Tak København

No words. Just complete kilig moment when I got CPH off from standby. I was the happiest girl! Copenhagen is a city so close to where I was born. And as it came to me as a surprise, I allowed myself to be more stunned by this beautiful city. We landed on a cold but sunny Jan afternoon, secretly hoping for snow to fall anytime soon. But God had a different idea; He wanted me to see the view right outside my hotel room window as a beautifully painted picture! It was so beautiful; it was like reading out of a Children’s fairytale book. Maybe this is why Hans Christian Andersen was so inspired. I was looking right at the heart of Copenhagen.

My ultimate goal was to reach Nyhavn – an old town situated in a canal bestrewn with restaurants, pubs and colourful Danish houses. Without a map in hand, just a determined heart, my crew and I walked into the city braving the cold winter. I have nothing but admiration for Scandinavians. Forget about them being my passengers. But as people, and a nation, they are well deserving of the ‘Happiest People in the World” title. I am glad for a nation who aren’t just well educated, but friendly, disciplined, but polite, speaks very good English and on top of that – very good looking! 

The following day seemed like a storm was looming, but my heart was happy to witness snow! Again! After so many years… When sunshine finally filled the city, it felt like Christmas morning! I woke up to a Winter Wonderland! I will never forget that stunning oil-based painting from outside my window. God is such an artist! Thank you Copenhagen! You made me the happiest girl!

Write it in your heart, that everyday is the best day of the year. - RW Emerson

Dreamliner

 Nothing happens... but first a dream.

 Back home, I was such a dreamer! I had dreams I don't even know where to begin with but had always imagined of going places, meeting people, getting inspired and sharing yourself to the world. It took me a lot of hard work, tears and miles and miles of patience I never knew. More than that, I had to be brave enough to leave home, take risks and sacrifice. That may include but not limited to the following: intense training, waking up at 4AM, crying yourself to sleep, doing your laundry, studying for exams, making your bed, reading THICK manuals, preparing your meal, being away from family and unceasing prayers. What kept me day by day is knowing that I'm not alone. And that is filled by my lovely (ROCKSTAR!) batchmates - turned sisters - turned friends. Had I not been brave enough to explore out of my comfort zone, would I ever meet these girls from around the world who share the same dream and drive as I  do. I wouldn't have had the chance to learn from the most experienced, insightful and passionate people - who are my instructors. It's a blessing to be surrounded by people like them.

Dreams do take a while before you can truly grasp them, but that shouldn't stop you from chasing them, even if you find yourself hit the ground running. Because they're there for a reason. Some say, opportunities come and go or you can't keep opportunities waiting. I say, opportunities are one of life's wonderful instants. Like a 'blink and you'll miss it'. Therefore, once it comes, you are to be wholeheartedly ready to accept it and discover the wonders it brings!

I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities privileged, knowledge imparted and people met.

This is truly a keepsake worth a thousand memories. Truly a Dreamliner!

Fun Flying

This weekend adventure made me a happy wanderlust! It's a blessing to have family in such far away land. I consider my Tito Dan the coolest uncle/loving father/dream husband/karaoke king among the few men that I know, that's the kind of man he's made of. Plus I earned two little sisters from him - the bibang biba Carmella and charming baby Claire! Thanks to him for having us tag along on one of his hobbies - flying RC planes - just like a child opening toys on Christmas day! Waking up as early as 6AM is not a thing here in the UAE. Which is why bringing myself out of bed was well worth it. A roadtrip towards the middle of the desert - that's my thing! And the desert summer heat is surely starting to bite, but it didn't stop us from going out to play. Dubai-Al Ain Road was the makeshift runway for enthusiasts hobbyists flyers to put their toys on play. I took the chance to be on the controls (for the first time!) and what fun and freedom it gives you seeing your plane fly in the air! I mean, that's the closest thing I can get to piloting my very own airplane :)