Back in Bratislava

Yup, I'm back... but only for a short while. :) This is a short, two week trip to renew our work permits. A short, two week trip that gave me (and my teammates) an opportunity to take a trip to Rome before flying back to Manila on the 6th of April.

First, the flight from Manila to Dubai was uneventful, barely even a trace of turbulence which was great. Upon reaching Dubai, we headed over to the Skywards lounge and spent the next few hours waiting for our connecting flight to Vienna. It's my first time in an airport lounge, and I have to say it was quite relaxing. And there was food so we didn't go hungry while waiting.

But the best part of the trip was when we were checking in at the gate for the Dubai-Vienna flight. You see, we were upgraded to business class! I can never sleep on flights but the reclining seats and the noise canceling earphones made it possible for me to catch a few zzzs before reaching Vienna. I love business class! But if I had to point out one thing I didn't like about it, it's that the food service is longer, since they serve appetizers, main course and dessert separately. The only reason I'm complaining about that is because I would have rather just reclined in my seat and slept. Take note, I have been up for a full 24 hours by that time. But I'm sure I would have enjoyed the meal more, had I not been so sleep deprived.

But my lucky streak didn't end there, when we reached the hotel and I checked in, I was given the exact room I wanted, the same room I stayed for 3 months in, last year, without me even having to ask. It was a very lucky coincidence. So I was immediately 'at home' when I got to the hotel room.

Then a few of us trooped over to Billa to buy some water and things to eat for dinner. When we got back, I spent a few minutes chatting with family and friends before I decided to go back down to the lobby to have my drinks exchanged.

It was at this point my luck probably ran out. On my way back up, the elevator got stuck between the 2nd and the 3rd floors. All the floor buttons were flashing and non-responsive and I didn't know what to do. I was alone, slightly claustrophobic, with no cellphone, and paranoia was starting to set in. But I was able to stay calm and had enough sense to press the button with a bell on it. It emitted this high pitched, chirpy kind of sound that I wasn't sure could even be heard outside. I did that like 4 or 5 times hoping someone would hear. I didn't want to yell or anything, I mean, I didn't really think I was in any danger. Then suddenly, all the lights turned off and I was in pitch black darkness! If I was able to keep calm before, I was quickly losing that battle. I do not like small, dark, confined spaces. But thankfully, it didn't last long, I think the elevator was 'reset' and it went back down to the basement. As soon as it opened, I quickly went up to the lobby and reported it to the receptionist. Apparently, the elevator does that some times, and I was just 'lucky' to have experienced it. I found out the next day that it does happen quite a lot, and there's really no need to panic.

The whole ordeal probably lasted only about 3 minutes, but I still won't be taking any elevator rides alone in the near future. I guess that's just the fates way of telling me I should take the stairs. :P

Well, that's it. Today was just a regular work day, and I wasn't stuck in any elevators so I have nothing else to say. I'm still deciding what I'm going to be doing on the weekend. I could go shopping... or rather, malling coz I really don't want to spend much during this trip. Or I could go to Vienna with Ivy... decisions, decisions. Not complaining though, I'm very fortunate to be here and I can't help but look forward to Rome. It's my absolute dream European destination. I hope I don't get too emotional when I get there...I'd be mortified if I cried. Hahaha!

Anyway, I have laundry to do... till next post. :)

On Watching the Watchmen

I really liked this movie...I've been 'warned' by some people that I might not enjoy it since I'm not familiar with the story/graphic novel, but I think that actually worked to my benefit.

What ensued was a weave of stories flashing back and forth to show us the lives of these superheroes. And of course, how it relates to the central plot of the world being on the brink of nuclear war, and with a 'the end justifies the means' moment that was slightly predictable but still unsettling. It's a long movie, (approx 2h40mins), but it was entertaining enough to keep from dragging.

The only thing I didn't like much, was how Laurie Jupiter acted. Actually, she didn't bother me so much while I was watching it, but when my sister pointed the fact out while we were discussing it, I agreed with her. She wasn't terrible, just okay. Not unlike the rest of the Watchmen who were totally absorbed in their roles. My favorite was Rorschach, How could I not like him? He was totally bad-ass. :D

Warning to the squeamish...it has some very graphic, brutal scenes. But hey, it is from a graphic novel right?

I have to reiterate, I really liked this movie... I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you're looking for something worth the price of your admission ticket, the running time alone should make it worthwhile. Who knows, you might actually enjoy it as much as I did. :)

Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon. - Rorschach