First Week Away from Home

A very busy Monday. My first time around the city. I am scheduled to follow up my papers at AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). It is the organization assigned to implement the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme here in Australia. Good thing I have my very handsome, generous and very reliable cousin Daryl to accompany me around the city. We took the CityRail from Hornsby to the City itself. Actually, I don't know yet how to ride the train by myself until now. I'll get lost for sure. Riding the train outside the Philippines is very complicated for me. They have more than one platform. And there are trains that won't pass by the station that you're going to. The good side is everyone has a chance to have a seat. Unlike in Manila. But hey, I'd rather stand the whole trip than to get lost in a big city of a foreign land. 

Gladly we made it to the AHPRA office just in time. Client no. 1 - that's me! It only took me 5 minutes to talk to the very accommodating customer service personnel. Then, it's time to walk around. We went to three different malls (Queen Victoria Building, Westfield, and Myer also at Westfield). MALLS = CLOTHES! I was literally drooling! I haven't seen so much in so long!  Ahhh...while window shopping I started to realize and set my goals in life. No. 1 EARN MONEY! I can't wait to do my shopping spree! 

After I had loads of shopping (just window for the mean time) we went to St. Mary's Cathedral and Hyde Park to rest and I noticed three medium sized blisters on both feet. Ouchie! For all those who know me, they know that they are my weakness. I can't walk and enjoy the rest of my day. So, my very handsome, generous and very reliable cousin Daryl bought me a new pair! :)

His treat - Bubblegum Mcflurry and my new pair of sandalyas!

Hyde Park, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House

Spent the rest of the day at Sydney Opera House to take some pictures. Thank you to my ever-reliable Nokia phone and Daryl's iPhone. We went to Macquarie University to see Kirsteen too!

Mid-week Ki asked me to go with her and her friend Steff to Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach to witness the annual Sculpture by the Sea. We spent the whole morning under the sun, took lots of pictures and had fish and chips for lunch at this restaurant near the shore. 

with Steff (Ki's friend) and here my cousin Kirsteen

red tinkie winkie

triplets

Literally TIREd turtle!

the best jump shot we had. FAIL!

like a cameleon - blending well

Thank you mister for taking this picture!

Zebra kissed

sosyal na vandal :)

be-ach!

TV personalities, are we?

Thank you guys for making my 1st week of stay a good one! Looking forward to the next weeks to come. And yes, I gained 1.4 lbs. already! Happy now? :)

with my playmate Riza aka Ri aka Buribut

How I wish I won't look like this when I go back to the Philippines. Oh well, I promised someone I won't.

Anxiety backed off

During my eight hour flight, I'm thinking of posting this post in Filipino. I was overwhelmed with so much emotions that I need to express. But then, I need to practice my English skills. 

We left home Saturday early morning. I was not able to sleep cause my friends and cousins came over to see me Friday night. It's my first time to travel alone. My second time to ride a plane. My first international flight. Inspite of the lack of sleep I have to keep my self alert of what is happening and what will happen to me in the airport. Mum said I have to take care of my luggage and watch over it. ALWAYS. She even said that I should not sleep in the airport. As if naman makakatulog ako! I'm busy texting and calling people before boarding. I did not cry when they dropped me off. Not a single tear. But when I was waiting for my flight and started calling Ma, Dad and my sisters, tears fell. I was not able to hold it. Imma miss my family! BIGTIME! :( 

Then, it was boarding time!

PAL PR211 Manila - Sydney

I know my smile reached my ears while I was walking towards the door of the plane. The F.A.s of PAL started to give the passengers a warm welcome. Thank you for being very accommodating!

my boarding pass

So there, Seat 70 F. I saw this guy in long sleeves. He is bald and tan. I'm guessing that he's on his late 20's to early 30's. Halatang Pinoy but looks like He's not raised in the Philippines. He is hot and I told Steph about it right away. We were asked to fill up a form for Australian immigration. He holds a blue passport but here's the catch, born in 1971! Tenenenentenen. 14 years older than me. So thank you na lang. He didn't help me with my luggage though but he was an over-all gentleman during the trip. I was seated right next to him for 8 hours. Since he is the one beside the aisle, the FA gives him two of everything and he hand me everything I need. He doesn't wear a ring. Hmm, nice try for a first date? Kidding. 

Ahhh,,, my ultimate dream. I was staring at the attendants every time they pass by. I'll be like that someday. Or maybe some other lifetime? I still want to be all dolled-up smiling and assisting the passengers. 

I can't tell you about the flight itself cause I was asleep the whole time. It took me too long to figure out though how to incline my seat. I know. Stoop newbie right here! :) And I just found out how by accident.

Maybe the flight went smoothly cause if not I'll be probably awake when we started to shake. Or not?

At 8PM Australia time I arrived Sydney International Airport.  

all smiles when I saw Riza and Tita Ruth

with my cousin Riza

meet my Tita Ruth

I need a quickie!

It's not what you're thinking. I've been up all week and I need to breathe. Since the day that I received the package from the embassy, I haven't watched any movie/ tv program. I miss lounging here at home. I miss my simple life when I had the luxury of sleep and bath time. I haven't been to my every other day jogging ritual. I haven't had a sit down meal on our dining table for a week now. I tend to eat lunch on the road while I'm on my way to where ever I'm heading. 

 If only I could make time stop, believe me I would try. –King Triton (The Little Mermaid)

I'm not complaining Lord. I just feel tired cause of the activities I had for the past 7 days. Today is my last day in the Philippines but until this very moment, I haven't packed my stuff yet. I'm still thinking of buying that bag. :| And a lot more of things to think about. Like, what to bring and not to bring. I haven't printed my ticket yet.

Or maybe I just need to vent out all these emotions. I am about to face a new chapter in my life and this time, for the very first time I'm alone in this battle. I feel now that the only person whom I can fully entrust my life with is myself. This time, "I" is the priority.

Tata! I have so much to do in 24 hours!
That's it! Told you it will only take a few minutes of your time.

*This is a very lame post. Sorry! :)