Molto Bene! This is my canned answer whenever someone asks me how was my birthday trip to Florence.
Six years ago, Mijo suggested we spend my birthday in Rome. We enjoyed it so much that we promised we'll do it again when we get a chance. For my birthday this year, we thought of going to Florence. And what a birthday trip it was! Just like Rome, Florence or Firenze in Italian, is dotted with churches, arts, plazas, cafes and antiquities. I couldn't even tell you my Top 3 favorites because I have so many and I don't even know where to begin.
I was allowed at work to take a month off so that I can take care of my personal business and spend time with mom and siblings during the Holidays. That is why when I took my time off for a month, I savored every minute of my trips to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and the island of Cebu. Everything was a novelty to me.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
