Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo: Makiko S | Blog | Sedunia Travel

12:30 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, AWEASIA, INSPIRATIONS, MALAYSIA, PROMOTION, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS, TRAVEL 3 Comments

In conjunction with the Asian Women Empowerment 2013 (also known as #aweasia13), the Why Every Woman Should Travel blog series is done by Sedunia Travel. The blog series features amazing women who are living their dream - independent lifestyle. Almost all key speakers of this exciting event have had experience in solo traveling (just like me). I am actually honoured to be 'slotted' in this blog series alongside with these amazing ladies. To read more on my story, check out >> Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo: Makiko S | Blog | Sedunia Travel

One of the biggest advantage of traveling solo is the freedom to meet and start new friendship many other fellow travelers. I have met so many awesome traveler friends along the many solo journeys I have taken. Prior to my decision on going out to solo traveling, I have gone to numerous holidays - as a tourist. During those fine times, I have seen more people come and go as I roam around places, but never I get the chance to actually make friends that I could keep in touch. I supposed going for a fancy holiday provides little room for me to reach out to the people, mainly because the focus had always been rest and relax - rather than mix and interact.

As a traveler, catching up with fellow traveler friends means bumping into each other along the road as well. Although I know few travelers who are based in the same city as mine, often we will end up meeting at a random destination. I must say, with the help with the technology, it is easier to track fellow travelers and allow me to have a 30 minute coffee chat in Hanoi with them.

For the next couple of weeks, I won't have to travel outside the my home city because the awesome women travelers will be flying into Malaysia for #aweasia13. It will be an exciting gathering and I really hope that I could strike more new friendships during that event.

If you all are wondering why am I so excited about AWE Asia '13, check out the stories on the 'sure-come' speakers >> Do I need more reasons than these?

Runaway Juno

Nomadic Chic 

Hannah Pearson

Amalla Vesta

Lois Yasay

Anis Ibrahim

Nila Tanzil

So, if you are free from 8-10 November 2013 and happened to be in Kuala Lumpur, why not join us. Click on the link to the AWE conference (above) to register.

"It's never too late or too old to learn something.." 

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MakikoStory : The day I quit a promising career to travel the world

12:30 AM EXPERIENCE, INSPIRATIONS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY, UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL 2 Comments

Growing up in Asia, boys and girls are ‘brain-washed’ with the idea that you need to be one of the very few successful executives (who works in big companies) if you want to travel the world. Naturally, I ended up working with an international company. That job did bring me onboard a plane where I painstakingly spent an almost 24-hour before reaching the other part of the globe.

“I never said that life as a full time travel writer is easy”

The day before I was supposed to depart for my business trip, I was still at work until late afternoon. Since it was a morning flight, I was rest assured that I could have the whole evening packing and perhaps a little rest. Just as I was going through my checklist and stuff, then I heard a loud scream, “Fire!! Fire!!”

I tried my best to keep myself calm although I had all reasons to be panic. I quickly put everything in the luggage and ran outside the house. My house was not on fire, but unfortunately the raging fire engulfed the next-door house. Five hours of packing and resting were gone.

With no sleep and a brutal seven plus sixteen hours of flight, the moment I reached San Francisco airport, I realized how stressful business traveling can be. Despite of the excitement that I was finally in California, I could not help from consoling myself to try and enjoy that business trip.

That one-week meeting in California became a significant turning point for me, both professional- and personal-ly. I sat foot on the Golden Gate Bridge, saw the famous tram and the steep hills of San Francisco, ate lunch at the Pier 39 and sailed passed the notorious Alcatraz (it so happened that we arrived on the weekend after Thanksgiving). On a personal note, all the places and things I experienced during that business trip slightly had influenced the choice I made today. Unfortunately, the real story behind my actual decision to leave a promising career in that company had also begun during that first business trip to California.

In less than two years, my journey at that said company became a burden physically. I began to wonder if there is any logic behind people saying, “Oh, I am so jealous of your work. You get to travel and make so much money at the same time. You must be very happy.” 

Psychologically, I was about to become a victim of my over-ambitious career. I was so obsessed with professional accomplishments that I had also become greed – I was famished of finding ‘happiness’. At about the same time, I came to a realization that it was too much pressure of trying to be someone else – thanks to the surrounding ‘support’.

The California business trip made me go back into writing. Every detail of that journey was jotted down in a journal. I found much satisfaction reading a story behind my travels since then. Writing was no longer my therapy; it (has always and) became been my passion.

“…so much of life ahead, I will find a place with room to grow..”

It took me another two years after California before I finally quit.

Albeit people blaming me for leaving a promising future in the so-called corporate world; I am now definitely happy.

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Ambition - Now and Before

2:13 AM MAKIKO VOICE, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS No Comments

I could still remember how life was simple in during my childhood.


Every year on the first day at school, teachers would always asked the same set of question. One of the mandatory question is, "What is your ambition?"


My first year of primary school, my ambition was to be a doctor. It seemed so noble, being able to help sick people. I have to admit that I watched too much of Doogie Howser, M.D. The idea of being smart (genius, actually) and able to become a doctor at a very young age motivated me to excel in school.


Then after a couple of years, my interest shifted to wanting to become a singer. Can't really remember the reason for my obsession of performing in front of people to showcase my so-so beautiful voice. Perhaps it was very much influenced by my music lessons that time.


At the end of my primary school years, I found out that I had good skills at paintings (I was also enrolled in an art class). Somehow I managed to dream about being an artist with my paintings being showcase all around the world.


There was a time when I could not decide of my ambition. So every time people asked me of my ambition, I'd give a straight answer - I just want to be a decent human being (Mahu jadi manusia berguna). Come to think of it now, I feel a bit silly, because I am sure everyone would like to grow up and be 'a useful person'...Hahaha...


During the teenage years I had the biggest ambition ever - I want to become the most successful and famous filmmaker; better than Steven Spielberg. The influence was very much due to the exposure to the movies and books that took up most of my free times. I fought hard to gain my entry to do my diploma in performing arts, so I could move a step forward to becoming the famous filmmaker. 


If you ask me know, "what is your ambition?", there could never be a straight answer. Life is no longer simple as it used to be. As we grow older, wanting to become someone or something requires resource planning and proper execution. One can be influenced by so many other things on top of the existing environment that could either be motivating or de-motivating an individual.


Perhaps the most reasonable answer of such question at this moment, "I want to be a decent human being."

What about you? What is your ambition?

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Character Building - Interaction with Animals

1:26 AM MAKIKO VOICE, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS No Comments

I am an ANIMAL person; not so big fan of flora. Talking about co-existence, many would agree that we walk on this earth not only to interact with human, but also with other living-beings.


Some people find calm and solace by making financial and intellectual achievements; while others define it from different perspectives. The last entry was about discovering passion and my new horse riding experience, finding the balance in life. 

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Based on a general observation, there are quite a number of individuals who posses such a strong image or stature could easily masked their soft side to the public.


TIPS: You may want to investigate if that person really is who he/she appears to be, by finding some information of his/her attitudes towards other living-beings (i.e. animals or plants). You could be surprised to discover a totally different character of such strong persons when they interact with animals or plants. 

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While many prefer dogs or rabbits or turtles or fish or hamster or other domestic animals as pets, surely there are cat lovers out there. Out of many alternatives of domestic animals, my vote goes to the feline families, and that includes all the BIG cats. Perhaps one day I'll be rich enough to have my own zoo and share my love with tigers or lions or any other big cats species. However, as of now - reality check: most of us could only afford to home kittens or/and cats as pet.


Whatever your choice is, it is a blessing for individuals to be given an opportunity to share loves, affections and cares with animals. Animals can never speak (verbally) for themselves, and as human; it is our responsibilities to ensure that everything that GOD has created are equally well taken care off - just like we take care of our family and friends.


I used to have cats as pet, but due to career commitment it has been very difficult to house and fully take care of even one cat. Cats are no match to dogs, when it comes to loyalty. Nevertheless, feline is also known to be a good friend to human. I lost a special friend last year. He came by 3 years ago when I was in search of a feline friend. I guess he was an old cat. IBRAHIM went away about a year ago and never came home. Since then, I lost a friend that bid my goodbye every morning I go to work, and a friend that waited for me when I come home from work late at night.


There has not been any replacement of Ibrahim. However, there is always cat's food in the kitchen - just in case if any stray cats stop at my house for food. Recently, a white male alley cat has been making a frequent visit at my porch, twice a day (morning & evening). I call him ALI. Almost similar to Ibrahim - he could somehow listen to my stress talk, every time I got home from work (while feeding him of course). 


He was a stray cat, until Thursday evening - he came home with a huge maggot infested wound underneath his neck. I just couldn't let him suffer - especially he had become a friend to me. So, Friday morning was my first visit to a VET (after almost 8 or 9 years). My initial instruction to the VET was, "If the wound is so bad & there is no other way to treat him - just put him to sleep."


That evening when I got back from office, he was in a small cage recovering from the anesthesia. 20 stitches and still strong. The past 2 days I have learnt so much about patience, love and sympathy - just by attending to ALI. 


Forget about the money to get him better - I am sure more will come, GOD's willing.

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All cat lover would agree the big influence this small friend can be in terms of building personality. One can learn about being soft and tolerable with others - train the skills while taking care of a cat.


Besides of learning how to tone down or be soft, interaction with different kind of animal could shape one's confident and leadership skills. Horse riding for example, requires one's skills to control and lead the horse - otherwise you'll be bullied, big time.


It takes time to learn the required skills. If anybody wants to learn the skills quickly, someone with experience would be helpful. In the next entry, I will share the details of building a strong character/ personality by interacting with this sexy animal (",)

PS: For animal lovers in town, all are welcomed to join PAWTY @ SID's organized by SPCA Selangor (please contact enquiries@spca.org.my for further info)

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..and they live happily ever after. (So fictitious..!!!)

3:05 AM MAKIKO VOICE, RELATIONSHIPS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS 1 Comment

The difference between local Malay folklore and western bedtime stories is the ENDING part.

For those who grew up watching bedtime stories (e.g. Cinderella, Snow White, Thumbelina, etc.), you must have noticed that the stories always end with, “and they live happily ever after.” Knowing the after the hardship both hero and lady main character had to endure, the ending had surely made you smile and gave you so much comfort. Somehow, the ending reflects HOPE.

As one grows up and very much exposed by this type of stories, there is no doubt that one’s personality and attitude may have also be influenced by the content of the stories. Life is not easy – similarly depicted throughout the stories; the characters are often abused by the antagonist characters. Bedtime stories content focuses on the main characters’ personal attributes; which are very much true in real life -- there will always be good people and bad people. Despite having tough times, the way these stories end (i.e. happy ending) creates a notion of HOPE; whereby things will get better -- so long that we keep ourselves positive.

Perhaps, this could provide a simple explanation of how certain people could remain positive; despite being in a ‘terrible’ condition or environment.

In contrast to western bedtime story, local Malay folklores (i.e. Pak Kaduk, Pak Pandir, Mahsuri, etc.) are very heavy with drama and intense content. Most of them never end with a comfortable ending. Instead, the story does not actually end to the listeners/readers. It requires additional assessment and thinking, somehow forcing you to accept whether the ending is beneficial or not to one-self. Often, a few of my friends tease me over the habit of mine to end a story with, “the moral of the story is…” This habit was very much influenced by the local folklore story telling way, which I heard when I was young. It is very normal for a local folklore stories to end with the main characters having to become a victim of his own act. Though along the way we could feel the hardship and extend some sympathy to the character, the thoughts and feelings can be immediately ‘brutalized’ when we know that the character is actually to be blamed.

I supposed this could also provide a simple explanation for Malay (or shall I say, Asian in general) to being labeled as ‘negative’ by others. We see things from a pessimist’s view – thanks to the Cerita dongeng.

Real life includes challenges; whereby one must be able to find a way to keep on moving -- no matter what. Hope could be extremely helpful at tough times -- it allows you to feel less distracted and put you at some (sense of) comfort level. One may be able to see things from positive view, almost all the time, knowing that eventually one will be rewarded for all the trouble/hardship faced. Nevertheless, there will always be a need to be less optimistic over the whole situation. Being too comfortable often makes people to stray, and this could create more trouble or pro-long the hardship one is facing.

In summary, there should be a balance between optimistic and being pessimist in life.

PS: I am just glad that I had the opportunity to learn from both bedtime stories and local folklores.

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Just RM25k - I'll give you everything, stripped off, naked, and...

12:03 AM MAKIKO VOICE, RELATIONSHIPS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS 5 Comments

Only readers above the legal age can read this! Those who think and feel they are qualified enough is highly welcomed to continue reading...


Unfortunately this post is not specifically related to the idea of EXPOSING my sexy & beautiful figure to all. (Sorry guys, such thing may risk everything that I have been working all my life).


In the past two entries, contents written are a few from many personal topics which I'd like to share with readers. Too often when I browse through blogs for things to read, I stumble into entries about love, relationship, marriages, etc. A few really has good content; which are potential to be adopted as reference. However, many writes from a personal perspective; which may seem dramatic but can do little to educate others. 


While the majority agree to the concept of LOVE is important basis of a marriage, there are quite a number of supporters to the idea of ensuring other conditions to be met before you can ring the wedding bells. Personally, I chose MONEY over LOVE as the fundamental basis of a marriage.


Before anyone jumps into conclusion, I am not saying that LOVE is not important. 


Love is extremely important. However, Money is essential, for the survival of a loving relationship.

• Cost of living for a person keeps on escalating nowadays. If one struggles to have a decent life, it is the question of afford-ability to add another person to one's life; which LOVE cannot win over MONEY.
• Expectation to having someone to serve and provide a comfortable life is very much related to the ability of making the right environment and tools available. LOVE cannot buy the house or the car for you and your partner to sit in.

If you only have RM 5,000 to give (for the whole life expense);

• You can never get Angelina Jolie out of a woman,
• You can never get a place big enough to house 2 of you (and more in future),
• You can never get gourmet food served on dining table,
• You can never get 24/7 first class maid service,

A friend of mine shared this with me, "A wife should always received the best treatment from a husband. Only if everything is provided, then only I can give him everything back."


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Note: This is a personal opinion, based on my personal experience. If any of the content above is offensive or seem to be anything related to anyone else, it is just a coincident. 

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Self promotion : Is it wrong?

10:24 PM MAKIKO VOICE, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS No Comments

[ATTENTION ALL!] I'M LOOKING FOR A PROSPECT FUTURE BOYFRIEND/PARTNER/SPOUSE. INTERESTED CANDIDATE, WHO THINK (AND FEEL) QUALIFY ENOUGH PLEASE APPLY.


Just a quick note. 
The above was purposely posted at FB page.


When a person really know what he/she wants, it is just the matter of making it known to others. The method or approach is very subjective depending to the owner.


It is always exciting to see the reaction received from others on the message communicated. Whether it is positive or negative, that is also subjective -- highly dependent to the one receiving (or/and giving) the message.


In the end, it is all about the ability to communicate effectively. How to measure the effectiveness? It is the choice of the person who rate it.


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As written before Human is selfish animal (MUST READ, JUST CLICK) -- so I don't see anything wrong with the message above. It is just another self-promotion, is currently worked on.

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Human are selfish animals

7:39 PM MAKIKO VOICE, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS 2 Comments

Warning: This entry may be offensive and lack of consideration towards others. Those, who completes reading and somehow think and feel negatively affected by any part of the entry is solely responsible for the choice made. I hereby disclaim myself from being responsible to any hurt or/and grievances cause to the readers.

Accept people for who they are.

Do not be hypocrite to oneself and others.

Walk the talk.

BLA..BLA..BLA..

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These are the common statements (or shall I say, advises) when we try to describe the set of values that shaped one’s personality (and attitude). The idea is to ensure that every one of us is being honest to oneself, and of course in hope that people can also be honest in return.

Based on a personal observation, all these are just “BULLS**T” (apology for the harsh word).

Human are selfish animals.

Human are bias in nature.

Listed below are justifications for the ‘accusations’ made above:-

Our preference based on our set of standards; which are acceptable to us – not to others. 

Example: I do not like Bob (not real name), because he is annoying. 

ANNOYING – criteria that constitute annoying to me may not be the same to Bob, or other.  

Our sets of values are customized to yourself -- not to others. 

Example: I am happy because I have scored 10 A’s in my exam. 

HAPPY – the benchmarking of the achievement attained by me may not be the same to others.

Our perception and understanding are based on our knowledge and experience – not others. 

Example: I choose not to marry a Malay guy because my last relationship with a Malay guy failed miserably. 

Condition set (i.e. Malay guy) for the failure may not be the same to others.

Our expectations of others are to satisfy our need and want -- not others. 

Example: I was shocked to see her smoking in public, especially since she is a Malay girl -– it is shameful. 

Shocked? Shameful? One cannot assume that the result of others always make sense to oneself.

So..

Just because I choose the way I dressed and to be presented in public that are perceived as SEXY doesn’t mean I feel sexy;

Just because I am loud and outspoken doesn’t mean that I am rude and inconsiderate;

Just because I am earning $10,000 a month doesn’t mean that I am rich and happy;

Just because I own everything a person can have doesn’t mean I am capable to fulfill everyone else’s wishes;

And…

Just because people seems to have difficult times understanding and accepting, doesn’t mean I have to change to accommodate to your wishes!

IF I AM HAPPY AND COMFORTABLE BEING WHO I AM; I DON’T SEE ANY REASON FOR ME TO BE NOT HAPPY AND COMFORTABLE.

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In summary, human will always be human – open to flaws and weaknesses. We try to not to be bias, but we can’t. We try not to be selfish, unfortunately we are selfish.

(It has been a while since the last entry posted on this blog. Due to overwhelming career commitment, I have to say sorry to my loyal readers. For the next few weeks, or so, my commitment to writing in this blog is limited. However, please feel free to browse through and read from my previous entries.)

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Why two is better than one?

2:33 AM MAKIKO VOICE, RELATIONSHIPS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS 5 Comments

God has made us in pairs; for all the reasons.

When I wake up everyday, my day starts with a dash of smile - hoping it will make my day, or am I going crazy? If only there is someone who can smile back at me and say, "Your beautiful smile starts my day!" 


When I cook something, I know that my body is well taken care off. If only there is someone who eats together and say, "I'm thankful to be served with a lovely meal!"


When I work hard, I want to make sure that reward is worth all the effort given. If only there is someone who adds value to the achievement and say, "Well done, I am happy for you too!"


When I fell sick, my heart needs to recover first before my body does. If only there is someone who can aid the heart pain and say, "Don't worry, I will be there to give you comfort!"


When I look into the mirror and see the missing half of me, I say, "if only there is someone to complete me!"

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Revisiting : Life vs Living

2:45 AM MAKIKO VOICE, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS 3 Comments

Living live is series of lies.

Life is real truth.

Perhaps the above statements sounded a bit too harsh and very contradicting. I have reasons for saying and believing so. But, I always start any relationship based on trust. Since I strongly believe that life is real truth and living live is series of lies, how can trust becomes so important to me? Many people believe that one can never trust lies simply because they believe dishonesty is unacceptable. But what is the relationship between lies and dishonesty? I can agree if lies and dishonesty mean the same, or equate each other. Unfortunately, a lie and dishonesty have its own definition. So, again the question is what is the relationship between these two? At this juncture, perhaps many are getting confused already.

Living live is series of lies.
Stand in front of a mirror and see yourself. I am sure everyone can see at the shirt, dress, pants, or skirt that you are wearing. The reflection from the mirror is a lie. All of us are born naked, without even a strain of thread on our skin. Since nature brings us to life naked, how come all of us are covered with nylons, cottons, wools, etc.? Putting clothes to your body (and mine) is plain and simple lie. No animal or plant is covered by something else other than what life has given them at the first place.

It is highly interesting, to me, when people often associate trust when it comes to situation that involves lies and dishonesty. I have learned how understanding and perception can be very evil; where both always fail to give an absolute explanation in dealing with trust issues. Social and cultural values are almost biological built in us, though we were not born with both. It is impossible to deny this since we never had the chance to choose what to learn and what not while we were growing up. Everything that we experienced will become a part of people's personal development. Sadly, people do not have any choice because we are not alone on this world. People are created to live in a society, hence social development become too associated with our personal development. Based on this premise alone I can be very firm on my stand that living life is just a series of lies. People are made to accept and/or not accept anything that are included in both social and cultural values. Technically, we never had the chance to be selective of which values suits the individuality per se. Hence making us telling ourselves to adjust and be comfortable with the majority. 


Aren't that actions alone are lies?

I'd like to relate this to my personal experience when it comes to having no option but to live the values existed in the social and cultural perspective which I live in. Since I was born till now, I have been living with my beloved parents. It is a fact that since then I had to start my education by having my mom & dad as teachers. Also, in many other societies, parents involvement in children personal growth and development are inter-related with the type of education they receive since day 1 until he/she decides to leave the 'institution'. Why do I have to learn from this two individuals tagged as parents to me, if there is other people around? It is a fact that these two individuals are responsible for 'making' me at the first place. I am indeed thankful and greatful to get complimentary services as part of the package being brought to this world. For many years I have food, clothes, place to sleep, etc.; in which to me are the type of services normally received from individual(s) known as parents. Personal growth & development is an individual right, so am I really exercising my rights at getting the right education I need for myself? Does biological relationship gives rights to these 2 individuals to educate me at the first place, knowing that I may not learn or those 'syllabus' may not be the right one for me? Teaching the wrong thing itself is a lie. Being taught and then using the knowledge learned are also lies.

Maybe my example is too complicated to be understood. Let me share an easier example to clear some of the grey clouds. People communicate all the time. We usually use our native language to communicate with all people. I believe everyone would notice and are fully aware that although we use the one language, the methods of using the language varies according to situation? I prefer to use the standard style of language to communicate, but too often I am forced to change the style and modes when I am addressing my family members, my working colleagues, my friends, etc. Even when I know that everyone in this society knows and understands the standard style, I have to lie to myself and select the right accent or slang plus the style of communication so I could be understood at sending my message. Perhaps most people do not realize this interesting situation. When you have to put aside the value you are most comfortable with and you select something else so you could blend in, it is still a lie.

So, am I being too harsh saying that all these while people are lying by just living a life?



Life is real truth.
No matter how hard you try to avoid lies, we are still living a life. Life however is real truth. The series of event which we experience are facts. My mom and dad are 2 individuals who 'made' me. My mom went to labour and gave birth to me, bringing me to life. These two individuals went to all trouble to give me a comfortable and decent life. I have four younger siblings, who were born after me. I went to school where there were individuals known as teachers who gave me the so-called formal education. In school there were other individuals with same age, younger or older known as students whom I get associated with, known as friends. These are some of the facts in my life.

The physical attachment a person encounter in living is the life, if you could get where I am going here. It is a matter of what and how that differentiate life and living life. When you ask 'what', then the answer is absolute and real. In communication for example, when you ask, "What language do you speak?", the answer can be English, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, etc. On the other hand, when you ask, "How do you speak the language?", the answer can be very subjective and perceived differently, such as "I use simple words speaking to children," or "I sound softer when speaking to my parents compared to when I speak to my boss," etc. Can you see the difference?

Despite of this clear difference, still there is a thin line between life & living which has created much confusion. If we look deeper into this matter, we can find so many unanswered questions about living life than life itself. Human actions are something which can be controlled. That is why I labelled it as 'series of lies', which is highly sensible to be understood. Lies are human actions. The reason I brought up this issue is highly related with the questionable quality of individual and society nowadays. More people are becoming less smart because the 'series of lies' had greatly influenced the process of becoming a smart person. We have allowed the 'living life' to dictate the 'life', whereby it should be another way around. If you have 5 pots of flowers to water, you should get 5 cups of water for 5 flowers. That is the best way it should be. Instead, we now see too much of 4 cups (or less or sometime more) of water used for the 5 flowers.

In conclusion, the relationship between life and living must be clear, or else we are only at the loosing end.

Note: Reposting this entry in hope to get some responses from my dear readers.

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