First post for 2012

We're back. Things were too hectic for me to sit down and compose a proper blog entry while we were in Hong Kong. Our vacation was so much fun and we all had a lovely time. I totally enjoyed the wintry weather and as I sit here drenched in sweat while I type this post, I utterly wished we had winter in this country. It felt so good to just walk around the neighborhood (even though we had to wear thick clothes) with cold air and pollution free climate enveloping you in its entirety.

But whereas the climate was such a refreshing change, the downside to our HK visit was our inability to communicate with the locals in their native tongue. They hardly or rather didn't speak a single word of English and would converse with you in Chinese!!! It was so difficult to even order a meal in a restaurant. WE had to ask for English menu then simply point at the pictures to get our orders in. More often than not, they would get the orders totally wrong so we end up eating some strange chow that wasn't to our liking. Blah.

We also managed to take a side trip to Macau and bask in its "sin city" splendor. Casino hopping was a charming way to explore this former colony of Portugal. And to rest our tired feet, we would sit and 'gamble' away at the very entertaining slot machines. After a few minutes of not winning or (hitting the jackpot) I eventually get bored so I would just wander around the massive hotels and explore it with my digicam.

22 days of 'vacation' time can be pretty tiring if you go out every single day and take public transport to reach tourist attractions and then queue for hours to get in. So unfortunately, it took its toll on my health and I had to nurse a bad cough, a stiff neck (this came out of nowhere!) and my monthly 'visitor' all at the same time. So the last few days was spent cooped inside my sister's flat with tons of medicines, tissue papers and a clogged nose for company. But by then I had basically done everything on my 'to-see' and 'to-do' list so I just rested and slept most of the time.

On that note, I still have to gather my thoughts on how to best blog about 'how I spent my Christmas holidays' post entries. Until then, I leave you with this stunning image I snapped of the IFC Tower taken during the New Year's Eve countdown and the fireworks display that ensued.

Happy 2012, everyone! =)

Happy Holidays

Hectic with a capital "H" is the word I would describe these past few days but we finally managed to do every errand within the nick of time.

We're off shortly to the airport for our early morning flight. D & D are off to a land where Disney, dim sum and delightful weather reign supreme! So we wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with much food, laughter and love. =)

Last minute plans

It was already the first week of November when my sister informed us, she won't be able to come home for the holidays. For one, she just started a new job. Secondly, she has to travel for a trade show mid January 2012.

My mother was sad but accepted it. Until. I suggested that it would be a good idea if they (mom and dad) would spend the holidays in HK. Mom immediately approved. Dad was worried about the financial aspect. I robbed a bank. Then I booked their airfares, online. I wasn't able to avail of the promo fares since it was already peak season but nevertheless it was imperative that bunso won't be alone during the holidays.

They got all excited. Mom got really busy with her list of things to buy, things to bring, things to pack. I was resigned to the fact that D and I would be having a simple noche buena for two. Anyways, we would just 'skype' each other.




December 2, D announces he has a plan. We should just go there and surprise them. I panicked. I am not a last minute gal. I make arrangements at least 3 months in advance. I wasn't warming up to the idea. Are you mad? I said. How do you expect us to reach bunso's flat? I don't know my way around HK. It is too late. The ticket prices would be exorbitant. Well, he had this look on his face that meant he was serious and that I was to just make it happen. Bahala na raw ako.



To cut the long story short, my parents are leaving tomorrow afternoon. We will 'show' up on Saturday morning. The logistics have been mapped out. Everything is set for the traveling part.

But I haven't packed. Most of my 'winter' clothes are in the condo. I have yet to sort them out. But I can only do so once my parents leave. I got all cranky that we are leaving in 3 days and we haven't done anything. Last night, D comes home and folded all the clothes he was bringing. I got more upset because apparently his bulky clothes would fill up the entire luggage. But he kept asking me 'how many socks?', 'how many tees?', 'how many sweatshirts?' I answered and now I've ran out of space in the luggage so I guess I'm to blame ha?

In the meantime, there are other things that need attention. I believe we are running out of time to complete all the tasks. But D keeps telling me to relax and stop stressing out. But I can't help it. I don't do good under pressure. I even snapped at him that he bought groceries when I was trying to clear the ref of any perishables. I better relax before I blow a fuse. I will try to get excited about the holidays. Although I am already really tired just preparing for the trip. Phew.

Happy Feet

I have no idea if these Humboldt penguins know how to sing and dance like their counterparts in that highly successful animated movie but they were certainly cute to ogle at.



When we entered the room, I thought they were part of the display, it was only when one of them moved that I noticed they were real. I was a bit disappointed that you cannot see them at eye level, they are contained inside a glass enclosure which I assume is air conditioned.











But I'm still glad I saw real penguins even though we live in a tropical land. :D

Yuletide cheers

December is upon us! As well as the horrendous traffic jams, the frenzied shopping sprees at the crowded malls. But this cutesy song with a meaningful message by the Jackson 5 is my current favorite Christmas song. I keep humming the tune to keep myself upbeat during all the hectic rush.

An outing este a date pala

For the longest time I've been hankering D about going to Manila Ocean Park to see the Humboldt penguins. As luck would have it, they have this special promo this Holiday season. For the price of 600 pesos, you get a ticket for the oceanarium and the Penguin exhibit. It was D's first time to go to Manila Ocean Park while it was my second time so we might as well take advantage of this promo.












We got there early but I guess not early enough since there were bus loads of kids on field trips all waiting to enter the premises. Luckily they had a separate line but once you get inside, it is a shoving and pushing match for the first one to get a clear view of the aquariums. Total chaos. But since D is tall, I gave him the camera to snap away while tiny me was being crushed by the throes of noisy, unruly kids. It's good that it was my second time so I just breezed through most of them. :D












Some of the shots were blurry because it is difficult to capture a moving target like schools of fish who swim happily in its enclosure. Or it could also be due to the shoving and pushing one must endure for a nice shot of the aquariums.











But overall I had fun! The penguins deserve a separate post.

Optical Illusion

Last May, we were capturing the sunset as it was fading away in a beach resort in Morong Bataan. A side trip during our Subic outing.

Is it just me or does the picture below resemble an ultrasound of a baby inside a womb?



What do you think?

Lights

After almost 2 months of staying with a good friend, my sister was finally able to secure her own flat. Rent prices in that part of the globe are exorbitant so she has to make do with a studio. It is sparsely furnished with the bare essentials but it is her own little sanctuary now.

She told me about her shopping trips to several household items stores to canvass prices for some items she would be needing for her studio. She recounted how she somehow found herself in a shop that sold lights of all shapes and sizes. From mini pendant lights, lampshades, bedside lamps to grand chandeliers, the store was fully stocked.

Since I cannot physically accompany her during these shopping trips, she would send me several photos of items she intends to purchase. My inbox is filled with pictures of electronic appliances, household fixtures and pieces of furniture. She also emails 'before and after' pictures of her flat as she slowly but surely furnishes it to her liking. I can't wait to visit her next year! :D