A Very International Class

Hi everyone~!

It's been a super long time since i last posted, huh! I've been very busy, you see :) I spent my entire summer split between visiting family in Asia and family in the USA, and haven't found the time to write anything, especially with university looming around the corner.

And wouldn't you know it - time flies! University is already a week in, and finally i'm writing to share with you an experience in a particular class. :)

So as you may or may not know, i've always wished to be a person that travelled a lot, or a TCK, or an expat, or anything similar, but no dice. I live with a single culture, through and through.

So imagine my surprise when i went to one of my classes (small class, ~25 people), and the teacher asked, "who is not from here?"

and ~95% of the people raised their hands.

As such, we went through introductions, mostly stating our names and where we're from.

And most people have come from places outside of here, and many were from 2 or more ethnicities.

Naturally, i was one of the ~5% people who was born "here," raised "here," and might as well live the rest of my life "here."

To be honest, i think that this is the only time i've ever been in an area with so many people from so many different places. It's really interesting, although i have only talked to a handful of them.

But wow - short entry huh. but anyway, i thought that it'd be interesting to share this, since it was particularly interesting to me.

As for updating - i'll do my best to update but from here on out there will probably be no planned updates.



Up next: My time in Taiwan; My time in Seattle.



See you next time ! <3

How To Be a Hypocrite

One of the most important people in my life once told me,

"You are the composite average of the top five people you spend time with."

Well, one of the top five people i used to (read: used to) spend time with, is my lovely Mango, who i'm in some sort of love-hate relationship with. (hate to love you? love to hate you?)

I'm not exactly fond of many of her morals, as mentioned by many of my previous posts, and i had reckoned at the time, "no way! I'm nothing like Mango! we're like, complete opposites!"

And of course, over the course of 3 months, i prove myself utterly and completely wrong and hypocrtical for judging her the way i did, when i turn around and do the EXACT SAME THING.

Am I as awful as Mango sometimes is? Gawds, i hope not.

My two top hypocritical moments, ladies and gents -

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"I don't like nice guys!"

When Mango first said that to me, i laughed it off and labeled her a masochist.

Who doesn't like nice guys?

They're sweet, caring, they can give you roses for Valentines day, and love you with all their heart. They're kind and gentle and sort of like a personal sun, shining so bright and lighting up your day.

I told her that she was ridiculous for not liking nice guys, and judged her for it.

We shook hands on never fighting over the same guy since we like different types.

Fast forward a few months, after some deep soul searching (in terms of romance, anyway) I come back to Mango, halfway sullen.

"You're right," i tell her, "About what?" she asks, that smirk on her face already,

"About guys. You're right. It's better when they're a little bit mean."

She laughs, and we shake on it.

Even if we go after the same general gist of it, our types are still completely different.

Looking back, save for just one exception, all the guys that i've crushed on, were a little bit mean, a little bit arrogant, a little bit everything that i'm not.

(To be fair, that nice guy is the one that shines the brightest in my eyes. I won't ever see him again - but the imprint he's left on my heart won't easily be erased)

For the record, a "nice guy" does not equate to "a square guy," cause MY nice guy sure wasn't square. He was as wild as they came - in a very nice package, that's all.

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"I don't love him anymore - i don't even want to be with him, i just don't want him to be happy with someone else, i want him to always want me." 

In a nutshell, anyway.

You might remember that post.

When it was first said by Mango, it sent me off the railings.

how could you be so cruel to a nice guy that was willing to give you his all?! How could you say such heartless things about the guy that you didn't even want, just because he didn't want you anymore?!

I judged so hard.

And that judgement came right back to slap me in the face.

Because you know what?

I get what she's saying.

At the end of the day, humans are selfish creatures. We may not always be selfish in terms of love, but we are always selfish in terms of something.

All of us - no exceptions - would be willing to do awful things, given the right circumstances and the right motivations. ALL of us.

I thought that i'd never think the way Mango did - I was wrong.

When something remotely similar happened to me - I doubled back, and thought,

"But i don't want to be second-best. I don't want you to forget me. I don't want you to have anyone other than me. I preach about wanting you to find happiness - but that's only if that happiness includes ME. I want to be the one and only."

And then i realized how selfish that was.

How much like Mango i sounded.

To feel hurt over someone being happy with someone other than oneself, that is selfish (albeit inevitable) behaviour.

I finally got how Mango felt at that time - and why.

You want someone to be happy - but you don't want it to disclude you, even if you are unwilling or unable to truly give them what they need.

That is the true selfish nature of humans.

Thinking back, many possibly good things ended that way - because my selfish nature dictates that i must have all or nothing. If i'm not at the top of the list, then i don't want to be on the list at all.

People know me as selfless and kind, but i think, now that i've come to this realisation, that whatever face "people" knew me by, was only a mask to hide the true monstrosity that i am.

A person that is not unlike Mango at all, even though i've sworn up and down that i'd never be like her.

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I think i'm not like Mango?

Ha.

Think again, princess.

We don't call ourselves evil twins for no reason.

Careful what you wish you - wanting to be like her means taking the bad with the good.

If that means being hypocritical… well, that's just one more thing for her to say, "I told you so!" about, isnt it?






~Ren~

Tips for a Better Flight

As we all know, flying can SUCK.

All that uneeded stress, leg cramps, tiny seats, awful food, and cuddling up with strangers? no thanks!

Due to that alone most people say that they hate airports or airplanes, but to be honest, i'm the opposite. Airplanes and airports are no joyrides, but i like them. They're the exciting prelude to an exciting adventure, the "we're almost there!" feeling before actually getting there.

To me, getting there's half the fun, even if it involves being crammed into a tiny space fit for a sardine.

Without further ado, there are some tips and tricks that i actually do use, in order to feel more comfortable on a plane or arriving at the airport. This will also be in chronological order.

**NOTE** I have yet to travel solo except one time, other than that i've always flown with family or a friend, so my situation may wind up being different from yours.


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Packing Your Bags 
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Well, first things first - getting to the airport. 

A trip usually starts with packing your suitcase (aside from booking tickets and researching destination and what not) and packing, i'd say, is not my forte, and usually is the source of a lot of uneccecary stress for me when travelling. 

I always wind up packing last minute, and usually i forget something at home and don't realise it until i'm actually there. (but that's what gift shops and department stores are for, right? I usually go to places that have been known to be a shopper's mecca anyway so it doesn't matter). 

I recommend packing about a week before you intend to set out just to give yourself more than the allotted time - and of course, so that if you procrastinate, you won't die in the fiery pits of hell. 

A nice tidbit that my mother taught me is to roll your clothes instead of folding them - apparantly it takes up less room (I don't see it) and it's easier to find what you want to wear (i see it). 

Depending on your destination and how far you're going (usually my trips on the plane are 10 hours +, going from Vancouver to somewhere in Asia or Europe), a myriad of clothing is helpful if you don't intend to "buy as you go." 

As for packing for the plane ride itself, that also depends largely on how far you're going. 

On short distance trips (to the US or the other side of Canada) i rarely bring anything on board with me, save for some entertainment and snacks. There's usually on flight entertainment anyway, so no need to make your carry-ons heavier than it needs to be. 

On longer flights (seeing that most of mine are so many hours on end), carry-ons tend to, of course, need more things. Generally i pack a small change of clothes, usually my PJ's, for the plane, so i can be comfortable on and presentable off, along with a small fleece blanket, and of course, lots and lots of sweets to eat when you're bored or taking off (I'm prone to ear pain).

I tend to fly at night for longer trips, so i don't need to bring a lot of entertainment - usually i bring my laptop (for a diary), my phone (for use once i get there or to download movies on before boarding), and my 3DS (i cheat and download some walkthroughs in case i get stuck).

But aside from that i usually sleep 5+ hours on the plane so all's good. 

A few things i recommend bringing on your carry-on whether or not your flight is long…

• Earplugs (babies and children and just the plane noises can be annoying, and these will drown out the sounds and make it easier to relax. alternatively, earphones or earbuds work, if they're noise cancelling)
• Snacks (This is highly optional but i eat when i'm bored and plane rides can often be boring, especially if yours is during the daytime or if they're only a couple of hours long. Sucking on hard candy can also ease ear pain when ascending or descending)
• Baby wipes (for any spills or sticky hands, and can also be used for freshening up before leaving the plane)

For the carry-on itself i've always preferred backpacks due to their easy mobility. roller carriages are also alright for me but not preferred, since i can handle wearing it on my back just as easily. Generally they also don't provide that much extra space anyhow, but it really depends on what you intend to do with it. 

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At the Airport and Security 

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It's generally recommended that you get to the airport about 2-3 hours before departure and i personally find that just perfect. 

Many don't like the airport because of the hustle and bustle but that's the very thing i find attractive about it. that, and, perhaps as a younger traveller and i'm naive - seeing that i experience zero stress at airports since it's always already taken care of. 

I travel at night for long hauls, so the place is peaceful on top of that. It's a relaxing stroll. but during the day it is busy and lively and it's also entertaining to people-watch. Regardless, i have a lot of fun. 

Arriving early can seem boring but it helps with the stress - check in early, and once inside the airport itself, doing some browsing or shopping is simple and easy and stress-free. Usually there are also lounges to sit in or duty-free things to buy, or restaurants to have some tea in, so the things you can do at an airport is limitless. 

Have a midday drink, if you will. 

The airport's the only place that won't judge you for drinking at 4 in the afternoon, if any. 

Once you've worn yourself out just head to your boarding area to sit down and relax. Usuaully there are free drinks so why not help yourself to one of those? (except i always find that it tastes like sh*t). 

That aside, i always take the time at the airport to buy a small lunch (usually a Subway) to bring onto the plane with me, since you know what? Airplane food SUCKS. and with my allergies i can't eat most of it anyway. 

Now, before actually getting in you'll have to go through security - and that's actually one of my favourite things to do. It's exciting for me, although it can be mundane and boring and irritating for many others. Just choose the fastest line and go, go, go! 

I always try to wear comfortable easy on easy off shoes, such as flip flops or Keds. I try to wear simple cotton tops (pullover hoodies with a tank top underneath) so it's easy to pass security and comfortable on the plane. I find that leggings or jeggings (my preferred travelling pants) are also great choices to pass security in, as well as to be comfortable on the plane in. 

Just remember all your things. I've had to run back and fetch something i've forgotten before, and that really adds to the stress of the entire experience. 

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Boarding 

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Boarding is one of my favourite parts. You look through the window and see them getting the plane ready - it's almost time to go! The excitement is always there no matter how many times we've been through it. Every time is different. 

It's good to board early if applicable - if travelling with family of course you get to. And if you're travelling with a friend with a small child or if you strike up a conversation with a mother and her young children, you can also ask to board with them. 

This makes it easier and less stressful to find your seat - so that you're not holding up and entire line of people if you need to backtrack, or if you're sensitive about accidently bumping people while manuvering past them.

Me, i like to get on with the regular crowd, or even last, if i can. I'm already going to be spending 12 hours straight on a plane, no need to lengthen that time period. 

Just have your tickets ready and eyes peeled, this really should be the easiest part of the entire flight. 

Oh, and, be sure to touch the outside of the plane before boarding. 

It's good luck. 

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Settling In and Seats 

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Airplane seats are TINNNNY, unless you're in business class or first class but let's face it - if you're reading this, you're probably in coach like me. Crammed in like sardines in a can. Yup. Pleasant. Yum. 

That being said, some seats are better than others, and those usually being the bulkhead and the emergency exit row. And of course, not having the area in the middle is usually good.

Seeing that i usually travel with others, whether it be family or a friend (or heck, my class), i usually wind up in either the window seat or the aisle seat. (it's probably the plane, the fact that it's smaller - but there's no middle seat where i go, just as well, anyway). 

My preferences are actually the window or aisle, too, just as well. And i don't like the bulkhead either. 

Getting on for me is personal - i know my tastes are often not for other people, so there's my disclaimer. 

Remember me saying i use a backpack as my carry-on? Well, that's because i don't put it in the overhead compartment, noooo, i like to put it at my feet. And i know, i know, the flight attendants say, "don't do that!" and i just throw the blanket over it to make it look like a blanket clump on the ground.

It's easier to access your things that way, don't blame me. 

Now, plane seats are uncomfortable, i know that. So here's a few things that i do to help me settle in, and will hopefully help you settle in as well. 

Personally, i have three default positions when sitting on a plane, and all are quite comfortable, if you don't mind looking like a total jackass. (because let's face it - majority of people just sit normally, maybe reclining. I don't do that. but heck, i don't think normal exists). 

• Cross legged. (granted, this only works if you are with family or a friend and don't mind looking like "that passenger" but it's surprisingly comfortable, especially if they let you lift the arm rest. Even if they don't, that's still fine. Just try not to take over someone else's space, cause that's not polite. Try not to do this if you're with a stranger - most of the time they won't appreciate it. I've done it before and they didn't mind but hey, i lucked out.) 
• Slouching. (this one's my favourite and it gives you the most room. I put the pillow behind my back to support it, and slide my butt to the edge of my seat, propping my feet up in the little pocket that holds flight magazines. it doesn't look the prettiest but if you sit like this, at least you're not kneeing other people in their sides, and usually i can also keep my arms comfortably nestled in the seat without an armrest. ideal if you have a stranger seatmate.) 
• Curled up on your side. (This one really only works in the aisle seat or a window seat, i wouldn't try it if you get stuck in the middle. I use one armrest to support my back and the other one to support my legs, so that i'm sitting sideways. This is my ideal sleeping position. This one most likely isn't for everybody - it requires a certain amount of flexibility to sit in this position for a long time. )

Or alternatively…

• Normal. (just like other passengers. It's relatively comfortable too, and you'd look like a normal human being. But personally, my legs cramp up really badly when i sit "normally," hence, all my strange sitting positions. )

What sitting position you use also largely depends on who you are sitting with. When i sit with my family i can sit all splayed out and nobody really cares. We lift the arm rest on occasion as well, especially before we try sleeping. (i always put it back down to sleep since i sleep facing sideways and it keeps me curled up). 

Sitting with a friend also works; we both raise the arm rest and sit cross legged, making it a lot more roomy than with an arm rest down. 

But no worries - sitting with a stranger isn't all that different; Just make sure not to take over their seat. I still default to the three sitting positions mentioned above when having a stranger seat mate, and they never told me not to do that. 

That being said, i usually fly overnight or long haul trips, meaning that yes, you do need to get comfortable, and yes, at one point or another, everybody is sleeping and won't mind what way you are sitting. 

just remember to sit up properly and buckle your seat belt when required to, otherwise (at least for me), it's all free game. 

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Sleeping

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Sleeping on a flight can easily be one of the hardest ways to sleep, seeing how limited your room is. 

I have a habit of falling asleep whenever in a moving car though, so it's a tiny bit easier for me, even without popping those sleeping pills. 

What i'd say is, before going to sleep, GO TO THE WASHROOM FIRST. you don't want to get woken up by your bladder. 

Aside from that, i like to fall asleep naturally. watch a movie, or listen to music, or heck, play a game (just remember to save frequently - if you fall asleep in a boss battle and die, and you haven't saved, i refuse to be held responsible), until you drift off to sleep. 

Usually if your seat is reclined and you have a blanket, it shouldn't be that difficult to sleep for long hours at a time. It makes it all the easier if your seat mate is a friend or family, in which case you might want to negotiate the arm rest position. 

I usually wrap my blanket around my shoulders and fall asleep that way, but that's just me. I've always preferring wearing my blanket cape-style than draped over my body the regular way. If you curl up sleeping the way i do, it's best to take the window seat, so if you fall back you have somewhere to put your head. 

It still works in the aisle seat but just be certain to keep your body weight forward, towards your legs, because if you're jarred and fall back… Owch. 

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Eating

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Eating is an essential thing on a long haul flight, and usually not a problem on the shorter ones. (hello packet of almonds!) 

But since i usually take long flights, I usually bring my own food on. Whether it's a Subway i purchased before the flight, or a Mister Noodle that i can ask them to put boiling water in, or just some bread or sweets that i've prepared, whatever it is, will usually be better than the airplane food. 

Now, i have allergies. I usually order a fruit meal because of that. 

But most of the time the fruit will contain a fruit i can't eat, and if they're not careful how they arrange the fruit, i just can't eat the entire platter. Oh, and, the snack sucks. A piece of cake, really? (i usually give it away or mash it up for fun, either ore). 

Of course i've had good meals before, of which i am eternally grateful for. 

But it's really just easier to bring your own sh*t on the plane. i bet you a bowl of instant noodles will taste better than whatever they give you in coach. slurp it down, enjoy the deliciousness. 

Personally i don't like getting woken up for meals. If i'm sleeping, let the sleeping girl lie. 

That's when family or friends are good; they can accept your meal for you (or even eat if for you, if you're comatose and won't wake till landing). 

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Landing

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One of the most exciting parts of a long plane ride - landing! you see as your lower through the fluffy clouds, and then wow, you can see! see the mountains, the oceans, the cities… especially the cities! I usually arrive at dawn when it's still dark so to see the city lights lighting up the sky is beautiful, or to see a morning sunrise! 

I usually start packing up when there is about an hour and half or an hour before we are going to land. 

Go to the washroom and freshen up, change your clothes if you need to. wipe down your face with a wet towel, maybe brush your teeth if you brought a toothbrush. comb your hair. (usually mine gets staticy after sitting in a plane for so long, so i also spray a bit of water or leave in hair conditioner). 

I also gather up all the garbage from whatever i'm eating and put them into the puke bag, put my shoes back on, and make sure that everything except what i need immediately, is in my carry-on. (another reason to use a backpack - you don't need to get up and get your stuff out upon landing, it's already with you!) 

i usually bring out a huge selection of sweets to eat upon descent - if i don't chew or swallow or eat constantly on the way down, my ears can hurt to high heaven and stay plugged for the next couple of days. NOT pleasant. 

After landing, i usually don't prefer to fight my way out of the plane - i patiently wait for a break in the line, grab my bag, and then cut in. no hassle, no need to get anything out of the overhead bin, just simple and easy. 

Then thank all the flight attendants for being so helpful (they usually are VERY sweet), and then leave the plane, happy for a great flight. 

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Arrival

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This is single handedly the best part. I love seeing what the other airports look like! I love the long flat escalators, i love all the pretty marble floors and bright lights, i love seeing other travellars heading out or going home. 

You still have to go through customs and whatnot but that's really no biggie. 

you've arrived! 

Grabbing the luggage is usually the part i dread though - i'm not good at recognizing my own baggage, since i'm never using the same one. and pulling it off the conveyer is no easy task either. I don't consider myself weak but the suitcase is usually easily half my size, depending on where i'm going or who i'm going with, so it's no easy task to throw it around like small fry.

After getting all the luggage together i usually like to go for a nice breakfast inside the airport, especially if i'm with family. Just head to the food court to find something that suits your palate :)

I usually find that i have a delicate stomach after a long plane journey, so i like eating light the first day or three just in case.  

And after a nice breakfast, you've got all your stuff, and it's time to leave and go forth on your amazing journey! 

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Well, hope you enjoyed that :) 

I'm flying in less than a week's time and i'm super excited to go, i've always loved travelling and i still love airplanes and airports. 

I know some of my tips are not useable for everybody but it works well for me and usually i have a great flight. 

Leave comments and tips, onegai~! <3 

Till Thursday then, my sweets ^_^ 

~Rere~ 

The Strange Motel

The year was 2011 in early November, and my class and I had just finished spending a few fun days at a nearby research facility as part of our school program.

It was time to go home.

But first, we had one last treat on our plate - we were going to go to a supermarket, buy some food, and spend the night at a motel, and the next day we were going to go on a cave tour.

We were on Vancouver Island - it was already snowing by then, surprisingly. The snow fell in pretty, silver flakes down from the inky skies, illuminated in the dark night.

Stopping at a local Safeway, everyone scrambled out with their allotted spending money to buy ingredients for dinner that night, and breakfast and lunch the following day, as according to their roommates.

Me and Mango were together in a room with three other girls, who will go by the name of Mizu, Minnie, and Roly.

We went our separate ways - me and Mango knowing that i had secretly brought along several packets of Mr. Noodles, so we went snack-shopping for breakfast and lunch; what Mango bought i no longer remember, but i remember getting a sports drink for breakfast and a Lunchable for lunch, and of course, lots of sweets ;)

Mizu, Minnie, and Roly went their own way to get their own foods.

We met up back on our schoolbus and we sped off towards the motel we were going to stay at for the night, and we received our room number eagerly and went scrampering off to find it.

Now, it wasn't a bad motel - a little bit run down, a little bit dark, not what i'm used to. The building appeared to be arranged in a squarish U-shape, and we were on the second floor. There was a balcony.

The teachers told us that aside from a couple, the manager informed them that there was nobody else staying the night, but regardless, to keep quiet and be respectful. (not that we couldn't be - the schoolteachers were known for taping the students' door to make sure there are no secret midnight expeditions that will bring harm to the school's reputation. #rollseyes )

Anyway, Mango, Mizu, Minnie, Roly and I went to our room, creaking open the door and peeking in.

It wasn't a bad room in general.

It was a drab colour and the lighting was dark. There were two beds, a TV, a mirror, a small bathroom, and a kitchen as well, so we couldn't really complain.

Known for being both paranoid and a huge scaredy cat, the room made me uncomfortable, but i knew that it'd be okay.

My friends were there.

I could at least take a quick shower and sleep a few hours. (at the time i still had insomnia so it was difficult to fall asleep and i'd often wake up in the middle of the night).

As due to group fear we turned the TV around and put the mirror on the floor, negotiating that Roly would sleep on the ground while Mango and I, and Mizu and Minnie, would share the beds.

Eventually as we settled down and prepared to cook dinner, the teachers came knocking on the door and asked us to switch rooms with the boys next door, since there were two of them and five of us.

We agreed eagerly (a bigger room!) and set out to the next room.

And indeed, it was bigger - there was a main room, wide open space, a small closet area, a small bathroom, and even another bedroom. two TV's this time instead of one, and another mirror on the wall.

The same drab colours and dark lighting greeted us.

My roommates seemed glad to get a new, bigger room, but a chill ran through me.

I didn't like this room.

I'm not sure if it was the wide open space or the room itself, but i felt uneasy even standing on the other side of the threshold. I didn't want to go in.

But regardless, i had to.

I smiled uneasily at my friends who stopped to see what was wrong with me, and followed them in.

The teachers closed the door behind us, with a slam that made me jump, and then we quickly settled, putting our suitcases down, and pulling out all the ingredients we needed for dinner.

Casual conversation commences - all the average girl talk, about dinner, about boys, about school.

Although we are all sitting in the sitting area with Mizu and Minnie making dinner (Roly went to take a shower, Mango and I were just sitting there), i still had the same uneasy feeling.

Somewhere along the line, me and Mango (although primarily me) became really paranoid, so we took the mirror off the wall, and put it on the ground. and then we wheeled the TV into the other room. and we flipped all the chairs so that they were facedown on the ground.

Mind you, this was right before bedtime.

And then for reasons unknown, Roly decides to whine at Mango to sleep in the other room with her, so i'm in the outer room by myself, in my own bed. (of course, Mizu and Minnie were there too, but they were sharing a bed).

by this point i knew i wasn't getting a wink of sleep that night.

(and for the matter, Roly coercing Mango into sharing with her seemed to backfire in the long run. Awhile back Mango rolled her eyes and condescendingly talked about 'that time that she bunked with Roly')

Anyway, we flick the lights off (with the exception of the one in the bathroom) and i borrow a phone charger from Mizu, since i know i won't be sleeping and there is surprisingly WiFi.

Everyone cuddles up, and go to sleep.

The room is plunged into silence and darkness, save for the sound of me rolling around, unable to sleep, and the glow of my iPod screen.

Late into the night (around 1:30), i start blinking off, exhausted, the week's worth of exploring, fangirling, and physical activity finally catch up to me. But my imagination is going wild, and i'm starting to hallucinate (or strongly imagine) dark shapes in the room, shadows flitting across the walls, so i can't sleep.

I painfully nap in intervals of "sleep 2 minutes" and "wake 5 minutes," all while being fearful that if i turned my head the wrong way a face would appear at the side of my bed.

Time passes painfully slowly, and sometime at 3:00, as i am finally, finally, drifting off to sleep, i hear footsteps outside my bedroom door.

I wake up, eyes wide, and look towards the source of the footsteps, but since the curtains are drawn shut, i cannot see who is making all those irritating sounds.

The footsteps escalate into the sounds of a lot of people running past my window, continuously, not stopping.

I'm tempted to open the window curtains to see who is disturbing us, but clearly it isn't loud enough to wake up my roommates, and besides, i was scared of seeing something i didn't want to see. There wasn't anyone at the motel, we were told. so who could it be? not our students, at least i didn't think so - the school would be mad if it were.

The footsteps show no sign of letting up, so i just try to ignore them. Slowly, they fade away as i fade into unconciousness.

I'm woken up again by the same sound of footsteps, this time seeming to run in the opposite direction.

I ignore it.

Sleep for a few minutes.

The next time i get up, i look blearily at my iPod. it's 4:30.

I decided that i'll play games on my iPod until 5:00, then i'm waking up, and do so.

next morning we get dressed, no one seems to notice anything amiss. we pack our things and eat our breakfast, casual conversation once again littering the air, and then we finally open the door to a blanket of fresh, fluffy snow, and pick our way down to our meeting spot.

(lucky i wore boots - no wet socks for me!)

Mango and i return to our usual seating (together), Mizu and Minnie go their ways, and Roly sits near Mango and me.

Nobody said anything more of that motel.

Seems that i was the only one as freaked out as i was.

To date, i'm still scared thinking of it.

It may not seem like much when talking of it, but in that moment, i was scared out of my wits.

Who was making those sounds? why?

Was the entire night's fears a byproduct of our telling scary stories to each other, or would it have happened even if it didn't?

Maybe it was just that my nerves were still riled up from the previous night - seeing that i had run screaming through the forest with Mango on my arm, to get to our cabin. Slamming through the doors to barrel into Ke. (one of my many past and current crushes).

Mango said it was the thrill of the situation - that i wanted to be rescued by Ke. (i agree but nonetheless)

But i say that no, that's not it.

It was …

just a very strange motel experience.









Hi all! So it's Tuesday and here's my post! <3

I was talking about ghosts and reading horror stories last night and i thought to share this one. It's not as cohesive as a lot of other stories i have of creepy encounters, but it was the most baffling.

I hope you enjoyed it - I'll probably have more of these up in the future :)

I do love scary things, after all, especially scary stories! whoo! <3

So stay with me, onegai~! <3




~DoReMi~

EXIT - Real Life Escape the Room Adventure!

Hi ya'll!

So i promised to update on Thursday which never happened and now it's already Monday (my apologies. It wasn't a legit reason this time but i guess i can say that i got sidetracked…?)

So anyway, today i went for a nice day out with one of my maybe-besties! (maybe for reasons seen below; when she's not being bitchy and clingy she's a fabulous person but when she is i'm just done)

It started out early morning with the movie "The Breakup Guru" which is surprisingly funny and pleasant. I've gotta commend that girl on her taste in movies. I liked it very, very much.

We shared a large fries, Sour Patch Kids, a large Sprite, and then off we went afterwards, clomping to the bus stop to get to our next destination.

(Did i mention we ran into a classmate of ours? She recognized me before i recognized her, shame on me!)

So we made our way to a nearby mall since our appointment wasn't until late afternoon.

Sitting in the food court and eating, we talked about university and courses, and a bit about our past.

I mentioned that i'd like first year university to be full of firsts (as promised by its name~!) to her;

Me: "first hand holding, first hug, first kiss, first cuddle…first no pants dance ;D"
Her: "Aw i want that too!"
Me: "…you can always get amnesia."
Her: "List some things that can be firsts for me?"
Me: "…open mouth kiss?"
Her: (shakes head) "I'll count silently in my heart."
Me: "…on a tree?"
Her: "WHAT?"
Me: "on a boat?"
Her: "…"
Me: "on a rock? on a dock?"
Her: "…"
Me: "On a drying machine? while running and screaming? facing a wall? hanging from a tree? while he whips you?"
Her: "….I never understood why some people like whipping others while doing the dirty."
Me: "That's like asking why we purposely make video game characters die or attack their own party members. Because it's amusing."
Her: "oh, you're evil."
Me: (smirks)

Soonafter we made our way to Exit, but we bypassed it and got lost, so we asked two other teenagers in the area how to get there, and it turns out they were going there too!

So we followed them.

Once there, we had to pay and put our things aside. Then sign our names and listen to them tell us the rules.

(Dont' move anything, listen to instructions, don't use violence, don't touch the corpse, et al et al et al)

And then we had to put some blindfolds on and stand in a line.

So we stood in a line and the two others seemed to be okay but me and Mango were panicking because there's just something freaky about not being able to see while being lead through many twists and bends with ominous music blasting in our ears.

At once point we stopped and then the staff had to separate us. Blindfolds still on at this point.

All i heard was "step over, sit down."

And then the staff came to get me and Mango, and we were both clinging to each other and squealing.

Him: "you need to let go of each other."
Us: "ARGHGHGSKNDGKSNGNS"

So he leads Mango in first, sits her down, tells her to scoot to the far right. Then puts me in, sits me down, and then something clangs close.

I reach out instantly for Mango, pitifully, "where are yooou?"

We grasp hands and i draw my legs up, knowing there's a corpse in the room (a prop, mind you, not a real one) and she notices me shifting so she pulls her legs up too, and we're clinging to each other whimpering loudly and i'm sure it was a sight for sore eyes XD

Then we're told we can remove our blindfolds and i do so, at first confused why i can't see anything.

(because oh yeah! My glasses were not on my face. genius.)

I put on my glasses and we hand back the blindfolds. We are given two clue cards and then he leaves.

Now at this point i look around. There's two light sticks, one for each pair.

We're all stuck in a tiny jail cell.

We start off needing to find the way to unlock the door, which takes quite a while.

But we do.

Then we scramble outside and eventually figure our way out of the first room and into the second, where we begin rifling through everything but time was ticking and we knew that we really had no chance of getting out at this point.

Mango at this point finds a pair of functional handcuffs.

Her: (tries to put it on me, but can't)
Her: "you're too fat."
Me: "…I'm wearing a jacket." (pulls up sleeve)
Her: (clicks it on) "oh!" (clicks it onto herself)
Me: "….."
Her: "….."
Her: (starts walking to the other room and i'm forced to follow since we're connected)
Me: (starts walking back to the room we were in and she's forced to follow because we're connected)
Other Girls: "you handcuffed yourselves to each other?"
Us: (proudly) "yup."
Her: (unclicks it off her wrist) "hold still."
Me: "…What?"
Her: "I want to handcuff you to this table."
Me: "What?! No!"
Her: (struggling to attach the cuff to the desk)
Me: (squirming and struggling with the cuff) "Noooooo i don't want to i'm scaaaaared"
Me: (suddenly yanks myself free)
Me: "…."
Her: "…."
Us: "…."

Evnetually thought we don't really get anywhere and time runs out, and we're told to line up once more.

Blindfolds are given back to us and this time i'm determined to see what the last room looks like, so i leavce a tiny bit of space at the bottom of the blindfold and as we pass i keep my head up to see.

And truly, there was only one room left.

But i won't mention what was in there ;)

Then we are allowed to take pictures with FAIL signs and we bid the other girls goodbye, and then leave.

We walk together towards the busstop and talk about university and how we intend to come back to Exit and finish what we started.


---------
Some time passes
---------

Her: "i want to do a real life Jigsaw experience."
Me: "in which you are actually killed?"
Her: "….no….?"
Me: "I saw the hesitation."
Us: "…."
Her: "like with devices and everything."
Me: "If you wanted that you could just post an ad on Craigslist and end up in someone's basement…"
Her: "…well i dont mean it THAT way."
Me: "…pfffwahahahahaha"




Her: "we should get together again and do fun stuff during Frosh week."
Me: "Frosh week is just an acronym for Fuck Everybody Week."
Her: "you're on fire today."
Me: (batting at my hair) "oh, i thought you meant literally."






----
My Mom's Opinion of Exit
----

Her: "If you're paying someone 25$ to throw you in a locked room, i'll gladly take that money and lock you in the house."






Overrall, very fun day. Had lots of interesting conversations and interesting new experiences ^_^

Can't wait to experience this sort of fun again near Halloween. (maybe?)





Mother Statement: "why you insist on scaring yourself silly i'll never understand."




I say that's all part of the fun. Yeah we get scared but it's a good scare! that's why we watch horror movies, go to haunted houses, and everything in between :)

And i'd say that just a few days made a difference.

We've graduated.

We're grown up now.

And i think it shows. :3

Welcome to the new world ;D





~DoReMi~

I Don't Like Breakfast

Soooo… It's Tuesday!

I think i said i'd update on Tuesdays and Thursdays right? I could be wrong.

Today, for the first time in the entire summer, i actually got up early!!! Which is actually not that early, just 9:30, because usually i sleep until 12:00.

I wanted to eat breakfast with my Mum today.

So i rolled out of bed and we go downstairs to eat with the family, and i come to realise that  breakfast is the most ANNOYING meal of the day.

Like, with breakfasts on school days at least, i get to eat yummy foods like rice noodles or whatever left over for what i have packed for lunch,

but with everyone else breakfast is a DISASTER.

Everyone on the table falls either under the category of "I don't like it" or "I can't eat it" which does me no wonders.

Back a long time ago, in grade school, when we went to camp we'd all eat together in the Lodge for breakfast, and naturally they were all yummy foods, fruit salads and basics like scrambled eggs and bacon and cereal and sausage and stuff.

Today i'd at least eat maybe a strip or two of bacon and have a sausage (the last full camp i went on, breakfast = two mini sausages and a juice packet) but back then, i HATED meat.

like, i'd go to McDonalds and order a cheeseburger, but "ONLY CHEESE AND KETCHUP PLEASE"

So basically for breakfast i'd have the fruit salad (if it didn't contain fruits that i am allergic to) and cereal with syrup instead of milk since i hated milk. …I also hated cereal, but sometimes you just gotta fill your belly, even if you're eating strange things.

Needless to say, i've never finished a bowl during camp.

Oh yeah, and there was toast. but i hate how bread tastes so i didn't eat that.

And at home it's no different,

blueberry bagles, muffins, some sort of oat pancake, coffee, avocado smoothie… all staples of the house but i would literally eat none of it, even if i was starving. i'd rather not eat than eat something i don't like. :/

And i remember in France, breakfast every day was basically two spoonfuls of chocolate cereal and a mug of tea. and for the matter, i don't like chocolate, i don't like cereal, and i don't like tea.

The only time breakfasts have been actually good, though, i'd argue, is in Taiwan. because we'd eat this thing called "Shao Bing" and it's REALLY delicious. it basically is like a crepe but less savory and it is flaky and yummy and has sesame seeds on the top but i hate sesame seeds so i don't eat the top.

top that off with syrupy soy milk and Mmmmm <3 that is a delicious breakfast.

Sooo… yeah.

Not the biggest fan of breakfast, tbh.

I can't understand the people that say that'd like to have breakfast for dinner. I'd rather just not have dinner than to put up with breakfast foods.

unless, you know, it's Shao Bing, then i would eat it.







Speaking of, 3 more weeks until we leave. ahhh, that's a long time T_T



~reRe~

Summer Has Come At Last!

Okaaaaay so it's been a long time since i last updated and also i haven't been sticking to a regular schedule but hey, i'm back, WHOO!

and it's the season we've all been waiting for! Summer! Yay!

Remember how i travelled alone this spring? (sort of alone, not actually?)

Well, we're going back! Yay! :D

The only major difference?

It's summer, summer is hot and humid, i hate hot and humid :D

But i'm glad to be back, truly, even if it's in the dead heat of summer, i'm happy to be seeing my family again, it'll be the highlight of summer, i'm sure :)

Like usual i'll probably need to be dragged back by the feet, but hey, beggars can't be choosers :)

Anyway, no real update or story for ya'll this time, just wanted to hop back online and prove that i'm not like, yanno, dead.

update on the Mango topic… it'll hopefully, probably become a nonissue soon.

That aside..

Happy summer everyone :)

From now until departure, updates will be every Tuesday and Thursday and will be on random topics :P

After departure, updates will be most likely nonexistant until we're back :P

(unless something awesome happens, like that time when i pierced my ears) :)

Alright, that's it for now :P

Happy summerrrrrrrr!!!






~Rena~