Since the pandemic has been officially declared as "over", or the new normal becoming normal, I have been invited to attend a conference in SG. Excited to get back into the travelling groove and staying in the scientific traveling circle, I said yes. I needed to interrupt the seeing of patient cycle. I recall in my pre-pandemic life, traveling was a big part of it. I have vague memories of being excited and exhausted and exhilirated at the thought of escaping...the patients! Even for just a while.
As the travel date was drawing to a close, I had toxic patients. Excited to leave, I found pure anxiety in endorsing the cases to friends. However, I thought that this cannot be helped. I needed to take breaks at times. And it would be impossible to stay in Manila forever. I had scary thoughts of what if i get monkey pox? covid? What if my perfect exclusive school English no longer worked in the airport? Where did my old courage for travel and nochalance go?
Luckily, a few days prior to leaving, I got in touch with Veeeeds, a friend who resides in SG. Incidentally, I told her that i would be leaving on August 10. She excitedly asked if it would be possible for me to be in SG on August 9, since it is National Day and she had no plans of going home to Manila this time.
For the first time, I asked a favor from the Pharma, asking if they could rebook my flight date to two days earlier. Travel agency number was given to me, and I messaged. I was very pleasantly suprised to find that there would be no additional cost! It was set! Veeeeeds, the efficient host that she was, planned an IT for my coming, and I was excited.
On the day of the flight, I was so nervous regarding the EVERYTHING! But i found, same as the previous local travels that I had, that everything had become more efficient after the pandemic. Having the documents ready, there was not one question in the PAL area, the philippine immigration, SG immigration.
I had the grandest time, getting my salmon sandwich with coffee at cafe france and spending alone time. The benefit of travelling alone was that I didn't have to do small talk, which I found is becoming more of an effort for me post pandemic. I had conversations with my family online. Paid bills online. Got things done while waiting.
And for that three hour flight going to SG, i felt TOTALLY FREE. there was no signal, all the patients were covered for and I could say I AM NOT IN MANILA! All of a sudden, I remembered why I travelled a lot.
Upon arrival at SG, i bumped into a friend consultant and we had a great conversation about how the pandemic changed us, how we felt great to be alive, and how we were really one of the lucky ones. Of course, the conversation was just done along the luggage carousel and not over breakfast. How first world. I had forgotten.
And what can I say. When i arrived at Veeds flat after the long ride where I appreciated nature, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I was pampered! We talked non stop. She had an online meeting, and I listened in getting some work done. (Okay fine, I am a workaholic!). We then went to the mall, ate chinese food with the most delicious garlic sauce, and talked a million words a minute. Then we went home, walked around a bit more.
She had a call that night, and i listened in.
Then we went and bought food for dinner and ate food some more. Salmon, fruit, seaweed! Dutch waffle cookies! Stared in amazement at the chicken roasting while i ordered my very refreshing strawberry and banana shake!
I went to sleep a very happy person that night!
The premise for this visit was no tourist sites. I wanted to see Veeeeds life and live it!
The next day, we left at 630 am, and took a walk. And walked some more. I saw the amazing sites, talked some more and walked around 25000 steps that day with no exhaustion! Met Jen, Frans,Thale, Ivan, and their kids Ellie, Hanna and Liam. And talked some more. Had duck!
Then had tea.
Then walked some more. the kids played soccer and i was amazed that the thale and ivan i was so scared of during residency were running and playing ball with their kids! I really felt great and lucky and thankful!
And went to a spa where we ate buffet, jacuzzied, sauna-ed, massaged, and ate buffet some more! It was so luxurious! more chika!
Then went home... And talked some more.
It was grand.
And the conference has not even started yet!
It was a good thing that i was such in a great brain space.
Dahil may natanggap ako ng letter from BIR!
and dahil may mga news.
I love old friends. No matter where we are, its as if we are transported back to the golden ages of our youth when we were nothings, even if we are currently somethings. :D
Thank you Veeds! For pampering me, and for being a great friend and sister from another mother ! :D
Love love love!
We still have another adventure for tonight, so excited!
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