tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69110147788590219462024-03-19T09:16:23.000+08:00Hello Anna JoA Personal & Lifestyle BlogAnna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-82055741578186447372024-03-18T20:58:00.047+08:002024-03-19T09:15:49.134+08:00Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyyEa5xQsccUS42sZ8clTesHJJh7atfOPeISppAswLFIPQs8aEJJP2sjlE0vYAi9IeI3PXGm24oEv59A2P3uzbPV2twfhuYzKmMU66MbRMcWOtlWfZV6CnDRpvBuOlNU8f36xGdMiqDQX4NonZ7tEc-qJvtiwz931z8cWZ4cSeHFd0TLP8fhHRjkPJuA/s4032/IMG_9495.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyyEa5xQsccUS42sZ8clTesHJJh7atfOPeISppAswLFIPQs8aEJJP2sjlE0vYAi9IeI3PXGm24oEv59A2P3uzbPV2twfhuYzKmMU66MbRMcWOtlWfZV6CnDRpvBuOlNU8f36xGdMiqDQX4NonZ7tEc-qJvtiwz931z8cWZ4cSeHFd0TLP8fhHRjkPJuA/w480-h640/IMG_9495.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL7FkQmhh_uW5Ycf6uz5LS6SS0hHR-ECPXAsStCxtw24sE-9dOet8GFgbfZjT2CM8S7gIk6pBN5VZ3D3nmR9pwGLcI_1gyS0W6TC_20dXrLS-Uf1sRro1hYVf16WSBSldVL0tYsoGEvFpCuhcBJFLH5LSsmZCCYEXub4bXKdS2Ut8wjru0J0gpYSIqUw/s4032/IMG_5807.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL7FkQmhh_uW5Ycf6uz5LS6SS0hHR-ECPXAsStCxtw24sE-9dOet8GFgbfZjT2CM8S7gIk6pBN5VZ3D3nmR9pwGLcI_1gyS0W6TC_20dXrLS-Uf1sRro1hYVf16WSBSldVL0tYsoGEvFpCuhcBJFLH5LSsmZCCYEXub4bXKdS2Ut8wjru0J0gpYSIqUw/s320/IMG_5807.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>This is perhaps my ultimate Hanoi travel log, wherein I recap where we went and what we did in (and perhaps out of) the city. I enjoyed our activities a lot since these are a mix of all our interests and passions. Sharing with you most of what we did and a bit of my personal insights:</p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Bike around West Lake</h2><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhReeJsFHqQH90Kkb0B4-Ducdj7kMeWLWKsfme416UIPn_KfPYtsfo1NfObfxIlfhcTis3-0_x300TPiroft656TPMu8h94NIBZGCneNJOHfAoj3QbaQaFQizCjx3Qxbtho6dk7DTBjUA-wnYh9vOjcKqy_ZT9pGuFZzNwODYCWrig3RDx_NkAYNs3vBo/s4032/IMG_8419.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhReeJsFHqQH90Kkb0B4-Ducdj7kMeWLWKsfme416UIPn_KfPYtsfo1NfObfxIlfhcTis3-0_x300TPiroft656TPMu8h94NIBZGCneNJOHfAoj3QbaQaFQizCjx3Qxbtho6dk7DTBjUA-wnYh9vOjcKqy_ZT9pGuFZzNwODYCWrig3RDx_NkAYNs3vBo/w480-h640/IMG_8419.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>We went to West Lake (also known as Ho Tay Lake) in the morning around 7:00AM during the weekend. As we got nearer to the rental store, we were able spot bikers making their rounds which got us pretty excited. We went to <a href="https://g.co/kgs/dLU6jyf" target="_blank"><b>Bike Plus </b></a>which rents bikes and gears which you can use to cycle around the city. I have to admit I was quite nervous knowing that it can get chaotic out there on the road, but luckily there were only a few instances when we had to pass through the main roads; most of the roads we biked through were inner and side streets. We still had to be careful, though! There were many other bikers and motorcyclists as well. We had Google maps to guide us through the ride, and our goal was to make a full circle and reach the Tran Quoc pagoda. </p><p>There were many things to see throughout our ride, and we certainly had to make some stops. One of the memorable stops we made would be when we got down to admire the lake itself and the lotus flowers being grown on the side. I also really loved seeing people go out and exercise by the lake. It's just so calming to move around beside a water source.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtRMkdnozNroekT-jwfQX6YOOjfGoHM0HHAIa-crnR8H1aWNl3z7PRarNiEUb9avBG8vuQ7cET7Jgco84fdElFx-Mw1I2fBAVX6X9KzbO5mDLoMw27nrMOEhFUTH1dlDexZRKUwe4ab06gsbMZ9vKUsXvl9T26dS8NFTJbRDZ73sC1To6Lw7vIUsAaVM/s3520/IMG_8482.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtRMkdnozNroekT-jwfQX6YOOjfGoHM0HHAIa-crnR8H1aWNl3z7PRarNiEUb9avBG8vuQ7cET7Jgco84fdElFx-Mw1I2fBAVX6X9KzbO5mDLoMw27nrMOEhFUTH1dlDexZRKUwe4ab06gsbMZ9vKUsXvl9T26dS8NFTJbRDZ73sC1To6Lw7vIUsAaVM/w360-h640/IMG_8482.jpeg" width="360" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlqVQNf8sYSMHEiaURYpGnlyx8Au20WHUjv8ckz0PWPJxQ6nHJRzDROnoyfXt5mbQIYk6txZtiQAgZ3msqK0legF4Fym8AsfEo7YpNU_8PF3dqXcQ8hbR_2rb71zvQutRBaHb0PjLA0uHpFMFvf6Sl2dHTu8lEHNyZ207rwequSitdYOJPx5exx-u9Ww/s4032/IMG_5779.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlqVQNf8sYSMHEiaURYpGnlyx8Au20WHUjv8ckz0PWPJxQ6nHJRzDROnoyfXt5mbQIYk6txZtiQAgZ3msqK0legF4Fym8AsfEo7YpNU_8PF3dqXcQ8hbR_2rb71zvQutRBaHb0PjLA0uHpFMFvf6Sl2dHTu8lEHNyZ207rwequSitdYOJPx5exx-u9Ww/w480-h640/IMG_5779.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM7zbDA61ng1ilJhI2xn6IQ0yx4vNU_9NPYM0m08UohZRaYiS8brBcqwAigtwu2dzR49b5SR8cr6whLMKpzLDvbTJyjZHgCiF7gLoyzviqeW-JrohHyupCuMCnMghSoKLrdwaMYzoOXsqw530KJoMSozy1sKntf1YxkyHfy7gS-R-_929DuMwxwcptM4/s4032/IMG_8443.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM7zbDA61ng1ilJhI2xn6IQ0yx4vNU_9NPYM0m08UohZRaYiS8brBcqwAigtwu2dzR49b5SR8cr6whLMKpzLDvbTJyjZHgCiF7gLoyzviqeW-JrohHyupCuMCnMghSoKLrdwaMYzoOXsqw530KJoMSozy1sKntf1YxkyHfy7gS-R-_929DuMwxwcptM4/w480-h640/IMG_8443.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We also took an obligatory photo with these dragons. :") </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXWwMAlKW9nqn7_ESqukNiehhuuDp2tLoItnros1CNm0j6PxVrYtlIXhAzhkR5RXZAZGbU8IC0PqVmOewcHLa1pj7CbLU4f2_SJ0LOQe39KNjRJ0cOeRLRNDI-_zen9HyyiLvFsbgPYVqQIqTa_mFdYNYhECUZQMLpuzMWWThbiUwt4YHue7PAS8bI2k/s4032/IMG_8488.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXWwMAlKW9nqn7_ESqukNiehhuuDp2tLoItnros1CNm0j6PxVrYtlIXhAzhkR5RXZAZGbU8IC0PqVmOewcHLa1pj7CbLU4f2_SJ0LOQe39KNjRJ0cOeRLRNDI-_zen9HyyiLvFsbgPYVqQIqTa_mFdYNYhECUZQMLpuzMWWThbiUwt4YHue7PAS8bI2k/w480-h640/IMG_8488.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">After making a full round, we went to the Tran Quoc pagoda. It is considered as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, and it can't be missed because of its stupa which has 11 floors featuring an Amitabha on all sides. </span></i></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyTkpQp_GgiuPzIWswXelRFUvikpM_78-43z-VYIfXC09-l7ylUkVs6DIIQIF8BIf0pjIBJosnPAgPtYnzfmnFjI3w-6Px1tNoeT4xh24mxwPpGbBVtIVf9ug21fcD97SmL8HfdeonBVLZj8vXg-RBUG-dePnyCaVAiNMw31OQ0wFcqXKmzOixh-uUGQ/s4032/IMG_8521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyTkpQp_GgiuPzIWswXelRFUvikpM_78-43z-VYIfXC09-l7ylUkVs6DIIQIF8BIf0pjIBJosnPAgPtYnzfmnFjI3w-6Px1tNoeT4xh24mxwPpGbBVtIVf9ug21fcD97SmL8HfdeonBVLZj8vXg-RBUG-dePnyCaVAiNMw31OQ0wFcqXKmzOixh-uUGQ/w480-h640/IMG_8521.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>If you want to get a workout in while on your trip and at the same time appreciate an area of the city up close, I definitely recommend biking around West Lake. We were able to finish our ride in 2 hours, which also included breaks. What I appreciate the most from this experience would be getting to see and learn more about the people's lifestyles. Biking alongside the locals can be quite an experience!</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Watch a Water Puppet show</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NIxVMXTrNNdz87HNNAFIpMHnoMDe6kCnkI3c3A7jcRcHbRqlDyMY3phuXj3kR2A3La6sf6MXNSi0ymgM_vAL5GzXxhN25WNBGMVMwdnisSsNaH2fsjWzO2XYIS2FvfrEQmWuVSfWvKuAKhUPKlX-gFBSzt7aM62wAHgqr5Q8y-GRuuydcEstlop4ZpY/s4032/IMG_8366.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NIxVMXTrNNdz87HNNAFIpMHnoMDe6kCnkI3c3A7jcRcHbRqlDyMY3phuXj3kR2A3La6sf6MXNSi0ymgM_vAL5GzXxhN25WNBGMVMwdnisSsNaH2fsjWzO2XYIS2FvfrEQmWuVSfWvKuAKhUPKlX-gFBSzt7aM62wAHgqr5Q8y-GRuuydcEstlop4ZpY/w640-h480/IMG_8366.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWNoo2YnWNE0kBiYSYg7X5wG6ozrrM9MRSImJLqcRNnNLR55T6tjDAzMO0PRmGQYTm57H1qOx-iFi5hZClsFcsd_LT182FtT0KP2_hlJN-q4rDXL7uYYJyJJ5c_UaGlI_siL_mOLpWhD8GcJzDuP6N1orzMPtkkJ21UWqqFcPaHCqX8pio_ZTI-yb8nU/s4032/IMG_8339.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWNoo2YnWNE0kBiYSYg7X5wG6ozrrM9MRSImJLqcRNnNLR55T6tjDAzMO0PRmGQYTm57H1qOx-iFi5hZClsFcsd_LT182FtT0KP2_hlJN-q4rDXL7uYYJyJJ5c_UaGlI_siL_mOLpWhD8GcJzDuP6N1orzMPtkkJ21UWqqFcPaHCqX8pio_ZTI-yb8nU/w480-h640/IMG_8339.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>I wasn't able to watch a water puppet show back when I went to <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/search/label/saigon" target="_blank"><b>Saigon</b></a>, so I figured I could include it in our itinerary for this trip. Water puppetry is an art form and seeing the show is a way for us to learn more about Vietnamese culture and way of living. The whole show was in Vietnamese and although I couldn't understand the language, I was amazed by the voice actors and actresses, the musical instruments, and even the whole setup itself.. it was all being done in water. We watched the show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which is located near Hoan Kiem lake. We purchased our tickets in advance so we wouldn't have to wait in line. If you're interested in watching, you may get your tickets through<a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=2597&aff_adid=830222&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-PH%2Factivity%2F35653-thang-long-water-puppet-show-ticket-hanoi%2F%3Fspm%3DActivity.SearchSuggest_LIST%26clickId%3D3b7f7ec29a" target="_blank"> <b>here</b></a>. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Watch Live Music in a Jazz Club</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW31cwjGrU62D-UQ9iTPAaBXYdBWFK6nzkUZvP668UhJ31n9Q0LVaZjTwo1fjy9bmSETw1DRzU_MCmhktSVvp6sSahij_bcBeD-STlJlX-HayitW0Ma5JwRjMlx_itEx-H64FPc-XmWFiYY3Ii00V55-WV_oIuRKQWOEJBV6nx3NfSr4LFpO3dQIVmRv4/s4032/IMG_5889.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW31cwjGrU62D-UQ9iTPAaBXYdBWFK6nzkUZvP668UhJ31n9Q0LVaZjTwo1fjy9bmSETw1DRzU_MCmhktSVvp6sSahij_bcBeD-STlJlX-HayitW0Ma5JwRjMlx_itEx-H64FPc-XmWFiYY3Ii00V55-WV_oIuRKQWOEJBV6nx3NfSr4LFpO3dQIVmRv4/w480-h640/IMG_5889.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>If you're a jazz fan, then I would suggest watching jazz live in Hanoi. There are actually a lot of jazz clubs around in the city. We chose to go to <b><a href="https://g.co/kgs/4Vn7BDL" target="_blank">Binh Minh Jazz Club</a></b>, which is behind the Opera House in the Old Quarter. All you have to do is buy yourself a drink and you're in! </p><p>I personally think listening to live music is a great way to unwind, and I'm happy to share that the jazz scene is pretty much well and alive here in Hanoi. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Go Shopping</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOKG966JqjxonqzkAlPYtlfxF2SzpwjwikiYstqI_wXw1-3IpeHleeNQvZ-k9exTSTew38KAvWRMfLs2STdsLNAZAZ1wdVNdZb0qNTLfhn0wcCy57zY-X4q5mna3hyD65jGf1VgvL2mPnWuRbDXSUpN-or6NZPF5LwBKwIY8ekPanO7nqcmcfSasU14c/s4032/IMG_8126.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOKG966JqjxonqzkAlPYtlfxF2SzpwjwikiYstqI_wXw1-3IpeHleeNQvZ-k9exTSTew38KAvWRMfLs2STdsLNAZAZ1wdVNdZb0qNTLfhn0wcCy57zY-X4q5mna3hyD65jGf1VgvL2mPnWuRbDXSUpN-or6NZPF5LwBKwIY8ekPanO7nqcmcfSasU14c/w480-h640/IMG_8126.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>There are a lot of stores in Hanoi that sell branded overruns at a more affordable price. I think it's a great opportunity to do a bit of shopping while here considering that most of the products sold overseas are made from Vietnam in the first place. We had good finds here at <b><a href="https://g.co/kgs/n5a1hX6" target="_blank">The Gate</a></b>, which is a store our dear friend Vu brought us to. </p><p>Alternatively, if you're into thrifting, Hanoi also has a lot of second hand stores. We were able to find one wherein the stores are integrated into their homes. They are very organized with their selections; we even found one that sold purely white clothing and I can say that none of them had any stains. It's amazing how organized and near they are; even the streets were clean. Just watch out for the occasional motorbikes though! They do pass by every street no matter how narrow. :")</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99MJiUZzS5RkqMdKmY6XA4wj7P7RcsaL-A3tHlzBbmvCAHpp8L8mA9jdtDOV-Mz1TBdPp6xlvHEwrY9vmap3MeM874DLf_xOk7cJ9SgYS-ettO24Ddy_DwTfaUvr5-PlqIy92qpBpl19mTerOeJu8QoLhINY6PxcTDUobz8TfWfKUkejSs0kPRr-M08w/s4032/IMG_9434.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99MJiUZzS5RkqMdKmY6XA4wj7P7RcsaL-A3tHlzBbmvCAHpp8L8mA9jdtDOV-Mz1TBdPp6xlvHEwrY9vmap3MeM874DLf_xOk7cJ9SgYS-ettO24Ddy_DwTfaUvr5-PlqIy92qpBpl19mTerOeJu8QoLhINY6PxcTDUobz8TfWfKUkejSs0kPRr-M08w/w480-h640/IMG_9434.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A2iSU9avk2peBhS4qh6epBnHbaOwCAiqtCyqfZNbz9TiNzF78TLjFmZtMQmODUe6PKRAlFhnTZbC0gmQzPEKgBF9kowcIXIkw8jBn-uHZZzkW0ndn1YRyjGWBL19-okz-rZ47qJl_4sNFa7qhS2a8mvQPIq_tzR7jgcvzSkmsAA7i-nOFrCV3UjFtbw/s4032/IMG_9408.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A2iSU9avk2peBhS4qh6epBnHbaOwCAiqtCyqfZNbz9TiNzF78TLjFmZtMQmODUe6PKRAlFhnTZbC0gmQzPEKgBF9kowcIXIkw8jBn-uHZZzkW0ndn1YRyjGWBL19-okz-rZ47qJl_4sNFa7qhS2a8mvQPIq_tzR7jgcvzSkmsAA7i-nOFrCV3UjFtbw/s320/IMG_9408.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BYHUwxHAMf0Vvefvqz26i_BzgVlp_97J8ylXCwv5wI1Xv52ccyylVbLYFmOhv17v6rDIWShtqD_HZn0UgvzkcX1PeBdrDbup0oTDzAPdtgzPEdaQOE8vjVQA8-DhM2rSLIAiIVe32ZL-3dhkYtptaxMEmE0lIIF02355HNgDA60COCNOu3BTFt36ijc/s4032/IMG_9410.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BYHUwxHAMf0Vvefvqz26i_BzgVlp_97J8ylXCwv5wI1Xv52ccyylVbLYFmOhv17v6rDIWShtqD_HZn0UgvzkcX1PeBdrDbup0oTDzAPdtgzPEdaQOE8vjVQA8-DhM2rSLIAiIVe32ZL-3dhkYtptaxMEmE0lIIF02355HNgDA60COCNOu3BTFt36ijc/s320/IMG_9410.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPxvmVDcs2xGiFrY0DljhcXJfJKlnX6HKv1RxlqpzGvAeDfHuOxGNfnPo021mVr2AeMOPnMMLE969LUoyrVeXBsmosAok9U7cPcEgPjXRpL00accUCwDEQMZLCFdcgWo2T6mkv05PJTtGt6ckBSjPRdgzpLhRx8YvHZAlV7EYBSJ7pnQ4TqDwNhKRs0o/s4032/IMG_9415.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPxvmVDcs2xGiFrY0DljhcXJfJKlnX6HKv1RxlqpzGvAeDfHuOxGNfnPo021mVr2AeMOPnMMLE969LUoyrVeXBsmosAok9U7cPcEgPjXRpL00accUCwDEQMZLCFdcgWo2T6mkv05PJTtGt6ckBSjPRdgzpLhRx8YvHZAlV7EYBSJ7pnQ4TqDwNhKRs0o/w480-h640/IMG_9415.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Aside from clothes shopping, there's also stationery shopping. I bought a lot of post cards and posters from the art stores. Most of them are along the charming Chan Cam street. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWl1Tw_s_ASwZZm3VSIQA6G6xYASQ8OD_foKm0MgvdbboxQumF7NBQ4YgUsX_Wd83ELUjTf6IZjtlBSHRjUgaZNQt9gwR6CfIvnvQOaTtC6mM5h58pH1EbpMeS9OrDuz10Sv4aV1P2VDmOdir6kBm9-UI3G-eyW6GPVZFPJySTu2aNXB2hCnXSaZGGKU/s4032/IMG_5760.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWl1Tw_s_ASwZZm3VSIQA6G6xYASQ8OD_foKm0MgvdbboxQumF7NBQ4YgUsX_Wd83ELUjTf6IZjtlBSHRjUgaZNQt9gwR6CfIvnvQOaTtC6mM5h58pH1EbpMeS9OrDuz10Sv4aV1P2VDmOdir6kBm9-UI3G-eyW6GPVZFPJySTu2aNXB2hCnXSaZGGKU/w480-h640/IMG_5760.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94u39jzbAcjzAXwjaFcrzgbbURsKqB0SH505PBq-gjT13OohbQ0K5dNtvZbrKdWj09ZAOUj1Wfi5Wz3-PWgmJii3tg5Ke9LQ8BNcQl5Jlbvzl8JZAF8CDyDbCmfdyAn2kmPKUcbwyxREETcMS2LvFt9InDYp7Hb-qQ3yHAfUpO_AgELKKv6_z7qnv6Dk/s4032/IMG_7871.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94u39jzbAcjzAXwjaFcrzgbbURsKqB0SH505PBq-gjT13OohbQ0K5dNtvZbrKdWj09ZAOUj1Wfi5Wz3-PWgmJii3tg5Ke9LQ8BNcQl5Jlbvzl8JZAF8CDyDbCmfdyAn2kmPKUcbwyxREETcMS2LvFt9InDYp7Hb-qQ3yHAfUpO_AgELKKv6_z7qnv6Dk/w480-h640/IMG_7871.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street on Weekends</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPx0oQPsTJG9buQ-ln-uGT8GTgKEx90nqODccwKW4wXNvm_y-TW7e8PUNyO_CJPhkqOcoWYx3XuDzV_hPY7l4LRwhzovbQtQyHHLpbAYT48L6peA1VC-S5yWEt97Juxm9fpTgsjHf9lLG39ymfAYf8g-Otov88SEUoZsfs7vxa_hHYCKUsyx9Fkqq8zE/s4032/IMG_8056.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPx0oQPsTJG9buQ-ln-uGT8GTgKEx90nqODccwKW4wXNvm_y-TW7e8PUNyO_CJPhkqOcoWYx3XuDzV_hPY7l4LRwhzovbQtQyHHLpbAYT48L6peA1VC-S5yWEt97Juxm9fpTgsjHf9lLG39ymfAYf8g-Otov88SEUoZsfs7vxa_hHYCKUsyx9Fkqq8zE/w480-h640/IMG_8056.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Our trip coincided with a weekend, so we were delighted to learn that the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem lake actually closes on weekends in the evening. It certainly comes alive with a lot of street performances, people exercising, and street vendors selling street food. We witnessed a lot of friends and families just enjoying the area surrounding the lake and we also had a good time just walking around. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Go Cafe hopping</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIx3_JwpRPihyphenhyphenJiYuYxkGS-RL9rO3La3VIQCa2NTIcQsMp9u7IXgZ5dHLE_ICAzTQnNVD0IMo5lAGDj8P5Jj-L82Z8-E14l4DGtYPBNEy_MYrS1E3mCJYpBr_DABSJGaVEFzuHKHqeg0K0VpzVG9o13gZiOnKfoA5wEv89lPl4GpkD08zHW_r77Tj4NI/s4032/IMG_5796.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIx3_JwpRPihyphenhyphenJiYuYxkGS-RL9rO3La3VIQCa2NTIcQsMp9u7IXgZ5dHLE_ICAzTQnNVD0IMo5lAGDj8P5Jj-L82Z8-E14l4DGtYPBNEy_MYrS1E3mCJYpBr_DABSJGaVEFzuHKHqeg0K0VpzVG9o13gZiOnKfoA5wEv89lPl4GpkD08zHW_r77Tj4NI/w480-h640/IMG_5796.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>I wrote all about the cafes we visited while on our trip which you can read <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2023/12/cafes-and-art-spaces-in-hanoi.html" target="_blank"><b>here in this blog entry</b></a>. There are so many cafes in Hanoi with different concepts and themes; it could get a bit overwhelming to try them all. But I think no matter which cafe you stumble upon, I think it will be a great experience. All the cafes are very creative and serves good coffee. I also would like to suggest browsing through <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bemycoffee.hn" target="_blank"><b>@bemycoffee.hn</b></a>'s on Instagram which shares all about cafes in the city (it's in Vietnamese though!). </p><p>Drinking coffee and people watching by the roadside is definitely a worthwhile experience when in Hanoi. I somehow had an appreciation for the organized chaos on the roads. There's also always something interesting to see, especially when you get to observe motorcyclists and what they carry with them. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Explore Vietnamese cuisine by going on a Food Trip</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiAw8qKpeAedHG2sBpwc3mUCRMP3Pk9q2M3gD1xzaqkvaw2UGncg1wLG6lw2Sg1FDSGPTiT16Z70gBt0gNoMjr8hdRFSYslBRMtl-0yx6XCqJiV8bAb2-qZOCkCxdr7fKX-nrSA2FCxmTSiUXb9BLL11sOikgOl_USRBYl4VJ3crwOwv6s1OQEVO6Pew/s1706/B2928B98-A10C-46CD-A4C5-088828347C43.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiAw8qKpeAedHG2sBpwc3mUCRMP3Pk9q2M3gD1xzaqkvaw2UGncg1wLG6lw2Sg1FDSGPTiT16Z70gBt0gNoMjr8hdRFSYslBRMtl-0yx6XCqJiV8bAb2-qZOCkCxdr7fKX-nrSA2FCxmTSiUXb9BLL11sOikgOl_USRBYl4VJ3crwOwv6s1OQEVO6Pew/w360-h640/B2928B98-A10C-46CD-A4C5-088828347C43.jpeg" width="360" /></a> </p><p>I'm not the most adventurous when it comes to street foods, though every time I'm in Vietnam it's all I ever eat. I wouldn't throw caution to the wind though; I'm still careful with what I eat. Most times I observe which restaurant has the most customers and infer from there that the place might be worth trying.</p><p>If you have the chance to chat with a local store owner (may it be in a cafe or souvenir shop) you can definitely ask them for food recommendations around the area. I've had the experience of a cafe owner recommending a good pho place for us to check out. I remember him saying that there really are a lot of pho places around, but it's the locals who know where the affordable and quality places are. </p><p>I would also highly suggest going on a guided food tour since it's the locals themselves who will show you around and bring you to the good places. There were a lot of dishes I never knew about until our guide shared with us where to go. If you're interested and thinking of getting a guide, you may contact my dear friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vu_chu_chris/" target="_blank"><b>Vu</b></a>. :-) We had a great time with him; he's very knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Take a walk along the Most Beautiful Street in Hanoi</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAerrAps6mEurATqv7ffMSYN3zpRkqxuwteFBjKKHuG-nsyU0LmTa4rA9inY9VVrJtLNaBYQAeohFcm-HyJdyZKT3-2abH2Ytf3y_QSreySSLMtdRSGIbA0kxXPI-DreDNlGt2sY87k7YlbuvyU2BrxRU0EbJsselQcbMOxWhJABC-hHlujH21NFY8Jw/s4032/IMG_9323.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAerrAps6mEurATqv7ffMSYN3zpRkqxuwteFBjKKHuG-nsyU0LmTa4rA9inY9VVrJtLNaBYQAeohFcm-HyJdyZKT3-2abH2Ytf3y_QSreySSLMtdRSGIbA0kxXPI-DreDNlGt2sY87k7YlbuvyU2BrxRU0EbJsselQcbMOxWhJABC-hHlujH21NFY8Jw/w480-h640/IMG_9323.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dubbed as the "Most Beautiful Street", Phan Dinh Phung street is lined up by a dense canopy of trees which have been around for more than a hundred years. It's really lovely to walk here, and you'll see both locals and tourists having their photos taken. If you get here early in the morning, you'll definitely chance upon flower vendors selling fresh flowers. ♡</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6TGv2g0pfGRk6Gf0xt2CVI8ojEJHn7EcKMkco451pf44rRWzuMv0A9xqnxEMzSIuX981y8l7y1FTO2R4OEskMN2kua7xNjXLsvx8SGAsJvhrobJDM5f-HlfskcEy-sdijgbXH0pZIYIvKCN8JTZPE6lJqRE7l5Fq6RnkFejP79wl0M5ZqniixFx2beY/s4032/IMG_8177.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6TGv2g0pfGRk6Gf0xt2CVI8ojEJHn7EcKMkco451pf44rRWzuMv0A9xqnxEMzSIuX981y8l7y1FTO2R4OEskMN2kua7xNjXLsvx8SGAsJvhrobJDM5f-HlfskcEy-sdijgbXH0pZIYIvKCN8JTZPE6lJqRE7l5Fq6RnkFejP79wl0M5ZqniixFx2beY/w480-h640/IMG_8177.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Visit Historical Sites</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSt-2WRAnJ6EEoQ0YvLKJLh_RPSmqK08xLV4RVDGglw__GoQwuWv6Mz6fGvx_8iUOKkXuhchng2RJAUnQE9QVAZRbZNCfPKC2IyBiF__d-m0SZkjb3wUV4M5NCvonQ-UMhul3sB4ACGPikxRnmcGCpUeAzg5H7l1fy1PHj_KPYnSNVXyAGky8ktDDlKE/s4032/IMG_8625.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSt-2WRAnJ6EEoQ0YvLKJLh_RPSmqK08xLV4RVDGglw__GoQwuWv6Mz6fGvx_8iUOKkXuhchng2RJAUnQE9QVAZRbZNCfPKC2IyBiF__d-m0SZkjb3wUV4M5NCvonQ-UMhul3sB4ACGPikxRnmcGCpUeAzg5H7l1fy1PHj_KPYnSNVXyAGky8ktDDlKE/w480-h640/IMG_8625.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vleM-IZdi2Hl39w5H3pCDJtwSR6nZDTPpG3VYXtpALYWme0NsPlnJMnHKaVHl8jI6TvRFsi8FcBaDfDfQ6BQS860e3PtnInXkTht75gT2FtKGR7fFgLNGm88m4ryKSeurtRZ-sDI2I8eSQuT7E76xKtp-8wT6byrLI5_yWSaH4L4cNTHVPOd5bWLUMs/s4032/IMG_8638.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vleM-IZdi2Hl39w5H3pCDJtwSR6nZDTPpG3VYXtpALYWme0NsPlnJMnHKaVHl8jI6TvRFsi8FcBaDfDfQ6BQS860e3PtnInXkTht75gT2FtKGR7fFgLNGm88m4ryKSeurtRZ-sDI2I8eSQuT7E76xKtp-8wT6byrLI5_yWSaH4L4cNTHVPOd5bWLUMs/s320/IMG_8638.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPK1rroogx4iK1U4bmPeV0z96-i1LBeUB3QO1dyOTP08DmVjV5IoUXlrK-X9u8K-wA4x9WuczbU1WGkd4dDdnU4bBWVnmJVKyoXNYBlNSUvPZKP4KOhifgPw7RnXRpzWk3J93huLpaNkBx-GZ7CxvUTNROmOaP02M5-f4_S2PeddfYVKPxUymeb1WgPY/s4032/IMG_8660.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPK1rroogx4iK1U4bmPeV0z96-i1LBeUB3QO1dyOTP08DmVjV5IoUXlrK-X9u8K-wA4x9WuczbU1WGkd4dDdnU4bBWVnmJVKyoXNYBlNSUvPZKP4KOhifgPw7RnXRpzWk3J93huLpaNkBx-GZ7CxvUTNROmOaP02M5-f4_S2PeddfYVKPxUymeb1WgPY/s320/IMG_8660.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NgeiuJovUs-5Q33B-1tTU5uvBd2Xi_xoFFBLkthpvwafrxqKUZaz-O1pGogtX2gU_cgI4TplQdhAO0jGbsKLMBovoGAQd1uLDPNrmTE_-206VMKr_Pg-2rlNYuuq2-OoDueqWolv1RT357LtTniKsvVqpcABE-JoilZrQEhOFMheYTMgIQU9Dh-PRI4/s4032/IMG_8715.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NgeiuJovUs-5Q33B-1tTU5uvBd2Xi_xoFFBLkthpvwafrxqKUZaz-O1pGogtX2gU_cgI4TplQdhAO0jGbsKLMBovoGAQd1uLDPNrmTE_-206VMKr_Pg-2rlNYuuq2-OoDueqWolv1RT357LtTniKsvVqpcABE-JoilZrQEhOFMheYTMgIQU9Dh-PRI4/w480-h640/IMG_8715.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought a sugarcane drink right after :") this is right in front of the temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>One of the historical sites we visited would be the Temple of Literature. This temple is known to be the first national university of Vietnam. Walking around the place allowed us to see traditional Vietnamese architecture, pavilions, gardens, and courtyards. It was a peaceful time within the area, away from the chaotic streets. I suggest going here in the afternoon for that golden hour experience. There is an entrance fee of 30,000 VND. </div><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Look out for the Train at Hanoi Train Street</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwb98xIAL_qaVgSnnDIRNhswGCM2zgKaHhWLJpPKhy8hOjjIWwtqd0uDuGIP7ymRzbLAzzcQnsT-NJ4hJkQZBmuYx9loeIEZiKnkS7thfEY9Rc2ZzH5uCNyG6cvtj0fxur-xsg0jlEQDO9yktuuFWDQMXZVwFn0l98ba6vTxZ5dvyvZnCafKiHNtcng8/s1441/IMG_8730.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwb98xIAL_qaVgSnnDIRNhswGCM2zgKaHhWLJpPKhy8hOjjIWwtqd0uDuGIP7ymRzbLAzzcQnsT-NJ4hJkQZBmuYx9loeIEZiKnkS7thfEY9Rc2ZzH5uCNyG6cvtj0fxur-xsg0jlEQDO9yktuuFWDQMXZVwFn0l98ba6vTxZ5dvyvZnCafKiHNtcng8/w426-h640/IMG_8730.jpeg" width="426" /></a></p><p>Train watching is a thing in Hanoi. What makes it such an experience would be that the train passes by slowly and with a close proximity to the establishments surrounding the tracks. Every time the train passes, people come out from the cafes and place stools outside for everyone to anticipate its coming. Apart from the train spectacle though, I think it's also worth exploring more of the cafes and stores surrounding the area. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbTAmEFHV9Aq_3wbZo-83J1OYXrWTlDyd2a9fbSVQ-R3ZaGAEMMMbogk9Q_qCohtAJwn-1WZt5sb1gnuJ8F0GnAJoTLqRO69sFF8D7uvL3-FBrNgcSnNKC6x2C877yuomMHzYTCy_2WKtD5OugarYoGiEH-GM4I2wIaLWHjKr2oI_3UHnhR0WoX4vjn4/s480/IMG_5807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="480" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbTAmEFHV9Aq_3wbZo-83J1OYXrWTlDyd2a9fbSVQ-R3ZaGAEMMMbogk9Q_qCohtAJwn-1WZt5sb1gnuJ8F0GnAJoTLqRO69sFF8D7uvL3-FBrNgcSnNKC6x2C877yuomMHzYTCy_2WKtD5OugarYoGiEH-GM4I2wIaLWHjKr2oI_3UHnhR0WoX4vjn4/w400-h256/IMG_5807.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>This was the schedule during our visit. It surely can't be missed! </i></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv0yWeLzFH5P2kgNNwaHPKt89xa0iOFOuQVOPnCAvnU92dfDH4Ii1HpN0Kf1fIMgQHd9JC3MdoeTAuW8dtQd3EjMILNWsRhNL9hknLB0-xnZFDfjT_guD8ukB3wk10GhIhEYuWbG_GqtjY78nmF5Vvn_U4IMvyMCJHwZJaLEO5NcmP48JageH295s3-c/s4032/IMG_8567.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv0yWeLzFH5P2kgNNwaHPKt89xa0iOFOuQVOPnCAvnU92dfDH4Ii1HpN0Kf1fIMgQHd9JC3MdoeTAuW8dtQd3EjMILNWsRhNL9hknLB0-xnZFDfjT_guD8ukB3wk10GhIhEYuWbG_GqtjY78nmF5Vvn_U4IMvyMCJHwZJaLEO5NcmP48JageH295s3-c/s320/IMG_8567.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkkMcPZ3J1P-A3XPCO-sFWkEDBTQqLC2O1ehWN65JGdn1Lg7aECC1uiyiRaD9a8EZEiZIawDK796oFapbmlUjOxgyy9CTjVb_a2BtyAXZN0BSH1M9ur4fYH6SHmQbAm-d4nUMiXt_hZoDbmZ4H-jWRJ9_LzrtR601EbV9akSHo8JrjAJoFsSyX9X-tL8/s4032/IMG_8576.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkkMcPZ3J1P-A3XPCO-sFWkEDBTQqLC2O1ehWN65JGdn1Lg7aECC1uiyiRaD9a8EZEiZIawDK796oFapbmlUjOxgyy9CTjVb_a2BtyAXZN0BSH1M9ur4fYH6SHmQbAm-d4nUMiXt_hZoDbmZ4H-jWRJ9_LzrtR601EbV9akSHo8JrjAJoFsSyX9X-tL8/s320/IMG_8576.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>If you have an extra day or two in your trip, I highly encourage exploring a nearby province. Here are some day trips you can take from Hanoi:</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Nearby Day Trips </h2><p><b>Ha Long Bay</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaBkdfiqgTq2Cx1i05dcBR4yamaHjHVnxQ2_yI9eBEVzHBaxeJpp-J1oSgg8LPNFOskwjcJcmEQF64JlrBu6zWqVWOdMzYAd08cz1WrYdZT9_ec8F-ZEsZp4BWUrKGTDn51J8zhJ9CsTNIdKLm9ha_0x-3oLqtPjtYlAs4Z54OcSIdROp39BoyAzrAL8/s2988/venus-major-1ICbb-ISrLQ-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="2988" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaBkdfiqgTq2Cx1i05dcBR4yamaHjHVnxQ2_yI9eBEVzHBaxeJpp-J1oSgg8LPNFOskwjcJcmEQF64JlrBu6zWqVWOdMzYAd08cz1WrYdZT9_ec8F-ZEsZp4BWUrKGTDn51J8zhJ9CsTNIdKLm9ha_0x-3oLqtPjtYlAs4Z54OcSIdROp39BoyAzrAL8/w640-h640/venus-major-1ICbb-ISrLQ-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@venusmajor?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">VENUS MAJOR</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/gray-rock-formation-beside-body-of-water-during-daytime-1ICbb-ISrLQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I've heard a lot of good things about Ha Long Bay what with its magnificent limestone structures and beautiful caves. We weren't able to go here though since we prioritized biking around Ninh Binh! This place is definitely worth visiting though, and it is worth noting that it is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you're looking into adding a trip to Ha Long Bay, you can book through <b><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=2597&aff_adid=830222&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-PH%2Factivity%2F89746-ha-long-bay-lan-ha-bay-cruise-tour%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3Dcb4d6306fb">here</a></b>. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Ninh Binh </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8m_S5jAAHdFGHXxQrSmP2EbLPncOKtOixF93iQik1F8ZXjJJPYGsY7Z8VGkrh_tNTazZygs-AB-crpr9iosTEJ0cfAROjuYllbflGimJwtrHaXQygNSexfrJr5F1N_5dh3Cwc48LSjDF63Keh3KRE4MiuxefnO7d3z6e4HwpiRw-MRSyRuP87ux8nMM/s3520/IMG_8949.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8m_S5jAAHdFGHXxQrSmP2EbLPncOKtOixF93iQik1F8ZXjJJPYGsY7Z8VGkrh_tNTazZygs-AB-crpr9iosTEJ0cfAROjuYllbflGimJwtrHaXQygNSexfrJr5F1N_5dh3Cwc48LSjDF63Keh3KRE4MiuxefnO7d3z6e4HwpiRw-MRSyRuP87ux8nMM/w360-h640/IMG_8949.jpeg" width="360" /></a></p><p>This was the day trip we went on, and it was the trip where we realized that we're aligned with our interests when it comes to travelling. We were more of nature enthusiasts rather than city women; we appreciated the beauty of Ninh Binh and its peacefulness, so much that we wished we spent more time here. Our time here felt slow, relaxed, and we had plenty of time to admire nature through walking and biking. I guess it's because we're from the city and we see buildings most of the time, so spending time in Ninh Binh was definitely refreshing. You can read more about our day in Ninh Binh <b><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-day-in-ninh-binh-vietnam.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Incense Village</b></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNhpKMOe_XsqVaqTrCtx4dTgtNJwMt6uY7E7MbVpNw9JcIupcWyYJ52QfIgGcnMkRCHO6m2iK62QcOCQIM98DhoxSCPuzdmAgyh9lYbAkMgJvAk927KDU9zqjmO-eR8BhE_1LMNtxLOTTrVxrQ14jmmEMgifz4AXoyHyb7zJLaI4Zs-Ixv6Il0ktaIa0/s2880/tuong-truong-manh-1w9QFq9m8oM-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNhpKMOe_XsqVaqTrCtx4dTgtNJwMt6uY7E7MbVpNw9JcIupcWyYJ52QfIgGcnMkRCHO6m2iK62QcOCQIM98DhoxSCPuzdmAgyh9lYbAkMgJvAk927KDU9zqjmO-eR8BhE_1LMNtxLOTTrVxrQ14jmmEMgifz4AXoyHyb7zJLaI4Zs-Ixv6Il0ktaIa0/w426-h640/tuong-truong-manh-1w9QFq9m8oM-unsplash.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@martintruong13?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Tuong Truong Manh</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-field-full-of-different-colored-brush-like-plants-1w9QFq9m8oM?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Another one of Hanoi's craft village would be the <a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=2597&aff_adid=830222&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-PH%2Factivity%2F53503-ha-noi-quang-phu-cau-incense-village-tour%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3Dc89cb3553c" target="_blank"><b>Quang Phu Cau Incense village</b></a>. Here you'll be able to learn more about incense-making. I must admit that it's also a picturesque and colorful place. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>If you're staying for a few weeks or so, I would recommend going to provinces further up north such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Mai Chau. </p><p>If you're heading South, I also would like to share about my experience in Saigon :-) you can read them all <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/search/label/saigon" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> if you need some travel ideas or insight on going around the city. </p><p>I haven't been to central Vietnam yet, although it's definitely in my bucketlist! Sometimes I wonder if it would've been better to tackle Vietnam in a month or so, but I actually quite like going on these separate trips instead. I'm in a different phase in life in these two trips I've made so far and it honestly makes it a lot more memorable for me personally. </p><p>I hope these ideas and insights were helpful for you, dear reader ♡♡♡</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>Disclaimer: </b>This post contains affiliate links, which means that I would earn a commission if a reader decides to click on the links and purchase the product/service. Please note that there are no additional charges for when you decide to purchase through the links placed here. </i></p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-4927286898749002602024-03-04T20:32:00.009+08:002024-03-18T20:58:26.710+08:00A Day in Ninh Binh, Vietnam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZupv5MzGDclL-bJMKryaSEqFqi5MX-C0YZKZ2brs_1AZoS3iXViwMJvFbgVJjolgnanBH2tTRQeyZQ-fUiyRKYhcXav12b8hhNEitlg5DNKipdELO9TvYcPnaIFuhLAOruSrqEjEucLRIG6Pnn0B_l7VU9skSOlYS0-g7ZhrZNckt-oMWmtFUFFa2Soc/s4032/IMG_8771.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZupv5MzGDclL-bJMKryaSEqFqi5MX-C0YZKZ2brs_1AZoS3iXViwMJvFbgVJjolgnanBH2tTRQeyZQ-fUiyRKYhcXav12b8hhNEitlg5DNKipdELO9TvYcPnaIFuhLAOruSrqEjEucLRIG6Pnn0B_l7VU9skSOlYS0-g7ZhrZNckt-oMWmtFUFFa2Soc/w480-h640/IMG_8771.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><p>Whenever I go on trips abroad, I try as much as possible to include a day trip to a nearby province. I think it's a good way to experience a much slower and relaxed pace since it's a chance to explore more of the countryside and its nature attractions. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Which is why my friends and I decided to visit Ninh Binh during our Hanoi trip! It's known to be the "Ha Long bay on land" because of its many limestone mountains which you can easily see from land by biking or spending time in the rice fields. </p><p>Ninh Binh is roughly 2 hours away from Hanoi, which was perfect for a day trip. We booked the <a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=2597&aff_adid=824063&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-PH%2Factivity%2F29688-hoa-lu-tam-coc-bich-dong-tour-hanoi%2F" target="_blank"><b>Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Bich Dong Tour from Hanoi with Klook</b></a> and it included the following: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Roundtrip van transfer to and from our accommodation</li><li>Lunch buffet fee</li><li>Admission fees to the attractions</li><li>English-speaking guide fee</li><li><i>Note: A surcharge of VND200,000/pax will apply if your participation date is on public holiday, payable onsite</i></li></ul><div>The attractions included in the package were:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mua Caves (turned biking activity for us)</li><li>Hoa Lu ancient capital </li><li>Tam Coc </li></ul></div><p></p><div><div>Our call time was around 7:00AM, wherein our van picked us up right in front of our Airbnb (right on the dot!). Once inside, our guide shared with the whole group our detailed itinerary and what to expect. There was a mix of us inside the van; the rest of the group booked through another website while we booked with Klook.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BXtLO4mYw46Ohzk0J1bS98RyYZzZlBk2QsaJ15YkT_yajRzSx41tGgSD4tAmuPirPeKR_L6P97uPts2UgbEYFrn_kFT8Wva8RseHf1tIKDUCmarQpzNi0zNA8hPfPYifkI-ErD3PqjwOz2J2sq7zWgm-wd3dkaViP7pxnL6vykj1G7Z451YOejjjrVI/s4032/IMG_8739.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BXtLO4mYw46Ohzk0J1bS98RyYZzZlBk2QsaJ15YkT_yajRzSx41tGgSD4tAmuPirPeKR_L6P97uPts2UgbEYFrn_kFT8Wva8RseHf1tIKDUCmarQpzNi0zNA8hPfPYifkI-ErD3PqjwOz2J2sq7zWgm-wd3dkaViP7pxnL6vykj1G7Z451YOejjjrVI/w480-h640/IMG_8739.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFY5N7PvKMl8ndnl3XViQymVS2-oehQDP6z1tOlYgRPZzNDCZ7_Lyw9pDcBrPKKAicgCDEqppkJp1V-gaEpkpNPp14d7N3TIg7jJlscfLRq6awvEqfHvbuqhWev9WbPTo50_6yOyZX2QBWk1Kvo2-SDDglS72S53gTQMiz3mW6UWitftbrUPI5-tCgBg/s4032/IMG_8738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFY5N7PvKMl8ndnl3XViQymVS2-oehQDP6z1tOlYgRPZzNDCZ7_Lyw9pDcBrPKKAicgCDEqppkJp1V-gaEpkpNPp14d7N3TIg7jJlscfLRq6awvEqfHvbuqhWev9WbPTo50_6yOyZX2QBWk1Kvo2-SDDglS72S53gTQMiz3mW6UWitftbrUPI5-tCgBg/w480-h640/IMG_8738.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha15knGEX_YUYioklHSavt5RZp6Mninrps3RpzF5SXbsARA5aADtQM_nbdS7d3yuWedn6IJ7LJHTHGuB2pwwTRvf80loBsWDBHntevKeobHuP0foBkxEBjWWkR7bK0iagrRDHUotYG1pjjg7sU31Vb-kRqDTaOcsxG5LkM_GaR4YhofasybBZCz04IZUA/s4032/IMG_8736.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha15knGEX_YUYioklHSavt5RZp6Mninrps3RpzF5SXbsARA5aADtQM_nbdS7d3yuWedn6IJ7LJHTHGuB2pwwTRvf80loBsWDBHntevKeobHuP0foBkxEBjWWkR7bK0iagrRDHUotYG1pjjg7sU31Vb-kRqDTaOcsxG5LkM_GaR4YhofasybBZCz04IZUA/w480-h640/IMG_8736.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought Banh Mi before I hopped in the van. This was my breakfast!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Since we booked through Klook, our guide explained to us that it had the old itinerary, and instead of biking around Bich Dong, it now has the Mua Caves activity wherein one has to hike up 500+ steps to reach the viewpoint which overlooks the many rice fields and limestone mountains. The guide gave us a choice to either join the Mua Cave activity or to go biking, although we would have to pay the entrance fee to the cave (100K VND) since it wasn't covered when we booked through Klook. The reason why they removed the biking tour was because not a lot of joiners could bike or wanted to bike, so they had they exchanged it with the cave activity instead. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to admit it was quite misleading, but I appreciate how there was flexibility for us. There really is a designated area wherein we could rent bikes after all, and there was no additional fee since it's included in Klook's itinerary which was what we paid for. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think whichever activity we chose, it would have been an equally good time because I knew the view from up the caves would be amazing as well. So while the rest of the group went up to the Mua Caves, my friends and I pushed through with biking around and seeing the rice paddies and fields on land. Sharing with you our biking time: </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfL8hBVfO2TXGDMxfKVKJDbRDw7mteY6UDElDtcdMPRTir_FEU9aoCBniKZMCOpR4xF3PURBeH2V1yJG2tnwBI5e6J8SaAMG9Lmrsf-tToa53sLCEW0QuXIaff6Dt6lj_4T7f9ZoUznsBUU2frQ2igqUO6dQi7a8XoraeKHNH8soTaJf9HgH1iT8Q6mU/s4032/IMG_8822.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfL8hBVfO2TXGDMxfKVKJDbRDw7mteY6UDElDtcdMPRTir_FEU9aoCBniKZMCOpR4xF3PURBeH2V1yJG2tnwBI5e6J8SaAMG9Lmrsf-tToa53sLCEW0QuXIaff6Dt6lj_4T7f9ZoUznsBUU2frQ2igqUO6dQi7a8XoraeKHNH8soTaJf9HgH1iT8Q6mU/w480-h640/IMG_8822.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATUlf_ZkRbRUl4brhbVtq7IB7jqzN45ROy3LqQLWfBRGY-5lh22KpIsV0zwp6EX12HaKrjIlN64LNy55ORNAwEO0CtekZKbsJi1-bcHjPgGpcBZcBD8r-6mLInUO9s2epE8vCNy5GxwAmAz_-kFMToL9HPY3WdI084LoQJ2JQv2dRJ3ZxZJKhJFDOtI8/s4032/IMG_8841.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATUlf_ZkRbRUl4brhbVtq7IB7jqzN45ROy3LqQLWfBRGY-5lh22KpIsV0zwp6EX12HaKrjIlN64LNy55ORNAwEO0CtekZKbsJi1-bcHjPgGpcBZcBD8r-6mLInUO9s2epE8vCNy5GxwAmAz_-kFMToL9HPY3WdI084LoQJ2JQv2dRJ3ZxZJKhJFDOtI8/w480-h640/IMG_8841.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kvAfez9sjtfxiS2bBos6TbDWPSyX8pDCVNjQH3TNWl4XyjUq_kLpL5Oi-zHa2c4fEryesS5fKayolzf9eQzKHW52Xo-vkw7OXYMLcvzsDuHLlFKjTeSagf2UgQ9PhVpvVIgDcJfjb3SfhvzKwuqHO4Ul4FebQk8i7JJ2mfOqndSfdVG0KZo0wzIE_E4/s4032/IMG_8820.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kvAfez9sjtfxiS2bBos6TbDWPSyX8pDCVNjQH3TNWl4XyjUq_kLpL5Oi-zHa2c4fEryesS5fKayolzf9eQzKHW52Xo-vkw7OXYMLcvzsDuHLlFKjTeSagf2UgQ9PhVpvVIgDcJfjb3SfhvzKwuqHO4Ul4FebQk8i7JJ2mfOqndSfdVG0KZo0wzIE_E4/w480-h640/IMG_8820.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUUQt3inBwfTmTUcKb7_SgwpNOpbw4F6jBlKclpf4_ktHHwytAHGUMxIkEm7vE0o-sjkqgX6NzfIQRphhiGnzOKxlwp1RxNteRXDvUvJxo8ibjU6VcUBQdW9H86I8QaD1Cdxs0O2NEM9lYGWRmt9Ltzc1BruXclHEadaFOhYQtY0_SMJa2Vj2qsGM4w0/s4032/IMG_8754.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUUQt3inBwfTmTUcKb7_SgwpNOpbw4F6jBlKclpf4_ktHHwytAHGUMxIkEm7vE0o-sjkqgX6NzfIQRphhiGnzOKxlwp1RxNteRXDvUvJxo8ibjU6VcUBQdW9H86I8QaD1Cdxs0O2NEM9lYGWRmt9Ltzc1BruXclHEadaFOhYQtY0_SMJa2Vj2qsGM4w0/w480-h640/IMG_8754.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLATlf9Z4_eHTDA92KHVSVXbAjFCqdvaYez2plJblP5IJY87j_BRKnEGcnVkfRR-eBpWwDeYKhESxXPyzvne5cbvrLn8reOPzEPypLho20S0u-hHBzLCLMEpG3mb5A5tXNS0HEclIJX0kiIccd88iqwj-uGXRAPaJRCfpuCWngvLV94rx2d6wRXfKGtM/s4032/IMG_8783.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLATlf9Z4_eHTDA92KHVSVXbAjFCqdvaYez2plJblP5IJY87j_BRKnEGcnVkfRR-eBpWwDeYKhESxXPyzvne5cbvrLn8reOPzEPypLho20S0u-hHBzLCLMEpG3mb5A5tXNS0HEclIJX0kiIccd88iqwj-uGXRAPaJRCfpuCWngvLV94rx2d6wRXfKGtM/w480-h640/IMG_8783.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>It was great biking in peaceful roads, my whole being felt a lot calmer than in Hanoi! It was ideal to go biking around since it was sunny and bright so we got to admire the rice paddies up close. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>After our biking activity and once everyone from the group got down from the hike, we then went to Hoa Lu which used to be Vietnam's capital. Walking around the area made me feel like I was a part of an ancient drama. They provide long skirts to wear before entering the temple especially for those wearing shorts. It was free though and it matched my outfit :") </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwKp3pPP-367EDEz2C8DDvLWEkBHEMys9rA_04C0Ca7zLOU37Gj3NC9gdlwzxR2I3_E20MgwFt_KrOiL_fUOKS3On3yMFMEyy4j9mBZCfsO0bc2gvFriQUiWlyKQMMPTi8Huczu6Q69kLRQ_IqtrOhiTDXvHow1qoG2H3lk3J3Vg78mfFuwvovzEAF9w/s4032/IMG_8844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwKp3pPP-367EDEz2C8DDvLWEkBHEMys9rA_04C0Ca7zLOU37Gj3NC9gdlwzxR2I3_E20MgwFt_KrOiL_fUOKS3On3yMFMEyy4j9mBZCfsO0bc2gvFriQUiWlyKQMMPTi8Huczu6Q69kLRQ_IqtrOhiTDXvHow1qoG2H3lk3J3Vg78mfFuwvovzEAF9w/w480-h640/IMG_8844.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTgz7S_WNIoDdhCX-KhHJPMc6TBGJkRa2ZKkVGPWRN73XbYszD-qpzWog9M1DqTXT3vZ0Zc25l3ImVValQFhkNL9mRIGQeqdbMTBmem9t5P4i7zVu8sjK_euFD8578vt6-NTi8G-8oFryZsp_QnfTFoX6tDehsVVfMoHS42dtDyE6ZXOh2zf-Gxl8oDA/s4032/IMG_8847.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTgz7S_WNIoDdhCX-KhHJPMc6TBGJkRa2ZKkVGPWRN73XbYszD-qpzWog9M1DqTXT3vZ0Zc25l3ImVValQFhkNL9mRIGQeqdbMTBmem9t5P4i7zVu8sjK_euFD8578vt6-NTi8G-8oFryZsp_QnfTFoX6tDehsVVfMoHS42dtDyE6ZXOh2zf-Gxl8oDA/w480-h640/IMG_8847.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRWlo8F7ulDGAxJP7mDArH22kW4NgQwtbkYRvOAQCYyIYtK3eZ7W5wIQLTZEHH9Jg_mxV36a1udUfabjf_OZFBaF7D2577-Bg9OpqSzLmdwtIAmAToRlNH7-_MFr1FF7-zkowjvO0KUDML6jF8VvlWAoyxgjTbnYWOFsYa651y7rGpedgzSBZ7jEirrE/s4032/IMG_6949.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRWlo8F7ulDGAxJP7mDArH22kW4NgQwtbkYRvOAQCYyIYtK3eZ7W5wIQLTZEHH9Jg_mxV36a1udUfabjf_OZFBaF7D2577-Bg9OpqSzLmdwtIAmAToRlNH7-_MFr1FF7-zkowjvO0KUDML6jF8VvlWAoyxgjTbnYWOFsYa651y7rGpedgzSBZ7jEirrE/w480-h640/IMG_6949.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYvLu9hAMAslo4No5ONw9qCxlLfS6pXfM1FgbKR_2y6t6_65iwX5-FuPREA1FRgU3leMpmSSkN-fdSnadNK6elXlSPQrxh-hQmzYJkINjZHy-U3NLELBJpID9kYQcSm6mknPxhhbHEGHOFrdYWgh0FLzViLqZTCPa7ubTp6kINtqmF9EzP7bGXQTxNUs/s4032/IMG_8855.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYvLu9hAMAslo4No5ONw9qCxlLfS6pXfM1FgbKR_2y6t6_65iwX5-FuPREA1FRgU3leMpmSSkN-fdSnadNK6elXlSPQrxh-hQmzYJkINjZHy-U3NLELBJpID9kYQcSm6mknPxhhbHEGHOFrdYWgh0FLzViLqZTCPa7ubTp6kINtqmF9EzP7bGXQTxNUs/w480-h640/IMG_8855.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4TN1lJWRZrhqjOjcmjcevNLNnLLN1_vd__J6t4-RRt7reng0W7KK1Y6W7TqR7rg7dH2j1v4tkUu5fhzfFXIvwSZdyxNuDvdYv3DXwiO0T6NtS8XKgizvRMhHgflN7-0ecrasaIvS1Ps7SuuH4ENEA3iJPHbVRmQAWZpILCPCihRPZeaRYbfUeuyrD6g/s4032/IMG_8878.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4TN1lJWRZrhqjOjcmjcevNLNnLLN1_vd__J6t4-RRt7reng0W7KK1Y6W7TqR7rg7dH2j1v4tkUu5fhzfFXIvwSZdyxNuDvdYv3DXwiO0T6NtS8XKgizvRMhHgflN7-0ecrasaIvS1Ps7SuuH4ENEA3iJPHbVRmQAWZpILCPCihRPZeaRYbfUeuyrD6g/w480-h640/IMG_8878.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH59dzjU45zrk0SBW2bCXM-iEzIwHAbdP2U06sGayp0-eIzu7tRODh_c7u0GQP-dtcOOOByVl-Ux0bHIGlxDFJqreZvbWYmjB8g6mp3tfeecymhyphenhypheno_J25f1qfeeXhKUz8aj4hs52qWzRh-wv93JGakBe2IK76sZ_C6RupjJtzN6wGbQsY71MamD1FZ5c/s4032/IMG_8904.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH59dzjU45zrk0SBW2bCXM-iEzIwHAbdP2U06sGayp0-eIzu7tRODh_c7u0GQP-dtcOOOByVl-Ux0bHIGlxDFJqreZvbWYmjB8g6mp3tfeecymhyphenhypheno_J25f1qfeeXhKUz8aj4hs52qWzRh-wv93JGakBe2IK76sZ_C6RupjJtzN6wGbQsY71MamD1FZ5c/w480-h640/IMG_8904.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love their gardens, so green and lush</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We then had a buffet lunch then the tour guide informed the group that we can go biking around after. My friend and I took the opportunity to do so, but just within the area. It was interesting to bike around since we went around some residential areas. While we were biking we could hear some bells ringing and some singing in a foreign language we were unfamiliar with... it felt very much like we were in a Studio Ghibli film and getting lost in a world we knew nothing about... but really, I think it's just some countryside charm. As a huge Ghibli fan, I reveled in the idea and the moment. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvmrdBJi6c5zqIKzV7rZwjTp8DoDyCiYI1DN0fEAoiWqv4aPfmLpfnEUN-DccoDVqrSeDx0y-p0WxTJrF0eHGEWQAAxnj42orA-QITDhocXAC_vwX0Cqzy000CdwZT0ekhDnoFsM301lXkeb2aCjybLZjKvsJwllkEomWc3dC71_LGSrAq65mIF2kQTY/s4032/IMG_8922.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvmrdBJi6c5zqIKzV7rZwjTp8DoDyCiYI1DN0fEAoiWqv4aPfmLpfnEUN-DccoDVqrSeDx0y-p0WxTJrF0eHGEWQAAxnj42orA-QITDhocXAC_vwX0Cqzy000CdwZT0ekhDnoFsM301lXkeb2aCjybLZjKvsJwllkEomWc3dC71_LGSrAq65mIF2kQTY/w640-h480/IMG_8922.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have a very elaborate mural outside the buffet restaurant</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHjSi1CSHqMejjTwITdDQcox154HpVgs5XwODURSBJ-x-O6z7TUGxXgs1VueHcaGwZaneiRPcgDLRvaDXyPHCdsvpK0sIER4OacQZZEPu3lR4Wb2BF7a2kak6X-BvspMZsxxSwCiAbKOZ387MwWaHcvA3TiXE8vjD14vbDQdG_8snnBLHdlyUUOxhJ18/s4032/IMG_8845.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHjSi1CSHqMejjTwITdDQcox154HpVgs5XwODURSBJ-x-O6z7TUGxXgs1VueHcaGwZaneiRPcgDLRvaDXyPHCdsvpK0sIER4OacQZZEPu3lR4Wb2BF7a2kak6X-BvspMZsxxSwCiAbKOZ387MwWaHcvA3TiXE8vjD14vbDQdG_8snnBLHdlyUUOxhJ18/w480-h640/IMG_8845.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tam Coc was our next destination after, wherein we went on a peaceful 2 hour boat ride. I realize it took 1 hour to get to the end, then another hour back to our jump off point. Through the boat ride we passed through 3 caves underneath the limestone rocks, waterlilies, and we were simply surrounded by limestone mountains. I think this was my favorite part after all the biking and walking.. it was so serene, enough to make you fall asleep. The lady pedaling our boat used her feet and we admired her strength; it truly required lower body endurance to be able to row all the way! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVEhUNJsoN7Gf2ah4AuUKmCyFsAlmm0bRX7UHQ6fZcldeToin75uyEaGTNyJTgw9slWd66kDE8BjylvFWKYTUfYSfZedvVuY4YY4zHZGP9zSMrPKSh9INS2uvROpYeqWESSUBUomU4qQrVGdhEeR42485At-eWmO_3cOhdxu38aRcLTRRaJVPRV6m7EQ/s4032/IMG_8928.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVEhUNJsoN7Gf2ah4AuUKmCyFsAlmm0bRX7UHQ6fZcldeToin75uyEaGTNyJTgw9slWd66kDE8BjylvFWKYTUfYSfZedvVuY4YY4zHZGP9zSMrPKSh9INS2uvROpYeqWESSUBUomU4qQrVGdhEeR42485At-eWmO_3cOhdxu38aRcLTRRaJVPRV6m7EQ/w480-h640/IMG_8928.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime-16wcUt1AAzTzkIMHYppviEa5Nb4Sd8ue5GovHcEmYk5w0ZqsmPoNTxJe4O3XMf-bnu10J83cgzsZeXQxaRWQ1xXiitAgaxNAO65JgsnbjRRvGIkXXSoJ5G8eGVYioNBwb2BTPQ-2ySnpdd7Pmbjbpl2mR0cf-dePK5sndEggDZIOA8wgGPHjDZMj0/s4032/IMG_8935.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime-16wcUt1AAzTzkIMHYppviEa5Nb4Sd8ue5GovHcEmYk5w0ZqsmPoNTxJe4O3XMf-bnu10J83cgzsZeXQxaRWQ1xXiitAgaxNAO65JgsnbjRRvGIkXXSoJ5G8eGVYioNBwb2BTPQ-2ySnpdd7Pmbjbpl2mR0cf-dePK5sndEggDZIOA8wgGPHjDZMj0/w480-h640/IMG_8935.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw people biking along this bridge, so fun!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-qAopGbwOQgZrmOye60VlaKoyrOe_PiYHdreu39NTfc4WdKLN2_lR35GZcKI6bnd-erE_1JxVGEh8fHXiF1DQsb8RewZIN9WLCpP6wS0tMeu57gDaUzJZ4BOJnh7wCwKlbiWW3vXTrjhJqyRWkWlGiQry5u3PH3fEZuQxfNPKOxa8RhCwquT0gKVSng/s4032/IMG_8957.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-qAopGbwOQgZrmOye60VlaKoyrOe_PiYHdreu39NTfc4WdKLN2_lR35GZcKI6bnd-erE_1JxVGEh8fHXiF1DQsb8RewZIN9WLCpP6wS0tMeu57gDaUzJZ4BOJnh7wCwKlbiWW3vXTrjhJqyRWkWlGiQry5u3PH3fEZuQxfNPKOxa8RhCwquT0gKVSng/w480-h640/IMG_8957.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We inquired if the waters were deep, and happy to share that it isn't :-) it'll probably reach until a person's waist</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7IMtBssnJsPLKAEdzsUyD0PQvMuWP_w8GZo0sYaxzogjtsmJAUvPSpPFYqbgGKKqqC10ARCy-Gb6IH31rRdquPAv_0U_4SiZPJ0ddkHwfli0feDgw7junKSQe5dsLbqMSCsjuR-LfoppKAmpPx7GWITJYWMjoX5ENx1V_5FVAac-uq1fHV65FvyQS6U/s4032/IMG_8990.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7IMtBssnJsPLKAEdzsUyD0PQvMuWP_w8GZo0sYaxzogjtsmJAUvPSpPFYqbgGKKqqC10ARCy-Gb6IH31rRdquPAv_0U_4SiZPJ0ddkHwfli0feDgw7junKSQe5dsLbqMSCsjuR-LfoppKAmpPx7GWITJYWMjoX5ENx1V_5FVAac-uq1fHV65FvyQS6U/w480-h640/IMG_8990.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnubaalf5THvjljWqpAbyumposInf7jB7zwvzphbShFpu9wz6SeTZ25TG-aYmQQ9fV_a1XIGn-zrdYwZr5EwCLtfffMsH0IJI_lM5WWnmBLUxHl5Jjig38dtzB7_Lu3BI1Vp5rs4coCRkgcq8SkzcXZgTAeU7wOEOqQdvHlNXEQqSeEEdzjnqfoeaObT8/s4032/IMG_9056.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnubaalf5THvjljWqpAbyumposInf7jB7zwvzphbShFpu9wz6SeTZ25TG-aYmQQ9fV_a1XIGn-zrdYwZr5EwCLtfffMsH0IJI_lM5WWnmBLUxHl5Jjig38dtzB7_Lu3BI1Vp5rs4coCRkgcq8SkzcXZgTAeU7wOEOqQdvHlNXEQqSeEEdzjnqfoeaObT8/w480-h640/IMG_9056.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mF9oniWPUFZh_s0OpBksEnJZCJ8rJPj5C6CsSLHrbxFI5H61DjLQbYAFQW8aKpUwvwgtKwK4CilIDY5xGOi_rdISg41NZGy1_7YtjGmiCrxmZS2ggQXNZhr_x4smBxyx51QH4vTzQKvN8HgttmTWQU3O2q4-UT9TUx6Iv5s8ab5vszhrX83RtTpvNwc/s4032/IMG_8963.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mF9oniWPUFZh_s0OpBksEnJZCJ8rJPj5C6CsSLHrbxFI5H61DjLQbYAFQW8aKpUwvwgtKwK4CilIDY5xGOi_rdISg41NZGy1_7YtjGmiCrxmZS2ggQXNZhr_x4smBxyx51QH4vTzQKvN8HgttmTWQU3O2q4-UT9TUx6Iv5s8ab5vszhrX83RtTpvNwc/w480-h640/IMG_8963.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls' Trip <333</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1BYN6hNlin5y0lRH85-fgcxZjg4m7oQjghTl_1cdm17W8H5xQYPPfnNXeLaJHlDKSLjSLZjPAqs7mZgMb7rRl4qEZ3coZVTre28lLkZgi9aVxNDLB5Ehz2YwnXhj1ksH1ianGt6Mz6RrPZHGLu74utpXKW54uHxkTgGi6JnNBNoazTuA4FnnXRQFJRk/s4032/IMG_8973.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1BYN6hNlin5y0lRH85-fgcxZjg4m7oQjghTl_1cdm17W8H5xQYPPfnNXeLaJHlDKSLjSLZjPAqs7mZgMb7rRl4qEZ3coZVTre28lLkZgi9aVxNDLB5Ehz2YwnXhj1ksH1ianGt6Mz6RrPZHGLu74utpXKW54uHxkTgGi6JnNBNoazTuA4FnnXRQFJRk/w480-h640/IMG_8973.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was much much cooler in here </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDXm708_B3c1F1053rMpmflVuIQBHvXSozwY3YBasjFbqUpsXrH6bbOZsoRMXzkCvrXwclVMYvulhgOV9-4nx9Wn_K6v4g-gRQJN4bSgiEacJNa1I8d6pC6__gLZzbjMlzg4-Y3bvOn4VqXq1_x8wIbkhgHFIPiOWtwLSJXteuM6ZhJAAWv1_SKVZa-Y/s4032/IMG_8974.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDXm708_B3c1F1053rMpmflVuIQBHvXSozwY3YBasjFbqUpsXrH6bbOZsoRMXzkCvrXwclVMYvulhgOV9-4nx9Wn_K6v4g-gRQJN4bSgiEacJNa1I8d6pC6__gLZzbjMlzg4-Y3bvOn4VqXq1_x8wIbkhgHFIPiOWtwLSJXteuM6ZhJAAWv1_SKVZa-Y/w480-h640/IMG_8974.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKfmjHxCdu2dblGlFAH9QI_0xKdk-JLafBkPHbfcVxGzZmBfh47TZywkr2VVzsR5eGvvqDbqmGY8ahQYrEbHNljY-AL5dmdjPzr2bp6fdO6BZurF_HXmYoERZuRAA95oJxVcDzKf_pO2uF7bn9Yyug0Lsuk0Y2r9gw2VgpSbHnh6yNPfl6uE543YnZxQ/s4032/IMG_9083.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKfmjHxCdu2dblGlFAH9QI_0xKdk-JLafBkPHbfcVxGzZmBfh47TZywkr2VVzsR5eGvvqDbqmGY8ahQYrEbHNljY-AL5dmdjPzr2bp6fdO6BZurF_HXmYoERZuRAA95oJxVcDzKf_pO2uF7bn9Yyug0Lsuk0Y2r9gw2VgpSbHnh6yNPfl6uE543YnZxQ/w480-h640/IMG_9083.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ate Banh Mi after the boat ride <3</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We sang songs and we had a heart to heart in the middle of the supposed quiet ride.. which made it all the more memorable. I truly hope the lady pedaling our boat was graced by our entertainment haha!!</div><div><br /></div><div>After the boat ride, we had a stopover at the Hoa Lu ancient town which had huge pagodas, and there was one situated in the middle of the lake. It honestly reminds me a lot of Hoi An ancient town since there were also a lot of lanterns.. this is actually also a place that I really hope to go to as well, soon. :") </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghFZzIEnkBAmIVYOh4wEf1c5ZPXFdCjKhyIkevRfcA3khbDDCFy73u0cCWtmThWcEW9EkRnfyK2AFigNCSpoH_118z1v3LdPpAK0E0c_swa3PgwSKUKloK9hntdccdJEZv47Hmxp7S59XKMWYmUGj3uywnmUFdb3IUR_ESbuOoZL-nlEeMsSHEqo2aXY/s4032/IMG_9121.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghFZzIEnkBAmIVYOh4wEf1c5ZPXFdCjKhyIkevRfcA3khbDDCFy73u0cCWtmThWcEW9EkRnfyK2AFigNCSpoH_118z1v3LdPpAK0E0c_swa3PgwSKUKloK9hntdccdJEZv47Hmxp7S59XKMWYmUGj3uywnmUFdb3IUR_ESbuOoZL-nlEeMsSHEqo2aXY/w480-h640/IMG_9121.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanterns!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmSeesGt2Ds8M37bBU_71-vvpr2reckbGpPgwG-3Kr-MY4poLmh0aVDhCggygdWON8qwjm-lzKaQ3grYvRkoxXOz0pEPzyj3baZbveLyv8p6wB0lcDP33VDbozTejzpZo1Lofa78Xz8pgq__lst3ud9rRzL3Aw1GGRQYhUYNKOu9EukYRU0lI1dTHPn4/s4032/IMG_9139.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmSeesGt2Ds8M37bBU_71-vvpr2reckbGpPgwG-3Kr-MY4poLmh0aVDhCggygdWON8qwjm-lzKaQ3grYvRkoxXOz0pEPzyj3baZbveLyv8p6wB0lcDP33VDbozTejzpZo1Lofa78Xz8pgq__lst3ud9rRzL3Aw1GGRQYhUYNKOu9EukYRU0lI1dTHPn4/w480-h640/IMG_9139.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafdJ8MbIUnt6k0s5vZ7fETgehWnLl5HDWQczsAUQuuriZdRyy9tjvrArTbGaBQD3pMIEDz3kktWY1qzJIT6irDKv0fyexhqNXIJFsmTSS4R7SwCHv7Bg4PVfvBsPRlKhrPufU3f-h3qi3p7aepcNV6Ggycl25nsSCNlSVEjTYCnLDVpM1TqVs-3xwWJ8/s4032/IMG_9118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafdJ8MbIUnt6k0s5vZ7fETgehWnLl5HDWQczsAUQuuriZdRyy9tjvrArTbGaBQD3pMIEDz3kktWY1qzJIT6irDKv0fyexhqNXIJFsmTSS4R7SwCHv7Bg4PVfvBsPRlKhrPufU3f-h3qi3p7aepcNV6Ggycl25nsSCNlSVEjTYCnLDVpM1TqVs-3xwWJ8/w480-h640/IMG_9118.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FMBjreiTnqP1RW6fMeKMCXP3f4UwQ_LAuoJKICJwOwwhQ9l50fDYCcWvSmdk3dh7mvNKhaEeMTp1rww3KLoErt-nJHBMNt67p32aIuAUA0-w231sXiuICTWa4lwCjatI3XyUjZqrNd90x8zPr36UEns5I4GgZAjGWyNQDyUgfT7KsRJqMLmBarweYRI/s4032/IMG_9137.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FMBjreiTnqP1RW6fMeKMCXP3f4UwQ_LAuoJKICJwOwwhQ9l50fDYCcWvSmdk3dh7mvNKhaEeMTp1rww3KLoErt-nJHBMNt67p32aIuAUA0-w231sXiuICTWa4lwCjatI3XyUjZqrNd90x8zPr36UEns5I4GgZAjGWyNQDyUgfT7KsRJqMLmBarweYRI/w480-h640/IMG_9137.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like the cloud detail here</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZslXUR3a8Plhod031tP-axnkTXYjVV-TeheX54fAIX8OiEiza_Ec8RutOV6O86tF08JTJ8tNn9qQpKK1S6Jcaa7IEUZH2EO7eIYWe4HZ2yJ48RBI_dd8zOyMwmg7JsruMpk_P5MB0A6oxGdJNIoxv4xwbPdO94s2SU6_HzPoWi96GjwRPlCyv5a_mCQc/s4032/IMG_9146.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZslXUR3a8Plhod031tP-axnkTXYjVV-TeheX54fAIX8OiEiza_Ec8RutOV6O86tF08JTJ8tNn9qQpKK1S6Jcaa7IEUZH2EO7eIYWe4HZ2yJ48RBI_dd8zOyMwmg7JsruMpk_P5MB0A6oxGdJNIoxv4xwbPdO94s2SU6_HzPoWi96GjwRPlCyv5a_mCQc/w480-h640/IMG_9146.jpeg" title="Ninh Binh Vietnam, October 2023" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were here in time for the sunset, and it looks even more lovely at this time</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We then headed back to Hoi An. On the way back, I was able to chat a bit with my seatmate, who travelled around Vietnam extensively. She shared that she liked Ninh Binh very much and I also very much agreed. I'm glad our time in Ninh Binh allowed us to be near nature and remind us of the beauty of living at a slower and intentional pace. I wasn't able to take a photo, but I did get to see the sun set behind the limestone mountains from afar. It's imprinted in my mind and I can only share it with you in words. If I had the opportunity, I would totally spend at least 3 days here so I could experience the place in its entirety. </div><div><br /></div><div>We came back to our bnb tired but inspired by everything we saw and experienced. I would highly recommend going to and even staying in Ninh Binh! You may consider booking a day trip tour with Klook as well through <a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=2597&aff_adid=824063&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-PH%2Factivity%2F29688-hoa-lu-tam-coc-bich-dong-tour-hanoi%2F" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. My dear friend Vu also recommended <a href="https://ninhbinhexcursion.com/" target="_blank"><b>Ninh Binh Excursion</b></a> which organizes group tours as well. :")</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm ending this blog entry with an album by MIZ entitled Ninh Binh Brother's Homestay. I used one of their songs for my Instagram reel as it definitely captured my feelings and my time in Ninh Binh.. Hope you have a listen, and thank you for reading, dear reader <3</div><div> </div><br /><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/2I7P1pgDW7BZigccsZ17ra?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: </b>This post contains affiliate links, which means that I would earn a commission if a reader decides to click on the links and purchase the product/service. Please note that there are no additional charges for when you decide to purchase through the links placed here. </span></i></div>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-65043449696322999802024-02-27T00:00:00.005+08:002024-02-27T13:27:03.937+08:00Mt. Batolusong Hike, February 2024<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YOMsoHtKi81u8AZ08PNdw032Gk1FJ8TdIVw5OM5hz3SBL1YTK4Wfxx3nrJxvWeJSy_1v_jLfubfPPfLVUkolp8l9uM_rB8X2PLoZGR85XCiRc6op_V16DBJwCugIqANU1wY2PgAjqjYL4NP9wsX4twpX73T1x0WzVcAc7mNTTITLzEO6qoeykxEpfW0/s4000/20240224_064558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YOMsoHtKi81u8AZ08PNdw032Gk1FJ8TdIVw5OM5hz3SBL1YTK4Wfxx3nrJxvWeJSy_1v_jLfubfPPfLVUkolp8l9uM_rB8X2PLoZGR85XCiRc6op_V16DBJwCugIqANU1wY2PgAjqjYL4NP9wsX4twpX73T1x0WzVcAc7mNTTITLzEO6qoeykxEpfW0/w480-h640/20240224_064558.jpg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Mt. Batolusong</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Last Saturday, my work friends and I hiked Mt. Batolusong. We're all beginners and for most of the group it was their first time to hike. I've had the interest and desire to hike more ever since my<b><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2024/02/mt-pinatubo-hike-december-2023.html" target="_blank"> Mt. Pinatubo</a> </b>hike with high school friends, so I'm glad we were able to organize this one and this time with a much bigger group. My body is still aching as I write this blog entry, but it's the kind of ache I wouldn't mind having if I were to do it all over again <3 Allow me to share our experience in long form~</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>My work friends and I were searching for a good mountain that would be easy for beginners and close enough to Manila. Mt. Batolusong in Tanay, Rizal was on the top of our list since it was near and it had great views of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. After reaching a consensus, we then booked our trip with<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ga391980" target="_blank">GA Outdoors</a></b>. We coordinated with them regarding pick-up points and things to bring and such. They also took care of the guide fee and environmental fee! </p><p>I was excited for this hike, sooo excited that I didn't have proper sleep prior. We were all scheduled to meet at our respective pick-up points wherein our van would fetch us from. After picking us all up, our van left Manila at 2:00AM. </p><p>We were all pretty lively and chatty, although eventually our conversations took a pause since we tried to get some sleep.. albeit unsuccessfully. We arrived at Tanay, Rizal at 3:00AM, which was earlier than we all expected. I do love how we were early though, since we were able to take care of the necessary paperworks, payments, and we even got to stretch. </p><p>Before we headed out for our hike, our guide explained to us a few important things about the mountain. Mt. Batolusong has a total of 3 summits: Duhatan Ridge (442 MASL), Mapatag Plateau (645 MASL), and Rangyas Peak (883 MASL). It also has a <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2013/02/mt-batolusongmapatag-plateau-and-susong.html" target="_blank"><b>3/9 difficulty</b></a> as rated by Pinoy Mountaineer. </p><p>The goal is to reach the summits and return to base camp before lunch time because the sun's rays would be so painful by then.</p><p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">1st Summit: Duhatan Ridge (442 MASL)</h1><p>We started our hike at 4:00AM. It was still dark so we used our headlamps as our light source. Our guide explained to us that we needed to go through 4 Phases before we could reach Duhatan Ridge. It was mostly manageable at first, until we crossed the stream and after that it was mostly uphill from there. We knew then that it was the start of Phase 1. The trail is very much established so hikers won't have any problem with navigation. </p><p>The ascent was quite a challenge. I consider myself a baby hiker, having only hiked <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2024/02/mt-pinatubo-hike-december-2023.html" target="_blank"><b>Mt. Pinatubo</b></a> before this one. It was steep and I think the fact that we couldn't see much of the surrounding forest made it feel like the ascent was never-ending. We would only hear from our guide that there's a rest stop nearby, and that would serve as our motivation to power through. Our breaks were merely just for drinking water and catching our breath. There were also other groups before and after us, so we all had to take turns and be mindful to let the next group take their break. </p><p>It was such a relief every time we got to take a break. We were all in our twenties yet we all felt like our hearts could burst from exhaustion! At the beginning of the hike, everyone was still chatting, but the group certainly got more silent the further up we went. At some point I began to feel conscious about my breathing, because that was all I could hear. I was beginning to think maybe everyone else could hear my gasps for breath.. but turns out everyone was the same-- we were all hearing our own breathing. Pacing yourself and taking breaks is very important.</p><p>After an hour and a half (5:30AM), we finally reached Duhatan Ridge. It was still dark so we couldn't see much, but the breeze was cold and it felt rewarding after going through the 4 Phases. After reaching the first summit, there would be Phase 5-6, although our guide shared that they were going to be shorter. Yay!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOctWPwjGletiMQ0frdDb_n8jFstUOKaP768lSUDX9Sv9Cuz1IMQDdTf9r7DTNdYYNbXlPMD69q4iaxf74_c3PcEBs5jq6aZ6HZ6mCf3FO7d-d6bPZmJJxoaPBCDMMZ06oG_b4FE8kYqmkLlc8AZu9zh9E0QqQD4JTwch6kjDTC3dId6yrvZ_hpja-h_w/s4032/IMG_8266.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOctWPwjGletiMQ0frdDb_n8jFstUOKaP768lSUDX9Sv9Cuz1IMQDdTf9r7DTNdYYNbXlPMD69q4iaxf74_c3PcEBs5jq6aZ6HZ6mCf3FO7d-d6bPZmJJxoaPBCDMMZ06oG_b4FE8kYqmkLlc8AZu9zh9E0QqQD4JTwch6kjDTC3dId6yrvZ_hpja-h_w/w480-h640/IMG_8266.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5:00AM at Duhatan Ridge<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6DOmpUD7cz5m9pW_lpcZBwK7n2vNdf_lhGpH1Dd6PPNjcEYOEP2scI_4W6kQbODrqyP0b8IuL04qGbfV2SeBMerlf83YVq6oTcW_U9iFtPpR0-3GoHwBjcfcb8hqUBHMZxDXxu1OvLSyw5V7PwiY04AwQvNBrhyjwhbBW86I3gKFed44ay5ptO74m1I/s4032/IMG_8258.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6DOmpUD7cz5m9pW_lpcZBwK7n2vNdf_lhGpH1Dd6PPNjcEYOEP2scI_4W6kQbODrqyP0b8IuL04qGbfV2SeBMerlf83YVq6oTcW_U9iFtPpR0-3GoHwBjcfcb8hqUBHMZxDXxu1OvLSyw5V7PwiY04AwQvNBrhyjwhbBW86I3gKFed44ay5ptO74m1I/w480-h640/IMG_8258.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that we hiked in the dark haha</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">2nd Summit: Mapatag Plateau (645 MASL)</h1><p>We rested a bit then decided to go through Phase 5 which would then lead us to Mapatag Plateau. This part was much much easier than the first 4 Phases. Although it was uphill, this time we were surrounded by tall weeds and grass. I then knew that we were headed towards the grasslands, which is by far my favorite part of hikes and treks. During this time the sun was rising so we no longer needed our headlamps. It was much better seeing our surroundings while hiking because seeing nature made us feel like the exhaustion was very much worth it. After less than an hour, we arrived at a rest stop which had a store and picturesque views of the surrounding mountain ranges.</p><p>We spent a good amount of time here taking photos and eating our trail food. I felt like I burned all of the meals I ate the day prior! It's a funny feeling but we all needed to recover from all the energy spent. We were all running on pure adrenaline since we all had no decent hours of sleep. </p><p>The grasslands were comforting to see. I like seeing the grass dance as the wind blows. I also observed that the wind tends to sound like a bird. At some point I was asking my fellow hikers if they were making the sounds, but apparently it really was just the wind. </p><p>The way to Mapatag Plateau was simply beautiful everywhere we looked. We eventually reached our second summit at 7:00AM. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz33qZcFnu02IUizQofck6uhVqe9er_BB9smtufe0nvfylWD7a_We4bX5PYJHH6Wnrkocx3HFJvh1lkY-ZQvAr5Yf5E_qyjEmBp0mQ2dGP0oM2Cz1VpOu6oO-AcwRFwcBtC8oqJr1XoMRgBOEeCj0X_Azv09QSbUv72iRXBIY6IrRCMAf6NSaVfuuh3NY/s4032/IMG_1853.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz33qZcFnu02IUizQofck6uhVqe9er_BB9smtufe0nvfylWD7a_We4bX5PYJHH6Wnrkocx3HFJvh1lkY-ZQvAr5Yf5E_qyjEmBp0mQ2dGP0oM2Cz1VpOu6oO-AcwRFwcBtC8oqJr1XoMRgBOEeCj0X_Azv09QSbUv72iRXBIY6IrRCMAf6NSaVfuuh3NY/w480-h640/IMG_1853.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv2ZTDMQvrSXIE4GSdrL-x8bOQ8daNAVTt9p9KGwUNhZKIEO9pS5dpFe1xYL91XOpciBHYz95yVIVSFheHcrCgZS2bk1G4FXfpztQ2geESWiuk9GCDswvSaba__8IWAnKIb91NGjdeulLICsrTkXo7V9Z_omS52TFRTeGIxGPQ45EnffB5w9F50FJhHo/s4032/IMG_1875.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv2ZTDMQvrSXIE4GSdrL-x8bOQ8daNAVTt9p9KGwUNhZKIEO9pS5dpFe1xYL91XOpciBHYz95yVIVSFheHcrCgZS2bk1G4FXfpztQ2geESWiuk9GCDswvSaba__8IWAnKIb91NGjdeulLICsrTkXo7V9Z_omS52TFRTeGIxGPQ45EnffB5w9F50FJhHo/w480-h640/IMG_1875.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse spotted!</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHgoQ97iI3U595nPzEG7l2hlrzi0phEgMS4HgN2JuyLWmW9mm-COkcFCRg6gVu_yyIWO7uFCWBs6nXW_be5HCZxDP2MgIqvz37H6BTnoFZpNlJ1LlwygW0In44fCzFWNtOj9wdUQtQDgnAKO_7esjUmAG5Ph5SkZOEt9g_tAmEbbxsFenoLwTCoJdCC4/s4032/IMG_1888.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHgoQ97iI3U595nPzEG7l2hlrzi0phEgMS4HgN2JuyLWmW9mm-COkcFCRg6gVu_yyIWO7uFCWBs6nXW_be5HCZxDP2MgIqvz37H6BTnoFZpNlJ1LlwygW0In44fCzFWNtOj9wdUQtQDgnAKO_7esjUmAG5Ph5SkZOEt9g_tAmEbbxsFenoLwTCoJdCC4/w480-h640/IMG_1888.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuk5zlc_cD_3CGwWP16EQFXI9s0yzEnqWT9oE3fulYKoOhYSohGkzU7kBldhzsRycsgugpxRtrxbI-qBBzva_sQfhCTWnIYrJNayV-NgC9-QyJsdONVagbcyAro6eJ6I7zyA6BgSlN4PryzJQac8d4lY6HhxUgQjw-ktzqa7CDLAFmLrPYMOZVzrhRLk/s4032/IMG_1912.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuk5zlc_cD_3CGwWP16EQFXI9s0yzEnqWT9oE3fulYKoOhYSohGkzU7kBldhzsRycsgugpxRtrxbI-qBBzva_sQfhCTWnIYrJNayV-NgC9-QyJsdONVagbcyAro6eJ6I7zyA6BgSlN4PryzJQac8d4lY6HhxUgQjw-ktzqa7CDLAFmLrPYMOZVzrhRLk/w480-h640/IMG_1912.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zi18QzZD0YcyXH5kBYf0HcguHsnw39T2nGmHDW7jjRQTe19n3BUK3cbQNHvBOzvV4YJ4RSBIr-csgxvSb_xRoTm97D8wKSutmP3y0Q6A4ug03FA5PfjgxdAaFnKGMWkd_joXU2POFEQz7CsE1LVlKYxu8ly2VSuy7HWR8aBbFkO0jfij_glYuOXfe2M/s4032/IMG_1914.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zi18QzZD0YcyXH5kBYf0HcguHsnw39T2nGmHDW7jjRQTe19n3BUK3cbQNHvBOzvV4YJ4RSBIr-csgxvSb_xRoTm97D8wKSutmP3y0Q6A4ug03FA5PfjgxdAaFnKGMWkd_joXU2POFEQz7CsE1LVlKYxu8ly2VSuy7HWR8aBbFkO0jfij_glYuOXfe2M/w480-h640/IMG_1914.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22goPNWl94NlIOi2xXmaUEscvMYfagrbZ03fK0VWFwCfot8VkLxHWvdJpvELw0LL44jb_M_gAZ2nSjeoaSndvkoO4EDlhTewMmw45dGvpVE5MrotsGhbclpaFC4c-WWFyeqQO28HJYECYoB8sgjFse4ocQByOgVM5HB0r7RSg3EKctNH1ob68rO-pLJs/s4032/IMG_1959.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22goPNWl94NlIOi2xXmaUEscvMYfagrbZ03fK0VWFwCfot8VkLxHWvdJpvELw0LL44jb_M_gAZ2nSjeoaSndvkoO4EDlhTewMmw45dGvpVE5MrotsGhbclpaFC4c-WWFyeqQO28HJYECYoB8sgjFse4ocQByOgVM5HB0r7RSg3EKctNH1ob68rO-pLJs/w480-h640/IMG_1959.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory shot with the signage to mark every milestone of the hike<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO12EzL1TZCFx_SWn4Ic4Cd_KUWhvk1Fro6_b1rnuQAmO-ddr-gT0MobWdmdwEKul1A0mYafXKlXR2HKYBIWou-GdrF95VKR12eMiRdtHJR0CIVNDVOQTuYNGgB1Y9DX_5eVetWA2YNXJGmsAVHpM4j-66wcO3s99dcXVee5hpsm1cGE0wnKKbtcRRdQ/s12000/20240224_073200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="12000" data-original-width="9000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO12EzL1TZCFx_SWn4Ic4Cd_KUWhvk1Fro6_b1rnuQAmO-ddr-gT0MobWdmdwEKul1A0mYafXKlXR2HKYBIWou-GdrF95VKR12eMiRdtHJR0CIVNDVOQTuYNGgB1Y9DX_5eVetWA2YNXJGmsAVHpM4j-66wcO3s99dcXVee5hpsm1cGE0wnKKbtcRRdQ/w480-h640/20240224_073200.jpg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">3rd Summit: Rangyas Peak (883 MASL)</h1><p>After taking photos and admiring the view, we set out for another ascent (Phase 6) to Rangyas Peak. It's the last summit and the way to it was much like what we experienced in the first 4 Phases, although this time it was shorter. By this time, whenever I looked back, I could see more and more of the mountain ranges and grasslands from above and it was an exciting feeling knowing that we were already near.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8N5nOA4fJHjIx0c9oDUia5vY5I4rY2Zpenj_WPIEa_Vgrhd9YP6_SnEs97DkSH0dmHuIsAKN7aEfqUkcKZGbLfQ-ELNQnsC7hIdTInlF4dMtxZakMs-CpdmzBVV2TKRonjGuICIghFjSB34run0LtgkVA6asQQKqXjWYvfMSh-WVgGxPjAmlbpXMMmc/s4032/IMG_1960.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8N5nOA4fJHjIx0c9oDUia5vY5I4rY2Zpenj_WPIEa_Vgrhd9YP6_SnEs97DkSH0dmHuIsAKN7aEfqUkcKZGbLfQ-ELNQnsC7hIdTInlF4dMtxZakMs-CpdmzBVV2TKRonjGuICIghFjSB34run0LtgkVA6asQQKqXjWYvfMSh-WVgGxPjAmlbpXMMmc/w480-h640/IMG_1960.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPuFQl425xFyMw8DrU4gNdCDZ7uDRjhum8PeN9IuN88TTzNkfJOZolytRc3OuSMHI3DU_oYZ4fCGXfNASWCHmuagAEwKOknCgdK5xAKBfrI9ITdWqTId0lhymx2TdV15-_sHeLRanfC5lecU1UldgImfv0vmsouW0sZ51q6AB705ymBiaQdsgGxehzJQ/s4032/IMG_1982.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPuFQl425xFyMw8DrU4gNdCDZ7uDRjhum8PeN9IuN88TTzNkfJOZolytRc3OuSMHI3DU_oYZ4fCGXfNASWCHmuagAEwKOknCgdK5xAKBfrI9ITdWqTId0lhymx2TdV15-_sHeLRanfC5lecU1UldgImfv0vmsouW0sZ51q6AB705ymBiaQdsgGxehzJQ/w480-h640/IMG_1982.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx37HT3U9jK3sh_pCRBAMglKYjUsIawhuX1SHwxZBQdcLOOPRF8aDqApbWOPP56puYbDq851aqqAJ4hxZiOapdUnmhyphenhyphen188NFNfLTJHXkYTEkpX05-pMGDPdhQ3YJEPwXQttATvLFWatjZG7WZdmuUxd5-rYthaqxVHGdjKpfXi7mO-suNgDy4SaVbiUw/s4032/IMG_1920.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx37HT3U9jK3sh_pCRBAMglKYjUsIawhuX1SHwxZBQdcLOOPRF8aDqApbWOPP56puYbDq851aqqAJ4hxZiOapdUnmhyphenhyphen188NFNfLTJHXkYTEkpX05-pMGDPdhQ3YJEPwXQttATvLFWatjZG7WZdmuUxd5-rYthaqxVHGdjKpfXi7mO-suNgDy4SaVbiUw/w480-h640/IMG_1920.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p>There were ropes we had to hold onto, and since we already experienced something like this at the beginning, we somehow had an idea of what to do and expect. Eventually there came the technical part of the climb which was pretty much rock climbing. It was honestly daunting, because I've never done it before and it was steep. But I knew I had to do it. I was already there and I was determined to reach the peak!!! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtdJzSbQTCdp-qpCXIrpVaoWITerFslIbyMbk2JLbTG1LiiPvjTMtwDoCS8FMZIL6_gtBGqkS6241AYESX57wZdf_DH8sSXWUzMk39daI_u_ADQvLpX7keB42b3IrMdfQKk7CmgmL0aE-a9j7sOb-wJepEvDFWPQTCI4gIUrbTpijugArdiWM-lIRmJA/s4032/IMG_1987.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtdJzSbQTCdp-qpCXIrpVaoWITerFslIbyMbk2JLbTG1LiiPvjTMtwDoCS8FMZIL6_gtBGqkS6241AYESX57wZdf_DH8sSXWUzMk39daI_u_ADQvLpX7keB42b3IrMdfQKk7CmgmL0aE-a9j7sOb-wJepEvDFWPQTCI4gIUrbTpijugArdiWM-lIRmJA/w480-h640/IMG_1987.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tricky part, but we all made it!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And so I did it, with the help of our guide and my fellow hiker friends who were already at the top, cheering me on. I just kept looking up and did not look down at all as much as possible. It was windy and sunny and I knew I had to keep going. After a while, we all finally reached the top at around 8:00AM. </p><p>It was windy and sunny at the highest peak, and I couldn't help but feel so lucky and blessed that we were able to do this with good weather. We took lots of photos and stayed there for a while because we wanted to imprint the view in our minds. I think it's a must-do, to just sit at the peak and stare at nature. It truly was a sight to behold. </p><p>I felt grateful to be there, to be alive and be in good health to climb mountains *tears up*</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QkKz6FegYbnUaJnmfVAygQc5e_1cyjNIMZfoZgJ6x0yFbyt0YbcA_ax1hdTH0pTP3epAqYIVZcgW42jJFzgJCNjA-4Z0j2c05hHP1ycIWzPQb8y0EbS5ErUYyLTPgfgzoKk7HTHLZV01H9YHkTohUuGIBmjQsA8H6z0EmIfT9AWLn1IbgziTrZLaSag/s4032/IMG_1995.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QkKz6FegYbnUaJnmfVAygQc5e_1cyjNIMZfoZgJ6x0yFbyt0YbcA_ax1hdTH0pTP3epAqYIVZcgW42jJFzgJCNjA-4Z0j2c05hHP1ycIWzPQb8y0EbS5ErUYyLTPgfgzoKk7HTHLZV01H9YHkTohUuGIBmjQsA8H6z0EmIfT9AWLn1IbgziTrZLaSag/w480-h640/IMG_1995.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhsxnPuFwjGLhtnqqPGmVejIQRfAYKLZ_4LMcprnmoIUMRmxHURi0g8OIvuoYpEXYNkP9PeLls7ttzpSwsd8KQw4TMRuuMujfwb_bRqx7K11Qu6Gfr9Al8uDNYw1I6qfcdeikqpjMB3JvNq5bcEUKIG7pZWSBlf0tvMRvkyC1sswBaBODHzPDQ435uTw/s4032/IMG_2021.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhsxnPuFwjGLhtnqqPGmVejIQRfAYKLZ_4LMcprnmoIUMRmxHURi0g8OIvuoYpEXYNkP9PeLls7ttzpSwsd8KQw4TMRuuMujfwb_bRqx7K11Qu6Gfr9Al8uDNYw1I6qfcdeikqpjMB3JvNq5bcEUKIG7pZWSBlf0tvMRvkyC1sswBaBODHzPDQ435uTw/w480-h640/IMG_2021.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oWyGA7VPEgv-lVAA2kfCfYwPYtd1P9CM52C31x_qZhMBf_nEkhb5zwgUuxWRZcoKCgXxDZcknpsKw0pMvEt5JmfUKZXUEIeLAZb4xFgvF-svgMdfW4HTnEzt5_mbiDuolWetWByp1jy0DQ_GfJ1ZNB0FuK_IYNC1y2gKeEQThfPbxJNC9SE98GEVLFg/s4032/IMG_2004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oWyGA7VPEgv-lVAA2kfCfYwPYtd1P9CM52C31x_qZhMBf_nEkhb5zwgUuxWRZcoKCgXxDZcknpsKw0pMvEt5JmfUKZXUEIeLAZb4xFgvF-svgMdfW4HTnEzt5_mbiDuolWetWByp1jy0DQ_GfJ1ZNB0FuK_IYNC1y2gKeEQThfPbxJNC9SE98GEVLFg/w480-h640/IMG_2004.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP1mM_aJCkTTL2KPHQSFAaXcFAorNGFtK18KmpVZFyhA13tq-7v7TW14279py8e9nC6x9VMXYsSWajn_Ijj7iHlrLy-Gf18mZLM7QW_X25q6INqTVLi2REeoEo5ROJTheiEr-db-iTxdg-5ONdWEaI7HUKV-IVMVmcRru8N-_uib_fzNTWGnmA-eAD5g/s2048/IMG_2079.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP1mM_aJCkTTL2KPHQSFAaXcFAorNGFtK18KmpVZFyhA13tq-7v7TW14279py8e9nC6x9VMXYsSWajn_Ijj7iHlrLy-Gf18mZLM7QW_X25q6INqTVLi2REeoEo5ROJTheiEr-db-iTxdg-5ONdWEaI7HUKV-IVMVmcRru8N-_uib_fzNTWGnmA-eAD5g/w640-h480/IMG_2079.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4nP5b5yO9_Z8CR2cmvW1yTuZ0fiU4N42qQGFH9THhCKiUM4D6KQ-ldmXj4qxWuVXpnUkVzezVPqxjhaij9VtQyYyYCnk1QDlW96FhdLU2IcLHfTOPYfh4yjM_2FgDJAkMrmB1AgUgq1Ram6l0Yt-2G5y6FDrElsIxXcrk8VFp0fEtamUJRF15r3a1Do/s4032/IMG_2051.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4nP5b5yO9_Z8CR2cmvW1yTuZ0fiU4N42qQGFH9THhCKiUM4D6KQ-ldmXj4qxWuVXpnUkVzezVPqxjhaij9VtQyYyYCnk1QDlW96FhdLU2IcLHfTOPYfh4yjM_2FgDJAkMrmB1AgUgq1Ram6l0Yt-2G5y6FDrElsIxXcrk8VFp0fEtamUJRF15r3a1Do/w480-h640/IMG_2051.jpeg" title="Mount Batolusong Hike, Tanay Rizal 2024" width="480" /></a></p><p>Eventually, we had to go down since it was already almost 10:00AM. We went down the same way we went up and the views were equally just as rewarding. Going down was a challenge as well, because we were all careful not to slip. There were times when I had to squat just to make sure I would go down unscathed. </p><p>We no longer took breaks, although we did take a good long one at the store and drank water and ate the rest of our trail food. We were all in good spirits, but very much tired.. we were mustering up all the strength we had left as we descended the mountain. On our way back, we got to see the trail for the 4 Phases. It was a forest with a lot of bamboo trees. It was so much nicer seeing our surroundings in the daylight. </p><p>We were able to reach base camp by 11:00AM. Not bad at all for a group of beginners! We then hopped in the van and were on our way to our drop off points which were the same as our respective pick up points. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Some learnings from this hike</b></p><p></p>♡ A beginner mountain does not necessarily mean it will be an easy hike and no preparation will be needed for it. I think every hike (or even a trek) needs preparation beforehand. This could range from physical to mental preparation such as doing the research about the mountain. While you may not always know every single thing you will encounter on the hike, it's always best to gather information online or ask someone you know who may have hiked there before. <div><br />♡ It's ideal to hike in the months of December - February since you wouldn't have to worry so much about the weather. It's not rainy and it's not too hot during these months in the Philippines, so it's best to consider hiking in these months.</div><div><br />♡ My hiking pole was a life-saver. There were many times when I thought I was going to slip when we were going down the mountain, but my hiking pole helped me with my balance. If you're a beginner hiker, I would suggest <a href="https://www.decathlon.ph/c/outdoor-sports/hiking-and-trekking/gear/trekking-poles.html" target="_blank"><b>Decathlon's trekking poles</b></a>! </div><div><br />♡ I highly recommend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ga391980" target="_blank"><b>GA Outdoors </b></a>:-) Our coordination went smoothly and they were always early. </div><div><br />♡ Hiking with my work friends was a great experience because we shared through all the suffering, laughter, and victories. In a way it strengthened our bond even more since this hike became a core memory for all of us. :-) <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you dear reader if you've read up to this point! :-) I'm grateful to have this space to share with you <3 Hiking is still new to me, but it's something I'm loving and learning more about at the moment. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>*Credits to Liam for the first photo, and to Pete for our group shots!</i></div><p></p></div>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-20707011239230767822024-02-26T18:27:00.013+08:002024-02-27T13:27:48.943+08:00Mt. Pinatubo Hike, December 2023<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NsGka8CcifpW5vra_e1HmgB9h5e1BYWf97r58Ez-48ClDxNAdsMLz-rWRGdmQ3UNHI9NHhp0ex6vQNIqudl4NaufTWqHEUqiTKSOJAl2mBwYSOcIB1BMXmgMRUwQX_f9elTyJ6TaSPshleNVZC2FxqkG7dHXNpMfnqmjDAJXU5qlGd3Q-Zjut7bEd8s/s4032/IMG_0878.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NsGka8CcifpW5vra_e1HmgB9h5e1BYWf97r58Ez-48ClDxNAdsMLz-rWRGdmQ3UNHI9NHhp0ex6vQNIqudl4NaufTWqHEUqiTKSOJAl2mBwYSOcIB1BMXmgMRUwQX_f9elTyJ6TaSPshleNVZC2FxqkG7dHXNpMfnqmjDAJXU5qlGd3Q-Zjut7bEd8s/w480-h640/IMG_0878.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p></p><p>I truly have a penchant for being in nature and I think hiking is one of the best ways to immerse oneself. I'm writing this while my memory is still fresh, because I want to remember it all as much as possible. I also want to share more of my experience for dear readers who are also lovers of nature and might want to get into hiking. :-) </p><p>Hiking feels like a combination of two of my favorite things: walking long distances and nature. The walk is a lot more challenging in hiking of course, what with ascents and rope segments.... but I love the challenge. I also like the feeling of being small in this world when I'm surrounded by nature; seeing all the greens, being under the sun, and admiring its beauty up close humbles me a lot. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>My first ever mountain would be Mt. Pinatubo, so I guess this would be my <i>"Mother Mountain" -- </i>this is the term that mountaineers use to acknowledge the first mountain that they have climbed and reached the summit. It has a <a href="http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/11/mt-pinatubo-green-edition-960.html" target="_blank"><b>2/9 difficulty level</b></a> according to Pinoy Mountaineer and it is 960+ MASL. From my understanding, Mt. Pinatubo has multiple trails, and of course we chose the easiest one. I'm aware there's an option of camping overnight with the Delta-5 and Sapang Uwak Trails, but we're all working professionals with limited availability, so we opted for the one with the 4x4 vehicle. </p><p>This hike was with my high school friends, and it's considered as a birthday trip for dear L which she herself organized :") I love friends who push you out of your comfort zone and they do it together with you huhu. We booked our trip via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dandaviendanielle" target="_blank"><b>Danny Mt. Pinatubo Tour</b></a>, and we met with the organizer in Capas Tarlac directly.</p><p>My friends and I are all based in the South of Metro Manila, so we all left from there by 2:00AM. We arrived in Tarlac by 5:00AM, and we had an hour to complete the paperworks, payment, and preparations before starting our hike by 6:00AM. </p><p>We met Danny! and he led us to where the 4x4 vehicles were parked. We hopped on one and headed towards the vast stretch of land filled with lahar. It was perhaps the bumpiest ride of my life; we were screaming and holding on to our dear lives since we were riding at the back of our 4x4 jeep. It was the kind wherein you would fly off your seat if you didn't hold on tight enough. My precious Outliers Studios cap almost became an outlier as it nearly came off my head. :"( </p><h1 style="text-align: left;">4x4 Ride </h1><p>It was a sight to behold, seeing nothing but lahar and mountain ranges from afar. Interesting to note as well how there were little streams of water, some of which were sulfuric. There were no other life forms as we slowly ascended; I personally didn't feel the ascent since it was mostly flat, but for sure we were going up! It was all gray and sandy and a different environment all together, yet we were taking it all in. The ride lasted for an hour, and we had a break in between, wherein we got off the jeep and took some photos and felt the ground beneath us after a while of bumpiness. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6ttTOUn0IIB60F54lByhV6vaVHyLQKOxyqcKjKJdbuHwg_rB8DFF47jc7SZNmELoVfy-TPs-yhfIC88O7Aqf_PhYJwVskt-pqEPDdm2QOGc6zobhPe2b7XFjLdmA01kWurSG3HEQWdw81jIpwoVm7VRCmttRXEzRMHnarIvumbVnMW7Q_vmAqR3jvVA/s4032/IMG_0664.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6ttTOUn0IIB60F54lByhV6vaVHyLQKOxyqcKjKJdbuHwg_rB8DFF47jc7SZNmELoVfy-TPs-yhfIC88O7Aqf_PhYJwVskt-pqEPDdm2QOGc6zobhPe2b7XFjLdmA01kWurSG3HEQWdw81jIpwoVm7VRCmttRXEzRMHnarIvumbVnMW7Q_vmAqR3jvVA/w480-h640/IMG_0664.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Aside from admiring the scenic views, my friends and I sang out loud to our heart's content all the songs that came into our heads which made it feel like time passed so quickly. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNGjBPgr8UJB-46mTMrqyvofkfQjwy4Qi7M0jR94I11HIK35xFFdVr3Ya0m9UGAsACzILnuRd3spcqnDIZgstBCacQ0m8eG88F4dbc-hcOazyQmMcGvxXQw4KNYAuox4e9P_fMPDEpm0ty1Z-NBvUpE3WD-V6Tvc-79HsmQTCuQjwmxFi7mGPsZ39cfc/s3520/IMG_0713.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNGjBPgr8UJB-46mTMrqyvofkfQjwy4Qi7M0jR94I11HIK35xFFdVr3Ya0m9UGAsACzILnuRd3spcqnDIZgstBCacQ0m8eG88F4dbc-hcOazyQmMcGvxXQw4KNYAuox4e9P_fMPDEpm0ty1Z-NBvUpE3WD-V6Tvc-79HsmQTCuQjwmxFi7mGPsZ39cfc/w360-h640/IMG_0713.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="360" /></a></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Start of Trekking</h1><p>At 7:00AM, we finally arrived at the point wherein we had to start trekking. The trek consisted mostly of non-stop walking, crossing water streams of varying sizes, and passing through rocks and boulders. The terrain was a unique one, one I never saw anywhere else. The eruption really did alter the whole place, but from such a disaster came beauty. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVIPE69JUTSfXSNO1H7uOPgIlWgFcyoGSA4BwwLc6kygClkId_tJ02XIs8TVZg_4tMtck4JoXhKnCO_HnT-QU3tdI-7NsIP9UInOe3jP7yzZa6mUbSjCHm-N9-AOh9v_PMyFBnkS_A3V6f2yL9gZZvcE6IGH3LFZZOA8LnhP2zEdJvqJ2aLj18b_P244/s4032/IMG_0777.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVIPE69JUTSfXSNO1H7uOPgIlWgFcyoGSA4BwwLc6kygClkId_tJ02XIs8TVZg_4tMtck4JoXhKnCO_HnT-QU3tdI-7NsIP9UInOe3jP7yzZa6mUbSjCHm-N9-AOh9v_PMyFBnkS_A3V6f2yL9gZZvcE6IGH3LFZZOA8LnhP2zEdJvqJ2aLj18b_P244/w480-h640/IMG_0777.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfohRbr_FU3p5TujdYHvUZt6_f4SkfbIvIDo5onJHx8EEQZ_ulA5B5eU58pF7WtaRmdg9T4OwY0YXgBxspEVrrzTC1Cbr6uIOHr2zne9-CNbn5Pfe3j6kaBmGOsKqcx52cIhMJuE-ZCIpkbQf5ViXrIL7pOGTdqAaBuTPmr3pRBSUWi7CgbQL_oY1-yo/s4032/IMG_0805.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfohRbr_FU3p5TujdYHvUZt6_f4SkfbIvIDo5onJHx8EEQZ_ulA5B5eU58pF7WtaRmdg9T4OwY0YXgBxspEVrrzTC1Cbr6uIOHr2zne9-CNbn5Pfe3j6kaBmGOsKqcx52cIhMJuE-ZCIpkbQf5ViXrIL7pOGTdqAaBuTPmr3pRBSUWi7CgbQL_oY1-yo/w480-h640/IMG_0805.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pzJ3810UNRrTwSNFUxcUy88vaxw_hbAKcgSXmXb5DL0nG2SKfV3RQZgPihLRqcG3eTDpfm1suXTzZKzYYas5eutcS-4NZuwQdqfFCDz2Q6gwW5htTf-yJdxXtvJoDKeS5mqbja3TQ5rSWghKx2yj0NgR8bS4gjNOwl6e8KJ8lg1onPA684h36nnJGd8/s4032/IMG_0783.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pzJ3810UNRrTwSNFUxcUy88vaxw_hbAKcgSXmXb5DL0nG2SKfV3RQZgPihLRqcG3eTDpfm1suXTzZKzYYas5eutcS-4NZuwQdqfFCDz2Q6gwW5htTf-yJdxXtvJoDKeS5mqbja3TQ5rSWghKx2yj0NgR8bS4gjNOwl6e8KJ8lg1onPA684h36nnJGd8/w480-h640/IMG_0783.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vxleu7h0SjvZhEkI0PeQtL2_lWCYEc_zVIdfzYYL5p_pLwN_BBGwHfvOLcPJqk2eSX1IpmDSOAnVE4ubpkVyiIQVb6h1VZNY7i_Swy8KVPaJXMeVIRYQJ2tM_d1AsKHFqv5ZO0f8tugMjteH0NOdOYit07hMeYRqKdqWN9EYouzhXZg6GgVDlYL9Ais/s4032/IMG_0819.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vxleu7h0SjvZhEkI0PeQtL2_lWCYEc_zVIdfzYYL5p_pLwN_BBGwHfvOLcPJqk2eSX1IpmDSOAnVE4ubpkVyiIQVb6h1VZNY7i_Swy8KVPaJXMeVIRYQJ2tM_d1AsKHFqv5ZO0f8tugMjteH0NOdOYit07hMeYRqKdqWN9EYouzhXZg6GgVDlYL9Ais/w480-h640/IMG_0819.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrT95Sc_9JQ1EUaK5XCBUZn1k7ooTtaxCJA1IIJR-SZr03VfrzH6GMbIkhIfLmgRGYy7CLeTTTP9iTHDg3EJoiEP5fy1TZGTytNwH3AqxdPvXP0Awe2JIjtZQNh8BgRN4yYvv0u63bwfEUipHV8Y_OK3oRybu-7C2FEqEIaMcXLRueBz_HS8Pj9zcTAk/s4032/IMG_0834.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrT95Sc_9JQ1EUaK5XCBUZn1k7ooTtaxCJA1IIJR-SZr03VfrzH6GMbIkhIfLmgRGYy7CLeTTTP9iTHDg3EJoiEP5fy1TZGTytNwH3AqxdPvXP0Awe2JIjtZQNh8BgRN4yYvv0u63bwfEUipHV8Y_OK3oRybu-7C2FEqEIaMcXLRueBz_HS8Pj9zcTAk/w480-h640/IMG_0834.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIipYMaZmIBvApzBrlHrP5m4hjNd9PWMbVxnw0C5PslZcZh1UJAjjeFHEffZLMasmmRmXoXFYgPfRZajzQq59ONcdrPqCLFYPiCDr2q7CDvmChbZwmFKDFb8RHk0Ul8DVVOBKti1goJE9QkA6EwzzoENb-ccRYPeEme8kQ_dgSTlBEl3bnb8ZFmZD1g0/s4032/IMG_0928.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIipYMaZmIBvApzBrlHrP5m4hjNd9PWMbVxnw0C5PslZcZh1UJAjjeFHEffZLMasmmRmXoXFYgPfRZajzQq59ONcdrPqCLFYPiCDr2q7CDvmChbZwmFKDFb8RHk0Ul8DVVOBKti1goJE9QkA6EwzzoENb-ccRYPeEme8kQ_dgSTlBEl3bnb8ZFmZD1g0/w480-h640/IMG_0928.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-MdG8fC0jRhhe4bo9oUOHVSIjQBjks2ua6ay1kJbG7u-sVrhnYyUeCAaUoJeDGddXPA74UFNOVZWjRJoN4RoeIzryZuBGH1Z4dFpmyKMRbJefLT-OuIdXoxXlS1c3B57Kz2ZKcw62JlAJu6D0-vTAwbNNBEfUbKrIpAGN2rPmu4NmGPqqr6YSraAC3E/s4032/IMG_0915.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-MdG8fC0jRhhe4bo9oUOHVSIjQBjks2ua6ay1kJbG7u-sVrhnYyUeCAaUoJeDGddXPA74UFNOVZWjRJoN4RoeIzryZuBGH1Z4dFpmyKMRbJefLT-OuIdXoxXlS1c3B57Kz2ZKcw62JlAJu6D0-vTAwbNNBEfUbKrIpAGN2rPmu4NmGPqqr6YSraAC3E/w480-h640/IMG_0915.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p>The trek took a total of 2 hours. I'd say it was more of a trek because there wasn't much of an ascent. The only ascent/steep portion of this trek would be before reaching the summit. We took short breaks, wherein we would just occasionally drink water. </p><p>After a long while of streams and rocks, we entered into a lush forest filled with trees and even more streams. It was uphill from there, and we were stepping mostly on uneven rocks. Eventually though, there were stairs. Stairs!? Yes. They carved out stairs and I couldn't help but think- wow! Thank you so much for these stairs... </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReaA-iPiROKBkCZrbUdwMzIhWEJD2Mznd_-CHUDI9nZB4v-IN9v1_GULlXjQejPDm7l9SpoNrvnjavrLUirEv9dh6PsF-rrgnkSsPABO-6f6GVWbiQ68OAQq00dEUm9GTtGnLtxFMRBoBJyUCRXAEPVlzVB26yBvZRs_sCFqgVLbgC8PZ7uWVAbAjR8w/s4032/IMG_0980.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReaA-iPiROKBkCZrbUdwMzIhWEJD2Mznd_-CHUDI9nZB4v-IN9v1_GULlXjQejPDm7l9SpoNrvnjavrLUirEv9dh6PsF-rrgnkSsPABO-6f6GVWbiQ68OAQq00dEUm9GTtGnLtxFMRBoBJyUCRXAEPVlzVB26yBvZRs_sCFqgVLbgC8PZ7uWVAbAjR8w/w480-h640/IMG_0980.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtsdmS1Alp_-iU7_RwEL7iO6-dmOLgigJe9FvR-3fjOOFlGEKU7UkTt1njHWUpkOSqREyUDh5x-c60-WfvPUGEDExYV5u6Ae9CQge_mbUDG4Kauas815PQZ_gPI81sibbuV1CxoJ5Zf_BxfR8xFxXDSXgXDs0LgLv1USkIZHZDOGWDfD9uGxB7hcXMmU/s4032/IMG_0958.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtsdmS1Alp_-iU7_RwEL7iO6-dmOLgigJe9FvR-3fjOOFlGEKU7UkTt1njHWUpkOSqREyUDh5x-c60-WfvPUGEDExYV5u6Ae9CQge_mbUDG4Kauas815PQZ_gPI81sibbuV1CxoJ5Zf_BxfR8xFxXDSXgXDs0LgLv1USkIZHZDOGWDfD9uGxB7hcXMmU/w480-h640/IMG_0958.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1brj1BsA1G59e2uhAnHylw_EVOnVCcBkJyqG66DUxed1jW0uS8MNIsQDiDlJ24VQwvtzQskntLUliTBXAr0-a3gBDihKtMmDxy5twShy7GCUUezY61kwrah3uRTZILHin0yA2s0d8dqNZmu4qRwvF6Yvqgx8wiNY5u_eVcRzNWDfqdnYIfk_e_MZhM34/s4032/IMG_0992.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1brj1BsA1G59e2uhAnHylw_EVOnVCcBkJyqG66DUxed1jW0uS8MNIsQDiDlJ24VQwvtzQskntLUliTBXAr0-a3gBDihKtMmDxy5twShy7GCUUezY61kwrah3uRTZILHin0yA2s0d8dqNZmu4qRwvF6Yvqgx8wiNY5u_eVcRzNWDfqdnYIfk_e_MZhM34/w480-h640/IMG_0992.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-MLgA_u3G0tRcjWbmrnX860ztFV2yr5gMnxHb-PR6vbn8qtqE79vRQzNXMERNUqRf2PZvF4zDrhJAW_gd9NmoqVEgzq-VE7mnlNe26Cgoyofs-G0i4WYWyc_isbfgMZsDm43x-teYuyM0BYB7Oa8vnfnz1lUQjlWvi_SLQnkF-FpqnOgHrcpkQDKrig/s4032/IMG_1003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-MLgA_u3G0tRcjWbmrnX860ztFV2yr5gMnxHb-PR6vbn8qtqE79vRQzNXMERNUqRf2PZvF4zDrhJAW_gd9NmoqVEgzq-VE7mnlNe26Cgoyofs-G0i4WYWyc_isbfgMZsDm43x-teYuyM0BYB7Oa8vnfnz1lUQjlWvi_SLQnkF-FpqnOgHrcpkQDKrig/w480-h640/IMG_1003.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Reaching the Summit at 960+ MASL</h1><p>Once we reached the top (at around 9:00AM), we were greeted by a majestic view of the Mt. Pinatubo crater lake. We spent a lot of time here at the summit. We caught up, drank water, and ate some of our trail food. We took a lot of photos, and we even descended down nearer to the lake. We stared at the scenery and admired it; no one is allowed to swim due to an accident from years back. We were contented however to just sit and talk and bask in the beautiful scenery. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0sgtcNSyodfhyoCsERxfB6MvJL3zeizUzToTZwpmo1USVkothUMTyoSYgVMV3mgEJUmar_zczVt1RThnrm7LGcd2Q-7VksTz7QfsSWxCHXMXFTyq4HzT4nH1aa5btNMpd6DKjT1sqkPJd5D2Ho6zsCDlhfEO-awAMfeFhSw7L3wjzNcEDfWYpub_UyI/s4032/IMG_1081.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0sgtcNSyodfhyoCsERxfB6MvJL3zeizUzToTZwpmo1USVkothUMTyoSYgVMV3mgEJUmar_zczVt1RThnrm7LGcd2Q-7VksTz7QfsSWxCHXMXFTyq4HzT4nH1aa5btNMpd6DKjT1sqkPJd5D2Ho6zsCDlhfEO-awAMfeFhSw7L3wjzNcEDfWYpub_UyI/w480-h640/IMG_1081.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGTanC_yXRtBd2wuq4ztBbGEr5aOAhq7hjIa-qy_UXUsR04YStIW8QjFZbHGROnxYL4OSJHgDRPqDjv1Mjar7GBEqz6VY7NznV8-n1EVmaJLyr_QT_uM90-eyQxqiQ8tYLZw6b-uXp7mKV9KZjgwJQecsLxtBIveXeT_xuALWPORwzFykW8pQuZ7nx-E/s4032/IMG_1077.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGTanC_yXRtBd2wuq4ztBbGEr5aOAhq7hjIa-qy_UXUsR04YStIW8QjFZbHGROnxYL4OSJHgDRPqDjv1Mjar7GBEqz6VY7NznV8-n1EVmaJLyr_QT_uM90-eyQxqiQ8tYLZw6b-uXp7mKV9KZjgwJQecsLxtBIveXeT_xuALWPORwzFykW8pQuZ7nx-E/w480-h640/IMG_1077.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzBHVVXNo1Jo-oAntXR7ekXT2zrdJVh8xgIiFNGuRC89xyYHctGMHkZPVVNvxb9ZPrUF0qnBlFwli8M0U-XwiWVSlOFkUbHdZpJ1oyqi8lfduJBaEDBbOGIE7RkHlgTgCk5ujjo6XYU20nOei_diiW_Dbx1rc9uCmcXA951VOQ6tSQ9SFgq9dHsbUYug/s2048/IMG_0139.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzBHVVXNo1Jo-oAntXR7ekXT2zrdJVh8xgIiFNGuRC89xyYHctGMHkZPVVNvxb9ZPrUF0qnBlFwli8M0U-XwiWVSlOFkUbHdZpJ1oyqi8lfduJBaEDBbOGIE7RkHlgTgCk5ujjo6XYU20nOei_diiW_Dbx1rc9uCmcXA951VOQ6tSQ9SFgq9dHsbUYug/w480-h640/IMG_0139.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p>At around 11:00AM, we decided to go back. The way going down is the same as the one going up, so we pretty much knew what to expect. Going down was quite alright, although there were times wherein I needed the guide's help because I didn't know exactly where to place my foot. I think a hiking pole would've been very helpful, since I saw other hikers with it. Sadly though, I wasn't able to purchase one prior the trip. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtfCcSf6qjdiYLMejgukK1sI9z56fsDuSnG0UqOJAtvsZLKl0zKKu4l8KRH2tECXYAKQ-d_SYL5lYMYfEArECgqE7w3FIgeXR-DeBkNwMXSgn8SzExTpi9WjETC3WBm25s57qUoWb_504pDy7QlAuvMrN87fnczcPuH8og57XPTz3rsWJ-3cVPME_L8E/s4032/IMG_6326.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtfCcSf6qjdiYLMejgukK1sI9z56fsDuSnG0UqOJAtvsZLKl0zKKu4l8KRH2tECXYAKQ-d_SYL5lYMYfEArECgqE7w3FIgeXR-DeBkNwMXSgn8SzExTpi9WjETC3WBm25s57qUoWb_504pDy7QlAuvMrN87fnczcPuH8og57XPTz3rsWJ-3cVPME_L8E/w480-h640/IMG_6326.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibucmpTKoBNOksoXumzf5k8jP1DCdW8NCNP2itFoMCKDPkloB8zz4VZM1ZJURgbo7U2saO9sbyDNuw_H_paA39hJojyvuPk_eQA5elJWMLbOSvIu93twWA6g-X1cvOi3fvv019RkmzwqTJuONqquldd-FZNL7A2O1k3p3X3xC3WrtZFibGWYqnZCFfJvQ/s4032/IMG_6342.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibucmpTKoBNOksoXumzf5k8jP1DCdW8NCNP2itFoMCKDPkloB8zz4VZM1ZJURgbo7U2saO9sbyDNuw_H_paA39hJojyvuPk_eQA5elJWMLbOSvIu93twWA6g-X1cvOi3fvv019RkmzwqTJuONqquldd-FZNL7A2O1k3p3X3xC3WrtZFibGWYqnZCFfJvQ/w480-h640/IMG_6342.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ2hu8-dJQ8iWx5XK67MWBIlRRhcAgFfw57SnmQy3FFHdPUI8ep5qLYj8Ndie3U1veTxtnwIrUESsMHm-oTgldxqZooBJ9tT-ELylCxMnxEFfXcIMZJLD-JblEHg0W1V4O3Vf159nfFvMAfqxUDQlxNErfnF8OQBH_LL9DZ6j-lQHr-JJCFC4rnbucJI/s4032/IMG_6335.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ2hu8-dJQ8iWx5XK67MWBIlRRhcAgFfw57SnmQy3FFHdPUI8ep5qLYj8Ndie3U1veTxtnwIrUESsMHm-oTgldxqZooBJ9tT-ELylCxMnxEFfXcIMZJLD-JblEHg0W1V4O3Vf159nfFvMAfqxUDQlxNErfnF8OQBH_LL9DZ6j-lQHr-JJCFC4rnbucJI/w480-h640/IMG_6335.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd0kzDXH3ib11MJHacos5uKTxv6cMp7d49pQa7Qr_syCs88gqN8A1zPHGtPZHbszcKSKH96AEioG40lkmnMTiCNLmUR1cCHH33tkhJ7J7_KG1d2CedjpwKilcu1RuwFWSe6loLxGeS9K3-8BxHeoIV3J1oQIO1apJMrlz8RrPwD5utUG7uCsd0BDeD7w/s4032/IMG_6338.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd0kzDXH3ib11MJHacos5uKTxv6cMp7d49pQa7Qr_syCs88gqN8A1zPHGtPZHbszcKSKH96AEioG40lkmnMTiCNLmUR1cCHH33tkhJ7J7_KG1d2CedjpwKilcu1RuwFWSe6loLxGeS9K3-8BxHeoIV3J1oQIO1apJMrlz8RrPwD5utUG7uCsd0BDeD7w/w480-h640/IMG_6338.jpeg" title="Mt. Pinatubo Hike, Capas Tarlac 2023" width="480" /></a></p><p>We eventually got down at around 1:00PM. We then hopped on our 4x4 jeep and headed back to town. We arrived at 2:00PM in our base and ate a late lunch. We then finished and headed back to Manila by 3:00PM. We were able to get back by 6:00PM, which wasn't so bad considering it was a holiday!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Some learnings from this hike:</b></p><p></p>♡ This was my first hike, and it made me realize how fun it can be, especially with friends. <div><br />♡ It's truly something else to see nature at its undisturbed natural form. The eruption has definitely done its damage and humans probably left the place as it is, but it remains to be beautiful and out of this world. </div><div><br />♡ Wear hiking sandals because you'll be crossing a lot of streams. I was originally planning to hike with my hiking shoes, but I didn't want to risk getting my shoes and socks wet. That would be an uncomfortable hike if you ask me!</div><div><br />♡ Bring a raincoat just in case- we experienced light drizzles and it's pretty much expected.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I think there will always be something to learn in every hike, and I know I'll bring these learnings along with me for future hikes :-) </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you dear reader for being here!</div><p></p></div>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-84515786772501561532024-01-02T20:04:00.023+08:002024-01-02T20:16:06.230+08:005 Things I Learned To Love in 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH-c6ehdJ2iFRe4_OAY15a_Vucfks8EqFdaO_GaAaBKXopQSQWFqlAI59Yom1MigbilF-3fwF8uylAEJiG8lVqf7uK_X3b8HU9LUxN54x8sg00R_9EOnKSiroMS03ULcNcphpKL4NK59tq_VTHKpNjMoUXeIw20J61Fq3eE1LbJa09kktncK1fiFa4ss/s4032/IMG_1099.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH-c6ehdJ2iFRe4_OAY15a_Vucfks8EqFdaO_GaAaBKXopQSQWFqlAI59Yom1MigbilF-3fwF8uylAEJiG8lVqf7uK_X3b8HU9LUxN54x8sg00R_9EOnKSiroMS03ULcNcphpKL4NK59tq_VTHKpNjMoUXeIw20J61Fq3eE1LbJa09kktncK1fiFa4ss/w480-h640/IMG_1099.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>I've been spending these past few days just resting and reflecting on the year that was. And now that a brand new year has come, it's another opportunity to explore and try new things or to carry over the things we've loved from the previous year (but of course, we can start anything at any time, don't wait for the new year ;-) ). </p><p>I've tried a lot of things last year, and some have left a deep impression in me, so much that I've been wanting to share all these with you, in long form writing: </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. Spin Classes</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwHraDY9UP4zSy0OIbeak4DFWiVyC5z-7wyXO1suQzcL3sGLsb_c_ZUT94JzrYylq5ChPSybEva0DTpsSEkLR8djOAN4Ox_GH9XPeliM17hnXNaDfvhBurm5pS3VLlnSu5OxKWDJ_sk5jMUw1k_GVKBjIcZJQOFlZKSV75H0bu4JDEeS-qwvj3WmCiRk/s4032/IMG_5944.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwHraDY9UP4zSy0OIbeak4DFWiVyC5z-7wyXO1suQzcL3sGLsb_c_ZUT94JzrYylq5ChPSybEva0DTpsSEkLR8djOAN4Ox_GH9XPeliM17hnXNaDfvhBurm5pS3VLlnSu5OxKWDJ_sk5jMUw1k_GVKBjIcZJQOFlZKSV75H0bu4JDEeS-qwvj3WmCiRk/w480-h640/IMG_5944.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was looking into losing the holiday weight I gained when I came back from Texas in January last year. I wanted to try something new and was considering signing up for the gym. I was sharing this with my friends until eventually one of them asked if I was interested in trying spin classes with her. I was hesitant at first since I heard a lot of stories about people trying it out and not enjoying it at all. It seemed challenging yet at the same time I was curious, so I gave it a try.</div><div><br /></div><div>My first class was exhausting; I couldn't keep up with the instructor! I was drenched in sweat all over.. but strangely enough, I was happy. I actually enjoyed my first ride despite the initial thought that I might not be able to finish the whole 45 minute non-stop ride. I really liked the feeling of being able to complete the session. Since then, I continued going to spin classes. Most times after work and sometimes during the weekends and holidays.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried different instructors as well and I found that they all have their different styles and quirks. I learned to appreciate all of them, because they were all motivational and I never really felt the pressure I thought I'd feel to always be in sync or to cycle faster than I can manage. They always emphasize that it's definitely fine to go at your own pace, following choreography is optional, and what matters the most is to have fun and sweat. They also give out motivational speeches which I have to admit lightens up the session and gets the class hyped up even more. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's also that sense of community. I didn't become friends with everyone in the class of course, but there were opportunities for small talks in the locker room, or even before the session. Everyone's just so kind and energetic. The studio felt like a safe space with everyone just being themselves and cycling. I came to appreciate my own body through the process because I never really felt any judgment from anyone. We all just want to finish strong :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm no longer going to the studio for classes, but I still spin at home. I have a stationary bike and had it modified so that I would be able to clip my shoes on it and stand while cycling, just like how it's done in the studio. I may not be cycling with an instructor, with the class, and with blaring music in the room, but I still carry the same energy and passion for the activity which I see myself continuing this year!!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. Ube</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ML8hdQ9EPLufi9QCP9DTmus4tdKjaSq5vVXIpFt9RsJtpoxFlIfefz7fp2C-fkLfTuhBAcwQkfBbge_bIu9SVI6C_h5n6Zv4yj5Q7vuzxWTVTnIH9Yn3Ck-srkZx_QL67spYSajFms6jmaeoiV6BvZE1xgjHihmoErzJlZT407wJBxCfiIisNwqsAIY/s1186/IMG_6771.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ML8hdQ9EPLufi9QCP9DTmus4tdKjaSq5vVXIpFt9RsJtpoxFlIfefz7fp2C-fkLfTuhBAcwQkfBbge_bIu9SVI6C_h5n6Zv4yj5Q7vuzxWTVTnIH9Yn3Ck-srkZx_QL67spYSajFms6jmaeoiV6BvZE1xgjHihmoErzJlZT407wJBxCfiIisNwqsAIY/w518-h640/IMG_6771.jpeg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><div>I always thought ube was a "Tita flavor", but I eventually came to love it because of my sister. She requested my parents and I to bring tubs of ube jam when we visited her and we ate it with her as well. Somehow I was influenced by her ube cravings and I found myself craving it as well when I landed back in Manila. I now have an appreciation for ube and I love it as a flavor for ice cream, cakes, dessert, and the like. </div><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Hiking</h2><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQwaZhB1_wPieR9ZDHQs853tNGIm_jwKzRVmKbVId526adTS8Y_rEI80RkDa2kRPCbM7JOz6-WlTgRmADD8n0dr938mdErqlNSudGPuUmuP0DYlAG21bBTG1VISsVeAypwTNQf29xX5X8oGAbvFmSUpTiFAj4yAvqr4iOG317AeIacWNa7ZAKHTKrxXI/s4032/IMG_1016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQwaZhB1_wPieR9ZDHQs853tNGIm_jwKzRVmKbVId526adTS8Y_rEI80RkDa2kRPCbM7JOz6-WlTgRmADD8n0dr938mdErqlNSudGPuUmuP0DYlAG21bBTG1VISsVeAypwTNQf29xX5X8oGAbvFmSUpTiFAj4yAvqr4iOG317AeIacWNa7ZAKHTKrxXI/w480-h640/IMG_1016.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1VkqIXbLnvTyLhgcWkU5fOZI-GNmTEwPzWpgajmo214fWjec2lB7a68HneDJRmpp08YqIGL_a2d0h8IQSUXt5m573nWDHvUGwdiA9AEgx4toBGLYrhEKAfXi1rzdH5jK84VhHBbdjxuxGtkZhu0nj0wyCuePxHZlR3qzb00LUpizv-JTBgXrE05h15A/s4032/IMG_1042.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1VkqIXbLnvTyLhgcWkU5fOZI-GNmTEwPzWpgajmo214fWjec2lB7a68HneDJRmpp08YqIGL_a2d0h8IQSUXt5m573nWDHvUGwdiA9AEgx4toBGLYrhEKAfXi1rzdH5jK84VhHBbdjxuxGtkZhu0nj0wyCuePxHZlR3qzb00LUpizv-JTBgXrE05h15A/w480-h640/IMG_1042.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>My friends and I hiked Mt. Pinatubo in December last year! It was a birthday trip for L which she planned and organized. This was my first time hiking and I didn't know how to prepare, what to prepare? But I did my research and did somehow feel prepared :") The trip included riding a 4x4 vehicle through the vast land covered in lahar which lasted for an hour, then the actual hike took us two hours.. not bad!! The view of the crater was so beautiful, so surreal. It's embedded in my brain and it will stay there rent free. </p><p>I hope to hike more this year and experience more of nature. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">4. Selling art in a pop-up</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU8Wn9vkQ9yqYCSveRGWDOhRZq7QGApVCpVFmDtGDd73WeTm9FvVjARtGYaE2rXzgU4hvx0VzRUsWTPC4q6Y9hvvFdLQPM9k1ibbKXrmED0ATw_hN_-gI-9XUpt9Km9Vlwuia5ZCv051X1vbLx10VHMof2aEEHMpYAbN6bYYbgh22pLD61nvVw8edRKU/s1104/47E83042-8943-4980-A8E6-5EABC9A8DC63.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU8Wn9vkQ9yqYCSveRGWDOhRZq7QGApVCpVFmDtGDd73WeTm9FvVjARtGYaE2rXzgU4hvx0VzRUsWTPC4q6Y9hvvFdLQPM9k1ibbKXrmED0ATw_hN_-gI-9XUpt9Km9Vlwuia5ZCv051X1vbLx10VHMof2aEEHMpYAbN6bYYbgh22pLD61nvVw8edRKU/w480-h640/47E83042-8943-4980-A8E6-5EABC9A8DC63.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>My friend invited me to sell art in her pop-up in a cafe. It was quite last minute, but I did have that genuine curiosity of trying it out and learning the process of how it worked. So I prepared the art prints I still have in stock from my last online print selling and brought them to the event. It was a good experience and it pushed me to finally put myself out there. It's a lot of work, being a one-man team but I really do enjoy it. </p><p>I aim to participate in more pop-ups this year. I just know that I'll be so busy with making art, creating a workflow and process, marketing myself, and all the works. Wish me luck!!</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Making reels on Instagram</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccRVgSKhoOKom0ixUjg5qXjT47K2-oa3FnpL5YBK4QZpd6g3rk_g8TIJBexVx-2Fp8OHDM0wmHvh8HPsSte2jcAO1hOegoxIaWvIgpy8otNyvl_WdmB3CPRcOhZSAihI4bejKxKvNuFN-Oxy51aDwVhDD7KlbTXdptuYH3j2VFb8eWaPvraV-X95NEvE/s1565/IMG_6772.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccRVgSKhoOKom0ixUjg5qXjT47K2-oa3FnpL5YBK4QZpd6g3rk_g8TIJBexVx-2Fp8OHDM0wmHvh8HPsSte2jcAO1hOegoxIaWvIgpy8otNyvl_WdmB3CPRcOhZSAihI4bejKxKvNuFN-Oxy51aDwVhDD7KlbTXdptuYH3j2VFb8eWaPvraV-X95NEvE/w392-h640/IMG_6772.jpeg" width="392" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I never expected to enjoy making reels, but I now do. It's my way of romanticizing life and it's just so fun to watch mini clips of my memories. It's simply so nice to have something to look back at. It started when I wanted to document bits and pieces of my Hanoi trip. Reviewing the clips makes me feel nostalgic and grateful for moments I get to enjoy with loved ones. The process of editing, searching for the right song, and reordering clips was mostly trial and error but I love watching it all come to place in the end. </p><p>I'll definitely be making more reels this year ;-)</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">What new things did you learn to love back in 2023? </p><p style="text-align: left;">Will you be doing more of them in 2024? </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'd love to know! :-) </p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-70189646896198326512023-12-23T13:42:00.009+08:002024-03-18T20:58:15.911+08:00Cafes and Art Spaces in Hanoi, Vietnam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYwCvbiX7wuvyGMgFd0upo5bspdL3s9f39wse1DHjPMFf-mi9EAAoeWfTSXVHocq7Eg5hQAzcnms8J14Ts4CnMfX5BwGjiyHNrqmlxigDjnqoKiokFFfLOWUhPV9a_tRftGM98wlGWe8aOoSa3oCx-TAeKysbuLefESre7U5i8t3KxpfIr7L-JthRsfI/s4032/IMG_7835.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYwCvbiX7wuvyGMgFd0upo5bspdL3s9f39wse1DHjPMFf-mi9EAAoeWfTSXVHocq7Eg5hQAzcnms8J14Ts4CnMfX5BwGjiyHNrqmlxigDjnqoKiokFFfLOWUhPV9a_tRftGM98wlGWe8aOoSa3oCx-TAeKysbuLefESre7U5i8t3KxpfIr7L-JthRsfI/w480-h640/IMG_7835.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I went to Hanoi Vietnam with two of my high school friends last October. It was a fun girls trip with everything we loved doing because we each had the opportunity to enjoy each others' interests. One of these would be how we got to go biking on two occasions-- first would be around West Lake (took us 2 hours to complete the loop), then second would be in the countryside (the lovely Ninh Binh). Another would be when we intentionally went on a hunt for a camera shop since our friend is an avid film fan. The shop was not easily seen as it was hidden in an alleyway. I had to remind myself that we were in Vietnam and we had to be more careful and observant with the signages and really follow Google maps closely. :")</p><p>In every trip however, there will always be time to spend for common interests and one of ours would be cafe-hopping. Experiencing the cafe coffee culture in Vietnam is a must! I'm not a huge coffee fan, but I don't mind drinking coffee everyday while here. I can say that I like the taste and it doesn't make my heart palpitate like crazy.. maybe it's because of the condensed milk, but it's really just so good. </p><p>The cafe culture is very present here as well. I admire how they get creative with their space; some are well-hidden inside the alleyways while some are out there with outside seating for people to simply sit and do some people watching. </p><p>There are so many cafes to be explored while here and I'm confident each shop has good coffee to offer. We explored as much as we could and the places we went to were either researched beforehand, came from recommendations, or purely stumbled upon. I made Instagram reels of the cafes we went to, but I wanted to write a bit about them as well in list form on this blog. Allow me to share a bit of my personal experience and anecdotes :)</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Hidden Gem Cafe</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemcoffeehanoi/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HiddenGemCoffeeHanoi" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>1 Hàng Mắm, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrmNdU_817LVnTUvhi7spKa2KosCc33z-e2eJJtwpTKvJrkBj6SENGP7b5y-seq-qFf5GJIiWx749TtpmYNc9g5Xh-76iF07OY5kXZLjhmd45EnMBfaxMyI8P30sS5QQ8CaPugR_esuksZZq_GitdzjzUSznYzOxtK4zVHyEIvDGFB7hEuB9VnjxbVMg/s4032/IMG_7844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrmNdU_817LVnTUvhi7spKa2KosCc33z-e2eJJtwpTKvJrkBj6SENGP7b5y-seq-qFf5GJIiWx749TtpmYNc9g5Xh-76iF07OY5kXZLjhmd45EnMBfaxMyI8P30sS5QQ8CaPugR_esuksZZq_GitdzjzUSznYzOxtK4zVHyEIvDGFB7hEuB9VnjxbVMg/w480-h640/IMG_7844.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the first cafe we went to upon arriving in Hanoi and we decided to check it out since it was included in our airbnb host's recommended places to go to. It's located along a busy street, although as we entered the alleyway, we found ourselves far from the noise. The cafe has 3 floors and it's surrounded by a lot of greenery, recycled decorations, and murals. The murals show much of Vietnam's culture and way of life, and the designs are vibrant and very charming overall. We had coffee here which had unique flavors, much like the rest of the drinks on their menu. They even have vegetarian options! It's definitely a lovely place to spend time at especially if you've just started exploring the city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Loading T Cafe</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/loadingt_cafe/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cfLoadingT/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p> 8 P. Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw72bsimmuHuzNoNq3xy4KpfUn1kVFgMEajXsd2nnIidNpcISQmHwBTu-v6GNeKncvGCHOfrMI3Ttu4UvmtZ7GxsNGbC2LFk76mi4739RyJVcwdkuX6fYEfm79LNYRLfNnr5gKkT8Pfl-RPIrgSEujJGWDiB_g72AKYBhV7ohj2pS1s6IoWXLKFnPQvk/s4032/IMG_7902.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw72bsimmuHuzNoNq3xy4KpfUn1kVFgMEajXsd2nnIidNpcISQmHwBTu-v6GNeKncvGCHOfrMI3Ttu4UvmtZ7GxsNGbC2LFk76mi4739RyJVcwdkuX6fYEfm79LNYRLfNnr5gKkT8Pfl-RPIrgSEujJGWDiB_g72AKYBhV7ohj2pS1s6IoWXLKFnPQvk/w480-h640/IMG_7902.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Loading T cafe's facade piqued my curiosity as we walked along Chan Cam street. I didn't know it was a cafe because at first glance it seemed like a house, although upon looking closer I saw the cafe's signage. This is a classic example of a Indochina-era architecture, and I definitely felt like I was transported into a different era when we stepped in. They retained most of the building's interiors while adding in some quirky designs here and there. I loved their egg coffee, very frothy and has hints of cinnamon!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2>📌 BlackBird Cafe</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdcoffeevn/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blackbirdcoffeevn/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>5 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm Hanoi, Vietnam 100000</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgownAZy6p2aEjchv2qYVfaWfgFNg2Ecx9RkKvgNCDB7xaEJljLdiZx47Vl2zxL8RuM2qVyQJqnYzAE1lA5AatMexT5kAdUWaVHcKW5YaIQDHJlMYR_Uw6C3vNyVBEhrfT2A6dMzeLO1IdnDt1Xj24Wmo6Z5DqlHqy6B5no2CwcKwVDyhlmOAmoKU9B-ts/s4032/IMG_7884.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgownAZy6p2aEjchv2qYVfaWfgFNg2Ecx9RkKvgNCDB7xaEJljLdiZx47Vl2zxL8RuM2qVyQJqnYzAE1lA5AatMexT5kAdUWaVHcKW5YaIQDHJlMYR_Uw6C3vNyVBEhrfT2A6dMzeLO1IdnDt1Xj24Wmo6Z5DqlHqy6B5no2CwcKwVDyhlmOAmoKU9B-ts/w480-h640/IMG_7884.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>BlackBird caught my eye because it's the title of one of my favorite Beatles songs. I really liked their specialty coffee-- it was strong and made me palpitate.. but I needed it because we were here in the afternoon and I needed the energy! </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Sol Arch Space</h2><p><a href="https://instagram.com/solarchspace" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SolArtSpace54QS/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>Tít cuối ngõ tập thể 54 Quán Sứ Hanoi, Vietnam 11000</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LUBLOUYPcmB5E5M6W9gQc5vvvWlkMtx1shcjaztkbDjweJZV-bOvsybSnFg5wUJUzGefTn8tmxmHEVlvMepljbLhyphenhyphenA44L_VzOcVZlQKD5puu_Q5SwPZx76HMQxgSeHDwnkUZuw_6Gvt6R8b72Cm68U1DsItcf90-7EDFbSrTW-6TqC6BJCbEJCKjT-0/s4032/IMG_8313.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LUBLOUYPcmB5E5M6W9gQc5vvvWlkMtx1shcjaztkbDjweJZV-bOvsybSnFg5wUJUzGefTn8tmxmHEVlvMepljbLhyphenhyphenA44L_VzOcVZlQKD5puu_Q5SwPZx76HMQxgSeHDwnkUZuw_6Gvt6R8b72Cm68U1DsItcf90-7EDFbSrTW-6TqC6BJCbEJCKjT-0/w480-h640/IMG_8313.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Sol Arch Space was a place I researched about prior to our trip. During my trip in Saigon, I chanced upon a cafe hidden inside an alleyway, and I wanted to experience the same thing in Hanoi. It was equally just as interesting and magical when we found this art space and cafe. We were also able to chat with the owner and learned a lot from his vision of the space. It was unlike any of the cafes we went to; it was much like a house with a lot of artifacts which the owner collected and curated from his trips around Vietnam. They serve really good coffee, although I suggest asking the owner for his own personal recommendation because their menu changes from time to time. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Hatchin</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hatchincoffee/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hatchincoffee" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>8 P. Hai Bà Trưng, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWPMW0YfGXx_IhdJG-s77GEFdYeulx6QjJ5nOQJNMI-YKfOKzvzSTTAP-sAjY25Jwze2t1ujKoUbZCBb2NJgCIowK63TkNnSZLR3evjVYAyGq1ouwA-gWL6PGfDewJvvr_mdypRmg9JJK8Z2-TvcsG2k52-Q6gPkhe0bqSeOmlpO6yyAQI5HfnewWI10/s4032/IMG_9451.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWPMW0YfGXx_IhdJG-s77GEFdYeulx6QjJ5nOQJNMI-YKfOKzvzSTTAP-sAjY25Jwze2t1ujKoUbZCBb2NJgCIowK63TkNnSZLR3evjVYAyGq1ouwA-gWL6PGfDewJvvr_mdypRmg9JJK8Z2-TvcsG2k52-Q6gPkhe0bqSeOmlpO6yyAQI5HfnewWI10/w480-h640/IMG_9451.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hatchin was a cafe we stumbled upon after walking around Hoan Kiem lake. We took a break from drinking coffee and took the chance to try out their tea drinks. Their menu left an impression on me, because their names were quite creative. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Manzi Art Space</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/manzihn/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/manzihanoi/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>14 P. Phan Huy Ích, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTqs2xZUQWzsRXbHDGsqrD-n3mngeeNh27EaCFukT3uTSjV4IX14956H9Br4tlMPJt9n2-eT2hyphenhyphenS-41ghcxtiOditrjsPKobyNVIJzyxdCqEKB0tEzmQpg4UERI5zpU_dzhVmdbImlAFnbjS6rRizwhECseqVy5SZwA6OnWvXktFtYQ2pU7djKfLrsAM/s4032/IMG_8547.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTqs2xZUQWzsRXbHDGsqrD-n3mngeeNh27EaCFukT3uTSjV4IX14956H9Br4tlMPJt9n2-eT2hyphenhyphenS-41ghcxtiOditrjsPKobyNVIJzyxdCqEKB0tEzmQpg4UERI5zpU_dzhVmdbImlAFnbjS6rRizwhECseqVy5SZwA6OnWvXktFtYQ2pU7djKfLrsAM/w480-h640/IMG_8547.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">We found ourselves in Manzi after our 2 hour bike ride around West Lake. It's a lovely cafe and art space with a high ceiling and white walls. They only serve drinks and we took the opportunity to relax and recharge here before our next adventure. Don't forget to go upstairs to view the artworks! It's located in a quiet street with lots of shops and flowers! My dear friend bought us bouquets here~</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Cafe Giang</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cafegiang/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafegiang.vn/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>39 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Ml9GblX-XGUCtFZ9gX5-PS6WaHPdOQvj_dYuEgPAhHfzujtPVa1pM4c6GBl3UOGXOES6tEwx38IMU3xN8opbpoN2WVWbis4lKHnlPuXjMFnQ0IUmiRfp59iz8pU_tZtICmnuNNJaBgqo02oUQpy-JounsC2SbdZZMtHebiqArbBd7g8VED0Xajdrt0/s4032/IMG_9194.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Ml9GblX-XGUCtFZ9gX5-PS6WaHPdOQvj_dYuEgPAhHfzujtPVa1pM4c6GBl3UOGXOES6tEwx38IMU3xN8opbpoN2WVWbis4lKHnlPuXjMFnQ0IUmiRfp59iz8pU_tZtICmnuNNJaBgqo02oUQpy-JounsC2SbdZZMtHebiqArbBd7g8VED0Xajdrt0/w480-h640/IMG_9194.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">One cannot miss Cafe Giang while in Hanoi. They are perhaps the OG when it comes to egg coffee. We went here after having breakfast. We got the iced egg coffee and it felt much like we were having dessert. So good!! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Cong Cafe </h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/congcaphe/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CongCaphe" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>There are a lot of branches scattered around the city! I encourage you to go try it out ;)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvty4bq2KJseKJB8yiYDmkU2fGGFEKuvYlNkaUkI8ePX4A4u5fGr29-pnPMy2sH_MOK8dIrAsFfNshm-120HUuKTWXDIQAVxElp_Va3myVwPX3r3D355vQBr0CSrY0PMjG2dJJZghZ0Bs5vUmhsdX5CAHACWKRR_z3WCrF1eimqR_yLzzPNDA89seHuU/s4032/IMG_9401.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvty4bq2KJseKJB8yiYDmkU2fGGFEKuvYlNkaUkI8ePX4A4u5fGr29-pnPMy2sH_MOK8dIrAsFfNshm-120HUuKTWXDIQAVxElp_Va3myVwPX3r3D355vQBr0CSrY0PMjG2dJJZghZ0Bs5vUmhsdX5CAHACWKRR_z3WCrF1eimqR_yLzzPNDA89seHuU/w480-h640/IMG_9401.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Cong Cafe is also one of those cafes you cannot miss while in Vietnam. They have interesting varieties of coffee drinks. I recommend their coconut coffee! It was really refreshing and it tasted really good. Spending time in Cong Cafe will allow you to appreciate its army green walls, war-time photos, and antiques. Most would remember it for its communist chic vibe. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">📌 Xofa Cafe</h2><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/xofacafe/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xofacafe" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>14 Tống Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem Hanoi, Vietnam 100000</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sdRf6-2ZhopQMxMaCF90PyKkTb816Gr49s29o5H67CDa86nqoUi0ClfvIFMUnOlCNU2EXAjC9WYdJeYlFSz1rgH2Po5AsDqLy3lgLw7_gJ-2LkjgbGbjAqmZAVvUaord1v_a0GmpNvOdV9uPefAL9ViebwvspiD3hVOJhL7XbzPN9YlkCXIE_YaLkjU/s4032/IMG_8071.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sdRf6-2ZhopQMxMaCF90PyKkTb816Gr49s29o5H67CDa86nqoUi0ClfvIFMUnOlCNU2EXAjC9WYdJeYlFSz1rgH2Po5AsDqLy3lgLw7_gJ-2LkjgbGbjAqmZAVvUaord1v_a0GmpNvOdV9uPefAL9ViebwvspiD3hVOJhL7XbzPN9YlkCXIE_YaLkjU/w480-h640/IMG_8071.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Xofa cafe was also a recommendation from our airbnb host. We loved how it was located in a quiet street (the peacefulness just felt so magnified because Hanoi's streets are really chaotic) and they were open early for breakfast. They have outside and indoor seating; we chose to sit outside just so we could appreciate the peaceful street. We ordered our breakfast here and I got to taste their kombucha drink. It was refreshing~ we headed off to the train street right after since it was just a few blocks away.</p><p><br /></p><p>I also wrote about my cafe-hopping experience in Saigon :) you may read them through here:</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2019/06/saigon-vietnam-cafe-apartment-at-nguyen.html" target="_blank">SAIGON, VIETNAM: Cafe Apartment at Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2019/05/saigon-14-ton-that-dam-cafe-apartment.html" target="_blank">SAIGON, VIETNAM: 14 Ton That Dam Cafe Apartment</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2019/12/goc-ha-noi-egg-coffee-saigon.html" target="_blank">SAIGON, VIETNAM: The Hidden Egg Coffee Shop</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Have a lovely day, dear reader!</p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-628615300294813182023-08-01T14:55:00.005+08:002023-12-22T21:36:46.447+08:00Where To Eat in Baguio<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx09VBktmQcHEulao0WA2WOOLD9Cv4vBnzJPd3RwKFckZz4jSO1lXyi-M0KTGh3jggPDWbaVjdb70kX8jZV8yGUbsiEmXBONMWQNfv0wlGJRhzSHyQ1IZTPDPnzF1dCcsQBEZiWeH71LoRoU3QxIR0NWvffnhFjX4Cy4tkqScM1oU8QAzpidLXu0JMOBo/s4032/IMG_8289.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden set found in Hatch Coffee, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx09VBktmQcHEulao0WA2WOOLD9Cv4vBnzJPd3RwKFckZz4jSO1lXyi-M0KTGh3jggPDWbaVjdb70kX8jZV8yGUbsiEmXBONMWQNfv0wlGJRhzSHyQ1IZTPDPnzF1dCcsQBEZiWeH71LoRoU3QxIR0NWvffnhFjX4Cy4tkqScM1oU8QAzpidLXu0JMOBo/w480-h640/IMG_8289.jpeg" title="Hatch Coffee, Baguio" width="480" /></a></p><p>I've been to Baguio twice so far this year. I've shared most of my photos on Instagram, but I wanted to document the food places I've been to on here as well since I have this habit of rereading my past blog entries. It'll be my reference for whenever I find myself back up there again and hopefully you'd get to try them out as well! </p><p>Whenever I'm in Baguio it's almost always a food trip, wherein my friends and I would go cafe hopping and dine in good restaurants. Sometimes I ask myself: <i>what makes it any different from doing it here in Manila?</i> I guess just the idea of being away from tall buildings, being surrounded by mountain views and pine trees, having easy access to parks, and reveling in the refreshingly cold weather-- all these things while eating good food makes all the difference. </p><p>This entry will be a long one, but please do allow me to share with you my favorite places to eat in Baguio.. along with some of my personal anecdotes! :-) </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Seollem Cafe</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/seollemcafe/" target="_blank">Instagram </a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seollemcafe" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">📌 74 Del Nacia Apartments, Camp 7, Baguio City</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUMalopZYvRQeuU1UKCL89y8PzRQUvZJGquAFeXwGMZAHWZzQbK2mkYAepwtZ2J18hWTvB-AY7yWlTJcw69JfTxkQs2QYtUOTEco3idmbK1BqsXtJwHhzhI4FzrrVMCQeSn1DlvKDtmTFcc-CV3y-RUgBfpeZo0FHBFAuNC-BdMfqh3CyfCGWsFEYiAM/s4032/IMG_0054.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Girl walking to Seollem Cafe, a Korean-inspired coffee shop located in Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUMalopZYvRQeuU1UKCL89y8PzRQUvZJGquAFeXwGMZAHWZzQbK2mkYAepwtZ2J18hWTvB-AY7yWlTJcw69JfTxkQs2QYtUOTEco3idmbK1BqsXtJwHhzhI4FzrrVMCQeSn1DlvKDtmTFcc-CV3y-RUgBfpeZo0FHBFAuNC-BdMfqh3CyfCGWsFEYiAM/w480-h640/IMG_0054.jpeg" title="Seollem Cafe in Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">My friends and I went to Seollem Cafe for breakfast. Going here involved us walking up and down the slopes while it was lightly drizzling. We took a short walk going there and we passed by dorms and tutoring centers for Koreans before we arrived. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a table reserved just in case since it was a weekend. We ordered their kimchi fried rice and bibimbap, which were both really good. The best thing about these dishes would be that you have to mix them up with the egg, which I realize I like doing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzwXXrK1kCNHeT4MuzAwe7Sdv8jU6xP2nYM1NOuA7XT98ZEKotXNW6AMwDghL3VX2kMnLfAPqnaxdcQc_GDqp3WO2n7ptqGyTBedfuDURzJ9CnBMuSecjWi80vYLx6N5SjU6Y9BXmI5-Drya7NUR0Zw-7di-dpT1O4qxdwtmVk6AMtUSOlnU-2T3etso/s4032/IMG_0067.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bibimbap, Kimchee Fried Rice, Coffee, and Matcha Dalgona Coffee for breakfast" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzwXXrK1kCNHeT4MuzAwe7Sdv8jU6xP2nYM1NOuA7XT98ZEKotXNW6AMwDghL3VX2kMnLfAPqnaxdcQc_GDqp3WO2n7ptqGyTBedfuDURzJ9CnBMuSecjWi80vYLx6N5SjU6Y9BXmI5-Drya7NUR0Zw-7di-dpT1O4qxdwtmVk6AMtUSOlnU-2T3etso/w640-h480/IMG_0067.jpeg" title="Korean Food in Seollem Cafe, Baguio" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my first time tasting dalgona coffee (I didn't jump on the pandemic bandwagon :(( sowwee) and I liked how it was matcha flavored. It was a sweet drink, but I personally enjoyed it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWn7CrqfkOe_HMfldzbG9THrpjLgWh-eRxgxswkFsVU_q7DwzEMTBXW5gYmX0Wg0cQS76H5IJn3Vid92fy8F9Ze_EdksiNwfiXEuwNqiClf5rirEH5LalyaWtghOl5dDkGIdmr79ask7dy2FVhsHIDFZrzhsqWwZxsSiFjccgaP1zh9F_VfFgQoqvSjg/s4032/IMG_0081.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interiors of Seollem Cafe, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWn7CrqfkOe_HMfldzbG9THrpjLgWh-eRxgxswkFsVU_q7DwzEMTBXW5gYmX0Wg0cQS76H5IJn3Vid92fy8F9Ze_EdksiNwfiXEuwNqiClf5rirEH5LalyaWtghOl5dDkGIdmr79ask7dy2FVhsHIDFZrzhsqWwZxsSiFjccgaP1zh9F_VfFgQoqvSjg/w480-h640/IMG_0081.jpeg" title="Seollem Cafe, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really liked their interiors and playlist; it felt like I was in a Korean drama. The crew was so friendly and cheerful as well, very responsive on social media. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cafe by the Ruins</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cafebytheruins/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafebytheruinsph" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">📌25 Shuntug Rd, Baguio, Benguet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczwYr2KOw0PFhPnxYK2LCC5IMbxscWrmFA2xKxnrqNjDOHYcAT0D2mrwpMybGljl8eyI5jSHFvDcMjpmhQoIwOmxoZK9JnpcwuFdgblOnPHqaOYEMS7AuE-sUnbN3m5hVUgNi-Sevw4ioyPy-YvDuweywhtPnVsUB1kpnwKrFUKzSmjUrHeTrli1JiDQ/s4032/IMG_0303.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cafe by the Ruins restaurant in Baguio on a rainy night in June" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczwYr2KOw0PFhPnxYK2LCC5IMbxscWrmFA2xKxnrqNjDOHYcAT0D2mrwpMybGljl8eyI5jSHFvDcMjpmhQoIwOmxoZK9JnpcwuFdgblOnPHqaOYEMS7AuE-sUnbN3m5hVUgNi-Sevw4ioyPy-YvDuweywhtPnVsUB1kpnwKrFUKzSmjUrHeTrli1JiDQ/w480-h640/IMG_0303.jpeg" title="Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went to Cafe by the Ruins on both of my trips. It's near Burnham Park so it won't be so hard to miss. I went here for lunch and dinner on separate occasions, and I felt it was cool that their signage lights up this way; it captured how it was raining that night my friend and I went here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIsG-JgpCnP0suc46HGJ_UhwRaz9NyG9Cn2dD84PZmCob1HxXytWASKe-dzSewL9MkmQ3OzHqIbqvsVXdvlUZS9VX_99KdlnJXqqdh5hdowJfQPqpNKMKhGcozPdLPeVdSGRKsRx726wFSjtFLRBmbJiFcJ7Pwhi33geJY1SSR8hTy4qkzxufsjbFhlE/s4032/IMG_8318.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bagnet order from Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIsG-JgpCnP0suc46HGJ_UhwRaz9NyG9Cn2dD84PZmCob1HxXytWASKe-dzSewL9MkmQ3OzHqIbqvsVXdvlUZS9VX_99KdlnJXqqdh5hdowJfQPqpNKMKhGcozPdLPeVdSGRKsRx726wFSjtFLRBmbJiFcJ7Pwhi33geJY1SSR8hTy4qkzxufsjbFhlE/w240-h320/IMG_8318.jpeg" title="Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwSFeYDcN68Sta8uKhz0Nq5_-CsHOVNrWJWtIgWCU62Raik-TrluuLCVeXCAusc95ZOeRUWQvvE36lvUuIw_HEWWCp5euNy1G92qIOfJFyYvNbayRYXDlxmNPRUf14tKfvhWYNiQFQVB-bkC4P5ODHcwDxfT8U9OY6TBzdbLy0XPYjsR7v2M_urNY5IQ/s4032/IMG_0292.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shrimp with coconut curry order from Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwSFeYDcN68Sta8uKhz0Nq5_-CsHOVNrWJWtIgWCU62Raik-TrluuLCVeXCAusc95ZOeRUWQvvE36lvUuIw_HEWWCp5euNy1G92qIOfJFyYvNbayRYXDlxmNPRUf14tKfvhWYNiQFQVB-bkC4P5ODHcwDxfT8U9OY6TBzdbLy0XPYjsR7v2M_urNY5IQ/w240-h320/IMG_0292.jpeg" title="Food from Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had bagnet for lunch during my first trip here. It was quite filling and it's served with red rice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On my second time around, I had the shrimp with coconut curry. I wanted to try something different and this one seemed like the next most interesting they had on their menu after their bagnet. I ended up really liking it! It wasn't too spicy and I liked the coconut taste. I think I'll have this one again when I come back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOxq4593cDBhm62D0AirRn-O5lePWel3kGuDctZMF3Uu5YyXRJrIQPVSaBQhMo-xogGXgQfT4cEXlniOIDgS6mVHAnoDQfmU1D7B25IQhTjRraDfalMTNYk_btR-MWR6XEYuOAka9RqBoIagjFxwhjFS5uNoPRp5gyfecDP3-rMjX3CGpyX5whXvE76k/s4032/IMG_0290.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cafe by the Ruins' bakery in Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOxq4593cDBhm62D0AirRn-O5lePWel3kGuDctZMF3Uu5YyXRJrIQPVSaBQhMo-xogGXgQfT4cEXlniOIDgS6mVHAnoDQfmU1D7B25IQhTjRraDfalMTNYk_btR-MWR6XEYuOAka9RqBoIagjFxwhjFS5uNoPRp5gyfecDP3-rMjX3CGpyX5whXvE76k/w480-h640/IMG_0290.jpeg" title="Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another notable thing would be that they sell bread. :-) I recommend their kamote bread with pate spread. Tastes really good especially when warm. </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Foam Coffee</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/foamcoffeeph/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/foamcoffeeph" target="_blank">Facebook</a><div>📌 U/G Travelite Hotel Bldg. Shuntug St. Baguio City</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg6yjW2KA6jMNnP27UyTMicm7Nm_gHfyRtthmefonGx5Tmnh59_vdNAp_gRiagXqrBjFOaMDXJKrwcBNTiVZp-K_mv9U88ZnG0CBCSDUx7aWD99RHHdr6ZMmpFodHctY3Panmhy6tPQ0ieKCRoVYL04i_Z9ZhlyPz-_aZFyOh2cqAq2RlA9hxGfWqJuA/s4032/IMG_0307.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Doughnuts from Foam Coffee, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg6yjW2KA6jMNnP27UyTMicm7Nm_gHfyRtthmefonGx5Tmnh59_vdNAp_gRiagXqrBjFOaMDXJKrwcBNTiVZp-K_mv9U88ZnG0CBCSDUx7aWD99RHHdr6ZMmpFodHctY3Panmhy6tPQ0ieKCRoVYL04i_Z9ZhlyPz-_aZFyOh2cqAq2RlA9hxGfWqJuA/w480-h640/IMG_0307.jpeg" title="Foam Coffee, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right after Cafe by the Ruins, my friend and I walked to Foam Coffee for dessert. We ordered horchata and doughnuts. Their doughnuts were delicious! They have a lot of flavors and it was overwhelming to choose just one, because they all looked so good. Their horchata was okay!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl7Ya0a-st4CwMQ7SelgfO7BIE_RIiazcrVlSjxumCeK1NnmNAjzM2_8TAu9vPiOAO3_L7EfgQ8OhslueCmioiiLnKGzEHMgdSoobUba-ACZdS7s2AmxiWwB8jBf_QEFLCBBxse8dsO9CP8bfT5vXWpUT7zgxA1omTQFbEVei1Em6pQAIKVybge2La1I/s4032/IMG_0349.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pavlova doughnut from Foam Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl7Ya0a-st4CwMQ7SelgfO7BIE_RIiazcrVlSjxumCeK1NnmNAjzM2_8TAu9vPiOAO3_L7EfgQ8OhslueCmioiiLnKGzEHMgdSoobUba-ACZdS7s2AmxiWwB8jBf_QEFLCBBxse8dsO9CP8bfT5vXWpUT7zgxA1omTQFbEVei1Em6pQAIKVybge2La1I/w480-h640/IMG_0349.jpeg" title="Foam Coffee" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got their pavlova doughnut. I liked how soft and fluffy it is and the fruit topping and icing was so good. I look forward to trying out other flavors next time :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rebel Bakehouse</h2><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rebelbakehouse.ph/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rebelbakehouse.ph" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌KM. 3 Naguilian Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvjWN_36Ko1xEnOw-vP1nzcriYFszl9bisqmuK2qsjZBUPdOfZrkU3XRiua_T-zvXWjGhC-seTPL6vDdvlKaZOhlDacMVbdVP-69DjUIgFeDEF_DGhe47tLNB69kRqZFxRonpzWZL1w8k2120W-HCKnAH_L54iz3xv09UglAKFHAR39hVgaC_UaQTHSo/s4032/IMG_8400.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rebel Bakehouse signage from outside" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvjWN_36Ko1xEnOw-vP1nzcriYFszl9bisqmuK2qsjZBUPdOfZrkU3XRiua_T-zvXWjGhC-seTPL6vDdvlKaZOhlDacMVbdVP-69DjUIgFeDEF_DGhe47tLNB69kRqZFxRonpzWZL1w8k2120W-HCKnAH_L54iz3xv09UglAKFHAR39hVgaC_UaQTHSo/w480-h640/IMG_8400.jpeg" title="Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a huge fan of croissants, so I definitely love this cafe with all my heart. Their croissants are huge, has the right amount of flakiness, and comes in different flavors. They have great flavors, but I think my absolute favorite would be Strawberries and Cream. They also have rice meals which were good too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oE-K6_701_HMPR3eRzy29FyDaYFi2ytpiqlQKwKCax3CzopAx6SkOXTiIkG7SyX-XG7A3NnGBsghG8V9uLb5qMaPw6Of2ODmfuv0_ea1TnixZ4ZLLrkHgNYUNJqRq9vlpN4bt5BjxHPlHBGzj2jSYZjn5yLLnGbBQAw_biv9qx2DYkTr15H4HL3YQ6U/s4032/IMG_0377.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food orders from Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oE-K6_701_HMPR3eRzy29FyDaYFi2ytpiqlQKwKCax3CzopAx6SkOXTiIkG7SyX-XG7A3NnGBsghG8V9uLb5qMaPw6Of2ODmfuv0_ea1TnixZ4ZLLrkHgNYUNJqRq9vlpN4bt5BjxHPlHBGzj2jSYZjn5yLLnGbBQAw_biv9qx2DYkTr15H4HL3YQ6U/w480-h640/IMG_0377.jpeg" title="Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxz7o0hIkUYtUIheS4YNgqKwoMlSGXQjoMfv4jTGmmTq7asmRwdNP4lzHzkN1GPSyxtYK36lVOwXjJGxu39UTg4JFIs3QtNkO7tL86IRrUD2MuIe58zDt0VrnRy3g8Z2eOAI73v6hNdz9yVR8Nm1SSua3XQzKf0dRE9Yfn-DLpa57lWKB6XJc8v7WDh0/s4032/IMG_0388.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strawberries and Cream Croissant from Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxz7o0hIkUYtUIheS4YNgqKwoMlSGXQjoMfv4jTGmmTq7asmRwdNP4lzHzkN1GPSyxtYK36lVOwXjJGxu39UTg4JFIs3QtNkO7tL86IRrUD2MuIe58zDt0VrnRy3g8Z2eOAI73v6hNdz9yVR8Nm1SSua3XQzKf0dRE9Yfn-DLpa57lWKB6XJc8v7WDh0/w240-h320/IMG_0388.jpeg" title="Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVO44kfq1Nefo_n253osYh3zRHDE8x60hLzOV43mAb3UN0VIRzCHtrNOej1kP38BzkZjw2jKC_IBuXvPVgm7JIc8Wl0vZidMBuARjr7EmhRmMJ55E9h-p42gUtqTIfY5Jdkt05Jm_cFuuANGMe_UKqtilQpuk0HUnmEwC9WaJfzlWmx7TWGsab8eGN54/s4032/IMG_0391.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strawberries and Cream Croissant from Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVO44kfq1Nefo_n253osYh3zRHDE8x60hLzOV43mAb3UN0VIRzCHtrNOej1kP38BzkZjw2jKC_IBuXvPVgm7JIc8Wl0vZidMBuARjr7EmhRmMJ55E9h-p42gUtqTIfY5Jdkt05Jm_cFuuANGMe_UKqtilQpuk0HUnmEwC9WaJfzlWmx7TWGsab8eGN54/w240-h320/IMG_0391.jpeg" title="Rebel Bakehouse, Baguio" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The anatomy of a Strawberries and Cream croissant!!! It's so pretty. I can say that the hype is real for this place. It's a bit far from the city center, but I'd say it's worth visiting and eating their freshly baked croissants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Gather Inn</h2><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.gather.inn/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGatherInn" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌 6 Gen Lim, Barangay Burnham</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk7EVxfli0rYk2FHPAHXpdxNb0kKrk581yUYiItr0d0SYnemFWhEbBVFEKMWeLeWPDSfZE50UymVJN9Qjvjm8w0FF0r55sExEVtKPrFueeeSBjvmEALG09q2u0RrPm6u7UcPz68hDn5YQbNEqA973T5gEuU0P70D-EBp03JypZwL1j9WiZEOQL5zgpb4/s4032/IMG_0402.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Right outside The Gather Inn, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk7EVxfli0rYk2FHPAHXpdxNb0kKrk581yUYiItr0d0SYnemFWhEbBVFEKMWeLeWPDSfZE50UymVJN9Qjvjm8w0FF0r55sExEVtKPrFueeeSBjvmEALG09q2u0RrPm6u7UcPz68hDn5YQbNEqA973T5gEuU0P70D-EBp03JypZwL1j9WiZEOQL5zgpb4/w480-h640/IMG_0402.jpeg" title="The Gather Inn, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one's a transient house with a cafe on the ground floor. It's got a homey wooden interior and has outdoor seating. My friend and I had coffee here after lounging around in our airbnb, so we definitely felt energized after!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWFn76gAtpxcY5APrY1nNngO_k1f5kiX0ZNjajBUT-WVdTfnqsWq2QNtbCi7jaFOI3ISAbo4__Ojl9Z6DDoKnOQL3OuMBnjYR1VUtYa-NOYRUqmEzErVqTpdzsqNqE3L3s99p7ZdRK-SCsyrIqteOVgaHE-p0gJePg-qTzhwMYNTILeiYoNTM2asK8Ko/s4032/IMG_0413.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coffee from The Gather Inn, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWFn76gAtpxcY5APrY1nNngO_k1f5kiX0ZNjajBUT-WVdTfnqsWq2QNtbCi7jaFOI3ISAbo4__Ojl9Z6DDoKnOQL3OuMBnjYR1VUtYa-NOYRUqmEzErVqTpdzsqNqE3L3s99p7ZdRK-SCsyrIqteOVgaHE-p0gJePg-qTzhwMYNTILeiYoNTM2asK8Ko/w480-h640/IMG_0413.jpeg" title="The Gather Inn, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We watched the rain pour as we sipped on our coffee. It was cold but refreshing and overall just a relaxing time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lemon and Olives</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lemonandolivesph/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LemonandOlivesPH" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌26 Outlook Drive 2600 Baguio City, Philippines</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTaj-UferH-puNGb0rDktHsg1eXqJN5RMfQqNn_unkSrYe4-JPeAHANm6qNibtiNX80q0aQud-W3KqKogjBL4gnMncmYeDn-yFYDSGM2QcrkF7NqiwWxTG4jQj-DJaH2s-JR6_VjXcGdx_lSR33BwZeg5xlXRZcCAt4y8JHhhstQx2SRXTYSmANzWyNc/s4032/IMG_0440.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Greek cuisine at Lemon and Olives, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTaj-UferH-puNGb0rDktHsg1eXqJN5RMfQqNn_unkSrYe4-JPeAHANm6qNibtiNX80q0aQud-W3KqKogjBL4gnMncmYeDn-yFYDSGM2QcrkF7NqiwWxTG4jQj-DJaH2s-JR6_VjXcGdx_lSR33BwZeg5xlXRZcCAt4y8JHhhstQx2SRXTYSmANzWyNc/w480-h640/IMG_0440.jpeg" title="Lemon and Olives, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my go-to restaurant for Greek cuisine in Baguio. I went here on both occasions when I was up here and I don't think I would ever tire of it. They really do have good food, nice ambiance, and a beautiful view when seated outside. I always get my usual order which would be the Souvlaki plate a dish of grilled beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq1xAIsrgELM5yM2TUPX5s5Ac9Yb1FsAvxhEQ-sg61u28ranwnBdHFazdAqV3WD_IpQNdEFCnPykPwLGjxvgVVb0WQymeiSdtpo7QS4J0eiPnxVkXmCC1HJIfYJDyhpa8tR62ult-UnCeQMPvs_P9TNBAqhXdXLmLdw5DcvG1frfmRNyVtcoe1A7pGJA/s4032/IMG_0501.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baklava cheesecake from Lemon and Olives, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq1xAIsrgELM5yM2TUPX5s5Ac9Yb1FsAvxhEQ-sg61u28ranwnBdHFazdAqV3WD_IpQNdEFCnPykPwLGjxvgVVb0WQymeiSdtpo7QS4J0eiPnxVkXmCC1HJIfYJDyhpa8tR62ult-UnCeQMPvs_P9TNBAqhXdXLmLdw5DcvG1frfmRNyVtcoe1A7pGJA/w480-h640/IMG_0501.jpeg" title="Lemon and Olives, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baklava for dessert! It's been a while since I last had a good one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amare La Cucina</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amarelacucinapizzaph/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amarelacucina1" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌1 Villamor Drive,Brgy Lualhati, Albergo Hotel Unit-122A 2600 Baguio City, Philippines</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XSV1Yo0OGNFqNYecVtlxh2K9JmR0xZQ0kqzGSYvIJMOzNO2cJTDDQWG4m4eIT9hHWNo_ioBDfNHekfqhfyyAXIQaVf5tgGbMKAnCkvNp-xzLuciVRqU5c3oO7KPqTZWBKpstLtMJPmS_ahhqdXWoXW69xrNgPtEt1NJURgcBS5Elo6NIU2j5ZpB8jic/s4032/IMG_0574.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making pizza by the brick oven at La Amare Cucina, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XSV1Yo0OGNFqNYecVtlxh2K9JmR0xZQ0kqzGSYvIJMOzNO2cJTDDQWG4m4eIT9hHWNo_ioBDfNHekfqhfyyAXIQaVf5tgGbMKAnCkvNp-xzLuciVRqU5c3oO7KPqTZWBKpstLtMJPmS_ahhqdXWoXW69xrNgPtEt1NJURgcBS5Elo6NIU2j5ZpB8jic/w480-h640/IMG_0574.jpeg" title="La Amare Cucina, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our way home back to Manila, my friend and I had to find a restaurant to have lunch in which should ideally be near the bus terminal. Thankfully we received a recommendation to try out Amare La Cucina which was right beside Victory Liner!! We dragged along with us our bags and settled in the restaurant. It seemed like we were the first customers for the day and they asked if we would be interested to make our own pizza orders. We obliged and had fun as we twirled around the dough and added toppings and placed them beside the fireplace. We made the Alvins (pesto base) pizza and Margherita and I'm happy to report that they turned out well : - )</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWYnwXT0WjwfG66OMC1Z2pkPEVnjybkLo4vZ8en8f1Ayb6T-5TK4j9MNm7P59DRsPkUD3HXHKUPMfJz8TXtkEC7S7gC9CDDHjD6Que4-CV0zgZwdvYmCfAPWq02nTo0yswNWn04g_QjI8eL180r9oSwUra7_1nLVc93cAhhWENtLDXsW6PUX-o46l4yM/s4032/IMG_0626.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pizza and pasta at La Amare Cucina, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWYnwXT0WjwfG66OMC1Z2pkPEVnjybkLo4vZ8en8f1Ayb6T-5TK4j9MNm7P59DRsPkUD3HXHKUPMfJz8TXtkEC7S7gC9CDDHjD6Que4-CV0zgZwdvYmCfAPWq02nTo0yswNWn04g_QjI8eL180r9oSwUra7_1nLVc93cAhhWENtLDXsW6PUX-o46l4yM/w480-h640/IMG_0626.jpeg" title="La Amare Cucina, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The truffle pasta was yummy!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seollem Bistro</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/seollembistro/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seollembistro" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌2F ECCO4 Building, Military Cut-Off 2600 Baguio City, Philippines</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68V53J7s_3RQ0iiNfob5bmHJN2ZtNHxuVySoepC4azOFlGKtGUiFpqGse7FnRuN-Wzq74YUmcP6E6vjbkrZmz7m3kWn9dlgVlRRUGqyDGwzu4Szz43qhX9zOpMn95DNFWMHYg8-CNZUdOPJfYY-sQQYC5ucjKvSDRJq1iHq-kGOdgCWvkmNue4hgSh2k/s4032/IMG_0638.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interiors, glasses, flowers, at Seollem Bistro, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68V53J7s_3RQ0iiNfob5bmHJN2ZtNHxuVySoepC4azOFlGKtGUiFpqGse7FnRuN-Wzq74YUmcP6E6vjbkrZmz7m3kWn9dlgVlRRUGqyDGwzu4Szz43qhX9zOpMn95DNFWMHYg8-CNZUdOPJfYY-sQQYC5ucjKvSDRJq1iHq-kGOdgCWvkmNue4hgSh2k/w480-h640/IMG_0638.jpeg" title="Seollem Bistro, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAbhlpBRqTbkSSqM-f1QSU3UKR1gDOTSepDYIKeWdU6cfV-_ZupsIyxJSKxz9cWOtcUpQpMQACiYKpYK9rBwntV2bp5XZLmeQLZrhVqGtfbpw9F8ENdzTk_jOwbB4ihsN9ECO-Yj7yexKQVJDpjQTlxUuxd62-JK6vt4YKrQySKgrN5Mn2ubvHWMDVOo/s4032/IMG_0646.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dried flowers at Seollem Bistro, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAbhlpBRqTbkSSqM-f1QSU3UKR1gDOTSepDYIKeWdU6cfV-_ZupsIyxJSKxz9cWOtcUpQpMQACiYKpYK9rBwntV2bp5XZLmeQLZrhVqGtfbpw9F8ENdzTk_jOwbB4ihsN9ECO-Yj7yexKQVJDpjQTlxUuxd62-JK6vt4YKrQySKgrN5Mn2ubvHWMDVOo/w480-h640/IMG_0646.jpeg" title="Seollem Bistro, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's another Seollem!? Yes, and this one is located near the city center. It's much more spacious than the first and has a lot of charming and aesthetic corners. It even has a shop at the corner wherein you can buy postcards and dried flowers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBys8D0rPky9GRPC0TAOiW6PquNr_gf_flg1LsJG-9OTbFuBEHC5hwSsmhR0QWXMpyWAeApUjn2I0CREkXv51jqSccMmQkGxPFwRBV1VZ8bnufc4b52TLxKum5dLQfo22VQTZC-yP1cvpZcGkxIerLOYSSPyyjpADkZMNmD3jWCGWK2d9ekE3QIeCqvXI/s4032/IMG_0673.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue Pea Tea and Butterfly Hallabong Tea drinks from Seollem Bistro, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBys8D0rPky9GRPC0TAOiW6PquNr_gf_flg1LsJG-9OTbFuBEHC5hwSsmhR0QWXMpyWAeApUjn2I0CREkXv51jqSccMmQkGxPFwRBV1VZ8bnufc4b52TLxKum5dLQfo22VQTZC-yP1cvpZcGkxIerLOYSSPyyjpADkZMNmD3jWCGWK2d9ekE3QIeCqvXI/w240-h320/IMG_0673.jpeg" title="Seollem Bistro, Baguio" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPjOAocdmfkRG6L1XoknfI8utzMMDJEh1ow_BMAbBKsFLAQQebKgI4z0TjKlF183PjzaExSb-lNVj2V9qCuaV9JO0MJgRj_iLSXnAESk40X6mgln1cjFwSHj-D1N9zeeMxLG-h1-QDrH_8c5RDRc2zVPBRAI7lk7h1IfruJO0DyBMss-dAJoKoYLKS_M/s4032/IMG_0677.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Croissant dessert from Seollem Bistro, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPjOAocdmfkRG6L1XoknfI8utzMMDJEh1ow_BMAbBKsFLAQQebKgI4z0TjKlF183PjzaExSb-lNVj2V9qCuaV9JO0MJgRj_iLSXnAESk40X6mgln1cjFwSHj-D1N9zeeMxLG-h1-QDrH_8c5RDRc2zVPBRAI7lk7h1IfruJO0DyBMss-dAJoKoYLKS_M/w240-h320/IMG_0677.jpeg" title="Seollem Bistro, Baguio" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got their colorful drinks, which were the Blue Pea Tea and Butterfly Hallabong Tea respectively. It's fun mixing them because you'll see their colors blend together. Blue Pea tastes much like milk tea while the Butterfly one has a citrus taste. We had their croissant with fruits and ice cream, which went well with our drinks.. sugar overload haha! </div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hatch Coffee</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hatchcoffeeph/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hatchcoffeeph" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌135 Easter Road corner Road 1 Manzanillo 2600 Baguio City, Philippines</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiOsUXNCVuskza6eFU2AIEb18TJ6tvm7CsWfRRacgXGDAj_gDGeCjLujZE5XfMfsZUpOawZOxDS_lLi3I9MPRnANnrzjgV4QXTxEjKhiaNREtgMgKydcIeaYt4SRpDyWdEfiu-yEaOJnerUC7d_zEdx-I5ufx6GsLfa6u1kQ2-tkUzyBDRfd173yjM8U/s4032/IMG_8263.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hatch coffee signage in Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiOsUXNCVuskza6eFU2AIEb18TJ6tvm7CsWfRRacgXGDAj_gDGeCjLujZE5XfMfsZUpOawZOxDS_lLi3I9MPRnANnrzjgV4QXTxEjKhiaNREtgMgKydcIeaYt4SRpDyWdEfiu-yEaOJnerUC7d_zEdx-I5ufx6GsLfa6u1kQ2-tkUzyBDRfd173yjM8U/w480-h640/IMG_8263.jpeg" title="Hatch Coffee, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hatch Coffee! Really good sandwiches, burgers, and coffee. It's a very peaceful and relaxing place to hangout in, and I heard they have yoga sessions here too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had their Ube Grilled Cheese sandwich and Hatch Burger. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m0JTBuV2Wed6FFI4Hu0i6ZkhZ2TmxJMbMiuK6EUERefUcpg2aj-5xCzY67u-wpYJIvG-yBB5e-eXUiRr2RrBHUYbD7Q0GXMzuiyWW79ocA5bVy_N_hLTCFiUgjuRmRRXqVOCg2XXMO4rcDFA7Cgd6SDN5GKJ9qraoe4QVBBk9w5Jgk_2CsLwOr3xdss/s4032/IMG_8286.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ube Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Hatch Coffee, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m0JTBuV2Wed6FFI4Hu0i6ZkhZ2TmxJMbMiuK6EUERefUcpg2aj-5xCzY67u-wpYJIvG-yBB5e-eXUiRr2RrBHUYbD7Q0GXMzuiyWW79ocA5bVy_N_hLTCFiUgjuRmRRXqVOCg2XXMO4rcDFA7Cgd6SDN5GKJ9qraoe4QVBBk9w5Jgk_2CsLwOr3xdss/w240-h320/IMG_8286.jpeg" title="Hatch Coffee, Baguio" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGMakgPhCiRd62bdy6HI40_o04cVlUygcL5tdAhLiU9VgJ6Pt1C4WKQgxinSGZWKT_cvqfa6fJ-UqWqQDjoffrrGk0B6Prn1P4awXMXPQ8D2gvbbf3w1mI_zTCasTxP9ONixbYYmbDhqgNdvuKanCnRTC61Oe-qy_B8H9vbvC6z8CUp5S56kz0IgDMik/s4032/IMG_8287.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A really good burger from Hatch Coffee, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGMakgPhCiRd62bdy6HI40_o04cVlUygcL5tdAhLiU9VgJ6Pt1C4WKQgxinSGZWKT_cvqfa6fJ-UqWqQDjoffrrGk0B6Prn1P4awXMXPQ8D2gvbbf3w1mI_zTCasTxP9ONixbYYmbDhqgNdvuKanCnRTC61Oe-qy_B8H9vbvC6z8CUp5S56kz0IgDMik/w240-h320/IMG_8287.jpeg" title="Hatch Coffee, Baguio" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyac_0-CgPVc5UGvgwFXkN9sZAMGO5bwuEXE2UqgHQXCpksoHVWwuq8BGDnE46ccAHfQNGJndzyUjN2eyCAT7OGZC_3Uzpbq16FCq_gXBNgVMg0DeurpvsZ0q58Eut37SCIGVkCAolPNE3QceSU0xhvah7lyuEe4ZLdslK2ut9QBucyhI3DLJI_P6VvA0/s3240/IMG_8271.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Horchata drink from Hatch Coffee, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="2430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyac_0-CgPVc5UGvgwFXkN9sZAMGO5bwuEXE2UqgHQXCpksoHVWwuq8BGDnE46ccAHfQNGJndzyUjN2eyCAT7OGZC_3Uzpbq16FCq_gXBNgVMg0DeurpvsZ0q58Eut37SCIGVkCAolPNE3QceSU0xhvah7lyuEe4ZLdslK2ut9QBucyhI3DLJI_P6VvA0/w480-h640/IMG_8271.jpeg" title="Hatch Coffee, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this is the best horchata I've ever tasted so far in my lifetime. I ordered it twice just because it was so good!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Le Vain Bakery</h2><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/levainkoreanbakery/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levainkoreanbakery" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌15 Unit G-1 Outlook Drive 2600 Baguio City, Philippines</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqEaTOwRpTlJ5B3-kkoZhjaSwErhy9BebDBumkgIR6BNawSoTPJH5gH-XDJ2aei14ZqlZRs7HeaTtxaAw07I2FQjrTL8a6rzD96wCapnF74QqziTRUI1zzMYEdrgykNhGpMJgrD0HM3GBlZF2y-VOuHDl4KOQxir78jU6dulNVgWsT2ZY6sWqriAMba4/s4032/IMG_8385.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Le Vain Bakery, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqEaTOwRpTlJ5B3-kkoZhjaSwErhy9BebDBumkgIR6BNawSoTPJH5gH-XDJ2aei14ZqlZRs7HeaTtxaAw07I2FQjrTL8a6rzD96wCapnF74QqziTRUI1zzMYEdrgykNhGpMJgrD0HM3GBlZF2y-VOuHDl4KOQxir78jU6dulNVgWsT2ZY6sWqriAMba4/w480-h640/IMG_8385.jpeg" title="Le Vain Bakery, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one's a Korean bakery and we dropped by here for a quick breakfast. My friend bought tofu chips from here, which I have to say was really good. I had their lychee drink and red bean doughnut, which I liked. I noticed they have their bread products sold in other K-marts around Baguio. Must be because they're really good. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SfdkgTQ1Eo3hFOq99fgWPdCdvkCYraAUbx7ElGGI1NyYiA0c9_ysxW_DGQ_VEAJWau_RQhxlxt46yppGYEq49WjLWOBf_acLC0KsJA7xl-f7uyreIfKbU4B1rdELzXX91JAXaGqzjqO5jFp2oSJcr16j_5P1SQUQYIDjeX5H26cpP1HY5AY8rdAs9dE/s4032/IMG_8386.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bread you can get from Le Vain Bakery, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SfdkgTQ1Eo3hFOq99fgWPdCdvkCYraAUbx7ElGGI1NyYiA0c9_ysxW_DGQ_VEAJWau_RQhxlxt46yppGYEq49WjLWOBf_acLC0KsJA7xl-f7uyreIfKbU4B1rdELzXX91JAXaGqzjqO5jFp2oSJcr16j_5P1SQUQYIDjeX5H26cpP1HY5AY8rdAs9dE/w480-h640/IMG_8386.jpeg" title="Le Vain Bakery, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Gypsy by Chef Waya</h2><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gypsybychefwaya/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gypsybychefwaya" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌6 Quezon Hill Rd 2 2600 Baguio City, Philippines</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjv3Ib2qfymeSYc46j0F7ac38AH3ga5lagMsDMUvaXNq_4JPuA6_ldBgTv9VDTIe_kx8hqdvV0SANsRftuhMmOR8S-gXTHMXdUxJwCEULtJ24J_mFzIB0fX_txnPyraNN3bL5injH-X7luo7WyZnFGb_drN5zDyS0gwuH8rXwVoMuEnwm4-57DqAa6h0/s4032/IMG_8415.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gypsy by Chef Waya in Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjv3Ib2qfymeSYc46j0F7ac38AH3ga5lagMsDMUvaXNq_4JPuA6_ldBgTv9VDTIe_kx8hqdvV0SANsRftuhMmOR8S-gXTHMXdUxJwCEULtJ24J_mFzIB0fX_txnPyraNN3bL5injH-X7luo7WyZnFGb_drN5zDyS0gwuH8rXwVoMuEnwm4-57DqAa6h0/w480-h640/IMG_8415.jpeg" title="Gypsy by Chef Waya in Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another nice brunch place I would definitely recommend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went here early just in case since it was a weekend. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh55Q4d_1mv0fK2UUGXEG8rtNkAuk8v9EwJ38JT6iOlep1z0U7jGPBdmwbHO3AYiMrFnoKTdoxwLPDqWr-4z3AypHgHXmeNHvKkKu_GYlYHsjBX0q3ZDJp6UtWUF_QbXIZ94uQmeEwd31mIkWFJPw56Na2lje2u55bo4nxZc43303Xpyc1a4SJv94CPs0/s4032/IMG_8404.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bibimbap from Gypsy by Chef Waya in Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh55Q4d_1mv0fK2UUGXEG8rtNkAuk8v9EwJ38JT6iOlep1z0U7jGPBdmwbHO3AYiMrFnoKTdoxwLPDqWr-4z3AypHgHXmeNHvKkKu_GYlYHsjBX0q3ZDJp6UtWUF_QbXIZ94uQmeEwd31mIkWFJPw56Na2lje2u55bo4nxZc43303Xpyc1a4SJv94CPs0/w240-h320/IMG_8404.jpeg" title="Gypsy by Chef Waya in Baguio" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXFNlDVWgG6UmmTMp9SPHX5L8r_g6azaGcjOXMQDNmlAEtcWV-osRScs6DC2iIVPelI65fAYOHypBI87YZypSuAShZqbYdWNrsBZHWya-R3VMp3kAOsZQfWfqS4SGJQNNnstEw-Zcu_mhzChMkLQieiRzfj8J4la9d9zzVQz0ofHwGaY-gsCg5kKwLZ0/s4032/IMG_8414.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interior of Gypsy by Chef Waya in Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXFNlDVWgG6UmmTMp9SPHX5L8r_g6azaGcjOXMQDNmlAEtcWV-osRScs6DC2iIVPelI65fAYOHypBI87YZypSuAShZqbYdWNrsBZHWya-R3VMp3kAOsZQfWfqS4SGJQNNnstEw-Zcu_mhzChMkLQieiRzfj8J4la9d9zzVQz0ofHwGaY-gsCg5kKwLZ0/w240-h320/IMG_8414.jpeg" title="Gypsy by Chef Waya in Baguio" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I recall correctly, I had their version of bibimbap. It was so good and filling and much like the bibimbap I had at Seollem, it was a joy mixing everything up. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They have lovely interiors and they also have a cafe right outside! Wanted to sit in their outdoor area and try out their coffee although it was already full. Next time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Baguio Craft Brewery</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/baguiocraftbrewery/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BaguioCraftBrewery" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div>📌 4 Ben Palispis Hwy, KM 4, Baguio, 2600 Benguet</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tj6iTQBHTe1Lwn5ruBE2sF5iycXHPeqYDSgQRMWHdyxQ8anVY-2lolKuteitvtZTCnmxLw7vG5qAzd_O9ElmhfTQbQ_ObgLb3lNbRGVO3BQAjw3cw_EHHcueEfFAFEZSuR-feO9fcL3ZC6fPbAkmIlG7yupdgflgglQcWbmaXUpnHeMX0oahaFeq624/s4032/IMG_8640.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tj6iTQBHTe1Lwn5ruBE2sF5iycXHPeqYDSgQRMWHdyxQ8anVY-2lolKuteitvtZTCnmxLw7vG5qAzd_O9ElmhfTQbQ_ObgLb3lNbRGVO3BQAjw3cw_EHHcueEfFAFEZSuR-feO9fcL3ZC6fPbAkmIlG7yupdgflgglQcWbmaXUpnHeMX0oahaFeq624/w480-h640/IMG_8640.jpeg" title="Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAON0_5900p2QUkJutJgndYMC9tcZ5XFG-nyYWXgHAZZFH5ImP_p8X78nJpkUoLRMJs5-EMcmCQAcYdUiTmVXb0REc7RwEBCkCJReWtNkAIu4vsj-dMP1R3Sjov51e3k1X9co2b_VOZnaAQqu5rvO7mBgUMfTmRy3nBMBi69FTzkDmmj34W1-m-uTyxA/s4032/IMG_8647.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strawberry Beer from Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAON0_5900p2QUkJutJgndYMC9tcZ5XFG-nyYWXgHAZZFH5ImP_p8X78nJpkUoLRMJs5-EMcmCQAcYdUiTmVXb0REc7RwEBCkCJReWtNkAIu4vsj-dMP1R3Sjov51e3k1X9co2b_VOZnaAQqu5rvO7mBgUMfTmRy3nBMBi69FTzkDmmj34W1-m-uTyxA/w480-h640/IMG_8647.jpeg" title="Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Need a place for a good night cap? Here's one I could share, which also has good live music and lovely views at night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went here though primarily because of the food and drinks. I was able to try out their beer which had different flavors but my favorite was strawberry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-67D7IEWiuACM8Kkc7S-FekEVOJoHkA4hsjCofIr5u1398I8nlTe7BnhUGviaXIcwO9nZ_H4lSrEnsthNNeN0AH6yynU3I1bqp4wx07RwmELwYKQdKqGKIySj_UgYp_ygfEWbVGGv0p0TjjDBT9Ki0ZFz7hjkYIk9NApjYbUW_ZCe3g39qWZB-9JQ9M/s4032/IMG_8367.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Night view at Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-67D7IEWiuACM8Kkc7S-FekEVOJoHkA4hsjCofIr5u1398I8nlTe7BnhUGviaXIcwO9nZ_H4lSrEnsthNNeN0AH6yynU3I1bqp4wx07RwmELwYKQdKqGKIySj_UgYp_ygfEWbVGGv0p0TjjDBT9Ki0ZFz7hjkYIk9NApjYbUW_ZCe3g39qWZB-9JQ9M/w480-h640/IMG_8367.jpeg" title="Baguio Craft Brewery, Baguio" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm ending this blog entry with a beautiful view of the houses resting on hill tops, on a cold summer night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">---</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OH Another one I'd like to add to this list is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cantobogchijoint/" target="_blank">Canto</a>. They have really good Lomo ribs :-)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd like to thank you if you've read this far!! I hope this would be helpful for you if ever you find yourself up in Baguio. I personally have been there many times especially during my active years in our youth camp. We would stay within camp grounds only however, so we weren't really able to go around and enjoy other spots. It's only in the recent years that I've come to appreciate this city a lot more and only now that I've had the chance to really explore and discover that there's a lot more to the place. It somehow became a happy place of sorts, filled with many things that I love such as good food places, thrift stores, artsy spaces, parks, nature trails, and of course... good cold weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of cold weather, it's been cold since it's been raining lots in Manila. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you keep safe and dry, dear reader. </div><p></p></div>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-38302751259686832712023-06-05T00:00:00.002+08:002024-02-27T13:55:56.710+08:00Reads From The Previous Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEbQQCiPl44iXB3kGWc4f4bGAmaRZN-BLhnC3jzhNSz37xteFtmSYTyB80_bP3xkjBgVQTpl_MQytehiRyNG_bi-aN0uQ4P6LAMdF-8vRPmSHRswwUyLXpq6HuYkIfANHoK15IUVsAAJ7l-k1h6gyLffvJ0gUxZi7a_eusZeu9pdIv4bGaIwAP0xT/s4032/5171D6E6-6A4A-4A9B-8AA0-49BB888C1EDC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEbQQCiPl44iXB3kGWc4f4bGAmaRZN-BLhnC3jzhNSz37xteFtmSYTyB80_bP3xkjBgVQTpl_MQytehiRyNG_bi-aN0uQ4P6LAMdF-8vRPmSHRswwUyLXpq6HuYkIfANHoK15IUVsAAJ7l-k1h6gyLffvJ0gUxZi7a_eusZeu9pdIv4bGaIwAP0xT/w480-h640/5171D6E6-6A4A-4A9B-8AA0-49BB888C1EDC.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I read these books last year, all within the month of September. Forgive me for sharing so late!! But I'm happy to be writing all about the books that have helped me stay rooted to myself. </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEUqIJUTQbIF4tvh6cI_2M8DVBftoSRJnqNLanZ7YsWks8LBTrBAUMZ3R58Krnuxi-ev_8bvxgsmuteqvHrSjg-n4T4b6L_9VeysEOEPFgcySOdOrRpQpkGhHk3OVTGFcSA8C8yu62K-8XzdqYpNaFrLo-ZZ2lRtUP6MMvU6hJPmKS7sV1FvuyGXl/s4032/586AB23B-D62E-427F-90EA-9DA062EFEE76.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEUqIJUTQbIF4tvh6cI_2M8DVBftoSRJnqNLanZ7YsWks8LBTrBAUMZ3R58Krnuxi-ev_8bvxgsmuteqvHrSjg-n4T4b6L_9VeysEOEPFgcySOdOrRpQpkGhHk3OVTGFcSA8C8yu62K-8XzdqYpNaFrLo-ZZ2lRtUP6MMvU6hJPmKS7sV1FvuyGXl/w480-h640/586AB23B-D62E-427F-90EA-9DA062EFEE76.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>Red Queen by Philippa Gregory</b></p><p>Historical adventure books aren't my usual cup of tea, but my friend lent me this book, which she praised so highly.. so of course I had to find out why. True enough, when I read it, I found myself breezing through the pages. I like the strong heroine and how she sought to carve out her own path, defying societal norms, and making a name for herself eventually. There were so many random events too, which I didn't see happening. I remember how my friend and I were seated in a cafe one time and gasps could be heard from my mouth as I leafed through the pages, curious to know what could happen next! My friend could only give out a knowing smile, pleased to see me engrossed in the book she loves so much.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcU4CjQwMozxeMszUgt_SQ8YfNqFvlzXO36EDeGUgHFMTqBYbVQaNIBCQeRxXfnFfGUzeJyUWCy94cU1puQKop_zKSqgZOt0Nv9oqmJcCtiEnUCCGhfzG1l0Z7ikJkh8CMynYcjYMANcDnXODy2j5HsEFdfxJ_gZ7axI623Cf_S_DQEQwMw1pFwn_/s4032/B19594D7-B0FB-4C16-8C9E-3A01B568A602.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcU4CjQwMozxeMszUgt_SQ8YfNqFvlzXO36EDeGUgHFMTqBYbVQaNIBCQeRxXfnFfGUzeJyUWCy94cU1puQKop_zKSqgZOt0Nv9oqmJcCtiEnUCCGhfzG1l0Z7ikJkh8CMynYcjYMANcDnXODy2j5HsEFdfxJ_gZ7axI623Cf_S_DQEQwMw1pFwn_/w480-h640/B19594D7-B0FB-4C16-8C9E-3A01B568A602.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>The 10 Loves of Mr. Nishino by Hiromi Kawakami</b></p><p>This is basically about a player and the accounts of the 10 women he 'loved'. He seems to me a person who is incapable of truly genuinely settling down and loving one woman. These women have different stories and experiences with Mr. Nishino but one thing ultimately comes up: he can never really be defined and he refuses to be; he comes into your life, but you'll have to accept that he will leave whenever he pleases. This is probably the book I like the least compared to the pink and yellow one haha. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism_k8Rn5FJQZI2ZRO3PtSjMfP40OswlW6T9uo5-godUuzmjhq9fLSRn5AivG7s8GXsZb1cO0Hrm4dhgwG-pAgEjQ9ZCYx7rvPIZzf-QluIDQ6RtbCKV2-1yfBjlDSyvRCpspXZ0cahlPHc9zRJN1cTBbpvgZDgOVWGAZFJ2BwNdkUfjcVFUQ_RWPK/s4032/C6851685-F04C-4DD6-A7D3-F102AD843B67.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism_k8Rn5FJQZI2ZRO3PtSjMfP40OswlW6T9uo5-godUuzmjhq9fLSRn5AivG7s8GXsZb1cO0Hrm4dhgwG-pAgEjQ9ZCYx7rvPIZzf-QluIDQ6RtbCKV2-1yfBjlDSyvRCpspXZ0cahlPHc9zRJN1cTBbpvgZDgOVWGAZFJ2BwNdkUfjcVFUQ_RWPK/w480-h640/C6851685-F04C-4DD6-A7D3-F102AD843B67.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This may be one of my favorite books of all time. I could re-read it over and over and I will get fresh insights from it. This time around, this paragraph spoke to me most:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"Intelligence is one of the greatest human gifts. But all too often a search for knowledge drives out the search for love. This is something else I've discovered for myself very recently. I present it to you as a hypothesis: Intelligence without the ability to give and receive affection leads to mental and moral breakdown, to neurosis, and possibly even psychosis. And I say that the mind absorbed in and involved in itself as a self-centered end, to the exclusion of human relationships, can only lead to violence and pain."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvJytEv9mjSBCr_0KJKHaUYkInLUc41IFJbTVoCZr0CjfeoV9NMcq4FBrBJIjTD_zHXvJ_v8syUCzzGl-bKl2_VA3HIdxldDU97TbXO3HRGhZzVn_vs_T-yfIdetPwqE7f8SxsZfpt3dCugCP0ZUIqPv0RazF5SNOgMFhuZ7j8IhgFYoA7q6ZsiAW/s4032/A5262507-DBA5-4DF2-B2CA-9E57D013345F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvJytEv9mjSBCr_0KJKHaUYkInLUc41IFJbTVoCZr0CjfeoV9NMcq4FBrBJIjTD_zHXvJ_v8syUCzzGl-bKl2_VA3HIdxldDU97TbXO3HRGhZzVn_vs_T-yfIdetPwqE7f8SxsZfpt3dCugCP0ZUIqPv0RazF5SNOgMFhuZ7j8IhgFYoA7q6ZsiAW/w480-h640/A5262507-DBA5-4DF2-B2CA-9E57D013345F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>Stardust by Neil Gaiman</b></p><p>I've read this book back in high school, but only realized it when I was already halfway through it. It's a lovely story, so magically written in the way Neil Gaiman knows how. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNs5TrIuaygvZWEkcKr5yGErT6f40qFvDwvsCnDXeoPLcU53S2wwwA1BYmUJsTi8HajcMhASXdn0OHktLgkmhZzMvkqYn8V55uBvP-9DfBNJlfC9aYNLjcjERBWL4PvumsJA2R2eG3qPCTW6AFD-B-Fh3uV2xs-iHZKAibjrMDPAccLaHXGSy4mQS/s4032/EBF9E7B6-8492-45AE-BB1A-AE212BAD32A6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNs5TrIuaygvZWEkcKr5yGErT6f40qFvDwvsCnDXeoPLcU53S2wwwA1BYmUJsTi8HajcMhASXdn0OHktLgkmhZzMvkqYn8V55uBvP-9DfBNJlfC9aYNLjcjERBWL4PvumsJA2R2eG3qPCTW6AFD-B-Fh3uV2xs-iHZKAibjrMDPAccLaHXGSy4mQS/w480-h640/EBF9E7B6-8492-45AE-BB1A-AE212BAD32A6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>The 5 People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom</b></p><p>Marked as one of the books that made me cry. Our thoughts, words, and actions will always have an impact on others whether it be good or bad, big or small. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAybZMTzTW2u0YFB7YQImK7hMUUVsVkTIFdKlWc9W809vD7cLpGCJtUOC4tGAtOf0mc4cXBUiLmknQFaldf2eKPmhpXWq-r71EhLbHipfTSnUHvNRyt_BYyzg_PQrhDTZ50KyhiC-NSLfPnlnQnjR7iYZ7iAbxUh48yxGpKmm1rHaM-mjXv2_3lFAA/s1706/2C0A2E88-24B4-4E29-8E83-7855CAC15C39.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAybZMTzTW2u0YFB7YQImK7hMUUVsVkTIFdKlWc9W809vD7cLpGCJtUOC4tGAtOf0mc4cXBUiLmknQFaldf2eKPmhpXWq-r71EhLbHipfTSnUHvNRyt_BYyzg_PQrhDTZ50KyhiC-NSLfPnlnQnjR7iYZ7iAbxUh48yxGpKmm1rHaM-mjXv2_3lFAA/w360-h640/2C0A2E88-24B4-4E29-8E83-7855CAC15C39.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><p><b>Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi</b></p><p>The writing in this second book has improved, or could it be that the translation became better? I did enjoy reading this one. It made me feel nostalgic for the events that happened in the first book. It also gave me that same mysterious feeling I felt in the first book from when the coffee was poured to the point from when the coffee gets cold...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajq7ZcEL22u8fQM4Z4kO4YPAZYffN206-eSD5TmDvY0nN4rbAaXc0bZrJr8Aa24sb895Gs-qZKUMVujSfD9FMfOGYaLfYU85TgVKdF_pDfRBk_VvTR3v8Q-4w-Tuqv-VCyLX7rChmn0ndqphPFrs3_HIjk47815Gir-0SJInEABqRbiw1DP1_nkdL/s4032/15563D5F-9A48-48D8-BB3F-9A1001311721.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajq7ZcEL22u8fQM4Z4kO4YPAZYffN206-eSD5TmDvY0nN4rbAaXc0bZrJr8Aa24sb895Gs-qZKUMVujSfD9FMfOGYaLfYU85TgVKdF_pDfRBk_VvTR3v8Q-4w-Tuqv-VCyLX7rChmn0ndqphPFrs3_HIjk47815Gir-0SJInEABqRbiw1DP1_nkdL/w480-h640/15563D5F-9A48-48D8-BB3F-9A1001311721.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid</b></p><p>What a complicated read, but I felt the adrenaline, and I found myself rooting for the heroine. I loved this book and I believe it is worth the hype. I really like stories where we have a very empowered female protagonist. I remember reading this while I was in the hospital, having my Annual Physical Examination. The wait times for the doctor took a while, but I was just so highly entertained by this book!</p><p style="text-align: center;">--- </p><p style="text-align: left;">Honestly though, finishing 7 books within a month is a feat for me! Which book seems interesting to you so far? :-)</p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-55098083116962575602023-06-01T00:00:00.003+08:002024-02-27T13:56:08.629+08:00My Recent Reads<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjWrzNDW8-CeGA76qoYDgGomaJfamxET3LMu5HYHfIwG-P2Ir0XfHnIxurB5_I5-2YR3iESyoiwUEZpf-0V1f8jlsNC6ftoTVudvlX0kZ55cdn0JFzkiflVgne4_NLHWB5COnL0ZYLITCW3Fu8N8MTlYWCRqBGFSZMftHWHcKsdaWq0GgF9CGV8GN/s4032/EA75C790-753E-4203-B57C-7CB4C5DD5BB9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjWrzNDW8-CeGA76qoYDgGomaJfamxET3LMu5HYHfIwG-P2Ir0XfHnIxurB5_I5-2YR3iESyoiwUEZpf-0V1f8jlsNC6ftoTVudvlX0kZ55cdn0JFzkiflVgne4_NLHWB5COnL0ZYLITCW3Fu8N8MTlYWCRqBGFSZMftHWHcKsdaWq0GgF9CGV8GN/w480-h640/EA75C790-753E-4203-B57C-7CB4C5DD5BB9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Recent reads, a.k.a. books I've read during the first half of this year. I'm aiming to read at least 23 books for year 2023 and I really feel like I'm lagging behind... but hey, I still have time. Sharing with you my two cents on the books I've read so far this year!</p><a name='more'></a> <p></p><p><b>On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong</b></p><p>I've always been curious about this book, as I used to see it in the bookstore alongside A Little Life. They both have gray covers, but I chose to buy A Little Life first for some reason. Perhaps I thought it was because I'll get to encounter this one later on, and true enough I did through one of my book swaps. There's not much going on plot-wise, but the prose is beautiful and easy on the eyes. It made me marvel at how I could be reading through the memories and experiences of an individual at its rawest form. I have a penchant for bittersweet stories and it is all the more delightful to read when expressed poetically. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat by Oliver Sacks</b></p><p>A collection of case histories of his patients. I find it interesting especially as a psychology major as it refreshed my memory of concepts from psychology that have been buried for years after college. It's not the kind of book I'd finish in one sitting (I actually haven't!), but it sure does make a delightful read from time to time if you wanna be reading something. My interest in the human mind, its wonders and capacity reawakens each time I pick this up. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vwVzOAqg8o__K-KYI7hYzZ5MVySbWylAjQakBBCHRj8SsvbsjgNc5tB0K7T-fm_Hf3ZucZ9MEZRL3J5RK12Ro-4juOlFDsClqizPFQJYTGmdpEvMce19_k2oaOL-u3138f5Aeo7531r6UW15-kwRU8dkqEWgVfWXRagAtRjphWCw1t7QkafPUN_9/s4032/578CDF2F-7DB4-46DF-8748-C79B9870ABA0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vwVzOAqg8o__K-KYI7hYzZ5MVySbWylAjQakBBCHRj8SsvbsjgNc5tB0K7T-fm_Hf3ZucZ9MEZRL3J5RK12Ro-4juOlFDsClqizPFQJYTGmdpEvMce19_k2oaOL-u3138f5Aeo7531r6UW15-kwRU8dkqEWgVfWXRagAtRjphWCw1t7QkafPUN_9/w480-h640/578CDF2F-7DB4-46DF-8748-C79B9870ABA0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p><b>Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones</b></p><p>I love the Ghibli film, so I knew I was going to love this book as well. I like how I got to get a deeper insight into the characters' struggles. The character development was also very apparent. When I watched the film, I admit I focused more on the animation and the magical whimsical feelings it brought me, but it's in the book where you get to see the nuances in the characters' personalities and it made me appreciate them all the more. I love it when the character gets vulnerable, when they become self-aware of their shortcomings but strive to be better anyway. I also love it for the heroine, that she eventually grew to love and be more confident as her own person. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNhKop-SiGMAFmWaDyJ8CqZ9yktRu_DSXVcFaer7p9jrykblzu33CjX8bbOU0GyHkgtmnudnq1r-4JHUCb72eN4ZK1o4sbXDcxVb4mYXF1qObExOPWKAGpa8waDzm79U2d30NZPbcc9nuKUfXy2eSsTAFzDrZdch9tuUfUUaJnnEA2BQ0HGYHKpE7/s4032/CB78B71E-9BEF-4AFF-A1C5-6196A3169459.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNhKop-SiGMAFmWaDyJ8CqZ9yktRu_DSXVcFaer7p9jrykblzu33CjX8bbOU0GyHkgtmnudnq1r-4JHUCb72eN4ZK1o4sbXDcxVb4mYXF1qObExOPWKAGpa8waDzm79U2d30NZPbcc9nuKUfXy2eSsTAFzDrZdch9tuUfUUaJnnEA2BQ0HGYHKpE7/w480-h640/CB78B71E-9BEF-4AFF-A1C5-6196A3169459.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami</b></p><p>The story revolves around the quirky thrift shop and the characters that run it. It's the kind of story I would appreciate after a long day at work because the events in the book just feels so random, as if anything yet nothing could happen. It also reminds me about the importance of our relationships with one another. The work may or may not be there, but the relationships and connections made will always be. I think I would consider it fortunate for an individual to be able to work in a good environment where colleagues are supportive and are willing to bring their authentic self into the workplace. This scenario is not always the case in real life, but.. if you find yourself in one, embrace the opportunities and treasure the connections made. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2r7Mn8OhxcymfrPIZDjefYZu7zSB8UsSJJej65UUQUOdW9VqkDunS_6yazoHI8Upe6iqqXArXvKq4uBTWmlPYG0taLNXpGpT5FXSssSsbb4DLeXc0gLkt9m0mf4zvVgX44K5wmX3b7UDBwYF82v1FqEFgh_p4atMYBYrfGdgmQ6K7LQSdyPMyzxz/s4032/A6A95A59-E11A-472C-AD76-EEE503287CDF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2r7Mn8OhxcymfrPIZDjefYZu7zSB8UsSJJej65UUQUOdW9VqkDunS_6yazoHI8Upe6iqqXArXvKq4uBTWmlPYG0taLNXpGpT5FXSssSsbb4DLeXc0gLkt9m0mf4zvVgX44K5wmX3b7UDBwYF82v1FqEFgh_p4atMYBYrfGdgmQ6K7LQSdyPMyzxz/w480-h640/A6A95A59-E11A-472C-AD76-EEE503287CDF.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones</b></p><p>I'm still reading this one, but it's one of Howl's Moving Castle's sequels. I'm enjoying it so far, seeing how there are new characters and smiling whenever I see Howl and Sophie's names mentioned from time to time. It's a new adventure of sorts and I'm feeling positive about the story so far. It's got the usual magical elements and of course I'm here for the development of our characters. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5O4QdShzpeX_jzytz4vB3OgEeXepFApWMIk4j6EMM0zKLVzg9n5cWCnEj5OAlNF0XKZDEuItZqiOv9NWDGMq-ZrzzgRAy1d8YyrBjSep0jGqx4n2L_bRUTV3Uej59NFLNgPmtVmfz9SNS9EuZbYZjlnIZhjmRD1678YFL77cHkO8Khv0_CZcyU1R/s4032/757721F2-5986-482E-A68E-A3610E271349.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5O4QdShzpeX_jzytz4vB3OgEeXepFApWMIk4j6EMM0zKLVzg9n5cWCnEj5OAlNF0XKZDEuItZqiOv9NWDGMq-ZrzzgRAy1d8YyrBjSep0jGqx4n2L_bRUTV3Uej59NFLNgPmtVmfz9SNS9EuZbYZjlnIZhjmRD1678YFL77cHkO8Khv0_CZcyU1R/w480-h640/757721F2-5986-482E-A68E-A3610E271349.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p><b>My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh</b></p><div>Oh man, my expectations for this book!! </div><div><br /></div><div>My expectation: a relaxing, calming read </div><div>Reality: depressing, reminds you that healing is a long process and you shouldn't escape from doing the hard work or else you face consequences</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm glad I finished the book and I'm ready to move on to the next. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I love books that spans multiple life stages. The one wherein it starts from childhood until they grow up into adults. I also love seeing the ups and downs of the characters' relationships, how it grows and develops, how conflicts arise and how they resolve them. This was an enjoyable read and touches on many relatable themes. It also made me even more curious about gaming, and which led me to finally downloading a game I felt like, for the longest time, I would enjoy playing it (Stardew Valley on my PC LOL). I really recommend this book. :-)</div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>What're your recent reads? I would love to hear your book recommendations, dear reader. </p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-57847277911826697372023-03-19T00:00:00.062+08:002023-03-19T00:00:00.210+08:00A Day in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9OPRPMnNdUU2C-LlZNnmKqDLYZLPRcNiOmeuJQnQX2AzHFWD0Tm-YFM2ykTXNMcrR6cF_nnvAmC2hCnd-ypJkJOVsnV08TgZ81sgSgOHQHgfBCGXi71FDYAa5ov4qoRw51KsRKcWhbCTk0F_hEhYV6WrvWKDHmFPVvpIr2pSTPegNoYx9fsR2XFQ/s1800/92E7D29D-2D60-4672-89EF-7DF5BF522875.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9OPRPMnNdUU2C-LlZNnmKqDLYZLPRcNiOmeuJQnQX2AzHFWD0Tm-YFM2ykTXNMcrR6cF_nnvAmC2hCnd-ypJkJOVsnV08TgZ81sgSgOHQHgfBCGXi71FDYAa5ov4qoRw51KsRKcWhbCTk0F_hEhYV6WrvWKDHmFPVvpIr2pSTPegNoYx9fsR2XFQ/w512-h640/92E7D29D-2D60-4672-89EF-7DF5BF522875.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p>I've decided I'll be easing back into my writing habit slowly. I did not intend to take a pause, although I admit it was mostly because the world was opening up again that I felt like I focused my energy into more irl interactions, as if to make up for lost time. I always find myself back here again, though. I think writing, reflecting, and documenting life will remain to be an integral part of who I am no matter what phase I'm in. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I'll start by recounting events from my latest US trip. One of my favorites would definitely be our day at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. I don't think an international trip with Anna Jo could ever be complete without a visit to a museum. This was also my first time in a long time to be surrounded by artworks, so you could just imagine how excited and happy I was to be here!</p><p>What excites me most is being able to learn new things about history and other cultures, making observations, seeing different techniques and colors, and admiring works from world-renowned artists. There's just something about getting to admire all the details up close. We went on a Thursday, a day in the week where the entrance fee is waived. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZCyZVs4UlymyUUJ-7IEcrF5G0ohIQFs6YN3srLulJ3Zr6Dxz-sXx2CD5Z9fToXxmWXzMApviqz9iGqIVUEqcg39CtYGqG_63I5U5bzE8Hs9ANHZIoopgu6FP5hyiGBti0DQEbhwygnhTD9ZTe7B_w-ngF95RtftKgF0QLD8eYMtt5M_MWbkoh8l_/s4032/FAC0504E-C2EF-4FD7-B089-A73AE56C7061.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZCyZVs4UlymyUUJ-7IEcrF5G0ohIQFs6YN3srLulJ3Zr6Dxz-sXx2CD5Z9fToXxmWXzMApviqz9iGqIVUEqcg39CtYGqG_63I5U5bzE8Hs9ANHZIoopgu6FP5hyiGBti0DQEbhwygnhTD9ZTe7B_w-ngF95RtftKgF0QLD8eYMtt5M_MWbkoh8l_/w480-h640/FAC0504E-C2EF-4FD7-B089-A73AE56C7061.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmflnF8Ttj70XYz93MQTTdKYRL5jz69hwXfhcDWPwU6SsxbXVJyjBzItQb7rZLzwM90jBvFymteIft407zF_bg3BnI9wrSoct8bjdrlN4ZX7i5PSr_B-oOvmw0JtN4xkLzWC8IWOxQ4nXjEu9FRrBlMrKEo7-w0HTnBctc2ZiHEySiOOSudElcyaZe/s4032/8BD68859-3AE2-4AC5-841C-FA2F4233B14D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmflnF8Ttj70XYz93MQTTdKYRL5jz69hwXfhcDWPwU6SsxbXVJyjBzItQb7rZLzwM90jBvFymteIft407zF_bg3BnI9wrSoct8bjdrlN4ZX7i5PSr_B-oOvmw0JtN4xkLzWC8IWOxQ4nXjEu9FRrBlMrKEo7-w0HTnBctc2ZiHEySiOOSudElcyaZe/w480-h640/8BD68859-3AE2-4AC5-841C-FA2F4233B14D.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr29uPZtJcjQO6O31Dd04KF0ff-pk38csUFmDA1re2li-rvXIChwFbF9L1DImBw1mqkKWklfEjiy3IojFTuU5QjqWBqjLxNY5wkNP941UGAVG-i6ejNN-Wc_fgJfMXDMQ_bD4XT7I9vnvz_XtBR4CM-FLXzT8sMvPLRNXK-Mt5tGpoxg-kiRzjF3QD/s4032/2A04FC09-176D-45AD-A0D9-9D3BA1621A0F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr29uPZtJcjQO6O31Dd04KF0ff-pk38csUFmDA1re2li-rvXIChwFbF9L1DImBw1mqkKWklfEjiy3IojFTuU5QjqWBqjLxNY5wkNP941UGAVG-i6ejNN-Wc_fgJfMXDMQ_bD4XT7I9vnvz_XtBR4CM-FLXzT8sMvPLRNXK-Mt5tGpoxg-kiRzjF3QD/w480-h640/2A04FC09-176D-45AD-A0D9-9D3BA1621A0F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTFtsFmWgUPv9bWAuJwFgMYtDS0k8I1MJ-vaOoBQw4CySd23G8NHZbWs6DvbibzygAZK4GNssS8wfF4OJPLnsEWWR2FENX8CxGl7dcTOMUGxJvSXhxAecrNZVyWLAS8C1XmRM2kEhwN2zcVoOfQibIAaSQ-mBbWXr5mBZlBQGhYuV4mgnAJzie1C4/s3774/2B3E726D-34CE-4EFD-BA84-8A2BA54F299F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="2830" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTFtsFmWgUPv9bWAuJwFgMYtDS0k8I1MJ-vaOoBQw4CySd23G8NHZbWs6DvbibzygAZK4GNssS8wfF4OJPLnsEWWR2FENX8CxGl7dcTOMUGxJvSXhxAecrNZVyWLAS8C1XmRM2kEhwN2zcVoOfQibIAaSQ-mBbWXr5mBZlBQGhYuV4mgnAJzie1C4/w480-h640/2B3E726D-34CE-4EFD-BA84-8A2BA54F299F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorites</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpt4bCmhagHOJDYp93jBgRuuI3s-xsK8FZ4-p5-k4KYSrk5BZkr3ZhId088pe3YjXJhzThmd3pNzyWAuf13DXP51W0Ua8h1sUp6dJF4LVZOIBWEutrT8SViwidI4RGmMZ02kh2U7t3juU0YAOxXq_hCJY4yARnO0zm3mIjvcCYgQ1v4JVubOyA7Dh/s4032/331CD50B-0600-4CE5-A37A-1C7573687846.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpt4bCmhagHOJDYp93jBgRuuI3s-xsK8FZ4-p5-k4KYSrk5BZkr3ZhId088pe3YjXJhzThmd3pNzyWAuf13DXP51W0Ua8h1sUp6dJF4LVZOIBWEutrT8SViwidI4RGmMZ02kh2U7t3juU0YAOxXq_hCJY4yARnO0zm3mIjvcCYgQ1v4JVubOyA7Dh/w480-h640/331CD50B-0600-4CE5-A37A-1C7573687846.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Multiple upside down selfies! :-) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni8-_E935wb3SBSSWm1hI0Aw6gunu5-kVLO30mzxT1TnDE2eiRz035QzmX3C0T5kb2Iw5FkdfVUuqUcwIj_kFHv4pVz3ipoWmn4Wd5DtJNwSO5yvlqsix1sVqblBPX9TZ6VMKe0ighIQOdCzEWWyuiIg_jHdfGM1jc6eTH9Pcbv1sRFNYgGzpUfzM/s4032/7FC8A15F-236D-4154-9C07-5683B60A3B2A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni8-_E935wb3SBSSWm1hI0Aw6gunu5-kVLO30mzxT1TnDE2eiRz035QzmX3C0T5kb2Iw5FkdfVUuqUcwIj_kFHv4pVz3ipoWmn4Wd5DtJNwSO5yvlqsix1sVqblBPX9TZ6VMKe0ighIQOdCzEWWyuiIg_jHdfGM1jc6eTH9Pcbv1sRFNYgGzpUfzM/w480-h640/7FC8A15F-236D-4154-9C07-5683B60A3B2A.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXQ-ITXR10e5yWD1YfCgVrOABE5252Q_evEoaOtWxoi22yzyHQK3jlfzC3rD-qEs6LhPcn-kDYGtnLZuWa33x_nTJrXeF8XOyuj0389HvvyDZ5hVXAXSpgF6NUNPn4c9pLT6G83rsZRLfVBkoYq_d48-PIHqK2aBK2aQdMVZBf1AhnRM9epkRUIiS/s3896/AD7E9AD8-A845-4AAA-8371-9BFE82BC24A0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3896" data-original-width="2922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXQ-ITXR10e5yWD1YfCgVrOABE5252Q_evEoaOtWxoi22yzyHQK3jlfzC3rD-qEs6LhPcn-kDYGtnLZuWa33x_nTJrXeF8XOyuj0389HvvyDZ5hVXAXSpgF6NUNPn4c9pLT6G83rsZRLfVBkoYq_d48-PIHqK2aBK2aQdMVZBf1AhnRM9epkRUIiS/w480-h640/AD7E9AD8-A845-4AAA-8371-9BFE82BC24A0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>In the human world, what arouses our body and feeling of vitality is Eternity. I have been living in this Eternity, where enormous love for humanity passes through and the vast brilliance of life is infinitely reflected... We keep flashing and disappearing, and again blossoming out in this Eternity.</i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The highlight for my sister and I would be the Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity by Yayoi Kusama. It's a lovely installation wherein you get to be inside a room filled with lights that slowly come to life, its energy intensifies until it goes out all of a sudden. You then find yourself in the dark for a few seconds until the lights come back again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sharing with you some of my favorite works. What do you like when you see art? Do you prefer thought-provoking ones, or those that make you feel calm inside? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckVUsWOZ4QhbFp6cGKFexfDsDT7ucEdiTTDA3Hrkxvy39q2B-ZzfMyNvTVqZZTt8VSyfA8ju40Kj82YFBbFuFQ-HgcZqOCTwdX4c2Q5TEJzsBPr9hSnN83EFpXGGd4hCExLDlvyfMpnjHe3Kna9gt9GdMBsjCKobOSsFQn9T2JyFo6UxPNK737AAa/s4032/08B7715E-DAC5-4C3A-94B3-AF1C1672E1C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckVUsWOZ4QhbFp6cGKFexfDsDT7ucEdiTTDA3Hrkxvy39q2B-ZzfMyNvTVqZZTt8VSyfA8ju40Kj82YFBbFuFQ-HgcZqOCTwdX4c2Q5TEJzsBPr9hSnN83EFpXGGd4hCExLDlvyfMpnjHe3Kna9gt9GdMBsjCKobOSsFQn9T2JyFo6UxPNK737AAa/w480-h640/08B7715E-DAC5-4C3A-94B3-AF1C1672E1C4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq9p58eUmx51ZTl1-DWa3zmCLL6WF6AAMTctXDtarddJt4cIJpe-R1NRU-3j3uHmPLh_QtvVBBqmEQcFkJ__0GcrBo_dC-ov3yy9ldJjUlNta8KtBdMAfd982JsnKmu9zSv9uv8CCJ6J0fxY_oaK3u8pDLTMkVc_2MlQ0_Cvkqslk3tKR5HDopcVD/s4032/8BEF033E-2BAC-4DE7-9B5A-50D684799CFD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq9p58eUmx51ZTl1-DWa3zmCLL6WF6AAMTctXDtarddJt4cIJpe-R1NRU-3j3uHmPLh_QtvVBBqmEQcFkJ__0GcrBo_dC-ov3yy9ldJjUlNta8KtBdMAfd982JsnKmu9zSv9uv8CCJ6J0fxY_oaK3u8pDLTMkVc_2MlQ0_Cvkqslk3tKR5HDopcVD/w480-h640/8BEF033E-2BAC-4DE7-9B5A-50D684799CFD.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXCL4Zam4NTjyNQMmHIERIMU4dHDyd_cWHwZeouav3hgl5KFWc9sC7PPgp8PmmGG5S0emqn2DKZSLGNwpqQ7VkWnSJStkzzLtAtcqXH0-nJJC4BSOQyjNT6uKhiPEzDc8hMe40iRenEqMtLt0YSsFwm-ybWwbGxPfhYA_pQyUSdtpudZyKFi2cNNR/s4032/13F242A5-16E4-4E79-938C-9F324E18FFBF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXCL4Zam4NTjyNQMmHIERIMU4dHDyd_cWHwZeouav3hgl5KFWc9sC7PPgp8PmmGG5S0emqn2DKZSLGNwpqQ7VkWnSJStkzzLtAtcqXH0-nJJC4BSOQyjNT6uKhiPEzDc8hMe40iRenEqMtLt0YSsFwm-ybWwbGxPfhYA_pQyUSdtpudZyKFi2cNNR/w480-h640/13F242A5-16E4-4E79-938C-9F324E18FFBF.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkuSqB_XQch8ok358H8_Iwv9GYo2fSQJ8f4OSSHImyoGZ-7T-_L3PK969BgD0A0-FpGTTWVoTYcPJG3TyIzU6goRWIOhy9a37pS0g92s_9kbx3DDEXHyfLgQXkzZsurygPU3a4a9ZN-t4qzFJeFoO16QdzVCktTjImbZVNHy_Dvf9I3VmUPDLWa05/s4032/50CEAD4D-4473-4AF1-BCC9-93E7F1C055D9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkuSqB_XQch8ok358H8_Iwv9GYo2fSQJ8f4OSSHImyoGZ-7T-_L3PK969BgD0A0-FpGTTWVoTYcPJG3TyIzU6goRWIOhy9a37pS0g92s_9kbx3DDEXHyfLgQXkzZsurygPU3a4a9ZN-t4qzFJeFoO16QdzVCktTjImbZVNHy_Dvf9I3VmUPDLWa05/w480-h640/50CEAD4D-4473-4AF1-BCC9-93E7F1C055D9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like the colors and also the detail on the woman's gown! I admire how crisp it looks. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lz_paiPmwq_2FlYk9EKeh9Dk_0lbnbeODYbOgG4tHCR0HJmstXg4E4q0u1DwK1u8tWUCC-Hi8DDKYozGDBYr1DTRi6z18dUQ7t6O3RZ6RrcJZ6CBn_6s8rClWFD7g1xRGb2gxRHLEExqagcVC_48dAqnhiTbHWEmWHHwfNJXTnbFuLkzdtxCaE9c/s4032/86D24742-8F79-4093-BBE9-1F7E27BDDE24.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lz_paiPmwq_2FlYk9EKeh9Dk_0lbnbeODYbOgG4tHCR0HJmstXg4E4q0u1DwK1u8tWUCC-Hi8DDKYozGDBYr1DTRi6z18dUQ7t6O3RZ6RrcJZ6CBn_6s8rClWFD7g1xRGb2gxRHLEExqagcVC_48dAqnhiTbHWEmWHHwfNJXTnbFuLkzdtxCaE9c/w480-h640/86D24742-8F79-4093-BBE9-1F7E27BDDE24.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdR_JEWIBmNRF4qw0tGr-V27DcJZWo1woLGEGDx1gCN7DS9Lln0Kcf_pBgNHG6HLzkWeh6nHFN03qFZdgAr_U594lfRHTVqqV1gXxylq99ynZjiJXGQsK1FwrLZg8yPSya5_cDevoG5-yTdTHBj3Z2KUbOPFyZRRUjWV8zDn0k685yyohax5-aplX/s4032/363B3F24-977B-404B-B585-5E955374AAF3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdR_JEWIBmNRF4qw0tGr-V27DcJZWo1woLGEGDx1gCN7DS9Lln0Kcf_pBgNHG6HLzkWeh6nHFN03qFZdgAr_U594lfRHTVqqV1gXxylq99ynZjiJXGQsK1FwrLZg8yPSya5_cDevoG5-yTdTHBj3Z2KUbOPFyZRRUjWV8zDn0k685yyohax5-aplX/w480-h640/363B3F24-977B-404B-B585-5E955374AAF3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one caught my eye, because of the gentleman wearing a suit while riding together with fellow natives. I also like the yellow tree in the background. I think this was also my first time seeing Native American art. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyguZy56D9nr89qSbP2sZ2oB1J6_Er2kj2DfgxK-mSuc0UGhvq_7RNgAOOIonMJPskhzOQWjc0uE8zfK8MhPmBGyo5rDxAZhcqngADp-Eb3Oz1NZ6NWlCgrzG3tgIGrHyVwt6jURyameaBgJe0n1A9dP-jMP3vyLcN6j8f-UTSwdutrA7atscHcug8/s4032/0522B83B-5137-4645-A8DA-D4A615AD3933.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyguZy56D9nr89qSbP2sZ2oB1J6_Er2kj2DfgxK-mSuc0UGhvq_7RNgAOOIonMJPskhzOQWjc0uE8zfK8MhPmBGyo5rDxAZhcqngADp-Eb3Oz1NZ6NWlCgrzG3tgIGrHyVwt6jURyameaBgJe0n1A9dP-jMP3vyLcN6j8f-UTSwdutrA7atscHcug8/w480-h640/0522B83B-5137-4645-A8DA-D4A615AD3933.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mummy! I remember my first encounter with mummy displays in the <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2018/07/london-stepping-back-in-time-at-british.html" target="_blank">British Museum</a>. I was sneezing lots :")</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfgcd26JH5-JzFsZca4OLJ9GFXi9H5ggKHuS_8W9_ns0a2tnMKOoQf74fZNsvNjN4nQo9vExq85RjPYUUtWZkC-adgINsK91i3mD9xr3XpkG7PpSpw8NspS7rvamucCU-aqNBpyhRoawD23uDHYEd3AA-v2hiUHaPhn_ibr5Y6BpzNpddZHl1YJmv/s4032/02404E4A-E9A2-47B9-B002-4143EAB306B1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfgcd26JH5-JzFsZca4OLJ9GFXi9H5ggKHuS_8W9_ns0a2tnMKOoQf74fZNsvNjN4nQo9vExq85RjPYUUtWZkC-adgINsK91i3mD9xr3XpkG7PpSpw8NspS7rvamucCU-aqNBpyhRoawD23uDHYEd3AA-v2hiUHaPhn_ibr5Y6BpzNpddZHl1YJmv/w480-h640/02404E4A-E9A2-47B9-B002-4143EAB306B1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't pass up on the opportunity to admire bright and vivid artworks. I love incorporating a lot of colors into my artworks as well, which is why I gravitate towards colorful pieces in museums. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGjaXdX9SEoxaAmx9-etF-SIlIZSDW0dGEFpC-Dymb35yX-sMYKWyGWOHF867YoPGcC4cgUpU-VZbMC8MpnSvCfVNc0xVa4K-cc72HO7qGcdBMyd5Rf_0eYXCpix8bewjlcp28lLreu0EfvljVGK_NkJWRyF4gqJAm2vKaQy4feIPI--CZSadrlCf/s4032/AA5823D0-733B-4357-ABF3-9520AA50D741.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGjaXdX9SEoxaAmx9-etF-SIlIZSDW0dGEFpC-Dymb35yX-sMYKWyGWOHF867YoPGcC4cgUpU-VZbMC8MpnSvCfVNc0xVa4K-cc72HO7qGcdBMyd5Rf_0eYXCpix8bewjlcp28lLreu0EfvljVGK_NkJWRyF4gqJAm2vKaQy4feIPI--CZSadrlCf/w480-h640/AA5823D0-733B-4357-ABF3-9520AA50D741.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQElCoEvRUfSoBJhgTG89oDogPQ_Vck05947CuMeopDtjSieK-_3eVOBXcGz25TuPEnj38f5cX8BOPVSzuI2nUsuQMa4BJ7cz90Z6rseszDYpBeMy84IVSrDfvOYVjULHxCNQ2MfkbB8X7a6hMuSCmys3N1_elUl8BmisBdT2tvv2Y9tRvZ5EqIr-Y/s4032/BFEAECE7-50C8-4A55-AAC6-D96DC23E6188.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQElCoEvRUfSoBJhgTG89oDogPQ_Vck05947CuMeopDtjSieK-_3eVOBXcGz25TuPEnj38f5cX8BOPVSzuI2nUsuQMa4BJ7cz90Z6rseszDYpBeMy84IVSrDfvOYVjULHxCNQ2MfkbB8X7a6hMuSCmys3N1_elUl8BmisBdT2tvv2Y9tRvZ5EqIr-Y/w480-h640/BFEAECE7-50C8-4A55-AAC6-D96DC23E6188.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj395SFAmUFFgOtqlLBEhBzy5JyZbmSLf_BHfUp7RTcpJjPO3U4X8wt05bjeWyrGQPM8iBaF8F2wbTZXoznlrwWLSL8XGOQL5aC2vCQ8DQ80KNeR_jQXo6igatKyQmxJT9i8Y2cul_c4XWJeUMP9wmVHTRmSjVFIGBN_OiGse_owmOEbhW1uZmZsfEf/s4032/E00C0446-D17F-48EA-B236-9E0955E8870E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj395SFAmUFFgOtqlLBEhBzy5JyZbmSLf_BHfUp7RTcpJjPO3U4X8wt05bjeWyrGQPM8iBaF8F2wbTZXoznlrwWLSL8XGOQL5aC2vCQ8DQ80KNeR_jQXo6igatKyQmxJT9i8Y2cul_c4XWJeUMP9wmVHTRmSjVFIGBN_OiGse_owmOEbhW1uZmZsfEf/w480-h640/E00C0446-D17F-48EA-B236-9E0955E8870E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbIkwSIPPOPcj5SiCTq8bhICnDuocTTbePqIKIpg1suqZU78I1I9hzmM1PLvqT2t45CjaMP6DNQK7WM1f2_e6LYOV4AjBpe_TDdLACMmBI8gylT6yx_06poOCbqjgiiqJG7oMTSJhBYbcQ5NgDPoWMGFa2WBA9e-7gFGjDTaJ1pVa1B41oU5vDRE2/s4032/E91F9EA1-E681-4D64-B0AB-F9C38C2ADCCA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbIkwSIPPOPcj5SiCTq8bhICnDuocTTbePqIKIpg1suqZU78I1I9hzmM1PLvqT2t45CjaMP6DNQK7WM1f2_e6LYOV4AjBpe_TDdLACMmBI8gylT6yx_06poOCbqjgiiqJG7oMTSJhBYbcQ5NgDPoWMGFa2WBA9e-7gFGjDTaJ1pVa1B41oU5vDRE2/w480-h640/E91F9EA1-E681-4D64-B0AB-F9C38C2ADCCA.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iCmSVTLUr87P6Yj_b_APOGPQJxFwp79lsrWEPJcscxVmErU0wqjc-wWr60r0PshhBsKbF6C52YeNCKDII5XniiEfQg7FEw4kRGHIWEJn1SmrRPboP7iSxi-wwM9bXxEuGKTcyYp4t_cjfWR8hvjTrcNrewMbBMxc3a7YKNLAAkwhKPMdqnAc6u1V/s4032/EF7B7B64-AB0F-4ABF-B22E-D3F216A83CC4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iCmSVTLUr87P6Yj_b_APOGPQJxFwp79lsrWEPJcscxVmErU0wqjc-wWr60r0PshhBsKbF6C52YeNCKDII5XniiEfQg7FEw4kRGHIWEJn1SmrRPboP7iSxi-wwM9bXxEuGKTcyYp4t_cjfWR8hvjTrcNrewMbBMxc3a7YKNLAAkwhKPMdqnAc6u1V/w480-h640/EF7B7B64-AB0F-4ABF-B22E-D3F216A83CC4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remembered the movie Hercules upon seeing these vases!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPBSfvRgc7aUXjefERGINMDzyzfXoLjW953L9Q63G0Hba7IWx0e-ifGZP81Lf2GvIlh9FfeKRcO0-EbB3g3BA-jUO4GgdrsPC222_1uz4FFFTRHgQt7wZKIXa8UsaVr80qFRU0nrccGbaDRUT0qnDdQmOzkSY7qCkgcGDK2heQgL-6HrSO9HfVnxB/s4032/F7B0D0CA-A222-4931-81C4-DDAABD77A53D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPBSfvRgc7aUXjefERGINMDzyzfXoLjW953L9Q63G0Hba7IWx0e-ifGZP81Lf2GvIlh9FfeKRcO0-EbB3g3BA-jUO4GgdrsPC222_1uz4FFFTRHgQt7wZKIXa8UsaVr80qFRU0nrccGbaDRUT0qnDdQmOzkSY7qCkgcGDK2heQgL-6HrSO9HfVnxB/w480-h640/F7B0D0CA-A222-4931-81C4-DDAABD77A53D.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is such a VIBE. <3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrV_I-9ogiHRTC3jPkJhm8Gkd8FOFue5LL9GBIz4afihlVbtsOqV58HSSn__9qM_UYT9TW3_T0hCGllawYDhqyxjoACBUsBVNRnPzhCJbXlHzE04Q4qGknNHJQHVM3C8LnSJZY21b6csI7IkV-6CqZXPOnQ2zNwkF_KZCBYtxSv5zqw-rl3WlnSiV/s4032/F18921E1-1978-4E9B-8116-CC8B18E1443E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrV_I-9ogiHRTC3jPkJhm8Gkd8FOFue5LL9GBIz4afihlVbtsOqV58HSSn__9qM_UYT9TW3_T0hCGllawYDhqyxjoACBUsBVNRnPzhCJbXlHzE04Q4qGknNHJQHVM3C8LnSJZY21b6csI7IkV-6CqZXPOnQ2zNwkF_KZCBYtxSv5zqw-rl3WlnSiV/w480-h640/F18921E1-1978-4E9B-8116-CC8B18E1443E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I admit I also had an art block for the longest time. Perhaps I just needed a break from all that I was familiar with, to seek new experiences so I can come back feeling inspired. That's the nice thing about hobbies or cultivating a craft; we can always pick them back up for when we feel like creating things again. Inspiration can be drawn around us as well. If for instance I want to get back into writing, I would read a lot. If I want to get back into making art, I would look at a lot of art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Writing this entry made me look back at old blog entries on museums I've gone to and written about. I'd like to share my experiences with you as well, if you haven't read them yet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2019/09/saigons-fine-arts-museum.html" target="_blank">Fine Arts Museum, Saigon</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2019/02/leeds-royal-armouries-museum.html" target="_blank">Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds England</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2018/08/london-v-museum.html" target="_blank">The V&A Museum, London England</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2018/07/london-paintings-i-liked-in-national.html" target="_blank">The National Gallery Part 1, London England</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2018/08/london-paintings-i-liked-in-national.html" target="_blank">The National Gallery Part 2, London England</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2018/09/london-natural-history-museum-cathedral.html" target="_blank">The Natural History Museum, Londong England</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">---</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you enjoyed looking around, dear reader! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-87811616783219587272023-03-14T17:37:00.004+08:002023-03-14T19:10:54.869+08:00A Much Needed Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtlWsRcEACljrLNqg5Fl-C3EGi0x3NHMGX8akD4tMaJpMze89mVRdmU-NSmdYXXd3f2cUUlUZaB6Jn9EXPNfqaKntAI8S89eRfNJL975YY81exXezJLXyLpVAnjNGYJT-SmfBArDrQefTKJIK_UH3FYTjhsnDc99O_oqihMdQDmY1PKx4BbPyiLDU/s4032/2BD48A04-1302-489C-963D-DCE8CA888ABC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtlWsRcEACljrLNqg5Fl-C3EGi0x3NHMGX8akD4tMaJpMze89mVRdmU-NSmdYXXd3f2cUUlUZaB6Jn9EXPNfqaKntAI8S89eRfNJL975YY81exXezJLXyLpVAnjNGYJT-SmfBArDrQefTKJIK_UH3FYTjhsnDc99O_oqihMdQDmY1PKx4BbPyiLDU/w480-h640/2BD48A04-1302-489C-963D-DCE8CA888ABC.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Hello, happy new year! Even though it's already March haha. But yes, this is my first blog entry for 2023. There's so much I want to write about, but allow me first to share about my one month and a half trip to Texas to visit my sister. This was a much needed break for me, and it's one that I'd like to remember for years to come. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>It was cold when we arrived in mid-November-- I had the preconceived notion that it would be warm in Texas all year round considering they're located nearer the equator... but it's the United States which experiences the four seasons in full so of course it's still going to be cold. I definitely found myself having to adjust to the temperature by layering my clothes and trying to go out as much as I can through errands and helping with the grocery shopping (need to keep my body moving!). I also experienced jetlag for around 5 days. I would wake up at lunch time which is a far cry from my usual early morning routine. </p><p>Embracing the cold and adjusting my body clock were definitely things I had to ease into. I had to let go of my routines back home for a while and spend weeks without any. The thought of having no structure in my days scared me a little, but then isn't that the purpose of a vacation? To wake up and think of things we want to do and it doesn't matter if it's going to be a busy day or not? Perhaps I had forgotten how to take one. It's been 2 years after all since I last hopped on a plane, yet this trip had me taking 3 flights within 48 hours. </p><p>This trip was unlike the ones I'm used to, which would typically consist of jam packed itineraries with little time for resting. This time around it was more of experiencing how it's really like to live in the country with a proper house, exploring the neighborhood park and trails, dining in local restaurants, and going out for groceries in the many different supermarkets. We got to experience how my sister does things, how she's really doing in work and life, and we even got to see her favorite places. More than anything, the top priority was to spend time as a complete family. </p><p>We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving, my 27th birthday, Christmas, and New Year together. It was during these holidays that I realized it has been a long while and my sister and I have grown in many different ways. Some things remain the same though; I still come to her for life advice and we still have the same funny inside jokes and banters from when we were younger. It's definitely great to be older and experience new things together, and one of which I enjoyed would be shopping. </p><p>I'm not a big shopper and I'm not particular with brands, so I didn't enjoy my first visit to the US back when I was still a teenager. I do remember enjoying the usual touristy must do's such as the trips to Disneyland, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Diego Zoo, but not the many visits to the outlet stores. Now as a working professional though, I have the capacity to go shopping (responsibly) as I please. I now understand why people who take vacations to the US love to go shopping-- it's really because of the access to a wide variety of brands that are readily available. I can say that I appreciate shopping a lot more, for as long as one can consciously afford it. As a single woman in her late twenties, I'd say it's a nice reward and it's fulfilling to afford some of the finer things in life once in a while. ;-) </p><p>If you follow my <a href="http://instagram.com/helloannajo" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you may have seen the many ootd stories I would share. It's funny because my sister and I used to fight about clothes, but now there seems to be an abundance. She has also challenged me to be more creative with the pieces I wear which led me to sharpening my sense of style once again. I find that in dressing up, I always think about the color palette and comfort. Perhaps for this year I will be a bit bolder and wear some prints here and there. There's just something so satisfying about having a well-thought outfit for the day. </p><p><br /></p><p>Much like these new things I've come to enjoy, I also spent a lot of time reflecting on what travel and taking a vacation means to me. Resting definitely came to mind because the physical mind and body can only take so much. I remember my team leader telling me something along the lines of: <i>it still hits different when you know you're taking time off and the rest of the world is still working.</i> It rings true. It's also a time for stepping back, for truly celebrating the wins and seeing how far we've come as an individual. </p><p>Making new memories with loved ones is also my favorite thing when on vacation. I realize the last photos I took with my sister was back in 2018. I also realize the last time we spent my birthday and holidays together as a family was more or less 10 years ago. It's crazy whenever I think about it, but it made me even more grateful. There was a lot of growing up between those years which led us to where we are now, which is definitely a feat. I'm truly glad I'm able to do the things I love with my sister such as going to cafes, museums and parks. </p><p>There's also the opportunity to learn new things. We learn about ourselves, about the people we're with, the places we go to, and we take it all in with a child-like wonder. We're exposed to new experiences and it's in these moments we remember that we don't know everything and there's so much more to learn about the world around us. </p><p><br /></p><p>My feelings before I took this trip was a mix of tired, nostalgic, and excited. Now that I'm back I felt like the trip took me out of my bubble and I know I'll be able to get back into my routines with renewed energy. I'll be writing about some of our time together here and there, whenever the mood for writing and reminiscing strikes. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>Thank you for your time today, it's like a little catch up of sorts. :-) talk to you again soon!</p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-84273211612445447182022-09-17T22:18:00.004+08:002023-03-14T16:53:35.710+08:00What Keeps Us Going<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbTNUU3pQotN-xK_byyT884zeLGK1f-CwEALSTTzS6WzoX9IvK9H83JqEZUCi8RpHpqP7ypOSd2COGhZuygh9mziQrWWJaszouA-hmYtbcgoNCnglfJ6uKHjCSqT8KmbyFHyiWRCVf02IKXJZFnwGZP0VxvVS2o_-cE7E-qKCnjB3_LoLtOGIBTX9/s4032/0D71F4EA-E60C-40B0-926B-C8839E79756E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbTNUU3pQotN-xK_byyT884zeLGK1f-CwEALSTTzS6WzoX9IvK9H83JqEZUCi8RpHpqP7ypOSd2COGhZuygh9mziQrWWJaszouA-hmYtbcgoNCnglfJ6uKHjCSqT8KmbyFHyiWRCVf02IKXJZFnwGZP0VxvVS2o_-cE7E-qKCnjB3_LoLtOGIBTX9/w480-h640/0D71F4EA-E60C-40B0-926B-C8839E79756E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Hey there, it's been a while. I realize this may be the longest I've been away ever since I started writing in this space (correct me if I'm wrong!). But let's see.. it's been 3 months. In that span of time, a lot of things have happened: many books have been read, met different kinds of people, rekindled past friendships, gained a lot of work wins and work woes, revisited old and explored new coffee shops, played lots of badminton, went out on a lot of walks.... the list goes on. I look back and realize how time flies so fast and so much can change within 3 months. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I read through one of my past entries (<a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2022/03/coming-out-of-hibernation.html">this one from May in particular</a>) and I remember typing this with all my hesitations in mind about how the upcoming months would pan out. There's a lot to learn in every experience, and even though there are things I thought I already knew, I still forget them. </p><p>That's life though, and I think we can only get better if we keep experiencing more of it, again and again. Yet at the same time it can be tiring. I admit I'm tired and I'm in the midst of recalibrating and carving out more time for rest. A concrete way for me to do this would be by constantly thinking about my activities and what is it about them that keeps me going.</p><p><br /></p><p>Lately I've been finding rest through reading books. A dear friend and I formed a book club recently, wherein we'd swap books and read together in a cafe. I feel as if I've rediscovered my past superpower, which would be the ability to read a book in a span of 1-2 days. The more you read, the more you'll find yourself flipping through the pages faster. It has also motivated me to write more, especially since it's evaluation season for my work; I need to write a lot. I'll also be writing my thoughts about the books I've read, real soon. :-)</p><p>I've also been playing lots of badminton. I realize one of the things I like with the sport would be the connections made. I've made it a point to play with many different kinds of players with a wide age range. Much like with any other team sport, there's that sense of community and it makes the time spent more worthwhile. Now that the world has opened up again, I observed a lot of people are getting into the sport, and that's pretty cool. </p><p>Then of course, my beloved walks. Lots of them. Sharing a photo from last week which made me forget all about my self-induced worries:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDurMQhjyLtoZy3GqZy3T8t13d91jAuWmpmq6WcMsXBKcVHk-xkM_A9yKXlWHMjIyjxpVq-8Y6bJRS8hQqsioSTGkIcNieAAPt_vvcjr6-n5PHR5xCJALX-FybAOwThvV4lI6l_2Cg1K8pTffHwksM4YhaRx_3Vmlv0vnF3ZlgC_lsawU_BPbKanGr/s4032/459D3E26-C8E8-40E5-A19A-8CAF91CBBD50.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDurMQhjyLtoZy3GqZy3T8t13d91jAuWmpmq6WcMsXBKcVHk-xkM_A9yKXlWHMjIyjxpVq-8Y6bJRS8hQqsioSTGkIcNieAAPt_vvcjr6-n5PHR5xCJALX-FybAOwThvV4lI6l_2Cg1K8pTffHwksM4YhaRx_3Vmlv0vnF3ZlgC_lsawU_BPbKanGr/w480-h640/459D3E26-C8E8-40E5-A19A-8CAF91CBBD50.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I allow myself to be in awe, even if it's just for a moment. It reminds me that there's really just so much more to life, and there's much more of life to live. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>I hope you have a restful weekend, dear reader.</p>Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-34988039798528881122022-05-15T22:01:00.009+08:002024-02-27T13:56:23.748+08:00My Recent Reads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRTLuC8tCEHfcU2wn8k0eC02gNY3InCmIEGXWwF3eq9nkkXX3krf4PXwC_f-DyvuJU4YJx0JeOx-0o0ebtKloMHH1oi2LjNyJvrIfVB8ubF74c-gfZJiUvJUgYzYX4E9nWyRY_JgqsdXTbVBPtzZVU_JNeA3A9lpVcL6jT4tO1UsSUQfMx6hQhcl9/s4032/18FDD3BC-4400-43ED-B095-467CB566E0A9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRTLuC8tCEHfcU2wn8k0eC02gNY3InCmIEGXWwF3eq9nkkXX3krf4PXwC_f-DyvuJU4YJx0JeOx-0o0ebtKloMHH1oi2LjNyJvrIfVB8ubF74c-gfZJiUvJUgYzYX4E9nWyRY_JgqsdXTbVBPtzZVU_JNeA3A9lpVcL6jT4tO1UsSUQfMx6hQhcl9/w480-h640/18FDD3BC-4400-43ED-B095-467CB566E0A9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>My good friend and I buy books from time to time; I'm not sure if I've mentioned it already here on the blog, but public libraries are not a thing here in the Philippines unfortunately. I used to spend most of my time in the library back in my school days, wherein most students would only consider going there for the aircon.. but I was probably one of those kids who took time to go through the shelves, choose a book, and read quietly in a corner. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Now as working professionals without access to a library, my friend and I agreed to swap books whenever we have the chance. Books are expensive so I'm very particular with the titles I buy, though nowadays I've been leaning towards Japanese authors aside from Murakami. I want to give others a chance, much like how I've read <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2021/08/if-cats-disappeared-from-world-by-genki.html" target="_blank">If Cats Disappeared From The World</a> and <a href="https://helloannajo.blogspot.com/2021/08/before-coffee-gets-cold-by-toshikazu.html" target="_blank">Before The Coffee Gets Cold</a>. </p><p>So far so good, though I realized it might be best to read such books in its original language so as not to lose some of its essence. Sometimes when I read a book which was translated from another language I would wonder if I'm getting everything the author meant, or somehow maybe the writing style could be even more elaborate if possible. In the end we as readers rely heavily on the translators to keep everything intact without sacrificing the artistic element (which admittedly is a big deal for me). </p><p>It would be great to be fluent in many languages. But then as it is, I'm already struggling with my own native tongue plus I've been doing my best to learn Nihongo, which has my brain tied into knots most of the time. I'll dive deeper on my language learning woes later on in another blog post, but for now I'd like to share my thoughts on the books I've read in the past months. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv7I8hF896qypkRXy3yTxh48btD1lnuhFkgCg3KrlZj990o2AiPACc6b9pA0u9OeJR3qeEJWeH1EKDfYXZa-6S3IZZsicssMU4TgVGx5H2YCmBiDRvPge1COeVPagxJUni8UroRUARaAaVR5YNskKOg-GvUnWPDvlwovZ2aVJPybqKbqqEKl13k8H/s4032/F2858582-5E6F-491C-8FE4-22DE0502C0FA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv7I8hF896qypkRXy3yTxh48btD1lnuhFkgCg3KrlZj990o2AiPACc6b9pA0u9OeJR3qeEJWeH1EKDfYXZa-6S3IZZsicssMU4TgVGx5H2YCmBiDRvPge1COeVPagxJUni8UroRUARaAaVR5YNskKOg-GvUnWPDvlwovZ2aVJPybqKbqqEKl13k8H/w480-h640/F2858582-5E6F-491C-8FE4-22DE0502C0FA.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa</h3><p>This is <b><i>the</i></b> book to read if you want to be in your feels. The setting is constantly somber all throughout as things slowly disappear in the island and people forget. The Memory Police makes sure that everyone has forgotten and would check that there are no traces left. Meanwhile, our protagonist is a novelist who preserves the past through her writings while hiding her editor under the floorboards of her house in order to protect him from being captured. </p><p>I read through this one slowly, because I wanted to bathe in its somberness. I know that sounds kind of emo but I enjoy novels that allow me to feel deeply. That's the kind of magic literature gives us, those moments when you just want to go back to a passage and read it again and again until you have it ingrained in your mind and you carry it with you for days, reminding you that you're human and capable of feeling a range of emotions. </p><p>It made me feel nostalgic in most parts, since it deals with remembering and forgetting. Impermanence is beautiful, it teaches us a lot and reminds us not to take anything for granted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVVkBB_bapRWIjL1w9uulV2ejsdCKli42UdyfpVgXXkFkMhkId734qXav6MWL7A3AdGNoBk1I01iIWCXCN7v-FQHi2mh83w_jZfuIl1EakPHJiT48gukrarmM09TIVZa8uvyj7vK9rDzvksaDjDSLl46y1J0W0wOYLeSt0ICHgQPrzy78UvAPtSnf/s4032/C0B07EB7-4D44-4E85-9EAF-7E98759BBE8E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVVkBB_bapRWIjL1w9uulV2ejsdCKli42UdyfpVgXXkFkMhkId734qXav6MWL7A3AdGNoBk1I01iIWCXCN7v-FQHi2mh83w_jZfuIl1EakPHJiT48gukrarmM09TIVZa8uvyj7vK9rDzvksaDjDSLl46y1J0W0wOYLeSt0ICHgQPrzy78UvAPtSnf/w480-h640/C0B07EB7-4D44-4E85-9EAF-7E98759BBE8E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Strange Weather In Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami</h3><p>This was lent to me by my friend, and she eventually transferred ownership to me because I enjoyed it immensely :") It's about a single woman in her late thirties and whose life revolves around work. She goes out to a local bar one night and comes across her former teacher from high school, whom she calls "Sensei" throughout the story. From then on they meet and drink together, share about their lives and eventually get closer. </p><p>Sensei here is 30 years her senior, so the age gap is very apparent. Yet it's the gap that keeps it interesting, as they learn from each other and have lots of interesting and wholesome conversations about the everyday mundane. The romance here felt natural as it developed over time, as the seasons came and went.</p><p>The novel touched upon loneliness as well, which our heroine felt at some point in the story. It's inevitable that we would feel lonely from time to time. We could be secure with every other aspect in our lives yet still feel some kind of void. Which is why reading on our heroine's chance encounter with Sensei just fills readers with hope. </p><p>It reminded me of a lecture my college professor shared during one of our classes, wherein she mentioned: <i>it only takes one person to fulfill our need for companionship.</i> This does not necessarily pertain to a love interest, but it could be a friend, a family member, a stranger you just met.. it takes just one person. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov_KVzFjQDAG4X-MeNstBRVSAmcTZXNkOn8_QYn55Vei7mU7_NhndgCn57n19lLuVjIqdRgXDEqMsXG6t7_TXnMrFKmZMDWEbb0t5HsiD6Zt7-KeUnQh0ReB_ta3fd6tcL-YDxXx8ZZ7Mv6groWyDOJpSPQBSasEsHXoptAhj0Y2Jq7rkh37rvVw3/s4032/3B7F4B27-7E7C-4FF7-A585-F6BA208DCA28.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov_KVzFjQDAG4X-MeNstBRVSAmcTZXNkOn8_QYn55Vei7mU7_NhndgCn57n19lLuVjIqdRgXDEqMsXG6t7_TXnMrFKmZMDWEbb0t5HsiD6Zt7-KeUnQh0ReB_ta3fd6tcL-YDxXx8ZZ7Mv6groWyDOJpSPQBSasEsHXoptAhj0Y2Jq7rkh37rvVw3/w480-h640/3B7F4B27-7E7C-4FF7-A585-F6BA208DCA28.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Almond by Sohn Won-pyung</h3><p>Another novel lent to me ~ this one was a fast read, and I surely did feel for the protagonist as he struggled with naming his emotions. Due to his brain condition, he is unable to show any emotions or determine what they are exactly and this affects his life and how he deals with everyday situations. It's his mom and grandma who went through lengths to teach him about the world and how to deal with others, but everything changes when he deals with a damaging loss.</p><p>This one covers empathy and human connection. While it was touching to read on how his mom lovingly taught him how to deal with others, it was ultimately the experiences he had outside of his home that made him come out of his shell. It was refreshing to see the world through our protagonist's eyes. </p><p>At first he was limited only to what his family members would teach him, and he would also rely on books to give him an idea on how to operate normally in society. Books are indeed enriching for our lives and it's wise to heed the advice of our peers, but to go beyond and experience life for ourselves is where the true learning becomes even more tangible. </p><p>Novels similar to this one would be <i>Flowers for Algernon</i> and <i>The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime</i> (both reeeeaaaally good novels btw!). These are the kinds of stories wherein you just want to give the protagonist a big hug. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD9lshFuoVCT_XWRbyhc4LVRNqU3ZYaRlpjQLTPGFjkU9riTD2P-vSWvSCCQgZ_xQJkCnDu41MPSuEd0JatqK5mz33DMnzx03OqhpVogXG4qR1svJDWGOBkoHgp3P-Pc-6k_y3TAHSxwOe-_-1JWcCxespohtn7NOHjOaxfB697KrB5sqw_RF2OY3/s2640/076066C3-6794-4E91-9D6E-01E280C28506.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="2486" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD9lshFuoVCT_XWRbyhc4LVRNqU3ZYaRlpjQLTPGFjkU9riTD2P-vSWvSCCQgZ_xQJkCnDu41MPSuEd0JatqK5mz33DMnzx03OqhpVogXG4qR1svJDWGOBkoHgp3P-Pc-6k_y3TAHSxwOe-_-1JWcCxespohtn7NOHjOaxfB697KrB5sqw_RF2OY3/w602-h640/076066C3-6794-4E91-9D6E-01E280C28506.jpeg" width="602" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Secret History by Donna Tartt</h3><p>Ok, where do I even begin with this one? I haven't read a novel as moving as this one for a while now. I remember telling <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marsciareads/" target="_blank">Chia</a>, that if I were to give it a gist, it would be this: <i>it's about a group of college students who miss out on the typical college parties and have their own kind of fun</i>. This kind of fun though, at first I thought, ok cool they're deviating from the norm, but then the story builds up later on and it truly does intensify to a degree I did not expect! </p><p>I don't want to write so much about the plot for this one, but I would vouch that this is a good read. The writing style is SUPERB, the satirical passages caught me off guard, and it certainly made me even more curious about dark academia. It made me invested in the characters, much like how I cared for the characters in Hanya Yanagihara's <i>A Little Life</i>. This one's a memorable read for sure.</p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>I missed writing my thoughts on the novels I've read! I still have a lot of books in the pipeline, and I'll surely share my thoughts once again in a future entry. Hope you're having a restful Sunday, dear reader. : - ) </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-62478499922928695522022-03-21T22:38:00.000+08:002022-03-21T22:38:19.963+08:00On age and adult friendships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWD76SKQi8kqgqsOdBoX8TcWaKogj-6KMRfANcQYTNgOlp_3RK4T3f1f0zCUOCLsmHS-sBi44GMcrnEOdhvuoiZOjKQDtKtNabhw2AoySEuWtpCY7qdt0JB4UI3BnXF53YP-8-9v8iJ1EXvVKjZKIY5i7d5CSrPAQUI1h7jOtZK7YLFic0o-RXDqb/s1550/59F0101C-257C-42E3-9D6E-911DF5791090.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWD76SKQi8kqgqsOdBoX8TcWaKogj-6KMRfANcQYTNgOlp_3RK4T3f1f0zCUOCLsmHS-sBi44GMcrnEOdhvuoiZOjKQDtKtNabhw2AoySEuWtpCY7qdt0JB4UI3BnXF53YP-8-9v8iJ1EXvVKjZKIY5i7d5CSrPAQUI1h7jOtZK7YLFic0o-RXDqb/w396-h640/59F0101C-257C-42E3-9D6E-911DF5791090.jpeg" width="396" /></a></div><p>I used to think that it was much better to surround myself with friends who were the same age as I was, or older. Being the younger sibling out of two daughters in the family, I always had my older sister to look up to. I was so used to having someone doting on me, to have someone to speak with whenever I had problems, and most especially, to have someone I can borrow clothes from : - ) </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>When I was still a teenager, I always thought that those who were older had life figured out. I held my older friends in high regard; I admired them and aspired to be like them. Most of them belong to my local church and they've seen me grow. I guess most notable would be that they've seen my evolution and transition from being a teenager to now as an adult. <p></p><p>As the younger one in the friend group, I observed and took in all that I could; I would adopt my peers' strong work ethic when it came to serving in church, I would listen intently to their devotional sharing and how they apply biblical concepts to their daily lives, and I would later on learn to enjoy food outside of my home, like drinking milk tea and eating chicken chops! </p><p>They were all generous of their time and were eager to share their life experiences, imparting both the good and bad. Whenever there are such honest exchanges of experiences, it surely helps whenever life throws the same ones at you, but at least now you have some perspective and support. Growing up in such a community gave me a firm foundation that eventually helped me envision the kind of adult I wanted to be. </p><p>I aimed to be reliable, well-rounded (striking a healthy balance between work and play!), and always pursuing excellence in whichever field I'm led to. But along the way, I realized as I grew into adulthood and after some deep conversations with my friend groups, that no one really has anything figured out. Perhaps it was my starry-eyed teenage self who idealized the lives of all these older people, placing them up on a pedestal, when in reality, life is just filled with challenges, one after the other. Everyone is going through something, whether it be internally or externally. To put it all simply, we're all works in progress despite our age. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHdRFRom-F_iacv-Re60WJedYefk2xZB5ihDyWBBRC5G3OaAz9K1fiKJwH8uHzQrLu2YMonDVh9UEdjrX2w2MD1bXc7H757YkbBDRBg9jaSAdpm5GT8VhKLahbVu9lCaz1kjW0QpLCJktXQWVOp9-FB5DWNKJ273kR-UlBibR3tpAvZWo_zW-FuA4/s4032/2C8E07BC-B4A2-4EC1-958E-AD9F5C4F9B3D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHdRFRom-F_iacv-Re60WJedYefk2xZB5ihDyWBBRC5G3OaAz9K1fiKJwH8uHzQrLu2YMonDVh9UEdjrX2w2MD1bXc7H757YkbBDRBg9jaSAdpm5GT8VhKLahbVu9lCaz1kjW0QpLCJktXQWVOp9-FB5DWNKJ273kR-UlBibR3tpAvZWo_zW-FuA4/w480-h640/2C8E07BC-B4A2-4EC1-958E-AD9F5C4F9B3D.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>For the longest time I felt like I've merely been a recipient of so much kindness from everyone I spent time with- to speak, pray, and serve with. I've been on the receiving end, and I honestly could just hope that somehow I was also a blessing to them at some point. </p><p>I think it took a long time for me to become who I am now. My relationships have evolved from the time when we were all actively serving together and seeing each other on a regular basis, to now navigating different life stages while keeping in touch occasionally. </p><p>I know I mentioned that it was mostly them who witnessed my growth, but I realize I've also seen their growth as well. I now choose to see it in this light: we are each others' witnesses throughout these years, and our relationships have grown into ones filled with mutual respect. </p><p>I'm now working towards being more open and inquisitive, to not judge so quickly and to spare some more time to listen and understand. Nowadays I've been spending more time with younger friends, whom I never imagined I would have the pleasure of meeting during this pandemic time. These connections are within my area, and since then the weeks have been filled with picnics, walks, bike rides, and conversations that widen our perspectives in life.</p><p>Have the tables turned? Perhaps, but it's certainly nice to be the one who gives and to be the one to look out for others. It's nice to keep learning new things. It's nice to feel young and to let my guard down, to find it in myself that I'm still capable of being spontaneous. Is this what my older friends saw in me as well, from my younger self? I was for sure a lot more carefree before.. maybe I still am in some ways. </p><p>Either way, it's good to keep an open mind, to see the potential in every encounter. To not let age differences hinder the quality of our relationships, but to enrich it further. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">I have this idea of writing about friendships in my adult years and felt like one entry won't be enough to encapsulate all of my ideas. I felt inspired to write about this mainly because things are slowly starting to open up from where I live, and I'm able to see more of my friends and meet new ones-- for which I'm immensely grateful. I'll be writing more about this again soon, with a focus on friends we meet online. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Wishing you a great start of your week : - )</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-25705727167284219722022-03-08T21:40:00.000+08:002022-03-08T21:40:04.423+08:00Coming out of hibernation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTdlHmORjEyintZDDix8isHvPmQZALGR5qJHKqCoXl0-ZVtiGR4A1AT9TU-V-QR0yjIl6elbGgUYCBHh_SKZxdGQWFd730VAsiJXNDtN8p_tfFdG_AA547cgijMVwYU1lETrpNI2Y8D9_07iagJVP0MxMJ1BoZ0pcyqB35T7IPq0YQOsSd-KvwYDMG=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTdlHmORjEyintZDDix8isHvPmQZALGR5qJHKqCoXl0-ZVtiGR4A1AT9TU-V-QR0yjIl6elbGgUYCBHh_SKZxdGQWFd730VAsiJXNDtN8p_tfFdG_AA547cgijMVwYU1lETrpNI2Y8D9_07iagJVP0MxMJ1BoZ0pcyqB35T7IPq0YQOsSd-KvwYDMG=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>I've been meaning to come back to this space for the past few days now; it's always been on my mind but I never really got to do it. I guess now is the time, as I sit with my legs crossed on the floor, laptop resting on my lap, my back leaning on the wall. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I know it in myself that when things are good, I tend to just live in the moment and not care so much about the documentation. Whenever I do think about it though, I do the bare minimum of writing some details down on my journal. Sometimes it's just a sentence, most times it's a rambling paragraph so I won't forget. </p><p>Today I attended our office town hall virtually via Zoom. They spoke of plans to return to office, and there was even a virtual tour of how the office looks like now. It made me think of the past 2 years, as if I underwent hibernation (I say hibernation as it was hard to find significantly remarkable events during this time). It's still surreal, as I tried to welcome the reality that some day soon, we'll be easing back into in-person work. </p><p>Nothing comes to mind immediately when I think of the 2 years that went by, but I'm sure you'd agree that it would be unlike any of the other years we've lived through. I realize though, that I'm thankful I documented most, if not all, the things I've done, learned, and experienced in this blog. It's where I go back to when I somehow feel lost or I just need to remind myself of things I already know.</p><p>Reading through my older entries reminded me of the struggles I faced when the pandemic started. Although of course I didn't rant openly on here, writing everything else helped me cope. I was drowning myself with work and felt the need to always be available online. The amount of work and the pressure I placed upon myself made me feel like I aged plus ten years haha. I think the most significant change is how I've become more conscientious. I feel it in my bones, the need to be on top of everything. I would attribute this mostly with the work environment wherein I'm surrounded by highly driven professionals who are always at the top of their game. I needed to keep up and maintain a strong work ethic. </p><p>Then eventually I realized that working too much and resting too little was not sustainable, so I started taking more time off. It was during this time that I learned the value of taking time off and being comfortable with it. I also learned to unplug and disconnect from my screen from time to time. It was hard, as it was my means for connection to the outside world, but I had to. </p><p>It was during my times offline when I'd tune in to myself and my hobbies. Tuning into myself meant being real with what I felt at the time. Hobbies kept me going, and it still does; I think whenever I'm fully engaged in something I truly love and enjoy, this is where my true and authentic self thrives. So I keep creating, I keep doing, and being and sharing to everyone and anyone about the things I love doing. I'd like to think that we find strength in knowing more about ourselves and our gifts, and we further nurture it by imparting it to others. </p><p>Then eventually I started crafting my routines. I started becoming a full fledged morning person by sleeping early and waking up early. I started going out for more walks. Walking has always been the one activity that kept me sane. I've gone on many walks way back when I was a teenager, but didn't have the time when I entered college, and most definitely did not take as much of them when I started working. </p><p>But now I walk as much as I can; it has led me to meeting new people, it made me more observant of my surroundings, and it made me grateful to be where I am. Who knew that there was so much beauty right here, from where I live? Chance encounters keep us going. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNtO9cB5TztuAluddoWdD1lwyhZPySjFzsiSSSAcJj9z3xd7FsgSxUMJJWABubjGc43FQn9wapExLdaoC2BfC2asxVZfBYvh8c6aOJ4v0so3DUue771ap0KzbO-WJhiQ4tE9s20_L-gB8HsXORDYKumf3bYDMQ5lsrt7TLB2kbaG7QkfNqCm7FUp1d=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNtO9cB5TztuAluddoWdD1lwyhZPySjFzsiSSSAcJj9z3xd7FsgSxUMJJWABubjGc43FQn9wapExLdaoC2BfC2asxVZfBYvh8c6aOJ4v0so3DUue771ap0KzbO-WJhiQ4tE9s20_L-gB8HsXORDYKumf3bYDMQ5lsrt7TLB2kbaG7QkfNqCm7FUp1d=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>What will I keep from this two year hibernation? I would definitely keep them all-- the genuine connections, walking, waking up early, hobbies, taking notes of the small but certain happiness.. they are the stuff of life. I know these things will still be worth my while. </p><p>I hope to be more open as well. I need to switch off my work brain when my work shift has ended, and just simply.. be open to anything else that could happen. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>Thank you for reading my ramblings. I wish you a good morning or night, wherever you are : - )</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-86378541280708966432022-01-09T00:00:00.116+08:002022-11-23T04:12:17.062+08:002 0 2 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCi2mX1mpsCHfker0Oauj05MxEQ3bZOHt3CHgURfb-nxcVWYjQ0S9vC6SBBR5l82W_YrjTdiHpD4T6A93npzN_ku-w5K1QJ2n62QU_kCn6oEIiAyKEnvy6Gu1xElUCGSDHmKkwBkwkhL8tU72nuh59MnLvbGCCO3WiYe2hQ8QqGYKyb4DouPxnehSn=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCi2mX1mpsCHfker0Oauj05MxEQ3bZOHt3CHgURfb-nxcVWYjQ0S9vC6SBBR5l82W_YrjTdiHpD4T6A93npzN_ku-w5K1QJ2n62QU_kCn6oEIiAyKEnvy6Gu1xElUCGSDHmKkwBkwkhL8tU72nuh59MnLvbGCCO3WiYe2hQ8QqGYKyb4DouPxnehSn=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>A blessed new year to you : - ) I hope you've been well and safe. </p><p>I wanted to honor my <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/search/label/Recommendations" target="_blank"><b>Recent Loves</b></a> series, and I felt incomplete if I didn't write anything about November and December, so here I am sharing a bit of the small but certain happiness from those two months from the previous year.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>November and December were busy months for me. There was lots of work to do, lots of events going on, and so there was lots to think about. Yet the days were good, and I'd like to think that I was able to balance work and play this time around. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">November</h2><p>To be honest, I'm not able to recall as much details as I can about November, just that it was a good month overall. I'll be relying on my phone's camera roll to remind me of how the days went. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyNAOGBS4hXz2ZdJnec1yHxOfz2ssEcIzj-xnSy7_NB4tvpj7Y1iqevm-43W6bVjC3KAOc9UOyK5vEZeSqSftpGUmNW6sL4dOPxggnOWenxIG_uu17O7VfCcWk0OM9RSLV_awghk59PdsFSPDVXabtT6_ACO9hfMvBrdlEOdTbXYYZPipzXuTWPQUE=s1706" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyNAOGBS4hXz2ZdJnec1yHxOfz2ssEcIzj-xnSy7_NB4tvpj7Y1iqevm-43W6bVjC3KAOc9UOyK5vEZeSqSftpGUmNW6sL4dOPxggnOWenxIG_uu17O7VfCcWk0OM9RSLV_awghk59PdsFSPDVXabtT6_ACO9hfMvBrdlEOdTbXYYZPipzXuTWPQUE=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One significant opportunity I'd like to share was that I was tapped to share on how I "<i>renew</i>" myself for our global newsletter at work. This could mean engaging in a hobby or spending time volunteering or exercising... well it could be anything for as long as it improves one's well-being!<br /><br />My answer for this one was painting. I shared a photo of my favorite painting from the year with a caption at the bottom which ran along the lines of: I'm most focused and relaxed while blending colors and of thinking of nature...</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Another significant moment in November was that I was finally able to see two of my work colleagues after 1 year and 8 months!! These are my colleagues with whom I chat and have video calls with every single day, yet seeing each other in person felt like magic. It's still different when you get to be with the person and you see them as a living breathing human being sitting beside you. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I got to see my high school friends twice. The first one was when we worked together in a nearby cafe, and the second was when my friend turned 26. We have this yearly tradition wherein we visit each other's houses and give a little surpriiiise (tho is it really..). This tradition was reinstated just recently since in the past 2ish years we got very busy. Now, we're still busy, but we have a bit more leeway to flex our schedules and make time to see each other. </li></ul><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">December</h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNTZR-fcMaAfFAhycISz26XUugvUCaCqLU05CTnzKIWhMiehPY6Ak4JX677h_5hTPgmtS31v_d9y_kCFkiY9aFoIBvtWpyCFOiFIUGBjr14PBhNf3tPfQO44fL1iTvTKPydSd97dlmbuVZKT_nKLKP201XN2LCR3F5PaE-iwuin5bkBZ5m2QCL7yJh=s1706" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNTZR-fcMaAfFAhycISz26XUugvUCaCqLU05CTnzKIWhMiehPY6Ak4JX677h_5hTPgmtS31v_d9y_kCFkiY9aFoIBvtWpyCFOiFIUGBjr14PBhNf3tPfQO44fL1iTvTKPydSd97dlmbuVZKT_nKLKP201XN2LCR3F5PaE-iwuin5bkBZ5m2QCL7yJh=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><p>Moving on to December~ I had my 3 week break from work!! </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We were able to celebrate another one of my high school friend's birthday. I basically came from our company's virtual year-end party and went to the restaurant just in time for dinner.. it was yet another lovely night to be out and celebrating.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I met with <a href="https://simplysherlyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sher</b></a>, and we had a book swap. We're both building our curated library and letting each other read what we have from it as well. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I had brunch with my church friends. I remember it to be a sunny day; the sky was so blue and we waited for almost an hour to finally be seated... the food made up for it though.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I went to a nearby cafe with my good friend ate Hannah after a long long time. She gifted me her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/happyheyday.ph/" target="_blank"><b>Heydays calendar in Mono</b></a> and I finally gave her my long over due art prints. It was great to be able to catch up and see each other in the flesh, knowing that we live nearer each other now. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I turned 26. My high school friends came over at my house the day before, and it was simply a chill time.. they bought me the loveliest cake. On the day itself, my parents took me out for lunch. I received gifts from others as well and replied to everyone's well wishes online.<br /><br />I guess the nice thing about being born on December is that I'm the last one to turn old. While everyone else born in my year has been 26 for majority of 2021, I'm now just beginning to embark on this year 2022 as a 26 year old. </li></ul><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Then there was Christmas and New Year. I spent both with my family, saw some of my extended family members as well and hosted some games : - ) I did my best to stay up until 12 midnight for both dates, and I'm proud to say that I was able to do so! But slept like, 30min right after. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Film and book recommendations</h2><div><br /></div><div><b>Anime</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Samurai Champloo (2005) - I LOVED this anime and I might write a separate blog entry about it some time</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kdrama</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Something in the Rain (2018) - didn't finish this back then, but got to finish it now!</li><li>Encounter (2018) - currently watching</li><li>Reply 1988 (2015) - currently watching</li></ul><div><b>Books</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Memory Police (1994) - has a melancholic tone overall, if you want to be in your feels, this book is the one for you</li><li>Commonwealth (2016) - an unexpectedly fun read!</li><li>I Am A Cat (1906) - currently reading </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Today is basically the last day of my break. I spent this whole time resting and being productive, doing all the adulting stuff I needed to do while also spending days wherein I didn't know what date it was. I spent a lot of time with family and friends, scheduling meetups (safe, socially distanced) whenever it felt right. I finished a commissioned painting, read books, watched Kdrama, studied Nihongo, went on walks, played badminton, played flute.. among many others, really. It's another year of making the best out of where I currently am, and making peace with myself.. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also closed 2021 with the following insights, encapsulated in the following phrases: respect time, cultivate self-awareness, and speak kindly to my mind.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Respecting time, respecting the season I'm in. While it's good to be prepared for the future, I may have missed out on being present and appreciating where I am at the moment. There is a process and a time for everything under the sun.. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Self-awareness and speaking kindly to my mind both go together. I have a lot self-limiting thoughts, and I realize it takes time to process these. I have to ask myself questions such as: where is the thought stemming from, why am I feeling this way, how can I change it? What mindset should I adopt instead? This kind of thing.. I need to keep working on.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><p>I realize I was not able to write a proper year-end entry for 2021. I've been writing them for the previous years (<a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2017/12/2-0-1-7.html" target="_blank"><b>2017</b></a>, <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2018/12/2-0-1-8-blog-and-life.html" target="_blank"><b>2018</b></a>,<b> <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2019/12/2-0-1-9-learnings-and-moments.html" target="_blank">2019</a></b>, <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2020/12/year-2020-review.html" target="_blank"><b>2020</b></a>), so I guess we can count this one? But really, I just wanted to drop by and write again. </p><p>I'm hoping and praying for a gentle year. Much like with the recent previous years, I'm coming in with no expectations, just hoping for more time to hold myself with more love, kindness, grace, and to hopefully extend this to whomever I come across. </p><p>I wish you a good and gentle 2022 ahead, dear reader. : - ) </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-6130998856856312482021-11-01T13:40:00.046+08:002022-11-10T23:08:32.570+08:00Recent Loves in October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtI0BEniQyU/YX93m7y-fEI/AAAAAAAATvg/c3NxaY35prQsaK64LT3-QoWFy8UE0qOaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/81B6C44B-9ED9-42DC-A6F0-4E397A3538DE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtI0BEniQyU/YX93m7y-fEI/AAAAAAAATvg/c3NxaY35prQsaK64LT3-QoWFy8UE0qOaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/81B6C44B-9ED9-42DC-A6F0-4E397A3538DE.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>The season has changed at this time of the year as depicted in novels, films, songs, vlogs, and conversations I have with online friends and colleagues living either at the northern or southern hemisphere in this earth.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>How's it like here in the middle? I'd say it's quite predictable, though we'd be pleasantly greeted by rain showers from time to time especially in the afternoon. While here at home, I'd usually wear t-shirt and shorts, or sometimes when I feel like dressing up, one of my linen dresses would be perfect. I lean towards airy and comfy clothing, those that I can step lightly around in. </p><p>I've been looking forward to days when the temperature would go a bit below 30°C. I welcome each time a breeze passes through me whenever I go out on my brisk walking sessions. The drop in temperature is surely noticeable especially in a tropical country, and it's something I can easily appreciate. </p><p>I've gone out a lot more last month since the covid cases have gone down. Once again, I'm getting used to going out to the mall, and doing some of the things I used to do and seeing the shops I used to step into. I would go to the book store, art store, then the bakery. I've been going out for more drives as well. Slowly buy surely trying to acquaint myself with activities I used to do so freely before, yet now I have to get used to again. This time I have to be mindful of socially distancing myself, wearing a mask at all times, and drenching my hands with alcohol. </p><p>I somehow feel a thrill, like I'm doing things for the first time. I smile to myself and think how wonderful it is to be eating out again, or buying my favorite pastry in-person. It's kind of strange, but I remind myself that it's just the first time <i>in a long while</i>. Nevertheless, I'm embracing this feeling because although these are seemingly mundane little things, they've become a lot more enjoyable in this moment. </p><p>Which is why, I'd like to share with you a bit of the small but certain happiness, the moments I've cherished in the month of October:</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Painted lots on canvas</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4PidAWWHoE/YX93sfoojWI/AAAAAAAATvk/3_lGySWa4yAAKIkkAlmkAcmy-LiboPJwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B5B27780-4C62-429B-BB95-E3A51C127041.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4PidAWWHoE/YX93sfoojWI/AAAAAAAATvk/3_lGySWa4yAAKIkkAlmkAcmy-LiboPJwACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/B5B27780-4C62-429B-BB95-E3A51C127041.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I did not join any art challenges for this year. <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2020/10/art-with-doubts-in-october.html" target="_blank"><b>I joined one last year</b></a>, since I wanted to get better with oil pastels. This year though, I wanted to take my time. I managed to paint on canvas thrice, and it's all of landscapes and nature. These were all made after work, when all I wanted to do was watch colors blend through the white space. It's so easy to lose track of time while painting, and I realize that I love taking my time. Sometimes I don't even finish it in one go; I look at it again with fresh new eyes on the following day, just to see if there's anything else I'd like to add. I'm definitely in a different space when I'm making art, and I'd like to think this is my way of slowing down time.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Bought shiny new spectacles and phone</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TprQeJIfBXY/YX97DOGRCeI/AAAAAAAATwU/XewhBTKSq4QEJis4-2WLFCgbVdJ9JRicgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/72A5F9CC-C741-4C6B-B4D4-59722A955836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TprQeJIfBXY/YX97DOGRCeI/AAAAAAAATwU/XewhBTKSq4QEJis4-2WLFCgbVdJ9JRicgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/72A5F9CC-C741-4C6B-B4D4-59722A955836.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I'm very pleased with my new specs, and it's my first time to try one that has semi clear rims. I'm grateful to the shop's staff for being so accommodating and showing me all of their designs. I was also the only customer at that time, so I had their attention the whole time. :") </p><p>I also bought a new phone!! I'm ready to retire my old one, which has been with me for almost 6 years already. This is actually my first time to buy an iPhone with my own money. I'm the kind of person who prefers to wear down an item before buying a new one, so I think this purchase was made at the right time. I'm ready to care for my new phone and make many new memories along with it. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Practiced Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTlK5mSZs1w/YX93AZAdARI/AAAAAAAATvI/hx7LC12f1I0ci5TLNX8P5mCTfCQDfQNdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5D678380-4C9B-43CB-81AE-D139D1D3835C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTlK5mSZs1w/YX93AZAdARI/AAAAAAAATvI/hx7LC12f1I0ci5TLNX8P5mCTfCQDfQNdACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/5D678380-4C9B-43CB-81AE-D139D1D3835C.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I've rekindled my love for classical music lately. I developed this habit of setting aside time during my lunch break to lie down on my bed and listen to my classical playlist. I'd set up an alarm just in case I fall asleep. This activity helps me clear my mind a lot, especially since I'm usually busy in the morning. </p><p>One of the pieces that I particularly loved from my playlist would be Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E flat major. It's such a gentle nocturne where every note feels so heartfelt. Whenever I find myself enamored by a certain classical piece, I would search for the music sheet online and try to study it. I would then bring out my flute and try to play it. I can now add this on my roster of pieces I can play in full. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Played badminton and went out for walks consistently</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orztiv38jME/YX94K8RKMmI/AAAAAAAATwA/1siyBSLX-EcVXIx7Um9vVPTP9a3SsWhVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1C7A7AE8-377E-42C0-97C9-C65113F61C75.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orztiv38jME/YX94K8RKMmI/AAAAAAAATwA/1siyBSLX-EcVXIx7Um9vVPTP9a3SsWhVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/1C7A7AE8-377E-42C0-97C9-C65113F61C75.jpeg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fpmHK4_jf4/YX98u3ICHHI/AAAAAAAATwc/gBskBAgvRBcyX-V1x6C3XckwbOLW-UM4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A01B509B-1973-4F5B-B0A0-6A30F416450E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fpmHK4_jf4/YX98u3ICHHI/AAAAAAAATwc/gBskBAgvRBcyX-V1x6C3XckwbOLW-UM4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/A01B509B-1973-4F5B-B0A0-6A30F416450E.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>A good friend and I decided to play badminton every Wednesday. We decided on Wednesday because it's the middle of the week, and it's sort of like a celebration; we're acknowledging that we've already half way through the week, and it motivates us to keep going until the weekend comes again. We'd wake each other up by 5:30am, then meet at the court by 6:00am. We then would play as many games as we can till we drop! Then after that, I'd go home and start working. It's a fun routine for me, because I feel so energized right after; it makes me feel much better while working. </p><p>The village next to mine opened their gate again. It was closed for quite some time due to the high number of cases in both our villages, but now it's more relaxed. I'm grateful because I get to see and stay in my favorite park again. It's the best park for me because of the trees and the birds. I've lived in this area all my life, but it's only now that I've learned to really appreciate it. I love how I don't have to go so far just to be surrounded by trees. It's my little forest of sorts!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Ate ramen</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ7uUg4-ZjQ/YX93VZc7-ZI/AAAAAAAATvY/l0QSf2pNtgYafvdI6klWpzdwY6gRItHzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/16539027-2F96-40EE-A7F8-5C26D8974C9B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ7uUg4-ZjQ/YX93VZc7-ZI/AAAAAAAATvY/l0QSf2pNtgYafvdI6klWpzdwY6gRItHzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/16539027-2F96-40EE-A7F8-5C26D8974C9B.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I have not had ramen since lockdown happened. I didn't order it online, nor did I dare venture out during the time when cases were high. This lunch date is worth mentioning because eating ramen again after such a long time felt like a thrilling experience.... it's funny, I think I might laugh at myself a few years from now if and when I get to read this blog entry again. </span></div><p>In addition to ramen, dear Sher and I got to swap books as well. I love swapping books with friends, because it's like a piece of you is with them, and vice versa. I'd like to think that the books we read can say much about ourselves at the moment.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Shows and Films I loved:</h2><p><b>Alice in Borderland (2020)</b></p><p>I've heard lots of good things about this series, so I tried it out and I surprisingly could not stop watching. The show would often keep you up on your toes because it would leave you guessing, and the whole system is such a mystery. You'd find yourself discovering something new together with the main character as each episode unfolds. After watching the whole thing, I'd say a season 2 is much needed! </p><p><b>Squid Game (2021)</b></p><p>Squid Game has the same concept as Alice in Borderland. I won't compare both, since they're pretty similar, but I do understand why Squid Game has gained so much popularity. The games are much simpler and more straight forward, and there's just something about the circumstances of each character that would really tug at your heartstrings. I think the first season could stand alone on its own; I'm not sure what the next one would bring, but I liked it as it is. </p><p><b>Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021)</b></p><p>This is the ultimate feel good, comfy, subtle yet impactful Korean drama of the year. It's the one show I could unwind to after work. I like how there was no major conflict of any sort, and it just showed life as it is in the countryside. I'd say if ever there was any conflict, it would be within the characters themselves and we would see how they had to confront it eventually. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>How was October for you? Please do share with me, I would love to hear all about it : - ) </p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-67620308078261985252021-10-03T11:45:00.004+08:002021-10-03T14:36:41.275+08:00Recent Loves In September<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7fs4Rk56u8/YVklAJSwrPI/AAAAAAAATs8/nZd7hWIRijs0On0ojjzSMgflDnhlN581gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C8A9B057-C421-4E8B-929B-F20C65866E83.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7fs4Rk56u8/YVklAJSwrPI/AAAAAAAATs8/nZd7hWIRijs0On0ojjzSMgflDnhlN581gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/C8A9B057-C421-4E8B-929B-F20C65866E83.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I remember when September came, I immediately thought, <i>Christmas is near</i>! What a comforting thought it was. It's one that made me smile because it's that time of the year when there's lots to look forward to. There's just something about the Ber months that feels so light and cheery.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Aside from Christmas lingering in my thoughts, I've just been busy collecting moments and experiences, making the most out of the present moment without feeling the need to share it right away online. I just feel like I'm able to preserve it more in this way, and I also realized I can articulate my thoughts better after some time has passed. </p><p>It was also in September when I've started craving some kind of change. I think it's only natural, given the pandemic situation, so I've been actively seeking out ways to change things up a bit. It's not particularly grand; perhaps more of like a shift in my habits, or asking for new tasks at work. It all sounds so grown up... I sometimes feel like I'm in an age where I ought to explore more! But this can do for now, while still staying home. : - )</p><p>Moving on now, I'd like to share with you a bit of the small but certain happiness, the moments I've cherished in the month of September:</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">I finally painted on canvas</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBuvLz-wb04/YVklJehU5oI/AAAAAAAATtA/fmCQjqj-LJ8Q1NNGLkJmJp6a8KEssk1MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/41591F63-06DF-464D-8B55-5BD02CA23A64.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBuvLz-wb04/YVklJehU5oI/AAAAAAAATtA/fmCQjqj-LJ8Q1NNGLkJmJp6a8KEssk1MwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/41591F63-06DF-464D-8B55-5BD02CA23A64.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9sPSqBQWCM/YVklJTHG6DI/AAAAAAAATtE/ChvgVqclwHUTYT5WBvmUNp6U6oNJxviFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B6EE0924-4C0A-4CA0-8E74-BB6C275FF908.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9sPSqBQWCM/YVklJTHG6DI/AAAAAAAATtE/ChvgVqclwHUTYT5WBvmUNp6U6oNJxviFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/B6EE0924-4C0A-4CA0-8E74-BB6C275FF908.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I became more confident with painting on canvas last year. It's a funny thing because I've had the canvas for over ten plus years already. I received it as a prize together with a set of painting materials when I won an art contest back in grade school. It took such a long time for me to finally paint on it mainly because I was always thinking of the right 'masterpiece' and I didn't want to make a mistake. I've been doing my best to stray farther away from this thinking though. I thought that the best way to get over it was just to keep doing it repeatedly until it becomes second nature. </p><p>After this reflection, I ended up going to the art store and buying lots of canvasses. They're now stored here in my room, and whenever I feel like painting, I'd bring one out and paint what I like. Lately, it's been the sky. It's simple to create; I just use broad strokes across the canvas and watch as the colors blend together. I use gouache paint which I enjoy using because it's like the in-between of watercolor and acrylic. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Went out for a drive </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9T3jIVf_N74/YVklWY8u25I/AAAAAAAATtM/K6fa5dCTohknBDZa7oVnH8CZrnPcguRdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8D15978F-A3C5-46A6-B87A-B0786247C4F4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9T3jIVf_N74/YVklWY8u25I/AAAAAAAATtM/K6fa5dCTohknBDZa7oVnH8CZrnPcguRdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/8D15978F-A3C5-46A6-B87A-B0786247C4F4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK2S73KB6zg/YVklWf5PIVI/AAAAAAAATtQ/xAGawhtYePYzZsUfJrTAG52fdY5KHeJCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CD90BEFD-39F1-49CF-9177-4EB83C1858AC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK2S73KB6zg/YVklWf5PIVI/AAAAAAAATtQ/xAGawhtYePYzZsUfJrTAG52fdY5KHeJCACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/CD90BEFD-39F1-49CF-9177-4EB83C1858AC.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>My first ever drive outside of Manila since the pandemic struck! It was a drive out to Tagaytay. I remember telling my parents how I've been so bored and tired of being in Tagaytay every month during the previous years, but then now <b>I'm so grateful </b>to have spent a whole afternoon here. We just drove around and bought lots of fruits and vegetables. It rained while we were there, so I didn't get to take a photo of the volcano. I did get to see a glimpse of it though, and all the greenery around it has disappeared since it erupted last year. </p><p>It was a lovely time of just seeing the sky and greenery. I needed this so much, because all I've been seeing is my laptop and phone screen. It was a healing weekend for my soul.. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Bought a book online</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vruStUnU-PE/YVkldesAUAI/AAAAAAAATtY/hnStdEm3oGAjkWFruiQnW8jrGewSgxzrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C9F8468D-3C02-42A4-9087-C4E03B63E687.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vruStUnU-PE/YVkldesAUAI/AAAAAAAATtY/hnStdEm3oGAjkWFruiQnW8jrGewSgxzrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/C9F8468D-3C02-42A4-9087-C4E03B63E687.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>bought online from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_fullybooked/" target="_blank"><b>@fullybooked</b></a></i></div><p>It was my first time to purchase a book online, and it had to be the Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath. I've loved reading Sylvy's novel, The Bell Jar, back when I was in college. Her writing style was captivating and clearly gave me a picture of her innermost thoughts and perspectives despite it being a fictional piece for the most part. </p><p>I then saw from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marsciareads/" target="_blank"><b>Chia</b></a>'s IG story that she bought this book and I was intrigued. I also needed a slow read, since I tend to devour books within a couple of days, and I felt this was the perfect book to read. It's the kind of book you can't rush; every passage is well-written, detailed, and so thoroughly reflective. It's like I've intruded into Sylvy's mind without meaning to! Please forgive my intrusion!</p><p>I'm now past 100 pages (there's 700+ in total), and I am just in awe with the author's writing prowess. How could someone bring life to such a mundane activity, such as babysitting children? How could someone be so utterly honest about their thoughts on love, dating, and expressing affection? And how could I forget, and perhaps my most favorite entries of hers would be the existential ones. Sylvy would mention from time to time about her desire to experience many lives, about the weight of deciding just one path in life. How are we to know, if this is our first life on this earth?? She has captured these thoughts so well many times, and I'm all for it. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Ate sushi bake</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukuxc7UyYqY/YVklm1fGCXI/AAAAAAAATtk/hfszNtrWABoB9kNBNRLqbXjvETlDZtkDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5BEC8B16-70FA-42BC-A83A-0E19D77E941B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukuxc7UyYqY/YVklm1fGCXI/AAAAAAAATtk/hfszNtrWABoB9kNBNRLqbXjvETlDZtkDACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/5BEC8B16-70FA-42BC-A83A-0E19D77E941B.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>cali salmon sushi bake from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kitchenofliz/" target="_blank"><b>@kitchenofliz</b></a></i></div><p>I'm late to this trend, but I only got to eat this now. I remember when everyone was raving about it last year. Actually, there were so many food trends that I haven't really tried such as the dalgona coffee, ube cheese pandesal.. (am I missing anything else) but it's okay. I don't care so much if I'm the first or the last person on earth to experience a trend or hype-- I'll get to try it out eventually. </p><p>This one was really good though, and this probably won't be the only time I'm eating this!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Visited my grandma after the looooongest time</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyxt4rpa3Pg/YVklspsd3uI/AAAAAAAATto/e_OC5Z_oJsIhx-Uw9eUV04EF8rYWuG6jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/486AB04A-4BE8-44EC-8E09-41B053F800B9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyxt4rpa3Pg/YVklspsd3uI/AAAAAAAATto/e_OC5Z_oJsIhx-Uw9eUV04EF8rYWuG6jgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/486AB04A-4BE8-44EC-8E09-41B053F800B9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>featuring my grandma's v v old mirror</i></div><p>We were supposed to visit my grandma in July, but it rained almost every day during that month and it would make it difficult to drive there due to the floods. We then planned to visit in August, but then covid cases started soaring in the neighborhood where she lives. We tried again in September, and I'm happy to share that it was a successful visit! </p><p>We simply cooked seafood and had good long conversations. I also painted my nails red with one of her nail polishes, which is something like a ritual that I do every time I visit so I would match with her. Just for funsies!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Shows and Films I loved:</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Vincenzo (2021)</h3><p>I enjoyed watching this Kdrama a lot! Although each episode was so long.. it felt like a movie. I missed seeing Song Joongki on screen; I think he was perfect at being Vincenzo. The story was great, although I think I would've been satisfied either way if it was just 15 episodes long. There was that sort of thrill with anticipating what Vincenzo would do next, or how he would get back at the villains. I also noticed the use of classical and operatic music! It made me revisit and curate my classical playlist on Spotify. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nevertheless (2021)</h3><p>I have mixed feelings about this one. In the end, all I could say was: what did I just watch?? From the start of the story, we see that the heroine came out from an already toxic relationship, then we see her hop into the next one. On her second one, both she and the guy consent to their relationship and they kept it going. The ending was not what I expected, but then again, this happens in real life.. it's not always about breakthroughs, and I guess for this story, it's about committing to one's choice and dealing with the consequences after. </p><p>What I did like about this Kdrama though would be the aesthetic, the filter, the fashion, the art school vibe, the hanging out after school shenanigans, and overall youthful feel. The friends though, I realized, were also lost within their own personal matters and could not offer mature advice to one another...</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tokyo Story (1953)</h3><p>I felt like I had to cleanse myself after Nevertheless, so I watched Tokyo Story right after. This one had a much simpler storyline, wherein it was about grandparents visiting their children in Tokyo and ended up being neglected. I liked observing the family dynamics all throughout, and while it was such a bittersweet realization of growing old and growing up, it was still such a calm, peaceful, and warm film to watch. :") I may have a soft spot for old people, seeing them makes me cry sometimes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">And so that was a bit of my September! How was yours? : - ) I'd love to know.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-25549756931919805342021-08-18T00:00:00.002+08:002024-02-27T13:56:38.508+08:00If Cats Disappeared From The World by Genki Kawamura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15uC5bqi1W4/YRsoI29JMBI/AAAAAAAATqc/00kdToWBViIDi0Lf_XEURgX7Xpvnf4OKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E00C8050-7A48-4328-9A6F-9049929FF353.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15uC5bqi1W4/YRsoI29JMBI/AAAAAAAATqc/00kdToWBViIDi0Lf_XEURgX7Xpvnf4OKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/E00C8050-7A48-4328-9A6F-9049929FF353.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I remember I watched the live film adaptation of this novel from years back, so I was drawn to this title when I saw it one time in the bookstore. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I watched the film because I'm fond of cats. I love seeing them whenever I go out for walks in my neighborhood, and it brings me pure joy whenever I come across them just sunbathing out on the street or climbing up walls.. and just them doing cat things. </p><p>The story grows bigger than cats however, as it touches on aspects of life and death. We get to know more about our protagonist as he shares that he has been diagnosed with brain cancer and has only six months to live. When he comes home from the hospital, he is visited by the devil, who looks exactly like him, but wears a colorful Hawaiian polo shirt (later on, he is named "Aloha"). Aloha informs him that he will die tomorrow, but he decided to make a pact with the protagonist, in which he could prolong his life for an extra day if he could agree to have one thing disappear forever from the world. </p><p>And so the days go by, and Aloha chooses one thing that he would remove from the world. Our protagonist doesn't get to choose; he can only think about allowing the thing to keep on existing, or to prolong his life. Of course he would choose to prolong his life, in exchange for making things disappear. Yet every time he made his choice, he would reflect on each item's importance. </p><p>Caught up in all of this is Cabbage the cat, whom the protagonist lives with and whom he loved dearly. Aloha somehow knew which items he would remove from the earth; most of which were things that our protagonist loved. But when it came down to choosing between himself and Cabbage, that's when the decision became difficult. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NuYspGc4rg/YRsoT7mkVGI/AAAAAAAATqg/IXn5osLMRncQQpU8LSaTbhHfeuDQS4V9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1B6D3526-A9E0-4E43-B21B-26094F4C0CD1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NuYspGc4rg/YRsoT7mkVGI/AAAAAAAATqg/IXn5osLMRncQQpU8LSaTbhHfeuDQS4V9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/1B6D3526-A9E0-4E43-B21B-26094F4C0CD1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Reading through this novel was both a light and heavy experience. I would say it was light, because of the humorous and playful tone the author used to describe the protagonist's days. It was sort of like reading a dairy, though it was eloquently told. Heavy, because it's not always easy to talk about death. Yet Kawamura was able to convey it in such a relatable everyday manner. Sometimes you wouldn't think much about something or someone you always have near you, yet when it is taken away, its absence is very much felt. </p><p>While reading through the protagonist's flashbacks, one would be able to feel a mix of nostalgia, loss, and acceptance. There was always something that went wrong, yet the flashback also brought pleasant memories. For our main character, it was about the long hours he spent on the phone with his ex-girlfriend, the many films he watched in his favorite theater house, and how the ocean looked in the pale morning light when he went on a beach trip with his parents. It was about looking after Cabbage and borrowing strength from him. </p><p>The novel does not get too philosophical, as it relates more personally with our protagonist's life experiences, which I enjoyed reading about. There was nothing particularly spectacular or special with each moment he recalled, just a collection of small moments that he later on realized meant the world for him, which made it harder for him to let go. </p><p>I took my time in reading this book, although I'm confident I would be able to finish it in one sitting. It's a quick read, but I wanted to reflect as well. It's definitely a novel I would read again some time in the future, and I'd remember it fondly as one of my notable quarantine reads.</p><p><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>"They say in the end you become aware of who the most important people are in your life and that you finally understand the value of lots of other important, irreplaceable things and how wonderful life truly is. You traveled around the world you live in and saw it with fresh eyes. You discovered that despite the boredom and the everyday routines of life that there is a real beauty in it."</p><p>- Genki Kawamura, If Cats Disappeared From The World</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>I'd say that much like the novel <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/08/before-coffee-gets-cold-by-toshikazu.html" target="_blank"><b>Before The Coffee Gets Cold</b></a>, this novel was certainly thought-provoking and allows you to take a step back and evaluate how you've been spending time while on this earth. </p><p>I would give If Cats Disappeared From The World a 4! <span style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Lora; font-size: 13px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Lora; font-size: 13px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Lora; font-size: 13px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Lora; font-size: 13px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #484848; font-family: Lora; font-size: 13px;">☆</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you could have one thing disappear from the world, what would it be? </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'd say cockroaches. Haha! Yet at the same time, it makes me think. God created the world as it is, and it would go against His design if we were to remove things from this earth He has created. Everything has a reason and design in this world no matter how imperfect it may seem for us. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Hope you're having a good day, dear reader! : - ) Write to you again soon.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-39367811606313055602021-08-08T00:00:00.006+08:002021-08-08T00:00:00.243+08:00Recent Loves in July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSBB4AfXNFA/YQ6YPFYkGdI/AAAAAAAATpE/mA47HlPcQb0Rie26D5PzPCU_aWAqQ_DiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B6C2AE4A-4465-496A-9E43-ED6342E79161.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSBB4AfXNFA/YQ6YPFYkGdI/AAAAAAAATpE/mA47HlPcQb0Rie26D5PzPCU_aWAqQ_DiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/B6C2AE4A-4465-496A-9E43-ED6342E79161.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>July had a lot of rainy days, binge watching shows, online shopping, and overall just living life mostly (still) in the great indoors. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Sharing with you a bit of the small but certain happiness, the moments I've cherished in the month of July:</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Eating a pint of ice cream after so long</h2><div>This deserves to be the first mention, because dairy in general is prohibited in my household. Haha! Since I still live with my parents, I also follow their healthy diet. This is a plus for me, though of course it means I crave takeout food a lot. So how was I able to get away with eating a pint of ice cream?</div><div><br /></div><div>I had my wisdom tooth surgery one weekend in July. It was an impacted case, and right after the session, I was able to eat ice cream. I guess I wouldn't include a surgery as an experience I particularly enjoyed because it IS painful, but it was the ice cream and healing part that I deeply appreciated.</div><div><br /></div><div>I saw the healing period as a time to slow down. It was during this time that I got to admire how the body heals itself. It's a gradual process, but I noted every single change in my body within a week. Even with my work, I'm blessed to have colleagues who understand that I won't be able to speak much in meetings, nor would I be able to turn on my camera because of my swollen cheek. </div><div><br /></div><div>But yes, I'm grateful for ice cream. : - )</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Shows and films I loved:</h2><p><b>Anime- To Your Eternity (2021)</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDEn3EtTQ10/YQ6chTWNbmI/AAAAAAAATpg/XjA1swDGWjsmIPgsX8tqaf6BrR_MzP5uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/to-your-eternity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDEn3EtTQ10/YQ6chTWNbmI/AAAAAAAATpg/XjA1swDGWjsmIPgsX8tqaf6BrR_MzP5uwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/to-your-eternity.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>I'm always looking for a good anime to watch. Luckily, I have a handful of friends who message me from time to time to recommend me some anime they think I might like. This month, my friend recommended <i>Fumetsu no Anata e </i>or To Your Eternity. The story is about an orb who takes on the form of the things of this earth and learns about life through them. The orb first turned into a rock, then into a wolf, then finally into a human boy, yet at the cost of these transformations were the lives of each one. </p><p>I didn't know what to expect with this anime, only that I ended up crying in the first episode. Then again on the succeeding episodes. It's the kind of anime that's so sad yet so good. Each character was <i>effortlessly</i> endearing, I'm sure anyone would wish to have them live long and good lives. </p><p>I clearly wasn't prepared, and my friend didn't share a disclaimer at how sad yet deeply profound this was going to be! But I'm grateful to be watching such a gem. It's still an ongoing series and it will end after August. I've paused for a while at episode 11, and will wait until it gets completed at episode 20. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Monthly Magazine Home (2021)</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4MWi7oNheU/YQ6kwu78GGI/AAAAAAAATp0/pLXfFOiv9wQEQ0ZPQFz_rM1ZbJ6h7e4YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1366/monthly-magazine-home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1366" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4MWi7oNheU/YQ6kwu78GGI/AAAAAAAATp0/pLXfFOiv9wQEQ0ZPQFz_rM1ZbJ6h7e4YgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h342/monthly-magazine-home.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We all have to love the typical convenience store dates</i></p><p>I haven't been watching Korean dramas lately, but since I heard Jung So-min has an ongoing drama, I decided to watch it. I loved watching her at <i>Because This Is My First Life</i> (I highly, highly recommend) and was delighted that her role here at <i>Monthly Magazine Home</i> was quite similar. The quick gist of her story is that she is aiming to buy a good home to live in. </p><p>I enjoy watching dramas that have the working professional setting; it inspires me as it reflects the joys and pains of adulthood. The notable aspects of this show would be how they give tips on how to save money, what to say when others attempt to overstep boundaries, and also to remain focused on the goal. For our heroine, it's all about owning a house, so I'm excited to see how she'll get there. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The Office (2005-2013)</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4oQR0r4hOU/YQ6mVyDxr_I/AAAAAAAATp8/-i8ZpH5s3rMwd14n7VI_HuaxuIZrnAXkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/the-office.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4oQR0r4hOU/YQ6mVyDxr_I/AAAAAAAATp8/-i8ZpH5s3rMwd14n7VI_HuaxuIZrnAXkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/the-office.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />My colleague recommended this to me, and I finally started watching! I'm now presently at season 6 (there's a total of 9.. I realize I've come a long way). The first season admittedly had me thinking if I should continue watching, since it showed so many red flags and each episode reflected a toxic corporate environment. But then I gave season 2 a shot, and in each episode I began to understand why the setup is the way it is. Then eventually I found myself laughing hard because of the characters' reactions, quirks, and allow me to say it, stupidity.<p></p><p>I have to admit that I also love the office romance with Jim and Pam. While it's not the center in the story, I feel that it just developed naturally over the episodes, and it was the most wholesome thing. I guess my favorite character is Jim. His mannerisms and the way he puts out a knowing smile at the camera had me smiling too. </p><p>I'm glad I'm able to watch this show now as a full-time working professional. I find that I appreciate it more now as some aspects are relatable. Not necessarily the toxicity part, but just the overall office banter, the moments where they would gather at the pantry, or when they would huddle in the conference room.. all these things I realize I miss from when I was coming in to the office for work. </p><p>It's also great now that I know where the jokes and GIFs come from, like when Michael says "that's what she said" and such : - )</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai-3V-cbfMg/YQ6gglZGjUI/AAAAAAAATpo/rvA1yZpzc1g2X9XABBz-NPz5UHjFjSWIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s485/the-mirror-has-two-faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="485" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai-3V-cbfMg/YQ6gglZGjUI/AAAAAAAATpo/rvA1yZpzc1g2X9XABBz-NPz5UHjFjSWIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/the-mirror-has-two-faces.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://simplysherlyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sher</b></a> and I watched this film together, after she had watched it 3 times on her own. I'm overjoyed whenever I see my friends get excited over something they love, and all the more when they share the experience with me. The story revolves around two university professors who have a hard time finding love. They end up meeting each other and decide to get together, but only for the purpose of a platonic companionship-- no romance allowed.<p></p><p>It's a sweet and wholesome story; I felt like it was a Korean drama condensed into 2 hours worth of film, and maybe I wouldn't be surprised if a K-drama would be based off from it. Their exchanges were intellectual and each moment shared was meaningful. It was hard to think that they wouldn't fall for each other.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">More online escape rooms</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_9cGALvloo/YQ6Yj_Gb5CI/AAAAAAAATpM/nrM20iB9RpQMxjOfK2KEipo5LE2x6EH_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D132AEA3-2CDA-42CD-A686-42BAAB0523C6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_9cGALvloo/YQ6Yj_Gb5CI/AAAAAAAATpM/nrM20iB9RpQMxjOfK2KEipo5LE2x6EH_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/D132AEA3-2CDA-42CD-A686-42BAAB0523C6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This deserves a mention again, because Sher and I finished the<a href="https://www.enchambered.com/puzzles/" target="_blank"><b> Enchambered</b></a> Escape Room series. It was frustrating yet fun for the most part-- we didn't finish the game in one night and we had to continue it on the next day, which was totally fine. We didn't want to pressure ourselves, and wanted to solve it at our own pace. I guess that's the beauty of doing it online; there's no set time for you to finish and you don't have to think about whether there will be a next person who will use the room. </p><p>We also used the guide which was filled with clues for us to finish the games. I think it's fine to know when to ask for help rather than getting stuck and remaining frustrated. But there we go, now that we've completed all the rooms, we're now looking for new online games to play. Any suggestions?</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Revamping my cabinet and closet</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_1Tr4AsEAA/YQ6Yv6T1q_I/AAAAAAAATpQ/t8pcv98N_OAmEf65ZQZNp6xCFNNgif4SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BF96A966-A6E0-4BCB-885C-F10AFC036AA2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_1Tr4AsEAA/YQ6Yv6T1q_I/AAAAAAAATpQ/t8pcv98N_OAmEf65ZQZNp6xCFNNgif4SgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/BF96A966-A6E0-4BCB-885C-F10AFC036AA2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Staying at home for most of my days has allowed me to do deep cleaning more often. In July, I was finally able to let go of my old journals and flute music sheets which I've been keeping with me for more than 10 years. I'm amazed at myself for holding on to all of these things for such a long time! These were once essential parts of myself, and they were important to me at that specific point in my life, though I can't say I feel the same way now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still continue journaling, although I think I've gotten over making them overly colorful like a scrapbook. I still play my flute, although it's no longer with an orchestra. I'm still the same old me, yet hopefully better. I feel at peace now with letting go of my old belongings, so I can make room for new items! More new art works, more new journals to fill-in. </div><p>I've also been revamping my closet. I've been taking out a lot of my old clothes and putting in some of my new purchases. I have a rule for myself, in which whenever I bring in something new, I have to take something out. This is just to keep me from hoarding too many clothes. This is a process I've been enjoying, because as I rebuild my closet, I'm able gain back my sense of style which I believe I've lost last year. I'm not letting that happen again! </p><p>Lately I've been into linen. My color palette has been white, green, beige.. earthy colors. I'm also bringing in more dresses, because they're easy to wear especially even as I work from home. Would you be interested if I wrote a roundup of my recent purchases? : - )</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Finally selling my art online</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNl1iB9e9p4/YQ6Y6AgfamI/AAAAAAAATpU/YNkEkzsYzToB5NXOlaJy8cpn7_e3Zrg7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/17CF96FA-25DD-461E-90B0-E4941298C4EC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNl1iB9e9p4/YQ6Y6AgfamI/AAAAAAAATpU/YNkEkzsYzToB5NXOlaJy8cpn7_e3Zrg7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/17CF96FA-25DD-461E-90B0-E4941298C4EC.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>July was also when I started <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/07/my-first-online-art-print-sale.html"><b>selling my art online</b></a>! : - ) I planned to do so earlier in this year, though I kept putting it off for later. I finally made the announcement one rainy weekend in July. One of the most rewarding things is knowing that the package has reached its destination. I have this unexplainable anxiety whenever I ship something or I have something shipped to me, because I always think it might not end up where it's supposed to be. Which is why I'm selling locally for now-- I'll do some more experimenting with international shipping first before I open it up to the rest of the world. </p><p>Also! I realize that there are also many loving and supportive online kindreds out here. One of the things that keep me going with blogging and making art would be knowing that it helps me connect with all of you reading this right now. ♡♡♡♡</p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>How was your July, and what have you been loving lately? I hope you've been well and keeping safe, dear reader.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-3255780703798575772021-08-01T10:31:00.005+08:002022-12-22T11:10:58.782+08:00Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9n0wPyBwVyg/YQYHCdQsU3I/AAAAAAAATnw/qPZj2X6JttYL8ZegLvW-VEp4IqtIkH53gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/19FF6656-9CB4-444D-96E3-3742B1C76B88.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9n0wPyBwVyg/YQYHCdQsU3I/AAAAAAAATnw/qPZj2X6JttYL8ZegLvW-VEp4IqtIkH53gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/19FF6656-9CB4-444D-96E3-3742B1C76B88.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>I write this as I have just finished reading the book, Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I bought this book because it had two things I liked on the cover: a cafe and a cat. The premise was also intriguing, in which it is about a cafe that allows one to go back in time. I have an affinity for such storylines, because I like thinking about time a lot. </p><p>The cafe is located in a small back alleyway in Tokyo, and every time a character enters, it would feel much like they've lost their sense of time. They say that one can go back in time when they sit on a certain seat in the cafe, although there are many rules that need to be followed for it to be a successful trip back. Most customers found the rules tedious (there's a lot for one to remember), however our four main characters either had an earnest desire to make things right, or to see a loved one once more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glszzu0lxBM/YQYHRP9EYKI/AAAAAAAATn0/D2T0BtdQDfwXwQJUgWvib_yQJ5QqQ0TngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BB3F7755-73E6-47BB-8611-FADE6BC5778D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glszzu0lxBM/YQYHRP9EYKI/AAAAAAAATn0/D2T0BtdQDfwXwQJUgWvib_yQJ5QqQ0TngCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/BB3F7755-73E6-47BB-8611-FADE6BC5778D.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Before The Coffee Gets Cold is a delightful read. Although I must reveal, that there was not a single mention of cats in the story.. but all the events did transpire within the confines of the cafe. What drew me into the book was the explanation of the rules. Not that it was elaborate, but because I initially thought that it would be simple, much like every other time travelling story out there; turns out it wasn't. </p><p>The trip back in time can only last for as long as it takes for a cup of coffee to get cold. That's not much time, isn't it? If one goes overtime, they risk not being able to come back to the present.</p><p>Another detail in the story was that, although one can go back in time and relive the moment, anything that they do while in that short span of time will not change the present. It kind of defeats the purpose, unless the intention was really just to relive the moment and not change anything. But who would want to go back in time and <i>not</i> change anything? In the end though, whenever the character came back to the present, we would see a much lighter heart, a change in their perspective. These moments in the story definitely made me smile. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><blockquote><p>“I was so absorbed in the things that I couldn’t change, I forgot the most important thing.”</p><p>― Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Before the Coffee Gets Cold</p></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I enjoyed reading through our main characters' internal monologues, the hesitation, determination, and relief, all balled into one experience as they travelled back in time, to a scene that seemed far too familiar for them and how they chose to navigate it once more. </p><p>This was originally a play, then adapted into a novel. I definitely think that this would be a good play; the passages could be a script, and I could easily imagine the characters on stage and acting this out. And since this was adapted into a novel, I felt there were opportunities where scenes could have been described more elaborately. The themes though, of love and loss, family and freedom, life and death were clearly present and relayed. It would make you ache a bit, because as a reader, you would somehow relate with the characters' experiences at some point. </p><p>Ultimately though, what I gathered from this book would definitely be the value of time. I also thought about how coffee is best enjoyed when hot (unless you like it iced, that's fine too), so much like with time and being in the moment, it's best to be fully present. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you could go back in time, would you? What would you change?</p><p style="text-align: left;">For me personally, I perhaps would. Maybe not out of regret, but maybe just so I could realize things a bit earlier? Though I think it does take years to come to a space of self-awareness and acceptance. Maybe it was meant to be that way. : - )</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hope you've been well, dear reader! Excited to hear your thoughts. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-19362966643775134722021-07-24T17:17:00.000+08:002021-07-24T17:17:26.472+08:00My First Online Art Print Sale<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tvrLZc10GM/YPjmRuHXeHI/AAAAAAAATmc/QZhBBugZof0a-rhqXD30g8U8Z71KILKLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4F24CFC7-53E2-41E2-BA97-3B4EC776574F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tvrLZc10GM/YPjmRuHXeHI/AAAAAAAATmc/QZhBBugZof0a-rhqXD30g8U8Z71KILKLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/4F24CFC7-53E2-41E2-BA97-3B4EC776574F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I'm writing this as an announcement, that... it's happening, I'm selling prints of my art! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Earlier this year, I knew I wanted to continue making art and taking it a notch higher. So I ordered a small batch of prints to be made, and I thought why not share? </p><p>Making art has helped me a lot over the past year, and perhaps for the days to come. I see it as a way to make my days a bit more colorful, especially in this season where we're confined in our homes most of the time. I'd really love to share such colors with you, whether it's through drawings of a quirky cat or peaceful Monet-inspired waterlilies. </p><p>I also hope to extend some creative energy, a reminder that we are all creative human beings, and we are capable of making beautiful things that bring joy, just because! There doesn't have to be a grand purpose behind it all. I think that's the theme of my life outside of my usual 8-5; making that constant effort to just be my own authentic creative self. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Available Art Prints</h2><div>And a short description on what they were inspired by : - )</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6x4 postcard size - Php 250</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxpnAuPI3Jk/YPjmVKK1IqI/AAAAAAAATnQ/7oOh2eAn4AQ6PMnATPwG9eSTZAWCiJTXACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/E9D450FE-45F9-4521-9EC4-5BC477BD78C9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxpnAuPI3Jk/YPjmVKK1IqI/AAAAAAAATnQ/7oOh2eAn4AQ6PMnATPwG9eSTZAWCiJTXACPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/E9D450FE-45F9-4521-9EC4-5BC477BD78C9.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Summer Picnic</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While on vacation in England UK last summer 2018, I would often spot people laying out their blankets in parks and gardens and sharing meals together. I enjoyed seeing people being out and enjoying the sun. I felt I wanted to do more of that when I got back home, as well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0292AbrqxCs/YPjmWRbLBtI/AAAAAAAATnQ/3jAZ3H695GUmjgsvAOkQGYDYP4upA7BMgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/FFB73B80-8BC3-411F-99A4-9B205946E7ED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0292AbrqxCs/YPjmWRbLBtI/AAAAAAAATnQ/3jAZ3H695GUmjgsvAOkQGYDYP4upA7BMgCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/FFB73B80-8BC3-411F-99A4-9B205946E7ED.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Quirky Cat </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a cat lover, and one of my all-time favorite cat films would be Studio Ghibli's <i>The Cat Returns </i>from which this was inspired from. There were talking cats in suits, and seeing such a scene on screen instantly won my heart. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hidSSdwFo1g/YPjmNiBrPdI/AAAAAAAATnM/Ma1nexRaBHwNcHDbx3tgNdPsy7Xuy8QsQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20A07E0F-0CB9-4FF1-8B3C-36031AFC1262.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hidSSdwFo1g/YPjmNiBrPdI/AAAAAAAATnM/Ma1nexRaBHwNcHDbx3tgNdPsy7Xuy8QsQCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/20A07E0F-0CB9-4FF1-8B3C-36031AFC1262.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Picnic Day</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another picnic-themed print. Going on a picnic is a great way to spend time together with loved ones while being outdoors and enjoying nature. I've had many moments being close with nature since last year, as I spent more time in the garden and taking more walks around my neighborhood. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-503nQCrWK3Y/YPjmNV2saPI/AAAAAAAATnA/5Wrkk9fEEfUiqNmDYDzpB2oEM9o6Zn9eQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/188F3469-2F83-49A6-8D07-EB4BA4E44449.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-503nQCrWK3Y/YPjmNV2saPI/AAAAAAAATnA/5Wrkk9fEEfUiqNmDYDzpB2oEM9o6Zn9eQCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/188F3469-2F83-49A6-8D07-EB4BA4E44449.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Coffee and Cake</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my earlier favorites, from when I first started working with oil pastels. This was from a cafe date with a friend, back in December 2018 and we were writing down our goals and plans for 2019 (which indeed turned out to be a memorable year for both of us). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWS7PfeB0LAO8tAevKxKjhoT-iISDY5ZepKQw0c75sPt4HYD7nvM6-lN7o-J7k0K9YKS8p8_geeVv7BPlOp2rXYCelEQaRMhnX5VKTSA_verPgSBP2xwckR13TCPRsIqQ1rOYBSy-3p0/s2048/E9E28DC4-5B66-449C-9C92-04A44B98DD6E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWS7PfeB0LAO8tAevKxKjhoT-iISDY5ZepKQw0c75sPt4HYD7nvM6-lN7o-J7k0K9YKS8p8_geeVv7BPlOp2rXYCelEQaRMhnX5VKTSA_verPgSBP2xwckR13TCPRsIqQ1rOYBSy-3p0/w480-h640/E9E28DC4-5B66-449C-9C92-04A44B98DD6E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Flowers</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been following more garden and flower arrangement accounts on Instagram since last year, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPmNMyAMujH/" target="_blank">this</a> was one of my favorites. The colors just made me smile. : - )</div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">8x12 poster size - Php 450</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEjI1XTie0/YPjmMpUoc4I/AAAAAAAATmQ/HpAH6TP7GzUaW15PXPeklzvGgr7X6EIUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/186F088C-5329-42B0-BB21-781BAA6EE084.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEjI1XTie0/YPjmMpUoc4I/AAAAAAAATmQ/HpAH6TP7GzUaW15PXPeklzvGgr7X6EIUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/186F088C-5329-42B0-BB21-781BAA6EE084.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Dreamy Waterlillies</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a big fan of Monet. I especially loved his waterlily series, which had such a beautiful mix of colors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgaJHvli2C0/YPjmSmdOo-I/AAAAAAAATmk/A5lkx4IsluYIckGDEBp6B3yPZ5UeQpCZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/75923A81-F601-4019-8293-7932E82FE2D3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgaJHvli2C0/YPjmSmdOo-I/AAAAAAAATmk/A5lkx4IsluYIckGDEBp6B3yPZ5UeQpCZACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/75923A81-F601-4019-8293-7932E82FE2D3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Waterlilies Afloat</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another Monet-inspired print. I wanted to express the calm and peaceful feeling I would get whenever I would chance upon any of Monet's waterlily paintings being featured online, or elsewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3xdz-nZRW4/YPjmVkmv-3I/AAAAAAAATnM/b3qsYCmw0O8FE9XrRp7NyEWf0upLtu1tgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/EE0E4AD5-206D-4A2E-B66B-8FF3E8CEBB3C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3xdz-nZRW4/YPjmVkmv-3I/AAAAAAAATnM/b3qsYCmw0O8FE9XrRp7NyEWf0upLtu1tgCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/EE0E4AD5-206D-4A2E-B66B-8FF3E8CEBB3C.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Flower Field</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whenever I'd go out for my walks, I'd see empty lots with lots of wild grass and flowers, and perhaps that was on my mind while making this. These plants weren't purposefully planted and intentionally cared for; they were somehow just propagated into the soil and they lived and grew, and it filled the empty lot with life. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0xcSEPOYck/YPjmSjUwfsI/AAAAAAAATnA/WKQgAVPlmw4x2vCbm36wddz6012tFn-2QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/9D478470-97AF-49A4-A5B9-6CD2B1ECB0DF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0xcSEPOYck/YPjmSjUwfsI/AAAAAAAATnA/WKQgAVPlmw4x2vCbm36wddz6012tFn-2QCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/9D478470-97AF-49A4-A5B9-6CD2B1ECB0DF.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Wheat Fields</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is inspired by Van Gogh. I made this one time after work, and playing with colors of green, blue, and white was relaxing for my mind. Making art certainly helps me wind down and helps the mind transition from work mode to just simply.. being.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Details</h2><p>Printed with Old Mill Premium White paper in 300gsm</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">How to buy</h2><p>If you would like to purchase, you may fill up the order form through <a href="https://forms.gle/hyxvnoHA6QtNJMgE6" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a></p><p>I will be selling locally, for now. I may ship internationally some time in the future. I'll be sure to make an announcement when that time comes, so please look forward to it!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do we follow each other yet?</h2><p style="text-align: left;">If you would also like to see more art, you can follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/helloannajo.art/" target="_blank"><b>my Art Instagram</b></a> which is purely dedicated to all my colorful oil pastel drawings! : - ) I would so love to see you there.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-51263959883816536012021-07-21T00:00:00.046+08:002021-07-21T00:00:00.212+08:002021 Mid-year Reflections<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXIlNkaiXWY/YPbZxwu1wqI/AAAAAAAATlk/zZ_H0kBonvkWeundZhvWDVn41wV7BpkxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DAF471D6-626C-48ED-B802-4E99280E65CA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXIlNkaiXWY/YPbZxwu1wqI/AAAAAAAATlk/zZ_H0kBonvkWeundZhvWDVn41wV7BpkxACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/DAF471D6-626C-48ED-B802-4E99280E65CA.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We are half-way through the year! What an amazing feat, I'd say. How have we been? Is the year so far what we've imagined and hoped for?</p><span><a name='more'></a>I'd like to make a check-in for myself as well. </span>I've been reading through my previous blog entries this year, particularly my <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/01/2021-bullet-journal-and-goal-setting-ideas.html" target="_blank"><b>2021 bullet journal and goal setting ideas</b></a> entry, wherein I shared about being at peace with not having high expectations, but just constantly pushing myself to be better in some aspects of my life, little by little. <div><br /></div><div>I remember feeling a bit challenged with coming up with goals for the year, but now I realize that there are many things that are out of my control and how there's still so much to learn even if I didn't write it down on my list of goals. </div><div><br /></div><div>I sometimes surprise myself with things I never expected I'd be able to experience during this time. Overall no matter what kind of experience it is, what's always important is to keep an open mind and learn. Allow me to share more, through four main aspects--</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Work</h2><p>Most days earlier in the year, I would wake up and tell myself: <i>I'll take it easy today</i>. But despite my best efforts, it almost always never happens. It just seemed like work was all there is in life, and it started to be like that again last June. And maybe every other day now in July, but I think I've gotten better. </p><p>Better at taking breaks. Better at feeling comfortable with taking them. Better at evaluating when there's already too much on my plate. Better at identifying which work matters to me. Better at reframing the way I communicate with all stakeholders. Better with knowing that I'm highly capable, more than what I believe on some days. Better at celebrating my wins (v important, friends.). </p><p>I celebrated my 4th year work anniversary last month, and I'm grateful. There's really no such thing as an easy job, which is why we get compensated in exchange for our service. At the end of the day, it really is just one aspect of life. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Life</h2><p>Which brings me to talk about life. I may have mentioned this elsewhere, but whenever I think about life, I just think that I'd simply like to cherish every waking and sleeping moment of it. </p><p>From time to time, I would bring out my old hard drive, which is filled with films I've watched in college. I'd go through the list, choose one, and hit play. I would remember some details of when I first watched a certain film such as: who I watched it with, what I was eating, and when I watched it (was it during one of my long breaks, or late into the night?). I would feel some sort of nostalgia, yet I know I won't be able to bring back the very moment I had from before. I may have watched it with a friend, I may have been eating popcorn, or we may have been watching it after a night out of drinking, but now is a different season. I must've enjoyed the film before as a student, but now I also enjoy it differently, or it may be teaching me a thing or two that I didn't realize during the first time. </p><p>An instance such as this always brings me back to the present moment, because I may not have the same one again, and it'll likely turn out different next time. Which is why I try my best to be at peace with where I am, where I'm going, even if I might not have all the answers. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Hobbies</h2><p>This year so far, I <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/04/how-i-grew-sunflowers.html" target="_blank"><b>grew sunflowers</b></a>, got into <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/06/online-hand-building-pottery-with-kibo.html" target="_blank"><b>hand building pottery</b></a>, got back into <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/05/anime-recommendations.html" target="_blank"><b>watching anime</b></a>, consistently shared about my <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/search/label/Recommendations" target="_blank"><b>Recent Loves</b></a>, and so on. I've shared about <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/03/having-multiple-hobbies.html" target="_blank"><b>the lessons I've learned on having multiple hobbies</b></a>, and one thing I left out was that, I learned I can be satisfied with being by myself. </p><p>I've known this about myself since a couple years back, especially when I started working. But then it was during this pandemic time that I felt it was emphasized further. I love being with family and friends, but during this time that I'm not able to see extended family or go out on trips with friends as much as I really want to, I've learned how to be my own friend. </p><p>It's nice to be on video calls with friends for sure, but it's just nice to have because I can't expect my friends to always be available. I understand we're all going through a strange time and we're all coping in our own ways. I'll be there of course to listen or chat, if ever anyone reaches out. : - )</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Relationships</h2><p>Which brings me to the topic of relationships. I've been on the look out for ways to spend more meaningful time with my parents. I still live in their house and I see them everyday, although as you can imagine from the WFH setup, I'm always inside my room, working. We may be with our families or significant others more often, however that doesn't automatically mean we are spending time meaningfully. </p><p>For my relationship with my parents, I find that inviting my dad to go on brisk walks with me allows us to have more lengthy conversations. It also benefits me, because he walks <i>fast</i> and I always have to keep up, which makes the brisk walking session a highly effective one. With my mom, I watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCbpIhDRqWEBLc4bEpjPQw" target="_blank"><b>Annabelle Gao's vlogs</b></a> with her, to the point that she already knows the other people in her life. She also shares a bit of her insights, what she thinks, and she also tells me she likes watching Annabelle's travel videos the most. Moments shared like these are precious.</p><p>With friends, I've been going out for walks with them around the neighborhood whenever they're free, I hop on calls after work so we can express how tired we are about corporate life (but lol, just kidding, we need stability and money), we send each other cakes, we do online shopping together, and we play online escape room games. All these things, with no pressure. Only when able and when in the mood. </p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>How is the year so far for you, dear reader? : - ) I hope that it has been filled with learnings as well, and memories to keep. Thank you for spending your time with me on here.</p><p><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-54511199183630786532021-06-27T19:59:00.012+08:002022-01-04T10:05:09.953+08:00Recent Loves in June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBzad_lk8Jo/YNhnYImU1SI/AAAAAAAATk0/URsUvU3ndXITWREqMnwQuBMcCTQZtM4PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s709/helloannajo_picnic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="568" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBzad_lk8Jo/YNhnYImU1SI/AAAAAAAATk0/URsUvU3ndXITWREqMnwQuBMcCTQZtM4PQCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/helloannajo_picnic.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hello greetings, dear reader. June is coming to a close, and today is the last Sunday of the month. We're well on the way towards the second half of the year. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Which means... welcome back to my <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/search/label/Recommendations" rel="nofollow"><b>Recent Loves</b></a> series! Where I share a bit of the small but certain happiness, the recent loves I've cherished in the month of June:</p><p><br /></p><h2>Played an online escape room game</h2><p>One evening after work, <a href="http://simplysherlyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sher</b></a> and I tried out an online escape room game from <a href="https://www.enchambered.com/puzzles/" target="_blank"><b>Enchambered</b></a>. Even if it was online, I still found that it was thrilling because there would be some things that would unexpectedly appear on the screen and I would let out a bit of a scream..... Pro tip: mute your browser if you're the kind to get surprised easily (like me). </p><p>Sometimes I feel as if I've run out of hobbies or activities to do after work, so this one was definitely a fun little activity to do with a friend : - ) </p><p><br /></p><h2>Watched a bunch of films</h2><div><b>Anime</b></div><div><ul><li>Violet Evergarden film :"(</li><li>Studio Ghibli's Porco Rosso </li><li>Not a film, but <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/05/anime-recommendations.html" target="_blank"><b>Super Cub</b></a> series is now complete!</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Romantic comedy </b></div><div><ul><li>Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants</li><li>Bridget Jones' Diary</li><li>About Time ♡♡♡♡♡</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Played retro PC games</h2><p>Back when I was a child, and my sister was a teenager, I would often watch her play games on the PC. These games were free from when we bought our first PC, and now years later they are still free through this <a href="https://www.myabandonware.com/" target="_blank"><b>Abandonware website</b></a>. These are all retro games and I appreciate them even more now because there's a ton to choose from and I could really feel the retro vibe. </p><p>I downloaded a DOS box emulator of sorts and I've been playing some games I remember. One of them would be <b><i>god of thunder</i></b>, which I'm happy to share that I finished just last week! I love it for its graphics, sound effects, and the puzzles that are actually challenging.</p><p>I'm not a gamer, but somehow I now understand the beauty of it. You get to problem solve and challenge your mind so you can win. I'd like to think that it's a skill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkAoR0jJYJ4/YNhbgyIn_wI/AAAAAAAATjI/lvhbYlKyjdw5NFjLgRVv94ptqpFXkX2WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s642/helloannajo_abandownare.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="642" height="506" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkAoR0jJYJ4/YNhbgyIn_wI/AAAAAAAATjI/lvhbYlKyjdw5NFjLgRVv94ptqpFXkX2WQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h506/helloannajo_abandownare.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Too cute!</i></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">I started and finished reading A Little Life</h2><p>I intended to go slowly in reading this novel, but I ended up finishing it in two weeks (It has 700+ pages). I planned to have it as a month-long read, but I'm really just an avid reader; I could spend days just reading and I will not be bored. </p><p>I remember seeing this book in the bookstore years before; I was intrigued by 1) the title, because it sounded quaint and 2) the cover because the man seems to be in so much pain and I wanted to understand why. Little did I know that it was a sad book, and it was far from quaint. I only fully understood when I read it. I've read different kinds of novels in the past with unconventional themes, so reading through the distressing pages made me realize that '<i>ah, so this is what it is..</i>'</p><p>It's a painful read and it may not be for everyone. There are scenes of self harm and abuse, and I could only be reading it wide-eyed while feeling dismayed.. but it is what it is. The book is thick because it spans the entire lives of our 4 main characters. I think the charm of this book was that we saw how they grew up and how their lives were intertwined. Although I did think there were some pages that could have been easily omitted, as if the author was just rambling on and on about one particular thing that wasn't really going anywhere, or was already covered earlier. </p><p>My favorite part about this book would be the friendship. It definitely made me miss my friends. In this little life we have, it's the relationships we're fortunate to keep that makes everything worthwhile. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF3ciEnIigQ/YNheuoxApZI/AAAAAAAATkc/zHgUB3o21EgBvk_M0u-RUVZQobadBsCYACLcBGAsYHQ/s900/helloannajo_alittlelife.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF3ciEnIigQ/YNheuoxApZI/AAAAAAAATkc/zHgUB3o21EgBvk_M0u-RUVZQobadBsCYACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/helloannajo_alittlelife.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">We had a picnic</h2><p>The park in my neighborhood had new picnic tables under the trees and I saw this as an opportunity to push through with a weekend picnic. I invited my high school friends over, and we brought food and had the loveliest setup.</p><p>We caught up on a lot of things; things we chatted about online, and things we haven't covered. We ended up staying late until the street lights turned on. It's been a while since I last did such youthful and creative things together with friends and I just want to have more of these in the future. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGRX8RAlUYY/YNhdUTxa_AI/AAAAAAAATjU/yub4BGuHXiM--it5jevZoIuCNs2ltThugCLcBGAsYHQ/s945/helloannajo_picnic1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="945" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGRX8RAlUYY/YNhdUTxa_AI/AAAAAAAATjU/yub4BGuHXiM--it5jevZoIuCNs2ltThugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/helloannajo_picnic1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNPbt0Dfdzo/YNhdVA2eZdI/AAAAAAAATjc/-UZVWMdF9501NUJuAPy7AAhMvsUsjFC7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s945/helloannajo_picnic2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="945" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNPbt0Dfdzo/YNhdVA2eZdI/AAAAAAAATjc/-UZVWMdF9501NUJuAPy7AAhMvsUsjFC7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/helloannajo_picnic2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh_cerHhRcA/YNhdUck4qTI/AAAAAAAATjY/XWC2D-r0PHQO0G7i8MXrJJxB68cpYQscgCLcBGAsYHQ/s945/helloannajo_picnic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="945" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh_cerHhRcA/YNhdUck4qTI/AAAAAAAATjY/XWC2D-r0PHQO0G7i8MXrJJxB68cpYQscgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/helloannajo_picnic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Sher and I sent cakes to each other, just because</h2><p>From time to time, Sher and I would hop on a call and just check in. Last week, it ended with the agreement to send each other cakes from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodkarma.ph/" target="_blank"><b>Good Karma</b></a>. There was no special reason for this, just that we wanted to cheer each other on, and so that we would both have something to look forward to. That's the thing, being in quarantine and working from home, we have to be creative with how we sustain our zest for life... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDHKyydhpXs/YNheV3QLXGI/AAAAAAAATkQ/Sm3TDvbcsm0Rgurk4KNNOII7LMEcY0YIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s945/helloannajo_goodkarma1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="945" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDHKyydhpXs/YNheV3QLXGI/AAAAAAAATkQ/Sm3TDvbcsm0Rgurk4KNNOII7LMEcY0YIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/helloannajo_goodkarma1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj0aBF-FM7Q/YNheRWRsumI/AAAAAAAATkI/2_EVu0fr83gRKRp1Q0KavDOUGVGfkoxVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s945/helloannajo_goodkarma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="945" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj0aBF-FM7Q/YNheRWRsumI/AAAAAAAATkI/2_EVu0fr83gRKRp1Q0KavDOUGVGfkoxVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/helloannajo_goodkarma.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">I turned 4 at my workplace</h2><p>I honestly didn't expect I would last this long, staying in one place for years, yet here I am. I had lunch with a colleague yesterday, and it was my first time seeing them in over a year since we've all been working from home (yes I have not set foot in the office since last year!!). It was such a refreshing time together, and I just couldn't stop talking.. it's really different when you're speaking with a person in the flesh. </p><p>We talked about our experiences at work and the colleagues we interact with on a daily basis through Zoom. It reminded me of how I really do appreciate the working relationships I've developed and I think it's my favorite aspect with the work I have. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lunch @ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sushininjaph/" target="_blank"><b>Sushi Ninja</b></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9oO_Fuh7m8/YNhdo3R-S2I/AAAAAAAATj0/PBqXQO0lAWoZ77jhEzV5i6AT5p493onIACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/helloannajo_spicysalmon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9oO_Fuh7m8/YNhdo3R-S2I/AAAAAAAATj0/PBqXQO0lAWoZ77jhEzV5i6AT5p493onIACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/helloannajo_spicysalmon.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gko7IP02-AE/YNheGYAGYbI/AAAAAAAATkE/S028cVmbTp8dmGcUv_6B_wBASgmy9spUACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/helloannajo_sushi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gko7IP02-AE/YNheGYAGYbI/AAAAAAAATkE/S028cVmbTp8dmGcUv_6B_wBASgmy9spUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/helloannajo_sushi.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p>June was eventful in a way. I'd say it's amazing, how time flew.. nowadays I try so hard not to think about the future much for now, and just keep living each day the best way I know how. </p><p>Truth be told, I've been very busy lately. Again, I should say. I thought my busy months were behind me, however I committed myself into a project at work that blew up (in a good way) and it ended up taking much of my time. I didn't anticipate this at all, and I was overwhelmed. </p><p>It made me doubt myself at some point, but I knew I had to get myself out of my own negative self talk. And so the first step was acknowledging the fact that I was tired. I still am, since I'm still in the midst of it, but I know that I have to see it through. So I openly spoke about it with my colleagues, my team leads, and most important of all, I sought their help in getting more hands for the project. </p><p>Which led me to realize that it's actually a skill to know when to ask for help, when to delegate tasks, and when to sit down with a colleague and tell them that maybe there's a way to do things better, or ask the colleagues I support if they could manage some things on their own for now while I fix some things on my end. </p><p>We'll see how it pans out, but I know I'll be ok : - ) I'll always be doing my best. </p><p>How have you been? I hope you're well and safe. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911014778859021946.post-15607128975262976242021-06-13T00:00:00.070+08:002021-06-27T20:08:56.517+08:00A Creative Weekend Hobby: Playing with Air Dry Clay<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Eg7C1khC0/YMLTQetxJ6I/AAAAAAAATfY/BQt4HNRokFEbJHjV-ekwtKQkuInbLX7hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/jovi_air_dry_clay9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Eg7C1khC0/YMLTQetxJ6I/AAAAAAAATfY/BQt4HNRokFEbJHjV-ekwtKQkuInbLX7hQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>And so the fascination with clay continues. Aside from my <a href="https://www.helloannajo.com/2021/06/online-hand-building-pottery-with-kibo.html" target="_blank">hand building pottery experience with Kibo Studio</a>, I also initiated my own little clay session by myself with air dry clay.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>While waiting to receive my fired works from Kibo Studio, I came across <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sstudio.305/" target="_blank"><b>@sstudio.305</b></a> 's instagram post on the clay art she made, and I was very curious. I messaged her directly to inquire, and I remember my innocent question was, <i>does it need to be fired in a kiln?</i> True to its name, it dries by itself, so I thought this might be a nice hobby to keep myself occupied while I wait for my fired works. </p><p>Air dry clay is great for simple accessory trays or mini planters. I personally think they are more for display, and not something you can use to pour your coffee into or to eat your hot steaming rice with. Even so! Seeing these clay works around in my room has done wonders to my mood. Every time my eyes wander towards them, I am reminded that I am a creative human bean, who is capable of going through both the good and bad days. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UhYdMKalEA/YLMBhBvFQRI/AAAAAAAATdk/a3sUOo9fT0sWo1lE888VLyUIQaLYtThnACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/helloannajo_joviclay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UhYdMKalEA/YLMBhBvFQRI/AAAAAAAATdk/a3sUOo9fT0sWo1lE888VLyUIQaLYtThnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/helloannajo_joviclay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHmpwuoPCA4/YLMDha3Z5JI/AAAAAAAATds/qnIcqXWnvBgo3Gsbs-S-4WDf2La8_n9QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jovi_air_dry_clay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHmpwuoPCA4/YLMDha3Z5JI/AAAAAAAATds/qnIcqXWnvBgo3Gsbs-S-4WDf2La8_n9QQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Repq9lumRyY/YLMDm8shR2I/AAAAAAAATdw/AgaKfQSta6MkbbibyNM5poYKWDGnCpPKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/air_dry_clay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Repq9lumRyY/YLMDm8shR2I/AAAAAAAATdw/AgaKfQSta6MkbbibyNM5poYKWDGnCpPKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/air_dry_clay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q45sErNuyOM/YLMD19Xb-BI/AAAAAAAATd8/rWaf3x6n3ksTGWKIg3Th9Z2UvNKzeUj2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jovi_air_dry_clay4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q45sErNuyOM/YLMD19Xb-BI/AAAAAAAATd8/rWaf3x6n3ksTGWKIg3Th9Z2UvNKzeUj2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgludpn7pndaFkr9L3_NO81u_HkLvPihGE53-dRddo7S9GQu8mgtlMrCQbe9hi6rrk6q0WTnYxQFkDxf2A36FLvGbIfa2Ddurn37ZGY6T8bEh1XATX7lMzoba7XCSdbaMZlbdkRhosMCo/s2048/jovi_air_dry_clay5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgludpn7pndaFkr9L3_NO81u_HkLvPihGE53-dRddo7S9GQu8mgtlMrCQbe9hi6rrk6q0WTnYxQFkDxf2A36FLvGbIfa2Ddurn37ZGY6T8bEh1XATX7lMzoba7XCSdbaMZlbdkRhosMCo/w480-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I leveraged the learnings I gained from the online class with Kibo Studio, and applied the same techniques for air dry clay. I am no expert at this; I am merely experimenting, expanding, and exploring creative outlets, but the main things to remember would be to--</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Play! Slap the clay, roll it with a rolling pin (if you have), knead it, and eventually mold it into the shape you want. You will know that it's ready once you see there are no signs of dryness, it's not cracking in between, and if it feels soft enough.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Use water, just enough to get rid of the cracks. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you are making a planter for example, start with the base. You would need a good foundation before you start adding the body. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Whenever you have to connect two separate pieces, create slits in between both of the pieces you will be attaching. This would help them stick together better. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For drying, waiting time ranges from 24-28 hours. You would be able to tell once the clay has turned a solid color. The clay can come in different colors, and from what I know, there are gray and terracotta colors available. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Once it dries, sand them off with sand paper, just to get rid of the excess layers or smoothen out any rough edges. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Then it's time to paint! This was something I wasn't able to do with my Kibo Studio pieces. I used my acrylic and gouache paints for this. I realized I have so much art materials that I haven't been using, so I might as well use them now before they dry out entirely. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Finally, apply a coat of varnish to seal the paint.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5I3zDWKJ1HY/YLMEknliIgI/AAAAAAAATeQ/7ubRN3ISr1ghr1Js6x2acl88IkvbO3FtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1533/jovi_air_dry_clay2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1532" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5I3zDWKJ1HY/YLMEknliIgI/AAAAAAAATeQ/7ubRN3ISr1ghr1Js6x2acl88IkvbO3FtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Di8UW7NWpMk/YLMEsVQGVMI/AAAAAAAATeY/INljwNimz3kUMjdnj1w-JORIlDfnHhfsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1533/jovi_air_dry_clay3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1532" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Di8UW7NWpMk/YLMEsVQGVMI/AAAAAAAATeY/INljwNimz3kUMjdnj1w-JORIlDfnHhfsACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC9yFYpVs8w/YLMEkWhrV9I/AAAAAAAATeM/Wf6a08V5YkIowGj_YxU1ILZQD5ghCiYxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jovi_air_dry_clay1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC9yFYpVs8w/YLMEkWhrV9I/AAAAAAAATeM/Wf6a08V5YkIowGj_YxU1ILZQD5ghCiYxACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lA2XUDswTc/YMLT3WZ3YHI/AAAAAAAATfg/wzzWMUDpmSkrrXGgDqgHyijzvkkf7-jyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/jovi_air_dry_clay6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lA2XUDswTc/YMLT3WZ3YHI/AAAAAAAATfg/wzzWMUDpmSkrrXGgDqgHyijzvkkf7-jyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pepito Jr's new home </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I've had a lot of fun with the painting part. I haven't been painting at all, to be honest. I've been pouring out my attention towards my oil pastels, so painting these ones felt much like returning to the arms of an old love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the others I made: a quirky egg coaster and dreamy cloud tray :")</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5myyIOWL9I/YMLUjkjKUdI/AAAAAAAATfo/y_1pqIyMcccVjmSxl5P1Hn-rlrfnsdZMACLcBGAsYHQ/s719/jovi_air_dry_clay7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="719" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5myyIOWL9I/YMLUjkjKUdI/AAAAAAAATfo/y_1pqIyMcccVjmSxl5P1Hn-rlrfnsdZMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/jovi_air_dry_clay7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ficTlgfmnjI/YMLUuSbDdjI/AAAAAAAATfs/i_Qd5BsP6wkJthEWAO1eldHRZQX9xmGKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/jovi_air_dry_clay10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ficTlgfmnjI/YMLUuSbDdjI/AAAAAAAATfs/i_Qd5BsP6wkJthEWAO1eldHRZQX9xmGKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/jovi_air_dry_clay10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I bought my clay through Shopee, here is <a href="https://shopee.ph/Jovi-Air-Dry-Clay-White-250g-i.282503448.5041708331" target="_blank"><b>the link</b></a> if you are interested to add another creative hobby into your life. I suggest buying more than one piece, since I think one would not be enough if you would like to make bigger projects. On my first purchase, I bought four. :)</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">Have you tried playing with air dry clay before? I guess my favorite part is being able to paint it, and to think of creative designs. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I hope you've been well, dear reader. Stay safe, and take good care. : - ) </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="blsdk-follow" data-blsdk-type="button" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hello-anna-jo-18866317" target="_blank">Follow</a></div><br />Anna Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08956429550468003554noreply@blogger.com8