A year in another country

Assalamualaikum, i try to make a new post in english so it will be a funny moment when you read it, hehehe :)

This is a great experience and will change my mindset of looking at things. Being an exchange student requires us to mingle and understand the culture of the people in other countries. This is one of the dreams that I have achieved, from the thousands of dreams that I have. I hope this will be a beginning of another dreams.

18 July 2014, It was a special day for me. Today I will leave Indonesia with a quote in my heart “ be a young ambassador for Indonesia” who can tell and explain everything about my country. Philippines is the country that will host me as an exchange student, gain knowledge, gain experience, as well as the name of Indonesia. I realize there is a huge responsibility that should I take.

Departing from Soekarno Hatta International Airport with an other exchange student. Tika Roswanti, we will stay in Philippines almostly in a year. In a country that we are familiar with Thyfoon ( kind of storm ). As the plane started to fly, I try to hold the proud emotion and sadness to leave Indonesia. From the plane, land looks so small, from the plane I realized how meaningless us in this world. Through clouds gives a depth impression. Because we fly on a large cotton.

This trip requires us to transit in a small island with the biggest currencies in Southeast Asia. Singapore, a beautiful country with comfortable city, Changi international airport. Feeling so in contrast with the building construction in Indonesia. Two hours of waiting. I still do not believe it. I've been away. and I have been in other countries.  Finally, the plane take off. There was a unique story when we stopped at Changi. In the queue we saw a woman approximately 30 years old carrying a lot of bags. One of the bag was a very heavy travel bag. We offer assistance to bring it up to the cabin. I think it's an easy thing to help the women but before we help no one was interested in helping. The plane flew back and look down and saw the land was really small. I realized no matter how small our potential would certainly be great if it keeps trying. Look at Singapore Dude !.

The next trip to Nino Aquino International Airport, in Pacmans country. Do you know Pacman? A great boxer in the world, a small man with a big determination. And do tou know? One of my reason to visit Philippines is to meet and see him. Again, I ask myself, what will happen in the next 10 months. But it all fell apart when sleep comes. I was not feel this 3 hour round trip has been completed. We arrived for the first time in a land that ever colonized by Spanish . Rushed to the immigration office and pick up luggage. We were soon out of the airport with the hope can both meet an AFS volunteer who has waited us. But after being outside the airport, we did not see anyone who approached us. You must know, when it reached another country the hardest thing is the communication, because we need to replace our phone provider. Had uneasy with carrying luggage and we do not know where to go. But suddenly, we saw the women who had helped by us in Changi. She asked where we were going. We explained that we were not able to contact AFS Volunteer. She offered to call using a cell phone. We are very happy, and I re-realized how beautiful, if we help each other.

Shortly after that, a young woman came up to us. She is the volunteers and fetched us in the airport. We parted with a woman who has helped us. , To say thank you and hopefully we can meet again. The sky was getting dark because it was already 6 pm, and on that day we were fasting for Ramadan. A valuable experience at an incredible day.

Arriving at a hotel in Pasay City, Manila. We were welcomed by the volunteers who were there. Smile and a very warm greeting that we received. The hotel we will be holding a national orientation. To prepare us before heading to the city of our stay. They explained Everything about the Philippines. Rules, cultural and tourist attractions. On the last day of orientation, we went to several tourist spots in Manila. One is Rizal Park, a park that is a landmark of Manila City. In this park there is a statue of Jose Rizal. He is the national hero of the Philippines. On the way to the next destination, we were greeted by a lot of people. So friendly and fun, with a smile they were asking where we are coming from. Another place, we visited  intramuros, a historic town with old buildings are very groomed. There are a first cathedral in the Philippines, a building like an old castle and other buildings. In each place we always greeted with a smile that makes us always want to visit this place again.  

Its a story about an amazing experience when the first-time in the Philippines. "Smile, friendly and helpful, the three words for Philippines"

Thank you = Terima kasih = Salamat po :)

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