tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70839776489751075032024-03-05T04:40:23.737+00:00ASMA HAMID<center> ah.asmahamid@gmail.com<br> <br>
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</center>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04223984293163633087noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-41403864726876983922023-09-24T21:27:00.005+01:002023-09-24T21:46:44.639+01:00Moments in My Mile-a-Minute Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDu7i-9la_UilJcVJcDfvfl1vYCbTejkyBbF0N_keSGGaq4_XxHvGfKF4CGpQXnNNRxam7XCjFbmCOpUprdxaqHo5j9Vui5zqdHNwEGM_Me_iFd8JyEASY-Qk0PEsNuhsFL2zSrLfEJMDn6gP9PyfeuCfB1QkAQEbU-5QumJO7bBYfMwF-MoZlgBUQigS/s4032/IMG_0180.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDu7i-9la_UilJcVJcDfvfl1vYCbTejkyBbF0N_keSGGaq4_XxHvGfKF4CGpQXnNNRxam7XCjFbmCOpUprdxaqHo5j9Vui5zqdHNwEGM_Me_iFd8JyEASY-Qk0PEsNuhsFL2zSrLfEJMDn6gP9PyfeuCfB1QkAQEbU-5QumJO7bBYfMwF-MoZlgBUQigS/w400-h300/IMG_0180.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><b>Last week </b>flew by so quickly, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope every week leading up to my flight back to Malaysia goes by just as swiftly. It was also incredibly productive! At work, I discovered an issue with my project. Instead of getting overwhelmed and overthinking it, I approached it like an experienced engineer and tackled it head-on. It's amazing how much stress overthinking can cause. Here's to more days like that! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9u8l2rv9zgLiehBAXeju0qFx4gMhDqAdKdzPIl3L6HaszR1-BOkD2kfAyYEH7HROH4purTXe8LScaROydgKe1JPEV8LOxL3byW-xKdsTKavVEJrlQPDPOlWXapYqvpDgke_-eCottLwC6SZoHRj5uyNvWh7uNYLxMpL8GFMYh75IFVa-e3_FnTVPYPwR/s4032/IMG_9962.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9u8l2rv9zgLiehBAXeju0qFx4gMhDqAdKdzPIl3L6HaszR1-BOkD2kfAyYEH7HROH4purTXe8LScaROydgKe1JPEV8LOxL3byW-xKdsTKavVEJrlQPDPOlWXapYqvpDgke_-eCottLwC6SZoHRj5uyNvWh7uNYLxMpL8GFMYh75IFVa-e3_FnTVPYPwR/w300-h400/IMG_9962.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On Monday, Don and I went cycling. Initially, we didn't expect to cover much distance, but this time we went the farthest compared to all our previous rides. My favorite part was cycling on an actual road for half the route; it boosted my confidence riding on the road. Wednesday was tennis day, and I'm starting to really enjoy it because we had our own dedicated coach. We focused on drills to improve our ball-handling skills because I still can't keep a rally going.
Friday brought us badminton and a game of "7Wonders" at Meriam's and Don's. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ06wAfG28m2SYpC6ckAobgJrRUODRm7DGD87kUC1dtnziY0Ar3AT2uU3TraiJYxMlM4F5IG_UFacpQTn2DsXe4hL_RFRt0cStpBF7JYu2rH9dHg8nHFQ94-8WUBMTEmwnA2KHVfoC3LVyZnBb9lNen0TbF_3CmRXVDBMVaK6_Iwk9PkhFe4ZzxXeS8Xc/s4032/IMG_9989.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ06wAfG28m2SYpC6ckAobgJrRUODRm7DGD87kUC1dtnziY0Ar3AT2uU3TraiJYxMlM4F5IG_UFacpQTn2DsXe4hL_RFRt0cStpBF7JYu2rH9dHg8nHFQ94-8WUBMTEmwnA2KHVfoC3LVyZnBb9lNen0TbF_3CmRXVDBMVaK6_Iwk9PkhFe4ZzxXeS8Xc/w300-h400/IMG_9989.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Saturday was undoubtedly the highlight of my week (tbf, it can be any week and my favourite day would still be Saturday). I headed to London for Tube Sarong to celebrate Malaysia Day. I've always wanted to attend the ones in Kuala Lumpur, but I've been abroad since the first time they started them. I was thrilled they hosted one here. Semangat patriotik, ye! I met up with Faten and her flatmates, Ain and Atiqah, at Kings Cross. I loved how we instantly clicked – it's quite rare to find people you feel so comfortable with right from the start. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was another hot day, reminiscent of Malaysia. We grabbed the Malaysian flag and made our way to the tube to head to Battersea. There was meant to be a tube singalong, but that didn't work out because everyone ended up in different carriages, and when we were in the same one, the screeching was too loud to sing through. We basically 'berarak' to Malaysia Square from the station, singing patriotic songs that weren't Negaraku. We sat around Malaysia Square for the performances, which concluded with a flash mob. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0yeV2X0dz6Y-SNt3PacCUPtPQ1wgx3eyXLKtRM2kjtmmQXXVgS8SVSLRD3bympwUVGF9ogMR2H3NA7FCWl0i0TOyGt79hP1OiDPmoSDJrvFzDxJqAMxkiJDepv1uRpF553G1sPqxzCKY2iiAeqqTgPRAbIbwkHiTSdU8MuH8jFm3-b1BJSDnugC8-Rw7/s4032/IMG_0008.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0yeV2X0dz6Y-SNt3PacCUPtPQ1wgx3eyXLKtRM2kjtmmQXXVgS8SVSLRD3bympwUVGF9ogMR2H3NA7FCWl0i0TOyGt79hP1OiDPmoSDJrvFzDxJqAMxkiJDepv1uRpF553G1sPqxzCKY2iiAeqqTgPRAbIbwkHiTSdU8MuH8jFm3-b1BJSDnugC8-Rw7/w300-h400/IMG_0008.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Ummu was also at the event and it was lovely seeing her again after years! It was also nice meeting each other knowing that our GEL friends are having a reunion in Malaysia soon. We parted ways and I continued to explore Battersea, and when boredom struck, we headed to Harrods to check out their food hall. Ain and Atiqah went home after that, but Faten and I decided to continue the day with a picnic at Hyde Park. Later, we headed to Holborn and ended up having a night out, which led to me staying over at Faten's. Sunday was dedicated to recovery and getting my life in order. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>this week</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAzinjDqGzkIvCzYqPOc8IOzbAVtg6Uiwul7bRQtc2W1dtMKoWp4uDNZGoLvtBPPPSE00jsc9bJ_tIwjS6y7q_EO9CVEyT1iMOpZfZ3ZCdl0b4BRhrkxOMFsEDMi4S0venWDVfe5xZY7SiWAn8Yr37BOQ8r6yP_GxS94lXK5UQrIPzKXvkcy9aBrfHa8p/s4032/IMG_0080.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAzinjDqGzkIvCzYqPOc8IOzbAVtg6Uiwul7bRQtc2W1dtMKoWp4uDNZGoLvtBPPPSE00jsc9bJ_tIwjS6y7q_EO9CVEyT1iMOpZfZ3ZCdl0b4BRhrkxOMFsEDMi4S0venWDVfe5xZY7SiWAn8Yr37BOQ8r6yP_GxS94lXK5UQrIPzKXvkcy9aBrfHa8p/w300-h400/IMG_0080.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Monday through Wednesday was a marathon of almost all-nighters to prepare for a history test on Thursday. Ironically, I chose engineering to avoid history, but here I was, studying it. My work friends were incredibly supportive during my last-minute cramming, going through questions with me during lunch and providing reassurance when I felt anxious. Except for Kamel, who remained skeptical throughout – but hey, we don't need negativity in our lives, so he's *cancelled*. On the morning of my test, I arrived at the train station only to find that none of the trains were running. So, I called Wael, and he came to my rescue! He drove me to Reading, waited for me to finish, and I felt so blessed to have friends like him here. I also passed the test, as I had expected and we all celebrated with Krispy Kreme.</div><div><br /></div><div>After work on Friday, we played badminton. Georgia and Sophie joined us for the first time, and they played remarkably well! After badminton, we headed to Hall & Woodhouse for dinner. The ambiance was lovely, and I couldn't help but notice how nice it was outside. I didn't bring my coat, but I'm thinking I might head there on one of these evenings to just chill by the river. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3SEfOCmUR-YWZFYIUeiq3Pgnp4EyqysQ9AgxVFGEJCq4RsZv0O19jnnhNEEePuAlQi_rN4u-V72ymeitPzayR2r0jF_6ZbLU_96wSDo6fYOD6lYwN2nwb1TIWdwxfaHPUKsHmv52izYdxn60NSrrMXjwAIDWQoaDD9__l-bv3rMuUeEdrCdAveuGuZ8Y/s4032/IMG_0204.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3SEfOCmUR-YWZFYIUeiq3Pgnp4EyqysQ9AgxVFGEJCq4RsZv0O19jnnhNEEePuAlQi_rN4u-V72ymeitPzayR2r0jF_6ZbLU_96wSDo6fYOD6lYwN2nwb1TIWdwxfaHPUKsHmv52izYdxn60NSrrMXjwAIDWQoaDD9__l-bv3rMuUeEdrCdAveuGuZ8Y/w300-h400/IMG_0204.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, I missed my train but still managed to get to Cobham before Faten and Ain. The five of us – Faten, Nurul, Ain, Faiz and I – went to Painshill, a garden (more like an estate) that Nurul found on TikTok. We strolled around the entire park, making sure to visit each of the attractions. We had a picnic at one of the spots on the hill, and it was a fantastic day out, well worth the entrance fee. When we got back to London, we went to Mr. Fish for fish and chips. I tried skate for the first time and enjoyed it, although I wished I had it with sambal. Not ready to go home yet, Faten, Faiz, and I went in search of live music, checking off one of Faten's bucket list items. </div><div><br /></div><div>This time, I took the last train home and managed to wake up for the Japanese Grand Prix (it was at 6AM). I don't think I'll be watching any race live once I move to Malaysia, it's too much dedication for someone who loves her sleep. Quite pleased that Red Bull won constructor's not that anyone was surprised. But I did get upset with Checo's performance, although people should really cut him some slack and ease up on the criticism. I had my lunch/dinner out on the balcony because I felt the need to be outside. It was one of those days when I wished I had a garden because I would've loved to be outside without venturing too far. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now we're onto another week, with just 10 more weeks until Malaysia.
As a closing note, I hope I can keep reminding myself to let go and let God and that if something is meant for me, it will come to me.</div></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-35921604367180304182023-09-10T20:38:00.003+01:002023-09-11T21:48:03.539+01:00Play, People and Picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRosfxKJQlx4OHBAmQ1g7cB25XS7YqORvUTr_x_xZtw8TSjai3dcaL4qpjovc0EgQrQxphXJeIm6WhksdWr6uO_hChVck4I6pF-6Xv6MGYXB_vtrJqElaLrQQS6JEe0lOS6ZE8dGcBi6OMb-1GMRCbpn57xur32rrnsvEP4XCOzkT5R7n_ZU5Bn3plOgm7/s2451/IMG_9881%202.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="2451" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRosfxKJQlx4OHBAmQ1g7cB25XS7YqORvUTr_x_xZtw8TSjai3dcaL4qpjovc0EgQrQxphXJeIm6WhksdWr6uO_hChVck4I6pF-6Xv6MGYXB_vtrJqElaLrQQS6JEe0lOS6ZE8dGcBi6OMb-1GMRCbpn57xur32rrnsvEP4XCOzkT5R7n_ZU5Bn3plOgm7/w400-h300/IMG_9881%202.heic" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Two weeks back, I mentioned how autumn had finally arrived. Well, I take that back now. Once again, I jumped the gun on the weather. It's been boiling this week, and I've had a tough time sleeping, tossing and turning due to the heat. The temperature feels like we're in Malaysia, except we don't have any air conditioning here. Luckily, I found some Thai green tea tucked away in my kitchen cabinet and decided to pamper myself with a generous cup.</p>Setting the weather aside, this week has been quite productive, despite the emotional rollercoaster I've been on. My mum was in the hospital on Monday (she's out now, thank God), and it was really tough knowing that there was nothing I could do about it. I did call her as soon as I found out, but it didn't provide much solace because I knew that if things took a turn for the worse, I couldn't be with her right away.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXAwQdDAHwWCXUbiBGft-Lpix-L0H9eejzRLwYseSSRyafkmmz1GKi90jWJJrEIC5Oz-F9FMQK1hCaoq20DDTvie9Efyb3bIrURvsipAh5Q749Nl26Su6aKkcUPbP1Svxzw_ZKKKu-HC_nN1R5nMSoIosKqIsp8xy7dXMHTabKaHgPjN24h4o-b0g3ykp/s3244/IMG_9783.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3244" data-original-width="2433" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXAwQdDAHwWCXUbiBGft-Lpix-L0H9eejzRLwYseSSRyafkmmz1GKi90jWJJrEIC5Oz-F9FMQK1hCaoq20DDTvie9Efyb3bIrURvsipAh5Q749Nl26Su6aKkcUPbP1Svxzw_ZKKKu-HC_nN1R5nMSoIosKqIsp8xy7dXMHTabKaHgPjN24h4o-b0g3ykp/w300-h400/IMG_9783.heic" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also caught up with a former colleague, and it dawned on me how much I missed working with him. We reminisced about our past projects and the people we used to work with. It was good catching up and hearing that he's doing well was heartening. Following that, I attended my first industry social event, and it made me realise how much more involved I want to be. So, I've become more motivated to initiate an internal group for more of these industry engagements. I've also taken the initiative to connect with the new graduates, and we've scheduled our first meeting to kickstart the graduate programme with the new cohort. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3W4h0N6VNGeB4yHIrKPr3iNCUi4CFhFMfAcNQaEI51GSjQKGKSyhqKeDGuyOmdb62BhKtr6FvVFQh-qCymM70Wf8CnXIe0TLNw8TKn7jclHlgufCZi07m0DjpJ3lKRozVpa8oIDOvq7s2pDj-yx-CctkzMs9007VjaeDSufDmunxe_n-spM5MBpOpJlx/s4032/IMG_9798.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3W4h0N6VNGeB4yHIrKPr3iNCUi4CFhFMfAcNQaEI51GSjQKGKSyhqKeDGuyOmdb62BhKtr6FvVFQh-qCymM70Wf8CnXIe0TLNw8TKn7jclHlgufCZi07m0DjpJ3lKRozVpa8oIDOvq7s2pDj-yx-CctkzMs9007VjaeDSufDmunxe_n-spM5MBpOpJlx/w300-h400/IMG_9798.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This week, I had my first tennis lesson, and I quickly realised how challenging it is. I struggled to maintain a rally, but in all fairness, I've never played tennis before, except that one time when Azri introduced it to us. I'm hopeful that the lessons will help me improve. What I do like is that because I've been running, I didn't find tennis to be as physically exhausting. My colleagues and I also played badminton this week, and it seems like we're making it a weekly activity. Now, I have three other evenings to figure out what other weekly commitments to take on.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN_LMnSdNbnXqAo_MZ5DqKMF2Hi3tp3I74DltbKyWQ6es3e7GKMFMvp7jUSBQ_A7LlvGGsC1x5K8t-Zedt24KaQFi7FjXPipJX6HCB3gY_G2FR6ZPJOT6JJUckcsH2pRddKvsZtTNZN7krpbadn4Nb6rdwvFtnUgt9RzBiC40j5Zvyuz5ooGjCM0p6bcC/s4032/IMG_9823.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN_LMnSdNbnXqAo_MZ5DqKMF2Hi3tp3I74DltbKyWQ6es3e7GKMFMvp7jUSBQ_A7LlvGGsC1x5K8t-Zedt24KaQFi7FjXPipJX6HCB3gY_G2FR6ZPJOT6JJUckcsH2pRddKvsZtTNZN7krpbadn4Nb6rdwvFtnUgt9RzBiC40j5Zvyuz5ooGjCM0p6bcC/w300-h400/IMG_9823.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p> On Saturday, I had to push myself to wake up early and head to Cambridge. I had never been there before, and although it was a place I'd wanted to visit, it never seemed enticing enough for me to go on my own. The first thing we did in Cambridge was try to get on the punting tour. The prices were exorbitant on the display, so I might have mentioned that I found a cheaper option online (which was a prebooked rate I wouldn't have been able to get that day – thankfully, they didn't ask for proof). They agreed to the price I was willing to pay, and off we went to the punting place. It was a half-hour trek in the scorching sun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweBlGV7ilzdojjDd1gS9602D3H5RC-FgvWUJmiLqTNQd5x2zq0vx490Wkk1mGPX8CtUcv4_k_PTjGtGJTi0hcUqtKoDtyGftZITG6usjR_HnAOtwQlYWLkqQB_X6J7LWxHz6a8-ZUN19lPV5AxDG6DtN3zuJoV7pALYqSXRzAPHQ11wtcpUN07WDOEp1w/s4032/IMG_9875.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweBlGV7ilzdojjDd1gS9602D3H5RC-FgvWUJmiLqTNQd5x2zq0vx490Wkk1mGPX8CtUcv4_k_PTjGtGJTi0hcUqtKoDtyGftZITG6usjR_HnAOtwQlYWLkqQB_X6J7LWxHz6a8-ZUN19lPV5AxDG6DtN3zuJoV7pALYqSXRzAPHQ11wtcpUN07WDOEp1w/w300-h400/IMG_9875.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The tour guide was quite knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor, which added to the experience. I would recommend the tour. As we turned back to where we started, the sun was blinding, so we did the most Asian thing and asked for an umbrella. It was just too hot. Afterwards, we stopped by a local cafe, supposedly famous for its Chelsea buns, but they didn't live up to the hype. We roamed around and eventually found ourselves in Trinity College's gardens. </p><p>As boredom crept in, we wandered the town once more. The heat became overwhelming, so we sought refuge in the shade and proceeded to cuci mata. Feeling hungry again, we explored some more and then returned to Trinity College to sit, eat, and relax. I was deep into a life rant when I suddenly noticed the man next to us had a "live broadcast" set up on his phone. I hope he wasn't someone famous. And then, a Malaysian sat next to us, so I became a bit self-conscious prompting us to leave. Once back in Maidenhead, I went out twice to get ingredients for a coffee cake and baked it for today.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRegaIS6EqYecRR1nUbf9TY0cnc8_DhItzjdCWmi_CPjaO_Q2VJ8-bKaCD2jiu6pffoZLTK-Sq0krO7j7Dia7c8PJliJcuv47C3cJiww49hYc6lTDHcJZZlLaZMUuLNvY7vG2SgzgEbQypuN1ryP11lqNRH5U-8yfZHnubWTNwp60kE2n9hCJahxofcda/s1600/3b18905a-c00f-4656-95fa-467c06d44c44.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRegaIS6EqYecRR1nUbf9TY0cnc8_DhItzjdCWmi_CPjaO_Q2VJ8-bKaCD2jiu6pffoZLTK-Sq0krO7j7Dia7c8PJliJcuv47C3cJiww49hYc6lTDHcJZZlLaZMUuLNvY7vG2SgzgEbQypuN1ryP11lqNRH5U-8yfZHnubWTNwp60kE2n9hCJahxofcda/w300-h400/3b18905a-c00f-4656-95fa-467c06d44c44.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This morning, while frosting the cake, I had a video call with my mum. She keeps telling me that I seem to be gaining weight every time she sees me. So I keep telling her that I'm actively trying to keep the weight off. Aunty Yam came to pick me up, and we headed to Runnymede for a Merdeka picnic. I'm glad to have Khadijah with me on these picnics, but at the same time, she's leaving, so I'm a bit gutted about it. Her mom was going around introducing me as her anak angkat because Khadijah is leaving, so they were preparing me for what's to come. Aunty is quite the social butterfly, so you get what I mean but to be honest, I love having a mother figure here. The food was fantastic, and it was great catching up with everyone, feeling like I'm at home even though I'm far away from home with all the Malaysians around. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw69wlZJgctnfBRVBl91VBeSWaKpCuudY1CiOsYbMPIkPaZ30RuwhXWlhvXuETI93964pbN6c5aTCj1TkOlEF6_WPR_1GuZ-PviUbrTKk-vTXh9us1Gn3Q0H4zy5qDyNwC2W0yzjxnIjWTvluCYKid4BSI0pzkkdf4V_4ccXsiqRnO9uX-rVKY2s3E6xC/s4032/IMG_9922.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw69wlZJgctnfBRVBl91VBeSWaKpCuudY1CiOsYbMPIkPaZ30RuwhXWlhvXuETI93964pbN6c5aTCj1TkOlEF6_WPR_1GuZ-PviUbrTKk-vTXh9us1Gn3Q0H4zy5qDyNwC2W0yzjxnIjWTvluCYKid4BSI0pzkkdf4V_4ccXsiqRnO9uX-rVKY2s3E6xC/w300-h400/IMG_9922.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-86979200495237471582023-09-03T16:42:00.001+01:002023-09-04T19:40:00.392+01:00Epic Epping<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTsV6BTxhsqXAEB98eWZ-IgDhymn9KS1B73MOQSdJmMh_oot4aGyBjIE-E7AfwkJ-JxlveFMDP6YZmk5gDkntukQrsmDQS2DE0ab5AgLnsfCk43Qa468gjrj3YhzbRa6tCzM43DGVI15eTTqtprDqA8d1xBD_GIA8NdkTndTjqU_OeUCwXbWGg-r3fqVI/s4032/IMG_9755.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTsV6BTxhsqXAEB98eWZ-IgDhymn9KS1B73MOQSdJmMh_oot4aGyBjIE-E7AfwkJ-JxlveFMDP6YZmk5gDkntukQrsmDQS2DE0ab5AgLnsfCk43Qa468gjrj3YhzbRa6tCzM43DGVI15eTTqtprDqA8d1xBD_GIA8NdkTndTjqU_OeUCwXbWGg-r3fqVI/w400-h300/IMG_9755.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I knew I couldn't bear being home all weekend and to be honest, I didn't want to be alone either. Sometime midweek, at the same moment I had organised a game of badminton and invited myself over to M&D's flat, I also texted Faten to see if she had any plans. We decided to go to Epping Forest. I had prepared baked sushi and Malaysian-style sardine sandwiches for the walk which I was quite pleased about.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yRYpVUZmxfVltq8fvlcOKVG0OHTdxbJ-oc7pcI4kRksEkRzu7qule45JPA3N8DMd9pAZmqt704Gd2d23zKzC-ZfHbBkHSSV5jTIEjwqlO3IBhWKn-Z9uF6eSbuiUQYOcz2BRXAbFRPw6lLfqguJDYyrBqyLJE2ztp_hkwq1IGbbdagtBW9GxZ6KT3dWC/s4032/IMG_9739.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yRYpVUZmxfVltq8fvlcOKVG0OHTdxbJ-oc7pcI4kRksEkRzu7qule45JPA3N8DMd9pAZmqt704Gd2d23zKzC-ZfHbBkHSSV5jTIEjwqlO3IBhWKn-Z9uF6eSbuiUQYOcz2BRXAbFRPw6lLfqguJDYyrBqyLJE2ztp_hkwq1IGbbdagtBW9GxZ6KT3dWC/w300-h400/IMG_9739.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As I rode the tube on my way to meet up with Faten, I had a chance to reflect on my week and my own feelings. I'm about to be quite vulnerable here. I generally struggle with liking myself, but on days like yesterday, I managed to appreciate myself for the effort that I had put into making myself like myself a bit more. I know they say you should love yourself, but I think that's a bit too far-fetched for me right now.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c7Fd-jwMjdmc25DrjFOLrn3E3dtXHb6pqMKNTuzWS_VCQSITmnh2KgrAc9U_OTGzA05ZmlWK61OuQeYQDBtW42xCh7ztwELLho86L3QqUwGpGnt3-9ZPSm2NI1vWmngIRGApulH_0mMp4MKBDeeFI0wWRs6aDbqDTE3JNjQASOwDEmUlZxrMt3ngglBW/s4032/IMG_9745.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c7Fd-jwMjdmc25DrjFOLrn3E3dtXHb6pqMKNTuzWS_VCQSITmnh2KgrAc9U_OTGzA05ZmlWK61OuQeYQDBtW42xCh7ztwELLho86L3QqUwGpGnt3-9ZPSm2NI1vWmngIRGApulH_0mMp4MKBDeeFI0wWRs6aDbqDTE3JNjQASOwDEmUlZxrMt3ngglBW/w300-h400/IMG_9745.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We took the central line all the way to Epping, the final station, and started the walk through the forest. Sometimes, we followed paths that were barely there, encountered surprises like stepping on (hopefully) animal droppings, tripped over tree roots and unexpectedly climbed steep hills. During our walk, we also found ourselves wishing we had partners to go on the walk with. That thought aside, we also made plans for the remaining days of the year and had lengthy conversations.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrrzOrtEclVR7zpHYoqPe5xJ9QVwNc7AdQOJofgURr97W9XCK2j6XOHlgF_AXS6AwqO0_Y8_nXER4VpPf6X_7IeUUORNgl2lhq5zzbXf0MIpT2bE5dxqdOxFjOv1CxhTN7AoR7WJAB1V53kLu5fl2Vb5O0CXR_MYGBuEWXyYrIvzCc-MIk0ZYFDGNkBby/s4032/IMG_9730.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrrzOrtEclVR7zpHYoqPe5xJ9QVwNc7AdQOJofgURr97W9XCK2j6XOHlgF_AXS6AwqO0_Y8_nXER4VpPf6X_7IeUUORNgl2lhq5zzbXf0MIpT2bE5dxqdOxFjOv1CxhTN7AoR7WJAB1V53kLu5fl2Vb5O0CXR_MYGBuEWXyYrIvzCc-MIk0ZYFDGNkBby/w300-h400/IMG_9730.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We ended the walk beneath Grimston's Oak, and then we transversed my least favourite part of the entire walk - a big clearing with the sun just glaring directly at us. We hopped on the overground at Chingford and made our way to Liverpool Street to explore the Italian marketplace before heading to Spitalfields Market for some pad thai and custard crumble.<p></p><p>If Faten decides to leave, I'll genuinely miss days like yesterday. At one point, we discussed friendships and I've come to realise that I've never really been part of a large friendship group. Mainly because I struggle to maintain such connections. That's why I have multiple smaller groups of friends who are aware of each other's existence but rarely interact. It has been a bit hard to find that here and now that I have my small group of Malaysian friends, most of them are about to leave. Sadge. </p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-82347452078967968692023-08-31T21:24:00.006+01:002023-09-03T16:45:42.788+01:00Uncomfortably Comfortable<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA2YJouCFi1qbOHX-JHVOA05Q0HFijLDVQu5I2-fvYVc02fBSvyAca5lwVkNIjYRT92O0a6VdwRSAKEThYur6zZ968I8GW7Y6kTiVTu4cypEtnREQ5kCBwYNPTZ98U5Np_Q9S5d47IqAYhDmDEEMXB-LDc5pFwKIS9gYOE9DoJvvf448B3C0SuGNKKaYO/s4032/IMG_9657.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA2YJouCFi1qbOHX-JHVOA05Q0HFijLDVQu5I2-fvYVc02fBSvyAca5lwVkNIjYRT92O0a6VdwRSAKEThYur6zZ968I8GW7Y6kTiVTu4cypEtnREQ5kCBwYNPTZ98U5Np_Q9S5d47IqAYhDmDEEMXB-LDc5pFwKIS9gYOE9DoJvvf448B3C0SuGNKKaYO/w300-h400/IMG_9657.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br />The season is changing, it feels like autumn is finally here. I used to get excited over autumn, but over the years, I've grown to appreciate the summer. It feels a bit sad that I can now hear the leaves rustling, I can feel the temperature dropping and I can see the days getting shorter. I sometimes wish that I could share this feeling with you so that you can experience what I'm experiencing. But you don't like the cold and we don't talk anymore.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">- - - </p><p>I just got off a one-hour call with someone who seems to understand me better than I understand myself because we're so much alike. We're both in this phase of life where our comfort feels unsettling.</p><p>We’re at a crossroad - we're caught between the comfort zone and a restless yearning for more. In a way, we're living our dream lives but we still feel incomplete. We feel like there’s much more potential within us but the idea of committing to something bigger feels daunting. </p><p>Carrying on with our present life wouldn’t be a compromise and following the flow wouldn’t jeopardise our future. But that's why it's uncomfortable... we know that there's more that we can achieve.</p><p>But what is it? </p><p>I'm now on a mission to carry out a life audit to assess how I can improve my life. I'm about to become my own consultant, to find out what my aspirations are and how I'm going to achieve it. </p><p>I have also decided to go on a social media detox in hopes that I'll be able to understand my life better without the influence of people that I barely know. While I know that I will feel detached from the digital world, I think it'll help nurture the friendships that I've unintentionally overlooked. I've decided to not set a timeframe for this but I'll return once I've spent enough time understanding myself.</p><p>Here's to temporarily stepping back to see the bigger picture. Here's to embarking on a journey to find myself.</p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-21721678841141268412023-08-28T21:53:00.005+01:002023-08-28T22:15:23.054+01:00Summer Summarised<p>I've had a lot of difficult weeks lately, with a few days in between where I'd feel a bit relieved because I've managed to distract myself. I'm going through some sort of dilemma where I'm growing older but I don't feel like I've achieved anything or that I'm heading towards the right direction. I have been telling myself that it's ok to just live but I can't 'just live' for the rest of my life. In addition to that, some of my friends are leaving and it takes me back to the time when THG disbanded. A massive part of me being here is because I have my friends here but when they leave, I don't just lose friends but I'd also lose my reasons... And finding new people that you like being with and can really depend on and trust (as an adult) is so difficult because you don't give people that many chances anymore... That's a bit of my life rant! </p><p>Now, those distractions were actually very enjoyable distractions. There's quite a bit to catch up on the past two months! </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Brighton</b></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguzV5i2HQxBnBTmKnCeaUJHoigvRt8-D2Y2GwHBqkX5ar_5tWnh4DfvVkC0zmYoNNux84OI2cKTj8xcCN8Lub2Rhs82BV5dD-FqPxmJp5rfpU4sZUFB_R7sfrW5L6ZjXwoTtiJCMebG0EBrqyKHvRK01cQVUR7WLDU6c5__i7vO5crK2kuBWB7LY5sDJc/s4032/IMG_9081.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguzV5i2HQxBnBTmKnCeaUJHoigvRt8-D2Y2GwHBqkX5ar_5tWnh4DfvVkC0zmYoNNux84OI2cKTj8xcCN8Lub2Rhs82BV5dD-FqPxmJp5rfpU4sZUFB_R7sfrW5L6ZjXwoTtiJCMebG0EBrqyKHvRK01cQVUR7WLDU6c5__i7vO5crK2kuBWB7LY5sDJc/w300-h400/IMG_9081.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I finally went to Brighton with my uni friends. I was extremely surprised by how easy it was to get there and how close it felt. We hadn't planned for anything in Brighton because it was my first time there so we thought we'd just go around for a wander. But what I love about these guys is that I literally don't need to plan a single thing or navigate when I'm with them. I truly let my responsibilities go when I'm around them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8azCxlL47FULdl_UKr5fmjzjctBVNMs0XNt29gmWK5FhN77U36kPfA-6GQTeVmfQVDBuoR2YRhcOIYPXpJUnT8Qljvv_EtlUnh7OVvHvOApL3ES35FtYeiASaXj93XaECb1EC_80SE9KgyOrEhtcMHZnDMU9M7OwSToy4PeaJG8QgOhUUFqTAkEr9a_FO/s4032/IMG_9118.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8azCxlL47FULdl_UKr5fmjzjctBVNMs0XNt29gmWK5FhN77U36kPfA-6GQTeVmfQVDBuoR2YRhcOIYPXpJUnT8Qljvv_EtlUnh7OVvHvOApL3ES35FtYeiASaXj93XaECb1EC_80SE9KgyOrEhtcMHZnDMU9M7OwSToy4PeaJG8QgOhUUFqTAkEr9a_FO/w300-h400/IMG_9118.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p>It was a very windy day despite the sun being out. We first headed to the Royal Pavilion Garden before proceeding towards the beach through the alleys. J and V had a lot fun running away from the waves... I did not want to risk getting my shoes wet so I sat out. One of the activity suggestions was paddle boarding but it definitely wasn't the right day for it. We went to the pier and got the loungers out to seagull watch. When we got hungry, we went to get some fish and chips. When we were full, we played some mini golf. I obviously lost because I'm just really bad at them. And then we ended the day at the pub, and as usual, I ended up crying from laughing too hard. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Malaysian Carnival</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqt7yZpUQq6c4evvaZFvpAl7ANIpvXnVepzxsLj4AR5qzbAY2AeR5OS00uJXiAvRdEWoiBRLjxB7F31tMhakhY8Icy7F1Vzhs35oqXaq4HQLtDK1DjDAnArVLN5ivBvNduA0MAK7G9abt6CTQCiMA3UsLGhb0QPg4qArnuIJn-cjbHrovMKaXrSDDs8vp/s4032/IMG_4874.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqt7yZpUQq6c4evvaZFvpAl7ANIpvXnVepzxsLj4AR5qzbAY2AeR5OS00uJXiAvRdEWoiBRLjxB7F31tMhakhY8Icy7F1Vzhs35oqXaq4HQLtDK1DjDAnArVLN5ivBvNduA0MAK7G9abt6CTQCiMA3UsLGhb0QPg4qArnuIJn-cjbHrovMKaXrSDDs8vp/w400-h300/IMG_4874.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>For the first time in 5 years, I finally went to the Malaysian Carnival. It had always felt too far away from Maidenhead but because I had friends to go with this year, I finally went. I'm quite glad I did! I didn't realise there were sooooo many Malaysians here, but I guess it makes sense to not feel it if you live outside of London. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aDrwnd_9We3Syrzse_uioYMDmV8qDPy1Avolt3qePYeHCY_5E9niwpP8NLogWi9XvQca4Mgrot41KDOu_Wr2HxGLXR1W0gnrSg5sFq8v4gDmQ8E7grRpPJ_95ikL-KAM4SoLXenMEblrsm0rXI_hQGKeJkctQ3WVerOAu_wWx-VQrnwZwEGUoV8GgroX/s4032/IMG_9636.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aDrwnd_9We3Syrzse_uioYMDmV8qDPy1Avolt3qePYeHCY_5E9niwpP8NLogWi9XvQca4Mgrot41KDOu_Wr2HxGLXR1W0gnrSg5sFq8v4gDmQ8E7grRpPJ_95ikL-KAM4SoLXenMEblrsm0rXI_hQGKeJkctQ3WVerOAu_wWx-VQrnwZwEGUoV8GgroX/w300-h400/IMG_9636.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Faten, Faiz and I arrived quite early which was good because we got to comfortably chop our spot. I came prepared with the picnic mat and we started with our meals. I had roti canai and kuih for breakfast followed by Laksa Sarawak for lunch. When K arrived, we sat with her and her family. Auntie Y made banana cake which I had for dessert. I also had a ton load of sweet drinks which I wasn't very proud of. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2t9polXoug-Csea0TgnElBgnvNz0qicR2D-oVJgcbYkp_BtiK1qKxpSzpVjDyVLXJCp0mLHG8nbGfDvulJxSnbyeRnShW5x_Jk3Vlctz2zOpYE_FShWf-RX_uQGz1cYUVVk6NiAnFvcSouE8WUA7ldEZTFjBdLoNldtbIDmpm42Yd12xMp_UwyjuVqVi/s4032/IMG_9656.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2t9polXoug-Csea0TgnElBgnvNz0qicR2D-oVJgcbYkp_BtiK1qKxpSzpVjDyVLXJCp0mLHG8nbGfDvulJxSnbyeRnShW5x_Jk3Vlctz2zOpYE_FShWf-RX_uQGz1cYUVVk6NiAnFvcSouE8WUA7ldEZTFjBdLoNldtbIDmpm42Yd12xMp_UwyjuVqVi/w300-h400/IMG_9656.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We then braved the rain before heading back into London. We went to Greenwich and I think it was my first time there but I really enjoyed it. We had a walk where we saw a very striking rainbow, it made me feel like life was worth living. We then laid down while the sun was setting before it started to get chilly. We finished the day with more food and I got home at 12AM. I felt extremely content.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Zariq</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LSiUuxzI4xN-9BlkGMOs2ZlvYj0T-goClacNebH3bpmlj5EptsAh_D6oaQwtaPu-VCEwhH-qujW1MqRjvDraTqN7XrVnStCE2AhFfPNQo86HYCBx9Bb0-qle1VuqmUQ9itKNRiMtOXwt53NPJOoaV-X2K-XnJ7pPOfRFIfs8Dhoym6gsCWEaoVyqlkcm/s4032/IMG_9140.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LSiUuxzI4xN-9BlkGMOs2ZlvYj0T-goClacNebH3bpmlj5EptsAh_D6oaQwtaPu-VCEwhH-qujW1MqRjvDraTqN7XrVnStCE2AhFfPNQo86HYCBx9Bb0-qle1VuqmUQ9itKNRiMtOXwt53NPJOoaV-X2K-XnJ7pPOfRFIfs8Dhoym6gsCWEaoVyqlkcm/w300-h400/IMG_9140.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Zariq was in London for his annual trip so Yen and I went out to see him. We had crepes and then spent the rest of the day at the park just catching up. I love it when Zariq is around because it feels like the old days again. I'm not going to lie, I do wish he still lived here. We had the best times together during our first few years of working here, and there's still a long list of adventures that we wanted to go on. But life doesn't always go our way.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Out with Noms</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UfrS-kJUUsfNF3nFyb0lqveMdx6SJbTdmMoBgKunkt88yMHEw4dxOH8WlCWlf3bhnTjdykpHLhsK2z2zSQxeno-wH95u7Lq6VSXIPnH95O0Kh4HU6jLBGUvoA_p4PpkPaLbkzQft4cXcy2-Xo6gmvqWA4xRWFiQ3I9l0PQgB6X4hSeIIAjuQq_hK2U_Y/s4032/IMG_9207.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UfrS-kJUUsfNF3nFyb0lqveMdx6SJbTdmMoBgKunkt88yMHEw4dxOH8WlCWlf3bhnTjdykpHLhsK2z2zSQxeno-wH95u7Lq6VSXIPnH95O0Kh4HU6jLBGUvoA_p4PpkPaLbkzQft4cXcy2-Xo6gmvqWA4xRWFiQ3I9l0PQgB6X4hSeIIAjuQq_hK2U_Y/w300-h400/IMG_9207.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After not seeing Noms for a very long time, we finally planned to meet up. Bit funny because we're both just around... Faten and Nabila joined us and we just talked until we got shooed out of Seven Dials Market because they were closing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg062IR5L5t2diFXCWSf4tbo50HEFTMEQDW8eyuGedKkmIp3LYL2Bhvpp4xBuKAuJhFRotlQ726xM7riPdYL0pU6PK7mKzNjQ6-xp4kM9zYVZVY-dQ6N0kXhqGsH3HN5jdMYXYOh_XgYbORkycSqR6cO5JbKMDgAHSGEhszltXTlp-aKTWKt3p_dfLgcdiy/s4032/IMG_9349.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg062IR5L5t2diFXCWSf4tbo50HEFTMEQDW8eyuGedKkmIp3LYL2Bhvpp4xBuKAuJhFRotlQ726xM7riPdYL0pU6PK7mKzNjQ6-xp4kM9zYVZVY-dQ6N0kXhqGsH3HN5jdMYXYOh_XgYbORkycSqR6cO5JbKMDgAHSGEhszltXTlp-aKTWKt3p_dfLgcdiy/w300-h400/IMG_9349.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Two weeks later, Noms and I went out to continue our catch up over some tiktok BBQ spot in East London. I didn't regret going to the restaurant but I wouldn't go again. We then went to get bubble tea in chinatown before walking to Marble Arch to get the steps in. But the topic of the day was all about life because we're all a bit lost aren't we?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Ladies Days Out</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9Rvj1Lkv-7MuK2ESjJmxu8Zuvcuv9BBQ7OdUdJ6rJtv1ziUS_UjR08SlZFOLZZc35vTprBpn8rbVLTjim9B5jde_KyJhbr7cWGtamYwK8GF2Sj5oqxZq5S7MPl-CgjVDat8KNUIHW5nksqwupHajUNW2MEtnM71bZGTKNwH8fXM5jFo7F8PFzkjDo34D/s4032/IMG_9261.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9Rvj1Lkv-7MuK2ESjJmxu8Zuvcuv9BBQ7OdUdJ6rJtv1ziUS_UjR08SlZFOLZZc35vTprBpn8rbVLTjim9B5jde_KyJhbr7cWGtamYwK8GF2Sj5oqxZq5S7MPl-CgjVDat8KNUIHW5nksqwupHajUNW2MEtnM71bZGTKNwH8fXM5jFo7F8PFzkjDo34D/w300-h400/IMG_9261.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had a few ladies days out or days in... depending on who you're talking to. I made lasagne and baked a red velvet cake on one of the weekends to celebrate Nurul's birthday. The girls came over and we watched a horror movie. It was the most ridiculous movie but it was an asian one and they get quite scary! I wasn't able to sleep properly that night but was ok after. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VW68yUzxoyhb-qc7EW3i2LO6OQrEwfRV6Jh11xnVrwbxwrjKYOgSwEaKzIkufbmTkrWmP3jbrbeu77axN2NciVwyWECv7y6YyIqHsuT-i1yocOyBD8hRvDzlEYRgQQxSoMBWDmOqsJYIGy9ASTjKazHqjDnNN0R30BuEimdGbwA1sSW41h8smw9j6NK_/s4032/IMG_9430.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VW68yUzxoyhb-qc7EW3i2LO6OQrEwfRV6Jh11xnVrwbxwrjKYOgSwEaKzIkufbmTkrWmP3jbrbeu77axN2NciVwyWECv7y6YyIqHsuT-i1yocOyBD8hRvDzlEYRgQQxSoMBWDmOqsJYIGy9ASTjKazHqjDnNN0R30BuEimdGbwA1sSW41h8smw9j6NK_/w300-h400/IMG_9430.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The girls came over again on one of the other weekends for a sleepover. We headed to Windsor where K brought us around on a tour. We ended up sitting under the trees on the long walk and somehow started a liberal usrah session. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Emi's Birthday</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegP3wyqzKFXmNW2J3wYPZ9Q7_h_K_VMvmTvd8RIWMfJR3ytBisqYCJRba4v_UxEDJhYjDf1L8G0IaIPspSTyYsjmcQrtL8CPmK9nG4MSMRCUPO-5B8sAbeORSZ8BYUFb_MFc7_vGN9Q059Pg4WaMQ_Mw1z6A0sEbbGJcKk9HYP2YX_0EJRWX0YEAcD5ez/s1600/681efd49-16f2-478f-84fa-aa951dd4ce72%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegP3wyqzKFXmNW2J3wYPZ9Q7_h_K_VMvmTvd8RIWMfJR3ytBisqYCJRba4v_UxEDJhYjDf1L8G0IaIPspSTyYsjmcQrtL8CPmK9nG4MSMRCUPO-5B8sAbeORSZ8BYUFb_MFc7_vGN9Q059Pg4WaMQ_Mw1z6A0sEbbGJcKk9HYP2YX_0EJRWX0YEAcD5ez/w400-h300/681efd49-16f2-478f-84fa-aa951dd4ce72%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Emi had a birthday party (Barbie themed!), and celebrating Emi, I obviously had to stick the theme. I got a dress from Vinted which was a bit too big and because of that, I learnt to use the sewing machine that Jess passed onto me before she moved. I've got to say, I'm getting close to becoming a full on wife material. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hLYOJ9hratl610GIYIdSAucKHYEFZBWXiMRjr__Qf4tiMEAhb586F_GvarF1RWZgxRqRWlYrhbphsHz86aIbprj9t7MOqOARzrtuKvqJievy5gnvNNucj1lGGTUxsNJ8qaBx_T7L6b7IlDRiUX5c7Nw8u19u_CNjJCtKMQ4fW0i1wy7kGiQcwkoaB0SN/s4032/IMG_9334.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hLYOJ9hratl610GIYIdSAucKHYEFZBWXiMRjr__Qf4tiMEAhb586F_GvarF1RWZgxRqRWlYrhbphsHz86aIbprj9t7MOqOARzrtuKvqJievy5gnvNNucj1lGGTUxsNJ8qaBx_T7L6b7IlDRiUX5c7Nw8u19u_CNjJCtKMQ4fW0i1wy7kGiQcwkoaB0SN/w300-h400/IMG_9334.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also baked another red velvet cake and I was so happy with myself for it because it felt like it meant a lot to Emi that I did. She got a bit emotional that we were there but if only she knew how much we truly do appreciate her. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>After Work Things</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE3kFNGGrM-rNtm3RHgljazjf3bMz-NexzlwQU5YjReCEET5oz27YPbfzy2NTcQjYt0S1DJwsX0eb5wr8Kxmo0fESdKgNnNn2dT4ktCC1F41i0kOh4akOpLnn8ZAe8LzXG16h2ebUjzyLDvmovfHkhL4XqEmUeKOIyXaDQMbtAuinkzBrzaj-pYJlqcQW/s4032/IMG_8884.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE3kFNGGrM-rNtm3RHgljazjf3bMz-NexzlwQU5YjReCEET5oz27YPbfzy2NTcQjYt0S1DJwsX0eb5wr8Kxmo0fESdKgNnNn2dT4ktCC1F41i0kOh4akOpLnn8ZAe8LzXG16h2ebUjzyLDvmovfHkhL4XqEmUeKOIyXaDQMbtAuinkzBrzaj-pYJlqcQW/w300-h400/IMG_8884.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Did a few after work things too with my colleagues lately! We did some mini golf and went to see Oppenheimer (mainly because I had seen Barbie and I felt the need to watch Oppenheimer too). I preferred Oppenheimer over Barbie and to be absolutely honest, I wasn't too much of a fan of Barbie. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XfIM9kOdZCsjNcL2t_sL-IB00eTciw8Ex_1B9Apqql6G6hKBIFJOMnD1fCci0mRhSg3p95MJgkzNWQ7KgPXPwUl_xGAuHoqmBn0ksosNyEkx3kp3tuvRuEBMzDfVsFF3Xcn6LJQ1X4JimD0D3jq6ZsXsVi4Xg52E9rTjg5H2IX5oj--tKqUZxXbWbIGM/s4032/IMG_9553.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XfIM9kOdZCsjNcL2t_sL-IB00eTciw8Ex_1B9Apqql6G6hKBIFJOMnD1fCci0mRhSg3p95MJgkzNWQ7KgPXPwUl_xGAuHoqmBn0ksosNyEkx3kp3tuvRuEBMzDfVsFF3Xcn6LJQ1X4JimD0D3jq6ZsXsVi4Xg52E9rTjg5H2IX5oj--tKqUZxXbWbIGM/w300-h400/IMG_9553.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Georgia had us over on one of the weekends for a barbecue. I made another cake - it was a coffee cake with cream cheese coffee frosting! I'm on a roll with all these cake baking! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfr6-y9Itm1HXUx0wer1Hlvo4JHMwYcfOVfSVk9ZXhXg1N7MX46-LVPhIVkImjmv97N-QIbTHb2Guu-RMTZqJmr8XC1L_ILxsIQ_bIQAzzR0L5xBLOiE4hSt2Ye6ZLLIxw4OgluFX3-E67O4d-w0M496mG_S1SU5-g4bYhW3KxLJ9s1YtlXDxl3cPSAPG/s4032/IMG_9614.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfr6-y9Itm1HXUx0wer1Hlvo4JHMwYcfOVfSVk9ZXhXg1N7MX46-LVPhIVkImjmv97N-QIbTHb2Guu-RMTZqJmr8XC1L_ILxsIQ_bIQAzzR0L5xBLOiE4hSt2Ye6ZLLIxw4OgluFX3-E67O4d-w0M496mG_S1SU5-g4bYhW3KxLJ9s1YtlXDxl3cPSAPG/w300-h400/IMG_9614.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had a new graduate join us (and he's Malaysian)! We only have 3 Malaysians in the whole company so we need to take care of each other well. We went out for badminton and following that, we went to the pub for his first taster of the after work UK mamak session (padahal jarang pun).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwdgxs6U7UNalvPHm194VrS_YW8sXfcYXZ1l1o-uFsj6fIkb-TUVFsbxnyDT4-vtSrgdSN8Rb9ZY6atkE3wIXatICVBnlqrDSE5Gi3HBfcerXQ0j6JaF6U0WMIlDGgqvWxA61ESfAVXC8o-KbYuNLAxCTXcWuSRkKJ5rTpZSXOXoDCiTXCkSqntT1C0u1/s4032/IMG_9569.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwdgxs6U7UNalvPHm194VrS_YW8sXfcYXZ1l1o-uFsj6fIkb-TUVFsbxnyDT4-vtSrgdSN8Rb9ZY6atkE3wIXatICVBnlqrDSE5Gi3HBfcerXQ0j6JaF6U0WMIlDGgqvWxA61ESfAVXC8o-KbYuNLAxCTXcWuSRkKJ5rTpZSXOXoDCiTXCkSqntT1C0u1/w300-h400/IMG_9569.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I've also recently bought a bike after getting knee pains due to running... so last week, Don and I did a few trial cycling runs and it's been quite good. Hoping that it'd become a habit for us to go out cycling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xgJpJYL1AuomHONMEwOREmpBJbU516ejk6_A1sbszUp9iJOsl_WGU7TpGQn9XkVQ1Q_-k3Nv8aRt8hrug8w--ILgLSmL5wDCMwtsstKqOmcUBskLzD9diUajt2nP0Ti2qbPFX2LNK7fVdfVxrc9eD2OH-ZEVA2PjPnAfzwpfOjqcLW7SWyL5XNlc4PBd/s4032/IMG_9680.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xgJpJYL1AuomHONMEwOREmpBJbU516ejk6_A1sbszUp9iJOsl_WGU7TpGQn9XkVQ1Q_-k3Nv8aRt8hrug8w--ILgLSmL5wDCMwtsstKqOmcUBskLzD9diUajt2nP0Ti2qbPFX2LNK7fVdfVxrc9eD2OH-ZEVA2PjPnAfzwpfOjqcLW7SWyL5XNlc4PBd/w300-h400/IMG_9680.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Just yesterday, I became Wael's favourite brother by helping him with getting his new dining table set up. He said that he felt like he was replacing Basel's spot in my life now that Basel doesn't live here anymore. :( ???</p><p>Reckon I summarised the past 2 months quite well. Hopefully I'll figure out my life soon. And if I don't, then... I guess I just have to deal with it. </p></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-78195045419965696972023-08-10T08:06:00.002+01:002023-08-10T08:06:10.903+01:00<p>in case anyone (inc. myself) is wondering - i've been trying to finish off my portugal blogpost and because of that, i haven't been doing my weekly ones. sadge.</p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-47367079922792131522023-07-01T11:40:00.005+01:002023-07-01T12:04:35.235+01:00Disneyland!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCq5wjDUedq51yFYh1DVF7Hv8oj_TiAGHszDGIxeQp4-M1M_xI4BJpvu_VzkZoiTL7WrNvgCOVxHbLKrIaj5kq9toGWw-WucI3KV8eoQxdNnfSNh4QlBnepcTX1hIVuPhPZsgd1RgUfJk4_2F174KpUIudOMZSHO0raN0QZxQDL5k4G5cH4v5MPGn5W3F/s4032/IMG_5154.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCq5wjDUedq51yFYh1DVF7Hv8oj_TiAGHszDGIxeQp4-M1M_xI4BJpvu_VzkZoiTL7WrNvgCOVxHbLKrIaj5kq9toGWw-WucI3KV8eoQxdNnfSNh4QlBnepcTX1hIVuPhPZsgd1RgUfJk4_2F174KpUIudOMZSHO0raN0QZxQDL5k4G5cH4v5MPGn5W3F/w300-h400/IMG_5154.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was a long weekend because of the bank holiday. Munirah and I had earlier planned to crash Nina's Paris trip. This was something I told Nina that I wanted to join as a passing comment at the end of last year, and it actually happened. I think it's a bit crazy just to think about how about 15 years ago, we were up north in this country growing up together. We had then gone to Malaysia and lived our lives separately, only meeting up once a year. And then here we are, abroad, experiencing Disney again but when we're a lot older. If you had told me that when I was 12, I would have laughed and ran off to play, but now, I think life's pretty incredible.<p></p><p>On Monday, my uni friends who stayed over left in the morning. They kept on inviting me to go to Sheffield with them, but they only did because they knew I had other plans. I went into town to get myself some snacks for the trip and then headed into London that evening. I ran for my train, but I got to Victoria pretty early... did a little wander but then realized that the coach station was not next to the train station. Thankfully, I got there just in time.</p>I've been to Paris on a coach before, and it was back when I was a student. I couldn't remember the experience being that bad. I'm unsure if it's because this time we took the ferry instead of the underground tunnel or because of my lifestyle change that has made it come to that, but it wasn't as pleasant as I remembered it. This time, we were up half the night going through immigration, getting onto the ferry, and getting off the ferry... but I did get enough sleep. I'd like to thank my travel pills for that. When we got to Paris, we were the only ones left on the coach for Disneyland - it was like it was chartered. <p></p><p>Arriving in Disneyland, we took the Metro to the next station out and checked into our hotel. Munirah called in earlier to ask them if we could get an early check-in, and they were nice enough to have saved a room for us. I would 100% recommend staying at Ibis Marne La Vallee because of its convenience, affordability, and comfort. We do not have any complaints. Unpacking, I initially did not want a shower, but I'm so glad I did because it felt like the best shower I've had. After freshening up, we headed back onto the Metro and to Disneyland. There were a lot of people, and the park had signs up saying that they were out of tickets, so you could just imagine how many people were at the park. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjevB-WA2tZvNliHhdXWYaJRLSWsjZAFC6h9ZBby8-e-g3A_2nspftcOY-vVjyDphJNYtRgHXhqhzaB1KEXOf-alC8x4vV4lDTmsjDQLoRVuDjo0T9YzbPze8jq4obCFNH8Qc7T0hHx6lNLCipyYGwFuh3VptHfTAqfVBT-c5XKtTNOIXtPNRjtuObK5o/s1280/f3959392-256a-4213-8987-6944629497ef.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjevB-WA2tZvNliHhdXWYaJRLSWsjZAFC6h9ZBby8-e-g3A_2nspftcOY-vVjyDphJNYtRgHXhqhzaB1KEXOf-alC8x4vV4lDTmsjDQLoRVuDjo0T9YzbPze8jq4obCFNH8Qc7T0hHx6lNLCipyYGwFuh3VptHfTAqfVBT-c5XKtTNOIXtPNRjtuObK5o/w300-h400/f3959392-256a-4213-8987-6944629497ef.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Fortunately, we didn't have to queue long to get in because we were smart and followed the cast member's advice. Obviously, due to the pressure of the surroundings, the first thing we did was get ourselves Minnie Mouse ears. Honestly, no regrets, and I'm so glad I have money to be spending on things like that. There was a strike going on, so we were redirected away from the main street, but we finally met up with N & KY near Central Plaza. I felt like it was a moment (refer to the first paragraph). </p><p>We hadn't had breakfast yet, and I had dinner quite early the day before because I didn't want to go to the bathroom on the coach. So we went to get some chocolate-filled Mickey Beignets, they were ok... I guess we can all say that we had better, but they were massive and enough for two to share! After having food, we went on our first ride, which was in Adventureland! I'll be absolutely honest and tell you that I can't remember the ride's name, but we were in a boat, I think, and there were pirates. There was a short drop where our photos were taken. Out of the four of us, I was the only one showing my face in that photo because it seems like everyone else either covered themselves or was covered by the people in front of them. </p><p>Our next ride was the teacup ride. We were intending on squeezing into one teacup, but that didn't turn out as planned. So there we were trying to not get ourselves dizzy, but it was fun nonetheless. Now, you can't go to Disneyland and not get your head filled with "It's a small world after all," so that was our next ride. It was a very long queue, but I'd say you can't go to Disneyland and not go on that ride. We may have missed it, but the only Malaysia bit seemed to have been a sign that felt like an afterthought. We saw Jack Sparrow and Jafar on our way to lunch. We had fish and chips, and it wasn't too bad.</p><p>It got a bit too warm at one point, so we rested a bit in the shade before our next ride, which was the Indiana Jones roller coaster. I have a bit of history on this one. It came back to me as if I was just 12 yesterday. I remember queuing up for the ride with my parents. I was quite happy to go on it at first, but then I saw the 360 turn, and I just started bawling. I was scared, but we were probably near the front by then, so I ended up going on the ride. This time, though, I didn't cry, and the ride didn't seem as scary as it did when I was 12. To simply put it, I'm not a scaredy-cat anymore, and I'm clearly a big girl now. We screamed on the ride anyway because why not. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOSQMFjNrASJQIloPwlNGmvwVicpq9NDOvSSmowTVmaUotE4hmznawpQq2rHKCRjFC3iWZH0dQ-M_ocA_sfxU1pKUeAzP-PezUNjTXU9UKgfIDGxLQGplUvDPwWpYTjwvLuOwg7Kluj6prvglcsD_BZAXPoyL7Yh0rBmmEcqC2S3wNZkLTGGGgPAbceSR/s4032/IMG_5059.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOSQMFjNrASJQIloPwlNGmvwVicpq9NDOvSSmowTVmaUotE4hmznawpQq2rHKCRjFC3iWZH0dQ-M_ocA_sfxU1pKUeAzP-PezUNjTXU9UKgfIDGxLQGplUvDPwWpYTjwvLuOwg7Kluj6prvglcsD_BZAXPoyL7Yh0rBmmEcqC2S3wNZkLTGGGgPAbceSR/w300-h400/IMG_5059.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After the ride, we headed to Central Plaza just to find out that the parade isn't on. We were pretty gutted about it. So we went onto our next ride, which we felt was a bit of a waste of time. It was a haunted house (but not the roller coaster one), and it initially had a short waiting time but ended up taking forever. Following that, we went to Buzz Lightyear. The ride stopped at one point so I shot at the same target to get my scores up. I am crap at targeting, so even with that, I don't think I did very well. </p><p>It was starting to get late, and by then, we were all pretty tired, and I'd say half of it was because it was so warm. We then decided to search for ice cream, but the ice cream shop I wanted to go to was closed, so I went to get a milkshake instead. It was lovely, but there was too much of it that I didn't end up finishing it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEk972ECayVnEJruQhTkoFt0E8iUYU0hLYEzsO1jRPuKBmCCUcMFqFO0gZ5wTRAaLHrLcBzKdlBN9PCq46KjQKZjS3LNehx8eF2rFt3uHsHScHSUV0V8QeiLmbPrFHZjoJAZ2owod0mXZI73ulzsoK-lCfvPAbPs273LtgtyFOcSA-SU_TVsKVVlByxDZ/s2049/IMG_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEk972ECayVnEJruQhTkoFt0E8iUYU0hLYEzsO1jRPuKBmCCUcMFqFO0gZ5wTRAaLHrLcBzKdlBN9PCq46KjQKZjS3LNehx8eF2rFt3uHsHScHSUV0V8QeiLmbPrFHZjoJAZ2owod0mXZI73ulzsoK-lCfvPAbPs273LtgtyFOcSA-SU_TVsKVVlByxDZ/w300-h400/IMG_0009.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>N and I's next ride was Space Mountain. We queued quite long - again, it wasn't meant to be that long, but when we got there, they were saying how they reduced the number of carts, so the queue moved a lot slower. While Space Mountain has been rebranded, they didn't do a very good job of it. BUT I LOVED SPACE MOUNTAIN. If I had all the time in the world, I would go on that ride at least 5 times. Space Mountain has another memory linked to it. When we were there as kids, Aisyah was the only one who went on that ride. I remember being in awe because I felt like she was so brave to have gone on it. After the ride, she obviously raved about it. At that moment, I felt as if I missed out, but there was no way that I would have gone on something that looked so scary. Going back this time, I just wished that younger Asma had the courage to go on it because I would've been mind-blown, and it would've probably been the only thing I'd talk about. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMpTxpa6nlWvwDdpBJfKJrc-Wu_71tM-dyrnteHDD_5HvxGARhgMa-DjmKL4Mr9UziURI-aF_x16VN-l-PGvPy7elcB0DFmbXUux-fRYE4GJ5MqrMqmkvxV0ahLdaNDKXAVjDg-snP9xreRntH2fenq6Cukrr4IIcH9ehNrbD04JTI0inxGpLYHLlPYLq/s3520/IMG_5106.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMpTxpa6nlWvwDdpBJfKJrc-Wu_71tM-dyrnteHDD_5HvxGARhgMa-DjmKL4Mr9UziURI-aF_x16VN-l-PGvPy7elcB0DFmbXUux-fRYE4GJ5MqrMqmkvxV0ahLdaNDKXAVjDg-snP9xreRntH2fenq6Cukrr4IIcH9ehNrbD04JTI0inxGpLYHLlPYLq/w225-h400/IMG_5106.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We then ended the day with waiting for the light show - it was definitely worth waiting for. It was magical and was the best way to finish our day in Disneyland. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_EtJVM9zFfNUy8ZTMTblPy-iVigam6vXcD22pW_mmsiveqJJqf4nn8b7qmOif6A6hpfrvLl9M14BeQ_4bk8AGLDd2vkx99lPKT2eOzaQYZ6YitMHx_0VoxAM2550A3zKA1mV1z5cTfwnN1-Qhn0iyU4I-QPO3v_Du7D7A8stzt-BVbCF7zo0retR7W6H/s2049/IMG_0097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1537" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_EtJVM9zFfNUy8ZTMTblPy-iVigam6vXcD22pW_mmsiveqJJqf4nn8b7qmOif6A6hpfrvLl9M14BeQ_4bk8AGLDd2vkx99lPKT2eOzaQYZ6YitMHx_0VoxAM2550A3zKA1mV1z5cTfwnN1-Qhn0iyU4I-QPO3v_Du7D7A8stzt-BVbCF7zo0retR7W6H/w300-h400/IMG_0097.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div>The next day, we were up for our second and final day in Paris. Our first stop was Pret. They made amazing iced coffee, and I had the best biscoff cruffin from Brioche Doree. It was only good because it had a lot of butter and sugar, obviously. Our first stop was the Louvre, and then we walked to get a view of the Eiffel Tower. We got tired... lol. So we Ubered to the famous hot chocolate shop. The portion of the hot chocolate was enough for 3. The salad was enough for 4... portions are odd here. <div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7BEaDtZVrTHqGUN2Z0ma2AneAkUowy_vEI0zTx5T6Z_0X1DeljcpZ7osfI5CpZuWj9CLdiWWLMPB1QLuK9KtkAKIP9nUnHF62L_Pbgbn-1cgQjFFXqOOW2SVru_Y5jKjtE7CF7n7i_jdT_xeetyr3hG08C7ncEQ3fsEkDuf-tRebqzJY64Zk5EjRqf2q/s2049/IMG_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7BEaDtZVrTHqGUN2Z0ma2AneAkUowy_vEI0zTx5T6Z_0X1DeljcpZ7osfI5CpZuWj9CLdiWWLMPB1QLuK9KtkAKIP9nUnHF62L_Pbgbn-1cgQjFFXqOOW2SVru_Y5jKjtE7CF7n7i_jdT_xeetyr3hG08C7ncEQ3fsEkDuf-tRebqzJY64Zk5EjRqf2q/w300-h400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="300" /></a></p>We then had to head to the airport. The whole experience of getting back home was hectic. Our flight was delayed, which was fine. We went around the whole airport searching for a shop that sold Longchamp; it was right next to immigration. We then queued for so long at immigration. At that point, both M and I were quite concerned, but both of us were trying our best to keep it in. Basically, we both showed our strong front because we needed that support from each other. We got the middle seat empty on the plane, which was nice. <p>When we got to London, there was literally no way back into London or Maidenhead because of the rail strike. I've never minded the rail strike, but honestly, it got us bad this time and was so troublesome. Mainly because there were no other public transport alternatives. It was just silly. Thank God I had Meriam and Don because they drove the whole way from Maidenhead to come pick us up. I feel extremely blessed and thankful that I have them here. I kept on thinking how if I were in Malaysia, I wouldn't have even had to second-guess it and would have just called my parents even if it was 3 AM in the morning. But it's different here. That said, I'm glad I have my Maidenhead parents. </p></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-54392855941515306792023-06-30T21:19:00.002+01:002023-06-30T21:19:06.224+01:00Resting Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSngDHzgSRla2JiAh-zgbmuDFZx9NbdA0cZJrgIjcVRmN41i2ceh1h3PpFj-2X_tRN9Ut19-y2IMRRdE-7eoC9Xx8vSZyAA4GcaDJ4G5ApWxxlBTVUE_LwnARatW1gwjwpj-_nQnwWuTVBbpGRg5xhtsHq0sv9HuQwdvRe8E-vMwZWGvWTo2_zpYqUgf74/s4032/IMG_5331.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSngDHzgSRla2JiAh-zgbmuDFZx9NbdA0cZJrgIjcVRmN41i2ceh1h3PpFj-2X_tRN9Ut19-y2IMRRdE-7eoC9Xx8vSZyAA4GcaDJ4G5ApWxxlBTVUE_LwnARatW1gwjwpj-_nQnwWuTVBbpGRg5xhtsHq0sv9HuQwdvRe8E-vMwZWGvWTo2_zpYqUgf74/w400-h300/IMG_5331.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Finally - a weekend to myself which usually means that most of it was spent catching up with people in Malaysia. I wouldn't have minded going out to be fair. It was good to just catch up with my family and friends online. I stayed in Maidenhead, and because the weather was nice, I had obviously felt guilty being inside the house so I brought my book to the river and instead of reading it, I had a nap. But it was a very good nap. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGjGxPlTyDa7LojRuGQsmalEctsdCG2RGm2UW7a3o5IVACJYWZPivqlZNK04-FU66uymGjpfMhyF93UDv_bCgmiY1QJRsEXm3a9jNK8hU8puRKw4oi9643rSS9wojJ93_LlVxfDUryis8CSsq9HXBkCsKFs5YlDNhrkzLoPzDuwnKTM125trFuATeKdG-/s4032/IMG_4806.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGjGxPlTyDa7LojRuGQsmalEctsdCG2RGm2UW7a3o5IVACJYWZPivqlZNK04-FU66uymGjpfMhyF93UDv_bCgmiY1QJRsEXm3a9jNK8hU8puRKw4oi9643rSS9wojJ93_LlVxfDUryis8CSsq9HXBkCsKFs5YlDNhrkzLoPzDuwnKTM125trFuATeKdG-/w300-h400/IMG_4806.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, I'm only picking this back up after 2 weeks of laziness. Last week, I was in London for a potluck picnic. I made chicken pie for it which took forever to thicken because I had too much in the pot - it turned out ok in the end... I think. I hadn't tasted it so I hope it was alright. It was nice just hanging out with friends, but it made me realise that I'm no longer who I used to be. I used to take those opportunities to really get to know people but I'm no longer that anymore - making new friends is a lot of effort! </div><div><br /></div><div>So that brings us two weeks forward - I'm in my living room and my friends are currently here. Kema is working, Arif is watching football and Fawwaz is planning his running route. It feels weird having friends from uni here but at the same time, I'm so happy that they're here. I wish I had friends visiting every month - although I'm not entirely sure how Yen would feel about that.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno6q47XLAkniD_8unvQdtqqOpQYmMjFGl-VdFiLmSPN6kKFmdzWMeea6-Dl2A_QeVoJ6f7U9RAMOuH-yQptv4Syd_G5DO_BwxoQRgvY8qcMQwrAqH0ETZADA2K9VcJyqucAnOGcfp7vrLV16n2pU1e2-IEikCevz6iQbsHMoHAcmsQkGHKmdqjGFvvR79/s4032/IMG_4852.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno6q47XLAkniD_8unvQdtqqOpQYmMjFGl-VdFiLmSPN6kKFmdzWMeea6-Dl2A_QeVoJ6f7U9RAMOuH-yQptv4Syd_G5DO_BwxoQRgvY8qcMQwrAqH0ETZADA2K9VcJyqucAnOGcfp7vrLV16n2pU1e2-IEikCevz6iQbsHMoHAcmsQkGHKmdqjGFvvR79/w300-h400/IMG_4852.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On Friday, we went to Georgia's cottage for pizza - it was such a feeling. She is living my dream - her living room is facing a pond and I could just imagine what waking up or coming home to that t would feel like. I'd feel like I'm on holiday everyday. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what I've eaten on Friday but I was puking all night and ended up having to stay in on Saturday despite having plans to go out. I did contemplate though - I felt like I could go out but I followed the advice of my personal physician (actually just my best friend who's a doctor and volunteered to take responsibility over advising me about my health). I was gutted but that said, I had a lot of rest and managed to nap the whole entire day! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GVCZCe47uvaqYdukLK2gWw2PG9jtYOW4_5G_-wAhst4NZDJJ5lNg9VXg0eABasdI0_gD1A6v1g0ROGhnAxFfwuODI8b_gVYeHxtSlgV-jEOzJbiVqQM3JAmIppBqSvwazKbS4hBOJ6bvWma0bjWb7TKselwLiejhaA8WQ7mC4Hp3fCfYt4JwKK284xs7/s2049/IMG_0296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GVCZCe47uvaqYdukLK2gWw2PG9jtYOW4_5G_-wAhst4NZDJJ5lNg9VXg0eABasdI0_gD1A6v1g0ROGhnAxFfwuODI8b_gVYeHxtSlgV-jEOzJbiVqQM3JAmIppBqSvwazKbS4hBOJ6bvWma0bjWb7TKselwLiejhaA8WQ7mC4Hp3fCfYt4JwKK284xs7/w300-h400/IMG_0296.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On Sunday, the guys have managed to convince me to go to Hyde Park with them. I'm glad I went because it was a sunny day out. I was planning on doing some shopping but ended up just getting ice cream before heading home because shops close early here and we only got up to leave around 4PM. <br /></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-28385944391629896822023-05-14T19:23:00.001+01:002023-05-14T19:23:18.938+01:00Long Weekend 02<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4U9zj2vfxWAEWPg33hRjz6uG7z36ZcWAY9YINmhy3o8wGR-MXAnJuCGr0WLC1zQhn0POngpMnIoc_SPBTtby5g93dG30yD4tCboiuyBmB04-DgvjdVOQJIIxORuMef4aNtRGLqUqrNUfRysE_YgVU_VypxlYKkZnirpF9qjVWVKSyat5nSveXOKHrQ/s4032/IMG_4644.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4U9zj2vfxWAEWPg33hRjz6uG7z36ZcWAY9YINmhy3o8wGR-MXAnJuCGr0WLC1zQhn0POngpMnIoc_SPBTtby5g93dG30yD4tCboiuyBmB04-DgvjdVOQJIIxORuMef4aNtRGLqUqrNUfRysE_YgVU_VypxlYKkZnirpF9qjVWVKSyat5nSveXOKHrQ/s320/IMG_4644.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was another busy weekend - I didn't have time/energy to write a post last week! I had half expected it to be a recovery weekend because I felt like I haven't been able to have a breather since Eid but it didn't go that way. On Friday, Auntie A came back from Switzerland and had dropped by my place to get her luggage. An Auntie who lives in Maidenhead picked her up and they dropped by mine for a bit. They invited me to a potluck picnic on Sunday that another Malaysian was organising.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOcqrC_kCGvxfjUbv-OVQg1HS6XLSNSL2rvsrfSDjVA6qzguPsYTDEXWQElGbc3u6x5sszNgQ1Z9g_CcInCbPsK-axYF1h4BeQ0s6SJM5foauuyhYLy2Imp8GfmLlfyORb6ghP9GHSN7Qho2KuFHXfW_zet5-RfBYDcCFtLwzE4VFV1mA7R9mVCtm6Q/s4032/IMG_4648.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOcqrC_kCGvxfjUbv-OVQg1HS6XLSNSL2rvsrfSDjVA6qzguPsYTDEXWQElGbc3u6x5sszNgQ1Z9g_CcInCbPsK-axYF1h4BeQ0s6SJM5foauuyhYLy2Imp8GfmLlfyORb6ghP9GHSN7Qho2KuFHXfW_zet5-RfBYDcCFtLwzE4VFV1mA7R9mVCtm6Q/s320/IMG_4648.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I wasn't feeling well on Saturday but pushed through anyway. I went out to the shops to get ingredients and spent the rest of the day preparing for Sunday. It was good that I was able to get myself busy! Sunday was the best. I initially intended to help Auntie M out with preparing but I got ready too late. Uncle picked me up from my flat, we went to their house and bungkus some nasi lemak. There was a lot of food and I'd like to believe that I tasted every single one of them because I left feeling full. <p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmM2xC8DDDUU2Hup_L6iaJaAG6F5P25VLfHyLftSx6ssQ_UVHi5LPzwsodWBdmlm31jRNjFYZjhh1Iyi9F91Mr6aFCCKNFDlDxZy33rs_Q1b8EfrXL470X_7kvr8iN3beWH7PjsGTl6rDJ690ljyRvAbqwA08r6ai2Tl_cFQoCxiMXQFoQgMTXEyGrA/s4032/IMG_4647.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmM2xC8DDDUU2Hup_L6iaJaAG6F5P25VLfHyLftSx6ssQ_UVHi5LPzwsodWBdmlm31jRNjFYZjhh1Iyi9F91Mr6aFCCKNFDlDxZy33rs_Q1b8EfrXL470X_7kvr8iN3beWH7PjsGTl6rDJ690ljyRvAbqwA08r6ai2Tl_cFQoCxiMXQFoQgMTXEyGrA/s320/IMG_4647.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I met someone my age and she was the kindest person ever? Honestly, I get really surprised by how kind people are! She's in Thailand and Malaysia the next few weeks but I'll look to see if she wants to hang out! I feel like, Faten, her and I could really get along. We then headed back to Auntie M's how to wait for Auntie S's daughter. She's also super sweet. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXV_DHwvvoqo3uW4yDAO6rOFkglHSO2v84yE37l3rX1ZlAjPw1DQWlWv0OsokxQC9DKYQpJ4dSeencyUyaF8KH0SuWkYKAcehjH13aO9kPtT3779oSdv4uByc_NqN3jgV3lPZrSEg0tonjE8OYYj5thLudwzu04EnBxwMquB_rmDMs5ZncKdQZM3JdA/s4032/IMG_4660.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXV_DHwvvoqo3uW4yDAO6rOFkglHSO2v84yE37l3rX1ZlAjPw1DQWlWv0OsokxQC9DKYQpJ4dSeencyUyaF8KH0SuWkYKAcehjH13aO9kPtT3779oSdv4uByc_NqN3jgV3lPZrSEg0tonjE8OYYj5thLudwzu04EnBxwMquB_rmDMs5ZncKdQZM3JdA/s320/IMG_4660.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Following another bungkus of nasi lemak, I rushed home because I invited the Maidenhead Gang over for G's initiation into the group (but really it was for Eid). I made soto soup and it was so easy... I had the packet. We had soto - I enjoyed it and watched the race. When everyone left, Yen and I continued talking about life... <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JIO5zwnU1m3NVh-cWSiHzkvt_orLuHMwLxl6jTDc48rYWenLXt9MYiyq6Q31dZsgXv3hFi4SnClz-Vjie2jz-7wJsXBJEhxlqPhTPSfCmXN7WyCCsY2S7aGsbeGYHEbMwdd_wIb0GsxZ1ILu_2f8J0BEpcvvDktKfX5OTXCv2uRQEYJyL6RM_82pbA/s4032/IMG_4665.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JIO5zwnU1m3NVh-cWSiHzkvt_orLuHMwLxl6jTDc48rYWenLXt9MYiyq6Q31dZsgXv3hFi4SnClz-Vjie2jz-7wJsXBJEhxlqPhTPSfCmXN7WyCCsY2S7aGsbeGYHEbMwdd_wIb0GsxZ1ILu_2f8J0BEpcvvDktKfX5OTXCv2uRQEYJyL6RM_82pbA/s320/IMG_4665.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Monday came and it was a bank holiday - I went to see the Chairman of TH because he had a talk on his train journey. I really felt I needed that. It made me realised that there are a lot of things in life that happens just because it was meant for you. So I think my new life quote shall be "Let go and let God." Also, a lot of people have been telling me lately that I'm still young...<p></p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-10320132022602647422023-05-01T20:28:00.169+01:002023-05-01T22:49:24.518+01:00Long Weekend 01<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vf97_wfkRY1FPmrur8X4I9nU4-_exmTufXwI93SUKI3inpHmd0c9AJgAVbjlfsQMUq5YQBSy0pV2y2NUmHB-kgA0mUF5Zab-gjaJQx2i7e0I_h8ow32YprfWW2EmG3UB57CZXgR1bnn9LgrPhLk_-zAZ-2gRiEMJpS7A_dVH2YH4obxfcwj94LIlyQ/s1974/cc775e30-d922-4c8c-91cb-122f83272400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1974" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vf97_wfkRY1FPmrur8X4I9nU4-_exmTufXwI93SUKI3inpHmd0c9AJgAVbjlfsQMUq5YQBSy0pV2y2NUmHB-kgA0mUF5Zab-gjaJQx2i7e0I_h8ow32YprfWW2EmG3UB57CZXgR1bnn9LgrPhLk_-zAZ-2gRiEMJpS7A_dVH2YH4obxfcwj94LIlyQ/w400-h311/cc775e30-d922-4c8c-91cb-122f83272400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I've had the busiest weekend since I've been back here and I'm not complaining. It's a long weekend, we love that. I had spent the whole weekend with family and friends and I can't think of a better way to have spent it. I just came back from London and I'm sat here on the balcony, keying this out because the weather is too nice to call it a day. If it wasn't 8PM already, I would've walked over to M&D's. </p><p>Friday was spent with the London/Maidenhead gang. It has been so long since I last saw everyone! It's sad thinking how at one point of our lives, we were spending every week together and now we only see each other when someone's visiting or leaving. That said, the feelings hasn't changed and they still feel like home. It was the recharge I've been needing after a few weeks of not feeling the best. Conversations are different this time around though because everyone's suddenly single and we're all talking about who and how to date. Sarah has always been advocating people to try out dating but when asked for tips this time around, she said "Don't." That said, everyone's doing good and we were all laughing and enjoying ourselves up on the rooftop of somewhere in Elephant & Castle. The fact that our team won code names against Trev, Oussama and Akil made it so much better too. After I managed to run away from Nerd Central, I headed to Edgware Road where Auntie Ana was staying. We talked a lot about her life and about my life and it felt quite nice. I've always seen her as Mami's friend but now I've realised that I'm at that point in life where she could also be a friend too. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ZExoX9hS5t_9ZZA8-ojceQp4fpQ56MPqLaX5gG6ZmQxbR3gLlXJ_m5Dui0Y1hxrZMrfCxY0EZcHfmNGGGfe6CvhS64hsdtxcAXYSpgMLURfF1-KCiJasI2kqhQURNBSWo2ZXTfkJjbldQ1uZWuzyQlG9uV3nicmRAUUXHBGbspDMncFS1UKQ0WoZQ/s4032/IMG_4530.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ZExoX9hS5t_9ZZA8-ojceQp4fpQ56MPqLaX5gG6ZmQxbR3gLlXJ_m5Dui0Y1hxrZMrfCxY0EZcHfmNGGGfe6CvhS64hsdtxcAXYSpgMLURfF1-KCiJasI2kqhQURNBSWo2ZXTfkJjbldQ1uZWuzyQlG9uV3nicmRAUUXHBGbspDMncFS1UKQ0WoZQ/w300-h400/IMG_4530.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I spent Sunday morning cleaning up the house & talking to friends and then headed off to London running around for Buns from Home and some limited edition coronation Whittard bag. I then headed to Wembley Park to see Along, Kak Cat, Rania, Raees and Riyadh. It was such good quality time spent with them, and it was something that we probably wouldn't get in Malaysia. I've seen Riyadh in Malaysia plenty of times, but it was that Sunday that I became a person to him because he now knows my actual name. I loved it. I love how we were able to reconnect and I know that in some ways, this is exactly the benefit of being abroad and having family travel to where you live. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nG9wffwmrj0nepbT4i2bMRUbBiOLocrV87wbrz7OpJzeEUcN8YHn70x3OnXrUmKoDjtJSMwkUfUOjnuHQHsv8crlXrrMpPf4EUs8fZ839XIpoXdcfmDWOxzTmVnk4MgLPp-bm10mKgknTwC0ei-xJ4acV-FPbJJSKq37HHdtlIMl-9AwA9UykrdQRA/s4032/IMG_4584.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nG9wffwmrj0nepbT4i2bMRUbBiOLocrV87wbrz7OpJzeEUcN8YHn70x3OnXrUmKoDjtJSMwkUfUOjnuHQHsv8crlXrrMpPf4EUs8fZ839XIpoXdcfmDWOxzTmVnk4MgLPp-bm10mKgknTwC0ei-xJ4acV-FPbJJSKq37HHdtlIMl-9AwA9UykrdQRA/w300-h400/IMG_4584.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Monday came and I made nasi goreng (it didn't have enough salt in it). Nadhirah, knowing me, wasn't surprised when I told her on our call. I then got ready for another day in London. This time, it was to meet up with Faten. We called the whole gang but people were busy. We went to Camden to pick up some food and then walked to Regent's Park to have a picnic. We talked about life, life is feeling odd for both of us and as it is with Faten, time just moved so fast and suddenly it was nearly 7 and tomorrow's a working day. </p><p>All of this came at such a nice timing because I have been struggling and it feels as if God is looking out for me. I know that there are people out there praying for me and I feel so blessed. Thank you, please keep on praying for me because I really need it.</p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-87254872229845691832023-04-28T19:40:00.010+01:002023-04-28T20:46:26.889+01:00Eid is what Eid is<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JsYUcvWUkTFsbc5XhwCG4GmBpkrAq2KghXR_jK8kPQlwS6ZrQO6ESyFn_RnjO4hiabbr3YnE9l-YhNAKOAbo9SxuDOMBlbkjuWb-k7Eeb7OKcKoH8fRkB2R0BvqKV_QwlgnBDqMSHM_LLCL7FySGlWeTutcFwrS7c2a1WCGhB1-Vyi8bFn3Epaplqg/s4032/IMG_4349.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JsYUcvWUkTFsbc5XhwCG4GmBpkrAq2KghXR_jK8kPQlwS6ZrQO6ESyFn_RnjO4hiabbr3YnE9l-YhNAKOAbo9SxuDOMBlbkjuWb-k7Eeb7OKcKoH8fRkB2R0BvqKV_QwlgnBDqMSHM_LLCL7FySGlWeTutcFwrS7c2a1WCGhB1-Vyi8bFn3Epaplqg/w400-h300/IMG_4349.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I had spoilt myself last year by going back to Malaysia for Eid. Then came this year, I had somewhat of a reality check... the reality of living abroad. I was hoping that Eid would've fallen on Saturday so that I could spend the day out in London. But it didn't. It fell on Friday which meant it was a working day. <p></p><p>As Eid starts getting closer to Christmas, it's difficult to justify going to Malaysia for both holidays. Naturally, there are more public holidays during Christmas than Eid hence it'll be awhile until I get to celebrate Eid in Malaysia.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWTwP6mRepyFK-ydJnDRSxsQWZx7tfH55lHntPbltzYiYA19oWrm0B9ivx9_JyQLs23w6gdb2TyohHyRqdc-HXTkv907PUxGCx29rnEbEbTxLwHx71aN5BDHDdaGvZORQPRYFlKZgg86F4HUkU3xlh3swzQh1R-NXKeUgXgO-07xQ7axecR3ap750Fw/s4032/IMG_1724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWTwP6mRepyFK-ydJnDRSxsQWZx7tfH55lHntPbltzYiYA19oWrm0B9ivx9_JyQLs23w6gdb2TyohHyRqdc-HXTkv907PUxGCx29rnEbEbTxLwHx71aN5BDHDdaGvZORQPRYFlKZgg86F4HUkU3xlh3swzQh1R-NXKeUgXgO-07xQ7axecR3ap750Fw/w300-h400/IMG_1724.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />That said, I think I made the best out of Eid as I could. I had invited friends over for an 'open house' on Sunday which I prepped for well ahead. I spent the whole weekend earlier making tofu bergedil and frying things that required frying such as tofu. Throughout the week coming to Eid, I was prepping every afternoon and by the time it was Sunday, all I had to do was make lodeh. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlPMB0rLB0T8uFODAxrKqB_Ivz0-rRQzJUMRv8XzGRcYBSCEtsLcej-WeTcb37-GSP2uhD0pLFMI0wXIHBhRZg5YyZb3lS_kjJRXfO1R0a-kdaMbLELaQQi3Mk__MEgkwyflw0jdMC02bNJvUAw5b5qSup34KiB1LCvua55Qi_TamqiVvrxmI9Y3BnQ/s4032/IMG_4282%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlPMB0rLB0T8uFODAxrKqB_Ivz0-rRQzJUMRv8XzGRcYBSCEtsLcej-WeTcb37-GSP2uhD0pLFMI0wXIHBhRZg5YyZb3lS_kjJRXfO1R0a-kdaMbLELaQQi3Mk__MEgkwyflw0jdMC02bNJvUAw5b5qSup34KiB1LCvua55Qi_TamqiVvrxmI9Y3BnQ/w300-h400/IMG_4282%202.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I spent Saturday in London at Abang Lan and Kak Ida's where I had my first raya meal of the year. With my baju kurung on, I went to China Town for soy sauce and then later, Paddington Waterside for cinnamon buns. Coming back home, I continued with the remaining bits left for the open house. To be honest right, I did feel like I was prepping food the whole week but it was mainly because there's only one of me. On Sunday, I felt quite pleased that I'm rajin - I did not want to get up that morning but I pushed through.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnp8VbnuvqL8Wz1yyRhsJRxAon_hEj4ViHFpIDoNUOqApjCtFxHm8l5s3p_O5lXhGfBD8QVu-howhI3rmif-Lo79XwAppjrCtXxFm4uAquZOcwTQqpqWAfIE3fhABurCdwtZ0VXB32x2AB0wSrvEymEkGKyiaXcQrDDg6Ev5Bao2-Eglo4kb_d9t3xw/s4032/IMG_4355.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnp8VbnuvqL8Wz1yyRhsJRxAon_hEj4ViHFpIDoNUOqApjCtFxHm8l5s3p_O5lXhGfBD8QVu-howhI3rmif-Lo79XwAppjrCtXxFm4uAquZOcwTQqpqWAfIE3fhABurCdwtZ0VXB32x2AB0wSrvEymEkGKyiaXcQrDDg6Ev5Bao2-Eglo4kb_d9t3xw/w300-h400/IMG_4355.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Pushing through was the best thing I did because I really enjoyed having my friends over. We ate, watched videos of when we were kids, played pictionary, charades, spyfall and ate some more. After everyone left, it went back to just me and Yen in the living room... talking about life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU63K1K2ek6U1Z73Mks8A3ubGfvNdXEW7wqbZnxe1U_MfDECjyCoiDuwlUgJQdsr5GptEwLPeS2npUMiqD3vaZByME8KxZ6kInQMde4eBR7TQ4uPVi4zbRY7VPQXDYnk_kEdgM03jVKW383xfY4vdHSKCPnsKnSWcezrSIuKJcPzdujSmDGFFkva0_aQ/s4032/IMG_4418.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU63K1K2ek6U1Z73Mks8A3ubGfvNdXEW7wqbZnxe1U_MfDECjyCoiDuwlUgJQdsr5GptEwLPeS2npUMiqD3vaZByME8KxZ6kInQMde4eBR7TQ4uPVi4zbRY7VPQXDYnk_kEdgM03jVKW383xfY4vdHSKCPnsKnSWcezrSIuKJcPzdujSmDGFFkva0_aQ/w300-h400/IMG_4418.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Monday came and I was in London for a site visit which then lead to lunch with Munirah. It made me extremely thankful that there's someone who's from home that I can now text and ajak lepak.</p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-20379760365827194592023-04-24T20:54:00.004+01:002023-04-24T20:54:51.513+01:00:(<p>I thought it would be a good time to sneak at least a short draft for continuation over the weekend when I'll be able to get around to finishing this post.</p><p>I have just come out of what was a horrible week and I'm pleased to say that I came out through the tunnel in one piece. I have realised that I function quite well despite being in a bad place mentally. I'm able to take care of myself, go to work and talk to people but it all takes so much effort. Waking up and getting out of bed had been incredibly difficult. I only realised that I'm now ok when I was able get up this morning without much persuasion from myself.</p><p>But I appreciate how I'm now more aware of my feelings, my emotions and know when I'm not ok. Going back to a year ago, I used to beat myself up whenever I felt like this and it didn't help. I would get angry at myself for being tired, weak, lazy and unable to do work. </p><p>Now, however, I know when I'm unwell and I acknowledge it. I did think I was crazy for a little while but I no longer beat myself up over it like I used to. Whilst I had limited my social interaction with people, I did have calls with Hannah everyday and if anything, I think that had helped me quite a bit. It helped her too because she needed to do work at night and the time difference made sense. </p><p>The more I type it out and the more I talk to my best friends about this, the more I realise that I should seek professional help but at the same time, I'm thinking that if I can live my life... and if it doesn't last too long, then surely... it's normal? </p><p>It's a week on from when I wrote those paragraphs... and it has come back. I'm a bit stuck, to be completely honest. I feel mentally unwell and I don't know what to do to get better. It was Eid over the weekends and I'll have another post for that. I spent it with my friends which was nice but it made me realise how I'm really not feeling my usual self. I don't recognise the way I felt because I knew that I was trying a lot harder than I typically would've needed to. However, Yen did say that she didn't notice it so at least it's all internal for now so that's all good?</p><p>I am concerned, but i'll give it a couple of weeks and then I'll decide what to do. If anything, I'm pleased that I'm quite self aware.</p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-88542568959686664582023-04-15T18:19:00.013+01:002023-04-28T20:52:12.934+01:00I know, Scotland again?!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOMR6oorcW5ppYWVEPp9ZWNGaYIXtYCZwKCBFa-FEbNmOC7je3K5qpk3XbwVavniGQKdfOoVsnL2XamhzDHFMCcOqiVTskxHXcszwN9_M3oJevLYjKXozaQ6Z8wX52lE57AanRuBt_UrISlh7lEOROwDktzZH0hW6Ey1413TpyARfguYXA7YUUoIW4g/s4032/IMG_3372.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOMR6oorcW5ppYWVEPp9ZWNGaYIXtYCZwKCBFa-FEbNmOC7je3K5qpk3XbwVavniGQKdfOoVsnL2XamhzDHFMCcOqiVTskxHXcszwN9_M3oJevLYjKXozaQ6Z8wX52lE57AanRuBt_UrISlh7lEOROwDktzZH0hW6Ey1413TpyARfguYXA7YUUoIW4g/w400-h300/IMG_3372.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This week has been hectic but thank goodness it's only a 3 day week. That said, by the time it was Wednesday, I just had it with the work week. On Monday, I was busy getting a coordinated drawing out - it still isn't solved. On Tuesday, I was sitting in for a meeting on a project that I hardly touched, I was mentally tired following it. On Wednesday, I was on site to see another consultants' design. By the end of it, I was rushing to see Munirah because I made her wait that long! The 1 hour site meeting turned out to be 2.5 hours (although very useful).<p></p><p>Munirah and I decided to meet up because we wanted to plan our Disneyland trip. We walked through Hyde Park from the science museum, it started drizzling but we were all fine because we're used to it. Her husband then left for Malaysian Hall whilst we headed to Bonda's kitchen for some dimsum and to continue the discussion.</p><p>We ended up talking about finding partners and having relationships. Mainly because I've started to think about it a bit more seriously and had recently tried to make things work with someone but that didn't go anywhere. I was starting to think that I'm the problem, and to a certain extent... I am. But she assured me that if it's the right person and at the right time, then I would just know because it'll feel right. So, she told me to not worry and to continue living my life and doing what I want to do. While talking about all that, she also told me she was thinking of her friends that she could potentially set me up with. LOL.</p><p>After dinner, we headed to Starbucks because we wanted to be somewhere more comfortable that didn't smell like food. That was where we had got some proper planning done. We booked our transport and the hotel which makes the bulk of the planning. We then headed to Malaysian Hall to meet up with everyone who went to pray and I was taken aback a bit by the number of Malaysians there were. It's been awhile since I've seen so many Malaysians in London!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Easter Road Trip</b></p><p>I got home from London that night at 11PM, and in usual Asma style, I only slept for one hour because I didn't want to pack and therefore, was procrastinating. By 6.30AM, I was ready and waiting because excitement gets to the better of me. Then we were off to our first stop - Lake Windermere. It looked the same as it did 4 years ago when my family and I went for my graduation. But this time around, we had time to go to a random cave I found on google maps when looking around the area. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkGgug2iYcPjHtYqs_b1aUva22idSkmT1j69dcU_3Nsx3haqGrOZtNe88ecoDXAsXmq-apUMJrIge3wruaURo5E2DxDmwrBD4NQCC-F1HYc6hRmhbGAW0FobxVZL3mmli-Nv-jMKo3q06Z-778wo2tlJhfYVJSyiNukkGW9ENGrCx8ZPMTRU13pTfDA/s4032/IMG_3527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkGgug2iYcPjHtYqs_b1aUva22idSkmT1j69dcU_3Nsx3haqGrOZtNe88ecoDXAsXmq-apUMJrIge3wruaURo5E2DxDmwrBD4NQCC-F1HYc6hRmhbGAW0FobxVZL3mmli-Nv-jMKo3q06Z-778wo2tlJhfYVJSyiNukkGW9ENGrCx8ZPMTRU13pTfDA/w300-h400/IMG_3527.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I scammed everyone into what I thought was a 25 minute walk but turned out to be a 25 minute hike to a view that got me feeling like life is good. We went to the cave, getting the wrong one at first, stared at the view, stacked some stones, and then went down to the lake to skip some stones. Remains to be the highlight of my trip (we're currently 3 days in).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhm8nuVgMI0ZWJx62I6UAyH7WK2HF63sg1WVUun2AfRH7Q1UmuXTZ8BWUS-4dXHG53LA-JBNoUwlhLADJiMjLhwM9g6lGXu3yCDhTCEnZOKB8FIGYbtcL-q_Xdkj4teXSjo2lMomOgM8_UFuJr5r2eAYeG8yGVGm2sBiYzIXi0hqQx97ReKef7P1_pBw/s4032/IMG_3503.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhm8nuVgMI0ZWJx62I6UAyH7WK2HF63sg1WVUun2AfRH7Q1UmuXTZ8BWUS-4dXHG53LA-JBNoUwlhLADJiMjLhwM9g6lGXu3yCDhTCEnZOKB8FIGYbtcL-q_Xdkj4teXSjo2lMomOgM8_UFuJr5r2eAYeG8yGVGm2sBiYzIXi0hqQx97ReKef7P1_pBw/w300-h400/IMG_3503.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We stayed in Kendal. Not being able to stay in and waste some sunny hours, I went out for a wander around town and loved how everyone was so friendly. Nearing midday, we headed up to Falkirk. We went to see the Falkirk Wheel and went on a boat to try it out. I'd say it's only worth it if you get the front seat but if not... I don't think you'd get to see much. That evening, we went to see the Kelpies. I've only seen them from the motorway the last time we drove down so it was nice to see it up close. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jFvWJy-S6OOUD61XSixXOaIWCOnMX_a4pEUvNIpq3K3F-3dANwvJ6_qdYdzLmstiX1Z-ejQW_mGNsurxqBn1zsDTT2usNP8t-i2y-1nvtFrqqrF2GewjvoWGLp2PzWyivx9QcnLAC9Ji3Rk-bYdm6_c0eG5A-BJjoRoLOnb8yzq3z_eiADkyigOgGA/s4032/IMG_3611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jFvWJy-S6OOUD61XSixXOaIWCOnMX_a4pEUvNIpq3K3F-3dANwvJ6_qdYdzLmstiX1Z-ejQW_mGNsurxqBn1zsDTT2usNP8t-i2y-1nvtFrqqrF2GewjvoWGLp2PzWyivx9QcnLAC9Ji3Rk-bYdm6_c0eG5A-BJjoRoLOnb8yzq3z_eiADkyigOgGA/w400-h300/IMG_3611.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We crossed the bridge in Queensferry where it reminded me of that time when B and I had the picnic mat laid out next to the bridge to watch the last few laps of an F1 race where Max won while the sun was setting. We did a stop in Perth but only for food before starting the drive to Inverness. Obviously, we had to stop at the House of Bruar... to see the falls of Bruar. I tried to figure out a way to get down like what we did last time but I got a "Be careful, Asma... don't do that." HAHAHA. We then continued the drive to Inverness and drove through the Cairngorm Mountains although we didn't make a stop which was a bit of shame. And now we're in Inverness with an Asma who feels unwell.</p><p>(I am continuing this now that I'm back in Maidenhead.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEoSLAnj25CWtzWa94lymSFbahNPQBHV09-pz64O0WOt_JN4geHK18J2lGypYftckefJQ8KlKzg_uKF149jAxF-6emBq4Ge5KKazDw-Gv736BBsc9waRGBjPgqpqulH-LPtu9ubghcxTHtPlUUDNZhf1Zw6abR6dRN353wsNg4NhdDh4nAIDroK4Z_g/s4032/IMG_3839.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEoSLAnj25CWtzWa94lymSFbahNPQBHV09-pz64O0WOt_JN4geHK18J2lGypYftckefJQ8KlKzg_uKF149jAxF-6emBq4Ge5KKazDw-Gv736BBsc9waRGBjPgqpqulH-LPtu9ubghcxTHtPlUUDNZhf1Zw6abR6dRN353wsNg4NhdDh4nAIDroK4Z_g/w300-h400/IMG_3839.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The day after, we went on a Loch Ness cruise, (no, we did not see the Loch Ness monster), and wandered around Urquhart Castle. That drained us for the rest of the day. The next day, we headed to Glenfinnan Viaduct. The last time B and I went, we were dead from our other hike so we decided to see this one from afar. This time around, I had a lot of energy so we hiked up to get a better view of the viaduct and waited for the train. I'm extremely glad we waited for it, it really added onto the experience. Also, we saw so many rainbows that day. I felt like it was magical. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzle9cebyRKbD7FyLhzqczrv4KJMkQOOwdQmMvr24w79l4D2J-fVo1gm20H723dvQirtne_MAB2vZWu5LAJZvf6kam2ux3CkQWt-RBzEgigQAFBWElbqlEsvKH8lz2WmBmwlinO5glDS6zy7TBPXfJTO-BMo5CsTywkinjaN5jvnt8qUsG6m6cN7r_Q/s4032/IMG_4056.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzle9cebyRKbD7FyLhzqczrv4KJMkQOOwdQmMvr24w79l4D2J-fVo1gm20H723dvQirtne_MAB2vZWu5LAJZvf6kam2ux3CkQWt-RBzEgigQAFBWElbqlEsvKH8lz2WmBmwlinO5glDS6zy7TBPXfJTO-BMo5CsTywkinjaN5jvnt8qUsG6m6cN7r_Q/w300-h400/IMG_4056.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We then drove through Glencoe (which I'll forever be amazed by) and it feels like it doesn't matter how many times I've been on that route, it'll never be enough. Glasgow was Glasgow and next was Liverpool. We stayed right near the dock which was so convenient because I got to have a quick wander that morning to get myself a Cinnabon. We had lunch, did a quick stop at the red stadium and we headed back to Maidenhead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRvfucN7dqGVUI-2ZbxgIB_417492A-Lu8svOdJ4UskgXdaklhtD49-L8nHR1KJCoTOFK4zzxrciJZ1WnlO1PEiOo9BTe1ezoS5bTIM7zOYDgLvxO2X1BpSkbUYLU3NbOpSoHaSM48O52haPSIXVxtDLJLMQt34CJXprw4pXy__Wh0IpXhB5AlkCuLg/s4032/IMG_4074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRvfucN7dqGVUI-2ZbxgIB_417492A-Lu8svOdJ4UskgXdaklhtD49-L8nHR1KJCoTOFK4zzxrciJZ1WnlO1PEiOo9BTe1ezoS5bTIM7zOYDgLvxO2X1BpSkbUYLU3NbOpSoHaSM48O52haPSIXVxtDLJLMQt34CJXprw4pXy__Wh0IpXhB5AlkCuLg/w300-h400/IMG_4074.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I've got to say, this trip got me so drained and I'm honestly still recovering from it. I'd like to think that I'm ill (which I actually am) but I also think it's mixed with some holiday blues. I'm going to make some tauhu bergedil later today (if I feel like it) in preparation for next week's open house. </p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-67979861288337553162023-04-01T23:01:00.004+01:002023-04-02T08:58:14.714+01:00Maybe People Make Me Happy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveDBWgwJPBw5OmVfspGuu2zm9X2AOMrPw--sQqTa6MBOwvo0Bvux72V5VdPP9KTNdJsz29i1zSU20yguy9eK-snhsHCiIV5W0n2ymHhLrj9bu81U6PG5eY3z34dzg1FQ8Ix1_g2BiJc5sYIOqTrRFxeAWWCOOmPVb7CREod1EEMjfAIR3lmBAjv338w/s3022/IMG_3071.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2267" data-original-width="3022" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveDBWgwJPBw5OmVfspGuu2zm9X2AOMrPw--sQqTa6MBOwvo0Bvux72V5VdPP9KTNdJsz29i1zSU20yguy9eK-snhsHCiIV5W0n2ymHhLrj9bu81U6PG5eY3z34dzg1FQ8Ix1_g2BiJc5sYIOqTrRFxeAWWCOOmPVb7CREod1EEMjfAIR3lmBAjv338w/w400-h300/IMG_3071.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I feel like I need to start figuring out a better way of titling my posts because at this rate, I'd be spending half the time it takes me to write a whole blog post on figuring out a title. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">My thoughts hasn't quieten down but as we do, day in and day out, we figure out a way to deal with it. I've started to realise that I've been spending too much time on my own when in reality, I could go out more and spend time with people. I'd like to think that I'm more of an introvert than an extrovert but I actually feel so much better when I'm with people that I'm comfortable around.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCA6NM7fV1Tglb0XrRt3ZNrQ_iWw8TerppG3-Rdix1mqNLTyGTVHhCB-PBbF-PdGX9va36pX3oPG7zgVOf7fucMIg_MSKyZFQAqXL_GTgL5FdCBNdEFkJS5eBLvOoO6ADgv21uBjn5fR1lckZgg14CXiNm1xDecRU8WzwTNIxxH0zcJdEDvrBzqpx7A/s4032/IMG_3149.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCA6NM7fV1Tglb0XrRt3ZNrQ_iWw8TerppG3-Rdix1mqNLTyGTVHhCB-PBbF-PdGX9va36pX3oPG7zgVOf7fucMIg_MSKyZFQAqXL_GTgL5FdCBNdEFkJS5eBLvOoO6ADgv21uBjn5fR1lckZgg14CXiNm1xDecRU8WzwTNIxxH0zcJdEDvrBzqpx7A/w300-h400/IMG_3149.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I had a meeting in London on Thursday, following that, I managed to get Faten to have dinner with me which was the highlight of my work week. As usual, we talked about life and we've concluded that I need to go out and meet more people. So I have a feeling that I'll be putting a bit more effort and money in that the next few months to make new friends or... I'll just continue going on walks along the river. We'll see. Although I do need to start inviting people over again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Friday was hectic, by the end of it, it felt like I squeezed 4 days into 1. I wish I could talk about my work more here but I couldn't so that's the end of it. Yen and I had dinner at home and as usual, we talked about the deepest things - we just consistently wished that we had the mic out to record it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I then stayed up til 3AM because I felt like Hanz needed me and it was only right for me to be there for her when she's always been there for me. It's quite funny, because it's feeling like we're taking turns to feel all over the place so we can support each other. But I love how we just know what to say to make the other feel better and if anything, Hanz is probably the reason why I expect way too much from people. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm going to get a bit cringy, but she had just sent me a short clip that goes "Soulmates come in the form of friends too. It's not just about romance. Sometimes it's your best friend who makes you feel whole and who understands you the most when the rest of the world doesn't understand you at all." And I truly believe that is exactly what we are to each other. She knows how to deal with my breakdowns, my confusion, my overthinking, my insecurities and all things like that - maybe it is because she's known me for so long. But ultimately, we're always there for one another, prioritising and sacrificing to make sure that we're both ok. I think it'll be a while until we're both equally emotionally and mentally stable - I blame the age but until then, we'll keep on taking turns to be each other's support. We've also started listening to the same podcasts for the same reason. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">That aside, Emi and Trev came to Maidenhead today and as usual, that was when I realised how much I've missed them. Home felt more like home and being together made me a feel a lot better. They obviously had to comment on my recent experience, which ended up with a laugh because they think I'm the problem. I know I'm the problem but it's now going to become content for future jokes. Believe it's only going to spread further out to the whole group soon. It is what it is, I'll still love them.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We have a race at 6AM, I need to go bed but I'm glad I've found some creative time to get this all typed out and posted. And remember guys, be nice to yourself. </p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-82916039740307664222023-03-26T10:29:00.004+01:002023-04-28T20:56:52.450+01:00Friends and a Walk<div style="text-align: justify;">My thoughts has been a bit too loud lately and sometimes, my brain gets tired trying to convince myself that no, I'm not shit. At times like this, I wish Jess was around because she'd usually know what to say. But I'm blessed, I have the best people around me and to be completely honest, there's really nothing to moan about. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ7Wef5HWfbd8ONWFyKnR19eZlm3La_zXPjEJLSL7RZhH40LrdbRF87xezVk6s1mbmHT-l_y2TYl8OPMI_h03cYvrn2IGkAG-Xbxk-ri8QlnVdyGDcaSAQKjzz_cVTC6QGvlNqEqRFIacQC4MMg33uUHPuDRPgb7Lt9GNAJuQ3y26KDzVjWWd70jKIw/s4032/IMG_3047.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ7Wef5HWfbd8ONWFyKnR19eZlm3La_zXPjEJLSL7RZhH40LrdbRF87xezVk6s1mbmHT-l_y2TYl8OPMI_h03cYvrn2IGkAG-Xbxk-ri8QlnVdyGDcaSAQKjzz_cVTC6QGvlNqEqRFIacQC4MMg33uUHPuDRPgb7Lt9GNAJuQ3y26KDzVjWWd70jKIw/w300-h400/IMG_3047.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was out in London for work on Wednesday. I met one of my favourite colleagues and we had lunch together. Honestly, I'd go to the London office if it was a bit nicer and less crowded just to hang out with them but it's not - at least not yet. Had a project meeting and finally met people that I've worked with for the past 2 years for the first time. Following that, Yen and I met up for dinner and had ice cream (which wasn't as good as Bilmonte).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ9PjDeBzo7E7bARIXP8TybyCBKBheQpl2LJy3ryOwaJ74JInfX0LTPuBpywoGXjphfzHcNjpVb-9vTN9YdJV4QfugQRm2fU8cFXTsCzInflYJq9yC_phtZVIPb3eI1IWq7y8mEiePIIpcoKUQhHA0NcG2ruCHNon-o8tiLjGz5081GKnb-1-GmLqRg/s4032/IMG_3057.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ9PjDeBzo7E7bARIXP8TybyCBKBheQpl2LJy3ryOwaJ74JInfX0LTPuBpywoGXjphfzHcNjpVb-9vTN9YdJV4QfugQRm2fU8cFXTsCzInflYJq9yC_phtZVIPb3eI1IWq7y8mEiePIIpcoKUQhHA0NcG2ruCHNon-o8tiLjGz5081GKnb-1-GmLqRg/w300-h400/IMG_3057.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had a graduate assessment day on Thursday and I was quite thankful that I got to be part of it. I had to bring them around the office so that took quite a bit of my social energy. The weather on Friday was shocking - it was pouring one minute, sunny the next, we had the sky bright and blue on one side and dark and gloomy on the other throughout the day. I was telling N about the weather and she called it the 'Asma weather'. ok. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">KI and I was in a meeting together where I had raised something - I then started overthinking about how I feel like I didn't make sense. Then he told me to shut up because I did fine. I'm so thankful for people like him sometimes. I spent half the day on Friday in the office and headed home at lunch because I had to babysit a 21 year old.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We went out for dinner with my work friends, it was quite good. I remember when we started this whole after work hang out group, I was always the one planning the outings. I got tired and decided that I didn't want to do it anymore. And since then... we haven't had any. But KI is going back home for Eid so he decided to catch up with everyone before he leaves. It's been awhile since we all got together like that and I enjoyed it. To be fair, I don't usually feel the void because I'm always over at M & D's. But we have collectively agreed with the team that we'd do a monthly meet up at least. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Saturday was great!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It didn't start off so well because I was really missing my Scotland trip. It was this day last year when we were up at the Isle of Skye. I didn't dwell on it too much because mum called. Argued with her for a bit about how no one should be embarrassed to eat or drink if they're not fasting. We all know that there are circumstances where you wouldn't need to fast. That's all there is to it. But it didn't go any further because we laughed it off instead of bickering about it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was meant to go to H, J and B's to pick up something in the morning but they were off early so I knocked at M & D's door instead. K didn't shut up the whole day about how I woke him up too early. We had breakfast that D made and he whined about how if M was around, I would be so quick to help out in the kitchen but when she isn't, I'd let D do everything. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJExpf32nSgh0n0zxpERrq05Ra_euANNPZE6GtBhibmr4k22AYs6UPsSUBLqhX2l89-e0yxpJ2YiDvXiCgZy6q9YGTdzx8ALkrVgcozOIH3rHpTS0QYp2QPssmH7m8bUk_Vm24luU1GxDd5CzxkDhgOtUNlPTaEmzg0uXPr43aJ7TQSzuwoRoRh3ZMQ/s4032/IMG_3103.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJExpf32nSgh0n0zxpERrq05Ra_euANNPZE6GtBhibmr4k22AYs6UPsSUBLqhX2l89-e0yxpJ2YiDvXiCgZy6q9YGTdzx8ALkrVgcozOIH3rHpTS0QYp2QPssmH7m8bUk_Vm24luU1GxDd5CzxkDhgOtUNlPTaEmzg0uXPr43aJ7TQSzuwoRoRh3ZMQ/w300-h400/IMG_3103.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By 12, we were all ready to set off on a walk for our boys day out whilst M was on a ladies day out. The walk was 11km, my legs ached a bit towards the end (it was really muddy!) but I felt so content. It's been awhile since I've gone on a long walk with people! And it has also been awhile since I was just in a really good mood so every little joke became the funniest thing to me. K and I argued the whole way, it's now safe to say that he's familiar with what having an older sister feels like. Iman and Nurul vid called me on my walk, and it made me so happy how they were out together and thought of me - I mean obviously they would.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">We did the Maidenhead to Bourne End walk. I would usually stop at Cookham and would take the train back from there but this time, our end goal was Wimpy. On the way, we did think we would go all the way to Marlow but M called and said she was done by the time we got to Bourne End. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">M picked us up from Bourne End and then I went to H, J and B's for a cup of tea. I didn't realise how much I missed them until I got there. So I told them that I think I need to post more things to theirs so I could see them more. But B's grown so tall and it's only been a year. It was such a nice catch up, I'm feeling sentimental now.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I went back to M & D's to plan our Scotland road trip (I'm soooo excited). It concluded the day so well with how I woke up missing Scotland. So there's that to look forward to.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now - I have clothes in the wash, a lego set to do and a whole day of recovering from the walk yesterday. The weather's not looking good so I'm quite pleased that I won't need to go out just for the sake of making full use of the weather.</p><p></p></div></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-84772142848977882752023-03-18T11:32:00.004+00:002023-03-18T11:33:15.641+00:00The Cycle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx7b1cBOG52ZSA6Up60esQdGpHHTR_YDa1rHDfL7_LoeOJ7ooOoyzgRrBkphZ-UD4_Gmp8j4pAbPoD2kfFDChcgvKY6XklpuiPKYmHhofxwlvLNFLKcFteuxmayXRFsX5JDX4tNxXg0JxkUIWsBuTrpEFrgJh0xh0Cti69FBb5ms9WXB9OivQBR7edA/s2100/IMG_2974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="2100" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx7b1cBOG52ZSA6Up60esQdGpHHTR_YDa1rHDfL7_LoeOJ7ooOoyzgRrBkphZ-UD4_Gmp8j4pAbPoD2kfFDChcgvKY6XklpuiPKYmHhofxwlvLNFLKcFteuxmayXRFsX5JDX4tNxXg0JxkUIWsBuTrpEFrgJh0xh0Cti69FBb5ms9WXB9OivQBR7edA/w400-h300/IMG_2974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Picture this - it's raining, the sky is bright and it's covered with clouds. The temperature is 11℃ so you put on your hoody, make coffee and head out onto the balcony. You can hear birds chirping through your earphones where you are playing songs from a new playlist that Spotify has made for you called R&B Soul Mix. Your sister called and she's holding your niece, talking about how they need to skip out on some family day activities because your niece had been crying. <p></p><p>You've always wished that your family would hold one... and when they do, you're not there. You don't feel sad, you just wish that you were closer to home so that you could be there for that. You know they'll plan one in the coming years - and maybe by then, you'd be able to join. But that's too far ahead in the future for you to think about so you stop dwelling on it.</p><p>Your sister then tells you how you could make your niece smile.. and you're making funny faces until she starts giving you a reaction. But then your sister asks, when are you coming back? It's not the first time she's asked; it's a question that comes up every week. But it hits you differently this time, because this time, you actually want to be back. You then tell her that you'll go back when your niece can buy you a flight ticket. Your niece starts crying and you realise that you need to buy your own flight ticket home! It's now your niece's nap time so you get off the phone and grab the laptop.</p><p>And that's where I am now. </p><p>Earlier today, I forced myself asleep after waking up at 5.30AM because I knew it was too early for a weekend. So I woke up again at 9 - after being horribly trapped in my dream. I regretted going back to sleep. I contemplated about going into London, but Emi's in Saudi and I asked Faten too late. It's also raining so I don't know if I'd hate myself even more if I head in - I'm thinking I would.</p><p>The past week has been a bit difficult, I've been distracting myself with work and I would sleep to stop myself from overthinking. This happens all the time, we get it at least once a year when we start questioning ourselves, our lives, our motivations, our goals... it happens. It's a cycle, it'll go away. But while it's here, it's a bit hard to feel content, to feel satisfied, to feel like you're ok and I think it's normal because of the life I live. </p><p>Yen's made a big decision and I'm so excited for her but she's feeling the same. Again - it's just part of living abroad - or life in general maybe? Both of us feel like we're floating between two phases of life. And whilst we've always felt like this would be temporary, it's been 4 years... and I have yet to make any solid decisions to start settling down. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNJD9KpycBJOaLZfDXLim-zfRXXUIjq3DRJHEN7lg59teVjH106gLAAi9E2FiQoijdO_NwPhHoGBWcIeQ0AlUhC4ltPNiA1Sx9KrJRP9MOpbnYgcVH0ZzwPbX7sz948czCFYaz1c-lmp1NkXQkmMYAa4Sb7OQFuIg_JvqvwbEkq7WVdzoDnsCrGb0KA/s4032/IMG_2970.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNJD9KpycBJOaLZfDXLim-zfRXXUIjq3DRJHEN7lg59teVjH106gLAAi9E2FiQoijdO_NwPhHoGBWcIeQ0AlUhC4ltPNiA1Sx9KrJRP9MOpbnYgcVH0ZzwPbX7sz948czCFYaz1c-lmp1NkXQkmMYAa4Sb7OQFuIg_JvqvwbEkq7WVdzoDnsCrGb0KA/s320/IMG_2970.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>We felt like a flatmate bonding time was due, so we went out last night for Italian, and then decided to hit the new games bar in Maidenhead. It was quite sad... nobody was there and it's probably because it was 8PM. But we'll try again next time, maybe with more people. I am currently looking forward to when the time moves to the British summer time because I'm starting to get tired of it being only 8PM but feeling like it's 9PM. My body clock changed time too soon. </p><p></p><p>It's a race weekend, I'm looking forward to it. The weather forecast says that the rain will stop. There's a langos and trdelnik stall in Windsor today. So as soon as my washing is done, I'm going to head out and enjoy some yucky British weather. </p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-50969303060989367782023-03-11T10:22:00.001+00:002023-03-11T13:11:33.036+00:00Why Is It Getting Cold Again?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNtYHFc08emoZ0W_-D2yz14JyiwbyhdJaRRad_O1Spyw_50Ri86lvX50OvXwrdNHnxYo1wV4lRMmtAjCH0iTQJp2_jbaFx5zDriBpiS2IeeBtmoEfNfgMqAnOO3oCJt4NsulWOEYu9ld79Rliafv197HQnrkbSrFA3k4zjmI6xTZMaOCHj0-rx4VHhQ/s4032/IMG_2700.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNtYHFc08emoZ0W_-D2yz14JyiwbyhdJaRRad_O1Spyw_50Ri86lvX50OvXwrdNHnxYo1wV4lRMmtAjCH0iTQJp2_jbaFx5zDriBpiS2IeeBtmoEfNfgMqAnOO3oCJt4NsulWOEYu9ld79Rliafv197HQnrkbSrFA3k4zjmI6xTZMaOCHj0-rx4VHhQ/w400-h300/IMG_2700.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's crazy how fast time flies sometimes... I've been back for a month and I'm all settled down getting back to the life that I'm used to. We've now passed the days where the temperature would drop below 0°C and instead I'm struggling to figure out whether it'd be too hot if I wore a jumper and a coat out. I've also stopped wearing my hoodie and have swapped my fluffy slippers to my bright yellow sandals. Soon, I'll be sitting on the balcony with a cup of coffee, tomato soup and a book that I've recently bought from the charity shop. I think that has illustrated enough how the season is changing, we're headed into spring and I haven't seen a single piece of snow... yet. I do need to plan a trip for the end of March so I could see snow, otherwise, it'd be another winter wasted. <p></p><p>Right hold on, this has been in my drafts and we're now two weeks on. The temperature has dropped again to below 0°C and it snowed a bit earlier this week. And there we have it, guys - remember to not get ahead of yourself or in this case... the weather.</p><p>It was as if I've just written about Malaysia last week, and now, I'm doing a rundown of my very productive (even though I was unwell half the time) month. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcZKQnhDpB0z37enwTBJpa8HsdCkvbFatVSbA6nXMe6J0CqbB4e2DY8rrCzeM0GCS_KTBH1ts10FccvWmVqX-KUQBEFBMUfF4lR2rfHW03MTKUzRJdajGV-qZgg22gvo2-Fdr6CM1X_a0VX_2zowT-W0WlxqGZsf3hfba3veR94CWF-wKXgVn9yZg0hA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcZKQnhDpB0z37enwTBJpa8HsdCkvbFatVSbA6nXMe6J0CqbB4e2DY8rrCzeM0GCS_KTBH1ts10FccvWmVqX-KUQBEFBMUfF4lR2rfHW03MTKUzRJdajGV-qZgg22gvo2-Fdr6CM1X_a0VX_2zowT-W0WlxqGZsf3hfba3veR94CWF-wKXgVn9yZg0hA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The weekend I arrived, I went out to London to meet up with Faten for food (a lot of food!) and to talk about life. Don't you just love it when you make new friends and you immediately feel comfortable enough to open up to them? What was only meant to be brunch turned to a whole day out! When evening came, we met up with Zariq (who's here to visit) and Yen to go around Canary Wharf for the winter lights exhibition. I have never seen Canary Wharf that packed... it was shocking. But I saw the lit up globe and all my friends and I was content. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh-vS3umWE3UDsKqHJkdlW1kD0yT1_fK_JbcOi45KzBfpetHOndcJPTXHOyAt6KnH4rbs9_kODWZt2KTnICUxhuhih2Eg42AQAk2aQd2XRTGsoAYVgWZzorEQhhveUTKI-ZvmPXYSiYVpwP1VRlb9MQft2gObbrgNq-Y7UOXT56Gr56tWidgUFUAYuXQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh-vS3umWE3UDsKqHJkdlW1kD0yT1_fK_JbcOi45KzBfpetHOndcJPTXHOyAt6KnH4rbs9_kODWZt2KTnICUxhuhih2Eg42AQAk2aQd2XRTGsoAYVgWZzorEQhhveUTKI-ZvmPXYSiYVpwP1VRlb9MQft2gObbrgNq-Y7UOXT56Gr56tWidgUFUAYuXQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>The week after, we went to our (my) now favourite cafe in Maidenhead - Stubbings Cafe before driving to Windsor to introduce Yen to it because she's lived in Maidenhead for a year now and hasn't been!!! In the second week of Feb, we celebrated Meriam's birthday with hotpot at ours. I baked cake for the first time in a long while and had to bin a whole batch of frosting. That same weekend, I did my normal Bourne End to Marlow walk and had mud-covered shoes by the time I got to Marlow. I felt a bit sad during my walk thinking how I could never get something similar in Malaysia.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEDWgCv3-Qx__-2HgWxtZSrNje_-Hvlimp-el5lriQuiXY1DdDQJRcrfYj7VTg634kZosKdIrd4Ckgi2weY9WSMz7c9jcv-aWovdzSzAtb9JyyPKHmBjUORWchad9QdubemtHoEKtAFDN5G7TJrbyjA1ZqkYIWXuH2u-c90IXLG-2U3_ltaDRAhaB-ZQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEDWgCv3-Qx__-2HgWxtZSrNje_-Hvlimp-el5lriQuiXY1DdDQJRcrfYj7VTg634kZosKdIrd4Ckgi2weY9WSMz7c9jcv-aWovdzSzAtb9JyyPKHmBjUORWchad9QdubemtHoEKtAFDN5G7TJrbyjA1ZqkYIWXuH2u-c90IXLG-2U3_ltaDRAhaB-ZQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p>The following week, I joined Meriam and Don to Cotswold where I was on leave but had a meeting to attend because I booked the day off the day before. Cotswold made me miss Sheffield and my uni days when we could take a bus out to the peak district on the weekends. Roaa and I went to see an opera that same evening and I enjoyed it for the experience despite having to read the subtitles the whole time. I'd like to see a show in English next. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5KF2B12XwOJCapO5vIzA5M-R-xCj4NOysZh4eQHl0HDDuyI9x3BR5bP04vSff5LOATHnW1hE3G-faq6i7hIRL1GbFSZXLS8oNVyMi1MZR_u9wrO2crj357ONAtwBvZ9wsH5AIPRGVLvM8kwmGqvqaZIIMvJex9Pc9QPCIH4Hx1HqNMbw9ne6W6W8O6g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5KF2B12XwOJCapO5vIzA5M-R-xCj4NOysZh4eQHl0HDDuyI9x3BR5bP04vSff5LOATHnW1hE3G-faq6i7hIRL1GbFSZXLS8oNVyMi1MZR_u9wrO2crj357ONAtwBvZ9wsH5AIPRGVLvM8kwmGqvqaZIIMvJex9Pc9QPCIH4Hx1HqNMbw9ne6W6W8O6g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>Munirah came over and I made nasi lemak (with sambal from the packet). It was sedap - not gonna lie for the sake of being humble. Although, I went through a breakdown that morning when I burnt the roast chicken. And to sell the idea of Maidenhead, we walked to the river after lunch. Although I haven't yet, I love how I can head into London and see Munirah whenever I want to. <p></p><p>I am now itching to go to London but I can't justify a trip in because of the weather and because I don't have anything preplanned so I've been walking around Maidenhead and Windsor on the weekends. </p><p>And to conclude, the first race of the season was last week. I can't wait to see Max win more races and where Aston Martin will end up in the constructors. </p><p>I had written that while I was out at Bakedd this morning. I'm now home after spending some time reading at the library. Reading back this post, it's quite clear that my head isn't in the right space today (because it's all over the place!). I cried on the way back home and God bless Nadhirah for picking up the phone because I think I'm a bit too tired of myself today. </p><p></p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-16238380180879384622023-02-12T22:25:00.009+00:002023-02-12T22:37:19.268+00:002022/Early 2023 Catch Up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S8PokA778LcugBm2S2nCMDWAGq7E1OyN82ZQ2TLYVUMp4gCX_0pnOoVueWSOGXDRsXpOx4lFX3bQt0MPTSEA4UvwDU51Lh0pNv2QeViNV1d1AcZKKY271BfjAahbWkXE5tloRtuK3fCulKlaXvVINqn5468O6xMotqbaNdeUTQc7yBDNNC_26JKIrA/s4032/IMG_4261.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S8PokA778LcugBm2S2nCMDWAGq7E1OyN82ZQ2TLYVUMp4gCX_0pnOoVueWSOGXDRsXpOx4lFX3bQt0MPTSEA4UvwDU51Lh0pNv2QeViNV1d1AcZKKY271BfjAahbWkXE5tloRtuK3fCulKlaXvVINqn5468O6xMotqbaNdeUTQc7yBDNNC_26JKIrA/w400-h300/IMG_4261.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm back! ...after realising that I haven't blogged about my Sweden trip or my Norway trip. If anything, I am quite disappointed in myself. Self loathe aside, I've managed to skip the worst of winter by being in Malaysia and now I've been back in the UK for three weeks - and I'm still trying to get back into living my best life. Can't really do that yet because I was jet lagged all of last week and have been ill most of this week. A </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">quick summary - </span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sweden</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JIKPEjjv05AjZmvFzTgqpMwu34hnSfh4N3AVTlxvts6YrGe0DC_-phj9_KQEAMtu-9t6EjnZ1bTgJXKKcNAmKnURMwx87Lk7q_VlgqEWfsWoRZoJValYoV21JJ58BGBDfAEtGuJgCpF9lH6VxNjL9CDQFXKD-Ae0hmg8I8ElD85nNOsgDHGiMlCkCg/s4032/IMG_1358.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JIKPEjjv05AjZmvFzTgqpMwu34hnSfh4N3AVTlxvts6YrGe0DC_-phj9_KQEAMtu-9t6EjnZ1bTgJXKKcNAmKnURMwx87Lk7q_VlgqEWfsWoRZoJValYoV21JJ58BGBDfAEtGuJgCpF9lH6VxNjL9CDQFXKD-Ae0hmg8I8ElD85nNOsgDHGiMlCkCg/w300-h400/IMG_1358.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spent most of my time with Jess and her family and I loved how welcoming they all were. Made me feel like home... made me want to grow up as a Swede. If I could, I'd like to go back to the moment where we had dinner, talked and sang all night at Jess' parents house. I need to go again soon. I went in the summer so I had a day trip at the beach. It was beautiful, the water was cold but the sun was out. I was in the water when I felt a bit warm and when it got cold, I laid in the sun. Life could not have been better.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Norway</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4_j9a9FHjG1JT93o1586Eq-NwCxZaQBmVRIQWLbW-ywEg9R30BwJ19cQCuVAvguGBtdNvf5GThiCURKEM42ag1qzhwx6LqvZez1066l_ghztWsCX4O9ehJBQJkkIp7yKbOuOzAS70CDFmKB7uF2sK03t12rcxgH1ve-FeVcJm7cKg05Av9aG-8lf2g/s4032/IMG_4748.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4_j9a9FHjG1JT93o1586Eq-NwCxZaQBmVRIQWLbW-ywEg9R30BwJ19cQCuVAvguGBtdNvf5GThiCURKEM42ag1qzhwx6LqvZez1066l_ghztWsCX4O9ehJBQJkkIp7yKbOuOzAS70CDFmKB7uF2sK03t12rcxgH1ve-FeVcJm7cKg05Av9aG-8lf2g/w400-h300/IMG_4748.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Norway was perfect - had one of those, if I were to die at this moment, I would've been happy to. I have been gatekeeping Norway quite a bit because it's so precious. I've decided to continue gate keeping it but we saw the northern lights. Sorry guys. I learnt a lot about my best friend during the trip, and I'm sure she learnt a lot about me as well. I'm excited for all the future trips we have planned together!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Malaysia</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was in Malaysia for a few reasons which included my brother's wedding, my best friend's wedding, my sister giving birth and to vote. I am so thankful all of that was planned for the end of the year so it made a bit more sense to be back for a longer period of time. I was, however, working remotely the whole time and to be completely honest, I wouldn't want to do that again. If you know me, you'd know how much I prefer being in the office so I reckon it is that more than anything else.</span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hakim's Wedding</b></span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2PZzlKMAOX676kAv_UIpr1wV5EPju19bEoucPTQS6i4qo_4L-9hcbWqUhbpheEcd6PHEZ_jX3NDsvXqsHPBM5chZsKZiofcAmjw88Q9XhPlBg7k6qMCZaZUsqxKwCcD1v-jhN8j9AgGXS9fkPZlmTj7nt-gjuSKYOPS6DduD99eBHCi0JvJg_FD6FQ/s4032/IMG_6871.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2PZzlKMAOX676kAv_UIpr1wV5EPju19bEoucPTQS6i4qo_4L-9hcbWqUhbpheEcd6PHEZ_jX3NDsvXqsHPBM5chZsKZiofcAmjw88Q9XhPlBg7k6qMCZaZUsqxKwCcD1v-jhN8j9AgGXS9fkPZlmTj7nt-gjuSKYOPS6DduD99eBHCi0JvJg_FD6FQ/w400-h300/IMG_6871.HEIC" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We went up to Penang the same week I arrived home. Wedding turned out well, I've grown fond of my new sister and I think she's a perfect fit to the family. My brother and I ran last minute wedding errands together but I didn't mind. We had a family dinner at a seafood restaurant with my mum's side of the family and I loved how happy she was. You can feel the contentness radiating from her and I loved it.</span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In between the wedding, I sacrificed my sleep to do a quick run to see Hannah (because I obviously had to?) and Hannah stayed up for me too. <span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);"> </span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">#prioritisingus </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">A few weeks later, it was the reception on our side and that went very well. Learning from Aisyah's wedding, this time around, I ate before the event and had time to eat during the event too because I didn't need to be responsible. We wrapped the event up with a quick stop at the coffee shop with just us kids to get some cakes and coffee. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Kee Zhen's Wedding</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSWZTPXECSlOoOOK2GSEm20WHqIe3ZoVibBnhRwfTfCtzXuUMOBVzHpRwlvMXkwE-9MCztfJO_WHO7BFR2UJML9OadAKh2Xze1uPT3WABrnG4gaM7t5Idj08BrLT-a2j4DfG8_oMVbTmdvT8yH3KxKemO04pIvdEcvwq7XJnXUAOpn9undtD9TVdU1Q/s4032/IMG_7016.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSWZTPXECSlOoOOK2GSEm20WHqIe3ZoVibBnhRwfTfCtzXuUMOBVzHpRwlvMXkwE-9MCztfJO_WHO7BFR2UJML9OadAKh2Xze1uPT3WABrnG4gaM7t5Idj08BrLT-a2j4DfG8_oMVbTmdvT8yH3KxKemO04pIvdEcvwq7XJnXUAOpn9undtD9TVdU1Q/w400-h300/IMG_7016.HEIC" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">We went to Sabah and it was hands down, the best wedding I've been too. Growing up, we always knew that we wanted to do life together but seeing us all there (in Sabah!) for Kee Zhen's big day sort of made me realise that we ARE doing life together. It was a moment. I love how Kee Zhen's found his right one and I can't wait to to celebrate more milestones with everyone. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">We attended the court wedding and it was very intimate - I loved it. I appreciate the family for having us there and letting us be part of a beautiful moment. Following that, there was the reception at Grand Hyatt. T</span></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">he food was lovely, everyone at the table was brilliant, we danced and we had so much fun... which then carried over to the Subang reception where we had quite the after party. They were just the best weddings - and have now become my new wedding benchmark. So if I ever get married and if ever I'm having a wedding, it will have a dance floor and we will all dance. I will also make my mum, my grandma and mak have a dance off.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Wedding aside, it was my first group trip with the lot where it wasn't a staycation and I had so much fun. I wish I was around more throughout uni so I could've join more trips. We talked... a lot, we ate... a lot but more than that, it was just good bonding time. We also realised how we'd happily swap Nick out for Alyssa. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Penang</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z10pXkHjTtXod6po_FMT6gteIS8qLrdBgfYS8audmiV-289R4WSGfrXhCXgFFpcAmpRKB4URZC5k2mNB71X4kZZ-UFb3NYpibsnLCL3m0LjtoH8iDH9H0ro_Q-y_jyPjDXZS7a22fmAenp4wseNsHsifae5RXEDtxOTuPhQWKi9_rtlOLa3_kGzh5A/s4032/IMG_9290.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z10pXkHjTtXod6po_FMT6gteIS8qLrdBgfYS8audmiV-289R4WSGfrXhCXgFFpcAmpRKB4URZC5k2mNB71X4kZZ-UFb3NYpibsnLCL3m0LjtoH8iDH9H0ro_Q-y_jyPjDXZS7a22fmAenp4wseNsHsifae5RXEDtxOTuPhQWKi9_rtlOLa3_kGzh5A/w400-h300/IMG_9290.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Nurul, Iman and I met up a few times - usually at Nurul's flat. Okay, was it a few times?? But they've managed to plan a whole penang trip out of it. I did not do any of the planning - which they need to forgive me for. But the trip was complete with all of us - Iman, Nurul, Ana and myself and it made me appreciate them so much because we were prioritising us! I don't think you'd typically realise how much you miss being together until you're actually together and that was how I felt. </span></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">We went to Escape - there was so much queuing but we had a lot of fun - tried out the trap door water slide. PRETTY EPIC. We treated the food queue as if it was a club. Iman jumped off the diving platform... lady was hella brave. I personally, wouldn't go again but it was a good time spent with my favourites.</span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51gEfZxSwZu5hWb5IsFNgtlJcP8koD_abvvtQo3LgqAgd7FGdDFNe__f5AmMKtfsCfRjsdOCphyvD80NJz0u-9sGl2_ByLP3-xBewShWLooO8KPslzcjteVFuAskO2Rs6-tTLTZCbGscbSJRBp_jMQyvAYR9EVdQIFpm83Dj8tcxtN09QBaXCKmh6jw/s4032/IMG_0942.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51gEfZxSwZu5hWb5IsFNgtlJcP8koD_abvvtQo3LgqAgd7FGdDFNe__f5AmMKtfsCfRjsdOCphyvD80NJz0u-9sGl2_ByLP3-xBewShWLooO8KPslzcjteVFuAskO2Rs6-tTLTZCbGscbSJRBp_jMQyvAYR9EVdQIFpm83Dj8tcxtN09QBaXCKmh6jw/w300-h400/IMG_0942.HEIC" width="300" /></a></span></div><span face="arial, sans-serif"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">We watched the sunset at the beach by Starbucks.. Malaysia is beautiful. But what was more beautiful was when Iman carried out an exorcism at the beach - funniest thing in the world and I'm so glad we have it on video so we could replay it at her wedding. </span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">We were ripped off buying pasemboq but it was too good so we got over it pretty quickly. We spent the next day having food and walking around penang before going on a 'night out'... at China House! Went back to the hotel to celebrate Nurul's birthday but at that point, she was already dead. Best night we've had, it was too funny. </span></span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqzeKeI2dk4PZPjxqy4vXR6qU0-QaPAF5TeE1aCIfBBGnVMi2i06WEFZn3d5utcDrJUO8wy8x6r2e95vAwl1SimoO133tG82oKUMXd4o6iG5WypIt1eggcWLMB2FYXaiTm1OEXVtq0_Kd3Ys-J629e5jhwaVOoO10JUPgDLcapqYAqGb9LTrkNU81UA/s4032/IMG_1012.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqzeKeI2dk4PZPjxqy4vXR6qU0-QaPAF5TeE1aCIfBBGnVMi2i06WEFZn3d5utcDrJUO8wy8x6r2e95vAwl1SimoO133tG82oKUMXd4o6iG5WypIt1eggcWLMB2FYXaiTm1OEXVtq0_Kd3Ys-J629e5jhwaVOoO10JUPgDLcapqYAqGb9LTrkNU81UA/w300-h400/IMG_1012.HEIC" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">The next day, we headed up to the habitat at Bukit Bendera. We bought the fast lane ticket which probably saved us an hour of queuing! I quite like the habitat, it was enjoyable but I felt like it was a bit expensive for what it was. We headed back afterwards and stopped in Taiping because someone was missing her husband (or her husband missed her?). Iman and I went to Taiping Lake Gardens where we cycled joined aunties dancing. LOVED IT! We had dinner at Taufiq's mum's house before heading back. Iman dropped me off at home for me to pick the car up and head straight into KL (at 2AM) in the morning.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);"><b>Hanz</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Arriving at our aparthotel (?), I told the receptionist that Hannah had checked in and I'm meant to go to her room. Conveniently, Hanz didn't inform them so we were outside of the room door at 2AM... with a 'do not disturb' sign and the receptionist did not want to let me in. I had to ruin Hanz's sleep in the end and it wasn't my fault.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Taking it back a few weeks before the staycation, Hannah, Amir and I were planning on going white water rafting. Due to the recent landslide and rain, none of our parents allowed us to. We were gutted, obviously, so we decided to go to Melaka instead. Arriving in Melaka, we dropped by a kuih keria gula melaka stall in Batu Berendam and was just simply disappointed. Arriving in Malacca's town we faced the traffic of Jonker Walk for parking - thankful for wide side parking spaces.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eOOXZJQlPBXxa4hoqRsh80-WopxmVAhoaMGl_maKbuRlcsmqNQXjoaORq98JxSAU4CWG5g7GqQbQW7zUa7sU34SpHLNc16BMoBzO-gEUeMVcICZ08zo40MtvcCF7FW68IePQKq2zviPWkLkuUjRr6QUAAwXq8GEM-YB6OUdMcuePThvgNuWVkJS-Cw/s4032/IMG_1142.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eOOXZJQlPBXxa4hoqRsh80-WopxmVAhoaMGl_maKbuRlcsmqNQXjoaORq98JxSAU4CWG5g7GqQbQW7zUa7sU34SpHLNc16BMoBzO-gEUeMVcICZ08zo40MtvcCF7FW68IePQKq2zviPWkLkuUjRr6QUAAwXq8GEM-YB6OUdMcuePThvgNuWVkJS-Cw/w300-h400/IMG_1142.HEIC" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">First stop was Cendol Kampung Hulu - I would recommend it, I'd go again just to have more! It was a cendol bingsu to put it simply and whoever came up with that is brilliant. We then walked in the heat along the river and around Jonker Street. When we started to get hungry, we went to Restaurant Peranakan Place for nyonya laksa and pai tee. Personally, I prefer The Chicken Rice Shop's pai tee. </span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">We then walked around the A Famosa area (in the heat - was about to die NGL) before ending the trip with ice lollies they make on the spot in a metal container. Glad I finished mine off before seeing how the lady made them - she washed her hands in the same bucket of water she used to wash the container... </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Arriving in KL, we cancelled plans with Amir because we didn't want to drive out anymore and instead, ordered from Murni.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Started the next day with a swim in an empty pool facing the KL tower. We drove out to park and check in at Concorde before being ripped off at Pasta Panas. It was good, but I wouldn't pay that price for what I had. Could've had a proper plate of pasta instead of out of a takeaway box for the same price. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUMzoxyDhF4F7FUTBuhCwQDDPIsEig7VgiMfg2fXjF7EaMDoZfO47E63-8EL208zTMuEufdOElihubKRZNSnR94pO1CPp68qJ9BqA2usLtWf7QgY2wIC8dwJJAf-MowX52GSwbyUgZ1aaHS85Wm0AED5si7D6lPWkyew7I2ojMHdVlliEBbIsJJdUKw/s4032/IMG_1295.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUMzoxyDhF4F7FUTBuhCwQDDPIsEig7VgiMfg2fXjF7EaMDoZfO47E63-8EL208zTMuEufdOElihubKRZNSnR94pO1CPp68qJ9BqA2usLtWf7QgY2wIC8dwJJAf-MowX52GSwbyUgZ1aaHS85Wm0AED5si7D6lPWkyew7I2ojMHdVlliEBbIsJJdUKw/w300-h400/IMG_1295.HEIC" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">We then went around KL (Central Market, Dataran Merdeka and KL Library) before heading to Bangsar to hang out with the rest of the gang. We wanted to see fireworks but didn't realise that all of the malls cancelled their fireworks show. We ended up at Hard Rock before I struggled to get back to the room because the hotel's lounge was playing some classic oldies. Next day, sent Hannah to KL Central for her train to the airport before getting lunch with Nadhirah at Sunway Putra Mall.</span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Got a niece!</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">My sister gave birth and that meant that there was a baby in the house! I didn't hold or touch her the first few weeks because she looked so fragile. When it seemed like she was holdable, I started helping my sister out and then suddenly, my sister and I started giving her baths every morning. I didn't mind - I have the baby as my phone's wallpaper so that might say quite a bit. I am quite fond my niece and she is bundle of joy (I now understand that saying!)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Every time they send photos of her I cry a little inside because she's growing up so fast!</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Me: I miss her<br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Aisyah: Balik la Malaysia<br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Me: (Search up how to be an investment banker)<br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Aisyah: Or cari husband investment banker<br /></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);"><i>Dad: This </i></span></span><span face="sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34);"><i>↑</i></span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Another KL Staycation</b></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeC-STPWKIGEKYbb9Uw84qX_QNIvauPiZHtKYCrHxfZviswNYtu9ut1E4j0y2IyTha2qKenaokoHIFC18Gum1biQKzArdRNna-mlUdx7YUn2eVlmEuXrApvGKz_q4aB5E_otoUNi-Rre4bwy7dimVfhJgaZhTXlhqGhvnpF48Hpu8UM4WaBi3f4iVzjA/s4032/IMG_1512.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeC-STPWKIGEKYbb9Uw84qX_QNIvauPiZHtKYCrHxfZviswNYtu9ut1E4j0y2IyTha2qKenaokoHIFC18Gum1biQKzArdRNna-mlUdx7YUn2eVlmEuXrApvGKz_q4aB5E_otoUNi-Rre4bwy7dimVfhJgaZhTXlhqGhvnpF48Hpu8UM4WaBi3f4iVzjA/w300-h400/IMG_1512.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">This time it was at Bukit Bintang and with Naimah! Naimah and I have the oddest friendship. I feel like I've known her forever but we knew each </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">other in college and to be completely honest, we haven't spent that much time together. But I guess it's all about the quality not the quantity! So, we stayed at KLoe... whilst Naimah loved it, I didn't fancy it much because I was up awake half the night due to the poor acoustic treatment. </span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">We shared a pizza from Pizza Mansion, then shared ramen from Lot 10 before getting lost in Pavillion. Headed back to the hotel with some coffee and hung out in the lobby for a bit before going back to our room and getting a birthday brownie for Naimah delivered. Had a swim the next day whilst Naimah judged me for not wearing a swimming scarf before going out for some really good pastries from Blackbixon. We checked out late to let us feel a bit hungry for lunch and had burgers at Monroe downstairs.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Time well spent, I think we need to do it more often... specifically when she comes to visit me here HAHAHAHA. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span></span></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Muar</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKxSn0tdRM-BPjxU9tBlsncZwU0jlMmql2JixAp9cnoqerGLKH-Kpr14C2pxJSzIbel0VMoFMqocOUq9L2eR-R2ODtbcJkPw9KqpGffUXmetWpP6MD4TYaTmb4gog8O4agNK-MUTMIxo7yncKZ58gfCIP-VNpveNelW59dKFTuVTXFGcfX2PLZovmJg/s3576/IMG_1656.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3576" data-original-width="2682" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKxSn0tdRM-BPjxU9tBlsncZwU0jlMmql2JixAp9cnoqerGLKH-Kpr14C2pxJSzIbel0VMoFMqocOUq9L2eR-R2ODtbcJkPw9KqpGffUXmetWpP6MD4TYaTmb4gog8O4agNK-MUTMIxo7yncKZ58gfCIP-VNpveNelW59dKFTuVTXFGcfX2PLZovmJg/w300-h400/IMG_1656.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">As it is, I can't go to Malaysia and not go to my grandma's so we had a one night trip to Muar for a wedding. Found it hilarious how my dad and uncle was picking on their cousin who is my age (I didn't realise she was my age!). Mum and I went out to Cafe 1988 to talk about life and mengumpat about everyone else in the family (jks - just wanted to create some family drama).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Genting</b></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTssGswI95tq3yCaIkP9yWQOMaedcMwZMIA5B7YseTu_dSTqN-LE2RgPMKcuQBVJSmtUJrSkRPGeWPk8ngQUY6-PPtgRwnmlYf3wfqqI0TiSpP-nZWsiM-GNj8f16ekvoiUPs7S7lNUSIFHUPNLaH03OdENlcIrkzqUzA0E7zgXZRvItBq3O1tQTaYg/s4032/IMG_1724.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTssGswI95tq3yCaIkP9yWQOMaedcMwZMIA5B7YseTu_dSTqN-LE2RgPMKcuQBVJSmtUJrSkRPGeWPk8ngQUY6-PPtgRwnmlYf3wfqqI0TiSpP-nZWsiM-GNj8f16ekvoiUPs7S7lNUSIFHUPNLaH03OdENlcIrkzqUzA0E7zgXZRvItBq3O1tQTaYg/w400-h300/IMG_1724.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">BEST LAST MINUTE TRIP EVER. So, Jaja, Q and I struggled like crazy to decide on where to go for our trip. We didn't have a lot of time and we were all occupied. But we prioritised us and drove up to Genting on Monday after work. Our dinner was snack from family mart and we ended the night with monopoly deal. </span></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_up32a0e0PGj7tmSvtJOTt7-y0Oxz9GMAKGnnH1Tyq1C_aVipck-A9xqagUgFjTBSJJm-dfq2A-j6wjxrgCPWJU2V87B7drtUgubcn5qa7Fg3AfLszfYBiraNkqCKR9mKMcfNeJnpTooH7yIXgiIHuNOLeBCt3Y6pdIOJRSqvefrEZ1BqV3_IZ26Z_A/s4032/IMG_1796.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_up32a0e0PGj7tmSvtJOTt7-y0Oxz9GMAKGnnH1Tyq1C_aVipck-A9xqagUgFjTBSJJm-dfq2A-j6wjxrgCPWJU2V87B7drtUgubcn5qa7Fg3AfLszfYBiraNkqCKR9mKMcfNeJnpTooH7yIXgiIHuNOLeBCt3Y6pdIOJRSqvefrEZ1BqV3_IZ26Z_A/w300-h400/IMG_1796.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">In the morning though, I woke up early to see the sunrise and it was too beautiful. At one point, I felt a ghost staring at me so I ran off back into the room to wait for everyone to naturally wake up. We left the hotel at 1PM, had lunch and then headed down to the temple for a little walk, talk, climb and coffee. Had dinner down at the Premium Outlets where Jaja went shopping before driving across the road to do some more talking while stargazing. Much required trip.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;"><b>Home</b></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YGSZ1S6Mz4keCT62CkZEgLMg_b3JJ-EhKGMJIZD97g35ek5yh9kQdpWR4Dv9b6q8Hny6dfFT5LtSP23RxzPOl3B27-HOsHOLeB9rxeJn5kdpz9xr6pnb15OpsuVP44MIIv8sYY-OO1gilQ1SxdRk4S_sZCbM_JkerUTUnh4GfsifhFyst9_8gHmBrg/s4032/IMG_2121.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YGSZ1S6Mz4keCT62CkZEgLMg_b3JJ-EhKGMJIZD97g35ek5yh9kQdpWR4Dv9b6q8Hny6dfFT5LtSP23RxzPOl3B27-HOsHOLeB9rxeJn5kdpz9xr6pnb15OpsuVP44MIIv8sYY-OO1gilQ1SxdRk4S_sZCbM_JkerUTUnh4GfsifhFyst9_8gHmBrg/w300-h400/IMG_2121.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Then it was time to head back to Maidenhead. I was excited, I felt like I spent a bit too long in Malaysia and I was ready to go back to my actual life. Everyone sent me to the airport despite it being so early in the morning, terharu kejap. </span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); font-family: inherit;">Arriving in Maidenhead, Meriam and Don picked me up and prepared dinner! It felt like I just left family in Malaysia to come back to a family in Maidenhead. I was then hit with a week of jet lag, followed by 2 weeks of being ill. And now, here we are. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Also - to the person that specifically mentioned that you read my blog and is planning on coming here, please could you drop me an email if you come across this. </span></p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-59773537248551836752022-07-02T20:20:00.013+01:002022-07-02T20:56:59.989+01:00Some Feelings<p>I've been outside on my balcony accompanied by 'Journey in the Wild: The Secret Life of a Cameraman' by Gavin Thurston since 4 o'clock - it is now 7. I'm a slow reader so I'm only about a quarter way through. Naturally, I have been distracted more than a couple of times by my thoughts and felt like now would be a good time to blog.</p><p>While I've been sitting out here, I've realised why I enjoy being outside. There's so much motion, sound and life that you won't necessarily get if you were indoors. The sort of presence that you notice and find comforting without it being distracting. I'd find myself staring out, seeing a bird fly by or reaching out to feel the rain just to get right back into my book. I now understand why I can comfortably spend hours in silence while I'm next to a waterfall or by the sea. The feeling of living allows me to feel content.</p><p>My housemate and I made Nasi Lemak yesterday, we used sambal from a packet because we're both not very good at cooking. We spent the rest of the night talking about life - mainly because we're going through that period where we're homesick and questioning life. Understanding what we're living for and what happiness means to us. Unfortunately, we still haven't found the answer and I doubt we'll find one any time soon. </p><p>I've been 'layaning' (I can't think of an equivalent english word) my emotions the past few days. I knew it was coming but it hits you differently when it actually happens. The PM on my project had his leaving drinks on Thursday and yesterday was his unofficial last day. And I'm feeling a loss... mainly because he's taught me a lot and I feel like he broke me out of my shell in the short 8 months that he had unofficially became my mentor. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"It'll be worth it, trust me, it's worth it. It's a lot of learning, but it's worth it." - JKS </i></div><p>He provided me the leadership and support that was necessary while I was going through what felt like an extremely steep learning curve and all I wanted to do was give up. Basically, the shield and shelter that I needed while I was growing professionally. But what I'm really sad about is the fact that I'm losing a colleague that managed to make me feel comfortable enough to vent and be unguarded to. However, I'm happy for him - he's going off to inspire more people. And also, it's not too bad because my new project manager has been great so it's now time for me to adapt.</p><p>I know, there'll be a lot of moments in life like this and that change is necessary.</p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-54382573841989363442022-04-02T20:38:00.007+01:002022-04-06T22:15:40.888+01:00Scotland: The Return<span style="text-align: left;">I have Perdida by STP playing on my train ride back to London from Edinburgh. It was a month after my Christmas trip that we had this second one planned. We all know how miserable I was after that first trip but I’m happy to say that I’ve recovered and this second trip had definitely helped a lot. I’m going back to Maidenhead feeling refreshed and content rather than feeling like I’ve lost something. </span><p>I feel like trips like these are the easiest to plan… mainly because there’s not much to plan. Had to book the train, book the accommodation, book the car, set up the trip’s playlist (which is the hardest bit) and wing it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDMgwN965dTQz4y7Uc1FATceUjMlvCooUdHkLXs5yEnDPot1wxVoIOG8d-TWhSPICs9DLkQoixCJh3T-DwwDw45orCa5nXP4u8yU1sjKhQy56UJuS4BgoIxAq_CNf8ZzoUNbjZn8CWVw9mwa7Ak3SWc3Nc9tu9grJg_fFrR-iJDj5vD5macAGwwEkLg/s4032/IMG_7323.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDMgwN965dTQz4y7Uc1FATceUjMlvCooUdHkLXs5yEnDPot1wxVoIOG8d-TWhSPICs9DLkQoixCJh3T-DwwDw45orCa5nXP4u8yU1sjKhQy56UJuS4BgoIxAq_CNf8ZzoUNbjZn8CWVw9mwa7Ak3SWc3Nc9tu9grJg_fFrR-iJDj5vD5macAGwwEkLg/w400-h300/IMG_7323.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 1</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">London > Edinburgh</p><p>Tuesday night, I went into London and stayed over at Emy’s flat. Around 5am, we left for King’s Cross and arrived in Edinburgh at 10am for Room and Rumour’s doughnuts. We then headed to Basel’s to drop Emy and our luggage off as they had to work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiMBPM2QMYDmyLP4VcLq5ZugbvTOTUFcutCLiIXgmNFLKngkGLulIdiG7v_669hv46Yw9CQiDg8kSjRxyK0dTFYG_3Pq86tzeWkAn_M1A7iJM9UpzAkNjaP9V5rXZf2X9Ue4zfnVkOkQvR7SSKuCdzokmxY_JluiwmmxlaoEGdlKUVxgQGNtz1LTI0g/s4032/IMG_7164.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiMBPM2QMYDmyLP4VcLq5ZugbvTOTUFcutCLiIXgmNFLKngkGLulIdiG7v_669hv46Yw9CQiDg8kSjRxyK0dTFYG_3Pq86tzeWkAn_M1A7iJM9UpzAkNjaP9V5rXZf2X9Ue4zfnVkOkQvR7SSKuCdzokmxY_JluiwmmxlaoEGdlKUVxgQGNtz1LTI0g/w300-h400/IMG_7164.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sarah and I then went around Edinburgh as the weather was too good to stay in. We walked to Dean’s Village, around Stockbridge, down the Royal Mile before grabbing pizza and heading back to the flat via Edinburgh’s ‘Hyde Park’. Must say though, we got extremely jealous of all the students living their best lives, having BBQs and just enjoying the sun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMaMCMOiUEsaT0XkiZeYjYfA8ngBw_HnoU_briMDk9SxftWCviMCIA6UuALw-xhQBjfrikH8n09CGqg7Io1KKk9ookSDBtr_hwm0aP7o7vmz3yaKAWRXMZe2OuH8VhFQl0JBW88IHoHa9ga1tyYspj7GUDBQ3C94N3rWEZyEkKW4vt_LBUTXmJSIPlg/s4032/IMG_7184.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMaMCMOiUEsaT0XkiZeYjYfA8ngBw_HnoU_briMDk9SxftWCviMCIA6UuALw-xhQBjfrikH8n09CGqg7Io1KKk9ookSDBtr_hwm0aP7o7vmz3yaKAWRXMZe2OuH8VhFQl0JBW88IHoHa9ga1tyYspj7GUDBQ3C94N3rWEZyEkKW4vt_LBUTXmJSIPlg/w300-h400/IMG_7184.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had a booking at Tiger Lily that evening. But instead of directly going, we headed up to Calton Hill to see the sunset and what a sunset it was! Tiger Lily was alright, the roti canai was such a big disappointment! I was expecting something authentic but it seemed like it came out of a packet. Although, the curry that came with it wasn't too bad. We then managed to get to Joelato in time for the best ice cream - which I was dying for but I told the team that I didn't mind if we couldn't make it in time to have some (when in reality, I've been wanting it since December). </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuG8tlwuW-ax_5bJn3957hUqq3GMrAZr57EfIXnJtIZBBIXY3a_QCHExkIxJ4AVJgwPIKtlC9sxuCHaL5uaX3Ond5vPTXUUdaomlpPYdyHt4tpnzRUfoTQgVUogWR1qAK2qj1w35qINWrKeM2m391pAE1Jy3ejaVQUvkFAt8eA6w4M_W0iJYm-5-C6LQ/s4032/IMG_7194.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuG8tlwuW-ax_5bJn3957hUqq3GMrAZr57EfIXnJtIZBBIXY3a_QCHExkIxJ4AVJgwPIKtlC9sxuCHaL5uaX3Ond5vPTXUUdaomlpPYdyHt4tpnzRUfoTQgVUogWR1qAK2qj1w35qINWrKeM2m391pAE1Jy3ejaVQUvkFAt8eA6w4M_W0iJYm-5-C6LQ/w300-h400/IMG_7194.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>We then walked to the castle - which I hadn't done previously... or if I had done so, I was too young to remember. I wanted to drop by Cold Town House but they were fully booked - it was a weekday?!<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 1 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh > Glasgow > Tarbet > Falls of Falloch > Tyndrum > Fort William > Dunvegan</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50su_dTV48fwz1hNgX-y9FgwIjEXI9eaoE0F9rBXc07aDe3CyhzMfKaQ0X6400qsGWncE9UqRM4UXg6iDPuWzgKRcQIggEEVu-U711KecexTXxADOcml_ZWDnGIf5LkRGivly_w2xD0q0Jmtdap8NptkjR3byfeyfbngFuLVqWVP0MXY2PetlGi560g/s4032/IMG_7233.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50su_dTV48fwz1hNgX-y9FgwIjEXI9eaoE0F9rBXc07aDe3CyhzMfKaQ0X6400qsGWncE9UqRM4UXg6iDPuWzgKRcQIggEEVu-U711KecexTXxADOcml_ZWDnGIf5LkRGivly_w2xD0q0Jmtdap8NptkjR3byfeyfbngFuLVqWVP0MXY2PetlGi560g/w300-h400/IMG_7233.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Onto the next morning, I have a strong memory of me waking up super early, excited about going up to the highlands. I ended up giving up on trying to go back to sleep around 7-ish and decided to just get ready. We picked up the car - it was a Kia Niro, and it wasn't too shabby of car - I'll tell you all about it towards the end!</p><p>And then we were off! Unlike our previous road trip, we hadn't struggled in trying to get the car, missing the train or filling it up. Phewh. Emy brought a karaoke mic and I think everyone enjoyed a bit of that. We did a quick grocery run in Glasgow to pick up snacks for the road before heading to our first planned stop - Tarbet. We parked by the lake and got our first taster of what's to come. As usual, you can't stop by a lake without doing some pebble skipping and so it began. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqYh-3nmkIVJW6mWNaNt_5LzdLV7YlCSTnCtYsd4ManA8YHCGDROImt_FE5EHD4YlJ85dxNsEP-ADef8aFc_yhRpMTClCVwgZQZ_mSMh0hQnateRTFwzct0wJVkprWUtpR3OJe0H0bUd-Mt5zH-GzmaSJ738b9TgH8g5YEwRVyLgPj9lT6iRfgfIW2w/s4032/IMG_7260.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqYh-3nmkIVJW6mWNaNt_5LzdLV7YlCSTnCtYsd4ManA8YHCGDROImt_FE5EHD4YlJ85dxNsEP-ADef8aFc_yhRpMTClCVwgZQZ_mSMh0hQnateRTFwzct0wJVkprWUtpR3OJe0H0bUd-Mt5zH-GzmaSJ738b9TgH8g5YEwRVyLgPj9lT6iRfgfIW2w/w400-h300/IMG_7260.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We drove further up and stopped by the Falls of Falloch because I can't resist anything that has something to do with waterfalls. It was a pretty easy stop - and not much of a walk to get to the falls. Once we had manifested the energy from the waterfall, we continued our journey when people started getting hungry. We tried our best to locate a grocery shop but as it is up there, you don't get many choices. However, at that point, I wasn't hungry enough to justify eating indoors and was really keen on having lunch with a view.</p><p></p><p>We got pretty lucky! Due to a push on getting hot food, we came across a cute cafe with outdoor seating called the Artisan Cafe near Tyndrum. As I was having it outside, I ended up eating my soup with a flat wooden spoon. Not complaining though as it was all worth it because we got to see a flock of sheep jumping and running from one bit of land to the other. It's like all good things happen in the highlands, either that or I appreciate things a bit more when I'm up there. </p><p>Next stop was Fort William to get ourselves food for the rest of the trip and we obviously had a few stops on the way there because it was too beautiful to not. We continued the journey to our cottage. At one point, I realised that it was getting dark but I was unable to comprehend timings just because, in my head, we shouldn't have spent that long on the drive up. We left at 9.30AM, the whole drive up was meant to take 6 hours - so it must've meant that we spent 5 hours just stationary. Therefore, take that into consideration when planning a drive up there. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXrxVssTx4FsI4YsD5gDJo3t-yQWv2V6jtlZzn8Bu6SRHm4jC8fBjol3ECXVGsTZVHflAvNhKBr5PqkRVBI3tqk45hbZk2wDRJ2OJyP-QyC2LBwtDLQLOVLcp73B0f3YhIEBU96m0NFt0hunz4BN7LA68vP__UjUQhRCJCD2dBrqvgEd0UjeZE0mOFQ/s4032/IMG_7370.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXrxVssTx4FsI4YsD5gDJo3t-yQWv2V6jtlZzn8Bu6SRHm4jC8fBjol3ECXVGsTZVHflAvNhKBr5PqkRVBI3tqk45hbZk2wDRJ2OJyP-QyC2LBwtDLQLOVLcp73B0f3YhIEBU96m0NFt0hunz4BN7LA68vP__UjUQhRCJCD2dBrqvgEd0UjeZE0mOFQ/w400-h300/IMG_7370.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>When we got to the Isle of Skye, Basel pointed out some lava-ish looking things up the mountains. I ignored it and swept it aside but then we realised that something was happening and it isn't normal. We stopped by the road, had a relevant song playing (about fire) and concluded that it was indeed a wild fire. That didn't help us getting to the cottage before it got too dark though - because it was pitch black at one point of the drive. <p></p><p></p><p>As soon as we got to the cottage, we had some pretty good steak, watched a movie that I was unable to brain and went to bed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 2</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Dunvegan > Neist Point Lighthouse > Talisker > Oyster Shed > Talisker Bay Beach > Fairy Pools</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpntZ8-vMgUtAxkuYMu0dcmcEji5oHtRc-3IObP3T7LKNLIb5QKca-CJR7AK6CNSCAJ9D2mKKzai-cuvQ6_teMpjtPvvnmlbheMGf7uzgqfH93WlnsAh-cMYyH_QUEV2svIbBifbUSyN3xcaFLcg_fbv6Ys9xhC1XSFYq98ZS3UYJLKNKYh7-M6zaPQ/s4032/IMG_7435.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpntZ8-vMgUtAxkuYMu0dcmcEji5oHtRc-3IObP3T7LKNLIb5QKca-CJR7AK6CNSCAJ9D2mKKzai-cuvQ6_teMpjtPvvnmlbheMGf7uzgqfH93WlnsAh-cMYyH_QUEV2svIbBifbUSyN3xcaFLcg_fbv6Ys9xhC1XSFYq98ZS3UYJLKNKYh7-M6zaPQ/w400-h300/IMG_7435.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>As usual, I woke up pretty early - excited about the day. I made myself some tea, brought my duvet out to the conservatory and watched the sky get brighter as the clouds started to clear up. This also gave me some time to actually plan the day. Had decided that we'd explore the west side of Skye. I made breakfast as it was the only contribution I could offer, but at the same time there was a bit of a drama because I didn't wait for everyone to have breakfast together and instead had it on my own... Anyway, I learnt and I didn't do it again.<div><div><br /></div><div>We headed out around 10 onto our first stop of the day - the Neist Point Lighthouse. Whilst Emy and Sarah decided to go down the cliff and around to the lighthouse, I decided to not and Basel seemed to have the same idea. However, because they went down and told us that there was a lighthouse on the other side of the cliff, I did a bit of exploring and found it - but without the trouble of having to go down and climb all the way up. Unfortunately, it was pretty cloudy and I found it too late to have been able to wait for the sky to clear up. The view from the cliff was beautiful enough though so I was feeling quite content.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxmZ5LkL8BxNFsbXuIIltQ_X9nrAEujwuP5yeSNiwT4bWLkn3MSoSgPntcKDkR25qzCeSF6LRd7jxQ_skduOwJP-a3oC0rD19IXcI_uu5F9eUjDmKJ414S6JM_T82Sqkf6EcvQBuzDWfhtIQdidXNMXTgMpGrcVR8juBJm2B9Yps7ffDVUINXC29kVw/s4032/IMG_7499.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxmZ5LkL8BxNFsbXuIIltQ_X9nrAEujwuP5yeSNiwT4bWLkn3MSoSgPntcKDkR25qzCeSF6LRd7jxQ_skduOwJP-a3oC0rD19IXcI_uu5F9eUjDmKJ414S6JM_T82Sqkf6EcvQBuzDWfhtIQdidXNMXTgMpGrcVR8juBJm2B9Yps7ffDVUINXC29kVw/w300-h400/IMG_7499.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our next stop was meant to be Talisker Distillery, but because there are ongoing renovations, we weren't able to go in so we headed straight to lunch. The Oyster Shed - and I must say, it was a pretty awesome lunch spot - everyone enjoyed it. It would've been better if there were seats but one shall not complain when there is good food. We then went to get coffee before heading to Talisker Bay Beach. I wasn't expecting it to be a walk from the car park, but it wasn't too bad. Luckily, it didn't disappoint as it was a black sand beach and our 10 year old self may have come out a bit there. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9OZrv5IFa3V7VBmZr9z89PgSJaWkaviM5NjbWNAFgZq3aLuLmQhY5lKbqAOw0GMihuZmjaQrCHp8yUJlet8PcIS5a7aPW7VqY94KC4MHd7QEmykfYnlwOeB6-DmJftCDUnCbKwb5w9OhsnMAFyNA7OZ1WUC5frkDDB2Ob6-LARMsx2cgFnzIjeq3Ug/s4032/IMG_7524.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9OZrv5IFa3V7VBmZr9z89PgSJaWkaviM5NjbWNAFgZq3aLuLmQhY5lKbqAOw0GMihuZmjaQrCHp8yUJlet8PcIS5a7aPW7VqY94KC4MHd7QEmykfYnlwOeB6-DmJftCDUnCbKwb5w9OhsnMAFyNA7OZ1WUC5frkDDB2Ob6-LARMsx2cgFnzIjeq3Ug/w300-h400/IMG_7524.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Unable to stay long due to the fairy pools being next, we made our way there and was glad we had some time to spend. As our inner child started to come out, we did a thing where we unnecessarily got ourselves stuck in mud just for the sake of it. Whilst I definitely ruined my shoe, Basel had it worse and nearly lost his. We then went to explore the actual bits of the fairy pools and what a beauty. Swear down, if I were a guy and appropriately dressed, I would've swam in. The pools were blue and clear and it was just... I can't describe it. I dipped my feet in it though but you've got to go there and experience it. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MFrvVuOplpuz_IJsp7r7IH013Frqq1F5K-ZTsXG9oPydbEk7bAkg5-Hd4Zz1g-I6fZKqzdHSX0zLzfYb3JJDYNjClSH1XRB2ByNqfqyvcsUT5pORztWo2ohXix9BIpndlpkcvHC9Jcr_G4S6GTqSbfyTs6bY2qf1JL1ko40Y2eYmh4BZ7lEpp-dk7w/s4032/IMG_7564.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MFrvVuOplpuz_IJsp7r7IH013Frqq1F5K-ZTsXG9oPydbEk7bAkg5-Hd4Zz1g-I6fZKqzdHSX0zLzfYb3JJDYNjClSH1XRB2ByNqfqyvcsUT5pORztWo2ohXix9BIpndlpkcvHC9Jcr_G4S6GTqSbfyTs6bY2qf1JL1ko40Y2eYmh4BZ7lEpp-dk7w/w400-h300/IMG_7564.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>We ended the day a bit early but still dead tired from what I remember. Can't remember what we had for dinner but this is why I take pictures of everything - I'm so disappointed at this point as I can't recall a single thing and I don't have photos to remind me. </div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 3</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Bride's Veil Falls > Storr > Lealt Falls > Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls > An Corran Beach > Sligachan Old Bridge > Lealt Falls > Sunset Drive > Stargazing </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfGDaH3H826dfklIbvyAA2zAfEQBTvspx8Ya4LSGRm7-dOn6DbSVF2gaMRtyJu1OmEVH0no98uwHJeXb3_ibyTHaSZbGNx9Uzm1E26Na2TnEViHG6FPiMyys-kk1CSJnfoEqTehUyEifvjkfGmU23THB_SNIDVpMJN9teO-lXgJRz64s5ON-Q0NCCmA/s4032/IMG_7860.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfGDaH3H826dfklIbvyAA2zAfEQBTvspx8Ya4LSGRm7-dOn6DbSVF2gaMRtyJu1OmEVH0no98uwHJeXb3_ibyTHaSZbGNx9Uzm1E26Na2TnEViHG6FPiMyys-kk1CSJnfoEqTehUyEifvjkfGmU23THB_SNIDVpMJN9teO-lXgJRz64s5ON-Q0NCCmA/w400-h300/IMG_7860.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>We're at that point of the blog where you'd know I woke up pretty early. This time though, I decided to get ready and go out for a bit of a tree climbing session. Back in Nottingham, we weren't able to find a climbable enough tree but there was one in the garden of this cottage. And so, I went for it, got stuck, saw more sheepies and then gathered some courage to climb back down. Luckily, all I needed was a bit of confidence because I was so close to asking someone for help and that would've been embarrassing (because why would you climb a tree knowing that you can't get down!). When everyone was up, breakfast was ready and this time around, I had waited for everyone before I ate.</div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOXisrRCdARNC-2yhKAOrPcLwEoLjPYWGHJD3bASqnhqgrskAsKFtu2B848quO-EtG9c0MIebk6Dj5LmI2ksHXHlrk0oS0qN7MpzN3qeymiVzvGMeOh7XnMG-uIdh2GoYSOKuAE-Zc0iT8ono2-ycPSFjDkrQQYu63epFxfWKWriWDEaz-E8oBrCZkQ/s4032/IMG_7817.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOXisrRCdARNC-2yhKAOrPcLwEoLjPYWGHJD3bASqnhqgrskAsKFtu2B848quO-EtG9c0MIebk6Dj5LmI2ksHXHlrk0oS0qN7MpzN3qeymiVzvGMeOh7XnMG-uIdh2GoYSOKuAE-Zc0iT8ono2-ycPSFjDkrQQYu63epFxfWKWriWDEaz-E8oBrCZkQ/w400-h300/IMG_7817.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p></div><div>Our first stop was Bride's Veil Falls - it was marked on my map but because everything was just off the road, I hadn't purposely planned it as a stop. Basel spotted it so we stopped. Did a quick walk around, crossed the river, dropped a phone in the river (and got it on camera) before heading back to the car to hike up Storr. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8vF82G8UkmADQv7M7LIJfYV6lahdtt1De95g6_nPtb7GQacyb-qiDfqG7l4yKjw-DJolE-pnj-pUDU85fRM_xrdvkAnmG_IIAbre1rDhlIZvS7VCTmMETCi4XHpUkj5kN82ohHKWwja9a7ZPv3BtnTDLMrcy6GiWTeJF1s2j8Zo3kUj5GRYS9IMW7w/s4032/IMG_7882.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8vF82G8UkmADQv7M7LIJfYV6lahdtt1De95g6_nPtb7GQacyb-qiDfqG7l4yKjw-DJolE-pnj-pUDU85fRM_xrdvkAnmG_IIAbre1rDhlIZvS7VCTmMETCi4XHpUkj5kN82ohHKWwja9a7ZPv3BtnTDLMrcy6GiWTeJF1s2j8Zo3kUj5GRYS9IMW7w/w400-h300/IMG_7882.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now... this one wasn't part of the plan. I hadn't intended to hike neither did I want to. But majority wins, and so we did. I've now noted that I shall do a bit more exercising prior to our next trip. When we were up there, I had opened a new bearbrick! I forgot to bring one on my previous trip I learn from my mistakes. And so, we had Mike Alexander V, apparently born in Toronto (?) in 1895 (?) join us on the trip from then on... my memory isn't great, I had probably gotten both the place and dates wrong. But Mike is so fitting to the trip - he's a little deer! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We headed down and drove to Lealt Falls... there's a viewing platform where we saw the falls, but it wasn't that great because the railings on the platform was blocking the whole view. However, we headed towards the cliff where we were able to see the cliff edge, the beach, the mountains in the distance and hear the waterfall - now, that was a good spot. Next was the Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls - this again, was a bit touristy based on the fact that there was railings along the edges and you could hardly see the falls. Was it beautiful? Yes. Would've I spent all day there? No. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kQSAPLuxJOh6j-FHr-OuP2w-ZLREIeC84A5py3ej_2Ni90g-7tCwO6d1J9-3uOffqWeBsVOoP30NlNY6BUJY0eKDU0cqJlegtJbzYGzVkMU6ugM66gzYI0jYarZZ0Igsdm4rQRnnRJLpioopOlmC9gs97zQsPMtclVyKIehXY3PiALAuv6d3-YB1yw/s4032/IMG_8028.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kQSAPLuxJOh6j-FHr-OuP2w-ZLREIeC84A5py3ej_2Ni90g-7tCwO6d1J9-3uOffqWeBsVOoP30NlNY6BUJY0eKDU0cqJlegtJbzYGzVkMU6ugM66gzYI0jYarZZ0Igsdm4rQRnnRJLpioopOlmC9gs97zQsPMtclVyKIehXY3PiALAuv6d3-YB1yw/w400-h300/IMG_8028.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>It was then time for lunch, I didn't have anything planned and there wasn't any food available anywhere. We got directions (wink) from a couple of policemen and ended up at a grocery shop where we bought bread, cream cheese, salmon and other bits to make sandwiches from. Headed to An Corran Beach (wasn't that great of a spot to be completely honest) but we got the picnic mat out and had lunch. As soon as it got cold, we headed back in the car and did the remaining round trip around the north part of Isle of Skye.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SiuYdEqdsQQk5lu0Ge_T3Uznet091vYBHhCZfFNR9_e5x8Dwmk4bf-RTTzgMkpwGHyCZGVhXE0o-QeIFkeYjXrLw4ga-6F0R6VE0WeaoHsbJGzjuqkdLYbjocI3iT4DhyP9ta_HdIthg07X4k0m07qesQdX2-6lw-9gE2DADltXvxyonJbqFutKWDg/s4032/IMG_8047.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SiuYdEqdsQQk5lu0Ge_T3Uznet091vYBHhCZfFNR9_e5x8Dwmk4bf-RTTzgMkpwGHyCZGVhXE0o-QeIFkeYjXrLw4ga-6F0R6VE0WeaoHsbJGzjuqkdLYbjocI3iT4DhyP9ta_HdIthg07X4k0m07qesQdX2-6lw-9gE2DADltXvxyonJbqFutKWDg/w400-h300/IMG_8047.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We missed out on Quiraing as there wasn't enough time to do the hike so we headed to Sligachan to have a look at it before heading back to Lealt Falls because Basel couldn't have enough of that place. To be fair, it was very difficult to leave because it was too beautiful, with the colours in the sky and the sound from the ocean. The drive back during sunset, though, was too too beautiful. Perdida by Stone Temple Pilots now have a special place in my heart - my favourite video of the drive had that song in the background and I haven't been able to stop watching it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_E0FWioBJUC96RQsMh3JqucsApCKVI96E_5ZhSEnm0Gj2oht5z1gqyF38Od5kmhke-Tc-wirGE8O6U3jVd7LejqtbYlQzFspCtirBd-ozxQ0q6HhF8S6q0V2IES3Z14NpWKXhaaqmGaBX2e8ifWktmBidBFMSeBHoPtQhbIMx33lgZq54aFjhJV5lw/s4032/IMG_8162.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_E0FWioBJUC96RQsMh3JqucsApCKVI96E_5ZhSEnm0Gj2oht5z1gqyF38Od5kmhke-Tc-wirGE8O6U3jVd7LejqtbYlQzFspCtirBd-ozxQ0q6HhF8S6q0V2IES3Z14NpWKXhaaqmGaBX2e8ifWktmBidBFMSeBHoPtQhbIMx33lgZq54aFjhJV5lw/w300-h400/IMG_8162.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now... onto my highlight of the trip. When we got near the cottage, it was pretty clear that I was going to get to stargaze and Oh. Was. I. Excited. We stopped by the lake and it was dark enough to start seeing the stars. We then headed back to the cottage and instead of heading in and settling down. I cheated a bit and left Sarah and Emily to do the cooking. I got the picnic mat out, got my duvet out and laid down outside and stargazed. It was such a feeling, I can't describe it. I then headed in for dinner and before we went to bed, Emily, Sarah and I went outside to stargaze again. The stars were endless, it was as if we were in a planetarium - it didn't feel real, it didn't seem real but it was! We had a pretty deep conversation out there about life too... thank goodness for warm duvets!</div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 4</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Dunvegan > Loch Lochy > Bridge Cafe (Spean Bridge) > Laggan Dam > House of Bruar > Forth Bridge (Queensferry) > Edinburgh</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqWqzQWCn1MxsFwvZl3QsMWnoWMlUZ1ksTCfYkRRP28EnBzBcqd_6MHkw244r0I1hae7GvlFqWEVzqasVZD2AkXq-Xg3QP9gQNVa9sL9zLoTBzvMtpnXyd21xomBuThd-qhr82hhJPBGNDO0VBks_6slAXeuuyiAd0HpKb_vFmbk23uhVqFR-OpjPJg/s4032/IMG_8223.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqWqzQWCn1MxsFwvZl3QsMWnoWMlUZ1ksTCfYkRRP28EnBzBcqd_6MHkw244r0I1hae7GvlFqWEVzqasVZD2AkXq-Xg3QP9gQNVa9sL9zLoTBzvMtpnXyd21xomBuThd-qhr82hhJPBGNDO0VBks_6slAXeuuyiAd0HpKb_vFmbk23uhVqFR-OpjPJg/w400-h300/IMG_8223.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p></div><div>We had an hour less of sleep due to the daylight saving time but breakfast was great if I hadn't had a pre-breakfast prior to the loaded pizza being ready. And we were headed off, back to Edinburgh. Obviously, no one wanted to leave but it was not a choice that we could make as we had work to go back to. In saying that, it was definitely a choice that we could have made and a 'work from elsewhere' trip might just come up in the second half of the year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmruw-c8mCs6Sb8uKddHmclRyBRZ1IiFOV6vqxqw0T9BVgJVbVbF7Rz8Bfg8wqUdr2bAtk_HReFLtB8vGdgfPF7XRszq1F0PG0pyVeZFfzgmI6hGDDmQso292OegT80ec49thoUFFkWrtcyUYVEdZVSrKY8FaohNpKLHHlZXLU8saFplnrF45MSk3ZoQ/s4032/IMG_8285.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmruw-c8mCs6Sb8uKddHmclRyBRZ1IiFOV6vqxqw0T9BVgJVbVbF7Rz8Bfg8wqUdr2bAtk_HReFLtB8vGdgfPF7XRszq1F0PG0pyVeZFfzgmI6hGDDmQso292OegT80ec49thoUFFkWrtcyUYVEdZVSrKY8FaohNpKLHHlZXLU8saFplnrF45MSk3ZoQ/w400-h300/IMG_8285.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We dropped by Loch Lochy and was mesmerised by the beauty - the reflection on the water was breathtaking. Basel did an impressive pebble skip - most number of pebble skips to date and we had a bunch of pretty funny photos taken there. Unfortunately, I respect people's privacy and I'm unable to post them. We dropped by Bridge Cafe where we got ourselves coffee and lunch to take to Laggan Dam, it was pretty great - the sun was shining, the sky was clear.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEift2xJ8CnusVv5ClenJTSdCRYCCRa3PhgfpuLIVd8tkNGgKvm3U9KYXdOPgE4_xA05UCGmPdHHM0RY07aAoTLwn_HdRTBT5HcyTM400UC52EQJFU_S0Ge0cvlsr07JLJcs_9TFe2qP9cRO2u5_mhmTjZgGzRnB8UW8HuV8RSeg3jfAyF1ZNXeGkVOhIg/s4032/IMG_8342.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEift2xJ8CnusVv5ClenJTSdCRYCCRa3PhgfpuLIVd8tkNGgKvm3U9KYXdOPgE4_xA05UCGmPdHHM0RY07aAoTLwn_HdRTBT5HcyTM400UC52EQJFU_S0Ge0cvlsr07JLJcs_9TFe2qP9cRO2u5_mhmTjZgGzRnB8UW8HuV8RSeg3jfAyF1ZNXeGkVOhIg/w400-h300/IMG_8342.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We drove on and started arguing about where we stopped last time to build my little snowman.. It looked quite different in the sun compared to when it was in the snow. Indeed, you could go up to the highlands a million times and it'll look different every time. Once we got to the motorway, Basel discovered the coolest thing on earth. The car apparently had smart cruise control - so the car manoeuvred following the road and all things like that. Essentially, all you needed to do was keep your hands on the wheel, but not do anything - it did all the driving automatically. I've never used cruise control before so it was pretty impressive to see how one could be used at its full potential. Get a Kia Niro!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_xRisUYQldcj4y0Z4aTs80P9dsfAmtl4Dqs8052xn7G71tHHtFrfNewI_iUD5vEEesraAI-ybgib4JsVCMT3zLIs8Z2_7fWlsCtlsmEKtt2_oW7233w6eGxJvhzrVLEgiZEClR4924YTO44azNhDs8LOYGGUoOBt-0dP8vykEnwAizndY4VPKhzoVw/s4032/IMG_8363.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_xRisUYQldcj4y0Z4aTs80P9dsfAmtl4Dqs8052xn7G71tHHtFrfNewI_iUD5vEEesraAI-ybgib4JsVCMT3zLIs8Z2_7fWlsCtlsmEKtt2_oW7233w6eGxJvhzrVLEgiZEClR4924YTO44azNhDs8LOYGGUoOBt-0dP8vykEnwAizndY4VPKhzoVw/w300-h400/IMG_8363.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped at Bruar for ice cream and a quick walk up to the waterfall. I had experienced the unfortunate event of seeing people naked... ruined it a bit for me but it was what it was. We continued on our journey, watched Formula 1 in the car and decided detour to Forth Bridge. We got the picnic mat out, sat at a spot where we could see the bridges and had the phone set down to watch Max win the Saudi Grand Prix. It was pretty intense those last few laps. And watching it with a Ferrari fan made it feel better because Max did not disappoint. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoebNE0Ld1vOznKR4iuiAd8ovlmdX84MzlBfhrLYjMbI5VinsmXxTH9r09ZZ_rQBm37pXhyHX1MvXqKUZZwLFnYV3O6shL5DyO1T9ASTitSrBzBSbZRCMQS3_twvjlhENrROv4KiteKzBBIV4Y_INWIjgS85zX4_tkk8h2FyAznOLC89uXaPa9OcpqSw/s4032/IMG_8379.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoebNE0Ld1vOznKR4iuiAd8ovlmdX84MzlBfhrLYjMbI5VinsmXxTH9r09ZZ_rQBm37pXhyHX1MvXqKUZZwLFnYV3O6shL5DyO1T9ASTitSrBzBSbZRCMQS3_twvjlhENrROv4KiteKzBBIV4Y_INWIjgS85zX4_tkk8h2FyAznOLC89uXaPa9OcpqSw/w400-h300/IMG_8379.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Headed back when the race was over and arrived at 9-ish in Edinburgh. We had some thai food and watched IT: Chapter 2. I probably only saw 10% of it because I was falling asleep throughout. </div><div><br /></div><div>Day 5 was a short one, our train was at 4PM and I spent the whole day dozing off... as much as I tried to stay awake. The ladies hiked up Arthur's Seat though but I was full on just dead. </div><div><br /></div><div>I must say, we acted a bit more like grown ups this time around, our inner child didn't come out as much and we all behaved. It was a very fulfilling trip, I came back to Maidenhead feeling content and I'm extremely excited about our next trip. But we'll start looking into that once I come back from Malaysia - leaving in 2 weeks. YAAAAAY.</div></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-53250738325843841552022-01-30T18:13:00.007+00:002022-01-31T12:55:52.597+00:00The Year Starts in February. <p>Putting it straight out there, January was a very difficult month. It has been a while since I've felt this way for an extended period of time - the last time probably being in 2020. I can't remember how it felt back then but I know I got through it so that's putting my mind at rest - the fact that there are better days coming. </p><p>This month, not only did I have to struggle with getting over the holidays but I also had to search for a new flat. There was quite a bit going on at work too as it's currently a very busy period.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEjvtB1Y_jgpHNmRiPpUiZryplHBaOkjn1TMQxDkS9xYyo1vUUN5TEedbzC6p9noA6uuP_fE8BaRts1fl3rLlzUDaZsxLShoH5u1VW1oauguBxeCfuHT2xmqmfzSFpW-JvGWm7wkSV4jXXr5ZSMDACdYmV8kckYvkdvxTT89ytlESUMYc60N5PMH7UWg=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEjvtB1Y_jgpHNmRiPpUiZryplHBaOkjn1TMQxDkS9xYyo1vUUN5TEedbzC6p9noA6uuP_fE8BaRts1fl3rLlzUDaZsxLShoH5u1VW1oauguBxeCfuHT2xmqmfzSFpW-JvGWm7wkSV4jXXr5ZSMDACdYmV8kckYvkdvxTT89ytlESUMYc60N5PMH7UWg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One big thing was that there's quite a big change in the THG dynamic (not in a negative way) but it seems like we're eventually shifting hang outs into London and Jess won't be around as much anymore. So there's one less person (as if we haven't lost enough!) but also there's new friends that we're starting to get to know. I'll be introducing Yen to the team soon enough. So... that feeling of home is getting shaken up a bit because the familiarity will be gone. But what's life without changes... and what we've all come to terms with is that it's indeed the end of an era. <p></p><p>All of this feels like the last day of uni, when you realise that you're no longer going to be just a text away of meeting up and getting dinner together. That you're unlikely ever going to pull all nighters together anymore and have those moments as a group that would become part of your best memories. That all of your inside jokes will eventually just be one that you would come back to only when everyone meets up again. And realising that it'll be so hard to actually gather everyone at the same place. </p><p>But it can only get better from here. And as OY has once said, we managed to get through that (end of uni), so we'll manage to get through this. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWsLeoItHfjBepwXlcUQjUMX5_oluwbGVtnQwZW1rpc9uacMwRDwK2pBbP4-0JUw98opaC7lCL8kjgMjDhHkTB361lo_EKFeTZh7gfKpzei9q2wJc7IWO_56jCy3NMMYKQhZDj6010sx86drsLT4N49cdKpKxFbYopZYnPk_34G-KWz7tI817DZpI81g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWsLeoItHfjBepwXlcUQjUMX5_oluwbGVtnQwZW1rpc9uacMwRDwK2pBbP4-0JUw98opaC7lCL8kjgMjDhHkTB361lo_EKFeTZh7gfKpzei9q2wJc7IWO_56jCy3NMMYKQhZDj6010sx86drsLT4N49cdKpKxFbYopZYnPk_34G-KWz7tI817DZpI81g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sad bits aside, I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR. I'd like to declare that my year starts in February. <p></p><p>Firstly, whilst Jess and Trev have moved out of our main hang out spot... Yen and I are moving in to it. I doubt that it'll still be THE hang out spot but I aim to provide the same amount of hostility I mean, hospitality that has been provided by Jess and Trev all this while. So that means, making it guests-ready and feeling homey. Our new hang out spot in London (both T & O's place) are pretty decent too and their flatmates and friends aren't too bad. So it's gonna be an exciting year.</p><p>Next, I have decided that I will go to Malaysia on holiday this year. I need to buy tickets but I've booked my annual leave so there's that to look forward to. But also, we have placeholder dates for my next visit to Scotland and also a road trip around Wales. I'm hoping that by then, I'd have my license already so I could do some of the driving too. We also already know which month were likely to do Sweden in (still think it's a risk if I go because what if I like it so much I want to move there?). And Jaja and Q are planning a trip to Europe that I've managed to invite myself to. I told you it's going to be an exciting year!</p><p>Now, this gets me super excited every time I think about it but I'M GOING TO SEE HARRY STYLES!!! And I'm probably going to see him twice, with one being the first day of his tour. I've bought two tickets for each but it's still up in the air of who I'm going with. Either way, even if I go alone, I know that I'm going to have the best time of my life. I'm well too excited for it.</p><p>Career-wise... I’ve had a chat with my current career advisor, Jess 😂 and I'm planning to develop quite a bit this year so I foresee it being very stressful. But as I've said to everyone, when I came in as a graduate, I came in with a goal so we're trying to achieve that by early next year. </p><p>With all of that planned, if one or two falls through I still have a lot to look forward to. Keeping expectations low but excitement high. </p><p></p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-27784372545350665652022-01-08T01:12:00.005+00:002022-04-10T17:41:10.266+01:00Left a Piece of my Heart in Scotland - Part 3<p>What a difficult week - I've never felt this way for such a long period of time within the past 3 years of working. But I blame the Christmas break - I made it pretty clear to everyone I spoke to this week that I had an amazing break and that I didn't want to leave Edinburgh. So before my bad memory comes knocking on my door, I'll continue with Part 3.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw6AuZd8Rp9Rk0emx9Pmiq7ZThq2RL0PNBG9jYlpCOT35aQFdCIP8Lpa5Fy0WiZSITZMvua4PXmfyN0TvfPEIRBctYzhnBTODw4GtWxLizqDu-TGzuIcgapOdPc82uz1PF7esayRPPZVYfxajEivvmY5wOD-Ox8QgY5gFCwpA_5XQRK7ECk7eJbDqtFw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw6AuZd8Rp9Rk0emx9Pmiq7ZThq2RL0PNBG9jYlpCOT35aQFdCIP8Lpa5Fy0WiZSITZMvua4PXmfyN0TvfPEIRBctYzhnBTODw4GtWxLizqDu-TGzuIcgapOdPc82uz1PF7esayRPPZVYfxajEivvmY5wOD-Ox8QgY5gFCwpA_5XQRK7ECk7eJbDqtFw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 11 - 27th Dec</b></p>Took the train and went to Glasgow to see Kak Bebe, Abg Nasa, Alia and Asyraf. I had promised Kak Bebe that I'd go see them if I go up to Scotland and I'm so glad I did. It's so weird how we were never close because obviously, she's always been a lot older than me. But when you hit a certain age, it just becomes a number and I feel like that was what has happened. We managed to connect and it feels amazing knowing that you have family around - despite the fact that I've never really spoken to her properly before this. It felt like I was at home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjesgdJTB9gJc19hQ4AJq1PetwOV4p-quNJXy8kl_BYEPBdDHM-vOnTjTZcQ6H0T7nyp4oC1dRi4PhHLGM7zcGXSZpGWSF07K8T89uYCtKvGaTh0o4Iel0fCkXO411bRloGtK4XvQgaSb5Fwy8fG9L_yFLUhdQcRp6IonPgBhAdciFn_NRqmuPrgMpy8Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjesgdJTB9gJc19hQ4AJq1PetwOV4p-quNJXy8kl_BYEPBdDHM-vOnTjTZcQ6H0T7nyp4oC1dRi4PhHLGM7zcGXSZpGWSF07K8T89uYCtKvGaTh0o4Iel0fCkXO411bRloGtK4XvQgaSb5Fwy8fG9L_yFLUhdQcRp6IonPgBhAdciFn_NRqmuPrgMpy8Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They prepared a feast for me expecting that more people were coming. But I hadn't invited anyone except myself so I felt a bit bad but as Malaysians do - they packed me food to bring home and so everyone back in Edinburgh got to taste it as well. Abang Nasa made ikan bakar and Kak Bebe made the sambal. IT WAS SOOOOO SEDAP? Like I don't typically eat ikan bakar with the sambal but I had it and now I'm craving for it. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy2ncJB_lPF4x93F3cgtiBMGTvOsR0jFwByL56CEcX7qi07fBav4Jw04Lg4cB7wjG1F9urMvvGzk6mSBcCy8ExLL9LQlapUYvWZmWqadR6dRoyLGD7EJWnHqlJeeLzAABcDp6FXk7yP1SDZSz-l_S006AoA8GR_v3b-m7B6wfjL7oohpKVfZbiDV44xg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy2ncJB_lPF4x93F3cgtiBMGTvOsR0jFwByL56CEcX7qi07fBav4Jw04Lg4cB7wjG1F9urMvvGzk6mSBcCy8ExLL9LQlapUYvWZmWqadR6dRoyLGD7EJWnHqlJeeLzAABcDp6FXk7yP1SDZSz-l_S006AoA8GR_v3b-m7B6wfjL7oohpKVfZbiDV44xg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We spent the time catching up, talking about life, the trip to the highlands, our travel stories. Alia showed her paintings and they were amazing! They insisted on driving me all the way back to Edinburgh but I told them that Glasgow station was fine so I had a ride in a Tesla. One day... when I can afford it, I shall. <p></p><p>Arriving back at Haymarket, Don and Meriam were also there so we took an Uber back to Basel's. I can't remember the rest of the evening, but we probably had dinner and then played some games on the PS5 or switch. Guys, this is exactly why I record everything... because I can't bloody remember without a photo or a video... or did we watch a movie?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 12 - 28th Dec</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8DePd6kAU1WZzR0Nq1oiuBkP3-FIbxb-Q4dul72e1yn6rEUdmn--qEZlL1CqGZTsXslvUJTLLF7ERXWtLXtZStYQOvl0wydaUv5rJOBrZrspabwP1IBtW-vHOlbkldVGFRpFesl1gd75VnbI5Np0LWQ3WcNGL7CtzR84Oxi_ZYRXQParrUfxRu2cMiA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8DePd6kAU1WZzR0Nq1oiuBkP3-FIbxb-Q4dul72e1yn6rEUdmn--qEZlL1CqGZTsXslvUJTLLF7ERXWtLXtZStYQOvl0wydaUv5rJOBrZrspabwP1IBtW-vHOlbkldVGFRpFesl1gd75VnbI5Np0LWQ3WcNGL7CtzR84Oxi_ZYRXQParrUfxRu2cMiA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p>Remember back on the <a href="https://www.asmahamid.com/2022/01/left-piece-of-my-heart-in-scotland-part.html">18th Dec</a>, I wasn't able to see North Berwick properly because of the fog? So we decided to go back to North Berwick but with Don and Meriam this time. It's like everything just came together if you think about it. This time around, we walked all around North Berwick. Our first proper view of it was from Elcho Green and it was so beautiful. Everything's about this trip was beautiful, if you haven't noticed. It was windy from what I remembered, but we saw a lot of people taking their dogs out on a walk and kids running about. If only I lived there then that could be me every day. </p><p>We then walked up to the Lodge Grounds just to see the sea from higher up. Side note, when I visit North Berwick again, I'll climb the North Berwick Law... if the sun is shining. There wasn't much to see from the Lodge Grounds so we headed towards the beach where I arrogantly wanted to see the tidal pool up close despite being told that there isn't much to see. He was right.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh9LLaVGj_Os1Te8U3XswA1RvZc7Ot9LrEJ_S0cE1HidIrplGhj7gcwjnqSQEncJdy6HciRUxCrAG--qp0sipbZEg2g0cFZyBT62FcyKHJbRU2I-KgHbsmjNYpiKRkP34uKQj9eUW_hVdbdckXQ7EZmEcJSLYrjl8j3dAAu8s7szit2Bmnv6zo3UEMuw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh9LLaVGj_Os1Te8U3XswA1RvZc7Ot9LrEJ_S0cE1HidIrplGhj7gcwjnqSQEncJdy6HciRUxCrAG--qp0sipbZEg2g0cFZyBT62FcyKHJbRU2I-KgHbsmjNYpiKRkP34uKQj9eUW_hVdbdckXQ7EZmEcJSLYrjl8j3dAAu8s7szit2Bmnv6zo3UEMuw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked around the old pier area where we found some rocks to climb and sit on to fully immerse ourself in nature. You don't get it everyday and it was cool to be up there just looking at people sailing, the waves crashing onto the rocks, and thinking how as much as you'd want to jump into the water, you'd probably die because the waves will smash you onto the rocks. Things like that basically. But what was incredible was seeing how different the coastline looks depending on how the sun reflects on it and when it's covered by the clouds. It's one of those things you need to see for yourself. We had fish and chips at the centre before heading back to Edinburgh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcNa-Q2ppTgsPqW7dCZlE5iMYU852g4Tl-0v6ouWkx7mdeRlsnIl-T___YbeMHP5StzTjheMTqkdG8rWiFlC3LwLWuc8lbA6kORyuYNRBHwSvY1G2JPrA76r5ir7OgNHDMutgimci9l6KQvSyBVcH7M7C-dr7Ec22P1q_N1zWFGCHept_luGeR-wQcAQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcNa-Q2ppTgsPqW7dCZlE5iMYU852g4Tl-0v6ouWkx7mdeRlsnIl-T___YbeMHP5StzTjheMTqkdG8rWiFlC3LwLWuc8lbA6kORyuYNRBHwSvY1G2JPrA76r5ir7OgNHDMutgimci9l6KQvSyBVcH7M7C-dr7Ec22P1q_N1zWFGCHept_luGeR-wQcAQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Again, I can't remember what we did in the evening because I don't have any photos or videos to refer to but it was probably the same as the previous day. We might have watched a movie.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 13 - 29th Dec</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia1__VGD9LUHS_wKGFDzRRiIBg8v7yjewN39Xn7F900wAo4XKA9Vy8W6ryVilb7j_OjXiPlDHY-08AWCZ_hDg8lJ4OTv6QxyMnQUU_aw7p2QCw27Pm_dteXcQ42zNkSpZrQrnMIEDgOuWB43YPEznB6-zN4InLQQZGYFgF1E_S3R5JcPBfa-DQAYB-qw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia1__VGD9LUHS_wKGFDzRRiIBg8v7yjewN39Xn7F900wAo4XKA9Vy8W6ryVilb7j_OjXiPlDHY-08AWCZ_hDg8lJ4OTv6QxyMnQUU_aw7p2QCw27Pm_dteXcQ42zNkSpZrQrnMIEDgOuWB43YPEznB6-zN4InLQQZGYFgF1E_S3R5JcPBfa-DQAYB-qw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>It was very wet and cold, the worst weather I had whilst in Edinburgh. Had the impression that it was tired of me and wanted me out. But ain't no weather going to stop me from loving the place. We wanted to go to Room and Rumours for the doughnuts but it was full so we went around looking for a place for brunch. Basel found a place and I had a veggie haggis which was quite nice. It tasted like a flavourful falafel which makes sense. </div><div><br /></div><div>I then had the honour of forcing Meriam and Don to climb Calton Hill while Basel got a haircut to look presentable to the rest of the gang coming that afternoon. It wasn't raining when we climbed but there was a bit of a waterfall down the steps. I was enjoying the view. Unlucky for Meriam and Don, they had to wait for me to take it all in but after that, we treated ourselves to ice cream from Joelato. To be fair to myself, I was craving for it from the time I first had it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwHfqSU74D7NLVdMC1trmIRwUJAWv4bjgSQaUTHj6-EWYaa8_j6S-RPGW73ubI_orEpoLgr4sHPHcND4oKeNQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>When everyone arrived at Basel's and settled in - I paused and looked around. I saw Jess and Basel playing FIFA whilst Trev, Meriam, Don and Emily were playing darts and realised how blessed I am. It was like we were all together in this little happy bubble and if I had the ability to freeze time and go back to it, I'd choose that moment. I would've never thought a few years back that I'd have people here that would feel like home and just seeing everyone together (obviously missing Oussama and Adham) made me feel very content. Especially because we were up in Scotland, visiting Basel and it was never the plan from the start to have most of us there. It was an emotional moment for me. I held back my tears 😉.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 14 - 30th Dec</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh19mx0g6X0dtt5Ud24IcajDFobD7nwiaWrXomLHkCWBjCZ3y66qu31shYgCSw6JbkR4cC_LBmI4cf0l0xTbkmTy_AknVDk0mfh7Oz8WUQFUgnhOF3CMUgZ3MgtTXOtoupw6jNXgxE6rAn7ofeFluvUdzKk-vW6fQnXCkWd-3rEI34rV3Bo8kSyqYR9gg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh19mx0g6X0dtt5Ud24IcajDFobD7nwiaWrXomLHkCWBjCZ3y66qu31shYgCSw6JbkR4cC_LBmI4cf0l0xTbkmTy_AknVDk0mfh7Oz8WUQFUgnhOF3CMUgZ3MgtTXOtoupw6jNXgxE6rAn7ofeFluvUdzKk-vW6fQnXCkWd-3rEI34rV3Bo8kSyqYR9gg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had all agreed the day before that we'll all get ready by 10AM to start the day. However, I woke up pretty early and didn't necessarily want to waste it. I looked out, and the sky was clear so I headed up to Calton Hill on my own with the intention of seeing the sunrise but I got there too late. It still didn't disappoint. Looking at the time stamp on my photos, I was up there for 1 hour - no idea what I was doing. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTLQ-wU5mp4B4CXekSW8jiBoLldBRm_HPl4m8EVu46uJ2o0MVvQaHf_4euoQtUSg5grGTUVCO6GYZSKq3kUr8RyHfAUqMX5e4gosbvDopkShCusDhEAQnf-5nF4Yl3zXwpfwnZsu-non9_d3vndRzeHLkpDqcCGEx3yt348nOqHvrD2z3xuitsYztW6g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTLQ-wU5mp4B4CXekSW8jiBoLldBRm_HPl4m8EVu46uJ2o0MVvQaHf_4euoQtUSg5grGTUVCO6GYZSKq3kUr8RyHfAUqMX5e4gosbvDopkShCusDhEAQnf-5nF4Yl3zXwpfwnZsu-non9_d3vndRzeHLkpDqcCGEx3yt348nOqHvrD2z3xuitsYztW6g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>When I felt a bit cold, I started heading down and went to Room and Rumours to wait for everyone else to arrive. That was when I realised that I can actually be without my phone? It's crazy. I was sat outside staring at the hill until the guys arrived... and just... I don't even know if I even did any thinking, but well done me. The doughnuts were to die for, if you're ever in Edinburgh, it's literally a 5 mins walk from the station. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0DB-EmjdrV6C-AQQ2dm-uRzjTgaF_jaBjCw7sc1XxuVTjtc-fNuj3BqTN01aWawUv1DuKBQbquBQ5aBDEmsCUeRVfdGlAsKz6HM55LsBHCqJSePMzXvtH51snGhyQM2YTA1AkparJzpBUtM__M7D0KO4LuK8_WW7sJHPksMAO8mInBylFvE6bzXGAgA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0DB-EmjdrV6C-AQQ2dm-uRzjTgaF_jaBjCw7sc1XxuVTjtc-fNuj3BqTN01aWawUv1DuKBQbquBQ5aBDEmsCUeRVfdGlAsKz6HM55LsBHCqJSePMzXvtH51snGhyQM2YTA1AkparJzpBUtM__M7D0KO4LuK8_WW7sJHPksMAO8mInBylFvE6bzXGAgA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>That was also when we decided to go to North Berwick again because the weather was beautiful! I think Jad did say that we should've stayed in Edinburgh but we could do Edinburgh in a day, the coast was a better option, IMO. So to North Berwick we went. Swear down, that was my third time there but it felt like it was my first time but you'll know why if you ever visit. Unless you're Trevor and to you, rocks are rocks, water is water, grass is grass and the sky is the sky. Don took off his shirt for a photo, it was hilarrriooouuussssss. We again had fish and chips - sat outside this time and then headed back. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhifidXqcjeD7v25ON6gXYkyHEcx44ZAIqcHfKYolbqqrV2DVYdxZbplajOu8BWBjrmLma-p3kBM1QodbcHCuCWD7vDKN2FSeqizjJCjBXBIXZh1ZlklRRvjLGEDFTi31d6u-PqQV5jnYhjK20d9wMdwDUk7Q2TCea7fb5gaN6TERlPfqDYii7qgsdXaA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhifidXqcjeD7v25ON6gXYkyHEcx44ZAIqcHfKYolbqqrV2DVYdxZbplajOu8BWBjrmLma-p3kBM1QodbcHCuCWD7vDKN2FSeqizjJCjBXBIXZh1ZlklRRvjLGEDFTi31d6u-PqQV5jnYhjK20d9wMdwDUk7Q2TCea7fb5gaN6TERlPfqDYii7qgsdXaA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to go to Dean's village and this time around, I had the coffee that Basel said was the best coffee he's had, the cafe's called Caingorm Coffee. Let's be fair right, at this point, I've had the best burger, ice cream, doughnut, fish and chips and coffee... all in Edinburgh. Someone's clearly overselling Edinburgh but I can't prove it. We walked around Dean's village and again, it felt like it was my first time seeing it. Seeing how much Emily enjoyed the place, I sort of wished my sister was there as well because she would've really appreciated it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the gang did complain how they weren't given coffee but they ended up at the same coffee shop on the way back so they didn't miss out on the experience. We headed back to the flat to freshen up for the dinner reservation we had in the evening. Went out, I think I was a bit tired and the PMS didn't help so I was pretty moody. We had ice cream afterwards which was also a scene no thanks to my PMS-ing. Basically, moody Asma all evening. Don't think any of them have seen that side of me, so now, I feel pretty bad about it but it happened. Welcome to my life. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 15 - 31st Dec</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to split up today because everyone wanted to do different things which I felt was a pretty good idea. Jess, Trev, Don and Meriam went on the hop on hop off bus which they seemed to have enjoyed. It came with an audio guide so in the case that you didn't want to know false facts about all the statues being Basel's relatives, that might be a better idea. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPKmUSCb8nbyq1yydy1aSMRql4eWNSqWnuDB4H1ZyNN0AoeUd6srzDVO5HrM9g4W9lbTEZwfGFxfU6nWuZmYY5Zx7M_IiWbQtv2R2CRuZyNQvk1VKghUBZUMGSHcapVSNYL8CNJ2mwiSEvAspmjxBq7tthmxDI8NjZ63AdoKa07-cp2U98gpaj4UE3DQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPKmUSCb8nbyq1yydy1aSMRql4eWNSqWnuDB4H1ZyNN0AoeUd6srzDVO5HrM9g4W9lbTEZwfGFxfU6nWuZmYY5Zx7M_IiWbQtv2R2CRuZyNQvk1VKghUBZUMGSHcapVSNYL8CNJ2mwiSEvAspmjxBq7tthmxDI8NjZ63AdoKa07-cp2U98gpaj4UE3DQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Emi, Basel and I took the train to Linlithgow. At this point, Emi was in the same frequency as Basel and I, it was hilarious. We were all just being silly. We walked around the Palace Garden but most of it was being renovated so we couldn't go in. We stopped at a coffee shop where Emi and Basel had a foodgraphy competition in between talking about life and the future. I personally felt like I won the competition... see above. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxqnRVks4KnJbPaCJG5OrwKhag60tYN_SkAbcxxr9uX1j3StMdLYkKvAm_YLSzSATUTL6BJgJHfl8OOy2uDPFPb7J6IkmVdi-xZ39lQUX6z2TzKMNGESNfeVjdZ_WFW1aXVg_fQ8j3-awkaE-O37qq-ZK28mhmOrSIX64vCmf0zL-WtrlRHPWSbcDtdA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxqnRVks4KnJbPaCJG5OrwKhag60tYN_SkAbcxxr9uX1j3StMdLYkKvAm_YLSzSATUTL6BJgJHfl8OOy2uDPFPb7J6IkmVdi-xZ39lQUX6z2TzKMNGESNfeVjdZ_WFW1aXVg_fQ8j3-awkaE-O37qq-ZK28mhmOrSIX64vCmf0zL-WtrlRHPWSbcDtdA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>We then struggled to find a taxi to take us to Beecraigs Farm but got there in the end. There were highland cows but there weren't any stags. I imagined a farm life there but thinking about it at that point, I'd rather be a cow. We went to see Beecraigs Loch which was surrounded by trees - it was very much like a Taylor Swift music video. Wanted to pebble skip but there wasn't any around. There were trails into the forest that would've been enjoyable to explore if we had more time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJbgvhE9CowBya5qIqGgHQYPFH9CWTfaPiJiYxdWXKG8E5QB34wYJXjfXON7v9miI0XCl-yEY7pqPcCehAIf84vo4m56TeGjgXcomEuAlgBsMzq4L318JZjsg9I1Z4cV8jKD2PNPim7WK4_OLAA2Ml72GUdHTRn81FBAMjtbztQZaorolOmjzOF1GXHw=s3840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJbgvhE9CowBya5qIqGgHQYPFH9CWTfaPiJiYxdWXKG8E5QB34wYJXjfXON7v9miI0XCl-yEY7pqPcCehAIf84vo4m56TeGjgXcomEuAlgBsMzq4L318JZjsg9I1Z4cV8jKD2PNPim7WK4_OLAA2Ml72GUdHTRn81FBAMjtbztQZaorolOmjzOF1GXHw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We then headed back to Edinburgh, Emi had a walking tour and I got some doughnuts before heading back to the flat to find Basel preparing lunch. Had a nap after lunch because I knew I needed that energy for the NYE party. Some point that afternoon, we found the motivation to go out to get more drinks and snacks, got ready for the party and partied-ish. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGaCGDtKmiIXrd4oE9E715SfVGRqzVOWlUC3BBmm5HfbzeFMhcF0q3F8-ssDIBKpHSny3KL7kgjT300vnGxjtB3H-wUwWmxIE2z4Ep3EVl21S0_y-tSVzReFz-a6fTUlj-hIZSzSD0J-unT75GkRetqkmGQJfPq5o4_hmROhWMytTRtvxP5qg536-iew=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGaCGDtKmiIXrd4oE9E715SfVGRqzVOWlUC3BBmm5HfbzeFMhcF0q3F8-ssDIBKpHSny3KL7kgjT300vnGxjtB3H-wUwWmxIE2z4Ep3EVl21S0_y-tSVzReFz-a6fTUlj-hIZSzSD0J-unT75GkRetqkmGQJfPq5o4_hmROhWMytTRtvxP5qg536-iew=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lot of fun games and yelling SIUUUUU because Jess and I were team Ronaldo. Nearing 12, we headed out to the canal where we popped a bottle of champagne, and watched the lack of fireworks around us. It was my first proper NYE party I think... unless any of my other friends disagree. It was good fun. The host was happy and that was what mattered. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 16 - 1st Jan</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaIqM9pCu6yuF5hu4aHArjpi3-L2DBpzQuPAOIASNqAE8ZVnL79Qpk6v5ew2FSCgKcU_Mdrj9GbX6nVXlz_0XmYjEDQDxv3fBDTYA1vcD1PoTtUAZag3j7av7IHkQjRKVLKGHhZM-OEQN-2dGjDP9rcLi9CwwheNl4Jago__O1Qv-4PU_zn96InQv0pQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaIqM9pCu6yuF5hu4aHArjpi3-L2DBpzQuPAOIASNqAE8ZVnL79Qpk6v5ew2FSCgKcU_Mdrj9GbX6nVXlz_0XmYjEDQDxv3fBDTYA1vcD1PoTtUAZag3j7av7IHkQjRKVLKGHhZM-OEQN-2dGjDP9rcLi9CwwheNl4Jago__O1Qv-4PU_zn96InQv0pQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The day I dreaded the past few days. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The day that made my mood swing every time I thought about it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was that day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That day had come. </div><div><br /></div><div>Went out to see beautiful weather. Didn't want to leave... obviously. Forced myself to pack (more like stuff everything in the bag). Then we all had breakfast with Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong in the background before I changed it to Harry Styles. It was emotional. I was there for two weeks and seeing it come to an end was difficult especially because I was really happy and content throughout. I wasn't ready to head back to reality knowing that I'd feel pretty empty after experiencing what life could be. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The aftermath</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2ZqRFPeYFQnlXFdIZrhjb6RtCOGwZjns9lIpu8FyVs3eIwrJ-XrjbO6Dh-h-2wtJPa7bMJaEuYkDOecT0ba4AZRjf36RQIzA8dFfAZCNT0xCY2410NcPHx0gE5G36VM4mESIxQ7zABdtd4ff_8FkMWvj8YgEpRl8YS3lVNZIfmaDimzJ1J-rikUBCCw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2ZqRFPeYFQnlXFdIZrhjb6RtCOGwZjns9lIpu8FyVs3eIwrJ-XrjbO6Dh-h-2wtJPa7bMJaEuYkDOecT0ba4AZRjf36RQIzA8dFfAZCNT0xCY2410NcPHx0gE5G36VM4mESIxQ7zABdtd4ff_8FkMWvj8YgEpRl8YS3lVNZIfmaDimzJ1J-rikUBCCw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tried to sleep it away because that usually works. It didn't work this time. I'm not 100% at work still. I'm actively trying to find a way to get over it and stop thinking about it. But I am finding it difficult. This week, I went to the cinemas with Jess and Trev for The King's Man, had a walk in the morning, invited myself over to Meriam and Don's for dinner and went to the office. I spend my free time searching for places around here that is equally as beautiful (struggling to find anything that isn't super south) but at the same time, I've found myself checking the weather in Edinburgh to find a good weekend to go back up there. Still struggling but I'll make it through. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jess left the company today... for a new adventure and I'm sooooo excited for our trip to Sweden. It's sad that I'm the only one left from my graduate cohort but at the same time, I'm happy to see people take charge of their lives.</div></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com2Scotland, UK56.490671199999987 -4.202645826.090482705001637 -39.3588958 86.890859694998341 30.9536042tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-43494592223478762532022-01-03T18:34:00.018+00:002022-01-03T19:37:59.316+00:00Left a Piece of my Heart in Scotland - Part 2<p>This was the part of the whole holiday where I felt extremely content, my heart was overflowing and I was genuinely so happy. I felt like I've won life and that living was worth it for moments like these. Basically, if I were to die, I would die happy. </p><p>Taking us back a few days/weeks ago, I was actually planning on going on the trip alone not knowing whether Basel was into this kind of stuff. He was up for it but as usual, you always have your doubts - are you wanting to go because you actually want to or do you feel forced to. As much as I wanted to go with someone, I also didn't want someone that would stop me from enjoying myself. He turned out to be one of, if not the best travel buddy I've ever had. It was like going with another me!</p><p>I hadn't planned anything until I got to Scotland and it became a pretty last minute trip. We booked at what seemed to be some crappy Airbnb in Fort Williams for the weekend because it was cheap and the photos didn't look great. Managed to get a car which would need to be picked up from Stirling - which we had only realised that there were no trains to Edinburgh from on the day we come back. Luckily enough, Basel spotted it and we managed to sort it out the night before. It wasn't the greatest start but I was feeling super optimistic and excited nonetheless.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 8 - 24 Dec</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh > Stirling > Fort Williams (via Callander, Tyndrum)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgResBXU7MpmMscnM2L-JIVchhC_oOdUwGkkonFzfI_4nNbbv9X1L8VjSFRvGsDFh7Lsb4QBrHqwG_KWeNE00haIyqPss4WS8gmeQGA-Qo0tUmkKumigYpN30hH3jCvCQQXxNB3BG3jhZYfOcZDmmb0yZUnLsAn8Ifi0KvO60D1lGTyjdXwCmXpJVB3KA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgResBXU7MpmMscnM2L-JIVchhC_oOdUwGkkonFzfI_4nNbbv9X1L8VjSFRvGsDFh7Lsb4QBrHqwG_KWeNE00haIyqPss4WS8gmeQGA-Qo0tUmkKumigYpN30hH3jCvCQQXxNB3BG3jhZYfOcZDmmb0yZUnLsAn8Ifi0KvO60D1lGTyjdXwCmXpJVB3KA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p>The whole trip started with missing the train to Stirling which lead to a grumpy Basel. Luckily, I've dealt with grumpy people being a pretty grumpy person myself. (As above, it was like going with another me!) I found it a bit funny how we actually didn't have to go through any of that if we had realised that we could actually catch the same train from a train station nearer to the flat. Bad planning on my side. But anyway, we delayed the car pick up, bought some groceries and snacks for the journey and got on the train to Stirling. Sorted.</p><p>Arriving in Stirling, we found our car but had a nightmare trying to figure out how to turn the bloody engine on. Called Jad and he couldn't help us much because he obviously wasn't there. So we called Enterprise, and Umar was the nicest person ever, helping us get through the process of setting up the car. Sorted.</p><p>I'm not the best co-driver in the world so I got a bit of a nagging once we set off but it was alright - I deserved it. We were essentially trying to get to Fort Williams before it gets too dark because it'd be impossible to drive around there in the dark without the street lamps. At one point, I think it may have been right outside of Stirling, Basel turned to me and said "I'm okay now." Sorted.</p><p>We got the phones connected to the car, got some music playing, tried to figure out the speed limit, had some snacks and got comfy. The highlands was beautiful. I made fun of Mummy who used to record every single journey when we were up in the highlands a couple years back but I get it now??? That was exactly what I did. If my hand could withstand the cold better, I would have had a 2 - 3 hour recording of the drive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_35B61Ouvuk-6r3GpToCcMCLdpwZ7ArKjn-Ykw3FHyU3GaqmEfSdSOq6E5rAP0k7PwvkVduaTguCENGwDrqNQyxXjfEIz2T5J14ZyEGab-t783fu_OOFUp46Yr0B8JbaAnvf4UGIkvO5gc59wA88LjQgjD8AbHNKgPISdsiaQIN3FgD5FlJVozF9beQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_35B61Ouvuk-6r3GpToCcMCLdpwZ7ArKjn-Ykw3FHyU3GaqmEfSdSOq6E5rAP0k7PwvkVduaTguCENGwDrqNQyxXjfEIz2T5J14ZyEGab-t783fu_OOFUp46Yr0B8JbaAnvf4UGIkvO5gc59wA88LjQgjD8AbHNKgPISdsiaQIN3FgD5FlJVozF9beQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was then time for our next nightmare which was trying to fill up the car. We had to call enterprise again because the card wasn't working but ended up just using our own card to pay first to be claimed later. After gazillion tries, that was sorted. It wasn't too bad of an experience to be fair because the view from the petrol station was amazing. </p><p>We continued our drive and stopped at a few places. I'd point out the stop but the thing is, I would never see one until we're like 5 meters away from it. Luckily, there weren't many cars on the road so we could do that. I was obviously enjoying the view but I'm not exactly the one driving so it was a bit unfair on the driver. As bad as I felt, I couldn't do anything about it, just thought I'd add this as a disclaimer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyp7hkLOgErP52c6tWtlwRVrq2Er_NBJzzUmH87pfzjHm4rxtKLiTEadF8na_YBP25VDG03IOH2Am71uVD_APiIy9o7dNSCwZ-TptqdVC6xuf9_LFDH1XwJdR_yT3KwntLMB7wAiCghzImkhjC4tARGtS93glLzd6WWhVKdzCV6fzXJE5jQFKa51OWNw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyp7hkLOgErP52c6tWtlwRVrq2Er_NBJzzUmH87pfzjHm4rxtKLiTEadF8na_YBP25VDG03IOH2Am71uVD_APiIy9o7dNSCwZ-TptqdVC6xuf9_LFDH1XwJdR_yT3KwntLMB7wAiCghzImkhjC4tARGtS93glLzd6WWhVKdzCV6fzXJE5jQFKa51OWNw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>At one of the stops, I felt extremely content and so I said that if that was what love felt like, then I'm ready to be heartbroken a million times. Those words came back and bit me in the backside... Do I want to be heartbroken a million times? Probably not but I'd do the trip all over again even though it means I'd feel this way after. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_AH2xNYlwU1BJYW2Gr0H1LlXS8WyH2HNA1oicCQSMe7gqGkiCra9eS0tIvGKj7SPirN5Yh47wC1YmMboM9qZ-vX6DmVnl3PO9e1vF3EgLqnKIuTnSzrY6ogY-e_JbG8PD6SE6roWWLyaOZjdLyiBt7TSYbkA4CZPfoBBwoDm1r3J61gugbTnhXF4BaA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_AH2xNYlwU1BJYW2Gr0H1LlXS8WyH2HNA1oicCQSMe7gqGkiCra9eS0tIvGKj7SPirN5Yh47wC1YmMboM9qZ-vX6DmVnl3PO9e1vF3EgLqnKIuTnSzrY6ogY-e_JbG8PD6SE6roWWLyaOZjdLyiBt7TSYbkA4CZPfoBBwoDm1r3J61gugbTnhXF4BaA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div><p></p><p>Once we got to Fort Williams, we went to get coffee and dropped by the shops to get our groceries for the weekend. Left most of the work to the chef. Is it starting to get very clear now that I hardly had any responsibilities on this trip? After that, we headed to our <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/35878369?guests=1&adults=1">Airbnb</a> and was extremely surprised by it. It was clean, comfy and had nearly everything we needed but the best bit was that it had the largest window in the living room overlooking the loch and mountains. Unfortunately, it was dark and I had to wait the next morning.</p><p>I volunteered to put dinner in the oven and we watched a few movies until it was time for bed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 9 - 25 Dec</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Fort Williams > Steall Waterfall > Glenfinnan Viaduct > Copach > Fort Williams</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7crR8_dh4rYQISwD7yHl9GFqJUsT0NZKMDdrCK1mlTy7ZIMsV8pyVcKPztGnPXgI7ZD1PHZLtwuFTVz6lzG1B50LwLBpSBXANw6jw-dgQzbzoVzqsDpPqLQWgQ6qafV2Y3HwiS8j1Xe6BB8uCMv3wGH5KzwpHjiuvmX375HypFh5ZWRlS0dNVA1ZPaQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7crR8_dh4rYQISwD7yHl9GFqJUsT0NZKMDdrCK1mlTy7ZIMsV8pyVcKPztGnPXgI7ZD1PHZLtwuFTVz6lzG1B50LwLBpSBXANw6jw-dgQzbzoVzqsDpPqLQWgQ6qafV2Y3HwiS8j1Xe6BB8uCMv3wGH5KzwpHjiuvmX375HypFh5ZWRlS0dNVA1ZPaQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p>It was Christmas morning, I woke up at 6 ish and was extremely excited to see the view but only saw Basel on the couch when I had politely given him the good bedroom. It was still too dark out so I lazed around before getting ready and spent the morning staring out the window watching it get brighter. I actually wanted to see the sunrise but couldn't find any nice spots that wouldn't be blocked by the mountains. We had breakfast then went off on the best bit of the trip - Steal Waterfalls. It was a 20 minute scenic drive away from our Airbnb and our first stop was a small waterfall just off the car park. We only stopped because I saw someone stopping and there was a parking lot right next to it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNKjZa7hLw7FE2s2QEQxVFlqUOMCQLH7oeUQlfrISrNUQ8zSePpyIh-1BOKzFDaa1wLWnO5wrbAYPGjHSfDl8V3bAUjLwdR4govbwoo24bYaiKUXrIVpJ_usYzNfHp2rdsY7mi0E4N104VPJAtJ3bOaxFAnrP6ecDG6LZfVUPtoogodQEkWCylYGZYfA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNKjZa7hLw7FE2s2QEQxVFlqUOMCQLH7oeUQlfrISrNUQ8zSePpyIh-1BOKzFDaa1wLWnO5wrbAYPGjHSfDl8V3bAUjLwdR4govbwoo24bYaiKUXrIVpJ_usYzNfHp2rdsY7mi0E4N104VPJAtJ3bOaxFAnrP6ecDG6LZfVUPtoogodQEkWCylYGZYfA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The waterfall was beautiful. We spent some time there exploring the area and skipping some pebbles. Mr Cocky said that he could do more skips if the river was wider bla bla bla. As you would. And then we got back into the car and drove to the actual place we wanted to go to. At one point, the road got really narrow and we got a bit uneasy thinking we're not meant to be driving there but we had put all trust onto google maps and it got us to the car park. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibk1YX3QGo0Mp8HRkCFYeZ7ahtiFKIBZw6FpzgKDH9Ty0PbEa9r9TCEjIlPhYPeHr2WWd_wCCqAEviBqDL8AL7aZ2A0QCQEyj6xlDDfSNq-i-7QfrUaBOSZA4pBUKI9w1IErJ3XEXbXdLKyz5WF2XCHlp5HebYv6pdLXrZVFjNBqD5ZwKe1wFAyB7-kw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibk1YX3QGo0Mp8HRkCFYeZ7ahtiFKIBZw6FpzgKDH9Ty0PbEa9r9TCEjIlPhYPeHr2WWd_wCCqAEviBqDL8AL7aZ2A0QCQEyj6xlDDfSNq-i-7QfrUaBOSZA4pBUKI9w1IErJ3XEXbXdLKyz5WF2XCHlp5HebYv6pdLXrZVFjNBqD5ZwKe1wFAyB7-kw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The hike started and we refilled our water bottle at every opportunity we could because where else could you actually get the natural water of the scottish highlands! It was about an hour hike on a quite easy track and so worth it. When we got there, we felt like we were at a movie scene, it felt unreal! No words can describe it and no photos can capture the actual beauty. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='385' height='320' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIBmr6ekCLcvUPINxNbimTW3mpdvbfCAYHaIfXGfq3Cil2Pq84yNcWF8g7GyBKw3-GpQ8C3K5EIHW1x7p_4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>We walked across the Glen Nevis Rope Bridge, did a celebratory Ronaldo-type SIUUUUUU when we got to the other side and headed to the waterfall. It was beautiful, again, it felt unreal. I took off my boots, took of my socks and dipped my feet in the water. Was I crazy? Yes. Was I silly? Yes. Did I feel like I ticked off a box? YES! It was only a few seconds but I felt accomplished. I spent the next few minutes trying to warm myself up again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMegV6ocY6y80kmJlYTD4J6nch_cidIiQIqtYS233plp7BZe51EpWXqXgL5Qr-wFjqQAjH5vkbLPTcsZDgL1PLDm2iGx2GBgNSOzMW6Gcv4qYZOP99gdAhuXSMXpg_fenGShA2shO8CWg-bg_C3-fM_F3v8tbRT03jU9XArkxTGcMYtRUN0azvLrudlQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMegV6ocY6y80kmJlYTD4J6nch_cidIiQIqtYS233plp7BZe51EpWXqXgL5Qr-wFjqQAjH5vkbLPTcsZDgL1PLDm2iGx2GBgNSOzMW6Gcv4qYZOP99gdAhuXSMXpg_fenGShA2shO8CWg-bg_C3-fM_F3v8tbRT03jU9XArkxTGcMYtRUN0azvLrudlQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Basel found his little spot, laid down and felt like he was under the water dududududu. I found my little spot and stared out into the mountains with the background sound of the waterfall. And then after what felt like a few minutes but was really a long time, I had to spoil the moment and say that we should leave. I've genuinely never felt so bad. I knew Basel was really enjoying his time there and so was I but we didn't have much daylight. I now get how parents feel when they tell their kids it's time to go home, it was heartbreaking. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQXVzFpNceybj-Ylc7u242qyX_0kmWf7MGbxRl30_XBdhL7wY7DKYZPokRxCUNyN3iNh1GV-8t8fMwcSiL7eEb0qEgGTK-Bf1cazO9X78hRmHWY8yMTRf15iWfy1wtD0rGdZHC9HQ8wOJegkNchfEewgE8FrxguOwXm2M5sNKwzARYbikuBWXn86Yuag=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQXVzFpNceybj-Ylc7u242qyX_0kmWf7MGbxRl30_XBdhL7wY7DKYZPokRxCUNyN3iNh1GV-8t8fMwcSiL7eEb0qEgGTK-Bf1cazO9X78hRmHWY8yMTRf15iWfy1wtD0rGdZHC9HQ8wOJegkNchfEewgE8FrxguOwXm2M5sNKwzARYbikuBWXn86Yuag=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>So we spent a couple more minutes to just take it in. Not wanting to go on the rope bridge again, we thought we'd do some river crossing. Which I love!!! But we failed and ended up getting our shoes wet because of all the mud that we trudged through. What could've been just a quick walk back became a very long one because of this little adventure we had but I enjoyed it - I love things like this. At one point in the middle of the river, I somehow regained all the confidence I had and skipped through as if it was nothing. Brought me back to my childhood. We were held by traffic at the rope bridge crossing and then had our lunch in the car. I was content and happy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJqT4OGj7xCNA0svjElr1-MpG4Z8vJsNq3YVZJFdf_NO8i0VqyBEupQ4KGG_NxSNxnqljlmd4vxS_II3SXIsPa6x_CR4l74omtksPPgVFf-N6N1t7fN1e7C0waNc0iAeB9OnLdbqcI4Gwu3LqkwxjWZ-3tJLAlli2VN2sSTsnY_GxzpIvn-KSaaJE5bQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJqT4OGj7xCNA0svjElr1-MpG4Z8vJsNq3YVZJFdf_NO8i0VqyBEupQ4KGG_NxSNxnqljlmd4vxS_II3SXIsPa6x_CR4l74omtksPPgVFf-N6N1t7fN1e7C0waNc0iAeB9OnLdbqcI4Gwu3LqkwxjWZ-3tJLAlli2VN2sSTsnY_GxzpIvn-KSaaJE5bQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>We then headed to Glenfinnan but on the way, we stopped by the road side to take in the views and the friends we made during the rope bridge crossing honked us as they passed and that was a bit cute. Glenfinnan Viaduct wasn't what I had hoped it to be but the lake across the road was. Seeing as it was a lake, I now regret not tasting the water to see if it was salty or not. We set off trying to catch the sunset at Mallaig but it felt too far away so we turned back and walked around Copach before heading back to the Airbnb.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_AoimsmvYZNYznpo-GwH0gzzE9NyWI5_az3ljs70DX4bXTn39AsFU4UvyyHMLK3vAEle2OHR4E05a_xTvl6IqBQ_BcbNWl440DSNO5GZCWSCc708A-oRfr3A3Zgo0eGk1cYbl7MyRgqdQI_0GaTXZFyO-8WQgOG6oTVVmpTyE6yn4mNCT4Mqf68qkCg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_AoimsmvYZNYznpo-GwH0gzzE9NyWI5_az3ljs70DX4bXTn39AsFU4UvyyHMLK3vAEle2OHR4E05a_xTvl6IqBQ_BcbNWl440DSNO5GZCWSCc708A-oRfr3A3Zgo0eGk1cYbl7MyRgqdQI_0GaTXZFyO-8WQgOG6oTVVmpTyE6yn4mNCT4Mqf68qkCg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>Basel made steak for our late lunch early dinner which tasted amazing. We watched a few movies, I think I fell asleep but then woke up at 11PM feeling hungry so Basel cooked the salmon. I was spoilt but I'm grateful. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 10 - 26 Dec</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Fort Williams > Falls of Bruar (via Laggan) > Falls of Tummel > Stirling > Edinburgh</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcU194N9ZDvOYJNlH08A6F99Gi-4BlGrUSaHHnbbYxFHHv3AlbhGRMmnvoNmmAVPcC9icinQlYBwNL_By1rMiouWl6YqwXi9dFRD8piquPwmFBBu3a_ScyfgWvySWNIaHcEJ_2YPpC0w48-rSfz90De_u37kHGVnJeth-gtt32GKig7ygYcgFi5MXQ2w=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcU194N9ZDvOYJNlH08A6F99Gi-4BlGrUSaHHnbbYxFHHv3AlbhGRMmnvoNmmAVPcC9icinQlYBwNL_By1rMiouWl6YqwXi9dFRD8piquPwmFBBu3a_ScyfgWvySWNIaHcEJ_2YPpC0w48-rSfz90De_u37kHGVnJeth-gtt32GKig7ygYcgFi5MXQ2w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p>I woke up around 8 and washed the dishes from last night while staring at the mountains. What a view - I'd wash dishes all day long if I get to do that there. We again had breakfast by the window and took our time to just enjoy it. We didn't want to leave. I don't know why anyone would want to leave but we finished off our breakfast and eventually ended up getting into the car for the drive back. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='398' height='330' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDs5vaJWja8yakxk2aDP3aPaCly_d7gerEmfb_RQDhSzZ7sNo46sojj7oDDtD8fMVTNjg4PAIvh4M24afgJA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>We decided to take a different route back and found ourselves going further north where it started to snow! We hadn't expected it, we didn't actually want it because we didn't want to drive in it but it was a magical surprise. We again had a few stops to just take in the scenery. At one point, the snow looked a bit thicker so I got Basel to stop so I could make a little snowman. And you can't just make a snowman when it's snowing, so we had a snowball fight too. I felt so content. It was as if I ticked all the boxes I had in my road trip list that didn't even exist. Because we were already feeling content on our drive up to Fort Williams, we did say that everything that came after were bonuses. We were given waaaaay too many bonuses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh2TqSAMDtZUI3BqVfEPTIwA0hRINojmXyGuHIis32SY4O0lNbDxugv5cT4ymyeVf3OQINpVGJUZFlICYSCRX2NPm9cWJoybEV-jgO19iamUI4-dFQbpc094wMMavl6l1tH-RAZMTEs-el6rZEiTNhEj0dq9ZqIXXq2qhsiZTIJzCHY2epYCkpN3ZKnw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh2TqSAMDtZUI3BqVfEPTIwA0hRINojmXyGuHIis32SY4O0lNbDxugv5cT4ymyeVf3OQINpVGJUZFlICYSCRX2NPm9cWJoybEV-jgO19iamUI4-dFQbpc094wMMavl6l1tH-RAZMTEs-el6rZEiTNhEj0dq9ZqIXXq2qhsiZTIJzCHY2epYCkpN3ZKnw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>We got onto the motorway then did a stop at the House of Bruar but instead of shopping (which was closed anyway), we went to see the Falls of Bruar. That was magical. It started snowing and it was so beaufiul, it's indescribable - you need to feel it and see it for yourself. I didn't want to leave but we really needed to be back in Stirling by a certain time to return the car. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiotozkaO8qPjXJQy19JGyLLXVeqEHoSabstD9-gJvPJSOfcYEtCySeLrUmgDiEIHltbHLs-Y7If_9FaoasmXtQqAfPAKFiktSMjOZg7Ukvjuai30vdK_ksKAkJHoKI25FOQYPbnDOzPU8zLbGKvyzowzM00Ia1QKnch7wZH-pDIhQxw29OtRRBEZwlaw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiotozkaO8qPjXJQy19JGyLLXVeqEHoSabstD9-gJvPJSOfcYEtCySeLrUmgDiEIHltbHLs-Y7If_9FaoasmXtQqAfPAKFiktSMjOZg7Ukvjuai30vdK_ksKAkJHoKI25FOQYPbnDOzPU8zLbGKvyzowzM00Ia1QKnch7wZH-pDIhQxw29OtRRBEZwlaw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our next stop was Falls of Tummel... but this was a bit of an adventure. There wasn't a path down to the river when we got there. I was starting to feel a bit disappointed because the river/falls were covered by trees and a very steep slope down. BUT Basel then decided to just go down and I was here containing my excitement while I followed down. It was one of those things that I wouldn't have done alone. It was an adventure but it was a fun adventure. Was it worth it? Yes for the adventure but there are more accessible waterfalls to go to. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8QIphJxi0qRJCrMbVR585q-cBcHxJqLHyjHg8zEw_6KFmLg1Ggcx4DOctiQxT39bFP-qo8BWJ4il6LoRnBh-f1AqWuWDohY6L9OqqDD2Dl--iCAlg9YYzTfBFTeX6VPPLozxrE_r3PVseNpwG-2EKDABQJLW10FjEyxqtA8mXkpKdLM7OYQ8rwGnEBQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8QIphJxi0qRJCrMbVR585q-cBcHxJqLHyjHg8zEw_6KFmLg1Ggcx4DOctiQxT39bFP-qo8BWJ4il6LoRnBh-f1AqWuWDohY6L9OqqDD2Dl--iCAlg9YYzTfBFTeX6VPPLozxrE_r3PVseNpwG-2EKDABQJLW10FjEyxqtA8mXkpKdLM7OYQ8rwGnEBQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We then continued back to Stirling, took the bus back to Edinburgh and then quickly got changed because Basel had a reservation at Tattu. At this point, I wasn't feeling it. I was having major post trip withdrawals and was also PMS-ing. We ended walking back because I lost my mask somewhere. Just thinking about it, if we weren't as tired, it would've been a very fun night. I very much enjoyed the ambiance, the food and the presentation of the dessert. It was a pretty good way to end the highlands trip. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi20FvKFxbVQWnEC_UDJRRuJrKGTpj2Nmf9Ng8DAfZTjgTuwK9bmty7i6r5EFvK0ep8sPQvlh4MAmc_kLP2B_W5WbPNqbAdaczv8TzD76B7XjTxXUbFAyVTnHcD5-6-BBov3SvnpL3SWLiRRnTxbTTKj3eVptrpKlhfp4neK3RT4ihynmNbhfB2lCDQaA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi20FvKFxbVQWnEC_UDJRRuJrKGTpj2Nmf9Ng8DAfZTjgTuwK9bmty7i6r5EFvK0ep8sPQvlh4MAmc_kLP2B_W5WbPNqbAdaczv8TzD76B7XjTxXUbFAyVTnHcD5-6-BBov3SvnpL3SWLiRRnTxbTTKj3eVptrpKlhfp4neK3RT4ihynmNbhfB2lCDQaA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>And that was one of the highlights of my year. I'd go through the whole thing all over again, including the moment where I got extremely upset that we had to leave. Reading it though, isn't the same as experiencing it so I'd like to encourage everyone to do a Scottish Highlands trip at least once in your life.</p><p>The last part of my Scotland Trip was spending time with my cousin and her family; and the rest of the gang when they came to Edinburgh. I do not know when I'll get to writing that bit of it because I have to head back to reality tomorrow.</p></div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-53480492230821415062022-01-03T10:09:00.004+00:002022-01-03T10:09:46.580+00:00Left a Piece of my Heart in Scotland - Part 1Unexpected, but cancelling the Turkey trip might have been one of my best decisions yet. Having booked flight tickets from Edinburgh, I had also booked train tickets to Edinburgh which meant that I technically had a holiday in line either way. The trip - also like many others - is worth a post but I left a bit of my heart up there so this is one I'd regret not writing about as I'd read it over and over again. On a side note, I've just had some of Maidenhead's tap water and I think I might need to start getting used to it again.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 1 - 17 Dec</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_KuLn5ubjT5qPnOaMflnHHXnxGJiA95f0_yeOkcTvWuaZ8juawkt5kipPkigtP9ESnxE2qCRUdgSFUOM0u_83odj5lP185FgjnWHgALzs8mFa7Q3agAVMOiygE8IBaNWCo_q2HzrE1jNx3SYLL7qkQwMSFTvWWx46T_rRVN5JvLTrcGhkO-GS7wcq6A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_KuLn5ubjT5qPnOaMflnHHXnxGJiA95f0_yeOkcTvWuaZ8juawkt5kipPkigtP9ESnxE2qCRUdgSFUOM0u_83odj5lP185FgjnWHgALzs8mFa7Q3agAVMOiygE8IBaNWCo_q2HzrE1jNx3SYLL7qkQwMSFTvWWx46T_rRVN5JvLTrcGhkO-GS7wcq6A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Had packed and was ready to go with one big luggage bag carrying a PS5 and a smaller cabin one for my clothes. The train trip was uneventful except that it was packed but the view out the window was amazing. Here's a tip - travel during the day so you could enjoy the view. </div><div><br /></div><div>After getting lost trying to get out of Waverley station, I headed to Basel's and was welcomed to an amazing, well decorated flat which became home for the next two weeks. As usual, priorities needed to be set out right so the PS5 was unboxed and then I settled down a bit while waiting for Basel to finish work. </div><div><br /></div><div>We headed out for what the only two foodies I know in Edinburgh (Basel and Jad) have said is the best burger in town - Luxford Burger. Following that, we headed up to a little spot to stargaze (and that was beautiful) before going to what is the best ice cream spot in town. It's called Joelato located at Bonnie and Wild market - we had the pistachio ice cream and some other flavours but that was also when I knew that my life won't be the same anymore after this trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to watch Spider Man after, mainly because I fell to peer pressure and everyone I knew had watched it at the point. After the movie - trying to fit the whole of Edinburgh within a few hours, the guys brought me up to Calton Hill where I was again mesmerised. Imagine your first day being that good and you realise, yeah, things can't get better than this but it did. I should've taken it as a sign to buy an earlier train ticket back as to not grow attached.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 2 - 18 Dec </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhomoYtHzJV7OWjRK6wyWZmIagb3Rh6JMmUSuHUhfAZR0FnqwWnuU9nlK06KwRgqvOBFQn5-d1zVqCW9RFCa15S42Q97py7-5ygFKAQhG8YsnuUuLXHLIUgiV7XTa8KEHlVXKdvXIXZoh61CJveYyxqvylEySqqF69h1Ubo0nOAiHyLiXeNRziy-Ljffw=w400-h300" width="400" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We probably struggled in the morning to figure out what to do because we needed Jad and the car to explore the coast but then Basel found a bus route that would let us do exactly that. We got on the 124 bus to North Berwick, bought a day pass as we were going to hop on and off and had a lovely chat with a couple who lived somewhere along that route. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our first stop was Musselburgh, where we walked by River Esk whilst trying to figure out whether seagulls had webbed feet (they do) and headed to Musselburgh Lagoons through the racecourse and golf course. We hadn't known whether we were going the right way but we ended up where we wanted to end up so I guess we did. We walked around one of the lagoons and spent a few minutes at the bird watching site. Whilst I enjoyed the view, Basel actually spotted some birds which I hadn't thought of doing - obviously. We then stood around watching people with their model boats, which looks like a really fun hobby when I get to that age. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got on the bus and our next stop was Longniddry for some snacks and coffee. I had grilled prawns which wasn't too bad but eating it with a good view made it amazing. We then stood by the bus stand complaining about how it wasn't on time but to be fair, we were well aware of it. The bus drove through very thick fog and we got a bit worried - what was going on! But I enjoyed it - it really added to the experience. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF8C5ymg7g_Z-o0cWQ0Jx60nXTtFpHIJ0kSV0SKXrnP56z5v5CWI3Kzflb8pEjEG2g5LLvCL-DOnRzimd48YMQAAzWZcG_LSQJpL9bGYmFkrvZrUsuOha5G317aXzBI787NVhKQovrduznSMovroeVTYb22BPFJ9pbz8eU-PxDaXhGQuDVaPGOWXkI9g=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF8C5ymg7g_Z-o0cWQ0Jx60nXTtFpHIJ0kSV0SKXrnP56z5v5CWI3Kzflb8pEjEG2g5LLvCL-DOnRzimd48YMQAAzWZcG_LSQJpL9bGYmFkrvZrUsuOha5G317aXzBI787NVhKQovrduznSMovroeVTYb22BPFJ9pbz8eU-PxDaXhGQuDVaPGOWXkI9g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our next stop was Gullane - there was a cute coffee shop where we got a sfogliatella and cannoli, the former being better. We walked to the beach to realise we couldn't see a single thing because of the fog. Our main goal was to check out a little cave at the beach but the tides were high and the entry to the cave was inaccessible. We did have fun though - I got to climb some rocks and skip a few pebbles. On our way back, we saw people actually swimming in the sea... beats me. At this point of the day, I was already starting to feel content but there was one last stop which was North Berwick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Basel got upset of the fog saying that I'm not seeing North Berwick as it should be seen so he described the view to me. Honestly, I was sure that it would be beautiful without the fog but the fog in itself had added a depth to the small town. We headed through the town, got some ice cream (couldn't beat Joelato) before stopping and enjoying a little concert through the window of one of the shops. I didn't know the song but Basel did, and he was enjoying his time with his future friends (provided that he gets to retire early). </div><div><br /></div><div>We ended the day with Basel cooking dinner and some rocket league. I was shit at rocket league, I can't hit the ball so I ended up having a different objective where I'd hit and distract the other players instead whilst he tried to get the ball in the goal. We did win a few of the games with that strategy but, I'm just bad at it. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 3 - 19 Dec</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaT6aL_f5EHKVVRgDEiNMTC0TMvHymKcnWybj0vTvGYDJlnF7JdYMGVcZCiEaaBXRD5TH0dTEQNXvQ1FU2VSeG8WmhguNSytJ7lAID5nWpu7ZGV3hZ7xVyNnNOQiAlSXSKRmEHO8M9xLl6D3Yg9lhK4ysvuqSYT3GL7g2OWQPwHfP0Hqy4y3r1t-AD6Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaT6aL_f5EHKVVRgDEiNMTC0TMvHymKcnWybj0vTvGYDJlnF7JdYMGVcZCiEaaBXRD5TH0dTEQNXvQ1FU2VSeG8WmhguNSytJ7lAID5nWpu7ZGV3hZ7xVyNnNOQiAlSXSKRmEHO8M9xLl6D3Yg9lhK4ysvuqSYT3GL7g2OWQPwHfP0Hqy4y3r1t-AD6Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to have a slow day so we went out for brunch with Jad, Art and Farida. Farida and I then walked around town a bit where she gave me a bit of a tour. I did some shopping before we headed back to chill out at the flat. We played a bit of darts, had some shawarma (I'm not a shawarma or lamb person but they were really good shawarmas), played monopoly deal and hung out the rest of the night. Had a little taster of what life could be like living in Edinburgh basically. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 4 - 20 Dec</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a Monday and I needed to work (despite my annual leave but it was my choice) so that was most of the day. We had leftovers for lunch and Basel made dinner again it was salmon and rice with salad - so simple but so good, I was impressed. I was introduced to death note and we watched 'Your Name'. Everyone needs to watch Your Name. I can't remember it anymore but I know it was good. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 5 - 21 Dec</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdmsWpmQfFUSaj0WApaLhEuvbpBcBRwCgvIneHz981G9dsdI-RQWOuNgKXDLxAOIhZKohTt9MukQRx9kPGAIyGGDi5_pbuLSKlepn2dQRf44svu_j67S4VkAJxkOv_ICihHxCCpTzJyPFQmiHdDq-IseEtcNBXE0vGxIgK5XsXO_ETG0cWHVNRJ0hl8A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdmsWpmQfFUSaj0WApaLhEuvbpBcBRwCgvIneHz981G9dsdI-RQWOuNgKXDLxAOIhZKohTt9MukQRx9kPGAIyGGDi5_pbuLSKlepn2dQRf44svu_j67S4VkAJxkOv_ICihHxCCpTzJyPFQmiHdDq-IseEtcNBXE0vGxIgK5XsXO_ETG0cWHVNRJ0hl8A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was meant to be doing my chartership report but I woke up and wasn't really feeling it so I went to do some grocery shopping. I tried to make lunch but I don't think I'm up to Basel's standards so he took over... lol.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have also been wanting to make a ginger bread house and there was no better person to make one with except for Basel because we act the same age (note: we are the same age but we don't necessarily act our age). Luckily enough, he was up for it. So I spent the afternoon trying to make the gingerbread itself. After work, we were contemplating whether to go out or stay in. But we had the gingerbread house to make so we stayed in and I had waaaaaaaay too much fun. We had some Christmas music in the background and some Louis Armstrong. We got onto the decorating and then it got to the difficult part of trying to make it stand. It was extremely frustrating and I wasn't able to get an instagrammable photo of it - but I did still post it because I was rather proud of our accomplishment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 6 - 22 Dec</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtdPkidjBKG89mQnpQwa7Fio7rO9v_VoOk0L9CUJwydjjA4BkLCVk6PHEvXMfqSiuHpAHcPC4PcSvlJBIEX10BnHyuGxNyZ_1ss-xXvQzIJ9pSwyaL3Rn4njE1InMoJQj75vyEI0RLCqOLMxvOgnqhGWiLTi-KWtVQEjX8k14XOETcFwgrJFlS-44flg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtdPkidjBKG89mQnpQwa7Fio7rO9v_VoOk0L9CUJwydjjA4BkLCVk6PHEvXMfqSiuHpAHcPC4PcSvlJBIEX10BnHyuGxNyZ_1ss-xXvQzIJ9pSwyaL3Rn4njE1InMoJQj75vyEI0RLCqOLMxvOgnqhGWiLTi-KWtVQEjX8k14XOETcFwgrJFlS-44flg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had booked myself a hair dressers appointment because that's what you're meant to do on holiday... right? This was also the day I contemplated whether or not to start planning for a move to Edinburgh... don't talk to me about it. I found a cute coffee shop on the way back and had a pretty long call with Hanz. Headed back to the flat, got comfy and tried to finish the book that I still haven't managed to finish until now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgbEoiufnaLdy-tKS74nBMXCABr2C3HmAf75gHy4bYkKADpzB0f_sJjB5vbsej-CvTAOYHmWjpbtH3_Q01YcGcSuJ9bPy2aidcGtWKxmRI3aMub4-4-NshS27BhI2uTmWeNlwJFfzhZVt8yGQObNYBWJKKL_n0pTUPP65I14sdoo_aJ78AsgACpcTJ6g=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgbEoiufnaLdy-tKS74nBMXCABr2C3HmAf75gHy4bYkKADpzB0f_sJjB5vbsej-CvTAOYHmWjpbtH3_Q01YcGcSuJ9bPy2aidcGtWKxmRI3aMub4-4-NshS27BhI2uTmWeNlwJFfzhZVt8yGQObNYBWJKKL_n0pTUPP65I14sdoo_aJ78AsgACpcTJ6g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When Basel was done with work, we headed out to Cold Town House for dinner - really good pizzas and amazing loaded fries. Walked through Victoria Street to get to the Christmas Market and had some horrible churros. We then continued trying to walk the food down around that part of town before heading to Sainsburys to pick up an inflatable bed which I was meant to pick up but then realised that it was a good idea I didn't because it was heavy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 7 - 23 Dec</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCyGoo3O-YKC03m1fu-DIVJd54ITfRE_bJMD37LgmZ1P7gvtqYJT1RxX4Xg2YCkPWO6WL2GGDcd4mEvUJ-rZDa7DTeXIL3L55AizHVsqxzXAnxgjqbtNkYIx-ezZphsCcdk3FlQYR_wQGchBHwS4DvWDWrHTmElsa8f4jpTiHw2Jiqb8qgNNBximoLEg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCyGoo3O-YKC03m1fu-DIVJd54ITfRE_bJMD37LgmZ1P7gvtqYJT1RxX4Xg2YCkPWO6WL2GGDcd4mEvUJ-rZDa7DTeXIL3L55AizHVsqxzXAnxgjqbtNkYIx-ezZphsCcdk3FlQYR_wQGchBHwS4DvWDWrHTmElsa8f4jpTiHw2Jiqb8qgNNBximoLEg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The weather was looking a lot better today so I was brought to Dean's Village and was scammed into getting some random coffee shop whilst Basel found a nice coffee shop which according to him, had the best coffee he's had (insert eye roll). Dean's Village was the cutest little place ever. It was as if you had gone out of Edinburgh to get there. Worth a visit! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlTmlkYyI9sPgCahgdkPGyWv7WbGvV9wA7HhFeB1vBfoGoobZYCZxhR5dBe6nBP7N5OVKdNMVpDrzO-3nQEXvwHyBF0NXp71L9grlGmYYm3chtnlGCTTDkEVZZXNbgyW8QV71DbBzoA75S3c4QkbNBxEhNeMhiwqeXAkUxX81sgQ2pfeoKpekJPrnWjA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlTmlkYyI9sPgCahgdkPGyWv7WbGvV9wA7HhFeB1vBfoGoobZYCZxhR5dBe6nBP7N5OVKdNMVpDrzO-3nQEXvwHyBF0NXp71L9grlGmYYm3chtnlGCTTDkEVZZXNbgyW8QV71DbBzoA75S3c4QkbNBxEhNeMhiwqeXAkUxX81sgQ2pfeoKpekJPrnWjA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We then headed to St Margaret's Loch where I managed to capture a photo of a UFO. We tried to get to another Loch but it was just too muddy, rainy and basically, Basel gave up. Instead, we went to Jad's place before heading back to the flat to watch Jad beat Basel up at FIFA. Life was good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next few days then became one of my highlights of the year! </div>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083977648975107503.post-20064484303405265272021-06-11T22:39:00.002+01:002021-06-11T22:43:37.621+01:00Summer already?<p>I was having trouble trying to get onto EA so I thought it might be a bit more beneficial or productive for me to get onto this. IT IS NOW SUMMER! Can you believe it. It feels like it was just two weeks ago when I was wearing my jumper to work and now I need the fan on all the time and even that feels like it isn't enough. The seasons are changing and it definitely feels like time flew by just like that. It's either that or I'm having so much fun that I've lost track of time or I've been so busy. I'll be happy to settle with both.</p><p>Workwise, I've been pretty occupied. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I sleep and dream about it. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I wake up and have to deal with it.</p><p style="text-align: right;">I try to sleep and think about it. </p><p>But I enjoy it. I'm going through a steep learning curve again which is why this is happening but at the same time, because I like it, I do it willingly - which is always a good thing. What is even better is the fact that I have people guiding me. It feels a bit like back when I did SKY, I remember all those days when I was learning, frustrated, trying to figure things out and trying not to mess up but at the same time, I had to make sure that everyone knew what they needed to do and that we were all working towards the same goal. I now miss my SKY team. </p><p>That aside, I watched my very first football match the other day. Jess was playing, which was probably the only reason why I enjoyed it. But I had thought that since people gave F1 a chance, then the least I could do is give football a chance. </p><p>Talking about F1 - LAST WEEK. BAKU. MENTAL. The last few laps was filled with so much emotions with Max's tyres exploding, the red flag and THAT RESTART. I mean, Checo was next level smart to have put pressure on Lewis, pushing him into a mistake. It was incredible, especially seeing Checo, Seb (FINAAAAAAALLLLYYYY) and Pierre on the podium. I was hoping to see Daniel be higher up but he's really not feeling it yet. </p><p>This post is everywhere. And I am very hungry. I had Swedish hot dogs last week (courtesy of Jess) - I think everyone should go out and get themselves a bottle of Swedish mustard. Greatest thing in the world. </p>Asma Hamidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07680002020383142239noreply@blogger.com0