Wistful days....

My hometown is a small town called Rosales in Pangasinan.It is about 300 km.away from Manila.
During my holidays,i like to spend a week or two in Rosales.My mom still lives there and my son met his local wife there during his holidays,married her then also built his house in our land.
The land is planted with mango trees,bananas,jackfruit,local lemon(lime) and rice or corn during rainy season.Whenever Im ín my hometown i feel so at peace with nature,and when i wake up in the morning especially when the rice flower is in bloom,the delicate perfume tickle my nose and i perked up to immediately rise and look eastward so that i can also watch the sun rising behind the Balungao mountain.

I was taking this photo of the ricefield planted with some mango trees planted three years ago ( with the morning mist,the ricefield looks so green and so fresh and pleasing to the eyes) when hubby suddenly apeared and requested to be into the scenario,so i have only this to show you.Pls click to enlarge.

It would have been an ideal place for us to retire in our old age, if only we also have the sea nearby...( i still have to convince hubby,sigh..)

When there is Respect,there must be Understanding

Most women enjoys shoping,i dont...but my husband does. Surprising, is´nt it?

When i go to supermarket,i only buy what is necessary.But when i go with hubby,we always managed to buy so many things that sometimes we even dont need.Hubby likes to experiment and try new products or groceries to fill up our cupboard.(I always stick to the things i like) I no longer try to discourage hubby in buying things he wants because he gets upset.I dont want him to feel that i keep in control ... He also enjoys window shopping for me,when he comes home he would tell me that there is a nice shoes or dress in a shop so and so that i must come and check one day.

I guess ,we are really two different people that joined together ( East meets West).Different country,different mentalities..But dont get me wrong,we get along very well! WHY? Because,there is LOVE,RESPECT,HARMONY and UNDERSTANDING.

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This week end,we did´nt go to a supermarket.I requested hubby if we can go to downtown Lisbon just to window shop for christmas presents.I remembered an area in Martin Moniz where the shops of Chinese,Indians and African retailers and wholesalers are.
Martin Moniz where you can also see the "Castelo São Jorge" high above athe background.(Photo was taken last summer)

We first entered in one chinese shop to check on a scarf that i saw from the shop window, we did´nt buy anything and we just went ahead with window shopping keeping in mind the things i have to buy later.

It was lunch time as we passed thru a line of chinese wholesalers,and at the corridor we saw a group of chinese having lunch.On their small table was noodles,fried crab and squid,some shell fish and rice.The smell of the food opened our apetite that i said to hubby im feeling for an indian food that moment( because i smelled also an indian food somewhere)We asked one guy where is the nearest indian restaurant,he gave us the way so off we went to the place.

I was so hungry that I could´nt wait for the menu to come and ask hubby to order "Mix Pakora" to start.The waiter asked if we are going to have lunch,we can go to the other room where they served the meals.I looked, but as the room is so dark for my mood and taste we decided to stay where we were with roadside view.

Pakora came with our drinks, and while devouring our pakora,we proceeded with our order,Lamb Khorma,Chiken Tikka Masala,Palao Rice and Garlic Nan,hubby even asked me if i would like to have Palak Paneer,our waiter said he thinks we already have enough order that we might not able to finish all of it.

Lunch was enjoyable until we heard a comotion on the other side.A womens voice,we could´nt understand what she was saying until she raise her voice louder..Ladrão! Ladrão!!!( thief,thief!)I thought maybe there was a love triangle involve.

But later,the person got out from the room,it was an old lady in her 80´s,acompanied by the manager.She left quietly only to be back later with two policemen.She went inside the room with the policemen then she got out again to sit next to our table.She look helpless,looking around her as if looking for sympathy started crying and shaking,so i told hubby to call the waiter to request a glass of water for the lady.She looked at me,i know she needs somebody to talk to, showed me a black spot on her hand.I WAS ATTACKED INSIDE THAT ROOM!!It seems that things got out of hand when a male client got involve with her and assaulted her when she answered him back.FOR GOODNESS SAKE,SHE´S AN OLD LADY!!!What kind of person bodily harm an old lady just because he got irritated with the old lady´s complain about her order???

I dont know what the policemen did inside,probobly nothing will be done about the incident because when they finished speaking with the guy involved,they left again with the old lady..I really felt so sorry for her....

When we arrived home and switch on our christmas trees light,i saw the full moon so low and i took this picture from the christmas tree

Hubby´s First Island tour in Philippines

When i got up this morning,( bit late than my usual)I went to look outside the window to see if hubs car still there.He usually look up before he gets into the car to see me waving especially when i dont get up to see him off before he goes to work,caught him in time to send a kiss.

Finally,the sun is shining so bright today!!!And to start my day, is to drink a cup of coffee with milk and some toast with butter and homemade jam ( i prefer to do my own fruit jam ) i put on a good music to listen starting with the best of Kenny Rodgers to start followed by Sade then Lionel Richie and so on.

While doing my household task,i prefer to have music at home,i dont watch much TV except for news and documentary films, and oh!!!! Sports and lots of football games especially when hub is home.

Going thru my web album to find a topic for todays post,i came upon photos from Philippines. I dont remember posting anything about my country since i started bloging in June.

During our holidays in Philippines which is every 2 yrs,we use to go around to see the islands which by the way ,we have only 7,100 islands.

Our first island tour began in 1998 at Puerto Princessa City,Palawan.We did´nt consult any agency to go there,just booked our flight and upon arrival in the airport,we went to the tourist counter for information.We were given a guide book for hotels or resort to choose from.As for transport,you get to be taken by courtious "TRICYCLE" (typical means of transportation in provinces,motorcycle with sidecar)drivers recognized by airport authorities.

Our first experience started that day when we were about to reach our chosen hotel,I remembered that we have no CASH!!(forgot to bring money)I told hubby,i have only 200 pesos ( about 3.5 euros)do you have cash with you? He said,"NO!!!you are in charge of our cash,why did´nt you bring any"? And so we asked the driver to stop where there is an ATM and he did, but the ATM had no cash its SUNDAY!!! We went to another one..they dont recognized Mastercard,its the only card that hubby brought with him, another bank...nothing also.We were getting frustrated and hubby was already nervous and cranky,he wanted to go back to Mla especially when we arrive at our chosen hotel,they also dont accept MASTERCARD only VISA!!!The driver was so nice and very patient with us patient,he took us to a more luxurious hotel where they accept mastercard.

Finally we are have a place to stay, but to pay the driver is another problem..200 pesos is not sufficient to pay the bill.He told us not to worry,he will come back the next day to take us around if we want to keep him as our driver for the whole week.We told him to come and pick us up for dinner and take us to a typical restaurant in the city, again thingking that our card can pay the bill.He came at 7 PM and took us to a nice local restaurant,before ordering we asked if they accept card? Again,we were disapointed with the reply, they dont accept card payments.WHAT TO DO NOW? We checked the prices of their menu,ordered a plate of meat and a plate of vege and rice,2 soft drinks,we paid 270 pesos ( 70 pesos borrowed from the driver who waited on us outside) WHAT A DAY!!!!

The next day,when our driver came we told him to take us to another place as we did´nt like much the hotel.I prefer a resort that is within the city.We went first to get cash at ATM which we suceeded at last! then he brought us to a family managed resort.As we entered the gate,we passed thru a line of coconut trees until we reach a pavillion,an open building made of bamboo and nipa,(phil. style) which i later found out that it was a restaurant.We talked to the owner,whom i later learned that he was previously in the goverment in charge of the environment.We booked for 5 days stay and we had our own "Nipa Hut" native house with own bathroom and bed near the beach.The beach is not advisable for swimming as it was murky and planted with mangroves.


For swimming,we were taken for lunch one day ( paid for ) on to a sand bar nearby..can you see the dogs following the boat? They were really enjoying the swim


As we reach the sand bar,I took this photo of hubby,getting ready for the conquest,on his way to the sand bar then upon fixing the parasol at the white sand (as if planting a flag for his conquest)celebrating his victory as well!
The place was so beautiful!! we had our lunch ( griled,fish,prawns,squid,clams,salad & rice) enjoyed my swimming to a very clear water,with fish and the many big colorful starfish (blue & orange color)around.I wanted to take a few of them with me but i was informed that its prohibited to take shells with us.

We stayed there for 2 hours or so and until the boys came to pick us up to return to the resort before dusk..And as you can see ,(even from our photos)hubby looks like a red indian! Can you see the wash basin!! A REAL BIG SHELL!!! Pls. click to enlarge.

Have a nice week end to all!!

Wish I have her Voice

Just thought of posting this nice video of Sade.I first heard her music in 1986,while still working in Dubai and since then i never got tired listening to her songs.
Sade was born in Nigeria to an English nurse mom and Nigerian lecturer father.She grew up in England and has taken a three yr course in fashion design.She set up her own small fashion company with a friend making mens clothing,in London´s Chalk Farm.
It was in this time that she joined a short lived Latin group called Arriva,and it was as a member in this group she performed "Smooth Operator that became a her first US hit.

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Cheer Up!!!

Rainy,grey sky and gloomy day,it´s what we are experiencing here today and the next two days to come as predicted by a weather forecaster...

Only last week, we still have an almost summer temperature then suddenly this week end came the windy and cold temperature! Bbrrrr!! Not my kind of weather as it makes me feel low and lazy although I woke up this morning ready to start my christmas tree decoration and i did just that...Its almost done,i have only to check the x-mas lights if they are all working before completing the task.

Here´s how the christmas tree looks for now and also check the picture outside my window...as you can see,its gloomy, is´nt it?




The Christmas tree supose to brighten my day or spirit but looking outside the window is doing just the oposite with my mood...What a contrast!!!!

Life in the UAE (back then)

While scanning old photos during my UAE days, got this nostalgia...

I remembered friends and coleagues back in Dubai.During the first year was all about,adjustments,and learning the culture and tradition of the people,life in the country,building new friendship and clients for the company i worked for, parties and events. Coleagues from work are mostly Indians,the company I worked for was already a pioneer in trading business,selling all the best brands of Perfumes & Cosmetics, appliances, cameras and pens and other consumer goods.Owners are also of Indian origin,we were only three filipino employees then.

After working one and a half year from the company, my relationship with my Filipino boss at the time turned sour and under that circumstances that i have to leave the company or should i say, i got fired!!( I provoked the situation )

My Indian coleagues got shocked upon learning my situation,(not expecting that a countrymen should do that to me I would´nt go into details,its a long story).They were all very nice to me and saddened by my leaving the company. Most of them offered for help if ever I needed anything and not to hesitate in asking..

Pictures below are with some of them during company parties.



Photo below was with the company president and his daughter during launching event of a new perfume in the market.While the other photo was with a Jordanian friend and with a Pakistani couple who were also dear friends.I lost touch with them.



To be alone in an Arab country and loosing a job means cancelation also your working visa.When that happens,I have to go back home, but i dont want that to happen because I have 3 kids to suport.I needed to look for work and a company that is willing to sponsor me...I found one but i only lastéd 2 days.This time I have to quit....

The manager told me something that i cant forget..he said....."Aurora, you are an atractive person, on your own,no work,no husband ( i was already seperated for seven years from my filipino husband when i came to UAE)For a woman of your status, you cant expect the men here to just ignore you,whats wrong with going out with your boss?"I dont know..I know, nothing maybe wrong with that but its not in me....So I have to leave....

Later ,I did found work in a new company.The owner was somebody i already knew from my visits to his shop, A local and a well behaved familyman and a gentlemen i must say, as i never heard anything bad about him (like chasing after women),he never showed interest in me personally other than work. My life since then was better,no pressure,no worries and I stayed and worked with the company until i met my portuguese husband now and until we left Dubai..

Social Gathering of Ex Expats

Every year,a group of ex portuguese expats in Bahrain and Dubai with their families, meet for lunch in a place organized by any volunteer among the group.Meeting place could be anywhere, any part of portugal.

This time,the chosen place was "Quinta do Lago" ( Farm by the Lake) in a small town of Alferarede in Abrantes, 153 kms. from our place in Lisbon.

As we reach the town of Alferarede, we stoped to asked direction from an elder person coming towards us.He did´nt give us the direction at first..he asked if we have space for him in the car.I was surprised,did´nt understand his porpose , hubby answered "yes,there is space for you".He entered the car,greeted us " Bom Dia" ( Good Morning) sat beside my mom in law who was with us, then said ..."I must go with you to give the proper direction ,because you wont get there even if i have to give you the direction".He was right, it was´nt that easy to get to "Quinta do Lago"

After about 10 minutes,we arrived at the place and told hubby to stoped as he will get off from there,hubby told him that he will drive him back to the place where he´s going but he refused and answered that walking will do him good..Very nice and hospitable person.

Quinta do Lago is some sort of transformed farm resort that only served and caters to group of no less than 30 people. I guess, we were about 50, one by one people arrived, i only knew a few but no problem as it was like a big and friendly group gathering.And maybe because im the only oriental looking person,people who regularly attends the ocassion can easily recognized me.

We all gathered at first at the main building,as shown below..arab way, men on one side and women at the other side :) Then we went down to have a drink and starters like cod cakes,green beans tempura style, meat balls diferent types of good chouriçoz,cured cheese,presunto,bread,etc.,etc.



After almost an hour,we were called back to the main building for our lunch. Our table was properly set with a beautiful flower base in the middle and a bottle of white wine in a cooler, red wine ,bottle of water and juice for drinks.

We started with "presunto(cured ham) and melon", followed by a chicken soup that i forgot to take picture



Then came the main course,it started with a portion of sauted Flake Cod Fish and Prawn with presunto(cured ham)covered with potato puree baked in the oven.Served with salad. And I took this picture of my plate after arranging it. Is´nt it beautiful? VERY TASTY TOO!!

When i finished the 1st course,i thought i could´nt eat the 2nd course anymore.I was wrong!The 2nd course was just as good.Its Pork loin baked in the oven, served with baby potatoes and carrots,local cabbage and a piece of chestnut. Meat was so tender and "saboroso"(tasty)as well.
Portuguese people are good eater and you maybe wondering about myself? I already learned their ways although i still control my cravings especially with desserts



As for dessert,an apealing almond ice cream drizled with chocolate syrup.We had coffee afterwards then we went on socalizing around for about an hour or so then the cake was cut and champagne was served to celebrate the ocassion and anounce the next person to organized the lunch for next year.The chosen one was a second generation guy whose father passed away 2 months before this ocassion.




It was getting dark outside, so after we had our cake and champagne,we bid goodbye to everyone.It was a pleasant day spent, and the last picture ive taken outside is showm at the lower righthand side above..

Beach Day at the Poseidon

During our holiday in Athens, we passed a day at the beach across our hotel, just lazing,gazing,sunbathing, swimming, as well as even observing people.The beach has no fine sand as we have in Portugal but the water was quiet calm and warm though.

It was our third day,we need to rest our legs from two days of walking almost all over the capital just to see "stones and ruins"( as hubby used to say when he gets tired walking).

We hear "Kalemera!" (greetings in Greek) everytime somebody comes, perhaps they are regular bathers in the area and they all are acquianted with each other.Bronze skined middle aged men and women,looking so neat and elegant even with their bathing suits.Women even come with make up on and jewelries even when swimming.

But i especially noticed one small elder lady ( my guess is,she´s in her 70´s or more).She came with only a small beach bag,took out her small towel,spread it and put stones in each corner,then she took out her blouse and skirt,fold it carefully and put it inside her bag.To my surprise,she was wearing a bikini!(very seldom i see in portugal elder ladies in bikini,usually they prefer to wear one piece bathing suit)
I also notice that she has a defect,she has no fingers in both hands,but then she went into the water to swim and was there for half an hour,swimming! Bravo,Grandma!!!

I took her photo later when she finished her swim and while seated looking towards the sea, as shown below.
Another photo was with another dark skined guy with grey hair and beard that made me think of the Greek God Zeus coming out of the sea.Only this one was coming out from his snorkling or skin dive fishing.( photo was not so clear as the sun was already high above.



When we left the beach at about 4:00 PM , the old lady was still there sun bathing, no parasol to protect her from the sun, only a her cap to cover her face.
She must really love sunbathing, not like me i prefer to have a parasol above my head!

Coudelaria Real (Royal Stud Farm) in Alentejo

Today,I´ve thought about posting some animal photos. There is this photo of a horse i like, taken at the Coudelaria Real( Royal Stud Farm) This horse was evasive when we(tourist) came in the stable area.Only when the others (group of spanish tourist) were already far from him that he or she let me took this photo.Looks like he was smiling while posing for the photo,is´nt it?




At the "Falconaria" area, there was also a shy or suspicious falcon who turned his back on me and while the other was showing off and opening his wings ( manage to catch only this part when he was already closing it again.



I took this photo while on our way out and this falcon stayed put and made this pose.
Outside there was this big owl who does not want to show his face. Click!! I got this photo that looks like a frame on the wall ( looks unreal )but i still like it.



At the end of the tour,we were told to see the area where the young horses were. It happened to feeding time for them. Beautiful horses!! Dont know anything about horses and riding but i would love to have one for myself. Dont you???



The Foundation of Coudelaria Real was founded by D. João V,the Magnanimous King in 1736, registered in 1748 for the Royal horses of Alter-Real and is located in Alter do Chão in Alentejo.It was for the porpose of training and cross breeding special horses, using a rigid technique that will show their best movements, elegance and good behaviour.For this the Alter -Real horses are known for their splendour.

In 1911-1941, when Portugal turned Republic,the Coudelaria was taken away from the Crown and was integrated in the Ministry of War and changed the name to "Coudelaria Militar de Alter do Chão".Only in 1942, when it was integrated in the Ministry of Economy that the Alter Real Coudelaria started its long way ( half century) of recovery.

From what the lady guide told us,the foudation is no longer under control of the present government.

My New " Pantufa"

When the temperature goes down, my feet is the first one to suffer as it feels imediately the change in temperature.

For this, i must use a sock or wear my "Pantufa"(winter slipper).I buy almost every year a new pantufa as they dont last me long.It´s because i like to use it all day or at least until i go to bed. I prefer the warmth and comfort of wearing pantufa at home ( its not my habit to wear shoes inside the house).

Last years "Pantufa" was a local craft from Alentejo, exterior part is made from a pork hide and a soft lambs wool for the interior part to warm my feet. This one served me well and its now readily available to buy in any craft store here in lisbon.I have feeling i will continue wearing this one until it gives up on me. They are really warm and comfy!

Here´s how my last years "Alentejano Pantufa" looks like now.



And during our visit in one of the island in Greece, i saw this local "Pantufa", a copy of the "Evzones" clog leather shoes.I find the pompom on it nice and amuzing!So,we bought one for me and for hubby too. Mine is in red and maroon for hubby as shown below.



Hubby already started wearing his new pantufa and he likes it a lot,he said they are really warm!I think they are really nice and cute, dont you think so?

Evzones, The Greek Presidential Guards

Looking back at my Greek holiday photos,i just discovered some nice shots taken during the elite "Evzones" ( Presidential Guards) changing of guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These elite ceremonial units are famous around the world for its unique traditional uniform.Their proven valour and peculiar dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier especially among foreigners.

Just thought i´d post about them here.



Photo below are the different traditional uniforms they have.From Left to Right,Islander,Macedonian,Traditional Mainland,Modernised Mainland.Pontic



For me, the last photo of the changing guards photo (above the different traditional uniforms)to the righthand side was the best. While the guards are leaving their post, they past through the side where the pigeons are..It looks like the pigeons are also marching their way out of the square..Dont you think so?

The Castle of Monsaraz in Alentejo

I took this photo last May, when we went to Reguengoz de Monsaraz in Alentejo for the week end. Its called the "Telheiro Fonte". Fonte means source or fountain in english.

We stoped here to ask for direction.I was just wondering and admiring the unusual arab stytle design at first from a distance,when i saw the an old pump and the roman numbers on the wall,it was then i realized that it must be a historical landmark in the area...

Alentejos capital in "Alta Alentejo" is Evora and for the "Baixa Alentejo" is Beja. Both these capital are rich in history, ruins,and historical buildings, due to its turbulent backgrounds of invasions, batles,ocupations, either by the Romans, Vandals, Moors or the feuding Royal families within Portugal after the "Reconquista "( reconquest) of the Castelo from the Moors by a famous soldier called Geraldo "Sem Pavor"(the Fearless).He then set on improving its fortification then gave the castle and village to the military Templars.


This small hilltop town of Monsaraz used to help guard and secure a section of the River Guadiana againts the Spanish.Perched on the hilltop,this little known small town is a "jewel in the crown" of Alentejo if not Portugal itself.It is a small group of dwellings that preserved most of its charm by retaining the old exteriors and preserving the original slated streets. The inhabitants of the town take pride in maintaining its medieval atmosphere with its few narrow streets that are in parts are quiet steep. The view from the 13th century castle are panoramicover the plains of Alentejo, the waters of the newly built Dam and the views toward the Spanish border as you can see from the photos below



During autumn, many neighbouring villages in this region use to create temporary makeshift bullring within the courtyard area to give the "local young bloods" the chance to show their courage and skills in confronting the charge of a young bull without any special protection or weapon.

We stayed in the castle to watch the sunset, managed only to take this shot from the cafe and a night view of the castle from the outside



And I will end this post with my favorite "Asulejo"(handpainted frame in tile)of a typical "alentjano house"in the region,used as a decorative frame on the wall of the house where we stayed for the week end.