when the Choc Nut and Christmas islander blogs within the breeze of the Gulf

There is a little mole on my left foot. The elders have a couple of interpretations about it, that I would be traveling from one place to another and that I would be a missionary in my own special way. I never realized both much until they happened phase by phase. Especially in one of my previous jobs that I was required to travel a lot within the Philippines. I became a regular at the airports and that gave me a healthy Mabuhay Miles balance. Lol. It was a very good opportunity to see how beautiful our country is from North to the South.

I think when one becomes a traveler in a real sense, he or she would always look forward for more. If the opportunity is there, one shall not miss it. As Saint Augustine puts it, “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Looking back, I would say that it’s not the international trips that made a significant mark on me, but the places I visited in the Philippines. When I would visit a different emirate and/or state, the culture, people and other things about it that are new to me definitely wow me. But at the end of the road, I would always be reminded how more beautiful the different regions in my own land are . Aside from Laguna that I love to bits because there is where my roots are, my favorite destinations are Bacolod, Bicol and Davao. During my previous travels, these three give me the feeling that I am always going there as if it’s the first time. The food and people never fail to amaze me. You never run out of new things to do and to surprise you.

As for future travels, I dream a lot. I already booked two international trips for next year, but let’s not name them for now. You will feel though, that our dream destinations change from time to time. As Lao Tzu said, a good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. My current state is wandering about revisiting Baguio (and to drop by to Sagada), traveling to Egypt (the pyramids are making special appearances in my dreams several times) and Alaska (I’m so curious to experience life there and it’s strengthen by the movie, The Proposal).

One of the nicest things about traveling is that you always learn from it, getting lost, discovering and re-learning, and a lot more. Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the most quiet chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.

What about you? What are your realizations about traveling?

This is my entry to KG’s giveaway. Hop on to her blog to learn more and meet fellow travelers.

Lonely Planet recently released the travel guide for 2010. Among those featured are the top 10 countries to visit, which included two destinations which are in my itinerary for next year (yay!), and top 10 cities to visit as follows (not ranked):

• Abu Dhabi (UAE)
• Charleston (USA)
• Cork (Ireland)
• Cuenca (Ecuador)
• Istanbul (Turkey)
• Kyoto (Japan)
• Lecce (Italy)
• Sarajevo (Bosnia)
• Singapore
• Vancouver (Canada)

Victoria Peak at night. Taken from Sky Terrace on 12 December, 2008.

You probably know why these are among my favorite Hong Kong snapshots. In this spot, the city lights and wind are alive.

(More Victoria peak photos)

(More photohunters)

Hello everyone! I’m back.

To those who have asked (you know who you are) why I’m so “quiet” (i.e. not blogging, my preceding two posts were scheduled ones, not plurking and twittering), what am I doing, and other questions directed to trying to figure out where and how I am, I really appreciate it.

Just like the hint that I left, I did a whirlwind trip to Philippines. I was supposed to be there for full eight days (travel time excluded), but it was extended by 24 hours by a fortuitous event. Probably you know which one.

My vacation was too short but each minute was well-spent. Did you know that no one knew that I was coming home? Although I was itching to break the news to my family, relatives and friends*, I wanted to keep it as a secret to know how effective I am in executing surprises (Lol). So, you can just imagine my dear ones’ reactions when they saw me standing at the gate.

On the last day of my vacation, typhoon Ondoy came. Its effects surprised me/us a lot. It did beat my trying to surprise people for coming home unannounced. I experienced the worst flood going to the airport, had the hardest time rebooking my flight, etc. I thought that day was not going to end.

Anyway, I’m back, alive and kicking… still sleepy though. I reached Abu Dhabi airport at 6:00 AM and reported for work which I had to absent myself yesterday.

Stories to follow. Once I get recharged.

I hope everyone’s well.

*I generally didn’t meet up with any friends to be fair with each one. Until this minute, they didn’t know I’ve been to the Philippines. Except for a friend whose daughter is my godchild, I missed her christening last time.

Hello everyone! I’m back photohunting .

During my visit to Hong Kong Ocean Park, I spent the longest time with the sea jellies. I got so fascinated that I took a number of photos and videos. So engrossed that we were almost late for the sea lions and dolphins show.

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