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Introduction to Cruising
I grew up in provincial Philippines where the concept of travel was a far-flung dream. Yet as I got older, the reading that I did began to occupy my thoughts more and more until eventually in 2000 I moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since then, Travel has become my overriding passion and I have now visited 52 different countries on different continents. I became so enthused that having kept notes and taken many photos I wrote and published my own travel book in the hope that I could inspire others, especially from the Philippines to be brave enough to travel – particularly to those who wants to travel solo.…
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My first solo travel in 2022: Baku, Azerbaijan
It was in March 2022 when I traveled to Baku for a short break, which was a convenient option trip for me to take from Dubai, as having a UAE residency visa allowed me to get an Azerbaijani visa upon arrival at the airport. Baku is the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan. The Republic of Azerbaijan, as it is officially named, is a country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. From Dubai, it takes less than three hours to reach the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. My transfer to the hotel had been prebooked, so I did not have to find a taxi or…
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Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
The book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is considered as the most endearing love story ever written in the English language. I have seen the BBC TV Series which stars Colin Firth as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. This version, according to some critics is the most faithful adaptation of the book (so far). Here is my take on Pride and Prejudice after re – reading the book and after watching the movie 2005 version of the same title. ******************************************************************************* “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me…”! Seriously? Well, “what are men to rocks and mountains?” Imagining a blissful moment one afternoon tête-à–tête With Jane…
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Moments of Reflection!
I wrote this poem dedicated in loving memory of my dear Ate Betty Veranga, who sadly succumbed to Covid-19 several weeks ago. The enormity and extent of this Pandemic may seem nothing to some people. Others insisted that this whole thing is a hoax manufactured by the mainstream media. That is why we see some people who are too complacent in their approach. They are even ignoring and discrediting the precautionary measures imposed by their local authorities on how to help curb the further spread of the Corona Virus in their communities. I may blatantly say that until you yourself carry this virus; your family members, friends or loved ones…
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Poem #003-22062020 For Liverpool FC
This is my third attempt at writing a poem. It was composed the following day after watching English Premier League (football) game between Everton – Liverpool FC on Sunday, 21st June 2020, when the score was 0 – 0. And now, as we all know the Liverpool Football Club is the sure winner. Congratulations to The Reds! A Poem for Liverpool FC Just a few more games to play, It will be The Reds’ title to stay. Victory! Raise the trophy with pride, An elusive dream taken in their stride. It’s nice to see team coach Klopp, Urging his team to never stop. Anxious for the refs signal to…
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Poem #002-21062020
This is my second attempt at writing a poem. Poem #002-21062020 I am sorry if sometimes I’m short tempered, Dealing with somewhat naive and disconnected. I am not always seeking for perfection, Neither, I am implying for competition. We are living in the Middle East With different working days from the rest, So please keep in mind and bear with us If we don’t answer your inquiries that fast. Do you know our working days? That here, it begins from Sundays? Which evidently ends on Thursdays, Normally, followed by two rest days. I hope you will come and visit us here in Dubai, It is…
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Poem #001-20062020
I hope you are all doing well. It’s been a while that I have not written a blog. However, this past few days I tried to venture into something, to me, which is new. And that is writing poetry. So, here is my first attempt. I am sharing it with you, I hope you like it. I would really appreciate to hear your feedback. Thanks a lot! POEM #001-20062020: Reliving the drama, of the Greek gods and goddesses; After reading numerous books, amidst this global crisis. Greek Mythology you enthralled and take position; My longing for travel & lingering untamed passion. When will I ever get the chance…
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Jane Austen – My favorite author
I have been an avid Jane Austen fan since the day I read her second book PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and watched the different versions in the movies. My favourite is the one made in 2005 played by Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. The other famous version which is considered as the most faithful adaptation of the novel is the BBC TV Mini-Series with Jennifer Ehle, alongside my personal favorite actor – Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. It maybe is too much but I have seen the movies several times and I even tried to memorise its significant lines as I encountered from the…
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The Significance of Train Journeys
For a tourist, there’s no better or more exciting way to explore Europe than to travel by train. Out of the many options of mode of transport to choose from, such as car, bus, or plane, undoubtedly, train travel is the most convenient and most reliable. It is a highly commendable mode of transportation for sightseeing unless you prefer to hire a car and drive on your own. Travelling by train gives you the freedom to easily move from one place to another not only in big cities but in remote rural areas as well and provides the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the countryside. Whenever I step…
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In love with Switzerland – A day in Geneva
Geneva is the second most populous city after Zurich and the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It is a global city, a financial centre, and a worldwide centre for diplomacy due to the presence of many international organisations headquartered including Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross. CERN in Geneva is the birthplace of world wide web (www) as we know it today. It was invented by an English engineer and computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. I only had one day scheduled to explore Geneva, which, unfortunately, really did not do it justice considering its magnitude in history and the many interesting things to see and do. Still, I’m so…
