Meeting Friends and Family

remembering this day on 9/17/2017

On my last day in Texas, we spent it meeting family and friends. I am relieved that they were nice and welcoming. It would really be a pleasure to meet them again.

But one thing I noticed, I do not know if there was a prior arrangement that I am not aware of, but in the households that we visited, invitation to dinner was not forthcoming much, even just for snacks. Or maybe, it is just a truly Filipino trait that in whoever house's we go to, the first thing that is offered is a light snack, or whatever meal is served at that particular time (e.g., breakfast, lunch, or dinner). I am just wondering, is it really like that in all places? Anyways, all in all, I had fun spending time with each other on my last day here.

Cool Texas designed pancake breakfast =)

Friend in an Unlikely Place

remembering this day on 9/17/2017

And out of nowhere, a friend of mine sent me a message asking where in Texas I am after reading a post in Facebook. It was a happy surprise to find out that we were at the same place at the same time! So that meant only one thing - meet up! =)

She brought me to Hooters (woot woot!), which I have heard of before. I did not think though that I would get a chance to eat at this place. Like usual, the food serving was really huge that I could only consume half of it. At the end, we asked to have it packed. It was a surprise, and a new experience, to be given a pack where I can put the food I want to take out. In the Philippines, if you say you want the leftovers packed, they take it from the table and pack it from the kitchen. I see that it is different here.

Aside from this new experience, I am so glad to meet my friend whom I last saw in our last day of Spanish class about five years ago, just before she moved to the US. It is a happy coincidence that we were at the same time at the same place that we look at it as a blessing.

Yummy quesadillas! I do love Mexican food.

Later, my friend and I went to a mall and I realized that this American mall is big but spread out, unlike Philippine malls that have at least four to five stories. We were looking for my postcards but could not find one, even in the card shop. As we were walking along the hallway, a guy hailed us to ask if we want to have our hair fixed. Of course, because the two of us were not interested, we politely declined but this guy said, "Filipina, Filipina, let me do your hair." And I was like, this is the second time that these people has correctly identified me as Filipino. I guess I really do look like one, or they are just used to seeing Filipinos. In Norway, I was mistaken for a Latina and in Korea, I was once been mistaken as American. Hahaha. That was so funny!

P.S. Still trying to drink lots of fluid because of my colds!

Burger and Star Wars

remembering this day on 9/17/2017


As promised, dinner was to this Star Wars inspired restaurant near Fort Hood. It was such a treat because I have been told of this for quite sometime now and I was looking forward to just enjoying the place.

My company was the best, the food was great, and the place makes me happy. Therefore, it was a great night (even though I really have a bad colds coming!).

 The Galaxy Burgers Breakfast is such a cozy place where one can just relax...

... and good food (notice the cut burger and dipped into-nachos, could not wait to start eating before remembering to take a picture first).

And before the night ended, we had fun looking at stuff at the supermarket (HEB). Even got an R2D2 toy at the children's section. LOL... and of course, I had to buy one stack of bottled water to keep me hydrated due to the cold weather and my incoming colds..


(For me to remember it by, the hotel we stayed in for the duration of my Texas stay was the Quality Inn).

Happy in San Antonio

remembering this day on 9/16/2017

view of San Antonio from the air last night

Finally arrived in San Antonio late last night and was picked up by the person I wanted to be with for the longest time. It was a happy moment and will never, ever be forgotten. It was not a mistake to do this. Thank you, Lord. It was special.

Today, we played tourists starting with brunch at a Puerto Rican place. Had a taste of their fare which is almost similar to ours, especially the pork lechon. It was good food and would love to go back there again. Next stop was at the Alamo, the site of Texan independence fight from the Mexicans. The site was first a mission and occupied by the Texans for thirteen days. The displays in the site showed the weapons used at that time and how living conditions were, especially the sick bay. It also displayed how the fight for independence affected the lives of the people under siege at that time. It was so sad. Truly, there are no winners in wars.

Yummy brunch at La Luna Rosa in San Antonio

Entrance to one of the buildings inside the Alamo complex

Here is another large cactus. I was careful to give some distance from this plant this time.

After our Alamo stop, we walked towards the Riverwalk, one of the places I wanted to see because it was featured once in The Little Couple. I am a fan, so I just wanted to see the place they went to, as well. LOL.

A view of the River Walk

But the most important thing we did today was go to Mass at the San Fernando Cathedral. This was pretty special because today is also the first Sunday of Advent and that we got a blessing from the presiding priest. I would like to think that this special day is a gift of God and a blessing.

Celebrating the first Advent at the San Fernando Cathedral with a blessing

Thank you, Lord.

(For me to remember it by, the hotel we stayed in for the night was the Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Airport).

A Half-Day in LA

remembering this day on 9/15/2017

The trip last night back to LA with my Uncle, Aunty and nth degree cousins  was long due to traffic but I'm glad to have a room to myself and I slept really well. This afternoon, they will be taking me to LAX for my flight to San Antonio for the next leg of my trip. But before that, I got to enjoy their company.

Breakfast was truly a Filipino fare with tuyo and rice (yum!). All I can say is, my Uncle's home feels like just any other Filipino home and it was comforting. After breakfast, I went with them to this Flea Market where my cousin spent her time looking for old stuff (just like the things the Pickers would buy) to decorate her home with. As for me, I had fun just looking around and experiencing the moment. I just did not find anything I like that would make me buy but there were cool things there, like the old typewriter with the maker's signature handcrafted on the lid, or the whip made of pure leather (the design was neat). My aunt bought me a pomegranate because I was interested. I did not know that that fruit could be as big as double my fist! Unfortunately, I was not able to even taste it because we had forgotten about it during lunch at home. If only I had space in my bag, I would have brought it with me to Texas. Oh well, maybe next time.

the flea market was near this place. unfortunately, I truly forgot what it is really called

New discovery was a Hawaiian place in Carson called Poke something (if you're Filipino, you would cringe from the word because it sounds to mean something else). I was curious about it, I saw that it was just like ceviche or kinilaw. It tasted okay but unlike my cousin, I did not see what the fuss was all about because to me, it kinda tasted like any other kinilaw I've tasted, even the tuna. Oh well, to each his own, I guess.

First view of LAX. Feels like I was in the set of NCIS LA. LOL.

Waiting for my flight to San Antonio. This airport is so huge!

A Day in the Old Town

remembering this day on 9/16/2017

Last night was a pretty happy moment - it was Thanksgiving Day and I get to meet my cousins and their families, and getting to know them a little better. There was a huge buffet dinner that we all attempted to consume! LOL. It was a feast and most of the fare was very Filipino. Anyways, after all the fun, I decided to stay overnight at one of my cousin's place. It was also a treat to spend time with her, specially since I only met her once years ago and at that time, we did not even get to talk much but now, we had the whole night to get to know each other. It is really great because even she's way older than me, it seemed we liked the same books and tv shows. These things must really run in the family. LOL.

And today, I had a nice treat from her, as suggested by one of our aunts. Ate took me to San Diego's Old Town and it was fun to see some Gold Rush stuff. They preserved some buildings, including the Whaley House which they say is haunted. I love the old Catholic Church and I was glad to be able to go inside and say a thanksgiving prayer. I also liked the place where they have one of the first Wells Fargo carriage that carried the gold bars from the mines. It was amazing! And then, there was also the Casa de Pedrorena which is close to my heart - they sell gems and rocks and maps, and other stuff with geologic significance. That was really cool.

But I really had a cactus scare. I was trying to pose hands up under a large cactus when my fingers accidentally hit once of its spine. It felt numb for a while and I was worried that I do not have an anti-allergy meds with me. Fortunately, the numbness went away after a while.

Lunch was also really good. I ordered a sampler and I was so surprised to have a really large plate of food in front of me, not counting our extra order of tortillas! I forgot that American servings are really large, but it was really good so I think I was able to consume half of it. I would definitely come back if given the chance.

Different kind of Mexican dishes in a platter at the Mexican Cafe in San Diego Old Town

thanksgiving

My nephew who was my age could not at first understand why I asked the question, "What do you do on Thanksgiving?" I was only later that he realized that it is my first time in the US and that we do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines. Sure, we know about the Pilgrims coming to their country and sharing their blessings with the local people. But how does a Filipino-American family, whose kids totally grew up in the US and never been back home (or only been there once when they were really young), celebrate this holiday?

Apparently, it's like Christmas - with lots of food to be shared with family and prayer for the things we are grateful for. For me, I am grateful for the warm welcome of family and the chance to visit the US. I am grateful for my job, for well timed chances, for our good health, for our safety, the laughter shared with friends and family, for supportive family, for the love of everyone around you, and most of all, for the ever present relationship with the Lord for whom with Him, everything is possible.

the children in the family being busy setting up the Christmas tree after our Thanksgiving dinner

House Bound in San Diego

remembering this day on 9/15/2017

Woke up late this morning and found myself having a late breakfast with the kids who did not have school today. Was watching TV with them until lunch time when my aunt arrived back from her errands. It was only then that I realized they left me at home to babysit the kids! LOL. I thought all the time that my cousin was in the garage fixing his stuff, but I guessed I was wrong. Wow, that must be my first babysitting experience in America. LOL.

Later, I accompanied my aunt to the supermarket to buy some stuff (again!) for tomorrow's dinner.

It was also a time for me to go around the house and it made me realize that you can never take out from a person the things that you grew up with. My father's family lived in the province and lived off from the produce of farms. My dad usually tells us stories of how he and his friends would trek the mountains near their homes to climb trees and pick the fruits, or how they'd go fishing and swimming in the river. That was simple living and I guess my aunt, who has lived in the US for most of her life, carried that with her. In her home, there is an apple tree, vegetables at the yard, and to my surprise, a flourishing calamansi tree. That was so cool!

It was also cool seeing the kids watching Filipino teleserye with their great-grandma. They even know the story line more than me! LOL. But what was cool today was staying up late with my aunt and hearing her love story that brought her to America.

weird looking apple from my aunt's apple tree beside their house

Family Bound in San Diego

remembering this day on 9/15/2017


After these few days of travel, I am glad to finally just be - no worries of getting up early, having a permanent place to stay for a few days, and living a normal house-bound life. LOL. What kept me busy was getting to know the family staying at home and helping my aunt out in her preparations for the Thanksgiving dinner with family on Thursday. So it was a time of not playing tourist and experiencing regular life in the US.

Funny to see a familiar fare (upper left) in my home here in America. Truly, there are a lot of Filipinos here.

On the Road to San Diego

remembering this day on 9/15/2017

It really is a blessing to have a welcoming family who are excited to show you to new places and drive for you - that was what my Ate (and her kids) did for me. Instead of me taking the Amtrak to San Diego, she drove all the way up to San Francisco to pick me up, show me around, and then drive down south again. We started early in the morning, around 6, 7 am and reached San Diego around 7 pm. It was such a long drive and I am grateful that we arrived safe (was supposed to stay at LA first but decided to go straight to San Diego because I did not want them to get stuck in LA traffic after dropping me off at our other uncle's house) and that we were still in good humor after all those hours on the road.

Seeing the coastal view of California was also cool, especially after our lunch at Solvang, a Dutch-inspired town where we tried their famous aebleskiever at the Solvang Restaurant. Solvang was a good place to take a break to on a long road trip. I was glad the weather was really nice, cool but sunny. If given the chance, I would like to go back to this place and roam around more.

 Lunch time at Solvang

Nearing San Diego, I could not believe that traffic can be as bad as that in Metro Manila, only difference is that the motorists follow traffic rules. Even learned a few American road rules, as well, like lanes for carpools, penalties and shoulder use. I noticed that their shoulders are one-car width unused except for emergency purposes while in Manila, I'll be shocked to see if we even have a half-meter wide shoulder, and that is mot being used during traffic. Oh well. I would assume that I would notice a lot more differences like this in the coming days while I am here.

Another noticeable thing is that, the wideness of California (especially the ones I saw going to San Diego) can be pretty drowning. It was just so wide and most houses are low-lying or flat. And it had a desert feel. From inside the car, I can see that it was really sunny but for sure, it is pretty cool, too. That is one great weather then! =)

So wide! On our way to San Diego.

Next great blessing is to finally be at my Aunt's house and meeting the rest of the family who lives there at the moment.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings.

san francisco in one day

Only on my second day in the USA and I feel that I've already done so much!

I had a great stay with my friend whose kids were so adorable and sweet. I've been treated to a normal day at a normal house, complete with take away food (instead of dine-in because the kids were becoming cranky already and wants to go home) and a quick stop at a supermarket to buy stuff that I've forgotten at home.

My first day was a taste of normal in an otherwise, very packed one month trip.

The best thing is, spending time with my friend who I haven't been with for the longest time since University days. For that, I am so grateful and catching up with her felt like it was only yesterday that we last saw each other. It felt like one of those times when I was hopping in their room after lights out at the dormitory.

*****

My friend, her kids, and I woke up early today so they can bring me to where my cousin is. I am so grateful for my friend who is willing to do that for me! Upon reaching the hotel, I was greeted at the lobby by my niece (whom I've only met once and just got familiar with through Facebook). They were already getting ready to take me for a one day-filled trip of San Francisco. So excited!

From the hotel, we went first to see our newest nephew in Palo Alto (I'm thinking I'm near Stanford already? This was where my teacher used to live!). He is such a very adorable kid and it was such a nice surprise to find out that my cousin's partner speaks Filipino fluently even though she definitely looks like Caucasian. She even told a story about her being in Glorietta and she can hear the sales ladies tell each other that "that American can speak Filipino!" to which she answered, "Of course, Pilipino po ako." It was a great to have spent time with them and getting to know them more and hopefully, there's another chance in the near future to meet with them, especially since my cousin is still in Dallas and only talked to us through video call.

Next stop? North to the - guess where? - Golden Gate Bridge, of course! The weather was good (no fog!) and the wind cool so it was a good time to go around and take pictures. I couldn't believe that I am finally seeing the Bridge. It's a nice view and awesome to think that this has stood up for a long time (even withstanding earthquakes), but most of all, because it had been featured in a lot of American shows in the past, especially in Charmed (sorry, can't help mentioning that one). 

Afterwards, my cousin decided to drive through the bridge and go to Muir Woods! The bridge is such an amazing view, too, while you are at it. I couldn't really believe that it was that huge until I got under its arches and saw the sides where people can walk along at (like a sidewalk). Before reaching the road to Muir Woods, we passed through the Robin William Tunnel (also called the Rainbow Tunnel). I didn't know until that moment that there's a tunnel named after the actor. Anyways, during the drive, my cousin informed me that according to her friends, the road to the woods was dizzying and if she feels it is risky, we will just turn back but fortunately, she was able to drive through it and I am so glad (because I told her I really want to see this) because when we got there, she and her kids were pretty amazed and happy about seeing the woods, and breathing the fresh (oh so fresh) air. It did not disappoint. We only took the shortest trail but it was still worth it to see so much nature in one place. And we got to hug the trees and have photos taken in some trees with trunk openings bigger than doors. If I have a chance, I'd go back here, but I'd also want to see the other forests in the National Park list, too.

Next stop was the famous Fisherman's Wharf. Today is Sunday so the place was overly crowded but we had fun taking photos of us with the big Christmas tree (yes, Christmas is in the air even if it's still November). There were a lot of tourists and if I was not careful, I might have lost my family in the crowd. As we were a bit hungry already, my cousin decided that we should eat at Bubba Gumps. It had been a long time since I was in this restaurant so I readily agreed, but the menu was not really familiar to me. I am not sure if it was because I've never been to Bubba Gumps lately, or if the menu is really entirely different. I don't even remember if they have pasta in the Philippine menu. Anyways, as is usual in the countries I've been to, the serving was really huge and the atmosphere at that huge place was a bit overwhelming for me - it was a bit crowded and of course, noisy. Well, at least we got seated in a nice table with a nice view of the ocean, and the service was good.

Walking around this tourist area, my niece decided to go to this shop and what caught my attention was this coin guide for foreigners. I could really have a great use for this so I took a picture. It really confuses me that the size of an American coin is not proportional to its value. For example, their 5c is bigger than the 10c, and they are both silver. Oh well. That's one American thing I've got to get used to.

When I thought the day is finally ending, my cousin took us to Metreon to watch the Fantastic Beasts movie. This is my second one on 3D because before I left for the US, my friend and I watched it (I guess I was pretty advanced compared to my family here in this case). This is one whole new experience to me too, because there were only a few tickets and since my cousin wanted to really watch it, we just took what was available - the front row seats. So there we were, almost lying on the chair gazing up, watching the 3D movie. It was a whole new perspective, I tell you that. 

So in totality, this day was really great. We did a lot of things and saw a lot of things and most importantly, we got to bond as a family.

Thank you, Lord, for family.

welcome to the usa

I am finally here!

I didn't get to take a picture of the "Welcome to the USA" poster though, even if I was in the Border Control queue for more or less an hour because I was afraid I might be chastised by the officers, especially since there were signs saying "No Picture Taking." And the line was really, really long... To pass the time, I just observed the people around me and the immigration officers. Everything was so busy, although you can sense anticipation among the people, getting ready to be interviewed (it felt like we were all first time visitors in my queue).

And it was an added bonus that I noticed a few good looking officers (I know, so shallow of me! =D). As I got nearer the counters, was hoping that I'd get to be interviewed by one of the them whose counters were located in the central area. However, I was called at the end of the counters near the back. The officer who interviewed me was really tall and he was really nice. He asked me about where I am going, how long, what did I bring - all usual questions but when he asked for my age, I drew a blank for a moment and had to ask him to wait so I could think how old I really am. He just smiled and told me, "You forgot, huh?" to which I answered, "Yeah, I stopped counting." LOL. After that, he let me go but, maybe because I was randomly selected for a secondary security check or because I told him I have noodles (Pancit Canton!) with me, I was asked to go through another bag check. 

The line was short but it was taking forever because for each person, an officer would always ask what's inside the bag and if they see something in the big x-ray, they'd open the bags and check. I was really impressed with the officer on duty today because there were some arrivals who do not speak good English so he had to speak in their language. I heard him speak a bit of Chinese (pointing to pictures of prohibited foods from China) and then again in what seemed like French, and Italian. When it was my turn, he asked me from what port I departed from and when I told him Manila, he asked me if I brought Chicharon and Magic Sarap. Ohmy! I couldn't help but smile and told him "No." But still, my bag was checked and true enough, they opened the bag where the pancit canton was. After checking the ingredients, they returned it inside the bag and let me go.

So that's it!

Welcome to America to me and I am so glad that when I left the airport, my friend was already waiting for me to bring me to her home :)

*****

It was raining when we left the airport. (Btw, my cousin said I was lucky to have arrived in NAIA earlier yesterday because there was a bit of rally and traffic was bad in the evening.) I just remembered that when I was doing my Europe tour, it was also raining in most of the places I went to. I'm thinking of this as a blessing.

*****

But before going to her place, we stopped by Texas Roadhouse to have lunch because, even if the food was great onboard Korean Air, I was already hungry. It was good to just sit down and hang out for a while. 

*****

So happy to see my friend and her kids as well. This was the only the second time I got to see her son and the first for her daughter. I hope they'd visit home soon so all of our friends can see them. 

the long layover

*writing on 6/11/17 to remember things by

Ten hours in an airport. Arrived early in the morning at Incheon International Airport with nothing to do except to wait for the tours counter to open. However, when I got there, the five hour tour was fully booked so I decided to go take the 1 and 2-hour tour.

I am just glad that the airport passenger lounge has bed chairs where I was able to stay in while the airport was still about to wake up. 

On the Transit Tour

The first tour took us around Incheon where we saw the Heungryunsa Temple, Incheon Grand Bridge, and the Memorial Hall for the Incheon Landing Operation. The temple was really wonderful with its surroundings showing the beautiful colors of autumn. I was so glad to be out of the airport and just simply breathe the cold, fresh air. I don't get to this in the city, nor do I see such beauty in the city. The Memorial Hall was also cool and it is just an eye-opener that our country had really been active in supporting our allies during times of difficulties. In the Memorial, I saw the Philippines, together with other countries, being commemorated through our flag for its participation in the Incheon Landing Operation during the Korean War.

My second tour was a shorter one with a visit to Yonggungsa Temple. It was a Buddhist Temple and I was particularly appreciative to be able to see a monk in prayer. It was really solemn and I wish that prayers lifted will be granted.

Throughout this transit tour, I am particularly thankful for gaining a new friend. Given that she is older than me, but I appreciate her for being nice. I was sitted beside her on the first tour and we just kind of hit it off, talking about where we are from and what she did on her vacation in the Philippines and what I am going to do on my vacation. I was surprised to find out though that she thought I was American. LOL.

Going back to the airport, I decided to get my cold noodles first before going through Immigration again and on to the pre-departure area for my next flight. There was no cold noodles (sigh) so I ordered the next best thing on the menu - bibimbap. The food was really good but I miss their fish, mushroom, and radish side-dish.

On Security

So before I got through Immigration, a big shock happened to me. While on security check, I was asked to get out of the line and go inside a small private room. It was pretty scary but I kept calm and asked the lady officers why I am being "singled" out and they explained that I got randomly selected for a second security check. Their English was not good but I understood perfectly, especially after they showed my boarding pass which showed SSSS on the top. So, if you see one on yours, expect this check, especially when you left the airport on a transit pass. It was disconcerting and made me a bit paranoid. What made me more paranoid, although resigned as well, was when boarding the aircraft, the computer declared that I was unable to board! So I had another security check right after I left the tube onto an area right before the plane entrance. I was so hoping I won't  be checked again when I arrived in the US.

On Nice Airport Facilities

With a few hours to go before my flight, I decided to freshen up and was so glad to locate the shower room at the second floor of the airport. It was just near the open passenger lounge where I stayed earlier while waiting for the Tours counter to open. It was a nice surprise to find that the shower room is free and they provide you with a (petite) towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste (if you don't have those with you). The shower room is huge (that you can even take your cart inside) with body gel and shampoo inside. One can even borrow a hair dryer! In all the airports I've been to, I think this is the only one that have this nice facility open for everyone.

On Nice People

When I finally got inside the plane, I went straight to my sit and there was already this Korean guy sitted on the seat beside mine. There was a bottle of water on my seat and I asked if he left it there. But apparently, and as he said this with a smile, "Korean Air is really great! They always have water for you as soon as you arrive." But I'm guessing that it's only for long-haul trips because there was no water from my flight to Incheon. Then the guy casually asked me how my vacation in Korea was and where do I live in the US. So that's the second time today that I was mistaken for an American. Maybe it's my accent? Or because I speak English fast? LOL. So anyway, I told him I was just about to begin my vacation and that I am just visiting friends. He said I was lucky to go straight to San Francisco because he lives in Carson City in Nevada, another three to four more hour ride for him. I am so glad to have a nice seatmate who is courteous and respectful of your space. 

a new adventure

*writing on 6/11/2017 to remember things by

So the time has finally come. After so many years of dreaming and planning, and years after my European tour, I am set to do another adventure.

I am on my way to visit my sister, family, friends and my love in the US!

Sounds so cheesy, but yes, this is a dream come true.

I remember when I was seven, during my grandfather's wake, my aunt who lives in San Diego had asked me if I want to go with her to the US to see Disneyland. I looked at my mom and dad but they just looked at me. I don't remember what I said (or if I said anything at all!) but I guess I said no, because at that age, Disneyland was just a place from so far away. Besides, I watched more Batibot than Sesame Street or Disney shows (except maybe, for Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty). Growing up though, I saw a lot of places in America that I'd like to see and I am hoping that this trip would put a dent on that list. I am hoping that this trip would be the first of many.

My Korean Air flight was a late night one going to San Francisco with a long layover in Incheon. Although it is long, I look forward to it though, because of South Korea's transit tour program. It would be fun to go out and have a meal of authentic cold noodles.

I am so excited!