As I enter my final two months in London, I can't help but begin to seriously wonder about what will happen next. What will going back home to Manila feel like? What will being faced with actual tropical heat, traffic, and implausibly long waiting times, do to my psyche? Will I miss London? What will I miss about England once I am gone?
Will I ever get over Ebay and Amazon? And running in places like Regent's and Hyde parks?
There are many questions fluttering about. And I see snow. Well, there isn't any actual snow falling from the sky as of the moment, but there might as well be. It has gotten ridiculously cold in recent weeks, and while I am used to being alone by now, the "chill" associated with fighting off hordes of "introvert orcs", has begun to feel cumbersome. In the end, we all seek to experience some form of familiarity once we complete our respective "missions".
I remember my grandfather saying some time before he passed away that he wanted to go back to his home province of Sulu before calling it a day. For those of you who are not aware, Sulu is part of the southern section of the Philippines, a region that has been mired in all sorts of conflicts over what has seemed like forever. Needless to say, Sulu is not a place which you can "just go to" so long as you know how to work Expedia and AirBnB accounts. It is a lot more complicated than that.
My grandfather wanted to get a taste of something familiar and dear to him before walking off into the sunset. I don't blame him. We are all on borrowed time, and after working hard all your life to deal with the practical concerns existence tends to throw at you, all you want is a soft pillow upon which to lay your head on. Sulu was that for my gramps. I feel like I still have much to accomplish in my life, but let me tell you- I miss rhythms familiar and dear to me already. I miss those things about as strongly as I feel about experiencing new things. Given this, I guess I'll be spending a majority of the time to come both holding on thought chests with my name on them, and digging on and on, hoping to strike gold and managing to set up camp on previously unchartered islands along the way.
I see snow. Snow can be sad, snow can be mad. Snowballs thrown can be happy. It's all a matter of perspective.
Two months and change to go.
MC
Friday, November 10, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
131- Nooks and Crannies
Whenever I visit a new place, I often choose to take the roads less traveled as opposed to going full on touristy. I have lived a little over a year in London, and I feel like I have not even begun to scratch the surface of everything there is to see in this city. I feel like I haven't even begun to even sharpen my figurative paint scraper when it comes to discovering all there is to know about the UK. That's how crazy it all is.
There is value in being Roman, as opposed to just doing what the Romans do. I will never be truly British, or, never truly be a citizen of England, given that I had spent the first 30-plus years of my life in the Philippines, and look to spend most of the rest of my existence away from the UK. Being moved after experiencing a small sliver of life away from your place of origin, however, carries its own profound sense of majesty. It broadens how you view the world, and makes you more introspective. It makes you know yourself better. Once the sheen wears off, after a few months or years in a new place, things tend to fall into a a state of habit. That does not mean one has to stop wondering, and wandering, though. I don't ever want to settle for just being one amongst the proverbial herd. I want to keep standing out, in a good way. Like Mufasa told Simba, one should not go looking for trouble. Instead, one must yearn to ascend to greater heights purely due to the knowledge that such will be able to make him/her see more of the universe, or, the universe from a totally different perspective.
The day I become totally ordinary is the day I ought to just hang it up, and give up on all things exciting, enriching, and plausibly "real". That's the day I should tell myself to just stay and bed, and never get up to fry an egg and find a cuppa joe.
After moving through the nooks and crannies of this world, I've found myself emerging before a few stunning vistas, and plazas full of people I don't know. After milling about in these places, I find myself back where I started- yearning to explore even more nooks and crannies. So, here I am, off to the next adventure. I think I am a bit more enlightened as far as directions go this time, though- better acquainted with many things, but not any less curious about the unknown.
MC
There is value in being Roman, as opposed to just doing what the Romans do. I will never be truly British, or, never truly be a citizen of England, given that I had spent the first 30-plus years of my life in the Philippines, and look to spend most of the rest of my existence away from the UK. Being moved after experiencing a small sliver of life away from your place of origin, however, carries its own profound sense of majesty. It broadens how you view the world, and makes you more introspective. It makes you know yourself better. Once the sheen wears off, after a few months or years in a new place, things tend to fall into a a state of habit. That does not mean one has to stop wondering, and wandering, though. I don't ever want to settle for just being one amongst the proverbial herd. I want to keep standing out, in a good way. Like Mufasa told Simba, one should not go looking for trouble. Instead, one must yearn to ascend to greater heights purely due to the knowledge that such will be able to make him/her see more of the universe, or, the universe from a totally different perspective.
The day I become totally ordinary is the day I ought to just hang it up, and give up on all things exciting, enriching, and plausibly "real". That's the day I should tell myself to just stay and bed, and never get up to fry an egg and find a cuppa joe.
After moving through the nooks and crannies of this world, I've found myself emerging before a few stunning vistas, and plazas full of people I don't know. After milling about in these places, I find myself back where I started- yearning to explore even more nooks and crannies. So, here I am, off to the next adventure. I think I am a bit more enlightened as far as directions go this time, though- better acquainted with many things, but not any less curious about the unknown.
MC
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
129- Discussions
After having lived in South East London for one year, I decided to pack up and move over to the North East part of the city. As a runner, the terrain's changed a wee bit. From flat roads, to incline, after incline, after incline. From views of the River Thames, to views of Alexandra Palace and other patches of green.
The move has also brought me to a place of residence I share with five people from all over the world.
Whenever we do discuss different facets of each others' lives (especially in the kitchen during meal times), the concept of diversity always enters my mind. How Filipinos, Poles, Brits, Italians, and Indians view a lot of things is very unique. One thing the group tends to agree on, however, is the fact that the world would be a better place sans prejudice. Prejudice is something I have not personally experienced since moving to Europe a year ago. I haven't been in the middle of anything of the sort. Maybe London truly is an "open" city. Maybe I've just been lucky. Maybe I've done well with steering clear of negative elements. Whatever the case may be, I always find it fascinating that here in London, it is so commonplace to see people, often from absolutely diverse backgrounds, being able to exist harmoniously, to the extent that the expression "I understand" truly does take on a whole new meaning.
I can only hope that when I return to the Philippines, or, whatever place I end up in in the coming years, provides a similar semblance of openness to diversity. It's somewhat wishful thinking, for sure, but hey, it's free to dream.
MC
Whenever we do discuss different facets of each others' lives (especially in the kitchen during meal times), the concept of diversity always enters my mind. How Filipinos, Poles, Brits, Italians, and Indians view a lot of things is very unique. One thing the group tends to agree on, however, is the fact that the world would be a better place sans prejudice. Prejudice is something I have not personally experienced since moving to Europe a year ago. I haven't been in the middle of anything of the sort. Maybe London truly is an "open" city. Maybe I've just been lucky. Maybe I've done well with steering clear of negative elements. Whatever the case may be, I always find it fascinating that here in London, it is so commonplace to see people, often from absolutely diverse backgrounds, being able to exist harmoniously, to the extent that the expression "I understand" truly does take on a whole new meaning.
I can only hope that when I return to the Philippines, or, whatever place I end up in in the coming years, provides a similar semblance of openness to diversity. It's somewhat wishful thinking, for sure, but hey, it's free to dream.
MC
Friday, August 25, 2017
128- Wandering
One of my favorite activities is wandering. Well, I suppose my version of wandering is not pure in that, I often go to new places with some semblance of a plan. I don't just bust through the doors without any sense of what I'd like to do or where I'd like to go.
The UK makes for a great country to wander in. Compared to where I'm from, transportation links are outstanding. You can get most picturesque places in the country by bus or train. There is often more than enough to see and do within a span of a couple of hours.
I currently reside in London, and this city in itself is choc full of new experiences. I often find myself on a tight budget, so, I've learned how to cut corners without diminishing the awesomeness of my trips. Here are a few things I've learned over the course of taking trips on my own which have helped me maximize my time and effort.
I. Supermarkets are your friend
It is often tempting to visit new towns or cities and find yourself trying every cafe or restaurant you see. I am not even talking about having full meals in every joint. A lot of "tourists" find themselves buying everything from sandwiches, to water, to croissants in restaurants and cafes. Here in the UK, there tend to be Tesco, Sainsbury's, Coop, and Aldi branches at every corner. Leveraging the ubiquity of these establishments is key. It would be worthwhile, for instance, to have a sampling of Whitstable's amazing seafood from the town's best known restaurants and/or food stalls, but for everything else (like getting energy bars, sandwiches, and drinks to sustain you over your long walks), make sure to grab your supplies from the place's local grocer. That should save you a few bucks while allowing you to stay conscious and stable for when you need snap great photos at Brighton beach, or, take in the stunning views at the White Cliffs of Dover.
On an added note, it also helps to bring a thermos/tumbler with water or an electrolyte beverage from home. That should help you save even more money.
II. Have a mobile phone with internet connectivity, and don't forget to bring a power bank
This may sound as basic as heck, but you'll be surprised at how many travelers forget to equip themselves with web-ready devices and spare power sources in case these devices' batteries bog down quicker than expected. My sense of direction sometimes leaves much to be desired, so, I am a frequent users of Google Maps and/or Citymapper. Navigation apps can save your life, believe me. I once got lost in Rome at night and was followed by a bunch of junkies while being lost as heck, so yeah, apps and mobile communication devices are very, very, important.
III. Don't be afraid to shop around for tickets- early
When planning a trip, planning early can save you a lot of money. Moreover, checking on multiple sources for train, bus, and plane tickets can reap a lot of benefits. Don't grab at the first option you come across. There may very well be something better out there.
IV. Don't be scared to ask
When all else fails, it is sometimes still best to locals for directions, tips for where to eat, and tips on locations to visit. This doesn't mean you shouldn't do research beforehand, though.
V. Tourist, but not a tourist
When visiting a new place, be a tourist, in the sense that you should always keep an open mind. When visiting a new place, don't be a tourist in the sense that you shouldn't fall into tourist traps, and confine yourself to staying within "paved streets". Don't be afraid to go off the beaten path- so long as you are able to maintain a general semblance of safety at all times. :) In short, don't take dumb risks.
I've got a few months left as a resident of the UK. I intend to make the most of that time as a professional, and of course, as a traveler. Correction, as a wanderer. After that, well, it's off to who-knows-where for me.
MC
The UK makes for a great country to wander in. Compared to where I'm from, transportation links are outstanding. You can get most picturesque places in the country by bus or train. There is often more than enough to see and do within a span of a couple of hours.
I currently reside in London, and this city in itself is choc full of new experiences. I often find myself on a tight budget, so, I've learned how to cut corners without diminishing the awesomeness of my trips. Here are a few things I've learned over the course of taking trips on my own which have helped me maximize my time and effort.
I. Supermarkets are your friend
It is often tempting to visit new towns or cities and find yourself trying every cafe or restaurant you see. I am not even talking about having full meals in every joint. A lot of "tourists" find themselves buying everything from sandwiches, to water, to croissants in restaurants and cafes. Here in the UK, there tend to be Tesco, Sainsbury's, Coop, and Aldi branches at every corner. Leveraging the ubiquity of these establishments is key. It would be worthwhile, for instance, to have a sampling of Whitstable's amazing seafood from the town's best known restaurants and/or food stalls, but for everything else (like getting energy bars, sandwiches, and drinks to sustain you over your long walks), make sure to grab your supplies from the place's local grocer. That should save you a few bucks while allowing you to stay conscious and stable for when you need snap great photos at Brighton beach, or, take in the stunning views at the White Cliffs of Dover.
On an added note, it also helps to bring a thermos/tumbler with water or an electrolyte beverage from home. That should help you save even more money.
II. Have a mobile phone with internet connectivity, and don't forget to bring a power bank
This may sound as basic as heck, but you'll be surprised at how many travelers forget to equip themselves with web-ready devices and spare power sources in case these devices' batteries bog down quicker than expected. My sense of direction sometimes leaves much to be desired, so, I am a frequent users of Google Maps and/or Citymapper. Navigation apps can save your life, believe me. I once got lost in Rome at night and was followed by a bunch of junkies while being lost as heck, so yeah, apps and mobile communication devices are very, very, important.
III. Don't be afraid to shop around for tickets- early
When planning a trip, planning early can save you a lot of money. Moreover, checking on multiple sources for train, bus, and plane tickets can reap a lot of benefits. Don't grab at the first option you come across. There may very well be something better out there.
IV. Don't be scared to ask
When all else fails, it is sometimes still best to locals for directions, tips for where to eat, and tips on locations to visit. This doesn't mean you shouldn't do research beforehand, though.
V. Tourist, but not a tourist
When visiting a new place, be a tourist, in the sense that you should always keep an open mind. When visiting a new place, don't be a tourist in the sense that you shouldn't fall into tourist traps, and confine yourself to staying within "paved streets". Don't be afraid to go off the beaten path- so long as you are able to maintain a general semblance of safety at all times. :) In short, don't take dumb risks.
I've got a few months left as a resident of the UK. I intend to make the most of that time as a professional, and of course, as a traveler. Correction, as a wanderer. After that, well, it's off to who-knows-where for me.
MC
Thursday, July 6, 2017
127- Waterloo: Literally and Figuratively.
The photo here is that of Waterloo station, a London train terminus that services over 99 million passengers per year. Being around trains and train stations so much during my time in England has brought to the fore something that a lot of Filipnos have had on their minds for a long, long, time.
A lot of people in the Philippines have long hoped for an efficient mass transit system that would allow commuters to travel around the archipelago quickly, and at reasonable prices. A lot of factors have prevented this from happening over the years, though.
The political situation in my homeland has not helped. The Philippines has some of the highest incidence rates of corruption in Asia. Because of this, people have been conditioned to approach all people from government with a degree of mistrust. While this is understandable, the people's cynicism also serves as a deterrent to progress, care of the efforts of the few who consider public welfare to be of paramount importance. While the 1986 People Power Revolution can be considered to be a shining moment in Philippine history, when the will of the people triumphed over the destructive whims of an abuse dictator, it has inculcated a radical mindset among Filipinos. This, mixed with an almost innate skepticism direct towards the bureaucracy, makes for a tricky situation. What we have here is a "chicken and egg" scenario. It's hard to trust government, yes, but one also needs to work with government to get policies passed, and to see development through to completion. Reform, or even abolition, is one thing, but, performance can sometimes tend to be easier than actual brass tacks action.
We Filipinos are a talented bunch, but, as our country's socio-political history has shown, we do like to bring the persons next to us down when we can. "Crab mentality", they call it. It's sickening. How long did it take for our country to buckle down to having automated elections? How long did it take for somebody to realize that one of our national airport's terminals did not have operation CCTV cameras? Not soon enough, I'm afraid. Unity, sadly, is our Waterloo.
Yes, we could use a better public transport system in the Philippines, but the problems go deeper than that. So long as we have boxers-cum senators for legislators, a bloodthirsty demagogue for a President, and those who pillage the coffers of our morale, pride, and bank accounts running wild in the streets, and in government, then, we might us well pack our bags and call it a day. Truth is, there are many Filipinos out there who would like nothing more than to hit the road- and never come back. Home has begun to not feel like home for so many. When a man does not have a soft pillow to rest his head on, what becomes of his mind, his, heart, and his soul?
Wander he does. With no end in sight.
MC
A lot of people in the Philippines have long hoped for an efficient mass transit system that would allow commuters to travel around the archipelago quickly, and at reasonable prices. A lot of factors have prevented this from happening over the years, though.
The political situation in my homeland has not helped. The Philippines has some of the highest incidence rates of corruption in Asia. Because of this, people have been conditioned to approach all people from government with a degree of mistrust. While this is understandable, the people's cynicism also serves as a deterrent to progress, care of the efforts of the few who consider public welfare to be of paramount importance. While the 1986 People Power Revolution can be considered to be a shining moment in Philippine history, when the will of the people triumphed over the destructive whims of an abuse dictator, it has inculcated a radical mindset among Filipinos. This, mixed with an almost innate skepticism direct towards the bureaucracy, makes for a tricky situation. What we have here is a "chicken and egg" scenario. It's hard to trust government, yes, but one also needs to work with government to get policies passed, and to see development through to completion. Reform, or even abolition, is one thing, but, performance can sometimes tend to be easier than actual brass tacks action.
We Filipinos are a talented bunch, but, as our country's socio-political history has shown, we do like to bring the persons next to us down when we can. "Crab mentality", they call it. It's sickening. How long did it take for our country to buckle down to having automated elections? How long did it take for somebody to realize that one of our national airport's terminals did not have operation CCTV cameras? Not soon enough, I'm afraid. Unity, sadly, is our Waterloo.
Yes, we could use a better public transport system in the Philippines, but the problems go deeper than that. So long as we have boxers-cum senators for legislators, a bloodthirsty demagogue for a President, and those who pillage the coffers of our morale, pride, and bank accounts running wild in the streets, and in government, then, we might us well pack our bags and call it a day. Truth is, there are many Filipinos out there who would like nothing more than to hit the road- and never come back. Home has begun to not feel like home for so many. When a man does not have a soft pillow to rest his head on, what becomes of his mind, his, heart, and his soul?
Wander he does. With no end in sight.
MC
Saturday, June 24, 2017
126- Month 9.
I have lived in London for what is the equivalent of a woman going through a normal pregnancy. This experience has been chocful of adventure that I suspect will last a lifetime. Now, as I enter the dissertation (self-study) portion of my postgraduate degree, I find myself pondering upon a number of things:
-There is still much I have not seen in the UK. Compared to some Filipino friends, I have barely scratched the surface. I suppose this is the consequence of spending most of money on concert tickets and running events. There is still time to flutter about. I am fully committed to studying my way to the top, though, so, I'll have to work any travel plans into working my butt off- both for the present, and the future.
-Self study can be good, but at the same time, it can be more difficult that actually having classes. When regular classes are scheduled three times a week, you get into a certain rhythm. That rhythm, then, leads to not getting stuck in any i-feel-so-lazy-to-study funks. Having days and weeks become more open-ended leaves the door to sloth ajar. I have to exert two times the usual effort to stay focused.
-One of my friends who has lived in London for a bit was right- finding a corporate post here is tough. I've begun to think of my plans post Masters'. It can't be helped, unless of course one plans to strand himself/herself on the Isle of Naught for the rest of his/her Earthly life. The natural response by a play-it-safe type would assume that I should re-enter the corporate world. What has that being in that world really done for me in the last 12 years, though, apart of course, from helping me earn a good living, and, aiding in my professional maturity? What I am trying to hint at is, the onset of the ultimate "whys" and "hows". Has the corporate life truly made me happy? Has it truly satiated my desires to live a truly fulfilled existence? On some days, I'd say yes. On others, I'd say that I am stuck in the middle. On certain other days, I'd say, I'd rather be on a farm with 20 Golden Retrievers and a pair of running shoes.
-This blog has gone somewhat stagnant. Maybe it's because I haven't had any totally new "travel-centric" adventures lately. Or maybe that is all B.S. Maybe the real reason is that I haven't take the time to buckle down to thinking about compelling content to put up. Whatever the case is, I do know that I ought to write more from now on. I can't permit myself to sink into the quagmire of the "I'm so ordinary" and "I'm so square". I'd rather listen to Justin Bieber for 20 straight hours than to be oh-so-commonplace.
-Having come from a country that has shot itself in the balls so many times because of corruption in government, and people being so used to mediocrity, such that the bar for what is "socially acceptable" has dipped so, so, low, I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the first world conveniences that Britain has exposed me to. Decent public transportation, efficient service at government offices, efficient-cashless payment facilities- all of these things are conveniences which somebody who has lived here for a long time may take for granted. Where I'm from, something as mundane as renewing your driver's license can end up being the biggest chore ever, so yeah, I am happy with what the UK has in place.
-I am actually THIS close to finishing a Masters' Degree. I have tried my best to absorb fresh insights and new perspectives, but sometimes, one will end up getting by on knowledge gained from prior experience. This journey has re-awakened me desire to learn, learn, learn. So whatever "new" things I've missed on are things which I intend to catch up on when the time comes. It's funny how scholarship shows you that some of the most basic things on Earth are made to be more complicated than they actually should be, in the name of being more "scholarly".
More thoughts will be shared on another day.
The spillage of ideas should help keep me sane through the final stretch of my postgraduate degree.
MC
-There is still much I have not seen in the UK. Compared to some Filipino friends, I have barely scratched the surface. I suppose this is the consequence of spending most of money on concert tickets and running events. There is still time to flutter about. I am fully committed to studying my way to the top, though, so, I'll have to work any travel plans into working my butt off- both for the present, and the future.
-Self study can be good, but at the same time, it can be more difficult that actually having classes. When regular classes are scheduled three times a week, you get into a certain rhythm. That rhythm, then, leads to not getting stuck in any i-feel-so-lazy-to-study funks. Having days and weeks become more open-ended leaves the door to sloth ajar. I have to exert two times the usual effort to stay focused.
-One of my friends who has lived in London for a bit was right- finding a corporate post here is tough. I've begun to think of my plans post Masters'. It can't be helped, unless of course one plans to strand himself/herself on the Isle of Naught for the rest of his/her Earthly life. The natural response by a play-it-safe type would assume that I should re-enter the corporate world. What has that being in that world really done for me in the last 12 years, though, apart of course, from helping me earn a good living, and, aiding in my professional maturity? What I am trying to hint at is, the onset of the ultimate "whys" and "hows". Has the corporate life truly made me happy? Has it truly satiated my desires to live a truly fulfilled existence? On some days, I'd say yes. On others, I'd say that I am stuck in the middle. On certain other days, I'd say, I'd rather be on a farm with 20 Golden Retrievers and a pair of running shoes.
-This blog has gone somewhat stagnant. Maybe it's because I haven't had any totally new "travel-centric" adventures lately. Or maybe that is all B.S. Maybe the real reason is that I haven't take the time to buckle down to thinking about compelling content to put up. Whatever the case is, I do know that I ought to write more from now on. I can't permit myself to sink into the quagmire of the "I'm so ordinary" and "I'm so square". I'd rather listen to Justin Bieber for 20 straight hours than to be oh-so-commonplace.
-Having come from a country that has shot itself in the balls so many times because of corruption in government, and people being so used to mediocrity, such that the bar for what is "socially acceptable" has dipped so, so, low, I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the first world conveniences that Britain has exposed me to. Decent public transportation, efficient service at government offices, efficient-cashless payment facilities- all of these things are conveniences which somebody who has lived here for a long time may take for granted. Where I'm from, something as mundane as renewing your driver's license can end up being the biggest chore ever, so yeah, I am happy with what the UK has in place.
-I am actually THIS close to finishing a Masters' Degree. I have tried my best to absorb fresh insights and new perspectives, but sometimes, one will end up getting by on knowledge gained from prior experience. This journey has re-awakened me desire to learn, learn, learn. So whatever "new" things I've missed on are things which I intend to catch up on when the time comes. It's funny how scholarship shows you that some of the most basic things on Earth are made to be more complicated than they actually should be, in the name of being more "scholarly".
More thoughts will be shared on another day.
The spillage of ideas should help keep me sane through the final stretch of my postgraduate degree.
MC
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