Reality shock

So... Here I am, sailing. Can't believe it's over. What a week! What two weeks...!

Let me go back to the October 9th to explain you why I have been so absent from the blog.

On the 9th, we received a worrying e-mail from the Dean of INSEAD, informing all students about Felix's critical situation. Felix, a German friend of mine, had a very serious diving accident that weekend and was in coma at the hospital, waiting for a helicopter to carry him from Malaysia back to Singapore. What a shock for all of us. All of a sudden, the fun, crazy, partyish, happy INSEAD took us back to real life. Accidents can actually happen. Even at INSEAD.

The following day, we had already created a booth on campus with pictures, cards and a booklet with messages of hope to share with Felix as soon as he woke up. His parents arrived in Singapore as soon as possible and have been wandering around since then, always hopeful, always cheerful.

As if the shocking news from our dear Felix were not enough, Gordinho, my beloved granny, died on Tuesday, the 11th. I was not prepared at all. As any morning in Singapore (evening in Portugal), I texted Mom, Dad, Mico and Gorda a lot in our WhatsApp group. We call it my "Morning Monologues". Told them about some plans I had for Mom and Dad in Singapore, told them I bought my flights back here after Christmas, and even told them that we had a cake to celebrate Chantal's and Shai's friendship on Facebook - they are respectively from Lebanon and Israel, so this is an historical fact worth celebrating. When they woke up, everyone read the messages, no one answered and Dad texted me directly, asking if we could FaceTime. I knew by then that something had happened and thought about Gordinho right away. Actually, I couldn't wait till my Accounting class finished. Left half time, called Dad, and then cried like a baby. My poor little Gordinho, who was getting old and more and more sensitive day by day... why did he leave? And why was I not closer to him and to the whole family in such a fragile moment for all of us?

I checked flights back home but would never make it to Aveiro in time for the funeral, so Mom, Dad and me decided I should stay in Singapore. My friends were awesome though. They kept texting me, giving me hugs, taking me out, etc., etc. Thomas even invited me to go for a second workout that day, and so did we. This kiddo starts to know me well. Going to the gym was the only thing that kind of took me out of the deep sadness I was in. Or, at least, distracted me for a while.

I tried to go back to the routine as soon as possible since, every time I would be by myself, I would cry. Study did not go as efficiently as usual, but I managed to stay at home as little as possible. I had flight tickets bought to Bankok that weekend. After internally debating, I decided to still go. I needed to get some fresh air.

Ironically enough, the Thai king died that Thursday (what a morbid week...) and Thailand declared national mourning. What did that mean? That meant that all entertainment events would be cancelled, that music was not allowed in bars or clubs, and that alcohol would be banned at least for a few days. I.e., I was on my way to a weird Bankok, but probably to a Bankok more appropriate for my mood.

It was a very nice weekend indeed. I stayed with the Portuguese crew at the W, thanks to consulting points once again. Dani is a great roommate, which is so convenient . We can laugh, have fun, gossip, hug each other or just stay silent very comfortably.

The first day, we went to the crowded Weekend Market, spotted the most important temples, and had Thai curry crab for lunch/ afternoon snack. Walked a lot and had a very decent day. Oh, we also learnt about how chaotic Bankok's traffic is. Gosh...! For dinner, our Thai classmate Udit took us to one of the nicest restaurants in town - an Argentinian steakhouse. I must confessed I complained about the fact that we were going to an Argentinian restaurant while in Thailand, but that place was damn good!

In the second day, we woke up to a rainy grey Bankok, and ended up having a very different day from the one before. I worked out while everyone was asleep. We all had a greaaaaat breakfast at the W, and then Dani and me left for a massage. Not a random massage though - a four hand Thai massage for each, in the same room, while listening to the thunderstorm and the rain outside. Such a nice massage!!!!!!!! Can't wait to have more Thai massages either this long weekend in Phuket or next weekend in Koh Samui with my Gorda. Following that, we had an amazing Thai lunch (Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Green Curry, fried rice, and more). I guess I don't have to tell you that I put on weight during those two days. To finish the day right, we visited Jim Thomson house, which was beautiful, and went to a gorgeous rooftop bar before heading to the airport. Can you imagine how weird is a fancy 66th-floor rooftop bar without music or alcoholic drinks?

Our flight was supposed to leave Bankok at 11 pm and arrive in Singapore around 2 am. However, it got very delayed and we only arrived home around 4:30 am. And there we were, back to reality on a Monday morning (a usual feeling we have since we started our MBA). The problem was that that was the last week of P1, meaning we had to deliver all the final assignments and get ready for 5 exams in 3 days (Monday to Wednesday of the following week).

I can tell you it was not a very pleasant experience. I stayed on campus from 6 am in the morning until around midnight everyday for one week. Studied a lot and didn't move much, but managed to workout everyday and eat properly. Exams could have gone better but didn't go bad at all, so I cannot complain. I did learn quite a lot during this study week (not mentioning all I learnt throughout the P), and that was my main goal.

And now, here I am, on a boat, living like a princess...

Sorry for the absence on the blog. A blog on the amazing boat trip to follow very, very soon!