Sunday, September 17, 2017

back to reality...

Arriving in Sydney again after such a long break feels like a flashback in 2006 when I first arrived in Australia. But this time I know that I am wiser, I am stronger and capable of facing anything. Life is meant to be lived carrying our past mistakes and knowing what to do if it happens to you again. I know better what to do this time around. I just have this zeal, that I'm off to a fresh start.

My good friend, Charlton offered to pick me up from the airport. It was such a good offer that I can never say no to. Imagine 3 suitcases and 2 bags. Perfect timing to return cos its my favourite season, Spring. Brings hope and the weather is just perfect.

Charlton and Tin dropped me off at Potts Point. Roi and Jay were waiting for me and we had lunch at an Italian place not far from their apartment.

Few days after I went for a job interview at Acco Brands. It's an office supplies company and its based in King's Park. Farther by one station after Blacktown. Ideally I am not really choosy but this one is really not my type of location I would want to work in. But still I did my best. Brushed up my interview skills. But never heard back from them.

As I am writing this, in handsight - there will be a lot more interviews to come. Maybe after the fourth interview. My ability to carry and sell myself in an interview would show. It is the balance of being confident, precise and sense of humour that is not to overly done but shows of a side that is my charismatic personality. That eventually will happen in 5-7 weeks after this date. 1-4 weeks was a struggle but the glory days will be reaped between 6-8 weeks. 

Finding a job can be daunting. But with patience and resilience. It can be quite exciting especially if you are after your career growth and is very receptive to change.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

RTW #10 Japan

My short Japan trip has to be in the itinerary of my Round The World tour. Just because, this is my favourite country. Tokyo is my favourite city. I met my friend Mar in Shinjuku. Strolled the night in Harajuku and Shibuya. We had Okonomiyaki and Tokoyaki that satisfied our food cravings. But most shops are closed in Omotesando. And Mar seems not to enjoy Harajuku. I feel bad if someone didn't appreciate where I am bringing them. And even the next day when we went to Yoyogi Park, we just went to the entrance and then we just went back and hit the shops in Akahibara. He liked shopping, I supposed that's that.

At night I enjoyed a long steamy Onsen at the hotel. It is one of the reasons I love Japan. You just soak yourself and forget all the troubles. Let the heat melt them down until you feel all the pain in your body and soul disappear.

Shibuya and Shinjuku will always be my favourite places to go here. Because its crazy. City never sleeps. And the atmosphere spells FUN.

Then the next day is something to look forward to. I have my A350 premium economy with SQ from HND to SIN. Not too bad. I would not buy this product because I would want the undivided attention. So its either full economy for me or business. Not somewhere in the middle.

SIN-SYD was a fabulous treat. A380 business class. I needed that. Good things must come to an end. It is the final cap of my world tour and what's best but to toast with a champagne as I return back home in Sydney travelling in style.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

RTW #9 Taiwan

PEY Upgrade from BR
I got upgraded to Premium Economy and this is my first flight with Eva Air. I scrapped my MNL-HKG-TPE with Cathay Pacific, just because it doesn't jive with my 55kg baggage. Star Alliance gold has its perks for additional baggage. So that's that. More room for my happy feet.

Taipei and the missing Vendome Hotel
First I shall say that the transport system in Taiwan is so awesome. But finding my hotel is really frustrating because normally I stayed in Airbnb for my world tour but this is one of them cities that I decided to book a hotel. Then I realised Vendome Hotel is not like you're typical Sofitel, Shangri-la. It is hiding in a huge building and it occupies levels 11 and 12. So that's why I couldn't find it.

Location was perfect. Starbucks at the lobby next to Zara. Uniqlo is around the corner too. Shops close late at night. Taiwanese chicken popcorn just next to Starbucks. Just perfect.

Hazel Erika's Arrival
My cousin arrived 2am that night. And she was so tired from the trip. She ended up reaching the hotel 4am. I told her not to sleep. Otherwise she will miss one whole day of fun.

The Manic Itinerary
We went to a famous old buddhist temple, Lungshan. Then we realise how hot it is in Taipei. I wish we had an umbrella. But we ended up catching the train all the time. We went to shopping place similar to Shinjuku. The place is called Ximen. We ate a weird bread stick and washed it away with Taiwanese milk tea, tasted like Gong-cha. Then we took a bus to go to the famous Changkai-Shek memorial. Walked through the park and saw Taipei 101. We finally walked to Sun-yat Sen memorial and there we saw Taipei 101 with a nice picturesque view.

We went home because my cousin can feel exhausting creeping in. I told her my batteries are still good. So I went for walk to another temple called Hsing Tian Kong. It was a very quick visit. The water cups they have are literally pieces of folder paper that you shape into a cone then pour water. How cool was that? Then I took a bus and missing my stop, I went all the way to Jiantanshan Park. But its good, the garden was really mesmerizing. But the walk to Martyrs' Shrine took most of the time. Before I know it, it was already closed. So then for my final stop, I went to Shilin Market. It was really nice. I wish I have my cousin with me but she was still busy with her beauty sleep.

She woke up when I was about to return. So I told her to meet her Taiwanese friends and enjoy the rest of the night. I was about to rest anyway and do some quick shopping in the area.

Rain and Fog up in the mountains
The next day's itinerary was about exploring the mountain region of Yangmingshan area. We went to the park through bus and uber. Later realising how massive the park is. It reminded me of Lake Kawaguchiko the way it was setup. We walked through the Erzipping trail. It was all the same for the next 30 minutes. While walking, it was perfect time to talk about our family concerns. Open up every issue we had with the Bonuses. Then we just realised how we are unbreakable and we attested to our closeness and nothing shall make it falter. Reaching the end of the trail, it was a very beautiful garden with pond and scenic view like in the movies. Very authentic Taiwanese rural setting even with the fog. I just realise how beautiful it could have been should it had been a clear nice day.

We then went to Beitou after that and had a more relaxing time in the hot springs. I forgot the time and my cousin paged me for crying out loud. It was past 3 in the afternoon and we haven't had lunch yet. We order heaps of Xiao Long Bao and some fried dumpings. Washed away by Hazel's bitter tea and my awesome Taiwan beer.

Final stop is Maokong
The sun is still hiding even though it was my last day. Hazel is not my lucky charm. It was raining still but not to windy that we were able to ride cable car to Maokong. We walked for so long in search of temples and my ultimate goal was to find the Pothole. Erika was furious, because we descended hundreds of steps from top of the mountain to find that bloody pothole. And after awhile, we found it. She cooled a bit and was happy to see the Maokong Pothole too. The view back to the paved road is interesting. So many nice little falls, I call it little iguacu. And beautiful landscape of rural Taiwan. 

Taipei 101
At night we visited Taipei 101, because we were in search of a nice shopping mall. This was to luxurious though. All the brands you can think of is here. Upscale but we found the basement grocery store so we got our cheap Taiwan chocolates and of course, Pineapple cake for our family and friends back home.

Laurel Class and ANA Business Class
I went ahead and left my cousin enjoying Taipei for couple of hours. I think she met with her friends so I am not feeling guilty. It is hard when you can't offer lounge access to your relative. So I went ahead and enjoyed my pampered treatment at the EVA lounge. This is one is extra special because of the unlimited Movenpick. 

Laurel class was really really nice. I like EVA Air's hard product. ANA on the other hand is good too. I remember my first time with ANA I was bumped to business. And its on Dreamliner so it is extra special. I slept like a baby the whole time and it means I have more energy when I arrive in Tokyo after 6 long hours.