Spanish Trip - Barcelona

I am a hopeless romantic. I love watching cheesy flicks that make me coo "Awwww" and "Ayieee". So, I have to admit that Kathniel's movie "Barcelona A Love Untold" vicariously hit me, even though I am not a fan of this famous love team in our country. When I found 52-hour Madrid layover in my roster, I immediately thought of going to Barcelona. I know I would not have the chance to obtain that romantic scene seen on the movie in real life, but at least I could experience a little of it through visiting the place itself.

On December 28, 2016, we woke up very early for the cab would pick us up at 5:30 a.m. We took a direct high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Barcelona. December is a peak tourist season, thus, the tickets we purchased online were pricey. It got us to the Spanish capital in under 3 hours.

First stop on our itinerary was, of course, the top attraction, La Sagrada Familia designed by Antoni Gaudi. I won't lie. I am not aware of the history of this unfinished church. But... But... I got this giddy feeling. Yes, I know that it is caused by the movie. This is the place where Daniel Padilla's character proposed to Kathryn Bernardo's. We probably mooched around for 2 hours.

We stopped over in another masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, the Casa Mila or La Pedrera. It is said to be the last civil work he diseigned. We then drifted to Dreta de l'Eixample where we found Plaça de Catalunya. This plaza is surrounded by monumental buildings. At the time, it was a busy square. There were entertainers, rides, and other activities. I had fun watching kids playing with their parents, especially the Snow Ball machine.

Afterwards, we lost track. We could not find the destinations listed on our travel itinerary. We hopped into the cable car in Montjuic with an expectation of taking us to La Barceloneta. However, one staff gave us confusion. We ended up chilling at Port Vell without knowing that La Barceloneta is just 15-min walk. Sadly, we were not able to see the sandy beach. We just convinced ourselves that we would not enjoy due to the cold weather. Haha! But hey! The view from the cable car was breathtaking.

We just kept on swanning. We stopped by Camp Nou Stadium, which is out of the list. Luckily, there was an ongoing small event. We finished watching the wheelchair racing then left. Our last stop was Placa d'Espanya. This is where we hoarded souvenirs.

We could have seen Parc de l'Espanya Industrial if we had enough time. But we needed to be back to the station to catch our trip.

We missed many tourist attractions. One whole day is not enough. I may not have the opportunity to return to this vibrant capital anymore, but I will have these memories I can always recall.

Spanish Trip - Madrid

We arrived in Madrid early morning of December 27, 2015. The weather was fine. Its level of temperature was totally tolerable. We stayed at Hotel Hisperia Madrid. Breakfast buffet would be a nice start. We took a rest afterwards, then off we went to wander.

I was very glad to share this layover with my batchmate, Fatima. Both of us took a tour of Madrid. Fatima is from Zamboanga. Her Chavacano dialect resembles Spanish language. I was so amazed that she could communicate with the locals. Her dialect saved us from getting lost.

Our first stop was Puerto del Sol. Many tourists were walking here and there. There was a giant Christmas tree at the center. We just took pictures with the statue and bear with the strawberry tree. We continued walking util we reached Plaza Mayor. Here we confirmed that there was an occasion (but we did not ask what it is), hence, the crowd. There was a bazaar at the center. Street entertainers like magicians, dancers, and mascots were showcasing their talents.

We visited the world's oldest restaurant, Restaurante Sobrino de Botin. We thought of dining in, however, the manager told us that we should have a reservation. A picture taken in front of it was enough for us. Haha! There was a restaurant next to it where we had our dinner. When in Spain, eating paella is a must! To cap off the night, we looked for the famous Chocolateria San Gines. We heard they make the yummiest churos in town. We were stunned by the long queue. Wow! Many tourists would patiently fall in line for this. And we were one of them. Haha!

We returned to the hotel to get more zzz's for we had to wake up early for our 2nd day of Spanish trip. It's Barcelona this time. Click this link to see my memories in Barcelona: Spanish Trip - Barcelona

First Layover in Year 2017 - Colombo

I wanted my body to have a rest from the freezing weather of Europe and USA. I liked to get rid of those bulky thermal jackets, boots and scarves and be carefree with flowy dresses. Colombo, which is very rare in our lines, is the best option. Thus, I gave precedence to this destination during January roster bidding and I luckily got it.

I've known Colombo for its beautiful beaches. When we had our short layover on January 4-5, 2017, I was amazed to discover its richness in colonial heritage.

We stayed at the huge and lovely Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The crew are so accommodating and friendly. I felt like I am in Cochi, India. I had a sumptuous seafood lunch with my witty colleague, Jescel. Once we filled our tummy, we took a "tuktuk" or an auto rickshaw to go to Gangaramaya Temple. It was just 5-min away from the hotel.

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, according to the locals. It's a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence.

We studied Buddhism before. I like the Buddhist philosophy. Quotes of Buddha are inspiring. As they say, you may not be religious, but you can be spiritual. It teaches people to yearn for something more than a life of materialism, for something that gives deeper meaning and happiness, for something they describe as “spiritual". So, seeing devotees doing their form of devotion to Buddha in the temple gave me chills.

We headed back to the hotel afterwards. We swam and unwind in the pool bar for a while then went back to our rooms for a relaxing sleep.

Colombo displays the best and worst the country has to offer. Colombo is worth a visit. Hoping to see the beach side of the city.

Letter to the girl who'll love him next

To the girl who'll love him next,

Tonight, I stumbled across old photos. I asked myself, "What if one day I see a picture of you and him?"

I know you will come into his life anytime soon. Perhaps, after a year, or a few months... But is it okay if I ask you to please don't come too soon? Because honestly... I am not ready yet. I am not ready to see him being with you. I am not ready to see him smile because of you. I guess, in a way, never will I be, despite all things have happened.

But he deserves all the happiness in the world. So, one of these days, I know you will finally meet each other. Sure, you will fall in love with him for he is the most amazing person. Before his world completely revolves around you, please allow me to say these things to you...

He is a busy person who works at night. Both of you might work opposite shifts. Don't get mad if he does not text you on breaks or once he arrives home. He feels tired and sleepy that he goes to bed right away. Don't forget to remind him to take his vitamins for he always forgets.

He is very hardworking and goal-oriented. However, there are times that he needs to slow down. Invite him to unwind on weekends. Perhaps, drive to some surf spots. He's been wanting to try surfing.

Generosity is the best thing you will see in him. He will do anything for anyone. He doesn't say no. Please do not take advantage of that.

Are you a ticklish person? He will fondle your tummy until he falls asleep. I do not know why but it's the sleeping habit he formed. Control your giggles, so you won't wake him up.
He will sometimes get jealous. Kiss him to let him know he is loved.

Could you please cook seafood pasta for him? It's something he had been requesting me to cook but never granted. Just put some chili powder 'coz he loves spicy.

He makes an effort. Too much effort that he'll pursue you avidly, even you two already got the official title. If he has to drive for 4 hours just to be with you, he will. Don't be surprised if you'll see him handing you your midnight cravings.

When you feel insecure, he will reassure you that you're beautiful. When painful circumstances come about, he will give you a safe haven. He will not make you feel less, but he will make you feel loved.

In this rapacious world, he was able to prove love can be unconditional. And you're lucky because you'll be receiving his unconditional love.

I’m sorry for all of the baggage I have left him with. You may not be his first, but I pray that you'll be his last. Yes, it's a painful wish, but I don't want to see him in tears again because that will hurt me more. I beg you never to hurt him.

I swear that once you have him, you’ll never have to ask God for anything ever again. Please take care of him.


Sincerely,
The girl from his past

Second Asian Tour - Singapore

My job is to hop from city to another city. I may literally not have holidays, but every layover feels like one. Not just a holiday where I spend it in bed or go to malls. Nuh! My holiday means in front of the Eiffel Tower, a dinner at a restaurant in Time Square, and a deep sleep in queen-sized bed at Sofitel Heathrow in London. It sounds grandiose, right? But do you know what's in my mind each time I experience this grandeur? I think about my family. I keep whispering to myself, "I hope one day I can bring my family here."

Since I am just starting to establish a career, I could not give them a vacation as spendiferous as I get from my airline. I thought of bringing them to somewhere vibrant and to where they could wind down from their daily routine in the Philippines. I chose the New York of Asia, the Singapore. This is the city I've been wanting to go to with my family after we had a leisure time at HongKong in 2013. I wanted to see Universal Studios next to Disney Land. Yay! Hop back to our trip to Hong Kong through this link: First Asian Tour .

Also, this is considered as birthday treat for my little sister and Papa. I made sure that we would be there on my sister and Papa's birthdays (September 10 and 11). Thus, we stayed there from September 9 until September 12. It made me a bit sad for we went there without my ate, her husband, and my 2 nephews. They were in Riyadh at the time.

This whole trip is adult-friendly. Yes, I was travelling with my sister and 3 adults (mama, papa, and my Uncle June). My uncle has a heart problem, so long walk is not allowed. If everyone walks to get to Singapore's MRT, we take a cab passing by the location. I limited our itinerary to what is doable by their strength. Our time was not maximized. The gloomy/rainy weather in Singapore even turned them into bed burrito. Haha! They would wake up at 9 am or 10. Oh my! Haha!

First day was just spent by sleeping in the hotel and dining at a fine-dining Chinese restaurant.

Second day, my sister's birthday, was the most exciting and amusing day. You sure know where it is - Universal Studios Singapore. I was full of life and pep. I sang, I danced, I shouted, I jumped for joy. I sooo love themed parks! Of course, the first thing we did was the mandatory photo op in front of the iconic emblem of Universal Studios. Upon entering, the Hollywood zone welcomed us. I took a picture with my BFF, Marilyn Monroe. Lol! We continued to Madagascar street. We had lunch at a fast-food chain sited at the Far Far Away zone. We made our wat to Lost World, the. Ancient Egypt. My sister and I took a few extreme rides. I believe the 3 adults enjoyed the Jurassic Park Rapid Adventure to the fullest. We lost our energy when we reached the Sci-Fi zone, that we all just wanted to eat and return to hotel. We later found out that Transformers. The Ride situated there is the most thrilling one and we did not experience it. Haha!

Third day, Papa's birthday, was spent with some relatives, Kuya Justin, Kuya Adam and his family. It was a long, tiring day. I wonder how my parents and uncle survived it. We went to our relative's house. Uber took us to Merlion and Marina Bay. After a chitchat over a cup of coffee at Starbucks, we moved forward to Gardens by the Bay. We wrapped up the night with a satisfying dinner at the Orchard.

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The next morning, we woke up at around 11 am. Everyone was dead tired. We just had a breakfast then headed to the airport.

Our itinerary was limited, but we maximized our experience. Where shall I take the adults next? Hihi!