Well, it's Saturday and the sun is proudly out today heralding the start of the summer season on this long Memorial Day weekend. Spring is officially over and summer is in now. Time to wear shorts and tank tops on these hot summer days. Yippee!
Every Memorial Day people are just happy to be out there basking the scorching heat of the shining sun. They spend their moments with their families and friends commemorating the people who risk their life in war in achieving the freedom we enjoyed right now. It is a day of memorial parades and offering flowers to the fallen soldiers we had who died in war.
Originally, the holiday was known as "Decoration Day." It was started by a Civil War general named Gen. John Logan, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. General Logan sought a way to help the country come back together after the horrors and divide of the Civil War.
General John A. Logan has a tremendous legacy that goes well beyond his efforts to honor fallen soldiers. According to a museum dedicated to his memory, Gen. Logan led an inspired life and enjoyed a tremendous career. At different points, he was a United States congressman, a senator, and a candidate for the vice presidency. He and his running mate, James G. Blane, lost their bid, but "Logan’s popularity with veterans contributed to the narrowness of the defeat."
The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868, and Gen. Logan chose that date for two very important reasons: First, the day did not mark the anniversary of a Civil War battle, and second "flowers would likely be in bloom all over the United States." Indeed, many took flowers to Arlington National Cemetery, an activity that still occurs every year.
This may come as a bit of a surprise, but Memorial Day, despite having been around for over 100 years in one form or another, didn't become an official federal holiday until 1971, when Congress passed the National Holiday Act. This created a three-day weekend at the end of May. Prior to this, different states observed the holiday on different days.
For many, Memorial Day brings to mind images of parades and picnics, of barbecues and baseball games. What's sometimes forgotten are the reasons for the holiday: The sacrifices made by American soldiers in times of conflict.
As the United States' death toll passes 1,000 in Afghanistan, Memorial Day takes on an especially poignant meaning this year. Here's a brief look at how the holiday got its start, and how people are searching for ways to honor the brave men and women who have lost their lives.
Also worth noting — the "national moment of remembrance." This moment takes place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day and lasts one minute. According to the organizers, "the Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans."
So let us offer this Memorial Day as a day of remembrance to all the people who died for our freedom and for giving them worth of their efforts to achieve it for us. For without them we couldn't taste the comforts of this modern life we are experiencing right now.
Let's just not bask under the scorching heat of the sun half naked and enjoy barbecues with our families and friends but let us also remember all those bitter moments that had happened in the past wars for our fallen soldiers for it is during this day that we remember them.
In that we can have a sense of gratefulness and responsibility in thanking them for giving us back our democracy and harmonious society. Thank you.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sojourn 12: France Visit In Retrospect
May 18, 2010: I woke up early in this cold Paris morning. Matleen had prepared me a very hot coffee while I was taking my shower and I was changing. I had a good night sleep in preparation for my trip back to the United States. It was my last day in France.
We left early at 7:30 am to catch up for the bus that passed by Champs Elysees for me to wait for the bus in going to Charles de Gaul Airport. Matleen will have to work that day so she just accompanied me at the bus stop at Champs Elysees. I was so thankful that she was so helpful for me until my last day in Paris.
With her situation in Paris I was so emotional for her. I wished she will find a good employer who can help her for her papers. I really admired her for her determination and tenacity to live away from her family despite of her current situation in Paris. My heart really bleeds for her and I hope she will be okay as I leave Paris. Hopefully she will and God be with her.
When the bus had left for the airport at 8:00 am Matleen had left me. I bade goodbye to her and thanked her for her unselfish support and help. I told her that I will be back next year so we got to see each other again.
It took about 45 minutes for the bus to arrived at the airport. Good thing the porter at the bus station had told me what terminal to go down. When the bus had stopped at Terminal 1 I immediately lined up for the checking in of my luggages but apparently the crew had told me that I needed to wait for another hour because I came so early.
I sat down on one of the waiting bench near the airline's checking lanes and there I met this very nice old lady from Arizona whom I talked eagerly while waiting for the time. She was very loquacious and had told me of the different churches she went in Paris and around France. I then noticed that she was on a pilgrimage while she was talking to me about her experiences. She was a very interesting lady actually.
After an hour I checked in all my luggages and had assisted Mary with hers, too. After that I haven't seen her at the security check-in line because I went to get some hot coffee that time. I saw her again when I was waiting for the boarding at the gate. I said hi to her again.
The flight from Paris to New York was so smooth and uneventful. When I get to New York airport I have to retrieve my luggages and checked-in after I passed at the immigration line. Finally I got safely at the US soil after seven hours of a smooth flight. I still have to wait for my flight to Los Angeles which will last for another four hours which is a long flight. I was already tired but I am still okay.
In retrospect my vacation to France was filled with fun and excitement that could not be taken away from me. These experiences I couldn't forget in my life.
Paris was a very interesting place for me. Full of vivacious and very active people. They dressed profesionally and elegantly. And seems unmindful of the people around them because they don't even smile or say hello. To me French people are so hung up but they are very gorgeous to look at.
My stay in Lourdes was a very marvelous pilgrimage. I get to see people who are very religious and fanatic about their Christian faith. The place was very pristine and very slow and filled with foreigners and tourists expecting for miracles that will happen to their life.
Aix-en-Provence is a very beautiful place which I've learned to love because I learned to know all it's nooks and corners by heart. The people were also gorgeous and very professional yet they are not that approachable. I tend to meet some good Filipino friends there and also met some good French people during my last day.
Avignon is a very beautiful place full and rich with history. The place was loaded with very nice architectural buildings which are famous in different periods of history. Our trip there was been affected by the appearance of the mistral storm which caused our hair in a frustrating disarray. Our pictures can prove to that.
Marsielle was a big city which is the seat of different cultures. You can see different people there from the different parts of the world. It's a little dirty compared to Paris and it is a city near the Mediterranean sea. It has a place rich with beautiful islands and chateaus although we didn't had a chance to do island hopping because of the mistral storm.
Camargue is another town situated near the Mediterranean sea full of visiting people who wants to see the beach. Camargue is the place where I see the huge park of migrating flamingos. Camargue is a also full of gypsy people wherein it is the seat for the church where Saint Sara, the saint of the gypsies, was found.
All the churches I've visited were all very memorable to me. I've visited Notre Dame, Madeliene, Sacred Heart church in Paris, the Basilica of the Immaculate Mother in Lourdes, the Notre Dame in Aix-en-Provence, church of Saint Jean de Maltese in Aix-en-Provence, the Notre Dame de la Garde in Marsielle, and some churches I could not remember the name. There were all beautiful structures I've ever seen.
The streets of the places I've been were very quiet except the ones in Paris and Marsielle which are very busy. But the ones in Aix-en-Provence was the most memorable ones for me. I've seen it several times that's why I couldn't forget it. Avignon and Marsielle streets are also nice and good.
The only negative I can say about France in general is the presence of graffitis everywhere which makes the place a little dirty especially the ones in Paris and Marsielle. The people are not so approachable and they don't even smile at all. They're not also polite sometimes and they have a very hung up attitude.
In general, my vacation was a very memorable one. Although very hectic and busy I still enjoyed it. Thanks to my host, my best friend Doreen and also to Shelly and Michael (her bosses) for letting me stay with my best friend and live with her during the two weeks I've been here. I really could not forget everything I've experienced in France.
When I arrived at Los Angeles after a long four hours flight I was so tired already. I arrived almost midnight in at my apartment in Los Angeles and I still have to work the next day. When I woke up the next morning geared for my clinicals scrubs I noticed that one of the tire of my car at the front right side was flat.
I got nervous because I was worried if I could make it to my class. I slowly drove the car at the nearest gas station and put air in it. Luckily, it was okay and I made it to my class. Thank God.
I really couldn't forget everything that I've experienced during my two weeks vacation and these things have effected and affected me so much than before and had made me into a new and mature person, I think.
We left early at 7:30 am to catch up for the bus that passed by Champs Elysees for me to wait for the bus in going to Charles de Gaul Airport. Matleen will have to work that day so she just accompanied me at the bus stop at Champs Elysees. I was so thankful that she was so helpful for me until my last day in Paris.
With her situation in Paris I was so emotional for her. I wished she will find a good employer who can help her for her papers. I really admired her for her determination and tenacity to live away from her family despite of her current situation in Paris. My heart really bleeds for her and I hope she will be okay as I leave Paris. Hopefully she will and God be with her.
When the bus had left for the airport at 8:00 am Matleen had left me. I bade goodbye to her and thanked her for her unselfish support and help. I told her that I will be back next year so we got to see each other again.
It took about 45 minutes for the bus to arrived at the airport. Good thing the porter at the bus station had told me what terminal to go down. When the bus had stopped at Terminal 1 I immediately lined up for the checking in of my luggages but apparently the crew had told me that I needed to wait for another hour because I came so early.
I sat down on one of the waiting bench near the airline's checking lanes and there I met this very nice old lady from Arizona whom I talked eagerly while waiting for the time. She was very loquacious and had told me of the different churches she went in Paris and around France. I then noticed that she was on a pilgrimage while she was talking to me about her experiences. She was a very interesting lady actually.
After an hour I checked in all my luggages and had assisted Mary with hers, too. After that I haven't seen her at the security check-in line because I went to get some hot coffee that time. I saw her again when I was waiting for the boarding at the gate. I said hi to her again.
The flight from Paris to New York was so smooth and uneventful. When I get to New York airport I have to retrieve my luggages and checked-in after I passed at the immigration line. Finally I got safely at the US soil after seven hours of a smooth flight. I still have to wait for my flight to Los Angeles which will last for another four hours which is a long flight. I was already tired but I am still okay.
In retrospect my vacation to France was filled with fun and excitement that could not be taken away from me. These experiences I couldn't forget in my life.
Paris was a very interesting place for me. Full of vivacious and very active people. They dressed profesionally and elegantly. And seems unmindful of the people around them because they don't even smile or say hello. To me French people are so hung up but they are very gorgeous to look at.
My stay in Lourdes was a very marvelous pilgrimage. I get to see people who are very religious and fanatic about their Christian faith. The place was very pristine and very slow and filled with foreigners and tourists expecting for miracles that will happen to their life.
Aix-en-Provence is a very beautiful place which I've learned to love because I learned to know all it's nooks and corners by heart. The people were also gorgeous and very professional yet they are not that approachable. I tend to meet some good Filipino friends there and also met some good French people during my last day.
Avignon is a very beautiful place full and rich with history. The place was loaded with very nice architectural buildings which are famous in different periods of history. Our trip there was been affected by the appearance of the mistral storm which caused our hair in a frustrating disarray. Our pictures can prove to that.
Marsielle was a big city which is the seat of different cultures. You can see different people there from the different parts of the world. It's a little dirty compared to Paris and it is a city near the Mediterranean sea. It has a place rich with beautiful islands and chateaus although we didn't had a chance to do island hopping because of the mistral storm.
Camargue is another town situated near the Mediterranean sea full of visiting people who wants to see the beach. Camargue is the place where I see the huge park of migrating flamingos. Camargue is a also full of gypsy people wherein it is the seat for the church where Saint Sara, the saint of the gypsies, was found.
All the churches I've visited were all very memorable to me. I've visited Notre Dame, Madeliene, Sacred Heart church in Paris, the Basilica of the Immaculate Mother in Lourdes, the Notre Dame in Aix-en-Provence, church of Saint Jean de Maltese in Aix-en-Provence, the Notre Dame de la Garde in Marsielle, and some churches I could not remember the name. There were all beautiful structures I've ever seen.
The streets of the places I've been were very quiet except the ones in Paris and Marsielle which are very busy. But the ones in Aix-en-Provence was the most memorable ones for me. I've seen it several times that's why I couldn't forget it. Avignon and Marsielle streets are also nice and good.
The only negative I can say about France in general is the presence of graffitis everywhere which makes the place a little dirty especially the ones in Paris and Marsielle. The people are not so approachable and they don't even smile at all. They're not also polite sometimes and they have a very hung up attitude.
In general, my vacation was a very memorable one. Although very hectic and busy I still enjoyed it. Thanks to my host, my best friend Doreen and also to Shelly and Michael (her bosses) for letting me stay with my best friend and live with her during the two weeks I've been here. I really could not forget everything I've experienced in France.
When I arrived at Los Angeles after a long four hours flight I was so tired already. I arrived almost midnight in at my apartment in Los Angeles and I still have to work the next day. When I woke up the next morning geared for my clinicals scrubs I noticed that one of the tire of my car at the front right side was flat.
I got nervous because I was worried if I could make it to my class. I slowly drove the car at the nearest gas station and put air in it. Luckily, it was okay and I made it to my class. Thank God.
I really couldn't forget everything that I've experienced during my two weeks vacation and these things have effected and affected me so much than before and had made me into a new and mature person, I think.
Sojourn 11: Au Revoir Aix-en-Provence
May 17, 2012: In my two weeks stay in France there were some words that really intrigued me. Although I don't know how to speak it fluently I still understand how it means.
I know how to say "Thank you" which is "Merci", I know how to say "How much?" which is "Combien?", and I know how to address madam or sir. But the one that really rings in my ear is the word "Au Revoir" which to them is being spoken as "Aaaah-vhua" which technically means "Goodbye".
In this blog I just wanted to say goodbye to Aix-en-Provence because of the good memories it had given me during my one week stay here. It was full of unforgettable memories that really affected and effected me a lot during this stay.
I will miss the Centerville, I will miss the bus ride, I will miss the pizzeria at the corner, I will miss the Gellato shop, I will miss the delicious crepes near the Tourism Office, and I will miss the pretty fountains scattered every where the town. I will also miss everything I saw there, the nice, gorgeous, and beautiful people, and the beautiful architectural structures around.
I woke up in early in the morning and started packing all the stuff that I bought and my clothes. I managed to stuff everything inside my luggages. It was impossible to stuff everything but I managed to do it. Yay!
After that I took a bus towards Centerville to change some of my dollar money to buy some more things to bring for my friends and students in school and work. I didn't know that it was market day at the Centerville but it was just timely because I got to buy some homemade soap fresh from France. I also bought some lavender oil for my cousin Val.
Then I met Doreen at the Tourism Office after her work and we had our last lunch together. Then we took a taxi home because Pacita will gonna pick us up and drop me off at the train station at Gare Lyon. I was already anxious that time because I will be leaving the place I considered home for two weeks.
Of all the things that I hate is to say goodbye. I feel so emotional everytime I say goodbye to my friends and the people that quite made an impact to me.
I went to say goodbye to Shelly (Doreen's lady boss) and gave her my thank you card. I thanked her for letting me stay with Doreen and let Doreen spend her precious time while I am here with her. It was a very emotional moment we had. She told me that I am always welcome to come back which I told her I will do next year.
Then Pacita came and picked us up. Doreen came with us and waited for me until the train had arrived thirty minutes late. Doreen left me her phone to give it to Matleen once I get to Paris. When the train arrived I hugged Doreen and Pacita and thanked them for everything. Doreen and I were very emotional that time but we have to separate and say our goodbyes.
The train ride to Paris was almost three hours long and I arrived in Paris close to midnight. I was picked up by Matleen there patiently waiting for me at the train station. It was so unfortunate that Matleen had lost her celfone that time that's why she haven't called me when I arrived there. Good thing Doreen had given me her celfone which I handed to Matleen.
It was timely that Doreen called when I got there and had told Matleen that she spoked to the guy who had picked her celfone which the guy had promised to return to Matleen once she's ready to pick it up. Thank heavens it was found. Yay!
We lined up for the taxi which the line was very long and we went straight ahead to Matleen's place. I just had a long day and I was very very tired that time so I went to sleep right away.
I really missed Aix-en-Provence and it really hurts to say goodbye to this beautiful place which served as my second home during my two weeks vacation. Au revoir Aix-en-Provence. I can't forget you in my mind. Thanks for the memorable experiences you've given me.
I promise to be back again next year and savor your beauty and warmth. This is a promise I need to keep and fulfill. See you next year Aix-en-Provence!
I know how to say "Thank you" which is "Merci", I know how to say "How much?" which is "Combien?", and I know how to address madam or sir. But the one that really rings in my ear is the word "Au Revoir" which to them is being spoken as "Aaaah-vhua" which technically means "Goodbye".
In this blog I just wanted to say goodbye to Aix-en-Provence because of the good memories it had given me during my one week stay here. It was full of unforgettable memories that really affected and effected me a lot during this stay.
I will miss the Centerville, I will miss the bus ride, I will miss the pizzeria at the corner, I will miss the Gellato shop, I will miss the delicious crepes near the Tourism Office, and I will miss the pretty fountains scattered every where the town. I will also miss everything I saw there, the nice, gorgeous, and beautiful people, and the beautiful architectural structures around.
I woke up in early in the morning and started packing all the stuff that I bought and my clothes. I managed to stuff everything inside my luggages. It was impossible to stuff everything but I managed to do it. Yay!
After that I took a bus towards Centerville to change some of my dollar money to buy some more things to bring for my friends and students in school and work. I didn't know that it was market day at the Centerville but it was just timely because I got to buy some homemade soap fresh from France. I also bought some lavender oil for my cousin Val.
Then I met Doreen at the Tourism Office after her work and we had our last lunch together. Then we took a taxi home because Pacita will gonna pick us up and drop me off at the train station at Gare Lyon. I was already anxious that time because I will be leaving the place I considered home for two weeks.
Of all the things that I hate is to say goodbye. I feel so emotional everytime I say goodbye to my friends and the people that quite made an impact to me.
I went to say goodbye to Shelly (Doreen's lady boss) and gave her my thank you card. I thanked her for letting me stay with Doreen and let Doreen spend her precious time while I am here with her. It was a very emotional moment we had. She told me that I am always welcome to come back which I told her I will do next year.
Then Pacita came and picked us up. Doreen came with us and waited for me until the train had arrived thirty minutes late. Doreen left me her phone to give it to Matleen once I get to Paris. When the train arrived I hugged Doreen and Pacita and thanked them for everything. Doreen and I were very emotional that time but we have to separate and say our goodbyes.
The train ride to Paris was almost three hours long and I arrived in Paris close to midnight. I was picked up by Matleen there patiently waiting for me at the train station. It was so unfortunate that Matleen had lost her celfone that time that's why she haven't called me when I arrived there. Good thing Doreen had given me her celfone which I handed to Matleen.
It was timely that Doreen called when I got there and had told Matleen that she spoked to the guy who had picked her celfone which the guy had promised to return to Matleen once she's ready to pick it up. Thank heavens it was found. Yay!
We lined up for the taxi which the line was very long and we went straight ahead to Matleen's place. I just had a long day and I was very very tired that time so I went to sleep right away.
I really missed Aix-en-Provence and it really hurts to say goodbye to this beautiful place which served as my second home during my two weeks vacation. Au revoir Aix-en-Provence. I can't forget you in my mind. Thanks for the memorable experiences you've given me.
I promise to be back again next year and savor your beauty and warmth. This is a promise I need to keep and fulfill. See you next year Aix-en-Provence!
Sojourn 10: Victory Party in Marsielle
It was a windy Sunday morning and I still have a vivid memory of the effects and remnants of the heavy mistral storm that had struck the south of France. I didn't expected this kind of finicky weather in this country but now I really did. It was crazy!
Our agenda that day was to go to Marsielle so we woke up early that morning and changed because we have to catch up for a bus in going to Marsielle. Doreen told me that the city is huge and it is the third largest city in the whole France following Paris and Lyon.
Since the bus on Sundays was scarce, Doreen had to ask her very kind neighbor Laurant to drop us off at the bus stop which the latter had willingly volunteered. How really nice of Laurant to drop us off at the bus station!
We took a bus to Marseille and the drive was only twenty minutes. When we got there near the Arche de Triomphe at 8:30 am we both felt hungry because we left without even eating breakfast or coffee. We spotted a McDonald's near there so we entered the shop and ordered hot coffee and croissants.
After the breakfast we walked near the bay where a lot of yacht were being moored. The place was called View-la-Port. The mistral was still striking and the whole city was been geared and readied for the victory party of their soccer team called Olympiec Marsielle (OM) who just won recently at the France National soccer League.
We didn't even know there was a victory party going on and the streets of Marsielle started to thicken up with the locals, tourists, and revelers. The streets near the port were also been closed.
It was unfortunate for us to go there because the boat or ferry ride for the island hopping were also closed because of the heavy winds of the mistral storm. So we decided to just go find a bus in going to Notre Dame de la Garde up the hill.
We walked around and found the bus station in going up to the church. When we got there the wind was very strong blowing every where causing our hair to be messy. We went up to where the church is and seek refuge there while waiting for the mistral to slow down. But still the wind went gradually strong and heavy.
We also took pictures of the church's building and also attended the mass which had just started that time. The inside of the church was very colorful and beautiful. The ceiling was been adorned with colorful small tiles ranging from gold, red, blue, green, yellow, silver, etc. which was made into beautiful arts and decorations on the church's ceilings. I can't help snapping pictures of it.
When the mass ended we went out of the church but still the mistral wind outside became even strong and heavy. We took the elevator from the gift shop to go down and waited for the bus to arrive and drive us down back to the city.
Apparently the bus stopped halfway because the streets were already closed. We decided to walk to Palais Longchamp by taking the subway following the directions from the billboards at the subway.
When we got out of the subway station near Palais Longchamp we walked and located the place. It was just a short walk from the station. The structure was very beautiful with an enormous fountain and bold human sculptures adorned at the center. The two side buildings made it even pretty and exquisite despite the left building being closed for renovations.
We took pictures of the huge fountain, the gilded buildings, and the well-manicured gardens. We went up the stairs and checked out the green garden at the back of the structure. We ordered some sandwich and soda at the nearby cafe then we enjoyed the cool heat of the sun and the heavy blowing winds of the mistral.
After eating we went down to the Metro subway then went out of View-la-Port station and check out the recently started victory party of the city's soccer team. We kept walking until we reached the La Pharro area where we saw a lot of yacht anchored there and also to see some lighthouses that I am fond of.
So far I had snapped four lighthouses during the visit at La Pharro. Thanks again to my friend showing me around the big city of Maesielle. I really had a blast that time.
All in all Marseille was a big place but compared to Aix-en-Provence I still chose to stay in Aix rather than the dirty city of Marsielle and the crowded streets it has.
We then went back to Arche de Triomphe and waited for the bus in going back to Aix-en-Provence. The merry making on the streets had also abated a little bit and people were walking back out of the bay area returning to their respective homes.
It's nice to have visited the city of Marsielle although we didn't have the chance to do island hopping. I hope next year when I come back everything that Marsielle can offer will be explored by us.
It was a a very nice and good experience to visit this city who is fanatic in the sports of football and is proud of their winning the national title. I swear I will be back there again to do the island hopping and explore the famous Chateau d'If from the movie "Count of Monte Cristo" and the narrow cobblestone streets of Marsielle from the movie "Transporter 3".
Hopefully it will, I'll cross my fingers for this. Hahaha.
Addendum:
After disembarking from the bus from Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, Doreen and I went strolling the streets of Aix-en-Provence for the last time. I told her if we can have a last dinner together and she said yes.
We went to a bistro at the mouth of Centerville and sipped strawberry cocktails. Then we strolled the innards of the town looking for the La Familia resto but apparently the resto was still closed.
We went to find an Internet Cafe while waiting for the resto to open. At the internet cafe I was busy checking for my emails and Facebook account and when we knew the time for the resto to open was up, we then went to pay for our dues for our internet time.
After paying our dues Doreen had spotted her friend Arnaud who she was dating before but because the guy hadn't called him for so long she had accepted that the guy is not interested with her.
We invited Arnaud to join us for our dinner but apparently the guy was so shy and at the same time was so involved with his work in the computer. I think he was just shy to accept our invitation.
We went back to La Familia resto and ordered pizza and wine and in the middle of our dinner Arnaud showed up. He was very sorry to decline our invitation earlier and now we told him to stay for the rest of the dinner. Then he got comfortable with us and he invited us to go to a hookah place.
I did not know what to expect at the hookah place but when we got there I started to feel comfortable. We enjoyed playing poker, and tell funny jokes, and at the same time talked at each other about our experiences here in Aix. We sipped yogurt shake and smoked from the nargileh. It was fun actually.
When we're done it was already midnight. Too bad I just know Arnaud that time. He was a very nice guy actually. Well, how come it all happened during the last day? That's my question. But he told me I still will come back next year and will see him again. God willing.
Well, my last night in Aix-en-Provence was very good, full of laughters and fun, new friendship, and lasting memories. Thank you Aix-en-Provence for the good and unforgettable experiences. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mwah!
Our agenda that day was to go to Marsielle so we woke up early that morning and changed because we have to catch up for a bus in going to Marsielle. Doreen told me that the city is huge and it is the third largest city in the whole France following Paris and Lyon.
Since the bus on Sundays was scarce, Doreen had to ask her very kind neighbor Laurant to drop us off at the bus stop which the latter had willingly volunteered. How really nice of Laurant to drop us off at the bus station!
We took a bus to Marseille and the drive was only twenty minutes. When we got there near the Arche de Triomphe at 8:30 am we both felt hungry because we left without even eating breakfast or coffee. We spotted a McDonald's near there so we entered the shop and ordered hot coffee and croissants.
After the breakfast we walked near the bay where a lot of yacht were being moored. The place was called View-la-Port. The mistral was still striking and the whole city was been geared and readied for the victory party of their soccer team called Olympiec Marsielle (OM) who just won recently at the France National soccer League.
We didn't even know there was a victory party going on and the streets of Marsielle started to thicken up with the locals, tourists, and revelers. The streets near the port were also been closed.
It was unfortunate for us to go there because the boat or ferry ride for the island hopping were also closed because of the heavy winds of the mistral storm. So we decided to just go find a bus in going to Notre Dame de la Garde up the hill.
We walked around and found the bus station in going up to the church. When we got there the wind was very strong blowing every where causing our hair to be messy. We went up to where the church is and seek refuge there while waiting for the mistral to slow down. But still the wind went gradually strong and heavy.
We also took pictures of the church's building and also attended the mass which had just started that time. The inside of the church was very colorful and beautiful. The ceiling was been adorned with colorful small tiles ranging from gold, red, blue, green, yellow, silver, etc. which was made into beautiful arts and decorations on the church's ceilings. I can't help snapping pictures of it.
When the mass ended we went out of the church but still the mistral wind outside became even strong and heavy. We took the elevator from the gift shop to go down and waited for the bus to arrive and drive us down back to the city.
Apparently the bus stopped halfway because the streets were already closed. We decided to walk to Palais Longchamp by taking the subway following the directions from the billboards at the subway.
When we got out of the subway station near Palais Longchamp we walked and located the place. It was just a short walk from the station. The structure was very beautiful with an enormous fountain and bold human sculptures adorned at the center. The two side buildings made it even pretty and exquisite despite the left building being closed for renovations.
We took pictures of the huge fountain, the gilded buildings, and the well-manicured gardens. We went up the stairs and checked out the green garden at the back of the structure. We ordered some sandwich and soda at the nearby cafe then we enjoyed the cool heat of the sun and the heavy blowing winds of the mistral.
After eating we went down to the Metro subway then went out of View-la-Port station and check out the recently started victory party of the city's soccer team. We kept walking until we reached the La Pharro area where we saw a lot of yacht anchored there and also to see some lighthouses that I am fond of.
So far I had snapped four lighthouses during the visit at La Pharro. Thanks again to my friend showing me around the big city of Maesielle. I really had a blast that time.
All in all Marseille was a big place but compared to Aix-en-Provence I still chose to stay in Aix rather than the dirty city of Marsielle and the crowded streets it has.
We then went back to Arche de Triomphe and waited for the bus in going back to Aix-en-Provence. The merry making on the streets had also abated a little bit and people were walking back out of the bay area returning to their respective homes.
It's nice to have visited the city of Marsielle although we didn't have the chance to do island hopping. I hope next year when I come back everything that Marsielle can offer will be explored by us.
It was a a very nice and good experience to visit this city who is fanatic in the sports of football and is proud of their winning the national title. I swear I will be back there again to do the island hopping and explore the famous Chateau d'If from the movie "Count of Monte Cristo" and the narrow cobblestone streets of Marsielle from the movie "Transporter 3".
Hopefully it will, I'll cross my fingers for this. Hahaha.
Addendum:
After disembarking from the bus from Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, Doreen and I went strolling the streets of Aix-en-Provence for the last time. I told her if we can have a last dinner together and she said yes.
We went to a bistro at the mouth of Centerville and sipped strawberry cocktails. Then we strolled the innards of the town looking for the La Familia resto but apparently the resto was still closed.
We went to find an Internet Cafe while waiting for the resto to open. At the internet cafe I was busy checking for my emails and Facebook account and when we knew the time for the resto to open was up, we then went to pay for our dues for our internet time.
After paying our dues Doreen had spotted her friend Arnaud who she was dating before but because the guy hadn't called him for so long she had accepted that the guy is not interested with her.
We invited Arnaud to join us for our dinner but apparently the guy was so shy and at the same time was so involved with his work in the computer. I think he was just shy to accept our invitation.
We went back to La Familia resto and ordered pizza and wine and in the middle of our dinner Arnaud showed up. He was very sorry to decline our invitation earlier and now we told him to stay for the rest of the dinner. Then he got comfortable with us and he invited us to go to a hookah place.
I did not know what to expect at the hookah place but when we got there I started to feel comfortable. We enjoyed playing poker, and tell funny jokes, and at the same time talked at each other about our experiences here in Aix. We sipped yogurt shake and smoked from the nargileh. It was fun actually.
When we're done it was already midnight. Too bad I just know Arnaud that time. He was a very nice guy actually. Well, how come it all happened during the last day? That's my question. But he told me I still will come back next year and will see him again. God willing.
Well, my last night in Aix-en-Provence was very good, full of laughters and fun, new friendship, and lasting memories. Thank you Aix-en-Provence for the good and unforgettable experiences. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mwah!
Sojourn 9: Historically Correct City of Avignon
May 15, 2012: I woke up early in the morning to prepare for our trip to the city of Avignon, which is historically known as the city of the Popes during the religious war in France. We will be taking a thirty to forty minute bus ride so we need to leave early that very windy Saturday morning.
When we got to the fortified city of Avignon at around 8:30 am the place started to thicken up with tourists and revelers. Doreen and I decided to check out some information at the Tourism Office then we decided to get some coffee and light breakfast at the piazza in the center of the fortified town.
The sun gloriously came out that day but the mistral was out casting a very windy and cool weather despite of the strong heat of the sun. We were still geared up with a jacket and scarves to warm us up and I wore a bonnet to keep my hair being blown by the heavy and strong wind.
Despite of the windy weather our adventure still goes on. We trekked the streets of the fortified town and located the Palace of the Popes also known as Palais du Papes. It was a big castle at the center of the fortified town. We were lucky to get there early because the front yard was been closed for the ceramic market show.
We took some pictures of the surroundings and the architectural structures around it. We also roam around at the ceramic market and browse the wide array of products exhibited which I heard came from different nooks of the world.
After that we decided to go west of the fortified town to look for the flea market where they show some cooking exhibits. When we get there we were lucky to see a chef explaining how to make presentations out of the squash flower and make it as an entree and apperitif. There were a lot of people watching the cooking show and we got to taste the finish product and chugged some white wine. It was marvelous!
After the cooking show we went back to Palais du Papes and bought some ticket for the entrance. There was also a rose breeding exhibit inside the palace so we were very fortunate to see the garden full of different breeds of roses in different colors, sizes, and presentation.
We toured around the palace and listened to the recorded explanations of each room and chambers we we're roaming in. We saw some painted walls which were exquisitely done but we were prohited to take pictures of it instead we were only allowed to take pictures of the rooms and exhibits but not the paintings.
We got to go up to the rooftop too and see the aerial view of Avignon, seeing all the roofs of the houses and buildings in uniform color of red brick, the famous river of Rhone with ferries taking tourists to the other side of the river, the wide and vast green vineyards of the unfortified city outside the fortified ones, and also the historical toppled bridge of La Pont Sainte-Benezet. It was ver exhilarating!
After roaming around the big and eerie palace we came out and went back to the ceramic market and bought some ceramics for Doreen's lady boss and for my adopted mother Ate Loida.
We went out of the fortified city and went down near the Rhone river and checked out for the historical bridge that was toppled by the big flood in the 1800s. The La Pont Sainte-Benezet was a bridge full of history dated from the religious war. It was the only bridge that connects the fortified city from the unfortified city across the river to the Popes Palace.
We browsed the whole bridge listening to the explanations on the handheld device and also browsing and reading the explanations of the streamers placed in each corner of the brodge. There was a small chapel at the middle and we went down to checked it out.
We also took some picture of the bridge as well as the distance pictures of the palace from the bridge. Then we came down and went to the ferry ride. We crossed the river via the ferry then we walked on the sidewalk at the dike from the other side of the river towards the other bridge that's being used by the vehicles in crossing from both city.
We were so tired already after that so we decided to take a coffee at a nearby bistro then decided to go back to Aix-en-Provence. We went back to the bus stop and took one in going home.
All in all the visit in Avignon was very memorable. I got to know the rich history of the place as well as I get to see the fortified city and the architectural structures inside it. Despite the mistral winds we still manage to plot another memorable experience that day.
I was glad my friend Doreen was very helpful in showing me everything that I didn't know. So I take this opportunity to thank her for all her patience, funny-attitude, and calm personality in entertaining me during my two weeks vacation.
Honestly I really couldn't forget all the experiences I had during this two weeks sojourn. Thanks a lot my friend!
When we got to the fortified city of Avignon at around 8:30 am the place started to thicken up with tourists and revelers. Doreen and I decided to check out some information at the Tourism Office then we decided to get some coffee and light breakfast at the piazza in the center of the fortified town.
The sun gloriously came out that day but the mistral was out casting a very windy and cool weather despite of the strong heat of the sun. We were still geared up with a jacket and scarves to warm us up and I wore a bonnet to keep my hair being blown by the heavy and strong wind.
Despite of the windy weather our adventure still goes on. We trekked the streets of the fortified town and located the Palace of the Popes also known as Palais du Papes. It was a big castle at the center of the fortified town. We were lucky to get there early because the front yard was been closed for the ceramic market show.
We took some pictures of the surroundings and the architectural structures around it. We also roam around at the ceramic market and browse the wide array of products exhibited which I heard came from different nooks of the world.
After that we decided to go west of the fortified town to look for the flea market where they show some cooking exhibits. When we get there we were lucky to see a chef explaining how to make presentations out of the squash flower and make it as an entree and apperitif. There were a lot of people watching the cooking show and we got to taste the finish product and chugged some white wine. It was marvelous!
After the cooking show we went back to Palais du Papes and bought some ticket for the entrance. There was also a rose breeding exhibit inside the palace so we were very fortunate to see the garden full of different breeds of roses in different colors, sizes, and presentation.
We toured around the palace and listened to the recorded explanations of each room and chambers we we're roaming in. We saw some painted walls which were exquisitely done but we were prohited to take pictures of it instead we were only allowed to take pictures of the rooms and exhibits but not the paintings.
We got to go up to the rooftop too and see the aerial view of Avignon, seeing all the roofs of the houses and buildings in uniform color of red brick, the famous river of Rhone with ferries taking tourists to the other side of the river, the wide and vast green vineyards of the unfortified city outside the fortified ones, and also the historical toppled bridge of La Pont Sainte-Benezet. It was ver exhilarating!
After roaming around the big and eerie palace we came out and went back to the ceramic market and bought some ceramics for Doreen's lady boss and for my adopted mother Ate Loida.
We went out of the fortified city and went down near the Rhone river and checked out for the historical bridge that was toppled by the big flood in the 1800s. The La Pont Sainte-Benezet was a bridge full of history dated from the religious war. It was the only bridge that connects the fortified city from the unfortified city across the river to the Popes Palace.
We browsed the whole bridge listening to the explanations on the handheld device and also browsing and reading the explanations of the streamers placed in each corner of the brodge. There was a small chapel at the middle and we went down to checked it out.
We also took some picture of the bridge as well as the distance pictures of the palace from the bridge. Then we came down and went to the ferry ride. We crossed the river via the ferry then we walked on the sidewalk at the dike from the other side of the river towards the other bridge that's being used by the vehicles in crossing from both city.
We were so tired already after that so we decided to take a coffee at a nearby bistro then decided to go back to Aix-en-Provence. We went back to the bus stop and took one in going home.
All in all the visit in Avignon was very memorable. I got to know the rich history of the place as well as I get to see the fortified city and the architectural structures inside it. Despite the mistral winds we still manage to plot another memorable experience that day.
I was glad my friend Doreen was very helpful in showing me everything that I didn't know. So I take this opportunity to thank her for all her patience, funny-attitude, and calm personality in entertaining me during my two weeks vacation.
Honestly I really couldn't forget all the experiences I had during this two weeks sojourn. Thanks a lot my friend!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sojourn 8: Puyloubier and Mount Saint Victoire
May 14, 2010: We were supposed to go to where Myra and Manny work at, which is about 45 minutes drive from Aix en Provence, but apparently it didn't worked out because the car that we're supposed to borrow from Pacita is a manual car which technically I couldn't drive because I don't know how to drive it. I am only used to drive an automatic car and nothing else.
At 9 am, me and Myra were been dropped off by Manny at Beverly's house because we will be having some hair makeover courtesy of Beverly, while Manny went out to look for a place to hem three of his pants. Apparently Beverly was not home yet so we waited until she and her family came.
Doreen was been left off at the house because she still needs to mow the lawn where the olive trees are located. The grasses there were already knee-high tall so she needs to get rid of them first while we were having our hair done at Beverly's place.
When Beverly and her family came from the market Myra was been served first for re-highlighting her hair, which even came out very good. She looks pretty with it. Then I followed for my haircut. I instructed Beverly to just layer my hair and she did it real good and professionally. I was really impressed with the finished product.
Then Doreen came after lunch followed by Manny and we decided not to come with them because I can't drive Pacita's car back to Aix en Provence. So instead, me and Doreen planned out to go back to Centerville and took a mini-bus in going to Puyloubier going to see the place and also the Mount Saint Victoire which is famous at most of Cezanne's paintings.
The drive in going to Puyloubier was not than long and it took us only thirty minutes to go there via the mini-bus. The road there was very narrow and the sceneries were very good and impressive. We passed by several olive orchards and wide vineyards. Every sceneries were exhilarating and beautiful. We never regretted in deciding to stay at Aix en Provence instead of going with Myra and Manny and going at Puyloubier although it's already late in the afternoon.
The mountains were exquisitely gray and Mount Saint Victoire stood there as ashen-gray as it is and it was very pretty to look at as it was depicted in most of Paul Cezanne's paintings. I can't complain with the beauty it reflected on us as we passed by.
The suburb of Puyloubier is a very quiet place with a closed winery at the mouth of the suburb. The place was sparsely inhabited that time so we took our very limited time walking around the place and taking pictures at the vast vineyards spread all around the place for another round of minibus will be coming to pick us up.
The road was barely noted with vehicles passing by so we exercised our independence to explore the place at our own way because of the not so busy road. It was a very fun experience we had despite of the short notice. We never planned to do this but it was really worth it actually.
Thank God we stayed or else I never had the chance to see the famous mountain of Mount Saint Victoire as described by Cezanne in his paintings. It was awe inspiring although we never trekked the trails up. I was glad I had the honor to see it personally. Maybe next time when I come back I can go up to the mountain and see the church standing there as Doreen had told me.
Had we pushed through at Myra and Manny's place maybe we had also explored another different place and had another fun and unforgettable experience. I totally agree that my vacation was a truly fun-and-experience-rich-and filled getaway which couldn't be bought by money or cannot be taken away from my remote memory.
I was just glad I decided to come here and see the beauty of Southern France especilly Aix en Provence, which is very beautiful and rich with stunning architectures and remarkable culture.
At 9 am, me and Myra were been dropped off by Manny at Beverly's house because we will be having some hair makeover courtesy of Beverly, while Manny went out to look for a place to hem three of his pants. Apparently Beverly was not home yet so we waited until she and her family came.
Doreen was been left off at the house because she still needs to mow the lawn where the olive trees are located. The grasses there were already knee-high tall so she needs to get rid of them first while we were having our hair done at Beverly's place.
When Beverly and her family came from the market Myra was been served first for re-highlighting her hair, which even came out very good. She looks pretty with it. Then I followed for my haircut. I instructed Beverly to just layer my hair and she did it real good and professionally. I was really impressed with the finished product.
Then Doreen came after lunch followed by Manny and we decided not to come with them because I can't drive Pacita's car back to Aix en Provence. So instead, me and Doreen planned out to go back to Centerville and took a mini-bus in going to Puyloubier going to see the place and also the Mount Saint Victoire which is famous at most of Cezanne's paintings.
The drive in going to Puyloubier was not than long and it took us only thirty minutes to go there via the mini-bus. The road there was very narrow and the sceneries were very good and impressive. We passed by several olive orchards and wide vineyards. Every sceneries were exhilarating and beautiful. We never regretted in deciding to stay at Aix en Provence instead of going with Myra and Manny and going at Puyloubier although it's already late in the afternoon.
The mountains were exquisitely gray and Mount Saint Victoire stood there as ashen-gray as it is and it was very pretty to look at as it was depicted in most of Paul Cezanne's paintings. I can't complain with the beauty it reflected on us as we passed by.
The suburb of Puyloubier is a very quiet place with a closed winery at the mouth of the suburb. The place was sparsely inhabited that time so we took our very limited time walking around the place and taking pictures at the vast vineyards spread all around the place for another round of minibus will be coming to pick us up.
The road was barely noted with vehicles passing by so we exercised our independence to explore the place at our own way because of the not so busy road. It was a very fun experience we had despite of the short notice. We never planned to do this but it was really worth it actually.
Thank God we stayed or else I never had the chance to see the famous mountain of Mount Saint Victoire as described by Cezanne in his paintings. It was awe inspiring although we never trekked the trails up. I was glad I had the honor to see it personally. Maybe next time when I come back I can go up to the mountain and see the church standing there as Doreen had told me.
Had we pushed through at Myra and Manny's place maybe we had also explored another different place and had another fun and unforgettable experience. I totally agree that my vacation was a truly fun-and-experience-rich-and filled getaway which couldn't be bought by money or cannot be taken away from my remote memory.
I was just glad I decided to come here and see the beauty of Southern France especilly Aix en Provence, which is very beautiful and rich with stunning architectures and remarkable culture.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sojourn 7: Sightseeing For Flamingos At Camargue
May 13, 2010: The next day we woke up at around 10:00 am still a little bit groggy and with a hang-over from the previous night's fun and drinking so much wine.
Doreen had planned for us to go to the beach today. Mayra and Manny were also tired from the hard party last night and because they had been working for 16 hours the previous day. But all in all, we were all ready to start the day right.
We each took turns in getting to the shower then prepared to leave to go to Camargue, France, a small town near the Mediterranean to check out some pink flamingos and white wild horses they were famous of.
Manny was our driver that time driving the black 4x4 Land Rover they borrowed form their employer who was currently visiting in London. We missed our first exit that's why it took us almost an hour to get to Camargue which is regularly a thirty minute drive from Aix-en-Provence.
The first stop we did was to check out the chateau called d'Avignon Chateau. The chateau was a small buildng but the interior was very very plush, opulent, and luxurious. The red wall paper and the wood carvings on the wall was fabulously exquisite. We roam around the whole building and checked out all the beatiful features they've showed us.
After roaming around the chateau for a little less than one hour we then continued to drive going to the town of Camargue. Along the way we can see some wild whie horses which is also famous in Camargue.
We then bought tickets at the Ornithology Park to check out some wide array of birds and fowls as well as rodents. The highlight of our visit was to see pink flamingos which herd at the nearby swamps.
I snapped a lot of pictures to document my visit at the park. I really wonder how these flamingos had balanced their weight despite of their very heavy trunks and they can also curl their neck like a professional contortionist from the circus. It was really amazing to see and observe them intently. I really wonder about their existence.
After checking the pink flamingos we then drove to the town of Camargue and roam around the place. We parked the Land Rover near the beach then strolled a little bit at the beach's sand then decided to go to the marketplace and the church beside it.
When we reached the church we went inside to listen for the mass then we went down at the crypt and visited St. Claire (the patron saint of the gypsies) and also lighted some candles for my prayer intentions.
After that we paid a fee to go up to the top of the church to see the aerial view of the place and also took some pictures for my picture documentation. It was a very good experience that day eventhough we started late after lunchtime.
After roaming around we got hungry so we decided to eat first before heading home. We found a little place near our parking lot then we ordered food. I ordered a paella which I had planned to eat before going here and finally my wish was granted.
The paella was very good, tasteful, and a lot but I managed to eat it all because I was so hungry after the long ride and walk. I can't forget eating this very delicious and interesting food.
After eating our dinner we then cooled off my plan to see a lighthouse because it was already getting dark. We decided to go home to Aix and go at Doreen's other friend named Rosalie.
Rosalie just had a baby two months ago and I got to meet the little child who was very enthusiastic in meeting new people.
When we got there I met Rosalie which Doreen had introduced to me after the mass . We then started the party by sipping wine and kir while I cooked the pig's head we bought at the grocery store the previous day. The gang had requested me to cook "lechon paksiw" for them so I didn't even hesitated to do the honor. So far, it came out good despite of the lack of ingredients such as Mang Tomas sauce.
Apparently Manny got tired and fell asleep so we decided to go home and rest without even have to start the karaoke.
The day was a good day for us. The bright and boastful sun had went out from it's hiding the clear blue skies. France is really a big place to visit but so far I've learn so much about it's deep and very unique culture.
From the wild white horses of Camargue and the intriguing pink flamingos I really had a good day that day. I just don't want to wake up from this very deep sleep and emerged clueless of my surroundings. It's very embarrassing may be.
Oh what a beautiful day indeed! I can't express my happiness to have seen another beautiful place like Camargue. France has a lot to offer and to have met such cool people like Mayra and Manny.
I have to thank my lucky charm to have worked competently that day despite of my very hectic and tiring schedule. Ciao!
Doreen had planned for us to go to the beach today. Mayra and Manny were also tired from the hard party last night and because they had been working for 16 hours the previous day. But all in all, we were all ready to start the day right.
We each took turns in getting to the shower then prepared to leave to go to Camargue, France, a small town near the Mediterranean to check out some pink flamingos and white wild horses they were famous of.
Manny was our driver that time driving the black 4x4 Land Rover they borrowed form their employer who was currently visiting in London. We missed our first exit that's why it took us almost an hour to get to Camargue which is regularly a thirty minute drive from Aix-en-Provence.
The first stop we did was to check out the chateau called d'Avignon Chateau. The chateau was a small buildng but the interior was very very plush, opulent, and luxurious. The red wall paper and the wood carvings on the wall was fabulously exquisite. We roam around the whole building and checked out all the beatiful features they've showed us.
After roaming around the chateau for a little less than one hour we then continued to drive going to the town of Camargue. Along the way we can see some wild whie horses which is also famous in Camargue.
We then bought tickets at the Ornithology Park to check out some wide array of birds and fowls as well as rodents. The highlight of our visit was to see pink flamingos which herd at the nearby swamps.
I snapped a lot of pictures to document my visit at the park. I really wonder how these flamingos had balanced their weight despite of their very heavy trunks and they can also curl their neck like a professional contortionist from the circus. It was really amazing to see and observe them intently. I really wonder about their existence.
After checking the pink flamingos we then drove to the town of Camargue and roam around the place. We parked the Land Rover near the beach then strolled a little bit at the beach's sand then decided to go to the marketplace and the church beside it.
When we reached the church we went inside to listen for the mass then we went down at the crypt and visited St. Claire (the patron saint of the gypsies) and also lighted some candles for my prayer intentions.
After that we paid a fee to go up to the top of the church to see the aerial view of the place and also took some pictures for my picture documentation. It was a very good experience that day eventhough we started late after lunchtime.
After roaming around we got hungry so we decided to eat first before heading home. We found a little place near our parking lot then we ordered food. I ordered a paella which I had planned to eat before going here and finally my wish was granted.
The paella was very good, tasteful, and a lot but I managed to eat it all because I was so hungry after the long ride and walk. I can't forget eating this very delicious and interesting food.
After eating our dinner we then cooled off my plan to see a lighthouse because it was already getting dark. We decided to go home to Aix and go at Doreen's other friend named Rosalie.
Rosalie just had a baby two months ago and I got to meet the little child who was very enthusiastic in meeting new people.
When we got there I met Rosalie which Doreen had introduced to me after the mass . We then started the party by sipping wine and kir while I cooked the pig's head we bought at the grocery store the previous day. The gang had requested me to cook "lechon paksiw" for them so I didn't even hesitated to do the honor. So far, it came out good despite of the lack of ingredients such as Mang Tomas sauce.
Apparently Manny got tired and fell asleep so we decided to go home and rest without even have to start the karaoke.
The day was a good day for us. The bright and boastful sun had went out from it's hiding the clear blue skies. France is really a big place to visit but so far I've learn so much about it's deep and very unique culture.
From the wild white horses of Camargue and the intriguing pink flamingos I really had a good day that day. I just don't want to wake up from this very deep sleep and emerged clueless of my surroundings. It's very embarrassing may be.
Oh what a beautiful day indeed! I can't express my happiness to have seen another beautiful place like Camargue. France has a lot to offer and to have met such cool people like Mayra and Manny.
I have to thank my lucky charm to have worked competently that day despite of my very hectic and tiring schedule. Ciao!
Sojourn 6: Rest Day
May 12, 2010: Today is rest day for me. Doreen still has to work today and I opted to stay at home after two days of roaming around the town of Aix. I probably got tired of strolling around.
I just double checked all my emails and listened to the news about the recently concluded Philippine elections at Doreen's MacBook from Pinoy24.com site. It's good to know the recent trend of the election results and at least got updated of the current situations there.
I woke up at 9:00 am because Doreen had told me the previous night that Shelly (her lady boss) might need my help in picking up the two wicker chairs she had left at a place in downtown Aix for repair. I took a warm shower after that and then waited for Shelly to knock at the door.
At past 11:00 am Shelly knocked at the door and then we left going to the downtown area to pick up the chairs. On our way there she started to open up some conversation and had asked me about my trip and the different places I've been during this vacation. She also suggested some good places where to go to visit and enjoy for the most of my vacation.
When we got at the place she talked to the guy who repaired the two wicker chairs and immediately paid him for the labor. The guy's teenager son had helped us up put the two chairs inside the car. Hmmm....... the son was so goodlooking I couldn't resist looking at his deep aqua eyes and innocent smiles. I didn't made it obvious for him to notice me or else he will be embarrassed at me.
After Shelly paid the guy we left the place then went back to the house. I helped Shelly bring the two wicker chairs inside the house then the electrician (the one who came the other day after I got out of the shower) came and spoked to Shelly about the repair of the main gate.
After that I went back at Doreen's apartment and went online to chat with my best friend from Rizal to pass the times while waiting for Doreen to come home. I was waiting for Doreen to come back from work at 3:00 pm then we'll go to Centerville after that to meet some of her visiting friends from Bringnone.
When Doreen came home past three we boarded a bus going to Centerville to meet Mayra and Manny (her friends who's visiting from Bringnone). Good thing the two brought their Land Rover (owned by their boss) so it was easy for us to roam around.
We then went at Patty's place (who lived annex at Beverly's house) then had a pasta dinner there. Patty prepared some spaghetti with steam lobster in white Alfredo sauce. We stayed over until the wee hours drinking wine, talking each other, laughing and giggling at each other, and then singing karaoke. We had a lot of fun even though we just met the first time.
Doreen's friends were so cool and nice to get along with. They're the ones without any qualms and drama. I liked them so much. We had so much fun sipping wine and do a lot of singing that we didn't even noticed it was already 2:00 am when we culminated the fun and party.
We went back at Doreen's apartment after the party then we went to sleep because got tired from the very long day. I had so much fun that day even though it was my rest day. As if it's not a rest at all.
Mayra and Manny had to stay with us for two days so we still had a lot of fun while getting to know each other together. I am glad I had met such fabulous and cool people during my vacation here in France.
My goal in coming here is not only to check out beautiful places but to make good friends at the same time. And I had fulfilled that goal so far. Thank God I had bumped such good peole amidst the numerous fun moments I've experienced and the beautiful places I've visited.
Hopefully, this vacation will be more fruitful, fun, and memorable one for me if God willing.
I just double checked all my emails and listened to the news about the recently concluded Philippine elections at Doreen's MacBook from Pinoy24.com site. It's good to know the recent trend of the election results and at least got updated of the current situations there.
I woke up at 9:00 am because Doreen had told me the previous night that Shelly (her lady boss) might need my help in picking up the two wicker chairs she had left at a place in downtown Aix for repair. I took a warm shower after that and then waited for Shelly to knock at the door.
At past 11:00 am Shelly knocked at the door and then we left going to the downtown area to pick up the chairs. On our way there she started to open up some conversation and had asked me about my trip and the different places I've been during this vacation. She also suggested some good places where to go to visit and enjoy for the most of my vacation.
When we got at the place she talked to the guy who repaired the two wicker chairs and immediately paid him for the labor. The guy's teenager son had helped us up put the two chairs inside the car. Hmmm....... the son was so goodlooking I couldn't resist looking at his deep aqua eyes and innocent smiles. I didn't made it obvious for him to notice me or else he will be embarrassed at me.
After Shelly paid the guy we left the place then went back to the house. I helped Shelly bring the two wicker chairs inside the house then the electrician (the one who came the other day after I got out of the shower) came and spoked to Shelly about the repair of the main gate.
After that I went back at Doreen's apartment and went online to chat with my best friend from Rizal to pass the times while waiting for Doreen to come home. I was waiting for Doreen to come back from work at 3:00 pm then we'll go to Centerville after that to meet some of her visiting friends from Bringnone.
When Doreen came home past three we boarded a bus going to Centerville to meet Mayra and Manny (her friends who's visiting from Bringnone). Good thing the two brought their Land Rover (owned by their boss) so it was easy for us to roam around.
We then went at Patty's place (who lived annex at Beverly's house) then had a pasta dinner there. Patty prepared some spaghetti with steam lobster in white Alfredo sauce. We stayed over until the wee hours drinking wine, talking each other, laughing and giggling at each other, and then singing karaoke. We had a lot of fun even though we just met the first time.
Doreen's friends were so cool and nice to get along with. They're the ones without any qualms and drama. I liked them so much. We had so much fun sipping wine and do a lot of singing that we didn't even noticed it was already 2:00 am when we culminated the fun and party.
We went back at Doreen's apartment after the party then we went to sleep because got tired from the very long day. I had so much fun that day even though it was my rest day. As if it's not a rest at all.
Mayra and Manny had to stay with us for two days so we still had a lot of fun while getting to know each other together. I am glad I had met such fabulous and cool people during my vacation here in France.
My goal in coming here is not only to check out beautiful places but to make good friends at the same time. And I had fulfilled that goal so far. Thank God I had bumped such good peole amidst the numerous fun moments I've experienced and the beautiful places I've visited.
Hopefully, this vacation will be more fruitful, fun, and memorable one for me if God willing.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sojourn 5: Strolling The Streets Of Aix
May 11, 2010: I woke up at 10:30 am. The weather in Aix is so nice heralding for a good day. I noticed that Doreen had left already for work. I went to toast a couple of the bread and ate then I started running outside for thirty minutes enjoying the beautiful sunshine. After the run I went back to the house to take a warm shower and changed.
When I got out of the shower there was this cute French guy knocking outside the gate telling me that he's here to fix the main gate outside because he was sent by Pierre. I told him that Shelly (Doreen's lady boss) was not here so he went ahead and called Pierre. The next thing I don't know.
I left him there because I have to catch for a bus going to Centerville to catch up for the market day before it closes at 1:00 pm. When I got to the bus stop the bus had already left ten minutes ago. I was late in coming there so I have to wait for the next one for another thirty minutes.
When the bus came it was already past noon. I arrived at the Centerville after twenty minutes so I hurriedly walked towards the marketplace to catch up for the stalls that were set-up there selling their goods. When I got there I was already late and it was almost closing time. I saw some of the business owners were packing their goods already.
I saw some fruits and vegetables stands hurrying themselves to pack and also some clothes and jewelry stands, soap and scented candles stalls, stalls with wide array of spices and condiments, sausages and frankfurters stalls and stalls with different French crafts. It really looked very chaotic there because they were all packing for the closing time.
I continued strolling around the vicinity taking pictures of all the corners of the streets and the beautiful architectures around the area. There were still a lot of people eating on an open piazza and sipping wine as well as smoking cigarettes.
The place was really teeming with goodlooking French people who loved to eat, dressed so neatly, and gather outdoors. I am already immune to their way of life even though I was only here for two days.
When I got to the corner near the marketplace there was a small trailer selling excellent and delicious Italian pizza. I ordered one slice of pepperoni and cheese and a bottle of mineral water. My God the pizza was very unforgettable. It melts in my mouth when I was chewing it. The after taste was very palatable you will swear you will take another bite. And the guy who assisted me at the counter was very handsome with striking blue eyes. My knees was melting, too.
After eating pizza I still continued to roam around the place until I reached the Church of Sauveour. Good thing it was open so I decided to go inside and uttered a little prayer. I also took some pictures of the exterior as well as the interior of the building.
In front of the church is a school for fine arts and there were a lot of students standing outside the gate waiting for it to open. On the right side was a bistro where I sat down and ordered for a coffee with creme. I stayed there and rested for a little while because I felt I had walked for several miles already.
The coffee was very very good leaving me an after taste that is bitter and sweet. It was creamy and aromatic. It gave me a kick or boost as well as made me more hyper and aware of my surroundings.
After taking a little rest at the bistro I continued walking towards Centerville and carefully trekked the way we went yesterday looking for the four fountains and took some nice pictures of it. I continued walking until I came to the Rotunde des Victor Hugo.
I waited for Doreen there because it was already past 2:00 pm which I didn't even realized. Doreen will be coming soon to meet me there. When we saw each other, we were very excited to see more places we never went. Doreen asked me where else I want to go so I told her to bring me to Cezanne's studio.
Since Bus #1 had already left we decided to just walk rather than wait for another thirty minutes. We trailed the way in going uphill locating for Atelier du Cezanne. When we got there we watched some videos about Cezanne's paintings and went up to the artist's studio and checked-it-out.
The studio was a very quiet place appropriately conducive for painting and having time alone. It was really nice to be there and do something that can make your ideas more creative. I can't blame Cezanne staying there and made so much paintings that depicts his thoughts and emotions. It was a very pretty place!
After browsing the place we went back to Centerville and located the Church of St. Maltese. It was a very small church with a beige cobblestone church yard. I took some pictures of the inside and outside part of the church.
After that we looked for a bistro near the moviehouse and ordered two glasses of Rosette. We stayed there and enjoyed sipping our wine while waiting for Doreen's friends to come. I really can't wait to see them! My excitement was already boiling inside as if I'm about to burst
After sipping wine at the table it was time to meet Doreen's friend waiting in front the Renoir moviehouse. They were already there waiting for us.
I met Beverly and her daughter Marie. I also met another of Doreen's friend named Maritess and also her lovely French family. She was a very comical woman. She introduced me to her dutiful husband, young pretty daughter, and her very very handsome son. We gave each other a hug and a peck on the cheeks (common French tradition of welcoming a visitor) then we went to buy our own tickets for the movie.
We all chose to watch the movie "Lola" by Dir. Brillante Mendoza. The plot was so poignant and really hapless. The story centers on two different grandmothers (hence the title) making ends meet just to help each of their grandson. One who is dead and the other one being locked up in jail.
Both of their stories circumnavigated on their hapless life and were interrelated together because the one who was locked up was the one who accidentally killed the other one who died. It was a stereotyped independent movie which depicts the rampant poverty in a third world country, like the Philippines.
But overall the movie was cleverly done. And both grannies (although very old) really act superbly. I liked them both very much! The cinematography was not that very good but the acting and dialogue were excellently crafted.
I salute Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio for their very excellent acting and portrayal of their respective roles. No wonder why the film won first prize at Dubai Asiafest Film Festival.
After the movie we tagged along with Beverly and Marie and they dropped us off at Doreen's place. All in all my day was also progressive and a little routinary. I can't wait for another adventure tomorrow to chronicle in this blog. Ces't la vie!
When I got out of the shower there was this cute French guy knocking outside the gate telling me that he's here to fix the main gate outside because he was sent by Pierre. I told him that Shelly (Doreen's lady boss) was not here so he went ahead and called Pierre. The next thing I don't know.
I left him there because I have to catch for a bus going to Centerville to catch up for the market day before it closes at 1:00 pm. When I got to the bus stop the bus had already left ten minutes ago. I was late in coming there so I have to wait for the next one for another thirty minutes.
When the bus came it was already past noon. I arrived at the Centerville after twenty minutes so I hurriedly walked towards the marketplace to catch up for the stalls that were set-up there selling their goods. When I got there I was already late and it was almost closing time. I saw some of the business owners were packing their goods already.
I saw some fruits and vegetables stands hurrying themselves to pack and also some clothes and jewelry stands, soap and scented candles stalls, stalls with wide array of spices and condiments, sausages and frankfurters stalls and stalls with different French crafts. It really looked very chaotic there because they were all packing for the closing time.
I continued strolling around the vicinity taking pictures of all the corners of the streets and the beautiful architectures around the area. There were still a lot of people eating on an open piazza and sipping wine as well as smoking cigarettes.
The place was really teeming with goodlooking French people who loved to eat, dressed so neatly, and gather outdoors. I am already immune to their way of life even though I was only here for two days.
When I got to the corner near the marketplace there was a small trailer selling excellent and delicious Italian pizza. I ordered one slice of pepperoni and cheese and a bottle of mineral water. My God the pizza was very unforgettable. It melts in my mouth when I was chewing it. The after taste was very palatable you will swear you will take another bite. And the guy who assisted me at the counter was very handsome with striking blue eyes. My knees was melting, too.
After eating pizza I still continued to roam around the place until I reached the Church of Sauveour. Good thing it was open so I decided to go inside and uttered a little prayer. I also took some pictures of the exterior as well as the interior of the building.
In front of the church is a school for fine arts and there were a lot of students standing outside the gate waiting for it to open. On the right side was a bistro where I sat down and ordered for a coffee with creme. I stayed there and rested for a little while because I felt I had walked for several miles already.
The coffee was very very good leaving me an after taste that is bitter and sweet. It was creamy and aromatic. It gave me a kick or boost as well as made me more hyper and aware of my surroundings.
After taking a little rest at the bistro I continued walking towards Centerville and carefully trekked the way we went yesterday looking for the four fountains and took some nice pictures of it. I continued walking until I came to the Rotunde des Victor Hugo.
I waited for Doreen there because it was already past 2:00 pm which I didn't even realized. Doreen will be coming soon to meet me there. When we saw each other, we were very excited to see more places we never went. Doreen asked me where else I want to go so I told her to bring me to Cezanne's studio.
Since Bus #1 had already left we decided to just walk rather than wait for another thirty minutes. We trailed the way in going uphill locating for Atelier du Cezanne. When we got there we watched some videos about Cezanne's paintings and went up to the artist's studio and checked-it-out.
The studio was a very quiet place appropriately conducive for painting and having time alone. It was really nice to be there and do something that can make your ideas more creative. I can't blame Cezanne staying there and made so much paintings that depicts his thoughts and emotions. It was a very pretty place!
After browsing the place we went back to Centerville and located the Church of St. Maltese. It was a very small church with a beige cobblestone church yard. I took some pictures of the inside and outside part of the church.
After that we looked for a bistro near the moviehouse and ordered two glasses of Rosette. We stayed there and enjoyed sipping our wine while waiting for Doreen's friends to come. I really can't wait to see them! My excitement was already boiling inside as if I'm about to burst
After sipping wine at the table it was time to meet Doreen's friend waiting in front the Renoir moviehouse. They were already there waiting for us.
I met Beverly and her daughter Marie. I also met another of Doreen's friend named Maritess and also her lovely French family. She was a very comical woman. She introduced me to her dutiful husband, young pretty daughter, and her very very handsome son. We gave each other a hug and a peck on the cheeks (common French tradition of welcoming a visitor) then we went to buy our own tickets for the movie.
We all chose to watch the movie "Lola" by Dir. Brillante Mendoza. The plot was so poignant and really hapless. The story centers on two different grandmothers (hence the title) making ends meet just to help each of their grandson. One who is dead and the other one being locked up in jail.
Both of their stories circumnavigated on their hapless life and were interrelated together because the one who was locked up was the one who accidentally killed the other one who died. It was a stereotyped independent movie which depicts the rampant poverty in a third world country, like the Philippines.
But overall the movie was cleverly done. And both grannies (although very old) really act superbly. I liked them both very much! The cinematography was not that very good but the acting and dialogue were excellently crafted.
I salute Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio for their very excellent acting and portrayal of their respective roles. No wonder why the film won first prize at Dubai Asiafest Film Festival.
After the movie we tagged along with Beverly and Marie and they dropped us off at Doreen's place. All in all my day was also progressive and a little routinary. I can't wait for another adventure tomorrow to chronicle in this blog. Ces't la vie!
Thanks For A Successful Philippine Election
Hello guys! Even though I am in Aix-en-Provence, France I still kept myself updated about the recently concluded Philippine election from the news section of Yahoo News. I still feel that I am a Filipino at heart despite I changed my citizenship for my own benefit and future.
So far 78% of the election turnouts were been confirmed which is about close to 60% of the whole population in the Philippines. This shows that a lot of people had come out to exercise their very important right to vote for their leaders. That's a good result folks!
It seems that the trend hasn't been badgered for the Presidential and Vice Presidential race. Aquino III had a very comfortable margin against his opponents for the Presidential race while Binay and Roxas were still close although Binay was quite ahead from the latter for the Vice Presidential race.
Although the results were still not official it is still not a sure win for both. Things might still change along the way. Who knows!
But whoever wins, I hope that the country will become more better from its current situation. The Philippines was been plunging to extreme graft and corruption for more than so many years and still in a downward direction when regards to this matter.
Politicians were still known to not fulfill their promises after they got elected which resulted to the degradation of the virtue of "word of honor" or we all know as "palabra de honor". This is a rampant situation every now and then especially after elections and I hope this has to stop. The people are suffering so much as well as the country.
As for this time, I am thankful that the election was been successful despite of the low percentage turnouts, computer glitches, minimal violence, and obvious vote-buying tactics as claimed by some vigilant people from the reports and online threads of "Ibantay Mo, Ipatrol Ko" campaign.
The situation in Mindanao was been tightened because of reports of violence there but at least the toll of death was to a minimum compared to the previous elections that was been held before. Yet this election was probably claimed as the most successful and peaceful one in the context of less violence. And I am saluting all the Filipino people for cooperating despite of the slow run of the election process because of the glitches in the PCOS computer machines.
Way to go Filipinos! You must be proud of yourself for making a difference for yourself and for your country. You speak out of your freewill to exercise your most blessed rights which is "The Right To Suffrage" and I applaud you all for your extra efforts to maintain it peaceful to a maximum. Yay!
They were saying that the country will not progress if you Filipinos will not help hand in hand in its betterment. Eventhough how smart or good the person who will lead you if still you all as citizens will not cooperate and help out the government still the country will not rise up against the footsteps of the previous corrupt administration and the rubbles of poor economic condition and stagnant progress.
So my friends, it is high time now to wake up and support the goverment of the successor of the previous administration, whoever wins this election. Remember the previous administration had a lot of dirt left in the political arena and this will be inherited by the incoming administration. This means that the incoming administration will have a lot of work to do to achieve progress. And this will not be realized if all of you will just whine and complain.
It will take time for the incoming administration to clean it up so I appealed on you people to be not too whiny but to be patient in the progress of the resolutions of these problems. Instead of whining just get out there. Contribute your help on how to better our country as well as be active in every way. Change your mentality and not pull down other people who are helping the government succeed. This is the only way we can help this government and the country to become famous again. And I know we can make it and yes I believe we all can!
Hopefully all will be well and God will always bless our country and the Filipino people. I always believe that we as Filipinos are always resilient in every adversities we face in because I myself as Filipino (although naturalized American now) had experienced a lot of trials and hardships but still resilient in every way.
Fow now, as of May 11, 2010, I will keep updating myself about the current trends of the political situation there in the Philippines while I am enjoying and immersing the weather, food, crowd, and beauty of Aix-en-Provence.
I will go out today to check for the market day and shot more pictures for my online albums. Aix is a very nice place where beautiful people abounds. I love this place a lot! Ciao!
So far 78% of the election turnouts were been confirmed which is about close to 60% of the whole population in the Philippines. This shows that a lot of people had come out to exercise their very important right to vote for their leaders. That's a good result folks!
It seems that the trend hasn't been badgered for the Presidential and Vice Presidential race. Aquino III had a very comfortable margin against his opponents for the Presidential race while Binay and Roxas were still close although Binay was quite ahead from the latter for the Vice Presidential race.
Although the results were still not official it is still not a sure win for both. Things might still change along the way. Who knows!
But whoever wins, I hope that the country will become more better from its current situation. The Philippines was been plunging to extreme graft and corruption for more than so many years and still in a downward direction when regards to this matter.
Politicians were still known to not fulfill their promises after they got elected which resulted to the degradation of the virtue of "word of honor" or we all know as "palabra de honor". This is a rampant situation every now and then especially after elections and I hope this has to stop. The people are suffering so much as well as the country.
As for this time, I am thankful that the election was been successful despite of the low percentage turnouts, computer glitches, minimal violence, and obvious vote-buying tactics as claimed by some vigilant people from the reports and online threads of "Ibantay Mo, Ipatrol Ko" campaign.
The situation in Mindanao was been tightened because of reports of violence there but at least the toll of death was to a minimum compared to the previous elections that was been held before. Yet this election was probably claimed as the most successful and peaceful one in the context of less violence. And I am saluting all the Filipino people for cooperating despite of the slow run of the election process because of the glitches in the PCOS computer machines.
Way to go Filipinos! You must be proud of yourself for making a difference for yourself and for your country. You speak out of your freewill to exercise your most blessed rights which is "The Right To Suffrage" and I applaud you all for your extra efforts to maintain it peaceful to a maximum. Yay!
They were saying that the country will not progress if you Filipinos will not help hand in hand in its betterment. Eventhough how smart or good the person who will lead you if still you all as citizens will not cooperate and help out the government still the country will not rise up against the footsteps of the previous corrupt administration and the rubbles of poor economic condition and stagnant progress.
So my friends, it is high time now to wake up and support the goverment of the successor of the previous administration, whoever wins this election. Remember the previous administration had a lot of dirt left in the political arena and this will be inherited by the incoming administration. This means that the incoming administration will have a lot of work to do to achieve progress. And this will not be realized if all of you will just whine and complain.
It will take time for the incoming administration to clean it up so I appealed on you people to be not too whiny but to be patient in the progress of the resolutions of these problems. Instead of whining just get out there. Contribute your help on how to better our country as well as be active in every way. Change your mentality and not pull down other people who are helping the government succeed. This is the only way we can help this government and the country to become famous again. And I know we can make it and yes I believe we all can!
Hopefully all will be well and God will always bless our country and the Filipino people. I always believe that we as Filipinos are always resilient in every adversities we face in because I myself as Filipino (although naturalized American now) had experienced a lot of trials and hardships but still resilient in every way.
Fow now, as of May 11, 2010, I will keep updating myself about the current trends of the political situation there in the Philippines while I am enjoying and immersing the weather, food, crowd, and beauty of Aix-en-Provence.
I will go out today to check for the market day and shot more pictures for my online albums. Aix is a very nice place where beautiful people abounds. I love this place a lot! Ciao!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sojourn 4: Arrival At Aix-en-Provence
May 10, 2010: We arrived at around 9:25 pm last night in Marseilles, France after a long train trip from Lourdes via Toullouse. The sceneries along the way were very captivating. We passed a lot of vineyards and few beautiful beaches. It was a very exhilarating trip!
Upon disembarking from the train at Marseilles we caught up with the bus going to Aix-en-Provence. The bus ride was just fifteen minutes but when we arrived there it was already past 10:00 pm and was drizzling. The weather was also nippy. I was cold and shiverng and also had been sneezing occasionally because of an allergy.
We were being picked up by Marie, one of the daughter of Doreen's friend, and her boyfriend and they both drove us at Doreen's place and dropped us off there. The house was been in the outskirts of Aix and was dark because no one was there when we arrived.
We were so tired when we got there because of the long and tiring trip. We immediately unpacked our luggages or things and then prepared to go to sleep. I had sleep for so long in that I didn't even realized that Doreen had left already for work in the morning.
I woke up at around 9:00 am and started to open the computer and blog all my thoughts away remembering all the fond memories and the places that we've been through and all the stuff that we did from Paris to Lourdes until we get to Marseilles and home to Aix-en-Provence.
Later on when Doreen will come out of work at 2:00 pm I will meet her at the Centerville so that we can take a bus from there going to Marseilles for a tour and a night out. And from there I don't know what will happen. I will just place my entry here tomorrow when I come back.
The weather today was been nice and the sun had come out from hiding. Unlike last night that the rain was been pouring and the air was cold. I felt good when I woke up this morning and the allergy was gone. Hopefully, it will be another promising day that will await for us in Marseilles.
I felt so blessed and lucky to have such beautiful weather everytime I come to one place. In that, I can really enjoy my two weeks vacation. Thank God! Sigh!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Addendum: I have to meet Doreen at the Centerville in Aix-en-Provence Rotunde Fountain but I was late at the bus stop near the house because I was panicking on how to close and lock the house and the gate.
I manage to figure it out following Doreen's instructions but it took me time to find the keys for the entrance gate. I was instructed that she left it near the mailbox and I was looking everywhere but I couldn't find it when in fact it was actually covered by the mails inside the mailbox.
Another dilemma I had encountered was about the way out to the bus stop because she instructed me to keep walking and wait at the end of the street across the house. I didn't know where to make a left or a right that's why I missed the bus. I tried to call her on the celfone that she left me when I realized that I left the phone inside the house.
I went back again and get the phone then called Doreen and told her that I missed the bus #20 so she instructed me to keep walking down until I saw the intersection where I can wait for the bus #1. I walked a little less than a mile until I get to the intersection and was lucky to have caught the bus going towards Centerville.
I then phoned Doreen that I was on my way and told her to wait for me at the fountain. When I got up of the bus I was lucky the driver understood Engish so I instructed him to drop me off the fountain only to find out that he drop me off at the wrong fountain.
I called Doreen that I was waiting at the fountain but she told me that I went down on a wrong fountain. She instructed me to walk a little bit more down until I saw her on the other side of the street near the big fountain at the rotunda.
Since it was already late to go to Marseilles by this time we decided to just stroll around Aix and see some of the nice places, buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants around.
We decided to take a late lunch first at Bistro Romaine where we ordered Beouf Bourgogna de es Rigatoni which was very very delicious. I also ordered a Spinach Salad with Steamed Shrimp mixed with Grapefruit and Orange Wedges with a White Cheese Dressing which was superbly done. We also sipped some red wine in between and creamed French coffee afer the meal. It was a very satisfying meal after all.
After the meal we started to stroll around the Centerville. We checked out the shopping stalls and went to the Tourism Office to get more information about the places we can check out around Aix.
After that we headed to the back of the museum where another shopping center was been located. We then kept walking down the end until we reached the Grand Theater. We climbed up to the rooftop of the theater where we can see the aerial view of the whole town of Aix-en-Provence. We took some pictures of it to document our little stroll that sunny afternoon.
We then went down and left the Grand Theater walking all around the streets of Aix going to the heart of the town visiting three of the famous churches of Aix. We also passed some very posh restaurants as well as the open restaurants at the piazza at the center part of the town.
I kept clicking my camera enjoying taking pictures of the beautiful sceneries and vintage buildings that the whole town can offer.
We then sat down at the center piazza near the municipal hall sipping some soda while looking at the students and young people talking on the table laughing and yacking with their friends and some were smoking cigarettes clipped between their fingers.
The town boasts a university of economics and business administration that's why we can see students passing and going as well as spending time with their friends at the piazza.
I can see a lot of goodlooking French guys dressed up in formal and casual attire on this sunny and windy afternoon. They look so cool and georgeous. They were very professional fashionistas. My hats were really off for them for dressing professionally.
After a little talking, laughing, chatting, and sipping of soda at the piazza we decided to watch "Lola" (a Filipino movie which won first prize at one of the recently concluded French film festival) at the Renoir Theater but apparently Shelly (Doreen's lady boss) called that they were on their way home from a very long trip from Palm Springs, CA.
We decided to postpone our plans to watch the movie tomorrow and headed home to open the gates for Shelly and Michael who had just got home from a very long trip.
The day was even fulfilling despite of some little glitches and dilemmas. At least we had roamed around Aix and had accomplished something today. At least tomorrow I don't have any problem at all in going back to Centerville because I know how to take the bus in going back there even though I don't know how to speak their language.
So tomorrow we planned to watch "Lola" and we will see what will happen next to that. We would probably get something to eat that is very very special and different. Doreen will still be working tomorrow so I have to meet her up again at the Centerville and plan out what to do after that.
But for me, I have to go there early in the morning to see how's the market day looks like and get some more pictures of Aix to document everything that I saw.
Aix is always an unforgettable place for me. I learned to love this place already!
P.S.
Happy birthday to my little sister and to my dad! I love you both. Mwah.
Upon disembarking from the train at Marseilles we caught up with the bus going to Aix-en-Provence. The bus ride was just fifteen minutes but when we arrived there it was already past 10:00 pm and was drizzling. The weather was also nippy. I was cold and shiverng and also had been sneezing occasionally because of an allergy.
We were being picked up by Marie, one of the daughter of Doreen's friend, and her boyfriend and they both drove us at Doreen's place and dropped us off there. The house was been in the outskirts of Aix and was dark because no one was there when we arrived.
We were so tired when we got there because of the long and tiring trip. We immediately unpacked our luggages or things and then prepared to go to sleep. I had sleep for so long in that I didn't even realized that Doreen had left already for work in the morning.
I woke up at around 9:00 am and started to open the computer and blog all my thoughts away remembering all the fond memories and the places that we've been through and all the stuff that we did from Paris to Lourdes until we get to Marseilles and home to Aix-en-Provence.
Later on when Doreen will come out of work at 2:00 pm I will meet her at the Centerville so that we can take a bus from there going to Marseilles for a tour and a night out. And from there I don't know what will happen. I will just place my entry here tomorrow when I come back.
The weather today was been nice and the sun had come out from hiding. Unlike last night that the rain was been pouring and the air was cold. I felt good when I woke up this morning and the allergy was gone. Hopefully, it will be another promising day that will await for us in Marseilles.
I felt so blessed and lucky to have such beautiful weather everytime I come to one place. In that, I can really enjoy my two weeks vacation. Thank God! Sigh!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Addendum: I have to meet Doreen at the Centerville in Aix-en-Provence Rotunde Fountain but I was late at the bus stop near the house because I was panicking on how to close and lock the house and the gate.
I manage to figure it out following Doreen's instructions but it took me time to find the keys for the entrance gate. I was instructed that she left it near the mailbox and I was looking everywhere but I couldn't find it when in fact it was actually covered by the mails inside the mailbox.
Another dilemma I had encountered was about the way out to the bus stop because she instructed me to keep walking and wait at the end of the street across the house. I didn't know where to make a left or a right that's why I missed the bus. I tried to call her on the celfone that she left me when I realized that I left the phone inside the house.
I went back again and get the phone then called Doreen and told her that I missed the bus #20 so she instructed me to keep walking down until I saw the intersection where I can wait for the bus #1. I walked a little less than a mile until I get to the intersection and was lucky to have caught the bus going towards Centerville.
I then phoned Doreen that I was on my way and told her to wait for me at the fountain. When I got up of the bus I was lucky the driver understood Engish so I instructed him to drop me off the fountain only to find out that he drop me off at the wrong fountain.
I called Doreen that I was waiting at the fountain but she told me that I went down on a wrong fountain. She instructed me to walk a little bit more down until I saw her on the other side of the street near the big fountain at the rotunda.
Since it was already late to go to Marseilles by this time we decided to just stroll around Aix and see some of the nice places, buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants around.
We decided to take a late lunch first at Bistro Romaine where we ordered Beouf Bourgogna de es Rigatoni which was very very delicious. I also ordered a Spinach Salad with Steamed Shrimp mixed with Grapefruit and Orange Wedges with a White Cheese Dressing which was superbly done. We also sipped some red wine in between and creamed French coffee afer the meal. It was a very satisfying meal after all.
After the meal we started to stroll around the Centerville. We checked out the shopping stalls and went to the Tourism Office to get more information about the places we can check out around Aix.
After that we headed to the back of the museum where another shopping center was been located. We then kept walking down the end until we reached the Grand Theater. We climbed up to the rooftop of the theater where we can see the aerial view of the whole town of Aix-en-Provence. We took some pictures of it to document our little stroll that sunny afternoon.
We then went down and left the Grand Theater walking all around the streets of Aix going to the heart of the town visiting three of the famous churches of Aix. We also passed some very posh restaurants as well as the open restaurants at the piazza at the center part of the town.
I kept clicking my camera enjoying taking pictures of the beautiful sceneries and vintage buildings that the whole town can offer.
We then sat down at the center piazza near the municipal hall sipping some soda while looking at the students and young people talking on the table laughing and yacking with their friends and some were smoking cigarettes clipped between their fingers.
The town boasts a university of economics and business administration that's why we can see students passing and going as well as spending time with their friends at the piazza.
I can see a lot of goodlooking French guys dressed up in formal and casual attire on this sunny and windy afternoon. They look so cool and georgeous. They were very professional fashionistas. My hats were really off for them for dressing professionally.
After a little talking, laughing, chatting, and sipping of soda at the piazza we decided to watch "Lola" (a Filipino movie which won first prize at one of the recently concluded French film festival) at the Renoir Theater but apparently Shelly (Doreen's lady boss) called that they were on their way home from a very long trip from Palm Springs, CA.
We decided to postpone our plans to watch the movie tomorrow and headed home to open the gates for Shelly and Michael who had just got home from a very long trip.
The day was even fulfilling despite of some little glitches and dilemmas. At least we had roamed around Aix and had accomplished something today. At least tomorrow I don't have any problem at all in going back to Centerville because I know how to take the bus in going back there even though I don't know how to speak their language.
So tomorrow we planned to watch "Lola" and we will see what will happen next to that. We would probably get something to eat that is very very special and different. Doreen will still be working tomorrow so I have to meet her up again at the Centerville and plan out what to do after that.
But for me, I have to go there early in the morning to see how's the market day looks like and get some more pictures of Aix to document everything that I saw.
Aix is always an unforgettable place for me. I learned to love this place already!
P.S.
Happy birthday to my little sister and to my dad! I love you both. Mwah.
Sojourn 3: Pilgrimage To Lourdes
May 8, 2010: We left Paris at 11:00 pm the previous night after our well spent three days tour around the surrounding area. We took a taxi and had us dropped off at the train station where we will start our long trip to the Pyrenees mountains where Lourdes is located.
It was funny though because I left Paris drunk from our last dinner at that fab hole-in-the-wall pizza restaurant which offered us this very tasty and excellent wine I've ever tasted which prompted us to ask for another help. It was really crazy and I celebrated too much.
Doreen had bought tickets in advance before my trip to Paris and she took the one with bunk beds for us to get comfortable and rest for the whole seven hour trip. The train was very clean and appears very modern. The train ride was very smooth and uneventful.
We arrived at Lourdes, France at 7:30 am. The weather was very nice and the sun was out heralding a very good day for us to roam around the place. It was nippy there because the place was situated at the base of the mountain surrounded by the snow capped mountains of the famous Pyrenees.
We took a taxi and instructed the driver to drop us off at our hotel. When we got at Hotel du Cavalaire we were greeted by the very hospital owner who introduced himself as Peter and his beautiful Malaysian wife Laura.
They instructed us to leave our luggages at the lobby and led us to the dining hall for a very much unexpected welcome breakfast. We ate French bread, croissants, fruit jams, butter, and cheese as well as French yogurts and sipped hot and palatable French coffee. It was a very hearty breakfast! That was a good welcome party for us.
After the breakfast we went to the front desk and signed in for our room. We then went upstairs to our assigned room and took a warm shower, changed, and then started our tour of the place heading to the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion taking pictures of everything we can see and perusing the whole church in every level as well as praying at the same time.
After touring the whole church we went up the hill beside the church and did the way of the cross. There were a lot of revelers and tourists around which were mostly comprised of old people showing their devotion and faith to the Mother Mary. There were no place where we cannot see anybody praying and showing their spiritual connection to the place.
Lourdes is a small town at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. It looks progressive and was relying on the tourism drawn by the people who came here for a pilgrimage to see the place of Saint Bernadette, the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, and the famous Grotto where the Mother Mary appeared. All in all it was a very nice and beautiful place.
The town was been teeming with stores selling religious items and nice restaurants that offers good food. We strolled the whole town and took pictures of the famous and strategic places around town like the birth house of Saint Bernadette (which was been carefully preserved for the tourist who comes here) and her second house where the Mother Mary had appeared several times to her and had summoned her to pray a lot.
We went back at the church in the afternoon and lined up ourselves for the famous bath and cleansing offered by the church volunteers to the first 100 people who fall in line the bath area near the river.
The bath symbolizes the baptism done by Saint John the Baptist were I was immersed in a tub of cold water three times after uttering my intentions and prayers. It was a very cold bath but miraculously when I got out of the tub I didn't even shiver and I felt really good after that.
After the bath we went to look for the chapel beside the basilica where they will held the English mass. The mass was led by an English priest and there were a lot of people who attended it. It was a very solemn mass and I was touched by it.
After the mass we then continued to see some of the beautiful places around town. We went to see the Notre Dame Church where Saint Bernadette was been baptized and also the town plaza near Saint Bernadette's house.
We also took pictures of the Chateau du Fort situated on top of the hill and decided to tour it the next day for it was already dark and nippy.
We went back to where our hotel area and looked for a good restaurant to eat dinner. We ordered a pottage soup and grilled cheese bread which was very delicious.
After the dinner we went back to our hotel and took a short nap to prepare ourselves for the procession of candles to be held at 9:00 pm. We went back to the church quarter to nine where it was also packed with a lot of people of all walks of life waiting for the mass and the procession to start.
The mass was long and was been held in different languages. The choir sang songs in different languages also. It was a very solemn mass.
After the mass a procesion of candles was held were people were following the statue of the Mother Mary chanting songs and uttering prayers. The churchyard was very crowded with a lot of people, young and old, sick and well.
After the procession we went back to the hotel and took our rest for we had a very long day that day.
May 9, 2010: We woke up early at 8:00 am and started our day with another hearty breakfast held my the hotel's owner.
After breakfast we went back to the church and visited Saint Bernadette's church and uttered some prayers then roam around the church yard. There were still a lot of people coming and going the basilica praying and chanting, fetching holy water, and doing their pilgrimage. It was really a very busy place.
We then went back to town and headed to Chateau du Fort. We bought tickets at the entrance door and took the elevator in going up the castle.
We toured around and took pictures of every corners of the castle as well as the aerial view of the whole town of Lourdes. The view was very stunning and beautiful. We see to it that everything were documented well in our pictures.
The chateau has a rich history dated the era when Charlemagne was still alive and was being used by the latter against the barbaric Germans. It also beamed the reputation of the most unconquered castle in the Pyrenees and had won a lot of battle.
It was a very small castle but everything was been inside. From a little church, beautiful small house, cemetery, market, playgrounds, etc. It was a memorable tour for me because I dropped my sunglasses from the top and had never got it back.
After the tour we went to the church to fill up our container with the holy water blessed by the Virgin Mary at the side of the Grotto then we went back to the hotel and fixed our luggages and paid for our hotel dues.
We took a taxi going to the train station and waited for the train headed for Toullouse where we will transfer for another train heading to Marseilles. We left Lourdes at 2:20 pm then took a two hour train ride to Toullouse and a four hour ride to Marseilles. We arrived in Marseilles at 21:05 pm and took a fifteen minute bus ride going to Aix-en-Provence where Doreen lives.
All in all our to trip Lourdes, France was a very memorable one full of meaning and lessons to me. It was my first pilgrimage and a very unforgettable one.
I hope to be back there again to reminisce all my memorable experiences as well as visit it again, the seat of our Immaculate Virgin Mary. How I wish to do that again if God-willing!
It was funny though because I left Paris drunk from our last dinner at that fab hole-in-the-wall pizza restaurant which offered us this very tasty and excellent wine I've ever tasted which prompted us to ask for another help. It was really crazy and I celebrated too much.
Doreen had bought tickets in advance before my trip to Paris and she took the one with bunk beds for us to get comfortable and rest for the whole seven hour trip. The train was very clean and appears very modern. The train ride was very smooth and uneventful.
We arrived at Lourdes, France at 7:30 am. The weather was very nice and the sun was out heralding a very good day for us to roam around the place. It was nippy there because the place was situated at the base of the mountain surrounded by the snow capped mountains of the famous Pyrenees.
We took a taxi and instructed the driver to drop us off at our hotel. When we got at Hotel du Cavalaire we were greeted by the very hospital owner who introduced himself as Peter and his beautiful Malaysian wife Laura.
They instructed us to leave our luggages at the lobby and led us to the dining hall for a very much unexpected welcome breakfast. We ate French bread, croissants, fruit jams, butter, and cheese as well as French yogurts and sipped hot and palatable French coffee. It was a very hearty breakfast! That was a good welcome party for us.
After the breakfast we went to the front desk and signed in for our room. We then went upstairs to our assigned room and took a warm shower, changed, and then started our tour of the place heading to the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion taking pictures of everything we can see and perusing the whole church in every level as well as praying at the same time.
After touring the whole church we went up the hill beside the church and did the way of the cross. There were a lot of revelers and tourists around which were mostly comprised of old people showing their devotion and faith to the Mother Mary. There were no place where we cannot see anybody praying and showing their spiritual connection to the place.
Lourdes is a small town at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. It looks progressive and was relying on the tourism drawn by the people who came here for a pilgrimage to see the place of Saint Bernadette, the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, and the famous Grotto where the Mother Mary appeared. All in all it was a very nice and beautiful place.
The town was been teeming with stores selling religious items and nice restaurants that offers good food. We strolled the whole town and took pictures of the famous and strategic places around town like the birth house of Saint Bernadette (which was been carefully preserved for the tourist who comes here) and her second house where the Mother Mary had appeared several times to her and had summoned her to pray a lot.
We went back at the church in the afternoon and lined up ourselves for the famous bath and cleansing offered by the church volunteers to the first 100 people who fall in line the bath area near the river.
The bath symbolizes the baptism done by Saint John the Baptist were I was immersed in a tub of cold water three times after uttering my intentions and prayers. It was a very cold bath but miraculously when I got out of the tub I didn't even shiver and I felt really good after that.
After the bath we went to look for the chapel beside the basilica where they will held the English mass. The mass was led by an English priest and there were a lot of people who attended it. It was a very solemn mass and I was touched by it.
After the mass we then continued to see some of the beautiful places around town. We went to see the Notre Dame Church where Saint Bernadette was been baptized and also the town plaza near Saint Bernadette's house.
We also took pictures of the Chateau du Fort situated on top of the hill and decided to tour it the next day for it was already dark and nippy.
We went back to where our hotel area and looked for a good restaurant to eat dinner. We ordered a pottage soup and grilled cheese bread which was very delicious.
After the dinner we went back to our hotel and took a short nap to prepare ourselves for the procession of candles to be held at 9:00 pm. We went back to the church quarter to nine where it was also packed with a lot of people of all walks of life waiting for the mass and the procession to start.
The mass was long and was been held in different languages. The choir sang songs in different languages also. It was a very solemn mass.
After the mass a procesion of candles was held were people were following the statue of the Mother Mary chanting songs and uttering prayers. The churchyard was very crowded with a lot of people, young and old, sick and well.
After the procession we went back to the hotel and took our rest for we had a very long day that day.
May 9, 2010: We woke up early at 8:00 am and started our day with another hearty breakfast held my the hotel's owner.
After breakfast we went back to the church and visited Saint Bernadette's church and uttered some prayers then roam around the church yard. There were still a lot of people coming and going the basilica praying and chanting, fetching holy water, and doing their pilgrimage. It was really a very busy place.
We then went back to town and headed to Chateau du Fort. We bought tickets at the entrance door and took the elevator in going up the castle.
We toured around and took pictures of every corners of the castle as well as the aerial view of the whole town of Lourdes. The view was very stunning and beautiful. We see to it that everything were documented well in our pictures.
The chateau has a rich history dated the era when Charlemagne was still alive and was being used by the latter against the barbaric Germans. It also beamed the reputation of the most unconquered castle in the Pyrenees and had won a lot of battle.
It was a very small castle but everything was been inside. From a little church, beautiful small house, cemetery, market, playgrounds, etc. It was a memorable tour for me because I dropped my sunglasses from the top and had never got it back.
After the tour we went to the church to fill up our container with the holy water blessed by the Virgin Mary at the side of the Grotto then we went back to the hotel and fixed our luggages and paid for our hotel dues.
We took a taxi going to the train station and waited for the train headed for Toullouse where we will transfer for another train heading to Marseilles. We left Lourdes at 2:20 pm then took a two hour train ride to Toullouse and a four hour ride to Marseilles. We arrived in Marseilles at 21:05 pm and took a fifteen minute bus ride going to Aix-en-Provence where Doreen lives.
All in all our to trip Lourdes, France was a very memorable one full of meaning and lessons to me. It was my first pilgrimage and a very unforgettable one.
I hope to be back there again to reminisce all my memorable experiences as well as visit it again, the seat of our Immaculate Virgin Mary. How I wish to do that again if God-willing!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sojourn 2: Stay In Paris
May 5, 2010: I arrived in Paris at around 11:30 am where I was picked up by my college best friend. The flight was excellent and uneventful. I was happy indeed that I got to Paris safe and sound.
We took a Metro train from CDG airport and headed to Champs du Mars where Matleen (Doreen's friend) was living and left my luggages at her apartment. Then we left there and took the subway heading to the famous Louvre Museum to start my first day in Paris.
When we got out of the train at the Louvre station we headed right away to the museum and lined up at the ticket booth to buy two tickets for the entrance.
The museum was been packed with thousands of people of all walks of life and of different color, race, and languages. Young and old were been interwoven as one with the sole purpose of perusing the exhibits in the vast surroundings of the enormous and famous museum in the whole world which kept a lot of famous paintings and precious artifacts, treasures, and arts dated from a long long time ago until the current time.
We also took pictures of the well known inverted glass pyramid at the center of the museum and also the intricate paintings, sculptures, and arts that were shown everywhere.
The famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci was been mobbed by the pandemonium of revelers and tourists as well as the Renaissance, the Italian, and the Spanish painings of the famous and worldwide painters of different period of times.
The museum was very huge which was even impossible for us to peruse and roam around so we planned out our visit to only the few famous paintings, sculptures, and arts starting from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque era. It was a very good learning and educational experience for us.
After the long hours of tour inside the large museum we went to the nearby restaurant and sipped some hot French coffee and also ate toasted bread spread with the famous French favorite hors dourves the foie gras. It was very delicious!
After eating we left the museum and then took a stroll on the streets of Paris. We headed to the Notre Dame Church but apparently the church was already closed because it was already 7:00 pm during that time.
We decided to just take some pictures of the church's facade, churchyard, and the surrounding area taking into consideration the intricate architecture of the whole edifice.
After that we headed down the River Siene and inquired for a dinner on the boat. When we knew that it wasn't that expensive we then boarded the boat and ordered two seats for dinner. The tour started at 8:00 pm and it lasted for two hours.
We had a three course meal while enjoying the view of the whole Paris boating on the famous river of Siene. We were sipping wine while enjoying the view of the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and the whole Paris from the river. It was indeed a very memorable first experience for us both!
After the dinner by the boat it was already dark. We then headed at the Place de Concorde where we viewed the obelisk that was given by the government of Egypt to the government of France as a sign of a peace treaty. The plaza was well lighted and there were a lot of lovers dating around the plaza. We also took some pictures of the place.
Then we headed to meet Matleen at Champs de Elysees where all the world's famous designer stores and shops were being found. We waited for her there and accompanied her to eat dinner before heading out to see some more scenery at night.
We also went to see the famous Arch de Triumphe were all four directions of Paris from east, west, north, and south meets. It was very beautiful at night.
It was almost midnight when we went back at Matleen's apartment where we took the park's way near the Eiffel Tower at Champs du Mars where she lives.
So far it was a very memorable first day for me after setting foot on the soil of Paris, France. It was a day full of adventure and surprises as well.
Again, thanks Doreen and Matleen for your kind hospitality and precious time in showing me some of the beautiful and promising places of Paris, France for a start.
It was indeed a good appetizer for me to see the beauty of Paris as well as taste the nice food of the French people.
May 6, 2010: Today is my second day in Paris. Me and Doreen started the day with a lot of walking, laughing, giggling, and talking. The sun occasionally peeps out of the cloudy Paris' sky but overall it was a very good weather.
We walked outside the apartment and ambled towards Champs du Mars park going to the Eiffel Tower. Upon coming out of the apartment we can see the towering facade of the famous Eiffel Tower so we headed towards that direction and saw a lot of people and tourists lining underneath it ready to start a thousand steps going up the tower.
We headed to the Trocadero Place and there we took some pictures of the tower from a distance enjoying the taste of the crepes with fruit jam. We took a lot of pictures of the Eiffel Tower from there then we left for another scenery to see and peruse.
We boarded the Metro subway train then went out near the hub where the Sacred Heart Church was standing. The church was located near the hilly side of Paris where we have to pass a commercial area until we reach a hill where the church was steadfastly standing.
We have to climb several stairs in order to reach the beautiful church. We were huffing and puffing when we got on top. But the climb was worth it because the church was very beautiful inside and out.
We also took a lot of pictures for us to document our pilgrimage and also was very ecstatic doing this tour of the famous buildings and churches of the city of Paris.
The church was been teeming with a lot of tourist from the different parts of the world. There were also concerts held outside the church. The atmosphere was really crazy and the crowd was very rowdy. It looks like we were in a marketplace but overall the trip was woth it.
We then took a little snack near the little canteen beside the church then left the area and took the train and went out the hub near Saint Claire's church. But when we got there the line outside the church was so long so we decided to turn around the block and headed to Notre Dame Church instead.
The church was open to the public that time unlike yesterday that it was close when we came after hours. We then went in and peruse the whole building checking all the intricate colored glass windows as well as taking pictures of it to document our tour.
I also took a little time praying for my love ones and also for my own personal intentions. The church was been crowded also by a lot of tourist, locals, and revelers from different places of the world.
After looking around the place we then left the area then took another train and went out at the Madeliene exit were the Church of Magdalene was situated. The building doesn't look like a church because of it's appearance outside which is similar to Greece's acropolis. At first I thought it was a museum.
The church looks old and very vintage but the architecture appears very awe inspiring. The church was not that really teeming with tourist but it was located at the center of Paris.
When we went in I was awestrucked by the beautiful altar they had. The lady standing in the middle stripped by cherubims was made of a very shiny white marble. The sculpture was very intricate and beautiful. The hair, face, hands, clothes, and the little angels were cut intricately and very detailed. It was very very gorgeous to look at.
Again, we took some pictures and also uttered some little prayers near the altar for my personal intentions.
After that we left the church then took another train then went out of the Le Opera exit. The building was also situated at the heart of Paris and was a very very beautiful building with very intricate architectures. The building was also being renovated when we got there.
We managed to buy some ticket to peruse the whole building and my God it was very pretty inside. The walls were all carpeted with a red hue and the stage where the show was being held was very huge. The decorations inside the opera was very stunning and the brilliant and enormous chandeliers all around the large building were very awe inspiring. I was even dumbfounded.
The tour lasted about one hour but it was worth it. We also took some pictures of every nooks and corners of the building.
The day of visiting the churches and the opera have educated me about the rich spiritual and recreational cultures of the French people. It was a very educational experience for us.
We met Matleen and a friend at a Japanese restaurant near Champs Elysees then we savor the best Japanese cuisine in Paris as well as imbibing with the beautiful ambiance of the place.
May 7, 2010: This starts the third day of my stay in Paris and my last day in the City of Romance. Me and Doreen started the day by going to the Philippine Embassy because she needs to renew her passport before it expires.
We went to get her 2x2 picture first then copied all the pages of her about to expire passport. Then we headed to the embassy and filled up an application form, submitted all the requirements, and paid the necessary dues required.
After we sorted out everything we then embarked on our last leg of visit in Paris which is visiting the palace of the famous Chateau of Versailles.
We took a twenty minute train ride going outside of Paris heading to Versailles. The palace where the famous Louis XIV was been crowned was situated outside the outskirts of Paris.
The newly renovated building appeared very new with gold painted sculptures and awnings around the huge building. Tourist comes and goes enjoying the vast estates and the hundred of hectares of beautiful well-trimmed gardens and well-manicured lawns.
The exhibits and paintings inside the palace were very beautiful, vintage, and intricate reflecting the opulence and luxury of the Renaissance era family. The building was full and rich of history and people were very eager perusing the vast estate and the rich culture of the Renaissance era.
We took tours of the chateau as well as a tram tour of the wide and vast gardens intently listening to the meticulous explanations of the tour guides as well as the well-programmed earpieces being rented by the information department upon buying the entrance tickets.
The trip to Versailles was well worth and I really enjoyed it together with my friend. We went home at around 6:00 pm then we packed our things because we will be leaving Paris after the three days of a very hectic tour of the whole city.
When we arrived at Champ du Mars we were so hungry that we decided to eat first before packing and readying ourselves for the train ride going to Lourdes, France.
We went in this hole-in-the-wall pizza restaurant few blocks near Matleen's apartment and ordered this very delicious pizza and excellent fresh green salad I've ever tasted. To top that it goes with this superbly good and finesse wine I've ever tasted in my life that leaves your mind reeling for sex and romance and make you ask for more.
We asked for another help for that wine and I didn't realized I was already drunk and numb and made my tongue waggle and talk a lot. I was buzzing and Doreen was laughing at me because I am very drunk and we will be leaving that night for Lourdes. This was the best celebration I had in my entire life leaving Paris drunk and really making out the best of it before my last exit from there. It was very funny indeed.
We will be leaving for Lourdes, France at 11:00 pm via train heading to the Pyrenees mountain. It was a very memorable and worthwhile experience I had in Paris since I came spending most of my first three days very well. It was really a well spent three days sojourn here in Paris!
Yeah..... Paris is indeed an awesome place full of unexplainable beauty, culinary richness, intricate arts, and spellbinding culture. I can't forget my very busy three days stay here!
We took a Metro train from CDG airport and headed to Champs du Mars where Matleen (Doreen's friend) was living and left my luggages at her apartment. Then we left there and took the subway heading to the famous Louvre Museum to start my first day in Paris.
When we got out of the train at the Louvre station we headed right away to the museum and lined up at the ticket booth to buy two tickets for the entrance.
The museum was been packed with thousands of people of all walks of life and of different color, race, and languages. Young and old were been interwoven as one with the sole purpose of perusing the exhibits in the vast surroundings of the enormous and famous museum in the whole world which kept a lot of famous paintings and precious artifacts, treasures, and arts dated from a long long time ago until the current time.
We also took pictures of the well known inverted glass pyramid at the center of the museum and also the intricate paintings, sculptures, and arts that were shown everywhere.
The famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci was been mobbed by the pandemonium of revelers and tourists as well as the Renaissance, the Italian, and the Spanish painings of the famous and worldwide painters of different period of times.
The museum was very huge which was even impossible for us to peruse and roam around so we planned out our visit to only the few famous paintings, sculptures, and arts starting from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque era. It was a very good learning and educational experience for us.
After the long hours of tour inside the large museum we went to the nearby restaurant and sipped some hot French coffee and also ate toasted bread spread with the famous French favorite hors dourves the foie gras. It was very delicious!
After eating we left the museum and then took a stroll on the streets of Paris. We headed to the Notre Dame Church but apparently the church was already closed because it was already 7:00 pm during that time.
We decided to just take some pictures of the church's facade, churchyard, and the surrounding area taking into consideration the intricate architecture of the whole edifice.
After that we headed down the River Siene and inquired for a dinner on the boat. When we knew that it wasn't that expensive we then boarded the boat and ordered two seats for dinner. The tour started at 8:00 pm and it lasted for two hours.
We had a three course meal while enjoying the view of the whole Paris boating on the famous river of Siene. We were sipping wine while enjoying the view of the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and the whole Paris from the river. It was indeed a very memorable first experience for us both!
After the dinner by the boat it was already dark. We then headed at the Place de Concorde where we viewed the obelisk that was given by the government of Egypt to the government of France as a sign of a peace treaty. The plaza was well lighted and there were a lot of lovers dating around the plaza. We also took some pictures of the place.
Then we headed to meet Matleen at Champs de Elysees where all the world's famous designer stores and shops were being found. We waited for her there and accompanied her to eat dinner before heading out to see some more scenery at night.
We also went to see the famous Arch de Triumphe were all four directions of Paris from east, west, north, and south meets. It was very beautiful at night.
It was almost midnight when we went back at Matleen's apartment where we took the park's way near the Eiffel Tower at Champs du Mars where she lives.
So far it was a very memorable first day for me after setting foot on the soil of Paris, France. It was a day full of adventure and surprises as well.
Again, thanks Doreen and Matleen for your kind hospitality and precious time in showing me some of the beautiful and promising places of Paris, France for a start.
It was indeed a good appetizer for me to see the beauty of Paris as well as taste the nice food of the French people.
May 6, 2010: Today is my second day in Paris. Me and Doreen started the day with a lot of walking, laughing, giggling, and talking. The sun occasionally peeps out of the cloudy Paris' sky but overall it was a very good weather.
We walked outside the apartment and ambled towards Champs du Mars park going to the Eiffel Tower. Upon coming out of the apartment we can see the towering facade of the famous Eiffel Tower so we headed towards that direction and saw a lot of people and tourists lining underneath it ready to start a thousand steps going up the tower.
We headed to the Trocadero Place and there we took some pictures of the tower from a distance enjoying the taste of the crepes with fruit jam. We took a lot of pictures of the Eiffel Tower from there then we left for another scenery to see and peruse.
We boarded the Metro subway train then went out near the hub where the Sacred Heart Church was standing. The church was located near the hilly side of Paris where we have to pass a commercial area until we reach a hill where the church was steadfastly standing.
We have to climb several stairs in order to reach the beautiful church. We were huffing and puffing when we got on top. But the climb was worth it because the church was very beautiful inside and out.
We also took a lot of pictures for us to document our pilgrimage and also was very ecstatic doing this tour of the famous buildings and churches of the city of Paris.
The church was been teeming with a lot of tourist from the different parts of the world. There were also concerts held outside the church. The atmosphere was really crazy and the crowd was very rowdy. It looks like we were in a marketplace but overall the trip was woth it.
We then took a little snack near the little canteen beside the church then left the area and took the train and went out the hub near Saint Claire's church. But when we got there the line outside the church was so long so we decided to turn around the block and headed to Notre Dame Church instead.
The church was open to the public that time unlike yesterday that it was close when we came after hours. We then went in and peruse the whole building checking all the intricate colored glass windows as well as taking pictures of it to document our tour.
I also took a little time praying for my love ones and also for my own personal intentions. The church was been crowded also by a lot of tourist, locals, and revelers from different places of the world.
After looking around the place we then left the area then took another train and went out at the Madeliene exit were the Church of Magdalene was situated. The building doesn't look like a church because of it's appearance outside which is similar to Greece's acropolis. At first I thought it was a museum.
The church looks old and very vintage but the architecture appears very awe inspiring. The church was not that really teeming with tourist but it was located at the center of Paris.
When we went in I was awestrucked by the beautiful altar they had. The lady standing in the middle stripped by cherubims was made of a very shiny white marble. The sculpture was very intricate and beautiful. The hair, face, hands, clothes, and the little angels were cut intricately and very detailed. It was very very gorgeous to look at.
Again, we took some pictures and also uttered some little prayers near the altar for my personal intentions.
After that we left the church then took another train then went out of the Le Opera exit. The building was also situated at the heart of Paris and was a very very beautiful building with very intricate architectures. The building was also being renovated when we got there.
We managed to buy some ticket to peruse the whole building and my God it was very pretty inside. The walls were all carpeted with a red hue and the stage where the show was being held was very huge. The decorations inside the opera was very stunning and the brilliant and enormous chandeliers all around the large building were very awe inspiring. I was even dumbfounded.
The tour lasted about one hour but it was worth it. We also took some pictures of every nooks and corners of the building.
The day of visiting the churches and the opera have educated me about the rich spiritual and recreational cultures of the French people. It was a very educational experience for us.
We met Matleen and a friend at a Japanese restaurant near Champs Elysees then we savor the best Japanese cuisine in Paris as well as imbibing with the beautiful ambiance of the place.
May 7, 2010: This starts the third day of my stay in Paris and my last day in the City of Romance. Me and Doreen started the day by going to the Philippine Embassy because she needs to renew her passport before it expires.
We went to get her 2x2 picture first then copied all the pages of her about to expire passport. Then we headed to the embassy and filled up an application form, submitted all the requirements, and paid the necessary dues required.
After we sorted out everything we then embarked on our last leg of visit in Paris which is visiting the palace of the famous Chateau of Versailles.
We took a twenty minute train ride going outside of Paris heading to Versailles. The palace where the famous Louis XIV was been crowned was situated outside the outskirts of Paris.
The newly renovated building appeared very new with gold painted sculptures and awnings around the huge building. Tourist comes and goes enjoying the vast estates and the hundred of hectares of beautiful well-trimmed gardens and well-manicured lawns.
The exhibits and paintings inside the palace were very beautiful, vintage, and intricate reflecting the opulence and luxury of the Renaissance era family. The building was full and rich of history and people were very eager perusing the vast estate and the rich culture of the Renaissance era.
We took tours of the chateau as well as a tram tour of the wide and vast gardens intently listening to the meticulous explanations of the tour guides as well as the well-programmed earpieces being rented by the information department upon buying the entrance tickets.
The trip to Versailles was well worth and I really enjoyed it together with my friend. We went home at around 6:00 pm then we packed our things because we will be leaving Paris after the three days of a very hectic tour of the whole city.
When we arrived at Champ du Mars we were so hungry that we decided to eat first before packing and readying ourselves for the train ride going to Lourdes, France.
We went in this hole-in-the-wall pizza restaurant few blocks near Matleen's apartment and ordered this very delicious pizza and excellent fresh green salad I've ever tasted. To top that it goes with this superbly good and finesse wine I've ever tasted in my life that leaves your mind reeling for sex and romance and make you ask for more.
We asked for another help for that wine and I didn't realized I was already drunk and numb and made my tongue waggle and talk a lot. I was buzzing and Doreen was laughing at me because I am very drunk and we will be leaving that night for Lourdes. This was the best celebration I had in my entire life leaving Paris drunk and really making out the best of it before my last exit from there. It was very funny indeed.
We will be leaving for Lourdes, France at 11:00 pm via train heading to the Pyrenees mountain. It was a very memorable and worthwhile experience I had in Paris since I came spending most of my first three days very well. It was really a well spent three days sojourn here in Paris!
Yeah..... Paris is indeed an awesome place full of unexplainable beauty, culinary richness, intricate arts, and spellbinding culture. I can't forget my very busy three days stay here!
Sojourn 1: Flight To Paris
This is the snippets of the blogs about my two weeks sojourn to France. I will try my very best to document everything recalling all the good memories and happenings that I did during the whole vacation.
Hopefully, I can write everything here and will help myself recall all my happy and unforgettble moments about this trip.
May 4, 2010: I started the first day of my vacation to Europe specifically in France. I was invited by my best friend from college last year to visit France and immediately I said yes and didn't turned down the offer.
This vacation was supposed to be done last year but because of my mom's passing away I postponed it for eleven months and now I can't believe I will embark for a two weeks vacation to France. It was unbelievable but it all started this day.
I left Los Angeles early in the morning at 6:50 am to be picked up by the shuttle (Supershuttle) to LAX Airport. Although my flight is yet to start boarding at 10:25 am I have to leave early in the morning in anticipation for the baggage check-in and the airport security inspection.
I have to leave my car at the apartment and took the shuttle to the airport because it is more convenient for me to be dropped off at the airport by the shuttle instead of leaving my car at the airport parking lot which will cost me so much money. So I have to booked my shuttle pass a day before the pick-up.
When I was been picked-up, the shuttle has to pick-up another passenger near La Cienega area then we headed to the airport after that. When we got to the airport I lined up myself immediately for the baggage check-in and retrieved my boarding pass which didn't even took that long.
I just have to do punch in my confirmation number then voila the stickers for the luggages (I checked-in two luggages) and the boarding passes (one going to New York and one to Paris) were been printed out right away. Then an attendant had helped me in checking-in my luggages. It wasn't that much work after all!
After checking-in my luggages I then lined up myself upstairs on the second floor for the strict airport security inspection and the x-ray which took a lot of time because they really tightened the security measures at the airport lately. They have to do this for the safety of all the passengers that are traveling.
Upon passing through the very strict security area I then looked for my assigned boarding gate and waited for the boarding time. We boarded at exactly at 10:15 am.
The flight from Los Angeles to New York via Continental Airlines was a nonstop flight and it took a little more than four hours to arrive in New York. So far the flight was uneventful although it's a little bumpy while the plane was on air.
When I arrived in New York at 6:15 pm Eastern Time I then got out of the gate and checked the monitor for my connection flight to Paris, France. I immediately went to my assigned gate and waited for a little bit less than thirty minutes then the boarding was been started.
The flight to Paris took seven hours and also was uneventful despite of the bad forecast about that volcano that kept spewing thick black smoke in Iceland. We got at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport in Paris, France safe and free from harm's way.
The airport was a small one and was so quiet and not that busy after all when I got out of the gate. I then went down to the baggage claim area to retrieve my luggages direct from LAX then went up to the second floor to meet up with my best friend from college who will pick me up.
When I saw Doreen we were laughing and hugging at each other. She asked me about the condition of the flight despite of the volcano forecast and I told her that it was okay.
We then boarded a Metro train leaving CDG airport and going to metro Paris where we will be staying at her friend's place near the Eiffel Tower area at Champs du Mars Place.
It was a very joyful reunion after all despite not seeing each other for eighteen years right after we got out of college. I was very happy now that I've seen and hugged my best friend.
Thanks for inviting and accommodating me to France!
Hopefully, I can write everything here and will help myself recall all my happy and unforgettble moments about this trip.
May 4, 2010: I started the first day of my vacation to Europe specifically in France. I was invited by my best friend from college last year to visit France and immediately I said yes and didn't turned down the offer.
This vacation was supposed to be done last year but because of my mom's passing away I postponed it for eleven months and now I can't believe I will embark for a two weeks vacation to France. It was unbelievable but it all started this day.
I left Los Angeles early in the morning at 6:50 am to be picked up by the shuttle (Supershuttle) to LAX Airport. Although my flight is yet to start boarding at 10:25 am I have to leave early in the morning in anticipation for the baggage check-in and the airport security inspection.
I have to leave my car at the apartment and took the shuttle to the airport because it is more convenient for me to be dropped off at the airport by the shuttle instead of leaving my car at the airport parking lot which will cost me so much money. So I have to booked my shuttle pass a day before the pick-up.
When I was been picked-up, the shuttle has to pick-up another passenger near La Cienega area then we headed to the airport after that. When we got to the airport I lined up myself immediately for the baggage check-in and retrieved my boarding pass which didn't even took that long.
I just have to do punch in my confirmation number then voila the stickers for the luggages (I checked-in two luggages) and the boarding passes (one going to New York and one to Paris) were been printed out right away. Then an attendant had helped me in checking-in my luggages. It wasn't that much work after all!
After checking-in my luggages I then lined up myself upstairs on the second floor for the strict airport security inspection and the x-ray which took a lot of time because they really tightened the security measures at the airport lately. They have to do this for the safety of all the passengers that are traveling.
Upon passing through the very strict security area I then looked for my assigned boarding gate and waited for the boarding time. We boarded at exactly at 10:15 am.
The flight from Los Angeles to New York via Continental Airlines was a nonstop flight and it took a little more than four hours to arrive in New York. So far the flight was uneventful although it's a little bumpy while the plane was on air.
When I arrived in New York at 6:15 pm Eastern Time I then got out of the gate and checked the monitor for my connection flight to Paris, France. I immediately went to my assigned gate and waited for a little bit less than thirty minutes then the boarding was been started.
The flight to Paris took seven hours and also was uneventful despite of the bad forecast about that volcano that kept spewing thick black smoke in Iceland. We got at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport in Paris, France safe and free from harm's way.
The airport was a small one and was so quiet and not that busy after all when I got out of the gate. I then went down to the baggage claim area to retrieve my luggages direct from LAX then went up to the second floor to meet up with my best friend from college who will pick me up.
When I saw Doreen we were laughing and hugging at each other. She asked me about the condition of the flight despite of the volcano forecast and I told her that it was okay.
We then boarded a Metro train leaving CDG airport and going to metro Paris where we will be staying at her friend's place near the Eiffel Tower area at Champs du Mars Place.
It was a very joyful reunion after all despite not seeing each other for eighteen years right after we got out of college. I was very happy now that I've seen and hugged my best friend.
Thanks for inviting and accommodating me to France!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Itinerary
Well, can't wait till I will start this France vacay of mine. I'm all excited now and very eager to start the trip. Three more days and I'm all set to go. Can't really wait for that to happen. Yay!
For a start, my friend, Ms. Doreen J., who will meet me at the CDG airport in Paris and will act as my kind and dutiful host had send me an unexpected message through Facebook sending me this impressive itinerary loaded with a lot of fun and excitement, making me more anxious and eager to burst with excitement and even pee on my pants.
She even made it to a point that I am about to giggle and roll on the floor because of the added humor she spiced up and inadvertently added on her post. In my excitement I cannot help copying-and-pasting it here on my blog and share my hyped-up excitement to all of you. I am all set to go and can't wait to leave now.
Here's the excerpt of the Facebook message my best friend had send me. I am more thrilled and happy reading it and just can't contain my smiles, giggles, anxiety, and excitement. It gives me goosebumps and butterflies in the stomach. So here it goes:
~~~~~~~~~~~ ********* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ***********
Ratsada
Between You and Doreen Jardeleza
Doreen Jardeleza April 29 at 11:17am
Musta murat? Anyway, just want to let you know that I'm all set for Paris. Good thing kay I'll be there to meet you when you arrive. Nag-absent na lang ko para sure nga inde ka na budlayan. Kag nugon man sang time kay pwede ta kadto sa Louvre once mabutang ta gamit mo sa tangkal ni Matlee.
Anyway Ton ang istaran ta tangkal lang ha as in true nga tangkal. Kay nag-offer si Grace sa iya pero di ako comportable to at least kay Matleen bisan tangkal lang lapit sa sentro. So kung game ka nga bisan you came from a long trip derecho lagaw ta kay kanugon sang tinion.
So heres the plan:
May 5- Will meet you at the airport. After bilin ang luggage kadto ta kay Monalisa, ang Eiffel Tower lalakton sa istaran ta. So after Louvre museum, ma-tour kita along Seine River by boat para daw sa pelikula gid. Ini kon may energy ka pa after the long trip, kung kapoy ka gid pahuway ta anay eh then ma-boat lang ta sa gabi.
May 6- Take the tour bus kay pwede ta na ka panaog saka as we go along sa mga tourist spots. All day ina.
May 7- Kon feel mo magkadto sa Versailles Castle aga pa ta eh kay anyway 11 pa halin sang train going to Lourdes.
May 8- Arrival sa Lourdes, I havent talked to the owner of the hotel yet kay pwede ta man na guro ibilin ang luggage ta sa counter para maka-start na kita lagaw kay sleeping beauty naman kita sa train. So since this will also be my first time there whatever na lang ang maabtan ta didto. anyway we'll talk about it in Paris.
May 9- Back to Aix via Marseille.
May 10- Ma-work ko anay kaw ya makuha sang car nga rentahan ta. Paupdan ta lang kaw sa bata sang miga ko di. Kay kon may car ka na after I finish my work kadto kita sa Avignon, known as the City of Popes, then around it kag try ko i-check kon ga-start na ang pa-dinner sa boat. (I-ready ang credit card mo kay ang akon ya tais na, hehehe).
May 11- Work ako, ikaw ya pwede kalagaw sa open market sang Aix, it's very easy once you're here kay tama kagamay nga city ang Aix, kag ari na si Shelley so pwede na kamo ka-chika as long inde nyo lang ko paglibakon, hehehe. Then at 2 pm sugaton mo ko sa school liwat kay makadto kita sa Marseille ma boat tour liwat but this time sa mga islands kag along the coasts. Remember mo ang "The Count of Monte Cristo" nga film? Kadtuan naton ang island kon diin nakita ya ang treasure basi may nabilin pa.
May 12- Not sure kon pwede ako i-relieve ni Beverly, if not sa hapon after work pwede kita kakadto sa barcelona bisan late na kita abot to nami gani kay mga Spanish 12 pm na gapanyapon. I think 2 days is enough so by Saturday balik na kita di kay kadamo pa di sang lagawan ta.
Anyway istoryahan ta lang na galing kon magkitaay na kita. Pamilin bilin ko pwede mo ko baklan Ralph Lauren nga T-shirt ang may collar nga pangbabaye. kon alang-alang ka na ok lang ipa-package na lang magbalik ka hahaha.
Hay kapoy na ko type, lets try to get in touch by phone or Skype kay para makaistorya gid kita maayo.
~~~~~~~~~~~ ******* ~~~~~~~~~~ ******** ~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's just one half of the fun. How much more if all of that will actually happen? It's probably more fun and funnier, huh! I will be the most lucky guy I could feel... hahaha.
Don't worry guys I promise I will supplement all my travels with a lot of beautiful pictures and mind-boggling stories on this blogsite. Hopefully, it will be a very memorable, remarkable, and unforgettable experience of a lifetime for me.
I'm very very excited now and I just can't wait till all of these will happen at an instant. I hope the weather will just cooperate with us as well as time and health. I couldn't expect more but a happy, fun, and memorable experience and vacation.
Thanks in advance to my very dear friend, Ms. Doreen J., for her hospitality and kindness to show me around the country and for accommodating me despite of her very hectic and messy schedules. Thanks to you Miga!
For a start, my friend, Ms. Doreen J., who will meet me at the CDG airport in Paris and will act as my kind and dutiful host had send me an unexpected message through Facebook sending me this impressive itinerary loaded with a lot of fun and excitement, making me more anxious and eager to burst with excitement and even pee on my pants.
She even made it to a point that I am about to giggle and roll on the floor because of the added humor she spiced up and inadvertently added on her post. In my excitement I cannot help copying-and-pasting it here on my blog and share my hyped-up excitement to all of you. I am all set to go and can't wait to leave now.
Here's the excerpt of the Facebook message my best friend had send me. I am more thrilled and happy reading it and just can't contain my smiles, giggles, anxiety, and excitement. It gives me goosebumps and butterflies in the stomach. So here it goes:
~~~~~~~~~~~ ********* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ***********
Ratsada
Between You and Doreen Jardeleza
Doreen Jardeleza April 29 at 11:17am
Musta murat? Anyway, just want to let you know that I'm all set for Paris. Good thing kay I'll be there to meet you when you arrive. Nag-absent na lang ko para sure nga inde ka na budlayan. Kag nugon man sang time kay pwede ta kadto sa Louvre once mabutang ta gamit mo sa tangkal ni Matlee.
Anyway Ton ang istaran ta tangkal lang ha as in true nga tangkal. Kay nag-offer si Grace sa iya pero di ako comportable to at least kay Matleen bisan tangkal lang lapit sa sentro. So kung game ka nga bisan you came from a long trip derecho lagaw ta kay kanugon sang tinion.
So heres the plan:
May 5- Will meet you at the airport. After bilin ang luggage kadto ta kay Monalisa, ang Eiffel Tower lalakton sa istaran ta. So after Louvre museum, ma-tour kita along Seine River by boat para daw sa pelikula gid. Ini kon may energy ka pa after the long trip, kung kapoy ka gid pahuway ta anay eh then ma-boat lang ta sa gabi.
May 6- Take the tour bus kay pwede ta na ka panaog saka as we go along sa mga tourist spots. All day ina.
May 7- Kon feel mo magkadto sa Versailles Castle aga pa ta eh kay anyway 11 pa halin sang train going to Lourdes.
May 8- Arrival sa Lourdes, I havent talked to the owner of the hotel yet kay pwede ta man na guro ibilin ang luggage ta sa counter para maka-start na kita lagaw kay sleeping beauty naman kita sa train. So since this will also be my first time there whatever na lang ang maabtan ta didto. anyway we'll talk about it in Paris.
May 9- Back to Aix via Marseille.
May 10- Ma-work ko anay kaw ya makuha sang car nga rentahan ta. Paupdan ta lang kaw sa bata sang miga ko di. Kay kon may car ka na after I finish my work kadto kita sa Avignon, known as the City of Popes, then around it kag try ko i-check kon ga-start na ang pa-dinner sa boat. (I-ready ang credit card mo kay ang akon ya tais na, hehehe).
May 11- Work ako, ikaw ya pwede kalagaw sa open market sang Aix, it's very easy once you're here kay tama kagamay nga city ang Aix, kag ari na si Shelley so pwede na kamo ka-chika as long inde nyo lang ko paglibakon, hehehe. Then at 2 pm sugaton mo ko sa school liwat kay makadto kita sa Marseille ma boat tour liwat but this time sa mga islands kag along the coasts. Remember mo ang "The Count of Monte Cristo" nga film? Kadtuan naton ang island kon diin nakita ya ang treasure basi may nabilin pa.
May 12- Not sure kon pwede ako i-relieve ni Beverly, if not sa hapon after work pwede kita kakadto sa barcelona bisan late na kita abot to nami gani kay mga Spanish 12 pm na gapanyapon. I think 2 days is enough so by Saturday balik na kita di kay kadamo pa di sang lagawan ta.
Anyway istoryahan ta lang na galing kon magkitaay na kita. Pamilin bilin ko pwede mo ko baklan Ralph Lauren nga T-shirt ang may collar nga pangbabaye. kon alang-alang ka na ok lang ipa-package na lang magbalik ka hahaha.
Hay kapoy na ko type, lets try to get in touch by phone or Skype kay para makaistorya gid kita maayo.
~~~~~~~~~~~ ******* ~~~~~~~~~~ ******** ~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's just one half of the fun. How much more if all of that will actually happen? It's probably more fun and funnier, huh! I will be the most lucky guy I could feel... hahaha.
Don't worry guys I promise I will supplement all my travels with a lot of beautiful pictures and mind-boggling stories on this blogsite. Hopefully, it will be a very memorable, remarkable, and unforgettable experience of a lifetime for me.
I'm very very excited now and I just can't wait till all of these will happen at an instant. I hope the weather will just cooperate with us as well as time and health. I couldn't expect more but a happy, fun, and memorable experience and vacation.
Thanks in advance to my very dear friend, Ms. Doreen J., for her hospitality and kindness to show me around the country and for accommodating me despite of her very hectic and messy schedules. Thanks to you Miga!
Vivid Memories About May
Spring will end soon and the blooms that we see all around us will soon wane eventually holding a promise that they will again come back next year.
It always amazed me that it's already the first day of the month of May today. It reminded me of the "Flores de Mayo" and the "Santa Cruzan" in the Philippines. While the flowers were gradually be gone here in the western hemisphere they will eventually start to bloom there in the eastern part of the globe.
I remember when we were little, we used to huddle our asses to the church in the afternoon bringing flowers on hand to offer them to the mother Mary after our catechism classes. We call it "Flores de Mayo" which technically means "May of Flowers" or just plainly flower offering.
But to us little kids it is the month of going to church religiously to offer flowers to the Mother Mary. Since May in the Philippines is a vacation month all children were encouraged to go to church as an option to attend cathechism classes and be taught how to pray and learn stories from the Bible where we can learn about different values like patience, humility, forgiveness, happiness, sadness to name some. I myself benefitted from that cathechism classes.
After the classes all the children were being gathered inside the church to pray for the fifteen mysteries of the rosary led by a nun or a well-known woman figure (I remember Sister Auring Landar) and all the children being gathered inside the church will recite the Apostle's Creed, Hail Mary's, and Glory Be's in chorus.
Then later in the afternoon an offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary at the altar was being held and then the children were given some goodies to enjoy for coming to the afternoon catechism classes and the flower offering. Those were the things that I can still recall. And I know until now this tradition was still being upheld there in my hometown.
We do these classes for the whole month, every day in the afternoon. Some children who will complete the whole month without absences were also given some prices at the end of the month. Prizes ranges from rosaries, Bibles, medals, ribbons, goodies, even money.
We do this at the last day of the month where we have a big program and all the children and the sisters (women volunteers who teaches catechisms) were present to make it more festive. We have games, party, plays, and even singing contest. It was a very fond memories that I can still remember.
May was also the month of "Santa Cruzan", a tradition we inherited from the Spaniards. Where in we Catholics reinacted the finding of Jesus' cross by Reyna Elena and Reyna Emperatriz.
We held processions were all the beautiful ladies wearing pretty gowns paraded with an arch adorned with beautiful flowers around the church's courtyard playing the roles of Reyna Elena and Reyna Emperatriz and all the lady saints the church has come up.
It was a very festive event that's always being celebrated every end of the month. There were programs held and also dancing on the streets. Then after that there will be food festivals and party being held at the church's courtyard. The whole town was also celebrating commemorating that the month of May ends which is culminated by this procession of flowers and beauties.
It was still a vivid memory for me. And that's the one I really missed after deciding to come here in America nineteen years ago. I never had attended any one of those celebrations after that. I saw some in the television but the feeling of being there was very different. The excitement and the fun for being there is just so enormous that couldn't be explained even with very elaborate words.
May here in America is the end of Spring and the coming in of Summer. All the flowers that blooms everywhere will be all gone and the humidity of the weather rises in the atmosphere.The celebration of Memorial Day which heralds the approaching Summer season will be soon evident.
During Memorial Day people of all walks of life comes out in the open field and feel the scorching heat of the sun by celebrating with families in the park camping, eating, playing, talking, drinking beer, and hanging out. In short, it is a good way of getting together as a family and spending quiet times with each other.
Memorial Day is also a day for blockbuster movies coming out and for people to watch out who grossed the most. It is also a day where people go to the movie houses and watch those big time and big budget movies. I can't wait what will be in store for this coming Memorial Day for the movie industry.
I know, me and my friends. will gonna go camping for this coming Memorial Day and I can't wait for that. If that happens this will be the first time that I can do it. Yay! I'm still crossing my fingers. I hope my job won't be on the way. I'm really looking forward for that.
So as May started to take off now, things are just in the right track. I will be embarking a two week vacation to France early this month. Hopefully, everything will be more fun and memorable for me when I am there.
I remember last year, I also had a two week vacation in Washington state and stayed most of the time in Seattle with friends. It was also a very fun and memorable vacation that time trying to squeezed our time well to see and visit a lot of beautiful places around Washington state and Oregon as well. My experiences that time were so massive that I still can even recall them clearly in my mind.
I hope my France vacation will be the same as well or even more than that. I'm getting very excited already. Can't wait for it to happen.
It always amazed me that it's already the first day of the month of May today. It reminded me of the "Flores de Mayo" and the "Santa Cruzan" in the Philippines. While the flowers were gradually be gone here in the western hemisphere they will eventually start to bloom there in the eastern part of the globe.
I remember when we were little, we used to huddle our asses to the church in the afternoon bringing flowers on hand to offer them to the mother Mary after our catechism classes. We call it "Flores de Mayo" which technically means "May of Flowers" or just plainly flower offering.
But to us little kids it is the month of going to church religiously to offer flowers to the Mother Mary. Since May in the Philippines is a vacation month all children were encouraged to go to church as an option to attend cathechism classes and be taught how to pray and learn stories from the Bible where we can learn about different values like patience, humility, forgiveness, happiness, sadness to name some. I myself benefitted from that cathechism classes.
After the classes all the children were being gathered inside the church to pray for the fifteen mysteries of the rosary led by a nun or a well-known woman figure (I remember Sister Auring Landar) and all the children being gathered inside the church will recite the Apostle's Creed, Hail Mary's, and Glory Be's in chorus.
Then later in the afternoon an offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary at the altar was being held and then the children were given some goodies to enjoy for coming to the afternoon catechism classes and the flower offering. Those were the things that I can still recall. And I know until now this tradition was still being upheld there in my hometown.
We do these classes for the whole month, every day in the afternoon. Some children who will complete the whole month without absences were also given some prices at the end of the month. Prizes ranges from rosaries, Bibles, medals, ribbons, goodies, even money.
We do this at the last day of the month where we have a big program and all the children and the sisters (women volunteers who teaches catechisms) were present to make it more festive. We have games, party, plays, and even singing contest. It was a very fond memories that I can still remember.
May was also the month of "Santa Cruzan", a tradition we inherited from the Spaniards. Where in we Catholics reinacted the finding of Jesus' cross by Reyna Elena and Reyna Emperatriz.
We held processions were all the beautiful ladies wearing pretty gowns paraded with an arch adorned with beautiful flowers around the church's courtyard playing the roles of Reyna Elena and Reyna Emperatriz and all the lady saints the church has come up.
It was a very festive event that's always being celebrated every end of the month. There were programs held and also dancing on the streets. Then after that there will be food festivals and party being held at the church's courtyard. The whole town was also celebrating commemorating that the month of May ends which is culminated by this procession of flowers and beauties.
It was still a vivid memory for me. And that's the one I really missed after deciding to come here in America nineteen years ago. I never had attended any one of those celebrations after that. I saw some in the television but the feeling of being there was very different. The excitement and the fun for being there is just so enormous that couldn't be explained even with very elaborate words.
May here in America is the end of Spring and the coming in of Summer. All the flowers that blooms everywhere will be all gone and the humidity of the weather rises in the atmosphere.The celebration of Memorial Day which heralds the approaching Summer season will be soon evident.
During Memorial Day people of all walks of life comes out in the open field and feel the scorching heat of the sun by celebrating with families in the park camping, eating, playing, talking, drinking beer, and hanging out. In short, it is a good way of getting together as a family and spending quiet times with each other.
Memorial Day is also a day for blockbuster movies coming out and for people to watch out who grossed the most. It is also a day where people go to the movie houses and watch those big time and big budget movies. I can't wait what will be in store for this coming Memorial Day for the movie industry.
I know, me and my friends. will gonna go camping for this coming Memorial Day and I can't wait for that. If that happens this will be the first time that I can do it. Yay! I'm still crossing my fingers. I hope my job won't be on the way. I'm really looking forward for that.
So as May started to take off now, things are just in the right track. I will be embarking a two week vacation to France early this month. Hopefully, everything will be more fun and memorable for me when I am there.
I remember last year, I also had a two week vacation in Washington state and stayed most of the time in Seattle with friends. It was also a very fun and memorable vacation that time trying to squeezed our time well to see and visit a lot of beautiful places around Washington state and Oregon as well. My experiences that time were so massive that I still can even recall them clearly in my mind.
I hope my France vacation will be the same as well or even more than that. I'm getting very excited already. Can't wait for it to happen.
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