What's Up!

You don't get everything you want at the same time because life is not meant to be that way.

I've been with my present company for almost 10 months. I've traveled to a few countries and visited a few places I never thought I would.  Living a life in a suitcase means being away with my family, "special someone", friends and other relatives most of the time, but I am grateful for my job.

I wanted this. I wanted a job that will allow me to roam and wander.  I wanted a job that would make me see the world and appreciate every single piece of it.  Let me share with you some places I've been after my flight to Amsterdam (which I already shared in my previous blog entry):


Rome, Italy

I've flown to Rome twice in February.  I appreciate every single landmark they have, even the ruins were pleasing to the eyes.  I couldn't help but think of my Literature subjects back in high school and college. I loved their gelato which was not only tasty but very cheap as well. Pizza and pasta would only cost you around 10 euros!

My tip: Do not forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. It might be some kind of a myth but you wouldn't lose anything if you follow.

What I look forward on this destination: The Vatican! I haven't been in there because I didn't have much time.


Zurich, Switzerland

One of the wealthiest places not only in Europe but, worldwide -Zurich.  It's one of the expensive places I've been to.  The only thing I (together with the rest of the crews) did in the city (aside from sightseeing) was drink a cup of a heavenly hot chocolate at Sprüngli! I thought of Zurich as a serene place despite of numerous business in the city.

What I look forward to in this destination: Rent a bike in our hotel or visit Lucerne!



New York, United States of America

I was on "reserve" when I first set my foot in the concrete jungle.  Everything in Times Square was just so tempting but I was too good enough to resist temptation *winks*. Too many shops to look at with so little time, good thing that we stay in the heart of this city that never sleeps.

You have everything around - shops, restaurants and etc. Name it and the Big Apple has it.

What I look forward to in this destination: A lot! A visit to Liberty Island, a walk at Central Park, and of course SALE to name a few!


 

Visiting Amsterdam

I was rostered to an Amsterdam flight last January.  It was a 24-hour-layover just like what we have in other destinations we fly to. Regardless of the limited time to see what the city could offer, I, together with two other crews were able to make the most out of the time we have in Amsterdam.

Let me share with you some of the places and random things/sites we've visited and seen:

1. Van Gogh Museum (Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands)

As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed. - Vincent Van Gogh

Born Vincent Willem van Gogh (a Dutch) was a Post-Impressionist painter of The Starry Night. The biggest collection of his artworks could be seen in the above mentioned museum.  I do not usually visit museums on my layovers but this one made me awed by the quantity of artworks, too bad, visitors were not allowed to take photos inside. Entrance fee would be 15 Euros.  Residents and children up to 17 years of age could get in for free. Should you wish to bring home some memorabilia, there's a souvenir shop inside selling postcards of Van Gogh artworks, notebooks, pens, shirts and etc.

2. Bikes

According to the latest estimate posted in Iamsterdam website, there were more bikes than permanent residents. Cycling was very popular in Amsterdam. There were a lot of bike rentals around the city and this form of transportation could help you go around the city if you chose not to walk. 

3. I Amsterdam Letters (at the back of Rijksmuseum on Musemplein)

It would never be easy to have your solo shot (without anyone) in this area, unless you really patiently wait until everyone leaves.  The letters could also be seen in Schipol Airport which would be a better option if you want to get your solo photo with the letters.  Why Iamsterdam? The city's website say that it started as a "marketing campaign for the area and its business and promotional organisations". Time went on and the phrase became really catchy and went on to everyone's minds.


4.Canal and Canal Houses

Canal houses at night were even more beautiful at night.The lights on the houses made it more pleasing to the eyes.

5. Anne Frank Museum  (Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Museum of Anne Frank was one of the most visited sites in Amsterdam. A long queue would always be frequent in this museum.  To our surprise, there were fewer people than we expected. We paid 9 euros for the entrance fee. Again, no picture taking allowed inside.

Honestly, I haven't read The Diary of Anne Frank, but I've seen the book many times back in my home country.  I had goosebumps when I visited her house - imagine, it used to be their hiding place during the WWII in attempt of escaping the Nazis. 

6. Red Light District

Photos not allowed in the area.  This was located in the middle of the urban area wherein you could see ladies in their nearly naked attire standing behind the glasses, attracting and inviting visitors especially men to come inside the business.   You could also see "for adults only" shops in this area.



Hope my this blog entry could somehow give you an idea of the places to visit and see during a trip to Amsterdam -checkout the Rijksmuseum or the Heineken Experience (just mention a couple of sites).

And oh, by the way, do not miss trying pancakes in the city.  Prepare your stomach for their  Pannekoeken (enormous pancake just like the photo on the left).  This was such a mouth-watering Dutch treat! :)


 

A Touch of Summer in Africa

Flying to one of our newest destinations located somewhere in the African continent would mean work and pleasure combined. Once a colony of France, the island of Mauritius (situated in the east of Madagascar) was one of the places known for honeymooners and those wanting R&R. 

Staying in a Beachfront Accommodation (just a few minutes away from the airport) allowed me to get a share of an awesome view of the island.

That time was my first taste of the beach for 2014. That was the first time I've ever gone in a beach with just me and with the people I only met in the briefing. Some said I was lucky enough to get Mauritius on my roster and yes, I would agree because I needed time to just relax (the view of the beach was relaxing enough without you getting a massage or anything that could pamper yourself). I just came back from Bangkok before the flight and my body was still adjusting maybe to the 3 hours time difference. At one point, I still felt something was missing that time I set foot on the beach (okay, sometimes I get really cheesy). Probably I just got used to enjoying the beach with friends or with my family. 

I didn't join other crews who wanted a boat trip to Catamaran Island.  For everyone's knowledge, this Catamaran Boat trip includes food and drinks while listening to Mauritian music and enjoying the view of the sea. It was one of the well-grabbed activities in Mauritius.  As for me, I just stayed in the resort, had a walk with two other Asian crews, eat and did kayaking - you know this is quite similar to an in-fight PA "Seat back, relax and enjoy your flight" hahaha. 

In my opinion, my layover in  Mauritius was like staying in Boracay Station 1. We all know that area in Boracay was more quiet and calm compared to Station 2. This could probably like staying in an isolated hotel in the White Sands - talking about Shangri-La here.  The food prices was quite expensive as well but the serving was generous enough. 

Before the layover ends, I made sure I bought something that would remind me of my first layover in the African continent.

I bought a Dodo display! Mauritius was the only home for the flightless birds (too bad, they were now extinct) therefore getting a display like the one shown above would be a good souvenir for me when visiting Mauritius.

A Thankful Heart for 2013

My year end post seems to be a tad late by a couple of days. Nevertheless, I still want to share all my thoughts for the year that just bid us goodbye.

Saying that 2013 was a good year was understatement but I could not think of anything more to describe it in just one sentence. I would try my best to explain how grateful I was. The biggest blessing (so far) for me started to came in the very beginning of the previous year.  My goal of landing a job that would take me to different places came really close.  I tried for that one job opportunity that I think could be an alternative route to what I wanted to do.  The rest was history. I am now living in the sandpit for almost half a year. 

Independent life was never easy but I am liking it. I like it because I do grocery shopping, I budget my salary, I wash and iron my clothes, I wake myself up every single day, I cook breakfast before going to work, I cook my own meal whenever I am on day off and etc. etc.  If there's something I dislike was when you're absent on special occasions - Christmas, New Year, Birthdays, Anniversary, etc. etc.

As they say, you couldn't have everything at the same time, and yes, the latter was part of this blessing.  That was the catch of being away from home while getting to places you wanted to set foot in.  I recall Gwyneth Paltrow's line on View from the Top:

Why can't all choices be simple?
Why can't they all be window or aisle? Coffee or tea?

Paris, France - September 2013

Melbourne, Australia - September 2013

I guess, if life was as easy as ABC or 123, I would never grow. As a big girl, I need to make big decisions as well.  God never fails to guide whenever a decision has to be made.

Auckland, New Zealand - September 2013

If I didn't come out of my shell, I wouldn't be able to travel to Paris, London, Manchester,Australia, New Zealand in just one month or I might not be able to see my friends in Brisbane, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia. Most of the time, every sacrifice is worth taking. I am glad I got the courage to pack my things and live a life in a suitcase.

Brisbane, Australia - December 2013

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - October 2013

Singapore, Singapore - November 2013

Seoul, South Korea - October 2013

Every year is a good one for me. I have my own share of downs and every single time I need to bow down, there would always be a chance to chin up. One thing I am sure, we should be thankful for everything we have no matter how simple it was.  Being thankful for every single thing (even if it's something that challenges) means you're getting ready for the good thing that would be coming. Let me share with you a quote from Henry Ward Beecher:  

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/henrywardb105506.html#V8rBs8QwA4x48TVT.99

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_thankful.html#Cu3RJgLpOdbJMOUt.99

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_thankful.html#Cu3RJgLpOdbJMOUt.99

To the year that had been good to me, thank you 2013.
Cheers to 2014! The year of the horse.

 

Annyeong Haseyo: Seoul, South Korea

(Long Overdue post series)
(October 2013)
(Disclaimer: Photo heavy blog entry)

Korean culture was close to my roots since there were a lot of Koreans in the Philippines.  I've had
a Korean classmate in my Anthropology class and I was once supposed to teach Koreans as well.  KPOP seemed to be a trend as well in my home country.  Teenagers went gaga to Korean groups and Koreanovelas for a few years already. 

My ICN (Incheon Airport) flight was my chance to experience Korean Culture in its motherland.  It was such an exciting 2 legs trip for me because it would be my first time to eat "authentic" korean food and a side trip to a palace which I only see on telenovelas. 

We stayed in a hotel which was near the popular Gangnam District.  I, together with another Filipina crew went straight to Gangnam after we arrived at the hotel. We had dinner first before we proceed to our goal for the night: make-up/skin care stuff shopping.  We were delighted to see the word SALE flashing on almost every make up stores. Korean beauty products were really popular because of its quality.  I've read a lot of good reviews of Korean-made BB creams and even other products such as eyebrow make-up, mascara, facial masks etc. Seoul was indeed a shopping haven for all the "kikays" around the globe. I bought a few beauty products: Missha M Cover BB Cream, Etude Eyebrow Pencil, Etude Shockara, Missha Cologne, Holika Holika Green Tea Facial Cream Cleanser, Tony Moly Milk Lotion.  Wish I had the time to make a review of Etude's Eyebrow Drawing Pencil which was my favorite among my finds. 

Come the next day, I met my friend and we went to Gyeongbokgung Palace (one of the 5 palaces and was built during the beginning of Chosun Dynasty). It was (according to my friend) the location of Korean dramas Secret Garden and Moon Embracing the Sun and Dae Jang Geum.

 When my friend and I went inside, I felt like I was a character in a Korean drama, minus the hanbok of course. Let me share with you the photos I had on my palace visit:

Main Hall

Gyonghoeru Pavilion, venue for formal events and banquets

You could also change into hanbok and have your picture taken in Gyeongbokgung Palace but due to the Changing of Guards Ceremony, the former would not be possible for all visitors. The ceremony was like a scene in Korean Dramas, (never thought I could see it personally). I might not able to wear their traditional costume but it was fine since, at least, I was able to watch the ceremony. 

My friend and I also had a quick visit to the museum which was beside the palace.  It was good to look at everything inside but if you don't know how to speak Korean, you wouldn't understand every single description of the items inside as there was no English translation. 

Aside from knowing the country's heritage, the thing about paying a museum tour was experiencing the richness of every culture by just looking at objects displayed inside.  I might not able to understand every description but at least I knew that everything there played a significant role in Korea's history. 

My Korea flight was "BITIN" or short for me. I haven't explored a lot of shops along Gangnam District, a lot more food to try and I have yet to see Hello Kitty Cafe and etc. I just hope to be given another flight to Kimchi Land very soon! Needless to say, every trip is worthwhile when you go out and learn from the things you experience.  Kamsahamnida Korea!


 

Land Down Under: Sydney, Australia

(Long overdue post  part 1)
(September-October 2013)

Most of my colleagues say that newbies usually get flights to land down under because we still don't have US Visa (which was a requirement to operate US and Canada flights). True enough, I get Australia flights every month and I won't complain. It may be an ultra long range flight (it sometimes turns me OFF), but the destination was worth the flight duration.  

On the last part of my first month and on my second month of flying, the only Australian destination I got was SYDNEY (located in New South Wales). It was one of the most popular cities of Australia. Two of the famous landmarks you could find there were the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Good thing that our hotel was just in the heart of the central business district (CBD). Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge was just a few minutes walk from where we stayed.  Finding a place to eat and shop for food (in case you want to bring home some goodies), souvenirs and etc was never a problem - there were plenty of shops, restaurants, fast food chains/and or food courts, and convenience stores around the CBD.  

Let me share with you some of the things I did in Sydney (on those few times I've been there):

1.  Visited Bondi Beach

It was just a spontaneous trip to a beach..well at least for me. I was invited by another crew to join her and her friends on their Bondi Beach Visit. We paid 10 aud (that's a roundtrip fare) for our bus tickets.

According to Bondi Village website, "Bondi" or "Boondi" is an aboriginal word meaning "water breaking over rocks" or "noise of water breaking over rocks." The Australian Museum records that Bondi means "place where a flight of nullas took place." When we got there, I observed that the water was literally breaking over the rocks. It was an ideal place for surfers since giant waves were frequent from time to time.

In all honesty, I was never a beach lover, but I won't say NO for a walk in a picture-perfect beach like Bondi.

2. Of course, who wouldn't have his or her picture taken near Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House

3. More landmarks photo op:

a. Royal Botanic Gardens

b. St. Mary's Cathedral

c. Customs House

4. (Mini) Grocery Shopping at Woolworths and "Kikay" finds at Priceline


There's (only) a single thing that turns me off about traveling to Sydney - the long flight time. Like any other situation, there were times that it's really not the work that makes you tired, it's the travel time.
Nevertheless, I liked walking around Sydney CBD.The fact that our hotel was situated in the city made things easy for me. I did not notice the long walks, and sometimes the chilly air.

If you really have the budget to spend, Sydney would be a good idea for shopping (window or literally shopping). If in case you just want to explore or have fun, you could take the ferry (at the Circular Quay) going to Taronga Zoo or Darling Harbour. 

I am thankful for the perks of my job as it makes me discover a lot of things. It may be an understatement though but I couldn't think of any other thought to express my feelings about the things I am getting now. There's always a pursuit of learning when you travel. Walking around (by yourself) in a foreign place makes the traveling more exciting, plus, it makes you exercise independence.

As Mark Twain would say: 

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”