SFO TPE MNL BKK KUL

I am so excited to finally get our plane tickets, Yipee! It’s been like two, three months since we placed our flight reservations. And bless the kind travel agents for enduring my mother and sisters flickery and occassional outburst. I think they were close to saying — go buy your tickets elsewhere. Hahaha!

City By The Bay

The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay
The glory that was Rome is of another day
I’ve been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I’m going home to my city by the Bay

I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
The morning fog may chill the air, I don’t care.

My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me…

Day At The Beach

Picture a warm, sandy beach,
Picture the deep setting sun,
Picture the beautiful blue water splashing,
Hear the gush as each new wave comes in,
Listen to the seagulls’ conversation,
Picture a blanket on the beach,
Picture a picnic basket and
A chilled bottle of wine.

And there you are in the middle of it all…

Desert Fever

Here’s a glimpse of what you’re going to see while driving down to the Mojave Desert. I took these photos before, on that Las Vegas trip. This was the same landscape I saw while driving down CA-58 (to that cat show). Thought I’d leave you with these images for now, as I try getting some much needed sleep. Happy Sunday Everyone! 

Off The Beaten Desert

Will be gone till Saturday. Have this event in the middle of the Mojave Desert. What it is? Interesting enough, it’s a cat show in the middle of nowehere. I have the same reaction, why there? But the show must go on, rain or shine. This would be a good five to six hour drive for me, one way. So, I better load that Ipod before I cry myself of insanity.

I also didn’t feel like driving at three in the morning Saturday and decided on a late Friday instead. Golly, I need my good night sleep! I am hoping that this lodge (I’m staying at) would have DSL connection or at the very least, a dial up. This is the problem with being online most of the time, we feel totally isolated when we’re off. Hahaha! But should there be a connection, expect me to be hopping from one blog to another. Either that or I maybe flickring or picniking myself in cyberspace. Hahaha!

You all have a great and safe week end guys… 

What A Christmas

What a Holiday! Christmas is gone and done, and I am now back at work since yesterday. Wish I could have extended our family vacation, but there’s no way that’s ever going to happen. All of us had to be back and work hard for those stuff we charged on our credit cards. Hahahah!

Vegas was lots of fun. And the best part was — I didn’t have to drive. Though I had to bribe my sister to take my leg of the trip. I was tired and didn’t really feel like taking the driver seat. So after promising her a hundred bucks , my sister gladly took the the steering wheel. Then here’s my brother, being a flake that he’s always been. He cancelled on us at the very last minute. He was supposed to come home the night before, but he didn’t show up at my house. We tried calling him, some girl picked up his phone, saying he was still asleep. So figured out he wasn’t interested and didn’t bother convincing him. Besides, my brother’s always been and always will be a flake. Then here’s dear Teddy who took a last minute project two days before our trip. At first I was fine by it, as long as it doesn’t interrupt our plans. But here he is, two hours before our departure calling me to say that he might not be able to join us in Vegas . And soon as I heard the words not coming, I turned off my cellphone instantly. I was fuming mad, and didn’t feel like arguing on the phone. I have pictured Vegas in my head and there’s no way we’re not going. Like I said — rain or shine, with or without Ted and my brother, Vegas will push thru. And then later in the day, Ted phoned my sister to inform me that he’ll be on the first flight out to Vegas. He better be!

So after an eight and a half hours drive, we finally got to our destination all hungry and ready to dig in the buffet table. We checked in the hotel, lied down a bit and ate at the downstair restaurant. We then started walking down the strip, from the Bellagio to Circus Circus. My legs were aching from doing long walks and decided to call it a night at 9 PM.

The next morning after a hearty brunch with the family, we decided to split for a couple hours. I knew my sister and her husband had made plans of there own and same thing with Mom. I on the other hand, had to go pick up Ted at the airport. And soon as I got to the arrival area of McCarran Airport, Ted was already by the curve and all he had to do was hop into the car. We went to our hotel room after, left his luggage and  decided to do some walking and site seeing by the Venetian Hotel. Later that day, Ted and I went to the Spa at the lower level of the hotel. I bought us a couples package — massage, facials, manicure, pedicure and a seaweed wrap. Then enjoyed a dip in a hot and bubbly jacuzzi.

And after a good relaxing three hours at the Spa, we decided to meet with my family for dinner. We were supposed to go to Circo, but my Dad advised that we try Alize’ located at the top of Palms Hotel.  And my father was right, the food was superb and the view was absolutely stunning. They had the widest wine selection, I beleive it’s about two stories high with a very good looking Sommelier, who was kind enough to give us a lesson in wine pairing. It was an absolute dining experience and would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting The Sin City.

And after that to-die-for dinner, we headed to the Bellagio Hotel to watch a Cirque du Soleil show they call O. I didn’t expect the tickets to be so overly priced, but we figured out that we got this far, so why not spend the extra dollars. However pricey, the show was total crowd teaser. It may have been one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. And the audience gave the performers a standing ovation. It was simply fantastic!

To be continued…

Splendid Golden Gate Bridge

Almost everybody knows about Golden Gate Bridge. And anyone who resides in Northern California have either pass or walk by it, one time or more. When I first visited San Francisco (way back many years), this was one of the first few places I wanted to visit. Looking at the bridge from a distant is breath taking in itself. And everytime I drove by, I find myself enthralled. Captivated by it’s size, beauty and the gorgeous view surrounding it. I can never get enough and I keep on coming back for more!

At The Beach House

“Why the serious face? What are you thinking of?” Those were the first words my stepfather asked me as a I was staring contemplatively on the horizon. “Nothing serious, really. Just clearing my head!” I said to Daddy Aldo. For reasons beyond my understanding, water draws emotion and it pulls this meditative mood inside me. For a change, my mouth’s shut and my mind is doing all the talking.

“Would you like to join your Mom and I for a walk?” said Daddy Aldo. I figured out I wasn’t doing anything, so I decided to join them. I grabbed my poncho and was about to put my shoes on when Mom said, “No need for shoes dear! Do you see me and your Dad wear any? We’re going barefoot.” I didn’t want to be the odd ball, so I went ahead and left my water shoes by the stairway. And so Mom, Daddy Aldo and myself went for a walk along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It was relaxing and the breeze brought this inner calm. But half the time we’re laughing , as Mom was teasing me and telling Dad of my childhood stunts. So I was chuckling myself in faze and humiliation.

And after a good hour of leg work, Mom and Dad decided to call it a day; while I asked to stay behind and enjoy the ocean as it meets the sky. I watched the sun set and let the breeze blow my hair away from my face. My mind, surprising empty and my soul revitalized from all the deleterious episodes of urban living and the toxic effects of my profession. After a week long of rest and a day here at the beach house, I feel like I’m brawny enough to face my assiduous-ludicrous life.

This week end at Mom’s house was fascinating, feels like I’m in a serene sanctuary. Where I’m shielded from my usual frustrations and doldrums. Here, I have both my mother and father to protect me. Who’s unconditional love is greater than the ocean outside and who’ll always look at me as their child, regardless of my size and age (let’s not talk about it now, Hahaha). They allow me to be lazy, be myself and do whatever I desire. Here at my Mom’s house, I am no accountant, no sibling, no friend — I am just my mother’s child and I am simply, Nell.

Alone, But Not Lost

I woke up about 4 AM Saturday to get myself ready for a cat show down in Fresno. It’s a good three hour drive from my place, and the show starts early at about 8:30 AM. So way before the rooster crowed cock-a-doodle-doo, I was already on the road burning gas on the freeway.

Hours after as I was passing through Turlock; I saw the sunrise on the horizon. The timing was perfect as I had just finished crying. Listening to bossa nova made me all emotional, and could not stop the tears from falling. The music made me miss my friend Ceejay. Forgive the tears, but this was the only time I could cry ; where not a single witness to see me at my weakest. I was also able to let all my frustrations out, internalize and then eventually clear my mind.

And after a good cry, I dried my tears and smiled. I do miss my friend and it would take some time before I get use to not having him around. But I can’t be sorry forever and I need to stop blaming myself for the times we’ve missed. In my heart and in the depth of my soul, we will remain friends. And knowing him, he wouldn’t want to see me this way. He’ll probably give me a hug and say — move along, my friend!

Bye Bye Chi-Town

I could not beleive that it was my last day in Chicago. I’ve been having such a wonderful time in the windy city, totally forgetting time as it passes. I woke up early this time to meet my good friend Buddy. She invited me to visit her home in the suburbs. I walked to the nearby CTA station and took the El train heading for Schaumburg. My friend then picked me up and we had lunch at her house; the meal was absolutely appetizing . Chansada, Buddy’s partner of many years (who works as a chef) prepared some savory asian dishes. I haven’t had rice in a while and ate more than I should — I relished every dish to my hearts content. Chansada cooked the best Green Chicken Curry I’ve ever tasted in years, paired with some Sien Savahn or what they call Lao Beef Jerky and Tam Som; Lao version of Papaya Salad. The food was absolutely divine, what a great meal!

After a gluttonous lunch, Chansada and Buddy gave me tour of their town. It’s quiet and the neighbourhood look pleasant. I’m starting to like living in a township. After a good two hour tour, I said my farewell to my good friends. Gave them my gift, as a small token of appreciation for their kindness and hospitality. It was already 4 PM and it’s time for me to hop back on the train and head for city. I have to meet my brother and his family later that day, and I didn’t want to be late for this event.

Dinner reservations were made (by my brother) for us at the Signature Room, situated on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. It was a fabulous touchy dinner, a bit teary eyed seeing my brother and his family. My brother looked good and plump (like me), along with her dashing wife who made me feel so welcome. I could not beleive my eyes when I found out that I have sixteen (16) year old nephews and niece (they’re twins) who are (now) driving their own cars. There’s also my two other newphews who’s in their teens as well. All four are straight A students, if I may brag. Hahaha! Seeing my family was the highlight of this trip and reminded me that I’m not getting any younger either. Need I say the number 30?

After dinner, and a night of hugs and kisses. I headed back to my hotel room to pack my stuff for my early Saturday morning flight. Three days have gone by quickly and I leave Chicago with both smiles and tears in my eyes. I came with no expectations and I’m returning to San Francisco with lots of good memories. Bye bye Chi-Town! I promise to come back someday soon…