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katefiction · 4 years

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Cora, Chapter 4: First and Last

by katefiction (Maria) / 2013

January 29th 2164

‘You have a twinkle in your eye, young lady’, he watches me with interest as I cut into a slice of his favourite lemon drizzle cake.

‘I don’t know what you mean’, I protest, handing him the cake.

‘Who’s the lucky boy then?’

‘There is no lucky boy’, I blush. It’s hard to lie when you’re so happy.

He shoves some of the cake into his mouth sending crumbs cascading down his jumper.

‘You’ll have to tell me eventually – but just so you know, I don’t believe you, you’re usually such a grumpy madam, there must be a boy’

‘Thanks Granddad!’, I scoff.

King James III is known for his resolve, his love of his country and strength and commitment to Great Britain and the Commonwealth. But to me, he’s just Granddad. Very much like my dad, his son, he has the signature portly stomach and mischievous chuckle. His snow white beard and moustache have lead many small children around the country to mistake him for Father Christmas upon meeting him at engagements, which he plays along with every time.

Now at eighty one, sitting in his armchair at Buckingham Palace, he shows no signs of slowing down, or of stopping our yearly get together to celebrate our birthdays. Mine today, and his a week earlier.

It was a tradition we started when I was seven, I’d been sad that Dad was on tour in Canada on my birthday, so Granddad had scooped me up and promised that we would have our own celebration – the January Club, we called it. In the nineteen years since, we’d met every year for cake and a catch up.

‘I think I could do with another piece’, he says, handing me his empty plate.

I roll my eyes, ‘that’s very unhealthy Granddad, you better be careful’

‘Oh hush’, he chuckles, rubbing his belly, ‘I’m old enough to enjoy my life now, you’ll be doing the same when you’re my age’

I wince at the thought. Despite the fact I’d come to terms with my future, it still pained me to think that I’d still be working every day well into my eighties.

‘How do you do it?’, I ask him wearily.

‘Do what?’

‘Still get up every morning and look like you’re enjoying it’

‘It’s my duty Cora’, he says simply.

‘Even so’, I nibble at my cake, ‘I don’t think I’ll see it like that’

Granddad looks at me kindly, his green eyes sparkling, ‘you will do wonderfully my darling’

The thought of becoming the first Queen in 150 years terrified me. It always had. The weight of expectation to be as iconic as Queen Elizabeth II was one that was heavy on my shoulders. At my age, she had just become Queen, a task I couldn’t even imagine. I could barely think of becoming the Princess of Wales which in ten to twenty years would become a firm reality. Even so, Granddad was always encouraging and supportive.

‘I just hope I don’t let you down’, I say, staring at my plate.

‘It’s not easy Cora, and it doesn’t get any easier, I’m sorry to say, but you have everything you’ll need when the time comes’

‘And what’s that?’

‘Well, you’re a bossy little madam to begin with, you’re loyal, and caring, and honest…’, he smiles.

‘You’re going to give me a big head!’ I laugh.

‘…and of course you’re a Windsor’

‘Promise me you’ll leave me some notes to work with?’

He chuckles sweetly, ‘you won’t need my advice, you’ll have plenty of support, do you think I spend my time reading King George’s notes?’

‘Who do you ask then, when you’re unsure about something?’

‘Your grandmother of course, and no doubt your young man will be just as invaluable to you’, he winks cheekily.

I feel myself blush, ‘I told you, there’s no…’

‘Oh shush Cora, I wasn’t born yesterday’, he takes a satisfying slurp of tea to wash down the second slice of cake.

I smile at the floor, not wanting to give myself away.

‘You know you can come to me if you need anything – and not just in January’

‘I know Granddad, I just don’t like to bother you with my freak outs’. He had a point, our schedules meant that we barely saw each other, I silently promised myself to ring him more often.

‘I have all the time in the world for your worries sweetheart’, he places his old weathered hand over mine, his years of experience sheltering my youthful naivety.

I push away the small lump in my throat.

‘You know next year is twenty years of the January Club, maybe we should branch out into a different type of cake to celebrate, lemon drizzle’s getting a bit old’

He sits back in his chair and closes his eyes, ‘really Cora, how absurd, lemon drizzle is a tradition and a future Queen must understand tradition’

I laugh loudly, ‘are those your wise words of advice?’

He opens his eyes briefly, ‘I’m full of these gems, you’ll have a lot more to come’.

His eyes shut once more, reminding me that beneath the regal exterior, he is still an eighty one year old man in need of the occasional afternoon nap.

I stand up and peck the top of his head, ‘see you later Granddad’

‘See you again sweetheart’, he mumbles. ‘Happy Birthday’

The rest of my day is spent catching up with a few friends before rushing away to fly up to Balmoral for work the next day. At least that was half the story. The truth was that Ben was waiting for me in Scotland, we’d planned dinner together in my small cottage on the grounds of the estate.

In the six months that we’d been together, I had been happier than I can remember. Ben was the opposite of me, spontaneous where I was cautious, crude where I was prudish, and an incredible cook where my talents peaked at Spaghetti Bolognese.

Tonight, he had promised me Thai Green Curry and I salivate at the thought as I drive down the grounds. He had been smuggled into my cottage unseen, for only a select few people know of our relationship. Luckily for us, not even the press had caught wind of it yet.

I hurry up the path the cottage, eager to get inside from the biting winter wind. As I open the old wooden door, heat and spices fill my senses.

‘Hello?’, I call out, pulling off my boots and socks and discarding them by the door. Over in the living room, I notice Ben has set the fire.

Although the cottage is small, there are plenty of alcoves that can hide even the tallest of tennis players.

He pops his head out from the kitchen, ‘hey, happy birthday’

‘Thank you’, I walk over to him and bury my head in his chest.

‘Good day?’, he says, one arm stirring the curry, the other wrapped around me.

‘Great, all the better for seeing you’, I reach up, waiting for a kiss and he complies, kissing me hungrily on the lips.

When did I become so soppy?

Since him, that’s when.

‘How’s your granddad?’, Ben had only just stopped calling him ‘the King’ after I’d told him for the millionth time.

‘Good, he thinks I have ‘a boy’, I release myself from him reluctantly so he can dish up dinner.

Ben laughs heartily, ‘and what did you tell him?’

‘That I don’t’, I say quietly.

It is a bone of contention between us. As much as Ben hates the limelight, he desperately wanted to tell people about us. Upfront and honest as he is, he hates the sneaking around.

He says nothing, pouring the curry over the steaming rice.

‘I will tell him’, I assure him.

‘I know you will’, he kisses the top of my head, something I’d learnt to mean he meant what he said.

I know it would’ve irked him though. I would shout it from the rooftops if I could, but keeping our relationship from people – even Granddad – gave it a better chance of working. Granddad and Grandma would insist on meeting him, and a formal meeting would get out so quickly, I wouldn’t be able to stop it.

We sit down to dinner and I curl my feet around his ankles under the table for warmth.

‘You could just put some socks on’, he says.

‘Why do I need socks when I have you?’, I run my foot up his leg and rest it under his crotch.

He chokes on his food, ‘are you trying to kill me?’

I giggle, slightly embarrassed at my own forthrightness.

We hadn’t had sex, not yet. I’d told him I’d make him wait and I had. I needed to be able to trust him fully before anything happened, and Ben had been understanding. Of course, that hadn’t stopped the occasional awkward moment where kissing and cuddling had turned into the uncontrollable hardness pressed against my thigh – a situation that was becoming more frequent.

There were nights too that we’d get carried away, touching each other until one of us did the sensible thing and moved away.

Dinner finished, we move to the couch and curl up under a blanket in front of the fire.

‘That dinner’s made me sleepy’, I yawn, resting my head on his shoulder.

‘I make you dinner and this is what I get in return?’, he says.

I tilt my head lazily and kiss his jaw, ‘there, that’s your thank you’

‘This better not become a habit, me cooking you dinner and you falling asleep on me’

‘It can be our tradition’, I smile, thinking of Granddad and his traditions. ‘I’ll be doing it when I’m eighty one’

‘You’re gonna keep me around til you’re eighty one?’, he dips his face into my hair.

We hadn’t talked about our future, ‘I hope so’, the words get stuck in my throat, ‘do you?’

His face becomes unreadable, as I look up at him.

‘That’s a long time Cora’

Shit.

‘I don’t know if I can put up with your terrible spag bol for another fifty years’

I push him off me as he laughs triumphantly, ‘you idiot! You really had me worried then!’

He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to him, ‘come here, I’m sorry’

I ignore him and turn away, pretending to be more annoyed than I am, ‘you’re an arsehole’

His lips land on my cheek, ‘there’s no one I’d rather be in my eighties with’, he mumbles into my ear between kisses, ‘especially if you stay as gullible as you are’

My brain makes the moves to protest, but my body doesn’t react, instead I lie on the couch, letting the warmth of his body envelope me from on top.

He kisses me slowly and thoughtfully until I’m dizzy from the heat of the fire and the tingling coursing through my body. I feel the familiar hardness against my leg.

He lifts off me and sits up, ‘sorry’

I stroke his back, ‘it’s ok, I don’t mind…it’s nice that you find me attractive enough to…you know’

‘I find you more than attractive Cora’

Why does he have to say my name like that?

I sit up onto my knees next to him and try to kiss him again.

‘We probably shouldn’t’, he leans away. I know how frustrating this must be for him.

‘I want to’, I say bluntly.

‘You do?’, his eyes meet mine hopefully.

Do I?

‘I want to be with you properly’, I say shyly.

Of course I do.

‘Are you sure?, I don’t want you to regret it tomorrow’, ordinarily he would tangle his fingers through my hair when he’s listening to me complain or worry, but this time he doesn’t, aware that he doesn’t want to jump the gun.

‘Positive’, I say, my heart thumping, ‘just…be gentle, won’t you?’

It wasn’t my first time; that was with my first serious boyfriend at university, but it had been a while.

He hazards a couple of fingers in my hair, ‘of course’

We lay back on the couch, I’m reluctant to change to atmosphere by moving to the bedroom, and pick up where we left off.

Things start slowly, all hands and legs brushing against each other, until he has no choice but to pull off his jeans. Clothes are removed and thrown aside, the first few glances of flesh and parts that we hadn’t revealed to each other.

He sticks to his promise, only pursuing parts of my body with his hands and mouth when I encourage him by the arch of my back or a small approving whimper.

When our bodies can’t take any more, we move to the bedroom, shedding what’s left of our clothes and I let him touch me until I feel sick with desire.

My hair gets caught under his elbow and I accidently knee him in the stomach as we try to coordinate our bodies. They never tell you that in the movies. When finally he presses inside me, one of his hands entwined with mine, the other keeping him from falling on top of me, I watch as his usual controlled demeanour disappears, his mind taken over by his body. I remind myself to tease him about that later.

As we come to an end, Ben quietly coming a few minutes after my quick orgasm, his body limply drops over mine, and then rolls to one side, keeping his hand still locked in mine.

‘You ok?’ he rasps.

‘Yes’, I whisper unnecessarily.

‘You seemed like you were holding back a bit’, he turns his head to me, his pupils returning to their usual size after dilating from the pleasure.

‘I was just a bit nervous’

‘You? Nervous ?’, he laughs.

I slap him on the thigh playfully, ‘I just wanted it to be right, ok?’

He leans up onto his elbow and rubs his hand over my stomach, pushing back the blankets I’d covered myself with.

‘You don’t have to worry, and you don’t have to cover yourself up afterwards’

Crap. He’d noticed.

‘You’ll just have to find a way for me to relax a bit’, I scratch the dark hair on his chest.

‘Practice makes perfect’, he winks like a showman.

‘You’re such a cheese ball’

‘You love it really’, he lies back down with me, wrapping his arm around my body as he drifts off.

I do love it. I want to say. And I think I might love you.

The next morning, we are a bubble of bliss, taking every opportunity to touch and kiss each other. Ben was right about practice. We had both woken up in the middle of the night desperate to do it again, and we did, twice more.

I sit in bed wearing his t-shirt, munching at the breakfast he’s made me as he sips on a coffee, slouched against the headboard.

‘I think that was the best birthday I’ve ever had’, I say, biting into my marmalade covered toast.

He looks over his mug at me and grins knowingly. ‘Happy to help – oh that reminds me, your birthday present…’

‘Ben, I told you not to get me anything!’, I protest.

He jumps out of bed and digs around in his holdall, before returning to me, dropping a packet on my lap.

I pick it up, ‘socks?’

‘Not just any socks, the Trust sports socks’

‘Ohhh those socks!’

They had been designed to raise money for Ben’s Trust. His agent suggested that if he was so unwilling to take on any endorsements, he might as well try to sell something for charity.

The socks are navy blue, with a white and red stripe across the top, the Trust’s logo sewn into the side. If ever there were a sock that screamed Ben, this was it.

‘They’re just a prototype’, he adds, ‘so count yourself lucky’

‘I’m privileged’, I laugh, feeling oddly warm inside from his gift.

‘And it might stop you from using me as a foot warmer’

My habit of pulling off my socks whenever I got inside amused Ben greatly.

‘That’s not going to happen Evans, but thank you, I love them’

He laces his fingers through my hair and rubs the back of my head affectionately.

The shrill ring of my phone disturbs the moment. I reach over to the bedside table and hang up the call.

‘You don’t want to take that?’, Ben asks.

‘It can wait’, I stroke his arm, his hair bristling against my palm. ‘Look, I’ve been thinking, I’d like you to meet my Dad, and Granddad…if you want to’

Ben’s eyes light up. The realisation that he was in this for the long run had changed my mind. And I knew my family would take to him.

‘I’d love to – and maybe you can meet my parents?’

I take a deep breath and nod. Mother in laws were scary no matter who you were.

I cuddle into his chest, content with the world for the first time since God knows when. I almost can’t believe my luck, a job I adore, a fantastic family, and a man I’m quite possibly in love with. Suddenly the prospect of my future doesn’t seem so close and so terrifying.

My phone shrills again, putting a stop to the inevitable repeat of last night that was just about to unfold between the sheets. I pick it up and see Dad’s name on the screen.

‘Hi Daddy’, I say.

‘Cora, why weren’t you picking up?’, he says tersely.

‘I..uh, was in the shower, I’m about to go to work’

‘You need to come home’

‘What? Why?’

There is something off about his tone.

‘Are you alone?’

I look over to Ben, who is stepping out of the room to give me some privacy.

It makes me love him even more.

‘Yes’ I lie.

‘Sweetheart’, Dad’s voice is softer now, almost regretful.

‘Daddy, what is it? You’re scaring me’

‘It’s Granddad’

I feel like my heart has stopped.

‘He had a heart attack in the early hours. He’s gone Cora’

I don’t speak for what feels like minutes, but is more like seconds in reality. The shock washes over me like a giant tidal wave.

‘He can’t be…I only saw him yesterday, he was fine’. I don’t hear myself but acknowledge that I’m probably shrieking.

‘I’m sorry darling’, I can hear Dad’s voice tremble at the end of the line. ‘Get back as soon as you can, yes?’

‘Yes, of course’.

As I put down the phone, I realise I didn’t ask Dad if he was ok. Or how Grandma is. I consider ringing him back when Ben walks back into the bedroom. I know he is asking me something, probably if I’m alright, but I can’t hear a thing.

Everything is blocked by the vision of Granddad in front of me, chuckling as he eats his last slice of lemon drizzle cake.

I must have told Ben, because suddenly I am wrapped in his strong arms, sobbing like a child.

Granddad is dead.

The King is dead.

#royal fanfiction #katefiction

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awesomeshefalimulye-blog · 4 years

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5 best international destinations to visit post COVID – 19

The COVID – 19 pandemic has devastated humanity as never before. With multiple countries under strict lockdowns or restricted movements. It has caused a severe blow to the economics of many countries. Multiple businesses and industries worldwide have been badly affected (though some continue to prosper even through this pandemic). One of the worst hit is of course the tourism industry comprising of airlines, hotels and other hospitality related services such as transporters, embassies and visa related services, restaurants and many other ancillary service partners. Having said that tourism is resilient and will bounce back for sure just as it did post the SARS in 2013. The biggest question is what will one’s travel itinerary in the future look like and which regions in the world will be safe to travel in the future? Some of the factors which will perhaps determine this will be – proximity to home, airline capacity, especially to bring back home in case of any eventuality, destinations which were less impacted and/or have better health facilities and also insurance covers.

I am listing down some international destinations that maybe explored post COVID – 19 taking into account multiple factors that work in favour of these destinations. For those who are ‘travellers’ and are looking at continuing to travel once airline services resume and it is safer to travel, here goes –

Country Total cases Active Cases Deaths

New Zealand 1499 45 21

Taiwan 440 35 7

Vietnam 324 61 0

Thailand 3031 118 56

Hong Kong 1056 27 4

New Zealand:

As on date New Zealand has reported 1499 active COVID – 19 cases with around 21 deaths and 93% of the infected cases have recovered successfully. New Zealand has a definite advantage over many other countries. Constituting 268,000 kms of total land area and a population of approximately 48 lakhs spread out between the North and South Island and any neighbouring inhabited island – It is not a large country and is fairly sparsely populated and yet has the comforts of being a developed country.

Ø Known for its surreal natural beauty, few destinations can boast of so many natural wonders and experiences packed into such a small area. Snow capped peaks, rain forests, coastal glaciers, large geothermal areas in Rotorua with bubbling mud ponds and hissing streams – New Zealand has it all. Queenstown is a hotspot for adrenaline filled sports such as white-water rafting, luging, jet boat riding, skydiving, hiking, mountain biking, heli hiking, bungy jumping at the Bloukrons Bridge (one of the highest bungy jumps in the world)– the list of outdoor activities is endless.

Ø With options of self - drive vacations as well as seat in coach holidays, one can find a wide variety of accommodations ranging from budget to luxury as well as quaint bed and breakfasts.

Ø For the sports lovers, the cricket season in New Zealand will start from July with matches with West Indies followed by ICC T20 on Oct which could be something to plan for. Oct onwards is a good time to travel to New Zealand right through till the beginning of March, to experience summer in New Zealand.

Ø With simplified e visa processes, correct documentation and timely application of visas, obtaining the New Zealand visa can be a breeze.

Ø Well connected with multiple airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air New Zealand and Emirates as well as low cost airlines such as Jet Star, it is a destination which can combined with a stopover in a South East Asian hub as well.

Ø Considering the size of the country and its population, social distancing should not be a challenge when travelling through New Zealand.

Ø New Zealand has around 40 public hospitals spread across the country in cities and larger towns. Both public as well as private health care in the country is excellent.

Ø All the major insurance companies offer multiple type of travel insurance products for New Zealand and are expected to offer products inclusive of COVID -19.

Ø Best time to visit: September to November (Spring) with temperatures averaging between 13 – 20 degrees, December to February (Summer) with temperatures averaging between 19 – 25 degrees

Taiwan:

Considering its geographical (not to mention lack of political) proximity to China, Taiwan has done an exemplary job of managing COVID 19 and its implications. While relatively unknown. Taiwan offers wondrous vistas, lively traditions and cultures. This year in 2020. Taiwan celebrates ‘the year of mountain tourism’.

Ø Shaped like a leaf, the island covers 36,000 square kms with 23 million people living in it. Though not a very large country and while it is fairly densely populated, its immediate action and advanced deployment, sufficient availability of PPE for medical personnel and effective use of technology has helped the country tremendously in successfully handling this global pandemic far more effectively than most other countries.

Ø Some of the popular ways of discovering Taiwan are trekking in the magnificence of the cliffs at Taroko Gorge; taking a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway and experiencing the breathtaking sunrise and sea of clouds; hiking up to the summit of Northeast Asia's highest peak, Yu Mountain (Yushan). You can also soak up the sun in Kending (Kenting), Asia's version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; wander through the East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and Penghu – overall a lot of fun family activities after being confined to our homes for so long.

Ø For true shoppers at heart, Taipei offers many night markets where you can combine a very satisfying shopping tour with a street food tour and try some amazing local fare and even a unique shrimp fishing experience.

Ø You can enjoy a cycle tour near Sun Moon Lake as well a sample local wines and tea made from pure spring water.

Ø Well connected with many airlines’ ex India such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Airlines and low-cost airlines like Air Asia, connectivity is easily possible from many Indian cities though fares are a little towards the expensive side.

Ø Taiwan has emerged as a hotspot for medical tourism with sophisticated medical technology, well-trained medical professionals, strategic geographical location, stress-free VISA process and most importantly affordable cost-effective quality treatment. With a wide range of government and private hospitals spread across the country, makes it an ideal destination to travel to even as we wait for a vaccine for COVID – 19.

Ø Popular among both business and leisure travellers, Indian nationals can now travel to Taiwan with a free visa, which can be applied online, thus simplifying visa processes.

Ø Best time to visit Taiwan: November or the first half of April. The weather is cooler in November while in April you will get to see nature in its full bloom.

Vietnam:

Vietnam has been another interesting statistic in so far as battling Coronavirus is concerned. With only 288 cases and no deaths till date, inspite of a relatively weak healthcare system and a low budget for combating the virus, Vietnam is a case study in how this virus can be beaten against all odds. Effective 23rd April 2020, Vietnamese government has lifted social isolation rules and allowed opening of many non- essential services including restaurants. Domestic flights have resumed operations as well. Though Vietnam has limited and not necessarily international level medical facilities, I have still continued to include the same in my list on account of close proximity to India especially for those on a relative budget and looking for a short break. Vietnam boasts a variety of experiences for families as well as couples and can be an expensive luxury holiday or a relatively basic holiday if looking for a budget one, though airfares can be a little bit of a deterrent sometimes even if booked well in advance

Ø Vietnam follows a very simple, inexpensive online e visa process for Indians, which is not complex and does not need to be planned weeks in advance.

Ø One of the most underrated destinations in Asia, Vietnam is popular for its amazingly beautiful beaches some of them relatively unexplored, national parks, historical monuments and bustling nightlife. Cities as vibrant as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh , overnight on a junk boat at the dazzling UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay, hiking through Cat Ba Island, visiting and staying with locals in some of the most spectacular rural villages in North of Vietnam, visit the world’s largest cave in Pho Nha National Park, enjoy relaxing cycling expeditions in Hue or Ninh Binh as you walk around or drive past karst peaks and sail pas Tam Coc’s rice fields, meet up with local tribes in Sapa or find romance in its love market, see the recently opened Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang and enjoy its French flavours or head on a food trail in one of the cities in Vietnam – the list of experiences is endless.

Ø Combining a trip to neighbouring Cambodia is also a wonderful option as you will get to see the massive and most important archaeological site in South East Asia – Angkor Wat temples.

Ø The best medical care in Vietnam is in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, though most medical concerns can be treated competently in many smaller towns and cities. ... SOS International has clinics in Vung Tau, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, providing good but expensive outpatient medical care

Ø All major insurance companies offer multiple products that cover Vietnam.

Ø The best time to visit Vietnam is during December through February when temperatures are milder and rain is minimal. Vietnam's long, narrow shape means that the three primary regions (north, central, and south) experience different types of seasons and weather events throughout the year.

Thailand:

Thailand is perhaps the most ‘been there, done that’ destination in this list. Nonetheless I am including the same as I feel that the destination has great potential on account of a lot of unexplored experiences it has to offer.

Ø Fantastic connectivity PAN India with option of more expensive full service carriers as well as budget LCC carries combined with amazingly tourist friendly and well organised seat in coach as well as private service and a wide range of accommodation options, gives one a wider price range to choose from depending on budget.

Ø Apart from the pristine, dreamy beaches, ancient monasteries and coral reefs, food trails that are a treat for your taste buds, adventurous water sports, historical sites and of course a flourishing night life– there is still a lot undiscovered by many Indian travellers.

Ø Bangkok, the capital, in central Thailand, is regarded as a modern hub of various cultures, faiths and experiences. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to the north cater to those looking the quiet countryside and to spend time in the wild. Down south, beach destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui and island resorts in Khao Sok or Koh Yao Yai and many others, offer some of the best tropical experiences by the sea. On the western end, the Hua Hin region is popular for resorts where one can relax luxuriously. Finally, towards the east, Ubon Ratchathani is a spiritual and historical escape where one can immersively learn about Buddhist and Thai culture.

Ø Generally speaking, the standard of medical care in Thailand is good. Thailand has world class international standard hospitals in the larger urban centres, with reasonably good medical facility in rural Thailand.

Ø Normally I do recommend Thailand as a year- round destination as the countryside is stunningly beautiful in the monsoons and though it rains, it will not disrupt your plans largely. Having said that if you are looking for a perfect weather to travel in, then November through till April is a dry season with temperatures ranging from 29 degrees to 34 degrees.

Ø Before the COVID- 19 pandemic, Thailand was offering free e visa on arrival. Butan update is awaited on the same from the Thailand embassy. The process of obtaining visa before departure is fairly hassle free and does not take more than 3- 4 working days under ordinary circumstances.

Hong Kong:

Considering its proximity and accessibility to China, this is another country that has done a remarkable job of managing the pandemic. One of the 1st countries to be hit by the same, Hong Kong is today one of the most ‘almost COVID – 19 free’ countries on the list. What makes this remarkable further is that the city-state has achieved this without the kind of de facto police-state curfew that India has resorted to. While people did work from home and some of the theme parks as well as attractions are closed to avoid community transmission, eventually restaurants opened, people continued to go to parks and favourite hiking routes but nearly everyone wears a mask and maintain social distancing.

Ø Bustling streets, mouth-watering authentic cuisines, nature reserves and teetering tower blocks, old world markets amidst neon jungles, diversity in its various contradictions - Hong Kong is by far one of the most dynamic, overwhelming city I have ever has the opportunity to visit, A great pick for a family destination, Hong Kong offers a wide range of attractions for all age groups combined with all the privileges and comforts one can enjoy in any well-developed country. Apart from child friendly attractions such as Ocean Park and Disneyland, this multi culture destination also hosts many world class sports events especially rugby and horse racing.

Ø It is only an hour’s ferry ride from Macau, a mecca for those interested in casinos and night life and Las Vegas style hotels on ‘The Strip’ with internationally acclaimed shows. Just perfect for those who cannot make it to Las Vegas as yet!

Ø Hong Kong is extremely well connected to many major airports in India. The airfares as well as hotels are a little on the higher side and I would recommend booking the same early.

Ø Critically, Hong Kong has one of the world’s best public healthcare systems, experienced at dealing with challenges such as the avian flu in 1997 to the H1N1 in 2009.

Ø Once again, an all year-round destination, the best time to visit Hong Kong is from October till April. For those who enjoy cultural experiences and local festivals and food, I would recommend considering a trip to Hong Kong in January & February though.

COVID – 19 is not yet a thing of the past globally nor is it an issue we can ignore, So it is time we start working around it and figuring out solutions to stay safe when travelling. Airlines, hoteliers, transporters – everyone involved in the business of hospitality are figuring out solutions in terms of contactless travel, regular sanitisation, norms of social distancing and many other issues which are likely to come up once all of them are allowed to operate as usual. There is definitely a new ‘normal’ that we all need to adjust to while travelling in the future. In a business where human touch and conversation is all about hospitality, be it on land or in air, we may be looking at reduced human touch just to be able to stay safe and travel. So be it then!

#stay safe #stay healthy

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la-appel-du-vide · 5 years

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THAILAND 2019 - Day Seven {Chiang Mai}

Our final day in Chiang Mai came way too quickly, but we made the most of it for sure!

Our day started early, with a visit to the Tiger Kingdom! It was a recommendation from Jaycee Brown, and we obviously wanted to see the tigers anyway. We originally planned to do it in Phuket, but ended up choosing Chiang Mai because of the chance to see the baby tigers!

We walked over to the mall, and got a cab ride down to the Tiger Kingdom. We showed them our tickets, and they had us start with the newborn tigers! There were a total of six or seven of them, but we got to be in the room with three of them at a time. As soon as I saw them I wanted to cry. They were so perfect and tiny. They are just like little cats! So playful, and happy, and I could have watched them all day long. They had us put on white coats and slippers, and then they let us in.

We took pictures with them, videos of them, and got to pet them. I really wanted to hold one, but we weren’t allowed to pick them up unfortunately. They have such pretty blue eyes, and they were so funny to watch. One of them kept trying out his baby roar, and it was the most pathetically cute thing ever. They would pounce at each other, play with feathers on sticks that the employees would hang for them, and trip over their own giant paws. AH, they were PERFECT.

They gave us about 15 minutes in the cage with them, and then said we had to leave so that they could let the next people in. We got a printed photo and a stuffed baby tiger as a souvenir, haha. Unexpected, but cute.

Next up? The full-grown tigers. We were a little nervous about doing it. Who willingly walks into a cage with three massive, free-roaming tigers? Apparently we do. We followed the trainers in, and went to visit the first one. They had us stand behind him, pet him (specifically “firmly, and from the mid-section down”), pose for photos, and even pick up his tail (spooooooky). To quote Beach, “Are you sure he won’t be mad??” Hahah, but really though. Every time he would turn his head, move his paws, or YAWN (which is easily mistaken for trying to bite your head off), I would jump like five feet backwards.

From there, we moved on to a sleeping one. That one scared me more, because I didn’t want to spook him awake and have him react by eating me. But nope! We got to pet him too, and even worse, the trainers had us LAY ON HIM. I was sooooo nervously uncomfortable. These tigers may have been raised by humans, but they are still WILD ANIMALS with the potential to KILL YOU at any second hahaha omg. If he had decided to turn and eat me, no one could have stopped him. It was a bit of an adrenaline rush, but we both did it! And we survived.

We ended with one final tiger on the other side of the cage, who was also asleep. The trainer ended up waking him up by teasing him with a piece of chicken. I didn’t like that at all. He would hold the chicken up to his mouth, and then take it away. I was like, dudeeeee just give it to him. He’s going to get angry and take it out on us! But luckily, he didn’t and everything turned out fine.

After we petted him for a bit, I got to go in front of him to take some photos. I’ve never been face-to-face with a tiger before, obviously, but what a cool (terrifying) experience. These really are absolutely beautiful animals, and it was an honor to interact with them like that.

After we left the cage, thankfully in one piece, we wandered around the rest of the Tiger Kingdom, looking at the various tigers (including a super rare Snow White tiger, which is literally all white because their stripes are so pale), and learning some interesting facts about tigers. Mostly I’m sad that they are so limited. There are only about 4,000 left in the wild. People poach them left and right because they are like walking gold mines. And they only live up to 15 years in the wild. I didn’t realize they had such limited life spans.

It was a great experience. Later on, we did some research and found out there have been some tiger attacks on tourists there. Just last year in Phuket Tiger Kingdom, an Australian tourist got mauled and had to be dragged out by the trainers with severe injuries to his legs and stomach. Other people have suffered bites and clawing as well. Yikessss. I’m glad we didn’t look those up before we went. It really freaked us out. We really gambled with our lives, and this time it paid off. Loved it, but don’t think we’ll be doing that again haha.

Our taxi driver waited for us while we were in there, and then took us back to the mall. We had planned a Thai cooking class with Mel and Ryan for late afternoon, but we had some time to kill in between. We had lunch, and then got some treats. We still had some extra time, so we went back to our hotel next door (seriously the most convenient location) and hung out an hour, before walking back to catch a taxi.

He drove us to the Basil Cooking School. It was on our list to do a Thai cooking class (again, on recommendation from Jaycee), and it worked out super great that Mel wanted to do one too, and had found this one for us at a time that worked! We really like them, and were so happy to get to spend a little more time with them!

When we got there, they had us select one of three dishes from seven different categories. I chose the following: Pa-Nang Curry Paste, Pa-Nang Curry, Hot and Sour Soup with Roasted Chicken, Stir-Fried Chicken and Cashews, Fried Rice Noodles with Soy Sauce, Fried Spring Rolls, and Deep Fried Bananas served with Coconut Ice Cream!

After we made our choices, we jumped in a large van with the rest of our group and headed to the local market to gather our ingredients. At this point, we were concerned because Mel and Ryan weren’t there, and we had requested to be in their class. There wasn’t much we could do, obviously, with no way to contact them. We wondered if maybe there were two Basil cooking schools, or if they had changed their minds about coming, but either way there was nothing we could do.

Once we got to the market, our chef gave us a run-down of the different Thai fruits/vegetables/spices we would be using in our class today. It was pretty informative. Then she gave us 10 minutes to walk around the market while she picked everything up that we needed. We were once again kicking ourselves for leaving our money back at the cooking school lockers, because we found many things we wanted to buy (i.e. scrunchies, churros, smoothies). But, nopeeee. We could look, but we couldn’t touch.

We headed back to the van, and that’s when we saw another Basil cooking group, and Mel and Ryan were there! We went over to talk to them, and when our instructors realized that we knew them, they let us switch into their group! We were real happy about that. But then we had to do the whole market tour all over again haha. Mel did have her money though, so she had bought some Thai fruits and had us try them. (She’s very adventurous with trying foods). We tried Rambutan, which I liked but Beach didn’t (other than the seed in the middle, super gross), and dragon fruit. The dragon fruit was terribly tasteless, and we didn’t like that much. So mangosteen is my favorite Thai fruit.

After the market, we went back to the cooking school to begin. The girls that hosted and taught our class were extremely organized and professional. They would set up the ingredients for us beforehand, and then teach three separate dishes at once (because we could each pick out of three for each category). It was easy to follow, and extremely hands-on. We started by making our noodles. Throughout the entire class, our teacher kept shouting, “Faster! Faster! Smileeee!” Hahaha, so eventually Ryan would shout it at us too. We got to chop up the vegetables, mix the sauces, fry cook them, and literally every part of the cooking was up to us! We plated the noodles, and ate them in the little dining area while they prepared the kitchen for our next course. Beach made Pad Thai, and we both liked our dishes. I couldn’t believe we were out here cooking Thai food like professional chefs haha. Not that hard though, when everything is measured out and placed in front of you, and then you’re told what to do step by step!

Next, we did both the soup and the appetizers. It was nice, because we had the chance to customize our own dishes, like add more or less spices, salt, sugar, vegetables, etc. to make it how we like it. Beach, in a very true to character way, made the most... unique... spring roll. (; The soup was actually not as bad as I expected, and the spring rolls were ok too. I love the crunchy outside, it is just all the cabbage on the inside that I hate.

Then we got to go in and eat those and take a 15-minute break before doing our final three courses. We had to make them all at once, so it was an endurance to the end type of thing haha.

We started with the dessert. Me and one of the Italian guys in our group made deep fried bananas, which was pretty easy, other than the splashes of hot oil burning us. Then we made the curry paste for our curries, by smashing some ingredients in a clay pot with a big round stick. We had to pound them for ten straight minutes, so it was both a workout, and a cooking class. (; Then we used the paste to make our curries. Finally, we ended with our stir-fries. It was fun to use the big wok pans, and I felt like a real Asian chef.

Then we took all our hard work into the dining room and got to eat our masterpieces! The Pa-Nang curry I made was wayyyy better than the coconut curry we tried at the restaurant in Bangkok. I only wish we had rice to eat it with, because I feel like that always helps curry. The stir-fries were really good as well. And then the dessert! My fried bananas were very good with a unique texture, and the fresh coconut ice cream they were served with was delicious.

Really, such a fun, hands-on Thai experience! Plus we got to try so much Thai food, that we made ourselves! I would definitely recommend that to anyone visiting Thailand. So great!

And then, in case we weren’t stuffed enough, Mel and Ryan invited us to go back to their hotel with them and walk over to the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to get some authentic Thai rolled ice cream! I couldn’t turn that chance down, because ever since I saw the videos of it on Facebook forever ago, I’ve been fascinated. I found some back home, and I’m obsessed with it, so I couldn’t wait to try the real deal.

When we got there, the Bazaar was hopping. They have lots of crazy tourist food, loud music, and plenty to see. We found the rolled ice cream place, and Ryan ordered a chocolate/Oreo/banana combination. I tried it, and it was so good that I ordered the same thing. Watching him make it was fun, and eating it was even more fun! After we were done, we parted ways with Mel and Ryan, since we likely won’t be seeing them again since we go to Phuket first and they go to Krabi first. But we loved our time with them, and we will keep following their adventures on social media (thank goodness for that).

We got a taxi back to our hotel, where we had to pack, repack, and pack again for Phuket! Late night, but the best day.

We’re gonna miss Chiang Mai so much. Our perfect lil paradise.

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handsingsweapon · 7 years

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9. For the October challenge with Phichit and anyone else you'd like to scare a bit 😂

9: A fun, creepy night of urban exploration gets the character(s) into trouble.

1. This is a college/frat AU because why the heck not2. credit: https://detroit.curbed.com/maps/thirteen-haunted-creepy-or-spooky-detroit-places3. putting all of these below cuts just in case

“Yuuri.” Phichit has a specific tone of voice he uses when he’s whining, which Yuuri now knows is his cue not to look at the Thai skater. Looking, he learned, back in Phichit’s first semester in Detroit, when they were both still living with Celestino, was always a fatal mistake. Phichit has better puppy-dog eyes than an actual puppy-dog, and Yuuri would know, he’s got experience. “Yuuri,” he repeats, forlornly, and finally Phichit Chulanont forces himself to endure the indignity of standing between Yuuri and the television screen. Normally he’s got the other playstation controller, but not tonight; tonight he’s trying to talk Yuuri into going along to the Halloween party that Sigma Theta Upsilon has put together this year. “It’s called a ghost float.”

“Phichit, nothing about walking through old Detroit until midnight at the end of October sounds even remotely reasonable,” Yuuri grumbles.

Phichit tries a series of enticements:

“Drinks are going to be half off at every pub along the way.”

“No.”

“We can wear a couple’s costume so nobody hits on you.”

“No.”

“Victor Nikiforov’s the one giving the haunted tour talks.”

This, at least, makes Yuuri die on-screen, and he tosses the controller aside, and looks up with a scowl. “Liar. Christophe Giacometti’s giving the haunted tour talks.”

Phichit has a sinister grin whenever Yuuri’s walked into a trap. “Oh,” he hums, innocently. “So at least you looked, huh.”

“No.”

“Yuuri,” Phichit repeats. “Ghost float.”

Yuuri grumbles something about Phichit, Christophe Giacometti, and the phrase notice-me-senpai, but he eventually agrees. “This has nothing to do with Victor Nikiforov,” Yuuri says, in a tone of voice that Phichit imagines Yuuri likes to think means something like let’s be clear or I want to be understood.

It actually means: I am lying through my teeth.

“Right,” he chirps, ignoring Yuuri Katsuki’s no-good, mega-crush on Sigma Theta President Victor Nikiforov for the millionth time. Their first-ever discussion on the topic ended with this: He’s probably not even gay, Phichit. Phichit thinks Yuuri’s out of his goddamn mind and his gaydar is broken: nobody dresses like Victor Nikiforov does and is straight. Not that Phichit’s interested. He’s seen Victor and Christophe both in a swimming pool: one of them turns a strange shade of red with exposure to just forty-five minutes of sunlight; the other one turns into bronze Adonis. “I’ll take care of costumes.”

“I get veto rights if you do anything ridiculous,” Yuuri mutters.

“I’m offended,” says Phichit, who is only offended because his top three ideas are now entirely off the menu.

The party starts at 9 PM at Belle Isle. In spite of a significant amount of honking, there’s no sign of a white deer, or a woman’s ghost.

Phichit has done Yuuri a favor: together, they’re the dynamic duo of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Yuuri is the curmudgeon in a Red Wings jersey; Phichit thinks he’s in-character already. Phichit is Ferris Bueller, of course; he found the awful jacket and the leopard vest at Goodwill and counted his lucky stars. Currently, he’s counting them again, because Sigma Theta’s Vice President has shown up as Hansel from Zoolander, which means … Ah, yes. Phichit only has to look over his shoulder at Yuuri to witness his reaction to Victor Nikiforov in red leather pants. “He dyed his hair,” Yuuri whispers, with a choked, cut-off whisper towards Victor-masquerading-as-Derek. “Why did he dye his hair?”

“Gonna wash it out for him, sweetheart?” Phichit offers, batting his eyelashes. Yuuri hits him. “Ow!”

The Ghost Float turns out to be mostly large-group pub crawl, with a few of Detroit’s landmark stops along the way. A few people peel off with Georgi Popovich at the Leland Hotel, evidently intending to brave the Industrial club in the basement. At the Alhambra Apartments, Christophe tells a story about a scorned chef who once poisoned the residents after her demotion. Apparently two people died.

Victor Nikiforov’s eyes sparkle like he might actually cry, and he wraps his arms around himself and looks like a very distraught Derek Zoolander.

Yuuri looks at Victor like someone’s kicked his puppy. Blue steel, indeed.

By 11PM, Phichit’s officially daunted: he’s able to walk in a straight line because Yuuri is able to walk in a straight line. Even though Yuuri’s face is already flushed from drinking and the cold, he’s got legendary endurance when it comes to this sort of event, the kind of reputation that got solidified last year at a New Year’s Eve party where he wound up running across the snow-covered quad with a tie wrapped around his head and his pants missing. They are nowhere near pants-missing territory yet. At least not in Yuuri’s case. Phichit makes no promises for himself because Christophe’s been the one telling all of the ghost stories.

Christophe tells the story of an Italian immigrant who set up shop as a mystic and would-be cultist. “Evangelist prescribed all kinds of strange medicine,” Giacomtti intones as they stand on the grass lot that was once the Evangelist home on St. Aubin Street. “He did expensive psychic readings, gave out herbal remedies, wrote a four-volume Occultist bible.”

“Love potions,” says Victor Nikiforov, who has been uncharacteristically quiet for a great deal of the trip. It’s unusual for Christophe to do all of the talking. He smiles, tight and quick, when the assembled crowd whistles and hoots; Phichit elbows Yuuri; Yuuri stomps on his toe. “He made love potions.”

Phichit thinks he might be looking at Yuuri. Yuuri is trying to look anywhere except Victor Nikiforov’s ass in those pants. It’s not working. Phichit is working off of two hypotheses currently: one, he is beginning to suspect that Victor Nikiforov might have a no-good, mega-crush on Yuuri Katsuki; two, he’s starting to think that Victor hates ghost stories.

What he needs is the right environment to stage a test of these two theories, but he keeps getting distracted by Christophe, gorgeous Christophe, Christophe who could read Phichit the dictionary and leave him hanging on every word. It’s not fair that someone in the universe has a body constructed for sex and gets to possess that voice. “Had a lot of enemies, too,” Christophe is explaining. “People who thought they’d been ripped off.” Phichit’s not sure where Christophe manages to pull pictures of Benny Evangelist’s creepy, paper-mache God-dolls from, but he’s got them, and they’re being passed around. He shivers. It’s not because of the beer, and it’s not because of Christophe’s voice.

“He cut a business deal involving some lumber, promised to pay the delivery man in cash the following morning,” Christophe intones. “Morning came and went. So did a neighbor, who found all six bodies: Benny, 43, his wife, Santina, 36, their four children, Angeline, 8, Matilda, 5, Jay, 3 and their 18-month-old son, Morrio. According to the police report, good old Benny’s head was sitting on a chair next to the bed he and his wife died in.”

“Yuuri,” whispers Phichit, who quickly passes off the handout, and who tells himself he’s getting two drinks at their next bar, “that’s messed up.”

“You want a real ghost story?” Yuuri raises his eyebrows. Apparently he’s just getting started. “You ought to hear about some of the shit from back home –”

“Hard pass,” squeaks Phichit.

They make it to Elmwood Cemetery at midnight. It’s supposed to be the last stop of the tour, so to speak, largely because the gates are closed at this hour, and Victor and Christophe have some responsibility, when it comes to university rules. The problem with this is simple:

Yuuri Katsuki is drunk. “What,” he complains, after Christophe tells another round of stories. “That’s it? We’re just going to stand here?”

“You have a better idea?”

Phichit hooks his fingers into Yuuri’s Red Wings jersey, uselessly: Yuuri’s an athlete, and he’s over the fence like a shot, waving his arms from the other side. “C’mon,” he taunts. “You scared?”

Phichit looks at Yuuri.

Victor looks at Yuuri, and then Victor looks at Christophe. Phichit does not understand the reason for Christophe’s smirk; he only knows it’s unfairly attractive. “You just gonna let the ghosts get him, then?” Christophe asks.

This is how about six or so of the party-goers wind up climbing over the fence, and how Phichit Chulanont gets lost by himself in the cold of a cemetery, wondering how it is that Yuuri Katsuki could ruin something called a Ghost Float, put on by Christophe Giacometti. Everywhere he turns he hears distant voices; probably his friends, looking for him, but who can be sure? It’s dark, and his phone has already protested the use of its flashlight once with a low battery warning, consequence of his overuse of Instagram earlier in the night.

Leaves rustle behind him.

Phichit thinks he hears footsteps.

When he turns around, nobody’s there.

Yuuri, I love you, and I’m going to kill you.

There’s breath on his neck, a whisper against his ear. “Boo.”

Later, there will be conflicting stories about this incident. Christophe Giacometti will insist that Phichit Chulanont screamed; Phichit Chulanont will tilt his chin up, dark eyes flashing, and insist that he roared like a lion.

He shrieks, he nearly falls over, he finds himself in Christophe’s arms.

“Have you seen Yuuri?” Phichit asks, far too rapidly, trying to play it cool. He’s Ferris Bueller. He’s the coolest kid.

“He’s with Victor.”

“With Victor or With Victor?”

Christophe’s eyes sparkle in the dark. His innocent face somehow betrays both nothing and everything. The story will come out by Christmas, by the time Yuuri and Victor make it official: Nikiforov hates ghost stories, and horror movies, and junk food, and a lot of other things Yuuri loves, and somehow they’re still disgustingly perfect for each other. “We’ve got everyone,” Christophe says instead. “Came to get you. Were you really that scared?”

“No,” Phichit lies, putting on a brave face.

“Oh.” Christophe looks thoughtful. “Cold?”

Now Phichit’s not sure where this is going. “… No?”

“That’s a pity,” Christophe murmurs, making sure Phichit’s righted on his feet before letting go and taking a few steps back towards the path he must’ve come through on. He tut-tuts underneath his ridiculous blonde wig. “Now what am I supposed to offer, huh?”

Phichit catches on quick. “Oh,” he says, falling in step behind Christophe, and trying to tell himself it’s not because he’s looking at Giacometti’s ass.

“In that case, I was fucking terrified, and I’m freezing, too.”

#victuuri #phichimetti #tw: halloween #tw: murder #tw: ghosts #not actually scary though #sim's halloween prompt-a-looza #asksimanything #prompts!#maybe don't click the doll link though

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jenesys-energy-ph-blog · 7 years

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DAY 7 by Love Gomez

Today was the last day of homestay and it was our farewell party with our host families. Before heading to the venue, Fujieda-san allowed Pam and I to go around the Samurai Village for the last time. I took all the photos I didn't get during the first time we visited. The sun shone brightly today and the snow already stopped falling. I was able to take off my gloves and take photos of the houses without my hands shaking. When we arrived in the venue of the farewell party, delegates were already dressing up for their cultural presentation. The Philippines will be presenting a skit that day about traditional courtship in our country. Host families seem to know each other. They greet and chat with each other while waiting for the programme to start. I took the chance to go around and take photos with the people I haven't took photos with yet. I approached really cute kids from other host families and took photos with them too! Children in this city are really cute, friendly, and polite. They're a bit shy, but it seemed like they were already taught how to receive visitors even at a very young age. Everyone was just so kind and lovely I want to hug them all. As the programme progressed, I got sadder and sadder. The cultural presentations eventually were no longer exclusive for the countries presenting. Everyone was just dancing to every dance presented even without knowing the steps. One host family even prepared a presentation of their own. 2 of the delegates from the Philippines sang a song with their otosan and okasan, which they prepared the night before. It was a very touching and humbling (And heartbreaking! I don't want to gooo yet!) experience. You could see how sad everyone was when we were about to leave. We were all standing on the right side of the bus facing the window where our host families were outside waiving goodbye nonstop until our buses left and we were lost from their view :'( We were all restless during the whole ride back to our hotel. I could tell everybody from our group had warmed up with each other at this point. At the back of the bus, Filipino and Thai friends were playing music and were playing with the stuffed toys they got from their host families. All of the stuffed toys were Winnie the Pooh by the way haha. In front we were chatting and exchaging calling cards. We didn't really get the chance to sleep before arriving in the hotel. Miho-san and Ikeda-san were probably used to our noise by thisp time :p In the hotel, we worked on our group presentation the whole afternoon until very late in the evening. All the activites we've been doing together since day 1 already brought us closer and it's making me feel really sad thinking about our flight back home. We went straight to practicing Carinosa for our cultural presentation tomorrow after working on the group presentation. We wanted to do some shopping before leaving Akita, but stores would have surely closed by the time we finished everything. We still had to face packing our things after practice and make sure we don't forget anything in Akita. Despite all the things we had to do during our last night in Akita, a lot squeezed in bonding with friends even to the point of sacrificing sleep.

Love has been with Shell since the year she graduated from the University of the Philippines (major in Psychology) in 2010. She finds fulfillment in her current role with Recruitment, where she helps out with Recruitment activities in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. She balances the things she needs to deliver at work with the things she loves to do outside work: discovering new songs and watching good movies, exploring places with her family and friends, doing a bit of photography, reading and writing, sketching and water color painting. Although a natural introvert, Love loves being with people especially with those coming from a cultural background different from hers. She can get easily inspired by different peoples' stories of kindness and perseverance to live and survive life.

#JENESYS 2016 #JICE #PHILIPPINES #JAPAN #batch 7 #Daily Reports #DAY 7

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