The beginning of US Work & Travel Program

I'm going to begin with the journey writing, and hopefully there are still visitors dropping by this site! So if you've decided to go for the US Work & Travel Program, the first thing you must do is to prepare for jetlag. US is located at the other side of the Earth and they even have difference time zone in their own countries. First night of flying - Singapore, where I guess most of the international flight has to transit here for some reasons.  The goodbye with all family and friends, there was no tears surprisingly!  In fact, I was on my happy feet while walking onto the plane, knowing that the journey is going to starts. Reach Changi Airport at 11pm+, feeling so sleeping but yet have to catch up the other flight at 5am. Our ticket comes with a package to spend a night at a lounge, and this is how it looks like. Photo taking was prohibited, but managed to speed shot some before their manager @#!@#$# at me. Hahahaha. 

After spending hours on the phone with family/friends reporting own safety, it's finally time to sleep. They have more than 100 small little cubicles for you to rest there. Just big enough to fit in my height actually (FYI I'm at 180cm =D). And after waking up, there comes the nightmare.

Spending hours and hours for transitting and transitting non stop. Second transit was at Tokyo Narita Airport after 7.5 hours flight from S'pore Changi Airport, spent 4-5 hours there waiting then. On the plane again for 12 hours to Chicago and spend another 4 hours waiting for transit again. I had no idea which day was it due to the change of time zone, the sun rose and set twice together in the hours I spent on the plane. Was feeling super dizzy and exhausted after touching down at Chicago. One of the sun rise...

And the plane meals aren't that delicious either, which makes you starting to feel homesick for all the food...

The first meal at US! The infamous McD - so different than our style here. Over there, you place your order, pay and then stand aside to wait for your number to be called. In this case, because I grown up in Chinese education background, I actually had a hard time listening to my number because they say it as  *Five Nineteen*, instead of the usual *five-one-nine*, or *five-hundred-and-nineteen*, or even *lima-satu-sembilan* in Malaysia.

All the excitement was gone, the jetlag was killing me and I could hardly open my eyes during the last transit from Chicago to the place where I'm going to spend next 4 months there, Branson Missuori. On the last transit, it was 5pm. Started to feel really annoyed and frustrated, why have I done to put myself into such situation? But the mesmerizing sunset over the city of Chicago has somehow awaken me, that I'm doing the right thing! I'm on my path, to discover the world on my own.

As I said, it wasn't easy at all. The airport in Branson Missuori was emptied, no workers, no flight attendees, no one. We were so freaked out as we have no phone, no food except some Malaysian biscuits to get over that night, so we just decide to sleep on the sofa bed. As you can see from the picture, you can hardly imagine an airport without anyone right? Here, this is it. It was freezing cold, but we had no choice!

Finally the long night ended!

Spent hours to take taxi and coaches to reach the town Branson, like finally! 8pm, sunset. 8pm in Malaysia=completely dark, but here? Something new!

The Rosalee INN! We were the first one to move in! Renovated after the previous owner left it there for long time, but without Wi-Fi. WTF right?!

What we prepared for our daily meals. Could only use the simple oven for anything, even raw meat to make it edible. 

Some photos at my working place! Beautiful sky isn't it? Note that all photos in this post are captured with iPhone only, without editing! Next post will show you more on the living style over there!

TIPS to SURVIVE in Long Distance Relationships

Being in a long-distance relationship is not a normal state of affairs, so it needs to be treated with an unusual viewpoint just like the freak it is. How do you stay close (and get even closer) when you're so far apart? It's not simple, but it's not impossible -- and here are three tips can help when your love is halfway across the planet.

Appreciate your independence

          So now you are leaving to a place without you love. Once the flight takes off, you are on your own. You may think so in the plane-- You are going to face your own problems, solve them yourself, cry on your own shoulder (if you are able to), celebrate all holidays alone, date yourself (how pathetic)…….blah blahh blahhhh..all the negative thoughts will eat you up like a dinosaur!!!!!  Emmm..just for your information, dinosaurs are no longer in existence. They had become extinct!! So what are you scared of? An extinct species?? The imaginary dinosaur--negative thoughts in your mind is actually nothing!! Without him/her by your side physically, is it the end of the world? NO, of course NOT..So, what can you do is---be a D.I.Y person. Do-It-Yourself. Appreciate your independence by enjoying your ‘single’ life while in fact you are already attached. Can’t you see how wonderful it would be? No?? Okay, how to appreciate your D.I.Y opportunity to the fullest? You can hang out with friends like nobody’s business, party whole night without a sticky gum following you, lay back and do your favourite but not his/her stuffs without any explanations, ease up with no nagging from him/her…basically, you are not under physical control. Great right?? Got it? Feel free to be yourself independently despite the physical absence of your partner and I deem you can make it through easier this way.

Believe

          If you are being pessimistic, then your LDR will definitely be a failure. Yea, I know it is rough and you have heard about how disastrous LDR is, from many negative ending cases of your friends or somewhere else. But, think about this. What if the failure of LDRs is a misconception?? As you know, couples break up for many reasons, but according Dr. Greg Guldner, director of the Center for the Study of Long-Distance Relationships, with his 10 years of research on this subject has shown that distance doesn't seem to be one of them. Yea, surprisingly, distance itself is not a reason that leads to break-ups. Indeed, couples in LDRs report the same levels of intimacy , trust, commitment, and satisfaction as geographically close couples. It's confirmed: Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Along with the first tip, enjoy your LDR by sharing interesting things and ask him/her what he/she is up to. Key point: don’t think too much and loosen up. Why so?? Dr. Guldner says, by doing so will help in two ways: your love won't think you're obsessed with the relationship, AND you won't be obsessed as you believe you’re not. In fact, the happier you act with your life, the happier you'll actually feel. Thus, be optimistic, BELIEVE and keep the faith.

Communicate

          As I said, misunderstandings occur more frequently in LDR than any other relationships without doubt. It is hard when you can’t use the power of touch to feel connected to each other. Let’s take a look at the main cause of miscommunication in a relationship. It is not what you use to communicate but is the way you express yourself to your love. You have to find out how to make your love feel cherished from what you say. Despite time differences or technological issues, LDRs will very much depend on the power of word. For instance, “I’m gonna hug you tight now till you’re breathless.” Avoid any IF words for example, “ If I were there, I would……..” Boom! Saying so is just like putting the reality right in front of your partner’s face cruelly. I suppose sweet talk is needed, to distract the fact that physical absence of him/her has actually made you feel lonely, when you are keeping the faith of “you will be together when you are together.” So, be sweet to your love whenever you can and you will taste the sweet too. Besides, mind your word and try to put yourself in his/her shoes when you say something. It applies to all kinds of relationship as well. Be considerate and life with him/her will be great ;)

          While long-distance relationships seem to be higher-maintenance than you'd like, they do have their positives. After all, if your relationship prospers without constant physical, one-on-one contact, then you may have met your match. 

Try the tips like ABC (Appreciate, Believe, Communicate), 

LDRs would be EZ. =)

Here’s a short film to share with yall..They made it through—in spite of the longest, furthest, non-expirable distance between them. Is distance still an issue to be concerned of?   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQgdxLRk6eY

Cheers,

Charis OvO

Thaipusam for Daring Malaysians

written by Sunny

Thaipusam, something that I never dream that I'll be there to witness the celebration. In fact, I don't think there'll be much people interested in this kind of difference race festival celebration. Having a thought to re-visit this familiar place (I used to live 5 mins drive away from Batu Caves for 10 years so it is like my childhood playground), friends and I decided to wake up 3 in the morning and see what is Thaipusam about. We reach the area around 4am, and MRRII is flooded with cars, where all Hindus are walking on the road to join in the crowd. What surprise me is that there were a number of tourist buses there as well. Well, I do feel proud of being a Malaysian, as we have such a diverse culture here, with so many difference races and all. Countries that I've been to, seldom they have more than 2-3 races while we have more than 6 I reckon. The friends that I'd make at oversea always ask me this question - How come you know so many languages? Because to them, they always grow up learning a single language! English, Mandarin and/or their national language. So, be proud of where you grow up yo! We are unique in our way, despite the government always fail us in their way of managing the country. Okay, let the pictures do the talking!

Of course, like what others has *warned* before, you'll get suffocated not only by the lack of oxygen, the sweat and armpit smell, but also the burning of spiritual sacrifices+offerrings. Definitely not something that everyone can bear it ohh? Having myself mentally prepared, it was okay la. As long as you are not INSIDE the long queue up to the Cave I think it shouldn't be a big problem la. I do see girls there too! Look at the crowd on the 272 staircase behind... IT IS FULL! Pretty scary.

 Can you endure the pain? Try carrying a plastic bag full of oranges is heavy enough, imagine hanging them one by one by hook on your back. Definitely an OUCH!

 Pray, walking on barefoot and it is not easy with the thousands of people surrounding you.

 It weights more than 20 kilograms I s'ppose. Endurance, life is all about what comes after it. They believe by sacrificing to God in this very day, they will be blessed by the God about life.

Being so religious, how many of the people out there still believe in God? 

Blood and sweat. 

Family are along the way together, supporting each other to reach the final destination - the Cave up there. Didn't make it all the way up simply because I was terribly tired by waking up at such time. After college period has passed, you'll find yourself lose all the midnight survival strength gone. Talk about aging, body doesn't has the energy it used to.

Till then,

take a step out there to see what the world is offering. You may be surprise even at Malaysia, there's a lot yet to be discover. This is my first time, and it turn out to be a pretty special experience. 

Work and Travel USA - How and why?

Before I continue more on the travel part of the Work and Travel Program USA (known as WAT below) on last year summer, I think it would be appropriate for me to do a brief introduction to the program as I think many of the students are interested in this. In layman's term, it is a program for current college universities students around the world, to take part in a short term program and experience the life at United States. The program usually lasts from 3-5 months, where 5 months is the longest period you can stay in United States under the J1 visa obtained. Started a few years back, more and more students are participating in this program not only they would like to see the Western culture in US, but also to place their feet on the big brother of the world, especially on all the cities like New York, Los Angeles etc.

I dreamt to study oversea ever since I was still in secondary school, but not everyone has the financial ability to go for it. It somehow came true when I know about this program. Students in college universities can take part while having sem break, normally 3 to 4 months, or after you've graduated (but T&C apply here). During the program, students are given a temporary part time job, at the maximun of 4 months period, where a month is left for the travel period. There are four periods for WAT program: 

Winter (November - April), Spring (March - June), Summer (May - October) and Fall (September - December). 

To be an eligible participant, you must meet the following requirements:

- be at least 18 years old

- be a current full time student in a state-recognized institution of tertiary education

- be able to function in an English speaking working environment

- have a pre-arranged job and a minimum of USD800 available to support yourself upon arrival in USA

In fact, we do not have to look for the jobs by ourself. There are currently few sponsors/agents in Malaysia, assisting the students in the WAT Program. The one that I went is Out of the Box. After paying the program fees and confirmed, you'll first go through a simple phone conversation to test up the English level (it is not something scary as interviewer would just like to see how fluent is your English, not a big problem here tho as all of us gone thru the 11 years of most basic education in Malaysia right), and then after preparing all the required documents, you'll have a chance to choose what job you want i.e. Resort work, Hotel work, Restaurant work, Department stores, Theme parks and National parks. After going thru another phone interview directly from US, and once you're recruited, you can start looking for air flight tickets and prepare the visa. It may sounds terrifying to go through all the process, especially when you have to go to the US Embassy and get interviewed again. But imagine you're working at Disney World, be it at a souvenir shops, or even just a street cleaner, or being able to spend some time at some of the most beautiful parks in the world like Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Certainly, one may say that we're able to travel here in the future, when we have the money, when we have the time. But will you be able to work there for months, to create a lifetime memory and getting to know friends from all around the world? 

Think about it, you will learn how to survive in the challenging environment after leaving the comfort zone in Malaysia, something that you'll never learn by sitting in classroom or reading a book. In fact, this journey has enable me to grow stronger physically as well as mentally, because working at US is a totally different experience with working in Malaysia. You'll be challenged constantly by the job itself (please, don't put it in a negative way, view it as something that could make you a tougher person =D ), you'll miss home, you'll miss your friends and family, you'll miss your lover, the long distanced relationship (provided if you have la of course hahaha), you'll definitely miss the food in the mamak, you might even just miss the smell of your pillow...

But, apart from being able to travel in United States, to see the great landscapes, to see all the big international cities, you'll meet people from around the world (I've met people and make friends with them from more than 10 countries!), you'll see how the other countries differ from ours, you'll learn how to deal with some unbearable roommates, you'll learn to be strong, on your feet by yourself, you'll learn how to make a meal, you'll learn how to do a proper grocery shopping at Wal-Mart, you'll learn to take care of yourselves... the list never ends. Most importantly, you'll know how important is everything that you'd missed in Malaysia, your parents, your siblings, your friends / lovers, and leaving an unforgettable memory of a lifetime. You'll simply learn how to smile, under every situation/hardships you'll go through. 

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page - St. Augustine.

Pic shot at Grand Canyon during the golden sun set hour =)

Top 10 Reasons Why You Hate LDR

10 Reasons why you will Hate LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?? I bet it would be NO physical contact right? RIGHT? You can’t hold hands, can’t cuddle, can’t hug, can’t kiss, can’t massage each other……..and etc.  Without being fulfilled the sense of touch, love life is dull…for most of the normal human couples I would say. For those who are more to spiritual connections, this is not an issue I guess. \(^o^)/
2. Sadly, there would be NO any celebrations together. =( Valentine’s day, birthdays, Christmas……..all these supposed to be spent together holidays, you will be celebrating them ALONE T.T ..Of course you have friends, buddies, but  you should know the difference. These days would be felt like HOLe-I(alone)-DAYs if you do not have someone or a bunch of friends to celebrate with.
3. He/ she would NOT be there when you have troubles. Don’t feel helpless, you are helpless o.O…you are all on your own. Settle problems all by yourself. No one to be relied on. Hate it..why he is not here where I’m the troublemaker? No one is gonna solve the problem when he is the problem solver. Okay, it’s time to be independent when you are not even aware whether you want to be or not. =z
4. Now what makes it worse is, he/she is NOT there when you need a shoulder to cry on. Facial tissues, pillows, dolls and all sort of non-living things are things that you can depend on.. Maybe a fake arm will help. Nothing else. >< C’mon, it’s not the end of the world. Be tough, you can still laugh =D
5. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….NO way to release your stress physically!!! Can’t have a pillow fight?! No I don’t mean that. I mean ‘the stress-releasing sandbag’ is no longer there. NOTE: This reason is exclusively for females. *Peace*
6. Lonely…I’m so lonely..I have nobarrrrrdy..aiyoweiyooo ohhhh owhhh ouhhhhh~~this song definitely suits the feeling of a non-single who can’t go on romantic dates because of LDR. A lovely date to go shopping, watch movies, have candle-light dinner or go for a walk by the beach is NOT possible. So, literally we are incomplete without our the other half.
7. Things can’t go worse than having to hang out with a pair of couples by yourself. What’s the word?? LIGHTBULB!!! Yea, so right!! One thing you will certainly dislike: go for dessert when you quite full but you have NO one to share with. Don’t tell me you are willing to share with the coupled friends. ==’’’ NO, you are not. NO way..
8. MIScommunications. Something to be blamed when people can’t express themselves well. Misunderstandings occur more frequently in LDR than any other relationships without doubt. Why? Even with Whatsapp, Facebook, Skype, the lack of face-to-face talk will only lead a mere talking-to-a-device conversation. And for your information, there will be internet disconnections. You can wait? Ya..but can you wait and wait and wait and wait?? Had it been once that you felt unhappy when your loved one who was supposed to reply you but didn’t text you back? How about poor connections?  Imagine both of you Facetime when the line is poor for long…..^&%##@#!&^&#$.. right? So how can you communicate well with all these technological problems and those the only communication tools you can use?
9. You will scare to express too much feelings or emotions because you don’t want to let him/her feel pressure. What is it called? Too considerate?? Maybe. It is reasonable to go that way, even you think it is like ‘WHAT?!’.. Yes, humans especially humans in love tend to care, sometimes just too much. They care about something that isn't there. When both try to hide their true feelings, here comes the next point.
10. Humans in love tend to think too much as well when they don’t see you. Power of imagination will start to grow. Small rock will look like a big bomb. With the help of technology such as Facebook TAGs, Facebook CHECK-Ins, Facebook SEENs, Facebook ONLINE xxMINS AGO, Whatsapp LAST SEENs and all other ways for stalkers to stalk, you have NO way to hide. Your the other half at the other half of the globe will know what you’re doing despite his/her physical absence. Just like what you wish, he/she will be by your side no matter what lol. By your side to keep you under surveillance. There would be TRUST issues. 

Is LDR merely a relationship which you started off together but circumstances created the physical distance between both of you, leaving everything else hold, or it has something more than that to be considered?  If you think distance itself spells doom for a relationship, think again..

Stay tuned for the solutions peeps ;)

Cheers,

Charis OvO

Sunny in Boston

written by Sunny:

Before you get continue to read on what am I writing, I think it would be better for me to write a simple introduction. I'm Sunny, a guy graduated last year and holding a Degree in Marketing. I love travel, I love photography, I love to set my foot around the world and this is a story of it. What's life without traveling the world? After graduation where friends are hoping to be employed immediately, 

I chose the other path. I participated in the Work &amp; Travel Program, leaving to United States for a short five months program, because I want to take a look at United States. I embarked on this journey on May 2012, and came back just two months ago. Undoubtedly it has left an unforgettable experience in my life, in me. 

I'm going to start this post with Boston, a small city where there are a lot of students not only from United States itself, but also from Asian countries particularly China and Japan. Boston, Massachusetts - the sole reason to visit it was because of : 

Harvard University and 

Mass. Institute of Technology (MIT). 

I dreamt of studying oversea, I dreamt of receiving education from one of the greatest universities of the world, if not the best. 

The city itself has a beautiful riverside, a complete public transport system (where I hope the current building of MRT system in Malaysia could be a success!), 

Anyway, I shall let the pictures to do the talking now. Hope you enjoy it. =)

This first day arriving Boston after Florida, after checking in at hostel, I walked to the Boston Common straight away. (will give you guys tips which hostel i stayed in next posts)

a very clean environment as compare to our city today.

This is what they do all day long - relaxing and enjoying. It was a comfort lying down there; well I spent 2 hours just to observe the people, of course, with a cup of Starbucks.

 There are parks located in the city, where the people are enjoying themselves with a cup of Starbucks (and it is really cheap here - 5 dollar for a Venti sized!), together with a book and they could lie down there, under the warming sun for a relaxing noon. Something that you will never see in our country today, talk about the danger of just walking on any street is terrifying enough.

Another corner of Boston Common with pretty buildings behind. 

Wandering around the park, I get jealous of why we can't do this in our country. Living together with the fresh air, warmth of sun - a sign of freedom in daily life. 

 One of the famous music college is located here too - the Berklee College of Music. Being ranked the best music school of the earth, I believe you readers know who is LeeHom Wang is? He is from the college too!

A very nicely decorated lounge cafe on the street. 

This is the way you get newspapers and magazines. Those are free of charge, but of course, first come first serve basis! Unique?

A lot of street artists performing live just in front of you! And some of them make a living with this too! 

There are lots of Starbucks in the city itself, one is probably located just five mins walking distance apart. Don't know why, I felt that their Starbucks actually taste better than ours in Malaysia.

A theater illuminated by lights at night. 

If you've watch / going to watch the movie Here Comes The Boom (2012) which is still on the cinema today,  note that the building on the left is in the movie! 

 There is plenty of nightlife activities here, different with what is commonly known in Malaysia - clubbing. Here in Boston, they have number of bar providing a platform for them to perform, to show the world what they love to do. Managed to enjoy a live band performance one night, it was awesome; partly because you see the satisfaction and happiness from them, a freedom to pursue what they have interest in. In Asian culture, this is often discouraged, especially when you opt to be an artist/musician. 

 In Boston Public Library. Looks pretty much like Harry Potter-ish right?

It was total silence, even my slr shutter sounds like a giant walking down. Wow'ed!

Just another corner of the library. They certainly have a better reading culture than us. 

On top of Prudential Building, which is the second highest building in Boston. Look carefully, Boston is not as packed as cities like New York - but it has everything you'll ever need.

A man on the street. They wear coat all the time! 

Reflection.

Worker.

Boston port. How much they love the sun?

At Quincy Market, where there are variety of food and small little decoration. 

Harvard! The people in the photo are actually in a local tour, where Harvard students bringing visitors around.

One of the hall of Harvard. Arhhhh!! Looking awesome!

Family and friends can even just sit down and picnic!

Lengzai!

The Harvard Campus - chairs provided to whoever interested to sit down and study/relax/online/whatsoever.

Well that's me! Day dreaming to become a student here...

The Law School of Harvard. One of the greatest around the world.

Autumn is coming, but this leaf is still green!

Still lingering around the Harvard Campus.

Street arts.

You can see people making living with a guitar everywhere, and the performance is actually better than what I thought!

Further down Harvard is Mass. Institute of Technology (MIT)!

The main campus of MIT.

Boston city is building along the Charles River.

Beautiful weather with beautiful scenes.

Abandoned.

Waiting.

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