The Poconos - Day 2

We woke up a little late this AM, had some bagels and donuts for breakfast. Their coffee taste really good by the way. :)

Then we're off to Shuman Point for a hike. It's a 3-mile hiking trail but it felt way much longer that having made a lot of stops just enjoying nature and taking pictures.

We also saw Lake Wallenpaupack. What a view! It's really breathtaking. The leaves in different colors were very pretty. You know what... I almost forgot that the lake is right across East Shore Lodging. Perhaps we'll go back there tomorrow for more pictures.

Next was Triple W Stable... horseback riding. Yay! It was our first time and I had a blast. Felt scared in the beginning but not after you get the hang of it. Something happened not long after we left the stable. Didn't really see it, I just heard the woman screamed and when I turned IFC's horse was kicking her horse and it started going crazy. She decided to go back to the stable. We all went back with her and eventually joined another group. All I can is I can't get over it and I'm definitely going to do it again.

Dinner was at Ehrhardts. Service was very good. Food was excellent... every single one and I mean everything. We used the voucher that came with our Outdoor Weekend Package from East Shore Lodging.

Well, tomorrow's another day to look forward to.

Trip to the Pocono Mountains, PA

It's our 5th wedding anniversary last October 1st. For reasons I can no longer remember, we were just not able to celebrate our past anniversaries. IFC asked me what gift do I want and I said just take me out on a trip. We decided to go to the Poconos where it's known for its great fall foliage. We arrived at East Shore Lodging in Hawley, PA around 845pm. The trip wasn't that bad although we hit traffic somewhere in the Bronx going to the George Washington Bridge. It was drizzling a little bit. Thought we couldn't make it in time to check in. Anyway, we're already settled. I have nothing but good things to say about East Shore so far. I'm definitely impressed with the place... simple, nothing really fancy but feels like you're just at home. The room is big - 2 side tables with lamps, a big recliner seat, a small dining set, a ref, a microwave, tv of course, etc. The furnitures are kind of antique. Everything is clean. Call it funny but I was actually looking for dust earlier. Lol. There is also a wide selection of books. I'll probably take pictures tomorrow so I can post them.

Pilipinas 2010

Can't believe it's been almost 6 months since my last post. I keep saying that I'll be better but I just can't find the time.

Anyway, we went home to the Philippines for a 2 week vacation. We had a blast! It's great to have spent some time with family and friends. Met my nephew Biboy for the very first time. He is so cute and definitely not cranky. We had his Christening the day after we arrived. A lot of relatives came. Also met some friends from Castrol (now BP) and college buddies from St. Paul. We also went to visit Adoy and Lanie in Cebu. Thanks to both for being very good hosts. Definitely enjoyed our stay and won't think twice in going back. Loved the food... fresh seafoods at very affordable prices. We also had the chance to go to Bohol for a day trip. Took a lot of pictures but I must say didn't really enjoy with the weather being so humid and hot. Had lunch at Loboc River Cruise. The 2 things I regret... Nanay was hospitalized for almost 3 days and I wasn't able to visit Tatay's grave in Laur. I'm just glad Nanay recovered instantly. Oh and before I forget, went back to Korean Airlines. All I can say is they're still the best! Customer Service is just outstanding.

Trip to Philadelphia, Delaware (DE), Baltimore, Washington DC and Virginia (VA)

We went to the cities/states mentioned above over the weekend. This was supposed to be a birthday (March 30th) gift for IFC but decided to postpone it for Kuya Lito’s visit to avail of the buy 2 get 1 free promo. I made the reservations online at www.paradiseusa.com where it only includes the bus fare and an overnight stay at a hotel. All entrance tickets and food will have to be extra. My only concern though was that Paradise Vacations is Chinese owned. I was really hoping that there will be some other non-Chinese or at least the tour guide will speak English as well… and we were glad he did. And while this is already the 2nd visit, I was still excited about it knowing IFC was with me. It was my 1st time at DE and Baltimore though.

Anyway, the call time was at 715AM on Saturday. We left Flushing 10-15 minutes late not to mention that we had to transfer to another bus in Chinatown and didn’t leave till 9AM.

1st stop was at Philadelphia where we saw the Independence Hall (previously known as the Pennsylvania State House) and the Liberty Bell. They consider this place as the birthplace of the US… where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution of the US was debated, drafted and signed. I also learned that there were only 13 states in the beginning compared to the 50 states and 1 district now. We didn’t get to go in though as the line was very long.

Lunch was at King Buffet’s Chinese Restaurant in Delaware.

Then, we headed off to Baltimore. I was amazed with the many great views at the Harbor area. People were enjoying the nice sunny weather, dining outdoors and taking pictures at every angle of the place.

Next stop was at DC. We went to the American Museum of Natural History… which I think is similar to the one we went to at Central Park NYC. There were so many people. Tourists were everywhere. I’m sure you will also enjoy the old structures of the buildings there. It’s really a nice place to see especially for 1st timers. We also went to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial… who is known for his inspiring words to US citizens and where it signifies liberty; and US Capitol which serves as the “seat of government” for the US Congress. There were many more museums that we just passed by not having a lot of time to go to.

We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Herndon, VA for the night. I didn’t expect the hotel to be that nice. I mean I even brought towels, soap and shampoo just to make sure. If I remember it right, we had to use our own when we stayed at a hotel (which the name I can’t remember) in downtown DC back in 2004. Comfort Inn provided all these including hangers, hair dryer and a vault. The room was so neat and nice. They even had a complimentary breakfast.

Dinner was at McDonald’s. We also stopped by K-Mart and bought some things.

1st stop on Sunday was at the Lincoln Memorial. Abraham Lincoln is the 16th president of the US. This place basically “attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope”. Across was the Washington Monument which was built in honor of George Washington being the 1st president of the US and the one who led them to independence. 1/3 of the height of this monument has a different color compared to the other 2/3. The tour guide said something like they couldn’t complete it (for whatever reason I can’t recall) till 20 years later and they can’t anymore find the same kind of material they previously used. We also got to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. People sometimes think that Korean War was not as significant since it only lasted 3 years compared to the Vietnam War which went on for 16 years. Statistically speaking, 54,246 soldiers died within those 3 years… and 58,226 in 16 years.

We were taking pictures of the White House just outside its gates when a ranger approached us and said tickets are free for the day to enter the garden. It wasn’t part of the day’s activities but the tour guide was nice enough to have squeezed it in. We went back there before 1215PM and there we were… very close to the White House. It was right in front of us. What’s even more exciting were those “secret service agents” (with the “wires” on their ears) that I used to see only on TV. The garden was nice and the flowers were gorgeous. We also took pictures of the Department of Treasury which was in sight.

One thing that the “boys” enjoyed was the National Air and Space Museum. I wouldn’t talk much about it but you can explore their website in the link provided for more.

In between these historic sites hopping, we had lunch at China Garden in Arlington, VA. It was some sort of “ala-carte” where there were 10 of us in a table. We didn’t really enjoy the food. Let’s just say some of those served were “authentic” dishes. We also saw The Pentagon, headquarters for the US Department of Defense, from afar. Pictures were taken only while inside the bus.

We reached home at 8PM.

Overall… the tour was tiring but… fun! We got to see and learn new things. The tour guide was good… very hard working. And if you’re going to ask how the Chinese were in the bus, then that’s another story.

Please click here for the photos...

Weekend in MA

Tita Gie has been inviting us to go to Tita Laling in Massachusetts since August. I told her IFC will have a surgery so maybe we could go on the weekend after that as he will still be resting then. Anyway, Tita Gie made a last minute decision on Thursday, Sept. 27th that she’ll drive. So we went to NJ on Friday and by 730pm we were already on the road. Tita Gie accidentally took the wrong way and we didn’t know how to get back. She asked IFC to drive instead as it was already dark. To cut it short, we arrived in MA at exactly 1145pm.

Come Saturday, we went to Longhorn for a late lunch. I was also able to practice a little driving at the Clubhouse. But most of the day was spent eating and “karaoke” singing.

We went to attend a mass on Sunday. And went to Sholan Farms for the apple picking. It was IFC’s 1st time and we really had fun. We headed back home around 330pm.

The stay in MA may have been short but I’m still so happy we were able to visit Tita Laling. It’s been 9 months since we last went there.

pictures here…

MA vacation

Wow it took me almost 2 weeks to make this post on our 5-day vacation in Massachusetts (MA). Well, I’ve been kind of busy with work lately and most of the time I don’t even want to touch the computer at home. All I want is to relax.

Anyway, we traveled to MA on May 24th. I took off an hour and a half early from work. It was Irvin’s 1st time to see MA and to meet Tita Laling and her family. We were earlier than scheduled but I noticed there weren’t much buses running then. Well Memorial Day wasn’t until the 29th. I was confident that we will make it for the train (last trip) going to Leominster as I’ve already taken this schedule a couple of times before. But I started to worry when the operator dropped some passengers off at Framingham. He even stopped by at a resting area for 10-15 minutes. We took the subway upon arrival at the terminal. But despite the running and panting, we missed the train. It was already past 12 midnight so there wasn’t any choice but to take a cab. And so we took a cab. I asked the driver how much but he said he needs to find out. I told him to start going because it was already late. Tita Laling, on the other hand, gave me an idea that a cab coming from her place would cost us $92. I was shocked when this driver told me the fare is $152. I was really shocked. It was really a rip-off. I felt really bad being charged that much just because they know we don’t have a choice. Grrr!!!

We didn’t really get to visit many places. We were just basically at Tita Laling’s house most of the time. Going out can be best described as going to the mall, grocery supermarket or to the restaurant. But despite that, the feeling was just great being in a house you feel like home. Irvin felt the same way too. I’m also glad that he pretty much got along with Tito Ken and Joe especially.

Irvin would sit down with Tito Ken most of the afternoons having some little talks and some beers. i don’t remember Tito Ken doing that except when it’s family.

Tita Laling also took Irvin to Longhorn…my ever favorite American restaurant. Why? Their honey baby back ribs are just yummy and juicy!

We also went to a seafood place called Weathervane. Their fish and chips also taste good. But you know what’s funny?! We were just so hungry every time we go to these restaurants that I forgot to take pictures of the food.

You just can’t resist trying Mommy’s barbeque. I don’t know but I really like it. Irvin asked the recipe from his Mom and we tried it there. I couldn’t say it was really a success but it tasted like hers.

We met Joe’s friend… John. And just like my cousin, he eats basically the same kind of food that Joe eats… never ending popcorn, chips, cheese pizza and the latest to the addition is the chicken fries from Burger King. These two guys are just fun to be with. I think they also enjoyed playing basketball with Irvin. Now every time Joe asks about Irvin, either he’ll ask if he’s eating Cheetos or watching basketball!





Irvin also enjoyed Tito Ken’s collection of old cars…





And here’s Tito Ken’s family…



Lastly, we went to downtown Boston with Tita Laling’s friend Weng and her son Billy. Prima who took us to Harvard also met with us. One of the many things which make Boston famous is the Street Theater. And we were lucky to be able to watch one…





It was a tiring but definitely fun-filled day with these guys.







For more pictures, please click here…

Oh and before I forget... here in the US, you pay $0.05 per can/bottle as deposit whenever you buy soda or beer. While we were in MA, we returned the used cans and bottles which have been piled up in Tita's yard. You know how much it came out to? $130.60! Yes! $130.60! At least I felt a little better that we were able to cover up for that cab fare. Haha! Again, thanks to Tita Laling! On another note, I felt kind of awkward when Tito Ken said... "Why do you have to return the cans? We have money!" Yaiks! :)

treasured memories

I was the happiest during my vacation in the Philippines. There's nothing I can do for now but to reminisce… to remember those memories of being with family and friends. It’s so great to have spent some time with people whom you haven’t seen and talked to in years. I really feel a month’s stay was kind of short. If only I could be there longer...

Christmas in MA

I went half-day last Friday to see a doctor. I was having a bad cold then with dry coughing. Anyway, it turned out ok. I was in the city at almost 5pm and boarded the Greyhound bus to Boston. I got an hour and a half earlier than the 1st time I used this route.

Tita brought me to the mall on Saturday. Just a backgrounder…I saw this hat from Gap. I didn’t want to spend $24.50 + tax for just a hat. I’ve been waiting for it to go on sale but it never did. So I decided to just get it since I need one. And they no longer have it in black to my surprise. Know what?! Gap in Leominster, MA had it in black and it was on sale too. And mind you…no tax (since clothing and accessories are non-taxable in MA). I got it for $12.99 and I’m so happy about it. I also bought some long-sleeved shirts from Old Navy.



It was my 1st time spending Christmas in MA. I have only been spending Thanksgiving Day there for the last 4 years. Nothing really unusual but I was so glad to have spent it with a close relative. Tita gave me a Victoria Secret silk pajama in Cranberry color (see picture below) for Christmas apart from the money that she also gave me. I got another set of pajamas from her friend, Rowena and some money from Meme.



Joe who got a lot of presents from his parents was the happiest. How nice it is to be a kid huh?! :) They’re mostly for his Ski sport. On the 25th itself, Tita’s in-laws came to the house. Her mother-in-law prepared the food. Her ham with pineapple was so delicious.

Tita and I went to BJ’s on Monday to get some stuff. I drove her Kia Sorrento which was actually good for me since I haven’t driven in a while. How I wish I could have my own car soon! Anyway, I left for NY around noon time but didn’t get here till 830pm.

Next stop... New Jersey, where I will be spending New Year with Tita Gie and her family. :)

kwentong pinas part 1

mood:

I came to the US on March 11, 2002. I went straight to MA that time and stayed with Tita Laling (Mama’s cousin) for about more than 2 months. Having found a job in NY, I moved here on Memorial Day (May 2002). While I have always spent Thanksgiving Day in MA, I haven’t visited my family in the Philippines since.

Finally, after a little more than 3 ½ years, I went home for a month’s vacation. I arrived there on September 18th. The trip was long. It took 14 ½ hours from NY to Seoul, Korea and another 3 hours & 40 minutes going to Manila. It was my 1st time to board Korean Air though. I would say their service is great. They make sure their customers are satisfied. They served good food. The plane was nice. We had individual monitors where there’s a great selection of music and movies.

I had mixed emotions while on the plane. I was excited. The happiness I felt was really overwhelming. I was even nervous I don’t know why. My heart was beating fast when the plane captain announced that we were landing shortly. As the plane got lower, I’ve seen house roofs and cars on the road. I was like… I’m finally here! I didn’t really have a hard time at the immigration. I should say I came out of the airport fast. The very 1st person I saw while going down the ramp was Irvin. My sister said he has been there since 9 AM. My arrival time was 10:50 AM by the way. Papa and my brother Mickey were there as well. We went to Duty Free where Papa bought some liquor. We went to San Andres directly afterwards. The 1st thing I noticed when we reached home was the message “Welcome Home Faye” by the living room. Everyone was excited as I opened my luggage and ‘balikbayan box’. I wasn’t even feeling tired considering I flew for 18 hours. The feeling of being with my family is just very special. The whole family attended the mass and my brother Adoy treated us for dinner. They initially wanted to go to Chef d’ Angelo but I requested for Filipino food. We went to Dencio’s. Whew! We were stuffed!

To be continued…