SIGNED BY ROXCI

ROXCI is a twenty-five year old U.S. military wife who thrives on laughter and a glass of wine to cap off a long day. This blog attempts to put together a number of other things that fuel her passion for life -- love, food, and travel. Follow her for more beautiful adventures, gastronomic reviews, and unfiltered stories of the things that crack her up and make her shed a tear. Should you wish to contact her for promotions, collaborations, or reviews, feel free to drop her a message at [email protected]. (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-74426105-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview');

[signedbyroxci]

MOVED

If you haven’t heard just yet, I’ve got my own domain! 

https://signedbyroxci.com

https://signedbyroxci.com

https://signedbyroxci.com

[signedbyroxci]

Aboard A Gondola

If anyone were to ask me about the highlight of my Europe trips, this would be at the top of my list. There’s nothing quite like a gondola ride along Venice’s canals.

Before I even start with my story, yes, I know a gondola ride isn’t exactly wallet-friendly. Then again, if you’re only in Venice once, I say, do it and savor the ride.

 A 20-minute ride on a gondola can set you back 80 Euros during the day, and 100 Euros during the night. We went during the Winter, so we opted for a day ride -- the temperatures were way too cold for comfort during the night.

Personally, I was a little apprehensive at first. I mean, 80 Euros for a 20-minute gondola ride is a bit steep -- for our wallets anyway. Fortunately enough, I have a husband who told me not to worry about money. After all, we were in Venice! A place I’ve only ever dreamed of going to. Who knows when we’d get to visit the city again? 

Most of the gondolas we saw were in colors of red. So when we chanced upon this blue one parked by the canal, we knew we had to get on. I’ve got to say, gondolas can be some of the most luxurious modes of transportation ever. I loved how our gondola looked luxurious in its dark blue and gold accents. Those touches of faux fur just made it look more opulent. It definitely stood out among the rest. 

There are four main ways to get around Venice. One is to walk and navigate through the (sometimes-too-narrow-for-comfort) alleyways and bridges. Next are the usual water taxis and gondolas. If, however, you’re feeling more adventurous, you could choose to hop on a kayak. We passed by these kayakers while on the gondola and were this close to giving it a go.

Contrary to popular belief, not all gondoliers are serenaders. There’s an additional fee for those who want to be whisked away in song.

Tip: Reserve ahead if you want a serenader included in your gondola ride.

Gondoliers allow their riders to pop open a bottle of bubbly during the ride. So feel free to bring a bottle of champagne and some flutes during the date.

I use Europe as my excuse of drinking whenever and wherever I can. I definitely wasn’t going to pass on an opportunity to toast while on a gondola. That being said, we started our ride with a full bottle of champagne and finished it to the last drop. That’s an entire bottle downed in just 20 minutes. No wonder we were feeling woozy after the ride!

I’m just going to come right out and say it: We were straight up drunk after our champagne filled gondola ride. We knew we still had a long walk back to our apartment, so we were dying to stuff our faces with carbs. Basically, we needed something that would make sure we were sober enough to remember the way going home. 

I had my eye on these cannolis the moment I arrived in Venice. They’re little rolls, as long as a finger, with the insides hollowed out for a generous serving of chocolate. 

Just look at that chocolate ooze out. My mouth’s watering just looking at the photo.

We passed by Grom on the way home and decided to try out a few flavors for ourselves. In hindsight, I can see how drunk I was. I was freezing in Venice, guys. In fact, I only allowed myself one serving of gelato during the Eurotrip because it was just too darn cold. It baffles me how somehow, a drunken stupor made me forget my shivers and fork over some Euros for a cone. 

I’m impossible. Hahaha!

[signedbyroxci]

Back in MNL

It’s been 3 days since my grueling 38-hour trip back to Manila and so far, I’m this close to giving my body a dose of Zzzquil. The past few days have been spent sleeping at 5:30am and waking up at 12:30pm. One “good” day had me going to bed as early as 9:30pm, something I was completely ecstatic about. Then again, the happiness proved to be short lived once I woke up at 1:30am. 

That morning, I had an insane urge to clean my room. And so, I did. From 2am onwards. And trust me, no one is more surprised at this than me.

I purged my closets and took out shoes and clothes to give away. I filled an entire storage bin’s worth of accessories -- beads and wooden bangles just aren’t my thing anymore. I took out CDs and DVDs that were piling up dust in my room. Heck, I even went all out and found I still had my old PS2 hiding under a desk. 

I’ve got to say, this may just be the most productive I’ve been while suffering from jet lag.

It’s funny but somehow 3 months in Spain have managed to get me confused over the slightest things.

I’ve heard myself say agua instead of water, and perdon instead of excuse me.

I’ve had my left foot feel around for a clutch pedal when all the cars back home are automatic.

I find myself wanting a glass of wine every, single, time. Or maybe, this is just me being my normal self. Haha! 

I left Europe knowing I had a ton of things to fix once I reached Manila. There are lists of articles to write, digital modules to complete, paperwork to fill out and file, and to top it all off, a wedding to plan. Darn. I think the next few months will fly by pretty fast. Here’s to hoping I make every single one count!

[signedbyroxci]

Pisa Wasn’t A Pisa Cake After All | Pisa, Italy

Here’s to hoping you got the pun in the title.

Moving on!

Loads of tourists flock to Pisa to see its leaning tower. It is, after all, a sight to behold. A gorgeous tower with intricate details carved on its columns. A breathtaking edifice with a major flaw -- one that attracts multitudes to see it with their own eyes.

Pisa in a nutshell:

The Tower of Pisa began in 1173 and took over 300 years to build. Mid-construction, the builders noticed the tower started leaning. They found it was due to the soft ground the tower was built on -- it just couldn’t bear the weight. As a result, the ground shifted and the tower leaned.

From what I’ve heard, the tower was only fully stabilized and said to stop moving during its 2008 construction. 

We chose against going up the tower and remained marveling from the ground instead. Maybe it was because our legs were still acting up from our previous trip. Or maybe it was because of the pricey ticket fee. Whichever it was, we were completely fine ogling from below.

Oh wait, now I remember. We had too much fun posing with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to bother going up flights of stairs.

When in Pisa, do as the tourists do and pose with the Leaning Tower. As corny as it may be, it’ll still be a great memory. 

By the way, the earlier you are, the less crowds there will be. That being said, if you want to get an amazing photo with no one hogging your foreground and background, be prepared to wake up early.

- Doing my usual peace pose.

- This one’s an outtake, I swear. I was just fixing my hair.

Vergs had fun working the camera that day. He had the most outrageous poses. Even the tourists couldn’t stop but stare (and laugh). Out of the many photos I took of him then, I figured it’d be best to only upload the one above. The others are far too inappropriate. Yup, I married the funny guy. Haha!

[signedbyroxci]

LDR Emotions | The Rise, The Fall, The Crazy

A friend of mine once told me I sounded so mature. In my own loony head, I had the impression she meant I was old. I was just about to go bat sh*t crazy on her and remind her we were the same age, when she said, “It’s just, you’ve gone through so much with your long distance relationship, and you’re still sane. It’s like nothing fazes you anymore.”

Boy did I shut up after that.

As much as I would’ve loved to jump on that train and feel empowered, a part of me couldn’t help but stop to think. Our LDR had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions — some I’d never wish on my worst enemy. It’s a whole other kind of worry when your significant other is on a ship in the middle of the ocean. It’s an even bigger hysteria waking up to messages on my phone telling me to turn on the TV because his ship’s on the news.

Things like those keep you on your toes. They leave minimal allowance for surprises, and yet they still strike a cord all the same.

5 Emotional Rides (So Far)

1. The (Almost) Wedding Ditcher

Yes, friends. I almost got ditched at the court. #kiddingnotkidding 

Hours before I was scheduled to leave for my flight to Norfolk, Vergs sent me a message saying he might not be able to fly out. The reason? The military was thinking twice about letting him take his training in Norfolk. 

Btw, all this happened after I scheduled my 2 week leave from work, and right before I was bound to leave for the airport. Thank goodness his flight and training pushed through.

2. The Home Surprise 

One time, Vergs’ family invited me to an out of town trip with them — sans Vergs. I was happy to oblige, they were like family to me anyway. 

The agreement was that I’d be at their place by 11pm. When I rang the doorbell, Vergs opened the gate. 

I was completely floored, I couldn’t even speak. A part of me thought I had died, to be honest. I didn’t even want to go near him at first because I thought he was my version of the “white light” — dramatic, I know.

3. The Wedding Decision-Maker

I’ve been blessed with a husband who wants to celebrate with a wedding back in the Philippines — even if we’re already married. This means I’m in the process of planning to make the whole event come together. That includes going on oculars, meeting with caterers, and scouring Pinterest for all my pegs. 

To be honest, there was a time when I dreaded going to wedding-related meetings and talking about anything involving it. It all just made me really sad. In my head, I had this idea where wedding planning was supposed to be a fun thing done by couples. And yet, here I was, with my husband out at sea.

I tried to put off meetings as much as possible. And it worked… until I almost lost my venues for the church and reception. Lemme tell you, the stress levels I had that time were through the roof.

4. The Ship Surprise

How do I even begin to talk about things like these that just shake me to my core? 

The last time it happened, I woke up to several messages on my phone about my husband’s ship. It was all over the news. My eyes were so glued on CNN, my dad would’ve been proud. After a few minutes, I tried to calm myself down by scrolling on my feed. But then I found a few friends sharing articles of the news on social media. 

What made matters worse was I hadn’t heard from Vergs at the time, so I didn’t have any answers on how he and the rest of his shipmates were doing.

Sometimes not knowing is just the worst. The mind can be such a devil.

5. The Cycle of Emotions During Visits

In a past entry, I’ve said that goodbyes and see-you-laters leave a mark, no matter how long it’s been. Case in point, this current visit to Spain. 

I’ve got a little over 2 weeks left with the husband and the internal countdown and emotions are already kicking in. I’ll get into this more next time — maybe during a period when emotions aren’t as fresh.

Contrary to what my friends may think, there are still things that leave me feeling weak (and I don't mean, weak in the knees). Haha, the secret's out, guys. As happy as I am on my travels, life isn't always as peachy. There are days when I’m worried sick about what’s happening in other parts of the world and there are days when I just don't have it all together — that’s what bottles of wine are for.

To all my friends who think I’m doing a “good job” with my situation, I just wanted to say thank you. Sometimes I feel like I’ve abandoned all sense of normalcy outside the military life. But knowing that you think I’ve got it all under control makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

[signedbyroxci]

A Travel Pit Stop | Florence, Italy

If you’ve read up on my last entry, you’d know I was tired beyond reason in Rome. It was a city where we spent most of our days walking – and at times, whining.

After Rome, our next stop on the itinerary was Florence. Not really knowing much to do there — we already had our fill of churches and museums — we decided to make Florence a much needed rest stop. To be honest, it was probably one of our best decisions during that trip. Our aching feet were in agony.

Fortunately, we scored an amazing apartment just a few minutes away from the city center. Had I not known Vergs got it from Booking.com, I could’ve sworn it was an Airbnb pad. By the way, for some reason, I can’t find the place on the website anymore. It’s too bad really, I actually fell in love with it.

The apartment was a spacious split space. The hosts stayed on one side, while the other side was rented out. If you’ve got a thing for privacy, it would still be a great bet. Both sides are completely separate from one another — each with its own massive main door. Plus, you get your own bathroom, kitchen, washer, and a large bedroom.

I’m a total sucker for well-stocked kitchens whenever I’m on my travels, so seeing the cupboards full of cutlery, pots, pans, and plates made me grin with glee. There were loads of spices we could use too. And we were given a few items in the fridge just in case we wanted to whip up a quick snack.

To the side of the kitchen was a movable shelf with loads of books to read. There were a few travel ones about Florence, in languages of either English and Italian, with loads of recommendations on what to do and see in the area. There was a dictionary for those like me, who were completely over their head trying to grasp the talk of the locals.

But perhaps what I loved the most were the books about specific areas of Florence. I don’t know why but books that go into depth about what makes a place so charming just entice me so.

Since we decided Florence was going to be a travel pit stop, we decided to spoil our stomachs silly and got well acquainted with the Mercato Centrale Firenze. We practically ate there at least once a day. I loved it so much, I even got a bottle of truffle oil to bring home.

In hindsight, Florence was a good choice in more ways than one. Although I’ve never really been one to take a break in between travels – because why rest when there is so much to see– I do however, feel like a pit stop in Florence was much needed to help us enjoy our Eurotrip even more.

Florence gave us a good break from all the walking, and the best part? We didn’t feel the least bit guilty sleepishly waking up without an alarm clock and an itinerary to follow. That definitely made it feel like a vacation!

P.S. Special shout out to Cessa for bringing us around Florence and for cooking us a mean pot of sinigang!

[signedbyroxci]

A St. Peter’s Basilica Checklist | Vatican City, Rome, Italy

If I’m being completely honest, Rome was one of the cities that depleted every bit of my energy clean. There was just so much to see and so many steps to take. Now I, for one, love walking -- because there’s so much more to see along the way -- but I feel like I crossed the line of exhaustion that day. Lesson learned, kids. When in Rome, don’t take shuttles for granted and never underestimate the joy a hop-on-hop-off bus can give.

Moving on to the real purpose of this entry, St. Peter’s Basilica was breathtakingly beautiful. If there’s one thing Europe loves, it’s their attractive churches. The designs are as breathtaking on the outside and the inside. Granted that I haven’t been to many churches in Europe, I just knew I couldn’t leave Vatican city without taking a peep inside the well-known St. Peter’s Basilica.

5 Must Dos at the St. Peter’s Basilica

1. Ogle From The Outside

St. Peter’s Basilica is as beautiful from afar as it is from up close. It’s a giant, really, and I don’t think I’ve been this floored with a church of this magnitude before. Then again, I shouldn’t have expected anything less from Vatican City. 

There are two main ways to enter the Basilica -- one is through the side, where most of the crowds line up to have bags checked by security. Another is through the Holy Door. We were in luck during our visit because a friend of ours said to pass through the Holy Door to avoid the long queues. Apparently, the Pope opened the Holy Door during that period, so we had a fuss free and quick entrance.

2. Celebrate Mass with the Pope

The Pope usually celebrates Mass at the Vatican on Wednesdays at 10am. Seats tend to fill up fast, so I suggest arriving as early as 9am to grab a good spot. 

Tickets for a Papal Mass are free yet limited in number. If you can, try reserving yours in advance through the Santa Susana website or the Santa Susana church.

3. Look at the Ceiling

It’s so easy to be awed by the Basilica. There are just so much to take in. 

I won’t be posting a lot photos of the interiors because I think there’d be more value in seeing them in person. That being said, if you do get to visit the Basilica, let your eyes wander up. The details along the ceiling walls are so intricate it’d be a shame to miss them.

4. See the Sights From Above

When inside the St. Peter’s Basilica, don’t forget to go up to the dome. From there, you can marvel at the amazing views of Rome. 

My favorite part had to be when we looked down into the church. All the people inside looked like ants and looking at the church from a bird’s eye view turned into an opportunity to appreciate the interiors from a different perspective.

The steps leading up to the dome can be pretty challenging, so remember to wear comfy shoes on this trip. There are two ways to reach the top. One is to pay the entry of 5 Euros to climb about 550 steps -- what a workout. Another is to pay 8 Euros to take the elevator, subtracting 320 steps from your ascend. You’d still need to go on the remaining flights of stairs in order to reach the top, but in my opinion, the views are well worth it.

P.S. The stairs can make you feel a little dizzy because they coil in a spiral. Also, there may be a few tight spaces along the way, so you may have to duck your head a few times.

5. Touch the St. Peter Statue

St. Peter is said to be the gatekeeper of Heaven, which is why many come to him and ask pardon for their sins. Both tourists and Romans alike wait in line to touch (and sometimes kiss) the feet of the much-loved Saint, in the hopes that he will open the gate for them once they pass.

Feeling Hungry?

All that walking can work up an appetite, so take a bite at some of Rome’s best eats. One restaurant we went head over heels for is Ristorante Calabascio. It’s a a pretty fancy restaurant within walking distance from the Vatican. But don’t be intimidated, prices are relatively standard -- a plate of homemade pasta costs 14 Euros.

Vergs and I opted for a Calzone Calabascio and a serving of pasta -- because when in Italy, you can’t not order freshly made pasta. The restaurant even went the extra mile and whipped up a special dish for us because we told the waiter we wanted to try the mussels and clams but preferred fettuccine as our base.

A few minutes after, we were served a plate of this bad boy, and were basically changed for life. Nothing will ever come close to the plate of pasta. IT WAS JUST TOO GOOD.

[signedbyroxci]

La Boqueria Treats | Barcelona, Spain

"We’re going to Barcelona for our Eurotrip!”

“Oh my gosh, you have to go to La Boqueria!! It’s a market that sells both fresh and prepared food. You’ll love it!”

La Boqueria had everything from appetizers to fruity smoothies -- it was pretty overwhelming really. Fresh seafood items were scattered on ice chips and around the corner, an ice-cream stand proudly displayed its colorful and unique flavors. Nestled in between regular favorites of vanilla and chocolate were more exotic options such as passionfruit sorbet and caramel cookie dough ice-cream. 

In an effort to calm our senses and buy everything that left us salivating, Vergs and I decided to walk around first. It was a wise decision, after all. This way, we’d get to see everything before deciding what to eat. You see, no matter how many times we fall victim to food porn, the reality is, we couldn’t possibly eat everything.

But this decision came to an end once we passed by the fresh seafood stalls. One look at the catch of the day and we found ourselves paying for an order of fresh sea urchin and octopus. 

I’ve pretty much never tasted fresh sea urchin prior to our La Boqueria visit. I’ve pretty much stayed away from them as much as possible, because a previous experience left me spitting it out on a tissue. One of my best friends however, swears by sea urchin and says that I should try them fresh. So I took the chance in La Boqueria.

It was amazing. 

The thing about uni is it doesn’t particularly have a strong taste, so it’s a bit challenging trying to talk about its flavor. It’s got a slightly brine-y taste and it’s so delicate -- it practically melts in the mouth. 

Now that I’ve tasted it fresh, I don’t think I’ll be settling for anything less next time.

One of the thoughts I brought home that day was that the Spanish seem to have a sweet tooth that caters to the colorful and sometimes, distracting. They had tables and displays of several kinds of candy: lollipops with psychedelic swirls, vibrant gummies... Oh and if you looked close enough, there was an odd eyeball here and there.

Not gonna lie, it was a little creepy.

[signedbyroxci]

Mesmerized with Parc Guell | Barcelona, Spain

There are places I come across on my newsfeed, ones visited by friends who’ve gone on exchange student programs in Europe, back when we were all in college. They were the places my friends would fawn over, while I’d be scrolling on my laptop, wondering if I made the right decision to choose a semester in Singapore instead of veering away from Asia. (No regrets, of course.) They’d gasp at the selections in La Boqueria, and check off places to visit in their Gaudi bucket list. 

One of them was Parc Guell. 

On my newsfeed, I’d read about how my friends were in awe of Gaudi’s creations and how he had works of art scattered all over Barcelona. He was the brainchild behind Sagrada La Familia – an edifice still being worked on today, because they didn’t have the technology to finish it during his time on earth. But to be honest, I wasn’t that excited about Sagrada La Familia…

Parc Guell, on the other hand, is another story.

Parc Guell was the first item on our itinerary for the day. Not one to favor lines, I booked the tickets online and got the very first slot – an absolute must for anyone who doesn’t want loads of tourists in the background. 

The day of our visit, we hailed a cab so that we’d make it to our slot on time. Our cab driver was an Indian living in Europe for the past 20+ years. He told us that prior to Spain, he was once based in France, but fell in love with Barcelona and decided to stay. After spending a few days in Barcelona, I totally understand why he chose to move.

Anyway, going back to Parc Guell…

Parc Guell was breathtaking. It was such an expansive space. It wasn’t just wide, but it had different heights as well. A series of steps would lead to another well-groomed garden, a turn on the left would expose a path with a curved retaining wall – you get the picture.

My favorite part of the park had to be Gaudi’s use of mosaic tiles, particularly the disc design up on the ceiling. I stared at it for so long, my neck started to hurt as I craned to look up. It was so calming and at the same time, reminiscent of new beginnings and life from its bright colors.

We spent a total of 3 hours in Parc Guell, just basking in its beauty and taking photos and videos to our my heart’s content. Being early paid off because the first hour seriously felt like we had the park all to ourselves. We even arrived earlier than the guards – had we not bought tickets, we would’ve gotten in for free. Also, since we already had all the shots we wanted, we simply sat down on one of the benches and stared at the crowds clamoring with each other for good photo ops.

After we decided it was time to visit another Gaudi classic – the Sagrada La Familia – we I reluctantly said goodbye to the beautiful park. It was a slow and relatively uphill walk to the other end with the bus stop. 

On the way out, we found another stairway leading to one of the highest points of Parc Guell. It was hidden at the side, like a secret only visible to those keen enough to really look around. Once we were at the top, we were rewarded with this view.

Oh Barcelona, you have set the standard high.

[signedbyroxci]

Lovely Las Ramblas Dinner | Barcelona, Spain

When in Spain, do as the Spaniards do and eat paella. Lots of it. 

A trip to Barcelona had us scouring the streets for the famous rice dish and boy, were we met with different options. Hole in the wall restaurants hidden among side streets boasted of their variations of Paella Valenciana, Paella Mixta, and my personal favorite, Paella Negra. The only downside was the prices of the paellas were way higher than the ones we tried in Rota. Can’t say that I wasn’t surprised though. After all, Barcelona is a city that flocks in millions of tourists every year.

The thing is, I wasn’t particularly keen on paying 30 euros for a platter of paella. I mean, think about it. We’d need a pitcher of sangria to wash it down with, and maybe an appetizer or two to calm our hungry bellies. All of those could have easily cost 50 euros. It was just a little too overindulgent. For me, at least.

We decided to hold out a bit longer and strolled over to the main street of Las Ramblas -- a place that won me over with its trees that lined the middle of the road. It reminded me of UP’s main road back in the Philippines, where the trees hover over the road like umbrellas.

That’s when we struck gold. Las Ramblas was teeming with side walk restaurants within my price range.

The secret lies in walking toward the other end of Las Ramblas -- if you’re coming from the La Boqueria end. A brief walk will show you that the ones on the front have relatively higher prices than the ones at the end. Though this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re any better. 

One of the things we loved about the side restaurants were their set menus, consisting of paella, a pitcher of sangria, and a few appetizers to share. It was exactly what we were looking for, with the added benefit of being able to people-watch from our table.

This sangria deserves a special shout out because they came in massive glasses -- ones I would usually associate with heavy beer drinkers. The drink was pretty strong too. A few sips turned our cheeks a nice rosy shade and have us feeling that all was well in the world.

[signedbyroxci]

I’m Back, Rota!

The first time I visited Rota, I arrived on my birthday, wide-eyed and freaked out over how there were no lights on the roads. That’s provincial life for you, folks. Gone are the days when I thought it was standard to have all roads well lit. 

- Birthday cookies for the birthday girl. 

This current trip marks my second visit to Rota and I’m glad I’ll be staying here longer than before. I pretty much maxed out the number of days allowed on a short stay Schengen Visa. That being said, I’ll definitely have a lot of time to stuff my face silly with tapas and glasses of sangria. What fun!

Like what I said in my last entry, the past couple of days have been spent living out a dream. The husband and I went on a trip that spanned 2 weeks in 5 different countries of central Europe. Seriously, guys, it’s so surreal to even be able to type that sentence.

A quick gist on what we got up to during the Eurotrip: 

We started our trip on a somber note, with a visit to Anne Frank’s secret annex in Amsterdam and got an in depth look on the Holocaust over at one of Berlin’s concentration camps. 

When things starting feeling too heavy, we took a break and headed to Prague, where we hopped on a bobsleigh and wined and dined aboard a cruise. Soon after, we paid a visit to Budapest and took a dip in the Szechenyi Baths. And finally to round off our trip, we took a bus to Vienna and wandered in the beautiful gardens of the Schonbrunn Palace.

I know it’s outdated and incredibly millennial, but I think the past few days can only be summed up in one word:

#blessed

More travel stories to come!

[signedbyroxci]

Back In A Few, I Promise

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give a quick heads up that I might not be posting my usual weekly entries. It’ll only be temporary though -- maybe 3 weeks at the most?

The husband and I are taking a brief Eurotrip to visit some of the most amazing and historical places. Many of which have captured my attention since I first read Anne Frank’s diary.

I’m so excited, you guys. A part of me doesn’t even care that I’ll be on back on a plane 16 hours after landing in Spain. But ahh, life is beautiful and I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to bask in all the different cultures of the world. 

Here’s to having more adventures and documenting all of them up on the blog! 

Tata for now! Promise I’ll be back before you know it. ;)

[signedbyroxci]

An Incurable Addiction | Gringo

There are some things I just can’t give up, no matter what the repercussions are. A big chunk on my list of non-negotiables involve food -- whether it’s froyo, coffee, or a darn good platter of nachos. 

I thought it’d be fitting to post something Mexican inspired for Cinco De Mayo. Truth be told, I’ve never really been one to celebrate the holiday with the usual unlimited margaritas. Nope, that was never my priority. I was there for the nachos.

Today, I’ll be doing a do or ditch entry on one of the gems I’ve recently discovered: Gringo.

To be honest, if Silantro didn’t have a growing wait list, I would have probably passed on eating at Gringo. You see, Silantro has pretty much carved its name on my heart. It’s affordable, a quick fix for Mexican food cravings, and it serves bomb nachos. The only problem is, everyone wants a piece of Silantro. It’s constantly packed, which is why I’m a tiny bit hesitant to blog about Gringo. I've already gone twice in one week before, so I’m seriously hoping they continue to have available tables on my next visit.

The word Gringo is basically used for a person who is neither Hispanic nor Latino. The restaurant serves a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, and has warm lighting and wooden tables, with walls decked in red bricks. Aside from all this, each table also has its own succulent centerpiece, which by the way, makes for an excellent photo prop.

Since I already mentioned my hardcore addiction for nachos, I think it’s only right to start with my review of their platter. 

- Nacho Grande (P285) 5 out 5 on the DO scale.

Since Gringo’s nachos are laid out on a silver platter, the toppings are evenly scattered, leaving no chip undressed. Also, I’ve realized that I tend to gape at the height of nachos in other places, so upon first look, I didn’t think Gringo’s serving was big enough. But really, their Nacho Grande serves 3-4 people. Trust me, I’ve been there twice and both visits gave us plenty of leftover chips.

Fun fact: Although nachos were created in Mexico, they were made for an American palate. The story of nachos goes way back into the 1940s, when a maitre d’hotel whipped up what he had left in his pantry to feed a group of US military wives. By the way, the name “nachos” was a nod to the maitre d’ himself -- Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya.

- Gringo Original Chicken quarter piece (P148/P225; no sides/2 sides) 5 out 5 on the DO scale.

Honestly, I never thought I’d be the type of person who gets the exact same order on her first 2 visits at a restaurant. But Gringo’s proving to be an exception. I usually opt for the side-less order because I get pretty full from the nachos anyway. My friend, however, opted to get 2 sides: Mexican rice and buttered corn (see first photo).

The Original Chicken spices have a slight hint of lemon sans the tartness. Pair it with one of Gringo’s sauces and you’ve got a great dish waiting to happen. 

P.S. If you’re looking for something a bit spicier, you might want to opt for the Southern Spice Chicken instead.

Sigh, I’m definitely coming back for you, Gringo. Your dishes are just too good to forget!

[signedbyroxci]

10 Things That Happen In A Long Distance Relationship

To be honest, I feel like in one way or another, I’ve been in a long distance relationship all my life. Growing up, dad used to work in different countries. When my dad finally came home for good, I found myself in a serious relationship with someone who, like me, had eyes set beyond the Philippines.

Fast forward to today, and now, I have a ring on my finger, am lucky enough to travel as least twice a year, and still in a long distance relationship with the same guy. If my high school self could see me now, I bet she’d be stunned. Things definitely did not turn out according to plan. Then again, I’m glad it didn’t.

To say that I dove in head first in the whole LDR shebang would be an understatement. Growing up in one made me feel like I was prepared, but really, nothing can prepare a person for all the emotions that come with goodbyes, no matter how “routine” they get. Here’s a quick rundown of what happens:

1.  Sleep becomes second priority because time difference is a real problem. 

Time difference can be an absolute pain, especially when you’re trying to do your body good with 8 hours of sleep. 

Vergs and I usually have a 7-hour difference. Although it may not seem like much, I also have to take into consideration the times when we’re available to talk. But like with any other relationship, it takes an added effort to date each other — even if, dates are via Facetime for now.

2. Savings are usually spent on plane tickets. 

Last year, I was privileged to go on 3 major trips. I started 2016 with a brief 2 weeks in Virginia, spent 3 months mid-year in San Diego, and spent my birthday month in Spain. It goes without saying that plane tickets cost a lot, and I definitely would suggest keeping an eye out for any online sales if you catch any.

Unfortunately, because of the nature of Vergs’ job, I can’t really plan in advance and take advantage of the promos. Instead, I have a list of apps and websites that I abuse whenever I’m surprised with a message from Vergs saying, “Babe, come here. I’m on land for a month.” The struggle is real, you guys.

3. You constantly have a countdown in your head.

There are two kinds of countdowns: ones you get excited for and ones you wish your mind could stop thinking about.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but whenever I’m with Vergs, I have a voice in my head telling me the number of days I have left with him — even if our time together would’ve just started. It takes a bit of practice silencing the voice, but so far, I do see progress in every trip, so yay!

4. Birthdays, Christmas, and other special events make you feel more lonely.

Loneliness can either turn you into a hermit or have you go a complete 180 and make you want to spend every single moment surrounded with people. I’ve been both.

But I’ve also realized that loneliness turns me into a person that gets creative when giving gifts. I’ve got to say, it took me a while to make this care package, but I enjoyed it -- right until I saw the shipping fee. Haha!

5. There might be a few make-or-break moments.

All jokes aside, there will be times when your relationship will be tested. Fights can get ugly and words will be misunderstood — punctuation marks and emojis can only do so much. An LDR, like any other relationship, involves a couple to either work through all their problems, or decide to call it quits. The choice is really up to the couple.

What I will say though is this, if you two decide to hold on until the very end, then you’ve met your match. <3

6. Sometimes, you’ll feel like everyone is a threat.

Insecurities suck, and they can be heightened while in a long distance relationship. This is where your support system comes in.

Personally, I have a rally of my best girlfriends who constantly remind me of my strengths and best features, especially when I’m feeling down. As long as you trust your significant other and know they respect you as their partner, no one is worthy of being a threat.

7. You realize the importance of trust and communication.

When all the tools you have for communication are dependent on internet and data, you tend to see your relationship in a whole new light. Yes, there will be days when you won’t get to talk to each other or even message. But that doesn’t really mean you can get hammered at a bar and have a one night stand… Unless of course, you two are okay with that.

8. Airports and all those questions at immigration become something you get used to.

Gone are the days you’d groan about a 3-hour layover, because you’ve experienced one that took a full 8-hours. In addition to this, you’ve already memorized where all the restrooms are and where the best cafe to eat is.

Since there are no direct flights from Manila to Jerez, I usually have about 3-4 layovers one way. The wait can be grueling so I usually tuck my hand carry bag with my laptop and a thick paperback book. I like adding at least 3 new ebooks in my phone too.

9. You and your significant other grow both as individuals and as a couple.

Your life shouldn’t be put on pause while in an LDR. So go on the solo trip you’ve always wanted, and continue working on making yourself better — even while the partner’s miles away. Turn the phrase “be someone you’d want to date” into a reality, and channel all your feelings into something productive. Plus, keeping yourself busy makes the time fly by faster and in turn, keeps your mind and emotions in check.

10. Goodbyes and see-you-laters will still hurt, no matter how many times you’ve gone through them.

As strong as people in LDRs seem to be, every goodbye still leaves a mark.

So far, I’ve had at least 5 rounds of see-you-laters with the husband, and although they do get easier, it still pretty much affects me pre and post departure. Then again, this is the situation I chose to live with, and I don’t regret deciding otherwise.

It goes without saying that long distance relationships aren’t for everybody. It involves a whole lot of work and sacrifice. Not to mention, too many feelings invested on a relationship that might or might not work.

But I guess, it all just really boils down to how much you want to be with someone. Because sometimes, that’s what keeps you holding on.

__________

Disclaimer

I’ve been meaning to write this entry for a while now. But I’d usually decide against it, because (1) my emotions can get hella crazy, (2) it’s a bit harder talking about more personal matters, and (3) I never really knew if this sort of thing would be relevant for my readers.

Currently, I’ve realized that I’ve got quite a number of people in my network who are experiencing the LDR-life. Sometimes I get pretty flustered when they ask me for advice, so I’m hoping this little entry will help.

[signedbyroxci]

Going Crazy In M&M’s World | Las Vegas, USA

Crowds usually flock to Vegas for the casinos, endless buffet options, and the long strip of clubs and bars. It is, after all, a city known for its overindulgence, be it booze, cash and chips to bet with, or scantily clad women -- cue in the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” 

As much as I’d like to say that Vergs and I are still in the cool Red Bull crowd we once were a part of, we’ve pretty much taken a total 180. Late nights in clubs have turned into binge watching sessions -- with us switching from genres of suspense and drama to comedy. Jagerbombs and tequila shots are now swapped for glasses of wine with a side of tapas. Not complaining, of course, but maaaaan, have we changed since becoming a couple a few years back. I mean, now it’s like we’re more excited to go to a candy store than a bar.

- The famous color wall. It’s pure happiness, I tell you.

The massive M&M’s World near the Las Vegas strip is beyond all expectations. It’s 4 different floors of chocolates and knick knacks -- the top floor even had a mini movie theater where you could put 3D glasses on and watch a quick film. It’s basically its own Willy Wonka chocolate zone sans the chocolate fountain, forest, and Oompa Loompas. I kid you not, it’s like I had a sugar high just looking at everything in the store.

The main highlights of the M&M’s World had to be its 2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor’s main feature (as seen in the photos above) is its color wall. It has a dedicated area of clear tubes with all the colors of the rainbow and all the mixes M&M’s has ever done. 

The way it works is you grab a bag at the ends of the wall and fill it to your heart’s content. The bag is priced per half pound though, so unless you’re okay with coughing up an exorbitant amount for chocolates, I recommend controlling trigger-happy tendencies -- easier said than done, of course. 

I do however, suggest zeroing in on the flavors and colors you haven’t seen before. Personally, I went ham on the pastel colored M&M’s and got a separate bag for the nut flavors. If I’m not mistaken, they change some flavor mixes according to the season. I think they had tubes of Pecan Pie and Butterscotch recently. What I’d give to try a bag of those...

The third floor is another favorite because it’s where you can customize your own pack of M&M’s. Anything from the size of the packaging, to the colors of M&M’s, right down to the words you want printed on the candy coated chocolates. 

Tip: Pick light colored M&Ms for your personalized candy. It’ll make the ink pop out more. The regular colors of red and blue won’t do much justice to the print.

Disclaimer: It’s been months since our Vegas trip and I have to say, our cup of personalized M&M’s remains untouched. Call it being sentimental but a part of me wants to hold on to the memories just a little bit longer. 

Also, I’m still wondering if I should do another Vegas post. Guess we’ll all have to wait and see! 

[signedbyroxci]

Universal Studios | LA, USA

There are days when the forecast gets the weather down to a T. And there are also days when the forecast decides to do a complete 180 and leave you unprepared. Guess which one we dealt with during this day?

Days before our Universal Studios visit, the forecast said LA would be inexplicably hot, as usual. So we set out wearing appropriate clothes, me decked in athleisure, and Vergs clad in his usual tank top and board shorts. 

When we arrived, the skies were cloudy and the temperature unbelievably cold -- we were shivering at one point. I got a coffee from Starbucks to help keep warm but if I’m being honest, it didn’t do much. The coffee was still appreciated though. 

- Poor Vergs had to change into a collared shirt and wear his obnoxiously patriotic socks under his loafers. Hahah!

Fortunately, the weather did get better after the first hour. Although to be frank, I wouldn’t know how we would’ve survived if it didn’t.

Learning our lesson from our recent Disneyland trip, we decided to splurge on fast track tickets for Universal Studios. Although they cost a lot more than regular tickets -- which btw we could’ve gotten with a military discount -- we felt it’d be more worthwhile to cough up the extra dollars rather than spend most of our time in line.

Here are the perks of getting a fast track ticket:

An extra hour before anybody else. Fast track ticket holders are allowed in the theme park an hour before opening hours. This means you get first dibs on anything you want.

Practically no lines. The way a fast track ticket works is you’re given a ID tag to wear around your neck. With it, you’re given priority access though a separate line reserved just for fast track ticket holders. If you’re worried about there being a surplus of fast track passes, bear in mind, they issue a limit per day. Also, your fast track ID only allows you one fast track entry per attraction. 

Want to know a secret? Sometimes, park attendants won’t scan the ID. So technically, you can go back to the fast track line, since you wouldn’t have “used up” your access for that attraction just yet.

The fast track access came exceptionally handy for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We abused our early 1-hour access by heading over there first thing to see and ride the attractions. Those smiles on the photo above are genuine, you guys. WE WERE SO HAPPY.

Just look at this snap. There was practically no one there!

Compare that to another a photo I took some time in the afternoon.

And yes, Butterbeer is a complete must when in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Universal Studios in LA has two versions of the drink: cold and frozen. Both can be a tad too sweet though, so they may be best shared. 

I’m a sucker for Butterbeer so we drank it twice that day. The cold version in the morning, and the frozen one during the afternoon. 

Ever since I first watched a Harry Potter film, I’ve always been enthralled with the Great Hall of Hogwarts. Seeing it come to life with all the drool-worthy platters of food basically had me writing down a goal that I had to eat or at least see the sets of Harry Potter in person.

Granted that I haven’t had the chance to visit the studio set in London just yet, I didn’t want to miss out on the next best thing -- The Three Broomsticks diner of LA’s Universal Studios.

Vergs chose The Traditional English Breakfast set, while I got a kid’s meal. In my defense, I was too filled up from all the Butterbeer.

Wizarding World Of Harry Potter had to be my most favorite part of Universal Studios. So I think it’s best I end this entry here. After all, I’ve got lots more stories to tell. 

Here’s to hoping I get most of them out before my trip back to Spain! 

[signedbyroxci]

The Museum of Broken Relationships | LA, USA

Taking a break from my theme park articles with a post on one of social media’s then darlings: The Museum of Broken Relationships.

The video below made its rounds on the internet before and was shared one too many times on my feed -- prompting me to realize that:

Heartbreak sells.

It sells because it’s universal. 

If you think about it, everyone has known heartache in one way or another. And for most people, at one point in time, they’ll wonder what to do with the remnants of a past relationship. Some choose to burn letters, while others keep them neatly tucked away in a box. 

The bottomline is, people tend to want a release from the items that once held lots of meaning. Fortunately, this museum offers exactly that.

One of the exhibit pieces I grew to love the most is the one by the museum’s entrance: multicolored paper cranes dangling from the ceiling. I’ll leave the story of the piece at the bottom for you to read. But before you move on (see what I did there?), I do hope you’d give the museum a visit yourself. I’ve got to say, a lot of the stories had buckets of emotion pouring out of them. Some angry, some sad, and others with a hint of endearment, as if writing the story was a final bid of goodbye -- the last bit of closure they needed. 

And we all know how precious closure can be.

One Thousand Origami Cranes

We were 17 years old and we were in high school. We started off as friends, both of us having recently ended previous relationships. Then we started dating.

Everyone thought we were the perfect couple, best friends in love. We shared hobbies and interests.

As time passed, we started to realize that we weren’t made for each other. Our interests began to change, especially mine. I was no longer interested in playing video games and being with his friends all the time. He made no effort to share my love of photography and literature. One begins to feel unloved, unhappy.

I decided to end it. We were finished, but not done. We continued seeing one another for eight months. We fought almost all the time, but I loved him. We continued dating until September 2012, when he found a new girlfriend.

On August 2012 he began saying that he was working on my birthday present.

On Saturday, October 20, (my birthday was on the 23 of the month) he gave me my gift, one thousand paper cranes.

He confessed the great efforts made to complete them: all the sleepless nights, all the times he was on the verge of giving up. Why make such an effort when we were no longer dating?

But he told me he wanted to give me a wish, according to a Japanese legend. “Because if anyone deserves it all, it is you,” he used to say.

I know these cranes represent all his feelings about our relationship: all the love he had, all the blame for the mistakes made, all of it. Even the sadness he felt and all the resentment that was released.

When a story ends, it always hurts. But if you’re letting go, let go with love. I never counted the cranes. I know there are a thousand; I trust him.

I never hung them either although the legend says you have to in order for your wish to come true. I never did because somehow I know it is up to me to make my desires and dreams come true.

But I appreciate the contribution he made to my life, even in leaving me. Because it made me feel so empty, it forced me to fill the world with other things, with friends, with work, and [fueled] my love for photography, music and literature. As a result, I experienced an indescribable freedom.

Now I feel calmer; I feel I am a better person, and more independent.

I am still single and very happy; ready to love someone. Not to fill a void though, but because they truly are the right person to help me grow.

I only have one thing left to say:

Thank you, Alejandro, for every little thing, for every moment and for every crane. You are and always will be a part of my heart.