Holiday Roadtrip in Quebec, Montreal & Ottawa, Canada

This is a late post last year when we celebrated Christmas and New Year with my family in Canada.
It was my second time in the country and a first time for hubby and it was indeed a winter wonderland holiday. Hubby wanted to experience snow again and I just hated it especially when it is freakin' minus 10deg brrr! Anyway, if you want a winter wonderland Christmas, go to North America.

It was my first time actually in Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa. I was just stuck in Toronto few years back. Quebec City and Montreal is like a quarter part of Europe. And it's a French speaking city. Yes they all speak French and just a few individual speaking English. From Toronto, we drove all the way to Quebec for around 8 hours with no traffic and craggy road, (like going to Naga from Manila).

Montreal is such a beautiful city, so calm, serene and peaceful. But I won't recommend you to live there if you don't know how to speak French though. We didn't have much time checking out Ottawa the night was not good for walking and sightseeing to brave the cold winter. Quebec is a fine city like a little Europe I remember walking down the streets of Paris when we went to Parc des Champs de Bataille.

Paris, j'Aime!

The city of lights and love. This is how I would describe Paris- one of the most beautiful city in the world. When I came here in Seoul, I got envy with some of office mates who were celebrating their honeymoons in Paris. And so I had almost a year planned out to experience the most sought after city. And, one thing more, St. Therese of Lisieux was on my mind :)

First thing that I planned is how to get the visa. Well, it was not that hard to get one and the embassy is just a few walks away from the office :)...then I booked a package tour from Hana Tours.Airfare + hotel  was kinda cheap around 799kwon plus tax worth 500kwon. The Seollal holiday was just in time to book for my trip, so i only had 2 day additional vacation leave since there was 2day holiday plus the weekend.

When I got the visa, I convinced my sisters and my Mom to go with me since I'll be all alone. It was hard to convince them at first because first of all- it is a winter trip in Paris. But all ends well, I was able to convince them in no time.

With too much excitement, I didn't bother the 15- hour flight with transfer from Beijing. I even changed my casual clothes already at the Beijing Airport because I was making it in time when I get there for a scheduled dinner at the Eiffel Tower. The12-hour flight didn't bother me having those clothes to sleep on but then again I can't sleep at that time! Because it was always mid-day! There was no dark clouds at all...haha! When I arrived 5pm, i felt the horrible jetlag!

Upon landing in the not-so-classy airport of France- the CDG Airport, a young gentlemen ushered me to the shuttle service all the way to the hotel where mom and my sisters stayed. Yes, I did not stayed in the hotel that was included in the package, well it's too far from Paris Central. I swear I'll never get that package again (grrr!)

While the shuttle van is approaching to the hotel, we passed by the Eiffel, where the whole tower is lighted - and I was speechless! haha! I took the video from my phone of course.

This is my 4-day adventure in Paris. I know it's a quickie vacay, but so worth it! They said we should have stayed for a week to enjoy more places...but I can't...otherwise, I'll loose my job...and if that happens, then I will not have this opportunity to travel more places! lol!

Day 1: Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

This is the view from our hotel! overlooking the Paris skyline and of course the Eiffel!

My dinner after the long flight! It did help ease my jetlag...

The view from from inside the Eiffel

Dinner with my family :)

Day 2:  The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Lunch at the Hyatt Regency, Notre Dame and City Bus Tour

Palais de Royal

The Louvre Museum

Monalisa painting by L. Da Vinci

Notre Dame Cathedral

Arc de Triomphe

Buffet Lunch at Paris Hyatt Regency

Bus Tour in the City of Paris

Day 3: Tour de Eiffel and Chateau de Versailles

First stop in the morning was the Tour de Eiffel. It was so foggy in the morning that we waited unti the sun comes up at around noon time. Thankfully, the sun was just in time for us to come out from the hotel...it was not a long line though getting to climb up in the tower.

A picture worth a thousand words! :)

The view from the top!

The Château de Versailles- has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years, is one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th-century French art. The site began as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to Versailles in 1682. Each of the three French kings who lived there until the French Revolution added improvements to make it more beautiful...

I can't believe I saw this in the movie, "Farewell, my Queen" (Marie Antoinette)

Inside the beautiful Palace of Versailles! I can't imagine living in this kind of Palace if I were a queen! :)

Day 4: Liseuix, France (St. Therese' homeland)

When you go visit her homeland, there are 3 places that you have to go to. (like we did) Thanks to our tourist guide, Joan (my sis' college friend). First stop was the Basilica of St. Therese where all the big religious events and celebrations about her is being held. We also went to her parent's relic and tomb in the basement of the church. There's a souvenir shop where you can buy commemorative mementos about her in the building right across the basilica. Next stop is her reliquary in the Carmel Monastery. The monastery where she spent 9 years being a nun. Almost half of her life was spent here until she died at the early age of 24.  
The last stop (after we had a very sumptuous buffet lunch) is their ancestral house. Inside their cute and simple 2 storey home is where you can still see her toys, her paintings, books, and clothes in her bedroom. Some of the furnitures were maintained and preserved. 

The Basilica of St. Therese of Liseuix

The monastery of Mount Carmel

The Martin's home, where St. Therese lived until she bacame a nun at the age of 15.

On my way to the airport, I cant help but take snapshots of the streets and fine art buildings while inside the shuttle van. The effects on my iphone cam went well in fairness even the van was moving fast to get us at the airport in time. I love how they preserved and maintained their buildings designed centuries ago. enjoy the pictures!

New Year in Singapore

December 2012

This is actually my second time here in Singapore but when I was here a few years ago there was no Universal Studios. I only visited Sentosa which was their famous spot but it still is...
My youngest sis is just like me...loves travelling...wonder if I could invite her for my planned Paris trip :)

I was with my sisters, Elin & Aye and  our pamangkins: KC, IC and LA...They truly had fun especially in the U-studios :) because it is a themed park. What I really enjoyed among all the rides is- The Transformers! It is a must try...it will definitely take your breath away!

Foods in Singapore are a must try also...we enjoyed the "satay" , pork and chicken barbecue with their own version of their spices, you can find it along the food station near the streets of Marina Bay Sands...Also try the No Signboard seafood restaurant. They have the best chili crabs in town! Forget about the allergies :)

Strolling around Sentosa

The Marina Bay Sands Mall

Universal Studios
Universal Studios Singapore is 20 hectares (49 acres) in size, occupying the easternmost part of the 49-hectare (120-acre) Resorts World Sentosa. There are a total of 24 attractions, of which 18 are original or specially adapted for the park. The park consists of seven themed zones which surround a lagoon. Each zone is based on a blockbuster movie or a television show, featuring their own unique attractions, character appearances, dining and shopping areas. The park features the world's tallest pair of dueling roller coasters that are based on the popular television series, Battlestar Galactica; a castle from the world of Shrek and Monster Rock, a live musical show featuring the Universal Monsters. Universal Studios Singapore has over 30 restaurants and food carts, together with 20 unique retail stores and carts located around the park. Two of my favorite rides was "Transformers" and "The Mummy" truly breathtaking!

The Universal Studios

The Best Islands (for me) So far...

I have been wondering these days what were the best islands that I have been to. It's like I'm actually thinking of summer in winter time. :) And I think it's the best way to fight cold temperature today! Last year, 2012, I have been to at least 2 beautiful beaches in the my home island, Philippines. And there are still in my bucket list that I want to go to like Caramoan, Calaguas, Coron,  Bellaroca and Balesin! Well, the last two are the most expensive ones maybe if I'll be a millionaire someday, why not.

May 13, 2012
Irosin Hot Spring & Subic Island

I was invited to be an Assistant Trainer in a JCI Training for JCI Bulan in Bulan Sorsogon. At first, I was really hesitant to commit because of its very long travel time like 4-5hours or so, but I was convinced though when they told me we're going to Subic Island. I really don't have an idea about the island but they said it's one of the best in Sorsogon. So, what the heck, i said "why not, let's go!"

First stop after the training was their famous hot spring in Irosin. It was really hot because its from a natural water from Mount Bulusan. We enjoyed every moment there because it soothe our weary body with the curative and relaxing effect of the volcanic spring water. We didn't took pictures there because we went there at night and my hubby is too tired already so we opted to relax and just enjoy the hot spring. But I found one picture from google images, just to give you an idea how it looked like. Actually I forgot the name of spring resort, all I know was it is in Irosin where there are tons of hot sping resorts to choose from and they are just walks away from each other. Irosin is around 30-45 min by car from Bulan. 

Hot Spring in Irosin, Sorsogon

In the morning, I got to excited to go to Subic, out on my swimwear and sun gears :) Going there is a bit far like you need to go to Matnog Port for around 30minutes from Bulan (Im just guessing because I forgot already) then another 20 minutes by boat. We bought fresh fish from the Matnog Market before we boarded by "banka" all the way to Subic Bay. We really had so much fun because aside from the white sand beach, we were with really funny and witty friends in JCI- Sam Bobiles and Gelo aka Garrie Garrey. If we want to back there as far as I can remember, from Legaspi, around 3 hours going to Matnog port and another 20min travel by boat. 

with gelo, sam, jimmy and chari

Me in the beautiful white sand beach of Subic Island in Sorsogon

September 2012
Honda Bay, Palawan

Honda Bay is a bay on the eastern shore of the island of Palawan near Puerto Princesa City in the southwestern Philippines.

The bay is used for both subsistence and commercial fisheries and recreation. Boats can be rented for the day and used for travel to nearby islands, many less than 45 minutes from the shore by boat. Honda Bay is ideal for snorkeling. Starfish are commonly found near islands such as Starfish Island. Puerto Princesa is the nearest port city, and is accessible by plane.

While attending another JCI function JCI in Palawan, I stole my husband for a while (because he was so busy with JCI stuff) then, we availed the day tour for Honda Bay inclusive of transportation, boat ride, cottage and lunch. We rented some snorkling stuff along the way, around P100 per equipment.

Tokyo and Nagano, Japan

With Chineth & Miel

One of my unforgettable trip is Japan. Actually this was an unplanned trip supposedly..But I was aiming high for my Organization...my own chapter when I was the president. We went here last June 2009 via Osaka. From there we took the 8-hour land trip to Tokyo to meet my cousin where we will stay for a night. Vanessa, my cousin  toured us around and seemingly busy streets of Tokyo. Foods are great and I enjoyed the sushi and sashimi which are reasonably cheap. (well!) The next day we took another 4-hour land trip via bus to Nagano. From there, we looked for the house with rooms that we rented for 3 days...Cheap hotels in Nagano are houses with rooms for a group. This are budget friendly ideas for those who just wanted a place to spend the night. 

This is downtown Tokyo, the Shibuya109 is the popular shopping center in town.

Nagano is most famous for Zenkō-ji, a 7th-century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. A million tourists visit Nagano annually. Nagano was originally a town in Kamiminochi District built around the hilltop temple that is the largest wooden building in eastern Japan, but the city now encompasses locations that were within Sarashina, Hanishina, and Kamitakai districts.

Nagano, where the owner of the house gave us a warm welcome greeting!

The Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Another picture in Tokyo with our cousin, Vanessa who toured us around.

Viva Boracay!

Our first honeymoon trip together  was in Bora with Ateneo friends. Ok, I guess its not a honeymoon because we have company :) But it was an awesome adventure especially the island hopping. Everytime we go out as group I'm always the loudest among the rest! Bora adventure is fun with friends and colleagues and it was also unforgettable because I was also celebrating my first birthday as a married woman and also my first time in Bora. We had an adventurous Island hopping with the gang and I remember so well Kathy was 5 months pregnant with chloe that time. Another thing that I can't forget is trekking the golf club through renting a mountain bike, that got me burned so bad. And of course one of the perks in experiencing Boracay is the foods! From American Brekky to Pinoy Foods, Italian and Chinese you got it all there!

Hongkong, China and Singapore

I remember this is 2001 together with my sis Shazel, we strolled Hongkong as if we knew the place. I can truly recall we stayed to my Aunt's friend together with her family, they are pure Chinese I forgot their family name, I only remember the filipina yaya of their kids.I think it was the month of June when we went there and I got a tanned skin because of so much heat and sun! I didn't know their summer is such an awful timing.



SINGAPORE

It was the first time that I travelled out of the country, and mind you- ALONE. At 21, I was able to manage my trip to every tourist spot in Singapore without a tourist guide, but with a MAP only. You cannot navigate the place if you don't have a map with the signs of bus numbers and trains. Singapore is a small city and you won't get lost as long as there's an accessible transportation.