Left, Left, Left, Right. WRONG.

I apologize for the absence.

Everything had been passing by so quickly. What with the goodbyes, to the literally 3 day travel back to Soka. Not to mention the roller coaster ride I had been instantly thrown on, riding with a half secure harness. But more on that later, here's the sum of my trip back...

The last (and possibly one and only) family photo before I left

Take off. Then I knocked out for most of it.

Upon arriving in Dubai, I made my way to the JW Marriott Marquis hotel (that opened 3 months ago) to visit an alumni! WOOP!

It was sooo nice to see her face after so long!

After freshening up and a short short nap, I made my way back to the airport

Man, this place really is the wealthiest place on earth.

So elaborate of an airport entrance.

Hungry, I decided to get some breakfast. 

However, unfortunately for me, there was nothing remotely good + reasonably priced except 

Deciding on the local menu (like I do with every McDs I go to anywhere else)

I settled with...

Honestly, I was disappointed.

After stuffing my face quickly, I walked about before boarding... And saw this:

idk if you see the camel in the background but even that was for sale.

beautiful tea pots

sheesha/ hookah

tiny trinkets.

little plates

It was interesting to walk into the souvenir shop cause it was PACKED.

EVERY counter in there was BUSY BUSY BUSY.

Zoom Zoom!

Arrived 4 movies and 2 sets of 5 episodes (of TV shows) later.

First thing we did (well, Ms Chauffeur & Partner in Crime and I):

Got some good Mexican food to go on the way back 

(but got caught in traffic instead, which sucked a bit)

But no biggie.

 This is kind of a rushed deal cause I should be getting on with my homework. On the flipside, the travel back home, as crazy and tiring as it was, I met a few people and made some new friends which was really nice. I also learnt a bunch from Emiko who painted me a clearer picture on those working in the UAE. It was definitely a new perspective.

But since I got back, I have:

1. Gotten a job without having to apply for it
2. Cried 
3. Had trouble with a lot of things on the first day of my final semester.
4. Arrived late for one of my classes (This is one of those "WTF KIM!?" moments.
5. Come to terms and actually became annoyed with the amount of crap I have that DO NOT NEED.
6. Cried some more.
7. Missed home a bunch
8. Gotten Sundofu, Free Froyo & some really good cheese from Whole Foods
9. Realized just how forgetful I am
10. Noticed that Chinese superstition works in contra ways for me (definitely ridiculous sounding but I put up some CNY deco and then shit happened, like what??)

It has most definitely been a pretty rough start but I am going to keep striving. I believe in starting a new day and that things will get better. This semester will most definitely be a success. I know it.


Also, in case I don't get the chance, I wanna wish all of you a

HAPPY CHINESE (LUNAR) NEW YEAR!! 

新年快乐！