ungkler.blogspot.com
Northern Spain: A Pilgrimage and Food Trip
Spain : Salamanca, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid, Cuenca
Winter 2025
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| Visita Iglesia to the Catedral de la Asuncion de la Virgen in Salamanca (jan, feb-2025) |
Travel Journal... Barely made it home to the Philippines for the country's pandemic lockdown last March 2020, flying outbound from Madrid. Here we are, flying back to Madrid, post-pandemic 2025, for a third visit. Third visit is the charm, they say.
A DisneySea-like Adventure in Hakone
Japan : Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone
Spring 2024
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| Sailing Lake Ashi aboard Victory Royal II - Queen Ashinoko "Pirate Ship" in Hakone (apr-2024) |
Journal Entry... Counting my 12th travel to the land of the rising sun, Japan. On this trip, hubby had me tagging along, as plus one, to an office junket. Thanks to Japan's long-term visa stamp on my passport, I just grab it and go... and before its November expiration date.
Getting Around Central Honshu
Japan : Tokyo, Kamakura, Enoshima, Yokohama, Hida-Takayama, Shirakawago
Winter 2024
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| Kamakurakōkō-Mae, the station next to a railway crossing made famous by 'Slam Dunk-anime' (jan, feb-2024) |
Travel Journal... On this trip, I am set to explore Japan's Central Honshu region.
Frozen in Hokkaido
Japan : Sapporo, Otaru
Winter YE23>2024
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| Shrine visit on the 1st day of the year to Hokkaido Jingu in -6.3 temperature (jan-2024) |
Journal Entry...
Good morning, Vietnam!
Vietnam : Hanoi, HoiAn, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
Autumn 2023
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| Kicking off the celebration from the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long ("Soaring Dragon") in Hanoi (nov-2023) |
Journal Entry... I can't believe I have never been to Vietnam after all these years of traveling. My ignorant thinking often tells me it looks and feels the same as my home country, las islas Filipinas, which is hot, humid and crowded. Le poupee had previously traveled to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh (formerly, Saigon) & Hanoi, twice, on an office junket, and he, the winter-traveler, said, "Vietnam is hot, humid, and crowded with people and street motorcycles!" But inevitably running out of quick getaway travel locations was when a thought bubble of mine whispered, "How about Vietnam?" Well... come to think of it, I have always been fond of the brisket pho, fresh rice paper rolls, pomelo shrimp salad, stuffed chicken wings, to name a few, from #PhoHoa restaurant, in Manila. And so- Vietnam it is for my birthday trip.
My 14-Day JR Pass
Japan : Tokyo, Kawagoe, Nagano, Matsumoto, Hakuba, Osaka, Mount Inari, Nara
Winter 2023
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| Day 11: Mount Inari Trail hike. (My record: 1:36H>top, 4.5 km, 12000 steps, 10000 torii-gates) (jan, feb-2023) |
Journal Entry... Cheers! to a post-pandemic travel reboot out of the country. Slowly, but surely; need I add, safely? Mask, or no mask, let's head back to Japan - land of the rising sun, even in the coldest of winter, plus a whole lot more of animation! The hubby lives to travel, especially in celebration of his birth day. He had celebrated his 50th in Brugge (Belgium), his 52nd in London (England), and three pandemic years later, his "55th" in Tokyo (Japan). Quite logically, his treat every time.
A Travel Reboot On the Island
Philippines : Boracay
Summer 2022
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| Post-pandemic Bulabog shores in the island of Boracay (apr-2022) |
Journal Entry... Roughly two years after the global (Covid) pandemic hit, I was apprehensive to travel, I resisted it. Then came summer. Two peas, mask on. Hop on, hop off #FlyPAL, next shuttle van to ferry port, then boat ride to the island-- x marks the spot. A travel reboot in 2022. "And I think to myself, what a wonderful world."
Cleared for TakeOff
England : London, Hampton Court, Stratford-upon-Avon
Scotland : Edinburgh, Roslin
Portugal : Porto, Lisbon
Spain : Madrid
Winter 2020
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| Globetrotting takes a downturn in the year of the Rat, 2020. Clockwise: Red Telephone Booth, in London; Rosslyn Chapel grounds, in 15th century Midlothian; Tagus river promenade, in Lisbon; NH Hotel balcony, in Madrid. (jan, feb-2020) |
Journal Entry... Barely two weeks to a planned trip, Taal Volcano (Philippines) spews ashes from deep its core forty-three years in the making, causing indefinite flight cancellations. Looming ahead, at the same time, was this threat of a respiratory virus from a neighbouring country. If these were not stop signs, it had me deeply contemplating-- "Am I [still] one who does not back out from an adventure, or is wealth one's health more than these travel destinations of the world?" Got instant reply from this little cardboard cutout of a Gospel verse, when my gaze rested on a safekeeping bowl in the home foyer: "Do not fear. Only believe. - Mark 5:36"
Sakura in Tokyo
Japan : Tokyo, Kawasaki
Spring 2019
Spring 2019
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| Sakura (cherry blossom) viewing at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, in Tokyo (apr-2019) |
Journal Entry... How many times have I been to Japan by now, huh? It's been five times on a winter, one in autumn, one previous spring (sakura)... and now, this repeat spring (sakura), travel. Yes, that's as many as 8x I have traveled to Japan under a 5-year, 2014-issued Japan visa. Not a single year out of the validity period of my Japan visa went-a-wasted... (thanks to the hubby, of course!) Earned enough mileage from those air travel that this year's spring (sakura) travel was made possible by #ANAMileageClub miles redemption and, coincidentally still, unexpired visa*wink;)
Chasing Winter
Japan : Tokyo, Sapporo, Niseko, Osaka, Himeji
Winter 2019
Journal Entry...
Winter 2019
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| "Wherever you go, go with all your heart, says Confucius." (feb-2019) |
Türkler in the City
Turkey: Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus
Winter 2019
Winter 2019
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| Blending in the background of Topkapi Palace (jan-2019) |
Journal Entry... If you think Turkey is some little country overseas, think again. Fact: Turkey is surrounded by three major seas: the Black Sea; the Mediterranean Sea; and the Aegean Sea. That's more than enough hint that Turkey is a massive piece of land, to explore. One part of Turkey sits in Europe, and the other part in Asia. How cool is it hop both continents of the world in under 'thirty minutes' while cruising the Bosphorus strait from Eminönü (Europe side) to Kadiköy (Asia side) ports. When ancient Greeks had only divided the world into only three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa.
The Biblical Holy Land
Israel : Jerusalem, Nazareth, Galilee, Masada
Palestine : Bethlehem
Winter 2018
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| Atop Masada fortress in the Judaean Desert southeast of Jerusalem (Dec-2018) |
Journal Entry... Christmas lanterns are everywhere twinkling like stars under the night sky. There's one Star bound to shine the brightest, the Christmas story has told, over the place where the Baby Jesus is born on Christmas Day. I have had the wonderful opportunity of visiting many places around the world. I will never forgive myself if I miss out on what the greatest Book has written. I will not forget the day I set foot on the (Biblical) Holy Land.
EU Go-Round
Netherlands : Amsterdam, Gouda
Belgium : Brugge, Brussels
Germany : Freiburg im Breisgau
Austria : Innsbruck, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Vienna
Hungary : Budapest
Slovakia : Bratislava
Winter 2018
Winter 2018
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| On the Hafelekar Summit - Nordkette. Jewel of the Alps (Feb-2018) |
Journal Entry... It was a race to six countries and eleven cities... crossing borders by rail transit... in thirty days of winter.
Journey to Jigokudani-- Hell Valley
Japan : Tokyo, Nagano
Winter 2018
Winter 2018
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| Snow monkeys everywhere at Jigokudani Park in Nagano (Jan-2018) |
Journal Entry... What's in a place? Fear not faithfuls. Jigokudani, meaning "Hell Valley", is only a description for the steam and boiling water bubbling out of crevices in the valley amidst surrounding steep cliffs and hostile forests. Jigokudani is famous for its wild Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, that descend to the valley during winter, in troops, to sit in the warm onsen, or hot springs.
Countdown to HNY 2018
Japan : Tokyo, Karuizawa, Niigata
Winter YE17>2018
Winter YE17>2018
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| Snowscoot 101 at Iwappara Ski Resort in Niigata (Jan-2018) |
Journal Entry... Can't say the hubby and I have not gone to Japan enough already. Why the hubby keeps clicking that online airline ticket reservation to Japan, whenever the holidays are approaching. It already had me reacting, "Japan, again?!!" For as long as hubby is paying for it... Here's to a Merry Christmas 2017, and Happy New Year 2018, in Japan!
Sakura in Kanazawa
Japan : Kanazawa
Spring 2017
Journal Entry... Sakura, or cherry blossom, most of which bloom only for a couple of days in spring, is celebrated with a hanami - cherry blossom viewing parties under the trees, in Japan. It is Japan's unofficial national flower. *2017 Cherry Blossom Forecast: Kanazawa - April 9-15
Spring 2017
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| Hanami (sakura | cherry blossom viewing) in Kanazawa (Apr-2017) |
HNY, Tokyo! 2017
Japan : Tokyo, Niigata
Winter YE16>2017
Winter YE16>2017
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| Welcoming the New Year 2017 from Midtown at Roppongi-Minato in Tokyo (Jan-2017) |
Journal Entry... My 4th trip to Japan. Looking forward to another yearender in the snow.
Return Ticket to Rome
Italy : Rome, Vatican
Autumn 2016
Journal Entry... Who would have thought throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain did prove true to the legend of ensuring a return ticket to Rome. My first coin throwing, in 2011, brought me back to Rome in 2015; my second coin throwing, in 2015, brought me back to Rome in 2016. For a third time, I planted a kiss on my 10-Philippine coin, for luck, and threw it in the Trevi Fountain [Tip: right hand over left shoulder], crossing my fingers I'd get another return ticket to Rome.
Autumn 2016
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| Coin throwing in Trevi Fountain on a third visit to Rome (Nov-2016) |
My Swiss Pass
Autumn 2016
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| At the Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe, baby! (Nov-2016) |
Journal Entry... Switzerland intimidates me, honestly. Think Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous (and my lack of Swiss deposit, lol), the overpriced burger and cola... Secured a Swiss Pass to avoid the horrendous sum of individual tickets. So, let's go on a merry-go-round Switzerland, shall we?
A Greek Affair
Greece : Athens, Distomo, Delphi, Santorini
Autumn 2016
Journal Entry... I have been long wanting to go to Greece. The shoot location of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (American film, 2002), Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (American film, 2005), and For the First Time (Philippine film, 2008) were inviting. Some places on earth, like theParthenon, one needs to see once in a lifetime. After forgivably passing on Greece several times in previous travels to Europe that have concluded on seven countries, even running a circle on second visits, i.e. France (2008, 2015); Italy (2011, 2015); Spain (2011); Germany (2013); Czech Republic (2013); Austria (2011, 2013); and The Netherlands (2013), it was time to land in Greece. What better time to put that Greece arrival stamp on my passport than on the celebration of MY BIRTHDAY.
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| Birthday girl in a red scarf from sun up till sun down in the island of Santorini (Nov-2016) |
Journal Entry... I have been long wanting to go to Greece. The shoot location of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (American film, 2002), Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (American film, 2005), and For the First Time (Philippine film, 2008) were inviting. Some places on earth, like theParthenon, one needs to see once in a lifetime. After forgivably passing on Greece several times in previous travels to Europe that have concluded on seven countries, even running a circle on second visits, i.e. France (2008, 2015); Italy (2011, 2015); Spain (2011); Germany (2013); Czech Republic (2013); Austria (2011, 2013); and The Netherlands (2013), it was time to land in Greece. What better time to put that Greece arrival stamp on my passport than on the celebration of MY BIRTHDAY.
The Beach Life
Philippines : Boracay
Summer 2016
Summer 2016
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| Feeling the islander vibe in Boracay at sunset (Feb-2016) |
Journal Entry... At February's tail end, hubby told me to pack my bags, board a plane, and head down south to the island of Boracay. I never traveled alone but... In the Philippines, one can head to the beach any time-- it is made up of 7,100 islands as of last count surrounded by the ocean. in the Philippines, the "Four Seasons" do not apply. Everyday is summer, all hot and humid 365 days of the year.
The Hokkaido Drill
Japan: Tokyo, Sapporo, Otaru, Teine
Winter 2016
Journal Entry... Reached over to pull out the in-flight magazine, as there was no in-flight entertainment aboard #FlyPal to Narita. Front cover stared back at me saying, "Last Chance for Winter... Skiing in Seoul... Toasty cocktails in New York... Japan's enchanting ice village..." I grinned back at it, since I was on my way to one of it.
Winter 2016
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| "Frosty the Snowman" melts in negative 7 deg. weather under Sapporo sunlight (Feb-2016) |
Journal Entry... Reached over to pull out the in-flight magazine, as there was no in-flight entertainment aboard #FlyPal to Narita. Front cover stared back at me saying, "Last Chance for Winter... Skiing in Seoul... Toasty cocktails in New York... Japan's enchanting ice village..." I grinned back at it, since I was on my way to one of it.
Kawaii to the Holidays!
Japan : Tokyo, Osaka
Winter 2015
Winter 2015
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| Arriving to a captivating sunset for Year Ender 2015, in Osaka (Dec-2015) |
Journal Entry... Didn't I say I'd put the Japan travel experience on repeat? It's a short flight away, and holidays are on its way!
The Foodie, the Merlion & Me
Singapore
Summer 2015
Summer 2015
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| Up close with the mythical Merlion in Singapore (Jun-2015) |
Journal Entry... Blame it on that #SingaporeAir promo why hubby had booked a flight to Singapore (...again.) Having twice gone to Singapore, there's but one agenda lingering in hubby's mind, and yes, it's food trip! Mine was to walk (...on a first time) to the mythical Merlion spouting water by the bay, to catch a splash of good luck, lah!
Tour de France
France : Paris, Tours, Loire Valley, Bayeux, Mont St Michel, Normandy, Lyon, Marseille, Avignon, Carcassonne, Versailles
Italy : Rome, Vatican
Winter 2015
Winter 2015
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| Sailing away to the South of France at Marseille (Feb-2015) |
Journal Entry... So I find myself back in French territory after seven years... with the traveling hubby. Unlike that first visit, we were no longer intimidated to venture out of capital Paris. Now at ease to public transport, exploring the rest of France was the most logical thing to do on a return. Here's a toast to one city, or rather... "One country at a time!"
Autumn Fever
Japan : Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Kyoto, Osaka
Autumn 2014
Autumn 2014
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| Confetti shower for the Birthday Girl in Fujikawaguchiko (Nov-2014) |
Journal Entry... There's a kind of craze for Japan, and all things Japanese, as of late. Why not jump on the bandwagon? Traveling to Japan was tempting really. It's merely four hours by plane, from Manila. Around November is autumn's peak-- one of two memorable seasons in Japan. And my birthday falls in November... Dang! My Japan travel turned out to be one unforgettable trip to remember. I'd surely put the Japan travel on repeat, if I must, given a 5-year Japan Visa stamp on my passport, and it'll always be just a short flight away.
Singapore at the Bay
Summer 2014
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| Like a mermaid at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore (Mar-2014) |
Journal Entry... True to expectations, time stops when one is at the Marina Bay Sands. Once inside the building complex, one can't drag oneself to get back out to the scorching summer heat in tropical Singapore.
My Singapore Playground
Singapore
Autumn 2013
Autumn 2013
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| Siloso sign at Sentosa island in Singapore (Nov-2013) |
Journal Entry... It was my first foray out of fave Changi airport hub, and to the streets of Singapore. Hubby and I had earned miles from #SingaporeAir to use up. We came back to Singapore to do more than a mere airport layover. By coincidence, I had my birthday to celebrate!
Say Cheese, Amsterdam!
The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Traditional wooden clogs at a workshop in Zaanse Schans (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... Hubby and I were down to the last three days to our winter travel (2013), before flying back to homeland. #SingaporeAirline's outbound flight was in Amsterdam... called the "Venice of the North", because of its never-too-many bridges and canals.
The Hills Are Alive in Musical Salzburg
Austria : Salzburg
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Hear the sound of music in Mozart's town of Salzburg (Feb-2011) |
Journal Entry... About time the OBB rail clamped on that Czech train at the border, to pull the train past Czech territory into Austria. I was giddy to be back in winter wonderland! Hubby and I made it to Vienna, from Venice backdoor...
Tell Me the Story of Prague
Czech Republic : Prague
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| On Charles Bridge in Eastern Europe at Prague (Feb-2011) |
Journal Entry... I purposely did not get hold of a travel guide to Prague. I wanted Prague to surprise me. It felt like having a Christmas gift in a box, promising not to open it till Christmas day. And you... just wait... for... that... moment.
A Bavarian Life in Andechs
Germany : Andechs
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Snow and beer in a mug in the Andechs lifestyle (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... Luggage had been safely stored in a locker at the Munich train station, to await that 10:50PM Sleeper Train to Amsterdam. Having half a day (still) to spare, I got behind the dispensing machine for train tickets to a Bavarian sendoff from a location east of Ammersee (lake), in Germany.
Romantic Road to Fussen
Winter 2013
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| On a mountain trail to Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... When in the Romantic Road on a first visit to Germany, and after having chosen two of the best stops... Hubby and I made our way to pit stop in the 350-km roadway of old world charm, by train.
Sunny-Orange Stop in Munich
Germany : Munich
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| At Munich's crossroad (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... Winter season was on its tail end in the Bavaria region... Fresh snow had turned to gritty slush on the ground, and snow flurries reverted to rainwater. Munich atmosphere was kind of gloomy, it had a mood affecting effect.
Berchtesgaden at the Border
Germany : Berchtesgaden
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Konigssee in Germany's border at Berchtesgaden (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... Thinking a Jurassic Park was out there in Berchtesgaden got my ears all perked up, like a puppy. Why not? Konigssee is the third deepest lake out of a Jurassic rift, formed out of glaciers during the last ice age.
Potsdam & Princes
Germany : Potsdam
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Sanssouci palace in Potsdam (Feb-2011) |
Journal Entry... I remember taking a photo of the "Frederick the Great and Flute Concert at Sanssouci" painting, in Berlin's Alte Nationalgalerie. What's Sanssouci, anyway?
Lost in Chorin Forest
Germany : Chorin
Winter 2013
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| All is quiet at the Abbey in Chorin (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... I came across one interesting piece of information about the town of Chorin, of it having a Gothic Abbey. Had I only paid attention to the part where the information said... Chorin is in a biosphere reserve.
A Take on Present Berlin
Germany : Berlin
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Remnants of the Wall in once no man's land at the East-West border in Berlin (Jan-2013) |
Journal Entry... Hubby had a letter-invitation to the Reichstag on the 1st of February, at 10:30AM. There was no way to delay our arrival in capital Berlin.
Romantic Road to Rothenburg
Germany : Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Out from Burgtor's mask to the Castle garden at Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Feb-2013) |
Journal Entry... As I've said, when traveling to Germany on a first visit, it has got to be on the Romantic Road... After all, I want to Germany with an open mind and heart.
Touchdown, Frankfurt!
Germany : Frankfurt
Winter 2013
Winter 2013
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| Sunday at the Romerberg in Frankfurt (Jan-2013) |
Journal Entry... Traveling to Germany on a first visit has got to be about the Romantic Road... if I wanted it to be a happy trip anyway.
Back in the City of Pines
Philippines : Baguio
Summer 2012
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| What's left of the pine trees at John Hay in Baguio (Jul-2012) |
Journal Entry... I asked myself when was the last time I went to Baguio-- the summer capital of the Philippines dubbed as the "City of Pines". It has been sixteen long years ago... In 1996, I would make a monthly pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Manoaog, as I awaited the results of the Bar Exams I took that year. One time, I made a side trip up Baguio. Travel time to Baguio was a little over an hour away, from that La Union junction. I did miss Camp John Hay's spaghetti bolognese already.
The Holidays & NYC
Winter 2011
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| Photo-op with giant Christmas balls at NYC's Sixth Avenue (Dec-2011) |
Journal Entry... The NYC trip was a spur of the moment thing. One morning well into the month of December, hubby had a light bulb moment to be in the Big Apple, again but this time, for the holidays. Our US Visa had just been freshly renewed and far from expiring, still by 2020.
A Piece of Heaven on Earth
Spain : Granada
Autumn 2011
Autumn 2011
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| Inside the reclusive Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra in Granada (Nov-2011) |
In the Heart and Soul of Spain
Autumn 2011
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| Built for the Ibero-American exposition of 1929 - the Plaza de España in Seville (Nov-2011) |
Celebrating a Milestone in Avila
Autumn 2011
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| "The Birthday Girl" in Avila (Nov-2011) |
Journal Entry... I woke up to the number "40" flashing in my mind that day, for I was celebrating a milestone to my life.
A Magical Place On Its Own
Spain : Segovia
Autumn 2011
Autumn 2011
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| Dwarfed by the El Acueducto in Segovia (Nov-2011) |
Journal Entry... Leafing through the pages of my Spain travel book choosing for possible destinations, I put a STAR* on Segovia. Segovia is known for two main landmarks: the El Acueducto - a Roman aqueduct, and the Alcazar - a fortress claimed to be Walt Disney's inspiration to Sleeping Beauty's castle.
Medieval a Siguenza
Autumn 2011
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| In the courtyard of a medieval Castillo in Siguenza (Nov-2011) |
Journal Entry... As if every city in Spain did not have an old town to it, there's one city that would pride itself as more medieval than the rest. With another day to spare, hubby and I went off journeying to the medieval city of Siguenza, in the Guadalajara province of Spain.
A View Across the River
Autumn 2011
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| On the viewing deck overlooking the walled city of Toledo across river Tajo (Nov-2011) |
A Peaceful Mezquita
Autumn 2011
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| Crossing a Roman bridge to the Mezquita in Cordoba (Nov-2011) |
Journal Entry... Going to the Mezquita-Catedral in Cordoba had the hubby and I walking a maze of cobblestone streets, whilst crossing the Quadalquiver river was the Roman stone-and-arch bridge that leads straight to the Mezquita-Catedral.
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