VERONA - February 12, 2010

Today would be a really tight schedule for me. I had allocated just about 3 hours per city, and am aiming to cover 3 cities in one day. Good luck to me.

I arrived in Verona last night and didn't try to explore the city anymore, knowing it would be too dark to capture anything on camera. Plus I was too tired to do anything, having had to walk about 500 meters (10 mins’ walk) with all my luggage with me – from the bus stop to the hotel. I hadn’t realized that the hotel I had booked was so far from the city center, plus the long walk from the nearest bus stop. But I had no other choice as it’s too late to book another hotel.

My train ticket from Verona to my next stop, which is Florence, was scheduled at 10:00am. So I had to be back at the hotel by 9:00am to give me enough time to check out and get back to the main train station, seeing as my hotel is sooo far from the station.

So I left the hotel early, about 6:00am, so I had at least 3 hours to explore the city. I only had 3 sights that I wanted to visit anyway. The 3 hours was just to give me enough time to look for those places.

First stop was the Arena. It was nice, though not as impressive as the Colosseo in Rome. It actually looked a bit like a smaller replica of the one in Rome. I didn't stay long there, just long enough to get some good photos of myself using the camera’s timer J

From the Arena, I started looking for one of the places that Verona is famous for – Juliet’s House. Juliet as in Romeo and Juliet. Im not really sure why there’s a house when the story was supposed to be fiction, but anyway, the house was there. It was called “Casa di Giullietta” and is now a museum.

Apparently, the family who lived there had the same last name as the one in the story (Capulet) and they had a daughter named Juliet. There was also supposedly a Romeo house, whose family had the same last name as the one in the story (Montague), but it was still a private property and was not open to public, so I was not able to go there.

Then lastly, I went to the Castelvecchio. I have not heard of it before, but I saw photos of the castle in one of the online forums that I visit. The photos looked fantastic, and so I was interested in visiting. And I wasn't disappointed. The castle looked medieval – as it really is, it was constructed in 1355 – and I LOVED IT! I felt like I was home. Hehe

Took some really great photos there then hurriedly went to the nearest but stop, which, as the receptionist told me the night before, would stop right in front of the hotel. It was already 8:45, so I had 15 minutes to get to the hotel. The bus number I was told to ride on arrived about 5 minutes later, so I thought I was pretty safe on the time.

Unfortunately, as I soon found out, the Italian public transport system was much, much worse than the Swiss system. The Swiss system, though confusing to a foreigner with its many lines and zones, is well-organized. Plus there’s a computer in every bus that would show you the next stops so you know early on if you’re on the right bus.

The Italian system, by itself already as confusing as the Swiss one, was disorganized. Most of the ticket machines in the buses don't work, so if you don't buy a ticket early on and hope to buy one in the bus, chances are you probably wont be able to buy one and would be fined if caught without a ticket.

The buses have LCD screens like the ones in the Swiss buses, but most of them don't work. there’s also no announcement of what the next stop would be, so if you’re not familiar with the route, you would most probably miss your stop.

To make it worse, you have to tell the driver in advance that you’re getting off at the next stop by pressing a buzzer. If the buzzer doesn't sound, and there’s no one waiting to get on at the next stop, the bus would just continue on. And if you do press a buzzer, you have to get off in 5 seconds. Otherwise, the bus will drive off with you still in it.

So in short, I got lost while attempting to go back to my hotel. I missed my stop and reached the end of the route before I realized what happened. The driver doesn't speak English, so he couldn't help me.

I decided to try walking, which gives me a better chance of finding my way than taking another bus. I asked several people along the way, who mostly couldn't speak English as well. I was staring to get frustrated - I knew I’d miss my train as it was 9:15 already – plus the situation was starting to look hopeless.

Fortunately, about the 5^th person I asked – a girl in her late teens – spoke perfect English and was going the same way I had to go. She walked with me to the street across my hotel and I was finally able to get back.

It was already 9:30am when I reached the hotel so I decided not to rush anymore and just take my breakfast, which was free. I was thinking that at least the free breakfast would somehow offset the fees I would have to pay for having to rebook my train.

I reached the train station at around 10:30 and went to the ticket counters to rebook my ticket. The next train that goes directly to Florence was at 6:00 pm that day, so I had to take a longer route, which took me 3.5 hours to get to Florence, instead of just 1.5.

This has been a long day, so I’ll write about my Florence experience later, in another entry.

VENICE, Feb 11, 2010

I arrived in Venice after lunch, after a looong train trip from Geneva. I enjoyed it, though, because the landscapes we passed through were gorgeous! The Switzerland-Italy pass is really beautiful. There were really good views there, but I wasn't able to take photos because the train was going too fast.

I was a bit tired already when the train arrived in Venezia Centrale. When I got out of the train station, however, all fatigue was forgotten. The view that greeted me was what I came to Venice for – the Grand Canal!

Actually, the canal itself looked simple. It was the way that the Venetians made their way in and around it that made the city interesting. Their main public transportation was through the canal – even their taxis, ambulances, and postal service went through it.

Plus I had the best timing ever – they had a festival ongoing. And that day was one of their qualification rounds for a mask/costume contest. There were some really great contenders that I saw in the plaza – and I got the photos to prove it J

Of course, I wouldn't leave Venice without taking a ride through the canal. I didn't take the gondola, though, as it was too expensive! Imagine, 80 euro for a short ride that would take me practically through the same route as the motorized public transpo boat that costs 13 euro round trip! So I took the boat. Hehe

It was a nice ride. Though there were a lot of people with me and it was noisy, I still had a great time. I took some videos and a LOT of photos J

The only downside perhaps to that trip was that Venice was FILLED with lovers L. Well, I knew it would be, seeing as it’s only a few days away from Valentine’s. so of course, lovers would head over there. Damn. hehe

Venice is too small for an extended stay, though. The half day that I allocated for the city was just right and I had enough time to go back to the train station for me next stop – Verona.

GENEVA, Feb 10, 2010

I arrived in Geneva at around 1:00 pm and went straight to my hotel. Fortunately, it was just within walking distance from the main train station, so it didn't take me very long to get there. However, my muscles are already so sore from the consecutive days of traveling that the 5-minute walk from the train station to the hotel took it’s toll.

By the way, I’ve been on my tour now for about 7 days already, not counting the 4 days I spent in Cologne, Germany for the ISM fair – which was also physically draining as I had to scour hundreds of potential suppliers. Plus I did the sled ride in the snow, going down Mt. Pilatus the other day, then I slipped and fell on my butt (and it still hurts til now). So practically every muscle in my body is screaming for rest, even my armpits are hurting! But I still have 5 more days to go, and I don't want to waste a minute of my short stay in each city.

Anyway, after I arrived in my hotel, I just dropped off my luggage and started on my exploration of the city. First thing I asked the receptionist is how to get to the United Nations headquarters, which was again the only reason why I made the stop in Geneva. Fortunately, the hotel also had one of those free city transport card, so I saved a few Swiss Francs again J .

The UN headquarters was only 3 tram stops away from my hotel, so it took me only 10 minutes to get there. And this time, it was worth the trip. The compound was really impressive. Even from the gates, you would feel this sense of awe to be in the presence of something great.

I took the guided tour for a fee of 10 Swiss francs, which I think was again worth it. There weren’t any spectacular views, but just knowing that I sat on a chair that a country’s president usually sits on during the UN conferences makes it a one-of-a-kind experience.

From the UN office, I passed by the Red Cross headquarters which was right beside it. I didn't go inside their compound, though – it didn't look as interesting or as impressive. Hehe.

I took the tram back to the city and walked for a while to check out the other interesting landmarks I saw on the map. Geneva has interesting buildings, especially in the “Old Town” area, where the old buildings are still standing.

All in all, it was an interesting trip and one I don't regret taking.

TRAVEL DIARY CONTINUED, FEB 9, 2010 - LAUSANNE AND VEVEY

I just spent a day in Lausanne and a small town nearby, called Vevey.

My stop there actually started badly. The directions to my hotel, which they sent to me via email – was WRONG. As mentioned before, the Swiss transport system is very confusing, so it took some time for me to figure out that I was on the wrong bus. Add to that the fact that Lausanne is on the French-speaking side of Switzerland (and therefore, people here are not very fluent in English), so it was quite difficult to get the information I needed to get to where I was supposed to go.

To make the story short, my ordeal took about an hour and a half, which ended with me walking for about 15 minutes just to I could reach the hostel. A 15-minute walk would have been tolerable for me, if not for the 30-kilo luggage I was carrying with me.

I was so tired when I reached my hotel at about 5:00 pm in the afternoon that I decided to just call it a day and do my tour of the city the next morning. I had until 12:00 noon the next day to explore the place as my train for Geneva would leave at 12;45 pm.

Two good things about the hostel, though, is that they gave me a free city ticket, which I could use for 24 hours on all the public transport (train, tram, and bus) and all the zones within the city; plus they gave free breakfast.

Anyway, first thing I did when for my tour was to go to Vevey, which was 20 minutes away from Lausanne by train. My reason for going there – to see the Nestle international headquarters J .

It was a snowy morning, so the sights were a bit dimmed by the fog, but the views of Lake Geneva were still pretty. Got some great photos there.

The Nestle headquarters, though, was quite a disappointment. It looked interesting from the TV features I’ve seen, but up close, it looked average. Not really worth the 10 euro I spent to go to Vevey. Well, at least I satisfied my curiosity.

Lausanne was also not very interesting. Like Lucerne, it looked like a typical European city. I think the highlight if my stay there were the swans I saw swimming and playing around on Lake Ouchy.

Im now off to Geneva. Got about half a day there then I’ll be leaving at 7:40 am the next morning for Venice…

How much is "too much"?

I attended the first birthday party of a friend's son yesterday.

I've been friends with her for about 8 years already, and we were both single and unattached then. Now her son is already 1 year old. Wow, that makes me feel soooo old

As expected, I was asked by common friends when's my turn. Or, more importantly, when am I gonna be in a serious relationship again.

To be honest, I cannot answer that question. But then again - who can? Nobody knows when it will happen, right? Unless you're willing to compromise, to settle for less than what you really want, to sacrifice your dream because you're running out of time.

Unfortunately, I don't think I would be able to do that. I am too idealistic (blame my pisces nature, I guess). I am looking for the "real thing", the love that will survive the odds, the kind of love that will last a lifetime. I just know with all my heart that I will not be happy with anything less than that. And if being with someone will not make you happy, why should you stay with that person, right?

In my defense, at least there have been improvements. Whereas before, I had no idea what I wanted, now I can describe the kind of partner I am looking for :

1. Someone who will not be insecure about my career, but will not take advantage of me either;

2. Someone who not only tolerates my quirks and weird habits, but actually finds them "cute" or "funny";

3. Someone who understands my passions in life, who doesn't think they are trivial pursuits nor a waste of time, Someone who encourages me to go for my dreams and believes I will reach them;

4. Someone who inspires me, brings out the best in me, and makes me want to be a better person

5. Someone whose needs I will be able to meet, whose dreams I can fulfill, and who will also find his happiness in me.

Are those too much to ask for?

Song for you

TATTOED ON MY MIND

- D' Sound

Maybe you soon forget about all
or maybe you'll miss it like I do

one thing's for sure:
I'm all knocked out
spend too much time thinking of you

And I can't get you out of my dreams
Now I know that you're the dangerous kind
and your smile is tattooed on my mind
And I can't get you out of my dreams

Don't wanna write, I don't wanna call,
- I would not know what to say
It should be you, that's how I want it to be
Tell me you feel the same way

And I can't get you out of my dreams
Now I know that you're the dangerous kind

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/tattoed-on-my-mind-lyrics-dsound.html ]

and your smile is tattooed on my mind
and I can't get you out of my dreams

Oh, yesterday I was feeling safe
All I do today is trying to be brave
And no melody can seem to soothe my mind
And now I curse you for being so sweet and so kind

And I can't get you out of my dreams
Now I know that you're the dangerous kind
and your face is tattooed on my mind
And I can't get you out of my dreams

Yes I know you're tatooed on my mind you're tatooed.....

Travel Diary, continued: LUCERNE, Feb 8, 2010

I just left Lucerne – currently on the train going to my next stop : Lausanne.

I spent a day and a half in that city. As if left the central train station, I felt a bit disappointed. The only reason why I made this part of my itinerary was because it was highly recommended by the staff from the Swiss embassy, so I thought it was going to be gorgeous.

The city itself had average attractiveness. The buildings were the usual old architecture that one would see in most parts of Europe, at least those that I’ve been to. The lake was fairly pretty, but not as breath-taking as the one I saw in Salzburg, Austria.

I was about resigned to just catch up on much needed rest in Lucerne when I saw the city brochure with their recommended activities. Most of those recommendations involved going up the mountains. They had 3 major mountain attractions – Mount Rigi, Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus. I decided to explore one of them and settled for Mount Pilatus, mainly because it was easy to understand the directions going there.

The Swiss transport system, by the way, is soooo complicated! The European Railway system is hard enough to follow by a non-EU traveler like me. The Swiss transport system, which is comprised mostly by buses, is horrendous! To make matters worse, their ticket machines are not user-friendly. I actually got caught by a bus “conductor” holding the wrong ticket and was given a fine of CHF 8.

Anyway, as I had arrived in Lucerne at around 3:00 pm already, I decided to just go up Mount Pilatus the next day. I bought the round-trip ticket for 36 euro and left the city at around 9:00 am. I arrived in Kriens, where the cable car station was located, about 30 mins after and immediately climbed inside the nearest cable car.

As the cable car went higher and higher, I began to see the breath-taking views I expected of Lucerne. And it really was breath-taking. The panoramic view of the Alps was worth all those euros they charge for it. The staff said it would be even better during summer, when the mountains are in full bloom. But hey, to me, it was gorgeous even in winter.

Upon reaching the top, I went to the highest peak and there were mountain ranges everywhere! It was awesome!

After taking my fill of the view, I climbed back on the cable car to start my descent. Halfway down the mountain was another station called Frakmuntegg where you were supposed to change cable cars.

Aside from that, however, the station also offered snow sleds which you can use to go down to the cable car station near the foot of the mountain. I had an hour to spare so I thought – why not?

I did give it a try and it was a thrilling, hilarious, and body-bruising experience! Never having done it before in my life, I had no idea how to control the sled, so I kept getting thrown off the sled every time I went through a sharp curve. A couple of times, I was thrown face first into a deep bed of snow, and when I tried to stand up, I found myself knee-deep in soft snow.

I was scared witless every time I saw a steep slope coming up, especially when my sled was going too fast and I had no idea how to stop it or at least slow it down. Good thing most of the other tourists who also used the sled had already passed me by and nobody saw me flying through the air and landing in a snow-bed every so often.

But I wouldn't have missed this experience for anything! Even though my entire body hurts and I was wet through my 4 layers of clothing, it was definitely, definitely worth it.

I finally reached the cable car station, tired, bruised, wet, and freezing cold, about 30 minutes later. I was about to go up the slope and into the office building to return my sled when I slipped and fell flat on my butt. I didn't notice that I had stepped on black ice. And as I fell, I even heard my teeth snap together. My neck actually snapped back a bit, so I still consider myself lucky for not having broken it. It was probably also a good thing that I have a big butt – it probably cushioned my fall. Haha.

Anyway, it was a great time spent in Lucerne. Maybe someday, I would get to go back during the summer and see if it would be better than what I’ve seen so far. I wonder what the rest of Switzerland has in store for me…

Look beyond the smiles and laughter

I read somewhere that sometimes the happiest people you meet are the saddest people you will ever know.

I have found that to be true.

You look at someone and you think, 'he's so happy,' but there's so much behind his little smile that you will never know.

People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be. But sometimes, some things are too dark to simply "get over" from that the only thing left to do is cope in the best way you know how - cover it up with a smile and a laugh.

Sometimes we get so caught up in wearing masks that we forget which one really belongs to us. We try to look happy so that people will think we are, and that will make us think we are. But when we're alone and we look in the mirror, the saddest, loneliest face stares right back.

It pains me to see someone be as sad as this. But I can't do anything about it since he refuses to ask for or accept help.

I can only hope and pray that he will find his happiness, enlightenment, and contentment someday.

This is for you, my friend...

THE LONELIEST PERSON I KNOW by Splender

You wanna feel you're never walking
You see your feet from off the ground
And when you leave there's no one talking
You slowly breathe and look around

I know you're the loneliest person I know
Just a flag in the wind that won't blow
Just a tear rolling down the window

You cut your lip and now you're freaking
Another friend becomes a foe
You try to leave but they offer candy
Another time you won't say no

Well, I know you're the loneliest person I know
Just a flag in the wind that won't blow
Just a tear rolling down the window

You see that I know you're the loneliest person I know
Just a blade in the grass that won't grow
Just a hand holding on to let go

Time is a train...
Time is a train...
Leading you nowhere...
Leading you nowhere

Time is a train
I feel the same
Leading you nowhere
Leading you nowhere yeah

A second page you reach a chapter
You're on the phone but no one's there
Another thing you can't keep after
Another time you're left alone

I know you're the loneliest person I know
Just a flag in the wind that won't blow
Just a tear rolling down the window

You see that I know you're the loneliest person I know
Just a blade in the grass that won't grow
Just a hand holding on to let go

You see that I know you're the loneliest person I know
Just a fly living in the back row
Just a slap in the face that won't show yeah

And I can do nothing about it
And I can do nothing about it

Serendipity

According to Wikipedia, Serendipity is a "propensity for making fortunate discoveries while looking for something unrelated."

And that's exactly what happened to me in HongKong. I was looking for an escape from my world - and I discovered new things about myself. And I found a kindred spirit.

It's funny how things work out the way they do. I mean, of all places to be in, we happened to be in HongKong at the same time, stayed at the same hostel, and woke up at the same time that day, when everybody was still supposed to be asleep.

We met on the way to the bathroom at 5:00 in the morning. I got up early so I could take my time in the shower, thinking that others are still sleeping (I was using a shared bathroom, it was a budget hostel for backpackers). When I got out, he was there in his sleeping attire, waiting to take a pee.

Who could have predicted that? Certainly not me. It's like the universe conspired to get us to meet for reasons I have not yet realized as of now.

It was a sweet and memorable encounter, short-lived though it was. Too short.

At one point, I told him that what gets to me the most when I travel is when I see couples traveling together, doing the things they love together. It makes me want to find what they have. And in the brief time we had together in HongKong, that's what he gave me - the feeling of being totally in sync with another person.

And the best part was - he gave me respect. This may make me sound like a racist, but I didn't expect that from someone of his culture and background. From all the stories I hear, guys of his background don't operate like that. Which made him all the more endearing.

We spent 2 days together, just being carefree and enjoying each other's company. He was a party person, I was not. But for some reason, he wanted to do my thing. Disneyland, the nature walks, the sunrise at the harbour. It wasn't him, but he actually enjoyed it. I guess I helped him discover new things about himself as well.

Then it was suddenly over. It was time to go.

It was a bittersweet separation, made all the more difficult by the knowledge that we didnt know if and when we'd meet again. We were going on different directions in our lives, we just happened to meet on a crossroad.

He was on a journey - of the world and of himself. He told me his story and I understood how he became a loose ship, and why he needed to find himself again.

I was on my own path of self-discovery since my break-up last year, but I was still anchored to home.

All the time, we knew our encounter was fleeting. We could feel the hours slip away and we held on as long as we could. Until it was time to go.

His flight was earlier than mine. Just before he left, he hugged me tight and I felt the regret washing over me. Regret that we couldn't have met at a better time in our lives. Regret that our worlds were so different that they couldn't merge. Regret that he couldn't be the one.

But I'd never regret having known him. He would always be a part of my life now, a happy memory I'd keep going back to in my old age...

Ships that pass you in the night can change your life

I was in Hongkong last week - this was a trip that I had saved up for as a treat to myself, an escape from all the stress from my real world

On my second day there, I met a very interesting person. He was very bubbly, had a huge smile, and an easygoing personality. I was at the lobby of the hostel we happened to be both staying in and he just went up to me and started talking. I was a little wary at first because it was Hongkong, he was a white guy I didnt know, and I was travelling alone.

After a few preliminary chitchats, he told me his story - he had uprooted himself from Canada and was on a mission to explore the world. He started the plan about 8 months ago and started saving his money. When he had enough, he quit his job, rented out his apartment, lent his pets to friends, and left. From Hongkong, he was going to Bangkok, then to Fiji, then to New Zealand, then finally to Australia where he plans to work for 8 months.

There was no job waiting for him there - all he had was the working visa. But he was just so confident that he could do it that I couldnt help but believe it, too. I guess that's the power of self confidence.

We got to talk again later that day and I told him I envied him so much for his guts. I cant see myself doing that - taking such a big leap without no safety nets. I said I wanted to be like him when I grew up

I had told him earlier I wanted to try bungee jumping, but I couldnt convince myslef to do it yet - I dont even ride the ferris wheel

He told me the trick was to not think about it coz your mind will just stop you. You just have to go and do it. I said it goes against my training as a marketing person that I can't do anything unplanned. He said there will come a time when it will just hit me and I would be compelled to do it.

The next day, I went to Ocean Park alone. As I was standing by this crazy ride called the turbo drop, his words came to mind. And I thought, why not just do it? I was there anyway. And if I were to go bungee jumping, I had to test myself first, right? And I had to start sometime, somewhere - why not right now?

And before the doubts could creep in, I went in line for the ride. It was a pretty long wait, and there were several times wehn I had wanted to back out. But I didnt want to pass all those people waiting behind me with their knowing looks. So I guess it was also partly my pride that made me do it.

It was an unforgettable ride. I had my eyes tightly shut 50% of the time, but the adrenalin rush was sooo strong. I felt a bit shaky as I got off, but I was so proud of myself afterwards!

I told him later about the experience and about how he managed to convince me to try it when he wasnt even there

It was a brief encounter, but I will never forget how this happy person had made such an impact on me in the short time I've known him. I wish I could be more like him. And he says I could. I just have to learn how to let myself go.

I have the potential to do great things. I just have to believe in myself, believe that I could do it.

Travel Diary, continued: Vienna and Zurich, Feb 7, 2010

I left Prague early the following morning and headed for my next stop : Vienna. You may be wondering about my itinerary – why, from Salzburg, did I go to Prague instead of heading straight to Vienna?

Well, because the budget train tickets only had those routes available. And I had a limited budget, so I took advantage of that, even if it meant longer traveling hours. I figured it would be nice to see the countryside, which includes the Alps and the lakes. Or worst case, if the views were pathetic, then I could just catch up on sleep and gather energy for my next stop.

Anyway, I arrived in Vienna around noon, which gave me plenty of time to see the city before I hop on my next train to Zurich at 10:00 pm that same day. Vienna, though not as blessed with spectacular views of the Alps as Innsbruck or even Salzburg, was still gorgeous. I really love Austria! Or what I’ve seen of the country so far.

In Vienna, most of the city’s highlights were also within walking distance from each other. I was already tired though, so I decided to just take the trams even if it would cost me a bit. The 24-hour ticket with access to all the public transport in the city cost around 10 euro.

But the sights in Vienna made the ticket worth it. There was the imperial palace which was really, really impressive. Inside it were notable buildings and other structures such as the cathedral, the museum, and the treasury.

I went inside the treasury (for a fee of 12 euro) and checked out some of the world’s most treasured possessions, which Austria’s former royal families used to own. Some of the notable displays I saw were :

- the gold plated and silk laden cradle of Napoleon Bonaparte’s and Marie Louise’s son (this cradle was left in Austria because Marie Louise was the princess of Austria when Bonaparte married her)

- the capes and crown jewels that former Austrian kings used to wear

- the official cape used during crowning ceremonies of new kings, which was made of heavy silk and decorated with gold threads and thousands of pearls

- the world’s biggest precious stone which was converted into a jar, upon order of the king

- the bowl which many thought of to be the Holy Grail since it is said to be the bowl used to hold the blood of Christ when he was on the cross

- one of the nails used on Christ’s left hand, which had been made part of a chalice

- the ornaments (capes and medals) used by the Order of the Golden Fleece, the world’s most powerful chivalrous group, organized and headed by the Duke of Burgundy

Aside from the treasury, a lot of other structures in Vienna are worth visiting. The atmosphere speaks of old world and royalty. Even the museum and their congress building look impressive.

There was also this smaller castle called Belvedere, which was about 15 minutes away from the city center. The compound was vast and probably looks better in summer, but looked good to me even covered in snow. It is said to have been constructed for one of the Dukes of Austria in the old times.

Vienna had this winter festival going on when I was there. They had a fair in their city park where food stalls were set-up, a skating rink area was roped off, and the city park had colorful lighting and decors.

It was another worthwhile visit and fulfilling visit for me. I had a great time in the city, especially while inside the palace and the treasury, which makes me think I must have been a princess in one of my past lives ‘cause I felt so at home there. Haha.

Anyway, I left Vienna at 10:00pm onboard an overnight train to Zurich. I arrived in Zurich at around 7:00 am the next morning and went on a short exploration of the city. There’s nothing really worth noting there as it looks like a typical modern European city. But at least I’ve been there and now I know J

Born to Live

I would like to be a flower which blooms to full glory and dies,

Than be an everlasting tree that never blossoms.

I would like to be a spark that burns with a brilliant blaze, even for but a moment,

Than be a light which cannot show path to anyone.

I would like to be a superb meteor which carries a magnificent glow,

Than be a sleepy and permanent planet.

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.

I am born to Live. Not to Exist.

-author unknown

Law of the Post-it

I've been watching the 6th season of Grey's Anatomy on DVD over the weekend.

The love story between two of the main characters - Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd - was a bit overdrawn (they only finally got together on the 5th season). Then, as they were about to get married in church, something happened and their friends got married in their place.

There are a lot of loopholes in the story, but what I liked was what Meredith and Derek did in lieu of their wedding... they wrote their vows to each other on a Post-it note. They decided to vow:
(1) they would love each other even when they hated each other;
(2) no one could leave or run away; and
(3) they’d take care of each other when they were old and senile.

There was this episode in season 6 where Meredith and Derek were debating whether or not to honor friendship vs duty. The debate eventually escalated into a full-blown argument. Then before their verbal war became worse, Meredith said "I call on the post-it".

That was like an emergency brake which effectively put a stop to the argument. It was a reminder to both of them that they were partners, not enemies; that they should be supportive of, and not detrimental to, each other; that they should find a compromise and not let their difference in opinion get between them.

I find that scene very inspiring. I would gladly take a "post-it wedding" with real commitment over an elaborate church wedding with half-hearted promises any time.

There is a certain comfort in knowing that your partner is staying with you because he wants to, that it is a conscious decision that he makes every day, no matter what. It feels more real that way, rather than stories I hear about people staying together because they can't get divorced or separated, or because of the kids.

That's just no way to live.

And so I will always keep in mind the law of the post-it

Never too old to learn

I went to Coron, Palawan with my mom last weekend.

I have made it a point to bring my mom with me in at least one of my travels every year while she's still young and strong enough to be able to move on her own. I have seen how my aunts and uncles wanted to bring my grandmother to places, but they've never been able to since she's already confined to a wheelchair .

Anyway, part of my plans was to make her try scuba diving which I've tried once years ago and absolutely loved . I couldn't afford that yet at the time, so I was not able to do it again... until now

While I was telling her about it, she kept saying he was scared to try it, that she might forget to breathe through her mouth while underwater and she'd suffocate , that she was scared to get near the bigger fish .

I kept nagging her to try it at least once, and if she doesnt like it, I wont force her to do it again. Up to the last minute - like before jumping off the boat while wearing the diving gear - she wanted to back out

But since I went in first, I was able to tell her about the gorgeous sights I saw (I even saw the Pawikan! ), so she probably got carried away by my enthusiasm

So she finally jumped in. As expected, she sank as soon as she hit the water because of the weight of the dive gear and the weight belt she had on. But I guess that made her panic, so she was flailing about when she resurfaced

It took our dive master about 15 minutes to calm her down. Finally, she did and so down they went .

They resurfaced about 30 mins later (it was just an intro dive so they couldnt stay down for too long). She was full of praises for what she saw and kept gushing how amazing palawan was

As for me, I told our dive master that I wanted to finish the PADI diving course so I can get a certificate and be able to go to the deeper dive sites. But I had to learn how to swim first I do know how to swim a bit, but once I try to lift my head above the water, I start to sink

Our dive master offered to teach me right there and then for FREE!

He was such a good teacher that in just under an hour, I learned how to float and keep my body and breathing balanced . Then the next day, when we went island hopping, I decided to practice the breathing and floating techniques I learned while moving my arms and legs. Voila - I could do the freestyle already!

I thought I would never learn how to swim as I've been trying for years and never learned how. I realize now that either I didn't really focus enough or I didn't have a good teacher. Thank you, dive master!

PS - I have already booked our next trip with my mom - Siargao in March 2010, my 30th birthday . While waiting at the airport for our flight from Palawan to Manila, my mom asked me if we were going diving again in Siargao