A Weekend Affair

One of the reasons that I braved going to this country which is a thousand miles away from home was the thought that I have aunts and cousins who live nearby. Nearby means in another country which is The Netherlands. True! With the efficient transportation system in Europe, travelling is very convenient. For a year that I’ve been here, my Auntie Darling and her Dutch husband have visited me twice. They travelled by car from Rotterdam and driving to Calais, France where their car will board a ship crossing the Strait of Dover and get off in a port in Dover, England. From there, it will take a 3-hour drive to my place.

For the third time, last weekend, they spent the holidays in England and this time, they brought along Auntie Nenet and her daughters, Rhys and Dayday since they were all off from work and school. They arrived in our flat at the wee hours of the morning and after charging up after their long drive, we went to Oxford after enjoying a ‘pure Filipino lunch’.

Our stop at Beale Park in Berkshire

We spent most of the day walking around the university which is located in the city. University of Oxford is said to be the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has been in existence for nine centuries. It has 39 self-governing colleges related to the University in a type of federal system. As an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research, Oxford attracts students and scholars from across the globe, with almost a quarter of their students from overseas. More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 18,000.

Oxford High Street

The following day, we travelled to London by train to check out the changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace and the usual tourist spots for the benefit of those who were on their first visit to London. We then proceeded to the Natural History Museum and British Museum. Each can take a day to explore but you will still be inspired even if you only have a couple of hours to spare. Interestingly, in the “Power Within” section (showcasing the causes and effects of violent and destructive events like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes) in the Red Zone of the Natural History Museum, there’s a corner solely depicting the Mt. Pinatubo Eruption and a video of the news reports was continuously played. I even told my hubby that he should stand by the exhibit area and discuss his first-hand experience of the whole calamity. Hehe!

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

The whole gang at Hyde Park

With the dinosuars at Natural History Museum

Pinatubo sa UK: Mt. Pinatubo eruption and lahar flow made it big even in UK and had an exhibition corner in the Natural History Museum

British Museum

Ruins of The Parthenon

The giant among the dwarfs..hehe!

Definitely, a 3-day visit to London and the neighboring towns is not enough to see them all especially if my cousins were looking forward for more Oxford Street shopping. And of course, three days will never be enough for a marathon of chikahan that has left us all awake til midnight.

Looking forward for their next visit to England or it might be fun if we will be the ones going over to see Amsterdam this time.

Let’s see…

Look Who's Here...

Strolling, sightseeing and shopping around London are real fun and romantic if you are with the apple of your eye...










Yeah! Hubby is finally here. Now, I noticed myself smiling genuine ones three months after I've been back here. Indeed, life is so sweet if spent in the company of loved ones.

I'm so happy! Praise God!

Happy Birthday, Nay!

Today is a special day of the person who has the most influence in my life. Her love and strength guide me and ang gave me wings to help me soar.

She’s definitely a person for others. Her kindness and caring ways are simply remarkable and made her well-loved by family, friends and relatives.

As a teacher, she has played a big role in molding the future of her students especially in being outstanding parents and homemakers.

As you celebrate your birthday, I am wishing you all the happiness and contentment in life. God has truly blessed you with a benevolent heart. I’m proud to be your daughter.

Winter Again?

I’m just not in the best of comfort these past few days. I’ve been nursing a very bad headache and slight sore throat. It might be due to the abrupt change of weather. Oh well, UK and its erratic weather conditions.

As in my previous entry, the past two weeks have been really clear and sunny with a very mild temperature. I actually got to wear my shorts and tank tops while at home (with all the windows opened) last Saturday. But then towards the evening, it got windy. It was a bright Sunday and foolish me, I rushed to church donned in my spring jacket and it was then I realized that it was so cold despite the beaming sun.

Since then, the following days were so chilly with occasional sleet during the day and frost at night. But what more could be worse? This morning, I woke up with body pains, slight fever, heavy head and cough and when I opened my curtains, there’s snow all over!!! Snow! When all the while, I thought spring has come a little early. Surely, nature made a big joke and gave us a foretaste of the spring. Hehe!

Winter in Spring?

But then, a sick body and unexpected return of winter will never put my spirit down. I am a sleep away to my most anticipated day. I’m just so excited and had been unconsciously grinning the whole day. It may be spring soon or winter might stay for a while, I don’t care! Life is beautiful and God is good.

A Day for Zach

A dutiful son...

A caring brother…

A loyal friend…

As for me, he is a gift from heaven. He is the one who personifies selflessness and unconditional love. Surely, I’m one lucky lady to have found the best.

As others are waiting for that ONE who will watch every sunrise with them until the sunset of their lives, I have found mine. Thank God for Zach.

Happy Birthday and you make my life worth living!!!