2016

First things first: Happy New Year 2016! (we are still in January so this still counts)

From the last post, I've mentioned that I'm taking a Gap year but surprise, surprise after months of wearing aprons and spilling coffee everywhere I am now 'seriously' working. It was rather a shock to the system as I was getting too comfortable with the non-serious working life.

I had a thought that I wouldn't be able to spend as much time with my friends when I start work so I've arranged a mini friendsgiving tea cum photo session with Qush behind the lens just last month.

These girls are everything. Hope you too have friends who are just as supportive as mine are.

love, 

Gapper Journey so far

I've been meaning to write something personal for quite some time and I do apologize for being idle. Five months ago, I've made the decision to stay in Brunei and defer my Bar training until the next academic year for several reasons. After a failed attempt to work part-time at a law firm, I thought of taking up a fun job which I eventually did just to give myself a break. Other than that, I've also been occupying myself with rugby (a lot of it). I don't know many who have tried taking a gap year as most of my friends are on a quick pace to move on with their lives and some choose to continue their studies. So the past few months have been a soul-searching journey for me because I've been questioning my intentions to join the practice in the future (I do, but not right now).

At the time being, I'm happily making drinks at a newly opened cafe. It's also overwhelming when some of the customers have recognized me behind the bar. Many have even asked why I decided to work there and my only intent is to fill up my time doing something different for once as I've worked as an office girl once whilst I was still studying and I didn't appreciate sitting behind the computer and 'makan gaji' for the whole two months. I do believe that everyone should have a shot in working elsewhere before diving into their real field. It is a great opportunity to value work and to create new friendships. 

After being in the education system for so long, I've finally got some time to take a breather and appreciate new things, sans exams. These days I've been pouring creative energy into life and I feel excited to partake on new creative projects and slightly nervous to be paving my own career pathway. 

Forever learning,

ps: I do hope my young readers are always learning too

{OOTD}

Undoubtedly blue is my favourite perennial colour especially being back in Brunei I find myself picking out hints of blue for my everyday wear. Perhaps it's the longing for clear blue skies because we are currently experiencing bad weather down here, or the bodily confusion that I should really be by the sea at this instant.

In all seriousness, my good friend Mu'izz has invited me to write a post for a blog that he shares with three others at Wearrior Instinct (which will be posted soon but do check their site out!). I've increasingly been out of the loop when it comes to the art of dressing so this was a bit of a challenge for me. Although it didn't really hurt to do a serious purge on my aunt's closet and singled out an outfit that is both comfortable and makes some kind of statement. 

Lastly, this wouldn't be possible without my friend Daiy for his time and effort to come all the way to Bandar yesterday. He has a keen eye for beauty in the mediocre so I trusted he could take these pictures. And to Aaron for being my everything.

love,

{Travel Diary} Barcelona

reminisce

/ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs/

verb [ no obj. ]

indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events

synonyms: remember (with pleasure), be nostalgic about, recall.

Now that I’m back in the UK and in dire need to de-stress, I found myself reminiscing over my first ever Easter trip to Spain, Barcelona. Though jumping on the bed blasting Bieb’s new single sort of helps... 

Barcelona’s alive with two of my favourite things; art and food. The cosmopolitan city is echoed in vibrant murals and avant-garde architectures. My friends and I covered nearly every inch of Barcelona,including Las Ramblas, Camp Nou Stadium, Park Guell, Parc de Montjuic and Sagrada Familia. We even managed to escape the city ambience for a day and sneaked (well, got lost) in Sitges!

I'm excited to see what my next journey will bring me. Enjoy the remainder of Summer! xx

Sunday playlist

Just a super quick hello. I'm finally back in Brunei and I am super excited to be here to catch up with some friends and my family. Only a few weeks left until I start work so I'm taking as much free time that I have left to do this basically...

Scarf - bought in Jakarta

Blouse - ZARA

Batik skirt - Jakarta

Bag - Michael Kors

Shoes - Charles & Keith

Advice from a mediocre law student to another

Whilst we have all made quick judgements about studying law through our peers and TV series, it is difficult to know what it really does involve – and there’s no shortage of stories out there, from the mostly accurate to the utterly fantastical. This post should debunk a few myths and confirm a few things to ensure you that you are doing the right thing before you send in your application.. but first things first, law is a great subject albeit it is VERY challenging I have not made any regrets of accepting Leicester three years ago to read the subject.

1. There's too many readings

Getting past the cliche first, do not expect to get out of tutorials alive without doing the required case readings. Tip: you don't have to read the subject like a novel as this will save you from all-nighters (although this is still nevertheless inevitable)

2. Everyone in your class claim to have brains with bulging IQ points (except for maybe one or two)

There's a rat race and guess what? you don't really have to join in! They’re big fish rearing for their chance to rush into the deep blue ocean and overachieve on a yet grander scale and yes, they’ve already done the readings. 

3. You will find yourself doing pro bono work for your friends

Whilst you would happily explain your knowledge on land law to your friends, you can't help but repeatedly telling them that your best legal advice is to obtain a legal advice from an actual lawyer. 

4. Apathetic half way through the semester? That's normal.

The idealism often fades.. On the very first day of law school, you want to change the world.. Halfway through your degree, you couldn't even care less. I find it very helpful to watch Ted talks and films that help remind me why I'm passionate about justice in the first place. 

5. Save your arguments for your tutorials and essays

It will become a common occurrence where you always find yourself in arguments over petty things with your friends and like any law students, we always try to sound smart to win arguments... here's a tip: bite your tongue and walk away because that is the main reason why you're not invited to dinner outings.

I had my share of late nights and sacrificing my social life but I can honestly say that studying here for the past 3 years has been well worth the effort. I never thought I could even make it to this far so whatever shit your degree may throw at you just make sure you battle on.

love,

{Summer Diary} Bavaria, Germany

Sun drenched blue skies meant the perfect chance for me and my friends to see the Bavarian Alps as I've been wanting to see the Neuschwanstein Castle for quite some time. The castle is made for a Disney movie (which was eventually an inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's) and it is tucked in a perfectly rugged set of hills that offers a stunning view of the Hohenschwangau village.

I can draw a list of adjectives that would describe the beauty of the Alps but you really have to see it for yourself. You can read all about it on travel blogs, but being there is a different story. For me, it was the experience of hopping on the 2 hour train ride with scenic views that are postcards worthy, the hike up to see the castle and the friends we made along this journey. The results are worth the costs and the muscle cramps.

Have a great weekend ahead!