planning in progress

wow! i didnt know that planning for a backpacking trip would be so time consuming, with all the small details that you need to take into consideration so as to ensure a smooth trip. i'm finally done with the spain, listing out all the possible activities(read: day trips, attractions) and accommodation.

yes, talking about accommodation, let me take this opportunity to address an issue that has been raised by a certain relative of mine. i do know that in Islam, it is wrong for a man and woman who are not mahram to go out, what more stay together(read: hostel room with mixed dorms). yes, i do know this, and so does my parents. so why cant you just inform instead of educating my mama regarding this matter? without you knowing, you have in fact hurt my mama's feelings due to the tone and words that you use to address this issue. tsk. in today's context, it is very hard to not mingle with the person of the other sex. i understand your concerns. do take a step back and reflect. didnt you realise that this matter is also occuring there. how sure are you that your son, who resides at the uni hostel doesnt mix freely with people of the other sex? well, have you seen the pictures of him and his friends on facebook? i doubt you have. at least we asian know our limits. we have values and traditions that we hold on true dearly.

i'm glad that my parents are ever so supportive. there was never a time when they said no to whatever i wanted. well, ok maybe on a few occasions. anyway, what really matter most is that my parents trust me. i guess it is hard to find parents who are willing to let their child travel halfway around the globe aith a stranger he made friends with on an online travel forum. well, i consider myself lucky. (:

to solve this problem, i've informed min that it would be in my interest if we could stay in separate gender dorms. n i'm really glad to have a friend who understands my situation.

ps. i may consider staying in uni hall nxt yr.

mus