Reflection

I was officially 20 a few days ago. Yeap! 20th! What an amazing age. I am really glad that I am always loved and blessed, by my dearest family and friends in these 20 years and I appreciate a lot from them indeed.

Completed my foundation's class, being a teacher, went for a 10 days backpacking trip with buddy, went to South Africa with some of my saving with my parent  fully support, charity works, done the world highest george swing at Oribi Gorge, shark cage diving and so on. To be frank, I have gone through a lot for my 19th and I am glad I'd conquer my fear to face all these. 

The entire journey of my 19th was really a nice memory for me even though most of the friends or people around me will not understand why am I doing such silly things but not focusing on my studies. As an Asian, it is really hard to explain with people around me that I want a gap year before i enter my university. Gap Year. What a strange word for Asian.

As a typical Asian, I am supposed to continue my studies right as my foundation especially when they get to know I get 50% discount for my first year of degree if I continue in my former college due to my results. Well, I didn't do so. Aww..maybe I would love to do so if my intake will have more students. Anyway, there is a long long story that I don't want to explain. Most of the Asians will never understand the value of gap year for a young adult. They hardly understand gap year is the brilliant time for us, the young adult to reflect and to learn more about ourselves before we step into university. Sadly to say that, most of the Asians' point of views are you are wasting your time if you say you want a gap year. Luckily, my parent does not belong in this category.  :')

No matter how, my gap year had been an amazing one. I will never think that much and gain these wonderful experiences in my life which I know it will definitely help in my endeavor.

Ohya, before I forget, there is another misconception of Asian - travelling need a lot of money. If you travel much, you must be very rich. Real story - when they heard about stories that I was having my backpacking trip or went for an exchange program, the words that I hate the most came out - "You can do it because you born in rich family"!

Hello guys, what I can say is I come from a normal average family - not too rich but we are able to live a little bit better than others like having trips together once a year. But do you know that, I cover the whole expenses of my backpacking trip myself from the airfare, hotel, transport to food and even the camera that I used by working? Do you know that I didn't stay in hotel but backpackers' lodge instead? Do you know that my friends and I walked for 45 minutes to travel from hostel to hostel with luggage just to avoid paying taxi's money? Do you know that I had actually cover my living expenses in South Africa myself by my saving and I did pay part of my air ticket because I don't want to use my parent money? Do you know.....

So can you please don't judge me when you just see the cover of the stories?

Well. Fine.

Anyway, I learnt a lot from the travelers from all over the world and the local who came across in my journey. And I am really happy to talk and to share the experiences with them.

Well, I have no regret for my 19th and I hope my 20th will be an amazing one too. For my 20th, I set 1 goal to achieve before I turned 21st - attend a swimming course. Swimming is the skill that I always I wish I know. And I don't want it to be my wishlist anymore! I want it to come true this time :) 

Somehow or rather, it was a hectic but awesome 20th birthday for me! Thanks for all the planning, wishes, cakes, dinner and celebrations. Yy, Penny, Patrick, Rachel, Jason and Lynn. It is really nice to meet you all in my life!

Thank you to my lovely sister for the D.I.Y card !

Thanks you my host families in Switzerland and South Africa for the call and the cards.

Not to forget to those who text and called from far far away! 

Thanks for those who text me or leave me a message in fb!

I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!
And  Lynn and Penny, thanks for the video! It is one of the best presents that I have received ever! It recalls a lot of memories back! Thank You! Thank You everybody! :) ♥


And of course, I will not to forget thank you World Vision for the card.

Life is always great, as usual. ^_^

P/S: For those who take time to read my grandma story, thank you! You may read this post as well which I think it is very meaningful especially for those who are 20th. Stay Tuned.