Hostels 4 life! (Traveler's fun)

If you give one more chance to remake my decision on going to Japan alone, I WOULD STILL CHOOSE TO GO JAPAN ALONE. (or any other place)

HELL YEAH.

Throw back to this March, 3 o'clock in the morning, I pressed the 'book ticket' button with trembling fingers.

 Knowing that it is the first time in my life, without any further discussion with my parents, decided to buy flight tickets and fly to a foreign country alone, I could still remember shivers run down in my spine due to excitement. The decision has been reveal after a few days, when we were having a family dinner with my relatives. My mom couldn't believe that I've booked the tickets, and my dad was totally cool about it. I can't believe I didn't get any scoldings. (Thanks to my cousins who ease my mom, and it's probably because of my eldest sis done something similar before hahaha)

Traveling alone, traveling with friends, traveling with family gave totally different vibes. So pick which one you're comfortable with. Don't worry about languages and foreign food, in fact, you should experience them, study them, embrace them. People who refuse to try different food should just give up traveling *serious face*

I spent my first night in Haneda airport, then traveled alone for the second and third day. Just when I start to feel a little bit lonely (sometimes out of place), I met them.

Heading to Ueno! (From Left:Robert, Jane, Me, Henok [the tall guy], Adu)

Except Jane, we all came to Japan alone. And except Robert and me, nobody can speak Japanese, not even simple "sumimasen" and "arigatou". This is why I kept telling my friends there is nothing to worry about. I've seen many of them who can't even speak English nor Japanese, amazing right!

This one day trip random hostel group formed when I was having my last breakfast in Tokyo. It is very normal for strangers to hang out with each other and chat. There's this one guy who's extremely good with people.

Henok the photographer (Germany)

As usual the chatterbox me impudently cuts into the conversation and asked him where he would visit today, and he replied me in the coolest way: "I.... I don't even know why I'm in Japan!"

O....OKAY (,,#ﾟДﾟ) The reason why he's famous among us (yes, he is) it's because he slept in the common room for the whole afternoon, everyone saw that and started to talk to him with the same opening("Yeah, I saw you sleeping just now.)He's funny and stuff, yeah xD

Our age range are between  20 to 26. Some of them without plans, deicided to follow Robert and me to go to Ueno, and then join the Mitama Matsuri in the Yasukuni Shrine. Oh wait, talk about Robert.

Robert Taking vlogs.(America, to be precise California)

He slept at the bottom bunk, and I slept at the top bunk (Yes, I was living in a mixed room, and don't freak out). I was curious about him (and his read hair xD) but I have no idea how to approach him because he seems to be enjoy being alone, and I was confused that which language I should speak to him. After I break the silence, I discovered that he is a forth generation Japanese in America. He's staying in Japan for months to sorta find his roots :)

Since I've introduced both of them, I would introduce the rest of the members too.

Adu being fabulous  (Australia)

Adu came from the country that Malaysians are SUPER FAMILIAR with- Australia! He was very "big sister" like to me (LOL). I actually felt sorry to him because his Aussie accent too thick liao xDDD
Sorry lah bro, whenever you talk to me I always give you that blank look. But you're very caring and lively :)

Jane eating assorted fruits from Convenient store (Norway)

Ahhhh Jane! We started the conversation with "Javla fitta" (please don't google) and then I find her sporting and cute! I would never forget our midnight walk to Tokyo sky tree and our discovery of a cute neighborhood in Tokyo :D I love her!

*The one day trip begun* After loads of discussion, we head to the Ueno park first!

Discovered a small shrine!

I'm teaching Jane the way to cleanse one self (IGNORE MY DRY HAIR T口T）

When we were chilling at the lake side after the shrine visit, Henok took this beautiful picture! The old man was totally cool even though we did not ask for his permission (Henok took his picture for like 20 minutes I think xD)

Later on, we went to the small Edo era musuem that I've suggested. I was worried that It would bored them off, but the enjoy the hell out of it. They even forgot their hunger just to solve the old fashion puzzle game xD

 

The "tour guide" explaining some ancient stuff.

 Unfortunately, Jane has to meet up with her friends before 3PM so she couldn't spend the rest of the day with us, so we went to eat Ramen for lunch without her :(

Adu said something about Asian culture when I kept filling up their cups ("Not to be sexist, but Asian girls seem to be more @#$%^&*@$@#$$" sorry I really cannot understand his English xD), I'm going to clarify here, the reason why I pour water for everyone is because I'm the youngest, it doesn't matter with my gender.

Adu insist to take pictures with this stupid pose xD (Helped him to persuade some high school girls to pose for pictures in the museum)

We went to Mitama Matsuri for the night! It was as packed as sardin can though =_= SO MANY PEOPLE. We cheers for our day, photobombing random people, screamed with the young girls in the ghost house, seeing lanterns-

 and then I bid farewell to them. "Is it impossible for you to stay with us for dinner?" "I don't have the time, I have to rush to Kyoto." The moment of leaving suck like shit, I just don't wanna leave them :( :( :(

AND SHIT HAPPENS. I missed the last train to Kyoto. My first thought was to rush back to the hostel, that small common room that everyone shares laughter.

"Ask them if they have extra bed!" Jane caught me at the entrance, I can see she's very pleasant to meet me again. I'm lucky enough to get a roof on top on my head for that night. I stepped into the common room and posed like a boss.

"You're back!" Adu smiled, and Henok smiled too. I was so excited that I chatted with all the staffs, my China friend who slept in the same room was shocked when he sees me from the hallway," I thought you were suppose to be gone now!" Then he turned to the staff and speak in Japanese, " I could recognize her loud voice from far!"

One of the staff answered:" She's always very cheerful, ne!"





PS:There are many different people that I met in my journey, and there are so much more story I would like to tell! I will tell you in person if you're interested :D

List of people I would like to thanks:

 Marine and Anastasia- you girls are my first friends in Japan, thank you for chatting with me and telling me where to buy the one piece fan :D Anastasia, you should speak up more, I think your English is okay :)

李月楼- you have nice name, and you scare the shit out of me when you speak mandarin to me xD It was a little embarrassing how you discover my mother tongue by accidentally heard me talking to myself. You're an intelligent individual, and I love the tea you've treated me!

Sophie Chen and friends- still waiting for your photos! xD Thanks for letting me tag along with you girls, and Sophie you're extremely kind :D 愛你喲

Tomoki- Never thought you were so nice to hang out with! Keep in contact bro, don't lose faith even though working sucks. You can definitely go abroad like how you wish :)  

Like finally.

Hoorayyyy

Finally, I got an offer from public university (Sultan Idris of Education University). All the waiting has worth while.

The course I'm offered is Bachelor Degree in Performing Arts (Theatre) with a big promising honours. It's my forth choice in the list, I've passed the interview-

enrollment results can be checked online

Some common reaction from people

1st. "WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?"

It's a unique and unusual subject, unlike popular art stream courses like accounting, business, PR etc- people have no idea what we're actually studying or doing. And then it will lead to the next question:"What can you work as after studying this?"

I'll let uniguru.com to answer you.

This program emphasises the integration of study in theory and philosophy, practice, research, management and production. They believe that, with this focus students are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and refine their skills with hope, to inspire them in deciding their career pathway as educators, professional artists, researchers, managers and entrepreneurs in the world of performing arts. Career opportunity are open in various fields as musician; designer; animation designer; graphic designer; web designer and arts director.

which means, I won't starve to death . Don't worry.

 In this materialistic culture,degree papers are just tickets for better jobs.

2nd. "WOW YOU'RE GONNA BE A SUPER STAR!"

Thank you. Not being ungrateful, but I'm a little uneasy when people kept on bragging and teasing me about being a successful actress in the future. I'm still not very keen on being one, all I can say is God has led me to this path (some people might saw me in TV just a few seconds, I don't know how an Otaku girl like me ended up appearing in different scenes and turned up to be theatre student)At the same time, I also appreciate everyone that believe in me ( "It suits you a lot!" "I think you're on the right track."  these words encouraged me a lot) I will work hard on studying and discovering my new abilities, but please don't crown me with that title, I'm scared  (ಥДಥ)

3rd. "Education University.... Oh so you'll be a teacher la!"

......No. Not everything with "education/pendidikan" has to do with teacher career. My course is one of the few that is not specialized in teaching. Sorry for being the odd one. I don't think I'm suitable with teaching anyway.

I've done most of the preparation, now all I left is to get in there. Recently I got a little caught up with German, will learn in uni! Wish me the best people. :D 

The real happily ever after.

Bee hives in Thailand

This year is a special year, I considered myself blessed and loved to be born in this family.
I'm hesitant to say this if it was a year ago, or even later in the first quarter of this year .

Selfie of my parents on plane.

My father bought two air tickets to Thailand in August, just for him and his wife. My mom really anticipated for Bali island, too bad she has to wait for the next trip. The three of us were truly happy for them. Truly. I'm glad that he has come to know how important my mom is to him in his older days. He learned to be patience with her, he learned to pamper her, he learned to be romantic, most importantly, he learned how to LOVE her.

Love barely exist in our family few years ago,back when I was 13. Little did you know, my mom has thought of divorce countless time. "I felt tired wiping his ass," her voice was hollow,"I felt weak, if it wasn't because of y'all, I would have leave him." It's hard for me to convince her not to, because I myself, has endless grudges and anger towards my father.

"Don't you love him?" I asked.

"Love? That's when you're young and impulsive," my mom answered, "after years of marriage, you just get used to be stuck with the same person."  We both just sat in silence later.

After a long time of coming home not feeling at home, our family eventually falls apart. We come back late, eat ,sleep, not talking to each other to avoid conflict, then leaves home early the next morning so that we don't have to endure yelling. I occasionally raised voice with my dad, he threaten to hit me but  his hand would stop in the mid air. Shit never gets better the next year, the next year, and the next year. It gets worst. We continuously treat each other like some infectious bacteria. I too, from the girl who sniffles and sobs loudly in the corner, turned into a young adult that doesn't give a shit. Eventually, I became handy of taking care of our parents bad EQ. I came to a point that they're just normal people with flaws, as a mature human being, I will not argue with them. I will find my own light myself, and leave this shitty household.

Then, in another day of avoiding each other, my mom went into coma. I will never forget that night. I was only 16+. Panic. Fear. Despair. Helpless. My mom just yawned and stare into us blankly whenever we try to talk to her. I cried like a baby, I realized I have so much to tell her. I owed her so much. (I thought she got Alzheimer's luckily she's not.) We informed our dad who's out station, I'm sure he was in a pretty big emotional shock, he sent us back a text message: "The Guan Yin will protect her, for she has been a great mother and great wife for more than 30 years. Don't worry kids, (I forgot most of the text)

tell her I love her."

Collection of my dad's valentine card, birthday card to my mom decades ago.

Me and my sisters looked into each other when we saw the messages. Then we laughed dryly because of the awkwardness. How long has it been since he said he loved her?

My mom wear sunglasses all the time because her eyes is uncomfortable to sunlight.

My mom wasn't in a stable condition, the second time she felt ill, my dad carried her in his arms and rushed to the car.(My mom was embarrassed that time hahaha) Then he make sure she eats the nutritions that he prepared for her, he sleeps in the living room so that his snores will not bother her, he remembers all her medical appointment and fetch her to hospitals. He will side her no matter what unlike his past years, which makes us daughters very uneasy because sometimes it was obviously his wife's fault. He hold her hands when they walk on streets, he would look out the road for her, and block all the sharp ends of low roof top for her.

"If this is not love, then what else?" 

the happily ever after, never came without a price. The happily ever after is possible, but we need to overcome walls to find them. The happily ever after, was simply, appreciate someone's presence in your life. Turn around and look back, and start to feel grateful.

My dad asked my mom to hop up the scooter for a ride in Thailand, just like old times

My dad is still arrogant, loud and sometimes obnoxious. He boasted that my mom go after him first (Mom:" Yeah, whatever."), and he's never stingy to praise his wife now. Through the silly giggles of my mom, I see a man that love and tolerate, and recognize the significance of  his wife.

So proud to be the witness of true love! 
By the way, happy birthday dad! Treasure your present that you've hold dear for decades!

 

My dad gave this birthday card to my mom the year when my eldest sister Emily was born.
Yes, it's a card with moving pictures. :)

I'm trying to dig their love story when they are still in courtship, there's a lot to be told!
(Mom:" We're just friends!" Me:"..... don't shy shy la.")

Food hunt #2

There's a reason why my sister (Suanzy) hates me. 

It all happens when she turned 3. Due to the strict adherence of tolerance, sharing and caring towards the younger siblings, she passed her birthday plastic knife to me reluctantly. Then she regretted her whole life because apparently her infant sister does not know what is symmetry.(She's a smart kid, went to kindergarten at the age of 2, memorizing multiplication table when she was 4)

The proof of some spoiled kid pouting

This afternoon, we went for my driving practice, and then afternoon tea in DOIFFEE that recently opened in Taman Desa. She again relive the horrible scene when we were eating the cakes.

 I just looked her into her eyes, enjoyed her horrid expression with a mouthful of cakes.

flat white and cheese cake

red velvet cake

front door of doiffee, the insides are damn comfortable

cute jelly cakes

I tried drinking Americano, and then I think I should stick to chocalate. I'm no good in coffee. I'll give 9/10 for the atmosphere and 6/10 for the food and drinks.

After the tea, we went to Setiawalk for dinner without a clear direction in mind. My sister thought GRAND SHANGHAI street would be a good spot, but I find the food variety small so we didn't have our meal there.

 We wondered around like ghouls, finally my eldest sister, Emily says that she heard a Japanese sushi house, Makiya Sushi has reasonable price and she insisted to find the spot. We had no idea where is the exact location but we're sure that it's near, so we passed by the nasi kandar shop back and forth for about four times ("urgh, I think its at the other end." "Erm, let's turn back." "Ehhh, let's go back that side, maybe its a little more further but we didn't see it leh"), until we felt embarrassed to pass through there (we purposely walk behind the trees LOL)

Then we found out that it's near our parking place. 

HAH. GENIUS.

I almost shed tears when I see the price. 

IT'S SO BEAUTIFULLY CHEAP.

The wrong way to eat wasabi, but different place has different taste

Chicken curry rice, 20 MYR

ONLY 20 MYR FOR UNAGI!!

The sushi rolls I showed above also has 12 MYR ones, similiar style with different flavour.

I can't believe I can find a tasty and cheap Japanese restaurant with cheerful BGM.

Rating 9/10 overall .Definitely coming back!

Psychopath.

Or in anime term-"Yandere".

Talking about this topic, my blog should really change title into "Find a reason to cry"

Ever thought of having a Yandere boyfriend/girlfriend ?

 This is my very first attempted to draw an 8 page long manga (It's a habit to end short stories in 8 pages, it was the limit of pages in teenager weekly press back in my days) about a psychopath. I really, really wanna try drawing a dark story. I hope it turns out okay. There you go:

-GRAPHIC WARNING-

-AND SORRY FOR ANY GRAMMAR MISTAKES!-

In case nobody get what Cole is holding in the last to page, its a chainsaw, I'm sorry 

I suck at drawing it *cries*

When Cole went Yandere in page 4, he looks exactly like Jean  (╯ಠДಠ)╯┻━┻

Time used from drafting till complete :  2 days

Manual work:  Everything except scenery,fonts and blood splatters.

Character:  Adapted from my friend Suzanne's short story " It started with a Pop-up Book", It's originally a sweet story, I'm just a twisted individual that spoils everything in her story.

Yandere is someone that would go to an extend to eliminate all obstacles for their love, sometimes including the person that they love. When I was still young and pure, I thought Yandere is just possessive and overly-attached, overall they are pretty cute. THEN I SAW GASAI YUNO.

I chosed a not so gory GIF.

WTF.

Yandere are crazy, but they are still sane. However, they're different from deprive. I'm not gonna talk much about it, you can go google or wiki for more information. But here's my advice when you deal with Yandere:

1. NEVER GO NEAR THEM.
2. NEVER TALK SHIT BEHIND THEM.
3. NEVER TRY TO SNATCH AWAY THEIR "BELONGINGS"

If you have done above three, congrats, all you can do is:

1.RUN.
2.RUUUUUUUUUUN.
3.DIE.