Paris Experience - MyTravel's Explorers Hotel

Saturday, morning after we arrived. Changed clothes to at least be presentable at the dining hall, lol...didn't bother about unruly hair.

We woke up earlier than we normally would at home, I guess everyone's excited.

The Explorer boat, this is were the pool slide is located. From top view, the side with the dolphins is where the bar and restaurants are. From the glass window, one can see the pool.

The breakfast buffet is open from 7-11am, a selection of coldcuts, cheeses, jam are in this 'boat.'

Bagels, croissants and other bread are offered too. There's also an array of joghurt, pudding, flans but if you're not for these sweets, fresh watermelon and pineapples can be eaten without limit. =D

The last installment for boosting you up in the morning are diverse cereals plus hot choco, milk, coffee or cold fruit juices.

Charlie having ham for breakfast and Daniel having chocolate cereals.
The breakfast experience surely made us go through every single day full of energy.

Traders Cafe Bar. Never got the chance to probe.

Marco's Pizza. Ten euros for an 8-slice pizza which you can pick up after 10 minutes. They also have other finger foods, I remember sighing as I bought 2 french fries for 8 euros! Its Paris after all. *sigh*

We were able to use the other kid's facilities such as the arcade room, ball corner, slides. etc., we also took a dip at the pool but unfortunately forgot to take photos. The pool was then closed for renovation while we were there...sayang!

Hubby was a little surprised to see lots of Africans as crew in the hotel forgetting that many countries in Africa had been French colonies. We were staying in the hotel only when sleeping and an hour after waking up so there were lots of time for cleaning. However, hubby and I are a little disappointed to see that there would still be coffee or sugar spill still on the table that we've left in the morning.

Anyway, the experience is good, out of ten I'd rate it 7.5, this place after all is one that Charlie remembers well and would like to return to.

The Paris Experience - Arrival

The Paris/Disneyland trip was not planned ahead, hubby was mumbling about it for sometime but I didn't took it seriously. Then it just happened, we boarded the City Airport train from Floridsdorf, hurried to the Vienna International Airport because the plane will leave at 7:20 and we only have that 20 minutes to do all the stuff you do at the airport...To think that Daniel's stroller will be regarded as a baggage..hubby carried it all the way through while I have Daniel with me. We made it in time to Gate 3 only to find out that the flight has been delayed for another hour. =S

The two hour ride went smoothly, none of the kids throwing up or having ear pressure =P...we had a good meal though I unfortunately forgot what it was. We arrived at Charles deGaulle at 10P.M. local time. This is my second time to be in this airport and I still feel lost in its hugeness. We boarded a bus that will take us to the Hotel, My Travel's Explorer at Marnee La Vallee. It took us another hour 20 minutes and the kids were able to sleep.

<---Can you spot hubby here? This is the lobby of the Hotel. The crew were really nice save for one who gave us 'very little' trouble before we left.

Having the theme 'explorer/pirate,' one can see boats, mermaids, ships and other sea creatures lying about.

The hotel boasts of 2 Bars, 3 Restaurants, a Disney Shop, an Explorer's shop, indoor children's corners, indoor adventure play area, heated indoor pool, with an adventure boat that leads one to the pool slide.

The hotel is approximately an 8-minute free shuttle ride to the Disney Parks and Disney® Village and Chessy TGV/RER regional train station. It was not as convenient though since passengers could fill up both from leaving and arriving to the hotel.

---> The kids sitting on a wooden chair at the lobby, still groggy from the very limited sleep they got. We went directly to our room, which was not easily found...there were many elevators yes, but they will lead you to certain floors. We eventually found our way, changed to PJ's and went straight to sleep as fun awaits us the next morning.

<---Our hotel room, a room which our son, Charlie, would later on often ask to visit and stay at again.

My first 'tag' post

Ok I am a noob about tagging lol. Here goes my first.

This came from Bee.

Link to the person who tagged you. That's Bee again.

Leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours. Done.

Post the rules on your blog.

Share the seven (7) most famous or infamous people you have met. Or go with the original 7 weird things about yourself.

Tag 7 random people at the end of your post.

Include links to their blogs.

Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

---------

1. Ok, I am not sure whose famous enough...if internationally or nationally? Back in the Philippines though there'd be literatis then a number of celebrities and some political figures I interviewed for my internship at the Inquirer. I guess I have to go with the weirdest things about me from 2-7.

2. I don't like vinegar and the salad that goes with it, if its considered weird.

3. I eat dried fish with coffee and rice. Not separately but in a bowl. lol.

4. I eat papaya with milk and biscuits, skyflakes in particular.

5. I prefer wearing skirt than jeans even when its -5 degs outside.

6. I carry my camera even on public toilets.

7. I can eat raw salmon 24/7.

Fertig. Now I'm randomly tagging:

Leah

A

Trina

Napaboaniya

Dazeree

Yennygirl

Kasyah

ok. Ja!

A Photo Each Day - Seasons

Lonely Benches

24 December 2007; Wien, Floridsdorf

Not only are the benches lonely, the coldness surrounding them gives this photo a very lonely aura. But that is the beauty of the seasons. Each having a unique emotion and distinct identity making us know which of them is best for us. I feel lonely whenever winter comes but when the first flakes of snow started filling up our balcony in the morning, there is always a feeling of excitement...

A Photo Each Day - Cuteness

Swan crystals

August 12, 07; 1st district Vienna

One of the displays in the Swarovski shop. I forgot to look at the price tag, I did not plan to buy it anyway. =D

A Photo each Day - City Structures

Swarovski Austria

August 12, 07; 1st district Vienna

This is one of the shops of Swarovski at the 1st district of Vienna, the tourist center. This is locaed at Kärnter Strasse #9,the other shop is on the opposite side at #8.

Photo Hunt post - "Old-Fashioned"

Empty Chair

For this week's theme I pulled out an old print photo of mine. The sepia tone make it appear old which is actually true, since this photo is around 7 years old already!

Old fashioned -as for this entry I have used film, my slr camera,the film developed in the darkroom, negative exposed in the dark room, then just now scanned for uploading. Really the old fashioned way!

Happy weekend!

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For more please visit: PhotoHunt.

A Photo Each Day - Night scenes

While waiting for Tram 31

August 12, 07; Wien

After taking photos at the 1st district, hubby and I and the kids decided to take the tram instead of the train. This shot was taken around 9pm but since it was summer the blue sky was still visible.

A Photo Each Day - Candid shots

A Couple by the Lake

April 2, 05; Wien

We were picking up stones from the riverside and I saw this couple as though they're having a serious talk.

A Photo each Day - Street Scenes

Who's Photographing Who?

August 25, 07; Karlsplatz Wien

I wasn't sure what they were taking photos of but the moment I saw them aim their camera, I clicked mine right away, turned around and went home.

Stay At Home Mom Project

When I started blogging, I was literally running out of creative juices that I stalled for a long time. But now, I got too many ideas cramped in my head, I don't know which to write first.

I decided to post a photo everyday, aside from the usual 'kulimpat' that I junk about. I sometimes can't keep up to date though...always a day late. I anyway do the postings on afternoons or evenings that's why. But I will really try my best to be on time.

Anyway, I'd be adding a weekly project for Stay-at-home-moms like me. These are things that I do at home (and outside) with the kids...things that are worth to do both for myself and the kids.

To start off...Study the bible with the children.

Looking back to how I was when I was a kid, seems so different to how kids are nowadays. Our manners are a reflection of our way of life. For this reason, contrary to what some may think, good manners should hold an important place at home. In this, as in other aspects of family life, parental example is of prime importance. I also deem spiritual food is as important as emotional well-being. What has the bible got to do with all these?

Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it."

Many may regard the Bible as old or useless, but the bible sets the standard of what good manners are.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

Young years are formative years and this is the best time to still in them the principles given by the Bible. Some may argue that children are too young to get much from Bible study. But if they can repeat TV commercials word for word and learn catchy phrases on certain programs, certainly they are capable of learning Bible principles. Even 1-year olds can already point to the illustrations in Bible based books (at least that's how it is with my Daniel).

However, knowing some Bible principles is different from understanding where and how to apply them. This is particularly true in the case of children. There is the need to recognize this and the need to constantly help children to understand the whys and wherefores. For example, a child may be told not to steal. This does not mean much to a youngster with no sense of property rights when he sees something that he wants as just 'something he wants'. Explaining that taking things that are not one's property makes him a thief and would make God unhappy (this is well understood by my 2 older children) is a good start...At one time when Alexie was around 4, we saw a new lipgloss lying on the ground. She stared at it for some time then looked at me and said, "Mommy, I'm not going to take that cause we don't own it."

Studying the Bible with children is a sort of protection both for them and the parents. I somehow see the fulfillment of 2 Timothy 3:1 -3 happening and its scary. It goes: 1But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection...

I have seen how the kids respond to our bible studies and I think this is better than reading them a fairytale story before going to bed. Twenty minutes before sleeping and twenty minutes when they awoke isn't much but I'm sure they would learn a lot.

A Photo each Day - City Structures

Corner Building

August 25, 2007; Getreidemarkt, Wien

I want to photograph higher buildings...cityscapes, in the morning and at night. However, time and companion (again) won't let me. So, this is it for the meantime...I'd definitely have my chance for cityscapes later!

On Kousuke Atari's Tane Wo Maku Hibi

I just can't get enough of Jap-singers... Here is another feel-good song, this time from Kousuke Atari. The title goes 'Tane Wo Maku Hibi' (種をまく日々) literally, Days When Seeds are Scattered.

This is the 13th ending theme for the anime Bleach.

Atari is just 3 days older than me, but he looks so young! =(





Romaji - Tane Wo Maku Hibi

itsumo no machi no, itsumo no fuukei ni
MONOKURO no kaze ga, fuite iru
kasuka ni kaoru, tamerai no KAKERA ni
kokoro no doko ka, yurete iru

dakedo itsu demo jibun no shinjite
kawaru jidai no naka, kawarazu ni iretara

tane wo maku hibi ga atte, mizu wo yaru hibi ga atte
itsuka mierunda, kibou to iu me ga
tsumazuita hibi ga atte, mae wo maku hibi ga atte
itsu ka mierunda, michinaru tsubomi ga
ima wa tada, me no mae no michi
yukkuri to susunde yuku

tooku, tooku, tsudzuite yuku
bokura no ikiru michi
kasanari atte, tsunagari atte
itsu ka wa ichimen ni, egao no hana ga saku

tane wo maku hibi ga atte, mizu wo yaru hibi ga atte
itsuka mierunda, bokura no mirai ga
tachidomaru hibi ga atte, kotae sagasu hi ga atte
itsuka waraunda, yasashiku waraunda
ima wa tada, me no mae no michi
bokura wa susunde yuku

---

English translation

The same scenery of the same street
The monochrome wind is blowing
Faintly fragrant, shards of hesitance
Is swaying somewhere in my heart

But I will always believe in myself
In the changing times, if I can remain unchanged

There are days to sow the seeds, there are days to give them water
Someday I’ll see it, the seeds called hope
There are days you stumble, there are days to move forward
Someday I’ll see it, the flower buds that will become a road
Someday I’ll see it, the road in front of my eyes
Slowly continues

Far away, far away, continuing
Our life’s road
There’s something to lie on, there’s something that connected
Someday it’ll bloom everywhere, the flower of a smiling face

There are days to sow the seeds, there are days to give them water
Someday I’ll see it, our future
There are days to stop, there are days to look for answers
Someday I’ll smile, smile gently
It’s just now, the road in front of my eyes
Slowly continues
------

credits: koss, jpop, gendou.com, popcorn9521; youtube

A Photo each Day - Market stuff

Bell Peppers

October 4, 04; Grossjedlersdorf, Wien

At one point, I was encouraged to join a Fotowettbewerb for Market themes. This was supposedly one of my entries but I wasn't able to participate =D Well, stuff like this is still good for stock photos...

A Photo Each Day - Sunsets

Ducks, Lake, Sunset

August 8, 2004; Donauinsel, Wien

A scene that I can't capture perfectly...but still trying.

Down Memory Lane

Tonight, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, I'm sure these familiar faces were in an occasion full of stories and laughter, food, photos, drinks, more stories and more laughter. Catching up with stories of each others' lives, smiling for the camera and mingling with some of the known Philippine literati. It is after all, the 80th ValikVarsi, the alumni homecoming of the Varsitarian, the University of Santo Tomas' official publication. I would have loved to attend and it really saddens me that I can't.

I have loved reading and writing even as a child, I joined the schoolpaper in gradeschool writing kiddie poems in Tagalog and English. In highschool, my articles got published when I was a freshman but not yet a staffer. When I became a staffer and given the title of editor....I don't really remember editing submitted articles, worse, I write feature stories in English when I was supposed to be the Filipino editor. =P

In 4th year highschool, I have decided on what to take in College and which University to enter. I took the entrance exams in UST and only in UST.

My college life wasn't exactly boring but it became meaningful and thrilling from the day I took the qualifying exams of the Varsitarian, I was in 3rd year college then (talk about being too late). I was included in the special batch, meaning we did not go through the rigid interviews and writing exams as the regular batch did. Short story goes, I somehow passed along with 4 other classmates, Rube Bloom Rule, Trina Lagura, Ma. Theresa Fucanan and Anna Barbara Lorenzo. Names which one might encounter while reading newspapers, magazines or online articles. There were also Aileen Rae Perez and Michelle Dompor, names you'd see on TV and ads.

Back in those days, attending classes (almost) became second priority...=D Practice is better than theories, so to say. Inside Room 112 of the UST Main Building, I've had hands on experience of what a journalist's life is; phonecalls, schedules, interview, recorder, notepad, notes transcription, interview, and more interview...dressing up on functions, sleeping on floors or not sleeping at all...moonlighting, beating the deadline but most especially: darkroom techniques ! I discovered my 'eye' while still a V staffer and I immediately transferred to the photography section.

Each of us matured and grew inside the V, be it in writing, friendships or relationships (???). Friendship did not remain inside the walls of the V. Since we come from different colleges and majors...there is a diversity of characters and humor. We also had so much fun when outside the office. Trips to Batangas, Palawan or simply pigging out (day or night) at Goodah!, Wendy's, and other 24-hour service foodshop...or more sophisticated Chinese restos when Sir Lito (Zulueta, PDI) was with us.

We graduated from college eventually, took on different career paths, left pinas, got married, lost communication but the memory remains.

One of our colleagues died recently and A (in photo wearing striped shirt) immediately send me a message...I may have been far away but the loss still pains me somehow.

It may have been short but I always look back smiling, yearning to be once again in the confines of the V office. Hurrying to the conference hall with my Canon t60 in hand..hurrying to meet up with the writer to cover the UAAP...hurrying to get use of the pcs to beat the deadline but would carefully mix the chemicals to develop the films and expose the negative correctly for fine prints. I am always thankful for the memories and lasting friendships.

-----

Photo 1. Bennet, Jayme, Bloom, Terry, Jean, Leah, G, Barbs on the morning before we left for Punta Baluarte.

Photo 2. That's me trying to schedule an interview. Taken inside our then V office, with Leah by the door.

Photo 3. At Mine's View Park, Baguio City...G, A and Carli.

---

Found: A's Valik Varsi article.

Photo Hunt post - "Important"

Smiles

I have used this photo for many times now...after all, their smiles are what is important for me. They are an "inheritance," important inheritance (Psalm 127:3) who needs to be protected.

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This is my very first post for Photohunt, a weekly subject is given for readers to contribute and where other's works are showcased too.


For more please visit: PhotoHunt.

A Photo each Day - Shadows

A Small Snail on Alexie's Raincoat

October 8, '07; Alexie's School

I originally wanted to focus on the eyes, got some clear eye shots but I particularly like the shadow on this one.

A Photo each Day - Chiaroscuro

'Colored'

August 22,2004; Donauinsel, Vienna

Now that's really a contrast between the photo category and the photo title. Chiaroscuro, an art term for contrasts between light and dark...for some reason the word has always appeared 'black and white' in my head...so I posted this photo today with a title literally opposite chiaroscuro. =)

I have kept this photo and has included it in almost all my online photo folders... I like photographing kids, I miss black and white photography, I like talking with Africans: they are so warm a people! The parents of these kids are close aquaintances of mine and we would sit down and talk about how fast the kids grow whenever we bump into each other. This photo is more than 3 years old!

I do not mean to offend anyone with the title, but I have used this title in reference to a poem whose author is unknown.

Dear white fella

Couple things you should know
When I born, I black
When I grow up,I black
When I go in sun, I black
When I cold, I black
When I scared, I black
When I sick, I black
And when I die, I still black.

You white fella
When you born, you pink
When you grow up, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you cold, you blue
When you scared, you yellow
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you grey.


And you have the cheek to call me colored?

A Photo each Day - Birds

Bathing Tree Sparrow (maya)

September 17, 2007; Paris

This estrildid finch used to be the National bird of the Philippines.

A Photo Each Day - Animals

Thought of as a Wet Weasel but is actually a Wet Otter!

August 5, 05; Nürnberg Zoo, Germany

Otters are amphibious (or in one case aquatic ) carnivorous mammals. The otter subfamily Lutrinae forms part of the Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, polecats, badgers, as well as others. Now that explains why I thought of them as weasels, they have a resemblance coming from the same family. I was having doubts when identifying this as a weasel, thanks to Ilsebatten of flickr who pointed it out!

---------------

Weasel: the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae Family. This small carnivores are often associated with evil/wickedness.

Erratum: The animal in the photo is actually an otter.

A Photo Each Day - Symmetry

Train Station Karlsplatz

August 8, 2007; Wien

From here, one can take different train, tram and bus line to the City. This station has the most number of train line namely U1, U2, U4.

A Photo each Day - Portrait

Daniel with baby Chouchou

July 7, 06; Home

Er spielt mit dieser Puppe, er war so groß wie die Puppe an seiner Geburt.

80th Valik Varsi - Varsitarian's Alumni Homecoming

A call to the Amihans!

Calling all alumni of the University of Santo Tomas' Official School Publication. ValikVarsi is scheduled on January 19, 6:00pm at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Too bad, there was short notice for us to contribute photos and art stuff for the galleries but I guess attendance is ok. For those who would be able to attend...I'd be really glad to see photos and stuff later on (no, im not demanding)! =D

For inquiries visit: http://www.valikvarsi.com

A Photo each Day - Lamparas

A lamp post against the morning's blue sky

September 16, 07; Disneyland Paris

(Para sa mga Ilaw ng tahanan. But the photo has nothing to do with this, just wanna use it lol.)

Proverbs 31
10 A capable wife who can find? Her value is far more than that of corals.

11 In her the heart of her owner has put trust, and there is no gain lacking.

12 She has rewarded him with good, and not bad, all the days of her life.

13 She has sought wool and linen, and she works at whatever is the delight of her hands.

14 She has proved to be like the ships of a merchant. From far away she brings in her food.

15 She also gets up while it is still night, and gives food to her household and the prescribed portion to her young women.

16 She has considered a field and proceeded to obtain it; from the fruitage of her hands she has planted a vineyard.

17 She has girded her hips with strength, and she invigorates her arms.

18 She has sensed that her trading is good; her lamp does not go out at night.

19 Her hands she has thrust out to the distaff, and her own hands take hold of the spindle.

20 Her palm she has stretched out to the afflicted one, and her hands she has thrust out to the poor one.

21 She does not fear for her household because of the snow, for all her household are clothed with double garments.

22 Coverlets she has made for herself. Her clothing is of linen and wool dyed reddish purple.

23 Her owner is someone known in the gates, when he sits down with the older men of the land.

24 She has made even undergarments and proceeded to sell [them], and belts she has given to the tradesmen.

25 Strength and splendor are her clothing, and she laughs at a future day.

26 Her mouth she has opened in wisdom, and the law of loving-kindness is upon her tongue.

27 She is watching over the goings-on of her household, and the bread of laziness she does not eat.

28 Her sons have risen up and proceeded to pronounce her happy; her owner [rises up], and he praises her.

29 There are many daughters that have shown capableness, but you—you have ascended above them all.

30 Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; [but] the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself.

31 GIVE her of the fruitage of her hands, and let her works praise her even in the gates.

Call for Entries

Epicurious' Messiest dish Photo Contest


Send in your messiest dish photo to win a Flat Screen TV and more!









For more details please click this link.

A Photo each Day - Lamparas

A lamp post against the morning's blue sky

September 16, 07; Disneyland Paris

(Para sa mga Ilaw ng tahanan. But the photo has nothing to do with this, just wanna use it lol.)

Proverbs 31
10 A capable wife who can find? Her value is far more than that of corals.

11 In her the heart of her owner has put trust, and there is no gain lacking.

12 She has rewarded him with good, and not bad, all the days of her life.

13 She has sought wool and linen, and she works at whatever is the delight of her hands.

14 She has proved to be like the ships of a merchant. From far away she brings in her food.

15 She also gets up while it is still night, and gives food to her household and the prescribed portion to her young women.

16 She has considered a field and proceeded to obtain it; from the fruitage of her hands she has planted a vineyard.

17 She has girded her hips with strength, and she invigorates her arms.

18 She has sensed that her trading is good; her lamp does not go out at night.

19 Her hands she has thrust out to the distaff, and her own hands take hold of the spindle.

20 Her palm she has stretched out to the afflicted one, and her hands she has thrust out to the poor one.

21 She does not fear for her household because of the snow, for all her household are clothed with double garments.

22 Coverlets she has made for herself. Her clothing is of linen and wool dyed reddish purple.

23 Her owner is someone known in the gates, when he sits down with the older men of the land.

24 She has made even undergarments and proceeded to sell [them], and belts she has given to the tradesmen.

25 Strength and splendor are her clothing, and she laughs at a future day.

26 Her mouth she has opened in wisdom, and the law of loving-kindness is upon her tongue.

27 She is watching over the goings-on of her household, and the bread of laziness she does not eat.

28 Her sons have risen up and proceeded to pronounce her happy; her owner [rises up], and he praises her.

29 There are many daughters that have shown capableness, but you—you have ascended above them all.

30 Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; [but] the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself.

31 GIVE her of the fruitage of her hands, and let her works praise her even in the gates.

Call for Entries

Epicurious' Messiest dish Photo Contest


Send in your messiest dish photo to win a Flat Screen TV and more!









For more details please click this link.

A Photo each Day - Conceptual

Kids' conference

September 3, 07; Minitreffpunkt Kindergarten

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Daniel: So, kumusta naman ang mga bata dito?

Alexie: Maayos naman Sir, masaya sila at nag-eenjoy sa activities...

-----------------

=) Just having fun! ;-)

Vincent Bueno, Filipino, wins Musical Die Show in Austria

January 11, 2008- Week after week of eliminations, 21 Year-Old Vincent Bueno emerged as the winner of Austria's 'Musical Die Show.' A competition were contestants are required to show off their theatrical singing, acting, dancing skills. A jury and textvotes from the audience determines the winner.

Vincent, competed with other talented performers starting November last year where he made it past 400 participants to be included in the top 10. He WOWed both the jury and the audience with every performance shoving him through the grandfinals competing against 2 women, Eva Klikovics and Gudrun Ihninger.

Vincent's powerful delivery of his songs and his talented execution of dance moves set him apart from all the other participants. He performed "Greased Lightning" (Grease) and "Music of the Night" (The Phantom of the Opera) for the Grandfinal's night.





For more videos, visit www.digitalpinoy.org

(Photo courtesy of www.musical.orf.at)

A Photo each Day - Seascapes

Puerto Galera

February 12, 05; Mindoro, Philippines

There's nothing particularly special about this photo...I just love the clear colors of blue fading into green.

A Photo Each Day - Street Scenes

Diabolo performer

October 2007; 1st District, Vienna

It was relatively a cold day but this street performer didn't mind showing off his chest (haha) and diabolo skills. Diabolo is a variation of the Chinese Yoyo, better to say Western version of it.

Compared to our traditional yoyo, the bodies of the diabolo are bigger and are not attached to the string so the player can freely throw the diabolo off. (More on yoyos soon).

A Photo Each Day - Stills

Chess pieces

January 5, 08Home

Down memory lane-I am thankful for our P.E. teachers back in grade school...I could never forget coz it was always fun! Chess (and dama)were introduced to us and they eventually became my favorite (board)games! I even won a championship back then and in highschool played also for the Interschool competition. Chess, anyone?

On Being Fish-Fond Part 3 of 3

Sometime in November of 2005, we received a 100x60x30cm tank as a gift. For a few weeks, it stayed on the floor waiting to be filled with water and fishes.

On the second week of December, hubby took home a silver arowana from Hornbach, a hardware store. I didn't even know they sell fish there! It was 40euros.. =(



Markus (arowana's name given by a friend) was about 5 inches then. He was alone in the tank for some time and he looks so bored in it. So we gave him 3 apple snails as companion.



The snails stayed with Markus for a short time because the naughty fish played with them a lot...tossing them while crawling or maybe just smelling them, lol. We later recieved another gift, a Plecostomus about 15 inches from nose to tail. Both the tank and the Pleco were given in gratitude to hubby fixing computers!

Markus has gotten bigger by time, he is now 14 inches long! Still always sad-looking though.



An austrian friend once said that this is the saddest looking fish he ever saw. lol.

As a last installment, here are our oscars.


Hubby received 8 from a friend but I think he paid about 40euros for them, there was one albino and the rest were orange/brown but without the dots. Too bad the tank was too small that they quarrelled and 3 died soon. To date, we only have 3 remaining Oscars.

Our son Daniel has always been fond watching them, ejoying it even putting his hand for the fishes to tickle!