Walk with Nature: My Adventure to the North

If there is one thing that really pleases and amazes me when traveling, it would be the marvelous and stunning beauty of nature and the experience of enjoying myself in its cradle.

 

Last weekend, I traveled to Chiang Mai, northern province of Thailand. This province is mountainous, have a far cooler temperature and less congested than Bangkok. It boasts of a lot of tourist destinations and activities which are perfect for the adventurous and the nature lovers. 

 

I arrived in the early morning of Saturday after a nine long hours of travel. Though long, I was not really that tired as their bus service, I should say, is really excellent. I thought I was in a plane. There was a gorgeous “bus attendant” all in uniform, that inflatable head and neck rest we usually see in planes and a snack to go with the trip for just almost 600 baht, a quarter of what you have to pay for a flight. It was indeed incredible! I slept comfortably in most of travel time and had no complaints. Everything went smoothly.

 

Upon arriving, I immediately looked for a place to stay as I was a bit worried I might not be able to find a good and affordable guest house as this is a long weekend in Thailand and it is expected that many will be taking their holidays also away from the hustles and bustles of Bangkok. I went to a guesthouse recommended by a friend and was lucky enough to get a room considering that they allow no reservations.

 

On top of the city and meeting Panda

After settling, I did not waste time and got to the places in my list. For sure temples are all around but I did not spend so much time in them. Visiting so many temples in Bangkok had given me the impression that they are somehow similar in style and architecture. One temple though that is very interesting and they say is a must-visit for every tourist landing in Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep. Situated at one of the highest point in Chiang Mai city, this temple is perfect for a breath of fresh air, quiet meditation, and an excellent view of the city. Looking at it reminds me of my city back home, also in the northern part of the Philippines. Somehow, this place made me feel at home.

 

The much-visited temple on top of the mountain. Dare to climb! Only 306 steps.

Angels without wings

 

My idea of adventure is not really to be traveling alone. However, time and circumstances caught me in this situation where I did not have a choice but to go on my own to a place I’ve never been. In this however, I found out that the world can always offer a friend whenever you need one and you’ll never be alone.

 

Having had to exit Thailand in order to renew my stay there for another month, I had an unplanned trip to Cambodia and visit the famous Angkor Wat as well. After all, I’m an enthusiast of historic relics.

 

Early Saturday morning, I readied myself for a long trip to Siem Reap, home of the famous Angkor Wat. Before leaving, I prayed like a child that God would send me angels to help me and guide me on my trip.

Pride of Thailand

 An edifice of exquisite royalty, an evidence of enduring and intricate Thai architecture, a walk around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is indeed worthwhile.

 

Last Saturday, I visited this famous landmark of Bangkok and truly felt “enchanted” with the magnificent structures built around me. I felt like I was brought back to the ancient times of kings and queens, which I only see on TV or read in my fairytale books. Growing in the Philippines where there is an absence of monarchy, I had a hard time believing those things were real. Well, standing on royal ground itself made me feel like a princess J.

 

Royal residence for over a hundred years

Remembering 1990 earthquake

 

July 16, 1990, exactly 18 years ago, I was a witness to the monstrous disaster, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, that hit the Philippines, particularly my town, where more than a thousand people died. I was six years old then and yet the horrible pictures of this event are still vividly etched in my mind until now.

 

It was a lively Monday afternoon. After my class (I was in grade one then) I dragged my three-year old brother to visit my Ninang (godmother) at the other end of the village and play with other kids in the neighborhood. Our small village is mountainous and we had to walk quite a long way to reach that place. Shortly after finding my Ninang’s home and playing for a while, the ground began to shake. It was weird for me as I have never felt that before. I don’t understand what was happening. Second by second, the shaking of the earth only gets stronger and stronger. Everybody started to panic. Then people started running from here to there.

 

Tribute to my senpais

Imagine life in IUJ without the senpais?

 

Hmmm just unimaginable! It’s like walking on a hanging bridge without handrails over a raging river, scary isn’t it? L

 

In Japan, “senpai system” is a tradition of seniority particularly in martial arts like Karate. It pertains to a person who has gone ahead in training and therefore gain respect from the “younger” or newly trained participants or also called kohais.

 

In IUJ or perhaps in any other university in Japan, this is used in a much similar way.   Among the scholars/students across different nationalities, this system is established, a system of respect and responsibility that governs harmony and good relationship among students. The second year students make the group of the senpais and the first year students make up the kohai group, though this may be very particular among different nationalities. For example, we Filipinos call our Filipino seniors senpai but not the other senior students of other nationalities. On the other hand, Chinese first year students would call their seniors senpais but not the Filipino second year students.

 

This time of the year, the senpais have finished their degree as well as their task of being senpais to us as they are going back home or other places to fulfill other responsibilities. As the time for parting draws near, I took time to realize how much they have been a blessing to us.

 The first time I stepped into IUJ, I felt like a lost kid. I don’t know how to start, much more where to begin. Scared and ignorant of Japan’s unfamiliar culture and society, I thought I would be dependent on my natural instincts to survive. But my senpais came to the rescue. They gave me guidance and support as I made my way to adjustment and eventually until I was able to do things on my own. Thus, I come this far, finishing a year, the most difficult year, (I hope) successfully. Here are they are, a little tribute for my dear senpais.

 

 

 

 

 

ANGEL – A real angel in providing assistance, first days in JUSCO, first sinigang dinner at IUJ, how well do I remember those days. Very talented especially in making you laugh, whenever and wherever. There’s no boring time with him. And yes, how could anyone forget your really good voice, “Long and winding road” I’ll surely miss that.

 

 

 

 

 

   

    

 

 

 

FRANCIS – The Math wizard. Integrals and derivatives even in the wee hours of the morning was an experience I will not just forget but more importantly treasure. I learned to appreciate Math because of those tutorials (see other post “Loving Math”). I know those times were a sacrifice for you and I truly appreciate it. You are definitely a part of my success and the future that is to come. Thank you so much Francis for unselfishly  sharing your time with us.

 

 

 

Arriving in BKK

 (Late posting)

 

After battling over whether or not to turn down a UN internship offer, I finally made up my mind to risk and take action for my words.

 

Six months ago, I was so excited and looking forward to be a part of one of the largest organization working for world development. I wrote a passionate and very convincing application letter to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) based in Bangkok, which later was “unfortunately” proven convincing as I got the acceptance a month after.

 

This internship was all on my own as UN does not pay interns a single cent. It was an absolute volunteerism. I managed to save a little for this internship and decided to “charge it all to experience” after all, it would be “plus” in my resume J.

 

The UN experience was not the only thing I am after in fact. It was the Bangkok experience that gave me a push for this endeavor. After taking up economics classes in my Masters, which brought me to Japan, I became aware of the economic standing of the Philippines relative to other countries. I was never allured by the beauty of Thailand and know nothing about this place as tourist destination in fact. Then I got updated by how it’s economy was fast rising while ours was pretty slow. I started to get interested with how this country, much more intrigued why it is flocked with tourists.

 

Thai massage: a stress-reliever

I never had a massage in my entire. That’s because I’m so ticklish. But today, I conquered every tickling sensation just to experience one of Asia’s best and most sought-after massages by every tourist, the Thai massage.

 

After not being convinced by Laura to have a full body treatment spa, I decided I will try the traditional Thai massage. With a wide grin on my face, I followed the lady who is going to do the massage in a nice little cozy room inside the spa center. She gave me a pair loose and comfortable clothes to replace my shirt and jeans. There, at the floor, is a mattress which I suppose is where I’m going to lie. The room was dimly lit with incandescent. An instrumental music of violin and piano plays at the background. After a few minutes, the lady came with a basin of hot water to wash my feet.

 

She asked me to lie on the mattress and told me I could sleep if I wanted to. While lying, I was already thinking of ways how to keep myself from being tickled. She started wiping my feet with towel dipped in hot water then, started massaging my sole, pulling my toes, pressing and pushing my feet. Slowly, she goes up to my legs, with harder push and squeezing of the muscle.

Rules in buying

Have you ever tried buying the wrong thing because you were so excited with the item and forgot to think what you are actually buying?

 

Today was a very frustrating day for me. On a Friday evening, it should have been a nice time to unwind after a long week of work, however it turned out to be a very sad way of ending the week.

 

I and my friend went to an electronic shop after work this afternoon to have our cell phones unlocked as it doesn’t work in Thailand. After quite a lot of tries, we concluded they don’t really work here. Aside from this purpose, I also intend to buy a camera as it is really so “smart” of me not to buy a camera in Japan, (sigh). But anyway, I really need one so I thought I should better get myself one.

Fleeting beauty, moments of pleasure

 “Moments of pleasure,” I muttered to myself as I stared at the sakura tree through the window glass while I wait for our lunch being served. “Fleeting beauty,” said my friend, as she chuckles (perhaps thinking of a different connotation with what I just said) sitting beside me, who I didn’t know heard my silent remark at the dying cherry blossoms in front of us.

 

Cherry blossoms otherwise known as sakura by the Japanese are very special because they bloom only during spring and just stay for a while. Two days ago, they were just at their full bloom stage. Pink, light pink, white, and off white clusters of composite flowers beautifully, accenting the surrounding, highlight the very fine spring weather. Such an ambience would make you want to stay under the sakura tree all day long.

 

Changing seasons

 Winter is over. The cotton-like layers of ice along the roads are slowly melting away. The mountains are gradually bared from being giant chunks of white rocks to lively and lush mountains as the warm rays of the sun strike every corner them. It’s spring.

 

It’s been almost seven months since I came to Japan. That time, it was the end of summer and the season is changing to fall. Now, I’m once again in the transition of another brand new and exciting season.

 

Time flies so fast, faster than I thought. When I look back to those days when I first stepped to this place, I was full of fears and uncertainties but now, I could find every way to enjoy my activities and face every challenge in a fun and unrelenting way.

 

 

Many people await the coming of this season. To them, spring is the best season of the year. Warm weather yet not too warm or annoyingly warm to squeeze all the sweat from your body or burn the skin. It’s but cold does not freeze your fingers and cheeks. The gentle spring breeze and the unscorching rays of the sun are perfect combination for a day out. Tulips, daisies, geraniums, and most especially the “spring flower” of Japan, sakura, abounds during this season.