19/01/11

One is the loneliest number, well not really…

Undertaking a four-week internship in another country by myself is, lets be honest, pretty ballsy. I have never been overseas, let alone by myself and I haven't even spent ONE night alone in Sydney. So naturally my major concerns, before leaving, all involved how I would cope by myself for almost three weeks.

Just like everyone else I lead a pretty busy life juggling three casual jobs, a boyfriend, friends and family with a uni degree and sport so finding time to read or watch a movie or just taking time out for myself is, well never!

So when I arrived in Manila it was all about number one (mum would counter by saying when is it not?), but it was also about learning independence, I could no longer rely on anyone else. I had to learn how to get around, how to communicate and how to keep myself safe.

I have surprised myself more than anyone else with how I have managed to handle this huge transition and with the exception of one night I have felt completely at ease and content.

On the first Friday night in Manila, without warning I felt a surge of unexplained loneliness. One tear rolled down my cheek, I sucked it up and went out clubbing with friends from the paper and I didn't look back again. I had a brief attack of homesickness but I can honestly say I never felt like that again.

Having said that, it doesn't change how excited I was the day that Matt arrived in Manila. Never being apart for more than one week. I was excited to see him and hug him, but even more I was so excited to share this amazing city with him. With all its wonders, pollution, people and sites I knew he'd fall in love with the chaos and find the adventure in just crossing the road!

He is arriving tonight and I have rushed home from work to meet him. All my security guards know he is coming, they ask me, "Miss Stace, when is boyfriend Matt coming?" They are almost as excited as me.

We are going to go out to dinner at 'Recipes' in Greenbelt, a great Filipino restaurant.

I can't wait!

From Manila lots of love,

Stace

xxx