On July 10th, I embarked on a two-week journey to Malaysia and Vietnam, leaving behind the chaotic and traffic-stricken city of Manila. However, my flight experience with Philippine Airlines (PAL) was less than smooth. They continuously changed my scheduled departure time, causing frustration and inconvenience. Just moments before takeoff, the PAL crew distributed complementary snacks as an apology for the delay. Unfortunately, this delay caused me to miss my connecting flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, which was a disappointment considering I had already booked it. I found myself in Kuala Lumpur with the realization that I wouldn’t make it to my destination on time. The manual processing at Malaysian immigration further delayed my progress, resulting in a significant setback.
Despite these setbacks, I surprisingly remained calm and unfazed. My primary concern was the money lost due to the missed flight. However, I made the most of my time in Langkawi, a picturesque island on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Comparing it to the beaches in the Philippines, Langkawi offered pristine waters and breathtaking views, but the tranquility and seclusion set it apart. On my second day there, I spent eight hours with newfound friends at the beach, immersing myself in nature and embracing the beauty around me.
After a week in Langkawi, I continued my journey to Hanoi, Vietnam. I had no specific expectations, but what I encountered surpassed anything I could have imagined. The chaotic traffic in Vietnam, particularly the swarm of motorcycles, caught me off guard. It felt as if I was in a high-speed action movie, gripping onto the handle tightly as we maneuvered through the madness. However, when I arrived in Ha Giang, located in the north of Vietnam, everything changed. It was the highlight of my trip, with its stunning landscapes and winding roads that resembled intestines. For anyone planning a visit to Ha Giang, I highly recommend booking a motorcycle tour with an easy rider instead of opting for a shuttle.
Throughout my journey, there were a few more costly mistakes made, but nothing that left me devastated. Although I would love to share the details, I take full responsibility for these mishaps. It has now been almost a month since my trip, and I’m still amazed at how well I handled the stressful situations. My family, known for scrutinizing every little detail, would have certainly freaked out in my place. Growing up in an environment where criticism is constant, I unknowingly adopted the same trait. However, I have learned to embrace the philosophy of “it is what it is” and let go of trying to control everything. Life is unpredictable, and even with meticulous planning, unexpected events are bound to occur. Instead of stressing over delays or setbacks, I have learned to adapt and find solutions, whether it be booking a new flight or removing myself from a stressful environment.
Unlearning the toxic habit of reacting strongly without thoughtful consideration has been a journey in itself. Embracing the phrase “it is what it is” has allowed me to shift my perspective and live a more content and unbothered life.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
