After Osaka, we transferred to Nara Prefecture on November 27, 2014. So, with our luggage and backpacks we headed to the nearest train station early in the morning so we can have a whole day tour of Nara. Nara, unlike Osaka, is a smaller prefecture in Japan. Upon arrival, we deposited our things to People’s Inn Hanakomichi Hotel which is just a few meters from the train station. The hotel will give you an experience of a traditional Japanese home interior. Nara is so homey, and to the Philippines, it was like our Vigan. Here are some of our photos in the hotel. J Nara is a prefecture where you can see deer walking in the park (with you) and crossing the streets so my first rule is NEVER hold any food while walking. But don’t worry, they are harmless and their horns are already cut. They will simply approach you trying to ask for some food. Here’s my close encounter with one of them... Oh deer, I am sorry I don’t have some food with me. J We went to Todai-iji temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples according to Wikipedia. It houses the world’s largest statue of Buddha. There is a pillar inside the temple with a small hole at the bottom. This is said to be the size of the Buddha’s nostrils. And there is a legend that says that passing through the hole will give you a good fortune. My friends even said that only clever people can pass through the hole. Oh well, I don’t believe in fortune and I don’t have to prove that I am clever so I never tried passing through the hole (Actually, I was just so lazy removing my trench coat so I never tried it. But Con and Jess passed through the hole). One of the best things I will always remember about this place is the wonderful colors of Autumn. No words can ever describe the feelings I had when I saw the trees and the falling leaves. It felt like we do not want to leave the place but of course, we do not have the luxury of time. So we instead captured every detail of the wonder in front of us and try to pick up some leaves that we can bring home as souvenirs. In the afternoon, we just walked around the area as we enjoy the traditional Japanese houses. We also tried their local liquor – the sake. There are so many flavours but I am not really a drinker and I do not have the tongue to taste the goodness of every flavour. The following day, before leaving for Kyoto, we had our last minute walk to see the reflection of the pagoda on the lake. It was like a painting... too good to be true. I can sit down the whole day by the lake looking at this wonderful sight, trying to relax and unwind. If only I can...
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Baler. One of the places I was hesitant to visit because for me, it was just a surfing place. And since I am not really a swimmer, I guess I won’t try surfing because I am afraid of drowning so I thought I'll never enjoy the place. But my (eldest) sister invited me and was so persistent in visiting the place and since she had her company car (with free gasoline allowance) why not go with her and her friends? After all, there will be minimal expenses. February 21, 2014 (Friday), we travelled the road to one of the most beautiful places I visited and fell in love with – Baler, Aurora. It was a long drive but when we finally reached this view (Pantabangan), we had to stop by the road, ride down the car and take a pose to capture one of God’s wonderful creations. It was breath taking! J When we finally reached our destination, of course, we have to stop by the road to have a photo of this: “Welcome Baler”. We visited the “Millenium tree” at Balete Park in Bgy. Quirino, walked in the park to see and shoot some of the historical spots. We saw the museum and Doña Aurora’s house and the Baler church. We also went to Tromba Marina and watched the sunset at Ermita Hill. We also visited PAG ASA radar station, Dicasalarin beach, Diguisit beach, and Ditumabo falls. My favourite spot is the Dicasalarin beach – standing on top of the mountain, looking at God’s wonderful creation with the wind and breeze kissing my cheeks... JJJ Love comes when you least expect it. Baler was never in my priority list of places I would like to visit, probably because of the misconception I had that this place is just for surfers and swimmers. But I got invited and gave it a try. And there are NO REGRETS. This is one of the few places I would like to revisit. J By the way, we stayed at the Secret Spot. The room was just in front of the beach. It has a swing where you can relax while enjoying the view and the breeze.
Are you looking for a quiet, blissful, and relaxing place near Manila? Try Green Canyon Resort! The newly-opened (they had their soft opening early in 2014 while their grand opening was sometime in October 2014) resort is situated in San Vicente Road, Clark Economic Processing Zone. The owners of the place are very kind and accommodating. They designed the place in such a way that the modern family will enjoy a quality time together. The resort offers the following amenities: Symphony pool, Wave pool, organic farm, mountain trails (a sunrise and a sunset view) and even workshops! There are also bikes available (for free!) so you can roam around the place as you feel the breeze on your face while riding the bicycle. :) The staffs are all friendly and accommodating. Upon entering the lobby, the staffs are ready to help you carry your things to your room. And while someone's checking in for the group, you will surely enjoy the wooden art pieces in the lobby and all over the place. The "wooden art paintings" are amazing! The symphony pool has also a lap pool where you can enjoy doing laps. On the other side is a free swimming area with flushes of water from the fountain. There is an on-duty life guard to ensure that everyone is safe (but of course, children should always be accompanied by and adult). On the other side of the hanging bridge is the wave pool. The wave pool is open only until 5pm only. Here are some of the photos I took from the place. By the way, during our check out, we met the owner. And it so happened that we are both Thomasians (UST Engineering graduate). The commonality ended up with so many stories about our life in the campus (though there is too much gap in our age) and she gave us big discount upon checking out. :))) I love theme parks... not because I love the rides they offer, but because I love the child-like feeling it gives me. It gives life to the cartoons I saw in the television and movies... We also had the chance to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (but I must admit, I was never a fan of Harry Potter. I never watched the movie) and it felt like we had magic too! If you are a photographer, there's just too many things to see and shoot... and you should have spare memory card and battery just to make sure you captured every detail! But what I loved the most in USJ is the parade at night. As early as 4pm, people would gather near the streets to have a nice view of the parade. The wonderfully lit character floats are the highlight of the night. I was just seated in the sidewalk, my eyes lit with the amazing sight and music, as some of the characters dance and wave and one even approached me and poured in my hand an imaginary tea of love (guess I'll find my love soon!). We are only 3 in this trip... and I am the only one coming from Manila (my 2 friends are working in Singapore). They arrived at Kansai International Airport 8 hours ahead of me. The places we visited in Osaka include the Osaka castle, Umeda Sky Observatory, and Universal Studios. But what is amazing in Japan is the mere fact that with or without an itinerary, every place you see is amazingly beautiful. And what really amazed me on my first day in Osaka are the wonderful colors of autumn!!! |