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Pitstops to Scotland

10/26/2015

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what a great place we all go to share in this world.
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Being in Scotland,
Two days after my graduation day from The University of West of England, I have proven myself that I am not a fully grown person yet by just being a bachelor degree holder, because I missed a flight to Edinburgh from Bristol.

Well, some people do miss their flights, but, who would ever drive 10 hours from Bristol to Inverness? Gosh, you got to believe me, the drive was awesome! Never been on my list before, but now, I would do it somedays.

Scotland was undeniably beautiful. Everything was touched by the light gently. It feels like, God had taken sometimes to place one thing next to another carefully to look just simply delightful.

I was not driving on the way to Inverness, dad did his job really well. Beyond the car's window, all of it makes me think what a great place we all go to share in this world.

Yes we all have that wish lists, that favourite places to be, that we rush to fulfil, or speed up to get to. However, sometimes, it is just nice to take thing slow. See thing by its edges, not by bigger pictures. Relax and take a drive.

Some people said, the most memorable moment is not when you arrived at the destination, but on the road. Could not agree more, really. All the pitstops for fuel, for snacks, for beautiful views, for just sitting an staring at the horizon, and for the talks.

Same goes to life, relax, do not sprint to your destination. We might begin to reevaluate who is driving ourselves? We or the society? What might fit ourselves best? Take some times out of your routines with your best buddies, call your siblings, read your favourite books, celebrate more birthdays. All that helps us decide what we choose in the end of the road.

Location: Urquhart Castle Inverness, Loch Ness, Nairn Inverness, Arthur's Seat Edinburgh, and some pitstops on the way to Scotland.
​Batik Dress: Mango

Love,
Liv
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5 Changes Within Me After Leaving UK

10/21/2015

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I don't want to be the bravest in the small cage, but one of the happiest under the sun.
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Being in England,

England, oh England. My head had been filled by so many words about England from some friends. They said people would be colder, clubs are crazy, Summer would be like another warmer winter, you would learn the manner, Europe is an inch away, can't recall of those.

However, I came to have the most of my college years. At a second, I forgot about those words and started to take in everything new. Take it all in from the way I see it. Those days, Young, intrigued, and carefree.  Did I like it? Maybe, maybe a little more than loving it!

Well, my life is always on the move. As I am standing on a different timezone, I have realised that part of me craves those colder nights, rainy mornings, windy and gloomy England.

Then I carried my backpack, the bigger luggages, and myself. Staring beyond the plane's window, blankly, thinking about how things have changed. Of how being in England has changed me.

1. Sorry, Excuse me, Thank you.
Been spending my life in South East Asia, we were taught about manners since we were born, and we were taught really well. Do we practice it? Sometimes. Then, England happens, and turned all the southeasterns to be really really polite, right guys?
British people say sorry for everything, but we got to agree, those three words work just like magic to make other's day a bit better. Now in China, I have become so awkward saying "对不起". Oh well, different place works differently, and those three words are still dear to me.

2. Becoming 'Place of Origin Liar'
"Great, and where about you're from?" One day I could say Thailand, the other, Philippines, could be Vietnamese. Please don't judge me, or is it a crime?
England, especially London, much or less could be consider as the centre of the world. I lived in Bristol, which is one of the media city in England, which makes it possible to meet and make friends with people from around the globe.
I have spent some times sitting at the coffee shop, observing the differences that are visible to your eyes. Nothing, just would like know how each countries would treat you if you are from the country that you pick to act to be.

3. Visit Museum, everywhere I go.
Most of museum in Asia requires entrance fee, but not for most in Europe. Even so, I would never miss a 'tour du Musée'. It is form of respect and understanding when visiting another country. It would be useful when you hook up with locals later on, thank me later! ;)

4. Walk, near and far, here and there.
I always love walking, even if it's hot, raining, whatever. If you live in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor area, you would notice the distance from Asia Cafe to Suriamas, or Taylor's University to Suriamas. North Jakartans would know what would be the best way to get to PRJ from Danau Sunter, well, walk for me.
Londoners would know the distance from South Kensington to Hyde Park. Well, in short, I love those hours spent for walking, and I fell in love even more when I lived in Bristol. Walking habit has grown stronger in me.

5. I would not mind being poor.
I know, I am sorry dad, I am sorry mom, and my bros, I would be okay, to be the only poor Asian. But, I would repeat, I would not mind being poor as long as I am well traveled and learning languages each and everyday.
I have met lots of people from the extreme climates, from the places where famous landmarks stand, from where dances originated from, and those from places I have never heard before. Those people I have met along the way made me think how I am lacking in self fulfilment.
That itch to be in different places, or to visit acquaintances. Then I ask myself, and got the answer, being rich would never fulfil me. I don't want to be the bravest in the small cage, but one of the happiest under the sun.

So that is how such a short time changed me. Hope everyone have life changing experience like I did too :)

P.S: Thank you Alberto TePe, I have visited Liverpool for you. The video would be uploaded for you to see it, and wish to see you soon wise friend of mine :)

Location: Moors National Park York, Cayton Bay York, Robin Hood's Bay York, Whitby Abbey York, York Minster, Albert Dock Liverpool, Royal Liver Building Liverpool
Long Dress: New Look UK, Black Cardigan: Zara UK, Black Mini Dress: Zara TRF, Green Sweater: Ralph Laurent France, Blue Bag: Pedro


Love,
Liv
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Dancing to East Vibe 广州 (Guangzhou)

10/9/2015

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Here, life itself, is privilege, every single day.
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Being in Guangzhou,
Today is the official day I have been 1 month in China, I have been to Beijing and Shanghai before, and so I did visit Shenzhen, and quite numbers of places in China as well. China is inarguably beautiful, diverse landscape, with touch of traditional approach. It must be one of your wish-lists, at least top 10.

This time, I am taking a mandarin course, have not decided for how long is it going to be, but, language, why not? (: I 
would never know how long I could carry on so far.

I have been told about 4 capitals that hold the power in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Thus that makes everyone from each and every part of China cramping the city for a little luck.

Not so many people know that I tend to get nervous in the middle of the crowds, and thinking about the Metro, the Restaurant, well, basically every spot in China, would be a nightmare for me. We've been made to realise of how life would be hard here.

The ugly truth I was told was China would not allow second child to be born in the family, except, if the father and the mother were also the only child in their own family. Therefore, the second child born would not have the privilege to go to school, and would not be given an ID. Unless, the family could pay for those birthrights.

I used to take life as what it is, and to be honest, we all like to claim our rights. However, here, life itself, is privilege, every single day. It brings my eyes to tears. Moreover, you could feel the competition occurs from 5 to 6. Dawn to Dusk.

Ariel and me have been wandering Guangzhou pretty much every day, and there was not even one spot without the crowds. We visited, Beijing lu for culinary, Cycled to Shamian Island, great place for coffee and teatime.

Then we visited everywhere else by accident, because only us who try so hard to practice our limited mandarin to approach passerby and ask for direction. And yes. We will keep doing that!

Guangzhou is steamy hot now, and filled with so many people. But then, when we found places with less people. All that, Moment of relieved. You know, when you are tired after a long day and took a hot shower. That happen to us everyday here. Feels like the best joy. Really looking forward for more adventure to come in China.

My portraits are taken by: Ariel Ezra Bezaliel (www.arielbezaliel.com)
Location: Shamian Island, Sunyat Sen University, Cathedral of Sacred Heart (Yi De Lu), Market beside the Cathedral, Canton Tower, Tai Koo Hui Mall
Red Dress: L.K Bennet London, White and purple striped top: Zara, Black Skirt: Zara, Black Top: Zara, Red and White Checker dress: Monki, Blue bag: Pedro


Love,
​Liv
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