The Family That Photobooths Together, Stays Together

taken at Antica Roma

Italy has been AWESOME!!! We're done with the Rome leg of the trip and are at Florence right now. I'm so happy that the place we're staying in has free net. Yey! (happy dance) I missed you, internet.

In Rome, we visited the Colosseum, Roman Forums, Palatine Hill, Villa Borghese, Piazza Di Spagna, Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. Everything was beautiful but my personal favorite was the Colosseum. It really took my breath away and the history is something else. So many people have died in there for the entertainment of the Roman emperor. Gladiators were mostly criminals and slaves so they were treated like animals condemned to die.

Yesterday, we hired a Filipino driver, Carlito, to drive us to Florence from Rome. We took a detour to outlet stores (my dad's a sucker for discounts and sales) then stopped by Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. It was a looooong drive but I enjoyed it! The Italian countryside is beautiful.

I promise I will upload pictures to share once I get home. I left the camera cable at home because I didn't think I would have had the chance to upload over here!

Since I can't upload any pictures i took in Rome, I'm sharing a picture of my family playing around with my brother's Photobooth. It was our first day in Rome, just after a loooong flight (an hour and a half from Manila to Hong Kong, 2-hour layover at HK airport, 12 hours from HK to Rome) all cramped up so we kinda got a little crazy. Yup, that's my family!

It's our first full day in Florence and we'll be off on a walking tour to see the city plus museums. I'll be able to see Michelangelo's David today!

Ciao, bella!

Arrivederci!

taken on the way to Bicol

Tomorrow is the day! I can't wait :) I'll be back in 2 weeks! 

And The Countdown Begins

taken at Monet's Pond, France

This time next week, I'll be preparing to leave for the airport to catch our flight to Italy! I am sooooo excited!! Traveling is one of the things I absolutely love and to finally be able to explore Rome, Florence and Venice I can't help but do my happy dance.

The last time I was in Europe was in 2006 and we went to Paris and London. The picture above was taken in the pond by Monet's house. That place was one of the most picturesque places I have ever seen! Every picture I took looked like it was a postcard. No wonder Monet had such beautiful paintings, he was surrounded by such so much beauty that it would be impossible not to be inspired!

I'm looking forward to seeing a new city, soak up a new culture, eat different food, take tons of pictures and of course.... shopping! Although I really shouldn't because I'm sure things are expensive over there. As for picture taking, I have to stock up on 120mm film for Jellybean (my Holga) and 35mm for my SuperSampler. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Feathered Fancy

taken at the office

Headbands have become my current obsession and when I saw this peacock-feathered headband, I knew I just HAD to get it. I think I'm channeling my inner Blair Waldorf, haha!

Pandanon Island

taken at Padanon Island, Cebu

There's a beautiful little remote island in Cebu called Pandanon. It's a tiny island with white sands and clear water. There are only 6 huts that can be rented there so it's really private. Nothing beats a grilled seafood  lunch and an ice cold beer by the shore! During low tide, there's a sandbar and you can see so many starfishes. It's quiet, serene and the picture perfect paradise. Definitely a must see when you're in Cebu!

Cowrie Cove

taken at Cowrie Cove, Shangrila Mactan 

Shangrila Mactan is one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen. This was taken at Cowrie Cove, their seaside bar. Nothing was better than having an ice cold beer and watch the sunset. The waiters told us that many guys have proposed to their girlfriends there. I can imagine how romantic that setting would be! Candlelit dinner, the waves crashing around you, a beautiful moonlit night... sigh.... There goes the romantic in me!

Proudly Pinoy

Mabuhay ang Pilipino

taken at the Megatent relief center

Typhoon Ondoy has caused so much damage to our country but there is one bright side to all that has happened. I'm so proud of how the Filipino people have united to help our fellow countrymen who are victims of the typhoon. Many relief centers have been set up and all are always overflowing with volunteers and donations. Multinational companies have donated cash, kind and even lent company trucks and helicopters to help in rescue and deployment of relief goods. Facebook and Twitter has become a real time bulletin board on where people can volunteer, what goods are needed and what areas still need relief goods. Everyone from celebrities to politicians to students are doing what they can to help, and its incredible how much love and support is being given.

I'm so proud to be a Filipino.