Hello 2018! Am I too late for this?

I've written a lengthy new year post a few days before the year 2017 ends just to save it as a draft and decided not to post it. *insert awkward chuckles here* I know, you might say I'm probably dead for not posting anything for ages after telling you that I'll be frequently updating this blog. I'm alive as I can be and yes, I am definitely moving on from 2017 - my worst and best year. Let me take something from that "draft" that I've written. It's this:

"I took too many miscalculated risks yet I've been blessed with more than what I deserve."

Talking about 2017: That line definitely sums it up. I am blessed beyond my expectations despite my too naive choices and untimely decisions. There will always be people who would choose to stay behind and let you go. In my case, some stayed in 2017. I learned to take things as they are and trust my Father in Heaven that He is there to help me at any time I needed help. He did, He still does and He will help me. I know that and I have been so blessed to know that. Now, I hope you have that trust in Him, too.

So, 2018? I am ready! It's never too late to start a new year right. Well, I am starting mine in March, sooooo, hahahhaha. January and February was a Trial/Warm-up. March is the real thing. LOL. 

As much as I wish that I am back in my home in the Philippines, enjoying the company of my family and spontaneous visits of my friends, playing random nonsense games and just laughing at everything we talk about, I need to wake up and save up because I'm definitely coming home again this year. 

I started late, but I'll make sure that the two months of warm-up was enough to keep me back on track. 

Hope you are having a great day!

xx

Twinks

P.S Oops! Did I tell you I cut my hair? 

P.P.S By the time that you see this scheduled post, it's probably two inches longer. LOL

Home for the Holidays: What's good?

Stuck at Gate 60 waiting for our rebooked, delayed flight.

I've been looking forward to going home for the Holidays (for one month!!!) since we booked our flight ages ago. I've been counting down the days, trying my best to still function despite being already in a "holiday mode". I even packed my luggage weeks before my flight making sure that all the chocolates and gifts I bought for my friends and family are safe and intact. You might say I'm too excited. Well, I really am! It's been awhile since I last  seen my family and I couldn't wait to be with them asap.

On the day of our flight, we received an email that our flight was cancelled. Imagine my disappointment. I was soooo infuriated. Of all the days and flights in Sydney, ours was cancelled! So, we called the airline and rebooked for the next available flight. (We were happy to know that it's still on the same day!) Now that we're in the airport, checked in and passed through immigration, the Flight Information Display shows that our flight is delayed at least by an hour. How cruel is that? I already got a cancelled flight, rebooked a flight and that next available flight is delayed. 

I was like "Sydney, are you seriously kidding me? I've been dreaming of this day that I am finally coming home after almost a year of being away and now, you don't want me to leave?". Yes, I had my bad days but this one's the most annoying so far. 

It was kind of difficult for me to see the good in this situation but I realized, it was better for our flight to be cancelled and delayed. 

Here's why:

Day 6: Last Full Day in Seoul

The week went by so fast, I suddenly felt loneliness knowing that I soon have to leave this beautiful country without any plans of coming back soon. I didn't want to leave just yet but since the day has started, why not continue with my plans?

On this day, all four of us decided to do our Solo Trips in the morning and meet up in the afternoon then eat together for dinner. (Robert went to visit the National Museum, Ryan went on a Hike, while Shai and I are spending the rest of the day after Church). My bestfriend and I wanted to make the most out of this day because this is our last date before I leave for Australia. True enough, it really was. We didn't see each other after this Trip and I am looking forward to reuniting with her this December!

Our sixth day was a Sunday! First Sunday of December 2016. Dad never fails to remind me that if I happen to be somewhere else on a Sunday, I have to go find the nearest LDS Church and attend meetings there. So, I decided to find an English Ward of our Church. Looking it up online was easy, but navigating my way to it was definitely not! I totally forgot that the pocket wifi was with Ryan when I left alone for church. I wanted to be there in time for the Sacrament so I risked taking a cab! 

The cab driver couldn't understand what I was saying (even if I'm trying my hardest to speak in Korean LOL). I just told him to drop me off a train station that I know but when I check the screenshot of the map I just went on to tell the driver about the directions from it and finally, found the church. I was exactly on time! The moment I got in, the congregation has already started singing the opening hymn. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Seoul English Ward Building

A copy of the Korean Hymnbook!

Day 5: The true meaning of Hectic in South Korea (lol)

Korea has been a beautiful dream! Just by reviewing our photos from our winter visit last year, I can feel that cold winter breeze and the unexpected tourist frenzy moments. I know this post has been long overdue (which I am sincerely apologetic about!). I'm sorry, blogging has been out of my mind for ages...but the good thing is I'm back at it soooo, let's celebrate! lol. 

It's our 5th day in South Korea and we still wanted to explore more places. With this in mind, we visited four completely different locations which exhausted every ounce of energy we had for that day. We squeezed in one day to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Pocheon Art Valley (which is about 1 hr away from the City) and more shopping at Myeongdong. 

The visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace was my second time but I haven't tried on these palace guard costumes so Robert, Ryan and I went to try it! The best thing about it? It's FREE! My bestfriend Shai was back at the Hostel still preparing for our day. She stayed back since she's been at the palace for three times already! 

The Morning of our fifth day was spent at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. These places are one train station apart, and it is always a must to visit these two spots together when in Seoul! 

A selca for our palace guard costumes! Would we pass as palace guards in Joseon Era? LOL

Met a Filipino couple and had our photo taken with them because why not?!

Selfie with Ry while waiting for Memshie Rob to get dressed ;) 

The men went to have a look around the palace while I went to meet up with my bestfriend (in a secret cafe) hahaha. We didn't tell the boys about us eating here but they end up finding us! That moment crack me up. We were literally trying to hide from them so my bestfriend and I can catch up on everything we've missed out on while away from each other for months! Too bad, the boys are too keen on finding us because they happen to be hungry, too HAHAHHA! Food gets us all together <3