The unplanned!

This evening in class, we were told about how our internships would be a look-see into the corporate world, the working world and it would give us an introduction to what we're being taught. This was funny, because I already know the "real" world, and because I had a look-see into a part of life that I hadn't really tried a few days ago. The life of the spontaneous, the unplanned, the wake-up-and-go type of people. I am none of these. Let's just say it was an adventure that I'm glad I had, but one I will NEVER repeat. I'm a planner and I'm truly content and happy being one.

We went on a holiday to a nearby beach town, completely unprepared, only booking our bus tickets. I had no clue where we'd be staying and we were literally Googling places to stay on the way there. We found a hotel with very good reviews, but it turned out to be shut down and then the auto driver took us to this other place, which was quite frankly not up to my standard. Butttttt, since this vacation was not planned and I wanted to do "new" things, I went ahead and just signed on the dotted line. It wasn't that bad, but I'd have preferred a different place, and yes, lets face it, slightly more expensive. A budget traveller, I am not. But again, this wasn't a trip I had saved for, so I had to deal with it.

The morning was FANTASTIC. We went to a place that was not particularly inhabited and crowded. It had long, winding cobblestone roads with flowering bushes and trees on either side. The weather, though hot, was lovely with some breeze, sun and a few random clouds. We ate breakfast at a corner cafe that was completely organic under a tamarind tree and then set off to walk and discover other places. We hit the beach later and enjoyed the sand and the cool water.

Now this idyllic morning would not be a morning that I experienced without it's little adventures that I had to taste. I had the lovely experience of bargaining. *facepalm* Now, when it's in a language I'm familiar with, I'm kinda bearable. In a language that I know, but not comfortable with, I'm rather atrocious and pretty much ended up begging the lady to give us the bag for less. "Please lady, we're students" was a common phrase I used. At least, I provided entertainment to all those around me. Word of advice to all who read this, if you need a person to bargain, IT IS NOT ME!!!!

Another fantastic thing that happened, is that it was me on a beach, and therefore, shells were priority! And oh boy, I found some gorgeous ones!!! They were multi-coloured, beautifully shaped and just plain amazing. The drawback, like my friend pointed out, they had dead sea creatures in them!!!! EWWWWWW!!!!!! I am eternally grateful that my friend was kind enough to point out that fact before I picked it up! Can you imagine my horror otherwise? She was like oh we can take it, dry it in the sun, remove the carcass and then bleach it! I feel my gag reflex come into play as I type this, let alone actually do all of that! GROSS.

After looking at all the dead fish washed up on the beach (ewewewew) and soaking in the sun, we decided to head to a nearby restaurant, where she proceeded to eat the dead fish (prawns to be specific) and I quietly ate curd and rice. It was yummy though. The rice, not the prawn. I'm vegetarian and would not know. Again, happy to be vegetarian though many would argue!

We napped for a bit and then headed out to another beach where we walked and walked and walked and walked. Apparently, the whole point of being spontaneous is walking. There are reasons why I plan. This, I learned through my screaming legs. Poor babies. They have nice muscles now though. We ate street food, cotton candy, ice-cream and chased bubbles down the street. At least I did, not caring what the hell people thought. It was amazing!!! I loved every minute of it. The good and the embarrassing and the gross.

The next day, we caught the sunrise a little later and then explored the city, shopped and of course WALKED. A lot. We also met a VERY cute doggie that I just wanted to take and not let go! We sat in a park where there were LOTS of crows and I was forever scared that one of them would shit on my head, knowing my luck. But then, it was a choice of either sitting in the park or walking. I sat in the park. Sure enough, something fell on my head and apparently, the look of abject horror on my face was priceless. I can imagine. It was a twig though, not poop. YAY!

The city was beautiful, though I fell sick (it had to happen, the previous day was too perfect and I was too happy). We visited museums, saw all the landmarks and thoroughly explored every inch of the place, eating ice candy that made out lips and tongues PINK (!!!) and ending the day with Vietnamese food and French food! Yum!

We came back, and I am happy to be back. I missed my planned life with the sitting and the bumming around and not the WALKING! I mean I like walking, I'm not lazy, but sweet mother! That was a LOT of walking!

I must say though, I am rather proud of the fact that I kept it together, didn't freak out, didn't plan anything and went with the flow. The mission was accomplished. I saw the other side of life and I'm happy to report that the grass is greener on my side itself!

I loved the vacation, had an absolute blast and I'm SO happy and actually haven't been able to stop the glee and the smiles that have followed. It was something I needed badly and I have some great memories to treasure!

Okay now I'm done being sappy. And this will not happen again. Spontaneity (or walking, apparently they mean the same thing) is not my cup of tea. I like knowing where I'm going! And I want bubbles. To play! Now.