I just came back from Athens, Greece last Tuesday. Was there for the weekend, meeting last Monday, and some free time I invested in some 'hiking' up to the Acropolis with Boss G who happens to love Athens and seems to see it just like how it was thousands of years ago. No, he actually doesn't just love it, he knows almost EVERYTHING by heart and being the non-culural/history-dumb that I am, he surely was a great help in realising that these are not just merely ruins, but they were beautiful temples with very interesting histories, built manually and used to look perfect in every sense.
It served as a total human experience for me. Athens in its wholeness is not a very desireable place to live in - with the foreign language, the sidewalk vendors, kids selling stuff - and I mean STUFF like worthless things. It sure is cheaper there, weather is warmer, with the famous ruins nearby but I must admit I fell in love with my experience, not only with the place. One of the best trips I ever had, quite relaxed for a business trip, with people whose company I really enjoy and not to mention the fabulous designer hotel we stayed in. I really felt kind of sad when we were about to leave, I was *this* close to crying. But, as Boss G said, we still have the next one - Spain! :)
Friday, July 13, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I am obviously MIA again. I am busy + super lazy, I must admit - not a very ideal tandem I should say.
As mentioned in my past entry, I went to Florence, which is just to die for - except that there are too many sidewalk vendors selling fake designer bags and sunglasses, especially around Sta. Maria Fiore Cathedral. Oftentimes, it felt like I was walking through the streets of Quiapo. And once the police did their normal rounds, vendors ran away with their goods and hid behind the ancient buildings of the city centre. It honestly felt like Manila all over again... But the chance of MY lifetime is having this private tour at the Uffizi (Offices) Gallery, where original paintings of Boticelli, Caravaggio and the likes are displayed. Private tour meaning we can stay at each work of art and take multiple pictures of it even if it is prohibited. I don't really know anything about these European art and shit, but when I saw this 'Birth of Venus' painting, I was just starstruck. It's like seeing Angelina Jolie walk past by me. I was actually joking that perhaps, my dead lolo is probably dying in envy right at that very moment. He was an artist. Anyway, it is an experience worth remembering, really.
Well, since my very common hiatus habit, I also went to Belgium and braved to drink beer with 10% alcohol content per bottle. Now, I did not drink more than one because - well just because we had to walk from the microbrewery to our b&b (which is absolutley gorgeous, btw), we already had drinks during dinner - but I must admit I was really bangenge. One thing I really like about myself is that I can still maintain my poise even when drunk. I can straighten up my walk and myself for that matter, until I reach my solitude and realise that I am indeed drunk. Anyway, Belgium is the best beer country in the world - not Germany - and yes it is true indeed. They produce over 500 kinds of beers, and they drink them with different kinds of glasses. Yes, different kind of glass for each kind of beer. Must be difficult to work in a microbrewery, huh? Went around Brussels, which is not very special in my point of view. Too modern and all. We stayed in Leuven which is just wonderful. Almost all houses and buildings are made of bricks. I felt like I was in an old village or something.
Our next stop is Athens and I am so looking forward to it, to the point that I am getting pretty afraid to be disappointed. The place we'll be staying in is a designer hotel which is cheaper in comparison to other hotels around Europe. I AM SO DYING TO BE IN ATHENS this summer. :)
___
And so now, I am at the office, being lazy and sleepy. I still have classes tonight. Lady boss told me that my German has really improved. Guess I can actually learn it better if only I'd be more serious about it. I just feel that I am not so good with languages, but whatever. I'll be better... i'll be better...
__
I'm too lazy to post pictures of my trip not so many, really). I haven't shown them to anyone else actually, except for the ones posted on my friendster (friendster shots, haha!). Well, if I have the time and will power then I'll probably do that this weekend.
As mentioned in my past entry, I went to Florence, which is just to die for - except that there are too many sidewalk vendors selling fake designer bags and sunglasses, especially around Sta. Maria Fiore Cathedral. Oftentimes, it felt like I was walking through the streets of Quiapo. And once the police did their normal rounds, vendors ran away with their goods and hid behind the ancient buildings of the city centre. It honestly felt like Manila all over again... But the chance of MY lifetime is having this private tour at the Uffizi (Offices) Gallery, where original paintings of Boticelli, Caravaggio and the likes are displayed. Private tour meaning we can stay at each work of art and take multiple pictures of it even if it is prohibited. I don't really know anything about these European art and shit, but when I saw this 'Birth of Venus' painting, I was just starstruck. It's like seeing Angelina Jolie walk past by me. I was actually joking that perhaps, my dead lolo is probably dying in envy right at that very moment. He was an artist. Anyway, it is an experience worth remembering, really.
Well, since my very common hiatus habit, I also went to Belgium and braved to drink beer with 10% alcohol content per bottle. Now, I did not drink more than one because - well just because we had to walk from the microbrewery to our b&b (which is absolutley gorgeous, btw), we already had drinks during dinner - but I must admit I was really bangenge. One thing I really like about myself is that I can still maintain my poise even when drunk. I can straighten up my walk and myself for that matter, until I reach my solitude and realise that I am indeed drunk. Anyway, Belgium is the best beer country in the world - not Germany - and yes it is true indeed. They produce over 500 kinds of beers, and they drink them with different kinds of glasses. Yes, different kind of glass for each kind of beer. Must be difficult to work in a microbrewery, huh? Went around Brussels, which is not very special in my point of view. Too modern and all. We stayed in Leuven which is just wonderful. Almost all houses and buildings are made of bricks. I felt like I was in an old village or something.
Our next stop is Athens and I am so looking forward to it, to the point that I am getting pretty afraid to be disappointed. The place we'll be staying in is a designer hotel which is cheaper in comparison to other hotels around Europe. I AM SO DYING TO BE IN ATHENS this summer. :)
___
And so now, I am at the office, being lazy and sleepy. I still have classes tonight. Lady boss told me that my German has really improved. Guess I can actually learn it better if only I'd be more serious about it. I just feel that I am not so good with languages, but whatever. I'll be better... i'll be better...
__
I'm too lazy to post pictures of my trip not so many, really). I haven't shown them to anyone else actually, except for the ones posted on my friendster (friendster shots, haha!). Well, if I have the time and will power then I'll probably do that this weekend.
Friday, April 13, 2007
gone are the winter days! we're finally experiencing 20's C weather and I am so happy. Weather plays a crucial role in my everyday life - moods, dependability, quickness in thinking, heck even clothing!
I've been gone for a while (again!). I was crazy busy the past months. 7 months and a salary increase later, I still feel blessed and happy with what I am doing. No, I am far from living the perfect life - we're never satisfied, are we? I still feel that 'outsider' feeling even if I only have praises for my workmates. Sometimes it's just hard to blend in. But I am grateful to have a few precious people interested enough to listen to me, or to talk to me. I think in this case I really don't need to try so hard. It's about the quality, not the quantity as they say. I am not really aching to please the whole Viennese population, but sometimes it also pays to be 'included'.
__
I am travelling to Florence this Sunday. Honestly, I am not so fond of travelling because I hate packing - esp the part where I have to think about what to wear for the next 4 days. God, it takes me hours to contemplate for a day's outfit (this is something I inherited from my dad). So imagine the stress I have while packing. On the other hand, I have learned to like it. I have adopted travelling - it's my new love. I don't know much about the European what-have-yous, but i have appreciated the fact that I actually go to these places and a lot of people can't. I also like being away for a while. Don't get me wrong of course I love being with my kids but we all need some time to breathe - space, solitude.
__
i finally gained the courage to speak German on a regular basis with lady boss. I feel that a huge barrier has been removed and i have much less inhibition to speak it. As she said, i should start at some point - and that point has already started. I feel a certain kind of accomplishment by the mere fact that I have more confidence to speak it, as part of my daily life.
___
Enrolled myself in a fitness center. Yes, I wanna tire myself all the more.
I've been gone for a while (again!). I was crazy busy the past months. 7 months and a salary increase later, I still feel blessed and happy with what I am doing. No, I am far from living the perfect life - we're never satisfied, are we? I still feel that 'outsider' feeling even if I only have praises for my workmates. Sometimes it's just hard to blend in. But I am grateful to have a few precious people interested enough to listen to me, or to talk to me. I think in this case I really don't need to try so hard. It's about the quality, not the quantity as they say. I am not really aching to please the whole Viennese population, but sometimes it also pays to be 'included'.
__
I am travelling to Florence this Sunday. Honestly, I am not so fond of travelling because I hate packing - esp the part where I have to think about what to wear for the next 4 days. God, it takes me hours to contemplate for a day's outfit (this is something I inherited from my dad). So imagine the stress I have while packing. On the other hand, I have learned to like it. I have adopted travelling - it's my new love. I don't know much about the European what-have-yous, but i have appreciated the fact that I actually go to these places and a lot of people can't. I also like being away for a while. Don't get me wrong of course I love being with my kids but we all need some time to breathe - space, solitude.
__
i finally gained the courage to speak German on a regular basis with lady boss. I feel that a huge barrier has been removed and i have much less inhibition to speak it. As she said, i should start at some point - and that point has already started. I feel a certain kind of accomplishment by the mere fact that I have more confidence to speak it, as part of my daily life.
___
Enrolled myself in a fitness center. Yes, I wanna tire myself all the more.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Happy New Year to all!!!
My Christmas was so-so, I spent the eve alone. It was just like any other ordinary day. It's actually good to have this space once in a while...
As for the new year, well my MIL is here and i will surely celebrate it with my husband's relatives. I honestly prefer to be alone, but you know...
___
I had a haircut last night, and changed my haircolor for what seemed to be a makeover. For years i have been sporting this reddish-brown-with-copper-ish-highlights hair. I decided to go for reddish black. Well, it turned out to be really black. I am not used to it yet, it's not so bad actually but i just looked softer with the brown color. I also have fringes now, but i retained my actual hair length (shoulder length). New look for the new year!
__
I called up G last night to greet him. Before my vacation leave, we talked, and I think he feels sad for me because I am alone for the holidays. He reminded me that I have a friend in him, and that I can always call him up if ever I am really in dire need of someone to talk to. He is just a super nice man. I couldn't ask anything more for a boss, who always believes in me and who always appreciates everything that I do, plus more. He's almost like a parent to me. If there are more people like him, then this world will surely be a better place to live in.
__
In less than 2 weeks, the hubby and the kids are going to be back. I actually am enjoying my solitude, don't get me wrong :) but you know, getting up whenever I want, eating whenever and whatever... but I am excited to see them.
__
I started my post-christmas shopping, because almost everything is on sale! Gosh, I felt like I was in a paradise when I went in to the stores last wednesday. This is my favorite time of the year.
My Christmas was so-so, I spent the eve alone. It was just like any other ordinary day. It's actually good to have this space once in a while...
As for the new year, well my MIL is here and i will surely celebrate it with my husband's relatives. I honestly prefer to be alone, but you know...
___
I had a haircut last night, and changed my haircolor for what seemed to be a makeover. For years i have been sporting this reddish-brown-with-copper-ish-highlights hair. I decided to go for reddish black. Well, it turned out to be really black. I am not used to it yet, it's not so bad actually but i just looked softer with the brown color. I also have fringes now, but i retained my actual hair length (shoulder length). New look for the new year!
__
I called up G last night to greet him. Before my vacation leave, we talked, and I think he feels sad for me because I am alone for the holidays. He reminded me that I have a friend in him, and that I can always call him up if ever I am really in dire need of someone to talk to. He is just a super nice man. I couldn't ask anything more for a boss, who always believes in me and who always appreciates everything that I do, plus more. He's almost like a parent to me. If there are more people like him, then this world will surely be a better place to live in.
__
In less than 2 weeks, the hubby and the kids are going to be back. I actually am enjoying my solitude, don't get me wrong :) but you know, getting up whenever I want, eating whenever and whatever... but I am excited to see them.
__
I started my post-christmas shopping, because almost everything is on sale! Gosh, I felt like I was in a paradise when I went in to the stores last wednesday. This is my favorite time of the year.
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