Back in London from Edinburgh. Trained in at King’s Cross and checked out Platform 9 3/4 before heading home to our London crib. Post-exhibit event (the major reason why we are here), we spent an entire day reliving Nottinghill — that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant starrer with that famous quote “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” That was way back in 1999. The first time I set foot here in 1986 pre-Nottinghill the movie, I just remember this area as a spot for book lovers and shoppers for antiques and curio items. The coffee and scone scene is still fabulous — tried Cheeky Scone — and was not disappointed. It was a long walk from Nottinghill up to Chinatown bordering SOHO but we needed our nourishment after visiting the book shops, that famous blue door from the blockbuster movie and all the quaint curio shops left and right of Portobello Road.
King’s Cross Train Station is a fabulous structure but it is now more famous for this spot. Thanks to JK Rowling’s Harry Potter . King’s Cross Station
Now, Portobello Road just off Nottinghill Gate Station gives off bohemian vibes. There are countless vintage shops, delis and coffee shops. Very vibrant, and quite busy too. It is tempting to shop around or just browse through books in those little bookstores that’s hardly the norm in big cities. I even found a basket full of wrapped books where a conspicuous sign state “blind date with a book”. What a creative idea! There’s a hint of what the book is all about and it’s like a teaser of what you’d find upon unwrapping the package.
Nottinghill Spots
Book and film lovers will find a haven in Nottinghill. But do watch the movie first for context. 😉 Otherwise you’d just think of this bohemian village in London as a place for shoppers and maybe as a dating place. Besides, that “blue door” can just be another door to anyone unless you have seen, and enjoyed the movie. Soon after finding the movie spots, enjoying the scones with coffee and shopping for cutesy vintage items, we went for more walks in search of a serious meal. Four Seasons at Gerrard Street was our choice for early Chinese dinner. Now this may sound like a day of eating, shopping and fangirling to you, but that’s exactly what it was. When in London, as with anywhere else, you’re free to make your own memories. Ta Ta!
Summer officially ended while we were on our train ride from sunny Liverpool towards the capital of Scotland. We chose Edinburgh for many reasons. Many (free) museums. Culture. Scotch Whisky. Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Harry Potter. Bagpipes and men in kilt! But all throughout our stay here, we experienced overcast skies and showers every now and then. Wet and cold in Edinburgh but we’re not complaining. Behind our apartment is the Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat beckons. Many young hikers all geared up for the hike, some with their fur babies — and I only managed to watch them while sipping coffee and enjoying scones in the Holyrood Cafe by the Palace.
Vennel Steps @GrassmarketHolyrood Palace
The Scottish pride left me with a good impression 38 years ago. I just love how they feel proud of their independence and their national icons. Alexander Graham Bell, Robert Burns, Alexander Fleming and the more contemporary Andy Murray and Sean Connery of 007 fame. J.K. Rowlings is British but she drew inspiration from many spots around Edinburgh for her 7-volume Harry Potter books. In fact there were way too many Harry Potter tours around here to show visitors the Elephant House, the self-proclaimed birthplace of Harry Potter. The Greyfriar Kirkyard, the burial site of Thomas Riddle aka Lord Vxxxx “who must not be named”. (Rowlings picked out names from the graves here, and no one knows who this Thomas is). The beautiful Victoria Street emerged in her imaginary Diagon Alley and you’d be surprised how many wands they sell around here. Plus many more.
The hike to Arthur’s SeatVictoria Street
But it would be a waste to miss the Scottish Museum of Modern Art (there were 2 across each other).A tad distant from the center with a wide expanse around the buildings. Then there’s also the National Gallery of Scotland and the Portraits Gallery. If it were sunny or at the very least rainless, it would be nice to lay out a picnic mat and just chill. I noticed though that all the flat whites and hot chocolates I drank in the museums were all good! And yes, their scones, muffins and brownies were too. One lunch we had (and repeated) was in Rock Salt Cafe along Jeffrey Street. The Scottish Breakfast was truly a big brekkie with ham, eggs, hash brown, haggis, sausage, black pudding, pork and beans and the thickest slices of really good sourdough. If that is not enough, let’s see if you can resist their baklava and other yummy pastries.
The Scottish MUSEUM OF MODERN ARTIf you visit the National Gallery of Scotland , it’s a short distance to get here. So is the Scott Monument
So there. Edinburgh may give you a lot of rain or spoil your mood but there are always the museos and the good food waiting for you. From big breakfasts to the national dish of Scotland called haggis, to the many pubs serving draught beer or whisky bars, to the many gelato and pastry shops! Many housed in century old apartment buildings.
Scottish Breakfass at Rock Salt CafeThe gelato flavors from Mary’s Milk Bar
It’s been 38 years and finally, I’m back. Hardly had any photos back in 1986 and visited only a few sites then — pre-digicams, no Google maps, no uber. This time around, we’ve pre-booked our train rides, apartment, Johnnie Walker experience and tours of the Old Town and New Town for 2 straight days and left the other days for whatever we fancy doing at the moment. It’s only Day 2 and we have 2 more days to go. But my legs are up from all that walking uphill and downhill and my arms are sore holding an umbrella up. I promise to wear a raincoat tomorrow if it still rains! Or maybe we should do the Museums when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
First Order of the Day: Johnnie WalkerNext Order: Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
As soon as we got off the train and dropped our bags in our rented apartment, we took the road via the nearby Holyrood Park and booked a ride to the Johnnie Walker Shop for a tour much like the one we did in Amsterdam. Enjoyed the history and the rest of the Scotch Whisky tasting experience. One even takes a “quiz” so you can enjoy your own “blend”. Personalized. Customized. Enough to rev up our appetite for a dinner of haggis with neeps and tatties, steak pies, fish and chipsat the Tolbooth Tavern which has stood the test of time the last 200 years. The next day we found another 200 year old lunch place — easy to do here in Edinburgh. Old is in vogue so it’s quite interesting to try “new things” in this Scottish capital. Like the Harry Potter tours. But please… no ghost tours for me.
Diagon Alley inspired by Victoria StreetElephant House is the “birthplace” of Harry Potter. A cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the famous series.
But if you ask me, I like best the strolls around Dean Village by the water of Leith, and the park around Scott’s Monument. And yes, the view of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Steps is one of the unbeatable shots. Just be prepared to scale those steps! And when visiting Holyrood Palace, check out the Holyrood Park and meet new canine friends who enjoy all the grassy space. As for Arthur’s Seat — I have watched “One Day”, both the movie starring Anne Hathaway and the series (which I prefer), but I’m still not convinced I’d like to do this hike. But then again, we still have 2 more days. Between the hike and the museums here, you know where the preferences lie.
It’s nearly 40 years since I set foot here. The Beatles have put Liverpool on the map and The Cavern along Matthews Street was like a sacred place for fans like moí. I don’t remember a museum nor a bus tour dedicated to the famous band then, but today you’d find an assortment for every tourist’s liking. I’m glad I brought sobrina y nieta with me here. The visit to the Pier Head where one finds the huge bronze statues of the fab 4 and the Museum of Beatles Story on the day of arrival enough to rev up their curiosity over their Mamu’s rock stars in her heyday.
Paul, George, Ringo & John in front of the Three Graces near the Pier Head. Inside the Beatles Story MuseumBus Tour that took us to Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, homes of Paul and John, Eleanor Rigby’s graveyard, etc
With their curiosity piqued, we were all ready to visit the former homes of Paul, John, George, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, the graveyard where Eleanor Rigby was buried, and many more. All throughout the bus ride, our guide played Beatles music almost everyone can sing to. I’d say the average age of passengers on that bus was 65. And my sobrina y nieta must have pulled down that average!
In front of the house where George H was born.The house where Paul and family lived.Where John Lennon lived.
Beatles fans know it all started with Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Both wrote many of the songs too. Started in 1956. Soon George H joined a year after. Ringo Starr joined or rather replaced the drummer after they adapted the Beatles name. Up until 1969, they dominated the charts. I grew up with them. My teen years were marked by Beatlemania. When their manager Brian Epstein died in 1967, and when John Lennon & Yoko Ono hooked up, it was somehow expected that the Beatles will soon disband. Yet their songs will last forever and experience many versions.
This building appeared on the sleeve of Ringo Starr’s first solo album.Beatles Museums and pubs everywhere!
When our tour ended at the famous Cavern where it all started, we went in for a few drinks and enjoyed the music from a one-man band playing mostly Beatles songs. The vibe was so festive, cheery, so much fun. All songs familiar, dancing feet can’t be stopped, the stage open to anyone who feel like “expressing” themselves. No need for introductions, everyone there is a Beatle fan, and that connects everyone!
Where it all started! Had so much fun inside the Cavern!
My last visit was in 2019 to attend a wedding of someone who’s like a daughter to me. I’m back after 5 years with my sobrina and nieta, visiting the newlyweds in 2019 who are now blessed with two beautiful daughters. What a family reunion. Our Saturday mid-afternoon arrival was quite uneventful as our midnight flight from Manila through Dubai went as scheduled. Struggled though with body aches and lack of sleep. Just so happy to be back, visiting them and for another reason I plan to write about in a separate blog.
Our London CribSunday Roast at Windmill. Plus some sticky toffee pudding and peanut butter cheesecake. Yum.
It was a no-brainer what to do the following day. Intent to “get our bearings” in our new crib, a Sunday Roast lunch prepped us for the “walkabout” in our new neighborhood. There were pubs, restaurants and more cafés to visit, and playtime with the little humans at the neighborhood parks and squares. But the first timers in London with me need an introduction to London with all its pageantry and historic sites. And not to forget — the free admissions to several museums! On our 1st day in the city center,we visited the must-do’s. It would be almost criminal not to go see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Bridge and Westminster. We skipped an afternoon city tour to do Courtauld Gallery on our ownand even had our lunch in its Art Café. On the same day, we watched “Phantom of the Opera” at His Majesty’s Theater but not before visiting nearby National Gallery. It was a full day as a tourist and we were wasted by day’s end. Wish we could spend more time at the Covent Garden where we started, and had lunch in Borough Market instead. We love markets! But some sites just had to be scheduled another time. At this moment, we are even inclined to cancel some excursions out of London just so we can do more time exploring the city. That means Stonehenge, Oxford, Cotswold will have to wait for sobrina y nieta’s next trip.
Spotted this old gentleman while waiting for the changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace.All that pageantry!
The years are beginning to tell — I struggled later in the day after all the walking and I nearly fell asleep during the musicalwhile nursing a sore back and pair of legs which walked nearly 25,000 steps. Before then, I could hardly keep up with Nieta doing the rounds at the National Gallery. For our pre-Theater dinner, I had to insist I need my soup and we ended up in Chinatown for our dimsum, noodles and chicken and veggie soup. We also tried the Filipino ice cream place called Mamason where “halo halo” and “dirty” ice cream are very popular. Sweet endings for a lovely Chinese dinner. I noticed I truly turn very Asian in tastes and preferences whenever I grow tired. Makes sense?
National Gallery at Trafalgar Square
Big Ben and that London red double decker bus!
His Majesty’s Theater
For trips outside of London, I have booked train rides, hotels and tours in Liverpool and also in Edinburgh. Have been to both about 40 years ago! Eager to visit these 2 cities now after a long while. It’s a meaningful and nostalgic trip for me as I visited these 2 as a student with no credit card, nor a proper camera. Not to mention how I then budgeted my weekend trips using my savings off the student allowances. I have no kitchen skills but learned to cook my meals then, just so I can save money. I enjoyed traveling during the winter season because that meant cheaper lodgings and many vacancies! So the trips to Liverpool and Edinburgh promise many precious recollections of happy times and adventures. Will write about our experiences here separately. So watch this page for updates! Ciao for now.
Gramping. It’s becoming a trend where grandparents travel with grandchildren. It can be fun, but it can also be disastrous for some especially if there are no shared interests and food preferences. I have taken trips with the “apos” (grandchildren) before — once to Madrid to stay with a niece, and another time to Sydney to visit our relatives. But lately, we have taken trips together on our own, staying in hotels or apartments, charting a travel itinerary based on what the 3 of us wish to do and deciding each day on what and where to dine. Mostly, we ended up visiting museums and cultural attractions but we also managed to squeeze in a concert in each of the trips. The very first gramping was in 2023 starting in Amsterdam where we literally exhausted as many museums we can cover, checking out the bars and sleeping in most mornings. Our days started late unless we planned some day trips and we almost always managed to eat well. From Amsterdam, we took trains to move around and based ourselves in Brussels, Brugges, Nimes and Avignon before moving to Paris. Food porn all the way without minding the calories as we burned them just walking all around. It was a wonderful trip and we delighted on our food discoveries while tracing Van Gogh’s provençal life. Wrote many blogs about this gramping adventure but here’s the blog summary.
It has been under a year since that gramping when we found ourselves haphazardly planning a 2nd gramping. This time to Italy. An invitation for my nieta to join a few other Filipino artists to exhibit their works in Venezia is simply too difficult to pass up. And so it went that I caught up with them on their last day in Venice, as I was coming off another trip. The plan was to train from Venice to Florence where we based ourselves and did day trips to many other Tuscan spots before settling in Rome where we flew back to our Manila nest. Just 2 weeks. Too many places we wish to visit but not enough time. As I came off another trip, the apos crafted our travel itinerary right down to where and what we’d eat as well as some time for a cafe crawl and bar hopping. Once more, we had a wonderful time. Never thought I’d pile up so many journals for this rather short trip but the memories just overflow and required some “order” for proper safekeeping!
By this time, we 3 are pretty sure we travel well together. Apos are now quite adept crafting travel itineraries, hotel bookings, train reservations and dining options. The last item is important. With only 3 of us, it is nearly impossible to share meals if we don’t have similar food preferences. We also share the same passion for a good brew and gelato breaks are a given whenever we’re traveling. Happy hours are delightfully enjoyed and this is when we love chatting about our favourite spots and plan where else to go. We have also mastered the art of grocery shopping for some lazy dinners and breakfasts while doing our laundry.
And now, we’re off again. The full activity in UK beckons so watch this page for updates. Ciao for now.
Back in 2011, I was introduced to Fr. Florentino Concepcion when we visited his project “Bahay at YAMAN ni San Martin de Porres”. It can be found in Claro Santos St., Bonga Menor, Bustos, Bulacan. I wrote about the project’s beginnings then and has never stopped since talking about the merits of Fr. Boyet’s projects for the elderly, the abandoned and street children, the unwed mothers, the homeless and even the drug-dependent youth. I pray for Fr. Boyet and his growing projects often , given the enormity and demands of his many social and charitable projects. I have persuaded many of my friends to give up their Christmas gift budgets to instead donate the money to augment Fr. Boyet’s financial needs. If you have time, give a listen to this video clip on Fr. Boyet’s mission and legacy. I am convinced it will touch your hearts and guide you on the more important facets of life. More than praying, the “giving” is a well-thought out act meant not just to nourish the bellies but the souls. Much like how Mother Teresa has taught us. Acts of Charity. Fr. Boyet is on a mission of transforming young men and women to be better, more productive members of our society. But he obviously needs a lot of help.
There is this ongoing project that compels commitment from some of us. Aside from sheltering, feeding and educating these “Martinian Children”, they are now engaged in Fr. Boyet’s weekly apostolates doing charity as well as introducing them to missionary work. You’d be proud of these wards cutting hair and nails of homeless people, talking to them, handing food packs. The photos below show their latest activities with about 1,400 Dumagats from various sitios around Angat Dam. These lessons on missioning certainly benefit both Fr. Boyet’s wards and the dumagats. There is that shared background and experience and hopefully , the shared hope and aspirations that life can be better. Kindness , compassion and empathy surely go a long way.
Christmas may be months from now but any token contributions towards charity will be most appreciated. In my case, i have since stopped sending Christmas (at times birthday gifts too) and instead donate in their behalf. My experience is they are all the more pleased with that “exchange”. Same way I am more than pleased they donate instead of sending me gifts. After all, we have really stopped wanting more, and may even be burdened with having more. Scaling down is more “restful” and less burdensome. Here’s how you can help. Just sent mine via Instapay.
You may send a text message to Fr. Boyet to expect your fund transfer. Don’t forget to send my regards!
Intramuros comes to mind whenever we have foreign visitors to take around Manila. Over the years, I’ve lost count of foreign guests and “balikbayans” I’ve toured around the former walled city and nearby historical and cultural spots. But today is different. We have a free day and we’ve decided we’d check out the now pedestrian zone around Plaza San Luis Complex where you’d find San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Casa Blanca, Barbara’s, Cafe Intramuros, Batala Bar, and not too far away, the Centro de Turismo and Museo de Intramuros. I’m only too happy to stroll along the cobblestoned General Luna Street devoid of motor vehicles and the ubiquitous pedicabs and tricycles. Now you’d find visitors on bamboo bikes, segways or horse-drawn calesas competing for space with the pedestrians. It even felt strange to find the San Agustin Church without cars crowding its beautiful frontage. Such scenes completely changed, nay transformed Intramuros. About time!
San Agustin ChurchAcross the Church is the Plaza San Luis Complex
The coffee scene in Intramuros now counts Batala Bar and Cafe Intramuros alongside Barbara’s. We started our day with brunch in Batala Bar. From its windows, we have views either of the San Agustin Church or the Plaza and Casa Manila.There were not too many visitors but I need to mention that despite the summer heat, it was such a pleasant experience to go around the area. The service crew and the security staff are very friendly, accommodating and generous with their knowledge about the place. When people go out of their way to please, it is always a sign of good training and work ethics. 👍
Plaza San LuisView from Batala Bar
Casa Manila gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of the “illustrados” — Filipino families who enjoyed affluence during the Spanish times. The Casa or house is actually a mansion bearing the colonial style of architecture and taste — in stark contrast to the more modest “Bahay Kubo”. The antique furniture, wide windows, huge kitchen with antique cauldrons is a trip down memory lane. Like as far back as the 1850’s. Easily, one can spend an hour here. Around the Casa, one is never short on dining options.The cafes and restaurants are to be found just as soon as one exits Casa Manila via the staircase from the kitchen spilling into the plaza with the fountainat the center. There are also souvenir shops though I think they can improve in this department.
Inside San Agustin Church Inside Casa Manila
The Centro de Turismo is under renovation so we spent an hour or so instead in the Intramuros Museum. Housed in what was then the San Ignacio Church and Convent, it is a treasure trove of historical and religious artifacts. For sure, the Intramuros Admin did a terrific job on this project. A half day itinerary for tourists may include visits to San Agustin Church and its Convent cum Museum, Casa Manila, followed by lunch in any of the cafes and restaurants within the Plaza San Luis. And there’s also Ristorante Delle Mitre across the street where there’s a good assortment of desserts and baked goods.
Museo de IntramurosInside Museo de Intramuros
Now if you still have energy and time left,you can always proceed to Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. We did, but not so much to tour around but to check out Papa Kape inside Fort Santiago. We heard so much about their Black Gulaman Americano Coffee and the Tahoat Coffee — a concoction that blends “taho” and oat milk cafe. Both iced, we enjoyed our bev as well as the resident cats within the cafe. Not a bad day to spend like “local tourists” in our own city!
Mr. Cat sleeping on the best seat of the house. Tahoat and Black Gulaman Coffee best served “iced”. Papa Kape
Found this draft written sometime in 2021 quite amusing if not demanding of self-reflection. Have a read:
“With this global pandemic, where are you going? A donde vas? Well on its second year now, with 2nd and 3rd waves surging across the globe, we’ve been confined to our private sanctuaries. Back home, my outings haven’t even gone past my fingers and that full tank of diesel in my car has been sitting there for months. Dust accumulate over the car’s hood and roof, and the tire marks in the garage have grown into permanent stains. What to do, what to do? Dreams of being out on a beach with sand between our toes remain in the drawing boards. Simple joys like eating out with friends, grocery shopping and spa visits are now luxuries, even unsafe. I even miss my dentist of late. If they take away internet now, I’d likely go insane and unhappy. That’s my reality now. Maybe yours too. But I remain grateful for still being around, reading books and watching all the movies i missed on Netflix and discovering Asian drama on Viu. Oh, the things I miss!
Just sitting on a bench with friends would be a treat!
Once this pandemic blows over, I doubt travel will be the same. I’m only too glad I never hesitated to go whenever I could in the past 2 decades. I never regretted I quit my job way too early “to have a life”. I still smile over that one time I flew in from Vietnam one early morning, and flew out on same day — within 12 hours! — for Vienna to join up with friends. Drinking beer with them at 9am said a lot about how I felt then. Six airports, switching planes, many hours waiting at departure lounges and crossing time zones — all within a day. Mind you, I even stayed behind — alone — after they’ve all left. That spontaneity may be forever lost given today’s health protocols and travel bans.
It’s true that we have slowly adapted to our restricted lifestyle now. The big challenge is what to do, where to go AFTER all these settle down. Life is a multiple choice but the choices have been narrowed down to a short list. Flights aren’t that inexpensive now and bookings for accommodations may need more considerationsoutside of location, price and comfort. Destinations must consider safety protocols and those travel advisories will now be more keenly observed. For sure, crowded spots — those tourist traps — are big NO NOs. That may well include major cities, by the way.
I remember easing my boredom some years back while homebased in Madrid. Having done most day trips out of the Spanish capital, I found myself checking the supply sources of basic grocery products like garlic, turrones, vino, etc. Pretty soon, I’m on a train or bus going off to spots under the tourist radar searching for the best garlic and enjoying anise-flavoured bread and cafe cortado in Chinchon. Then there’s the famous grilled turbot called Rodaballo a la plancha from a fishing village in Getaria, the Arròs a Banda from Alicante, the strawberries from Aranjuez or the turrones de Cuenca. With friends, I repeated this same adventure when we visited Modena, Italy and brought home many bottles of Balsamico. I am now re-reading Peter Mayle’s “French Lessons” and “A Year in Provence” — solid guides for foodies and adventurers seeking local customs and events.
Offhand, I’m leaning towards the coastal towns of Spain, the less popular towns in Provence, the southern parts of Italy, a number of national parks in America, the uncrowded beaches in Hawaii and some uncharted spots in Hokkaido. Back home, I’m still searching for a safe, comfortable beach house I can drive to from time to time. Or maybe a lake house somewhere in Laguna. I envy a friend who has since moved out of the city and settled in a house where every sunrise and sunset gives her joy. The view of the Laguna de Bay from her porch and all that breeze is a major bonus. “
Home now for a good month. Finally found my rhythm back. The jet lag lasted a solid 2 weeks after crossing 3 time zones. Then we had some guests and visiting friends so we got busy organizing meet-ups and reunions. Plus, being home after 2 months of travel required some sprucing up, health-wise and grooming-wise. Trips to the doctors, dental clinics, lab tests, spas, beauty parlor, and other wellness-related stuff.
Meditation Garden near the Adoration Chapel
The rhythm of church duties and meditation sessions put me back to normalcy. On top of the simple and regular mundane stuff we do, I yearn for the spiritual and emotional tranquility following a hectic and physically-challenged routine imposed by traveling. You can say that “in between trips”, we yearn for solitude and calmness . A perfect reminder too to celebrate the blessings and express gratitude that we’re back without any major mishap or misadventure. After all, I bet our daily pace when traveling must be at least triple, if not way way more than our regular load.
Visiting Friends
It’s also time to apply or renew expiring/ expired visas to prep for future travels. I have a load here: UK, Schengen, Australian and New Zealand visas. Kinda tiring but one’s got to do what one’s got to do. This is when I get truly jealous of friends and kin holding stronger passports! Poor me had to submit bank certificates, travel itineraries, flight and hotel reservations, etc. And it really bugs me that some embassies issue only one year-visas after all the trouble.
But it’s good to find one’s rhythm. After all, life has many chapters and like a good book, we put it down to pause. Even reflect on what’s been and how things are. It’s being present. And being well. 👍
lifeisacelebration 