Random Observation/Comment #163: Unpacking my bags in this new place was exciting, yet a little depressing. Every pair of jeans I folded left me with a smile because I knew that they were crusted with great memories, and I knew they would be there when I make new ones in this unfamiliar country. The t-shirts and short pants I hung...
Random Observation/Comment #161: I’ve always enjoyed walking unfamiliar museums alone. My first sweep through the exhibits would become very boring for someone else because I have a terrible habit of reading the descriptions for what I consider “freakin’ sweet.” After carefully reading the description, I take a picture of it from different angles and try to imagine myself in the...
Random Observation/Comment #155: London is rich with stories that simply can’t be captured within those camera angles. The history is presented in such a hilarious way by tour guides and it adds an extra layer to the architecture and old buildings. It may be filled with many photographic opportunities, but I really suggest devoting a bit of your attention to...
Random Observation/Comment #151: Modern art confuses me, but I still go to the exhibits and spend hours walking the intentionally-angled light sources and minor details with hopes that I will somehow become enlightened. I heard somewhere, sometime ago, that modern art is supposed to be about your first reactions and how the specific piece makes you feel as time passes. ...
This is an intermediate post since there is no random observation/comment. I have been so busy having the time of my life in this beautiful, yet expensive, hardcore tourist attraction outdoors-y city. I don’t think I’ve had so much fun sledging (or sledding) down steep ski tracks with absolutely no control. Hang-over hikes have been amazing and the people I’ve...
Random Observation/Comment #150: Everyone I tell about this couchsurfing-business always says something along the lines of “that’s pretty damn sketchy.” While I was a skeptic in the beginning, I have only heard good things about this social network (although, some of the bad news may have never been posted because the bodies were never found). Regardless of my instincts, I...
Random Observation/Comment #147: London is surprisingly similar to Manhattan. I was trying to notice particular differences in dress code, train etiquette, bluntness factor, and humor levels, but I found it very difficult to get a general consensus. I made the mistake of trying to break my stereotypes by forming new, yet slightly more positive and generic stereotypes. Although this was...
Random Observation/Comment #146: Pessimistic people have a somewhat contagious personality. Their over-planning and obsessive carefulness makes me worry a little more than usual (which is pretty impressive). Voicing your opinion is very much appreciated, but it’s not as fun when I hypothetically could be the protagonist in your scary movie plots. Please spare me the descriptive forms of torture. Yes,...
Random Observation/Comment #143: Weeks before I depart for these extended excursions, I have these restless dreams about forgetting random things that I’ve most certainly remembered packing. It’s not like I dream about forgetting essential things (e.g., my passport or wallet) – no, those seem to be safe. The dreams are always focused on rather insignificant items that could be purchased...
Random Observation/Comment #142: I wondered when the idea of my six-month absence would sink into my parents’ minds. It happened over the weekend at 9AM when I hadn’t slept a wink yet. I can imagine why they wouldn’t want me to go, but I never thought they would worry to the extent of losing sleep. I couldn’t help but wince...
Random Observation/Comment #139: For this Euro-trip, I’ve been planning my necessities since October. My list on the exact set of clothes and underwear I’ll be bringing has not changed in quite some time. This being said, I’ve started wearing the “less favored” clothes (including underwear) these past 4 months. These adjustments to my fashion-sense have brought me closer to my...
Random Observation/Comment #137: Whenever I think of London, I think of Shanghai Knights with Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan. I’m always afraid that I’ll meet a very good looking girl with ugly teeth there. Do they just have bad dental plans? *shutters* Poor dental hygiene is a deal breaker. I’ve also learned from this movie that I should never...
Random Observation/Comment #136: I think I have a severe case of OCD to the point where I am obsessed about not showing how obsessed I am about a plethora* of different topics. In a sense, this level of obsession cancels all other compulsive actions and forces me to act normally. My brain is a mess. I’ve decided to post the...
Random Observation/Comment #135: This has nothing to do with the entry’s topic; hence, random. I have been listening to a few Terry Pratchett audio books read by Nigel Planar (thick British accent with a perfect aural rendition of the character Death). Recently, I’ve put on this soothing reading before I sleep, but I always pass out before the chapter finishes...
Random Observation/Comment #134: My friends and I share a number of fun drunken stories, and when they’re told very vividly, I imagine myself in their place (or, at least, an ample part of the festivities). This is especially true when I hang out earlier in the night and leave before the party finishes. When I hear their descriptions the next...
Random Observation/Comment #132: I’ve never known the life of extreme poverty, but a glance in the newspaper and along the New York City streets was enough to convince me to finish a college degree and aim to at least maintain a sheltered bed and running water. I’ve thought about the essentials of life and tried to separate the material goods...
Random Observation/Comment #127: I definitely caught the travel bug. I have all of the symptoms, including the ones on the most severe level. Luckily, the cure for this is on its way. My brain is slowly decaying backwards and I’m losing concentration on the more important parts of my life. It’s time to be a little selfish. It’s time to...
Random Observation/Comment # 126: I never seem to stay on topic with my journal entries. I read a lot of my suggestions from what’s supposed to be “useful to help other people plan,” but none of it is actually straightforward. I enter a lot of weird commentary that just fills the lines with a horribly foul substance. It’s not quite...
Random Observation/Comment #123: It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when I decided to actively incorporate traveling into my life. I’ve always enjoyed going places and seeing new things, but there was that side of me that loved the comfort and security of the familiar. Torn between these two worlds, I teetered back and forth for years; sometimes living on...
