Rio de Janeiro!

There is no question as to why Rio de Janeiro constantly remains one of the top favorites for various vacation destinations. Of all the many places I visited, tourist sights I saw, food I ate and people I met, there is only one factor I did not really like about the cidade maravilhosa: muy caro!

Cristo Redentor wooden sculpture I bought for my lola.

But then if you're traveling for the thrill of experiences then this should not bother you. However, seeing as I was traveling alone with nothing but a mere 200 Reais to my name, expenses can be really tricky for a 3-day Rio de Janeiro stay.

Roma, La Cita Eterna!

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

I had such a superb time in Rome!! Every second, every scenery and nook and cranny seemed fit for a post card moment. One of my favorite cities to date. The city was truly marvelous.

One of the scariest travel experiences I had so far (up to my travels in May 2012 at least) was climbing up the stairs in the St. Peter's Basilica cornucopia. Claustrophobia, exhaustion and more claustrophobia. But getting to the top was totally worth the effort.

Eat gelato, visit the famous sites, took a lot of photos and gallivant around!! Sadly, no vespa for me on this Roman holiday. And no, I did not do as the Romans did.

Without further ado, I'd like to present my less than high-res travel photos in Rome.

Tourists vs Travelers

I'll be very honest with you, reader.

Every time I travel, I don't want to look like a tourist. What does it mean to be either one anyway? Tourist or traveler? There always seems to be a negative or at least a less favorable attitude toward tourists. Allow me to elaborate...

With pops and mom at the Fredriksten Fortress in Halden, Norway

Namaste, India!

I arrived in India on May 22, 2013 at 2 a.m.

I felt a little nervous upon arrival at the airport because I was supposed to avail of the visa-on-arrival. I thought I wouldn't have enough dollars or requirements on me, etc. But 40 minutes, 2 filled-up forms and USD $65 later, my passport has been stamped.

Another thing that I felt a bit nervous about was the driver that was supposed to pick me up. I think I may have made him wait for quite a long while already and I had no way to tell if he was still at the airport or if he even arrived there. But nevertheless, I was able to spot him as soon as I exited the customs security check area and eventually make it to my host's house.

Here are the places I went to on my first day and some random things I saw. :)

Olá Uberlândia!

For the summer of 2013, I decided I would go on an AIESEC exchange program. I wanted to focus on either energy and environment or cultural education. My preferred country was Brazil mainly because I've always wanted to go there and to live in such a far country would pose as a challenge for me to become more independent.

Seeing as there were no energy TNs for Brazil, I decided to go with cultural education and that's what landed me in Escola Estadual Bom Jesus! Basically, what I would be doing is cultural exchange. I taught 3 classes there about the culture, history and traditions of the Philippines.

Escola Estadual Bom Jesus

The Thing About Travelling

I would like to begin this post with Robert Frost's timeless poem, "The Road not Taken".

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim

Because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I marked the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Sawasdeka, Bangkok! (Sept 2012)

September 28-October 1, 2012. Bangkok, Thailand.

I had to cut four classes for this trip but it was totally worth it! First time in Bangkok! Upon arriving at the airport in Thailand (I keep forgetting what it's name is), the passport control area was jam packed. The lines were moving at such a glacial pace that it would be 10 or 15 minutes before we took a few steps forward. My brother and I joked that this was because of the movie, Hangover Part 2.

First photo in Thailand! Taking the walkalators down to the sky train.

Halden Home, October 2011

I spent my sem break last year at mommy's house in Halden, Norway. I loved it, it's very home-y and warm. Well it has to be since it's freezing there. Mom and her husband have great taste in decorations, colors, and appliance. I looooooove this house. Naturally, I call it the Halden Home.

My room and the corridor leading to it from mommy's office.

I love these pictures displayed on their walls :D  

The bathroom. Naturally. 

 I love these cozy house slippers. But they can get too warm for my feet. And on the right, as cozy as it looks, is my bed.

My stuff. Before I fixed them after I unpacked everything. My mom is kind of OC about cleanliness around the house so if I don't organize my stuff she either fixes them herself or grills me to clean up.

Kitchen. I love this table :) It has a great view of the.. outside. Haha. A lot of trees, a lot of sunshine. Just the kind of view you'd love to have while eating breakfast.

These clothes and key hangers are awesome :D 

The TV room! :) This big ass smart TV is awesome but I can't operate it because of the Norwegian instructions.

I LOVE THE RED COLOR ON THESE WALLS. Bright red. The carpet and the floor colors totally match, it makes this part of the house look really warm :) 

The only chairs approved by all lazy boys around the wold. Hence, the name.

AGAIN with the awesome images and paintings :) 

  I don't drink much. But this is their liquor fridge :3

The bathroom along the red corridor. 

 Laundry room :)

My lunch on my 2nd day in Norway.

This napoleon chocolate is so YUMMY :3 

Just a sandwich I bought in the Oslo train station.

 The backyard!

 Such a home-y living room :)

Took a walk outside with my mom. The clammy weather froze my hands, cheeks and feet. Raaaaah. 

Hi mom I miss you >:D<

I went back their again last summer and the place had some few tweaks. I saw other places while there. In another post...

I'm posting travel photos I've had since last year. Such a shame I only subjected it to be liked on Facebook. Haha.

First Trip to Norway, October 2011

I can't believe it hasn't been a whole year yet since my first trip to Norway, which wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for my globe-trotting mom :*

Arrival at the Gardermoen Airport. I think.

 While walking along the Arrivals route :) I love this quote. "Never lose your need to wander, you belong."

I love the architecture and the shapes all around. It's a feast for the eyes of the keen observer of modern architecture.

My sister coerced me to wear her jacket to Europe. Haha.

I love the food. So many fooooooooooooood.

Hi mom, you're on candid camera. Hahaha.

More food shots :)

On my first day in Norway, I ate Ben & Jerry's ice cream for the first time :) YUM.

This orange yellow mush is lasagna. It might not look as tempting but it is absolutely delicious.

Candid shots care of mommah.

En route to the Halden home. In another post.

:)