Right. So here’s what happened. We intended to stay just 3 nights in Strasbourg before boarding our boat for the Rhine Cruise. But we got word the cruise is cancelled because of the Rhine’s low water situation. Plan B set into motion, but not without complications. We’re staying 2 extra nights in Strasbourg and 3 extra nights in Barcelona before we board our boat for the Mediterranean cruise. As we spend our weekend here in Strasbourg, we are thinking of another day trip somewhere or maybe just stay put here to check out the weekend food market or maybe even ride a small boat around Petite France. There’s also many Alsatian dishes to try here near the border with Germany. 😋
Notre Dame StrasbourgInside Notre Dame
Being “stranded” in Strasbourg isn’t a bad idea. This charming corner of France with a very rich and vibrant Franco-German heritage offers many picturesque spots like scenic river walks, centuries-old half-timbered houses, a majestic cathedral, pretty bridges, cozy cafes and brasseries. Petite France looks straight out of a fairy tale, sitting pretty along the Ill River. The Grand Rue that runs along the water is kept busy with pedestrians checking out the cheese stores, boutiques, bistros and cafes. It’s been a good week now in France and after Paris, it is nice to just relax and take leisurely walks with hardly a plan except to eat well and snap a few lovely photos as souvenirs of the Alsace Region.
Petite FrancePetite FrancePetite France
I should be updating this blog as we go along. For the moment, we’re cooling our heels around here. The morning showers aren’t exactly welcome but perfect days aren’t the norm. So there. And yes, we’ve been eating well. Food is French-German and we’re loving it. Watch this page.
Never skipped a Montmartre visit whenever in Paris. Thick tourist crowd, yes, but beyond Place du Tertre, Sacre Ceour, Moulin Rouge there are still pockets of tranquility and beauty. Soon after rounding up the public square taken over by artists cum portraitists, an assortment of souvenir shops, cafes, creperies and gelato bars, the side streets and winding alleys are both interesting and challenging. Not exactly under the tourist radar, but we found these spots less crowded and somehow devoid of scammers and pickpockets.
Moulin de la Galette sits under a historic windmill, a spot where a cabaret once stood too. Moulin de la Galette at the corner of Rue Lepic and Rue Girardon
Moulin de la Galette offers outside seating where we enjoyed traditional French cuisine while passersby took photos of the historic windmill immortalized in Van Gogh’s The Guingette, A Cafe Terrace in Montmartre and The Moulin de la Galette. Other artists likewise painted these historical monuments including the cabaret crowd — A. Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Latrec, Picasso. At the time, Montmartre was a village of wine growers, millers and cabaret owners. It is claimed the dance halls aka cabarets gave birth to the French cancan whose prominent stars allegedly had their debuts here. Since the 1900’s, many famous actors similarly frequented the area to enjoy their galettes with muscat wine. As for us, we enjoyed the landmark restaurant under a windmill’s moules fritte, French onion soup and Beouf with Bernaise Sauce.
Place DalidaMarcel Ayme
Not too far from this corner is Place Dalida named after a famous French-Egyptian singer who once lived in the area. Dalida’s bust and square featured in some movies and tv series like Emily in Paris. The story goes that Dalida once had a brief romantic alliance with the famous French actor Alain Delon. At the time, both were unknown artists when they first met as struggling neighbors. While both gained prominence in their respective arts, Dalida became a musical icon, selling millions of records but unfortunately committed suicide in 1987 at age 54. Several of her former partners earlier committed suicide, including one ex-husband. What a sad life for beautiful and talented Dalida. Off some corner here is the interesting bronze sculpture of Marcel Ayme, a French short story writer, playwright, and essayist. Among his works is The Man Who Could Walk Through Walls. You can find this sculpture by Jean Marais at the intersection of Rue Girardon and Rue Norvins.
Cafe Deux MoulinLa Maison Rose aka Pink House
If you have watched and liked the classic French movie Amelie, you’d likely be interested to dine in Cafe des Deux Moulins along Rue Lepic on a downhill slope towards Moulin Rouge. Obviously, the cafe was named after Montmartre’s two famous and historical windmills — the Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette. The character Amelie worked in this cafe, serving that very French creme brûlée with hot chocolate chaud. The movie’s massive international success featuring Audrey Taotou made this cafe very famous. She is the same French actress who appeared in Da Vinci Code (2006) and Coco Before Chanel (2009).
The La Maison Rose or Pink House is further up, nearer Sacre Coeur along the beautiful street Rue de Abreuvoir. Many tourists find this cafe very “instagrammable” as it sits in a corner serving classic French and Italian country cuisine. I’ve only had cafe allongé and a lemon tart here but they do serve a classic but limited menu. If you’re around this corner, do take an outside table across the Pink House and enjoy watching people passing, posing and snapping photos of the Maison. Quite an experience. You’d likely even be requested to take some of their pictures. 🤫
Walking around Montmartre means climbing a lot of stairs and struggling against uphill climbs.
Touchdown, Paris. It’s a Sunday so we decided we’d be off to hear mass after dropping our bags in the hotel. Meant to hear the 1130 mass in Notre Dame but the wait from landing to going through passport control and arriving in our hotel ruined our plans. The streets around the hotel near Champ Elysees were so crowded with dog walkers and our hotel transfer wasted precious hours snaking around detours. By the time we were ready to leave the hotel, we couldn’t even hail a cab. Taxi ranks overtaken by “The Sausage Walk 2026”. Yay, this is Paris indeed. Dog walkers all over the place. So we decided to instead take the metro to Hotel de Ville across Notre Dame. From there we walked towards our chosen restaurant for our Sunday late lunch across the Seine. Au Bourguignon du Marais did not disappoint. Walking along Rue de Rivoli to reach this bourguignon place meant passing by (and dropping in) some shops along Rue de Rivoli, a very trendy street in Le Marais. Tempting to stop for some retail therapy, but after a long flight and muscles begging for a stretch, lunch is the 1st order of the day. And make that a traditional French lunch. A very French lunch.
Beef bourguignon was the bistro’s signature dish and we certainly enjoyed that. Magret de Canard did not really stand out but the dishes that were served before the main entree were truly frenchy good. Love the escargot, the French onion soup and the ouef mayonnaise. More than enough for the four of us. Not bad for our first French meal soon after touchdown. I skipped my inflight meal having decided to sleep through my connecting flight but no luck on catching some winks on these flights. Sob.
The yummy starters before the real deal.
We passed on desserts since we planned to indulge in Carette after this heavy lunch but Carette had to wait. Our random plan to visit Musee Carnavalet ended so uncomfortably warm and humid. Don’t misunderstand — Carnavalet is certainly worth a visit (and it’s free) but temps hiked after our late lunch and it was unbearably warm and humid. We didn’t stay too long and upon exit, dragged ourselves to the nearby square, the oldest in Paris. Place des Vosges. Carette and Maison Victor Hugo are both just around the square but after a long sleepless flight, the rising humidity and the thick Sunday crowd, we lost energy and decided to call it a day.
The taxi that brought us home had to deal with closed-off streets and detours. Upon reaching our Paris crib, we were wasted. Ready to hit the sack. But not before a glass of vino rouge.
It’s the Anzac weekend here in Australia and we’re spending it in Culburra Beach . Booked a 4 bedroom beachfront cottage good for our entire family plus pets. Reminded me of our Lake Conjola weekends until my nephew lost the lake house in a New Year’s Eve bushfire 🥲 The temp’s dropping and this tropical dame started worrying over her inadequate wardrobe. Having arrived here over a month ago with clothing good for only 3 days and hardly any fit for chilly mornings, I had to make do with a borrowed hoodie, fleece coat and puffer jacket. No chance I’d be out there in the sandy beach with the dogs. From beach end to end, it’s a 5 kilometer stretch and one has many spot options to watch the sun rise or set. I can choose to stay out with the kids and pets while the rest of family preps our meals. A perfect way to shun kitchen duties, but one has to endure the cold. Not exactly a brilliant idea to chill (pardon the pun) 🥶
Culburra Beach in the South Coast
We brought 2 dogs and 2 guinea pigs with us. I wonder if they’re excited to spot a pod of dolphins here or a romp at the beach is enough to make them happy. Maybe we’d all be lucky to even spot whales? Gritting my teeth as the cold wind blows, I remember previous beach weekends in Narooma, Kiama, Jervis Bay and Anna Bay. My OZ family is very outdoorsy and the men are very much into rock climbing and bush walking. Like we can talk the whole evening just talking about hiking shoes and sneakers. As for the women? We talk about the men and their idiosyncrasies 🤣 And between my sister and me, we have a long history to recall.
Culburra SunriseOur crib for the AnZac weekend
So you get the drift. This family weekend trip is all we need to chatter endlessly, stroll the beach, walk the dogs and feast on Filipino food like Trump finally managed to start World War III. You’d be shocked to find our food stash being unloaded from the car trunks. A weekend? You’d think we’d be here for 2 weeks! But that’s par for the course. If there’s something we typically overdo, it is in the feeding department. Culburra just happens to be the chosen destination and chilly or not, we’re here to have a fun weekend.
This January 2026, we spent 5 days in Siargao and for 2 whole days joined tours which included lunch. Had a long list of dining options sourced from kin and their young friends. Honestly? I was surprised there’s a long list. Knowing the surfing capital of the country didn’t welcome food/restaurant chains, I assumed most of my meals will either be in hotels or in family-run mom & pop eateries. Of course, I heard of a few which became popular and set up branches in Makati like “Shaka” and “La Carinderia”. But we’ve tried quite a few and really enjoyed our dining experience. I hope this list helps some of you who are planning to visit Siargao. I have my own for my next visit — to cover more ground!
La Carinderia CEV Ceviche & Kinilaw ShackKermit’s PizzaShaka + X Bar in Cloud 9 BoardwalkEl Chapo: Tacos, Birria & TostadasBravo Beach Resort Kanin Baboy for LechonHalika Artisanal GelatoJorene’s Halo Halo & Maiz Con HieloIsland Hop Tours include boodle fight lunch consisting of generous servings of grilled meat, seafood, noodles and seaweeds.
Many I’ve missed out of those listed by others: Bebie’s Barbecue, Naga, Las Palmas, Warung, Roots, Lamari, Bar Ciao, Harana, St Thomas Coffee, Manu, Whitebeard, Harana. Let me know your experience with these dining spots! Bon appetit 🏝️
Sure, I was so looking forward to the beach life — sun, sand, beach chairs, swim in clear waters, ice cream melting as the sea breeze sticks more sand on your shoulders and back, sea salt on your hair, all that seafood plus some beach cocktails. Piña Colada, anyone? Enjoying every bit even if I passed up all chances for surf lessons (how the hell do I even get up on the surfboard?), diving off and into lagoon waters (can’t even balance walking towards the end of the diving board!), snorkeling in open sea (so hard to even walk to shore against the current), diving off the boat to swim or just treading water. And please, let’s forget paragliding. Too extreme for me.
Secret BeachCoconut View Deck
We joined a land tour but found out the tour included beach spots and visits to lagoons and tidal pools. Was happy to experience Siargao sans commercial food chains like those burger and pizza joints, and to find the island teeming with lush forests and vegetation. When I was 15, I drove my father’s motorbike and had a nasty accident. Half my face bandaged, only liquid nutrition for some weeks. Luck was on my side — no broken bones, no permanent facial scars, just a bent coccyx bone and a bad memory. With that, any scooter rental is out of the question. We joined the tours in a van filled with 10 pax. Lunch included and this was in a local carinderia where locals ordered pork sinigang and longganiza while the foreigners figured out how to eat the crablets and spider conch shells.
Boarded a small boat to reach Sugba Lagoon before it closes for renovation/maintenance. Scenes from the Diving Platform
The highlights of this land tour is the Sugba Lagoon where one can dive into cool waters, paddle board, kayak, snorkel, or just simply swim. We visited the last day before the lagoon area closes for a month of upkeep. The boat ride to this spot took more than a half hour, passing waterways hemmed in by tiny verdant islands . My eyes feasted on all this greenery. From here, we hopped back to our van for the ride towards the Magpupungko Rock Pools. I stopped midway and just contented myself with a view of the natural tidal pools among limestone formations. It was a steep rocky descent towards the tidal pools and I wasn’t willing to risk a slip. But my niece went on and happily took a dip and swam in the pools while I watched seated on a rock.
Magpupungko Tidal Pools
Magpupungko Rock Pools
The tour took nearly a day. The van fetched us from our hotel at 7:30am and brought us back by 4pm or so. But not before bringing us to Maasin River. Here you can go kayaking but after all the activities, not everyone has enough strength beyond posing for photos at the diving board. 🤣
This land tour is so worth it, even if it’s more expensive than the island-hopping tour and more so than doing it on your own with rented scooters. We enjoyed all the stops especially the Sugba Lagoon boat ride and visit. Lunch could have been served better in the area of the Magpupungko Rock Pools where there are beachfront eateries, and errrr more interesting desserts like the buko halo halo. But we’re good. We got good value for the P2,100 we paid for each person. By the time we were driven back to our hotel, we just dropped our bags and went in search of desserts. These deprived ladies found one near the church. Homemade ice cream, halo halo and maiz con hielo. But nearer our hotel, another shop prides itself for its artisanal gelato. So there. 😋😘🥰
Booked this 3 island hopping tour visiting Naked Island, Dako and Guyam Islands. Joined a group of 24 pax, half of which are foreigners and the rest locals. First off was Naked Island, which is actually a sandbar. Welcome, sunshine! No trees, no shelter. Just a sizeable oval shaped sandbar off the southern shore of Siargao, with just the sand and the sea to enjoy. A slather of sunscreen here and there but I get a sense no amount of skin protection would work. Naked Island is NOT a nudist island. The sandbar itself is “naked” as no single tree stands here. One hour here is all you need. Its proximity to Siargao Island makes it a top island hopping destination especially when you have limited time.
Naked Island. A treeless sandbar off the southern shore of Siargao.
In between the island hops, there was also a chance to jump off the boat, swim and go snorkeling. The current was quite strong though so only those confident with their swimming skills did. I stayed on the boat with the young Filipinos who are here on holiday break from their Qatar jobs. These guys made me laugh so much as they readily entertained us with their funny song and dance numbers that provided comic relief. Whoever you are, thank you guys. The “skit” where one acted like a flight attendant had me in stitches! And all that laughing made us grow really hungry and ready for the boodle fight. This is lunch, Filipino style. The spread was quite abundant — very generous servings of fried tuna, grilled pork belly, noodles, shrimps, spider conch, sea grapes or seaweeds, sautéed vegetables, mangoes and watermelons.
Noodle lunch in Dako Island
The boodle lunch was served in Dako Island where there was also enough time to swim, play volleyball or even to spread a beach towel for a quick nap on the sand. In Guyam Island, there are beach bars and some music and fruit stalls. More swimming or more naps or more volleyball games. By this time, the boat passengers have grown relaxed, friendlier and chattier. We were lucky to join a fun group. (Trivia: I was the OLDEST in the group. That means the boat crew paid more attention to my safety and welfare 🤣 )
We tried our luck in Cloud 9. But no surfers. No fiery orange nor pink hues across the sky from the Cloud 9 boardwalk. We waited until twilight and that’s when we decided to enjoy our piña colada, pizza and mango smoothie. The sky was woefully unstained by vibrant colors but that’s ok. It’s only our first whole day. The stray dogs and pearl vendors kept us company, relentlessly trying to make us succumb. I’m pretty good resisting this retail therapy but my niece is another matter. She’s a magnet for vendors of any kind!
Cloud Nine BoardwalkTwo lone surfers just before sunset
January must be off season. I was told it rains a lot the first month of the year. It rained when we arrived but soon enough, the sun was out. Late in the afternoon, the surfers must have gone to bars or for some nutrition as we only found a couple with their boards. The boardwalk wasn’t crowded at all. And there were empty chairs facing the waters from Shaka and X Bars where we picked up our aperitif.
Mango Smoothie Cereal Bowl from ShakaX Bar’s Piña Colada+ Pizza
The following day, we set out for AFAM Bridge. Yes, AFAM as in “A Foreigner Assigned In Manila”. The sunset warriors are all here! Some AFAMs bearing beer bottles which they uncork while watching the sun set. Local vendors plying their wares — pearls, shirts and some handcrafted souvenir items. The local boys offer their services to take photos, amusing foreigners with their “human drone” tactics. We tried looking for dining places nearby but found none interesting. Then we remembered our hotel driver mentioning “Jorene’s Homemade Ice Cream & Halo Halo” so we promptly hailed a tuktuk to get there. Thought we’d end the day on that sweet note but there’s this Italian-Filipino restaurant called “La Carinderia” right across our hotel. Actually, I first tried La Carinderia when they opened a Makati branch. Good food, good service, and the most charming couple owners. So yeah, we ended the day with that famous Mama’s Lasagna plus Siargao Salad which I swear is really good. Chef Stefano and Miss Po also trained their staff very well. Good simple Italian – Pinoy dinner.
Sunset. AFAM BridgeJorene’s Maiz con Hielo and Halo Halo topped with homemade ice cream. Mama’s Lasagna & Siargao Salad from La Carinderia
And just like that, we only have a couple of weeks before the year 2026 sets in. This early, we’ve mapped out some travel plans already for the coming year. Siargao in January. Kerala, India in February. Back to Sydney in March for quite a time, till June. And for the 2nd half of the year 2026, a river cruise along the Rhine. God knows where else we’d find ourselves in in between those planned trips. There’s Hokkaido and Medan, Indonesia in the drawing boards. And of course, that forever plan to watch Messi play — either with Inter Miami or with his national team Argentina for the coveted back to back win in the World Cup. Busy 2026? Perhaps busier than this year 2025. I’ve skipped many trips with my travel mates this year — choosing to spend more time and holidays with the family. All good. 👍
Hiroshima
Started 2025 with a trip to Fukuoka although we stayed in Hiroshima for the most part. Despite the grim reminders of the horrors of war, the white and pink Sakura blooms cheered us up all throughout that spring holiday. For the 3rd time, I visited Miyajima Island to enjoy once more the iconic Torii gate and the succulent oysters and eels the island is famous for. Back in Manila for the necessary preps for a bigger trip to Spain and France. This European holiday is my first trip with a grandnephew based in Sydney, plus a niece whom I wanted to introduce to the camino as well as take to Lourdes, France for some “spiritual experience”. From the Gaudi-inspired city of Barcelona, we took the train to Pamplona and met up with cousins to Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles to Lourdes to Paris. It was time very well spent. The sightseeing, the pilgrimage walk, time with family, the art and culture aspects of a trip and most importantly, the bonding time while experiencing all these lovely adventures and creating happy memories.
Walking out of Saint Jean Pied de Port in France to cross the Pyrenees into Spain.
Soon after this European trip, I only had a few days to pack for another holiday. This time, in Bali, Indonesia where more kin from Sydney flew in to join me for 5 days of sun and sand. We made sure the trip is “senior friendly” as my 81 year old sister and brother-in-law are joining. That is not to say this newly-arrived (from a hectic trip) septuagenarian didn’t need a break. Quite honestly, I actually rested so well in Bali. It was truly a relaxing holiday after a fast-paced holiday with a younger set. Just what I needed!
With family in Bali.
Fukuoka in spring. Fukuoka in end of summer. Yes, I returned to this lovely city in September, this time with my “Apos” to attend my nieta’s art exhibit. But I hardly did anything outside of just being present. The twenty-somethings did all the planning, flight and tour bookings. Including all dining and shopping itineraries. Not bad. I can get used to this. We ate well, even if I thought we had too much coffee and ramen. I sat out the shopping part, but I enjoyed the new spots which the younger sets prefer. Besides, we are actually here for the Art Fair Asia Fukuoka !
Before the year ended, I joined my friends for yet another trip — to Kaohsiung in Taiwan. This is my first time here as I’ve only been to Taipei and nowhere else in Taiwan. Just a quick trip. Aside from shopping and eating, I only managed to visit Pier 2 Art Center. On 2 consecutive days, I visited the area which is just a short walk from the hotel we booked. Just as well. The pier is a massive place dotted with brick warehouses cum shopping and dining areas, and parks with very interesting art installations. I’m sure my young family members would love it here. But next visit, I’d be sure to time it during cooler temps. It’s hard to endure the sun in the open-air art spots. The afternoons by the river are more pleasant though.
Pier 2 Art Center. Kaoshiung, Taiwan.
And so, here ends 2025. How has it been? We look back with gratitude and look forward with hope. In a few, the year 2026 beckons. A third of the coming year is all planned out this early but the remainder is still there, leaving room for exploration. For adventure. For surprises. Oh, don’t we all love surprises? I am ready for the coming year. Are you? 💕🎉🙏🍾🚘💃✈️🚂🛳️⛱️🏕️⛰️🏝️
We arrived on a Saturday evening and settled on an al fresco dinner around the corner from our Fullon Kaohsiung Hotel before calling it a night. Though it was just a 2-hour flight with no time difference from Manila time, airport departures and arrivals still shift one’s balance and leave you tired and restless. The dinner in this hole in the wall was both funny and satisfying. We had our fill of Taiwan beer and Kirin along with bowls of fish, gelatinous pork, spicy clams, Taiwanese sausages, anchovies, and whatever else our eyes fancied. We were famished and tired. And the restaurant ran out of rice but we were a bunch of uncomplaining, happy diners. A good start.
Touchdown, Kaohsiung!
Dinner in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant
The next morning, we walked 3 blocks towards the Holy Rosary Cathedral for our Sunday English Mass, followed by shopping at the SKM Mall. By late afternoon, we were ready to pay the Pier 2 Arts Center a visit. Just a walking distance from our hotel but we only managed to visit the Music Center and the Whale Promenade across. There was a very young crowd that Sunday evening, complete with a a stage for some entertainment hemmed in by rows and rows of food and crafts booths. Like a Mercato with a stage band! Worked up a sweat just walking around. Missed a good part of the Art Center (it can wait another day) as it swiftly turned dark after sunset.
Holy. Rosary CathedralA carousel outside the SKM Mall
Shopping was alright. Bagged a few items but I’m not much of a shopper anyway. Besides, Uniqlo prices here seem higher than what they fetch back in Manila. Better to enjoy my hotpot lunch instead of shuttling between the outlet stores. But then again, my hotpot meal left much to be desired that I vowed to search for a good hotpot or beef noodle house while I’m here. (We found one the following Monday)
Gang Yuan Noodle House. 65 years in business.
The. Kaohsiung Music Center at Sunset
Would anyone recognize this singer?
It’s nice to be back in Taiwan. My last visit was years ago, where I still remember the excellent meals we partook with delightful plum wines. Had a local then who took us to good dining outlets. With only 3 nights to spend here, there may not be enough chances 🥲 as we’ve only covered that al fresco dinner, beef noodle house and a Japanese izakaya. Let’s see how our luck turns out in the few meals remaining.
