I never have to go to hotels anymore.
I haven't blogged in almost two months, mainly because I promised myself I'd stop doing it if I didn't have anything better to write other than, "oh I'm so pissed at the world, oh I hate my major" sort of thing.
I'm home from the Junior Asia Pacific Regional Conference! We were basically holed up in Sirindhorn Science Home, the newly constructed science campus of Thammasat University in Thailand. Despite being only able to shop at Chatuchak once, and a day off to check out the temples, and historical ruins in Ayutthaya, I felt like I've gotten more than what I've bargained for.
(It's probably a good thing that I've been to Thailand as a tourist and a shopper before. I really don't need a second tour, but I kinda got one anyway).
The conference was mainly about how to strengthen CISV JBs locally, and how they interact with each other in the regional level. This year signalled a total overhaul of the regional structure. Since I was an inactive in CISV prior to this conference, I felt like I couldn't contribute much to the discussions, but I caught up in the end. The only problem I had was with the term "Growth and Development", as one of CISV's major goals. If you're PolEco, you're probably going to figure out why.
More than whatever leadership strategies and system-level structures we've discussed, actually living with different people from all over the world, each accustomed to a certain way of doing things and way of thinking. It's amazing. Even if it's just as basic as finding the idea of McDonald's spaghetti weird, and bordering on ridiculous, or being utterly shocked at a 30-minute long shower (oops).
I'd have to thank Peak for giving me the best roomies, ever.
Sam!!
Most nights, it's always Gabi, Sam and I who end up talking until we fall asleep. From false prophets to warts, I think we pretty much covered them all?
Hi Gabi!
I feel bad for not being able to hang out with my other roommates, Plu and Pin (both from Thailand) and Erica (from Japan). Plu and Pin go to sleep at 4 or 5 in the morning because of all the stress they go through in running JASPARC this year. They are so hardworking! Erica is shy (and from experience, like most homegrown Japanese).
More amazing people...
Nuknik, my very cute Thai friend who offered to take Bea and I out to Chatuchak on the first day! She was so accommodating and sensitive to our needs, and I've never felt at home in any other country than Thailand. Seriously.
This is Rowan (from New Zealand), and Kate (from Australia). Kate's only 18, but she has ridiculous leadership skills. I was completely floored. Plus I was really touched when she offered to host me when I visit Australia next year. :-)
Maru from Argentina, and Peak from Thailand - our coordinators, who were obviously very stressed. Peak is the cutest, especially when she dances the swimming dance.
Erica from Japan -- my roommate!
This is Nadia (who seriously looks like the prettier version of Miley Cyrus), and Jeremy. The love of my life just kidding he is 17 years old.
Felix from Indo, and one of my favorites. :-) / Miley Cy--I mean, Nadia.
Mai from Vietnam!!!
Bronwyn (New Zealand) and I on our last night. Around 4AM! We hardly slept! We hung around the ground floor, dancing.
And last but definitely not the least is Bea.
---
NOW THAT WAS FUN. I can't believe I'm back in the Philippines. It felt like I was in a whole new planet last week; I hardly ever bothered to think of my life back here. It was just really, really awesome.
I'll see them all in Vietnam next year. :-)
I'm home from the Junior Asia Pacific Regional Conference! We were basically holed up in Sirindhorn Science Home, the newly constructed science campus of Thammasat University in Thailand. Despite being only able to shop at Chatuchak once, and a day off to check out the temples, and historical ruins in Ayutthaya, I felt like I've gotten more than what I've bargained for.
(It's probably a good thing that I've been to Thailand as a tourist and a shopper before. I really don't need a second tour, but I kinda got one anyway).
The conference was mainly about how to strengthen CISV JBs locally, and how they interact with each other in the regional level. This year signalled a total overhaul of the regional structure. Since I was an inactive in CISV prior to this conference, I felt like I couldn't contribute much to the discussions, but I caught up in the end. The only problem I had was with the term "Growth and Development", as one of CISV's major goals. If you're PolEco, you're probably going to figure out why.
More than whatever leadership strategies and system-level structures we've discussed, actually living with different people from all over the world, each accustomed to a certain way of doing things and way of thinking. It's amazing. Even if it's just as basic as finding the idea of McDonald's spaghetti weird, and bordering on ridiculous, or being utterly shocked at a 30-minute long shower (oops).
I'd have to thank Peak for giving me the best roomies, ever.
Sam!!
Most nights, it's always Gabi, Sam and I who end up talking until we fall asleep. From false prophets to warts, I think we pretty much covered them all?
Hi Gabi!
I feel bad for not being able to hang out with my other roommates, Plu and Pin (both from Thailand) and Erica (from Japan). Plu and Pin go to sleep at 4 or 5 in the morning because of all the stress they go through in running JASPARC this year. They are so hardworking! Erica is shy (and from experience, like most homegrown Japanese).
More amazing people...
Nuknik, my very cute Thai friend who offered to take Bea and I out to Chatuchak on the first day! She was so accommodating and sensitive to our needs, and I've never felt at home in any other country than Thailand. Seriously.
This is Rowan (from New Zealand), and Kate (from Australia). Kate's only 18, but she has ridiculous leadership skills. I was completely floored. Plus I was really touched when she offered to host me when I visit Australia next year. :-)
Maru from Argentina, and Peak from Thailand - our coordinators, who were obviously very stressed. Peak is the cutest, especially when she dances the swimming dance.
Erica from Japan -- my roommate!
This is Nadia (who seriously looks like the prettier version of Miley Cyrus), and Jeremy. The love of my life just kidding he is 17 years old.
Felix from Indo, and one of my favorites. :-) / Miley Cy--I mean, Nadia.
Mai from Vietnam!!!
Bronwyn (New Zealand) and I on our last night. Around 4AM! We hardly slept! We hung around the ground floor, dancing.
And last but definitely not the least is Bea.
---
NOW THAT WAS FUN. I can't believe I'm back in the Philippines. It felt like I was in a whole new planet last week; I hardly ever bothered to think of my life back here. It was just really, really awesome.
I'll see them all in Vietnam next year. :-)