written January 29, 2007

I have a new favorite. I started out with McDonald's breakfast mornings that were conducive to reading the newspaper and not much else. But I didnt complain. It provided me with the needed refuge (dare I say "escape"?) I always seem to crave.

And then I dropped by Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on an urge to Brunch one day. I’ve always loved the place, but the afternoon presence of crowds and noisy groups did not appeal to me as much. This visit though, I was surprised to find several other people with laptops and/or books reading, studying and surfing away. There was soothing piped in music and great coffee (and Chai Latte!) and the salads are good too. I found my seat in a corner table and realized that I have finally found my perfect getaway on weekends and on mornings when I just need to get away. And its just a jeep away from home!

Just a few minutes ago, when I sat down to write (yes, I am here – was there – as of this writing) I felt all the energy and drive return. Here, I can write again! Here, I can make my plans! I felt revived and happy, and all I needed was a small round table to myself, air conditioning, good coffee, good food and a serene area.
Now all I need is a laptop so I can use the wifi :-D

looking back and looking forward

I'm leaving in a few minutes, so I'll make this as quick (yet abstract still) as possible.

This was last year. Tomorrow will be the beginning of next year :)

that KL incident

I promised I would write about this..so here goes.

Last week was KL week. We signed up for that Air Asia promo last November so we can go somewhere different. It was a trip with the girls Jaque, Renee and April (Macel passed) with Allan and myself.
Weeks before, I started the quest for a hotel that fit the budget and was in an ideal location. At first it was fun....eventually, I started getting confused...and then frustrated...and then finally, indecisive. The girls and I attempted to distribute responsibilities. Someone researched accomodation, someone took care of airport transfers, another one for places to visit and another for local transportation options.

We had a plan...but time was running out. With work and other personal obligations, I ended up booking the hotel three days before departure, reserving the seats to and from Clark two days before and I started packing 6 hours before the shuttle was scheduled to leave Megamall.
But we made it to the Shuttle and in time found ourselves in Clark lining up for Travel Tax payment. And then disaster struck.

The lady told me she'd wait until the check in counter accepts my passport...apparently my passport was valid for only four more months..and the airline specified that it should be for at least 6 months!!

So there I was waiting in line, knowing deep down that they wouldnt allow it. They would check my passport before leaving, and if by some miracle I get past that, KL would still check my passport as well. I stood there imagining I was hitting myself in the head. I wanted to bang my head against the wall if only I didnt think security would drag me out of the airport. All this time I was preparing for group concerns for the trip, I completely overlooked my own passport! I was able to book a hotel and get an idea of trains and buses and whatnots in KL...but my passport was about to expire in four months! I've been travelling, I KNOW that. But now that travel is for personal reasons, the trip is in jeopardy??

But anyway, long story short. The lady didnt check me in. The girls went ahead and checked in. I ran to DFA with Allan, spoke to two security guards (one of them was totally irritating) spoke to two Information personnel and spoke to a lady who was in an inside office to no avail. It was airline procedure. They could not give me anything that would convince them to let me board.

So back to the airport we went. Hung out with the girls before they boarded...even went to the DOT desk at the Airport arrival to see if we can find something else to do for the weekend. All this time I was berating myself for being SOOOO STUPID. Not only did I ruin my planned vacation, but I ruined Allan's too. And I guess to a certain extent, the girls' too. Not to mention the financial implications of not boarding the flight, not showing up at a hotel after reservations, taking a shuttle to and from Clark....etc etc.

I went home dreading people's reactions. I knew then that any future trip, international or otherwise would bring people back to the fact that I forgot about my passport validity. But, like I told some people, I am consoling myself with the fact that because of this, I, nor anyone who knows (and who finds it immensely funny) my story, will never be denied boarding for the same reason. I guess ultimately, something good has to come out of it.