I remember when I was 24 on my first flight to Manila, I was nervous about my first local flight. On my first international flight to Malaysia in 2013, I also remember how the immigration officer asked me a lot of questions. They asked me about my job, my bank account, my companion, and my number of stays in Malaysia.

Previous Readings:

• I Miss Exploring Places On My Own

• I Miss Getting Lost in a New City

My friend was let go by his IO while I was stuck with my IO for more questions. Later on, she let go of me. We were running to the gate and we were the last passengers. I heard my name being announced to the whole airport.

In 2014, we went to Hong Kong with friends. It was my second time flying out of the country while my friends, it was their first time. We went to the immigration officer as a group so that they can see that we are actually traveling as friends and we know each other.

When I made it to 5 countries in 2015, everything was so smooth. On my first solo trip to Japan, the IO didn't ask too many questions from me because he thought I was a half-Japanese, half-Filipino.

Some random stories in the airport

From Cebu Mactan International Airport

This happened on April 23, 2019, I had a flight from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur, then Kuala Lumpur to Bali. This is to meet Fred the second time around.

The immigration officer was curious about why I was away for 4 months from September 2018 to January 2019.

So, I'll translate this to English.

Q1: Why were you gone for so long, for 4 months?

A1: I was solo backpacking. Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Q2: Where are you working?

A2: I am working at home.

Q3: Are you a hiker? A mountaineer?

A3: Sometimes a hiker, sometimes a scuba diver, but not really a mountaineer.

Q4: How much are your expenses for four months?

A4: I can't remember, but my budget is 20K Pesos monthly.

Q5: Do you blog?

A5: Sometimes, blogging is a hobby.

photo here

Arrival at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan

This happened in April 2017. I had a blog collaboration with iVideo in Taipei. I claimed this iVideo pocket wifi here at HighLife Dayuan Terminal store at B1 of Terminal 1 (South Part of Bus station), Taoyuan International Airport of Taiwan. I will test the pocket wifi during my one-week stay here. I am excited! I hope I can do my first live video, no?

Oppas arrival at Mactan Cebu International Airport

This was in 2018. I don't have photos of when this happened but imagine what just happened. There was a funny moment upon arrival at Mactan Airport. So these 2 girls at the Yum Food stall had Korean customers and the other Korean guy was a real Oppa. LOL

So the girls feel giddy (kilig in Filipino) already. Kinain ng K-Drama. They even said "Hi!" and asked how was the flight. I heard them squealing like teenage girls. The other girl asked for a photo and he was okay with it smiling.

The Korean guys got into their taxi and the girls were excited to see the photo on the girl's phone only to find out it was BLURRED!

SAKLAP BES! She blurted out, "Way forever bes,mamaligya na lang ta og ngohiong, siomai og poso ani."

"There's no forever. We need to sell ngohiong, siomai, and hanging rice!"

Birthday Solo trip to Taipei

This happened in November 2016. I was so excited about my solo birthday trip until there was an airport scene. My Filipino ex followed me from the check-in area to the boarding gate. Creep!

He was working at the airport at that time and I hated the fact that he had the guts to follow me. He owed me 20K Pesos and could not even pay! The audacity! That's why I broke up with my ex-boyfriend of 6 years.

Sleeping at the airport

In September 2015, I arrived in Singapore from Penang, Malaysia at midnight. I didn't book a hostel and decided to sleep at the airport. I brought my yoga mat with me and my backpack served as my pillow. I woke up where there were a lot of people walking in front of me. It was embarrassing but worth the experience. So, I saved one night of accommodation.

photo here

I miss the smell of airports

I have so many stories of being at the airport. Every time I arrive at the airport, it makes my heart so giddy I am always excited to fly. The airport was like my second home, it was a nice place to wait for my next flight. I loved waiting at the cafes while I was on my laptop. Yes, I used to bring work with me and I just use the airport's Wi-Fi so that I can update my client's tasks.

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