Exhalation by Ted Chiang: The Merchant & The Alchemist's Gate

What if you could travel back in time or see what's in the future? a lot of people would desperately want to return in the past and make different choices. Maybe for the better, because who would want to go back and make things worse? or maybe you could have a glimpse of what's ahead of you, if you'll make it, 20 or more years from now. Recently, I've finished the first story out of nine compelling short stories in Ted Chiang's book, Exhalation. The story revolves around a Portal through time, a merchant & an alchemist. Honestly, the whole book reminds me of the Netflix Series, Black Mirror.

A mind relieved

As I sat quietly in the kitchen with the laptop in front of me, I saw an email from the medical school that I'm now accepted as an incoming freshman for SY 2022 - 2023. Looking back 3 years ago, I was lost and I'm unsure. Now, even though it's not yet fully official (since I haven't enrolled yet) I've come to think of those past years full of worries and anxieties. 

Welcome 2022 & Goodbye 2021

I know it's quite late to greet everyone a "Happy New Year" because days gone so fast and it's already 5 days ago since we celebrated the start of this year. I really don't know if it's actually a "Happy" new year because like 2021, we're still facing a pandemic and some of us (including me) celebrated New year with a heavy heart because of losing some of the most important people in our lives. Some people would say that it's unlucky to start the year by being unhappy because you'll get sad for the rest of the year, but let's just be honest: 2021 is the worst year from start to finish. Although there are happy moments, the frustration and heartache that the pandemic has brought into our lives prevailed.

Sunday Serenity

I stayed for four days in my hometown and I feel happy & peaceful at the same time. I miss the sound of waves, the sea breeze, the clear blue skies, fresh air and the feeling of being barefoot in the sand. I woke up on Sunday early in the morning and went to the seashore, I waited for Mt. Mayon ( a perfect cone-shaped volcano) to show up and I got lucky while reading a book entitled "The Life of Pi" written by Yann Martel.

Bicol 2021

It's been quite a while since I had a vacation and unfortunately there's still a pandemic so it's strictly prohibited to travel and to follow safety protocols. Last week, our family had the chance to visit our hometown. I miss my relatives, the fresh air, the solitude that the nature brings and I'm excited to go out and travel after almost two years of home quarantine.