Coron Island Tour: Bulog Dos, Banana Island and Malcapuya Loop
3:02 PM
In pursuit of the island life, we took a weekend break from a sad and stressful week, one beautiful sunny Sunday in Coron, Palawan, Philippines to explore Bulog Dos, Banana and Malcapuya, three gems in the Calamianes group of Islands. It was a spontaneous decision to join a group boat tour, the day before the scheduled trip.
In Pursuit of the Island Life
11:43 PM |
| Bulog Dos Island, Coron, Philippines |
A long pause.
34 hours from the time we left home in France, we arrived enervated from the extremely long travel and delays. That was 18 days ago. I couldn't bring myself to connect online since. Partly because reality hit us at the same time humidity welcomed us with its wide embrace in Manila.
Happy Walk Series France: La Bauduère
1:51 PM
This was one of the most beautiful walks I have ever had in France. The La Vendee trail is called La Bauduère. It's a 5.9km pedestrian and cycling circuit that will take you from the town centre of Olonne Sur Mer crossing the fields all the way to tranquil marshes.
The French McDreamy Café
5:08 AM
Remember that post I wrote about How to Order Coffee in France Like a Local ?
I am not going to leave France without snapping photos during my last visit to grab a take-away coffee on the road. The French Mc Café has its very own café counter tucked in a corner away from the main one, equipped with a viennoiserie and patisserie display. Not to mention, the biggest surprise I had when they were selling macarons!
La Place Napoléon
9:18 PM
I love walkable cities!
We have a few days left in France. We're spending the last days visiting family and friends for coffee. After visiting my grandmother-in-law in a nearby countryside village, we passed by the recently renovated, La Place Napoléon in La Roche Sur Yon, La Vendée, France for a brief sight-seeing.
Happy Walk Series Prague: A Lovely Morning in Prague
5:55 AM
Have you ever had the weirdest and the loveliest morning at the same time?
The morning summer breeze greets my cheeks, reminding me of the French's bisous as soon as I heard my own footsteps marching enthusiastically on the pavement. 7AM and the street of Jecna was quiet. I walked towards the waterfront, pausing a few times to wait for the pedestrian light to turn green. I smiled within and clutched the straps of my backpack wondering if I had everything I needed for the day. Happy to have Prague all to myself this morning...
Explore Prague on Foot in 4 Days
2:33 AM |
| I crossed all of these bridges on foot. |
I packed my hand luggage and flew to the Czech capital for a solo travel. If you've been reading this blog several posts back, I was craving to get away and have some un-interrupted time on my own and Prague ended up to be the best decision I have ever made.
The magnificent skyline of Prague will lure you to explore its winding cobblestone streets, waterfront parks and lovely bridges. This was exactly how I felt as soon as I emerged from the metro dragging my luggage to find my hotel that evening. I didn't want to miss any street. I wanted to walk and that's how I spent 4 days romancin' the city and taking the time to do it in a relaxed pace.
Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award
4:05 AM
Sisterhood of the World..I love the sound of that. Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award is aimed at bloggers who are passionate about traveling. Jessica of the fascinating travel blog, Wondermentary surprised me with this nomination. I am captivated by her photographs and travel stories. Check her posts and be prepared to be smitten by her travels in Europe. Thanks Jessica for inviting me to be a part of this. How to Order Coffee in France like a Local
10:53 PM
"Bonjour, un café, s'il vous plaît, " I ordered with a big smile. To my surprise, I was served with a small cup of espresso. I sat there staring at my tiny cup of very strong coffee wondering what just happened. This took place in a train station in Paris during my first time traveling alone in France.
A Perfect Evening in Cholet
4:17 AM
Coucou! I have missed you all. How have you been? I tried disconnecting but I can't help it. Guess what? I miss blogging. So here I am. I'll pop in once in a while.
Can you recall a day where everything was perfect? Like everything fell gracefully into place and you're just happy, happy, happy (and intoxicated, haha). When was that time?
For me, this day was one of them.
A Blog Break
10:18 PM
I am going to disappear for now until September to a far away land to reflect on life. A land away from social media. I will not have access to internet very very soon, and if I do find a wi-fi spot that works with my phone, you might still catch me on Instagram. A vacation from our vacation, ha, does that make sense?
I need to escape from the nomadic life pressures for a while. It's not easy being a parent without roots. I'm still recovering from the after shocks of leaving everything I have worked hard for behind. The new life that awaits us terrifies me to the core and I hate sitting idle due to logistic limitations and budget constraint of having a non-refundable airline ticket with unchangeable flight dates. I would have wanted to write more about the treasure hunt which I must say is the highlight of our trip. However, having consumed by blues makes it very difficult to write lately.
Sometimes, we just need to get away from things and then come back again to make sure we see things with the right perspective.
I need to escape from the nomadic life pressures for a while. It's not easy being a parent without roots. I'm still recovering from the after shocks of leaving everything I have worked hard for behind. The new life that awaits us terrifies me to the core and I hate sitting idle due to logistic limitations and budget constraint of having a non-refundable airline ticket with unchangeable flight dates. I would have wanted to write more about the treasure hunt which I must say is the highlight of our trip. However, having consumed by blues makes it very difficult to write lately.
Sometimes, we just need to get away from things and then come back again to make sure we see things with the right perspective.
A bientot.
Love & light,
Arni
An Extraordinary Garden
5:17 AM
What makes a garden extraordinary? If you happen to pass by the region of La Vendee, France off to the west coast, particularly headed towards Les Sables d'Olonne, you can stop by Le Potager Extraordinaire on the way. It can be translated as " The Extraordinary Vegetable Garden." It is located in Les Mares, La Mothe-Achard.
This was where I chose to celebrate the afternoon of my birthday. At first glance, we all wondered what makes it extraordinary. It's about 4-hectares in size with more than 1500 plant varieties. We spent the first 20 minutes browsing around on our own. We looked at each other with big question marks on our faces, "Now what?"
Happy 4th!
5:30 PM
Happy 4th of July Weekend to friends in the U.S.! What are your plans? Coincidentally, it's also my birthday. A gift I am giving myself and my family is a short break. An online purge. I will disconnect and hibernate, away from social media this weekend.
Wishing you all a lovely Friday and a very relaxing week!
Love and Light,
Arni
Happy Walk Series France : A Coastal Trail to Le Littoral
1:58 PM
Hello everyone! How's this week going? Today, why don't we head off to sunny beaches along the Vendee Coast to bathe under the sun. This part of France is very sunny, so it was called Côte de Lumière which means Coast of Light. I am surprised by the amount of sun and heat this summer. Ah-huh and that's coming from someone who survived 45-50 degree Celsius summer heat in the Middle East.
Exposure to sun during walks and hikes, I have been called french toast, brown sugar and bronzée on social media lately for my big change in skin tone. I don't mind though and this change was in spite of using sunblock regularly. All of my friends back home must be shaking their heads right about now, ready to spread sun block lotion SPF 100 (yes they exist) all over their body like jam on a toast while under a huge umbrella for fear of the sun's rays causing a dent on their naturally or artificially light complexion. Note to self, I need to buy myself a hat at least and this explains why I see "chappellerie" or hat shops at the town centre's market street.
Our walk begins here..
Happiness This Week
5:35 AM
Hello! Hope you guys had a lovely weekend. Today, I'm sharing a photo blog post of what brought me happiness this week. For those following me on Instagram, you must have already seen this. A lovely day, a stroll by the sea, walking through streets like this one with the scent of roasted chicken and sautéed potatoes wafting through the air before lunch on a Sunday. I thank God for these beautiful moments.
Shell Murals of Joy
4:08 AM
"If seashells are love letters in the sand, then let's spread that love on the walls." I was walking one bright sunny evening along the coast of Les Sables d'Olonne with my parents-in-law and we stopped by the corner of L'Ocean Cafe to take a small alley that leads to Quartier de L'ile Penotte.
Flabbergasted, the work of art on the walls of every house and street corner brings joy to any passersby. Quirky, colorful and definitely creative, the local artist, Dan Arnaud-Aubin transformed these alleys not only as a tourist attraction, but a source of happiness and beauty. I think this is what Art is really all about. Creating something that brings us profound joy while sharing beauty and love with others. Allowing them to see what once existed in our mind, unexpectedly touching their hearts and soul.
Au Moulin Gourmand
9:20 PM
Every morning after breakfast, I push the stroller and enjoy a 2 kilometer walk to buy freshly made baguette. On our way to the rose garden, I spotted this boulangerie and asked the family if we could try their bread one day. It wasn't the usual bakery they were buying from but for a change, why not? So off we went and ordered un Pain ordinaire, un Pain de Chef et une baguette a l'ancienne. O la la...what we got was a crunchy on the outside, melt in your mouth goodness.
Happy Walk Series France: Revisiting Les Gravelots
3:28 AM
It's Father's Day today! Since it's the celebrated day for all Dads out there, I'll write about one of the many lovely walks we did as a family this week. I chose this one in particular because I got to step back from time to time, to watch my husband and my daughter. I wanted to freeze these moments.
The Rose Garden
5:12 AM
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Beauty who asked her father for a rose. Or was it Belle? This story ran through my mind while we walked 5 kilometers to get to this garden. My husband wanted to show me a "Roseraie" that he chanced upon on his way to order pizza a few days ago. I still remember the way my jaw dropped at first thinking he suddenly turned religious and wanted to pray the rosary. He then explained to me in slow and clear french that he wants to take me to a rose garden. So the scent of roses greets us on a warm grey afternoon...
Happiness This Week
5:33 AM
A collection of moments captured that brought happiness, joy and content to me this week. You must have seen this on Instagram. I don't want to miss out on the beautiful gifts that God unleashes on a daily basis. So I thought of a gratitude post to focus on what I hold dear.
Happy Walk Series France: Le Sentier de l'écluse
3:37 PM
"In every walk in nature, one receives more than he seeks." - John Muir. Walking heals the soul. As we all know it, it's cheaper than therapy. This is what got me started on the Happy Walk Series. Life is not perfect and much as we radiate perfect bliss on social media, more often than not, it's not always what it seems. On the contrary, this is when nature, for me, steps in. A reminder that a Higher Power, Someone in control, beyond our own effort and knowledge did create such magnificence. With the reassurance of every tree caressed by the wind, He can transform my life, my unknown future into something "meaning"-ful and yes, magnificent.
The sandy circuit of Le Sentier de l'écluse is 5.3 km long. Guess what?
Planting Tomatoes
6:24 AM
Before we begin, this post chronicles my days spent at my father-in-laws' garden in France as I learn first-hand from an expert like he is, tips and techniques how he does it. Guess what? He planted this tomato babies in less than 15 minutes. Ok, I'm definitely not a green thumb! I was that type of gal who wouldn't plunge her little fingers in dirt for fear that an affectionate slug will wrap itself around her finger. Yet, when I started pulling out grass to help maintain another garden (my sister-in-law's), the obsessive maniac in me couldn't stop and fearlessly dug my hands in to pull out weeds. Since then, I help out maintaining the garden. Though we grew tomatoes year after year in our own small backyard garden in Dubai, I still wanted to learn, so that I can take this knowledge and experience with me when we move to the Philippines.
Happy Walk Series France: A Sandy Hike
8:15 PM
Today, we will explore a longer walk and a more difficult one. This circuit is called "Les Bourbes" that starts at Aire de La Tantouille. It is a 6.3 km walk with inclined paths and lots of it are sand. It was not very easy with a stroller but it is definitely a good leg workout. The positives points of this circuit are the possibilities to explore a forest, a beach and a swamp and the tranquility you'll get from the absence of bikes.
Create Your Own Green Roof Garden
12:39 AM
I visited my brother-in-law recently and he showed us his own green roof which he installed on top of the concrete slab roof of his storage room. I had to climb the ladder to get a closer look. I wondered for a moment if it had those automatic sprinklers, but guess what, it doesn't. It does however has water at one corner from a condensation pipe from his air conditioning. Apparently, this water along with occasional rain is enough to sustain this small garden. Hence, this is a low maintenance green roof and we excitedly discussed how he constructed this. I couldn't wait to share it here on the blog.
Beauty Stash: Products I Can't Live Without
5:46 AM
Moving, traveling or relocating to another country may pose a challenge in finding the products we have grown to love elsewhere due to their unavailability. Nowadays, we can purchase products on the internet which can be shipped anywhere. Yet, what happens when shipping becomes very expensive and we really have no access to these products?
Happy Walk Series France: Short But Sweet
9:36 PM
I am starting a series called "Happy Walk". I have been suffering from depression quite often lately for reasons unknown to me. Hence, I found it to be an awesome cure for blues. I was surrounded by an uplifting energy within the greens and the water. It felt like nature's embrace. This made me decide to pursue and explore the different circuits nearby.
Transformation of a Gourmande
6:03 AM |
| My favorite space in the house to workout. A glazed corridor with garden views on both sides. |
Happy Monday everyone! In light of National Physical Fitness and Sport Month, I'm going for a healthy lifestyle topic. You must have seen these images on Instagram. As you might have also read in my previous fitness post, I've adapted a healthier lifestyle since moving out of Dubai.
Wildflowers and Becoming One
1:21 AM
Take away the wildflowers from this landscape picture and it suddenly becomes less pleasing. Somehow the presence of these wildflowers not only adds beauty to the entire scenery, but a certain kind of softness that transforms a seemingly scary pond into something worthy to capture. It offers a certain serenity and calm to the unknown.
As I walked quietly in the countryside along wheat covered fields and trees with branches that bent over pathways, I was drawn to the beauty of these wildflowers. What I love about them is their quiet determination to survive in an unplanned or unexpected environment. They have the strength to thrive. They stand tall and proud as though within their roots is an abundant source of light. They acknowledge their natural beauty with an innate simplicity. They are confident to reflect their authentic self.
Happy Walk Series France: A Walk in the Forest
9:56 PM
Deja vu. Well, almost. Five years ago, we stopped here for a picnic. I remember wanting to explore the park after an early dinner on the park benches but the sun was quick to leave and we had an hour's worth of drive left. Needless to say, I missed that chance. Yet, life has its way of throwing in surprises and saying,"Cuckoo!" I daresay one of the happiest weekends I've ever had was yesterday when the family decided to spend an afternoon for a reflective walk here under the same canopy of trees, in the same forest park in Orlonne Sur Mer called Les Gravelots.
Fresh from the Garden
8:14 PM |
| Lettuce and raddish from the garden. Tomatoes are coming soon. |
Like most summers in France, our daily vegetables and fruits come from the garden. The family used to have a bigger orchard. When they moved to Les Sables d'Olonne, the space left for gardening is a tiny fraction of what they used to have. Thanks to a neighbor who lent his land for my father-in-law to freely use for his gardening, they're growing well and we'll have enough to last the whole summer. During the previous years, they even had a chicken coop where we got lots of eggs from. Sadly, they had to let this go when they moved to the new city.
A Coffee Addict's Paradise
10:16 PM
The scent of coffee drifts in the air. The kind that will make you forget your worries and will temptingly lure you in. My mother-in-law was looking for a gift for a new family acquaintance in Paris and I suggested a box of chocolates is a safe choice to give, especially one that is a speciality in the region. Off we went to the nearest branch of La Vendée's famous chocolatier, Chocolatier Gelencser.
Travel Quote of the Day
5:37 PM
We finally had that coffee with my favorite old couple who used to be my in-laws' neighbors. They always invite us for a cuppa every time we are in France on vacation. Since my in-laws have moved to the city an hour away from this quiet village, we drove to see them and enjoyed an afternoon re-visiting the countryside where my husband grew up. I'm thankful for this opportunity.
Have a lovely afternoon.
Love & light,
Arni
One Cold Afternoon By the Sea
11:35 PM
While we are stranded indoors as it poured continuously outside for the last two days, I'll write about our first short walk along the coast. Our week started sunny and to our hearts' content we enjoyed the seaside under the cold afternoon sun . Here are images of what we will be seeing during our daily walks for the next several months. Click on the link and read more about Les Sables d'Olonne , France.
La Fête du Muguet
8:14 PM
It's the 1st of May and today not only marks La Fête du Travail or Labor Day but also a lovely occasion here in France called La Fête du Muguet where a bouquet of Lily of the Valley is offered to loved ones.
What's Up Lately?
2:00 PM |
| Week 2 of Bikini Body Guide 1.0 |
You might have seen this already on Instagram. While I was away from the blogosphere and trying to overcome my repatriation blues, I took on a new activity. I am on Week 2 of Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Guide.
Repatriation Blues
12:04 PM
I was wondering why I suddenly broke down crying while I was walking along EDSA on my way to take the stairs of MRT Station in Quezon City. It was triggered by being sent back and forth to different government agencies just to register my daughter in the system after an entire week of endless struggles to obtain identity in my home country.
Travel Recap: Southwest Beaches of Mahe
10:27 PM |
| Anse Takamaka, Mahe, Seychelles |
Summer is not far away. Where we are, summer is synonymous to dry season, but don't be fooled because intense humidity will make you wonder what makes it a dry season. I'd love to hit the beaches right now but we're currently stuck with paper work and administrative errands. Hence, my days are spent taking public transportation and walking under scorching heat. So I'm posting photographs of the Southwest beaches of Mahe, Seychelles instead.
Goals and Lifestyle Changes
10:02 PM
Is it just me or the days seem to be running like enthusiastic athletes in a triathlon? We're in the second quarter of 2015 already. This brings me to evaluate where I am in my goals for this year.
"Purge the unncessary and decrease clutter."
Yes and yes to that! Evaluating and letting go of things we have to part ways with before leaving Dubai was such a therapeutic experience. It feels so light! So many things can be accumulated without us realising it. We are presently in Manila for a temporary stay at my Mom's while we wait for the shipment of our stuff to be cleared and stored. The sorted items have been painstakingly thought through which we will need, once we find a permanent base.
Travel Recap: Rice Terraces of Batad
8:53 PM
Stepped rice paddies as a honeymoon destination? Why not? Well, it was ours. After our wedding 9 years ago, we took the entire family with us for a trip to the rice terraces of Banaue. One week spent in this tranquil landscape , hiking and exploring made my family and in-laws happy.
There are many rice terraces that can be found in Banaue. Batad is my favorite.
Before & After: Sandstorm
3:24 PM |
| Before the Sandstorm at Dubai Media City (Photo Credit: Lito Flestado) |
As we prepare and brace ourselves for an upcoming typhoon to hit the Philippines this weekend, I'd like to share images of the eerie sandstorm in Dubai today. Strong winds in a brown cloud of sand.
Travel Recap: A Creative Retreat
10:17 AM |
| Access to the House from the Bridge |
Our Last Weekend in Dubai
7:25 PM
As I walk along familiar streets that have transformed in 12 years, the once busy Sheikh Zayed Road that is even much busier now and more filled with skyscrapers, Deira, Jumeirah and the beach, I felt nostalgic and slightly emotional. I could hardly believe that this was my last weekend in Dubai, in the city that I have called home for a significant period of time.
Remember when I mentioned last year how sad it felt watching friends turned families go and being left behind? I daresay it also feels as much being on the other side. Here are snapshots of how our last weekend was like.
Flowers in the Desert
4:10 PM
Flowers in the desert? Who would have thought such blooms exist in the Middle East? Well, when Dubai does it, expect it big! Always in a grand scale. More than 45 million flowers with 45 different varieties of blooms.
Dubai Miracle Garden has been there for a few years and we even lived very close to it, but never even once visited until recently. What I saw blew me away and my 10 month old daughter enjoyed the bursts of color.
BOXPARK
1:00 PM
You'll be noticing an avalanche of places in Dubai this week in the hopes of seeing as much as we can before we leave. Plane tickets have been booked today. We are ready to depart on Sunday evening. Let the countdown begin.
When driving along Al Wasl Road right after Safa Park, you will notice cargo containers that are artistically positioned and used to create an urban retail district that is called "BOXPARK" Recently opened as one of the latest projects of Meraas Holdings.
What We Did Last Weekend
9:12 PM
You might have already seen this Friday's posts on Instagram. Oh, to those who hasn't, please feel free to click on the icon above this page. I have noticed that despite not having internet connection anymore unless I'm at my friend's apartment, reminds me to disconnect a bit and enjoy the moment, especially when we have limited time left in the beautiful city of Dubai.
An Expat's Multi-Storey Home
3:30 PM
I am extremely excited to share this beautiful home here. Owned by a dear friend, Monique whom you might have met and read here. She's an expat who has been living in Dubai for more than ten years, working as a Design Manager for a prestigious mall in this energetic city. I am truly inspired by what she has accomplished as she completed one of her goals, construction of her family home in the Philippines.
Beyond the Drawing Board: The Art of Selling for Future Designers
4:05 AM |
| Source |
Today, I'm choosing a touchy topic. Some may not agree with me but I'm putting myself out there. If I were to go back to architecture and design school, if there was one thing I wish was part of our curriculum, it would be : to learn how to sell. Yes, sales. Why?
Follow Me to Paradise
10:22 PM
My Dream Job that Landed When It was Time.
2:35 AM
Today, I'll try to hit two birds with one croissant. I'll share a story about what I really do and why I do it. After that, I will show a fun apartment we did.
