Going Further: The 6th Tagaytay to Nasugbu 50km Ultra Run

After finishing a full marathon, running 50km is tempting. But joining the 6thTagaytay to Nasugbu 50km Ultra run has been the most uncertain race I’ve ever joined. There had been lot of road blocks in training and health issues. But I think in anything that we do in life, mostly our drive to push through is the key to finish it.

This race is organized by Jovie Narcise (aka Bald Runner), a retired General Major of the AFP and an ultra-marathon enthusiast. It is said that this race has the easiest route among his organized races, starting from Tagaytay Park and finishes at Nasugbu, Batangas. The road is a combination of mostly up-hills in the first half and mostly down-hills towards the second half.

The race started at 4am with 70 runners and a short orientation and picture taking happened before the gun start. All runners were advised to run in one line only and on the left side facing the approaching vehicles for safety purpose. It is also mandatory to carry a head lamp and/or wear a reflectorized vest, since it is too dark at this time of the day. I have not anticipated that it is scary to run on a hi-way at this time. Not only because of the vehicles passing but paranoia tells me that at any moment, someone could just grab and do me harm. So in the best of my ability, I tried to pace with my co-runners in my fear to be left behind in the dark.

After 2 hours the sun is coming up and I feel more confident in the light. The view is becoming more pleasing. I see the beautiful Taal Lake. The wind is still cold, just right to ease the pain of running. Few more minutes later I reached the Tagaytay-Nasugbu boundary with an arc saying “welcome to Nasugbu”. Here marked the 20th km, according to one of participants with a gps watch.

I feel more confident to run, since the sun is already up, though my calves started to hurt at half-way of the race. It’s too early to be injured, yet the pain is still manageable. I just look forward to seeing Emi’s car on the other side, for it means I have few minutes of rest.

The sun heat is also beginning to be felt on my skin, but luckily the clouds cover it from time to time. I see other runners going further away from me until I don’t see them anymore. They are all gone but these 3 guys, one with his colorful shirt printed with “team dimples” with his buddy wearing a “candy rush” shirt, and the fat guy (according to Orlan), he’s the one with the gps watch and a backpack, solo runner (no back-up), I kept on passing on them and they pass on me at times. We greeted each other sometimes. I tried to be nice, but I’m not in the mood to make friends with them. I usually don’t talk especially during a race.

After 20 more km, my left foot and calf is badly hurting. The sun heat becomes terrible. I plan to slowly jog throughout few meters until I see Emi’s car again. But the pain is unbearable that I walked more and more, slowing me down. Sir Orlan massages my legs and foot, that I’m forever thankful to him, while Emi is spraying me cold water all over my face and body.

I survived another 5km, and the last 5 my left leg is already crying, maybe swimming in tears. I am decided to walk these last 5km. I did not stop at the car anymore, because I cannot think of anything else to eat or to ask for any remedy for my leg. Though Sir Orlan massages it and put ice on, the pain keeps coming back. I wanted to jog, but the road becomes busy and narrow for both runners and vehicles. I could not use the sidewalk either; it has lots of pebbles hurting my feet and legs more. I really feel demotivated at this time. It’s already the 7th hour and my personal target is 7.5 hrs. I could not possibly reach the finish line with this leg with 5km to go.

So I walk straight 2km, until I reached the loop at the Shell gas station which I thought was the last km. So I run here, I used the sidewalk with grass on it,a perfect surface to run on for hurting legs. Then I my spirit died again to know that I am still 2km away. I walked again, though the locals I passed on told me to run as the finish line is near. I stopped thinking about the time and how far I am from the finish line. Until I see the sign board saying “Petron 500m”. I continue to walk and plan to finish walking.

But when I see sir Jovie at the finish line, he was calling me to come near. My legs though hurting, automatically jog towards him. I heard the cow’s bell, signaling that a runner is coming and has completed the race.

At some point of the race, I become very emotionally discouraged and think back when I choose other things to do than train. I feel regretful that I did not give much in training so I deserve this pain. But at the finish line, everything vanishes and thought that I am still blessed. I felt so much happiness. I forget all the physical and mental pain. I am thankful for all – my family and friends who supported me from training to the actual race. I could not have done it without them.

I must say, an ultramarathon is another discipline and a very different one. It requires more training physically and mentally, as well as support from people who should understand very well what this is about. If I would be asked, will I run again this far or even go further? I could not really tell. I cannot say no, because I could not hate running. But saying yes has a lot of things to consider. So for this time, I have to park this question. One thing for sure is that I will run as long as I can.

Warm Hugs From Seoul

Miah, the Korean woman we’ve met at our hostel, asked us, “why do you want to go there?”, everytime we would announce a place on our list. We don’t have an answer, except for it was a recommended place by bloggers.

Going back to years backward, I would have to ask myself, “Why would I like to go to Korea?”. I get to know the country because of Korea novelas and films. I watched a few, but I am not so fanatic. I find the stories somehow unique as it shows a different culture. The places shown in TV and movie made me interested with it. It looks like a big fantasy-happy place. Though I did not take note of a particular place to visit, I imagined and knew that the country will not disappoint me.

Therefore, my answer to the question may still be vague and simple as “It looks beautiful in films”. I believe traveling may or may not have a logical reason at all. Let the places that we visit surprise us.

Incheon International Airport

When our plane landed and is parking its way to the arrival area, my eyes went busy watching from the window seat. I can’t help but say, “anlaki ng airport nila”. And it is very obvious that there is no air traffic in here.

Photo from the internet

After the passengers deplane and went inside this state-of-the-art wonder, they should ride the train transfer from arrival to the airport lobby. After which, is the immigration and customs, and then baggage claim.

The first thing to do after those processes (probably when it is your first time in any country or place), is to get maps and guides from the information desk. And then, exchange your USD bills at the exchange rate booth near any exit (just look around) for this has the better rate than the one in the exit right after immigration. 

Tip: Exchange only for money which you will use for the first day. You can get better rates outside the airport. There a lots of foreign exchange booths at Myeong-dong and Dangdaemun.

For Seoul, it is also recommended to purchase a T-Money Card at the GS25 convenience store inside the airport. This cost us 3,000won for the card, and preload it with 67,000won (estimate expense for 6 days stay). This card will be used to pay transportations fares. Some establishments also accept payment through this card.

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway

Coming from a country where a railway system is poorly developed, I am greatly amazed with the Seoul Subway. It must be the friendliest transport system for commuters, mostly for travelers (local and foreign) who jumped into the city for the first time.

Payment system is through T-Money card which you can purchase at the airport (GS25 convenience store) or at any station (self-served auto machine). If you have not used all your credits, you may refund it at a convenience store for a fee (500 won at 7-11).

The subway system is easy to conquer. It is like a larger than life manual. Just know your hostel and destination location, locate where the nearest station is, then it will be easy. Also pay attention with the transfer (from one line to another) and the exit signs (to go to places).

Beewon Guesthouse

I chose this one because one of my friends stayed here before. This hostel is dorm type. Travelers share rooms with separate double-deck beds. You may also rent a private room at a different rate.

I reserved through Booking.com for 2 beds, 6 persons per room. Though both used once, I prefer this site than Agoda for it did not require an advance payment (may depend on the hotel). It's merely a reservation. Pay upon arrival at the hotel. Just be mindful of the reservation deadline which will be provided to your email confirmation.

Checking-in beyond time (1PM) is flexible. Just inform at least 2 weeks before your arrival that you will arrive late. I say 2 weeks, because the manager/ web admin responded late with my email and FB message that the reception is open until 1AM. We arrived at around 10:30PM at Beewon

From the airport, we ride the Limousine Bus. This must be the most convenient and cheapest transport available going to Beewon. The ride cost 10,000won.

Upon getting off the limousine bus, the cool air of Seoul welcomed us. “This is it!”, my mind told me. “Natutuwa ako”, I told my travel buddy. I felt great for no reason. When we reached the hostel, chubby cats welcomed us. There is no attendant at the lobby, so we waited for about 10 minutes. Some guest who passed by, greeted us (a Caucasian and Malaysian, judging by how they looked). Then the receptionist came to confirm our booking. We paid 102,000 won each in cash, then he updated the white board behind him to indicate our arrival and payment.

He led us to our room and surprisingly, he gave us a dorm room with a double-deck bed only for 2 guests (we are lucky). There are also common areas which can be freely used by guests. There is a laundry room, computer and TV room, iron board, kitchen (there is oven, toaster, ref, hot and cold water dispenser, and unlimited free instant coffee). Inside the room, there is also TV (all Korean channels) and hair blower. Electrical outlet is rounded, so bring an adaptor.

I Cried for You Kimchi

Korea is a nice place for food tripping. The traditional cooking is still being served in local eateries. Though, this may require a brave taste bud (beware of kimchi).

Our first K-foodie encounter is their street food. We tried the sausages, rice cake, and fish cake. It is just weird that all the food stalls in Dongdaemun near the malls, offers the same variety of food, must be a healthy competition. It is not very tasty as the one I tasted in Singapore, yet still good and yummy.

Street food , Korean style

Next we ate in a local eatery near Changdeokgung palace. We ordered Bimbimbap and another rice meal with sweet noodles (must be Japchae). Both meals are served with a variety of vegetable side dishes. There is also rice which is sticky and heavy (like’ malagkit’). The serving is big for a petite woman like us. Good thing our tummies are expandable.

First big meal still fit for the petite tummy

I also appreciate Bulgogi, for dinner in a local eatery near our hostel. Again there are vegetable side dishes and rice served. This is followed by a bowl of hot stewed beef with lots of vegetables in it (it’s like Beef Nilaga). It is weak is salt, but it is “malinamnam”. All flavors of meat and vegetables exploded all together in my mouth.

Yummy Bulgogi meal

Also not to miss is the do-it-yourself meat barbeque. We ate at an (m)eat-all-you-can restaurant in Hongdae, the Free Self Café. For 13,900 won, a buffet of different sliced raw pork, beef, and chicken meat. But not to worry about extra-extra fat, for you can combine it with leafy veggies and fruits. There are also cooked foods like pasta and some meats. 

In here, we also tried for the first time a rice cake dish with kimchi. It's so spicy, I literally cried. Though I like spicy foods, this has been too much of a surprising uprising in my throat. It’s not totally horrible, I actually loved it (it’s tears of joy). In case of burn, there should be no worries. The soft ice cream is also unlimited in yummy strawberry and chocolate flavors. This will heal your burned tongue.

Meet all you can

Namiseom Island and Petite France

Nami Island is near Gapyeong station of the Seoul Subway. From Seoul, you will travel for about an hour to get in here. From here, you have options to ride a taxi or a tour bus going to Nami Island. We take the tour bus and paid 5,000won for a ticket. This is a ride-all-you-can package going to different spots in the area (Petite France included).

After the bus ride, buy a ticket to ride a ferry that will take you to the island. This cost 8,000 won. It just takes maybe less than 5 minutes to reach the other end.

Nami Island is a park but not your usual park. What it offers is a beautiful scenery of trees around. This is also the location of the famous “Winter Sonata” TV series where it was shot. If you love trees and want to be calmed, then it is a place for you.

Meanwhile, Petite France is a little farther from Nami Island. To go there, ride the ferry back to port, then ride the bus again. Remember to keep your bus ticket with you. Also, if you plan to visit these two places, it must be wise to go very early in the place (like 7 or 8AM) and go straight first in Petite France. Traffic is terrible on a Saturday as there are so many tourists around. This place, as the name suggests, is a replica that shows a little life in France.

Photo from the internet

Myeong-dong Cathedral

Going to church for mass is usually left out of the itinerary during travel. It will be a great trip if attending Sunday mass will be part of it. If you are a Catholic, include a visit to this church. The English Sunday mass is only at 9AM, so be sure to arrive on time.

Inside the church

ChangdeokgungPalace and Gyeongbokgung Palace

The park where Changdeokgung Palace is standing, is a like a small village of palaces. There are different palaces around and tour is also available. We only get the regular entrance ticket of 3,000 won. You may walk around from here and take pictures.

Palace entrance

Gyeongbukgung palace on the other hand is a stand alone palace, where it can be visited for free. We were fortunate to witness here the Changing of Royal Guards' Ceremony that day.

The Royal Palace

The palaces actually look the same, just different in sizes. Obviously, I am not such a fan of these structures. Though, seeing these is part of getting to know the country’s culture.

The Cat Cafe

I personally requested this to be part of the itinerary. If you love cats, you will surely enjoy cuddling with them while sipping from a cup of a hot drink. The entrance is 8,000 won to enjoy the place with one coffee drink. For coffee addicts, just don't expect from the coffee, it lacks the kicking taste of caffeine.

Happy place ^_^

Once admitted, house rules are needed to be followed, like taking off your shoes, getting your bag inside a plastic provided, do not carry the cats on your lap and not to use flash in taking pictures.

just one shot

It's overwhelming to see chubby cats and be able to touch and play with them. But I somewhat find them harassed and stressed. They may want more privacy, but people keep coming and force them to play.

do not disturb

N Seoul Tower

This must be a popular place for dating couples.

To get in here, walk from Myeong-dong Sub-way station to the Cable Car boarding place. You may opt to ride the Cable Car at 8,500 won for 2-way, or if you are on a budget and have the strength of Hercules, a trek through the stairs (recommended) may take you at around 30-45 minutes depending on your pace. This will give you more time to enjoy each other's company and scenes over-looking the city.

N Seoul Tower in love

After the cable car ride, is not the peak yet. Additional fee is at stake to reach the observatory. But you may enjoy and take pictures with the "Love Lock Trees", where lovers lock-in their love pledges to each other. You may bring your own or buy colorful padlocks in stalls around the area.

Love grows on trees

Trick Eye Museum and Ice Museum

Museums are common destination among tourists. Sometimes, it bores me. But these two exhausted me, literally.

Trick Eye Museum is not very surprising as I already saw the concept over the internet and tv promotion, but getting into one is a different experience. The place shows 3D paintings where visitors can strike on their best pose to show, as if they are part of the picture. It is fun and also tiring. You may need to re-take a lot shots to get the best portrayal. People around may also bumped into you as they make their own pose. You need a lot of patience to get a good shot and may wait in line for others to theirs. Lastly, beware as photo-bombers are everywhere.

mahirap maging artista

Ice Museum will chill you out at -4 deg. They provide a poncho, but this will not keep you warm. It will just spoil your photos. So we ran into that big ice box with bravery. Inside are different life-size ice sculptures on display. It's a bit dim inside, so your camera must be really good at low light scenes (weather proof at the same time). We take pictures fast, because we cannot stand the cold temperature and after few seconds we go to the exit door to re-warm our bodies. After that, go back inside again to go through other sculptures.

chill

Ewha Women's University

We asked directions from the tourist information ladies around Myeong-dong and also ask what to expect from the place. They say beautiful scenery and shopping. Indeed, the trees around make it beautiful for taking pictures. And the architecture looks awesome.

My travel buddy said, we cannot take pictures of any of the students' faces

Shopping

This one does not excite me much. Aside from my wallet will cry, it means I have to carry a lot back and heavier, my arms cried too. But seeing things from a foreign land is a beauty to the eye.

We walked around Myeong-dong where you can buy cosmetics. Cosmetic shops are everywhere. Sales people offer this and that, just for you to come inside their shops. Though the price seem to be just like the ones you bought in here (Philippines). What to look forward must be the different chemical solutions that Korean technology may have to offer. But be careful in buying the cosmetics as they may not be all applicable to your skin and much more to the weather in your hometown. I cannot give more tips as I am not the cosmetic chick. 

You may also find here, signature clothing shops like Forever 21, H&M, Zara, and so on. Not sure of the prices though. The place feels safe and friendly. If you ran out of cash, there is nothing to worry as there are lots of foreign exchange booths around. Restaurants and coffee shops are also everywhere, anytime you get tired walking around.

Myeong-dong
(Photo from the internet)

Dongdaemun is like our Divisoria here in the Philippines. Here you can buy local products like tea and souvenir items like key chains and ref magnets . But there's a lot more selling clothes and socks. The prices are also cheaper compared to Myeong-dong.

Dongdaemun market

How Much?

This is the FAQ I often get. The answer is not absolute. As always, it depends on how you spend in any place that you visit. But to give idea, here it is, on my perspective. Ready? And the numbers are:

Airfare is actual. The rest are based on what's left in my wallet :)

Is this cheap? We tried our best! :)

Coming Back?

Why not? If I would have a great opportunity I would like to visit Busan next time. But I have a long list of grounds I want my foot to touch and rub on. So for the time being, I could not tell when it will be.

Do I recommend coming in here? A definite yes! :) I like the weather, the food, and the people. These made the Seoul lovable and a very safe and tourist friendly place. It's a great place to wander around, get lost into its beauty, and still find yourself on-track because wifi is everywhere (LOL). The overall experience is awesome!

So if you like any of these things I talk about then visit Seoul! :)

Get a Korean Visa Without Sweat

This is my first time to apply for a visa and as a freshman, overacting in preparation is normal. There are people who I asked about their experiences and their stories sound like getting a visa needs so much effort. Personally, in any visa application, I think there is no specific logic on which applications will be approved or rejected. So it should be good to prepare with best effort and honesty.

To share our experience, here’s what we have done when we applied for a tourist Visa:

      

1) Research on how to’s. In this instant era, we are lucky to get information easily. Google alone can help you. But asking real people give a better feel of reliability. Ask friends who have done it or contact the embassy itself.

      2) Get requirements. In our experience, we submitted the following:

• Visa Application Form – download from website
• 1 Passport Size photo with white background – latest of at least 6 months and to be attached in the Application Form
• Original Passport – latest at least 6 months valid prior to travel
• Photocopy of Bio-page of your passport
• Certificate of Employment
• Personal Bank Statement
• Copy of latest ITR

Side note: Now from here, the common question that I get is - “how much balance should your bank account have?”. My answer will be, like most of the blogs that you would probably read. It is dependent on how long you will stay there. Make an estimate through research and by asking people who had been there. Because most likely, people will not be comfortable to disclose their treasures (who would want to?).

3) Go to the embassy and submit your documents. At this date, the Korean Embassy is located at 122 Upper McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634 Philippines. You may take a cab from any entry point going to BGC or from Guadalupe MRT station, ride a jeep FTI/C-5 bound. Ask the driver to drop you off there. Popular nearby landmark is SM Aura which is about 100 meters away from the embassy.

The embassy is open at 8:30 am and process tourist visa applications from Mon-Thurs from 9-11 am only,while release of visa is scheduled in the afternoon, from 2-4pm.

At the gate, the reception will ask for an ID and will give you a temporary one. You will also need to sign up in their log book. Inside, somebody will verify your documents and if all are okay, he will give you a number to be called when a person from the window 1 is ready to serve you.

If you come in a group, only one is required to submit it through the window. But I’m not sure if this is an absolute assumption. Based on our observation, it looks like physical appearance is not really required. This may be something that can be verified when you contact the embassy.

And that’s it! If there will be few people at the time you will come there, submission may be done in less than 30 minutes.

     4) Get your visa. After submission of documents, we were given a piece of paper with a schedule of release on it, which is 1 week after. Though, visa may still be claimed within 30 days from that scheduled date.

Release of visa is as easy as submission. There was no interview or anything. Just show that piece of paper and wait to be called. The distribution of approved visas is like getting a soda from a vendo machine.

Eat, Run, and Get Lost in Lipa City

Feeling Good at Getting Lost

Usually, I am not the itinerary maker of any trip I’d been with friends. “Taga-sama, lang ako at kaladkarin.” But for this, I tried to consult Google and top search results are food, ancestral houses, museum, and churches.  Reading blogs get me the impression that the places can be easily found by asking the locals. So we just agreed and come up with a list of places we wanted to see. But it turned-out into an annoying and funny trike ride.

Trike will be the most convenient way to transport around the city. It’s like a taxi, not just in being convenient but also in the minimum flag down rate in Manila. So if you are not very familiar with commuting and knowing where the common places are, prepare some bills. Traveling around may be expensive.

Looking for popular spots come easy. But sometimes, blogs can be confusing. I read about some places which did not exist anymore. So make sure that what you are referring to is something updated.

Food!!!

In general, what to do in Lipa is mostly food tripping. We tried Lipa Grill, located across Mt Carmel Church, which offers a variety of Filipino food.  The taste of Liempo and Pancit that we ordered is not much of a surprise and did not leave me with an impression that I would like to taste it again or want to try another dish. But one good thing is that they serve bigger than usual. So it still good for someone with a big appetite.

What else to expect from a town famous of its Kapeng Barako? Of course we hunt for a coffee shop. We landed at Candlelight Café, located at KM 77 JP Laurel Hi-way, Barangay Maraouy, Lipa City.  What’s obvious about this coffee shop is its different art displays, which are mostly paintings. On one couch there were teenagers drawing patterns of something. On the other table there was a woman teaching her student how to draw the orange, considering its dimensions.

When we enter the shop, it’s so quiet that we tend to talk in a whispering voice. This is something that I often prefer in a dining place. Which probably make the brewed coffee that I ordered tastes good, though the cookie is ordinary.

Lastly we tried the famous Batangas Lomi at a local Lomi house (which name did not register in my brain) suggested by kuyang trike driver as the nearest from SM Lipa. It was past 7pm already and Lomi King may be too far. I was not very satisfied with it, but again the serving is big. It made me so full, which is good for carbo-loading for next day’s race.

The 38th Milo Lipa Leg

People who know about my running may be wondering what's with joining another race of the same event and race category. Well, at the least it's a different place. It's actually my first thought as well. But I guess every race is different from one another.

Milo races are known for its strict cut-off times. For 21km category, it's 2 hours and 30 mins. I don't usually aim for this, but somehow I am challenged. I get scared thinking about it. I have not achieved this time ever. And for some reason, I do not know why I choose the category when I have not trained very well for speed. I just trusted my guts - "malay mo", "kaya yan".

As I said, every race different. Today the challenge is not just running fast but also keeping up with the weather, it was raining all throughout the race. It can either be good or bad for my run. There's threat of heavier shoes and clothes, cold temperature and blisters.

One more challenge is the route. It's close to zero visibility. It was too dark at around 5AM, "walang pa-ilaw si Rio". I just rely on the runners ahead of me few meters away. Just seeing the small reflectorizers from the Milo singlet, hearing some of them talking, their footsteps on the wet ground, guided me of the route. Some had head lamps, but most of them also run in the dark. 

And of course the route difficulty - when it's uphill, it's a very long uphill.

While running this, I had mixed feelings of confidence and doubt in achieving the target time. In the first 5km I experimented shifting to 2/30 at faster pace than the traditional 3/1. But I feel exhausted, because I am not used to this pace. So I changed again and forget about monitoring the time. I run and walk whenever I can and want to.

I get fast times at 4km (25mins), 8km (52mins), and 10km (1:05). I know then that I can achieve the goal, but I also know that I could get slower on the second half because I will get tired and going back means the route will be uphill. I lost focus, but when I saw the 14km tarp at around1:28, I got hopes until I reach 16km, then 18km (2:09).

I thought I can achieve this! When I run in a treadmill, I can do 3km in 20 mins. But this is real road and I doubt I can run that fast. So I just keep running as I could and stopped looking at my watch. I still stop at some points catching my breath. At the last km, I surrendered and not hoping to get a medal. Though I keep on running at slower pace.

Until I arrived probably last 100 strides. Someone from the crowd give me signs to hustle, then I saw the clock at 2:30:++. The seconds are running and a tarp is being put on the finish line, like a gate closing. So I hurried. It's like a miracle, my legs become strong again for that few seconds. It ran faster, it almost got cramps. And Andrew Neri (I think it's him), allowed me to cross the finish line, and be the last one to get the precious medal. I finished with my new PR at 2:31.

The feeling was overwhelming, getting something that you least expect. The pictures of the future flashed in my mind fast. I think about training, joining races, setting faster goals. This happening get me the idea that I can still get better as a runner. I get into a conclusion that my running career is far from over.

Liham Pang-unawa

Huwag ka sana magalit kung hindi kita binati sa kaarawan mo. Sana ay hindi ka magtampo nang hindi kita nginitian nang magkasalubong tayo. Hindi ako nagkwento tungkol sa mga nangyari sa akin sa nagdaang Sabado, kahit nasa tabi lang kita.

Hindi ako galit sa iyo, o kung anupaman.

Malungkot ako. Nais kong manahimik at mapag-isa. Wala akong nais sabihin. Walang laman na mga salita ang aking isipan.

Hindi ko nakalimutan ang lahat ng mga bagay na ating pinagsaluhan.

Patawad sa aking pagkukulang. Sana ay maunawaan mo. Magtiwala ka, pinipilit ko maging masaya. Ganunpaman, hindi ako umaasa. Hindi na maibabalik ang dating samahan.

Belongingness

I often struggle to find a place where I belong. 

When I was in grade school, my sister asked me, “who is you best friend?”, and I could not even define the word. The truth is I don’t have any friend. As I get older, I get lucky to have few wonderful people around. Yet, most of the time I still feel alone.

Nobody cares about me. No one understands. I am rejected. I am ignored.

Maybe all of us, at a moment feel this way. After all, I am not totally alone. Well, where have you been all this time, you who feel as I do? Come and find me, let’s be alone together.

[re-post from my old blog]

I'm Not Attached

"Love. Purpose. Those are the things that you can't plan for. Those are the things that just happen. And what if they don't happen? Do you spend your whole life pining for them? Waiting to be happy?” 

I find this really boring at the beginning. But why do I keep reading it until the end? Well, isn’t that there are times in our lives that we find it so boring but we keep up anyway?

photo from somewhere in the internet

I am fond of reading the email exchanges between besties Beth and Jennifer because I am guilty about this and won’t mind if some IT guy is reading them. In this case Lincoln is that IT guy who should be reminding the Courier’s employees about using the company email for personal conversations. But like me, he gets to enjoy reading these girls’ emails, because he found them smart, entertaining and funny.

They talk about their boyfriend and husband, having not and wanting a baby, married life and wanting to get married, a favorite movie, what happened to their weekends, and of course Beth’s Cute Guy.

That cute guy is the nerdy Lincoln. Well, he’s not actually that nerdy. He had just been in a tragic break up with Sam. It made him study longer that it should be, until he decided to come back home to Nebraska and live with her mother. Even though he should be complete having a comfortable life with his mom and having a job, he felt empty most of the time (I am so Lincoln).

So this has been the story is about, the two girls chatting while working and an IT guy is reading their emails. But where or when does the story’s turning point?

For me, it’s when Lincoln learned that Beth had seen her and find him cute. From then, I get ask when will they meet in person and will Beth dump his boyfriend Chris for this cute guy?

In reading more to know what will happen, I get to know Lincoln more. He is a sad man, for some things that happened and is happening in his life. She loved Sam for all his life and she dumped him for another man. He hates reading emails for a job. He felt like he’s being paid to do nothing. But he tries and never gave up upon himself. His family and friends supported him well. Slowly, he transformed and get to immerse from his past.

Beth on the other hand, lives in a fantasy that Chris will marry him. But it didn’t came. One day she had awaken from this dream and turned out that Chris is nightmare who will never marry her, for a stupid reason. But she is a strong and smart woman and survived the chaos from this miserable break up.

Oh before I tell a lot more of the story and spoil it all, let me break it from here. What happened? The ending came quite fast. I mean the whole story was told very long, there are lots of scenes of past and present that has narrated and in a flash – boom, an ending! It’s a happy ending though, but it lost the cheesy mushy “kilig” feeling that was created in your mind in most parts where characters think about each other.

Overall, it’s readable, entertaining, somewhat engaging and feel-good. But it’s not some kind of love story that you would go to say “aaahhw”. It’s not even a very realistic, or maybe I just can’t find it like that. Reality is shown more in the character of Lincoln’s mother. She’s some kind of a very protective mom yet liberal in some ways. For me it lacks intimacy between Lincoln and Beth, it’s very light on that part. And I can’t imagine how it will be interpreted come there will be a movie adaptation. Most of the scenes are email reading. That’s something to think about.

Attachments\ Rainbow Rowell\ 323 pages\ April 2011