27, 28, 29...

I went to Horse Shoe Bay today hoping that the open sea's gentle waves will take my colds away. So I hopped on #8 bus, having Hamilton as its final destination. I didn't go to Hamilton though. I got off the bus and took another bus that took me to some fancy nancy hotel walking distance from the famed pink sands of Horse Shoe Bay. The shoreline was long, the waves were big... but there was a "baby" surf area where
I met a local Bermudan who told me the story behind Bermuda's white roofs. It's basically their source of fresh water. There was also an English couple who joined us in our lazy slumber on the baby surf. I left them and decided to walk around the area to take photos. It was getting dark so I've decided to go back to Heritage Wharf where the Norwegian Gem is waiting for crew and guests alike. I was lucky to bump into Kay (the woman I chatted with earlier... I didn't have her name then) and asked her the way back to the ship. She asked me if I was headed to the bus station, I answered "yes", of course. She offered to take me to the bus station. I thought it was just walking distance; apparently, we had to drive. She drove me to the bus stop and told me she'll leave once I get on a bus. 15 minutes have passed, half an hour past and I was still there and Kay's tiny black car was still there as well. Waiting for me, patiently. I was deeply touched by her concern. I told her a couple of times to go ahead as she might have things to do. But she waited and after 45mins, she decided to take me to another bus station where there "might be" a better chance for me to find a bus. I offered to just take a cab so she won't have to wait but she said it's expensive plus she really has nothing to do as her eldest is away in England studying and the youngest is 18. Our plan be to take another route worked and voila! I made it to the other bus. I thanked her as I shut the car door and asked God to bless her.

As I run towards the bus, I felt that not only there was a beautiful moon tonight, I was also blessed by the beauty of the entire unfolding of events today. All the bus drivers took me in without having to pay, too! (Hoorah!)

Inside the bus, I couldn't help but ponder on how lucky I am to be surrounded by great people who are always helping me out. It is possible that I look helpless, innocent or someone who's really trustworthy in need of serious help. Maybe I remind people of their daughters or sisters. I believe that my blind faith in the universe's goodness guides & leads me to all the wonderful people I meet along the way. I started thinking to myself how I don't have a lot of "friends" by choice (I avoid parties and drinking invitations on purpose) and how all these random people makes up for my lack of interest in making friends; them along with the string of true friends who accepts me for all my irrationality, irritability and moodiness. People who accepts me for me with no strings attached. Without asking for anything in return.

I wish I have photos of Kay and her car. But I don't. Everything happened so quickly. But I do remember our conversation. How she encouraged me to dip in the cold Horse Shoe bay water. How she openly let me into her car. How she patiently waited for me as I wait for the bus. How we both admired the beautiful glow of the moon tonight. How unbusy she is really convincing me that I'm causing her no delay. How she checked on her friend and her 18 yr old son ways of getting to Heritage Wharf from the bay. How I felt so safe around her and how lucky I am to have everyday angels like
her. God bless her soul!

We are constantly changing; evolving.

By definition, evolution meant a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage). I consider my decision to move forward career-wise as part of my evolution. Instead of staying within the status quo of doing what I've been doing for years which is working with children, I have decided to take a different direction and work with adults. From being a school teacher to a youth program counselor and on to becoming a Training Specialist providing trainings to adults.

I am reviving this blog to chronicle the next journey that I am embarking on. It's exciting to tread new waters and explore another uncharted territory. Honestly, there are other adventures that I would prefer to engage myself in. I have to constantly remind myself that I chose and wanted this. Now that I have it, I can't just walk away from it just because I already had it and now I am no longer THAT interested. I need to be more committed or else I might find myself left with nothing one day . I am acknowledging the fact that I am once again finding myself moving forward.



Some growing up will be required from me, just like how the children from the video are expected to grow. I wish in my heart of hearts though that I never let the child in me go away just because I've consciously chosen to keep moving forward.

This is the first part of my 7th contract documentation. Yes, I have been with Norwegian Cruise Line for over two years now. I will celebrate my 3rd year on June 8, 2011 – 5 months from now. I’ve had my ups and downs but as they say, count your blessings and not your worries.

I have been to two continents since I’ve started working as a Youth Counselor. I have been to various parts of North and South America which is really awesome. I have been to places I never even dreamed of visiting. At the moment, I am sailing with Norwegian Dawn out of Miami to Southern and Western Caribbean. I love all of the ports as they remind me of home. I truly feel that I am home away from home except that the humid streets are populated by black people instead of my paisanos (as we call “countrymen” on-board). I am still looking for ways to enjoy my stay in the ports without creating a huge hole on my pockets though. I have decided to take my time and have been pacing myself in terms of partying (I haven’t really partied to be honest… -for obvious reasons- and I am actually wondering if I ever will) on-board and seeing the ports. I came prepared and brought fancy dresses waiting to be worn for appropriate events – such as going out for fancy $25 worth dinners. Yes, the most expensive restaurant on-board is $25 where you can order as many entrees, main course, & dessert as you want. Drinks are not included in the cover charge though. Pretty cheap really, but anything out of the crew/staff mess and the Garden Café is considered fancy nonethless.

So far, everything has been going well with me. I have been spending most of my time in the cabin when I am not at work. I have been pondering on different ways of saving money but the attempts have all been fruitless. I am down with my first month, so I’m cutting myself some slack.I have five more months to go. I am excited in all seriousness. I know that all of the ports have so much hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered. So far, I have only been to as far as the touristy places and I cannot wait to get further away from that territory. I need to work on my budgeting and accounting skills. Maybe I should give myself challenges such as “Where your $5.00 can take you in Barbados?” or “Is $20 in or out over at St. Kitts?” I am thrilled! This documentation idea would not have been possible without certain people whom I went to a random beach at St. Kitts with. For an $8.00 cab ride, we were taken to South Friar’s Bay where we were welcomed by a spectacular view (pictures to follow). Plus, there were also wild monkeys and other wildlife present in the area. I didn’t have to go on a monkey tour to see monkeys. I still have a long way to go. Thank goodness I still have five months left to enjoy what the islands have to offer. You are more than welcome to come along with me in my adventures!

beautiful day, beautiful experience

Lucban, Quezon

somewhere in Manila

What does these pictures tell you? Can you tell me the story that I fail to tell?

in Zambales

Goodbye airport! Hello Houston!

bazaar bazaar bazaar!

I went outside and waited for the right bus to take me to downtown Houston. It was Sunday. Surprise. Almost everything is CLOSED in Houston during Sundays. I should have known better. The lady from the desk failed to mention this to me. Who cares? This didn't stop me from exploring. I pride myself at being equally brave and friendly when the need for it arise... (like when asking for directions). It is this bravery and friendliness that lead me to this random guy whose name I forgot. He told me that everything is closed coz it's weekend (uh... yeah.. I've noticed, thank you very much) but there is however an international bazaar going on by the Houston City Hall he informed me. He invited me to go with him and check it out. He even shared things about himself to keep the conversation flowing. He's a nice guy but I didn't find the bazaar very appealing even if half of the Houston downtown population is headed there. I decided to go about on my own. I thanked him and left to explore and go around by foot, on my own.

Armed with my handy dandy town map, I found my way to the transit station. The best way to go around the city. I couldn't figure out how to buy a ticket or to drop coins. I was like a dumbass watching people work their way around. Thanks to these two random black (and very ghetto teens) who I think were flirting with me (yeah, I am too humble to brag), I managed to buy a day-pass sort of ticket. For how much, I totally forgot. On the transit station, I also met a random Dutch guy who's finding his way back to his hotel (which is on the opposite part of the city!). He was just there for some sort of geeky science - rephrase, smart people - convention. I tried my best to help him find the easiest and cheapest way to go back to his hotel since cab fare is draining his pockets. I like helping fellow lost souls even if I know I wasn't really much of a help since I'm no local. Still and all, he obviously appreciated my effort and reciprocated my kindness by taking my photo at the metro with my equally geeky get up so I shouldn't even consider making fun of his geeky/smart people convention. On one of my other pit stops, I also found 3 ladies from different generations. Grandmother, mother, and grand/daughter. I had an interesting chat with them about how crazy the storm and flooding was the night before and why I should take the train ride inside the Japanese garden with them. I don't know why I didn't do it. I graciously thanked them and went ahead. I saw chipmunks anyway and that made up for the missed train ride experience.

There was so much to see in Houston based from the map at hand. However, I only have until nightfall. So I had to plan my day well. I checked all the business hours of the places I find most interesting and their respective location and distances from one another. You have to be realistic when on a sight-seeing adventure especially if you still have a flight to catch and it's your first time on a certain place. Because I am just a bit geeky who chose to embrace my geekiness, I opted to go on museum and art gallery hunt instead of bars (I am not a drinker.. duh.) I went aboard the metro and carried on with my awesome adventure.

Hmmm... where to go?

On-board the metro, people spoke to me. I felt like a celebrity. Kidding. I felt more like I a science specimen whose being closely scrutinized. And I always thought I blend well! The most memorable chit chat I had was with the man who used to work for the navy and was sent to the Philippines and all the other parts of the world. I guess people who thirst for travel and all sorts of adventure gravitate towards each other. Our chat made going backto the airport a bit easier. The metro bus numbers are quite confusing and I want to find myself at the airport and not road-to-nowhere. The world always conspire for our well-being. I made my way back to the airport safe and sound not necessarily smarter but with more experiences to share (and brag about? hahaha!) to people who would care to spare their precious time to listen.

I found almost all the places that I wanted to see but didn't really go inside to explore all of it. Some were closed. And for most parts, I just lost interest in checking the places out. I guess in the end, it's not really about the destination but the journey.

**Phrase I have mentioned the most on this entry: on my own

fishing as primary livelihood

we were all soaked after the boat ride

The view during the entire boatride took my breath away. The state of the mountain and hills is saddening. No trees to provide shade. However, that doesn't make Anawangin less beautiful. In fact, the state of the place is what makes it unique and second-third-fourth look worthy.

When we got there, we were welcomed by series of boats, fellow-vacation-seeker yuppies, families, people from all walks of life and a sari-sari store in a place that we originally pictured as an untouched haven. Thanks to the world wide web and blogging (like what I am doing), the untouched haven no longer exists. Kath exclaimed that it was like Puerto Galera. Yeah, minus the electricity. Don't take me wrong, the place is absolutely beautiful, really breath-taking. However, the amount of people and amount of NOISE sort of made the place a little less peaceful and serene as we hoped it to be. There were bonfire and campsites everywhere causing lasting impacts to land around the area. My friends and I were even fearing sudden pine forest-fire *knock on wood* (I forgot to mention the fact that there are actual pine trees there). I remember attending a seminar conducted by an MFPI member with the group of Maersk mountaineers a couple of years ago. There's this simple line that had a great impact on me: low impact climbing. This simple line isn't easily attained though. In my opinion, this does not and should not be applied on climbing alone. This should be applied wherever and whenever nature is concerned. Which is ALL the time. There was just so much disrepecting going on around the area and the sadness it caused us is immeasurable. Imagine all the lasting effect this would cause to the environment and the natural inhabitants of the place?

suking sari-sari store

I left Anawangin feeling anxious. Tourism need not be destructive. We need to educate people not only to read, to write or to do basic math. We also need to educate people about balance as well as ghe simple logic behind cause and effect. I always try to not be judgemental but I say this with so much disgust to people who complain and say nothing but bad things to our country. No one should dare complain about the current state of the Philippines because we ALL (whether your a Filipino or a foreigner) take part in taking this country to wherever it is going. My Anawangin experience along with all my other hiking and nature-related adventures are constant reminders on how much Philippines needs to wake up. Philippines is so beautiful! But so much is needed to be done as well. Effort should be exerted by everyone to keep it that way. Basic rule - pack it in, pack it out. Leave natural objects as you find them. As the quote goes: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Pay respect not only to the natural inhabitants and locals in the area but to fellow visitors as well. Respect their experience of the place. So hush it!

We only have one Philippines, one Asia, one world. Don't you want your (future) sons, daughters, nephews, neices, grandkids to experience it?

sunset in Anawangin

End of the World Prison

The most interesting thing about Ushuaia for me is the fact that it used to be filled with prisoners in order for the Argentine goverment to ensure control over the Tierra del Fuego and at the same time increase their population. The prisoners built a railway leading to their settlement that is now a famous tourist attraction - the tour that I enjoyed so much called Tren del Fin del Mundo or End of the World Train.

overlooking Beagle Channel

born free... as free as... Laarni?

Ciao, Ushuaia!

For someone who wants to live her life to the fullest, why would I harbor such negative thoughts and why would I let such opportunities pass me by? Please understand that with the nature of my job, the fractional equation of my life is ¾ on water and the remaining ¼ obviously, on land – for months! Hence, the rejection of the two top activities that one shouldn’t let slip away when in Punta Arenas. Let me tell you though that I am a woman with a mission. My mission then was to spend as much time on LAND as possible with the following activities in mind: stay in coffee shops, hotels or restaurants with free wifi/internet access, people watch in between reading and turning pages of a book under a tree, take long walks on cobblestoned streets, take pictures of streetlamps, admire boots of all colors/shapes/make of size 5 ½ - 6 on display and on people passing by and of course, spy on Latin lovers who display their affection shamelessly much to my delight. Oh the list goes on and on! These all sound boring to normal people. Keep in mind however that I don’t live a very normal life which makes me appreciate the simpler things in life more.

As I was saying, I had a mission. Aside from dreaming of being able to inject a little normalcy into my already abnormal system, I also dream of seeing sheep! Oh yes! Sheeeeep! Baaaaaa! Punta Arenas made that dream come true *tears streaming down to my cheeks from my eyes*. There, I went to an estancia. In layman’s term, estancia is big chunk – no – massive (!), vast chunk of privately owned land where Chilean cows & horses (I say Chilean because they are the special breed of cows & horses found only in Chile – they are very particular and territorial in this part of the world), llamas, sheep, foxes (?), birds and more, roam freely. After that, nothing else mattered. Well, at this point sheep shearing suddenly mattered. We have no sheep in the Philippines (tropical country, duh?!) so I always have this idea that they shear sheep just for the wool to turn them into fur coats or whatever. I found out in Olga Estancia that they shear only the ewe (female sheep) because as the lady of the estancia said, “Sheep are very dumb”. Good thing, I am not a sheep, I am not offended.

before Marlboro Country, there was Chilean huasos! (gauchos for Argentines)

However, I certainly sympathize with them. They are considered dumb because they leave their babies out in the cold – never mind the babies – just because they are kept safe and warm by their wool. Hence, the ewe-shearing began making ewes better mothers since they are forced to find shelter in the winter with the young following them, lessening baby sheep mortality. See, for every action there’s a reaction. Everyone is happy.

penguin rookery

Now, what comes into your mind when you hear Antarctica? Penguins, I hope!

I journeyed one usual super windy afternoon to Otway Sound, 40 miles north of Punta Arenas to a penguin reserve just to see a few of them from the other side of the looooooong and dismayingly roped path. I wish I could touch them and pet them but they can and will bite anyone that’s why I had to console & content myself with just watching them walk and run or do both at the same time in their funny penguin way, cuddle and strike their “Magellanic” poses as spectators go “oohh and ahh”. Oh they’re sooooo cute and scaly!

Cathedral of Punta Arenas (a prayer a day takes the burden away)

Another interesting trivia about Punta Arenas is that it shares the same history as Ushuaia, Argentina and Australia. It was also used as a penal colony. As much as I love the present, I can’t help but wonder how life used to be back in those days. A lot has definitely changed with time. It’s great that we’re always given a choice – either to learn from the past or to commit the same mistakes again. Much of the Chilean terrains still seem to be untouched but nature tells us otherwise. However, that’s a completely different topic. The lesson I’ve learned and what I have realized as I write this blog post about Punta Arenas is that NO ONE can ever do EVERYTHING at any given time but you can always win a friend at a coffee shop, I did.

one last glance...