Holiday Shopping!

I was actually shopping for myself when I came across these two website gems... But just wanted to share!

http://www.shopstyle.com/
Type the description of what you're looking for into the search box (for example: "purple bag"), and matching items from everywhere will pop up! Amazing!

http://www.lorisshoes.com/
While searching for "red wallet" on ShopStyle, I found the red wallet love of my life from this cute Chicago boutique, Lori's Shoes. Cute stuff! Everything on here ships for free in the continental U.S. Plus!! Use the coupon codes: survey5 (for $5 off) or iloveloris10 (for 10% off $30).

Happy shopping :)

I’m starting to freak out a little because I just booked a trip for my 26^th birthday. You might wonder what aspect of that causes freaking out. It’s the part of it that proves that I’m turning 26 and I have no idea where this past year has gone or how it’s flown by so fast. What the hell!? It seems like just yesterday I was ringing in the big 2-5 in Hawaii on the last leg of a long trip abroad. I know 26 is still a few months away, but I really can’t believe I’m almost there.

Again… What the hell?!

I’ve been thinking lately about what it means to be “grown up” and how we get there. I’m still far from being the wise master of life that I’d like to eventually be and still have a lot of things to accomplish. But in the past couple years, I’ve witnessed a lot of changes in myself and those around me that signal signs of adulthood. And sadly, a lot of it is in the form of anxieties we had never experienced until this mid-20s stage of life. A lot of my girlfriends experienced the quarter-life crisis and I stood beside them with empathy as a fellow victim of its wrath. We all truly questioned, “What am I doing with my life?” with follow up questions being, “Should I go back to school? Should I change careers? Am I in the kind of relationship I want to be in at this point in my life?” and then feeling unsure of the decisions and realities and answers to these questions. I don’t think we ever worried like this before. My point is not that this kind of stress qualifies adulthood. But I would say that it shows a definite wear on our carefree spirits of youth.

I’ve also been thinking about how I’ve never really known what I wanted to do when I “grew up.” I used to think I wanted to be a dentist, but that was way off the mark and I probably just said that to have something to say when the question was asked. I also majored in Business Administration for whatever reasons, yet I couldn’t tell you the key points of Finance, Accounting, or Economics that I was supposed to learn. Unlike myself, there are some people out there that just know. Some people grow up knowing that they want to be a doctor or a teacher or whatever, and that’s what they become. But I don’t think I’ve ever really known, and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. I’ve been more concerned with doing things that mean something to me, and it’s led me to where I am and to satisfaction with my decisions.

What amazes me about not having had a clear sense of my future is that many aspects of my current life would not have been predictable to me even just a year or two ago. In my youth, I don’t think I ever would have imagined that I would eventually become a yoga instructor. I didn’t even know what yoga was. When I was in college, I never would have thought that I would end up quitting my first “real” job so I could volunteer abroad and travel. Even a year ago I wouldn’t have guessed that moving to LA would become a reality, even though it might have crossed my mind during my frequent visits to sunny So Cal. These were all things that manifested organically and are things that I look back at and make sense to me in the course of my life now, but at the same time remain to be things that I would not have necessarily expected before they came about. When there’s so much good that happens without having to know and without hefty consideration or subsequent stress, it makes me wonder why we’re so worried in the first place. Maybe that thought can let us all breathe a little easier!

I’ll leave you with a list of some dream jobs…

-     - Cupcake tester. I want a cupcake!

-         - Ice cream tester. I want the ice cream in my freezer! But I’m also really warm in bed right now… Lazy.

-         - Pizza and/or french fry taster

-         - Any food taste-tester!

-         -  Beach bum

-         - Luxury resort approver

-         - Interior designer

-         - Housewife with cute kids and enough money to support them all

-          - Model

-         - Full-time yoga instructor

-          - Writer

-          - Owner of any independent business based on inherent talents, allowing freedom from corporate America and having to request vacation time based on accrued hours =)

-         -  Whatever I eventually become when I grow up

Someday we'll know.

Home, sweet home

In the past year, I've probably been on more plane rides than all the plane rides from the previous years of my life all added together. While I was traveling, plane ride days were usually also waiting days, because we'd try to make it to the airport early "just in case," or it just seemed a better option to sleep in a chair at the terminal instead of staying another night in a hostel. Plane ride days were also always exciting for me, for the obvious reason that I was going somewhere new.

This past weekend I was really excited to get on a plane heading to San Jose, not because it was going to be new and different, but because it was old and familiar. And it was home. And it was missed.

I moved to LA in such a blink and have been so busy getting settled with everything that I haven't really even had the time realize how much I missed everyone and everything about home. If you already know me and know how I'm a crier, then you're probably not surprised that I sat and cried tears of happiness at the local DNBs while surrounded by some of my closest friends. (Ummm... Embarrassing!) It's just that I missed them so much! Given, I had extra menstrual hormones running through my body at the time, which only added to my emotions... Nonetheless, I didn't expect to let so many tears fall while sipping on my happy hour cocktails.

I guess going home made me realize that I really did move away. That was what didn't hit me before. I don't regret it at all, and everything has been working out in my favor since I decided to relocate. But visiting home just affirmed the decisions I made and reminded me that it can be difficult to escape the comforts of familiar faces and surroundings.

Things I appreciated about San Jo:
* My Mom + Dad.
* The way my Mom always finds ways to cater her cooking so that no meat is involved, just for me.
* My girlfriends from forever and beyond.
* Good Viet food!
* Driving in un-congested streets.
* Knowing where I was driving (for the most part!)
* Being able to teach yoga at Cindy's studio, seeing my old students and getting to catch up with them =)
* Getting to see my old roomie Alicia! This usually only happens once or twice a year!
* Going to a hella cute and fun wedding!

It was fun while it lasted... Hopefully I'll be back soon!

Putting the L.A. in LARA

I've neglected this blog for so long. I apologize to all my big fans. Haha just kidding...

If you've actually been following my blog since it started almost a year ago, you may have been wondering what the hell happened to me since I got back from my trip. I wonder the same thing! It's now August, 2010. I've been back in California for about 5 months-- just  about the same amount of time that I spent out the country. In that time, I don't think I've done nearly as much as I did while traveling, but it's led me to where I am nonetheless.

Brief overview of things that happened since I got back:
* Didn't get into grad school program I applied for.
* General mental turmoil due to settling back in America and wondering what I'm doing with my life.
* Caught up and spent time with the best friends and family in the world that never felt like they were far away from me when we were on opposite ends of the Earth.
* Went to Vegas with my cousins. I'm not 21 anymore and it's kind of lost its charm.
* Worked at a yoga retreat center for a week.
* Started subbing, and eventually teaching as a regular at Cindy's yoga studio.
* Lots of resume blasting and some interviewing.
* Went sky diving.
* Got a job and moved to L.A.

I guess when I look at this and even when I go through my planner, in which I write down pretty much everything I do, I realize that a lot of things have happened since I've gotten back. But because I felt so uncertain about things and because I'd rather not take the time to explain my unconventional way of living and everything going through my head during a time when I was just trying to figure things out for myself, a lot of times I just haven't felt like talking about it. Part of me thinks that's sad. I love writing and sharing my thoughts, but I stopped when I felt like I had "nothing to show." I couldn't even give myself a break for trying not to settle. I tell people to do the things they love when they're feeling low, but I fail to take my own advice sometimes. When I look back, things started to come together like magic when I decided exactly what I wanted, got back into my yoga practice, and meditated every day for a week straight. No joke-- being good to yourself is the best medicine for any kind of ailment.

Two weekends ago I moved to L.A. and started a new job at USC. It's strange to me to return to the whole "working world." It makes me even more anxious to figure out what I really want to do with my life. But I actually do enjoy being at work, so I am very thankful for that =)

One of my Resolutions was to "Get accepted into grad school." When I didn't get into the program I applied for, I wasn't really upset about it, but I did think about the fact that for the first time since I started taking the whole Resolution thing seriously, I wouldn't be able to accomplish one of my goals that I set out to do. But now I work in a grad school program, so I'm just gonna tell myself that I did get accepted into grad school, just not the way I originally intended. Funny how things like that work out...

This is my first time on my own, paying rent by myself and such. I would put up pictures of my first own place, except that I drowned my camera in my purse when I failed to close my water bottle properly. RIP Canon SD780is. I loved that cute, red camera... I'm buying a new one with my first pay check!

I feel blessed that I've gotten what I wanted, once again, as I've realized is usually the case in the happenings of my life. But I have to acknowledge every moment it took to get back and realize the work it's taken too.

Thank you to everyone who's supported me. Cheers to new beginnings!

Travel tips!

This is for all of you who think you need tons of money to travel. The truth is, you don't! I was gone for 5 months, traveled to 5 different countries, and spent less than $4,500 total, including plane tickets, lodging, food, and shopping. I'm positive that this is less than some people spend paying for 5 months of rent.

Tip #1: Know people!
Ana and I were lucky because we were provided housing while volunteering at Isara for 2 months. We also got to stay with her relatives in Australia and both of our families while in the Philippines. We even got to stay at the Westin in Sydney for NYE because Patricia is ballin' and she loves me. If you can take a trip with a friend who has family, or if you have family in foreign lands, they are usually more than happy to have you as a guest. And it's so, so friendly on the pocket. Just don't forget to shower them with treats and thank you cards for being so hospitable!

Tip #2: Be willing to stay at guest houses and hostels.
Sure, these places are nothing like luxury hotels or resorts, but let me run some numbers for you:
* P.P. October Guest House in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand: 500 baht (about $12)/ night. One big bed. Private bathroom and shower.
* Both guest houses we stayed in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, Laos: 200 baht (about $6)/ night.
* JGH Hostel in Tokyo, Japan: $18/ night for cozy room, shared bathroom.
* YHA in Airlie Beach, Australia: $26/ night for a dorm style room with shared bathroom and access for kitchen use.
* Sugbutel in Cebu, Philippines: 250 pesos (about $5)/ night for a dorm style room and shared bathroom.
Split these costs between two people, and you are paying less than a fast food meal at McDonald's and you get a place to stay! It's not like you'll want to spend the day cooped up in your room anyway. You just need a place to store your things and sleep.

Tip #3: Travel while you're already traveling!
Round trip tickets from CA to Thailand, Laos, Australia, Philippines, or Japan probably would have been around $1,000 each. But since we were hopping from place to place from closer locations, we saved so much money!
* One-way San Francisco, CA to Bangkok, Thailand = around $550
* One-way Bangkok, Thailand to Melbourne, Australia = around $330 Jetstar
* One-way Cairns, Australia to Tokyo, Japan = around $270 Jetstar
* One-way Osaka, Japan to Manila, Philippines = around $180 Cebu Pacific
When looking for tickets from one country to the next, try to fly from the airport that is located closest geographically to your next destination. You can usually get there by land or an inter-continental flight for a low price and then save a bunch on your flight to the next country.
The most expensive flights were leaving America and coming back to America. My advice for these long trips is to book them as early as possible!

Busting some more expensive travel myths:
* I'm hoping that you can already see that traveling doesn't have to be expensive, but in case you're still not convinced, I'll tell you that we would spend $2-3 a day on food everywhere we went in Thailand. 25 baht (less than $1) can get you a full plate of pad thai, fried rice, or pad see ew. Thai iced tea was 15 baht (about 50 cents).
* Japan is not expensive!!! Maybe if you live there and if you submit to buying all the cute things you see, it's expensive. But hostels were way cheaper here than in Australia. Also, food was significantly cheaper than in Australia. While most average meals in Australia were about $10, in Japan, you could eat at a ramen noodle shop for a couple of dollars, or buy prepared fresh meals from the supermarket for a few dollars as well.

Other travel tips:
* It will take your own experience to learn this, but I'll say it anyway: Pack light! You don't even need to bring toiletries really. If you're going anywhere in Asia, you can buy shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste for less than a dollar. You also will not wear all the clothes you want to bring with you! And you can wash your undies-- no need to bring a month supply. I didn't bring any makeup with me, and I am still alive. I also chose to bring my flat iron, and only used it once. Simplify as much as you can!
* Bring lightweight clothes that dry quickly. Lightweight cotton or spandex blends dry super quick. These make for lighter packing, and are convenient for when you wash your clothes. Speaking of which...
* Hand-wash your clothes. If you don't bring a lot with you, this is easy and you can also save on getting your clothes washed. (Although getting your clothes washed isn't expensive either...)
* Invest in a Tek Towel. This microfiber towel will run you about $30, but will save you lots of space because it folds up tiny. And it also dries quickly!
* If you want to stay connected through the web, invest in a cute netbook. Almost everywhere you go, you'll be able to find a spot with free wi-fi. That way, you don't have to pay to use internet cafes. These are so light and easy to carry. Brand new netbooks are around $300. I got mine used off of Craigslist for $250 with all necessary software and programs already installed, and also a sleeve to protect it.
* Bring a sleep sack (lightweight sleeping bag). Some places charge you for linens, but you won't need them if you bring a sleep sack with you! Plus, you might prefer to sleep on your own sheets if you're staying in frequented hostels or guest houses. You can make one easily by sewing together 2 edges of an unused flat sheet! I guess you could also bring a Snuggie.
* Splurge every once in a while. Don't go crazy, but allow yourself to stay at a nice place or eat at a nice restaurant when you feel like you need a break from roughin' it.

These tips I give are for anyone up for a no-frills adventure. (This is not for your honeymoon... But I guess that would be fun too? Haha!)

These are ways to save on spending, but never forget that money flows like energy. If you hold on to it and are afraid to let go, you don't allow for more of it to enter your life. You have to let it flow both ways. Enjoy it coming in, spend it go on meaningful experiences, and it will surely come back to serve you again.

I highly encourage everyone to get out there and take an extended vacation. Being in the presence of different cultures and unfamiliar surroundings will give you priceless memories and life lessons that you simply will not get by staying in your comfort zone.  You don't have to wait until you're aged and retired to enjoy travelling. Make a decision, set a goal, and hop on a plane! You won't regret it!

Even though I'm now experiencing reverse culture shock and sometimes feel lost about what to do next, I am forever thankful and can never regret my decisions about my trip. Sometimes, you just have to do things for yourself. If I listened to what other people expected of me or wanted me to do, I would have closed myself off to a lot of meaningful experiences and growth.

I wish everyone all the blessings and magic on your own travel adventures through life!

Confession

I will confess… I feel like I’ve been in a mild depression since my return to California. In fact, I was sad from the moment I booked my ticket home. I just kept thinking about the simplicity I’ve lived with for these past months of travel, and the uninhibited joy that I felt from simply doing something that I really wanted to do.

I remember one night in particular when Ana, Travis, Melanie and I were together at Isara. We doubled up on the bikes-- Travis and I riding, Melanie and Ana on the back seats—and headed for dinner at a restaurant along the Mekong River. It was the night I feel that we really became friends. We headed to a bar afterwards and biked home late. Ana and I laughed for most of the bike ride because it was significantly more difficult to steer the bike with someone on the back. My thighs were burning. Upon entering the house, we were all laughing at something Travis said. Ming was still up at her desk on the computer when we walked through the door, probably wondering where we went. I could tell you that I was happy in those moments. Night time bike rides with good company in Nong Khai… When do I get to do that again?

Simple child-like instances of fun were a part of the everyday for so many months. Waking up with the most pressing question being, “Hmm… What am I going to eat today?” Knowing that the day’s itinerary was simply to find a certain beach or lookout point or temple and enjoy that moment. These are the things I miss already.

Everything about being back in California was frighteningly the same. I had left for five months, had been teaching Thai students, seeing elephants walking down the street, riding around on motorcycles, floating down rivers, running after street vendors for coconut ice cream, jumping off of waterfalls, exploring beaches, staying in hostels, sleeping on boats, reconnecting with family… and upon my return to “home,” it didn’t seem like much had changed at all. Being back seemed like a sentencing to the monotony I initially wanted to escape.

Perhaps I seem spoiled, but there was just a heaviness in my chest about being back. Even being welcomed back by my family and friends that I loved and missed so much and cried over during Christmas couldn’t make it better.

Did I mention I got a speeding ticket on the 5 that’s probably gonna cost me a few hundred dollars? That made my chest heavy too…

“How was your trip!?” I’ve heard that so many times already. I couldn’t possibly answer that question with enough justice to what it meant to me. Even by describing in detail, and answering questions about where I’d been and what I’d done, I don’t think people would really know unless they were by my side. Which they weren’t.

I tried to explain the way I felt, but I doubt many people could actually relate to this sadness of what I just left behind. I could only hear myself saying, “No one understands me…” and try to understand myself.

I knew I couldn't be too hard on myself though. I mean, have you ever gone through a breakup and truly been okay right after it happened? Sure, maybe, if you have a heart of stone, but probably not. I couldn’t possibly expect myself to just “get over” this exciting relationship with travel I developed for five months and had planned for a year during the five-hour plane ride back from Hawaii and move on to the next thing. I just had to let myself feel what I was feeling.

And then I snapped out of it.

I don’t know what it was. But today I said, “Lara, quit sulking,” and somehow I felt better in an instant. I’m hoping it lasts and isn’t one of those cases where I think I’m okay, but then later realize I’m really not. The sadness might come back at times, but all I can really do is be thankful for everything I was able to do and appreciate everything around me.

I still don’t know what I’m doing next. This is the first time in probably my whole 25 years of life that I have no plans.

Travis told me that life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. I think he’s right.

Waiting

This is it! I'm at airport, waiting to board my plane back to California.

I just cried saying goodbye to Diana =( It was the same way I cried the day before she moved into the dorms for college; the same way she cried when she helped me move into my dorm room; the same way we always end up crying when we know we have to be far away from each other for a long time. I pulled myself together so I wouldn't look like a sad loner here at the boarding gate...

I know I didn't post many pictures or have many posts of what we've been up to, but it involves the same things it always does with us two: laughing a lot, listening to slow jams, eating chocolate, talking about life and weddings, and laughing some more. Rinse and repeat. Oh, and added to that, hanging out at the beach. We also went hiking one day. I didn't tell them, but I felt like passing out.

I'm in no state to write anything comprehensive, but it just feels like everything has been a fun dream. Unreal! I just know that I've been beyond blessed along this whole trip.

Boarding soon! Here goes.

A night in review

For all of you who missed my Hawaiian bday bash (which is everyone except Diana, Diana's friend Karen, Ana, and my brother Jonas...), re-live this moment with me:

This post is just going to turn into a Yelp review of the places we went.

(1) Pearl Ultra Lounge (Not to be confused with Pearl Night Club in Downtown San Jose.)

* Rating: 4.5 stars

* Comments: Go to this place! Awesome happy hour with $5 signature cocktails and $5 appetizers. Excellent ambiance and presentation of food and drinks. Feels like a really posh place, but then you realize everyone's just spending $5... Totally worth it! We had the calamari, stuffed mushrooms, and ahi poke-- all were delicious. The Pearl Bellini was also very tasty. Plus, they had live music and performed R. Kelly's "Step in the Name of Love." Don't mind the older crowd trying to re-live their 20s. Just keep drinking... Minus .5 of a star because the super skinny waitress seemed like she was angry at the world. 

(2) Mai Tai Bar. (Not to be confused with Mai Tai's in Downtown Long Beach.)

* Rating: 4 stars.

* Comments: Fun, popular, relaxed, local bar. Are guys extra nice here? All I had to say was, "It's my birthday!" and we had another pitcher of free beer coming our way... No one really dances besides Ana's friend (see random guy below). Haha!

Songs were played from an iPod, no mixing skills whatsoever. These are not complaints though, because the music choices were good and they never played that annoying Kesha song that's on the radio every 30 seconds. Plus, the iPod jams were intermixed with sessions from a live band playing fun Hawaiian beats. And the last song of the night was "Dance Tonight" by Lucy Pearl, thanks to Ana's special request. I recommend checking this place out.

(3) Zippy's

* Rating: 2 stars

* Comments: Maybe 2 stars is rough... There was nothing wrong with our food or service, but it's really just not necessary to go here unless it's the only place open. Average fast food joint with the Hawaiian twist of plate lunches and mac salad.

All in all, fun night! Thank you Diana for always planning the best birthdays and giving the best gifts, including my birthday outfit and your friendship since 1997 =) Love you!

25 on my 25th

Good morning sunshines!

I'm totally swooping on this idea from Jeannie's bday blog post. Nonetheless, here are 25 things that I am thankful for on my 25th birthday:

1. My health. For some reason, among all my blessings in life, this is one of the things that first come to mind to be really thankful for. My everyday life is made way simpler than I often realize because I am not allergic to shellfish, pollen, or pet dander, nor do I have to wear glasses, nor do I have any more complicated conditions. I will do all that I can to stay fit and healthy forever as a tribute to my gratitude for good health.
   
2. Comfy peep-toe flats! Thank you for sparing my precious feet from pain while still managing to look cute.
   
3. Corporate America. Are you confused? Didn’t Lara quit her 9-5 so she could do volunteer work and travel? Absolutely, I did. But how could I not show some love for the job that provided with me enough so that I could stop working and instead study Yoga, travel to several countries, and spend my bday in Hawaii with my best friend without ever a worry about finances? I absolutely couldn’t be more thankful for this.
   
4. Trader Joe’s and all it's deliciously healthy treats.
   
5. Target. We all know I could putter around this store forever!
   
6. Non-profit organizations and their big-hearted founders. Forever my inspirations. Thank you for helping me by allowing me to help others. You’ve changed my life, and the lives of so many others.
   Justice Now
   Asian American Recovery Services
   Isara Charity Foundation
   Full Life Counseling & Training Center
   
7. Yoga. You may or may not understand this and I may sound like a hippie, but I’ve never been more aware of myself or my potential.
   
   
   
8. All the people I’ve met in random parts of the world. Some of you annoyed the heck out of me. Some of you I became great friends with. A lot of you, I don’t remember your names or may have never even learned them. Nonetheless, the worldly perspectives I’ve gained from you regarding life, love, and politics are priceless, and lessons that could not have been learned by staying in one place.
   
9. Sappy movies that make me cry, including Click and Bride Wars.
   
10. Gracie baby! This bundle of sunshine and flowers makes me happy to the point of actually understanding how my Mom can love her little girl as much as she does.
    
    
    
11. Hella good pizza. Self-explanatory.
    
12. Big sunglasses. So I can inconspicuously stare at…
    
13. Hot guys. Haha! When do I get to meet these 2?
    
    
    
14. Gmail, and lotsa other Google creations, like Google Chrome and Picasa. Thank you for organizing my online life in an intuitive, efficient, and cute manner.
    
15. Planes, trains, buses, cars, and boats that took me safely to wherever I was going.
    
16. Musicians, artists, dancers, singers, writers, poets… creative people who share their art and talent as they should.
    
17. UC Berkeley. Never was I more proud than the day I was able to walk across the stage at the Greek Theatre and receive my diploma. Thank you for allowing me to spend formative years as a young adult in the presence of brilliant minds and a liberal environment that would forever shape my future endeavors. Go Bears!
    
    
    
18. The best family in the world. Anyone who knows any member of my family can vouch that I was grown with love. I love you all for always supporting me. And partying with me ;)
    
    
    
    
    
    
19. My Shu Uemura eyelash curler! It's simply the best!
    
20. The treadmill. Sure, I never truly enjoyed running. But I must give a shout out to the machine that helped me burn booty and allowed me to spend 30 minutes daydreaming about my future.
    
21. People that don’t hate their jobs. You know, friendly grocers, employees that ask, “How are you?” and listen to the answer. Thank you for genuine smiles and for not being mean =)
    
22. Sea, sand, and sunsets all over the world.
    
    
    
23.  Amazingly beautiful girlfriends. Real, true friends are gems and I’m so lucky to have such a shiny collection. These girls are intelligent and fun and also super hot! Despite us sometimes being separated by time and distance, all doing our own things with jobs or school, we all know how lucky we are to have each other.
    
    
    
    
    
24. My parents. Because I came through them, although I am not theirs. Thank you for providing for me in a way that can only be explained as selfless love.
    
    
    
25. God’s obvious presence in my life =)

This list could go on and on. I had to stop myself, really. I'm thankful for everything! What better way to celebrate today than to remind myself that life is beautiful.

I still feel so young and know I am blessed with everything the future has in store for me. Thank you for all the birthday love and wishes. We'll celebrate the next time I see you!

Busy

Hi, you've reached Lara. Sorry I can't get to my blog right now, I'm having too much fun in Hawaii with my sister since 6th grade. Leave a message and I'll get back to ya!

2/14

My Valentine's Day celebration consisted of: girlfriends, chick flicks, too much chocolate and enough wine to make me sleepy! Happy V-Day, my loves.

Packing

My Auntie Lilly knows the true meaning of "shop till you drop." Seriously. Since we got back from Cebu, the past 2 days have been full of food, shopping, and then falling asleep in the car on the way back.

I started packing today, since we're leaving for Hawaii tomorrow. We've been abroad for almost 5 months, but it's gone by too fast and doesn't even feel like it's been very long at all.

My time spent in the Philippines has been unbelievably quick. It seems to me like I was in Japan longer than I've been in the Philippines, although I've spent more than twice as much time here than in Japan.

I'm glad that I got to spend a lot of time with my family here, and that Ana and I went on our own adventure to Cebu. I hope to be back here soon. It's always so much fun!

Tomorrow, we finally head back to the U.S... So weird! I really am sad because it means this trip is getting closer to its final days. But I know that Hawaii with Diana will be a blasty-blast and totally unforgettable.

Salamat, Pilipinas. Aloha, Hawaii!!

Slowing down

Yesterday was a very long day, with our all-day tour of Bohol and all... So it was nice that today we got to chill and relax at Vista Del Mar Resort =)

Ahh... Doesn't that just look relaxing!? We paid to use the pool and ordered lunch. Our dishes were pretty sucky, but we were entertained nonetheless because there happened to be an event going on at the resort at the same time we were there. It was an event for Japanese sponsors of Cebuano kids, a chance for the sponsors to meet the kids, and for both groups to show their appreciation for each other. I found myself crying yet again while the kids sang and performed for their sponsors. It was such a treat to watch!

It was pouring rain when we sat down for lunch, but the sun finally broke through shortly after we finished. We hopped into the pool and soaked up some rays. I took an extra long shower afterwards and felt really clean and relaxed, which was nice after all the business and bustle of our previous days. I feel like our trip to Cebu has given us such a range of experiences... From kinda scary at some points, to enjoying nature, to being stuck in the city bustle, to feeling pampered and relaxed... All of it was felt in these past few days!

It's been quite a ride and I can't believe we're leaving so soon!!!

Bohol adventures

At 5:45AM, we were already on a ferry departing from Cebu to the nearby island of Bohol. Somehow, I wasn't tired and we were excited for our sightseeing tour. It was bittersweet too. This was going to be one of our last little adventurous trips.

When we got to Bohol, we had to take a bus to Carmen, where our tour would begin. A couple of years ago Josh went to the Philippines and he got me this small, woven plate. The plate had a divider to separate rice and ulam. I used it to hold candles by my bed. It said "Philippine Rural Life" with a picture of a farmer riding on a carabao in the rice fields. When I had a yard sale before my trip, Josh saw this plate for sale, held it up and said, "Thanks, Lara." Hahaha! No one bought it either... Anyway, my point is, I thought of the scene depicted on this plate while staring out of the doorway (there was no door) on the bus we rode to Carmen. The greenery was so lush and pretty. People were tending to their land. I could have rode on that bus and stared out the window forever.

We found our tour guide, Bob and started on our way to Chocolate Hills. Dude. We are so lucky. Bob was such a nice tour guide and he was even funny! Our day was jam-packed with several different stops and sights to see on the island.

1. Chocolate Hills

2. Natural spring (forgot name...) But the water originates from this cave. We drank the fresh water too!

3. Magsaysay Park, where we fed monkeys.

4. Butterfly Sanctuary

5. Man-made Forest

6. The Hanging Bridge. Scary!

7. My favorite... lunch on a floating restaurant. It was so pretty and fun that I actually cried.

8. Visited the tarsiers. Cute little monkeys!!!

9. Clarin Ancestral House. The oldest house on Bohol.

10. Visited Prony the Python! (Yes, this is a real snake!)

11. The Blood Compact, where the Spanish and Boholanos made a pact of friendship.

12. Hagdanan Cave

13. Our final stop and resting point...

It was a long day touring around Bohol, but we got to see so many places and enjoy so much beauty! My face was dirty from riding on the motorcycle all day. My butt was also sore. We wolfed down some pizza at the mall after we finally got back around 8PM. This was definitely one of my favorite trips. We are so lucky that Marc + Shane referred us to our guide and this tour!!!