New York City: A Return Trip 12 Years In The Making

Travel, Food, & Dining Buzz

Recapturing the moments 12 year ago in NYC. Yes, it’s the same shirt I was wearing and can still fit into it.

Some folks like to get away
Take a holiday from the neighbourhood
Hop a flight to Miami Beach
Or to Hollywood
But I’m taking a Greyhound
On the Hudson River Line
I’m in a New York state of mind

I didn’t know when I will be back in New York City since my first trip 12 years ago. But I have always been in a New York state of mind (which is also the title of one of my fave songs) ever since I left my heart in this city. So this year, I made plans to hop on a flight not to Miami Beach or to Hollywood (though both have always been on my bucket list) but to return to one of my top 5 fave cities in the world that I have already visited (along with Paris, Barcelona, Cape Town, and Sydney).

NYC in Autumn

It was no brainer to see NYC again now that I am much closer location wise (being based in Mexico City). Unlike before when I went during summer, this time I did NYC in autumn. My sister was right, NYC is lovely during this season. The weather is cool (3 to 8 degress celsius during day and night), the colors of autumn leaves are mesmerizing, and the Christmas feel is very evident thru decors and kioks that are starting to sprout. There is something in the air during this time of the year, and not to mention that you can dress up and make a fashion statement as you put on different layers of clothing to your heart’s desire without worrying about the sweat.

Christmas is in the air

I stayed at Romer Hell’s Kitchen after learning that Staybridge Suites Times Square, my NYC home 12 years ago, has already been shuttered. If I did a good choice back then, I made a better choice this time. Location is perfect (8th Avenue near 51st Street), which is at the heart of NYC. It’s a block away from 9th Avenue where the restaurant row is, and a block away from Broadway Avenue (other side between 7th and 8th) where the theater row and iconic Times Square is. In fact, during my whole stay, I didn’t use the subway. I did all the walking either going uptown or downtown Manhattan. That surely racked up record breaking steps in my Pacer (averaging 15k steps a day!) during the whole time I was there.

My home in NYC (Romer Hell’s Kitchen)

Unlike the previous trip, I didn’t really have any itinerary for this trip. Unlike the last one where it was structured, where I have to do this or that touristy stuff (what’s more touristy than hopping in and out of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus, stepping into Empire State Building elevator to get to the viewing deck and buying “I heart NY” T-shirt?), this time it was more of living like the locals and savoring the city. One of the reasons why I also flew to NYC is because I started to crave for the type of food that I am used to back in Manila. Though Mexican food is great for most people, my palate has never developed a taste for Mexican food. This is one of my sister’s concerns when I told her that I will be moving to Mexico City (aside from my safety) coz though she and my brother-in-law are fond of Mexican food, she knows I’m not. As expected, I even flew back to the Philippines in May (or only 4 months since I got to Mexico City) partly because I was missing the food. Now I don’t have to spend a fortune on round trip plane ticket to Manila as NYC has all the goods that I have been longing for.

Manila comfort food in NYC (top from left): Jollibee, Ichiran, and Ippudo. (Bottom): Tim Ho Wan

First stop was Jollibee, the most popular Filipino fast food chain in the Philippines. I was surprised that it is also popular in NYC, judging from the long queues at the counter and the crowded resto both filled with diners and those waiting for their “to go’s”. I didn’t know that Spicy Chickenjoy with gravy would be a hit to both New Yorkers and visitors alike where I can see people leaving the resto with buckets of that crispy, tasty, and delicious fried chicken. Then I discovered Ichiran Ramen, a very popular and one of the best ramen houses in Japan. I was also surprised how popular this resto is in NYC, based on both occasions where I have to queue for a meal (went there twice since the first time was not as good as the one I had in Tokyo so I thought it was just a fluke, but then the second time proved that it wasn’t). I was also glad that there’s a branch of Ippudo just a few steps away from my hotel, which is one of my two fave ramen houses in Manila (the other one is Mendokoro). Unlike Ichiran, Ippudo was more consistent in terms of flavor with its counterpart in Manila. Not far from my hotel is Tim Ho Wan, my go-to lunch place when I was still working at Bonifacio Global City (one of the two financial centers in Manila), which traces its origin in Hong Kong and known globally as the “cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.”

(Clockwise from top left): Szechuan shrimps and char siu (Chef Yu), beef and tripe in chili oil and soup dumplings (Kung Fu Kitchen), king crab legs and shrimps (Seafood Boil)

There were also a few good finds in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, known for endless food choices where one doesn’t need to go anywhere else to find good food, as well as along 8th Avenue which seems to be the avenue of choice for major international hotel chains (Intercon, Westin, Marriott, Hilton, etc.) which means that good restos won’t be far behind. There’s Kung Fu Kitchen, which is also a few steps from my hotel. Boy, was I not pleasantly surprised how good this Michelin-recommended and Zagat-rated Chinese restaurant is (I was planning to go to Chinatown to look for good Chinese restos but ended up dining here 3 or 4 times during my stay). Their soup dumplings are to die for. Then there’s Seafood Boil resto for cajun king crab legs and shrimps, complete with plastic gloves and bib to enjoy those tasty and spicy but messy shellfish. There’s also Chef Yu, a Chinese fine dining resto with good char siu, which I wasn’t able to finish (talk about saving the best for last) and decided to bring back to my hotel for midnight snack, but on my walk back, I passed by a homeless man and decided to leave that delicious char siu for probably his first decent meal in a while (I also previously left my peach mango pie that I got for free at Jollibee after filling up a survey to another homeless guy that I ran into on my way back to the hotel). NYC, for all its fab and glory, has a homeless problem, which is not uncommon in big and expensive cities.

(Left to right): Instagram post on my review of Spamalot, Taran Killam (@tarzannoz) liking the post, show’s playbill and ticket, me during intermission

Since I was in the theater capital in this side of the world, it was just organic that I have to see a Broadway show or two. The first show that I did was Spamalot, a revival of the 2004 Tony Best Musical. It was so hilarious that I really had a blast. It stars one of my fave ex-mainstays of Saturday Night Live (SNL), Taran Killam, and as expected, he slayed all the funny moments as well as the multiple roles that he played (my faves are the spitting frenchman and the silly shrub). I even made a post on this blog’s Instagram account about how much I enjoyed the show which he “liked”. Funny though, when I told my friends about it (that less than 48 hours in NYC, a celebrity is already liking my Instagram post), most of them asked “who is he?” Knowing not all may be fans of Broadway or SNL, all I could muster was to share that he is the hubby of Cobie Smulders (Avengers, How I Met Your Mother, Jack Reacher). Now everyone knows who he is.

(Left to right): theater marquee, show’s playbill and ticket, me before the start of the show

The second show that I watched was The Book Of Mormon. I vividly remember that it was a hit show when it first appeared on Broadway back in 2011 when I was in NYC that I then can’t afford to purchase a ticket (or at least pay that much for one show) in as much as I wanted to see it then. It went on to win the Tonys for Best Musical that year. Who knows that 12 years later, it is still running and packing up the theater. I also had a fun evening and filled with gratefulness that I was able to finally see the show after all these years. Only proves that great things happen to those who wait (hopefully it will hold true as well for my love life).

Me serving face instead after realizing my blooper (MET is closed every Wednesday)

Of course, I can’t leave NYC without visiting the MET (or Metropolitan Museum). So I went, but not without a blooper. I walked from 51st Street going uptown to 83rd Street only to find out it was closed. I forgot that MET is closed every Wednesday. So I went again the next day. In this visit, I did the old and the new. For the new, I did the galleries that showcased new artworks and collections while for the old, I still went for the ancient Greek and 19th century American. I didn’t have enough time for the ancient Egyptian (which I did the last time), coz same as the last time, two hours in the museum would barely scratch the surface. There’s just so much to see and savor that you have to allot at least 5 hours while you’re there (excluding any snack or meal break).

Having fun in the museum

But the highlight of the trip was able to reconnect with old friends that I haven’t seen in decades. So much have happened in our individual lives that it was such a delight to hear their stories, their journeys, the joys and the struggles, and living the American dream. Though I am not living that dream, I am just glad that these old friends of mine are doing very well in their personal and professional lives not to mention being amazing hosts while I was there. By extension, I feel that I am living (or at least visiting in) their dreams as well and no one could be more proud of their success and happiness than yours truly.

Catching up with old friends

So don’t be surprised if I will be back in NYC anytime soon (definitely not another 12 years in the making). Sooner than you would think (or before you could finish belting out New York State Of Mind).

Leaving NYC (for Mexico City) with memories to last a lifetime (but will be back soon).

My First Europe Trip

Anniversary Buzz

Me in Europe 20 years ago

Yes dear readers, we are on our 4th year anniversary and we are still going strong. Though I have been blogging less nowadays after I took that role in Mexico City, the number of views have been consistent and we are now being read in 83 countries and territories. Not only are we celebrating a milestone, but around this time 20 years ago, I embarked on my first trip to Europe and my travel life has never been the same again that it is also worth commemorating what started my kindled romance with Europe.

Amsterdam and its popular canals

I have always been fascinated with Europe and just the thought of finally flying there has brought tremendous excitement to a young finance professional who later found his purpose in life: work to travel. Since I was not earning that much then, planning for the trip has to be meticulous up to the last dollar. Though friends who have traveled more had advised not to convert expenses to Philippine peso, I can’t avoid but do what I was told not to do, which actually sucks the joy out of travel. But can you blame me for being a bit stingy, ensuring that I would have enough to last for the whole trip, which isn’t much anyway to start with.

(Left) Old tram station (right) Anne Frank’s House (Amsterdam)

So to save time and money, I decided to visit at most three (3) adjacent cities so that I can fly in on one and just take the train for the other two. Initially Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) crossed my mind, but then I always wanted to see Paris (which is another kindled romance that I have developed over the years), so I finalized my itinerary with Amsterdam (Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), and Paris (France). So I booked an economy class ticket to Amsterdam (yes, I flew coach, which is no surprise since I was young then with no back problem/spinal surgery and only earning just enough to afford economy fare). I can’t exactly remember the order of the trip, but all I could recall was that I flew in and out of Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam), so I guess I may mix up Brussels and Paris.

(Left) Atomium (right) The Peeing Boy (Brussels)

So off I went to Amsterdam. It was rainy when I got there, which quite dampens the excitement but the beauty and charm (European feels) was undeniable. Amsterdam is actually pretty, with those small colored buildings interspersed with old ones along the famous canals. There were also trams and bicycles all over, which gave me a whole new perspective of European staple when it comes to transportation (this is true all over Europe after having been to more than a dozen countries years later). So with an umbrella in tow, I walked around the wet city, which isn’t really that big, wandering around with no clear direction where to go (Google maps nor digital phones weren’t in vogue then, neither the hop on hop off tour buses). What I remember was that there are just a few places that I shouldn’t miss, like Anne Frank’s House and the red light district.

Marketplace day and night (Brussels)

Red light district sounds dodgy, but in Amsterdam, it’s actually a main tourist attraction, where the oldest profession is actually legal. So instead of mannequins in sexy lingerie on display windows, here you actually have live action where tourists were mainly on window shopping mode. But unlike in most places, women in this profession get a bit of respect (Dutch people treat this as any other profession), where tourists (or anyone for that matter) who don’t behave are thrown into the canal (I actually heard a splash or two when I was in the area). The more conservative beings may blush, but then again, this come as no surprise in a city where recreational marijuana is also legal (take note, this was 20 years ago).

(Left) Eiffel Tower grounds (right) Seine River (Paris)

But what left an indelible mark on my Amsterdam trip was the visit to Anne Frank’s House. To those who are unfamiliar, Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who hid in a secret annex of their house during the occupation of the Nazis. During the time that she and her family were hiding, she wrote a memoir about their daily life in hiding until they were finally discovered. This was a girl who still think life is worth living in spite of the perils that she and her family are facing, who had big dreams and have stayed positive all throughout. She is one of my personal heroes, drawing inspiration from her life story every time I am struggling with mine.

(Left) Arc de Triomphe (right) Eiffel Tower (Paris)

Then off I went to Brussels, where I took the Eurail. The weather was better (though Amsterdam has always been known to be wet all year round, like London) so similar to Amsterdam, I was walking aimlessly. All I know then was that I wanted to see the Atomium and The Peeing Boy, two main attractions of the city. Of course, your trip to Brussels would not be complete without a visit to Marketplace, which is the nerve center of the city, where the place is abound with flowers in bloom and several restos and coffee shops around the plaza. I haven’t tried any of those, since I was only subsisting on fastfood during the whole trip (usually Burger King coz that’s what’s more popular there and that’s what I can only afford). So no fancy dining then, only good old chicken nuggets/wings and fries of a fastfood chain that is everywhere and more popular than McDonalds.

From left: Louvre, Notre Dame, and Walt Disney Studio (Paris)

This leg of the trip was uneventful (except when a guy started calling and following me for no reason while I was in the area where The Peeing Boy is around late at night, which got me a little unsettled since I really have no idea what his intentions were and I was a bit naive then). So I took the train to Paris, more excited than ever. I was finally gonna see the City of Lights, which until now still mesmerizes me (I have seen every episode and all 3 seasons of “Emily in Paris” just to remember Paris by even if I have been there 3 to 4 times already). Of course I have to see the Eiffel Tower and the grounds and Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. It was also an opportunity to visit Disneyland, one of my childhood dreams, which not only got fulfilled but also came with a combo of Warner Bros Adventure Park. What more can I ask for, right?

Paris Disneyland

Then came the realization that when one travels, reality may differ from expectations. Take the Eiffel Tower for example. I initially thought it was huge and tall, only to be underwhelmed with its size and height. So what I learned later on was not to expect much from the places of our dreams, so that we would not end up disappointed and subconsciously ruin the trip. Though it didn’t in this one (Paris will never disappoint me), I would always have that in mind every time I travel (though I’m just human to be underwhelmed sometimes, just like when I first saw the Colosseum in Rome). More importantly, always respect the place and its people. That lesson came early, when I witnessed an American guy buying a postcard in one of the kiosks underneath the Eiffel Tower. He asked for a stamp, and the vendor said he doesn’t have any. The American started his tirade and what was close to a verbal assault and the helpless French cannot muster a word. When the American guy left, the Parisian uttered something in French, which with my limited French vocabulary was something close to a curse. People I know say French are snotty, but from my own personal experience, they are no different than anyone else as long as you extend the same respect that you yourself would expect from anyone. It wouldn’t hurt also if you learn a little of their language, which the French people are very proud of. One of my friends even highlighted that the reason why I probably didn’t experience the French snub is because I would start my conversations with “Parlez vous Anglais?” (Do you speak English?) and most of the time (again from my own personal experience) they do and they would be very helpful.

Warner Bros Park car and motorcycle stunts (Paris)

So all of these life lessons happened in such a short trip (how I wish it was longer but due to budgetary constraints, I can only savor Europe for just a bit). But more than the lessons learned, it was this trip that gave me a purpose-driven life, to work and build a career behind a purpose (travel), not so much to accumulate material things but experiences that will last a lifetime.

Happy Anniversary.

My first and obviously not the last

Filipino Expat in Mexico City: My Greatest Learning and Regret

Travel and Positivity Buzz

Hello Mexico City! Welcome party for me (complete with sparklers) hosted by my Mexico team.

My transfer to Mexico City at the start of the new year has been a year in the making. I worked for a global company in Manila when this role was brought up to me around September 2021 (around the time of my Mom’s passing) which is still under the same global company but in different location and legal entity. At that time, I didn’t give much thought on applying for the role since I was mourning then until the different regional heads encouraged me to apply. When I finally hurdled the interviews and accepted the offer on January 2022 (I initially rejected the offer back in December 2021), everything went downhill from there right after I got my temporary resident visa, when Mexico HR bungled what was supposed to be a relatively simple task of having the job contract authenticated/verified by the Philippine Embassy in Mexico as a requirement of Philippine government before they would allow its citizen to work abroad. Long story short, my initial visa expired before securing the exit clearance from the Philippine government so I have to re-apply again before I could proceed with the process for the exit clearance.

Shopping and dining options

When I finally got to Mexico City, my travails (with Mexico HR) continued. Though the company has external vendors to assist me with the legal documents that I need to complete before I can get onboarded by the company (ie immigration lawyers for my residence card application, consultants for my tax ID application, relocation specialist for my hotel accommodation and apartment hunting, etc.), I didn’t get any support from Mexico HR. Not even when I asked who can help me with the document that I need for one of my applications. In other words, I was able to complete all the legal documents that are required for onboarding with no help at all from Mexico HR. To add insult to injury, after completing all the onboarding requirements, Mexico HR told me that they cannot onboard me unless I get offboarded first by Manila. It’s not even a conundrum of chicken or egg, it was plain incompetence at its finest.

Sights and sounds

So for over a year, Mexico HR has put me through untold stress and anxiety. There was a point in the last quarter of 2022 where out of frustration, I almost gave up before I could even fly out. The only thing that was holding me from telling my global seniors that I’m not going anymore was that I don’t want to harbor “what ifs” in my life. It still looks like a good opportunity then (being the first Filipino and Asian from the company’s Asia Pacific franchise to be offered a role in Mexico) and letting go would make me wonder what I have missed out. But I should have read the signs then, when Mexico HR put me through hell again when they told me that the housing allowance is gross of tax (meaning I won’t get the full amount) contrary to my understanding when they made the relocation offer. This happened the night before I was scheduled to sign the lease contract for the only apartment that I liked (after viewing more than half a dozen apartment units). It felt like getting assaulted multiple times and the stress and anxiety I was put through was something I was totally unprepared for. The saving grace was that my onboarding contract (which was all in Spanish) has explicitly provided that the amount that I should receive is net of tax, coz if it wasn’t, I would have probably served my two-week notice and booked my flight home.

Old town vs new town

If Mexico HR is the super villain in this story, there were superheroes as well. There’s this angel of an expat from Hungary (same global company) who has been helping me even before I flew out of Manila. He went thru similar unpleasant experience with Mexico HR before, that’s why he has been helping me every step of the way. I can’t imagine how I could have survived my first few weeks here in Mexico City without his help. I even said that he should be doing HR work coz he’s more competent that all of them combined. There’s also my Mexican team, who are all super nice and reminds me of my Manila team of yesteryears which I had the opportunity to mold and develop (where some of my former staff have reached greater heights in their respective careers). Now I have the same opportunity to bring out the best in them and achieve their full potential and hopefully when the time comes, make a difference in their careers.

Mexicans love their breads and pastries

All these drama with HR unfolded amidst the backdrop of Mexico City. Unlike Mexico HR, the city is hard not to love. So no matter how much I despise HR for what they have put me through, I won’t deny the fact that I’m loving the city. The city is vibrant, green, full of life and culture. I haven’t been around much (aside from the HR fiasco, I’m bogged down with work and the stress that comes with the new role which my years with the company have prepared me for) but gauging from what I have seen, heard, felt, tasted, and experienced so far, this is a place I can consider home. People are nice, food is great, sights and sounds are delightful and cost of living is affordable (except eating out or ordering in, which is very expensive compared to Manila). I know that Mexico (as a country) has more to offer (I haven’t seen their famous beaches and “magic towns” yet) so once I started exploring both the country and the city, that will provide me with more material to blog about later.

My new apartment (I thought I won’t be able to fill up the walk-in closet lol)

So what’s my greatest learning and regret so far? My regret was that I didn’t escalate the lack of ownership and accountability on the part of Mexico HR in all their dealings with me early on. They may have been accustomed to their incompetence for years that it probably is the norm for them, oblivious to how the same impacts people’s lives (imagine if I have my own family that I have uprooted and brought here only to find out that I’ll be having issues with both onboarding and relocation benefits where I’ll end up being unemployed and/or having expenses outside of budget because I won’t get the full amount that I was told I’ll be receiving). My greatest learning (so far, aside from translating and reading my contract knowing that the devil is in the details) is that you can never go wrong with kindness. The reason why I’m still living and breathing inspite of the difficulties and the challenges of being new to the country and adjusting not only to the general environment but also to the work environment is the help I’m getting from my team. I don’t think I would have gotten their support and earned their trust if not for the kindness that I have shown so far. Someone told me to be more tough with them, but that has been done before (by their previous manager) and that didn’t work. I’ll be just pushing them away if I do that, that’s why cultural sensitivity is important and kindness is universal. Knowing such cultural nuances as avoiding embarrassing a Mexican in front of others, always have greetings in emails before getting down to business, greeting someone when you bump unto them or when in calls or meetings, making an effort to speak their language no matter how limited your Spanish vocabulary is (in my case, it also helps that my accent is spot on), all these little things will go a long way in endearing yourself to them. All these translate to being kind and respectful. So I have to strip and do away with some of my western influences (particularly those that they would find rude) and continue to adapt to my new environment and in the process, rediscovering my old, unadulterated, provincial self before I have evolved into this “boss” man (from a mildly derogatory meaning of the word) courtesy of the old work environment I was in.

My newfound friends (United Colors of Mexico)

When asked how do I find Mexico so far, my usual response is I’m loving the city but not the work. Maybe because I’m still trying to navigate my way around the work environment (and that covers navigating around people and organizational culture) and get familiar with and have appreciation of the lay of the land which does not give me as much a chance of winning as the next guy. But I’m still keeping an open mind and we’ll see whether I continue to be a Filipino expat in Mexico City or a Filipino on his way home.

Goodbye or Hello Philippines?

Rediscovering The Joy Of Travel

Travel & Food Buzz

Pattaya Beach, Thailand

It’s been 2 years and 6 months since my last travel abroad and it seems like eternity for someone who would see the world at least twice a year (one long haul and one short haul trip). The pandemic has created a sedentary lifestyle and actually resulted to some 20 pounds of weight gain. I have been itching to travel to at least get rid of the excess “baggage” (I would normally lose weight every time I travel with all the walking) as I see travelling as a means not only to de-stress but also a good way to rack up steps in my Pacer.

(Left photo) Pattaya December 2019 or 2.5 years ago and 20.5lbs lighter; (right photo) Pattaya June 2022 and doesn’t feel so sexy so just serving face lol

So when the Philippine government relaxed its travel requirements for inbound residents where they don’t require any form of testing as long as you have your booster shot already, I decided to get myself a booster even if my last antibody test showed that I still have high levels of COVID antibodies. If you have read my previous article “I Got Vaccinated and My COVID Antibodies Are Off The Roof” (https://columbusbee.blog/2021/09/15/i-got-vaccinated-and-my-covid-antibodies-are-off-the-roof/), after getting fully vaccinated in August of last year, my antibody levels in September showed more than 2500 units/ml (2500 u/ml is the machine limit so it literally broke the machine lol). On February this year (or 5 months after my last test), I had myself tested again to see whether I would already need a booster shot but my antibody level was at 2284 units/ml, which is still very high given that the normal protection level is somewhere between 100-400 units/ml. That’s why I decided to defer the booster in the meantime and let others who need it more than I do take first dibs. But when the new travel requirement came out in June, it was probably a sign to have it as an annual shot (regardless of the antibody level) and plan that much deserved trip.

COVID quantitative antibody test results. As you can see, my antibody protection level hasn’t really declined more than 5 months after my 2nd vaccine dose

I went through a lot in the last nine months both personally and professionally. That’s why this trip was important to me as it will rekindle that old feeling of anticipation. Anticipating time off from work, anticipating the joy of doing nothing (if you have seen the movie or read the book “Eat, Pray, Love,” this is what Italians would say “La dolce far niente” or the sweetness of doing nothing), anticipating new experiences and surprises as well as the old and familiar. As I mentioned in my earlier article “The Joys of Travelling (Solo)” (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/06/01/the-joys-of-travelling-solo/), you won’t be the same person between the time you embarked on a trip and after your return, carrying with you something new and old, even if having gone through the same or similar experiences. Given that it is only a short time off (essentially eight days of rest and recreation excluding travel time), I cannot eat in Italy, pray in India, and find love in Indonesia. So I thought why not go to Japan when you can do all three things? Japan though still has strict travel requirements, where they only allow tour groups at this time. So individual/solo travelers are still not allowed. Going to Italy also crossed my mind (where you can also do all three things) where I still have the travel voucher from the Europe trip that I was supposed to take in May 2020 (if the pandemic didn’t cause the flight cancellation), but the fares have shot up (twice the price if I have booked the ticket say in Feb) which is expected if you book a flight so close to summer. I have also thought of Guam, but the fares are more expensive than usual (particularly the return flight), not sure if because summer has officially kicked in as well.

La dolce far niente or the sweetness of doing nothing

So I thought why not go to my fave country in Southeast Asia: Thailand. I have been to Thailand a few times already and it’s my go-to destination if I just want a quick escape from everything. It is a perfect destination if you are looking for beaches, good food, and nice people. Of course you can eat, pray, and love (and I did a lot of eating and prayed as well, but didn’t find love). Thailand also has relaxed its inbound travel requirements in June (no need for testing and quarantine if fully vaxxed, you just need to secure a Thailand Pass online which is more like a health declaration and save the QR code on your phone), so less hassle and it’s time to return to the country that I last visited before the pandemic (December 2019).

My Google Maps Timeline email notification

And just like that, I was queueing at the Philippine passport control in the airport as if it was pre-pandemic and took some meals from the lounge while waiting for my flight. The only difference this time is that you order your food online and will be served on your table. So I ordered anything that I can eat (I had the popular arroz caldo and adobo rice topping) and drink (two cans of Coke Zero and a bottle of water) since it would take some time for the same to be served, unlike before where you just take what you want to eat or drink from the different counters. Soon I found myself settling on my business class seat in Thai Airways’ 777-300ER. I can’t remember if it was the same aircraft that I flew last time, but the seat is much different now, which is a pleasant surprise (these are the types of surprises that I like when travelling). Unlike before where the seats are just wider than economy and with an arm rest that extends to a mini drink counter (think of Philippine Airlines business class seats for local flights or US airlines business class seats for regional flights), the flight now has its own cube (or mini suite whatever you may call it) where each seat is separated from the adjacent seat like having your own enclave (the cabin has a 1-2-1 seat configuration). I took the window seat which means I don’t have any adjacent neighbor (safer during this time of COVID). The seat can fully recline into a flat bed and the cube looks like that of Etihad’s business class seat (though this flight is a short haul one unlike the Etihad flight to Europe that I took a few years back). Though you don’t really need a flat bed for a 3-hour flight (or a business class seat for that matter), but gives you options for a comfortable (if you want to take a power nap) and safer flight.

(Left photo) Thai Airways business class seat December 2019; (right photo) business class seat June 2022. Both are window seats. See the huge difference?

I arrived in Bangkok late at night (almost midnight) and since I already arranged for my airport transfer thru Klook, it was a hassle free trip where I’ll just have to wait for the car to arrive and pick me up. That gave me some time to rest before I headed out to Pattaya around noon the next day. It was almost a mirror trip of 2019 where my itinerary was almost the same (except for the Saigon leg of the former). I flew on the same airline (where the seats have leveled up), stayed in the same hotels (All Accor Hotels but will probably change brands in the future due to its very poor Customer Care service), ate on the same places (except for some new ones), sunbathed on the same beaches (though I didn’t feel as sexy as before lol), prayed on the same temples (and new shrines), and shopped in the same malls (plus more with one mall that fascinated me as a traveler). The only thing that I probably didn’t do this time was catch a movie since I’ve already seen some of the movies that were on (Doctor Strange 2 and Maverick 2).

From top left: salmon and kani sashimi, tempura and gyoza, salmon teriyaki, and another serving of salmon and kani sashimi (I love sashimi!)

Most of the trip was spent in Pattaya and I’m just glad that it wasn’t as crowded as the last time. I made a trip down memory lane by eating at familiar places, but this time had more varieties. My food trip started with Japanese. I was actually looking forward to eat at my fave eat-all-you-can Japanese resto (Shabushi by Oishi) but I thought got shuttered due to pandemic when I can’t find it only to realize that I was on the wrong floor (one of those senior moments lol). So I ended up eating at Zen Restaurant. This is one of those detours that end up as pleasant surprises. The food was fresh and the place is comfy where you can binge and chill at the same time. I had my usual sashimi (salmon and kani), tempura, gyoza, miso soup, and salmon teriyaki. I eventually went to Shabushi and relish on shabu-shabu (I used to go there for lunch almost everyday on my last trip), enjoying a wide variety of meat and seafood. Next on the food trip was Southeast Asian fares, starting of course with Thai food. Before leaving for Thailand, I was already craving for my fave tom yum (hot and sour mixed seafood soup). I haven’t found a decent tom yum where I live so the anticipation has been building up. I ended up having it in one of those roadside eateries called J Daeng (which looks like the same roadside eatery as the one in Phuket where I had very good tom yum years ago). Well, as far as tom yum goes, the place didn’t disappoint, but the shrimp cakes that I ordered was just so-so (I was also craving for fish cakes, but then there was none in the menu). Other Southeast Asian comfort food that I had are Singapore’s hainanese chicken rice, which is actually common where I live (I used to eat at Nanyang restaurant at Powerplant Mall years ago before it shut down) and my latest discovery, Malaysia’s bak kut teh (pork ribs soup), which grows on you after a few sips of that delicious pork broth.

Top left: Singapore’s hainanese chicken rice, Malaysia’s bak kut teh (pork ribs soup), and Thailand’s shrimp cakes and tom yum (hot and sour mixed seafood soup)

Next stop is Korean. One thing I noticed not just in Pattaya but also in Bangkok (and probably just anywhere else in Thailand) is the proliferation of not just Japanese restaurants (or anything Japanese for that matter) but also those specializing in Korean food. It’s probably because Japanese and Korean tourists stay longer than any other nationalities. So I had Korean barbeque at Sukishi. It was ok, I enjoyed it but not as much as Shabushi (maybe because I like my food steamed or boiled than barbequed). While there, I got fascinated with the Terminal 21 mall where it is located. This is the first time I’ve visited the mall and I actually like the airport terminal concept. I mean where can you find an Eiffel Tower inside of a mall? I’ve seen replicas of Eiffel Towers before (just like the one in Vegas), but not inside a mall. Each level has different themes and represent a country or a city (ie ground floor is Paris, next levels are Italy, Tokyo, and San Francisco). I was able to appreciate the themes more (Paris is represented by Eiffel Tower, Italy by Leaning Tower of Pisa and different statues, Tokyo by cherry blossoms, San Francisco by the Fisherman’s Wharf) because I actually have been to all these countries/cities.

Terminal 21 mall. Isn’t this mall fascinating?

Bangkok has its fair share of food trip and shopping as well. I don’t leave Bangkok without going to two of my favorite restaurants: Somboon and Square Restaurants. Somboon, home of the original fried curry crabs, has my fave roasted fresh water prawns with glass noodles. I used to order the one with crabs, but there are times that a single order will come with portions of crabs that are heavy on shells, so I would choose prawns instead. In this trip, I discovered a new dish that I really like, which is oyster omelet. Square, on the other hand, is an eat-all-you can buffet. I like this resto coz not only does it offer fresh prawns and mussels (where you can eat to your heart’s content) and Japanese fares (sushi and sashimi) and some delicious soups, but also it is one of those value for money restos.

Korean Barbeque plus salmon sashimi and gyoza (see, even in a Korean resto, I still want my sashimi lol)

There are also new restos that I’ve tried during this trip. As mentioned earlier, I was craving for fish cakes so I tried Baan Ying. The fish cake was just ok, but what I like was the crab meat in chili crab sauce. This is a better alternative to ordering a crab where sometimes you’ll end up with more shells than meat. It has generous portions of crab meat and you can never go wrong with crab chili sauce. Another one that I tried out was Kam’s Roast, a Michelin starred resto in Hongkong that has its biggest offshore branch in Bangkok. I had the popular roasted duck/goose and the combo of toro char siu and char siu (barbequed pork differentiated by pork cuts). Both are delish! These Chinese fares actually cap the food trip, after having Japanese, Southeast Asian, and Korean gastronomic delights.

From left: Roasted fresh water prawn with glass noodles, oyster omelet, and fresh river prawns and mussels. I love Thailand’s river prawns coz the meat has a bit of natural sweetness.

I don’t leave Thailand without doing my usual prayers to their deities. As I’ve written in my previous article “Dear Mama Mary” (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/09/14/dear-mama-mary/), I embrace all religions and beliefs, as long as it makes sense to me. So I visited Wat Pho again. home of the reclining Buddha (apparently the biggest in all of Thailand), as well as discovering new shrines such as the shrine of Trimurti (God of love, health, and fortune) and shrine of Ganesha (God of success). I went all out with the offerings (each shrine would have its own prescribed set of offerings) coz you’ll never know when the Gods will go all out in granting your prayers.

Top left: Chinese roasted duck/goose, combo of Chinese toro char siu and char siu (barbequed pork in two different pork cuts), Thailand’s fish cakes and crab meat in crab chili sauce

Then I realized that the trip was almost over. Just like any trips in the past, it will come to a close. So after picking up a few items at Duty Free, I was again having some meals at the lounge. Suvarnabhumi International Airport, being the hub of Thai Airways, would have expectedly better food and drinks selection in the lounge than the one in Manila, and no need for an app this time since the food and drinks are available in the different counters for you to just pick up and bring to your chosen lounge seat. Then I found myself settling on my seat in the plane, realizing that I’ll be back to work in a few hours. But then, after such a long wait, I finally did what I’ve been longing to do: rediscovering the joy of travel. Not exactly the “Eat, Pray, Love” itinerary, but no doubt I did eat and pray (love will happen when it happens). I don’t even need to go to Japan to do all things Japanese, or be in Guam to do shopping. I don’t need to take a European tour again (at least this year) to reminisce how much I enjoy Europe. All I need is just Thailand.

Coz the saying “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey” does not only apply to life, but also to travel experiences, surprises, and detours that make up a good trip.

After a long wait, I finally did it!

Dear Mom

I didn’t expect that my first trip during this lockdown would be to see you go. I didn’t know that my first flight is also your last, albeit in different destinations. You left us without saying goodbye, but I do understand. I know that it pains you to leave us, as much as it hurts knowing that you’re gone.

But I also know that you fought for us. You tried every means within your power to hold on and stay for us. Your battles against giants such as pneumonia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s in the last 3 years have made you the David to these Goliaths. I have personally witnessed how you struggled, how these demons have weakened your body, but have also strengthened your spirit. All to be with us and to keep our family intact.

The last 3 years have been very difficult for you and for us. We almost lost you in 2018 when you were in ICU for 3 weeks. You were in and out of the hospital before then, as well as after. It didn’t help that when the pandemic started, the most we can do during this period was having intermittent doctor home visits just to make sure that your medical needs were met, and a makeshift hospital room at home with the basic of equipments to ensure that we are always ready when new bouts of infections set in. You receive your nutrition thru a catheter, and you were constantly tossed and turned to change your position in bed to avoid sores and ulcerations. Jane and Monique, your caregivers, who have grown fond of you, have performed these tasks diligently round the clock, which gave me a new found appreciation of the work that caregivers do. It didn’t help as well that you developed Parkinson’s, which keeps you bedridden. or at times in a wheelchair. Gone were the days that you could walked past every able-bodied person 50 years your junior.

But the most painful part of your struggles was not the physical incapacities. It was the mental part. After seeing you in one of my regular trips to Iloilo after your discharge from ICU in 2018, you didn’t know this but I broke down at the Iloilo airport on my way back to Manila. That was when your doctor confirmed my suspicion that you may be suffering from Alzheimer’s. At that time, I can’t bear the thought of you losing all the precious memories of us, much more not able to recognize us when you see us. I can’t help but cried a river while waiting for my flight.

Those memories that we hold dear will soon be gone and in its stead will just be snippets of it over time. Memories of our childhood where you would protect us from the sun by having an umbrella over our heads during hours long parade (that’s probably why my complexion still looks great after all these years). Memories of our teenage years when you were struggling on how to deal with teenage boys, particularly when we start to answer back. I do understand that for your generation, where you were raised in a very restricted and conservative society then, it’s disrespectful to answer back to an elder, that a child should never challenge a parent, or even reason out. We were lucky to grow up having able to marry these two schools of thought: filial piety (respect for parents or elders) and having an independent mind. But in spite of our differences, there is one thing that you taught us that I believe we would all agree with: that a person’s wealth is not measured by material things, but the richness of one’s heart and values. That if we were stripped of everything down to our bare essentials, all we have is our name.

You may not be the perfect Mom, or have the most desirable parenting skills, but you have brought up four adults that you can be proud of. We know that you’ve been very proud of us. You always tell people that your greatest treasure are your children. That we are the best gifts that you got from above. But no Mom, you are our greatest treasure. You are the best gift we had. Your legacy lives within us. Yet that legacy has been undermined by Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is only a relief if we have regrets. I regret that I didn’t say I love you as much as I can. I regret those fights that we had and those periods of time that I didn’t talk to you out of anger. I regret that I wasn’t there for you these past months. I regret that I wasn’t able to say I’m sorry. Please forgive me Mom.

It pains us that you are no longer with us. There are no truer words than this borrowed quote from Josh Groban: “The grief of loss is the payback for the gift of love.” Mom, you gifted us with a love that only a mother can give, that’s why we are grieving. I know that only time can heal our broken hearts, that’s why we would rather celebrate you today than be lost in our grief. Thank you Mom for all your sacrifices in raising us and putting your family first. I know that you gave up promotion opportunities that will keep you away from us for periods of time. Thank you for the discipline that you have instilled in us, as well as the values that you have inculcated, such as always doing the right thing. That we may lose everything, but never lose our good name. Coz that is all we got. Thank you for your generous heart, not only caring for your own family, but also for everyone else whose lives you have touched (my cousins would surely attest to that). Most of all, thank you for the time, the good times and the bad, coz even in the shadows of Alzheimer’s, the memories would always be shared between us and will live on forever.

This is not goodbye, but see yeah in the after life. We love you Mom.

Your loving son (who’s missing you so much),

Franz

America: Celebrating Life, Embracing Diversity

Travel & Positivity Buzz

Happy 2nd year anniversary, columbusbee! We are now being read in 6 continents and 53 countries and territories (and still counting). Much love to all of you.

Almost two years in and this blog has not only received hundreds of views but has expanded its geographical footprint. Yes dear readers, we are celebrating our 2nd year anniversary and we are now being read in six continents and 53 countries and territories as of this writing. I’m truly humbled by the support and continued interests in the articles that I have written (encompassing the different themes of the blog) and more importantly on the sharing of information that hopefully had made a difference in someone’s life, no matter how little that may be. My heart is full knowing that I have given a piece of my life that is worth sharing within my small circle of influence. I don’t see myself as a social influencer (though someone who claims to handle influencer relations of a company had already reached out to me but I’m not yet ready to monetize this blog) but more of a life coach who shares experiences and lessons learnt which can prove handy for some people.

Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco). Am I smizing (smile with your eyes) in here or what? Lol

One of the struggles of a blogger is how to keep churning out content that will sustain and keep readers interest and attention. I know that I have a specific target audience (not everyone will resonate with what I’m writing) and it’s also a balancing act on my part to be bold in my thoughts at times yet temper my views. That’s why you’ll see in my body of work so far a mix of themes that sometimes go off path (like some political and religious themed articles). Maybe my life is a mix of themes too, and that’s where I can pull some content not just to have something to write about but to simply highlight experiences that are worth sharing. This is how I can continue to keep the blog going, especially now that writing is no longer a hobby (it started as one 2 years ago), but a commitment to the readers across the globe.

One of San Francisco’s hidden gems (San Francisco Botanical Garden)

Speaking of mixed themes, I am featuring the states (that’s how US is called in some parts of the world) for this 2nd anniversary special. Some of you may not agree with this choice, but I have pondered long enough to know that you’ll probably understand by the end of the article why I chose to feature this country. America is a complex country (and a country of mixed themes) and I have no plans of dissecting it. What I can offer is to share my thoughts on the country based on my travels as well as my connection and affinity to the same.

DNA genetic testing (23andMe) results. From this day on, I shall also be known by my Native American name “Calian” (means Warrior of Life, Honor, and Eternal Hope).

My connection or affinity to the country is not due to the fact that based on my family DNA genetic testing (23andMe), I’m 0.5% Native American (can I now lay claim to some ancestral lands in America? lol). I’m a true blue Filipino, but we all know that the Philippines was once occupied by the Americans in the 1940s, so probably that’s where I got my American Indian genes. It may also be probably thru my European connection, where I’m 0.4% European. This blog was named after a European, Christopher Columbus, touted to be the first man to circumnavigate the world and discovered America. Since the Philippines was colonized by Europeans up until the American occupation, that’s also one likely reason how the Native American genes have crossed seas. Talk about diversity.

My sis and I enjoying SanFro as guests of groom & groom on our first LGBT wedding (shortly after California legalized same sex marriage). Her hubby is our official photographer lol.

But that’s not the diversity (as the title suggests) that I’m exploring in this article. My first trip to the US was to attend what supposed to be my first LGBT wedding. A member of family in-laws (who is based in the US) is getting married to his fiancee in San Francisco so my family got invited to the wedding. It was shortly after California has legalized same-sex marriage and getting invited to one for me is quite historic so I didn’t let it passed and started planning for the trip (I was always looking for a reason to go to the states anyway, coz I was fascinated more with Europe with its rich history, culture, and artifacts that I haven’t been to the US much earlier). I was supposed to join my sister and her husband (who flew out ahead of me coz I still have work to wrap up before flying to the US), but because my flight was delayed for more than 6 hours, I missed the shuttle that would have taken me and the other guests from the hotel in the city to Napa Valley where the wedding and reception were to take place. Long story short, I missed the wedding, but was still able to join the post wedding lunch at Le Meridien in the city the following day.

Ferry Building Marketplace (San Francisco)

From the time I flew in, I already felt how San Francisco has embraced diversity. Not just due to the landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage, but the openness that you feel right after touch down. One of my earlier fears was that I may get discriminated at the port of entry, particularly coming from a 3rd world country. Though the Philippines and the US has a long history of friendship and cooperation, it’s a fact of life that any friendship for that matter has no bearing at border control. Friends or not, you’ll still have to go thru the process, and to some that may be a daunting prospect, given how strict the controls are, particularly post 9/11. In my case, I even felt that the immigration guy was flirting with me (well, nothing wrong with that, I’m kinda used to that when I travel) notwithstanding the fact that it was my first visit.

View of San Francisco from Alcatraz Island; with one of my fave pieces at MOMA

The openness does not end at the airport, you could feel it around the city. It feels like people are color blind. They only see you as you are. It’s also nice to bump into fellow Filipinos on occasions. Like in one instance, while exploring the city, I decided to get some ice cream. So I checked out this ice cream parlor near the wharf. It was manned by Filipinos (I reckon it was also owned by a Filipino family), so it was a welcome respite to get acquainted with your kababayans (countrymen) abroad. We talked in Tagalog and nobody there seems to be bothered by that. One of the crew, after learning that I’m also Filipino, asked if I worked there or just visiting, and I told him that I was just visiting. He thought I may be very rich back home to afford to travel. Well, can’t really blame him to think that way, coz a lot of Filipinos abroad are there for greener pastures so that they can send money back home to support their families. A noble and selfless act that hardworking Filipinos are known for (and I’m not just talking about Filipino nurses, caregivers, and other health and senior care frontliners anywhere in the world). In my case, I already wrote an article to deconstruct the myth that travel is only for the rich (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/05/20/deconstructing-a-myth-travel-is-only-for-the-rich/).

Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco) and Sausalito Marina (Marin City)

Of course I did the touristy stuff while there. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Alcatraz, from the basic Chinatown to the artistic MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). It’s nice to go on foot around the city, but can be very tiring as well due to its hilly terrain. You may take the old tram though that is still functional up to this day to get you thru the hilly parts. For dining, San Francisco is known for clam chowder. My sister is a sucker for it that she can have it every single meal. But one thing we both loved were the king crabs at Crab House at Pier 39. We grew up in a place in the Philippines that has some of the best seafoods (particularly shellfish) in the country and our Dad knows how to whip up a good seafood meal. So it’s quite a treat for us to be in any place (in the Philippines or abroad) that serves fresh seafood. It’s no surprise then that I went there on multiple occasions (she and her husband had to fly back home earlier due to prior commitments) while still enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

King crabs! (Crab House, Pier 39); chilling after with full tummies lol (sis’ hubby also with full tummy taking our pics)

There are two things that left lasting impression on me while in San Francisco (aside of course from the openness). One is a place called Sausalito. Geographically, it’s no longer part of San Francisco, since it is a quaint little town in Marin City. It’s on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, that’s why it feels like it’s still part of San Francisco. The place looks like Bath in the UK or Devonport in New Zealand, has that resort town vibe that is both captivating and refreshing. It’s quiet and has a picturesque marina, yet an old European town feel to it. Among all the places I’ve been to in San Francisco, this beautiful town is the one I liked the best. The second one are the Victorian houses that you can find everywhere in the city. If Sausalito has an old European town charm, these Victorian houses are proof of European influence in the city. The most popular among these Victorian houses are The Painted Ladies. These houses symbolized opulence during the gold rush era, so it’s an integral part of San Francisco’s history. If I left my heart in San Francisco, it was because of Sausalito and these Victorian houses.

The Painted Ladies (San Francisco)

If there is one city that is more diverse than any other place in the world (at least based on my travels), it would be one of my favorite cities in the world: New York. Known as the melting pot of America, you can see people from around the world at any given time, just blending and meshing well, feeding on each other’s similarities and differences. It seems that this city has become so permeable to culture and diversity, creating a utopian environment that is conducive to understanding and inclusivity. Proof of that inclusivity and tolerance is that in less than a year after California legalized same-sex marriage, New York followed suit (the couple who got married earlier in San Francisco also got married in New York where they were based). It is also the place where people from all over the world came together to sympathize with America after the 9/11 tragedy. I visited the site where it happened, where in spite of the sight of a hollow and empty lot, you know and you’d feel the loss that took place in that blank space awaiting to be filled up by a new structure that is planned to be built as a symbol of hope, unity, and peace.

Statue of Liberty (Staten Island) and 9/11 Ground Zero (Lower Manhattan)

I tried to explore the city as much as I can in that short trip (how I wished I could have stayed longer). One of the things that I enjoyed was watching shows at Broadway. My hotel was just a few blocks away from both Times Square (where I would buy the discounted tickets at TKTS booth right smack in the middle of the square) and Broadway so it was quite easy to go on foot to catch a show. Two of my favorite shows were Jersey Boys and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (both adapted into movies). The latter may be too gay for most people, but it was so hilarious. It was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed it a lot (left a smile on my face when I went back to my hotel), like watching a very funny drag show. Jersey Boys, on the other hand, was just simply a delight. It left me mesmerized and with LSS (last song syndrome). Lion King was on as well, but I decided to skip it as the tickets were still full price (yeah, I’m cheap lol) and just opted to catch it in Vegas where the tickets are cheaper.

Melting pot of America (Times Square, New York)

In a city of culture, you wouldn’t miss going to the museums. I did a few, and of course the must-do would be The Met (Metropolitan Museum). This is the venue of the annual Met Gala, the mecca of fashion where the themes are as vast and as out-of-this-world as the museum collection. It was so vast that you cannot finished covering every nook and cranny in just one day. More than its popularity courtesy of Anna Wintour and all the fashionable people, the museum actually is one of the more beautiful museums I’ve been to (and I’ve been to a lot especially in Europe). Reminds me of the Louvre in Paris.

At The Met (Metropolitan Museum, Manhattan)

Diversity in this city has also transcended into food and dining. There are just a lot to choose from where every block would have something different to offer. I didn’t really do a lot of fancy dining, but what I did was do what New Yorkers would do, common yet iconic fares. You have Gray’s Papaya hotdog, a well respected establishment that will turn 50 in 2 years. This is where you can get $1 hotdog, not to mention that most of the crew are Filipinos. There were two other food outlets that friends in Manila (who have been to NYC before) were raving about. One is BonChon (that was long before the Manila franchise was acquired). Not really sure what the hype was all about, but it was just ok for me when I had my first taste in their 5th Avenue branch. Probably because it’s a relatively new concept, a Korean restaurant that elevated fried chicken with Asian-American fusion. The other one is Shake Shack (also long before the Manila franchise), and my friends were right: the best burger I had up until my Queenstown (New Zealand) trip, where Fergburger was equally good and touted as the best burger in the world. I suppose New Yorkers will challenge that. What’s more American than burger and fries (the best fries I’ve ever had was in a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Vegas).

Manhattan skyline from the viewing deck of Empire State Building

Then again, what’s more American than the Sin City itself, Las Vegas (or Vegas for short). I stayed there for just a few days yet the sights and sounds were just overwhelming. It’s like if you’re going to put the whole of America in a gift box, it would look like Vegas. Having fun in this place would be an understatement. If San Francisco has subtle and subdued openness while New York is upfront and in-your-face (like when I was approached while walking the streets of NYC to be asked if I’m single and willing to be matched for a date), Vegas is free-for-all. Truth be told, there’s actually some basis in the saying “whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” It’s the Sin City after all, that caters to anyone’s carnal desires.

Vegas day and night (with volcanic eruption to boot)

That’s probably because Vegas epitomizes celebration of life. This no-holds-barred, laissez-faire, throw caution to the wind approach to life is what Vegas is known for, a feeling of being totally free even for just a short period of time. To be able to do what your heart desires even against social norms is an escape that most people would seek for, especially for those coming from highly restricted and conservative societies. In a way, it’s what the American way of life stands for, which is currently threatened by growing racism and hate.

Whatever your heart desires: Statue of Liberty made of candies; training the dolphins; 4th member of Blue Man Group? (Las Vegas, Nevada)

I recently lost a cousin in the states to COVID. He would have turned 60 last April and he and his wife (who is dear to me) had plans to see Europe for the first time when they both retire. It’s a dream that they both shared with me the last time they visited Manila, and it’s a dream that won’t be fulfilled due to his passing. Both were close to my family, where they even flew in all the way from the states a few years earlier to give their sympathies and to comfort us when my family lost a loved one. But rather than grieve for my cousin, I would celebrate his life. A life that lived the American dream, having put all his children to school and provided for his family. He almost filed for bankruptcy years ago, but continued to struggle and face the adversity head on. He triumphed and left this world knowing he had lived a full life with no regrets.

This is what I live and celebrate life for, to be up close with creatures that I love (The Mirage, Las Vegas)

My cousin is just one of many Asian-Americans living parallel lives. My family in-law is just one of many members of LGBT community living parallel dreams. Both are considered minorities, yet they are no different than any other Americans living normal lives, going thru the same everyday joys and struggles. Coz as the saying goes, life happened. But it shouldn’t be laced with racism and hate, particularly emanating from ignorance. Nobody deserves that, especially minorities who just want to live in a safe and caring environment. I’ve never felt racism and hate when I was in the states, but that was a different time then. Thing is, we should be evolving as a humanity, rather than deteriorating as a society.

Recap: “Wisdom and Knowledge Shall Be The Stability Of Thy TImes” (Rockefeller Center, Manhattan). Choose learning and understanding over ignorance.

The world came together for America during 9/11, #metoo, and #BlackLivesMatter, among other social and moral revolutions. There are still parts in the world that love (and continue to aspire for) the American way of life, where diversity is embraced and life celebrated. A lot of democracies have modeled their ideals with that of America. What’s happening with America nowadays then feels like unreciprocated love. But I do believe that majority of Americans still care, that there’s hope that together, we can still turn this around. Coz I’d like to visit the states again and not be discouraged by fear of hate crimes against Asians.

For those who choose to remain ignorant though (and it is still a choice which I respect), maybe give a little love instead and give a little of that hate up.

Happy 2nd year anniversary, dear readers! Let’s all continue to celebrate life and help #StopTheHate.

Stop the hate, celebrate life, carpe diem!

New Zealand: Nature and Adventure At Its Best

Travel Buzz

A little birdie along the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu (New Zealand)

It’s been a while since my last article (sorry about that dear readers). The reason is honest and simple: I’ve been Netflix binging (isn’t everyone else?) especially these past months where I can’t go to the movies (which is one of my favorite things to do until COVID happened). If you’re wondering what shows have been on my playlist lately, I can say that I have an eclectic taste in series/mini-series and film genre. My interests range from loosely referenced royal true-story like The Crown (started watching the series while recuperating from my spinal surgery late 2019 and finished the latest season a coup]e of months ago) and The Last Czars (can’t imagine how I finished all seasons of this sad and tragic series), period shows like Bridgerton, an inclusive game-changing series that transcends racial lines in depicting royal characters in its first season alone (very timely after the tell-all Oprah interview of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex where racism has been one of the most talked about takeaways from that interview along with mental health), and novelty/vanity shows like Emily in Paris where fashionistas will be delighted with how the show’s costume design and stylist have put together a parade of chic, eye-candy clothes for the main character (like stepping into a fashion show) as well as my way of indulging in and reminiscing one of my favorite cities in the world. Another new series is Lupin, a smart and intelligent French heist show that, like Bridgerton and Emily in Paris, I can’t wait for the next season. There’s Homeland, a very engaging, edge-of-your-seat spy thriller like a good book that you can’t put down (I finished all 8 seasons). With the same Homeland show-runner, The Blacklist is currently the series I’m hooked on (I’m on the 4th season already, where in the previous season, Reddington mentioned the name of Filipino concert icon Pops Fernandez). Then there’s Vikings, a show that is probably loosely based on historical facts (the show was originally screened on History channel), where it started slow (it almost lost my attention on the first few episodes) until it got interesting (I think the turning point was when Athelstan, my favorite character along with Ivan the Boneless, was held as a slave of Ragnar).

(Left) Catamaran boat for the Whale and Dolphin Safari; (right) our guide prepping us for the sea adventure

Since Vikings is a show about, wait for it, the exploits of notorious vikings (of course), the location shoot was splendid. A lot of the sceneries in the show remind me of places in New Zealand (though no scene in the show was shot in New Zealand). I’ve been to New Zealand twice in 3 years (that was I reckon the validity period of my tourist visa). For the first visit, I did Auckland, Rotorua (and the vicinities), and Queenstown. For the second visit, I did Auckland (again), Devonport, Waiheke Island, and Wellington. The first one was more than a decade after the last of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot and a few years after The Hobbit was shown. We all know by now that these movies were mostly shot in New Zealand, which made the country not just known for its sheeps (did you know that there are more sheeps than locals, where there are about 6 sheeps for every person) and dairy, but also the spectacular natural sceneries featured in these movies.

A mother dolphin and her young amidst a pod of other dolphins swimming ahead of the catamaran

New Zealand is also popular for adventure activities. So first on my itinerary when I got to Auckland was to go Whale & Dolphin Safari. This activity involves going out to the sea for hours on a catamaran boat. Think of it like a cruise, but with a purpose: to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. I got so excited like a kid (I love whales and dolphins and it was supposed to be my first to see them up close) that I didn’t mind the occasional bumpy ride and getting wet from the saltwater splash on the open deck. A couple of hours out, we started to see dolphins swimming along and ahead of the boat, like leading us to somewhere. It seems that they are already used to these visits that they are so at ease with the visitors, like welcoming us in their home. Though I didn’t see any whales (it’s seasonal apparently, so I didn’t get to see my Orca), it was worth the ticket I paid considering that the money will go partly to the conservation and research fund. It was for this charity that made me wrote my first review on Tripadvisor (I later asked to take down my account after the Mykonos incident where it was evident that the said platform is enabling scamming establishments and I can’t be part or support any travel site that is complicit in any form of deceit and deception). My review though can still be seen in there, where I wrote: “The highlight of my Auckland trip was when I saw a baby dolphin trying to show off by flipping its tiny body amidst the frenzy in a pod of adult dolphins leading our boat. It was so cute. I would have rated this experience ‘excellent’ if I’ve only seen a glimpse of any whale (probably not a whale season during this time). Crew was great too plus your way of helping out a good cause while having fun.”

Different scenes in Hobbiton (including inside the pub where the hobbits meet for drinks)

Next adventure was going to Hobbiton. Don’t laugh, dear readers (coz I’m not dreaming this), Hobbiton actually exists. I remember in one of the episodes of The Graham Norton Show (on Youtube) where Norton mocked guest Elijah Wood statement that he wants to go back to Hobbiton. Realizing his on-air cringe-worthy blunder, Norton even joked that if ever he’ll be visiting New Zealand, he’ll be held at passport control as persona non grata for making fun of Hobbiton. Yes dear readers, Hobbiton is the same place where The Shire of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit was shot. It has become a popular tourist destination after the movies were shown that New Zealand Ministry of Tourism decided to preserve the set location and name the place Hobbiton.

(Left) Visiting one of the hobbit homes; (right) zooming in on the new face of Hobbiton (lol)

The set occupies a vast track of land (if you could recall, director Peter Jackson travelled the world to look for that perfect place for the location shoot and found it in New Zealand) that after the filming has wrapped up, everything on the set, from those hobbit houses to the pub where the hobbits meet for drinks were kept and maintained. It’s like a small town (no pun intended) where just being there felt like you’ve already been part of these iconic movies. Being a movie fan myself, I can’t help but reminisced those scenes of Gandalf, Frodo & Bilbo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the rest of the party loving hobbits in the same place where I’m on “party business.”

Bubbling mud pool and shooting geyser (from afar and up close)

Not far from Hobbiton is Rotorua, popular for its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, and a museum showcasing the Maori culture. So this leg of the trip was more like nature and culture adventure. What happened next though was more than just nature and culture. It became an adventure on humanity as well. While on this trip, I met an older man on electric wheelchair with his daughter, both of whom, if my memory serves me well, travelled all the way from Argentina just to see the natural beauty of this country. What struck me really was that not only was the senior grew fond of me (maybe because I occasionally kept him company while his daughter was taking photos or picking up food, drinks, or souvenir items), but the close father-daughter relationship that they have. I reckon that the daughter shared that it was her Dad’s wish to be there, that she obliged to take him there fully aware of the difficulties of mobility given his condition. It reminds me of my Dad, who suffered a mild stroke and has mobility concerns as well (he can still walk though) and yet has that same vigor to travel and overcome whatever difficulties while we were on our European tour (https://columbusbee.blog/2020/02/23/italy-how-thou-i-love-thee-let-me-count-the-ways-part-1-of-2/). On the way back to Auckland, we made a short stop by a lake, where the senior took a photo of me by the lake, and said “I now have a photo of my new friend from the Philippines.” That was 5 years ago, and here’s hoping that the father-daughter tandem travelled on with the adventure of their lives, wherever that may have taken them, with filial bond that only gets stronger each passing day.

(Left) Able bodied men from the audience participating in a Maori ritual dance; (right) Maori cultural presenters

Next stop was Queenstown. This hub for nature and adventure is a few hours by plane from Auckland (Auckland is up north, Queenstown is down south). I say it’s the hub coz it is the jumping-off point to various high octane adrenalin rush adventure options, not to mention the numerous lakes, rivers, mountains, fjords, rainforest, and waterfalls in the area. Right next to my hotel (Novotel Queenstown Lakeside) is Lake Wakatipu, with crystal clear waters amidst the backdrop of mountain range (it was summer then so just imagine how beautiful and magical the scenery is at winter when the mountains are snow capped) that kept me spellbound during my whole stay where I told myself that if ever I get married someday, I want the wedding to be here (the only other alternative is on one of the beaches of Budva). Lately, I’m thinking this is where I want my ashes spread when the day comes.

This is where I wanna get married or my ashes spread, whichever comes first. Imagine that mountain capped in snow (Lake Wakatipu)

I’m not someone who is an adrenalin junkie, but I can be adventurous without really taking on high risk activities. I know my physical flaws, so I know how far I can go and my adrenalin limits. So I opted doing the heart-racing jet boat extreme ride and the more risky river rafting. The former is riding a jet boat that races across Lake Wakatipu, maneuvers some sharp turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds thru the waters of Shotover River. The jet boat then makes a few 360-degree spins on high speed (splashing river water all over), like a roller coaster ride on water.

Some of the pit stops of the river rafting. Someone’s showing off to break the ice (not me!)

The latter, on the other hand, started as a funyak (fun kayak), but became river rafting when we started shooting rapids in some rough parts of the river. On quiet waters we passed by mountain ranges featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We made a pit stop in some forested area by the river to have lunch, where the notorious sandflies abound. These bloodsucking creatures leave nasty bite that causes not only inflamed bite area but also unbearable itch (and I’m not talking about mosquito bite itch that goes away quickly, this one doesn’t go away for days and the constant scratching will only worsen the affected area). We were already forewarned though, so insect repellant lotion kept exposed areas of our faces and hands free from these nasty bites (the rest of our bodies were covered up anyway). So for all thrill seekers out there who wants to have some adrenalin fun but with less risk, these are good options for you. Bungee jumping crossed my mind (it’s been on my bucket list since my brother told me a while back that he did it already), but the thought of that pulling my backbone and hurting my back (that was before my spinal surgery) made me rethink that option and decided not to go thru with it.

Stunning sceneries on the way to Fiordland (it feels like being transported to Jurassic Park)

Next adventure is what I was in Queenstown for: to see Milford Sound, one of the more popular fjords around the world. I’m a nature lover (but not the outdoorsy, camper type) and what better way to commune with nature than thru this excursion. The road trip to Fiordland (the jumping-off point for the cruise) is already an adventure by itself, where you drive thru forested areas, passing by waterfalls as well as making some brief stops on riversides and lakeshores. This ride gives one a better appreciation of how blessed this country is, and also why it’s always green all over, from open grasslands to forested areas: it always rains in this part of the globe. Given that there is still a thick forest cover across the country, the rainwater flows thru and ends up where it should be, preserving the water cycle and keeping the vegetation nourished. No wonder then that New Zealand has a flourishing wide variety of plants that are used for botanicals and herbal/alternative medicines and health supplements (as mentioned in my earlier article https://columbusbee.blog/2020/03/28/my-gut-feel-against-the-virus/, this is where I got my first taste of medicine grade Manuka honey as well as honey based shampoo that I mentioned in my other article https://columbusbee.blog/2019/11/01/mlnrd-at-st-lukes-medical-center-global-city-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/).

At the dock waiting for my ride to cruise thru Milford Sound

Those landscapes and seascapes in the Viking show are what remind me of the sceneries while cruising thru the fjord. I’ve never seen so many waterfalls in my life, where every part of the high cliffs always has freshwater flowing on its side. It looks like a long wall with water leaking from every block. There are parts where the waterfalls are bigger, stronger, and heavier. The harmony of these landscapes and seascapes with the trimmings of the lush vegetation and serenity that is only disturbed by the noise from the endemic wildlife and splashing waters from the falls make this one of the most exhilarating experiences for any nature lover.

Sights of the Sound: wading thru the fjord; waterfalls and more waterfalls; seals on their natural habitat.

A trip to New Zealand won’t be complete without the food and drinks adventure. Aside from being the adventure capital of the country, Queenstown is known to have the best burger in the country (or arguably in the world). It’s served by burger joint Fergburger, or what the Kiwis simply call as Ferg’s. There’s always a long queue every single day I was there, where anyone who wants a taste of the best burger but doesn’t want to wait too long need to observe what time of the day the queue is at its shortest. That’s what exactly I did, where I was able to place my order after some 20-30 minutes wait in line. So you’re probably wondering how was it? It was definitely one of the best burgers I had, but I’m on the fence between Ferg’s and Shake Shack as the best burger in the world (so that’s Queenstown vs New York for you burger fans).

Lost in the vineyards (well not really, just trying to get to my first meal of the day)

Back north, Waiheke Island has some of the best vineyards and restos in the country. While on the island, I was craving for Spanish so I decided to look for the best Spanish resto. There weren’t many, but apparently the best one is Casita Miro, not just renowned for good food, but also for its location in the middle of vineyards (I reckon it used to be the house of a vineyard owner that was converted into a resto). So I took the hop-on-hop-off bus and got off on a stop at a vineyard that I thought was the closest to the walking path to the resto. God, I was so wrong. What I thought was a 10 minute walk turned into an hour of wandering under the blistering heat of the sun. Nevertheless, it gave me the chance to wander thru vineyard after vineyard, got up close to the vines and the grapes and a good exercise before a meal. When I got to the resto, guests (who probably came in private cars) were staring at me, probably because I was soaking wet in perspiration. Awkward as it may look, I held my composure while asking the receptionist if my reservation was still on, given that I was a few minutes late. Fortunately I still have my table, and right away asked for the menu and water (I was famished and thirsty). I didn’t do the wine tasting anymore, coz I was already dizzy from being under the sun for too long. It’s was nothing short of an adventure.

Casita Miro. You know it’s real Spanish when the bar and the deck are Gaudi’sh (Waiheke Island)

Though I have travelled much and to a lot of places around the globe, New Zealand rekindled my sense of adventurism. Maybe that’s what the name New Zealand is about, a new zeal in life. What made this country different from the other places I’ve been to is that this is as natural as it can get. If we are to talk about a green world, this could probably be the poster boy for a greener earth. What better way to bring more interests to this place and awaken our earth-y responsibilities than offering a variety of adventure options, from exciting water adventures to the fascinating nature excursions to thrilling river escapades to gastronomic food and drinks explorations. Communing with nature has never been this better.

Dining with view of the vineyards (Casita Miro)

If I have to sum up my experience (in both times I have been to the country), it would be like the date I had with one of New Zealand’s top TV celebrity chefs when I was there: it was good while it lasted.

Life is a Beach (Second of Two Parts)

Travel and Positivity Buzz

Cool, clear, blue Aegean Sea

There’s a proverbial phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” which embraces positivity and optimism amidst trying times. What can be truer than this than the situation we are all in right now where it feels like our lives have been taken over by the COVID virus, which is nothing more than the common cold virus except that it’s deadlier. I thought this can only happen in the movies, but looks like life is stranger than fiction. Like in the movies, the contagion has resulted to lockdowns where travel and mobility are restricted. Face mask and shield have become so common like underwear that you cannot be caught dead without wearing one. Given that the best way to handle this health crisis is to treat anyone as potential carrier, no matter how hideous and uncomfortable these protective gears are, we just simply have to appreciate these as something we cannot leave our homes without.

Count your blessings

So how do we make lemonade out of this pandemic? There are people who see opportunities out of a crisis (both good and bad ones) and there are those who simply accept the ‘new normal’ (I’m starting to get annoyed with this phrase). For me, it’s the time to count my blessings, to reflect on life with its ups and downs, and how I could see myself as a survivor. Sounds cliche and corny for most, but if you haven’t appreciated those things that you would normally take for granted (such as freedom to move around), then maybe the lockdown can facilitate such realization of how being free is precious yet vulnerable.

My happy place

This is also the time to go back to your happy place. For me, beaches have always been my happy place. Or any body of water for that matter. I’ve always been attracted to bodies of water. Maybe because my feng shui says that I am a water element, so that would probably explain why I would find myself in that blissful state of peace and serenity when I’m near a body of water. Like lemonade, it feels refreshing, that’s why even if summer went by without being able to go to the beach, just the mere thought of it would already alleviate whatever stress this lockdown has brought on our mental and emotional well-being.

Reliving the ghost of summer past

So to keep our sanity and emotional stability in check, let us continue our virtual trip to the different beaches around the world. In the first part of this article, we were able to cover the 3 A’s (Asia, America, and Africa). In this second part, let’s fly to Europe, Middle East, and Oceania, and explore the beaches that I have been to in more than 20 years of travels.

Europe

Praia da Ribeira (Cascais, Portugal)

Europe has always been a fave destination of mine. Aside from its rich history, art treasures, bustling culture, and century old architecture, some places have nice beaches. One such place is Barcelona (Spain). The home of Gaudi, this city is a mix of the old and the new. Modern skyscrapers blending in with the works of Gaudi makes this a very livable city. Not to mention beautiful people. To top it all, it has a beach called Barceloneta on its coastline that is easy reach by car, bicycle, public transportation or even by foot if you happen to be staying in one of the hotels that are lining up the whole stretch of the beach (in my case, I stayed at Pullman Barcelona Skipper which is about 200 meters from the beach). Just like any beach in a city, it gets packed on summers. You don’t need to go far or drive a couple of hours just to get to one. No wonder I fell in love with this city the first time I’ve experienced it. This is one of my top five cities in the world that I would love to live in if given the chance.

(Top left) Hotel rooftop view of the iconic fish art, the marina, and Barceloneta beach; (top right and bottom) Barceloneta beach, promenade, and topless sunbathers (Barcelona, Spain)

Another such place where the old and the new mesh well is Malta. It is the home of the oldest standing structure in the world (called Gigantia, much older than the pyramids of Egypt) in one of the two main islands called Gozo. Valletta, its capital city, is like an open museum with new architecture blending in. The city has pockets of beaches as well, which provide the locals enough space to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea. The city is very scenic and the people are nice. Another great place to live in.

View of the city, marina, and beach from my hotel room balcony (Valletta, Malta)

Europe also boasts of beautiful resort towns and islands full of fine beaches along its coastlines. The resort town of Cascais (Portugal) is one such resort town that has a few beaches to choose from. There’s the Praia da Ribeira, a wide stretch of beach that sits along the busy promenade where locals and tourists alike who find the water too cold for swimming (which is common in European beaches even during summers, unlike its Asian counterparts) can sit and enjoy the cool breeze, the sun, and the sights. There’s Praia da Rainha, a secluded beach which you can access thru rows of restos on a cliff, which gives you the option of having a table and order your fave drinks while basking under the sun and enjoying the bird’s eye view of the beach and seascape. You can go down to the beach and take a dip into the cold waters or just do your sunbathing on the fine sands to get that nice tan.

Praia da Rainha (Cascais, Portugal)

Aside from Spain, Malta, and Portugal, Italy and Montenegro also have nice resort towns with fine beaches. I wrote about the resort towns of Positano and Amalfi in Italy in my previous article (https://columbusbee.blog/2020/03/15/italy-how-thou-i-love-thee-let-me-count-the-ways-part-2-of-2/) as well as the island of Capri. Montenegro has the resort town Budva, which, just like any other resort towns in Europe, is deliciously beautiful with its old charm mixing well with modern marina and pebbly beaches. You can have lunch by the beach if the water is too cold and can sit through all day people watching as well as appreciating the scenery.

(Top) Beaches of Budva (Montenegro); (bottom) lunch by the beach

Then of course you have the popular isles of Greece. Two of which are Mykonos and Santorini, which I wrote about in my earlier article (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/07/21/greece-of-myths-mediterranean-food-and-beaches-part-2-of-2/). You can do beach hopping in any of these isles, as both have pockets of beaches along its coastline. Just be on a lookout for tourist traps, particularly in Mykonos. You need to be extra cautious in this place. You don’t want to get “robbed” (just like what happened to me as shared in my article) that can potentially ruin an otherwise enjoyable holiday. Tourist traps aside, the beaches tick all the boxes: fair share of sunshine all throughout summers, clear blue or green waters, white to black sands or pebbles from volcanic matter, and cool, light to windy sea breeze (Mykonos at times can be very windy).

Beach hopping in Santorini (Greece) from left (clockwise): Black Beach, White Beach, Red Beach

What is common among these European beaches is that these rest along the shores of the Adriatic, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas. I don’t know what’s with these seas, but there is something mystical and magical every time I’m near these bodies of water. It’s like something’s calling me to be near it, to feel it, to soak in it. Aside from its crystal clear waters that are always enticing (as well as baffling, like how waters along some of these big cities and towns have been kept clean thru centuries), there is something special and dreamy about these seas, like unicorns. If I have to get mythical about it, I may be a descendant of Poseidon or his demigod son Triton. It seems like I’m forever under the spell of these seas, that’s why I always keep on coming back.

Chillin by the Red Beach

The magical spell seems to also make people less inhibited. It’s not uncommon in these beaches that people can do the full monty regardless of age and let it all hang out like it’s nobody’s business. What can be more freeing than that feeling of being one with nature (or in this case, being one with the sea)? I haven’t done that yet, but if I did, it would be the most courageous and liberating act that I could ever do in this lifetime (I could probably consider skinny dipping lol).

Middle East

Nation Riviera Beach Club with the view of the Fairmont Marina (the one that looks like Atlantis The Palm) at Al Kasir Island and the Arabian Gulf (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

The only time that I was in the Middle East (aside from layover in Muscat in one of my long haul flights) was when I availed of the stopover promo of Etihad Airways where I spent a few days in Abu Dhabi (the airline’s main hub). The business class promo comes with accommodations at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi which entitle guest access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club. The beach can be easily reached from the hotel thru an air-conditioned underground tunnel underneath the Corniche.

View of Arabian Gulf, Al Kasir Island, and Nation Riviera Beach Club from my hotel room (The St. Regis Abu Dhabi)

The beach is large enough and provides a good view of the Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi (which is the emirate’s version of Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm) in Al Kasir Island. Coupled with turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the pristine sands give this beach that chill vibe aside from the exclusivity and luxury attached to these private beach clubs.

(Left) View of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; (right) enjoying my fave drink while chillin in one of the beach loungers

Since it was the stopover before my flight back to Manila, it was the perfect break from all the flying and walking while on holiday. What better way to rest those tired feet (from walking) and back (from flying intra-Europe) than to lie on one of the beach loungers and sip my fave drink while enjoying the sun, the cool sea breeze, and the nice view.

Oceania

Pinky Beach (Rottnest Island, Australia)

Hopping to the other side of the globe, this region is known not only for its beaches but also for all bodies of water. Starting off with New Zealand, this country is not really known for its beaches but for its fjords, lakes, rivers, and extreme water adventures. But it still has decent beaches on the shores of its cities such as those in Auckland, Devonport, and Wellington and in the coasts of its islands such as Waiheke. The waters and sands in these beaches may not be as pristine as those in Asia and Europe, but these are still good spots to relax especially during summers (take note that summer in this region is between December to March so a good alternative for those living in winter regions or in my case, a good travel option to get out of Manila during December to escape the holiday madness and horrendous traffic).

Mission Bay Beach (Auckland, New Zealand)

Wellington, in particular, has pockets of beaches along its coastline where aside from an enjoyable walk along the long stretch of its promenade, the beaches are bustling with life where Kiwis (locals) that are not sunbathing on the sands are enjoying meals in restos lining up the promenade or having either cold drinks or ice cream from kiosks around the area. I remember going to these different beach spots from my hotel on foot. It was a long walk (about 30 minutes walk one way on my pace, which can be longer if you walk slower), but it didn’t feel like one cause I enjoy the stroll and the sights where not only you pass by shops, bars, restos, museums, a marina and activity center on the way to the beach, but also get a glimpse of Kiwi city life. I enjoyed each trip to the beach, not to mention the calories burnt from walking to keep that slender beach body in check (from all the good food during these holidays).

Bondi Beach (Sydney, Australia)

Australia, on the other hand, is a beach country. Every major city across the continent has its own beach, either natural or man-made. I’ve been to this continent a few times, which only speaks of how much I liked this place. Sydney, which is one of my top five cities in the world (along with Barcelona that I mentioned earlier), boasts of several beaches close to the city center, which makes this a very livable city (I would live there if given the chance). A few minutes by car or by public transportation is the popular Bondi Beach. A vast beach with strong currents and fine sands, this is the beach for both surfers and sunbathers alike. A few minutes by ferry from Sydney harbour is Manly Beach. This place exudes resort town vibe, where shops, ice cream and yogurt parlors abound. The beach and the commercial area are teeming with life, which only affirms that Aussies love their beaches. Not far by foot from Manly Beach is Shelly Beach. While Manly has fine sands, Shelly is a pebbly beach. While Manly has strong waves like those in Bondi, Shelly has calm waters as the beach is located in a cove that is sheltered from strong winds. No wonder Shelly Beach is the more suitable beach wedding scene than any other Sydney beaches.

(Top left) Manly Beach; (top right) beach wedding at Shelly Beach (Sydney, Australia). (Bottom) St. Kilda Beach (Melbourne, Australia)

Another Australian city that demonstrates how Aussies mix their eclectic city living with beach culture is Melbourne. Aside from the fact that Melbourne is the cultural hub of the continent (and the most European among all the major cities in Australia), it has some of the spectacular beaches in the region. Not far from the city is St. Kilda, a resort town with a fine beach, promenade, and amusement park. There’s also a weekend market by the beach promenade that sells all kinds of stuff, from organic to art to basic necessities. Of course, Melbourne’s crown jewel is the Great Ocean Road, its coastline similar to Amalfi Coast where pockets of beaches with amazing views of the rock formations abound. A trip to Melbourne won’t be complete without seeing this postcard perfect coastline. This is where Australia’s own version of the 12 Apostles are, which comprised of several rock formations that used to be a dozen when counted but less of that nowadays.

One of the pockets of beaches along the Great Ocean Road (Melbourne, Australia)

But the beach capital of the country (and the region) is neither of these two cities. Gold Coast is where beach buddies, surfers, and sun worshipers go for the waters, the wave, or just for the sun. When I said in the first part of this article that Guam reminds me of Gold Coast, that’s because of the long stretch of beach lined up with international hotel brands and apartments. I haven’t been to Miami, but I’m pretty sure this is how Miami would look like. Not only a shore full of skyscrapers, but also full of sculpted and tanned bodies.

(Clockwise from top left) View of the Surfers Paradise Beach from my hotel room balcony; view of the skyscrapers from the beach; at the main entrance to the beach (Gold Coast, Australia)

Surfers Paradise is the main beach and this looks like the melting pot of summer holidaymakers. It also helps that it has that resort town vibe that makes it more attractive to vacationers all over the world. There’s always entertainment in Cavill Avenue (the heart of Surfers Paradise, which is Aussies’ definition of a mall) amidst the backdrop of shops, bars, and restos. What more can you ask for in a place that has the sun, the waters, the waves, the sands, the shopping, and the entertainment, not to mention beautiful people from all over.

(Top) Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, Australia; (bottom) man-made beach in the heart of Brisbane, Australia

As mentioned earlier, every city in this country seems to have its own beach. Adelaide has Glenelg beach, which looks like the sister of St. Kilda beach, but still maintains its unique old town charm. Brisbane has a man-made beach in the middle of the city, which is a first for me (though this is not the first man-made beach I’ve been to, where Plantation Bay in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines has both fresh and salt water beaches). Perth does not have a beach in the city, but off its coast is Rottnest Island, an unspoilt, raw, and natural island blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to. Stunning would be an understatement to describe Pinky Beach. Reaching the beach from the center of the island reminds me of that same feeling I had the first time I’ve seen Boracay Island White Beach in the 90’s (at the time when it wasn’t the party island that it is today). The sun seems to be kissing the fine sands as it deflects the light (like it’s kissing back) while the seascape is mesmerizing. In the absence of any commercial establishments (except for a few restos and shops in the center of the island) and the cleanliness that has been imposed on the island. it has maintained its beautiful natural state over the years. Talk about sustainable tourism.

Rottnest Island, Australia

Ever wonder where the island got its name? Apparently an explorer in the 17th century discovered this island and thought the quokkas that are endemic to this island are rats. Since there were a lot of these gentle mammals at that time (and even up to this day), he probably thought the island is a nesting place for rats. Nowadays, people and quokkas have learned to co-exist, maintaining that balance as nature has intended it to be.

A quokka foraging for scraps (Rottnest Island, Australia)

So we have reached the end of the road for our virtual beach tour around the world. How did you find the trip, dear readers? Did you get some virtual tan while soaking into the joy and serenity that these beaches had to offer? While on quarantine, I hope this has brought sunshine in a phone or in a laptop, a temporary relief from the new reality that we live in right now. This part of our lifetime may not be the worst of experiences that we have gone thru, but if you are starting to feel like life is a bitch, think of all your blessings and come to the realization that life can also be a beach. This is coming from someone who has to go thru life with his own flaws (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/06/15/ihaveflaws/), personal tragedy, betrayal, pain, struggles, and lessons learned. But what’s life without these to live by and with? As the saying goes, what won’t kill you will only make you stronger.

Sunsets signify the end of day that was and the start of new day that will be

So if life gives you lemons, chill and make plenty of cool, refreshing lemonade. Coz you only live once, and life’s too short to realize you haven’t really lived at all. Smile and start living.

Living life like an island boy

Life is a Beach (First of Two Parts)

Travel Buzz

The joy of doing nothing

Summer came and went (at least in the Philippines) and we are still holed up in this lockdown. Truly, the COVID pandemic has dramatically changed how we live our lives that even the season that we look forward to for some rest and recreation passed us by too quickly that it seems like it didn’t come at all. Not that I’m bemoaning the season gone (there are far more gazillion problems out there like loss of jobs, hunger, racism, neo-Nazi plight of ethnic minorities and other forms of abuse, oppression, and persecution that deserve more attention) but just to reflect on how time can slip us by without us even noticing it.

Missing summer

Now that summer is officially over (and here comes the monsoon rains), let me reminisce this time of the year when I would normally hie off to a beach to relax and enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea. Not to gloat or show off really, but just my attempt to bring some sunshine in this otherwise grim and gloomy world scenario and to take you on a virtual trip around the globe to see the beaches that I have been to in all my travels (though I may miss a few coz it’s hard to track the last 20 years of travel). So pack your virtual bags (don’t forget to bring the sunscreen) and indulge in the beautiful scenery that this world has to offer (in spite of the ugliness in the world today).

Asia

Beautiful sunset of Lagen Island (El Nido, Palawan)

This is the region that has probably and arguably the best beaches in the world. My beloved Philippines, for example, has been in the list of every major travel magazines out there as having some of the finest beaches in the world. I’ll start off with Boracay white beach, coz this is the first beach that I’ve been to in my youth that really mesmerized me with its natural, unspoiled, unadulterated beauty. This was the old Boracay during the 90’s when there were only a handful of resort-like accommodations (not the party island that it is today) and the white sands were like baby (talc) powder. Tired and weary from the presidential campaign of Miriam Defensor Santiago (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/09/21/remembering-miriam-defensor-santiago/), me and the youth volunteers went to Boracay for some needed relaxation. With crystal clear warm waters, smooth tides, powdery sands, and the sun smiling at us, it was one of my earlier memories where I was truly in awe of a place with so much beauty.

One of my earlier fave summer hideaways (Club Paradise, Dimakya Island, Palawan). Stunning view (the beach looks nice too lol)

A favorite hideaway and escape for me earlier is in Dimakya Island off the coast of Busuanga, Palawan. There was only one resort there (Club Paradise) that was used to be owned by a German entrepreneur. The reason why it’s a fave of mine is because once you are in the island, you are totally disconnected from the rest of the world: no cellphone signal, no TV in the room (where the only TV in the island is in the recreation room of the resort, along with the billiard table, library, and some VCDs) and the only form of communication is thru a radio system. Don’t get me wrong, just because you have these little life inconveniences do not follow that there were no decent amenities in the island. On the contrary, you can still enjoy some fine dining and luxurious services (they have a spa area) depending on how much dollars (yes dear, the rates were not local prices with premium but the equivalent of being charged in dollars) you are willing to spend. A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the annoying calls of your boss on your personal time.

Summer rainbow (Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa, Arreceffi Island, Palawan)

Aside from Dimakya Island, Palawan boasts of some of the most beautiful islands in the world (rated #1 by some travel magazines) with pristine white beaches. Off the coast of Puerto Princesa (where the new wonder of the world Underground River is) is Arreceffi Island (where Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa is). It boast of a house reef where colorful fishes abound and good for all-day snorkeling. Or enjoy a stroll along the long stretch of the beach and relax in one of the resort’s cabanas.

(Left): Lagen Island (Right top): Miniloc Island (Right bottom): Pangulasian Island

But the crown jewels of Palawan are in El Nido. El Nido Resorts, for one, manages 3 resorts in 3 different islands. Lagen Island is known for its beautiful sunsets. It doesn’t have a good beach but the beautiful sunset alone makes up for it. Miniloc Island has a nice beach that attracts a lot of fishes, particularly the jackfish thanks to the daily jackfish feeding in the resort. Pangulasian Island has the most luxurious resort among the 3 locations. It has a white pebbly beach with crystal clear calm waters. It also has a house reef where you can do a lot of snorkeling, where you can snorkel your way from the reef back to the resort (with the resort guide in tow of course). A visit to these resorts won’t be complete without doing the island hopping. Part of that tour is the trip to small and big lagoons and Snake Island with its popular fine white sandbar that emerges during low tide.

Island hopping (El Nido, Palawan)

Mactan Island (Cebu) and Bohol are two other islands in the country with fine beaches. Mactan Island hosts resorts like Shangri-La, Plantation Bay (a man-made beach and lagoon), and Movenpick. Bohol has Panglao beach. While the former is very commercialized and high-end, the latter is laid-back and still has that rustic charm courtesy of coconut trees lining up along the beach. Both have fine white sands and calm clear waters. So depending on what kind of vibe you are looking for, you have a good mix of beach locations to choose from.

The Beach (Phi Phi Island, Thailand)

A country that can parallel the beauty of the Philippines is Thailand. It’s my favorite country in Southeast Asia and has some of the famous islands and beaches in the world. Who can forget Phi Phi Island, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach was shot? That stunning seascape immortalized by that movie has left me in awe while island hopping from the resort that I was billeted in. This is where I had my first taste of kayaking, which is the only way to get into Thailand’s own version of the hidden/secret beach in the big/small lagoons. As a kayaking virgin, I think I did pretty well navigating the tight entrance which is also the exit (so you have to ensure that the small opening is free of kayak traffic as well as swimmers getting in and out of the hidden/secret beach). This reminds me also of the secret beach in El Nido, where you have to wiggle your way in a tight hole on the wall of the limestone cliff on shallow waters (literally a hole where only your body can fit) to get to the hidden beach.

Snorkeling in Thai waters

Then there’s the popular Phuket and Pattaya beaches, both popular and party beaches. While the former is an island, the latter is part of the mainland where you can get to by car from Bangkok in just a couple of hours. Phuket has Patong beach while Pattaya has Pattaya, Jomtien, and Dongtan beaches (more on Pattaya in my earlier article https://columbusbee.blog/2019/12/28/a-tale-of-two-pattayas/). Beaches in these locations are similar in both sand and water quality.

Taking a dip to cool off

Two other Southeast Asian beach destinations are Bali (Indonesia) and Langkawi (Malaysia). Bali is like Pattaya where it has two sides: the noisy, party side of the island (Kuta and Seminyak beaches) and the quiet, peaceful side (Nusa Dua beach). Do not expect any white sands here though, as the beaches are likely made from volcanic rocks/debris similar to those in Greece (which I will feature later in this article). Langkawi on the other hand, is an island with pockets of beaches (similar to Mactan Island), like the resort I stayed in that I have featured in one of the blog’s articles (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/09/07/the-danna-langkawi-a-brief-escape-to-remember/).

Langkawi, Malaysia

America

This region would probably have some of the best beaches as well, but I have only been to one. The island of Guam, which is a U.S. territory, is not only known for its beaches but also for outlet shopping. So this island is a haven for those who enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea plus the shopping. Tumon beach is lined up with international hotel brands, so you have a lot to choose from (I stayed at The Westin Resort Guam). Reminds me of Gold Coast (Australia), which I will write about later part of this article.

Africa

Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town (South Africa)

Let’s now hop to the other side of the world, the region where the waters and the land meet in stunning fashion. What better way to see this is thru the beaches of Africa, particularly those in Cape Town, South Africa. One such beach, Camps Bay beach, does not only have white sands and clear waters, but also spectacular view of the 12 Apostles Mountain Range. To me, a beach with these scenery is a perfect place to be in, where the ocean’s blue waters meet the mass of brown and green earth. Unfortunately, it was winter when I got there, so didn’t really have the opportunity to see how beautiful the views are during summers. But I was still amazed nevertheless.

12 Apostles Mountain Range (partly covered by clouds) and Camps Bay Beach (Cape Town, South Africa)

Cape Town boasts of other beaches along its coastline (like those in Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road with its own 12 Apostles which I will write about later part of this article) such as Boulders beach. What makes this beach unique is the penguin colony that thrives in this location. Unlike the beaches of Asia where palm or coconut trees line up along the beach, this one is lined up with penguin nests. What I noticed is that each nest has two nestlings with their mom (the dad may probably be out looking for food). But be careful going near a nest, the mom can be very protective of her young that she will chase anyone that comes near, and that strong, sharp beak can cause serious injuries.

Boulders Beach and its popular penguin colony (Cape Town, South Africa)

On the northern part of the continent is Morocco, which I wrote a two-part article earlier (first part https://columbusbee.blog/2020/05/10/morocco-a-peak-into-my-expat-past-life-part-1-of-2/ and second part https://columbusbee.blog/2020/06/07/morocco-a-peak-into-my-expat-past-life-part-2-of-2/). Casablanca has La Corniche, the beach that has that Miami vibe where hotels and restos line up along the beach. Agadir has its beach as well, where it can get crowded and lively during summers. The beaches of Morocco usually have beige sands and cloudy waters, so for those who are finicky about sand and water quality, these may not be the best spots for you.

Agadir Beach, Morocco

Let’s pause for now and take a short break from beach overload. Yeah, I know the natural, stunning beauty can be overwhelming, with all these awesome beaches that can be very similar in some ways yet can also be unique in their own ways. To think that we have only covered three regions and there are still three more to go. Tired yet from all the virtual travels? Don’t hang up those virtual beach wear yet coz you’ll need those in the next leg of this trip.

Beach cove along Africa’s coastline

Up next: Europe, Middle East, and Oceania

Coming Soon…

Life’s a Beach

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