My Summer Vacation

Home “home” lies on the equator. A country truly blessed by God. Not only do we have beautiful breathtaking beaches along with delicious food at reasonable prices, we also have the most beautiful people on earth, dy “dee” and my “mee/mi”(my loving parents whom I can always count on), brothers *drew, ron & bi* (my biological slaves, and entertainers), and of course friends who constantly forgive me for not keeping in touch.
It’s amazing how people reconnect even after they haven’t seen each other or have a conversation for a very long time. This is how I feel every time I’m home. It only takes one “mamak” outing or a phone call to reconnect, to know what’s happening in each other’s lives.

Thanks to a visit from Mayumi, I got to spend 3 days living in an island, total relaxation. Waking up to the strong ray and the sound of the seawater smashing itself so hardly against the rocks, lying under the hot sun on the white sandy beach, swimming in the crystal clear swimming pool look alike sea, felt blotted from food, and the most unforgettable diving experience. It was on this trip that I was exposed to one of the most wonderful creation of God, the underwater world. Followed by the 3 days 2 nights relaxation island package was the eat-all-you-can at Penang Island, the home of Yen. Walking in the hot and humid weather just to locate the most famous “cendol” stand, stuffing food down our throat simply because we are human beings which made us irresistible to temptation, talk till we fell asleep, and just laze around the house, doing nothing.

Second home --- Melbourne, city of indulgence. A warm welcome into the home of the Chan’s *Erica & Kylie* (offering me the kindest of all hospitality and ultimate companion for 5 days), catching up with pals from Melbourne University and old time buddies, bringing myself back to the heart of worship, indulging myself in chocolate fondue served with strawberries from Max Brenner, fresh blueberries cheesecake and skinny latte from café Trevi, smoothie from Boosts Juice, black sesame ice-cream from Koko, cruising in all the hot shopping spots, scouting out for potential goods, reliving Melbourne for a short 5 days.
I felt as though I haven’t left at all, yet so much has happened since the day I set my heart for Boston.

My vacation is coming to an end. It’s time to tune back to being a student in Berklee, setting my traveler’s identity aside, until…I do not know when. Till the 3rd of June, I’m still the daughter and the friend who comes home once in a while seeking for comfort.

Moving On

Walking down to 262 Newbury Street,
Climbing four flag of stairs to apartment 4B,
With strength, I pushed open the white wooden door,
an opening to a brightly lit living room with yellow painted walls.
The stars that hung from one side of the living room wall was till light up,
Ah…the benefit of electricity being taken care of.

Walking into the orange painted bedroom,
The sunflower from my 20th birthday hung loosely from the window top,
The keyboard box wrapped in Urban Outfitters curtain has now been moved,
There’s nothing left besides the bed, with the dragon curling up the frame.

Final shower in the blue painted bathroom,
Shielded only by a butterfly printed shower curtain with butterfly hooks,
The yellow rug lies on the white wooden floor,
God knows when will be next time I step on it again.
I started blowing dry my hair,
When I was done,
Strands of hair lying on the floor,
Too much consumption of instant noodle I suppose.

Hungry…
I walked into the turquoise painted kitchen,
Pulling out a bottle orange juice from the fridge, and down it.
Full from the fast moving liquid,
I settle down on my bed.

Ran through the luggage that I packed the night before,
Doubled check the bathroom,
Making sure I’ve gotten everything in.

Slowly,
I started moving my two huge suitcases down the stairs,
Oh boy, I’m going to miss those stairs.

One final climb, and that’s it.
I took a final glance around the apartment,
A carry -on on one hand,
And a handbag on the other,
Closing the door,
I made my way down those stairs.

Moving on,
From stairs to elevator,
From brown stone and wooden floor to a high-rise and carpeted floor apartment.
The future sounds promising enough for me to move on,
Clean spacious apartment, with all sorts of facilities, and a wonderful apartment mate
But…

There’s always a “but”,

262 Newbury Street, apartment 4B was my first place, my solitude in Boston,
the place where I call my second home.

Like what Pratt says, “I’m good, but you have to move on, or learn to move on.”

I’m learning…
Trying to remind myself that when I get back to Boston,
The cab driver will be driving me to 150 Huntington Ave., instead of 262 Newbury Street.

At the mean while,
I’m going to enjoy my holidays!

Have a great summer!

Home...

is where my heart lies.

After a short visit from Chua, I want to go home. I realize how much I misses my family, my friends, and the food!! I can't wait for this horrible dreadful semester to be over! The projects piling up, with piano exam coming up, I'm living on the edge!
Regardless of how bad this coming week is going to be, I had a great weekend! The shopping, the eating out, the talking, it was great! I can't wait to come home, and to visit Melbourne again!!


L-R: Chua, me & Lisa @ dimsum


Mayumi & Me with starbucks...lOlz. at Boston common


Beautiful glasses


Success after several failure attempts!