Saturday, January 6, 2018

Living abroad: How is it to live independently?

Are you a thousand miles away from your family and friends? Like you chose to work abroad to earn a better living? And you wanna try to live on your own? If yes, this one's for you! And I bet most Filipino readers who are living abroad will fully understand what I mean.

'Live life to the fullest they say'. But have you ever asked yourself if you're happy and contented enough living alone, away from family and just enjoying your 'I wanna grow and live independently' motto? If yes, let's check this out if you'll pass the test without guilt and pressure!!

Let's all be honest! We all have that feeling of longing to our loved ones and family most of the time. Like you miss their company and care yet you still manage to accept the temporary distance. Well, thanks to the help of all existing social medias nowadays. Then here you are, living independently. Are you happy? Well, for me... I am. Maybe because it's always been my dream to work in Europe (It's a dream come true๐Ÿ˜Š). But sometimes it leaves me much questions to answer. I have done lots of biggest decisions and living abroad was one. I can do anything like I'm living free and independent, yes! But part of me says I'm not capable to do so.

For me, being independent requires maturity. You can't just say "ohhh! I can cook now, I can do the laundry, I can pay my own bills" and so on. You should know how to carry your own weight at all cost.

I am currently living in Europe (Finland) and I must say, too many factors that lead up to comparison. Like is it worth it to live here then? Coz the standard of living here is quite different compared to the Philippines. The cost of living's too high, plus the culture differences and even the weather they have here will totally affect you. That sums up your 'I can adjust soon and get used to it" matters.


You're working very hard to earn money for yourself and your family. You do the budgeting and plan for your expenses. You save as much as you can. You make your own decisions. You live your own life. Is it too risky? I bet YES! Well, I can only imagine living hard without support system. Lucky you if you have friends to minimize the longing. But you'll get used to it. Been there, done that!

Do you call your place a home? In my case, I have a Finnish female roommate. Our apartment is just near the City Center. Here in Europe, it's not a big deal whether you have a big or small apartment. It's always best here to be practical since the only thing that counts at the end of the day is having a home where you feel most comfortable to, safe and secure. And best part of it is that we bacame good friends (with my roommate). She's super nice, cool and easy to be with. Well, I guess that's a typical Finn!

Do you love your work?
It depends on the work you have of course. Let's say, it's the worked you've prayed for then you're blessed. If not, still you're lucky because it allows you to appreciate what you have for the moment but consider also the one that you're into,  the one you enjoy doing -Your passion. I came up into a realization that it's really a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. You go abroad to earn a better living. Truth is, we already adopted the "nowadays norm".  It's more like setting aside your pride and go over your piorities. It's a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.

Do you spend accordingly?
Truth is, it's really hard to save! Why? Because the standard of living here is different! Like what I've said, too high compared to Philippines. What can I say!? It's Europe so it's normal!!! Best advice?... Reset your bank balance!

Are getting used to their food?
They say, you can take the girl out of Asia but you can't take Asia out of the girl๐Ÿ˜‚. That's quite a simple rule! Because we can't live without rice!! Great thing, there are Asian stores here in Finland. It's hard to adjust to the tastes of their local foods but I guess I've embraced them already as well!


How about the weather?
You are currently living in a country where the weather differs from where you came from: scorching heat or a freezing one? So we are into adjustment period again. To think; it also affect your mood, right?! Like the weather here in Europe.

This one's my unforgettable snow experience since it's the first time I saw snow๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚ Funny right?! I still remember my teacher asking me before why Finland and not other European countries? And then I answered without a doubt... "because I wanna experience snow" hahaha! If you're living in a tropical country just like the Philippines, you'll definitely answer the same! YOU wanna experience SNOW!!!! But then, here it comes the struggle! Yes, the WINTER STRUGGLE! It's very amazing and exciting to witness the first snow of the year. Those snowflakes that you just can't imagine how real and perfect they were. Also the excitement in wearing your comfy and thick fur winter jackets and boots! Ohhh but I'm telling you... they're just those good memories at first. You'll get tired experiencing it and all you just wanan ask is the sun to set immediately and let the summer arrive! To think, winter here lasts for about 4 months. Those remaining months are still quite cold. So I'm asking you,  still wanna try? ๐Ÿ˜‚

How was the culture differences?
Living abroad and adopting new culture is a struggle, yet an adventure and a challenge one. You have to be open minded and always respect the way things are done. You need to adopt and adjust since every culture is unique and I bet you'll learn from them as well.

                                                     Finnish Sauna

Here in Finland, people are much into small talks like they are far better into listening than talking and handshake is a must specially if you meet the person the first time! They love sauna as well! So, just like that! We have to deal with those differences or should I say, embrace them too!


So what's the best part of living abroad?
Well... You can meet new friends and that you can travel the world easily!!!!!



Do you consider yourself now a matured person the time you stood up on your own?
For me, you're matured enough if you think you're responsible for your own success and if you allow changes within yourself and in all aspects of life.  Making such life changes are pretty scary. But what's even scarier is not doing the way you want it or not living the life you've ever imagined and or otherwise you'll end up regretting.


So what's your story? What's your thought?
Share it down below at the comment section!๐Ÿ˜Š

See you again on my next one!๐Ÿ˜š

XoXo- JOVI











Saturday, August 19, 2017

Hooray for Holiday! My travel story!

Most of us are always into a workaholic mode most of the time that leads up to a draining stressful and unpleasant one that you almost forgot how and when to give yourself a break or the so-called "me time". But mind you... you can beat that! Yessss! Why not give yourself a reward? Why not take time for yourself? Why don't you allow to make yourself happy! So my rule is just simple... I travel!!!!! TRAVELLING is quite expensive but if you plan it ahead of time then you'll get a very "well-budgeted" holiday! Travelling doesn't need to be fancy or costly but need to be a memorable one. As they say "travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer". So why not travel  while you are young and free๐Ÿ˜. Make the most out of it๐Ÿ˜Š Just like what I did. ....

I planned ahead of time to visit Paris Milan & Rome for my "me time" vacation๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜„
I told myself.. I wanna see what the other side of the world has to offer๐Ÿ˜ And in my surprise. ... it leaves me speechless๐Ÿ˜ญ

The pictures below show how I really enjoyed my "well-spent vacation". one of my unforgettable adventure ever๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜Š


This was taken in front of the hottest spot in the world to date.... my fave ' Eiffel Tower' ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ 
Honesty, I couldn't imagine seeing this popular tourist spot since I just saw it at books and Internet before๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ Yessss! It was a dream come true for me. 


This one's taken in Rome! Ohhhh those beautiful streets and grandiose building structures๐Ÿ˜


"Duomo Di Milano"- symbol of Milan in the world and one of the largest Cathedral in Milan and in Europe. Impressive structure. Include this to your bucket list! A must-see, indeed! 

I guess everyone seems to know this popular museum in Paris!!!! Yessss I bet!! since they say.. you missed half of your Paris vacay without making it to "Musรฉe du Louvre" Such a beautiful Museum๐Ÿ˜

And how about "Notre Dame De Paris"!? 
Stunning church! Plus you'll get attached with those birds in front of it๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

Tried roaming around Milan... and ended up here! The "Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. 
If you love shopping then it's the best place for you! You'll find here the most expensive/ extravagant clothes, shoes, bags..  
You name it! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜
Enjoy shopping!๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚




AND YESSSSS! Ti amo Roma! 
I gotta admit, I got goosebumps here in front of "Saint Peter's Basilica". 
You can't just afford to miss this most popular Catholic Church if you're visiting Rome! We went inside and such a very solemn one๐Ÿ™‡ a must-visit spot!



Lastly, the "Colloseum"!!!๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜
Icon symbol of Rome & the most popular tourist attraction in Rome!
A must see!


So there it goes..... hope it helped you decide to go travel as well๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚ because you know what!?? We just don't live to pay bills๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚ Travel now and let it direct you to a more meaningful life. Reward yourself for all your hardwork because you deserve it. Have a break, have a holiday! ๐Ÿ˜š

Ps: I almost ncluded myself in every picture๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ Sorry๐Ÿ˜‚With that, I assure all pics are mine unless otherwise stated๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

Thanks for reading & hope to see you again on my next one๐Ÿ˜‰

Xoxo -JOVI๐Ÿ’‹