The two days in Bangkok was the final cherry to the top of girls swimming experience in Asia. I was close to cry when I looked at them in action in those two days. I am inspired by their commitment, hardworking, and courage to be competing with the best junior swimmers from Asia international schools. Over 600 kids (8-15) joined the event. I have tons of pics but can’t share as there are other kids.
We arrived Friday 8pm at our Manila friend’s house. Her daughter also participated the event, and her house was 3 min walking distance to the school, so it was super convenient and great that Sofia reconnected with her manila friend. We used to hang out a lot.
The first day was from 7am-4pm and second day 7-1pm. All the parents wore school team shirt, cheering for the kids. It was such a wonderful camaraderie and team spirit experience. The enthusiasm of proud parents, even if their kids didn’t win anything, was contagious and made me very emotional. I also love how the coaches were very attentive of the kids and gave me feedback after each event.
Sofia did very well in most of events, beating her PBs, but didn’t win anything as expected. Instead of feeling defeated, she was inspired to want to do more and better. I can tell how she was enjoying the event with her teammates. I love seeing her swim, especially backstroke with grace, “perfect-to-me” form, and power. LOVE LOVE it.
Lizzy did okay, not great, few PBs. She was the youngest swimmer in her school team so I am very proud of her. She said she was disappointed which is a good sentiment for her in particular, so she knows she needs to do more.
It was also great to connect with our friend from Manila. We did our update chat while jogging. She’s an ultra-trail runner, at age 50.
Few things that surprised me, despite I thought our life circumstances are similar.
- Her husband decided not to come to Bangkok with her, so she’s living with two kids alone. She’s not happy about it but has accepted it.
- The daughter L, Sofia’s age, wants to go to boarding school for high school. And the reason? To meet with rich people so she can be rich later. WHAT???
- When the host asked Sofia what type of job she wants when she grow up, Sofia said “my mom’s job”. Then I asked L what about her. L: anything but my mom’s job. I was SHOCKED as we work at the same place!!!
It was interesting to see how despite similar background and working and lifestyle, our take on our life, which impacts our kids’ perception would be so different.
We got back Jakarta Sunday midnight, met my mom at the airport and got home 1am. Kids went to school the next day, and I took flight to Brasilia in the afternoon. Things didn’t go as planned though as I wasn’t able to take Cookie with me. Why? because the cage did not comply with airline rules. WTF!!! will report back what we do next, I am quite stressed about this situation. My mind is so scattered now, especially after 36 hrs of travel with little sleep.
I am writing this from Brasilia, let the jet lag begins again!
Despite all the ups and downs, I am extremely grateful for everything, even the bumpy rides we go through. Everything will be fine, one way or the other, I’ll find the way to bring everyone, including the cat to Brasilia and we will settle soon. 🙂
Our New Journey 
Sofia and Lizzy did so well! It’s wonderful that all three of you had such a great time in Bangkok. Their hard work and team spirit really shine through.
Haha, L’s boarding school comment made me smile. Funny how kids see the world sometimes!
So sorry about Cookie – I hope you find a solution soon!
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Way to go girls! That’s awesome, Coco!
Isn’t it interesting what other people’s life perspectives are? Such an interesting world.
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Oh man, I bet the Cookie situation is stressful. Were you by yourself? Sometimes even just having to pay for extra baggage can be annoying, so I am sure this is really a pain! I am glad that you made it to Brasilia in one piece though and I am sure you are excited to get moving forward with your next chapter!
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I was so annoying about not being able to take cookie with you! You’ve had some whirlwind weeks with lots of travel! Do you stay in Brasília now going forward or do you have to fly back to Indonesia?
It will be so hard to live apart from your spouse! But it would also be hard to have your spouse’s job change locations every several years!! But I think you would know that going into the marriage?
Neither Phil or I plan to encourage our children to go into asset management! Our industry is struggling so much with fee compression. So we’re always trying to do more with less resources, there’s always layoffs, etc., etc. and I think it will only get worse.
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I’m here alone for two weeks and then go back to travel with the family together for final relocation. My husband didn’t know that we would be living around when we got back together but it was a joined decision to go to the field. After first experience in Manila, we don’t want to go back anymore. We like this life style. this wouldn’t be viable if my husband is not on board.
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