quirkyjasmine89

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The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (Book Review) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a heartwarming and insightful story about a philosophical dog named Enzo that was raised by a loving and strong family who actually thinks and perceives almost like a human being minus the ability to talk.

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The Essential Rumi: Selected Spiritual Thoughts

The Essential Rumi: Selected Spiritual Thoughts

The Essential Rumi is a collection of spiritual and mystical poems that enlightens its readers about the beauty of being true to one’s faith in God; no matter what their religion is.

Moreover, reading this was entirely mind-boggling that it gives you that profound and all different kinds of emotions while getting lost in the written words of Rumi.

And for the reason that it was so touchingly…

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TEAM ILOCOS/TEAM TIYA DELY

“In every journey, you get to meet such different kinds of people, and you will learn a lot from one another. Some will just come and go, and as for the others, they are the ones who will be a part of your life and build such profound friendships. That despite the distance and time differences, you will still be acquainted with some of them, and build more unforgettable memories that will always be a part of you. No matter where you go.”

-Sir Ryan Asilo of Travel Ventours

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BREAKFAST IN LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE

ON OUR WAY TO VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

Finally, for the travel diary of my second trip back to Ilocos. I’m officially down to share with you on how Team Ilocos/Team Tiya Dely’s 3rd and last day had turned out to be.

First is that our tour guide, Kuya Ryan, had informed us all that our call time was going to be at 5:30am. It is for the reason that we needed to be a bit early on the road, and arrive back to Vigan before lunchtime. And as we all head out from Pagudpud, we’ve had some short stopovers. The first one was in a place where there is an old Money Tree, the second one was in Laoag City for our breakfast, and then visited once again those souvenir shops that we’ve dropped by on our first day in Ilocos, and finally arrived at Vigan at around 10am.

By the way, before I forgot, if you are someone who lives quite far like me, and would hand-carry or check-in a bottle of its local vinegar. I suggest that you don’t buy or bring it along back home with you. Because a staff from the airline will definitely inform you that it’s not allowed. And its what happened to the ones that I’ve bought; that I had to leave it to my friend Ate Arge who was also at the airport with me.

WHEN IN VIGAN

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So back to Vigan, it was a crowded, hot, and humid late morning when we’ve arrived there. And Kuya Ryan gave us all the free time to wander on our own, and also to eat our lunch.

Well as for me, I head out for a Kalesa ride with Ate Jane and Tita Fe from Ilo-Ilo and paid a total amount of P150 for it. Then toured around within the central part of the city and had a short stopover at a former provincial jail, that had just turned into a national museum. Anyway, while touring inside, I was so enamored of the place especially to all of those paintings and photos that were taken from the different parts of the Philippines, and that for one moment, I totally forgot about the time, and had no idea that Ate Jane and Tita Fe were already waiting for me outside the museum. After that, we had back to Calle Crisologo to continue our sight-seeing, and also to do some souvenir shopping.

And while in Calle Crisologo, I’ve also asked Ate Jane to accompany me into visiting once again this vintage and small coffee shop because I’ve truly missed its rice coffee. Then by the time that we were back inside the van, it was almost 12:30nn. In which by the way our call time to go back. So technically we got lost track of the time that we weren’t able to eat a proper lunch.

  While the others already had their earlier lunch at Greenwich and Chowking, I was so late that I had to get out again on a rush just so that I could buy a cold and reheated sandwich at 7-eleven and ate it inside the van, paired with my delicious rice coffee.

Then it was before 1pm that we were on our way out of Ilocos Sur, but first, we had a short side trip to Quirino Bridge, or as to what Kuya Ryan was saying “The Bridge of Love”.

Does it feel like love is in the air there? Well, who knows.

Plus, such a side trip was definitely a fun one because I was entirely game in all of everyone’s quirkiness and laugh trips while taking tons of photos together as a group.

Oh, definitely a memorable one.

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COFFEE BREAK, CALLE CRISOLOGO, VIGAN

Afterward, Team Tiya Dely was back on the road for our journey back to Metro Manila. Moreover, it was such a long and exhausting road trip, and while everyone was busy napping and watching two movies that whole afternoon, I was just there, sitting still, listening to some music, taking it all in the views outside on the road, and contemplating everything that happened during our trip. But from time to time, I would talk to Ate Arge, Kuya Ryan, Ate Isa, Mommy Carol, and also to the rest of the group.

Then upon entering TPLEX, all of us inside the van were having so much fun because we were all listening and singing some songs from Ate Arge’s music playlist, all the way back to the city.

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THE QUIRINO BRIDGE

So overall, it was a very enjoyable road trip back home, and I will never ever forget such a journey with them. Then after that, everyone was slowly dropped-off to their chosen areas, and Ate Arge and I were the last one.But upon arrival at Ate Arge’s house, I was entirely speechless because the tour was officially over. And during my extended stay in Metro Manila, I’ve also had the time to reflect about myself, that I’m so grateful to God for being so good because he gave me the chance to meet such good people.

I want to say thank you to my Fellow Team Ilocos – Mommy Carol, Ate Jane, Eds, Gladys, Almer, Ate Isa, Tita Nits, and Tita Fe and for the short meet-ups somewhere in Alabang. Truly, you’ve all been such heartwarming as fellow travelers and I miss you all.

To my dearest Ate Arge, and her mom, Tita Nora, I’m so grateful beyond words to them for taking care of me during my stay in their house. For one moment, they did not made me feel like a guest but more like a real family member, and that is why I was so emotional when I called Ate Arge to say my goodbyes.

I remember, a few days after our tour. Someone had said that there is a reason as to why God had made us all meet one another, and form such a bond during that short trip. A connection that neither one of us all had expected and is still growing as time goes by. And hopefully, such friendship will remain firm and strong all throughout for many years to come.

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So as I finish writing this travel diary of mine, I also want to say thank you to Travel Ventours especially to Sir Roland for all of our inquiries and handling our bookings; and most especially to Kuya Ryan Asilo for being entirely accommodating, lively, patient, friendly, and thoughtful to us all during our tour in Ilocos Sur and Norte. Moreover, as returned guests, Ate Arge and I already knew him from our previous booking which was in Sagada. And that is why we were so happy that he was our assigned tour driver.

Overall, it was a well planned and flexible itinerary, that despite the unexpected changes in its weather, we still enjoyed the tour, and that we had so much fun for it was more like a family trip.

Once again, thank you for the wonderful service.

3’M’s PLACE RESORT AND RESTUARANT

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Plus of course, to all the staff of 3M’s Place Resort & Restaurant.

That despite the fact that it’s new and some areas are still under construction, but I was entirely amazed of the cleanliness of its rooms and dining halls; moreover, it truly warms me to see such very friendly and cheerful staff that greets its guests with such positive and lively energy, which is something that I find truly fascinating. I hope such an ambiance will be maintained all throughout the years. For I had such fond memories during my short stay there.

And also, to its staff starting from Miss Geraldine, Miss Grace, Sir Danilo, Miss Shermaine, Miss Maria, Miss Jen, Miss Flor, and also to Sir Alvin, thank you so much for the warm welcome. Including its owners Ma’am Rosemarie Dela Cruz, and Sir Michael Dela Cruz, maraming Salamat po for being so friendly and approachable.

Indeed, I was glad that our Team Tiya Dely had made its bookings under Travel Ventours and 3M’s Place Resort & Restaurant.  

THE GIRLS OF TEAM TIYA DELY

And that’s the story of our recent trip to Ilocos Sur and Norte.

Right now, my mind and heart is longing to wander again.

Moreover, I’m so looking forward to Team Tiya Dely’s reunion, and next trip together.

Definitely Hoping and Praying for it.

Thank you so much for reading my travel diaries, and God Bless us all.

GROUP PICTURE BEFORE HEADING OUT OF ILOCOS SUR

(BY THE WAY, ALL GROUP PHOTOS BELONGS TO ATE ARGE, KUYA RYAN, ATE JANE, GLADYS, AND EDS)

  The Road Back to Ilocos: Team Tiya Dely’s Last Day of Touring “In every journey, you get to meet such different kinds of people, and you will learn a lot from one another.

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“To travel is also an education itself. The never-ending search for learning of what makes us all different and similar from one another.” –Jassy

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BANGUI WINDMILLS

AT THE KAPURPURAWAN WHITE ROCK FORMATION AND BUMPED INTO KULAS OF BECOMING FILIPINO

For our second day of exploring, the weather at that time was definitely not on our side. But honestly, with that kind of weather, I would have loved to just stay at the hotel, and stand in its balcony while drinking a cup of coffee or tea, and witness the beauty of the pouring rain outside.

However, there were tons of planned activities for the day that we had to do. In which according to Kuya Ryan, rain or shine, the trip must definitely go on. And at around 8am in the morning, we were already gathered at the hotel’s dining area. Our first activity was supposed to be in Blue Lagoon, but almost everyone in our group had opted to see some local sites before heading off to the beach.

KAPURPURAWAN WHITE ROCK FORMATION

ON OUR WAY TO KABIGAN FALLS

So for our first stop of the day, it was the Bangui Windmill, and oh my goodness! Although the rain had already stopped, the wind was so damn strong that we didn’t stay that long! But nevertheless, I was entirely amazed at how beautiful the strong waves at the beach tends to look at.

As mentioned earlier, we didn’t stayed that much at the Bangui Windmill, and instead went straight ahead to the Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation. Again, I’ve already visited the area, so I’ve decided to accompany Mommy Carol inside its souvenir shops since she’s also not that physically fit to go down with everyone in our group. Plus, it was so crowded and a windy midmorning that I was definitely not in the mood to go. Instead, I was just there sitting nearby, chatting with Mommy Carol while waiting for our fellow travelers.

Then for our next destination, I think it was definitely my most favorite part of our tour, in which by the way I truly enjoyed all throughout, and that is the trekking to Kabigan Falls.

Because for someone who loves the views of the mountains and its forests more than its beaches, I did not hesitate when Kuya Ryan had asked me if this time I will join them.

Of course! I said yes right away! Plus, I was so excited! And who cares about the cold rain and strong winds. Deep inside, I was entirely looking forward to it.

  TEAM TIYA DELY

The trekking took for about 30-45 minutes on the way to the falls, but it would also depend on your own pace. And I was so grateful enough that my left knee had just gotten better before my Ilocos Trip because I was finally able to walk properly.

Anyway, it was truly a fun experience, and I really enjoyed the views of our surrounding areas that I was just feeling giddy with such overwhelming happiness inside. And upon arrival at the Kabigan Falls, I just couldn’t help myself that I was shouting at the top of my lungs, and paused for one moment to pray and give thanks for the opportunity to see such a beautiful place. Plus, to also asked forgiveness to Mother Nature for shouting inside the forests because what I did there was entirely careless on my part.

You do know what I’m talking about right?

TEAM ILOCOS

Since it was still raining and already way beyond lunchtime, we’ve only stayed there for about 20 minutes to take some pictures, absorb the views of the area, and finally head back.

Back to the main site, a huge feast of delicious and home-cooked meals was already waiting for us, and even though that the house looks old, but such an ambiance was truly perfect. For the way we were closely gathered made us all look like a one big happy family living in a small and cozy house. After that, we stayed there for a coffee break since it was still raining outside. Then move forward to our next stopover, which was also one of my favorites from my previous trip to Ilocos, and that is the Patapat Bridge.

KABIGAN FALLS

By the way, I was supposed to recreate the photo that I took there back in September 2016, but the weather and strong winds outside made it a bit difficult for me to do it. Oh Well.

So instead, I just took some photos of the area, and also with Ate Arge and Ate Isa. Then stayed there for a little bit to just stand there, and take it all in the beauty of that area. Because for one moment, I thought that we were on the coastal road of Big Sur. For it’s such a dream of mine to visit that place, and being there, made it seemed like a dream come true.

TAKEN DURING MY FIRST TRIP TO ILOCOS

    For the last league of our tour, it was a visit to Blue Lagoon. But for the reason that the weather was not on our side, we only stayed inside the van and it was only Ate Arge, Ate Jane, Gladys and Almer who took the time to swim at the beach and insanely enjoy the waves.

And as for me, I just stayed in the van, watching a new Thor movie, but after a few scenes, I was not enjoying it. So I turned on my music playlist and just look at the views outside while contemplating a lot of things in my mind.

After staying at the Blue Lagoon for about an hour, we’ve decided to head back way too earlier than what we’ve planned at the hotel. Then took a short rest and eventually went out again from our rooms for our dinner.

Moreover, I would definitely say that it was a wonderful evening. For as a group, we’ve decided once again to eat our dinner together. So aside from the fact that it was one heck of a feast, we also had a great time talking to one another and enjoying each others company while drinking some wine and other alcoholic beverages. A team that in just a short period of time, had truly grown on me, and knew since then that I would surely miss when I get back home.

TEAM ILOCOS

BLUE LAGOON, PAGUDPUD

And that’s all for now, and will share with you in my next blog post the highlights of our 3rd and last day in Ilocos.

Thank you so much for reading.

DINNER TOGETHER AS A GROUP

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TEAM TIYA DELY

  (ALL GROUP PHOTOS BELONGS TO ATE ARGE, KUYA RYAN, EDS, ATE JANE AND GLADYS)

The Road Back to Ilocos: Rain or Shine the Tour Must Go On “To travel is also an education itself. The never-ending search for learning of what makes us all different and similar from one another.” –Jassy…

[quirkyjasmine89]

“To travel back to a place for the second time around is not just about exploring but also having the chance of being acquainted with to some old and new friends, and make new unforgettable memories along that journey.” –Jassy

Calle Crisologo, Vigan

I’ve always loved the idea of returning to a place that I’ve once visited. And Ilocos Sur and Norte are definitely one of them.

So why did I came back?

Well, it was more of an invitation from a good friend of mine that I’ve met in Sagada named Ate Arge. And if you’ve read my “That Place Called Sagada” blog posts, then you’ll have an idea on how truly enjoyable and memorable that trip was for me; something that I think about every now and then because I’m still longing to go back.

Calle Crisologo Before Sunrise

Anyway back to the travel diary of my second trip to Ilocos. I honestly had no idea that I would be able to visit that region again. Because there are so many places that I still wanted to see and explore. But I guess fate had its own plans. The thing is that our first choice was to visit Bicol. However, due to the recent volcanic eruption of Mount Mayon, Ate Arge had decided to change the location of our tour to Ilocos. In which she had also asked me if it was okay since I’ve already been there. And so I said yes, and that I also volunteered to be the one who will be making the arrangements for the upcoming trip.

So I called Travel Ventours, (the same travel agency who’ve handled our Sagada Tour), in order to start booking our reservations. It was supposed to be a private tour, but since a lot of those we’ve invited couldn’t commit, Ate Arge, Ate Isa, and I had opted for the joiners or scheduled tour.

And after almost two months of making some calls and inquiries to the said travel agency, we were officially days away from our scheduled trip, which was on April 5-8, 2018. Plus, we got so lucky because a day before my flight going to Metro Manila, I’ve received a text message from Travel Ventours that our assigned tour driver was going to be Kuya Ryan Asilo, the one that we’ve met during our Sagada tour back in December 2017. In a way, it made us so grateful because we’re already acquainted with him.

TEAM ILOCOS

Moving forward, I’ve arrived in Metro Manila on April 5, 2018, the day that we were scheduled to be picked-up by Kuya Ryan Asilo. Then from the airport, I went straight ahead to Ate Arge’s house, since we’ve planned to go together to our assigned meeting place which was in Ayala South Malls, Alabang. Well, we were actually a bit early, but Kuya Ryan was a bit late due to a conflict of schedule in his work, and thank God it was sorted out. I think he arrived at the mall at 7pm. Plus, he had to be in a hurry since he still has other guests to pick-up in Mall of Asia and SM Mega Mall. And despite the fact that we’ve arrived there a bit later than scheduled, such guests were quite patient and understanding enough towards him. But there was a particular guest who wasn’t able to join our group because he couldn’t be reached thru his given phone number, so such payments made by that person was already forfeited. That instead of 11 joiners, we were officially narrowed down to 10 travelers for the Ilocos Tour.

I think it was around 10pm that we’ve departed from Metro Manila, and arrived in Vigan, Ilocos Sur at 5am; which was just in time for us to witness the beauty of Calle Crisologo during night time or before sunrise.

After that, we went to the Hidden Garden for our early breakfast, and as expected, it was entirely crowded that I knew that I had to eat first because for sure later on, its comfort rooms were going to be bombarded with such long lines, and I needed to make sure that I’m a bit earlier to use it for personal purposes.

For our next activity, it was a visit to Baluarte. In which almost everyone in our group went inside except for me, mommy Carol, and Kuya Ryan. So while everyone was busy exploring, we were just inside the van chatting to one another except for him because he was taking a short nap, and eventually went outside. And since I’ve already been there, I’ve decided to stay behind because I was so tired from the lack of sleep, and also to accompany mommy Carol for she finds it too physically exhausting to go there, and was trying to make sure that she doesn’t feel so alone, and that she has someone to talk to.

After an hour of staying at Baluarte, we went to Bantay Watch Tower and were there for about 30 minutes before moving on to our next road trip, which was going to Ilocos Norte. And while on the road, we’ve had the chance to take a short stopover into such two local souvenir shops that sell its local delicacies. It was more of a free taste, something that they tend to give to their tourist/visitors, so that they may already have an idea as to what they might want to buy during their souvenir shopping on their 3rd and last day in Ilocos before heading back home.

BALUARTE

BANTAY WATCHTOWER AND JUAN LUNA SHRINE

The road trip to Ilocos Norte took for about two hours, and for our first stop it was the Juan Luna Shrine, and then head off to St. Augustine Church in Paoay for our lunch break.

I must say, it was such a hot and humid day, yet definitely a fun one. For I had a great time talking and laughing with my fellow travelers. However after lunch, while my fellow Team Ilocos were roaming around outside the church, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep within the stairs outside its restaurants, and had no idea that they were already looking for me! And I was so embarrassed upon arrival inside the van that I apologized right away for being late. Oh well.

TEAM TIYA DELY AT PAOAY CHURCH

THE PAOAY SAND DUNES 4X4 ADVENTURE

Afterward, we went to Paoay Sand Dunes for the 4×4 ride experience, in which by the way I already did during my first trip there. So it was only Ate Arge, Ate Jane, Eds, Almer, and Gladys who’ve decided to go for it while the rest of the group stayed inside the van. But as for me, I went outside, took a nap under the tree, and it was such a very relaxing experience. Especially when you get to see the light of the sun connects into the leaves of the trees that makes it such a peaceful and serene sight to see.

We were there for almost two hours, and then move forward to the Malacañang of the North, and stayed there for about 45 minutes.

Then went back on the road from Paoay all the way to Laoag City and Pagudpud. So it was more like a 2 hours road trip. Plus, the journey going there was actually quite fun since Kuya Ryan had a built-in Karaoke inside the van, so we were busy singing tons of old songs, plus we were entirely amazed of Ate Jane’s beautiful voice.

MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH

And for our last tour of the day, it was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. However, our time of arrival was entirely late, so we weren’t able to go inside, and what the rest of the group did was that they took a photo outside of the area.

While on our way to Pagudpud, we’ve had an unexpected short stopover near the Bangui Windmill and had the time to be acquainted with to one of the most persistent, but entirely charming kids who lives near that area.

But before we went into town to checked-in at our assigned hotel, we’ve also had the chance to dropped-by at a local restaurant that sells one of the best local Empanadas in the area. Seriously, it was so delicious, and the way it was cooked was definitely well crafted, and everyone really had a wonderful time eating their very own empanadas.

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

I think it was around 7pm, when we’ve finally arrived at the 3M’s Place Resort and Restaurant, and went straight ahead to our assigned rooms in order to freshen up and take a bath. Then went back to the lobby to meet the rest of the group because some of them were in a drinking session. But for the reason that I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, I was just there, sitting and chatting with them. And afterward, we all went back to our rooms way too earlier than we’ve already planned since everyone was so exhausted, and just wanted to sleep right away.

So that’s how our first day in Ilocos had turned out to be.

And will definitely keep you posted of my travel diary with regards to our next two days of exploring.

Thank you so much for reading.

TEAM TIYA DELY

(BY THE WAY, ALL GROUP PHOTOS BELONGS TO ATE ARGE, KUYA RYAN, GLADYS, EDS, AND ATE JANE).

The Road Back to Ilocos: The First Day of Touring and Getting Familiar All Over Again “To travel back to a place for the second time around is not just about exploring but also having the chance of being acquainted with to some old and new friends, and make new unforgettable memories along that journey.” –Jassy…

[quirkyjasmine89]

Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho: 18 Selected Inspiring Thoughts.

Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho: 18 Selected Inspiring Thoughts.

For this blog of mine, I’m going to share with you those quotes that I’ve highlighted while reading Paulo Coelho’s Manuscript Found in Accra. In which by the way, I’m also grateful that I’ve read this at the right time when I needed such inspiring and profound thoughts to help me feel calm and at ease. For such insights shared in this book about everything in life gave me such strength to…

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“You is Kind... You is Smart... You is Important...” -The Help by Kathryn Sockett Good Morning! 😊✌🏻☕️📖☘️💐 . . . . . . #bookstagram #tea #coffeeshop #instagood #inspirationalquotes #instagram #thehelp #kathrynsockett

[quirkyjasmine89]

Interrupt anxiety with GRATITUDE and start your day with a SMILE. Moreover, if you can’t find the sunshine, then do your best to be the sunshine in your life. Good Morning! 😊✌🏻☕️☘️💐

[quirkyjasmine89]

Lately, I’ve been going for jeans and T-shirt’s that it’s been awhile since I’ve dressed like this. 😂✌🏻 (at Hugo Sky Lounge)

[quirkyjasmine89]

When one is feeling anxious and restless. Find a quiet spot and look for something in there that eases your mind. Cause even for one moment, you should learn to rest when you are also feeling tired; but know this - never quit and never give up. Whatever it is that you are going through. You can overcome it. Just keep the faith and pray for it wholeheartedly. Good Morning and Hello Monday! 😊✌🏻☕️☘️💐

[quirkyjasmine89]

Been looking for this Oolong tea for quite sometime and I’ve finally found this here during the Kuyamis Festival of Misamis Oriental. Moreover, so proud to try this locally produced product of Gingoog City. Oh for the love of drinking tea! 😍☕️👍🏻

[quirkyjasmine89]

  In continuation of sharing with you the story of our trip in Vietnam, we are officially down to the fifth and last day of our exploring there.

So when the day had finally come for us to get ready and pack our things in preparation for our journey back to the Philippines. Fatimah and I were both feeling kind of emotional because we still can’t believe that it was almost over. And to make the most out of the time that was already left on our stay there, the first thing that we did was to enjoy the last few moments of eating at the hotel’s breakfast hall – taking it all in the ambiance of the area, greeting our fellow travelers, and of course, looking out once more the amazing view of Hanoi city specifically the Hoan Kiem Lake.

Since we still have time before checking out, we’ve decided to visit once again the Hoan Kiem Lake, and just sit at its nearby benches, and enjoy the view while drinking some lemon juice and taking some pictures. After that, we walked for about 10-15 minutes to go to the “Kem Trang Tien”, a small factory that sells a locally produced ice cream. And I must say, their ice cream is definitely not too sweet, but it tastes so delicious, and despite the lack of its artificial flavors, it didn’t actually hurt my tonsils at all, especially since we’ve tried a variety of its different flavors.

Then at 11:30am, we were back at the hotel to check out, and leave our baggage in the lobby since we’ve requested Mr. Henry Nguyen that we would like our driver to arrive at 6pm. So we still have the whole afternoon to explore again.

For our lunch, we went exploring at the old quarter to find and try the world famous Banh Mi 25, and all the walking that we did in order to find that place was definitely worth it because their sandwich tastes so yummy. However, the place was a bit crowded for the reason that there were tons of foreigners who were also familiar with the popularity of this French Baguettes. So it’s a good thing that we were able to get a table. Plus, I had the chance to meet the new owner of this third-generation family business.

We were there at Banh Mi 25 for more than an hour, and then we’ve continued our exploring from the old quarter all the way to the St. Joseph Cathedral. At first glance, we thought that we were in France because of the European ambiance of the area which makes it also a very enchanting site to visit.

For the rest of the afternoon, my younger sister and I just walked around the other side of the French quarter all way back to the Hoan Kiem District. It was really exhausting, but we didn’t mind because in a few hours, we will be on our way to the airport and we just want to absorb every surrounding that we would see in Hanoi. Then in the late afternoon, we took the time to take a short break at a certain overlooking café near the HM Boutique Hotel and ordered some take-outs at the Popeye’s for our dinner later at the airport.

And as I’ve already written from my previous blog, it’s kind of hard to believe that our stay in Vietnam only took for about five days. Because it tends to feel like we’ve stayed there for a number of weeks.

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  After that, we were back at the hotel to take our luggage and wait for the car that would transport us back to Noi Bai International Airport. And while waiting, both of us had given our deepest gratitude to Mr. Henry Nguyen (Manager), and also to all the hotel’s staff for the wonderful customer service that they have given to us during our stay at the HM Boutique Hotel, and for that, we will surely miss them. So if you’re looking for a wonderful place to stay in your upcoming visit to Vietnam, I would definitely recommend this hotel for its one of the best spots to stay in Hanoi. Just don’t forget what I’ve noted about it during our first day there.

Then we were on our way to the airport and had arrived there at 7pm. The thing is that the journey should only take for about 40 minutes. But due to the heavy traffic, it took us for more than an hour just to get there.

It was still an early evening, so we took our free time by sorting out and making sure that we won’t have an excess baggage. Then ate our dinner, and had taken some short naps while waiting for the check-in counters for the Cebu Pacific airline to open.

And while we were also there, we’ve discovered something new about the culture and the people of Vietnam, and that is when a family member would go abroad, (either as an overseas worker or an exchange student). You will be surprised to know that a lot of people will send him/her off at the airport, and I’m not just talking about their immediate family members, but also the extended ones – the close friends, and if possible, including the neighbors. It’s like the whole town was actually there. Although that kind of culture is somewhat similar in the Philippines. But the surprising part is that these people love to bring tons of foods with some utensils (including kitchen knives!). Just shows that their airport isn’t that strict when it comes to their security. Something that I don’t usually get to see back home.

Anyway, we’ve also had the chance to converse with a certain Vietnamese Family, who were also there to send off their younger sibling because he will be working in Japan for about three years. They were very friendly, and from our conversations, I’ve learned that the Vietnamese are the kind of people who love to live in peace, and that is why it is so rare for them to hear some activist that opposes their government, but nevertheless, they truly trust its leadership. In which case, I can sort of agree.

By the way, in case that there’s a possibility that a particular Vietnamese local would give you something like some food, please accept it graciously even if you don’t want to. Because the Vietnamese are known for that, and in doing so would somewhat be an impolite thing to do.

Also, it was a very exhausting night while waiting for our flight back to the Philippines. But from the moment that we were officially on board, and were ready to take off, I was tearfully emotional. For I still can’t believe that the trip was definitely over.

Moreover, I’m also grateful to God for making our journey a very memorable and safer one. Bringing with us also all the unforgettable experiences that we’ve gained from there. Including those people that we’ve met, and making us believe the importance of being content in life, the love for our family, and showing us the passion of patriotism to our very own country. Something that we’ve bought with us back home, and wanted to share with our fellow countrymen.

For our next trip, I hope and pray that we would be able to gain more insights and learnings just as much as we did from all those previous travels that we’ve already made.

I guess that shows that the more you travel, the more you will realize how small and different we truly are from one another.

As I finish writing the story of our trip, I would like to dedicate and say my heartfelt gratitude to our friends and family who’ve been giving me and my sister their all-out and 100% support, especially to my parents. Moreover, a special mentioned to a friend of mine that I’ve met in Taiwan, Aleks Paat. I just wanna say thank you so much for all your help in sharing with us your tips and insights about Vietnam especially for being so accommodating to all of my inquiries during those months of planning. Again, Maraming Salamat!

And course, I want to say a big thank you to my younger sister Ray2x for choosing to come with me and be a part of this unforgettable experience. Seriously manghod, I’m so grateful for the all the patience that you’ve given me specifically during those times that I was acting way more anxious, and for that, I’ am truly sorry. But nevertheless, I’ am so proud of the success that we’ve achieved on this trip because it had made everything so worth it, and I’m so looking forward to exploring and seeing more places with you, my dear sister. Love yah!

Well, that’s it, the story of our exploring to one of the most awesome places in Southeast Asia. Next to the Philippines of course!

  Cam On Rat Nhieu Vietnam!

(Thank You So Much Vietnam)

Till we meet again!

  Plus, thank you so much for reading the Vietnam Project Series!

God Bless!

    DAY 1: The Vietnam Project: First Day in Hanoi

DAY 2: The Vietnam Project: Halong Bay Tour

DAY 3: The Vietnam Project: Hanoi Free Tour Guides

DAY 4: The Vietnam Project: Day Tour to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

  The Vietnam Project: Last Day in Hanoi In continuation of sharing with you the story of our trip in Vietnam, we are officially down to the fifth and last day of our exploring there.

[quirkyjasmine89]

When I got lost while cycling around the countryside of Northern Vietnam. (at Tam Côc, Ninh Bình, Vietnam)

[quirkyjasmine89]

When music and tea perfectly blends together during this rainy Monday morning... 😍👍🏻☕️🎧

[quirkyjasmine89]

#2017bestnine It’s been an emotional year but still full of unexpected blessings. Which makes me entirely grateful to God for everything. Moreover, I’m so looking forward to more books to read... more places to see... And more memories to treasure... Thank You 2017! 😊✌🏻

[quirkyjasmine89]

So sweet and yummy! More Avocado Ice Cream Please! 😍👍🏻🍦🥑 @Nenecitas Sorbetes (Homemade Ice Cream)

[quirkyjasmine89]

It’s nice to be back here... 😍👍🏻