UNLOCKING 10 DOORS (CITIES) USING THE "ANYWHERE" KEY: Do you know where you want to go?

 

photo credit to Netflix and Locke & Key fandom

I recently got hooked watching a Netflix adaptation of the book: Locke & Key. Truth be told, I watched it after listening to Emilia Jones singing "Both Sides Now" in another promo movie in which she's one of the lead stars (the movie name is called CODA which was released in 2021).

Nevertheless, the TV series was worth watching.

Locke & Key is a supernatural and drama series that aired its first season in 2020. The second season was just introduced about a few weeks ago. The first episode showed the three siblings moving in with their mother to an old town where their murdered father was born. Much to their unabated surprise, the "keys" starts to magically appear (hearing whispers that leads them to the magical keys) and each one possesses some magical powers to unlock - good and bad ones.

Enter the "ANYWHERE" key - the first key to be introduced in the first episode. Plausibly one of the most powerful key in the show. When it is unlocked or inserted into a door, that door can open to any place, anywhere in the world one would like.  

And here we are, imagining what if I have the "Anywhere" key in our hands right now? 

Where would I go? And where would you go? 

Which country or cities do you want to visit? And for that matter who will you bring with you? 

Here's me unlocking my ten (10) doors and the person I will bring...let the magic begins!

(1) PARIS - the city of love and lights. No matter how many times I've been there, I couldn't get enough. And this time, I will drag the love-of-my-life (ohhh so cheesy and mushy). He will probably hate the walking and the touristy stuff...but hey...a side trip to Versailles wouldn't also hurt. 

(2) RUSSIA - encompassing more than 1/8 of Earth's inhabited land area and very intriguing and historical place. Moscow, the Kremlin, St. Petersburg...arrggghhh...definitely something my precious one wouldn't want to miss. In one of his bucket list, definitely the one mom to fill.

(3) JERUSALEM - the city of Israel. The religious and historical epicenter of the world. We should know the back story even if we heard it a thousand times. Possibly a treat for my favourite sister..heart pounding and bank account shaking... 

(5) SPAIN - Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Santiago de Compostela - ohh the places I want to go. Opening this door, I will carry along my best friend. She and I had been planning to travel to this country since forevah! It will happen for sure. In time. The Spanish blood running in our veins will just keep us wanting.

(6) UNITED KINGDOM - I've been to a few cities ages ago so I don't mind going back. I always felt at home, being queen and all...haha...could use some chaperone with my two nieces - hoping smiley faces would lit when they read this. A side trip to (7) IRELAND would complete the trip - Belfast, Dublin, Derry -->  Game of Thrones tour! Planning this since last year. And to maximise the visa expenses, (8) SCOTLAND - Edinburgh in particular. Castles, druids, loads of history (talk about the Jacobite army) and stunning old and modern towns.

(9) SWITZERLAND - Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Bern - again the list of cities could be endless. And there's possibly a lot of distant and unexplored places that have yet to reveal itself. Nonetheless, I will bring my proven and tested travel buddy (you know who you are). She's been there and she will hate me if I asked for it. But those two itchy feet will not hesitate. Kisses...

(10) PRAGUE, BUDAPEST - In Czech Republic and Hungary - kill me now and let me go! Endearing friend in number 9, do you want to come still? She will probably say "nope, been there quite a few times...how about Slovenia?" Are you kidding me? Of course, you can drag me. 😂  

These 10 amazing cities will surely not be enough for me (just imagine 2 years of zero travel) to pass on the "anywhere" key. 

But I could be generous and hand it over to someone else. 

If I choose and hand it over to you, where would you go? 

This key is yours for the taking. Imaginative and hypothetical it may be, start listing those travel dreams. It could happen. 

Promise, mark me, it will.

Stay safe, travel queens...

 

5 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT JAPAN! NIHON GA DAISUKIDESU!

How do you know when you've fallen in love? 

How do you know it is the one? Is there a certain criteria? Or you just know, when you're there.

Disclaimer, this is a travel blog and not your extra-ordinary love story..that would be the subject of another blog....or not. Haha. 😂 

But honestly, how do you fall in love with a place? Do you dream about it? Did someone have to tell you? or watched it from a love story or horror movie that you can't seem to forget. How can something be etched in your brain? What makes it tick? What makes it special?

Japan is not a place or a country in my bucket list. I always thought that my past life or memory links me to Europe, and castles and queens and history. Of all the cities and places I loved, most of them were in Italy. I managed to travel with another fellow travel queen and before COVID19 hit the world. But that would be the subject of another story - in a series! 

My first trip to Japan dates back as far as 2005 and it was a work-related trip. To be honest, the only thing I remembered was going to Toys r us to buy my son's toy train as part of his collection. Like any business trip, it was short so there's really no time to explore. 

But one's thing for sure, it is not hard to be in awe with how the Japanese were very respectful and disciplined. That's NUMBER ONE.  There's that first look, a smile, and a bow - a single greeting that will make you smile. 😊 And you just slowly bid goodbye, as though you were meant to cross each other's path again.. somewhere, somehow. They say the people make up a country and it will show how you are as a culture, as a nation. And the value of respect definitely makes them who they are.

Life got busy, things changed and suddenly transported to another place and time to settle to another country. Zoom in nearly 4 years after and I found myself joining a Japanese company - was that something meant to be? Two months settling in and there it is..I was told to go - another time travel. It didn't disappoint going back to the place . 

Finally, time to explore what it has to offer - FOOD 🥘. That's NUMBER TWO. How can you not? Need I say more? Check out some of my old posts (Belly Satisfying Food Trip of Japanese Traditional Dishes and Tasting the real deal - Kobe beef) on what the country has to offer. Japanese food is definitely one of my favourite - I think I can eat one every day.

What's NUMBER THREE? Culture and amazing places to explore. All my family's recent trips have been to Japan - Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo. Not a single one disappoints. Too many things to absorb, memories to fill and adventures to keep. Magnificent castles and history to boot. 

You can explore your inner child and enjoy Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea , Universal Studios in Osaka (Harry Potter obsessive fan here!) and Legoland in Nagoya...I promise to write how amazing each city is and how best to explore them and plan your itinerary - train rides and all. 

FOUR scores amazing mysteries of authentic and quality finds - from high end shops to knick knacks, vintage shops and street finds. Who doesn't fall in love with shopping? Men! I know!

And finally  number FIVE - the PEOPLE (not to be biased just because I work in a Japanese company). But when you travel to Japan, no one hesitates to help. They're funny - especially when they have too much to drink 😁, they listen attentively to every story and also very generous. In fact, one of my male closest friend - we refer to each other as "bestie" (short for best friend) is a Japanese. Our friendship lifts and supports us in time of need. Miles away but the friendship remains. And that could be the mystery as well - not expecting anything in return but just pure empathy and care. 

I could go on and on why there's this mystery of love of Japan for me. Not because I have something to write. Perhaps not being able to travel for the last 18 months made me terribly missed going there. I know there's much more to know, explore and the love will certainly not fade. 

Maybe because of what I felt when I always go back, it is a safe space for me. Like home, I can be me.

How about you? How do you fall in love with a place? 

Listening to Sufjan Steven's Mystery of Love while writing this...what are the odds? 

Arigato Gosaimasu! Aishitemasu... 

Stay safe, travel queens!                 

Jenny's Boracay Adventure

Jenny Echaverria, adventurer

1. What brought me there?
Boracay is one of the top beach destination in the world. It has amazing water activities during the day, as well as an exciting night life. As a person who loves both, I was naturally drawn to Boracay.

2. What I expected?
White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, excellent food because of the many beach side restos and hotel, and a relaxing, adventurous, exciting vibe all in one.

3. What I saw
Better than what I expected. There were so many people from different countries -- it's exciting to see such a mix. And you can tell that everyone is having a great time.

4. Must-try meal
Anything seafood!!! fresh, affordable and you can choose how you want it cooked! Yum!

5. Most awesome thing I saw
The corals when you go helmet diving! For those who don't know how to swim or go scuba diving, helmet diving is the next best thing if you want to go underwater to see the flora and fauna 

6. You should not miss visiting or going to 
Go for both land and water activities. We enjoyed most with ATV, flying fish, helmet diving, banana boat ride and island hoping.

7. Thrilling budget find
There are sooo many great trinkets being sold for pasalubong for your friends and family! My favorite is the shell bracelets and anklets -- inexpensive, really cute and really provides you the island vibe

8. Notable tips from the locals
Don't hesitate to bargain but be reasonable :-)

10 MUST SAVE ITEMS FOR THAT DREAM MALDIVES TRIP

Photo grabbed from website - photo credit to owner

Maldives ever been in your bucket list? Yeah, me too! Big time.

When we spent our holidays in Maldives, I had some of my family and friends saying it is theirs too. And the question I all had is "how much did it cost us to get there?"

So here is an estimate of what we've spent - all will actually depend on your choice of the beach resort and the time of the year you want to be there. June was a comparatively low season...costs gets higher starting September until Jan. 

1. Airfare - SGD 340 per person - booked these 2 months in advance via Air Asia. There are a few airlines that flies to Maldives. Your choice. Obviously, airfares will vary depends on where you are coming from. Ours flew from Singapore.

2. Visa - zero - not required if you are staying for 30 days or less as long as one posses a valid passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and should have at least 6 months validity. You have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives. You have enough funds to cover the expenses for the duration of your stay (estimate USD100 plus USD50 per day) or a confirmation of reservation in a tourist resort or a hotel. Note that the 30 days stay is up to the discretion of the immigration officer. Check out the website the government website for details  http://www.immigration.gov.mv/pages/entry.html

3. Beach resort or Hotel - estimate USD 2300  for 3 nights, 4 days - good for 3 people. We chose the full board package (that means including breakfast, lunch and dinner). We decided to do this because based on research with some friends who previously went there, this is a safer choice. 

Otherwise, if you choose to book packages with breakfast only (which by all means you can), the moment you decide you want to have lunch or dinner (and by all means you would) it will be more expensive. As you will have no other choice but to dine in their own restaurants. This would be more extremely difficult if the resort you have chosen is isolated (which in most cases it is).

You can choose any beach resort from 100 inhabited islands in Maldives - the farther you are from the airport, the more expensive it would be. Reason being is that everything you consume depends on the resort you are choosing. Since this is our first time, I only chose the resort near the airport. 

Check out and compare prices before booking and note fine prints!

4. Speed Boat ride - USD 60 per person, 2 way (pick up and return transfers from the airport) - since our resort was only 15 minutes away from the main airport which is located in Hulhule, North Male Atoll. 
Some resorts you need to be chartered via sea plane which would cost you almost the same as your budget airline fare or even more (I saw some at USD 600 per person!). Again, this depends on the resort you intend to stay. These information would be available in the resort you plan to book as these are all exclusions. 

5. Environmental green travel tax - USD 6 per person per day of stay. Imagine that! This serves as a tax for environment protection which is good if you ask me. They need to protect the area, otherwise what is there for you to enjoy!

6. Island activities - varies and depends on your choosing - there are a lot of choices to make, from water sports to island hopping. For example, our glass bottom boat 60-minute activity chunked us USD 25 per person. 

7. Ferry Boat ride to and from the main city (coming from the airport) - USD 1 per person, one way. The airport is also located in an island and should you decide to go to the main city to do some shopping, then you have to ride another ferry.

8. Airport fast food - a Burger King meal would cost you about USD15 per meal (and I mean just burger, fries and soft drinks!)

9. Coffee - USD4 - who can't live without coffee? The hubby - duh! 

10. Save some extra for souvenirs... 

And this is prior to buying that 2-piece swimsuit you've always wanted to wear and post on IG!


Remember, you are paying for experience and lasting memories.

So have fun and be safe travel buddies! Until the next adventure!

Grace Dela Mar's Switzerland holiday

Grace Dela Mar
traveler, adventurer, soon-to-be bride

1. What brought me there - planned vacation. Switzerland is one of the countries i really want to explore especially the Jungfrau region

2. What I expected  scenic view, i'm still in awe

3. What I saw 

a small village that is surrounded with a beautiful scenery -- waterfalls, steep cliffs, snowy peaks.. picture perfect

4. Must-try meal  rösti!

5. Most awesome thing I saw 

everywhere in Lauterbrunnen (or i may say Switzerland) is awesome

6. You should not miss visiting or going to - Jungfraujoch (on top of Europe)

7. Thrilling budget find  watches and Swiss army knives :) 

8. Notable tips from the locals  we always ask for food and there's a meat shop/butcher shop near the hotel that we stayed and the staff of the hotel recommended to try the grilled sausage. yummy!

9. Must avoid traveler's trap - none

When Doris Alaras Went Chillin' In Sydney, Australia

Doris Alaras and husband at the Sydney Opera House

 1. What brought me there? Cebu Pacific! Hahaha….the low fare is too much of a temptation for both  hubby and I, plus, we have relatives and friends living in  Sydney so it would be a good time to relax and spend time  with them.

2. Must try meal. Steak. Specially kangaroo steak. Also, dine at the revolving restaurant at Sydney  Tower.

3. You should not miss visiting or going to Opera House, Harbour bridge, Queen Victoria Building, Bondi beach, Blue  Mountains, Leura Village 

 4. What I saw Considering that Sydney is a major business district, it has a very relaxed  vibe.  I especially love that there are parks you can go to  during work breaks where you can clear your mind.

Doris Alaras chilling at Bondi beach in Sydney Australia

Bondi beach was our first stop, it's just so  different from the beaches in the Philippines especially  since it's right in the city district where people wearing  work clothes can be seen walking in the beach, so chill,  right?  Our cousins made us experience the  Opera House and Harbour bridge through an evening walk  around the area and from across at Macquarie's chair; we  also took the evening ferry which was quite an experience.

Another must visit is the Blue Mountain, it's  quite far from the city, aside from the mountains you will  also see the very charming Leura Village.

 5. Most awesome thing I saw  We visited Featherdale wildlife park which is an interactive zoo where we had close encounters  with kangaroos, koalas, emus and cassowaries.

 6. Thrilling budget find My thrift store finds are fab! Got some  brand new last piece items which costs only a fraction of the  price. 

 7. Notable tips from locals Get an Opal Card to pay for your transport around the city, every Sunday they only change a  total of $2.50 and you can ride all you can – bus, train,  ferry…not bad, right? Most shops close at 5pm except for Thursdays which is shopping day when shops  are open till 9 pm.


Best time to visit Sydney would be Spring :)

 8. What I expected I expected the trip to be expensive! People are saying that it's an  expensive place, but if you consider prices in other  countries and key cities it's not really so bad, I’d say  its just about the same. Other than that I have no other  expectations from the trip, I only wanted to bond with  family so I was pleasantly surprised to find that Sydney is  a great place to visit.  

9. Must avoid  traveler's trap  Souvenir shops offer  different prices for the same items, suggest to look around  first before buying anything.

AND I AM JUST THRILLED! (At the Hermes Leather Exhibition)

As part of its world tour, the Hermes Leather Forever Exhibition made its way to Singapore. 
The Leather Forever Exhibition allows you to discover the world of Hermes Leather while showcasing the incredible know-how of its artisans through an informative exhibition (I call this passion and ingenuity combined).

I took the opportunity to visit the exhibition armed with my two bodyguards (my son and hubby). Boys being boys (or should I say men), both are not really much into fashion and much more so with women and their crazy addiction to bags and shoes...but going to exhibits and museums is part of our cultural immersion, so to speak.

The Hermes family's history dated back in 1837 when Thierry Hermes opened up a harness and saddle workshop in Grand Boulevards quarter of Paris. So yes, "it was with the horse, for and on the horse that it all began" as the below information says (pardon the not-so-professional way of taking the photo)

One will be amazed at the many leather collection the exhibit has to offer and would just make you feel excited, thrilled and captivated (oh yes I am exaggerating) with the array of designs, bright colours, various shapes and sizes. 

Did I say I was blown away? To me, it was not just the name it made of itself but the creativity and the passion behind the brand - it really took a lot of love, hard work and dedication to make something big happen. And this brand carried the family name and a legacy - something great that every one of us should aspire for.

Bad news is that there were no items on sale - otherwise, I will be one tempted woman leaving with an empty wallet. But still, to own one is in my bucket list. I am sharing some of the photos I personally took - most of which captivated my interest. Enjoy the photos - I only chose some of them. It would be better to see and experience it for yourself.

Different materials for the horse saddle

Different types of leather

I want one

Any of these will do for me

or this?

Maybe this

One of my favourites - wish I could ride on one :-)

My son called this the "Holy Bag"

How's this for creativity?

From the latest collection

The exhibition runs until the 13th of this month, December at the Arts & Science Museum in the Marina Bay Sands area (#6 Bayfront Avenue). The exhibition runs from 10AM to 7PM daily and 10AM to 9PM on Fridays. Admission is free! So what are you waiting for?

Have fun and always be safe, travel buddies!