Neil and Christine's Excellent Adventure...In Korea: May 2011

Chicken Adobo in Paradise: Part 3

Boracay:

You know when you watch a “Sandals” commercial and you think, “Wow that would be so amazing and relaxing.” Well….Sandals has nothing on Boracay.

After a peaceful and relaxing night in Roxas, we were off at 9 a.m. for a “short” 4 hour van ride to a boat that would take us to Boracay. With iPads in hand we were off traveling through numerous cities in the Philippines. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to drive through my Mom’s hometown of Kalibo, which is famous of the Ati-Atihan Festival.
(The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines.
The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions.)

Once we sensed that we were within a half hour of Caticlan, the iPads were powered down and we were ready for the most relaxing 4 days and 3 nights of our lives.

Accommodations:

In the weeks leading up to the best vacation of my life, Neil and I were in research mode. We were curious as to how our accommodations at the Boracay Tropics resort would be. Boracay has an abundance of resorts and hotels with varied features and specialties. Conclusively, the website does not do this hotel justice. Thus, the pictures that follow will illustrate the greatness of our lodging during our 3 night stay. While the hotel is not defined as “beachfront” the 2 minute walk was not too shabby. Regardless of how perfect the hotel was, I consider the optimum part of the trip as the quality time spent with my incredible Parents and Auntie Jocel and Uncle Ryan.

Don't fall Neil!!!!

We made it on the boat!!!

Love my Auntie Jocel

Look at the white sand

Beautiful

3 kids

That's what I call relaxing

Neil is so happy

Like Father, Like Daughter

Soooo Cute!!!

Getting ready for some amazing food!!!

There it is!!!

This should be on the hotel website

On our way to Puka Beach(notice the Raybans)

One last Boracay Swim

Now that's a family picture!!!

2 sisters relaxing by the pool

Yes...I did fall off the palm tree

His biggest fear

I love this picture

We don't want to leave:(

What an amazing vacation!!!!

Chicken Adobo in Paradise: Part 2

Roxas
One of my biggest regrets in life is not having traveled to this beautiful little city while my beautiful Lola Nanay was still alive. I can clearly remember stories that Nanay would share about how much she loved Roxas and how relaxed and happy it made her feel. Greeted by a beautiful singing group as we exited the plane, it was almost as if I could feel Nanay’s presence in this place. I can remember as a child, teenager, and adult always getting upset when Nanay would want to leave the states and go back to Roxas, but after visiting her home, I truly understand why she loved this place so much.
As I opened the closet door, I saw one of my most strong memories of Nanay, her beautiful green dress that she would wear to church. The initial sight of Nanay’s clothing hanging so delicately in her closet resulted in the launch of a tear fest, but quickly turned to a moment in which I truly appreciated what a perfectly dedicated and inspiring grandmother Nanay was.
Within minutes we were beaconed to the Coco Veranda, a family owned restaurant about a one minute walk from Nanay’s house on the beach. With the sound of waves crashing on the beach, a late lunch was waiting for us on the table. But more importantly, Auntie Jocel and Uncle Ryan were waiting there as well. And there it was staring me in the face, a huge plate of shrimp, cooked Filipino style with spicy vinegar and soy sauce.

Chicken Adobo in Paradise: Part 1

When I think about what I want to share in regards to the trip to the Philippines, I pause and take a breath. I must preface this entry by stating that this venture was quite literally the best vacation that I have ever taken in my life. I think that I can vouch for Neil that he feels the same way.

Manila

Two words come to mind when I reminisce about our short time in Manila, “Thank you.”

Ready for some warm weather, my wish was granted as soon as we landed in Manila. All I could think was, “Good bye gloves, hello flip flops.” Right as we exited the airport Uncle Noel was waiting for us. This was quite a change from Neil and I having to grab a taxi or hope that we could find the correct bus to get to a destination (usually in a language we do not know). Relief set in and I knew that this was without a doubt a “family trip.”

After picking up Jason from his terminal, we were off to a lunch that I don’t think Neil will ever forget (Shakey’s Pizza). All I can say is that the Philippines sure can do western food right. After an excellent tour of Manila and history given by Uncle Noel and a visit with Auntie Ceres, we ensued in a night of great times with some great cousins.

The Parents are Here

Right as we approached the (almost) exact halfway point of this amazing adventure, a remarkable thing happened. My loving and wonderful parents came for a visit to the “Land of the Morning Calm.” However, in their specific case a more appropriate name would have been, “the land of the random snow storm that happens once every hundred years in Ulsan.”

My parents can be described as world travelers, a notion that becomes clear if you were to count the number of stamps in their passports. However, the only previous visit to my current residence of South Korea has been to the Incheon International Airport for a transfer to another country.

The night before their visit, we literally could not sleep. In anticipation, I gave myself a curfew so that I would be well rested for their arrival. In hindsight, I logically know that my parents are indeed experienced travelers, but I was so nervous that they would miss a train or get lost. This unnecessary worry resulted in numerous emails describing all of the different ways that they could effectively and safely get to my city. In actuality, I think the “nervousness,” was the excitement that I was about to see my amazing parents.

Exactly at 5:30a.m., I sleepily grinned from ear to ear as I heard my Mom’s voice telling Neil that they had landed safely and would arrive at Ulsan (울산) Airport at 9 a.m.