It was definitely an unexpected trip. Me saying yes to flying to Malaysia, a place that never really crossed my mind, just proved that I can be both rational and irrational with my life choices. Is this what you call... uhm... YOLO? ~insert nervous laughing emoji~
The backstory: an ex-date invited me to visit back in October. I initially agreed but I have to be honest, it took me days before I managed to convince myself to book a flight. I kept telling myself that I had two weeks to figure out what I want to do. So, what can possibly go wrong, right?
On the day of my flight, a typhoon was about to hit Manila and other areas of the Philippines. It didn't dawn on me that my flight can potentially get canceled if the weather gets bad. Luckily enough, the plane I was in was allowed to fly out of the tarmac. The entire flight was bearable except for the scary turbulence and lots of crying babies that kept me awake most of the time.
One thing got me a bit disoriented; the sky was so bright at 6 PM. I wasn't used to seeing bright skies at this hour in Manila, especially during the approaching Christmas season, so it kind of felt a bit weird. And a funny thing happened; some people I've talked to at the airport thought I was Chinese (because of my eyes) or I was Malaysian (because of my accent). The latter left me baffled.
The first 24 hours were a bit insane. I spent most of my time recovering in bed (with the occasional puking in the bathroom) after a humiliating fainting spell at Batu Caves. And when I was feeling a bit better, we opted to just take it easy for the rest of the day.
I spent the next few days checking out mandatory touristy places. One thing though that I never had a chance to do was the experience of taking and riding the local train because we were mostly walking around. But I did get to experience other things like almost getting hit by a car while crossing, to my companions' dismay. And I got hit on by a local, in broad daylight, while waiting at a pedestrian lane. Some memories to bring back to Manila LMAO.
Sleeping in and enjoying brunch and happy hour hit differently when you're on vacation. Plus points if you're with someone who's sort of used to your company and just lets you be your lazy and crazy self.
But I won't lie- traveling with someone can be fun, until you hear your inner self screaming and yearning to be alone. So one morning, despite being sleepless from crying the night before, I gave myself some space and alone time. And it was the best decision I've made during that long weekend.
