Remembering Zermatt

 I arrived in Zermatt at night time, from a train trip that started from Zurich. It was almost seven in the evening and I still have to look for the AirBnb I signed up. Upon alighting from the train I called the owner and told him that I was at the train station.

He then told me that I need to walk towards the downtown and he will wait for me at the Pizza corner near the alley where he lives. It was a tad 200 meters walk from the train station when I saw the pizza corner and there he was, waiting for me at the bench near the street.

I followed him up the hill where he lives and it was a steep climb. Carrying my carry on luggage was a little bit of a discomfort but we made it to his apartment. He introduced himself to me and there I know that he was a retired American surgeon and he chose to retire here in Zermatt.

He has a lot of businesses in California and had been enjoying his life and retirement in Switzerland. He offered me a tea and cookie and then I took a warm shower because it was cold at night there. And then, I rested for the night because I was very tired from the long trip from Saint Moritz to Zurich and Zurich to Zermatt. I have to transfer twice in order to arrive there. I should have took the Bernini train that leaves from Saint Moritz to Zermatt, but it was very costly.

The next morning, I woke up and my host was already awake. He offered me a warm coffee and cheese sandwich and then instructed on places to go since I am there only for one day. I didn't know he already programmed my itinerary which was pretty much very convenient for me.

It was five in the morning and the sun was already creeping out from the horizon. The village was still in a deep slumber and I was already out trying to witness the magical scenery that opened up before me. As the sun slowly crept out the village was slightly illuminated by the reflection of it's rays against the snow capped mountains that surrounded the village. It was a beautiful sight.

I went down the apartment and took the path down towards the centerville. At the slight bend when I was going down I saw on my left side the beautiful Matternhorn with its North face illuminated by the sunlight and it turned out golden and bright from my vantage point of view. It was a magical moment for me, so I immediately captured it  by clicking my camera. I was in awe and feeling fortunate!

I regretted having spent one day there, I should have stayed for two days more for there's a lot a hiking  activities to be done there. I am entranced of this village and vowed to come back again in the future. Hopefully, I could go back.

I went down to the downtown and explored all its nooks and crannies. I walked and walked a thousand steps to just peruse the whole village, (hahaha not really  the whole village). But I enjoyed strolling around there and immersed myself in its beauty. 

Zermatt is a beautiful place, touristy but it has it's allure. The early morning view at the hill was stunning and the golden Matternhorn was a sight to behold. That's why Zermatt has it's own magic despite how crowded the downtown is. I could not go to a hike at that time because of the snow and the biting cold but I vowed to come back there when it is not snowing and when the flowers blooms and spreads its fragrance from the mountain.

This is just a preliminary orientation about Zermatt and I am well acquainted of the place already. I left the place with a numbed heart but it's always like that when I say goodbye to a place I like. Hopefully, it will be better. 

The Joys Of Traveling

Traveling was always an avenue for me to discover new things. I've always attributed it to just immerse in a new world that is apart from mine, which is technically true. I never imagined I can do it extensively at this point of my life because of my aging status. But, I liked it so much.

The thrill of discovering new things, meeting new friends, immersing in new culture, trying new and strange foods, etc. was an epitome of honing you to be mature. You learn to adapt to the strange environment and learn how to do things beyond your means. For me, it is a wonderful thing to experience.

You notice, that you left with so much expectations and learn all those things on the spot and then when you come back you were totally a different person because you mature a little bit learning new things and perspectives. You learned to be open and receptive to everything around you. It was a feeling of fulfillment at the least.

I just came back from a Patagonian Trip and still planning to do another trip for another wonderful experience. It was kinda routinary for me to just go and come back then plan and leave again for another one. 

I started traveling late at my 30s then after my first travel to Europe things had just evolved to continuity. I can't just stop. My friends were teasing me that I have restless leg syndrome. Hahaha. But honestly, I guess they were right. I can endure walking miles and miles away when I am traveling and I am unstoppable, It was indeed an addiction!

Well, traveling had given me an avenue to side track myself from the stress of work and coming back form it I felt fresh and recharged. It's a good feeling coming back from a long trip. As if you don't what to come back to work. 

If I have so much money, I will just travel endlessly and make it as a living. Being single can make me travel to my liking without any problems  and I was fortunate to have a situation like that and has the means to do it because of my job. I can just schedule myself to escape from work without affecting my full time job because I can joggle my schedule independently.

It is a blessing that I started traveling when I was on my late 30s and I didn't regret it. Now I have recorded tons of memories in my mind and in my phone and in my other online accounts that always reminded me everyday about them and for me to reminisce all those pictures and imagine the good and bad things from that experiences.

It made me more aware that things happened in life to make you more mature and experienced. Yes indeed, traveling had made me mature and experienced about life. All those memories I have collected were my treasures and having those people can't just rob it from me because no memories can be bought with money. 

They say, money talks, but on this instance money cannot buy your memories. It is deeply rooted in you and nobody can take that away from you. Remember that always!

Bottling Up

 Yes, I am in a daze. Every time I encountered her, I am quite in a different realm. But it seems that we have different perception of each other. 

I felt so prideful when I come to encounter her. And so was she! Seems like she has some reservations as well. Two persons who acts professionally at each other yet cannot find some chance to say a word to each other. But as I can perceived it, the nonverbal cues that I saw was very indicative of a very deep emotions to me.

I don't know if it is just a one-way street or a two-way one. But to me the pre-emptions was strikingly similar to two strangers trying to evade each other but with quite a hint of precaution, maybe not to hit each one's ego or  it was just me who is trying to overthink about the situation.

Here I am again, reading through the tacit actions. My clairvoyant talent seems like doesn't hit the bullseye at this time. Hahaha....

You know what, honestly was I the one who just feel excited about this charade? I can't really fathom this emotions but believe me it was deep like an abyss and I can't help myself getting drowned from it. Or was I just crazy enough to think about it. Crazy enough that I maybe scream "Wonder Woman" at this time. Hahaha...

So what I did, I just bottled up this pent up emotions, hold it to myself and not show it to my close friend just to avoid misinterpretation and overthinking. I hope this is a wise decision. Aaaah! I cannot take this anymore. My guilt eats me up because of this.

I hope I can get over this immediately and not be discovered later because it will be too embarrassing if she will find it out. Oh no!

There were two instances that I sneaked a keychain on her jacket's pocket, not once but twice. Can you believe it? I was sleuthing really well when I did it and luckily I did it with success. It was a bit scary but oh well I did it. I just wonder what's her reaction when she discovered of this mementos.

I know she doesn't have any idea but to come to think of it it was indeed scary. What if she doesn't like it? What if she has an idea that if was me? I guess what I felt about her is not obvious to her, but too brave for me to do.

I know eventually this slight charade will be discovered so I better stop it while it is early. For me, I guess it is enough to have stirred her world a little bit. The charm of my little adventure will for sure leave an indelible mark on her and I hope she will cherish the effort of the actions I did.

Brazilian Lesson

 My last trip was in Sao Paolo, Brazil. It was been planned long time ago because it is just apt to go now because by April 2025, the Brazilian Immigration will now require American citizens to apply for a visa for entry.

Since I miss Sao Paolo and the good looking boys, I carefully planned this trip for this reason. Brazil is huge and a lot of beautiful places to foray and each places has their own characteristics just like its boys. And besides it is one of the country in South America that I always wanted to explore, so for this trip I mainly concentrate at Sao Paolo, Curitiba, and Bahia region.

I met some new friends before, during my first trip. But I was with a group and was just restrained when it comes to exploring socially. Yes, we've been to several nice places in Rio de Janiero and Sao Paolo but I never really explored the night life scene there which I have heard was even nice.

On this trip, I have met a lot of boys and I have enjoyed their company. They brought me to awesome places to really leave an indelible mark for my vicarious experiences in Curitiba and Bahia. I really did enjoy the beach despite of the rainy days when I was there. 

Brazil offers a lot of good experiences. Despite my fear of the notoriety of the "cariocas" in Bahia, I still fathom my fear and faced the challenges ahead and indeed ended victorious in the end. 

I really did not regret going and if given more chances, I will come back again a thousand times. Being around beautiful people gives me the urge to enjoy the feeling of being with them. It's just a fulfilling feeling to have it. And I am glad I did it despite some enormous hesitations I've had initially during the planning phase.

Yes, there were some bumps along the way but yeah.... that's life as they say. There we're no lessons to be learned if someone just don't face the challenge. In the end whether it is a positive or a negative outcome, still there's always a lesson to learn. Even one lesson is enough to trigger the wheel of life of turn.

Indeed, my travel hobby had brought me to many places but to ne honest there's some places that I need to go back which had left a big impact in my life. And I would hesitate to do it if given a chance. 

French Riviera Escapades

Middle of June was quite hot in Nice and it was apt to roam around the favorite city tourists wanted to roam every summertime. I was lucky to be here and I gladly like it. 

After spending three days at Aix-en-Provence with my friends living there, my hunger for their company was already quenched and we spend endless days and nights reminiscing our friendship from ten years ago. It was a bittersweet reunion and I liked it.

Taking a Flixbus going to Nice was the most convenient for me but other alternative like the train was only pretty much handy but I opted for the bus. It was a smooth ride.

Checking in at Exupery Hostel was a breeze and I immediately settle din. I met a guy from Canada and we immediately clicked well. I dropped my luggage at the room and then I started to roam Nice. The city was old but fashionable. A lot of tourists but it's still manageable to roam at. 

I started at the main square where the Apollo Fountain was and  then went to the market to browse the stalls and then headed to the beach which was crowded with tourists. It was hot in that afternoon and breezy at the seaside. I walked  to the other side and saw the marina there then I came back to take the stairs for a scenic view of the beach and the city. I took a lot of pictures and they walked around the vicinity.

After the stroll, I decided to go back to the hostel to freshen up and then went out to find a decent dinner at the market street. I had a grilled dorade and white wine. It was a sumptuous dinner indeed. I went back to the hostel after that and rested for the next day activities.

Amalfi Coast And Puglia Vacation

Early this Summer, I embarked on a two week vacation to Amalfi Coast and Puglia Region of Italy together with my best friend Ludy and and her family. It was the most memorable vacation I have ever had. I am so pleased that my friend let me join their vacation, and as a freeloader (hehehe is what I have described myself) it was fun to do it in groups rather than by myself,

I flew to Rome and then took an express train from Fiumicino Airport to Naples. The train ride lasted for 2 hours and to me it was just a breeze. When I arrived in Naples Central Station it was close to midnight. Naples at night felt like an eerie place because the piazza was filled with black migrants and it was very scary.

I have to look for my hotel which was just a few stone throw away from the train station. I dragged my luggage while walking towards the hotel nervously skimming my cellphone at Google map to guide me for the direction to the hotel. Fortunately, I found the hotel after several turns, bends, and alleyways. Phew!

I checked in at the hotel and then went up to the room and then went down again to ask the receptionist where's the best to eat during that time. I was so famished because I have the eat two meals and had skipped breakfast and lunch. 

The receptionist recommended me a pasta restaurant across the street which was still open at that time. I ordered half-a-dozen of fresh oysters and a pizza. Naples reputation for the pizza was been heard worldwide that is why I have to try even just one since I am there and by tomorrow I will transfer to Amalfi Coast so it was the right time to indulge myself of pizza at that time.

The pizza was called San Rafael and it was awesomely delicious. That when I finished  the last slice I still went licking my fingers because it was  crazily yummy. Yeah, Naples really live up to its name and had proved to myself that their pizza was topnotch. I am glad I made a decision to have one for it was just that moment that this rare opportunity can come into fruition. 

After dinner, I went back to my hotel since walking at Plaza Garibaldi at that time looks dangerous because the plaza was eerily dark. In my  fatigue, I didn't even realized I made myself vulnerable to fall asleep.

******

The following day, I woke up early and prepared myself to meet the gang at the train station so that we can be together for a long ride to Amalfi Coast. It was a promising morning so I decided to take my time and just enjoy the vibe that Naples had imparted to me upon my arrival last night. 

Brazil Adventures

 This are my reminiscence of my trip to Brazil. From 2/21 to 2/25 I will be in Sao Paolo trying to explore the city and from 2/25 to 2/29 will meet some friends in Rio de Janiero to have fun then from 2/29 to 3/2 will be in Foz do Iguazu to see one of the natural wonders of the world and then back to Rio de Janiero on 3/2 to get ready for my flight to Los Angeles on 3/3.

02/21/24 - I flew to Sao Paolo from Los Angeles via Avianca to lay over in San Salvador then another long lay over in Bogota then Sao Paolo. However my flight got delayed in Bogota for six hours, so instead of arriving at 1800 in Sao Paolo, I arrived on wee hours of 2/23 and I lost one day of my vacation because of the delayed lay over. It was quite a nuisance but what could I do?

Another mishap happened on my first day in Sao Paolo because my AirBnb tour guide canceled my tour of the city for the reason that I did not communicated with him when I arrived. He didn't know if I was in the city or not. Well, that's why I booked with a time because I needed to appear at the agreed time. But he ended up canceling the tour. So, I ended up touring myself that day.

I was quite tired that day because of the long trip but I don't want to spoil my day so I started late. I went to Liberdade which was supposed to be our meeting point and explored the Japanese town in that area then roamed around downtown area and found the cathedral where there's a lot of homeless people at the adjacent plaza. It was scary but I acted brave as I strolled the streets teeming with homeless people.

Walking deep inside the danger zone, I held my cool and just acted natural. Ambling with caution on the streets and appreciating the surroundings filled with graffiti and dirt. But there were some edifices that were also remarkable and well preserved. I weld to quickly snapped some pictures for my travel album.

Just like the Municipal Theater, which stood magnificently near downtown Sao Paolo. It was vintage yet stunning. I went inside to investigate and see the lobby, then they said that the tour inside is free and that I have to register online. I went to check online and I immediately schedule for the following day tour before noontime.

After the walk at the downtown, I headed to La Paulista Avenue where most of the modern buildings were found. The street was a kilometer long where you can see most of the hotels and telecommunication buildings. The street was just like in New York with some nice tall buildings and a lot of tourists on the streets enjoying to shop or eat at some of the restaurants.

Walking on the streets of Sao Paolo was a bit of fun and scary at the same time. There's that feeling that something might happen but there was none. I guess the impression that Sao Paolo was dangerous had made the experience more dreadful when in fact the threat of imminent danger was just around the corner. But there's always a win-lose situation when you take caution, but it is a win-win when there is nothing happened. It made the experience more amazing.

In the afternoon, I stayed at the hotel and tried to sort out some of my pictures as well as made plans for the adventures the following day.

02/22/24 - This day, I was quite timid and had woke up late. I left the hotel late at 10 AM and hired an Uber to drive me to Beco do Batman and when I arrived there I realized that I had an appointment at the Municipal Theater at 11AM so I just browsed the entrance of the alley and then called for another Uber to drive me to the theater.

When the driver dropped me at the downtown where the theater is located at 1050AM, I immediately told the driver to just drop me off at the corner near the theater and then I walked towards the building. I almost missed the tour but luckily I arrived there and the tour has not started yet. 

When the tour started, the guide introduced himself and then we started the tour around the theater.  The interior of the theater was very beautiful and scoured all the corners of it. When we were inside the theater, I was in awe of the inside and the stage and the canopies were awesome. I snapped a lot of pictures of the inside of the theater.

After the tour, I left the theater and decided to roam around the downtown. I roamed around the market side and decided to look for the number restaurant in Brazil in Avenida Republica known as "A Casa do Porco." I found the restaurant and had to register for the line. After I registered the rain started and I have to wait for like two hours before I got seated. But it's worth it because the food was delicious. 

I ordered the tasting menu and it took me two hours there to finish the menu. The presentation were just amazing and the food were yummy. I took some pictures of the food, the menu, and also the interior of the restaurant for my video memory which I will post in my Facebook.

The rain had subsided, and my dinner had commenced. I then called for an Uber to drive me back at the hotel and then I called the day at that time.

02-23-24 - Today was the day of my photoshoot with Rodolfo, a photographer I hired from an AirBnb experience. I have to meet him at Avenida La Paulista where we will took most of the pictures. At 0900 AM I called for an Uber to drive me to Paulista because we will meet there at 0930AM. I arrived there early, so I waited for the team.

When it was about time to meet the photographer, his assistant named Thiago came first so we introduced ourselves together and then Rodolfo came after where we started the photoshoot after some brief introductions.

We took pictures all over the avenue for one-and-a-half hours and then we called it quits. We exchanged emails and whatsapp addresses so that we can keep communicating until all the pictures were sent. It was a successful photoshoot and hopefully all the pictures will be nice. 

It was hot that day, so I decided to go back to the hotel and rest. I called some random people to meet and I have meet two people and had exchanged pleasantries with them. It was nice to meet some new friends over coffee and food. I gained some new friends and lose some bad ones in the past and this experience was just the same I guess. Hopefully, we get in touch again.

San Salvador Memories

 It still etched in my mind the subtle experiences I've had in El Salvador. My journey to this small country in Central America was loomed with anxiety because I have no expectations about it. All that I thought were the gangs and the poverty in this country. It was quite the opposite that I have encountered when I was there. It was a 5 day journey and I was kinda hesitant to roam around but I am quite keen enough to slowly accept that I was there and I have to explore.

Day 1:

I left Los Angeles with a numb feeling because I worked the night before. All I have in mind was to go to sleep. When I arrived at home, I have to do my packing for I have not done anything because I have to work seven days straight just to avail this small vacation. I did my best packing and then took a hot shower to slightly wake me up and then called an Uber at 1100H to drop me off at the airport. 

When I arrived at the airport, I checked in without no issues and then lined up at the security with no hassles at all. The flight supposed to leave at 1400H but it was delayed for one hour. We start boarding not until 1515H.

We arrived at Houston IAH at around 2300H  (almost midnight) where I will have a ten hours lay over and we will resume the flight the next day at 0900H. Now I got stuck at the airport with nothing to do except wait for the connecting flight in the morrow. I checked the airline lounges if I can check in there but apparently they were all close and will open at 0500H.

So I roamed around the airport and enjoyed the comfort of their massage chairs and tried to close my eyes a little bit because I have not slept for a tad 24 hours and I felt like I am high at that time and like a zombie which was numb and doesn't care at all of what is happening around. 

I then took the skyway going to Terminal D (I came from Terminal A) at almost 0500H to check in at the small airline lounge there. I then took some coffee and ate some sandwich because I was so hungry and sleepy at that time. I napped for 2 hours and then went back to Terminal A (via the skyway) to get ready for the boarding at 0830H.

The plane left at 0900H-ish and we arrived in San Salvador at almost 1100H. The flight was quite bumpy when we are near the city but all in all it was a fair flight. Luckily, we arrived safely at San Salvador.

After passing the immigration and retrieved my luggage I looked for my ride (I pre-booked it before I came) and the driver took me in and drove me to Barcelo Hotel where I will be staying. We arrived at the hotel and I checked in after that. They gave me a VIP pass and settled m eat the VIP room in the 8th Floor.

When I settled in the room I took a nap (but it wasn't a nap at all because I slept the whole afternoon due to lack of sleep for 24 hours). When I woke up it was already 1900H and it was already night time. I looked at the view at my window and it was amazing at night.

San Salvador at night was awesome. The lights all over the city resembled like twinkling stars from where I am at. It really stunning! 

I felt hungry after I woke up so I took a quick shower and went down at the restaurant on the lobby to eat dinner where I ordered a salad, seafoods with vegetables for the entre and tres leches for the dessert. I also tasted the local wine.

After dinner, I roamed around at the hotel and then went back to my room and tried to check my social media and also watched some clips or videos at YouTube. I cannot go out because it was already 2200H when I got back to my room. And it was dangerous to roam around the city on the wee hours.

Day 2:

The next day, I woke up at 0600H and prepared myself then I went down to the lobby restaurant to eat breakfast. I had the coffee first, then enjoyed the buffet breakfast they offered. I took the traditional breakfast and then enjoyed the wide array of fruits from pineapple to papaya and oranges. It was abundant. 

After breakfast, I went back to the hotel and see what to do. I booked a tour to Santa Ana and the nearby lake but when I woke up that morning I opened my email to see that the experience was  been canceled last night while I was sleeping. Haist. So now, I was left without nothing to do.

So I stayed in my room the whole morning watching vlogs from YouTube and then in the afternoon, I hired an Uber to bring me to the centerville where the national palace is located.

On my way there, I noticed that the streets were kinda colonial era vibe and when I was near the center the traffic was really bad and new buildings can be seen. The streets near the national palace was been under renovation that is why the traffic was bad.

I alighted from the Uber near the palace and from there I  walked towards the plaza where I can see the view of the national palace. It looks like a colonial era building and the cathedral was just right there as well near the plaza. I did not went inside both buildings because I was wearing shorts that time and I don't want to be cited when I went in there because of my outfit.

The afternoon was very hot and I was sweating a lot. I roamed around the center and looked for the Glass Church but when I found it it was closed at that moment. It was unfortunate that it was close because that structure was famous around the country.

I saw a Starbucks so I went in and ordered a frapuccino and stayed there to  get cooler. Omg, I did not expect that day was very hot. Good thing the tour was canceled or else it will be tiring to do it because of the hot weather.

After roaming the center, I went back to the hotel and went in to the Churchill Room (which is another restaurant there) and ordered some cool mojito and a savory tortilla soup. I stayed at the restaurant for 2 hours sipping my mojito and checking my socmed. Then I went back to my room and tried to cool off by taking a cold shower.

At around 1700H, I walked towards the mall in front of the hotel called Bambu Mall Center and checked out the stores there and the restaurants. After browsing the mall, I went back to my hotel and stayed in the room watching more vlogs in YouTube.

At least my goal of resting was been achieved in San Salvador or else I the experience that day was pursued I guess I will be extremely tired when I got back of the hotel because it entails a lot of walking and hiking the whole day. Haist!

Day 3:

I woke up that morning only to be informed from my email that the experience I booked for the El Tunco Beach and the waterfalls was canceled because of low clients. They cannot afford to bring me alone there because it will be too costly for them so they canceled my experience. So here I am got stuck at my hotel.

It's also timely because that day, I will be transferring hotel to El Cinco Bed and Breakfast Hotel. So I immediately went down to the lobby restaurant and ate my breakfast. I sipped coffee first then ordered a pupusas breakfast which was staple in the country. My breakfast was hearty and I took my time enjoying it. I also enjoyed the wide variety of fruits they displayed and then sipped more local fruit juices. Oh so yummy!

I went out to check the pool and went up the 10th Floor to check the VIP Lounge where I have also an access. I stayed there at the lounge for a while to enjoy some desserts and tea. Then after an hour I went back to my room and pack my luggage because I will change hotels that day. I checked out at 1300H and called for an Uber to dropped me off at Hotel Cinco at Zona Rosa which was just at the opposite street from Barcelo.

Actually, I can walked to there from Barcelo but because it was hot at midday and plus I have a luggage to pull, I opted to call an Uber. I checked out at Barcelo and then the Uber had dropped me at the other hotel where I checked in right away. The hotel was also nice and self sustainable because of their nice garden. It was also pretty  there,. They have their own restaurant and I stayed there to drink a shake and a small cheesy cake they called quesadilla. Yum!

After the afternoon snack, since I have nothing to do, I decided to call for the Uber to drop me at the Glass Church since it was close when I went there the other day. When the Uber had dropped me there, luckily it was open. Yay! I then registered and went in the church. Upon entrance I was in awe of the beauty of the stained glass reflections on the wall. The church was all illuminated by the afternoon sun through the stained glass by the roof of the church. It was stunning there. It was a work of an excellent architect and the whole nation celebrated him because of his excellent work. Wow!

I then went back to my room to charge my iPad and iPhone (gadgets) and then went out of my room during dinnertime where I walked to the nearby Dennys and ordered a sizzling variety of steaks and a dessert which is crunchy apple pie caramel with vanilla ice cream which was always my all time favorite dessert from Dennys.

After dinner, I walked around Zona Rosa which was actually bare and had no life hahaha, and walked back to my hotel and checked out my socmed in the cozy comforts of my room at the hotel. Hehehe.

Day 4:

I slept well the whole night and woke up really sore and beat up. I don't know why I was sore but it seems that my lactic acid was on the rise again. Haist. I took and warm shower that time and I felt better afterwards. I then changed after the shower and went down to the restaurant to have a nice breakfast because that day I have a tour called Rutas de las Flores which fortunately was not canceled. Haist.

I ate a regular breakfast with two sunny side ups and bacon with bread and spreads, yogurt, coffee, and OJs. An then I waited for my ride which then came right after and had a little introduction and briefing about the trip. I met Osman, who will be my guide that day, and I was already comfortable with him right away. And take note, that I am the only client that day and he did not cancel me, unlike the other experiences I signed who canceled me because there were not enough tourists. Haist!

The Rutas de las Flores is a government program for tour organizers wherein they will drive the clients around the country passing five of the department states and almost six towns or places around El Salvador. It is a whole day tour and driving around and the tour guide/driver will show the tourist beautiful places around El Salvador. At least I was not zeroed in all the experiences I booked and this one did not disappoint. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and approachable and I learned a lot form him regarding El Salvador. I talked a lot about his country, people, nice places, food, customs, and culture.

We started passing nice small towns along the way and stopped at each for a while to roam around and take pictures. Among the towns that standout for me was Nahuitalco and Ataco and the Albania Playground where I played at the rainbow slide. I also enjoyed the coffee factory where we drank nice brewed coffee and enjoyed the flowers that hanged from the ceiling. I also like the small waterfalls where we passed by along the road. 

The day was very enjoyable and I took a lot of pictures of the trip and drive we did, The guide dropped me after at the Bambu Mall Center and I went to the Bruttu restaurant at the rooftop to enjoy a very unique dinner overlooking the panoramic view of San Salvador. The dinner was superb and very nice. I enjoyed it a lot. I spend three hours there sipping good wine and eating excellent foods. 

After dinner, I walked back to my hotel and packed my luggage because I will be leaving the country at 1400H tomorrow.

Day 5:

I woke up still sore and numb. I guess I am not used to the softness of the bed. I then took a warm shower which had relieved my soreness. Then I went down to take my breakfast at the restaurant where I ordered pupusas this time (I never got tired of puspusas). Omg, the puspusas they served was very good and super tasty/savory.). I liked it a lot.

After breakfast, I went back to the room to finalized my packing and then got my luggage ready. I waited till 1030H to call an Uber. I went down and checked out then I called an Uber but apparently the guy missed the hotel and eventually canceled the trip on his own.

I then request for another Uber and a blue 4x4 Mitsubishi came. When the driver came out to help me with my luggage I did not expect to see a young driver and he is very handsome wearing a brown chino pants and a striped navy blue shirt. Omg, he was very goodlooking.

I sat in front near him and couldn't relax inside myself because I was mesmerized by his handsomeness. I initiated a conversation and he was very approachable. He responded professionally and form our conversations he told me that he is also a professional motorbike rider and does racing all over El Salvador. He also indicated to me that he is 18-years-old and my he looks younger than 18. His face looks handsome like a celebrity, his white teeth gleamed purely from the sun's reflections, and his hands were very smooth and nails where to die for. I was madly falling at this teenager at first sight. Haist.

When he dropped me at the airport, I was in a hurry and didn't even asked him of his Whatsapp number and IG. Haist! I was so shy and embarassed to ask fo rit. It had consumed me and that alone I regretted all my life. 

After I checked-in and breezed through immigration, I immediately went at my plane's gate and opened Uber stalking his driver's profile there. There I found out that his name was Edwin Stanley who drove a Blue Mitsubishi Outlaner  4x4 with a license plate number of P694784 and I also gave him a very hefty online tip and a 5 star rating. I guess that's all I can do to him because I admire him so much. Had I obtained his socmed's profiles I should have been a nice friend to him. Then maybe God has the best reason why I did not got it.

I left the country with a heavy heart because that  dude was still lingering in my mind. He was an Adonis to me and I hope our paths will cross again next time. I arrived in Houston for an 11 hour layover but still I cannot stop stalking his profile at Uber and I even called Uber pretending that I have lost item in my recent Uber ride thinking I can get his number but they cannot give it to me. 

Uber had connected me to him and spoke to him on the phone but I have a difficulty in speaking Spanish plus I was embarrassed because I am thinking he has a ride at that time in the car to be dropped off somewhere. So I terminated the call without asking his number and socmed's profiles. Haist.

But honestly, he is still inside my mind and I cannot forget this guy. I crossed my finger that I will cross path with him in the future. Sorry God for this! I know you have your reasons. Thank you!

The following early morning at 0400H (after a whole night stay at Houston's IAH airport) I flew to Los Angeles and arrived safely and sound. Yay1

All in all my trip was okay despites of the two cancelation of the tours I signed in but the last tour was very impactful and loaded with good memories. Gracias El Salvador for the nice experience. I got to rest well too to get ready for my next set of straight work schedules. Hahaha. I am crazy!

Chicken Macaroni Salad

Here's what to do when cooking a superb Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Salad

 Ingredients:

1 pound chicken breast - cooked and shredded; 1 pound elbow macaroni - boiled and cooked al dente; 1.5 cups of Kraft mayonnaise; 1 cup pineapple chunks - diced 1.5x1.5 cm.; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup pickle sweet relish; 1/2 cup condensed milk; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook and boil chicken breast and then manually shred. Set aside for later.

2. Cook and boil elbow macaroni al dente and then set aside for later.

3. In a mixing bowl, place cooked al dente macaroni and shredded cooked chicken. Toss evenly.

4. Add pineapple diced chunks, chopped carrots, raisins, sweet pickle relish, and shredded cheddar cheese in the mixing bowl. Mix well.

5. Once mixed well, add Kraft's mayonnaise, garlic powder, sugar, and condensed milk and then fold well into the mixture until blended well.

6. Season with salt and black pepper.

7. Chill and then serve.

Things To Remember Daily

 Everyday is always a feat to accomplish but I device four things to remember in accomplishing my day. Life has to go on everyday and we must have achievable goals to fulfill and myriad things to adapt to. Now, here's the four things you have to know every single day.

The past cannot be changed..... It is common knowledge that whatever we did in the past cannot be bend. We just cannot go back to correct it. But we can learn from it so that we cannot commit the same mistakes again. Always make your past as a baseline so that you can base whatever move you have to do in the future. And that you can be successful in your endeavors.

Happiness is found within...... If you want to be happy you have to be good to yourself. You have to respect yourself and focus your energy to yourself. Being kind comes within you. And from there you will shine as a good person. Never search your happiness in others, it'll make you feel alone. Instead search happiness in yourself and then you'll feel happy even when you are left alone.

Kindness is always free..... Being nice cannot be bought. It has to be learned by you. In order to be that good person, you have to start to be kind. To be kind to others will give you greater satisfaction from doing good with your fellowmen. Kindness will make the world easy to live in. There will be no negativity in this world if you spread kindness.

And lastly, you only fail if you quit..... Quitting is a coward's way. You will never know what will happen next if you quit. And failures can give you bad a feeling that you can feel immeasurable regret for not pursuing and for stopping just right there. To fail is okay, because it will give you more insight on what to do next and you will always try not to do the same mistakes again.

These were the four inspirations and guidelines that I always follow everyday. It is very useful to everybody. And I am sharing it with you.

Planning Out A Trip

 I was been so busy these days. Trying to plan out my trips for 2023 is a feat. I am really cornered on deciding where to go. Plus travelling solo is really difficult to plan out but oh well it has to happen whether I like it or not.

There were several things that I need to tackle before deciding to plan a trip because budget wise all my money was really saved for my tax payment this year. Then whatever is the excess then that is the one I needed to use for the traveling.

You see, planning alone entails a lot of details and I have to really think it several times before permanently deciding to confirm the trip because once it is set then there is no backing out. I do these so that I won't waste money and time. It is a pain in the head but I really you will get use to it.

Before, I procrastinate when it comes to my travel schedule, what to prepare, what to bring, how much money should I bring, etc. And always do that when the schedule is near thus building up a lot of anxieties and apprehensions, and will succumb you to forget the things to be included in your luggage, waste of money and time, and emotional problems which will complicate your travels.

Thus, at this time, I always plan out ahead of time and estimates how many and how much will I prepare or bring, schedule out my tours and experiences early, and eventually of course give me peace of mind. The latter is the most vital of all.

Good luck of planning your 2023 trips and hope you'll enjoy your trip wherever it may be. Namo guddaya!

Chilling In Chile

 After working for straight weeks I decided to unwind in South America and I chose Santiago, Chile because it was one of the city in my to-go-list. Judging from the pictures I saw on Google.com, Santiago is a perfect getaway now that it is Autumn in the south pole.

I left Los Angeles via an AeroMexico flight and had a few hours layover in Mexico City then the 8-hour flight to Santiago had ensued. It was a quiet and uneventful flight and I was lucky that the seat beside me was vacant so I can stretch myself better and had a good rest during the flight. 

I was totally beat up that time because I had worked for six straight nights and I was very tired and had slept real good in the plane. They served us two meals one before taking off and one before landing in Santiago. I arrived at 1900H in Santiago and it was really cold.

The 30-minute drive from the airport to the hotel was very long and my excitement was up to the brim. I arrived at the hotel safely so I immediately checked in and then went up to the room in 6th floor. It was a nice and decent hotel. I cannot complain anymore. I was so tired so I went to sleep.

The following day I woke up with a call from a guy telling me that he was downstairs waiting for me. I realized I have signed up for a tour around the city. I told the guy that I had forgotten about it and asked  him to wait for me for a bit while I was changing.

I went down after changing and met Rodrigo who is my guide for the day. He was very approachable and accommodating. He  introduced himself and then he drove me around Santiago highlighting to me the key areas, important streets, and landmarks of the city. 

He brought me to Isadora district where the chains of hotels were located, to the Plaza del Armas where the colonial areas of the city is; brought me to see the Santiago Cathedral and Palacio de la Moneda which is the official residence and office of the President of Chile; drove me near Rio Mapuche which was dry at that time, made me hike at Cerro Santa Lucia, overlooking the city skyline of Santiago and lastly brought me to Cerro San Cristobal which apparently was close at that moment because of renovations.

The trip was very educational and I learned a lot about the set-up of the city and gave me a bird's eye view of the city. The tour lasted for four hours and I was tired after it was done. When Rodrigo drop me off at the hotel,  I ran to my room, changed, then went back to sleep. 

                                  

Chaos At The Baltics

 Well, the current situation in Ukraine was really hapless. A lot of Ukrainians were been displaced because of the shelling and distractions made by the Russian soldiers destroying most key cities in Ukraine. It was really pitiful to see people having an exodus to nearby countries just to evade the war.

I guess the root for this war was the pride and ego of the Russian president that he-who-must-be-named was thinking that the West will gonna invade his beloved Russia if Ukraine will be merged to EU and join NATO. What fear does he have if this happens. So what he did he invade Ukraine and destroy it to the ground. 

He looks like a fool, because what he's destroying was also the place of some Russians who had lived in Ukraine for a long time. And hat it he gets Ukraine and annexed it to his beloved Russia? He'll still construct it from the ashes of his wrath.

The perils of his wrongdoings will come to his senses when he will see it after the war. Was he been clouded with his paranoia about the West penetrating Eastern Europe which will eventually influenced his country to seek total democracy just like what Ukraine wanted? For sure it will dawn on him that he is one demented lunatic who doesn't care about the consequences of his actions because he will prove to the whole World that he is invincible.

Little had he known that his Russian soldiers in Ukraine was not even successful in dismantling the basic political system of the country. He will soon realized that the war the he waged was extremely unsuccessful and that it will cause havoc to the economy of  his beloved country.

Haist.. this war that he waged is a waste and showing military prowess to the whole world is not even necessary to boost his ego and pride. Alas, the economic sanctions made by the West had greatly affected the war and it will eventually crush his ultimate goal of dismantling Ukraine.

The bravery and grit of the Ukrainians were noteworthy. I am indeed impress of their resilience despite their country was trashed by the Russians still they went out to defend it and they slowly regained it back. 

What happen at this time in the world especially in the Baltics will go to the annals of time and eras and it will remind us that it's not our call to take the lives of any human being.

On The Way To Colombia

 July 1st was the day that I left Los Angeles, despite the Covid19 hoopla every where. At least Colombia had opened it's door to tourists so I bought a ticket in May and now this is the first day to embark on my journey.

I left my apartment at 7PM because the flight to New York is at 11PM. I have to be in the Airport 3-4 hours to check in my luggage and also to take care of some paper works needed for this travel, one of those was the PCR Covid19 Test results which should be presented at the airline check in counter. Then I was also instructed to log in at the Colombia Migration website to register that I am entering the counter (this is a must or else you cannot fly.)

I didn't know about the migration online requirements so the airline rep had helped me procure it. And that time the website was not working properly so I have  to go to another website that required me to pay $35. Then after an hour they emailed me the transaction and I presented it to the teller. Hmmm.... I almost missed my flight to New York. 

So lesson learned.... fill up the migration form online. I was anxious of all this requirements and good thing I came at the airport early. What if I came late? Huh.... it was scary. 

My flight to New York was smooth and bumpy. The 5 hour flight was a breezer, and at 5:45AM we arrived at JFK International Airport safely.

My next flight to Bogota is at 1PM so I decided to check in at the Delta Sky Lounge where I have the membership. I went there to eat breakfast and drink coffee and also charge all my gadgets. I also took a nap and set my alarm to wake me up at 12PM.

The flight to Bogota was also calm and we landed safely as well. We arrived close to 6PM and it was almost dark. I took a taxi and had me dropped off at the AirBnb that I was renting. The apartment was nice and secured and it's in the center of Bogota. I don't have to worry about using Uber to drop me off anywhere.

Bogota is a nice city but the only thing that I don't like is it gets very cold at night and the apartment doesn't have any heater so I have to close the windows tightly and snug myself in the comforter. 

I like the ambiance that the city is relating to me. All in all my stay at Bogota was very nice and I enjoyed every  tour and adventure I had. Will make another blog for these adventures and maybe post some nice pictures as well. Ciao!

Burning Anger

 This is a continuation of the looming investment that I wrote previously. Well, it is not good guys. At first I was so hopeful and excited about it and then all this demands for a not of unnecessary fees (which cost thousand dollars not just hundreds) had made me conclude that I've been scammed.

They made me believe that the money will be transferred to a checking account, but it was a checking account, which I felt was a makeshift account, so that they can monitor it and charge or ask a lot of fees from me. 

They asks exorbitant fees but the money I can't even avail. They only take take take my money but I was the one who give give give and had not received any money from them. Definitely, I felt it was a scam.

So what I did, I made a drama with the trading manager, that I already exhausted my savings due to the high fees I've been paying, that I pawned my mom's heirloom ring, and that I borrowed a lot of money from my friends and they don't want to lend me money anymore. And that I am on a verge of getting evicted from my apartment because I couldn't pay them anymore because I exhausted all my savings already. I also told him that I can't barely eat because I don't have any money and that I am always anxious everytime they asked me fees and that I got hospitalized twice because of that, hence, I lost my job because of too much absences. 

I don't know if he bought my drama, but the guy had not contacted me anymore to ask more fees because he knew that I don't have any money base on the drama story I made him to picture out. Instead of comforting me, telling me that they will release the investment, they disappear out of thin air.

There I knew and felt that I got scammed by Avabesttrade.com. That Avabesttrade.com is a great scam investment site who asks the investor a lot of fees but could not even release or show any physical money to the investor by wiring some part of the withdrawals. They will reason out that the investor will have to pay these and that fee so that the money could be wired. They will make effort to extort money from their victim but never had the chance to prove that the money is real. In fact all the numbers where just a show on their professionally made website which will enable the investor to believe that it was legit. I was fooled once.

Avabesttrade.com is a hoax. They were a scam company that drains their victim with cash from extorting fees out of the trading account. There were no receipts issued for any payments, has a fake emails without a company's logo, fake makeshift bank account connected to Greystone Alliance which is also a fake bank. Everything from them is a fraud. they duped me and I also duped them. Now we were even.

I'm at a lost but oh well money can be found but the dignity of your conscience with haunt you forever. So Avabestrade.com I cursed you for doing this to me. For making me anxious and making me succumb to your dealings. I will curse you that some day your fraud company will be discovered and that appropriate legal punishments will be given to the people who run it and that all the victims will be given justice. I will curse you up to my last breath and that all your family and you will suffer more as what you cause mental suffering with your victims. I will curse you forever until you will pay me with all the money that I lost. Mark that Avabesttrade.com.

Looming Investment

Things was not quite remarkable these days. I don't know what to do when something amiss happened. My thoughts are in chaos especially right now. The problem with my little sister added to the weight of it.

I don't know why I worry so much about other people's problems when in fact I myself have some deep personal problems. I am quite a worrier with the fact the other people's problems affects me. 

Now I have bigger problems especially with this crypto investment. Now it dawned on me how dangerous it is to invest your money in this type of dealings. But oh well I am already there and I still have  to see if I gained or not. I'm on the process of requesting a payment for some investment interest so I hope this will be approved smoothly after I turn in the 20% commission before I withdraw it.

It will be a win-loss-win situation wherein I win because of having accumulated some high ROI and loss a little money for the commission and then get the rewards of the investment after receiving the payout. But the payout is still remains to be seen. Hopefully, I will have it. But if not, I will consider myself getting ponzied. Haist. 

Well, I am excited about the outcome of the crypto investment and so far it keeps gaining. My Robinhood was also gaining and my Acorn account just keeps accumulating. I never wished to retire early but if my nest eggs will be enough to enjoy my life at a young age then I might retire. We'll see then. 

I am so desperate to retire because I am tired of working here and being away from my family and friends. I never imagined I will be living alone and now it is reality.  I wish I could enjoy my life better before I will lose my memory and sensibilities. It is quite ironic if the opposite happens because I still have a lot of dreams to fulfill, places to go, and things to enjoy. 

Pandemic Worries

Time is really a bore nowadays, in a pandemic. Traveling was been halted, movies and malls were close, even gathering were been banned. What should I do now?

It's been months now that traveling was been halted and life was never been exciting. I am itching to travel already but I if do I have to endure the consequences. So to prevent any complications I have to stay put at home and just focus at work.

What must I do? In order to amuse myself I have to drive to an area where there were less people for example a sanctuary in a beach, or hike a trail alone, or probably go to a secluded where I can think alone or listen to sad songs  in my ear pods.

Nothing that exciting but I have to just settle for any less. That's how to pass up the boredom. Sometimes I have to play some wordscapes or watch some movie in Netflix, Hulu, Asian Crush or just browse some vlogs in YouTube. The latter was the most sought past time if you must know.

Now that the restrictions were been loosen and the dine-in restrictions for restaurants were been lifted simultaneously I guess the world will start to open soon for traveling. And that I cannot wait because as soon as the curtain will be lifted I will be the first one to fly.

Oh how I wish I could travel again and be back to my old ways of exploring places I never seen and been. That's what I miss a lot and I can't wait to do it again as the world starts to lift those travel restrictions gradually and that people can be back of doing what they love to do and places they wish to go.

It might be sweet talking for now but for sure the world will open up eventually. Although things might not be the same again as before people will still travel despite the odds. And yes, there might me some changes in society dynamics yet people will learn to adapt to protect their health and well being.

Despite what the odds are still I am optimistic about the future of traveling and I am also here to adapt to some changes in the guidelines and to enjoy what I rally want to do which is exploring places and learning varieties of culture and norms in the places that I will go.

Things do change and evolve and so the habits that people always want to do changes in order to conform with society's norm for a progressive future.

Investing On Binary

One time there's a guy who approached me online of investing on binary coins. At first, I was very skeptical and asked why he was insistent of having me invest. I asked a lot of questions and I really gave him a hard time. And I thought, there's is nothing that gonna be lost if I try. So this was the start.

I invested $500 first and on the third day I saw that it grew more than 3 grands so I told the guy that I'll gonna add another $500 and my principal was increased to $1000. Then money just kept pouring everyday.

Then one day I got an email from the company that I needed to pay $413 for the maintenance fee and $620 for the security fee. I was doubted about it but since the principal money have grown I paid the dues even though I was skeptical and have a feeling that something is strange.

I paid the dues then after three days, I got another email that they lost the signal and that my investment is only growing slowly and that I also noticed that it was slowly adding up. So in order to get another good signal I was to pay $2000.

I spoke to my agent and told him that I cannot come up with the money and made a little drama to him that the money I invested was a loan from a friend. And that I can't afford to borrow any money anymore. I told him that I am panicking that time and my asthma had surfaced again making me hard of breath so I needed to go to urgent care.

Two days after my agent called me and asked if I came up with the money and I told him that I cannot afford to spent money like that and that I told him that I don't have any money at hand and that I don't want to loan any money at all.

I told him honestly about my skepticism when I joined this venture and that I never had any chance to learn or here about the hidden fees being discharge. And he told me that I am currently earning now and I have already money.

I told him that I have a principle of counting the eggs without hatching yet. So he told me if I can come up with half and he will pay for the other half. I was surprised why he said that so I accepted his offer.

Two things came in my mind: 1.) whether he was the one making the charges teaching me that I have money on the way and 2.) that he was sincere about him volunteering to pay the other half of the fee.

But I think he was very sincere in helping me financially because to him, he said that my investment had been and will be growing exponentially once the new signal is activated. Despite his sincerity, I still cannot brush off my skepticism..

So I decided to just go with the flow and observe if he is true to his words. Hopefully things will work out well for me. So help me God!!!

To date my investment ROI is $8616.00 and still growing. We'll see after tomorrow when he turned it the payment for the signal acquisition. I am just counting on his reassurance that the trade was legit. Hoping that he was truthful for all that he told me. Will keep you posted in the future blog, especially when I am officially financial secured.

Maybe, this was just the start of everything. Oh how I wish I don't have to  worry and be a skeptic about the fast happenings. Please guide me Lord. Amen.

Mama Bea's Emotional Ordeal

I was depressed when I know what happened to Mama Bea's family. I was off for two days and when I came back to work I was told that two of her family had died. I don't know what happened but this news what very sad to me.

Mama Bea was my friend at work and already considered her as my adapted mom at work. We were so close to each other. We talked about our families and our experiences, our houses and what we love to do in general. I can share my problems to her and she can give me advises. We cliqued real good like a super glue. Many of our co-workers envied our closeness because I myself is really hard to please at work because of my stern attitude.

Mama Bea was different. We can joke at each other and that will make our night at work. I helped her with her assignments and she was there as well when I am busy. We complement each other that's why we were being envied. I don't know why I am so fond of her, same thing with her. She brings me cooked food from her country (which is Nigeria) and I liked it.

But this sad news was a bad news. I was also devastated about it. I texted her and gave her strength enough for her to strengthen herself for this sad ordeal. I hinted her some inspirational stories from the Bible which is pertinent to her situation right now. She texted me back that she is okay and was devastated but she never blamed God. She just believes that life is being unfair with her. Indeed... I couldn't say more than this.

Grief is a very sensitive emotional experience and it has to go to some stages. I told her to vent out her feelings if she is angry. It's just natural to have felt that way especially at this situation. Each one of us has to go through those stages differently. Some may take it longer to get over it some shorter. It just depends of your coping mechanisms to have survived the roller-coaster of emotions.

What I'd like to share her was the story of Job in the Bible. I told her that God had took everything from Job, stripped him of his dignity and standing yet Job did not rebuke God but instead thanked Him for whatever he had  and kept being humble with God. All his children and wife had also died and this happened for three generations yet Job did not complain instead had praised Him of his glory. In the end Job had live longer and survive happily with his progressive family lineage.

This proves that God has always a reason why things had happened in our lives and that he will reveal to us the answers of our unending question of "why these things had happened to me?" sentences. Let us allow God to steer our lives and always appreciate what he had given us and be grateful for it. And this also proves that material things and physical being will be left on earth when we're gone.

I hope Mama Bea is okay at this time. I really missed her and I have to offer her prayers for her loss for the time being. I couldn't do anything but this. I hope she can go normally with her grief and that she will be sane as she go along the different stages of grief. Will always follow-up on her. Please pray for Mama Bea!!!

Visiting The Blossom Trail

This is my long time desire and I just accomplished it. I've been planning to do it for several years but it seems that I always missed it each year. But this time I was on time and I witnessed the most stunning blossoms I've ever seen.

I went to Sanger, California to see the "Blossom Trails". It is an array of orchards in bloom. Orchard consists of nectarines, peaches, almonds, apricots, etc. And they all bloom at this time of the year which gave the area a full bloom of white and pink flowers. They only last for three weeks and they usually occur at the last week of February till the middle of March.

I drove about more than three hours going to Fresno, California just to see this place. It was a smooth drive and was uneventful. The highway was not that traffic and the drive was just effortless and not boring at all. So many sceneries to see and also some good music to listen to. I was driving alone but I was never bored at all.

When I arrived at Selma and Sanger I exited at Clovis Street then checked the map and started the "Blossom Trail". I started at Central Ave. then North Street then Adam Street then McCall Ave. then Academy Blvd passing the town of Sanger.

Sanger is a quaint town and it was very serene there. It reminded me of the towns in Texas where I came before. It doesn't even feel like country to me. The Centerville was just lined with few establishment but they were all close at this time due to the pandemic.

I passed by some orchards with white blooms. There were a lot of them actually and I took some pictures of those few orchards. I just took a selfie since I don't have a cameraman with me. The pink orchards were still budding and it seems that I came early. But I saw some few pink orchards in full bloom.

As what I've read the white blooms were the apricots and nectarines while the pink blooms were the almonds. Sanger is an agricultural town as evident by the scattered orchards around town. The trail covers a vast area and it is a long drive if you circle it around and it consist of around 60 plus miles or roughly an hour slow drive, sightseeing in your car.

I'm glad I went there and at last I fulfilled my desire to see the blooms in person. So much planning to do and at last I caught it just in time for them to fall off from the tree branch.

One more amusing thing  that happened is that when I was looking for my magnetic charger that feel off my driver seat I was honked by a guy in a pick-up truck. He asked me if I am okay and I told him that I am okay and then continued to look for my charger. He took of and then made a U-turn and parked.

He asked me if I needed help and I just noticed that he had a gun in his right side. I didn't realized he was a cop. Hahaha. He asked me for my driver's license which I willingly gave it to him. He asked me what I am doing and I told him I've been looking for my magnetic charger that fell off under my seat. I showed him what the charger looks like.

He then told me to continue looking for it while he's checking my ID at the police station where he radioed from his truck. Then after a few moments later he got back and handed back my driver's license. He then told me in a flat affect that I am parking in a private property and showed me more routes for the Blossom Trail.

Whew...… that was close to being served a ticket and good thing the cop was very nice and polite. And that's it.... I wish next year I could be back again and see both pink and white blooms at the same time. So long!