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!

Greece: Of Myths, Mediterranean Food, and Beaches – Part 2 of 2

Travel Buzz

To pick up where we left off (where I talked about Athens in the earlier part of this article), I have always been curious about the Greek isles which not a few have been raving about. That’s why before embarking on this Greek adventure, I have decided to see two of the most popular ones, Mykonos and Santorini, and booked hotels in these two islands. On my last day in Athens, I went to a local tour office in Athens and bought a one way ferry ticket to Mykonos. I got the Blue Star Ferries ticket where the port is in Piraeus, about half an hour by car (sans traffic). The ferry leaves at 8 in the morning and it’s about a 4-hour trip. There are ferries that run faster, but the faster it gets, the rougher the ride and I don’t want to get seasick thereafter. The ride was pleasant and gave me time to write another article for the blog. I got a business class seat, but on hindsight, I should have settled for economy coz the common dining lounge already looks comfortable. Business class may be advisable on peak season where coach can get too crowded for comfort.

Business class section of Blue Star Ferry

Mykonos

We reached Mykonos around noon and my mistake was not to confirm the hotel transfer with my hotel (Super Paradise Suites) that I have included in my hotel booking. So I waited for a ride that wasn’t there to start with. So after hanging up on hotel staff learning that there’s no transfer to the hotel, I shared a cab with two young ladies from Utah who happen to be staying in the same hotel. We chatted with the cab driver and learned that locals and non-locals alike only work in the island from April to September and the island becomes silent in the next 6 months. There will still be some tourists on lean months, but most of the restos and shops are closed during this period. Non-locals then return to their home base, while locals take this opportunity to travel.

Luxury shops in the island that remind me of those in Capri

The hotel is situated on the hilly edge of Super Paradise Beach (not to be mistaken with another beach in the island called Paradise Beach). So getting to and from the beach would require some hiking which I don’t mind (good daily exercise for me) but not recommended for anyone with mobility concerns given the very steep trail to the beach as well as to where the shuttle that goes to town proper would pick up passengers. When I got to my room, I was pleased with the stunning views of the beach and the Aegean sea with the mountains as backdrop. Just like any island resort, everything here is expensive. Sun beds will set you back as much as 50 euros for a day rent (prices drop as beds get farther away from the shore). Aegean sea reminds me of Mediterranean sea, mystical, magical, enticing clear blue waters (the latter though is on the greenish shade). Per feng shui, my birth element is water, so I’m not surprised why I always get attracted to bodies of water. Maybe I’m a descendant of Poseidon (who lost by the way to Athena on that epic battle I shared in the first part of the article).

View from my room (Super Paradise Suites)

Mykonos, like Bali, is a beach haven so your trip to the island would mostly consists of beach hopping. On hindsight, I should have stayed in any of the hotels in the town proper since that is where all the buses that go to the different beaches pick passengers. It could have saved me a few euros from the daily shuttle between my hotel and the town proper and getting on a bus to the next beach. But what didn’t save me from the island greed was a trip to Platys Gialos beach. That’s where I realized that Mykonos, with all its charm and beauty, can also have the most cruel tourist trap that even the most seasoned traveler could fall victim to. I made a mistake of being lured into Dk Oyster, a beachfront seafood resto. With its nice sun beds facing a beautiful beach, I was enticed with what the in-house ‘hawkers’ sell as a good buy where if you dine in the resto for at least 50 euros, you get a sun bed all day for free, otherwise you pay the same amount up front for a day rent. So I went in and came out 700 euros lighter and 700 euros wiser. How’d that happen? Below is the screen grab from my Tripadvisor review:

The biggest lesson I got from this experience is not what I’ve lost but how to keep a positive mindset after the initial shock and trauma. As I’ve said, it was cruel, which took me a while to recover, but when I did, I tried to condition myself to continue enjoying the holiday and just find ways to cut my losses. I’m here on a holiday and no matter what happens, I’ll move on and enjoy the rest of my vacation. First task I did after accepting my fate was to downgrade my Istanbul hotel (last leg of my trip) which I booked thru my Le Club Accor so I was still able to cancel it a few days before my actual stay. I was able to save a few hundred euros after finding a much cheaper hotel (but in a less desirable location though). I was also able to cut on my onward ferry ticket to Santorini and saved a few more euros from giving up sun beds and just lay on the sands to enjoy the sun and the sea. On hindsight, I should have checked the reviews in Tripadvisor before getting in, coz now I’ve learned that not a few have been victimized by Dk Oyster, with each one having a #metoo horror story to tell. The vileness continues, where for every negative review, Tripadvisor will be flooded with fake positive reviews (you be the judge when you read all the ‘positive’ reviews particularly this peak season). But in spite of all these, I stayed true to myself and kept whatever dignity I have left from this experience: I didn’t scrimp on food (see Travel In Style Part 2) and would never blame my misfortune on being a foodie. Bad things happen to good people not because they love good food.

Some of the meals I had in Mykonos. From left: Spaghetti Frutti de Mare, Mussels Marinara, and Lamb Chops (yes, they are all delish!)

So I also checked out Paradise Beach. Just like Super Paradise beach, party starts at 4PM when the sound systems would start booming loud music and partyphiles would gather and groove in their swimwear with drinks on hand. As in Super Paradise beach, there is a portion of the beach for nudist, where young and old, of different shapes and sizes, will bare and let it all hang out like it’s nobody’s business. Someone who comes from a conservative society like the Philippines would probably cringe at the sight, but not me. I’ve seen similar places before (like the lakes in Germany during summer) where I’d probably be more culture shocked with how nasty tourist traps are than public nudity. So if you think my swimwear pics are too out there, think again. Coz that’s nothing compared to what’s out there.

Santorini

So after having enough of the popular beaches (and greed) of Mykonos, I took a ferry to Santorini. I bought a one way Golden Star ferry ticket from a tour office in Mykonos town. The trip from Mykonos to Santorini was about 5 hours, so it gave me some more free time to finish an article I was writing. Unlike what happened at Mykonos port, I have a driver waiting for me at Santorini port to bring me to Ersi Villas. On the way, I chatted with the driver and unlike Mykonos, Santorini is open all year round to tourists. Upon dropping me at the villas, I instantly got the homey vibe and feel that I was expecting from this kind of accommodation. I was met by Elias, the amiable owner of the villas and right away gave me directions and tips on what to do in the island. A traveler himself, Elias knows exactly what guests need and was even generous in swapping travel stories with me as well as helping me out with my island itinerary.

The villa is located on the mid section of the hill (Santorini is hilly, like San Francisco hilly) in Firostefani. Firostefani is in between Fira, the capital town, and Imerovigli. Firostefani has good number of shops and restos, and the walk path from Firostefani square to Imerovigli is what I would call the best resto row. Here you will find some of the best restos in the island, from To Briki to La Maison. They offer traditional Greek dishes and my ultimate fave, seafood! All three towns are easy walk from each other, that’s why no need to take the bus, unless you want to get to the far end of the island where Oia is with its popular sunset or to the different beaches in the island. Just like in Mykonos, you have to take the buses at the Fira town proper to get to the different beaches.

A guy proposing to his girl at the popular Oia sunset viewing deck. Everyone in the crowd who was there for the sunset cheered after she said “Uhmm…” Just kidding, she said yes 🙂

If I have to describe Santorini in one word, then it would be ‘stunning.’ It actually reminds me of Positano, where the views are just simply stunning. Even the beaches have better views than Mykonos. It makes me wonder now why I even went to Mykonos, when Santorini can offer the same experience (except for the greed) plus so much more. From its caldera to mountain views, beaches to sunsets, dining to shopping, everything seems to bring out only positive and exciting experience. Santorinians are more welcoming, hospitable, and true, and seems to put guest satisfaction over selfish gains. In fact, during this whole Greek adventure, it was in Santorini where I had the best dining experience. I never had any disappointment in all the restos I have dined in where not only the food was great, but the service was at par with my personal standards and expectations and you are seated at the edge of the caldera with its magnificent views.

Best dining experience (need I say more?). From left: Amberjack (La Maison), Dorade (The Greeks), Pork Ribs (To Briki), and Pork Steak (Metropolis Str.)

The beaches did not disappoint as well. Being born out of volcanic activity, Santorini is blessed with beaches that have stunning views and clear waters. I’ve never been happier doing beach hopping, even if I had to take a treacherous path just to get to one of the popular ones called Red Beach. You know, you have to take this very narrow and steep trail with sharp edged rocks and boulders, where some slight miscalculations will easily scrape that beautiful tanned skin. Then you have to negotiate for space in the foot traffic between people going down and up the trail. Though I didn’t overhear anyone saying “is there like an elevator or something?” (Part 1 of this article) but how I wish there was an easier way to get to the beach. The boat that I took for the sea cruise does not pick up or offload passengers on the beach, so the only way to get there is to take this dangerous path. I almost gave up mid way, but I’m just glad I didn’t. If only for the stunning views, I would recommend it for a visit, but just be careful going down and up the trail.

Imagine climbing down to reach the beach and up again to the main road (Red Beach)

So I ended my Greek adventure on a high note, where Santorini was definitely the highlight of the trip. As I mentioned in the first part of this article, there were hiccups and misfortunes along the way, but what is an adventure without the unexpected, the twist and turns, the danger, and most importantly the lessons learned. As I contemplate on my flight back to Athens to take my onward flight to Istanbul, I smiled knowing that I had a good one inspite of. As I’ve quoted in my earlier article (The Joys of Travelling Solo), I would come out a different person from each trip and now I’m a better version of myself than I was before I embarked on this trip. Like in the Greek mythology, I have fought some battles and personal demons along the way (where you would tend to question yourself and create self doubt) of which I have won and restored my core, appreciated the goodness of Mediterranean food, and enjoyed the beach life just how it should be lived.

Life’s a beach. From top left clockwise: Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, Platys Gialos Beach, & Super Paradise Beach (Hey Sports Illustrated, why don’t you consider these locations for next year’s swimsuit edition with Kelsey Merritt on the cover?)