My Christmas in Italy

Just got back from my Italy trip. It was tiring but an adventure nonetheless. Met a lot of new people along the way. Strangers at first but our common love for travelling and the fact that we are living (in Europe) away from the people we love made us friends right away. Specially at a time where you should be with family, Christmas.

Christmas wasn't all that bad. Aside from the drama of missing being away from my family and being torchured by seeing families during the season, I was having the time of my life.

I started in Rome. Stayed there for 5 days. In hindsight, I should have tried taking a train somewhere else since 5 days was too much for Rome. The highlight was seeing the Pope and attending the Christmas Eve mass INSIDE the St. Peter's Basilica. How awesome it that? Thanks to P, for getting me in. The experience was so surreal, words cannot explain. Also followed the Angels and Demons trail which made me feel like Robert Langdon. I Spent 2 days with the merchants of Venice and made an impromptu day trip to the land of  Romeo and Giulietta in fair Verona. I missed out on Pisa and Florence. I should do that next time.

Spent a few hours in Brussels. Checked out the peeing statue and had my hair cut. I have yet to taste Belgian chocolate and drink Belgian beer. Maybe next time.

Six Flags Roller Coasters

When I went to LA last October i went to six flags and rode almost all the roller coasters there. Just wanted to share some of the coaster I rode. Mindblowing and totally awesome!

Tatsu: Highest, Longest, Lying roller coaster in the world. Got really scared with this coaster. Specially while ascending at the start.

Goliath: On of the tallest ones in the US. The first drop goes straight to this black tunnel. The coaster is like a shot straight down to hell.

Superman Escape: From 0 to 100MPH, 'nuff said. Fighter jet?

Viper: The best during its glory days during the early 90's. Hehehe.

I miss New York

I miss New York. I feel that there is so much to be discovered in that city. Though, I've only been there for five amazing days, I feel that it has already won me over. Just finished watching Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, a movie set around the streets of the Big Apple, and yes it brought me wanting New York more (just like any other show about this place). How I wish to be there this moment. Or maybe not... I don't think I can stand the cold. :(

Unique New York. Unique New York. Unique New York. Unique New York.

USA 2008

I cant believe that my trip is finally coming to a close. Yes, I've stayed here for a month now, but it doesn't seems that long. Although, I'm ready to go home. I think that I was able to do the things that I planned on doing -- and more. This trip exceeded my expectations and I recommend that everyone should at least try going on a trip like this once in their life. This trip not only got me traveling but also allowed me to reconnect with friends, family and myself. A big chuck of the things I'll treasure throughout this trip are the bonds formed -- old and new. Something significant to put on the books.

Yes, I've fulfilled my dream of going to New York but what's special is that I got more than just that. It's a bit cheesy but I wanted to know myself more throughout this trip. Challenge my independence and be comfortable being alone and being with others too. I did. I got to realize some things I wouldn't even think of because of life got in the way.

The possibility of studying here and taking up an M.A. came up too. An unexpected opportunity that I'll grab and work on once I get back in Manila.

When you reach a certain age, really, we're all the same. Enough of the awkwardness of meeting people older or younger than you. Even people I hardly new. It's surprising how you can make something memorable out of the conversations you have over a dinner or breakfast.

Now was that chance to deepen friendships. No regrets. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with a life that allows me take this trip. Everyone I met here will forever be part of this quarter life adventure chapter of my life.

P J D Ma Me O T C S Pe B L Jo Jh E Ja... Thanks for making this trip the best! I love you all!

Obama '08

I'm not an avid follower of Philippine more so American politics but I feel so lucky to have witnessed American history unfold while I was here. His victory has won not only American minorities such us Blacks, Asian, Latinos but also opened doors for people like us in Asia to not be afraid to dream. Yes we can make a difference. It's nice to be able to be part of this era and to have lived to wintess this unfold during our time.

Roller coasters and good friendships

Spent a day with P at Magic Mountain today. It was fun. We got to ride almost all the rides they have. Exag. More than that, it's fun because we got to talk a lot. We had a lot of time to talk about different things, actually -- despite the many rides we've ridden. It's nice how better a conversation is when there's only two of you. As Philo would go, mas matinag at mas may talab kung dalawa lang ang nag-uusap. I like how we were able to catch up on things and realize how much I can know more about him after all the years we've been magkabarkada. Specially now that we're older and been living separate lives (He being based here while I stay back home). It's true, from my previous post, to say that no matter how much we've changed as persons, our friendship will never change. He's a real friend and I'm glad we are.

Halloween at Simi Valley

I joined my nephew out for trick or treating today. Was able to get a feel of the Americana culture of this holiday. My nephew is 7 years old. He's falls on the lower bracket of the Halloween franchise, so the trick or treating is G rated. It didn't last long. I joined them, along with the other parents, go to around just a block of houses. After that, everyone went back to the 'host's' house where the adults socialized drank some alcohol and ate some chili while the kids played with each other in one of the rooms there.

My cousin introduced me to the folks there and they were very accommodating. They don't get a lot of Asian visitors around that predominantly white neighborhood. It's funny how one of them remarked how good my English was. Just goes to show how less she knows about Filipinos. There was another lady who figured out that I was Filipino, because of how I speak. Her sister in law is a Filipina and she can only say nice things of her. And there was this guy too who was embarrassed to tell me that he hasn't traveled as far over to the east.

I remember this book about the 10 Things you can do to help the Philippines and one of the things there was to speak highly of our country to other nationalities. I'm a proud Filipino and the world should know that people from our country are well educated and good natured. I'm glad I did my motherland proud a while ago.

San Francisco Weekend

Love the weather! I can't rave about it enough. I came in a good time they say. The sun and the breeze was just right.

J toured me around the first day I arrived. We went to Alcatraz and walked by the pier area. Got the I heart SF shirt I planned on buying. Only shirt left now for this trip is the I heart LA shirt. I hope I can grab one before I leave. Ate at famous Mitchell's ice cream. I only see them on Discovery Travel until now.

Stayed at T's couch for the weekend. So nice to see her and her husband C, now with their eight month old baby. She is the cutest. Very obediant and stress free baby. T is still the T I know-- Only now she's a mommy. Auntie C must be so proud of her.

Was able to catch up with E too. Spent the afternoon walking around Union Square.

The trip was just right. Of course, I wished I could have stayed longer. No stress.

Masters

Getting financial aid seems harder than I initially thought. It's a deal breaker. I don't know if its too much to ask, but I'd only go for full scholorship (sponsorship) or nothing. I hope my everything turns out well and fall into place. Right now everything feels so daunting.

University of San Francisco

Just went to their website. Found the an M.A. program that interests me. M.A. in Organization and Leadership. Saw USF too while I was here. Apparently my cousin T and his husband C graduated from here. It's a Jesuit school too in the west coast (where the weather is much warmer). But of course, Georegtown can still be something else. Still contemplating on what to do with my life.

East Coast Top 10 (random order)

NYC
1. Getting lost in the subway
2. Going home to the Bronx at 230am
3. Coney Island Boardwalk
4. Hole in the wall restaurants
5. Times Square lights
6. Chinese take-out dinner
7. Street and Subway performers
8. Walking and walking some more
9. Behind the scene tours
10. Street Food

DC/Maryland
1. National Monuments
2. Union Station
3. Driving in Maryland
4. Jefferson Memorial
5. Seeing Philippine references in the monuments
6. .15 cent wings
7. DC by night
8. Air and Space museum
9. Zorba's restaurant
10. Oli's house and Mela's Apartment

Washington DC

Just visited some friends in DC to cap off my east coast leg. I feel bad because I wish I could stay longer. I don't miss the weather there, though. Now I know what they mean by Fall attire. I overheard a guy based in DC commented that the shift to fall was the most abrupt change he has ever experienced. Question is, will I ever get used to the east coast weather if I finally decide to study there?

What a dilemma. Visiting the east coast has opened doors for me to try and consider taking my M.A. there. Most of my friends that I visited there are/were studying there, so I saw a part of me in them while hearing their stories both good and bad. Haay, what to do. I went to the Georgetown website and I saw the perfect course for me. M.A. in Leadership. It was really scary because while reading the course write-up, it seemed like it was talking to me. Describing me.

My friends J and M are encouraging me to grab the opportunity that will definitely change my life. A part of me wants to but a part of me doesn't. Mainly because of the impact studying has on the life I'm already living. I think this will change me-- I know it will. I know it will change me for the better. I just want to do a lot of things and I'm sure taking an M.A. will bring in more things since I will surely see the world a new. I think I have to really think hard and discern before I make my decision.

Back in DC, I met up with my old officemate O. We spent the day touring the monuments while catching up on the things back home. Me being there served as a refreshing break for him since he misses everyone back home. Back in his house in Maryland, I drove for the first time. Not bad. I'm still a nervous US driver, though. I couldn't stay long. I wish I could stay longer.

New York New York

As a first time new york traveller, I travelled like there was no tomorrow. I didn't let my legs bother me from walking at an average of 30 blocks a day. That could be nothing to the typical yorker but that's just far over the walking rate of a manilenyo.

Got the NYC Pass and a 7 day unlimited Metro Card to move around. Getting lost was part of the adventure which can be correlated to the average blocks that I walk everyday. Nevertheless, it was still so much fun.

Very happy tired right now.

Big Apple!

Finally, I'm in New York. Took the Greyhound bus at 1:10am from Washington DC. Had Greek dinner at Zorbas, Yoghurt dessert at Yogato and walked around DC with M. DC by night is something to experience. Got to see the White House and the Mall all lit up. The weather was perfect. Surprisingly warmer than usual according to her.

Slept most of the trip going to NY. Good timing because when I woke up what seemed to be out my window was the skyline of NY. Was that the Chrysler Building? Am I really here? Grabe, it's all so surreal.

P picked me up at 6am and we walked around Times Square and Central Station. Of course, we had to take pictures. I did the 'Hiro Nakamura' pose in Times Square. I just had to! It was fun walking around that early in the morning. The sun was not out yet, so i seemed like night time still without the people. Even saw the set 'Good Morning America'.

I'll be going to the Bronx Zoo later. Good timing because Wednesday is FREE entrance day. Might go to Central Park after lunch. We'll see.

So far, I'm having the time of my life!

Hollywood!

Went to Hollywood today and took in the 'celebrity-ness' of the place. Been there before but this time around it was really different since I'm much older and I appreciate it more. (I can associate Hollywood more with the movies and shows I watch) I'm pretty sure that I'll continue to have this feeling as I tour around the states.

Going back to Hollywood. We we're looking for a place to park and we ended up on the underground parking of the famous Kodak Theater! Funny because that was where we were headed. I didn't see any celebrity, though. Only celebrity look alikes wearing these downgraded costumes. I saw Batman in his tatered outfit and a thinner version of Superman among others. Supergirl came up to me. I saw Darth Vader, Marilyn Monroe, and Nacho Libre look alikes too.

Walking around Hollywood and seeing places like the Kodak Theater and Roosevelt Hotel felt so surreal. I'm actually here seeing the places I only see on TV or in the Movies. This is the real shiz.

I had so much fun walking around and reeling in whatever the place has to offer. I love that feeling. The feeling of being on vacation.

Kodak Theater

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Saw a 90210 ad

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Jimmy Kimmel Live

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Darth Vader talking to Marilyn Monroe

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Roosevelt Hotel

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Chinese Theater

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Victoria Secret Angels

From LA DAY 0 and 1

Finally here!

Yey! Arrived earlier than expected. Apparently the winds were strong making it faster for the plane to get to LA faster. Just woke up. I purposely tried not to sleep during the trip so that I won't get jet lagged as much.

My Uncle and Aunt's place is near downtown LA. On the way there, I saw the Disney Theater and Staple's Center.

I got my T-Mobile phone running. Thanks to sir M.

The plan today is to go around Hollywood and Rodeo Drive. Tomorrow, I'll be flying to DC first thing in the morning.

Countdown

Almost done and I'm ready to leave for my quarter life adventure. Bought myself a black notebook so that I can put down notes on my trip. The goal is to write something in central park, and in all the other parks I go to. Drama music full volume. Senti mode on. Hahaha. R, this one's for you. We were just talking about my trip and what I'll do in NY. Didn't bother buying a moleskin notebook anymore. It would have completed the whole 'introspective traveler' look.

Psyched for my trip

Prepping for my trip is like catching a taxi during rush hour. Seems like I barely got the time to really get things together because of the demands of my work. It never ends. The only way to end it is to leave it all together with a prized vacation. I'm leaving in a few days for the adventure of this quarter life. I'm leaving for the states and I can't wait. After all, I deserve this vacation. I earned it every sweet minute of it. Traveling alone has never been this exciting for me. Come to think of it, this is the very first time that I'm traveling alone (on a vacation). I feel like I'll be embarking on this 'discovery travel' like trip and I'm the host.

Since I'm considering this as one of the legendary trips that I'll be making in my lifetime, I plan to blog away and immortalize this in cyberspace for my future grand kids to hopefully stumble upon in the future.

Keep posted.