Shafiee Yakob

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Sunday, August 31, 2014

"Day 3 - Sight-seeing"

Yesterday, since we're in the city, we went for sight-seeing and a little bit of shopping. Once we're dolled up (not so much of a dolling up but more to like cleaning self up), we checked ourselves out and went straight to a small store in front of the hotel - to buy a can of deodorant. None of us brought one so yeah. Then, i opened my GoogleMap and started to wonder around the streets of Bat Dàn. That day was surprising hot. We found ourselves, discovering cute small shops that sell a little bit of everything, from fabric to hardware.

After 15 minutes of walking, we realized that we're lost so we grabbed a taxi to its centre where the Pagoda is. We then walked on the bridge to take some pictures but didnt actually get to go inside because we need to pay for it.

Twenty minutes later, we ended up at this plaza called Trang Thien Plaza. This plaza sells branded goods with prices that are not for us (for now).

After that, to golden city to shop for some essentials such as food, hanger, tissues, pillows and even foot odour eliminater. Yup. I need it! Haha!

But, here's the highlight. We got lost (again) when using taxi enroute to our university. We have told the exact location but this driver seems to pretend to understand and took us to the middle of nowhere. It was dark and I'm with three girls so we were scared as shit. We called Mr Cheung (Keng), asking him to explain to the driver the direction to our uni. We got charged 527,000 dong.

Upon arrival, we saw the boys and asked them to carry our stuff. Oh, I forgot to mention that we dont have an elevator and our apartment is situated at the 5th floor of the building (DOM A).

By that time, I was like, " I am in need of a shower, food, smoke and bed."

XX.

Labels: bat dan, branded, golden city, hanoi, mall, pagoda

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

"Leaving Brunei"

Today's the day i'll be flying off to Vietnam. As of now, my bags are packed & room are cleaned. I woke up today, feeling blue but yet excited - as this is what I always wanted. Although its not the destination I want but I'm glad to be out of the country.

I am in need of a new atmosphere. I am in need of an adventure.

I am in need to be independent.

As I stare upon my ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder "is this going to be fun or is this experience going to be a living hell?" This program I signed up for encourages & exposes us to follow the lifestyle of Vietnamese, so it wouldn't be as luxurious as other people think it would be. I'll be staying in a dorm - one room with 3 boys, on a bunk bed and one bathroom. (Mind you that the lower part of the bunk-bed is the study area).

In the previous post, I mentioned that I will be teaching Primary School. Recently, i found out that the school is located 30-45 mins (walking distance) away from the dorm. We were told that for the first month, we have to walk to school. It is a problem to me as i sweat a lot. But even that, im looking forward to experience it. I have this (positive) thinking of going back to Brunei, looking fit. Who knows what a 45 mins walk can do to me if i do it everyday.

"Shafiee you're so gonna be thin!", says no one ever. Haha!

The Vietnamese children goes to school 6 days a week but here's the twist, they only spend at least 4 hours in school. So the other 12 hours (minus 8 for sleeping), I am free to explore Hanoi - which probably going to cost me $50USD a round trip to Uni as it is located 40KM away from town.

When i reached to the airport, i waited for Jastina and Izza to arrive so we can check in our bags and as we all know, i am always over packed. I can never pack light! Since my friends & I booked the tickets at the same time, we were given 30kg each. And, 90kg is not enough but thank god, the lady was so nice, she gave us the free-card.

So, after checking in, i found myself drenched in tears - ready to depart. I would like to thank to those who came; my family, Wani Azaman, Qistina Murad, Babu Tini, The Sweet Sutras clan, Bumaayee peeps, Amal Syaza, Dya Mashor, Kharney Firdaus and my spice girls (Safwan and Nadz). I love you all & the goodbye wouldnt be as depressing without you all there. Besides that, i would also like to thank those for the do'a and the 'duit'. hehe.

Labels: airport, bumaayee, hanoi, leaving brunei, sending off, spice girls, sweet sutras

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Hello there!

Hello. My name is Shafiee Y. A boy from Borneo Island (Brunei, to be specific) who loves to meet new people whilst traveling. This blog is a blog where i share my moments - mainly for my friends and family. Join me in my wicked adventure around the world. Let's be honest, I know you want to.

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