Manila Trip

As excited as I was to finally be in the Philippines, my super short trip here ended in an anti-climax. The workshop that I attended proved to be the only fruitful thing of my stay. Well…maybe not the ONLY thing, coz the icing on the cake was actually re-uniting with some of my Berlin colleagues.

Other than that, the rest of my stay was pretty much boring; I didn’t get to see much except the Mall of Asia from the outside (it’s the biggest mall in Asia), and Marina Bay. I also didn’t get to try balut! I really wanted to try it and I would have if I had the opportunity. Alas, this was not done. Perhaps it’s a sign that there are certain things that I should do with my sis! Lol!

The worst part of the trip was my return flight. Having arrived 2hrs before my scheduled departure, my flight was delayed, apparently due to bad weather! The ground staff claimed not to know what was happening and I had to get updates from my sis through SMSes. I was so worried that I would miss my connecting flight from KL to Pg, which in the end I did miss.

The flight was delayed for more than 3hrs (apparently the plane had not enough fuel and had to divert to another airport to re-fuel), causing me to miss my connecting flight. I was even told that I would be given accommodation as my flight to Pg would be the next morning!! Thankfully, when I arrived in KLIA, I was given a new boarding pass with my new flight; I took the last flight out of KL. I arrived home at nearly 2am!

This month does not seem to be going my way. I did not get to see spring in Berlin, my luggage was then stuck in Amsterdam, my Manila trip was not that fun and of course the delay at the airport.

Nevertheless, I guess all these could be signs that I should return to Berlin and Manila, preferably with my family, so that I can really enjoy the trip.

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Day 3 in Manila

I slept at nearly 1am yesterday, and I woke up a bit “late” as I sort of “overslept” according to my OCD timing. Nevertheless, I still managed to get ready in time and was at the meeting room on time; only to find out that the session today starts at 10am!

There were a few others there as well, who didn’t know about the programme change. The agenda for the past two days have been constantly changing, so I guess many of us assumed that the agenda would also change for the last day.

The extra hour that I had was spent on checking emails, checking- in for my flight tomorrow and browsing FB.  When the session finally started a little after 10am, it was a short session. It ended at 1pm, with us each getting a small notebook, using it as an autograph book to get the participants to write in each other’s note books. It was a nice gesture and a fun activity.

After lunch, there was a small group meeting that lasted for 2 hours, after which, Chela and I went to Robinsons Place, a mall nearby. We managed to get some souvenirs before heading back to the hotel as it was getting dark.

Dinner was with my boss and 3 of my other Filipino colleagues, and we went to the other side of Marina Bay where the biggest mall in Asia is located: Mall of Asia. It’s apparently 4 football fields wide. It was a massive building!!

We didn’t go inside the mall but ate at a seafood place nearby the mall. We had pork, adobo kangkong, sinigang maya-maya, boiled prawns, mango salad and rice. I even drank a very refreshing green mango shake. It was yums!!

After that, we went looking for balut and surprisingly couldn’t find any vendor!! Both Marjo and I were disappointed but I am going to try one more time tomorrow morning before I leave. I hope I get to try it as I don’t know when I’ll be back to the Philippines (though I hope to come back for a holiday!).

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Day 2 Manila

So I think I’m back to my normal time as I have been sleeping at midnight and getting up at 7am. It’s a relief since it’s back to work for me next week.

It was a heavy day today at the workshop. The sessions were really intense and my brain was fully used to the maximum! But it was good. Some of the sessions were repeats of what I had gone through in Berlin, so it kind of felt good that I knew what was going on and that in some way, I was ahead of most of the people here. Haha!

We even managed to finish a meeting that was supposed to happen tomorrow; so now I’m hoping I’ll be able to go out and sightsee a bit tomorrow, and hopefully take some pictures and buy some souvenirs, to remind me of my first trip to Manila!

I’m also hoping to try balut! My Filipino colleagues say that it’s nothing to fear, that there’s no bad smell (smells just like eggs) and that it actually tastes nice. Let’s see. Marjo wants to be with me when I try it just to see my reaction; I think it’s good that she comes along, in case I chicken out at the last minute.

I went to dinner with my ED and two Filipino colleagues at Marina Bay (the place looks sort of like Straits Quay). We had sort of a typical Filipino meal of ‘Laing’, ‘Bangus’, pork, tofu and rice. I must admit, the meal was delicious!

By the time we left the restaurant, it was nearly 11pm.

I haven’t had the time to take photos, so I’m really hoping take some tomorrow, not only with the people here but also of the area, as apparently, Marina Bay is famous and people often come here just to see the sun set.

Lot’s to do tomorrow and I hope I get to do it all!

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Back from Berlin…off to Manila

So today marks a week since I returned from Berlin; and although I thought I would get over the jetlag faster than when I was in Berlin, it would seem that I was wrong. I kept my sis and mum awake till the wee hours of the morning, the first two days I was back. Then for the following two days, I was relegated to listening to my radio as they both warned me that they needed to sleep and that they wont layan me.

Monday came and I was off to Manila, despite still feeling a bit sluggish. But I think I am slowly getting over the jetlag. My Penang colleagues and I arrived in Manila on Monday night and I managed to meet two of my Berlin colleagues, which was so nice!! J It’s just so nice to see familiar faces and be at a workshop where I know people. At least this time, I won’t be an outsider.

I saw more familiar faces this morning and it was as though I had just left Berlin yesterday! I also spoke to Wolfgang many times today, which was surprising coz I didn’t expect the boss of the organization to be so friendly. Plus, my Berlin colleagues had told me that he has his moods, though I haven’t seen it so far. He told me all about his journey in Asia and how he had assumed India, China and Philippines to be the same, simply because they are all in Asia. Lol! Leaving this Friday is really going to make me sad.

It was a long day at the workshop, but one that was productive. A group of us went for dinner; we had seafood. When the bill came, it read: Pesos 5292!! It was the most expensive dinner bill I have ever seen, albeit that it was in Pesos. Haha!

The most eventful part of the dinner was when the patrons at the table next to us tried balut! Immediately there were screams and I saw 3 people running to the side (the restaurant was by the harbour) and throwing up!! Next thing I knew, my Berlin colleagues were looking at me, expecting me to try balut there and then!! When I said I’ll do it tomorrow or Thursday, they called me a coward! Haha! I reasoned that I just had dinner and that I was full, so they relented. But I doubt that I’ll get away with it. :p

I really want to try it, even if I throw up. After all, it’s my first time in Manila and I have always said that I want to try it. It’ll be a new experience, one that I will not likely forget.

Also, I didn’t get to go walking today as the session ended late. Hopefully I get to go walking around the area tomorrow and on Thursday, so I can take pictures.

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By the way…this is my 250^th entry!

KL and the next few days

So the flight back to Penang was slightly eventful, in that there was slight turbulence at the beginning of the Amsterdam-KL flight. My heart kept jumping up and down and it justified why I am not an air-stewardess.

As we were nearing Asia or KL, I started sweating and when we landed in KL, the temperature was 32C!! I had to take off my sweater and I think I had body odour!! Not good especially when I know I am going to hug people when I arrive in Penang.

Also, I must have been frazzled or confused, as I forgot to go to the duty free area to get duty free stuff, and instead headed straight for the domestic departures, despite having nearly 4 hours of transit!! ARGH!! Well…I guess it’s a way to save money.

Upon reaching Penang, my excitement to see my family vanished when I found out that my luggage did not follow me back. Apparently, it was stuck in Amsterdam and would only arrive the following day!! Argh!!! I was so pissed that I forgot to even hug my mum and sis who had come to fetch me.

We went to the shop straight from the airport. Almost everyone was at the shop, waiting for my arrival. Lol! Comments ranged from I’ve become fairer to I look taller to disappointment on me not putting on weight!! Thank God no one said I lost weight!

That night, as jetlag started to set in, mum wasn’t allowed to sleep till nearly 4am as I kept talking to her. I was off the next day but Vay had to work and apparently, I also disturbed her with all my talk.

The next day, mum had to wake me up and it was noon by the time I got out of bed. She had to wake me as I had to go get my luggage. Thankfully, it arrived and I could unpack.

I once again couldn’t sleep that night; mum was kept awake again and when I finally went to sleep, it was 6.45am on Friday, just as my sis woke up for work.

I went to the office that afternoon, to go see my colleagues and give them souvenirs. I spent about an hour there before leaving to go fetch my sis.

My grandmother and aunt came to the shop to see me and they both said I looked cheerful and good! I guess the trip was a refreshing experience!

That night, both mum and sis warned me that they intended to sleep so I was not allowed to talk to them. In the end, I think I slept at around 3/4am.

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Bye-bye Berlin!

I slept at nearly midnight and got up at around 4am today. I just couldn’t sleep. Must be nerves. Of course it was still dark outside, with only the pathways “bright” as it was white with snow. I switched on the radio and tried to sleep some more as I still had 3 hours before I really had to get up. Try as I might, I was still up at 5am and was online. Lol! I finally forced myself to at least lie down in bed so that I won’t be overtired by the time of my flight.

At 6.30pm, the sky was quite bright. I got out of bed at 6.45am and proceeded to get ready – change, pack, pack, pack. I was done by 8am. Then I went online as I waited for Anna to pick me up.

Anna arrived about 9.30am and together with her and my hsemate, we brought all my stuff down 5 floors, loaded them into her car; took a couple of pictures of me and my hsemate, and then it was bye-bye Dieffenbachstrasse and Karin.

Over at work, Claudia, Marie and I had a one hour morning chat over coffee, evaluating and wrapping up my stay here in Berlin. It was a good discussion, with a lot of sharing and information exchange. I feel that my stay here was worth it for both parties.

Most of the legal trainees and I had one final lunch together in the office. We just sat around and talked. Then Marie told me that Joe will be following me to the airport, especially since I have such a heavy bag (19kgs!). Somehow it seems fitting as he was the one who came and fetched me on my first day here. So it’s like a cycle. J

The sun was up today!! Probably to say bye-bye as well. At least it was not THAT cold. Just -2C. Lol!

This entry will be my last from Berlin as my flight leaves at 6.25pm.

Next time round, I’ll be writing from sunny and hot Penang!

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Last Day in Berlin

This is it! This is my last day in Berlin!! It’s my last day layering up as I don’t intend to wear layers tomorrow; it’s my last day of taking the bus to work; last day to walk around the area; last day to cook/prepare a meal in the kitchen; so many lasts. Also…as of tomorrow, there’ll be no more unpredictable hot/cold showers or super cold toilet seats! Now THAT’s something I won’t miss. Lol! J

When I went to work this morning and saw Miriam, she commented on how snowy it was and that she thought of me when it started snowing during the weekend! I guess I’ll always be the girl whom they will remember whenever they see snow! Lol! And I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not!

It was really snowy today; somewhat similar to the day when I video recorded the snow fall. Everyone commented about it being snowy, saying that, since I arrived in snow, it’s fated that I leave with the snow.

My farewell lunch at the office was really something so sweet. Instead of catering food or going out for lunch, the entire office surprised me with a personally prepared lunch. Everyone cooked/brought a dish that was native to their region or country!! There was some real German food. There was tortilla, sauerkraut, currywurst, some Palestinian sesame seed dip, marzipan chocolates etc. How sweet of them all to do such a thing; and all the food were so yummy! I was/am really sad to leave this bunch of people! They’ve been so welcoming and helpful. Sighs… They also gave me a present (an Oscar nominated German movie ‘Run Lola Run’ on DVD) with a card of the public transport network map. I guess they really want me to remember Berlin! J

So, I didn’t get to follow Yvonne to Penzlauer Berg after lunch, as her daughter is still sick. Instead, I left the office a bit earlier to go get my shoes. I spent 1.5 hours in the shoe shop, trying more than 10 pairs of shoes. I was almost going to buy two pairs then decided not to be greedy and settled for one pair. My mind was made up when a lady who was watching me try on shoes told me that the pair I was wearing (and ended up buying) looked perfect on me! Lol! I also bought a leather wallet. Just couldn’t stop myself from spending money here.

Back in the apartment later on, I spent about an hour chatting with my hsemate as today is the last chance for us to chat. We also exchanged emails, with her promising to send me pictures of the trees outside my room once they are in full bloom. She also gave me a bottle of dark beer with cherries, as she remembered me telling her that I like sweet wine. The first half of the glass was quite good. I leave the apartment for good tomorrow morning as I’ve decided to go to the airport from the office. Anna offered to fetch me to the office.

After the chat, I went back to packing. Half way through, I decided to weigh my bag and I couldn’t lift my bag high enough to get a reading! Oh oh!! From what I could lift, the scale read 15-16 kgs, so I guess I am still safe. Let’s see what’s the reading tomorrow morning!

I had my last dinner here in Berlin with Anna. We had Flammkuchen, a type of pizza, with spring onions, onions, bacon, sour cream and gorgonzola. This was my first time tasting gorgonzola and it was…um…not very nice. It was kind of smelly and had a weird taste; in the end, I ate the half that had no gorgonzola. :p

As I waited for Anna to come down from her apartment before we had dinner, I stood at the entrance to her apartment building and took one last look at my area, Dieffenbachstrasse, in the night. The roads and pathways were covered in snow; the streetlights hardly lit up the area; few people were walking around; the area was just quiet. This is my last memory of Dieffenbachstrasse on my last night in Berlin. Cold, quiet, calm.

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1 more day

Berlin really wants me to have a full-on winter experience. This is what I believe, as winter doesn't seem to want to end. The Berliners are getting fed-up and edgy, as they long to see and feel the heat of the sun. But…I guess they will just have to wait. As I said yesterday, the snow has returned; and this morning, just like how it was the first time I was here, I got up to everything covered in snow. Plus…it was snowing!!

I spent the morning packing my stuff; leaving just enough clothes in the cupboard to last me for the next two days. Then I weighed my bag and the scale read: 12+kg. Not bad I should say! This means I can pack another 8 kg worth of stuff! Lol!

Then Claudia called me at around 10ish and asked if I wanted to go see a lake and go for a walk through a forest. I agreed since it’ll give me an opportunity to walk in the snow (again).

So I met her at 2 pm at one of the Metro stations and from there we headed to the west. Although it was snowing and super super COLD, the walk through Krumme Lanke forest and around the lake(s) was worth it. I even ate fresh fallen snow and it tasted like…basically shaved ice! Haha!

By the time we headed back to the Metro station it was 4 pm  We had walked for over an hour and it really didn't feel like it. There were quite a number of people around the lake and in the forest, considering that the temperature was in the minus region. Nevertheless, I understand why people would want to be outdoors, especially in that area as the air is fresh, the area is so quiet and peaceful, and there’s just an air of tranquility that makes you appreciate all around you. Apparently, this place is beautiful in the summer and people will spend their weekends there, swimming in the lake, jogging or just enjoying the atmosphere.

It’s my last day at the office tomorrow. I have one last meeting with Claudia and then there’s like a farewell lunch for me. After that, depending on Yvonne, a few of us might follow her back to her area Prenzlauer Berg; it’s a really nice area it seems.

I’ll also have to go get my shoes if I don’t want to leave Berlin wearing winter boots. I want to go back to the store where I got my boots as there’s a wide selection; otherwise I’ll get the pair of sneakers I saw in Karstadt, which is closer. I really do hope I get to go buy the shoes, as I’ll have no time on Tuesday.

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Last Saturday – 2 days

Wow wow wow…it’s my last Saturday here in Berlin!!! I woke up to fairly OK weather. The skies were gray but not as gray as yesterday; and it was windy. I got up quite early, around 7.45am.

I spent a few hours in the morning doing some pre-packing; and already the weight is 8+kg! I went and checked (again!) how much weight I’m allowed and the website said 23kg…so hopefully, I won’t go over it.

So Marie and I didn’t go to Potsdam as Marie got up feeling tired and I was just too lazy. It’s OK I guess. That’s just another incentive for me to come back to Berlin!! Plus, although the weather didn’t seem too bad this morning, when we met up later in the afternoon, it was SNOWING…AGAIN!!!

So we went to hunt for shoes; and I came back empty handed. I looked around for boots and there were a couple that I liked but it was either too high or too expensive. And then later on, when we went to Karstadt, I saw a sneaker-type shoe, and it got me thinking: do I buy a pair of boots that I will only use occasionally back home, or do I buy a sneaker that I can use more often? Since everything is closed tomorrow, I have one day to think about it and then rush to get what I decided to buy, on Monday.

After the “shopping”, Marie and I met up with Anna and we went to a burger/pub near my place. It’s famous for its burgers and my oh my…they were delicious. We had dinner there; and spent 3.5 hours talking about everything under the sun, over a couple of beers. Anna told me that she’s amazed at how well I have adapted to living in Berlin, especially since it’s my first time here and in winter! It snowed quite heavily while we were having a good time, and by the time we left, everything was covered in snow.

I have no plans for tomorrow, but I think I better get a move on, on my packing. The longer I procrastinate, the harder it’ll be for me when I have to rush. And I HATE rushing!

I hope it doesn’t snow too heavily tomorrow as I plan to walk around the area once last time.

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3… (and Berlin is crying)

The ground was wet this morning and since it was slightly drizzling when I came back last night, I can only assume that it rained as I slept through the night. Not a very encouraging view to wake up to especially since I was hoping to have a nice weekend. The depressing weather is not helping with the sadness that I have started feeling.

It’s my last Friday here, and also my last day of official work. I’ll still go in to the office on Monday but that’s more for wrapping up stuff and also for the farewell lunch thing. L

So the past two days I alternated by wearing only the long john top one day and then only the long john bottom the next day; today…I’m back to wearing both! Lol! It was a good decision coz the weather was cold today. However, I’m pretty sure I’ll not wear them on the day I leave coz it’s going to be a nuisance to take off all my clothes and then put them back on again when I reach KL. Plus…I think I can handle the cold for the short distance that I’ll have to walk to the car or office or airport.

I went out for a drink during lunch today with Miriam. She’s been so busy since I arrived and she could not believe that I’m leaving next week already. We talked about work etc. My first impression of her was that she’s a bit reserved, but after today, I realized it’s just because we have not had the opportunity to talk before this. She’s actually quite sweet and I think she’s pretty. J

So I tried to sell my two winter boots to a second hand shop but was turned down, as winter is ending and so the lady would not be able to sell the boots. I had thought of wearing the boots all the way home but mum keeps telling me that I’ll suffer when I reach KL and that the boots won’t last in the sweltering heat. Since I couldn’t sell the boots, I gave the one from Penang (the one that gave me problems) to the lady. I’m planning to go shoe shopping tomorrow, hoping to get a pair of non-winter boots that I will also be able to use at home. Leather would be best but it’ll depend on the price. J

The initial plan is to go to Potsdam tomorrow but the weather forecast doesn’t look good; it’s been predicted that it will snow!! So if it does snow, Potsdam is out. In fact, today itself was cold! And temperatures are expected to dip below zero degrees by Tuesday; thank God I leave that day! Haha!

The next two days will be my last weekend in Berlin. That’s more than 50 days I’ve been here but it certainly doesn’t feel like it! Everyone is telling me to come back in summer; in fact, they told me to work hard on the case and they’re strategizing how to get me back here in the summer! Lol!

Well…who knows? I MIGHT just have another opportunity to come back! J

4…it’s the final countdown!

Surprisingly (or not), there was no sun this morning. Aisling had told me yday that the weather is supposed to be very very cold this weekend; so I guess waking up to no sun today could be a prelude to that. I am once again talking about the weather, just as how I used to do it when I first arrived! Lol!

Anyway, as I walked to the bus stop this morning, a sudden rush of sadness passed through me. I know that it’s because these would be the last few times that I will be walking down the same path/route that I take every morning, seeing things that have become familiar to me these past two months and “meeting” the same people at the bus stop every day. I’ll even miss the people who work at the bakery I frequent to almost every morning. Sighs…

So I decided not to wear my long john top yday (I wore the pants) and the result was that I felt slightly cold but it was bearable. Today, I decided not to wear the long john pants and when I got into my jeans…the metal studs/buttons on the side of jeans gave me a cold start when it touched my skin! Lol! I think I’ve forgotten how it is to feel jeans against skin as I’ve been constantly wearing long johns since I arrived. Plus…my jeans will probably not be so snug anymore as I won’t be layering up!

Because there was no sun today and since it was cloudy, the weather was a bit cold. It wasn’t in the minus region but it was cold. It was cloudy and kind of dreary throughout the whole morning and if I had seen light snow fall, I wouldn’t have been surprised. The sun shined weakly in the afternoon and it was windy. It was a nice cool breeze that thankfully wasn’t strong enough to push me off my feet.

At work, Christoph asked if it was my last day here today as he will not be around tomorrow or even next Monday. I told him I’ll most probably come in on Tuesday morning to say my last round of goodbyes, so hopefully we’ll meet then. J I feel like a high school girl with a crush…LOL…simply because I think he’s cute!

Also, I’ve just realized that two weeks into my stay here, 50 German words were added to my vocabulary. 6 weeks later and I haven’t improved much! Lol! I can proudly say that I know 4 SENTENCES, but other than that…! Hmmm….very very careless of me to be so negligent in picking up the language of the country I am staying in. I’m not sure whether to say it’s a wasted opportunity or not.

Another thing I realized is, since I arrived, no one has commented on my weight or how thin I look! I have not heard anyone telling me that I must eat more, put on weight or that I am so thin! Thing is, I don’t think all the layering up has made me look “normal” sized, so it can’t be that. It’s either they are too polite to tell me to my face and they talk behind my back, or, they just don’t care. I wonder which is it.

So I finally went to the famous PORX pub/club that Claudia has been insisting that I go to. Apparently, this is the ECCHR’s joint for after work drinks. Tonight’s gang consisted of Joe, Aisling, Carolijn, Claudia, Marie, Albert and me. We had a couple of drinks; I had a couple of beers; and the topics of conversation were varied. Aisling and Carolijn were the first to leave, followed by Claudia. The rest of us left around 11ish as tomorrow is a working day.

Marie told me that there may be a small farewell do for me on Monday during lunch. Sighs…. L already I am feeling sadder as time passes.

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5

I didn’t sleep well last night coz I couldn’t sleep after getting news about my mother. I constantly felt like crying. And when I got up this morning, I couldn’t get connected to the internet! Argh!! Then my sis texted me to tell me that mum’s face is swollen and bruised, and her hand is sprained. She said that mum looks more like an abused victim than an attempted robbery victim. :s

Awful things just kept playing in my head but I am very very very very thankful that nothing worst happened. Thank God the guy was alone and he had no weapon!! If he had a knife or parang…things would have ended so differently!

Anyway, I had my “interview” at work today, and despite how I was feeling, it went quite well. Joe “interviewed” me and it was quite funny at times, especially when we made mistakes. Me mostly, coz I couldn’t remember or fumbled some of my lines. But I think we did OK. Being vain, I hope I look nice in the final outcome!

So I finished my souvenir shopping today. I finally bought stuff for my parents as I felt that before this, whatever I bought was not really for them. And then, when I got back and after looking at the cupboard that is stuffed with souvenirs (not to mention the fridge too), I’m worried about excess baggage!! I’ll really have to start packing this weekend so that I can weigh the luggage and…heck…I just have to pack anyway! :p

I have not decided what I want to do on my last weekend in Berlin. Marie has mentioned hanging out but that is to be confirmed. I’m thinking of going to Potsdam which is about an hour away from Berlin, but let’s see. Maybe I can persuade Marie to follow me. It’ll be nice to have company and also someone to take pictures with or of me! Lol!

As I’m writing this, I feel much better than I did yday or even today morning. I am relieved with the knowledge that my mum is safe and OK. She’s a tough person and I’m sure with time, she’ll get over the incident.

It’s already Wednesday, which means two more working days and one weekend to go! Wow wow wow! I’m really starting to feel sad and happy all at the same time! I must take pictures with everyone!!!

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6 (and bad news)

Once again, I got up and saw the sun shining brightly. I’m now pretty convinced that I will not see snow fall again and that spring is slowly creeping in.

I took down my luggage bag from the cupboard last night, and started putting in stuff that I know I won’t be using this week. Even so, I was a bit reluctant to take stuff out of the cupboard and put them in the luggage, as it signals finality; that I am indeed leaving and that goodbye is inevitable.

One good thing is, when I leave next week, I’ll actually just be saying “see you next week” to some of my colleagues as I’ll be seeing them again in Manila. So that’s a consolation. On the other hand, it’s sadly, goodbye to the others.

As the weather is improving, I’m debating whether I should still wear my long johns. I’ve been using it everyday since I arrived, which means from minus temperatures to now positive temperatures. I thought of not wearing it this morning but in the end, I decided that it’s better I wear it than suffer from the cold. But as it turns out, it wasn’t that cold, so maybe I’ll try not wearing it tomorrow.

I met Yvonne today, to talk about her work in the organization. After that, she said she wanted to show me around her living area as it’s said to be quite a fashionable area. It’s not very far from the office, so hopefully I get to go and see another part of Berlin just before I leave. J Claudia is back from India and she too wants to do something with me this week. I feel so loved!

Also, I couldn’t keep my surprise of ending my interview in German (typical me!!), so I tried out my German (yes, I’ve memorized it) with Marie and Claudia, and they said that it’s not only German I’m speaking…but ‘good German’!! Haha! I guess I do have some sort of a knack for languages! :D The interview is taking place tomorrow, so I hope I look good on camera! My skin hasn’t improved as I thought it would, what with being in a cold country and all; I diligently moisturize my face, so it’s not dry but somehow it doesn’t have that smooth glow I thought I would have. Lol!

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And just as I am 6 days away from going home, I received bad news from my sis today. Someone tried to rob my mum at the shop. She fell down, hit her face on the slab by the drain (which caused a cut to her nose and her face is swollen) and broke her specs. Thank God she had no pouch or money with her but my sis said she was crying. I feel so helpless and I too want to cry coz I can’t do anything from here! I just had a bad feeling today becoz coincidence or not, I dreamt of Lord Krishna last night and it’s weird becoz I don’t usually dream of Gods for no reason; but I didn’t think much of it when I woke up. Sighs… L

7 days!

One more week! That’s all I've got!

The sun was up and shining brightly this morning! J I think it’s a definitely sign that spring is coming, just as I am spending my last few days here. What a wonderful way to end my stay.

I’ve still got a week to go and already my mind is filled with thoughts of what I have done, achieved and experienced here. I so want to write them down but that’s to be saved for an entry at the end of this trip. I have noted them down as and when I suddenly think of something but then again…my final entry for my stay here will probably not be very long and detailed, as I have been diligently chronicling my days here. I’m grateful for blogs coz it’s so much easier to type and it’ll probably take me longer to write; and…if I make a mistake while writing, I’ll hate to have to erase or scratch over the mistakes. It’ll be so untidy and ugly. Thank God for technology!

When I got to the office, Marie told me that a lot is going to happen this week. They want to video record me and my experience here, and also have like a little farewell party; plus, she wants to hang out during the weekend. J So when I got home, I asked my hsemate if I could practice some German with her as I thought I’d the interview by saying something in German. My hsemate was of course delighted to help me and I must say…if Tamil is hard, so is German!! Lol! But I have about 2 days to practice and memorise 3 lines, so I should be able to do it. My hsemate had told me from the very beginning of my stay that I have no problems with pronunciation, and that I’m even better than a previous hsemate of hers from Japan who studied German for 3 months!!

By the way, it looks like I’ll have to get my hair trimmed as I've been finding split ends! My hair is just slightly off my shoulders and I've started thinking of maybe having short hair; not short as in boy cut short but hmm…let’s see. I've also had thoughts of getting a pixie haircut but then my face is so small, I’ll probably look like a matchstick!

I did my last round of grocery shopping today as I've run out of milk, muesli etc. I hope I can finish everything by next Monday! Lol!

In the meantime, I've got THREE lines to memorise and practice…I better get back to it. Hehe…

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Week 8...8 days to go

It’s the start of my final week!!! Looking back, I can’t believe that the last half of January and the whole of February have flown by just like that!!

I slept for nearly 12 hours last night, waking up to find that there was no sun. L I don’t know why I was surprised to see no sun when the weather here is just as crazy back home. Lol! But as noon came around, so did the sun. It played hide and seek all afternoon.

I did not go out today. Yes I know it’s my last week but I am content. I don’t feel the need to do more. I've visited the places that I wanted to visit and seen what I wanted to see. So I stayed home the whole day, enjoying the sun as it shined through my bedroom window, right onto me! I could even feel slight heat! I kept looking out the window just to see the sun. LOL! It’s as though I've not seen the sun before. Hahaha! I chatted with Singapore mum. It feels like ages since we last chatted. We used to chat almost everyday when I arrived, but as time passed, we hardly saw each other online.

I was also supposed to chat with my sis, but our computer “died”. It’s been sick for more than a year and we were told that sooner or later, we’ll have to replace it. Right now, our priority is to back-up whatever info or data we have on the old computer. Once I’m back, we’ll have to start looking into getting a new computer. I’m not sure if we should get a desktop since it’s for the house, or get a laptop. Desktops are now cheaper but laptops are mobile. Well…we’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and see what’s best for us and what’s affordable.

But I am digressing. I spent the whole afternoon watching the last season of ‘The Adventures of Merlin’. I've followed this series from the beginning and when the final season started this year, I was so upset to learn that I would be in Germany!! But surprise, surprise, when I arrived in Berlin, they started showing it here in February, although I’m not very sure whether it’s the last season; plus, it’s in German, so…

The day passed quite fast since I was busy watching the series. While watching, I nearly finished eating my stock of food, and now I’ll have to go buy a bit more to last me for the next week. I ate all my salad and Sneakers bar, ate bread and cheese and finished my powdered hot chocolate!

It’s my last work week next week. The office is going to be really quiet as some people are still in India while some are going on leave. I've got a bit more work to finish, nothing heavy. I’ll also need to start packing!

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Sunny and Lost Day

When I woke up this morning and looked out the window, the first thing I noticed was that it was so BRIGHT outside! I thought that I had slept in and it was nearly noon. But when I looked at the time, it was only a little past 7am!! The sun was up!!! When I opened the window, I heard birds chirping! Oh…how wonderful! And just yesterday Christoph was saying that this has been one of the longest winters to date. I think spring is near!!! J

By the way, here’s something I forgot to update from Marie’s party yday. Apparently, George Clooney is in town and he rented a whole bar where one of Marie’s friends works at. She had asked him if she could just go and meet him or even just look at him up close, but the friend said no etc. And then half way through the party, her hsemate called and said he was in that bar, as the friend who works at the bar let him in!! Can you imagine?? George Clooney is in Berlin apparently for a film shoot. Sighs…if Marie had gone, I would have gone with her regardless of whether I was allowed in or not!

Anyway, I left my apartment at around 11.30am and headed straight to Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), one of the most famous and biggest malls in Europe. It was quite easy getting there and my very very very first impression the moment I stepped in was, “I feel like Julia Roberts.” All the labels and brands I saw were luxury items: Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Prada, Rolex and the list just goes on. Even walking around just browsing made me feel small and insignificant. Floor after floor I went, browsing very quickly coz I knew I couldn’t afford anything (although I did buy Godiva chocolates!!), and it’s not as though I don’t see the same stuff back home; finally, I reached the famed 6^th floor, the so called ‘Winter Garden – Restaurant’. People have raved about this place but I really didn’t find it that great. Yes, it was quite big and there was a lot of food, but it’s not as impressive as what people claim it to be. I guess they haven’t been to Penang, let alone Malaysia!

My real adventure started when I decided to head home. I had Googled and checked the routes I was supposed to take to go and return from KaDeWe. Getting there was fine; the return was a bit scary. I followed the directions from the net to get there and it was fine. So there should be no problem going back right? WRONG! Apparently, Google was right; but I think the train I was supposed to take back was either spoiled or not running today! It only went to two stops and everyone had to alight. I thought I could take another train, easy. But the stop that we had to alight to was not a main station where there are other trains, and before I could catch my breath and ask someone, everyone seemed to have disappeared!!

So…I decided to take another train that was HEADED to KaDeWe, where I just came from and see what I could do. Thankfully, I remembered the number of the bus that goes to a stop near my place, so I decided to take the bus back. While on the bus, I began to think that it wasn’t a good idea coz the bus seemed to be going to places I never heard of or saw! After about 30 minutes, then I started to recognize buildings and street names; my stop was the last stop of the route. I was so relieved! It stopped right near Karstadt where I did my initial souvenir shopping; and so I decided to go browse again. Of course, with one week to go and not wanting to rush at the last minute, I am almost done shopping for souvenirs. Just 2-3 more to go but it can easily be bought and I know where to get them!

Oh ya…I tried to take pictures inside KaDeWe and I got told off nicely. L

Also, when I got home, I found my bed sheets and pillow-cases changed despite my hsemate being sick.

I spent the evening online as the temperature started to drop coz I felt cold.

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Update from Marie’s party

So when I reached Marie’s apartment, there were already people present. Not people that I knew; but thank God, Christoph (he’s the cute gay) arrived just a few seconds before me, so at least I knew someone. For the next half an hour, there were 12 of us, 9 of which were guys! I was surprised that almost all of Marie’s friends are guys. In fact, up to the time I left, there were only 6 girls, including me and Marie.

Marie cooked the entire spread of vegan dishes and I must say, it was impressive and tasty. Of course there was beer and wine at every corner. Besides the good food, I enjoyed myself simply becoz I managed to spend some time talking to Christoph (together with Aisling); and…there was another cute guy there whom I met a few week’s back at the human rights cinema at work. His name is Morten and he’s from Denmark. He looks like Gwaine from ‘The Adventures of Merlin’. Lol! Sadly, I think I’m older than him!

Anyway, despite the two cuties being there (Christoph left early), I spent the night talking to George (although it’s pronounced differently in German), one of Marie’s friend from Dresden. He seemed a bit soft, so I’m not sure if he’s gay or not. :p

Marie just turned 23; and being with all her friends and some of the trainees from the office, at certain points of the night, I actually felt old! Haha! In fact, I’m pretty sure that at 28, I was the oldest person there!!

Anyway, I left at nearly midnight coz I didn’t want to reach the time where the metro would come every 20 minutes or so. As I was heading downstairs, there were some people going up and I think they were Marie’s friends. I wonder what time the party will end!

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p.s. there have been no photos for week 7! I hope to take some tomorrow! 

Hello March! (Final Countdown)

March has arrived and I hope it brought spring with it! I’m really hoping to see some “new” green and at least be able to somewhat see how Berlin looks like when it’s not wet, snowy, raining, gloomy and depressing.

Furthermore, now that March has arrived, the songs “Eye of the Tiger” and “Final Countdown” have started playing in my head, as though I’m preparing for a battle; but in actual fact, I’m preparing to head home. Today marks 10 days left of my stay. Sighs…

By 2pm today, the sun was up and shining brightly!! It was sooooooooo good to see the sun and Aisling said that when she was out earlier to get lunch, she could feel some heat! How great is that!! Now I’m quite positive that winter is slowly leaving, allowing for spring to start and make me happy!! J

It’s Marie’s (trainee) birthday today and so we had kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) in the afternoon. We also got her a present: a vegan cookbook and vegan chocolates (she’s vegan).

I left work a bit earlier today to take advantage of the sun. Also, there’s a Turkish market near my place that’s only open every Tuesday and Friday and it closes at 6pm, so I thought I’d go check it out. But…on the way back to the apartment from the bus stop, I stopped by a second-hand shop and spent about 20 minutes there just browsing. It wasn’t exactly cheap but I found a handbag that caught my eye and after debating whether I would actually use it or not back home, I decided to buy it. I know that even if I don’t use it, either my mum or sis will use it. J The shop owner said that the bag is actually new and the original price is Euro 60. I Googled the brand when I got back and found that it’s actually a branded handbag. Not bad! By the way, it was still bright at 6pm! Needless to say, I never got to the Turkish market.

Marie’s having a party tonight and yes…I am going. So you probably won’t read anything about it until tomorrow morning. :p 

Last day of February

You know…when I first arrived here, the first thing I would do after waking up each morning was to mark my calendar: one day down, (x) days left to go. But after a month, I actually forget to mark my calendar! I only remember to do so when I happen to see my calendar (which is actually just behind my laptop) or when it suddenly occurs to me. Hmmm…

As I got ready for work today (another early morning), I suddenly realized that starting next Monday, I should take out my luggage and start preparing to pack. I know it sounds too early, but when I was preparing to come here, my luggage was downstairs way ahead of time and I was slowly putting things in and taking them out. Plus…with all the souvenirs that I have, I need to figure out the best way to fold/roll/wrap stuff. And…knowing myself, I’ll pack and re-pack coz I don’t like how things look inside the bag. Heck, I even individually tied some of my thick clothes with rubber-bands just so they would not unroll itself while in the bag!

So I finally had my Skype call with my boss today; it was my yearly staff review/appraisal. It lasted for about 20 minutes or so; it was not too long probably coz it was through Skype. Anyway, my boss said that my work has been good so far and that she’s happy with me. We talked about general things for improvement and so forth; and there was also a hint of a promotion and increment! But this will all be finalized at our next meeting when I am back. I guess it makes sense to have a face to face meeting and discuss my future work, possible promotion and other details. J I shared the news with my Berlin colleagues and they’re all so glad for me. In fact, Marie said she was not surprised. Haha!

I felt really good after the Skype call and now…I can’t wait to go home!! Haha! Singapore mum told me earlier this year that 2013 is going to be my and my sister’s year; and so far…she’s right!

We watched another movie/documentary on Henry Kissinger today. He’s one of the most famous politicians from the US who has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during his time. It was really interesting to see how he manipulated things to go his way, from the US to Chile to Indonesia and Cambodia. Terrible!

Anyway, when I was back in my apartment, I looked at my calendar and decided to turn the page to March. When I turned the page, I saw all the post-it notes that I had stuck there earlier, reminding me to “pack my bags”, “check the luggage weight”, “check the passport and tickets!!” etc. Seriously…February has ended just like that!

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