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.

The Contrasting Colors Of Tokyo And Kyoto – Part 1 of 2

Travel and Food Buzz

Neutral, metallic shades of Tokyo (Mori Tower Observation Deck) and vibrant, primary hues of Kyoto (Mt. Inari Foot Path)

My sister, brother-in-law, and I are planning to go to Japan in December so I thought why not write something about my last trip to the land of the rising sun. I went to Japan July last year and didn’t know that it was the peak of the summer season. Since it was my first time, I had no idea how hot and humid summers are in that country, which feels like summers in the Philippines. I don’t normally go to places when it’s too warm unless it’s a beach destination, so this is another first for me.

A lot of my friends were asking why it took so long before I finally decided to visit Japan. I don’t really have a ready answer to that, but probably because of its close proximity, I tend to see farther destinations as more desirable. My American ex-boss who’s based there even frowned on me when he learned that I keep going back to Europe almost every year yet I haven’t taken up his standing offer to visit him while he was still there. It was too late when I finally did, since he and his family left the country before the trip.

Urban jungle of Tokyo and bamboo jungle of Kyoto

Incidentally there was another fare promo that was very enticing and ultimately was the clincher. The business class fare of Eva Air to Tokyo via Taipei was a good buy (Manila-Taipei-Narita-Taipei-Manila was about $700) so I decided to book it before I changed my mind. Then I have to apply for a visa (which was quick, took only about 3 days processing time thru a travel agency) and bought a JR Pass (only offered to tourists and can only be bought in your home country since it’s not available in Japan). The pass can save you train fare big time especially if you are flying in Narita (it’s an almost 2-hour train ride to Tokyo) and have plans of taking the train to other big cities like Kyoto or Osaka. I got a 7-day pass, so it covered my return trips for Kyoto and Narita with most of my Tokyo subway rides as well. But it doesn’t come cheap (between $250-$400 depending on your choice of cabin class) just like everything else in Japan.

Tokyo

I stayed in Shinjuku area (known as the red light district or the “district that never sleeps”), where I booked a room at Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku. The room came with a mobile phone (called “Handy”) which you can use (for free) for navigating the city as well as knowing which subway line to take to reach certain stations. You can also make free international calls to certain countries (unfortunately, Philippines was not one of those select countries). I learned while I was there that Tokyo is like a cluster of districts (where an area also called Tokyo is one of these districts, along with Shinjuku). I used my Le Club Accor for this accommodation and it is in a very good location since it is accessible to the subway station (to reach the other districts) and most of the dining, shopping, and entertainment spots. As expected, the area was bustling with people day and night in spite of the summer heat. I was quite overwhelmed with the dining options that it took me a while to finally settle for a resto to have my first dinner.

My room (Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku). I got the twin coz it’s the biggest room (in a country where space is a luxury, this one is a good buy)

The first morning since I arrived in the hotel I had breakfast which consisted of typical buffet fare. It was a decent selection, but what really fascinated me was the miso soup machine that operates like a coffee maker. You insert your bowl and press a button and hot water and miso paste come out from separate dispensers. The paste mixes with the running hot water to make a bowl of miso soup. You thought it may just be another fancy invention that produces mediocre, plain, bland, copycat of a miso soup, but this one was delicious! I would have at least two helpings every morning while I was there. I was even wondering where I can buy the machine and the paste, but never cared to ask since I can’t bring home an equipment that is not so light to carry or check in my luggage. Speaking of technology, another thing that I love about Japan is the heated toilet seats and automated bidet. Both private and public restrooms would have these, and for that alone, I would come back to Japan in a heartbeat. If I could only collapse and carry it back home, I would.

Shinjuku After Dark

With always a full tummy every morning, I would start exploring the city just like any other tourist. It was difficult though to move around under that scorching summer heat but fortunately, there were shops that gave away free plastic hand fans. So imagine me walking around with a fan on one hand and a bottle of water on the other. It is important to get hydrated during this time of the year, when one can easily get a heat stroke (you could hear the sound of the ambulance siren not just once or twice a day, which probably were the ramifications of the heat wave). During nighttime, I would explore Shinjuku area which is known for its varied entertainment fare (arguably the entertainment capital of Tokyo) where some of the notable sights were the robot restaurants and the animal cafes. So during the day I would see other tourist spots like Roppongi Hills (with Mori Tower where you can get a good bird’s eye view of the whole city thru its observation deck as well as thru its sky deck/rooftop/helipad) where I spotted a branch of the popular New York burger resto Shake Shack, Imperial Palace (with its lush parks and gardens), Shibuya (popularly known for its jampacked pedestrian crossing at any given time of the day), Tokyo Skytree (where you can get another good view of the city after dark thru its viewing deck), temples and shrines (where you can write your wishes on an “Ema” and hang it up among the others fronting the statues of the temple gods), and shopping districts.

Sights of Tokyo: cute Doraemons (Roppongi Hills), temple/shrine, lush gardens (Imperial Palace), jampacked pedestrian crossing (Shibuya), towering heights (Tokyo Skytree), and “Ema” (wood tablet where locals write their wishes to the temple gods)

When it comes to shopping, Tokyo is shoppers paradise. They have this so-called “shotengai” which is similar to the grand bazaars of Istanbul or the medinas and souks of Casablanca and Marrakesh where shops line up in maze like fashion. If you are a fan of anime (which I’m not, sorry), then these are the places for you. Some of the popular ones are Nakano Broadway (for vintage watches) and Ameyoko Market (for street food and second hand or hand me downs luxury designer bags). Knock off luxury goods are illegal in Japan, so second hand items are very popular among shoppers who look for good buys. Not sure why there were a lot of those, either the Japanese elites just want to declog their closets to free up some precious space (space is a luxury in Japan) and fill them up with in-season (and I’m speaking fashion) items. Or maybe some fell on hard times that they have to let go and sell or pawn their luxury goods. But if you want a hassle free shopping, I’ve discovered (thanks to my cousin Jean who has been to Japan a few times) Don Quijote (yes, they spell it with a ‘j’ instead of an ‘x’) and Daikokuya, where you can find the same items (and more) from the shotengais all under one roof. Guess what? Both are just stone throw away from my hotel.

Shotengai or shopping havens where you can splurge on second hand designer bags and vintage watches among other good finds

Of course, the food is just to die for. In my short stay in Tokyo, I have appreciated Japanese food probably more than I could imagine. I never thought I would fall in love with the food. I’m not new to Japanese food, but I’ve never been fond of it until I’ve finally had a few in this food connoisseurs delight of a place. There’s the popular Tsukiji Market for street food, but because it was the peak of summer, I tried to avoid food in such places where it can easily get spoiled, particularly the raw ones. So I ended up having my sashimi fix in a neighborhood resto, which offers lunch specials that consist of a bowl of different seafood sashimi with rice and soup. Then there’s the mouth-watering wagyu beef sirloin that sort of melt in the mouth like butter. I had it in a classy teppanyaki resto in Kabuki-cho called Yasaiya Teppanyaki. You have to have it medium rare (as how steaks should be) and just be prepared to fork out at least $80 for a good meal. I had some firsts as well, like the unagi (Japanese eel) where I had what they call ‘hitsumabushi’ or Nagoya style unagi. I also tried this resto that specializes in beef tongue, where I had a combo of beef kalbi, pork loin, another kind of pork, and of course, beef tongue. The beef tongue was chewy, so good thing I had the other meat viands. My ultimate first though was the iconic Ichiran Ramen. Cousin Jean vibered me saying I can’t leave Tokyo without trying Ichiran Ramen. There’s a branch near my hotel so I went. Boy, am I glad I did. Just like the colors of Tokyo, it was muted, tempered, and yet overwhelming to the senses. This food journey was an experience bigger than the trip itself.

My Japanese food journey (clockwise from top left): bowl of seafood sashimi, unagi (japanese eel), combo of beef tongue and other meat viands, seafood tempura, Ichiran ramen, wagyu beef sirloin, and bento of sashimi, tempura, miso soup, and grilled fish. Did I say all are delish?

(Up next: Kyoto)