My dream to Travel the World Part 1

It has always been my dream to travel the world. I have visited a few countries, but it's like comparing it to a few pieces of M&M's out of a big bag. The first time I traveled overseas was when I was in 3rd grade. My family and I went to Honk Kong. I can vividly recall what took place at that time. My lolo joined as well which made it more fun. Lolo's girl indeed!

 

 

At Ocean Park

5 years after, I had again a taste of a trip. We went to Hong Kong yet again. But this time, the intent was different. It was more of a trip to shop. My sister and I have gone to malls and shops where our feet would take us. I remember, my mom and my dad would wake up so late so what they did, they would give us money and let us roam around Hong Kong by ourselves. We were also accommodated by our family friend who's a resident and an interior designer there. He took us to places and restaurants we haven't seen and tried yet.

My "ulikba" days :P

A year later, my mom brought us to Tokyo, Japan to visit my dad, who for usual go to Manila every month. But they decided that it was time for us to visit him for a change. I find it beautiful, not just the place but the people. I think we went there for 3 consecutive years. Though the place is undoubtedly gorgeous, I got home sick. Every year in 3 years I would stay for a month or two. I always cried.

Disneyland

Papa and li'l sis on Mt. Fuji

Li'l sister..she was so cute like that. Now she's all grown up

When I graduated and started working a month after I marched, my allowance of any sort was entirely cut. But that didn't stop me from wanting to travel. My first job remuneration package was really good it gave me the privilege to buy my own ticket and tour package. My friend Abie and I went to Bangkok, Thailand. It was a short but fun trip. It was my first travel with a friend.

River cruise + buffet. Singer/Band were Filipinos

with people we met during the city tour

Few months after, I have saved a lot from that first job and again planned a trip with my friends. Since Maco, a now renowned young shoe designer (Maco Custodio) was then staying in China, Meng (who's now in Canada) and I paid him a visit. She went a week ahead of me. When the three of us reunited in Hong Kong. We were like kids acting so giddy and excited for the adventure awaiting for us.

With my friend Meng at HK airport

Maco and Meng

Our Dongguan, Guandong, China memories

My super fatty days

Met some friends

..and more friends. They're all English teachers.

Goofing around after a night of fun

After a week in Dongguan, we went to Macau for an overnight stay.

Walking around after a meal at McDonald's

After having lunch, we tried to look for this place. It's called Senado Square. We rode the bus, went around Macau but to no avail.So we just gave up. As we returned to our hotel, we decided to walk around a little more, and to our surprise, this place is just few steps away from our hotel. Can you imagine that?

"The Senado square is paved with a wave-patterned mosaic of coloured stones, created by Portuguese experts. From the main road to the church of St. Dominic, the pavement extends to the ruins of St. Paul's, making the heart of the city a pedestrian paradise." 

Ruins of St. Paul as Meng's backdrop

Then it was time to go home to Manila. We went back to Hong Kong and stayed for a night. An unfortunate and fortunate event took place subsequently. Maco, who is very budget-inclined person opted to take the MTR, take note with our luggage. We took the stairs, going up and down from one station to another that I have not noticed that my watch slipped from my wrist if not to a woman who hurriedly gave it back to me. Gosh, it was my first R watch. My mom would kill me if I really lost it.

I am not picky. Even without the luxury of duvet on my bed, it's fine as long as it's comfortable. Maco who made plans already brought us to a hostel to stay for the night. But I can't stand it, the room's so cramped for the three of us. People coming in and out of the hostel looked suspicious. My concern was more of our security. So I decided to move to a hotel and just paid for the room. Needless to say, Maco was really disappointed, ahahah. He paid around 150HKD for that room in the hostel for staying for an hour. But he came around afterwards.

We went to Lan Kwai Fong. "Lan Kwai Fong is a small square of streets in Central, Hong Kong. It is now a popular expatriate haunt in Hong Kong for drinking, clubbing and dining."

My 9-day stay in China was totally a blast!