Life in between Travels

I had a few weeks of good rest after SSEAYP and before starting work the beginning of this year. The few weeks of rest were good, immersing myself in the festive and celebrating the new year. Of course, this kind of life has its optimal time frame, too long I don't think it is good, especially for the pocket, hahaha.

So, I got myself a job (as planned) while waiting for Chinese New Year to arrive (the reason why I choose to stay in Singapore instead of leaving straight for New Zealand) Though work life is kind of boring (this time I didn't choose an exciting job (barista) like what I did the previous time because of the short time I will be in Singapore), life outside work is still very much enriching and fun. =)

I still visit cafes.

Did picnic and kite flying.

Participated in the WWII Bunker Tour organised by NHB

Together with like minded friends, we did our own Chinatown Heritage tour

Participated in Terry Fox Run as usual

Cycled from Woodlands to Changi, nearly breaking my old bones.

Amidst of all these, I have met quite a number of friends from SSEAYP as well. Through these meet ups I realised SSEAYP is not just about making friends onboard but also keeping them after that. 

Before I know it, Chinese New Year holiday is over and I am at the last week of my work. Now, I am waiting for March to come, where I can have a bit of time to try other things before heading to Chiang Mai and Pai, and then New Zealand in April.

Today a friend shared a newspaper article with me, here are some extracts that encouraged me once again. Maybe it can encourage some people as well..

人在世间，只拥有有限的时间，能自由自在的使用它，是人活着的证据吧。

Purposeful Traveller - 人生有很多阶段，但不一定要按部就班。

Thoughts after Hair for Hope

This year after deciding to quit and travel, I signed up for Hair for Hope because I thought I finally can do something I have always wanted to - shaving my head and what's better, for a good cause.

Was I nervous? YES!!!!! But the moment the shaver touched my head, I know there was no turning back. This moment signified the moment I decided to let go of what people will think of me. 

I am grateful for family and friends who supported me. They gave me tremendous courage and to those who have donated, I know God will bless your kindness. =)

While there are people who appreciate what you have done, there are some who don't understand and I am learning to deal with it because while I have already forgotten I am bald, people will remind you that you still are. 

Then I realised the toil of cancer is not just physical, it is mental and emotional as well. May those needing encouragement find comfort in this action of the thousands who shaved their heads.

Hair for Hope is not just an event in my life, it is a journey.

Purposeful Traveller - Be bold, be bald.

Travel - Selcuk, a lovely town

When I arrived at Selcuk, I did think twice why did I book 4 nights staying at this small town, but of course at the end of the 5 days 4 nights, I did not regret my decision. =)

Many come to this town for Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary, so do I. However, I am glad I stayed longer to experience the Saturday local market.

I love how things were arranged so neatly and the fruits, vegetables and stuff were all so colourful that it just brightens your morning! 

Spices anyone?

Little boy helping out at the stall.

The cherries and strawberries were sooooooooooooooooooooo cheap. Less than SGD2 for 500g and they were sooooooooooooooooo good. I swear I was tempted to buy back home if I was not going to Greece after this.

We bought nuts and figs from this stall, the stall holder was so so friendly, he just kept letting us try various nuts. =) I enjoyed this kind of exchange with the locals, especially in this kind of setting. It is just genuine encounter with people. 

And yes, I love this small town.

Our lunch for that day. 

Chillax by the pool in our accomodation.

I am glad besides exploring all that should be explored, I can spend a day leisurely in this lovely town.

Purposeful Traveller - A simple day in Selcuk.

Travel - Work Holiday in New Zealand

Originally wanted to blog more on my Turkey trip BUT I received my application result for the New Zealand Work Holiday visa! 

I was kind of in a daze for awhile staring at the monitor, trying to digest what does "APPROVED" means. YES, it is more than just approved, it means ADVENTURE, my next adventure.

Sometimes in life, it is about taking that leap. I have decided to take that leap and now I am preparing for the next one, and I believe there are more leaps to come.

Purposeful Traveller - I think I will not be able to sleep tonight

Travel - Cosmopolitan Istanbul

Arrived in Istanbul exhausted from the long long journey but I am thankful to meet a kind Turkish professor on a public bus who shared with me lots of useful information and directed me to the road which led me to my hostel.

First impression of Turkey is a plus.

There is a Havatas bus that can bring us to Taksim Square. The bus stop is located right outside the airport, and the cost of the bus ticket is TL 10 (SGD6)

Like I have said, without the professor's guidance we might be lost for awhile but he was very kind to bring us to Istikal street from where we have alighted which is slightly away from Taksim square.

A trademark of Istikal street

Walking down Istikal street is like walking along orchard road, the street is crowded and there are many eateries and shops. I like the cosmopolitan vibes that come from the street! At the end of my 3 nights stay, I did not regret staying near Taksim square instead of the old city.

Yes it is this crowded!

Turkish delights?

Literally dripping with syrup

Kebab!!!

Endless graffiti that I loved!

Taksim Square at sunset. 

One of the more interesting experience I had in Istanbul was watching Maleficent! I did check with the counter staff if it was in English and from what I understood, it was a yes. Guess what? I watched Maleficent in Turkish.

It costs me 10 TL which is about SGD6, so we just sat through the 2 hours watching since we have time to spare! hahaha.

Purposeful Traveller - Something interesting happens each time you try something new!

Craziest decision ever.

Accomplishing one of my biggest dreams of completing my degree in 2013 and watching Secret Life of Walter Mitty had a profound impact on my life.

(Source: Internet)

Though I was very much inspired, I just felt that I could not do it (the extraordinary travel adventures) because I was bound by responsibilities. I SHOULD be looking for a better paying job with my degree and so I tried to look for jobs which I thought I SHOULD be doing as it is the RIGHT thing to do. I had many open doors but I was NOT happy even when job offers fell onto my lap

(Source: Internet)

I was in a constant struggle, battling between what I SHOULD do and WANT to do. I could not seem to liberate myself from the pool of responsibilities and the pride to live up to everyone's expectations.

Then on the 18th February, after a baking session and a long talk, everything changed.

(Source: Internet)

I realized that the truth behind what was restraining me from doing what I wanted to do, was no one or nothing external but myself. On the 18th February I decided to let go of who I was trying hard to be, the inhibitions and the likes that society attaches to our names with what come responsibilities and the need to fulfill certain expectations. I decided to take that leap of faith to let it all go because I know once I embark on a graduate job, I won't get another moment where I can make such drastic move.

Hence, instead of finding a job that a graduate should be doing, I decided to leave my current job and travel. 

(Source: Internet)

Of course besides travelling, I want to try many other jobs, the kind of jobs where many people may feel a 28 year old graduate should not be doing?

(Source: Internet)

I decided to explore new territories and shed those constraining inhibitions and give more allowance and expressions to my dreams. The day I decided to let go was the same day I decided not to let what others think affect my decision. This is my life and I only live it once. I would rather die trying than live with regrets. 

Of course I still need money to survive, but I have decided to live one day at a time. The moment I decided to let go, I let go of STABILITY.

So, if one day you see me doing some random odd jobs just know that I am saving up for another crazy adventure I have or I am trying out something new in my life! =)

I just want to end this entry with this:

(Source: Internet)

I am on my road to fulfill another crazy dream of mine. May you fulfill your crazy dreams too and if you wish to join me on my journey, follow me on Instagram @sianz1c1013 or this blog. 

Purposeful Traveller - Becoming Purposeful Traveller