[2006] Kingston, Canada

Queen's University

Feeling a little nostalgic today...

Oh, University and Union. How I miss thee!

Met my life long friends, discovered my love for dance, had the best years of my life...

oh and got a degree too.

[2010] Daejon, S. Korea

Hayes' Roof

Although he moved to a smaller place his second year in Daejon, the benefit was the awesome roof top we could use to host parties during the warmer months.

It was perfect! We could have BBQs, soak in the sun, take jumping photos and had a view of the city.

I miss this place.

Sigh~

[2008] San Luis, Philippines

The Special Trip

Everything about this trip was special. When I came back from this service trip (Habitat for Humanity), I tried to explain to people my time there...but I couldn't put it into words. I would explain everything including the details, but couldn't quite express it properly. So, after a few days of struggling to describe it, I stopped trying to, because I felt like I was not doing it justice. I simply told people that it was a special trip and it couldn't be described. I will do the same here...it was a very special trip and I can't describe it. Maybe the photos can better than me...

Notes:

1. All photo credits go to one of our students, David Jun. I left my camera at home because the previous year mine got stolen out of my bag in Manila. I'm glad I learn from my mistakes because my whole back pack got stolen this trip...luckily the thousands of dollars in cash I was carrying on behalf of the team was in my hip sack...phew!

2. Johnny Wong was the best team leader a colleague/student could ask for.

3. The food we ate was phenomenal and was prepared by the habitat villagers--I want to go back to eat food!

4. Please notice the ambulance in the photos that the guards with machine guns drove in, while they followed us around every where we went. This was ordered by the mayor of San Luis. Who also ordered us to take surfing lessons at their beaches.

[2006] Cuba

The clearest waters I've ever seen. 

Wish I could go back and spend another full week of relaxation and partying.

[2008] Florence, Italy

I had such a hard time choosing photos for this post because there were just so many fabulous shots. Mostly from my friend Annette--she's a bit of an artist. Really, she is.

This was my first trip to Italy and I just remember everything being so beautiful.

We were in Florence for the longest time of all the cities, and it was great to go through all the touristy sites slowly. I feel like I got to know the city, and I can't say that about a lot of places I've visited.

[2009] NYC, USA

This was one of my top 5 vacations.
Visiting one of my best friends in NYC while she was working there for a term or two. I LOVE NYC (like everyone else). I can't wait to go back. Although Vaani doesn't live there anymore, Sadia does!!!
I will probably post on NYC several times again, so I'll keep this one short and sweet with one of my favorite images from the trip.
<3

[2010] Beijing, China

Almost exactly two years ago (Lunar New Year) I took a trip with three lovely ladies to Beijing during our break. It was FREEZING! And, that's how I remember Beijing.

It's big and windy...it's quite a shame because I think it would have been so much better if it had just been about 20 degrees warmer.

The amazing part of being there during that time was the fireworks. They were EVERYWHERE. You could spin around and in every direction you could see them lighting up the sky. It was really amazing.

During this trip we became the 'coolest' family ever.  2 artificially inseminated girls from different wombs + two moms! I think people on our tour overheard our conversation and thought it was true. Oh well!

[2010] St. Gilgen, Austria

Our time living in St. Gilgen was bitter sweet. We lived there a short 11 months. Although sometimes the bitter part seemed to be predominant, when I look back now, I can remember the sweetness of that time. Barbarossa was one of sweetest parts of St. Gilgen. 

Matt, Hayes and I frequented the Barbarossa for its amazing atmosphere and hosts (aka the owners/chef/bartender), which eventually evolved into a Stammtisch. During this time we became good friends with Ushi and Hubert. We learned good lessons from them, one including: "you must drink better wine as the night continues, not worse!"

On our last week in St. Gilgen Ushi and Hubert had us over for a BBQ in their backyard, which was preluded with prossecco on the lake. We also had our going away party there. And on our final Stammtisch, we ate in the wine cellar and enjoyed a wonderful red wine.

Ushi and Hubert say that they will retire soon, but they can never manage to say no to the reservations that continue to be made.  Hayes and I (and hopefully Matt) will try to return before they retire and move away from St. Gilgen. I'm just crossing my fingers that they'll remain there until then.

[2009] Kansas City, USA

I have been to Kansas City 3 times and each time I am so pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer. Maybe it's because I'm always with locals, but I always eat the best food and see interesting things. On my first trip to Kansas City I fell in love with the chocolates from Christopher Elbow. They are so delicious, but are especially a treat on the eyes. They are really too pretty to eat, I sometimes struggle finishing the box because I just want to save them and look at them every day. My favorite and their speciality is their Fleur de Sel. I wish I could have one now!!!