Do you feel safe anymore?

Over the years, being home, I have taken safety for granted. I took precautions, whenever I traveled, I had friends with me except when I flew solo. But, nothing too extreme because I felt safe (at least for the most part). 

For the last 2 and a half years in Seattle, from summer to the winter, especially post Covid, things have changed so much. I visited here 4 times before I moved here. I am aware of how things are in downtown because when I visit, I took the bus to wherever I wanted to go. 

There is a misconception that the homeless people wouldn't disturb random people, attack, or act aggressively. I knew that I am not an exception and who knows, something would happen. I came here in spring 2023 and how was I shocked when I saw the amount of homeless people. 

But, there was one incident that left me traumatized and put my guards really high up when I see someone walking on the road. Because, that person might be dangerous. That one day came when all I wanted to do was to take the bus to my gym. I walked to the bus stop and I heard someone yelling how someone wanted to murder him. Just a glance, you know he's no longer sane. It's a pity, but my safety was the utmost priority at that point. He has already seen me at that time. He had a really big and solid stick with him and before I could think about anything, he came running towards me, wanted to strike me with that stick. And, he did. But, because I anticipated that, I ran as fast as I could if I did not wanna die. My mind was clouded if I would even make it out alive. All these happened in a public place, broad day light. 

Are people not safe to take public transport anymore? I feel that my already traumatized view on the world has been damaged even more now. The only damage control and mitigation plan I could really do now is to take pepper spray with me and try to avoid infamous places. ;)

Still, a beautiful city despite the walking dead vibe we get sometimes. 

Maui Island 5

The final post! 

It's a beachy day, final one before we flew home the next day. 

A selfie for the last post. We went to Black Rock beach. It's crowded.

As the morning sleeps in and the afternoon comes, it got really hot. Would you rather have scorching hot weather or really cold? I would have chosen cold over hot in the past but Lord, I don't know anymore.

Yes, it's lunch time!

Then, the food.

This feels like a really Premium area. The beach is located just right in front of the hotel. This is the Kapalua Bay Beach. 

As we walk further, the path becomes rocky with lava rock formations. It's definitely a very scenic view. Also saw some interesting creatures while walking.

Next up, whale watching at Calypso Whale Watching in Wailuku where they offer snorkeling to Turtle Town apart from the whale watching excursion. We obviously did just the whale watching. I think it's about $60 per adult.

Managed to see some whales. The excitement while watching Free Willy is real.

Finally, as we approach the finishing line, the rainbow appeared. A perfect day to end the trip with, of course, we had really good food after that albeit overpriced.

Maui Island 4

It's another year, and this time I'm spending it at home. Not home home (Malaysia) but home. Since Maui Day 3, I still have a couple more to share. So, bear with me. Never have I thought that I would be going to Hawaii. It's just something I used to watch on tv, or hear about it. All the pictures below took place in Haleakala, an active shield volcano that forms 75% of Maui Island. The peak is at 10,023 feet above sea level. The most recent eruption was an estimated 600 to 400 years ago.

Anyway, Haleakala is known for their sunrise. Only limited numbers of vehicles are allowed to get in between 3am to 7am. Tickets are open 60 days prior. We tried a few days consecutively but it was all fat hopes. The window is at 5am but it's gone in minutes. It's cheap just $1.50 per vehicle, but it's impossible to secure that ticket haha. Anyway, it's not like we could get up that early to see sunrise. Since we weren't able to get the tickets, we went for sunset instead. There is no restriction or tickets for sunset, just go. But to be mindful of the crowd that's going to appear there. We went there early, got a fairly nice spot for the family. Don't forget the coat and jacket as you'll be out there for hours before the actual sunset takes place.

This was on the way up, look at this, so heavenly, like paradise.

There's me haha

Not sure if this is clear enough, look at the humans camping witnessing the beauty of nature during sunset. It's just beautiful. I have a soft spot for sunset.

Different feel but still as beautiful.

After sunset, from a different camera. If you live in a city, it's rare to see so many stars. The days when I get to see stars are long gone.

We went walking about and there is a trail, we stopped by and look at this, geez. 

 If there is an opportunity to do this, do it and don't skip. It's an experience you don't get to see everyday. Oh btw, since when do we have emojis on blogger? haha. ✌

Maui Island 3

So much has happened since my last post. US Presidential Election, the fall season came, the gray sky, as well as even South Korea's emergency declaration of martial law which was then called off a couple of hours later. It is crazy to think that something is always happening in some parts of the world at every given moment.

Since the world is going though such stressful moment, let's take a moment to go back in time, one year ago to Hawaii.

We went to the aquarium on Day 3. Spent a couple of hours there. My entire life, I was taught pronounced algae the British way. I learned from Maui Ocean Center that it is pronounced as "al-gee" lol. Location, Wailuku, Maui. Ticket priced at $45 per adult. 

Check out the deep blue sea where the sharks are. So many sharkies in here. 

All the fishies

It was rather warm in Maui. It was a really relaxing vacation. One thing to do is to book the accommodation with a beach walking distance. This beach was opposite our Airbnb. All we have to do is to cross the road. Kinda cool huh? It is to me, haha. Location: Kaipukaihina.

Selfie at the really hot beach, when the sun was right above. Isn't the smartest thing to do when your skin gets tanned really easily. Nobody believes me when I said my skin tans like the ice melts under the hot weather. 

My turn to buy dinner. This is the most creative restaurant name. It's called 'Da Kitchen.' haha.

It's been a year since, but I remember it being good, located at Kihei. Casual dining restaurant. Until next time. 

Update: Moved

I've been missing for awhile now, slightly more than a year due to, well, life.

When I visited a monk when I was in my early 20s, I was told that there will be a major change or event in our lives when the second digit of our age turns 9. So, it's 9, 19, 29, 39, 49....99. Only if you manage to reach 99 (I do not want to either). Please don't make me live such a long life. 

So, the year I turned 39, in fact, it was just last month, yay, Happy Birthday to myself. There has been a huge shift in my life this year. First, I packed my bags, then I moved country. Second, I resigned, and went back into studying. 

Until I did my highest education prior to this (degree for me), I was neither a good student nor a good learner. I'm not sure if it's partly due to the fact I wasn't working and lack experience before I can be grateful that studying is way easier than work. Or perhaps, the education system did not fit my way of learning. My memorizing skill is bad, I just did not know just how to memorize for an exam. To get to a passing grade, I can already be content. That was how bad it was. 

Anyway, I passed my degree in Bachelor of Arts, I still had my Honors, phew. Haha. I went to work in the field of my studies and quit 2.5 years later and went into something unrelated. The reason why I worked in a hotel was really just to build my foundation in my mental state, personality and character as I was still discovering the world and myself. 

Right now, I know who I am, I know my likes and dislikes, I know exactly what I want now. Therefore, studying right now might be a good idea too. 

That's a short little update about myself. 

Part 6: Seattle, Washington

It has been awhile now. I've been so busy that this has been neglected. Oopsie. Guess I'll continue and I'll be more active these days, just because of what just happened. A snap preview is that I am unemployed now due to the change of business strategy. My company decided to shut down the whole site in Kuala Lumpur, or rather Petaling Jaya. Hence, I am now actively looking for a job, hoping to secure one by July. Having said that, the job market is rather slow. The response has not been promising. At the same time, with the competitors right now, I am trying to be as positive as I can, considering the people around me, I think I'm okay.

We had an underground walking tour. It's the only way to tour the interconnecting tunnels. Check the website for the schedule.

"Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints." The famous quote by Chief Seattle and as you can tell, the city was named after him.

Some of the pictures took during the tour

With the family. In Fremont. Ooh my stomach expanded

This is one of the attraction in Seattle. Ballard Locks. So, all these boats, big and small had to wait for the bridge to open for them to cross over. The purpose of this is to maintain the fresh water of Lake Washington and Lake Union above sea level. It's also to prevent the mixing of sea water of Puget Sound with the fresh water from the lakes. Besides that, it is also to move the boats from the water level of lakes to the water level of Puget Sound an vice versa. Here, you can also see the migration of the fishes. Unfotunately, it wasn't the season when I was there

Being an Asian, this is a must-go place haha. The first ever Starbucks. In fact, they actually moved a few doors down from the original shop.

I used to watch many Bruce Lee's movies when I was growing up. So, visiting his graveyard is something I would wanna do. Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee side by side in Lake View Cemetery. We asked a group of tourist to take a picture of us. They declined. Not sure if they are from China or Taiwan. Bruce Lee is not going to follow you home

I've never been so happy going to a cemetery

My last walk with Rocky before I flew home that night. He's such an adorable giant.

Part 5: Seattle, Washington

Hello there. The birth of Instagram had killed blogs. haha.

Back to Snoqualmie Waterfall. It isn't that far off from downtown Seattle. Approx. 35 mins drive away, roughly 29 miles. It's really scenic and I am amazed by the volume of water gushing down this waterfall. Needless to say, it's really cooling. I've never seen one like this before! This is absolutely gorgeous.

Apart from the humans in the family, the four legged family got to enjoy too. I would probably guess that he's the happiest among all. He can't talk, but if he can, I am sure he's gonna say just that. His expression may not seem like it, but that's just how he looks. Regardless, he's still the most adorable dog.

You get to do some hiking here. There are some parts which are a little steep at the top. Other than that, it's fine. We all need a little work out right?

Then, we got to the bottom. Tadaaa.... I love the sound of the water, kiss your stresses away.

C'mon Rocky hahaha .... please co-operate. Just once. Please. Okay, at least he looked.

Part 4: Seattle, Washington

The long pause from Part 3. I have totally forgotten about it. I just had that sudden urge to blog out of the blue. Sometimes, you just wonder how all these things happen. You're just scrolling or browsing away, and suddenly, this blog pops up in your mind. I always think that there's a reason why it happened the way it did. Just like, how it leads me to something, and then to something more. Eventually, there's the answer. The truth is, I don't like solving all these things. Yet, I always wonder.

World famous museum. This is located right next to the Space Needle, the icon of Seattle. This is an exhibit showcasing the studio of Dale Chihuly. Galleries and sculptures are all made of glasses. This guy is amazing. I really enjoyed it

Sure, a picture that includes me. I wanna be part of it. hehe. The entrance is $29, but if it's combined with the Space Needle, it's $44. However, a better deal would be the Seattle city pass which comes up to $89 for 5 tourist attractions. It's worth it! This is definitely the highlight.

Rocky, the boy, not to be forgotten. He's just so cute!!

Us and the Asian food cannot be separated. I know! We had this in Tasty Thai located in Mercer Island. Being a Malaysian, I can't be THAT bad when it comes to spicy food. This, is just another level. There, we got to choose the level of spiciness. We thought, hey, this is not Thailand. They would cater to the local market, right? I'm not sure. But, the level 4 is just SO spicy. But, it's good, the food is so good.

We headed over to the east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls Park. It's a dog-friendly park. Cool! This is a preview. haha.

Part 3: Seattle, Washington

Voila. Since I've been to Pike Place a few times within that one month I was there, here are more pictures.

I don't get this kind of privilege back home due to the hot and humid weather all year round. This was summer in Seattle, probably not the peak yet. But, it was a pleasant weather. Since US is well-known for their great parks, Seattle has this. Look at how people enjoy the sun here. If I live there, I would too. haha.

We went over to the Seattle aquarium. Fishes, snakes, sharks and many other animals. We purchased the city pass in which aquarium is included in it. That's 79 USD that includes 5 attractions.

I was back at Pike Place Market. There are states that had legalized a small amount of marijuana. Seattle is one of them under certain conditions. Overlooking the highway/freeway hehe.

 There comes the Spider-Man! haha

While waiting for the rest of the family members, here for Starbucks. This isn't the first ever Starbucks. Only here I am able to find a place.

We did the cruise, the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. It's at Pier 56. Enjoy the live-narrated tour while overlooking the breath taking beauty of the Washington state.

The weather was really good. This looks like the Columbia Center, skyscraper standing at 295m, the tallest building in Seattle. They have regulations that do not permit any buildings taller than a certain measurement.

We had our dinner here at Rainier Restaurant, a Vietnamese cuisine where Anthony Bourdain visited. haha!

Remember the city pass? The observation deck to the Space Needle is included. Woohoo!

Then, the other side of the city.