Visited some touristy spots for 2 straight days, hitting ground as soon as we touched down. Then we decided to spend the next 2 days just lazing around in Marriott Vacation Club in Nusa Dua. Enough to do around the complex where shuttle vans and buggies are on standby to bring us to the beach or the shops and restaurants. Within the MVC Compound itself, there are 4 dining outlets worth checking out like Steaksmith where we had a fine steak dinner. We also love the beach bar where we drank our mojitos and Bintang beers to pair with spicy chicken satay, pork ribs and the more traditional cheese burgers for those who aren’t big fans of hot and spicy.
MVC By NightThe Main Lobby
The beach area is where we spent nearly 5 hours. We took turns with a pair of massage therapists on beach beds and chairs. There was also a shopping area near the beach so we certainly didn’t waste time. To add, bigger shops lie between the beach and the hotel so that option was likewise not wasted 😉 Spa. Shopping. Swim. Steak. Marriott does not disappoint. Our villa has a plunge pool too – perfect for dips after a sweaty afternoon.
Beach Pica PicaCheers! Nusa Dua Beach
And just a few meters from our door is the steak house where we had a wonderful tomahawk dinner. A welcome break from all the Balinese meals we’ve had. Enough nasi goreng, nasi camphor, bebek, ayam goreng, spicy pork ribs etc that we feasted on non-stop since we arrived. It remains to be seen if we’d have Babi Guling (roast pig) for our last dinner here. Or perhaps seafood in Jimbaran. There’s still time (🤭) but let’s see. The options are many.
Rested for only a couple of days before flying out to Bali to join my OZ family. From Gay Paris to the beautiful island of Bali in the Indian Ocean. A midnight arrival along with many tourists at the height of summer. For many Aussies, it’s a welcome break from the winter spell Down Under.
Photo OppsOut on a boat otw to Turtle Island
Soon after checking in, we took off on a boat to Turtle Island (Tumpak Sari Bali) to see them old and slow island residents. Still groggy, sleep-deprived from our midnight arrival but yes, we hit the ground running…. errrr, boating.
Uluwatu TempleUluwatu Temple in Bali
Next stop: Uluwatu Temple. Been here twice before but it’s a first visit for my OZ family. Surprised there weren’t many monkeys in the area. Like we probably just met 4-5 monkeys, and not at all aggressive as I remember my previous 2 visits.
Day 1 with fam. Off to a good start. We are enjoying our crib in Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Terraces, just 2 years since opening in 2023. Last time we stayed in Marriott Nusa Dua Gardens, which we loved as well. I’d say either or both are perfect cribs for families. We looked forward each day to coming home for home-cooked dinners here after a whole day visiting temples, lakeview spots and some rice terraces. Day 2 was more temples and some shopping and coffee-tasting adventure. And then, 2 more days just staying in to enjoy this resort club. Maybe hit the beach, go biking or simply taking the shuttle from the club to go shopping or checking out the spa and nearby shopping outlet. Let’s see what comes up next! Here’s the blog summary link to our previous Bali adventure.
Been watching this popular tv series “Emily in Paris” during the pandemic and like many, got hooked. It starred Lily Collins as Emily with a low-key French actor named Luca Bravo as the French Chef Gabriel. An ideal role for Luca, who in reality is an aspiring chef. He may not have met with much success in his kitchen but he has many women fans now after only 2 seasons. For sure, future seasons will still revolve around his and Emily’s romantic affair which seems to be beset with roadblocks or foul timings. It’s very complicated, as they say.
The Apartment where Emily and Gabriel Live Chef Gabriel’s Bistro
Joined this “Emily in Paris” tour guided by a cast member from the series who regaled us with many stories , and gossips even. We started at the Pantheon where the series started — with Emily on the phone with Douglas her soon ex-boyfriend. In no time, she met Chef Gabriel — that hunk of a man whose romantic liaisons are as complicated in real and reel life. Our tour had “guessing games” to earn yummy macarons provided by Luzia. Most everyone participated in the games — either they’re big fans of the tv series or they like the macarons.
The Fountain Between the Apartment Building and the French BistroMany lunch scenes were filmed here
The tour should have taken 2.5 hours but it took us more than 3 hours. That’s all walking from the Latin Quarter through Saint Germain des Pres crossing Pont Neuf and all the way from Notre Dame to Palace Garnier. When the tour ended, we made our way to Galerie Lafayette and thereafter to Le Bon Marche near the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Late lunch was at Les Mouettes in Rue du Bac where we enjoyed our meals in relative quiet. A prelude to the chaos that soon enveloped the city after riots broke out post-victory of PSG in the Champions League. Took us hours to reach our hotel as some metro lines stopped operating. Oh, what a mess. We’re only too glad we’re on the last day of our holiday. But still, it should have been a happy occasion to celebrate PSG’s victory but the merrymaking went out of hand. A pity.
A fav chat spot of Emily and MindyMany shots were taken here.
Barcelona. There’s more than just Gaudi. Like there’s the Palace of Catalan Music standing proud, holding concerts since 1908. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed in that Catalan modernist style by Architect Montaner, allegedly Gaudi’s mentor. Surely, there is no shortage of geniuses in the Catalan art world.
Concert HallEntrance to Palau De La Musica Catalan
We took a guided tour of the concert hall and was mesmerized by the beauty both inside and outside. Flamboyant, some might say, and likely invited critics during its day. The chandeliers, stained glass windows, the columns and pillars, the flower and animal decor in all its intricate detail. Built from 1905 to 1908, this concert hall was designed for a choral society founded in 1891. The Orfeó Català spearheaded the Catalan cultural rebirth and the magnificent edifice was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1997. Since its 1908 opening, it has not stopped promoting local composers and artists. Many premieres of musical compositions have been staged here, and some movies and tv shows have featured the palace in all its grandeur.
Ticket Window
I would have wanted to stay longer in Barcelona if only to watch an opera or a flamenco and guitar show. The calendar lists Madame Butterfly in a couple of days but alas, we leave before then. A pity. Hard to leave this elegant edifice, so we had our simple lunch in its Cafe Palau. Just as grand. Every inch of space a masterpiece. For some reason, the cafe cortado and tinto de verano taste better 😉 The bocadillo may be forgettable but I enjoyed the caprese empanada.
Cafe PalauCafe Palau
Truly an architectural marvel. I couldn’t even get past that ticket window ! Next time I make a trip to Barcelona, I will surely check Palau’s concert and opera calendar to time my visit. Stunning is an understatement. Mind blowing, close.
The last so many years, I’ve been writing my travel journals on a regular basis. Traveling every so often, hardly staying put. The last 2 years were even busier as I had to keep up with the energy levels of my grandchildren on trips they’re visiting for the first time. Well, as I’ve always said — there is no time to waste, especially when one rolls into their seventies. The first 6 weeks of the year were quite eventful and we struggled to hurdle some setbacks. Only got to work out and prep for forthcoming travels lately and those visa applications remain pending as I write this. No firm travel plans yet except one end of this month while pondering where in Europe to go come mid May. Initially thought of Italy being the Jubilee Year. But the “Jubilee crowd” makes me anxious over tourist and pilgrimage crowds as I’ve heard of long queues just to visit a single spot. Not my cup of tea.
Praying for Pope Francis
Italy has always been my favorite and praying for Pope Francis’ recovery is foremost in my mind. I also want to do another pilgrimage walk in Spain since my last time was even before the pandemic. And of course, there is always the lure of visiting Paris for the nth time. Who grows tired of Paris, anyway?
I try not to overthink (but I do!) at least until my Schengen visa is issued and released. My traveling companion (another “Nieto”) is visiting Europe for the first time so I’m sure he’d be interested in whatever spots or countries I choose for us to visit. With only 2 weeks to spare — corresponding to his school break — we can only cover 2-3 adjoining European countries at best. I know, we can do more but that’s not my idea of traveling. At least 3-4 nights in each spot is my ideal. Wish us luck!
Same time last year, I was only too happy to welcome the new year. It was a very challenging 2023 then and by God’s grace, we breezed through 2024 with many pleasant surprises and happy developments. And just like that, here we are on the last few weeks of 2024, looking forward to a very Merry Christmasand an even happier 2024.
Nightcap at Fairmont Hotel
The first quarter of 2024 was nearly uneventful until my visit to our OZ branch in Sydney. The visit was actually a prelude to an even longer trip crossing 3 time zones. Sydney was our takeoff point for our South American adventure. I waited to join my travel buddies on a flight to Santiago, Chile on April 2. The “barkada trip” covering Chile and Peru spanned over 2 weeks but I left earlier than the rest to join my 2 “apos” in the beautiful city of Venezia for the biennale exhibition. But that’s getting ahead of my story. Patagonia on Chile’s side is magnificent — the kind of adventure you should have planned for when you were younger. Seriously. But visiting it now still stirs that adventurous juice within you. The vista was so dreamy it casts a magical spell. We’ve had some mishaps and coming into Peru, experienced altitude sickness of sorts. Yet, we all cherish the memories and weeks after the trip, found it a chore to move on. We’ve traveled to many beautiful spots together but this South American journey is one for the books. Santiago, Patagonia, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lake Titicaca and all the places in between comprise one magical holiday, compelling us to rethink our future travel plans.
Torres Del Paine. Patagonia. Chile. Cusco. Peru
It was agonizing to leave this happy group to take that last seat on a flight from Lima, Peru to Madrid, Spain for a connecting flight to Venice, Italy. By the time I landed in Venice, I felt brain-fogged and nearly deaf after all those flight hours and anxieties over missing my connecting flight. My 2 elves were waiting for me by then as I managed to join them on the exhibit opening day. Without change of clothes, we didn’t miss a beat and went straight to the gallery where my grandma pride took overas I stared at apo’s lone entry hanging on a wall at Palazzo Mora. Grateful. Proud. Beyond Happy. We celebrated the day I arrived with a sumptuous Italian dinner before I hit the sack and snored the night away. Just one night. The following morning, we took the train for Florence where we spent 6 nights and then to Rome for 3 more nights before flying home. It was an Italian holiday that went better than planned.
Venezia
London
Some friends ask me where I get the energy. By September, we got ready for yet another art exhibition in London. Before the London exhibit, we took side trips to Liverpool and Edinburghin Scotland. A most rewarding trip in 3 cities in the United Kingdom. Apo and her mom enjoyed these detours and prepped us good for the exhibit of Filipino artists in D Contemporary in the Mayfairarea of London. Took all of nearly 3 weeks for this UK journey. Stayed home less than 2 weeks before flying back to Sydney — a second visit this year, and this time as a prelude to a New Zealand cruise aboard the Celebrity Edge. Not my first cruise but my first trip to further Down Under! Twelve nights on this big boat, half of which spent at sea. Our big group of 29 made it across those unpredictable waters and found the NZ spots under the tourist radar quite interesting, if not charming.
Celebrity Edge Cruiseship Behind me.
Marina in Auckland, New Zealand
I am home now. Happy to have bonded with my OZ family before and after my NZ cruise. Happy to be back to attend a reunion with college friends and of course, to spend Christmas and New Year with my family. No trips outside the country nor out-of-town. We are staying home to spend time with balikbayan kin and friends. The Yuletide calendar is full, marking a couple of birthdays and a wedding anniversary as well. We have made some Yuletide traditions simpler over the years. Simpler, but more “present”. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. May 2025 bring us peace, prosperity, harmony and many treasured momentswith our loved ones ❤️
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!
If I had my way, I’d either go to Lake Como or head south to Sicily. Perhaps even jump off from there to visit Malta, which has been in my bucket list for sometime. But this is an unplanned trip and the principal destination is Venezia for nieta’s participation in an art exhibit there. Met up with them, spent just another night in Venice and hopped on a train the next day to Firenze. Having based ourselves there for 7 days and 6 nights, we spent 3 whole days doing excursions to explore Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. After a week, off we went to the Eternal City. Not enough time to cover as much ground in historic Rome but we managed quite well. Nothing rushed. We skipped some but enjoyed whatever we managed to visit. This blog summary lists all the cities and neighborhoods we ticked off in about 2 weeks. Just click the links for more photos and details. Ciao!
Most tourists take this excursion out of Florence to visit Siena and San Gimignano. Did it in 2009; did it again this 2024 with “apos”. Like me, I’m sure they’d enjoy this part of Tuscany. If Florence is a Renaissance city, then it’s all medieval as you reach Siena and San Gimignano. All 3 teeming in art, history and culture. If only for these 3, Tuscany is truly a dream destination. For people like Frances Mayes (author: Under The Tuscan Sun), it even is home. Tuscany. Rolling hills, medieval buildings, breathtaking sceneries. Then throw in the vineyards and good food, and staying is no longer an option but a wonderful decision.
Siena’s Piazza del CampoSiena Cathedral
The Siena Cathedral is hailed as the prettiest among Italy’s Gothic Cathedrals. The alternating black and white marbles present a unique striped exterior while the interiors hold even more jaw-dropping elegance and beauty, while continuing with the black and white band-striped theme. Che magnifico! I love that this heritage site is devoid of motor vehicles but that can only mean that visitors should be prepared to walk. Somehow, being closed to traffic gives Siena that “frozen in time” charm. Just like Venezia and many parts of Firenze.
Siena’s Lovely Cityscape Michelin Guide Had This Listed
Our local guide calmly narrated the significance of the piazza and how it is used for horse races called “Palio”. Quite insane, this centuries old race. It’s a horse race, so the winner is the horse, not the jockey. I mean, the unsaddled horse that first crosses the finishing line may be without a jockey and still win. Just 3 laps around the fan-shaped piazza. 10 horses. Approximately, the race lasts 90 seconds. And they hold this pageant twice a year every July 2 and August 16 since the 15th century!
So MedievalWorld’s Best Gelato (2024)?
Our luck held out in Siena. The guide recommended where we can enjoy good Cacio y Pepe — Papei Trattoria. Pici Cardinale, and Pappardelle al Cinghiale were likewise excellent! And more luck with our gelato. The ones we had in Siena were good. But the gelato in San Gimignano even better. A sign claims it’s named most popular gelateria in 2024. But 2024 isn’t over yet. Whatever. Not complaining about the gelato though. And over the moon with our lunch at Papei.
San Gimignano’s medieval towers from the 12th to the 13th centuries now count over a dozen. A big drop from the more than 70 towers centuries ago when they adorned this Tuscan hill town. The 12th century Collegiata is often mistaken for a cathedral or duomo with its treasure of dramatic frescoes of the New Testament. The towers, the “duomo” , the piazzaand the medieval architecture should paint a beautiful silhouette against the skyline at sundown, the way I viewed it back in 2009. No such luck this time. But the elves are happy with their gelato!
We had all of 7 days and 6 nights here in Florence. Minus 2 whole days for out-of-town excursions. I stayed in to recharge for 2 whole days while apos visited more museums and met up with friends. I made sure I sent them off to Uffizi Art Gallery and the Medici Museum but interestingly, they also visited the Ferragamo Museum and the Gucci Garden Museum. I remember they enjoyed the Dior Museum in Paris last year. After all, the lines are blurred between art and fashion. On Day 1 here, I joined them viewing Kiefer’s exhibit at the Palazzo Strozzi and the oldest pharmacy in the world. We also passed the piazza where the Duomo is, and we had meals at the Mercato Centrale. Beyond that, their interests seem to lie elsewhere. Just off Palazzo Strozzi is an impressive theater cum bookshop. Cinema Odeon is housed in a Renaissance palace with an amphitheater-like structure where you can claim a seat among stacks of books. We spent a lot of time here, and I’m told they went back the next day without me.
Palazzo StrozziUffizi Gallery
We were all fascinated by the art exhibit we viewed almost on a whim (Kiefer in Palazzo Strozzi) and Cinema Odeon — a very unique bookstore around Piazza Strozzi. So with our random dining finds for best gelato, best pizza, best bistecca, best paninis, best affogato and best rooftop bar. While we decided on our first bistecca at the Mercato, we chanced upon this gelateria which suggested we try this very local flavor called “buontalenti”, named after the inventor of the Italian gelato himself! The movie “Eat, Pray and Love” featured this pizza joint which now proudly hangs a photo of Julia Roberts — and we dare say it isn’t a hype. We actually enjoyed their Napoletania and Primavera pizzas, along with those Italian rice balls called arancino. Dining tips came in handy too from the hotel concierge and we’re glad we heeded Alex’s advice. Missed the ribollita and pasta I had years earlier in Trattoria ZaZa and Trattoria Garibaldi, but we totally enjoyed our dinners at Trattoria il Giardino (loved the Tuscan coccoli) and Trattoria Burrasca (best bistecca!). As for happy hours, nothing beats sipping rosé at sundown in Art on View Rooftop Bar. If this all sounds to you like a food trip, it seriously is. The same DNA runs in their veins, after all.
View on Art Rooftop bar. The Duomo
The days I wasn’t with them, they went for quick lunches at All’ Antico Vinaio. And ate more gelato. They also swore they had the best affogato in Vivoli and promised to take me there. And I swear they were not lying! I offered to take them around the historic center to check out spots they missed but these 2 had other interests. Told you 😜 A food trip in Italy? Not a bad idea. As for me, I’m ready for our out-of-town excursions. Makes life simpler just hopping in a bus to take us to touristy spots with a laid-out itinerary guided by a tour director. No bus or train tickets to buy. No lunch reservations to book. And I ensure these 2 learn some history outside of the dining scene. Ciao!
lifeisacelebration 