Just like riding a bike...

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.  ~ John F. Kennedy
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It started with a day out at Venn Island, Sweden.  They thought I can't....

Last April, we visited some friends in Sweden and part of their programme for us was a visit to Venn Island. 

Rows of cottages at the Venn Island

Venn is a small island situated in the Oresund strait between Sweden and Denmark. The island itself is gorgeous (and historical) and deserves to be featured on its own. To fully explore its environs, the main mode of transport is - you guessed it - bicycles. There's a number of them you can rent for the whole day.

Me with the rented Venn bike...uphill now....:)

Initially, they were all (hubby included) apprehensive that I couldn't handle it. Before Venn, the last time I hopped on a bike is probably when I was in HS (yeah, a long time ago, Ok?!) . But riding a bike is, well, "just like riding a bike"....you never forget! Muscle memory at work there.

The Venn experience cost almost a thousand Euro back  in Vienna. New bike -check! ... Accessories -check!....biking outfits - check!... Motivation - ahh, hmmm... well....

Anyone who knows me well also knows that I hate physical activities (except... :)). I'd  much rather curl up with a nice book or watch tv the whole day. Therefore, taking up biking is a new thing for me. But again, the hubby just wouldn't let me out of this especially after buying all those nice biking outfits and accessories - the full biking regalia, as they say.
 
So, it began.....

Exploring Vienna's charms with a bike...

Biking in Vienna is a delight.  Dedicated lanes for bikers are everywhere and routes are especially made accessible for enthusiasts. Bike tours are being offered for tourists as an alternative to see the sights. Bike paths allow the rider an opportunity to appreciate the wonders and charms of Vienna and its sorrounding areas. There really is no reason NOT to bike in this city.

Finally, I found one physical activity I think I can handle. I love the feel of the sun on my skin, the cool breeze on my face, the artistry of the passing scenes while I bike. For a few minutes, it's between you and the pedal - your mind is at peace, your soul cleansed. Sorry for waxing poetic but if only life is "just like riding a bike" ..... *sigh* (Note: the promise of a nice meal after is a plus :))


And of course,  nothing beats having that someone special for company....

Biking made more special....(and bearable!)

Travel: Uniquely Santorini

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
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It was an unplanned vacation. We were doing our usual groceries one Saturday and there it was on the receipt - 50% off for a Santorini/Mykonos holidays for the first 50 callers.

See, I've always wanted to 'experience' Santorini after watching the movie The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2. If there was love at first sight with a place, this was it! I don't know, maybe it was the spectacular landscapes -deep blue sea, amazing sunset, breathtaking views-  featured in the film that caught my interest.

According to Wikipedia, Santorini, classically Thera, and officially Thira, is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic explosion, which happened  some 3600 years ago, destroyed the earliest settlements (the Minoans) on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera.  Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis. So, stunning view with colorful history - what else would you want???


Needless to say, I called the Billa Reisen hotline and booked the tour.

Finally, the much awaited day came and off we went on a 05:15 chartered Austrian flight to the island. We were booked at the Hotel Zephyros, a nice 3-star hotel on the Kamari side of the island.

First impression? Well, I was not ecstatic or anything. My senses simply feasted on the uniqueness of the sights around me.

Then the VEE-CAY-SHON began....

Lazing around Kamari beach with Christian Grey....

Read a book at Black Beach. Our hotel was, like, 5-minute walk from the Black Beach of Kamari.  So, naturally, first on the agenda was a day at the beach. It was a relaxing day spent with Christian Grey. :)

Most of Santorini's beaches have black sand  because of the volcanic eruption and probably, a bit inconvenient because of the pebbles. However, the emerald blue, clear waters totally made up for this.

Interesting fact: the official name of Kamari is "Episkopi Gonia" and took its name from the fascinating church of Panaghia Episkopi which was built in 1100. Oh wow!!

Trying here to survive the 1.5 km trek to the top...

Volcano Tour - Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni.  If there is one tour you should not miss while in Santorini, it would be this one. The first stop is Nea Kameni in the center of the caldera. Here you have to walk (no, climb..) the 1.5 km distance on a gravel path to reach the 130m-high volcanic crater. My GOD!! It was soooo physically challenging - its hot, its rough and its far!! All three things I shun away from! Halfway up, I almost gave up. But as they say, no pain, no gain! So, after imploring the help of all the volcanic gods and goddesses,  I reached the top (with the hubby patiently prodding)!Was it worth it? Well, for me to know, you to find out...:)

The Saint Nikolas Cathedral serving its lone inhabitant

Next, is Palea Kameni, the "old burnt island" where visitors may swim in a hot spring. Of course, the brochure won't tell you that, to enjoy the hot spring, you have to jump off the boat and swim towards it and then swim back to the boat in, like, 10m deep waters. Now, for non-swimmers like me that poses a problem, don't you think? Nonetheless, the 30-minute stop was interesting as you get to see the abode of the lone inhabitant of the island. His goats might just make their appearance too.

Now off to Thirasia, an island in close proximity to Santorini with only about 150 inhabitants. We had the choice of swimming on the island's beach with its crystalline waters or going up the main village, Manolas, which maybe reached by a flight of 250 steps from the port or by riding on a donkey.After the harrowing Nea Kameni climb, the choice was clear. NO. MORE.CLIMBING..... and imagine the poor donkey with me as passenger. :)

Look at that winding path  from the port to the village of  Manolas

Sunset at Oia.  Not to be missed! The village itself is simply gorgeous - with the typical whitewashed houses and blue-domed cathedrals. But the sunset - the sunset is  absoultely breathtaking (and oh so romantic..)! My camera did not do justice to it. Just be prepared for the throng of people (and I mean, throng!!) wanting to share the experience!

Breathtaking Oia sunset...

 Ancient Thira. The next morning, all I wanted to do was to stay in bed and rest the weary me. But of course, the dear hubby was so restless 'oscillating' inside the room (this guy should know what 'relax' mean:!). Arrggghhh!!! Somebody suggested Ancient Thira - said its near, done in 1 hour, mini-bus takes you there...sounds like a good deal! So, off we went!

Next time I see that somebody, remind me to give him a good tongue-lashing!! Double arrrggghhh! It was not only thousand steps to the top from where the mini-bus takes you - some paths are so narrow and on your other side is the steep cliff, 396 m high from your possible demise. I'm exaggerating, of course!! I just did not expect this after the torment of Nea Kameni. Admittedly, the view is spectacular!! So there...

Agios Stefanos, Church of the Middle Byzantine Times

Again, two choices - go back down or struggle up! I asked somebody on his way down if its worth it! He replied "Depends!". What the &*^@ does that even mean??!!!!

So I continued...huff and puff...huff and puff...who was it who said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step"? He was right!!! Finally, we arrived!! If you're a history buff, this place is for you...

Ancient Thira was named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, and was inhabited from the 9th century BC until 726 AD. According to literature, most of the ruins  of Thira date from the Hellenistic era, but there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains. The history of the site is actually very interesting.

By the way, the hubby fully compensated by giving me foot massages for the whole week! :)

The beach of Perissa, probably the best beach in Santorini

Take the boat from Kamari to Perissa.  Although it won't rival our beaches in the Philippines, Perissa is, probably, the best beach in Santorini. We did not go to the Red Beach so I can't compare.  There's a daily, 10 minutes,45-minute interval boat ride from Kamari to Perissa.

The whole day here was spent frolicking on the beach and lounging in one of the nipa shades drinking mojitos and yeah, sex on the beach (sadly, just the drink :)).

(Don't) Take the Southern Santorini tour.  The tour promises to take you to the Prophet Elias Monastery for the majestic view of the island then to Megalohori to admire the traditional architecture of the village and the unique craftmanship of the local masons and to Emborio for the traditional windmills. There's also wine-tasting included. But my friendly advice? Dont part with your Euro 29 for this tour.

Part of the ruins of the prehistoric town of Akrotiri

I don't know if it's just "tourist fatigue"  that hit me, but I found the view from the monastery unmajestic (quite ordinary actually), the architecture of the village practically the same as the others (therefore, boring), the windmills, well, they're windmills. AND I'm not fond of wine so...

In my opinion, the only saving grace of this tour is a visit to the archeological site of Akrotiri. The excavations feature a well-preserved prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. The first habitation at the site dates from the Late Neolithic times (at least the 4th millenium B.C.).The archeological find boasts of elaborate drainage system and sophisticated multi-storeyed buildings with magnificent wall-paintings, furnitures and vessels.

Fira: a must-see.... and a 'blessing'. Fira, the capital of the island, is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano.Typical Santorini's achitecture - white washed house, stepped streets and blue-domed churches - accentuates the beauty of the village.

The village of Fira perched on a cliff...

Our visit to Fira was made special as we happened to be 'lost' in the circuitous alleys of the village looking for the main street and found ourselves at the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral. It is a Catholic chuch amidst a sea of Orthodox churches, where the Sunday mass was about to be celebrated. The mass was in Italian, with the homily translated in English. The experience of attending the mass in Santorini was surreal -maybe serendipity or purely God's grace at work...

Guess what?! The 2nd reading from the Book of Ephesians - Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Chuch- cemented my belief that we were indeed blessed to have heard this particular mass.

The vacation had to end, of course, but the wonderful memories created by this trip will forever be treasured. Yes, we spent 8 days in paradise.... Santorini is all I dream about and more!!! The amazing scenery, the delectable cuisine, the oh-so-gorgeous men (yeah, ok...ladies too!) and best of all, I was with  the only person I  want to have more Santorinis with. :)

Truly memorable Santorini moments...

The "lost" poet...

Everytime I'm home, my dadiyow keeps on bugging me to sort out my stuff from our old apartment. Looking at the piles of old notes from my "previous" life as a student, a teacher and a researcher, the mere idea of going through them and throwing away some, makes me cringe.

Yes, I admit, I am a hoarder!!!

Last time I was home though, I mustered enough "intention"  to actually have a look at my hoard. And geezzz, I spent almost the whole day looking at old photos, loveletters from years back (and from, eherrrmmm, old loves - note: plural! :)), art and literary works I did in the past.

One of the treasures I found is this old poem - written in May 1989 ! Yap, more than 23 years ago, when I was a university sophomore...and modesty aside, it was good!

A "great" work rediscovered.....

I can't remember what inspired me to write such a haunting work. I can venture a guess but somebody will not like it. :)

Please, pardon the self-praise - I can't help it! This lady is gooood!!! Look at those big words - oblivion, feeble, vex...used when Google is not around yet! Feel the emotions - melancholic, despondent yet with a tinge of promise in the end!

Actually, the poet in Melai has been hibernating for far too long now. I remembered that back in high school, I used to do lots of them (awful that I cant find any of them anymore). Back then, I'm probably more in touch with my inner self or I just had more inspiration or more time or all of the above!

I'm not sure I could write something like this anymore. I'm (probably) too far gone into science and engineering, I lost touch with the "muse". Ahhhh, what I would give just to be re-acquianted with her again...

You know, just to have a more appropriate last sentence in the poem I would change it to "And yes, I just have to...." , to rhyme with "you".  But my 18 year-old self, may not like that "ending".

By the way, back to my sorting - you guessed it....I did not throw a single sheet! :) Dadiyow is surely just shaking his head....

For Dalas....

..... not just because its Father's Day!
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My father is not the orginal "Dalas" - my Lolo Celo was. Although he has 4 other brothers, the moniker was sort of passed on to my father. Lolo was known for his hilarious quips and witty remarks which my father, undeniably, inherited.
 
Ask for Dalas in our small barrio in Pampanga and everybody would know where to direct you. My father is that famous! Or its probably just because he knows everybody else in the barrio and could engage them in an exchange of playful banter.

 Tatang only finished elementary. He told me once that he was sent to high school but he had to walk about 10 km a day to go to school. He almost endured his first year but decided to quit because his tsinelas (sandals) gave up (he said that was the sign). :)

After quitting school, he worked as a farm boy until he met my mother whose father was a contractor. He joined my lolo in the construction business and became a skilled carpenter. And just like, I guess, everybody else with a growing family and a meager salary, he was forced by life's circumstance to work abroad.

Tatang with his not-so "little girl"....

It was perhaps difficult for us growing up without him - I don't know, I can't remember. But I can imagine how that could have been more painful for him. In a way, we are blessed - inspite of (or maybe because of) this period in our lives - all 5 of us siblings turned out well.

My father's life is not outstanding - he is a simple man living a simple life. Yet, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. He rose above his deficiencies and stood resolute amidst all challenges.

He is the most patient, the most giving, forgiving and the kindest person I know. He'll give his last centavo to those who need it. He loves my mother sooooo much we sometimes do not understand why. :)

With the ONLY love of his life

He is not without fault, of course. He is funny bordering on "corny". He would regal anybody who would listen with stories of his childhood, his love story, his life abroad - that my youngest sister suggested that he makes a recording of all these stories and play them per chapter to save him the effort. He worries too much - even of inconsequential things. AND, he loves my mother soooo much...:) But all these make us appreciate him better, love him more.

All blessed and grateful...

So to DALAS, on this Father's Day and everyday, THANK YOU! May our good LORD continue to bless and keep you!

P.S> Basti is growing up to be the next "Dalas" in the family - having your wit and antics. Just a little short of your "poginess"... :)

2012 Philippine Independence Day!

PROUD to be PINOY!!!

Google's tribute to 2012 Philippine Independence Day!

Cat's Dance...

....a tragic lesson on industrialization.
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I used to just teach about it - preaching the ill-effects of methyl mercury on human health and the environment. Now, after having the opportunity to visit the place,  I have a better understanding of the environmental tragedy that struck the small town of Minamata and the consequences of the disease it is more widely known for.

The small, idyllic town of Minamata

Minamata is a small, idyllic town in the Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island in Southern Japan. The town's lush, picturesque scenery is a visual delight that it was so difficult for me to reconcile my preconceived images to what I was seeing. 

It was hard to imagine, in fact, that around 60 years ago, in this same paradise, a young girl of five was found to have unusual neurological symptoms. She had convulsions and difficulties in walking and speaking. Also, around this time, strange behaviors in cats,  who tended to eat scraps from family tables, were observed - wildly running around, convulsing, going mad and drowning themselves. Thus, the term "cat's dance."

Crippled hand of a Minamata disease victim

The epidemic, popularly known as Minamata Disease,  was traced to methyl mercury poisoning associated with daily consumption of large quantities of shellfish heavily contaminated with the toxic chemical. The culprit was a chemical company called Chisso Corporation - once the very definition of industrialization in Japan. Methyl mercury was a byproduct in the manufacture of acetaldehyde synthesized by the hydrolysis of acetylene using mercury as catalyst.

A visit to the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum revealed the long and difficult struggle of the local populace to be compensated for their sufferings. The museum relays the experiences of pain and discrimination through visual displays as well as by oral historians who give personal, first-hand accounts of their experiences.

The road to "mea culpa" was a circuitous one. Even with mounting evidences, it took the government 12 years (in 1968) to officially declare that methyl mercury discharged from Chisso Corporation was the cause of the disease.

Scratches on the wall in one hospital made during episodic convulsions of the victims

Minamata disease is definitely one of the most significant negative consequences associated with industrialization with little consideration to the environment. The lesson is learned, however, and today, there is a unified (and very, very expensive!!) action to regain this lost paradise.


There is hope until the CAT DANCES NO MORE.....

There is hope...

Date night: Strand Cafe

.....absolutely the.best ribs in Wien!
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Friends have been recommending the spareribs of Strand Cafe for sometime now. As we used to go to another resto for ribs, the Strand Cafe was never in the 'place to go on a date' list. Ironically, its a few meters away from home.

The recommendations kept on coming, however,  that curiosity led us to the much-touted dining place. And I tell you this - it did not disappoint!

Perfectly situated along the banks of the Danube, Strand Cafe offers a great view of the calm waters and  UN skyline - it was soooo relaxing! Much needed after a stress-filled week!!

Look at those smiles!!

The gastronomic choices are fabulous but of course, the best seller is their signature spareribs! The meat is so fresh and tender and the side dishes are perfect!

Sumptuous dishes...yum, yum!!!

The service is a delight as well - just took around 5 minutes to have our orders. It was great as I was famished!!

We're definitely going back to this place!! By the way, don't forget to make reservations - the place is just teeming with hungry customers!  And bring your appetite too, the servings are deliciously insane!! :)