This is not about London

As I watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics early this morning, I can ' t   help  but remember my travel to London in 2001. That trip was a realization, that indeed, nearly impossible things do happen. 

Ours is not a rich family. What we had then was just enough for a decent living . My folks would rather  spend  on our education than on pleasure trips. I am not an OFW, though at some point, I aspired to be one. <These bunch are just so fortunate to have the resources and the opportunities to see the world. > Neither I am a highly paid professional here in Manila. I am just an ordinary employee who happens to know how to balance leisure and the practical things in life.

 As a finance major, I dreamed of going to New York and set foot in Wall Street. <<how I wish this one will come true!!!>>. When I got a job, dreams became more realistic. I wanted to have my own place, go to Hong Kong (because local celebs go there) and buy a car. The first one is done, though a little bit late. The third one seems not interesting anymore. And the thing about travelling. God gave me a blast.

I won a round trip ticket to Europe. It was so unbelievable at first. But it was there, it was announced and everyone was congratulating me. And eventually, I realized that it was just the first step. Visa was the next task,  but boy, it was a walk in the park. No sweat!!! Travel allowance was not problem too. My sistah, gave me the money. The travel itself was smooth sailing. No glitch whatsoever. It was as if everything was laid out for me. All I have to do was to take the steps.

When the entire universe conspires to give you an experience of a lifetime, I guess, you just have to open your arms and embrace what is there for the taking. When you are ready to give back, open your arms and extend to others the learnings of your experience.

Here are some pics of that UK trip. I have no digital cam at that time. These are pics of pics :)

 never miss this!

Back then, I was  so enamored  with Notting Hill (the movie). I was hoping to find my "Hugh Grant" who will sit and read with me in a park. The "Hugh Grant" part didn't happen but at least I got to sit in a bench. :)

  

where Julia stayed

the Parliament House????

There's more to Siem Reap...

Siem Reap, Cambodia
April 1-4, 2012

Our first day Siem Reap was spent exploring the city. There were lots of discoveries. First, being that US Dollar is the unofficial currency. Maybe, the banks we went to, thought that we were stupid asking for our US Dollar Notes be changed to Riel. Sorry, we were just so clueless :)  But there was a considerate bank teller who changed it to smaller bills. He has lots of dollars in his wallet. I bet even the tuktuk drivers have more dollars than us:

This is a tuktuk infront of a khmer house...Well actually this is an ad of a local telco. I took a shot as it is, no camera trick. See real tuktuk driver below.

Tuktuk with a driver can be hired for US$15.00 a day going to and from the Ang Kor Wat. That includes 2 trips (morning and afternoon). Sarap sumakay sa tuktuk parang kang reyna! pwede pa itaas ang mga paa, just like many Cambodians we have seen. The city and the Angkor may also be explored by bike, but you must be superfit to endure the ride....malayo layo din.

Of course, we didn't miss out the buying spree. Sorry, no malls as big as ours in Siem Reap. There is one called "Lucky" but it's more of a grocery than a mall. Souvenirs can be found in the center and old markets. The pic above is the old market....no tourist stuff in this side of the market...I was looking for a skirt and I ended up here.

Got lost and hungry looking for the lone KFC (pa rin!). I ended up eating here, masarap dito at marami gwapo na tourists, but medyo pricey....there was a meet-up later in the evening..Dining is not a problem in Siem Reap, if you know where to go. Near the old market, streets are lined up with western restos.

 looks familiar? because this is the closest I can get to "hotsilog" hahahah

On our way out of the Bayon (?)...It is just amazing!

There is definitely more of Siem Reap than these pics...So, go go go ka na at isama ako....

quick tip....

Recently, Cambodia is in the news because of health issues (some form of hand, foot and mouth disease). I hope this will not stop us from travelling. Let's just take  the necessary care....Ingat!

Long Weekends in the PH 2nd Half 2012!

Half of 2012 is gone. It's time to assess our accomplishments vis-a-vis goals for the year..While at it, include travel plans for the rest of the year. Let's squeeze in some pocket vacay on the following dates:

August 18-19 and Aug. 21, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday (Ninoy Aquino Day) (3 days) .....Well, I'm not sure if this one qualify as long weekend, but you can make it long...Don't check in for work on Monday, the 20th....I'l bet you know the consequences :)

August 25-27, Saturday to Monday  (3 days)- This one is a legit, the 27th being the National Heroes Day. Expect celebrations and traffic on historical sites.

November 1-4, Thursday to Sunday  (4 days) - Time to visit our loved ones who went ahead of us. If you want to go out of Manila this time, brace for long lines in airports and bus terminals. Be ready also to extend your elbow and kick some butt just to get a seat ....joke lang!

November 30-December 2, Friday to Sunday  (3 days) - Yehey.....It's my birthday weekend...<frends, u know who u are, save the date and money!!!>.....Glad that ANDRES B. and I share the same sign....hahahha....Best time also to hunt for Christmas gifts/goodies

December 22-25, Saturday-Tuesday (4 days) - do I have to say more???? Cheers because the 24th was declared as a regular holiday.

Dec. 29-January 1, Saturday-Tuesday (4 days)- the NEW YEAR CELEB! time to celebrate....and map out destinations for 2013!

strange layout...the last two days of the month are in the first row

happy planning everyone!!!

quick tip.....

check out list of public holidays in Philippines here=> http://www.gov.ph/2012/04/02/list-of-2012-nationwide-regular-holidays-and-special-non-working-days/