Pico de Loro

I'm not exactly a sporty person, I don't do sports, but I sure am an Adrenaline Junkie! On this same day, exactly a year ago, I had this AMAZING experience to climb a mountain! Climbing a mountain sounds oblivious, but it is truly life fulfilling and changing. My sister and I happily joined a group of experienced mountaineers and were Drop. Dead. Excited! Recalling that day, we had our water bottles filled, rucksack ready and camera fully charged! 

An early morning jeepney ride to Maragondon, Cavite got us started that will take us to the site. People from all walks of life, men, women, teens, adults, buff, fit, experienced, non-experienced came together for one and the same goal: Climb up the mountain (which is optional) and Go back down (mandatory). At the sheer look of participants, one could tell who would make it or not. But that's not how it works for mountaineering. Sure one has to have the physical strength, but those who make it to the top are the ones with a lot of heart. Hours were spent walking and hiking trails, terrains, water streams, rocks and thick foliage. Nature will be your best friend on the journey, a little twig will help you lift yourself up, a steady rock will secure your every step and a tree's shade will give you a good spot to rest. And then, Mother Nature rewards! Reaching the peak of Mt. Pico de Loro was nothing I've ever seen or experienced in my life. I never knew such beauty. You feel VICTORIOUS that a small person, like me, has conquered a huge mountain. It's true that the hardest, most hidden places to go to, is a place worth going. This ADVENTURE I had is inexplainable. One must struggle to understand. But this I can promise, it is worth EVERYTHING!    

Pico de Loro, my baptism of fire in mountain climbing!

It's always further than it looks

It's always taller than it looks

And it's always harder than it looks

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!