Stunning Pullman Tokyo
11:32 PM
After exploring the subway and a quiet city walk
, we were ready to have our first family lunch at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi. A covered walkway links the hotel to Tamachi Train Station on the JR Yamanote Line. It is close to Odaiba, Tamachi, Rainbow Bridge and Hamarikyu Garden.
It is the first Pullman Hotel in Japan. The hotel features various works of Art from murals to large canvas paintings from Japanese Contemporary Artists.
Quiet Streets of Tokyo on a Long Weekend
11:58 AM
Perhaps Tokyo must look similar to this now but with less people during the COVID-19 quarantine period. Guess what? This photo was taken last year before a long holiday weekend during a morning stroll and subway trip from Tokyo's suburbs to Tamachi area. It was quiet, a huge contrast to the weekday hustle and bustle.
Camping in Japan
6:08 PM
Camping in Japan is an amazing experience to take in the view of Mt. Fuji as it reveals its many facets throughout the day. Camping in Japan is also an original way to get to know the country and its people.
No other place in the world will you ever experience this kind of camping. You get settled at the base of Mt. Fuji. Para-gliders play and dance with the wind overhead as you sip your filtered brewed coffee in the afternoon. You watch Mt. Fuji by sunset with your cold Japanese beer until the starry sky takes over. You enjoy dinner together and sit by the fire surrounded by Japanese families that seriously took camping to a different level.
An Unplugged Weekend in Dahilayan
12:25 PMWho's up for a weekend in the mountains, surrounded by vegetable farms, a natural stream, and pine trees? No internet in a secluded solar-powered cabin.
Amidst the never-ending Christmas parties, the year-end break calls for a much-needed vacation away from technology to reflect on the lessons 2019 taught us and what we look forward to in 2020.
Belle Epoque Market in France
10:14 AMLes Halles Centrales |
To all the gourmands out there, I found a perfect gastronomic venue for a meet up in the heart of the coastal town of Les Sables d'Olonne in France.
Imagine a covered market that will transport you to the beautiful gilded age - the Belle Époque era swelling of fresh local produce and wine bars where you can sample fresh oysters with a glass of wine while catching up with friends. The French really do know how to elevate this mundane task of grocery shopping long before malls existed.
A Morning Cup at Coffee Quarters
8:29 AMA Silent Visit to the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Bukidnon
3:11 PMMy best friend and her family toured us around for an unplugged weekend break from work up in the mountains. After a long drive from Cagayan de Oro to Bukidnon, as we were getting out of the car, a pyramidal structure greeted us.
Exhaustion evaporated as soon as the calm breeze swept over me. A positive energy immediately transcended every fiber of my being into a state of peace. Time stood still and the only sound one could hear were those of leaves and branches that danced in the gentle wind. The green mountainscape that surrounded the monastery was soothing to behold.
Les Maisons d'Itac
10:48 AM
Les Maisons d'Itac is a high-end Bed and Breakfast situated deep within the remote fishing village of Barangay Sta. Cruz in Ronda.
It was originally a private vacation home. Beach villas were originally built for the owner's visiting guests, which was then later converted into a resort. The hotel is in fact named after their dog, Itac, whom you will have a chance to meet walking around like a boss. :)
It was originally a private vacation home. Beach villas were originally built for the owner's visiting guests, which was then later converted into a resort. The hotel is in fact named after their dog, Itac, whom you will have a chance to meet walking around like a boss. :)
3 Things I Like About Pinas This Week
4:24 PMLindis Pass
3:02 PM
Lindis Pass is a hilly scenic reserve and a winding inland route which should definitely be a part of your road trip itinerary when traveling through the South Island of New Zealand. This alpine area connects Mackenzie Basin of the Canterbury to Central Otago. Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve lies between the valley of the Lindis and the Ahuriri Rivers.
4 Things I Like About Pinas This Week
3:18 PM
Look up. Since that moment a coconut fell an inch away from my head, I tend to look up and make sure I'm away from these trees when the sh...err.. smoothie hits the fan. Oh well, I love coconuts and the first thing I'm grateful for is saying goodbye to cans of coconut milk/cream from the supermarket. I now have access to freshly grated coconut and coconut water.
What else do I like about the Philippines this week?
The Best Waterfall I Have Ever Seen
10:23 AMPetra
11:02 AM
The Rose Red City of Petra was the highlight of our company incentive trip to Jordan. It wasn't just because of its title, being one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was the experience of journeying through massive rocks that catapulted me back to the History of Architecture class in college.
The influence of Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Architecture carved on the rocks was astonishing. It was a 3-hour hike under scorching heat, as we found temporary relief under the shade of huge mounds of ancient sculpted rocks.
The influence of Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Architecture carved on the rocks was astonishing. It was a 3-hour hike under scorching heat, as we found temporary relief under the shade of huge mounds of ancient sculpted rocks.
240 km south of Amman |
Dramatic Entrance to the City, through the Siq |
Al Khazneh, The Treasury at Petra |
Gateway to the Treasury |
Inside the Treasury |
Our Group Photo |
Great Temple, Petra |
Royal Tombs |
The memory that stood out that I had of Petra was when a heavy colleague rode a donkey during our descent on the rocky slopes. I remember the screaming donkey who constantly complained about the weight on its back along the way.
Visas
At the time of organizing this trip, we had our HR and Admin. take care of our visas in Dubai. Since it was an organized group tour, the application for Jordanian Tourist Visas was easy.
Requirements as follows:
- Valid Philippine Passport (not less than 6 months validity)
- Photocopy of Philippine Passport (bio page and pages with immigration stamps)
- 1 Visa Application form, completed and signed (this can be obtained at the Jordan Consulate in Manila)
- Two (2) recent Passport Size Photographs
- Confirmed Return Air Ticket (Manila to Amman, Return to Manila). Stopovers in Israel will cause a delay in your application
- Copy of Hotel Reservation
- Proof of Financial Support (Bank Documents)
- Non-refundable Visa Application Processing Fee.
Contact Consulate General of Jordan in Manila for Visa Inquiries
Address: Room 315, 3/F Sitio Grande Building
409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros
Manila 1002, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 310 5160
Fax: +63 2 5434181
Email: jordanconsulatemanila@gmail.com
michaelaang@yahoo.com
Office Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
What to Wear
It is hot especially during the summer months of June to September. Wear lightweight fabric like cotton or linen.
Hats and sunglasses. Lots of sun protection. The air is often dry, so bring moisturizer.
Be modest. Revealing shoulders, legs, and cleavage is frowned upon. To avoid awkward and unwanted reactions, wear capri pants. You can wear tank tops but bring scarves to cover your arms when needed. Linen shirts and cardigans for cold evenings.
Lots of desert walking along sandy paths, comfy shoes, flip flops, and sandals.
Love & light,
Arni
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Amazing City of Jerash in Jordan
1:52 PMStress-Free Pre-Vacation Checklist
5:04 PM
A bolt of excitement runs through your veins while staring at your printed online ticket to another unexplored destination. Each day is a countdown and so is that empty luggage waiting to be stuffed full, moments before the D-day. That was D for departure.
For almost two years now, we have no problem moving from one place to another even at the last minute. The nomadic lifestyle simplifies pre-vacation preparations to zero. Once the logistics are sorted out, we need not worry about anything else.
Yet, here's the catch. I'd give anything to have a home. Our own home. A base. I'd like to refer to an actual house and not a hotel room when I say to my daughter, "Let's go home."
When someone asks where I live, I want to be able to write a proper address on registration forms and stop indicating hotel names. This is what happened a few days ago when we rushed our daughter to the hospital for admission when she got really sick. As we were all stressed in the emergency room, I stared at the incomplete form in front of me. The address was blank.
So I pretend for a moment that we do have a home, a house with a yard, a fence and all the basic needs for comfy living. I dream of a time when I am able to book an overseas trip. Here's how I will be preparing for it.
Argao, Cebu's Hidden Gem
5:33 PMHall of Justice |
Have you ever been to a rustic place where time slowed down a few notches? If it weren't for the lightbox signage of a 24-hour convenient store and modern cars that whip past the two-lane national road, you might as well assume you're in a province dated back several decades ago. Vigan and Taal Batangas seem to have that vibe. Yet there are many things about Argao that neither the two have. Can you guess?
Vegetable Basket of Cebu
12:42 PM
We drove towards the hills from Dalaguete to visit Mantalongon, the vegetable basket of Cebu. The stunning Osmena Peak Trail start off point is along the same road.
We turned off the air-conditioning and rolled down our windows as we drove along the winding roads lined with unusual fauna. The breeze started becoming cooler as we ascended. It reminded me of Benguet and jaw dropping cliffs of Kalinga. Some call it the summer capital of Cebu. I begged to stop from time to time to take it all in. It is serenely captivating.
A Date with Myself in Vyšehrad
2:27 PM
T'is the season of love. Valentine's Day falls on a weekend and the streets last night were filled with beaming young ladies carrying bouquets of flowers, huggable teddy bears making their appearance that were usually sitting quietly at the department store's children's section and men making a beeline to the florist & cupcake shops. My husband is not big on celebrating it. Over the years, we ended up making the 14th of February a celebration of self-love while transforming 364 days of the year into Valentine's instead.
If you were to take yourself out on a date this month, where would this be?
If you were to take yourself out on a date this month, where would this be?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
3:50 PM
Have you ever gone inside an entrancing architecture that would lift you off your feet because of its tranquil splendor and magnificent beauty? This jaw dropping architectural wonder will do exactly that. Your trip to the United Arab Emirates is not complete without visiting one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located between Mussafah and Maqta bridge in Abu Dhabi.