Another adventure comes to an end. After a month of hopping in and out of planes, moving from one place to another, seeing familiar sights and rejoicing as entries on the bucket list are ticked off, I make a final luggage check in at the Singapore Airline counter in Charles de Gaulle airport bound for the P.I. via the Lion City.

Heading back home.

I bore an extra luggage this time, one I’m not checking in. It was packed and heavy but totally weightless. It was that of fond memories of this trip, all 30 days of fun and frolic, new ideas. Throw in a few unpleasant ones, which broadened my perspective and taught me a few more lessons about traveling. This trunkful of memories is the most precious of the lot I’m taking home with me. Weightless, priceless.

Europe is love.

It was great to see Rome, Florence, Versailles and Paris once more. It’s a few of the cities that one may never get enough of. There’s always something brewing, a new corner to discover, exciting destinations always.

Joy. The city of lights by day.

Sunset at the Vatican City

The king's bed at the Versailles Palace

Pisa was a new place for me, a short and pleasant getaway destination off Rome. I will be back for more.

Pisa was a new place for me, a short and pleasant getaway destination off Rome

Madrid, more than anything else, was a food destination. Ask me about Madrid and food will take the top story, the paellas most especially. The city I will always remember as having to eat a year’s worth of food. Gained weight I did, and it was only the second leg of a long journey across Europe.

Ask me about Madrid & food will take the top story. I'm not suprised that the famed Casa Botin's 'lechoneros' are Pinoys

Ticked off my list was a selfie with the famed astronomical clock in Prague’s Old Town Square. The Czech city is enchanting and easy to fall in love with. The fact that you can explore the old quarters all the way up to the magnificent castle grounds (where the St. Vitus Cathedral is also located) via the historic Charles Bridge and back down, at you own pace, makes it even more appealing. Praha’s history is rich and it is excellently preserved. The new age artworks, strategically situated, make an exciting contrast to the old world vibe of the city.

Ticked off my list was a selfie with the famed astronomical clock in Prague’s Old Town Square

As if the Versailles palace was not enough, I had to visit three royal palaces in the Scandinavia. If not for good friend Des, I wouldn’t have seen these attractions, along with the cities’ other top attractions—the Little Mermaid and the canal in Copenhagen, the Gamla Stan and Vasamuseet in Copenhagen, the Ekeberg and Frogner parks, the Scream at Munchmuseet and many more. Two nights in each of the Scandinavian cities is not enough. I will go back for sure.

Well, hello there. The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen welcomed me on the onset of my Scandinavian tour

Gamla Stan in Stockholm should top your list & make the Vasamuseet next

Interesting characters at Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Ekebergparken is fabulous! It fuses art & nature for happy eyes & happy heart

The few nights left in Europe was spent in Paris with my cousins who made it their home. I would have though I have seen the attractions I wanted to check out, but no, they pointed me to a couple more. One was Pere Lachaise, the burial grounds of personalities. It was an eerie place to have selfies with the graves of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison or Oscar Wilde.

Eerie tourist spot in Paris, the Pere Lachais. It has amazing mausoleums though & here lie the remains of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf & other personalities

Good times will always trump the sleepless nights, tired body, unpleasant encounters and even the busted diet. I took it all back here and related my tales via this column. Yes, I could have added the #TBT on all the titles, but does the destination have an expiration date? Nope.

Thank you, Universe! Tales of another journey will find its way on this page next.

Europe is always fun when toured with friends you can call family. Thank you Tenny for taking me along this memorable ride.

Thank you Des for a great trip around Scandinavia.

Expect impeccable service when taking Singapore Airlines.

For more photos about this story, & other travel & lifestyle stories, visit http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/ and http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/

Taverna del Bronzino’s entryway

When in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, expect to be hugged by the finest of arts in all its forms, food included. In this city in the Tuscan region, there is just no way to separate the two, whether it’s the gelato or the sidewalk cafeteria offering a fresh, just out of the oven Tuscan bread, or dining fancy, Firenze is oozing with old world, hand-crafted artistry on canvas and on the plate.

Deciding to escape Rome, we drove for three hours North East to spend a day in Florence. Yes, too short a time for an in depth exploration of where the Medici’s rose to power, but we intended to enjoy every minute of the visit.

With that in mind, the Il Duomo was the place we aimed to visit. The Gothic Church stands in Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral complex where two other historical buildings are, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanille. It’s a tourist must see and the perfect place to light a candle of offering for a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Armando & Emma, both devout Catholics.

Of course, it called for a celebration. “What’s a good restaurant to have lunch in this city,” Tenny, our host, asked our Italian chauffer for the day. Il signor navigated the narrow, one-way streets and stopped before a small entryway—the Taverna del Bronzino at Via delle Ruote 27 Rosso.

Once the art studio of Bronzino

The taverna dining hall in the building built in 1580

Taverna del Bronzino's Umberto Rabotti. This man is the owner, an “artist” in his right.

The magnificence of the the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

When you find yourself in Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region, make sure you find your way to the historic center at the quartiere 1, this Italian city’s UNESCO Heritage Site. The quarter holds the best attractions of Firenze and can be toured on foot. It’s even best if you stay in this area while visiting, if you have time on your hands.

Welcome to Firenze, the “Athens of the Middle Ages”

Ask me which part of Italy one should not miss out on and my reply would be Tuscany Valley, and that comes with a word of caution—prepare to fall in love with the place.

Sure, the ancient city of Rome is a spectacle and of course, you’d want to see the St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican (which is probably the first on any Catholic person’s list), the fingers of God and Adam touching in the Sistine Chapel, or even marvel in the magnificence of the Colosseum but personally, there is something about the Tuscan region that is quite romantic, magical I should say, and is as exciting as Rome can be minus the bustle of the city. I had the chance to visit the area a few years back and just like Paris, I said this is one place I don’t mind visiting again and again, and voila! the spoken words did come true.

Florence in the Tuscany Region is a place known for its landscapes.

Having toured the must-see sights in Rome, we found more time on our hands and decided to take a day trip to the capital city of the Tuscany region, Florence, and if time permitted, we’d head to Pisa as well.

The Arno River is the most important river of central Italy after the Tiber.

A day to experience the magic is not enough, you’d have to stay longer and immerse yourself in the Florentine vibe. Like they say, beggars can’t be choosers, we had the “extra” time but not that much. But to be in the birthplace of the Renaissance once more, even if it’s just for a few hours, is a gift I will never say no to.

Before sunrise on the appointed day, we hit the road to the “Athens of the Middle Ages”, a place known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic legacy and influence on high culture—Firenze.

The Tuscan sun greeting us on the way to Firenze.

David, still buffed and naked, lives in the area. Yes, Michaelangelo’s original marble statue of the biblical hero who slew Goliath is in the Galleria dell’Accademia. Venus’s baby picture is well preserved in the Uffizi Gallery, only they call it the Birth of Venus rendered by a Renaissance master, Botticelli, who also painted another image of her joined by Aglaea, Euphrosyne and Thalia aka the Graces, Cupid and Mercury as well in another picture they call Primavera. Since you’re in the area, visit Medusa and her Carravagio headshot (selfie not available then).

The Basilica of Santa Croce on the Piazza di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church in the world.

How about the name Medici? Does it ring a bell? These are the one-time residents, the grand dukes, of Tuscany who became Firenze’s most influential citizens. Not only did they own the largest bank in Europe during the 15th century, the House of Medici was a political dynasty that produced popes and regents as well.

Charming narrow streets that lead to the historic city center.

Unfortunately, we didn’t meet any of Firenze’s famous characters and see its must-see sights having little time to get off our ride, a private van and not a hop on, hop off tourist bus which would have shown us more of the city. But we managed to stop and get off at the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore aka the Il Duomo di Firenze to light a candle and say a short prayer of thanks.

Giotto’s Campanile & the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore at the Piazza del Duomo is part of Florence’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Well, one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the region was good enough for them (and me)… for the time being, at least. Maybe the quick peek of the place will urge them to go back for more and see the rest in Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza, etc.

After a quick lunch at a fancy restaurant to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of the Asistidos, we bid one of the world’s most visited cities arrivederci! See you soon Firenze and we will be drinking more of your glorious wines.


*****


For more travel & lifestyle stories, visit http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/ and http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/

Published in the SunStar Davao newspaper on June 19, 2014.

Traveling soles cannot be denied.

2013 was another year of great adventure that took these soles across the globe to wander along unpaved roads, cobblestone streets, unbeaten paths and picturesque highways. The soles of this grateful soul were stomping with gratitude to the Universe for the opportunities to discover its creation. It’s for all of us and ready for the taking, all we have to do is say yes and take the step.

Last year I got more than I wished for. Remember my vision board? Every year I update it and add a couple of places I really want to visit, and I am glad to say that I made it to a few on the list- Prague in the Czech Republic (listed in 2011), strolled Frogner Park in Oslo and see the first lady of Copenhagen—the Little Mermaid, (both on my 2013 wish list). The unexpected pluses, which were not on my list but made it to, were nothing short of amazing.

After 2  years (or has it been 3?) on my bucket list & vision board, I finally made it to Prague! Yey! What's on YOUR vision board?

Although Bangkok and Boracay are regular destinations, it is such a treat to see and experience new things. It was my first time to view Bangkok’s nightscape from a different point of view—from two of the best rooftop bars in the city, the Red Sky of Centara Grand and The Speakeasy of Muse hotel.

A view of Bangkok's nightscape from one of the city's best rooftop bars & dining spots.

In Boracay, have you seen the two huge cement tablets of the Ten Commandments along the White Beach? And I thought I’ve seen everything along that stretch.

My love affair with this island....

Just when I thought that there will be no long haul flights for me, my good friend Tenny A. offered to take me along on their family’s European sojourn. Another good friend, Des A., upon hearing the news, immediately planned an itinerary that will take me to another part of Europe.

It was good to revisit Paris and Rome. The familiar sites still gave me the first-timer’s thrill. I guess it will always be the same when you fall in love with these cities.

Revisiting Spartacus' realm.

The spur of the moment side trip out of Rome was the first surprise. We drove to Florence and Pisa (I finally got to see the tower). A day is certainly not enough. I wished we could have stayed longer. Bucket listed Venice will have to be seen another day.

Well, hello again Firenze.

Finally, I got to play with this tower.

It was my first time in Madrid and it was not a sightseeing tour but a food trip and boy did I eat. I had the most amazing paellas in this city and got to taste the famous suckling pig of Restaurante Botin. Why am I not surprised that lechoneros are Pinoys? A must try in this place is the Gambas, it’s delicious!

One of those times I had to forego of my no-meat diet.

Paris will always be charming for me, busier but still charming. It was more fun to explore more of the city with good friends this time.

I got to see Aling Mona again. You know, courtesy call....

Prague lists as one of my favorite cities. It is beautiful! The old town is oozing with culture and is navigable by foot, eating out is very affordable and the crystals in all its forms come a dime a dozen. I know for a fact that I will be back here.

Finally, I took Des’ offer to see the land of the Vikings after years of planning. I may have come at a time when the drop in temperature came too early in the season but it was a lovely visit still.

Here are the things I found out about Scandinavia:

1. Sorry but the Danish are not the happiest people in the planet (somehow even they can’t believe they are believed to be). The tourist counter at the airport, manned by (maybe) the very first locals you get to interact with, may spoil the entire image of the nation. A visit to the little mermaid might bring the smile back to your face like what fairy tales usually does for us;

Another one off the bucket list. Fairy tale come true (sort of). Happiness!

2. Sweden must have the perfect human specimen in the planet, no wonder they make ideal vampire characters. The Swedes seem to be the most charming of the Viking race. And oh, the place is very picturesque, the meatballs are large and tasty, and shopping at H&M is cheaper;

The hitchhiker.

3. Oslo is the most expensive city in Scandinavia;

After checking out the motionless naked people at the bucket-listed Frogner Park, I went strolling with this giant girl in Oslo's newest attraction-- Ekeberg Sculpture Park

and 4. For me, summer is the best time to see these countries. I will be back.

I do know that 2014 holds more traveling for me. When and where it’s going to be, these grateful soles will be ready. I do want to see the rest of the places on my vision board, and the Sakura in Kyoto seems to be calling me the loudest.

I am grateful that I am living a dream. Thank you Universe. Thank you Tenny and Des, Nico, Noemi and Agoda.com.

For more travel & lifestyle stories, visit http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/ and http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/ 

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on January 09, 2014.