An evolving Vegas

Mijo wanted to go away for Memorial Day long weekend because he is starting on a new job the following week in the same company. For this trip, we wanted a quick but relaxing vacation. Would you believe that we both thought of Vegas? We did our research and we found out that one can definitely relax in Vegas. Sight-seeing? I've done this during the few times I've been to Vegas. Casino and gambling? It gets tiring and they're all alike. If you've seen one, you probably do not need to see the rest. Plus I only enjoy the slot machines and my black jack skills are so-so. Shopping? I wish! It is more like window shopping. Buffets? Well, maybe. Shows? Definitely... not Celine Dion.

Eating My Way Through El Salvador

The rain and the cold weather in Northern California made us yearn for a warm weather vacation. My list is simple and short: nothing expensive, somewhere close by and having a tropical weather.  We narrowed down our choices to three - Central America, Hawaii or Miami. When the unanimous choice was Central America, the first thing that popped out of my mind was El Salvador.

Melbourne sunshine and a wedding

The sunshine was glorious in Victoria Lakes when we stepped out of the car. Almost instantly, Mijo started sneezing and my eyes got itchy and red. We didn't realize that it was springtime in Southern Australia . This means allergy season! No wonder everything was in bloom? This was the start of a vacation filled with sunshine. It didn't rain the whole time we were in Melbourne. This Filipino guy was a happy camper!

Iconic Sydney

The city center is accessible by train from the airport. We had originally planned hailing a cab to the hotel but we took the train on the last minute. I don't remember why. Though it was a brief 10 minute, uneventful ride, it was already a Sydney experience in itself.

Lost in Cebu

From the Cebu Business Park, it costs about 50 pesos worth of cab ride to get to Mango Square. Mango Square, we were told, is that area on General Maxilom Avenue bounded by the Fuente Osmeña on the west and stretches about four to five city blocks going south. It is reputed to be the city's nightlife hotspot. I never really understood what that meant until we got there. We were only looking for a good gay bar to have a couple of rounds of drinks.

Relaxing in Taipei

I don't know a relative or a good friend who lives in Taipei so the idea I had of the city is the one I got from guide books. This made me picture it like any other Asian cities dotted with temples and its downtown full of modern skyscrapers. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a city like no other. On top of the monuments, shrines, notable buildings, great shopping and good food scene, I found the less touristy aspect of this trip unforgettable.

¡Que suerte en San Juan!

It took me a while to find a slot-machine with the view of the wide screen tv. I wanted to secure a seat with a view so I can watch the much awaited Pacquiao-Hutton match. Earlier that day, we had gone beach hopping in San Juan where we walked what could have been four miles of coast line. We started from Isla Verde, east of the city, and walked westward to Ocean Park and then finally to Condado beach taking a cerveza break in between beaches. Take note that walking on sand is much harder compared to strolling on concrete sidewalk. So imagine how incredibly soothing on my back and legs to just sit down inside the hotel’s casino.

5th of July in a Philly bar

The next round of drinks is on me. My shout.
We are celebrating Nelson's birthday a day early because mijo and I will fly back to SF tomorrow and this is our last night in Philadelphia. I convinced them that it is okay since Nelson was born in the Philippines and it is a day ahead of the U.S. Technically, it is his birthday tonight. A belated 4th of July can also be used as an alibi to celebrate, I thought to myself.