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Viva Vietnam

Inside the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, built in 1070, pavilions have a screaming, fighting red ceiling. Or at least that's what came to my mind as I looked up with my ear to the guide emphasizing Vietnam's independence from Imperial China. So I was in Vietnam last week. With friends who took charge of everything (as I had been busy at work and had no time to search), i.e. hotel and airline bookings, deciding where to go, what to see, where and what to eat... and that is why I thought I had a grand time. Thanks to friends who gave me the luxury of not having to think of such holiday details.  Here's Chris, our guide. We're at National University, Hanoi. He also guided us around Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Hoa Lo Prison Museum. The stop at an ice cream shop was just as interesting. They say you have never really been to Vietnam if you didn't go on a cruise in Ha long Bay, so we made it the highlight of our trip. I took this shot from H

The party must go on

“Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends.”  ~ Aberjhani, The River of Winged Dreams May I tell you something? I have been frequenting tea rooms lately. The other thing is, I found a sky beauty from my 5th floor porch! It makes me momentarily forget that we are under Martial Law right now. Life goes on and I am grateful for the wonderful things this week. Here are five of them: Something that made me smile in the midst of anxiety . Back home in the Philippines my kiddo is sick. It goes without saying I am worried but I can't help chuckling when I was told that he complained to my mother, "Grandma, I have a headache on my neck." An 'oh...?' moment . I was told that CJ's doctor is an old friend I used to date; asked my Mom about me after taking a look at CJ. Sounds and feels like my son is in good hands.... And then the roses, those love letters, that weekend together in an uncle's house came flooding

Ineffable

"The ineffable joy of forgiving and being forgiven forms an ecstasy that might well arouse the envy of the gods." ~ Elbert Hubbard It's been somewhat a long week for me here in the Big Chili. But I'm glad that toward Thursday things got a bit hyped up and suddenly it's Friday; time to conclude the week by recalling what's great in it: Coffee table books, a vintage flower vase and a Guess purse among the rest of the many bags, some still on the floor. Not exactly a spree but I did shop and it was fun. Recent movies . There was T he Lunchbox, Noah, Transcendence, The Amazing Spider Man 2 , all entertaining and all gave me some time off too much stress at work. I appreciate being reminded of what forgiveness is like from the Railway Man - for both Eric Lomax and Takashi Nagase. This is Kanchanaburi where much of the story took place and some scenes in the film were shot.   Leave approved without much ado . I am Vietnam-bound in eleve

Temperature rising

Bangkokians are in desperate need of hydration.  Saturday we got whipped by a searing 36 °C. Sunday 38 °C and forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department shows temperatures will keep on rising the entire week. Thanks to an invention called AC and a powerful thing called imagination. I stay put in the office while my mind wanders to holidays past. This is where people take ferries to Koh Si Chang, an island close to Bangkok. Our World Mellow Yellows

Exam season

  Reflected on the table is an idea of where this place is (in case I forget)     Skywatch : clouds above canal lane trying to postpone the sunset Pines on the glass window  It's time for uni people to breathe easily. While students plow their heads through Strategic Management, Cost Accounting and Business Law, those exempted from taking the finals (read: instructors invigilating) get to have theirs charmed. Mine wandered around Chocolate Ville. I just love perks of exam season week. Work is light; the highlights fun: girlfriend time after working 9-hour days for awhile, we went al fresco in a seafood restaurant where the fried sea bass and mango salad was such delight on the palate enhancing travel plans for 2015.  We then proceeded to a saxophone jazz and blues bar. Blimey, what a place! It was like being in the cellar of a 16th century castle. The only reminder I was in 21st century Bangkok were the strains produced by a girl saxophonist whose r

More antidote

A hot hot moisturizing hallo from the chili patches! The week here has been highlighted with attempts to combat the heat; joys and faves are on: Antiques ! When I discovered that there's a big section for exactly those in Nawamin Market, I freaked out. If only I lived in Thailand permanently.... Culture exhibit . I didn't notice the woman was holding a drink until she, and I, opposite her, took a photo of the fish and I discovered that her reflection shows a straw in a disposable glass. I was probably also reflected in her shot. We snapped at the same time. It was fun. We are booked! I'm cruising with friends in Vietnam. Halong Bay in a few weeks. Blooms and a lake . My family trooped to Suan Luang for some healthy relief from the angry Thai sun. Icy dessert . Pineapple and strawberry. Sugar and milk. Crunch, crunch, one alimentary canal is happy. Visit: Reflections * Fave Five * Picture Clusters * Skywatch *  Share the Joy * Water Wor

Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu is a municipality.  It is also a natural lake which helps other bodies of water provide irrigation to Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato, two provinces in the southern Philippines. The place is recognized by the Philippine government as a prime eco-tourism destination and an important watershed. This is Punta Isla, one of several resorts around the lake.  I hear it is popular. Most tourists flock here to have brunch and relax after visiting other sightseeing spots like the seven waterfalls or riding a zip line. You descend on stone steps to reach the cottages below I saw this huge bloom along the way My kiddos watch some lake activity while lunch is prepared We then took a boat trip around the lake. Visit: Mrs Nesbitt and the ABC Team * My World * Ruby Tuesday Too