Auraspace

Unexpected treat

2011-09-12T22:37:00.012+01:00

I had an unexpected treat today, hubby prepared our lunch :) A special dish that he has been longing to eat for a long time.Cant recall the name of the wild bird in english but it´s called " Perdiz " in portuguese.It´s not very often we find it in the supermarket that is why when hubby saw it in the frozen meat section,he was very happy and mind you its not cheap too.
We had it in the freezer for almost a month now, never knew the way hubby wanted me to prepare it till he decided to do it himself today :)

Photos below:

Dish on our plate served with a good portuguese wine.

The finished dish of the day...

Appetizer before our meal,crackers with cheese and "ponche" from madeira island

Finally,my wish to put hubby cooking again has been materialized. Actually,he is a very good cook and he used to love doing it.The only problem is he also adores my cooking and for that reason alone that he just let me be the "chefe".

I´m back !!!

2011-09-11T23:06:00.017+01:00

Hello everyone!! I´ve been away too long from the bloggers world and ijust thought i should start writting again.

For now,nothing much is happening with my life here in lisbon except for the usual daily chores at home and our morning leisure trip to the beach near our place,doing some sort of exercise like swimming or just walking by the shore & even just do nothing at all....Is´nt that wonderful??? Enjoy the sun & beautiful weather while it last :)

Here are some photos from some of the beaches we visited recently

One foggy morning at the Caixas beach.We did´nt stay long as the weather turned out to be uncomfortable for us.

Photo taken at Fonte de Telha beach, about 30 minutes drive from our place and we come to this beach not only because of the beautiful clean beach but more of the restaurant where we can also eat good grilled sardines.( Sardines are eaten at its best during summer season)

People enjoying a very good summer weather day....It´s one of those crowded days!!

Coincidence

2011-07-24T02:55:00.003+01:00

Exactly 2 yrs today since my last entry...Could´nt sleep,its almost 3 AM..Just remembered to check my last blog and what a surprise!! July 24,2009 was my last entry and the topic is about a "despedida dinner" with my family. Two months and 13 days ago,i was again in the same place for the same reason. And now,i cant sleep having nostalgia...Missing my loveones...Hope to see all again soon!!

Despedida Dinner with my family

2009-06-24T11:31:00.008+01:00

While in Manila and 2 days before our departure,we arranged a dinner out with my family.

The Venue was in "DAMPA"(in my language it means a small & humble native house).The place is a food center where in you can choose anyone of the food stalls with in and bring your shopping bag of seafoods or meat to be cooked anyway you like it paying a sum of lets say 1-2 euros per kilo for every dish you order.Other ingredients is on the house,just bring the fish or meat and ask them to prepare it grilled,fried,sauted,etc.etc. Because Dampa is a seperate area within Farmers Market,you can buy everything fresh in the market.

I had a last minute comitment and lunch date with some of my friends that day and combined dinner with my family at 7:30,we were coming late so i phoned my son to shop for the seafoods that i have in mind and have it already prepared while waiting for us.We arrived 30 minutes late.Mom told me that my Auntie was already having tantrums because of hunger and i asked them to order something else to eat before dinner is serve but we did´nt wait long ,dinner was served within 15 mts upon our arrival.Drinks are to be bought seperately,beer for the men,water or juice for the children and fresh cocunut juice for the older ladies.

Here below are some photos:

We had butter & garlic prawns,calamares,grilled squid,roasted pork meat(lechon kawali),sweet & sour lapu lapu (small grouper)and a delicious head of salmon fish soup ( sinigang na ulo ng isda)supose to be for the children as they like soup but we all end up sharing the soup.

After everybody is satisfied with their stomach,this is what became of my grandchildren later. I have been hearing a commotion & laughter from some people as if they´re having fun and they really are.I look around & saw my grandchildren on a stage acting and posing as super heroes for pictures,lol!!!

My grandchildren on stage. Only one is missing in the picture.she was not able to come as she´s in the province 300 kms from manila.

My youngest son J.Michael with 3 of his children.A happy and proud father of 4 lovely children

Food Experience

2009-06-17T10:37:00.014+01:00

The hotel where we stayed for 7 days in HK,4-5 mts walk to the metro station,bus stop on the other side of the street,45 mts by hotel bus to and from the airport.

And another photo of a building with other buildings reflected on the glass ,picture taken in a bus while passing thru.

We went to Stanley Market that day by bus that took us about 40 mts to get there. Stanley market is the best place to shop for bargains though we are not really interested in shopping to avoid having excess luggage as we are still flying to Manila , but as usual we could´nt resist buying souvenirs like HK T-shirts and a D & G fake bag as requested by one of my daughter in law.Prices are not really as cheap as we thought it would be as we found out later when we were already in manila.

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Photos at the market of beautiful orchid flowers and fruits below:

We walked & walked around the stalls to see what we can find interesting up to the last shop, only to end up to a find some food stalls by the seaside promenade.Nothing much to eat except sandwiches,we are feeling hungry and we´re looking for something warm to fill our stomach.Its quite cold that day and we did´nt bring a proper clothing to keep us warm.
Finally we left the area to find and ask people a place to eat.Nada,we cant locate the restaurant that somebody said we can eat well.

Within the market,i saw a signboard looking promising with nice photos of noodles soup (picture below).We cant see the inside so i challenge nubby to give it a try,remembering our experience in a small restaurant in singapore.He laugh and said " lets go!!" we were so hungry that we can eat anything,lol!!

We pass thru a small alley as you can see in one of the photos below:

The alleyway and the anbience inside...it was full house!! Then a guy walk us thru in a small room with electric fan and 3 tables set (the room must be a sleeping quarter at night)
We ordered won ton soup with noodles and beef noodles,H2o for me and a beer for hubby.Then hubby pointed to another delicacy he wans to taste,fried crispy fish skin,i said ok,anything goes when were hungry.

The menu and in front of our table in one corner a place for offering:

The Dining Area and our Special room:

The Kitchen and Service counter:

Did we enjoy our food?? Its just another day of food experience,we´re just glad we did´nt upset our stomach.

We ate in the hotel that evening to compensate ......

Note: You can click photos to enlarge

Visiting HK History Museum

2009-06-15T09:25:00.006+01:00

Not wanting to avail of some travel agencies package tour on our first day,we ventured on our own with just a guide map at hand and an Octopus card that you can use for your transportation (bus and metro)
You can buy the card at any metro station counter for as low as 20 HK $ or more (depends of how long you intend to use public transport).Just make sure you validate the card each time you used it. By using the card,transport fee comes cheaper than when you are paying straight to the bus driver for your transport.The card also gives discount for seniors citizen,no need to show your ID to prove your age.
Anyway,hubby´s card came out cheaper than mine :)And so by taking the metro we started our tour at HK history & space museum located at Chatham road,Tsim Sha Tsui.

Riding the metro can be a lot easier and quicker than bus but with the bus,you will see more and appreciate Hong Kongs tall buildings

Photos below:

After the visit,we had our lunch ,roam around the shopping area then back to our hotel where we had our dinner

1st Night Out In Hong Kong

2009-06-12T10:45:00.008+01:00

For a firstime traveller to an asian country,please be warned that most shops and restaraunts closes as early as 20:30 hrs.Therefore no shopping after 20.30 on roadside shops or eating in restaurants after 10:30,except of course in the hotels.

After a long rest in the hotel,hubby and i are ready to have our first meal of the day.It was 20:00 hrs and i did´nt want to eat in the hotel so we ventured outside to find a place to eat.There were still some small roadside restaurants open but my attention was caught on a bigger restaurant nearby when i saw a lot of clients inside.So we went in and was immediately ushered on a table,and served a pot of tea and the list of menu they served written in chinese with english translation.

Hubby and I (picture below)looking fresh after a long rest from our 24 hrs journey to HK.

The waitress does not speak english ,she has to call somebody who can.Service is very quick and so with their english,i cant understand the explanation she made with regards to my question.So,i ordered a steamed fish,a plate of vege,and fried rice with prawns.The waitress pointed us to an aquarium to choose the fish to be steamed.Hubby went there to check and take photos as i choose a small grouper,one of the fish on the photo (poor thing :))

Food arrived and served within few minutes.Typically chinese way of cooking,everything is cooked and done quickly.The secret? all ingredients are prepared beforehand,a Wok and a strong fire!! Food was perfect but be warned with your bill,we paid more than 60 euros for this order!!

Here are the dishes we ordered,it was too much for us!!

Guess where we had our coffee and dessert???

As they dont serve coffee in the restaurant,so we went to McDo nearby to have a coffee and an apple pie!! Not bad!! Chinese food for dinner and western coffee and dessert to end the night.

Hello! ,Ola! ,OI!,Kumusta! ,Ni Hao!, Marhaba!

2009-02-13T11:45:00.008Z

They are the only simple greetings i know in different languages....

It´s been a while since my last entry and and my excuse is i´ve been away for a long vacation in my homeland,the philippines in the far east 45 days to be exact. So many places visited ,so many events happened during this period and i dont even know how & where to begin.

We left,Dec.4,2008 on an early morning KLM flight from Lisbon to Amsterdam then another 11 hrs direct flight Hong Kong arriving the following morning Dec.5,2009.
Hong Kong Int´l airport was built on a a large artificial island reclaimed from two former islands that were leveled and is connected to the northern side of Lantau island.

As we got out of plane,we expected to get into a bus to take us to the terminal building but no instead,we followed the signs & movement of co-passengers going up and down the escalators until all the passengers stoped in front of a glass sliding door.
Bewildered, i asked hubby,"are we going to catch a train?" and he said,"I dont know,we better asked the airport guard" I asked one passenger instead and he said the train will take us to the terminal.

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And so we did and it took us maybe a minute or two before we arrived at the terminal building then another ride in the escalator up.On our way to the immigration,we heard a chinese security screaming to a filipino #$%&?#?!!" Take off your cap!!!!" I guess that was what she was screaming about as we saw the filipino immediately took his cap off.We wondered why its not allowed to wear a cap inside the airport??

Half an hour more on queu to pass thru the immigration,our passport was stamped with a ninety days stay visa and then we´re free admiring the huge building,taking some pictures and finally went to look for a desk to get some information where we can take a taxi to go to our hotel,the guy asked whats the name of the hotel and the location,i told him the name & location of the hotel then he pointed us to another desk where they attend to hotel clients.After all the formalities,name of hotel,name of clients,they gave us a sticker to put on our shirt and we´re told to wait for the driver that will take us to our hotel.

When finally we reach our hotel at about 11:00,we we´re really dead tired to even think of having lunch. Opened our lugage to get some fresh clothes,took a shower then off to bed till evening...

By the way i forgot to mention that while on our way out of the airport i saw a sign for a place inside where you can take your shower or have a massage . It could have been a good idea to take,is´nt it?? Massage and a shower at the airport!!! Great idea for a weary traveller like us.

Manila,Queen City of the Pacific 1938

2008-11-12T09:58:00.005Z

I just thought i´d show this film about Manila taken before World War II....courtesy of travelfilmarchive videos.

It was quiet a pleasant surprise for me to see how was the life of the filipinos before the war. Some buildings and bridges still exist and are well preserved and of use to this date.Not much has been changed in the downtown district of old manila since except for the transit,the passenger jeepneys that replaced the "Karetela" or "Karamata "on the road,the way most filipinos dressed now and the way we immediately acostumed to the western ways & mentality. No longer are the typical filipina dress called Maria Clara even though our lady President and her secreatary´s still use it for formal ocassions already modified & modernized.

I grew up to see my grandmother wearing the same filipina dress with long skirt down to her toes till she passed away in 1997 age 97.She never cut her long hair and never adopted to the modern fashion as most women her age did.As she has always been good to me,I also love to offer her things on her birthdays & christmas, like a nice comb to adorn her hair or a pair of a local step-in adorned with beads as she like and also materials to make her clothings. How I loved to see & look at this old family picture of my grandparents with their siblings and grandchildren after the war ( myself as a baby in my moms arms and my father next to her:))

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Hope you enjoy this video archive of Manila as I did.

Im back...Im still Around

2008-10-27T10:20:00.010Z

I have´nt noticed that its been almost three months since i last posted something in my blog....the summer heat of August & September must have affected me in a way :)

But its was not the only reason,i´ve been busy surfing the net for airfares from,Lisbon-Hong Kong-Manila in December trying to get a fare price. Planning and preparation for our holidays has always been always my task as hubby has no time and patience for it.He trusted my discretion and judgement on this matter although the last word will always be his. Lol!!

Therefore,in mid September i finally bought our ticket online for a flight to Hong Kong not direct to Manila. We decided to stay a week Hong Kong ,and during this period we will also visit Macau and Guanzhou,China .I also requested my son in Mla. to buy us a ticket from HK-Mla as KLM dont fly HK-Mla and besides their airline partner that can fly us to Mla charge more than another local airline that i checked thru net. So i opted for our local airline and we manage to get a good price for it too, paying only 150.00 Euros for a one way ticket for two from Hong Kong to Manila.

Buying airline tickets online is always cheaper,you get to check on their prices and compare it to other airlines until you are satisfied with the price and can make your reservation in advance. All you need is to have a bank card where they can debit your payment.Reservation fees also are a lot cheaper than when you buy thru travel agencies.

Anyway,we shall leave on an early morning 3 hrs flight from Lisbon-Amsterdam on Dec.4, then we change plane in Amsterdam for another straight 11 hrs flight to Hong Kong to arrive the following day.In Hong Kong we´ll have a chance to adjust our body clock.Its the most difficult part during this travel because when its morning in Europe,its already the end of the day in the Far East.Time difference Europe to Far East is 8 hrs.

For now,i´m still busy replacing our summer clothes to our winter wardroves most especially hubby´s wardrove. He still works you know,therefore i need to prepare all his office winter clothings.

Yesterday,we have already adjusted our clock one hour late.The day is getting shorter and so is the temperature, thermometer is getting lower although i can still enjoy wearing a lighter clothing during the day as in summer only to change to a warmer clothes when the sun goes down.

In my last post,i promised to write about manila but as we will be in Mla within 6 weeks time,I guess i prefer to show and write about a more updated photo of Mla.

Meantime i could´nt resist to show you some photos taken during our last holiday 2 yrs ago.
Photos were taken with my friends at the newly inagurated SM shopping mall said to be the biggest in asia.

The Shopping Mall of Asia and friends photo by the seaside

Inside the shopping mall

Group picture as our shopping bag of seafoods are being weighed before cooking and another picture of our happy faces on the table before we start attacking our food.
After our dinner,we pass by the fruit market section to buy native fruits to take home.

From the shopping mall and few minutes drive from there ,picture were taken when we went to a fish market nearby to buy seafoods and have it cooked in one of the many restaurants nearby for our dinner.We were celebrating one of my friends birtday that same day. Photos were taken before the photos above

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As you can see in the photos of the fish vendors,you´ll note how fun loving and well humored the filipinos are. Oblidging to my hubby´s whim in taking photos of the filipino life and so as to show photos of what our wet markets has to offer. Hubby enjoys going to these type of places and many others to observe and take note of everything around him especially the typical way of life of the people around the world.

Philippine Holiday Part 3

2008-08-06T09:18:00.013+01:00

We have to cut short our intended 6 days stay in Cebu.After 2 days,hubbys mood changed he does not seem to be enjoying our stay in the city center.I made him choose where he prefers to stay ,city center or beach resorts and he chose the first option. I guess he was also disappointed because we suppose to be with a friend in cebu that promised to take us arround but unfortunately she was called back to Manila while we were in Davao.Also,i think hubby was disappointed of Cebu because i told him lots of good memories about it and how i enjoyed my trips many years ago. I enjoy nature,sun and beaches whearas hubby a former seaman ( retired merchant marine officer ) he is not really very fond of the sea." 1 hour in the beach is enough, he would say to me " So you see,even if i wanted to be at the beach for the whole day,its not possible!

There was a travel agency near the hotel and i thought of taking hubby to another island.We made inquiries,booked for the ferry boat that would take us to a day trip to Tagbilaran,Bohol.Fortunetely for us ,the agency manage a seat for us for an early morning trip the following day.I think it was about an hour or hour and a half ride to the city of Tagbilaran,the capital of Bohol

Tagbilaran,Bohol

Bohol is an island province of Philippines and is the 10th largest island in the country.The most popular attraction is a natural wonder called the Chocolate Hills and the island of Panglao famous for its diving location and fine white sands,located just southwest of the city.

Upon arrival at the pier or port,there are many taxi/tourist drivers that are recognized by the authorities to take tourist around for a day tour to the island for a certain amount. I have to negociate for the amount,we paid 3,500 pesos + tip( +-50 euros which i think is too much)we still have to pay for the entrance fee, river cruise to Loboc River, 1,000 pesos / head,our lunch including the drivers lunch +- 2,500 pesos,so i guess we spend about 120-150 euros that day but worth the trip.although i would advise the would be travellers to this island to go for a package trip which would come out cheaper.

Our first stopover was a place "Sandugo" ( san means one ,dugo means blood) where the spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and the native king Datu Sikatuna of Bohol sealed their frienship thru blood compact cosidered to be the first international treaty of friendship between two people of different races.

Panglao Island is also seen in the backgroud.

Next stop,(photos above)was taken inside a 400 yr old the century old Baclayon Church/ Museum and another church convent as seen behind hubby´s photo.

Some photos were taken along the way

Here below, were photos taken at Loboc river during a cruise of the river up to its water source.We´ve also seen numerous caves and waterfalls along the way. Photo with the 2nd smallest primate in the world,the "Tarsiers" was taken before our cruise.

After the 30 minute river cruise,we were quite hungry and we were taken to another place where we can have a lunch buffet for 14 euros/head.Native dishes and local fruits only.Our favorite drink is the coconut juice taken straight from the tree.

With full stomach ,we then proceeded to the famous Chocolate Hills but first a stopover photo at the Mahogany forest a man made mahogany park.

The Chocolate hills is a natural wonder composed of 1,200 hills made of limestones leftovers from coral reefs during ice age when the island was submerged. The hills grass turn brown during summer days looking like chocolates,hence their name.
Note that photos of the hill were not chocolate coulored as photos were taken in Sept. still rainy season in Philippines

Last was a trip to cross the hanging bridge to see native craft on the other side. As we were already tired from our expedition of the day,we did´nt bother to see anymore what can be seen on the other side of the river. Took some photos then back at the port to wait for our ferry back to Cebu City.

The following day we were on our way to the airport to go back home to Manila the capital city of Philippines but to pass the time before the flight,we first went to the mall to have a manicure/pedicure ( hubbys favorite past time:) ),had our lunch after wards then back to the hotel to check out while our taxi driver is waiting outside to take us to the airport.Below are some more snap shots of the day up to the aircraft to fly us back to manila.

Next post will be about Manila

Philippine Holiday Part 2

2008-07-30T09:59:00.010+01:00

Cont:Holiday Part 1 in Davao City

Forgot to mention that a week before this trip to Davao,we heard in the news about a bomb explosion in a public place that killed several people and these incidents happens from time to time since the last time i visited the city many years ago.

Davao City is in Mindanao region and is the region in Philippines that is composed of all the philippines predominantly Muslims provinces and city.
In the philippine history,the region and most of Mindanao has always been in a seperate territory which enabled it to develop its own culture and identity, therefore it has been a homeland of muslim filipinos even before the spanish colonized most of philippines in the beginning of 1565.The arab missionaries came before the spaniards and converted the natives into Islam.

I was concerned for hubbys safety and i began having 2nd thoughts wether i should take him in that region or not so i told him my preocupation,he told me we should proceed with our plans and not to worry.

After passing all thru a thorough body search,shoes( yes,we have to remove our shoes for x ray check) and baggage inspection,finally we are on board and relaxed during an hour and a half flight.
Another surprise upon arrival at davao airport was the armed military presence inside and outside the building.We were brought to our hotel by a driver who thought we were part of a group he was waiting for but as he realized we were going to the same hotel, no problem he said " I will take you first and come back later for the group"

We stayed in Davao Insular Hotel categorized as 4 star hotel,pleasant sourrounding,beach front but not suitable for swimming,hospitable staff but unfortunately rooms are not well maintained we have to request to change room because of the toilet and the air conditioning that does not function.

On our first day,there was a christian gathering coming from all over the world and they were also belited in the same hotel for a week period.So it was quite a pleasant surprise for us.As we went out to view the hotel sourroundings, we saw people of different nationalities in their own costumes, probobly the presentation and program of the day as a stage was also erected where we saw local tribes in their costumes performing their dance as shown on photos below:

Myself with the pretty and friendly local girls

Holiday Part 2 in Cebu City

Anyway,after a long busy and pleasant week in Davao, we took our next flight to Cebu City dubbed as the Queen City of the south.The mactan-Cebu Int´l Airport is just 20 minutes drive to the city.

Again,even before it was colonized ny the spaniards,Cebu was already a prosperous settlement with trade relations to China and other countries of southeast asia.

The citys is an important cultural center in philippines,the most famous landmark is the Magellan Cross which is housed in a chapel,was supposedly planted by Ferdinand magellan when he arrived in the Phil. islands in 1521.The original cross was encased in a hollow wood to prevent devotees to take it home chip bt chip.it is the symbol of the beginning of Christianity in Philippines.

Photos below:

Magellan Cross and Kiosk in the early 1900´s

A few walk from the cross is the Basilica Minore del Sto.Niño,an augustinian chruch which was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1965 during the 400th year aniversary of christianity in philippines.

The Taoist Temple but mostly known as chinese temple,located in Beverly Hills subdivision.Built by cebu´s substantial chinese community with an elevation of 300 meters above sea level and open to public worshipers or non worshippers alike.
A ritual among devotees is where one prays to the gods to grant ones wish.The ritual as weve seen includes washing of hands,going to the chapel barefooted and dropping two blocks of wood.If the blocks of wood are both face up then one could make a wish.If not,the devotee must come back another day for that wish.(We are not allowed to take photos inside)

Cebu photos were all taken with in the city,we did´nt go outside the city where all the beautiful beach resorts of cebu are located.Hubby was no longer in good disposition at the time. We only passed our time mostly going around Ayala Center and also enjoy the good food in one restaurant which i forgot the name.For this reason we have to cut short our intended stay in cebu.

Next post will be about another beautiful place called Bohol.

Philippine Holiday Soon!!

2008-07-28T13:55:00.015+01:00

Finally, I will be going on holiday to Philippines few months from now. Actually it will be in December to spend christmas and new year with my family,Yuppeee!!!
I´ve been longing and looking forward for this ocassion as its been a long time since i last spend christmas holidays with my family.Hubby finally gave in to my request.

It was for this reason that i have´nt posted for long time,my head is always afloat and besides i´ve been busy preparing plans for our long holiday of 49 days.Hubby never like to be in one place during these times,there are still many places he must see that is why i need to plan everything for me also to have time to spend with my family.I always make it a point that we have few days all together in a certain place for outings.It has to be this way because my kids also work and dont have much to spend with us except during week ends or if hubby and I are not somewhere around.

During our last holiday in Sept.2006,hubby and I spent almost two weeks getting to know the Visayas and Mindanao region. Although i have been to some of those places,i have to revisit again to show him also places that i know he would enjoy.

The Philippines archipelago comprises of 7,107 islands, commonly divided into three island group,the Luzon,Visayas and Mindanao.I think i have been only to a hundreds of them therefore i am taking holiday opportunities with hubby to see more of my beautiful country.

Here are some 2006 photos taken during our 2 weeks visit in the two biggest island group outside Luzon where Manila is the Capital City.Manila is a very busy and buzzling city,a place where you will enjoy your shopping,good eateries,cultural visits.You may want to head south or north of manila for nature visits.

Philippine Eagle Park in Davao: a sanctuary for our endangered philippine eagle species Pls click photos to enlarged

The Crocodile Park in Davao

Malabagos Garden Resort and Nature Park,Davao

Me under a pergula covered with a beautiful bright red flower hanging above me whereas the other photois the resort garden restaurant where we had our lunch.

Here is a photo where the lady vendor was preparing a local fruit delight called Durian for hubby to taste.You should see his face when he tasted it,cant describe it!!

Hubby and I in our dream house ,the native house called Nipa Hut and in another photo with our native transport pulled by a carabao or rather water bufalo.This animal is also a good friend of our poor local farmers,the carabao is normally used by farmers to help prepare and till their lands before planting rice.

Last but not the least was an enjoyable day trip to Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island (originally a pearl farm before it was sold to a chain hotel)
Fee for a day trip was 1,500 Pesos or the equivalent of 23 Euros.Buffet lunch,boat trip to and from the resort,use of the resort facilities,all inclusive.all worth the trip!!

Before the boat ride and while we were inside the boat,coins were tossed to the water for the boys to dive into the water to get the coins before it plunges to the bottom.
Photos below were taken upon arrival at the resort,before and after diving into the pool and during a mouth watering buffet lunch after a swim.

Have to stop from here,this post has become too long again and also I filled it up with photos from philippines to show my dear readers the beauty of my country as seen by yours truly and of course by hubby!

Next post will be photos from Cebu City and Tagbilaran,Bohol

Update about my whereabouts :)

2008-06-03T13:50:00.018+01:00

I know i have´nt been around lately,some of you may have understood the reason behind it and the others may not know what i have been up to.

So many activities in the past 2 weeks and im am veerrryy tired...Oh,my poor back and feet needed a break !!!

Here´s an update of what i´ve been up too since the oven incident.May 21,2008

May 22-25,2008 - We went to Seville,Spain and stayed 4 days/3 nights in a beautiful and tranquil small 3 star hotel in Valencina de la Concepcion,about 15 minutes drive to the city center.

From Lisbon to Seville is a driving distance of about +- 500 kms.We left home at about 10:00 AM ,brave the torrential rain along the way which stoped when we already covered a distance of about 50 kms.

Hubby has to stop for a coffee at service stations whenever he feel the need to stretch his leg.I could´nt substitute him because i stopped driving 10 yrs ago.(already lost my confidence to drive long distance)and had our lunch in Olhão,Algarve near the border.

As we reach the border,it took us about an hour and a half to reach our destination,We got lost a bit but no problem,hubby stoped a police car to ask for direction and they were so kind to lead us the way to our hotel.

Introducing, the Vereda Real Hotel

The hotel was a pleasant surprise,so typical andalucian style.It was said that it was once a "Hacienda" before it was renovated and turned into a hotel.

The lobby from the reception area and right hand picture is at the 2nd floor on our way to our room

View from our bedroom window

I could´nt help posting more photos of the hotel as i was so impressed by it.I have to cut short this post re: the hotel for now. There are so many more stories to tell next time.
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May 25 - we returned back home safe and sound,dead tired!!

Next day,the technician from Whirlpool Service Center came over with the intention to replace the glass of the oven door. Unfortunately,even if we gave the correct model description of the oven,he brought the wrong glass! I did´nt panic anymore,i already expected incompetency on their part, He said he will order the correct glass( it means they dont have any extras or stock in their warehouse). Again i told him that i´ll be needing the oven before the week end,he honestly answered that he could´nt garranty when he will receive the oven glass.If he receive it before,he will come over to do it on friday and he did´nt come,not even a phone call!

Anyway as i came back from a few days break,well recharge :),I didnt worry any more. I have to make do with the things i have at home. I was only worried about baking my sweets and the bithday cake. But thhis wonderful thing called "Turbo Oven Roaster" helped me deal with my dilemas.

Here´s a picture of the oven and some of the left over cake ,sweets and tartes that baked in this oven. First time i used it for this porpose.I usally use it only for roasting chicken or pork. This oven saved my day!

Forgot to take photos beforehand,that is why photos i present were left overs. The birthday cake (lefthand side) was a sucess!

From May 26 up to June 1st -
Cleaning,washing and preparation of hubby´s birthday party party..Finally,the Day has come last sunday and all went well! Hubby was happy to be with family and friends but like me,he was also very tired or maybe more tired than I,saw it from his face. He helped me a lot that day,he should be relaxing an enjoying his special day not working and helping me with the last minute preparations.

God willing next year,we´ll just invite family to eat in the restaurant.It´s just too much now for our age!(the price of getting old :)!! )

The appetizers on the table as set by the my assistant.Captain Rui Pinto,the tired birthday celebrant

Have a good day to all!!

Shattered Day!!

2008-05-21T14:09:00.005+01:00

I woke up with headache this morning so i got up to take my medication and a pill for headache. Hubby still at home and advised me to stay in bed as it was only 7:30 AM but as soon as he left home,i remembered to do something in the living and dining room to prepare and organize it in advance for the birthday party of hubby next week.

I immediately started my household task and was so concentrated with my work that when i heard a loud CRASH!!!??? made me turn my head and headed to the kitchen. To my surprise i saw shattered dark glasses on the floor.Thingking they were from an empty bottle of wine,i looked behind the door where hubby put them from last nights dinner,they are intact!!

This was the CULPRIT, THE OVEN GLASS DOOR!!! Broken!! Caputtt!!

Just like that with out being used since last week. How is it possible!??? I called for assistance as it was still under garanty. Unfortunately,i was told that oven door glass has no garanty cause it´s possible that the cause may have been from the way i used the oven that it may have suffered damaged from shock , Im the one who suffered a shock i said. An oven not even two yrs of use, this never happened to me before!!

Got so nervous that my headache worsened. Im going to prepare so many things for the party next week and i´ll be needing an oven. Service center cannot garanty that the glass can be replaced by next week.What should i do?? Hubby already invited friends!!

I will be gone for a few days with hubby starting tomorrow..I will try to relax and hope for better days next week!!

Wishing you all better days than mine!

Visit to the Orient Foundation Museum

2008-05-19T10:54:00.008+01:00

Sorry for my long absence..Im still around,im still visiting and reading friends blogs but its just me....I sometimes like to just be on my own or be invisible at times.

Last week,hubby and I visited a newly inagurated building which hosted a Museum of the Orient Foundation.As a token, entrance fee for the museum was open and free for public during the weeekend.

Weather condition here still unpredictable... a bit cold ,cloudy,gloomy for this time of the year.It seems that we´ll be experiencing this kind of weather till the 21st of this month.

Anyway, we went to visit the museum last week at about 10:00 in the morning.At the ground floor was a showcase of all mask used by the previous and present generations of Asia.Another floor are showcases of costumes,religeous altars and Gods in Asian countries. We were allowed to take photos but not with flash,so some photos that i will post here are clear and some will be dark as it depends of the lighting in every showcase.

The first and second batch of photos are mask from India, cant explain so much for what porpose they use them for but as i remember from what i read that they are for ceremonies or rituals.

The more elaborate mask was being used by the Prince of Seraikala( State of Bihar)in the beggining of the 20th century. Aside from the Gods,ritual dances are presented during full moon in order to seduce young girls

Some mask from Java and Indonesia

In Bali,the barong Landong represent a couple from the habitants ancestor, Jero Gede & Jero that protects the comunity.The are carried and used in a ceremonial cremation during New Year

The above photos are mask from Thailand

Can no longer remember from which country these mask are from but all i can remember is that they are used during the dance of the lamas that shows the divinity that the dead will find before reincarnation.The other photo is a mask of Yak and the Queen of Demons.

I have many more to show but for now this will be all.I hope you enjoyed the tour..

Media and Events in Philippines

2008-05-08T09:24:00.010+01:00

Whenever I see or hear news about Philippines, i get upset and feel sad and angry because the international media would only report and show footage about disasters and exploit about poverty and sufferings of the people.

WHY PICK ONLY OF THE POOR COUNTRIES??!!DONT THEY HAVE POVERTY IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD TO SHOW ??!!

I have also been around in most of the so called developed countries,i´ve also seen people living in degrading conditions, homeless people braving the cold winter sleeping on the street pavements or in the park.Young or old people requesting money to buy food, alcoholic drinks or drugs.We dont see them much during the day because the police authorities would´nt let them camp on public places.Its what the media here call the " HIDDEN HUNGER & POVERTY OF THE PEOPLE " People are ashamed to tell.

Whereas in a country of almost 90 million population like philippines,it´s not an easy task to take care and control the homeless or anyone who lives on the street .Police can get them out in one place in one day but they will be back the following day or others may come and take their places.

But one thing i can say about the Filipino people, even in times of crisis like the rise in prices of important commodities like rice. They still know how to live with what they have and enjoy life.

With the permision of a dear blogger friend in manila Señor Enriqueof Wish You Were Here, I copied some of his beautiful photos of the event few days ago in Manila. The ALIWAN FESTIVAL 2008

"Aliwan" means fun or enjoyment.This yearly event is the counterpart of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil. The only difference is that, women are well covered :),they dont dance the samba,and singing during the presentations is not also included. Its more of a choreograph dance skills in tune with the drum beatings. The representives usually comes from different provinces/regions dressed up in their ethnic costumes.There is a prize money too for the winners.

Here are some of the photos:

A young lady with a beautiful smile in her native costume,(not sure if this was the native dress of the Ifugaos in the Mountain province)And again a young boy that seem to be wearing a native dress worn by the muslims in Mindanao

Young girls that maybe waiting for their turn to represent, and the street dancers already on the move.

Feel like joining??!! I do!!

Related link

http://senorenrique.blogspot.com/2008/05/smiles-of-aliwan-fiesta-2008.html
http://senorenrique.blogspot.com/2008/05/aliwan-2008-festival-street-dancers.html

Time to Relax

2008-05-05T11:23:00.011+01:00

Im not on to writting these days... Its not i have´nt got any topics to to write about.Its just that the house keeps me ocupied most of the time!

I sometimes wonder why there is so much to do at home when in fact, im all alone all day in my own house? No vistors,no hubby to tell me " When im home i dont want you to do anything. Just be here near me!" ( Which i cant obey most of the time:) because he likes to watch tv and i dont,i prefer to listen to music)

Anyway last Thursday,May 1st was holiday and as i know hubby has been under stress lately, fresh air and a walk will do him good so i told him that we should go out and walk in the park nearby. We prepared and when we were out of our building,he went straight to the car.I already understood..no walking for him, instead we went to Belem which is not far from our house, parked the car facing the Marina ( his porpose was just to sit in the car and admire the Tejo River ,breath some fresh air and listen to the radio) but not its not what i have in mind and as i brought my digital camera, I told hubby that i would go out for a walk and take some photos. As expected,he would come and accompany me.

These were the first photos taken by hubby.The marina, not much yatchs anchored these days.The building ahead still under construction i guess will be a hotel.

Busy tourist shopping for souvenirs while the others are waiting in line to relieve their bladers.

Passing thru the souvenir shops,this is what you´ll see further ahead. A replica of the first plane that cross the atlantic ocean and the crown of the jewel in this area is the 500 year old Tower of Belem which has been a declared cultural heritage by Unesco. The small building among the palm trees and olive trees is a place where you can get informations about the place and also coffee and other vending machines .

A closer view of the beautiful Manueline architectural design of the Tower and next is a Fort which now functions as Museum.Their is also an Leonardo da Vinci exhibition going on.

Here ,what you can see is the Monument in memory of the Combatants who died overseas in service. Dont know how many died here but i can see thousands of names written on the wall.

And lastly on our way back to the car,I felt envious of the guy with the bycicle just resting,sunbathing while admiring the tower. Its what i feel to do as well. Just relax, do nothing and enjoy life and admire nature!!

What about you? How was your holiday?

This was Unexpected !!

2008-04-28T09:57:00.004+01:00

I just have to share this imediately...I must admit when i opened this e- mail this morning, i expected to smile or laugh thingking it must be something funny.But it is´nt so...

In fact the video touched my heart and made me cry as soon as she started singing. This talented singer´s name is Madonna, a single mom with two children in Philippines and has been in the UK for 18 months working as a club singer.

May i advise you to increase the volume of your of your pc to appreciate more her singing ability.

Enjoy and have a nice day to all!!

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Spring Flowers

2008-04-24T14:06:00.008+01:00

I´ve been missing the flowers this spring..I didnt see so much flowers in bloom in the park where i do my daily walk.Its been raining so much since the beginning of spring,i guess thst was the cause of the delay.

Anyway in my small terrace garden,i already have a few plants with flowers.I took these photos to show you.

The Poinsettia,known to be the christmas flower as they are always in bloom during christmas season. But mine flowered late,it started its flower in january and till now,i still have them.

The pink colored flowers is a plant that i have from long time ago. I just keep on transplanting them as they are easy to grow and usually flowers at the beginning of spring.We also have this plant in Philippines but i dont know the name. Does anybody knows the name of this plant?

The two flowers above seem to produce flowers all year round.The flowers showed here are still from winter season. They give less flower during winter and produce more i think in summer.

I could´nt resist buying more pots of flower when i went out shopping.

I only know that i´ve chosen two Gerberas in white and yellow color. And the other is someting i never had before called Calandiva. I had another one similar to it but the flowers are even smaller,pity i can no longer find the photo i took when the flower was still in bloom.

Yesterday, Yesteryears Part 2

2008-04-21T10:55:00.009+01:00

Hubby´s first visit to Manila was a memorable one..We were still living in Dubai then,we knew and dated each other for only a year.

I was due for my anual holiday and i was already planning my vacation when hubby surprised me of his intention that he would like to come with me to philippines.
We were both quiet clear with our relationship in those days,no commitments just plain platonic relationship.

Myself,because of my past experience with my ex that left me on my own to support our 3 kids and the reason why i have to look for a better horizon, leave my children at the care of my mom when after seven years on my own,i can no longer strecth my hard earned salary for their well being and education and as for hubby,its because he is divorced who also have 3 kids to suport.

Anyway,we planed our holidays stoping in Singapore for a few days then fly to Manila.While still enjoying our holiday in Singapore,I heard the news about a military coup that was going on in Manila to bring down the government. I got nervous especially when i heard that the airport was closed and a military curfew was imposed. I wanted our flight canceled afraid of hubbys well being. But he insisted that if flights are not canceled we will proceed as our flight schedule permits.And so we did...

My brother came to pick us up in the airport that was full of armed military men, and on our way home we saw more soldiers and military tanks in strategic positions at the hidhway. Old military planes flying low above us as we are coming near a miltary headquarters which is also near our apartment. I looked at hubby with worried face but i see only a smiling face that seem to be enjoying the scenario! So, i just hunch my shoulders after that and told myself " que sera,sera"!

I did´nt have photos of the scene as hubby recorded everything in his video camera at the time.After a few days, all went back to normal life..Got in touch with my friends,arranged an outing with our children and we went to a nice resort outside Manila called Vila Escudero.

Photos below from Vila Escudero in Laguna with my best friends Tessie and Mina ( with our children)and former coleagues in the company where i worked before Dubai.

Our typical native transportation pulled by a bufalo named as Macho that will take us inside the resort for a stopover at the reception area where we were welcomed by a Filipino group of singers

Here we changed partners for a while then back to each other arms after a brief failed romance with Juan and Maria

Group picture at the restaurant side where we have the tables at an artificial lagoon and waterfalls.Here,you can see me huging my chubby youngest son Jon-jon.Native food is served on a small "bilao" plate with banana leaves on top(lechon,adobo,laing,fried chicken,rice,tec.,etc.)where all your chosen food will be placed and eaten either using your fingers or spoon and fork,filipino way. Hubby had no problem eating and using his hands "kamayan" as we all did.

The other photo was taken on a lawn where a military tank was displayed and where the kids enjoyed playing and have their pictures taken

Hubby and Greg breaking their backs paddling the bamboo made raft on a man made lake. Later,they brought two more passengers with them Joy,and Jon.jon to give Pia company. You must be wondering where the ladies were? We were also on another raft trying to race the guys!

For a fee of two thousand pesos each person during that time,the price we paid was well worth it..Food,rest house for the day, museum visit,transportation inside,swimming pool, all inclusive..except for the transportation that brought us to get to the place.

Dont know how are the conditions these days and how much they charge now but you can check on it at the internet for further information.

A beautiful place to pass the day with family and friends not so far from Manila!!

Yesterday.....Yesteryears

2008-04-18T16:05:00.019+01:00

Remember i said in my previous post,i had a taste of that kind of crab long time ago(20 yrs ago) during my first visit to portugal?

Here i was undecided wether to use my fingers or the utensils provided to clean it.But as you can see hubby had no problem with how to handle it.Photo was taken in a restaurant in Nazare

Found the picture today while re arranging a place for our photo albums from yesteryears,Lol!!!How time goes by so quickly..

Photos from our tour of Portugal in 1987

Lisbon Photos

Taken at the other facade of Jeronimos Monastery nest to the Museum "Museu de Marinha" and the next photo was at the Tower of Belem

At the Castelo São Jorge

North of Portugal

Stopover at Figueira De Foz for picture taking, At the righthand side photo was taken in Geres. Hubby asked me before this 3 day tour. Where do I prefer to go,South or the North? And I asked what´s the difference? He said at the south side will be the famous tourist destination Algarve because of its fine beaches and seafoods, whereas the North will be more nature and cultural visit. Even though i love the sea, i´ve chosen the North of Portugal tour

Note: The above picture at the lefthandside was not taken at Figeuire de Foz ( my apologies) hubby said it was taken somewhere in Minho and the other photo was not taken in Geres ( although i have some other photos in Geres) but instead it was alos taken in Braga.

The 4 days/3 mught tour includes the following places:

Fatima, Batalha, Figueira de Foz, Viseu,Geres, Viana de Castelo,Minho,Vila Nova de Guia,Porto,Braga,Guimarães & Coimbra.

The beautiful "stairway to heaven" at the Sanctuario de Braga and Igreja de Bom jesus( if im not mistaken,it was so long ago and we never went back again after that first trip.)

Lastly, wine tasting at the cellar of the famous Fereira Port wine and the other photo was at a monument and the Monastery in Batalha.

Sorry,I could´nt explain more about the places i visited as i dont remember much about the places and its story. I still have to research to refresh my memory and history :)

This will be all for now,Have a nice week end to all!!!

Boca do Inferno,Cascais

2008-04-08T08:52:00.009+01:00

When spring time comes, i always think of flowers in bloom,happy birds singing and preparing for their nest,beautiful blue sky, beach,sunshine,etc.,etc...But not this spring,someday we might experience 2 or 3 days of good weather then the rest of the week will be cloudy,rainy and windy.Our climate has become so unstable and unpredictable now a days.

We are experiencing bad weather conditions since yesterday that according to our weather forecaster this condition may last up to thursday.

Last week end,we planed to go to the beach as we can see the sun shining so bright so we thought it might be a good day for a swim and sun bath but before we even got out of the house,the sun disapeared.
So,instead we just drive by the marginal and at least be at the sea side,stop in one area and just have a walk.( Hubby was not on to walking as he´s having problem with his leg,he said.Excuse,excuse!!) He prefers to be seated driving the car than walking.

Anyway, with my insistence he finally stoped the car in one place called "Boca do Inferno" which means "Mouth of Hell" is a chasm located on a cliffy seashore close to Cascais town.The sea has acess to the deep bottom of the chasm and vigorously srikes its rocky walls.This area is also a tourist attraction.

Here,we followed a diver when we saw what he had in his fish net and requested him if we can have a picture of him and his catch. He was kind enough to oblidge us and here he showed us what i thought to be a king crab.He said ,the "santola" must weight about 2 kgs. and hubby jokingly said it will be a big banquet for him and his friends.And he agreed that the crab will be prepared for his family & friends for the next day.
In portuguese they call it "Santola" and the crab is called "Caranguejo" so i guess santola is just a crab family that it might be called "spider crab" in english.I had a taste of this santola in a fishing village in the north during my first visit to portugal.It was very good!

Boca do Inferno is a very dangerous place to be especially during bad weather condition as you will see from the battered rock formations in the photos. The authorities had barricaded some dangerous areas for the people not to cross or trespass but as i can see there are still several men around the cliff with their fishing rods.And i already heard many times in the news that during bad weather conditions,these men or even tourist that are not careful and just fascinated to come near the cliff and watch the strong and big waves coming to batters the cliff were already taken to the sea and often times their bodies are never found.

Near the roadside,there were also stalls of local products such as embroidered table cloths,towels,handicraft and my favorite are the beautiful colorful potteries in the shape of pumpkin,carrot and cabbage pitcher or bowls as shown below.

Unforgetable One day Cruise

2008-04-02T09:56:00.017+01:00

I´ve been busy sorting out many things at home lately that i have´nt got time enough to post or even visit my fellow blogger´s.

And now, I have no idea what topic to write about...

Looking thru my travel photos,i remebered i have´nt written anything about our "One Day Island Cruise" in Greece.After two days of cultural and historical sightseing tour in Athens,hubby and i needed a changed so we went to an agency and booked a one day island cruise for the next day.

The Aegina ( Aegean) the last island we visited and the only island picture i can show that was taken on board our ship while docking at the port.

We were picked up at our hotel at about 8:00 AM to take us to Piraeus where we have to board our ship that will take us to the islands.

Below were the buses that awaits the passengers who are interested to on an hour tour of aegean island.We also took that tour.

Our first stop was the island of Poros.The town rest in a narrow strait between the Poros island and the Peloponese(where they had that tragic fire last summer that killed hundred or so people from the island.It was a beautiful small town that i realized only now that i lost all my photos from this island during the time that i had a computer problem.( i was so confident that i had copied them all in a cd but that was´nt so.)We were told that we have 45 minutes to browse around,as the town is small we had enough time to see almost everything,shops,market,and we climb thru a narrow white steps between the charming small white painted houses to see the towns magnificent bell tower that offers a beautiful view.

One observation i made was that there are so many cats on one side of the road and i wondered why?

Taken near the crafts and jewelry shops.Notice that mostly women window shoppers or buyers.I was so hungry at the time that i did,nt even enter the shops. Hubby just took this other photo below from the show window
Example of their jewelry craftmanship.Simple but elegant,is´nt it?

Next stop was the island opf Hydra,it was said that the island was a favorite of the International Jet-set.

Hydra is the beloved muse of the painters,craftsmen and photographers.It has a unique architecture,crystal clear and blue waters,several craft and jewel shops,folk art and the traditional means of transport? The donkey,there are several of them waiting to take any tourist for a ride. ( As i said before,lost also those photos except for some that is shown above.

The Ecclesiastical Museum where the relics of the monastery are kept. The Holy Cathedral was next to it and although taking pictures and proper decent clothing are requested,we managed to enter the church and take some photos. Orthodox church are very strict on this matter.

Our last island stop is the Aegina, known for its rich history,pistachio grove landscape.Aegina Port has a picturesque seaside village like all the other islands we visited. And its the biggest among the others.Here we visted the impressive byzantine architecture church of St. Nectarios and the siver-carved tomb of the saint as shown below

The hill where it was said the towns people built 365 churches as a gratitude to God for saving the town from an invasion( sorry,i forgot the whole story as told by our guide)
My first glimpse of a Pistachio tree
Here,we were having a taste of the local drink with a plate of seafood snacks with the company of a friendly australian couple from this trip

It was a very pleasant trip and we enjoyed it so much.

Back to the 60´s music mood

2008-03-22T13:16:00.003Z

Remembering Dave Clark Five...Because

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Easter Greetings to All

2008-03-19T10:58:00.000Z

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About Wisdom and Stupidity

2008-03-18T10:15:00.008Z

Homes are made by the wisdom of women,but are destroyed by foolishness.

A fool´s pride makes him talk too much; a wise man´s words protect him.

Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty,but with them it will be full of grain.

Conceited people can never become wise, but intelligent people learn easily.

Why is a clever person wise? Because he knows what to do.Why is a stupid person foolish? Because he only thinks he knows.

Laughter may hide sadness.When happiness is gone,sorrow is always there.

Sensible people are careful to stay out of trouble ,but stupid people are careless and act too quickly.

Peace of mind makes the body healthy,but jealousy is like a cancer.

Wicked people bring about their own downfall by their evil deeds,but good people are protected by their integrity.

Kind words bring life,but cruel words crush your spirit.

Hot tempers cause arguments but patience brings peace.

What a joy is to find just the right word for the right occasion!

Strawberries forever

2008-03-14T18:55:00.007Z

Had this before breakfast

Biggest piece My Reserve
Two kilos of strawberries cut into pieces for the preparation of my strawberry jam.Like to make my own home made jam

Sorry i forgot to take photos of the finish product...but the result was a total of 4 jars weighing 500 grams each came out of it.

Have a nice week end to all!!

PROVERBS, for a change

2008-03-12T17:17:00.005Z

Found this cloth today while cleaning our closet.It was a piece that we brought from Dubai and has been with us since then.Dont know actually where to hang and do with it, so i just put it aside since then.

ARABIAN PROVERBS

1) Money lover has no lover. Money despiser has no despiser

2) Dont intermediate between a wolf and a lamb,the wolf knows you´ll kill him while the lambs knows that you´ll eat him.

3) An egg to a hungry man gets a loud "Thank you" than a chicken to a well to do man.

4) If you lend him, you lose.If you dont,you lose him.

5) Words are hornets.Deeds are bees

6) The colour is yellow as gold,but the metal is imitation,from the outside merely decoration,from the inside deterioration

7) A nation without knowledge is a ship in the middle of the ocean overcrowded with people who know not navigation

8) Cloudy sky does not mean that the sun is not there.

9) Dont build boats in a town with no harbour,dont light candles in blind people´s parlours.

10) Benevolence is not so noble,motivation is.

11) The word "I wish" married the word "I hope",their offsprings were "If" and "May be"

12) No matter how much you repeat that you have a bull,the fool will insist that you should milk it

13) Your head is your house,furnish it

14) To a fool,good advise is a comb to a bald man

15) Deep water fish care nothing about surface gales; so is the wise,when foolish voices rise.

16) Since the head of the family is a drummer,why blame his family for moving on rythm.

17) What can be done at night is scandal by daylight standards.

18) Why blame the wolf for eating lambs;Dont you?

19)Date fruits go to waste on top of a high slippery palm tree.so is the miser´s money

20) Ants are not aware of human civilization,unbelievers are human ants.

So,what do you think about these proverbs?

Beach Hopping

2008-03-09T13:47:00.000Z

The region of Algarve consist of 16 municipalities and one of them is Lagoa where we visited several beaches.

Praia de Marinha and Praia de Albandeira were the first 2 beaches we visited,as you can see even the rock formations has added its own beauty to the scenario.

The Praia da Marinha was also clasified as one of the 100 most beautiful and well preserved beaches of the world.

It was a beautiful day and i was dying to go down to the beach cafe and just sit back and relax.

The municipality of Lagoa has created a strategy with regards to its environmental concern.It has resisted the invasion of disorder by preserving its coastline and maintain a harmonious conjugation between the old and the modern habitat wherein building construction is equilibrated without any environmental impact and high rise buildings has no place on it.

Vila de Carvoeiro once another small fishing village situated about 5 kms from the city of Lagoa.As you can see in the photos, most beaches in Algarve offers clear water and fine sands.

I always apreciate this view of neat whitewashed houses and buildings.As you can see,Algarve has so much to offer.

Note: Pls click the photos to enlarge.

Sunny days in Algarve

2008-03-04T18:47:00.015Z

Algarve,South of Portugal,a popular tourist destination because of its fine beaches and mediterranean climate.

The apart/hotel where we stayed for 4 days

The last part of Portugal to be reconquered from the moorish rule.More than five centuries (8th to 13th century) of Moorish influence has left their mark in the region,beginning with the actual name "Al Gharb" meaning The West.The long Moorish occupation can still be noted in the name s of the towns and villages and so with the architecture of monuments,the lacework pattern of the balconies,roof,terraces and chimneys or the typical whitewashed house in the villages.

Typical houses in small village

It was a 3 hour drive from Lisbon,hubby likes to drive calmly and always try to stop once or twice for a coffee at the service stations along the way to stretch and relax our legs.

Arriving in Algarve at about 2:30 pm, we stoped at a roadside cafe restaurant to ask for direction and to know if they still serve lunch.The owner said they have only one dish to serve which is "Atum a Algarvia" (Tuna steak the Algarve way).Hubby look at me,raised his eyebrow and i nodded. We sat on the table,munched on the olives that was on the table,ate a piece of bread with butter and drink a glass og wine while we waited for our tuna steak to be serve.

This was the big plate of Tuna that i had for lunch.Had to share part of it to hubby as i cant eat it all!

It was a well served lunch and we ate very well! And you know what? GOOD PRICE TOO! We only paid 17.50 euros for 2 servings of tuna,a jar of a good local red wine,olives, bread,caramel puding for dessert and 2 cups of espresso.We could´nt believe the price we paid for all that!

I noted the interior decoration of the restaurant,it is something different from anything that i have seen before,very original!!The ceiling and parts of the walls are decorated with differnt kinds of old tools used in the old days.

We stayed in an apart/hotel in a quiet area known as Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Our Lady of the Rock) at Armação de Pera,which was originally a small fishing village where tuna used to be caught and brought up onto the "Praia dos Pescadores" (Fishermans Beach.)

After resting for a while,we decided to go for a walk nearby up to the small romasque chapel of " Senhora da Rocha" (Our lady of the Rocks)where the fishermens go for prayers before setting of for night fishing.It was also said that there was a vision of the virgin Mary.

Overlooking the chapel is this small beach which is only one of the many small beaches in the area.You can also go on a boat trip along the coastal area to see the beautiful rock formations,caves and grottos.Algarve is a wonderful place for taking photographs. I will show you more on my next post.
Note: Pls click on the photos to enlarge

Just taking pictures

2008-02-27T16:56:00.012Z

All the photos shown below were all taken with in an hour time. I´ve been meaning to take photo of a plane landing in the airport nearby since we arrived in Madeira and by luck it all happened early morning on our last day while i was in the balcony waiting for the sunrise.To my disappointment,no sunrise view as it was a cloudy day but instead I was entertained by the arrival and take off of the folowing planes and also the boat and ships passing by the sea. Guess, it was my lucky day!!

The arrival and landing of the plane passing so close to the hotel

And these were photos taken of a plane positioning and getting ready for take off

A patrol boat and a naval ship by the sea also crossing during that period.Hubby and I wondered why

Ferry on the left side is Porto Santo and the other is called "Nave" which is actually an old ship, for tourist who would like to experience a ride the old way in a sail ship and like the Porto Santo transports tourist at the nearby islands.

Bits and Pieces

2008-02-25T10:03:00.010Z

During the wet,gloomy days of last week,i decided to take advantage of the rain to clean the balcony where i have a small place for my plants.Its the only open area i have and also for hanging washed clothes.

As its difficult for me to clean that area with out using plenty of water and detergent aside from following rules and regulations re: this matter, that we can only water our plants,clean and let the water run thru the balcony drainage at 8:00 Pm till 8:00 AM which is not practical because there are still people who arrives and also leave for work at this time.(I´ve already received complaints from neighbours who got wet not noticing the dripping water above them)

Anyway,removing old plants and planting new ones to flower in spring was my porpose. To my surprise,i discovered that i had a crop of sweet potato in one of the flower pots.Although i know that they normally yield crop when planted ,i still did´nt expect them to grow in a limited space as this pot.
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For this,i got encouraged and now i tried to experiment planting this..does anyone recognize it? Its that headpiece of pineapple.We´ll see if i can get this to bear fruit.AM I ASKING TOO MUCH? Just wishing....
Oh!!Weeks ago, i also planted a seed of lemon and its now growing in this pot as seen next to the pineapple plant.

Now,i´m on to herb plants,already bought seeds of parsley,coriander,basil and thyme. They are already in a covered bed ,just waiting for them to start to grow the first 4-5 leaves then i´ll transplant them to thier own pots.

Oh,how i really wish to have my own organic herb and vegetable garden!!!I can only do this backhome to my homeland ( still dreaming and wishing for hubby to come to terms)

By the way,we´ve already eaten the sweet potato yesterday..I prepared a pork loin baked in the oven with small young onions and dried seedless plums(pork is marinated in garlic,paprika,thyme,salt,juice of lemon and orange)accompanied and served with baked sweet potato and rice with garlic and almonds. As for the gravy,you can add white wine,madeira or port wine in the baking pan where the meat was baked.This gives a delicious gravy!!

Rainy days are here again!

2008-02-18T10:43:00.008Z

Have you ever experienced waking up at night confused because of something that you hear while deeply sound asleep? I did at dawn this morning! Rumbling thunder,lightning and torential rain beating at the shutter window,and also accompanied by the firemens sirene! What a night!!

Water can still be seen in part of the school near our building

This winter,it did´nt rain so much but as the saying goes "When it rains,it really pours" and its what happened today and as the weather forecaster said until the next 3 days.

So,what do we do at home on cases like this? Cant do much ...but i´ll be busy anyway as i have an appointment with my doctor after lunch.

Speaking about lunch,i´m longing to prepare and eat "Portuguese Cozido(boiled)" which consist of pieces of chicken,pork belly,spare ribs,veal meat.Aside from the meats,different types of "Enchidos" like chouriço de carne(pork meat)chouriço de sangue (blood chouriço similar to the english black puding) morcela (meat and blood)farenheira(pork meat and fat and bread).The chouriços are also boiled apart from the meat.Oh,i almost forgot! All these are eaten with rice, boiled with the water from where you boil the chouriços,boiled white beans,boiled vegetables like carrot,cabbage and turnips.

You must be saying "WHAT? ALL THIS FOOD IN ONE MEAL? Yes,its true!Im not joking,we eat all this in just one meal.Even if it has to be a just piece of each of all the ingredients i mentioned above.That will be still a lot of things in your plate.Of course eating cozido will not be the same if you dont have a good portuguese red wine to go with it.
This photo shows the different types of chouriços

So,you see,how can i go on diet in this country? My husband would tell me,EAT! its a diet food because they are all boiled! True,except that the chouriços are with pork fat.Anyway,i really like this dish and i always try to eat more vege than the meat itself.Now im getting hungry and i have no more time to prepare this dish so i´ll just eat some leftovers from the week end.Besides,the doctor advice me to reduce my weight of 74.5kgs( need to reduce 10 kgs.How?HELP!) with my 1.69 height and take care of my diet as im on medication due to high blood pressure.I just check my BP now its 153/93 a bit lower than yesterday.Guess i must control my cravings for "Cozido" LOL!!

By the way,as for the filipino readers,"Cozido" is similar and a richer version of our more simple "Nilaga" in Philippines.Whenever i go on holiday to my country ,i usually bring with me chouriços to make my nilaga at home prepared the portuguese way and my family adore it!!They always asked me to bring chouriço and bacalau (cod fish)and also caned sardines.

Back to reality...We also started our day without water and no cable tv.The later is not important but water yes! Its a good thing hubby realized the situation when he got up earlier than usual that he managed to save a bit of water for his bath. And myself? I always have a reserved of 2 containers with 5 liters each of water on standby in cases like this.

I heard on the radio that a lot of flooded areas in Lisbon,an old building collapse. that made some people homeless and landslide by the riverside has also taken two lives and the usual heavy transit all around.

In Your Eyes

2008-02-14T12:54:00.003Z

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I enjoyed this song and video of Peter Gabriel,i hope you do too!!!

Tauromaquia ( Bullfight )

2008-02-11T15:00:00.000Z

Bullfighting or tauromachy ( from Greek tauromachia ),Spanish toreo as in "corrida de toros" or "tauromaquia" in portuguese tourada is a traditional spectacle of Spain, Portugal and several latin american countries.Its órigin is unknown although there are some inconclusive theories about its origin.

This building is called "Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno",the bull ring of Lisbon built in the year 1892 and has a capacity for 9,00 people and wherein i first witness my first bullfight.Till now,it is still being used for the same porpose and other events during summer.Renovated in 2006 to add some shops and restaurant inside and around the building.

The tradition, as it is practiced today, involves professional performers (in Spanish "toreros or matadores", in Portuguese "toureiros") who execute various formal moves with the goal of appearing graceful and confident, while masterful over the bull itself. Such maneuvers are performed at close range, and conclude often with the death of the bull by a well-placed sword thrust as the finale. In Portugal the finale consists of a tradition called the pega, where men (forcados) try to hold the bull by its horns when it runs at them. Forcados are dressed in a traditional costume of damask or velvet, with long knit hats as worn by the campinos (bull headers) from Ribatejo.

Bullfighting generates heated controversy in many areas of the world, including Spain. Supporters of bullfighting argue that it is a culturally important tradition, while animal rights groups argue that it is a blood sport because of the suffering of the bull and horses during the bullfight

Potuguese style bullfight

Most Portuguese bullfights are held in two phases: the spectacle of the cavaleiro, and the pega. In the cavaleiro, a horseman on a Portuguese Lusitano horse (specially trained for the fights) fights the bull from horseback. The purpose of this fight is to stab three or four bandeirilhas (small javelins) in the back of the bull.

In the second stage, called the pega ("holding"), the forcados, a group of eight men, challenge the bull directly without any protection or weapon of defense. The front man provokes the bull into a charge to perform a pega de cara or pega de caras (face grab). The front man secures the animal's head and is quickly aided by his fellows who surround and secure the animal until he is subdued. (This part is what scares me most)

The bull is not killed in the ring and, at the end of the corrida, leading oxen are let into the arena and two campinos on foot herd the bull along them back to its pen. The bull is usually killed, away from the audience's sight, by a professional butcher. It can happen that some bulls, after an exceptional performance, are healed, released to pasture until their end days and used

Football Night!!!

2008-02-06T09:27:00.000Z

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This sunday 03.02.08 was raining all day in most part of Portugal.A day we chose to watch a football game between teams that hubby and I suports ( hubby on one side and I on the other)after so many years of absence in the stadium.We just renewed our membership in a club called FC Belenense in Belem,where we regularly use their swimming pool facilities for our exercise.
Photo of the stadium before the game

The stadium is located in the historical area of Belem where the 500 yr old Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery is also located,From the stadium,we can also view the River Tejo,the Ponte 25 de Abril brige and the Cristo Rei facing the river.

Day before the game,hubby asked me if i would like to watch football in the stadium and i answered.." I prefer to watch the game on TV besides,i heard a weather forecaster saying that tomorrow will be rainy and windy day!" He argued we need a change and enjoy the game live in open air,so i gave in and we bought the ticket.
I was never exposed to football games before( in Phil.we like to watch basketball) until i met hubby, we were still in Dubai at that time.And as i have this shirt that i like to wear a stripe of green and white color,he always remind me of a club in portugal who wears that color Club is SCP(Sporting Club of Portugal).Since then i became a fan of this club..Team in green and white is Sporting and blue and white is Belenenses team

Policemen with his dog around the premises Team playing that evening is FC Belenense/Sporting Club of Portigal.Hubby is a faithful suporter of the club being a hockey player of Belenense in his young days.And I became a Sporting fan since my arrival in Portugal just to tease hubby and to contradict him.

This half naked guy with the flag is an avid fan of Belenense,he likes to exhibit his bare torso even on a cold winter day

The day has come,we both prepared ourselves to face the cold,windy and rainy night.We left home 30 minutes before the game starts ,hubby tried to get a parking space closer to the stadium but it was not possible.Anyway, we did´nt mind walking a bit..At the entrance gate we showed our ticket to a person in charge,few steps ahead was a police control where we were body search for dangerous weapons( just like in the airport control,really!!)another check point for ticket then we were inside.

And myself all geard for the ocassion with some men in the background curious and speaking about me until they made up their mind and decided to think that im a chinese in transit,came to watch football for experience so that i can tell my people backhome in china about european football.GRRRRR!! Cant they hear hubby speaking with me in Portuguese? And i also have to put up with all their screamings and swearing when the referee makes mistake and so and so forth...
Anyway,luckily for us, rain threathened us a bit but later stoped all through the game.I also did´nt feel much cold although it was about 13ºc and my team lost and hubby happy about his team winning 1-0 over my sporting.

Well that is football,who marks a goal wins!! Better luck next time...

D-Day Of an Sport Event

2008-02-04T10:15:00.000Z

Jan.4,2008 THE LISBOA- DAKAR RALLY ( originally Paris-Dakar rally),a yearly event that started few years ago here in Lisbon wherein the area of congregation is in Belem and about 5-10 minutes drive from where i live

Hubby and I prepared early morning to go to Belem to watch the participants leave Lisbon to start their adventure to Africa.Unfortunately for them,while on our way to their venue,we heard on the radio that the event was cancelled.

The dakar rally is about endurance and navigation skills of the partucipants like motorbikes,cars,trucks and quads,incliding 15 stages.The rally starts in Lisbon and ends in Dakar.

The organizer of the event has to cancel due to terrorist threat to the participants that the organizer cannot control and protect them from these threats without the help of the proper authorities especially in the areas when they cross the african villages,the forrest and the sahara desert
And it seems that the goverments in concern could not guarantee the participants safety as even their own soldiers on patrol in the desert went also into trouble and been killed and so with another incident in December last year that a French family was also killed somewhere in Mauritania i think.

It must have been a big disappointment and losses to all the participants and their sponsors when the event was cancelled but hubby and I had fun that day as you can see in the last photos,we get to take our ride to the desert too!
Myself on my own journey

And hubby showing his joy with his trophy.

Latest information i heard was that the organizers decided to change the course of the event for next year.It will no longer go to Africa but instead will start as usual here in Europe and ends in South America.

Food for your thought

2008-01-29T11:55:00.000Z

I just thought i´d post something different today..This video was sent to me thru e-mail.

Its about a phone call made by a 13 year old boy whose name is Logan.He lives on a ranch in a small town of Nebraska and he listens to a Christian Radio Station that broadcast from Houston Texas. He called the radio station distraught because he had to take down his calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of a video clip,it had taken a life of its own and now its being forwarded all over the world.

So young yet so wise...

Dinner date with a friend and market visit in Funchal

2008-01-24T11:39:00.000Z

The pleasant day tour was over..As we arrived back to the hotel,hubby received a call from a childhood friend, daughter of his parents close friend in Madeira whom we never saw again since her last visit to our home in Lisbon 15 or 16 yrs ago
She invited us to have dinner with her and will come to pick us up in the hotel within an hour time, hubby accepted.

We had dinner in a place where have been during our day tour that day. As we had fish for lunch,she decided to take us to restaurant where they serve only meat called "Vila de Carne"( village meat) We had meat barbecue,mix salad,milho frito(prepared corn flour mixture,cut into pieces then fried,delicious!) baked sweet potato drizled with honey,local red wine and as for dessert,we had maracuja(maracock fruit) puding.

Before dinner,she brought us in her nice apartment which is in the city center of Funchal and overlooking the the port area.

On her beautiful and well prepared dining table,she had a blue pitcher with liquer,a prepared "aguardente" (brandy or white spirit) sweetened and flavored with any fruit the makers desired.This one taste tangerine and i like it!

Ahh, as the tradition calls in Madeira,every house during the christmas season must have a "Bolo de Mel" (honey cake).In the continent( as they call the people from Lisbon) we have "Bolo Rei" Kings cake. They said that this cake Bolo de Mel, must not be cut with knife instead, use your fingers to cut a piece to eat and so we did.

We had a goodtime and fulfilling day!!

Note: Photos of liquer and cake was not taken in her home,we bought them in the
airport.
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Next day,we hit the road again to visit Funchal at daylight.Our first stop was the "Mercado dos Lavradores" (Farmers market),buying fruit to take with us on a cable car ride to the "Monte" and to see the city of Funchal from above.

I bought three types of fruit that we seldom see in Lisbon. One of them is this one called "Banana Ananas" banana pineapple fruit.And this is how it looks and it really taste banana pineapple.

Hubby likes to see what they have in the fish area and so we went there.

This is what i saw,"peixe espada" a black swordfish (dressed and undressed)that i already know and like to prepare two different ways,fried fish filete serve with tomato rice and another way is also fried served with tomato and onion sauce,boiled potato or fried corn. As far as i know it can only be fished in this part of the world.
A group of tourist watching a fish vendor cleaning and preparing a big salmon with that look of fascination, some are taking pictures and video. I was more fascinated watching their faces, lol!!
Before i came to Portugal i only know the silvery colored swordfish,the black swordfish as i´ve been told only exist in Madeira. In this country,i have also learned to eat fish and shellfish that we never eat in Philippines.

This post is becoming long again,´i will continue next time about the cable car ride .

Sightseing in Madeira Part 3

2008-01-21T13:34:00.000Z

We left Ribeira Brava at about 11:30 AM.We drove back to the highlands,passing thru a long winding roads while the fragrance of eucalyphtus trees fill the air.

I saw some herds of cows grazing along the way while some are moving towards the other side of the road.We even waited for a few who decided to rest on the roadside while another two decided to rest in the middle of the road.(did´´nt have the chance to take picture,thingking that hubby did so)

Anyway after half an hour of zigzag roads,i was relieved to know that we have to stop for a drink in a Hotel/restaurant at Paul da Serra.The restaurant is called Jungle restaurant and i´ll show you the reason why.
Can you see the couple behind me?That´s King Kong and son guarding the buffet table.

Whereas on another side,hubby was not aware of the danger behind his back.A big elephant coming towards him!There are other animals around like a panther and a lion.Lots of birds too!

The bar on one side offers local drinks such as "poncha" (punch),"caipirinha"(famous brazilian drink),"pé de cabra" (not sure what it was).A leg of "Presunto"(cured ham) on the counter is served upon order as an appetizer.I was so thirsty but i only wanted to drink bottled spring water.

From here ,our next stopover was a site where we got down to view the whole town of Porto Moniz

Statue of our lady of Imaculate Concepcion and St.Anthony´s on the roadside with candle and flower offerings from the truck drivers who frequent the roads praying for safety.

Porto Moniz is another one of the neat and small village with so many things to offer to any tourist who wish to have calm,tranquility and beauty of nature.
We had fish fillet for lunch served with rice and salad.
Photo of the restaurant where we had lunch that day,As you can see,a clear seawater pool around the building.

There were at least several artificial swimming pools to enjoy where you can have a swim as i saw some people doing that day even on a cold and windy day.

More photos from Porto Moniz.A Forte that is now the towns Aquarium.

A helipad nearby
We left the town after spending 3 hours in the area. A beautiful place indeed! But so with all the other places we visited in Madeira.

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This space is to thank all of you who come, visit and leave comments to my blogspot.

To those who come and leave their comments,I thank you and i just want you to know that i may not able to answer your comments and return the visits as often as i wanted too but deep within my heart i am very pleased and appreciate your visits.Thank you all!!!

And to those who come and read without leaving comments,please feel free to do so and i hope you continue your visits and enjoy the read..Thank You!!!

Sightseing Part 2

2008-01-18T09:19:00.000Z

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From Fajá dos Padres,we drove down to another charming town called Ribeira Brava.I requested the driver to take this picture of hubby and I

Here,we were free to explore the town for 30 minutes.Nothing much to explore though except to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature,some cafes,souvenit shops,an old church.a hotel,bank.and oh,we forgot to go see the market!!

I went up to this spiral staircase to see the lighthouse above and from her i took these photos of the town..
Hubby called me crazy when i asked him if he would like to come with me."i´m done with climbing up and down!!" he said.And to think that we were only on our second day in madeira,lol!!Actually.he was right,after the stairs,the next climb up was even more difficult and dangerous.
´One last picture before we leave this nice and neat town of Ribeira Brava.Hubby with the small forte in the background which is now a tourist infotmation office and myself at the bayside.

Then,off we went on our way again to drive back up the mountain to visit another place which will be posted next.

Day tour to the western region of Madeira

2008-01-16T10:43:00.000Z

We booked for a day tour on our second day in Madeira,taking our breakfast in the hotel at 7:30 to be ready and meet our driver/guide who will take us around.
After our breakfast at around 8:10 AM,i look outside to see the sun rising at the horizon so i run outside the restaurant to take this photo

Our driver/guide arrived a bit late but we left the hotel at about 8:30 and along the way while passing the port of Funchal,i saw this passenger ship docked since our arrival day before.
Our first stop was the small and charming town of Camara de Lobos as shown on the photos below
Our guide had a problem speaking with us due to sore throat but my guess town used to be a fishing village
Hubby on a sleigh ride and nativity by the roadside.Photo on the top left was taken at Cabo(Cape) Girão which is said to be the second highest promontory in the world.As you can see at the town we left behind.

The trip to this western side of Madeira is only winding roads,climbing up and down the mountains and passing through a lot of tunnels that connect the town or villages.
Then our third stopover was an interesting place called Fajã dos Padres,said to be a touristic village with restaurant and agricultural exploration owned by just one family.Its an isolated village ,where the people can only go up and down by taking the elevator as shown on the picture at the lower lefthand side.Food supplies and other needs are also taken down by another elevator made for that purpose as shown in another photo.
The beach as you can see below is of fine black sand and pebbles.The only place where you can find golden sand is to cross another island called Porto Santo.
Although Madeira is an island,dont expect to see coconut trees or white/golden sand beaches.The water is warm and crystal clear, summer is comfortable enough and you can enjoy a mild winter( most tourist even wear shorts and sleeves shirts or blouses).Its the peak season of the year for Madeira.Several passenger ships on cruise are docked at Funchal Port to give their passengers a treat to enjoy the fireworks display on New Years Eve This post is getting quiet long ..I guess, i have to stop and try to continue the second part by tomorrow....Meanwhile,i hope you enjoy this sightseing with me as i did.

Note:Pls click the photos to enlarge and enjoy the photos

An Island known as Madeira

2008-01-14T12:18:00.002Z

As mentioned before in my last post,we spend the last week of year 2007 in the autonomous region of Madeira in Portugal.

Hubby spent 6 years of his life in the region when he was young and only after 50 years that he managed to come again and also to show me the island as he promised years back to show me the spectacular fireworks display on New Years Eve.
Photo takenfrom the plane while on landing course

Making reservations for flight+hotel package tour was not easy.I started my search from September and only in November that i finally managed to confirm our trip for 6 days/5 nights package tour.

Not knowing that i also captured the hotel site ( building in the middle with pool) from these photos although a bit blurd.

We had a charming hotel situated in a small town of Sta.Cruz,about 5 minutes drive from the airport in Machico.The hotel has a mountain view front rooms and sea view rooms with terrace, we were lucky enough to have a room with sea view and terrace as i always hoped to have. We can also watch the sunrise at about 8:00AM from our room or at the restaurant when we take our breakfast or watch the planes on their arrival, landing and take off at mid day or about 5:00 PM, where we took a lot of photos on our last day.

The city of Funchal as seen behind during our sightseing tour of the city

History of Madeira below as copied on madeira-web.com site.

When the Infante Dom Henrique, better known in English as Prince Henry the Navigator, gathered together the finest cartographers and navigators of Portugal at the beginning of the 15th century, his plan was to extend the knowledge of the coast of West Africa. Armed only with square-rigged ships, compass, hourglass and astrolabe, the initial sea captains were severely handicapped in their endeavours. But in the course of their ventures, the finest hour of Portuguese maritime history, luck brought greater riches than the purities of science and logic.

Two young sea captains, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, were blown off course on their journey around the African coast and after many days at sea found land on a small island that they named Porto Santo - the very first of the many discoveries made by Henry's school of navigation. On reporting to Henry they were promptly ordered to return and colonise the island. The year was 1419.
Seductive as are the charms of the golden sands of Porto Santo it seems somewhat incredible today that it took a further year before the next discovery was made. The captains had reported a dark mass of clouds visible on the southern horizon. They were now encouraged to explore this foreboding mass. As theories to whether the world was flat had yet to be completely disproved, it took an enormous leap of faith to cross the traverse.

As they approached, the huge Atlantic rollers breaking along the north coast and the boiling turbulence of the cross currents at the Ponta de São Lourenço cannot have eased the concern of the superstitious sailors. But on rounding the headland they discovered the bay of Machico, the threshold to the heavily forested island that they named Madeira. Prince Henry immediately organised the colonisation of the island, with the first families coming from the Algarve region of Portugal.

Today the statue of Zarco looks down on the descendants of the first colonisers as they navigate the corner in front of the Bank of Portugal building in downtown Funchal. As the Portuguese overseas possessions have shrunk, so the relative significance of this first of the great discoveries has gained in importance. To find a needle in a haystack can be trying, but to find Porto Santo in an Atlantic storm was a lucky prize indeed.

2008-01-14T12:18:00.001Z

Lisbon Night Out

2008-01-08T09:15:00.000Z

One evening,three days before christmas hubby and i decided to go downtown to see the christmas lights in lisbon.Weather was good and not so cold,that is why we ventured around and besides hubby wanted to experiment his new toy (camera).As for me,i always carry my handy camera in my bag..

We had a good time taking pictures of anything that pleases our eyes.The municipality of lisbon has reduced the christmas lights presentation in the streets so as to saved expenses but just the same, Lisbon still beautiful at night.
Here are some photos taken on our night out..

My photos were lost when my pc crashed next day and luckily for me,i still did´nt know how to handle hubby´s camera that i was not able to download it immediately as i did with mine that evening

This building is one of the most beautiful in the area now owned by a bank and as for me, the most beautifully decorated building.

This is a picture of a century old elevator.designed by the same architect that made and designed the Eifel Tower in Paris

Lastly is a photo of a residential area which is only lighted with a commonly seen street lamps of lisbon attached to the buildings.As you can see its quiet dark..steps are made to help the people to reach their houses.
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The following day Dec.23,was a stressful day for me.The computer would´nt start,hubby was the last one to use it and i dont know what happened.I was getting more nervous because its my only way of communication with my family thru messenger using video conference, especially on christmas eve in which philippines we have time difference of about 8 hours.

I checked the warranty of the computer,it was two years and it ended in dec.19.As i dont want to put it in a PC clinic,we went to the shop where we bought the equipment and the salesman asked me if i made a back up security copy of the computer and i said i did.He was kind enough to give me instruction in writting what to do, in which i followed but as hubby was always behind my back while doing the task when we went home.I made a big mistake, i recovered the programs in the computer but i lost all my documents & files.

The first thing i tried to recover is my messenger to be able to talk to my family.In between christmas preparation at home,preparing the room of my mom in law who will spend the holiday season with us,the sweets and food and other things.I finally had the computer ready before Christmas Eve in Philippines.

Dec.24 mid day here in Portugal about 8:00 PM in Manila, i was already happy speaking with my family for 3 hours ....

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-04T17:37:00.000Z

I´ve had computer problems since my last post...Although i anounced that i may not post for a while,the following day my pc crashed.Now,I have to start all over again cause i lost almost everything.

Photos were taken at Funchal,Madeira Island in Portugal,land of the famous Madeira wine.We spend the last week of the year in this island where the weather is warmer,(max.22ºc/min.17ºc) and the city of Funchal´s streets,hotel buildings,houses are decorated with colorful lights and also,we came to watch its famous and spectacular fireworks at New Years Eve.

Photos shown are some street lights in downtown Funchal near the harbour area taken on our first night out.It was a pleasant walk by seaside. Funchal is beautiful and full of life in this time of the year and I must say ,the whole island is full of lights.

This is all for now,i will tell you more about Madeira when i finished sorting out my photos.

All the very best wishes to everyone!!!!

Christmas Wishes to All

2007-12-21T15:42:00.000Z

I may not be able to post for quiet a while, as Christmas Holidays will be a hectic schedule for me...

For this,i would like to share you this video of Tallest Chritmas Tree in Europe which is now in Porto,the land of the Port wine!!!

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Wishing you all a Merry,Merry Christmas and a Happy,Prosperous New Year!!!

All the very best wishes!!

Christmas Wonderland

2007-12-19T18:26:00.000Z

Have´nt seen yet the christmas lights in downtown lisbon till now, therefore i´ll just post pictures from last year as the christmas trees below.

This photo was taken in downtown lisbon municipal square.
This tree with ribbons was said to be the tallest Christmas Tree in Europe stands tall in Praça de Comercio downtown Lisbon for 2 consecutive years,transfered to Porto this year.

Street christmas lights on a quiet evening at the comercial area of Alges near the place where i live.Taken at about 10:00 PM when all is quiet.

Mercado de Alges ( Alges Market)wishing us "Boas Festas" (Happy Holidays)

At the other side of the
market.

This shows how dull is the market these days.Shopkeepers complain about not having a good business.It seems that everybody are really tightening their belts this season.

Even in the commercial centers (malls),i dont see many people shopping for presents.

Its not only for this reason that i dont feel the spirit of christmas at all,not even because i´m far from home,its because i dont see many happy people around here.

When we meet some acquiantances on the street or at the elevator,greetings are always the same,kiss on both cheeks and asked how they are or them asking how we are...I always hear the same answer like this for ex: "Ohh, i´m not well,my BP is high or i have been operated because of this and that,or life is not going well,very bad,very bad"

So you see,for a calm person like me who always look on the the bright side and a positive thinker, these things sometimes gets me down too.

Cant forget my elder sons observation once when i was discussing about something " Ma, calm down,calm down..What happened to you? You´ve changed!"

With regards to our family here,we dont see hubby´s kids often, as they also have their own life now and families.Although, we always tell them to come and visit or have dinner with us whenever they have a chance.

Family get togethers are only on birthdays,christmas and new year.Conversation is also the same,discussions about certain topic like problems at work,home or critism about certain goverment policy.I dont here any music,singing,dancing or telling jokes.

And you maybe wondering about myself,I sometimes pretend to listen but i dont make any comment because i would´nt have a chance anyway even if i want to. My portuguese language still limited although i understand very well the language.Portuguese people loves to talk,enjoys also jokes or big discussions.I dont know if it has something to do with the dificulty in life or stress but for whatever reason,they too are changing..

Things Happen For a Reason

2007-12-19T11:09:00.000Z

I just want to share this beautiful story....

A new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18,they were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.

His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder,hangers,etc.,etc.,to put upt the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"

The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria .

When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth,but she made the pastor keep it for the church.

The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.

An older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door....there he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid

About Mariza and her Fado

2007-12-18T09:59:00.000Z

For those who wants to learn more about Mariza....

Winner of the World Music Award in 2006. Mozambique born, 29 year old called Mariza Reis Nunes, is among those 21st century young artist who modernized the traditional Portuguese music Fado.

Arrived in Portugal with her family at the age of three,Mariza has spent most of her life living in Lisbon picturesque Moraria district the heart of fado culture.Moulded fado in her own style is no reflection of her background as she succinctly puts it: " Half of me is very,very portuguese and the other half is very, very african" As she feels the need to satisfy her hunger for rythm and to swing to sing fado, she subtly changed and re arranged the roles of its main instruments ( the portuguese guitar and most crucially the bass).

Besides,she also likes to dance.Her exquisite floor lenght designer dress makes it look as if she´s levetating over the stage as she does so,rocking back and forth like an art deco statue brought to life with her trademark hairstyle of short silver hair and long black necklace.Aside from a very strong and magnetic stage presence,her voice is to die for....

Her official website:
http://www.mariza.com/index.html

Portuguese Music "Fado"

2007-12-17T14:00:00.001Z

I am a bit melancolic today...I put on christmas music to listen too while doing my household task but it did´nt help now im homesick, missing my family and friends back home....

Then I heard Mariza singing "Gente da Minha Terra" ( people from my hometown),made me feel worse.Below is a song entitled "Chuva" (Rain) by Mariza,the most famous Fado singer among the newest generation of modern Fado.You can also listen to her other songs by clicking any of the frames below that will appear after this song.

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Lisboa Fado

Fado probably arose from the taverns and popular squares of working-class city sectors (Alfama, Castelo, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Madragoa), being sung and heard by the people until the well-to-do began frequenting those places to join in the enjoyment of the music. The first fado singer of renown was Maria Severa.

The most popular themes were saudade8sentiment), nostalgia, the small stories of everyday life in the traditional sections of town (bairros típicos) and Bullfights: these were also the themes for songs that were permitted by the Salazar dictatorship, and these themes pushed aside the tragic fado, which dealt with lovers’ jealousy or passion, often leading to violence, with lots of blood, repentance and remorse. The lyrics that were concerned with social or political problems, or which featured any complaint about the establishment, were repressed by the regime's censorship.

The Lisboa fado that is known throughout the world today can be (and often is) accompanied by violin, cello, or even by a complete orchestra, but the Portuguese guitar is always an essential element.

Amália Rodrigues introduced the best-known variety of fado. Still today, after her death in 1999, Rodrigues is considered to have been the greatest fado diva ever. After she died, a new wave of performers added stylistic changes and brought more international popularity to the traditional Portuguese music. In the last few decades there has also been some successful experimentation with fado by mixing it with electronic music

The traditional fado or ”típico” today is sung mainly for tourists in “fado houses” (casas de fado), with the traditional instrumentation. The best fado houses are found in the traditional or bairros típicos of Alfama, Mouraria, Bairro Alto and Madragoa. It maintains the characteristics of the tradition: singing past and present sorrow with bitter sadness. But fado can also tell a funny story with irony, or provide a way for two singers to battle, improvising the verses – this is called the "desgarrada"

Not all that glitter is gold

2007-12-14T13:45:00.000Z

A bit late writting about EU/African Summit but, as i already started with yesterdays post regarding the signing of the reformed EU Treaty,i would now want to share bits and pieces of this event...

Family picture of the Eu/African summit which was also held in Lisbon a week before the signing of the EU Treaty (yesterdays post).

53 Heads of African states and 23 EU members attended the summit

Agenda:

Human rights violation,Immigration,Trade relations,Funds,etc.,etc...

Controversies:

The invitation and arrival of President Mugabe of Zimbabwe ( banned to travel in EU )

Uk´s PM Gordon Brown boycotting the summit ( informing in advance that he would not attend if Mugabe is invited)

Libya´s President Khadafi´s early arrival with his 200 entourage,which by the way also brought 12 camels with him (Dont asked me why,i dont not know the answer.I did´nt see the camels on TV)

Former UN President Mr Khofi Hannan and Pres. Khadafi shaking hands

Whats this? Am I interpreting this correctly?
Pres. Khadaffi in a relaxed mood resting his arm on the shoulder of this lady?

Conclusion of the event? I have no idea as in the news,they talk more about controversies than the agenda itself.The Portuguese EU Presidency terminates at the end of the year and as expected the PM is satisfied with sucess of the EU/African Summit and the signing of EU Treaty.

Have a nice weekend to all!!

An important event in Lisbon

2007-12-13T09:28:00.000Z

All 27 EU members Head of State gather here today at the Jeronimos Monastery located at Belem,district of Lisbon to sign and celebrate the modified EU Treaty that has been aproved a month ago by its members.

This magnificent monastery is the most prominent monument in Lisbon and has been classified in 1983 together with the nearby Tower of Belem as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Originally ,the house for the Hieronymite monks was built on the same site of Ermida de Restelo,a hermitage that was founded bi Henry the Navigator at about 1450.It was at this hermitage that was already in bad state of degradation, that Vasco de Gama and his men spent the night in prayer before departing for India in 1497.
The existing structure,was started on the orders of King Manuel 1 (1515-1520)to commemorate Vasco de Gama´s sucessful return from India.It was originally meant as a church for burial of the House of Aviz but also ,it became a house of prayer for seaman leaving or entering port.
Construction begun in 1502 and it took 50 years to complete.

The Venue: Where the signing of the EU Treaty will take place

The cloister had its religious as well as representative function by its decorative ornamentation and the dynastic symbolic motives,such as the armillarium,coat of arms,and the Cross of the Order of Christ,showing the growing world of power of Portugal.

This photo show the beautiful main entrance door of the church,with the madonna of Belem stands on a pedestal

Interior of the church

Diogo Boitac,the first architect of this beautiful monastery,laid the foundation for this three aisled church with five bays under a single vault,a clearly marked but only slightly projecting transept and raised choir.The aisles and the nave are about equal height in the manner of a hall church.Boitac built the walls of the church as far as the cornices and then started with the construction of the adjoining monastery.

The monastery withstood the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755 without too much damage. But when the building became vacant in 1833 by the abolition of religious order in Portugal,it began to deteriorate to the point of almost collapsing. A cupola was later added to the southwestern tower.

A Special Night

2007-12-10T16:17:00.000Z

Three beautiful red roses and a ring I received from hubby 11 days ago..

And a dinner in this restaurant by the riverside

We had this plate of starters but after finishing this serving,i could´nt eat anything more...so, we just ordered dessert followed by a cup of expresso.

This center column of beer mug decor caught my attention

It was a beautiful night,although extremely cold i could´nt resist not take photo of this bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril with the Christ the King ( Cristo Rei)facing the river lighted with blue star.

Lastly, another photo of the beautiful 500 yr. old Tower of Belem,built in the middle of the river as defensive fort.

Lovely,quiet evening spent with hubby on my birthday,29th of November,2007....

Amazing Progress in Dubai !!

2007-12-07T09:52:00.000Z

Im really amazed at the speed of progress in Dubai,UAE....I guess its the most modern city now in the world! Cant say its because of their oil reserves that is making this progress possible,because as far as i know they dont have much compared to their neighbours,Saudi Arabia or Kuwait.Well my guess is,its the open minded,visionary rulers and talents of both locals and expats working for them that made everything possible for this progress Dubai being a Global City ( Of course,the oil reserves helped too!).

Dubai even now hold the record of having the tallest building in the world,the Burj Dubai Tower which is now on its 156 floors and construction still going on.They have a very good sales marketing strategy,targeting the famous people.It was said that all apartments has been sold even before construction started.

Below is the video I found ( thanks to Bruce Fentons video report) to show you about Bur Dubai

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During my time in Dubai(1984-1989),the tallest building at the time was the Trade Center Building. Whereas in Bur Dubai,it was Hyatt Hotel and Apartments and the sourounding area was still a desert.Not so far from the hotel/apartments,you´ll also find the Gold Souk (gold market) where you can shop for gold jewelries cheap especially when gold price is low.I also enjoy going to the fruit market where you can buy all the types of fruit in the world for 10 or 20 dirhams a box or case.
Oh,another thing you´ll appreciate in Dubai are the beautiful mosque!

I really did enjoy my short lived stay (5 yrs) in Dubai,calm and quiet life,when everything can be bought cheap and no traffic jams.But those days were gone,i heard that everything is expensive now a days,traffic jams are unsuportable too.

In Arab countries,you dont pay taxes.So, you get to enjoy your salary without deductions,no toll gate to pay (in my time),shoping for anything you want to buy are tax free.
You can even buy alcoholic drinks as long as you have a permit,dringking is not prohibited as long as its in private places.But be careful, you cant drive when you had a drink! During our night outs,hubby can drink and because i dont,i get to take him home without incident especially when the police stoped us on our way home. YES! There is a police check point for drunk drivers!

I sometimes wonder if there are still bedoins living in the desert tending for their camels or goats? Or, what has become of the desert that i also happen to love and apreciate its beauty?

What has became of us? We are slowly destroying our planet earth....

The King and Chavez

2007-12-05T17:20:00.000Z

I never like to write anything about politics but this video is about the King of Spain Juan Carlos who lost his composure or temper at Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a conference in Chile,South America.

While the President Zapatero of Spain was delivering his speech,the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was said to be interfering and delivering insults about a former President of Spain Jose Aznar.

In the video Pres. Zapatero was speaking about respect and defending the former Pres. Aznar that he was elected by the Spanish people and that he must be respected at that.I guess the King of Spain can no longer tolerate Hugo Chavez that he butt in and told him "Poque no te calla!"( Why dont you shut up!) After that, the King walk out of the room..

This story has been going on in the news for quiet sometime and mock videos and even cell phone ring tones of the kings voice are published and being sold in the market about this incident. Below is the real video about the incident...Watch and tell me what you think about it.

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Pancit or Rice Noodles, Anyone??

2007-12-04T10:32:00.000Z

Been busy cleaning and clearing our kitchen in the last few days.You have no idea what equipments and other things we have stashed in cupboard or kitchen cabinets.And to think that i only cook for the two of us and with my mom in law during week ends.I broke all my nails scrubbing the dust and fats that were pasted on the cupboards plus the other equipments that i displayed on it(never like wearing gloves when cleaning).Glasses inside the cabinets were also washed.

The next day,i went through our groceries, checked the expiration dates and arranged them on FIFO (first in, first out) basis,Some that has expired were seperated and i started using the ones that are still within the expiration limit.

I prepared this rice noodles for our dinner. In Filipino language,we call it "Pancit", and a simple pancit is usually eaten only for our mid day snack and a special or more elaborate pancit for birthdays because the long noodles signifies "long life".

This was hubbys tray,a plate of noodles with his favorite
japanese chop stick and a glass of red wine. I had the same. Dinner was served in the living room to watched a Champions League football game,Liverpool againts FC Porto of Portugal.Porto scored first but in the end, Liverpool won 3-1.
No problem, i enjoyed eating my noodles anyway..

Wistful days....

2007-11-28T13:45:00.000Z

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

2007-11-27T13:04:00.000Z

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

2007-11-23T09:44:00.000Z

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

2007-11-20T17:28:00.000Z

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!!!

2007-11-19T16:21:00.000Z

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)

2007-11-18T11:51:00.000Z

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

2007-11-15T14:15:00.000Z

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

2007-11-13T12:02:00.000Z

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

2007-11-09T14:19:00.000Z

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"

2007-11-08T14:09:00.000Z

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

2007-11-06T11:06:00.000Z

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

2007-11-05T11:17:00.000Z

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.

Breaking the Rule at the Palace

2007-10-31T10:02:00.000Z

Yesterdays post was about "Palacio de Pena" in Sintra and i´ve shared photos from the exterior part of the palace showing mostly the beatiful and diversified style in architecture.

We are not allowed to take photos inside, i broke the rule (could´nt resist it even though security are all over)as i wanted a souvenir photo for myself to keep and now i would like to share it as well.

First, was the beautiful sitting room with a beautiful work of art in limestone or white marble (i think) at the ceiling. We cant go inside, the door is blocked with glass baricade.This photo was taken while hubby was the look out for the security.

Next was the Royal dining room, showing dinnerwares at the table and on the other side are the silverwares.

Now, i´m not sure wether this was the Kings bedroom (i guess it was), the reading room next to it then the bathroom.Last was the observatory room of the King.

After these photos, i was not able to take more as the securities started following us closely when they perceived we´ve been taking pictures.
Therefore,the Queens and her lady in waiting bedrooms,the family room and other guest rooms were spared.I can only be happy with what i´ve got.

Palace Wonderland

2007-10-30T14:56:00.000Z

Last Saturday, we went back to Sintra(Pls.read my previous post" A visit to the Castle in Sintra",Sept.07, 2007).This time, we are finally visiting the "Palacio da Pena"( Pena Palace)a National Monument built by King Fernando II who fell in love with Sintra when going up the mountain range for the first time and sighted the ruins of an old Convent of Frades originaly built during the reign of King João II and transformed by King Manuel I who ordered it to be reconstructed in praise of Our Lady of Pena, donating it again to the Order of Monks.

Entrance fee for tour to the Park and the Palace cost 8 euros each
Below are the signs showing us the way,followed by hubbys photo at the entrance gate.Then I noticed this group of young people dancing and having fun.We could have taken the classic bus up to the palace for 1.50 euros but we did´nt, thinking that walking way up was not that dificult as it was not that far from the gate.BIG MISTAKE!!

As we reach the Palace, we were enticed by its beauty! Like the ones in the childrens book of princess and prince enchanted kingdom as shown below.Pls click the photos to enlarge

The Palace constitutes one of the major expression of the 19th century romaticism in Portugal.The then young Prince Fernando who acquired the old convent which was devastated by Lisbon eartquake in 1755,began his romantic dream to reconstruct the convent and annex a new part of it to Portugals Royal Family summer residence. Almost the entire Palace stands on spectacular and enormous rock as you can see from the photos above.

The palace has a profusion of different styles and the volume movement has an unusual architecture.The mixture of eclectic styles,(neo-gothic, neo-manueline.neo islamic.neo-renaissance and among other styles)are intentional.Details of different styles will be shown below.

First photo is the main gate and the two watch towers above it.Next is another entrance door,colums or pilars,doors,windows and many more details that i could only post some of it for now.

Another Day Out

2007-10-26T17:53:00.000+01:00

One Saturday morning , while having our breakfast at around 8:30 AM, hubby was telling me about something he read in one magazine featuring events for the week end. He said, he forgot to asked me the night before if im interested to see a falcon hunting show in Alter do Chão, Alentejo.Show starts at 10:30 AM, we might not make on time if we decide to go.

As hubby is not familiar with the place, he could´nt tell me how far or how long will it take for us to travel to the place.We checked our map to locate the area and calculate the distance ,its about 200 kms. drive from Lisbon! We´ll not make it to see the show on time but as i wanted to go and see another new place in Portugal, I tried to enticed him by reading a typical menu speciality of a restaurant nearby the place. As expected,"Prepare yourself quick and lets go!" That order was music to my ears..hahaha!

The drive to Alter do Chão was a pleasant one, it took us 2 hrs to get there and as we entered the village,this was what greeted our eyes..A small pleasant looking village and I did´nt expect to see another 13th century
"Castelo" in the area.

We stoped by the tourism offuce in this building below and took the photo next across the building.

We decided to have our lunch before proceeding to" Coudelaria Real" (Royal Stud Farm) an institution founded during the reign od King João V in 1748.

For lunch, we started with, "Quejo curado"cured cheese of the region (usually from goats milk), "Torresmos" crispy fried pork belly, olives and again " Pão Alentejano" bread from Alentejo. And for the main dish, hubby had "Pesinhos de Coentrada" (young porks feet with lots of coriander)Not my kind of food but its one of the speciality in the region, and i did eat a piece, it was good! Anyway, I ordered "Borrego no forno com arroz amarelo (yellow rice)"a baked lamb chops with safron rice.As for dessert we had a tarte called "Tecomeco" exquisite name for dessert but was also good as it was made of almonds,egg yolk and white pumpkin sweet.We ate very well!! Ahhh! and a very good house wine from the region! For everything that we ate, hubby only paid 27.50 Euros!! Quiet cheap is´nt it?

After lunch, we then proceeded to Coudelaria Real where we were told we could have a guided tour for the sum of 3 Euros. We had a wonderful time! We first went to the Museum where they have collections of medieval sadles ,arms and armours used during that period, then the best of them all are the famous Lusitania horses , some arab horses anf a cross breed of lusitano and iberian horses, falcons and others. We had a wonderful day!!
Below is a collage of the photos i took that day at the Coudelaria Real.
Pls click to enlarge photos

Polo Barong or Barong Tagalog

2007-10-24T14:57:00.000+01:00

Polo Barong is a less formal version of Filipino national dress called "Barong Tagalog". The Barong Tagalog is used for a more formal ocassion, it is hand embroidered and the fabric is made of "piña" (pineapple) leaves or "jusi" fabric made from abaca or banana silk. It must be worn untucked.

Whereas the Polo Barong is usually worn as office wear or as in any less formal ocassion. Materials used is ramie or cotton fabric and unlike the Barong, this Polo Barong is machine embroidered.

Yesterday, I was busy cleaning and removing summer clothes from the closet to give way for our winter clothes. Now, just thingking about all the clothes that I have to wear on cold winter days made me wishful of our island holidays in Philippines.

Anyway, I started clearing my hubbys clothes by starting with his daily office wear . When I finished folding his Polo shirts and T- shirts, I realized that he was not able to wear all his Polo Barong this summer. Then I started counting , he has 6 pcs of short sleeves polo barong and 5 long sleeves . He enjoys wearing the polo barong ( even if his mom & children dont like to see him wearing it) because he says, he´s comfortable with it. As it is worn untucked , he has more freedom of movement.

Pictures below of hubbys Polo Barong office wear.

For me and even hubby thinks they are nice... Dont you think so?

Peace On Earth

2007-10-22T10:16:00.000+01:00

Last Friday, Oct.19.2007, 8 innocent people were killed and several others were injured in a blast at a shopping mall in Makati, Metro Manila,Philippines. Till now, no confirmation yet if it was a bomb blast or just a gas leak that victimized all those people.

But whatever is the real cause of this tragic incident, I would like to offer my condolences to all the parents,brothers or sisters,husbands and children who lost their love ones ......

May the Good Lord Bless and Keep them Always.....May He bring Peace in our disturbed souls, in our homes, our place of work but most of all Peace on Earth!!

Portuguese Arroz de Marisco

2007-10-19T11:45:00.000+01:00

Coming back home to Lisbon after our Greek holiday, I craved for a typical portuguese dish called " Arroz de Marisco ( Seafood Rice) "

It was Sunday, hubby picked up mom in law in her house to have lunch with us. As I still have jet lag and dont have all the ingredients at home to prepare the Arroz de Marisco, we decided to eat in a restaurant in Guincho along the coastline of Cascais, about half an hour drive from our place. We have´nt been there for many years now as the restaurant is always full and their food and service is becoming pricey as well.

As expected, we waited almost an hour seated in the bar area, along with a dozen people who came ahead of us. Finally, when a table for three was set, the person in charge lead us to a table with a beautiful view as i´ll show you in the photos below. Our starter, while waiting for the" Arroz "which by the way not really "Marisco " as i first mentioned but instead, they changed the menu and its now called "Arroz de Lagosta ( Lobster)", we had a small plate of thinly sliced "Presunto ( cured smoked ham)", another plate of a local "Queijo ( cured cheese)",local bread and a bottle of the cold white wine .

Photo shown below is the outside view, next is our photo, mom in law , hub & I.

Pls click photos to enlarge.

Can you see the beautiful pot aof Arroz de Lagosta below and my plate??? It was yummy!!! We cleaned well that pot of arroz!!! ( And its a good thing we did as we found out later that we paid 62.50 euros for that dish alone) I´m not complaining, as it was worth it though.....By the way, a lot of prawns was also added to this dish.

Whereas, Arroz de Marisco is a mixture of different kinds of seafoods such as mussels, crab, prawn,and other shellfish, the preparation is always the same.

I adore Portuguese food that even though I can eat and enjoy tasting food from different countries, within a week or two,I will start longing for the portuguese dishes especially the seafoods and also their very rich variety of sweets made from egg yolks.

Of course I´m not excluding my native dish that i also adore, which is also quiet simillar to the portuguese and spanish dishes.

Food Delight

2007-10-12T10:54:00.001+01:00

Hubby is a food lover, he enjoys international cuisines.I like to eat as well, but with limitations and my taste for food now varies too. Aside from my native country dishes, I also like portuguese, spanish, italian,miditeranean,asian and arab food.

Cant say Im really a good cook as i dont really enjoy much cooking ( maybe i do but i dont like the preparation), but hubby is all praises to whatever i prepare or put on the table and he tells everybody how a good cook I am..I guess, I learned the hard way when we went into a restaurant venture ( i´ve written about it in my previous post )

When hubby and I first lived together, I was a skinny girl that dont enjoy so much eating except for some favorite desserts. I let hubby believed that I cant cook as I can see that he enjoys cooking and also because I have no knowledge about international or portuguese cuisine.Besides, hubby is very meticulous with the preparation of food especially when he´s preparing something from a recipe book. Everything must be by the book and its not my way especially when im so hungry I like to invent.I always complain that he takes so much time preparing our food and it takes only less than half an hour for us to devour it.

We were still in Dubai, UAE at the time, he comes for lunch and off from work at 12:30 and I finish mine at 1:00, as we live near his work at Dubai Drydocks and I work in mostly in the field, i have no exact time of arrival for lunch. Hubby used to checked my arrival from the kitchen window as he can see our car park from there. He usually prepares me a an orange juice with a little bit of vodka and two crackers with liver pate or cream cheese for an apetizer. Ai´nt he sweet? Its how I was conquered! Lol !!!

He would served me a big piece of steak and would insist that i must eat all of it, and for dessert? He buys me always my favorite black forest cake at Hyatt or the Lebanese sweets in one famous pastry shop! Aaahhhh,those were the days...... This went on for three years until we came to Portugal to live here for good...and bad...

Speaking about food in Greece,the most famous dish is Mousaka, it is a traditional dish prepared with a layer of grilled slices of aubergine in a baking dish, toped with sauted minced meat, toped again with slices of aubergine then covered with white bechamel sauce. At least, Its how I learned how to prepare it taken from one of the recipe book we have. Another hubbys passion, collecting recipe book from all over the world!

We ordered Mousaka in the restaurant to taste the real one, sorry to say i did´nt enjoy it much ( maybe because I prefer my own way) but the Greek salad that we ordered apart was good as it is always served with real fresh crispy cucumber, quartered tomatoes, onion, green pepper, topped with a very good 1 cm thick slice of Feta Cheese!

In another restaurant, we ate an aubergine salad, this was different...its about 4 pieces of a slice grilled aubergine rolled and filled with i think a chick peas paste and smashed meat of the aubergine drizled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano, beautifully presented in plate as i will show you in the photo below.It was very good!!!

I also had a grilled octopus and hubby had the typical Gyros, slices of grilled pork meat, served with pita bread, fried potato, greek salad with a youghurt dressing.

And for dessert, we had Cassata, some sort of ice cream and we have to drink our espresso with it.

Eating in restaurants in Athens is not so cheap,our normal bill per meal always cost us no less than 45 euros for two. Comparing to Portugal when it comes to meals in restaurants, we served better here and cheaper in price. Our seafoods here and so with the spanish are better prepared and more tasty.

But food aside, Greece has so many more things to offer, so many places to explore and we really enjoyed our holiday .

By the way, we were eating at the roadside splanade next to an ancient building and the name of the Taberna ( restaurant) I could,nt read as it was in greek so I asked the waiter about the name and he told me something like Espinges Taberna in Plaka Square.

Day of New Experience

2007-10-11T09:00:00.000+01:00

Coming out of the Stoa of Atallos museum, and after 3 hours of walked around Acropolis, i was so thirsty that I told hubby that we should come back another day for the other places in Acropolis to visit. There are no stall or shop inside where you can buy water or any drink.

But as we got out of the exit door, hubby spotted a dringking fountain...I was so relieved that finally i can drink water,water & more water!! I gave the camera and a shopping bag to hubby to secure it while im dringking then i went inside the comfort room nearby.

Toilet was very clean, the only problem i encountered for a while is the position of the flush of the toilet tank, i looked on the wall, above the ceiling, then i told myself it must be automatic flush as the toilets in Amsterdam, i waited a minute ,nothing. Then I look down, there it was on the floor a small rounded metal next to the seat, just press down the button with your feet and alelluja!!

To use the faucet to wash our hand is the same way, while your feet press the button on the floor you´ll have the water running!! Different countries, different ways !!

I then met hubby outside, we were both feeling better and relieved..He then sugested one more stop to the Temple of Apollo, Oh No!!! Its almost 3:00 Pm , we must eat!! Of course he was only teasing me as he knows I have bad humour when im hungry...

We then asked for information where is the nearest way out to go to the restaurants across the street that we can see from the museum. The guides pointed us the way and off we go.

But along the way, I could´nt resist to take a photo of the 3 beautiful sculpture on the way to the Temple of Apollo.I asked hubby for our camera, he said its not with him as he remembered i was the one taking photos inside the Stoa. I insisted that i gave it to him while i was dringking water. We run back to the Stoa, hubby went straight to the mens toilet and myself, i sat down in one of the bench thingking the worst! There are so many people around, im afraid we will not find the camera. I saw hubby coming out of the mens toilet empty handed, talked to one of the guides. I also talked to one near me, I told her what happened, she said it will be difficult to find something we lost when there are so many people who comes and goes .

When hubby came to me, he made a gesture we should leave but I did´nt moved, thingking about all those photos we took, all the pleasures and trouble we´ve been through taking photos! I felt sad even with the assurance that hubby said we´ll buy a new camera and we´ll come back to take photos again. I just remained seated.......Then hubby turned his back to me, walked again in the direction of the toilet, When he came out i saw him with a smile on his face and waving the camera for me to see!!! He found it!!!!

He said he found it right at the corner behind the door where he droped the shopping bag so that he can wash his hands, not knowing or feeling that the camera sliped from his wrist and fell outside the bag. He went back in the toilet recollecting his memory and luckily for us, the camera was still there waiting to be recovered!!!

The three sculptures behind me were the reason why i remembered our camera..I dont even remember their names and even we did´nt do justice of their photos as the sun was already behind them. Thank you guys!!!

That was our experience of the day!!

The Church Of The Holy Apostles at Ancient Agora

2007-10-10T09:32:00.000+01:00

Photos taken outside and inside the 11th century old Orthodox Church at the Ancient Agora, it was reconstructed in the year 1956

My First Encounter With Greek Ancient Times

2007-10-08T16:42:00.000+01:00

We found our way to Acropolis without getting lost, not bad for first timers like us in Greece..

To get through the Parthenon, we must buy a ticket that cost 12 euros, it will entitle the holder to visit the museums of the Parthenon,Ancient Agora, Romain Agora,the Temple of Olympia Zeus & others, the ticket is valid for four days, I understand later on why.

If you want to see and know everything about Ancient Greece, you must go all the way to the top to see the Temples that dates back to the 4th or 5 century BC, visit museums to see the artifacts during that period and read everything there is to read about it.

The first photo was taken before we started our climb to the top. As you can see, its a long way to the temple high above.

Second photo is my hubby, we are almost halfway to our goal. At the background is the Herod Atticus Theater, a stone structure theater built in 161 AD by Herod Atticus in memory of his wife Aspassia Annia Regilla . Till now, this amphitheater still being used as venue for theatrical, musical and dance festival in Athens during the months of June through September. Fortunately for us, the day was sunny but a cool breeze refresh us during our walk way up.So we did´nt suffer much from the heat of the day.

Third photo, again is the Parthenon, an Ancient Greek Temple of the Godess Athena.

Fourth photo,The Caryatids, the sculpted female figures that serve as architectural support taking the place of a column or pillar as shown at the photo. The Greek term karyatides means " maidens of Karyae" an ancient town of Peloponesse.

The photos above is only to show you the view from the top and again on one side is the Ancient Agora ( public space or place of assembly) At the beginning of radical democracy ( after 509 BC)

the Boule, or city council, the Prytaneis or presidents of the council and the Archons or magistrates all met in the agora.Law courts are located there, and any citizen who happened to be in agora when a case is being heard, could be forced to serve as a juror.

A drainage system, fountains,and Temple to the Olympian Gods were also built sometime in the 5th century BC

We also visited the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, built by and named after King Attalos II of Pergamom who ruled between 138 BC and 159 BC.

The stoa is identified as a gift to the city of Athens for the education that pergamon received there.

The last two photos above were taken at the Holy Church of the Apostles, an orthodox church, built in the 11th century and restored by the American School of Studies in Athens in 1956 with the permission of the Dept. of Education .

Photos below were from the Museum of Stoa of Attalos.

I have to end from here ,we did a lot of things in just one day . There are still so many things to tell and im also writting this for myself as a memoire of my greek escapade...7 days was not enough, we have to go back again someday to see the islands although we´ve been to three of them in a one day cruise..

Travel log of my Greek holiday

2007-10-08T10:58:00.000+01:00

Just got back from my Greek holiday yesterday.... Sepr.30,2007, our flight from Lisbon, started at 7:05 AM to Amsterdam . We arrived at Schipol Airport at about 11:20 AM with just enough time to walk straight to the gate where we should embark to start another 3 hour journey to Athens. We have a 2 hour difference in time so, our scheduled arrival in Athens is about 4:30 PM Greek time.

Upon arrival in Athens Airport and after claiming our luggage, we asked from the information desk in the airport where we could get a taxi, we were informed that we can also take a bus no.X96 that stops right in front of our hotel at Possidonos Ave. in Athens coast.So, we went out of the airport and there it was ,a public transport bus waiting right in front of the airport exit door. Hubby bought 2 tickets that cost 3.20 Euros each at the ticket booth and off we went on our way to the hotel that took us more or less 40 minutes to get there.

We checked in at Hotel Poseidon at around 6:00 PM, it was a long and tiring journey for our planed 7 days holiday but then the trip was well worth it.

Day 1- After having a good breakfast,we asked the hotel receptionist the way how to get to Acropolis in Athens. We were told to take the tram no. 5 which is just across the road ,then get off the tram at the last stop in Syntagma Square where the Greek parliament and the Presidential palace is situated.

Tickets can be bought at ticket machines ,we had difficulty reading the informations written in greek as we dont understand and cant read the greek alphabeth. But no worry, as there are always hospitable english speaking greeks that can help you like the young man that explained to us how to get our ticket. The ticket cost 1.20 euros for the 2 of us, we found out later that we can buy a ticket good for one week, which we can use for all public transport like bus, tram, train or trolley for the price of 10 euros ,very cheap compared to Portugal public transport. The tram ride takes 30-40 minutes as there were many stop before reaching Syntagma square at downtown Athens.

We got down the tram in time to cross the road where the Greek Parliament is ,and in time to watch the Evzones ( Presidential Guards) an elite ceremonial soldiers with their traditional uniforms marching as they exchange guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as you can see at the

pictures below:

It was a beautiful sight watching the guards march in their traditional uniform. My first greek delight!

From here, we again asked for information how to go to Acropolis without walking so much. We were them told by a policeman to go down to the metro station ,take the train at Aghios Demetrios and at the next stop, we should get down and Acropolis will be nearby.

But beforehand, we got down to the metro station and there,was another surprise for us to see a metro station museum exposing all the artifacts they found during the excavation and construction of the station. A beautiful and grand station they have I must say..

Photos above are inside the metro station:

Down below this showroom area, is where we should take the train to Acropolis. We could have walked from Syntagma Square to Acropolis ( high city or flat sacred rock which rises 150 meters above sea level in the city of Athens), it will be about 10 minutes walk but we tried to save that 10 minutes walk for our climb up to Parthenon, the ancient Greek Temple of Greek Godess Athena.

I must go for now to continue our trip later to Acropolis of Athens on our first day...

To be continued.....

A Friend From Vietnam

2007-09-27T09:40:00.000+01:00

One day in the month of July , I received a message from a girl in Vietnam asking me about the 7th wonders of the world that will be held here in Lisbon.

I did´nt know her, she just found me through internet. I considered responding to her mail after finding more about her through her blogs at Yahoo 360º. She asked me a favor for a friend who collects stamps and they were both interested to have a 7th wonders of the world collectors stamp.

As I dont go out much especially to the post office, I requested hubby if he can find and buy them the requested stamps. Hubby is also a stamp collector so, one day when he had a chance he went to the post office. He asked for the stamps and bought two sets , one set for him and one set for the girl, her name is Mai Lan aka Orchid Flower ( i like her chosen name in flower)

After showing Mai Lan the photos of the stamps , she was happy and requested one more set of the stamps and gave me a certain address to send in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. She also ask how she would pay me back, I told her she can send it to me thru bank transfer but as the amount is only less than 20 euros and there was also the difficulty in arranging foreign currency I told her to just send me anything from her country as souvenir.

She offered me a national dress from Vietnam called "Ao Dai." But before sending me the dress ,she asked for my measurement and sent me photos of her, friends and family on a special ocassion wearing their national costume to choose from the style and color that I want.

So, here are two photos of her with friends or families. Mai Lan is in blue dress, the girls are sooo slimmm!!!

I received the package few weeks ago and yesterday I asked hubby to take me a photo in Ao Dai.

Now, looking at the slim bodies of the young girls I almost dont want to share my photo wearing the Ao Dai.

After our photo session, hubby remembered one national dress he bought for me from my country. He complained he never saw me wearing things that he buys for me. So as not to offend him and to make him happy, i put on one of the many national dress we have in Philippines and here is the photo he took..I guess he was right, I should start wearing our national dress as I think they look good on me too. This particular dress is a formal muslim dress used on special ocassion.

Our most famous national costume is the " Barong Tagalog " for men and an embroidered barong for ladies unfortunately, mine no longer fits me so I cant show you a photo how it looks like

This is all for now,dont like showing much of my own photo here but because I must show the dress that it left me no alternative but to do so.

This maybe my last post for this week and the week to come. Hubby and I is going for a much needed holiday break!!! It does´nt show much on pictures but I have been under a lot of stress since August that it already affected my health.

Have a nice week end to all!!!