After a lengthy blogging hiatus, I've decided to get back. I'm here in my room and suddenly I have this urge to write the biggest shenanigans during my long break.
Before leaving my home country, I was browsing online and saw this very good tip for new exchange students."Become friends with people who aren't your age. Hang out with people whose first language isn't the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn't come from your social class. This is how you see the world.. This is how you grow..." That's one of the best advice for someone moving abroad I've ever read.
I went to the airport, holding back my tears. I remember it was a mixed of intense feelings. While waiting for the long queue of immigration, a guy asked me where I was going to. I told him about the 5 airports I had to go through to get to my final destination. And I remember him frowned, asking if I'm doing this completely alone.. Well travelling alone wasn't scary at all. Hey! That's the moment where we start to learn, right? I was on the verge of tears upon riding the airplane yet I can't wipe the smile off my face. I remember feeling nervous sitting there alone without anyone I knew to talk to.. It was a 32 hour trip from Philippines to the United States since I bought the cheapest flight. (fyi! direct flight is 14 hrs) Moving from plane to plane makes it more exciting!
I will always remember the wonderful feeling when you're walking down the street wearing whatever the hell you want without having the fear of being criticized. Those street passers who will greet and wish you a great day ahead. Those times that I have granola for breakfast, panini for lunches and pizza for dinners. I could definitely write lots of pages full of the things I missed in the States.
Surreal experience with the snow, I remember screaming and squealing and I was like "I've just touched a snow". Sobrang tuwang-tuwa ako.
My very first concert experience was with Ariana Grande ft. Little Mix. Yup, it's like hitting two birds in one stone. Followed by Mayday Parade, it was such an amazing experience, mind you the crowd surf is really craaazyy!!
I was able to watch NBA playoffs for the very first time in my life!!
Can't explain how beautiful the place is. It feels like I'm in a different world.
Another first for me, it was scary but worth the experience.
Taken on the way home from work, imagine having this view everyday..
I didn't know I could love these strange people with my whole heart. Here's my international buddies representing the country of Philippines, Peru, Spain, and United States.
It was still vivid in my memory when the time has come to say goodbye to her. I remember Yih Sen jokingly told me that it was "Winnie's Day" because I just spend the whole day hanging around with Winnie Hii. Helping her pack up all her things. I was able to fight my tears from falling, while sending her off. Indeed saying goodbye is the hardest part I hugged her told her that I was blessed to have a friend like her and the very last thing I told her was "this isn't a goodbye, I will see you soon".
I dont know how many people asked me if Fiorella and I were twins. Honestly, I was quite convinced that were actually twins separated at birth. Because were like basically the same person. We literally have a lot of things in common and we really care about our friendship even though she lives out in Peru while I'm here in Philippines. I promised her I'd come to Peru and we will visit Macchu Picchu and a promise is a promise so when my wallet is fuller, I'll see you Twinnie!
The view from the local library.
Bowling & pizza night
That's me, Princess, Jecca and Zeneta!!
One of the coolest person I've ever known. She's Zeneta Moore and she's the perfect definition of wanderlust. I hope she find what she's looking for in her next adventure.
For the new exchange students, I know it's not going to be an easy year but always, always treasure each moment. You never know the last time you'll see a place and the people on that place.
But everything beautiful will eventually come to an end. I always thought that only love can give a heart break, but when I left the United States I realized leaving a country can do that too..
Until then,
~M♥
