Japan 2013 Day 1

I love JAPAN!

That basically sums up my growing devotion to that country and by saying that Japan is great is an understatement. To start with, it doesn’t fail to offer traveler’s a unique experience of their culture, tradition and how they go with the changing times. They grow in terms of preserving the old but at the same time, advancing themselves with creations found only in their country. It is indeed a unique experience that juxtaposes old with the new. And because I miss the land of the rising sun, I decided to share photos during our trip last 2013.

Upon stepping out of Narita Airport, we were greeted by a 14 degree c temperature, putting a big smile on our face, as saying “Welcome to Japan!”.

For the day’s agenda, we were booked on a half-day tour around Tokyo to familiarize ourselves with the area.

1. Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower used to be the tallest building in Tokyo but since the Tokyo Skytree was constructed, it comes only in second.

View from the tower..

Stepping on clear glass, giving a clear view below the tower.

The Tokyo Tower

2. Meiji Shrine

It was a chilly and rainy morning. We were forced to buy umbrellas from a souvenir shop, of course we got the clear one. XD

Before going to the actual shrine, you have to take a long walk passing by one of the many tori gates in the 175 acre garden. Meiji shrine is located in Shibuya, Tokyo and is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife. According to the guide, the area is covered by an evergreen forest that consists of 120,000 trees of 365 different species, donated by the Japanese people.

Entrance to the main memorial hall..

One of the structures that lead to the other parts of the forest..

DAY 1: Journey to Batanes

I think essentially the meaning of life is probably the journey and not really any one thing or an outcome or a result. I think it’s kinda the process and I think that if you can find happiness in the process then maybe that’s it.

Charisma Carpenter

What makes this family trip to Batanes nothing short of amazing is because of the journey.  The success of arriving to the destination cannot be achieved without the course of going through obstacles such as pre-travel jitters, vater’s frequent trips to the bathroom and dealing with the nerve of flying in small plane!

Snorkeling in Miniloc Island, El Nido

Snorkeling is probably one of the highlights when we were in El Nido. Imagine the excitement I had the moment we docked at Miniloc Island Resort. My mind was mentally jumping for joy! The rich blue water was so clear and inviting that you’d want to jump in and swim with the fish!

Roadtrip to Roxas City

Last weekend was spent on a road trip with the family to Roxas City! I get to drive, which is one of my favorite things/ skills to do. Haha! So we left Antique by 5:30 in the morning and planned to have breakfast at Mcdo when we arrive in Iloilo City. I  ate a little at home since I don’t want to get hungry during the drive.  I had two slices of bread with peanut butter (my favorite!) and dark coffee.

El Nido Cove Beach Resort

Entering the resort’s compound, we were welcomed by trees and more trees that seem to make you forget your worries left behind at work. It sure made me forget that I have stomach problems bugging me and the only thing you can think of is what lies beneath that forest. As the bus slowly head on the small path and made a stop, everyone gave a sigh of relief. We are here. And so, the journey to THE destination stops for the night.

Journey to El Nido

Traveling an hour by plane, six hours by bus and fifteen minutes more to this destination makes one weary of the long bumpy ride adding that you have a major case of hyper acidity and diarrhea and a bit feverish because of dehydration.

Armed with immodium, kremils, paracetamol and of course bonamin to cure the major discomfort that I didn’t expect to hit me for the first day of the journey, I felt like a loser. I took paracetamol nonstop hoping to end the fever until we reach El Nido town so that I can enjoy the rest of the trip. T’was a major bummer. The whole time during the bus drive I was really determined to get well and so I tried ‘self-healing’ by sleeping. I slept and slept and slept and drank gatorade minding that grumble in my stomach would stop. Thankfully enough I wasn’t able to puke unlike when we left for Palawan at the airport that I couldn’t contain myself not to. I had to let it go. During the plane ride I ended up collecting barf bags of my seatmates in case of an ’emergency’.

Resting my head over the right glass window, groggy from the medicines I took, my eyes would flutter open and would catch a glimpse of a zigzag road, sometimes a mountain full of trees, a sea of blue until I was fully awake and realized the drive wasn’t even halfway to the destination. And so, the sleeping continues. Thank goodness the group rented a bus for the whole twenty four of us which can accommodate forty eight people and with the long drive, it gave us a chance to stretch our legs especially for the older ones, watch tv and bond together in one vehicle compared to splitting the group to different vans. Most of the ‘young ones’ occupied each lane giving ample space to lie down on our backs and a more reason for me to sleep comfortably (hehe).

The afternoon heat faltered the air conditioning system of the bus or maybe it was just me with my feverish self and everybody was a bit tired from the journey as well, but as the bus slowly entered a mountainous rocky area, a cousin excitedly announced that we were near. Everyone got giddy and eventually were in high spirits again. The bus drove on a higher part of the mountains giving us a good view of the sea and the destination that we are all so determined to reach.

At last we got to El Nido town, our eyes scanning the area as the bus passed by a small town setting surrounded by limestone rocks, foreigners hanging out outside the hotels having their beer, others carrying their huge backpacks walking along the streets and signs of different island adventures make way. . The feeling of being there was an accomplishment as the drive was really a long one and seeing the place was surreal, giving an impression of a raw, remote and authentic island life.

The night’s accommodation was another fifteen minute  ride outside the town proper. I got groggy again so I slept for ten minutes more (haha). The bus driver slowly made a left turn to a sign that says, El Nido Cove Resort. Yes, we have arrived!

inside the Cherry bus

the view during one of the stopovers for a restroom break

Taiwan Roundup

Tagged along with the vater on a trip to Taiwan.

Here’s a round up of the sites we visited last September.

In a nutshell, Taiwan is a FOODIE’s haven, street shopping mecca, more to discover in this humble nation full of  history.

The view from Chiufen Village

Ilocos Norte Highlights Photo Diary

Summergirls head to Ilocos

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The Must-See Tourist Spots we visited in Ilocos Norte

1. Lapaz Sand Dunes
Ilocos Photo Diary: Lapaz Sand Dunes

2. Paoay Church

3. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Ilocos Norte Photo Diary: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

4. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

5. Bangui Windmills

6. Pagudpud Beaches 
Ilocos Norte Photo Diary: Blue Lagoon

7. Patapat Bridge

We weren’t able to see the rest of the tourist attractions due to time constraints.
But here are other attractions to visit to complete the list:

8. Sinking Bell Tower
9. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino
10. Malacanang of the North 
11. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum (seeing the frozen corpse of Marcos wasn’t too appealing)
12. Juan Luna Shrine
13. Bacarra Domeless Tower