anniezabelle-blog

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Departure Day.

25th January 2018, Thursday.

Well here I am, the long awaited day finally happening. After all the struggles trying to get my luggage into the ideal 20kg (I failed, 20.6kg but who cares) it finally time to clean up my mess of a room and wave goodbye to it for the next 6 months. Missed my chance to say goodbye to my younger brothers, really guilty but what can I do. Got to say bye to a grumpy dad, and maybe slightly teared up a little. Said my goodbyes to Leo the night before, he had centralised training at the academy with his uni buds. 

Went to the airport at 2.45pm, and met up with the AFS volunteers on time. Mom sent me off, took pictures and sad our last goodbyes. It wasn’t bad, she acted like she wanted me to leave already but I obviously know she’s holding in the tears.

First Emirates flight, and it was the absolute worst. One and a half hours through the flight, I took off my shoes and once my feet hit the carpet floor, I realised that it was soaking wet. There goes my backpack, soaked and drenched in water. I didn’t care about my backpack, but I was so scared for my laptop. It was damp when I took it out, and it had to be the charger port side. Thank god the laptop can turn on, but I haven’t tried charging it yet, and I'm praying for my life nothing happened to it. Ended up having to hold my valuables all throughout the flight, unable to get comfy, unable to sleep. It was the absolute worst. And my jacket and backpack just had to take all 7 hours of the flight to dry up, am I right. Sigh.

Transit at Dubai airport, nothing much. Didn't walk much at all, we were just so tired that we headed straight to the departure gate and wait for our next flight to Paris #adventurousmuch. Wasted 4 to 5 hours of time, spent it watching some videos, sleeping super lightly and talking to mom about my horrible flight experience. Filed complaints and everything, and also managed to talk to Matt and Reu before they left for school that day. Well to be fair, I did have super comfy lay down chairs to sit on at the Dubai Airport, so I’m not complaining. 

Another 7 hours to Paris, Butt and lower back definitely starting to hurt from all the sitting. Super excited to touchdown at the dreamland, its like so surreal but its happening.

Touchdown, and Bonjour Paris! Super cold and there’s steam coming out my mouth as I breathe. So excited, and I can’t wait for that’s next!

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AFS Pre-Departure Orientation Camp

12th-14th January 2018

First camp I’ve ever been to, and I’d never though I could’ve learnt so much in such a short period of time.

First day was amazing from the start. We did ice breaking activities and got to know each other really fast. Made me think of how crazy easy it is to make new friends when we just open up and talk. We did a lot of activities; like SWOT Analysis, which is to analyse you strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and . Then, we created our ‘Perfect Human’. After that, iceberg activity, where we observe the inside and outside of a situation or person. After that, we were told to list down our goals for the program. Then they taught us about realistic goals, and told us not to be sad if we didn’t achieve our goals. They made us realise that wanting too much was not a good thing by doing the follow people exercise. There were 5 rounds to this activity, the first being to follow one person, second being to imitate the person you were following. Third is to follow another person, but keeping the same distance from both people. Fourth, to take up yet another person to follow. And fifth, to drop either one or two people. the people symbolises our goals, and I honestly found it quite difficult when it came to the third or fourth round. After all, its not about reaching the destination, its about the journey. Following up, we learnt about the DIVE concept; where we learnt to describe a situation, interpret the situation, visualise the situation and lastly to evaluate the situation. Next, we did a talk on personal well being and hygiene. So we girls had our talk and guys had theirs. It was all great, the facilitators were all willing to open up and share their experiences to us, which makes me feel that I’m not alone. We also learnt the three golden rules of AFS, and I’m very sure I wanna steer clear of that, cuz I don’t wanna be an early returnee for sure!

Second day, we did an obstacle course, and then we had to do sketches, and energiser games, and the dreaded presentations. We also did opinions, where we can choose to be at the yes side, the no side, or the meh side. We also had the beans concept and not to forget the privilege line, where we learn that everyone is different and everyone starts from a different point. The activities really prepared me to go on my exchange program, things that I didn’t even think I needed to know. If I hadn’t gone for this camp, I might not even have a clue on what to do. We also talked about luggage weights, and things to bring and things I could leave out, and all about maximising space. It really was information I needed to know, and its just like a wow I need to know this wake up call.

Last day, we did one last activity, and it was about adapting and mixing in. I was part of the red team, and I had a culture that was aggressive, always interrupting others and always wanting to be heard. We had to make a tower which could stand Mika’s phone, and my team was obviously a bit difficult to handle, having being arrogant for their culture and all. Like 10 minutes later, I was sent to be a tourist to another country, but still also bringing my culture to the country. I was mean and bad and really passive aggressive, but the country I visited were calm and quiet and cooperative. It really made me feel like I was outside the box, and that I’m like an outsider. It also reminded me that this would apply on my exchange, where I would be the odd Malaysian, surrounded my French kids all over.

All in all it was a great camp, I learnt lots of things as wells made a lot of new friends. I got a lot of love letters throughout the camp, and I’m so grateful for that :) It really made me feel wanted and also like I’m part of a group. I’m also grateful for all the new friends I’ve met all throughout the country.

I honestly cannot wait for my program to begin. 10 days and counting!

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Accounts Class Little Reunion , Shopping trips with Joan

10th January 2018

First things first, checked the Pitch Perfect 3 movie off our bucket list. Loved the movie! The storyline was pretty great, and it was not something produced just for the sake of a sequel of the series. Seriously satisfied and literally a five star comedy.

Next, saree hunting. Went down to Brickfields to get it done, did it within the 200 buck budget. Happy cuz I made the budget, and can’t wait to collect it! Chose the gold blouse and purple skirts and out layer, so its cool. Also searched around for some henna designs, but they were pretty expensive to get done. Simple small one range from 5′s to 10′s, but the ones I’m looking at is leaning towards a 20 to a 25. Still totally wanna get it, but the price is really wearing me off a bit. Final decisions yet to be made.

Then, shopping raids with Joan. Went to Nu Sentral, and the clothes there were really cheap! Got a short shirt like dress at one of the shops there for only a 25, a total steal for me! And then raided the rest of the shops and got another two shirts, One long hoodie shirt which I thought looked pretty cute and another sun dress looking shirt which is absolutely cute! Totes going to bring it to the orientation camp with me! Owe Joan quite a sum, but meh it don’t matter.

About 5:30pm, met up with Jeng Min in her super formal outfit from work, I swear she looked like a 27 year old from the back. Went to Wings Maju is where we met up with Sze Lynn, and we headed off to the Thai In, literally a stone’s throw from the train station. 

Met up with the good ‘ol accounts teacher, and talked mostly about universities, higher education and our future; not to forget Jeng’s recent love life(!!) Had a great time in general, good food good company. And the star of the night was for sure their chilli sauce, its. so. good. It literally complements all the food that I’d eaten. I swear I would go back there just for the chilli.

Grab rides home with Sze Lynn, and made it home by 10pm. Exciting day, utterly satisfied and cannot wait to do this again.

[anniezabelle-blog]

Putrajaya #Lampu2017 31st December 2017 - 1st January 2018 First countdown ever. Huge dissapointment. Sure, lights all over, amazing light shows, but somehow I fail to catch the atmostphere of excitement, the eagerness, and the impatience well expected from the crowds. Countdowns or events like this should be exciting, everyone eager and just wanting the new year to begin already. Up until the last 15 seconds of 2017, the crowds were unenegetic, the people mellow, and having only me super excited and screaming on top of my lungs like some kid that has been given a bit too much sugar. Out of 500,000 people, not one of them were longing for a new year. Most just have picnics, swinging their little light gadgets around, sitting on the ground busy taking pictures and not actually living in the moment. It really was not what I'd expected. After the event, crowds were standing up, pushimg their way through their cars wanting to leave before the jam starts. As I walked, I saw quite a number of families still on their picnic carpet, eating and snacking on junk food, having more of a family time than actually being there for the new year. Rubbish littered all throughout the venue, the ground sticky from spilled sodas. Thank god it was already dark, if not it might just look like am actual disaster. Sure, there were fireworks, but they were all lit behind the mosque and we could barely see anything. Missing children were often announced throughtout the events, and it just made me think of how irresponsible these parents were and how I would never bring my children to events like this. All in all it was an experience, and luckily I got to spend it with my brothers, Kar Xi and Cheng. If not I swear I might just have had the dullest experience ever, and I don't even want to imagine it.

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Annual Pineapple Squad Christmas Celebration

Wednesday, 27th December 2017

Second time doing this, super fun but the dress was definitely comfy>festive. Blurry Youtube Home Alone, cards, chips and great company. For dinner, Shepards Pie, Potato Salad, Pumpkin Pie and Iced Milo. It’s not a lot, but defo more than enough for us :) 

Gift exchange was fun! Originally had to buy a gift for Sze Lynn but ditched it and went spontaneously. Got a furry little sling bag from Kai Lin, it’s so cute so fluffy but so small I can hardly fit my purse in there. I’ll find someway to use it though, you’ll see. Lydia also gave away little gifts to all of us, and they all had little dog with bells of each colour, but since they didn't;t have the purple bells, she got me a purple bear (!!!) It’s so cute and so tiny I’m honestly not even mad I wasn’t matching with the Squad. 

It was great to see so much joy in the few hours I was there. If everything was in slow motion, I swear it would look like the happiest time of the year. It was all joy and fun in simplicity and in the comfort of my bestie’s cozy home. 

This party also definitely reminded me how fast 2017 is coming to an end, it honestly flew by so quickly! Not even bummed we didn't have a Christmas Tree, we even became an ornament lol not funny ok. ButI’m eternally grateful for all that has happened this year, from study nights to Melaka Tripping. Words cannot describe how much fun I’ve had this year, and I couldn't have done it without these little crazies. So glad to have them by my side throughout my whole high school experience. This might feel like the end, but I know for sure, we have only just ended chapter 1 of the hundreds more we’re about to create. 

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Layton Bridge Barbecue Night 

Tuesday, 26th December 2017

As the late afternoon barbecue fire starts, the guests start filling in. Seeing all the smoke in the air, with Pippy so close to the pits made me worried it might get sick :/ Matthias and Reuben’s friends absolutely bombarded the house, which wasn't that great. But other than that; Kar Xi, Cheng, the Layton Bridge fam, Dad’s old boys and that was all it took to have a great time. 

The roast pork was definitely a winner that night. Playing cards as we almost ate undercooked food by Matt and Reu’s friends, laughing as we had little punishments for the one that lost. Took a #noshame selfie with a guy as a punishment, and later bike rided all throughout the neighbourhood. 

As Leo took over the barbecue to finally cook some decent food, I sat in front of the fan, gazing into the flaming ashes; it was like looking into some very angry and painful eyes. Weird I know, but that’s the best I can describe it with.

Uncle Au gave away the incentives, and had Kar Xi help us get the pictures. Slightly mad that I totally forgot to have another picture with him inside it, but it’s alright. 

As the party comes to an end, we had to deal with an overexcited teammate. It was all fun and games, though we ended up having her sleep on my bed for a bit then having her insisting on leaving by 2.30am.

All in all it was a magnificent night, endless games and food, chatter and beer. As relationships get closer, we get stronger. I honestly cannot think of a better way to unite the Layton Bridge family; and this will definitely not be the last.

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Pineapple Squad Melaka Trip (18-21/12/2017) Day 3 Klebang Beach // Food Streaks 9am beach walks to the rough sand pits, selfies and candids. 20 minute walk to the actual beach. Swinging on the kids' playground, and placing our feet on the soft warm beach sand. No waves, but dipping our feet into the murky waters sort of had a cooling effect on our feet. As we drew our squad logo onto the damp beach sand, we struggled to get a good picture with the selfie stick. Quiet beach, with kids flying kites, truly calming and absolitely relaxing. Got an Uber to Nancy's Kitchen, super amazing Baba Nyonya food. Every spponful of warm rice was literally heaven for my taste buds. Hence began the food streaks. Pork satay was closed for the day sadly, so we headed to Portugese influeced food at the Portuguese Square, Moncerios. Started off by letting some chinese lunatic call me an Indian lady trying to sell me Indian crackers. Salted egg crab, wet butter prawns, Portuguese baked fish, and vegetables in a quiet little restaurant blasting Christmas tunes. For sure, food didn't dissapoint, and we had to one-two-juice to the very last crab. Next pitstop , Pak Putra Restaurant. Triple cheese naans, mango lassi and tandoori chicken was more than enough for us to be chatting our way through our crazy primary memories. Nonstop laughing and it was honestly the best moment ever. When we got back to the hotel, super exhausted. Made prank calls and found out the crazy big news from Jenggg(!!) Talked through the night, until we finally closed our eyes unknowingly, tired, exhausted but utterly satisfied.

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Pineapple Squad Melaka Trip (18-21/12/2017)

Day 2

Jonker Walk

11am exits, 面对面 dates, jonker street art selfies. Sunshine and slight breezes as the wind hits altogether. 2 upside down houses, two absolute failures. Spending on Grab, ended up stranded. 3 hours of trailing amd staring to get a little tireless, restless not to mention miserable. Finally found our way back to Jonker. Egg tarts, cendols and tau foo fa’s as a jonker-walk-back victory. Cruising the Melaka river, looking at the green river water turn black as the night begijs to fall. River bubbles form as we cruise, street lamp reflections shine against the water. Mesmering and calming. Entered a pub, deciding that we’re overage and ditching the place. Aeon shopping once more, Summersby-a-go-go. Over friendly grab driver, whasapping instantly after the ride. 2am bedtimes, gambling the cents away once again. 4 bottles of Summersby chugged within 40 minutes, as we lay on the bed hoping to win yet a few more cents.

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Pineapple Squad Melaka Trip (18-21/12/2017) Day 1 Jonker Walk Finally having our planned trips turn into reality. Sunny days, souvenir strips, tourists bike riding and filling up the streets like little ants. Never had an experience like this before, never been on holiday for so long. RM10 henna tatoos and smudging it within10 seconds. Taking pictures of the breathtaking sights, historical beauty and selfies every 10 minutes. Budget hotel nights up till morning and had the receptionist tell us to mellow down. Non stop snacking, 1am cup noodles and cards and gambling 10 cents a game till dawn cuz we cheap like that. Sleeping soundly, utterly satisfied. First day and I’m already glad I’m here; I’m excited for what’s to come, knowing that weather it be an amazing street tour or a stay-in-hotel day, its bound to be a good one with these weirdos.