November 2, 2011: It seems that I am fortunate enough to have traveled half the globe and solely discovered how well the people in that part of the world live life on a day to day basis. It was a great opportunity that I can never ever forget.
In this vacation, I went to four different countries and had explored several unforgettable and beautiful cities that I can still picture, like a movie, clearly playing in my finicky mind. Mingling with the various cultures of each country is a tad challenging job for me, yet it doesn't hinder my drive and eagerness in exploring these wonderful places that I am able to visit, to quench the million dollar-questions that had bombarded my voracious conscious mind, since I grew up way back home in the Philippines.
On this blog, I have to compare all four beautiful countries in retrospect and cover their culture, people, arts, architectures, food, transportation, and everyday lifestyle which I meticulously observed, described, and personally expounded here. Kind of writing an article in a travel magazine. I'm quite excited with this plan and what I'm getting at. Hopefully I can still vividly remember everything that I have experienced because three weeks of walking, exploring, and mingling in a highly strange environment was extremely quite taxing and entailed a lot more time for me to remember and recall, that I felt I already had gradually forgotten.
S P A I N: I went to Barcelona on the first few days of my first week vacation. Actually I spend three days and two nights in this small Spanish City, rich in culture and culinary selections. All in all it's a nice and excellent place to just unwind wonderfully for the weekend after a persevering whole week's work. It is a haven for some minute fun activities for a single and adventurous guy like me. Not really a family oriented place unless you enjoyably visit the famous attractions where family is being centered, targetted, or focused. The place maybe is the gastronomic capital of the world, because restaurants abound the famous "La Ramblas" teeming with people eating, celebrating, and appreciating food.
Architectures: Their architecture is more freestyle and contemporary as seen and evident in all of Gaudi's works especially at "La Sagrada Familia Cathedral", "Pedreras", and "Parq Guell." His conspicuously eye-catching "baroque style" still emanates from his past works. Many buildings dated in the 1500s were being transformed and had been eroded by time but some of Gaudi's work were still being left for preservation.
Arts: The arts were also more freestyle. Rarely, I haven't seen some famous Spanish painter's works on exhibit unless if I go to an actual museum. I have not been to one yet when I was there, but the one famous Spanish painter I knew of, is the infamous Pablo Picasso and his odd works, which also were more contemporary and freestyle like Antoni Gaudi's magnificent sculptures and towering architectures.
Chow: Food was evidently palatable and delicious and the staple "beef tapas" and "paellas" were the bomb and highly recommended when you're in Barcelona, as well as the tasteful drink commonly called "sangria", originally originated from this place, was deliciously addicting. The smooth and delectable "torta" was delightfully satiny soft and very delicious. Lot's of good and competitive restaurants sporadically scattered everywhere but mostly very expensive. A strong Spanish coffee could break the ice and is an excellent sleep buster.
Transportation: The Metro and bus were more accessible and were a common means of transportation. Yet we used the Metro all the time because it's more easier to understand rather than the mind-boggling bus' routes. White-green taxis abounds the whole city but are not reasonable and realistic for our traveling conditions.
People: There were a lot of wandering and mesmerized tourists, especially at the center of the city. A lot of goodlooking guys especially the younger ones. People were more heavy looking because of their knack to eat fatty rich foods. They were congregating at "La Ramblas", a long avenue or boulevard full of nice restaurants and curious tourists, to eat and watch people passing by.
Fashion: It looks like fashion there seems very informal. A lot of people wear T-shirts, jogging-pants, shorts, and jeans with plain and colorful sneakers. Rarely I can see people in formal or semi-formal attires. Yet they all look sleek and goodlooking. It all comes out maybe from their Spanish genes. In my close observation, headphones were a current fashion fad at the Metro station especially now that mp3's are in.
F R A N C E: France is a highly conservative country. A place where I can accustomed myself as an old fashion person emanating during the Victorian period. I love this country because of the overly conscious people that put their efforts in maintaining their well being and health. Most importantly, I love the charming rustic French countryside. However, I'm just turned off with the French's arrogant attitudes except for my friend Arnaud, who showed me around, and is extremely opposite with the locals, as what I've observed.
Architectures: I've been to Paris twice yet what really magically swooned me was the aura of the classical and romantic architectural designs of the various buildings and edifices scattered sporadically all over the city. No wonder why Paris was been noted as "The Romantic City" of the world. The French Opera, Madeliene, Arc de Triomph, the famous Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Church, Louvre Museum, Sacre Cauoer, Versailles Palace etc. were all teeming with intricate yet classical designs. All were globally famous and enormously hinted French architectural styles and designs to me. I mean these were original French structures wished by other people to see, visit, and explore and I am a very fortunate person to have it witnessed personally.
Arts: At the Louvre Museum alone there were a lot of arts that I can peruse depending on what era I want to be. But I am so fortunate to have seen the Renaissance era boasting the magnificent works of da Vinci and Michelangelo as the famous artists. In France, these arts were well preserved at the world renowned Louvre Museum. Whereas, in Versailles the arts were more Victorian in style loaded with numerous original French inspired paintings. The works of Cezanne, Rodin, and Monet depicting mother nature and the day-to-day people were more of a French way of art that I know of.
Chow: Although their food is not that so delectably filling I can grab a convenient wrap or a sandwich at the corner "patisserrie" or "brasserrie." The crunchy "croissant" dipped in a chocolate infused coffee during the morning was very addicting yet it worked and complimented well. I haven't tasted some authentic French cooking yet like the famous "ratatouille" and "bouillabaisse" but I know that the "hors dourves" and "apperitiffs" were exceptionally special especially if coupled with a matching tasty wine. Dipping diced and spiced breads, sliced fruits or veggies in a simmering "fondue" pot, be it a mouth watering first class cheese or a tasty sweet milk chocolate was interestingly fun. As well as slicing a melted cheese from a radiant "raclette" is tediuosly appetite stimulating. The wide array of sweets and desserts especially the "nutty almond macaroon" and the "powdery lady fingers" were famous for the French people especially when coupled with a good hot tea or coffee. And the ever loved soft "crepes" filled with different fruit jams or chocolate spread were exceptionally bedeviled. You can even wrap it in a sandwich and enjoy a hearty healthy meal. Yummy!
Transportation: The Metro is more convenient and accessible especially if you are trapped in a Paris' busy street. Buses were also a staple means of transit but I am accustomed to the subway better because my human navigator was very adept and prolific at it. Trains and buses were also very accessible when you travel on the famous French countryside. When it comes to cars we saw a lot of German cars at the parking lots, be it business or residential. There were Mercedeses and Peugeots at the most.
People: Yeah.... I surely like this part. All I can say is that there is no fat or curvy people in Paris or somewhere in France. There might be some but they're not French, maybe immigrants from neighboring countries. No, that's a hyperbole....... but it's a fact to me actually based on my own personal accounts. People were skinny and very conscious about their health. I can make three boyfriends if I stay and live there longer. Young and old appeared slender and slim, as well as very handsome and goodlooking, although what I don't like from them is their irritating arrogance and aggravating ferocity. It greatly irked me a lot. I'm sorry but it looks so vicious to me.
Fashion: At the subway, you'll notice people are very stylish and fashionably trendy. I seldom see some people wearing sneakers or jogging pants. They were all dressed up formally or semi-formally in leather shoes and slacks for a nice office day. Black and earthen colors were a trend. It must be because it's the usual Fall season colors. Very professional and elegant in their fashion sense. No wonder why "Louie Vuitton" had established a studio at the famous Champs Elysees. The use of expensive headphones (like Beat designed by LL Cool J) in the subway was the usual picture, I am accustomed with, everytime we took the subway. Pretty hip huh!
I T A L Y: "Italia" is a venerable and a very old fashion country. A very classical and beautiful place as well. Family and food is the focus in this country. I've had had enough time to explore every city in Italy and every city has their own uniqueness and originality, very distinct to that place, which you can distinguish from the other and I am glad I got the chance to see what is has to offer. Italy is very rich in ancient culture, stunning arts, eye-popping architectures, and endowed enormously with a rich countryside sceneries that were so captivating and enthralling. Myriad of local and national foods were delectably fascinating and the fashion trends was usually at its highs, considering that Milan is the fashion capital of the country. You'll never get tired of Italy in and out. There's a lot to do when you're there. Only time is of the essence and were always so hurried because of time constraints. It is a very stunning country and the people are very diverse.
Architectures: All the buildings I saw were potentially gorgeous and beautiful. Old yet elegant. That's how I personally define them. The churches were very classic and antique looking yet it was very captivating to the eyes. Some buildings have enormous statues and beautiful reliefs plastered on the pointed spires and walls that added more inscrutable galore to the naked eye. Italy is extremely rich in architectural buildings built from the Roman and Renaissance era. It was deeply rooted from the ancient times.
Arts: Arts were very rustic, romantic, and classical added to that insanely and passionately invoking. From the works of Botticelli, to Cellini, or even Michelangelo and da Vinci, their artworks put Italy on the A-list among the best of the best. Duomos and churches were adorned with excellent and famous artworks I've never seen in my entire life. They're just massive in numbers. I just can't forget the David statue, that is housed at the Academia in Firenze (currently known as Florence), that had magically captivated and imaginatively played my vision to unexplainably swoon on such a huge piece of smooth and hard marble art. The intricate lifelike nudity of the muscular statue and the odd charging pose and stance had extremely titillated and maybe mutilated my naive visual senses.
Chow: Technically when we speak of Italian foods, the "pizzas" and the "pastas" could not be neglected. I ate monstrously excellent and succulent pizzas that had magically melted in my mouth like first class cheese (not minding the high numbered calories) and was one of my best experiences I've had for this gastronomic and culinary experience-packed adventure. The just enough cooked "spaghettini" loaded with savory spiced "marinara" sauce and three authetic Italian cheeses generously topped with huge succulent Italian meatballs was indulgingly mouth-watering. Added to that, the tasteful chicken "pesto" mixed in a chewy boiled "penne pasta" or "gnocchi" was deliciously unforgettable. The slow-cooked and delicious "osso-bucco" marinated in red wine we ordered and tasted in a restaurant in Milan and the tender-succulent "veal scalloppine" topped with oyster mushroom "marsala" sauce we savored in Florence was a highly recommended regional menu. The exceptional "gelato" at the corner store were excellently delicious and could not be ignored. I like the roasted vanilla and pistacchio flavor. It had made me forgot about myself and made me more confused on what flavor to chose. The sweet cream-filled and chewey-and-crunchy "cannellonis" were excellently delectable and could not be forgotten as well. And of course, the best kept and perfectly fermented Italian wine couldn't be neglected, too, be it white or red wine. And the sweet "moscato" wine of the region was unforgettable. Muy magnifico!
Transportation: Trains and buses abounds the whole nation. We've been using the train a lot of times when we were hopping from town to town and uses the Metro bus when were within the city limits. They were both affordable and inexpensive. I haven't seen any subway there. I didn't remember we've been using them during our travels. The railways were very staple and can be seen everywhere, that's probably because we were using the inter city trains. When it comes to cars, Italians were very patronizing. There were a lot of "Fiats" parking on the streets in business and residential parking lots. We've seen some "Feraris" and "Maseratis" used as public vehicles. Quite odd!
People: People here were more darker compared to the Spaniards and French. I can see some goodlooking and toned guys, but in Barcelona and Paris more goodlooking people abounds. I can see that they are more hairy compared to the fair complexioned French. Most of the men have moustache if not has goatees, like sixty percent of them according to my observations. Yes, it couldn't be ignored that as Italians ate "pastas" and "pizzas" they've packed unexpected weights and I can see that to some of them..
Fashion: Italy is the home of a lot of the famous designers yet the people doesn't have a good fashion sense and does not dress good in public. They are fond of signatures even though it doesn't match or fit them. It is the home of "Versace" and "Dolce and Gabbana" yet people were not really fashionably trendy. Added to that, Milan is also famous as the nations fashion capital yet people dressed like drabs. Maybe because I was at a wrong place at a wrong time, I don't know. Italians also wear informally, with sneakers and flip-flops, as the staple footwear. Rarely, I can see somebody in shoes and formal wear not unless they're a politician, newscaster, or a rich person.
B E L G I U M: Our journey to Belgium was just a spur-of-the-moment decision and short lived yet Brussels proved to me that Belgium shouldn't be left off or ignored. Brussels is a very nice modern city yet we are always in a haste to explore it because we were only there for the whole day, but it is a very positive place for me. The surroundings were very clean and the atmosphere were very clear. The business and restaurant establishments were full of beer drinkers, where beer here was equated to drinking water. Brussels is an ultra modern city with a lot of history and it is a very nice place.
Architectures: Modern buildings were leaning towards a contemporary way of architectural boom. The odd "Atomium" is very eye catching to me and the "Little Europe" is a great and beautiful attraction to everyone. At the heart of the city many classical and old-fashioned buildings were being mixed with the modern ones appearing very unbalanced to the naked eye yet good to be perused and checked out. The vintage churches and antiquated government buildings were more French inspired to me. The main square at the center of the city was surrounded by very familiar old and new buildings with beautiful architectural structures.
Arts: Although we did not went to a museum, their ultra modern subways were all adorned with the finest modern colorful arts. Each subway stations were different and unique. Most of the arts posted were contemporary and abstract. Modernization is apparent in Belgium and everything appears so high tech. It's just like shopping at "Ikea" where furnitures were oddly shaped. I remember and thought of Singapore when I stepped out of the train at the main union station.
Chow: Speaking of Belgium you know what's globally famous..... wide array of delicious and mouth watering Belgian chocolates (be it dark or milked) and powdered sugary sprinkled waffles. Ooh yeah... you'll not give up eating those luscious Belgian chocolates and chewy Belgian waffles. Beers were also a staple drink (alternative to water) aside from the few good wines and people were accustomed to eating seafoods here, I don't know why. I tried this locally grown mussels boiled in wine, creme, and garlic-scallion mixture infusion called "Moulles".... hmmm .... hmmm..... so yummy!
Transporation: Train and buses abounds the whole city but we like the train better. Kinda not accustomed to transferring buses but trains oh yeah very well. It's not that hard to read the directions because they're all in English. And the directions were also color coded. We also like walking on the highly paved streets and checked out some of the famous parks and gardens.
People: People here were mixed Dutch and French and there were a lot of tourists every where. Belgium is a melting pot of people coming from other parts of Europe because of it's unique geographical location situated at the center of Europe. So what can I expect were also mixed ugly and handsome people. The Dutch? Oh well, not that par enough. Although, I don't really want to mention it here you know......
Fashion: Kinda mixed, too. Jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, and hooded jackets. Not too formal but very alternative..... I called it diversified fashion maybe because most of the people we've seen were tourists and not locals. Although, at the train station we can also see some businessmen dressed formally on their way to work. I kind of not established on this one though because of the high number of people traveling there and it's hard to assess the fashion trends of the locals.
In summary, my travels have gave me a lot of lessons especially with adapting to various cultures of the countries we've been. It only summed up to one lesson for me, that wherever you are, you have to adapt to the place and its people. There's an old adage saying; "When in Rome, do what the Romans do." And there you are, that's what I am talking about.
I learned that I have to learn at least some of the few local words because people just won't respond to you if you keep asking them in English. In Paris, people were so nationalistic and would not respond to you if you don't speak French. You have to warn them ahead of time that you can only speak English, or else you'll be left off somewhere. I am fortunate to have Doreen with me, who can speak French fluently and interpreted for me.
I am glad that I made this travel because it made me aware of the differences of people I've met, as well as made me more seasoned in traveling and mingling with different cultures of the countries I've been to. It was a great experience for me and my friend Doreen and I am very happy that everything turned out well.
I couldn't be more happier about everything we've experienced. I thanked Doreen for sticking with me all throughout my journeys. We both had enjoyed everything we went through and did during those travels. Thank you very much my friend.... see you again next time.
Yeah, I am grateful I did this traveling because from it I gained a lot of experiences and observations of what a harmonious world we have. As well as I gained, acquired, and met new friends along the way and had treasured their unconditional friendship. I am grateful for every thing that had happened and thankful that God was always with me during those travels.
Thank you Lord, for everything and I felt so fortunate and grateful that you had kept me safe from harm all the time. Ciao for now.
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