One of the many reasons why I love Taiwan is even though it is a modern country, it never fails to preserve the beauty of nature. Trees every where, no pollution, clear waters and breath taking architectures. I hope to capture more of its lovely culture next summer (2011).
I just turned 21 last April 21 as some of you may know, but I never seem to grow out of the "child at heart" stage and I think it's because I get more encouraged by Athan everyday to live a bit like a child or reach within my inner child. Because honestly, you can't deny that some of us, once we grow up and have kids we forget what it was like to be kid and I find that sad. I believe that having that spark of childhood helps better in understanding and raising children. That's why I thank God very much for blessing me with Athan. He's more than any parents could ask for. :)
One way of getting in touch with your kids is when you take time to play with them. That's what Mom always tells me and luckily for me, she knows places to take us here where Athan and I can enjoy each others company and bond.
I felt like such a kid today. I ran around with Athan, made him shoot hops, slide with him and more. I believe we equally enjoyed the place very much. They had a sand area for kids who like to dig, music area for kids who enjoy making loud noises, kitchen and houses to act like adults, blocks, cars( athan's fave!) gigantic legos and a playground filled with balls for kids to dive in after a sweet ride on the slide.
All in all this day was awesome. It would have been sweeter if Gersh was only with us. I bet he wouldn't leave the Lego area. Haha! =P Being young parents can be tough but at the same time it has it perks (especially when it comes to play time ;) ), like teaching you good lessons in life--how to value time, be more responsible and how to be selfless. It maybe too early, but I'm loving every minute of being Athan's Mom.
It has been days since my last blog and it's not because I have nothing to talk about or I've been a certified bum. It's all because I don't know how I would start every blog entry I want to write. Talk about writer's block! But Gersh has been wanting me to blog, so here I go!
Like I said on my previous entry, when I'm here I'm often a weekend girl because of Mom and Tita's work so for our weekend bonding today we had a very nice Caesar salad and Steak dinner at Swensen Resto. Our favorite was of course the dessert--Sticky chocolate ice cream and it's literally sticky!
In the middle of our dessert Athan decided the get all Mr. Congeniality with some teen girls at the next table. He's been doing this for quite some time now and I think he's becoming such a ladies man and at only 2 years old!=p Boys talaga!
After dinner we did a bit of shopping at my favorite Knick-Knacks store and bookstore at Tianmu and got these cutesy stuffs---
Stitch and Scrump canal earphones & Donut key holder
New pens for the school year!
I really adore the Stitch earphones because it's super cute and not to mention unique. I wasn't expecting Mom to get me a pair and when she did, I felt ecstatic! I love it to bits!:) Also we got new pens for this coming term. I only trust Pilot when it comes to black pens and been using it since high school, so trusted and proven! As for the Souffle colored pens, they are just divine! I love how soft they write. Really perfect for my doodle book and planner. ;)
I really can't wait for the school year to start. ( I'm hoping for an awesome school year) Most of all to be back in Manila's arms again! But for now I can't say I'm not enjoying my vacation here. I love Taiwan as well. After this trip, I have to wait until 2011's summer till I come back again, so might as well make the most of it with my Mom and Tita, right?:) Well, only 8 days left. Till my next blog!
It's Athan's 2nd Birthday today and boy is he growing up fast! Cliche as it may sound but it's as if it were only yesterday he was just cradled in my arms and all bundled up. Now he's such a big boy and talkative as ever. But no matter what, he will always and forever be my baby. :)
We celebrated his birthday at Market Cafe. A buffet restaurant here at Taipei and we pretty much enjoyed the food but the service isn't something we would give a thumbs up. They were quite relaxed and a bit rude for a staff. Thank goodness the food compensated their actions and we still had a good night so it was all good. Plus Athan was really happy throughout the night because of the nice presents he got from Tita and Mom. He's such a car boy as you can see in the picture. :) Happy birthday for him, indeed.
As he was trying to blow out his candles, all I wished for him was to always have a good health, much happiness and to remain a good boy as he is now. I love you, Athan. Always remember that. Mommy and Daddy will do anything for you and the only thing We want is what's best for you and to bring you up a happy child. Happy Birthday again and more birthdays to come, Love!
I love Saturdays or the weekend because it's the only time when Mom and Tita can take Athan and I out. On other days we just stay at home, watch TV, eat, sleep and pretty much the same thing over and over again. Nothing special. So, you can guess how excited Athan and I get when weekends around because it only means--WE'RE GOING OUT!
Like today after Mom's work we headed for a stroll around Tianmu since the weather is really nice. It's pretty chilly here right now and I'm trying to make the most of it since when I get back to Manila I'll surely get fried again. So, during our stroll we saw cute store displays that Athan could pose on----
Like today after Mom's work we headed for a stroll around Tianmu since the weather is really nice. It's pretty chilly here right now and I'm trying to make the most of it since when I get back to Manila I'll surely get fried again. So, during our stroll we saw cute store displays that Athan could pose on----
I find this picture of him on the motorbike really cute! It looks as if he's a big boy already and inviting chics to check out his cool ride! Babies grow up so fast! Athan, please slow down and be Mommy's baby forever.
After our walk we headed straight for Shilin Night Market to do a little window and actual shopping. I love Shilin Night Market. It's the biggest night market that you will find in Taiwan and let me tell you that at Shilin you can find great buys at affordable and really cheap prices. Here are some of the things we got---
After our walk we headed straight for Shilin Night Market to do a little window and actual shopping. I love Shilin Night Market. It's the biggest night market that you will find in Taiwan and let me tell you that at Shilin you can find great buys at affordable and really cheap prices. Here are some of the things we got---
We got Athan these really cute jammies since he doesn't have much that fits him. He just keeps growing! Also he's into balls too so Mom got him a mini soccer ball from Nike.
These are some of the things I shopped for. It's mostly the things I really wanted back when I was at Manila. Like the Bag. I really wanted a vintage looking bag that had double straps and finally tonight with the help of my Mom (she picked it out for me) I got it. The other thing is the Skin Food Nail polish. Back in Manila it would cost be Php 100 to Php 300 just to buy one bottle while here Tita got it for me at only NT$ 65. (Php 97) Over pricing much? That's why I like shopping here more often because sometimes you get to save more.
Anyhoo, I'm really happy and giddy with my goodies. We got Gersh some t-shirts too. I hope he likes them!:) Only two more weeks left for me to enjoy summer! I hope you guys are having a great one!
I'm waiting for Mom to come home right now and I'm currently browsing the net and saw this site about a Dad who makes the cutest pancakes ever for his daughter. I think it's really sweet for a Dad to take so much time to get creative just to make his child happy. :) He calls it Jim's Pancakes and these are some of his uber cute creations that I personally adore--
Giraffe Pancake
Hamburger Pancake complete with T.L.C. and fries with ketchup! ;)
Turtle Pancake (my favorite among the three) :)
He's a genius I would say or a pancake guru. I've been to Pancake house but this one is just TOO awesome to pass up. I like his idea. I think he should venture into business. I bet a lot of kids would be happy to be greeted with these kinds of pancakes during breakfast or dessert. I myself as a parent would definitely look forward to this. What do you think?:)
Whenever I go to Taiwan the thing I look forward to the most aside from seeing my family and shopping is food. I never get tired of the usual things I eat here and the food that I love in particular here is street food.
First one is called TEMPULA in Chinese, which is the meal at the right side and the veggies are simply string beans and green bell pepper. You'll usually find them at night at street corners or trucks. They fry it for a few minutes, add their special powder sauce plus basil and tadah! It's ready for consumption and I promise you it's really good! I've already had it twice and still can't wait to have more. :)
My second favorite is the TANPING. It's like Taipei's pizza. Its main ingredient is the egg and basil. You can usual see this being made in stalls and is more popular during breakfast, especially if you're in a rush and wants on the go food. But Mom and I are different. We go for this during dinner and have 2 pieces each. It's quite heavy on the the tummy so two is more than enough to satisfy your hunger.
Lastly this one isn't really a street food but it's one restaurant here at Taipei that I never fail to go to whenever I come here and it's called BIG MY. They have a strange name. Most businesses here often do but the food here is always worth coming back to. It's a typical teppanyaki restaurant that serves veggies with whatever main course you want. Whether it be fish. shrimp or beef. I give it 5 stars for its never ending delicious meals. I've been going to this resto since I was about 10 or 12 years old so I guess that pretty much sums up my love for it. ;)
I guess that's the best thing about traveling. You discover different cultures and new flavors to digest. I really hope aside from Taiwan I can visit Thailand once again with my whole family. :)
Yesterday was Mother's Day and what a wonderful way to spend it being in another country with your loved ones. It could have been better if I was also with Gersh but we'll just make up for it when I get back to Manila. :) For now I spent it with Athan, Mom and Tita.
Our first agenda was to drop by Taipei 101 to get Athan some books from PAGE ONE bookstore and maybe have a look around since the bookstore is my favorite place to be. When we got there we got Athan 3 car books. He's at a phase right now where he really loves cars so we pretty much encourage that by making him choose what kind of cars he wants us to buy or we incorporate his likeness for cars through books for learning.
Athan's shopping goodies
Upon paying for Athan's books, he was getting a bit heavy in my arms so Mom told me to put him on his stroller and unfortunately when I turned to his stroller, I wasn't aware that there were poles half my size beside me and I tipped over and fell. Bloopers much? The quiet atmosphere of the bookstore was very much disturbed by moi. Plus I was embarrassed to the core, but nothing a good notebook that I've been looking for so long can't fix. ;) I bet people who love the Page One notebook would know how happy I feel seeing this kind of Page One notebook since most or probably all of non-velvet ones are sold out. That's the reason why I got the velvet one before because of the fact that National Bookstore already ran out of these---
But of course if you're already in THE Page One bookstore, how can you run out?:) I was thrilled and still am.
After our Page One bookstore adventure we went to Mitsukoshi mall to get the dress we reserved last Tuesday from EDC and MNG because if we didn't get them they would give it to another buyer and here at Taipei, believe me they easily run out of extra small and small sizes. Women here have small bodies. That's why if you see something that appeals to you, go get it! Don't wait.
Also my body's kinda tricky, like my Mom said. I'm not the type who looks great in every clothing. I have to try it out first and see if it looks good on me or if it looks sloppy and most often dresses are not my forte, that's why when we saw these dresses look good, Mom got them for me.
So after getting the stuffs we needed we headed to Chilis for our Mother's Day celebration. We were so hungry from all the walking we did that as soon as the food got to our table, we started eating---
Athan was sound asleep so he wasn't able to eat but as soon as he woke up he started munching on his garlic bread--And lastly here's a picture of Taipei's MRT are main source of transportation when we go to Taipei 101 or anywhere else. If you visit Taiwan I think this is the fastest way and best way to go tp any destination. :) Tested and proven!
I'm in love with fashion and I guess majority of girls and boys nowadays do as well, but of course loving fashion often times doesn't cost cheap not unless you also love thrift things like me. But just incase I don't have the budget for it, I turn to fashion sites as an outlet to compensate my lack of moolah.
I think I've already mention before about POLYVORE. It's a site that I visit to put together my inspirations or possible outfits that I wanna wear. I'm kinda addicted to it, like once I start one I make another and another, but after that I stop for awhile and I don't really know why. It's also a good outlet if you wanna pretend like you're working in magazine and you have to put together outfits. Nice right?
You think I can pass as a fashion consultant? Tee-hee. A girl can dream! Still hoping to pursue my fashion dreams 2 years from now. ;)
You think I can pass as a fashion consultant? Tee-hee. A girl can dream! Still hoping to pursue my fashion dreams 2 years from now. ;)
Since yesterday all that has been happening here at Taipei is rain, rain and more rain. The weather forecast said that it will continue to pour on us until next week. *sad* I'm hoping that after that the Sun will start shining until I leave here because Athan and I really want to make the most out of our 3 week summer vacation. So, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden sun, please shine down on me!
Anyhoo, last Wednesday was the last day of no rain for us and we decided to take Athan to Taipei American School's playground to have a play date with his friend Hucky---
So far we're just stuck at home for now because Mom's at work. We'll probably make the most out of our vacation here every weekend or when Mom gets a day off. For now, I need to keep my fingers crossed for sun!
It's officially the start of my one month summer vacation as I am now once again at my second home, Taipei, Taiwan. As some of you may know I've done this little trip with my son last year and now here I am again ready to rant or blog to you about my little adventures here in Taipei with my Mom, Aunt and Son. My blogs will serve two purpose--#1 It will be to inform Gersh about all that's going on with me and Athan here and of course #2 I'll be your Taipei trekker for the month, touring and telling you my mini escapades here. I hope I don't bore you though, but I promise I'll try my very best to make it as interesting as I could. ;)
So to begin with, our airport and airplane experience. We fortunately didn't have any excess baggage this year because we had dreadful-pocket ripping-agonizing experience with excess baggage last summer. We paid Cebu Pacific almost Php 6,000 just to get our all our stuffs checked in due to their rule of only 15 kilos and we exceeded that a looot. So story short PAL allows 20 kilos and we had 19.1. Lucky! The only difficult thing I encountered during the trip was having to take care of our bags while looking after Athan. That's why I had to put him in the trolly when we arrived. When we got to Taiwan's airport however Mom was a bit late because her alarm didn't work but we were really glad to finally see her after five long months. Here are some pictures before and after the flight---
When we finally got to our flat here, Mom took us to a mall near by our house called Dayeh Takashimaya to do a bit of shopping and the first thing that caught my eye was a pair of Keds sneakers that I've been wanting to have for quite a while. I originally wanted red, but Mom said it looks too common so I followed her advice and picked this instead--- The color here seems like blue but really it's sea green. :) Plus I'm not the only one who got new shoes, Athan as well got himself a new pair of sandals!---
Whoops! Not girly sandals but really cute one's from Teva. :) Also after buying we headed down to the food court area of the mall to have our early lunch before doing anything else. The difference about the food court here is it doesn't look like the typical crowded ones that we see back in Manila ( I love food courts in Manila too ah!) It's actually spacey and the foods being served are really good---
After eating we headed to MNG at Taipei 101 to buy me some dresses since it is summer and got new cars for Athan to play with. :) So far that's what we did on our first day here. Looking forward to more outings. lots of eating and a little bit of shopping!;)
To the most hard working Mother I have ever known...
To the person who spoils people around her a lot..especially me...=p
To my mother who never fails to make me cry yet also the happiest...
To the best grandmother a grandson could ever ask for...
To my worry wart mother who never fails to call me whenever I'm out and make's sure I'm home on time...
To my loving mother, Sorry half of us can't be with you on your special day but I do hope you would enjoy this because it only comes once a year. Don't worry, we'll be there celebrating it with you sooner than you think! God Bless always and we love you!
HAPPY 47th BIRTHDAY!