Finally, I'm getting out more

Two years ago, I fell so ill (read: icu) that it had deterred me from getting out and exploring more.  Anywhere without Mercury Drugstore and far from my endocrinologist was out of the list.  What happened then was something bound to happen.  Thank God, my health is better now.

 

And so, I am ready  and excited to get out and explore once again!  My Travel for Beads project begins in a few days.

 

Upon return, I hope I get the chance to see and chat with you in these 2012 bazaars:

• The Assumption Bazaar at Hotel Intercontinental Manila - November 18, 2012
• Zonta Club of Alabang Christmas Carnivale Bazaar at the Filinvest Tent Alabang - November 24-25, 2012
• Alabang Hills Village Toys ang Gifts Christmas Bazaar - December  7-9, 2012

Cheers!

Travel for Beads Project 2

Yesterday, I spoke of a new (2nd hand) bead book I discovered and bought from Booksale in Makati Cinema Square.  Beading with World Beads.

Who would have thought that an interesting selection of 2nd hand books and a few amazing beaded trinkets may be found in this shady dvd mall (read: piracy).  Shady was how J. Bond's American co-worker described the mall.  But he was happy with his purchased Golex Rolex watches.  And I am giddy and inspired by my book.

Back to the book.  Upon first sight, I knew there was no letting go.  I went through the entire book with a heightened sense of excitement.  Beads found from different parts of the world as shown in every page had left me dreaming of travel once again. 

The book had listed a number of beads found from various parts of the world.  Venetian trade beads are beads I dream of working on someday.

Traveling to the Amazon Rainforest have never crossed my mind.  But I am considering  now,  for tagua nut beads.

With that, I am turning this world bead fascination into reality by kicking it off with a booked and confirmed travel towards the latter part of the year.  That's how gung ho I am.

Online ordering will have to be put on halt for just a bit. Taking adventurous trips  of exploring the book's listed destinations while on the hunt for beads is more breathtaking and exciting.   Here is the list:

• West Africa - clay, sand-cast and lost wax beads
• Venice - Venetian trade beads
• Nepal - Tibetan turquoise and crushed coral beads
• Yemen - Hand-stamped bead
• India - Bali-style silver, bone and horn beads
• China - Cinnabar beads
• Germany - Antique marble beads
• Morocco - Enamel beads
• Greece - Olive wood beads
• Amazon Rainforest - Tagua nut beads
• And from where I am, Philippines - assorted wood beads which apparently needs a more extensive exploration on my end.

Let's see what happens next.  No timetables exist on my Travel for beads project.  My aim is to enjoy and be more inspired.  Cheers!

Travel FOR BEADS Project

This image from my new (but 2nd hand) bead book, Beading with World Beads, has gotten me so ecstatic.  So by end of October 2012, I kickoff my travel for beads!  Booked and Confirmed!

Beach Weekend

I write and share this post to make me remember:

1.  that there is life beyond the mountains
2.  that there is nothing horrible about the sea, except for the 12nn-3pm scorching heat
3.  and that I shall return!

Never did I imagine declaring this, but I will.  My beach weekend was a BLAST! For the first time, I saw the sea in a different light. 

Pets are by all means welcome at the resort.  A thumbs up. Here is Bugsy by the dining pavilion with my bag adorned with vintage photos of my grandmother and a few of her precious treasures.

And, here he is within the comfortable confines of our airconditioned room. 

This quaint and private garden resort I discovered over the net had me curious for a week. So, I called and found myself booked.  As soon as I stepped foot and after doing a couple of chikas on its story with the locals, there's no doubt I would return.  Hello Acuaverde.

 

A bit of juicy trivia as shared by a staff (who for one moment made me wish that the pharmacy was still around so that I could pirate offer employment), it is in this very courtyard where this celebrity couple had their wedding reception.  The resort was formerly known as Balai.

Tamarind trees and its fallen fruit scattered all around the resort.

 

Amazing breathtaking seascape.

7 am

10am

12 noon

9 pm

Pleasant surprises.

A wedding in progress.    

A heart-shaped rock.   J. Bond sees the shape of a bitten cookie. I still see heart.

Party by the shore.

See those small white dots floating on the sky?  Those are lanterns.

Bonfire

Finally celebrating SIX.

J. Bond rode and paddled alone.  I feared the thought of turning over.

Think chicken!

While waiting, I adored a few beads.

Food overload. 

But nothing could stop J. Bond from  stuffing himself with honey coated coconut and cups of homegrown Batangas brewed coffee.

The honey coated coconut vendors swarmed around J. Bond all day.

See him gobble.

I swear neverending gobble.

Watching J. Bond eat.

Today, we are back to regular programming.  While at work, J. Bond sent a text message saying that we should return.  I agree.  My thoughts are still afloat and glued to our beach weekend.

Same goes for Bugsy, who ran freely on sand, with no leash, then went home dead tired.



the DISTANCE and the TRAVELLER

THE DISTANCE from the origin to its destination

THE TRAVELLER

BLINGS that WANG!

Tis' the season of Livin' La Vida VACATION!

J. BOND (what I call Husband beginning today)  and I are gearing up for a trip in 2011.  Plans are pretty much set, yet still  too early to declare final. There's enough time.  I hope.  But  I'd rather wait for sister R's  flash report.

Except for these quick getaways --

1) my rendezvous with PONY on April 30
2) return to GOOD SHEPHERD for deeper reflection and 2 more bottles of sugar free strawberry jam SOON
3) and, a Pleasure + on the side Business trip  sometime 3rd quarter

-- the remaining months of this year will be spent in a good ole place called HOME.  Well, this gives me a year-long rest from face-to-face encounters with airport security checks. My "blings" (watch, belt, bangle, charms, pendants, earrings, rings) have been suspects for screaming red WANGS :)   It happened in airports of these countries: Hongkong, Thailand, Taipei and US (Newark).  I never learned.  Proves how much I love the "bling"!

... just like the lady in this strip.  Forget everything but NOT the bling!

Wherever you are going, travel safe.  Have fun!!!