Of Growing Up And Moving Forwards

In between mouthfuls of delicious banana leaf rice today, I decided that we should go on adventure.

"C'mon guys, let's do something fun!"

Who would have known, that nekminnit we would be at FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), cycling rented bicycles and chasing waterfalls through the rainforest. What a day. :)

FRIM (2016)

That's us earlier today.

My very unfit body and quads will regret ever asking for this adventure tomorrow.

As we cycled on today, Eel reminded me that the first time she learnt to ride a bike was with us on our first trip together to Pangkor 6 years ago. I thought back to that trip and smiled, but was also filled with disbelief.. has it been 6 years already?

It feels like forever ago that we met in that small classroom in college and became friends, but over the years, this bunch has really grown to be my favourite bunch of travel buddies. From finding the best street food, to chasing hometowns and heritage stories, to skimming on cost as much as we can, to taking a million photos to commemorate the event, to doing the most ridiculous and embarrassing things in public.. I have loved every trip we embarked on together. Through the process of growing up and moving away, each trip has shrunk in size over time due to growing adult responsibilities and changing commitments.

So, while I have a second to ponder, here's my trip down memory lane - some of our travels together.  

Pulau Pangkor (2010)

Tugu Negara (2010)

Bukit Cahaya (2011)

Port Dickson (2011)

Pedas Linggi (2011)

Genting Highlands (2011)

Malacca (2011)

Kelantan (2012)

Thailand (2012)

Sungai Besar (2013)

Kuala Selangor (2015)

Organ Pipes National Park (2015)

Wilson's Promontory (2015)

Cape Schanck (2015)

So, the Malaysian gang of doctors will be starting work very soon, a two year commitment of extremely long hours and lack of holidays.. which means that as I said goodbye to Sean and Eel today, and the rest of the gang earlier this week, I really don't know when our next big trip, or meet up even will be, if that is possible ever again.

...

It's been said that the only constant thing in life is change.

How did we change from the noisy college kids who just wanted to eat all the time, to adults with jobs, taxes, rent, career goals, new relationships and who are all across several states around the world?

I love the change that has overtaken us in the past few years, but it's also a bit sad to reminisce and realise how much you have to leave behind in the past as dusty memories, and move on to our individual paths heading different directions.

#candicewhysoemo

...

We press on. :)

We keep running our races, making the efforts to stay in touch and one day, one day.. we'll go on another adventure together once again.

Till then,
Dice