A graduation present to oneself - Thailand Travel | Ceb-Mnl

Way back in 2019, I already planned to go to Thailand. I got hooked on the BL series, and other Thai movies and series, and the country has great architecture too, so I was thinking maybe it's better if I experienced it myself. I mean, why not? It's not bad to dream. But then a pandemic hit, and my country got locked down for years. Then in 2021, I decided that I would make it this time and plan it and make it happen. I was certain that I would go after my graduation (but really, I was anxious about whether I was going to graduate or not, lol kidding). So I started planning the budget and started saving from my allowance.

 
Fast forward. The month of May 2022 came. I had already saved money and now decided to buy a plane ticket. Our graduation date was tentative and kept on being postponed. First it was random dates in June and then July first week. So I chose the last weeks of July. I kept waiting for cheaper flights but ended up buying a more expensive one. Zzzz. Anyway, I already have the ticket and have prepared my things; clothes, essentials, and all the documents and requirements needed. I was able to prepare a Thailand Pass ahead of time, but then it was announced on July 1st that it’s not needed anymore. Well, I was really prepared. I bought my travel insurance from AXA that covers COVID-19, my roundtrip plane ticket, and my hotel from booking.com (it was a 1 week hotel stay, a fake one). Just to show to immigration because the real purpose is to spend two days in Bangkok and then travel to other parts of Thailand and then get back to Bangkok for the last two days. I said I was just going to be in Bangkok and explore there. Sssshhh.

My cousin Hive account@jeennicious kept giving me heads up about the do’s and don’ts tips she got from Hive account@explorewithsasha (at that time I didn’t know her yet hehe). To be honest, it was really helpful. If not for these two, I would be offloaded and crammed, lol. I was nervous but was sure I had everything I needed and was prepared.
 
The day came for my travel, but before anything else, I prayed for my safety during travel. I was really nervous. My cousin, Hive account@jeennicious, was with me going to the airport.

We had dinner together, and we both laughed because I said I was going to eat a light meal, but ended up eating a heavy one. We called it "pretentious" dinner. Haha. I kept telling her I was very nervous, but she wasn’t nervous for me and assured me that I could make it. I bid goodbye to Jenny and we hugged. After that, I then boarded my flight going to Manila; it was my layover there.

My flight got delayed, so I waited for another hour.

I arrived in Manila at around 10 in the evening. My flight going to Bangkok is at 5 in the morning the next day. The airport terminal 3 was huge, and I was fascinated by its structure. I got the chance to click some pictures. I waited for a few hours at the airport terminal, stayed at 7-Eleven, and watched Netflix to kill the time. Immigration is open at 1 in the morning. I didn’t sleep. I was really nervous.

The moment of truth I kept updating my father too, since the moment I traveled. He couldn't sleep, he was nervous too, and he kept on praying for me. (By the way, I told him I would travel to Thailand a few days after my graduation. Lol.) I fell in line for the immigration counter. Take note and my tip also: don’t use your phone and don’t keep on showing your phone during the interview to avoid suspicion or whatsoever. It is better to print all the important documents.The officer talked and asked some questions, but was not satisfied, so he made me fill out a form and asked to go to the back office for a second interview. That time, my heart was beating fast, but I kept my cool on the outside. I filled up the form , and another officer called out my name and interviewed me for tons of questions.

He asked if I had work. I said no, not yet. I am a recent graduate. Then he asked for more documents to show proof that I’m a recent graduate and that I am capable of traveling. Luckily, I had prepared those "other" documents just in case questions like that occurred. I showed him everything he asked for and wanted to see. I was lucky that my father was still awake for me to guide and give other documents needed too. And I was really firm and consistent with my answers. I told him that I would be alone traveling there(I am not really alone, ssshhh), a gift to myself, and just going to travel to Bangkok. That's it. He then went back to his office and said, I am going to be for verification, if I heard it right. This time, I guess I'm feeling a little more confident that I'll be able to get through it. Then he came back and asked me final questions and wrote down recommendations(if I read it right) at the bottom of the paper that I filled out. I had been there for an hour already.

Then he said, "Oh sya, makaka alis kana. Pero bumalik ka sa 29 ha? " - "Okay, you can travel now, but be sure to come back on the day of your return flight." And yes! I made it! My nervousness was drained and that feeling was replaced with fulfillment and so much joy. I thanked God in silence and closed my eyes for a few seconds (obviously, I was teary-eyed at that time but I was holding my tears). When I got out of the immigration office, I fell in line for final check-in. While in line, I got out my phone from my pocket and turned the data back on and viewed messages from Papa. I surprised him and sent him my passport showing the stamp to travel from immigration. He replied and sent me a long voice message. I typed, I’ll reply to him once I’m done with check-in. I collected my things and went on the nearest bench, seated, reading and listening to my father’s messages. I held back my tears, but yeah, I cried a little (there were many people). He was happy and cried, thanking God.

It was almost 3 in the morning, and after all of the happenings back at immigration, I felt hungry. So I ate before I went to my gate for boarding. I still had an hour left.

After eating, I went to my gate and waited. My father was still up and told me that he would sleep when the plane took off. I then boarded the plane and got settled in my seat. I messaged Papa that the plane was taking off, kept my phone, prayed and slept throughout the flight.

Thank you so much for taking the time all the way down here. It is greatly appreciated.

 
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_{Spontaneoussober} is an innate traveler, wanderer, adventurer, and free-spirited. She values independence and does what she wants when she wants. A lively and passionate woman who enjoys connecting with and empathizing with those around her..

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