Ahh, back to the place where it all started. On 24/8/2017, I arrived at Manchester Airport after a long 8 hours flight. It was the start of my new life, and the end of the life I was comfortable with. It was a really hectic week, moving to Dundee from England, settling into my new room, matriculating into university. After my parents left Dundee, I had even more things to deal with, like getting my bank account up and registering with the dentist and doctors.
And on 11/9/2017, I started classes proper. It wasn’t an easy ride for sure. I’m sure I’ve never been so stressed out in my life before. The kind of stress mostly comes from the fear of failing the expectations of everyone. And my expectations for myself.
And before I know it, 607 days had passed since my first class at University. I finished my last finals on 10/5/2019 and is officially done with University. All I hope is for a decent grade to allow me to pursue graduate studies.
Today, 12/5/2019, I left Dundee for Manchester. I had been planning this graduation trip since last year, so I sure am extremely excited. Also, because Sylvia, Pearlyn and Javier are coming over as well. It’s gonna be my first time meeting Javier. I’m actually curious how that guy is like that via would like him. HAHAHA. Must be someone very special.
I actually forgot that Dundee’s buses don’t start early on Sunday. Initially, I had planned to take Bus 22 to Seagate bus station, but the earliest bus is after my Manchester bus departs. So, I decide to walk. Kind of reflection time for myself, walking past the place that I’m all so familiar with for the past few months.
I should really not trust Google Maps when carrying heavy luggage. They estimated that I can reach the bus station in 30 minutes by walking, and they usually over-estimate. But this time, it took me almost 45 minutes. It was a good thing I left early since I had nothing to do at home.
My phone decides to die on me the moment I sat down on the bus. The worst thing is that I did not bring my charging wire up to the bus. Basically, I was left with absolutely nothing except niao for the next 2 hours. It was until they stopped at Glasgow when I could get down to grab my wire. Goddamn it. Had a good time thinking about what does adult QW should be. It’s time to stop being so immature and start acting like a real adult, given that I’m expected to go out and work in a few months. So exactly what kind of image should adult QW have? What would it take for me to do well?
From Glasgow to Manchester is about a 4-hour journey. The seat wasn’t the most comfortable thing and it couldn’t recline so I ended up taking two seats and just sleeping in the most unglamorous way you can imagine. The 4 hours wasn’t too bad because I fell asleep quickly and woke up just before we reach Manchester. All was good. Reached almost half an hour early.
I didn’t really tour Manchester because I’m really tired and sleep deprived. Head straight to the hostel when the bus arrived. Went past the mall Daddy, Mummy and I went to on our first day here. My graduation trip felt extra significant because I started the trip at the place where my University life had started.
YHA Manchester is a really good hostel honestly. I paid only £10.45 for one night in a 4-beds room that comes with a toilet in the room. The toilet is clean but small. Slightly smaller than the toilet you get on cruises’ room. The bed is clean and comfortable. I was allowed to check-in almost an hour early because I’ve reached really early. When I entered, there was no one else and I got my pick of bed (top bunk yay). I don’t know why but I prefer top bunk when I stay in a hostel. The bunk also comes with a 3-pin charging port and 2 USB charging ports. 10/10 would stay again if I had to, even though I cannot imagine having another reason to come back to the UK again after this.
Had a good sleep without setting up alarm because why stress right? Woke up to messages that the 3 of them are on the plane already. So glad it was smooth for them so far. It’s probably their first long-haul flight (13-hour flight) so I was really worried but hopefully, everything goes well.
Went out to find the metro station. It’s not too far from the hostel, which is a good thing. After finding the metro, I went to the nearby Sainsbury to get dinner, which is a microwave prawn pasta and a Snapple drink. Not too bad for dinner, but I really miss Singapore food price.
Have nothing much to do until 4am tomorrow. I’m thinking of leaving the hostel at about 4am tomorrow for Airport. If everything goes well, I would be able to meet the 3 of them at 10am tomorrow at Berlin. Heol, I’m really excited now.
I guess I’m just going to hang around the lobby for the wifi. Might head up if I intend to just play offline games. IDK. HAHAHA
