The flight to Taipei was horrible, i'm not gonna even lie. I was seated in between Mom and Ferr and both of em took the armrests. It was crazy hot in there but i wasn't too sure if it was the plane or just my extreme body heat. I could not sleep for 5 hours because of how uncomfortable i felt with all the insane rashes and seating position. Ferr and i was from work a few hours before the flight so it's safe to say that we were completely exhausted. Somehow she managed to knock out before we took off and i managed to stay completely awake and aware of my surroundings.
I ran out of rash pills and creams so i had to rely on a random cream i got from the pharmacy. It did relief the itching for a few minutes but that was it. I became as red as a lobster throughout the rest of the journey in Taiwan. I don't know if this is the universe's doing but everytime i travel, i ALWAYS fall sick. I've had these rashes for almost a month already and i have seen a total of 3 doctors. At first, the rashes weren't too bad and i assumed they were from all the soft pastels i've been using. Turns out, the pastel dusts triggered the rash but they were NOT from the medium. Two of the doctors assume the rashes were from "bad air". I didn't think much of it and just ate the medications as told. Thought i was recovering but a day before the flight, i started getting insane bumps again. And they're thrice as itchy. The sight gave me literal goosebumps all around and there were so many times i wanted to just surrender and cry.
I didn't.
The scorching sun in Taipei triggered my skin tremendously and i'm not only burnt, now i'm extremely itchy EVERYWHERE and it's honestly the most annoying condition i have ever dealt with in my life. I never had an allergy reaction before nor am i even allergic to anything. I landed in Singapore on a weekend so there weren't any skin clinics that were open so i have to withstand the pain till tomorrow. It is now currently tomorrow as it is 2am but i can't sleep because of the discomfort and itching. A friend of mine recommended this particular clinic so i'm hoping and praying that this works because i am DONE.
Despite being in this condition, Taiwan had been amazing. I would've never imagined myself ever going on a hike with flipflops but i have no regrets as those flipflops got me to see amazing mountains and bridges. I had to "air my feet" as they were swelling up so bad. I think they're related to the rashes but i'm no doctor so i can't really confirm that right now. I also did not think that the heat was gonna be WORSE than Singapore but it was. Less humid but more... Sizzle. I could literally feel the sun frying my skin. It was intense. We got lucky. Taiwan avoided the Typhoon altogether so that was amazing. Who am i to complain about the weather when we were blessed with no typhoons?
I'm grateful to have survived all the walkings, hikes and crazy-ass weather but i would have loved if i was fit. My feet were in pain most of the time and it was just... Wild. Imagine having to feel the pain of your swollen feet against the hot heated ground and being sweaty when you whole body is sore from the rash. I have never felt so disgusted, annoyed and upset with myself. I could not complain as my parents were also with me on this. They were following the trails like true warriors eventhough their legs were giving in on them. Right there and then, i felt guilty for even thinking about the pain i was in because surely whatever i was feeling, was minimal as compared to theirs.
Alhamdulillah for the exciting, adventurous and absolutely wonderful trip. Taiwan really surprised me. People were ALL helpful and kind. Dad's friend helped us a lot and we can never thank her enough. Ferr and i could understand and speak basic mandarin so the trip wasn't difficult at all. Their train systems are so similar to ours and their public transports are really comfortable and efficient. I can't lie and say that things are cheap there because they aren't but you can get cheapthrills around. I truly felt like i was home, walkin around casually with a tshirt, shorts and flipflops. If i'm being completely honest, i felt more at home in Taipei than i am in Singapore.
I wish the trip lasted much longer but i could not miss one of my greatest friend's wedding. Nadiah & Arif are finally married and i could not be happier for them. They are completely compatible and it's obvious that they're meant for each other. I'm proud to have them both as friends. Nadiah is such a strong lady and she always empowers other people. She sees the good in everybody and will always try to understand everyone's perspective with no judgements. I thank God everyday to have met such a kind, generous, driven and beautiful soul. I know we will be friends for a long time. People say things will change when friends get married. Change can be good. It doesn't have to be bad at all. If you're truly genuine friends with somebody, you'd make time for em no matter what. Nadiah has been a busy woman even before marriage. She occupies her days with a lot of activities to balance out her life and yet she would still make time to ask me out for dinners or lunches. I have a lot of respect for her and i'm grateful to have someone who looks over me like a sister. I pray for her happiness and i wish them a blissful marriage.
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To new beginnings!