Day 1 & 2 of Korea Trip : A guide to Seoul City from Incheon International Airport, Seoul Korea.

26-27 Mei 2016 ^^

Mei 26, we started our journey from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). We spent a night sleeping at KUL before we fly to Seoul. It was uncomfortable and cold. Luckily i brought my sweater and neck scarf with me. And just a little reminder, if you're going to sleep in airport make sure you bring a small towels and bath kit to make u a little bit comfortable later.

So, we flew from KUL to Incheon Airport (INC) for about 6 hours, arrived around 3pm. [NOTE THAT : If you're Malaysians, local time in Korea is one hour advance to Malaysia local time. ^^] Foods served twice in flight and the price for rice per serving is around MYR25 and above. If you're not a big eater then one serving is enough.

So this is what we did and you might do once you arrive in ICN airport later;

1. Head to immigration, there'll be a lady in hanbok there to greet you and will give u a basic tourist information. keep that. 
2. Buy T-money (bought it with 4000 krw and then top up a total of 10k krw. 10k isn't a must amount. you can top up according to your plan. And, don't worry, you can always top up later in subway station)
3. Buy sim card : KRW 29 000 (later we find that sim card is not really necessary because you can find a lot of place with WiFi especially on subways) But, for emergency purpose, i suggest you to buy one. ^^ This sim card will take quite some time to set up on your phone. but don't worry because all the information is written in the sim pack. ^^
4. Grab any information brochure. it might be useful later.
5. Take selfie :p and let your family know that you arrived safely. :D

So at first, we planned to go to guesthouse by limousine but we end up riding subways. It was a long and exciting journey.

So we stayed in Oh Guest House which located near to Sinsieoldong Subway Station [5 minutes walk] . If you want to stay there, you can make a prior booking through booking.com or can make a reservation through phone call : +82 70 8987 6888 and i highly recommend anyone to stay there because, it wasn't only comfortable but the owner made us feel like Korea is our home. I remembered when they offered to send my best of friend to the hospital when he was sick, giving foods and tips to recover faster and asking from time to time about his condition. Well, when you're outside of your home, nobody really care about you. But, they made it different this time because i feel like home ^^

So, how to get to the guesthouse from Airport buy subway?

1. First, you need to download this app METROID HD. You can find it in play store and download it for free. This apps will enable you to navigate freely through subways in Seoul and also Busan.
2. Second, follow the signage to the airport subway station.
3. Ride the KTX train from Incheon International Airport Railroad and stop at Seoul Station (Final Stop of the train). Total distance is about 58 km, ETA is around 114 minutes including waiting time in each train stop and fares around 4800 krw. But, there is another train , AREX. this train is faster than the KTX because it only stop twice; ICN airport and Seoul Station. The ETA is 54 minutes and fares around 9.5k KRW.
4. Once you arrived in Seoul Station, find the dark blue line - line 1, ride the subways to sinsieoldong.  This ride will take you 27  min including the waiting time, 8 stops with 1250 krw fares.
5. Once you arrived in Sinsieoldong, head to exit 12 and wait outside, make a call to the guest house and they'll fetch you there. Don't bother searching because it is quite hard to find. but, if you like to have a little adventure on your own, here is a little guidelines i can provide.

when you stand outside the exit 12, go straight until you see the 7e shop, Fried Chicken Shop and the guesthouse is located around there. I didn't take any picture of the street but you have to walk a little more to reach the 7e, not the 7e you saw near the exit.

But still, i recommend you to call the guest house and the owner will pick you up. They are quite friendly, so, you're good to go.

If you are confuse about the line colour and number, you'll understand it once you arrived. Don't worry, you won't lose because the sign-age is everywhere and it's quite clear. Just, please know that you have to know which exit you have to go because Korean Subways is crazy ^^ They have until 12 exit and surprisingly, every exit will lead you to different places and it's quite far to each other.

Ahh, another information to remember ;
1. If it is your first time in Incheon Airport, then, please remember that a journey from where you landed to the immigration check point is quite far. You'll need to ride a shuttle train. Just follow the crowd ^^

2. Seoul Station is a busiest train station i ever encountered. It was full of people and only the strongest win :D I never fight to get a way in any place before, but here, i did. It's hard to find a small way to go through. People will push you forward and backward. There will be people running and stepping over you and please don't expect an apology. when in Rome do like Romans. well maybe we arrived there at a peak hour so, crazy. It was really full of people. If you walk in a group and your group member is a new traveller and suffer a panic disorder than i advice you to estimate the ETA after 8.30 pm, less crowd and the tendency to lose your member is less.

So, we arrived in guest house around 8pm, bought our dinner just outside the guest house and, took a refreshing bath and sleep. Tomorrow is a long way to go.

I am not really good in writing a direction, so any comment positive or negative is welcome.

XoXo

I Spy Singapore

Dear daddy,
My journey to Singapore wasn't well prepared. At first, i didn't plan a journey around January to April because I have an upcoming journey to Korea in May - June. Plus, the team and I bought a flight ticket a year ago So i have to save money for that.

But something happened to my life, again. I don't know either it is bad or good. And i don't know if my decision is right or wrong too. It has been a super duper complicated choice i ever made. So, Sigh!

When it comes to friendship and misunderstanding, i'd say that is a real tough situation. I didn't know things will end up like that. I really thought that nobody cares and i didn't interfere with anything. I really thought that it's just me and a person, no (s), nothing. But sigh again. I guess i have to go through with that, no?

So, I've been looking for every possible escapes when i found out that Airasia was on sale. As a result of clicking here and there, I finally bought a flight ticket to Singapore. I never been there before. Asked few people to come with me but yup nobody can go cause it wasn't public holiday nor weekend. So it was my first unplanned solo trip. ^^

Singapore was awesome. The cleanliness, the Skypark, The Helix Bridge, The Musical Performances, The Foods, The people, The secure feelings, The transportation, The Gardens by the Bay, The Sentosa Island and the everything that i can't write in here. It's all awesome and it does add a lot of new experience and point of view in my life. It opened my eyes a lot. Especially that very moment.... wait, i want to write it in a different paragraph...here..

I was hungry and thirsty because i walked all day long. Twas' a hot day and i didn't bring my water bottle with me. So i headed to Marina Bay Food court to buy some fruits, water and foods. Next, i was eating fruits while walking and finally stopped in a corner to get some rest. And then, suddenly a person stand in front of me, for quite a long time i think. Since i know about 'Singaporean do their own things' and having someone standing in front of me for quite a long time is a little bit weird. He's a man, handsome, tall, quite a figure and best attire, with a tie, blazer, black slack trouser, looking directly at me, yes me. Was he flirting? Or was he interested in me? No. Moments later, He bow and picked up the watermelon at the floor right in front of me, smiled at me, No, smirked at me and throw the rubbish to the dustbin. You know what i feel dad? yes, you got me. I was embarrased and speechless trying to hide my feelings. Ah i stopped eating and can't get it out of my head till i get home.

I really did learn something from here. Apart from being a well-known Fine City , Singaporean really keep their country clean. They didn't wait for the cleaners to do the work. They did it themselves. And i am really proud of them.

I immediately fall in love with this country and the people in it. I'll come back soon, with mom, and of course i'll bring you in my heart, dad, Always.

XoXo

Congratulation Chinggu

More pictures on her blog : Yesterdaywasmemories.blogspot.com

She is chasing her dream.
Sweating from hard work.
And was paid today.
A day to remember : Her story was chosen and she is officially a writer.

Congratulation for being in top five list chinggu. I am so proud of you.

SEE YOU AT THE TOP :*

XoXo

RESILIENCE

My dear Arlyn, sometimes you have to die a little inside to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you. This is your journey to resilience. I love you.

Photographer & MUA : ...Oyo

Talent : Arlyn Daniel

Costume : Jwenny Vivi Jackson

Location : Seberau Waterfall, Kuching Sarawak

XoXo

FUTURE

I ended a year full of blessings diary on April 06, 2014 :)

I had an unsettle thing in my heart over the year. A feeling like I am not in a position or place where I should be. I supposed to not to lose things I love and maybe where I stay isn't a place I supposed to be ... but no answer have came and feeling still looms.

But... when i remind myself every morning, through the thick and thin, through the hard days and good days, the unsettle feeling gone.

A year full of hope, challenges, happiness, sadness, struggle and so on.

So this year, i am no longer a jobless woman. I added one precious journey and stage in my life. I've been busy. So busy. I even have a little time to do things i always do , like photographing , playing music etc. I sometimes have to yell to the kids i teach, sometimes more than i should. I live alone in a quarters, I have to wake up early in the morning, I have to face different kind of people in a different situation.

But i loved the changes. I find that it's best to find joy in the imperfections. Even if there are some holes missing, i feel joy in all of this. Every day when i wake up, i look around, and see that God has placed a blessing in my life. And knowing that i am on His journey for my life has been the most rewarding feeling i have ever felt in my faith, despite all of the things are still missing.

Exhausted, lonely heart is full of joy ! :) 

XoXo

Day #344 : A door.

There's a quote saying "When one door closed another door opening. But often we stay too long in front of the closed door and we didn't realize that another doors opened for us.
Speaking about door, it reminds me about opportunity. Everyone went through beautiful moments. There are things that will last in a very long time, forever or maybe in a very short time. If we are enjoying the opportunity either it happened in a very short or long way, we will be long for 'that' time when the door close.
Ok, here is the fact. Door closed, opportunity change. But how many of us willing to change in a very short time to enter another door? Think about this.
My friend Tico once told me that Life is an open door. You're a door, others are doors too. I agreed. Cause , When you let someone in, you open your door to them. When you don't want the person to come in, close the door. People who really want to come in will wait outside until you open yourself for them.
It is just the same for the others too. When you decided to come in, the others may open or close. When they open, you enter. Here is the IMPORTANT thing that i want to remind myself today. Remember, when others open the door for you, you might like or dislike what inside. The 'like' will make you stay and 'dislike' will make you wanna leave.
Sometimes, you may have both feelings inside you. So i know i am experiencing them now. Tico said, open up! Be kind to others! Don't cose yourself!
Now i think i walk inside someone's door, that made me feel both way. So, many point made me plan to stay. But some of them pointed me to leave the door. And the 'some of them' really suffocate me and need me to leave for some fresh air. The problem is , am i willing to leave or not?
So today, i'm telling myself these :
1. Let go of something you can't change. Let go means, go away and never hold on anymore.
2. Sometime, something that will make you free is the one that made u afraid to change.

Anyways, i still have a lot of time to think. In a mean time, i will just stay freely, never expect anything and when the courage is enough, i'll open the door and get out and close it.
I just don't want to change what inside the door. I want to see how much will i endure everything, then if i can't hold on anymore, i will just go.

I Have Something To Show You #5 : Double B LOVE Story . Badd + Bea :)

Last week i spent my weekend with my best friend, Beatress Elisabeth , yes a beautiful name for a beautiful owner :) . We plan on doing a couple photoshoot few weeks before and we finally did it.

It was a beautiful time to spend with another amazing photographers and of course time alone with her, talking and sharing like there's no tomorrow.

In short, I enjoyed my weekend. 

What a great time to run away from hectic emotional and mentally ... emm... problem? no. I don't know. 

Anyway, here's some of the photo. 

Beautiful scenery. Beautiful person.

Enjoy.

XoXo

I Have Something To Show You #4 : Annette Shizu . My Fav Model

XoXo

I Have Something To Show You #3 : Happy Valentine Day !

A beautiful place with a beautiful couple :)

XoXo

Day #300 : Good Morning, Rise and Shine !

A day started with Amsal 22 and a deep prayer. I thank you Lord for giving me a chance to live once again and to start all over again !

I am thankful that i knew Annette Shizu, such a charming, talented, beautiful, etc lady !

The first session and still counting :)

XoXo

Day #299 : Butterfly in my tummy ~

All i want to say is :

Look at me, 
I will never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter. 
Can it be, I'm not meant to play this part? 
Now I see, that if I were truly to be myself. 
I would break my fam'ly's heart.
Who is that girl Isee? 
Staring straight back at me? 
Why is my reflection someone I don't know? 
Some how I cannot hide, 
Who I am. 
Though I've tried. 
When will my reflection show? 
Who I am? 
Inside?
When will my reflection show, who I am, 
inside? 

XoXo

Day #295 : Now i am sure that although you left me, you're still here with me.

Yesterday, i remember me walking in the rain from the place i stay to Keningau Music Class. Pink gown and vintage sandal. It was freaking cold and i was late for class. So, we began with O Sole Mio song and i totally captivated by songs in Am and Dm. Beautiful music and harmonic it was !

Then come the hardest part. Teacher asked me to choose either may or Nov to take examination. Because i made an important plan this november so i need to choose May, which i think i don't have enough time to settle everything. Teacher ask me to play swings and dance steps instead of the romantic melodies, that too is hard cause i am not into swings , jazz etc . For such a long time, i only play romantic, simple marching and sometimes loving waltz. Sure it made me worried sick. I am not sure either i can master all 3 pieces till May.

So, last night i fall asleep in weary. Then i received a letter together with a bunch of roses. The letter said "...Oyo, so you're finally performing piano songs which i am looking forward before. Now that i can't see you perform live, i give u this roses. I know its too much. But each time you perform, take one rose and perform beautifully. Don't take too much..." the letter was long but i can't remember the rest. And the only person who call and write ...0yo to me is dady.

This morning i was awake and i shed tears. I am looking for dady in all things but he didn't appear before me and last night he appeared in my dream. I know God told me through bible that the death won't know anything like the alive person. I know it wasn't dady but i know if dady still alive he will say such things too and even appear in the crowd to watch the perfomance. I know that God let me dreamt that dream because He knew what i need the most!

I woke up in the morning and start with the 'Sea Bird'. Still out of tempo and lack in pedaling but soon i know i'll master that. And for the swing and dance step song, it was quite nice and i only tried the treble clef. Baby step right?

Ahhhh, it feels so good to read dad's letter i am now in the mood of performing again. Well, i can't wait to see the result in May.

Thank You dear God. I know u understand me the most!!!!!!!