Madrid scenes

Plaza Mayor

Royal Palace of Madrid

Cathedral de la Almudena

August 2010

Today, I miss Spain. I miss sunny days and beautiful buildings. I miss strolling along the streets of Madrid and being inspired by it's beauty.

Spring Trip

In two weeks time, I will be in San Francisco! I am getting so excited!!! I will only be there on a short trip since I have to work :( but what the heck I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!

Let me know if you have any tips or restaurant recommendations! Thanks!

Health Check

Most of my vacations have been a smooth ride until Philippines 2009. I experienced my first health freak out. I woke up one morning and I couldn't open my eyes. I looked in the mirror and I screamed. My eyes were so puffy and swollen I could barely open them. I also had rashes all over my body.

I purchased travel insurance back in Toronto so I was confident I could go to see a doctor and not worry about paying out of pocket. I called the insurance company to inform them of my situation and they gave me the green light to see any doctor I wanted.

My Aunt took me to a clinic and I waited patiently to see a doctor. After half an hour, I finally saw the doctor and she told me it was allergies. I got a prescription for reactin and everything was done. I totally blame the crab I ate the night before!!!!

I had to pay for everything including my medicine. I was not used to that. In Toronto, it's free to visit a doctor. We have a health card that the government covers for free. I also have a drug plan at work so I only pay 20% of the cost for prescription medicine. In the Philippines, everything must be paid for. The government doesn't subsidize any cost so if you don't earn a lot of money, it's more than likely that you don't get a check up every year or if you get sick you might not afford to see a doctor. It was a very sad realization.

It really opened my eyes on how different things are between the two countries I call home. I will never ever take for granted the privileges that I have here in Canada.

What I ate: Pinoy Street Foods

Intestine

Barbeque time!

Fish Balls

February 2009

I used to eat street food on a daily basis when I lived in the Philippines. Everyday after school, a vendor would come outside the school gate and sell fish balls. For a couple of peso you can have a great snack after school (I know it's not healthy but I was a kid). 

I had to eat street food when I came back so my friend Kat made it happen. It brought back tons of memories of our childhood and a great way to bond together. I love how food brings people together. I am always trying new things when I visit a country and even when I'm home in Toronto, I have a rotation of different cuisines from around the world to choose from.

Mayon Volcano

The beautiful Mayon Volcano! It is an active volcano and renowned for it's "perfect cone" shape. Thankfully, when I was there, the volcano was peaceful and not spewing out lavas.

I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!

Legazpi

After a couple of days in Manila, I flew to my province of Bicol for much needed relaxation. I wanted fresh air and to see someone very dear to me.

Cebu pacific a low cost airline and late as usual.

I arrived in Legazpi, Albay to sell bananas....

Finally saw my best friend, Kat!! Reunited after 4 years!

I love provinces. I love the fresh air, I love how everyone is very laid back, and everything just feels nice.

Rice Paddies

Manila Sunset

What I ate: Pinoy Foods - Part 1

One of the things I miss being away from my second home is the food. My family cooks Filipino dishes here in Toronto but it's just not the same as from back home. The taste is so different maybe because the ingredients here are not fresh.

Here are some of my favourite Filipino foods:

Palapok - this is the only noodle dish that I like. I love that it has so many different toppings.

Chicken Joy with Rice from Jolibee - this is a Filipino version of Mcdonald's. Instead of fries you get rice!

Bbq pork, rice with garlic, and sisig. Sisig is my addiction. It's consists of different parts of pig sizzled on a hot plate. It is soo yummy! It's usually an appetizer for beer drinkers.

Chicharon - made of fried pork rinds. Very crispy. So bad for you but oh so good!

Sinigang soup - this one had shrimp with tamarind base soup

More to come..

Intramuros

I was born in the Philippines but my family and I moved to Canada when I was almost in my teens. I have a lot of good memories there and I went to visit "home" again in 2009. It was my first time going there alone since I usually go with my family. I spent two weeks in Manila and the Bicol province (where I was born).

Let me take you back to my memories of the Philippines; my second home. I still have a lot of relatives living there and it's always nice to catch up with them and spend some quality time.

My first stop was Manila (capital city). I stayed with my relatives and the first thing I did was to EAT and shop of course! 

Courtyard of Mall of Asia. The malls in Manila are huge! The interiors and exterior blend together and they even had a skating rink inside.

San Augustin Church

Beautiful interiors inside the church

February 2009

Boston

May 2010

I spent a couple days in Boston last year. I had a very relaxing time walking around the waterfront, visiting Quincy Market, and taking a day trip to Cape Cod. 

I had the most amazing seafoods to eat and I had lot of fun shopping at outlet malls! I love America! After shopping, I found this amazing restaurant that had the best steak I've ever had in my life. To top that off, it was so cheap! 

I will definitely go back to Boston again and I hope it's this year!