I had meant to write a lot more than whatever I have done; I had grand plans for this blog, but the happenings on each trip has been so overwhelming, and I don’t feel like I have enough time nor space at home to really sit down and string all my thoughts into meaningful paragraphs.

And so… I didn’t. Oops.

I did actually write the part ii to my “becoming me” story, but because the first time round – after completion (yes omg sob) – I completely lost the entire draft, maybe wordpress glitched or something, I’m not sure but a few clicks and everything was gone and unrecoverable 😥 Yes, I was really sad. So it was hard to start again (I did, but I got lost as to how to structure it haha…)

Anyways…

I know I wrote about being homesick the last time round, but this time it is the same, if not worse…

It is, however, my last trip to Cambodia now, and my second last trip before my gap year (of trips and travelling) officially ends, so I guess it makes things much easier – in terms of making full use of my time here and also spending the “last bits” of time together with my friends over here. I mean, it is really just a way to psych myself not to feel so homesick and motivate myself to be livelier, but well, it works! haha

On the last trip, the homesickness kind of hit me hard because I did not expect it, but this trip I’m a little more prepared, so let me share some ways I try to make it easier for myself. 🙂 (my trips are usually ~3 weeks or longer)

1. Bring a pillow/ blanket/ blankey/ something to hold when you’re asleep
Something that smells or feels like home will definitely make homesickness a little better. I have brought my neck pillow and sleeping bag (just a big piece of cloth with a hole to slip into, so kinda like a blankey?) with me all over the world, and it helps a LOT, both in terms of having a piece of home with me, and also keeping me warm and keeping out mozzies hehe.

2. Bring your favourite food to eat when you miss home (preferably chocolate haha)
After typing “favourite food” I realised one may not be able to keep it for so long, oops. I really mean chocolate, hehe. I love chocolate, and when I’m home, I would reach for a square or two almost every day. Imagine how sad and deprived I would feel if I went three weeks or a month without chocolate – and away from home!!! So, I have been bringing a bar with me since the last trip, and I eat a square whenever I feel slightly down. It helps a lot!!! (Just remember to drink more water if you’re away in a hotter country like Cambodia, so you don’t get sick)

3. Bring drinks/ snacks that you have at home often
Well, this is kind of similar to the previous point but I don’t care, it’s different to me!!! I brought soya milk powder to drink when I feel I miss home extra much, because almost everyday I will have hot/ warm soya milk together with my breakfast, and it reminds me of home! 🙂

In fact, I just finished a cup and every sip just reminds me of home, which makes me happy but also weirdly empty at the same time…

4. Keep in contact with your friends and loved ones
This is an obvious one, to stay connected to those who feel like home will definitely make you feel less alone and (hopefully) less homesick 🙂 I message and video call my boyfriend every day, and talk to my best friend every other day (who is also in a similar gap year and feeling similar things haha), so we keep each other company and feel better together. If I had no internet connection or any way to contact my loved ones, I think I might just… wither away… slowly…

5. Keep yourself busy/ occupied
This helps a LOT. If you have tasks to complete every day, that is ideal, because you will have to keep your focus on that. If not, try to find things to keep yourself entertained – for me it is writing on my blog (lol), writing poetry/ songs (basically dumping my thoughts onto paper), practicing my handwriting (both left and right cause why not), reading and challenging yourself to finish a target amount by a certain time, et cetera.

My favourite time of the day would be the time from 5pm onwards, when I get a little time by myself and I just have to focus on preparing dinner 🙂

Well, this is all I have for now.

With all these thoughts and feelings dumped out here, let me take on the rest of the days with a positive and light heart and mind 🙂

Till next time, take care.
Bel

(countdown to home: 18 days; countdown to end of gap year: 45 days)