hanagirl

I’m Baaaaaack Here…

…and I want to go back there! Bangkok is such a beautiful place! Staying for just 6 days was really not enough. So much more to do, see and experience. Truly it was a feast for all senses: The magnificent sight of the Grand Palace and Buddhist Temples, the feel of smooth Thai silk, the smell and tangy taste of the Thai dishes, and the serenity of Ayuthaya. This was yet another memorable birthday for me. And I’ve got pictures to prove it!

I really don’t know what the big hoopla is with the Chatuchak Market. Maybe because I’ve been to Divisoria and Greenhills several times? I dunno. Everything you see in Divi and GH is all there. Price is almost the same too. I fell in love with the malls though. Still didn’t buy that much, just unique pieces that can’t be found here in Manila.

We stayed with my friend (a former dancer for Hotlegs), Vivian, who is now happily married to an American diplomat. They both work at the U.S. Embassy. They have a great place that equalled the beauty and high standards of Essensa at Fort Bonifacio. Plus it was walking distance to the train and malls.

We will definitely visit again.

Because I want to witness the famous CARNAVAL.:)

The very first time I dug my toes into the pristine white sands of Boracay was in 1988. Back then there was no airport in Caticlan so we had to take the 2 hour dusty, hellish jeepeney (take note, no buses yet)ride from Kalibo to Caticalan. From there we rode the 45 minute bangka to the island of Boracay. I didn’t know what to expect, but as our boat veered at a corner of an island…there it was…

a 7km stretch of pure white sands and about 3 little resorts that were set kilometers apart. It was paradise. No electricity, no huge crowd to weave through, no massive buildings and no resorts and restaurants that are pressed to close together. Just the talcum-powder-like sand, the clear blue water, and us. Aaaah…

As the years went by, many have visited and settled in Bora and is now one big party place, especially during the Christmas Holiday, Summer and Lenten season. It’s still the best beach in the Philippines. But many weren’t as privileged as I was to see it at its heavenly, unadulterated state :)