Cape Town

Two days in Cape Town, and it felt like I'm in a whole new world altogether. None of us had known what's in store. Seeing the bluest of skies, a welcoming winter weather, being surrounded by mountain ranges, the blessings of Mother Nature and on top of that - meeting the warmest, friendliest and fun-loving people. Cape Townians and South Africans in general, are few of the amazing people whom you'd want to befriend in a heartbeat! True enough when I've met Gift and Innocent at Quay Four at the Waterfront :) I'm glad to have tagged along with my Colleagues and just went on driving the city which, ironically, drove us crazy. I fell in love how the frothy clouds are whipped on top Table Mountain, how one day it could be biting cold and then gloriously sunny the next. 

To be honest, I'm at lost for words to describe this beauty. Speechless. Stunned. South Africa took my heart away!   

1. V&A Waterfront - a beautiful harbour city right at the foot of Table Mountain. Enjoy the shopping, food, pubs or just pick a front row seat along the Waterfront for a hot cuppa Ceylon Tea at night.

2. Drakenstein Lion Park - a sanctuary for rescued animals whose stories would make us realize to respect life and nature more. Speak to their local caretakers who are passionate with what they do and get to know more of these beautiful creatures on a personal level. Visit the lions, tigers, chimps, wallabies and more!

3. Fairview Winery - get a taste of New World red and white wines. Know the grapes, process and what goes best with your next meal. Indulge yourself in cheese tasting along with your wine, one cheese at a time :)

4. De Villiers Chocolate Factory (Spice Route) - taste some artisan home grown and made South African chocolates from dark to salted caramel. And bring some home for pasalubong!

5. Barley & Biltong (Paarl, Cape Town) - a lunch with a view is just appetizing. I had my first take on Biltong (cured meat), a very South African tidbit in beef, kudu and gemsbok. I'd love for you to go figure!

6. Language Monument - although closed when we reached, we took a drive on top of the mountains and from there did our own little hike and got a panoramic view of the city. Took our breaths away.

7. Stellenbosch - coffee and night cap at this small old town in Cape Town. Nostalgic and beautiful at the same time.

Atlantis

Welcome to The Atlantis! From my perspective. After knowing that there is The Beach within Aquaventure Waterpark, I easily ditched the swimming pool, water rides and slides for the real thing. The little waves and clear sea made my heart flutter and had huge hearts coming out of my eyes (think emoji). I was a Happy Waterbaby, seeing me frolicking and jumping in the beach. I really am the happiest when in the water and that too helped me wash away the dizziness forming in my head. It's beautiful, given that it's part of the Atlantis Hotel. And don't even get me started on the Dubai Marina backdrop (heart eyes emoji!)

From Instagram

Posting a mini compilation from my Instagram account. We're still at the first quarter of 2015 but a lot has already happened and is happening during the in-betweens. Choose to see the beauty. Well, I've been feeling a little blue, but looking back over the past few weeks alone gives me a guilt feeling not to be utterly grateful! Which made me count my blessings in all forms while I'm laid in bed. We started off the Month of March happily and successfully moving in to a new place :) We not only found a wholesome flat in the City Centre, but one that's filled with warmth I'm always excited to come home to. This month is also of significance to me (us - me & Ate Julie), which I will surely be putting down in my diary. I think I'm getting too addicted to this app that I deliberately delete it from my mobile to help save myself for a little while! Writing this post already brings back flashes of memory to be truly thankful for. That and Instagram slowly fades away my blues.

Boot Camp

 

This blog entry has been long overdue, but no more cold feet, so here it is! Ever since Carrie Bradshaw changed the way women look at mundane 'footwear', I have believed that there is a special connection between girls and shoes! (Right?!) It's not just merely when the shoe fits... or keeping your heels... It's the impression and story behind every first glance. I've always wanted to have my own pair of boots but I'm always left indecisive on what type - ankle or thigh-high, material - leather or gamuza, height - flat or heeled plus confronted with my keen attention to details even with the colour! Which is why, sometimes, less choices (or no choice at all) is better for me. 

 

I had this (for a lack of a better term) edgy purchase from New Look, with no intentions to buy boots for myself. A brand I've just known, since there is no New Look shop in the Philippines, but have come to love for it's emporium of stylish staples and statement quality pieces (at very reasonable prices). And there, under those racks and racks of shoes, this black beauty has caught my eyes. I tried them on wondering if they were my size, and oh boy they fit like a glove! Of course before any purchase, I do check on the price tag and to my surprise it had a red tag Sale!! I checked the shoe racks again and found those were the last of it's pair! It's timely as well as I enjoy the Winter season in the AE. No more second thinking, I had to get them, they're meant for me!

Al Mamzar

Everyone needs that quick inspo to get through the day... And a simple Birthday invitation at Al Mamzar Beach Park, turned out to be all that! It's a beach and a park in one! (Pun intended.) Of course it's ought to be fun with family and friends together, not to mention, the scrumptious Filipino foods we enjoyed while we happily seated ourselves on the banig... I really missed that! I didn't mind going back and forth for another round of liempo and sisig! But other than that, I was glad to meet the waves Mamzar Beach can boast of, since most beaches here in the UAE are calm and serene. Us girls enjoyed riding the waves and only did I realize there how powerful waves can be. I shall dedicate a more detailed post on that, InshaAllah ;)

 

For now, I wanted to share this dreamy bougainvillea sweet spot I kept eyeing on since we came. It was only in the afternoon, when it's about time to go home, that we had seconds to take pictures of it! There couldn't have been any perfect time of the day. I've always had thoughts of having a dreamy photo against what seems a floral heaven, an inspiration I might have imbued from Gary Pepper and Miss Jones. Life is but a dream... come true.

Definitely Dubai

How time flies! Today marks our second week living in the wonderful city of Dubai! Before, I was only reminiscing the desert heat, state-of-the-art glass buildings, distinct Arabic food, the Islamic call for prayer and my fun-loving cousins from five years ago! I am happy and blessed to be here again. The places made me feel going back a trip down memory lane but the feeling was never the same.  It has been a mix of exciting adventures and cozy retreats at home (my auntie’s home!).

This time, I have explored Dubai out with the Metro! (Dubai’s ultramodern public transportation) I must say, the city's Rail Network is really impressive!! I forgot if I was in a hotel or an airport? It can take us from border to border, from the DXB International Airport to Jebel Ali (some 22 miles from the city). The sight of the crooked Burj Khalifa from afar always gets you staring up high and wondering how it is to view from the top. I was also a jitterbug to experience the change of season! There were a few times it rained and locals enjoyed watching the rainfall (including us!). But the sandstorm was something new to me; it was windy and foggy at the same time but it’s actually dust that covered up the city. Since the city is transitioning from Winter to Summer, the weather has been fairly cool with clear skies and the sun shining brightly hinting: “It’s almost Summer!” I have always been this wanderlust. In love with places, people and culture (and food!). Now there’s so so much more to explore! ما شاء الله MashAllah!