Let’s be honest, it’s not the musical that changed me - it was the arduous journey. But before I get into ‘how’, I have to admit that I wasn’t in glee to be part of the team. When I agreed to be one of the stage managers, I couldn’t shake off the immediate regret. I was aware that I had to sacrifice my time for a task I found little joy in. You see, I’m not a people person. I’ve not made new friends in years. And being thrust into an environment, where I only knew few of those involved... I actually kept to myself for months. So why - why did I agree to do it if I was going to dread it?
The only reason I said ‘yes’ was because there was a need - a need I was prompted to fill. I knew God had placed this role on my lap, with reasons I wasn’t privy to. However, He didn’t force me to do it - He only hoped I would. And because I wanted to make Him proud, I grudgingly agreed. True enough, His reasons prevailed.
I joined the team in June, 2016 - wow, it’s been almost a year! And in those 10 months, I’d skipped hours of workout, ruined my diet at times, missed out on much needed sleep - and all for what? A questioning of my life’s priorities. What were they? This, was what I used to claim my priorities to be: God, Family, Dream, Exercise, Friends.
I use the word ‘claim’ because I claimed God was first. And by joining the Price Less team, God called me out on this claim. Yes, I agreed to do it because of God. But I wasn’t happy about it for the first few months - I wasn’t happy because I had to put God before family and my workout sessions. So in truth, God wasn’t on top of the list. Jeng jeng jeng.
When I realised this - no, when He made me realise this - my perspective changed. I decided to stop whining about the death of my muscles (yes, I’m exaggerating), and the hiatus of family days, to actively practice what I preached. And when I did, the journey became meaningful. Not only did I grow in my relationship with God - allowing Him to teach and mold me along the way - I was also open to meeting new people, and to offer my time to others.
Like I said, I’m not a people person. Friends came in last in my priorities. In fact, I rarely agreed to plans - especially dinner plans, because ‘I need to workout’. For me to actually say ‘yes’ to spending time with you, you’d have to be someone I’d consider almost family. Because the reality before Price Less was this: I was comfortable being alone. I didn’t need people to be physically around. I was completely fine in my own bubble. But, the reality after Price Less is different. I didn’t realise how wonderful it is to have a bigger circle of friends - to laugh with, cry with, fret with, and play with. The people I’ve met in this journey burst my self-bubble. And I’m glad it did. Though it took a couple of months, I eventually opened up to the idea of including new people in my life.
It’s strange to hear me say this, but I look forward to meeting people now. I’m willing to give up my time - make a few sacrifices - for those I call ‘friends’. I’m still a little awkward with those I’ve just met, and I still avoid saying the first ‘hello’ to strangers, but I’ve learned to trust more and share more with those around me. And I wouldn’t be like this, if I said ‘no’ in the first place.
Honestly, I’m relieved that the tiring season is almost over. But I’m also sad - sad I wouldn’t be able to see the people involved, as frequently as before, after the curtain call. Nevertheless, I’m thankful I got to meet all of them. And I’m grateful, so very grateful, that God prompted me to do this. It has truly been... a priceless experience.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Budgeting Hokkaido - 12D/11N
Japan is pricier this time around. Malaysia didn't do well economically in 2016, and it is not strengthening its ringgit this year either. With the weak currency, I had to set the budget at RM5500. Now if only 100 yen was still RM 3, it would've been a cheaper holiday.
12 Days, 11 Nights in Hokkaido
*Ringgit is estimated based on currency exchange. Refer to yen for budgeting accuracy.
**Also, cost has been divided by 4 pax.
Transportation: RM 2560.69
*Ringgit is estimated based on currency exchange. Refer to yen for budgeting accuracy.
**Also, cost has been divided by 4 pax.
Transportation: RM 2560.69
**Also, cost has been divided by 4 pax.
Transportation: RM 2560.69
KL to Hokkaido (return) via AirAsia: RM1240
10 Days Car Rental via Tocoo: RM523.74 (54,000 yen per group)
Tocoo fees: RM116.41 (RM465.67 per group)
10 Days Hokkaido Expressway Pass: RM90.20 (9300 yen per group)
Driving Permit: RM37.50 (RM150 per group)
Tocoo fees: RM116.41 (RM465.67 per group)
10 Days Hokkaido Expressway Pass: RM90.20 (9300 yen per group)
Driving Permit: RM37.50 (RM150 per group)
Misc transport, parking, and petrol: RM552.84 (14,250 yen)
Entry Fees/ Activities: RM 75 (1920 yen)
*Entrance fees and boot rental.
Accommodation: RM 1432.50
Hakodate: RM486.50 (3 nights)
Sapporo: RM296.25 (3 nights)
Asahikawa: RM365 (3 nights)
Eniwa: RM284.75 (2nights)
Asahikawa: RM365 (3 nights)
Eniwa: RM284.75 (2nights)
Food: RM 1400
(Daily budget of 3000 yen)
*At time of cash conversion, currency rate fluctuates around RM 3.90 = 100 Yen
*At time of cash conversion, currency rate fluctuates around RM 3.90 = 100 Yen
Estimated Total Per Person: RM 5468.19
To view in-hand cash breakdown, scroll to the end of the itinerary in the itinerary post. What you see above is the breakdown of the complete budget, without going into the minute details. I'm glad I managed to keep it below RM5500. Hopefully, I'll have a surplus. Once I return, I'll let you know if the budget worked in the trip summary.
Check out my other posts on Hokkaido:
To view in-hand cash breakdown, scroll to the end of the itinerary in the itinerary post. What you see above is the breakdown of the complete budget, without going into the minute details. I'm glad I managed to keep it below RM5500. Hopefully, I'll have a surplus. Once I return, I'll let you know if the budget worked in the trip summary.
*Now, I know I over-budgeted on miscellaneous transport. With little experience in self-driving holidays, I prefer to be safe than sorry. Besides, the extra can be transferred to the food and non-existing shopping budget. Who has a problem with that?
Check out my other posts on Hokkaido:
Post-trip posts:
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Airbnb Hokkaido
I've never booked a hotel since I discovered Airbnb. That's how awesome Airbnb is - price wise. When it comes to the accommodation itself, you'll just have to read the comments by other guests. But generally, the places are pretty decent. Depending on the country, location, and your budget, there are hidden gems to be found. These are the four I've decided to go with.
Do note I'll be driving in Hokkaido - I've filtered my search to include free parking on site, and a washer/washing machine (because we all have to wash clothes).
Hakodate: This is the most expensive stay of the entire trip - RM162 per night per person. There are other cheaper Airbnbs in Hakodate, but this is most central. I'll be able to walk instead of drive, saving on parking and fuel. Also, it looks pretty spacious compared to the others... AND it has a washer. Oh, and despite the Japanese on the Airbnb page, the host speaks English.
Sapporo: Talk about price, this is the cheapest stay of the entire trip - RM99 per night per person. The basic search on Airbnb didn't show this lodging. I can't recall how I stumbled onto it. I just did. And when I did, I bookmarked it immediately. I imagine it to be pretty small as it always is with Japan, but with such a price and ideal location, it's a wonderful find.
Asahikawa: There aren't a lot of options in Asahikawa offering free parking. With the little variety, I settled with this. I do not have any expectations as the comments aren't all praising. However, it is only RM122 per night per person. I can't complain.
Eniwa: Just like Asahikawa, there aren't a lot of options near New Chitose Airport either. As this is my last stop, I didn't want to travel much on the day of my departure. So after discovering only one option, I settled with it. To be honest, it looks pretty awesome - it's a whole house! There's also a BBQ pit, and I intend to do some BBQing during my stay. The cost is RM142 per night per person. Also, the host speaks English. (*I found this listing on Airbnb first, but booked via Homeaway.)
The total cost of lodging is RM1433; averaging RM130 per night. I won't be able to find a comfortable hotel, with a washer, at that price. Comparing with my previous Japan trip, it's the same average cost - not accounting for the weaker ringgit this time around. What did I say? Airbnb is 'lit'.
As always, I'll return with short reviews on the accommodation. I don't expect them all to be as wonderful as their pictures, but Japan is known to be clean. That's all I ask for.
Check out my other posts on Hokkaido:
Hokkaido It Is - Trip Itinerary
Hokkaido It Is - Trip Itinerary
Post-trip posts:
Monday, February 27, 2017
So It's Hokkaido, Eh?
The initial plan was New Zealand South Island. But during the planning, NZ blew my budget. Hence, I settled for a cheaper holiday though not less wonderful: Hokkaido. Having loved my previous trip to Japan, any reason to go back is a good reason to go back. So it didn't take me long to settle on this place.
Being the advanced planner I am, my itinerary was pretty much set in December. I've only decided to post it now, certain I won't make anymore significant changes to it. And with the current exchange rate (higher than my last Japan escapade), I've capped the budget at RM5500 - more on the complete budget and accommodation in future posts. For now, here's the itinerary.
*This isn't the full itinerary. Maps, dates, and accommodation were removed.
Check out my other posts on Hokkaido:
Post-trip posts:
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Taiwan Trip Summary
So, I'm back. With a sunburn. With extra body fat. And with boxes of Taiwanese mochi. Nope, no pineapple cakes... because Malaysia makes those better at a more affordable price. Now on to the important question:
How was the trip?
Generally, Taiwan was OK for me. I won't go back. It may only be 4 hours away, but it's not on my to-revisit list unlike Japan, South Korea, and Australia. It just didn't leave a great impression. But... that's just me. Who knows, you might have a different experience.
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| Blue sky and a sunburn at Qixingtan beach. |
Day 1: A whole day of travel, from airplane to bus to train. We landed in Taoyuan International Airport at 11.30am and checked-in at Hualien at 6.40pm.
Day 2: We rented bicycles at Giant Bicycles for NTD150 per bike a day. It was half the initial price I thought it would be. Apparently, NTD300 was for weekends. We cycled all the way to Qinxingtan beach via the city road, then cycled back to the city via the bicycle path for lunch. Did a little city sight-seeing before returning the bikes at around 3pm. After resting for a couple of hours in the hostel, and noticing the sunburn on our arms, we headed to Dongdamen Night Market for dinner.
Day 3: Our taxi guide picked us up at our hostel at 9am. He drove us to Taroko National Park and stopped at all the places on the itinerary, except Baiyang Waterfall Trail as it was closed (the only trail I was looking forward to). The trails weren't fantastic, but there were some scenic spots. Still, I've seen better. I guess the more you travel the harder it is to be impressed. Also, pictures are an exaggeration of reality. If you'd like to see more pictures, check out my Instagram.
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| The memorable 7-course lunch. |
Day 5: We hopped on a morning train to Taipei and checked-in at 2pm. Then, we headed to Taipei Zoo. For the entrance fee, it is worth a visit. The zoo is huge! And there's plenty to see, if you have the time. After that, we took the Maokong Gondola to Maokong Mountain - we had the crystal cabin. As the sun was setting, the only bone-chilling moment was when cold gushes of air swooped into our glass cage. But despite the cold, the 30-minute ride provided a great panoramic view of day transitioning to night. Once at the top, we were just in time for dinner. Bracing the chilly air, we headed to Longmen Restaurant for a meal overlooking Taipei city.
*Tip: if you want to cut cost, take a taxi down Maokong Mountain instead of the gondola. We saved NTD45 per person and 15 minutes.
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| History lesson at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. |
Day 7: We were told to take Bus 1819 instead of a train to the airport. Just in case you end up wandering around like we did, you can buy the tickets by the bus station itself. There's a booth just a few feet from the Bus 1819 queue. Our flight was at 12.40pm and we touched Malaysian soil at 5.10pm. It was back to reality.
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| A warm meal on the chilly mount. |
Yes. I had a surplus of NTD335. Depending on the conversion rate, that's about RM40. Not much, but I was surprised there was an extra. As the aboriginal lunch and the Longmen dinner couldn't be estimated before hand, and were actually expensive, I was afraid I would be short on cash. But even so, there were plenty of NTD to go around.
How was the lodging?
Hualien: This listing is a hostel. The host failed to make mention of this. When I search for listings on Airbnb, I always tick the 'Entire home/apt' box. So when I checked into this place, I assumed we would have the privacy. But when night came, we were surprised to find another person staying on the third floor. Now if you don't mind hostels, then this is a great place. It's clean, cosy, and comfortable. But if you're like me, and you prefer your own space, skip this one and look for another.
Taipei: I have no idea how this listing is constantly booked and has such a high rating. I don't like to give bad reviews as it affects the livelihood of others, but despite the spacious rooms, this place lacks hygiene. The bathroom is molding, the heater isn't working, and we found a dead cockroach under the table. The home itself isn't new, but the host could've paid more attention to cleaning. Oh, and there's barely any kitchen utensils. Like I said above, pictures are an exaggeration of reality, and very much so in this case.
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| The cliche shot by Taroko Archway. |
I didn't plan to, but with a surplus in budget, I did. I brought home Taiwanese mochi, nougats, and dried fruits. My brother bought himself a pair of shoes for half the price it would have been in Malaysia.
To sum it up...
Taiwan isn't my kind of place, and it has failed to top my previous escapades. It wasn't a bad trip, but it wasn't memorable either. At least I can check Taiwan off my list.
Next stop, Hokkaido!
Check out my other posts on Taiwan:
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