. :-)
2nd Nov 03 Palm beach, Goldcoast
I woked up with rashes on my body early this morning. so annoying..lucky that I know how to treat it thou..
was sitting on the beach with my backpack on and this man in his 60s came up to me and started talking to me. after a while, he suggested that he would drive me down to the the NSW and QLD border if I want.. I was meant to meet someone at 2, so had an hour to kill. ..i thought, sure, why not.
it was really nice of him, he said he travelled alot himself so knows what its like travelling on your own and he just wanted to show me around a bit. I love this kinda unexpected treat?! on travelling. you see, its not all too bad. there are people who are genuine and kind...
My first Servas experience today. Gerry is a retired airline pilot in his 70s. Unlike my first impression on him, he was really kind and quite funny..he had a great sense of humour. he was getting ready for dinner and asked me what I would like to have.. I said 'anything..really, I dont mind' and he goes, 'yeah, You Asians, You Eat ANYTHING and EVERTHYING dont you?' I just cracked up laughing. the way he said it was quite funny..he wasnt trying to be smart or nasty. and in a way, I could see where he's coming from..
I woked up with rashes on my body early this morning. so annoying..lucky that I know how to treat it thou..
was sitting on the beach with my backpack on and this man in his 60s came up to me and started talking to me. after a while, he suggested that he would drive me down to the the NSW and QLD border if I want.. I was meant to meet someone at 2, so had an hour to kill. ..i thought, sure, why not.
it was really nice of him, he said he travelled alot himself so knows what its like travelling on your own and he just wanted to show me around a bit. I love this kinda unexpected treat?! on travelling. you see, its not all too bad. there are people who are genuine and kind...
My first Servas experience today. Gerry is a retired airline pilot in his 70s. Unlike my first impression on him, he was really kind and quite funny..he had a great sense of humour. he was getting ready for dinner and asked me what I would like to have.. I said 'anything..really, I dont mind' and he goes, 'yeah, You Asians, You Eat ANYTHING and EVERTHYING dont you?' I just cracked up laughing. the way he said it was quite funny..he wasnt trying to be smart or nasty. and in a way, I could see where he's coming from..
1st November 03
Goldcoast, Australia
it tooke me about 1 1/2 hours by bus to get to Goldcoast from centre of Brisbane. The sun is really strong and you can just feel the summer by the way people dress- shorts, mini skirts and flip flops etc. yeah Im in goldcoast!!
I unpacked my stuff at backpackers and walked along the beach to town centre.. The beach itself reminds me of our Brighton beach back home..except that here they've got high scrappers along the shore. think I prefer back home..
had tuna and noodles for dinner, just like I used to when touring with the company.
its really hot and humid. the warm wind makes my eyes go dry..
i started coughing again..its a sign that my body's tired..funny how my body reacts when its stressed...
I get coughing if I am physically tired..and i get rashes/itch bites around my belly and legs if I am stressed, mentally tired.. think I will have a good night sleep.
Goldcoast, Australia
it tooke me about 1 1/2 hours by bus to get to Goldcoast from centre of Brisbane. The sun is really strong and you can just feel the summer by the way people dress- shorts, mini skirts and flip flops etc. yeah Im in goldcoast!!
I unpacked my stuff at backpackers and walked along the beach to town centre.. The beach itself reminds me of our Brighton beach back home..except that here they've got high scrappers along the shore. think I prefer back home..
had tuna and noodles for dinner, just like I used to when touring with the company.
its really hot and humid. the warm wind makes my eyes go dry..
i started coughing again..its a sign that my body's tired..funny how my body reacts when its stressed...
I get coughing if I am physically tired..and i get rashes/itch bites around my belly and legs if I am stressed, mentally tired.. think I will have a good night sleep.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
31st Oct 2003
Christchurch, New Zealand
So, today Im leaving. this is it. My big OE starts!!!!
I will be missing my family, friends and all..but I believe it's time for me to move on and explore the bigger world..
Mum and dad saw me off at the airport. it was quite simple..just hugs, smiles no tears. I like it that way. i know how much they love me and how much they trust me. :-) it was in a way harder to say good bye to Koli and Jeroen when they were going back to Wellington after visiting me here the week before. guess its because i dont know when I will be able to see them again..I will always come home to see my family but who knows where they'd be by then.. I was smiling as they were walking thru the security but couldn't hold back my tears anymore so I had to just turn my back on and walked away. Tears were rolling down my face as I drove home..it felt like a small part of my heart was being disected..(how hard it must be for people who are seeing their family member off to the war..) Ive been through so much with them in the past 2yrs..Jereon, my first and the only (up til now) ex-boyfriend..who taught me the pain one had to go thru when breaking up...(freaking bastard..haha)..still a good friend who I care for..and then Koli..my best friend, my dearest friend..he's always been there for me from the beginning of my wellington life til the end, and I know he will always be there for me whenever I need him..ah..got side tracked..ok..let's get back to the airport..
I got to the airport way too early and had 2hours to kill..so went to Antartic centre near the airport. the centre has been voted as one of the top tourists attraction in CHCH but Id never been there before..shame really, considering the years Ive been living in CHCH..
the flight was alright..apart from this baby who didnt stop crying the whole time! the baby's mum didnt seem to care. its a baby..nothing u can do about it...arrrggghh. it just tells me that Im not ready for babies yet, eh? I safely arrived in Brisbane and got picked up by Liz's parents .. its very warm..humid..
I feel quite alright..not stressed nor anxious..feel like everything is falling into right places..wierd.
stay positive..
Feel..
Experience..
and Enjoy..its now started.
Christchurch, New Zealand
So, today Im leaving. this is it. My big OE starts!!!!
I will be missing my family, friends and all..but I believe it's time for me to move on and explore the bigger world..
Mum and dad saw me off at the airport. it was quite simple..just hugs, smiles no tears. I like it that way. i know how much they love me and how much they trust me. :-) it was in a way harder to say good bye to Koli and Jeroen when they were going back to Wellington after visiting me here the week before. guess its because i dont know when I will be able to see them again..I will always come home to see my family but who knows where they'd be by then.. I was smiling as they were walking thru the security but couldn't hold back my tears anymore so I had to just turn my back on and walked away. Tears were rolling down my face as I drove home..it felt like a small part of my heart was being disected..(how hard it must be for people who are seeing their family member off to the war..) Ive been through so much with them in the past 2yrs..Jereon, my first and the only (up til now) ex-boyfriend..who taught me the pain one had to go thru when breaking up...(freaking bastard..haha)..still a good friend who I care for..and then Koli..my best friend, my dearest friend..he's always been there for me from the beginning of my wellington life til the end, and I know he will always be there for me whenever I need him..ah..got side tracked..ok..let's get back to the airport..
I got to the airport way too early and had 2hours to kill..so went to Antartic centre near the airport. the centre has been voted as one of the top tourists attraction in CHCH but Id never been there before..shame really, considering the years Ive been living in CHCH..
the flight was alright..apart from this baby who didnt stop crying the whole time! the baby's mum didnt seem to care. its a baby..nothing u can do about it...arrrggghh. it just tells me that Im not ready for babies yet, eh? I safely arrived in Brisbane and got picked up by Liz's parents .. its very warm..humid..
I feel quite alright..not stressed nor anxious..feel like everything is falling into right places..wierd.
stay positive..
Feel..
Experience..
and Enjoy..its now started.
I decided to create this blog separate to my original one, as this is a recall of my experiences for the past 3-4 months while I was travelling from New Zealand-Australia-Thailand-Europe... to London,UK. I have met so many wonderful, beautiful people who made my heart warm with their love & kindness and helped me stay sane throughout my journey.
This is a very personal story of my experiences filtered through my subjective eye.
This is a very personal story of my experiences filtered through my subjective eye.
