Maria went to "The Netherlands"

1 + 1 = more than 2

2009-07-01T16:27:00.018+02:00

Hello everyone!

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family and friends for their love, kindness and prayers. To my hubby who's always at my side. Thank you to all of you.

It's been a while that I've never post and now is just a perfect time to open again and share our joy. For almost three years of our marriage, and living just the two of us, now is completely different. One is added. We received our little angel last february 15, 2009. I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Time just flies and she's now 19 weeks old. Her name is Gabriëlle Ariane.

Our baby announcement card. First photo: Front and back page of the card;
Second photo: Inside page (ordered from Poobies).

Here are my two sweeties :-): Gabriëlle on papa's lap, was just 4 days old with her beautiful, and wide opened eyes.

We've been blessed and we enjoyed our time very much with our little girl that I could not spend time in blogging. Anyways, I would still like to jot down my experiences on this page once in a while. I'm just so overwhelmed with all the changes now. It's overwhelming it is because, there are changes of more joys and more colors. It's inderdaad overflowing!

Our treat...Bischuit met muisjes (Biscuit with mice). This is a traditional food served to celebrate the birth of a baby in the Netherlands. The biscuits are round crisp bakes. They are spread with butter (or margarine) and the muisjes (little mice) are sprinkled on top. These muisjes are sugared anise seed balls. Pink mice for a baby girl and blue for a boy.

I'm trying to make up and for all my friends and to those who happened to drop by here...thank you for reading my page. See you here later...

Welcome 2009

2009-01-05T21:12:00.001+01:00

Hello friends... I would like to start my blog with my warmest greetings to everyone. All the best for this new year 2009.

When we look back to what we did in the past few years...sometimes we're not satisfied and thought that we've done not enough. But realistically, we did it guys. Though we did'nt surpass all the challenges but then we did our best and we're now to start a brand new year.

It means that we had built a memory about things in the past, things that we once spent our time, effort, attention and even love. We deserved for a another year and even have the chance to make things right and make it beter on what we've done wrong thinking backwards.

For me, I would say that I did a lot despite of my weaknesses. Not to mention my not-easy times here in Netherlands but then, for every new year, we make things even better. For the record, I've good three years living here and am still counting.

With God's graces and his ever supply of love...I'm filled. I'm blessed with my hubby, with his family, with our friends here as well as in my native home.

With this new year, we are welcoming it with joy and more challenge to come. I'm now on my 37th weeks of pregnancy, and we're now excited to have a new family member. Basically, we're growing in number this year :-) A good sign of blessing. This is really a challenge coupled with responsibility. Sometimes is scary but then, I would think that I just have so much to share that God gives us more people to love and to care nonetheless of the difficulty that may come. For sure He will provide.

Right image is the traditional oliebollen being served during new year's eve. So we did with champagne is best lekker (taste good)!

For all the happiness and dissapointments in the past...let them be our shield to face 2009.
Cheers!

A day in Granada, Spain

2008-10-19T09:20:00.016+02:00

(This is long overdue...but it's beter to be late than never).

We just about to enter the Province of Granada.

Granada was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period, and was known as Ilbyr. When the Romans colonised southern Spain, they built their own city here and called it Illibris.

The Arabs, invading the peninsula in the 8th century, gave it its current name of Granada. It was the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492, at the hands of Queen Isabel of Castile and her husband Ferdinand of Aragon.

Inside garden of the Generalife.

One of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th C.

This is part of the ruined palace. You can see how they built it, composed of compartments. The blue horizon is just the range os Nevada.

This mighty compound of buildings – including the summer palace called Generalife, with its fountains and gardens - stands at the foot of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below and the fertile plain of Granada.

This is the plain of Granada. We took the view from the top of the ruined palace.

Because it was the last city reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, Granada has an unmistakable Arab flavour. Its cuisine, crafts and urban layout are a consequence of the city's glorious history. Fountains, viewpoints, and the villas surrounded by gardens typical of the city, add to Granada's unforgettable charm. Not in vain was one of its oldest districts, the Albaicín, declared a World Heritage Site, together with the Alhambra and the Generalife.

We were sitting in the plane and alas! Got the top view where we stand. It was really a tough day when we climbed the top...not to mentioned my 5 month old tummy :-)

Walk through beautiful gardens, charming narrow streets filled with flowers, sit down in one of those typical taverns to have some of that famous ham and local wine, and breath the centuries of history around us...

Here, we deserved a share of Spanish cuisine...Gracias!

A week of sunshine in Spain

2008-10-19T08:56:00.025+02:00

Hello friends. Sorry, it's been long time since my last post. I would still like to publish this post during our late summer vacation for my archive.

When the tree leaves are falling in Holland (just beginning of autumn), in Spain just turned to yellow due to the heat of the sun (end of summer). We've been in Costa del Sol, the southern region of the Spaniards.

It was a relaxing time in a small town of Nerja. Nerja is the most easterly resort on Spain's Costa del Sol before this Mediterranean coastline becomes known as the Costa Tropical. We took a 50 minute drive from Malaga airport to the town. We just rented a car for easy mobility and since we're looking forward to travel going to Granada, about a one and a half hour's drive inland from Nerja.

Many foreigners have bought holiday or permanent homes here and visitors flock here in the summer months giving the resort a distinctly international feel. Yet the town centre retains much of its old world charm with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses and balconies overflowing with brightly coloured bougainvillea and geraniums.Wandering through some of its charming streets and looking out to sea beyond its the local fishing boats is a far cry from some of the better known resorts to the west of Malaga.

View at the Balcon de Europa.

The focal point of Nerja is the Balcon de Europa which is a man-made promontory stretching from the centre of town out into sea.It also provides a stunning viewing point from where you can see along the coast in both directions and high into the Sierra de Almijara mountains inlandA major part of Nerja's appeal to tourists is that it has maintained its white village charms.

The mini-train...we took a ride but we're not well satisfied...(was a short-ride of 30 min).

At Plaza Cavana, just behind the church, there's a mini-train (or "wally trolley" according to the locals) that takes a regular tour around Nerja.

A street just down of our apartment.

Heading further east you'll find an area of winding streets with a fine selection of Nerja restaurants and tapas bars as well as some interesting shops.

A narrow street in Frigiliana.

Just seven kilometers north of Nerja is the typical pueblo blanco of Frigiliana which sits high on a mountain ridge overlooking the sea with spectacular panoramic views. The village is a tangle of narrow cobbled streets lined by whitewashed houses, their wrought-iron balconies filled with planters of brilliant red geraniums.

We also visited the fascinating city of Granada with its awe-inspiring Alhambra Palace. From this historical city is drive on for another hour and you'll be in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, one of the famous ranges in Europe. Later I'll post about this city.

Though this entry is really overdue but then somewhat relevant to me not to forget...

By the way, happy new year to all !

Maria's tummy

2008-09-23T19:54:00.004+02:00

Hi everyone! For the record, my tummy is now 5 months old. I'm about to end my 2nd trimester of pregnancy. My dailies is even more exciting. Soft movements inside of my tummy is now remarkable. It's really special...believe me :-)

As usual, Im tight up with my schedule. My parttime work...my driving lesson and running our errands. Hmmmnn...Even baby sked is now up to my agenda. It's quite busy nowadays. I decided now not to go to school for further professional study. I just coudn't do it along with other things. I'm already in and out of my swimming lesson but I would really try to do it deligently when I'm back after vacation. It's not because I'm busy but the reason that I just don't like to wear my two piece swimsuit with my bulging stomach :-) Luckily, I just bought a pregnancy tankini. Just on time for a beach treat this late summer.

By mid-December I'll start a pregnancy gymnastic course. It could be more fascinating I think :-)

Most of my colleagues now know that I'm preggy. Some just did'nt noticed it until I told them. One said that she's ashamed of her tummy which is bigger than mine...hehehheh!

So far so good. I tried to enjoy this special time. Anyone surrounds me is very supportive. Many of them already gave baby stuff. Many are handed-downs which are just good as new. As of press time, our baby room is almost ready :-) Are we not obvious? We already know our baby's gender...but then we will just keep it with close friends and family. Hopefully I will download our filmed 19th week ultrasound sometime. Just keep on track at my pregnancy journal.

Next time I'll try to share my driving escapade. It's something to jot down how's being an automobolist here in the Netherlands. I'll try when I have sometime after our vacation. Where we going? We will fly to the land of Flamengo, tapas and bull fighting :-) in Spain. There I would like to check out the roots of our former conquerors. Well, not to mention the Spanish occupation to the Philippines, where my forefathers had their 'buenas gracias, noches' great influence. It's something, right? Anyway, it's our plan to rest there and do something else that we can't here in the flatland.

I'll post pictures later. uhmmm...I think I've promised many things here. We will just see :-)

Bye for now.

Maria's back

2008-08-11T10:48:00.009+02:00

Hi everyone. I felt sorry that I'm not writing for a quite time. I miss my journal and I think I have so much to tell and to wrap up before I would totally forget to bind it in my online memory.

So what's up?

First, I would like to say that I have already recieved my diploma of my 9 month course of Administratief Medewerkster (in Dutch instruction). I'm still considering to pursue a 4-month Secretarial course by September depending on the following consequences that I will mention later :-)

Second, I'm still busy with my parttime work in Delft Blauw Museum and the coming days I have an extra work that will occupy my saturdays.

Third, I just turned 30. Hoera! We had a nice tour in a 500 year old castle. Not so much changes but I feel so right at my ageline.

At the Duivenvoorde Castle.

Next, we were busy re-aligning and re-arranging our home fixtures. I was busy googling and internet shopping. I was hooking for a reasonable price at my own product/good preferences. It was not an easy job...when Mr. Google gives you thousands of preferences. I'm not yet even finished...till now I'm busy searching for best buys.

Next, I just started my driving lesson. On wednesday, I'll be driving again. So far, I had a good start at HappyDrive Drivingschool. Wish me luck!

Then, finally I've submitted my articles for the Access autumn issue. My materials are ready and just beat the deadline. I'll give the link when it's publish online.

Then, we were also busy doing some committed appointments for family, friends and even for ourselves. It's always romantic to spend good time with each other. Going to movies is one of our hangouts followed with a candle light, hearty dinner. We enjoyed biking together and do picnics in the park. We just discovered a nice park. A scenic hideaway.

At the Schouwen coast, province of Zeeland.

Now, I'm still busy googling for our next vacation. We always have a problem, to agree about our destination. Planning a trip is just even hard for me. Our last planned trip was cancelled coz I was just tired to make our itinerary. We are eyeing for a trip in Southern Europe, just to catch Mr. Sunshine by September. I have a lot in my list. Somewhere in South part of Spain and Italy, Turkey, Malta or Cyprus. Anyone can suggest where we can have a dip in the sea, lying along the beach , a walk in a greenery and a little of city lights.

Finally, the last but not the least, by February 2009, with God's grace, we are expecting our first baby :-) I'm now on my 14th week of pregnancy. Check out my new Pregnancy Journal . This is the first reason that made me busy throughout my days. Just visit the link for my pregnancy updates. Help us pray for a healthy baby :-) So, my further schooling will depend how my schedule and my pregnancy allow.

So much for this entry, I would post later as much as I could.

Access Spring Magazine is online

2008-06-25T10:16:00.010+02:00

The Spring Issue of the ACCESS Magazine is now available.
Read it online.

Order now.

For the past 3 issues of this mag, I was helping with the layouting. Due to variation of schedule, I was shifting to writing where I can do it at home. In this issue, I contibuted a feature page about the wedding article on page 5-6. Check this out.

I have an article which is about to be published on the autumn. This was initially plan last summer but then I did'nt have enough photo material. I was not able to beat the deadline. I hope this time will be its final round.

Note: This quarterly magazine is an output of volunteerism. The mag is published by ACCESS, a not-for-profit organization supporting the Expat Community in The Netherlands. "Whether you are working here on an expatriate assignment, have recently relocated, studying or have made Holland your home, then our free information and range of services, including publications, courses, counselling referrals and community events are here to help support you."
Offices located in Amsterdam, The Hague and hopefully soon te be open in Rotterdam.

Just read-through and this might be a help for you. Good day!

What bugs me!

2008-06-16T09:43:00.007+02:00

I was not feeling well for the past few weeks. Till now I am coughing and got a flu. I'm still observing if my doctor's prescription will help me better. Well, I just opened up my page, I'm quite sad not to update it every now and then. Sorry folks...but thanks for all your visits here viewing how this page build about my walks ins and outs.

There are many subjects I used to post here but now, I forgot what are those. Anyways, I'll just like to note that I'm fine :-) I'm still busy with my parttime work and now preparing for my exam next week. After my exam, summer vacation will start and that also means that I would be busy seeking activities to fill up my spare time. It can be anything. Hobby, work, maybe travelling, but certainly no dating :-), only exclusive for family, friends and my man.

.....ummmh, I'm trying to think what I did last time. OK. Just also note that about my last entry tag: Cinema trip . Just check it. I topped all the movies that I mentioned. I watched them out but not the film Away from Her. I was already late to catch it in the cinema.

Giving recommendations again...watch these movies I will mention that I watched recently:

We watched this last night. I'm not really a fan of SJP but I'm much an admirer of her own signature scent Lovely, very feminine, chic and timeless fragrance that I'm patronizing for two years now.

1. Sex and the City Movie - Based on the famous tv series. Funny, sexy and glamourous.
2. The Kite Runner - Based on the novel of an Afghan author. Heart-breaking movie brought by war and violence.
3. The Bucket List - Very warm and real people in the movie about two aged man facing a real life challenge.

The following are animated entertaining and funny movies except Persepolis.

1. Horton Hears a Who!
2. Bee movie
3. Persepolis -this movie is banned in lebanon, curious to watch why?
4.The Simpsons Movie

We watched more movies, but then I forgot now. Well, I'm still hitting the billboard what to watch next time.

P.S. I'm also a great expectator of the European World Football Championship. I'm cheering for the Netherlands. Check out this link for the world cup news.

Till then...

What's in my mail?

2008-05-14T14:00:00.002+02:00

As long as I don't need to hurry in the morning, I try to check up my emails. I have two regular email account. One is a primary account for vip matters and one for just anything under the web which is also my backup for the former account.

What's inside of my mailbox? Anything and everything. :-) From spams to serious mails. Various email marketing, newsletters, online surveys, autoresponses, etc. What caught of my attention is the online surveys. I have bulk emails containing online surveys. Many companies now are bringing questions online instead of the conventional telephonic and paper surveys. They are even attracting people to respond by giving prizes or earning points which will be redeemed later. Not only as simple prizes but a fabulous instant big cash, vacation for two in big cities, special spa/hotel arrangements, pc's, iphones, whatsoever that can surely move your finger tips to join the bandwagon of web surveys.

But what makes it easy to circulate all these marketing fabs ? There are a lot of web agencies like iContact providing such email marketing services, autoresponder, blogging tools, online survey tool and more application softwares. With this breakthrough, especially for businesses, non-profits, and associations to easily communicate online and tracking with their customers, prospects, and members. In this way, they can even save time and money. Easy huh! No wonder my mailbox is full of sollicited and unsollicited emails.

This makes web communication go round :-) and... simplify.

Anyway, I've got to go. I'll check out my newsletters from my various product/sevice subscriptions.

Got my sunblock on...

2008-05-12T20:13:00.008+02:00

Not surprise at all !

The temperature now rises...summer is in the air. Too quicky for the spring and felt sad for the spring blossoms so soon to disappear. It's a week of high sun now. Last saturday we had a boat cruise along the canals of Den Haag (the city of the parliament seat).

Picture was taken during the boat tour. A hat may also help plus SPF.

We were under the sun for a one and half hour. Before that day, I had already cycle until I got flat wheels. Then yesterday, was another biking day. So what had happened? I'm running out now of sunblock. It's just so beautiful to go out from the house but enough to be geared against the sunrays.

I'm dependent with natural skin care products. When I was in the Philippines for vacation, I went back here in Holland with spots of sunburn. It was'nt because I've run out of protection but I was lazy to put sunblock on. Now, I have to learn my lesson. I think anyone will agree. Any will do but especially organic cosmetics will help. I'm trying to buy new. I hope tomorrow after my class. Lip balms and sunblock cream are my essentials with SPF 20 or higher.

For many of us, even boys are not exempted to this. My hubby has sensitive skin and can not withstand the sun without any sunshield. We are helping each other...sharing each others shadow. Hehehe!

A shadow under the tree also helped :-) when we were in 't Woudt.

Today, I just got home from work. I even noticed my feet. It's like reddish brown :-) Hehehe. I wore a strappy flat sandal...so I had it exposed. Hmmmm. I'm sad to my skin. It's looks like aging. But I can't help it not to enjoy the warm day. Well, just a dose of sunny tip, not to forget skin cream in your get-up . Some products have components of anti-aging . Well, for me it doesn't matter as long as I will not look like a roasted peanut at the end of the day.

Enjoy the end spring and your early summer!

Look of the Year

2008-05-02T14:56:00.004+02:00

This entry is a tip for all the model wishers. I just got this link from my inbox, surprised myself but I'm not a dreamer and never once wish to become a model though I watched America's and Holland's next top Model. Hehehe! Anyway, I would just pass this info to those wannabees.

Here's Look of the Year , the latest way to get recognized, winning a 10,000 USD price or get spotted by an agency for model career. Look of the Year is looking for people from around the world to send in their best pictures and have the chance to be the next model working in Paris, New York or Milan.
An online beauty contest for the young and beautiful. The surfers of the site will vote. Wanna join Look of the Year? Try your best shot :-)

Why travel Europe?

2008-05-01T09:55:00.008+02:00

The enlargement of the EU, the greater mobility of its population and new trade ties have led to more contact between cultures, religions and ethnic and language groups. The location and easy interconnection of transport where you can just fast and land to any destination you like. Europe is certainly a continent which must be also considered carefully when you are thinking of internationalising your education and studying abroad in many fields of interest like Science, Engineering, Language and Literature Courses, and Art.

Well, obviously I won't cover every country in Europe and what they have to offer in depth, but just to name a few why Europe is such as exciting, colourful and diverse place: I already know what made tourists attracted to Holland (by it's tulips and landscapes, arts of Van Gogh, Velmeer and Rembrandt etc.). So, I checked out what Italy and Spain offer.

Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), Spain.

Spain is the second largest country in Europe and has the second largest amount of mountains. Spanish culture includes the Gaudi architecture, traditional bull fights, Tapas bars serving Sangria and Rioja to drink are world famous, and Paella to eat, though I can experiment in my kitchen, still Iwould like to give them a shot. A full calendar of fiestas around the country, both religious and historical, and to top it all off, the traditional Flamenco dancing. The season of festivals and fiestas is revving up to full throttle, from the running of the bulls to concerts and ballet in the gardens of the caliphs. I’ve read about the eyepopping Guggenheim Museum that has transformed Bilbao, and other modernista architects who made Barcelona as visually arresting a city as any in Europe and so as in the capital Madrid.

The awe-inspiring view of Grand Canal, across the early Venetian Renaissance church of S. Maria dei Miracoli, decorated with coloured marble, and then the miracle of Venetian Gothic, Ca' d'Oro.

Italy is a cultural collage of things to see, eat, drink and do including: Italian Vogue, the Milan fashion show, leather shoes and Moschino; pasta, pizza and a variety of fine wines; football is huge and the skiing is good; places of interest include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Vatican the Sistine Chapel. In Venice, home of the most fairy-tale like public residence of all times — a shrine of Venetian painting, with works by Carpaccio, Bellini, Tiepolo, Veronese, Bassano and Titian and the masterpieces of the Renaissance of Filippo Lippi. In the centre of the square is the majestic equestrian statue of Colleoni, by Verrocchio.

Above all these must-see places, there are a lot of things to discover that makes travel more interesting. Though travelling is not cheap but there are many ways to stretch your euro. If you have the money, then you have options to stay in hotels at reasonable price. Just like accomodations in Milan hotels, Hotels in Venice, Barcelona hotels and Madrid hotels may vary. Big cities are normally touristic just anywhere in the world. But if you have friends and relatives, then why not informing them of your coming:-) Backpacking is also a tip and try to hit around for bargains.

Travelling is riching your thoughts by the rich cultural heritage and the country's most breathtaking scenery. So much for the traveller to discover and explore and traveling in Europe becomes more convenient by the day. I will try to grab this opportunity and include this travel list to mine :-)

Sunburned in Asia...chilled in Schipol...

2008-04-04T17:22:00.001+02:00

Fotos were in Singapore. Still warm and winding...

When I arrived back in Holland, it was cold and a freezing week. Can you imagine how it feels, when you just came from a sunny 30D island?

We flew via Singapore. We still had about 4 hours transit time, so utilized it going around the Merlion city. Singapore is overwhelming in terms of shopping. Malls are skycrapers and shoppers are just crossing and buying mad anywhere. No wonder it's now become the shopping hub of Asia.

My tropical smile ended up when I landed in Schipol. Even a frowning face drawn in my face when some in my bagage was confiscated. Well, just take it off from the record, I brought something that is out of Dutch taste. Ummmm...some of them was already screened out at Changi airport in Singapore. Anyways, I walked out and had chilled ankles. I was just wearing a summer jacket :-( to think that it was still winter in the flatland. I thought that I had much heat absorbed from the solar. Hahaha! It didn't help but we arrived home sound and safe.

It was friday morning. I had jetlag. I wasn't able to sleep in the plane. We even ended up drinking cocktails while on board but sleep was too far away to reach. The next day was a party of a friend. We still managed to show up. Then it was sunday, for church. I was there to ask prayer for my exam on tuesday. God helped me out. I passed my exam as what I've said last time...

When we were away, the weather in the Netherlands was also very bad. It was stormy, wet, windy and very very cold. Even when we got back, we still had our share.

Then, I was just lucky. It did'nt snow but then just when I got back, it snowed. I got chance to enjoy it again.

These pictures were took just at the nearer park of our neighborhood. See? How pret I was? Snow bum :-) Well, at this time, my sunburn was just healing.

Retro: Fly to the Philippines part 3

2008-04-03T20:36:00.002+02:00

What I did more and where I was during my visit? As what I remembered until now, I was always in the swimming pool with my husband most of our mornings. During my first weeks, I stayed with my parents and eventually moved to a hotel when my hubby arrived.

We went to the beach in Davao City with my family.
We played bowling with friends and we even had the chance to visit my college campus. It was great seeing it again.

I went out from this College year 1999.

We ate in different places, some are new to me and others are familiar. We managed to arrange our schedules and even have sometime to spend time in our own.

Once I took a jeepney just to go around the city while hubby was enjoying his own time alone. I was really reminiscing but then in some point I became poignant when I was caught in between of 15-20 minutes traffic jam. I just walked out and mumbling how terrible it was. I walked along the avenue and felt my watery-skin. Omg! I sweated. I was consistently looking where to get airconditioning...there I saw a shopping mall at the end junction. I rushed to get in to cool down. Though I was reluctant to stay there longer. I missed malls but I had a weird feeling of discomfort. I couldn't walked fast inside of the mall. I did but then I realized that I looked odd. I looked like being chased in the midst of peoples' staring eyes. People walk so slowly and flauntly. Blamed it to the cold season of the West. I ended up going back to the hotel and waited hubby for our dinner date.

We visited few restaurants that are owned by Dutch. One was the De Boerderij (The Farm). It's a country-style resto-bar. They have a lot of burgers to choose from. We had a great time there and had a chance to talk the owners (by a filipina-dutch couple). It's located along McArthur Hi-way, Matina, Davao City.

Another restaurant owned by a Dutch entrepreneur is De Bonte Koe (The colorful cow) at Rizal Street. They have interesting menu but I preferred to eat something that I can't eat in Holland. So we did'nt eat a complete meal there. We just liked to check out those places and we're curious how it looks...if it's just gezellig (cosy) as in Holland :-) Indeed it was.

It was our great surprised to know these places. There are only few foreigners in Davao and surprising to learn that there are two Dutch-inspired ones. The mentioned restaurants are good and they are great to spend time and money for.

We went to movies. We watched My Big love and I ended up a translator to hubby. 27 Dresses was also a catched. We visited a Children's Home Foundation that provides care and shelter to children.

It's funded by a Dutch organization here in Holland.

Everytime we went back to our hotel, we're tired...then tried to plan the next day...(Dutch way :-) Thanks that we had an accomodating hotel for our 12 night-stay in The Apoview .

We had a good but tiring time during our visit in the Philippines. All at once, we tried to spend time with families and friends. The next visit might be more of vacation but for now, we're thinking for a real vacation. I'm still planning where but I feel that I have to. After my visit in the Philippines, I think I need to unstress...:-)

Retro: Fly to the Philippines part 2

2008-04-02T13:32:00.006+02:00

It took me a while to post this entry. This might be long overdue but I would still like to recap my visit in the Philippines as part of my journal here. When I arrived back in Holland, I was so busy with my exam. Believe it or not, I did it again. I passed and now I'm ongoing to the next module, and hopefully I will be finished in the late summer.

To add from that, just after my exam I jumped to a new parttime job to add to my exploration here while digging up the labor market. I'm working now in a museum of Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles , worldwide famous of producing handmade earthenware (named after the city of Delft where I live) like the Delftblue porceleineware. I work in the brassierie...maybe anyone of you will bump into a cup of coffee with a Dutch apple taart, then just say hi to me :-), when you pay your bills later.

We're approaching the city of Mati. We drove a long-way round to hit that island in my back.

Where we are? Ok, let's go to my pinoy getaway. Since, I was busy with family and friends visit, I even tried to explore a bit of my childhood province, Davao Oriental. There, I plunged to the crystal-blue water. We crossed the island of Waniban by boat. A small island fronting Masao beach, in the far-east end in the city of Mati.

We're in the island of Waniban. Fronting is the Masao beach where we departed.

My family. It's not obvious that they were excited :-)This island is not yet well-explored by the locals and tourist alike, since of it's high end location. It's nice to spend a whole day here. The boat is chartered at a reasonable price.

When I was like 6 years old, we used to come here. This once a port, where ships docked for loading of timber. We used to buy chocolates and ice creams in the ship. But now, the port is empty since the logging industry was closed. Nowadays, local fishermen sell their catch here. This bay is sometimes used as a shelter port for fishingboats whenever there's typhoon.

Before I left for the Netherlands, I used to work in this province. Somehow, this place is closed to me. I grew up here since my tender years until we moved when I was 10 yrs old. In my mid twenties, I went back to this province to work. I have families here though some are quite distant relatives but I used to see them and introduced myself as daughter of Maria or granddaughter of the late Tibo. Everytime we saw each other, they said I looked different, that made self introduction never ends.

Nevertheless, I did not ever forget to mark this place as one of my destination whenever I get back home. My hubby came here for the third time. He liked this place. Davao Oriental is just quite with a natural beauty of tranquility. Beaches, forest, and the natural curves of the mountains are what we like and I surely miss. Whenever, we decided to build our nest in the Philippines, this province is gonna be a top choice for our future paradise.

After a short weekend there, we drove back to Davao City and eventually, had a short stop in Panabo City where my parents live.

Next post is anything about of my trip. See yuh!

Retro: Fly to the Philippines part 1

2008-03-16T16:32:00.011+01:00

This is a flashback of my trip to the Philippines dated feb 14-march 13. As what I've said in my last post, I was busy packing of gifts...for who was a surprise. I flew right on valentine's day. Husband and I made up before that day :-) That made sense when I wrote that it was nontypical. Nevertheless, I went back to my native land 12 days ahead than hubby. Hoped to spend great time.

On the day of my flight, I had already trouble at Schipol airport in Amsterdam. I knew I was stupid but just like a bull, I was quite hard headed. I brought a luggage about 60kgs, three times from the allowed checked-in luggage. I knew, but I took risk to grab a chance to bring it for free. I was allowed to bring a free excess checked luggage of 10 kgs. Not bad with a carry on luggage of 15 kgs. Hubby was dissappointed to me how pushy I was. He told me already to send my baggage via parcel..and he ended up bringing my excess baggage back home. It was not nice for him. Sorry dear. I begged him to bring it with him when he fly later. But he did'nt promised...(he doesn't like to pack his suitcase full of soaps and chocos heh).

These are miniature gifts (as our wedding giveaways) inside of my luggage.

A group picture with my college friends.

My visit was supposed to be a surprise but not anymore to my family but still to my friends. All my friends were surprise, that I love the idea. Imagine, a friend of mine just arrived from work, complaining about her day and just a minute I bumped into her to say Hi. I could not picture their faces when they saw me. They screamed as if I was a ghost and shook me to death with big loud smiles and unbreathable hugs.

So what made my days busy in there? It was full of family and friendly visits. For about two years that I did'nt returned since I got married. I decided to make my visit a feast, just to share and celebrate the happy moments I have in Holland (and even bad times). I liked to spend time with my parents of course, and have apart time with friends mentioning hi-school and college buddies. Just a typical pinoy feasts we had. I was also a typical balik-bayan. I had a lot of mesmerizing moments. Adding to what I miss is our food like sweet mangoes, native chicken bbq and my mother's special pancit. Hahaha! I gained 3 kgs. Not bad at all. Actually, those are yummies for me that delight my gastronomy. Other foods were just a plus. A piece of crisp lechon skin was also satisfying but then I could'nt just sacked them in my average stomach. I'm a food person at the same time I would like to enjoy my food by savoring the taste up to my last bite. Aside from food, our famous videoke (video singing which is popular among Asean countries) did'nt escape from my agenda. Well, to think that I can't do it here in Holland or else our neighboor will send a police to reprimand me, so better do it in the Philippines, whether you shout out loud till your tongue drops, nobody will stop you but only your conscience.

So far, I maximized my first 12 days before hubby will arrive. I tried to do things according to my plan and I was also being spontaneous though.

Another thing, I was not just enjoying but also complaining (hmmmm, am I now Dutchified?). Definitely, I complained about the weather. Soooo hot. No way but to rush going in to shopping malls for free airconditioning. I was then had a thought about of our thinning ozone layer. Anyways, no time to act on it, ( I'm on state visit este family visit :-) but desperately sighed. The busy streets and loud horns were annoying. Sometimes, its threatening to me that I would like to stay home aside from the tremendous increase of prices...:-) Oh my...not to mention how expensive goods are...I refrained to shop...hoped I won't give up.

My trip was not a vacation at all. I was not relaxed but I was happy to see again the place where I spent my grown-up years. Nice to see familiar faces and places. It was also comforting to do things where I was being used of doing at. Riding jeepneys, tricycles ( a motorcycle with a cab), buses and taxis. I did'nt bike for a month. No wonder that I weigh more than I expected.

I did more things but I won't enumerate all of them :-) Summing up, I had a good time. Next post, is my time when hubby joined with me. Actually, its our first time to be away of each other. Now, we could'nt wait to be backed with each other's arm after 12 days...

Keep on track. Hehehe.(I'll post more pictures later. I'll just need to rest and study for my exam tomorrow).

happy valentine's day

2008-02-13T15:52:00.006+01:00

Everyday is a love day. Though our week is quite busy but still we tried to do something special. Not to get pressured that Cupid is hunting hearts tomorrow but just try do things out of your typical day. So what's up with us?

Today is just so nontypical. Hubby took a day-off. The weather dropped at 2D and will be freezing tonight. It's not so inviting to go out. I think we will be hanging up at home. We like to see a movie but we are lazy to drive going to Den Haag.

At home is cluttered with papers and stuff. I'm busy packing gifts for people does'nt know that they will receive it :-) Surprise as it is being called.

I don't have a gift for hubby but I already gave him my greeting card last saturday with a poem in it. A Dutch poem that I browsed in the internet. That goes...

"Je bent mijn valentijn" (You are my valentine)

"Vandaag hou ik van je, (today, I love you)

morgen nog een stukje meer. (tommorow is even more)

Ik denk dat het elke dag zo zal zijn, (I think that everyday would be like that)

elke dag weer. (everyday again)

Je hebt geen idee wat je voor me betekent, ( you have no idea what is it meant for me)

en wat je met me doet. ( and what you've done to me)

Ik ben echt gek op je, (I'm crazy for you)

lief, jij maakt alles goed. (love, you make everything good)

Nog maar 25 maanden bij elkaar, (Being just 25 months together)

en toch al zo vertrouwd. (but even so promising)

in goede en slechte tijden, (in good and bad times)

vergeet nooit dat ik van je hou." (forget me not that I love you)

I found it sweet. I edited some of the lines since it was so long and no enough space in the card.

I received Adriaan's gift, 2 books. They are very sweet books entitled, "Van de schaduw en het licht" (Of the shadow and light) and "Ik heb je lief" (I love you), all are written pieces of the late famous Dutch writer Toon Hermans . Though I need to get myself hammered with the Dutch texts.

Anyways, whatever our plans today would be, is special. Everyday is special. What I know for sure tonight is a shot of tequila :-)

I love you Ian and to all our parents/families and friends. Happy heart's day everyone.

Wind blows while trucks move...

2008-02-06T09:19:00.000+01:00

I was rattling going to the elavator yesterday to go the basement and to pick up my bike. The weather was so unfriendly. Adriaan missed his bus since his car was locked up in their company's parking garage. He needed to go by bus but unfurtunately, he needs to wait for 30 minutes for the next trip. Oh boy!

My fon rang and it was my classmate. I thought she called to tell me she won't go to school but then, she offered me a lift in her car. What a kind gesture. So I went out from the basement and waited for her outside. I called Adriaan whos' atop to come down and have a hitch. So in the end, we, the Huijsings had a pleasant ride. Me going to school, and Adriaan to the tram station.

The wind was blowing hard and the rain was freely pouring without care. Thanks for the lift I thought. But when, we arrived just in the junction close to our school, we could not pass. There was a big truck mover. A family just moved. I can't imagined moving in that weather. When I looked at our back...you can't believed it. Another huge truck mover. Why people are moving...or leaving?

I can't stop thinking about it. After our class, my classmate liked to drive around the city. I think she just like to drive longer than she planned since I was there :-). Then along the way, I saw a lot of constructions, actually a new residential and commercial site. It seemed that realtors are booming this year. In the city of Delft, new realties are just around. Even in our back of our neighborhood, is a big construction site now.

Well, I was just amazed. No wonder that ads in paper or hanging outside for a property for sale, homes for sale (te koop) or house for rent (te huur). A lot of newly built properties now, I think it's also a boost result of the government helping the housing sector to built up lower mortgages. Hmmmm...I feel like to move...but for sure not during on this wet, windy and freezing day. Not now but one of the coming years :-)

Thanks Ftima for the lift :-h. Through the ride, I got this post. Have a nice day though.

Cinema trip

2008-02-04T20:45:00.000+01:00

I supposed to read a magazine today but then I was interrupted by few movie reviews in the internet, so I did surf into it and unknowingly my time is off.

Gosh! I pondered about my self comments about the films being reviewed that I watched already. It seemed that writer's and watcher's comments are variables not to mention the spoilers.

If I watch a movie, I'm not a kind of a spoiler. I still enjoyed even if the movie is a rotten tomato but to sit inside the cinema is quite relaxing that I can manage to give a film a rating of 5+ :-)

Anyways, I've a good recommendation for these following movies that I watched recently:

Atonement, starred by Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, a romantic British drama in an old war setting, bagged most of the major Golden Globe awards.

Enchanted, a classic Disney fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in a story about a fairytale princess who is sent to our world by an evil queen starred by Amy Adams and Patrick Demsey. Hilarious, light and family entertaining.

Lady Chatterley , a French adaptation of the second (and much less well-known) version of D.H. Lawrence's erotic tale. This won many praises in France awarding bodies. (note: you may see a frontal nudity here).

Charlie Wilson's War , roleplayed by Tom Hunks and Jullia Roberts. A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects. Rarely is movie humour laugh-out loud and also smart.

Mentioned films are still showing. Check FilmLadder.nl .

Movies I'm going to watch:

Away from Her . The story is about a man coping with the institutionalization of his wife because of Alzheimer's disease faces an epiphany when she transfers her affections to another man, Aubrey, a wheel chair-bound mute who also is a patient at the nursing home. This film also shops a lot of awards. I'm interested to watch it maybe this coming weekend.

27 Dresses . I might consider to buy a popcorn for this :-) A typical story of multiple times being a bridesmaid but never a bride. Maybe a sort of Valentine's treat.

Juno. It's played by one of my favorites Jennifer Garnier.

The Bucket List , a comedy-drama by multi-awarded Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.

For now, I have an open list. I hope you'll gonna check them out, and let's see how our reviews and taste differs :-)

Internet connecting people

2008-01-18T14:00:00.000+01:00

You just name it and you have it. That's what internet can offer. I just had a moment imagining, what is life without this technology. What is life abroad far from your family and friends, far from your own traditions and culture and anything that connects an immigrant's identity.

My 2-year life abroad is made easy by technology, of course not only me...it's a fact and presently a must. International calls is cheaper via discount numbers which are so many to choose from. I have a lot of them but I found one that's really cheap. Check this on Goedkoopbellen . Or, if you're just right at your desk, then VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is even cheaper just like yahoo messenger or msn where you can chat and call for free with your friends and relatives.

This blog , I started to keep contact with my family and friends. My online photoalbum that showcases my photos to connect with our beloved. There are many free photo webtools but you can upgrade it buy paying which I did for about two years now with Photoalbum.

To keep in tract with my high school buddies and college mates, Friendster is invented, and I have it too. I have also a Hyves account since friends of my husband is interconnected with this site. Hyves is known and used by many Dutch and Europeans unlike with Friendster, it is hitting mostly the Asian countries. However, I don't got much time to update it.

A lot of them present in the internet. I shop via online. I even sell my junks :-) (good as new) via Marktplaats. I do cash deposits and withdrawal via internet banking. Paypal is even easier for paying and receiving cash.

My mobile telephone with wap tools is also another option. You got connected with the world wherever you are. Though, I don't use it so often...only if I have nothing to do when I'm outside...just check my emails or sent urgent emails via my cellphone.

I read news online, Philnews (links of all Philippine online news), Volkskrant (Dutch news) and CNN ( International news). What more?

Now, I'm saying how easier it is now compared wayback ten years ago. If I came here in the Netherlands at that time...maybe it will take me box of postmails and bucket of tears (homesick) though internet is already there but the innovations now are just different than before.

Most of all, internet connected me to my husband. We are lovers of technology should I say :) Love emanates from a kind heart...but I found it via machine. Hmmmnnnn. I know I'm not just the only one who is grateful of this romantic web incident.

Millions of us...Reasons may varied but whatever are those...might be the same as what I mentioned above as my personal experiences, yet we are thankful of this technology. Personally I am :-)

Advance happy valentine!

Up-close with Humidity, Humidifier and Bad hair day

2008-01-03T17:52:00.000+01:00

The temperature now drops at freezing point. It's freaking cold. I just had the energy to bike outside at this freezing point. Well, I just swim this morning, so I had a lot of warming up.

I just actually arrived from my biking expedition and then I run to my desk to check my emails. But then, an article struck my attention contenting about humidity relating to bad hair day. Is it interesting?

What is humidity by the way :-) Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. The hotter the air is, the greater is the moisture. 35%-45% humidity is called to be average indoors. Instability of it may cause discomfortness, even drying of skin, allergies, itchiness and even damage of some properties inside the home. I just also read all these symptoms at Holmes humidifier web site in their Questions about humidifiers.

But too much of that, I'm interested why having a bad hair day relates with humidity.

Just quite funny, but I'm curious. I just had few bad hair days that I just ended up tying or camaouflage it by any piece to put on over my head. Enough said, the article goes like this:

"The length of a strand of human hair changes with different relative humidities. As the relative humidity increases, hair becomes longer, and as the humidity drops it becomes shorter. On very humid days, your hair actually becomes longer and this extra length causes the frizziness that gives us bad hair days".-USATODAY.com

So, human (or animal) hair turns out to be a pretty good way to measure the humidity, as you ever complained about a "bad hair day," can tell you that it's time to stabilize your home's humidity. Aha! That's why I had my hair flying away. But how about falling hair? I will search for it next time. But how about you guys? Have a bad hair day? Then maybe it's time also to check Holmes humidifier . What is humidifier? It's a home appliance to help humidifying your home at the right level.

Well, it's just important to check how humid inside our house especially during the cold season. Too high and too low might jeopardize our health. The higher it is, makes our windows and glasses are dampy and wet, where molds and bacteria can grow; the lower it is, the dryer the air we breath. Just to make sure you have an hygrometer to measure humidity or a Holmes humidifier to help stabilizing it.

Check your home's amount of moisture or have a glimpse at the mirror on how your hair looks :-)

December capsule IV

2007-12-27T13:56:00.001+01:00

We just seen a ballet performance of Het Grootste Zwanenmeer ter Werld (Swan Lake) at the RAI Theatre in Amsterdam. It was spectacular. It was my first time ever that I saw a live stage ballet. Adriaan was his fourth time, but we both enjoyed the show.
(Photo is from theagenda.nl )

We had a good but expensive seat in the theatre (tickets were courtesy from my in-laws). It was breathtaking. I can see the faces of the performers and all their synchronized movements. The show had two breaks, so they divided the play into three plots/parts.

The story is based on the classic tale of young Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with the Swan Queen, Odette. Poor Odette is cursed for all time by the evil Rothbart. She is destined to remain a woman during the day but a swan at night until rescued by the power of love.

Enthralled by her beauty, the Prince pledges his undying love, but is tricked by the evil sorcerer into declaring his love for Odile, Odette's evil twin.
When he discovers the ruse, the horrified prince rushes back to the lake where he battles Rothbart and destroys his power.

(Photo is from elsievier.nl)

The performance combined the most perfect harmony between the music and the choreography in the history of dance - a beautiful story about the struggle of good and evil. And a great love story as well. However, there are different versions in the ending of the story. In this performance, the queen was destroyed by the evil. The queen died and the prince carried her and they both thrown themselves to the lake. It was still a happy ending since they meet each other in heaven.

For this production, the company has made a concept - with classical sets, costumes, backdrops and staging. The whole effects, in visual and in musical were splendid.

There were 48 swans/performers from the Tsjaikovsky Perm Ballet from Russia, where the best ballet performers came from. They are world performers. As of the record, the company has the greatest number of swans ever performed that highlighted the show.

Tickets are still available at Topticketline and will be performed until 6 january 2008.

December capsule III

2007-12-24T13:02:00.000+01:00

Snow...snow... It snowed in the Netherlands. It lasted for two nights at least. This winter is colder than last year.

I smiled it is because, I always wanted to snow. I just had a quick shot here or else I might freeze too.

The first day of snow...my mother in law picked me up at home. We went together to Makro (a big warehouse) for some stuff. On our way...mom took the nicest route to drive through and we can spot the white scenic views. I took pictures while I was inside of the car but they were not just sharp...I'm still glad that I took them...(above fotos).

It was just a tired day...that I was not able to get out and have a walk. I just tried to take more pictures from our flat...(pictures just right above).

It was really beautiful. The watercanals were frozen...Adriaan's nephews are skating in the frozen canals in 't Woudt (where my parents in law live) and where I would like to go but Adriaan was just not feeling well.

I'm hoping this will happen again. Anyways, the weather in the Netherlands is just so changeable. Now, the temperature is 5C . Just few more droppings...

December capsule II

2007-12-23T11:25:00.000+01:00

I watched Evita, the musical play held at the New Luxor Theater in Rotterdam courtesy from my work.

I was excited though it's my first time to watch a musical play here in Holland and to think that it's a world renowned play. The book and lyrics by Tim Rice and this is based on the life of Eva Peron, the infamous first lady of Argentina. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.The original Broadway production opened on 25 September 1979 and was directed by Harold Prince, with choreography by Larry Fuller, running for 1567 performances. Originally produced as a concept recording, the original West End production opened on 21 June 1978. A film version was released in 1997 where Madonna played Evita and Antonio Banderas as Che Guevarra.

I also watched the film and I have at home a Dvd which was also a gift from our boss. Luckily, I knew the story, or else I might not understand the play. :-) The songs are all translated in Dutch...expecting that the rise and fall of the melodies are just quite difficult to follow. Brigitte Heitzer who played as Evita has a great voice. She won last time in the AVRO tv programme"Op zoek naar Evita" (Searh for Evita) of Joop van den Ende Theaterproducties.

It was actually a work night-out. We had dinner at Liepzig restaurant inside of the theater. My colleagues were just curious to ask me if I can follow and understand the play 'coz even them, have difficulty listening to the music. The orchestra was just hard...well, the first part of the plot was quite full of strong emotions that made the music harder. But in the second part was already slowly to softened since of the low-variations of feelings of the story. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the performance.

The evening was so beautiful and I was also impressed with the architectural design of the theater. I did'nt have a photo since I was just a bit reluctant to disrupt my Dutch colleagues in their serious mood. Hehehe! They looked allergic and skeptical from the camera flash...but at the end of the play, our boss gathered us in the big hall and took a group picture just with a big christmas tree background. They have no escape but at least I was relieved. :-)

The New Luxor Theatre is one of the biggest amusement theatres in the Netherlands and home to various forms of entertainment including musical, cabaret, opera, revue and dance for international and local audiences. The ambience of the theater was really perfect for the night. The location has the excellent waterfront view of the world port, the Erasmus bridge as the skyline of Rotterdam and from there is just the Hotel New York stands.

Surprisingly, when we went out from the theater, it was a complete white evening. It snowed. I've waited for snow and just happened at the late evening. I sighed...I had no time to take a photo coz we're already hurrying going inside of our bus...I was hoping to take a photo when I arrived in Delft....Surprisingly again! Mr. Snowman was not yet in Delft....Uuhmmmm.

The next morning...I woke up and when I looked out the window....I just saw white. At last...the snow arrived :-)

December capsule I

2007-12-20T21:22:00.000+01:00

I was quite busy this month of December. A lot of things happened, like surprises ( of any sorts, gifts or problems :-(, sickness, misunderstandings, parties etc.). In short...tired and exhausted. Anyhow, I'm back and I'm trying to recap my past few weeks and I'm even inspired by this photo I captured few weeks ago.

I took this magnificent sunset view from our flat.

To start with, on the first day of this month, we had a nice evening with my 3 sister-in-laws and my mother in law. We had dinner together in the Pakhuis, a cozy restaurant in Delft. We called the night as girls' night-out. Girls' talk in between with a superb meal served in the table. It was an exclusive time for us...backbiting over our hubbies :-) Hehehhe. joke. That night was special and we would like to do it next time in the coming year.

The next day I decorated my christmas tree. Too early here in Holland but quite later than in the Philippines. This time, I bought a plastic one (practically wise) unlike last year that I had a 6 footer real pine tree.

We had celebrated the Sinterklas last december 5. We had many surprises received from Sint. It was time to feel like a kid. Hehehe...opening your gifts.

The unwrapping of gifts...

I have some regular meet-ups with few friends from the church. Last 11th was the Lichtjes avond ( light evening) in the city. It was the evening that the big christmas tree standing in the market square of the city was lighted to welcome the yuletide season.

The big christmas tree in the market square just officialy lighted up at exactly 7pm by the city mayor. It was blessed with a pleasant weather, where a very big and full-packed crowd gathered.

The church where I regularly attend, joined the activity. We setted up an information stand about the church. The night was glorious especially inside of the Oude kerk (old church). There were musical presentations and plays.

The following days were scheduled visits for families and friends.

I still used to manage my school schedule in which I just had my pre-exam last 18th.

The above image is a manger with people playing as Mary and Joseph with several sheperds and a camel.

Photo below is the aligned old buildings along the Oude Delft canal displaying their lights to highlight this one of the most historical canals of the city.

And you know what... I just grabbed a part time job in the housekeeping department of the Leeuwenbrug Hotel, just here in Delft. I just work for 3 1/2 hour for 3 days a week. It's also a nice experience, and I meet new people where I have the chance to enrich my Dutch vocabulary. I have a mixed environment of co-workers like students, mothers, old, youngs and of course international guests. This' also something to pack up my time. The hotel is just less than 15 minutes by bike, an advantage not to back out. So far, this job is better than sitting in the cabin of the callcenter where I last worked. Great :-)

Check out my next activity in my next post. I'm trying to capsulate them as far as I can remember. Have a happy vacation and a festive December :-)

Forgetful: a symptom

2007-11-29T19:01:00.000+01:00

I'm surprise how forgetful I am. It's acceptable to forget somebody's name that you just met for a split of minute and meet only once in a blue moon :-) Can you forgive me if I forget your birthday? I think yes...just try to make up, but what I can't accept is simply forget the day's date. Omg! I forgot that yesterday was wednesday and I was doing my thursday activity in one day advance and even busy planning for the following day, thinking it's friday.

Maybe it was the effect of my dentist nonstop changing of my appointment. Hmmmn. I used to save the date for my dental regular check up and just for a strange change, I received two different calls requesting me to change my appointment. The dentist is out! My appointment always falls on wednesday. So, I move it now to thursday. I hope the change will pay.

Does it also happens to you? Is this a sign of aging? I'm about to hit the crucial 30's. Well, I don't know if this is serious, but how many times last summer that I spent many times searching for my sunglasses wherein it was peacefully sitting on top of my head. Ridiculous but it seems that the time is near...got what I mean?

I have my electronic agenda/planner via my fone syncronizing to my outlook calendar but still doesn't help me. I have a calendar hanging inside of our wc (water closet). My mobilefone alarms to remind me but it seemed to be not working. Hmmmm. Sounds not yet desperating but it worries me. I have to set an action plan. What? To take a good and sound sleep. I think, I was just tired...maybe it's time to arrange a therapuetic thermal bad. Just like a special treat in Sanadome. Uhmmmn. I can also do an aromatic bath at home. How about after this post?

I would say, that I'm not really good of dates like histories, remembering ones' birthday, but I won't forget that I was married in April fool's day...heheheh (joke). I won't forget how special it was during one beautiful spring day.

There are many reasons associated with memory loss. Try to google it. I won't enumerate them. Others also said that memory lapses might be just an excuse for someone who don't like to remember. Hmmmn. Playing forgetful? That is certainly a bad habit.

The modern world we live in makes many demands on us. Sometimes it seems as if the pressure to do more, be more, and produce more never stops. It is not surprising then, that the balance between inner and outer life is tricky to maintain. The pace of living has become hectic. As a result, our head (sanity) spins out of our reach. Well, forgetfulness is not yet a serious symptom of insanity. Heheheh. What we need is to release all the junk from within. Let our brain pick up its sensors of organizing (there are lots of rooms in our brain to be checked)...then our memory faculty will be restored and revived...only if you'll have some time for body rest.

Anyways, I think this is not yet a disease. I can still manage to survive. Only that there are days that we're so hyperactive, a kind of imbalance that we forget to live the day and subconsciously we like to bring up the future out of our own will. Our mind faculty just don't rest and tried to work continously jumping off to its limit. It means, that I have to adapt to my body rythm and not trying to over rule what the body can't.

What do you think? Am I right? Or am I just justisfying how forgetful I am...or maybe I will blame it by too much drinking coffee. Maybe I'll shift to decaf but not so soon :-)

Note: Just read this article about diagnosis of being forgetful .

Sinterklaas again!

2007-11-23T16:39:00.000+01:00

On December 5, it's Sinterklaas again here in the Netherlands. This gonna be my second time to celebrate it. Well, it's not really that we will celebrate it per see, but I'm just gonna witness it how special it is for the children. We will be joining with my sister-in-law since they have two kids. Without kids, this event woudn't be sold out solely to the adults.

Who is Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet (s).

Who is also Zwarte Piet?

I already introduced them during my previous post last year. Have a look and get up-close and personal to him:-)

Tag: Bye Sinterklaas, Hello Santa Claus .

For a bird's eyeview, Sinterklaas or Sint Nikolaas in Dutch or Saint Nicolas in French, is a holiday tradition in the Netherlands and Belgium (both Dutch and French speaking parts), celebrated every year on Saint Nicholas' eve December 5 or, in Belgium, the morning of December 6. Zwarte Piet is Sint's helper. The feast celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Read more...

I just refresh this subject it is because, since the start of November, many googlers are referred to my site and untiredly using the search word Sinterklaas. I hope that the above link might be a help.

It's just amazing how this feast a big business grower. All items now on sales are related to this feast. All items are costumized and commercialized. From clothings, toys, kids accessories, and food are all Sint inspired.

In food section, you can see taitai, speculaas, chocolate letters (pure or milk) and choco sint/piet figurines, marsepein ( a mixture of almonds and sugar that has been ground), choco munten (chocolate coins), peppernoten, and many more. Check this link for more Sint food ideas.

Speculaas are flavoured with cinnamon and some specific spices. A type of shortcrust biscuit (traditionally baked for consumption of this feast) in the Netherlands and Belgium.

All the food stuff can be found anywhere in the supermarket or you might even get these for free in some shops or as giveaways of some companies and offices.

Now, I'm eating pepernoten. This is made of kaneelpoeder (cinnamon) and nootmuskaat (nutmeg).

Right image is the pepernoten.

After this feast, Christmas will follow. People are not as busy unlike during the Sinterklas day. Christmas is celebrated very shortly and treated with a simple family dinner. Very unlikely to what we used to in the Philippines...where the yuletide season is occupying a quarter of the calendar year.

Ps. It's also during Sinterklaas that you might need to start writing your wishlist :-) Hehehe. It's my own interpretation. Well, at this time, I'm not wishing...I'm praying :-)

This' all for now. Happy Sint day.

Search your celebrity look-alike...

2007-11-19T13:54:00.000+01:00

This is one of my files I came acrossed when I opened up my old archive. I tried to upload my newest picture to check my celebrity look-alike, if it's still the same. The most consistent is the lovely girl Katie Leung, who charmed Harry Potter and more Asean stars...including Sarah Geronimo, the Philippine young popstar. Well, just a slight similarity :-) Naks!

Ummmmh. I'm just amazed why the're two blond girls sneaked out in my collage...Note: Drew Barrymore is also consistent to any of my pictures....Hehehe! Most likely, due to our checkbone...
Just for fun...try to check yours...maybe this is one way to find your long lost grand ancestors...:-)

Anyway, don't worry dear friends...this will not cause to lost your identity...yours is forever yours :-) Just check out how the power of technology does cute things :-) Have a nice day.

Monetize your Blog through...

2007-11-19T13:34:00.000+01:00

Do you have a blog and want to make some extra money? Then bloggerwave gives you the opportunity. Bloggerwave is aiming to be Europe's biggest advertising media on blogs and you, as a blogger can help it grow so more and more jobs will come.

I was browsing the web again, and here I got an interesting piece of how to monetize your blog through bloggerwave. This is now the trend, the newest fave...join to the bandwagon of blogging. Bloggers around the world, who specializes in their own fields, whatever, it may be in travel, tourism, industry, medical, gadgets, fashions, media, IT, education, politics, lifestyle, counselling, you name it, all of them are earning...so why not me...:-) I would like to give a shot.

colors of autumn

2007-11-09T19:46:00.000+01:00

It's now autumn. Autumn is the season that comes between summer and winter and officially starts on the 21st of September. Americans started and usually call this season fall because it is a time of falling leaves. In Nederlands, it's translated as herfst or najaar ( herfst is pronounced as what it is being written and najaar, j is pronounced as y ).

I am very enchanted during fall especially this year. Last year's autumn was not as colorful as this time. Now, deciduous trees shed their leaves, with the leaves changing to a reddish or brownish hue before falling. In temperate zones just like in the Philippines, autumn is the season during which most crops are harvested though we don't have this official season.

(The yellow flower, oncidium or dancing lady, stands at our window pane, this blooms on its 3rd time since the time we have it last year. This also serves as our daily sunshine for the past few weeks :-)).

In the fall, there's nothing like the low-angled, amber light of autumn shining on a late season garden. When I biked, there was a smoky haze in the air that gave the countryside a dream-like atmosphere. Sometimes, when I biked going through to the villages, the green meadows appeared of multi-hued colors. The cows’ breath fogged the chilly air and of course, their smelly waste is also freely dancing with the air to give you their unselfish earthy odor. Well, not to make my blog stinky...:-) I would say that the aromatic scents of the leaves and flowers are the most empowering fragrances you will smell when you pass in the bushes or walk along the array of trees. It's magnificent I would say. Walking in the woods with the heap of falling leaves at your feet. This year's autumn is really beautiful.

Everywhere you go, you see warm earthy tones in the garden, a sprinkling of colour from summer's last flowers, brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of the trees dressed in their best fall finery. The colours remind us of the wonderful summer we have just had. One can still feel the last of the sun's summer warmth on one's face while crisp air fills the sunny days and cooler nights. Store windows and markets are adorned with all the fall colours, tempting the passer-by. It is a season to be enjoyed for as long as it can be, before the onset of the long cold winter.

Now a little late of sighting colors since the flatland is stormed, frequent rain poured and tremendous bursting of wind blasted. Leaves are just falling, make the trees almost bald and grey.

Anyway, before the end of this scenic autumn, I just got few shots of a garden park nearby in our neighboorhood (the garden fotos were all taken at the Wilhemina park at Weteringlaan, Delft).

You know, while I'm writing this post, I'm quite inspired to compose a poem about autumn. Actually, autumn has often been associated with melancholy. The possibilities of summer are gone, and the chill of winter is on the horizon. Skies turn grey, and people turn inward, both physically and mentally. I read a lot about associated medical stories how this season affects human behavior, like winter blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: Are you SAD? due to decrease exposure of sunlight as fall deepens and extends throughout the darker days of winter. I won't go deeper to this topic...this kinda an opossite side of how colorful autumn is, right?

I would like to share few lines from an autumn story I just browsed in tonight. ( I coudn't tract back the page anymore to cite who the author was...)

...I look out the window and watch Autumn's story unfold. I witness crimson, auburn, and gold leaves, clinging to their branches in the late October wind. The wind seems relentless, and the leaves struggle to hold on, whipped back and forth. Then, in a moment of what appears to be surrender, but which I think is better described as reconciliation, a leaf lets go of its branch, and gives itself over to the wind. It does not plummet straight to the ground. It floats gently, this way and that, as if recalling its life on the branch. If the wind is strong, the leaf may stay in the air for minutes on end, swirling around with other leaves. Yet, in the end, the leaf comes to rest on the solid earth. It returns to the ground from which the tree itself arose, many years ago, to mingle with the dust and ashes of life's other forms. This is the story Autumn tells...

Autumn is telling us something important. Autumn fires something in our imagination that we can reflect with. With its blustery days, its dropping temperatures, its slowly freezing ponds and rivers, its long, dark nights, and its beautiful, falling leaves...and in a certain point, you will realize how beautiful life is. We only have one life but we can create more lives out of living it to the fullest. We live at a certain point and die at any unapprehended time. However, a young leave in the spring must give its colors through the summer and is destined to fall in the autumn...but people has more chances to live...to show real colors, not just a bright colorful leaf but people have chance to share joy and happiness to anyone that is lasting and enduring...longer than forever.

Some wishes to become a leaf, to live shortly but fulfilled. Hmmmmm....I would rather choose to be me :-) Just living once but still has a chance to live life all over again when get stumble and fall. Fall is a gift of nature...to be appreciated and reminded how great is the One who made it.

I got deeper here than SAD... I have to sleep now I think :-) See yuh!

A trip plan to Paris

2007-10-28T11:28:00.000+01:00

A friend from church is planning to organize a weekend trip to Paris. I received lots of emails about the said trip from our church google group. It seemed that many are interested. How about me? Yes I do. I would like to visit Paris for the second time around.

(This photo is at the Champs Elysees avenue during our trip last year).

The itinerary presented is quite alluring to me. For a 2-3 days trip...include visiting the La Tour Eiffel, walking to the Champs Elysees, meditating at the church of Notre Dame and Versailles.

Left image is the Eiffel obviously :-)

I've been already to these places except the palace in Versailles (photo below).

One of the most beautiful monuments in France, located just 25 miles southwest of Paris is The Castle of Versailles. Also one of the finest jewels of the French Crown and one of the most stunning designs of its creator, the Sun King, Louis the Fourteenth. That's where I would like to go.

A pose with the background of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Another thing that the trip offers is, it's such a budget trip. We are going to stay in an affordable hotel in Paris relatively closed to our target destinations. Of course, accomodation is not that hard to find. There are many nice hotels to choose from since tourism is a boom industry in France. Generally, hotels in France can be very expensive but it can be as cheaper depending how much you would like to spend. Try to dig up your web search engine. Amazingly, cheap hotels are just in hand. Wise spending will be a good motto for a smart traveller. Am I right?

Well, I'm still waiting for the infos about this trip. By the first week of December is the probable date. This gonna be a different trip it is because it's a wonderful group of people in one itinerary. It's a good start to unwind before the rushing christmas holidays. We will be tasting tegether the local french cuisine, maybe walking along the big spotlight fashion streets, bargaining in the market (as per insist),visiting museums, or climbing the Eiffel which I didn't dare before. Bunch of things to do I expect.

For the meantime, I will just wait and see what the travel plans are. Now, it's time to do my schoolworks. Have a nice day :-)

Sports time!

2007-10-22T13:15:00.000+02:00

I had tennis lessons and it was my physical exercise before I left for Netherlands. When I just arrived here, I simply missed it especially that I always pass tennis lawns and saw people playing. I'm not that good though and I'm definitely not Justine Henin here but I really had the stamina to strike a hollow rubber ball over a net into my opponent's court with this tiny arm of mine..

At the end of the day's work, I simply sneaked out from my boss's office and said goodbye to all that I need to get off at exact 5pm (closing office hr.). My coach will be waiting and I might pay the running time for that :-( Later, I already managed to play single or double with an officemate or other tennismates...who are kinda seniors of the club.

At that time, I was started wishing for a new and famous brand tennis racket. I don't owned one. I just used a handed down racket. My grandfather was a serious tennis player of his time. Few uncles and aunts inherited the skills. I just started ti get interested with the game since my mid twenties...Why? Maybe I already get over from my trauma of being hit by a baseball or from a basketball ball. What I have are lots of tennisballs...I can afford it...and so with tennis shoes and my pair white tennis suits.

Now, it's autumn, tennis clubs are opening. I would really like to join but I'm still persuading my dear to join with me and so as for refreshing lessons so we can play together. Is it that perfect? (if you have unfinished business...then bring it to the court....hahahah!) I would also like to try playing in a grass court (feel like Wimbledon) or clay court (like in a French Open)....ummmmh! Ambitiousa! In the Philippines, especially in the province, I used to play in a hard court, concreted by cement and some coated by asphalt... really rough surface that sometimes I had difficulty to reach and return the ball 'coz of slow motion...hehehe..I'm quite scared to run and leg scratches would be at stake.

I remembered my coach, Badminton!!!, he shouted, to remind me of my servings. I used to play badminton before, so it was an awkward shift. I served normally onderhand...and took me time to learn overhand... I don't know why, but I ended up smashing the air and fall the ball to my face. :-) To reach overrun balls was also hard at the start.

At this time of the year, indoor sports are now starting. However, tennis can be an indoor or outdoor. I would also like to try running in an open court...autumn temperature is bearable I think...you will burn much energy enough to warm up your coldblooded nerves :-)

It is also amazing to observe that sports and body fitness is well supported in the Netherlands. You name the sports...and the flatland will offer. So far, I see no one here yet playing "tumbang preso" or "tumba lata", that's only in the Philippines I presumed.

It feels good to do stuff again that you used to do wayback two years ago. I will still consider it...but at the meantime, I will stick to my swimming lessons and do constant cycling...

Oooops...before I forgot...check Tennisplaza to see what kind of tennis racket I've wished for.

Interactive Trip Planner

2007-10-21T21:27:00.000+02:00

I was already sharing this to you in my past entries about a

trip planner. Realtravel offers a free trip planner . I just forgot to say that this trip planner is voted as the one of the twelve essential travel sites by Forbes and best of web for trip planning by BusinessWeek. It's not only a travel guide but at the same time a trip planner.

The services is cool to me. But what is a trip planner? It is the scheduled trip you created beforehand where you choose and make your personal intineraries. Here, first you build it up by adding any number of destinations to your itinerary. Organize and date your itinerary. See your itinerary on a dynamic route map. You are saving your travel research in one place. Get travel guide information from Frommer's for free. You can even add insights from real travelers who have been there in your respective destinations. You can add your own notes and useful links from other sites. There, you can share your plan, save it and email it to friends and family.

You can plan and wide your imaginations of what kind of a travel or vacation you like. Any trip using public transport or for hired vehicles are possible. Just enter in where you from and to locations, and Realtravel provides you with trip options including maps, guides, route diagrams, travel blogs and reviews that might also help you.

Any destinations are just a click away of your mouse. From Europe, to America, to Asia and to any continents you like to go is just ready for you to explore. I'm going to Asia, to my beloved native land, Philippines. I already have my ticket :-) Later, I will send my itinerary :-)

Check this tag from my past blog entry: Interactive Travel Guide

Goede reis allemaal! (Happy trip to all!).

Hasta la vista España

2007-10-16T16:30:00.000+02:00

I'm not yet done with my travel blogs. I can’t resist not to share how I would like to go to Spain. Given with so many choices of destinations, it happened to be difficult to decide. Why in Spain?

The one why everyone goes to see in Barcelona, the "Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia" otherwise known as just the Sagrada Familia, the Sacred Family.

When I was still in my language school, I had about five classmates with Spanish nationalities. I remembered that during our short breaks, the Dutch atmosphere is swiftly shift to a Hispanic ambience. Since we (Philippines) had a colonial history from the Spaniards (not the reason though), it happened that I have a good bonding with them.

These classmates are my real tourist guides during our breaks. Now, I have even invitations from them to go with them to Spain for vacation. Unluckily, not yet but two of my other friends went. I told my dear that I would like to visit either Madrid or Barcelona. Big and extra expensive cities. I was thinking....think head!...I prefer to save this trip out of my purse :-) that's what I thought.

All of a sudden...this wish rings back in my ear...when I opened up my mails with an accomodation deals for hotels in Madrid and hotels in Barcelona. It's tempting me...it's like something that tickles my foot...

For spanish translation, you can read hoteles en Barcelona .

Placa de les Glories Catalanes at night, most often shortened to Glories, is a large square in Barcelona.

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Spain. Night-time is when the people of Barcelona most participate in the city's leisure activities, attending concerts and theatrical productions and filling the restaurants, music bars and discotheques. Barcelona is dubbed as the city of leisure.

For the culture and arts' sake :-), I would also like to explore in my own how our famous Dr. Jose Rizal found Spain as the venue of realizing his dreams where he wrote almost the half part of Noli Me Tangere, his great novel, in Madrid.

The most beautiful of the many grand squares in Madrid is the Plaza de Cibeles (right photo).

Madrid has a rich and throbbing cultural life that offers all kinds of entertainment, from musical festivals and theatre to typical flamenco and zarzuelas (comic light opera).

Simply, Spain has great part of the world's vast history. In other way, it's where my ancestor's origin. Quite sure, it's a magnificent visit. Well, I will just take my time saving for it. Hehehe! No reason to panic, since Cheaperthanhotels offers a year round accommodation at hotels , apartments and hostels in Spain at prices generally less than direct and even give last minute deals.

Adiós!

My year's agenda

2007-10-14T20:22:00.000+02:00

What's up with my agenda? Agenda in Netherlands means, schedule for the day or for the week or might be for the whole year. Do you know that most of the Dutch people are used to write their schedules in a small book as what we called like a diary. A calendar of activities. There, they write the names of the people, important dates like birthdays and other appointments ( including work, visits, dentist/doctor, dinner/coffee appointmets...etc), just anything that matters time division. My first encounter of the word agenda, during my early weeks since I arrived here was, I was some kind confused. It was a family gathering when I heard of an agenda. Ooh! I thought about of what's the pleasure of the body? Do we need to divide the house? hahaha! We are used to the english/american meaning of it.

Well, what's up with me? I might forgot to say how busy I am...or I'm too busy to say how busy I am...:-) Confused? I forgot to share that I'm no longer studying the Dutch language. I finished level 3 and I chose to stop and not to go further. I did my language exam for level 4, unfurtunately, I did'nt make it. Sorry folks..and sorry for myself. Well, I might say that it's still an achievement for my short stay here in the Netherlands ( 1 and half yr.), at least I managed to stand the challenge. I ended up my language study last summer.

Our front view of one of the last few sunny days of the summer.

Do you know what I did last summer? Aside from the fact that I mentioned above, I also worked. I did two different jobs in the past. First, I worked in the Distribution Center of Mexx, a big clothing/accessories line company in Europe. I was eager to put myself in a dutch speaking environment. It was a nice experience going out from my 'comfort zone' (english zone). I tried not to stay there long...just a taste how Dutch works :-) Omg! No mobilefones and keep your eyes to your boss...they are watching you or watch out the camera, big brother is following you :-( Anyways, people there are nice and helpful... It was also quite far from my home, located in Voorschoten.

Recently, I worked in a callcenter working with the english team located few steps away from the central station of

Rotterdam. It was a good experience though I prefer to stop,it is because I have no good chance to practice my dutch language. It's an international company with international agents...The longer I'll work there, the faster my speech declines. Now, I'm trying to look for another one.

The leaves' color of the trees changes through the autumn season, at the right photo.

Another new thing, on tuesday, I'm back to school. Oohh! I just said I stop right? But I decided to go to school for a new study. I'm enrolled for a 9-month administrative course in Fabius , an Office Management Institute here in Delft. FYI...the study is in Dutch instruction.

Every monday, I do have my swimming lessons. I regret to say that I did not take the opportunity of learning how to swim wayback in the Philippines when we lived nearby the sea coast. ( at least it will take my list shorter what to learn here :-() Hopefully next year, I can manage to start my driving lessons. Thanks that I have a lot of vitamins stocked in the cupboard.

I supposed to go to the Access office once in a week for my volunteer work. Apparently, I decided to stop this quarter and maybe resume on the coming spring next year. Speaking of this, do you know that I was awarded as the volunteer of the month last September? I worked with the layout team of the Access magazine. Open the pdf of our summer and autumn magazine. The city of Delft where I live is the cover page of the autumn issue. The honor was a surprise but I also gave credit to my colleague, who was very helpful to me.

I think I had a fruitful year this time despite the tears I shed though. Life is just too challenging to me that sometimes I missed its meaning. I know I'm brave. I had many battles in my back that I surpassed. Though in this fight, I'm the captain without soldiers to command to, only weapons of courage from love ones and God is my ever shield. I think I'm ready.

This is my year's agenda. Wish me luck!

Online Tutorial

2007-10-13T10:03:00.000+02:00

When I was in the Philippines, I used to give private lessons for elementary and secondary students as my sideline job :-) I was a tutor . There were also college students asked me to do so but I refused. I was actually offered to work as a college instructor but I simply said no to it. I was just afraid that my students will take advantage of me...Hahaha! (kidding aside) I had my own reasons though.

Tutoring was fulfilling but sometimes heart-breaking. I was deeply upset when my student failed. Sounds silly. It was just that I'm not used to academic failures. I had high flying honors since my prep until college. It was only that I was not able to hit the highest rank, magna cum laude but I was satisfied with its lower. I was not aiming it personally. It was just a matter of bonus point for me after 4 yrs of combatting against my teachers :-(

I gave lessons in English, Science and in Mathematics. I also did basic Calculus. Well, this is just a piece of reminiscing old days...it is because I just checked an Online Tutoring site. TutorVista is the leading online tutoring company in the world. They offer an incredible unlimited monthly tutoring package for a reasonable fee for all subjects - students can avail their various service as much as they want, whenever they need it. Tutoring is available 24X7. They also assist for test/exam preparations and provide Homework Help services. Sounds great. This makes education faster and more accessible than I think.

This might be my competitor then :-) There was a time I planned to start my own hands-on tutorial center. I have a friend who was also in tutorial job and with other smart friends :-) I was already vibrant to initiate it but I was just busy with my previous job. Anyways, I don't gave much focus to this, it was because I had fulltime job. It was too much for my little brain :-) I had a demanding job before in the provincial local government. That gave me little fraction of my time for miscellaneous stuff plus I had my romantic lovelife thousand miles apart that required high maintenance :-)

Anyways, I recommend Online Tutoring. It is handy and easy. Parents and any other first hand help are undoubtedly plus factors. This is really one of the most innovative instructions presented by latest technology. Everyone is invited :-) Education is continuous learning. When you're uneasy, throw your doubts to your online teachers :-) Have a nice day!

Ams or Amsterdam

2007-10-11T09:53:00.000+02:00

AMS is the airportcode of Amsterdam, and it is happened to be my name. I might think that this is really my heart's destination :-) I remember my husband said before, that he has no idea that he already tagging along with him his future wife's name on his traveling suitcase... Is it amazing?

Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands and one of the most important cities in Europe in which to do business. Amsterdam is the hometown of football club Ajax. Visitors are attracted to Amsterdam for its reputation as a liberal city; its relaxed charm emphasised by its elegance; and the reputation of its museums. The major museums are the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. The Anne Frank House, a museum dedicated to the story of Anne Frank, is also a popular tourist attraction.

So many to mention why Amsterdam is flocked by tourist and even locals. A day exploring is not enough that you just simply need to lodge. Anyways, it is not a problem. Hotels in Amsterdam is benefitting in the tourism industry. Amsterdam accomodation is not difficult to find. You can even find many good hotel deals in the whole year round.

We are living about 45 minutes away by car from Amsterdam. My husband works there and travel most of the weekdays. I remembered my times visiting the city...We had a cruise around the city canals...walked along the famous tiny red light district, looking the narrow fronted merchant's houses, winding at the big shopping streets and unwinding in cozy cafes overlooking the enchanting city waters.

Everytime, I pick up our postmails, and also bulk of my emails are newsletters of discount hotels I received. At this time of the year, people are now busy planning for weekend break or a long vacation trip for a taste of city lights. A time in Amsterdam will pay an enormous difference. I might visit the city again :-)

What is it in England?

2007-10-10T22:46:00.000+02:00

I just have this question pondered, not now but a while ago. Apparently, I know what the reasons are but I would like to site one. Job opportunities. The diversity of this country especially its big cities like London, where employment rate is very high. In any sector, it might be in IT, medical, constuctions, teaching jobs, arts, caterings, research, sales, whatever...sure you will land any jobs in London.

I actually have two friends who moved in England for work opportunities. So, they just simply left us here in Holland and they started a new life there. They are simply happy and find some time to visit and treat us even...considering they earn more :-) hehehe.
The language of course is English. It's universal. It is somewhat a big factor why many people from all over the world have crossed to England or particularly in London. There's no language barrier for professionals not hindering them to establish their careers or start their desirable career path. Another thing is, the number of job vacancies has increased. Growth in average earnings, both excluding and including bonuses, has increased. Sounds good eh!

London jobs are not also difficult to find. Search 1000s of London jobs online. There are lots of online job tools totally free service to all jobseekers. Try this online job seeker for jobs in London.

Start your search now, like me :-) I had past works just around here...I just don't have much time to recap all my experiences but I would love to share it...whenever :-)

Interactive Travel Guide

2007-10-08T11:36:00.000+02:00

As you can read below of my past entries, I blog about traveling. Well, maybe it's just a feeling if you are about to travel :-) Any thing that goes with this subject is what you always up in your computer screen. Travel guide books are helpful when you are already in your way, when get lost, your book is just in your hand. While in terms of planning a trip, always be interactive. I found Realtravel, a travel guide and trip planner powered by advice from real travelers. I found this very handy though in the past, I had several travel guides that I checked when 'we ' or 'me' travelled.

What is nice with this travel guide is, you will learn from real people and their travel reviews. Aside from discovering places to go and things to do, you can save with travel deals selected by editors. It might be air and hotel travel deals or package travel deals. You can even create a trip plan with your personalized itineraries, maps, guides, blogs, and more through their Free trip Planner . Here, you can view, modify, and share your itenerary by simply emailing it to your friends and families. I find it cool :-)

A happy travel :-) (Photo from Bigstockphoto).

There are featured travel plans, blogs, photos and destinations. It's a help. Another thing that maybe most travellers are interested about is the travel budget cost. Here, you can compare prices and help you find out the best deals. Saving money on travel is atop which I normally do. So far, I got the best value of my money.

Happy trip :-)

Shopping Nintendo Wii video games

2007-10-02T18:38:00.000+02:00

Nowadays, many people are now buying via online from anything to something :-) Just like clothing and accesories, home appliances, computers and softwares, and all sorts of gifts or giveways. Not to forget the most chair breaking computer and video games. Speaking of video games, I always remember the famous Nintendo. Wayback the famous Super Mario Bros. sometimes referred to as Mario, that aways flicked my wrist to swing like a baseball bat or tennis racket, made a backswing and follow-through to send a golf ball flying over a pristine fairway. That was fun.

But what is the latest game launched? It is the Nintendo's Wii released last year. I checked what are the famous games that Wii offers...I was surprised to see the list of different Nintendo Wii video games in Shopping.com.

Read list and more ...

Super Mario Bros. is the best selling video game of all time, but when I see the list, then this Wii will simply rock the video game market. I've read many good reviews about the games provided in this Wii video site.

In this video site, prices ranges below 30$ and above 70$. Just try to check it out. This innovation is fun regardless of your age :-) to experience, to sit down and play together--whether in the same room or on different sides of the globe. Check it out :-)

Travel Deals on your hand !

2007-09-29T10:47:00.000+02:00

I am looking for last-minute booking deals for our autumn vacation. Where to stay is one of the most important things to check out first, second to the choice of destination. Naturally, we always have difficulty choosing our destination. One tip is just to browse around the web and , gotcha, you will be provided with so many tourist destination packages right in your desk. Even, you don't have any plans for a vacation so soon, browsing and be updated what the present travel market is helpful for your future travel plans. Furthermore, through your computer mouse, you can just travel around the world for free :-)

For the meantime, I am busy browsing the pages of Hotels in Berlin and also Hotels in Vienna. I always start navigating to the closest then to the farthest hub from my home.

What is in it Berlin? Visitors to Berlin are spoilt for choice when it comes to its incredible number of tourist attractions. The Reichstag, Museum Island, Charlottenburg Palace and Potsdamer Platz are just some of the German capital's fantastically varied range of world-class sights. The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's most famous landmark, was modelled on the Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis.

Its mixture of culture, architecture , and to types of entertainments, restaurants, shops, theatres and cinemas makes Berlin one of the city's most popular leisure and shopping destinations.

How about in Vienna? Well, I had an invitation from my sorority sister to visit her, why not have a try...of course I don't need accomodation anymore because it's all-in free treat of her...But it's also handy to check hotels in Vienna (in German language) ...in any cases :-)

Well, Vienna is a city of many facets. If you are really a music bum then a lot of trendy clubs, "young" galleries, modern architecture and stylish shops that Vienna can offer as the concert halls, the large museums, the splendid buildings and the nostalgic shops. Seaside experiences in Vienna? Possible. Seaside atmosphere will be de rigeur when the new Sand in the City and established highlights bring a breath of holiday spirit to the heart of the capital. As what they say, Vienna is the world’s music capital! More famous composers have lived here than in any other city – in Vienna, music is literally in the air: waltzes and operettas have their home here. Interesting isn't it?

When you're decided where to go, then Hoteledeutsche.com offers current hot and last minute deals which is most of the travellers favorite. Here you can just streamline your budget trip at the earliest time. Check it out :-) or register to receive travel deals via email.

You've Got Mailboxes!

2007-09-20T11:20:00.000+02:00

I am just browsing the web and I happened to open this link Mailboxixchange.com. What is inside of this? Just look at these pictures...

The scenes of the movie The lake House plays on my mind...the comeback movie of Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves last year.

The fantasy tale started out from an old mailbox with some magical qualities. Gotcha. The letter box looked like this.

Anyways, I am just enchanted with all these mailboxes showcases by Mailboxixchange. Hundreds of desingns in different categories. I can imagine a nice white house standing beside a lake with a white mailbox in the subway....Does it looks perfect?

I was really fascinated looking at these samples. It is very detailed and you have lots of choices according to your style and taste.

They have residential mailboxes and even commercial mailboxes available by orders via online.

Colors, designs and decors are specified.

Try to browse the site...maybe you can start building your house by first having mailboxes :-)

Lightings and effects

2007-09-19T22:40:00.000+02:00

Oh my! Summer is now waving goodbye and hello to autumn and darker days...Many people now are rushing to living home shops to accesorize their lovely nests...What are those home accessories? Of course lighting fixtures are on top of the list, especially now, that darker days is coming to 'town'. i saw last time during my shop windings, a lot of variations of lamps, for indoor and outdoor lightings in a widerange of style and colors, and even sizes.

Nowadays, homeowners or shall we say, homemakers, are just particular in buying lighting fixtures in terms of its usage, where it will be placed or put up and when it should be used,how big or small the bulbs are, or even at what angle of the living room it will be faced...Oh my...that's true...it is because I am now one of those. We even agreed it with my honey what color, what sort, how big, what texture, and any idea that goes with lamps.

Now, I just came up with an idea, how to be prepared of those difficulty in terms of selecting goods at your own preference. What is it? Just check out shops in the internet, to look for what exactly you like. From there, you got an idea what you would really look for. Plus, it might satisfy you to order it online or buy it which is comfortable and handy. I found one site to explore with and just easy to find out your desired lightings at Farreys.com. If you are more picky with details then you can also find here their fine art lamps.

There are really a lot to choose from, in which I'm also amazed that there are different lighting variations. Check out forecast lightings, george kovacs, house of troy lighting, hinkley light fixtures, and more.

If you are longing for a change in your home with a personal touch, from chandeliers to desk lamps...then this will be a help for you. If you dream of a flushy or semi-flushy ceiling light fixtures...then try to check it out.

At this time of the year, I think many of us like to make our homes bright and cozy to warm up the gloomy days. Alright, these all for now, and I'm checking out more what else Farreys.com can offer.

Bye for now.

Traveling cheap to Britain

2007-09-17T20:37:00.000+02:00

With regards to my travel wishes, still on top is my United Kingdom adventure. Which place of the kingdom I would like to explore?

Of course the famous London of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow of Scotland are my choices. But aside from thinking about those famous attractions...first to consider is where to stay. A comfortable place that will not break my bank. Cheap hotels should be on top of a traveller's list :-)

UK is a place to indulge all your wonders, how it would like to stand at the gates of many famous palaces looking up its magnificent façade and listening to the rhythmic march of the palace guards.

London has the British Airways London Eye - an extraordinary symbol for an extraordinary city. The world's largest observation wheel offers a spectacular way to take in over 55 of London's most famous landmarks in just 30 minutes! Combine your flight on the Eye with a 40 minute circular cruise on the south bank of the river Thames. Departing from the LondonEye pier the commentary takes you from the Houses of Parliament to the Tower of London and back to the London Eye.

Right is the Kensington Palace.

London has a lot to offer with regards to its cultural diversity. Kensington palace that houses the royal family attracts thousands of visitors regularly.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and its second largest city, after Glasgow and is the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom, after London.

Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress which, from its position atop Castle Rock, dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Glasgow's premier museum and art gallery and has one of Europe's great civic art collections (the right picture). The museum is the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland, and the most visited museum in the United Kingdom outside London. It has one of the finest collections of arms and armour in the world and a vast natural history collection. The art collection includes many outstanding European artworks, including works by the Old Masters, French Impressionists and Scottish Colourists.

With the above mentioned places, all I need is to find a homely-hotel where I can stay for the rest of my trip. There are several to choose from, but at the moment, I read good deals of London hotels, Edinburgh hotels, and Glasgow hotels in Cheaperthanhotels.co.uk. They offer best booking rates and many free extras...try to check it out. A travel to Britain doesn't need to be luxurious. Always remember that, an superb trip must be somewhere you always like to pay another visit...without aching your pocket :-)

More of Britain? Just check this Visit Britain for more attractions.

Just a quick tip: Booking your accomodation at the earliest is always an advantage but don't worry, with Cheaperthanhotels.co.uk , last minute bookings is always available without any slash of your budget.

Enjoy your travel deals!

Blog and Blogsvertise...

2007-09-06T15:32:00.000+02:00

Why you blog? Why I'm blogging? Why there are nearly 60 million blogs now existing online? Below might be the answer for most bloggers;

To motivate other people to action
To sell a product or service
To influence the way other people think
To generate income
To improve writing skills
Just for fun

89% of companies surveyed say they think blogs will be more important in the next five years. Even 1.7 million American adults list making money as one of the reasons they blog. Dynamite, indeed. The burgeoning blog world--1.6 million keyboard tappers at last count--is making big inroads into corporate culture. And companies also see them as a promising medium for advertising (naturally). So...this is something that tikkles in my ear :-) Why not go for the bandwagon of advertising revenue?

There are lots of hosting service revenues but I found one to start with BLOGSVERTISE.

How to start? It's simple. Earn cash and generate extra income from your blog! Just go to the site Blogsvertise and register your blog for free and gotcha!

How it works?

"YOU will just mention and talk about the websites, products and services of your advertisers in your blogs and journals. They want the publicity, the exposure, the Buzz! that online bloggers and internet journals can generate for their web site products and services. In exchange blogsvertise pays YOU in paypal per task/blog entry, for writing / talking about / mentioning their website in your blog! "

Corso: Floral Water Parade

2007-08-05T21:56:00.000+02:00

As what I said before, today is the revenge of the sun's enormed rays. The temperature strikes at 30D. A lucky day for the Varend Corso,, a 3-day floral activity paraded along the water canal. This is a yearly event organized by some neighboring towns/cities , namely, Midden-Delfland, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Rijswijk, Den Haag and Delft.

These floral boats passed along the connecting water canals of the mentioned localities. Boats are decorated with flowers, vegetables and fruits. This also emphasized how important the water is that joints many areas in the Netherlands. Water plays a very significant part of the Dutch life, in terms of its culture, economy, and so forth. Again, I won't give much explanation about water relativity here, but my intention is just to post these pictures in lieu of what I missed Kadayawan in Davao.

Kadayawan is also a festive floral parade organized by the neighboring provinces of the Davao region. This is yearly hold in Davao City every month of August and paraded along the busy roads of the city.

Kadayawan is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. This showcases many colorful flowers and mouth savoring fruits and local delicacies.

I also saw the Corso last year and now...as what I saw it...it was not really so spectacular. Ummmh...A kind of review? I would say that...Kadayawan is just so colorful, lively and uncomparable. :-) I do love my own. Hehehe. Regardless of heavy traffic jam, even walk bumper to bumper distance with the masaal and unluckily hold your breath out from a free killing perfume. Wuh! But I missed it. Anyways...it's just a piece of looking back.

There were proclaimed winners of this Corso parade. Which is which...that I don't know. I was just busy taking pictures and I already missed looking at the labels who the winners are. Luckily I caught an orange paprika being thrown to me by one of the crew in the boat.

Maybe if I only found a nice spot to sit along the water...I think I can bring home with me a basket of free fruits and veggies... People in the boat were throwing their cargoes to us :-)

There were also dancers and singers on board...variety of performances...I even saw an interesting art :-) Well, the water show was just entertaining...something to cool down the warm atmosphere.

Next year would be another water spectacle to await for. Another time where beer supply is just flowing around...:-)Many teenagers and even adults enjoyed bottles/cans of beers. For the most people, the activity was something to spend time for. Others did picnic occupying the banks alongside of the canal. The whole afternoon was just awesome. We cycled along the parade route. We biked from home until Schipluiden and wayback home. It was also a bit of muscle stretching :-)
Well, it was a splashing day but I arrived home quenching my thirst...Next time, I should have some for my dried throat with me:-) See yuh!

Summer treat.....

2007-08-04T20:48:00.000+02:00

Our view during the first week dark of summer.

I am too slow these days even weeks now. This might be a slow motion effect brought by the summer heat? The first early weeks of summer was deliberately disappointing when we were showered by surprised rain. The weather in the Netherlands so to speak technically forecasted and yet so unpredictable. Since last spring was a kind of hello-summer, the sun was playing hide and seek during the early summer days. Now is some kind of a summer revenge, the return of the ---ai ? :-) The temperature today is like a grouching tiger....and tomorrow and the next days will be even like a fiercing dragon ;-0

Our view during warm sunny day.

Now, I am beginning to be one in the row standing right in an icecream parlor to cool down...My taste palate is now counting different yummy ice cream flavors. Oh! This is really summer! I should grab the cone of opportunity to get my intestine spoiled by this frozen delights. I won't dare to eat icecreams during bloodyfrozzywinter. Would you?

Shoreline at Hoek van Holland took during first sunny week.

When it is warm, it also makes somebody's lifestyle a bit slow. This might not apply to everyone but surely to me (this my blog :-) Right! I move slow...I bike slow...I walk slow...I think slow...sleeps and woke up late...eat slow...and eventually blog slow :-) I'm not quite sure why I eat slow but for sure the rest is due to the summer heat. Why? Obviously because, when our body moves fast, the faster our fats/calories burned that turns out energy which gives us heat. :-) Naks! It's mechanical! Amazing...my mind now works!

Anyways, I just had busy weeks and had my birthday to add. Another year added. I think it's time to make my own calendar...Well, I was lucky to have a very nice warm day on my bday. Roses and orchids were my guests :-)(they are still perfect now). My dear treated me to a fine Italian restaurant, Pasta Company. Actually, we're not able to savor our a-la carte dinner since we need to rush to the cinema. I should blame how 'slow' was the serving in the restaurant. Are they also affected by summer blow?

Forget the dinner...but I should say that the movie we watched was really hilarious. It's a serious :-) animated film, Ratatouille.

Look at Remy, the rat. What a terrible life!

A story of a rat, who desired to become a chef against all odds. It's really worth a large of popcorn to sit along with it. Not mentioning it's superb state of the art graphics and visual techniques, the storyline was incredibly ground and heartbreaking. I'm not paid here to recommend it...but it's something to break the talking about Toy Story and Nemo.

Looking back my last year's birthday, we were also present in the cinema. We watched a romantic film of Sandra Bullock before my big day, The Lake House. It's just somewhat a reversion...but it was also a great movie.

Is he alone? I'm just right at his back :-)

Last month till date, I managed to watched at least four movies...We watched Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End; Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix; Les Choses de la Vie (The Things of Life), a classic film of Romy Schneider; and recently Ratatouille. Ummmhhh...it's really high time for a theatre abbonnement(subscription).

More of Hoek van Holland. The beach is not yet packed sinced it was not forecasted how beautiful the weather was.

Another thing, that makes your steps shorter now especially when you are walking down the city shopping streets...is the big SALE. It's summer sale! People and also me can not help not to stretch my neck from right to left, musing what is hot...I won't sensationalized this thing, but it's also something of a summer treat. I have an old post about sales. Just check this tag:
Sales: Consumerism or Consumers' Paronia?.

Below are my old posts regarding my birthdays and the weather in the Netherlands.

Tag:The day before my Birthday
Tag:My B-day
Tag:White Winter at Last
Tag: Four Seasons
Tag: Beyond Weather
Tag: Heatwave Strikes
Tag: September Sunshine

Funny people. This was what I saw right at the door when I went out after a church service dated early June.

I think this is enough for now. This' is just a refreshing post of the last year's.
Well, I'm just actually browsing and googling today, looking for a nice restaurant where I can have a special dinner with my father-in-law. Yes, I will call for a reservation for a table of two. I found one...and seemed a great place. A nice change...I think this would be a nice bonding time with my husband's father. Hi dad :-) See you in the court of Prince Orange...

From Maastricht to Antwerpen

2007-06-18T09:38:00.000+02:00

It took me long time now to blog about our weekend trip few weeks ago. It was a nice trip and too good to forget in which I can't help not to share it here. So better document it, till it's in my head.

We went to the province of Limburg, the southeast end of the Netherlands. A friend couple invited us to come over to their place in Bungalowpark in the small town of Simpelveld.

It was really an impression to me when we started driving through the province. It's somewhat different. It has a high distinct character. Limburg has its own language, called Limburgish . I read about it's topography but right there I was still amazed. I already saw the neigboring mountains of Belgium, Louxembourg and Germany, that I can imagine how Limburg would be like which is closed to its borders. Well, it's not a typical landscape as what we always know and see in the Netherlands.

The south of the province is remarkable when compared to the rest of the country, as it is one of the few regions that has hills. We went to the highest point of the Netherlands, the Vaalserberg with a height of 322.5meters. Don't smile...this is almost 7 times high of the Philippines Mt. Apo. Here, we stand at the Drielandenpunt, the border point of Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

All is green and even hilly :-) it's something remarkable. No wonder that this place is a haven of bikers and numerous biking races are organized. This contributes to the wide uniqueness of landscape type in the Netherlands, rendering Limburg ideal for tourism and leisure activities.

Not wasting our time, we explored Maastricht. Limburg's Provincial Government is located along the river Maas in Maastricht, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Maastricht was equally significant as a fortified city.

Many churches in Maastricht are of Romanesque or Gothic origin, often with an astounding array of treasures such as sculpture, and vestments. The city and its villages showcase a balance attraction.

We strolled around and even crossing to the west bank of the serene river Maas. We walked through the Saint Servatius bridge, the oldest bridge of the Netherlands and the new bridge where we had a peaceful stroll not minding other walkers and tourists. I took a nice view over an open landscape through which the river Maas quietly meanders after a plunging steps going up to the new bridge.

We bumped into the big shopping streets and tucked along with the bustle of the busy shoppers. We landed at the edge of the main square, the Vrijthof, where many shops and sample of varied bars standing aligned and icecream parlors as delighting attraction of that warm-sunny afternoon.

Shopping is an excellent reason for a day trip to Maastricht, I guess. The city boasts a particularly large number of fashion stores, patisseries, and antique shops - and the fashions displayed in the windows of the stores in any quarters will be almost irresistible. It's ideal place for shoppers by virtue of the large number of shops and department stores in the city-centre region. A day’s shopping maybe both an appealing and a very special experience, since the majority of the city’s stores are located in historical streets. A large number of convivial (pavement) cafes and restaurants alternating between exclusive and specialized stores, inclusive of famous fashion houses, interior stores with home accessories and furniture, jewellers, antique shops, and galleries are there to lure locals and tourists.

This is what I guess...sigh :-( I did'nt had the time to do it.

We took time to walk along the ruins of the old wall and arrived at the main gate, the Helpoort. It is the only city gate which is left standing in Maastricht and is also the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands dating back 1229.

The counties of the province offers bronze-green oak woods in the meadows and fields. An orchard full of blossoming fruit trees where you can smell it. Both hill and flat land, varying from forested slopes to vast asparagus fields. With a touch of green from the Maas valley, a dash of purple from the heather and a warm brown-reddish glow from the Peel. I enjoyed our drive with a scenic sights of bikers somewhere in a hidden bikepads.

After a long walk in Maastricht, we drove back to Simpelveld before the sun hides through the clouds. Cows and sheep are still grazing in the midst of the vast grass fields. In the beginning of the evening, we were graced by a hearty dinner. Later of the night and till early morning, we had the perfect place not forgetting to play Kolonisten. Yeah, we were under spell of the game until there. It was a tough night after perusing and exploring the historical landmarks of Holland's oldest city.

Do you think we already ended up there? We just rushed our breakfast and packed things up and get ready going to Antwerp (Antwerpen), the biggest city of Belgium. This is only a border city of the Netherlands and Belgium, a good driving diversion road to stop over :-) from Maastricht. Why not give a try :-)

This is the world diamond center, a city of fashion designers and fashion trendsetters, a world port, a bustling Burgundian city, a real shoppers’ paradise, a gallery of protected monuments and cityscapes, a welcoming and multicultural metropolis with a convivial atmosphere, only blind person who will not be interested to dig up in this area. It was long over due idea to visit Antwerp, and now we had by chance to experience it.

Our day in Antwerp started in a loopway driving. :-) We had no map of the city center. We had finally parked our cars before we got dizzy-heads. From there, we got our feet ready and try to open our eyes wide awake (we're sleepy). To stroll through Antwerp's historical city centre is to enjoy eight centuries of history though the city is a little bit look crumpled with visible old-dumped things cluttering in some areas.

Our walk journey leads through a maze of alleyways, squares and streets :-) not to miss the shopping streets again. Luckily (according to my honey), shops are closed on sunday :-(

Shopping and fashion galore. Antwerp is homed by world-trend fashion designers. A lot of features like an eclectic mix of posh boutiques and street wear stores for a hip, trendy and young audience. Some collections and designs can be found in the shop windows of the more prestigious fashion and design stores dotted around the neighbourhood where we walked.

Many town squares are taken over by enthusiastic organisers, a stage and delightful music. You can enjoy the best 'homegrown' talent in a cosy setting in the open. No need to make reservations and admission is completely free. Street Noise or entertainment is just right in the public place like outside of the old churches and monuments.

We took a break in a cafe seated in a strategic corner of the square where the Cathedral of Our Lady located while watching a street performer. After 169 years of building [1352-1521] the Cathedral raised up, like lace-work in stone, 123 metres high above. It became the largest Gothic construction of the time Belgium was still a part of the kingdom of Netherlands. The Cathedral is a vast treasure chamber, preserving masterpieces by Rubens, the world-known artist that the Flemish (Vlaams) proud of.

Along the way we came across majestic classics such as the Brabo statue and the town hall in the Grote Markt (Great Square). We ended up our walk until the Scheldt boulevard where cruise port is just at the other end. There, we reached our satisfaction to decide of going home....

Can you imagine how far we walked away from the parking ground? I even do'nt know but approximately we walked the same distance back to the car. :-( It was kind of a marathon for me. I enjoyed it, in the middle of fighting back against tiredness.

What a Roman and a Gothic experience! Inside the cities of Maastricht and Antwerpen (Antwerp) are the ancient architectures but going out backwardly, are the green ranges. A contrast side to pay a difference.

Well, it was only a weekend trip. We drove back home. It seemed that I feel like, there's no place like home :-) as we drove back through A16 highway. From the time we entered the highway, feels a distinct feeling, that is the way how smoothly we drove. Netherlands' good road system shows people's taxes. Off or within the border...always pay a difference, subtle might be, but still gives impact on preference.

Now, I'm just away from the border point. :-), however, I would still like to cross borders sometime again. See you in there then...wherever ;-9.

Yiamas! ( Cheers! ): A Greek Treat

2007-05-08T09:34:00.000+02:00

We just came back from our spring vacation, but summer was just on the air in Greek island :-)

We flew to Greece, not to the Parthenon in Athens but to the Minoan island of Crete. Crete or Kreta is a big island in which we went to its western part, Agios Nikolaos. It took 1 hour and half from Heraklion. Agios Nikolaos is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete. It is east of the island's capital Heraklion, north of the town of Ierapetra and west of the town of Sitia.

The clock tower located at the center of our resort. This rings every hour that gives a feeling of being in an ancient city.

Our resort, Candia park, is located in between of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Both towns are busy with tourists including the surrounding villages.

Just along the beachfront of the resort.

We actually had a nice time in this resort, Candia Park Village. A complete "holiday village" located on the exquisite gulf of Mirabello, only 3 kms from Agios Nikolaos, 5 kms from Elounda and 70 kms from the airport and town of Heraklion.

Normally, the local population of the town only counted about 25,000 inhabitants but during it's peak season (summer) become double due to influx of tourists.

Sitting under the sun :-( hehehe! I mean under the shade of umbrella :-)

Along the sea shore of the resort.

This is part of the Aqua Park of the resort, covering a total area of 2,000 square meters, which adds to the beautiful landscape.

The name Agios Nikolaos means Saint Nicholas. This city is a common place in Greece and Cyprus since Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and of all of Greece.

The cobbled path going to our apartment.

We glanced around and saw wild olive trees, narcissi, chrysanthemum, cuclaminus, and wild orchids. The most common flowers are bogainvilleas, orleanders and geraniums.

Agios Nikolaos is probably best known as a tourist town that serves as a hub to the twenty or so small villages and farms that make up that part of the province Lassithi. Tourist attractions include the small lake Lake Voulismeni.

Right picture is the Lake Voulismeni. It's quite dark image, took from my mobilefon camera. (Obviously, we left our camera in the car which was parked pretty far).

The lake is its most charming feature. Legend suggests that Athena and Armetis bathed in its waters. This lake is connected to the sea by a straight channel, while its natural surroundings of red rock and trees attract the visitor magnetically. At a small open-air theatre by the lake, locals and visitors alike can enjoy interesting artistic and cultural presentations.

Agios Nikolaos was also became a chic hideaway of Walt Disney in early 1960's. So, I tried to check every edges of this picturesque lake, drawing out vibrant impressions with pleasant panoramic ambience.

Lots of small beaches in the town, tiny islands , archaeological museums, local musical concerts and numerous fairs. The lake features a small park with a trail, traditional fishing boats, ducks, pigeons, an amphitheatre and many cafès and restaurants. Bustling cafeterias, charming coffeehouses and taverns serving traditional Cretan delicacies or tidbits of local food.

Agios Nikolaos, with over forty years of experience in the tourism industry, is an international and cosmopolitan resort that welcomes thousands of visitors annually.

I had an enjoyable walk experience around the shops of Agios Nikolaos. In many stores, the visitor can find a wide selection of traditional Cretan artwork, copies of pieces from different archaeological museums, jewelry, and embroidery. There are also many examples of woven goods and Byzantine icons. I still tried to shop around, taking advantage while hubby was web browsing in the internet cafe enjoying some glass of Greek beers.

A panoramic view of Agios Nikolaos while we drove off to Elounda.

Being located in a strategic position on the road network of Crete, it is the ideal starting point for daily excursions in all directions of the island by car, bus or motorcycle. So, we did'nt miss not to rent car. We rented a car and from there, we had a nice road trip of the island.

It was just sad when hubby got a ticket due to overspeeding. We actually like to argue since we are pretty sure that we're just driving under and not above the limits. Well, tourists are targets of any problem like this...so just be nice and enjoy the rest of the ride. Just get ready to spare two digit fine at least.

Actually, it was my surprise when the chaotic traffic ways greeted me right in my nose from the time we arrived at the Heraklion airport. It reminded me of how motorways look in the Philippines. It's really the same. The undisciplined motorists are just on the way. No parking ways, and any minute a car might just be in your shoulder. Oh my gosh! It was really scary. Well, I already have enough of this high kind performances in the highway. Let's put it aside for now ...:-)

We drove to the town of Elounda and to the tip end of Mohlos going the east part of Crete. From east part going down to the southerly major town of Lerapetra.

This was a scary, air-breathing ride going to the village of Krista. A tiny road above the slope mountain ranges.We stopped here, and convinced hubby to go down...We had even difficulty to take the car on our wayback.

My dear was actually in this island part of Mohlos. He's no longer caught by my camera since this island is about 200meters offshore where I stand. Adriaan crossed the waters by showing his swimming expertise :-)

Lerapetra is Europe's most southernly major town where was the major port for the Romans in their conquest of Egypt. We even drove to the most narrow roads going to any villages we can find in our map :-). It was nerve breaking :-(

At the harbor in Lerapetra.

Some of the most memorable trips can be made on foot or by bicycle. A sunhat and sunglasses, the right shoes and some water are all that is needed to enjoy a walk in paradise.
I bought two hats and my dear shopped for four I think :-)

The area appears green even in wintertime because of the olive trees, and in springtime nature bursts through from the mountainsides to the coast filling the area with red poppies, white margaritas and other multi-coloured wild flowers.

This is in the dead point village of Andriaanos. A nice tiny village where olive farms are carefully cultivated.

Agios Nikolaos with its exceptional climatic conditions offers a temperate climate with a mild winter. That is why many holidaymakers visit the town for a long period or even make the town their second home. Agios Nikolaos with its natural landscape and mild weather is incomparably one of the most attractive areas of southeast Europe.

At the harbor of Elounda.

The port of Elounda, bask in the glorious sea as it opens up before them offering its beauty and charm.

This is a world renowned touristic area located to the north of Agios Nikolaos, having an indented coastline, shaded beaches, crystal clear seas, and a tranquil and heavenly environment. It is 10km distance from Aghios Nikolaos, and the cutting along the side of the road affords you the opportunity to admire the spectacular view of Mirambello Gulf and Korfos.

At the chapel of St. John or Agios Ioannis in the Acrotiri (the cape or peninsula) where you can have a nice view of the Mirabello gulf and the Elounda bay..

Elounda was used to be the favored place of legendary figures from Minoan Crete and of historical figures of our times. The four villages of Elounda are spread out along the lower slopes of the approach to the Massif. Pano and Kato Elounda, Mavrikiano and the new settlement of Skisma.

The divine creator, in joyous and happy time of inspiration and joviality, did not skimp here with the colors, the lines or the boldness of combinations, giving a magical impression to the landscape. Here, lovers of the art of cinema, of the graphic arts, of music and poetry find an exceptional sight.

Here is a view of the Spinalonga Island in the Elounda bay. The island is a fascinating place to explore by boat tours. It has an aura of both macabre and poignant. Here also lies the fortress of Kalidou.

The Elounda bay, as described by Mr. Anestis Makridakis, glows like a sapphire under the azure light of the sky, rose-hued in summer afternoons, silvered on moonlit nights. This peaceful sea was used as a stop-over and refueling point during the period between both world wars by the UK’s Imperial Hydroplane Service.

From ancient times, the people of the island have based their diet on local produce such as vegetables, greens, meat, fish, honey, cheese and wine, all combined in imaginative ways generating many interesting and unique flavours.

We are sitting in a Cafe in the capital city of Crete, Heraklion.

Speaking of Greek cuisines, it is obvious that I gained weight when I came back from vacation :-) We had a great time savoring and enjoying traditional tastes, the freshness and originality of the Cretan cuisine, absorbing the sweet aroma of local herbs as their gift from the ancient Gods :-)

Traditional Cretan cuisine is lean and easily prepared, and is based on the remarkable variety of local Cretan products. Never missing from the Cretan table is olive oil, the great Greek feta cheese and their local wine. Herbs too, feature distinctly here. Dairy products are given greater importance like cheese, milk and yoghurt. They are very proud of their simple dessert like yoghurt with honey. It was really good that I even brought a pack of Greek yoghurt :-)

We drove to Lasithi Plateau. The plateus were tucked in the Mt. Dikti ranges where Dikteon cave is located. The cave is where the legend that Zeus was born. This is 900m above sea level where we saw vast fields of pear, olives and apple orchards. Lasithi is the easthermost part of Crete.

Greece is a place-name that is easy to pronounce, but difficult to understand given their hard language. I learned few words :-), like efharisto (thanks), parakalo (welcome/please) and jaimas (cheers). But, I did'nt mind to give my attention to it...I even tried to speak few Dutch words where any corner of the world, there are Dutch tourists.

The mixed thoughts of pre-historic years of civilization and the legendary Greek mythology of Mt. Olympus happened here. Maybe, you can't help imagining yourself in your playful mind that you might be the goddess of love, Aphrodite, struck by the arrow of Cupid to fall in love, with your knight and shining armor Achilles :-) (this is not the story huh!) I'm just composing and be like Homer, the Greek epic writer.

However, given with majestic and ancient views like Crete island, it is a place that can only be experienced personally, to live forever thereafter with vast historic memory. It is a piece of land (not flat but mountainous) surrounded with the magical sea where the light and the blue sky infuse you gently but swiftly, having the power to touch you emotionally. To view it from further away is like dreaming with open eyes. Try to experience it by yourself !

Have a nice day!

My one year of blogging...

2007-04-23T11:18:00.000+02:00

I am going to be 1-yr old in web-blogging on the 30th of April. Within one year, I got the time to publish this 37th article. Not very much but quite something for me that I had the chance documenting my first year here in the Netherlands. Not all things and feelings I had were shared here. Some was personally censored :-) and decided to keep them and maintain my privacy. Nevertheless, my time spent in blogging is awesome. I met people here and in some ways became an inspiration to others.

Just a fasttrack; my first entry here was about Konninginnedag or the Queen's Day in the Netherlands. I wrote about this national holiday which is also tag as an orange day of this flat country, where many people are cammouflaged by orange colors. I actually plan to write again about this upcoming event on the 30th of this month as my anniversary theme. However, I will be on vacation on wednesday and leaving away from Holland for 10 days. Means, that I can't celebrate Queens day with the Oranjes but with the Grecos instead. :-)

I took the above photo of yellow Daffodils in our window.

The basket of mixed flowers on the right, were Valentines gift to us.

I am listing all my entries here as sort of reminiscing the past. Just have time clicking the following tags :-)

These are the contents of my first blogging year. I hope to share more especially to my family and friends in which this web blog is intended. To those who just happened to drop by...you are welcome and be a witness of my life's journey :-) Good day.

Brrrrrrrrrrr....Ik heb geen tijd meer (I have no more time) to BLOG!

2007-03-21T23:41:00.000+01:00

It's a pity that I had a long gap not updating my page. I had many things I did in the past that I can't afford to sum up now. This blog will be getting one year old in April circulating in the cyber space. I would like to complete this with fruitful stories as I could but for time reason and physical complains, I can't. However, to have a brief review and to top my reasons why (alibis :-) hehehe, here are the following:

I had my Dutch NT2 exam (profieltoets) last week. Now, I'm busy again for another exam next week for level 3. I hope I will pass to go through level 4.
Learning Dutch as I could and catch time with my in-laws as frequent to exercise the language.
I am now actively working as a volunteer during my free days in which I am donating my blogging time to charity works. Amazing. Is'nt it? Check Access , maybe this organization might help you.
It took time for me to weigh and decide if I am going to take vacation to my land. Now, I'm decided to go. When? It is a surprise to all my 'kapamilya' and 'kapuso' readers.
If the above took me time to think, then, planning myself to study is even harder. It took me time to know if I'll study and what would be my course of study. Finally, I got it. Now, I have to finally check the closest school from me. I don't like to travel far. :-0
So, almost quarter of my time was spent in googling...to search the unsearchable :-0
Visiting friends.
Running personal errands.
Window shopping...and walk in through the door when finally tempted.
Tired, need to read a book to rest.
Every other week, I have my marriage builder meeting...interesting :-)
Managing our home, I'm a homemaker, you know :-)

Well, not to add my biking hours, which is part in my daily routine. This took much of my time not to stick to my desk. The above mentioned things are on top of my agenda. Despite all these , blogging is still a way of relaxing for me. That brought me here again to unleash :-) myself.

For the meantime, I'm looking forward to throw a bridal shower party for a friend. Something to celebrate. Definitely, I need Google here again. Anyone who have creative ideas or themes are welcome to suggest. Just write it in the comment section. (Thanks!).

I'm even excited to prepare for our mid-spring vacation. This will slash my time too or maybe, this will fasten me to blog about this trip. Hmmmmn. Yeah, I think there are lot of things to share about the Greeks. We will see. Have a nice day everyone!

White Winter at last!

2007-02-10T18:48:00.000+01:00

I can't wait long time not to share of what had happened last thursday. Just wednesday night, I already checked what would be the weather for thursday and how it would be like via Buienradar.nl.

Foto, as I walked through the park last thursday.

Here, the Netherlands weather proves it again on how unpredictable the climate is. According to weather's bureau, this winter season is ever the warmest winter for the past 5 years. Just last week, I was blessed by sunrays and I did managed not wearing my winter coat. The temperature was always fluctuating, ranging 5C- 10C.

I went out last tuesday with a piece of cotton sweater since I left home with a managaeble temperature. I was just roaming around inside of the mall. After 2 hours, I was amazed with snowfalls greeted me just right when I came out.

My bike was frozen when I came to the parking place (right foto).

Oh, my goodness! I biked went home with a white cammouflaged. I even biked through the nearest park to catch more of snow :-)

Park nearby. During the first few snowfall last tuesday.

I was happy anyway, but I was freezing. It was only a little bit taste of snow. It was just like a crash-ice of "halo-halo" (soft ice-cream) or just like 'M & M that melts in your hand' drama. Just few hours then, all melted out and turned to gray.

But this time, snowfalls is forecasted. Means, ready, here I come! Real winter is just few minutes away that buckets of ice will be poured throughout the flatlands. :-) At last here it is, for the second time around, I will be surrounded by white creatures :-)

The first time, I arrived here in Holland, it was also winter time, and I had even a little white Christmas. However, I had no much time to get well acquainted with the snowman :-) since I had a terrible cold hands and feet. I was just came from a broiler...then came in to a fridge. Can you imagine that? In short, I was not yet acclimatized. So here I'm now, hoping for a second encounter of the snowman. I will see to it, that I won't miss this once in a bluemoon appearance of Mr. white.

Thanks that I was free and will be having more time enticing with the ice again. The temperature dropped below 1C. So, I got ready for a white treat. I was not alone çoz I was with my mother-in-law. We went together to Delftse Hout, a 5.5 hectare nature park here in Delft.

We walked throughout the woods. It was really beautiful. Pile of ice in the subways. We walked alongside of the lake which is situated at the heart of the park.

I was here in this park last summer. I remembered walking in a greenland before swarmed with many people resting under the sun. This time, was really special, with a rural peace and quite.

It was a nice afternoon walk with a nice talk with mom W. Mom took the photographs of me. I was really like a snow-bump :-) I can't help not to play with them by hitting them in my feet while walking.

We stopped in a resto-cafe at Het Rieten Dak to warm ourselves.

It is a petite restaurant ideal dateplace for family and close-tie friends. It's even called as a wintercafe, 'coz of it's cosy atmosphere and picturesque view during the cold season.

With the help of our umbrellas, we made to stand against the icedroplets. The ice is thicker and not just as soft ice as the other day. I really took my time to enjoy the weather's most promising mood. It only lasted for a day and a night. So, what more can you ask for a day?

I won't also wait for the time that my feet will get frozen :-) This time, I got enough :-) I had a long walk for almost three hours, merging my feet in an icy ground...Grrrrhhh. Then I love it :-)

I had a hard walk exercise I think. Walking during freezing point is quite a tough job. Leg exercise was not the only thing I gained. Three hours of walking means 3-hours of Dutch speaking (with mom).

So, do I have enough? I think so. I had much fun. Thanks mom W for the day :-)

SALES! Consumerism? or Consumer's Paronia?

2007-01-31T19:19:00.000+01:00

Winter sales! Discounts is everywhere. Aanbieding and Opruiming!(Sale!). Alles moet weg! (Everything must be sold!) Executive uitverkoop! 50% - 70 % Korting! All these phrases are in the promotional papers and display windows of stores. From householdwares, clothes & accessories, computer and electronics, mattress, meat and veggies, dog food, toilettres and cosmetics, kid's paraphernalias,...aaah...name it and you will pay it!

Pretty much everything in the store is on sale. Don’t you just love January???

Everywhere you go, signs beckon you to come to big sales. Walk through the streets and the word “Sale” is displayed prominently in dozens of stores. With so many stores holding sales, is the shopping field rife with bargains?

What is it that makes people crazy about? SALES. What is it? It is buying an item less than the present fair market value. A deduction from difference between the sales price and the original selling price.

Savvy shopper is now back from holidays, shopping out with a vengeance. It seems to suggest that people treated the weekdays, as shopping days, and Saturdays as their even bankbreaking days.

Whenever koopzondag (Sunday sales) is, shoppers prompting early morning queues across the centers as consumers hunted for bargains.

From hitting the mall with your friends on a Saturday afternoon, to unplanned holiday spending on gifts, shopping could be called one of girl's favorite pastimes. For most people, it means some new clothes for work or a small trinket for a friend. For others, however, shopping is much more than an enjoyable pastime, and in some cases, it is a real and destructive addiction that can turn into a financial disaster. But that's only when you do it as an unseasonal habit. In this time of year, let's go check, what is it in a sale.

Naturally, you can earn more value of your money by exchange of goods or commodities in lesser amount. Winter sales is consider as an inventory sale. Here you can buy stuff that were not sold during their specific sale time. That is another thing different from a one-type of weather season country just like the Philippines. In a four-season country just like the Netherlands, here you can find different things good for every season. When new season comes, all things especially in fashion or home decors and accessories also vary. So if you are a shop owner, you have to sale things out of business necessity, to start over a new inventory.

Well, you think sellers are charity? They can also gain out of their sales. Business is business. Items are sold in depreciating value, however, businessmen incur gain on the difference between the sales price and the cost basis allocated to the sale element. (this is what i remembered in my economics...correct me whatever...) They are taxed on sale proceeds (capital gains). So, tax deduction is based on value of property and sales prices and from there they can avoid of capital gains tax. Well, I'm just saying this, just to remind shoppers, that we are not the one who are actually gainers, but shop owners are the one who profit most. Sometimes, shoppers may think that they bought something out of charity, and they grab the chance till the supply last.

Shopping business and retailers have had a brisk start to their winter sales and will be repeated even during summer sales, çoz of some shopping "madness" in their busiest trading day of the year.

Another thing that attract window shoppers, just like me, is the fractional prices suggest to consumers that goods are marked at the lowest possible price. Now that consumers are used to psychological prices, other prices look odd. Do you think it's one way of consumerism? Well, this is a broad subject that till now, numbers of issues raised above debates and even protests. I'll keep my mouth shut here!

Here we go...I can't resist. Let's observe the word consumerism. As I see, we, the consumers are created through extensive advertising and media influence, rather than arising from our own natural ideas regarding the kinds of things we need. (I am not an anti-consumerist per see). In other words, consumerism is an artificial creation sustained by artificial social pressures. When it comes to sale bargaining...indirectly, a way of redirecting consumers to a so called market pressure value.

In many contexts, consumerism is used to describe the tendency of people to identify strongly with products or services they consume. Especially those with commercial top brand names and obvious status-enhancing appeal, e.g. an expensive automobile, rich jewelry, so on and so forth. Back to consumerism, many luxuries and unnecessary consumer products are social signals that allow people to identify like-minded individuals through consumption and display of similar products. Some believe that relationships with a product or brand name are substitutes for the healthy human relationships lacking in dysfunctional modern societies and along with consumerism itself are part of the general process of social control and cultural hegemony in modern society. A culture that is permeated by consumerism can be referred to as a consumer culture. I think I am not. I am not collecting items, that just for the goodness sake for 'social appeals'. I am mentioning this, since the idea of bargaining is also giving an implication of attracting consumers in an unhealthy propaganda.

In other words, Sales is a marketing strategy that makes consumers paranoid. (Excuse me of my term but this will apply for irrational buyers huh!).

Impulse buyers who cannot resist spending money are commonly termed shopaholics. Yes, you can see these people walking around the corners. Actually, I'm one of those 'windowholics'.

Ok. I think I am now turning your heads out there trying to understand what I am trying to say. Let's not be too critical here and let's go through how we observe during Big Sales! When a dollar or euro store has a .70 cent bonanza blowout sale, can it really be called a bonanza blowout sale? A savings of 30 cents on a euro/dollar or peso etc., is hardly what I call a sale, let along a blowout sale. The crazy thing was, the store was packed. People were bumping into each other nearly fighting over the stuff. I had to ask myself in the middle of a frenzy of mad shoppers, is any of this crap worth a euro let alone a 70 cents?

Well, for many people, shopping is just a pleasure and for some is luxury and some is necessity. Whatever it is, for me it is fun. It's like unwinding, seeing people around in busy corners. I may spend or not, I feel like I earned something. Walking along the cobbelstreets is just like picking up a single coin of integration. It's nice to feel and assimilated with the locals. I feel attached in some way and give me comfort due to familiarity. Every once in a while you find a good deal, too good to turn down and there are times when you need to build a shoe wardrobe without breaking the bank. That is if you are even careful and be a wise buyer.

I’m sure that there are lots of little ways to stretch your euros to make shopping even more fun. Just don't forget, that what you also try to save might compromise the quality of the goods and commodities you like to buy.

I already had fun in the busy shopping galore of Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rijswijk and of course in Delft. Luckily, I'm not yet broke. :-) ( 'coz I'm just busy adding items in my list...beware for the giver :-) hehehe!

This photo was in Kalveerstraat, Amsterdam.

At this moment, sales is nearly extended in February. It's happy Hearts Day, which means, arising of price.

So, what are you waiting for? Run, and start sighting for gifts. BRING your list with you to avoid unnecessary shoppings. Avoid panic buying. And try not to be tempted with those ambiguous sale tactics. Always remember, that bargain sales items are goods not being sold at their specific time of demand. Meaning, you have to think if the item has still a purpose fo you and not just because it is ON Sale!

Happy shopping :-)

Christmas 2006, New Year 2007: A Retrospect

2007-01-18T15:02:00.000+01:00

I've been inside in my shell hibernating (as they say) for the past few weeks. I was tired to tap the keyboard to blog about my daily musings. At this time of the day, the weather is again frightening to me, with a windblast of 110-130km/hr, that brought me here promptly in the desk to type. If the weather is just as nice from what I "consider nice", my bike will already bring me to somewhere. But today, I just stayed foot and busy my fingers in the keyboard while listening to a Christian music.

We had a nice Christmas party last December after attending the "kerstnachtdienst" (x'mas eve mass). Our home was warmed by friends starting from Christmas eve until the first day of X'mas.

Our table was overflowed by food (which normally Filipinos do).

What is that on the left side?? Ummhh...just a shot of tequila...

We exchanged gifts and played kolonisten. It was a wonderful time celebrating the yuletide season.

Here's the man who kissed me under the X'mas tree :-). He was dragging the sack of gifts.

I had a two-week vacation to feel the air of Christmas. It was also a time to celebrate it was because I passed my exam for my Dutch course. (At last! I'm now on my way to level 3).

(the right side photo) Here we are! Lyn, Vicky & me during X'mas.

We welcomed the new year with peace, love and joy. We still shared it with friends.

Me and Vicky during the New Year's Eve. You might think there's fire behind us.

We were cheered by illuminous lights of fireworks display right in our terrace. It was a brighter sky filled with colorful lights just on time that rain halted from pouring.

Fireworks display. A view from our terrace.

I think I saw thousands of euros bursting and blowing to the atmosphere to think how much it cost every firework or explosives. The night was splendid compared the past year which was very dark, gloomy and icy.

More fireworks show.

We missed "white christmas" since, according to the weather authorities here, this winter season is the warmest ever recorded. There are no snowballs, no flakes, no hales, and no snow. Huh! I am desperately hoping for them..... By February, which will be the coldest month of the winter...might have a pound chance of snowfall, so, I would really get ready for it.

Many things had changed. Time runs so fast. As fast as how the Nederlands weather change from black to white, and from gray to bright. In a minute you are hardly biking against the wind...in the next tick, you found yourself pushed by the wind and arrived to your destination a minute earlier :-) You leave home at your nicest posture, and came back home, soaked and wet. :-) You put your facial colors on, using the famous make-up brands, but just end up retouching more than it is necessary. Is it ironic? Yeah, I'm just trying to say that in some instances, things just changed without you saying yes or no. It just happened and you have nothing to do about it but to face and deal with it. I am not strong...but during the times that we are weak...I realized that's the time that you will become strong.

I am slowly stitching my thread to create a good fabric of life. It might be a difficult cross-stitch, but, I need to get through with it. I am rest assured that for how many times of threads I got wasted from trying, still HE will remain my Provider, giving me more colorful threads to choose from, making an embroidered or an unembroidered piece of life.

Another fireworks...(fireworks photos were courtesy of Don, our friend).

At this time of new year, I missed many things and many people. However, I am a little bit adjusted here and happy, embracing my new environment. One year had past...and one more year to go...I think I will be just more integrated here. I will keep my fingers crossed and pray for strength not only for me and Ian, but for my whole family here and my family out there in the Philippines.

I am wishing a peaceful new year to everyone!

Bye Sinterklaas, Hello Santa Claus

2006-12-15T19:28:00.000+01:00

"Thank you Sinterklaas for all these presents."- We got all these things under our X'mas tree and including the vest I'm wearing from the sack of Sinterklaas. :-)

Sinterklaas or Sint Nikolaas in Dutch or Saint Nicolas in French, is a holiday tradition in the Netherlands and Belgium

(both Dutch and French speaking parts), celebrated every year on Saint Nicholas' eve December 5 or, in Belgium, the morning of December 6. The feast celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children.

Saint Nicholas who had a reputation for secret gift-giving, who is now commonly identified with Santa Claus or in the Netherlands and northern Belgium as Sint-Nicolaas or Sinterklaas who came from Spain (according to the Dutch story/belief). Naturally, it is fictitious but with its joy brought to children, remains an undefeated profit-gainer for traders.

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas' eve, is the occasion for gift-giving without any relation from Christmas. Traditionally, he brings his gifts during the evening of December 5 is called pakjesavond ("evening of packages"). Presents are ingeniously wrapped, and are therefore called surprises. He has an helper name Piet or Zwarte Piet (Black Peter). There will be a loud knock on the door, and a sack full of presents is found on the doorstep. Alternatively - some improvisation is often called for - the parents 'hear a sound coming from the attic' and then the bag with presents is "found" there. Presents are often accompanied by a simple poem, saying something about the child or with a hint to the nature of the present. This night is considered to be extra-long awaited time for the children.

I was not even exempted from the list of Sinterklaas :-) We received gifts from "him" with accompanying poems :-) The way of giving is quite new for me. Different from how it is done in the Philippines during parties. The whole month of December in the Philippines is all about exchange gift, drinks and food feasts. The thing that most likely similar in any ways of celebration is that, the heavy traffic and panic-buying syndrome during rush hours. Some shops are even open and with extended time opening to serve last-minute gift givers :-)

After the night of Sinterklaas, The Netherlands shifts to Christmas spirit atmosphere.

This historical character was the inspiration for a mythical figure known as Sankt Nikolaus in Germany and Sinterklaas in the Netherlands and Flanders of Belgium, which in turn was the inspiration for Santa Claus. This occassion is also celebrated in some other countries in Europe: France, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Italy has their own style too, Palestine, Portugal and in the United States which in turn resulted influence to the Philippines. Sinterklaas is the basis for the North American legend of Santa Claus. The American version of the Santa Claus figure received its inspiration and its name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century.

Whatever his name be: Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy, Jolly Old Elf, Santa Klaus or simply Santa, is a Mythical gift-bringer icon who distributes presents to sleeping children and adults who have been "good" all year; traditionally during the night of December 24, Christmas Eve. The celebration may vary in any areas according to beliefs and traditions.

Since I have Americanized cultural influence, then we will be welcoming Santa Claus on the 24th of December prior to Christmas day, that marks the traditional birthdate of Jesus of Nazareth. Christmas combines the celebration of Jesus' birth with various other traditions and customs of Christianity. Christmas traditions include the display of nativity scenes and Christmas trees (which we have), the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

We will have our so called "noche buena" (midnight dinner) on the Christmas Eve. It will be a nice evening celebrating the night we used to and we missed since when we're young. It is not Sinterklaas who will knock at our door but couple of friends will join and each of us in any way be a Santa Claus for the night :-) ....

Tip: ( Send your wishlist earlier to your gift-giver for good preference, to avoid confusion, panic-buying, duplication, and give enough time-frame for fund-raising if in any case, gifts-worth of million euro cents :-), in which I already did).

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Why I am silent?

2006-11-19T19:07:00.000+01:00

Hey! Now I am back here again... I was just out of the circulation here it is because I had rushed weeks but with plentiful sleeps at least :-) Can you imagine? Well, I don't have specific topic to blog today. I had lot of weekend trips but I'm little tired to make details of it. I would just like to share anything that would come to my mind now :-)

So....I had busy weeks with my ever Dutch language course. I can already communicate in Dutch to my teacher at least. Hahaha! Naturally, I am always running out of breath. My everyday life runs throughout my study and my marriage-relationship. My learning of the language, culture, people, weather, etc. combining with my marriage really need a multiple extra effort to live with them harmoniously. So far...so good.

Actually, I'm just wondering how time ticks so fast. Just few weeks from now, it's Christmas time again. I am a really a hyper-active day person. I don't like to sleep even lay my back until not my sleeping time. No matter how tired I am, a nap has no single room in my internal system. I remembered my working habit before, I never sleep until there's still more coffie :-) When I'm already tired to make myself a cup of coffie, then it's now my bed time.

Well, I did many things these days...that keep my days rolling and no time to blog. These are simple things I do but I enjoy them :

1. Monday-friday (except tuesday) going to school. Reaching my goal to speak Dutch :-)

2. Going to the city centrum with my bike after school...to muse around and do shopping at the most good price option...

3. Non-ending experiment in the kitchen.

4. Hunting jobs and sending my resume via online...I know that there are only less opportunities for me but who knows... opportunities seldom come because they arrived unnoticeable...(So, I should be wide-awake though!)

5. Watching James Bond movies...a monthly movie marathon on tv, only for OO7.

6. Going to cinemas...I think we watched movie 4 times this month...and the fifth will be this weekend :-) I think it's high time to get an abonnement (subscription to cinemas) Hmmmn.....

7. I'm experimenting my new sewing machine. A gift from my loving mother-in-law. (Thanks mom). Wow, I never sew before...I mean not in a machine but I do few manual stitches. I always escape from my Home Economics class before, where cooking and sewing were best subjects during elementary grade.

But why I'm sewing now? Blame my size...I am just small for clothing size here in the country of big and tall people. I do buy stuff from kids section for best fit. If I shop in ladies apparel...best guaranteed that I need my sewing kit just in due time. I may change either the clothings' width and length or both. So, when I shop for clothes, I always check the cut and stitches if I can manage to change it myself....Hummmn. I never did 'till I live here.

8. I did advance X'mas shopping because I sent my christmas gifts to my family in the Philippines.

9. I did finished organizing our photoalbum which was also included in the Philpackage. That was really tiring...weighs about 2 kg album showcasing hundreds of our faces upside-down :-)

10. I am engaging myself for a volunteer work (application stage)...whenever I'll start, definitely will slash my free time.

11. I am still doing my wedding photoalbum via online service. It will be finished hopefully and finally send our order this week.

12. Just last night, I finished accessorizing our christmas tree...an 8 feet real pine tree. You think X'mas tree is just 'onli' in the Philippines?

My dear unwrapping the tree last friday night :-)

Yeah, I'm just missing the yuletide season mood which I am used to. I was the first one who bought a pine tree in the garden shop, according to the shophelper . :-) I might be on their history list, the earliest x'mas tree buyer. Hehehe.

A real pine tree will only survived in a room temperature of at least 21 days...I hope the tree will still be at its best 'till January...(hehehehe joke). Christmas in the Philippines normally starts with the "-ber month " from September and extends 'till January the following new year....

Here in the Netherlands is about to celebrate Sinterklaas Dag (St. Nicholas day) on December 5, a day of giving gifts. After the celebration, the shops and streets will shift then to Christmas festive atmosphere.

13. I am busy making and completing my Christmas wishlist ..and also for the Sinterklaas.

14. Doing again all those things mentioned above excluding the last two deeds.

It's just a cycle way of life...In everyday, you might do something little or extravagant, but then at the end of the night...you'll sleep on it. The next day is just another day to do the same thing in the past which you do like but forget those that makes you feel horrible.

At this point, I would still like to do all those things I mentioned...Naturally it might change in the long run depending to priorities I would settle with and decisions I would lay down beforehand....

Now....it's time to cook...See yuh! :-)

Runaway to Luxembourg

2006-10-17T15:19:00.000+02:00

We runaway to Luxembourg, drove through Esch Sur Sure, stayed in Bourscheid and ended in Luxembourg Ville.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was actually ruled by the House of Orange-Nassau up to 1890, the year William III died. Since females were not allowed to succeed in Luxemburg because of the Salic law, the Grand Duchy passed to the House of Nassau-Weilburg, a collateral line; this was in accordance with the Nassau Family Treaty of 1783.

Means, this tiny country was historically part of the Netherlands. In my readings, Luxembourg was included in the newly formed United Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with Belgium, in 1814. It fragmented 16 years later, when Belgium broke off from the Netherlands, taking half of Luxembourg along the tug.

1. The Netherlands flag(left) 2. Luxembourg flag (right)

Just a subtle diffrerence huh!

UUUmmm...let's check if we will see traces of Dutch-'ness' there :-).

So, what's in there? Known to be the most expensive country which possesses the highest GDP per capita in the world (US$72,945 as of 2005), then let's see.

We had a long time driving going to Ecsh Sur Sure where we drove in the northern region of the country. This tiny village is in the west of the region of criss-crossed rocky loop in the Sure River (Sauer in German) with hiking trails and dotted with picturesque villages and is off the Wiltz-Ettelbruck road. Curved out of the mountainside mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to other small plains in the southeast. This was our first destination. However, out of good familiarity of the road, we had passed the stopping point and we we're estimately 20 kms away. So, we decided to directly drive tru our second destination, to our hotel in Bourscheid.

We arrived in Hotel Du Moulin, a modern family-run hotel with privately owned fly-fishery. New indoor swimming-pool available, sauna, solarium and fitness-room.

Hotel Du Moulin in our background.

Only 2 km from the medieval castle of Bourscheid. The next day, we went to the castle and walked around.

Right photo is view from the castle down the hotel.

A 1,000 years old castle situated on the rocky bluff overlooking farmland and the Sure River. The castle's romantic ruins loom 500 feet above the River Sûre, commanding many valleys. The central portion is the castle's oldest sector; surrounding it is a 14th-century wall dotted with circular towers.

The remaining tower of the castle.

This is not as complete as the castle in Vianden ( as many said) but is ultimately more attractive due to its outstanding location. It offers wonderful walking paths in the surrounding woods.

The beautiful hotel is in a magnificent setting with splendid views over the Chateau of Bourscheid. We had a relaxed time staying there with ample of fresh air surrounded by plateaus.

Right photo is the view of the castle down from the hotel.

Nestling behind the barrier of the towering Ardennes mountains, the country is protected from the cold North sea winds that gives a temperate type of climate.

Side view from the castle.

The cold was just pleasant enough to have a good walk but windy enough not to stay long at the peak of the valleys like in the castle.

On the right is an old church in the Bourscheid village. Can you see the flag beside it? (Not in the Philippines..).

The village is also a jumping-off point for hikers wishing to explore the area with fascinating landscape of curious sandstone rock formations, waterfalls, creeks, springs and forests.

Situated on the bank of the River Sûre, in a romantic wood land setting, the hôtel is like a haven of peace. Alter a day's hike in the surrounding forests, you can relax on its riverside terrace or unwind in health & beauty centre of the hotel.

River Sure, good for fishing and hungry campers :-)

Then, we had a long day in the capital city of Luxemburg. Since this little country is, however, located at the crossroads of several major highways, the Grand Duchy is dwarfed between its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium.

Me at the boulevard overlooking the Grund.

It's easy to overlook it when travelling. Our day steps in the city was long, wide and more...more.

At the Petrusee promenade. Does he looks tired? :-)

The entire country is only 51 miles (85km) long and 32 miles (52km) wide, Luxembourg was once called the Gibraltar of the North, and by exploring these fortifications beneath the city, you begin to see why. Most of the immense citadel was destroyed as a prerequisite for Luxembourgois independence in 1815. But what's remaining is still certainly formidable and romantic to explore. ( tugged along with your dovey :-))

With underlying tensions, regardless of the size of the country, it has a distinct local language. Surrounded by other big countries, languages of French, and German live together harmoniously with the Letzebuergesch, the national tongue.

Do I look lost ( or loose) in the jungle? Hehehe.

Uuuumh... I was completely lost here. No one speaks my ever Visayan dialect. I seldom hear English either. Thanks that I understand Dutch as I heard them (tourists) complaining :-) Hehehe! Anyways, some speaks Dutch especially the hotel receptionist or cashier. Why? Belgium is just in the border that speaks Flemish, a form of Dutch. And to think, that Dutch tourists are just anywhere. Prachtig! (Wonderful! ).

The Cathedral of Notre Dame.

As we walked through the city, I don't hesitate to stop awhile and probe behind the glass office blocks and official buildings to find a land of fascinating medieval fortresses, rolling woodlands, sun-drenched castles, and quaint villages. Ja, I observed that buildings around are crafted with modern-glassy architecture mixing with old textural styles. In the city, you can see a lot of banks. Almost every second building in the city is a bank, that dubbed Luxembourg as a banking central of Europe.

We walked through the old cobble stone paths along the boulevard Roosevelt to Plateau Du St. Esprit where superb panoramas of the valleys and over the Grund. We walked down to the Montee du Grund (Ground) known also as Old Towns'Bock which is an ancestral lower village and rock galleries. Housed the Casemates down-under the Grund and was a bomb shelter of thousand locals during WWI and WWII.

Right is at the Old Town close to the Scott's pub.

We had drinks at the Scott's Pub located at the border of the river Petrusse and has a lovely terrace at the waterfront.

British Scott's Pub.

It is calm and tranquil country with no hurry, no stressing crowds of people (except the Place d'Armes and tourists) just a nice stuff for your eyes and silence. The street and aura is medieval.

There at the square of Place d'Armes, the old town's pedestrianized core stands the equestrian monument of William III of Netherlands ( Grand Duc Guillaume in French).

We even passed and walked in by the Musee National d'Histoire et d'Art. A multilevel state-of-the-art glass atrium showcasing Roman and Middle Ages artifacts collection.

In the middle of town, with no warning, we suddenly found ourselves in front of the palace of the Archduke of Luxembourg. Almost like a 'normal' grand house, only bigger.

The Palais Grand-Ducal is about more than 400 years old.

The soldier keeping watch is the solely and patiently marching back in forth in front of the gate. (Now, I remembered the dedicated officer standing beside Jose Rizal's monument, Philippine national hero, that even to slaap a fly atop of his nose is forbidden). The building was started in 1572 but it has been added on, redecorated and even restored after an explosion during the time that it served as a town hall in the 17th century. The palace is just within the heart of the center..and you may just right at its gate and bump the guard while you are shopping.

My dear standing in front of the palace. It is not busy during Sunday.

We also try to beat the busy-shopping streets but for any reason...

I can't find anything which I like. It was Sunday, and just any other European country, most shops are closed on sundays. Well it's ok...I don't like my bodyguard to wait long for me outside the store. Hehehe! I married a shopping-allergic person...prefers to sit and read newspaper or walk all the way-round rather than scrutinizing shops and customizing items. Hmmmh...

Luxembourg is not even big enough on most maps of Europe to contain the letters of its name just like Netherlands, but makes up in snazz what it lacks in size.

Photo was shot from the Petrusse valley. A garden overlooking from the Place de la Constitution.

As Netherlands have abundance of canals, windmills and proud of its flatness, then Luxmbourg is the pride of the hinterlands. It has a wealth of verdant landscapes mounted in by winding valleys with fast-flowing rivers and dotted with the sort of rural hamlets that most people associate with fairy tales.

Our stay was associated with ancient memories. And for that...the place is worth another chance to re-visit. We will be there again for the next holiday....in a sporty-trailing mood backpacking :-) A bientôt dans Luxembourg!

September Sunshine

2006-10-16T17:55:00.000+02:00

I am too busy to say how busy I am :-)Hehehe ! In other means, I'm too lazy to blog...but then, once in a while, I tried to remember my last escapades translating them into words. I would still like to lock up my memories here and retrieve them as way back of musing my own path.

Left photo was on our way in Zeeland at the north sea coast.

Actually, I would like to remember the time, the last day of September. It was a very beautiful Saturday. The last full appearance of the sun, I think.

As we know, that weather in Holland is comparable with women's brattinela'ness'. The day was special. We went to the province of Zeeland.

Right photo is the Oosterscheldekering.

The Oosterscheldekering

(Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier), between the islands Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland, is the largest of 13 ambitious Delta works series of dams, designed to protect a large part of the Netherlands from flooding. The construction of the Delta Works was a response to the North Sea Flood of 1953.

The Oosterscheldekering was the biggest, most difficult to build and the most expensive part of the Delta works. Sometimes referred to as the eighth Wonder of the World, and has been declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Photo is courtesy from Wikipedia. The Oosterscheldekering.

We had crossed this dam and viewed the Neeltje Jans, a piece of artificial island, which is also now a tourist spot to look forward in the province.

We visited Ian's tante(Aunt) in Middelburg . She is on her 70's and cared of by in a bijaardenhuis (home for the elderly). She is nice, an ensemble of loving person. She still have the energy to walk around and showed us the place and its surrounding. She is now forgetful, but I was pleased to meet her. Our meeting was not as easy though, coz of language barrier. Nevertheless, the feeling was special. She is well-cared by a private nursing house. Once in a while, family members visit her.

Middelburg is also my mother in-law's birthplace, her grown--up place I should say. Zeelandic or Zeeuws is a regional language spoken in the province of Zeeland. Commonly considered a Dutch dialect but I still don't hear it and it's more use by the older people but not very common with young generation. Many said that there's difference with pronounciation, grammar and vocabulary from the proper Dutch...Ummmh...Maybe I already heard it...but I was just 'NR' (no reaction) coz I'm still struggling with my Dutch.

(According to my research in Wikipedia) Middelburg is at a key location on the western edge of Europe's industrial complex. On the Walcheren peninsula in the south of the Netherlands it is ideally located for the business and living of Europe. The city has water on three sides with the Veerse Meer lake close to the city centre. The local landscape is attractive, with extensive fields, characteristic hedging, elegant woodland areas, navigable waters, and many cycle and footpaths.

We were pleased to stop by along the sea coast where many people took the last summer spree. It was less expected that there's summer after september. As usual, the scene is completely piled by caravans and water-sport enthusiasts. Water skiing and wind surfing received the greatest performance.

The beach and the dunes are among the most beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Colorful kites were tagged by the wind that give picture of a splendid summer (after the time of wet August).

We went too to Vlissingen or Flushing to visit Ian's cousin since it is just 15 minutes drive from Middelburg. We had a nice time with them and shared dinner in a restaurant in the boulevard. We leisurely watched the ships passing just close by in our window while enjoying our food.

Vlissingen is part of SW Netherlands, on the southern coast of the former island of Walcheren. Its manufactures include shipbuilding, chemicals, and gears. Dairying, cattle, sugar beets, vegetables, grain, and fishing are also important.

Our photo while walking along the boulevard of Vlissingen.

We had a walk while the sun was just preparing to play hide and seek with us. The wind was just gentle letting us to ramp graciously along the passage.

The coast is really special here because the ships pass at the closest point from the shore. Nowhere in the world ships pass this closely to the shore. Big cargo and luxury freights navigate from the harbor of Rotterdam to the port of Antwerp in Belgium.

Hotels and restaurants stand with famous names upon surviving the tests of winds but breathtaking view to the sea.

The city has developed into a successful resort as well. Chartered in 1247, Vlissingen was one of the first Dutch towns to rebel (1572) against Spain. Because it dominates the approach (via the Western Scheldt) to Antwerp, Vlissingen has been the scene of several battles. During World War II the Allies captured (1944) the city from the Germans after bitter fighting ( Read more in the Wikipedia ).

Uuummh! I actually don't know some of these facts...not until I had read the Wikipedia. I just found it interesting, knowing my new country. I know where my roots came from...it's also good to get close where my branch and my future fruits lies. :-)

Prinsjes' (Princes) Moments

2006-09-27T19:04:00.000+02:00

I am absent from my Dutch lesson today. I am not feeling well, and I think I'm catching a flu. This time of transition, for sure this flu welcomes me to the Fall season. I have observed that as season changed, there's an accompanying bag of body pains and flu. Well, I'm just finding reason why I feel sick today :-)

Since I stayed home, I have sometime to blog...thanks that I am...:-) I actually like to write about my first enlightening trip during Prinsjesdag last September 19.

The parade of uniformed officers.

Literally, prinsjesdag means: day of the little princes...Ooh! oh! Sounds like enchanting. What is it? I went to Den Haag with my friend Lyn to see it by myself or by ourselves...We took the train which was very full and started musing around. Even inside the train, we're quite sure that those passengers are like us, expectants of the event. I had a hint, most people were older...uuhmm, my mind playing like ping-pong (table tennis)...probably these elders were of the age group of the Queen, maybe the playmates or schoolmates, or the fanatics.

Me and Lyn while waiting...

Actually, I already know what is it :-)Thanks to my teacher of Maatschappij Orientatie (Society Orientation). I also knew some trivia from my partner. But then I would like to see the majesty Queen Beatrix personally...there I went with Netherlands' flag.(HeHeHe! Just for fun, accesorized ourselves and complete the integration :-).

In the Netherlands every third Tuesday in September is known as Prinsjesdag. The day where the Queen rides in a golden carriage (Gouden Koats) from Palace Noordeinde (her working place) to the Knights Hall in the Binnenhof and reads the plans for the coming year to the States-general (Prime Minister) from the throne in the Ridderzaal and the minister of finance proposes the next year's budget to parliament. The government presents its annual budget. Parliament officially starts a new year on Prinsjesdag.

The carriage which was built in Dutch Renaissance style and partly gilded and is decorated with symbolic motifs. The coach is drawn by eight horses.

The Queen sits inside the golden carriage.

And so, at 1pm the parade had started. We stood in a very ideallyc spot at Lange Voorhout just close to the palace where we can see the royal family up-close and straightly without string attached. The streets of The Hague (Den Haag) are lined with loyal crowds, kids, elderlies and tourists, we joined in the throng and warned about the congestion.

We took pictures of course without any batting of eyelash :-)We did waved the Queen. Princes Maxima (wife of Prince Alexander, the succesor son of the queen) is really splendid. The golden coach that worth million euro was right in my nose. It was really delighting. The day was like a victory feast inside the kingdom.( I feel like one of the seven dwarfs...hehehe!).

This is our miniature photo of the Binnenhof. This was taken at the Maduro Dam exposition. This is how it looks during prinsjesdag inside the Binnenhof.

We can't get in inside the Binnenhof. The Binnenhof (inner court), is a collection of buildings in The Hague. It has been the location of meetings of the Staten-Generaal (the Dutch parliament) since 1446, and has been the centre of Dutch politics for centuries. More buildings were constructed around the court, several of which are well known in their own right, such as the Ridderzaal ( Knight Hall), where the queen holds her annual speech. Of course it was only for invited guests and dignitaries.

This day is one of the most traditional events in Dutch politics, involving the royal family, a meeting with all members of both houses of the Staten General, and cabinet in the Ridderzaal. On this occasion males wear their most formal dress, while females try to out do each other with extravagant hats ( Next time we will wear our gorgeous ones :-).

They said that during the end of the parade, the royal family rides back to Noordeinde then waves to the gathered monarchists at the balcony of the palace. We no longer wait for it 'çoz we had a lot to-do's in our list for the day. We can't stand too to smell the free cologne along the street. It was paraded with horses' expensive waste.

Inside are members of the Royal family.

Our stomachs were already complaining that we went to the all-time foreigners' favorite KFC. We found nice sits beside the glass window overlooking the views outside. Stylish lounge and the cosy lobby bar to unwind after a long wait during the parade, were our side dish for a pleasant lunch. Our meal was extra yummy that gives us more energy for our next steps.

Right photo is the approaching golden coach.

Since Binnenhof and parliament buildings are just a stroll away, we can't leave the city without a trip to its shopping arcade. Located in Den Haag at your feet with haut-couture, antiques, culture and numerous fine restaurants in our direct vicinity.

Many boutiques and shopping malls aligning along old streets. In addition, Den Haag offers majestic shopping opportunities in the historic Passage and the 'Haagsche Bluf' shopping center, Bij en Korf while all main department stores are a mere walk away. Uuuhh! We had a long time walking, thanks we had good walking shoes.

Of course, girls's fave again. Shoes, bags, accessories and scents's shops were deliberately scrutinized and visited. We can't finished the whole centrum. Well, we always go to this city actually but we just enjoying it while no man's dragging in our sides :-) (Hi ian, hi wietse:-)

"It was like treating ourselves in the fairyland and as time ticks...then put on our silver shoes to climb back to our castles' towers".

What a prinsjesdag! It was late afternoon then...we just walked to the train station. It was time to go home. We had a good time again. Hahaha! We better left our silver shoes down there in the city, 'çoz we have golds waiting at home :-)... Thanks Lyn for the day.

Lage Vuursche: Revisited

2006-09-11T18:51:00.000+02:00

We revisited Lage Vuursche yesterday on a very bright shining day. Our first visit here was last December for our first honeymoon. That was winter...and this time, it really pays a difference.

Yesterday was blessed with a sweaty 25C and even the rest of this week will have warmer days. As the sun shines and spreads its rays...people here in the Netherlands don't like to miss catching its blessings to radiate themselves and be willing to be sun's slave. Normally, people start to stand their tents and the hi-ways are throng with cars dragging their carts/vans for camping or any outdoor breaks. Last month, was a wet tempo in the flatland, and this month's is far from usual but close to the Dutch weather unpredictable mood.

Lage Vuursche is a town in the Dutch province of Utrecht. It is a part of the municipality of Baarn, and lies about 5 km west of Soest, in the middle of the forest. The village has been famous where Drakestein, the former residence castle of Queen Beatrix of the royal family, is situated just east of the village. The Queen of the Netherlands, sometimes stays to enjoy the beautiful scenery here.
Until 1857, the village was a separate municipality, under the name De Vuursche, together with the small hamlet "Hoge Vuursche". It then merged with the municipality of Baarn.

Lage Vuursche is centrally located between Amsterdam and Utrecht, that made it easily accessible. The village has only few inhabitants and vastly forested where you can walk or go for bicycle- or horseback riding. There are arrays of restaurants, hotel , souvenir shop and pan cake houses in the village center where also swarm of tourists, and locals winding around.

Our pictures are not very sharp. Photos are courtesy from my mobile fone 'coz we forgot our photocam...

We took an afternoon walk inside the woods for like an hour. My first walk here was only lasted for about a few steps since it snowed that time. I felt terribly cold since I was just a week old of my stay here in the lowland. Our walk lately was full of sightseeings. How green the surounding is. Pine and sturdy oak trees are standing aligned. How organized the Dutch people are :-) I can see it to the trees, uniformedly groomed and well-grown. The color of the leaves of some trees started to turn redish orange as Fall season is nearly awaiting. Schrub of black berries are along sides that I picked and ate some :-)

Colorful mushrooms named vliegenzwam or fly agaric ( fly mushroom) or toadstool in english (Amanita muscaria, scientific name) are also sprouting in the debris. And the last but not the least, are cows in the private ranch. What a nice place to live for these dairy four-footed beasts blessed with this bountiful nature. No wonder that they produced fresh....ffreshhhhhhhh milk :-)

We had passed Hotel "De Kastanjehof" (The Chestnut Yard) which is located on a idyllic spot in the beautiful woods of Lage Vuursche. The hotel is situated across the street from the small castle "Drakestein". This is where we stayed before.

Photo of one of the suites of the hotel (foto from www. de kastanjehof.nl).

The place has been able to preserve the atmosphere of old inns and stage-coaches as I remembered. This adds to the authenticity of the village Lage Vuursche that reminds of days long gone. It was so nice to have a glimpse of the woods and the place we stayed during the brighter days which was totally different last gloomy days. This charming hotel, decorated in English country style, gave us before the feeling of peace and comfort in a wonderful ambiance and I'm quite sure that's their remarkable service till now. De Kastanjehof's restaurant is well-known for its excellent kitchen too.

Right picture was our shot last December in the same suite as above.

Next to that hotel is the De Lage Vuursche Cafe-Restaurant. This is already 140 years old-place handed down to the present generation owners.

Our dinner was setted here last winter.

I already forgot what was our meal then but pretty sure it was heerlijk (delicious). We found a nice place to sit here closed to the fireplace. This is also a popular hang-out of some Dutch tv and radio celebrities since this village is nearby Hilversum, the Netherlands' tv entertainment hub.

The Pancake House.

As the sun slowly sets, we dropped by at the De Pannenkoekenhuis De Vuursche Boer for our take home pancakes. The shop was very busy but very well-setted place. Here you can choose assortment of pancakes that will suit your taste that satisfy your gastronomic wants.

After our order was handed we went back directly to my hubby's brother's home in Maartensdijk to share a family dinner. Maartensdijk is a lovely town just closed by the village. This is where our first destination actually for little David's 3rd birthday, hubby's white-haired nephew. After had our first stop here, that we headed to the forest to enjoy the rest of the sunny day...:-) Wat een gezellige dag te hebben! (What a pleasant day to have ! ).

P.S :
On our way-drive at A4 hi-way, we stopped at gas station to tank, and I found this cute stuff. I can't wait not to bring it with us...:-) His name now is MaCoy :-) I like to own a real one but not for now.

De scholen zijn weer begonnen! (Schools start again !)

2006-09-02T17:52:00.000+02:00

Classes start again! I got my new class schedule and it really drives me 'busy'. I have four-day lessons per week and this means that I only have one-day free left. Well, I'm not yet tensed çoz I'm already finding a solution for it. And that is, not to attend my Monday lesson. I will speak to my teacher about it and I hope he will not protest against it:-)

So, after the summer vacation, I ám now looking forward for the herfstvakantie :-) That means, the autumn vacation. I'm amazed here actually. There's a lot of vacations...every season contributes free days for people here in Holland. While it reminds me about holidays in the Philippines. Filipinos only enjoy their awaited vacation only during Christmas time and Lent season which receive more days of rest. But only to suffer traffic jam as people like to spend time in city centers or the worse is being stucked in the bus stations and air or sea ports due to transport delays. Other than that, are the national one-day holiday proclaimed by the government during commemorations of birthdate or death of different national heroes. For students, only the all-time summer vacation which falls March-June plays the longest.

Holidays are equally important in the Netherlands as among the basics. In modern employment practice, vacation days are usually coupled with sick time, official holidays, and sometimes personal days with due compensation. Most countries around the world have laws mandating a certain number of days of time off per year to be given to a worker aside. Americans have the shortest vacation in the developed world (check this). While I think in most of Europe the limit is significantly higher. This is not only given for workers but also to schoolers. Students here have ample time of vacations as I compared while I was a student back in the Philippines. Filipino teachers as well don't have the pleasure during their breaks since they are busy with their lesson plans and other educational mandated instructions. Well, different huh!

That's why there are lots of vacation packages all around Europe. Travel agencies have competitive advertising strategies and many are in affordable holiday rates. The leisurely two-week, cross-country vacation seems like a quaint...custom today in Europe starting of the 50's and 60's. The long weekend getaway is increasingly common here as by air, by ship, by car or by the endless camping and caravan of the Dutch ways. Well, that's all of vacations...I should have to write here my comeback to school in which this post should be all about.

This reminds me the idea of "don't speak English please...speak Dutch..."

Ummmh....well, this is also my idea as I'm coming back to school. I'm thinking about holidays again...Actually, it will be on the end of October for the Herfstvakantie. Let's check how I will spend it then. But for now, I am focusing my Dutch lessons. Hehehe! I think I'm progressing, this is the best thing :-)

Sailing in De Kaag

2006-08-27T20:58:00.000+02:00

Click for our slideshow photoalbum in De Kaag.

A wind-undertaking was our passion last Saturday. Despite of weather threats, we drove with few friends to Kaag (52°13′N 4°33′E), a town in the Dutch province of South Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Alkemade, and lies about 8 km northeast of Leiden. Kaag lies on an island, Kagereiland, in the lakes "Kagerplassen". The lake Kagerplassen is connected with other large lakes like Braassem and the Vietlanden. All these lakes are connected with each other by a system of canals.

The complete crew on board while docking in the island.

A picturesque island which we need to cross accessible by ferry. Surrounded by ponds and lakes, the island is the perfect place for water-related sports, such as sailing, canoeing, rowing, wind surfing and fishing. You can check this site for more water attractions in De Kaag (Dutch text only).

De Kaag is typically Dutch village which is highly popular among tourists from the Netherlands and other countries alike. Peacefully situated at only 2 km from the A44 motorway offering a direct connection to Amsterdam and The Hague. Its central location in the green heart of the Randstad conurbation means that many attractions are within easy reach, including the Keukenhof flower show, Madurodam and Duinrell. Schiphol airport and the beach at Noordwijk are a mere 10km, the cities of Amsterdam and The Hague 30 km, and Leiden 12 km away.

Me and Lyn approaching the Zwanerburger windmill.

Today, for most people, sailing is recreation, an activity pursued for the joy of being on the water and pursuing the mastery of the skills needed to maneuver a sailboat in varying sea and wind conditions. We were six people on board in the boat and only one is the certified captain :-) However, for us three girls only charmed of sitting in the boat, and enjoy the scenic views around.

Uhmmmn...What happened? Hehehe...hubby is just resting while Don is smiling :-)

Our boys were the maneuvers how our sailing vessel propelled by the force of the wind on sails. When steering, the method for changing direction depends on the direction of the wind. And so, as the boat sailed smoothly with a strong wind blowing it, I was really scared as it sailed only in one side seemed turned to imbalance. Hehehe! But it turned out well, it was included of the sailing visual effects to rush more adrenaline of excitement.

We setted our lunch in the boat as we anchored in a quite part of the lake. It was a picnic atmosphere above water I should say. The day was ever bright far from expected bad weather forecast. The wind is not always in maximal speed but still it managed our boat to go to nice waterways. We saw little sailing boats for small kids as they have their sailing lessons. Ummmh...amazing, I think they were 4-10 years old kids who were very eager to sail.

One of the docking areas in the island.

As we proppeled, many boats were crossing against each other and guess what, the magical Dutch politeness were still in the water...:-) Greeting words and gestures among sailors were the most language along waterways...Ummmh. And so, one of our friends acted as the official ambassador of goodwill. Hehehe! ( joke lang Don ha!).

Our boat agency, Jachthaven Van Asselt, provided us a map of the island and so we tried to reach many islets. The island has many built hotels and restaurants where we can see piled alongside the water. Beautiful vacation houses and residential hubs are also proudly standing. The island really offers many things of relaxation.The island has several farmhouses, a marina, holiday cottages (private and commercial) and a very rich and famous shipyards. This is docking area for specialized charter and luxurious motor cruisers.

The Zwanerburger Mill dated from 1805 and was recently restored by the Foundation for Rijnland Mills.

Sports, dining, and of course sight seeing. Bicyclists were present too since the island has good bicyle pads built along the coasts. As we sailed, of course it's our eyes that get more satisfaction. For so many things to see, windmills, birds and animals were not the least in the list. Cows and sheeps were also starred in the green meadows of the island. As the wind had a strong visit to us, it brought us presents of imported scents of animal manure...Ummmh!

Only few inhabitants I observed but most were tourists. As the farm is on an isolated island, the people living there have to go ashore by boat or ferry. Everything, including cows, tractors, hay and milk is transported in this way. This provides a more "village" lifestyle that gives air soothing of peace and tranquility being afar from busy city. That's the nicest thing also of sailing. It unites you with nature :-) The water separates you from the land pressures and worries. While on sail, only you are intimate with the wind and water, well, aside only if you are sailing with your honeys like us :-)

Right image is during our way back to the starting point of the lake Warmond.

We actually sailed for almost 7 hours. We enjoyed it as our group shared some jokes, few lines of songs, pieces of intellectual inspiration and to nonsense buzz. It was actually a day of building friendship. Me and hubby are happy to meet these two love-bird couples and we're living just in the same city. After air breathtaking of daysailing, we drove to Lyn's house for a mouthering dinner.

A well-prepared gourmete served and that was very delighting. Thanks to the hosts.

It took us long time again to share the food and played a card after. The gamecard was a challenging digestive fun-activity :-)... Everything was setted and fall into place as we went home at 2am the following day :-) What a sailing day! The wind now brought us home and enough to fall asleep so loonngggg in bed... yesterday. We had a nice start of the week :-) :-) :-)

Subject: How Engineers Describe Women

2006-08-21T18:47:00.000+02:00

I was tired for the past few days. I also encountered web problems here in my web blog. I need to trouble shoot the errors :-( ...Sorry, I can't do it in just a split of second. I need days to research and enter the cyberworld. I was knocking some gadgetsites to help me...but no avail. I have to experiment it in my own. Helaas, I was still in nowhere of my blog template and my old shoutbox was gone.
Now, I have a new pop-up message box on top-right side of the page...To all my friends just bear with it and hope it won't disappear again.

I was and till now searching for a nice shoutbox untill I ended up to this message on my mailbox. What's this? Read it ....
Subject: How Engineers Describe Women.

Woman- As Explained by Engineers. That is the topic of the forwarded email. This is just a funny thing but focus my attention. This is supposed to be in my bulk folder but luckily escaped from the spam filter. So, just read it anyway, on the engineers's eyeview. It interests me actually çoz I'm an engineer's wife :-) Let's see.

Woman=Problem....Uhmmm.... I disagree. But for the sake of this email I continued to read. What a formula but I think time x money is right :-)On the next text is still a woman's property results. Let's read it...Ummmh, I think this is really a hazardous warning for men. Engineers are more analytic, now they found the reasons why women are a reacting agent.

Women and men are obviously different, and their behavior toward relationships is no exception.They possess the chemical and hormonal disposition and have the emotional drive for identifying subtle gestures that sometimes men not. Men possess candid intellect for relationships and usually overlook subtle gestures.

Below is a graph of chances who will win in an argument according to stages of relationships. Ummmh...during marriage period, man has the lowest chance, or shall I say, no more chance. Uhmmm again :-) now, I remember the rules of Happy Marriage hang in our toilet :-) that says, "If one of you has to win an argument, it must be your mate." No gender cited. Just one at a time I think :-) or both end as losers and winners.

I still have more experiment results here but I can't post it. I have problem uploading them here.

Engineers have compared women to a compact stereo. Ummmh...men have only two switch buttons, the on-off power. According to their analysis :-) women have more buttons aside from the primary on-off. There's the volume point with minimum and maximum power mode, the equalizer with multi speaker system, with Am/Fm band, hydraulic capacity, low-high tone band tuner in kilo and megahertz set stations. Well, I think women are just too sensitive in every stimuli attracted to her sensors. A unique reactant that may not stand only to stereotype reactions but stand above every man's expectation. Maybe hypothetical, but really unpredictable that makes a woman simply attractive to negative/opposite poles like men.

Women are quite complicated but naturally affectionate. That's why they have many press buttons for every sensitive situations.Women are intimate about details.( and engineers too :-) They have intricacy in words, clothes and body language. Men should be conscious of how women express themselves. Women speak a different language than men. You should be well expert to operate her mechanism :-)

Another experimental study that a man and woman had given the same task, to buy a pair of pants in a certain shop. The result was, male took 6 minutes with humble cost of $33 while female took 3 hrs and 36 minutes to accomplish the mission spending $876. Hehehe! I don't know if I can relate...but sometimes it took me an hour in just one small shop ( 25x36 sq. m floor area) :-)

With the above mentioned cases, well, it's just a funny text, one can relate but this varies to one another or may not true at all. To all engineers's wives, don't be frightened or trigger your husbands. Stay calmed and think of your own piece of formula. This is not a real survey but then at least whoever composing this, it takes him time to think how special his woman is. Uhmmm...my mother in law is an engineer's wife too. Let see if she can relate :-) ...To my hubby, have you ever known this formula before 'jumping' of marrying me? Hehehe!

Well, of course there's no accurate science and mathematics that can help understand the origins of human feelings especially human relationships or should we just leave it to the poets? :-)

Well, for sure, I need an engineer to troubleshoot my probs.... :-)

Richting: Breda ( Direction: Breda)

2006-08-11T00:03:00.000+02:00

My summer vacation is about to finish. The Netherlands' weather is now lowering down to its normal range. The magical sunny days is almost over and now welcome to the rainy and wet side of the flatlands.

Not to lose any single free time, I went to Breda, a small city in the province of North Brabant. The city of Breda is in the west part located between the Dutch Randstad conurbation formed by the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht and the Belgian triangle formed by the cities of Antwerp, Gent and Brussels.
I always hear or read the word "richting Breda" in the train stations . This means "going or directing destination" to Breda. I always stepped out in Delft and left the train richting Breda. Then, I decided to make an endpoint to the city. To make the adventure complete, a filipina friend Lyn came along with me to visit the city.
"It takes two to tango," as they say. We were brave as knights though the rain keep pouring. Our umbrellas helped us and thanks that there was no wind velocity to keep them standstill.

We first had walked in the leafy woods of Valkensberg park. It has large pond and monumental trees, come rain or shine, we still pause for picture on the edge of the pond under the forest park. Tree lined avenues and street. Grass verges and public gardens. Spacious parks, little windmills and water canals. All these are present always in a Dutched city and Breda is not an exemption of these Dutch wonders. More of Breda.

Hands in our umbrellas, we can still managed to make a graceful walk going to the castle. Ooops...the thought of queens and princesses played in my mind again...I'm not sure with Lyn. ( I have to ask her :-)).
Fotos from Virtualtourist.com.
Foto from virtual tourist.com. This is the front view of tha castle inside.

The castle is closed for the public, still gotcha! We had shots at the gate. Had a ten meters thick wall built in 1510 for the protection of the castle area, this gate became the entrance of the castle and became one of the earliest home of the Orange Royal family.

At the gate of the castle. I'm pasting our pics together :-).

Currently house by the royal military academy and only arranged tour can be made inside by the city tourism office (vvvbreda).

The Grote Kerk (Big Church) or Our Lady’s Church in Breda is one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. We went inside, actually just right of the entrance door. We don't like to pay, so we managed to take shot just right where our camera lens can afford to. The church with its tower - an example of the Brabant gothic style - is a landmark for the inhabitants and for anybody visiting the city.

The tower of the Grote Kerk. I'm pasting again our picture together :-)

In any season, people throng into the streets and into the café terraces. We can hear the murmur of voices everywhere. The city centre hums like a hive. And as we wandered about the grey cobbled squares, number of shops aligning enough to cause neck pains or stiff as you keep your head up looking to the old city towers. We went on shopping crawl around the center and simply overwhelmed by impressions and depressions of some expensive-Eurologic stuff. Ummh...not practical...we mused :-)

Tagged as women...of course we simply went to corners where to spoil our interest and faves. From scents to fashion accesories, of clothings and bags, of tiny detailed things to nonsense stuff and to "food for thoughts" and stomach delights.

Trivia: We spent almost an hour in just one small dames kleding winkel (ladies dress shop). We bought something nice to wear. :-) and... we ended to buy the same :-) heheheh! Fun huh! And we thought of wearing it at the same time :-) Just wait and see!

We really had a leg exercise by walking the whole centrum. What we did most of the time is marching forward...sidewards and even backwards again. Few steps at a time then rest. Kkkrriiing! Few rings of our mobile fones and our Knights of shining armor reminding us that they are home :-) It was time to get back home. But...ooops...we need to remind them too that we will arrive home late. It was 7:46pm we left Breda by taking an intercity train. Kinda late huh...'çoz we spent time to find our way to station. We got lost :-) Just few hundred steps afar I think. We looked at our map like lost tourists in the midst of traffic lights. We enjoyed it. We had almost 45 minutes rest sitting in the train while blessed with a nice weather in the early evening.

Our view from the train going home.

What a day enough to have a good night rest :-)