Typhoon Maring

Four days of severe rain in metro Manila. Our hotel area didn't have any flooding but it did pour rain 24/7 throughout the storm. The wind sounded like 10 jets zooming past our window. We can now say we have experienced both a typhoon and monsoon.... at the same time. Other areas were severely flooded, praying for the families that lost so much during the storm. Its rainy season in the Philippines so more storms are expected but hopefully not as severe as Typhoon Maring.

Within the Walls

When I visited Manila for a weekend during our Saigon season I had hoped to visit the Manila Cathedral. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations-- now eight months later it is STILL CLOSED. Manila Cathedral is located within Intramuros. Intramuros is a historical part of Manila, where the Spanish government held control of the Philippines. Intramuros means "within the walls" because the small city like area is surrounded by the original walls built by the Spanish.

Manila Cathedral

The security in Intramuros are dressed in the colonial Spanish times uniform.

St Agustin church

St. Agustin Church (the picture above) was built in 1607 and was declared a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976.

The interior of St Agustine

Altar boys still wear their traditional outfits in St Agustine

Cobblestone streets and colonial style buildings

Spanish home within Intramuros

Black Nazarene

The majority of Filipino people are Catholic which means there are plenty of Catholic churches to visit.

I first visited Quiapo Church- famous for its Black Nazarene- a black statute of Jesus that many believe has the power to perform miracles. When I entered the church I was overwhelmed by the faith of the churchgoers. Many people had their hands reached in to the air as if hoping to touch the Black Nazarene, well out of our reach. I feel privileged that I was able to see the Black Nazarene in person and share my prayers with God in this holy space.

Philippines! First Stop Volcano Island!

Dior and I visited Tagay Tay Volcano on our first venture out of Manila. Sadly, my camera died on the drive up the Volcano viewpoint. I was only able to snap a few photos but I'm okay with that... the memory will stay with me forever. My first volcano visit!!!

Thank you Google images!

Can't see the volcano because the fog rolled in but it was in the backdrop... incredible volcano island!!

Fruit Stand in Tagay Tay

Senoritas!! Little sweet bananas! YUUUUM!

Angkor WHAT?!

Thank you Cambodia for opening my eyes to a whole new world....  Cambodia brought a whole new appreciation to the life I live in a way I never expected.

Gods at the entrance of the temples

Bayon Temple

Aspara traditional dancers

Ta Keo

Ta Prohm

Roaming monkeys!

Angkor Wat

 Ended each day of our trip with a foot massage (only a $1) on one of these massages we decided to get a fishy pedicure..... tank full of fish nibbling at your dry skin! Lily was a able to keep her feet in for a while... I however kept pulling my feet out!

What happens in THAILAND ends up on my blog!

I have traveled to many countries and cities but Thailand has now earned its spot in my top five countries!

BANGKOK, Thailand

Grand Palace... Emerald Buddha Temple

Emerald Buddha

Temple Guardian

Wat Pho- Reclining Buddha

Wat Arun

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Coconut Drink... my favorite!

PHUKET, Thailands

Elephant Trekking in Phuket

Maya Bay- Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands

Lily in Saigon!

Welcome to Vietnam Liliana!! Dior and I were so excited to pick Lily up from the airport... we couldn't wait to show her around Ho Chi Minh City.

First stop Saigon Central Post Office to mail out her first postcards!

Lily quickly learned that I'm the pickiest eater.... Not necessarily what I eat but WHERE I eat. I pass on street food and am extra careful about my food places.

Even though I don't try it all its still fun to check out how its made!

Went on a stroll passed the gorgeous Saigon Opera House.....

Thrilla' in Manila!

After growing up with plenty of Filipino friends it felt really good to visit the Philippines. I was only able to visit the city of Manila so I did not feel completely immersed in the culture. Manila reminds me so much of America... or maybe that's just because we had a Krispy Kreme across the street! All of the people were very friendly and hospitable- everyone spoke in English in the city as well. The shopping was incredible ..... :)

Public buses in Manila

Shopping malls EVERYWHERE

ALWAYS happy to find a Starbucks :)

Year of the Snake

We celebrated two new years' for 2013.... Our usual January 1st and secondly our Tet new year in February. Tet is Chinese new year with the changing of the zodiac calendar. This is the year of the snake. To celebrate there are plenty of fireworks, parties, flower markets and best of vacation days!

Flower market in D1

Many people were dressed in traditional clothing to celebrate TET

On another note our friend Victor stopped by for a visit! Felt good to have a friend from San Francisco in Saigon!