*RB* A journey and a half.

This entry is obviously the first entry of 2008 on this blog. Got back from my journey to London two days ago, but never had the time to write about it, mainly cuz of the tiredness and the neverending battle of who gets to use the computers around this place. It aint fun.

I'll try to keep it short, if i can.

Like mentioned in the previous entry, i was set to head to London with my old school friend Arif, and my step bro Kevin. On the same day when i finished that previous long review about the previous year, i had to quick time get myself ready to leave. To tell you the truth i didnt get much sleep because of two reasons: one was because i didnt get to finish my entry on the same day i started it, second was because im going to London - not saying that i was excited because i knew that i would be spending most of the time drifting, wandering around like a fool, but i still couldnt sleep. But it was mainly because of reason number one. So yeah, i woke up and quick time just finished off the entry, and i had to leave immediately as my coach journey was set to leave at 12:30 PM.

I didnt even get to make any sandwiches man. And the fucked up thing is, i didnt even bring any water for that 3 hour ride. But it reminded me of the journey to HK with my 3 other brothers last time.

Once we got to London Victoria, me and my bro met this other dude which was Arif's friend. Names Rob. 19. So then the four of us made our way to the Waterloo station, where from there we made our seperate ways. We as in, me and Kevin (he had his own "friend" to meet). After he left, the rest of us (Arif, Jin and Rob) was still there waiting for another person to arrive.

Enter James. An online friend i've known for 8 years. A friend who has witnessed the birth of this so called Jinai. So we waited, but he never came in the end. We gave him over an hour to get to where we was, but the dude was still late, so afterwards we just left the station and headed for the London Eye. A destination which fucked my day over big time.

Because it was the end of 2007 and all, normally people would go to London to see the fireworks near the London Eye area, this year it was my turn to see them for myself. However it comes with a high price. A high price so high, that even the most richest dudes wouldnt even want to pay for. But i'll get onto that later. The time was still early, around 4 PM that kinda thing, so we just rolled around the same area (near the river Thames and stuff), and from then on i was stuck with two crackheads. Smokers. Real bad ones too for their age. Actually they didnt just do normal smoking, they went onto weed as well. So i was the only clean one there out of the three. Afterwards we just spent money to pass time. McDonalds, Icecream, freaking Waffles and many many more. The night night was cold and windy, plus it started raining a little bit too. I knew it wasnt going to be a good day before i even got to London.

We also tried contacting James, but he couldnt make it despite him trying. Soon all the roads to the London Eye area was blocked off, and thus our moving space has become limited to one area. James had no way of entering anyways. So i was stuck in the cold with two druggies, and i was tired, also bored. Because i was the only one that doesnt touch those kinda stuff. When the time hit 8PM, the limited area that we were in got even more limited, soon everyone was forced to move into the main areas. Restriction means bordem.

I spent a lot of money on that day.

Soon laterwards, everyone was stuck on the Waterloo bridge, 48000 of us (the announcer says) waiting for midnight for some fireworks. Countdown was long before it could start - i think the time was around 10PM something. But it was long man. But the thing is that being bored isnt much of a problem for me, because im always doing things alone, but the fact that i was tired fucked everything up. I didnt even bring any water for myself man, thats fucked up.

So we just sat there on the pavement, on the road, anywhere where there was space, just talking bullshit. Making bullshit jokes. Thats all i remembered for that day. And i thought that it would be a maniac day in between. But i was wrong. We waited. We waited. Every hour or so, the announcer would announce the amount of time we had left until it was countdown time, and i swear to jo0 man, i wanted to take my Acupuncture trainers off so bad and shove it down his throat. I show you "we only have an hour left" you bastard.

But when the countdown started (which is only a 10 second thing), everyone was happy, everyone was excited. I just wanted to get the hell off that bridge so i could rest. I tell you, i didnt get a chance to sit down on the day. The fireworks was nice, a lot of loud noises, colourful explosions, flying patterns. Everyone screamed, roared, hugged each other, greeted their friends who were next to them to a happy new year, as if they didnt know them. Even i got a new years greeting from the two druggies.

So that was it for 2007. Its gone. Finally over.

Hit 2008 - still on the same moment when the fireworks stopped (after 10 mins time), a new day began. And then James calls, saying he's comming out even though his mom wouldnt let him, but it was too late. We couldnt be asked to wait for the dude no more. After the fireworks display had gone, the whole 48000 crew of fools walked west all the way out of the bridge area, and into the city. 47999 fools was enjoying themselves. One fool wanted to sleep. But it was nice seeing people scream in joy cuz of the new year, too bad i was with people who i didnt want to be with. Too bad i was stranded yet again. The crazy things i do to pass time. So we decided to find a hotel, after hearing that Arif's uncle could not pick the two up for a ride home. We walked for ages, miles, back and forth, around corners. And finally we arrived infront of a hotel we walked passed about 2/3 times. London Bridge Hotel it says. £35 a single room. We booked and used that service. Arif had no money so, Jin and Rob had to do their thing with the money.

Im telling you, i spent a lot on that journey.

Before we got into the room, the dude/manager didnt want us to enter because he said that three people are not allowed to sleep in one room. "Who said we were sleeping!? Trust us, we aint sleeping! Three people cant sleep together!". That was our persuasion. And he let us pass.
But we slept anyway. We had to. All i remember when i got up to the room was dropping dead on the floor (carpet). Not only me but Arif and Rob also dropped dead. It was a day and a half, and they had too much to drink/smoke/puff. Two of us was mashed out our heads. Rob wasnt though. I dunno why but the dude still had energy left to watch TV. Time was around 2 something AM then. After some time of lazing around, everyone decided to sleep - but actually me and Arif was already ready to sleep. So the lights were off and all we could hear was Arif's snores. I didnt snore, infact i still couldnt get to sleep despite the fact that i didnt get much before my journey started, but it was mainly because Rob was talking to me, making conversation with Jin. So i we couldnt sleep propely. Mainly because of Rob waking people up and busting out his music. And the floor was kinda cold too. DIdnt have any covers but my hoodie.

After some more lazing around, Arif receives a call from his uncle saying that he'll pick the other two up. Time was around 5 something Am, nearly 6 then. They got ready, greeted me farewell and left. Jin had the room all to himself.

Morning came, actually afternoon came and i was ready to leave as i called James as soon as we got to the room that we would meet up at 10 AM somewhere. But we both overslept until the afternoon came. The bed was nice. I gave a call to Kevin asking what the dude was up to, of course i knew what he was up to cuz he only went to London because he wanted to see his gurl friend. But i asked anyway. I told him that i had my own plans, and that my mobile was nearly outta juice. I thought i was returning home on that night. Time was nearly 3PM then.

Soon i left the hotel after understanding that i shoulda left at 11AM. But the chinese lady was kind and didnt make Jin pay extra. I felt like a true traveller that night. Drifting around London. Sharing rooms with strangers. Sleeping on the floor. Not getting any food.

I tell you. I didnt even get breakfast service like they promised. I was starving.

After waiting for James again at the Waterloo station, after some time he arrived. No big suprise. He's taller than me. We decided to head back to his place, Peckham - a rough area filled with criminals, druggies, drug dealers, gangsters, Goons (wtf is a goon man i still dont know). That sort of area. At first i didnt want to tag along with him, cuz i kinda got scared seeing the kinda person he is and the area i was going to go to. Peckham man, a area filled with black gangsters. Killing. Gun shooting. Maybe racism. All i understood from James is that i was going to get shot because i refused to put my hoodie on. My hoodie you know. I heard that people rob people's shoes and sell em, jus for drugs. But luckily the bus stop was right outside his parent's apartment. But he wasnt a bad person, i got to know the dude. He may act like a gangster on the outside, but dude. The dude plays card games. He collects em. Yugioh. Pokemon. Digimon. Beyblades. Once we got to his house, i sat down with the family and did a little conversing, just to let them know that Jin comes in a full package of peace. His dad didnt say much, i think he didnt like me.

Time was around 5 something PM. All i can remember was watching him smoke (his family smokes too), watching him show me vidoes of maplestory, grime music, the gangster/goons around his area, retarded vidoes, watching him play maplestory, watching him play that Yugioh thing online. I wasnt bored, but was tired. I thought i was returning home that night. He did treat me to Pizza though. And a drumstick. Thats all i had that day. Just before i wanted to leave the place, i gave Kevin a call, telling him that i would be heading to the coach station, readying myself to depart. The convo went like this:

"Yo. Bro. Im going to head for the coach station soon. Meet you there."
"Why?"
"Wtf you mean why, we going home man."
"What you mean we going home?"
"What the hell you talking about man, we returning HOME you prick."
"We aint going home tonight man, we going home TOMORROW night."
"We going home tomorrow? Not tonight?"
"Yeah."
"Where you at?"
"At a Karaoke bar."
"Fucking hell man."
"So yeah, we leaving tomorrow, not tonight."
"But why man geez?"
"I told you when i ordered the tickets online man, i even sent you the text."
"Ow."
"So watchu gonna do for the night?"
"Might stay at James's, might go back to the Hotel."
"Alright then."
"Cool."

Upon hearing such foolishness, i reported to James. He "lol?"-ed at me. Normally i "lol?" at people. Not them "lol?"-ing at me. Time was around 9-ish PM. I sat around for another few periods and soon decided to leave. So i did. The family greeted me adios. James took me to the Bus stop, and i headed back to Waterloo. Time was around 10 something PM then.

I coulda swore he told me that we was returning home that night.

Once i got to Waterloo, i entered the Waterloo train station. I was officially stranded, out of things to do, tired and a bit bored. Waterloo station is a big train and underground station, with lots of shops, like food places and fast food places, and slow food places, and coffee places, tea places. Them kinda places. Its a big and beautiful station. I planned to refuse calling Kevin for help - cuz he had a place to stay at his friend's Uni dorm place in Suburton (up north of the London district, i was in the southern part). I thought maybe i'd jus did what i did last time when i got to London, get stranded and kicked out of the train station again, even though it was cold and windy outside. I wasnt really bothered, was not like i havent been stranded outside before.

You ever had the experience of when you see something, you just want to stay by it and admire it for quite some time? I did. I wanted to just sit there, in the station, and admire the station. Watching people walk around, stand around and sit around. I was in a solitude state. I didnt care if i was lost, stranded or hungry. It was a nice experience overall. I learnt good from the Lone Wolf and Cub manga. I learnt good. But it was mainly because i had to drift from place to place, from people to people, which got me all tired, i just wanted to find a seat, and rest my organs. I just needed a seat.

The seats looked nice, but i didnt sit on em. I gave Kevin a call first before i decided to do what i decided. The convo goes like this:

"Yo. Watchu doin?"
"Nothing man, just alone. Gonna go back to the Uni place."
"Finished hanging out with your friends?"
"Yeah, everyone went home."
"Did you see Sor Por today?"
"Yeah."
"How was it?"
"The usual."
"Ooooo."
"Where are you now?"
"Left James's house, in Waterloo stationon. Going to find a place in a minute."
"You can come stay over at the Uni Place if you want."
"Alright then. Tell me your location. Im heading there."

So my plans changed. I decided to head up north to meet my Bro. Which cost me time and money too as i had to take a train and bus ride. "Sor Por" means "Silly woman" in cantonese. A name for someone. Suitably for a gurl. My brother went London to meet his special someone. Just like i did two years back. He reminds me of me.

Im telling you. He reminds me of me.

The train journey lasted for half an hour, when i got to Kingston it was nearly midnight (11 ish PM). It was a nice ride. The train was nearly empty, only a few people were there, and i got to see some nice London nightlife scenery. It reminded me of Hong Kong. The ride was peaceful. But kinda long. When i was on the train, i couldnt help looking around at the strangers before me, i was a stranger too among those strangers. I couldnt help but think of the situation i would be in, in six months time. I too would be out there in the big world, drifting from place to place, people to people, time to time. And it felt kinda depressing.

Seeing myself a stranger among strangers.

Once i caught up with Kevin, we both found a place to sit down and eat before we got to the Uni place. But i was the only one eating, cuz he ate before i made the call. I ordered a Donner kebab. It was nice. While i was eating, my bro started asking about my day, and of course i asked about his, getting striaght to the point asking about the wellbeing of his Silly woman. Soon he started talking, telling me things that they did together for two whole days. Time was around 2 something AM then.

So i was eating, listening to his convo. It reminded very much of myself going to meet Donna way back when. So as soon as he stopped talking, i just got out my bus pass wallet and flipped it open. "Lemme show you something.". Inside was my personal cards - game cards, bank card, and my collection of train tickets from the times i went to see Donna. Those tickets have been seen by many. One time my dad asked me "Tickets to Peterborough!? What the hell is this?". I just said it was from my trip with friends back in the Summer. Kevin for one, has seen those tickets many, many times. But didnt know what tickets they were, or why i kept them there in that wallet. So i took it out, And placed it on the table. I passed it to him and told him to "look at those tickets very closely."

He looked at it. Read the contents. And was confused. Peterborough is a small city, and it is not a city he has heard much of. After he looked at it, i explained to him. "I also have a Sor Por.". He was shocked. Looked at me in a suprised manner after hearing what i've said. "I met her in London two years back. Just like you met your's two days ago.". He looked at me without a word. So i carried on eating my food.

"So you've gone out with someone?"
"Nope."
"I see."
"I kept this from my family all this time, but seeing you this time meeting up with another gurl you like, reminded me of when i was meeting mine."
"........"
"But she stopped talking to me now."
"Why?"
"I dunno."

So after many years, i have found the one person closest to me, who can truely understand what i've been up to these years. After finishing the food and having a little gurl conversation, we headed to the Uni place. On the way we still carried on talking about gurl issues, but like always, i wouldnt be the one who was doing the talkin. I stated that "I've been a few steps ahead of you all this time man." But he replied "No you aint. Its the other way around.". Suit yourself Bro.

The Uni place was in a Uni, hence the term "Uni place". The room we stayed in was a small room, with a single bed. Once we got inside, we just sat down, made ourselves at home and started conversing. Still the same topic about me and Donna. So i explained to him what he was like to meet her, what she' like, the times i've met her family, been to her house, the times i spent a night at her house, the times we spent during the day before Xmas, and the times she suddenly stopped talking to me. All the way up until now. She has fully stopped talking to me, like she did before. So he was suprised to understand that his little brother has had stories all locked up. He asked me about my future, i answered him truely that i would be leaving, but not to HK, but to Singapore. I told him that i cant live with other people, cuz they dont understand me, and that im used to being alone. But i didnt tell him why i would be going there. He said he'll come visit, if i really was there.

After those convos, we decided to sleep. Because there was only one single bed, i decided to sleep on the floor again. The floor was much colder than the one in the hotel, much harder and uncomfortable than the one in the hotel, infact the room was much colder too. The heating doesnt work. Before he entered the dreaming, snoring state. He asked me:

"Yo. Have you let go yet?"
"Of what?"
"You know, of you're own Sor Por business."
"Nah."
"Hmm."
"I've placed everything down. Im even prepared to leave this place, and my family, and my friends. But i still have one thing left."
"Go to sleep man."
"Alright."

I can remember myself getting up from my reclining position about 4 times to fix myself for warmth. It was really cold. But i managed to sleep for about 8 hours.

Next and final day arrived. I was relieved. Kevin and I had nothing to do, as he said that most of his friends have either work, school assignments or just cant be bothered to come out. Even his Sor Por has work, so he said he wont be seeing her that day. For myself, i had nothing to do the moment i left James's house. So it was nothing special. Time was around 1 ish PM then.

So we headed out of the nothern area and entered London Central. To Chinatown. I showed him the place where Donna saw me when i was walking down, the place where she was standing and the place where i walked passed her, right in front of her. We sat down and had some pudding. Deserts. Or whatever you call em. Time was still way too early for us to leave, so we just spent our sweetass time drifting around. We spent that day in bordem. But we got to some cool places though. Regent street. Bleak Street. Streets with fuck load of shops and stores. I even saw this crapass magician performing poor magic. I had my cards on me. My Masters. My Ghosts. I was about to slap him one as soon as i saw him performing card magic. Such shame. Now i know why people hate card magic. People like them downgrade us. Geez.

But that didnt last long until we was forced to find another place to waste our time. We went to a Costa coffee shop and ordered two small hot chocos. It cost money man. So we sat down and wasted an hours time, until Kevin's friend arrived to pick up his keys for his Uni place.

I spent a lot of money on that journey, i swear.

As soon as the dude came, i shifted my role to the third person. Enter Anthony. I followed the dudes to the Trocadero arcade place, where we spent stupid amounts of time watching others play. There was this new anime store that was opened, they were sleeing anime merchandise and stuff, so i decided to buy my youngest sis a naruto frog coin purse. Straight from the anime.

Not much to say after that. He left. We then found a place to eat. I had Wonton Noodles and he had a rice dish. Laterwards we rushed to the coach station, but i had to spend money again.during that trip. And we made it before our coach left. Another 3 hours before we got home.

I spent a lot on this journey. As soon as i returned home, i gave Kit the present (Bastardino thing) i bought her and went straight to sleep. There was a pack of Cigs when i returned, they had a party while i was away. I was eager to spark one up and puff it, but i didnt. I cant touch those stuff.

Jum was supposed to have come with us, but he didnt. The dude said he went to a party, got drunk hardcore and pissed himself. Pitiful fool. But we plan to head down to London again in the next two, three months. Next time i wouldna have to spend silly amounts of money looking for places to stay, by then my relatives would be there.

Man im tired.