Lost in Beijing

I've been busy as a buzzing bee flying from one flower to the next in search for the sweetest nectar. Too busy, that even taking a peek into my blog needs to be rostered for duty. I won't lie that I've been so caught up at work but never have I stopped savouring every journey. Re-visiting my first Wonder of the World makes the best way to mark my half-a-year now living in Doha. Forgive if my upcoming posts are a bit dusty from my archive! 

One of the best and unforgettable layovers I had happened in Beijing - Home to one of the World's Wonders. I am above and beyond to share this experience with the loveliest crew anyone could have with onboard. Girls from every corner of the world, from totally different backgrounds but sharing the same flame was truly Godsend! We were the self-proclaimed #ChineseSheikhas representing The Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Kenya, Romania and Serbia. The flight bound to Beijing gave me the gift to view the Himalayas in broad daylight. That alone was a #HappyMoment right there. 

Upon reaching the hotel, us girls had already arranged with the concierge for a bus to take us to The Great Wall and The Forbidden City. Haggling (more like, bargaining and negotiating) is highly recommended in China. With just 4 hours of sleep, we were out and about! 

The Great Wall of China  

But first, The Great Wall of China. Surrounded with the most beautiful of landscapes I'd only seen in movies before like Mulan and Kung Fu Panda. The trees, mountain ranges, lakes and the simplest sight of flowers (or cows) made our hearts flutter - for people coming out of the sandpit. But that was just the cherry on top of the cherry. Beijing's weather was perfect on a mid-October's day. We took a Cable Car ride up the Great Walls seeing the thick foliage beneath our feet and the empty sky above us - and there I was - making it on top one of the Seven Wonder's of the World, standing strong for over 600 years. I couldn't have felt more alive and grateful. A lot of tourists still make their way to this landmark which is part of human history. I think going up is as exhilarating as going down The Great Wall thru the Tobaggo Slide ride! A good 20mins. sliding downhill on a cart with only a stop-and-go stick shift made me feel like a Happy Kid again! (Caught in video!) 

The Forbidden City

     

Seeing the entrance gate to this historical place brought me back to the days I saw it printed on my SIBIKA or HEKASI textbooks. The suddenness made me feel walking into and being part of history. We appreciated the Chinese temples, palaces and the Imperial Garden housed within. Beijing is also where we found the most fluffiest and fat feline and canine friends which brought wearing fur to a whole new level! Getting lost in Beijing with just a few hours for minimum rest and bearing in mind you have a flight (to operate) got our hearts pounding. Not to mention the language barrier to make things a little bit more exciting. We found (lost) ourselves in the massive Tiananmen city square and saw the palace by misadventure. That has made the sweating and experience all the more worth it.

Getting back to the hotel was a whole other story when the car won't start for us! As our flight was just a few hours away, we couldn't stay put and went on to grab a taxi - sleeping there like a baby out of too much adrenaline and exhaustion. Only to find out later, our flight is (thankfully!) delayed for another hour. Time and again, things do happen for a reason.

That leaves me ecstatic than ever, for I have only 6 more Wonders of the World to go! :)

2014

Down to the last day of 2K14! It's been one crazy hell of a ride of challenges, changes and chances for me... Looking back from day one of this year, I know I have gone through a lot - from aching to part with my College life, surpassing dengue, quitting my first job, to the biggest leap I've done (so far) of moving to Dubai and living my life in independence. So many highs and lows which I endured (and still do), so many tears I've shed and kept to myself, so many times I felt totally lost and had no idea where I was heading to, so many points of breakdown. What can I say, a 21 year old girl who moved out of her comfort zone and voyaged for an adventure got a taste of what the real word really is like. Bitter sweet. Sour grape. Sweet lemonade.

But it was worth it. I have tapped on strengths I didn't even know were there or the things I'm capable of. I understood that some people aren't so nice. And, I knew who are most important to me and whom I'd want to keep in my life. Take this as my year-ender entry while I'm speed typing it, sitting in the office. All we have here is time, what we do with it, that's our life. No one is ever too young, too old, too busy or too poor to go after their dreams. And coupled with God's grace, you will be in awe! After all the bumps and hurdles, 2014 did not disappoint. I am filled with a renewed hope for the year ahead. And on a personal note: Don't get stuck in the moment (no matter how  good or bad it might be) Trust that there are bigger, brighter things coming, that there is always tomorrow and exciting things to come in 2015! xxx

Twenty One

Another year older, and I hope wiser, braver, stronger. Gone past the legal age twice my life! (Whew!) Honestly, I am struggling writing this to gather my thoughts and come up grateful for the past and what's present. As I reach my 21st year, I can make a list of many of my firsts! First time celebrating it away from home and family makes me feel changed. Twenty-one gives me the ticket for being independent and responsible of myself too. Something which can be a beauty, but if not handled with care, can turn out a disaster.
 

June 30th fell just in time for Ramadan. It's a whole new experience added to my treasure trove. Hence, my cousins and I decided for a little pre-birthday celebration in my happy place - the beach! I felt like living up to my birth month as a Summer Baby (haha!). I earnestly waited to catch sundown and Jumeirah Beach did not disappoint. I thank God for waking me at every sunrise, letting me witness gorgeous sunsets and getting me to dig my toes in the sand. It kept my faith that I can still do things to make life worth living.
 

On the birth-day, the whole family were together during Iftar and it was such a feast! Just the right warmth and company to spend anyone's special day. They say, at Twenty-one, you are just beginning. You still have a long way to go. You are at the peak of your life, career (and lovelife, to add). And though I might be going through tough Mid-life Crises, "Life is just starting out for you." (this I remind myself often) It's not always happy, but there sure is a lot to be thankful for, ALWAYS! My prayer is that God grant me the strength and wisdom everyday, to live according to His purpose He's set apart for me and guide me all throughout this journey. I am left with excitement for more of many firsts and adventures! And wonder where I might be next time?



Those final sunsets as Twenteen! Where have all the years gone? :)