Book Review: The Maze runner Trilogy

No doubt that The Maze Runner Series is making a buzz all over the internet, both the book and the movie. If its not for Dylan O'Brien (who plays Thomas the protagonist) I would not care about the book. So since I'm so eager to watch the movie I decided to read the book first before it hits the theater. It's a good read. Its frustratingly entertaining and engaging.

It keeps you wanting to know more and to get some answers, so its a page turner. It makes you wonder about things, about their situation and all the stuff they throw in the story. Its kind of frustrating to read the whole series because it keeps you thinking how can these teens go through so much, it seems like they are in a hopeless situation that you want to go inside the book and help them get out of there.

The Maze Runner is the best of the 3 books. The plot and characters are unique. Its a roller coaster of action and questions. Though the answers are given in specific time and situations it makes you want to have all the answers there is. The end of the first book is a cliffhanger, so you get to the next book as fast as you can.

The Scorch Trials there is nothing much which is a downer. Its the same process in the first book in a different place. But the same...run and survive. It answer some questions in the first book and you somehow have a grasp of why it is happening. They introduced new characters in this book.

The Death Cure is the last one of the series, It has more action, suspense, emotion and answers. Its suspenseful to the point that you just want to skip half of it and go to the end of the chapter ^^ just to know what happens after everything they'd been through. It has more emotion that the two books since there are deaths and some other things. But I don't like how some of the events turned out. Its lame... its....just....lame! gee!

Characters:
I think the charm of this series are the characters. Though there is not much of a character development you just learn to love them. You find yourself caring for the Glader boys. You'll love them and worry for them.

Thomas (the protagonist) hate him, love him. Loyal to a fault and does everything to save his friends. I just don't like the thought of other characters death to save him. I don't like how he ends up with Brenda the new girl and just shrug off Teresa his best friend since the beginning. Though there is not much of a romance in this series, still I don't like how things ended up with the 3 of them.I like that these girls are as tough as the boys. They are not the typical damsel in distress, it is also a good point that they show less weakness and they just keep on fighting for their lives and not bothering others with it.

Minho is the Asian character that is tough, hot tempered and sarcastically funny. He can be a good leader (though they say Thomas is the true leader). He only trusts Newt and Thomas. I like the idea of an Asian character playing a big role in a story, its out of standard which is pretty awesome.

Newt is a good-natured character. He is the one that keeps the other boys together. He sees reason and he weigh things. He is the second in command in the Glade (a place inside the maze). He is a character favorite (alongside with Chuck the boy who is like a brother to Thomas though he died in the end of the first book). I don't like how things turned out for him in the 3rd book. I keep asking why him? :( and with a heavy heart you just have to accept it.

Gally the bad boy in the first book, whom they thought dead when they left him, turned out to be kicking and alive in the third book. He is a changed person in the third book and he knows a lot about the situation. Thomas figured out that Gally's behavior inside the Glade is manipulated. So even though Gally is the one who killed Chuck, Thomas forgave him.

Overall: Its a good series, it is written to entertain the readers. Though not much for the character development you'll just love them anyway, especially the three boys (Thomas, Minho and Newt). Its action, survival, questions, emotions, loyalty and death. The slang that they created in the book is pretty cool, if you get the hang of it you somehow use it like a normal words. So that it "shanks"!

Zippofippo

Slavery and Inequality: You can make a difference

I've been wanting to do a blog about Modern Slavery, after all I'm supporting the Walk Free Organization through my social media accounts and now the opportunity presents itself its BLOG ACTION DAY.

When I saw a video about modern slavery I was surprised to know that millions and millions of people are enslave in this modern world where almost everything is run by technology. I thought slavery only existed in the past era. It struck me that there are different forms of slavery that are very familiar to us. Human trafficking, Forced Labor, Child Labor, Sex Slavery, Forced Child Marriage, Domestic workers abuse, debt bondage and the list goes on. It is also alarming to know that slavery exist globally, I even read some cases in my own country The Philippines and here in Thailand where I am working. USA and UK have slavery cases too, in which I realize being a developed country many people are drawn to work and find a better job and bigger salary with these counties. In which they might fall victim to slavery. I think every country has cases like this, you can refer to this site for better understanding.
 http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/findings/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwtvihBRCd8fyrtfHRlJEBEiQAQcubtKKogW-d_yPtLrUqM2vBziNkELmsTpWeJkOH1bTe6vQaAmnB8P8HAQ#overview


In slavery comes inequality.

Let me share some cases about modern slavery that we have.

*The exploitation of migrant workers in the construction of the 2022 Qatar Wold Cup. 

The migrant workers are being promised for a good job and better salary to help their families but instead they are being abuse to work with no proper shelter, no proper food and water. Their salaries are retained and their passports are confiscated to stop them from escaping. According to The Guardian the "Wold Cup construction will leave 4,000 migrant workers dead" and who knows it may be more than that if the Qatar government will not do something about it. Nepalese are the most in numbers to this slavery. I know a lot of migrant workers came from a poor country. Many died already and there will be more if this continues. The inhumane treatment for these migrant workers only shows inequality in race, status and life. If they are being treated fairly there will be no slavery. If their employers see them equally they will not experience all this brutality.

(being a fan of the World Cup this is a devastating news)

Refer to this site for more information: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/25/revealed-qatars-world-cup-slaves



*Forced Child labor and Forced Child Marriage

"Children are the hope of our future"

Children who are forced to work long hours in mines, fields, constructions and even in bars and restaurants. They are forced to work in hazardous and abusive environment. According to International Labor Organization an estimated of 8.4 million children in slavery (ILO 2002).

I saw a report about Child slavery in "Chocolate industry". While we are enjoying the sweetness of the chocolate and the candy bars (from famous brands)  these children don't even know what a chocolate looks like and what does it taste like. All they know is to work hard on those cocoas and earn money for their family.

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/19/child-slavery-and-chocolate-all-too-easy-to-find/

Children as young as 8 are working long hours in mines. Mining is one of the most hazardous and extremely dangerous work for children. It is dangerous enough for adults so how much more it is for children. Imagine the hard work these youngsters are doing. Digging above the ground under the blazing sun, going down to underground mines risking their lives to explosion, rock fall and toxic gases. 

The problem is, the families of these youngsters are also involved in the work. I think its one factor that leave them no choice but to work.

Forced and Child marriages is prevalent to some countries since it is part of their culture. Girls at the age of 10 -18 are forced to marry men twice or thrice their age. This practice entrap young girls to a life of misery. It takes away their right to live and deprive them to basic human rights.

These children have the right to live way they want, to be at school, to play, learn and explore. To be free of any responsibilities that is weighing on their shoulders. I know they are "just" children and we may think they can do nothing, but I believe that these children are the hope of our future and they can do wonders if we guide them and see them equally, trust them to strive hard and make a difference in this world. 

Zippofippo

note: 
you can sign up to Walk Free Organization 
and help fight Modern Slavery
http://www.walkfree.org/

An act of KINDNESS

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. ~ Amelia Earhart

I honestly don't know how to start this post. I feel like I should do it the right way to convey the message that I want to share. Kindness comes in all form may it be saying kind words, doing kind things for other people, being kind to animals and even to our nature. Doing an act of kindness does not depend on how big or small you've done. You may not realize it but by giving your smile to everyone its a simple act of kindness, saying thoughtful words to others or just being a friend to someone is an act of kindness. 

Now lemme share my story (it may not be the greatest story to tell but still I want to share it). 
Its my own personal experience and realizations. I kept it to myself because I felt like people around me would not be really interested hearing it and I don't want to appear like bragging about it. My family knew what I did but they don't know the whole story. I think its about time to share it and somehow make a difference through it.  Its about those people you see or even passed by on the streets.

In the past I would gladly give my coins to any one panhandling on the streets, its just the way it is for me. But there are times I'm too lazy to check for any coins in my purse that if I feel bad just passing through them.

Then one day my perspective towards the situation changed. I cannot really remember when it started but I felt like I have to do something more for these people. I heard a lot of arguments about giving money to them. People would say that these people might asking money to support their vices and true to it! sometimes,I see some of them puffing a cigarette and who knows what else. On the other hand people would say its better to give them bread or food than money, at least you'll know they will have something to eat.

One day me and my cousin was waiting for a ride home near a bakeshop when I noticed this man sitting on the floor I cant remember well if he is asking for alms or not, but by looking at the man I somehow felt that I need to do something. Then we decided to buy a bread for him, as far as I can remember it was my cousin who handed out the bread because I'm too embarrassed to approach him. I don't know how to exactly describe the man's reaction, it was a mixture of wonderment and disbelief I guess, but after that, I saw one of the most warm and genuine smile in my life and in that moment I truly felt real joy.That event made an impact to me that I can still remember it to this very day and it became my encouragement to do more good every chance I get.

Sometimes if I see an old person selling something I buy whatever they are selling may it be of used or not. There are times when I'm riding through a public transportation and some passengers have a big amount of money for the fare and the driver doesn't  have a change for it, I pay for them. (it happens a lot and it happened to me too, thanks to that kind lady). There was this event when these kids were trying to have a free ride home but the driver of the cab (not a taxi cab) that I'm in was unwilling to let them ride since they look untidy. I suddenly said I'll pay for them which I got an unenthusiastic look from the man, but he let them ride the cab. I talked to the kids about stuff  and uttered their thanks.

 Every time I go to the malls and see old people outside holding out one's hand, I go inside the mall and buy food for them that's the least I could do. It became part of my routine every time I go out. Well there are times I ran out of money so I can't give to them. But every payday I make sure to check on them and bring food. There are times that I feel uncomfortable because people are staring at me. 

One old woman caught my attention, maybe because she reminds me of Granny (my grandmother who passed away) among all of them she's the oldest I've seen. I started caring for her I checked out on her from time to time. There are days that she's not on her usual spot, until one day she stopped coming to that place. I was worried for her, whenever I go to different places in the city I always checked the area and see if she's there like the parks, churches and markets but no luck for me. With a heavy heart I moved on but still hoping to see her. 

After a couple of months while I was on my way home I spotted her sitting in a walking pavement, its in the intersection and in front of a famous fast food chain. My heart lit up the moment I saw her but as I was travelling home I felt sad, why? because I didn't do anything and it's late! I go home 11:30 pm every day, why does she have to stay outside so late. She should go home and rest. I feel sorry for her and for my self (because I can't do anything for her). Since that night every time I go home I would always checked her spot. Feeling down that I can't do anything I just passed by and pray that she will be okay. She was sharing the spot with another old woman but not as old as she, people are just passing through them I saw some are giving them money and one time I saw a crew from the fast food chain gave them food. There was this time when it was drizzling and she still sits there.The location is mobbed because there are bars, restaurants, mall and its on the main road. 

On the night of March 02 2012 the crowd is more packed since its Friday, its party time for people of all ages. My ride home slowed down to pick up passengers near the location where the old woman is sitting. I was battling if  I go down and check out on her or just go straight home. Just like in the movies the very last moment was suddenly slowing down when I decided to jump out and pay my fare. As I was walking towards her I gathered all my courage and said to myself that there is no backing down now. I said "hello" to her and she smiled at me then I sat down beside her. The first minutes was very awkward and uncomfortable for me I was just sitting with her and people are staring down at us, I saw food from the fast food chain both for the two women. I asked her if she has eaten her dinner which she replied "yes". I started talking to her, I asked her name she said its "Marcela" from then on I called her "Lola Marcela" (Grandma Marcela). She talked a lot! she told me about her family, some of her children are dead but her youngest daughter is still with her, how her daughter is so dependent on her, she has grandchildren. She told me that she is still the one providing for her family, her daughter's husband is blind and her daughter is not doing anything to provide for the family. I told her that she's too old and its not safe for her, she should be resting at home at not sitting outside the streets and asking for alms, she answered me if she will not do it her grandchildren will starve. As I was listening to her I felt a pang of sadness how can they let this old woman roam around the street. She said a lot of people showed sympathy for her so they gave her money. There's a good Samaritan who gave her an ointment since her knees and joints are in pain. I asked her how much does she get from panhandling I was surprised that she can collect a big amount of money. (It reminds me when Sherlock Holmes disguised as a beggar and asked alms on the streets just to solve his case. He said then that there is big money in panhandling.)  I joked at her that I might just resigned and just ask for alms then.

She told me about her younger days (which reminds me of Granny because she also loved to talk about her younger days). She also told me that she got attacked by some boys and took her money. I told her that she should be careful and keep her money safely. We talked about  stuff she even asked me if I already had dinner and offered me her food which I politely refuse since I'm still full. She also asked me if I'm a student, I said "no, I worked in a small company".

She then told me that once there was a group of people who took her to a nice place, they cleaned her up, provided her food and a nice bed. She said the place are full of old people like her (I assume the place if a home for the aged). I asked her why she left, she left because she misses her grandchildren and she's worried about her family. She even said, if other mothers can abandon their children, she cant. Its amazing how deeply she loves her family but it made me doleful that the very same family she loves seems to be the one abandoning her. We talked for a while when the rain started dropping I helped her out and the other Lola to find a shelter. I was surprised when one man helped us out. We went under the flyover and settled them there. I bid my goodbye to them since its getting late and I need to go home. The two women uttered their thanks and reminded me to be careful going home Lola Marcela even handed out a bill to pay for my fare which I refused and I said "Its okay Lola I have money" (that gesture really touched my heart). I walked away and was waiting for a ride when this man approached me and told me that what I did was brave and inspiring. "Not all people can do what you just did, you sat down and talked with them". I just said thanks to him I don't know how to take the compliment. Ahmmm I was a bit indifferent with the man because he was a stranger and I'm not really that friendly.  So I didn't know how to react with the whole situation. I know he wanted to talked to me more but I called out a taxi and went home.

While on my way home everything punch in to me. I realized what I did and I said to my self "Wow you did it!" It felt really good inside. I'm glad that God guided me and gave me that chance. I was also inspired with the man's words. For the first time in my life I knew I did something right. 

Following that event I visited Lola Marcela every chance I get or if I'm not really tired. After work I would go to a convenience store and bought some water and food and an ointment for Lola and the other Lola, then I would walked to their location since its not really that far from my office. I felt more comfortable the second time and on the third time its like the most natural thing in the world. People still throw glances at me but I didn't mind them. We talked and talked sometimes she told me stories over and over again but I don't mind I still listen and respond to her (Granny used to tell me stories over and over again). Sometimes if her legs and knees are in pain I would massage it for her. I also talked to the other Lola but she doesn't talked much, so I just let her be. Sometimes I buy food for them from the other famous fast food chain. There was a moment when the weather is a bit cool and she doesn't have anything to protect her from cold I gave her my shawl. One day I asked her where she stays in the city she said that she had a place to sleep. I know the place its far and she told me that she just walk to get there. But I think she mentioned that sometimes taxis or other public transportation are giving her a ride. Every time I visit her she never fail to asked me if I've eaten my dinner already. She would looked at me and smile then would asked me why I talked and sat down with them, she also said other people don't even like to be near them since they are dirty. I said I don't mind and besides I'm enjoying her company. (I know I can't help them big time so in my own way by talking and listening, just being with them and understanding them I know I'm helping enough).

There were times that Lola Marcela and the other Lola didn't showed up in the place and if I bought something for them I gave it to the street children. Then there was this time when I passed by and saw Lola Marcela back to the spot and to my surprise there was a man sitting and talking to her. I was so happy maybe just maybe that person was inspired by me. Days passed for the second time I saw another man talking to her (till now I'm still wondering if its the same man). Sometimes people just need a little push to do things or maybe a little inspiration. 

At times I see her in the middle of the day walking I would get off the cab and talk to her just to check how she's doing. One time I saw her near my office so I bought her food from the convenience store. Every time she smiled at me it always give me happiness. Even when she's old and were not seeing each other often she still remembers me.

There came a time when I'm not seeing more of her until long months had passed and no sign of her. From time to time I would think of her and pray for her.

On a rainy night of January 19 2013 I saw Lola Marcela again under the same flyover I placed her on our first meeting but she was under the stairs that its not easy to spot her. God really guided me that night. I can't remember well why I was there but I know I'm going home that moment but its hard to take a cab since its raining. Then I walked towards the flyover so that I'll be on the first line for the cab I was a bit tired of waiting and can't wait to go home. I just stood there for a couple of minutes then when I looked under the stairs my heart leap! Lola Marcela is sitting there. I ran towards her, took her hands and hold it. I missed her and worried about her. Its raining hard and its cold but she doesn't have anything to protect her. I asked her how she'd been. She talked about stuff. I just stayed there with her. She asked the same questions every time I see her. If I eat already, what's my work, where's my office, etc.
I remember combing her hair since she has a pink comb. I remember she touched my face and told me something (can't really remember what she said). I remember her smile. I remember she told me I should go home since its raining I might catch a cold. I remember she showed me a senior citizen card with her personal information. So I thought someone is looking out for her.
When I decided to go home I was reluctant to leave her there. Again she offered me money for the fare which I refused. Then she offered me her pink comb, she really insisted on it so I took it.
Before I got up I took a picture of her since I have my camera with me that time. Strange emotion enveloped me. Little did I know that would be our last time together. 

Months passed, I got busy for my departure to work overseas. I still think of her and I was really hoping to see her before I go but it didn't happen. I had her combed with me until recently, I found out I lost it I can't find it among my things :(
Up to this very day I still think about her and still worried how she's doing. I can only pray for her now that we are miles apart. I'm hoping for the best for Lola Marcela. If given a chance I would love to see her again.


And there goes my story. I have regrets, actually, I could have done something more for her. Many times I think of bringing her home with me.But I'm afraid of responsibility I feel like if I will push for it, it would be hard work. So I helped her the way I can. I might be a childish, immature person for some but this experience helped me to learn and grow as a person.

A simple act of kindness is contagious it inspire you to do more good and it inspire other people to do the same.

note:
I'm not sure what will be your reaction to this, some might not read it or bother to check 
on it but I'm hoping that somehow it can light a fire in your heart. 
And it can inspire you to spread kindness in this world.

Pattaya Escapade

Well its been a while since my last post...been busy these days. Much as I want to update my blog I don't have a lot of time and I'm quiet lazy ^^ I haven't decided to whether make a video of our Singapore trip or not...I really wanna share my videos inside Universal Studio but it will be a bloody task since the files are big and its not easy to edit on videopad ^^ and I'm also thinking of this new project to post here which I will be showing about being a teacher here in Thailand. I filmed my videos already and there goes my problem again with the video making. So while I'm still battling with these two let me post my Pattaya experience.

Pattaya is a place here in Thailand that is known for its ''red light''district. Its like Sin City and a lot of tourist are visiting and exploring the place. Well if you want to have fun and party and girls and boys they all have it there. Its not my first time in the city since we had a one day tour last year but we weren't able to really see around the city. This time we made sure to check out what's in there and surprise! surprise! its not that bad after all. Despite all the bad things that I heard about the city and that made me somewhat not so fond of it I really enjoyed it there. We went to the Walking Street (the red light district) the moment we enter the place there are long line of bars and clubs. Its packed of people locals and tourists alike. We saw girls wearing sexy costumes inviting costumers, girls in sexy two piece outfit, girls on this glass room dancing and "ladyboy" (gays) as Thai people call them. Guys who are showing a menu of girls that you can choose. Loud music everywhere since they have live bands performing on some bars and clubs.

So we walked and walked and walked till the end of the street (which is a bit calmer), checking out the place and stuff. When we went back we chill on Hot Tuna Bar sippin' some drinks enjoying the music and that handsome vocalist (hahaha) and after that we went to this club and we dance and sing and drink again. It was a fun night.

The next day we went to the beach Koh Larn Island. We paid not over 100 bhat for the boat fare and we we went to Samae Beach. They have different beaches you can choose where to go. Last year we went to Ta Waen Beach the most famous and most crowded beach. Samae Beach is way better and quieter. Pattaya's beaches are not as good as Koh Samed. It may not be as beautiful as the other beaches here in Thailand but its the nearest in Bangkok and other cities so it attracts more tourists that the other places.

Visiting to Pattaya is a good deal since you can enjoy the night life and visit the infamous red light district and if you want to just sit back and relax they have nice beaches you can visit. Food is great and seafood is pretty cheap so if your a seafood lover you'll surely be full ^^
We didn't have enough money (just being honest here) to explore more. But I heard there are other tourists spot that you can visit in Pattaya, well maybe next time.

Tips:
Visit the Walking Street
Walk and explore (we paid 300 bhat every time we rode a songtiew taxi when in fact we can walk from our hotel to the walking street and to other places)
Just ignore the "girls" and have fun.
Don't go to Ta Waen beach you'll get disappointed.
When you want to go to Koh Larn Island take the ferry boat its cheaper, though it takes 45 minutes to reach the island by ferry boat its a good deal. Others may offer the speed boat coz its faster but its too expensive and geez its a hell of a ride!(speaking from my first visit)

At the heart of every legend there is a grain of truth:The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

ALCHEMY the word alone always piqued my interest. It is ancient and powerful. So when I saw the first book of the series The Alchemyst (yep with the Y) I know I have to read it. Nicholas Flamel was after all a legend and he was even mentioned or should I say appeared on the first Harry Potter book, well it seems that the idea of the Philosopher stone came from him. I didn't buy the book then, it took me almost 2 years to finally buy the book,for some reason I felt like I'm not ready yet to read it. So when a friend posted about the book on FB I felt like its a sign ^^

Since the Harry Potter series (which I'm a fan) many series of books came out which I was so eager to read but failed to go through all the series(Post Potter Depression). I read Twilight and somehow fell in love with Edward but I just lost interest with the series, I read Beautiful Creatures and I'm still thinking if I move on with the the second book same goes with the Mortal Instruments City of bones. Then came The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. At first I was skeptical about it when I read the plot and when I started reading I felt like its a mistake to buy and read the book. There's not much about alchemy and I can't seem to connect the two main characters Sophie and Josh (twins) in the story. But as I progress I got so hooked up with the story that I want to finish all the series in one day but I couldn't. I shared it to my sister (in the Philippines) and I knew she would love it and she even finished the whole series first. 

There might be some disappointments with these books like if you are a real Nicholas Flamel fan you'll be disappointed since he was just a guide in the story. The twins were kinda boring at first and there's not much description about them as that they are twins and they protect each other and the other is good while the other is somehow just somehow on the dark side. I mean Scott could have somehow made them cooler and somehow build them up as an individual character and not just twins (okay, am  not sure what am saying here anymore ^____^  so lets just leave it as it is). 

On the good side I love that I can easily follow the story amidst the gigantic plot and vast information that covers millennial ago! I easily understand and take in all the information that Scott provided. 

 Some of the characters are real people. I like the thought of these historical people, legendary people, magical and mythical characters  doing something else, being someone else, trying to fit in with us "Humani" and here on Earth, all these mixes of characters, how cool is that???? I wish he included Jack the Ripper and Einstein! 

For me this is the second best series after Harry Potter (it may not be the best for others so let me be clear FOR ME, okay? FOR ME ^_^) It is amazingly crafted and weaved. Its a roller coaster of excitement, surprises, fights, myths and legends. One more wish though, I wish they will make it to the big screen!

Tips:

If you read the series you might want to refer to uncle Google, its a big help ^^

Puerto Princesa Palawan Philippines

While I'm still working on my how to put all my videos in Singapore together, let me post my video when we visited Puerto Princesa Palawan.


What can I say? its one of my favorite place! Definitely I'll go back there and visit again! I love how clean and simple the city is. And the people are so nice and very helpful. We were able to visit the UNDERGROUND River which is one of the Seven wonders of the World . And I sooo love the snorkeling part!!! It was when I realized that I can really swim! I was able to do snorkeling whithout the life vest and I was so proud of my self ahahaha. We met an old couple from Canada who were visiting Palawan for a vacation and it was refreshing to talk to them and listen to their experiences in a foreign land. Our trip was a package tour so we weren't able to explore more. Mode of transportation is the "tricycle" in which the drivers can get points or something if you will buy on a souvinier shop they will take you in.It was not my first time in Puerto Princesa but it feels like first since my brief visit in the place way back in my college days was so brief that it doesn't feel like I went there. Well it was a night stop from our SEA TRIP so what we did was to eat dinner and visit the chapel and thats it we went back to the Ship and early morning we sail home.

We did a city tour with the tricycle for PHP500, we went to the Bakers Hill (their hopia is to die for!), Crocodile Park in where they have MAC-MAC the second biggest croc in the Philippines. There are a lot of activities you can do in Puerto Princesa, the UGONG Rock where you can do climbing and ziplining. Puerto Princesa is a tourist destination that is worth our money.

I hope I can do more exploration the next time ^^

Video around Kuala Lumpur and Penang

Thoughts about Singapore

Singapore is one of the most successful country, I've read many things about Singapore. The country is always on the top 10 list of everything (safety, airport, city etc) Though we had some not so good experiences I still think its a very nice place but if I were to rank my experience between Singapore and Malaysia I would put Malaysia as number 1. Singapore is like a western country for me because most of the people I saw on the streets are white tourist and locals. Many western people worked there and its like in the movies or series I watched like busy white people walking on the streets, dining in the restaurants, playing football on the field ^^. People in Singapore are health conscious I guess coz their food some how tastes bland maybe they don't use msg or whatever seasoning and a lot of them are running, jogging, biking and they have yoga session also around the city. I think they are aiming for a healthy living which is good.

Old people like old as in like grandpas and grandmas still work in Singapore I don't know if its a program for the senior citizen. Somehow I feel bad for them, they should retire and relax and do things they like but instead they work and it made me think that their families are not taking care of them. But on the other hand my cousin thinks that maybe instead of panhandling or just being at home they are given janitorial job so that they have something else to do.

Love is in the air in Singapore we saw couples having their prenuptial photos taken. I even took a photo with one of them ^^

Day 8 -9 Bugis street and Bye bye time

We just stayed in our room and slept the whole day in. We were so beaten that we just rested for the whole day. Around 6 pm we went to Bugis street where we bought some souvenirs. Bugis Street is a busy street s many tourist flocks in because they have many stuff and in a cheaper price. Bugis Street is good place with great deals. Again, Hongkong street is a nice location, we just walked our way to Bugis street.

The next morning we headed to the airport. Changi Airport is far so its not practical to take a taxi good thing the MRT start early I think that was 5 in the morning, so we walked to Bugis station and headed to the airport.

Zippofippo peace out!